All You Can Eat Hip Hop

Fresh from the Inbox - Mixtape Monday

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:16:00 +0000

Time once again to clean out the inbox of a few things. Wow, have I got some goodies for the kids today...a few mixtapes, and a song or two.

First up Revalations sent through a new joint from M-Dot featuring EMS (Revalation, Desco, and Strick 9) titled Believe Now check it out.

M-Dot featuring EMS - Believe Now

Grynch, in my opinion, is one of the best that is doin it right now in Seattle. Today he released his latest mixtape...Rapping About Rapping mixed by DJ Nphared. If you're gonna be at SXSW then don't miss this dude.

Grynch - The Rapping About Rapping Mixtape

The homey Frank Ramz sent through his latest since becoming a father. Congrats go out, again, to him and Mrs. Ramz for the new addition and mixtape.

Frank Ramz - Frankenstein

The latest installment from Epiphany in the RESPECT mixtape series has arrived. This one is dedicated to the ladies.... In RESPECT Pt. 2 (Womens), Piph "relays his thoughts, frustrations, and triumphs through a semi-narrative, inspired from interactions with women in his social circles".

Epiphany - RESPECT Pt. 2 (Womens)

Last, but certainly not least The Closed Sessions Vol. 1.... "The Closed Sessions EP Vol. 1 contains 14 tracks, and 9 original songs, all created at SoundScape Recordings in Chicago, IL. The songs were created under a simple idea, take talented artists, put them in a studio with other talented artists and producers, give them access to high quality production, and just get out of their way as they do what they do: create great music."

Various Artists - The Closed Sessions Vol. 1

Well that's all I have for you today...enjoy. Peacel

Introducing the Subsoniq Crew, Part 2.

doobietothehead@gmail.com (BrainSlice) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:50:00 +0000

Next up is my man DQ: Co-Host of the show, and “The Muhammad Ali of Facebook DJ’s” (big thanks to him for getting back to me quickly, and my apologies for being so slow to get this posted). Here we go with: SubSoniq introductions, part 2.

“My name is Adam J. Levine, AKA Deuce Quattro or DQ. I was born and raised in The Boogie Down Bronx, New York City. Naturally when you grow up in NYC, Hip Hop culture is very relevant in everyday life. When I was about 11 years old, I let my cousin hear the new cassette tape I had just made by dubbing songs off the radio ( Hot 97, WBLS, and at the time 98.7 KISS ), as we all used to do. The next day he handed me a different cassette tape and said, " I think you will like this better ". The tape contained such artists as Cypress Hill, Public Enemy, Ice Cube, EPMD, Redman, Black Sheep, Rakim, Brand Nubian, and A Tribe Called Quest. My life was never the same after that day. Like Biggie said "I let my tape rock till my tape popped". I literally did, and THAT was my first introduction to Hip Hop.

Music in general has always been a big part of my family. Every Saturday morning I would wake up to my Mother cleaning our apartment in The Bronx with loud music playing. Usually it was either Salsa Music or any genre of Jazz, in addition to R&B and Soul artists like Anita Baker, Regina Bell, and Sade. Also, my uncle was in a Salsa band and was nasty on the Congas.

In the future you can expect to see more of me covering various events such as our annual visit to the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. I personally feel that if you hear Subsoniq one time, you will tune in on a regular basis. That is how much substance we bring to the table. We take the " mainstream" and " politics" out and replace it with "REALITY". It's Hip Hop you can relate to, from artists we all know and love, to artists you may not have heard yet. Either way Subsoniq will leave you wanting more, as well as discovering new music and artists on a regular basis.”

Peace.

- Deuce Quattro

Co-Host of Subsoniq

Check out DQ in action at the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival:

For other interviews with artists such as Buckshot, Dead Prez, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, and more; head on over to the SubSoniq YouTube Channel. The show will be back in your ears this Thursday the 18th. Don’t sleep! Stay tuned at ProgHipHop, on Twitter, fAYCEbook, and of course here at AYCE!

