The ReIntro Part 2 ends my two-part mix for my fellow lovers of hip-hop who are hesitant to give the new generation of MCs, DJs, and producers an open ear (much less heart). Like many of us who grew up on this culture, we’ve been scorned. We see the art being substituted for commerce. Our exclusive “club” of friends and associates who you recognized loved hip-hop because of the way they nodded their head is now accessible to your grandparents and other unrecognizables. My effort here is to let my circle of influencers, my 5%ers, know that the music we love is well and strong. The quality is now in the minority but the impact is no less effective. While Part 1 focused on earning your respect and was a subtle, approachable blend; Part 2 pushes the listener to engage in the lyrics and beats like we did when we walked the streets with headphones or in our rooms with speakers on blast. Partake! Tracklisting after the jump.
Last night was an iconic night for hip-hop. The Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito show reunited for a final hurrah before the doors were closed. They went to their original time slot (1am to 5am EST) with a few homies, then kept it going for one more hour. They did what they normally did on the show – busted out jokes, played freestyles, and ridiculed callers. Combat Jack & DP, who were doing their radio show on Thursday night, even called in – it was that big. By 2am (PST), the internets, hip-hop heads, and fellow DJs were on their laptops listening to show. It was a familiar feeling to listen to a radio show with your friends in the late night, feeling you were the only ones privy to this culture. There was a dope twitter discussion between Platurn, Matthew Africa, Byze One and myself about the impact (or lack of) the show had on the West Coast. Props to Ivan Rott for the stream. Shout out to the West Coast Radio pioneers – KDAY, Wake Up Show, & Friday Night Flavas. Salute to AtotheL & Fool’s Good for the content.
Hov and the departed Big L go back forth for 10 minutes on this freestyle on the Stretch & Bobbito show back in 1995, before Reasonable Doubt. Most have heard the edited version but this the whole thing.. Enjoy and props to Nah Right for the release.
In a great effort to promote his new book, Decoded, Jay-z breaks down his verses from “Most Kingz”. Despite not to be the most articulate interviewer, I think he does a good job conveying the context and thoughts behind his rhymes. I do find myself debating if I’ll buy the book but this video got me one step closer. Thanks to KG and Info for the tip. In other Jay-Z news, he’s on the cover of Forbes with Warren Buffet & plans to drop an EP w/ Kanye in November. Not bad from a drug dealer from Marcy.
Comment : Posted by DJ Franchise a/k/a Stringer Fell
Posted on September 30th, 2010
An unreleased song from the Kingdom Come days, some serious Jay-Z fans will recognize the verses from Jay’s Funkmaster Flex freestyles. Just Blaze has mentioned that although this version with Chris Martin from Coldplay is hot, the original beat and mix is hotter and much better. This song has found its home on Green Lantern’s mixtape which I hear besides the Nas and Jay songs is blah. Word to Khal.
From 2007-2008, Crooked I blessed the internets each week with a new freestyle over beats of his choice, some requested by fans for him to spit over. Now that Slaughterhouse has been released, Crooked I has resurrected his weekly treat for all of us. First up to bat, a freestyle of Mass Appeal. I think a very fitting tribute. Listen up and learn. Source.
Just some classic footage of Biggie performing Party & Bullshit at the defunct Lyricist Lounge in NY. Not sure year this was though. If anyone knows, please pass the info. Definitely entertaining. After the jump, Biggie’s classic battle freestyle in Brooklyn when he was 17.
Skillz took Snoop’s “I Wanna Rock” beat and just murdered it. On MLK day, he set up a ustream and I happen to be online and listened in. If you ever get a chance to get Skillz on a Ustream session, do yourself a favor and join in. He’s got jokes, answer questions, and like he did on Monday, previewed this track but it leaked on Tuesday. Listen to it and let me know what you think. I think I’m gonna play this in the club versus the original. (via UHTN)
Cold Rock Da Spot posted earlier this year but unfortunately I missed it. My fail. But I finally got it and wanted to share it with you. The updated the zip file they made has a live version of “potholes” and “Stakes Is High” w/ a unreleased promo remix. As an avid De La fan, I thought I should share this find. By the way, I know you may think I’m crazy but I think Grind Date was their best album. Yeah, I said it. Tracklisting after the jump.
