All You Can Eat Hip Hop

RA The Rugged Man ft. Talib Kweli: "Learn Truth" official video.

noreply@blogger.com (BrainSlice) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:29:00 +0000

This deserves a few minutes of your time. As if the song itself isn't powerful enough. WARNING: Not for the faint of heart.

Stu Bangas Will Slap You, and Your Mom.

noreply@blogger.com (BrainSlice) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:48:00 +0000

Sometimes, you just need to sit down, put the headphones on, and zone the fuck out. I just did that, and I'm still doing it. In fact, I can't stop. I'm not zoning out as in falling asleep and shit, it's more like someone keeps slapping me upside the head so I will pay attention. When I was a kid, my Bishop taught me how to golf (yes, I just said "Bishop"), and he was brutal. Pulling my hair straight ahead of me so I wouldn't move when I swung the club, etc. Listening to this production is kind of like that. It demands my attention.

Recently, I was reminded how hard this shit is when I was finishing up my first listen of Ill Bill's The Grimy Awards. The album was just coming to an end, and then THIS hit me over the head like a shovel:

CLANG! Maybe some of ya'll haven't been knowing about Stu Bangas. To that I say SHAME ON YOU.

Go HERE and check out his latest release. Also, I'm not going to educate you too much about who he has worked with. I think it's more important that you discover that for yourselves. Just remember that name, and start paying attention. That's what a good lil' Hip Hop head would do.

Have you noticed I can't stop posting these Soundcloud widgets? Maybe you're even annoyed by it? Well, to that I say EAT A DICK. These beats are so good that it would be a damn shame if you didn't just click on over to Stu's SOUNDCLOUD and listen for a while. Then maybe you should BUY SOMETHING. Follow him on Twitter. I do, and that is not just a trivial thing. I actually don't follow a lot of people, and I tend to rotate. Watch an artist for a few days, get bored or worse: annoyed, then click that "unfollow" button and never look back. I've actually been following Mr. Bangas for quite a while, and I plan to continue. Smart, talented, and not full of himself like a lot of artists are. We also seem to share similar taste in movies, at least some of the time.

RA The Rugged Man Takes You To Church.

noreply@blogger.com (BrainSlice) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:03:00 +0000

Talib Kweli once listed some of his favorite verses of all time on his Tumblr page. One that stood out to me was RA The Rugged Man's verse on "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story". The track, off Legendary Classics: Volume 1 which featured Jedi Mind Tricks, definitely showcases Rugged Man's lyrical prowess. Thing is, EVERY MOTHERFUCKING TRACK HE'S ON DOES THIS. Sorry, I got a little excited there. My point is, I feel RA has been slept on. Despite being an independent veteran of the Hip Hop movement, champion of the so-called underground, accomplished writer, and insane lyricist, few self-proclaimed Hip Hop heads I speak with will list him as one of their favorites. This is a damn shame. I mean, shit, even Notorious B.I.G. stated, "and I thought I was the illest" in reference to Mr. Thorburn.

With the mutual respect Talib and RA have for each other, it comes as no surprise that there is collaboration between the two on Rugged Man's forthcoming album: Legends Never Die. I knew it would be dope, but this shit right here?

I don't think a post about Rugged Man is complete without a movie reference, so, to quote The Stranger (The Big Lebowski): "Sometimes, there's a man, well, he's just the man for his time and place."
Hip Hop needs RA The Rugged Man, and it's about damn time we get another album out of him. Legends Never Die drops April 30th, and if you don't pull out your Palm Pilot (or whatever new-fangled gadget the kids use nowadays) and mark the date, I'm pulling your card. That's right. you are no longer allowed to call yourself a Hip Hop fan.

Now watch this video:

And maybe take a look at what Talib Kweli and Mr. Green have to say about him:

If you're still not convinced about the relevance of this man in Hip Hop culture, I'll have to repeat the words of Flavor Flav: "Can't do nuttin' for ya man."

The Return of Swollen Members: A Hip Hop Odyssey.

noreply@blogger.com (BrainSlice) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:18:00 +0000

Years ago, I was given the opportunity to interview one of my all-time favorite MC's, MadChild of Swollen Members. It was a daunting experience for me. I was nervous, excited, and struggled to keep cool and make it a semi-professional interaction, being such a big fan of the Misguided Angel. The troubling thing about it was the new album due to be released. Armed To The Teeth, their first project in

quite some time. MadChild was just barely sober after several years of hardcore prescription drug abuse, and I felt like the album was very indicative of that. It didn't sound like Swollen Members. I wanted to be honest with him, in a respectful way, about my opinion. There were some awkward moments, but at the end of what turned into and hour-long conversation (it was interrupted a few times by him declining several other scheduled phone interviews), we were new friends. He invited me to hang out at the next possible date, which turned out to be an interesting experience for Benny and I at Nuemo's, and later on the SM Tour bus and at their hotel.