The Kidz Gettin’ Restless

noreply@blogger.com (catch91) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:45:00 +0000

Hola amigos and amigas…been a minute, eh? We’ve been catchin’ up on some much needed beauty rest around these parts, but no worries fam, we still in it! You know who else is in it? Kidz In the Hall, that’s who! One of my favorite directors – Court Dunn (I’m comin’ for an interview soon homes) – did another in his series of “1-Shots” for “Introlude” off the new Kidz joint, and as usual, I’m a fan. Peep:

Introducing the Subsoniq Crew, Part 1.

doobietothehead@gmail.com (BrainSlice) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:54:00 +0000

That’s right…I’m not gonna shut up about THIS anytime soon. I have invited our recently canceled (down, but never out) friends over at SubSoniq to introduce themselves, one at a time, in their own words.

First up is K-Murdock, who is no stranger to the pages of AYCE.

“My name is Kyle Murdock, better known to the masses as K-Murdock of Panacea AND Subsoniq fame. I grew up in the DC Metro Area and like most people, my affinity for music spawned from my family members. Namely my mom who would drive us around as kids with two cassette tapes in HEAVY rotation, Anita Baker: "Rapture" and Luther Vandross: "Give Me the Reason". Naturally, my music predilection was swaying toward R&B (real R&B and not the BS on the radio these days), BUT when I was 9 or so, I snuck into my cousins room at a family get-together and rummaged through his tapes and LPs. I discovered the likes of KRS-One, Gangstarr, De La, and Ice Cube to name a few... my life = changed. I instantly began jocking anything my older cousins had, and the most memorable group was Tribe, especially "The Low End Theory" ... played it so much the tape lettering wore off but I knew it verbatim.... Hell, even today 20 years later I know "LET" and "Midnight Marauders" as well as i know any Panacea albums :). So, shouts to my cousins Marcus, Kenny & Kevin... and also my late uncle Melvin who I grew up listening to on local radio. He was the originator of the "Quiet Storm" format aka "Babies makin' Babies" music.”
K

This is the first in a series, so stay tuned to hear from the rest of the fellas.

In the meantime, check out K-Murdock’s BLOG, hit him up on TWITTER, and go support he and Raw Poetic’s latest (and highly anticipated) project over at KICKSTARTER. “12 Step” will be released on vinyl, thanks to their loyal fans, but you can still head over there to support some REAL Hip Hop. Pre-order and get some extra goodies.

BrainSlice out!

OC Notes - Coffee Beans...The Glamour ReWorks

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:11:00 +0000

A few days ago PSmoov of Fresh Espresso released the acapellas from their album "Glamour" over at The Proof for the local 206 producers to remix and post as they wish. I'm here to tell you, there have been some dope remixes so far (and they're not done yet). OC Notes took it upon himself to "rework" the entire album, and it turned out kinda fresh. The link is below, go here to download for free or hit the link below. If you are curious to hear the rest of the remixes (so far) you can check them out here.

OC Notes - Coffee Beans: The Glamour Reworks

If you're a producer yourself and want to try your hand at remixing some of Fresh Espresso tracks you can get those here as well. Good luck!

Bambu - Slow Down featuring Prometheus Brown (Geo of Blue Scholars) Video

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:42:00 +0000

WHOA, now this right here...this is some heat. The dudes Bambu and Prometheus Brown (aka Geologic of Blue Scholars) go IN on this joint produced by MTK. The lyrics and delivery is on point...double time it son. The beat is filthy... and to quote Mef, "it's bangin son..." Paper Cuts out now, get it here. Peace.

Bambu: Slow Down (with Prometheus Brown of Blue Scholars) from Beatrock Music on Vimeo.

P.S. After seein Bambu in this video...would you mess with him in a dark alley?!? Not this guy...

