Song of the day: Heltah Skeltah - Midnight Madness (feat. DJ Revolution [M-phazes remix])

Since it's motherfucking New Years Eve and everyone is gonna lose their fucking minds for absolutely no fucking reason at midnight, I thought this was an appropriate choice..! Happy day just like any other fucktards..! Enjoy!

{Video} Jay-z - On To The Next One (feat. Swizz Beats)

Ummm... whatever.

{Download} Crooked I - Streets On Lock

A new track from Crooked I dropped today... and it's awesome. I love raps that attack rap... because, let's face it... rap sucks. I am kinda pissed though, because if you know me at all you know I'm not really a Slaughterhouse person, but the last two joints I have heard from members of Slaughterhouse have been dirty as hell... Well met gentlemen... well met! Enjoy! Crooked I - Streets On Lock

{Download} Revalation - The Revalation Will Not Be Televised (mixtape)

The new mixtape from rapper Revalation dropped today... listen to it and let him know what's up by leaving a comment... or don't, whatever. Enjoy! Revalation - The Revalation Will Not Be Televised

{Download} No Mercy - Who Is No Mercy (mixtape)

New mixtape from rapper No Mercy dropped yesterday... I'm late, my bad. Enjoy! No Mercy - Who Is No Mercy

Jay Electronica - (King Michael Jackson) Audiograph Memorial {Video}

From the Horse's Mouth Himself -

"I made this because i have loved Michael Jackson all of my life. All of my memories from about 5 years old or so (which is about as far back as i remember with some ease) can be tied to or associated with or landmarked by some musical contribution of Michael Jackson at that time. From then, all the way to now. He is a dark fingerprint on a very large part of who I am and who most of the people I know personally are. And thats why i posted this picture along with this song. The response to this song is amazing, and overwhelming and i appreciate all of the love and support it is recieving from everywhere. And i dedicate all of this positive energy toward a Great Hero of mine (although not perfect) who has performed many miracles in his physical life and who has and will be for many moons continue to be a glowing light in the dark for those who see something better inside of themselves and have the will and desire to pursue it. Evolution. May our good works be recorded and duplicated, and may our sins be recorded and forgiven. Amen"

Kendrick Lamar EP {Download}

"This is the Kendrick Lamar Experience: the beginning of the story of the good kid, that just wants to rap."

K.Dot aka Kendrick Lamar drops his long awaited EP which is crazy from beginning to end, kid got bars.

Download HERE

Song of the day: Guilty Simpson - Man's World

I love this song... That is all.

{Download} J Dizle - Best Of J Dilla (if you love Dilla - and you better fucking LOVE Dilla, you don't want to miss this...)

The amazin' people over at RapRadar.com put together a fucking awesome mixtape (well, three technically) of J Dilla's most notable work. . . and these mixtapes are no joke, each having over 50 songs on them. . . if you're a Dilla fanatic like myself, these mixtapes are a reason to get up in the morning... To the good people at RapRadar.com: SALUTE! To everyone else: Enjoy motherfuckers!

Just Dizle - Best Of J Dilla

Song of the day: MF DOOM - Hoe Cakes

A classic choice for the song of the day... enjoy this shit, and while you're at it, give MM..FOOD a listen. . . it's one of my all time favorites as of late. . . HAWT SHIT! © DOOM

Judge this shit for yourself... again: No Mercy

No Mercy, a previous participant in 'Judge this shit for yourself', just put out a new song/video, and wanted me to make it available for ya'll to view/comment on. . . so here you go motherfuckers!

No Mercy - Goin In On Em

{Download} Royce Da 5'9" - Pick Ma Balls

Okay so... maybe I'm not the biggest Slaughterhouse fan. . . and maybe I haven't talked about Royce that much in comparison to how much I talk about other artists from the D. . . but honestly, this track is. . . well... ummm... how do I say this? Lemme think... ummmm. . . It's REALLY FUCKING GOOD. Like, really... This shit is going in the car... on repeat... riiiiiiiigggghhhhhttttt... NOW. Enjoy! Royce Da 5'9" - Pick Ma Balls

{Download} Fashawn – Memory Lane

So, if you know me at all you know I'm not the biggest fan of this dude... but, whatever. This song is... and... over some Nas shit? Off Illmatic? Again, whatever... Enjoy! Or don't, I don't care. Fashawn - Memory Lane

{Download} Statik Selektah – Come Around (feat. Talib Kweli, Termanology & Royce Da 5′9″)

New Statik Selektah - Come Around featuring a whole HOST of motherfuckers..! Enjoy this shit!

{Video} The Cool Kids - Tires (feat. Boldy James)

I'm not the biggest Cool Kids fan, but this song isn't bad... it isn't. . . what I would call. . . you know, good, per se. But, it's not bad... Enjoy!

Song of the day: OJ Simpson - Coroner's Music

If you are anything like me... and your taste in music DOESN'T suck... you are eagerly awaiting the collab of Guilty 'I'll fuck you AND ya' momma up' Simpson x Madlib. . . until it drops... Enjoy!

Judge this shit for yourself: Kino Beats

Listen: Kino Beats - Say Hello To The Future

What makes you different and/or better than some of the more popular producers (Swizz Beats, Kanye West, Madlib, etc) in the game right now?

What makes me different is being that I am from VA, I am a hybrid when it comes to sounds. I can provide a east coast records with a dope sample and crisp drums or I can produced a southern record with a "trap" feel.

Why do you love hip hop?

I love Hip Hop cause it provides a great outlet for so many people outside of just rapping and producing. There are so many job titles included in the field of Hip Hop and it develops careers for those doing what they love.

Why should we/I give a fuck?

That question will be clear in 2010. Since I started at the age of 13 I gradually got better and hit more and more of my annual goals. Now at 19 I have worked with Young Money, Byrdgang, Dipset, We the Best and many others. So this year everything I have done so far will be taken to the next level.

