Watch Lupe Fiasco @ Glastonbury

I guess being in London is letting me see the hook ups that no one else notices. Shout out to BBC for displaying some of the Glastonbury artists' ENTIRE performances. Follow the link below to see Lupe Fiasco's quite energetic set.

Lupe Fiasco: Glastonbury Performance

New Tracks from J.Loonz

So I've had these tracks sitting around for a while, but figured it was time to post them online for anyone who hasn't heard of him. J.Loonz is my man from back home in the STP, who is presently doing his thing in Chicago. He's an up-and-coming emcee with a lot of versatility, not to mention skills on the mic. Check him out, and if you like his music, hit up his myspace and tell him what's up. You may also enjoy The Hustle Group, the group he's a part of. Anyway, just check out the music.

J.Loonz - Hurry
J.Loonz - The Come Up ft. Rotimi
J.Loonz - Igniter

Atmosphere, Brother Ali, & Kidz in the Hall in London (Video)

So, as I have mentioned previously, I'm chillin here in London this summer. Already been here for a little over a month, still have about three weeks left. But last week, on June 18, I believe, there was an Atmosphere, Brother Ali, and Kidz in the Hall concert at this spot called Koko night club here across the pond. Atmosphere and Ali are touring through Europe this summer for their 3 The Hard Way tour. Of course I wasn't going to pass up a chance to see that shit. I even caught both of them at Soundset in May, the day before I came to London, but the more the better.

So I show up to this place, and the venue is absolutely crazy. Koko night club appears to be an old theater that was converted into a music venue. It's got this big floor area, and two or three balconies which provide rather good views for watching a concert. It's also pretty large, so I didn't expect the concert to be very full by any means. This is independent hip-hop in Europe, after all. But how little did I know. To my surprise, the place was absolutely packed. Atmosphere has really laid out the blueprint for how to gain popularity, going from a little known Minnesota hip-hop group to selling the #5 album in the states during their debut week, with Lemons.

As for the concert, Kidz in the Hall rocked it pretty hard. They played some new tracks off of The In Crowd, including "Drivin' Down The Block," which I have some footage of later in this post. Their set was almost a little too loud though, and it was hard to decipher the lyrics at times. Still a fun show. But then it was time for Ali and Atmosphere. One thing I didn't realize about this tour (and which made it really special) was that Atmosphere and Ali were taking the stage at the same time. It was interesting, they kind of traded off songs, with Slug and Ali basically taking turns as each other's hype man. Ant was Djing the whole time, killing the set as usual. They had an interesting mix of songs, and overall if was a spectacular performance. I took some photos and videos, which I'm about to post here, I hope you enjoy, I sure did. I'd have more, but my camera ran out of batteries. Though I'd like more footage of the show, that did thankfully allow me to focus more on the music and go down to the main floor, which was definitely a good time. Great night.

Kidz in the Hall performing "Drivin' Down The Block"


Brother Ali performing "Whatcha' Got"


Brother Ali performing "Forest Whitaker"


Atmosphere performing "Puppets"


Atmosphere performing "Shoulda Known"


Atmosphere performing "Sunshine"

Four Unreleased Lupe Tracks

Damn, son. I don't even know what to say about all of this, just follow the links and check these songs out. Lupe is, and forever will be, a beast.

Lupe Fiasco - Diddy Freestyle
Lupe Fiasco - Where Do I Go
Lupe Fiasco - Mass Appeal Freestyle
Lupe Fiasco - 4 Real

Kanye West Freestyle and Unreleased Track

Here's some older Kanye for you all. This made it's rounds on the blog circuit, though I saw it at 2dopeboyz, like most everything else. It's over Hov's Jigga My Ni@@a beat. Next up is another unreleased song, called "The Stalker Song (Never Lettin' Go). Word is there is plenty of unreleased Kanye and Lupe tracks (as you'll also see in the next post) that will be released to the internet this week. Get ready.

