Congratulations Druha!!

Shortly after losing his father to Alzheimer's this past January, DuckDown Records co-founder Drew "Druha" Friedman decided to run the NYC Marathon in his honor.

He started working with NYC Alzheimer's Association marathon chapter team: “Run 2 Remember” and 10 months later, he completed the 26.2 mile race in 4:51:43 and raised 15k for the organization.

Kleph Dollaz - Square in the Circle (lp)

Although Kleph Dollaz is on a spiritual "journey to get closer to God", his new project is merely a testimony of his growth rather than a gospel album.

Every track in "Square In The Circle" was produced by Kleph and feature some of the most talented artists in Richmond, VA.



"Worship" was the lead single off the project with "Testimonial High" following 3 days prior to the album's release. Both videos were directed by the Visual Bully, Monsée.



Preview the lp and tracklist after the jump but support the cause by purchasing the digital copy in it's entirety here or on iTunes.

Mixtapes: Conrizzle - Cran-Grape & White Girls

You've seen me post music from Ivory Snow but now it's time for his G5 count-part to shine.

I took the picture above while Conrizzle was rocking the stage at Epic Fest, in VA, last weekend. Don't let the serious face fool you, he was a blur in most of my other shots because his high octane performance had him shoe-less and bouncing all over the stage.

Besides producing a majority of the tracks and singing the hooks, Con did a great job keeping his features to a minimum to showcase his talents.

The album is a great listen but here are a few sample tracks in case you don't trust me (shame on you if you don't).

Tracklist and Download link after the jump.

Conrizzle - Pray For Me


Conrizzle - Sweetheart ft. Mr. Ivory Snow

Mixtapes: Jean Grae - Cookies or Comas

Don't call her a femcee, call her talented.

After guest appearances on everyone from Ski Beatz to Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch's albums within this past year, Hip-hop veteran Jean Grae teamed up with DJ Drama to smack you in the face with "Cookies or Comas" as a prelude to her upcoming album "Cake or Death. Tracklist and download after the jump.

Jean Grae - I Rock On


Jean Grae - Uh-Oh ft. Talib Kweli


On some "girl power shit" I had to post Jean's feature on Rapsody's mixtape "Thank H.E.R." also.

Rapsody - Blankin' Out (Remix) ft. Jean Grae

Ivory Snow - Glory to God (prod. by Kleph Dollaz)

Been waiting for the final mix to this track for months now and Ivo surprised me with an email last night.

Hope you like.

Rock the Bells Lineup Announced

Ever year, Guerilla Union takes their "Rock the Bells" Festival Series nationwide as they spread Hip-Hop cheer to fans galore.

This year's phenomenal lineup was announced during last night's launch party in CA.

Show dates are as follows:
Los Angeles - August 20 (San Manuel Amphitheater)
San Francisco - August 27 (Shoreline Amphitheater)
New York- September 3 (Governor's Island)
Boston - September 10 (TBA)

(they usually add a few more show dates so I'm crossing my fingers they come back to MD)

Pre-sale tickets are available here June 3rd at 10am PST with the password: illmatic

General on-sale tickets are sold June 4th.

If you can make it...go!!

ATCQ Film Goes Nationwide

Michael Rapaport's controversial documentary on A Tribe Called Quest is finally shown to the masses.

Click here for dates in your city.

Sean P Swats at Overzealous Fan

I laughed hysterically when Druha (co-founder of DuckDown) posted this link on Twitter so I had to share. In his words "run on stage at Sean Price's show at your own risk".



Check out the look on dude's face when he realized who hit him. He turned back around like "umm, I'm not fucking w/ Sean P...I'll just dance before they toss me off stage like a rag doll". lol

Druha also mentioned that black tomatoes were thrown at Sean the last time he performed in Chile so maybe he was a little too "on guard". Either way, I ain't mad at him.

Go Live Radio: Fresh Edition 5/13/11 (All West Coast Mix)

I've been wanting to do a "non-traditional" West Coast show for a while and the guys finally gave in.

The goal of my playlist was to show how versatile West Coast artists are by showcasing some well-known, and not-so-well-known, talent that happen to call the West home.

Tune in to hear tracks by Ras Kass, Planet Asia, Blu, Pac Div, U-N-I, Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy, Jurassic 5, and many many more.

Listen to show:

Contest to Open Up for Q-Tip

Q-Tip was just announced as this year's headliner for the 7th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, on July 16th, and there's a contest to be an opening act.

Click here to register and submit your EPK for consideration. Deadline is June 5, 2011.

If you'd like to be a spectator rather than a performer, tickets can be purchased here.

