Download ... Mateo - Love & Stadiums (Free Mixtape)

So I'm cleaning up the email and I get this interesting mixtape in there. Looking at the name, he sounds familiar but with my spotty ass memory, forget trying to figure out from where or when. Haha. Anyways, I hit play and went through track after track. Definitely different. I felt a chill vibe to it as I listened to tracks where Kanye's Runaway and Power, Cutting Crew's (I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight were influentially sampled as well as putting his spin on Alicia Keys and Jay-Z's infamous track with "Empire State of Mind 3". So much other joints on "Love & Stadiums" are pretty soulfully sung by Mateo. I guess it should be somewhat expected when Kerry Krucial Keys has a hand in it. With features like Ab Liva, Goapele, Pusha T, Fashawn, Kardinal Offishall and others, it's a really dope sounding mixtape. But enough with my thoughts on it, download it, listen, talk about it, etc.

Mateo - Runaway ft Gilbere Forte


Mateo - Doubt

Download here: MATEO - LOVE & STADIUMS

1. Moment for Life (intro)
2. Don't Shoot Me Down (feat Goapele & Ab Liva)
3. Runaway (feat. Gilbere Forte)
4. Doubt
5. Power (feat. Pusha T & Ab Liva)
6. Pace of My Heart (feat. Andra)
7. Get to Know Me
8. Right Through Me (interlude)
9. In Your Arms Tonight
10. Ohh In Love
11. Paris
12. Empire State of Mind Part 3
13. Say You Will (feat. Fashawn)
14. 3 Peat
15. A Milli
16. We Go Hard (feat. Kardinal Offishall)
17. Bad Romance

Facebook: Mateo

http://mateoonline.com/loveandstadiums/

Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It ... Wrekonize (of ¡MAYDAY!) - Look At Me Now (Freestyle)

I dig Wrekonize ever since I first heard him with ¡Mayday!. This is yet another example as to why. Check it.

Wrek takes on the Chris Brown single and reinterprets the infamous Busta verse……



Want more ¡MAYDAY!:  www.MaydayOnline.com

Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

All Of The Lights (Fan Video) via @imjustdave

My homegirl Jade put me on to this video yesterday. I posted it over on my tumblr page and definitely felt the need to share it here too. You gotta love creative folks and that's exactly what you get with this fan made video for Kanye West's "All Of the Lights." Don't knock it until you watch it. Don't worry, no seizure (or seizure salads, lol) will occur from watching this video. Allegedly, of course. Ha! Enjoy.

“For those who know me, they know I am a fan of Kanye West. This started as a little fun after a show in LI, NY and turned it to a full on idea. This was made with $0. Just a camera, final cut, and some good friends. Hope you enjoy!” -@imjustdave

Video directed by David J. Hamilton and Potential. Filmed and edited by Potential.

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

What I'm Watching (3/31/11): OnCue, MeLo-X, The Jealous Guys, Luke Christopher and David Dallas

Over the last few days a gang of fresh videos from the likes of OnCue, MeLo-X, The Jealous Guys, Luke Christopher and David Dallas have hit my inbox and the Internets! Five fresh videos for some pretty damn dope tracks. Enjoy them all after the jump. Chea!

TMB's Throwback Video of the Day ... Lauryn Hill - "Ex Factor"

Now I know we've all been like, "where the eff is Lauryn Hill?" We miss her music! I know she has been in concert a few places, but that woman has disappeared from the music game for over a decade. I don't know about you guys but I'm personally starting to get offended by her absence. I'm just saying. Anyhow, this song popped into my head earlier today and I thought I'd share. If you've heard her one and only studio album, then you know this is a classic and that it sounds just as good now as it did 12 years ago. So enjoy the rest of your Thursday afternoon and mellow out to the sounds of "Ex Factor" from her 1998 debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.




Follow EMS: twitter.com/ericamsimmons
Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

rockthedub.com presents FiF

Shouts to the homie Khal over at rockthedub.com, celebrating five years of slowing down the Internet. Ha! Khal is a good dude and runs a pretty dope site. Congrats on five years (which is like 200 years on the Internet).

It's definitely been five years since I started up rockthedub.com, and like we always do at this time, here's the annual free compilation, featuring 21 tracks (plus a bonus pack of 13 additional tracks) featuring the Brown Bag AllStars, Pugs Atomz and DJ Vadim, Elucid, Zilla Rocca, Curly Castro, Scripts N Screwz, Whygee, Mario Dones, Rickie Jacobs, J NiCS, The Two. Fifteens, AWKWORD and others, with two special refixes from DJ Nappy.

