Exclusive: Bugatti Biggz - "Big Talk" Music Video

Harlem's best kept secret is stepping out from the shadows and looking to put a mark on the NY Hip-Hop scene. We first brought you the stellar release "Insanity." Now we have the music video for "Big Talk." 

Bugatti Biggz is something else. The sound, the aggressiveness, the beats... we haven't heard anything like this in a long time in NY. He sounds like New York and New York only! No crossover, trap, southern drawl or Cali swag here. Just the concrete and cold sound of Uptown.

This track knocks for real and Bugatti Biggz is a problem. Check the video out and keep your eyes and ears open for this guy.

Noah - "Namaste" Music Video

The young California king Noah is back with a visual for his previously released single "Namaste." The track is given a whole new life through this super cool technicolored music video that he shot and edited himself. I already thoroughly enjoyed this track and the video upped the ante significantly for me. I haven't seen a video this refreshing in a long time!

The video gives the feeling of a precursor to a digitized insurgence. The calm before the storm. "Namaste" translates, literally, to a bow to thee. You can't help but imagine martial artists bowing to each other before trying to tear their opponent's head off. The idea is further emphasized by the closing sounds of automatic rifles. Signaling that Noah's assault has begun. Brilliantly done, Noah. I see you.

Ch-ch-check it...

Homeboy Sandman - "Whatchu Want From Me" Music Video

Arguably the most unique artist in Hip-Hop, Homeboy Sandman has been all the rage on the underground scene since signing to Stones Throw records last year in August. I remember when I first saw/heard him. It was at a show at Southpaw in Brooklyn.

I was blown away by the "different" that is Sandman. He had wild hair going on and a long beard. Then he was rapping about vegetables and water and lightning bolts. I had never heard anything like it before. It was outrageous how good it was and truly original. I bought 'Actual Factual Pterodactyl' at the show and spoke to him briefly afterwards to let him know how ridiculous I thought he was.

Now on his second major release titled 'First of a Living Breed', Homeboy Sandman releases his second video from the project. On "Whatchu Want From Me" Sandy shows off his signature sing-songy delivery and master class in breath control. For another example of what I'm talking about, listen to "The Carpenter" from 'The Good Sun.' It's epic.

Check out the the video below that debuted on Rolling Stone.

Buckshot - "The Change Up"

Just a few short weeks after disclosing a joint project with Murs and 9th Wonder, Buckshot hits us with a new track and video ... at the same damn time. Sorry. I couldn't resist that one. It's still funny. (To me it is anyway.)

The track is from his 3rd joint release with 9th Wonder as sole producer titled 'The Solution.' The album is scheduled to drop on November 13th.

Whenever these two work together, it's quality material and "The Change Up" is no different. 9th Wonder works his usual soul sample and boom bap gold and Buckshot proves that he's still got chops in the booth. The two debuted the song on RedBullUSA.com and here's a look at it here.

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.

Fev - "One Way" feat. Red Inf

 

I've been waiting for Propaganda to release since I retired Flight 115 from my car. That was months ago but Fev has kept me at the edge of my seat with audio and/or video releases here and there. This new track just hit the web featuring Queens MC Red Inf. I'm hoping this is an official leak from Propaganda.

Far too many NY based artists are afraid to sound like NY these days. This song gives me the same feeling that I had when Nas released "Nasty". I just want to put on some all black Timberland boots and a ski mask and go intimidate somebody.

Check it out. Play it loud!

Royce Castro - "C.R.E.A.M. Dreamz" Freestyle

image by James Johnson

Royce has been bombarding the web with new music and this freestyle hit the web last night around midnight. I was scrambling to get a post up but my computer was a little...ummm...blue in the face. Here's the track over another sampling of this slightly eerie song "Huit Octobre 1971" that I've heard several times on different tracks. 

As is standard fare for Royce, he puts his signature delivery on it and it's lyrically outstanding. As he says himself, "I'm cursed with being lyrical." Well, Brother, if being nice is wrong; you don't want to be right.

C.R.E.A.M. DREAMZ by ROYCE CASTRO

Random Axe - "Black Ops"

Random Axe's debut album releases tomorrow! Better believe I will be picking up a copy for myself. Check out this new leak released just hours before the album is made available.

Random Axe has 2 shows coming up this month for NYC fans:

June 21st at Highline Ballrom with Smif N Wessun & Maino & guests. Tickets: http://tktwb.tw/jtfVhp

June 22nd at Southpaw with Black Moon & Skyzoo. Tickets: http://tktwb.tw/mTdKSC 

Siya - "Elevator Dreams"

 

 Click Here To Download

If you haven't heard of Siya, prepare yourself for something new. I hate to box people in with comparisons but this one is so glaring that you can't help but at least make a tiny reference. *Ahem* She's like a female Wiz Khalifa. Now, unbox her and open your mind, ears and heart to 'Elevator Dreams'. 

This mixtape is the culmination of almost 2 years of work.  This up and coming "femcee" has genuine skill and a very unique story. She's amassed quite a following underground and even caught the attention of clothier Rocksmith Tokyo. Her collaborative video with Rocksmith and Royal Rae for the single "Smoke Drink" can be viewed here: "Smoke Drink".

If you dig the music, you can catch up with Siya on twitter: @Siya_ or via her website www.IamSiya.com

Fev - "Paradise Soda"

What the hell is Paradise Soda? I can honestly say, I have no idea.  What I can tell you is that this track is the seltzer of soda. No filler. Nothing sweet. Just hard carbonated water; and water is life.

