Sean Anonymous: "Alright"

One of my first posts of 2012 was the music video for Sean Anonymous' "Fast Forward," which coincided with the announcement of his upcoming solo EP, Anonymo. Earlier today, Sean released a second track from that project on his Soundcloud page. Stream "Alright" below, and be on the lookout for Anonymo.

Toki Wright: "Bashir (For the Somali Homies)"

Toki Wright just posted this instrumental track on his Bandcamp page. Word has it that Toki has been experimenting with all sorts of different styles and genres of music right now. This track is a prime example. The mellow groove on "Bashir (For the Somali Homies)" takes about ten seconds to get in the pocket, and once it does it stays there for the rest of the song. Stream it below.

Sims & Lazerbeak: Daytrotter Session

As if rocking shows damn near every night on the No Kings tour alone wasn't enough, Sims and Lazerbeak stopped by the Daytrotter studios to record a brief session featuring heaters from both Bad Time Zoo and the accompanying Wildlife EP. Head over to Daytrotter to listen or download the set.

Sims & Lazerbeak: Daytrotter Session

Ceewhy: "Get Like Me" (Music Video)

Minneapolis rapper Ceewhy attracted attention for his turn in the recent The Best Love is Free cypher. Now, similar to several of the other artists who participated in that session, he's capitalizing on that positive momentum by releasing his first major music video. "Get Like Me" is a song on his 2011 album Black Art. This music video was directed by Adam Dunn, and finds Ceewhy playing an Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator type character. Toki Wright and Toussaint Morrison also make cameos.

For director's commentary from Adam Dunn, visit his website.

Lazerbeak: "Torch Light"

Fieldwerk Recordings, a record label based out of Chicago, has been releasing a series of split 7" instrumental collections. For their latest release, they recruited Lazerbeak and San Francisco producer Edison to each produce some songs for the Kill Switch LP (purchase here), which was officially released today. I haven't listened to the entire thing yet, but I've heard each of Beak's 7 tracks run the gamut of his versatile abilities. You can download or stream "Torch Light" below.

Lazerbeak: "Torch Light"

Alex Frecon: "Help Me Out" (Music Video)

Check out the music video for "Help Me Out" from Alex Frecon's The Hedgehog Dilemma EP.

Doomtree: No Kings Tour Recap (Washington D.C. - Cambridge, MA)

Doomtree just wrapped up the first leg of their massive No Kings tour. Here is a recap video of the shows in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Cambridge.

For a cool story about Doomtree's NYC show, check out this Village Voice article. The group's scheduled venue suffered damage from a flood, so they had to scramble to find a new place to perform at the last minute.

The Tribe & Big Cats!: "Drive" (Music Video)

Here is the official music video for "Drive" by The Tribe & Big Cats!. The video borrows from what looks to be 80s action flicks, and it fits the mood of the song quite well. TTxBC's excellent Make Good EP, which is still getting repeated listens, is available now.

Tomorrow Genius: "Relationship Robbery"

Fresh off getting to perform his new song "Let Em Through" at the Get Cryphy 4 Year Anniversary, Tomorrow Genius keeps his momentum going with this new song "Relationship Robbery." This will be on his upcoming mixtape, YoungWild&Mischief. The download link that Tomorrow Genius sent me is a "private file" that can't be accessed, so for now it's stream only.

Tomorrow Genius: "Relationship Robbery"

Fly Henderson: "Something" (Music Video)

Fly Henderson is a local rapper whose project Forever Ain't Enough came out in late 2011. Stream that album after the jump, or watch the video for "Something" above.

Get Cryphy Four Year Anniversary (First Ave, 2/24/12)

I woke up around 8:00am this morning on an undersized couch in the living room of my friend's place, still dressed in the clothes I wore to First Ave for the sold-out Get Cryphy Four Year Anniversary last night. I felt, more or less, like I got beat in my sleep with a two-by-four while chewing a pack of sandy cotton balls. The funny part is, I think my experience was pretty tame compared to others. Needless to say, Get Cryphy got cryphy. Read on for my thoughts on the night, as well as more footage of the performances.

