There were at least three million reasons for that pretty mothaf*%cka A$AP to celebrate last year. Now, to help spread said success even further into 2012, the Harlem native has reworked this unreleased track he recorded with Windy City MC Jon James into a solo effort. “Celebration” has a tad more mainstream-appeal than most of his down-tempo catalog Read the rest of this entry »

You pronounce the name (Kweli) while DJ Critical Hype & EscapeMTL mix up some of that good-good Reflection Eternal for the soul. Talib Kweli has classics for days, and the lot of them get mixed, mashed and dashed with paprika to continue the many appetizers until RPM is on the table. Read the rest of this entry »

I can’t really tell where this duo’s content is going to fit into today’s current music landscape. Read the rest of this entry »

There was a time when if you placed the names “Keith Murray” and “Canibus” together on a song, fans would salivate. I know this isn’t that time but I’m not even sure how this duo, calling themselves The Under Gods, would fair in the best of times. Read the rest of this entry »

Hosted By DJ Klapton

I took notice to North Cackalacka’s Rain with his impressive display of F-bombs off Donny Goines’ “What U Expected (Remix).” Hoping to get his buzz up to pay those child support payments, he links up with Mr. X, Erick Sermon, Jimi Kendrix and The Heatmakerz to deliver The Most Wanted Baby Father. Hit the break for the details on the paternity suit. Read the rest of this entry »

Pic by Wes

I’m too lazy right now, suffering from The Itis. But after listening, this is too good not to share. Therefore, I’m just gonna jack my brother Rizoh’s words for the skinny. Read the rest of this entry »

Words By Khalid Strickland

“The most beautifullest thing in this world/is my notion for murderous poetry in motion.”

Keith Murray wasn’t bullshittin’ when he spit this classic line on Erick Sermon’s “Hostile” in 1994. It really was a grimy, beautiful poem. Murray’s extraterrestrial flow, relaxed cadence and weed-scorched voice combined for one sick, Hall-of-Fame verse. The lyrics were otherworldly but rooted in the gutter. You want hot, memorable bars? Pick your poison: Read the rest of this entry »

This definitely goes without saying but in terms of posse cuts:

1998>2008

You can front all you want but all these “hood anthems” we’re being bombarded with nowadays are straight up garbage, and forgettable. Does anyone remember Webbie was on the remix to “Speedin???” Who had your favorite verse on “Don’t Touch Me (Throw Da Water On ‘Em)???” And why is that we refer ever new Khaled collabo as “I’m So Hood Part ____???” The usual suspects of the era still managed to be everywhere there was a studio, but in terms of actually making an impact, the difference is vast. In this day and age, all these dudes are concerned with is cashing a check. And you can tell because that’s all their regurgitated rhymes entail.

While the days of MC’s battling on tracks for bragging rights may be an afterthought at the moment, the legacy is not. Backtrack for a few minutes with these collaborative efforts that’ll guarantee to cause chronic neck spasms when you relive them. Read the rest of this entry »

Delightful.

When you decide to remake one of the most influential rap songs of all time, you better do it right.

So like I told TC, Def Squad came correct with their remake in ’98.

When it came time for Reggie, Erick Sermon and the ‘baby of the bunch,’ Keith Murray, to record their version of Sugarhill Gang’s archetypal “Rapper’s Delight,” they didn’t do much more than tweak the original.

Aside from it becoming the trios only real hit, it was (and is) the only reason I can spit just about every single word to the almost 7-minute song when I hear it get play at clubs with taste.

Word to my youth.

Words By TC

Sinister.

True, Def Squad did successfully make a “true old school” gem sound relevant but Pun & Joe shaaat on the original Deep Cover like their was no original. And like Pat M. said, when it gets to that “Lil’ Italy, middleman rhyme,” END game. Even Snoop was in the video showing love. I gave you fair warning Beware, Deep Cover ’98 is killin’ anything “delightful.” Grit over gloss homie.

Def Squad – Def Squad Delite

VS.

Big Pun & Fat Joe – Deep Cover ’98