People Under The Stairs – The Next Step (1998)

February 28, 2012
*PUTS Records, Assault, Double K, Naimid, People Under The Stairs, Shine 5, Smile-Oak, Thes One
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Can I please die and be reincarnated as a PUTS beat so I can bump infinitely and forever exist as pure dopeness?  I automatically like people better when I find out they are into underground/independent hip hop.  I’m like yesssss you GET it!  I don’t have to sit here and try to explain in words (impossible) why this genre of music is a fast track to my soul.  I went on a date recently and he was playing some People Under The Stairs and I was fucking smitten from this fact alone.  It’s weird to consider the fact that ‘underground’ hip hop has been around long enough at this point that there are veterans of this genre.  And you better be putting PUTS on that list or else your list is automatically kinda subpar.  Thes One supplies the redonk ill beats and both Thes One and Double K lend their rhyming skills to this magical music.  They talk about this little thing that we are all doing called life.  Thes One is mother effing beastly when it comes to sampling.  I have a feeling if I was ever lucky enough to see his record collection jaws would be dropping and drool would be happening. I’m not exaggerating when I say that all their albums are stoopid good but I chose this one because it was the one that started it all.  And thank the hip hop gods that it ever started in the first place.

Production:  Thes One

Features:  Assault, , Naimid, Shine 5, Smille-Oak

Label: PUTS Records

People Under the Stairs – ‘San Francisco Knights’

People Under the Stairs – ‘Wannabes’

Project: Mooncircle – The Moon Comes Closer (2010)

January 17, 2012
*Project: Mooncircle, John Robinson, ^Abnormal, ^Andy Kayes, ^Brazzaville, ^Capella, ^Comfort Fit, ^Daisuke Tanabe, ^Dela, ^Dexter, ^Gards From Kc, ^Graciela Maria, ^Himuro Yoshiteru, ^I.D. 4 Windz, ^Jinna Morocha, ^Juj, ^Kan Sano, ^Killing Skills, ^Lambent, ^Long Arm, ^Myown, ^Nienvox, ^Pavel Dovgal, ^Portformat, ^Puzzle, ^Robert Koch, ^Skyence, ^Sotu the Traveller, ^V. Raeter
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The dualism displayed on this album is impressive.  It has the ability to root you firmly into the present moment while simultaneously taking your soul on a journey through the ether.  This one is solely an instrumental album with beats that melodically curve and wind and intertwine themselves into your psyche.  Interestingly, the inspiration behind this album came from a little girl from Moscow who wanted to go to the moon.  The good people at Project: Mooncircle took on the challenge and made her dream come true.  Not necessarily in a realistic sense but definitely in the fantasy world of music.  For me the experience of this album is reminiscent of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.  It starts off kind of scary, you get hella lost, you feel far away, you meet some dope characters, you get kinda lonely, you learn some lessons and you overcome some things.  Then when all is said and done you return home, safe and sound, and definitely a better person than when you first set out on your journey.  If you have ever listened to a Project: Mooncircle release before then you are well aware of their inclinations towards artistry and genre expansion.  This is an offering that highlights many producers on the PM roster.  Do your self a favor and dose up on some inspired hip hop beats.  You will be a better person for it and become an honorary astronaut.

Production:   Abnormal, Andy Kayes, Brazzaville, Capella, Comfort Fit, Daisuke Tanabe, Dela, Dexter, Gards From Kc, Graciela Maria, Himuro Yoshiteru, I.D. 4 Windz, Jinna Morocha, John Robinson, Juj, Kan Sano, Killing Skills, Lambent, Long Arm, Myown, Nienvox, Pavel Dovgal, Portformat, Puzzle, Robert Koch vs fLako, Sense, Skyence, Sotu the Traveller, V. Raeter

Label: Project: Mooncircle

Skyence – ‘Definition’

Dexter – ‘Telescope’

Shad – The Old Prince (2007)

