Can't Stop Fanatics

Stress?

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:49:00 +0000

<a href="http://earsweat.bandcamp.com/track/stress">STRESS? by Lakai</a>

Reminds me of Brother Ali slightly. This guys is dope. One hell of a beat too.

Peoples Logic

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:33:00 +0000

<a href="http://peopleslogic.bandcamp.com/album/the-care-package">The Care Package by Peoples Logic</a>

Raw beats? Check. Nice flows? Check. Originality? Check. Good music? Check.

in the african sun

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:40:00 +0000

Ta Bomba! This man is a demon. He should be every MC’s favourite MC by now. 2 new tracks and both of them are superb. To be honest the African Honeymoon track is the stuff of legend as far as i’m concerned. Get involved!

Sonnyjim – African Honeymoon / Eatin’ Like A King

The Book Thieves

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:17:00 +0000

In spite of everything... we all seem to be lost in these hazy days of counterfeit raps, non sensical rhymes and beats that fail to hold the attention like a 5 year old with ADHD.
All the beats that are provided by 4 different beatsmiths certainly hold the attention with Fredo given the lions share of the production with 3 tracks on this extended player and all certainly provide ample backdrops with lovely chopped up samples, perfectly suited to the mc's flows along with drums that pop.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thebookthieves.bandcamp.com/album/in-spite-of-everything"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;In Spite Of Everything... by The Book Thieves&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

my 3rd great listen of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:55:00 +0000

This French duo have been making a few waves among those in the know with their Funky brand of Golden Era ish Boom Bsp ensembles. The cast list is full of heavyweights but none of them (in my opinion) out do the beats. Awesome Stuff. Peep the clips for evidence!

shut it down

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:43:00 +0000

These Boom Bap Professionals are non-stop. The Dark Side Of The Boom was only released the other day yet here they are with a side project featuring Steady Rock with Oliver sudden. The Shutdown EP is typical of the stables signature. sample chops, weighty kicks and snares and the Hip Hop homage paying vocals (amongst other topics). £2.00 on bandcamp. no excuses. Plus a studio clip after the break. Enjoy!

Steady & Oliver Sudden – The Shutdown EP

OG picnic

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:32:00 +0000

This is different! Ogmios fusion of genres took a few listens to grow on me but grow it did. I would advise giving this a real listen to fully appreciate the soundscapes that have been put together here. A patient but enjoyable listen. Plus peep the interesting little clip after the break. Enjoy!

Ogmios – The Last Picnic

Treehouse

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:24:00 +0000

Treehouse are a hip hop trio (Rico Sisney (MC), Mike Ruby (bass), and Aunnoy Badruzzaman (drums). based out of Chicago that have really caught my attention recently.
The 3 tracks that they have released so far are simply nice as hell. With Pocket Life being my personal favourite, Ana and Growing Conscious are both headnodding finger snapping masterpieces that followed perfect suit. All combining the smart, tight flowing and clever wordplay of intelligent lyricism with original musical backdrops of a bassist and drummer that ride off each other so smoothly, Treehouse are definately worth paying close attention to. Pure brilliance.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://treehousehiphop.bandcamp.com/track/pocket-life"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Pocket Life by Treehouse&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Ill Green

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:09:00 +0000

<a href="http://illgreen.bandcamp.com/album/the-gasmask-tortures">The GasMask Tortures by ILL GREEN</a>

Intrigued by the tape recorder on his half-sister's boombox back in 1984, ILL GREEN has been recording his own music since the age of 8. Became a battle rapper on the streets of Brooklyn by age 16. After the death of his friend, ILL seperated himself from the world and became an alcoholic. Later he was infected with Dengue and near death. His life spared, ILL vowed to take back Hip Hop.

pants on fire

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:05:00 +0000

Whoa! This lady ain’t playin’! Kinny gears up for her second solo (although her first was more of a collection to me) album with this awesome track. The longplayer is due in Feb. Enjoy another clip after the break.

my 2nd great listen of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:43:00 +0000

One of the best albums that I have listened to since Jan 2011. Track 11, Distorted Joy, is a monument all by itself. Theory’s world as seen through the eyes of a crack baby is a thing of warped beauty. The rest of the album flows nicely from one track to the next without any skippable content as far as i’m concerned. Superb stuff.(puts reminder in calendar not to forget this album in my end of 2012 list)!