Dessa on Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions

During the Chicago stop of Doomtree's No Kings tour, Dessa was able to visit the studio of excellent Chicago Public Radio program Sound Opinions. While there she conductedperformed five songs from her 2011 album Castor, the Twin. You can listen to the entire Sound Opinions episode here. Watch video of Dessa and her band playing "Into The Spin" above. The remaining videos are below.

Welcome to MN Tour (First Ave, 2/22/12)

The image above is one of the two lackluster iPhone photos I took at last night's Atmosphere/Kill the Vultures/Big Quarters/MaLLy/BK-One show for the second annual Welcome to Minnesota tour. I did it to at least have something to share in this write up, but in all honesty that lineup was way too stacked for me to have been doing anything but enjoying the entire night. I made it to First Ave about 10 minutes before MaLLy's opening set, found an open spot on the floor next to the sound/lighting booth, and didn't leave for the rest of the night. Hit the jump to read my thoughts on the show.

Plain Ole Bill: "Let Em Through ft. Tomorrow Genius & Brother Ali"

Tomorrow Genius is a 16-year old rapper from North Minneapolis. Brother Ali mentioned his song "Referee" on Twitter last week, and the two must have hit it off because they've already linked up on a new song. "Let Em Through" was produced by Plain Ole Bill and serves to introduce Tomorrow Genius to a wider crowd in the Twin Cities, while also promoting tomorrow night's Get Cryphy 4 Year Anniversary, where Ali and Tomorrow Genius will perform the song live. Stream it below.



GET CRYPHY FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Friday, February 24, 2012
18+ // 9:00PM doors
$5 Advance, $10 at the door
Special appearances by Brother Ali, MaLLy and more
Facebook RSVP // Tickets

Lazerbeak: "Lift Every Voice" (Music Video)

Frequent Doomtree collaborator Matt Scharenbroich was called on to create the video to "Lift Every Voice" off Lazerbeak's recent instrumental album Lava Bangers. You may recognize his work from Sims' "LMG," as well as "Land's End" and "Let It Go" from Lazerbeak's Legend Recognize Legend. The beautiful and trippy video is half elementary school art class and half acid trip, in the best way possible. Watch it for yourself, because my stupid description can't do it justice.

Equally interesting to me is this quote from Lazerbeak about "Lift Every Voice" and it being a critical song in the creation of Lava Bangers:

“This track is probably my favorite one on the album. It's one of the only beats I've ever made that no one was ever able to write a song to, it just felt like it could stand on its own without any rapping. For that reason it was a huge catalyst in putting this instrumental album together in the first place.”

Crunchy Kids: "Opus" (Music Video)

Crunchy Kids are a new hip-hop band out of Minneapolis that I just discovered today thanks to Jake from Be Scene Mpls. This song "Opus" is on their debut self-titled album which came out last August. The video was directed by Greg Grease.

Atmosphere: "Became" (Live at The Current)

Last week Atmosphere stopped by the The Current to record an interview and perform a few songs before hitting the road for their Welcome to MN tour. Up above is video of them performing "Became." Listen to the audio of the entire session below.

Get Cryphy 4 Year Anniversary (Video)

Get Cryphy's 4 Year Anniversary party is happening this Friday in the First Ave main room. If you're familiar with the Cryphy crew (Plain Ole Bill, Jimmy2Times, Last Word and DJ Fundo), you know this will be an amazingly fun night. If you're not familiar with the Cryphy crew, you should go anyway, because this will be an amazingly fun night. If you need extra incentive, they've added a slew of artists making special appearance: MaLLY, Brother Ali, Prof, Astronautalis, St. Paul Slim, Truth Be Told, Tony Bones, Lizzo, Manny Petty, & more. If you still need extra incentive — what's wrong with you? — it only costs $5 if you buy your ticket in advance. Simple enough? Good. I'll see you there.

