This one is pretty dated by blogosphere standards and ain't quite as good as some of the other free download albums available in this section (check out the Jordan Miche EP or Void Pedal EP to see what I mean), but Oldominion has definitely been putting out some quality releases in the past year and this is a fine little number to add to your Seattle hip hop collection. Destro Destructo is more commonly known as one half of the Rhymesayers-signed group Boom Bap Project, who are part of Oldominion and have a couple of solid albums under their belt. This "Working Progress" EP is meant as a prelude to Destro's full length solo album "Ill.ustrated," which is due to drop some time in 2011. The EP features some production by Peegee13, as well as a strong guest verse from the seldom-heard Anaxagorus (also of Oldominon). You can download the EP for free over at the Vinyl Fluid Records Bandcamp Page, or you can stream it below of you wanna hear it MP-free.
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Monday, January 17, 2011
Destro Destructo "Working Progress EP"
Expanding the Backpack, 1/17/11
This one is pretty dated by blogosphere standards and ain't quite as good as some of the other free download albums available in this section (check out the Jordan Miche EP or Void Pedal EP to see what I mean), but Oldominion has definitely been putting out some quality releases in the past year and this is a fine little number to add to your Seattle hip hop collection. Destro Destructo is more commonly known as one half of the Rhymesayers-signed group Boom Bap Project, who are part of Oldominion and have a couple of solid albums under their belt. This "Working Progress" EP is meant as a prelude to Destro's full length solo album "Ill.ustrated," which is due to drop some time in 2011. The EP features some production by Peegee13, as well as a strong guest verse from the seldom-heard Anaxagorus (also of Oldominon). You can download the EP for free over at the Vinyl Fluid Records Bandcamp Page, or you can stream it below of you wanna hear it MP-free.
This one is pretty dated by blogosphere standards and ain't quite as good as some of the other free download albums available in this section (check out the Jordan Miche EP or Void Pedal EP to see what I mean), but Oldominion has definitely been putting out some quality releases in the past year and this is a fine little number to add to your Seattle hip hop collection. Destro Destructo is more commonly known as one half of the Rhymesayers-signed group Boom Bap Project, who are part of Oldominion and have a couple of solid albums under their belt. This "Working Progress" EP is meant as a prelude to Destro's full length solo album "Ill.ustrated," which is due to drop some time in 2011. The EP features some production by Peegee13, as well as a strong guest verse from the seldom-heard Anaxagorus (also of Oldominon). You can download the EP for free over at the Vinyl Fluid Records Bandcamp Page, or you can stream it below of you wanna hear it MP-free.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Aesop Rock Produces the Blues
The Latest Greatest, 1/16/11
New song from Murs from his upcoming "Varsity Blues 2" project, which is apparently produced entirely by Aesop Rock. Should take this opportunity to note that the original "Varsity Blues" EP that Murs put out in 2002 was my shit. I picked it up from him when he was touring with Atmosphere and Blueprint and credit that album as my main introduction to Murs' music. Always interesting to hear what direction Aesop Rock is takin' these days, will certainly wanna listen to this when it drops.
New song from Murs from his upcoming "Varsity Blues 2" project, which is apparently produced entirely by Aesop Rock. Should take this opportunity to note that the original "Varsity Blues" EP that Murs put out in 2002 was my shit. I picked it up from him when he was touring with Atmosphere and Blueprint and credit that album as my main introduction to Murs' music. Always interesting to hear what direction Aesop Rock is takin' these days, will certainly wanna listen to this when it drops.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Not Like Them Other Villainous Empires
The Latest Greatest, 1/12/11
New album by Chillin Villain Empire, "Not Like Those," out right now and available for sale via Access Hip Hop (on CDR) or through various digital outlets. Riddlore? and Nga Fish are some insanely talented mo'fos who've been repping LA's Project Blowed collective for a couple decades now, but their albums tend to be a little on the sloppy side so I'm reserving my judgment on this one for now. Would be interested in hearing it though... there are snippets available to listen to over here.
Edit: Looks like Nga Fish and Mighty Joe Young(?) of CVE both just dropped solo albums too, which makes me extra-skeptical of the quality of this release! Still wanna give it a proper listen though.
