Monday, November 30, 2009
Add-2: "Starter Jacket" (Music Video)
Add-2's video for "Starter Jacket," off his Tale of Two's City, Vol. 3 mixtape, finally gets its release, after months of anticipation. I, for one, am not disappointed. As a bonus, he also sent along the a capella version of this track, for any DJs or producers out there who want to flip it. That can be found at the bottom of the post.
Big Quarters Featured on MTVMusic.com (Videos)
Brandon Allday and Medium Zach were able to briefly speak with MTVMusic.com during the release party of their tremendous album, From the Home of Brown Babies and White Mothers (Review). Also, Brandon reportedly is really feeling George Lopez's show, Lopez Tonight, and made a request that you go to his website and suggest Big Quarters to perform live on the show.
Illuminous 3: "Thrift Stores & L's" + EP Artwork
New heat from Illuminous 3. Today is a good day for local music. This is the title track to their upcoming EP, Thrift Stores and L's, which will be available for free download at the group's website in exactly one week. The tracklist for the project is included below.
Mally: "3 Part Eulogy"
More heat from Mally, one of the Twin Cities' most promising young lyricists. This track, produced by Rem' of Florida, will be featured on the upcoming Flyover Land, Vol. 2, presented by — you guessed it — your favorite blog on the interwebs. That's all I've got for you now, though. Stay tuned!Noon (Budo and Krukid): 6AM Redux (Limited Time Free EP Download)
Krukid and Budo collaborated on this neat little project, and who better to explain it than Budo himself? He says: Krukid and I (who, along with M.anifest make up the mighty A.R.M.) are proud to present our first ever collaborative project, entitled Noon. This 6 song EP was conceptualized as an "off the cuff" experiment...I sat down and fashioned the instrumentals during a 6 hour period, and Kruk executed the lyrical side of things at a similar break-neck pace. What came out is raw, roughly mixed, poorly mastered, full of energy, love, anger, pain, and joy. We wanted to give this to you as a gift, and also to put it out just as it came to us. No polish, no gimmicks...just dope music. We'll be offering this for free for a couple weeks before transitioning to a full iTunes digital release, so feel free to pass this link along, tweet it, facebook it, hire a biplane to skyrwrite the URL, etc to anyone that you think might be interested.We're grateful for all of you.
DOWNLOAD -- Noon (Budo and Krukid): 6AM Redux
Trey Lane: "Until There Is Nothing Left ft. Big Jess"
Here is a new Trey Lane track, produced by and featuring a guest spot from Big Jess. Keep in mind that Trey's All Things Considered will be available on December 18. Also, the Unknown Prophets' new album, Le System D, is avilable now on iTunes, and will be in stores tomorrow. Trey Lane: 'Until There Is Nothing Left ft. Big Jess"
Brother Ali: "The Preacher" + "Tight Rope" (Live on 89.3 The Current)
I remember listening to this interview live on my computer about 10 days ago, but it's always nice when some video footage surfaces as well.
Analyrical: "Cruisin'"
Analyrical will be releasing his debut album, First Date, on December 15. Last time, I posted a download of "Deja Vu." This is his next single, "Cruisin'." Also, a release party for the album will be on Saturday, December 19, at the Downtime Bar and Cafe in Dinkeytown. Among the featured guests will be Muad'dib (of Twisted Linguistics/Heiruspecs), See More Perspective (Tru Ruts), and Mally.No Bird Sing: Concert Announcement + Halloween, Alaska Remix
If you can't tell from the poster above, No Bird Sing will be performing on December 11th at the Turf w/ Aby Wolf, Peter Wolf Crier and Bethany Larson. Also, they remixed a Halloween, Alaska track for an upcoming remix EP, out in December. At the request of No Bird Sing, the track is stream only. Sorry, folks.Thursday, November 26, 2009
Lupe Fiasco: 'Enemy Of The State (A Love Story)' (Mixtape)
Some Thanksgiving fire from Lupe Fiasco. Can't wait to give this a listen, I'll let you all know what I think once I give it a spin. Cover art is kind of bland, but I posted this version because it's the original. Shake at 2DopeBoyz made his own version if you're interested. Lupe is also dropping another mixtape on Christmas, according to his Twitter. This is why I'm so thankful for the holidays! Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
DOWNLOAD -- Lupe Fiasco: Enemy Of The State (A Love Story)
Common: "Strange Fruit ft. John Legend" (Prod. Kanye West)
Here's a track that was left on the cutting room floor for Common's Finding Forever. This one's a gem; all thanks go to 2DopeBoyz.Kanye West: "I'm So Appalled" (No DJ)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Felt: "Felt Chewed Up" (Music Video)
Slug and Murs spit lyrical miracles over some Aesop Rock spirituals. Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez is in stores now.
