VIDEO: Questlove Surprises Audience w/Ghostface Appearance

Like whoa hip hoppers. Kfox!

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

Ghostface Killah & Doom "Chinatown Wars"

I must admit that I like Ghostface Killah. I've blogged about his music on several occasions. What's not to like about Tony Starks? So when he's involved in a project, it gets my attention.

I don't do video games, not a personal boycott or anything, just not something I'm doing w/my spare time. But I will check out the music to video games. Yeah, sign me up for that. I saw Ghostface Killah's name attached to the latest installment of "Grand Theft Auto - Chinatown Wars". I got all excited.

What gets me more excited is hearing Doom. His voice is so grimy and bully-esque. Love his delivery and his lyrics will put most of the others to shame.

This track really jumps off and not surprisingly, it is produced by Oh No. The music is okay and there's a catchy hook, but it's the Ghostface/Doom tag team that distinguishes this one from all the rest. It's only three and a half minutes long and I wish it was just a bit longer.

Get ya game on hip hoppers, and your groove on too. kfox.

The Chef is back in the Kitchen

Raekwon (sometimes known as Raekwon the Chef) has released a number of mixtapes since the release of the widely successful "Build for Cuban Linx" in 1995. But apparently he's back in the studio and near ready to release "Built for Cuban Linx 2". We won't complain about the not-so-fresh title, that is, if the vibe from the track "Back from the Slums" is any indication of what we're in for. You'll be excited to know that this track features Wu-Tang's Method Man as well as Ghostface Killah. Nice.

It's cool to hear the guys flow in this mini-Wu reunion.

You can download "Back from the Slums"

This track will have you itching for the full length project and you'll just have to wait. You know how these things go: there's usually a release date (in this case April 7th), then it's either pushed back or it gets leaked.

Also, here's "Criminology 2" (again, lacking creativity on the title), but this is that killer combo of Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. You already know.

Other Raekwon resources:

• Raekwon interview w/Pitchfork on "Linx 2"

So all of you hip hopper's w/that old school nostalgia, this is for you. kfox.

Ghostface Killah: Hip Hop for Valentine's Day

This is a quickie because it is a bit late. Just found this and since I am a fan of Ghostface Killah and the list is both interesting and has some humor ... I thought I'd share.

Sad Rap: Hip Hop Laments for Valentine's Day

So let's couple up hip hoppers. There's more love than you think out there. kfox.

Hearing and healing ...

The summer music just keeps on flowing and I want you to be in the know. If you don't have any of the hot tracks, you should at least be knowledgeable of who is 'bout it.

Here is what I am diggin this week: Earmint and Aloe Blacc.

I've had both of these cds for several weeks. I have been spinning them equally (alongside the Ghostface Killah and Oh No).

First, Earmint was a pleasant surprise. I almost overlooked it, but my attentive summer intern brought it to my attention. Earmint is the beat maker and a wonderful beatmaker he is. His "Another Early Evening" was bangin on the very first track, "The Flashy Slang" featuring PsalmOne. "The Flashy Slang" has a nice slow rhythm to it. Psalm One gives the song flavor with her style of lyricism. But forgive me if I'm wrong, but I went to put this track in rotation on my radio show and I believe the hook on the song says "...let ya nuts hang, hang..." It's a bit crafty and I did not take my chances on putting it on the air. And of course, since the phrase in question is in the hook, I did not bother to perform an edit. Who is at a loss here...? My die hard listeners - both of them, oh yeah. Record companies kill me - they edit some of the profanity, but they leave in 'flashy slang.' Anyway, Earmint is flowing with the beats throughout the project. And despite his skill set, he enlists the talents of Murs, Longshot, Roc C, Illogic and others. It's a little less than an hours worth of sound, but you will dig this one, fo sho.

I've mentioned the Aloe Blacc project previously. I warmed up to it nicely, but I am just getting around to writing about it. "Shine Through" is a combination of hip hop, R&B, latin beats and more. Just good music with hip hop interwoven throughout. Blacc puts his spin on two classics, yet he manages to personalize each one and makes them his own. The first track is "Long Time Coming." You remember this one best from the Sam Cooke catalogue - "A Change is Gonna Come". The musical composition is unique - some sampling and with a snare drum kicking it thoughout. On this track, Blacc's voice is somber yet hopeful. Nice cover.

Then Blacc goes and touches John Legend's "Ordinary People" - in spanish! (it shows up as untitled track #15, though there are only 14 tracks listed for the disk). I'd first read about this and I thought, 'oh no ... that's death on vinyl or disk.' Boy was I wrong. Blacc gives the track a lil salsa flava and the song remains recognizable yet fresh. Again, his voice has just the right amount of intonation and it is so soothing to listen to. I think John Legend would enjoy it. Overall, I really like the entire Aloe Blacc cd from front to back. It is in the 'A' range. He lets go with his lyrical flow on "Caged Birdsong" and I like that one a lot. Blacc has a great deal of creativity and variety on this project. Love that.

One more thing, the new DMX - "Year of the Dog Again" - is out and though he is far from indy/underground, his message is on par with my style - positivity. I like the track
"Lord Give Me a Sign." How many times have I put in that very request? You too, huh? Of course, X brings it with his usual grimy delivery and he nails it. His aggressive style just get me hyped and makes me feel authoritative. He has these catchy, sing-songy hooks. Works every time.

So now you know what I know, but don't let it go to waste (like your Sunday evenings watching a certain 'video' channel - and ask me how I know what you are watching?) ... stay true, kfox

NOTE: cd cover art courtesy of the respective record companies.