Fear of a Wack Planet

Old To The New

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 22:12:00 +0100

Several tracks have emerged recently from golden era heavyweights, that I think are worth giving some shine to.

Infamous Sessions

First up is a track from the bonus CD that accompanied the recently released Mobb Deep album. For those who no longer pay attention to Mobb Deep (you're not on your own!), the bonus CD contains original/alternate versions from their 2nd LP The Infamous. I'm surprised that this particular version ended up on the cutting room floor, and that Ghostface was trimmed from the final release. This should have been a 12" remix.

The Blastmaster Returns

Whoa, KRS is back spitting like it's 1994 and Premo is on the production! Ok, so there's no Premo, but this is Kris back in full effect and doing what he does best, braggadocios, arrogant rhyming, with some knowledge dropped in for good measure.

"I'd rather make one righteous dollar on my level, than make a million dollars spitting rhymes for the devil".

Cookin Soul

The original version of this tune was a bit bland and certainly an album track. But this remix does it plenty of justice, and breathes new life into a 2Pac track that pays homage to the artists that influenced him, and reflects his early days growing up on the east coast.

A Prince & A Pharoahe

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Mon, 7 Apr 2014 22:51:00 +0100

Boof baf, here is, the latest round up of freshness from around the interwebz. There's always a lack of new releases early in the year, and 2014 has been no exception, but history shows that by March/April things start to hot up and there's usually something that looks promising. See what you think.

Dropping Diamonds

As Diamond D gets ready to drop his new LP The Diam Piece he hits us off with the first video, a collaboration with Pharoahe Monch entitled Rap Life. Both of them are on top form with Monch sounding effortless over Diamond's production. The video was directed by Deacon The Villian from Cunninglynguists.

B-Boy Stance

O.C. has just dropped this track on a limited edition 7". It's as fresh as a newly laid egg, with O.C. reminiscing about the golden era of hip hop, but rather frustratingly there is little more information about it. Even the website where you can purchase the vinyl doesn't bother to list what else you might, so we'll have to assume its a double A side of the same track and there's nothing more to come!

Ain't Saying Something

It's an observation that many artists have already made, but J-Live's stab at wack emcees with nothing to say takes a slightly different angle as he guns for the ones with dope sounding tracks, but when you scratch beneath the surface...

Probably The Greatest (Hip Hop) Concept Album

Prince Paul's classic LP A Prince Amongst Thieves is now 15 years old, but it still sounds as good today as it did back in 1999. And looking back, it's surprising that it wasn't more of a launch pad for Breeze Brewin to go on do much bigger things.
Well, Breeze recently took time out to inform Red Bull Music Academy of some of the history behind the album, including Prince Paul's original intention of having Chino XL in the other lead role!

http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/magazine/breeze-brewin-interview

Young Dirty Bastard

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 00:32:00 GMT

Whilst ripping some videos off of an old VHS I came across this great bit of nostalgia from the Wu-Tang Clan. It's an episode of Yo! MTV Raps from 1993 with Fab 5 Freddy and was filmed on the production set for the video Da Mystery of Chessboxin.

I think most people can reminisce about the Wu in their heyday, but watching this episode took me straight back to that era, and seeing Ol' Dirty in his formative days as a fresh faced, raw, crazy and highly entertaining character is priceless. RIP ODB.

Ace & Perry On Rap City

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 22:21:00 GMT

Skimming through some of my old VHS rips, I spotted this old episode of Rap City from 1994 that was hosted by Masta Ace and Paula Perry. This is Ace from the Born to Roll era of his career, and seeing this made reminded me just how much Ace has adapted over the last two decades.

First off, he talks about the careers that are about to launch for each member of his INC crew (which clearly never materialised!), you also get to smirk at Paula Perry's hair (which could never be considered a good look in any era), and Ace empties his backpack to let the viewers see what random items he travels with, which is slightly bizarre. A thousand guesses wouldn't provide the answers, but look out for the super size Madden '94 cartridge and some skin cream! Props to Masta Ace for keeping it real since day one.

Grown Man Comic

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 20:55:00 GMT

I've been a fan of Ed Piskor since the first time I saw his online comic the Hip Hop Family Tree and I've already blogged about it several times (it really is that good!). But a couple of months back it transversed from the web to paper pages when the first edition was printed as a book.

