WISDOM SEEKER---BEATS, RHYMES, LIFE...

[NEW ALBUM] RUGGED REGIME (PART I)

2023-06-11T18:18:00.001-07:00

Rugged Regime (Part I) is the brainchild of the regal emcee and label head Indigo Phoenyx. Carefully curated and expertly executed, this nineteen track compilation is a welcome addition to the dope music permeating ears in 2023. Featured performances on this creative tour-de-force are Bannah, Nivek, i9ON, Streetz, Ziz, Doc T, Sub2Reign, Nique Deville, Indigo Phoenyx, John Jigg$, G Fam Black, Josiah The Gift, M Doc Diego and Mondo Slade. The soundscape for Rugged Regime (Part I) is provided by QuakeMobb, yours truly WISDOM BEATS, Bannah, Streetz, K Dero, Kwenu, Doc T, $aveme, Bobcatt The Legend and Nique Deville. Artwork for the project comes from the creative Doc Terror. This album is sure to be included on a slew of Best Of lists to end 2023. In the interim, enjoy the lyrical and aural concoction that is Rugged Regime (Part I).

LINK: https://indigophoenyx.bandcamp.com/album/rugged-regime-part-i

[NEW ALBUM] ZHIGEIST --- ELZHI & GEORGIA ANNE MULDROW

2022-03-16T01:25:00.001-07:00

This collaboration wasn't on my radar, but I am surely glad the two powerhouse, yet underrated, creatives Elzhi and Georgia Anne Muldrow decided to bless us with Zhigeist. The eleven-track offering brings the best of both spheres together, merging the lyrical worlds of Motor City emcee with the LA-born producer/instrumentalist/artist. Together they make beautiful music that is a welcome departure from the trapped in trap musical world that we live in at the moment (a moment that has gone on for quite a while to be perfectly honest). This is definitely a multiple listen project, so carve out a little time to absorb and digest the lyricism of Elzhi and musicality of Muldrow. You won't be disappointed.

Bandcamp: https://naturesounds.bandcamp.com/album/zhigeist

Twitter: @ELZHI | @JAHJAHMULDROW

BLACK NO MORE: A NEW-AGE MUSICAL FROM A BLACK RENAISSANCE PERSPECTIVE

2022-03-16T01:05:00.001-07:00

The Off-Broadway wonder that is Black No More opened recently to positive reviews. The Afrofuturistic offering, inspired by the 1931 novel of the same name by George S. Schuyler, is a satirized view of race relations in a Harlem Renaissance-set America.

Co-written by Tariq Trotter (better known to the hip hop sphere as Black Thought) and adapted from a book by Academy Award winner John Ridley (of 12 Years A Slave fame), this play covers much ground. Billed as a musical, you have Trotter, fellow Roots Crew member James Poyser, Anthony Tidd and Daryl Waters bringing the melodic noise. Black Thought also provides the lyrical firepower for Black No More. Two-time Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones brings his choreographic expertise to this auspicious production.

Max Disher, played by Brandon Victor Dixon, is the central character that has utilized the services of Junius Crookman (Tariq Trotter), seeking to transform from Black to Caucasian through a mystery machine. Through song and dance, The New Group performed, enacted and portrayed a very pertinent message with this recent run from January 20th through February 27th. I am looking forward to the powers that be to recognize the power of this musical and bring it to Broadway. Read more about Black No More via the links below. I know you won't be disappointed.

https://www.npr.org/2022/02/14/1080160459/black-no-more-machine-musical-tariq-trotter

https://thenewgroup.org/production/black-no-more/

[VIDEO] BLACK THOUGHT --- "THOUGHT VS EVERYBODY"

2022-03-15T23:13:00.001-07:00

This should have been posted in 2020. No better time than the present. "Thought Vs Everybody" is from the dope release from Tariq Trotter titled Streams Of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane & Able. I know the multitude is patiently waiting for a new album from The Legendary Roots Crew. Black Thought, of course, has been busy with his late-night gig on The Tonight Show, and more recently his Broadway musical turn in Black No More. Stay tuned for more insight into that dope musical.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv0jU0ccUGQ&t=171s

Twitter: @BlackThought | @TheRoots | @Okayplayer

Website: www.okayplayer.com

[SHORT FILM] IN THE WOOD

2022-03-15T22:54:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to reality.

