The Force continues to fight the stifling St. Louis summer by creating their own heat. Batter up this time is Tef Poe, stepping into to the spotlight with the video for “Show Stealers.” I particularly dig this track for the way producer Tech Supreme’s snappy big band drums blend with Poebama’s frenetic off-the-cuff style—you can tell they’ve worked together before as they bring out each other’s best. Tef’s the star of the video, backing up his pugnacious punchlines with appropriate menace, but Tech’s Dirty Lynt’s there banging the drums (and cymbals) in support. Overall it’s a professional effort that lets the music carry the load. Read the rest of this entry »

This is a posse cut in every sense of the word, each of these guys with a Cardinals New Era worn proudly. Every notable rap gang in the Lou makes an appearance here including The Force, Family Affair and the St. Lunatics. The surprising thing is everyone’s verse is strong, each one combating for the listener’s vote for which emcee killed it. In the end, it’s a victory for all as the home team wins big on “Anomaly.” Read the rest of this entry »

It’s a new year, but it’s still the same ‘ol boogie.  Boogie Bang to specific.  Track’s 23rd installment is locked and loaded, ready to be disbursed to the masses.  And best believe The Force is strong in this one, as Tef Poe handlesthe hosting duties thus leaving Trackstar to do what he does best.  It’s a family affair… & Brooklynati approved. Read the rest of this entry »

Poebama sent this over last night. While I’m rarely thrilled by these types of ciphers, the lyricism and charisma warranted sharing it with the masses.

“So every year in St.L we have a local music awards show called the Traffic Music Awards. This year they put together a BET-styled cipher with myself, Vandalyzm and a St. Louis kid that’s down with Canibus named Prince Ea in the first segment.”

Yeah, I’ll be watching part two when it drops.

[VaultTV]

Artwork by Tech Supreme

Prepare yourself for an out of body, inner soul experience of a lifetime. The journey you’re about to partake on requires nothing but your imagination. The ride will be intense but restraints or second thoughts aren’t necessary. The idea is to allow your mind enough liberty to embrace the path you shall embark on. For what is an imperceptible fantasy to the average person, is merely a day in the life of Rockwell Knuckles. Read the rest of this entry »

Like a bat out of hell, Lady Gaga added a bit of spice to what was shaping up to be somewhat of a mundane week.  Perhaps at some point down the line either her or Beyoncé will let us in on the inside joke that is her “Telephone” video.  Until then we’ll find some reason to soldier on through her nine minute visual conundrum.  Here’s what else went down: Read the rest of this entry »

In due time, The Force should be a household name, one to be reckoned with. One of the mighty elements of their attack will be Tef Poe. Get familiar now, so that it’ll all be old hat later and, when you say, “I been listening to him since his old stuff,” the statement will be 100% truth. It’s a Compton St. Louis thang © MC Eiht, and this portion of the show is orchestrated by the ever-present Trackstar The DJ. Read the rest of this entry »

“Poe & Rocky callin shots like we were playing pool, St. Louis is like Metropolis, a city we can rule.”

While there were those wasting time & resources on St. Louis rapper J-Kwon’s purported “disappearance” (was anyone really that distressed in the first place?), they should have invested their energy into supporting these two Force members on the comeup as the two continue their push towards releasing their individual projects (“Money Never Sleeps when you Choose Your Own Adventure.” I see what you did there, Rocky). On “Bad Guy,” Rocky & Poe come together over a subterranean bassline, serving notice that when you can actually rhyme and do it with passion, there’s no need for publicity stunts.

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Download — Rockwell Knuckles & Tef Poe – “Bad Guy” (Prod. by Dat Boi Lucky)

I first heard Tef Poe rhyme at the first ever Mansion Rap battle. Held in what is best described as a former brothel turned stoner frat house, he filleted a flock of rap wannabees of both the STL street and college hipster variety. He finished second (call it reverse affirmative action) but Hip-Hop heads there knew who the best MC was.

