ENDS On Music

Black Star - "Fix Up"

2011-10-06T10:48:00.000-05:00

Blackstar on the Colber Report with an unreleased gem called "Fix Up".

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/399067/october-05-2011/black-star----fix-up-?xrs=share_copy

The Low End Theory: 20 Year Anniversary

2011-10-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

VH1 is doing something great with the 20 year celebration of A Tribe Called Quest's sophmore album, The Low End Theory. They've gotten all 4 members together for an interview on the album and its impact on the culture of hip hop and the music in general. They've also tapped a few of hip hop's well respected journalists for their insight on the group and the classic album. Check out the two part article below!

http://blog.vh1.com/2011-09-29/the-low-end-theory-turns-20/

Video for "Otis" - Jay Z and Kanye West

2011-08-12T09:06:00.000-05:00

Chicago and NY consistantly make unbelievable teams. My earlier post paired Common and Nas in the first video for Common's new album. This post puts Jay Z and Kanye West together for the first video from their album "Watch the Throne". Check it out above.

Video for "Ghetto Dreams" - Common feat Nas

2011-08-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

I used to think I needed a time machine to take me back to 1994, one of my favortie years in hip hop. Little did I know Chicago's own, Common, along with Queens' finest, Nas, would be the ones providing it. Picture it: "Resurrection" and "Illmatic" together on one record. Can't help but love that. Check out the video for Common's first single off his upcoming album. "The Dreamer, The Believer", with a mind blowing assist from Nasty Nas himself. Oh, and NO ID on the boards.

Jay Z and Kanye West (The Throne) - "Watch The Throne"

2011-08-08T14:54:00.002-05:00

The two most relevant hip hop personalities in the last 10 years have come together to put to rest who's really ruling this rap thing. I mean really, no one's messing with over half of this record, lyrically or with the beats. "Murder To Excellence", "Welcome to the Jungle", "New Day", "No Church In the Wild", and "Made In America" are all literally beautiful pieces of work. Kanye's use of other producers to enhance his records has again proven to be a winning formula. As for Jay, he is still a beast with the rhymes and the enormity of the production truly fits his caliber of lyricism. Not to mention, the addition of Frank Ocean on a few of the more notable tracks was really a good choice. I'm still taking the album in, but any album on my iTunes with five 5 star ratings is mos definitely a keeper.

Get it now on iTunes. It'll be in stores this Friday 8/12.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/watch-throne-deluxe-version/id455402261

The D.O.C. - Comeback?

2011-08-05T13:28:00.002-05:00

The D.O.C. had one of the best debuts in hip hop history and was a core contributor to the success of one of hip hop's biggest groups, N.W.A. Soon after his success, he tragically lost his voice in a car accident leaving us to only wonder "what if" in regards to the legend that he was to become. Check out the story on his contributions to N.W.A., involvement in "The Chronic", work on the elusive Dr. Dre album "Detox", and the probability of his shocking come back.

http://www.dallasobserver.com/2011-08-04/music/legendary-dallas-rapper-d-o-c-starts-his-return-to-the-top/

"Black Hand Side" - Pharoahe Monch feat Styles P and Phonte

2011-06-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

Monch is one of the GOATs, imo. Check out his new single off the "W.A.R." album, featuring Styles P and Phonte from Foreign Exchange.

http://www.redbullusa.com/cs/Satellite/en_US/Video/pharoahe-monch-black-hand-side-021243029036408

Elzhi - "Halftime"

2011-05-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

One of Detroit's greats is covering the hip hop classic "Illmatic" with live music from Will Sessions. The mixtape, aptly titled "Elmatic", is due to drop May 10th. I've heard a few cuts and they all sound pretty dope. No one's expecting this to be Nas; Elzhi included. He's paying homage and paying it well. Check out the video from his version of the classic, "Halftime".

