urban smarts . com

newsflash: April 8th, 2005

2005-04-08T14:01:00.000+02:00

Cosmo Galactic video
Make sure you catch this video before it’s gone. It’s of a track that’s going to be on the Cosmo album due out on Domination Recordings sometime this year. And damn that track is hot - amongst the best I heard this year so far. So watch the video here.

3rd Annual Malcolm X Consciousness Conference To Take Place at Laney College
Press Release: Club Knowledge of Laney College, BAY LOC of National Political Hip-Hop Convention, Colored Ink, and Alameda College Black Student Union are proud to present the 3rd Annual Malcolm X Consciousness Conference starting on April 29 at Laney College in Oakland, CA.
The 3 day event will bring together student organizers and local activists who will decide and vote on issues most important to the African and Black Student Organizations across the state of California. Topics such as police brutality, education and the state of hip-hop are among the issues being talked about during the 3-day event.
“In order to change the conditions in our community we must organize and act,” says Danae Martinez , Conference organizer and one of the Club Knowledge leaders. It is imperative that all colleges are represented in order to organize the community to make effective, long lasting practical change.
Keynote addresses at the conference will include Chuck D, Yo Yo, Jeff Johnson (also known as “Cousin Jeff” from Rap City on BET), Fred Hampton Jr., Munyiga Lumumba, and Gail Ortega. Hip-hop, Soul, and Spoken word Performances by artists such as The Coup, Ise Lyfe, The Attic, HAIRDOO, Amir Sulaimon, and Ga brilla.
Activities and highlights include:
- A lively Debate: To vote or not to vote
- True Conscious Hip Hop/Spoken word concert
- The Children of Malcolm Awards
- Pan African Fashion Show and dinner
- The Malcolm X Oratorical Competition
The 3-day conference is $75.00 (which includes meals and conference) but scholarships + home stays are available. But you must Apply now!
Club Knowledge is group of conscious activist students who strive to manifest concrete changes to our communities through promoting political awareness, education, and direct action. For more info log on to unlockyourroots.com or call (510) 997 0075 or email clubknowledge1@aol.com.

Thaione Davis “April January” re-release
It’s however only a re-release for those that were lucky enough to get the original version, which came out in Europe. Domination Recordings is giving this now a US push and you may now find out what this URB’s next 100 for 2005 has been doing on this wild mix and match of organic rhythms. Oh yeah, and read the review of the original release here .

Paris Zax "Unpath'd Waters" is out.
Paris Zax is one of the most interesting and best producers out in LA right now and “Unpath’d Waters” is his first release on his own. He has worked with anybody in the book, like Bus Driver, Neila and maybe most notably Met Fly. So make sure you get that record and find more information on: alphapuprecords.com

People on tour in Europe
R.A. The Rugged Man, Black Market (Killah Priest, Hell Razah, Timbo King)
April 8 - Haarlem (NL), Patronaat
April 9 - Münster, Skaters Palace
April 10 - Copenhagen (DK), Lobben
April 12 - Oslo (N), Bla
April 13 - Nürnberg, K4
April 14 - Basel (CH), Sommerkasino
April 15 - Wil (CH), Remise
April 16 - Pardubice (CZ), tba
April 17 - Linz (A), Kapu
...
Edo.G feat. Insight, Scaine & Jauwsan
May 4 - Wien B72 ITF Qualiying
May 5 - Weinheim Cafe Central
May 6 - Koblenz Subkultur
May 7 & 8 - spanien TBC
May 11 - München Backstage
May 12 - Freiburg Zett TBC
May 13 - Zürich Rote Fabrik
May 14 - Mattsee(A) Postkutsche
May 15 - Graz (A) TBC
May 16 - Amsterdam Melkweg
May 17 - Nijmwegen TBC
May 19 - London Ballroom
May 20 - Aarau TBC
May 21 – Sursee (CH) Kulturwerkstatt 118
...
Expansion Team Soundsystem (DJ Babu, Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples)
April 21 - Bern (CH), Dackstock
April 22 - Wil (CH), Remise
April 23 - Aarau (CH), Kiff
April 24 - Lyon (F), La Marquise
April 26 - Leipzig, Conne Island
April 27 - Aarhus (DK), Voxhall
April 28 - Gothenburg (S), Scratch
April 29 - Stockholm (S), Nymble
April 30 - Bergen (N), Bergen Fest
May 1 - Copenhagen (DK), Vega
May 3 - Berlin, Sternradio
May 4 - Münster, Skaters Palace
May 5 - Madrid (ES), tba
May 6 - Paris (F), Nouveau Casino
May 7 - Köln, Stadtgarten
May 8 - Freiburg, Jazzhaus
...
Airborn Audio
April 18 - Düsseldorf, Unique
April 26 - Berlin, Sternradio
April 28 - Dresden, Downtown
April 30 - Linz (A), Crossing Europe Filmfestival
...
Tim Dog
April 30 - Biel (CH), La Coupole
...
Platinum Pied Pipers
May 2 - Düsseldorf, Unique
May 4 - Köln, Stadtgarten
May 5 - Hamburg, Prinzenbar
May 6 - Berlin, Kaleidoskop @ Cafe Moskau
May 7 - München, Ampere
...
Masta Ace
May 14 - Schaffhausen (CH), Orient
May 15 - Duisburg, Hundertmeister
May 16 - Braunschweig, B58
May 17 - Berlin, Bastard
May 18 - München, Backstage
May 20 - Basel (CH), Kaserne
May 21 - Apeldorn (NL), tba
May 22 - Hamburg, tba
...
Bahamadia
May 20 - Berlin, Live Demo
May 23 - Kiel, Luna
May 25 - Düsseldorf, Unique
May 26 - Zürich (tbc)
May 27 - Bern, Reitschule

Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA
Press Release: Musicians Institute, in Hollywood, California, offers a comprehensive, hands-on education in contemporary music performance, recording, guitar making, music business and film. MI offers student's access to real artists, labels, studios and managers with their "Hiring Hall" where artists and labels handpick MI students for their projects. For more information check out their web site at www.mi.edu

Josh Martinez returns with “Midriff Music”
Canadian Josh teamed up with San Diego’an samix who is affiliated with the Cali-based Lost & Found Generation crew to release “Midriff Music” on Camobear Records. It’s somewhat of a ‘summer special’ record, not really meant to be more than that. And you can listen to the songs here:
1. Intro
2. Cheers
3. Regular Day
4. Tranzar (instrumental)
5. Come & Gone
6. Tour is War
7. Time Alone (instrumental)
8. Just a Dood
9. One More Sucka (instrumental)
10. Played Out ft. Kunga 219
11. Nightmare (Remix)

Currently played in the office:
- 2 Black 2 Strong MMG “Doin’ Hard Time On Planet Earth”
- Chief Groovy Loo & The Chosen Tribe “Got ‘Em Running Scared”
- Death Cab For Cutie “Transatlanticism”
- D Of Trinity Garden Cartel “Game Done Changed“
- Dynamics Plus “Dynamic Universe Vol. 6”
- Ice-T “Home Invasion / The Last Temptation Of Ice”
- Mum’s The Word “Constant Evolution”
- Sev Statik “Slow Burn”
- Sylk Smoov “Sylk Smoov”
- The Landlords “5-Day Notice”

recordsroundup: March 4th, 2005 (part one)

2005-03-04T13:45:00.000+01:00

Hezekiah “Hurry Up & Wait…” (Soul Spazm)
Not just the title of this record is rather clever, but the whole project really holds its ground and achieves to be interesting. Especially for the ones that like this new vibe and style that’s coming from the Beat Society people. Hezekiah does not depend on many outside producers, but still gets M-Phases on one song, Illmind on two and Anthony Accurate on one. Guests are Aaron Livingston, Chief Kamachi, Richard Raw, Keziah, Scratch, Grand Agent, Santi White, Eleon and Bahamadia. The vibe is mostly smooth, the lyrics are never overtly ignorant (can be kinky though, like on “Photograph”), and don’t be surprised to hear this record in the summer more often than in the cold months. For more information check soulspazm.com.

DJ Juice “Hip Hop Mixtape Volume 13” (Double Impact Productions)
This little mixcd basically showcases everything that’s wrong with rap music – none the least that they dare to put ‘hip hop’ in the title. Cause what we get here is a selection of the currently popular songs, along with a couple of freestyles. And while the club and the thugs and everybody that started to listen to rap after 1998 will be impressed, those that remember the good old days will cringe and refuse to admit that they are rap fans too. Cause you don’t want to be associated with this music, those horrible keyboard stabs, those simple and blah lyrics. Seriously now… come one… right? But you cannot blame DJ Juice for it, who pulls together the not so good, the bad and the ugly, i.e. Lil Scrappy, 50 Cent, Game, T.I., Young Buck, Mannie Fresh, Lil Jon, Dem Franchise Boys, etc. And while some stuff is catchy, some might even be okay, that doesn’t change the fact that just a couple of years ago people would have laughed about such mediocrity and lack of skills and bump. So yes, get this mixcd to know why you may, can and must dislike all that horrible, uncreative, simple, basic and boring mainstream rap. Know your enemy. For more information check djjuice.biz

Knickerbocker “Knickerbocker” (Knickerbocker)
There’s not much to say about this record, apart that it’s a Jazz Band from Switzerland, who carry a couple of tunes and a couple of styles. Sometimes the whole thing swings, sometimes it’s more mellow and on one song we even have one dude rapping. The good news: he’s not even that bad. And nor is this EP. Check it if you come across it.

Mattr. and friends “Consequence Of Thoughts” (Ramadan)
Don’t be surprised if some time during the record you catch yourself saying: “why can’t those geezers just shut up?” The rappers on here, like The Mole, Ancient Mith, Terms None and Demune are not really bad – sometimes a little simple and tiring with their rhetoric maybe, but not bad. However, the true quality is in Mattr.’s beats. Thankfully there’s occasions where you can fully concentrate on his dense and dramatic compositions like the great second half of “Confusion” or the equally appealing “Down w/ The Cause”. Mattr. really is quite a find when it comes to this style and thus the record is definitely quite a pleasure. Thus this should also come with the instrumental version slapped to it. So petition this request by going to zhark.de and motionrecordings.com

Josh One “Narrow Path” (Myutopia)
This is an interesting package, as you get the album on CD and you get a Bonus DVD with the entire album in Multichannel Surround Sound and Stereo, plus video and the CD-Rom contains seven bonus instrumental tracks. But the album itself is worthy your attention as Josh incorporate live instrumentation that are used well enough to keep a certain grit and dirtiness to the whole offering. Oftentimes he lets someone sing or rap, like super emcee (who does too much singing and producing instead of rapping lately) Aloe Blacc on “Risin’”, Micah 9 on “Afterhours”, Rashaan Ahmad on “Less Traveled” or singers Lili De La Mora and Jule Walehwa on the smooth, almost Acid Jazzy “Day Dreamer” and “Contemplation” respectively. But there’s also the instrumental and very jazzy “Grey Skies” and more Acid Jazz on “Midnight Samba” with singer Kandace Lindsey. And finally a great vibe on the instrumental “Narrow Path”. Certainly not a boom bap album in any sense, but a great musical exploration into different fields and open areas.

Copperpot “Chapter 7” (EV Production)
He’s a producer from Chicago and he worked with Edo.G, Diverse, Mr. Complex, Pace Won, Iomos Marad, Akbar, Earatik Statik, Braintax (from the UK) and Longshot on this record. Nuff said, right? Right. So check him out on evproductions.net

J-Zone “Gimme Dat Beat Fool” (Old Maid)
One of rap’s funkiest and funniest – J-Zone – did a little treat for y’all. He grabbed a bundle of acappellas and put his own flashy beats behind ‘em. Who got the treatment? Folks like Redman, M.O.P., De La Soul, Project Pat, Capone-N-Noreaga and Tash. However, that’s not all, J steps up to the mic himself for “Late Greatness” with Devin The Dude and for “Rockaway And Crenshaw” with Eazy-E; all the while commenting what’s happening. Yes, this is a must get for every J-Zone fan, a dope record for every rap fan and a should get for all those that don’t know just yet. Check zonesite.net for mo’ information.

Lyric District “Souliliquies EP” (Lyric District)
A couple of years ago we reviewed the LD’s album “Morlock Modernisms”. And while we weren’t exactly thrilled with it back then, listening to it now, it sounds actually quite good. The LD’s return with a six song EP, including two bonus tracks. And this little platter is proper. All three members, Ban Alpha, Mr.Rha.Gers and Kenny Keys have stepped up their respective contribution. And if you say: damn, Kenny Keys rings a bell, then it better does. Cause that’s the man who hooked up the supreme “The Connection” by Thaione Davis. So, plenty reasons to check this out, as Chicago is again solidifying its place as the most happening city right now. Check lyricdistrict.com

DJ Fisher & DJ Jon Doe present “The Domination Mix Vol. 1 – Family & Friends” (Domination)
Domination is quite busy right now with putting mixcds out. What we don’t mind, cause they are doing things right. The Dooley-O one was funkier than a construction site worker’s armpits and DJ Cade Money’s gave us more rare songs than, than, well, just gave us a lot of rare songs. This little project here now gives us a selection of new songs from the Domination universe - not all Domination artists, but all Family and Friends. Things go from 4Zone to Braille, to Majik Most feat. louis logic, to Cadence feat. Esoteric to Supastition, to Sev Statik, to J-Zone feat. Celph Titled who give you the previously heard “Spoiled Rotten”. And that’s just track one to nine, leaving out the two UJ Empire cuts “Motivate” by Surreal and the super nice “These Eyes” by Blakout. To round out the full UJ experience there’s Xodus Ph.D “Feeling Great” and the very fresh “Determination” by Tzarizm, and you know that the Urban Jungle galaxy is something to watch out for too. There’s more though: we also have I.T. (Infinito2017 and Thaione Davis), we have O.U.O feat. Cadence, Time Machine, Dutchmassive, Lost N Found Department, Shorty Raw and Count Bass D. But not less important is DJ Jon Doe’s excellent mixing, reminding us what a mixtape used to be about: dope tunes with dope turntable trickery. This here has both, so get it now. More information on dominationrec.com and meetjondoe.com.

Emanon “The Waiting Room” (Shaman Work)
Finally we get more Emanon material, heck, took ‘em long enough. But around the time you read this, you should be able to buy this album in stores. And it gives us all that we always liked about the twosome: Aloe’s incredible rhyming and Exile’s just as nice beats. There’s exactly that on here, plus if you shove the CD in your computer, you should get a whole lot more, if the final version includes everything this little promo does. The everything being a bundle of videos (including a solo Exile performance where he shows how good a rapper he is), a gallery (where you might find the mug of yours truly) and some hidden MP3s from Emanon’s crew. Sure, we’re still a little hesitant about Aloe’s singing, but hey, this cat must blow up. He must be rap’s next superstar. So catch him now and brag about how you already know him for years. More information on shamanwork.com, essdub.com and emanonhiphop.com

Dub-L “Day Of The Megabeast” (Day By Day)
This record is so star studded, it’ll take us the whole duration of this short write up just to give you an idea on who’s on here. So let’s start: We got X-Clan’s own Professor X, Jemini The Gifted One, Fivefeet:Perspectives, Pack FM, open gay rapper Soce The Elemental Wizard, Ivizabul Man and Lord Scotch of the MIC, Windnbreeze, Karniege, Rayna Shine, GM Grimm, C-Rayz Walz, Poison Pen, DJ Js-1, Percee P, Razhel, Breez Evaflowin and a couple of more cats. Actually a surprise appearance by Jer of the Party Fun Action Committee and Hangar 18 provide the best song on here with “World Premier”. Dub-L does the beats and a host of skilled rappers do the raps, so this can’t and does not go wrong. Now check it out on daybydayent.com and dub-l.com

The Perceptionists “Black Dialogue” (Definitive Jux)
A new super group appears on the horizon, but you already know about it, right? Well, Akrobatik, Mr. Lif and DJ Fakts One are The Perceptionists and have teamed up for a full length album. And this thing is rather proper. The song “Blō” (produced by El-P) is a killer and while some songs like “Breathe In The Sun” and “5 O’Clock” are a little ‘sweet’ they are still good. The latter especially with a great topic and with Phonte of Little Brother crooning the hook. And even though “Party Hard” feat. Guru and Camutao and produced by the latter is desperate for some club play, hearing Humpty Hump on “Career Finders” will make up for that slump. Add to that Akrobatik sounding better than he has ever sounded before, actually really coming through with his verses, and Mr Lif sounding as dope as he always does, add production by Fakts One, more El-P, Willie Evans Jr, and you have a record that just might blō up. More information on definitivejux.net

Ambidex “The Great Potato Famine (Pass The Freedom Fries)” (Early Spotter)
This probably has one of the most stupid titles in quite some time, but don’t let that have you pass this by. Cause this thing is actually good. It’s very political – what the little ‘freedom fries’ bit suggests – it talks about “the economic and cultural differences that reside in American Society” as the bio says. It features beats by Joey Beats (of Non Prophets fame), by Jerm The Just One, Tommy Hearns and El Tripps. Plus it drops on Early Spotter, which is a new label (you’ll soon learn) that stands for quality. Cause their other releases include Access Immortal’s “Shades Of Reality” (featuring production by J-Zone, Insight, and Low Class Productions and guest appearances by Breez Evahflowin, Karniege, Wordsworth, Insight, Loer Velocity and Oktober) and maybe even more so Shed Light “Perseverance” (featuring Cadence, Alias and Access Immortal, as well as the funny “Everyone And Their Mother Wants To Be An MC”). So make sure you bookmark earlyspotter.com

recordsroundup: March 4th, 2005 (part two)

2005-03-04T13:25:00.000+01:00

Grand Agent “Under The Circumstances” (Soul Spazm)
Yes, the rumors are true: Grand Agent has teamed up with OhNo for an EP that’s exclusively produced by the latter. Dropping on the ‘making moves’ Soul Spazm label, the two have recorded ten songs, combining their talents. Liv L’Raynge drops by on two songs and Hezekiah on “Reluctant Rapper”. You can only hope that this will have other rappers remember the good old days of having one dude produce their whole record. Heck, hope dies last, right? Check soulspazm.com for more information.

DJ Cade Money aka Cadence of Raw Produce “Built For The 90’s” (Domination)
Mixtapes come a dime a dozen (well, maybe a little more expensive than that), but every now and then, there’s one that’s actually just a tad bit nicer. This is one of those. So what’s so bravo about this? Well, Cadence got his fingers dusty and rummaged through his collection to rediscover some ‘rare, remixed and overlooked joints from hip hop’s second best decade’ as he says himself. So we get music by KRS-One, Common Sense’s “Funk Shit”, Showbiz & AG, Organized Konfusion, Pete Rock & CL Smooth (“It’s Not A Game”), Kool Keith, A Tribe Called Quest (“Stressed Out (Vinyl Reanimators Remix)”), Kwest Tha Mad Lad, Edo.G and folks you might have never heard of, like Freshco & Miz, Supreme Nyborn, Resident Alien and Fong Sai U. This ditty is twenty two tracks deep and full of cuts you want to listen to. So check dominationrec.com and rawproduce.com for more information.

V.A. “The Rub – It’s The Motherfucking Remix”
Well, actually it’s not. It’s the mf blends, baby. But blends this does well. Heck, just hearing Mobb Deep’s “Got It Twisted” over the Ghostbusters Theme tune is a lot of fun. Or hearing The Beatles over Kelis “Milkshake” is quite something too. On top of that we get Digital Underground over The Neptunes, we get Eminem, OutKast (partly over Run-D.M.C. and Franz Ferdinand), Prince, Eric B & Rakim, Jay-Z, Nancy Sinatra, Lil Flip and just so much more, you have to listen to this yourself to believe it. Why? Cause the truckload of people, including Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven, DJ Ayers, Mark Ronson and Diplo created precise and surprisingly funky blends. So check itstherub.com for more information and get this thing.

Idris Goodwin “s/t” (Naïveté)
This here is an interesting combination of spoken word, rap, old school aesthetics, deep content, good beats and all bundled up in nine songs. Idris Goodwin is a do it all, he worked with a bundle of not really knowns and created something a small write up can never do justice to. So we shall not say much more than urge you to go and check out idrisgoodwin.com and naiveterecords.com and listen yourself. Don’t miss this.

Cryptic One “The Blender Vol. 1” (Centrifugal Phorce)
Okay, this Atoms Family member did himself a couple of remixes. Excited? You better. Not yet though? Well, if you read the interview with him, then you know that he also remixed Jay-Z. And his version of “Moment Of Clarity” is actually one of the best you’re ever going to hear by anybody. This song is incredibly nice. Not too shabby though are Cryptic One's own songs “Willow” and “Intricate Schemes”, more Jay remixes (“Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and “Change Clothes”) as well as remixes of “Beat Slope” and “Keeps It Movin” by Hangar 18, “Life’s Ill Pt. 2” by Vast Aire feat. Breezly Brewin & Vordul, as well as “FM” and the very, very good “All Y’all” by MF Grimm. You can get this record at cprecords.net, along with the past Atoms Family catalogue. So make sure you visit the site and stack up.

The Presence “Members Only EP” (Uncommon)
This came out some time ago and we wanted to tell you about it for some time (then again, didn't we already?). Not just because our good friend ArcSin is on here, but boy is he on here. He produced the posse cut “We Are” featuring Nasa and Cirrus of The Presence, but also Stacs Of Stamina and Centri. Equally excellent is “Members Only” a song apparently taken from the forthcoming album “Common Man’s Anthems”. This Nasa beat is incredible. And even the usually infallible Johan of Stacs Of Stamina can’t live up to the original version with his remix of the same song. Further we get a bundle of new songs, we get “Pandas Killing Each Other” from The Presence’s 2001 “Advance Bloodbath” EP, we get “Razor Fund Remix” featuring Vast Aire and Alaska and we get a preview of the “Common Man’s Album” which features production from Nasa, El-P, ArcSin, and Aesop Rock, Masai Bey, Karniege and Rob Sonic as guests. So this is a good appetizer and you can find more information on uncommonmusic.net.

Aeon Grey “Marionette Work Bench” (Aplus9)
This here is good. Aeon really knows how to create a certain vibe for himself, be it that he produces the beats himself or has friends like Workerbee or Dustcollectors do that for him. This is eleven songs deep, features more insight than peephole the size of a window with a view, and once again, you better listen to this yourself. So check softfocusart.com and aplus9records.com for more information.