GET CRYPHY FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Friday, February 24, 2012
18+ // 9:00PM doors
$5 Advance, $10 at the door
Special appearances by Brother Ali, MaLLy and more
Facebook RSVP // Tickets

Previously: Get Cryphy 4 Year Anniversary Mix

Doomtree: No Kings Tour Recap (New Orleans, LA - Chapel HIll, NC)

Doomtree continue to push on through their seemingly endless No Kings tour. Here is another video recapping their most recently shows in New Orleans, Birmingham, Atlanta and Chapel Hill. View the previous tour recap videos by checking last week's post.

Lastly, to all my Chicago readers, do not miss their show tomorrow night (Feb. 23) at the Bottom Lounge with Toki Wright. Seriously, do not miss this show. Get more info at Crowd Noize.

The Anchormen: Southside Action News (Mixtape) + "Smoke Too Much" (Music Video)

In mid-January I posted the music video for "The Essence", by relatively new Minneapolis trio Anchormen (Big Wiz, Aquafresh & T La Shawn). Here is their debut mixtape, Southside Action News, featuring production from Mike the Martyr, Nicademus and more.  Hit the jump to stream the mixtape and view their just-released music video for "Smoke Too Much."

The Anchormen: Southside Action News (Mixtape)

Audio Perm Remixes Franz Diego's "Waggin On The Scene"

I haven't been doing a thorough job of documenting this, but Franz Diego's "Waggin On The Scene" has been remixed by several prominent local rappers and producers. Each member of Audio Perm recently threw their hat in the ring as well. Given their penchant for getting heads nodding, I figured I'd post their contribution to the growing collection of WOTS remixes. For a more complete compilation of the remixes, I suggest visiting Be Scene Mpls.

Audio Perm Remixes of Franz Diego's "Waggin On The Scene"

Toki Wright: Faders Tour Preview (Video)

This week Toki Wright will be taking off on a 14-show tour in promotion of his upcoming mixtape Faders. It all begins Thursday night in Chicago when he will join Doomtree for a series of inevitably epic nights. From there the tour will venture south to Austin for two dates at SXSW, and then eventually return to the Cities for the Faders mixtape release party (info below via CrowdNoize).

Toki Wright - Faders mixtape release party
The Fine Line Music Cafe
Saturday, March 31
8pm // $10 Advance (tickets at Electric Fetus & Fifth Element) // $12 door

925ve: "Falling (Fall All In)"

925ve's "Falling (Fall All In)" will be featured on their upcoming I Heart Esperanza EP. The song was produced by Katrah–Quey and features verses from Prizm and Tigre Cole.

925ve: "Falling (Fall All In)"

Atmosphere: "Became" (Music Video)

As I have detailed in previous posts, Atmosphere's music video for "Became" was created in conjunction with the Minnesota School and Business and the Minnesota Transitions High School’s Digital Media Academy. The video was officially released today. Watch it above, and if you haven't done so yet, be sure to watch the mini-documentary chronicling the making of the music video.

Toki Wright: "OCCUPY (Bobby's House)"

New music from Toki Wright, with a compelling and charitable cause:

MPLS, MN - Self-employed Bobby Hull opened his two-story, four-bedroom home up to family members who were struggling with their own issues during the down economy. He lives with his nephew and his son; another nephew, his wife and their four kids; a daughter-in-law and Hull's granddaughter. After some serious health issues Hull was unable to work and made his last payment on his mortgage a year ago. But between confusing paperwork and unmanageable payments, nothing worked. The home was sold at a sheriff's sale in August. Join us to take a stand against the eviction of Bobby Hull at his home in South Minneapolis both Thursday February 16th and Friday the 17th. Toki Wright will be playing House music in Bobby's living room.

The song was produced by Toki, using samples from Occupy MN protests. Purchase the song (name your own price) at Toki's Bandcamp; all proceeds go directly to Bobby Hull.