It's been such a long time since I've tapped into this site. I've been on a quest to create doper beats and improve upon my 30+ year spinnin' skills that I put on the back-burner for the longest. Writing has not abandoned me, however. I am looking to keep my virtual pen alive and well for 2022 and beyond.

While perusing and musing online for some creative ideas I came across this hidden gem from 2017. For those that do not know, NOE is a Baltimore-bred emcee known for his Jay-Z-like vocal timbre and affiliate of Jim Jones' ByrdGang. Here is a dope glimpse into the existence of the East Baltimore artist.

https://vimeo.com/157036350?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=16402865

Artist Website: https://becomingnoe.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @NOETheBrand

PEOPLE'S PARTY WITH TALIB KWELI [COMMON EPISODE]

2020-07-26T23:22:00.001-07:00

To say the least, 2020 has been the most challenging year that humanity as a collective has experienced in eons. There has been plenty of source material to include on WISDOM SEEKER, but I have been focusing on the musical side to challenge my anger and angst creatively. Writing is still a passion (albeit a quieter one at age 5-0). Needless to say it is time for me to do what is necessary to keep the WISDOM SEEKER banner flying high.
Talib Kweli has been on the receiving end of criticism and vitriol due to his penchant for Twitter disagreements. I won't get into that because I am about the positive aspects of this dope emcee. His People's Party podcast/show has been doing quite well, so I am going to focus on that aspect right now. His recent interview with Chi-Town legend Common is an informative and lengthy foray into multiple topics. Show co-host Jasmin Leigh adds dope insight during the course of this two-hour hip hop dissertation. Enjoy, and welcome me back to my WISDOM SEEKER platform.

[NEW MUSIC] GANG STARR --- ONE OF THE BEST YET

2019-11-15T12:57:00.001-08:00

Peace and blessings WISDOM SEEKERS! It has truly been a good while since I've posted on my blog. I've been immersed in beatmaking and production and that has taken precedent over my creative flow. So much dope music has been released since my last posting in 2018. With us finishing 2019 it is only right for me to showcase the newest joint to grace my eardrums. One Of The Best Yet is the new release from Gang Starr. I didn't know if we would ever get another collaborative effort from the late great Guru and Preemo. We did. It is fiyah. From beginning to end you get that vintage sound that made Gang Starr the quintessential hip hop group. I will let the music speak for itself at this point.

I still love Hip Hop...

Link: https://play.google.com/music/m/Bngj74xqokrgziyuxh7rcq2hawq?t=One_Of_The_Best_Yet_-_Gang_Starr

HIPHOPPHILOSOPHY.COM RADIO [MONDAY NIGHT FRESH --- 8.19.19 EPISODE]

2019-11-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

Dope hip hop is still alive and well in 2019. I am indeed blessed and grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with the legendary Stetsasonic representative Daddy-O (now known as Professor Daddy-O). It is only right to hear the fruits of labor on various satellite/terrestrial stations/mixshows. One such joint is courtesy of HipHopPhilosophy.com. Here we have the Monday Night Fresh edition from 8/19/19. Salute to El Choppo aka A.C. The Program Director for including the WISDOM BEATS-produced "Serengetti" in the mix. Heading into 2020 there is indeed promise on the horizon for the culture to grow and thrive, and I'm looking forward to being an integral part of this growth.

