Hip Hop is plentiful!

You know just a few days ago, I mentioned that there were very few hip hop disks on my desk. Well the hip hop gatekeeper has granted me a pass and filled my mailbox with goodies in that short period of time.

So I will make this brief because I don't know about you, but I need to concentrate when I listen to hip hop - NOT! But I have lots to do.

Right now I'm listening to THE COUP. I absolutely love the politics that proliferate on "Pick a Bigger Weapon." And some of the stories are delivered in such humorous form.

MURS & 9TH WONDER are back at it. I've only listened to about half of this cd. It did not jump out at me, but it did pique my interest. The promotional material sez that Murs "doesn't swear or use the n-word on the whole record." But even in my preliminary, multitasking listening session, I caught an n-bomb....I like MURS & 9TH WONDER; I will be reporting back on this one shortly.

The new cd from SPANK ROCK caught my attention (and the attention of my colleagues - I usually open my music mail during our weekly department meeting) because there is a nice sized label on the front that sez 'Tipper Gore APPROVED Clean Version'. Well, guess who had to edit "Bump"? Now, keep in mind, I'm no prude, a bit conservative, yes, but on the real, I am listening to see if I can put the cd in the studio for all the djs to play, but one "ass" and a cd is stuck on my desk in the semi tall edit pile. The SPANK ROCK cd, titled "Yo Yo Yo..." is really nice though. Totally unique in lyrics, beats and production. Some true hip hoppers may squawk it, but I like the innovation.

I get the feeling that I am going to really like MADLIB's "The Beat Konducta Vol. 1-2." There are 35 track listings - though it seems that they are realitively short tracks. I must admit that I only listed to a few tracks, but I enjoyed "Open" and "Tape Hiss." They are both instrumentals and fit the Madlib profile.

It just dawned on me that the west coast is really reppin on this week's hip hop blog. So far, all but SPANK ROCK are from Cali.

I finally received a copy of DMC's "Check Thugs and Rock and Roll." I had a bit of anticipation about this one. It's different and I feel indifferent about it at this time, so I am going to reserve comment until I can fully listen to it. Oh, but you know this is DMC from the legendary Run DMC...? Yeah. Run released a cd last year as Rev Run. Just sharing...

PARIS presents "Hard Truth Soldiers" is crazy packed established artists. I'm talking about MC Ren, Public Enemy, Dilated Peoples, Conscious Daughters, Everlast, Mobb Deep, KRS-One, The Alchemist and so many more. If you are getting the impression that I like this one, then you are freaking genius!

Finally, BORDER CROSSING's "Ominious" is the latest project a trio from across the pond. I am such a sucka for the British accent. These guys have been around and they know hip hop intimately. They infuse some other genres including reggae on this disk, but I say all that to say that it is pretty daggone good! I like the first three tracks, but truthfully, it is all good! Really, really good. Much more mellow than the hip hop that I am generally attracted to, but - love it!

Until the next time...stay true, kfox