Brother Ali's "Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color"

Brother Ali "Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color"

Album cover for Brother Ali's "Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color." Borrowed from the Rhymesayers website

This is a cross post. It was originally posted on The Radiogirl Blog.

A few weeks ago I was playing around on the iPad using the Flipboard app. I like that I can connect my SoundCloud account to Flipboard.

And so I was checking out my SoundCloud stuff and noticed something new from Brother Ali. This guy's the real deal; straight, no chaser. And this new thing "Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color," yeah, to say it's nice and I like it means I just don't have the time to write how I really feel. Actually, the music speaks for itself.

Start w/"Mourning in America" ... if you can handle that.

Oh, and there's this segment from NPR:
Brother Ali: A Voice For The Suffering

So hip hoppers, whaddaya think of this one? kfox.

DOWNLOAD: I Self Devine "Reports From The Field: In The Trenches (Free Mixtape)"

I Self Devine "Reports From The Field: In The Trenches (Free Mixtape)"

Image borrowed from I Self Devine's Newsletter

Whew, this is nice. And that is such an understatement. I Self Devine brings his seemingly effortless A-game to this project.

I started playing this while I was multitasking, but it didn't take me long to focus my attention and say, who's that again? Then I went back to see the name of the track; several tracks actually.

You must listen to "Flat Black"

• interesting intro material
• great lyrics
• confident, but not egotistical delivery
• hype music
• dj antics (i.e. cuttin and scratchin)

The mellower beats also work for this guy; the flow is easy to understand and it just all fits together nicely. The tracks are a bit short, but they're complimentary as a project. That's cool.

And what't not to love about a free download: no pain, all gain hip hoppers. kfox.

VIDEO: Evidence "You"

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

VIDEO: Blueprint "So Alive"

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: Atmosphere "The Best Day"

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

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.

• Rhymesayers video tribute to Mike Larsen :: Eyedea
• Flickr Slide Show of Eyedea
• Article on the "Celebration of Mike Larsen" 5 hour performance in Minnesota
• Eyedea's fans share their memories

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

Brother Ali's Latest CD "Us"

"Us" by Brother Ali (2009)

Brother Ali is a long timer ... he's been dropping rhymes for sometime. He's a part of the Rhymesayers camp too (that doesn't just mean hip hop, but quality hip hop).

"Us" is Brother Ali's most recent project. This cd is killer. "Fresh Air" is supposed to be the first release from the disk. It's got some tempo to it and he's got some bounce in his flow. During the hook on the track, it reminds me of some old school funk like Slave or Lakeside. As a matter of fact, I might want to check the liner notes to see if he's sampling something from back in the day.

"Fresh Air" is not my fav track on "Us". "House Keys" is like watching a movie in your mind. The scenery that Ali paints about living in an apartment building are so vivid that you'll think you can leave your place and go there. He creates that kind of realness w/words.

What I like about Brother Ali is his ability to quickly weave words in a way that gives you an immediate visual. And he's not always boasting about himself. He's talking about the community, the impact of government and big business on the world and more. He's a rhyming master storyteller.

So here's something for you to spend your Egyptian pounds/Euros/Pesos on ... something fresh and something new.

Don't let anyone take your mic hip hoppers. Get your shine on. kfox.

Video: Brother Ali "Us"

He's at it again and it's all good. Brother Ali is dropping a new joint in September and he's got the teaser out there for us. Along w/the new joint comes the tour with two stops in Ohio: Cleveland and Columbus. Word.

So check the vid w/its positiveness then check the deets on "Us":



And that's what's good hip hoppers, foh show ... kfox.

It's New, It's P.O.S., It's "Never Better"

"Never Better" is the first project from P.O.S. since 2006's "Audition". I am a huge fan of "Audition" so I was anxious to hear something new from P.O.S.

His punchy/angry delivery is still ever present. He viciously attacks his lyrics. The punk rock edge from previous albums ... it's there. And you know what? I like the punk edge. I like my beats and one some tracks there are beats and on others there is other instrumentation to work around. But the punk edge, yeah, I can do that. The only track where the punk rock influence was not my most enjoyable was "Drum Roll". But I think I'll give it another listen.