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @KinoBeats

{Video} Souls of Mischief - Proper Aim

This song and video are dope... oh Souls of Mischief. . . how I love thee. This track is off of their latest, Montezuma's Revenge, which is out now... Enjoy!

Song of the day: Que D. - Rock Box

The homeboy and I were talking about our favorite Dilla beats today, and this was one of his... a classic choice, so I chose it... see how that works? Yep. Like that... Enjoy!

Judge this shit for yourself: Kid Hum

Listen: Kid Hum - Gingivitis (feat. Sunken State)

1. What makes you different and/or better than some of the more popular producers (Swizz Beats, Kanye West, Madlib, etc) in the game right now?

I made different beats than they did given the time and space we are all allotted on a day to day basis. 

2. Why do you love hip hop?

I just love making beats, it makes me feel like a little kid again. Like you can be a big 25 year old kid in your basement playing with your toys all day and that is still acceptable in society. Well, kind of acceptable.  

3. Why should we/I give a fuck?

I listen to everything, but I am seldom moved by much. When I make music I try to zone out and disconnect from myself, and when I listen to it its like somebody else made it. I like my music more than most music. I make the music I like. 

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @KidHum

Don't be a hypocritical douche bag. . .

A word about the Amazon links that are going up in some posts... Even though I put up downloads on this site (which are... you know, free $0.99), I still believe that if you love an artist, you need to support them by PURCHASING their music... while I am sure some of your favorite MCs and/or beat makers would love it if they didn't have to sell records, they could just make the music they love for everyone to enjoy gratis, thats not the way life works. These motherfuckers got bills, kids, car notes, etc, etc etc. . . They have to live too, and in order to do so, they have to make a profit from their craft that we all claim to love so much... that being said, if you REALLY love the music you purport to, SUPPORT IT. Purchase it. Buy a ticket to see your favorite artist perform live. Whatever. Just, don't be an asshole and claim to love something and then give absolutely nothing back to it... thus, the links to purchase music. Don't get my wrong, you don't have to purchase it from this site, I am just throwing it out there as an option. I don't really care where you purchase it from, as long as it's legal and the people who make the music are also making the profit. That is all.

{Download} Black Milk - Keep Going

This is that new Black Milk - Keep Going, off the ambitiously titled Album Of The Year... I have to admit, I have never been the biggest fan of this dude (I KNOW, I'M SORRY... Jesus), but I actually rather like this track. If this is any indication of how the album is going to be, it looks like it might have a shot at being album of the year... Enjoy!

Song of the day: Kanye West - Get'em High (feat. Talib Kweli & Common)

There was no particular reason behind picking this song today. . . I just like it, so fuck off. But... enjoy!

"My teacher said I was a loser, I told her 'why don't you kill me? I give a fuck if you feel me! I'm gonna follow my heart. . . and if you follow the charts, or the plaques, or the stacks, you ain't gotta guess who's back..." -Yeezy

{Download} Brother Ali - Blizzard

Download that new Brother Ali - Blizzard - shit is kinda hawt. . . I'm not usually a huge Ali fan, but my head was knockin' a little bit to this. . . Enjoy!

{Download} Illecism - Banger Bros

Download the latest track from Illecism entitled 'Banger Bros' here: Illecism - Banger Bros

The opening and closing to this shit are too funny. Enjoy!

Song of the day: Lil Wayne - Dick Pleaser

So... I know this is probably unexpected from me, BUT... A. I just like this track. B. This is an example that Weezy CAN rap. . . he just chooses not to. C. This is my fucking website. . . I will post whatever I want and you will read every God damn word I have to say! That is all... Enjoy!

{Video} Mos Def - History (feat. Talib Kweli) [sneak peak]

Yeah, it's only 30 seconds. . . but its Mos and Talib, so fuckin' enjoy it. . . or don't, whatever.

{Video} Kidz In The Hall - We Gone

This video isn't exactly magical, but the song isn't all that bad. . . the verse is aight, but the beat is fuckin' on point. . . Did I mention I hate when people spell things with a 'z' that should be spelled with an 's'? I'm just sayin'... Enjoy!

{Video} The Making Of SkiBeatz "I Got Mine"

Enjoy!

{Video} SkiBeatz - Taxi (feat. Mos Def) [preview]

Enjoy!

Song of the day: Black Sheep - Shorty

I bet you can't guess what kind of day I'm having based on my song choice for today. . . and that's because you're a fucktard! It's sooooo painfully obvious... Enjoy! I am. ;)

{Video} Jay-z - Young Forever (feat. Mr. Hudson)

And you wonder why I don't listen to Jay-z. . . listening to this song was like hearing the goings on at a rave. . . in New Jersey. . . in 1998. But I know YOU are all a bunch of Hov lovers... so here you go motherfuckers! Enjoy!

{Video} Beatnick & K-Salaam - Don't Die (feat. Bun B, 88-keys & Colin Munroe)

Is that the little nigga from The Wire?! NAMOND?! God damn. . . that alone made this shit worth watch. Though the song isn't bad (even the the chorus does get a bit. . . how can I put this nicely. . . annoying? Yeah, okay, that works. . . annoying, after a while), and the video ain't bad either. . . Enjoy!

{Video} Jay Electronica - Dear Moleskine (alternate trailer)

There is a verse on this video. . . be patient. Enjoy!

{Video} Slum Village - Da Night

A new Slum Village video... do I really need to say more? That is fucking all.

Song of the day: Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)

I would literally sell my soul if Lauryn Hill would come back to music in full effect. . . she was so amazing, and a perfect example of how women are just as good, if not better, than men in hip hop. . . I'm just sayin'.

Nicki Minaj... yeah, I'm going there.

So, I was talking to someone recently about what I wanted my next article to be about, and they suggested I write a piece on my feelings about Nicki Minaj. . . Now, if you know me at all, you already know, I don't like Nicki Minaj... that being said, my reasons for disliking for, and your reasons for disliking her... or rather, the reasons you may THINK I dislike her, are probably different.

