Indy Hip Hop World

Recap :: The Roots LIVE at The Fillmore

2012-01-09T09:18:00.002-05:00

I originally published this blog post for my Music Monday on The Radiogirl Blog.

Recap :: The Roots LIVE at The Fillmore

My return home from Cairo has been pleasant. But so far the highlight has been seeing The Roots perform at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD.

The Roots perform at The Fillmore on Fri., Dec. 30, 2011. Taken by Kim Fox.

The Roots are my favorite band. They're a true reflection of what music is and should be. They're true musicians and know music.

They did "Proceed (1995)" and at the bridge then threw in some go-go music. It was crazy cool. The Roots guitarist Capn Kirk continues to be a beast and rocked out the scene on Friday. Of course Questlove and Black Thought, probably the most well known members of The Roots, did their thing; they strong represent their artforms - percussion and lyrics respectively. Bilal was in the house and so was Dice Raw.

Capn Kirk (standing on the drums) goes toe-to-toe w/drummer Questlove. Taken by Kim Fox. 2011.

They did some of their old joints like "You Got Me (1999)," "The Seed (2002)" (for the encore); they threw in some Kool and the Gang, some blues and some rock; they just put it down.

The Roots drummer Questlove gets the spotlight to show off a little bit. Taken by Kim Fox. 2011.

We went up for the drum stick toss from Questlove at the end of the show. I wasn't hopeful because we weren't quite close enough. You see, I've been to numerous Roots shows and I've never been fortunate enough to catch the coveted Questlove signed drum stick. However, my friend has a virtual collection of signed drum sticks from Questlove. Point is, the drum toss went quick and we both came out empty handed. But it's all good because The Roots show did not disappoint.

Best of Hip Hop 2011

2011-12-30T17:34:00.001-05:00

Audible Treats' Best Hip Hop Singles Of 2011

A.Dd+ - "Insomniac Dreaming" Ft. Black Milk

Of course I could write up my own 'best of hip hop of 2011' but there are so many good lists out there. I'm such a fan of Audible Treats ... why not just share the fruits of their labor, right? Let's check out the singles list; that should keep you busy for a few days.

Audible Treats' Best Hip Hop Singles of 2011

Happy New Year hip hoppers. And thanks for a crazy, cool 2011. kfox.

Flosstradamus "Overnight Star"

2011-12-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

Flosstradamus "Overnight Star"

Flosstradamus (taken from the Flosstradamus Facebook page)

Flosstradamus is a dj tag team out of Chicago.

This track highlights Twista, so you know it's movin fast. For the dancers and the gym rats, this track has exactly what you need: mega tempo!

Check out "Overnight Star" on YouTube (just music, no vid)
Download "Overnight Start" from Mediafire

Everyone likes a good party song, right hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: Common "Blue Sky"

2011-12-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

VIDEO: Common "Blue Sky"

Here's another track that I discovered using the shuffler.fm app for the iPad.

Of course I gravitated to the track because it's Common: I've always like his flow ... and though I put him in the category of the conscious rapper, I'm not happy about how he sometimes disrespects woman (see "Make Her Say" by Kid Cudi).

Enough of my mini-rant ... As per usual for Common, "Blue Sky" has cool music: laidback and upbeat and you can get your dance on to this one. The hook has a female vocalist and though it's not my fav part of the song, it does add another dimension to the track.

The lyrics have a feel-good, inspirational feeling; the video has an artsy kind of vibe, you know the way that Common flows.

So go ahead hip hoppers and get some of the inspirational artsy ish, it's yours for the takin ... kfox.

VIDEO: Common "Blue Sky"

The Roots "undun"

2011-12-02T10:06:00.000-05:00

The Roots "undun" (2011)

It's time for another Roots project.This time amid the album hype, there's a bit of controversy: The Roots walk on song on "Jimmy Fallon" for Congresswoman and Republican Presidential Candidate Michelle Bachmann. Questlove is feeling a bit remorseful behind that guttural decision.

But they're trying to get the dust up to settle and to get us back to thinking about the new project "undun," their concept album. Thanks to The Roots and NPR, you can stream the entire album. It's only 39 minutes, but I'll take that. I think it'll only be available to stream until the project is officially released and that's on Tuesday, December 6, 2011.

Another item in The Roots' holiday gift basket to us is an app for "undun." I haven't purchased it yet, but it seems there are some vids, interviews and other exclusive material.

Time to get "undun" hip hoppers, but don't over do it ... kfox.

The first single from "undun" is "Make My".

Joey The Jerk's "Shut Up and Dance"

2011-11-26T12:17:00.000-05:00

Joey The Jerk's "Shut Up and Dance"

Heard this track via the iPad app, Shuffler.

I like a laid back track and this one is cool like that.

Joey The Jerk: "Shut Up and Dance" http://shuffler.fm/tracks/423815?channel=hip-hop&position=1322290916.13222911276100 via shuffler.fm

Is the track danceable hip hoppers? You tell me. kfox.

DOWNLOAD: Speech Debelle

2011-11-18T10:12:00.000-05:00

Speech Debelle - "Studio Backpack Rap" (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Shuffler.fm is doing it for me. I like this iPad app; curating music from music blogs. Lots of genre's to chose from too.

It was through Shuffler.fm that I found this Speech Debelle that I'm diggin. Check out the brief article on Spech Debelle along w/the free download of "Studio Backpack Rap". And you know w/the male dominated world of hip hop, I likes to give some props to the women who put it down too.

It's all about you hip hoppers. I'm here for you. kfox.

The Old School Hip Hop Grooves

2011-11-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

Image borrowed from the Underground Hip Hop Music Blog

Hey ... are you looking to get your old school hip hop groove on? And at no or low cost? Then this blog, The Underground Hip Hop Music Blog, is right up your alley. It's a blog dedicated to old school hip hop and you can download the goodies. I can only hope that it is all legit. In my preliminary browse, it seems cool and lots of fun. I, personally, have a pretty healthy hip hop collection on cd, but not in the way of digital files, so this is a good find.

You'll find the likes of KRS-One, Brand Nubian, Digable Planets, Gang Starr, Pete Rock and CL Smooth and of course, The Roots.

Do the Erol Flynn or the Smurf, but get yo groove on hip hoppers, get yo groove on ... kfox

REBLOG: Interview w/Stones Throws' Peanut Butter Wolf

2011-11-11T17:49:00.001-05:00

Image borrowed from Dan Medhurst Photography

I've always enjoyed the music from the Stones Throw crew; just lots of good ole hip hop.

Check out this interview w/Peanut Butter Wolf about the Stones Throw label.

http://www.hhv-mag.com/en/feature/261/

Just sharing some love hip hoppers because it's been too long. kfox.

The Mix: 25 Years Of Def Jam Recording

2011-10-11T14:28:00.011-04:00

The Mix: 25 Years Of Def Jam Recordings : NPR

Awwww, ish! Def Jam and hip hop go together like all that other good stuff (mostly)! I could talk about all the hip hop legends that Def Jam has produced, but you already know that; just think "alley cat coat wearing, hush puppy shoe wearing ..."

But hip hoppers, today I'm just here to pass along a nice little mix from the good peeps at NPR. It's A-Gee. kfox.

Oh, and here's a list of the artists on the mix (though not in this order):
3rd Bass • Beanie Sigel • The Beastie Boys • Boss • Cam'ron • Diplomats • DMX • Downtown Science • EPMD • Erick Sermon • Fabolous • Foxy Brown • Freeway • Ghostface Killah • Hollis Crew • Ja Rule • Jay-Z • Kanye West • LL Cool J • Ludacris • Method Man • Montell Jordan • Musiq Soulchild • Nas • Ne-Yo • Nice and Smooth • Nikki D • Onyx • Oran "Juice" Jones • Public Enemy • Redman • Rihanna • The Roots • Scarface • Sisqo • Slick Rick • T-La Rock • The-Dream • Warren G

Audio: Matt Reeves “What They Say”

2011-10-07T09:05:00.001-04:00

Love the socially conscience message here. It's on point hip hoppers. kfox.

Audio: Matt Reeves "What They Say"
OKAYPLAYER » NEWS | OCTOBER 6, 2011
http://pulse.me/s/236xm

Raekwon protege and Staten island native Matt Reeves plans on dropping his new mixtape, 4 The Love of Hip Hop, next month.

VIDEO: Aasim's "Never"

2011-10-03T19:01:00.000-04:00

VIDEO: Aasim's "Never"

I dig artists who are laid back with minimal arrogance. Aasim is sort of that guy. At least in this vid for "Never" he comes off as nonchalant and likable. It's true that his flow seems natural and conversational. Heck, the video is framed as if he's just talking to the camera. And although the vid sometimes tries too hard by sampling nearly every video effect that exists, Aasim is just the opposite; that's the impression that I got. Still the vid does get cool points for simplicity.

This track has nice beats and a catchy hook too. Trying to figure out who's on the sample; the sample has that old school vibe. It all just fits together organically. Kinda anxious to hear the rest of the mixtape, "Money Pit 3."

Oh, and love the lyrics: folks will do a number of things to get elevated in the game but never really ascend. Actually, the end of the vid sums it up quite nicely when he says "it's too easy." But you need to hear and see the vid to know why he can say that and mean it.

Hip hoppers if easy is easy, then what are YOU doing? Get. It. In. people. kfox.

Animal Nation :: Every Day In The Life

2011-09-20T08:20:00.004-04:00

Animal Nation :: Every Day In The Life

Urbnet is the push behind Animal Nation and that's how I discovered them.

