Atmosphere: "Somebody, MN ft. Kill the Vultures, Big Quarters & MaLLy"

Atmosphere, Kill the Vultures, Big Quarters, and MaLLy are embarking on the six-show Welcome to MN tour. It's the same cities as last year, with added dates in Minneapolis and Duluth. Fantastic lineup and should be a great time. I've got my tickets for the First Ave show, and I hear they're going fast, so grab them ASAP if you haven't yet.

Similar to last year's "Minnesota Nice," all the acts on this mini-tour made a song together. Stream/download it below.

Atmosphere: "Somebody, MN ft. Kill the Vultures, Big Quarters & MaLLy"

Dates for the 2012 Welcome To Minnesota Tour:

2.20 - Mankato, MN @ Verizon Wireless Center Ballroom   

2.21 - Bemidji, MN @ Sanford Center Ballroom  

2.22 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue  

2.23 - Duluth, MN @ Clyde Iron Works  

2.25 - Rochester, MN @ Mayo Civic Center Auditorium 

2.26 - St. Cloud, MN @ SCSU Atwood Center Ballroom

More Than Lights: "Deja Voodoo" (Music Video)

MaLLy: "Stomp Through ft. Tigre" (Prod. Last Word)

New heat from MaLLy, featuring Tigre of 925ve and produced by Last Word.

MaLLy: "Cloud Culture" (Music Video)

The Tribe & Big Cats!: Make Good EP

I've said it before and I'll probably say it again: Make Good marks the best music the Tribe & Big Cats! have put out as a group yet. It also ranks among my favorite local releases of 2011. Stream it below, and buy it for $5 at their Bandcamp site.

The Tribe & Big Cats!: Make Good EP

Big Quarters: "Unreal" (MPLS.tv City of Music)

MPLS.tv filmed Big Quarters performing "Unreal" off of the exquisite Party Like A Young Commie for their City of Music series.

Common: "Raw (How You Like It)"

Common's The Dreamer, The Believer comes out on December 20. It's always easy to overlook these late-year releases when you're caught in the hoopla of the holidays and "Best Of" lists, but from what I've heard this album should be a good one.

 

B. Dolan: "Film The Police ft. Toki Wright, Jasiri X, Buddy Peace & Sage Francis (Music Video)

B. Dolan's new song "Film The Police" is a reworking of NWA's 1988 classic "Fuck the Police." You could say the song is a response from the current digital generation to the national outbreaks out police brutality in recent years. As abounding technological advances allow a vast proportion of the populace to become amateur videographers and photographers, B. Dolan, Toki Wright, Sage Francis, and Jasiri X call for today's activists to film the police and document their wrongdoings and injustices.

B. Dolan: "Film The Police ft. Toki Wright, Jasiri X, Buddy Peace & Sage Francis"

U of SAV: Real Cool World (Free Album)

U of SAV is a duo composed of local rapper/producer Oppi and his parter Vinnie who currently resides in Milwaukee. Today they release their debut project, Real Cool World. If you're sick of the pretentiousness that populates much of the current rap landscape, you may very well enjoy this release. It's also possibly the most piano-heavy album I've heard in a long time. Lipset makes a guest appearance. Stream it below or hit the U of SAV Bandcamp site to download.

U of SAV: Real Cool World

Big Quarters: "Perfect Match ft. Mankwe Ndosi" (Music Video)

I was a big fan of Brown Babies/White Mothers when it came out, but I believe Party Like A Young Commie is BQ's best work to date. Go get that if you don't have it yet. Like, stop what you're doing and go get it right now.

Here, I'll help you out: Fifth Element // iTunes // Amazon

Danny Brown: "Blunt After Blunt" + "Monopoly" (Music Videos)

Danny Brown's excellent XXX — an allusion to his age, 30, as much as his explicit lyrics — is out now. Here are two recent music videos from that album.

Doomtree: "Bolt Cutter" (Music Video)

You've probably seen this already, but it deserves a post regardless of how late I am. Fresh off dominating First Ave/7th St Entry for an entire week, Doomtree are crushing the local scene right now. Here's the music video for "Bolt Cutter" their No Kings ode to breaking, entering, and conquering.

Zero Star: "Gmail" (Music Video)

From Zero Star's upcoming album Maybe I'm Joking, Maybe I'm Not.

I.B.E: "6AM ft. Alicia Steele"

Here's the latest offering from I.B.E's Pages from That Tape series.