January 13, 2012
*Black Box Recordings, B & F Kabango, Kamanu, Relic The Oddity, Shad, ^Amiracle, ^Beatdock Saints, ^D. Jung, ^Ed, ^Jewbei, ^M. Johnston, ^Mad Scientist, ^Mantis, ^Ric Notes, ^S. Kabango, ^Slakah The Beatchild, ^Stringz
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*Insert cliché joke about Canada* Okay now that we have that over with we can move on to enjoying the immense talent that is pouring out of a dude named Shad.  Homeboy is so dynamic and shows strength in many arena’s from intellect to humor to introspection to lifestyle commentary.  This album encompasses real life so well.  Our experience here on planet Earth is not just one tone.  It’s sad, it’s happy, it’s exciting, it’s loving, it’s mad, it’s crazy, it’s an infinite amount of things.  Enter ‘The Old Prince’.  This album hits so many different notes, no pun intended.  But really it has a track that can entrain with any mood.  And if the entertainment value weren’t enough then he comes through with his genuine respect for females, family and humanity.  Stand up guy with a stand up offering.

Production: Amiracle, Beatdock Saints, D. Jung, Ed, Jewbei, M. Johnston, Mad Scientist, Mantis, Relic The Oddity, Ric Notes, S. Kabango, Slakah The Beatchild, Shad – ‘Now A Daze’

Shad – ‘Brother (Watching) feat. B & F Kabango’

Funkdoobiest – Brothas Doobie (1995)

January 7, 2012
*Epic Records, Brett Bouldin, Sebastian Rousett, Son Doobie, Tomahawk Funk, ^DJ Lethal, ^DJ Muggs, ^DJ Ralph M, ^Ray Roll
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Pot head, coke head, crack head, hip hop head.  What do all these things have in common?  All out addiction to their drug of choice.  And when it comes to us hip hop heads our highs are provided by boom baps and 16 bars.  Golden era hip hop is like our version of sour diesel, pure Colombian cocaina, freshly cooked crack rocks.  Much like any addict will tell you, the feeling achieved from indulging in our addiction is one that cannot adequately be described using mere words.  It is truly something one has to experience for themselves.  If you are interested in exploring the world of a full body hip hop high I would recommend trying out some Funkdoobiest.  These guys are a prime example of that dank golden era rap that we all crave.  This offering is a lil XXX-rated though so the sexually shy need not apply.  But if you happen to find yourself elated, entertained, captivated and left jonesing for more, then congratulations, you are officially on your way to being a hip hop head.  ”Hi, my name is Jen and I’m an addict.”

Production:  DJ Lethal, DJ Muggs, DJ Ralph M., Ray Roll

Features:  Brett Bouldin, Sebastian Rousett

Label:  Epic Records

Funkdoobiest – ‘Rock On’

Funkdoobiest – ‘Lost In Thought”

Cadalack Ron – Last Known Photograph of Robert Paulson (2009)

November 17, 2011
*Dead Guy Records, Cadalack Ron, Copywrite, Don Chalant, Existereo, Mack of Track, Mestizo, Mista Melo, Serp Dot, Sp Noza, Woozy Medwick, ^Animoss, ^Briefcase, ^Dday One, ^Panarama, ^TNS
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People often joke about the fact that drug users make the best music.  I won’t say that this is a steadfast rule but when I think of my favorite artists there is a heavy undertone of drug use ( ie. Led Zeppelin, Atmosphere, Nirvana, Eligh, Grateful Dead, Del The Funky Homosapien etc.)  There are a million viable reasons as to why this might be true, or more likely it is just a coincidence that we like to pretend has some sort of valid cause and effect relationship.  All I know is that Cadalack Ron falls into this imaginary category of dope drug influenced artists.  When I first heard him rap I was pleasantly surprised as to how intelligent and insightful his lyrics are.  If you have ever seen him before his image doesn’t exactly scream “deep thinker” but hey I guess that is yet another lesson in not judging a person by their physical appearance.  He is definitely doing his part to keep the L.A. underground movement relevant.  BTW I am not advocating drug use, I myself am straight edge in terms of drugs, alcohol, caffeine and diet.  I do however support the right for people to choose to live their life they want to live it.  If that includes drugs more power to them, if not then that is just as well.