I like the laid back flow of the tracks on "Every Day In The Life". I listened to the entire project without feeling bored or uninterested or forced to listen. I particularly like "Bacon and Eggs" because of the hook.

Overall, the music is quite attractive: good beats, some tempo changes, some unexpected pleasures.

It's worth a listen hip hoppers and since it's free, it's a win/win. kfox.

Every Day In The Life | urbnet

VIDEO: Evidence "You"

2011-09-07T16:25:00.000-04:00

VIDEO: Evidence "You"

Another tale of randomly clicking one of a thousand emails in my inbox. This time I saw the name Evidence and got a bit curious. Of course, we all know Evidence from Dilated Peoples. Like many folks these days, Evidence does his own thing every now and then.

Here's what struck me about "You":

Banging track
Strong lyrical presence
A bit of a confidence builder
Crazy, cool vid

Check it out for yourself hip hoppers. It's all about "you." kfox.

Oh, and the project "Cats & Dogs" comes out on the 27th.

Evidence - You (prod. DJ Premier) - YouTube

Getting Up-to-Date on Indy Hip Hop Music

2011-08-31T11:51:00.000-04:00

In my effort to sort of get up-to-date on indy hip hop music, I've been quickly perusing several sites. Of course, I've been reviewing email messages along w/tweets to @IndyHipHopWorld.

Here are the sites that I've checked out:
Audible Treats
Terrorbird

But I also bounced over to (using the Pulse app on the iPad):
SoulBounce
OkayPlayer
Word Is Bond
Wax Poetics
We've Got Jazz
Indie Hip Hop Blog
The Couch Sessions

Finally, the college kids are really good at spotting good, new music, so I popped over to see the CMJ (College Music Journal) hip hop chart. Here's the CMJ Hip Hop Top 10:

Shabazz Palaces (image borrowed from analoggiant.blogspot.com)

ARTIST "Title" (label)
1. SHABAZZ PALACES "Black Up" (Sub Pop)
2. GRIEVES "Together/Apart" (Rhymesayers)
3. ANIMAL FARM "Culture Shock" (Focused Noise)
4. WILEY "100 Percent Publishing" (Big Dada)
5. WUGAZI "13 Chambers" (Self Released)
6. PLAYDOUGH "Hotdoggin'" (Writer Dye)
7. THEOPHILUS LONDON "Timez Are Weird These Days" (Reprise)
8. SOLE AND THE SKYRIDER BAND "Hello Cruel World" (Fake Four)
9. HAIL MARY MALLON "Are You Gonna Eat That?" (Rhymesayers)
10. POTLUCK "Rhymes And Resin: (Suburban Noize)

Alright hip hoppers, there's homework to do, so get to gettin. kfox.

Breakdancing and Street Art in Barcelona

2011-08-22T19:18:00.004-04:00

Breakdancing and Street Art in Barcelona

I rarely do a blog post on Indy Hip Hop World AND my Radiogirl Blog, but here's a topic that's relevant to both blogs: breakdancing! And frankly, I'm strapped for time and wanted to get some fresh content up in here.

My recent trip to Barcelona and Madrid confirmed for me just how global hip hop is: the favor and vibe is everywhere and thankfully, it's not just that watered down, commercial ish that's saturating the market.

So peep this breakdancing team (along with a few pics of some street art) in this slideshow. Unfortunately, there's no music, so cut me some slack hip hoppers. kfox.

Breakdancing and Street Art in Barcelona Slideshow full view

FREE MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: DJ House Shoes presents "Rappin"

2011-08-01T16:54:00.001-04:00

I haven't had a chance to listen to this yet, but I thought I'd pass it along to you guys anyway.

Let me know if it's ah-ight and what not hip hoppers. kfox.

DJ House Shoes presents Rapping With Paul White - The Mixtape
http://theloopdetroit.com/2011/07/dj-house-shoes-presents-rapping/

MIXTAPE: Excursions by Mick Boogie - Rarities and Remixes of A Tribe Called Quest

2011-07-28T06:56:00.001-04:00

MIXTAPE: Excursions by Mick Boogie - Rarities and Remixes of A Tribe Called Quest

I want to say that I think I'm missing out on "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest." But in reality, I know that I'm missing out on this documentary about A Tribe Called Quest! One of the downsides to living abroad - can't get much legally. Maybe it will eventually come to iTunes where I can get that legal download. Anyway, the doc's been making the rounds on the big screen in the U.S.

When you're in my position - feenin for that hip hop culture - you're both happy and lucky for the likes of dj extraordinaire @MickBoogie. Mick put together this crazy mix of Tribe tracks. Love that!

You don't have to check the rhyme hip hoppers, just check the link below for the FREE download. kfox.

Excursions by Mick Boogie - Rarities and Remixes of A Tribe Called Quest

Catch The Beat: The Best Of Soul Underground 1987-91 Book

2011-07-22T03:41:00.001-04:00

For those who like a good dose of 'throw back', this is for you: curated content from the now defunk UK mag Soul Underground.

Go ahead, catch the beat hip hoppers. kfox.

Catch The Beat: The Best Of Soul Underground 1987-91 Book
http://pulse.me/s/NqUf

From the late 80's into the early 90's Soul Underground was the go to bible for the massive UK underground.

VIDEO: ‪REL "On My Way"

2011-07-19T09:02:00.000-04:00

‪REL - "On My Way"

Checked out this very short vid and loved it. The music is nice, but the video is very cool. Can't wait to see and hear the entire project.

Another pleasant surprise from the folks at Audible Treats.

So here it is hip hoppers - some inspiration. kfox.

WEFUNK - Show 649: Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron

2011-07-15T13:45:00.002-04:00

WEFUNK - Show 649 - June 03, 2011

I've been a fan of WEFUNK Radio for years. The guys out of Montreal know how to string together some good music and then next thing you know you've lost two hours of your life - AND it's all good.

From the title of the show, you know that you're going to get a dose of funk, but they weave in lots of hip hop, rare grooves and (excuse me for the cliche) the dopest lyricists ever! The show is consistently solid and always introducing me to someone new.

Today's newness comes from d.i.t.c. (about 1 hour and 27 seconds into the show) Whoa!! Where have I been? Or where have they been? Loved hearing "Day One" from 2000. The hard and crafty rhymes just keep flowin. Love that.

But really the focus on Gil Scott-Heron on this show is killer. You have to hear it for yourself. Oh, and the Rakim interview clips about James Brown are so enlightening and very cool.

So hip hoppers, set aside two hours to get nothing done, but you'll be dancing your ass off and nodding your head. For real. kfox.

VIDEO: ‪Copywrite f/Jay Notes, Loudmouth Melvin and Skillit - PYT U.K Remix‬‏

2011-07-12T08:51:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: Copywrite f/Jay Notes, Loudmouth Melvin and Skillit

Love it when unexpected goodness rolls into my inbox.

Saw this email and thought that it was a remix of MJ's "Pretty Young Thing" - it's not.

But I like the slow and mellow rockabilly feel of this track. The hook is on point and does what a hook should do - reel you in. There are enough voices on this joint too.

Get ready to nod your heads hip hoppers; it's that kinda party. kfox.

YouTube - ‪Copywrite f/Jay Notes, Loudmouth Melvin and Skillit - PYT U.K Remix‬‏

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie Summertime 2 Mixtape is out!!

2011-07-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

Great freebie for the holiday weekend!

Get your groove on hip hoppers. kfox.

http://mightandwonder.com/2011/07/02/dj-jazzy-jeff-mick-boogie-summertime-2-mixtape-is-out/

Jean Grae "Cookies or Comas" Mixtape

2011-06-27T09:04:00.000-04:00

Jean Grae "Cookie or Comas" Mixtape

Jean Grae can roll w/the best ... crazy to think that the "Cookie or Comas" mixtape is a prelude to the bigger "Cake or Death" which won't kick out until later this year.

For this mixtape, it's Grae and DJ Drama bringing it. Grae takes advantage of her talented circle of friends too like Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and more.

It's good ish hip hoppers and you'll agree. kfox.

Jean Grae - Cookies or Comas - Mixtape Listen and Download

VIDEO: Punchline & Wordsworth - Red Hot Lover Tone (WKCR Freestyle)

2011-06-24T21:00:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: Punchline & Wordsworth "Red Hot Lover Tone" (WKCR Freestyle)

I love some good music, but even more respectful is a good freestyle! And there's much to love about this five minute freestyle. They just move the words in such a visual way and off the top of their heads. Nice. Oh, and you're gonna like the beats too.

Hip hoppers, they got skills. For real. kfox.

YouTube - Punchline & Wordsworth - Red Hot Lover Tone (WKCR Freestyle)

VIDEO: Aaron Evans f/DJ Deprave "Jazz is Freedom"

2011-06-19T15:04:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: Aaron Evans f/DJ Deprave "Jazz is Freedom"

Here's a little something nice and smooth to set the summer in motion and the vid has some beach scenes too making it even more appropriate for this time of year. This vid is courtesy of Aaron Evans and his crew.

So go ahead hip hoppers, "... sit back and rewind." kfox.

YouTube - Aaron Evans feat. DJ Deprave - Jazz is Freedom - Official Music Video [HD]: ""

PHOTOS: The 4th Roots Picnic

2011-06-14T02:11:00.001-04:00

I've never been to the Roots Picnic, but the line ups have always made me want to be there. There was live streaming this year though ... And now these pics. Not as good as being there, but nice.

Love it up hip hoppers and it will love you back. kfox.