Kanye West Freestyle
Kanye West: The Stalker Song (Never Lettin' Go)

On a side note, is it me or has Kanye encountered a string of bad luck/been fucking up lately? I don't even remember all the shit that's been going on, but first he got fucking torn up at Bonnaroo because his set didn't start until 4:30am, once most of the people went to bed already. Apparently he had to cut his set short because it's a light show and the sun was already beginning to rise. Then he absolutely let loose on the Bonnaroo promoters on his blog, calling them a bunch of fucking idiots. Then he endorsed Soulja Boy in the Soulja Boy/Ice T beef, which also seemed rather idiotic. I don't have much of an opinion on this, as I'll probably get down with Ye's music either way, but it's starting to get a little ridiculous how much trouble he keeps getting himself in to. That ego is getting a little carried away.

Talib Kweli: Eat to Live (Video)

Midwest Broadcast's Slept On Albums, Vol. 2

A while back, I made my first posting of an album that I believe slipped through the radar, but is far too dope to deserve to go unnoticed. Volume 1 featured Brother Ali's Off the Record, and the posting can be seeing by following this link. Volume 2 returns now with another criminally slept on album, One Be Lo's The R.E.B.I.R.T.H.

You may (or may not) remember One Be Lo from the group Binary Star, who released another relatively slept on, yet underground classic, Masters of the Universe (I sense a pattern here). Well, that group broke up, and One Be Lo dropped some heat with a couple of solo albums. But it was 2007'sThe R.E.B.I.R.T.H. that really raised the bar. The album is an acronym for "Real Emcees Bring Intelligent Rhymes To Hip-Hop," and One Be Lo does just that. The opening track, "Rebirth," features a steady barrage of hip-hop quotables, over a thumping sample-based beat. One Be Lo is a versatile lyricist who skillfully covers a wide variety of topics on his album. "Born & Raised" pays homage to his home town of Pontiac, Michigan. "Don't Sleep" is an absolute heater, featuring battle raps from One Be Lo and some fresh horns on the beat. And "House Rules" honestly might be the best rap about a dice game since Big L (RIP). As a whole, the album holds up cohesively, making for a very complete listen from start to finish. This album is definitely worth your money - and I'd assume you could find a used copy online for relatively cheap. But, if you're broke ass is too stingy to cop The R.E.B.I.R.T.H., then I'm sure you could find a downloadable copy online, I just won't link to you it. Either way, this album is terrific and should definitely be an addition to the collection.

One Be Lo: The R.E.B.I.R.T.H. at Amazon

I Apologize For This In Advance

This is too funny to not put up.

shaq freestyle (Kobe Dis)
by skaybn

Self-Promotion: The Key To Success In Mainstream Rap

So I have made it clear in previous posts that I'm spending about half of my summer this year in London working on an internship program, and subsequently taking this bullshit class. The other day I was taking the Tube (London's underground transit system) to class, when I stumbled upon a series of posters advertising the upcoming release (I do realize this has already happened) of Lil' Wayne's Tha Carter III. It was then that I came to the realization that Lil' Wayne has finally won. Everyone from the States to London to presumably thousands more cities around the world have successfully eaten the bullshit.

It was back in 2004 when Weezy released his single to the first album of his Carter trilogy, "Bring It Back." Brashly stating he was the "Best rapper alive, since the best rapper retired," Wayne's claims didn't sound convincing by any means. The young pipsqueak had little credibility, and few rhymes to boast. Yet he didn't stop. Probably thanks to the drugs, Wayne lived in the studio for the next few years, recording countless remixes, freestyles, and cameos (Most of which this author has admittedly never heard). He came out with some gems from time to time, some good mixtapes from time to time, but most importantly did not ever stop flooding the market with his drug/money/sex metaphor-ridden raps. Wayne was - and actually still is - everywhere (Shit, he ever worked with Enrique Iglesias). Not to mention he never stopped reminding us that he is the best, at least in his own eyes.

Flash forward to 2008. Tha Carter III, the most anticipated rap album since Kanye's Graduation, if not ever, finally drops. Even in the face of a mild controversy in which Wayne gave a big "Fuck you" to mixtape DJs who find a way to eat off of releasing his music and then saw his album leaked to the public by said DJs, Wayne prevailed. As was reported, Tha Carter III went platinum in its first week of release, selling more copies than even the aforementioned Graduation. How ironic that the DJs who Weezy so recently feuded with could be greatly credited with helping Wayne gain the extreme popularity that he has today.

