Substantial - 'Jackin' Jill'

Get ready for the brilliantly executed free release from Substantial called, 'Jackin' Jill.' It's easily one of the most inspired and complete projects available right now. It's pretty much perfect in every way.

Two years ago, the prolific DMV writer and educator had a brush with that scary monster called cancer. Thankfully, he was able to get some preventative work done and is now back on the healthy track. During that period, however, he used the time to conceptualize and execute 'Jackin' Jill.' The project, obviously, is a collection of beats based on various Jill Scott samples and Substantial lays his heavy vocals and silky rhymes on top for 17 tracks of pure magic.

"Stan" is greatly inspired by Jill Scott's work and you can hear, see and FEEL the love through every bar and beat of this album. Even the album cover is personally drawn!

'Jackin' Jill' is a fantastic body of work and you NEED this in your playlist. I know my BBQ parties are going to be backed by this all spring and summer. Grab the download below...

Kokayi - 'Pro Deo et Patria'

When Kokayi released 'Robots & Dinosaurs' in 2010, I was blown away by the singular nature of everything he was doing lyrically and musically. The blend of sounds, rhythms and storytelling were unlike anything I had heard before. 2 years later, he's back with 'Pro Deo et Patria' and everything that R&D was has been re imagined and amplified in magnificent order.

One of the most standout elements of Kokayi's work is his production. For this album, he shows up, out and off with the depth of his work and scope of the project. This is album is far more "electric" than the last in terms of sonics and completely abandons all regard for normalcy. Not the faux House-Dance Mix-Dubstep stuff taking over urban radio. That's not what it is at all. It's more genre redefining than anything; in the way that Janelle Monae's 'Archandroid' was. He's completely set his own rules and lane.

I'm amazed at the level of artistry Kokayi delivers. From the first 8 bars of the album to the last he displays pure genius ability. When I heard the instrumentation choices on the opening to the album, "Birdus Ghetti", my jaw hit the floor. This dude is fearless! "ZaZa Hey" and "Punchdrunk" are not of this universe and everything in between is perfectly complimentary. You will be blown away by 'Pro Deo et Patria.' I can promise you this.

Get into the free stream below but PLEASE BUY THIS ALBUM because not buying it is ... well ... ridiculous.  

Pack FM - "Want What's Mine" (BTSTU Remix) Music Video

"Say PackFM!" Now say it again. Repetition is the key to memorization.

Far and away one of my favorite underground artists, PackFM has grown so much as an artist over the last 8 years. He's always been vicious as a lyricist but often struggled with finding the right sound to carry his name beyond the world circle of "backpackers." Pack's talent is much bigger than that. To see him perform live is to really understand and feel what he is capable of. 

With "IFHR" Pack took his work to new heights. Finally, he had a project as dope musically as it was lyrically. Fans were reinvigorated and critics were wowed. Continuing with that new energy and understanding we got this music video for "Want What's Mine" on the web today.

*Cue Pack's stage dive*

You know what to do....

Click Here To Download

Kokayi - 'Pacific Coast Highway' Instrumental Album

Grammy award nominated singer/songwriter/producer Kokayi released one of my absolute favorite albums of 2010. Though it was late in the year, it trumped everything I heard prior in both depth and scope. A truly incredible independent release that Hip-Hop heads need to hear.

I've had the pleasure of sitting in on a couple of Kokayi's Ustream sessions where he goes through his ridiculous catalog of music. When I tell you this guy has beats on deck, I mean he has more tracks than you can imagine.

Today, Kokayi gives us 'Pacific Coast Highway'. This 19 track instrumental album is yet another testament to his musical genius. It's yet another two middle fingers in the air to self imposed limitations, stereotypes and the status quo.

You can stream the album for free right here or purchase it by clicking the link.

"This is the soundtrack to the journey from San Diego to Washington State (Seattle to be specific). I’ve driven across these United States 6 times mostly in minivans and station wagons. Seen the Canyon up close and the Cheyenne frontier days at day break. The PCH has always been a different thingy, a rite of passage for gigging musicians. The sea at your side, the rolling hills, a falling rock. So buckle up for safety, watch for careening deer and don’t forget to get gas or electricity..however you ride.” – KOKAYI



source: QN5.com

2011 QN5 Megashow Mega Giveaway!

RoxFontaine.com is going to hook one of you up with some sick QN5 swag! Whether you're a long standing Baby Blue Schooler or just discovering the audible goodness of QN5 music, you are in the for the show of a lifetime. The entire QN5 roster is coming out to perform and YOU can be there courtesy of QN5 and RoxFontaine.com!