DJ WONDER - WONDER MIX [7.12.18]

2018-07-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked out DJ Wonder on Sway In The Morning with the swift cuts and dope transitions (turntable lingo) then please pay attention to this joint. His famed Wonder Mix for July 12th was a very dope twenty-plus minutes of spinnin'. Of course I am excited with this episode because he added to his playlist the ILL Conscious gem "Vibe Vibrations" (featuring the Left Coast phenom Yung Miss). I wasn't expecting this WISDOM BEATS production to be a part of today's playlist, but I am honored to have this song played for the multitudes to listen to, even for a few moments. DJ Wonder deftly blended "Vibe Vibrations" into the classic Dilla-produced "Stakes Is High" (which is a song that influenced my production style). Other gems abound on this Wonder Mix. I won't give any titles away; I'll leave it up to the listeners to catch some known and unknown music. Make sure to check out Sway In The Morning on SiriusXM Shade 45 in the mornings to start your day on a great note!

Twitter:

@djwonder
@ill_Conscious
@YungMiss

7TH ANNUAL FLEET DJ'S MUSIC CONFERENCE [JULY 20TH-23RD, 2018]

2018-06-07T18:52:00.001-07:00

Raleigh, NC will again be home to the Fleet DJs Music Conference. Hilton Garden Inn will be the host for this year's festivities, as the Oak City will welcome a bevy of artists, producers, DJs, bloggers, models, photographers and tastemakers from across the country. There will definitely be star power in the building, with notable names making appearances, such as Tisha Martin-Campbell, Daz Dillinger (Tha Dogg Pound), Big Gipp (Goodie Mob), Gunplay (MMG) and many others. Panels, performances, networking, and of course partying. This is going to be an epic weekend, so don't miss the 7th Annual Fleet DJs Music Conference. WISDOM BEATS will see you there!

Website: www.fleetdjs.com
E-mail: FleetConference@fleetdjs.com
Phone: 404-465-1546

[ALBUM STREAM] M3 --- DJ JAZZY JEFF

2018-05-10T19:07:00.001-07:00

Creative and artistic freedom is what most artists (in my humble opinion) strive for in this day and age. DJ Jazzy Jeff, one of my go-to legends when it comes to turntablism and production, has now entered the realm of a musical free agent, so to speak, with the release of the final installment in the Magnificent series, M3. This is the first Jazzy Jeff-helmed product as an independent artist, and that freedom serves him well. He's been so influential in developing artists and sounds for the better part of three-plus decades, and this album is an emphatic exclamation point for Magnificent as a sonic trilogy. Dope collaborations abound, with Dayne Jordan, Rhymefest, Amir (Jeff's son), Masego, James Poyser, Andre Harris (Dre & Vidal) and others contributing their talents to this exciting project. I have no secrets about DJ Jazzy Jeff as one of my biggest influences, and M3 is another feather in a stellar, almost unparalleled career as one of the dopest DJ's ever (actually he is the dopest in my book). Stream and download the project (and thank me later). Fleet DJ/Fleet Producer WISDOM BEATS signing out!

LINK: https://play.google.com/music/m/Bwzilgdb7lpdw37t6h7pnuvy6fq?t=M3_-_DJ_Jazzy_Jeff

WEBSITE: www.djjazzyjeff.com
TWITTER: @djjazzyjeff215
INSTAGRAM: DJJazzyJeff

[NEW MUSIC] JAMIL HONESTY (FEAT. WHITNEY C)--- "SEARCHING" [PROD. BY WISDOM BEATS]

2018-05-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Collaborating with Jamil Honesty has truly been an honor. What turned out as a simple beat submission to a respected emcee has turned out to be a blessing indeed. What resulted was "Searching", a song anchored by a dope Roy Ayers sample. With the beautiful and spirited vocalist Whitney C adding her vocal flourishes, "Searching" is destined to be a joint played during the dog days of summer (not only in the hometown of B-more but across boundary lines). The song has taken on a life of its own, being featured on Rap Is Outta Control with DJ Eclipse and DJ Riz (SiriusXM Ch. 45), as well as a slew of other terrestrial and online stations (spanning the US, Canada, UK, Belgium). Rounding out this joint is DJ Grazzhoppa providing the succinct scratches, and you have a timeless hip hop song (in my humble opinion). Support the music and the movement by visiting Bandcamp and downloading "Searching".