O-D: Free Myself (Free Album)

O-D is a producer in the 4Shades crew. Even if you don't know him by name, you've likely heard his work if you follow the Twin Cities scene; he's produced for M.anifest, Krukid, Toki Wright, Tribe & Big Cats! and more. Check out his album Free Myself.

O-D: Free Myself

Doomtree: "Beacon"

New Doomtree. No Kings. 11/22/11.

In related Doomtree news, City Pages has been announcing the opening acts for the 7th Street Entry shows during Doomtree Blowout Week. Sims is on Sunday with a killer lineup. Mike Mictlan and every indie rap artist in the Twin Cities will surely make for an epic Monday, Dessa mixes it up on Tuesday with some standup comedy. P.O.S. curated a great Wednesday lineup with Polica and Marijuana Deathsquads. Cecil Otter, whose show has yet to be announced, finishes the solo shows on Thrusday.

Doomtree: "Beacon"

P.O.S., Lazerbeak, & Cecil Otter Discuss the Beat-Making Process for 'No Kings' (Video)

Big Quarters: "Perfect Match ft. Mankwe Ndosi"

Next new single from Big Quarters' Party Like A Young Commie, due on November 29. Preorder it at BigQuarters.com.

One Be Lo: LABOR (Language Arts Based On Reality)

Yesterday Sims announced the lineup for the show he curated during Doomtree Blowout week. On Sunday December 4, he will be performing at 7th St Entry with Brother Ali, Astronautalis, and One Be Lo. This is awesome.

In light of the news, I wanted to share with you One Be Lo's latest album, LABOR. One Be Lo has been laying low lately, as we haven't heard much from the talented Michigan rapper since his 2007 album The REBIRTH. Well, he's back and still in fine form. Check the album out below, and purchase it at his Bandcamp site.

One Be Lo: LABOR (Language Arts Based On Reality)

I.B.E.: "Understanding"

In a break from his Pages From That Tape project, I.B.E. sent me the first song from an upcoming compilation he is working on, Watch This Too. Influenced by Jay-Z and Kanye's "luxury rap" album, Watch the Throne, I.B.E.'s version will serve as its antithesis. Watch This Too will borrow some of the beats from WTT and focus on economic inequality. Below is the first release, "Understanding."

I.B.E.: "Understanding"

ECID: Swagger Wagon EP

Minneapolis emcee/producer ECID just released this free EP. Stream it below, and if you like what you hear head to his Bandcamp site and download it.

ECID: Swagger Wagon EP

Doomtree: No Kings (Promo Video)

Anxiously awaiting the next Doomtree single or video from No Kings. Album in stores 11/22/11, preorders available now.

Classified: "Maybe It's Just Me ft. Brother Ali" (Music Video)

I posted this track in March when Classified's Handshakes and Middle Fingers was released. Now, the song gets video treatment.

Prof: "Need Your Love" (Music Video)

Ridiculous new video from Prof, off his recent King Gampo album.

Common: "Sweet"

More new material from Common. Despite the name, this track is anything but sweet. Produced by No ID, who handled every song on his upcoming album, The Dreamer, The Believer.

A Loud Heart (Guante & Claire Taubenhaus): "The Illusion of Movement" (Video)

Guante and Claire Taubenhaus' acoustic rap collaboration A Loud Heart will be released next week. If you're free go to the album release party next Friday.

A LOUD HEART (Guante & Claire Taubenhaus) CD release show:
Friday, 11/11/11 at Honey in MPLS
Featuring BLACK BLONDIE and an acoustic set from KRISTOFF KRANE
7-10pm | 18+ | $7

Black Milk: "Black and Brown ft. Danny Brown" (Music Video)

Here's the video for a truncated version of "Black and Brown," a highlight from Black Milk's fantastic 2010 Album of the Year.

Common: "Blue Sky" (Music Video)

I.B.E.: "42nd & 4th" (Music Video)

Here's the latest video from I.B.E.'s That Tape release.

Illuminous 3: "Stand Strong" (Prod. Cecil Otter)

Here's the latest in the Illuminous Free series, they recently did a few songs with various members of Doomtree.

Illuminous 3: "Stand Strong" (Prod. Cecil Otter)

Black Milk & Danny Brown: Black & Brown EP (Stream)

Stream the new Black Milk and Danny Brown EP below. It's as good as you'd expect it to be. Or at least as good as I'd expect it to be. (Which is damn good.)

Big Quarters: "C'mon" (Music Video)

Here is the lead single from Big Quarters' third studio release Party Like A Young Commie. The album will be out on November 29. Get your preorders in at http://bigquarters.com.