Let's just take this from the top, shall we? Good then.

I want to start out on a positive note, and even defend Miss Minaj a bit (I know, what? Me? Defend her?! Fuck outta here... but seriously). I think that, in a society full of females trying to pass themselves off as something they're not (how many 'models', 'actresses', 'singers', etc, do you see on whatever social networking site you frequent that you look at and say 'yeah the fuck right'... I'm just sayin'), Nicki Minaj is one of few who is actually doing a job being what she is... now, whether what she is is a good thing or not is up for debate, but at least she is keepin' it a hunnid.

Barbie. As much as that term is viciously abused by heinous girls/women all over the world, it does represent something. It represents a plastic doll. Nicki Minaj refers to herself, and her legion of... females... as Barbies, Barbz, Barbie bitches, etc... In my opinion, that's the perfect moniker (dictionary.com it punk ass) for her. Barbies are fake, they're plastic, and they serve a purpose: to look good and entertain people... simple minded people, but people none the less. On those grounds, I think Nicki Minaj calling herself a Barbie is perfectly logical, and I commend her for that. I take that as her way of telling the world, 'don't take me seriously, as I am merely here for your most base level entertainment'.

That being said, I want to further defend Miss Minaj and her use of the term Barbie to refer to herself. I have seen a lot of talk lately from people bagging on Americas favorite Barbie bitch for (purportedly) having had some plastic surgery to enhance her bust and/or ass... Can I just say. . . WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU EXPECT FROM SOMEONE WHO REFERS TO THEMSELVES AS A BARBIE? She has named herself after a plastic doll. . . is it REALLY that surprising that she has turned herself into. . . well. . . a plastic doll? I mean, honestly. . . do you people know what a Barbie is? What it represents? She would be misrepresenting herself if she didn't have plastic surgery to obtain what is in her mind the perfect body. . . let's be honest here; if Nicki Minaj looked like Jill Scott, no one would listen to her music. . . and they CERTAINLY wouldn't stand behind the use of the term 'Barbie', because Jill Scott and her image do not accurately represent a Barbie. Nicki Minaj, in many ways (in terms of current standards of beauty) does.

That being said, I also want to throw this thought out there: What does having plastic surgery have to do with your ability to rap? Everyone seems to be so up in arms about the fact that her ass and tits are fake, and thus they don't want to listen to her music. . . why? Does silicone decrease your ability to write a solid verse? I was under the impression that it didn't, but. . . I mean. . . I could be wrong. I guess.

The point I am trying to make here is that. . . well. . . you people hate Nicki Minaj for all the wrong reasons. . . Her calling herself a Barbie, though annoying, and obnoxious, and. . . stupid, is still accurate, and one has to give her points for being honest with everyone. Also, like I said already, what does her plasticness have to do with her ability to rhyme? Build a bridge, put your Heelys, and skate over that bitch, cause that really shouldn't even be an issue. It's my opinion that people who dislike Nicki Minaj because they think she has had plastic surgery are probably just mad that they don't look like her/can't get a girl that looks like her, in which case, that's on YOU. Step your fuckin' game up, don't hate on her for that...

That being said. . . I personally hate Nicki Minaj's music. . . and I am not all that fond of her as a person either, BUT... that doesn't have an effect on how I feel about her music. Let me preface this by saying one thing: In terms of her actual rap 'skills', she's not bad. . . she is better than many fake internet rappers/McDonalds fry cooks. . . but being able to rap is only half the battle. . . to be a truly good rapper, you have to be able to rap, sound good, and have subject matter that. . . well, isn't horrible. . . it's in the last two categories that Miss Minaj fails in my opinion.

"These bitches so cranky, give them a hanky...

But mami I'm cold, give me my blanky..."

Like I was saying, in terms of content and sound, this bitch fails at life. . . The word blanky and hip hop are not two things that go together. . . it's like another rapper that Rhymes 'quail' with 'jail'. . . *cough* Hov *cough*. But that's not the only thing Miss Minaj and Jay-z have in common. . . in fact, I like they are quite similar, which is probably why I like neither of them... Follow my logic here for a moment. Nicki Minaj is a cocky, mildly talented rapper who does nothing but rap about how amazing she is and how shitty you are... Who doesn't that remind you of? The only difference between her and Hov is he doesn't it by talking about all the shit he owns and his broad. . . she does it by talking about how much better looking she is than you... But, its the same premise. . . these two individuals tell you how good they are, how they are a better rapper than you, how they are better than you in general, because of what they own or how they look. . . and you listen to that message, and never question it. Nor do you question their musical abilities, which is beyond me, but whatever.

That being said, there is one difference between Nicki Minaj and Jay-z. . . and no, I don't mean her implants. . . I mean, Nicki Minaj is always going to be questioned more than Jay-z simply because she is female. . . this is an inevitable fact. As women, whenever we enter a typically 'male domain' (such as hip hop), we are always looked upon as secondary. . . a guest if you will. What I mean by this is, Nicki Minaj could have the exact same skills as Jay-z, be loved by just as many people (she has a lot of fucking fans), etc, but, she will NEVER be taken as seriously as Jay-z, because she is a female...

I don't know if you have noticed this trend when it comes to female rappers, but, for the most part, female rappers usually go one of two ways. . . they are either overtly sexual (Lil Kim, Trina, Nicki Minaj, etc) or they are particularly masculine (for whatever reason). . . Now, there have been a few exceptions to this rule. . . Lauryn Hill for example, who, in my opinion, embodied the best possible balence for a female MC. . . but we see where she is now. My point here is that, it feels like, for a female to succeed in this game, she has to either get herself to a point where men look at her as. . . well. . . one of them. . . or, as extremely attractive in a sexual way. Now, it seems like, from my experience, the former get more respect from males, but don't get as far, while the later, the forwardly sexual, go much father than their masculine counterparts, but are never taken as seriously. I think that someone female MCs think they can use their sexuality as a way to get their foot in the door, but unfortunately, when people come to expect something from you. . . you sort of have to deliver on that to keep their interest. This is why, if tomorrow Nicki Minaj kept rapping the exact same way, but started wearing cardigans, khakis, and loafers, she would lose her whole following. With her, it's not about her skill... its about her image.

