When the team at Mello Music Group heard Hus Kingpin (co-starring Roc Marciano) “The Cognac Tape,” they knew it needed an official Mello Music release. Hus & MMG worked out the details and the official release was set for 17/09/13.
The tape is hosted by and features fellow Hempstead legend Roc Marciano along with Hus’ Digicrates compadres Rozewood, Marvelous Mag, and Smoovth. The track featured here today “Boss Material” was reworked by DJ Kryptonite on production.
The album also features production from The Snowgoons among others. Hear the complete project snippets and pre-order at iTunes now. The Cognac Tape is also available for pre-order on CD and Vinyl.
This is the latest video from Chicago native Clew Rock’s single, “OKAY” produced by Croup Beatz. Taken from the album ‘Breath of Life’ which is now available on iTunes, Hard copies can be ordered by clicking the link below:
Matthias aka “Mr 16 Bars” is a hip hop artist from Philadelphia, PA that has just released an independent album called the “Forgotten”. This album talks about his experience as a soldier trying to transition back into civilian life. This album also touches on the day to day struggle of growing up in the inner city of North Philly
Matthias was born in North Philadelphia in 1979. He is one of 10 siblings. Matthias graduated from Eastern University with a BA in marketing. In 2006 he enlisted in the US Army. He completed two tours in Iraq and was awarded two Army Accommodation medals in his support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. After his discharge Matthias began working on a hip hop album called “The Forgotten”, which is now available on Itunes, CdBaby, Amazon MP3, Google Store etc.
Matthias speaks on social issues ranging from his multiple deployments as a soldier to trying to deal with the hardships of reintegrating back into civilian life in a poor urban environment. He currently has 2 music videos, “Combat Stress” and “Popular” (See Below) which collectively have generated well over a hundred thousands views on YouTube. Matthias tells it like it was—and—is; by interweaving reality, smooth stylistic flow with beats that keep your head nodding. In his latest cd, “The Forgotten”, Matthias takes social awareness to another level as he speaks about his deployments as a soldier, and his experiences in day to day urban life.
With a sound comparable to artists such as Common, NAS, Mos Def, De La Soul, and Gangstarr, this is Straight up Hip Hop goodness
Audio for ‘Playin’ God’ by Big Gastino, cuts by Psix, produced by Psix. taken from the album ‘THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND BLOOD’…..
The album is OUT NOW on CD, limited edition only 500 pressed!
order your official factory sealed hardcopy here: http://www.underworld-netherlands.com
Tracklist:
01. The Golden Touch
(feat. Rook Da Rukus, Duhnokah Da Great, Schoppenaas & Psix)
02. Crime Spree
(feat. Big Gastino, Crisis, Steadfast, Melk$$$$ & D Cypha)
03. Organised Rime Family
(feat. Don Valentino, King Mike V, Virus One, Psix, Empne, Roeschti & Schoppenaas)
04. Church Of Madness
(feat. Gurilla Grodd, Crisis, Schoppenaas & D Cypha)
05. Playin’ God
(feat. Big Gastino)
06. 2 Da People (tell ‘m Where U From)
(feat. King Mike V, Virus One, Psix & Empne)
07. Live By The Law
(feat. Taiyamo Denku, Schoppenaas, Rook Da Rukus & Psix)
08. Empty Shells (konservokoutia)
(feat. Empne & D Cypha)
09. The Seven Gods Of Chaos
(feat. 80 Proof, J Smith, Lord Q, Steadfast, King Mike V, Big Gastino & D-Cypha)
10. The Spectacle
(feat. Schoppenaas, King Mike V, Psix & Steadfast)
11. Process Of The Come Up
(feat. King Mike V, Schoppenaas, J Smith, Pherom One, Mighty Warrior, Grim, Ajfms, Risskant, Anonymouz, Steadfast, Psix & D-Cypha )
The West Coast trio of Durag Dynasty (Planet Asia, Tristate, and Killer Ben) recruits frequent Alchemist collaborator Prodigy for “Fish Meat”, off their debut album “360 Waves”. Album in stores now.
