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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Kil Ripkin - "Not You"

 (image via myspace.com/kilripkin)

I got this video through e-mail and I'm very much glad that I did.   This is classic Boom Bap!  Kil's sound is on point.  From delivery to content, this is head nod music that also reaffirms self-awareness and empowerment. Produced by Eric G and shot by Science Projects, Kil Ripkin brings us quality Hip-Hop that's meant to encourage personal growth as well as entertain.  Much respect to Kil for taking on such a noble mission.



Kil Ripkin on Twitter

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Show & Prove

Despite the outrageous heat yesterday, I made my way to Brooklyn Bowl for the Show and Prove segment of the BK Hip-Hop Festival.  6 artists/bands were competing for 2 slots as openers for De La Soul this Saturday at the festivals culmination.  Each performer had to bring his/her A game to excite the crowd and impress the judges.

After some great performances and some not so great, the judges took 15 minutes to decide on the two winners.  I was in 100% agreement with their choices of The Crowd and the incredible Kalae All Day.  I was especially impressed with Kalae.

I first saw Kalae at SOB's last wednesday.  She was tagging along with YC the Cynic in support of his performance that evening.  She dropped a few bars for hiphopworld.com's camera and I was left with my jaw on the floor.  I haven't heard a girl JUST rap in ages.  Far too often for my tastes, female MCs get too wrapped up in the machismo aspect of rapping or have a bad case of Foxxy Brown's disease and only rap about how ill their "nana" is.

Kalae is nothing like those types of female rappers.  She's just incredibly gifted with words.  She would definitely put you in the mind of Lauryn Hill as she does sing and rap, but she isn't trying to duplicate The Miseducation of...  Kalae All Day is doing her own thing and doing it extremely well.  Definitely check out her website and blog to keep up with what she's doing.  Mark my words, this girl is going to be big!

The Crowd was also a very interesting band.  Most members have dual roles during their performances.  The guitarist beatboxes.  The bassist sings.  The drummer raps.  It's a beautiful blend of Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop with a touch of Jazz influence.  They really kept the audience engaged as those who had not seen them before were wondering what was going to happen next.  It was a great set to watch and they were strong throughout.

Here are a few shots of the winners:



 The Crowd




Kalae All Day

Be sure to catch both acts this Saturday, July 10th, 2010!  Details below:

Monday, July 5, 2010

Black Milk - "How Dare You"


If you don't know who Black Milk is and/or you've never heard his music; I feel for you.  This man's brand of Hip-Hop is so raw!  There aren't many rapper/producer's out there that can carry an entire album of quality material.  Black Milk is one of those very few individuals who can wow you with beats and rhymes at the same time.

Check out this new single from his forthcoming album entitled 'Album of the Year'.  A boastful claim indeed but me knowing his work, I don't really doubt him.   Click below to listen:

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Ben Hooks - "10:11 am" Single Artwork


The homie Sean "Ope" Williams just released the single artwork for Ope Entertainment artist Ben Hooks' new track "10:11 am".  The single will be available for download purchase on Thursday, July 8th on iTunes.