I have since had conversations with artists that were once close with Mad (such as Evidence) and constantly wondered about how Swollen Members and the Battle Axe Family (what was left of it) would rise from the rubble of their leader's self-destruction and rebuild. My hope was that he would be able to stay sober, and eventually get back to making the music that won my allegiance as a fan in the beginning.

I should clarify that there were parts of the new music that I loved, but parts that made me shake my head in confusion. This did not compromise my loyalty. I promised MadChild that I would continue to support the group, and keep an open mind to the direction they were going. I had faith.

Next came Daggermouth, Monsters II, and some solo releases by both MadChild and Prevail (who, by the way is a BEAST on the mic as well). I have the utmost amount of respect for Rob The Viking and Prevail for standing at Mad's side, even as the ship seemed to be sinking. If they had bailed, none of this new music would have been created. The new material showed promise. A gradual return to their roots. During our interview, MadChild spoke of an upcoming project called Beautiful Death Machine that would have an unmistakably familiar sound and feel. A rebirth of the group as the same entity that created Balance, Bad Dreams, and Monsters In The Closet; laced with the wisdom, experience and formidable skills they had gained through the toil and hardship of their lengthy careers. I couldn't wait to hear what was next.

Fitting that this video depicts the group..... uh, WORKING, because that is all they do.

Here's the crazy thing: IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. The album is here and it is everything I hoped for. With the always sharp production of Rob The Viking and C-Lance; features by Slaine, Ill Bill, Vinnie Paz, Esoteric, Celph Titled, Apathy, and Snak The Ripper; I'm blown away. This is true hardcore Hip Hop at it's finest.

I recently listened to an interview with MadChild on Conspiracy WorldWide Radio. Mad's voice sounded different. More determined and focused than ever. It was inspiring, to say the least. You can check out that interview HERE.

Support Swollen. You can support real Hip Hop by purchasing the album and other merch on their website HERE.

Shut Up and RAP. MC S.A.V. Frankenstein Flow parts 1 and 2.

noreply@blogger.com (BrainSlice) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 04:55:00 +0000

While BrainSlice was sitting on his ass, drinking gargantuan amounts of whisky and watching Boardwalk Empire, THIS happened:

Shameful. Just tragic that I first heard this on a podcast out of the UK. Big thanks to Montana and Menace from Conspiracy Worldwide Radio for bringing it to my attention. Gasface to Catch and Benny.

Part 2:

Seattle Hip Hop. 'Nuff said.

SubSoniq Radio.

noreply@blogger.com (BrainSlice) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 07:53:00 +0000

Unlike me, our friends at SubSoniq Radio have stayed on task. Since 2001, despite constant resistance, KB and the crew have continued to support real Hip Hop. The latest "Headphone Session" is definitely worth a listen or two. Take notes.

Like many of us, the SubSoniq crew (KB, K-Murdock, DQ, Gangsta Mittens, and Raw Poetic) do what they do strictly because they love Hip Hop. No whack music here. You can go straight to the website to stream or download the show, get it on your Stitcher Radio app, or stream it live on DJ Bee's Fresh Radio. You're welcome.

Technorati Tags: Subsoniq,Raw Poetic,BrainSlice,Progressive Hip Hop,Joey Bada$$,Common,Big K.R.I.T.,Freeway,Torae,A$AP Rocky,Talib Kweli,Large Pro

“Sittin’” Back…

noreply@blogger.com (catch91) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:28:00 +0000

Besides what’s going on here in the city where I live, sometimes it’s hard to find younger cats that really get me excited. Not that they aren’t out there, but in this new world we live in, cutting through the clutter to find the gems takes more energy and time than I have. Sometimes, though, the good ones have a way of finding you. Luckily, my laziness didn’t stop Kendall Elijah from locating my ear drums.

