hi stakes :: free hip-hop for the commons

DJ Spooky & Chuck D: Arizona Remix (download)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:59:50 PDT

From DJ Spooky:

In the wake of Republican Governor Jan Brewer's appalling anti-immigrant law, me and Chuck D were rappin' and we decided to put together an update of his classic track By The Time I get To Arizona. Anyone who knows about hip hop from the early 90's remembers John McCain's unwillingness to endorse creating a local version of Martin Luther King's birthday. The update here is a 21st century look in the rear view mirror. The cliché that "those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it" still holds sway in our hyper amnesiac culture. I remixed D.W. Griffith's infamous film Birth of a Nation with a bit of Public Enemy in mind, and later on, they named an e.p. with the same name as my project. Me and Chuck D have done several projects in the past around progressive, non knucklehead hip hop.

Please feel free to download this track and pass it around. We are the media. Feel free to pass it around!

By the way, this is a mashup, and it's basically not really for sale. I just took a riff from Philly Sound (www.funkadelphiarecords.com), and flipped it. The result, is what you hear here. It's free, and open. No $!!

in peace,
Paul aka DJ Spooky

When A Whole State's Racist: Boycott Arizona

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:50:56 PDT

People like to steal your soda...

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:45:47 PDT

Hi Stakes Presents OutKast - Non-Album Cuts (1992-1999)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:00:04 PST

For my fellow OutKast fans: a smoothly-mixed, extensive compilation of every b-side, guest spot, and soundtrack feature from 1992-1999. I'm pretty sure I got them all, but feel free to comment on anything I left out.

These aren't the original tracks. I mixed it to emphasize OutKast, cutting out most everything else. Tried to go for smooth transitions, nothing fancy. Hopefully, it'll feel almost like a lost album - 54 minutes of straight pre-Stankonia Andre and Big Boi, with a few "guest" spots from T-Mo, Big Gipp, and Slick Rick. Some never-heard or nearly-forgotten tracks for all ya'll, I hope.

Download OutKast - DeepKuts (1992-1999) [MIX]

TRACKLIST

1.TLC - What About Your Friends (Extended Remix)

2.OutKast - Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (Organized Extended Remix)

3.OutKast - Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (Diamond Remix)

4.OutKast - Benz or Beamer

5.Goodie Mob - Dirty South

6.Goodie Mob - Thought Process

7.OutKast - ATLiens (Bad Boy Remix)

8.OutKast - Everlasting

9.OutKast - Jazzy Belle (Swift C Remix)

10.OutKast - In Due Time

11.Goodie Mob - Black Ice

12.Cool Breeze & Big Boi - Gangsta Partna

13.Kilo Ali - Love in Ya Mouth

14.TLC - Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes

15.Witchdoctor - Dez Only 1

16.OutKast - Rats and Roaches (Unreleased)

17.Monica - Gone Be Fine

18.OutKast - Phobia

19.Cool Breeze - Watch for the Hook (Dugeon Family Mix)

20.Eightball & MJG - Throw Your Hands Up

21.OutKast - High Schoolin

22.Slick Rick - Street Talkin'

23.Youngbloodz - 85

24.Missy Elliott - All N My Grill

25.Tash - Smokefest 99

26.OutKast - Freestyle (Vinyl Bootleg)

Free Download: New Rapper Big Pooh & Black Milk Mixtape

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:25:13 PST

New mixtape from NC's own Rapper Big Pooh, with fresh verses over Black Milk's Prince-sampled beats:

Video: Clipse + The Roots - Grindin' (Live)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:17:38 PST

Looking Back at Underground Rap (2000-2009)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:50:45 PST

Yes, the T.R.O.Y. blog is the most serious authority on 1990s hip-hop, but that didn't stop them from posting this impressive 2-volume retrospective of underground rap from 2000-2009. As always with T.R.O.Y., the catalog is deep! Props to Schenectady Fan.