Production:   Animoss, Briefcase, Dday One, Mack Of Track, Mista Melo, Panarama, Serp Dot, TNS

Features:  Copywrite, Don Chalant, Existereo, Mack of Track, Mestizo, Mista Melo, Serp Dot, Sp Noza, Woozy Medwick

Label:  Dead Guy Records

Cadalack Ron – ‘ Think Back’

Cadalack Ron – ‘ Gentrification’

Bronze Nazareth – The Great Migration (2006)

November 16, 2011
*Babygrande Records, 12 O'Clock, Bronze Nazareth, Byata, Kevlaar 7, Killa Sin, Phillie, Prodigal Sunn, Sean Price, Timbo King, Wu-tang Clan, ^Dreddy Kruger
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One of my biggest pet peeves is when a track starts and the beat is so fuckin nice and then the emcee starts flowin and just straight up butchers the whole vibe.  In the world of hip hop there are more dope beats than there are dope rappers to do them justice.  The reason I bring this up here is because Wu-Tang and all their affiliates, such as Bronze Nazareth, do not ruin good beats, they enhances them with their smooth deliveries, imaginative story telling abilities and over all raw energy.  Good albums have tracks that are cohesive, ones where the beat and the emcee entrain and become one and the same.  Another thing that is nice about artists who both rap and produce is that they understand all sides of the track.  When someone produces a beat they have a certain vision in mind for that sound and when an emcee hears that beat they have a whole different vision entirely.  When the producer and emcee are one in the same then that vision stays synonymous.  The only one criticism I have of this album is that Bronze sounds so much smarter than all of his features haha.  I guess that was all a really deep and analytical way of saying that this album bumps.  Point blank.

Production:  Bronze Nazareth, Dreddy Kruger

Features:  12 O’Clock, Byata, Kevlaar 7, Killa Sin, Phillie, Prodigal Sunn, Sean Price, Timbo King

Label: Babygrande Records

Bronze Nazareth – ‘ The Pain’

Bronze Nazareth – ‘ Hear What I Say!’

The Beatnuts – Street Level (1994)

November 14, 2011
*Relativity Records, Grand Puba, Juju, Kool Fashion, Miss Jones, Psycho Les, The Beatnuts, ^Lucien, ^V.I.C.
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Don’t break your neck on these straight up head bobbing beats because best believe things are going to get hectic when you listen to this album.  And if the beats aren’t enough to have you super amped over The Beatnuts then you can vibe on their heavily comedic lyrics.  These dudes hella clown on everyone and its awesome.  But just when you think that comedic overtones is all they offer they will drop some life-ism’s on ya and everything get’s brought back full circle.  All I know is that I get good feelings when I listen to this album and that is what its all about right?  PS – Put the kiddos to sleep before you bump this one ;-) .

Production:  Lucien, The Beatnuts, V.I.C.

Features:  Grand Puba, Miss Jones

Label:  Relativity Records

The Beatnuts – ‘ Superbad’

The Beatnuts – ‘ Hit Me With That’

Elzhi – The Preface (2008)

November 13, 2011
*Fat Beats, A.B., Ayah, Black Milk, Danny Brown, Elzhi, Fat Ray, Fatt Father, Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, Royce Da 5'9", Slum Village, ^DJ Dez, ^T3
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Elzhi is an exception to the philosophy that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.  Being a key factor in such a well known and uber successful group, Slum Village, one might think that his solo work would be lacking.  Negatory is the name of that game because this album is prime time baby.  Probably one of the most entertaining albums that has come out in the new millenium.  I heard someone talking the other day about how it doesn’t really matter if an album has the tightest production or the most epic lyrics if at the end of the day you don’t really want to listen to it.  This album has dope beats, maybe not the dopest ever, and it has dope lyrics, maybe not the dopest ever, but I’ll be damned if at the end of the day you aren’t excited to bump this shit.  Go Elzhi its your birthday, go Black Milk its your birthday, go whole city of Detroit it is your muthafuckin birthday with this one.