Toki Wright: "OCCUPY (Bobby's House)"

Grynch: "So Far ft. Brother Ali & Shaprece"

Seattle-based rapper Grynch will soon be releasing his new album, Perspective. Check this single, produced by Jake One and featuring none other than Brother Ali.

Grynch: "So Far ft. Brother Ali & Shaprece"

MaLLy & The Sundance Kid: "Once We're Kings" (Music Video)

"Once We're Kings" is the latest song from MaLLy and The Sundance Kid's excellent Free on the 15th series to get video treatment. All you need to have a good time is an adult tricycle and a bottle of whiskey — #WelcomeToMN.

In related news, MaLLy's album The Last Great, which has been in the works for a while now, has been given a May 2012 release date. More info to come soon.

Documentary: The Making of Atmosphere's "Became" Music Video

In early January I wrote about Atmosphere's video for "Became," filmed in collaboration with the Minnesota School and Business and the Minnesota Transitions High School’s Digital Media Academy. The video was created between October 2011 and January 2012, and during that time a documentary was filmed about the project. Today, Rhymesayers shared that mini-doc. Be on the lookout for the official music video soon. Atmosphere's The Family Sign is available now.

Quadir Lateef: "Maghrib ft. Brother Ali & Amir Sulaiman" (Prod. Green Lantern)

I first heard of Quadir Lateef (website // Twitter) sometime in the Fall of last year when Brother Ali wrote on Twitter about his "Corner Store Confession" video (watch it after the jump). The Minneapolis rapper's lyrical content is full of complex worldplay and has a pervading focus on social justice. He has continued to use the momentum generated from Ali's approval in his favor; they recently collaborated on "Maghrib" (also featuring Amir Sulaiman) which was produced by Green Lantern and recently made available by Quadir Lateef for free download. If you like the song, try investigating Lateef's 2011 album Half Earth Half Angel.

Quadir Lateef: "Maghrib ft. Brother Ali & Amir Sulaiman" (Prod. Green Lantern)

LBC Drama Club: "Nas Is Coming" (Dre Day Preview)

I wrote about Dre Day 2012 when it was first announced that the party would be headlined by the LBC Drama Club. At the time there was a bit of uncertainty about who the LBC Drama Club is, but recently Twinkie Jiggles of Heiruspecs shared this Dre Day rehearsal video that clears things up and gives us a preview of what to expect from the night. Watch them performing "Nas is Coming" above.

DRE DAY 2012
LBC Drama Club (also featuring MaLLy, The Lioness, St. Paul Slim & Danami)
Sat, February 18
Triple Rock Social Club
9:00PM
$12.00 Advance // $15.00 Door
Facebook RSVP // Tickets

Culture Cry Wolf: "Romeo" (Music Video)

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Minneapolis ska/punk/hip-hop band Culture Cry Wolf release the video for "Romeo," off their Dia de los Muertos album. The video details some youngsters going through the  Romeo & Juliet tryouts at Culture Cry Wolf Academy. There's arm-wrestling, a sword fight, and of course, heartbreak. Ahh, young love. Happy Valentine's Day.

Also, does this remind anyone else of Atmosphere's video for "She's Enough"?

Ecid: "Back From Japan" (Music Video)

Here is the music video for Ecid's self-produced "Back From Japan," off his upcoming Werewolf Hologram LP, due on February 28. Ecid follows his pattern of utilizing obscure samples and blending them with more traditional hip-hop elements. On this track, he sampled a Japanese psych-rock band and layered it over a more straightforward drum pattern, eliciting a gloomy feel. Interestingly enough, Ecid created the beat the day before the tsunami natural disaster in Japan, which influenced the lyrical content of the song. Watch the video above, and pre-order Werewolf Hologram here.