LINK: https://jamilhonesty.bandcamp.com/track/searching

SOCIAL MEDIA:

@jAmilhOneSty
@CreAsheDaEMprss
@DJGRAZZHOPPA
@WisdomSince70

16 BARS [DOCUMENTARY TRAILER]

2018-04-20T15:44:00.002-07:00

Arrested Development emcee Speech (not to be confused with my cohort and Illogical B-more spitta) had a noble idea to go into a jail for ten days to facilitate and record with talented, yet incarcerated individuals. This is indeed a story of redemption and hope, one that all can utilize in their life endeavors. Peep the trailer for this riveting and dope visual.

16 BARS FESTIVAL TEASER from RESONANT PICTURES on Vimeo.

[NEW MUSIC] "DOWNTOWN" --- ULLNEVANO FEAT. J-BERD [PROD. BY MANHE]

2018-04-10T22:01:00.001-07:00

Ullnevano is right back at it with more dope rhymes complimented by 21st century boom-bap. Produced by Norfolk, Virginia beatsmith MANHE and featuring Frederick, MD emcee J-Berd, "Downtown" showcases each lyricist taking listeners on a trip down memory lane in their respective cities. Be it Baltimore Street (B-more) or Church Street (Frederick), each emcee paints a vivid picture that listeners can relate to on a visceral level. "Downtown" is part of an eight-week Twitter series/music release entitled #SHAMMGODWEDS. Dope concept to continue with the running theme of excellent hip hop releases for 2018. Make no mistake, Ullnevano and company are in it for the long haul, and we are all the better for it. Salute!

#SHAMMGODWEDS

#SHAMMGODWEDS

[NEW MUSIC/MIXTAPE] | STAHHR ---- RESPECT DUE VOL. 1

2018-02-25T19:09:00.002-08:00

Respect Due Vol. 1 by ATL lyricist staHHR is an extremely dope collection of freestyles over notarized Hip Hop joints from a bygone era when lyrics AND beats mattered. staHHR is no stranger to Hip Hop culture, as she has cultivated her growth for the better part of two decades. This 13-song collection, hosted by Fort Knox and mixed by DJ Deliver, will spark the eardrums for certain. 2018 is shaping up to be an excellent year for Hip Hop with a purpose (if you really look for that realness and authenticity). Support my sista and cop her joint via Bandcamp: https://stahhr.bandcamp.com/album/respect-due-vol-1

RESPECT DUE VOL. 1 by staHHr

Twitter: @stahhr

Instagram: @stahhr

Website: https://stahhr.wordpress.com/

SKYZOO --- THE MAKING OF "IN CELEBRATION OF US"

2018-02-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

In Celebration Of Us is the most recent album release for one of my favorite artists, Skyzoo. Released 2.10.18, this joint is fifteen tracks of pure heat. Nothing out of the ordinary for one of the most consistently dope artists in Hip Hop (actually any genre). Per usual Skyzoo hits the fans with a BTS showcasing the process for genesis and completion of In Celebration Of Us. Take a look, and if you haven't copped the album, hit the link after the video.

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-celebration-of-us/1333871047

Twitter: @skyzoo
Instagram: @skyzoothewriter

[VIDEO] | ILL CONSCIOUS (FEAT. DJ AUDAS) --- "THE TESTAMENT" [PROD. BY KYO ITACHI]

2018-02-19T00:41:00.001-08:00

ILL Conscious is ready to drop his opus The Prerequisite today (2.19.18), and I am excited for the masses to hear this sonic wonder. Of course I am very proud to have contributed a track to the album, and it is an honor to have such a dope emcee to drop this type of project in today's climate. The video below is for the dope joint "The Testament", featuring DJ Audas and produced by Kyo Itachi. You get visceral visuals of our hometown, B-more, in this 1:53 video. When The Prerequisite hits all major digital outlets (as well as physical availability) make certain to support!

