Take one well respected Chi-town MC (Qwel of Typical Cats) and one well respected producer (Maker of GLUE), put them together on their 2nd collabo project, mix in the fact that this is the finale in a concept series of albums and what do you get? An epic hip hop album. Welcome to So Be It, the highly anticipated follow-up to Qwel and Maker's 2004 opus, The Harvest. Qwel has been working on a four-album series encapsulating the four seasons (and also, the four horseman) and on So Be It, he and Maker present Summer and inevitably, the Apocalypse. Maker's beats on this project are more than solid as he always crafts his music around the boom-bap formula while layering on other interestingly complex elements. We hear influences from the Middle East, India, reggae and many other styles of music. The beats are grimey AND soulful and provide the perfect soundscape for Qwel's versatile lyrics. Songs about governments using the atmosphere of fear as a tool against the populace ("Fear As A Weapon") are mixed with the anthropomorphization of the problems between friends in the form of the "elephant in the room" ("White Elephant"). It's Qwel's ability to rhyme double-time, off-beat and on-beat that give each song its unique characteristics. If this is the end of a journey for Qwel in one form than it is a fitting end with the heat and stifling nature of Summer paralleled to the coming Apocalypse. If this is the end to that journey, then So Be It.
Listen for "Fear As A Weapon" on the 7-23-10 episode of HHA!
7-16-10 ESSENTIAL LISTEN!!
July 16, 2010
Welcome to one of the most lauded independent hip hop releases of the 2000's. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega provide the lyrics while El-P sticks to the production boards in his first post-Company Flow endeavor. This record has been compared to Enter The 36 Chambers for its raw, gritty sound and its portrait of a seedier NYC than most are used to seeing. The Cold Vein was the first release on the now defunct Definitive Jux record label and no album that has been pushed by the label has met the praise of Can Ox. El-P pulls out all the stops to create soundscapes that he's rarely even touched on his solo efforts. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega switch between straight up prose to hard-hitting, b-boy, thug lyrics. Nothing these two lay down is trite or tired and, in fact, the two MC's even find time to inject some humor into the album here and there. While many say Vast has the better flow and delivery, Vordul Mega is no slouch. This is a duo that plays on eachother's strengths. This is album is still heralded as one of THE best in the underground hip hop scene. If you do not have this record, then you need to step up your game and cop it ASAP.
Listen for "Iron Galaxy" on the 7-16-10 episode of HHA!
6-25-10 ESSENTIAL LISTEN!!
June 25, 2010
Killah Priest, Tragedy Khadafi, Timbo King, Hel Razah and William Cooper. This Essential Listens blog should end right there. That is a dope collection of MC's and together they've crafted a record that NEEDS to be a part of any underground hip hop collection. Black Market Militia has no qualms with being rife with thug imagery because each MC has such a knowledge of religious mythology and left of center thinking. The combination of those elements is what gives characteer to this album, it truly is streey poetry. Musically, this album bangs. It's dark. It's grimey. And it loves living in that area. The beats have a considerable steadiness to them and a consistentcy despite the fact there are multiple producers. This isn't just straight up political rap (some of which can get quite tiresome). This is life rap. This is the type of record that allows you to keep your sense of hardcore without sacrificing it because of the knowledge you hold.
Listen for "Dead Street Scrolls" on the 6-25-10 episode of HHA!
6-18 ESSENTIAL LISTEN!!
June 18, 2010
Three years in the making and well worth the wait. We first heard from the Long Island MC on Immortal Technique's album Revolutionary Vol. 1 alllll the way back in 2001 and 9 years later, Diabolic presents his debut magnum opus. This album bangs with a boom bap feel that only a few of today's underground hip hop records have been able to accomplish. That is all thanks to Engineer, a producer from Toronto. Apparently, because of 'Bolic's limiited budget for this indie release, he had to seek out a "cheap" producer to craft his beats. If Engineer qualifies as what cheap can afford, then give me the dude's number so he can send me some hot tracks. Diabolic takes what could be considered trite topics in hip hop and crafts them in extra special ways. The dude is fluent in wordplay and metaphor. Yeah, he talks about fighting and guns and even some drug references, but it's the cleverness of his rhyming that keeps the topics from sounding stale. He goes from conspiracy theory exposure on "Truth Part 2" to self-loathing, self-reflection on "12 Shots" to a call for revolution on "Frontlines" with Immortal Technique (the dude who gave him his first shot). Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks and even Canibus make appearances on this album. In my opinion, those two do all they can to be outshone by Diabolic. It's grimey, it's hardcore and it's potent.
