Clipse: "Kinda Like A Big Deal ft. Kanye West" (Live)

Brother Ali: "Us"

I announced the album a few days ago. I posted the video for "Us" just yesterday. Now Rhymesayers has graciously leaked the mp3 and made it available for free download. Preorder Us right now.

Brother Ali: "Us"

Mike Mictlan and Lazerbeak: "Prizefight" (Video Trailer)

It's been way too long since I had a Hand Over Fist post. As you can see from the clip below, the full video to "Prizefight," (one of the most passionate rap songs of 2008, and a personal favorite of mine from the Doomtree collective) will be coming in September.

Brother Ali: "Us" (Album Promo Video)

We might be in for something truly special with this one. I don't want to get my hopes set too high, but it's a new Ali LP on the way, people! I just watched this video about 6 times. September 22 can't come soon enough. You'd be making a huge mistake now to pre-order Us right now.

Mally: "The Passion" + Concert Announcement

This is the title track to Minneapolis rapper Mally's third official release, The Passion, a powerful and heartfelt EP that truly was a pleasant surprise when I found this in my inbox. Though I unfortunately had not heard of Mally until recently, I gave his EP a listen and was legitimately impressed. This title track from the EP displays his breezy, effortless flow and clever wordplay. The rest of the project is more of the same, and also boasts impressive production from start to finish by Miami producer Mydus.

Furthermore, for those of you Twin Cities residents who don't want to spend the $35 is costs to see Mos Def at First Avene on Saturday, August 1, fear not. You have another hip-hop concert option, as Mally is having his release party for The Passion that night at The Fineline. The concert flyer is below, and I cosign attending this event.

Mally: "The Passion"

Skooda Chose: "Loungin' ft. Mikey Rocks & Twista"

More Chicago goodies for you. Skooda Chose hooks up with Mikey Rocks of The Cool Kids and ChiTown veteran Twista. Track produced by Blended Babies.

YP: Classified (Limited Time Album Download)

Chicago rapper YP is experimenting with an interesting marketing strategy. His management company, Stay Humble Entertainment, and Fake Shore Drive are collaborating to promote YP's debut album, Classified. It's available for free download for one week only, because after that he has a distribution deal and the album will be sold in stores. This is your chance to get the early jump on this rising rapper's music.

YP: Classified

Longshot: Healthy Self Esteem (Prod. Brandon Allday)

Just a few moments ago, Chicago emcee Longshot generously reached out to me with this new track, produced by Brandon Allday of Big Quarters. This track will be featured on his upcoming mixtape, Future of the Chi. Longshot is also currently in Minneapolis working on Struggle Music/Living My Dreams, the follow up to his last album, Addicted. Lastly, there is also a documentary in the works chronicling his time in the Twin Cities, 300 Days in Minneapolis. Make sure to take a deep breath homie!

Longshot: Healthy Self Esteem (Prod. Brandon Allday)

Zerostar: Are We There Yet? EP (Free Download)

I posted about Zerostar once before, when he appeared on Illogic's "Diabolical Fun" remix with Slug and Aesop Rock. Well, the emcee rolls with Blueprint and all of the Weightless Recordings crew, and has just released a free EP, titled Are We There Yet? The EP's tracklist is below and the download link is at the end of the post.

DOWNLOAD - Zerostar: Are We There Yet? EP

Guante & Big Cats!: Live at One Day in July Festival (Videos)

I really am loving spending the summer in Madison, but sometimes realizing all the great hip-hop I'm missing gets to be a little too much for me. Just last Saturday, Guante & Big Cats! (and their band) put down another powerful performance at the One Day in July festival. I spotted this footage at Culture Bully, so all thanks go to Chris and the crew. Brother Ali and BK-One performed too, but I don't see any footage of that yet. Cross your fingers.