New Millennium Underground (2000-2009)

Vol 1--

Download

01 (1:44) A Class - Artwork (Maryland 2007)
02 (3:29) Dim Mak - Respect (Seattle 2006)
03 (3:39) Freddiebeatz/Haak Blast - Money Long (Philadelphia 2007)
04 (4:09) Raaddrr Van aka 'Lodd Manafess' - Black Naussius (New York 2005)
05 (4:28) Monster Island Czars - Witchcraft (New York 2003)
06 (3:51) Infamous Mr Savage (Of Soul Kid Klik) - Dangerous (New York) (2006 ?)
07 (3:34) Mic Mountain - Da Jungle (Washington Dc 2008)
08 (4:09) Shabazz The Disciple - Preme (New York 2006)
09 (3:24) Sandpeople - Fiddler On The Roof (Portland Or 2005)
10 (3:36) Myalansky - We Break Laws (Virginia 2008)
11 (3:55) Altered States Of Consciousness - Brigade (Seattle Wa 2004)
12 (2:51) LSP - Death 2 U All (North Carolina 2005)
13 (5:21) Denizen Kane - Two Trains (Chicago 2002)
14 (2:26) ShellBe RAW - Tale of Two Cities (Baltimore 2005)
15 (4:29) Mass Influence - A Yo Atlanta Ya On (Georgia 2003)
16 (3:09) G-Clef (Of Soul Kid Klik) - Split Personality (New York 2003)
17 (2:58) Rugged Intellect - Like That (feat. A.G.) (New York 2007)
18 (4:59) K Sity (Featuring Ronnie L) - Unstopable Legacy (New Mexico 2005)

Vol 2--

Download

01 (3:04) Arabesque - Stardust Feat. Deesha (Toronto Canada 2005)
02 (3:07) East Coast Avengers - Let It Knock (Boston 2008)
03 (4:15) Hydroponic Sound System - Static (Michigan 2002)
04 (3:51) Volume 10 - On One (Los Angeles 2000)
05 (3:28) Asaviour - Field of Dreams (Bay Area Ca 2006)
06 (1:15) Four Zone - Intro (Los Angeles 2006)
07 (3:57) House of Reps - Ready For War (Conneticutt 2000)
08 (3:07) The Thyrday - Leaving Home (North Carolina 2005)
09 (2:00) Mic Profit - Young James Bond (Conneticutt 2005)
10 (4:43) Azeem - Paim Wine Two (Florida 2001)
11 (5:18) 2uvakynd - People Up On It (Chicago 2005)
12 (4:49) The Primeridian - Tatuduhendi (Boogie Man) (Chicago 2005)
13 (4:11) Hasan Salaam Feat. Hicoup - Concrete Watercolors (New York 2005)
14 (4:59) Sandpeople - Can't Let Go (Portland Or 2005)
15 (5:29) Inna Citi - Stop Da Rain (Conneticutt 2000)
16 (4:52) Misfit - Tryin Not To Lose (New Mexico 2001)
17 (1:36) Dim Mak - Belly Of The Infidel (Seattle 2006)
18 (4:17) Kool DJ EQ - Yes Yall (Oakland Ca 2001)
19 (3:18) The 49ers - Now & Then (Delaware 2009)
20 (4:12) Beat Detective - A Little Loopy (Salt Lake City Ut 2001)

New Audio: Pharrell & MeOh!My - Despicable Me

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:36:36 PST

Haven't spotted this on any hip-hop blogs just yet, so I thought I'd share. My favorite movie blog /Film reports that Pharrell will be providing original music for the upcoming 3D/animated/CGI/summer/kids' movie Despicable Me. The press release includes the complete track from Pharrell with MeOh!My, originally heard in the teaser trailer. I've embedded it below. Not really feeling the verses (or film), but the music sure sounds dope.

Reflection Eternal: "Just Begun" ft. Jay Electronica, J. Cole, Mos Def

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:13:06 PST

Finally, a CDQ version of the new track from Kweli and Hi-Tek, with special guests Jay Electronica, J. Cole, and Mos Def. It's the "funky four horsemen" with a flow for everyone! I myself enjoyed Black Star united even for a moment. Watch for the new Reflection Eternal album, Revolutions Per Minute, in February.