Listen for Diabolic's "Truth Part 2" on the 6-18-10 episode of HHA!!
6-4 ESSENTIAL LISTEN!
June 6, 2010
Wow. This album is a producer's wet dream. Un-fuck-withable samples that have all the feeling of dusty, scored and marked pieces of vinyl. When listening to Egoclapper, you almost have to shake your head at the samples and sound clips that 7L and Esoteric use on this album. WHERE DO THEY FIND THIS SHIT?! Being a comic book nerd myself, I can't help but geek out at all of the old cartoon samples dispersed throughout this record. Not to mention, Esoteric's flow, which is on point as always. The Boston MC has perfected a rapid-style, "ride-the-beat" vocal ability. Eso's rhymes are always pushing the standards of hip hop and his metaphors are tough to beat. But, like I described above, the real stars of Egoclapper are the beats and samples. This is like taking the 80's ideas of what Rick Rubin was doing and throwing a new coat of paint on it (more like how Pollack would throw paint on something). While this record has become the blueprint for what Eso has been working on recently (for more off-the-wall hip hop check out Esoteric vs. Japan) it stands as a strudy foundation that 7L and Esoteric have yet to top. Each of the 16 tracks is a banger, albeit, a strange diversion from what a prototypical hip hop banger should be.
Listen for "Warlords ft. Celph Titled, Karma and Trademarc" on the 6-4-10 episode of HHA!!!
5-21 ESSENTIAL LISTEN!!
May 21, 2010
Ok. So if the album cover, the artists' reputations, the title of the record or any other obvious indication did not tip you off as to what is expected when you press play, then you're not a fan of underground hip hop. Marco Polo has become the go-to producer for any MC who wants true boom bap, sampled hip hop in the vein of Pete Rock or Primo. He's worked with Large Pro, Torae, Masta Ace, Ed OG and so many other well known MC's in underground hip hop. Ruste Juxx is the type of MC who pulls no punches. This dude grew up with the notion that if you aren't spitting hardcore rhymes then you shouldn't be spitting at all. Known as a qualified battle rapper, Ruste Juxx definitely takes that aspect of his MC'ing ability and creates blazingly poignant tracks. The guest spots on this album are few but they do pack a punch. Rustee recruited his Boot Camp Clik brethren Sean Price and Rock (collectively known as Heltah Skeltah), infamous MC Freddie Foxxx AND a reunion of the much praised Black Moon crew (also members of BCC). This record is the epitome of hardcore: beats and flows. If you just want something that bangs musically and stings lyrically, then grab The eXXecution.
Listen for "Take Money ft. Rock and Freddie Foxxx" on the 5-21 episode of HHA!
4-30 ESSENTIAL LISTEN!!
April 30, 2010
Yes, I'm well aware that this album only came out a month ago. No, I don't think that fact disqualifies this album from being an Essential Listen for this week. If you loved the movie High Fidelity and you're a fan of real hip hop, then you're gonna love Don Cusack in High Fidelity. This record takes the concept album idea to a whole new level as Donwill portrays himself as the lead character in High Fidelity, Rob Gordon and spits each song as a scene in the movie. Donwill also has his guests portray a character from the movie (my personal favorite being Opio of Hieroglyphics as Ian, Rob's ex-girlfriend's new man). This may sounds like a complete ripoff but where Donwill makes the idea that much more special is in adding his own personal stories to the plot of the movie. It's this added factor that makes the album. Donwill is 1/3 of the Brooklyn/Cincinnati group, Tanya Morgan and on his first solo album, Donwill truly separates himself from the rest of the group (even while enlisting Tanya Morgan members to add to the record). The sound of the album itself ? Pure Brooklyn hip hop with an almost GangStarr smooth feel to it. Listen for direct quotes from the movie High Fidelity (as spoken by Donwill) throughout the album. If they say music is life and pictures say a thousand words, then consider this album audio-visual reality.