Infinit EVOL & B. Will “The Professor & The Mutant” (Complex Sound Design)
This is some gritty ish. This takes lo-fi and grit to new lengths and it’s one of its main qualities. The lyrics are spoken in a very straight forward fashion, the content is harsh and void of sugar coating shish. The beats leave all them fancy tricks to other people, making this some pure bread, basic, in your face rap music. There’s a million MIC fans out there that should better listen to this here, cause they’ll enjoy it. More information on daybydayent.com

MeccaGodzilla vs. 007 “Soundclash #1” (Backwoodz Studioz)
Heck, let’s face it: battling is the fifth element of hip hop. All four elements battle. Now two producers from the metropolis town of NYC battle too. But this is a friendly brawl, and if anything it’s just to show off their skills. So more shadow boxing than full contact K1, MeccaGodzilla (aka Ravage) and 007 step up to do a bundle of beats for a bundle of artists to rhyme over. Them being – of course – Billy Woods, but also Vordul Megallah, Rodan, Divine Mind, King Ra, Spiega, Kong and Ravage steps himself to the plate to spit some verses. So yes, they all do exactly what they promise and the infallible Backwoodz Studioz give us another winner. More information on backwoodzstudioz.com.

Serge Boogie “True Indeed” (Wrecluse)
Years ago Serge Boogie already did an EP and that thing was actually pretty good. After a long break he returns with nine new songs, partly self produced, partly done by his partner in crime Eric. And the verdict? Oh well. The flow is still offbeat, very fast and if you could be bothered to really listen to what he says, you’d probably hear some dope lines. But he really takes the offbeat rhyming to exaggerated levels, as this is just a continued stream of words. As for the beats, we do get some ‘this is kinda nice’ offerings, like “Solitary Man”, “Dunno” (where Serge had the opportunity to adapt his flow and make this great), the very good “Whirling Dirvish” and “Fresh Produce”. So there’s actually quite a bit right about this EP, but Serge really needs to do something about his flow. Sure, the speed is impressive, how he can do it without slipping is probably too, but none the less, there’s very little personality in it. Personality we get with his singing on the last song. A little soul searching on that delivery, and we’d have another great artists no one has ever heard of. Check wrecluse.com for more information.

Sentence “There And Back” (Voicebox)
This album starts with a bang, cause the “DJ Thought Intro” features a funky beat and some serious scratching. Heck, if the whole album is going to be like this, then we have one supreme release in our hands. He keeps the formula of low and funky basses, sampling like it’s still 1992, and the speed of the songs is also pleasantly uptempo. Sentence only leaves few songs to other folks to produce (them being Do-Right, EarthFireMusic and AES), a song like “Harpoon City” must get every crowd in a frenzy and makes a song like “Sleep Walking” (produced by EarthFireMusic – who also does the better, while not very good “Escalate”) sound boring in comparison. Also a little too subdued is “5th Floor”, even though the thoughtful lyrics are good. The album really starts to becomes unfortunately less exciting towards the second half. AES’ “Perspective” is also a little ‘eeh’ (his “Never A Next Time” is dope though) and it takes “Won’t Stop” and Sleep’s guest appearance on “Hey Everybody” to regain lost ground. So yes, the album starts with a bang, continues to fire heavy artillery for the first half, then slumps a couple of times on some of the second seven songs. But ends this properly again with the really good “Never A Next Time”. And Sentence really has something to say throughout the whole album, and we have not more to say about this record, apart from that you can find more information on voiceboxrecords.com

Ominus & DJ “S” “Ominus Odyssey” (Family The Label)
Okay, we have had records reviewed from South Africa, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, France, the USA (duh), Germany, Canada, probably Italy, certainly Australia and Austria, and probably some other places too. But so far never from Greece. Yip, that place of culture and togas and where North Europeans like to take their summer vacations. Enter Ominus & DJ “S” and their album “Ominus Odyssey” Or “Ominus Oδύσσεια” If you want to write it with a bunch of letters you probably remember from math’s class. Lyrically, they are saying something. What? Ask someone that speaks Greek. However, Ominus rides the songs properly and while the language sounds harsh, he finds a flow and that’s good. As for the beats, whoever done them likes his keyboard. So we get somewhat commercial beats, that sound like typical European rap songs that might actually get into the charts, i.e. quite unspectacular and lacking character. What makes this sound like one of those projects you support because it’s from your neck of the woods, and not really because you love it. Even though track ‘six’ (please don’t make me write everything with Greek characters) is actually quite neat, ‘seven’ sounds quite carefree, and ‘thirteen’ is pretty nice too. So the album is not as bad as we just declared, and as a real rap fan, you should be interested in what other countries are doing anyway. So check this and their older album called “PHSH” and find more information on familythelabel.com.

Still Catchin Wreck “The Greatest That Never Made It” (SCW)
They slap Colorado Hip Hop big and right on the front of the CD, just in case you’re wondering. But you’re probably wondering how good this record is. Actually this is some pretty damn proper rap music right here. Sure the three dudes that make up the team are not reinventing the wheel, but you can tell they are at it for quite some time (they say ten years) and there’s a certain effortlessness that comes with their rhymes and their beats that sounds like a couple of years ago. And sometimes both are just very good, sometimes they are quite solid and sometimes they just are. But a song like “Me And My SP” is just dope and in many silly ways rather silly too. And good. Heck, there’s plenty of good on here, so give these mountain dwellers some time of your day and check ‘em out on stillcatchinwreck.com.

Pugslee Atomz “Playing With Matches” (Audio8)
The CD says it is the 5th CD and we have no reason to not believe what the CD says. So you already had four chances to know and start to appreciate Pugslee Atomz. And for all the extra slow people, here’s number five and it’s another treat. We have the very creative “C I A” with a very special V Traxxx beat, there’s the funky and excellent “Griffin”, there’s “Control” with Binkis Recs over a Kato beat, “Vandal Squad” featuring Seel Fresh and Maker on the beat, the dope “Props”, the drum-n-bass like “Michael’s” produced by Polyphonic The Verbose (who did most of the songs on here) and finally “All City” by Mike G. Oh, and this is an enhanced CD, so for once you’re encouraged to put this CD into your computer. A CD that’s simply good, heck, really good if not to say great. Lyrics are creative and Pugslee sounds comfortable over them, shining right. So check audio8.com for more information on the record and for more videos check barbershophiphop.com. And damn, is Chicago putting out any wack records right now?

Artson “Save The World Pt. 2” (Death Valley)
While most think the Rock Steady Crew is only B-Boys breaking, they have always added musicians to their line up, like the Arsonists, Tony Touch or Swollen Members. Add to that line up Arton from Las Vegas Nevada. But he’s not your ordinary rapper, also calling himself a poet, a b-boy and a graffiti artist, having done almost all there is to do. His record features fifteen songs, features tracks with Craig G, Tash and Zo, Planet Asia and Lowkey, Verbal E of The Chapter, Q-Unique, Mr. Wiggles, Wildchild, A-love and Street Sweeper, while Quali-D, J Dirt, Quincy Tones, DJ Ammbush, D-Tunes, S-Groove and Profile handle the production. “No Pressure” is loud, the guitar on “Still Shining” and “Cool Out” is Latino, and for “The World” Artson teams up with the UK and Australia respectively. But what’s the verdict? As decent Artson is, as oftentimes unsatisfying to horrible his beat selection is. “Memory Lane” is pretty much as bad as it gets on the beat tip, while the lyrics are too honest to dismiss. On “Rosemary” and “Hijo De Santo” he tries his spoken word thing, but not even that can truly save the rather disappointing album. More information on mindspider.com and deathvalleyent.com

besides all that, we’re also listening to:
- Bent “The Everlasting Blink”
- Centa Of Da Web “Beyond Human Comprehension EP”
- Coco Rosie “La Maison De Mon Rêve”
- Craig Armstrong “Original Motion Picture Score – The Bone Collector”
- Death In Vegas “Scorpio Rising”
- Fluke “Oto”
- Milanese “1Up”
- Morcheeba “Big Calm”
- Villain Accelerate “Maid Of Gold”
- vyle “Post-Paleaeontologist”

O.U.O Remix Contest Winner

2005-03-04T08:29:00.000+01:00

In late December pH Music and Domination Recordings put together a remix contest to support of the upcoming O.U.O full length album. The label provided an acapella of the song “It’s Time” via the web site for producers to download. “It’s Time” is a high stakes tale of intrigue and adventure in which emcees Pep and Dumi Right trade verses reminiscent of duos from the golden age of hip-hop.
After sifting through all the entries and a week of careful and painstaking deliberation the panel of 6 judges weighed in with the final decision. The esteemed panel of judges included Domination Recordings President DJ Fisher, urbansmarts.com chief editor and founder tadah, Producer Extraordinaire and Domination Recordings artist Cadence, Gameplan Promotions’ Mr. Lawson and Pep and Dumi from O.U.O.
Domination Recordings is proud to announce producer DaSunOfGod from the 7th Dimension as the winner.

Click here for an exclusive listen to the track laced by DaSunOfGod.

ArcSin's debut album now available...

2005-02-23T10:14:00.000+01:00

Please support this incredibly talented young man and hop on over to the Definitive Jux webpage to buy ArcSin's album "Resonant Murk Tactics". It's the first record on the list. Thank you.

ArcSin's debut album to be released on Definitive Jux

2005-02-03T13:59:00.000+01:00

we have some great news (and you've heard it here first!): mega producer ArcSin's debut album "Resonant Murk Tactics" will drop February 22nd on Definitive Jux. it's even the first of its kind: Definitive Jux will release a couple of records exclusively on their online store called Pharmacy. and the ArcSin album is DRX1.
to get a little taste of it, we can offer you an exclusive opportunity to listen to one song off the album, "Infanticide Bday Bash" (click the title)
now, you might have heard beats by the insanely talented ArcSin on The Presence EP, heard 'em on a k-the-i??? song and the Despot and C-Rayz Walz songs on "Definitive Jux presents III". but if you want to really know what he's about, you gotta listen to this instrumental album. heck, it's hard to describe exactly what this guy is doing, but he must be the next big thing, or this music world is even more messed up than we dare to think it is. so, note that day red in the calender and get that album. and watch this space for information coming soon.

little year end gift...

2004-12-31T16:31:00.000+01:00

I hope you guys are all avidly reading our year end wrap up lists. if not, make sure you do and click that link, so you know what people like Kutmasta Kurt, Mike G of the Jungle Brothers, Nicolay of The Foreign Exchange and many, many, many more liked and disliked about 2004.

as for the soundtrack while you're reading, we might suggest these two offerings that were dropped on our desk. they are:

- Daz Dillinger, Soopafly & Chops "I Get Around"
- Ol' Dirty Bastard w/ Blahzay Blahzay "Go Go Go" produced by Chops

with that said: Happy New Year to you and yours. see you next year.

Dälek, Norbert Möslang, Göldin and more in St. Gallen

2004-12-12T16:20:00.000+01:00

now, tadah is going to be at this show. if you wanna buy him a beer, holler at the man:

recordsroundup: November 24th, 2004

2004-11-24T17:50:00.000+01:00

Special Ed “Still Got It Made” (Semi)
Disclaimer: I – tadah – am somewhat of a Special Ed fan. I love “Revelations” and the older albums. And I buy everything that has this guy on it. Thus I was excited to hear that he has this new album coming out, and rushed do buy it. And now, now I’m about to throw it out the window, because it’s so horrible.
I don’t really issue warnings on albums you must avoid, but this is one of them. Do you remember that Special Ed used to have this dope flow? Well, he still does it, but now minus the ignorance, irony and I’ma-mess-you-up cadence. Now he does it lackadaisically and it does not work. Plus he got chubby. So he’s definitely not hungry anymore and you can tell in his music and his voice even. The photos in the artwork show him to be this smooth cat, and that’s the persona he brings across on the album. But who wants to hear Special Ed romance the ladies on a "Kryptonite" or get all mushy on "So Long, Goodbye"?
The album is badly mixed, so Ed often doesn’t meet the beat but hovers above it. The beats are often really bad, and sometimes really good, but don’t match Ed. Like "Special", "Dying Young" and "Smile", they are pretty good, for anybody but Ed. This is a style that does not fit him. It gets really bad with "I Know You" and "Somebody Gotta Bleed", both horrible attempts at commercial club music. All of that makes “All Night, All Day” with The Dogg Pound to be the best song on here, and Ed is so bad that he makes Snoop sound good on "We Gon Ride".
So this is really horrible. Yes, I usually don’t use words as harsh as this. But this is truly horrible.

MaD SoN “Peace Amongst The MaDness” (N.E.Time)
MaD is half of the Minneapolis based Unknown Prophets who made some noise back in the days with “World Premier”, not just because they had Sluggo on their record. Years have passed now, and the team steps up with a couple of new releases. MaD keeps it in family, letting Big Jess, the other half of Unknown Prophets, do all the beats. Which are not always very impressive. They are sample based but lack a certain charm. They sound too much like 1999 beats by a dude back just learning his trade. Even though a “Unimpressed”, “10 Days Left” and “Don’t Cry” really sounds good. But when you listen to a “Rise Up”, these orchestra are just kept too close to the original and are probably not meant for a rap record. MaD on the other hand keeps it very conscious, forwarding strong messages like on “Times Like Those”. There’s actually no stupid babbling on here, with the lyrics reaching a depth the beats struggle to follow.

Team Demolition “Yo! TD Raps” (Depth Charge)
Can we please get the old “Yo! MTV Raps” episodes on a DVD or something? I’d camp outside the store to get that shish. I’m pretty sure the Team Demolition would join me. Building their album around old snippets of Fab Five Freddy interviews, the guys then break into the album with take-no-prisoners raps. There’s four people in TD – Zechariah Wise, Jady Experience, Lord Op aka J Cosell and DJ Dialtone – and they each sound different, adding a lot of shades to this pretty good record. Heck, listening to them scratching the surface of a really accessible mainstream-ish vibe, this is better quality than what you have to endure on any given BET program. The songs range from funky to old schoolish to straight up gritty to also some moments of humor. Heck they even let the DJ shine on two interludes. So yes, for all those that like a little street in their music, go check this out.

The Foreign Exchange “Connected” (BBE)
I’m pretty sure everybody knows about this already, so no reason to say much but: don’t be surprised if this appears on several ‘best of 2004’ lists. Heck, this is much better than Little Brother. So, make sure to get this. Play it for your woman. You’ll get a smooch for it.

Various Artists “Kingston 5 presents The New Sound Of Reggae” (Kingston 5 / Sony)
This is probably a good record, if you like this type of sound. I hate it. So I don’t like this record. But if you wanna discover what this ‘new sound of reggae’ is, and what people like Vybz Kartel, Tubby T, Ms. Dynamite (yes, that Ms. Dynamite), Lady Posh, Junior Reid, Buju Banton, and Mile High do. Now, if anything Flava feat. Macka Diamond “Crazy Thing” and Tyla “Far Away” sound kinda good. But that’s because they’re the least Reggae on here and actually just pure good old soul. The Hiites “The Dream” is at least kinda interesting and Buju’s “My Pen” and Alaine Laughton’s “Deeper” are good because they’re more traditional reggae.

Jacki-O “Poe Little Rich Girl” (TVT)
Hmm….what to say about this? Well, it features Jazze Pha, the Ying Yang Twins, Ghostface (doing “Tooken Back” that was already on “The Pretty Toney” album) and Trick Daddy. You wanna hate this but “Living It Up” is actually pretty nice. Sure Jacki is no impressive rapper but you don’t listen to this because of the lyrics. You listen to this because it plays in the club. Even though Jacki actually has a nice way to deliver her rhymes, a certain effortlessness and acting twist to, it and a good voice to back it up. What she says is still forgettable. Sure, all the 14 year olds will get a snigger out of “Pussy (Real Good)”, but anyone older? Not really. Production comes from Timbaland (who cannot/does not go wrong with “Slow Down”) Red Spyda, Cool & Dre, Jazze Pha, Gorilla Tek, Beat-in-Azz, Young Hollywood (like on the nice “Pretty”, but isn’t this a bastardized “Waterfalls”?) and Nottz. Oh, and the “Fine” music video is on here too.

Unknown Prophets “The W.E.T. (WhodaEverThought) EP” (N.E.Time)
MaD SoN and Big Jess of Unknown Prophets return after their 2000 album “World Premier” which featured Brother Ali, Slug and DJ Abilities of the Rhymesayers massive. Only nine songs, ranging from songs with braggadocio content (“Warning”), to reminiscing (“Look At Us Now”) and more braggadocio on “Shit Talking Material”. Best song is “Writer’s Block” which features a dope piano hooked up Jess. “So Live” feat. Tek is also kinda nice, with the rappers honing their bragging and boasting personas. All in all there’s a lot of promising moments, but you still cannot fully grasp these artists, who they are and what is exactly them. They still need to find their own personal sound and it’s hopefully along the lines of “Writer’s Block” which both musically and lyrically is really good.

Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz “Cunk Juice” (TVT)
The list of people on this record will be reason enough for some to pick up this album. For others to avoid this album. But we got the following on here: Ice Cube, Chris Rock, Lil Scrappy, Gangsta Boo, 8 Ball & MJG, R. Kelly, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Suga Free, Ying Yang Twins, Pharrell Williams, Nas, Bun B and Jadakiss. We even get a “Yeah” part two, as Usher, Ludacris and Lil Jon team up again for “Lovers And Friends”, a balladesque snooze song. The tracks all sound very similar, both amongst each other but also compared to the last album. They come with the same tired way to scream hooks. Even worse though is that Jon struggles to really do something new and exciting. “Contract” is kinda interesting, on “Bitches Ain’t Shit” he recreates a cool westcoast vibe. But in general this would flop without all the hype that’s currently surrounding this Crunk phase.

Muph & Plutonic “Hunger Pains” (Obese)
On Muphin’s last album “More Than Music” things always got exciting when Plutonic Labs was behind the boards. So we’re very happy to get a full album by the two entities teaming up. And we’re not handed a disappointment but a great release, with Muphin sounding very comfortable over these most of the time splendid beats. We go from “Work Hard” to “Beer Goggles” (one of the best songs) to the double timing of “The Jason Chapman Sway” to the very dope beats on “Hunger Pains” (feat. Raph Boogie) and “Paracetamol” to “You’re Choice ‘Kings’ ” which features no other than The Grouch. Good album; really good album.

Various Artists “Definition: The Hip-Hop Compilation” (Neblina)
The Carolinas are really hot right now. Not just since the success of Little Brother. Nope, nope, nope. And the quality doesn’t end with Little Brother either. This compilation digs a little deeper than what you’re likely to be force-fed by all those scratching the surface cats. So we get dudes like Chapter 13, K-Hill, Medinah General, Mercury Waters, Manov War, Cpectac, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Rockwell. With beats by 9th Wonder, K-Hill, DJ Forge, Rashid Hadee, Nick the 1da, Chopy Chop-E and Rockwell. There’s a hype bubbling about this record right now, for all the right reasons. So get with the program, this is some good rap right here.

Jedi Mind Tricks “Legacy Of Blood” (Babygrande)
Now, the JMT fanbase is already quite big. And finally with this album, there’s reason for it again. As reluctant as I was to really sink my teeth into this (I’m one of the ‘ignorants’ who wasn’t too impressed by “Violent By Design”), but just a couple of spins really impressed me. Vinnie is still spitting hard, of course with repetitive subject matter, but over excellent Stoupe production. They get help from GZA/Genius, Sean Price, Des Devious and Killah Priest. So give this a chance, even if JMT hasn’t been your thing so far.

49 Stories “Blind Faith” (Voicebox)
Straight from one of the heartland Red States comes this collective. It’s a three people team up of Gollum, Once and Paradox. The last two spit over the Gollum produced beats, who must like the Mood album “Doom”. You get a similar darkish, esoteric vibe, what can be as good as “Arms Bend”, “Hardcore”, “Hypochondriac” and “Drop The Drums”, but as boring as “Together” (the posse cut with Sentence, NottheSame, Effort, Bantar, The Fool, AES and DJ Thought) or bad as “Fake Pain” and “Escape”. Lyrically the cats are secure behind the mic, but say far too much on one song to not exhaust you by the third track. The ignorant amongst us could describe this as ‘typical’ white guys rap, along the lines of an Adeem. That’d be a little bit unfair though. Because the rappers and especially the producer are too good for being labeled that; as accurate it may be. Worthy of a try, but definitely not for everybody.

Various Artists “Silvertab: Harambe Dope Sessions” (DIY)
Various Artists “African Dope Soundsystem” (African Dope)
Kalahari Surfers “Muti Media” (African Dope)
Straight from the motherland, or more precisely: from the country of South Africa come these three CDs. All three albums are interesting, just because of where they are coming from. But even if some of the rap sounds kinda clumsy (like MC Einaar & DJ Cool Guy “Milk And Cookies”), the standard is actually surprisingly high. People like Crisis (“Taking Over”) are really good and people like Hymphatic Tabs (“Come”) really creative. And even if we don’t understand what people like Ozone (“Monate”) say, we can still really ride with this nice beat. And well, then there’s of course the plain bad, like “Kasi Soul” by Gciwane, Gzus & T-Klep. These songs are all on the “Silvertab” record.
“African Dope Soundsystem” does another misplaced music genre, considering that we get Reggae on here. But it’s still a little more ‘locally’, as there’s much more of an expected African influence on these songs. Starting with “Big Trouble” by Black Dillinger, going to the pretty good second Black Dillinger song “Black Repatriation,” to the drum-n-bass of Juan Thyme feat. Crosby “Mo Fire Mo Presha (Funky Love Mix)”, to the excellent dub on “Pump Da System” by Juan Tyme, who happens to be the most interesting artist on here. And having heard this, the Kalahari Surfers are a little less of a surprise. They give us a really good dub-ish, electro, pop, trip hop hybrid. So while this is not just widening adding new geographical areas to the music that you’re listening to, this might actually also widen the spectrum of music you listen to.

Automato “Automato” (Coup De Grace)
We already had an interview with the guys (read it here). So basically everything is already said. Apart from: is this any good? It often is. Like on the opener “Focus”, the great “Capes Billowing” (which should have been kept entirely instrumental) and the funky “The Let Go”. Sure, they struggle sometimes with getting rid off the live-ish vibe (like on the not so great “Walk Into The Light”), but often the beats are gritty enough to work, like the background drum on “Cool Boots”. Yes, they do much better than the majority of other live instrument rap groups. So check this out.

Dooley-O “The Beat Segment” (Female Fun / Domination)
Many have done it before: grab a bundle of old break records, put them in a mix and call it a day. Sure, many have done it and often it’s been good too. This here however is beyond good. Why? Well, for one because the casual listener will not recognize most of these songs. Heck, Dooley digged deep into his private stash and pulled out some gems. Sure, those ever in the know folks that dig themselves, will know some, but whateverAnd second, this is a bag full of surprising, severely funky joints. You gotta play this loud too. Play at your next party and while doing private dances around your apartment. Yes, this is very, very good and belongs in everybody’s collection.

