Most people throw around the term “I bet you…” this or that, when they really don’t mean it all. Throughout “Put Some Money On It,” the newest reason to preorder Free Agent on Amazon, Brooklyn Joell Read the rest of this entry »

Lina Margarita…And Friend

100 Things You Can Do to Save Hip-Hop [About]

Kanye, KaiKai, Kiki & Kitty: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2010 [Gothamist]

5 Big Boy Toys for Black Friday [The Urban Daily]

5 NBA Rookies Who Should Get Ready For The D-League [Dime Mag]

Tahiry Talks Twitter, Business & Celeb Culture [BVMoney] Read the rest of this entry »

Being label-less sure as hell ain’t impeding Joell. As the Yaowa army grows steadily, his big day is locked in for next Tuesday. ‘Til then the faucet keeps dripping. Read the rest of this entry »

A few months ago, when director Derek Pike was brainstorming up ideas for the video to Joell Ortiz & Novel’s everyman anthem, “Night Train,” the former NYU student didn’t have to get too elaborate on his storyboard. As visual as the BX Slaughterhouse member spits, the blueprint was right there in the bars. Read the rest of this entry »

Joell’s literally a Free Agent, Tweeting yesterday that he’s now off of E1. Right now, the album’s still slated to drop though. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m starting to run out of words for what to say when Joell & Novel link up. Their talent is undeniable & so is the chemistry these two possess. Miss Info pegged them “the underground’s ‘best of both worlds’” & I think that’s a pretty fitting title. Read the rest of this entry »

Ever since XXL slighted Crooked I by neglecting his contribution to the origin of the weekly release, he’s been a man on a mission. A mission to not only make them acknowledge and apologize for their mistake, but to show the world he can do the whole thing over again by force-feeding an additional year’s worth of rhymes down our throats (||) Read the rest of this entry »

Sheek Luciano is a full bird colonel as far as industry vets go and his behind-the-scenes command has earned him the opportunity to call Def Jam his base of operations for the time being. To celebrate his newfound enlistment, he’s recruited DJ Green Lantern as his executive officer and along with Termanlogy, Sean C. & LV, Termanology and the rest of the Lox, Donnie Def Jam: Guerilla Warfare Vol. 1 is the next East Coast weapon of mass destruction. Read the rest of this entry »

Even though Album Of The Year didn’t quite meet the lofty aspirations that the title set, there is a consolation prize. Rap Radar will soon be releasing Mixtape of the Year, hosted by your favorite voice over duo, DJ Drama and DJ Green Lantern. With double time chattering, the first leak from the project features Joell Ortiz mercilessly wrecking Reflection Eternal’s “In This World.” Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

With just a shake and a bake, a pie and pancake, Joell Ortiz has easily muscled his way into our iPods with his Farewell Summer EP. The video to the leadoff record, is no different as Mr. YAOWA bumrushes the Hot 97 studio just to film the ordeal. Imagine if Joell was the program director. Would cats complain about Hip-Hop on the airwaves? Read the rest of this entry »

The Art of War is here. Perhaps this is Maino’s statement to his doubters or his call to arms for his supporters. Either way, he’s serving as commander in chief and he’s taking his listeners to battle. In collaboration with DJ Drama and The Aphilliates, Maino spits more of his trademark simple, yet emotional raps that connect with most in some form or another. Jermaine’s found his niche, and revels in it for all to hear in this preemptive strike before The Day After Tomorrow. Read the rest of this entry »

The charcoal’s cooled on Labor Day cookouts and football’s back in full force. With those two events, it’s time to bid adieu to long days and warm sun. Seeking to send it off in proper fashion, Joell Ortiz releases his Farewell Summer EP, a succinct six song set to signify seasons changing and shine a bit of light on his music over the past few months. Read the rest of this entry »

Honestly, the first two times I listened to Maino, it was for the other emcee on the track. And both times Maino ripped it. Then, I heard “Retaliate” and it was game over. Whether it is sorrow, elation or rage, the man possesses the widely coveted ability to convincingly portray his mentality and emotions in a very raw and uncensored fashion. Read the rest of this entry »

For all those patiently waiting for Free Agent & the YOAWA mixtape, your due diligence will be rewarded on Friday when Joell drops off his Farewell Summer EP. Yep, two tapes in limbo and he’s dropping a completely separate EP. I remember back when The Brick: Bodega Chronicles came out, all I wanted him to do was chop up those verses with a hook and at least pretend like he wanted to make a dent in the mainstream realm. Fast forward a few years &  I’m content to accept a string of coherent bars regardless of the song’s structure. The more, the better.

At this point, I don’t even question the timeliness & actions of rappers, as long as whatever they put out has some redeeming quality I’ll gladly pay my $free.99 and keep it moving. And I must say that Joell given me my money’s worth with “Battle Cry” alone. Four and a half minutes of him dropping gems over a dynamic array of strings, organs & drums from The Audible Doctor is the equivalent of a lyrical adrenaline shot.

Joell Ortiz – “Battle Cry” | Download