Listen for "Ian's Song ft. Opio" on the 4-30-10 episode of HHA!!
GURU
April 24, 2010
Guru
Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal or
God is Universal he is the Ruler Universal
We knew you on a level quite personal
It's certain this day will remain solemn
And while I'm sure you'll be remembered
Forever as one half of Hip Hop's GREATEST dynamic duo
Don't forget there would be NO GangStarr if it wasn't for Guru
Primo laid the foundation, yes, BUT...
Guru placed the rest of the house upon that basement
Repped New York the hardest, called it home
But Keith Elam started his life in the town above my dome
So, "Who's Gonna Take The Weight" and place it on their shoulders
The "Daily Operation" of Hip Hop needs more "Hardcore Composers"
"The Planet" is filled with frontrunners and fakes
Searchin' and gunnin' for "Mass Appeal"
Guru, we need you for real to "Make 'Em Pay"
Brought on Waxmaster C and the rest?
Well...that's the BEST part of history
These "Words I Manifest" are destiny because...
The ideology of the self-proclaimed, vocally restrained
Doctor of Monotony
Is impossibly removed even through hip pop's constant lobotomy
TRUE LOVE for Mic Control is in my soul...deep within me
And when "I chant: Eenie, meenie, minie, moe"
Ya'll respond "I wreck the mic like a pimp pimp's hoes"
And when I say:
"You and I are the past, c'est la vie, much respect girl,
But now you're my ex-girl cuz...
(I'm on with the next girl)"
So, Guru, we mourn your passing, your legacy? EVERLASTING
If you grieve with a blunt...then get to passin'
Or maxin' and relaxin' with your headphones blastin'
Waxin' nostalgic on wax and spoken passage
You made the AVERAGE...
Overachieve, even with a line like this:
"Lemonade was a popular drink and still is..."
It still shits...
...on 90% of what's released nowadays
Wish you would've laced one last Primo beat before you went your way
But TODAY? We celebrate how you always be kickin' the real
And others lose the race tryin' to chase MASS APPEAL...
July 17, 1961 - April 19, 2010
4-9-10 ESSENTIAL LISTEN!!!
April 9, 2010
I'm about to go out on a very long limb, but I don't care. People have been looking for an heir apparent to Big Pun ever since the dude passed away and I think we have that MC in Joell Ortiz. Those are big shoes to fill, I know, but Joell's style is kinda reminiscent of Pun both in lyrics and flow. And no, I'm not saying this because Joell is also of Spanish descent. Joell has intricate wordplay and at times a rapid-fire delivery ala Pun. But enough with teh comparisons, let's talk about the dude himself. Coming out of Brooklyn, Joell has been making waves well before the release of this LP. He was signed to Aftermath and then left voluntarily because they were dragging their feet. He's the strongest member in the underground super group, Slaughterhouse. He's one of the best freestylers I've heard since Big L passed away. This album (though being released before some of the stuff I mentioned before) encapsulates all of these aspects of Joell. From repping his hometown on "Brooklyn Bullshit" to the 4 part "125..." series (5 tracks of 125 bars which Joell claims were spit in one take) to "Modern Day Slavery" with Immortal Technique where the two MC's comment on how not much has changed from the days when men owned other men. Joell's only stumble could be his shot at a radio single with "Call Me" featuring Akon. The song is dope but it does feel a little forced and again, it's really the only little stumble on an otherwise fire record. Grab The Brick/Bodega Chronicles and check out that true Brooklyn bullshit.
Listen for "Hip Hop" on the 4-9-10 episode of HHA!
4-2-10 ESSENTIAL LISTEN(s)!!!!
April 2, 2010
Let's take it back to 1996, shall we?
