How do we make it through extremely busy weeks trying make sure that we bring it to you each & every post?

As superheroes, we have certain tracks on repeat @ the highest volume while we our keyboards just cry away.

Ladies & gentlemen, Crew Love once again.

Chris “Preach” Smith

Tragedy, Havoc and Large Professor – “Funk Mode”

A white label gem with a Large Pro beat that’ll crack your neck three ways. Tragedy at his grittiest. One of Havoc’s best verses ever. This track was key to my Memorial Day playlist.

David D.

Hot Styles Feat. Yung Joc – “Lookin Ass Aggin”

Once again, a healthy dose of ignorance in heavy rotation. “Scooby Dooby Doooooooo – Mike Vick Lookin’ Ass Aggin”

Ghostface and Raekwon- “The Hilton”

I hate it when people say that all of Ghost’s albums were great except Bulletproof Wallets. This album had some great songs, dammit! Listening to the latest Rae and Ghost collabo supposedly from the OBCL2 made me wanna revisit this underrated gem.

Darius Sinclairâ„¢

Rell – “Somehow Someway”

Rell is one of the many lost talents left in the debris that was Rocafella Records. But with a “perfect” track such as this, one wonders how he went without an album being dropped. With his vocals and harmony displayed in this mixtape joint, just imagine if awesomeness like this was extended to an album. Somehow, someday.

2Pac Feat. Notorious B.I.G. and Dramacydal – “Runnin’” (The REAL one, with all police references removed)

I bumped this song the day of Sean Bell trail results. It’s fitting subject content and decent Big and Pac’s verses give it replay potential. This is a rarer track; about 15 years old. But it reminds me on how far our society hasn’t moved from policy brutality. R.I.P.

AmpGeez

Lovestink (Jack Splash & Cee-Lo Green) – “Gangsta Boogie”

Funky. With Cee-Lo stepping back in His MC shoes & Jack Splash on the beat & the hook, this 70′s inspired jam all but forces you to get your boogie on. And even though it’s great to hear Cee-Lo spittin’ bars again, the track itself, bursting from the seems with horns & handclaps, is the true attraction. Put this song on & make room for the Soul Train line.

Cam’ron Feat. Nicole Wray – “Do Your Thing” (OG Version)

Originally the first single off of Killa Season, clearance issues got this joint replaced with an inferior version. Half the appeal of this one was the classic EnTouch, “Too Hype” hook, of course flipped DipSet style…”Put on My vest, Can’t believe they’ll start this mess…” Trust me, Killa goes in on this joint.
Read the rest of this entry »

Pic courtesy of OKP

Holla @ Mitch came out the woodworks & shot me this joint…

what up man? just wanted to shoot this your way…dont know if you have it, i didnt see it posted…jacked from okplayer, posted by ?uestlove (its actually a really interesting read if you’re interested)…

?uestlove starts a thread, people start asking questions and he answers… Read the rest of this entry »

Words By Contraâ„¢

“Memories…don’t live like people do.” – Dante Beze

But music does.

Part of the reason for this, is that through all the strife and struggle, all pleasures and parties, there is music. Our feelings, perspectives, dreams and realities are all bottled in a beat with a melody somewhere out there.

For me, I travel. A lot.

I remember when I first listened to “30 Something” on Kingdom Come and Jay said to me, “You ain’t got enough stamps in your passport to fuck with Young H.O.”

I stared back at the speakers…

“Ehm…actually, Mr. Jigga, I do. What I don’t have is space for more stamps.”

I couldn’t understand what his fascination with traveling was.

Island hopping over the summer is cool. Being able to stare at a globe and paint memories with your eyes next to each city name you read is ineffably dope.

But being away so often or so long that kids grow up behind your back, friends forget your face, lovers leave you, and you no longer know what a “home” feels like is probably the closest feeling to death a man can experience in his lifetime. Read the rest of this entry »

Words By DJ Sorce-1

Summertime is basically here and, if you’re like me, you’re glad that winter is over. Summer always seems more fun than the rest of the year, from the constant BBQ’s to the scantily clad women. But what would a summertime block party or BBQ be without a good soundtrack? Music is one of the most essential ingredients for warm weather social gatherings, and it’s all about having something with a laid back, happy vibe.

Few songs fit the bill better than “25 Lighters” by DJ DMD. Featuring Fat Pat and Lil’ Keke on vocals, this song will instantly set off any backyard BBQ. Watch the video for an idea of how people will react the next time you throw it on at a party. The Al. B Sure “Night and Day” sample and catchy hook will make even the hardest thug posted up on the wall nod his head. So fill up your coolers, fire up those grills and make sure to include this on your Summer Essentials playlist.

DJ DMD feat Fat Pat and Lil’ Keke – 25 Lighters

Bonus – Lil Keke – “Southside” Video

I am not anti-Kobe and/or the Lakers. Actually, I’m pleased to see Lamar Odom finally lookin like the player we all dreamed he could be when he was still smokin trees & lettin us down while playin’ for the Clippers. I’m glad to see the beginnings of the changing of the guard, with the Spurs & Pistons both sitting @ home.

But after watching them toil in obscurity for years…

…I am just pro-Jesus Shuttlesworth & The Kid.

La Da Darkman Feat. Willie The Kid – The Rap Kevin Garnett

Cop @ DigitalGravel.