Get Well Soon, Guru.

doobietothehead@gmail.com (BrainSlice) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Take it back Tuesday is here, and tonight I am writing with a heavy heart. This morning I fired up the Ipod touch while eating breakfast, and found this tweet from Talib Kweli: “Prayin for Guru. He had cardiac arrest and is in a coma. Pray with me.”

Guru is one of my Hip Hop Heroes. It’s tough to describe the feeling. The same sadness I felt when I heard about Jam master Jay, and a few others. When a hero of mine falls, I feel like part of me falls with them.

Q-Tip just updated: “Spoke to preemo. He's in surgery still. keep praying. He's still here.”

I have always held Guru and Premier on a high pedestal. Even at a young age, I recognized that Guru’s lyrics were more socially conscious and insightful than a lot of other MC’s (not to mention smooth and cold as ice). He always seemed like…. that dude that is above all that shit, but if he’s forced to go in and teach you a fuckin’ lesson, he WILL. Right now I am listening to “Full Clip: A Decade of Gangstarr” and I probably won’t stop anytime soon.

He’s down, but not out. Let’s all pray for him and his family. I don’t care if I ever hear a new rhyme from Guru, I just hope he can be well again.

Peace.

Aaaaaand we're back...maybe!

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:31:00 +0000

It has been a minute but maybe, just maybe, we'll get a little streak of posts going here. It has be a while since I have cleared out the inbox so I'm gonna post up a few of the most recent, and most notable here for y'all to enjoy.

The first comes courtesy for the big homey Revalation, I got you fam, just may take us sometime...haha. This one from Let's Make Enemies (Mayhem and Tha Silet Partner) and features Revalation himself and Sha Stimuli. Everyday "chronicles the struggles and hardship of everyday life as told by these 3 talented emcees". Been a fan of all three of these dudes since jump, and to have them on one track makes for a nice record.

Let's Make Enemies (LME) - Everyday feat. Revalation and Sha Stimuli

Next up is the latest leak from Shawn Chrystopher's "Audition EP", Can't Take That From Me which will be released via his website on March 23rd. Mr. Chrystopher is really hit and miss for me, not to say that I won't give this EP a listen, but here you go...

Shawn Chrystopher - Can't Take That From Me

Next up is the first leak from the second installment of Piph's RESPECT mini-mixtape series. The track Apology of Sorts will be featured on RESPECT Pt. 2 (Womens) droppin March 9th.

Epiphany - Apology of Sorts

This last track, Crack The Code, is from "The Closed Session Vol. 1" and features Rhymefest and Skyzoo. The reason, you ask, is because...first: I dig Fest's first album "Blue Collar"; second: this came to us on the heels of a released date for his second, "El Che", droppin May 18th. Here's to hoping that Fest can do it again.

Rhymefest and Skyzoo - Crack The Code

Lo Smooth - All I Know Video

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:39:00 +0000

Hmmm, this video came through the inbox with this simple message, "hey i sent you new video for ur site from artist lo-smooth called all i know directed by vul pine films. the mixtape will be out soon hosted by g-unit own dj rob e rob, click link for video ". That's it, no Myspace, no Facebook, no Twitter, no nothing...it's like the first rapper I ever heard that didn't atleast have some way to contact him. Anyway, I'm too busy to look him up, but the visuals are smooth, the lyrics and delivery is nice. Check out the video below. I can dig it...

Ummmmmm….

noreply@blogger.com (catch91) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:05:00 +0000

Another titillating video from Yeezy, probably coming soon to a boob-tube near you. Rest assured, AYCE will keep you abreast of all important happenings, so bounce on through anytime! Yeah…boobies:

Must not have been that cold of a winter…jug, I mean jus sayin’.