Atmosphere: Live at New York City's Webster Hall (Videos)

Via URB:

Here are some videos from the Atmosphere show last night at Webster Hall in NYC. Above is a freestyle Slug did on stage during his set with opener Eyedea, and "Guarantees" (with a new third verse) and "F*@k You Lucy" are below.

Brother Ali: 'Us' Pre-Order Promotional Video

Brother Ali speaks about a nice treat a lucky fan will receive by pre-ordering his upcoming LP, Us. Cool stuff. Head over to Fifth Element to place your order on the album.

RubyHornet TV Presents 'The Rhymefest Interview' (Video)

I posted the trailer for this a few days back. Now the good folks at RubyHornet have come through with three entire video segments of their recent interview with Rhymefest.

JR & PH7: "Top Rank ft. Black Milk & Guilty Simpson" (Music Video)

Way back in April I posted the audio download for this song. Here is the video. You won't see either of the Michigan emcees in this video, but the German production duo is heavily featured and the video's concept is dope.

S & M (Sarah White & M.anifest): "Losing My Religion"

No, this isn't R.E.M.; S & M is the collaborative duo of Sarah White (Minneapolis-raised singer) and M.anifest. This particular track has elements of neo-soul, funk, hip-hop, electronica, all over afrobeat grooves. Beautiful music. The two are currently working on putting the finishing pieces on many songs they have crafter together, and they should be releasing an EP by the end of 2009.

S & M (Sarah White & M.anifest): "Losing My Religion"

Brother Ali Announces New Album 'Us'

Here is the press release from Rhymesayers:

Brother Ali's last album, the critically acclaimed, The Undisputed Truth, was a landmark in hip-hop, an album that carried weight equally with critics and fans alike, an album of bold statements and bolder beats, politically and socially aware without being preachy. His new album, Us (Rhymesayers Entertainment), is a progression that will make Brother Ali one of the most enduring figures in hip-hop; while still aware, Ali has turned his gaze inward, and started examining the human condition from the outside in. A profound personal glimpse into a vulnerability seldom seen or heard in music, Us touches on the strengths and flaws of the human condition, exploring drug abuse, divorce, homophobia and many more topics that most people are scared to touch in their own lives, much less on an album for the world to see.

As with previous endeavors, the beats here are courtesy of Ant, whose production work seems to be getting more soulful and lush by the minute. The guest appearances only accentuate Brother Ali's strengths, with Chuck D, Freeway, Joell Ortiz and Stokley Williams of Mint Condition making strong appearances.

Pre-Order: Fifth Element

Ali will also be embarking on the two-month long 'Fresh Air Tour,' starting September 22 in Duluth, MN, and concluding on November 20 at none other than First Ave, in Minneapolis, MN. Guests will be the newly signed Rhymesayers artist Evidence, as well as BK One and Toki Wright. If they don't hit your city, I feel sorry for you because there are about 40 shows in this tour, ranging from New Mexico to Washington to Florida to Maine. He's hitting all four corners of the nation on this journey. Props to Ali, and the entire Rhymesayers crew for their relentless work ethic and dedication to their fans.

Grouch & Eligh: "Boom! ft. Slug"

Here's a link to the audio download, if you're interested. This was off G&E's recent release, Say G&E, which I must say has grown on me quite a bit. Very well produced album. Video spotted at Nah Right.

Eyedea & Abilities: "Spin Cycle" (Video)

Eyedea & Abilities performing "Spin Cycle" live on The Local Show from 89.3 The Current.

Eyedea & Abilities: "Sky Diver" (Live)

E&A's new album, By The Throat, is available now. Go get it.

Lupe Fiasco: Live at The Palace Theatre in Melbourne, Australia

About a month and a half ago, I posted some video + audio of Lupe performing "Go Go Gadget Flow" during his concert in Australia. Now The LupEND Blog came through with audio from the entire concert — props! Tracklist and download link below.