On "Goodbye", there's a catchy hook and it's just a likable track. Kind of a motivating too. Another track that stood out for me was "The Basics". It reminded me of "Half-Cocked Concepts" and "Stand Up" from "Audition". It has a crazy humming chorus and heavy drums.

There are 15 tracks on this one ... and worth the three year wait ... I'd say so.

I'd also bet that P.O.S. will be performing at Soundset '09 - a huge outdoor hip hop festival. Of course he'll be there - it's in his home town of Minneapolis, oh, and it's hosted by Rhymesayers. Mark you calendars for Memorial Day Weekend. But if you can't wait that long, then you won't have to as P.O.S. is set to tour starting at the beginning of February. Catch him at Skully's Music Diner in Columbus or The Grog Shop in Cleveland.

• P.O.S. "Never Better" promo video
• Behind the scenes of P.O.S.'s "Drum Roll" video
• P.O.S. on Imeem

P.O.S.'s "Never Better" is just that, but you'll never know hip hoppers if you don't check it out. kfox.

NOTE: Thanks to the folks at Spectre for letting me get a peak at this before the release date.

Some Hip Hop I'd Love to Check Out, If Only I Had the Time

My schedule is crammed and I have lots going on and I am sure that you do too. I barely have time to post to this blog, but I do love my hip hop and isn't it true that we make the time for the things that we like...?

But as each week passes, I realize that there is yet another hip hop project that is released that I have not had a chance to listen to. As a result, the list has grown, so rather than keep the good info from you, I am putting it out there. If you have peeped any of these, then do share some insight on what is exceptionally awesome and what is merely okay.



"White Van Music" by Jake One
This Rhymesayers Entertainment artist has released his first project under Jake One and it is riddled w/his label mates talent and then some. I know that I am missing out. I hope to check it out sooner rather than later.





"Separate But Equal (Drama Free Version)" by Little Brother
This baby just dropped last month. The most I've heard on this one is the 30 preview on Amazon. They gets down and I want to hear it in its entirety.





"Fun DMC" by People Under The Stairs
I have not listened to anything by PUTS for about a year now. I like their delivery and their longevity; they've been in the game for over a decade.

That's only three and yes, there are more. I'll try to share those in another day or so. If I don't get around to it before the new year though, remember, everything in moderation hip hoppers. kfox.

Jake One's "The Truth"

I stumbled on this this gritty and grimy track w/its slow beat and searing lyrics on the Rhymesayers webbie. It's Jake One accompanied by Freeway and Brother Ali. Ali's delivery stands out as strong and dank.

Here's the vid:



Time for me to diversify my hip hop palette ... what are you hip hoppers listening to? kfox.

A Holiday Treat from P.O.S.

P.O.S. is sayin hello by sayin "Goodbye". It's a track from his upcoming release dropping in February. In case you did not know, he's on the Rhymesayers roster and that means good, quality hip hop.

Right now - the holiday season - P.O.S. befriends us by providing a FREE download of "Goodbye":

• P.O.S.'s "Goodbye"

And it gets better ... P.O.S. is going on tour in '09 w/the "Never Better" Tour. The dates are covering a lot of ground - East coast, West coast and the midwest (seems the South won't get a piece of this, at least not this time around).

I am still amped up on P.O.S.'s "Audition" from a few years ago. So if you need to do an about-face, then do that and come back to this or just do it all. Because it is all good.

So go ahead and catch that download or just take a listen. Happy holidays hip hoppers. kfox.

Just Getting the Memo ...

... but P.O.S. is on tour. However, if you live anywhere other than the western part of the U.S., you are out of luck.

He's covering a good amount of terrain in his short stint - less than three weeks. So if your sked collides w/his sked, then go ahead and pony up the cash, because he will certainly deliver.

Check out this vid for confirmation:


So go ahead and show P.O.S. some love. He's part of the Rhymesayers crew and that is all good, right?

Get ya grind on hip hoppers, I know I am .... kfox.

Brother Ali & Atmosphere on Tour ...

... this is both good and bad news, but mostly bad news, that is if you are stateside. You see, this tour starts and ends in international territories.