New album by Chillin Villain Empire, "Not Like Those," out right now and available for sale via Access Hip Hop (on CDR) or through various digital outlets. Riddlore? and Nga Fish are some insanely talented mo'fos who've been repping LA's Project Blowed collective for a couple decades now, but their albums tend to be a little on the sloppy side so I'm reserving my judgment on this one for now. Would be interested in hearing it though... there are snippets available to listen to over here.Edit: Looks like Nga Fish and Mighty Joe Young(?) of CVE both just dropped solo albums too, which makes me extra-skeptical of the quality of this release! Still wanna give it a proper listen though.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Killuminati
The Latest Greatest, 1/11/11
New album from Isaiah Toothtaker of Mestizo's Machina Muerte collective, entitled "Illuminati Thug Mafia," dropping on January 25th via Machina Muerte/Alpha Pup. This is the first single from the album, "Intruder," and it's got some interesting stylings and a pretty cool hook to boot. Extra kudos to Mr. Toothtaker for incorporating footage from the film "I Drink Your Blood" into the video... that flick is awesome and well worth checking out!
INTRUDER from Isaiah Toothtaker on Vimeo.
New album from Isaiah Toothtaker of Mestizo's Machina Muerte collective, entitled "Illuminati Thug Mafia," dropping on January 25th via Machina Muerte/Alpha Pup. This is the first single from the album, "Intruder," and it's got some interesting stylings and a pretty cool hook to boot. Extra kudos to Mr. Toothtaker for incorporating footage from the film "I Drink Your Blood" into the video... that flick is awesome and well worth checking out!
Enter the Omni-Coloured Void
The Latest Greatest, 1/11/11
Do not adjust your computer monitor. The trippy waves you see above represent the album cover of Void Pedal's long-player "Omni-Colour," which is dropping on CD/LP/DL via Fieldwerk Recordings February 2011. If the quality of Void Pedal's self-titled EP is anything to go by (hint: check the Expanding the Backpack section for a free download), then this should be awesome. Hoping it will fill the current void - no pun intended - of solid instrumental hip hop releases out there.
Do not adjust your computer monitor. The trippy waves you see above represent the album cover of Void Pedal's long-player "Omni-Colour," which is dropping on CD/LP/DL via Fieldwerk Recordings February 2011. If the quality of Void Pedal's self-titled EP is anything to go by (hint: check the Expanding the Backpack section for a free download), then this should be awesome. Hoping it will fill the current void - no pun intended - of solid instrumental hip hop releases out there.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Random Rap-Related 2010 Lists Pt. 2
The Lowdown, 1/8/11
Inspired by my pals Spensaur and Graceface, here are some of the funnest shows I saw in 2010:
1) P.O.S, Grieves & Budo, Dessa @ Bottom of the Hill
2) Greenhouse, Dez & Nobs, Timmy Wiggins, Cloud City @ LiPo Lounge
3) JFK, Insects, Black Mask, Outwitz, etc. @ Rockit Room
4) Moka Only & Factor, Ceschi, Open Mike Eagle, Kirby Dominant, etc. @ Elbo Room
5) Myka 9, Medusa, BPos, etc. @ Club 6
(unfortunately, I had to bounce early from this one and missed this collab. :( But Medusa was A-MA-ZING)
6) Doomtree & Rec League @ Slim’s
7) Daedelus, Nosaj Thing, Jogger @ Mighty
8) Qwel & Maker @ Farmer’s Block
9) Grouch, Brother Ali, Eligh @ New Parish
10) Amoebapalooza 2010 @ Stork Club
(No videos available of this one, as far as I know??? Butcher Cover and Swann Danger at First Church of the Buzzard was type epic as well)
Some other notable shows I attended last year:
Ecid, Noah23, Jordan Miche, Edison, Paulie Think, etc. @ Retox Room
Rec League, Grand Invincible, Dulok Shaman, Lodeck @ Red Devil Lounge
Luckyiam & Mestizo @ Club 6
Daedelus, Gaslamp Killer, 12th Planet & Teebs @ 1050 Folsom
Dark Time Sunshine, Void Pedal, Propaganda, Bru Lei @ Shattuck Downlow
Dark Time Sunshine, Jern Eye @ The Layover
Aceyalone & Sunspot Jonz @ Shattuck Downlow
Afro Classics, Understudies, etc. @ Blake's
Psalm One, Open Mike Eagle, League 510 @ Elbo Room
etc. , etc.
