The Rap Nerd

New Juggaknots Podcast!

2006-07-17T23:10:00.000-04:00

After a hiatus that pained me, the Juggaknots are returning with a new studio effort, Use Your Confusion, due out in October through Amalgam Entertainment. I was lucky enough to work together with Buddy Slim, Breezly Brewin, and Queen Herawin to announce their return with this podcast, featuring a nice interview combined with classic tracks, elusive b-sides, and a select preview or two. Click the links below to download and be sure to peep the Juggs' website.

Special thanks to the Juggaknots, DJ Next, Ambidex, El Tripps, and DJ Tommy Hearns for working hard to complete this.

Juggaknots Podcast (If a link is expired, try another. More will be added everyday)
(yousendit) (link 1) updated 8/21
(rapidshare) (link 1)

Amalgam Entertainment
Juggaknots at Myspace.com
Use Your Confusion Trailer @ Youtube.com

DJ Spinna Podcast

2006-04-23T18:49:00.000-04:00

Please check out Rap Nerd Radio's new DJ Spinna podcast. Downloads are now available through Sendspace as Younsendit has established a 50MB upload cap. As always, be the first to submit the podcast's tracklisting to kevduce@gmail.com, and receive a fabulous prize. If you missed the Jaydee Tribute, it has been re-uploaded.

4/23/06 DJ Spinna Podcast (link 1)
3/26/06 Jaydee Tribute (re-up link)

Jaydee Tribute

2006-03-27T01:04:00.000-05:00

Please check out The Rapnerd's Jaydee tribute available via the Yousendit links below. It's tough for me to believe that he's actually gone. From enjoyable vocals on 'McNasty Filth' or 'Fuck The Police' to his timeless beats, Jaydee has made countless tracks that I wore out. Enjoy some of his better and more obscure here. If you can identify all vocal tracks, e-mail the list to kevduce@gmail.com for some nice vinyl.

Jaydee: Rap Nerd Radio Tribute (link 1) (link 2) (link 3)
Buy 'Donuts' (Amazon.com) (Sandbox) (Hiphopsite) (UGHH.com)
Jaydee Discography

Rapnerd Update

2006-01-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

The Rapnerd has updated with Juggaknots and DJ Eli here.

The Rap Nerd Returns

2006-01-20T16:59:00.000-05:00

The rapnerd will return in the next 24 hours thanks to my good friends at www.ohmsi.com. My hiatus was due mostly to my inability to deal with the technical side of this blog, and Misters Ohm and Dunmore at Ohmsi will nicely handle that aspect for me. My posts can be seen here.

Gave Her No Food, Strictly Similak

2005-07-15T16:17:00.000-04:00

The rap game is funny. Saxophonist Tom Scott exemplifies this nicely.

Who would of thought that everytime you've bumped "T.R.O.Y." or Black Sheep's "Similak Child," you would be indirectly jocking Tom Scott?

Well, you were. In addition to having a long career both solo and with his L.A. Express, Tom Scott produced the theme songs for Family Ties, "Starsky & Hutch", the "Academy Awards", the "Emmy Awards", the "PeopleÂs Choice Awards", "Comic Relief", the "Carol Burnett Show", the "Pat Sajak Show", and released "Today" on The Honeysuckle Breeze. At the time, in 1968, he was 19, and probably didn't realize that "Today" featured two very different sounding samples, that Black Sheep and Pete Rock would craft into respective hit and mega-mega-hit (critically speaking at least.)

Enjoy Tom Scott's "Today."

Tom Scott: Today (yousendit link1) (yousendit link2) (yousendit link 3) (Buy It!)

PS: That list of scores is unreal. Has any of heard his scores less than 100 times in your life? I've probably heard the Family Ties one 100 times alone. And, the "Similak" sample was also utilized on Masta Ace's "Saturday Night Live (LA Jay Remix),"

Peace Crumb, I Bring To You Good News

2005-07-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

I distinctly remember the backlash as rap's late 1990's underground began churning out rap that sounded a bit different. Despite Anticon and Company Flow and a rapidly expanding underground roster all sounding respectively unique, many 'purists' chafed at the entire set, often characterized as 'nerd rap (not to be confused with Rapnerd, which Google often confuses.)' Eventually, after much investigation, I formed my own opinions on many of the emerging artists and realized how different each of them were. I could never truly enjoy Anticon but was impressed with how much of the early Def Jux material seemed to be basically themed hip-hop with updated production (often provided by El-P) and unique emcee styles. Whether I liked Aesop Rock (no), Cannibal Ox (yes), or Mr. Lif (at times), I realized that much of the Jux material was about rap's common themes (women, bravado, politics, and hip-hop itself) but involved a creativity that was galvanizing to rap's super fan.

Particular pleasing to me among the early Jux work were Cannibal Ox's "F-Word" (women) and "B-Boy Alpha" (hip-hop), and today's selection Masai Bay's "Paper Mache" (bravado.)

Barring any gross misinterpretation on my part, Masai's chorus is masterfully blasphemous. "Every DJ's roleplay is Moses per se" seems to hint that spinning a Masai record is bringing God's word to the people. Overall, his one-of-a-kind rambling, cryptic flow pairs perfectly with El-P's mechanical, hypnotic production to legitimize an occasional non-rhyming stanza that would sound lazy from most. The song's opening exemplifies this:

"Peace, crumb, I bring to you, good news
My equipment's at a minimum in some of the beats
you will hear what I possibly could use
When I get it, you are gonna need a miracle."

Enjoy "Paper Mache," unique and ire inducing, and as always, drop a comment.

Masai Bay: Paper Mache (Yousendit 1) (Yousendit 2) (Yousendit 3) (Buy It)

Further Rapnerd/Def Jux Favorites (in no particular order)

1. MURS: Badman/The Dance/God's Work
2. Rob Sonic: Sniper Picnic
3. Cannibal Ox: Stress Rap
4. Aesop Rock: Daylight
5. C Rayz Walz: Battle Me
6. El-P: Jukie Skate Rock
7. Mr. Lif: Avengers
8. PFAC: Beer, Bak 'N De Dayz
9. RJD2: June, Final Frontier

The Host With The Most

2005-06-27T17:15:00.000-04:00

Some of you have wondered what has happened to the once-constant barrage of posts from The Rap Nerd. Well of late, my hosting has not been working. My brain, however, has been. So expect a barrage of activity once the hosting issues are sorted out.

A special thanks to Jon Caramanica, one of rap's legendary journalists, for mentioning The Rap Nerd in Sunday's New York Times.

We On Our Back Starin At The Stars Above

2005-06-07T15:06:00.000-04:00

If you hadn't noticed yet, I am going to jock Outkast all week.

Has any act ever utilized their album's guest appearances better than Outkast? I was always amazed that in an era where most rappers piled star power onto disjointed yet still entertaining posse cuts (think 'John Blaze' and 'Banned From TV) , Outkast seemed to perfectly place a wide rang of artists onto their tracks. The best examples, in no particularly order:

1. In Due Time f/ Cee Lo... Who knew that Cee Lo sings like Al Green. He also slayed the chorus of De La's 'Held Down.'
2. Synthesizer f/ George Clinton..."Cybersexy Wendy. She'll lapdance on your laptop while your laptop's in your lap."
3. Skew It On The BBQ f/ Raekwon...The drum patterning and chorus of this song intertwine in a special way.
4. So Fresh So Clean Remix f/ Snoop Dogg and Sleepy Brown
5. Da Art of Storytellin Part 1 f/ Slick Rick

#5 is featured today. Earthtone 3 member Mr DJ contributes the perfect track for the narration of Big Boi, Andre, and Slick Rick, who each contribute memorable verses.

I apologize for the clean version. If anyone can email the dirty along to kevduce@gmail.com, I will seamlessly and furtively make the switch.

Outkast f/ Slick Rick: Da Art Of Storytellin, Part 1 (MP3)

I Woke Up On My Birthday Pimpin In The Worst Way

2005-06-06T16:19:00.000-04:00

Outkast really blew, huh?

It's amazing how several of the rap acts that purists thought would never receive mainstream approval did so and more. Nas, Jay-Z, Q-Tip, Eminem, Common, and Mobb Deep made Illmatic, 'Dead Presidents,' Low End Theory, 'Any Man,' Resurrection, and The Infamous before they became household names.

Still, rap's most amazing, amusing evolution might be two adolescent ATLiens becoming the most famous rap group today. Two things always amazed me about Outkast:

1. Considering as much material as they've made, so few individual cuts have been bad. We all know 'Mamacita.' And I wasn't too keen on 'Stankonia' in general. However, one could argue that 90% or more of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Aquemini, and ATLiens was exceptional hip-hop.

2. Their ability to make hits of such various sounds is unbelievable. Comparing 'Players Ball' to 'B.O.B.' to 'Hey Ya' and 'Southernplayalistic' to 'So Fresh, So Clean' to 'The Way You Move' is just unreal. This may sound shocking but 'So Fresh, So Clean' is my favorite song of all time. It speaks to me. So on that note, enjoy the remix, featuring the fearsome foursome of Dre. Big Boi, Sleepy Brown, and Snoop Dogg.

Outkast f/ Snoop Dogg and Sleepy Brown: So Fresh So Clean (Remix) MP3

Stay Tuned!

2005-06-03T20:10:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the inactivity of late folks. Life has been busy. I will return triumphantly on Monday with some quality music.

The Rap Nerd.

My Name Is Cool J, Manipulator, Innovator

2005-05-20T14:21:00.000-04:00

As many of you probably know, the "Rock The Bells" featured on LL Cool J's Radio was not the originally recorded version. When RUN-DMC heard the original, they found it to be eerily similar to their own "Peter Piper" and Marion from In The House was convinced to record the more common version. The fantastic Ego Trip's Book of Rap Lists can shed a little more light, if you are interested.

LL Cool J: Rock The Bells (Original Version) MP3

You Turned Into A Basehead Cuz You Heard What J Said

2005-05-19T17:35:00.000-04:00

Do you think Jay-Z would recycle that line if he heard it?