Sophomore slump? I think not all you goddamn naysayers out there. Yes, we all know The Sun Rises In The East is a near flawless debut record and the thought that Jeru could follow it up with anything even closely resembling it would be hearsay. Well, I'm here to say (terrible pun intended) that I hold Wrath Of The Math up on the same level as The Sun... This record is almost an extension of his first as opposed to being something completely new. Unoriginal? Nope, I'd say that it's probably one of the most difficult things to do in music: create two amazing records in a row. Helping Jeru along the way is the indomitable hip hop force known as DJ Premier. Primo came correct with the grimey boom bap he's known so well for. Jeru's lyrics? As poignant as ever. Whether he's commenting on tracks from The Sun... (Me or the Papes elaborates on Da Bitchez) or he's defending his right to say what he wants while still maintaining his "prophet" status (Black Cowboys is a diss record towards the Fugees), Jeru continues to evolve his scientifical/philosophical/mathematical approach to hip hop lyricism. See? All the ingredients were there for Jeru to craft another masterpiece, and him and Primo cooked it up.
That was a fun trip down memory lane, now let's fast forward to the present day...
When Rakim penned the title "I Know You Got Soul", I know he wasn't talking about this record from Blu and Exile (considering it was released decades before Below The Heavens) but it certainly seems so. Exile, one half of LA's Emanon with Aloe Blacc, and Blu of San Fernando, CA dropped an instant classic in 2007 with this gem. Smooth hip hop at its finest. Exile must've dug exclusively in the soul section of every record store in a 50 mile radius with all of the amazing samples he utilizes on this record. Blu, being only 23 at the time of this release, exhibits a skill and style of an MC who has put in many more years of work. From the self doubt to sudden realization of his life's goals on "Dancing In The Rain" to the Southern Cali/West Coast feel of "Juicen' Dranks", Blu is a versatile lyricist. The album, while not expressly a concept record, feels seamless. For a perfect example of this fact, listen to the two final tracks, "World Is (Below The Heavens...)" and "You Are Now In The Clouds With (The Koochie Monstas)". When I first spun this record, I had absolutely no clue these were two separate tracks. That's a key element to Below The Heavens, songs crafted so perfectly that you a) never notice the length of them while b) never wanting them to end. With the talk of angels and saints, who knew that you could find so much soul below the heavens?
Take one well respected Chi-town MC (Qwel of Typical Cats) and one well respected producer (Maker of GLUE), put them together on their 2nd collabo project, mix in the fact that this is the finale in a concept series of albums and what do you get? An epic hip hop album. Welcome to So Be It, the highly anticipated follow-up to Qwel and Maker's 2004 opus, The Harvest. Qwel has been working on a four-album series encapsulating the four seasons (and also, the four horseman) and on So Be It, he and Maker present Summer and inevitably, the Apocalypse. Maker's beats on this project are more than solid as he always crafts his music around the boom-bap formula while layering on other interestingly complex elements. We hear influences from the Middle East, India, reggae and many other styles of music. The beats are grimey AND soulful and provide the perfect soundscape for Qwel's versatile lyrics. Songs about governments using the atmosphere of fear as a tool against the populace ("Fear As A Weapon") are mixed with the anthropomorphization of the problems between friends in the form of the "elephant in the room" ("White Elephant"). It's Qwel's ability to rhyme double-time, off-beat and on-beat that give each song its unique characteristics. If this is the end of a journey for Qwel in one form than it is a fitting end with the heat and stifling nature of Summer paralleled to the coming Apocalypse. If this is the end to that journey, then So Be It.
Welcome to one of the most lauded independent hip hop releases of the 2000's. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega provide the lyrics while El-P sticks to the production boards in his first post-Company Flow endeavor. This record has been compared to Enter The 36 Chambers for its raw, gritty sound and its portrait of a seedier NYC than most are used to seeing. The Cold Vein was the first release on the now defunct Definitive Jux record label and no album that has been pushed by the label has met the praise of Can Ox. El-P pulls out all the stops to create soundscapes that he's rarely even touched on his solo efforts. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega switch between straight up prose to hard-hitting, b-boy, thug lyrics. Nothing these two lay down is trite or tired and, in fact, the two MC's even find time to inject some humor into the album here and there. While many say Vast has the better flow and delivery, Vordul Mega is no slouch. This is a duo that plays on eachother's strengths. This is album is still heralded as one of THE best in the underground hip hop scene. If you do not have this record, then you need to step up your game and cop it ASAP.