Guante: "Just A Song" + 'A Loud Heart' EP Announcement

Up above is Guante doing his spoken word thing with "A Prayer for Indie Rappers." Below is Guante doing his rap thing with accompaniment from Claire Taubenhaus, Big Cats! and more. I suggest you check them both out. Be on the lookout for Guante's upcoming EP, A Loud Heart, due on 11/11/11.

Doomtree: "The Grand Experiment" + No Kings Pre-Order

There's a lot to digest in this post, I'll try to keep it simple.

• Doomtree's sophomore crew album No Kings is due November 22.
• The pre-order for the album has launched today. It includes CD and 2xLP options, as well as tons of other goodies and gadgets, like t-shirts, stickers, buttons, posters, and commemorative boxes. Who doesn't love commemorative boxes?
• All pre-orders gain automatic entry into random drawings for Doomtree's mind blowing upcoming residency at First Ave/7th St Entry. Random winners, announced every week, get tickets to all seven shows. A lucky winner gets VIP treatment at every show, one night in a lucury Minneapolis hotel, and $77.77 to blow on gas/booze/etc that weekend.
• Place your pre-orders at Doomtree's website.
• Below is a stream of "The Grand Experiment," the first single from No Kings. Everyone raps but P.O.S., who sings the hook.

Villa Rosa: "Uma Thurman"

Villa Rosa's Blue Diamond Island is available now. Find it at Bandcamp or your local record store.

Villa Rosa: "Uma Thurman"

Jordan Looney: "Crab Rangoon"

Here's some new material from St. Paul native/Chicago resident Jordan Looney, whose Nerd-Hop, Vol. 3: Side B is coming soon.

The Tribe & Big Cats!: "Good Life ft. Smoke DZA" (Music Video)

Here is the final video in The Tribe & Big Cats! Make Good project, a series that saw them releasing some of their best work to date. Check it out.

You should probably also grab their NUN FUX GVN t-shirt, because it's awesome.

I.B.E.: "Holdin Somethin ft. Dodi Phy" (Music Video)

Here is the first music video from I.B.E.'s That Tape release. You can check out and download the entire mixtape below.

I.B.E.: That Tape

M.anifest: "Motion Picture" (Music Video)

If you didn't know already, M.anifest's got a new album out, Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America.  Right there is the iTunes link, and I know it's at local stores like Electric Fetus and Fifth Element. Go cop that.

Word is M.anifest is getting love from Flea, and doing some shows with Blur/Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn, one of my favorites. Big props to M.anifest on that. Shout out to Sound Verite.

Dessa: "The Beekeper"

Doomtree staying busy, as always. Dessa's new album, Castor, the Twin, will be out on Tuesday. It's composed of reworked versions of her older songs, complete with full backing band for a richer sound. Should be a good one. Doomtree sophomore effort No Kings coming in November, too.

Dessa: "The Beekeper"

Orikal Uno: +1 EP

Orikal Uno came up with a neat idea for a quick-hitter EP. It's called +1, because each of the three tracks contain a single guest. Featured along with Orikal Uno on these tracks are Sab the Artist (Musab), Mac Lethal, and Prof.

Illuminous 3: Montessori

Here's the latest project from Minneapolis trio Illuminous 3, along with some words about it from Franz Diego:

Our latest project is called "Montessori" and it was made to capture the times and memories that we all shared together attending Seward Montessori Elementary school in South Minneapolis. Seward is where we all met and the Montessori style had a huge impact not only on our learning, but how we viewed the world, understood other's differences and just basically how we grew up.

Mike Swoop produced, mixed and mastered the entire project.

 Illuminous 3: Montessori

A Benefit to Celebrate the Life of Brother Mahdi

Tonight at the Varsity Theatre in Dinkytown is a benefit concert to celebrate the life of a lost member of the Twin Cities hip-hop community. Below is the press release from First Avenue:

Charles Augustus Bryant “Mahdi” (AKA D.J. Nex), beloved member of the Hip-Hop community, passed away on August 26, 2011 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. Mahdi is survived by 4 children and many loving family members. Mahdi is Co Founder of The Nation Of Gods and Earths MN, School Of Thought, B Boy Commity, and Nexborn Inc. 

A benefit will be held September 28, 2011 at the Varsity Theater to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Twin Cities Hip Hop legend, pioneer, and cultural ambassador Brother Mahdi (AKA Dj Nex). 

ALL proceeds will be donated directly to Mahdi’s children. 