Tracklist:

01-Heist ft. Zilla Rocca - I Need Killers (and Thieves Like You Wouldn't Believe)
02-Che Grand ft. Elucid vs. Artificial Intelligence - Deaf Ray Dub (Disc Jockey Nappy Refix)
03-P.L.O. ft. Ralph Rip Shit - Hold That
04-AWKWORD ft. Y-Love - Mr. President (The Wisconsin Song) (prod. by The White Shadow)
05-Cyclops - You Don't Understand (prod. by Razorsharpe)
06-Brown Bag AllStars - In His Shoes (DJBrace Remix)
07-J NiCS - Slumber (Numonics rockthedub Remix)
08-Pugs Atomz & DJ Vadim ft. Stahhr Tha F.E.M.C.E.E. & Jabee - Shoot'em Down
09-Rickie Jacobs ft. Artic - Malcolm X (prod. by Clay Hilman)
10-Jefferson Price - Hip Flask (prod. by Tranzformer)
11-Elucid - My Blank Verse (prod. by Small Pro)
12-The Two. Fifteens - Cloudy. Got Em'
13-Scripts & Screwz - Highway
14-Whygee - What Love Is (prod. by Nofrendo)
15-K. Vincent - Ain't A Thang Change (prod. by  Nabs, add. prod. by Alex Cruz & Black Lion Beats)
16-Mario Dones - Mars Attacks (prod. by Buscrates 16 bit Ensemble)
17-Assorted Anonymous - Roll By My Lonely (prod. by NVious)
18-Elucid - Heavy Metal (prod. by Screwz)
19-Do Ear - Soul Dealers
20-Shawty Lo ft. Rick Ross & Jim Jones vs. The Two. Fifteens - Foolish (Disc Jockey Nappy THUGSTEP Refix)
21-Curly Castro - Down With Batista (prod. by Happ G)

The Bonus Beats package features additional tracks from Elucid and The Two. Fifteens, as well as tracks from JSWISS, R.O.E., Stealth, E Dot Dizzy, Kenny Kenny, SUICIDER, Triple J, Prhym8 (w/ Emcee Slick), R.O.E. and more!

DOWNLOAD FiF | Hulkshare
DOWNLOAD FiF (Bonus Beats) | Hulkshare

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It (3/31/11): Music From Shane Eli, Blitz The Ambassador, G-Eazy and B.I.C.

So, it's Thursday. What are you listening to?

Here are a few joints I've received via email or bumped into on the Internets. This Thursday's offering comes from Shane Eli, Blitz The Ambassador, G-Eazy and B.I.C. . Enjoy. Chea!

The homie Shane Eli really delivers on his newest track, "The Night is Young", off his I Can Do Better project dropping soon. Jason Caesar provides the vocals on this smooth track that is being called "a bedroom burner." Ha! Definitely a dope track. Salute to the brother Shane Eli.

I really hope folks aren't still sleeping on Blitz The Ambassador. He's an incredible emcee, with bars and so much raw talent. Yesterday he released this fresh track, "Dear Africa", featuring Les Nubians. A dope and fresh track from the Ghana-born-New-York-based Blitz. He's currently working on Native Sun, due out in May. In the meantime, enjoy "Dear Africa."

I really fucks with this G-Eazy "Outta Pocket" joint featuring Chippy Nonstop. I have to thank Chad over at DonutsandMilk.com for putting me on to this joint. This track is from G-Eazy's The Outsider project.

This is more of a laid back track from my high energy brothers B.I.C. There's so much potential from these young guys who rocked at our last Independent's Day Showcase. This track is off producer Chuk's new tape Concord (Hadji: The Beat Konstructa). Enjoy.



Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

JC Poppe & Pezzettino - "Princess Palace"

With an election day looming and much of the frustration of Wisconsin voters being tuned out, native Wisconsinites JC Poppe, Pezzettino, Allen Cote, and Benjamin Schaefer teamed up to vent their anger with Governor Scott Walker and the current attitude Wisconsin Republicans are taking against unions...and issue that affects teachers, schools, health care, etc.

The song called "Princess Palace" sums up how so many people in Wisconsin feel while dealing with the strong-arming of their beliefs. The video was done by Pezzettino and is a great artistic telling of the feelings of so many Wisconsin workers that aren't being listened to.

The creative lo-fi track is a sincere attempt at continuing the passionate string of protest tracks coming from Wisconsin artists because the protesting and disapproval of the strong-arming of constituents can't slow down and can't stop!

(via @jcpoppe)

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

TMB's Throwback Video of the Day ... The Roots - "What They Do"

We're back with another Throwback Video of the Day and this is the kind of joint you want to wind down your Wednesday with (that was a tongue twister) Ha! If you can't bob your head to this, you just don't know music. I'm definitely loving the vibe of this one tonight. It's the perfect nightcap to end a busy day. At the request of @JosephAParker, raise your glass in the air and enjoy "What They Do" off 1996 album Illadelph Halflife.