DOWNLOAD - Lupe Fiasco: Live at The Palace Theatre in Melbourne, Australia

Psalm One: "Uptown Freestyle"

Chicago emcee Psalm One goes in over Drake's song. I can't say I've ever heard Drake's version, but I would not be surprised at all if Psalm bested him on this one. Not that anyone's competing here.

Psalm One: "Uptown Freestyle"

Rhymefest Protests At Chicago's City Hall (Video)

Via Andrew at FakeShoreDrive:

Rhymefest took to the steps of City Hall yesterday to protest with a rather large group in hopes to bring jobs to the black community on the Southside of Chicago. More specifically, a Walmart, that Alderman Howard Brookins is trying to build on 83rd & Chatham, that will bring close to 300 jobs to the area. 'Fest in particular also hopes this will also bring fresh produce and food to this community, that does most of their grocery shopping at 7/11's and BP stations.

Royce Da 5'9": "8/11"

Every member of Slaughterhouse is dropping their own version of this song, in promotion of the groups album, in stores on — you guessed it — August 11. This is Royce's output.

Royce Da 5'9": "8/11"

Kid Cudi: "Call Me Moon Man"

Props to NahRight, where I spotted this. Man On The Moon will be in stores on September 15. I have a feeling this is just an old, unreleased track, though.

Kid Cudi: "Call Me Moon Man"

Jay-Z: "Run This Town ft. Kanye West & Rihanna"

The first official single to The Blueprint 3, which is scheduled for a September 11 release date. Kanye West spits the song's third verse, plus he handled the production.

Jay-Z: "Run This Town ft. Kanye West & Rihanna" (Dirty)
Jay-Z: "Run This Town ft. Kanye West & Rihanna" (Clean)

Big Sean: "Getcha Some" (Music Video)

Off of G.O.O.D. Music rapper's UKNOWBIGSEAN mixtape. Also, scheduled to be on his upcoming debut album, Finally Famous. I do know one more thing: rappers need to stop using the "fresh like I'm wrapper in plastic" line.

Guilty Simpson: "Coroner's Music" (Prod. Madlib)

I "tweeted" about this project yesterday, and now the first single from Guilty and Madlib, "Coroner's Music," is out. OJ Simpson is the name of their album. Hilarious.

Additionally, head over to Stones Throw for the 12" exclusive of "Coroner's Music," as well as more information regarding the upcoming OJ Simpson album itself.

Guilty Simpson: "Coroner's Music" (Prod. Madlib)

Freez: Behind the Scene Footage for New Mixtape (Video)

Freez's For Real It's 2 E-Z Mixtape, Pt. 2 (what a name, I know) is in the works right now.

Previosuly - Freez: For Real, It's 2 EZ, Pt. 1

Common: "I Want You" (Illmind Remix)

Illmind remixes Common's track off of Finding Forever for his upcoming remix album. Spotted at NahRight.

Common: "I Want You" (Illmind Remix)

4Shades: Ubiquity (Free Instrumental Album)

4Shades is a local hip-hop production tandem featuring representing Minneapolis, St. Paul, Milwaukee, and even Ghana. The group is composed of O-D, Katrah-Quey, G-Mo, and none other than M.anifest. They have been producing for local artists for years now, and have had their work featured on projects by Prof & Rahzwell, Toki Wright, M.anifest, and Krukid. This album, Ubiquity, features a handful of instrumental tracks, as well as some exclusive songs. I spotted this at O-D's blog for Soul Virgo Records.

DOWNLOAD - 4Shades: Ubiquity (Free Instrumental Album)

Bonus: 4Shades gave Big Quarters a tour of their home studio in promotion of the June 18th installment of Last of the Record Buyers, which they hosted.

Ruby Hornet TV Presents 'The Rhymefest Interview' (Trailer)

You don't often see a trailer for an interview. According to RubyHornet, they sat down with Rhymefest and "talked...and talked...and talked...The result will now and forever be referred to as 'The Rhymefest Interview', and will be coming raw and uncut at the end of the week." Below is a little preview of what to expect.

