As late career renaissances go, Ski Beatz’ has to be one of the most unexpected. Nevertheless, the man behind “Dead Presidents” rise from the ashes has nothing to do with luck, but rather an ability to consistently craft pristine tracks for young MCs like Curren$y and Jay Electronica. Having gotten his mojo back, Beatz steps out of the background and into the spotlight with his own album, 24 Hour Karate School. The result is easily one of best exhibitions of the year. Read the rest of this entry »

The level of anticipation for Ski’s 24 Hour School has wavered from a butterflies-in-stomach effect to “believe it when I see it,” but as of right now, all skeptics should bow to the sensei because September 21st is the day the dojo will be opened. Read the rest of this entry »

You better have some lungs on you if you plan on smoking with Spitta and DZA. As you can obviously hear, Ski’s dreamy soundscape only gets passed around once off this joint that makes 24 Hour Karate School more fact than fiction. No sticks, no stems, just pure lyrical ‘dro. Read the rest of this entry »

Pretty Flaco, Ski and the full-sounding Spanish horns all mesh really well together on this latest from 24 Hour Karate School, entitled “Cream Of The Planet.” That release date? Not holding my breath but if it happens… Read the rest of this entry »

Who said excessive weed smoking brings on bouts of laziness? Apparently Spitta & Wiz didn’t get the memo because their ambitions are as high as their lifestyle when it comes to stacking cheese. But when you think about it, cash begets weed & the lack of weed begets the need for more chips. A cycle indeed, but everyone benefits as we get our second dose of the dynamic duo in a week’s time. Read the rest of this entry »

While the admissions office at Ski’s 24 Hour Karate School continues to d!ck around, pause, it’s not stopping the students from getting their homework done. Clocking in from a little neighborhood you may have heard of–Harlem, meet Rugz D. Bewler. Scoring a 2400 on his RAP’s, it’s not hard to tell how he earned a spot at Ski’s accredited institution. Read the rest of this entry »

The double-edged sword called hype. On one hand, a project could simply release and then be left to word of mouth activity to help spread awareness. Or, like everything else today, it could be previewed, trailered, snippeted, leaked and portioned out before the release date…until that release date passes and fans are ready to burn an artist @ the stake. Ski Beatz takes to the cameras to answer one of the internuts most asked questions: “Where is 24 Hour Karate School?”

LOL @ “Bomb The Dojo!” Read the rest of this entry »

If you want to see a professional at work, take a peek into a Ras Kass recording session, as one quarter of The HRSMN invades Ski Beatz’ Big-Apple-based 24 Hour Karate School to lay down a vicious verse for “I Got Mine,” his collaboration with Nikki Wray, Tabi Bonney and Stalley for the dojo’s recently released self-titled mixtape.

I appreciate how Rassy openly shows viewers – take for take – how he’s placing punch-ins to produce his final product. Not every rapper will admit to using them, but to provide proper enunciation, certain times those breathers are a must. Plus, my man seems to have head screwed on tighter than ever, and his recent work ethic has been backing it up.

You never know, if he can steer clear of mischief, the Golden Chyld may see his day after all.

Some tracks just feel right. “Aerials” is another product of the Ski Beatz‘ 24 Hour Karate School and is one of these extra special exceptions to Murphy’s Law. This movingly melodic mood music features a perfect outward-bound-airplane-based-basis for it’s always percolated pilots; Stalley, Curren$y, Whosane, Terri Walker and Mos Def, forming an uplifting ballad of balance and fortitude. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m starting to realize that “New York rap” could make a return to relevance without relying on overt gimmicks and arrogant loudmouths, constantly proclaiming the city’s rebound. There’s no “king,” as all of those guys have either gotten rich or been usurped by their once loyal supporters. Instead, there’s minor movement being built on the backs of commoners. A motley mix scene vets, been-around-the-block producers, beatniks, label castoffs and transplants, all assuming an avant-garde stance dedicated to reviving not only NY’s sound, by reshaping what we’ve all been subjected to for some time. The music is ripe with an influx of energy and art that’s creating (or perhaps revisiting) a sound that’s moody and delightful. Read the rest of this entry »

Ski Beatz behind the boards. Creative Control behind the lens. Stalley bringing the words, if not the presence in the visual. Thanks in part to a product placement from the good folks at Boom’s Beard, this video was able to be crafted while Stalley was keeping Spitta outta trouble down in the islands.  How Creative Control come up with these out of the box concepts is beyond me, but I won’t be the one to bet against for the immediate future. Read the rest of this entry »

“Cousin, If you dig it like we dig it/dug it, if it’s outta power than plug it/put it on your laptop/drag it, then dub it/burn a CD, that’s puttin’ niggas up on it…” – Chuck Inglish

Pretty simple charge right?  If it’s free and you deem it worthy… spread it around.

Keep it in mind when Ski Beatz’ 24 Hour Karate School mixtape drops.  Creative Control brings the Midwest trio to the big screen life as The Cool Kids & Stalley do a lil’ bit of promo for Ski’s upcoming product.