Follow EMS: twitter.com/ericamsimmons
Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Kudos: @JosephAParker

John Legend "Rolling In The Deep" (Kenton Dunson Remix) Feat. Kenton Dunson

With the new blog schedule I set for myself, I rarely post things on Wednesday. But I came across this joint from Kenton Dunson, which is a remix to the cover of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" and so I felt the need to post today. Let me just put something out there right quick, folks shouldn't get into the habit of doing covers of any of Adele's music and think that shit is gonna fly over here because it's not. I think Adele has a powerful voice and her tracks are better left untouched in terms of covers. I hope we're clear on that. Ha! However, this Adele cover is the joint that John Legend laid down some smooth vocals to on the acappella version of "Rolling In The Deep", so it's cool with me.

Adele, since her first album, has kind of become a Hip-Hop songstress by default with much of vocals being sampled *cough Hometown Glory*. What Kenton Dunson did here was take the John Legend version of "Rolling In The Deep" and add to it. Kenton writes, "when I heard John released this acappella of an awesome song by a great artist, I took that acappella and went to my piano, kick drum and bottle of whiskey...this happened."

I think Kenton did a great job adding layers and two pretty cool verses to this joint. Hit up the comment section with your thoughts. In the meantime, enjoy. Chea!

  John Legend - Rolling In The Deep Feat. Kenton Dunson (Kenton Dunson Remix) by kentondunson

twitter.com/kentondunson

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

A Conversation with Big K.R.I.T. x "Amtrak"

Unless you've somehow been under a rock or for whatever crazy reason aren't checking for Big K.R.I.T. musically, yesterday he put out his follow up to K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, ReturnOf4Eva. The project is dope and self-produced by K.R.I.T. Since hitting download last night, that joint has been on blast mode!  Every time I hit play there is another track that becomes a favorite. Last year Wuz Here made a lot of lists as a top release and I'm sure ReturnOf4Eva will find itself on similar lists at the wrap of this year. Up top check out a conversation with K.R.I.T. via feedoffrap.com. Down below check out one of my favorite cuts, "Amtrak." Enjoy. Chea!



returnof4eva.com

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Interview: Special Sundays x Ro Blvd

This past Sunday, I had the chance to talk to Ro Blvd. about his newest project "Produc Placers 6: Shenanigans", as far as, the story behind the title, the other installments, the vision behind it, who he worked with, the ladies names as the beat titles and what he sampled. We also spoke
about him being the executive producer of Thurzday's upcoming album, as well as the new track "Rodney King".

(via @MiSS1SPECiAL)

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Download: RUFIO x KENO "For Those Who Are Still Sleeping"

Keno is one of my favorite dudes coming out of the Sacramento Hip-Hop scene. He's part of the dope duo theOTHERSIDE (with producer Sauce Fonda) and stays putting out quality music. He recently teamed up with producer Rufio and the two just released For Those Who Are Still Sleeping. Definitely a dope project with features from Chuuwee, Soosh and more. Hit download and don't be a bitch about enjoying some free.99 music. Chea!



Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

TMB's Throwback Video of the Day ... El-P "Deep Space 9mm"

I wasn't sure what music I was in the mood for, but when I tuned into this, I just started bobbing my head. Plus, the video is dope. Drums are dope, which besides the lyrics, are one of the most notable elements in the song. So without further ado via @humpjones, enjoy "Deep Space 9mm" by El-P (2002).





Follow EMS: twitter.com/ericamsimmons
Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Kudos: @humpjones
(Hit me up tomorrow with more suggestions of throwback urban music and you could see your name here)

What I'm Watching: Koncept & Tranzformer x Boog Brown & Apollo Brown

Initially I was gonna hold both of these until my Thursday series of posts but fuck all that because these two tracks and videos are dope. So this is part two of What I'm Watching. It's fresh that both videos come from one producer, one emcee projects.

The homie J57 of the mighty Brown Bag Allstars stays putting quality music in my inbox. He hit me up yesterday with the track and then today with the video. "Change" is a dope track featuring Jefferson Price off the Koncept x Tranzformer More Than Meets The Eye EP. Enjoy the simple yet dope visuals below.



"Running those gums like you're toothless..." 

This Boog Brown video I spotted over at Potholes. Boog spits straight bars on "U.P.S." Gotdamn! This track is off the Boog Brown x Apollo Brown Brown Study. Dope track. Enjoy. Chea!



Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Jasmine Mans "Roses"

"I'm sorry that Beyonce made you turn in your halloween costume for a freakum dress."

Let's talk about how dope Jasmine Mans is. No, you don't wanna talk about it? Ok, press play on the video and then let's talk about it after you're blown away by the spoken word of the 19-year-old Jasmine Mans. Some folks may remember her stirring piece "Nicki Minaj."  Her poetry is filled with so much passion and realness. You get that same type of passion and energy on her latest, "Roses." The girl is dope.

gunsontheplayground.tumblr.com

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

What I'm Watching: Danny Brown, Pac Div, OnCue and SoLeBlind

Over the last few days a gang of fresh videos from the likes of Danny Brown, Pac Div, OnCue and SoLeBlind have hit my inbox and the Internets! Enjoy them all after the jump. Chea!