Was a pretty fun and eventful year for shows! Here's hoping for just as many in 2011. :)
Inspired by my pals Spensaur and Graceface, here are some of the funnest shows I saw in 2010:
1) P.O.S, Grieves & Budo, Dessa @ Bottom of the Hill
2) Greenhouse, Dez & Nobs, Timmy Wiggins, Cloud City @ LiPo Lounge
3) JFK, Insects, Black Mask, Outwitz, etc. @ Rockit Room
4) Moka Only & Factor, Ceschi, Open Mike Eagle, Kirby Dominant, etc. @ Elbo Room
5) Myka 9, Medusa, BPos, etc. @ Club 6
(unfortunately, I had to bounce early from this one and missed this collab. :( But Medusa was A-MA-ZING)
6) Doomtree & Rec League @ Slim’s
7) Daedelus, Nosaj Thing, Jogger @ Mighty
8) Qwel & Maker @ Farmer’s Block
9) Grouch, Brother Ali, Eligh @ New Parish
10) Amoebapalooza 2010 @ Stork Club
(No videos available of this one, as far as I know??? Butcher Cover and Swann Danger at First Church of the Buzzard was type epic as well)
Some other notable shows I attended last year:
Ecid, Noah23, Jordan Miche, Edison, Paulie Think, etc. @ Retox Room
Rec League, Grand Invincible, Dulok Shaman, Lodeck @ Red Devil Lounge
Luckyiam & Mestizo @ Club 6
Daedelus, Gaslamp Killer, 12th Planet & Teebs @ 1050 Folsom
Dark Time Sunshine, Void Pedal, Propaganda, Bru Lei @ Shattuck Downlow
Dark Time Sunshine, Jern Eye @ The Layover
Aceyalone & Sunspot Jonz @ Shattuck Downlow
Afro Classics, Understudies, etc. @ Blake's
Psalm One, Open Mike Eagle, League 510 @ Elbo Room
etc. , etc.
Was a pretty fun and eventful year for shows! Here's hoping for just as many in 2011. :)
Random Rap-Related 2010 Lists
The Lowdown, 1/1/11
Some favorite albums from 2010:
1) Dessa "A Badly Broken Code" (Doomtree)
Ani Difranco meets Jean Grae? Lauryn Hill meets Sage Francis? One of Doomtree's strongest releases to date, and arguably the strongest full length by a female MC I've ever heard.
2) Dark Time Sunshine "Vessel" (Fake Four)
Onry Ozzborn has been killing it on the vocal tip lately, and Zavala is one of the top producers of the moment. Together, they went and made some magic. Probably the best-produced album of 2010.
3) Qwel & Maker "Owl" (Galapagos4)
Some of the strongest work to date by all parties involved, which is no joke coming from a long-time Qwel fan. Gritty, heavy-hitting funk production vs. creative and relentlessly intelligent rapping.
4) Homeboy Sandman "The Good Sun" (High Water Music)
One of the most original voices to emerge from NY's underground in years. Fun, playful, highly stylized boom bap greatness. Super impressive body of work.
5) Dr. Oop "The Grateful Dread" (Blacklovemusic)
Hands down one of the most slept on rap releases of 2010. Oop Capone is an LA vet with years of experience under his belt, and he's perfected his mellow style of rapping here while keeping things extra sharp in the lyrics and content departments.
6) Factor "Lawson Graham" (Fake Four)
The sound of a skilled producer running with a concept and improving the sound of his music in the process. An excellent blend of folk and hip hop, with great contributions from a number of talented guest musicians.
7) Xperience "William the VIII" (Oldominion)
Another contender for "most slept on" from last year, this album has Xperience really showing off his talents as a rapper, singer, and producer. Self-released with next to zero promotion, distribution or marketing, this album is never the less a shining example of Xperience's talent and versatility. One of the most soulful Oldominion releases to date.
8) Broken Complex "Broken Complex" (Broken Complex)
The strongest rap group debut of 2010. Though many of the MCs have been touring and putting out solo albums under the radar for years, BC's collective debut really emphasizes the strengths of every artist in the crew. Rarely do so many unknown rappers stand out so distinctly on an album.