Stream and/or download "Just Begun" here

props to YOTB

Free Download: PNS & Zavala Leak

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:02:32 PST

From the inbox, some dope Chicago instrumental hip-hop from PNS (of the Molemen) and Zavala (of Dark Time Sunshine) - from their upcoming instrumental LP release Canciones Modernas from Fieldwerk Recordings (vinyl only! 01.12.10). I'm especially feeling the Zavala leak, "The City is Mine." PNS's laidback groove "Lenky Di Don" is also included in the download.

Download PNS & Zavala - Canciones Modernas Leak

Fieldwerk also announces the release party:

On December 18, 2009, Fieldwerk Recordings will celebrate the release of Canciones Modernas with a “Return of the Time Travelers” record release party, featuring DJ's Kevin Beacham, DJ Pratt, and PNS, of Chicago's legendary Time Travel Radio show. “Return of the Time Travelers”/Canciones Modernas record release party will be held at Lava Lounge, 1270 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, at 9PM.

New Sade: Soldier of Love

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:20:39 PST

Loving the title track and first leak off Sade's new album, Soldier of Love, due out February 8th. CDQ.

Download/listen

Alt download here

via OKP

DOOM: Madvillainz Beat Crew Mix

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:22:00 PST

New mix from DOOM.

MADVILLAINZ BEAT CREW MIX, NOV. 21ST 2009, OAXACO, L.A.
Running Time: 26:04

Via Rappcats, Spotted on DOOM's myspace (you can listen on either site)

N.A.S.A., Kool Keith, Tom Waits - Spacious Thoughts

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:07:00 PST

via Boing Boing Video

Dres of Black Sheep - Forever LuvLee

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:35:17 PST

New stuff on the way from Dres of Black Sheep (from the classic 1992 album A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing). Check the download and video below. From the press release:

The Native Tongues veteran is gearing up for his first full length since 2006, the forthcoming From The Black Pool Of Genius. Before the album is released in Spring 2010, Dres has decided to whet Black Sheep fans' appetites with From The Black Pool of Genius: The Prelude, a five song EP to be released on December 1st, 2009.

Free Download: Koushik - Beep Tape (Instrumentals)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:54:10 PDT

Late on the last post, early on this one. Stones Throw just posted this beat tape from Koushik (whose downbeat Out My Window had folks buzzin last year). This time, Koushik's throwing out his 30 track instrumental album, for free, for real. It's def got that Stones Throw eclectic yet funky feel. Free download this week only, so cop it. And if you're loving it, pick up that vinyl too, yo.

Free Download: Tab-One's Tabloids (LP)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:23:20 PDT

Thanks to Eyeofphases for reminding me to post Tab-One's new album. Sorry I let that slip, folks. In a web of mediocre thow-away downloads, this home-grown project is dope and I've been givin it a few listens...

Download Tab-One Tabloids

New NC Dopeness from Tab-One and L.E.G.A.C.Y.

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:35:35 PDT

Two new Carolina tracks out this week, both worth downloading.

Tab-One, of Raleigh's own Kooley High, offers this new joint - "Vc Insd My Hd" - off his solo project, Tabloids, due out tomorrow (8.31). You can download or just listen over at OKP or usershare. I'm gonna def cop Tabloids tomorrow.

Fellow NC native, L.E.G.A.C.Y., just dropped this new track, "40/40." Not sure why it didn't make it on Suicide Music. Listen or download via usershare. Props to KN.

Free Download: Mick Boogie Presents Buggs Tha Rocka

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:10:26 PDT

Ladies and Gentlemen: It's time for something fresh... This is the second time that I've run into DJ Mick Boogie. His former mixtape "Jay-Z vs. Nas - God's Gift Special Edition" absolutely blew my mind. The entire mixtape is dedicated to bringing together these two titans in the best possible way. I remember the first time I put it in the CD player...it was magic...who take's "If I Ruled The World" and makes the beat ten times better...?...then proceeds to put Jay-Z on it. Now Mick Boogie is back and he's here to bring new talent Buggs Tha Rocka to the table. I've only listened to the first few songs and I can already tell...it'll be in the dash for the next month.

- Freddy T.

Download [zshare]
Download [mixtapetorrent]

House of Flying Daggers: Chef, Ghost, Meth, Deck, and Dilla

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:13:01 PDT

Had to share this with yall. Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck reunite over a J Dilla beat. If you wanna listen/stream first, try this radio rip. Download below is CD quality, baby!