EVENT: M.O.P. x Top $ Raz x Skotch Davis x The Upperclassmen x Sleepwalkas

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

SonReal Fly By Session x "Here I Am"

SonReal Double-time - Fly By Session from Darren Lee Irwin on Vimeo.

SonReal is dope. I first caught the Vancouver emcee late last year and have been a fan since. Just a few hours ago he dropped off a pretty fresh acappella vid for Fly By Session and a new single, "Here I Am." Damn, he just released his latest Where's Waldo but hasn't let up on new material. The dude is dope. Enjoy.



Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Return of the Real: SPEAK Easy Sounds Off for Milwaukee

Check out my latest Return of the Real feature over at Refined Hype on Milwaukee emcee SPEAK Easy. During our interview we talked about his latest project, fatherhood, the Milwaukee Hip-Hop scene and more. Check out the interview.

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

EVENT: Rap Good Tour Kicks Off Thursday At Southpaw!

(via act live music)

Rap Good starts off at Southpaw in New York March 31 then coming to Rochester NY at Dubland Underground April 1st 2011 music from Hassaan Mackey Kev Brown, Moses Rockwell, Quarter Pound on the 1's and 2's.

More info on Rap Good

www.actlivemusic.com

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Shad Interview x "Give You All I Can" w/Skratch Bastid

Shad drops off some new music and a pretty fresh interview. I'm a huge fan of Shad. The dude is so dope, humble and puts out some really good enjoyable music. Enjoy the interview and track.




Give You All I Can - Shad & Skratch Bastid


www.shadk.com

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

The Mad Bloggers Show Ep 28

Back for episode 28 with all these dope tracks for your speakers to fall in love with. Every Tuesday at 7pm(est) on www.skyyhookradio.com/radio is where you can catch us live! Oh and if you missed the other shows, check em here: The Mad Bloggers Show. Boom!

Intro
01. Josh Xantus Feat. Ghostface - I Don't Care
02. Ryan Leslie - Joan of Arc
03. Pharoahe Monch - So Good
04. The Weeknd - The Morning
05. Frank Ocean - Novacane
06. Blue & Exile Feat. Miguel Jontel - Cold Hearted
07. Scienze Feat L.A. - It All Starts
08. Adele Feat. Childish Gambino - Rolling in The Deep
09. Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks
Midshow Break
10. Raekwon ft. Inspectah Deck and Estelle - Chop Chop Ninja
11. YC The Cynic - Unconscious
12. DLRN, C-Plus and Task1 - Trill Cosby
13. Travis Barker Feat. Yelawolf, Twista, Busta Rhymes, Lil Jon - Lets Go
14. Brother Ali, Toki Wright, Evidence & BK-One - The Freshest Kids
15. Jean Grae feat. Talib Kweli, Styles P. - Rocket in Pocket
16. The BrainStormers Feat. ManChild of Mars ILL - Same Start
17. Crew54 & CientifiQ - Slaptro
18. Copywrite - Best In Show
19. Pusha T - Alone in Vegas
20. Mean Doe Green Feat. Black Zeek - One Day
Outro



Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It ... RoQ'y TyRaiD @ The Podium - Week 23

Week 23 "World Police":
Initiation of Libyan Campaign
Confirmed Corporate Coverups



Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Throwback Sessions w/ EMS ... Dionne Farris - "Hopeless"

Apparently I was not the only confused as to who sang "You Gotta Be," which I previously thought was Dionne Farris. Ha! I'd planned to post a Throwback Sessions w/ EMS for Dionne anyway. At the request of @SB_AbstractMG, here is "Hopeless" off of the wonderful soundtrack Love Jones. Don't act like y'all don't know. Enjoy!

As a side note, apparently Randy Jackson HAS worked with everyone...





Follow EMS: twitter.com/ericamsimmons
Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers


Kudos: @SB_AbstractMG

Throwback Sessions w/ EMS ... Des'ree - You Gotta Be

In the midst of not getting any sleep last night (because of this stupid weather), this song popped into my head. Since I know most people have a Case of the Mondays, hopefully this can serve as a pick-me-up. Enjoy.

Follow EMS: twitter.com/ericamsimmons
Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

The Mad Video Selection (Week Ending 3/26/11)

Pharoahe Monch - "Clap (One Day)"

Another Sunday afternoon and some brand new videos for you. Pharoahe Monch comes through with a mini-movie this week for his new album W.A.R. and it's called "Clap (One Day)". Don't be frightened by the time, it is 10 minutes well worth it. We also have another interesting joint from Theo Martins called "Turn It Up" where I spent the first minute watching the shadows to see if he moved. "Coma" is brought to you via Stanza. The boardroom is more than just boredom here (terrible pun usage on my behalf). Relic's "Time Machine" is an interestingn video to watch as well. Last but not least we have Babylon Cartel x DJ Ambush with "Chillmtic" and they give you more of a relaxed vibe with this one. Hit me at readbeanpie@gmail.com to have your video considered. Enjoy!

What EMS Is Listening To ... The Weeknd

Sex, drugs and R&B?