A Felt Thanksgiving (Video)
Just got home to St. Paul about 20 minutes ago. Good to be home and with family, and to get a little break from school. Having a safe and happy Thanksgiving tomorrow, everyone.
Chantz Erolin & Cory Grindberg: "Gone (Remix)"
Two weeks ago, I posted about the re-release of Chantz Erolin and Cory Grindberg's The Good Company EP. Now, the good folks at Tru Ruts have given me the opportunity to exclusively release one track from that project for free download, "Gone (Remix)."While the original version of "Gone" has a heavy, electric guitar driven hook, the remix is a bouncy, more melodic tune. Additionally, Chantz's lyrics get the autotune treatment, in this case with astounding results. Chantz might be a youngster in the rap scene, but his skills are not to be overlooked. On the track, he raps, "I take my damn sweet time with each line/ most other rappers write their verses in T9." The intricacy and craft involved in his raps is not going overlooked — I've been listening to this track repeatedly since I got the EP. It's my favorite song on the project, and now you can enjoy it as well.
Lastly, of course, if you want to purchase The Good Company EP, you can do so by following this link. It costs a minimum $5.00, and you benevolent souls can donate more, if you'd like. Good local music like this is well worth the cost.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Greenhouse: 'Electric Purgatory, Pt. 1' (Free EP Download)
Six new tracks from Blueprint and Illogic. I think this is a good way to end my relentless stream of catch-up posts. Good stuff, right here, people. Gotta hit up Greenhouse's Bandcamp site to download it.Heiruspecs: "Without Much Sleep" (Video)
St. Paul's finest, Heiruspecs, are still posting videos from their album release party at First Ave. Wasn't this like 11 months ago? Well, I'm not complaining.
Mike Dreams: "We Goin' Worldwide ft. Christina Fisher"
The artist formerly known as Young Son, now Mike Dreams (Get it? Ha!), will be releasing Dreamer's Poetry via 2DopeBoyz and DJBooth.net in January 2010.Saturday, November 21, 2009
Doomtree: 'False Hopes 15' Promo Video + Paper Tiger's 20 Minute Mixtape
The above video says it all. That "Coup For The King" beat is a genuine Lazerbeak "lava banger." Also, below is Paper Tiger's 20 minute mixtape. It's apparently the first of many in a series. For the first installment the theme is 80's electro.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Greenhouse: "Damn"
Greenhouse's Electric Purgatory EP will be available for free download on November 24. You can also preorder a deluxe hard copy of the EP, which includes an instrumental version of the project, and a full-size poster. The first leak from the EP was "Gettin' There," here is "Damn."
M.anifest: The Birds and the Beats (Mixtape)
Happy birthday, M.anifest.
I'm happy to liberate the Full Album/Mixtape, "The Birds And The Beats," for free today, which happens to be my born day as well. Kindly do share with your readers.DOWNLOAD - M.anifest: The Birds and the Beats (Mixtape)
Being from the mother of all motherlands, I thought this would be a useful opportunity to promote a cause as well:"Young Entrepreneurs Africa," (YE,A) - a nonprofit giving tools and skills for African Youth to get theirs the entrepreneurship route and not have to rely on charity. The complete rhyme and reason of it all is at http://manifestmc.com.
I work with some incredible musicians who dedicated massive amounts of time and talent to make this happen so I couldn't take full credit for this release. The download includes liner notes which is a first for free digital releases as far as I know. We give thanks.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Add-2: "Cassette Tapes"
Add-2 gets with Miami producer Mydus (who also did all of Mally's The Passion EP) for a new track. And, he's finally prepared to release the long-delayed video for "Started Jacket," which I feel like I've been hearing about that forever now. Look for that next week.Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Fresh Air Tour Vlog, Episode 3 (Video)
The tour hits Madison tomorrow night, and this video couldn't have gotten me more hyped about it.
M.anifest: 'The Birds and the Beats' Vlog (Episode 2) + "Just Like A Lion"
M.anifest's The Birds and the Beats will be available for free download on Friday, November 20. Here's the second episode of his promotional vlog, as well as the final leak from the project, "Just Like A Lion."