I couldn't carve out too much time to write today but wanted to leave you this treat, a rare LL Cool J cut. Additionally, neither I nor the omnipotent Google, know anything about this song's origins, so writing too much would be pointless. Luckily, I have quite a knowledgable readership. If you can shed some light, drop me a comment or email (rapnerd@gmail.com.)

LL Cool J: Blame It On Me (MP3)

God Save The Queen(s,) Part 2

2005-05-18T15:44:00.000-04:00

Like most, after hearing the first 4 or 5 songs off 'The Massacre' my reaction was less then enthusiastic. regardless of chart positions, 'Disco Inferno' blew, and 'Candy Shop' was wack. I liked them much better the first time around as 'In the Club' and 'Magic Stick.' 'Just a Lil' bit' solidified my opinion that Massacre was a lackadaisicle generic/commercial followup to 'Get Rich or Die Trying,' an album I did enjoy.

I stuck by my original evaluation until I spotted a new 50 track on an itunes playlist belonging to a FORN (Friend of Rap Nerd) April. The title was 'God Gave Me Style' (nerdpoints to anon for the quick call yesterday) and after I heard it, I was impressed with the song and the fact that 50 listens to Coldplay. The song started to turn my opinion, figuring any rapper who's listening to Coldplay's gotta have some sort of ear. After reading reviews which highlighted 'Ski Mask Way' and 'Baltimore Love Thing' I decided to cop the bootleg. (yes, Rap Nerd #2 unabashedly supports the free transfer of music, because as I read in Q4Music Magazine 'people who spend hours downloading digital music, also spend hours on legal music')

Anyway, after listening to the entire 50 album, I was pleasently surprised. Well, maybe 50% surprised. Half the album features your standard 2005 MTV pap, with wack beats and concepts like 'Piggybank' including a whole slew of synth/pop clunkers from Dre and Em. The flipside of the coin was a number of amazing East Coast tracks, where 50 really seemed to shine (including a beat recycled from the 'Pretty Toney' album, funny considering all three emcees on the GFK track have had alot of unflattering things to say about 50!) So my official opinion is a great 1/2 an album, with that harcore ish and some soulful beats. The other 50 (per)Cent is on some BS that highlights exactly what's wrong with this Hot 97 Hip-Pop being pushed to the masses today.

I'm curious to hear other opinions, so leave a comment and let me know what track you're really feeling on the album, or if I just need to sit down and shut the fuhg up. And of course without any further (Freddy) Adu: Curtis Jackson's take on Chris Martin's lyrics, 'The Massacre' remake of 'Rush of Blood To the Head's' 'God Put a Smile on My Face.'

50 Cent: God Gave Me Style MP3

God Save The Queen(s)

2005-05-17T16:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to part one of what may be the most 'unusual' musical threads we've explored here at Rapnerd.com. Today and tomorrow yours truly, Rap Nerd #2, will explore the intimate musical connections of two of the hottest acts in the industry, Coldplay and 50 Cent. While both have experienced global sales over the diamond mark (10 million) in just a few short years, in recent weeks they've made noise on the Billboard charts by matching feats set by The Beatles, another Rap Nerd Favorite. (but you'd already know that if you've been following along)

At one point after the debut of 50's The Massacre, the South Side Jamaica Queens MC was holding position on the singles chart with no less then 4 separate songs, two of his own and two from former G-Unit member The Game. Certainly no small task, in fact one that had only been accomplished by the Lads from Liverpool. Within a month, Coldplay had matched another Beatles feat by being the only other British group to debut a single in the Billboard top ten with the track 'Speed of Sound' from their upcoming album X & Y (already garnering critical raves.)

Well, RapNerd #2 has been a Coldplay fan for some time now (after being put on by a beautiful British lass from Brighton.) To my surprise, apparently so is 50. On the new album, he interpolates a Coldplay track for a standout song on 'The Massacre.'

Extra credit #1: Name the 50 track, I speak of, which we'll post tomorrow.

But that's not where the Coldplay Q-Boro connection begins. After the breakout success of 2000's 'Parachutes' some unknown DJ took the ballad 'Trouble' and mixed it with a hip-hop beat, for a very catchy dance track featuring a vocal sample by none other then the Infamous Mobb Deep's Prodigy, a former compadre of 50's.

Extra credit #2 & 3: Nerd points to anyone who can place the song where the Prodigy vocal is ripped from, and major props from yours truly if you know who the hell the DJ is who remixed it.

Tomorrow, I'll dig a little deeper into the Curtis Jackson album, including aforementioned the Coldplay connection.

Coldplay: Trouble (Remix) MP3

They're Like The Drunk Uncle In Your Family

2005-05-16T16:51:00.000-04:00

Despite being the most visible rapper alive, Jay-Z finds ways to reward his dedicated fanbase. If you took your time and effort to unearth that track that never graced a Jay-Z album, then you heard "Beware of the Boys." Ladies flock when you spin that "La La La" twelve inch on platters at house parties. And so, much like Jay snuck the perfectly corny 'Anything' on Beans' The Truth, he props up Memph's 534 with "Dear Summer."

Jay-Z: Dear Summer (MP3)

You Was My N***a When Push Came To Shove

2005-05-13T11:37:00.000-04:00

For obvious reasons, great emcees are often overlooked as producers. In addition to contributing to A Tribe Called Quest's classic production as a third of the Ummah, Q-Tip blessed some different five footers (Mobb Deep) with The Infamous' 'Give Up The Goods,' 'Temperature's Rising,' and 'Drink Away The Pain.' 'Crooklyn' was vaguely credited as 'Produced by A Tribe Called Quest.' And as his simple, effective vocals on NaS' 'One Love' suggest, The Abstract did in fact back the kite to his homie.

Large Professor remixed it.

Nas: One Love (Large Professor Remix) MP3

Got Mad Hits Like I Was Rod Carew

2005-05-12T13:05:00.000-04:00

Rap Nerd #1 steps aside today as Ben takes on Large Pro, Mike D, Adrock, and MCA.

'Sure Shot,' originally featured on 1994's** Ill Communication, was remixed by Large Professor for both the "Sure Shot Maxi-12," also released in 1994, and the Video Anthology DVD. 'Sure Shot' has been labled 'a straight hip-hop' track for the Beasties, who have been known to rock out a lil bit. Ironically, Extra P updates the song by adding an old school loop (ed: the less famous of the two sampled by Big Daddy Kane's 'Ain't No Half Steppin'...not the Emotion's 'Blind Alley but ESG's 'UFO') with some mid-90's flavor to it. The 3 NY boys have always been name-checking pop culture into submission, and 'Sure Shot' is no exception. Big up V aughn Bode and Lee Perry, both influences on early hip-hop culture. Lil' kiddies, if those names are foreign to you, look 'em up (ed: or follow my extremely helpful links).

Beastie Boys: Sure Shot (Large Professor Remix) MP3

** Shouts to Funky D for reporting a factual error that slipped by in editing.

I Bathe In Basslines, Rinse In Riffs, Dry In Drums

2005-05-11T17:24:00.000-04:00

However trivial the reason, the history of hip-hop always seems to contain some connection or coincidence that allows an amatuer writer, such as myself, to link things in a way that could make Seinfeld or Kevin Bacon jealous. The strange connections between Large Professor and Common Sense's seminal Resurrection are of the more trivial, "cute" significance. Most notable is the fact that Resurrection's title track was brilliantly remixed by Large Pro. Less obvious was the fact that the unheralded "In My Own World" sampled Professor's "Yeah, Yeah, now check the method" from his guest appearance on A Tribe Called Quest's "Keep It Rollin."

"Resurrection" is easily my favorite Large Professor remix. Amazingly, the remix might better the near-perfect original. Far less somber than the original beatwise and lyrically, Extra P hooks Common with the laid back, melodic style beat that superbly suits any top notch lyricist but would expose a less-gifted rapper. This remix is also the rare type that strays from the original in both beats and rhymes. After Com wishes "that Madelline was back on video LP," verse one is unfamiliar to those only in tune to the original. The remix's verse two is also new while the original verse two becomes the remix's verse three. All in all, the "Resurrection (Remix)" embodies the "playful aggressiveness"** that would draw much of Common's dedicated, and at times frustrated, fan base to his side.

This remix also features two of my favorite alcohol related quotes. Don't sleep on:

"I wonder can I walk a righteous path drinkin' a beer."
"I had to halt with the...malt liquor. Cause of the malt liquor, I fought niggas."

Common (Sense): Resurrection (Extra P Remix) MP3

**I read this characterization of Common's flow recently and can't place the source of it. I don't want to take credit for it but the term is too perfect. If it sounds familar to anyone, let me know so I can properly credit the author.

Illuminator, Motivator, Who's Greater?

2005-05-10T16:49:00.000-04:00

I must admit that this will be one of my less enlightening posts. Released originally as the B-side to the promotional "Pass Da Tek" twelve inch, "Da Funk Mode" features Tragedy and Havoc verses, Large Professor ad-libs, and a lovely Large Pro-duction. My understanding is that this record originally dropped in 1995 and has been repressed this millennium. I tend to review tracks that I can contribute some trivia to, and regardless, I found 'Da Funk Mode' to be essential to any Large Pro remix collection.

Tragedy f/ Havoc: Da Funk Mode (Extra P Remix) MP3

Prince Standing Next To Me/ And Especially The Extra P On The SP

2005-05-09T17:27:00.000-04:00

This week, I pay homage to one of rap's underappreciated "producer rappers (As Kanye would say.)" As a member of the Main Source, Large Professor flowed magically on tracks like "Lookin At The Front Door" and "Watch Roger Do His Thing." Pro split over the cliched creative differences and the world awaited his solo effort on Geffen. We were teased by singles like 'Ijuswannachill' and 'The Mad Scientist.' We were taunted further by Professor's verse and stellar production on A Tribe Called Quest's 'Keep It Rollin.' His verse's finale "Queens represent, buy the album when I drop it," turned out to be one of rap's most unfortunate lines as Geffen would never give us The LP. In his absence, Large Pro would do a great deal of producing for the world's finest emcees. Extremely notable are llmatic's "One Time 4 Your Mind" and "It Ain't Hard To Tell" as well as many stellar remixes, five of which will be featured this week. Up first, the Prince and the Pharoahe, Organized Konfusion, with "Stress."