Kid Cudi: "Embrace The Martian" (Live)

At the Detroit stop of Cudi and Asher Roth's 'The Great Hangover' tour.

Chuck L.I.: "Run (Remix)"

I posted Chuck L.I.'s mixtape, Some Shit I Wrote, back in late April. Now he's working on a follow up, titled Good Luck Chuck. This track features the Chicagoan going in over some classic Tony Starks. Shouts to 2DopeBoyz on the linkage.

Chuck L.I.: "Run (Remix)"

FuseTV Presents Kanye Live at the Chicago Theatre (Trailer)

I actually posted a couple of videos of Kanye performing at the Chicago Theatre in support of his foundation. Well FuseTV is airing the entire thing on Saturday, July 25 at 7PM Central Time.

Mikkey Halsted: "Ready Rock" (Live)

At Mikkey's show in Chicago just last night.

Naledge's 'Wild Tour Story' (Video)

The Kidz in the Hall emcee spitter speaks on the group's unfortunate night in Arizona. Spotted at FakeShoreDrive.

Evidence: Interview with Peter Parker at Rock The Bells (Video)

Rhymesayers' newest artist speaks on his new agreement with the label with B96's Mr. Peter Parker. Still very excited about this – it looks like Ev is as well.

Dave Coresh, 3D, & Jordan Looney: "Rewind"

Photography by Andrea Brubaker

These Chicago rappers get together for a collaboration, presented by The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (what up Zack?). Only Looney is pictured above, because that's the only photo I have sitting around right now. All three rappers do their thing though, don't act surprised.

Dave Coresh, 3D, & Jordan Looney: "Rewind"

Kid Cudi: "Make Her Say ft. Kanye West & Common" (Music Video)

Cudi's Man On The Moon is scheduled for a September 15 release date.

D/Will: "Run" (Video)

D/Will, who had a track on Flyover Land, Vol. 1, just dropped a video for his song "Run." Did you remember to also download his free album, Battery Effect?

Big Quarters, Crescent Moon, & Big Trouble: "Wipe The Dust"

The brothers Bagaason and Crescent Moon practicing with Big Trouble (Heiruspecs sans emcees), doing "Wipe The Dust," off the recent From The Home of Brown Babies and White Mothers. Let's hope these guys do a show together — preferably when I'm in the TC.

P.O.S.: Cinemax Max Tour Stories (Video)

Via Minneapolis Fucking Rocks.

Eyedea & Abilities: "Burn Fetish" (Live)

By The Throat in stores on Tuesday, July 21.

Add-2: "School Daze ft. Slot-A" (Prod. Slot-A)

Add-2 sent this through a day or two ago, and I've been slow with posting lately. If you remember, he and Slot-A hooked up for "Whatcha Like," off of Flyover Land, Vol. 1. This track won't appear on Add-2's upcoming mixtape, Tale of Two's City, Vol. 3.

Add-2: "School Daze ft. Slot-A" (Prod. Slot-A)

No I.D.: The Making of "D.O.A." (Video)

The backing audio is the original sample used by No I.D. to craft "D.O.A."

Finale: "It's Mine"

Finale drops some rhymes for the DJBooth.net freestyle series.

Finale: "It's Mine"

Evidence Signs with Rhymesayers (Video)

RSE stays making moves. Congrats to the label, AND to Evidence, who seems to be getting a good deal out of this agreement, especially judging by his YouTube comment: "The future is looking bright. 2010 is gonna be a lot of fun.-See you soon! -- Normally I wouldn't glorify signing a "contract" -but this is a very good,"Agreement" much love."

I'll be in a car driving to Minnesota today, so don't expect any action until later this afternoon.

Mac Lethal: "Woodchip Grinder ft. Aesop Rock & Soulcrate Music"

Off Mac's rerelease of Love Potion 5. I'll be out celebrating my 22nd birthday for the rest of the day/night, so don't expect many more posts. Sorry!