M.anifest: "Just Like A Lion"
Consequence: "Whatever You Want (Remix) ft. Kanye West, Common Kid Cudi, & Big Sean"
Props to the New Music Cartel on this one. Now I'm stepping away from the internet for a while to get some work done.Kidz In The Hall: "The Grizzly Man"
According to my source for everything Chicago hip-hop related, Fake Shore Drive, Kidz in the Hall will be releasing a free 13-track EP of all new material, titled The Professional Leisure Tour. It should be released on December 8, and will be sponsored by LRG. Serving as a warm up to their third album, Land of Make Believe (March 2010), this side project should serve as a nice bonus to keep our proverbial Kidz in the Hall thirst quenched.This track, "Grizzly Man" is the first leak from the project. It samples Grizzly Bear's tremendous single "Two Weeks." If you follow Midwest Broadcast on Twitter, you may remember me tweeting about this in the past. Looks like my request came true.
89.3 The Current's 'Theft of the Dial' with Felt (Audio)
The awfully chatty Felt boys (Slug, Murs, and Aesop Rock) stopped by 89.3 The Current a day or two ago to chop it up with the illustrious Mark Wheat about the newest Felt album, previous projects, and more. They then monopolize the rest of the session, mainly joking around and playing music of their choice, starting with "Protagonists," and then transitioning into a more eclectic selection of songs. Shouts to Rhymesayers Radio.Starting today, Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez can be purchased at Fifth Element, or (likely) your favorite local record store.
89.3 The Current's 'Theft of the Dial' with Felt (Audio) (Right click + 'Save As' to download)
Big Quarters: Hip-Hop Songwriting and Production Class at Hope Community in Minneapolis
Big Quarters instruct a weekly hip-hop class at the Hope Community in Minneapolis. Looks like good stuff — maybe I'll even go check it out sometime! Starting their Spring session off on Wednesday, January 13, Brandon Allday and Medium Zach will be putting on this class once per week all the way through late May. Aspiring rappers/producers, trust me, you'll be in good hands. For more information refer to the Hope Community website.Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
M.anifest: 'The Birds and the Beats' Vlog (Episode 1)
The Birds and the Beats will be available for free download in four days, on November 20. Also remember to wish M.anifest a happy birthday on Friday!
Doomtree: "Coup For The King" (Prod. Lazerbeak)
Lots of exciting news on Midwest Broadcast today! To cap it all off, here's a new track from Doomtree (Sims and P.O.S. on the lyrics, 'Beak on production), commemorating the announcement of False Hopes 15. The project is eight tracks long with features from all five Doomtree emcees (P.O.S, Sims, Dessa, Cecil Otter, Mike Mictlan) and production from Cecil Otter, Lazerbeak, Paper Tiger, P.O.S, and guest Rich Roc (Mictlan's older brother). It will officially be released on December 6, and can be preordered at Doomtree.net. Or, if you want it a day early, you can attend Doomtree Blowout 5 (digital flyer provided at the bottom of the post).
More Than Lights: "Everywhere We Go" + "Look Around" + Album Announcement
Big Zach of Twin Cities hip-hop cornerstone Kanser recently hit me with this exciting news regarding a new project he's involved in. More Than Lights is local hip-hop band comprised of Big Zach and Unicus of Kanser, along with vocalist Natalie Fine, guitarist Matiu Unga, drummer Corey Hess (also the album’s production engineer), keyboardist/saxophone player Joshua “Jellyfish” Holmgren and bassist Christopher Hunicutt. The band has been together since 2007, and has performed at shows in the Twin Cities at venues such as the Fine Line, First Avenue and the Varsity, and at events including the Bella Madre Festival, HarvestFest and EffitFest.
Finally, the Minneapolis-based alternative hip-hop band, launches its debut album, The Electric Prescription For All Your Funky Illz this month. The 11-song CD features all original music and lyrics, collaboratively written by its seven band members. The album will reportedly reflect the band’s diverse musical influences and unique cultural backgrounds, making them accessible to all types of music lovers.
Below are links to two songs off the album, and below that is a digital flyer for their album release party, happening this Saturday, November 21 at the Cabooze in Minneapolis.
