Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson is back, and this time with a pretty straight up diss to Lil Wayne and The Game. This is one of the releases that tie in with the release of his new energy drink, Street King. Lovin the beat!!!.... Props to Soul Culture for the video....
On Nov 25th Queesbridge rappers Mobb Deep, drop their new album 'Black Cocaine'. a long awaited album due to Prodigy being locked up... Also, a first from the duo to not have themselves on the front cover. They claim that hustlers gonna be serving up black cocaine real soon.....
Harlem born Sylvia Vanderpool started in the music industry as a singer, musician and producer in her own right, originally one half of R&B duo, Mickey & Sylvia in the late '50s, producing tracks for the likes of The Moments in 1970 and then later releasing three solo albums between 1973 & 1977 - 'Pillow Talk', 'Sylvia' and 'Lay It On Me'. The single 'Pillow Talk' went gold, selling over two million copies. From this track, it's widely agreed that Donna Summer bit her moans on 'Love To Love you Baby', and the drum patterns were "borrowed" for tracks by the likes of Kate Bush ('Running Up That Hill') & Fleetwood Mac ('Big Love').
Sylvia, her late husband Joseph Robinson, and Morris Levy, formed Sugar Hill Recordsin the 1970s as an R&B/Disco label. This was her second label venture (the first being All Platinum Records). It was faltering until they recorded three Bronx rappers (Big Bank Hank,Wonder Mike and Master Gee) over the instrumental of Chic's 'Good Times'. Pioneering in itself, as it was one of the earliest examples of sampling - long before anyone had any idea how to tackle it legally, much to the upset of Nile Rodgers. She titled the record 'Rapper's Delight' and named the group the Sugar Hill Gang. This of course became the first commercially successful mainstream Hip Hop record ever released, charting highly all over the World.
Most Hip Hop historians consider it more important that she then quickly went on to sign Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. In contrast to the innocuous party rhymes of 'Rapper's Delight', the Furious Five cut several tracks of dark, ominous social commentary, including 'The Message', a track she also produced herself,featuring the vocals of Melle Mel (even though Flash received top billing on the track). Sugar Hill also released tracks over it's time from additional artists such as Spoonie Gee, Treacherous Three, Funky Four Plus One and The Sequence, featuring a Miss Angie Stone. Despite things ultimately turning a little sour for Sugar Hill, there's no doubt that Sylvia laid the foundation for the likes of Tommy Boy and Def Jam, and planted the seeds that ultimately turned Hip Hop into the worldwide force it is today, in the music industry and in everyday culture.
She remained a shrewd, calculating, smart businesswoman and the Robinsons still did well, buying the famed Chess back catalogue and reselling it to MCA in 1986 for a substantial profit, and she knew that, when it came to making dollars, it was ALL about publishing (not always making her popular with her artists). She also still had an eye for talent, discovering Naughty By Nature (originally called The New Style). Down the line, Dilla & Moby both sampled her voice, and she remained actively working in the mainstream music industry throughout her career.
Sylvia Robinson was a true pioneer in this thing we call Hip Hop, and a real force to the end. Salute. Bobby x
Sylvia Robinson (March 6, 1936 – September 29, 2011)
Heres a lil 30 minute mix from record fiend and booze mashed potato dancing, JP aka Johnny Roast. Recorded for Mr Things Birthday party that we all got mega rowdy at The Book Club last weekend... He rocked the spot on the night, Now download this shit for your ears... ALL 45's.
Finally dropping on wax today, is Elzhi's 'Elmatic', his incredible take on Nas' 'Illmatic' (previously blogged right HERE back in May).
DJ's have wanted this on a format you can feel for a minute.
But, what's slowly starting to make motherfuckers trip even more than that, is the release of Detroit band Will Sessions instrumental version of the album.
Much as Elzhi ripped it, the live band recreations of this bonafide classic are something quite special, and the thing that made this whole project extra extra sick.
Check below as one of 'Ilmatic's original producers, DJ Premier, gives his take on the product...
'Elmatic' & 'The Elmatic Instrumentals' is released in the US today on Vinyl & CD through Fatbeats Records.
1991 was a pretty special year for music, in my opinion.
September in particular was a special month.
Between September 23rd & 24th alone, some seriously seminal albums were released, including Nirvana's Grunge bible 'Nevermind', Primal Scream's Mercury winning 'Screamadelica', Red Hot Chili Peppers Funk-Rock beast 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik', The Pixies finale 'Trompe Le Monde' and Guns & Roses two-part epic 'Use Your Illusion'.
While all the hype & the shine right now is seemingly centered on Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl & Kris Novoselic's classic second album 'Nevermind', another trio also dropped their second album, on the very same day, September 24th 1991.
That trio was Q Tip, Phife Dawg & Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
That album was 'Low End Theory', by A Tribe Called Quest.
Arguably, this is still one of the greatest Hip Hop albums ever made, regularly featuring in people's Top 10 lists, and heralded by Hip Hoppers, and Non Hip-Hoppers alike, as a genius stroke, and the album that cemented these Native Tongue members place as one of the greatest Hip Hop groups of all time.