The team at High Focus Records seem to be dropping dope releases every month, the prolific label are at the forefront pushing the UK Hip Hop scene in an upward direction right now and are amassing a large following not just here in the UK but overseas too. This trend is set to continue with another piece of dopeness coming from the conveyer belt of talent associated to the HF roster this time in the form off the NEW Brothers in Stone album which dropped during the week.
Brothers Of The Stone are emcees Leaf Dog and BVA and making up the trio is Leaf Dogs brother Producer illinformed providing the dope beats laced with some seriously nice soul samples, accompanying Leaf Dog and BVA’s lyricism and witty style. The record has a positive message throughout about taking control for yourself, being what you want to be, and don’t let the haters take you off the path you have chosen, but still with a fun vibe without feeling like they are preaching at you.
The record stands alone on its own with just the trio, but they are also accompanied with features from the legendary KRS-ONE, Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks), HF head honcho Fliptrix, Reef The Lost Cauze, and UK rappers Smellington Piff, Jack Jetson, DJ Sammy B-Side & more! This just elevates it to not just a future UK Hip Hop classic, but a HIP HOP classic
With 14 tracks of head nodding Hip Hop goodness that flow throughout the record and with no fillers or skits, It’s hard to pick any favourites from the joint, so if I had to pick three I’d probably go for……
Track 4 ‘Go Hate’, man I’m loving the dub/reggae feel on the production from illinformed on this joint and with a guest verse from Reef The Lost Cauze you can’t go wrong. You also cant look much further than Track 7 ‘Future’ featuring the legendary KRS-ONE and Beast 1333, when KRS spits or just lays down a hook you just listen and the track carries a positive message throughout from all emcees involved. Finally I’d pick Track 12 ‘Burning Soul’ featuring the man Fliptrix. Probably my favourite on the record. Loving the sample that illinformed uses throughout the joint as the emcees go in on their frustrations at at watered down commercial radio, something any self respecting Hip Hop head can relate to!
Now don’t get at me and say “You said the record stands alone from the trio, yet you’ve picked two tracks with features” Look, this list changes on a daily, every time I listen to it, it changes there really aint a weak joint on it. On that note a special mention must go out to the posse cut ‘Underground’ that ends the record that track is a banger too!!
But hey, don’t take my word for it go check it out for yourselves, you wont regret it….TRUST!!
The Rugged Man recruits Hopsin and Jarren Benton of Funk Volume to rework “Underground Hits,” off R.A.’s new album “Legends Never Die.” Featuring a new beat from Mr. Green, plus Duck Down’s Ruste Juxx on the chorus.
The ‘Life Moves’ album from Benny Diction & Able8 is out now on digital and limited edition digipak CD release! Available via the BBP site boombappro.com and as of next week on iTunes and at www.suspect-packages.com
‘Life Moves’ is the brainchild of prominent London-based MC Benny Diction and prolific Australian beats producer Able8. The two met at a Melbourne hip-hop night in 2011 and have been working together since.
Both established artists in their own right, they have combined to turn hip-hop on its head and create something that stands out from the usual format. Able8’s signature sound combines the world of dusty vinyl samples with heavy bass-laden electronic sounds and swinging drums, providing the perfect backdrop for Benny to paint his intricate, tightly-woven rhymes. The result is an exciting mix of classic hip-hop with a futuristic, off-kilter sound.
The single and video were met with praise and acclaim, played on Internet radio shows worldwide as well as BBC Radio 1 and Base FM (NZ).
The pair also released in May, a collection of 7 tracks entitled the ‘Spring EP‘ to whet the appetite of listeners for a full-length project from the duo. Now, the debut album from Benny Diction & Able8, ‘Life Moves’, is out on Boom Bap Professionals. Expect to hear the duo’s chemistry to shine throughout, bolstered by features from UK MC’s Cappo, Zaman and Gambit Ace, US rapper Biz Bronze, Australian vocalists Julez and Myla Vinyl, as well as cuts from DJs Rasp and Sugai. Naturally, Benny’s fellow Punning Clan members Tony Skank and Ro Jista also put in sterling guest appearances.