Hosted by: The GODBLAC 

Featuring: Slug, Brother Ali, Muja Messiah, Maria Isa, Desdamona, The Guardians Of Balance (St Paul Slim & Mastermind), High North, Long Doe (Tony Bones, Mike the Martyr, and Big Wiz), Trina Girl 

On the 1's and 2's Dj's: Dan Speak, Stage One, Kool Akiem, Brother Julez, IXL, Verb X

Toki Wright Performs at the Audio Perm Block Party (Video)

Here's footage of Toki tearing it down at the Audio Perm Block Party last month. The man climbed on a roof. Enough said.

Villa Rosa: "Liberation Karma" (Music Video)

Villa Rosa's new album Blue Diamond Island is available now, so go cop that.

Unknown Prophets: "New Day"

Here is the lead single to Unknown Prophets' World Premier 2. Hard to believe World Premier came out a decade ago. The World Premier 2 release party will be on 11/11/11 at the Triple Rock.

Unknown Prophets: "New Day"

Evidence: "Late For The Sky ft. Slug & Aesop Rock"

Speaking of album of the year contenders, Evidence's Cats & Dogs will be released on Tuesday. Here's a track featuring Slug and Aesop Rock.

Evidence: "Late For The Sky ft. Slug & Aesop Rock"

Fifth Element Parking Lot Sale this Saturday

You can catch me at Fifth Element this Saturday for their amazing parking lot sale. I'll be there either before or after the Badgers game, look for the guy in red.

Kanye West: "All Falls Down" (Live at a Poetry Slam)

Above is some old footage of a pre-fame Kanye West performing an altered a capella version of "All Falls Down" at a spoken word event. Mos Def, who was emceeing the event, must have peered into his crystal ball before introducing Kanye as "the future of hip-hop."

The Tribe & Big Cats!: "One Call Away ft. BJ The Chicago Kid and Greg Grease" (Music Video)

Here's another one from The Tribe & Big Cats! Make Good series. These tracks have been some of their best work to date.

Sims: "LMG" (Music Video)

It's late September and Bad Time Zoo is still an album of the year candidate.

Villa Rosa (Muja Messiah & Maria Isa): "Watch Out" (Music Video)

Muja Messiah and Maria Isa are longtime friends and have collaborated on several songs before, but now they're putting out a whole album together until the name Villa Rosa. The two are headlining the First Ave mainroom tonight, so head downtown to catch the show if you can.

Villa Rosa (Muja Messiah & Maria Isa): "Watch Out

Midwest Broadcast Posting Update

Let's cut right to the chase. The most recent post in Midwest Broadcast happened on Friday, September 2. That was over two weeks ago. That's pathetic. But instead of apologizing to those of you who still check and read this website, I think this is a good time to reassess the current state of Midwest Broadcast. 

Gone are the glory days of this blog when I was attending college and had the free time to update it multiple times throughout the day. I'm currently looking at some big turning points in my life. I'm just starting a new job, and on top of that I'm beginning to apply to graduate school. Frankly, I just don't have as much free time to work on this site as I once did. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop updating Midwest Broadcast – I still aim for it to be an important forum for Twin Cities and Midwest hip-hop. I just want to make it clear that I am not currently able to update the site as diligently as I once was. I encourage you to keep visiting the site, and in turn I'll do my best to be more prolific than I in recent weeks. 

As always, thanks for reading. Peace.

Sims: Wildlife EP (Prod. Lazerbeak)

Wildlife is an EP of songs that Sims and Lazerbeak recorded in 2009 and 2010. Sims is releasing it to thank his fans for supporting him through the release of Bad Time Zoo (still one of the year's best hip-hop albums) and his first headlining national tour. Make sure to attend one of his shows if he comes through your town; Sims and Lazerbeak together are a great live act to see. Stream the Wildlife EP below, or click through to Bandcamp to download the project.

Alex Frecon: The Hedgehog Dilemma (Free EP)

Alex Frecon is a new rapper from Minneapolis who just released his debut EP, The Hedgehod Dilemma. Stream it below, and drop a comment to share your thoughts on the project.

MaD SoN: "Wishing Well"

MaD SoN of Unknown Prophets made a remix of Lil Wayne's "Anne" to be released on his upcoming mixtape.

The Cool Kids: "Summer Jam" (Music Video)

The Cool Kids long-awaited album When Fish Ride Bicycles is available now.

Toki Wright: "Real Live ft. Yakub" (Music Video)

I'm mad late on this video but if you haven't seen it yet, here is "Real Live" featuring a guest verse from Yakub. Toki is performing tonight at the 7th Street Entry with St. Paul Slim and Kids Like Us. It's only five dollars to get in the door, so if you don't have any plans for tonight I highly recommend checking that out.