If you haven't already copped it, then it's highly recommended. No matter how tough you think your knowledge of hip hop is, you are almost certainly guaranteed to learn a thing or two from reading this book. The combination of acute historical detail with a traditional style comic interface makes this essential, enjoyable and no doubt collectible.

Peep this mini preview with Ed for more details, or just head over to Amazon (or your preferred retailer) and buy it now.

Re-educated

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Sun, 2 Mar 2014 00:02:00 GMT

What might you have missed from around the web this month? Well, there is sure to be something here that will spark your interest. There's a strong sense of history in this months review, but don't overlook the last item which will certain lighten your mood?

Who Used That?

Most of the samples in this video aren't that difficult to decipher, but that's not really the point. This little clip is a really effective way of pulling together over 50 years of sampling in just 3 minutes. I could have watched another 10 minutes, its good stuff.

Live From The Shed

If you haven't come across the Hot Butter Soul Music Archaeology (HBSMA) chaps or their numerous video blogs before then you've been missing out. They've had several notable artists pass through their shed (yes, you read that correctly!) to discuss breakbeats, influences, music history and plenty more.
Don't let the no frills accommodation and countryside attire put you off though, these guys know their stuff and are great to watch. This month they had M.C.M. of Caveman pass through, who talked about the rise and fall of Caveman, his musical influences, and he brought along some breaks from his personal collection to share.

9th Wonder Goes Back to School

Oh boy, watch this and just wonder what your further education choices would have been like, if this type of course had been available 20+ years ago! This is just the trailer for a full length documentary on 9th Wonder's tenure at Harvard University teaching The Standards of Hip Hop. This is some serious shit when academic institutions are recognising the significance and importance of hip hop culture and want to explore it's history, long may it continue.
Further information on the documentary and other artists becoming involved can be found on their website - http://thehiphopfellow.com/

Tap the bottle and... blow across the top!?!?!

So let's end this review on a lighter note. I think I've seen everything now! No explanation is needed, just hit play and watch something that raises more questions than it answers, but is damned clever too. Oh, and its more fun to look away from the screen and guess the tunes.

Words By Rakim

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 21:49:00 GMT

At only 5 minutes in length, this stylishly shot mini documentary feels more like a trailer for an upcoming movie. Unfortunately that's not the case, but the stripped back and slowed down recital of Follow the Leader provides a dramatic soundtrack to accompany the visuals. Rah also talks briefly about his creative process.

40 Years of Recycled Music!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 22:49:00 GMT

Surely this needs little, if any, introduction. The image above should tell you everything you need to know, but if you don't know the history of the Incredible Bongo Band or their hit record Apache then I'd certainly recommend watching Sample This which documents the history, impact, legacy and continuous influence that the track has had over the past 40 years.

In the meantime, why not reflect on some of the different ways the Bongo Rock album has been sampled in this mix by Chris Read. Full track listing after the jump:

1. Group Home – Suspended in Time (Instrumental) (samples Pipeline)
2. Chris Read – Theme #3 (Scratchapella)
3. Incredible Bongo Band – Pipeline
4. Incredible Bongo Band – Okey Dokey
5. Incredible Bongo Band – Let There Be Drums
6. Nas feat Will I Am – Hip Hop Is Dead (samples Apache and cover version of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida)
7. Hijack – Intro / Phantom of the Opera (samples In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida)
8. Incredible Bongo Band – In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
9. Incredible Bongo Band – Sing, Sing, Sing
10. Sugarhill Gang – Apache (Replays Apache)
11. West Street Mob – Break Dance Electric Boogie (samples Apache)
12. Double Dee & Steinski – Lesson 3 (Excerpt) (sampled Apache)
13. Young MC -Know How (samples Apache)
14. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo – Men At Work (samples Apache)
15. The Roots – Thought at Work (samples Apache)
16. Boogie Down Productions – Who Are The Pimps? (samples Apache)
17. Jive All-Stars – No Stoppin’ (The Halfway Mix) (samples Apache)
18. Jive All-Stars – No Stoppin’ (Acapella)
19. Incredible Bongo Band – Apache
20. Nas – Made You Look (samples Apache)
21. Amy Winehouse – In My Bed (samples Nas – Made You Look)
22. Incredible Bongo Band – Apache (Loop)
23. Goldie – Inner City Life (samples Apache)

Limitless Graffiti

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 22:43:00 GMT

Q. What happens when you give a crew of graffiti artists an abandoned warehouse and a ton of paint?

A. Imagine 5 Pointz done inside, with some clever stop motion filming, and some outstanding pieces and you're probably half way there.