Killah Priest, Tragedy Khadafi, Timbo King, Hel Razah and William Cooper. This Essential Listens blog should end right there. That is a dope collection of MC's and together they've crafted a record that NEEDS to be a part of any underground hip hop collection. Black Market Militia has no qualms with being rife with thug imagery because each MC has such a knowledge of religious mythology and left of center thinking. The combination of those elements is what gives characteer to this album, it truly is streey poetry. Musically, this album bangs. It's dark. It's grimey. And it loves living in that area. The beats have a considerable steadiness to them and a consistentcy despite the fact there are multiple producers. This isn't just straight up political rap (some of which can get quite tiresome). This is life rap. This is the type of record that allows you to keep your sense of hardcore without sacrificing it because of the knowledge you hold.
Three years in the making and well worth the wait. We first heard from the Long Island MC on Immortal Technique's album Revolutionary Vol. 1 alllll the way back in 2001 and 9 years later, Diabolic presents his debut magnum opus. This album bangs with a boom bap feel that only a few of today's underground hip hop records have been able to accomplish. That is all thanks to Engineer, a producer from Toronto. Apparently, because of 'Bolic's limiited budget for this indie release, he had to seek out a "cheap" producer to craft his beats. If Engineer qualifies as what cheap can afford, then give me the dude's number so he can send me some hot tracks. Diabolic takes what could be considered trite topics in hip hop and crafts them in extra special ways. The dude is fluent in wordplay and metaphor. Yeah, he talks about fighting and guns and even some drug references, but it's the cleverness of his rhyming that keeps the topics from sounding stale. He goes from conspiracy theory exposure on "Truth Part 2" to self-loathing, self-reflection on "12 Shots" to a call for revolution on "Frontlines" with Immortal Technique (the dude who gave him his first shot). Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks and even Canibus make appearances on this album. In my opinion, those two do all they can to be outshone by Diabolic. It's grimey, it's hardcore and it's potent. 
Wow. This album is a producer's wet dream. Un-fuck-withable samples that have all the feeling of dusty, scored and marked pieces of vinyl. When listening to Egoclapper, you almost have to shake your head at the samples and sound clips that 7L and Esoteric use on this album. WHERE DO THEY FIND THIS SHIT?! Being a comic book nerd myself, I can't help but geek out at all of the old cartoon samples dispersed throughout this record. Not to mention, Esoteric's flow, which is on point as always. The Boston MC has perfected a rapid-style, "ride-the-beat" vocal ability. Eso's rhymes are always pushing the standards of hip hop and his metaphors are tough to beat. But, like I described above, the real stars of Egoclapper are the beats and samples. This is like taking the 80's ideas of what Rick Rubin was doing and throwing a new coat of paint on it (more like how Pollack would throw paint on something). While this record has become the blueprint for what Eso has been working on recently (for more off-the-wall hip hop check out Esoteric vs. Japan) it stands as a strudy foundation that 7L and Esoteric have yet to top. Each of the 16 tracks is a banger, albeit, a strange diversion from what a prototypical hip hop banger should be.
Ok. So if the album cover, the artists' reputations, the title of the record or any other obvious indication did not tip you off as to what is expected when you press play, then you're not a fan of underground hip hop. Marco Polo has become the go-to producer for any MC who wants true boom bap, sampled hip hop in the vein of Pete Rock or Primo. He's worked with Large Pro, Torae, Masta Ace, Ed OG and so many other well known MC's in underground hip hop. Ruste Juxx is the type of MC who pulls no punches. This dude grew up with the notion that if you aren't spitting hardcore rhymes then you shouldn't be spitting at all. Known as a qualified battle rapper, Ruste Juxx definitely takes that aspect of his MC'ing ability and creates blazingly poignant tracks. The guest spots on this album are few but they do pack a punch. Rustee recruited his Boot Camp Clik brethren Sean Price and Rock (collectively known as Heltah Skeltah), infamous MC Freddie Foxxx AND a reunion of the much praised Black Moon crew (also members of BCC). This record is the epitome of hardcore: beats and flows. If you just want something that bangs musically and stings lyrically, then grab The eXXecution.