Prof: King Gampo (Full Album Download)

You may remember Prof's announcement of his new album King Gampo because of its wonderfully creative and extensive preorder package. Well, the album came out about a week ago, but what I didn't realize is that Prof actually made the whole thing available for free. Check out the album below, go download it, and make sure to award this man's generosity by supporting him at one of his live shows.

Toki Wright: "Real Live ft. Yakub"

I posted the teaser to the music video for "Real Live" yesterday, now here's the full song, produced by DJ Three A Day. You can stream it below, or purchase it from BandCamp or iTunes.

BK-One: "Tema Do Canibal" (Music Video)

Here's some a dope music video featuring BK-One and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble performing "Tema Do Canibal" live. BK-One's Tema Do Canibal EP will be out soon. Preorder it via Fifth Element.

See More Perspective: "Summertime Hip Hop BBQ Jam for the World (Remix) ft. Guante & Heidi Barton Stink"

Here's a new old joint from See More Perspective, as his "Summertime Hip-Hop BBQ Jam" was remixed with a new verse, some added beatboxing, and guest spots from Guante and Heidi Barton Stink.

See More Perspective: "Summertime Hip Hop BBQ Jam for the World (Remix) ft. Guante & Heidi Barton Stink"

Toki Wright: "Real Live" (Music Video Teaser)

Toki Wright's got a new video for "Real Live," which features Yakub, coming down the line very soon. It'll be out on Thursday, so check back for it then. Also, in case you didn't catch this, Toki announced that his new album will be titled Channels.

Big Jess: "Not About Ya'll" (Music Video)

This one's from Big Jess' Self Therapy album. It's been out for a while now, and it's free, so go get that if you don't have it.

Greg Grease: "Leave It Or Love It" (Music Video)

Greg Grease shot this while out in New York City a few weeks ago. He'll be releasing The Cornbread, Pearl, and G EP next month, so be looking for that to drop.

Unknown Prophets: "Knocking Out Imposters ft. Planet Asia"

This one is a very good look for the UPs, getting Planet Asia for the lead single to their upcoming World Premier 2.

Unknown Prophets: "Knocking Out Imposters ft. Planet Asia"

Danami: "Hustle Hard (Freestyle)" + "Can't Be Friends (Remix)"

Here's two new tracks from Danami.

Danami: "Hustle Hard (Freestyle)" + "Can't Be Friends (Remix)" (Download together)

Danami: "Hustle Hard (Freestyle)"

Danami: "Can't Be Friends (Remix)"

Danny Brown: XXX (Album)

Detroit rapper Danny Brown's newest album was just released for free download today through Fools Gold Records. Follow the link to download it, or stream the album below.

Danny Brown: XXX (Album)

Maria Isa: "Secured"

Maria Isa must have had a busy few months. This song, "Secured" is from her new mixtape Sip It, Vol. 1. Additionally, her and Muja Messiah have been working on their VillaRosa project. Thanks for Jon Jon for sending this through.

Maria Isa: "Secured"

Youngy Ransom: "Throwing Up" (Music Video)

Youngy Ransom is a rapper/producer duo from Saint Paul, whose debut release, Jet Lag: The Mixtape, was recently made available for download on DatPiff. Their video for their song "Throwing Up" is to be taken literally. It features Youngy Ransom and friends walking down Como Avenue (shout out Speedy market) having some innocent high school fun (the things I did to kill time back then) and, well, throwing up. Props to the kid in the Como High School shirt — I walked those halls a handful of years ago.

Jay-Z & Kanye West: "Otis" (Music Video)

Watch the Throne is in stores now. Well, at least Best Buy and the iTunes store. If you haven't purchased it already, you should wait and buy it at your local record store.

MaLLy & The Sundance Kid: "Heir Time" (Music Video)

A few days after posting the teaser video, we now have MaLLy & The Sundance Kid's video for "Heir Time." MaLLy's album The Last Great... is in the works right now and will be released in the near future.

Common: "Ghetto Dreams ft. Nas" (Music Video)

SoundTown Music and Camping Festival (Video Promo)

This event will be taking place in Somserset, WI next weekend. Camping is on the nights of Thursday August 18 through Saturday August 20. Music happens on Friday and Saturday, August 19-20. There's plenty of local acts to draw out the Twin Cities crowd, including Sims and Heiruspecs, as far as you rap fans are concerned. Main headliners are The Flaming Lips. You should go. Check out the SoundTown Music and Camping Festival website for more details and to buy tickets.

Atmosphere: "Until The Nipples Gone" (Live at Lollapalooza)

A full video would have been nice, but cot damn that's a lot of people.