De La Soul were last year's headliner with performances by Black Moon, Curren$y, Fashawn, Pete Rock & CL Smooth among others. Check out www.brooklynbodega.com for updated info as artist get added to the bill.

Laws: Lady Hip-Hop (Video)

"Speakin of birds and bees, I wanna know where my ladies that know the words to C.R.E.A.M..."

My apologies for being M.I.A. but I've been having maaaajor computer issues. Doesn't mean I dont miss sharing things with you guys. xoxo

For all my ladies that love good music...and the men that appreciate them. Here's the visual for, Florida artist, Laws single entitled "Lady Hip-Hop".

Eric Stanley: Hip Hop Violinist

Eric Stanley is a 19 year old college student who's violin covers have been getting an average of 300,000+ views EACH on YouTube.

He'll be paying Go Live Radio a visit this coming weekend so I wanted to give everyone a peek of his skills.

Go Live Radio 3/05/11

Due to some technical difficulties *cough* (it wasn't me), last week's broadcast was disrupted and consequently recorded in two parts.

No, you're not trippin...the 2nd video is AUDIO ONLY, but I kind of like it better than watchin us sitting around the studio.

Start the 1st video at 7:17:00

Pharoahe Monch- "Clap (One Day)" Short Film

Leave it to Pharoahe to give you more than a music video for such a controversial subject.

Here's the powerful 10 minute short film/music video for his single "Clap (One Day)" released earlier today.



"W.A.R." is available on March 22 and ITunes preorders will include this video. Preorder here

Notorious B.I.G. Tribute Party in NYC

On the Eve of the untimely passing of Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G., artists such as Junior Mafia, DJ Premier, Easy Mo Bee, Pharoahe Monch, Smoke DZA, Bossman, R.E.K.s, Ludy Luck, DJ 50 Grand and DJ Esquire will perform sets featuring their most influential, or favorite B.I.G. song.

Date: March 9th, 2011
Time: 10 pm - 4 am
Info: 21+ event, Tix $20
Venue: Santos Party House
96 Lafayette St
Manhattan, NY 10013

* Proceeds from the event will benefit The Christopher Wallace Foundation *

Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)

W.A.R. is immanent.

Since the days of Organized Konfusion to Rawkus Records and the amazing "Desire" lp, Pharoahe Monch has never disappointed his lyrically thirsty fans and he doesn't plan to stop now.

His highly anticipated 3rd solo album will be released in partnership with Duckdown Records on March 22nd.

Consider these 3 tracks a warning...



Pharoahe Monch - Black Hand Side f/ Styles P & Phonte


Pharoahe Monch - Clap f/ Showtyme & DJ Boogie Blind


Pharoahe Monch - Shine f/ Mela Machinko


(Album artwork & tracklist after the jump)

XXL Freshman Freestyle - Kendrick Lamar

After building a buzz throughout most of last year,Compton's own Kendrick Lamar has come out of 2010 with a co-sign from Dr. Dre and an XXL Magazine cover as one of their 2011 Freshman.

XXL usually does freestyle videos to showcase their picks and Kendrick happens to be the first.

(Tracklist & Download of his mixtape "(O)verly (D)edicated." after the jump)

Mixtapes: Fashawn - Higher Learning 2

For those who aren't familiar with Fashawn, he was an XXL Magazine Freshman in 2010 and calls Fresno, CA home. He's been putting out music since 2006 shortly after dropping out of school at 17 to tour with Planet Asia.

His most recent work includes a mixtape w/ The Achemist ("The Antidote"), an album produced by Exhile ("Boy Meets World"), plus a multitude of mixtapes ("Ode to Illmatic", "Grizzly City 2", and now "Higher Learning 2") so there's no shortage of new music and little doubt that this man probably lives at the studio.

Fash dropped this mixtape on the 16th but I finally got a chance to listen through. Here are a few tracks I liked to give you a sample before you download (Tracklist & Download link after the jump).

Fashawn - Do What I Gotta Do


Fashawn - Nothing For The Radio f/ J. Cole


Fashawn - Down That Road f/ Sam Hook

Journey Brave - The People

It's been many years since my friend sold his belongings and moved to Atlanta to pursue his dream, so it's with much pride and respect that I share this video with you.

Ivory Snow - Fuck Love, Fuck It All, Fuck Everything

Ivory sent this to me earlier and don't worry, I already sent him a virtual hug cuz it sounds like he needed one. lol

On a serious note, this track was also produced by him and will probably be a new relationship anthem for many guys out there.



Download track here

Ivory Snow & Radio B Freestyle

I shot this video during Ivory and Radio B's recent visit to Go Live Radio (yes that's me makin all that noise between verses, lol).