Jennifer Johns “Heavyelectromagneticsoularpoeticjunglehop” (Nayo Movement)
Yes, this is a gimmicky title. But it’s still an appropriate summation of this ten song limited edition EP. And the thing is: whatever Jennifer does, she does it well. Be it the smooth singing of “Beautiful”, the bonus track “Afraid Of Me” or the Sade song “Cherish The Day,” which takes minimalism to new depths. She can however also do the aimed straight forward song “Heavy (808-Jungalistic Afro Freak),” with a dope bassline, not much of a beginning, but quite possibly no end. Or there’s the jungle in the ‘what have you done lately’ song “Do You Believe In Love”. Of course her versatility will be her downfall, as this is hard to market. There’s just no market for ‘simply good music’ anymore. So they’ll emphasize the finally-some-good R’n’b of “Never Give Up”. And who produced much of this? Remember Spontaneous of “Spur Of The Moment Musik” fame? You know the album on GoodVibe? Well he did these beats. Now make sure you give this a listen.

EXCLUSIVE: Mike G & Cadence "State Lines" audio

2004-11-19T08:47:00.000+01:00

Cadence, one half of Raw Produce, gears up to release his production album called "State Lines" on Domination Recordings. Amongst the list of twenty plus artists on the record are names like Mike Ladd, Yesh, Dooley-O, Esoteric, Eddie Meeks of Prophetix, Binkis Recs, Zimbabwe Legit and Mike G of the Jungle Brothers.
To celebrate this release, and because we're sneaky bastards, we shall leak one full song off the album. Yes, no one else has this yet, so enjoy it. What it? Nothing less than the title song (click the title and enjoy):
"State Lines" by Mike G. and Cadence.

newswrapup: november 18th 2004

2004-11-18T13:03:00.000+01:00

Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids on DVD
Fat Albert and the Cosby kids, which aired from 1972 to 1984 enjoyed one of the longest and most successful runs in Saturday morning, cartoon history. It’s a series about a group of urban adolescents growing up in a Philadelphia neighborhood. The show was based on Bill Cosby's ‘60's stand up comedy monologues about his childhood. Topics ranged from social issues to personal introspection and were blended with humor and music.
On December 14th, Urbanworks entertainment will release a DVD containing five episodes of the series: “Creativity”, “Take Two, They’re Small”, “Smoke Gets In Your Hair”, “Sweet Sorrow” and “Poll Time”
View the 30 seconds TV spot here.

J-Live signs with Penalty Recordings/Rykodisc
Now, being an avid reader of this page, there’s no doubt you know J-Live. If not, he burst unto the scene back in 1996 with his first single, "Longevity" b/w "Braggin' Rights". After going the obligatory route of getting signed, not seeing his album come out, he finally had “The Best Part” and “All Of The Above” drop. On his deal, J-Live says, “I'm extremely excited about being the latest addition to the Penalty/Rykodisc family. This is a huge step forward in my career. I'm working on my 3rd full length album. I'm confident that with Penalty Recordings, my music will be able to reach more ears than ever. I feel like I'm in the right place at the right time.” The album will drop Spring 2005.

Unknown Prophets Show Dates...
The Unknown Prophets are coming to a town near you. So make sure you attend these happy get togethers:
- Thursday, December 2
The Otto Bar; Unknown Prophets w/ Black Sheep; Baltimore, MD; $10-$12, 18+; theottobar.com
- Saturday, December 4
The Brew River; Unknown Prophets w/ Written Prisms; Salisbury, MD; 10 pm; $5, 21+; writtenprisms.com
- Thursday, December 9
Unknown Prophets w/ Black Sheep; New York City, NY; Doors 5:30 pm; Show time 7:00 pm sharp
- Saturday, December 11
Hudson Duster Entry; Unknown Prophets w/ Meaty Ogre (Galapagos 4); 40 Third St.; Troy, NY
- Thursday, January 20, '05
Zebra Cocktail Lounge; Unknown Prophets w/ Kanser; Bozeman, MT
- Saturday, January 22, '05
Fox Theater; Unknown Prophets w/ Heiruspecs, Kanser, and DJ Swych; Boulder, CO$15 in Advance, All Ages; Purchase tickets online at foxtheater.com

Ol’ Dirty Bastard featured on “The Future Of Hip Hop Is Now” by BeKay
The hip-hop world mourns the passing of Wu-Tang Clan member and co-founder Ol’ Dirty Bastard. ODB, born Russell Jones, passed away Saturday in a Manhattan recording studio.Recorded earlier this year, ODB’s vocals are a huge part of the action on fellow Brooklyn native BeKay’s new disc “The Future of Hip Hop is Now,” with ODB featured on the stand-out track “Where Brooklyn At?” The disc was released earlier this month on TSOB (The Sound of Brooklyn). ODB took also part in a video shoot for “Where Brooklyn At?” in late October; the clip, directed by Ragin’ Nation Films (Styles P, Stretch Armstrong) and featuring director of photography Cliff Charles (Mos Def, Wyclef Jean, Lil’ Jon and the Eastside Boyz), will soon be edited and ready for the air. Bekay’s previous videos garnered airplay on MTV2, Fuse and BET. 24-year-old BeKay was featured on BET’s “106th and Park” and at shows at the Cheetah Club, SOB’s, the Pyramid, CBGBs and the Knitting Factory. BeKay also ended up in the top 40 finalists (among 40,000 hopefuls) for a spot on MTV’s “Making the Band II” and was one of 27 finalists (among 1,000 entrants) in MTV’s 2003 search for the best on “MC Battle.” BeKay’s tracks have been featured on New York’s HOT 97 and Z100. For more information on BeKay and “The Future of Hip Hop is Now,” visit bekayrap.com.

Snicka presents Biggie Blendz
So Snicka got his hands on a few acapellas from the late great Notorious B.I.G. went in the lab and blended them with some beats out right now. Ever wonder what Biggie would like over a Kanye track? Biggie on some Reggaeton? Well, this is where you can find out how that’d sound like. Snicka has Biggie rhyme over beats from Dr. Dre, Just Blaze, Lil Jon, The Neptunes, Timbaland, Mannie Fresh, Eminem and more. And he’s also giving you 12 bonus tracks of Biggie in Concert Live in London. Listen to snippets here and visit Snicka’s webpage here: snicka.com.

Soul Dojo gives you 9th Wonder material
Kaze’s “Spirit of ‘94 Version 9.0” album remixed by 9th Wonder is now available on the web. Check out cdbaby.com/kaze3. The project includes 8 tracks from Kaze’s original, debut album remixed by producer 9th Wonder. The album also contains a different 9th Wonder mix of the song “Soul Dojo”, which did not appear on “Enemy of the State” or the 12” Single. This CD also features the previously unreleased “Last Laugh”. More information on souldojo.com.

Quickies
Prince Paul will release an album with our friends Female Fun in 2005. You heard it here first. +++ Our good friend Waxfactor along with partner Mr. Trick do a great and exciting radio show called Rhythm Incursions, playing everything that can be considered an update of rap music. Make sure you check out their website for archived shows. rhythm-incursions.com. +++ Visit the website of Tes One (the artist not the rapper): tesone.net. His art is great and he’s selling it. +++ Ludacris’ new album will drop December 7th. It’ll feature production by Doug E. Fresh, Green Lantern, KLC, Lil Jon, Organized Noize and Timbaland, as well as guest appearances by DJ Quik, DMX, Lil Jon, Nas and Nate Dogg. +++ Eminem has redone the video to “Mosh” (for obvious reasons). The new end might even be more powerful though. Watch it here: Windows : Real Audio. +++ Watch Mos Def's new videos "Ghetto Rock" here: Windows Lo : Hi - Real Lo : Hi - Quicktime Lo : Hi and "Sex, Love & Money": Windows Lo : Hi - Real Lo : Hi - Quicktime Lo : Hi +++ Oh, and there’s a ‘reunion’ about to happen that will blow the socks off every underground hip hop head. Man, I wish I could tell you more, but damn, this is so secret they tried to kill me after they told me.

realwordisms: November 9th, 2004

2004-11-09T14:34:00.000+01:00

Just one week ago Bush won. Or did he? Okay, okay, before you say anything: Yes, none of what people will find out now, none of the troubling weird occurancas will make a difference. Bush will be the president for the next four years. But did he win? Well, maybe. And that maybe is fair. Not just because of what the left wing medias report, but also what the mainstream media reports. Like CNN says: "Glitch gave Bush extra votes in Ohio".
Actually if you wanna read a good summary on things (with more links), you must read (and please do) this article: "Worse Than 2000: Tuesday's Electoral Disaster". Read this if nothing else. But if you wanna read more, then read these:
- "Kerry Won. Here are the Facts." (or here)
- "Evidence Mounts That The Vote May Have Been Hacked"
- "Group Finds Voting Irregularities in South"
- "None dare call it voter suppression and fraud"
As said, knowing this will not make a difference. But there's people that don't give up now. The League of Pissed Off Voters actually asks for you to share your story and they are organizing Public Hearings in Ohio. Check indyvoter.org for more information. Also kinda pissed off are the people in San Francisco: "San Francisco in No Mood for Tolerance After Bush Win" and our good friend and in house columnist Cadence (of Raw Produce) who wrote this excellent second installment of "Pack Of Lies." And finally, while not necessarily angry, but nevertheless sorry are all these people at Sorry Everybody, who post pictures, often amusing, silly but sometimes even a little touching.
So what now? Maybe you are one of those "Liberals Dismayed by 'Moral Values' Claims". Maybe because 'lying about going to war' is not included in those 'moral values.' But there's no reason (and time) to hide somewhere, because there's important tasks coming up. First: know your enemy. Therefore read about the American Taliban, also known as those Christian Fundamentalists. Why? Well, how about the problem of a "The New Birth Control Ban"? Is that enough to get you going? If not, read about "Christians See Court Appointments as Top Bush Aim", about "U.S. Moves Toward a New Conservative Era" and about how "Bush Agenda Would Add Big Costs". Or you can read about the progress on the war in Iraq: "'Cash on the spot – if they tell us where the weapons are'" and "Saudi religious scholars support holy war against U.S. forces in Iraq".

recordsroundup: October 30th, 2004

2004-10-30T13:30:00.000+02:00

The Frontline "Who R You"
We mentioned this album in this weeks newswrapup. Now we got the album, and it's banging. And we say that about a record that in many ways is 'gangsta' (listen to...uhm..."Gangsta"), it features a lot of westcoast influenced trunk rattling beats (by E-A-Ski - of "is your solo album out yet?" fame and his longtime partner CMT). The hits of course are "Time 4 Bizness", "Playin' Wit Fire" (both actually produced by Left) and "The Ripper" (even though it's kinda dissing the old school). The biggest disappointment of course is that Locksmith never gets as agitated as on his infamous battles, like "KMEL Battle (Made You Shook)". But nevertheless, him and Left are good rappers. But yes, you could argue if they actually get to show it on this album. Still: get it when it drops nationally December 16th. More information on www.thefrontlineonline.com.

Wordz "You Haven't Heard Me Yet"
Fresh from - is it Chicago again? - comes Wordz with his album of eighteen tracks. He features collaborations with Sev Statik, Manchild of Mars ILL, Adeem and Thaione Davis. He goes through a lot of intelligent topics, including a political "Welcome To America", battle rhymes and everything in between. Production comes from Overflo, Dust (of Mars ILL) and deftone, who offers some of the best beats on here. Much of the message is contained in interview excerpts that are featured throughout the album. Too frequently though, as it always gets the album to a full halt. While very interesting, it should have been contained to less parts. Apart from that, another one to check out. More info on www.reservedrecords.com.

Avatar "Deus Ex Machina"
Avatar returns a with a new album, after last years "Double Negative Pt. 1 : For Lack Of A Better World". There's many differences in his rhetoric: he sounds much more frustrated, less depressed and in a different way angry. So the topics range from politics to certain people better not giving birth to kids, asking the question: why do you need a license to drive, need to be 21 to drink, but can have a kid whenever, however? The production was all done by DJ Obi, who matches Avatar's style well, with less industrial backgrounds (compared to the last album), but complex soundscapes that feature much more organic funk. More info on www.dumptruckrecords.com.

Elyops "The Ops LP"
There's not much we can say about this CD-R release (on Break Ya Neck) despite that it didn't impress us much. There of course - as almost everywhere - are a couple of joints that are worth listening to again, but overall the album fails to really stand out and do much. Beats by The Beat Down Committee. No credited guests. Holler at them at elyoptics@hotmail.com.

Blueprint "Chamber Music"
The album opens with excerpts of a radio show. And the host talks about how this album is going to be of Blueprint's 'experimental side.' Yes, this does not sound like what we're used to from Blueprint, what at the beginning will disappoint enough people to dismiss this record. However, once you got over those first damning expectations, you'll really get into this record. It's mainly instrumental and features very few guests, but those are notable: Vast Aire, Aesop Rock, Illogic and WindnBreeze. More info on www.weightless.net.

Infinito vs. Molemen "He's Definitely Not In The Building!"
There's a million people that claim that they are the hardest worken men in the business. They are not. Infinito is though. Shooting videos (including the great Thaione Davis video for "The Connection") all the time, recording an album ever two weeks or so, Infinito is one of the most productive out there. And not just that: he has a consistency to it, what makes every one of his releases worth listening to. There's more out there we could mention, like the new I.T. album "Low Income Housing" (check www.dominationrec.com), but this one is kinda interesting. As it is combining Infinito on the rhyme and the Molemen behind the deck. Mixed by DJ Waht, you get two of the best Chicago entities team up. More information at: infinito2017.tripod.com and www.molemen.com.

Kurram "The Anonymous Network"
Whenever people say that it's a bad thing that everybody and their mother gets to release an album, this album could be one of those they are referring to. Then again, this is one of those typical cases where the record is not meant for everybody. Out on Basement Troubadour, there's little that had us wanna go back to it any time too soon. Then again, this was maybe not meant for us. Maybe it's meant for you though.

Raw Produce "The Wack MC / Breathe Deep Remixes"
Raw Produce is very good at milking their equally good "The Feeling Of Now" release. There's the album, there's the EP, there's the Japan only release. And you know what: you shouldn't be mad at it. This is quality music and considering all the crap that gets released, we should praise good music to come out; in all forms and fashions. Next is this 12" that features two songs off the album in all new remixes. Who did them? Jon Doe (of Prophetix fame), 7L (of & Esoteric fame), J. Rawls (of Lone Catalysts fame) and Omid (of a whole lot of fame). Favorites: the 7L and the Omid remixes are really, really good. So check the record, as it will come out on Female Fun.

Cadence "...presents State Lines"
Speaking of Raw Produce: one half of the troupe Cadence will release his debut production album. After last years "Poisons The Minds Of The Children" that features Cadence production along with his rhymes, he now lets other emcees rip the mic, while still providing the boom bap. It's enough to just mention who's on here to get you interested in the project. As you'll get Mike G of the Jungle Brothers, Binkis Recs, Yesh, Zimbabwe Legit, Esoteric, Dooley-O, Mike Ladd, and many, many more. The record will drop on Domination Recordings.
Plus, as a special bonus, urbansmarts.com will 'leak' one of the songs exclusively on this blogger within the next couple of days. Watch this space.

Human Cropcircles feat. Ubiquitous "The Tiananmen Square"
Avid readers of urbansmarts.com will already know this name, considering that we have already reviewed two Human Cropcircles albums: "Human Pride And The Lack Thereof" and "The Future Is Not What It Used To Be...". While the first album was a collaborative effort of the brothers Hexagram23 and Joker70, the second was a Joker record and so is this EP here. That has him team up with Ces Cru's Ubiquitous to do a record that's half instrumental and half with rhymes, while all political. But there was something very good about the first album: it was uncomfortably eerie. That has gone now, turning this EP in a more or less typical rough indy album. What's not yet a bad thing, but it lacks that special quality the first album definitely had.
The Ces Cru, by the way, have also just released an album: "Capture Enemy Soldier". And that one is ill. Just listen to "Black Water" to be convinced. More information on www.cescru.com.

newswrapup: october 29th 2004

2004-10-29T08:25:00.000+02:00

Birthwrite Records is at it again.
The best release of 2004 so far, yes Thaione Davis' "Situation Renaissance" (read the review) is now available on vinyl and is in stock. Should be out there at all good record stores.
Psalm One gears up for "Bio Chemistry 2:esters & essays" in stores 11/30/2004. Psalm One is by far the next level of the female emcee. Formerly a member of the Chicago crew Nacrobats, she has been releasing music independently for nearly 4 years recording with the likes of Casual (Hieroglyphics), Brother Ali & Ant (Rhymesayers), Illogic, Maker, Overflo, Offwhyte, Thaione Davis, Chester Copperpot, Longshot, Lord 360, and others! This album was originally released in 2002 independently (read the review), but now is being released through Birthwrite with 5 new exclusive songs and new artwork.
Psalm is also going on tour with Brother Ali of the Rhymesayers. Go to birthwriterecords.com for the complete lists of shows.

win Wu-Tang Clan DVDs...
Back in the days, the Wu-Tang Clan was known to be booked for shows, with only three members showing up. Heck, I myself have seen a supposed-to-be-a-Wu-Tang show with solo Meth and Raekwon performances, that ended up being Ol Dirty Bastard and Buddha Monk performing everything from their own material to "C.R.E.A.M." and "Bring The Pain". For all those with similar experiences, Sanctuary Records come to the rescue with this DVD: "Disciples of the 36 Chambers". On July 17th, 2004, the whole Clan regrouped to perform at the Rock The Bells festival in San Bernardino, CA. All nine original members: RZA, GZA/ Genius, Method Man, Ghostface Killa, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Raekwon, Masta Killa, and even Ol' Dirty Bastard shared the stage for the first time in years. Joined by special guests Redman, Street Life and Cappadonna.
If you wanna catch a glimpse of what went down [and to answer the question], watch the trailer: Quicktime: Large Medium Small Windows Media: Large Medium Small
Thanks to Sanctuary, we can offer two copies of the DVD to two lucky winners. Just answer this simple, oh so simple, question.
The hook of one Wu-Tang song plays in the trailer for a couple of seconds. Name that song.
So, if you know, send the answer, along with your post mail address to get@urbansmarts.com before November, 12th 2004. the winners will be drawn from all the correct entries. only the winners will be contacted. Unfortunately we can only offer this give away to our friends and residents in the USA. Sorry friends and residents in the rest of the world.

Formula Werks looking for artists to sponsor.
Formula Werks, who you might also know from this interview are looking for new artists to sponsor with their clothing. So if you are a more or less accomplished artist, then check out this link and get in touch with the guys.

"American Pimp" documentary (w/ Snoop Dogg) Raw Outtakes.
You can view here, concerning:
- Ever been in love?,
- When did you start pimping?,
- Explain some of the slang,
- Snoop talking about Mack of the year,
- Snoop talking about getting pimped.

Snoop give away on urbansmarts.com
Speaking of Snoop: his next album "R & G: Rhythm & Gangsta (The Masterpiece)" on November 23rd, 2004. Just like the first single, it will feature The Neptunes production and most certainly some illustrious guests too. You can view the video of the first single "Drop It Like It's Hot" by clicking one of these links: Windows Media: Lo Hi; Real Video: Lo Hi; Quicktime: Lo Hi
We have three t-shirts and three singles to give away, so three winners will win one each.
In order to win, just answer this easy question (at least easy if you've watched the video):
Snoop has something in his back pocket: now what would that be?
So, if you know, send the answer, along with your post mail address to get@urbansmarts.com before November, 6th 2004. the winners will be drawn from all the correct entries. only the winners will be contacted.

The Frontline's Debut album "Who R You" makes Billboard charts first week.
If you checked tadah's "Year 2003 in retrospect" list, you might saw him bigging up Locksmith (of The Frontline) "KMEL Battle (Made You Shook)". Locksmith is a monster. And he's part of the Bay Area rap duo the Frontline. Their LP "Who R You" charts at no. 48 on Billboard Independent Albums chart the first week of release. "The record just dropped last week and only select, local indie outlets have it," remarks Locksmith of the albums' quick charting, "so we're as surprised as anyone that the record already made Billboard." But the albums' quick success is no surprise: MC's Left and Locksmith's debut album "Who R You" is a highly anticipated project after the albums' single, "What Is It," featuring platinum rapper-producer E-A-Ski was one of the most requested songs in the country on top rated commercial radio stations last year. The track was a club-favorite from Atlanta to Los Angeles and as far as Australia. The Frontline were catapulted onto the national scene when the duo appeared on the first "MTV Battle (May 2003)", where Locksmith was awarded runner-up, though clearly he was the crowd favorite. What's more, the group has been mentioned in national publications such as XXL, XLR8R, and Murder Dog, to name a few. The national release for "Who R You" is December 16, 2004.

New Xzibit video
You can view the Video to Xzibit's official single "Hey Now (Mean Muggin')" off his "Weapons Of Mass Destruction" album (in stores December 14, 2004).
Windows Lo : Hi Real Quicktime

Roots Manuva returns with new album and internet only single.
Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva has completed his brand new album, "Awfully Deep". The album isn't due to drop until the very start of 2005. Luckily, Mr Smith completed around thirty tracks from which his album was whittled down and some real stunners missed the cut. So Big Dada offers you an exclusive mp3 of a track that won't even be on the final record. The track in question is "Double Drat". This track will be available for the knockdown price of 99p (a little more if you're using SMS) from rootsmanuva.co.uk from November 15th for two weeks only. There are no plans to release this track on any of Mr Manuva's forthcoming singles so this represents your best and indeed only chance to own it.
On top of that, Roots Manuva is officially going digital. On November 1st, the official Roots Manuva website rootsmanuva.co.uk, no less, will be launched. Along with that, Big Dada will run a remix competition to see who can come up with the best beats for the number 1 UK Hip Hop single of all time (as voted for by Hip Hop Connection) "Witness (1Hope)". So not only are prizes aplenty for the lucky winner, but everyone wins with the previously unreleased acapella becoming downloadable.
A live track from the Montreux Jazz Festival "Conversations" will also be readily available for download for free. For a limited period only and exclusively on rootsmanuva.co.uk you will be able to listen to the man performing live, just before we release the dates... exclusively on the site of course.
Other website features include: a video diary of Mr Roots Manuva talking about the forthcoming album in three parts, SMS texting and picture messaging enabling Roots Manuva and the fans to send messages onto the site, exclusive artwork previews and exclusive tour dates.

Dälek, Norbert Möslang, Bit-Tuner & Göldin mega-show.
Make sure you're in the Kugl in St. Gallen on December 17th, when Dälek (USA, Ipec Recordings), Norbert Möslang (CH, Ex-Voice Crack), Bit-Tuner & Göldin (CH, Quiet Records), Projekt084 (CH, Local_Form Records), Klangforscher (CH, Local_Form Records), DJ La Bombe (CH, Quiet Records) and DJ Coerl (CH, Grime, Local_Form Records) perform there. Kieler-Meteorschaua of Local_Form and Gang Production will do the Visuals.