So fellow blogger-colleague, Q aka ThroatChopU, turned me on to The Weeknd. I had no idea who it/they was/were and apparently there has been an insane amount of buzz going on about this artist all over the internet. I have to admit, I hadn't a clue what to expect and even when I turned on the record, I wasn't sure about it then. But after I listened to it all the way through a couple of times, I started falling in love. I'm one of those folks who, while loving and embracing all kinds of music, have certain genres that need a few listens before having the ability to digest and understand it. With all that being said, I LOVE THE WEEKND!

"Let me see you dance / I love to watch you dance / take you down another level / get you dancing with the devil / take a shot of this / but I'm wanting you / I'm on that shit that you can't smell baby / so put down your perfume / bring your love, baby, I can bring my shame / bring the drugs, baby, I can bring my pain / oh, I got my heart right here /oh, I got my scars right here / bring the cups, baby, I can bring the dranks / bring your body, baby, I can bring you fame / and that's my muhf*ckin' words too / ay, so let me muhf*ckin' love you..." - The Weeknd (verse two of Wicked Games)

The Weeknd is an up and coming artist that showcases the fusion of Electro/Pop and R&B and their mixed tape is extraordinarily raw. Although riddled with profanity from top to bottom, you can get past all of it just by listening to the incredible instrumentation of each song. Something I love about Electro/Pop and R&B is the marked uniqueness the genre possesses. I've always thought that combining different elements of base genres provide us a way to create fresh new sounds. With their debut entitled House of Balloons, The Weeknd has given us a glimpse of just that.

"So, tell me you love me / only for tonight / only for tonight (even though you don't love me) / just tell me you love me / I'll give you what I need / I'll give you what I need (even though you don't love me) oh, oh..." - The Weeknd (chorus of Wicked Games)

A particular favorite off of House of Balloons is the track "Wicked Games," which I can honestly say is 5 minutes and 25 seconds well-spent every time I listen to it. With this song, you can let your imagination run wild. You can hear the synthesizers, the dope drums and those beautiful guitars. "Wicked Games" is slow, methodical and let's the listener experience the song. If they elect to do any videos for this album, I'd prefer this be the first or second cut.

The Weeknd isn't going to be for everybody. I think you'll either hate or love it, but at the very least, give it a listen. It may surprise you. You'll be able to download the 9-track mix tape from their website the-weeknd.com and catch a listen here. Enjoy peoples and have a wonderful Saturday night.






Follow EMS: twitter.com/ericamsimmons
Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

What EMS Is Watching ... Me'Shell NdegéOcello - "If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night)"

I love, love, LOVE Me'Shelle NdegéOcello. I think she's absolutely gorgeous and her voice is so sultry and beautiful. She's always been one of my favorite neo-soul artist. I first came up on her music when the classic Black love movie Love & Basketball came out in 2000 (forgive me for being a youngin') and her "Fool of Me" became incredibly popular. I've adored her ever since. Well, today, I just felt like jammin' to some Me'Shell while I wrapped up my day at work. I think this video is funky, unique and shows off her talent as an artist. You can't tell me this woman ain't dope.

Enjoy the rest of your Friday peoples.




Follow EMS: twitter.com/ericamsimmons
Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It ... Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) Album Preview

If you STILL have not bought, yes bought and not f'ing downloaded, Pharoahe Monch's W.A.R. album, then check your brain for inadequate amounts of Hip-Hop because you have to be deprived. Check it out here where you can listen to the album on YouTube and hopefully run out and get a copy. $10 ain't much for quality dopeness. Boom!



Preview Pharoahe Monch's W.A.R. Album Out Now: http://bit.ly/hO5DHo.

Album Track Listing:

1. The Warning feat. Idris Elba (produced by Pharoahe Monch)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP-WZKyN4ds
2. Calculated Amalgamation (produced by Lion Share Music Group)
3. Evolve (produced by Exile)
4. W.A.R. feat. Immortal Technique & Vernon Reid (produced by Marco Polo)
5. Clap (One Day) featuring Showtyme & DJ Boogie Blind (produced by M-Phazes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG_iDZbSZ3I
6. Black Hand Side featuring Styles P & Phonte (produced by Mike Loe)
7. Let My People Go (produced by Fatin "10" Horton)
8. Shine featuring Mela Machinko (produced by Diamond D)
9. Halie Selassie Karate featuring Mr. Porter (produced by Sam I Am)
10. The Hitman (produced by M-Phazes)
11. Assassins featuring Jean Grae & Royce Da 5'9 (produced by M-Phazes)
12. The Grand Illusion (Circa 1973) featuring Citizen Cope (produced by Adam Deitch & Eric Krasno)
13. Still Standing featuring Jill Scott (produced by M-Phazes)

Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It ... "Behind The Unsigned"

You ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of up and coming artists? What their current path is like? The struggles they have to conquer to get to where they want to be? Well, here's a project titled "Behind The Unsigned" being put together by O.Williams and his motivated camp that's going to take you on that journey with videos and stories of these unsigned artists. I've recently got to chat with the folks there and delved deeper into the workings of BTU. Here at The Mad Bloggers, we're all about showing love to dope cats in the music field whether signed or unsigned. BTU is playing their part by showing love to the latter of the two. Get to know more about "Behind The Unsigned" by clicking 'Read more' and make sure you check out the videos at the end. Inspiring moves.

