Brother Ali: "4th King"

Brother Ali's musical relationship with Jake One has proved to be an exciting one ever since they dropped "The Truth." But with their full-length Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color coming soon, that partnership is proving to be beneficial in unexpected ways. Jake One recently got the most high-profile beat placement of his career in "Three Kings," the Rick Ross song featuring Dr. Dre and Jay-Z. Jake had announced that he wouldn't leak the instrumental, as to avoid avoid the inevitable deluge of shitty freestyles that always happens when a trendy industry beat comes out. However, Ali heard the song and realized he already had Jake One's beat from their previous sessions together. Naturally, Ali had to make the song his own, and eclipsed the generic and lifeless verses delivered by Rozay and Dre. Listen to "4th King" below.

Brother Ali: "4th King"

Brother Ali: "Mourning in America" (Prod. Jake One)

Brother Ali's new album Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color is due on Sept. 12 (pushed back from it's original August date). Here is "Mourning in America," the raging sort-of title track to the album, which can be pre-ordered now.

Behind Brother Ali's 'Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color' (Video)

Here's a video that gives a deeper look into Brother Ali's upcoming album Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color. The album will be released on August 21 and can be pre-ordered right now.

Brother Ali: "Not A Day Goes By" (Music Video)

Brother Ali and Jake One hooked up for yet another non-album cut to get fans even more excited for Mourning in America, Dreaming in Color. With the handful of songs that the two have released together so far, they've already demonstrated a chemistry that exceeds their catalog. This naturally sets the bar high for the proper LP, but I've got no reservations that they'll deliver an amazing album.

Longshot: "Real Thing ft. Psalm One" (Music Video)

Here is the official music video for Longshot's "Real Thing," produced by Jake One and sponsored by Rhymesayers. Video directed by Psalm One.

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)

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)

Longshot: "Real Thing ft. Psalm One" (Prod. Jake One)

If you remember 2-3 years back when Jake One's White Van Music was coming out on Rhymesayers, the label held a contest where rappers submitted songs on the WVM instrumentals with the winner being awarded a original beat from Jake One. Longshot of Chicago (now a Minneapolis resident) won the contest, and finally one of the songs he made with Jake got a release. Props to Be Scene Mpls.

 

Brother Ali: "Writer's Block" (Prod. Jake One)

Several months ago I watched an interview with Brother Ali when he announced he and Jake One would be working on an album together. I saw him debut some of that material at Soundset 2011, and recite some new verses at the 7th Street entry last month. Now Ali and Rhymesayers have decided to start off 2012 by releasing something from their studio sessions. "Writer's Block" will not be on the upcoming Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color, but it is enough to get me supremely excited for the album (as I always am for new Ali releases).

The track is a take on the often attempted but seldom expertly executed rap song about the creative process. Ali uses the first verse to discuss the quality control in his music from artistic and financial perspectives, while the second verse tackles the anxiety induced when the words aren't coming. All of this comes with a refreshingly nonjudgmental tone; Ali isn't criticizing anyone, just describing his methods.

And as good as this song is, everything else I've heard from the album has been greater.

Brother Ali: "Writer's Block" (Prod. Jake One)

Freeway & Jake One: 'The Stimulus Package' Release Party (Video)

Freeway & Jake One held a release party in NYC for their anti-Rhymesayers Rhymesayers album The Stimulus Package. Here's some footage from the night, which includes a snippet of Freezer and special guest Brother Ali performing "The Truth," off of Jake One's White Van Music.

Preview Freeway & Jake One's 'Stimulus Package' Vinyl (Video)

I want to personally give my thanks to Rhymesayers Entertainment for giving us a reason to buy the physical copies of albums these days. Last year, BK-One's and Ali's hard copies were super official. Could The Stimulus Package be the greatest album packaging ever? Quite possibly. Also, I don't believe I posted the video for the CD version, because I was on my temporary hiatus, but you can view the video here.