Chuck L.I.: "Blown Away" (Prod. Best Kept Secret)
Chuck L.I.'s upcoming mixtape, Almighty L.I., Vol. 1 will be released on November 30. Here's the first leak.Analyrical: "Deja Vu" + Album Announcement
Analyrical of the Background Noise Crew will be coming out with his debut album, First Date, on December 15. Here's the lead single for that project, "Deja Vu". Also, a release party for the album will be on Saturday, December 19, at the Downtime Bar and Cafe in Dinkeytown. It's a little ways in the future, but I'll be sure to hit you with a reminder as the concert draws nearer.Trey Lane: "Far Away" (Download) + "Where The Party At?" (Video)
Here are two joints from Trey Lane's upcoming debut album, All Things Considered. First is a video, which I spotted at Pwelbs' blog. Second is yet another single from the album, which Trey hit me with the other day. The album will be in stores on December 18, and features guest spots from Toki Wright, V The Noble One, Bru'Tal and more. Or you can go to his label's website to preorder a copy.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Brother Ali: "The Preacher" + "Tight Rope" (Videos)
While at the Los Angeles stop of the Fresh Air Tour, the big bad Brother Ali and BK-One stopped by Fuel TV to perform two cuts from Us. The tour hits Madison, WI in six days, and you know I'll be there!
Eyedea & Abilities: "Smile" (Music Video)
Keeping things Rhymesayers related, here is the music video for "Smile," my personal favorite song off of Eyedea & Abilities' By The Throat.
Freeway & Jake One: The Beat Made Me Do It (Mixtape) + Info on 'The Stimulus Package'
Via Rhymesayers:
February 17th, 2009 in an effort to stimulate the U.S. economy President Barack Obama signed into law The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the stimulus package. On February 16th of 2010, another bad brother Philadelphia Freeway, seizes the moment and sets out to stimulate the Hip Hop industry by signing into law the Hip Hop Recovery and Reinvestment Act with the release of his third official studio album The Stimulus Package.DOWNLOAD - Freeway & Jake One: The Beat Made Me Do It (Mixtape)
Produced entirely by veteran G-Unit producer Jake One, The Stimulus Package showcases some of Freeway's most dynamic and engaging work to date. The collaboration of these two heavyweights along with the strength of independent powerhouse Rhymesayers Entertainment makes The Stimulus Package already one of the year's most anticipated releases.
Since his breakout Roc-A-Fella debut Philadelphia Freeway in 2003, which achieved gold status selling over 500,000 units, Freeway has consistently been regarded as "your favorite rapper's favorite rapper". Releasing his sophomore follow up Free at Last in 2007, which featured the Jake One produced classic "It's Over", Freeway has kept his skills sharp recording numerous mixtapes, unofficial albums and online leaks all while playing hundreds of shows across the country.
With The Stimulus Package in full effect, Freeway and Jake One's first act of stimulus in their plan will be the FREE download of the DJ Don Cannon assisted mixtape, The Beat Made Me Do It, available today.
Kanye West: "I'm So Appalled" [DJ Tags]
Apparently a song Kanye did sometime, on some DJ's mixtape titled Follow The Leader 2. However, there's more, which Andrew at Fake Shore Drive revealed: When a tagged version of a new Kanye song hit entitled "I'm So Appalled" hit the interwebs last night, most people speculated it was an old, unreleased 'Ye verse that Big Mike and DJ Thoro were able to get their hands on. Turns out that's not the case at all. This verse is actually set to appear on Diddy's upcoming album, Last Train To Paris, on a track that was produced by Kanye West and No ID.Kanye West: "I'm So Appalled" [DJ Tags]
The Cool Kids: "Knocked Down" (Music Video)
Off the group's Gone Fishing mixtape with Done Cannon. I'll tell you what, though. I'm not appreciating that White Sox hat that Mikey Rocks is wearing. Ha!
Big Jess: Whatever I Want (Mixtape)
Big Jess, one-half of the Unknown Prophets, just went solo for a fresh little mixtape project. 25 tracks, featuring guest spots from Mad Son, St. Paul Slim, Alicia Steele, New MC, Most Official, and more! And remember that the UPs upcoming album, Le System D, will be in stores on December 1! Download link and tracklist below.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Felt: "Chewed Up"
Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez will be in stores on Tuesday, November 17. Here's another leak from that project, Aesop Rock on the production. Preorder at Fifth Element.Felt: "Chewed Up"
Chantz Erolin & Cory Grindberg: 'The Good Company EP'
Tru Ruts just remastered 18 year-old Chantz Erolin's The Good Company EP and rereleased it via Chantz's Bandcamp website. You can stream the whole thing online, or purchase the project for only $5. Get familiar: What Chantz Erolin lacks in age, he more than makes up for in experience. At just 18 years old, he’s been a part of the Twin Cities hip hop scene for a very long time, performing at Yo! The Movement events, winning battles, rocking the stage at Soundset 2009 with new label-mate Guante and playing alongside artists like MC Lyte, Naughty by Nature, I Self Devine, Brother Ali and many more. Over the past few years, you may have seen him sneaking into a 21+ Big Quarters show, ciphering outside South High or winning a youth poetry slam.Chantz Erolin & Cory Grindberg: 'The Good Company EP'
Featuring production by one of the best young beat-makers in the country (Cory Grindberg of Audio Perm), the EP is a brief collection of guitar-driven hip hop tracks “about friends, fashion’s guts, hunger, home, race and family,” as Chantz says. Featuring laugh-out-loud punchlines, touching meditations on identity and relationships, and lots of poetic details, “Good Company” is the perfect introduction to one of the Twin Cities freshest voices. Rising indie label Tru Ruts/Speakeasy Records recognized this, and will be re-releasing the EP in preparation for a future full-length.