“I wanted to destroy something beautiful.”

doobietothehead@gmail.com (BrainSlice) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Why else would the suits over at SiriusXM cancel the greatest radio show ever created (sorry Ron and Fez)? Subsoniq Radio was canceled on February 2nd. I was about to log in to my online Sirius player when I got this tweet at 9:02 pm:

“It is with a heavy heart we relay Subsoniq has been pulled off the Sirius XM platform. more info and feedback @ www.proghiphop.com "

The cancellation of this show was a sucker punch delivered by corporate America straight to the gut of Progressive Hip Hop. It’s bigger than that, though. It is an insult to anyone (fan or artist) that supports the creativity that drives any music that is outside the “mainstream” realm.

What would Tyler Durden do? I’m sure he would have Project Mayhem hard at work manufacturing home-cooked explosives that would be used to destroy several office buildings, but that’s not how we roll over here at AYCE. We are a peaceful crew.

I must say I was pretty upset about this, and it has been difficult to articulate my feelings. In the aftermath, I’ve been able to chat with the hosts (KB, K-Murdock, and Deuce Quattro), Mike Nova (webmaster of the unofficial site: Proghiphop.com), and a couple other hardcore fans about the situation. I was reassured that the show will go on, regardless of what platform it is made available upon.

Support from anyone and everyone is appreciated, whether you are familiar with the show or not. Join the fAYCEbook group, and jump on Proghiphop for more info.

Stay tuned here for more information as well. We plan to have ya’ll hear more details directly from those involved.

“Beats, Rhymes, and Life. When the 3 bind, it’s Nice!”

Brothers From Another - Dukes of the Hood Video

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:12:00 +0000

Another dope little video from BFA for Dukes of the Hood featuring Rebel. I dig the transition from Breez to Goonstar (think I got that right) in the beginning. The black and white is fresh too. These dudes are steppin up as of late and doing nice things. You can grab their free EP here. Peace.

Dyme Def - Do Something Video

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Here it goes, the video for Do Something off Dyme Def's new project. This is definitely a dope video from the dudes and features Gianna Michaels, yes that Gianna Michaels, and whole gaggle of fine ass ladies. Now this video is boarderline "Not Safe For Work", but then again you must not give a shit if you're here already! Check it out!

Up eaaarly...

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:52:00 +0000

So I thought I'd drop off a couple videos and some other goodies that I meant to get out last night. First is from BeanOne...a nice little Smokey Robinson and Crooklyn Dodgers remix and video. Now this is the type of shit that we have come to expect from Bean...genius.

The second is some behind the scenes footage from the video shoot for Slow Down off Bambu's soon to be released joint, "Paper Cuts". The song features Seattlites Geologic (of Blue Scholars) and production by MTK. First, this beat goes hard. Second, these double-timing like crazy and third...this beat goes hard!

As I was surfin around The Proof yesterday I found a thread titled "Akrish - "Let's Talk About Me" featuring Spaceman and Brainstorm". I thought to myself..."self you like Spaceman and you like Brainstorm, you should check that out". So that's what I did, the track is dope. Seems like every time Space and Brain get on a track together...it's nice. I haven't heard much, if anything from Akrish, aside from a brief appearance at Spaceman's show but they all got bars on this one...and it's produced by Brainstorm. Say dat den...

Akrish - Let's Talk About Me feat. Spaceman and Brainstorm

Peace, y'all have a good weekend...

Grieves, Budo, and Rhymesayers...

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:15:00 +0000

A big congratulations goes out to Grieves and Budo for their recent signing to Rhymesayers. I first heard Grieves a few years back when he released "Irreversible", which to this day is still an album I listen to on the regular...and this joint right here...dope. Along with the signing comes a re-issue of Grieves (with Budo) sophomore album "88 Keys and Counting" on March 2nd, a US tour with supporting P.O.S and then a European tour supporting Brother Ali. You can read more about it here. Congrats again to Grieves and Budo. Peace.