Freeway & Jake One: "Know What I Mean" (Music Video)

Freeway's first single off of The Stimulus Package gets recreated in moving picture form, directed by — who else? — Rik Cordero. If you preorder the album at Fifth Element, it will ship out on February 11, a whole five days before it's street release date.

DOWNLOAD -- Freeway & Jake One: "Know What I Mean" (Right click + 'Save As' to download)

Freeway & Jake One: "Know What I Mean" + The Stimulus Package Tracklist

Lots of rumored leaks from this album have made their way to the internet, but Rhymesayers just let loose of the first official lead single from Freeway and Jake One's collaborative album, The Stimulus Package. The album is due on February 16, 2010, but can be preordered starting right now at Fifth Element. Two lucky "preorderers" will receive a "Stimulus Check" for a $100 gift certificate at Fifth Element. Also, included at the end of the post is the album's tracklist. Everything looks good, with two letdowns. 1) Birdman? Really??? 2) Where's the Brother Ali guest spot? Can't win 'em all, I guess.

Freeway & Jake One: "Know What I Mean" (Right click + 'Save As' to download)

Freeway & Jake One: The Stimulus Package (Tracklist)

1. Stimulus Intro ft. Beanie Sigel
2. Throw Your Hands Up
3. One Foot In
4. She Makes Me Feel Alright
5. Never Gonna Change
6. One Thing ft. Raekwon
7. Know What I Mean
8. The Product
9. Micraphone Killa ft. Young Chris
10. Follow My Moves ft. Birdman
11. Sho' Nuff ft. Bun B
12. Freekin; The Beat ft. LaToiya Williams
13. Money ft. Omilo Sparks & Mr. Porter
14. Free People
15. Stimulus Outro

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.

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.

DOWNLOAD - Freeway & Jake One: The Beat Made Me Do It (Mixtape)

Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle (8/26/09 in Minneapolis)

Thanks to Toki Wright for putting together this interesting highlight compilation of what looks like what was quite a night.

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"

Jake One & Freeway: Interview with Peter Parker at Soundset 2009 (Video)

Mr. Peter Parker continues his "Soundset '09 Exposed" video series with an interview. He asks the same questions to Freeway as he did to Jake One. No shots. The Stimulus Package should be out in August. EARLY!

Jake One: "Home ft. Vitamin D, C Note, Maneak B, & Ish"

Jake One drops the second video off of his superb album, White Van Music, released via Rhymesayers back in 2008. Below the video is some behind the scenes footage from the video shoot. This video holds it down for Seattle big time: Zia Mohajerjasbi, who has done videos for Common Market and Blue Scholars, was the director, Sir Mix-A-Lot brought out his orange Lambo, and (former Minnesota Viking) Nate Burleson represented for the Seattle Seahawks as well.

Soundset 2009 Recap (Photos)

You already know just about everything I'm about to say. Soundset 2009 was incredible. Great performances from (most of) the artists. Got quite sunburned. Legs felt like cooked spaghetti by the end of the day. And so on.

I opted not to get a press pass, and spent the entire day in the thick of the crowd watching the shows on the main stage. My biggest regret is not seeing a couple of sets on the Fifth Element side stage – mainly One Be Lo, Unknown Prohpets and Cunninlynguists, as those are the main acts I had never seen before. However I also regret not catching Sims, Blue Scholars and Heiruspecs, who are all great live. The reason for me not catching those shows is that during P.O.S.'s lively set, in a moment of pure serendipity, my friends and I ended up getting pushed to literally the front row. Although in retrospect, Sage Francis, El-P, and much to my dismay, DOOM, were all arguably "skippable" performances, we decided it was in our best interests to not sacrifice our great crowd position to see the shows on the side stage. While, I was up there, I tried snapping a few "point and shoot" photos with my low budget camera. I'm no professional, but they ended up half decent. If you want to see some great photo coverage of the day, though, go to Jules Ammel Visuals or the Rhymesayers Flickr. I'll leave you with a few thoughts I had about Soundset 2009, as well as my photos.