Highly recommended viewing!!!

Fresh Like A Winter Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Mon, 3 Feb 2014 22:58:00 GMT

Well its been a slow start to the year, and let's be honest, January never has been a great month! But there's always something to entertain us in the blogger-sphere, however dull the real world seems.

A White Boy MC's Photo Album, 1986-1991

Prime Minister Pete Nice has shared some of his photo collection along with the memories and insights for each picture. This provides a revealing look into 3rd Bass' history, but also many of the other artists they worked and toured with. Check the story about Flavour Flav's fake seizure at an airport, classic Flav.

http://deadspin.com/5843406/when-rap-ruled-the-world-a-white-boy-mcs-photo-album-1986+1991/

Prince Paul Ill's Out

Back in 2005 Prince Paul started his World Famous Illout Show on XM radio. Eight shows later, it all came to an end for unknown reasons (which also meant that it never really became 'world famous'). But Paul has now shared the first episode, and it's great for throwing on in the background whilst you're doing something and packed with a broad selection of 90's nostalgia. Its also laced with anecdotal tales about many of the tracks or artists he's worked with, and not always in a positive light, which just adds to the entertainment!

Prince Paul's World Famous Illout Show archives ! Show 1 Part 1 2005 by Prince Paul on Mixcloud

Prince Paul's World Famous Illout Show archives ! Show 1 Part 2 2005 by Prince Paul on Mixcloud

You Should Know

Spotted this little gem over on Repo's Ageing B-Boys blog, and if you haven't seen it already then its a highly recommended viewing. This track epitomises everything that was great about UK hip hop 20 years ago and stays true to the classic styles and techniques that made UK hip hop such a potent genre. And it's great to here some proper cutting up on a chorus again, nice work guys.

If you want to support them, buy the single for £5 here - http://www.blinerecordings.bigcartel.com/product/chrome-illinspired-you-should-know

Mi & Shecky Take It Way Back.

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 17:46:00 GMT

I’ve just been listening to this mix and thought that some of you would appreciate it. DJ Might Mi (Smut Peddlers) and Shecky Green (co-founder of the The Source magazine) drop a two hour session of golden era hip hop. “So what” I hear you say, lot’s of people do these kinds of mixes, why is this one any better?

Well, apart from it feeling like it was actually recorded 15 years ago, the track selection is top notch with a good number of forgotten gems thrown in, and the mix choices of instrumental and acapella kept my interest throughout. But the cream of the crop has to be the Juice Crew vs Wu-Tang section. On paper it sounds like it should be awful, but some of these mash ups work exceptionally well. If only the radio was still like this….

Full track listing after the jump....

Track Listing
1. DOC – Mind Blowin’ (Dr. Dre Remix)
2. Geto Boys – Mr. Scarface
3. Gang Starr – Code Of The Streets acapella
4. Freshco & Miz – Ain’t You Freshco
5. Tribe Called Quest – Excursions Instrumental
6. Dr. Dre & Snoop – Deep Cover acapella
7. Beatnuts – Are You Ready
8. Positive K – Step Up Front
9. Special Ed – Taxing
10. Chill Rob G – Motivation
11. B.I.G – Warning acapella
12. Pass The Plugs – De La Soul
13. Tribe Called Quest – Vibes & Stuff instrumental

Mighty’s Wu Tang vs. Juice Crew Mix
14. The Symphony vs. 36 Chambers Beats
15. Apollo Kids vs. Young Gifted & Black
16. Picking Boogers vs. Incarcerated Scarfaces vs. Fish
17. Cream vs. Ill Street Blues
18. Daytona 500 vs. The Bridge vs. On The Run
19. Aint No Half Steppin’ vs. Ice Cream vs. C.r.e.a.m vs. Tears
20. Droppin’ Science vs. Verbal Intercourse