Thank you to the guys for rhyming over one of my favorite Dr. Dre beats in honor of his Bday.

XXL 2011 Freshmen Class

I'm not gonna get into what I think the about the XXL Freshman but here ya go:

Meek Mill, Cyhi The Prynce, Lil Twist, Yelawolf, Fred the Godson, Mac Miller, YG, Lil B, Kendrick Lamar and Diggy Simmons

Go Live Radio 2/19/11

In continuation of our series "Elements of a Dope Hip-Hop Show" we've got Producers: Dr. No & J. Dubb, Guest DJ: DJ Rns, and Artists: Ivory Snow & Radio Blitz on this week's show.

PLUS DJ Jeff C and I slid a Big L tribute in the beginning of the show. RIP Big L.

Santigold-L.E.S. Artistes

Santigold (formerly Santogold) is one of those artists that might make you raise an eyebrow the 1st time you hear her music or see her perform but no one can deny the unique artistry that drives her.

Skimming through old cd's in my car made me stumble across this track (which was my unofficial "theme song" for quite some time).

The visual might be a little awkward to those unfamiliar to her performing style so I've included the 1st verse and chorus after the jump to give you a jist of the song.



Think you've never heard Santigold before?

Listen to the first line of this song...does it sound familiar? (Someone sampled it last year and turned it into an anthem)



Listen here for the sampled song:

Les Nubians - Nü Revolution

After my previous post, a few people asked about Les Nubians new album so here's an update:

Concert goers of the talented duo's Fall 2010 Tour had an opportunity to purchase a 6 song limited edition EP but the full "Nü Revolution" album will be released this Spring.

Here are a few teasers from the upcoming project:

Listen to Liberté


"Amour à Mort (Love to Death)" features French rapper John Banzaï and the videos show a relationship from 2 different perspectives. Watch them in the order listed to get the full effect.

Les Nubians

"Feelings or emotions are the universal language and are to be honored" ~ Judith Wright

This morning's commute included Les Nubians "Princesses Nubiennes" blasting through my speakers and, even though my 3 years of French in High School only amount to me understanding a handful of words, the emotions expressed need no translation.

Les Nubians are a grammy nominated group of French songstresses who I first heard on Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek's track "Love Language" (which skips on EVERY "Train on Thought" cd I've owned).

After hearing them sing the hook, I immediately searched for their other work and have been a fan ever since.

The video below features "Love Language" and I included the translated Chorus afterwards. I've also included their Top 10 single "Makeda" so you can get a feel for their music.



(Chorus):
L'amour n'a pas de, frontiere (Love has no boundaries)
Restes car je t'aime comme tu es (Stay because I love you as you are)
J'ai traverse l'ocean du verbe (I crossed an ocean of words)
Et je t'ai trouve (And I found you)

Mixtapes: Singles Awareness Day #3

Happy Valentine's/Singles Awareness Day!!

DCtoBC posted this great mix of 31 songs about the many facets of love on his website and I wanted to post something appropriate for all us "single folk" out there, so please download and enjoy. (Warning: There's no tracklist)

Download mixtape here

Go Live Radio 2/12/11

When I said "Valentine's Day is comin up, lets do a show of all love songs...hip hop version" the guys were a little reluctant but I'm glad they gave in.

Interviews with Kleph Dollaz, Nickelus F., and Diallo plus a mix from the Heavy Hitter DJ Lonnie B and all hip-hop love songs on this week's show. Hope you enjoy (I'm working with DJ Jeff C to create a downloadable version of tonight's mix)

Guess XXL's 2011 Freshmen, Win a Prize

(Update: Contest is over)

This time around, XXL Magazine is making the Freshman picking process pro-active (say THAT 3x's fast) by having a contest for people to guess this year's Top 10 Freshmen.

Click here and post your picks in the comment box. The first person to guess all 10 artists correctly will win VIP tickets to a concert in their area featuring one of the official Freshman.

Here are the Freshmen Class from the past 3 years. I'll discuss my guesses on tonight's episode of Go Live Radio.

2010: J Cole, Fashawn, Wiz Khalifa, Donni,s Freddie Gibbs, Jay Rock, Oj Da Juiceman, Pill, Nipsey Hussle, Big Sean

2009: Asher Roth, B.o.B, Mickey Factz, Kid Cudi, Cory Gun,z Charles Hamilton, Blu, Currensy, Ace Hood, Wale

2008: Saigon, Lupe Fiasco, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Rich Boy, Plies, Gorilla Zoe, Young Dro, Papoose, Lil Boosie

Chuck Close

Chuck Close is an innovative artist whose work resembles a sort of new-age pointillism. He emerged in the 70's as a photorealist and his mediums range from water color on canvas to tapestries, stamp pads, and even material that resembles egg cartons.