Brother Ali is hyping his "Undisputed Truth" disk, while Atmosphere pimps "When Life Gives Your Lemons, Paint that @$#* Gold". I'm down w/the Brother Ali disk, but I have yet to hear the entire Atmosphere project; sinful, I know.

"The 3 The Hard Way Tour" features those two and an assortment of others depending on the date ... but you'll be missing out on the likes of Pharoahe Monch, Kidz In The Hall, Kool Keith and more.

There is some good news though. If you are Jones-n for some Rhymesayers action, then peep their YouTube Channel.

Who Knows What About Atmosphere? You Shoulda Known!

Atmosphere has got a new joint floating around. "Shoulda Known" has a nice midtempo beat and an easy flow. You can peep it on his MySpace page or you can download it for free somewhere.

This first single is the pre-cursor to his next project "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold". How intriguing is that? The project will be out in late April.

Not anti ...

... just the truth.

I've been meaning to post this video for several weeks now, but, well, I am just now getting around to it.

I really like the song by Brother Ali. But then I saw the video - powerful!

Get your Hip Hop On!

So, it is true that I missed all of the hip hop shows in Cleveland over the past few weeks. I really wanted to peep the Brother Ali show. But don't dispair because if you are true hip hop fan, you not only checked out the Rhymesayers crew, but you also sat in on the El-P/Definitive Jux set. And there is more on the horizon; that's right, it is time to get your hip hop on:

~The Underground Nation: Darren Anthony, T-Mates and Therlbread~
On Thursday, May 17, 2007
@ the Beachland Ballroom
15711 Waterloo Road
@ 8 p.m.
Tix are $5 in adv; $8 @ the door ... call 216.383.1124

~Lifesavas and Strange Fruit Project~
On Thursday, May 17, 2007
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.
Tix are $10 ... call 216.241.5555

~The Ill Disciples~
On Friday, May 18, 2007
@ the Agora Theatre & Ballroom
5001 Prospect Avenue
@ 8:30 p.m.
Tix are $6 ... call 216.241.5555

~Slum Village~
On Sunday, June 3, 2007
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.Tix are $12 ... call 216.241.5555

~Peanut Butter Wolf DJ Set~
On Wednesday, June 20, 2007
@ B-Side
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.Tix are $10 ... call 216.241.5555

~Sage Francis and Buck 65~
On Wednesday, July 11, 2007
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.
Tix are $15 ... call 216.241.5555

The Changing Face of Hip Hop

Every so often I post the hip hop charts from WMCO. New hip hop music makes it way to my office on a weekly basis. Some of it stands out from the pack, some of it is judged by its cover (and the judgment is usually accurate). But the point is, the music is new and the charts are always changing ...

So here goes :: this week's badasses!

My favs are DJ Vadim, Sage Francis, and Red Cloud; fav never to make the list: Gutterfly.

1
EL-P
I'll Sleep When You're Dead
Definitive Jux
2
J DILLA
Ruff Draft
Stones Throw
3
DJ VADIM
The Sound Catcher
BBE
4
WAX TAILOR
Hope And Sorrow
Decon
5
BROTHER ALI
The Undisputed Truth
Rhymesayers
6
MOVE.MEANT
The Scope Of Things
Wax Paper
7
GABRIEL TEODROS
Lovework
Massline
8
SAGE FRANCIS
Human The Death Dance
Epitaph
9
REDCLOUD
Hawthorne's Most Wanted
Syntax
10
BUSDRIVER
RoadKillOvercoat
Epitaph

Dream on and aim high ... kfox!

Hip Hop January

Here is some hot hip hop that I'd like to put on the radar.

Colossus - he is on the Om label. Good stuff. The cd is titled "West Oaktown". His flow is steady and the beats are hot. It is a two cd set with a jazz influence.

P.O. S. - is from the Rhymesayers camp! That alone speaks volumes. I am attracted to track #2 on the "Audition" cd which is "Half Cooked Concepts". He seems so casual in his delivery and the topics that he addresses are relatable.

Psyche Origami - love this project. "The Standard" seems to be all about working at a gas station/convenience store. The lyrics are catchy and quirky and the beats are smooth.

Other projects of note:
Fatlip "The Loneliest Punk"
Fort Minor "The Rising Tide"
Developmental1

Stay true...kfox