Who made who……

doobietothehead@gmail.com (BrainSlice) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:34:00 +0000

It is officially “Take It Back Tuesday”. What’s that? Well, it’s this thing that we said we’d do, and then we don’t do. Today is a new day though, and I GOT this. When it comes to musical preferences, The BrainSlice is a walking contradiction. I often ponder the evolution of my strange playlists. If you dig deep enough, I really think you can see a method to the madness. One of the reasons I have always loved Hip Hop is the because it is inextricably intertwined with every other type of music I love. Extrapolate that.
I’m not talking about corny-ass rap/rock groups, or Puff Daddy/Jimmy page collaborations (whack), or Lil’ Wayne making a “rock” album (just stop dude, seriously, just go to jail and read some books). I’m talking about samples of amazing music that are recycled to make MORE amazing music. I’m talking about Hip Hop artists that grew up listening to Marvin Gaye and The Clash, and pay homage to them in their own music (hypothetically, not realistically speaking). How could you NOT love a Hip Hop MC or producer that lists Guns N Roses, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and Credence Clearwater Revival as their influences? It seems like every progressive artist I hear interviewed lately wants to work with Bjork…..weird. Not as weird as me imagining Biz Markie’s voice flowing, no, stumbling, over pretty much any rock guitar riff and sounding like it has always belonged there.
My Ipod is a fucking train wreck. From Metallica to Morcheeba, Prince to People Under the Stairs, and Beastie Boys to Bob Dylan, it just doesn’t make sense. I got news for you though, IT DOESN’T HAVE TO MAKE SENSE.
One of my all-time favorite albums is Paul’s Boutique. The Beastie Boys hit a home-run on this one. Problem is no one was watching (or listening) because West-Coast gangsta rap was taking center stage about then. Go back and listen to License To Ill. It’s packed full of great samples, like John Bonham’s ridiculous drums off of Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks”. Then listen to Paul’s Boutique. Not only is it full of samples, but they are MULTI-LAYERED samples. Seriously, these white boys sampled EVERYTHING, including Johnny Cash. This album is always on my Ipod. BrainSlice out.

U-N-I featuring Evidence - Pussy

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:35:00 +0000

Who doesn't love them some...U-N-I? Haha, seriously...here goes a new leak from their new project, A Love Supreme 2.0, Pussy featuring Evidence. Love Supreme 2.0 in stores March 9th! South End is where it's at!

U-N-I featuring Evidence - Pussy

B.o.B AKA Bobby Ray - May 25th Mixtape

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:52:00 +0000

Oh happy day...some new Bobby Ray! Ok, ok, lemme stop there. DJ Drama and DJ Sense are hosting B.o.B (AKA Bobby Ray) new mixtape "The May 25th Mixtape". The only thing better would be if B.o.B dropped off a "sans DJ" copy...it will come! Stay tuned, "The Adventures of Bobby Ray" coming May 25th. Last night the good men at 2dopeboyz uploaded all his previous tapes and put them here. Covers and link after the jump....

B.o.B AKA Bobby Ray - The May 25th Mixtape

J.Pinder - Backpack Wax

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:58:00 +0000

I was reading a thread somewhere on "da innanets" that was something about "Top 5 Seattle MCs right now". I'm pretty sure it was over at The Proof but, for the life of me, I can't find it again. Anyway, throughout this list were some of familiar names, Grynch, PSMOOV, Fatal Lucciauno, D.Black, Spaceman, etc. One name that kept poppin up though was J.Pinder.
I would be a liar if I said I was totally familiar with Mr. Pinder. I have heard a couple joints here and there, mostly features, and have seen him perform a few times. Off the top of the head, the one feature that sticks out is from Big Homie Style off Jake One's "White Van Music" also featuring GMK and the homey Spaceman. I remember a while back looking for his mixtape "Backpack Wax" and not being able to find it anywhere. Luckily for me I was surfing around on Twitter today at the same time I saw Pinder tweet "Who wants Backpack Wax? Send me your email"...and the rest, as they say, is history. I downloaded and, finally, had my first listen to "Backpack Wax".