Photos: Mel D. Cole goes BTS at the 4th Roots Picnic
OKAYPLAYER | JUNE 8, 2011
http://pulse.me/s/bzyC

Okayplayer resident photographer and all around bad mofo Mel D. Cole gets exclusive access inside The Roots' rehearsal ... Read more

The Rap Songs Of The Arab Spring

2011-06-13T08:43:00.004-04:00

A few weeks back I wrote about some of the protest songs that have come out of the #Jan25 revolution in Egypt. But as the revolutions have spread across the Middle East, so has the need for music to document the movement.

Here's a short piece on the music and the movement from NPR:

The Rap Songs Of The Arab Spring : The Record : NPR

Check out Egypt Protest Songs on YouTube

And this article on Arab Spring Music.

As we move from Spring into Summer ... the heat is on hip hoppers ... all over the world. kfox.

Beat The World Soundtrack Sampler

2011-06-10T15:23:00.001-04:00

KRS-One, Talib Kweli and K'naan on the Beat the World Soundtrack

The "You Got Served" franchise continues w/a DVD installment and highlights a few of the notably conscious names in hip hop.

Oh, and here's the link to the movie trailer: "You Got Served: Beat the World"

So check it out hip hoppers and let me know what you think. kfox.

Beat The World Soundtrack Sampler by HipHopConnect on SoundCloud

Beat The World Soundtrack Sampler by HipHopConnect

Article: The Roots Plotting 'Orchestral' New Album

2011-06-07T11:33:00.001-04:00

The Roots Plotting 'Orchestral' New Album
http://www.billboard.com/news/the-roots-plotting-orchestral-new-album-1005216132.story

IMAGE: The Wu

2011-06-03T19:05:00.002-04:00

From The Smithian

http://thesmithian.com/post/5952942304

Illustration by Reuben Sanchez

Gotta love the creativity hip hoppers. kfox.

The Legendary Gil Scott-Heron Dies

2011-05-29T18:01:00.000-04:00

The Legendary Gil Scott-Heron Dies

By now, you should know that Gil Scott-Heron has passed away. Luckily his contribution to this world is plentiful; it's beyond televised.

Here are just a few links to check out with remembrances to his life and legacy:

Profile on Gil Scott-Heron that was posted on NPR

Gil Scott Heron's Top 5 Songs; Rap at Its Earliest from the International Business Times

Gil Scott-Heron R.I.P. from Pitchfork

Gil Scott-Heron from The Telegraph

There's a message in the bottle hip hoppers; stay up. kfox.

VIDEO: Saudis in Audis

2011-05-25T09:52:00.005-04:00

VIDEO: "Saudis in Audis"

A colleague sent me this video when I was in the middle of grading; so much for being productive. This video is a productivity killer - AND it's hilarious.

You'll be happy to know that I won't file this under international hip hop.

Time for a good laugh hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: AFTA-1

2011-05-22T16:31:00.003-04:00

VIDEO "AFTA-1

Love the flow of this music. Afta-1's beats are so cool and laid back.

You're bound to enjoy the vibe on this one hip hoppers. kfox.

Oh, and the Website's a big dose of awesome too!

VIDEO: Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley "Patience"

2011-05-13T16:56:00.000-04:00

VIDEO: Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley "Patience"

I love a good song and this is it. I mean, whoever thought up the idea of these two guys working together was genius!

"Patience" is on the "Distant Relatives" project by Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley that was released in 2010. Simply put: the project is a good one and not just because it's received critical acclaim. If you only listened to the first track "As We Enter," the shortest track on the project, you'd know; you'd know that the music would be just right ...

Oh, and check the lyrics on this joint because it's a double dose of social messages:

Lyrics to "Patience" by Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

Beans: Spitting Rhymes With Consistency And Quickness

2011-04-23T22:44:00.001-04:00

I hope I didn't already post this because I've been meaning to post it. And if I did post it a few weeks ago, good music gets a pass to be reposted again and again.

Love so much about it: good music, nice lyrics, killer hook. This jam is on point. Thanks Beans for doin it right.

Listen up hip hoppers; this is how it should be done. kfox.

From NPR: Beans: Spitting Rhymes w/Consistency and Quickness
by Erik Myers
NPR - March 11, 2011

It's hard to tell when the sweater transitioned from dad-wear to rap-wear. Maybe it was a generational imprint left behind by The Cosby Show, or an inevitable byproduct of the V-neck's reemergence. New York rapper Beans offers no answers in "Deathsweater," but he does give his get-up a full introduction: "Socks from Paul Smith, shirts from Steven Allen / Pierre Hardy for the shoes, in the mirror I'm stylin'."
When discussing the colorful cut off his new album End It All, Beans told The Village Voice that the title originated from the idiom "dressed to kill," and that the sweater happens to his weapon of choice. As "lethal" as a stylish cardigan or vest might be, it's hard to take it seriously when boasted about over DJ Nobody's summery beat. But when it comes to flow, Beans is as stylish and serious as a model making her way down the runway.

Beans developed his rapping skills as one-fourth of the hip-hop collective Antipop Consortium. He was the standout among that crew, and he comes across as untethered when going solo, spitting rhymes with consistency and quickness. But what makes him particularly compelling in "Deathsweater" is how he finds the right moments to step on the verbal accelerator, then drops back in tempo without pause. As a result, "Deathsweater" sounds flashy and fun, just as good fashion should be.
[Copyright 2011 National Public Radio]

VIDEO: Questlove Surprises Audience w/Ghostface Appearance

2011-04-23T21:16:00.001-04:00

Like whoa hip hoppers. Kfox!

VIDEO: Questlove Surprises Audience w/Ghostface Appearance
(Originally spotted on 2dopeboz.com)

Lupe Fiasco: Two Sides To Everything

2011-04-17T19:50:00.001-04:00

Hip hoppers, I found this story on NPR and it's all good. Kfox.

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/12/134426574/lupe-fiasco-two-sides-to-everything?sc=21&f=10005

Lupe Fiasco: Two Sides To Everything

NPR - March 12, 2011

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco grew up in rough neighborhoods in and around Chicago, where crack addicts would pass out on his front stoop. But, while his friends were drifting in and out of jail, he joined the chess club and the academic decathlon at high school. He was also a drama geek.

This is the story of Lupe Fiasco — that's Wasalu Jaco's stage name. Now 29, Lupe Fiasco is arguably the most innovative rapper to hit the scene in more than a decade. He raps about cops and drug dealers, but he's also known to quote Nietzche, Orwell, Chomsky and Howard Zinn. Fiasco celebrates the idea of being an oddball — he is a living juxtaposition.

"I always saw two sides of life," Fiasco tells Weekend All Things Considered host Guy Raz. "I saw the dudes who would be the gangsta, big-time guys on the block, but would also be dedicated fathers. It was kind of weird to see that dual story that everybody has."

Fiasco's parents divorced when he was young, and he spent time with both of his parents, who each exposed him to the world outside his neighborhood.

"My mother had a massive collection of National Geographics," he says. His father's tastes were even more eclectic: "There would be a massive collection of swords from Pakistan, and then a ton of Ravi Shankar vinyl, and then a set of bagpipes, and these vases from China. It was just all these little knickknacks and pieces of the world strewn around the house."

Music was a big part of Fiasco's global education. He listened to N.W.A in the car with his father, but also had access to an extensive record collection that spanned world music and jazz. Known to use a range of styles in his songs, Fiasco says his father was instrumental in building this base of music knowledge.

"I have an understanding of Queen and the way Freddie Mercury did his harmonies," Fiasco says. "I know what tablas sound like, because my father played a lot of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan." Fiasco says his knowledge base has made him uncompromising as an arranger: "I can't play any instrument for the life of me, but I know what I want to hear."

In "Words I Never Said," from his new album Lasers, Fiasco explores another part of his upbringing: Islam. Growing up around potentially dangerous influences in his neighborhood, Fiasco managed to keep out of trouble. He attributes this in part to the tradition of faith in which he grew up.

"I was born Muslim, but for a large part of my life, I wasn't necessarily raised Muslim," he says. "My father always kept everything around us, from Western philosophy to Eastern philosophy." That air of tolerance is reflected in the song, which is in part a reaction to Islamic extremism. Take this couplet: "Jihad is not a holy war, where's that in the worship? / Murdering is not Islam, and you are not observant."

Fiasco says he sees his music, which pulls influences from prog and experimental rock, as a way to bring different groups of listeners together — including those who are wary of hip-hop. "Kick, Push," the Grammy-nominated single from his first record, Food & Liquor, became a skater anthem, popular with skateboarders black and white, urban and suburban.

Fiasco has continued to experiment. Last year, he introduced Japanese Cartoon, a post-punk side project in which he affects a mock British accent in the mold of Joy Division's Ian Curtis. Even Lasers was originally meant to be part of a genre-spanning three-disc set — which he'd hoped would satisfy his current contract and release him to take a new direction.

That decision, he says, "got lost in translation" — but he says he isn't discouraged.

To learn more about the NPR Music App for iPhone, go to http://iphone.npr.org/recommendnprmusic

Sent from my iPad

VIDEO: Tone – Artist Profile: Moruf

2011-04-17T09:34:00.002-04:00

Love the beats on this one.

Check this out hip hoppers. Good music for the soul. kfox.

VIDEO: Tone – Artist Profile: Moruf
•WORD IS BOND• | APRIL 17, 2011
http://pulsene.ws/1kFk5

Tone: NJ based MC, Moruf, stops by the Loft with the Klan to perform his song "Story Of My Life" and ... Read more

Profile: Moruf from TONE on Vimeo.

Check out Paul Marz

2011-03-27T07:48:00.002-04:00

This hip hop artist, Paul Marz, popped up on my Facebook page in the right column w/the ads. It got my interest because it says that he's an Egyptian/MC lyricist though born in Staten Island.