Typql Clothing...in case you're naked right now
If you are, then hop on over to http://www.blogger.com/app/www.typqlclothing.cofor new new t-shirts, baby ts and hoodies. And while we're properly dressed over here, tell 'em to send us some stuff anyways...

Wordsworth Joins the Spitkicker Family
Halftooth recording artist Wordsworth is now officially a member of the Spitkicker family. Spitkicker was founded in 2000 as a collective unit that, through the power and use of words, sets trends, unifies cultures, and creates positive standards for communities. The Spitkicker movement consists of musicians, actors, and athletes who can positively influence youth in all communities and includes the impressive roster of artists including Kanye West, De La Soul, Talib Kweli, Dave Chappelle, Blackstar, Pharoahe Monch, and J-Live.
Spitkicker artists have participated in the Rock the Vote program and other voter registration programs to encourage young Americans to vote. Recently, Wordsworth played an instrumental role and gained a lot of attention by participating with the Slam Bush organization and making a hilarious video 'battling' George W. Bush. You can also read a Wordsworth interview on urbansmarts.com here.

Fredwreck goes political and teams up with Mobb Deep, KRS One, WC and many more...
Fredwreck has put up two audios of monsterous posse cuts, as the S.T.O.P. Movement, on his website www.fredwreck.com, talking about how Bush needs to go. The tracks include artists like Everlast, Mobb Deep, The Alchemist, Mack 10, WC, Evidence, Defari, KRS-One, B-Real, Tray Dee, Daz, J-Ro, RBX, Soopafly and Bad Azz.

And finally, we're currently listening to (and recommend):
- Rob Sonic "Telicatessen"
- Masked Avengers feat. Maylay Sparks "So Wonderful" EP
- Cadence "presents State Lines"
- Avatar "Deux Ex Machina"
- ArcSin "The Wrath Of Saigon"
- Blueprint "Chamber Music"
- J-Zone "A Job Ain't Nothing But Work"

Oh, and while we're at it...
Read these two articles "FBI Investigating Halliburton Contracts" and "IAEA Says It Warned U.S. About Explosives". And ask yourself if you have done enough to make sure that Bush does not get reelected.

article on war for political purposes

2004-10-28T18:13:00.000+02:00

the Guerrilla News Network has now posted an article on Bush saying he plans to invade Iraq, back in 1999: "Bush Wanted To Invade Iraq If Elected in 2000".

there's also more information coming out on the missing explosives, you can read more here: "Bush, Kerry Spar Over Missing Explosives". there's now an a journalist who was embedded with the troupe who says he did see the explosives back when the troop and he came through there.

And if you still wanna vote for Bush, then you maybe wanna read this here: "Clueless People Love Bush" Isn't it quite telling?

watch Eminem's "Mosh" video here

2004-10-28T14:38:00.000+02:00

The buzz is on: watch Eminem's "Mosh" video here: Real Audio; Windows Media

realwordisms: October 28th, 2004

2004-10-28T14:09:00.000+02:00

The ghostwriter of George W. Bush's autobiography says that Bush thinking about invading Iraq back in 1999. Why? For political gain. Sounds incredible? It is. Nevertheless, it's only entering the press now. I haven't found an article yet, but I'm sure there's going to be more on this soon. That's not the only thing: Bush is also exploiting 9/11 for his agenda. At least according to Carter: "Carter: Bush Exploited 9/11 for Political Gain" (more on that here and here). This is incredible: allegedly this guy is going into wars for his own personal gains; political gains that is.
Moving on, the whole election starts to look more like a sham. Consider the reaction to the same problems in a country like Venezuela, or how a Germany would get clowned. So let's start: "New Florida vote scandal feared" (also reported here); Greg Palast is at it again, and he has incredible news. Watch this video along with the article. Amongst the troubles: Black people probably getting challenged, guys filming voters, and some stuff that's too difficult to put into one sentence and to amazing to believe. Moving on: "Experts Fear Messy, Disorderly Election", "Florida is focus of furor again" and it's now so bad that "Voters Skeptical About Election". By the way, to catch up what happened four years ago, read this: "Voting Irregularities in Florida During the 2000 Presidential Election". This is the official government analysis.
This is kinda old, but there's rumours about Bush being ill, ill as in Bush allegedly shows signs of "presenile dementia," or an early onset of Alzheimer's disease. You wanna read about that? Read it here: "A medical cause for 'Bushisms'?" (and here, and here, here and here).
In other news: John Ashcroft has mounted an effort to effectively nationalize the death penalty. (read "Ashcroft’s Dances with Death"), "White House pressed on 'mission accomplished' sign" and "US TV vows election night caution". Oh, and last but not least: "Bush website blocked outside US".

newswrapup: october 13th 2004

2004-10-13T11:59:00.000+02:00

Okay, some rap news. But to 'keep it real', go to urbansmarts.com. we asked a couple of artists, like Wordsworth, Sole, Alaska of Hangar 18 and Thaione Davis if they are going to vote, why it's important to vote and what the most important issues are right now. With that out of the way, moving on to the news:

Jamie Cullum does Neptunes
Jamie Cullum is a young British Jazz artist who now enjoys enormous success with his album "Twentysomething". That itself wouldn't be worthy of a post here. But on the special version of his album, he does "Frontin'", as popularized by N*E*R*D and Jay-Z. I haven't heard it so I dunno if it's good.

Dooley-O does a mixCD
For his "The Beat Segment" mixCD, Dooley-O's returns back to the scene with this lively and lush Funk-mix. As a precursor to his upcoming debut album of all new material "I Gotcha", DJ Dooley-O pulls out the breaks and songs for both the skilled-in-the-trade crate digger as well as enthusiastic music fan. Mixed exclusively by Dooley for Female Fun Records, this is the man who found one of hip-hop's greatest breakbeats "It's A New Day" by Skull Snaps which was subsequently used by partner Chris Lowe on the seminal "It's My Turn" by Stezo, some fifteen years ago.

Immortal Technique hangs with Babygrande
Viper Records and Babygrande have announced that they will partner up to release Immortal Technique's next album "Middle Passage". The album will be released world-wide some time in 2005. Babygrande and Viper are also discussing the release of a DVD documentary about Immortal Technique's life and experiences as a hip-hop artist.

Wagon Christ's new single
Wagon Christ's album "Sorry I Make You Lush" is really good. If you know, you know. If you don't then make sure you listen to these Audios (and Video) of his new single:
- Shadows: Real Windows
- Shadows (Video): Real Windows
- The Groove: Real Windows
- Loose Loogins: Real Windows
- Deux Ans De Maia: Real Windows

Wu-Tang "Disciples Of The 36 Chambers" DVD Trailer.
Check out this video trailer for WU-TANG’s DVD “Disciples of the 36 Chambers”, in stores October 19!
Quicktime: Large Medium Small
Windows: Large Medium Small

Massive Attack's new album
Get at taste of Massive Attack's new "Danny The Dog / Unleashed" album/soundtrack by going to this player: http://www.massiveattack.co.uk/danny/

New Xzibit songs
Off the album "Weapons of Mass Destruction” (in stores December 14, 2004 on Columbia Recrods), you can listen to two new Xzibit songs off that record:
- "Hey Now": Windows Lo Windows Hi Real Audio Quicktime
- "Mutha Mutha (Clean Version)": Windows Lo Windows Hi Real Audio Quicktime

The Mad Men II Project
In February 2005, the Mad Men team up again. The project obviously features Declaime, Kazi, Medaphoar and Coach D. and production by Oh-No, Kankick, J-Rawls and K.O.S. Productions (Zion I).

New Sampling Laws passed
A three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati ruled that recording artists must clear each and every sample they use in their productions - even if that sample is minor or unrecognizable. Yes: unrecognizable. Those wishing to sample someone else’s work need to get legal permission to do so, or face the consequences of their actions if they do not, the court ruled. The penalties for copyright infringement range from compensating the copyright holder for the amount of money that should have been paid if permission had been sought and granted; punitive damages from $750 to $150,000 per incident; an injunction against further selling or distributing the work, and if the work is already publicly available, forcing the infringer to physically remove the work from store shelves nationwide; destroying the material in which the infringed work is present; band jail time.
Oh isn't it a great greedy world?

Vordul Mega(llah) "The Revolution Of Yung Havoks"
Everybody awaits the release of Vordul (of Cannibal Ox fame) record, right? Well you'll only have to wait until November 2nd and the album will drop on Nature Sounds. And after listening to both Vordul's and Vast's solo album, the conclusion is obvious: they are better together. Plus, the too often rhyme over mediocre beats. Nevertheless, here's the tracklisting?
1. Neva Again (produced by Opto)
2. Spitamatic feat. C-Rayz Walz (produced by Ruddy Rock)
3. Holla III (produced by Soul Purpose)
4. Hell Yeah (produced by Belief)
5. Hard Times (produced by Dev 1 aka The Prof.)
6. Blade (produced by Belief)
7. Stay Up (produced by Belief)
8. In The Hood feat. Karnage (produced by Dev 1 aka The Prof.)
9. Pray (produced by Belief)
10. Believe feat. Jean Grae (produced by Belief)
11. Struggles (produced by Blockhead)
12. Handle That feat. Vast Aire (produced by Omega One)
13. Megallah (produced by Belief)

Vordul, Kong, Karneige and others form new Supergroup
There's a new 'supergroup'. It consists of Kong and Spiega from MIC, Vordul of CanOX, Priviledge, Stretch Nyce, Akir (as heard on Immortal Tech's "Revolution Vol. 2), Karneige (Def Jux), Killarmy's PR Terrorist, Hasan Salaam and Backwoodz' Billy Woods. The album title is "Terror Firma" and they are toying with a couple of group names, while nothing is definite. For more information, check backwoodzstudioz.com

Typical Cats return with "Civil Service"
Representatives Qwel, Qwazaar, denizen Kane and DJ Natural - along with special delegate Kid Knish - return with the thirteen song heavy new album. No guest, all beats by DJ Natural, live instrumentation. Of course on galapagos4 Records. You can listen to some of the songs here:
- Easy Cause It Is
- Justice Coming
- Butterfly Knives

Planet Asia and Main Flow Europe Tour
"The Goldchain Music Tour" with Planet Asia, Main Flow and DJ Architect will come to your town, if you live in these towns:
Oct 27 - Paris (F), Nouveau Casino
Oct 29 - Wil (CH), Remise
Oct 30 - Praha (CZ), ITF
Oct 31 - Köln, Stadtgarten
Nov 3 - Nürnberg, K4
Nov 6 - Biel (CH), La Coupole
Nov 9 - Berlin, Knaack
Nov 11 - Aachen, Bar Museo
Nov 14 - Düsseldorf, Unique
Nov 16 - Kiel, Luna club
Nov 17 - Copenhagen, MWB
Nov 18 - Leipzig, Conne Island
Nov 19 - Münster, Skaters Palace
Nov 20 - Madrid (ES), Clamoris
Nov 21 - Weinheim, Cafe Central

Zion I US-Tour
Zion I are on the road in conjunction with the "Family Business Mixtape".
Oct. 13, 2004: Santa Barbara, CA - UC Santa Barbara
Oct. 14, 2004: Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
Oct. 15, 2004: SACRAMENTO, CA - COLONIAL THEATER
Oct. 16, 2004: LOS ANGELES, CA - EL REY THEATER
Oct. 17, 2004: POMONA, CA - THE GLASS HOUSE
Oct. 18, 2004: OFF
Oct. 19, 2004: SAN DIEGO, CA - EPICENTRE
Oct. 20, 2004: TEMPE, AZ - OLD BRICKHOUSE
Oct. 21, 2004: ALBUQUERQUE, NM - SUNSHINE THEATER
Oct. 22, 2004: SAN ANTONIO, TX - THE SANCTUARY
Oct. 23, 2004: HOUSTON, TX - ENGINE ROOM
Oct. 24, 2004: AUSTIN, TX - EMO'S
Oct. 25, 2004: OFF
Oct. 26, 2004: ORLANDO, FL - THE SOCIAL
Oct. 27, 2004: ATLANTA, GA - EARTHLINK LIVE
Oct. 28, 2004: CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - STARR HILL
Oct. 29, 2004: WASHINGTON, DC - 9:30 CLUB
Oct. 30, 2004: OFF
Oct. 31, 2004: PHILADELPHIA, PA - TROCADERO
Nov. 1, 2004: NEW YORK, NY - BB KINGS
Nov. 2, 2004: NEW HAVEM CT - TOADS PLACE
Nov. 3, 2004: NORTHAMPTON, MA - PEARL STREET
Nov. 4, 2004: BOSTON, MA - THE PARADISE
Nov. 5, 2004: KILLINGTON, VT - THE PICKLE BARREL
Nov. 6, 2004: TORONTO, ONT - PHOENIX THEATER
Nov. 7, 2004: LONDON, ONT - PHOENIX NIGHTCLUB
Nov. 8, 2004: OFF
Nov. 9, 2004: DETROIT, MI - ST. ANDREWS HALL
Nov. 10, 2004: CHICAGO, IL - HOUSE OF BLUES
Nov. 11, 2004: BLOOMINGTON, IN - BLUEBIRD THEATER
Nov. 12, 2004: COLUMBUS, OH - LITTLE BROTHER'S
Nov. 13, 2004: MADISON, WI - THE BARRYMORE
Nov. 14, 2004: MINNEAPOLIS, MN - THE QUEST
Nov. 15, 2004: OFF
Nov. 16, 2004: BOULDER, CO - FOX THEATER
Nov. 17, 2004: FT. COLLINS, CO - AGGIE THEATER
Nov. 18, 2004: COL.SPRINGS, CO - 32 BLEU
Nov. 19, 2004: SALT LAKE CITY, UT - SHAGGYS
Nov. 20, 2004: PORTLAND, OR - ROSELAND
Nov. 21, 2004: BEND, OR - DOMINO ROOM
Nov. 22, 2004: SEATTLE, WA - SHOWBOX
Nov. 23, 2004: EUGENE, OR - MCDONALD THEATER
Nov. 24, 2004: SAN FRAN, CA - THE FILLMORE

realworldism: October 12th (including Jon Stewart interviews Bill O'Reilly)

2004-10-12T10:20:00.000+02:00

Okay, just a quicky today. but Jon Stewart talked to Bill O'Reilly. and damn, that ape comes across quite likeable. now, if only he would be as 'fair and balanced' (heck, he even criticizes the administration to some extent) in his own program as he was in this interview. watch it at the Comedy Central page.
Now, showing an incredibly nack for putting their own interests over the necessities of a current conflict, "Major Assaults on Hold Until After U.S. Vote". Make sure you understand what that means: we'll stop doing what is necessary to win this thing, in order to not hurt our chance of getting re-elected. That is incredible.
At the same time, "Bush Slams Kerry for Comments on Terror" even though Kerry's comments make a lot of sense. Remember, in a TV interview Bush said that you can never win the war on terror ("President admits war on terror cannot be won"). Only later to flip flop and say the opposite: "Bush Now Saying 'We Will Win' Terror War". Plus, Cheney himself has said that much of the success in the war on terror has been due to law enforcement (especially if you look at the rest of the world, where many countries have had great successes in their fight against terrorists by making arrests) on "Meet The Press".
Kerry's comment, by the way, stems from Brent Scowcroft, the national security adviser in the first Bush administration, who said the United States can break the back of terrorism "so that it is a horrible nuisance, and not a paralyzing influence." (read it here). Nevertheless, "Bush, Kerry Trade Charges Before Debate". Kerry's newest thing, quite rightfully: "Kerry Says Gas Prices Help Bush's Friends".

realwordisms: October 11th, 2004

2004-10-11T18:11:00.000+02:00

Another day another story to read. The voting fiasco is still continuing as the "Backup Voting System Could Cause Problems" (read this: it's incredible) and because of all that mess, "E-Voting Research Delayed, Experts Say".
That's bad news. Good news however is that "Young voters find a voice". Bad again however is that "Bush Rhetoric Becoming More Aggressive". How classy.
On the war front "Retired Gen. Franks Criticizes Kerry". Remember, this is the guy that paid Iraqi military to not fight. Oh, you never heard about that? "Smart Bribes: Centcom's real secret weapon". And just for good measure and to refresh your memory: "Definition of 2003 invasion of Iraq".
It's also interesting on how the "Administration Chooses Anti-Feminist Group to Train Iraqi Women". That's funny. But look at the board members of this organisation. Any names ring a bell? It's just shameless how this administration is giving the jobs to them and themselves.
Isn't Bush always quick to pose with the Military? So he must like them, right? Well, maybe not as much as you think he does: "Wages of war Entry-level salaries of troops barely higher than a theater usher's", "Bush administration slashes veteran’s benefits", "Bush administration mistreats military" and "This is how Bush supports our troops".
Bush is also quick to play the religious card. So you might wanna ask "Why W. Doesn't Go To Church" and how after four years, the president's faith-based policies have proven to be neither compassionate nor conservative: "Faith Without Works".
And while we're at it, "Cheney Once Pushed to Lift Iran Sanctions". Isn't Iran in the Axis Of Evil? Oh, it wasn't back then. But it's a big business and we all know that Cheney looks out for them. On the other hand, "Kerry Vows to Fight for Middle Class".
So maybe all of this is the reason why The Lone Star Iconoclast, the paper of Crawford, Texas, Bush's hometown, is endorsing Kerry: "Kerry Will Restore American Dignity". And what happens when they do this? In the country of freedom of speech, they are threatened: "Aftermath Of Last Week’sEditorial Endorsement".

That should be enough for today.

P.S. There will be some new interviews on urbansmarts.com this week.

realwordisms: October 8th, 2004

2004-10-08T08:14:00.000+02:00

Oh man, the spinnsters must do overtime right now, after the Duelfer report shows that, not only, Iraq didn't have weapons of mass distruction, he didn't even have a program to produce them in the future. None. Nada. Rien. Nothing (read article 1, article 2, article 3).
Are you aware of the meaning of this? Remember, before the war, the hawks told everybody that was willing to listen, how the world couldn't wait for a smoking gun. How the smoking gun might be a mushroom cloud. How the threat was imminent (something they later claimed they never said). Remember that? (if you wanna listen to their pre-war rhetoric again, buy the DVD "The Whole Truth About the Iraq War")
That was their argument to refuse to let the Weapon Inspections to go on - something that would have been completed in a matter of months. And their complete refusal to wait was the very reason why 'Old Europe' didn't join the team. So note: the whole argument of 'preemtive' war as selfdefense is out the window. Heck, and Kofi Annan already said the war was illegal. Can anybody say warcrimes, courts, impeachment, etc?
So what are our good friends over at the White House doing? Well, "Cheney: Weapons Report Justifies Iraq War". How? Just because he wanted the sanctions to be lifted? Cuba probably has weapons of mass distructions, and if they don't, they may neither have a plan to build some. So kinda like Iraq. And I'm sure they want their sanctions lifted, right? Man, we better go there asap. Oh wait, no oil there, right? But anyway, "Bush Defends Iraq Invasion Despite Report" even though they also "Bush, Cheney Concede Iraq Had No WMDs" (while he still can't help it: "Bush Unleashes Newly Sharpened Attack" and "U.S. report says Iraq posed no threat, but Bush insists he was right").
In the vice president debate Edwards was asked if Saddam would still be in power with Kerry as president. That an interesting question. Because even though it is good that Saddam is in jail it is not enough to justify the war. Fact now is that Iraq did not pose a threat, and by far no imminent threat. Therefore the argument of selfdefense is gone. And that's the only one ever brought forward to justify this war legally. All the others like 'helping surpressed people' and all that jazz are illegal. And thus...well, you know.
So what's the consequence of all of this? "US report on Iraqi weapons deepens Arab hostility towards America". And that is exactly why this world is not a safer place (that and because of things like: "Blasts at Egypt Resort Kill at Least 19" and "Insurgents Hit Baghdad Hotel With Rockets"). Plus they are also mad because of things like this: "Sharon Aide Nixes Palestinian State".
But there's other places twiddling with things that can be end up as a WMD. How about "Iran Readies Uranium for Enrichment; UN Watching"? How about "Scientists resurrect killer genes from 1918 flu pandemic"? Oh but the US is doing the latter, so that's okay. And while we're at it, the consequences of "Lead Levels in Water Misrepresented Across U.S." is also a mass distruction. And you are drinking it.
What else is happening? Oh yeah, here's an article on Rumsfeld saying he was misunderstood: "Rumsfeld Says He Was Misunderstood on Iraq-Al Qaeda". No he wasn't. You've seen the footage. There was no way to misunderstand what he said.
So, today is another debate. The last one was a draw, people say: "Viewers See Cheney-Edwards Debate As Draw", even though I - personally - think that Edwards looked really, really bad and was quite annoying at times. But anyway, remember how Cheney said that this was the first time that he met Edwards? Well, it wasn't: "Meeting Was Not First for Cheney, Edwards". There's even footage of them sitting next to each other.
But yes, there's still a vote going on. Even though by now it's amazing how someone could still - with a clear conscious - vote for Bush. People find that "Voter registration up considerably in three key US swing states" and that "Higher Voter Registration Could Affect Election". The newest numbers show that "Kerry Takes Lead Over Bush in AP Poll", however, if you wanna believe this "Electoral Vote Predictor 2004", we'll get four more years of mayhem.
That's why you must go out and vote. And you may also get people to watch Fahrenheit 9/11. Because "The Less That See It, The Better For Bush". So please buy a copy (for example at Amazon) and make sure that all your Republican friends and family members watch it. So far the movie mainly preached to the choir. Now it needs to be seen by the audience. There's a reason why the Republican's hate Michael Moore (and want to have him thrown in jail, also read this article).
And finally, just two more articles that might be of interest: "Ethics Panel Rebukes DeLay Over Conduct" and "Senate Rejects Intel Oversight Suggestion".

recordsroundup: October 7th, 2004

2004-10-07T11:44:00.000+02:00

Recordsroundup is the name of our section where we will - more or less quickly - introduce you to a couple of records that got to our offices. Enjoy.

Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz "Kings Of Crunk"
You wonder why? Well, there's a new (I guess European) special edition now that comes with a ton of remixes and videos. Plus, and that's a rather big plus, you'll also get Usher's "Yeah". Along with two versions of "Get Low" (one with Busta Rhymes and the horrible Merengue Mix with Pitbull), a remix of "Throw It Up" with Young Buck and Pastor Troy, a remix of "Put Yo Hood Up" featuring Jadakiss, Petey Pablo, Chyna Whyte and Roy Jones Jr. Plus, for good measure the song "What You Gonna Do" by Lil Scrappy. And as said videos: "Get Low", "Play No Games" (feat. Trick Daddy, Fat Joe and Oobie), "I Don't Give A..." (feat. Mystikal and Krayzie Bone), "Bia Bia" (featuring Ludacris, Too Short, Big Kap and Chyna Whyte)" and heck, even a couple of more. So if you don't have this album already, get it now. More on www.liljon.com and www.tvtrecords.com.