I guess I should have prefaced this post by saying that "BackPack Wax" was released in August of 2007 when he was still with Sport 'N Life. Yeah, yeah, I know I'm late and whatever, but this shit was hard to find. I'm tellin y'all, it's definitely worth the wait. This tape is loaded with people representin The Town ...Macklemore, Grynch, Choklate, Khingz, and Darrius Willrich. Let's not forget a nice cameo from Chali 2na (formerly of Jurassic 5). Produced and hosted by the tall homey Vitamin D, who also does a feature or two, it is a lot of what you would expect if you have heard anything from Vita. "Wax is blessed by that same dusty, soulful, thoughtful touch that is so recognizable from seamless projects like Table Manners and Do the Math". I couldn't have said it better myself...samples of jazzy horns and pianos that, without Pinder's smooth light flow, might leave you thinking you were sitting in some dank, dark, smokey blues/jazz club. A perfect example is Pinder, Vita, and Maineak Tubman goin in, over a smooth Eddie Kendricks sample from Intimate Friends, on Can't Trust Em. Yeah, now that's what I'm talkin about. Do yourself a favor and check out this tape, in my opinion, a town classic. Check out the part one of the video "Inside Backpack Wax: The History of Backpack Wax" below, part two after the cut. Since Pinder posted a link up for download over at the Proof, I have included a link here as well.

J-Pinder - Backpack Wax

I decided that this was as good a place as any to post up the Vitamin D "Table Manners 2" for y'all to get familiar. I know some of you may not like the "continuous" mp3 form, but it really is the way to keep it cohesive.

Vitamin D - Table Manners 2

Basic-ally Speaking…

noreply@blogger.com (catch91) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:47:00 +0000

In light of last night’s happenings in our nation’s capital (that was one for the ages Mr. President!), I thought it proper to put our attention to some new music coming from the DMV. Thanks to the folks over at my first stop o’ the day, I ran across this new duo’s debut and thought I’d give it a whirl. While DTMD’s The Basics EP might not inspire the nation like Barry (or at least those of us in the blue), it definitely ain’t causin' Judge Alito to make the gas-face either! (Ahem…fuck off Judge.)
Anyway, DTMD is “Dunc ‘n Toine Makin’ Dollars” (they pay homage to the legendary inspiration for their name by asking Erick and Parrish to listen to their demo, LOL). These two young cats have apparently been puttin’ in work since their elementary days, but after a few different ideas and projects, they finally settled on the DTMD formula: Dunc makes the beats, and Toine lays down the lyrics.
Their debut, The Basics EP, is short and sweet with six quick tracks to lend your ears to - five if you take away the intro (which is just them giving us a glimpse into their hip-hop resumes – set to a filthy, jazzy backdrop btw). First off, I’m diggin’ Dunc’s beats: from the horn-heavy and well-layered, to the simplistic and low-key, they were well crafted and had my head bobbin’ most of the way through. “Champion” gets you hype right out the gate, I think this track is a good beginning – plus, anytime you mention one of my favorite tracks of all time (“Oodles of O’s”), you get bonus points from this guy.
Speakin’ of the spoken, Toine is a perfectly apt MC. I don’t think he’s going to leave you with your jaw hangin’, or diving for the rewind button, but he has a smooth delivery and tone, with quality rhymes (elephant in the room: he does have a lisp, but it’s not overly distracting, and in fact it becomes a cool part of his cadence). Subject-wise, he touches on all the usual suspects, but not without some distinct flow and deep thought, like on the track “You”: “I’m tryin’ to kick divine knowledge with a slave tongue / In the fields tryin’ to harvest liberation / Reside in the streets these ni**as was raised from / Hopin’ the dialect can reach down and save one.” It’s hard to pick just one line though; most of his lyrics need the whole verse to do them justice, and I like that. The more you listen, the more he grows on you too.
That’s a recurring theme here: my first impression was more towards a “meh,” but this EP has quickly grown on me with each additional listen. Like I said, it’s not groundbreaking, but it is good music and should definitely be heard. So, don’t be a close-minded red-stater, give DMTD a go, peeps. The Basic EP may not get health care reform passed, but it will have you feelin’ good from beginning to end…and hey, at least it’s something positive coming out of our nation’s capital!