Organized Konfusion: Stress (Large Professor Remix) MP3

He'd Hit It Once And Shake Her Hand

2005-05-06T16:10:00.000-04:00

Next week, will feature five remixes from one of rap's most underappreciated producers. Any guesses who? A hint: He taught DJ Premier how to use a SP1200.

To close out this week, a final MF DOOM track, the Madlib Remix to Madvillain's "Figaro." The Remix is taken from the Stones Throw 101 CD/DVD combo, which I will pick up too soon.

Madvillain: Figaro (Madlib Remix) MP3

The Beat Is Cut In Pieces Like Pizzas

2005-05-05T13:28:00.000-04:00

Good looks to all who have commented of late. I should address some of those.

- www.the-breaks.com is a wonderful site. I recommend it to all. I will, in fact, link it soon. Also to those who have suggested their blogs for link. So long as I can find all of your emails, I will link you ASAP.
-Zilla, great fact. For those who missed it, 'Sommersault' was the 100 millionth download on iTunes.
-Beez: "Rhinestone Cowboy" is something special. Madvillainy will turn out to be timeless. Not a crazy prediction but I think Madvillainy is a certified classic.
-Terrible Jim: You know my love for all things Dr. Dooom.
-If anyone is interested in the Diary of Prince Paul DVD I have mentioned (too much,) there is one available on ebay.

We've got two new loose MF DOOM cuts today, both of which I enjoy greatly. Blend Crafters, Pomo and Jurassic 5's DJ Numark feature DOOM on the remix to 'Melody.' You may remember their "Imagine" from Ben's Beatle week. The Gorillaz, the animated Damon Albarn outfit you should know by now, feature Doom on "November Has Come." Enjoy.

Blend Crafters f/ MF DOOM: Melody (Remix) MP3
Gorillaz f/ MF DOOM: November Has Come MP3

She Was Thicker Than The Kick Off Supersonic

2005-05-02T18:48:00.000-04:00

There's some albums you never forget experiencing for the first time. You don't just remember the first time you listened, but inconsequential minutae surrounding those virgin plays. Sadly, it seems that as one gets older, newer albums of even equal quality, seem to lose the significance of those that shaped your love in music. Today, I often re-examine some of my favorite albums from pre-teen years and am shocked at how mediocre they really are. Therefore, I especially cherish any album that I 'experience' after my high school years.

I haven't had many 'experiences' as an adult. Even more depressing is that my love for some of these 'experienced' albums is not sudden and immediate. The Unseen and Madvillainy took some digestion before I realized their brilliance. (Maybe it's a Madlib thing?) Perhaps the only album of the past eight or so years to instantly dazzle me was MF DOOM's Operation Doomsday. After hearing a certain now-jailed message board veteran incessantly rave about the album's brilliance, I was able to track down some MP3s in a pre-Napster era. On first listen, I was floored at the album's unique feel and overall quality. The next day, I woke up and decided that picking up this album was ultimately more important than attending some core college courses. I have no regrets. Doomsday was in my crate for every radio show I ever did, spanning roughly 3 years. Just in case. (That would prove to be helpful when an unmasked Dumile, then rumored to be much more reclusive than now, attended the radio show and read what would prove to be our only PSA.)

DOOM has been getting alot of 'featured artist' love of late. Featured today is Zero 7's 'Somersault (Dangermouse Remix.)' Zero 7 is composed of British producers Sam Hardaker and Henry Bims, and may remind hip-hop fans of Morcheeba, although that comparison could be way off (my ear for electronica and IDM is a bit untrained.) 'Somersault' features the lovely vocals of Sia Furler, as the remix works in two fine verses from Doom, and spectacular production from Dangermouse. Hopefully, this is an accurate preview of the quality of the upcoming Danger Doom project.

My guess is that some of you hip-hop fans will scoff at the softer, orchestral feel of this track. I, myself, am a sucker for the hip-hop love song. Enjoy and hit up the Comments section with a short review.

Zero 7 f/ MF DOOM: Somersault (Dangermouse Remix) MP3

I'm Mad Mean, I Kill Mad Crews, I Read Mad Magazine

2005-04-24T22:08:00.000-04:00

We should be up and running. Enjoy the Masta Ace and Black Sheep and we should have an update today.

I went to see Handsome Boy Modeling School on Wednesday night. I scored a couple of free tickets, which have become increasingly rare since my college years. After attending the show, I read Cocaine Blunts' review and was amazed how much my thoughts mirrored those of Noz. Mr. Dead was hilarious. Josh Haden looked uncomfortable. And I was embarrassed that the crowd seemed to have no clue as to the identity of Dres. Dres!

To apologize collectively on behalf of all White People, this post is dedicated to Black Sheep emcee, whose flow was truly ahead of its time. If A Wolf came out now, it would sound just as fresh as it did in 1991.

'Similak Child' seemed to have a different feel than the rest of A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing. Almost serene despite the dog barking, Dres used the fantastic backdrop to describe the pursuit of the full-package type of lady. Part of the beauty of this track is that much like other classic Native Tongue's tracks (Find A Way, Let Let Me In,) the pursuit was not quite as misogynistic as 50 Cent yet not as emo as Atmosphere. It tended to reflect the middle ground featured in the lives that most of us live. Also, Dres reference to a Long Island Ice Tea as L.I.I.T. is a useful timesaver for alcoholics.

Naturally, the sample utilized by 'Similak Child' was too good to only be unearthed one time. LA Jay remixed the Masta Ace Incorporated hit 'Saturday Night Live' with a similak-like beat.

Black Sheep: Similak Child (MP3) (Buy It)
Masta Ace Inc.: Saturday Night Live (LA Jay Remix) (MP3) (Buy It)

The Sauce

2005-04-19T11:56:00.000-04:00

Like 50 Cent on "Hate Or Love It," we here at Rapnerd.com came up too fast. We have been having some issues with exceeding our hosting, which enables you to download our MP3s. Therefore, we are going to be selectively updating in April and should be back to full strength in May. Hopefully, you all won't forget about us. We will also incorporate an occasional link to another site as we will today.

Most of you probably remember the fonds days of opening your mailbox and unearthing a new Source Magazine. This made the Source's downfall too disappointing. Hiphopdx has just an amazing, wonderful article with former Music Editor Reginald Dennis. It took me almost an hour to read and I wish it was longer. Please note that it is three parts. I'll have some music for you soon.

Thrown Into A Six By Eight Steel Cabinet

2005-04-14T15:16:00.000-04:00

Kind people, thanks for the great comments.

LJS: I gotta see if I can track down that NO ID track. Regardless, I will probably do a day of lesser known Dug produced tracks. Thanks for the idea.

Sadly, we've been having some technical difficulties over here. I plan on making up the non-existant Wednesday post with a rare Saturday make up. Also because of these technical difficulties, I only have access to one of this week's planned tracks. Lucky for all of us, it is a doozy. I promise I'll be back on track tomorrow though.

RZA: Sunshower (MP3):

How can a track like this not end up on some major domestic release? It did find its way onto the UK version of Wu-Tang Forever and the bootleg Formula For The Cure. As much as I love the whole Bob Digi concept, if this is what the legendary Cure was destined to sound like, I am despressed that it never happened. Being who I am, I can always respect those who show a depth of character on the mic. Emcees with positive and negative aspects to their topics come off as more believeable and powerful than those who fight only the good or bad side exclusively. Imagine if RZA could have dropped the original Bobby Digital and The Cure within a year or two.

As much as I'd like to claim that I intended it, the constant references to rain here are merely coincidental.

Has anyone read The Wu Tang Manual yet? I am picking that up too soon.

Frontin On Me And Chef, Yo It's Dog Day

2005-04-13T00:34:00.002-04:00

Three more tracks today featuring Tony Starks. Let's not waste any time.

Raekwon f/ Ghostface Killah: Let It Rain (MP3)

The depth of Only Built For Cuban Linx is simply stunning. All fifteen tracks, including the "Striving For Perfection" intro, shine. For good measure, the two bonus tracks add, "Heaven And Hell" and "North Star" were exemplary. "North Star," despite being cautiously labeled as a bonus track (I think this track was not on the purple tape...I only had the CD,) seemed to contribute perfectly to the album's narration. Even more amazing is that the Dalvin (Jodeci's Mr. Dalvin?) Remix of "Rainy Dayz," called "Let It Rain" is perfectly suitable for a bonus cut. I guess that because of the album depth's and perhaps due to chronology, it was not to be.

Ghostface Killah f/ The Dramatics: In The Rain (MP3)

I think "In The Rain" featured the Dramatics the same way that Pretty Toney's "Holla" featured the Delfonics. Ghost does the unauthorized collabo like no one else. Ben, who tends to have an impeccable chronology, believes this first surfaced sometime in between Ironman and Supreme Clientele. Why do the most touching tributes come from artists who try to infrequently to be emotional. It is a testament to cats like Ghost and Doom (i.e. "?") that the excel at a style of rap that other make their focus. And for the note, a walk in the rain does wonder for the soul.

Box In Hand f/ Method Man and Streetlife (Remix) (MP3)

Ben wisely pointed out to me that the actual reference to "Box In Hand" on the chorus almost makes you wonder if this was the original version. This site, which may not have the same accountability as Newsweek, refers to this track as the original promo. Whatever its orginal purpose, it's a great listen.

PS: Thanks to everybody for the great comments. I would have never imagined we'd be getting the traffic we do so quickly. If anyone has requests or would like to submit material, please feel free to email kevduce@gmail.com. And for the record, Rapnerd.com now consists of Kevduce (Yours Truly and Rap Nerd #1), and the much appreciated new addition Ben, who brilliantly dissected rap's sampling of The Beatles. I guess the point I'm making is that Ben is no longer a guest columnist, but a key partner in this.

And a reminder, if you want the Beatles tracks, get them today as they will be gone tomorrow!