Below you'll find an example of his work along with a video showcasing some of his other pieces. It's almost as if he sees things in pixels! The second video (after the jump) is from a gallery opening. Skip to 05:04 to see some of the tapestries.

This is his self portrait:

This is a close-up of the rim of the glasses in the portait shown above:

Where has the time gone?

This Salvador Dali piece visualizes how I feel about time these days.

A visit to the VA Museum of Fine Arts is in my agenda for tonight so look out for some pix on tomorrow's posts. There's an exhibit I've been meaning to share with you guys.

Slaughterhouse on The Breakfast Club

After performing at NY's Highline Ballroom last night, Slaughterhouse made an early visit to The Breakfast Club to discuss the new EP and signing to Shady Records.

Tracklist after the jump. ("Sun-Doobie" produced by Mr. Porter is by far my fave track)

Mixtapes: DJ RnS - DUBSTEP MIX /// BASS LEVEL PT 2

He's slackin on the cover art but not the tunes (sorry RnS, couldn't resist talkin trash). Here's Part 2 of his Dubstep Mix. Tracklist after the jump.

DJ RNS aka Manotti da Vinci - Dubstep /// Bass Level 2 by DJ RNS

Banksy - Exit Through The Gift Shop (Documentary)

Banksy, Banksy, Banksy...where do I begin?

For those of you who've never heard of this amazing street artist, I suggest you GET FAMILIAR.

Bansky has been using walls all over the London area to express his political views for years and recently crossed the pond for exhibits in New York and Los Angeles, as well as putting up pieces in New Orleans during the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and many other random locations.

This film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010, was shown in select theaters nationwide, and is now up for an Oscar Award for "Best Documentary".

The picture on the right of my blog is a Bansky piece but to see more of his work, check out his book "Wall and Piece" or visit his website here.

R.I.P. Big Pun

Today marks the anniversary of Big Pun's untimely death in 2000.

The "It's So Hard" video came out shortly after his death and features his children, wife, and many friends of the late great emcee. Although it's not the song I'd choose to represent Pun's tremendous contribution to Hip-Hop, it shows how much love and respect he earned even after he was gone.

RIP Pun.

Erykah Badu - Telephone

Knowing the back-story of this song gives me chills every time I hear it so it's only appropriate to post it on J. Dilla's birthday. RIP J. Dilla.

A snippet from our tribute along with the story about the track can be found after the jump. UPDATE: I was told by a friend that the song didn't play the whole way thru and it's been changed with a new mp3. (click on the track name to download)

Erykah Badu - Telephone

Info from Go Live Radio 2/05/11

Here's a re-cap of all the info I mentioned on our previous broadcast of Go Live Radio:

* J Dilla Foundation website is http://www.jdillafoundation.org/
Follow Jessica Estevez on Twitter @iheartdilla for info on events throughout the month

* Donations to help the Father of Hip-Hop, Kool Herc, with his medical bills can be sent to: Kool Herc Productions, PO Box 20472, Huntington Station, NY 11746 or Donate with PayPal here

* Details about The Grammy Museum's Hip Hop Exhibit can be found here: http://www.grammymuseum.org/
  Their address is 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. A245, Los Angeles, CA 90015

* "Donate a Dollah"  for the National Museum of Hip Hop at http://nmoh.org/

Go Live Radio 2/05/11

In the month of February we'll be discussing elements of a dope Hip-Hop show and feature different Artists, Producers, and DJ's each week.

This week's guests are emcee Joey Gallo and DJ Swerve 360 (producer Kleph Dollaz was ill but we hope he'll stop by before the month ends). Tune in next week when we have DJ Lonnie B, emcee Nick Fury (aka Nickelus F), and producer Diallo stopping by.

DJ Jeff C and I have been working on a J. Dilla tribute all week so we hope you enjoy. All the info I mentioned on this show will be posted tomorrow with the exception of the complete "Telephone" track, which I'll post on the 7th.

                                     

Mixtapes: Ivory Snow - THE FINAL CUT (J. Dilla Dedication)

It's past 2:04 Loviiies!! Y'know what THAT means?! The anticipation is over, hope you enjoy the mixtape. (Tracklist after the jump)

Download "The Final Cut" here

Canayda x Illa - "Fall In Love" (Ode to Slum V)

For those who may not know, February is "Dilla Month" to us Hip-Hop heads. I guarantee that every website/radio station focused on Hip-Hop will pay homage to one of the most beloved Producers of our time at some point in the next few weeks...and if they don't, they're posers.