Download "House of Flying Daggers" CDQ

props to Meka

Free Download: Grey Matter - The Problem EP

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:01:49 PDT

I get a lot of recommended music, of course, and plenty of free downloads. This one caught my attention as I rifled through my downloads this morning for some dope music. Recently, college radio sensations Grey Matter put out The Problem EP, six complete tracks from their forthcoming album on Domination Recordings. I'm feelin the dusty synths & distorted samples from producer TEMPERMENTAL and smart, grounded, relentless-truth-spittin from Illustrate on tracks like "Strange Times" and "It's All Included." And what a beat on "The Problem." Dope1

Free Download: Grey Matter - The Problem EP

Best of Grey Matter - Problem EP

Jean-Michel Basquiat - Beat Bop

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:45:10 PDT

Some very cool digging in the musical archives over at Lost at E Minor:

Unbeknown to many, the tragically brilliant American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, who set the art world alight with his neo-expressionist work before dying of an overdose in 1988, also produced a hip hop track of some note, collaborating with fellow graffiti artist Rammellzee under the mindful direction of the legendary Fab 5 Freddy. The resulting track, Beat Bop, is a spicy window into New York in the early 1980s.

Download Link

Jay-Z - Run This Town (ft. Kanye, Rihanna)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:35:19 PDT

Perfect Friday treat: the first official single off Hove's Blueprint 3, which features Kanye West and Rihanna.

Listen & Download: Dirty version | Clean version

props to Meka

OJ Simpson (Madlib + Guilty Simpson): Coroner's Music (download)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:49:31 PDT

Check out "Coroner's Music," the new single from the collaborative duo of Madlib (Otis Jackson) and Guilty Simpson. You can buy the mp3 12" over at Stones Throw; it includes instrumentals and a b-side, "OJ Simpson." In the mean time, you can cop "Coroner's Music" for free or listen below.

Download Link Guilty Simpson - Coroner's Music (prod. Madlib)

via 2DB

Rakim - Holy Are You (download)

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:15:50 PDT

Holy....! I'm supposed to be retiring from blogging, but I saw this joint and had to share it with ya'll right away. The return of the God MC, at long last. Rakim's first single off the forthcoming Seventh Seal (due out in the fall). Download "Holy Are You" now!

Holy Are You - Rakim

eternal props to 2DB, KN

Collab: 9th Wonder and Quentin Thomas?

histakebeats@gmail.com (Hi Stakes) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:03:28 PDT

Following his knee injury at a Lakers workout, former UNC guard Quentin Thomas has spend the past year recuperating AND working on his emergent rap career with 9th Wonder. Under the alias GQ, Thomas is one of the five rappers signed to 9th's JamLa label. This October, it'll be GQ you hear on the introduction to EA's NBA Live. The News & Observer has this lengthy write-up on the 9th Wonder / GQ collabo. According to N&O:

[Thomas is] working with respected producer 9th Wonder on the release of his first mix tape; hoping the collection of songs, along with the EA Sports single, "Spit," creates enough buzz for an album. [. . .]
More of Thomas' raps will be available later this month on his mix tape: "GQ: Who's Got the Juice Now?" (Former UNC teammate Mike Copeland is responsible for the nickname; a movie accounts for the title.)
Several Tar Heels are scheduled to provide their own "drops," or one-line shout-outs, for the composition, and it will be available online at www.myspace.com/mynameisGQ, where some of his other tunes can currently be found. [...]
Even with a budding professional career in the studio, though, Thomas hasn't given up his first goal. He expects to be cleared later this month by doctors to play again, and he hopes to join an international team by October -- about the time his rap with David Banner on NBA Live 10 is scheduled to be in stores. [Read more]

Now, you might be like: "another ball player in the booth? Ugh." But be patient. GQ is aight on the mic -- you can listen to a few joints on his myspace page. He's got potential, for real, but I don't wanna judge til his mixtape drops. Still, we can all agree these tracks are a fresh alternative to the lyrical stylings of J. J. Reddick. (Apologies to 9th, had to get the Dook diss in there).