Twitter: @ill_Conscious

Instagam: ill_consciousdagod

Bandcamp: https://illconsciousdagod.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1avqQo0rdgJlRmQhnlxPgW

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-prerequisite/1343361409

GREENSPAN --- "INDIE" [VIDEO]

2018-02-02T18:23:00.003-08:00

B-more emcee Greenspan (@Greenspan410) is continuing to expand his creative horizons on the Hip Hop front. His recent video release, "INDIE", is indicative of his dedication to elevating his craft and pushing the envelope. With a dope cosign from Okayplayer, "INDIE" is showcasing #BlackExcellence at its finest, with visuals of Greenspan cruising the streets of East and West Baltimore (fly Lincoln Continental as the vehicle of choice). Baltimore-bred filmmaker Angel Kristi Williams (@angelkristiwms) directed this gem. "Indie" is a dope joint from the 2016 Greenspan project Never Gone Die, a HipNOTT Records release. Peep the video below and support dope artistry such as this!

NO IDEAS ORIGINAL RADIO SHOW PODCAST (SPECIAL GUEST: SHABAAM SAHDEEQ)

2018-01-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

For the January 21, 2018 episode of No Ideas Original Radio Show podcast you have Shabaam Sahdeeq as guest. This recent episode of the college radio program on 91.3 FM (WVKR) is a special one indeed on my end. I had the honor and pleasure of producing a joint for B-more spitta Jamil Honesty. The track, entitled "Searching" (featuring dope vocalist and my Judah's Juke Joint sista Whitney C) is one of the tracks being played during the 3-plus hour set for No Ideas Original. I'm definitely proud of this accomplishment, and I'm humbled by the entire chain of dope events surrounding my beatmaking for 2018 and beyond. Not lost on this accomplishment is the fact that legendary emcee from Soundbombing lore Shabaam Sahdeeq is guest on the show. Shout out to Walter Herrmann for showcasing and recognizing dope material that may go unseen or unheard.

[VIDEO] "TOM SHEPPARD" --- ULLNEVANO [PROD. BY JUMBLED]

2017-12-19T00:03:00.004-08:00

With 2017 coming to a much needed close, we have another dope single from The Ghost Of Len Bias EP entitled "Tom Sheppard". If you are a nostalgic cat that fiends for 90's Hip Hop culture, you will get the reference as the basketball character (portrayed by Leon) searching for his identity in the hood classic Above The Rim. UllNevaNo channels that characterization in this video (directed by another dope artist/producer Logic Marselis). Enjoy the Golden Era vibes (courtesy of producer Jumbled) and don't forget to support one of the best indie releases I've heard in this otherwise depressing year (full of political strife). I'll save the soap-box rantings for another post.

Twitter: @ullnevano @napalmdef

Bandcamp: https://magnetikmoments.bandcamp.com/album/the-ghost-of-len-bias

HEAT ROCKS: EPISODE 6 --- ILL CAMILLE ON COMMON'S LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE (2000)

2017-11-30T14:13:00.001-08:00

I'm definitely a huge fan of the podcast Heat Rocks with Oliver Wang and Morgan Rhodes. Both hosts are dynamic in their individuality and perspectives on music. Of course Episode 6 strikes a chord because it speaks on one of my personal favorites, Like Water For Chocolate (2000). Common put himself fully on the Hip Hop map with this Soulquarians gem. If you're not familiar with The Soulquarians collective, it was comprised of Questlove, James Poyser, D'Angelo, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu, Bilal, Common, Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey), Talib Kweli, Roy Hargrove, Pino Palladino and the incomparable J Dilla (Rest In Beats). I gravitated towards that sound and sonic artistry because it came from a place I could fully identify with when it came to Neo-Soul and Progressive Hip Hop. Years later I'm still immersed in that movement, even as others have moved on to the trappings of Trap/EDM/Mumble Rap or any other categorization I may not be a part of at this point in life. Without expounding too much on my own fascination with Common and his music, I will allow Ill Camille, another dynamic emcee to break down the seminal project. Ill Camille is an LA artist that is part of a very progressive movement on the Left Coast (somewhat similar in nature to what we heard from the Soulquarians camp in the late 90's-early 2000's). Her most recent project entitled Heirloom garnered praise and attention as a stylized piece of Hip Hop artistry. Make certain to check out Heirloom and her discography via her website: http://www.illcamille.com/. Enjoy the podcast and tune in to other Heat Rocks episodes to get some very insightful conversations.