To me, that's unfortunate on two levels. One, people will like her whether she is good or not based on how she looks. Two, people will dislike her whether she is good or not based on how she looks. In my opinion, this is bad business. I am not saying that for males, image has nothing to do with it. . . but, um. Well... lesssssbbbbiiiihhhhhoooonnneeeesssstttt... MANY male rappers are unattractive. . . yet it has absolutely no effect on their level of popularity. . . If Nicki Minaj looked like a female version of Biggie, none of us would have even ever heard of her. . . if we are talking about real life here, then we all have to agree with the fact that a man can be ugly and succeed in the rap game. . . a women, not so much. For not so provocative and/or attractive females who want to rap, this is a problem, and it's not fair...

Now, there is a flip side to this problem, and that is, attractive females with huge boobs and a nice ass (real or not) are not only accepted into the game. . . but in some cases, they are held to a lower standard. . . There are SO many problems with that... being pretty does not make you a good rapper, and it certainly shouldn't give you a pass on being annoying... You want to be honest? Let's be honest. Nicki Minaj is annoying, but she can rap, her verses just suck because they are about stupid fake shit that no one should care about and her voice makes me want to slit my wrists. . . but she looks good in a bra and panties and not much else, so people are embracing her. . . they are saying 'Meh, she's cute so. . . fuck it, let's let this shit go'. That line of thinking is wrong. Period. It's wrong. I don't care if she wants to walk around naked with the words 'fuck me' painted on her body in chocolate... if the conglomeration of hip hop is going to embrace her, it should be on the basis of her skill alone.

If she does have fake breasts and a fake ass, why do you think thats the case? Do you think that was for her own edification? Probably not. . . I am guessing, her lady parts enlarged because she knew all about the point I am trying to make here. . . that she was only going to become popular by appealing to the publics sexual desires. . . not their musical ones. For that reason, I both respect and disrespect her, because. . . I mean, mission accomplished. You really can't knock her hustle. . . she makes horrible music and everyone loves her, how can you really look at that and not respect it (I don't mean respect the music, I mean respect that fact that she has made a name for herself)? She didn't just luck up either. I think all of this, everything that she is, it was all very strategic, and in that regard, I respect her. On the other hand, I would respect her more if she came to the table with some amazing skill showcased on some amazing tracks (big tits or not). . . so in that sense, she took the low road in my opinion, and that's kinda wack. . . don't get me wrong, if you are a sexual female, that likes to be provocative, etc, I don't knock that. AT ALL. But, have something more to offer than just that. . . that's my point. Especially when you are trying to pass yourself off as a rapper. There are enough garbage rappers in the world, just because you come in a prettier package, doesn't make you any less garbage.

"A yo', I was on the plane with the Wayne
You can call me Whitley, I go to Hillman
Listen, I'm the baddest in the school, the baddest in the game
Excuse me honey, but nobody's in my lane..."

Really? REALLY? In what world is that 'good' hip hop? Have the standard gone down SO LOW that we will just accept anything as being good? As long as someone just isn't piss poor at spittin' rhymes, it's all good? This broad is like the female Gucci Mane, accept, I think she is actually a better rapper! But in terms of content? Get the fuck outta here! I have listened to several songs of hers, and it's all the same Harajuku Barbie Bad Bitch BULLSHIT over and over again. . . Either the mainstream American musical audience is really fucking stupid, or something isn't right here.

When Nas said hip hop is dead. . . this is what he meant. There is no standard anymore... ESPECIALLY for women. . . and there will continue to be no standard until we create one and start holding artists to it.



Like I said before, it's not her actual rhyming abilities that are horrible, it's her sound and here content.

Please tell me her voice doesn't make you want to slit your wrists. . . PLEASE TELL ME THAT. I mean, for a singer to be considered talented, they have to sound good. . . including of course, their tone. . . maybe not to the same extent, but this goes for rappers as well. . . and in terms of sound, I honestly cannot see how anyone can stand to listen to this broad. I mean really. . . really? She sounds like she has the accent of a white girl from LA. . . combined with a black chick from Jersey. . . that's just really obnoxious.

Also, her content. . . I mean, content is personal, and so lot of discussion is not needed here. . . if you can relate to a woman talking about being a lesbian, riding a good dick, wanting to be named after a woman who sucked the presidents dick, and a whole host of other crazy, nonsensical, bizarre, and, yeah, annoying, shit. . . then God damnit, Nicki Minaj is the rapper for you! But I, even being a female, cannot relate to that. . . and I certainly don't see how any male could find that at all appealing. . . but whatever.

"And they be thinkin they can spit, spit shine my shoes
You know I keep a bad bitch, let me sign ya' boobs
I'm the only thing hoppin', like a kangaroo
I mean the only thing poppin', like a can of brew..."

Ummm. . . Yeah, okay. DOOM could TOTALLY get away with that. . . in an alternate universe. . . if there were no other living beings in it. . . and he couldn't even hear himself say it. . . Really though, it's garbage, like pretty much everything else she says. . . which is actually a shame because, if her voice didn't make me want to end my life, and she talked about something. . . anything. . . other than what she raps about now. . . she could actually be pretty legit.

I guess in summation. . . Nicki Minaj is not a bad rapper. . . per se. Her music IS terrible, but she can rap. . . maybe she just shouldn't. I mean, just because you CAN do something, doesn't mean you SHOULD... I'm just sayin'.