One of my billion regrets is not writing about his 2011 EP: Eli Dynamite. It’s a free download, and worth every second of your time and energy (the video for “The Wild” is also not to be missed). Enough of the past, though. Today is about tomorrow, something I think this dude will be a big part of – or at least deserves the opportunity to be.
Once again tapping a classic sample to serve as a foundation for his unique flow and singing style, Kendall Elijah (courtesy producer The Pyrex Kid) channels his inner Otis on “Sittin’,” a new release for your aural pleasure. Don’t even trip, he does it more than justice. But don’t take my word for it. Here it is, no energy needed…just a click, you lazy bastards:

Or, https://soundcloud.com/kendall-elijah/sittin, just in case.

The Truth is Outchea…

noreply@blogger.com (catch91) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 00:10:00 +0000

My fellow earthlings! I have returned from an otherworldly experience. It’s been months, but my excuse is Rick-solid: I was abducted by extraterrestrials. The things I’ve seen…and, more importantly, heard. They cannot be unheard. Then again, I don’t WANT them to be unheard.
Don’t worry: The E.T.s was coo! No probing, or any other pause-worthy type shit. No, these Alien Life Forms, or ALFs for short (gawd I loved that fucking show; holds up, too, in case you’re wondering) just wanna kick it. Blow some spacely trees, sip some Henny (or Goose, in my case), and bob your head to some unearthly knocks…these four martian-mahfuckas had me on some Saturn-swag.
They called themselves Tay Sean, Jerm D, Mikey Nice and Jarv Dee, and kept talkin’ about bein’ from Cloud Nice. All I know is that together as Kingdom Crumbs, they put out some…ahem, Helladope fantastic flow over some etherealelectronicdiscofunkadelicsmokedout beastly beats. The planets and stars aligned for this one, fambly.
Now, it’s true, this self-titled debut has been out in the universe for a minute. Maybe you already copped this cosmic drop, and maybe you’ve been noddin’ along knowingly to this lil’ dispatch. Good for you. Hook me up with a late pass, though. I can’t help it, I’ve been on an intergalactic trip for a bit. Abducted, even. I ain’t mad though.
In fact, between the spacely-trees and Kingdom Crumbs LP (which you can get for whatever you want to pay for it…don’t be cheap, son), I got a bad case of the UFO: Unidentified Fiendin’ Outchea. Get you some.
Live long and prosper, bitches.

Murry Christmas, Bitches…

noreply@blogger.com (catch91) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:59:00 +0000

Awe man, it’s been a minute. Never fear, though, I come bearing gifts. Sean P has been on fire lately (more on that coming your way courtesy Brainslice…or so I’m told), leaving a trail of wack rappers curled up in the fetal position wherever he goes. Mix in a little holiday spirit with that Mic Tyson-flow, and apparently you get ass-flavored candy canes, a toothbrush full of balls, and rap hands. Coal never sounded so good. Peep:

Time-Out, Rape Jokes, and Rare Chandeliers.

noreply@blogger.com (BrainSlice) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:45:00 +0000

Recently this text message was received by my cellular telephone:

“Zip it asshole... As a matter of fact, because of your actions throughout the entire day, you're in text purgatory for the next couple hours. You sit there and think about what you did today...the mustache, the rape jokes, and now speaking ill of the beautiful Shiva.”

Benny, Catch, and Digg are all ignoring me. It is not a crime to have a mustache, and we live in the USA, therefore if I want to make jokes about various Utah Jazz alumni sodomizing Digg, I fucking CAN. Who the fuck is Shiva anyway? Nevermind, I don’t care.

A lot of good music out lately, so rather than harassing my crew via text, I thought I would mention one of these recent releases. After all I have been silent for too long.
If you haven’t already seen this…..you’re welcome.

This mixtape (or whatever the hell we call it these days) is just another installment in the continual stream of ridiculous beats and rhymes that flow from the man that is called Action Bronson. Of course, Alchemist is always nice on the production as well. I gotta say right now "Bitch I Deserve You" featuring Evidence is my favorite joint. Smooth as hell. Jump on over to EGO TRIP and download it.

Inspiration....finally.

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 06:52:00 +0000

It seems like it has been forever since I last hopped on here and decided to impart some of my opinions upon you. I just haven't been feeling very inspired by music lately, not that there hasn't been anything good released...just nothing inspirational to me I guess. Funny that the one thing that brought me back was actually released like 6 months ago. Iron Solomon's debut album Monster, which I remember hearing about and then promptly forgot dropped in March and today they dropped a video for the track "Get On My Level". I don't know if it's the video or the song itself...just watch.