I thought I'd check him out. The track below, "Sword of Sound" has a heavy layer, basement kind of sound. It's likable and flows well for Marz as he confidently lays down his lyrics. He has a good amount of tracks posted on SoundCloud too.

So whatcha got hip hoppers? Share the good stuff. kfox.

Paul Marz - Sword of Sound prod. by J.Glaze by Paul Marz

Research Deluxe March 2011 Podcast

2011-03-24T10:04:00.002-04:00

Bringing you more exposure to good music ... you have to listen to this podcast. Helps that its free.

I do what I can to help the struggling hip hoppers. Stay positive. kfox.

Danny Massure's Podcast

The Wu-Tang Clan is the Best!

2011-03-20T09:41:00.001-04:00

This is interesting: I like the Wu-Tang Clan ("Wu-Tang Clan Forever" is one of my favs). But in the past two weeks, I came across two very interesting article about Wu-Tang:

Ten Reasons Why Wu-Tang Clan Are the Greatest Rap Group of All Time

and

NPR's "Nine Rappers, One Wu-Tang Clan"

Dolla dolla bill hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: Madcon "Beggin'"

2011-03-16T09:40:00.001-04:00

This song by Madcon is killer: "Beggin'". I'm crazy about the singing; that voice is sooo on point. But then they backed up the track w/a vid that just comes correct.

Hip hoppers, Madcon is taking you to school ... luckily, you'll enjoy the lesson. kfox.

Aesop Rock in Typography

2011-03-13T10:03:00.001-04:00

I was checking out this track from Aesop Rock "9-5ers". It's a cool track, but there was one part of the song, where I was like ... "damn, that's strong." Then I found this vid that clearly highlights the lyrics. You're gonna like this.

Of course, you have to hear the entire track as well: Aesop Rock's "9-5ers"

Come on now hip hoppers, get outta that rut; make some plans to pay yourself. kfox.

Yours Truly Label Showcase at SXSW

2011-03-12T03:52:00.003-05:00

Hope that you all can make this ... if you can't get there, then check the vid.

Yours Truly label showcase at SXSW

Just sharing the love of music hip hoppers. kfox.

Yourstru.ly Presents: BIG K.R.I.T. & Grillade "Hometown Hero" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Mister Rogers Goes Hip Hop

2011-03-10T08:51:00.001-05:00

Brother Ali posted this vid on Facebook the other day. I had to check it out to see if it was authentic. Seems it is.

Everyone's fav neighbor was getting some dance lessons; hip hop dance lessons; breakdancing lessons! Love that.

Time to do some pop lockin hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: Blueprint "So Alive"

2011-03-07T16:29:00.003-05:00

Blueprint gets it done w/the vid for "So Alive". Leaves me feenin for that April drop date for this project. Rhymesayers is pushin the envelope ...

It's "So Alive" hip hoppers, are you? kfox.

VIDEO: Arabian Knightz "Egypt's Revolution Song"

2011-02-06T09:02:00.004-05:00

Egyptians continue to protest throughout the country until the president resigns. Change is on the horizon.

My colleague tells me that Arabian Knightz recorded this song prior to the #Jan25 protests. However, this video to the song was recently produced and uploaded to YouTube. The images and footage are both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Every revolution has a soundtrack. This is just one of those songs hip hoppers. kfox.

Arabian Knightz "Egypt's Revolution Song" aka "Not Your Prisoner"

Egypt's #Jan25 Movement & Hip Hop :: Arabian Knightz & Lauryn Hill

2011-02-05T09:51:00.006-05:00

I live and work in Cairo, Egypt. Unless, you've been under a rock (or had your Internet access disconnected), then you should know about the 'unrest' here.

There's so much to say about what is going on here right now, but this is a hip hop blog, so I'll remain focused.

Arabian Knightz have hooked up w/hip hop's supreme queen, Lauryn Hill. They've recorded "Rebel" about the #Jan25 movement which has forever changed Egypt (regardless of the outcome). Folks in the U.S., particularly Black folks are very familiar with civil rights and human rights and what it's like to not have them. Prideful Egyptians have been 'rebelling' by marching peacefully for nearly two weeks for better human rights.

Hip hoppers, if you know and understand their plight, then do what you can to show your support. kfox.

Arabian Knightz featuring Lauryn Hill "Rebel"

The track begins in Arabic and later there's an English segment; it has that laid back Lauryn Hill vibe.

Hip Hop From SoundCloud :: DJFAbb

2011-01-22T09:15:00.001-05:00

If you haven't checked out SoundCloud, jump on it. It's a music/audio sharing site w/all kinds of goodies; freebies to be exact.

I like SoundCloud because you can search for the genre of music that you like as well as customize the audio player if you embed SoundCloud files to your blog or website. Those are little things, but little things make the world go round, right?

Movin right along ... if you upload music or audio files, they give you:

a limited amount of FREE space; which is a good amount
stats on who's listening to your files
the ability to add a Creative Commons license
the ability to allow people to download your files
People can comment in the timeline of the track
You get a direct link to the track
All kinda apps so that you're not stuck just using the web interface

I could go on, but you get the point. And I'm not getting paid to speak for this site. I just like what they're doing.

For those of you who are trying to get put on, this is your spot. For those who want to explore, they have a diverse palette for you (and not just music).

For this post, I was diggin DJFabb. This is a nice basic jam, but he hooks it up. I don't know how I feel about that "Pants on the Ground" near the end of the track; well, actually, I do know how I feel about it ... DJFabb loses some points on that, but this is nice.

Time to catch some beats and rhymes hip hoppers. You know how we do it ... kfox.

Hip Hop by DJFABB

The Hip-Hop Word Count: A Searchable Rap Almanac

2011-01-17T09:04:00.001-05:00

Hip hop is so many things to so many people, but undeniably, hip hop is about the lyrics. I mean, that's how hip hop got on the map, right? It was the Sugarhill Gang's verses over Chic's "Good Times" that got noticed on "Rapper's Delight"...

We could debate this point, but my main point for this blog post is a project called the Hip Hop Word Count. Love this idea: a searchable database of words, phrases, places, things, etc from hip hop lyrics dating back to 1979.

If you like this idea, this project is seeking some funding. Support somebody's dream today!

I can't imagine the first word that you'll search out hip hoppers, but I'm smh. kfox.

CMJ Year End Hip Hop Chart :: 2010

2011-01-14T10:25:00.011-05:00

I kinda like the year end charts to give me a chance to know exactly what kind of a slug I am. I mean, who can keep up w/all of the entertainment that's available these days? Why would you even try?

On any given day, I know that I'm missing out on a ton of good music, movies, books and a shitload of really good articles.

Nevermind all of that though and back to how behind I am on consuming hip hop. Notice how I did not say purchasing anything? Who does that? Okay, so, we all have to buy something every now and again ... but, my point is that my music consumption is all digital these days and it's usually a free download somewhere (and, I should add, legal). I'm thinking you're nearly in the same boat as me, huh?

So s/o to CMJ for compling the year end list for 2010. I have at least 3 of the top 15 on the Hip Hop Chart. And I'm feelin good about that. Because those three are:

Murs and Ninth Wonder "Fornever"
The Roots "How I Got Over"
Wu-Tang Klan "Return of the Wu and Friends"

So here's part of the list (see below). Get the full CMJ Year End Hip Hop Chart for 2010 along w/all of their other charts.

It's no competition, but how much of a slug are you hip hoppers? Slackin, schemin and dreamin. kfox.

VIDEO: The Roots "The Christmas Song"

2011-01-06T00:03:00.004-05:00

VIDEO: The Roots "The Christmas Song"

Oh, whatever ... so what if it's a few weeks past Christmas and I'm just now seeing this vid. Stop Scroogin on me!

But seriously, I'm diggin this vid and the song, however, I keep waiting for them to break out in the true spirit of The Roots and make it funky.

Happy New Year hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: IsWhat? "Trouble"

2010-11-29T07:17:00.004-05:00

I've been in touch w/IsWhat? via Twitter for over a year now; NapoleonSolo specifically. We send occasional messages back and forth.

Got hit up on the chat box while on Gmail the other day and he says, hey, when you get a chance, check out this vid and leaves the link. I was a bit pressed for time, but pulled up the link anyway. Good decision on my part.

I love a good song. IsWhat? provides that hands down. The track is unique in the lyrics, the style and the music. I mean, I almost can't tell that it's hip hop. Just a good slow track. I wasn't crazy about the female vocalist that eventually came in, beutshe adds another layer of what is atypical about this joint. And that's just the song.

Enter the IsWhat? "Trouble" video ... so cool. It's in black and white w/some splotches of red. There's some animation - that's what caught my attention in the beginning. Throw in a couple of cool cats for musicians to accompany the front man. NapoleonSolo is more than dapper in a nice suit and tie and locs all coiffed.

That's right, drink this in hip hoppers, but remember the saying about 'trouble' - don't start none, won't be none. kfox.

VIDEO: The Seed "Grandma's Ballad"

2010-11-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to check out this video from The Seed (Uptown Swuite, Okis and Jaymez). With a title like "Grandma's Ballad", I knew that it would be all good; I was right.

The flow is nice and mellow as the title suggests. It's a nice pace for the lyrics that the guys deliver. Each of the three emcee's gets a turn to wax about their nanas. It's quite endearing. The video includes footage of the grandmothers too. Nice touch.

It's not a riveting song or video, but it's feel good and something that many of us can relate to.

Be thankful for the grandmothers out there hip hoppers. I know I am. kfox.