Ecid - Werewolf Hologram CD release party
March 2, 2012 // Triple Rock Social Club
featuring Kristoff Krane, Carnage, David Mars and AWOL One
Facebook RSVP // Tickets

Doomtree: No Kings Tour Recap (Scottsdale, AZ - Houston, TX)

Doomtree are currently in the midst of their (approximately) 437-date No Kings Tour, and have been posting tour recap videos every few shows. I really should have been posting these videos since the start, so to save face, I'll include them all below in reverse chronological order.

Brother Ali: The Bite Marked Heart (EP)

Brother Ali has been on fire lately. First he brought us "Writer's Block," then came the jovial "Sweet (Potato Pie)," and most recently "Shine On." Now, as Ali is putting his finishing touches on Mourning in America, Dreaming in Color, he drops off a free, seven-song EP, The Bite Marked Heart. Jake One handles production on five of the seven tracks, with Ant producing the remaining two. Guests include Phonte, Stokley Williams, Nikki Jean, and Aby Wolf. Download the EP below, or hit the jump to stream it.

Brother Ali: The Bite Marked Heart (EP)

Jordan Looney: Nerd-Hop, Vol. 3: Side B (Mixtape)

Jordan Looney has been releasing his Nerd-Hop mixtape since 2009; the most recent in that series was Vol. 3: Side A, which came out in May of 2010. The St. Paul/Chicago rapper is finally capping everything off with Nerd-Hop, Vol. 3: Side B. Hit the link below to download the mixtape from Dat Piff. Plus, you can continue after the jump to stream the project and view the back cover art.

Jordan Looney: Nerd-Hop, Vol. 3: Side B (Mixtape)

Lizzo: "W.E.R.K." (Prod. 2% Muck)

Lizzo is a Twin Cities import — via Texas — who has been receiving plenty of well deserved attention lately. Much of that came from her strong showing in the recent The Best Love Is Free cypher. She has a current project out with The Larva Ink which you can learn more about here, and also conducted an interview with Be Scene Mpls. Most importantly, though, is the topic of this post: Lizzo's first solo single release. Check out her 2% Muck-produced song "W.E.R.K." below.

Lizzo: "W.E.R.K." (Prod. 2% Muck)

The Lioness: "Honor/Today" (Music Video)

Check out the music video for local rapper The Lioness' split single "Honor/Today." I've already given this video multiple views since discovering it last night. If you like the song, visit her website to sample more of her work.

Jay-Z & Kanye West: "Niggas In Paris" (Music Video)

I saw Jay and Ye perform at the United Center in Chicago in December last year when they performed this song 10 times in a row or something like that. I wasn't anywhere near the stage, but I'm pretty sure the crowd was not exclusively comprised of models like in this video. Though I do like how they made this video a semi-tribute to their epic — if overly opulent — live show.

Also, proceed with caution if you have epilepsy, the kaleidoscope/flashing lights effect is turned up to the max.

Brother Ali: "Shine On" (Music Video)

On Monday, February 13, Brother Ali will be releasing a free EP titled The Bite Marked Heart, featuring seven new tracks with production from Jake One and Ant. This new collection from Ali should tide us over until summer, when he is slated to release Mourning in America, Dreaming in Color. Check back tomorrow to download the EP. For now you can hit the jump to stream/download this song.

Brother Ali: GermanRhymes.de Interview (Video)

While on tour through Europe in 2011, Brother Ali sat down for an extended interview with German Rhymes, a hip-hop website/magazine from Germany. It's lengthy, but detailed and insightful, and covers a wide range of topics. Partially because I enjoy the writing that someone from German Rhymes provided (mainly the term "u.s. american politics"), and patially because I wrote this post late at night, I'll borrow their description of the interview. Ali always gives good interviews, and this one is definitely recommended viewing.

Brother Ali, the rapper, the albino, the muslim, the father (No particular order!) affects people. In the most positive way there is. He is one of the most fascinating characters in the hiphop world. Brother Ali told us about his views on islam, his hajj (Pilgrimage to mecca) and u.s. american politics. Also we asked about the Rhymesayers state of mind and his upcoming album with Jake One (btw that is delayed to august 2012). 