World Premiers
21. LL Cool J – I Need A Beat
22. NWA – Dope Man
23. Eric B & Rakim – My Melody
24. Jeru the Damaja – Come Clean
25. Jungle Bros – Jim Browski
26. O.C. – Times Up
27. EPMD – You’re A Customer
28. ED O.G – I Gotta Have It
29. Latifah – Wrath Of My Madness
30. De La Soul – Plug Tunin’
31. MC Shan – The Marley Scratch
32. Ultramagnetic – Ego Trippin’
33. Cypress Hill – How I Could Kill A Man
34. B.I.G – Party & Bullshit
35. Main Source – Breaking Atoms
36. Brand Nubian – Feels So Good
37. Kool G Rap – It’s A Demo
38. Public Enemy #1

Shecky’s 1988 Interview with Chuck D
39. What They Hittin’ Foe
40. LL Cool J – Get Down
41. RUN-DMC verse – Krush Groove All-Stars
42. BDP Stop The Violence acapella
43. Scholly D – Parkside 5-2 acapella
44. Eazy E feat MC Ren – Ruthless Villain
45. Sir Ibu – Holy War
46. Slick Rick – The Moment I Feared
47. Public Enemy – Security of the First World
48. Brand Nubian – All For One acapella
49. Diamond D – Yo That’s That $hit
50. Heavy D- You Ain’t Heard Nothing Yet
51. Ultramagnetic – Chorus Line
52. EPMD – I’m Mad
53. Steady B – Let The Hustlers Play
54. KMD feat Brand Nubian – Nitty Gritty
55. DOC – The Grand Finale
56. Tribe Called Quest – Youthful Expression instrumental

We Bring The Smac!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:13:00 GMT

Smac 19 were a big part of the UK's early B-boy history. Hailing from Sheffield, the crew were a force to be reckoned with and along with several other crews from the midlands and the north, they showed that the UK had a lot to offer.

After many years of memories, the Smac 19 name has now been revived to give a new generation of B-boys and B-girls something to live up to. Check out the new Smac crew...

I dedicate this to Moyinka who grew up in the original Smac 19 era.

93 Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 00:04:00 GMT

This is something a little bit different, but definitely worth a listen and download. Imagine finding an an album of the dopest instrumentals from unreleased tracks that were made in the 90's, and you won't be far off imagining what this sounds like. I've embedded the bandcamp player for ease of checking it out, but I'd recommend downloading it for a proper listen as it works much better as a mix.

In the words of the producer Jaz Infinite:

93 Culture is my ode to the golden era of boom bap hip-hop. To keep it authenticate as possible I created this album using only the techniques and tools typically used in the early 90s. DJ Chorizo Funk mixed the instrumentals in that classic mixtape format and Dinco D of the Leaders of The New School came through on the hosting tip to keep the vibe going.

Equipment used:
ASR-10
MPC 60II
Akai S-950
Mixed in ProTools, bounced to casette, then digitized again

<a href="http://jazinfinite.bandcamp.com/album/93-culture">93 Culture by Jaz Infinite</a>

***The bandcamp player adds gaps between songs when playing. To hear the mix without the gaps, download the album and play it in your usual music player (iTunes etc.)***

History & Hunger

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 22:34:00 GMT

I'm pleased to see the stress and chaos of Christmas well behind me, now its time to focus on music and blogging.....
Here's some interesting stuff the internet has thrown up over the last few weeks:

Boombox History

In this era, where virtually everything from the early days of hip hop has become either a collectable, iconic, valuable, or captured in some kind of documentary, it never occurred to me that nobody has every really given any shine to the good old boombox. You know, before the man bag, the record bag or the back pack, the must have accessory was a boom box (or 'ghetto blaster' in some local dialects). So it's great to see that Egotripland picked up this article which looks back at the power sucking radios that so many of us first heard the latest Electro album on way back in the 80's.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/how-boomboxes-got-so-badass/

Chief Rocker History

The original soloist on the mic breaks down a little history in this short biopic. There's some nice old school footage to accompany the Chief Rocker's narrative of his early years, and he touches on his clashes with Kool Moe Dee and Lovebug Starski.

R U Gonna Eat That?

