With the triumphant return of Gordon Gatrell Radio, Phonte discusses his first Grammy nod, Tiger Woods’ biggest mistake, the end of Little Brother, and Satan’s horrible taste in music. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s rare that I throw up a full press release but Little Brother and a new album = an exception to the usual M.O. Knew this was coming but got a release date (4.20.10) a few days ago. This morning the press release confirming the release date and additional info that’s enough to stoke anticipation from until April.

From the press release… Read the rest of this entry »

El Che, Chi-town wordsmith Rhymefest’s sophomore album, has been an album yours truly has been looking forward to since his freshman set Blue Collar overtook my iTunes playlists back in 2006. Unfortunately, the album has had enough leaks to make Timbaland’s camp look airtight. If that’s not enough, more than one of his album tracks have been given to other artists. Needless to say, Mr. Smith has since left the Hip-Hop graveyard that is J Records for greener pastures (which has not been determined as of yet). Read the rest of this entry »

Rapper Big Pooh has done his part in combating the increasing wave of competition in tasteful fashion this year. First it was The Delightful Bars, an album of several variations which Pooh declares is “the greatest mixtape ever” and onto the crew love venture with HOJ soldiers Joe Scudda, Chaundon & Jozeemo on Reservoir Dogs. Read the rest of this entry »

As I always like to say, the shirt is back. Read the rest of this entry »

Just in time to help you shake off the cobwebs created by the holiday weekend, Phonte & DJ Brainchild back with the latest installment of Gordon Gartrelle Radio, a special edition dedicated to “The Kaing.”

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Download — Gordon Gartrell Radio – Episode 14: The Long Live The Kaing Edition

Juliano Creator’s name may not ring bells in the mainstream’s citadel, but one glance of the contributions from his solo debut Heavyweight reveals his Hip-Hop respect is paid in full. Aiming to put some verbiage back into the art, the U.K. producer enlists the likes of American MCs such as Little Brother, The Beatnuts and Mobb Deep for a global appreciation of the culture.

Compilation albums generally don’t fare without diversity and luckily enough, Recordkingz’ production talents carry the gene of versatility. “This Is 4 My People” sports a breezy riddim combined with a staccato drum pattern for Evidence to give out universal shoutouts while the frenetic “Rock Ya Shoulders,” puts some spark in the notoriously absent Beatnuts. And naturally, Juliano promotes his turntable talents with the various “Skits” sprinkled throughout the LP. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s inevitable in a group setting one person is going to stand out. Rapper Big Pooh has experienced this standing in the shadow of his partner-in-rhyme Phonte. Not fazed one bit, Pooh has focused on his craft and continually improved with every outing. Following up his debut Sleepers, which for lack of a better word was criminally slept-on, he’s back with his sophomore effort The Delightful Bars. Following the mantra that Phonte stated on The Minstrel Show’s “Not Enough” (dope beats, dope rhymes what more do y’all want,) Rapper Big Pooh has assembled a stable of head nod inducing beats and an assortment of delectable bars for your auditory pleasure. Read the rest of this entry »

Gordon Gartrell y’all! Woot woot! Read the rest of this entry »

Yes, your eyes are correct. That’s Rapper surrounded by the delectable ladies who cooked up The Delightful Bars for your consumption.

Cop the Candy Apple version on iTunes now. Hit the break to check out all the scrumpdillyumptious album covers as well. Read the rest of this entry »

I think this album was when I really began and stopped listening to the Lost Boyz. I fault Canibus’ onslaught on “Beasts From The East,” because as a general rule of thumb your album should not contain another lyricist’s magnum opus.

As a matter of fact, it’s safe to say that situations just like this were at the helm of the demise of the Hip-Hop group as we knew it. “Beasts From The East” encompasses all the major factors attributed to that downfall: the rise of the solo star, the possibility of large collaborations and the lack of financial viability.

While the disintegration process as we know it was somewhat systemic, it’s hard to say what happened first.

Was it the egos that got in the way when the lead MC began getting solo fame?

Was it the decline in the sales of group efforts? Read the rest of this entry »

Trackstar has been a busy busy boy. First it was Still Dreamin 04. Soon, he’ll be helping to helm the 1′s & 2′s @ The GOP B&T followed by Pride and Paranoia: The Best of Joe Budden. But right now, we’re @ Boogie Bang 18, hosted by none other than the good brother Phonte. Back cover, tracklisting & link all after the break.

You other DJ’s need to get your game up, straight up. Read the rest of this entry »

Graphic by Shadzilla

But don’t sleep. Trackstar The DJ is back on his phasic grind with yet another refreshing dose of mood music to put you in the zone. It’s Still Dreamin’ 04 in the 09. Read the rest of this entry »

Rapper Big Pooh steppin’ his presentation game up by creating a trailer “The Comeback” dropping March 10th.

Rapper Big Pooh – The Comeback (Prod. By Khrysis)

Previously Posted — Rapper Big Pooh – “Radio”

The Shirt Is Back!

“In the wake of the Chris Brown/Rhianna scandal, Phonte explains how domestic violence happens in the home and what women and men can do to prevent it.”

Download — Gordon Gartrell Radio Episode 12

Previously Posted — Gordon Gartrell Radio Episode 11