VIDEO: Atmosphere "The Best Day"

2010-11-22T09:13:00.005-05:00

A few days ago, I wrote about the death of Eyedea (Mike Larsen) from Eyedea and Abilities. The love and appreciation for Eyedea and his music career is extensive. His Rhymesayers fam continues to show their affection for him.

Labelmate Atmosphere drops this one from his upcoming project. It's a cool track w/some tempo and laid back rhymes.

We lost a gem in Eyedea hip hoppers. For real. kfox.

A Celebration of Micheal Larsen :: Eyedea

2010-11-20T10:10:00.010-05:00

For whatever reason, I'm just now finding out that Eyedea from Eyedea and Abilities died. He died last month, so I'm a bit disappointed in myself that I missed seeing this before now.

I've been following these guys for about five years or so. I've always liked their flow. Just good beats and good rhymes.

I must admit that I did find it interesting that when I went to the Rhymesayers page, they did not provide much info on Eyedea's death. I mean, the first thing I'm thinking is how did this guy die so young at 28 ... ? I had to dig a little deeper and hit up the Eyedea wiki for more deets; oh, and this, too, from the City Pages in Minneapolis/St. Paul. And Eyedea's mother issued a statement about her son's death.

At any rate, the Rhymesayers crew is now missing a link, but they do know how to pay homage to their boy.

Check out the links hip hoppers and show a little love. kfox.

VIDEO: Genesis Elijah "Doing My Damn Thing"

2010-11-11T08:45:00.004-05:00

Aaaah, so refreshing, but I almost did not read the email on this one. I have little regard for folks who use all caps in email; just stop it already.

Good thing I did check the email though and the vid "Doing My Damn Thing" from Genesis Elijah. Lovin it. The beats and the music are stellar. The muted trumpet is doin it for this track. It's there, but not overwhelmingly asking for attention.

There some bragadociousness going on ... but that's to be expected, right? It's not over the top.

The vid is an attention getter too. Love the variety of scenery. Not falling back on the old tried formula of just hangin out on the street corner. Thanks for showing off your the city, some diversity and some love.

Check it hip hoppers ... time to do your own damn thing. kfox.

Yemeni Rappers

2010-11-07T08:44:00.001-05:00

I'm all about the international love for hip hop. This CNN story about Yemeni rappers is a bit formulaic, but the focus of the story remains the same: I got a story to tell, give me the mic!

Time to make some progress hip hoppers ... kfox.

VIDEO: Meet The Neighbors (Eternia & DJ Boo) NY

2010-11-04T08:15:00.002-04:00

I was just scanning my email and saw the link for this vid. I like Eternia. She's on point. In this short vid, she's just hangin in the hood. There's a nice vibe here.

What's up in your hood hip hoppers? Check in w/the people. For real. kfox.

Metabeats Halloween Mix

2010-10-31T17:34:00.004-04:00

It's been way too quiet over here ... more on that later.

But check this Metabeats Halloween Mix. It's missing my fav: "My Mind's Playing Tricks on Me" by the Geto Boys, but it's a nice, FREE mix.

Get your crypt walk on hip hoppers. kfox.

Metabeats Halloween Mix by Associatedminds on Mixcloud

Young Gully f/Young Dee "Grant Station"

2010-10-08T15:21:00.011-04:00

Now we're talking ... here's another case of me just playing some music and having to stop because of the music.

Young Gully f/Young Dee "Grant Station"

I pulled up this email randomly and decided to listen to some music while I was working. So the music was going to be the backdrop, right? But before I could pull down the volume, I said 'what's he saying about a station?' It was catchy; it was mellow; it appeared to be somewhat non-descript, but the hook is strong. Of course, I had to start it over and totally focus. Nice joint: socially conscious and vibin with the community:

The song is about the Oscar Grant story.

I know nothing about Young Gully, but I like the track. It's the title track from the cd "The Grant Station Project" and it's a tribute to Oscar Grant. Gully gets more than sufficient support from Young Dee (though they could get better stage names) who comes in w/his slow and slurry delivery. Love the 'conductor' too at the end of the track.

It's message music hip hoppers, but is the message getting through? kfox.

AUDIO: Fat Beats: The End of a Hip Hop Era

2010-10-03T13:48:00.004-04:00

I heard this on NPR recently. Nice and short piece ... another record store closing its doors.

Hip hoppers, how are we gonna preserve hip hop's past? kfox.

John Legend & The Roots "Unstaged"

2010-09-23T07:40:00.004-04:00

John Legend and The Roots have really been pushing their latest project "Wake Up Everybody". It officially dropped earlier this week. I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. So if you've heard it, do share your thoughts.

This "Unstaged" concert is reaching for big things. They've pulled in Spike Lee to direct. And they've nabbed a high profile brand for sponsorship. I will definitely be checking this out if only to see if it's worth all the hype. I'll get back to you on that one.

Hip hoppers, you too will have a high profile one day. kfox.

Always On The Hunt For Good Music :: PodoMatic

2010-09-06T08:45:00.002-04:00

Always on the hunt for good music: to buy, to listen online, to stream ... whatever. I've discovered some good stuff on Pod-O-Matic, but I have to give props to a friend and fellow Ohio University alum for putting me on to this playlist from Dhundee on Pod-O-Matic. She was drawn to it because all of the tracks have samples from Fela (unfortunately I feel like I'm the only person who hasn't seen the Broadway musical "Fela"). This is an audio treat that you need to bookmark to reference time and time again.

Just a note: Dhundee is no joke. Don't get mad at him when you go to look and listen to his other podcasts ... next thing you know, hours will have passed. Good music has that impact.

So make haste hip hoppers, there's good music to be heard. kfox.

VIDEO: Moe Green "Top Turnbuckle Lifestyle"

2010-08-30T10:00:00.004-04:00

I love getting put on to new music; good, new music. Lucky me that I have access to Audible Treats. They are constantly pushing out the good ish. So much so that sometimes I can't keep up. Good thing that I took a minute to click the email about Moe Green.

This dude has one cool vid in "Top Turnbuckle Lifestyle". The cool factor is the way the video is shot and how laid back it it. Couple that w/the track itself. When it starts out, you have no idea that it's a hip hop joint. Love that. Moe Green's delivery is not too pushy, not too boastful ... doesn't seem like an attention getter, but that's exactly why it is.

You be the judge hip hoppers. kfox.

Moe Green's "Top Turnbuckle Lifestyle" video

VIDEO: P.O.S. at Flushing Meadows

2010-08-27T09:45:00.000-04:00

So many things to like about P.O.S. I love his style of delivery - laid back and matter of fact. I like how he doesn't chase the beats. It works for him. I'm not the rocker, but there's a rocker in me. I love how P.O.S. starts out in one direction, then at some point, he goes off in another direction.

I say all that though it's all demonstrated in this video clip of P.O.S. @ Flushing Meadows. I peeped this one while carousing over at Okayplayer.

Be careful on those boards, kids ... kfox.

The Roots' 10 Best Moments On Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

2010-08-24T08:31:00.002-04:00

I can't claim this list as my own. No Paste mag is behind this crafty list. But I'm diggin it and you will too. It's complete w/just enough commentary and some cool vids f/The Roots. Going from a constantly touring band to the house band for Jimmy Fallon was a good move for my fav band. Real good move.

From Paste magazine:

The Roots' 10 Best Moments on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

VIDEO: The 20/20 Project "Back to Work"

2010-08-22T15:42:00.006-04:00

I liked this track from The 20/20 Project before I even saw the vid. Nice, basic beats. Catchy lyrics. A little be of old school scratchin. Yeah, nice indeed. Go head Canadians, do what you do!

Then I saw the somewhat cheesy video. Intentionally cheesy, well produced and still kind cool.

Oh, and you can get The 20/20 Project's Employees of the Year EP as a FREE download. It's all good.

You gotta check it for yourself hip hoppers, but know that I haven't let you down yet. kfox.

John Legend & The Roots "Wake Up Everybody"

2010-07-29T23:49:00.008-04:00

Some folks will be surprised to know that The Roots will have their second project of the year released in September. It's a collabo w/John Legend. To me, they could have chilled a bit after the recent acclaim for "How I Got Over". I mean, it was just released late last month.

At any rate, the first single from the "Wake Up Everybody" project is out. The title track also features Common and Melanie Fiona. It's a remake of the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' classic. I only listened to the new version once and it's just okay. With the star power involved, it should have and could have been better. It just seems to lack as much fire as the original; but then again, maybe it's that Teddy Pendergrass factor.

You listen and let me know what you think hip hoppers. kfox.

From Okayplayer:

"Wake Up Everybody" by John Legend and The Roots featuring Common and Melanie Fiona

I'm actually diggin this studio session for "Hard Times" more than the 'official' first single.

Top 5 Reviews of The Roots' "How I Got Over"

2010-07-02T22:19:00.016-04:00

The Roots' "How I Got Over" (#HIGO on Twitter) was finally released on Tuesday, June 22, 2010. The project is a Wow! I won't go into detail w/my personal review (not yet), but here's a short list of what folks are saying:

1. From Crawdaddy Mag: "Album Review: The Roots, How I Got Over"

I like the details on this review.

2. From Pitchfork: "The Roots: How I Got Over"

A lengthy, quality music review.

3. From Monsters and Critics: "Roots have another hit with 'How I Got Over'"

This is a thorough assessment of HIGO. Lots of tidbits of information.

4. From Spin: "The Roots, 'How I Got Over'"

Praise for "Dear God 2.0".

5. From The Washington Post's Click Track: "Album Review: "The Roots, "How I Got Over""

Gives credit to the female singers on the album's intro.