Lauryn's Ill

2011-04-19T09:39:00.001-05:00

If I could list musicians, dead or alive, that I would love to sit and talk to one-on-one, Lauryn Hill would definitely be at the top of that list. She's embodies alot of what is good about music. Talent, innovation, intelligence, and integrity. She's a force only held back by her high standards, which is really to be commended. Here's a clip of her at this year's Coachella festival. Peep her performance. She's still a beast.

http://videobam.com/Pbcnt?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4dad9b97a444f4a0%2C0

ATCQ - What Really Goes On

2011-03-25T10:30:00.002-05:00

The link below pulled from www.okayplayer.com is from an interview that Sway from MTV conducted with Q-Tip, Jarobi, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest. The interview addresses the issues that they have with the recently premiered documentary on the group's legacy. There have been issues with how they are being portrayed in the film among other things. This is their side of the story. I hope things work out for the sake of the group and all of their fans.

http://www.okayplayer.com/news/video-a-tribe-called-quest-breaks-silence-on-documentary-concerns.html

The Roots Are AMAZING - "The Legendary: A Film About The Roots"

2011-02-27T07:51:00.001-06:00

I knew the roots were something special when I bought their "Distortion to Static" single with "The Lesson" on the B-side back in '94. Since then, I've found them to be the most consistently creative rap group out there, not to mention the premier band called on by hip hop's elite to supply the backdrop for life altering live perfomances. If you need proof, watch Jimmy Fallon every week night on NBC for an unmatched dose of musical dexterity. The film "The Legendary: A Film About The Roots" is a brief lesson for those who have thoroughly dozed on one of hip hop's greatest groups. Take notes on how to rock live, embody versatility, and still keep it hip hop regardless to who's watching.

\http://vimeo.com/20022107

J-Dilla Still Shining

2011-02-07T12:21:00.000-06:00

Wow, this made my day. Five years ago, hip hop lost an icon. J-Dilla aka Jay Dee outta Detroit, the father of the neo-soul sound, creator of classic beats blessed by Erykah Badu, Common, De La Soul, Janet Jackson, Q Tip, Busta Rhymes, The Pharcyde, and many, many more, passed away from Lupus, leaving a musical legacy that is to this day unmatched. In the link below, fellow hip hop enthusiast B Kyle from www.okayplayer.com has compiled a wonderful 40 minute film honoring his memory and the impact he had on music as a whole. I mean, this cat influenced those who influenced him musically. Who can say that??? We truly miss him in the music industry and pray that his genius is never forgotten. Enjoy.

"J.Dilla: Still Shining" from B.Kyle on Vimeo.

HEAVY D-"I CANT"..F/ANTHONY HAMILTON

2011-01-06T09:21:00.000-06:00

This is one of the few cats in the game ever to have a mainly commercial sound, but still get respect from all the hardcore underground cats, too. He's worked with everyone: Gangstarr, Pete Rock, the Notorious BIG, Q Tip, K-Ci & JoJo, BB King, Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and many more. His new single features Anthony Hamilton and looks to be produced by Pete Rock. Classic Heav.

http://www.swift.fm/heavyd/song/89349/

Oddisee - "A Year In"

2011-01-03T14:57:00.000-06:00

This young cat out of the DMV (aka DC/Maryland/Virginia) has been a fav of mines for the last two years. One third of the collective Diamond District, Oddisee is currently one of my favorite producers. Below is a collection of his favorite collabs from 2010. I'm really loving this compilation. Enjoy.

J. Ivy "2012" ft. Twone Gabz & Mikkey Halsted

2011-01-03T14:19:00.002-06:00

J. Ivy, a poet from Chicago, was first made known to me via "Never Let Me Down" from Kanye West's debut album. His performance was equal, if not greater, than Ye and Jay Z, which says a lot. J has recently put out an album of his own called "Here I Am" . The video below is for his song "2012" off the album, featuring Mikkey Halsted and Twone Gabz. The strength of this song should make you want to slide over to iTunes and check out the full length album. I know I did. Check it. Peace

http://vimeo.com/18173508

"Jazzmatazz" - Jay Electronica Feat Tone Treasure

2010-12-07T11:50:00.000-06:00

The link below is Jay Electronica's tribute to the late great Guru from Gangstarr. Peep the beat from Group Home's "Living Proof" by Dj Premier. Nice track. Nice rhymes. RIP Guru.

Jazzmatazz by Jay Electronica Feat Tone Treasure

"Shiny Suit Theory" - Jay Electronica feat Jay Z and The Dream

2010-11-15T10:43:00.000-06:00

So, yeah, Jay Electronica's on the Roc now. Here's his track with Jay Z and The Dream. I love this sample Pete Rock used for "Gotta Love". Hit me if you know what record both artists used for these songs.

http://rapradar.com/2010/11/15/new-music-jay-electronica-ft-jay-z-the-dream-shiny-suit-theory/

Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott & Ledisi -- Four Women - Black...