9) Soulcrate Music "The Heartland Panic" (Black Clover)
Some really fun, energetic, upbeat rap music from Sioux, South Dakota. The sound of this album brings to mind images of enthusiastic fans like me jumping up and down at live shows.
10) The Opus "Praying Mantis - Plus" (Indus)
Deserves a mention for being the strongest instrumental hip hop release of 2010, though it lacked much competition. A meditative, intricate and impressive return to music by this talented duo from Chicago.
---
Lots of other really dope releases this year as well:
Blue Sky Black Death "Third Party"
2Mex "My Fanbase Will Destroy You"
Mestizo "Elecholo"
Junk Science "A Miraculous Kind of Machine"
JFK "Building Wings on the Way Down"
Awol One & Ecid "Are..."
Thavius Beck "Dialogue"
Lazerbeak "Legend Recognize Legend"
A.R.M "Two Africans and a Jew"
Damu the Fudgemunk "How It Should Sound vol. 1 & 2"
The Let Go "Morning Comes"
Paper Tiger "Made Like Us"
etc.
Just to name a few. :) Was a great year for music.
Some favorite albums from 2010:
1) Dessa "A Badly Broken Code" (Doomtree)
Ani Difranco meets Jean Grae? Lauryn Hill meets Sage Francis? One of Doomtree's strongest releases to date, and arguably the strongest full length by a female MC I've ever heard.
2) Dark Time Sunshine "Vessel" (Fake Four)
Onry Ozzborn has been killing it on the vocal tip lately, and Zavala is one of the top producers of the moment. Together, they went and made some magic. Probably the best-produced album of 2010.3) Qwel & Maker "Owl" (Galapagos4)
Some of the strongest work to date by all parties involved, which is no joke coming from a long-time Qwel fan. Gritty, heavy-hitting funk production vs. creative and relentlessly intelligent rapping.
4) Homeboy Sandman "The Good Sun" (High Water Music)
One of the most original voices to emerge from NY's underground in years. Fun, playful, highly stylized boom bap greatness. Super impressive body of work.5) Dr. Oop "The Grateful Dread" (Blacklovemusic)
Hands down one of the most slept on rap releases of 2010. Oop Capone is an LA vet with years of experience under his belt, and he's perfected his mellow style of rapping here while keeping things extra sharp in the lyrics and content departments.6) Factor "Lawson Graham" (Fake Four)
The sound of a skilled producer running with a concept and improving the sound of his music in the process. An excellent blend of folk and hip hop, with great contributions from a number of talented guest musicians.
7) Xperience "William the VIII" (Oldominion)
Another contender for "most slept on" from last year, this album has Xperience really showing off his talents as a rapper, singer, and producer. Self-released with next to zero promotion, distribution or marketing, this album is never the less a shining example of Xperience's talent and versatility. One of the most soulful Oldominion releases to date.8) Broken Complex "Broken Complex" (Broken Complex)
The strongest rap group debut of 2010. Though many of the MCs have been touring and putting out solo albums under the radar for years, BC's collective debut really emphasizes the strengths of every artist in the crew. Rarely do so many unknown rappers stand out so distinctly on an album.9) Soulcrate Music "The Heartland Panic" (Black Clover)
Some really fun, energetic, upbeat rap music from Sioux, South Dakota. The sound of this album brings to mind images of enthusiastic fans like me jumping up and down at live shows.
10) The Opus "Praying Mantis - Plus" (Indus)
Deserves a mention for being the strongest instrumental hip hop release of 2010, though it lacked much competition. A meditative, intricate and impressive return to music by this talented duo from Chicago.
---
Lots of other really dope releases this year as well:
Blue Sky Black Death "Third Party"
2Mex "My Fanbase Will Destroy You"
Mestizo "Elecholo"
Junk Science "A Miraculous Kind of Machine"
JFK "Building Wings on the Way Down"
Awol One & Ecid "Are..."
Thavius Beck "Dialogue"
Lazerbeak "Legend Recognize Legend"
A.R.M "Two Africans and a Jew"
Damu the Fudgemunk "How It Should Sound vol. 1 & 2"
The Let Go "Morning Comes"
Paper Tiger "Made Like Us"
etc.
Just to name a few. :) Was a great year for music.
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