Friday's Five Random Questions with @TheoMartins

"He can't be a rapper wearing boat shoes ..."

We all know I rock boat shoes, so with that one line Theo Martins instantly became a favorite. Ha!

I caught Theo just around the time he was putting out You Can't Do That on Television. I hit play on that project, which starts with "The Letter" and immediately thought the dude was dope. His latest project Sincerely Yours, The Dance Floor takes you into a slightly different direction. Some folks would be scared to test the waters musically but for Theo he doesn't let a genre define his style and with that his latest is making waves musically.

With two fresh videos for his recent project, Theo has a style that is outside the box. In today's music of so many cookie-cutter-rappers-so-called-emcees, Theo Martins is a breath of fresh air.

Anyway, this week he decided to take the challenge. Check out how Theo answered five random questions after the jump.

Backpack Jax "Da Goodsh!t" x "Feeling Good"

When I first heard "Da Goodsh!t" I wasn't quite sure. I'll be honest it didn't hit me right away. Then the track played out a little more and I found myself nodding my head to the beat and rhyme. Backpack Jax's (Mauikai & Boogie Monsta) sound is fresh. It kind of has this old school feel to it. I dig that. Check out "Da Goodsh!t" up top and a live performance below. Hit up the comment section with your thoughts. Chea!



Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It: @MaraHruby Has Soul

Mara Hruby has soul. Her music is absolutely stunning. I discovered her sound based on one simple retweet from @JCrillz last night.

I respect his taste in music so I gave it a click. This is one of those examples of how twitter comes in handy musically. Honestly, I think at least once per day you should click a link to some music you're unfamiliar with to discover new things. I don't mean those annoying @ replies folks send you to check out their "hot new banger" or whatever. I'm talking about folks you follow. Many are amazing music resources. In a time where marketing budgets don't really exist, word of mouth is ultimately how you'll discover raw talent and great new music.


Street Etiquette-Sartorial Sounds from LightUp Film on Vimeo.

So, when I saw Mara Hruby name retweeted from a familiar source I decided to give it a listen. That led me to the video above on her tumblr page. The video is a behind the scenes look at Street Etiquette-Sartorial Sounds. The amazing track includes spoken word, tap, rap and singing. It's an amazing production featuring Jesse Boykins III, Mara Hruby, Joekenneth Museau, Joshua Bennett, Theo Martins, Melo – X and Rinaldy Alvarez.

The video led me to track down the actual track. Amazing.



Sartorial Sounds Editorial
“Sartorial Sounds integrates both music and style, two elements embedded in every culture past and present. We think it’s important to remember that everyone is an artist in their own right. And it’s the life experiences we encounter that provoke what we splash on our own blank canvas. We assembled seven individuals to partake in this editorial. The finished product incorporates their individual talents such as spoken word, rapping, singing and tap.”

This ultimately had me circle back to her project, From Her Eyes. Mara has an amazingly beautiful voice with so much soul for a person only in her early 20's. Her sound is melodic. I'm sure I'm not the only person discovering the Oakland songstress at this point in the game, so don't be shy and hit play on From Her Eyes. Mara Hruby has soul.



twitter.com/MaraHruby
www.MaraHruby.com

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

What I'm Listening To: @TQDofBNC "The Tunnel" (Produced by @EcidFITB)

Here's a new song by T.Q.D which has Ecid of Fill In The Breaks doing work behind the boards.

T.Q.D is currently at work on a new album and EP which should be out this year.

Download: T.Q.D "The Tunnel" (Produced by Ecid) (Right click, save as)

Adebisi "F-ck The Dollar" (off the Blaxploitation Mixtape)

Adebisi returns with another track off of his upcoming Blaxploitation Mixtape presented by TMB and BLAX. This is one of my favorite cuts on the mixtape. Blaxploitation features some borrowed beats and a few original cuts. Look out for the project coming soon. In the meantime, enjoy "F-ck The Dollar." Chea!



Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

A History Lesson For Chris Brown (via @jsmooth995)

"You need to drop these enablers and get some people in your circle that are going to help you work on yourself ..."

And there it is folks. J. Smooth lays down some stern words for Chris Brown and I co-sign EVERY BIT OF THIS VIDEO.

twitter.com/jsmooth995

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Theo Martins “Turn It Up” feat. Plan-B

Sometimes intros are too much. And sometimes they are just right. Theo Martins lets Plan-B ride out on “Turn It Up” until the 1:55 mark and then he just tears into his verse. Dope. This track is off Theo's recent Sincerely Yours, The Dance Floor project.