Mac Lethal: "Woodchip Grinder ft. Aesop Rock & Soulcrate Music"

Freeway & Jake One: "Blogger"

This is presumably the first leak from Freeway and Jake One's collaborative album, The Stimulus Package, which should be out on Rhymesayers before the year ends. Props to 2DopeBoyz.

Freeway & Jake One: "Blogger"

Black Milk: "Losing Out" (Live in Europe)

It feels as if Black Milk has been touring in Europe for around six months or so now. If that's the case, his opportunity to be performing non stop has apparently done wonders for his live performance. Following what seems to be the natural progression of many rappers these days (and this is a good thing), Black Milk recruited a live band to join him for his show at a recent festival. This is footage of one of 2008's best tracks, "Losing Out." No Nickel Nine, though.

Naledge: "I Rock (Freestyle)"

This track actually appeared on the DJMoonDawg mixtape I just posted below, but thanks to Andrew at FakeShore, we now have the no DJ version. Naledge kicking hot fire over some Cool Kids.

Naledge: "I Rock (Freestyle)"

DJ MoonDawg: Midwest Kush (Mixtape)

This has actually got some pretty impressive guests on it: Naledge, GLC, Twista, Mikkey Halsted, and various other Chicago spitters. Download link below.

DJ MoonDawg: Midwest Kush (Mixtape)

Big Sean: Fab5Ent.com Interview (Video)

Seriously, Big Sean does more interviews than anyone. So, I try to be selective with posting them, but this one had some actual production value, so it gets the go ahead.

Trey Lane: "Bars"

Trey Lane sent this exclusive track over my way, with little description of where it's from or if it's on any special project. My guess is that the song's purpose is as simple as it's title, "Bars." Just made to enjoy some quick verses from the South Dakotan emcee.

Trey Lane: "Bars"

Twista: "Alright ft. Kanye West"

Funny story: Me and one of my roommates randomly found Twista's most recent mixtape just sitting in our living room one day. No idea how it got there, sometimes these things are just meant to be. Still haven't listened to it, but after cracking jokes about some of the song titles, we noticed that on the back was a phone number listed next to the line, "CALL TWISTA." Not wanting to pass up what would be his only opportunity in life to prank call Twista, my roommate decided he would "CALL TWISTA," but refused to do it from his own phone. Naturally, I let him use mine. It just took you to some random answering machine with a brief message from Twista that went something like this: "You what up? Ishyaboi, Twista, I'm in the studio right now, and just wanted to holla at ya'll about my new album, Category F5. Make sure to cop that shit when it drops." Now, not only did we not get to talk to Twista, I get about 4 text messages a week from "Twista" telling me to buy his album. Thanks, Hank.

Category F5 is available now, so here's to hoping the messages cease and desist. Below is a download link for the iTunes bonus track off the album, featuring a phoned-in verse from Kanye.

Twista: "Alright ft. Kanye West"

Young Son: "Success Is... (But A Breath Away)"

"Introducing ya'll to the life I live/ They don't understand how bring I'm is." Grammatical issues aside Minneapolis' Young Son drops his lead single from his upcoming LP Dreamer's Poetry. He also holds it down for his hometown in the process, with a welcome Kirby Puckett reference. Those drums also sound eerily similar to Kanye's "Good Morning."

Young Son: "Success Is... (But A Breath Away)"

Nametag: "Back On My Shit ft. Skyzoo" (Prod. Black Milk)

I got this in my inbox about four days ago but for some reason slept on it. Michigan's Nametag got down with Skyzoo over this Black Milk beat for his upcoming mixtape Classic Cadence Vol. 2. Snatched the pic from NahRight.