Stray Shots

Brother_Ali-Room_With_A_View_VLS-2003

Butta_Team-Welcome_2_Durham-VLS-2006

Michael Blackson- Modasucka (Welcome 2 America)

Mase-Harlem_World-1997

Mase-Double_Up-1999

Phat_Kat-The_Undeniable_LP-2003

Macklemore-The_Language_Of_My_World

Lucy Pearl – Lucy Pearl

Goapele – Change It All

DJ Jazzy Jeff – The Soul Mixtape

Stray Shots

Lil’ Wayne Ft. Jay-Z – Mr. Carter (Full)

Yeah…it’s inevitable. I’ll be glad when it’s done so we can move forward with our summer & our lives.

Lil’ Wayne – 3 Peat

Lil’ Wayne – Playing With Fire

Lil’ Wayne – Let The Beat Build (Prod. By Kanye West)

*New Drip*

Lil’ Wayne – Dr. Carter

Ice Cube. Shaq.Michael Jackson.

These three names shouldn’t be synonymous with each other. But according to a certain eBay auction, apparently they are.

Right now, on the world’s biggest online trading community, producer Rick Dutch is selling the master of an unheard 1998 collaboration from the three men called “We Be Ballin.” Apparently, it’s a sequel of sorts to “We Be Clubbin” and Read the rest of this entry »

Over @ RapTalk.net, they’ve got a real nice Big Tray Deee interview.

With over thirty fan-submitted questions, the O.G. covers just about everything you can think of including his relationship with Snoop, Crooked I as the most talented MC and his 2013 release date. Also, he pretty much confirms that Tha Eastsidaz, who two albums both went platinum and gold, will never be making music together again.

Shame too, ’cause I haven’t heard some good Crip-Hop in awhile.

5. What’s the story with you and Snoop Dogg right now?

There really isn’t a story. We had a great history making g’d up hits together, and I grew very close to him and his family. I erroneously assumed that the feeling was mutual, but discovered when I’d gotten new management (no fault of my first manager) that my and Goldie Loc’s recording contract only gave us 1% of our royalties due. The standard royalty rate then was 12 to 16%. That knowledge caused us to fall out, animosity and gunplay ensued, and that was the conclusion of our relationship all the way around.

6. What’s your current relationship like with Goldie Loc?

Nonexistent. Totally nonexistent.

7. Would you consider ever reforming Tha Eastsidaz? Read the rest of this entry »

Another “straight to us” video from Playaz Circle, courtesy of the homie @ Early Bird.

Bonus

Playaz_Circle_Ft._Lil_Wayne-Stunt_(Remix)-Promo_CDS-2008

Playaz Circle Flight 360 Preview (Video) [OnSmash]

Words By Jason Hortillas

It’s not the first time mainstream media gives a little dap to the graf heads but CNN really wants to make it known they don’t condone art in the streets. Not taking away anything from Krink founder Craig Costello, but the emphasis on the voiceover of “former graffitti artist” is laughable. Ironic as well is the press given to Krink knowing that a good portion of this product will end up on bathroom stalls, city street walls and train windows. Read the rest of this entry »

Words By Word?

Pic property of Newsday

Another crane collapsed in NYC this morning but the bigger story would be 50′s LI home, occupied by his baby’s moms, her boyfriend and 50′s son being “gutted” by what’s being called a suspicious (I’ll say) fire.

A raging fire that one fire official called “definitely suspicious” gutted a Dix Hills home owned by the Grammy-nominated rapper 50 Cent Friday morning, sending six people inside the house to the hospital.

An eyewitness told Newsday that among the injured, all of whom suffered smoke inhalation according to fire officials, were 50 Cent’s ex-girlfriend, Shaniqua Tompkins, and their 10-year-old son, Marquise. Read the rest of this entry »

Drew over at Fake Shore Drive is like a magnet to everything Chicago. So naturally I wasn’t surprised when the electrons that be pulled this unreleased track featuring Lupe and the late Stack Bundles from it’s hiding place. Read the rest of this entry »

For some of you, the wait is finally over…

Download – 10.Deep and Wale Present The Mixtape About Nothing

All links images & hype courtesy of Elitaste.

This Hurricane Chris freestyle is crazy. Like I told Gottyâ„¢, I can’t even think of 7 minutes of things to talk about in conversation let alone make them rhyme and flow. What’s more insane is this is the dude behind “Ay Bay Bay”?!? Wild.

I applaud Chris for proving me wrong. My misconception about his skill set was thorough, and I apologize. His flow is so effortless it got me thinking about MCs diametrically opposed to him. The ones who make their job look hard. The ones who even make me feel like I should start rapping.

In my numerous rap-to-basketball analogies I spew to anyone who will listen, I site how the freestyle is like one-on-one. Every professional thinks they’re the best – in fact, that swagger is necessity – and could cross anyone, but truth is someone’s going to lose. Some are going to be flat-out awful. And just as on the court, in the freestyle there are fade aways that always look fresh, and then there are lay-ups that look easy and land tired…

1) “Off the top of the dome” – I’m not sure who started saying “dome” instead of “head,” but it’s used so often “head” seems refreshing and original. Unless you’re talking about getting dome, this phrase is as weak of a filler as “Ummm” or “Uhhhh” or “Youknowwhatimsayin.” A quick glance at my thesaurus lists myriad alternatives: brain, cranium, mind, noodle, pate, poll, skull. The day I hear someone spit “off the top of my noodle,” is the day I rest. Read the rest of this entry »