P.O.S. - We Don't Even Live Here. Is it October 23rd Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (BrainSlice) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 04:32:00 +0000

This is BrainSlice, being excited for the new P.O.S. album. Seriously folks, "Never Better" is quite possibly one of my favorite albums of all time, and it has been a long wait since then for the next P.O.S. project. I'm ready.

The Physics - Tomorrow People Teaser (video)

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:21:00 +0000

I have a feeling, from this little teaser, that this new Physics album is going to be stupid dumb. Check out the teaser below and get your tickets for the album release party at Neumos on August 25th here.

S.E.V. - Snap backs freeverse

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:05:00 +0000

Maaaannn, playin catch up on shit sucks...cause this is exactly what I want to get out there. I need an intern. I have been bumpin this S.E.V. (of Dyme Def) freeverse since Brainstorm sent it out a couple weeks ago. I can't even tell you how long I have been waitin on some S.E.V. solo shit. Looks like it's finally gonna happen...Wordsmith LP coming soon.

S.E.V. (of Dyme Def) - Snap Backs Freeverse

Yirim Seck - Crescendo (prod. by Marcus D)

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 07:27:00 +0000

Seattle's own Yirim Seck (pronounced Yidim) dropped the first single from his latest project, Audio D'oeuvre's EP. "Crescendo" has the smooth sounds that we have come to expect from a track produced by Marcus D and is complemented well by Yirim's consistent delivery.

Yirim Seck - Crescendo (prod. by Marcus D)

BeanOne remixes always hit the spot...

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:37:00 +0000

Where the fuck was I on July 26th when BeanOne and Fearce dropped their remix to Nas's "One Love"? Oh wait, I know, sifting through all the bullshit to find the gems. Check out how Bean flipped it:

Nas's classic "One Love," originally produced by Q-Tip, gets the remix treatment by Fearce & BeanOne (of Dyme Def). Using the first two verses off the original, Fearce adds a first person narrative for the middle verse, playing the role of the inmate that Nas is writing. On production, Bean flips The Supremes 1966 classic "You Can't Hurry Love." Stay tuned for more remixes from these two Seattleites #YukTheWorld

Nas - One Love (BeanOne Remix) feat. Fearce of Dyme Def

Hold Me Back...ummm...check please.

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:09:00 +0000

Words can't even explain. I'm gonna give Ricky a few of them in the form of advice though...ahem... *looks directly into camera #1 with a solemn face* ...put on a shirt...GODDAMMIT.

Hey, I'm not gonna lie either...it's a little homoerotic with all the dudes packed in there jumpin around with their shirts off. Jussayin.

P.S. You'd think he's drop a few l.b.s just by virtue of jumpin around and sweatin his big ass is doin.

It's definitely Windows Down time in the Town...

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:43:00 +0000

Whooo, my guy Brainstorm (of Dyme Def) dropped the first single from The Celestine Prophecy 2. "Windows Down" (produced by Bleak)is one of those joints that you literally roll the windows down, open the sun roof and turn up to obscene levels...then roll like Cane.

Brainstorm (of Dyme Def) - Windows Down (prod. by Bleak)

Stop being so Childish...

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 13:45:00 +0000

This dude Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover) just dropped his new mixtape Royalty shortly after midnight. Gotta love it when shit hits the streets when it's supposed to.... I haven't had a chance to listen but the features on this thing are nutty. They include Ghostface, RZA, Bun B, Schoolboy Q, Danny Brown, Ab-Soul, and more. I'm intrigued...

Childish Gambino - Royalty Mixtape

Friends With The Help - As The Light Hits You (video)

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 13:37:00 +0000

The good people at Chamberlain Drive sent through a new video from their group Friends With The Help and I think it's pretty neato. Actually, I like it a lot. The trio from East Vancouver, BC, is made up of DJ K-Rec, Low Lux, and Young Nig. The video is for a track called "As The Light Hits You" and is from the groups sophomore release, Confidence. It "follows a young boy exploring an empty world with only a pair of MC's in his headphones for company". Pick up the album here and we can listen together.

From the Inbox...Summer Edition

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:39:00 +0000

So I'm 100% positive that there will be more of these as the summer goes along. Truly, who wants to be inside on a computer when it's nice outside? So I got some things in here, some new and some older but just haven't got around to getting to them...apologies to all.

J. Pinder recently dropped the second video from his debut album Careless for the track, "A Learning Game. The video is dope and shot in POV perspective. Check it out and go cop the album here.

