Big Jess Presents: Honorable Mention, Volume 1

If you've been following Big Jess on Twitter over the past several months, you should be aware by now that he's been actively working on a compilation project featuring tons of local artists. The concept seemed simple enough. Jess produces a bunch of original beats, and gets his friends to hop on and do their thing. I'm not sure if there's much more to it than that, but looking at the roster on the album, I'm excited to give it a few spins. For those of you who are still curious, I included the tracklist after the jump. You can download and stream Honorable Mention, Volume 1 over at DJBooth.net.

Big Jess Presents: Honorable Mention, Volume 1

"Shameless," ft. Slug, MaLLy, Mike the Martyr and Haphduzn (Prod. Dimitry Killstorm)

Check the Blog just premiered "Shameless," the first track from Flood Watch, an upcoming compilation album put together by That Dude Reeg and Tek. The track features Slug, MaLLy, Mike the Martyr and Haphduzn trading verses over some Dimitry Killstorm production. I don't know if the four Minneapolis rappers were together when composing their verses, but you can feel the spirit of competition in this track. Everyone knew they had to bring their best work, and they all definitely showed up for this track. Listen to it below.

Sound of the City, Vol. 12 (Mixtape)

The folks at 4seen Magazine have been putting out these monthly Sound of the City mixtapes for a year now. Coming from someone who writes a blog — and does so horribly inconsistently — this is a respectable feat. The latest tape features the late Fly Henderson, Mike Dreams, K.Raydio, Bobby Raps, Tek, Big Dylan, MaLLy, Mike the Martyr, I Self Divine, and more. Hit the jump to stream it.

Mike the Martyr: Lake Street Bar 3 (Instrumental EP)

More instrumentals from one of the Twin Cities most prolific beat makers. Mike the Martyr recently dropped the third and final installment in his Lake Street Bar instrumental EP series via Check the Blog.

Sound of the City, Vol. 11 (Mixtape)

Here is the latest Sound of the City mixtape, presetned by 4Seen Magazine. This one features Toki Wright, I Self Devine, Tribe and Big Cats!, MaLLy, Tek, Mike Dreams, Tomorrow Genius, several Audio Perm rappers, and a monstrous collaboration track from Mike the Martyr, Meta, Muja Messiah and Mac Irv, "Dial M for Murder." Grab the mixtape after the jump.

Mike the Martyr: Grand Marye (Mixtape)

In 2011 and 2012 Mike the Martyr has established himself in the Twin Cities as a sought after producer. He can rhyme too, though, and his recent mixtape Grand Marye puts his abilities on full display. The tape features him rapping over mostly Kanye West beats — hence the mixtape's title and album cover — and also features guest work from Metasota, Bobby Raps, KnoX and more.

DOWNLOAD - Mike the Martyr: Grand Marye (Mixtape)

Sound of the City, Vol​.​10 (Mixtape)

Here is the newest Sound of the City mixtape, from 4Seen Magazine. This one features Greg Grease, Metasota, Mike the Martyr, Fly Henderson, I Self Devine, MaLLy, Toki Wright, Phonetic One, Audio Perm and more. Stream it below.

Sound of the City, Vol​.​9 (Compilation Mixtape)

Right on cue, here is this month's Sound of the City mixtape, courtesy of 4Seen Magazine and Big Ten Entertainment. This one features I Self Devine, Toki Wright, MaLLy, Metasota, Knox, Muja Messiah, Fly Henderson, Mike the Martyr, Emazin, and more. Stream it after the jump.

Sound of the City 8 (Compilation Mixtape)

Another month, another Sound of the City mixtape, courtesy of 4Seen Magazine and Big Ten Entertainment. This one features contributions from Franz Diego, Metasota, I Self Devine, Akrite, Mike Dreams, MaLLy, Ceewhy, Greg Grease, Mike the Martyr and more. Stream or download it after the jump.

Muja Messiah: "Dance With the Devil ft. Maria Isa" (Prod. Mike the Martyr)

Villa Rosa strike again with this new cut produced by Mike the Martyr. It was featured on Rock the Dub's  six-year anniversary mix, The Sixth Sense #iseedubpeople. Thanks to Jon Jon on sending the track my way. Stream/download it below.

Sound of the City 7 (Compilation Mixtape)

Last month I shared the Sound of the City 6 compilation mixtape. This month, 4Seen Magazine is back to present another collection of recent Minnesota-made hip-hop. Included in this mix are Metasota, Bobby Raps, Brother Ali, Franz Diego, Mike Dreams, Mike the Martyr, the Tribe & Big Cats!, MaLLy, and more. Stream/download the project after the jump.

Mike the Martyr: "Fuckin Wit"

Mike the Martyr posted this new song to the Long Doe Soundcloud page earlier this afternoon. More importantly though, is the fact that Mike, along with Tony Bones and Big Wiz, were selected to the Soundset lineup today. Congrats to the Long Doe team.

Mike the Martyr: "Fuckin Wit"

Mike the Martyr: Lake Street Bar, Pt. 2 (EP)

Mike the Martyr had a busy year in 2011, producing for the likes of Slug, A.G., Termanology, and more. With the new year upon us, he's showing now signs of slowing down. Lake Street Bar, Pt. 2 is the follow up to last year's instrumental EP. Hit the jump to download the project.

Anchormen: "The Essence ft. Big Zach" (Music Video)

The Anchormen, composed of Big Wiz, Aquafresh & T La Shawn, released a song with Big Zach of Kanser/More Than Lights. Mike the Martyr handled production on this joint.

Big Wiz & Mike the Martyr: "Bars 4 Days" (Music Video)

Mike The Martyr & Aquafresh: In Search Of The Wonderous Punch (Mixtape)

Mike the Martyr did a show with Prof back in March where he released his new mixtape, In Search of the Wonderous Punch. Now he's letting it loose for free so fans who weren't able to attend the show can enjoy the mixtape for the spring and summer. This mixtape also marks the debut of Mike's associate, the talented rapper Aquafresh.

Mike The Martyr & Aquafresh: In Search Of The Wonderous Punch (Mixtape)

Cleva: "Reach For The Stars ft. A.G." (Music Video)

Cleva of Long D.O.E. Records linked up with A.G. of Diggin In The Crates for a new song. Mike The Martyr produced this one.

Mike The Martyr: "Not Me" Pts 1 & 2 + Mixtape Announcement

Local rappers Mike The Martyr and Aquafresh will be putting out a mixtape in the near future, titled In Search Of The Wondrous Punch. While we wait for that, here are a couple other songs from Mike The Martyr.

Mike The Martyr: "Not Me, Pt. 1"Mike The Martyr: "Not Me, Pt. 2"