I'm really feeling this Dopplegangaz joint of the recently released Marco Polo LP - PA2: The Director's Cut, and now it's got a video! Marco's smooth thumping beat really fits the Dopplegangaz flow and makes the perfect recipe. Yep, you should certainly digest this.

Madiba

Whenever I see something new by Rakim I approach with extreme caution, as so often I'm left feeling underwhelmed. I still burn a torch for him in the hope that one day he returns with the right producer and blows me away again. Unfortunately, this track wasn't the one, but it's a timely tribute to Nelson Mandela and for that reason alone it should get some shine.

Yo! International - UK

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 14:11:00 GMT

When the Saturday edition of Yo! MTV Raps used to air, when Fab 5 Freddy was the host, he toured a variety of locations to meet rappers, usually in their home town or on the location of a video shoot. On one of those occassions, the MTV budget stretched a little further than usual and they paid for Freddy to grace the shores of the UK and present this edition of the series.

I would love to know the reasoning behind the selection of artists for this particular show. MTV had shown the London Posse some love and previously played several of their videos, but to present Black Radcal Mk II to the international stage was a surprise to me. I'm not saying they shouldn't have been there as they'd put out a lot of good material at the time, but in the early 90's there were so many excellent and successful artists in the UK, I just feel some others should also have been given a chance to shine and better represent the UK's hip hop diversity. On the up side, it's was great to see MTV recognise some of the more underground groups.

Nevertheless, this little selection of interviews is still interesting and it's great that MTV took the time to explore hip hop beyond the US.

Unsung: Heavy D

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:42:00 GMT

TV One continues the Unsung series with a history of Heavy D and the Boyz. It follows the usual format of tracing their roots through to their success, but with 2 members of the 4 piece outfit having their lives cut drastically short, it's a little more of a tribute, and rightfully so.

I was never much of a fan of Heavy D, or his absurd wardrobe of outfits that didn't flatter a bigger man's figure. But having watched this episode, it did remind me just how much Waterbed Hev (I still can't believe he actually called himself that!) contributed to hip hop, and that he never compromised his unique style. It's also good to see that Eddie F gets his props too, such an underrated producer in his era.

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Straight Buck Wylin In The Place To Be...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Wed, 4 Dec 2013 23:14:00 GMT

November has been a busy month for me, so I've not been keeping up with all the goodness that the internet has to offer, but that doesn't mean that there hasn't been a few things that caught my attention. So here's a few things that you may want to check out if you haven't spotted them already.

Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See!

In 1997 Busta Rhymes' solo hit confirmed that he'd evolved, he could cut it on his own and that his Leaders of the New School era was firmly behind him. The latest edition in the Magnum Opus series goes back in time and uncovers the history of this iconic track in this short documentary.

Can't Lose

Elzhi is back with this smoothed out new track. He was also seeking some funding for his LP, but appears to have already exceeded his target, so hopefully a new solo LP will be on the way sometime soon.

Guru Tribute Gets A Video

It's been a while since Marco Polo and Talib Kweli collaborated on this joint, and now it's got a video. As tribute tracks go, this isn't bad. RIP Guru.

Red Hot & Movin'

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 22:08:00 GMT

When this blog was set up it was always my intention to share much of my video collection as I have a lot of stuff that doesn't currently appear on YouTube etc. I've had some limited success doing this over the years, but recently I've found some time to rip some of my old tapes and upload the clips to the YouTube channel. And with my new PC being delivered soon, hopefully there'll be more of these rarities to come in the near future.

In early 1992, a group of mostly British hip hop acts came together to perform for one cause, to raise awareness of AIDS. This resulted in a concert which was filmed and shown on Channel 4.

It features many of the biggest names in British hip hop at that time, Hijack, Caveman, Cookie Crew and the Rebel MC alongside the headliner, Master Ace (yep, before he switched up his name spelling). The live performances are interspersed by interviews with the artists. Given that 20+ years have passed, these are as entertaining as the performances. Hearing K-Sly telling people to wear a condom is somewhat odd, although highly commendable. Also featured are 11:59, Tenor Fly, Barrington Levy, Ragga Twins, Nefateri and Apache Indian.