I can't say that I have ever been a fan of La Coka Nostra but I am a fan of ill beats and DJ Premier laid a dope one down for these dudes to rap to on "Mind Ya Business" which will be on there soon to be released Masters Of The Dark Arts droppin July 31st. Included after the video are the first two "leaks" from the album, "Malverde Market" and "My Universe".

La Coka Nostra - Malverde Market

La Coka Nostra - My Universe featuring Vinnie Paz

Fearce and BeanOne (of Dyme Def) dropped the visuals for a joint, "Bully", that was not included on their album There Goes The Neighborhood. I couldn't describe the meaning/purpose for this video any better so I'll let them do it for you:

In recent years, bullying has become an international epidemic that's been coupled with a devastating rise in suicide by those victimized by their antagonizers. The issue has become subject to intense scrutiny by the media, where we've learned that Bullying is not blind to gender, race, or age, as exemplified in the recent case of Karen Klein, the bus monitor. For the latest set of visuals by Seattle's Fearce & BeanOne (of Dyme Def), the emcee/producer duo shed light on the issue by painting a picture of the physical and emotional hardship of a bullied student who feels that his only way out is by taking his own life. Through this video, Fearce and Bean hope that those suffering from the hands of a bully, may utilize the resources available to help them get through what may otherwise feel like a dead end.

This is definitely a very heated and deep subject throughout the US right now with all the videos like this floating around. Peep the video and get the track here.

Seattle OG Fleeta Partee recently dropped his LIFEMUZIK EP and visuals for the second single, "Inception" produced by The Town's own Vitamin D. The video is directed and shot by The Note. The Note is on his video game right now, I like what he's doin. Cop the album here, and check out the first single "The City" here.

Well, I think that's it...another successful edition of "From The Inbox" brought to you by me....bitches. Everyone have a happy and safe 4th of July. Peace.

Capitol Hill Block Party 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Benny B) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 08:31:00 +0000

Ladies, kids, and I guess I'll include dudes (against my better judgement) it is almost that time of year again. The time when music of all kinds, people of all kinds, stages, and adult alcoholic beverages take over the Pike/Pine corridor in Seattle...Capitol Hill Block Party 2012 is right around the corner. Well, July 20-22 to be exact. Initially billed as the "final" CHBP, sources say that was all a marketing/media hoax. By sources I mean the internet, just to be clear that I don't have and confidential informants...or maybe I do.

As I peruse this years lineup, as usual, there is a great showing of local hip-hop/R&B artists: Fresh Espresso, Nacho Picasso, Blue Sky Black Death, Kung Foo Grip, RA Scion, Don't Talk To The Cops, Spac3man, Keyboard Kid, and Fly Moon Royalty. Toss in Rhymesayers stalwarts Aesop Rock (with Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz) and Doomtree and you've got a lineup straight out of a Brainslice wet dream. I have to admit I am a little intrigued by Spaceghostpurrp as I listen to one of his mixtapes as we speak and Spoek Mathambo. Call it a hunch.

There is definitely something for everyone at CHBP with an eclectic group of rock, electronica, funk, pop, and just about anything you can imagine packed into 3 days. Check out the videos below announcing the lineups and get your tickets here.

See you there...

Otayo Dubb is for the Children…

noreply@blogger.com (catch91) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:02:00 +0000

This video gem fittingly dropped on Father’s Day. A thing of beauty, perfectly matching the tone of the MTK-produced song by Beatrock’s own, Otayo Dubb. Top notch effort by all involved…peep:

This dude might ACTUALLY be crazy...

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:01:00 +0000

Incase you missed it, Action Bronson dropped a new video for his joint "Steve Wynn" off his Blue Chips project which you can get here. I also included a previously released video for "Hookers At The Point", also from Blue Chips, just to prove my point. I love this dudes "I don't give a fuck" attitude. Come to think of it, Rik Cordero directed both videos...maybe he is the crazy one.

Noah Vinson, Frank Ramz, and Rich-P - Humans In Hollywood (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (The Disco 3) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:38:00 +0000

Noah Vinson, Frank Ramz, and Rich-P teamed up on this track that will be featured on Vinson's The Life and Rich P's The Assassination Mixtape. They also decided to drop a video for "Humans In Hollywood". Here's what they had to say about the concept:

"Humans In Hollywood" came from me thinking about how people react to fame, and i've seen what fame does, people let success get to their heads and I feel like with me it will never get that way so I will never know what it means to be "Hollywood" as some would say.

Check out the video below then hit the link to download. Peace.

Noah Vinson, Frank Ramz, & Rich P - Humans In Hollywood