Soul Khan - "Mr. Governor"

Soul Khan drops another great track today from his latest EP Pursuance, also debuting today. The six song release is heavy on soul samples, Fat Beats (pun intended) and dope rhymes.

This is when I love the "traditional" underground sound. Soul Khan is not trapped in the backpacking for the sake of backpacking styling of many underground rappers. He really has an ear for good music. It's the Boom Bap that purists love but has the sonic quality that any Rap fan can love.

Akie Bermiss adds a Cee-Loesque hook and Khan delivers his usual gritty "fear the beard" flow. It works perfectly together. Check it out and the link below and, of course, support the artist and BUY.

Buy Pursuance EP 

www.SoulKhan.com

YC the Cynic - "More & More" Music Video

For his very first music video, YC selects the posse cut "More & More" from his 'Fall FWD' album. The track features Soul Khan, Von Pea and Sene. You certainly wouldn't know this is YC's first video by looking at it. Absolute top notch production value and great visual story accompanying the music. I expect nothing less from YC and he always delivers.

Enjoy!

Soul Khan - "Lost Ones Freestyle" Music Video

 

 Hot off the press is this new freestyle video from Brown Bag Allstar Soul Khan! If ever there was a voice specifically for Rap music, Soul Khan's is it. If you haven't seen SK chewing somebody's head off in a rap battle, then maybe you saw him in his MTV video spot. If you've never seen or heard of him at all then you should really step your Hip-Hop knowledge up.

Check out this fun release directed by Dane Eckerle over Lauryn Hill's "Lost Ones" instrumental.

Soul Khan - "Soul Like Khan" Video

I usually don't like music from "battle" rappers. Soul Khan is one of my favorites and this song is damn enjoyable. Good timing for the release too. The weather is breaking in NY and this song makes you feel good.

If you've never heard Soul Khan, your Hip-Hop IQ is definitely short a few points.  He's one of the best battle rappers out there. Period.

Anyway, check the video....the music is good.

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

Brooklyn Bodega really does a great job with this event.  It's a huge undertaking and while I'm sure there are hitches all over, it all comes together for fans of Hip-Hop.  You can't ask for much more than that.  You really get a great value for your money.

I took off from my home around 1 pm and traffic slowed me down considerably.  I didn't get there until 2:20 pm.  It should have only taken me 30-40 minutes tops.  Then I got there and couldn't find parking.  I was frustrated for a short while, but once I got into the park the positive energy made everything OK.  There were plenty of vendors and sponsors, lots of food and drinks and tons of good music.

I didn't stick around to catch headliners De La Soul perform, but I did get a chance to shoot them before they went on.  I'm sure they killed it as usual.  I slightly regret missing their performance though.

Trugoy aka Dave

Maseo (l.) and DJ Evil Dee (r.)

Posdnuos

Smif n Wessun (aka Cocoa Brovas) also came through to represent Boot Camp.  Black Moon was also in the building.  I even saw Rockness.  It was good to see them out but I was only looking for Sean Price who did not show.  Sue me. 

Tek

Steele

I wish Babu had a solo.  When I started learning to scratch back in 2002, I was big on the Invisibl Skratch Piklz.  Especially Q-Bert and Mix Master Mike.  I knew I would never practice enough to get to such an advanced level, but I loved watching and listening to masters.  Then I discovered Babu.  He almost instantly became my favorite.  His style is so effortless and funky.

DJ Babu feat. Rakaa with the screw face

I missed Kalae All Day's set due to the afore mentioned traffic.  I did catch up with her at the show though.  She was stuntin' hard in her self designed Utta K.A.O.S. shades.  Also ran into YC the Cynic giving love and support to Kalae.

Kalae All Day

YC the Cynic

Fashawn came out representing Cali as well as that "Golden Era" Hip-Hop.  Definitely check out that 'Boy Meets World' album.  He really held it down on stage.  It's a shame that everyone had such a short amount of time to perform. 

Fashawn

At some point during the day, I took a short break to go get a drink and I ran into Grind Time battle rapper Soul Khan.  It was weird seeing him outside of his "I can beat any battle rapper...any time...any where." mode.  He's a real laid back guy and he even smiled for his picture.  I still wouldn't challenge him to a rap battle.  Hell, most people who do shouldn't.

Soul Khan

I had a really good time.  I cut out a little early to go cover another event but I got to see and talk to some great people.  The homie Pack FM was there for a guest spot with Those Chosen.  Mr. Mecca berated me for not smiling enough.  I caught Hip-Hop pioneer Marley Marl walking around with his son/upcoming producer M. Will the Shogun.  Craig G was hanging out backstage.  Curren$y and Trademark were in the house.  It was just overflowing with talent.  A great mix of old and new schools.  The crowd was into the whole experience and the brief rain couldn't change their mood.  I'm definitely looking forward to next years Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.