LINK: http://www.maximumfun.org/heat-rocks/heat-rocks-ep-5-ill-camille-commons-like-water-chocolate-2000

[VIDEO] RAPSODY --- "POWER"

2017-11-29T08:08:00.002-08:00

Congratulations for NC lyricist Rapsody (one of my favorite artists in any genre) on her Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song. Laila's Wisdom is a gem, replete with top-notch lyricism and laser-sharp production. "Power" (featuring Kendrick Lamar and Lance Skiiiwalker) is a riveting video that shows the gradual growth and determination of Rapsody. She is one of the few artists that I can genuinely say has paid her dues, and those dues are paying grand dividends. After peeping the powerful visuals for "Power" (pun intended), support and cop this extremely dope project.

#JamlaIsTheSquad
#WelcomeToJamRoc

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lailas-wisdom/id1276699895

Website: http://www.iamrapsody.com/

Twitter: @rapsody

[NEW VIDEO] DE LA SOUL --- "ROYALTY CAPES"

2017-11-22T11:22:00.001-08:00

Strong Island trio De La Soul once again are showing and proving that there is no expiration date on dope Hip Hop. Dave, Maseo and Posdnous dropped the Grammy-nominated gem and the Anonymous Nobody August 2016, and more than a year later we are still reveling in the extended shelf life of that Kickstarter-funded project. The newest video is for "Royalty Capes" (featuring Gina Loring) and it starts off with an honest and surreal look into the medical condition that Dave is dealing with on the daily (congestive heart failure). With the passing of his Native Tongues brethren Phife, it brings into full focus that Golden Era emcees are facing their own existence and mortality as they embrace middle age. I'm definitely a part of that reality, and it is refreshing that De La STILL is a beacon of light in Hip Hop. Continue supporting the culture and cop and the Anonymous Nobody.

Website: http://www.wearedelasoul.com/
Twitter: @WeAreDeLaSoul @DeLaSoulsDugout @PlugWonDeLaSoul

[VIDEO] | SKARR-AKBAR --- "FLORIDA EVANS"

2017-10-24T20:39:00.001-07:00

Skarr-Akbar has been a staple in the Baltimore Hip Hop scene for more than a decade, along the way becoming one of the most respected lyricist in Harm City. Peep his deep mixtape and album discography if you need a reminder of his potency. The B-more rhymer just dropped a dope video for the sonic gem "Florida Evans", which is another feather in his cap (undoubtedly an Orioles fitted). Make sure to support the artist and view his various social media offerings (listed below).

Twitter: @skarrakbar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skarr1
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/skarr-akbar
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/passion-pain-progress-beautiful/id956604487

THE GHOST OF LEN BIAS --- AN INTERVIEW WITH ULLNEVANO

2017-09-12T17:45:00.001-07:00

Ullnevano (@Ullnevano) is a very dope individual indeed. Not only does he hold true to the true tenets of Hip Hop, but he is a very down to earth and knowledgeable subject. I've had the pleasure of knowing the brother for a few years now, first meeting him at the famed Reflection Eternal Barbershop co-owned by my Berea brethren Andwele (another individual deserving of a WISDOM SEEKER interview in the near future). Even though I'm no longer physically in B-more, I still keep in contact with my Hip Hop family, and I consider Ullnevano as an integral part of that extension.

I had the honor of interviewing Ullnevano for the highly anticipated project The Ghost Of Len Bias, a collaborative effort with Harm City producer/beatsmith Jumbled (@NapalmDef). We had an in-depth convo revolving around Len Bias, continued violence in Baltimore, the state of Hip Hop and the anticipation behind the labor of love that is The Ghost Of Len Bias. Our 30-minute phone conversation was definitely eventful and fruitful, but I apologize in advance for the audio quality not being up to par. I did not want to delay this interview any longer than I've already done, so please enjoy and listen (to the best of your ability). Support Ullnevano, Jumbled and TGOLB project when it is released.