So hip hoppers, what are your thoughts on HIGO? You be the critic. kfox.

The Roots Liner Notes for "How I Got Over"

2010-05-24T04:28:00.008-04:00

You can be a part of The Roots' upcoming project "How I Got Over". Questlove, the group's legendary drummer, posted a note on Twitter soliciting questions for inclusion on the liner notes for the project.

I've already sent my question:

@okayplayer Why did it take over a year for "How I Got Over" to be officially released? (@Questlove)

But I still have thoughts:

It seems the liners notes would have been drafted by now since the project drops in less than a month.
Liner notes are great for albums and cds, but what about mp3s? I guess there some sort of electronic/digital version ... yes, there is, but it does not seem the same.

The questions for The Roots' "How I Got Over" liner notes have been rolling in feverishly.

Get to tweeting hip hoppers. Time to get your name in ink (or digitized). kfox.

New from The Roots "Dear God 2.0"

2010-05-23T07:12:00.006-04:00

The countdown continues as The Roots are scheduled to drop their new disc "How I Got Over" on June 22. Here's a track: Dear God.

The Roots :: Dear God 2.0

Go and get a taste of what is good hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: The Roots perform at the Winter Olypmics

2010-05-20T18:12:00.007-04:00

I know that many of you don't wish to revisit anything remotely related to this past winter, let alone the Winter Olympics. But it wasn't all bad, meaning the Winter Olympics (other than the U.S. hockey team losing to our northern friends).

For example, this video of The Roots performing in Vancouver is pretty cool. The set includes "The Fire", a new track from their upcoming "How I Got Over" project.

"How I Got Over" drops on Tuesday, June 22, 2010.

The Roots play the Whistler Medals Plaza at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Winter Games from Thomas Attila Lewis on Vimeo.

It's safe to put the winter boots away hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: Akala "Find No Enemy"

2010-05-12T08:45:00.008-04:00

I found out about Akala via an article on the Independent's website about British hip hop. There were many artists who were mentioned throughout the article, but Akala stuck out for me. Here's one of his quotes from the article:

"I think rappers have found our voice within the UK to some degree, but we have to be very careful with what we label hip-hop and what we label rap music," says Akala.

He goes on to say:

"A diluted derivative of the culture can be paraded as the culture and then people lose the essence of what it really is and actually think hip-hop is about trying to sell people champagne and jewellery."

The article also included three tracks from Akala's recently released project. This is where I got pulled in.

The first was "Peace" and it caught me off guard because the article was talking about hip hop and grime music and what not. So I expected something uptempo. And you guessed it, "Peace" is not uptempo at all. As a matter of fact, it was nearly beatless. More like poetry w/a piano in the background. That's how I figured, well, this ain't your regular hip hopper.

"Yours and My Children" provides that tempo that I thought would be in "Peace". Akala comes hard on the lyrics: "Muslim, Christian ... all of our sons"; he goes on to name countries where there's war and strife and says "yours and my children".

The last track was "Find No Enemy". Incredibly cool track. It's melancholy w/the guitar as the pleasant backdrop. It's thought provoking too. It's six minutes of 'I've got something to say'. It's the kind of lyrics that's missing too often from music these days. I mean, I don't want every song to be socially conscious and political, but I also don't want every one to be that other thing either.

So check the vid hip hoppers ... and please know that fat meat is greasy. kfox.

Reflection Eternal f/Estelle "Midnight Hour"

2010-05-10T06:25:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't like Reflection Eternal? Even if you've never heard of them, it's my bet that you'll like at least one track from their first track.

So, let me give you a bit of the back story - and I do mean just a bit. Reflection Eternal is Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek. That collabo is one for the history books. And they've done well for themselves individually too.

Now, the duo is back at it and the project will officially drop on Tuesday. The track "Midnight Hour" is already out there.

I must admit, that I was not feeling this to start, but I do like Estelle and I wanted to see how it would work out. I do like the way that Kweli adapts his flow on this song (I likes to see some versatility in an artist's style; especially since Kweli's been around. Because you know, some folks have been around and are doin the same ole, same ole). Of course, I like the tempo. I like uptempo music ... and the retro-soul sound is becoming; it gives the song a non-hip hop vibe.

I'm diggin it. You diggin it hip hoppers? Let me know. kfox.

Midnight Hour feat. Estelle CLEAN (main) by Sneakattackmedia

VIDEO: Shabazz Palaces "Belhaven Meridian"

2010-05-06T19:47:00.007-04:00

I thought that the music video game had lost its moxie. Meaning: folks stand around yelling, riding in rented cars w/rented chicks and other fake paraphernalia. Oh, the sadness that is crap-hop. But now I've discovered that Shabazz Palaces has churned out a exceptionally crafty one - video that is (and a rather strong song too).

I could say a dozen or so things about it, but you gotta see it for yourself hip hoppers. kfox.

And here's one of the few links to info on Shabazz Palaces (from Pitchfork Media).

Questlove LIVE Chat on Thurs, May 6

2010-05-01T06:42:00.003-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Oh, this is good to know: you can chat w/The Roots' Questlove this Thursday, May 6 @ 2 p.m. EST via Billboard's Live Chat.

Surely, you want to ask Questo about The Roots' soon to be released (though majorly delayed) "How I Got Over" project.

More information on Questlove on Billboard's Live Chat.

Get out your calendar hip hoppers, we got a (virtual) event to attend. kfox.

This is How Music is Made

2010-04-27T07:18:00.007-04:00

I know that not every artist can afford to get musicians to accompany them on their music. But that element of live musicianship is huge.

Check out this short vid from a Black Milk/Slum Village studio session w/Will Sessions (Detroit, do your thang).

Time for a rehearsal hip hoppers. kfox.

No Time for the Music

2010-04-25T09:54:00.002-04:00

Just a bit on the busy side. Traveling and seeing the sites.

Unfortunately, my music consumption has slowed down a bit. I've been listening to some podcasts and my old favs, but no new joints.

So here's what I know is hot and needs to be dealt with:

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings "I Learned the Hard Way"

Wu Tang Clan "Return of the Wu and Friends"

RJD2 "The Colossus"

Erykah Badu "New Amerykah Part Two Return of the Ankh"

Little Brother "Leftback"

What else am I missing out on hip hoppers? Show me the light. kfox.

Farewell to Guru

2010-04-22T15:15:00.009-04:00

The hip hop world lost an innovator this week when Guru passed away.

Makes me reminiscence. Can't believe that it was '93 when Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 came out. That was a nice time to twist rap on its head.

Check out these links for more about Guru:

Let's pay some respect hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: Amir Sulaiman "Spit"

2010-04-03T08:48:00.002-04:00

Amir Sulaiman's "Spit" video is an attention getter, and not just visually, but lyrically as well.

This movie-like video highlights drama and chaos and peacefulness too. Amir Sulaiman goes through some peaks and valleys and all the while he's showcasing his delivery skills.

I like this video for its purpose, the video quality and its diversity.

It's time to get down w/what's good hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: Erykah Badu's "Window Seat"

2010-03-31T08:30:00.002-04:00

This is the video that has folks talking and that is precisely what a well thought out video can do. Erykah Badu weaves quite a bit into the "Window Seat" video. It's the first official single from "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)" project.

I've only watched it once and already I am thinking, learning and discussing the implications of this artistic vid.

Check it out hip hoppers. What are your thoughts? kfox.

Upcoming Hip Hop in Cleveland

2010-03-17T17:05:00.009-04:00

Just now getting around to being the town crier about some upcoming hip hop shows in Cleveland. It is all good. Courtesy of the CleveEvents list.

~P.O.S. w/Dessa and Astonautilus~

Tonight/Wednesday, March 17, 2010

@ the Grog Shop

2785 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights

@ 9 p.m.

Tix are $12 ... call 216.321.5588

~RJD2, Break Science and Chichester~

Tomorrow/Thursday, March 18, 2010

@ the Grog Shop

2785 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights

@ 9 p.m.

Tix are $15 in advance; $17 the day of the show ... call 216.321.5588

~Hip Hop Industry Party~

On Saturday, March 20, 2010

@ The Diamond Building, 12th floor

1100 Superior Avenue in downtown Cleveland

From 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

~50 Mics/Top Mics Tour Competition (for music artists)~

On Saturday, March 20, 2010

@ Peabody's

2045 East 21st Street

From 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Hosted by D. Lorand w/dj Jack da Rippa

For more info and to register, call 216.904.0209 or email

amphouse216@gmail.com

~CIFF FilmForum: "No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson"~

On Sunday, March 21, 2010

@ Tower City Center

230 West Huron Road in downtown Cleveland

@ 4:10 p.m.

For more info, visit http://clevelandfilm.org

**as a part of the Clev. Intl. Film Festival

~RAP PERFORMANCE w/2Mex~

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010

@ Peabody's DownUnder

2045 E. 21st Street

@ 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 ... call 216.241.5555

~PLAY: "Eclipse: The War Between Pac and Big"~

Beginning on Friday, March 26, 2010 until Sunday, April 18, 2010

@ Karamu Theatre

2355 East 89th Street

For more info, call 216.795.7070

~I Got Five on It! (the last Saturday of each month)~

On Saturday, March 27, 2010

@ Touch Supper Club

2710 Lorain Avenue

Doors open @ 9 p.m.

F/djs Terry Urban, Mick Boogie and more ... call 216.631.5200

~PERFORMANCE w/Bone Thugs n Harmony~

On Sunday, March 28, 2010

@ the House of Blues

308 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland

@ 8 p.m.