Nametag: "Back On My Shit ft. Skyzoo" (Prod. Black Milk)

P.O.S.: "Purexed" (Music Video)

Rhymesayer P.O.S. comes through with his fourth of six music videos from the spectacular album Never Better. Nice to see how MTV and Rhymesayers have developed a mutual relationship as of late. Lots of artists have been getting their premiers through the music network.

PREVIOUSLY - "Optimist" - "Drumroll" - "Goodbye"

Toki Wright: "A Different Mirror" (Live on The Current)

I'm swamped with work for the afternoon and might not get around to too many posts until later. But I wanted to drop off this video of Toki performing the title track from his latest album on 89.3 The Current.

Lupe Fiasco: Interview + "Hip-Hop Saved My Life" (Video)

The LupEND Blog just posted this video. Lupe gets interviewed and speaks on how his label won't let him retire, and he has three more albums to release. Then there is a recording of him performing "Hip-Hop Saved My Life."

Benzilla & BK-One Announce Upcoming Album 'Radio de Canibal' (Video)

Minneapolis DJs Benzilla (who produced a handful of tracks on Toki Wright's A Different Mirror) and BK-One will be coming out with their album Radio de Canibal sometime this fall. Very interesting concept — all Brazillian samples, guerilla style crate digging, etc. Plus what appears to be tons of amazing guests, from Black Thought to Raekwon to I Self Devine. It looks like we might have 2009's White Van Music upon us. Zilla and BK-One will be at Last of the Record Buyers on August 20 to discuss the album.

Eyedea & Abilities: "Spin Cycle" (Live)

Via Rhymesayers:

On June 13th Eyedea & Abilities performed their new album By The Throat, which drops 07.21.09, for an intimate audience at Intermedia Arts in Minneapolis, MN. Each song was prefaced with a short story or an explanation about that song. Michael Gaughan, the artist responsible for the album artwork, did a watercolor painting of the duo while they performed. "Spin Cycle" is the first video in this series so stay tuned. More videos to come!

Guante & Big Cats!: "Harry Potter (Remix) ft. Chantz"

Via those good folks over at Tru Ruts:

Tru Ruts/Speakeasy Records presents a FREE download of the remixed/re-worked “Harry Potter,” a song that finds emcees Guante and Chantz using the book/film series as a metaphor for smashing down the walls of the literary/musical/artistic canon. Over a brooding, propulsive Big Cats! beat, the two rappers touch on hip hop, culture and much more, all the while dropping punchlines that play off of the book’s many characters and ideas. Fresh off their appearance at Soundset ’09, Guante & Big Cats! are dropping this song for free as an appetizer to their upcoming zombie-superhero-love-story, the concept album “An Unwelcome Guest.”

Guante & Big Cats!: "Harry Potter (Remix) ft. Chantz Erolin"

I Self Devine: Last of the Record Buyers Promo (Video)

I Self will be hosting Last of the Record Buyers on July 16, which just so happens to be this kid's birthday. Unfortunately, I'll still be in Madison; but I strongly recommend you to attend. Here, I Self speaks on the LORB event, as well as the purity of crate digging in hip-hop production.

Content Under Pressure #2 Promo Video

The lineup from the first one was way more stacked, but Content Under Pressure #2 is taking place today at Fifth Element and will be hosted by none other than Toki Wright. This promo video also has various footage and audio from the first series spliced in to it.

Royce Da 5'9": "Warriors ft. Crooked I, Joe Budden & Joell Ortiz"

The Slaughterhouse machine got together for a single off Royce's The Revival EP, which came out just today. It's only got 4 songs, but should tide you over until the Slaughterhouse LP and Royce's Street Hop come out in the following weeks and months. Via 2DopeBoyz.

Royce Da 5'9": "Warriors ft. Crooked I, Joe Budden & Joell Ortiz"

Mr. Hudson: "Anyone But Him ft. Kanye West" + "Everything Is Broken ft. Kid Cudi"

Links via NahRight. Thanks!