Buy Theory Hazit’s Thr3e

MR. WRONG - KITTIES OR TRAILER PARK BOYS BUBBLES RAP (PROD BY SAMIYAM)

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:16:00 +0000

Hilariously good video from Lee Scott with dope vocals too.

Elliot Fresh And Evo Lucian Are: Livestock EP

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000

Oxford hip hop duo who deliver funky fresh dope original music. Interview will be posted soon and a new full length LP with beats by yours truelly also coming soon.

<a href="http://evolucian.bandcamp.com/album/elliot-fresh-and-evolucian-are-livestock-ep">Elliot Fresh and Evolucian are: Livestock EP by evolucian</a>

MR. WRONG - COLD SAGGING WHITE RHINO FUNK PIRATE FILM FEAT SLY MOON

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:47:00 +0000

More Cold Saggin from Lee Scott and Co, digging this hard so peep the steez!

The Gentlemen Stroll

noreply@blogger.com (Green Hornet) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:46:00 +0000

Something new from The Antiheroes.

my 1st great listen of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:59:00 +0000

Its available from HERE & is my first serial repeating album that i have stuck on my iphone (4s… i love it) in 2012. The giveaway clue to the emphasis of the album is on the cover but needless to say, Jazzy Hip Hop fans get familiar, you will not be disappointed! DO NOT SLEEP!!!!!

Gritty Digs ft. Cadence by Glad2Mecha & Ill Treats

Glad2Mecha & Ill Treats – Hello

2011: my music year & Favourites

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:08:00 +0000

This My 2011 In Hip Hop

Ahhhh Hip Hop, Brilliant, Terrible, Innovative, Stale, Boundary Pushing, Time Wasting, Spell Binding, Gut wrenching. Yeah yeah I know that these descriptions are extreme but if we're honest with ourselves it not very hard to find major/semi-major releases in 2011 that fit the bill, one way or another. Stagnant perpetual motion would be my personal contribution to the epitaph. Constantly changing and evolving while at the same time managing to shoot itself in the foot just when it seems to be gaining momentum. All stewed in the same pot as fake/pointless 'Beefs' (not on my island though) and the never ending story of major labels failing to fully utilise the strength of digital media.

more & my personal 2011 favs after the break….

It's funny how all the nonsensical aspects seem to be taking place on the big brother island that is the 'almighty' U S of A and not on this side of the atlantic. I have barely heard of any altercations of any kind in the UK Hip Hop (not Grime) scene of late. We had plenty of quality releases. The biggest of which (Jehst's Dragon...) while a triumph to behold was made all the more poignant thanks to the ridiculous/chaotic antics of some very stupid individuals. The initial outpouring of anger due to a lack of communication from the powers that be gave way to wan-ton looting and vandalism. The one thing that I was proud of in the aftermath was that for once urban music was not guilty by association. Although some of the errrr... social commentators were way off the mark with their excuse making, they were for the most part (David Starkey?) rational with their arguments.

Meanwhile the blogosphere was as entertaining as ever with the usual fake gangsta's and laptop don's hiding behind their computer screens. A Certain punchline spitting crooner’s supposed greatness (or lack there of) seemed to spark the fiercest verbal jousting among the self anointed, appointed and initiated. Where do I stand on the subject? Someone who could potentially be Hip-Hops pillar and chief message bringer is quite satisfied making the ladies moist. So be it but he could be so much more.

As for my music year, I spent a lot more time than usual with my ears in the company of funk and funky house artists than i have in previous years. But recognising that would lead me to ask whether that was due to a shift in aural tastes on my part, or a distinct lack of decent Hip-Hop to get my proverbial teeth into. The releases that I held the most anticipation for (bar one) didn’t disappoint and as usual there were a few pleasant surprises. But even with the great music on offer I still don’t feel that Hip-Hop had a particularly good year. Maybe i’m being picky, maybe it’s the plethora of terrible music that has been released this year, or maybe i am just plain wrong. Hey ho....