Tickets begin @ $27.50 ... call 216.241.5555

~HIP HOP PERFORMANCE w/Jedi Mind Tricks, edotkom, dj Jack da Rippa and more~

On Sunday, March 28, 2010

@ the Grog Shop

2785 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights

@ 9 p.m.

Tix are $13 in adv; $15 the day of the show ... call 216.321.5588

~HIP HOP PERFORMANCE: Queens of the Iron Mic w/Rah Digga and Jean Grae~

On Friday, April 2, 2010

@ the Grog Shop

2785 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights

@ 9 p.m.

Tix are $12 in adv; $15 the day of the show ... call 216.321.5588

So go ahead Cleveland; get your flex and your hip hop on ... kfox

Mae Day "101 Bars"

2010-03-04T09:45:00.001-05:00

It is not often enough that I get to blog about a female emcee in hip hop. Mae Day is hard ... and strong. Love the lyrics. She's got the flow and the swagger too.

I refuse to compare her to anyone. But this is not a radio friendly track and nor is it formulaic. No lyrics, then chorus ... She rips and she rips and then, well, you already know. I've listened to this track many times trying to figure out when she's taking a breath. I mean, this track is more than four minutes and she's a beast! Love, love, love that.

The beats for "101 Bars" is nice, but the beats take a backseat to Mae Day's delivery. It's a good mix. Really a good showcase for her skills.

Check out "Mae Day Mae Day" on YouTube hip hoppers. It is not the end. kfox.

A Large Dose of Hip Hop

2010-03-01T07:55:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like you are behind in the times? You're lost in what's going on in the world of hip hop and don't know how to catch up? Yeah, well, we're all spinning in that storm. But to give you an idea of just what you're missing, and possibly to confirm just what you're missing, there's Alltop.com.

Alltop aggregates all sorts of topics in to one page view. You can even put you cursor over a story and a small (or large) balloon will pop up giving you the first few sentences of the story. I like the Alltop Hip Hop section so that I can scroll through and just get a brief idea of what's going on out there. It's a large dose of information to tackle, but you can do your part. Indy Hip Hop World's on the Alltop Hip Hop listing. I like Alltop better than Google Reader because I at least get to discover some new hip hop blogs and Web sites through Alltop. Well, I guess you can discover new sites through Google Reader ... I just like Alltop for its simplicity.

Go on now ... and fill up on your large dose of hip hop, hip hoppers. kfox.

"Heaven or Hell" by Georgia Anne Muldrow f/Black Milk, Kool G Rap and LMNO

2010-02-25T10:29:00.020-05:00

Georgia Anne Muldrow has been affiliated with the the illustrious Stones Throw set. Good things jump off over there. Peanut Butter Wolf. Madlib. Ohno. J Dilla. And now not only does she have a foot in over at Ubiquity, but she's doing her own thing w/the Mellow Music Group. Yes, yes, yall ... Georgia Anne's in a good place; the past paving the way for the present.

I dropped a blog post about her a few weeks ago on my other blog about the track "Roses" w/Mos Def. Now some of her latest project is out there. It's a collabor w/Declaime (Dudley Perkins in disguise), "SomeOthaShip" (apparently, there's a "Heaven and Hell" EP, which is a prelude to "SomeOthaShip"; stay with me now ... and yeah, I know about "Kings Ballad" too. It's obvious that Georgia's keepin quite busy.

One of the tracks on the "SomeOthaShip" project is "Heaven and Hell". The mix of characters involved tells you something about the ensuing dichotomy: Black Milk, Kool G Rap and LMNO. It's true that I was nearly immediately turned off by the mention of both the words 'ho' and 'bitch within the first 20 seconds. I mean, give me a chance to enjoy the track first before you startle me w/ridiculousness. Whatever. I'm not adverse to the words being slung around, but at least consider slinging them w/purpose; show some depth of character. Damn. Flippant use of any derogatory term is a cop out ... And now I'm out of focus, right? Or am I? The track is called "Heaven or Hell" ...

Lucky me, I did not tune out all together. Outside of the first verse by Kool G Rap, the other contributors make good use of their time on this track. As a matter of fact, the track has a good dose of positivity.

I could go on, but you know you want to hear it for yourself, now don't you hip hoppers? kfox.

Download Georgia Anne's and Declaime's "Heaven or Hell" from Mediafire.

Check out the track "Get Up" produced by Oddisee.

"Read a Book" by Bomani

2010-02-20T03:48:00.010-05:00

The song "Read a Book" by Bomani is not new. It's not quite new to me either, but I am just getting around to sharing it. At first I thought, this would be the kind of song that I'd listen to once or twice, however, I just keep coming back to it.

It might be too harsh for the meek and those who are 'hood sensitive' because it is not radio friendly, but the message is strong. Love the way he mocks Lil Jon! Well, the song is a mockery in itself. Love the craftiness of it all. You have to listen to the entire track.

So go get your knowledge on hip hoppers, there's a message in the music. kfox.

Soul, Funk Jazz, Hip Hop

2010-02-09T09:30:00.001-05:00

A friend posted this link on Facebook. I saw the words 'soul', 'hip hop' and 'old school'. That combination never fails.

Agent Trevor's Spin Doctor's Radio Episode 1

It's fifty some minutes of beats w/some old school funk and hip hop mixed in. You'll like it. You'll like it because it's free and it'll be worth the effort to download it.

It's all good hip hoppers. And last I checked, good is better than bad. kfox.

Agent Trevor Spin Doctors Radio Episode 1

SpinDoctors' Radio

Mos Def "The Ecstatic"

2010-02-06T03:36:00.008-05:00

I've been meaning to do a review of Mos Def's "The Ecstatic" for the past few months. Let's not be cynical in my lateness to this project. I mean, "The Ecstatic" was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album. That spotlight has come and gone ... it is what it is. However, as a result of my inability to get a review posted, many, many others have covered the ground on this one.

So that leaves me to point you in the right direction for information as it relates to "The Ecstatic". What I will say about this project is that I love the diversity. There is a mix of genre's represented here.

USA Today's Steve Jones write about "The Ecstatic"

Metacritic summarizes many other reviews of "The Ecstatic"

Hour long doc on Mos Def in Japan from Current

I was attracted to "Roses" right away. Georgia Anne Muldrow's voice is immediately identifiable. She also produced the track. Seems 'The Academy' took notice of "Casa Bey", but unfortunately, Mos lost out to Jay-Z's "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)".

If all else fails hip hoppers, check the vid for "History". That's a collabo w/Talib. Black Star doin it so well. kfox.

The Roots in D.C.

2010-01-11T09:27:00.005-05:00

It's another sad chapter. That chapter being me in the same city where The Roots are performing and me NOT going to the show. It's happened three times now (see previous 'The Roots' posts for deets). Enough already.

The most recent edition was in D.C., December 2009. The Roots were there for not one, but two shows: on Tuesday, December 29th and Wednesday, 30th. My sister gave me a heads up several days in advance, maybe more than that, but she thought the ticket price was high at $45 (plus service fees). I was on the fence. I had planned to be in D.C. to bring in twenty-ten, but my funds were a bit low at the time. Then on Monday, my boy from D.C. called. He knew I'd be in town and wanted to know if I wanted to go see The Roots. I balked at the ticket prices. He seemed indecisive too. He mentioned that the December 30th show had already sold out (though I initially thought he said it was cancelled because it had not sold out).

On Tuesday as I was headed to D.C., I got antsy. I began to think: 'Yes, I do want to go to see The Roots!' This is the one group that I can see over and over and over again and never tire of seeing them perform. Well, seeing them in D.C. did not happen for me. The closest I got was this money shot (see above) from in front of the 930 Club. Good looking tour bus, right?

I thought I could roll up to the venue and snap up some tix and be on my way. Right. It did not go down like that. My boy did end up going though. He's obviously got some connections in the Chocolate City. To add insult to injury, he also walked away w/'another' drum stick from Questlove.

Enough of my whining. Lucky me and you ... The Roots have some pics and commentary about the D.C. shows posted on Okayplayer.

So get to gettin hip hoppers. The moral to this story is that when The Roots come to town, get the ticket and balk at the price later. kfox.

VIDEO: The Eric Mire Band f/Melissa Czarnik

2010-01-08T09:46:00.007-05:00

Eric Mire somehow discovered this blog and now he and his band and Melissa Czarnik are on my radar. And this thanks to the magic of Twitter. Not only did Mire find the Indy Hip Hop Blog, but he sent me a 'tweet' w/a link to this vid. Love that.

The vid is right up my alley. I do get lots of emails and tweets and sometimes I respond in a timely manner and sometimes not. There is no rhyme or reason to what I decide to listen to. It's just a matter of timing.

I like the music. I like the band. I like Czarnik's delivery. This track fits her nicely. I am an uptempo kind of girl, but the slow roll on this one is cool. It's a nice vibe. I think that it helps that music is good. Let's give this Milwaukee collabo some love.

Oh, and get a free download of The Eric Mire Band f/Melissa Czarnik. And if you are so inclined, you can purchase The Eric Mires Band cd or Melissa Czarnik's cd.

Anyway, enough from me. Check it for yoself hip hoppers. kfox.

Best Rap Albums of 2009

2010-01-05T23:30:00.005-05:00

Ha! I love lists. But the truth is, lists are a product of one person. It's one person's opinion on what was the best of the best or whatever the list is about.

That said, there were thousands of lists that were generated for the end of 2009 and the end of the 2000-2009 decade. That's how I found this list on the 10 Best Rap Albums of 2009. There's also a companion list of the Most Disappointing Rap Albums of 2009, but I chose to focus on the positive, albeit, someone else's idea of positivity in list making.