Benny Diction is an MC/musician with over a decade of writing lyrics, performing, organising and hosting events behind him. After moving to Liverpool in 2001, he started to rip open mics and became involved in long-running hip hop night Sunday Service. His collective The Punning Clan was formed in 2005, with close involvement from IDA UK/DMC battle champ DJ Rasp.
Both solo and with crew, Benny has torn down stages at festivals and club nights across the UK and beyond, including Chibuku (Liverpool), Holdin’ Court (Reading), Hoofer Doofer Festival (North Wales), Passauer Kunstnacht Festival (Bavaria) and Lyricist Lounge (Melbourne). Currently residing in East London, Benny also promotes and co-hosts monthly night Fat Gold Chain.
Benny applies tight quality control to both his own releases and his appearances on other artists’ projects. This consistency, combined with his strengths as a host and live performer, make him one of the underground’s highly sought-out MC’s.
Able8 is a prominent music producer and beatmaker based in Melbourne, Australia. He has been writing and performing songs in various forms over the past 9 years. During this time, Able8 has gone from strength to strength, whether it’s fronting live bands as an MC himself, pushing electronic gadgets as a producer or working behind the scenes organizing and booking events. His own label ‘Uncomfortable Beats’ sheds light on Australia’s under-exposed music scene, and his crew ‘The Operatives’ import the best world talent onto Australian shores.
Able8 is surely one of the hardest working creators and innovators in Australian beat-music and so is his live shows, which have seen him support artists such as Hudson Mohawke, Machinedrum, Rustie, Lyrics Born, Bonobo, Harmonic 313, The Streets, Shlohmo, DJ Krush and many more, are testament to the fact
Benny and Able will be touring to promote the project this Summer, with several dates already confirmed for the UK and Europe.
Live show dates:
Sun 21st July – London’s Lyricist Lounge, Camden
Thurs 25th July – Impulse Dubstep @ About Blank, Berlin (Able8 Solo)
Fri 26th July – Bei Ruth, Berlin
Sat 27th July – Robox Neotech vs. Heat @ Urban Spree, Berlin
Sat 3rd Aug – The Free Yard @ Hysteria, Dalston (Benny D Solo – TBC)
Tues 6th Aug – Slip Jam:B @ The Hope, Brighton
Fri 9th Aug – Golden Egg @ Trof, Manchester
Sat 10th Aug – Brum Town @ Suki10c, Birmingham
Sun 11th Aug – Revolution on Reprezent Radio, Peckham (broadcast Weds 21st Aug)
Sat 17th Aug – Dragonfly Festival, Ekehagens Forntidsby, Sweden
Thurs 22nd Aug – The Trailer TV (live stream), Deptford
Fri 23rd Aug– Massive Arms @ The Victoria, Dalston
Sat 7th September – Holdin’ Court @ The Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading (Benny D Solo)
It’s been almost 18 months since the release of the ‘John Nash – A Beautiful Mind’ Mixtape and since then Sullee J has been featured on Yahoo News , BBC Asia Network , The Source, All Hip Hop, Hip Hop Game, Complex Magazine, Vibe, 2DopeBoyz and other notable publications. As well as giving us here at HHL&T an in-depth and open Interview with our girl Aimee.
Through his pain and struggle, the budding emcee has asserted his will to help those less fortunate than him in the form of raising funds in aid of St. Christopher’s Home for Children in St. Kitts.
We are pleased to announce that on the 2nd September 2013 Sullee J will release the highly anticipated mixtape ‘Vicegerent’. ‘Vicegerent’ is a 30 track mixtape which features major artists such as: Shady Records Royce Da 5’9, Cashis, Diabolic, K-Rino, D12’s Kuniva, Wu-Tang DJ Trickalome, Canibus, Mark Deez & more.
Recording the project was a roller coaster of emotions but through the help of certain individuals Sullee J was able to realize his dreams. Vicegerent is a metaphor for Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness in your chosen path.
Sullee J – Vicegerent Promo Trailer [ Out 2nd September 2013 ]