And my 2011 favs are....

Elzhi - Elmatic
Jehst - Dragon of an Ordinary Family
Betty Wright & The Roots - Betty Wright: The Movie
Common - The Dreamer/The Believer
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings-Soul Time!
Evidence - Cats & Dogs
Phonte - Charity Starts At Home
Omen - Afraid Of Heights
Sonnyjim - The Psychonaut/The Psychonaut Remixes
The Roots - Undun
Torae - For The Record
Kendrick Lamar - Section.80
Dubbledge - Dubbledge vs. The Boondocks
Rapsody - For Everything
Celph Titled - Nineteen Ninety More
J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story
Tiron & Ayomari - A Sucker For Pumps
9th Wonder - The Wonder Years (deluxe edition)
Statik Selektah - Population Control
Big K.R.I.T. - Return Of Eva

Honourable mentions:
Scram Jones - Hat Trick
Rebecca Ferguson - Heaven
Small Pro & Fortilive - I vs. I Remix LP
Willie Evans Jr - Introducing
Kindred the Family Soul - Love Has no Recession

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

cool for cats

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:28:00 +0000

SO! the LDZ are back with a fairly substantial piece of freeness. Catfood is a longplayer full of quality music, quality MC’s and quality guests (Dubbledge, Jam Baxter & Stig) This ones a no brainer folks. Enjoy!

LDZ – Catfood LP

whoa!!! that took a while….

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:32:00 +0000

About two and a half years ago I remarked about the impending release of one of my favourite producers first label backed release. Gigantic Volume 1 (somewhat belatedly) will see the light of day in mid January. Peep the stream of the first single after the break.

When The Last Leaf Falls (feat. Has-Lo) by Small Professor

nice 2cu 2cu…

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:06:00 +0000

If you have heard of either Hocus Pocus (mentioned by me quite a few times) or DMC legends C2C, you will already be looking forward to the release of their new EP in January 2012. F.U.Y.A is the first track from said EP & is/was a freebie! peep the clip.

it’s getting cold outside…

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 02:31:00 +0000

To anyone who isn’t up on HBO/Sky Atlantic’s (UK) awesome series, GET FAMILIAR, to those that know. season 2 is due around april 2012. I know its not music but I don’t care…. I can’t wait!

a rebel with a cause

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:03:00 +0000

Arguably the ultimate example for The message that Hip Hop can address, whether you agree with his views or not (and i am not expressing mine one way or the other) Soundtrack To The Struggle is an album that must be listened to.

More clips after the break

Buy Soundtrack To The Struggle

reklewsive (yes i can spell)

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Reklews is back behind the boards with the latest Blah release. At 8 tracks deep you will definitely be wanting more. Which is why you should head over to the Blah site for some related freeness. Enjoy!

Reklews – Blah, etc

RIP to all who served

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:35:00 +0000

WHAT THE HELL!!! Does this dude not know how to relax. Great single after great album after great EP after great freebie just keep on coming from Sonnyjim. This time it is Canadian beatsmith Elaquent providing the canvass for Jim to do his thing. No preview necessary… grab it and name your price (which won’t last forever).

Sonnyjim – Tall Poppy Syndrome

the edge of reason

noreply@blogger.com (nofrillz) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:29:00 +0000

Dubbledge is easily one of the most diverse and entertaining MC’s the UK has produced. The witty punchlines and high pitched delivery make for some laugh out loud moments (although you may have to rewind to catch a few of them). Those of you who know all about The Boondocks will appreciate the sound bites. Those that haven’t got a clue should get familiar real quick! As for the man behind the album, all the pluses i mentioned above are in abundance & the concept is well put together. The beats are as diverse as the MC they are backing. and… only £2.99!!!

preview & link are available after the break

Willie Lynch aka How To Make a Slave by Dubbledge

Dubbledge vs. The Boondocks