{Video} Ras Kass - Thank You

The fact that the first thing you hear in this music video is the theme song from the TV show The Golden Girls makes it the most awesome video ever in life... 5 minutes of Lil Wayne shooting up heroin and picking at zits could have followed it. . . it would STILL be the most awesome music video ever. . . in life. . . That is all.

Song of the day: Danny Brown & Elzhi - Contra

This beat... plus the verbal craziness. . . if all hip hop was this raw, I don't know what I would fucking do with myself. Enjoy!

"I need a bitch with more class than a school day..." -Elzhi

Song of the day: The Roots - What They Do

The Roots need no explanation. . . . that is all. Enjoy!

Song of the day: Nas - Can't Forget About You (feat. Chrisette Michelle)

I'm in a Nas state of mind. . . not much more to it than that. . . I could have gone with classic Nas, but the truth is, I love this track, so. . . Enjoy!

Onyx - Black Rock (Dame Dash Diss)

LMFAO @ "I got Oprah on the other line". . . This video. . . ummm. . . well, yeah. Enjoy! Or not. . . whatever.

{Video} Freeway & Jake One - Know What I Mean

This beat is nice. . . the verse ain't bad either, but Freeways fuckin' beard. . . I just don't know. Anywhos © DOOM ... enjoy!

{Video} Kendrick Lamar - Interview/A Little Appalled (freestyle)

This freestyle is kinda nice. . . Enjoy!

{Video} Nardwuar vs. KiD CuDi (interview)

So. . . umm. . . this is a KiD CuDi interview. . . yep, that is all. Enjoy!

Song of the day: Slum Village - Call Me (feat. Dwele)

I hate this fucking song... Enjoy! Or don't, whatever.

Hawdwerk & Jansport J. . . the interview.

After reviewing their latest and greatest, High Power Moves, I thought it might be a good idea to interview these two. . . they have made what is, in my opinion, a pretty amazing first LP together, and I just thought you might want to know a bit more about them. . . or not, whatever.

Tell us about who you are, where you are from, and all that bullshit…

H: I go by the name of Hawdwerk, emcee based out of West Covina, Ca. My friend Kawnflixx gave me the name. He's from Jersey, hence the East coast drawl; "hawd" instead of hard. I've been rapping actively for about 3-4 years, writing for about 14 years and finally decided to follow my dream, cliche but I'm a lot happier now.
J: I'm Jansport J, from the lesser known Covina, CA...about 5 min from West Covina. How ironic. I'm the producer. Basically I make beats, send emails, and tweet a lot.

How did you two come together? Conceptually, how does it work?

H: I met Jansport through a mutual friend "Funklogik" from my crew the "Cov Originals". He sent us some tracks for his project "Carry-on Experience" pretty much every track we did made the cut. After that he sent me beats for my solo project, which was takin a rocky start, and it just kinda developed into us workin on a rapper+producer colllab album. We have a mutual respect for each other as artists, and he arranges his production a lot differently than ... all the producers I've worked with, which made it easy for me lyrically because he doesn't sound like anyone else. I just listen to the beats and then write around the production... in other words I let the beat tell the story and I just narrate it vocally. We've never had a conceptual conflict. *knocks on wood*
J: Yessir, every time we collaborated on a track dating back to my compilation album in Sept 08, we had great chemistry. His lyricism was providing the exact vision I had for the beat, which as a producer, I can say rarely happens. It's usually a give-and-take of creative ideas when working with an artist, but it always seemed as if Hawdwerk and I were on the same page. It also helped that we are both goofy and crack jokes 24/7.

The LP title, High Power Moves. . . explain it.

H: Basically when we started workin on the project we wanted to make the dopest shit anyones ever heard.... honestly. I came up with the title after Jansport said "its gotta be somethin that says we're here and there's nothing you can do about it" I say "I want it to sound like we hit you upside the head and while you're dazed and confused ... we rob you" ... titles pretty fitting.
J: Yep, this was a statement album. It was about making our mark as Hawdwerk & Jansport J. There is a ton of dope music coming out of LA in particular, and we felt like our sound and angle we provide was missing. I respected him immensely as an artist, and he felt the same about our production. With us being from the same area and having a similar ambitious mindset, we figured we could make these "high power moves" together.

Who are your influences, both as a group and individually?

H: I don't think we have any influences as a unit. It’s easy to compare us to a “Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth" or "Self Scientific" (Chace Infinite and DJ Khalil) based off of the rapper+producer concept, but we never really set out to be the next duo... we just became one. Personally I'm influenced by DJ Quik, Xzibit, Busta Rhymes, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Black Thought, Kurupt, Strong Arm Steady, Planet Asia, Nas, and a long list of others for various reasons. Surprisingly I've had people compare me to Del the Funky Homosapien, Tupac, and Chamillionaire ... CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD COMPLETELY but its great cause it means I'm doin what I want to do and not be seen as "that kind of artist".
J: There are 4 in particular that I’m heavily influenced by: Dilla, 9th Wonder, Pete Rock and DJ Premier. Although I'm no longer the biggest fan, Timbaland was the sole reason I ever wanted to be a producer. I use to ride around with my Dad when I was 13 listening to "Welcome to our World" and trying to mimic the drum patterns with my hands and lap. As a duo, not to sound like a prick, but I think our own personalities and talents influence us. The way Hawdwerk is able to convey his personality 100% through his lyricism is influential. We want people to hear our music, and feel like they know us when they meet us. Not be surprised by the individuals they meet.

What do you want to become in terms of music? What do you NOT want to become? Why?

H: I want to be respected as a lyricist and make a living. The fame and fortune sounds nice but not at the cost of my artistry or moral and personal stands. Music is life so my music isn't always squeaky clean nor is it always raunchy, at the end of the day it’s all bullshit and I make it sound good, haha. I’d hate to be the next "remember that guy". But I can only go as far as God allows me, as long as I keep gettin right with him, and steadily workin on my craft, I’ll be successful.
J: All I want from music is to continue to make honest, quality music, and to make a living off of it. Whether that be 100k per beat one day, or 35k per year. I want music to be my full-time profession. I also look forward to seeing like artists like Hawdwerk flourish so I can make a lot of money off of them and trick like I got it.