How did this end up happening? Tha Carter III is a decent, if not good album, I'll accept that unconditionally. But neither this album, nor any of Weezy's albums and mixtapes, belong in the category of legendary music. "Best rappers alive" just don't make music like this. Or this. Lil' Wayne is a good rapper who at times shows flashes of brilliance, but overall doesn't maintain a level of consistency to be placed with the GOATs. Lil' Wayne is also a rapper who made some great marketing decisions. For example: releasing a endless number of unofficial songs, appearing on everyone's god damn albums, and continually telling everyone that he is the greatest rapper alive.

This goes to prove one thing: those who actually still buy hip-hop albums today are dumb enough to believe what they're told, as long as they hear it enough times. Remember this no talent ass-clown? Shit, all he did was say his name a bunch of times and even he went fucking platinum. Maybe some of the legitimately talented up and coming rappers should take a page out of The Encyclopedia Weezy and start doing what he did. That way, the buying public will actually enjoy and purchase good hip-hop music. How's that for a concept?

Fuck, maybe if I start saying I'm the best blogger alive, more than 5 or 10 people will even read this shit.

Mixtape Bonanza

So I haven't really done anything with this for a while now. I'm here in London still and getting really lazy with the posting. However, a bunch of goodies popped up on the blog circuit lately, so I figured it would be time to show that all to you. First up is Lupe's right hand man, Gemstones (Formerly known as Gemini). He finally dropped his mixtape, The Testimony of Gemstones. Download link is after the album artwork.

Gemstones: The Testimony of Gemstones

Up next is Wale, of course. This man's music literally does not stop circulating. The following two mixtapes are older ones from Wale. Back before 100 Miles and Running and everything. On a side note, Wale has since been signed to Interscope Records. I feel like these record labels are coming to their senses and finally starting to sign good artists. Good hip-hop is going to be back on the rise, thankfully. Anyway, back to the mixtapes:


Wale: Hate is the New Love Mixtape



Wale: Paint A Picture Mixtape

Blu & Exile Footage

Spotted this at 2dopeboyz, who got it from elsewhere. You already know Blu & Exile are dope.

Greater Love


GloryUs


Soul Rising

You Better Believe It!

Props to KG on his first ring. He deserves it more than any player I can think of. Funny interview, too.

John Legend & Andre 3000: Green Light

John Legend and Andre 3000. Need I say more?

Download: John Legend - Green Light ft. Andre 3000

Joell Ortiz: Brooklyn Bomber Mixtape

Here you go, folks. Joell is a beast. If you don't have The Brick (Bodega Chronicles), then you're moderately slippin'. Check this one out too. Link is after the album images.




Joell Ortiz: Brooklyn Bomber Mixtape

Snoop: "My Medicine" Video

Goodies From C.R.A.C Knuckles

Here's a freestyle video and the "Buy Me Lunch" music video from CRAC Knux. Collect Respect 'Anna Check, bitch.

More New Wale

So here's a freestyle from Wale, who must not leave the booth ever. The Mixtape (fuck it, it was more of an album) About Nothing was literally one of the best mixtapes I may have ever heard. Well, maybe at least in the last 2-3 years. Mark my words, Wale will be huge relatively soon. He's got all the qualities necessary to make it big. Can't wait for the first official release (Whenever that may come).

Wale - Luv Your Girl (Freestyle)

Also, I'll even post a link to his latest mixtape in case you don't have it yet. It's a necessity.

Wale - The Mixtape About Nothing

EPMD ft. KRS

Now, this one's for real. EPMD dropped a track called Run It, featuring KRS-One. If you're not up on EPMD you should be. One of those all-time classic groups.

EPMD - Run It (Remix) ft. KRS-One

Big Wille Style

Is this for real? Did Will Smith just rip Lil Wayne's "A Millie" beat, flip it, and freestyle over it? Yes. This one is just for shits and giggles, but here you go.

Will Smith - A Millie (Big Willie Style Remix)

Common: The Corner (Remix)

I'm lazy. Here it is, an unreleased remix of Common's "The Corner," off of Be. It features guest raps from 'Ye and some cat named Mikkey Halsted, who apparently has been killin' it in Chicago right now.