P.S. – I forgot to mention one important thing: The Basic EP is FREE!!! No higher taxes involved! Get it HERE!

Dot COOOOM...

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:39:00 +0000

and I don't mean Expedia! The crew here at AYCE has decided that the time has come to move into the .com realm. Over the past (almost) 2 years we have expanded our roster (see BrainSlice), expanded on some of our features, and have developed a nice little following...shoot, Catch even had another kid. Growth is inevitable. That being said we're happy to announce that we have dropped the "blogspot" and the period (BrainSlice elected to keep his period) and you can now find us on "da innanets" at allyoucaneathiphop.com! Stay tuned more changes coming soon!

The Piano-ramic View of K-Murdock…

noreply@blogger.com (catch91) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:38:00 +0000

This morning I woke up and made coffee. Then I decided the best way to spend my day was to send harassing E-mails to K-Murdock: Hip Hop Soldier, Producer Extraordinaire, and Co-Host of SubSoniq (the only Hip Hop radio show worth listening to these days). Yeah, you might have heard of him…he makes up 50% of the group Panacea, and if you follow him on Twitter you will find that he is ALWAYS hard at work on one project or another. He was kind enough to email back and forth with me, answer some questions, and make sure AYCE had an advance download of his new album to review.

Mr. K-Murdock’s latest solo-project, which is packed with guests, hits “da innanets” (as my co-worker calls it) tomorrow. Piano-rama is the name. I will let the man himself explain where the title comes from:

I first got a taste of this from K’s Blog: http://neosonix.blogspot.com/ . When I found out the album was being released primarily on USB Flash drive, I decided to give K a new name: THE FUTURE. While I understand that fans (me included) like to hold a CD with album art in their hand, I think it is a great idea. It enables the artist to give us a lot more stuff. If you don’t believe me, check out what K is including on his USB drive.

I don’t claim to be all-knowing, so I gotta admit that I am a fairly new fan. I was introduced when I started listening to the SubSoniq show about a year or two ago. Big Daddy Catch, however, had not been sleepin’ on this shit. He has been a fan since the beginning of Panacea, which is why he decided to grace us with his presence and help me out with this one. Catch?

: First off…I can’t claim to be the number one fan. Not that I don’t want to be though, because I’ve been noddin’ my noggin’ to the dulcet tones of Panacea since I first got tipped to The Scenic Route! But, it’s hard to keep on top of everything when you want to be a blogger…or a part-timer…or occasional contributor…whatever I’ve become. I just don’t get to go back to my favorites as much as I like – Panacea definitely falling in my “favorites” category. Regardless, K-Murdock and Raw Poetic put it down as a duo, and luckily, don’t seem to lose any of their magic on the solo tip.

Like Brain said, seems like everything K does comes out golden; from golden-era sounds to progressive grooves both on the boards, and on the radio…dude is talent personified! Not only do I love the concept of Piano-rama, but also, like Brain, I’m a big fan of the USB card idea. I fucking hate iTunes…there, I said it. When I drop dough on something, I want it physically present in my hands – call me old-fashioned, but I’ll call you a douche. Can’t help it, I want quality in the music, and in the packaging…I think K has accomplished both with this one!! What say you B?

: Amen Catch, the only time I’ve bought a download from iTunes or anywhere else is when it’s the ONLY place I can get it (yes I’m aware I could jack that shit off a torrent, and I think you are a punk bitch if you choose to do that rather than support the artist). What has the world come to? When I was a kid, it took balls to steal music. Once again I must apologize to Ice Cube for shoving “The Predator” down my pants and walking out of the store. I was pretty gangster, I have to admit.