Theo writes on his tumblr about the video:

Because it’s the first song on Sincerely Yours, The Dance Floor, the ‘Turn It Up’ video is basically about me being at a crossroads. We used imagery of me sitting in the middle of railroad tracks, and again in the middle of a street, to represent that. It’s like I can either run from being at the crossroads aimlessly without a plan, or I can just sit there, brace the impact of what’s to come and deal with it. In the end, with dignity, I opt to stay the course. I can say this much, I’m so far pleased with the results of that decision.

The video is directed by my go-to team of auteurs Albert Huerta and CPA. They also manned the lens for “Final Fantasy” and “Power”.

Enjoy & thank you.

The track is dope. Theo Martins is dope. Plus he's down with #TeamTopsiders. Ha! Enjoy the vid!

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

TheSeKondElement & Bettis in 6th St Can Hear It

TheSeKondElement & Bettis in: 6th St Can Hear It from TheSeKondElement TheACE on Vimeo.

TheSeKondElement has been featured on the site a few times. I dig her sound. She has this old school vibe with new school bars. Her rhymes are deep and always well thought out. It's like spoken word meets a dope beat. She's talented. Anyway, she was down at SXSW (like the rest of the music universe) last week. I caught this video from her camp as her and drummer Bettis take over 6th Street in Austin with a live performance. You gotta love this type of energy. Dope. Enjoy the vid.

TeamT2E.com

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

John Legend "Rolling In The Deep" (Adele Cover)

Personally, I haven't taken kindly to folks doing covers of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep." In my opinion what she did musically on the track was perfect. PERFECT.

I've heard a lot of covers, from amatuers to professionals and have been straight on all of them. All of them until this stripped down acappella version from John Legend. Is it better? Hell no, because Adele put her foot into "Rolling In The Deep". But what John does is dope. It would have been really fresh if John kept in Adele's background vocals or maybe added a choir to the background. Nonetheless, I dig it.

What are your thoughts?



Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

What I'm Watching (3/24/11): Big K.R.I.T., Stanza, Top $ Raz and Relic

Over the last few days a gang of fresh videos from the likes of Big K.R.I.T., Stanza, Top $ Raz and Relic have hit my inbox and the Internets! Four videos for four dope tracks from four fresh emcees. Shiiiiiiit. Enjoy them all after the jump. Chea!

Interview: Pharoahe Monch x TheComeUpShow.com x Mac Miller

The homie Chedo chops it up with Pharoahe Monch and Mac Miller in recent interviews for The Come Up Show. Chedo stays on his interview grind. Salute! Enjoy the interviews.

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It ... Cesar Luciano - "“Someday (I Made It)", "All Gone ft Big Rich & Girls Aloud" and Interview

Check out these cuts by Cesar Luciano that came in the inbox. It sounds pretty good so I am posting it to get your point of view. Also, be on the lookout for his mixtape next month.

Cesar Luciano is a new artist who was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and spent his childhood in the Bronx, NY (Boogie Down) and now resides in Providence, Rhode Island.

Cesar will release his debut mixtape, The Great Depression, in April and the first leak from the project was “Someday” (I Made It).

Cesar Luciano’s “Someday” (I Made It)


Cesar Luciano f/Big Rich & Girls Aloud "All Gone"

Cesar Luciano “The Great Depression” Interview:

Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

2K Sports Partners with Duck Down Music For the Second Installment of the NBA® 2K12 Soundtrack Contest

Get your beats and bars together producers and emcees. Check out details below. Chea!

2K Sports and Duck Down Music announced today that the NBA® 2K12 producer and MC contests have officially begun. Aspiring producers and MCs will be able to enter the contest and submit their music for the upcoming NBA 2K12 soundtrack by uploading a sample-free beat or clean track.

"We're thrilled to partner with Duck Down Music again to find the best aspiring producers and MCs to create an original track for NBA 2K12," said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing, 2K Sports. "With over two thousand producers and MCs having entered last year, we expect to have an even greater number of participants as we continue to set the standard for game soundtracks matched with in-game innovations."

Last year, fans had the ability to cast their vote for the overall winner of both phases. After a combined 250,000 votes were cast, Bayroot productions and MC Young Automatik were chosen as the Grand Prize winners. Their song, "Go Hard or Go Home," made the soundtrack for NBA 2K11 and was used in the title's TV commercial, which ran during last year's NBA Finals. The Grand Prize winners also received an all-expense paid trip to New York City to perform their track live and on stage during Duck Down Music's CMJ showcase.

Phase 1: NBA 2K12 Producer Contest

Starting at 12:00 p.m. EDT on March 23, 2011, producers will have two weeks to create one sample-free instrumental. All submissions must be uploaded to a SoundCloud drop box located at www.duckdown.com/nba2K12, as well as NBA 2K and Duck Down Music's Facebook pages by 12:00 p.m. EDT on April 5, 2011. Producers are also encouraged to record video of their beat-making process, which can be included with their final submission.