Common - The Corner (Remix) ft. Kanye West & Mikkey Halsted

Plenty More Nas To Be Had

Here is Nas' mixtape with DJ Green Lantern, titled The Ni@@er Tape. Bangers. Plus the two different official versions of the album cover for the mixtape.

Nas: The Ni@@er Tape


Also, below is the official video - or should I say short film? - for Nas' single that he released a while back, "Be A Ni@@ger Too." Make sure you've got eight some odd minutes free to space, because this is a long one. Rik Cordero directed this video, which is no surprise because he directs every video these days.

?uestlove Explains Why To Vote Obama

New Nas Tracks

So Nas just release the first official single to his upcoming, nameless album. The track is call "Hero," and at the end Nas raps: "No matter what the CDs called / I'm unbeatable ya'll." Let's hope so.. This one's got a new feel for Nas, but me likey.

Nas: Hero

As a bonus, here's another leaked Nas single, "Black President," off his upcoming mixtape with DJ Green Lantern, The Nigger Tape. Track comes complete with a nice little Obama victory speech snippet at the beginning.

Nas: Black President

Scraps is the Mother Fucking TRUTH

What? Lakes-Celtics? Never heard of it.

2-Year-Old Donkey Called Up To Pro Donkey Basketball League

My Last Soundset Post (I Promise!)

Here are the only two videos I took during Soundset. Like I said, I got very lazy, and was too involved in the actual shows to sit and take much footage. Here it is anyway. Sorry for the poor quality, at least the sound is pretty good!. I promise to make amends: I'm going to concerts by Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Kidz in the Hall, Cool Kidz, and Jay-Z while I'm here in London, and I'll get better footage there!

Saint Paul Slim


Brother Ali - "Lookin' At Me Sideways" (Verse One)

B.O.B. Freestyle

Blu (Finally) Returns!

What up yall? Everybody's favorite rookie from 2007, Blu, has returned with another monthly release, as well as a bonus track too. Blu makes these all available from his myspace, so peep that. Follow the links:

Blu: The Classy Man
Blu: Up All Nite

Additionally, his myspace also makes it apparent that that Johnson & Jonson project should be getting released relatively soon... Get pumped. And if you don't know about it, follow this link too. Johnson & Jonson are Blu on the raps and some cat named Mainframe on beats, and they've got some wicked chemistry with eachother. Their album, Powders & Oils, or at least an unofficial version of it (...?) got leaked a while back, and you can check this link to listen to it. But it's obviously fire, so once it's released make sure to buy it too!

Johnson & Jonson - Powders & Oils

Lupe Fiasco Unreleased Track

Here's a fresh track by Lupe that's probably pretty old, and never ended up getting released. It's called Cold World, and was posted by FakeShoreDrive, aka the blog for everything Chicago Hip-hop.

Lupe - Cold World

The GREEN Album

illroots.com posted some tight mixtape that some dude put together. I'm in London and I'm lazy, so I won't spend time explaining. Basically it's a bunch of dope acapellas over Al Green sampled beats. There you have it, now go and get it.

Follow this link to download The Green Album

Kanye Freestyle at Hot97 Summer Jam

I absolutely love how Kanye isn't scared to actually freestyle during huge shows. He's brash, but a great performer.

Common Interview/Performance Footage

Got this over at OKP, it's some pretty ill footage. Got a Common interview talking about J Dilla, then some sick performance recordings with Mos Def (Why can't Mos always spit it like that anymore?)

Soundset Recap, Continued (Videos)

HUGE shout out to this dude at Youtube who posted a bunch of self-recorded videos from performers at Soundset. He was apparently in the front row or two, 'cause seldom do random hands/heads in the crowd get in the way. Plus a song from the afterparty! Nice stuff. Here are some of the best videos, in chronological order as the day progressed (as far as I can remember):

Mac Lethal: Make Out Bandit


Blueprint: No Half-Smokin'


Blueprint: Boombox


Brother Ali: Walkin' Away


Brother Ali: Forrest Whittaker


Little Brother: Say It Again


Slug, I-Self Devine, Musab, Brother Ali: Flesh (Remix)