Audio Perm Block Party - Saturday August 27

The flyer above is all that's actually necessary for this post, but allow me a brief moment to help announce the Audio Perm Block Party. The event will take place on Saturday, August 27 at Shuga Records in Northeast Minneapolis. The lineup is basically a can't miss assortment of rising and established local artists, including Toki Wright, I Self Devine, Audio Perm themselves, Kanser, The Tribe & Big Cats!, and more. The California trio Pac Div are headlining. It costs $10 to buy an advanced ticket, and $15 if you show up the day of the show. All signs point to this being a terrific day; you'd be wise not to miss it.

You can RSVP to the event on Facebook, and follow its associated Twitter account here. The MN Daily also posted an article about the event this morning.

Jay-Z & Kanye West: "Otis" (Music Video Teaser)

The full video, directed by Spike Jonze, will air on MTV tomorrow evening. What do you think of Watch the Throne? I'd love to read your opinions in the comments section.

MaLLY & The Sundance Kid: "Heir Time" (Music Video Teaser)

Guest appearance from Slug. Full video will be released on Friday.

The Tribe & Big Cats: "Stay High ft. Pat Brown" (Music Video)

Here's part two in the four-part Make Good series from The Tribe & Big Cats!. "Stay High" is a party song, The Tribe know it and don't pretend that its anything more. The video is ridiculous, and in my humble opinion no one in the local scene is fucking with Pete's hair right now. Yeah guys, you can use that in a pull quote.

Lipset: "Dreams Come True ft. Lokes" (Music Video) + Level Heads LP (Free Download)

As I alluded to last week, Lipset's lengthy Level Heads Project would soon be coming to a close with the full-on rerelease of the entire Level Heads LP. To gain some perspective, feel free to revisit this interview I did with Lipset and Lokes back in October of 2010. The album has been a long time coming, but now it's available to you in full online. And it's free. And there's a new music video posted above accompanying the album cut "Dreams Come True." You can't beat that offer, so head to over to Lipset's Bandcamp site to download the Level Heads LP in its entirety.

Lipset: Level Heads LP (Free Download)

Prof: "Peep Show" + "On My Way"

Those of you who follow Prof will likely find this as old news because this post is inexcusably late, but Prof will be releasing his upcoming album, King Gampo, on August 16. If you preorder the album, it comes with a pretty sweet and hilarious merchandise bundle, including but not limited to a Prof t-shirt and beer-scented air freshener. Check out the entire package on his Bandcamp page, and make sure to view the tracklist below and stream "Peep Show" and "On My Way."

1. Gampo (Prod. Noearth)
2. Anomaly (Prod. Cory Grindberg)
3. Yeah Buddy (Prod. Chickenbone)
4. Lucky (Prod. M.C. Rentz)
5. The Season (Prod. 84 Caprice & Dillon Parker)
6. Daughter Feat. Brother Ali (Prod. DJ Absolute)
7. Peep Show (Prod. Verse One)
8. President (Prod. Willie Wonka)
9. Karma (Prod. 84 Caprice)
10. Whiskey (Prod. Ant)
11. Myself (Prod. Cory Grindberg)
12. Corner (Prod. Prof and Dillon Parker)
13. On My Way (Prod. 84 Caprice)
14. Need Your Love (Prod. 84 Caprice)
15. James Bond Blimp Feat. MTV Riff Raff (Prod. K.O.B)
16. Poor Me (Prod. 84 Caprice)

BK-One: Tema Do Canibal EP + Mega-Mix

In addition to dropping exclusive demos and unreleased cuts from the Radio Do Canibal studio sessions, BK-One is coming out with the Tema Do Canibal EP, read the full press release below.

Minneapolis DJ/producer BK-One has announced the follow up to his Brazilian inspired opus, 2009's Rádio Do Canibal. The forthcoming EP, dropping on Rhymesayers Entertainment August 30th, is comprised of remixes of the album cut "Tema Do Canibal". With contributions from the legendary MF Doom, Brazilian maestro Arthur Verocai, West Coast producer Exile, Chicago's Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, famed São Paulo percussionist Helcio Milito and many more, BK has assembled a worldly collection of talent to reinterpret his music.