LOVE MY LAST ALBUM THOUGH THE JOINT WENT WOOD

2005-04-11T21:48:00.000-04:00

Ben is back this week as we run down some tuff-to-find Wu-Tang Clan tracks. Due my many weekend travels, Ben will handle day one solo and we shall collab after that. Day features what should've been the 4 best tracks on Ghostface Killah's Bulletproof Wallets.

To continue with The Rap Nerd's theme of wasted talent or great artists putting out shitty albums, perhaps the only thing more demoralizing is to buy an album only to find that a track you've been eagerly anticipating, perhaps for months, isn't even included on the album. It feels like you've been punched in the gut, and robbed of your $15. The Rap Nerd touched on this a few weeks back with lost gems off CNN's 'War Report' which while still good would have been brilliant with the added cuts. Usually the finger can be pointed at bootlegging, examples of which are those late 90's Nas albums (thankfully The Lost Tapes has set out to correct some of those egregious omissions) Jay-Z's vol. III and others. But perhaps the most notable victim of the chopping block is Ghostface Killah's 'Bulletproof Wallets.'

After the classic 'Supreme Clientele,' interest was overflowing for Dennis Coles' next album. As promo songs began to filter onto mixtapes and to the radio, the buzz was becoming a fever pitch. [ed. note: screw that movie... Let's Go Mets!] When the album finally hit the shelves, much to Rap Nerd #2's dismay, the songs I'd been hearing on the radio for months were nowhere to be found. To make matter's even worse there was a sticker on the front of the album taunting me with 'Featuring Slick Rick, and RZA' and wouldn't you know it, that track had been deleted as well. What was left was a watered down album, with only a couple of nice tracks, that rarely get's any burn on this Wu Brother's playlists. It seems Epic had no interest in giving the proper importance to guest or sample clearance. What had been eliminated were four amazing songs displaying, witty wordplay, science, conscience and all those other things we'd grown to expect from the Wu before the faithful lost their religion.

B's Notes:
-The Watch: Same Barry White beat on the street version of Nas's 'No Idea's Original' appears on Mos Def's 'Grown Man Business.' Rae's 'X and Jigga' critique of NY radio. Rae returns to tell a story about his own 'Missing Watch' on what may be the standout track from 'The Lex Diamond Story.'

-The Sun: One of my all time favorite Wu tracks. RZA's 4 bar science lesson at the end. Rick's philosphy. Ghost's 'Face'll do like this' line. (you can picture him scrunching up his mug in the booth.)

-Goodtimes: Almost crashed on the Belt Parkway first time I heard it. Ghost's social side, over the break from a Dy-No-Mite 70's classic. Check out his George Jefferson walk!

-Flowers: Created around a Bob James sample from 'Take Me to Mardi Gras' (used for another hip-hop classic.) James is notorious for vetoing samples, but had cleared 'Daytona 500.' They tried to work something out, two different versions of the song with the James sample were around, hence the silence where a James break had been removed :13, 2:47 and throughout. More evidence, Meth and Ghost punched in early at the beginning of their verses. Appeared on the album, with a reworked studio beat that killed the energy of the original.

I recommend creating your own album with the missing tracks, and if you're handy with some sound editing, adding the missing sample (2:00 of the James original) if you've ever heard the entire original break intact you know just how dope it was.

Ghostface Killah f/ Raekwon: The Watch (MP3)
Ghostface Killah f/ Raekwon, Slick Rick, and RZA: The Sun (MP3)
Ghostface Killah: Good Times (MP3)
Ghostface Killah f/ Method Man: Flowers (MP3)

More Wu all week.

If You Aint Got, You Better Get

2005-04-06T15:57:00.000-04:00

I obsess over the wasted potenital of emcees. It eats at me. In a perfect world, all the supremely talented emcees would drop and album every year and we could all be overjoyed. Just think of what little superior output we've gotten in this century from Pharoahe Monch (label woes), Raekwon, Common, Lauryn Hill, and The Genius. It looks as if Common is readying a classic. Hopefully, the rest will follow suit very soon. Still, the emcee whose lack of creativity eats at me the most is the mighty Mos Def. I must clarify that I'm not mad at him one bit. I am glad he is getting that acting money. In addition, I like watching him act. His guest appearance on My Wife & Kids as Damon Wayans' wheelchair-bound best friend was pure gold. Still, I feel disappointed when I remember that all we got in the past five years was an EP of 6 good songs that happens to also include a bunch of bad Black Jack Johnson tracks. Even more maddening to me is how good those New Danger successes are (the obvious gems being "Sunshine," "Life Is Real," and "The Closer Edge."

Ronnie Jordan f/ Mos Def: A Brighter Day (Remix) (MP3): A great feel good track. A unique combination of Mos backed by Jordan's guitar, which is accurately described on his website as "warm" and "sexy." This ended up on the Ronnie Jordan album "A Brighter Day" and was released as a fine Blue Note 12 inch.

DJ Krush f/ Mos Def: Shinjiro (MP3): DJ Krush has featured Guru, CL Smooth, Big Shug, DJ Shadow, Black Thought, Zap Mama, Company Flow, Shawn J Period, Anti-Pop Consortium, Mista Sinista, Mr. Lif, and Aesop Rock on his albums. He featured Mos on the fantastic "Shinjiro" and provided him a fantastic track.

Medina Green: Fla La Lashe (MP3): I swear that every track off every Rawkus twelve inch ended up on some Soundbombing, Lyricist Lounge, or random compilation. Somehow, I"Fla La Lashe" thumbed their nose at Bob Digi and remained Vinyl only, as the B-side to the deservedly huge "Crosstown Beef." Correct me if I am wrong.

I'll Crush Your Collarbone Into Little Cobblestones

2005-04-05T22:14:00.000-04:00

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In 1999, a loose collective of NYC emcees released 'Plan A' on 3-2-1/Makin Records under the name Skeme Team. The A-side, "Con Artists" featured Pumpkinhead, Block McLeod, and Mr. Metaphor (of Word A'Mouth) over a wildly cinematic, orchestral track. The B-Side, "14 Years of Rap" had performers billed as WHT, actually Non Phixion members Ill Bill and Goretex with Arsonists Jise One and Q-Unique. "Con Artists" and "14 Years" exemplify braggadocious rap, and do so quite finely. Production is both stellar and appropriate. Some tidbits:

1. I really hope this is coincidental:

U.S. - Anti-Semitic stickers reminiscent of Nazi propaganda were pasted on street lamps in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The sticker has a portrait of a man with a hooked nose hoarding money. The sticker title was Skeme Team (conspiracy team) which calls up connotations of the Jews plot to take over the world according to the 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion' .

2. There is a stellar, low-budget video of "14 Years Of Rap" here, complete with Bobbito appearance. The trouble loading the video is worth it.

Pumpkinhead, Block McLeod, Mr. Metaphor: Con Artists (MP3) (Lyrics)
Ill Bill, Jise One, Goretex, Q-Unique: 14 Years of Rap (MP3)

2005-04-04T22:48:00.000-04:00

In the Winter of 2001, The Hip Hop Romper Room (V Funk and yours truly) joined forces with The Molemen to throw a concert at Chicago's Metro, which is not only my favorite venue but home to the Smashing Pumpkins final performance. The show's lineup was deep to say the least. Copywrite, Cage, J-Live, J-Zone, Akrobatik, Vakill, Prime, and Qwel all held down microphone duties. On the wheels of steel, contributions were made by DJ PNS, tactician DJ Presyce, DJ Contakt (who now happens to be the man in charge at Fat Beats), and to our collective joy, J-Live while also handling the rhymes on "Braggin Writes."

To be blunt, the show was not quite a commercial success. As often occurs though, there was a silver lining. Funk and I wisely sprung for an extra night's hotel stay for J-Live. The night after the concert, Molemen producers PNS, Memo, and Panik plugged the MPCs into the soundboard and provided then unreleased beats for J-Live and Molemen emcees Vakill and Prime. A run down of the contributors and contributions:

The Molemen: In the eyes of many, The Molemen are producers Panik, Memo, and PNS. Longtime members also include emcee Vakill, insansely talented DJ Presyce, and diligent Renassaince Woman/Business Manager Sonia. Former members, newer members, and frequent collaborators include Rhymefest, Rhyme Scheme, Prime, Juice, Qwel, Longshot, Mass Hysteria, and producer Madd Crates. Their Ritual of The Mole album is criminally slept on and additional compilations Chicago City Limits, Below The Ground EP, and Buried Alive are stellar. They have produced albums for Longshot and All Natural's Capital D. I am standing on one leg waiting for their full-length follow-up The Killing Fields. Memo took over The Hip Hop Romper Room and claimed that he would keep the name. Within minutes, it was Molemen Radio. No hard feelings though.

V Funk: You'll hear V Funk handle all the radio host vocals. I was wisely kept away from the mics or you would've heard Famalam like shouting at inappropriate moments. That wouldn't be Famalam like.

J-Live: J-Live spit writtens and I was glad he did. If I'm not mistaken all three verses ended up on All of the Above. Hearing him spit from the standpoint of one of his own lyrics from the booth was a treat. The beat, while coincidentally so, was eeriliy apt.

Vakill: Vakill, a native of Chicago's South Side, often invokes Ras Kass comparisons. There are surely some similarities, but in my opinion, they are overstated. His punchlines are sharp and he has a dry hilariousness. A favorite of both mines and V Funk's. You can check both The Darkest Cloud and his Lost Tapes style compilation Kill 'Em All, on which both of these freestyles are featured. A funny note is that he spit verses from "The Equinox" over the beat that would eventually become Prime's "Unbreakable." Both tracks from The Molemen's Ritual of The Mole.

Prime: Not to be confused with the Prime featured on Lyricist Lounge Vol 1. or the occasional Common Sense collaborator. I will go to the grave saying that Prime is the best battle rapper I've ever seen. While others like Supernat, Juice, or Rhymefest have the knack of performing big in huge battles, I've seen Prime battle for an hour straight against five different emcees and have the room rolling. I've wondered if he should supplement his concerts with a little bit of stand up. His battling skills would eventually get him featured on HBO, MTV, and numerous other stages. His Lambslaughter 12", featuring Slug, was a fine Panik production. My best friend Pete took the cover photo. He split with the Moles in the past couple years and is now working with his own crew called Middle Ground.