Ying Yang Twins "Me And My Brother"
By the way, the European version of the Ying Yang Twins album features the video for "Salt Shacker". I haven't yet dared to listen to this. More info at http://www.tvtrecords.com/.

Usher "Confessions"
Speaking of re-releases and Usher: His multi-plus successful album "Confessions" also gets a re-release. Bonus? "My Boo" a duet with Alicia Keys, "Confessions Part II (Remix)" featuring Kanye West and Twista, and two more new songs: "Red Light" and "Seduction". Plus all new photos and a bonus fold-out poster! Hooray. And if you're really lucky, there's a limited first print with a 3-D cover. Well, bad luck buddy if you already have this album, you might wanna shell out the dough again. More information at www.laface.com.

Johnny Bass "The Misunderstanding With John O'Connor"
This cat is from Sweden. But rhymes in English. And looking at the artwork, he's into graff, he meets a lot of US rappers and looking at the cover, "99% of the lyrics are true...that's why I spit that real shit." I actually still have to listen to this, but I'm sure it's good. Check www.solidsenders.com, www.exit-stance.com and www.recordnet.se.

The Talpa Caeca "Odes To The Postmodern Century"
Also from the Solid Senders camp is the Talpa Caeca. Also Swedish, also rhyming in English, and he has some intricate and dark beats. Hard to grasp in only few listens and probably needs some time to grow on you too. But something worth to check out.

DJ A-Beats and DJ JS-1 "The East Coast Invasion - hosted by Doujah Raze"
Mr. A-Beats is one busy little feller. So here's a new mix-CD to feast on, and it features him doing part one, playing tacks like Styles P "The Future", Critically Acclaimed feat. Kenn Star "Maintain", Pharoahe Monch & Miri Ben Ari "NWS" (produced by Kanye West), Brother Ali "Fire In The Eye", Nas "Disciple" and A-Beats remixes of "On Fire" by Lloyd Banks feat. Nas and "60 Bar Dash" by Sean Price. Well, this and of course more.
Part two is done by DJ JS-1 and he goes through a freestyle by C-Rayz Walz, Akrobatik, Breez Evahflowin and React, goes through "Jesus Walks (Remix)" by Kanye West featuring Common and Mase, you get Pack FM feat. Jean Grae "Freaky", the infamous "I C Dead People" by Redman featuring Biggie, Tupac, Big L and Big Pun, plus much more.

DJ Ayres & Cosmo Baker "Hip House 2"
Oh, them guys Ayres and Cosmo Baker are at it again. After the first one was a sever bliss and quite the trip down memory lane (read the review). What's good? They put more classics on there, like KZYE "Stomp", Tyree "House Music Is My Life", Twin Hype "For Those That Like To Groove" or Tony Scott "That's How I'm Living" and they mix 'em with newer versions of the same something, like Armand Van Helden & Common's "Full Moon", DJ Quik's "Sexuality". Plus they did remixes themselves, like of dead prez' "War Zone" or of "Blackalicious "Make You Feel" and they digged up many unauthorized white label remixes of songs by artists like Snoop Dogg, Q-Tip and Kool Keith. What's all good. But what's bad, that it's not as much fun as the first one, as that one just really had all the classics amongst the classics. Nevertheless, a good pick and addition to the must have first installment.

DJ Eleven "Spitkicker present The Best Of Talib Kweli"
This is a very good supplement to Kweli's album "The Beautiful Struggle" which is out now. So amongst the obligatory "Fortified Live" you also get songs like "Real Life" feat. E-40, "Redefinition" off the Black Star album, you get "Anti Love Movement On Mission" off the Beatminerz album, you get Talib Kweli and Styles P "Buck 'Em Down", Reflection Eternal's "African Dream" and many, many more songs. All brought to you by the good people of Spitkicker and the man behind the decks, DJ Eleven.

Longshot "Sacrifice"
After his really good album "Open Mouths Fed", the good people the Molemen bring us Longshot's new album "Sacrifice". The production is of course kept in house and Panik handles the majority of the boom bap. As for guests, there's only Vicious on "Powerful Gun". But who needs guests when the emcee is Longshot? Exactly. Ahh, Chicago rap....you gotta love it.

Kool Keith "Official Space Tape - DJ Junkaz Lou Selection"
Hmm...what is this? Does he mentions this in the urbansmarts.com interview? Well, if not read it anyway. However, it's put out by the good people of Junkadelic and Nocturne and two phat cds deep. The first goes through such favorites like "One Two, One Two", "Sex Style", "Keep It Real", "Poppa Large" and "Ego Trippin' 99", while the second CD features "Blue Flowers", "So Intelligent" and "Plastic World". Thirty nine songs deep and something you want to listen to, cause Kool Keith is just one of the dopest.

Rodney P "The Future"
Yes, the world is not yet too focused on UK rap. Why? Heck, there's no reason why. After the success of Roots Manuva and Skinnyman, and after the distraction of Dizzee Rascal, Rodney P is a probable next UK superstar. The album is fifteen tracks deep, features Mystro, Karizma and Olivia Chaney, beats by The Sea, Stone, Joe Buhdha, Skitz and Pepper and really good artwork. So go over to www.lowliferecords.co.uk and listen.

DJ Green Lantern "Conspiracy Theory: Invasion Part II"
You may know the Green Lantern as Eminem's DJs. That's why it's always good to get his records, because you always get some exclusive Eminem shizznizz. Same here, where CD one features an Eminem freestyle, a Ja Rule freestyle for good measure, features Eminem, 50 Cent, Tony Yay and Lloyd Banks "Bump Heads", features a Jay-Z freestyle, Eminem, 50 Cent & Busta Rhymes "Hail Mary", features The Notorious B.I.G. & Cam'ron "Gun Talk" and features a ton more by FT (oh, man, where has he been lately?), Kon Artists, Obie Trice, Fat Joe and many more.
The second disc revisit another of Eminem's past beefs, as we get his "Invasion", his "The Sauce" and his "Nail In The Coffin". We also get the super lackluster Benzino track "Pull Yo Skirt Up" and a freestyle. There's a ton more freestyle on here, by the Flipmode Squad, Obie Trice, 50 Cent, Golden State Project, Proof, FT, Gang Starr, Young Zee and for good measure Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and Rakims "The Watcher Pt. 2" and a Green Lantern remix of 2Pac & Nas' "Thug Nation". Should be enough, right?

mcenroe "5 Years In The Factory"
Moving away from the Peanut & Corn imprint (only for this record though), mcenroe hooks up with the Vertical Form imprint to do this new don't-call-it-an-album compilation. We still get his homies YY, Pip Skid, John Smith and Birdapres drop by on some of the fourteen tracks, which are some rare, unreleased, b-sides and all that jazz tracks.

Shambhala "The Lotus Of..."
These cats combine buddhist knowledge with hip hop beats on an album that you may/should/must study. That's why there's an introduction to meditation printed in the artwork. Beats are done by a couple of 'who?' cats going by the names of Axiom, Munch, Damu and Young Raven. The music is very ethereal, so don't be surprised if you hear a zitar amongst all the boom bap. Songs like "African Sunflower", "The Wind" and spoken word efforts like "Full Moon Of The Tao" are standout cuts. As the promo package came with incense, the digipack is all smelly now. What's not a bad things though. Nor is this record. More information at www.199records.net.

Death In Vegas "Satan's Circus"
There's some non-rap to talk about too. After their supreme release "Scorpio Rising", they now return with "Satan's Circus", a double CD featuring the new album, and CD two giving us old songs played Live at Brixton. You really want to check this out.

a quick update on today's post

2004-10-05T17:10:00.000+02:00

We just heard that Rumsfeld said - once again - that he was misunderstood. Seriously. But who is he trying to kid?
Okay, for all those that missed today's earlier installment: what did he say? He talked about how he hasn't seen any evidence of a link between Saddam and Bin Laden. Read the article here: "Questions the Saddam and Bin Laden link". Now, I have heard what he said (on a Swiss radio station). There is NO way to misunderstand what he said. NO WAY. He said what he said and now he realizes that it was a serious 'oopsie' and is desperately doing damage control.
Another one doing an 'oopsie' was Paul Bremer ("Bremer criticizes troop level"). and he now says that his remarks were actually off the record and not meant for the public. Heck, that's probably what Rumsfeld thought too. So, when they think that no one's recording what they are saying, they are finally saying the truth? Or to put it different: the truth is not meant for the public? Oh boy...

donfugetaboutit: Oct. 5 2004

2004-10-05T14:45:00.000+02:00

While Bush is still traveling the country saying the same ole things - probably using the exact same cards he used in the first debate (wasn't it funny when he ran out of things to say?) - about WMD, about Saddam and Al Quida links, his good ole buddies are suddenly letting their tongue slip. Or the finally learned what the rest of the world already knows. Newest 'blunder'? Well, suddenly Rumsfeld "Questions the Saddam and Bin Laden link". Let's repeat that: Rumsfeld doesn't think that there was a link between Saddam and Bin Laden? Wow. So another reason for the war gone. The WMD thing is out the window for some time now, and Powell "Regrets Iraq Weapons Claim for War". Next thing they'll say that it had nothing to do with the war on terror. It didn't, you know. And heck, now Paul Bremer, you know the guy that ran the country for a little while, is "Criticizes troop levels in Iraq" (more versions of this by AP, Washington Post), echoing John Kerry. He says funny things like that the United States made two major mistakes: not deploying enough troops in Iraq and then not containing the violence and looting immediately after the ouster of Saddam Hussein. Mistakes? Really?
Speaking on the war on terror, there's new evidence, that "Bush's Saudi Arabia Buddies Harm the War on Terror".
Good news though is that there's still time to win this election. And many people seem to want to vote, as "Americans are signing up to vote in record numbers: report". That's good news. Bad news - for Bush at least - is that "Arabs in Florida Angered by Bush". Just as it's bad news, that those damn Brits are still focusing on those damn machines in Florida: "The machinery of an anxious democracy" gives a good introduction to the different types of machinery.
We already introduced you to Greg Palast. He was on Air America Radio yesterday talked about his must get DVD "Bush Family Fortunes". But back to that Florida election. He talked about such darling little things, like intimidated elderly people, about Republicans telling their followers to go the absentee ballot route and not to go to those voting machines - as they all work so well - and how the envelopes have the party printed on 'em. Just so that the good folks there know which envelopes to 'loose'. Heck, Florida is a mess, and it's scary that this is not a huge scandal over there. It's not even as big as Britney's last marriage.
But anyway, today is the next Debate and if you ever wanted to visit the official government page for the debates, then you can find it here: www.debates.org. And if you want to read on another analysis of last week's debate, read how "Bush's smirk and Kerry's smile send the wrong message, say experts".
If you want to wear a funky t-shirt telling everyone that you support ABBB (anybody but Bush), there's some really good garments over here: seeyageorge.com. If you're really generous, get at me, cause I'd like to get one of those and I'd be a happy opinion leader wearing them for the next 30 or so days. If those shirts are not enough humor for you today, then watch this special message from Will Farrell as George W. Bush. That was put together by the good people of America Coming Together.
Finally, and for some reason I assume you'll like this: some scientist has found out that farting can save your life. At least if you're a fish. How? Well, read this here: "Flatulent fish net Ig Nobel award".
Then again, finally finally, we're actually still looking for a catchy title along the lines of 'newswrapup' that we use for the hip hop related news for these more political updates. So if you have one, tell me at: get@urbansmarts.com.

P.S. I know I promised you a 'newswrapup'. Sorry there's not one yet. But we got three brand new interviews on the site that you'll enjoy. They are with Chicago's Single Minded Pros and Verbal Kent and with Colorado's Time.

more news we hope you care to know.

2004-10-01T18:17:00.000+02:00

Okay, the first debate is over, and Kerry did a good job. Or Bush didn't. Same difference. You can get the Washington Post's twist on things when you read "Iraq Takes Center Stage in Debate". But after reading that, make sure you also read "Debate Promises May Differ From Policies", as it's quite telling, or even hilarious, to compare what Bush said back then to what he actually did. Now, the debate of course was boring. That was no real debate when the candidates didn't have to go against each other directly. But anyway, Kerry wasn't sweating and Bush didn't look too short, so let's be happy for a change.
If you still hate Kerry, don't fret. Go to kerryhatersforkerry.com. Yes, it's okay to hate Kerry but to vote for him.
In the mean time, Michael Moore faces more and more University cancelling his appearances: "George Mason U. Cancels Michael Moore Talk". There have been others too. So go to Michael's site and also visit his 'must read' section. Because that's what it is.
One of the most important issues right now are the many, yes many, organizations talking about how there are some serious and troubling aspects about the procedure. I know, I linked this article before, but it's incredible when an OSCE is ringing the alarm bell. So read "OSCE Concerned About US Voting Procedures". The British paper The Independent also published an excellent article on the troubles in Florida. Remember, four years ago it was The Guardian in the UK that published Greg Palast's research. Now it's again a British paper that talks about it. So you must read "Something rotten in the state of Florida". And share these facts with your friends. And if you think it's only Florida where some shady business is going on, think again, and think Ohio: "Desperation and 80 Pound Paper Stock in Ohio". Oh yeah, and if Bush realizes that he might loose, he can always postpone or cancel the elections. What then would be a "Coup d'Etat in America?", but hey, didn't Bush say something about 'it would be easier in a dictatorship'? Oh yes, he did: read this.
Now there's of course more happening in the world. Like "Canadian City Blocks Memorial to U.S. Draft Dodgers" (they probably didn't wanna host Bush when he came visiting it). Big Brother is watching you with a new toy: "Security blimp tested in Washington skies". The GOP is playing dirty tricks: "9/11 Panel Wants Clauses Taken Off Bill". And when the Democrats vote against the bill in order to prevent these 'bonus' clauses, the Republicans will call 'em anti-patriotic again, right? And finally the world is changing. And so is the face - or faces - of America: "Minorities majority in more areas".
Okay my friends, that was it for today. Next blog entry will probably be on some more rap news. That what you came here for anyway, right? I hope you'll still check out one or two of these links though.

touch-screen machines: and they don't work

2004-09-30T18:33:00.000+02:00

Let's consider the implications of this: a State that is going around the world, telling other people how democracy works, faces an election that has disaster written all over it. Oh goodie. There's a lot of people already ringing the alarm bells. Stay up and read: "Despite Reforms, Florida Vote May Face Challenge". And also read "International Observers Predict Trouble in U.S. Vote"

mustreads

2004-09-30T08:48:00.000+02:00

We'd like to give you some more stuff you might want to read. And we'd like to start with the whole issue of Bush's military record files.

It was basically right wing bloggers that broke CBS back. Are they fake or are they real? Well, supposedly now, they are fake. At the same time however, the content of 'em is very real. Because by now it has been established that Bush went AWOL and all that jazz. It's also interesting to see how the Democrats, the Republicans and the Media deal with an untruth. Al Franken has written a very good chapter about that in his book "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right". There he compares how Al Gore and how George W. Bush were treated with their untruths. Heck, you could even go as far as talking about a difference in how the two parties use untruths. Those Swift Boat ads were pulled out of their backside. Total lies. But the Republicans don't flinch. While the Democrats are now all whiny about those - looks like - faked documents. So do a Republican and don't flinch either, but read this new article called "Bush Document Details Military Departure".

The next issue is even more serious and more pressing. Because the "Next President Will Pick Scores of Judges". That means that either Bush or Kerry will pick judges who are going to decide on issues like free speech, gay rights, abortion, etc. etc. Bush - without scruples - has resurrected the 'compassionate conservative' label in his acceptance speech, but don't be fooled. He's anything but. So what he'll do, he'll pick similar extremely conservative judges, and they'll make sure to rid you from some freedoms you enjoyed. Oh, and the dude will not like hip hop either. A good resource to watch the Judiciary process is independentjudiciary.com. So bookmark that one.

On some war tip, Kerry talks about how "Bush Has Secret Troop Call-Up Plan". There have even been rumors on a Draft. How would you like that? You might also wanna compare what Tony Blair is saying about how the Iraq war came about and compare that to Bush's rhetoric. Blair once again said that the initial reasons to go into to war with Iraq were false: Full text of Blair's speech. Of course Edwards has something to say about all of this, so read "Edwards Faults Bush on Iraq, Health Care". And showing that not everything is going in a 'they will welcome us with flowers' type of way, "Heady U.S. Goals for Iraq Fall by Wayside". Bush in the mean time of course plays the scare game and says that "Terrorists May Plan More Attacks". Oh really?

Now the last thing for today, and not the least important either: Jimmy Carter has quite a record when it comes to watching elections. And now he "Fears Florida Vote Trouble" (also read: "Carter Decries Fla. Election Conditions"). Why? Well, let's look at this: first of all, the Bush run state pulls the same trick they did last time. As Carter says: "A fumbling attempt has been made recently to disqualify 22,000 African Americans (likely Democrats), but only 61 Hispanics (likely Republicans), as alleged felons." Oh really?

That's however only one thing. The electronic machines that will be used have some amazing shortcomings:
1) you will not get a paper receipt showing you that your vote was counted, or how or if for that matter, that you could use for proof later on;
2) it's not possible to do a recount of every individual vote;
3) the software that operates these machines is protected under copyright laws, because the private firms that created them, say, they need to protect them from competitors. so no one, NO ONE, is able to tell if this code works, is fair, is not tampered.

That's amazing (and ever so undemocratic). And the election watchers from the OECD are now ringing the alarm bells. There's an article in German about this: "OSZE warnt vor Problemen bei der US-Wahl" (translated the title means: "OSCD is warning of problems with the US-election") and another article in English: "OSCE Concerned About US Voting Procedures". What's the official response to all of this? Well, Jeb Bush talks about 'conspiracy theories'. Oh, the ever so useful label to dismiss stuff you don't like and that allows you to not even have to discuss the issues raised. Read the article "Jeb Bush Dismisses Carter on Fla. Vote".

newswrapup september 27th 2004

2004-09-27T10:01:00.000+02:00

Supastition's site back up.
After months of downtime, there is finally a revamped site (courtesy of Soulspazm Records) where you can find all of the info, downloads, and dates on Supastition releases. The site also features sneak previews of new Supastition tracks as well as updated bios and discrographies. You can check it out at www.supastition.com.
Make sure to check for Supa's "The Deadline". Production on the album was handled by Illmind, M-phazes, Dela and a few more up & coming producers. "The Deadline" as well as the first single, "Boombox", will be officially released on October 19, 2004.
Also, Supastition is officially being sponsored by 3Sixteen Clothing out of Chicago/NYC now. You can find out more details on the clothing company via the internet at www.3sixteen.com. And heck, those t-shirts are hot.

A.D.O.R.'s interview online
Watch the A.D.O.R. interview done by Tonya E by going here. The segment also features videos (like the "Let It All Hang Out" video.

Eminem snippet leaked
There's an official leak of an Eminem song called "Just Lose It". We of course got it too, so click that title. But unfortunately, it's not very good. Heck, it's actually quite bad.

Anita Baker's Blue Note debut "My Everything"
Check the E-Card for this album. Anita’s Blue Note Records debut is a collection of the best attributes of Anita Baker—singer, songwriter, producer—wrapped in a lush package of ten songs. Listen to "You’re My Everything": Windows Lo : Hi

Hughes Bros "American Pimp: Raw Outtakes And The Hard Truth" on DVD
The Hughes Bros. recently compiled outtakes from their Sundance Film Festival-award nominated documentary, and on September 21, "Raw Outtakes And The Hard Truth" comes to DVD in a sweet package including the never before released Soundtrack!
Experience more pimp-a-delic wisdom and thumpin’ beats from the Hughes Bros. when Shout! Factory releases "American Pimp: Raw Outtakes And The Hard Truth" in a two-disc, DVD/CD set. This contains a new DVD featuring over 70 minutes of unreleased footage, such as an entire Snoop Dogg segment, that filmmakers Allen and Albert Hughes deemed too incendiary to include in the film. "Raw Outtakes And The Hard Truth" also includes the American Pimp Soundtrack, available for the first time, with dialogue and music from, and inspired by, the original film.
Click here for clips of the Snoop segment: Windows Lo : Hi Quicktime Lo : Hi

Nelly Charts New Music History
Grammy Award-Winning becomes the first solo artist ever to debut at #1 & #2 simultaneously with "Sweat" And "Suit". Nelly joins the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Guns N' Roses in holding the #1 and #2 Positions simultaneously on the pop album chart. Nelly is also the first act to bow simultaneously at #1 and #2 on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts. He sold ver a million records world-wide in the first week.
Now, this doesn't make his music much better though. Then again, his new songs are kinda catchy. But they are R'n'B. Nelly is not rapping anymore: he's singing. And for R'n'B, the stuff is actually kinda good.

Ninja Tune’s news
- Ninja Tune signs Airborn Audio for the US & Canada. Airborn Audio is comprised of M.Sayyid & High Priest. Along with Beans they were the groundbreaking Anti Pop Consortium. After spending the last year and a half in the studio honing their craft they're ready to pick up where they left off with APC. Watch for “Good Fortune” to drop early 05.
- Coldcut are very close to finishing their next album, provisionally titled “Go In Stay In Tune In”. The finishing touches will take a few months and then Ninja are set to let this one loose in 2005. The album includes contributions from Soweto Kinch, Annette Peacock, Saul Williams, John Matthias, Jon Spencer and Fog. Watch this space for more information.
- Amon Tobin “Solid Steel Presents: Recorded Live”. This mix is Amon Tobin caught live in Melbourne, using the FinalScratch turntable/computer interface to mix custom versions of his own material as well as tracks from the likes of Aphex Twin, Dizzee Rascal and the Velvet Underground.
Amon Tobin has recently finished scoring the soundtrack to Ubisoft's blockbuster game “Splinter Cell 3: Chaos Theory”. And as a bonus we will be releasing a Chaos Theory soundtrack album to coincide with the game's release in early 2005. Amon has also written the front and end credits to the brand new Sony Playstation game “Getaway 2”. This also features music by Blockhead, Diplo and Lotek.
- Diplo “Florida” (Big Dada): Features guest vocals from dancehall superstar Vybz Cartel and P.E.A.C.E. (Freestyle Fellowship). Catch Diplo on tour with RJD2 and solo.
- Mr Scruff presents 'Keep It Solid Steel': This is Mr Scruff's first ever commercially available mix CD. With a reputation for busting out 5 hour dancefloor mashing dj sets, we figured it would be unfair to limit Scruff to 74 minutes, so it's going to happen, his very own mini-series. This first covers bouncy reggae, classic hip hop, deep soul, rare funk, dancefloor jazz, heavy beats and leftfield electronic nuggets.
In more Mr Scruff news, there's also "No Pies For 200 Yards". Combining original animation with all-access documentary footage, it profiles the self-depreciating Mancunian DJ phenomenon during a tour earlier this year. At a time when dance music is going down the toilet, Mr Scruff regularly sells out venues as large as London's Forum. Gilles Peterson, Alexis Petridis and the Fun Lovin' Criminals appear in a film that surreally flips from a VW bug ball in Cornwall to the Stockport Viaduct to a backstage encounter with an indignant West Country rave dancer. Watch the trailer here: Real Audio Windows.
- Finally some singles: Wagon Christ “Shadows”, Hexstatic “Salvador” (first single off “Master View”), Sixtoo “Body Ache Summe” (features an Alias remix of “Karmic Retribution/Funny Sticks” and another new track “Bricklayer's Union”), Blockhead feat. Aesop Rock “Sunday Seance/Jet Son”.