The Megashow is called such for a reason and this year the megashow should be called the Ultramegashow. Fans new and old will be treated to a near complete history of QN5 music. That's 11 years of music specially selected and put together for your enjoyment at one of NYC's finest venues. I'm most definitely going to be there and I wanted to bring some more Hip-Hop fans into the fold.

Here's what you'll win:


1. 2 Tickets to the QN5 Megashow

2. Mr. SOS - "HILTSWALTB" CD 

3. Kokayi - "Robots & Dinosaurs" CD 

4. Pack FM - "I F*CKING HATE RAPPERS" CD


and....


5. A QN5 T-Shirt in your size

Here's HOW to win:


- Leave a message in the comments. 

That's it!

Apparently twitter follows are worth more than gold, so in the interest of getting this out to the most people possible I've simplified the rules.

The winner will be selected at random and notified on Monday August 15th, 2011.


(Failure to adhere to these SIMPLE contest rules will result in a disqualification. Should you be disqualified for any reason, another winner will be randomly selected. You are responsible for your own travel to and from the venue.)

DJ JS-1 feat. Tonedeff - "Last to Know"

New music from DJ JS-1 and underground legend and Baby Blue School mastermind Tonedeff. This track precedes the release of 'Ground Original 3: Nobody Cares' hitting the streets on June 21st. Don't be the last to know. Get familiar....

Kokayi - "Summery" feat. Substantial and Tamara Wellons

Still riding high on the critical acclaim of "Robots & Dinosaurs", Kokayi drops this track for the trip into Summer. The song features label mate Substantial and vocalist Tamara Wellons.  This DC combo works wonderfully and is for sure going into my iPod.

Kokayi's signature cadence is laid over a poppy marching snare and staccato horns.  I'm actually going to give this song to one of my friends who teaches Spin classes. It just makes you want to go. Click below to listen and download.

Click Here to Download

Kokayi - "Rox Tar" Video

As you can imagine, I have an affinity for this songs title. I love the song more and I love the album, 'Robots and Dinosaurs', even more. This is the first video release from the amazing independent powerhouse QN5 release.

Kokayi Website
Kokayi on Twitter


Kokayi - "RoxTar" (Feat. The Rock-afire Explosion) [Music Video] from QN5 Music on Vimeo.

Fat Beats

Fat Beats has been a Hip-Hop staple in New York city over the last 16 years.  Unfortunately, the digital age has forced the record shop to close it's final storefront's doors for good.  Fat Beats as a company is still in business thankfully and those who still need their vinyl fix can find them at FatBeats.com.

The last week of face to face business was highlighted by in-store performances from some of the stores long standing friends.  I went out for Friday's performances/appearances by by Brown Bag All-Stars, Tonedeff, PackFM, J Live, Masta Ace and others.

The small store was very crowded and hot beyond belief but fans stuck it out for the love of Hip-Hop and what Fat Beats has meant to the Hip-Hop community.  It was cool seeing all of the regular patrons, fans and people just drawn in by the crowd vibing to the music and energy.

Today marked the final performances and there were some major names scheduled to show up, including DJ Premier and Just Blaze.  I opted out of going downtown again to catch them.  I never frequented Fat Beats but I've been to the store several times and it was always a very unique and classic energy in the building.  I hate to see stores like this close.  These types of establishments embody the heart and soul of our culture. 

Check out a few pics of the performances...

Mr. SOS - "What's MK Ultra"

Baby Blue School, Baby!  QN5's Mr. SOS finally releases his first video, "What's MK Ultra", from his album 'How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb'.  The song and video is a journey into the mind of a human test subject being poked, prodded and driven to the brink of insanity.  For those unaware, MKULTRA was an illegal CIA project that experimented on human brain functions using various drugs.  The objective being to control the mind and/or extract information from detainees being interrogated.

Don't worry, Mr. SOS doesn't give you a boring history lesson or rap you numb with psychobabble.  Instead, it's a fun and trippy ride into a brain that isn't functioning normally.  Enjoy the video and SUPPORT INDEPENDENTS!