The interview was held when he was on tour with the bunch November 2011. Mixed into the interview we have footage from a small in-store gig at Carhartt and from their actual concert the next day. [via]

Get Cryphy Four Year Anniversary Mix

In addition to helping some of the most prominent local rappers rock shows all over the country, The Get Cryphy team (Plain Ole Bill, Jimmy2Times, Last Word and Fundo) have been hosting parties around the Twin Cities for four years now. In celebration of that occasion, they strung together 125 different tracks at a breakneck pace for an awesome 45-minute mix. Stream the mix below or download it for free, and hit the jump to view the banner for their upcoming Get Cryphy Four Year Anniversary party at First Ave.

Get Cryphy Four Year Anniversary Mix

GET CRYPHY FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY

February 24, 2012
18+ // 9:00PM doors
$5 Advance, $10 at the door
Special appearances by Brother Ali, MaLLy and more
Facebook RSVP // Tickets

Sound of the City 6 (Compilation Mixtape)

4Seen Magazine put together an expansive 21-track mixtape featuring an interesting mix of popular and lesser-known artists from the Twin Cities. Some of the songs on the mixtape have been previously released as singles or featured on other projects, but the mixtape boasts a selection of undeniably quality tracks. Artists on the tape are – deep breath — Brother Ali, MaLLy, Wize Guyz, Mike Dreams, Metasota, Yakub, Mike the Martyr, Big Dylan and many more. Hit the jump to check it out.

Halloween, Alaska: "In Your Sleep (Lazerbeak Remix)"

Posting about local band Halloween, Alaska is not something I ever envisioned when I started Midwest Broadcast. The indie group writes atmospheric pop songs with lush electronic textures layered on top. Their album All Night the Calls Came In came out last year. They're a good band, just not one that Midwest Broadcast tends to cover. Ever. That is, until today when it was announced that a remix album with production by Lazerbeak would be released on February 28. Which begs the question: If Lazerbeak crafts a downtempo beat for a local indie band, is it still a Lava Banger? Stream his remix to "In Your Sleep" below and decide for yourself.

Halloween, Alaska: "In Your Sleep (Lazerbeak Remix)"

I Self Devine: "Up Aboves" (Music Video)

Check out the music video for "Up Aboves," from I Self Devine's terrific The Upliftment Struggle mixtape. The mixtape release party is later this month at the 7th St. Entry.

 I Self Devine Presents: THE UPLIFTMENT STRUGGLE
7th St. Entry
Sunday, February 19
featuring I.B.E, Ill Chemistry (Desdamona & Carnage) and Maria Isa
DJs: Plain Ole Bill & Kool Akiem
8pm / 18+ / $10
Facebook RSVP // eTix

Franz Diego & J-Hard: Sense of Self

Illuminous 3 rapper Franz Diego and North Minneapolis producer J-Hard first teased their Sense of Self project with the video for the party-oriented single "Waggin On The Scene." The song caught on locally and spawned a ton of remixes — which honestly might deserve their own compilation by now — from local producers and rappers around the Twin Cities. All that buzz has served to raise the anticipation for  Sense of Self, which gets its release today. Download Sense of Self below, and continue reading to check out the tracklist.

Franz Diego & J-Hard: Sense of Self

Mike Dreams: "In The Sky ft. Tameya Clark"

A few weeks ago I posted "We The Ones," the lead single to Mike Dreams' upcoming album Millennial.  Here is the second song off that project, "In The Sky" which features vocals from Tameya Clark.

Mike Dreams: "In The Sky ft. Tameya Clark"

'The Best Love Is Free' Cypher (Video)

The Best Love Is Free is an annual event and compilation album organized by Deaf to the Static Records and Hopeful Opus Productions. The video above is a fantastic cypher recorded for The Best Love is Free, featuring several local artists. In order of appearance are: Sean Anonymous, Phillip Morris, Wize Guyz, Botzy (of Culture Cry Wolf), Lizzo, Ceewhy, St. Paul Slim, MaLLy, and Toki Wright.