Sound Ink. Releases
Check for Plastic Little's “F.O.I.L.” 7", High Priest's ”Book of Keys” 12" & Baby Blak's “Grown Men” 12" produced by King Honey and Team Shadetek. All will be out by the end of October. The latter is an import only from Baked Goods who are also carrying the limited as @#$%^!&* King Honey “Plectrum” 7" from Make Mine Recs. Buy the whole farm at boomkat.com. Spring will see a full length comp and albums by Mutamassik, Markus Wormstorm, CX Kidtronik, Team Shadetek, and Heat Sensor. All on Sound Ink.

Ali Shaheed Muhammad E-Card
To get an idea of Ali Shaheed's Penalty release "Shaheedullah And Stereotypes", check out this E-Card

King Britt's "Park Hyatt Chicago"
King Britt got a new record called "Park Hyatt Chicago" on Milan Records. And the tracklisting is:
01. Twyla - Love of a Lifetime
02. SYLK130 - For Love
03. Spacek - Peep Live Show
04. Josh Wink - I'm On Fire
05. SA-RA - Glorious
06. At jazz - Eastern Sound
07. Scuba feat. Michelle Shaprow - Angel (exclusive)
08. Clara Hill - Flawless
09. Vikter Duplex - I Got You
10. SYLK130 - Romeo's Fate (I: Cube Mix)
11. Sharkskin - Kiran's Dance
12. Anetria Wright - Feeling Of Love
13. Heavy - Do For You
14. Ivana Santilli - Breathe Inn
15. Lizz Fields - I Gotta Go
16. Michelle Shaprow - Anything U Say

Zion I's Mix CD "Family Business"
In between their sophomore release and their forthcoming LP, "True & Livin" (due out Spring of 2005), hip-hop duo Zion-I bring fans a 14-track mixtape "Family Business". A raw hip-hop record with an emphasis on the art of MCing, "Family Business" blends old school breaks and melodious loops with a taste of drum ‘n’ bass. As the name implies, "Family Business" features many extended family members of the Zion-I crew, including Lyrics Born, Vast Aire, A-Plus, Pep Love, Encore, C Rayz Walz, and Raashan Ahmad of Crown City Rockers. Production on the CD is handled by Zion-I's own Amp-Live. For more information check zionicrew.com.

Albums to check out:
- Queen Latifah "The Dana Owens Album": This is Queen Latifah's first-ever singing album, showing off the talents she revealed in the films "Chicago" and "Living Out Loud." To hear some of her new music, visit the interactive media player at: buzztone.com/queenlatifahmusic/
- Blueprint "Chamber Music": This is an instrumental album and will drop on November 2nd. This album is from the man who has produced albums for Illogic, Greenhouse Effect, and tracks for Aesop Rock, Vast Aire, & Cryptic One, and the Orphanage among others. If you're curious about what this album will sound like, then click this link: weightless.net/ra_files/allsnippets.ram
- Kemo The Blaxican "Simple Plan": He's from Delinquent Habits and he has a solo album out now. Check KemoTheBlaxican.com for all the information.
- The Presence "Members Only EP": You may know The Presence from their past Definitive Jux releases. They have a follow up to "Advance Blood Bath" and it features Vast Aire, Alaska, Stacs Of Stamina and our man ArcSin. Check thepresencerunstheplanet.com
- Zap Mama "Ancestry In Progress": Everybody knowledgable of some 'world' music will be familiar with Zap Mama. This new album features contributions by Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, Common, ?uestlove, Bahamadia and Scratch.
- Stryke "Time For A Change": He might not look like the next superstar, but his 12" was already promising (read the review). Here's now the 12 track EP, with eight songs, two radio versions and two instrumentals. More information on starrecordings.com.
- De La Soul "The Grind Date": Yes, the promos have been mailed out. It's 13 tracks deep, features Ghostface, Common, Flava Flav, MF Doom and Sean Paul. Be patient.
- The Shapeshifters "Was Here": Ah, the crew of Awol One, Liferexall, Die and all them come with another full length. Beats are by Transducer, Daddy Kev, Liverexall and LA Jae, while Slug, 2mex, Busdriver and Pigeon John drop by as guests. Check cornerstoneras.com and theshapeshifters.net for more information.
- DooWittle "Take A Look Around": This is actually sounding pretty good and came out on Long Live Crime Records. For more information check out doowittle.com.
- Laze "Conspicious Absence": This is a mixcd/compilation pushed by Urban Ambiance's own Laze. It features songs by Pete Rock, Son of Nun, MF Doom, Faust and Shortee, Hieroglyphics, Tonedeff, Lyrics Born and many more.
- DJ Foxx "The Reminiscence II": For all those that still believe that back in the 90s Rap just sounded better - and oh there's no doubt about that - they all should check out this mixtape. Yes, tape. Not only does the dude have a ton of shout outs from everyone and their mom - including a really nice Mike G of the Jungle Brothers intro - he also has a bundle of Remixes and long forgotten gems, including the still kinda funky Young MC "Principal's Office (Remix)". While side A is more or less straight up major label 90s stuff, side B visits the early birds of this independent trend, with giving us stuff by No I.D., L The Head Toucha, J-Live, Raw Produce, Mass Influence and everyone else. So this tape is really, really, really good and you want to own it. Holler at djfoxx@gmx.ch for your copy.
- Mos Def & Illson Media present Medina Green "U-Know The Flex - The Mix Tape Vol. 01" and UTD "Manfist Destiny": Yes, both records are gonna drop on October 26. Nuff said.

urbansmarts.com updated (sept 22 '04)

2004-09-22T15:54:00.000+02:00

a more than proper update today: we got seperate interviews with the two Diesel Truckers: Kool Keith and KutMasta Kurt, as well as with Heiruspecs. Plus we got two reviews: Potluck "Harvest Time" and Cris Cardiak "A Rap Record". plus, I think I forgot to tell you about our last update, that included an interview with Wordsworth and a review of DJ Cip One's "Trifecta" mixcd (with exclusive Atoms Family material) and a 'review in one' review of the two compilations "Bare Skin" and "Aberfoyle Springs Vol. 2"

newswrapup september 16th 2004

2004-09-16T09:13:00.000+02:00

New Counterflow release: Seven Star
Seven Star releases his album "My Mother and Father Were Astronauts"on Counterflow Recordings on September 14th, 2004. Actually the fact that it's on Counterflow should be enough for you to rush to the stores. But Seven also gets endorsements by Just Blaze, who says: "Seven took me to 92 and back about 15 times. Dude is crazy! PLEASE listen to the lyrics"and King Britt, who says "Yo "An Errors End" is incredible... Seven will take you to space with his dope beats space it out with the right vibe". This album not only features new tracks, but also includes all of the tracks from his first two 12" only releases: remixed versions of the Avatar 12" and the John Doe Lamarckian 12" (produced by Manuvers and Induce). "My Mother and Father Were Astronauts" features production by Manuvers, Induce, Square4 (currently working with A Touch of Jazz), Shift (ofClimber) and others. The tracklisting is:
1. Intro for John
2. An Errors End
3. Super Natural Tangents
4. Irate MC Remix
5. Interlude for Alice
6. Alice Remix
7. Inhuman
8. Avatar Remix
9. Clairvoyages
10. Conscious Evolution
11. Gender Affection
12. Outro for Angel

New Counterflow releases: A-Side Of Counterflow
This compilation will also drop September 14th and it will celebrate the labels short but productive and quality years of existance."A-Side of Counterflow" is an introductory-priced guide to the past, present, and future of Counterflow Recordings. Mixed by DJ Muet aka Counterflow CEO and featuring songs and remixes from Fat Jon, Dave Ghetto, Cee-Knowledge feat. Sun Ra's Arkestra, Five Deez, Prefuse 73, Tortoise, Slug and El-P, Anti-Pop Consortium and many more, the album is a must-have for any Counterflow fan and a perfect introduction for those who are just waking up to Counterflow. The tracklisting is:
1. DJ Muet - Intro
2. Fat Jon - Wood Grained Love Stain
3. Panda One - A's to Q's (Induce Remix / Fat Jon Remix)
4. Seven Star - Avatar (Square4 Remix)
5. Dave Ghetto - Love Life
6. Cee-Knowledge aka DoodleBug - Space Is The Place feat. Sun Ra's Arkestra
7. Five Deez - Sexual For Elizabeth (Prefuse73 Remix / Tortoise Remix)
8. Secret Frequency Crew - Deep Blue (Eli-173 Remix)
9. Slug & El-P - RPM Pt.2
10. Panda One - The Essence
11. Seven Star - InHuman
12. Induce, Skam2 & Dejah - Untitled
13. Square4 Presents Fantab - Pops Riff
14. Five Deez - Time Is Night
15. Panda One - She Knows Not Feat. Dena
16. Dave Ghetto - All Time Greats
17. ROM - Too Late
18. Secret Frequency Crew - Deep Blue (Anti-Pop Consortium Remix)

Counterflow's 'already in store' and 'coming up'
Already in store are:
- ROM "Into The Clouds" 12"
- Seven Star "John Doe Lamarckian" 12"
- Induce, Skam & Djah "Untitled" 12"
- Ras Kass, Pharoahe Monch & Hi-Tek "Can You See What I See" 12"
- Last Poets, dead prez & Common "Panthers" 12"
Coming Soon are:
- Basic Vocab "Our Day In The Sun" 12" (Oct. 2004)
- Dave Ghetto "The Game" 12" (Oct 2004.)
- Dynas "Blame Game" 12" (Oct. 2004)
- Goapele "Catch 22" 12" (Oct.2004)

Stealth Magazine releases the 5th Anniversary issue
The new issue of Stealth Magazine (Volume 2, Issue 9 - No. 12) is currently rolling out into stores. It is 108 pages deep with a spine, and features a CD with 79 minutes of hip hop from Australia, USA, Sweden and South Korea. The cover story is on Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and other features are on Time Machine, Illogic, Mystro, Visionaries, Celsius, Masta Killa, Bias B, Ill Bill, Eyedea & Abilities and Mr Complex and many more. The Scene Report is on: South Korea (8 pages including graf): Vandal, Afro King, DJ Soulscape, Keeproots, Garion, Venues and Labels. And there's more graffiti including the first ATOME (IBS*TFP) interview in 5 years. The CD tracklisting is
1. Ill Bill "Stealth Magazine Drop"
2. Ill Bill "The Anatomy of a School Shooting"
3. DJ Peril, NFA, MC Phrase, Surreal, Nate B, DJ Samrai "Bang Dis"
4. Celsius "Non Stop"
5. Masta Killa feat. Ol Dirty Bastard & RZA "Old Man"
6. Visionaries "Pangaea"
7. Time Machine featuring Special K of Awesome 2 "Spelling Bee"
8. Urthboy "Come Around"
9. DJ Zeph featuring Raashan "Floorwax"
10. Reason featuring Pegz & Lazy Grey "Fatter Too"
11. Mr Complex featuring Vast Aire & Pearl "Calm Down"
12. Chords featuring Promoe "Ahluhdatsh*t"
13. Word Association "Fever"
14. Garion featuring Seven "Yet Iyagi"
15. Brethren featuring Sereck & DJ Nick Toth "X-Isles"
16. Bias B featuring Ciecmate & Newsense "Boys Night Out"
17. Train of Thought "Signing Out"
18. Eyedea & Abilities "Now"
19. Keeproots featuring MC Meta, P-Type & Hyunmoo "Showdown"
20. DJ Soulscape featuring Kaknakune "Confusion"

new Xzibit audio
Xzibit's new album "Weapons of Mass Destruction” will be in stores November 9th on Columbia Records. You can get more information on Xzibit.net. To sweeten the wait, listen to the song "Mutha Mutha", which will be the first single.
Windows Media Lo : Hi Real Audio Lo Quicktime Hi

H-Peh presents "Diplomacy"
H-Peh, producer out of Germany, presents his record "Diplomacy" on Entire Volume Records (Distributed by GrooveAttack). He picked an interesting list of people from all over the place to peform over his beats. Here is the tracklist:
1. Prolog Pt. 1 feat. S-Mode (Hamburg, Germany)
2. Prolog Pt. 2 feat S-Mode
3. Snake In The Grass feat. Lootchiano MC (Utah, USA)
4. Diplomacy feat. Captain Gips & Cadence of Raw Produce (USA)
5. La Vie Suspect feat. Kohndo (Paris, France)
6. Authentic feat. Bukue One & EMC (Bay Area, USA)
7. Up-To-You (Interlude)
8. One Chance feat. Lootchiano MC
9. Yesterday feat. O.U.O (USA - Africa)
10. Ghetto Rock feat. Flashmaster Ray (Hamburg, Germany)
11. Numero UNO feat. Captain Gips (Hamburg, Germany)
12. The Dumb Down feat. Cadence of Raw Produce
13. Pscht…! feat. S-Mode & Captain Gips
14. Pushin' Pens feat. Cadence of Raw Produce & O.U.O
15. Back In The Days (Outro) feat. MC Flummi & Der Graf

Leak Bros on tour in Europe
Cage and Tame One are on the road for a little while already, but you can still catch them perform songs off their Eastern Conference album "Water World" here:
17.09.04 Chur (CH), Kulturhaus
18.09.04 Mattsee (A), Postkutsche
20.09.04 Berlin, Knaack
23.09.04 Bremen, Schlachthof Magazinkeller
24.09.04 Braunschweig, Jolly Joker

Upcoming Beyond Space releases
Expect the following in 2004 on Beyond Space:
- ognihs "us" (feat: sankofa and jon?doe)
- Escape Artists "EA3" (feat: Radioinactive, 2Mex, and more)
- Joe Rath LP (produced by Poor Richard)
- Ceschi "Fake Flowers" (Toca)
And in 2005:
- Penny 10"
- David Ramos "Jesus Taylor Thomas" (Toca)
- Penny feautres LP (feat: Ellay Khule, Ceschi, Stacs Of Stamina, and more)
- k-the-i??? Instrumental project

Ja Rule audio of "Wonderful"
Ja Rule's album "R.U.L.E." will be in stores November 9th on The Inc. Records. In the mean time, you can listen to "Wonderful", a song featuring R. Kelly and Ashanti:
Windows Media Lo : Hi Real Audio Hi.

get your read on sept. 15th 2004

2004-09-15T11:18:00.000+02:00

Okay, more articles that you might want to read. Like this one here, that talks about how a judge decided that Ralph Nader will not be on the Florida Election Ballot. But then Florida's elections chief said: 'oh what the heck, he will be on there anyway'. Now consider two things: a lot of people (rightfully) claim that every vote for Nader is a vote Kerry didn't get. And then consider that the election chief is working for the Governor of Florida, who is, well, you know, Jeb Bush. So read this here: "Florida OK's Nader's Name on Election Ballot".
If you don't have the time to look for articles yourself, then wonkette.com is a site you want to visit. They link to a ton of 'worth to read' material.
Oh, and because it's more fun to learn something while you play, go over to emogame.com/bushgame.html and play the Anti-Bush Game. It's a lot of fun, extremly well done, and will teach you a thing or two. Especially noteworthy is the deficit/surplus segment. That you can view here.
And then finally read a 'land of the free' installment: "Two Sue Feds Over Anti-Bush T-Shirt Arrest"

newswrapup september 14th 2004

2004-09-14T10:58:00.000+02:00

new Lightheaded 12"

Make sure to pick up the Lightheaded 12" featuring 9th Wonder and Vursatyle (of Livesavas) called "Never Square b/w Illuminate pt. 1 & Blink of an Eye" (click the song titles to listen to the songs). Make sure you check the excellent Lightheaded website here, as well as the basementalism.com website for more really good music.

Whut? Redman's album...uhm...delayed?
Well, it certainly has disappeared from the Universal upcoming releases lists. But in Europe you can get the "Ill At Will Mixtape Vol. 1" professionally manufactured. It features a bunch of songs, including the Eminem produced "I C Dead People", where Redman rhymes with Biggie, Big Pun, Big L and 2Pac. Now, quite a macaber but still funny idea. If it would only have been done better.

DMC/Technics 2004 World DJ Championship
Well, once again DJs competed in London to win the DMC/Technics 2004 World DJ Championship. This year's title went to the United States' I.Emerge, who is now the sixth American to win the DMC world champion title. Rafik from Germany (who made some noise at the ITF championship) got second place, while Canada's defending world champ DJ Dopey took third place.

Info on Snoop's new album "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta) The Masterpiece"
First, the album drops November 15th. Second, here are some confirmed producers: The Neptunes (on about six to seven songs), Lil Jon, Jellyroll and Supafly. Pharrell, Lil' Jon and Trina are confirmed guests. The first single will be "Drop It Like It's Hot" and features Pharrell.

Jake One mingles with De La Soul, E-40 and Beat Society
Jake One has now done stuff for G-Unit, Rasco, Rah Digga, Encore, Planet Asia, Vast Aire, Kardinal Offishall and everybody else pretty much. So now he's getting ready for the work he's done with De La Soul, that will be appearing on their upcoming album "The Grind Date". The song is called "Rock Kokaine Flow", features MF Doom, and was actually leaked on the internet. So you know that the song is good (and how Posdonous is taking everybody out on that song - what's no surprise really, cause Pos is one of those severly underappreciated emcees). But Jake did also do a second song, called "Days Of Our Lives" and featuring Common.
Jake also worked with E-40 for the "Best Of Yesterday And Tomorrow" album, which dropped last month. There you can find the song "Bust Yo Sh*t" featuring B-Legit and Rankin Scroo. And if that's not good enough, you'll find Jake on songs by Lil Moe, WWE star John Cena, and Hiero emcee Casual.
What all leads up to Jake One participating in the popular Beat Society showcase at the Knitting Factory on September 18th. Also appearing will be Seattle legend Vitamin D, as well as S-1, Fel Sweetenberg, El Da Sensei, Truth Enola, DJ 3D, and more. You can always expect surprises at Beat Society events, so don't miss out! For more information on the September 18th Beat Society event, go to www.beatsociety.com

The Procussions are on tour.
And they are touring Australia and the USA. So if you live over there, you might wanna go and see a Procussions show at:
- Thursday Sept 16, Melbourne, Australia @ Prince of Wales
- Friday Sept 17, Canberra, Australia @ Holy Grail
- Saturday Sept 18, Sydney, Australia @ The Metro
- Friday Sept 24, Adeliade, Australia @ Traffic
- Saturday Sept 25, Perth, Australia @ Monkey Bar / Amplifier Complex
- Friday Oct 8th, Los Angeles, CA @ Little Temple10:00pm / 21+
- Wednesday Oct 27, San Diego, CA @ Belly Up w/ STS9
- Thursday Oct 28, Los Angeles, CA @ The Avalon w/ STS9
- Friday Oct 29, San Franscico, CA @ The Fillmore w/ STS9
- Saturday Oct 30, Richmond, VA @ Nanci Raygun
- Monday Nov 1st, Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
- Tuesday Nov 2nd, Washington DC @ DC9

Count Bass D is touring Japan
So make sure you visit him at one of these dates
9/17 (FRI) KAGOSHIMA
9/18 (SAT) TOKYO
9/19 (SUN) OSAKA
9/21 (TUE) AKITA
9/22 (WED) SENDAI
9/23 (THU) MORIOKA
9/24 (FRI) MITO
9/25 (SAT) TOKYO (JAZZ CATZ)
For more info, visit: www.jazzysport.com/djs/count/index.html
And speaking of Count Bass D: word on the street is that there's a mixcd in the works called "Some Music Part 1 (The Producer's Cut)" and it will feature a bundle of unreleased material.

Press Release: Neblina Bangs Out with "Definition. The Hip-Hop Compilation"
The world's first Internet Hip-Hop record label, Neblinarecords.com, LLC. has returned to bless the world with 20 hand-picked gems by 16 different artists in the form of "Definition. The Hip-Hop Compilation". The compilation's leading 12" single, "Da Instigator," by K-Hill, has already made some noise this summer by climbing to #2 on the college radio scene (and it's reviewed here). Other artists included on this mix-mash of the underground include Chapter 13, L.E.G.A.C.Y., E.A.F. (of the Justus League), Forge & Amen, Eternia (check out her solid appearance on Freestyle's "Etched in Stone"), and Spectac. Production will be handled by Little Brother's own 9th Wonder, Khrysis (Masta Ace, Jean Grae), Nick tha 1nda, DJ Resident, and DJ Forge... "
Neblina plans to bring "Definition." in with a bang at their album release party October 16th, featuring K-Hill, EAF, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Splash, Mercury Waters, and more. Other scheduled events include radio listening parties on WKNC 88.1 FM (NC), other NC college radio stations, WHCR 90.3 FM's (NYC) Sugatreats show with DJ Ohsokool, and a MC battle/show in early November hosted by Eddie Owens of Power 98 FM (Charlotte, NC).
Available October 19th, 2004 at neblinarecords.com as well as hiphopsite.com. For more information visit neblinarecords.com.

