This is some newness given the video treatment from The AbSoulJah’s latest album, Dim The Light. The track is smooth with some expert chopping by DJ Safe. The AbSoulJah continues to maintain a high level of musical excellence not only with this song, but also the entire album. I hope to have a review done sooner rather than later. If you like that NY/Boom Bap flavor, I would cop this.
2 Man Cypher – Project 48 (Video)
2 Man Cypher released the video for Project 48 in conjunction with their new album, Queen City Bastards. The album is one of the hardest hitting pieces of music in a long time. Project 48 really illustrates the chemistry between Sleep and Cocaine Chris. They execute the exchanges really well over this Dope Antelope production.
I am going to have a full review of the album done by early next week. You really need to check it out. It will grab an instant place in your musical rotation.
Single You Out: Ugly Heroes – Pay Attention
Off of the forthcoming Mello Music Group Compilation, Mandala Vol. 2, Today’s Mathematics, comes the first single from Ugly Heroes. The crew is of course comprised of Verbal Kent, Red Pill, and Apollo Brown. This is a stellar joint if my opinion counts for anything. The sound is really an extension of their self-titled album from earlier this year.
“…some pay dues…I pay attention…”
The compilation drops on January 28th so save the date…
Meta P – Animal (ft. Block McCloud and Fresh Jones) (Video)
Meta P gives the listeners something a little different with the track, Animal. Initially you might think that he is dropping something “animalistic” on the mic or an “animal” in the streets. But those tracks are a dime a dozen. He delivers a track who’s content is about protecting animals, in particular pitbulls. He spits about the topic from a lot of different perspectives.
His album, Evolution, is dropping on March 31st so stay tuned for that.
Bankai Fam – Move On (Video)
I simply missed this one in my inbox. I am not (or was not) up on the Bankai Fam sound but after listening to this track I am going to have start bearing a little witness around here. The team’s got a nice flavor over this Azaia track. The emcees each have distinct voices that play well off of one another. The emcee who drops the second sixteen has one of those gravelly flows that you just don’t hear all that frequently. All in all, you can’t go wrong with the Bankai Fam. I am going right over to Amazon to cop their new album, On My Side.
Producer Spotlight: IMAKEMADBEATS (2013)
It’s time for another Producer’s Spotlight and this time we are going more domestic than imported. IMAKEMADBEATS is the first producer from the United States to be featured in this segment and we are really proud to showcase his talents on HHD. He’s worked with some incredibly talented artists but some of his best work can be featured on MidaZ the Beast’s new album, AU: Another Universe. Definitely make sure you check that release out if you have not already. You should also check out IMAKEMADBEATS’ Daylight/Nightlight EPs.
Local-Mu12 – LABOR DAY (Album Sampler)
I don’t post promotional material as a rule of thumb, but I have a special place in my heart for music made by the Local-Mu12 collective. I have actually been asking about the status of this release for a couple of months now as it was originally slated for a Labor Day release. It got pushed back with the ever popular TBD release. But now it’s hitting the interwebs on December 17th so write that date down. This is a quick sampler of the entire album and if this doesn’t wet your appetite, you MFers can simply stay malnourished!
Single You Out: Frank Ramz – Trouble Child (prod. by Natstar)
I for one Frank Ramz is back at it this year releasing some more music. It’s also good to hear that his project, Medicine Filled Candy is dropping soon. I find Ramz to be a unique commodity because he’s not just rhymes, he’s creating stories that have meaning while enlisting his God given talent to write rhymes. This particular cut is autobiographical. Check his first verse:
started in the dirt & they ain’t even give me soap,
but being rooted in the soil is the best place for growth.
but being trapped in the trap & having to have dealings while reaching a glass ceiling kept chipping off at my hope.
i found love up in a dark place her name just happened to be music,
gave life to the lifeless shining the brightest & truest.
my money wasn’t moving the the way it shouldve been moving,
& im so done w/ retail im ready to be a nudist.
…i went from being clueless to a know it all, who didn’t know shit but i refused to show a flaw.
..soon as i..got on a roll like a bowling ball,
life would strike back… the gutter would pull me in and console my fall.
had to make alot of split decisions…
realign myself..take better aim & even switch positions.
….consistent wishing drove a brother wild, lotta frowns… couple smiles… this was a recipe for my mothers youngest [trouble child]
Alterbeats – Class Struggle (2013)
I wish I had more time to do a proper write up of this release but as it is time is short and I want to at least let you know that i’s out there. I just finished giving Class Struggle it’s first listen and similar to their previous release, The French Revolution, in that it’s chocked full of bangers. I of course have my favorite tracks: Brass Knuckles by Halfabrick, Real Talk by Skeezo, and Idol by Bekay are tracks that will be on repeat.
But more than that I love the production that Alterbeats is doing. He just keeps getting better. You can cop this album on iTunes, Amazon, UGHH and elsewhere. You can also stream the album in it’s entirety at DJ Booth simply by clicking the link below:
Stream @ DJ Booth
Single You Out: Jermiside & Danny Diggs – Victory Is Mine
Jermiside drops the second single, Victory Is Mine, from his sophomore collaborative album with producer Danny Diggs, Quiet As Kept. Jermiside is my favorite emcee from the talented Lessondary Crew (I probably said the same thing about Spec Boogie a year or so ago, but whatever. It’s a tie). He has a very smooth style that is only amplified with the production of Danny Diggs. This song in particular is inspiring. You truly can’t keep a good man down.
Quiet As Kept will be released October 22nd
Hip Hop Dependency 