Duck Down Music A&R and representatives from 2K Sports will select the top-10 instrumentals on April 6, 2011. On April 7, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. EDT, the top-10 selected instrumentals will be streamed online via a custom SoundCloud music player on NBA 2K and Duck Down Music's Facebook pages providing fans with the chance to vote for their favorite track by "liking" the one they feel is the best beat. Voting ends at 12:00 p.m. EDT on April 13, 2011.

The winner of the producer phase will be announced at 12:00 p.m. EDT on April 14, 2011.

Phase 2: NBA 2K12 MC Contest

Starting at 12:00 p.m. EDT on April 14, 2011, MCs will have two weeks to submit one clean (no cursing or references to drugs, sex, violence, gangs, money, etc.) track with their lyrics/chorus over the winning producer's instrumental. MCs are urged to record music that does not include obvious references to basketball and to be creative with their delivery and overall theme. All submissions must be uploaded to the SoundCloud drop box at www.duckdown.com/nba2K12 12:00 p.m. EDT on April 27, 2011.

At 12:00 p.m. EDT on April 29, 2011, after the top-10 songs are determined by Duck Down Music and 2K Sports, they will again be streamed online via a custom SoundCloud music player at NBA 2K and Duck Down Music's Facebook pages. Fans will then have the chance to cast their final vote for their favorite track by "liking" the one they feel is strongest candidate for NBA 2K12. Voting ends at 12:00 p.m. EDT on May 6, 2011.

The winner of the MC phase will be announced at 4:00 p.m. EDT on May 6, 2011.

The Grand Prize winners of the contest, which will consist of one producer and one MC, will have their song placed in the music soundtrack for NBA 2K12. In addition, each winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City, where they will have the special opportunity to perform the song live at Duck Down's CMJ Showcase in October 2011. The top-10 MCs and top-10 producers selected from each phase will also receive premium accounts at SoundCloud, valued at $700.

For full details on rules and regulations, please visit:  
WWW.DUCKDOWN.COM/NBA2K12

Follow the madness: twitter.com/themadbloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It ... Savant, Visions Of the Sun, Mr. Miranda, Random & Medaforacle - "State Bar AZ Cypher" (prod. by Marvel76)

Savant is back with his Crash Course project with check point 6 and yet another pretty dope track presented by Donuts and Milk. I got to personally meet Savant when his tour made a stop in my state and put on a good performance in person. He's a good dude and a better MC. Check out his latest and make sure you click the link to play catch up on the course.

Check point 6 of 2011... #CrashCourse 9. Fresh off of the Abstract Music Group's Spring Tour 2011 of the United States' northeastern region, AMG's Savant (aka Stanstro) links with Donuts & Milk to bring you the latest addition to his Crash Course Leak Series, the 7 emcee posse cut "State Bar AZ Cypher". Laced, scratched and cut by Visions Of the Sun beatsmith Marvel76, and featuring bars from Visions Of the Sun emcees (Hexsagon, Fred Free & Casto), Random (aka MegaRan), Mr. Miranda and Medaforacle, the jawn serves as the definitive answer to the question: "What's Arizona's hip hop scene like"?

Song Title: State Bar AZ, Cypher

Producer: Marvel76 (http://soundcloud.com/marvel76)

Vocals: Savant, Visions Of the Sun (Hexsagon, Fred Free & Casto), Random aka MegaRan, Mr. Miranda & Medaforacle

Stream and download the "Crash Course Leak Series" in its entirety HERE:

http://savantrarebreed.bandcamp.com/album/crash-course-leak-series

--

Regards,
Savant aka Stanstro
http://twitter.com/SavantRAREBREED

http://youtube.com/SavantRAREBREED
http://facebook.com/SavantRAREBREED
http://SavantRAREBREED.bandcamp.com
http://soundcloud.com/SavantRAREBREED

http://reverbnation.com/SavantRAREBREED
http://tammies.com/profile/SavantRAREBREED
http://www.NerdyRottenScoundrels.com
State Bar AZ Cypher (prod. by Marvel76) by Savant aka Stanstro

Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers

Check It ... J.GOOD - "Look On The Brightside"

From the Sauce Fonda produced Intro to the last track touching on subjects of first class coach seats and taking a lady friend wherever in the world she may want to go, this album is a pretty good one. J.GOOD puts in work on the mic backed by cool production. This one got played through easily and enjoyably. He's giving this dope product away for a $1 or for free. What's one dollar?! Cheap and easy support. Check it out!

T.U.S member and Sacramento resident J.Good drops his long awaited debut project. Featuring the likes of Von Pea, L.E.G.A.C.Y, TiRon, El Prez, Ayomari & Keno. With production from Jansport J, Hannibal King, Nefarious and more. Twitter.com/jgoodtus

twitter.com/jgoodtus

jgoodmusic.com

Follow the madness: twitter.com/TheMadBloggers_
Check out more from The Mad Bloggers