Alterbeats – Grustle (ft. Shabaam Sahdeeq, Skeezo and Mic Handz) (Video)

Alterbeats’ Class Struggle is dropping on October 29th.   The two songs I have heard from the project have both been fantastic but I expect nothing less from the French producer.  He also only works with some of the most gifted emcees in the game, so the combination of talent is always ill.  This time we have Shabaam Sahdeeq, Skeezo, and Mic Handz, all of whom are ruthless with the verbals.  Mic Handz, in particular, has got the flow going on this track.   Don’t sleep!

Single You Out: Shabaam Sahdeeq – U Don’t Want None (ft General DV) (prod by Alterbeats)

artworks-000056585720-28gyqn-t500x500

 

Shabaam Sahdeeq is back with a song from his forthcoming project,  Keepers Of The Lost Art, which unfortunately has a release date into next year.  This song should get people amped for the project, and rightfully so.   Alterbeats gives the song a Dragnet appeal with the horns in the background and then lets the snares simply crack.  General DV (DV Alias Khrist) also laces us with the gravelly hook, which gives me a moment of nostalgia.  Shabaam Sahdeeq knows how to do the rest with his raw lines and crisp delivery.

Alpha Faktion – Truth, Lies, & Audiotape (2013)

a2334903018_10

Artist: Alpha Faktiom

Album: Truth, Lies, & Audiotape

Tracklisting:

Note:

I really had to mention this EP to you guys as I find myself bumping this release as much as anything else in 2013.    I have featured some of Alpha Faktion’s material here before but that in itself does not do this project justice.    In many ways, Truth, Lies, & Audiotape is very reminiscent of NonPhixion’s first album, The Future Is Now.  Members, Azwun, Kraze, and DJ Enyoutee really have concocted a phenomenal release for hip hop fans of all walks and, at the same time, give the same people food for thought.

On the first two tracks,  Truth, Lies, & Audiotape and Man Against Machine, you have Alpha Faktion rebuking the systematic indoctrination by the government and the media against the masses.  It is also on these initial songs that you can hear a chemistry that has been building over a significant amount of time.   On, Bodybagz, the team seemingly have no problem just dropping a track that bangs, just for the sake of making it bang.   And yes, that joint definitely will ring some bells.  But right after that they come back and show the ability to show sincere introspection on the cut, Reflection Of Self.   They can tackled many a topic but on each cut they bring a straight boom bap sound and sharp lyricism.  They are not taking any shortcuts or easy way outs.  Alpha Faktion brings the same mentality to whatever track that they are on.

This album should make hip hop purists release a shout of joy and I encourage you to go to their bandcamp and purchase this release to show your support for their art.

Artist Spotlight: Skeezo

skeezo performing live

Last year was when I first became acquainted with Skeezo’s music.  My initial feeling was that this guy was bringing back that NYC hardcore rhyming that groups like Mobb Deep and MOP made prevalent back in the 1990s. The dude’s lyrics hit like a hammer and he is unafraid to spit those street mentality rhymes in a world that more appreciates the candy coated genre.

Last year he and I briefly touched on a showcase on HHD for his talents and with his album, Face Value looming next month, we felt it was the perfect opportunity for new fans to get to know that man behind the music.

So peep this interview and make sure you cop his album in March.  There’s some serious heat to occur.

Continue reading “Artist Spotlight: Skeezo”