From the opening Art Blakey sampled B-line on 'Excursions', all the way through to the last drop of the posse track to end all posse tracks, 'Scenario', this shit thumps from top to tail.
The only collaborations on here are a beat from Pete Rock, a Bassline from Ron Carter, the Soul of Vinia Mojica, some extra spit from Diamond D, Brand Nubian's Sadat X & Lord Jamar and a touch of absolute fire from Busta Rhymes' old crew, Leaders Of The New School.
Bass & Beats to die for, they don't really make 'em like this anymore.
Exactly 20 years old and still sounding as fresh as the day it dropped.
This, right here, is the definition of classic material.
Salute to the Tribe, each & every time.
'Light Up The World' is the Brand new single from UK songstress Yasmin. Produced by Drum & Bass' veteran soundsystem badman Shy FX and features Ms Dynamite on the chorus.... BIG TINGZ
Mr Thing has done it all from win battles, DJ clubs and
festivals around the world, release mixtapes and compilations to producing for
many of the countries finest MC’s and all with the relaxed charm of a man that
loves his work. Very few people in the music game hold the privileged position
of not having anyone with a bad word to say about them, in fact it is a spot Mr
Thing probably holds on his own.
To celebrate The Doctor’s
Orders have a dream line up of many of London’s hottest DJs, Producers and
artists will be keeping this brilliant Shoreditch venue bumping from wall to
wall all night. You can expect a party packed mix of Hip-Hop, Soul, and way
more besides as we celebrate this big occasion in style.
GET THERE EARLY! Mr Thing Harry
Love Spin
Doctor DJ Lok Chris P Cuts The Last Skeptik JP Charlie Brown Mo Fingaz & BobaFatt
As one half of EPMD, alongside Parish Smith, and as a solo
artist Erick Sermon has been churning out Hip-Hop classics for the past four
decades. A true legend of the game he, and his ‘Hit Squad’, were responsible
for helping shape the sound of ‘Golden Era’ late 80’s & early 90’s Hip-Hop
with their combination of Funk breaks and hard hitting lyrics.
The green eyed bandit joins The Doctor’s Orders for this one
off exclusive DJ show where he will be spinning a mix of not only his own
tracks and productions but also loads of the Hip-Hop, Soul and Funk classics
that have influenced him over the years.
As is always the case with “the kings of the capital’s
Hip-Hop scene” (Time Out) there is a supreme team of DJs in support as The
Doctor’s Orders own Spin Doctor, Choice FM’s DJ 279 represent for the UK while
Cleveland’s DJ Ev helps gets the party started.
A beautiful, emotive, modern day tale of romance, respect, admiration & affection between one man and his shank.
Tissues at the ready. This is genuinely moving. *sniff*.
Here's a very nice lil' sum'n sum'n put together by Pooky.
Pete Rock & CL Smooth's 'Appreciate' (originally from the 'Soul Survivor II' LP) gets flipped in a Brazilian style and pattern.
Download link below - don't sleep on this one, the DL will only be available for the next 24 hours!...
It is taking a while but Mac Miller is slowly becoming a household rap name. I am guilty of liking a small handful of his tunes now. The Rostrum Records rapper now features with the big man himself, DJ Premier. What do you think?
It's that time again people! The DMC World Championships are once again upon us. And Main Squeeze have 2 x FREE TICKETS to give away! To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is answer the following question....
Who is the founder of DMC? Is it:-
A) Prince Buster
B) Tony Prince
C) Prince Naseem Hamed
To Enter - Simply email your answer along with your name and email address to tarl@mainsqueezehiphop.com. Please head your email DMC Competition.
Competition ends - Wednesday 5th October. The winner contacted by email.
RANE & SERATO present: The DMC World DJ Final and Battle For World Supremacy 2011
THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER / FRIDAY 7 OCTOBER - indigO2 at The O2
The line up....
DMC WORLD DJ FINAL
BATTLE FOR WORLD SUPREMECY + TEAM BATTLE
THE X-ECUTIONERS (Back by popular demand!)
NATHAN FLUTEBOX LEE & THE CLINIC
DJ SWITCH (3 x DMC World Supremacy Champion) – CONCERTO FOR TURNTABLES – Special 3 deck performance
THE BOXETTES ft. HOBBIT
Rane and Serato Showcase - DJ LIGONE (DMC World Champion 2010)
DJ TIGERSTYLE (DMC Battle For Supremacy Champion 2003)
What do you get when you put together afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and rap pioneers De La Soul? You get Fela Soul; a musical tapestry created by Gummy Soul artist Amerigo Gazaway. More than just a clever title, Fela Soul is an 8-track, 33 minute journey into the world of afrobeat rhythms, funky horn riffs, and classic hip-hop gems. Using dozens of hand-picked samples from the Nigerian instrumentalist and political figure Fela Kuti, and 8 carefully-chosen acapellas from the Native Tongue rap trio De La Soul, Amerigo seamlessly intertwines the two into something completely new and original.
DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS. WE GOT THE DOPE SHIT RIGHT HERE!
After hearing No Lay on Episode 11 of the Nextmen Podcast, I have been eager to hear more of her material due to the raw delivery and lyrical talent that was displayed on Clockface. Here she offers her new mixtape. 'I Am Future' with 13 new tracks, freestyles and a clip of Clockface which will be released as her new single.. New UK Music...
This time round, Brainfeeder's Teebs, Jeremiah Jae & Kutmah all did their thing.
To coincide with the event, Hit & Run and Rough Trade hooked up to produce an exclusive mad-limited mixtape, from Teebs & Jeremiah. You can cop that HERE.
Check the video below for 2 Hours of beats & treats recorded & streamed live on the night.
Every three weeks, as part of my day job at Rough Trade, I do a live hour long show on Resonance FM called Counter Culture Radio.
Slight diversion to my Hip Hop steelo, I drop the latest releases & upfront shizzle centered around the world of Bass, Techno, House, Dubstep, Broken Beat, bits of Reggae & Soul, occasional Indie / Alternative tracks and Brainfeeder inspired Beats & Pieces... with a little Hip Hop thrown in there too of course. Serato free - Vinyl and CDR's only!
Rough Trade's Simon & Phil cover the weeks in between, playing more across the board experimental electronics, New Wave, Witchhouse & more guitar-based sounds.
All the show's are archived weekly up on Rough Trade's Mixcloud page HERE.
If you wanted, you can check out my last few show's below, or on my own Mixcloud page HERE.
Freshly from on 1Xtra's Mistajam... comes new music from Mikey J & Kano’s collaborative project NOT 4 THE A LIST. The MC and Producer will be releasing a new track every week for your viewing and listening pleasure. Nice to the Kano back on the mic... Nods to Grime Daily for the video.
Los Angeles-based photographer Steven Taylor shares with us some insights backstage during his recent work sessions with Common and Nas. Here we are being offered some rare behind-the-scenes impressions from the current works of Common and Nas.
Evidence is here with 'You' produced by the mighty DJ Premier. To cut a long story short.. This shit is badass.. One of my faves for this year.. Watch out for the Cats N Dogs Album...
This weekend we caught up with Suspect Packages co host & resident DJ LoK. Been a Main Squeeze regular for a minute. Genuine all round badboy on and off the plates... We asked him what he was feelin....
1. Kayne & Jay Z should be making music like this all day, everyday. Its not like either of them need the money anymore! Hip Hop!
2. Off the forthcoming LP which is being released at Suspect Packages LIVE this month. Great stuff - the video is incredible!!!! Big up Skriblah and Global Faction!
3. Heard this in an HMV the other day, damn! Had to get my detective on and find out what it was. Even thought its kinda poppy for dubstep, I like it!
4. Aloe Blacc before the majors got him. I remember having this on a Stones Throw promo CD years back - Wow!
5. Forthcoming from the NEW PLC LP - The Professionals.... Jheeze... Just wait till you hear the material they got coming.....
'Break It Down' was famed after being featured on DJ Premier's seminal mixtape 'New York Reality Check 101'. I lost my mind when i first heard this.. Made me scrunch up my face. I have been searching for a tune by Brainwash for years but only today did i find out it was Brainwash 2000... Hence never owning it... Now I do.
In 2005, Common released his sixth studio album, and second gold record, Be. In describing the album's concept shortly after its release, he said, "I named it Be to be who you are, man, and be able to be in the moment and not try too hard. Be is another way of saying just do without trying hard, like I said, natural and be true to the core of who you are; and this album, I wanted to just be and not just go and exist as just an artist, not worried about the past." This is the next chapter in reeboks look back at the classics...
Ed Sheeran is back again with the True Tiger remix of his latest offering 'You Need Me, I Don't Need You'.. Featuring two of London’s most sought after young MCs, the South London repping Dot Rotten and West London tongue twister Scrufizzer. Watch the video....
'What You Feelin?' is a new weekly blog post from Main Squeeze, where we ask DJ's, Producers, MC's, Artists & B-Boys what music they are feeling at the moment. 5 tunes at the moment. New and Old. I am starting the ball rolling for this week... Make sure you keep posted as we have some wicked people lined up already...
1.
Loving this track at the moment. The mix of Stones Throw style hip hop.. With a soulful chorus and hint of Dogg Pound on that shit...
2.
First rapper in a while that I have found doesn't sound like anyone else. A very versatile rapper with his beats spreading from crunk to soul...
3.
J.Cole is hot at the moment. I look forward to hearing whats next from him. Wicked Style. Dope flip of a latin sample here for too....
4.
Thr OG was a banger and its a wicked story to have released an unheard remix 11 years later.. Paul Nice always comes correct. R.I.P GURU
5.
After we featured the break on 'Gimme A Break' a few weeks ago i just cant stop playing it.. wicked chorus.. Sick sample... Marco Polo kills the beats.