I digress. I’m feelin’ this whole album to be honest, but I gotta say the first one that grabs me is “The Up-Rizing” featuring Real Reid and Damu The Fudgemunk . I am always a lyrics dude, and this track is so full of them that it’s bursting at the seams. “not Dilated Peoples/definitely need Evidence/the weatherman predicted/there might be a storm”. I have always been fascinated by the organic relationship between the production and the rhymes. K-Murdock seems to have the ability to bring out the best in an MC (and always choose the right man for the job). What track does Catch like?

: To me, Piano-rama is like a big-ass, Costco-sized bag of Lay’s Potato Chips, and I can’t seem to stop myself from rifling through them tasty little morsels like a fat man at Old Country Buffet! I think knowing how long it took to get “A Better Kiss Goodbye” into the public ear (K said he first recorded this one back in 2002!!), really makes me appreciate it even more than I would anyway! I think I might have to request that one to be played for the three people at my funeral. You wanna go B? You’re invited. But while I’m at it, the seamless transition to “Hello Light” feels oh-so-right as it continues to make you contemplate your past…feeling every keystroke and hit of the high-hat. Dope – but I could say that about just about every track. Great guest list too! What’s your cut, though, B?

: “The Gauntlet” with Random and Raw Poetic is my favorite track right now. I love the piano sample in this one. I just gotta say that a lot of my favorite Hip Hop tracks have some piano in there. Just think about it. From “Still D.R.E.” off The Chronic 2001 to “Coastin’” off Zion I’s The Takeover, piano does it. It’s like K-Murdock read my mind. Amazing production, serious lyricism.

: Too true bruh…the real star of this joint is the piano – I know, I know: “Paging Dr. Obvious…Dr. Obvious, please report to the blog post.” Seriously though, the way he deftly weaves it in and out of every track and transition is a sound to behold: Sometimes it takes center-stage, stealing every ounce of your attention as the keys take a pounding at the hands of K-Murda; other times it steps into the background and lets the rest of the cast get a little shine. And then there’s the way that the keyboard vs. real piano argument is addressed…man, it really is too much to digest in just the couple of listens I’ve been able to give it so far. Color me sprung, and sign me up B!

: Go cop this album HERE. 100% of your hard-earned cash goes to the artist when you buy the download at Bandcamp. If you want the USB Drive (which you definitely do), go HERE.

Big thanks to K-Murdock for giving us something new and positive to enjoy. In case I didn’t mention it, this album has been 7 YEARS in the making. Give homeboy some love! BrainSlice and Catch, out. But not before we raise our bottles and give Piano-rama its just due rating:

P.S. – The cover art is fucking ill – perfectly understated.

Mick Boogie, nVMe, and Duck Down Records Present: Survival Kit Mix CD

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:01:00 +0000

Just as the cover says Mick Boogie, nVMe, and Duck Down got some of todays "newbies" to pay homage to the creators of Survival Skills, KRS-One and Buckshot. Look at that line up...Naledge, Tanya Morgan, Fashawn, etc...gotta be dope.

Mick Boogie, nVMe, and Duck Down Records Present: The Survival Kit Mix CD

Scripts 'N Screwz - On 10

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:47:00 +0000

Been a while since I have heard anything new from these dudes. Rumor has it they have been hard at work on their new project The Hangover. Thankfully they decided to drop off a little something to tide us over!

Scripts 'N Screwz - On 10

Frank Ramz - The Best of...

allyoucaneathiphop@gmail.com (Benny B) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:37:00 +0000

Frank Ramz, the good dude that he is, sent through a little mixtape. For those of you that may be unfamiliar, it's time to get hip. It's 23 tracks of his, and others, favorites from the past 5 projects that he has released in the last year and a half.

Frank Ramz - The Best Of Frank Ramz - Mediafire