So this is what Hawdwerk & Jansport J sound like. . . Hmmm.

Listen: Hawdwerk & Jansport J - High Power Moves

Coming straight outta So Cal, Hawdwerk and Jansport J are a duo I had heard about in passing (as is the case with many a rapper/beat maker, as I try to stay up on this California hip hop shit...), but had never actually heard until recently. Their LP, High Power Moves, was recently put out, and so I thought. . . what the fuck, Imma review this shit. So, here we go:

Track one: Live From The 626
From jump, I had a feeling I would be feelin’ this LP. From the opening lines from a humorously corny announcer type, to the upbeat, yet not corny beat… it led me to think this was going to be a good, all round happy, little album. This first song is definitely an upbeat one, in more ways than one. With no mention of what I have come to expect from most rappers, which is what Kanye termed ‘bullshit ice rap’, I was fairly happy with what I heard from from the beginning. No overt cockiness, seemingly none of what I like to call ‘misplaced rap’ (rappers that talk about shit they have no clue about/have never experienced/have no business rapping about). At the same time, the first track was just okay. I mean, it was good, in that it was better than what most people are putting out right now, but it wasn’t. . . great.

Track two: Rap Hustle
Ooooowwwweeeee, a dope beat. Now we’re in business. . . I even like the “I know better than you opener” that proceeds the actual flow. This song def has lines, from “Yeah it’s getting’ cold, bitch niggas better cuddle up, we runnin’ on an audible, there’s no need to huddle up” to “Ya’ll niggas wanna verse, I’m like kick me up a grand, I can’t freestyle for life, I need them hundreds in advance”. Overall, this was a vastly more than satisfactory track, which, if it was released as a single, could reach a wide audience, both based on the sound and subject matter. This is a song that rappers and civilians alike could relate to, and I am DEF feelin’ the fact that this rapper seems to only be talkin’ about shit he actually know about. You got beats and you got rhymes. What else do you want?

3. Track three: Wow!

So, I am gonna be honest. This beat was not my favorite when the track first started. I thought it might grow on me. . . it didn’t. It’s a really fast beat, with a spacey feel, and the rhyme is, not my favorite. I see the vision behind this track, but it honestly feels gimmicky and sort of unoriginal in terms of content. The issue I have with the beat is just one of personal preference, but the chorus is annoying, and the flow/subject matter is less than appealing. Overall, again, not my favorite track.

Track four: That Spliff feat. Poetik Force & El Prez
On this track I was feelin’ this beat much more than the last one, which is DEF a good thing. This is like a spacey party track, which seems like it wouldn’t work, but it actually does. The first guest MC (Poetik Force), wasn’t my favorite, but El Prez and Hawdwerk both did an aight job with this track, and made something I think any smoker would appreciate. It’s not really ‘fun’ per se, but it’s lightweight in subject matter (weed, duh), and it has a beat that will catch you and have you knockin’ your head to and singin’ “that spliff” in no time. Though the beat outshines the flow on this track, it’s not by much, and it’s not even necessarily a bad thing that it does, as it’s a great beat.

Track five: All I Need
So I see we like spacey feels here. Hmmmm, I can’t help but think this might get a bit old, but let’s see how it goes. As for this track, it reminds me of the first, not really in terms of the sound, but in terms of the fact that both tracks make these two dudes, Jansport J and Hawdwerk, seem like two young, potentially talented, idealistic, optimistic, untainted young men. This track just screams “I’m young”. Which is cool, I think we need more music that speaks to youth, but it’s not necessarily what I, a grown as woman, want to be listening to. I’m just saying. Over all, this, like most of the other tracks on this LP so far, is good, but not really anything to write home about. That’s the general problem I could foresee this album having… it’s being, for all intensive purposes, a good album, but that’s it. Nothing special, not a stand out, just. . . okay.

Track six: She Smiles feat. J7
Apparently I spoke to soon. From jump, I am hearing what I think is a sample from The Carpenters - We’ve Only Just Begun, and I am already impressed. Beat = on point. But does the flow match up? Actually, yes, it does. I happen to be a lover of story telling in rap, (N A S spells? Yeah, like that.), and this track definitely has a story to tell. Not only that, the chorus is beautiful. This is the first track I heard that I really felt like, ‘damn, I need to download this track so I can knock it in the ride’. It’s a gorgeous track, with a well spoken, thoughtful, and, yeah, fuckin’ adorable flow and chorus, and the beat is just perfect. This is the type of track, were I to hear it on the radio, I would call up the station to find out who it was… it’s that kinds good. It’s feel good… and what’s better than a track that makes you feel good? I’m just sayin’.

Track seven: Ride
So, though I LOVED the last track (I literally listened to it three or four times before I moved onto the next), I was a bit worried it was a fluke. Even the worst rappers/beat makers can have one good track on their LP. . . though it’s not usually quite as good as that one, you never know. I was wrong, this track failed to disappoint as well. The beat is nice, and the flow is nice, with another hot chorus. At this point I am thinking, this LP is DEF taking a turn I like, and I am hoping this more relaxed, yet adult vibe I have gotten off of the last few tracks lasts. The vibe off this song is so chill, and the beat and rhyme go hand in hand. That is until you get to about the last minute of the track. . . there is a little surprise in terms of a change in the flow of things, but it’s well met, and I was feelin’ this song from start to finish.