Available exclusively through iTunes and on hand-numbered, transparent green vinyl, the EP starts by introducing the listener to BK's multi-layered tropical aesthetic by way of the "Tema Do Canibal Video Edit" featuring the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Things quickly change pace with Exile's expert chopping of the original horns and Doom's expectedly bizarre verse on the "Mind The Gap Remix". Among Brazil's most notable DJs and record collectors, DJ Nuts flexes his expert knowledge by contributing the "Tamba Remix" which features Helcio Milito on the tamba, a percussion instrument he invented in the early '60s. Further Brazilian influence comes from the oft-sampled Arthur Verocai who writes, arranges, conducts, and produces an entirely new version of BK's "Tema Do Canibal". The B-side is rounded out by two outstanding interpretations intended to light up the dancefloor. Mike 2600 amps up the tempo in his "Journey Into Sound Remix" and replaces the original's thick horn lines with squiggly keyboards, while Tom Noble's "Disco Ginga Remix" drenches those horns in reverb and adds disco-inspired batucada drums.

Between BK-One's groundbreaking collaboration with the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and the five wildly different reinterpretations made by such a talented and diverse group of artists, this EP is not to be missed.

Preorder the Tema Do Canibal EP via Fifth Element, and listen to the Mega-Mix below.

Lipset's 'Level Heads LP' (Trailer)

I've been posting on this site semi-regularly with tracks from Lipset's Level Heads LP. Well, the extensive project is coming to a close this weekend, when the entire album will be made available for free online. Above is a trailer for the release, check back on Sunday to download the album.

Toki Wright: "25/8/366 ft. Oskar Ly" (Prod. Lazerbeak)

Funny story about this song: back in 2009 when I compiled tracks from artists all over the Midwest for the Flyover Land, Vol. 1 mixtape, I got an overwhelmingly positive response from artists. In fact, I had a stash of leftover songs that I chose to hold out for a second installment of the mixtape series. One of those songs was "25/8/366", a Toki Wright track produced by Lazerbeak. So, while Flyover Land, Vol. 2 never came to fruition — mostly due to my poor work ethic and getting sidetracked by life in general — I've had this song in my iTunes library for a couple of years. Fast forward to one hour ago, Toki sends me an email to release (rerelease?) it. It's stream only on Midwest Broadcast, hit the link below to visit the SoulTools Bandcamp site if you want to download it. You know you can't go wrong when you've got Toki and Lazerbeak on the same track, two of the finest artists in the Twin Cities rap scene. Enjoy.

Toki Wright: "25/8/366 ft. Oskar Ly" (Prod. Lazerbeak)

Status Reign: "Leave Me This Way" (Music Video)

This one come's from Background Noise Crew member Status Reign's latest album Brutally Honest.

BK-One: 'Rádio Do Canibal' Extras

BK-One and Benzilla collaborated to create Rádio Do Canibal back in 2009, one of the year's most creative and brilliant hip-hop albums. It remains one of my top-5 Rhymesayers-released albums in recent memory. Now it's 2011, and BK-One has decided to gradually release some extras from the original Rádio Do Canibal studio sessions. Included are instrumentals that didn't make the cut, and original or demo versions of album tracks. BK-One is releasing these songs via his Soundcloud page, and who knows how many more he'll let loose, so I strongly recommend subscribing so you don't miss any exclusive releases. I'll link below to his entire page, where (so far) you can find Slug's original demo of "Gittit," two unreleaed instrumentals, the demo of "Love Like That," and the original version of "Here I Am." I'll try to keep up and post the new additions to the playlist.

BK-One: Rádio Do Canibal Extras

Sims & Lazerbeak: Interview at Radio K + Live Songs

Sims and Lazerbeak are playing a FREE show at Northrop Plaza on the U of M campus tomorrow night at 7pm. To get hyped for the show, you should watch them visit the Radio K studio to do an interview and perform "Future Shock" plus some other cuts from Bad Time Zoo ("Radio Opaque" and "Good Times"). The album is still my favorite hip-hop release of 2011 — what's your favorite song on the record?

Sims & Lazerbeak: "Future Shock"

Sims & Lazerbeak: "Radio Opaque"

Sims & Lazerbeak: "Good Times"

Jay-Z & Kanye West: "Otis"

"Otis" is the new Watch The Throne single inspired from the work of my favorite singer of all time. The two superstars trade bars over a sample from "Try A Little Tenderness." It sounds so soulful, don't you agree? Stream this YouTube link below while it lasts, or head over to Jay-Z's Life + Times website to check it out.

Jay-Z & Kanye West: "Otis"

T.Q.D.: The Appetizer EP, Vol. 3

The Quiet Dude releases the third installment in his Appetizer EP series. This one is another assortment of tracks he's been working on while he prepares to release two solo LPs this year.