Production:  Black Milk, DJ Dez, T3

Features:  A.B., Ayah, Black Milk, Danny Brown, Fat Ray, Fatt Father, Fes Rock, Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, Royce Da 5’9″,

Label:  Fat Beats

Elzhi – ‘ D.E.M.O.N.S.’

Elzhi – ‘ Guessing Game’

Aceyalone – Accepted Eclectic (2000)

November 6, 2011
*Project Blowed, Abstract Rude, Aceyalone, Evidence, P.E.A.C.E., ^Fat Jack, ^Jissm High Definition, ^Joey Chavez, ^Julian Ware, ^Nick Seil, ^SingLie
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I am super biased towards Aceyalone because he is one of my top 3 favorite emcees of all time BUT all bias aside this album is a necessity for all lovers of West Coast underground.  Basically Aceyalone is a genius.  From his wordplay to flow to artistic integrity to his presence on the mic homeboy is the whole package and then some.  This is why I appreciate Acey so much because he brings those funny/imaginative/surreal/creative lyrics with a unique flow that is unlike any other.  Some of my favorite lines on this album aren’t even the ones that are profound, they are the one’s that he spits in a hella cool and animated way.  Like on the track ” Down Right Dirty” he opens with the line, “Get down right dirty on em hella quick/ Put air in your tire, step in the shit/ Bust raps, caps, throw rocks or pick up a stick/ How you gonna handle it when it get thick?”  It’s not like that is the most enlightened thing he says on this album but I will rewind that part and listen to it over and over just because he says it in such an ill way.  I think the reason why most people like underground hip hop is because the lyrics tend to be more imaginative, intelligent and thought-provoking but when it comes down to it we listen to music to be entertained and Aceylalone is ridiculous entertaining.

Production:  Evidence, Fat Jack, Jissm High Definition, Joey Chavez, Julian Ware, Nick Seil, SingLie

Features: Abstract Rude, P.E.A.C.E.

Label: Project Blowed

Aceyalone – ‘I Got To Have Too’

Aceyalone – ‘Master Your High’

The Shape Shifters – Was Here (2004)

November 3, 2011
*Cornerstone R.A.S., 2Mex, Akuma, AWOL One, Busdriver, Circus, Die Young, Existereo, General Jah Mikey, Pigeon John, Radioinactive, Slug, ^Andre Afram Asmar, ^Daddy Kev, ^DJ Rob One, ^LA Jae, ^LifeRexall, ^Transducer, ^WD4D
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I am guilty of being too serious on many occassions, which is why I appreciate groups like The Shape Shifters for shaking me outta this unproductive mindstate.  These guys are like that friend you have that wears clothes that don’t actually match but they still look hella good.  ’Was Here’ has beats that are all crazy and subject matter that you never thought you wanted to hear anyone talk about and yet, it still sounds hella good!  You might not understand the awesomeness on first listen (or ever) but I urge you to stick with it because I think you will start to dig the weird vibe with increased exposure.  It helps to be a little crazy to like this and I know not everybody is crazy enough to be on this level.  Sometimes I don’t even think it is fair the disproportionate amount of dope hip hop that comes out of Cali in comparison to everywhere else in the world but hey I’m not gonna be a hater for haters sake, I’m gonna be a lover of ill underground offerings.

Production:  Andre Afram Asmar, Daddy Kev, LA Jae, LifeRexall, Transducer, WD4D

Features:  2Mex, Busdriver, General Jah Mikey, Pigeon John, Slug

Label:  Cornerstone RAS

The Shape Shifters – ‘American Idol ft. 2Mex, Busdriver & Slug)

The Shape Shifters – ‘Tabasco’

 

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