2010-11-11T09:39:00.005-06:00

The performance of 'Four Women' by Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott and Ledisi was the shining gem at the 2010 Black Girls Rock special on BET this month. The song is a remake of Nina Simone's classic, and is featured on the soundtrack for Tyler Perry's new movie, "For Colored Girls". Each woman expressed their part of the song with the right amount of force and subtlety. A classic performance in my eyes! Peep it.... After that, check out the link to the Reflection Eternal version of Miss Simone's song from their 2000 album "Train of Thought".
BET Videos

Reflection Eternal "Four Women" => http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qkjtK3O15Q&feature=related

Kanye West - Runaway

2010-10-25T16:53:00.001-05:00

"Wow", is all I can really say. Upon viewing snippets of this film, I was really excited to see what Ye had cooked up. The visuals revealed in the small clips really drew me in leaving me anxious to see what the finished product would translate into. Upon initially watching the full piece of work, I was floored by the landscape that Kanye put down. The colors used were striking. The phoenix costume was outstanding. I admit to having to watching it a second time to really appreciate the entire work. Don't get it twisted. This isn't Thriller. This is a unique musical and visual experience completely different from anything hip hop has ever produced. Its weird. Its beautiful. Its audibly pleasing. Its another moment for Mr. West.

Everest - "Let Go" 10/12 Fallon (TheAudioPerv.com)

2010-10-19T00:32:00.001-05:00

So, here at Ends on Music, I'm all about expansion into many genres of music. Up until now, I've only posted on hip hop and R&B music since this is the music that is closest to my heart. Don't be fooled though. I dabble in other types of music and I'm always looking to learn more about a band from any leg of music. Watching Jimmy Fallon last week, this band blew me away with this performance. The arrangement blew me away, especially the duel drummers. The band's called Everest and the song is "Let Go". This may require a late pass, but better late than never is what they say.

"Blast That" by Nottz feat. Black Milk

2010-09-28T08:56:00.001-05:00

Nottz is a dope producer, if you did not know. This producer out of VA has worked with Busta Rhymes, Scarface, Skillz and G Unit, just to name a few. He just finished a fire album with Rah Digga called "Classic", in stores now and he's also releasing his own LP in October. He teamed up with Black Milk on this cut off the new album, and it beats. It really, really beats. Enjoy.

http://www.mediafire.com/?5v2aetu17cjggp9

Kanye West - "So Appalled"

2010-09-25T08:21:00.000-05:00

Kanye's keeping to his new track every Friday promise. Yesterday's offering was a track called "So Appalled" featuring, Jay Z, RZA, Pusha T, and Cyhi the Prince. Its a pretty cool track. Pusha goes in and hearing RZA over a track with Ye is dope. Check it. And, yes, there is strong language on this one so proceed with caution!

Peace

http://kanyewest.com/GOODFridays/download?dl=soappalled

Aaliyah RIP

2010-08-25T09:20:00.004-05:00

I remember when Aaliyah's album "Aaliyah" came out in 2001. Me being a true hip hop head, I wasn't checking for this cd by any stretch. I liked alot of her work, but I never bought her albums or intended to get one. However, after a trip to a record store in 2001, I remember picking it up on a whim and enjoying it quite a bit upon first listen. I started telling other people about how the production really beat in the car and bragging about "It's Whatever" and the first single "We Need a Resolution". Very shortly after my purchase and my new found admiration for her work, we lost Aaliyah in a horrible accident. Reflecting on my purchase of her album, I tend to think it wasn't a whim on which I bought it, but on some level it was a must that I have it, if for no other reason than to give her respect before her untimely passing. RIP Aaliyah Houton.

Mickey Factz - Paradise

2010-08-13T14:04:00.000-05:00

Mickey Factz is that dude. He's doing what alot of respectable lyrics should be doing today. Pushing the enevelope with sound but still keeping it gutter. This is a single of his upcoming debut "The Achievement". I'm looking forward to it. Check Youtube for some of his freestyles etc. Peep this.

http://www.vevo.com/watch/mickey-factz/paradise/USZM21000064

Kanye West Performs "Mama's Boyfriends" Off His New Album

2010-08-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

This is off Kanye's new one. One thing about Kanye, he's always honest with his. Dope lyrics and concept. Enjoy.