A HUGE shout to the folks at Rope-A-Dope for the link. The audio today is B+ fidelity but A+ quality.

Vakill, Prime, and J-Live: The Hip Hop Romper Room Freestyle Vol. 1 (MP3)
Vakill, Prime, and J-Live: The Hip Hop Romper Room Freestyle Vol. 2 (MP3)

Greatest Of All Time God Straight Up Told Me

2005-04-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

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The Things A Rap Nerd Thinks About #1:
On The Game and 50's "Hate It Or Love It," how much iller is the song because producers Cool & Dre drop the hi-hats in the chorus? Fantastic.

Part V of Ben's fantastic Beatles rundown today. Thanks to Catch Dubs for the nice link. Ben clearly remembered, it's all caps when you spell the man's name.

And RIP to Mitch Hedberg, both funny and original. Some of his finer jokes:

" I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it.

At my hotel room, my friend came over and asked to use the phone. I said "Certainly." He said "Do I need to dial 9?" I say "Yeah. Especially if it's in the number. You can try four and five back to back real quick."

I think Pringles initial intention was to make tennis balls. But on the day that the rubber was supposed to show up, a big truckload of potatoes arrived. But Pringles is a laid back company. They said "Fuck it. Cut em up."

Someone handed me a picture and said, "This is a picture of me when I was younger." Every picture of you is when you were younger. "...Here's a picture of me when I'm older." Where'd you get that camera man?

The next time I move I hope I get a real easy phone number, something like 2222222. People will ask, "Mitch, how do I get a hold of you?" I'll say, "Just press two for a while, when I answer, you'll know that you've pressed two enough."

Here's Ben:

After the nearly non-stop recording of Help, Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper and the songs that made up Magical Mystery Tour, pressure was starting to take it's toll. After a pilgrimage to India, the Beatles headed back into the studio to record the songs that would become the The Beatles aka The White Album. It was a departure from the unified sounds of the previous LP's, more a compilation of various solo tracks. Although it would be the first double LP to go #1 on the pop charts, Lennon later admitted it should have been trimmed down to one solid album. Regardless there was still plenty of quality, and hip-hop has taken note.

Years before Jay and the Mouse mashed it up today, the White Album provided a nice sonic treat utilized by a Rockaway supervillian on the underground classic 'Doomsday.' Looping an orchestral outro sped up and slowed down, MF DOOM and MF GRIMM kept pace with tempo bending rhymes on the track 'Tick, Tick.' Sharing a common love for the Marvel Comics Universe, superemcee Ironman aka Pretty Toney aka Ghostface Killah also comandeered a
track off the White Album to drop this mixtape gem, a grimy drug dealing tale with a wailing guitar which was originally laid down not by one of the Fab Four but by an uncredited Eric Clapton. (If you can't get enough of MC's wailing off key to electric guitars, check out Eminem's poor interpolation of the same Beatles song on 'Haile's Song')

While not released offically until after the White Album and not on a Beatles album until Let It Be, the track providing the backdrop for Eligh's 'Makeshift Message' had been in the works during the creative process of the double discs. A poigant original, Eligh reworks it as a challenge to other MC's to step up their lyrical game.

Bonus tracks:
While diggin just yesterday I unearthed a lost Beatles cover by the Fat Boys. Finally to bring it all back into one great big grey circle, from Mellow Submarine a reggae Beatles tribute album John Holt's cover of the White Album's gentle 'I Will.'

Sample Key:
The Roots: Hey Bulldog
Organized Konfusion: Come Together
Poison Clan & RZA: Do You Want to Know a Secret?
Talib Kweli: Eleanor Rigby
Nas & Numark: Imagine
Knoc'Turnal: Old Siam, Sir
De La Soul: Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas
MF Doom: Glass Onion
Ghostface: While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Eligh: Across the Universe
Fat Boys: Baby Your a Rich Man
Beastie Boys: When I'm Sixty Four, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, &
Sgt. Peppers Reprise, Back in the USSR, The End

It's been fun, be back soon. Bengo Star

MF DOOM f/ MF GRIMM: Tick, Tick (MP3) (Buy It If You're Nuts)
Ghostface Killah: Ghost Weeps (MP3)
Eligh: Makeshift Message (MP3)
Fat Boys: Baby, You're A Rich Man (MP3)
John Holt: I Will (MP3)

Stop Looking At Every Sports Station

2005-03-31T14:20:00.000-05:00

Some great comments of late. Please keep 'em coming. I can really talk about rap all day.

Beez: "You Made Me" is that joint. I have some pain from the album though as my Mom is actually named Ucla.
JCruelty: Thanks for that info. Some may know that I was once a member of Radio's finest Caucasian/Indian radio hosting team. The info was passed along to the proper folks.
Jaybles: Thanks for clearing that up. Ben informed me that they once tried to use the name Dust Brothers UK when confronted by the originals. That, to me, is riduculous.

Part IV from Ben's fine Beatles retrospective. I have heard Phife's album and it's not good. I actually interviewed him when that came out via phone. It was very odd to be speaking to someone who's albums you've worn out. He did not speak highly of Tip. I really wish I could find that Minidisc.

Being bigger then Jesus eventually takes it's toll on almost anyone. [Kevduce excluded] After an amazing 8 year run, the Beatles as a group ceased to exist in 1970. Unlike other great groups who can never recapture the magic [Did anyone ever actually hear the entire Phife Dog album?] each of the Beatles went on to achieve an amount of success ranging from fair to tremendous with their solo projects. Ringo put out numerous albums, with notable contributions from the other three bandmates [go find Lennon's tongue-in-cheek 'I'm the Greatest'] as well as working with other heavyweight greats; Quincy Jones, Eric Clapton [In the running as honorary 5th Beatle, more on that tomorrow], Bob Dylan, and Elton John. He also was the original Conductor on the hit kids show Shining Time Station. A role later taken over by George Carlin (ed: Rufus from Bill N Ted!). [wtf?!] George Harrison finally garnered some well deserved credit for his song writing abilities, and delving ever deeper into his spiritual/karmic side, organized the first major benefit concert, 1971's Concert for Bangladesh at MSG, the precursor to such mega events as Live Aid and We are the World.

Predictably though it was John and Paul who found the biggest success after the group. Aside from putting out great music including amazing songs like 'Jealous Guy' and 'Instant Karma,' Lennon's assassination in 1980 solidified his position as spiritual icon, even having a song which may or may not have been blacklisted after 9/11. Paul went on to form the band Wings with his
wife [Who the hell takes their wife on a rock and roll tour?], provided a great theme song to a 007 movie and gave us 80's duets with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. To top it all off, the fab Three who managed to make it to the 1990's received possibly the highest honor available in post-modern pop culture, a guest spot on The Simpsons. Today we've highlighted a few
tracks that take their cues from the post-Beatles catalogue of Lennon and McCartney.

In what may or may not be a duet created with some studio magic, Nas appears with Florida MC Pitbull on an introspective track that popped up last summer on the mixtape circuit. With rhymes that seem to fall in around the time of Stillmatic, Mr. Jones returns to his utopia, continuing to paint the picture he left us on It Was Written's ‘If I Ruled the World.’ Pitbull admirably holds his own. While the same Lennon track has been covered numerous times
by other artists, we here at The Rap Nerd give you a jazzed up instrumental version courtesy of DJ Nu-Mark & Pomo (the former of Jurassic fame) off of their instrumental disc 'Blend Crafters.'

Diggin into the Wings catalogue, specifically 1980's 'Back to the Egg,' Dr. Dre protégé Knoc'turnal's 'Muzik' has the distinction of containing the only Beatle sample ever to officially receive clearance (although technically it is a McCartney/Wings sample.) Not one's to shy away from the sample, Stay Wile'n Long Island's own De La Soul tapped another McCartney song released as a holiday single to support 'Back to the Egg.' [Good call, Matt]

Nas & Pitbull: Imagine (MP3)
DJ Numark & Pomo (Blend Crafters): Imagine (MP3) (Buy It)
Knoc'turnal: Musik (MP3) (Buy It)
De La Soul: Simply Havin (MP3) (Buy It)

Chase Bitches, Cut Class, Got High, Stayed Broke

2005-03-30T14:24:00.000-05:00

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Ben returns with Part III of Beatlemania. In honor of this week, I'm sporting a mop top the kid from Chappelle's Trading Spouses would be proud of. Really. Leonard Washington would not be proud. Is any coincidence, then, that two of today's three featured artists have appeared on Chappelle? Probably.

G-G-G-G-Get downloading!

Introduced to America as four lovable mop-tops, the Beatles originally were packaged as a pop act, with an undeniable talent for catchy tunes capable of driving blossoming baby-boomers crazy.   Their early albums were basically collections of fluffy radio friendly singles.  All of that changed with the release of 1965’s ‘Rubber Soul’ (Made in only two weeks!)   With no singles
released in the US, the LP itself was meant to be viewed as a whole, a new concept in pop music.  The Beatles introduction to Bob Dylan and his subsequent introduction of the sticky-icky to them, opened up new avenues of thought and sound, evident in the lyrics and production on the album.  The followup album ‘Revolver’ (labled by many, their best) saw them under the
influence of even stronger drugs, and once again the results were mindbendingly evident.

Fast forward to the early 90’s, Miami’s Poison Clan rhymes over a playful guitar riff and chopped up melody from the early Beatles release ‘Please, Please, Me’ to produce a booty shaking ode to everyones favorite activated hairstyle, the jeri curl.  By 2K4, going in a completely different direction, RZA reworked the intro to the very same  ‘Please, Please, Me’ cut on his ‘Birth of a Prince’ album, turning the once syruppy track into something more sinister, filled with smoked out digi slang.

Today’s final feature is from BK MC Talib Kweli who plumbs the acidic depths of the Beatles ‘Revolver’ to deliver a damning critique on the club culture present in hip-hop today.  The track was scheduled to appear on his 'The Beautiful Struggle' CD, but once again the clearence man cometh to shut that sh!t down.  Thankfully the bootleggers leaked this one out early and Talib
was forced to release it to the streets on his pre-album mix CD.