Fast forward way too many years and Tef’s still spitting out ridiculous rhymes. He’s managed to add sophistication and detail while maintaining the same hunger in his style exhibited in the battle setting. “4 My Town” exemplifies his relentless vocals. Lyrical victims include Hitler, the Virgin Mary and, of course, John Mayer.

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Download — Tef Poe – “4 My Town”

As an extra, here’s the introductory track from Tef’s upcoming tape, featuring newcomer and fellow STLien Bryant Stewart.

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Download — Tef Poe Feat. Bryant Stewart – “Glad You Came” (Prod. by Tech Supreme)

Money Never Sleeps drops next week.

Tef Poe previews the upcoming TSS-backed Money Never Sleeps with “Michael Jordan Mode.” Tef taps into the MJ psyche, willing to destroy the opposition on his way up the mountain no matter the cost. Victims include women and children, Mystikal and Aaliyah fans. As usual Tef relies on his Space Jam wordplay, referencing everything from Vess Soda to Reading Rainbow. His raw intensity on the mic is well complemented by production’s eerie keys. Read the rest of this entry »

“I’m a giant to defeat/my name rings bells overseas/while your on your knees, giving dome for BDS spins and a chance to rise/I get respect from same niggas you idolize… So indirectly I’m your idol, guys”

Vandalyzm may not be the father but that doesn’t stop him chastising any beat that crosses his path. This here is no exception as he navigates the matrix that is the music business.  Flanked by fellow STLien Tef Poe, the duo follow Wayne’s template while exercising their inner demons. Read the rest of this entry »

Underground STL >

Consistency is key and the Lou shows they have a good crop of untapped talent. Take Tef Poe here with his full-court press on the microphone for his track “Show Stealers.” Appearing on his last effort The Redeemer, the indie grind has propelled him to take it from the blacktop and get it to a few radio stations. Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s jam of the day. Tef Poe rocks the mic and Rocky drops the chorus. The music is made and St. Louis is proudly served. Read the rest of this entry »

Sit and think about the insurmountable odds you have to face to get attention as a rookie in the rap industry, let alone on the Internet. First you have to prove you can actually spit (or at least do a damn good job faking it .) Then it’s either make a hit of your own that sweeps across the board or hijack the latest, greatest song of the moment to get your buzz circulating. But considering that there’s already a thousand or so treading the same boulevard, sometimes you have to wish upon your lucky star for that extra boost.

In Gotta Be Karim’s case, there isn’t an instrument in his arsenal that resembles the sounds of “routine”…or run-of-the-mill. Free of frills, fake, gimmicks and goofiness, his…LP 10,000 Apples (dare not call it a mixtape) is the exemplification of the Hip-Hop movement down to its core. His deliberate yet detailed delivery, flow across the music with the power of reason as well as the rhyme and with the majority of the production helmed by Black Spade of jack-my-beat-and-lie-about-it fame, you know the total package is equally soulful as it is stimulating.

Enough of this intro shit. Proceed for your fruit for thought. Read the rest of this entry »

The soundtrack to our daily grind, all in a nice & neat format. You know what it is © Cliff Harris. It’s Crew Love.

Corey Bloom

C-Rayz Walz & Swave Sev – “The Family Crest”

This has to be one of the iller tribute songs I’ve heard, done by one of favorite MC’s for one my favorite duos. C-Rayz and Swave Sev pay homage to Gangstarr with cleverly worded web of the albums, songs, productions and musical significance that built the legacy. More than anything this song has sparked my annual Daily Operation or Mass Appeal debate which has dominated my playlist…Daily Operation.

Z-Man – “Street Creed Need Me”

Z-Man spits so much relevance on this one the whole song is a quotable. Topics cover the spectrum and the wordplay is seasoned with too many flavors to favor. Off the Machete Vox sampler Sneak Preview the DNAE Beats produced banger is undisputable, plus you can’t front on the title.

S. Cadet

Pac Div – “Shut Up”

This is the song of the week already and we didn’t hit the weekend yet. I might have to sneak into the studio Read the rest of this entry »