Fev is on a rampage right now and is beautifully putting powerful imagery around his art form. Going forward, expect every new release to be accompanied by a visual leading up to the release of his next creative effort, "Propaganda".

Turn your speakers up and press play. Have a sip of Paradise Soda. Hip-Hop won't taste the same after this. I promise.

Raine - "iPad Flow"

Bronx native Red Pen Raine just blessed the web with this short freestyle today. I have to say, I haven't been so refreshed in a long time. The creativity and ability to hear music in anything is truly remarkable and 1 minute of Raine leaves you wanting for a downpour.

 Click below to listen to this female MC to put on your watch list deliver over the Apple iPad commercial. BRILLIANT!

LA - "The Presentation"

 

Newcomer "femcee" LA just released her first mixtape titled "The Presentation". I can't even really explain it to you, so do yourself a favor and just download it. Your iPod will thank you for it.

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.

Gist the Essence feat. Cocoa Sarai - "Roller Coaster" Video

Great visuals. Great song. Enjoy!

Get the Gist here: www.gistmusic.com

On Twitter: @gistmusic

Interview with L.A.

 

 LA

image via ucancallmela.com

Happy new year to all of the wonderful individuals that support this blog! 2010 was only the beginning of this adventure and there's no better way to kick off 2011 than with a super dope interview.

Sit back and enjoy this trip into the mind of LA. This young lady is making strides in leaps and bounds and is sure to be a huge success story in 2011. There are great talents and there are once in a lifetime talents. LA is looking like the once in a lifetime variety. Her incredible energy coupled with a genuine gift with words equals one of the most exciting MCs, male or female, signed or unsigned on the market today.

 

LiveWire feat. Mike Shorey - "Say Yeah" Video

LiveWire has been heavy on the underground scene for quite some time now and if you don't keep your ear to the pavement the way I do; just know that LiveWire is something like a big deal.

I've had the good fortune of seeing LiveWire perform live more than once and I can assure you that the name LiveWire is well earned. He's a genuine talent with the perfect combination of skill, ambition and business savvy. Don't believe me? Well, believe his Underground Music Award for "Most Exciting Artist of the Year".  His recently released "No Label" mixtape is making a lot of noise on the underground circuit and it's all thanks to Live's own ability to make it happen. From spearheading his company The Formula, Inc. to film to touring the globe to tearing down stages at a club near you, LiveWire is truly Living Inspiration Via Entertainment.

Check this sultry new video featuring singer/songwriter Mike Shorey. Discover more LiveWire here:

www.imareallivewire.com

Dee-1 - "Jay, 50 and Weezy"

LA at Crash Mansion

A short while ago I had the opportunity to check out the 3rd installment of Legend Factory Live. This event is by far one of the best industry showcases I have ever had the pleasure of attending.  Each of the two shows I attended were absolutely brimming with talent from all genres of music. It's is genuinely a total experience.

One particular artist stood out to me at the last show and rather than gush over her talent and energy, I'll let you just experience it the way I did. Check out LA's indie video recently posted from her Twitter page.  This is Hip-Hop!


The L.A. Show- LegendFactory Live from Amanda Chavis on Vimeo.

SoSoon - The Bandwagon

 

RoxFontaine.com is an expression of Hip-Hop as fine art. If this blog had a soundtrack, SoSoon's 'The Bandwagon' would be it. The self proclaimed "Spike Lee of Hip-Hop" has directed a musical film of epic proportions without the convoluted climax scene typical of Spike's work. Nay, this is clear and concise communication set to a truly unique sound tailored to SoSoon's silky smooth delivery and incredible story telling skill.

The 13 track debut album is chock full of "Yo, rewind that!" moments, bangin' beats and top notch lyricism. The album takes you through the club, unhealthy relationships, self reflection and social commentary seamlessly. This isn't just the standard industry fare "1 of each" approach to album making. This is the total expression of a young man discovering himself, his sound and his future. He explains his poor spending habits on "Blowing Money". He tells of his infatuation with a love that wasn't meant to be on "Forbidden Fruit". Of course, he warns would be challengers of his lyrical prowess on the Michael Jackson sampled "Who's Bad?" 

Where this album really takes off and truly separates SoSoon from the pack is on the incredibly insightful and honest "The Underclass". The artist forces you to stop and reflect on the people that keep New York City running over a wonderfully produced track powered by a spacey Rhodes and soupy bass line. It makes me wish I had a record label.  I'd sign this dude immediately after hearing this song. This isn't just the work of a rapper. This is the work of a visionary.

Stream the album below but SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS and buy this album! This will be the best money you spend this week. I promise.

SoSoon Website

SoSoon @ Bandcamp

SoSoon on Twitter

Square Off Cypher

Hip-Hop is a culture. As such, there are traditions that are handed down from generation to generation to help promulgate the future of Hip-Hop. One such tradition is the "cypher". The gathering of MCs, usually in a circle, to test each others skill and wit with words. Each participant takes a turn trying to one up his peers with more clever wordplay and rhythmic approach or "flow".

BET put together a bunch of clips for their 2010 awards show featuring a relatively eclectic mix of artists from legendary names like Busta Rhymes and Raekwon to up and comers like Zawcain and Cyhi Da Prince. There was even a fathers and sons version where Ice Cube and sons spit alongside Run and his boys.

Doug E. Fresh and his two young men (Square Off) just released a BET style cypher for the masses and if this was snubbed by BET.....SHAME ON THEM! These boys are dope and when you have Doug E. Fresh beatboxing for you, it's pretty much a wrap. Check the video below and see for yourself...