Track eight: Throw The Bombs
This track if definitely a different feel than the last two, which I kinda feared, because I was thinkin’ that the whole relaxed vibe was this duos niche, and if they strayed, it wouldn’t sound good. Incorrect. This track is actually quite good. It feels so primal with a really basic beat, that almost sounds like you are listening to a few rappers sitting around a table pounding on it to make a beat. But that’s a good thing… it feels really intense. This is an example of stripping a group down, and seeing what they’re really made of. Seeing what can be done with no games, no gimmicks. In my opinion, this is a great opportunity to show off skill, and it was utilized. This is also the first track where the verse potentially outshines the beat, though there is DEF something about that grimy beat that really stands out too. Perhaps my favorite track so far.

Track nine: Gremlins
Ummmm. . . yes. So. . . yes. I. . . yes. This is not my favorite track. . . and not even because it’s a bad track per se, because it’s not. . . it’s just corny. And I hate that. But that’s a personal preference, and corny seems to sell, so from that standpoint, I feel like ‘people’ might like this track, I just don’t happen to. . . moving right along.

Track ten: High Power Moves
Awww, I was hooked from jump off this beat. It’s grimy as fuck, and I LOVE it. This track is a lot like track 8, Throw The Bombs, both in sound and in feel, and that’s probably why I like it so much. Basically just read my review for that track, the same comments apply. Solid beat, fluid rhyme, great track. That is all.

Track eleven: Believers feat. Prophit & Avi The Most Ill
Wow. . . just. . .wow. . . this beat made me want to bust out my apartment and go on an angry ass power walk or some shit. It’s fucking AMAZING. That, followed up by the first guest MCs verse. . . This track sold me on the entire LP. Every other track could be garbage, but hearing this would have made it all worth it. This track demonstrates a level of creativity, uniqueness, and just all around talent that so many people are not coming with… probably because they don’t have it. It’s usually an either or proposition with the aforementioned criteria, but this track has it all, and it just kills it. It almost reminds me of some Beastie Boys type craziness, but just on a totally different level. It even has some witty fuckin’ lines. I honestly could not ask anything more from this track, and I kinda wanna just go Radio Raheem this shit in front of record company offices screaming “THIS IS IT”. What else can I say? I’m sold. You made a believer out of me with this track... and I know saying that was corny AND cliche, but it's also fuckin' true.

Track tweleve: Hearin’ Shit
You know… as bad as this sounds, I keep waiting for this duo to fuck up, and they haven’t. Another solid track, and I am knee deep in the creativity of the beats on this LP. I am not gonna lie and say the beat of this is something everyone is going to feel, but I feel it, so who fucking cares. This track is kinda campy in ways, but it works, so I don’t mean that to have a negative connotation. The rhyme is great at the fast space, and it really compliments the beat. I am not totally sure about the subject matter, but it sounds good, so further analyzation isn’t really necessary in my opinion. It’s almost of some Geto Boys ‘Mind Is Playing Tricks On Me’ type shit. . . almost. In general though, it’s a solid track.

Track thirteen: Fly As Me feat. No One (Noni Spitz & Dae One) & Chevy Jones
So, I am literally running out of things to say, as the past several tracks have been more than satisfactory. Granted, I think this is a track where the beat outshines the flow, but it’s a REALLY good beat, and the flow isn’t bad, it’s just hard to stand up to such a good beat. Otherwise, again. . . I don’t really know what else I can say. There isn’t much here for me to critique, and in terms of a review, it’s solid as shit, and it sounds great. Well met people, well fuckin’ met. . .

Track fourteen: Computer
Okay, so… I REALLY wanted to hate on this track. . . I listened to it twice, and I couldn’t help but crack up both times… I literally wanted to launch into a tirade about how foul this track was, and how hypocritical, disgusting, disrespectful, etc, etc, etc these types of tracks are. But the truth is, I would be lying if I said I didn’t find it amusing, and for the most part, desperately true. I am just gonna leave it at this: These dudes are assholes for making it, but it’s a good track. I’m just sayin’.

Track fifteen: Change Your Mind
So, again, I am immediately drawn into the beat of this track. . . but the rhyme is well met too, and I am again left thinking, damn, how many tracks have I heard now and not really been able to hate on? Too many. This isn’t my favorite track on the album, as I can’t really relate to it, but it’s still a good overall track, with a great beat. Moving on.

Track sixteen: Season Finale
So. . . they waited til the final track to really come with some hawt ass verses. Interesting. The save the best for last theory? I guess. This is a good beat, don’t get me wrong, but the rhyme really stands out here. The message is clear, concise, and we thought out. I really was feelin’ this song, and it made me take the lyrical aspect of this LP seriously. This track made me want to go back and re-listen to the whole album again. I feel like this was a really good way to end the album, as the song definitely leaves you wanting to re-experience what you just did with the whole album, trying to listen for something you might have missed, or hear things in a different way. A very solid track with a very solid flow and message.

Overall, I have to say I was feelin’ this album. There were a few tracks in the beginning that had me like ‘oh this is gonna be some fuckery’. . . but, not the case. I have said this before and I will say it again, even my most favorite albums have a few songs on them that I skip when listening to them. On the whole, this is a unique, creative, fun, and talent driven LP, in both beats and verses. I would definitely recommend giving this album a good listening to, probably a few times… some of the tracks from this LP are definitely making it into my MP3 player for some strong play. All and all, well met. . . That is all.

Song of the day: Blu and Exile - So(ul) Amazin'

Blu is like one of. . . maybe two rappers that makes me feel like California is holding their own in this hip hop shit... let me just say this: No matter how hard you try, you'll never be a better rapper than Blu... Ever. That is all.

{Video} Styles P & DJ Green Lantern - Legal Money

This may be the coolest music video I've ever seen... and the song's not bad either. Enjoy!

{Video} Raekwon - Pyrex Vision [NSFW]

That's a whole lotta ass. . . and boobs. That is all. Enjoy! (I didn't even really need to say that this time did I?)