Two very different Beatles songs, yield three divergent hip hop cuts. Enjoy.

Poison Clan: Jeri Curl (MP3) (Buy It)
RZA: You'll Never Know (MP3) (Buy It)
Talib Kweli: Lonely People (MP3)

Shea Stadium The Radium, EMD Squared

2005-03-29T10:56:00.000-05:00

Another fine post from Ben regarding not the beatless, but the Beatles. How is that the Chemical Brothers were once called the Dust Brothers? Did both teams (them and the actual Dust Brothers) both come up with the name independently?And, alliteration doesn't come much better than 'authentic Anglo-accented.'

By the late 80's vocal interpolations of the Beatles had appeared in some classic old school tracks, [see Slick Rick's authentic Anglo-accented version of 'Michelle' during 'The Show' or KRS reworking 'Hey Jude' at the begining of Criminal Minded] but perhaps the grandaddy of Beatle biting comes from the Beastie Boys' classic, Dust Brothers' produced, sophomore sampalooza Paul’s Boutique. ‘Sounds of Science’ features audio from no less then five separate Beatles tracks; Three off Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, one from the The Beatles (aka The White Album) and one funky riff at the end of Abbey Road.

Although released before Let It Be, Abbey Road was the grand finale for the Fab Four as a unit, and they certainly went out in style. From begining to end the album was designed as a masterpiece to catalog an awesome career, and it succeeded. While the Beastie's tapped the end of the album for 'Sounds of Science', Organized Konfusion utilized the opening bluesy bassline for the title track on their Stress: The Extinction Agenda album. Rumor is they still can't catch a cab.

[The exact Beatles tracks used by the Beastie's will be revealed at the end of the week. Bengo Starr]

Beastie Boys: The Sound of Science (MP3) (Buy It for $7.99!)
Organized Konfusion: Stress (MP3) (Buy It)

If I Run Outta Shots I'm Going Out Poking

2005-03-28T11:15:00.000-05:00

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Rap and The Beatles combine like Kahlua and milk (w/o Vodka, it's called a "sombrero"). Ask Dangermouse. So when my compadre Ben aka Beng Bentley suggested I pen a Beatles themed week, I did him one better. I suggested he pen it and learn me something. So if the word is weird from here on out, blame Ben and spare me. If it is fine wine, praise him and I'll take my 15%. This week, my thoughts come in Bold typeface.

And shouts to the fantastic Steady Bootleggin' for the link. Can't wait for Part 10.

The year: 1998. The location: Seton Hall University, located on the border of South Orange & Newark, New Jersey. [Big-ups L-Boogie] Killing time on a Saturday afternoon in my cinderblock, communist-style dormitory, probably high, I'm knocked out of my malaise by a wicked piano riff eminating from tinny TV speakers. 'Damn that’s a hard break' I think to myself. Spinning around, I see the four familiar faces of everyone’s favorite Scousers.
[Brit-slang, look it up] Not exactly being the Beatles' freak that I’ve evolved into, I’d never heard the song before. The video [one of many industry innovations they pioneered] featured studio footage, and had a little animated dog running rampant. Turns out this was the last of the
legendary Lennon/McCartney collaborations, recorded after the White Album but before the disastrous Let It Be sessions and was released on the Yellow Submarine Soundtrack though never included in the film. For years it was a little known gem amongst Beatlemaniacs. I shook my head at the ferocity of the track and thought 'If I ever make a rap song, I’m using that break.' (ed: Thankfully, Ben did not.)

Fast forward to late 2001 and wouldn't’t you know, Philly’s own musical geniuses's The Roots beat me to it, adding some classic b-boy bongos to make a certified banger. Originally slated for release on Black Thought’s shelved solo album Masterpiece Theater, 'Thought at Work' eventually surfaced on Phrenology along with a number of other reworked BT solo tracks
sans the Beatles break in favor of a baritone saxophone [D'oh! EMI clears no-one.] Thankfully The Roots have kept the original track in their performance arsenal, giving Thought another chance to absolutely rip the stage. [Dude does not get the MC credit he deserves.]

Included below are the original, the album version and a live version recorded at the Bonaroo Music Festival in Tennessee, June 14, 2003. Pull it out your pocket, pull it out your pocket, pull it out your pocket......

The Roots: Thought At Work (Original Version) (MP3) (Buy It)
The Roots: Thought At Work (Album Version) (MP3)
The Roots: Thought At Work (Live Version) (MP3)

Making Funky Tracks With The Dew Doo Man

2005-03-25T11:07:00.000-05:00



If you've read Ego Trip's Book of Rap Lists (by far the best piece of hip-hop literature...and can be had for under $14!!!!!!,) you know the story about Prince Paul's Dew Doo Man Records and Resident Alien. For those that haven't, a summary: Paul was granted a boutique imprint to be distributed by Def Jam. The planned debut release was Resident Alien's "It Takes A Nation of Suckas To Let Us In," a theme album describing the times of three recent West Indian immigrants in Long Island. Def Jam did not like it. Nor did they like anything else Paul brought to the table. Dew Doo Man's only release ever was the Resident Alien 12" "Mr. Boops" b/w "Shakey Ground" and "Ooh The Dew Doo Man." And despite being Paul's biggest fan, the album outside of those three tracks was not up to Paul's usual quality. Today, those three standout tracks are featured. But first, some random Paul thoughts:

1. Paul's discography is as diverse and creative as any artists'. Think: Stetasonic, De La Soul, Gravediggaz, Psychoanalysis, Prince Among Thieves, Politics, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Chris Rock's Bigger and Blacker, and his outside production work for 3rd Bass, Kane, and even Paul Barman. A wild career.

2. Those who haven't heard Psychoanalysis need to do so. I hear so many raves about the quality and creativity of Prince Among Thieves and I feel that Psychoanalysis betters it in each category.  Production is stellar and moving.

3. As a giveaway with the purchase of Politics Of The Business, some retailers gave away a DVD featuring a mock MTV Diary of Prince Paul. Get your hands on this! It tends to go for $2 on ebay and is hilarious. Mr. Dead, starring as both choreographer Creeqo Valencio and his cousin Maxwell Valencio, steals the show.

4. "The Other Line" from A Prince Among Thieves, featuring Breezly Bruin and his sister Heroine, is easily a Top 10 Male Vs. Female rap song.

5. I saw someone on a message board once say that when De La and Paul amicably split, De La should have been forced to change their name. It may be a bit extreme but De La is definitely a different group without Plug 4. Not bad, but definitely different.

6. While doing college radio in Chicago, I had been desperately trying to get the Resident Alien 12". It popped onto ebay every couple of months and tended to fetch $50 or so. JP Chill, a Chicago radio legend who ran the rap format I worked at, went to 2nd Hand Tunes, a store I visited nearly daily, and found "Boops" in the $1 bin. He showed it to me. Shocked, I asked him "How much do you want for this?" Kindly, he said in the way only JP could "Well I got it for a dollar so I'd say just give me a dollar for it." I offered more but, in the end, I had it for the bargain price of a buck.

7. A good Paul interview.

Resident Alien f/ Maceo (De La Soul) and Dres (Black Sheep): Shakey Ground

(MP3)


Resident Alien: Mr. Boops

(MP3)


Resident Alien: Ooh The Dew Doo Man

(MP3)

Order A Small Bowl Of Chicken Broth, Water and Napkin

2005-03-24T12:04:00.000-05:00

Some more Kool Keith for your enjoyment.

Kool Keith: Bow To The Masta (MP3) (Celebrity Deathmatch, 1999, Interscope) (Buy It)
Dr. Dooom: Leave Me Alone (Peanut Butter Wolf Remix) (MP3) (Leave Me Alone Peanut Butter Remix 12", 1999, Funky Ass Records)
Kool Keith: Yo Black (Buckwild Remix) (MP3)
(Truck Jewls' Hidden Treasures Vol. 1, 2003, White Label) (Buy It)

Aurich: According to Keith's site, Dr. Octagon II is a bootleg. Click here.

Stretch, Where's Uncle Gretch?

2005-03-23T10:54:00.000-05:00

I once had a discussion with someone whose rap opinion I value greatly. He wondered how I could love the works of non-traditional (in his opinion) artists like MF Doom, Prince Paul, and Quasimoto while not getting too deep into lyrically gifted but somewhat one dimension emcees like Cormega or Jadakiss. Even wwhen comparing two amazing groups, the edgier group tends to prevail. I prefer De La to PE, i.e. I explained to my friend that I preferred artists who were both talented and interesting. With all respect, I can't get into artist whose main function is pushing boundries, be it musically like Anti-Pop or lyrically like Paul Barman. But, for reasons I can't explain, rap that is either weird or funny, truly compels me.

No emcee better embodies skill and an odd sense of humor than Kool Keith. Keith, has a reputation for being crazy. I briefly saw him hours before a concert a year back and he seemed sane. I have always wondered if his craziness was a sort of WWF act. It is actually quite effective marketing for everyone to think you're nuts.

Some of my favorite Keith moments:

1. After RZA creates Bobby Digital persona with mask similar to Keith's on Sex Style, Keith features an ad in his Dr. Dooom album for a persona named Robbie Analog. And because Keith will take a joke to total completion, he actually forms The Analog Brothers with Ice-T and othes, and releases Pimp To Eat.

2. Kool Keith can't stop talking about his new cereal. "I'm coming out with a new cereal, Black Elvis cereal, distributed by Kelloggs," Kool Keith said on the phone from an undisclosed location (when asked, laughing, he said "Tennessee tuxedos" (?)). "It's little Elvis wigs with milk. It's crunchy. And the cereal changes different colors - orange, green, red, and light purple - it'll be in the variety packs with Cocoa Krispies, Sugar Smacks, all the top cereals. You get a pair of Elvis glasses with it, and the wig comes in the box sometimes. And the CD is taped on the back of the box. It's gonna hit the market September 20."