T.Q.D.: The Appetizer EP, Vol. 3

TR0N D1AZ 8510 (aka Franz Diego): FUTUR3 PAST TR0NICLES

Franz Diego sent this through my way. I'm sure if you've hit up one of the parties he's hosted this will make a lot more sense to you. You can stream the track "Can't Fuck M3" below, or download the entire project.

Over the past year Franz Diego has continued to host and throw his high energy rap dance parties all over the city and through doing this he has developed his own entity based in the world of the party. That entity is TR0N D1AZ 8510. Much of this music has already been played by DJs throughout the Minneapolis and now these songs are available to you!

For this project Franz teamed up with 2% Muck to provide vocal effects, manipulation, editing and mixing of vocals over industry instrumentals, the outcome is an instant party.

TR0N D1AZ 8510: "Can't Fuck M3"

TR0N D1AZ 8510: FUTUR3 PAST TR0NICLES

Trama: "Nod Ya Head"

Here's some more music from Trama. If you didn't catch "One Day At A Time" from a couple of weeks ago then go check that out.

Trama: "Nod Ya Head"

Atmosphere: "The Last To Say" (Music Video)

Kanye West & G.O.O.D. Music at SXSW 2011 (Videos)

Kanye and his crew closed out SXSW 2011 in Austin, Texas by throwing a surprise concert in an abandoned power plant. It was a fairly exclusive event, in that thousands of people tried desperately to get in, but only a fortunate portion of those people got admitted to the show. Back during SXSW Kanye still hadn't performed much since releasing MBDTF, making the show an extra hot ticket. Months later, Vevo, who sponsored the show, released some hi-def video from the show.

Above is Kanye's "Dark Fantasy." Below is Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness”, Big Sean’s “My Last”, followed by more Kanye with “Blame Game” (one of the few times he's ever performed it thus far), and surprise guest Jay-Z joining in the show-closer, “H.A.M.”

Vevo needs to release video of Kanye doing "All Of The Lights" with that high school marching band though.

Black Milk: "Brain ft. Jack White"

Jack White's Third Man Records has been releasing a lot of one-off singles with various artists lately. The label dipped into hip-hop for the for the first time, and recruited Black Milk to collaborate with none other than Jack White himself.

Now if you'll excuse me for a moment, I'm just going to be a fan for a moment. The White Stripes are without a doubt one of my favorite bands ever, and I'm quite a big Black Milk fan on top of that. With White's Detroit upbringing and Black Milk's knack for hard-hitting production, this is pretty much a great pairing. I can only hope the two work together more in the future. Or at least Jack will work on more hip-hop tracks (my head will explode when "Ray Bans" comes out, remember that one?).

Anyway, the tracks are being released on July 12 digitally and on 7" vinyl. Jack Whitco-produced the singles with Black Milk, as well as played guitar on the A-side, "Brain" and drums on the B-side, "Royal Mega." You can follow the link below to listen to "Brain" through the Third Man Records Soundcloud website. Enjoy.

Black Milk: "Brain ft. Jack White"

The Tribe & Big Cats!: "We Gone ft. MaLLy & Claire Taubenhaus" (Music Video)

Above is the new video from The Tribe & Big Cats!, featuring MaLLy and singer Claire Taubenhaus. This song marks the first release in a four-part series of monthly singles featuring special guests. All of this leads up to the release of their next project, titled Make Good. Grab the mp3 of this song below, via Swim Agency.

The Tribe & Big Cats!: "We Gone ft. MaLLy & Claire Taubenhaus" (Music Video)

Greg Grease: "Got Till It's Gone" (Music Video)

This music video if for "Got Till It's Gone" off Greg Grease's The Giving Tree. Download that tape now if you don't have it yet. The video also features Alicia Steele wearing some new River Life goods, which will be debuting in stores this fall. Learn more at the River Life Tumblr.

Jordan Looney: "We're Here" (Music Video)

Lipset: "Trusty Battle Gear ft. DYC, MaLLy and Initial MC"

Here's another one off the Level Heads Project. Track 14 from the Level Heads LP is "Trusty Battle Gear" and features DYC, MaLLY, and Initial MC of Duenday.

Lipset: "Trusty Battle Gear ft. DYC, MaLLy and Initial MC"

Psalm One: "Juke Me" (Music Video)

Here's the music video for Psalm One's lead single off Get In The Van, Vol. 3. Get the track below via iTunes.

Psalm One: "Juke Me"

Trama: "One Day At A Time"

Good to hear from Trama again. After a proposed retirement, it seems as if he's back in action again. No word on if this is just a freebie or from a upcoming project.

Trama: "One Day At A Time"