Mr. Hudson: "Anyone But Him ft. Kanye West"
Mr. Hudson: "Everything Is Broken ft. Kid Cudi"

Elzhi & Black Milk: Splash! Magazine Interview (Video)

Finale: Vimby A Capella Verse (Video)

Add-2: CTA Radio Interview (Video)

Starting playing catch up right now.

No Bird Sing: "Ars Poetica" (Video)

This was on the amazing Flyover Land, Vol. 1 mixtape.

Atmosphere: Leak At Will (Free EP Download)

Happy Fourth of July from Rhymesayers Entertainment. I knew a special surprise was coming from the Rhymesayers camp sometime, and here it is:

hello party people. as we approach the launch of our new digital online store anthony and myself [Slug] have put together another project that we are giving away for free to any of you who sign up for a user account on our online store www.FifthElementOnline.com. the project is a 7 song ep called LEAK AT WILL, and it was a lot of fun to make. nothing too serious, just smiles and cries. consider it another “thank you” for all of the support you have offered us over the years.

Also from Slug:

to retrieve it, just follow these simple steps:
1. click the download link below, that will take you to fifth element online (the official rhymesayers entertainment store)
2. add “LEAK AT WILL” to your cart (added at $0.00)
3. click “check out” and enjoy your new ep

and again, thank you very much. have a good summer. see you later player.

Or you can get it from this zshare link below. Sorry this post is so messy. Late night last night. 4th of July festivities to go to today.

DOWNLOAD - Atmosphere: Leak at Will EP

Black Milk Broadcast, Episode 1 (Video)

While in Europe, Black Milk is starting a new video series, Black Milk Broadcast.

P.O.S.: "The Basics" (Live at Warped Tour)

Eminem: "Beautiful" (Video)

Brother Ali: AllHipHop.com Feature (Video)

Brother gets a video on AllHipHop.com, unfortunately I don't have time to watch. I'm heading home to St. Paul real soon; be there late tonight. YES!

Behind The Beats, Vol. 8: Big Quarters + Lazerbeak

Haven't done one of these in a while. Sorry about that. To make up for lost time, I'll do a double dose edition of Behind the Beats, feature the Twin Cities' own Big Quarters and Lazerbeak. If you remember back to this video, Medium Zach and Lazerbeak went head to head during a previous Last of the Record Buyers. They each got a sample, had two weeks to craft a beat, and then put their work up to the test. Coincidently, both artists' beats ended up being officially released on future projects of theirs. Lazerbeak's work ended up on the Doomtree False Hopes album as "Legend Recognize Legend." Zach's beat ended up on Big Quarters' From the Home of Brown Babies and White Mothers (Review), in the form of "Prom Mrs." Both artists sample the Rock Flowers' 1971 song "You Shouldn't Have Set My Soul On Fire," but that's about the only thing the beats have in common. Medium Zach opted to sample more subtle aspects of the song, and splice his own vocals in as well (with some additional help from Mankwe Ndosi). Lazerbeak, however, chopped countless samples of various elements of the track, and meshed them into a more uptempo instrumental. Check both tracks, along with the Rock Flowers' original sample, below.

Rock Flowers: "You Shouldn't Have Set My Soul On Fire"

Guardians of Balance: "Come On" + "The Ghetto" + "Weak" (Videos)

I need to turn in late pass on this one, but Justin of 612 to 651, who routinely captures high-quality footage of the Twin Cities hip-hop concerts, recorded a few songs from the GOB set at the Turf Club a while back. I don't think I've posted about Guardians of Balance before (for reasons that are beyond me), but for those that don't know, the duo is composed of St. Paul Slim and Mastermind. Do some research.

Finale Discusses Dilla Tribute Song "Paid Homage" (Video)

Detroit rapper Finale speaks on the Flying Lotus produced song, "Paid Homage," off of one of my favorite albums of 2009 thus far, A Pipe Dream and a Promise (Click to read my review).