This list was compiled by Henry Adaso from About.com. I must say, I did not know that About.com was in the business of hip hop. As a result of my 'not-knowingness', I almost missed out on a well developed list. Yes, the list is full of gems. My theory on this is that About.com may or may not be into the business of hip hop, but they know to hire someone who is. So much props to Adaso for making a shine-shine list.

I won't give it all away because I want you to go to the list and read the comments, but there's Raekwon and Clipse and I've been meaning to blog about the number one artist for some time now. It is all good ... in the decade where Nas proclaimed 'hip hop is dead', this list demonstrates just the opposite.

What about you hip hoppers? Who's on your best of 2009 hip hop list? kfox.

Skillz's 2009 Wrap Up

2010-01-01T09:05:00.001-05:00

So, you've check out Skillz' previous year's wrap up (see my previous post). Time to see what he has to say about '09.

You can get the audio of the Skillz '09 Wrap up on Hip Hop Wired.

Time to do some reflecting hip hoppers. Let's make '10 a 10. kfox.

VIDEO: Skills 2008 Wrap Up

2009-12-31T09:30:00.004-05:00

Who's down w/Skillz? Very nice. Annually, in about five minutes he gives the rap recap of the year. He generally covers all things entertainment and sports, but he also throws in a bit of politics too. This is good ish (oh, and check out the Skillz's previous year's wrap ups too).

Here's the 2008 Wrap up. Can't wait to see and hear '09.

Happy New Year hip hoppers. kfox.

International Hip Hop :: The Alison Edition

2009-12-27T10:23:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I took a group trip to Siwa, Egypt. It was an interesting 9-10 hour bus ride w/about 20 people. They were, mostly, a nice group, but at times I felt as if I'd been dumped in a reality TV show. The good thing is, I met some folks who I'll keep in touch w/for life. Like Alison.

At some point, I mentioned that I have a hip hop blog and that I was interested in expounding my international hip hop repertoire. There were a good amount of recommendations and I probably remember about two of them.

But that Alison, she's a bright one. She sends me an email (with links) and says 'hey, check out these folks on the international hip hop front'. Who does that? All I know is ... I likes folks who follow up. So, here it is: Alison's International Hip Hop Edition.

Dutch

Yes-R: "Mee naar huis"

Deazy ft Yes-R: "Medicijn"

Ethiopian

Teddy Yo: "(Not sure of the title)"

French

K-Maro: "Histoires De Luv"

Youssoupha: "Anti-Vénus"

Korean

Tasha: "Black Happiness"

1tym: "Hot 뜨거"

Rain: "I'm Coming"

1tym, se7en, wheesung: "Wild Wild West"

Okay hip hoppers, what's on your global hip hop playlist? kfox.

Graffiti Visualization Video

2009-12-18T16:18:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows graffiti's role in hip hop culture seems like they've been connected since hip hop's inceptions. And as hip hop has grown and gone global, so has graffiti.

Check out this exceptional vid from Vimeo on graffiti from Paris, France.

Serge Gainsbourg - animation des graffitis sur 5 ans du mur rue de Verneuil from Arnaud Jourdain on Vimeo.

Alright hip hoppers, time to go make your mark. kfox.

CMJ Style Indie Hip Hop

2009-11-18T13:31:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since I've check the CMJ Hip Hop Charts. Seems there are a few things there that are not on my radar. The artists in bold are the ones that got by me ... but not for long.

What about you hip hoppers,what's on your radar? k-fox.

1 BROTHER ALI

Us Rhymesayers

2 BK-ONE WITH BENZILLA

Radio Do Canibal Rhymesayers

3 DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN AND TAME ONE

Parallel Uni-Verse Gold Dust

4 ANTIPOP CONSORTIUM

Fluorescent Black Big Dada

5 SOULICO

Exotic On The Speakers JDub

6 CROWN CITY ROCKERS

The Day After Forever Gold Dust

7 BIG PUN

The Legacy: The Best Of Big Pun Sony Legacy

8 BC

Time Pieces Pt. 1: Time Capsule [EP] Peripheral

9 BREAKESTRA

Dusk 'til Dawn Strut

10 KID CUDI

Man On The Moon: The End Of Day Universal Motown-Motown

11 SWOLLEN MEMBERS

Armed To The Teeth Suburban Noize

12 JAY-Z

The Blueprint 3 Atlantic

13 RITA J

Artist Workshop All Natural

14 WAX TAILOR

In The Mood For Life Le Plan

15 MOS DEF

The Ecstatic Downtown

16 BLUE SCHOLARS

Oof [EP] Duck Down

17 ILL MONDO AND NEAL RAMES

Ill Mondo And Neal Rames Ill Mondo

18 KAM MOYE

Splitting Image Myx

19 US3

Stop. Think. Run Self-Released

20 SHAFIQ HUSAYN

Shafiq En' A-Free-Ka Plug Research

RZA, The Writer

2009-11-09T14:31:00.004-05:00

Wu Tang's RZA continues to add to his creative palette. In addition to being a producer, actor, director among other things, he's also an author.

Although "The Tao of Wu" is not RZA'a first stab at writing, he should garner some attention with this collection of tales and wisdom. His first book was "The Wu Tang Manual" in 2005.

RZA was recently on National Public Radio's (NPR's) All Things Considered to talk about his book, his life and how he learned to score movie soundtracks.

Get out your reading glasses hip hoppers, there's going to be a test. kfox.

Indy Hip Hop World

Recap :: The Roots LIVE at The Fillmore

Best of Hip Hop 2011

Flosstradamus "Overnight Star"

VIDEO: Common "Blue Sky"

The Roots "undun"

Joey The Jerk's "Shut Up and Dance"

DOWNLOAD: Speech Debelle

The Old School Hip Hop Grooves

REBLOG: Interview w/Stones Throws' Peanut Butter Wolf

The Mix: 25 Years Of Def Jam Recording

Audio: Matt Reeves “What They Say”

VIDEO: Aasim's "Never"

Animal Nation :: Every Day In The Life

VIDEO: Evidence "You"

Getting Up-to-Date on Indy Hip Hop Music

Breakdancing and Street Art in Barcelona

FREE MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: DJ House Shoes presents "Rappin"

MIXTAPE: Excursions by Mick Boogie - Rarities and Remixes of A Tribe Called Quest

Catch The Beat: The Best Of Soul Underground 1987-91 Book

VIDEO: ‪REL "On My Way"

WEFUNK - Show 649: Tribute to Gil Scott-Heron

VIDEO: ‪Copywrite f/Jay Notes, Loudmouth Melvin and Skillit - PYT U.K Remix‬‏

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie Summertime 2 Mixtape is out!!

Jean Grae "Cookies or Comas" Mixtape

VIDEO: Punchline & Wordsworth - Red Hot Lover Tone (WKCR Freestyle)

VIDEO: Aaron Evans f/DJ Deprave "Jazz is Freedom"

PHOTOS: The 4th Roots Picnic

The Rap Songs Of The Arab Spring

Beat The World Soundtrack Sampler

Article: The Roots Plotting 'Orchestral' New Album

IMAGE: The Wu

The Legendary Gil Scott-Heron Dies

VIDEO: Saudis in Audis

VIDEO: AFTA-1

VIDEO: Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley "Patience"

Beans: Spitting Rhymes With Consistency And Quickness

VIDEO: Questlove Surprises Audience w/Ghostface Appearance

Lupe Fiasco: Two Sides To Everything

VIDEO: Tone – Artist Profile: Moruf

Check out Paul Marz

Research Deluxe March 2011 Podcast

The Wu-Tang Clan is the Best!

VIDEO: Madcon "Beggin'"

Aesop Rock in Typography

Yours Truly Label Showcase at SXSW

Mister Rogers Goes Hip Hop

VIDEO: Blueprint "So Alive"

VIDEO: Arabian Knightz "Egypt's Revolution Song"

Egypt's #Jan25 Movement & Hip Hop :: Arabian Knightz & Lauryn Hill

Hip Hop From SoundCloud :: DJFAbb

The Hip-Hop Word Count: A Searchable Rap Almanac

CMJ Year End Hip Hop Chart :: 2010

Top Indy Hip Hop World Blog Posts :: 2010

VIDEO: The Roots "The Christmas Song"

VIDEO: IsWhat? "Trouble"

VIDEO: The Seed "Grandma's Ballad"

VIDEO: Atmosphere "The Best Day"

A Celebration of Micheal Larsen :: Eyedea

VIDEO: Genesis Elijah "Doing My Damn Thing"

Yemeni Rappers

VIDEO: Meet The Neighbors (Eternia & DJ Boo) NY

Metabeats Halloween Mix

Young Gully f/Young Dee "Grant Station"

AUDIO: Fat Beats: The End of a Hip Hop Era

John Legend & The Roots "Unstaged"

Always On The Hunt For Good Music :: PodoMatic

VIDEO: Moe Green "Top Turnbuckle Lifestyle"

VIDEO: P.O.S. at Flushing Meadows

The Roots' 10 Best Moments On Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

VIDEO: The 20/20 Project "Back to Work"

John Legend & The Roots "Wake Up Everybody"

Top 5 Reviews of The Roots' "How I Got Over"

The Roots Liner Notes for "How I Got Over"

New from The Roots "Dear God 2.0"

VIDEO: The Roots perform at the Winter Olypmics

VIDEO: Akala "Find No Enemy"

Reflection Eternal f/Estelle "Midnight Hour"

VIDEO: Shabazz Palaces "Belhaven Meridian"

Questlove LIVE Chat on Thurs, May 6