3. Seeing him enter a show in Philly with Jacky Jasper while rocking a checkerboard suit.

4. The fact that according to his website, he has 35 albums. He has released efforts as Kool Keith, Black Elvis, Dr. Dooom, Dr. Octagon and as a part of the Ultramagnetic MCs, Ultra, The Cenobites, Masters of Illusion, Analog Brothers, Diesel Truckers, KHM, Undatakerz, Clayborne Family, and Da Beat Terrorists. His next project is called Siamese Sex Show and features a member named Political Indian Dude (V?). I really can't make this stuff up.

5. The skits on Dr. Octagon. "You're gonna need a bad operation."

6. The Blaze Magazine article that I can't find online for the life of me. He was photographed wearing the space helmet and Black Elvis wig. The writer asked about people thinking he was crazy and he changed the subject and said something along the lines of "I like to collect guns."

7. The ad libs and skits on Dr. Dooom. "You're that Dr. Octog0n-ass motherfucker." "Jackie, you look good with them rollers up in your hair." And the lyrics to "You Live At Home With Your Mom," complete with Kutmasta Kurt's vox box.

8. This post from his website: (Scroll to the bottom)

Kool Keith called me the other day, to discuss yet another FRAUD in the Kool Keith world. The picture to the left is of Derrick Roberts aka Money D aka Funeral Director of Thee Undatakerz (the man behind the mask). Until now, an official picture of him has not been released. He is the one selling Kool Keith's clothes, shoes, and other personal items on EBay. Personal Albums were also sold for outstanding prices, when all Kool Keith is asking is 50 or 60 dollars. According to Keith, he has recently taken money fraudulently, setting up Kool Keith projects and disappearing. Now he is missing in action. Keith just wanted to get his picture out, so nobody would trust him. This man is not affiliated with Kool Keith.

(More info could be added, once I talk to Keith again)

9. The fact that he not only made "I Don't Believe You," but had it pressed to wax as a single. To those not in the know, he doesn't exactly rap on this track. It's more of a rant.

10. THE freestyle.

THE freestyle is Keith, Xzibit, and The Liks' E-Swift on the much renowned Stretch and Bobbito show. I don't need to say much here. Just peep the twenty-five count. Also peep the wonderful "Object Unknown."

Kool Keith, Xzibit, E-Swift: Stretch and Bobbito Freestyle (MP3)
DJ Spooky f/ Kool Keith: Object Unknown Funky Redneck Mix (MP3) (Laid In Full, 1999, Ill Boogie) (Buy It)

You Lack The Minerals and Vitamins, Irons and the Niacins

2005-03-22T00:18:00.000-05:00

Part 2 of OC:

OC f/ Jay-Z: Bonafied (MP3) (12", 1999, Magnum Records)* (Buy It)
OC f/ Organized Konfusion: You Won't Go Far (MP3) (New Jersey Drive Vol. 2, 1995, Tommy Boy) (Buy It)
OC and Big L: DJ 279 Freestyle (MP3)

* I believe that on some pressings of OC's disappointing third album Bon Appetit, "Bonafied" is included as a bonus track. I really enjoy the track although it seems that at least some portion his fanbase disagrees with me.

Regarding yesterday's comments, Buckwild produced "Burn Me Slow" and V Funk, you lost the way.

The More Emotion I Put Into It

2005-03-21T00:18:00.000-05:00

Almost inexplicably, solo rappers rarely release great back-to-back albums. Nas kicked off his career with a certified classic and a very solid It Was Written. Every other act with 4.5 to 5 star efforts in succession tend to be of the group variety: ATCQ, De La, Mobb Deep, BDP, PE. While we all got stomach punched by Raekwon and Snoop, others have not disappointed. Amerikka's Most Wanted and Death Certificate. Ready To Die and Life After Death. And the most overlooked in my opinion, Word...Life and Jewelz. While I would not argue either OC album to be the wartless five mic-er, both were soild, deep, refreshing, and important. How many choruses sampled "Time's Up?" Today and tomorrow, some OC tracks you may have missed:

Buckwild f/ OC: Burn Me Slow MP3 (Still Diggin EP, 1999, Kurrup Money) (Buy It)
OC and Ras Kass: Action Guaranteed MP3 (Lyricist Lounge, Vol. 1, 1999, Rawkus) (Buy It)
OC: O-Zone MP3 (unreleased demo version)

Get My Drink On And My Smoke On...

2005-03-18T14:44:00.000-05:00

Rap producers really love "The Edge" by David McCallum. Really love it. In three years, four well-respected producers (Dr. Dre, Rockwilder, VIC, Godfather Don) sampled "The Edge" in a near identical manner.

The biggest hit of the four was, of course, Dr. Dre's "The Next Episode." Since I lost Dre's number, I can't confirm the accuracy of this but FatBeats.com claims that Dre sampled "The Edge" after hearing Missin Linx's "M.I.A." On M.I.A., Black Attack, Problems, and Al' Tariq (f/k/a Fashion from The Beatnuts) grime it up with one of the finer choruses in recent memory. Right around the same time the "M.I.A." twelve dropped, Scaramanga (aka Sir Menelik or Cyclops 4000) dropped Seven Eyes, Seven Horns featuring the Godfather Don laced "Death Letter Remix."

In 1998, on his solo effort Rap Life, Tash's "Fallin On" nicked the "The Edge." As much as I love Tash and Da Rockwilder, who produced the track, I don't care much for "Fallin On" and did not include the audio. If you're dying to hear it, hit up the comments section and I'll make it happen.

Missin Linx: M.I.A. (mp3)
Scaramanga f/ Scholarwise: Death Letter Remix (mp3)
Dr. Dre f/ Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg: The Next Episode (mp3)

Shout to Adam Wise for the hosting. Yousendit is right for the price but a hassle regardless.

Treacherous Like Naughty By Nature and Kool Mo Dee

2005-03-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

When Artifacts' Between A Rock And A Hard Place dropped, I was a high school freshman. Back then, living where I was, the only way to hear records long before release date was on the mixtapes of DJ Madsol, who later when on to produce some fantastic tracks for The Last Emperor, Laster, Talib Kweli, and many more. On one tape, he dropped 2 bars at most of the "Wrong Side of the Tracks" instrumental. Those listening, three friends and myself, all looked at each other amazed, thinking 'What was that and where can I buy that?" We thought that, without even being introduced to the fine stylings of Tame One and El Da Sensai. BRHP did not disappoint. It also featured the fine track "C'Mon Wit Da Git Down."

Another artist that baffled and amazed me upon first listen was the entertaining and independent Thirstin Howl III. It's not a leap to say that the Brownsville based Unsigned Hype alumni has his own style. Thirstin freaked the same sample as "C'Mon" on the fantastic "Brookyln Hard Rock," which made its way onto Rawkus' Soundbombing 2, which may damn well be rap's best compilation ever.

"Coulda rocked the bells but I was more comfortable in straight legs!"

Artifacts: C'Mon Wit Da Git Down (link 1) (link 2) (link 3) (buy it!)
Thirstin Howl III f/ Unique London: Brooklyn Hard Rock (link 1) (link 2) (link 3) (buy it!)

Fresh Off Work Release, Hercules

2005-03-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

"Without the theme music and action it would be a run of the mill police show." I can't confess to ever seeing the TV show S.W.A.T., so I'll take the word of IMDB's helpful users. S.W.A.T.'s legacy in the rap world is significant. Its theme was sampled for two pretty damn good rap songs.

Charlemagne offered his version on The War Report's "Stay Tuned," which was titled as "Thug Paradise" on the Nothing To Lose Soundtrack. Capone N Noreaga, and Tragedy handle mic duties nicely. I think the most notable lyric tidbit about this song is that both Nore and Trag work the City of Poughkeepsie into their verses. Some thoughts from friend Ben, arguably the biggest fan of QB rap ever:

'War Report' is/was one of the best albums of 1997 (as hip-hop began it's downward spiral) maybe even knocking off 'Stakes is High' for the album of the yerr spot (honorable mention to funcrusher). stellar debut. imagine if thug paradise and calm down had been included! i had a buddy who said thug paradise was included on his retail CD! nothing of the sort on my cassette or copied cd. funk flex used to give it crazy burn on hot 97, but never played the nore verse. 'round my way lil punks on dirt bikes used to ride through the hood echoing the 'hey-ya, hey-ya.... hey yaaah' chant. very eery in the suburban dusk.

It's been a long time since we've heard from K-Solo. He traded bars with Redman on 1996's "It's Like That (My Big Brother,)" which got much love on Rap City during the Joe Clair era. If you've heard something from K since then, let me know. In 1990, Solo dropped "Real Solo Please Stand Up" on his Tell The World My Name album. To give some perspective on the times, I think this was a cassette/album only release. Has this ever made it onto CD? If not, someone needs to re-release it!

Capone N Noreaga f/ Tragedy: Stay Tuned aka Thug Paradise (link 1) (link 2) (link 3) (buy it!) (Penalty, 1997)
K-Solo: Real Solo Please Stand Up (link 1) (link 2) (link 3) (buy it!) (Atlantic, 1990)

PS: On a total random thought, Ghostface Killah's "Beat The Clock" is just an amazing song. Additionally, the unintentional comedy factor is great. He refers to his Supreme Clientele single as "Cherchez La Me." Brilliant.

Even As A Kid, People Used To Say 'Look At Shorty'

2005-03-15T15:52:00.000-05:00



No need for too much background today. If you're familiar with Lord Finesse, you know what he is capable of. Astounding emcee, especially with the punchlines. He has conjured up some stellar tracks including OC's "Jewelz," Big L's "MVP," "All Black" and "The Graveyard." If you are not familiar, you'll probably learn as much as you can after checking 1990's "Bad Mutha." For those lost, Finesse's home page is quite functional and should serve as a good start. 

"Bad Mutha" might sound familiar to you new jacks too. Nas used a very similar beat for God Son's "Get Down." In my humble opinion, both tracks are worthy of a spot in your IPOD.

Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth: Bad Mutha (link 1) (link 2) (link 3) (buy it!) (1990, Wild Pitch)
Nas: Get Down (link 1) (link 2) (link 3) (buy it!) (2002, Columbia)

PS: I should have hosting very soon. Much thanks to Adam W. A Rhymefest 'Bounce' re-up was requested. Enjoy here.