PackFM 'I F*cking Hate Rappers' Album Release Party

It was back to Brooklyn last night for PackFM's album release party.  Public Assembly was the venue and wack rappers were on the menu.  Pack and his special guests and label mates tore the house down!

If you have not heard this album, you are doing yourself a horrible disservice.  Hit up the IFHR site to listen to and download the lead single "Nasty" for free.  Buy the album and support independent Hip-Hop!  HipHopDX rates the album 4/5 stars.  Above Ground Magazine gave the album a near perfect rating, $19.00 out of $20.00, and called it "clearly one of the best albums of 2010."

Don't let the album's title fool you into thinking this is a bitter pity party.  This album is about preserving the art form and respecting the craft.   You will truly enjoy Pack's music if you give this incredible album a chance. 

Here are more photos from the party.  Of course, you can hop over to my Flickr page to view the full set.

PackFM & Mala Reignz

Substantial 

 Ruste Juxx

PackFM and Tonedeff

Mr. Mecca

Session

Mala Reignz

Be sure to check out the QN5 website for more info on the artists and music.  Check out and follow PackFM here:

Twitter

Facebook

Myspace

Substantial - "Wink" Mixtape

 

Substantial just released a mixtape to satisfy his fans' thirst for his witty rhyme style.  Download for FREE below.

Mediafire Download 

UserShare Download 

Tracklist:

1) Wink Intro (feat. Billy Bee Whitums) (Produced By Tonedeff)
2) R Love Songs Gay? (Produced By Tonedeff)
3) Without You (Produced By Subtracktion)
4) The Love Song (Produced By Nujabes)
5) Eclipse (Produced By Nujabes)
6) Hikari (Produced By Nujabes)
7) Let Me Stay (Produced By T-Dot Da Kid)
8) Am I Dreamin' (feat. Nate Vibez) (Produced By Marcus D)
9) It's You (I Think) (Produced By Kno)
10) It's You (Unknown Remix) (feat. Steph) (Produced By The Unknown)
11) Potential (feat. JsouL & Eric Roberson) (Produced By JsouL)
12) Precious Love (feat. Milka) (Produced By DJ Deckstream)
13) Up Close & Personal (feat. PackFM) (Produced By Tonedeff)
14) She Wanna Roll With A Winner (feat. Gods'Illa) (Produced By Joe.D)
15) Peaches (feat. Deaf In The Family, Scavone, Doujah Raze & Potta) (Produced By The Resource)
16) U Can Get It (Produced By Algorythm)
17) Body Language (feat. Powerful of Gods'Illa) (Produced By Kokayi)
18) Make Love (Produced By ChewFu)
19) Can We (Produced By ChewFu)
20) The Bidness (feat. Naturel & rnb) (Produced By Kanye West)
21) Freq'N'U (feat. Fresh Daily & rnb) (Produced By Keeby)
22) The Jacket 3 (feat. Steve Wallace) (Produced By Studio Steve Wallace)
23) QT (Quality Time) (Produced By Final)
24) I'll Be Back (feat. Sweep) (Produced By DJ Deckstream)
25) U Were There (feat. JsouL) (Produced By Joe.D)
26) Ugly Woman (feat. PackFM & Extended Famm) (Produced By Kno)

Canibus at Southpaw Brooklyn

The underground was on fire last night!  I almost didn't make it to this show as I was tired as hell and didn't feel like driving 30-40 minutes to Brooklyn.  I forced myself to get up and out on my grind and I'm most glad that I did.  This show was on point.

Here are a couple of shots that I snapped throughout the night.  Enjoy.  Lite commentary after key moments.

YC the Cynic

I had a chance to speak with YC briefly.  We're going to link up for an interview in the very near future.  Stay tuned...

 St. Joe Louis

PackFM and MCMI backstage.

PackFM giving it his all during the Dominion set.

 

 
 

  

Stomp!

 

  

  

  

  

Canibus 

Check for Canibus' new album Melatonin Magik in stores TODAY!

Pack FM - "Happy Days" Video

My man Pack goes in on all of the happy-go-lucky  platinum douchebaggery plaguing our culture today.  Catch the interview on HipHopDX and the video below.