• Toki Wright was one of the better pure performers of the day. He reallys pours his heart out in his shows: jumping and dancing around, using the entire stage, working the crowd, etc. Great stuff. If only the fans were more familiar with his songs.
• As per usual, DJ Abilities was the true star during E&A's set. While Eyedea gets a little quirky during live shows, Abilities spent a solid five minutes amazing everyone with his technical prowess on the wheels of steel. The guy nevers slips up.
• Speaking of never slipping up, Mr. Dibbs absolutely put it the fuck down during his turntable sting during El-P's set.
  
• P.O.S. may be on the verge of breaking through the Rhymesayers ranks, approaching Slug and Brother Ali's levels of stardom. Maybe.
• Sage Francis seemed to be legitimately enjoying himself up there.
• In the biggest disappointment of the day, DOOM's set was pretty terrible. First off, 75% of the crowd didn't seem familiair with DOOM's Rock The Bells scandal last summer, and thus didn't understand his whole imposter joke. DOOM's hype man was overbearing and annoying. The sound was all distorted, and the bass was overbearing, making it impossible to decipher his lyrics unless you truly knew them word-for-word. He seemed unconcerned with hammering home a truly special performance, and more worried about getting his set over with and getting back in his SUV. Because his set was one of my top three most anticipated of the day, I couldn't have been more let down.
• Why the fuck did Freeway and Jake One not play a one of their songs from White Van Music. It was the perfect opportunity to bring out Brother Ali for "The Truth," and he didn't even do "How We Ride!" Although I still loved Freeway's set, that was discouraging.
• I loved Brother Ali's quote: "Jay-Z put of Freeway's first album, 50 Cent put out his second album, and Rhymesayers is putting out his third album." Although it's technically going to be his fourth, Rhymesayers have established themselves as indie heavyweights in this rap game.
• One of my top three songs of the day happened when Slug came out during Ali's set and they did "The Believer."
  
• The Pharcyde were the opposite of DOOM, and were one of the biggest highlights of the day. Great show. Great.
• I've seen Atmosphere perform about six or seven times, on multiple continents, and I can now say this confidently: No one, with the exception of Jay-Z, can control a crowd better than Slug. It may be because Atmosphere's audience is incredibly loyal, and it may seem like that because I was watching an Atmosphere concert in Minnesota, of all places. But, Slug had 15,000 hands in the air waving side to side, and probably every other person in the crowd knew at least some of the lyrics, if not most. And I saw him do the exact same thing in London. Slug can officially rock a show with the best of them.
  

Behind The Beats, Vol. 7: Jake One's "The Truth ft. Freeway & Brother Ali"

Jake One dropped one of the best-produced albums of 2008 with his Rhymesayers-released album, White Van Music. The entire record featured track after track of sublime beats, whether they were sample-based or not. Jake One has an incredible knack for capturing the mood and theme of each song in his beats; it seems like each one was tailor-made to tell a specific story for evoke a certain emotion. One of the album's ndeniable highlights, however, was the lead single "The Truth ft. Freeway and Brother Ali." Besides boasting two of rap's finest emcees dropping knowledge to the finest degree, Jake One crafted an absolute masterpiece of a beat. Sampling Johnnie Taylor's "At Night Time (My Pillow Tells a Tale on Me)," the beat is the epitome of the call and response element of sampling old records in hip-hop production. Taylor's wistful, meloncholy piece was chopped and sampled by Jake One in to a beat that exemplifies the heavy blues influence on hip-hop. Check out the link below to hear Taylor's original piece, and then give Jake One's track a listen to check out some of the finest production work of 2008 (I included both the original and instrumental versions).

Johnnie Taylor: "At Night Time (My Pillow Tells a Tale on Me)"