I Just Left Like A Real Man Should

2005-03-14T14:43:00.000-05:00

As more and more rap is released, it is going to be inevitable that multiple songs will sample the same originals. This week, I'll exclusively feature these fraternal twin pairs.

Before producing hits for Madonna, TLC, Boyz II Men, and The King of Pop, Dallas Austin collaborated with a Brooklyn duo called Da King & I. Featuring emcee Izzy and DJ Majesty, their Contemporary Jeep Music did not make much of an impact during rap's heyday. One track did, though, got some traction during 1993's solid campaign. For your listening pleasure, Da King & I's "Tearz," borrowing nicely from the Ohio Players.

Also fond of the Players, is the very talented and sometimes unfairly maligned Minneapolis outfit Atmosphere. Industrial Warfare, the sixth of the seven Rhymesayers Headshots compilations, featured a fine remix to the Lucy Ford's "Travel." The remix was a very loose interpretation of the original "Travel," featuring the same lyrics in the chorus but different verses altogether. Additionally, ANT's fine original production was replaced with a nice sampling of the Players. While, Industrial Warfare is out of print, "Travel (Rmx)" is featured on The Best of Headshots 1-6, which is included free with the reissue of Headshots: Se7en.

Da King & I: Tears (link 1) (link 2) (link 3) (buy it!) (1993, Rowdy)
Atmosphere: Travel (Remix) (link 1) (link 2) (link 3) (buy it) (1997, Rhymesayers)

They Don't Go Platinum, They Go Aluminum

2005-03-11T20:31:00.000-05:00

The title line wouldn't work very well in England. I believe our UK allies call it aluminium.

Who Am I? I have been nominated for 76 Grammy's, winning 26 times. I've won an Emmy and have received 7 Oscar nominations. I have written music for many, notably Ray Charles, Cannonball Adderly, and Duke Ellington. I penned the theme songs for Sanford and Son as well as The Cosby Show. I co-produced The Color Purple and produced The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I created VIBE magazine. I am probably most famous for producing Michael Jackson's Off The Wall and Thriller. If you guessed Quincy Jones, you are correct.

Just about every person with any interest into original samples, knows that the Pharcyde's wonderful "Passin Me By" sampled Q's "Summer In The City." I find it odd that most don't mention that the same song was sampled by The Roots for "Clones" and El Da Sensai for "Where Ya At (Dirty Summer Mix." Listen for yourself (at roughly 1:58 for Clones and 3:02 for Where?).

Quincy Jones: Summer In The City (link 1) (link 2)
The Roots: Clones (link 1) (link 2)
El Da Sensai: Where Ya At? (Dirty Summer Mix) (link 1) (link 2)

PS: Thanks to all alerting me to the comments problems. It seems to work at times and not at others. The blogger FAQ said: Users are currently getting "Blog not found" errors when accessing comment pages. We are working on getting this resolved ASAP. If you ever want to email me, hit up rapnerd@gmail.com

Go To Your Room

2005-03-11T01:10:00.000-05:00

After Shabaam Sahdeeq collaborated with the likes of Eminem, Pharoahe Monch, Method Man, Redman, Xzibit, Alchemist, and others, he was nice enough to craft an intro for The Hip Hop Romper Room. Over a fine O-Negative Beat, he created this:

Shabaam Sahdeeq: Hip Hop Romper Room Intro (link 1) (link 2)

Y'All Can't See Me Like Ma$e's Eyebrows

2005-03-10T02:08:00.000-05:00

Before They Were Famous Pt. I

Hip-hop fans take much pride in having been a fan of an artist before they "blow." Cheaters try to buy the rare, out-of print, early releases on certain auction sites to appear to have been down since day one. This leads to quite alot of foolishness.

Even worse is having to listen to someone talk not about the fine music of Doomsday, Headshots: Seven, or early groups like Masters of Ceremony (f/ Grand Puba) and Ultimate Force (Diamond D), but instead about how on top of things they are.

In my perfect world, anyone with the desire to consume hip-hop, would have access to it and some background.

One artist whose early years get alot of shine is Eminem. Much is made in hip-hop circles of his Infinite EP and his times on the battle circuit. And clearly, 8 Mile didn't reduce that shine. Two songs that don't seem to get mentioned too too mucn but feature a young, hungry Marshall are featured today.

Before donning shower caps and evening gowns and giving me nightmares, Bizarre was a member of The Dirty Dozen (now D12 of course.) In 1998, he dropped an EP entitled Attack Of The Weirdos. Em and Fuzz guested on Trife Theives.

Also in 1998, Marshall was featured on the Rawkus 12" of NJ emcee Shabaam Sahdeeq. The record's B-Side "5 Star General" featured Shabaam, Eminem, Kwest The Madd Ladd, Skam, and AL over a fine DJ Spinna track. I can't confirm but I have been told that this was Eminem's first appearance on vinyl.

Bizarre f/ Fuzz and Eminem: Trife Thieves (link 1) (link 2) (Federation, 1999)

Shabaam Sahdeeq f/ Eminem, Skam, AL, and Kwest: 5 Star Generals (link1) (link 2) (Rawkus, 1998)

I Keep A Flick Of You With The Machete Sword In Your Hand

2005-03-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

While some people know him only as Chef from the brilliant South Park, Isaac Hayes has contributed quite alot to the vaults of hip-hop. His classic "Walk On By" alone has been sampled by Notorious B.I.G. (Warning), Foxy Brown, Cypress Hill, and about a dozen more. Numerous classics sample Isaac including but not limited to Gangstarr's "Friends Vs. BI," OC's "Born2Live," Mobb Deep's "Back At You," and Biz Markie's "Make The Music." Two of my favorite tracks that sample Chef and his chocolate salty balls are the Geto Boys "My Mind Is Playing Tricks On Me" and MF Doom's heartfelt "?" Featured below are "?" along with the songs sampled by the Geto Boys and the artist formerly know as Zev.

MF Doom f/ Kurious- ? (link 1) (link 2) (buy it if you're crazy) (1999 Fondle 'Em, 2001 Subverse)
Isaac Hayes- Vykkii (link 1) (link 2) (1976, ABC)
Issac Hayes- Hung Up On My Baby (link1) (link2) (buy it!) (1974, Enterprise)

Audio is available through Yousendit.com. Left click one of the two links for each song. Each will eventually give you the same MP3. Hopefully, my hosting will be ironed out soon and things will be easier.

Your Performance Is Mop The Stage

2005-03-07T01:16:00.000-05:00


The creation of the hip-hop skit maybe a more delicate art than the creation of a cohesive album. Some of the most gifted artists have created the most inane, unnecessary skits. Even worse, the hiphop skit is too often offensive or self stroking like College Dropout. Some are just confusing. Not mentioning names, but your initials are MM...Food.

The Native Tongues did skits well. Especially gifted were Prince Paul, De La, and Dres of Black Sheep. This made the dialogue of De La Soul Is Dead the beautiful wrapping paper covering the perfect gift that was the album's actual music. The Wu had some heat: 'They probably took the tape" alongside Liquid Swords' samurai story and ODB's "Remember when we used too...."

The only cat makin' skits of late that get me chucklin' is a Jamaica, Queens, Unsigned Hype winner. In addition to making some mean hip-hop, Mr. Complex writes a mean skit.

Plex Goes Hollywood f/ Will Ferrell (link 1) (line 2) (Buy it!) (2005, Raptivism)
Being Mr. Complex (link1) (link 2) (Buy It!) (2005, Raptivism)
Do You Kno My Mans An Em (link1) (link 2) (Buy it!) (2001, 7 Heads)

Comin' Thru With That Vibe That Picks You Up

2005-03-03T17:13:00.000-05:00




Most rapnerds like myself have one album in their Top 10 that people scoff at. Mine has always been Quasimoto's The Unseen. I've felt somewhat vindicated of late by Madlib's steadily rising star and his incessant dropping of gem after gem. Even his brother, Oh No (Government Name: Michael Jackson), seems to becoming a well above average beat conductor. I was pleased to hear this week that Quasimoto's long awaited follow-up, The Further Adventures of Lord Quas, has a release date of May 2nd.  To celebrate, please enjoy "Green Power," likely my favorite Unseen track, and Mandrill's "Khidja," which Madlib cleverly samples and chops.

A quick note on the sampled: Mandrill, founded by four Panamanian brothers from Bed-Stuy, won two Grammys for their very unique music. Kanye West's "Two Words," one of this past year's finest beats, also sampled Mandrill. With any luck, I can track down this audio as well and post it.

Quasimoto: Green Power (link1) (link2) (buy it!)
Mandrill: Khidja (link1) (link2) (buy it!)

I'm Not Q-Tip But I'll Make Your Breathin Stop

2005-03-01T23:22:00.000-05:00

Circa 2000, I was hosting college radio at Chicago’s WHPK with the notorious V Funk. Back then, not too many local artists were professionally recording music, but those who were doing so were surprisingly gracious, accommodating, and available. The Molemen and All Natural’s Family Tree had great relations with the show, often either stopping by the station or performing at our limited number of events. Hell, even Twista’s C Wal Ballaz agreed to stop by the show once before cancelling. The one Chicago artist that V Funk and I could never seem to cross paths with was a frequent Molemen collaborator named Rhymefest. Eventually, toward the twilite of our appropriately named Hip Hop Romper Room, Fest stopped by. His self-pressed Raw Dog EP was a treat. You might notice a familiar line or two on "Bounce. " It probably helped make him a Grammy winner. "Good Ass Job" and "Fight With The Best" are produced by Fest's writing partner Kanye West. You may have heard of him.

Audio is available through Yousendit.com. Left click one of the two links for each song. Each will eventually give you the same MP3. Hopefully, my hosting will be ironed out soon and things will be easier.

Rhymefest: Bounce MP3 (link 1) (link 2)
Rhymefest f/ Kanye West and Mikkey: Good Ass Job (link 1) (link 2)
Rhymefest f/ Kanye West and Mikkey: Fight With The Best (link 1) (link 2)