Sublime Wizardry

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 23:03:00 GMT

These guys just hit me up with a link to their latest video, and its made me realise that I've been sleeping on them for months! They originally hit me up back in the summer (when I was in the midst of a big DIY project and this blog was being neglected a little), so I never got around to checking them out. But thankfully they nudged me again, and I'm damn glad they did.

To put things in context, it's fairly rare that I heap praise onto current UK hip hop. I accept that I've got a lot more fussy in my old age, but I'm not alone in saying that most groups these days just can't cut it. So it's great to be able to say that Sublime Wizardry are dispelling these theories and presenting the listener with fresh new music that's been crafted using the old traditions. This really is hip hop that's been made for the veteran's that have stayed true to the culture and will appreciate it's authenticity. They even put their DJ to good use at the end of the track, a feature that is sadly lacking in much of today's music. I'm now hoping I can catch these guys performing live somewhere in the not too distant future.

Check out the video below, and if you're feeling it then head over to their website where you can hear more of their material including tracks of their recently released Best of the Bunch EP, or you can cop this track from: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/can-she-be-heard-single/id733269157.

Memories of Mr C.

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 22:32:00 GMT

A couple of years back I did a piece on Paul C using Dave Tompkins biography, Paul was one of the unsung elevators of early hip hop. To this day it still defies my belief that this guy rarely gets a mention, let alone enough credit for his contribution, despite there still being so many people still active within the world of hip hop that worked with the man.
So to my surprise, I then see two Paul C related articles pop up in the same month! And both are outstanding!!

The first offering is from film maker Pritt Kalsi, who has produced a 3 part documentary that in his own words is "not the definitive documentary or story of Paul C McKasty". But considering it runs for almost an hour and a half, contains interviews from friends, family and artists that he worked with, and given that there has been virtually nothing before it, its as good as we're ever likely to get and it goes way beyond my own expectations.

This is not your average film, it’s a little slower in pace when compared to most documentaries and it doesn’t contain any of the music that Paul C produced, but this provides space for the contributors to talk in more depth.

The personal reflections and stories from his collaborators - Pharoahe Monch, CJ Moore, Casanova Rud, O.C., Dr Butcher, Breakbeat Lou, Mikey D, Rakim and Ultramagnetic amongst others - really get into the history of that era, what it was like to work with Paul C and the way he influenced/mentored Large Professor. This film has clearly been a labour of love for Pritt Kalsi, and all credit goes to him for the hard work that has gone into making this documentary and for sharing his passion and work with us.

To watch the movie you’ll need to visit Kalsi’s own site:
Part 1 & 2
Part 3

On the same day, the StrictlyBusinessHipHop blog published a compilation list of Paul C productions. Due to the lack of acknowledgement given to engineers and producers back then, it is probably impossible to pin down all of the productions he did, or had a hand in. So this list is a massive step towards a fairly definitive list.

So you've now got a list of Paul C productions to go and hunt down, but wait, the StrictlyBusiness boys went one better and have provided downloads for the majority of this list. I'm sure you’ll appreciate that a lot of work has gone into this and some of the tracks are hard to find, so this is a real gift.

Check it out here - http://strictlybusinesshiphop.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/strictly-paul-c.html

Hijack - Live at Montreux

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Tue, 5 Nov 2013 15:59:00 GMT

One of my friends has been trying to get his hands on the full video footage of this concert for some years now, but without success. It's definitely out there, but only clips of it ever seem to emerge.

But today Janka-Man over at the 1994HipHop blog has shared this 320kbps tape rip of the whole concert. You probably won't see this again, so if you're interested then head over and grab it before the links die.

http://www.1994hiphop.net/hijack-live-at-montreux-1990-320-kbs/#comment-3006

There used to be a website that was dedicated to Hijack and held many video clips including some of this concert. They were low quality uploads (probably uploaded via a dial-up connection), but a quick google search hasn't helped me to find it. Mind you, its 2013 and using the search terms 'Hijack' and 'Terrorist Group' provides countless pages of other material, no doubt knocking what I'm looking for back onto page 243 of the search listing. If anyone knows the site I'm thinking of, please drop the address into the comments section, cheers.