Last night I spent over 3 hrs prepping my J. Dilla Tribute for this week's Go Live Radio broadcast and decided to share songs by people I know who are showing love to Jay Dee through music.

This track was played on last week's Go Live broadcast and Mr. Ivory Snow's dedication mixtape will be released at 2:04 pm today.

Ivory Snow

I went to an artist showcase this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised when an artist by the name of Ivory Snow rejuvenated the crowd from an inevitable coma as they waited for the "main acts" to perform (I was waiting for Nike Nando, Mike Millions, & Nick Fury).

I'm not saying the previous performers were wack, only that THIS artist stood out to me. Here's a recap video of the show plus Ivory Snow's "Till Death Do Us Part" mixtape after the jump. Make sure you check out #4 "They Not Ready", #7 "Dilla Rocks", & #10 "Bite Our Style".

His new mixtape "The Final Draft" (dedicated to J. Dilla) will be released on Feb 4th.

Mixtapes: DJ RnS - DUBSTEP MIX /// BASS LEVEL PT 1

DJ RnS strikes again!! Got this Dubstep mix, which is only Part 1 of 2, from him early this morning. Tracklist after the jump.

DJ RNS aka Manotti da Vinci - Dubstep /// Bass Level 1 by DJ RNS

Go Live Radio 1/29/11

I'm still nursing a bad cold (as you see me coughin like crazy on air) so please bear with me and my lack of posts in the past week. Here's last week's show:

Mixtapes: Nickelus F. - YELLOW GOLD

New music from the Richmond representer, Mr. Nick Fury...and his beard. lol.

(He's among my list of special guests I'll be interviewing in Feb. on Go Live Radio)

 Download "Yellow Gold"

Go Live Radio: 1/22/11

We were honored to have Grandmaster Caz call in to discuss his Hush Hip Hop Tour and how he feels about this generation's version of Hip-Hop. I do my regular segment at 00:15:00, stay for Caz's interview, and return for Mr. 804's segment @ 01:55:00

RTF Interview of Nickelus F.

Much love to my girl Priya at RespectThisFresh.com for the opportunity to film and edit this footage of Nickelus F.

"Pale Kid Raps Fast"

How can you read "Fast-Rapping 'Pale Kid'" and NOT want to click the link?!

I , for 1, couldn't resist and accidentally stumbled onto this viral video of 23 year old George Watsky speeding through a short verse about all things random. It's pretty obvious the vid was meant to be taken in jest but speed-wise, Watsky might give Busta Rhymes a run for his money on his own track (great choice btw).

I'm still giggling over "you go gay baby, work that crib, work that bib..."



Watsky was originally discovered on the 6th season of "Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry" so I included a video that shows a more "serious side" also.

Featured Track 1/15/11: Slaughterhouse - Wack MC's

Congrats to Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf for signing to Shady Records!! The cover shown above will hit stands on Feb.8th.

Go Live Radio 1/15/11

My normal segment starts @ 11:35, helped interview Noah-O @ 32:55, & back to introduce my track of the week @ 1:37:00

Go Live Radio 1/08/11

My regular segment starts @ 39:25...we had so much goin on that I didn't get to do a featured track. :-(

Fashion Finds: Exact Science

I found Exact Science many years ago and glad they're still makin great tees...how about some women's shirts though?!

Here are some sample designs with a link to buy on the bottom.

 

Sha Prince - Think of You Now (prod. by Marco Polo)

New music from Sha Prince

Featured Track 1/01/11: Diamond District "Who I Be" (Marco-Polo Remix)

My choice for Random Track of the Week was made because of the recent "issues" Wale had with local Baltimore artist Bossman (see previous post). This track showcases some of the talent in DC as well as proving there IS unity among local artists...plus it oozes dopeness.

Wale Flips Out on B-more Radio Station

I'm far from a huge Wale fan but I've got to agree with him on this one.

Prelude: a Baltimore artist named Bossman has been making diss records about Wale since an incident happened at a show in Nov (apparently Wale didn't acknowledge him properly). Wale never responded but that hasn't stopped the internet from buzzing about a Wale/Bossman beef. The station Wale called in the video below had Bossman on air speaking about the beef and he (Wale) has obviously had his fill of hearing about this bs.

I only played a snippet on Go-Live Radio last week so here's the whole rant:

Go Live Radio 1/01/11

Happy New Year Everyone!!

After watching this week's show, I realized it was distracting to watch us moving around the studio during JeffC & Seven's dj sets so I'll be posting an audio only link as well as the UStream on future posts.

The audio only link from the show below will be posted by the end of the week.