Diesel Truckers (Kool Keith & Kutmasta Kurt) are on tour through Europe
So check 'em out at these dates:
13.10 aarau (CH) - K.i.f.f
14.10 Hamburg - Waagenbau
16.10 Köln - Herbrands
17.10 Bremen - Modernes
20.10 Den hague (NL) - Culturel Stichting
21.10 Deventer (NL ) - Bourgewouse
22.10 Zürich (CH)- Rote Fabrik
23.10 Leipzig - Bounce
24.10 Heidelberg - Karlstorbahnhof
29.10 Wuppertal - Butan
30.10 Huesca (SP) - Perifereas Festival

Culturama Video Festival 3 Year Anniversary
-- FRIDAY, Sept. 17th:
The Culturama Rap Music Video Festival 3rd Anniversary Screening!
MIDNITE SCREENING: Laemmle Theatre (www.laemmle.com)
7907 Beverly Blvd. (on the corner of Fairfax/Beverly Blvd.; down the street from Fat Beats on Melrose, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California)
Admission: $5.00 - All Ages
We will be showing music videos and more from the likes of Madvillain, Prince Paul, Aceyalone, Ab Rude, 2Mex, PUTS, J.Rawls, Sole, Circus, Themselves (Anticon), Mr. Lif, El-P, Mars Ill, King Solomon, Prophetix, Nelia, Ellay Khule, Pep Love, Diverse feat. Lyrics Born & RJD2, Zimbabwe Legit and more!
-- Special Pre-Show Meet, Greet, Drink: The Dime (bar); 442 North Fairfax Ave. (b/w Melrose & Beverly Blvd.); 9pm-Midnite; Friday, Sept. 17th. Start spreading the news if you're in the greater L.A. area, should be a really good show, with lots of Rap guests, surprises and exclusive merchandise for that show only!
-- SATURDAY, Sept. 18th:
The Culturama Rap Music Video Festival@ The Toofy Film Fest `04
West End Tavern (at rooftop bar) ; 926 Pearl St.Boulder, Colorado
Admission: $6.00
21+up
7:00pm - 8:00pm Free Beer
8:30pm Culturama Rap Music Video Festival
10:00pm-11:00pm Free Beer
10:30pm Soundz of Spirit (film)
12:00am DJ Vajra (USA DMC finalist 2001 & 2002)
Clean Colorado night air, free beer and Culturama music videos! What more could you ever ask for? Really. Should be an interesting and entertaining event for all.
More info: www.toofy.com/home.html

"Hooked" give away

2004-09-14T10:55:00.000+02:00

You can win the "Hooked - The Legend Of Demetrius 'Hook' Mitchell" DVD or a t-shirt on urbansmarts.com.
The DVD is about Hook, who's a streetball legend from Oakland who grew up with Jason Kidd, Gary Payton and other NBA Stars. At 5'9", he built his legendary street status by jumping over the top of a Volkswagon and slam dunking a basketball. Gary Payton asserts, "he was better than me, he was better than Jason (Kidd), Antonio (Davis), he was better than everybody." But while Hook's childhood friends, Gary, Jason, Antonio, Brian Shaw, J.R. Rider and Greg Foster all ended up playing basketball in the NBA, Hook ended up incarcerated. From the drug and crime infested streets of West Oakland to the California Men's Penal Colony, 'Hook' made all the wrong choices. The story of how 'Hook'wound up incarcerated, while the buddies he grew up with skyrocketed to superstardom with multi-million dollar salaries, is told in this poignant tale of a life gone wrong. 'Hook' Mitchell is the greatest basketball player to never make it to the NBA.
Watch the trailer: Window Media: High - Low Real Audio: High - Low

urbansmarts.com updated (sept 13 '04)

2004-09-13T14:42:00.000+02:00

finally we got us another update over at www.urbansmarts.com. there you can now find interviews with capital D (of All Natural) and DJ Mafioso outta Atlanta. there you can now also find an article written by Sankofa called "Following and Leading" as well as a review of Masta Ace's new album "A Long Hot Summer". And we're - of course - working on a lot of things right now, so there's more coming up.
When done looking at those updates, check out this Big Brother is watching you article called "Chicago Mayor Unveils Surveillance Plan" and read about how "Shaq Settles Some Scores in New Rap Song"

newswrapup september 11th 2004

2004-09-11T01:38:00.000+02:00

Dr. Dre and Burt Bacharach....interesting
Dr. Dre and legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach are working on an album together. Now, in case you don't know who Burt is, he wrote songs like "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," "What's Love Pussycat", "The Look Of Love" (as performed by Isaac Hayes and sampled to death by people like Da Beatminerz) and "Walk On By" (equally often sampled). It will be very interesting to see what the two can come up with. And if it will be more Dre or more Burt.

?uestlove and King Britt behind the wheels
Watch ?uestlove and King Britt get a drivers license. Scion filmed themselves a little documentary. You can get it here.

New Karma Response compilation
The good people of the Karma Response Unit present "The Hogan Fam", which will drop September 21st. The tracklisting reads very well and goes like this:
1 - Let's All Get Bent - 40th Dimension (prod. by Happ G)
2 - Who The Fu*k Are You? - Louis Logic (prod. by Cimer Amor)
3 - Sound The Horns Pt. 2 - Reef the Lost Cauze (prod. by Happ G, cuts by DJ Statik)
4 - That's Right Boy - Snuff (prod. by Snuff)
5 - Take It Up A Notch - Jake Lefco ft. Scandal of 40D (prod. by Happ G)
6 - I Just Wanna Rhyme - Fowlmowf (prod. by Happ G)
7 - Strength Of Mind - The Flight Brothers ft. J.J. Brown (prod. by Emynd)
8 - Live At The Party - 40th Dimension (prod. by Dr. Noh)
9 - Zip It (remix) - 40D ft. Starvin Marvin and Greedy Gretch (prod. by Happ G)
10 - HappGeez Is On The Beatbox - Side Effect
11 - Since I Am Dead - Adam 12 (prod. by Adam 12, cuts by DJ Panek)
12 - So Damn Hype - Snuff (prod. by Snuff, cuts by Snuff)
13 - Old Hate - Uncle T (prod. by Happ G)
14 - Philly Bloodline - Briz ft. Uncle T and Scandal of 40D (prod. by Happ G)
15 - Skeet Shoot - Snuff (prod by Snuff)
16 - Ripamuthafu*kanite - Jake Lefco ft. Reef (prod. by Happ G, cuts by DJ Panek)
17 - Bakers Dozen - The Hogan Fam (Reef the lost Cauze, Uncle T, Scandal, O-D-D, R-Son, Luce Leif, Greedy Gretch, Snuff, Jake Lefco, Kenneth Masters) (prod. by Happ G)

Further, Snuff's "The D.S.O.D. (Drunk Spaniard On Deck" will drop October 12th. The self produced debut solo album from Snuffman includes "Countdown", used as the opening theme music for MTV2's "Video Honeys" and recently reviewed in URB Magazine. It also features appearances by Scandal of 40th Dimension and Aul Purpis of Prophets Of The Ghetto.

New Jazz to listen to: Ayelet Rose Gottlieb
You can see her live Thursday, September 23rd, 2004, 7pm at The Triad Music; Cover: 10$; Reservations: 212-787-7921 or www.triadnyc.com; Doors open at 6:30pm. And if not there, then you can get Ayelet's debut album "InTernal-ExTernal" on Genevieve Records. The press release describes the album as: "In this disc, Jerusalem born Gottlieb presents a diverse range of musical approaches, from free improvisations inspired by the words and colors of painter Wassily Kandinsky, to robust compositions flavored with Middle Eastern sounds and erotic Biblical texts."
Ayelet Rose Gottlieb's new release "InTernal- ExTernal" is now available on www.ayeletrose.com and www.amazon.com.

More Jazz to listen to: Larry Chernicoff
The first impression is that this jazz (as opposed to the one by Ayelet) is a little more straight forward. That however didn't stop it from taking prize in the third annual Surround Music Awards. His album "October" was named 'Best Made for Surround Title' of the year. The award was presented to Larry by rock legend Peter Frampton, in a ceremony that also honored surround sound releases by the Rolling Stones, Herbie Hancock, Beck, Peter Frampton, Elton John, and others. The winners were selected by a panel of 75 expert judges. Chernicoff's award goes to the most outstanding recording which was created from its inception with multi-channel in mind, and never previously released in any other format.
The press release continues to describe the album: ""October" features original jazz/classical fusion compositions performed by Larry and his Windhorse large ensemble. October is a hybrid multi-channel SACD, playable on any standard CD player,and also on SACD 5.1 surround-sound players and home theater systems. Chernicoff's music combines the warm sounds of 'orchestral' instruments with the dynamic of jazz improvisation and passages of meditative calm."
October is available on the web exclusively at www.cdbaby.com/CD/lchernicoff).

Press Release: International Songwriting Competition: Six Weeks Left to Enter Your Songs
Now accepting entries for 2004. To download an entry form or to enter online, please visit songwritingcompetition.com. ISC has partnered with the following companies to provide our entrants with these really great services:
All entrants will receive a free one-year membership to Hit Quarters
Sonicbids is offering all ISC online entrants a 6-month membership
Mixdown Media Network is offering to send out your latest music and artist news for $22.95 (reg. price $29.95). Reach over 8 million readers through their vast media network. Visit songwritingcompetition.com for more info.
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual songwriting contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels, and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians are invited to participate. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry. Deadline for submission is October 15, 2004.
2004 Judges: Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Bo Diddley; Sean P. Diddy Combs; Macy Gray; Aaron Lewis (Staind); John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting); Taj Mahal; Clint Black; David Hidalgo (Los Lobos); Branford Marsalis; Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Peter Furler (Newsboys); Sully Erna (Godsmack); Stacey Earle; Scott Kirkland (The Crystal Method); Michael Gudinski (Chairman, Mushroom Group of Companies); Alan Meltzer (CEO, Wind-Up Records); Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP Gospel/Urban Music, Sony Records); Michael McDonald (President, ATO Records); Tracy Gershon (Sr. Dir A&R/Artist Dev, Sony Records Nashville); Chris Parr (VP of Music Programming & Talent Relations, CMT); Peter Asher (Co-President, Sanctuary Artist Management); Kim Stephens (VP A&R, Lava Records); Barbara Sedun (VP Creative, EMI Music Publishing Canada) and Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People).
2004 Categories: AAA/Roots/Americana, Dance/Electronica, Jazz, R&B/Hip-Hop, Blues, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Lyrics Only, Rock, Children's Music, Gospel/Christian, Performance, Teen, Country, Instrumental, Pop/Top 40, and World Music.

Wu-Tang DVD to be released.
The Wu-Tang Clan regrouped for a historic performance in California (Recorded Live in San Bernadino, CA on July 17, 2004). That was captured on film and will now be released on a DVD on Sanctuary Records. It's called "Disciples Of The 36 Chambers and drops October 5th. The DVD tracklisting is as follows
1. Bring Da Ruckus
2. Da Mystery of Chessboxin'
3. Clan in Da Front
4. C.R.E.A.M.
5. Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin' Ta F' Wit
6. Shame on a Nigga
7. Ghost Deini
8. Re-United
9. Duel of the Iron Mic
10. For Heaven's Sake
11. Criminology
12. Incarcerated Scarfaces
13. Brooklyn Zoo
14. (TBD)
15. Bring the Pain
16. It's Yourz
17. Liquid Swords
18. One Blood Under W
19. Ice Cream
20. Triumph
21. Da Rockwilder
22. Cherchez Laghost
23. Careful
24. Hood
25. Run
26. Run
27. Tearz
28. Method Man
29. Dog Shit
30. Shimmy Shimmy Ya
31. Y'All Been Warned
32. 4th Chamber
33. Gravel Pit
34. Thang Thang

more albums to listen to...

2004-09-10T08:41:00.000+02:00

we don't just get rap music sent to our office. every now and then we also receive music from other genres. what's good, because there's a lot of good not-rap music out there. and besides: without 'other' music, there would be no rap. right? so check out these records:

Duo505 (B.Fleischmann & Herbert Weixelbaum) "Late"
The Morr label is one of those rare imprints where you can just pick up everything they release. And while this is not the best album you'll ever get to hear, the plush structures and the electronic vibes are pure Morr and thus good.

Roni Size "Return To V"
This album is actually pretty bad. Especially considering that Roni Size was part of the whole Reprazent massive and after all, they did do the immaculate "New Forms" album. This album "Return To V" however is boring, uninspired and sounds like something that was dated a couple of years ago. And the collaborations with Rodney P, Beverly Knight, Die, Rahzel and Jocelyn Brown don't save the record either. For more info, also check fullcycle.co.uk.

The Innocence Mission "Befriended"
Call this folk, country or songwriter or whatever, this is good music. Very quiet, very small, very wimpy, this is probably as un-rap something can get. Nevertheless, really good music, for roadtrips, sunsets and moments where you just want to relax and listen. Check the Agenda Music website.

Blue States "The Soundings"
Hmm....let's come up with another weird Genre name...hmm....or let's just call it rock. No pop. No rock. No something in between. Nevertheless very interesting, Blue States can fit between a bundle of other groups, that we shall not name, as artists don't like comparisons. But the sounds are often big, certainly different, and satisfying for the adventurous types. Go to memphis-industries.com for more information.

Clogs "Stick Music"
There's probably no genre that can describe this record here. Clogs go from the esoteric to the Asian to the empty to the museum type background music to the everything else but nothing really. Certainly strange, certainly demanding but certainly interesting. Will be a shock to those that are used to a diet of Young Buck and Britney Spears, but a refreshing new dish for those that would also try seaweed. Check talitres.com

Mugison "Niceland"
Similarly out there is this album by Mugison. And just as out there are the titles of the songs: "Patrick Swayze", "To The Bank", "Still - Song For Hippies", etc. etc.. Let the last title not be a reason why not to listen to this album though. Again, that is, if you like your art to be a little left from the center. Check accidentalrecords.com and magicandaccident.com

Pale Horse And Rider "Moody Pike"
Yes, folk and country are said to be the worst of music. But there's also a lot of that type of records that can appeal to the hip and funky crowd too. Just ask Beck. Pale Horse And Rider are some of those great artists. Dunno how 'authentic' they are, but they certainly have the artwork down, with a little horse carriage wheel. And they have they style down, with moody (what else) tracks, full of those whining guitars. Check agendamusic.com (if you don't already have)

Electric "Life's A Struggle"
Heck, this is actually Rap music. And Electric is Insight's band. Yes, band is probably the right word. You should also remember the name Dagha (from "The Maysun Project"). And you'll enjoy this music. It's intelligent, it's funky, and it's just good. Even better as so far this has hovered severely under our radar. So go check sunmoonrecords.com

And finally some records we got sent that we didn't yet have the time to listen to (rap and not-rap):
- Die Antwort "Ein Grund Zum Feiern" (Tonträger)
- Various Artists "Vitamine-source.com presents Barracuda Astronauts" (Vitamine Source) five track EP with songs by the Vitamine Source crew
- Styrofoam "Nothing's Lost" (Morr) album features Alias, members of Lali Puna, Ben Gibbard of Postal Service and others
- AZ "Decade" (BEC) double disc installment of past and present AZ favorites, freestyles and probably the odd exclusive too. features Nas, Mase, Cormega, Common and many more.
- RA The Rugged Man "Die Rugged Man Die" (Nature Sound) finally the album. nuff said.
- Cas Uno "The Art Of Pissing People Off!!" (Labelless Intelligence)
- Thaahum "Three Feet From Gold" (Keneteph) and we will not be able to listen to it, because they forgot to put the CD into the slimcase
- Arcane "Groundwork" (Arcane) Craig Rip had something to do with this (and be it that he just mastered the album).
- Siens "Simply Hood" (Survivors)
- Greek "Smell My Talent" (Akhenation) this is the follow up to the album we reviewed here
- Time "Litterture" (Dirtylaboratory)
- The Great Potato Famine "Pass The Freedom Fries" (self released) actually here we started to listen to it, and while they have the most stupidest name, the music is actually really good.

finally a Single Minded Pro's album

2004-09-10T08:34:00.000+02:00

And it's called "From Now On". Just for those that don't know, the Single Minded Pros (DJ Rude & Doc West) are a two man DJ/production crew hailing from the windy city of Chicago. To date they’ve released 2 critically acclaimed 12” singles, presided over the turntables on the nationally televised Jenny Jones Show and been tapped by Urb Magazine and placed into their “Next 100” for 2003.
S.M.P.’s debut, "From Now On" (which will be released on 10-19-04), is a production album headlined by some of the heaviest hitters in underground hip hop; Kool G. Rap, Pace Won, Mr Lif, Akrobatik, louis logic, C-Rayz Walz, J.U.I.C.E., Breez Evahflowin, Binkis, and more. And as DJ Rude One explains, "From Now On" is a four year vision that has finally been realized and one that has been intricately constructed “One day we were sitting around talking about all the emcees that we’d like to collaborate with and we each made a list. Then we pared it down to the ones we actually thought we had a realistic chance with and started reaching out from there. We DJ at a lot of shows in Chicago so we’d hook up with cats as they’d pass through town or just show up on their doorsteps one day like we did with Kool G. Rap.”

The final track listing for From Now On is as follows:

1. Intro
2. Dumb Hot f/ J.U.I.C.E.
3. Feels So Good f/Pacewon & Earatik Statik
4. U Know I’m Wit’ It f/Kool G Rap
5. Over The Cuckoo’s Nest f/Louis Logic
6. Kaboom f/Binkis Recs
7. Who’s Fucking With This f/C Rayz Walz, Breez Evahflowin & J.U.I.C.E
8. Interlude
9. Night Strokes f/Rubberoom
10. Death Bells f/Shabaam Sahdeeq
11. Devil’s Masquerade f/Monkey Wrench Factory
12. Interlude
13. Before You Know It f/Earatik Statik
14. This Is A Test f/Mr. Lif
15. You Know Its Like That f/Pacewon
16. Chicago Emcees f/Profound & Iomos Marad
17. Torture Chamber f/Akrobatik

Jedi Mind Tricks: new album and tour

2004-09-10T08:25:00.000+02:00

Jedi Mind Tricks will release their fourth album, “Legacy of Blood,” (album teaser) on September 21st on Babygrande Records. The follow up to 2003's “Visions of Gandhi” hits stores September 21st and features guest appearances from GZA (of Wu-Tang), Killah Priest, Sean Price, and more. "Legacy of Blood" aspires to make a record balanced between the soundscapes of "Violent By Design" and "Visions of Gandhi", and return the music back to the Jedi Mind Tricks foundation forged by Vinnie Paz’s fiery vocals and Stoupe’s dark, orchestral beats. “Legacy Of Blood definitely represents more of a return to the ‘Violent By Design’ sound,” says Vinnie, “Visions Of Gandhi was our first studio record and I think the sound quality shocked fans that were used to our dirty, handmade sound. We learned from "Visions of Gandhi" and put that into "Legacy Of Blood".”
To commemorate the release of "Legacy of Blood", Jedi will be embarking upon an extensive national Fall 2004 tour, supported by buzzing Babygrande labelmates 7L & Esoteric and Outerspace.

LEGACY OF BLOOD FALL 2004 TOUR
w/ 7L and Esoteric & Outerspace

09/26/04 - Chicago, IL - The Abbey
09/27/04 - Minneapolis, MN - Ascot Room
09/29/04 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theatre
09/30/04 - Fort Collins, CO - Aggie Theatre
10/01/04 - Colorado Spring, CO - 32 Blue
10/02/04 - Salt Lake City , UT - Lofi Café
10/04/04 - Eugene, OR - WOW Hall
10/05/04 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
10/07/04 - San Francisco, CA - Independent
10/08/04 - Hollywood, CA - Knitting Factory
10/09/04 - San Diego, CA - Brick by Brick
10/10/04 - Phoenix, AZ - Old Brickhouse
10/12/04 - Alburquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
10/15/04 - San Antonio, TX - The Sanctuary
10/16/04 - Austin, TX - Emo’s
10/19/04 - New Orleans, LA - The Parish@ House of Blues
10/27/04 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Loft
10/28/04 - Northampton, MA - Pearl Street
10/29/04 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East
10/31/04 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero

news on Eminem's album "Encore"

2004-09-09T13:52:00.000+02:00

The album "Encore" will have a limited first edition, with special packaging, the album, a picture to each of the eighteen songs, with the lyrics printed on the back, and a bonus CD with three songs that were leaked last winter (here's an album teaser). The first single will be "Just Lose It" and should drop around September 20th. [Here we had to delete some information about a second song that is political and in the vein of "Fahrenheit 9/11" (in intention and content). Well, more news later.]
Now, in that vein, check out "Bush by numbers: Four years of double standards" by Graydon Carter.

new mixtape from Brooklyn by DJ G. Brown and PF Cuttin

2004-09-09T11:37:00.000+02:00

After an positive response to his "Pure Fiya Volume 3: Rude Boyz", DJ G. Brown is back with exclusive remixes and freestyles on the 2nd edition of his "International Hustlers" series! Teamed with PF Cuttin, G. Brown puts his touch on tracks from Biggie, Fat Joe, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Vybz Cartel, Ghostface and more!

Here is the full tracklist for "International Hustlers Volume 2":

1. International Hustlers Intro
2. Notorious BIG - Who Shot Ya 2004 (G. Brown Remix)
3. Fat Joe ft. Big Pun - Lean Back pt. 2 (G. Brown Remix)
4. Young Buck ft. 50 Cent - Let Me In (G. Brown Remix)
5. Masta Killa, ODB & Thirstin Howl Freestyle
6. Shyne - The Godfather
7. Freeway & Joe Budden - Ride Up (PF Remix)
8. Mobb Deep - When You Hear the
9. Brand Nubian - Slow Down 2K4
10. Lloyd Banks - I'm So Fly (G. Brown Remix)
11. Grandmaster Flash ft. Notorious BIG & Jay Z - The Message 2004 (G. Brown Remix)
12. Fat Joe ft Big L & Big Pun - Bring Em Back
13. Vybz Cartel ft. Shyne & Kool G. Rap - Dangerous pt. 2 (G. Brown Remix)
14. Krumbsnatcha ft. Styles P. - Bang Bang
15. Rza Interlude
16. ODB - Lift Ya Skirt
17. Fat Joe ft Mase & Eminem - Lean Back Pt. 3 (G. Brown Remix)
18. Mobb Deep ft. Lil John - Real Gangstas
19. Jay Z - Tennis Anyone? (S.Carter)
20. Mobb Deep - We Don't Love Them
21. 2Pac ft. Jadakiss - Hail Mary II (G. Brown Remix)
22. Ghostface - Holla Back (G. Brown Remix)
23. Lloyd Banks, Eminem, 50 Cent and Nate Dogg - Warrior pt. 3(G. Brown Remix)
24. AZ Interlude
25. AZ ft. Tego Calderon & Tony Sunshine - Talkin (G. Brown Remix)
26. Notorious BIG & 50 Cent - Flawless Victory(PF Remix)
27. Nas - Thief's Theme (PF Remix)
28. Ike Eyes Freestyle
29. Tego Calderon Freestyle
30. Foxy Brown & Gravy Freestyle
31. Lil Kim - Gangsta
32. Jadakiss ft. P'Cise - By Your Side Remix
33. Shyne Interlude
34. Shyne - For the Record (50 Cent Diss)

DJ Krush drops 8th solo album "Jaku"

2004-09-09T11:31:00.000+02:00

September 7th marks the release of legendary producer DJ Krush’ eighth solo album, "Jaku" (Red Ink/Sony). With "Jaku", the 41-year-old Krush shows an ambitious fusion of post-hip-hop beats and traditional Japanese music. His eighth solo album contemplates serenity in the chaos of the modern world, even as it cold-cocks the headz with readymade club-bangers. Def Jux's quick-tongued front-liners Aesop Rock and Mr. Lif interact with shakuhachi (wooden flute) and koto (Japanese strings) players under the global banner of hip-hop, making for one of the most personal statements of the DJ/producer's career.