The event is taking place this Saturday at the Fine Line Music Cafe in downtown Minneapolis. All attendees get the free compilation CD upon entry. You can purchase tickets online or at several different local stores. Performing are: Culture Cry Wolf, Toki Wright, Crunchy Kids, K. Flay, Wesley Opus, Ceewhy, SlipMats Ent. Details for the event are below, or hit the jump to view the digital flyer. 

The Best Love Is Free
The Fine Line Music Cafe
Saturday Feb. 11th, 2012
FREE CD W/ ENTRY
8pm, 18+, $10 Pre-Sale, $12 Door

Longshot: "Just Flow" (Prod. Jake One)

It has been a long time coming for Longshot to release his recent singles via Rhymesayers. Allow me to recap the string of events. Back in 2008, Jake One released White Van Music on Rhymesayers and held a contest where rappers recorded over Jake's instrumentals for a chance to collaborate with him. In November of that year, Longshot was announced the winner for his song "Hip-Hop...Is Still Alive." Since 2008, Longshot has moved to the Twin Cities and been involved in the scene, but there was little to no word of his Rhymesayers collaboration ever coming to fruition. That is, until last month, when Rhymesayers released "Real Thing" a Jake One-produced song featuring Psalm One.

That brings us to now, when the second song by Longshot and Jake One has been released. You can stream "Just Flow" below or download it via iTunes. I am unclear whether Longshot has a RSE project in the making or whether he plans to work with Jake One again in the future, but it's nice to see Longshot get the shine that he earned back in 2008.

Longshot: "Just Flow" (Prod. Jake One)

T.Q.D.: "Belonging" (Music Video)

Back in late January, Background Noise Crew rapper The Quiet Dude released his album Taketh Away. Despite dropping at a time when most music fans are caught up in holiday hoopla or yearly recap lists, Taketh Away managed to generate plenty of positive press, a testament to the strength of the music on the project. If you haven't listened to the album yet, check out the music video for "Belonging" above, and then hit the jump to stream/download the album.

MaLLy, JR, & DJ Snuggles: "Hot Sauce"

MaLLy, DJ Snuggles, and producer/engineer JR all got together through the unifying powers of the Last Triumph crew and put together this one-off collaborative song. No hooks, just two quick verses from MaLLy, Snuggle's consistently spectacular beat-boxing, and some production flourishes from JR.

MaLLy, JR, & DJ Snuggles: "Hot Sauce"

I Self Devine: The Upliftment Struggle (Mixtape)

The first Thursday of each month is quickly becoming an occasion for celebration for fans of I Self Devine, as the Rhymesayer continues his Culture Series. This month I Self is adding another gem to his catalog. The Upliftment Struggle features production credits from many of the Twin Cities' finest beatmakers: Benzilla, Mike Swoop, Noam the Drummer, King Karnov, Nicademis. Guest rappers include Muja Messiah, M.anifest and more. 

Remember, the mixtape release party for The Upliftment Struggle is on February 19 at the 7th Street Entry. It's only $10 and you can purchase tickets now.

DOWNLOAD - I Self Devine: The Upliftment Struggle (Mixtape)

Hit the jump below to stream the project and watch a video in which I Self discussed what the Upliftment Struggle means to him.

Soulcrate Music: "See Today (Medium Zach Remix)" (Music Video)

Medium Zach of Big Quarters made a remix of "See Today," the excellent cut from Soulcrate Music's Kick Rocks Collection EP. Soulcrate liked it so much that they re-cut the original video into a new version, which you can watch above. Download the "See Today" remix and instrumental below, or hit the jump to stream the songs.

Soulcrate Music: "See Today (Medium Zach Remix)