Rebel C & L.A. - Funky Music Is My Style

noreply@blogger.com (moyinka) — Sun, 3 Nov 2013 09:45:00 GMT

I heard this years ago but can't remember where and I had forgotten about it until I heard it again a couple of years ago, tracked one down for a very reasonable price and bought it. I really got in to UK hip hop fairly late due to the fact that I was a little prejudiced towards the British accent. Yes, I am British, English if you want, from the third best place in the world if you believe what you read in the paper but the accent still troubled me until Gunshot, Hijack, etc blasted on to the scene at 100mph and it was probably then that the interest / obsession really began. I had a few early electro 12"s like Hardrock Soul Movement, Mutant Rockers and so on but they were different. No lyrics. Still, let's not dwell on that now as this tune is a belter. You may have noticed that it's the B-side yest again that wins, hands down in my opinion. Good sample, boingy 808 bass, what more do you need? An interesting fact too is that it's on a US label which is unexplainable at this moment. The other side is decent also, JB sample, tough beats and worth anyone's money if you ask me but it's this one that I played the most. Disorda had one in a few weeks back which was the reminder I needed to go dig it out and do a fresh 320kbps rip for y'all. I didn't pay any where near that for mine, just in case you were wondering.

Download

Looking for a style like mine, you can't find it!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Fri, 1 Nov 2013 00:11:00 GMT

Yet more nostalgia has been dug out of someones personal collection during October, this time from Kenny Parker, (will we ever lose the fascination with this stuff?), and more reflections on the golden era were born. Either way, it all provides new material to satisfy our thirst for traditional hip hop. Here's a few of the better items that turned up during October.

The Parker Boys

If you missed this release from Kenny Parker (bigger bro of KRS-1) then make sure you catch it now. Kenny holds many old recordings of KRS and this particular snippet is from a very young KRS spitting some classic rhymes over various breaks, beatboxes etc. It's a poignant reminder of just how great KRS was in his prime.

Who Got The Props?

Black Moon's debut LP Enta Da Stage turns 20 years old this year and to mark the occasion Duck Down Music have produced this mini documentary that reflects on how the album came together. There's some nice tid bits of history in this.

Cold Chillin Megamix

Tizwarz The Real has put together a 40 minute Cold Chillin megamix which includes 89 tracks. Do the math, that's a lot of dope tracks in a short time, but it's good fun to stick it on (without checking the track listing) and see how many of them you can name before the next one comes on :)
It's also testament to just how much work Marley Marl was putting in and the number of classics that label produced.

The mix can be streamed or downloaded here - http://www.mixcrate.com/tizwarzmegamixes/cold-chillin-records-megamix-89-track40-min-mix--916197

Crate Diggers - DJ Scratch

EPMD's DJ gives us some insight into his record collection and obsession for red coloured vinyl.

Get The Lowdown

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 21:14:00 GMT

This is probably a bit niche, but if you’re somewhere around the age of 35-45 and grew up in the UK, then you’ll probably enjoy this old episode of the youth TV series The Lowdown that attempted to explain this new thing called hip hop to the uninitiated British youth. Originally shown in the late 80’s (89?), this episode isn’t going to teach you anything about UK hip hop history, but it does provide a window into the world that so many British kids grew up in.

Refresh your memory on some of those hideous outfits that your whole crew used to wear, the shabby social housing, the kid in your class who thought he could rap/beatbox/breakdance and didn’t want to be left out of the current craze etc. It's cheesy, it might even make you cringe, but it's hilarious viewing.

Watch out for contributions from Ice-T, and an early appearance by MC Spee who later went on to have success with Dreadzone and the dance music scene. But my personal favourite is the discussion about the essential need to have a posse, it’s priceless and had me in stitches.

Broke Ass Jam

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Check) — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 08:12:00 +0100

The Living Legends are one of those groups that outside of America are either highly rated or completely unknown. Given the solo success of people like Murs, it surprises me how they have remained so underground and undiscovered to so many. So whether you're a Living Legends fan, or one of the uninitiated, here is your chance to see them in action on their Broke Ass Summer Jam tour.

Although the video's title says 2007, this concert was actually recorded in 2006. Along with the Living Legends, there are also guest appearances by A Plus, Micah9, Saafir and others. This isn't a glossy DVD with HD visuals and sound, but let's be honest, that isn't what anyone would expect from this sort of group.
The running time is around 80 mins.