{Video} Ro Spit & Monica Blaire - Renaissance State of Mind

The 'Oh S#!T Project' by Ro Spit was the first thing I reviewed for this blog, and honestly, it was the reason I really ever took this whole 'blogging' thing seriously. . . I said it before, I'll say it again; I love this song... and the video makes me miss Detroit... okay, whatever... Enjoy!

Song of the day: Souls Of Mischief - From 93 Till Infinity

Damn. . . this song is, was, and always will be the best song comin' out of Oakland. . . this isn't the song of the day, this is the song of my childhood. Enjoy!

{Video} French Montana - New York Minute (Remix) (feat. Ma$e)

At first I was lightweight confused about this whole 'feat. Ma$e' thing. . . I was like, 'ain't that nigga a preacher or something?' Then I started watching the video, and I was even more confused about why the first, oh, minute and 30 seconds are even on here... who the fuck cares? But once you actually get to the part where Ma$e is rappin'. . . I'm not gonna lie, it's not bad. But. . . what do YOU think? Enjoy!

Song of the day: Marv Won - Rite Back

Listen: Marv Won - Rite Back

With the re-release of The Way Of The Won, and the impending release of Wayne Fontes, Marv Won is holding it down for Detroit. . . he is also holding it down for. . . well. . . the internet? As he has agreed to an interview with this horrible website, set to come at you around the same time Wayne Fontes is set to drop. . . in honor of all that, I have chosen 'Rite Back' as the song of the day. . . make sure you check out The Way Of The Won and look for Wayne Fontes when it drops. . . along with the accompanying interview. Enjoy!

{Video} Slum Village - Da Villa Chronicles (Part 3)

Check out the other two parts of this interview here: Part 1 Part 2 ...Enjoy!

Song of the day: Locksmith - Rare Form

It's not often. . . but sometimes. . . occasionally. . . rarely. . . someone from the Bay does something I love. . . this song is one of those times. Enjoy!

Song of the day: Kev Brown - The Random Joint

Just cause... Enjoy!

"J Dilla rest in peace. . . definitely one of the best on the planet to bless the beats..."

The problem of new music… when I just want to listen to old shit.

I was talking to someone a few days ago, and they asked me if I had heard about 7 different albums that had been recently released. My answer to each was no. I find that this is often the case because I am so wrapped up in my favorite music from the past. . . My thought pattern goes something like this: “Hmmmmm… everyone is talking about that new Snoop Dogg like it’s the second coming of Christ… BUT… I kinda of want to listen to Fantastic Vol. 2. . . decisions. . . nah, I’m gonna go with Slum.”

Yesterday I was discussing this very issue with someone. We both shared the same problem, not giving new music a chance because we are too into the shit we already know and love. I realized, I don’t really give a lot of new shit a chance. I would rather be listening to my favorite Dilla album (it varies, right now it’s The Shining. . . or Ruff Draft), or All Eyez on Me, or The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill. . . or something that I already know inside and out.

I think that part of the problem behind this issue is that, there is so much fuckin’ CRAP out right now, that a lot of people have backed off of listening to new music for fear of it being. . . well. . . crap. I cannot tell you (partly because it’s just to heinous to describe, and partly because you more than likely already know) how horrible it is when you dedicate a part of your day (maybe you have no life and have unlimited time to sit and listen to crap, but my free time is rare and/or valuable) to listening to something new, and, when you are done giving it a chance, the only thing you can say is, ‘I want my 37 minutes back’.

So. . . what’s the solution? Do I risk my time and sanity to start listening to new music? Or do I stick with what I know is amazing? Something dawned on me last night when I was having this conversation about how myself and this other person had the same problem with new music. It occurred to me that I had been trying to get him to listen to one of my favorite albums (that’s fairly new), for some time now, but he hadn’t really made any attempt to listen to it. I didn’t understand that, because, I feel like, if I give someone a music recommendation, they should take that shit seriously, God damnit. But he hadn’t, and now I know why. It was new to him, and he would rather listen to shit he knows he loves than take a chance on something new, even though I told him point blank it was amazing. I do this same exact thing when people recommend music to me. I ignore them, not because I don’t trust them, or because they are a moron, or whatever other reason I usually ignore people. I do so because I’m hung up on my oldies but goodies, my tried and true classics, the music I already love.

But… much like my stupid ass comrade that has yet to listen to the album that I keep recommending to him, I might be missing out on something amazing by not giving new music a chance. After all, all music was new music at some point (I apologize for the completely obvious and cliché statement, but, whatever). I actually feel sorry for this friend of mine because I feel like he is missing out on something other worldly by not listening to this particular album. So, if that’s the case, what in the fuck am I potentially missing out on in not giving more new music a chance?

Yeah, okay, maybe I’m not ever going to hear something I love more than a Dilla beat, but… well, no, that was it on that. There is other great shit out there though. There are amazing MCs and beat makers, some already successful, some not yet, that deserve some attention as well. As much as I sometimes feel like I could only listen to 10 artists for the rest of my life, why close yourself off to good shit like that? I can listen to MM..FOOD anytime I want, so why not give something else a chance? It’s not like we’re dealing in finite either/or propositions here. It’s not like ‘either you can listen to MM..FOOD or you can listen to Street Hop… but if you listen to Street Hop you can never listen to MM..FOOD again.’ That’s just not how things work.

Bottom line. . . if you are anything like me. . . and I know some of you are, because I know you personally… Give new music and new artists a chance. Shit, you never know. . . You could hear something you like even more than all the shit you're in love with right now… or... you could lose your mind by accidentally listening to the new Gucci Mane album while attempting to be more open minded. I guess both are a possibility, but, you know. . . whatever.

Song of the day: Jay Electronica - Victory Is In My Clutches

This song has been in my head all day, and I'm not going to lie, it was lightweight a pretty fuckin' shitty day. . . but this track DEF helped me get through it. This track embodies what I love about Hip Hop. . . it's ability to drive you, to make you happy, to allow you to do you, when nothing else can. Enjoy!