Vedarone: "Word Life ft. DJ C-Dab"
Here's some material from Madison, WI artist Vedarone. The above picture is him rocking at the UW-Madison student union. What up, Badgers?Vedarone: "Word Life ft. DJ C-Dab"
Felt: Styleetron
What's a Styleetron? Here's some behind the scenes footage of Aesop Rock crafting beats for Felt 3 with DJ Big Wiz, who did all the scratching on the album. Pre-order Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez at Fifth Element.
M.anifest: "Golly Gosh" + 'The Birds and the Beats' Tracklist
Another leak off M.anifest's The Birds and the Beats, available for free download on M.anifest's born day, November 20. This track, "Golly Gosh," was produced by 17 year-old beatmaking phenom G Mo. Also, M.anifest sent the tracklist for the project my way, and you can view it at the bottom of this post.M.anifest: "Golly Gosh"
Madlib & Guilty Simpson: "The Paper"
Via Stones Throw:
Madlib is launching the Madlib Medicine Show, a once-a-month, twelve-CD, six-LP series. The Madlib Medicine Show will be a combination of Madlib's new hip-hop productions, remixes, beat tapes, and jazz, as well as mixtapes of funk, soul, Brazilian, psych, jazz and other undefined forms of music from the Beat Konducta's 4-ton* stack of vinyl.Madlib & Guilty Simpson: "The Paper" (Right click + 'Save As')
Madlib Medicine Show No. 1 is Before The Verdict featuring Guilty Simpson, a 17-track album mixing remixes and new material, something of a prelude to Madlib & Guilty Simpson's forthcoming OJ Simpson album.
(*4-tons of vinyl, this is true.)
F. Stokes Performing in Madison, WI 11/3/09 (Video)
Here's a compilation of various moments strung together from F. Stokes' recent performance at the Barrymore in Madison. He was opening up for Ghostface Killah.
Tracks performed: 1) "Jeremiah (Remix)" 2) "Sparse Parts (Remix)" 3) "Blessings (Remix)" 4) "Sky High" 5) "So Into You" 6) "GO" 7) "Soul Clap (Remix)"
Tracks performed: 1) "Jeremiah (Remix)" 2) "Sparse Parts (Remix)" 3) "Blessings (Remix)" 4) "Sky High" 5) "So Into You" 6) "GO" 7) "Soul Clap (Remix)"
Monday, November 9, 2009
M.anifest: City Pages Interview (Video)
This interview starts out with M.anifest talking about Snoop Dogg and weed, but transitions into reflections on his own music, and his upcoming project The Birds and the Beats.
P.O.S.: MTV's Discover and Download Interview
Via MTV's Buzzworthy Blog:
In the clip, P.O.S. talks about the various meanings his stage name has had over the years, from "Pissed Off Stef" in his adolescence to "Promise Of Skill" in his emcee days. He also goes into detail about his varying levels of skill on various instruments, including drums, keys, bass, and even tuba (!!!).
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
M.anifest: "Get Away (Shafiq Husayn Re-Fix)"
This is a remix (or re-fix) that M.anifest did of a Shafiq Husayn track called "The U.N." It is one of two remixes on his upcoming project The Birds and The Beats (artwork above). The project features those two remixes and 14 additional original pieces from the Ghana-meets-Minneapolis emcee. It will be available for free.99 on M.anifest's birthday, November 20.Also, M.anifest had some words regarding a nonprofit project dear to his heart:
In return [for the free music] all we ask is for folks to support a cause! To consider making a gift to Young Entrepreneurs Africa (YEA), a nonprofit empowering underprivileged youth in the motherland to turn proverbial lemons into lemonade.M.anifest will be sharing more information about the organization via his Twitter.
M.anifest: "Get Away (Shafiq Husayn Re-Fix)"
Monday, November 2, 2009
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