Yes, I'm well aware that this album only came out a month ago. No, I don't think that fact disqualifies this album from being an Essential Listen for this week. If you loved the movie High Fidelity and you're a fan of real hip hop, then you're gonna love Don Cusack in High Fidelity. This record takes the concept album idea to a whole new level as Donwill portrays himself as the lead character in High Fidelity, Rob Gordon and spits each song as a scene in the movie. Donwill also has his guests portray a character from the movie (my personal favorite being Opio of Hieroglyphics as Ian, Rob's ex-girlfriend's new man). This may sounds like a complete ripoff but where Donwill makes the idea that much more special is in adding his own personal stories to the plot of the movie. It's this added factor that makes the album. Donwill is 1/3 of the Brooklyn/Cincinnati group, Tanya Morgan and on his first solo album, Donwill truly separates himself from the rest of the group (even while enlisting Tanya Morgan members to add to the record). The sound of the album itself ? Pure Brooklyn hip hop with an almost GangStarr smooth feel to it. Listen for direct quotes from the movie High Fidelity (as spoken by Donwill) throughout the album. If they say music is life and pictures say a thousand words, then consider this album audio-visual reality.
I'm about to go out on a very long limb, but I don't care. People have been looking for an heir apparent to Big Pun ever since the dude passed away and I think we have that MC in Joell Ortiz. Those are big shoes to fill, I know, but Joell's style is kinda reminiscent of Pun both in lyrics and flow. And no, I'm not saying this because Joell is also of Spanish descent. Joell has intricate wordplay and at times a rapid-fire delivery ala Pun. But enough with teh comparisons, let's talk about the dude himself. Coming out of Brooklyn, Joell has been making waves well before the release of this LP. He was signed to Aftermath and then left voluntarily because they were dragging their feet. He's the strongest member in the underground super group, Slaughterhouse. He's one of the best freestylers I've heard since Big L passed away. This album (though being released before some of the stuff I mentioned before) encapsulates all of these aspects of Joell. From repping his hometown on "Brooklyn Bullshit" to the 4 part "125..." series (5 tracks of 125 bars which Joell claims were spit in one take) to "Modern Day Slavery" with Immortal Technique where the two MC's comment on how not much has changed from the days when men owned other men. Joell's only stumble could be his shot at a radio single with "Call Me" featuring Akon. The song is dope but it does feel a little forced and again, it's really the only little stumble on an otherwise fire record. Grab The Brick/Bodega Chronicles and check out that true Brooklyn bullshit.
Let's take it back to 1996, shall we? 
When Rakim penned the title "I Know You Got Soul", I know he wasn't talking about this record from Blu and Exile (considering it was released decades before Below The Heavens) but it certainly seems so. Exile, one half of LA's Emanon with Aloe Blacc, and Blu of San Fernando, CA dropped an instant classic in 2007 with this gem. Smooth hip hop at its finest. Exile must've dug exclusively in the soul section of every record store in a 50 mile radius with all of the amazing samples he utilizes on this record. Blu, being only 23 at the time of this release, exhibits a skill and style of an MC who has put in many more years of work. From the self doubt to sudden realization of his life's goals on "Dancing In The Rain" to the Southern Cali/West Coast feel of "Juicen' Dranks", Blu is a versatile lyricist. The album, while not expressly a concept record, feels seamless. For a perfect example of this fact, listen to the two final tracks, "World Is (Below The Heavens...)" and "You Are Now In The Clouds With (The Koochie Monstas)". When I first spun this record, I had absolutely no clue these were two separate tracks. That's a key element to Below The Heavens, songs crafted so perfectly that you a) never notice the length of them while b) never wanting them to end. With the talk of angels and saints, who knew that you could find so much soul below the heavens?