Slam Bush...compete for $5000

2004-09-09T11:11:00.000+02:00

Slam Bush is looking for a national champion; someone whose voice could represent Hip Hop in a face-to-face debate against the President, either in the streets or behind the podium. Starting in August, local Slam Bush battles will be held around the country. At these events, ground breaking slam poets and battle MCs will bang on Bush for local championships and cash prizes.
Winners from across the country will be selected to attend the National Slam Bush Championship in late September to perform in front of some of Hip Hop’s most respected names. The Slam Bush Champ will be awarded a Grand Prize of $5000. Judges of the event include Chuck D, Davey D, Supernatural and Wordsworth. Who recorded an exceptionally well made video himself, giving an idea of what the organizers are looking for. You can watch the video here.
The website also offers Anti-Bush Ammo. And if that's not enough, read these articles: "World Wants Bush Out of the White House: Poll" and "Memos Show Bush Suspended From Flying"

Scion:Next Up! Competition. Cast your vote.

2004-09-08T09:35:00.000+02:00

The "Scion:Next Up" competition is up and running. Out of 950 submitted entries, Just Blaze, radio mixshow host Eric Cubiche and music executive Bryan Leach chose the ten finalist. They include people you have never heard of, but also R.A. The Rugged Man (his album is just about ready to drop on Nature Sound) and our friend Eddie Meeks from Prophetix. The winner will get a video and performances at Scion events. And you can choose who's going to win (and win over $12,000 in prizes in the process), by going to scionnextup.com and by casting your vote.

big brother is watching you...

2004-09-07T10:34:00.000+02:00

I hope you realize that big companies are trying everything to watch you, what you do, and how the hell they can get you to buy more, more, mooooorrrreeeee....
so note that this article doesn't talk about something that will eventually be good for you. oh no, this does nothing good for you. apart from making you even more traceable and tells the big company stuff that is none of their business. man, we're so at the brink of 1984, like it's 1983.
so read "Drug Makers Take Aim at Counterfeiting".

european tourdates: louis logic, j-zone, breakestra, others.

2004-09-07T10:10:00.000+02:00

J-Zone, louis logic, Vakill
OCTOBER
1 - Manchester (UK), Cmon Feet
2 - Haarlem (NL), Patronaat
3 - Nijmegen (NL), Goudvishal
6 - Copenhagen (DK), Loppen
7 - Liverpool (UK), tbc
8 - Madrid (ES), Sol
9 - Sevilla (ES), tba
10 - Düsseldorf, Unique
12 - Trier, Exhaus
13 - Weinheim, Cafe Central
14 - Kassel, Spot
15 - Aarhus (DK), tba
16 - Oslo (N), Fabrikken
17 - Stockholm (S), Lydmar
19 - Berlin, Bastard
21 - St Gallen (CH), Kugl
22 - Basel (CH), Kaserne
23 - Mattsee (A), Postkutsche (tbc)
24 - Wien (A), WUK
25 - Linz (A), Kapu

Breakestra
all dates still to be confired
OCTOBER
21 - Hamburg, Waagenbau
26 - Dresden, Scheune
27 - Berlin, tbc
28 - München, tbc
30 - Münster, Skaters Palace
31 - Köln, Stadtgarten

Rahzel
OCTOBER
21 - München, Backstage
23 - Braunschweig, Battle of the Year

Leak Brothers (Cage & Tame 1)
SEPTEMBER
14 - Mönchengladbach, Projekt 42
15 - Zürich (CH), Dynamo
16 - St Gallen (CH), Bounce Pub
17 - Chur (CH), Kulturhaus
18 - Mattsee (A), Postkutsche
20 - Berlin, Knaack
23 - Bremen, Schlachthof Magazinkeller
24 - Braunschweig, Jolly Joker
25 - Oslo (N), Fabrikken
26 - Copenhagen (DK), Loppen

Bahamadia and guest Kev Brown
SEPTEMBER
7 - Mainz, Red Cat
8 - München, Backstage
10 - Innsbruck (A), PMK
11 - Kiff (CH), Aarau
12 - Düsseldorf, Unique
13 - Amsterdam (NL), Melkweg
15 - Copenhagen (DK), MWB
16 - Berlin, Knaack
17 - Erlangen, E-Werk
18 - Praha (Cz), ITF
20 - Tübingen, Depot
21 - Paris (F), Nouveau Casino
22 - Kassel, Spot
23 - Dortmund, FZW
24 - Braunschweig, Jolly Joker
26 - Weinheim, Cafe Central

Other tours coming up
- Wordsworth, Apani and guests
- Planet Asia, Main Flow and DJ Fingaz
- Waxolutionists, Total Chaos
- Living Legends

some albums to check out...

2004-09-06T13:59:00.000+02:00

Euphon "Euphonics"
This album really sounds like something from ten years ago. The group uses the same type of samples and the same type of aesthetics. But even when this sounds like a re-release from back then, the music is still good, still appeals today, and is worth your time. So listen and visit www.euphon.net.

Talia "Whispers Of The Wind"
Okay, some people probably consider this Feng Shui or esoteric music. Heck, it may be. And when you hear that Talia is actually only 13 years old, you might really wanna cover your ears. But in all its simplicity, there's actually something (kinda good) about these compositions. So listen to: http://cdbaby.com/cd/TaliaWorks

"African Underground Vol. 1 - Hip Hop Senegal"
There are many scholars that trace the roots of Rap back to Africa. This compilation goes to Africa, to show how rap is done on the Black Continent. More exactly to Senegal. And here Nomadic Wax find a lot of artists with a lot of things to say. Unfortunately however, too often in their own language, so you might struggle to understand their rhymes. Nevertheless, this is something you want to support and we hope that eventually every or at least more African countries get their chance to shine. Visit www.nomadicwax.com.

Mark 1 "Audiosyncracies"
This guy is from Australia. Now Australia does a lot of good rap music. And many releases (also reviewed on urbansmarts.com) showed and proved. Mark's album is easily one of them, as the proper beats, the proper rhymes and the proper guests (Sankofa, Manchild, Listener, Othello, Sev Statik, DJ Shortkut) make a good album. Released on the label Obese Records, who already gave us the last Hilltop Hoods album. And you know that was a good one. So go to www.obeserecords.com.

Hykoo & Osinaka "Rap Songs Meow"
You should know Osinaka from his production work on the excellent Puah Hedz album releases. He has now teamed up with Hykoo. And to tell you the truth, there's just something missing here. On first impression, the production by Osinaka is just not as enticing (if that's even a word) as it used to be. Then again, that's the first impression and what do they mean anyways? Right? So check this out yourself, support Australian Hip Hop and www.awakeningsrecords.com.

Ginger Jackson "Ghetto-Bourgeouis"
R'n'B is in a poor state. Even in a worse state than Rap and that is truly messed up. That's why Ginger's album is even more a breath of fresh air. With influences that go from Soul, Rap to Jazz, she's couragous enough to re-interpret and re-write "My Favorite Things" (if my knowledge serves me right), to create one of the most exciting songs on here. But that's only one of many. And if anything, her voice does sound rather young. And only the sweeter for it. More information on www.gingerjackson.com and www.cooloutrecords.com.

Lost Cause "Paper Cuts"
We already listened to Angle on his album "Not Quite 90 In The Head" (read the review). He now returns as one half of Lost Cause (together with Aeon Grey). And while the album does have hints of outdated 'emo-hop', that's hints and not all that makes the album. Heck, it's a Soft Focus release, and Soft Focus is a severly un-heralded camp. So check the album and the website at www.lostcauseproject.com.

Outerspace "Blood And Ashes"
There's many reasons why to check out this album. Be it that they are from the Jedi Mind Tricks camp, that they are from the Army Of Pharaohs camp or be it that their old material has been good. We however like the reason that Jon Doe produced one of their songs. So, hop on over to www.babygrande.com and check out the album featuring Celph Titled, Sadat X, Vinnie Paz, 7L & Esoteric and Immortal Technique.

Thieves "You Hold The World Like A Gun"
This is excellent electronic music. Heck it shows how good blip hop or whatever that stuff is called, can be. So check www.lowatt.com and www.ilovethieves.com.

Single Minded Pros "A Mixtape From Us To U"
The SMP's are good. Period. And this mixtape showcases some of their songs. So listen to stuff by Kool G Rap (the new single "You Know I'm Wit It", also available on 12"), Sean Price, Jay-Z, J-Zone, Earatik Statik, Binkis Recs and Pace Won. All mixed by DJ Rude One. More info at www.singlemindedpros.com.

Custom Made "LA State Of Mind"
There's more to LA's rap scene that meets the eye. Including this release that stylistically does but does not really fit what else is happening in LA. So if anything, complete the picture and check them out at www.custommadehiphop.com.

Sankofa "Boss Like A Six Pack"
He already returns with another album. 23 songs. In camp production and only few - related - guests (JON?DOE, Kashal-Tee, Agape, Cashmere and Spon). More news at eleven or at www.obeseamerica.com.

The Horsemen "Sleepy Hollow"
I listened to this some time ago, but can not really remember what it sounded like. I dunno what that tells you about the record too. Nevertheless it didn't strike me as wack - what nowadays is a very good sign. So check the record and the website at www.ebl-entertainment.com.

Celsius "Kickin It To Hell N Back"
Again something from Australia, and another winner. This is in many ways hard, in many ways old schoool and in all ways good. Heck, they even resurface an Roland 808 for the song "Programme The 808". Now that's dedication. Listen to it, like it and visit at www.crookneck.com.

Dopestyle 1231 "KutMasta Kurt presents Dopestyle 1231"
There should be more hype about this record. Why? Because it's good, that's why. Sure, the rapper is not the best on the planet, and the producer borrows a lot from Rubberoom who have borrowed a lot from Brit Core. So what? It's good. Listen to it at www.waxploitation.com.

"Crude Conception"
This is a compilation featuring an ecclectic number of ecclectic artists. So we find Maker, ShelShock, k-the-I????, Cills, Maliks and other people you probably even know less than these folks. But some of the stuff on here is not just good, it's really, really good. And the artwork is outworldly too. So log on to www.refineryrecords.com and www.imnotok.com.

Des Homiz Capables "Juskobou"
You know French? Well, if yes, you'll understand what they say. If not, you'll not. Then you'll have to listen to the beats, and they are often very commercial and mainstream. Heck, it was only a matter of time before the first artists like this will surface in Switzerland. But this is still a matter of 'Support Swiss Rap', so support it. Even if you're not Swiss. Check www.impecproduction.rebelz.org

Universal Music Rap & R'n'B Release Dates

2004-09-06T10:43:00.000+02:00

I know you guys like release dates. Well, here are some Universal Music release dates. But note, they are for Switzerland (and Europe, I guess). So who knows what they are going to be for you guys in the States, Asia, Australia and all those other across big ponds places.

September
13. September - Nelly: two new separate albums: "Sweat" and "Suit"
20. September - Culcha Candela "Union Verdadera"
20. September - Lil' Romeo "Romeoland"
27. September - Various Artists "Shark Tale OST"
27.September - Shawna "Worth Tha Weight"

October
04. October - Jay-Z "Streets Is Watching" DVD
04. October - Talib Kweli "The Beautiful Struggle" (by the way, that Talib mixcd is dope)
11. October - Mos Def "The New Danger"
11.October - Jay-Z & R Kelly "The Best Of Both Worlds (Re release)" (why? WHY??? WHYYY???)
18. October - Redman "Red Gone Wild" (by the way, that Redman mixcd is not so dope)
18. October - Bushido "TBA"
25.October - Beanie Sigel "The B Coming"

November/December
08. November - Ja Rule "R.U.L.E."
15. November - Ludacris "The Red Light District"
15. November - Eminem "Encore"
15. November - The Black Eyed Peas "Monkey Business"
15. November - Ashanti "TBA"
15. November - Snoop Dogg "R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta), The Masterpiece"
22. November - Biggie Smalls "Duets"
22. November - Gwen Stefani "TBA"
Q-Tip New Solo Album
Mariah Carey New Album
Jay-Z "Greatest Hits"

in other news...

2004-09-05T18:18:00.000+02:00

me - tadah - I am a political person. and I'm not someone that shuts up about it. so every now and then you'll find something political on here. be it a link to an article or a frustrated rant or a book review or whatever.
heck, actually as we speek, I'm currently collecting the stance on voting of some of your favorite artists. that's still in the works, but coming soon.
in the mean time, let me share you three articles that I've found. the first one is going under the label of 'oh, how convenient', "Official: U.S. Capture of bin Laden Close how convenient" the second is just for the people that are interested in political things like this: "Changing Electoral College Not Likely". and finally the third, well, the third is just kinda...cynical? "Bush Confident of Vote Systems' Integrity"

Newswrapup September 5th, 2004

2004-09-05T17:45:00.000+02:00

New Movie: Hair Show
There’s a new movie for you to take your date to. It’s called “Hair Show”, stars Mo'Nique, Kellita Smith, Joe Torry, Gina Torres and Taraji P. Henson, with special appearances by Serena Williams and Vivica A. Fox. Opening on the 15th of October, the story’s about Peaches (Mo'Nique), a hair stylist from Baltimore, and her estranged sister, Angela (Kellita Smith), the owner of an upscale salon in Beverly Hills. They get reacquainted when Peaches decides to attend a celebration for Angela in L.A. The reunion is bittersweet and worsens when Angela finds out that Peaches is on the run from the IRS and has only a few days to pay $50,000 in back taxes.You can watch the trailer here Lo Fi Hi Fi and go the website hairshowthemovie.com

A.D.O.R. TV
Tru Reign Records (home of A.D.O.R., you know the "Let It All Hang Out" guy, read a review) has produced a 30 minute special on A.D.O.R. that includes an interview and all his videos. This show will run in different markets beginning in October. It however will also be available in its entirety at trureign.com soon.

Wordsworth album "Mirror Music"
Don't miss the Wordsworth album "Mirror Music" coming out on Halftooth. It will feature the single tracks "Gotta Pay" and "Trust" (read the review) but 18 more songs, including contributions by Masta Ace, Punchline, Kenn Starr, Oddisee, Ayatollah, Da Beatminerz, Sebb, Belief and many more.

Press Release: Saul Williams self-titled LP out this fall.
As one of the world's most recognized poets as well as a rising actor and a highly acclaimed musician. In the music world, Saul made noise with sometracks in the mid to late 90's on the "Eargasm" and "Lyricist Lounge" compilations, to name a few. The songs he released during this time periodwere grounded in hip-hop but were a far cry from the traditional rap that was gaining popularity at the time. He released 2001's "Amethyst Rockstar", which was co-produced by Rick Rubin and won him critical acclaim all overthe world (The Times of London named it best album of the year), leading to him touring with Blackalicious, Cursive and The Mars Volta.
On September 21st, The Fader Label will release his latest album, simply titled "Saul Williams". In Saul's own words, "the tracks range from politics to relationships to the politics of relationships. What I ended up with was something that captured the authoritative cool of hip- hop, the playful angst of rock and roll, the raw emotional torment of emo and the fuckoffness of punk." He adds, "If it has the power to make a nation nod their heads then it can help society change it's face."
Listen to the track "List Of Demands (Reparations)"

Alchemist video "Hold You Down"
The song is from the forthcoming "1stInfantry" album, which will be released on 9-21-04. Windows Media Hi Fi Lo Fi
Real Audio Hi Fi Lo Fi

Press Release: Ali Shaheed Muhammadbrings Garden Seekers Productionsto Penalty Recordings / Ryko
August 9, NY, NY - Penalty Recordings/Ryko sign worldwide deal with the legendary artist Ali Shaheed Muhammad through his Garden Seekers Productions.
Ali Shaheed Muhammad is a founding member of the most influential hip-hop act of the 90's, A Tribe Called Quest. ATCQ created and perfected the hip-hop alternative to hardcore and gansta rap. They were a major force in the urban music, known for their groundbreaking jazz-rap revolution and expressive conscious views. Their music, based around laid-back samples, managed to cross over to the alternative crowd with startling live performances; most notably the 1993 Lollapalooza tour, HOB's Smokin' Grooves tour and the Tibetan Freedom festival.
ATCQ disbanded in 1998 and Ali quickly reinvented himself as one of the founding members of the Hip-hop/soul super-group Lucy Pearl. The band consisted of the multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Raphael Saadiq and then ex-En Vogue member Dawn Robinson.
"We're extremely excited to have Ali join our family and look forward to helping bring his vision to the forefront. Working with Ali, Mike Jones and Monica Talavera from Garden Seekers Productions is going to be a real musical journey for us" says Neil Levine, President of Penalty Recordings.
"Arthur Mann and Neil Levine are respected icons within the music business," says Ali, "I am inspired by what they have achieved and am eager to learn from their experiences. My Garden Seeker Productions family and I are ecstatic about the new partnership. We plan to turn the heat up with Penalty by our side. Lookout. 'Elevated Orange' baby."
Ali, always a student of music, has shied away from the use of samples and has implemented the use of self performed live instrumentation by way of guitar, bass, and wood-shedding on the keyboard. Ali's new direction has allowed for even more creativity. The collaboration of like minded artists whose instrumentation helped give birth to "Shaheedullah & Stereotypes" which is due to hit stores in October.

New Tableturns single with all star lineup
Tableturns has released its latest single featuring Rob Swift, Large Professor, Akinyele, Dr. Butcher, and Invisible. Check their website at: tableturns.com

Brick Records: three strikes and you're a....fan?
Brick will release three albums within the next couple, and considering what they are, we're in for some treats. First there'll be (or is) Insight (insight.fm) and "The Blast Radius", featuring Inisight beats and appearances by Edan, A.G. and Edo G. (And the record is really good, by the way). Then there will be Main Flow with his album "Hip Hopulation" and contributions by Talib Kweli, Hi-Tek, Black Thought, J.Rawls, Defari, Planet Asia, Killah Priest, Dante of Mood, DJ Vin ROc, 7L & Esoteric, eLone, Masta Fuol, Mikah 9, Soulstice, Medusa and special commentary from Raekwon and David Blaine. And finally, there's the Odd Couples album "Alcohol/Ism". And if you wonder who the Odd Couples are, that's louis logic, J-Love and the Avid Record Collector.

personal message from tadah

2004-09-05T14:30:00.000+02:00

you might wonder what happened to urbansmarts.com the last four weeks. well, I've been on the road. and on the road, I don't update urbansmarts.com.

just in case you wonder where I was: I was in New York City for a week, where louis logic was kind enough to let me crash at his place. and speaking of louis, make sure to pick up his new non-album "Blame It On The Hooch", now available everywhere, and of course excellent.

after that I flew down to Orlando to stay with DJ Fisher of Domination Recordings. I was there for Hurricane Charley too, so I can say: I survived Hurricane Charley. wow.

if you do wanna see what the hurricane did do, and if you wanna look at other pictures that I took while over there, then go to Clerestory for some photographs (in the places and things sections. but there's also some new photographs in the people section; photos I took of louis logic, DJ Fisher, Majik Most, DutchMassive and Conshus and Tzarizm of Urban Jungle Empire)

we are of course working on new content for the website and should have some interviews, reviews and articles to go very soon.

in the mean time, thanks for checking the site and this blogger thing here. hope you guys had a good August.

I.T. (Infinito 2017 and Thaione Davis) to release debut album "Low Income Housing" on Domination Recordings.

2004-09-05T14:27:00.000+02:00

Domination Records Press Release:
In less then two days in the spring of 2004 Infinito (2017) and Thaione Davis came together to form I.T. an idea of original HIP HOP production and on point lyricism duo. Infinito on the lyrics, who hails from the wild 100’s of the south side of Chicago and Thaione Davis on production and guest vocals, from Princeton Park area also on the south side has created a funky, soulful, reggae, blues inspired, jazzy concept called Low Income Housing. I.T. (Infinito and Thaione) is the creative dimension of what Hip-Hop music is. This tandem of like minds from the boom bap era of hip-hop formulated I.T. at WHPK (the pride of the south side 88.5) after one answer to a question? "Lets just do this!" Low Income Housing teaches, informs, entertains, and bumps with soul and sampled quality needed in hip hop today. This is the south side of Chicago to the fullest. Look for more from I.T. in the near future.

Look for the "Low Income Housing" album in stores later this month!

http://www.dominationrec.com

Culturama Vancouver Cancelled, Burn Hollywood Burn?

2004-09-05T14:23:00.000+02:00

Culturama Press Release:
While, the Culturama Rap Music Video Festival may be screened at the Vancouver International Hip-Hop Film Festival, creator and presenter Peter Agoston will not be in attendance for any of the screenings or his scheduled Sunday evening panel discussion. We're truly saddened to deliver this message, as we hoped to be in attendance for this event. There were complications beyond our own personal control that prevented the appearance at this festival, if you paid money to see the Culturama Rap Music Video Festival and it was not screened please email us and we'll enlighten you further. Thanks for your understanding and again we apologize ourselves for the untimely manner this event was organized.

In just two weeks! We return to L.A.! The Culturama Rap Music Video Festival3rd Anniversary Screening!
Friday, Sept. 17th
MIDNITE
Lemmlee Theatre
7907 Beverly Blvd. (on the corner of Fairfax/Beverly Blvd.)
*Down the street from Fat Beats on Melrose Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
*Special Pre-Show Meet, Greet, Drink:The Dime442 North Fairfax Ave. (b/w Melrose & Beverly Blvd.)
9pm-MidniteFriday, Sept. 17th

Start spreading the news if you're in the greater L.A. area, should be a really good show, with lots of Rap guests, surprises and exclusive merchandise for that show only!

new Myka Nyne (of Freestyle Fellowship) album

2004-09-05T14:19:00.000+02:00

that new Myka Nyne album is called "Gramophone" and will hit stores Thanksgiving 2004. It features all the 'usual suspects': Abstract Rude, Riddlore, Busdriver, Aceyalone, Jizzm, DJ Drez and a couple of other folks. For more information, log on to http://www.curbserver.com or email mailto:dist@curbserver.com

ladies and gentlemen

2004-09-04T16:07:00.000+02:00

urbansmarts.com has jumped on the bandwagon: we got ourselfs a blogger. what will we use it for? to finally spice up our news section, ie you'll get news, links to news, maybe the odd exclusive audio, tracklisting, and all that jazz.

so in general, this will mainly (only?) be an addition to the rest of what is urbansmarts.com. enjoy and come back.

thank you.