Statik Selektah - "The Imperial" feat. Action Bronson, Royce Da 5'9, & Black Thought

Yooooooo! The thug goosebumps this track is giving me..... This is super fire. Statik Selektah, the Phil Jackson on this team of lyrical monsters with Bronson, Royce, and Thought. Shit ain't even fair. Make sure you get that "What Goes Around" dropping August 19th on Showoff/Duck Down Music.



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Pharoahe Monch - "Rapid Eye Movement" featuring Black Thought and DJ Revolution (prod. by Marco Polo)

More dope music by some lyrical veterans in the game along with a DJ and a producer with an amazing track record. This joint is on repeat! Check it.

Pharoahe Monch’s Forthcoming PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) LP Will Be Released On 4-15-2014

With his highly-anticipated fourth solo-LP, “PTSD” (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Pharoahe Monch re-emerges with a new concept project which finds the ground-breaking emcee tackling PTSD; a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. Throughout the duration of the LP, Monch narrates as an independent artist weary from the war against the industry machine and through the struggle of the black male experience in America.

Pharoahe Monch has been at the forefront of lyrical innovation for two-decades now. Not only is he one of Hip-Hop’s preeminent lyricists, crafting intricate rhyme schemes and intelligent raps, but he is also an incisive political and social commentator, using Hip-Hop as a platform for political engagement.

Rapid Eye Movement featuring Black Thought of the Roots Crew, and produced by long time collaborator Marco Polo is the next look from the album and is a lyrical barrage worthy of these two titans.

Pharoahe Monch's "P.T.S.D." (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) will feature guest appearances from Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Denaun Porter, The Stepkids, Vernon Reid and production from Lee Stone, Marco Polo, Jesse West & Quelle Chris.

You can now pre-order Pharoahe Monch’s “P.T.S.D.” at iTunes:itunes.apple.com/us/album/ptsd-po…ress/id791461203

For More Information Please Visit:
twitter.com/pharoahemonch
twitter.com/blackthought
www.facebook.com/pharoahemonch
www.pharoahe.com/
www.warmedia.com/
twitter.com/warmedia

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The Roots - "When The People Cheer"

I love The Roots. They're exactly what I love my Hip-Hop to be. Here, Black Thought and Greg Porn are giving you the opposite of what most of them radio rappers give with stories of life more real than the ones being fictionally painted for you. Dope.

The Roots new single off their upcoming album "And Then You Shoot Your Cousin" Coming Soon on Def Jam Recordings.

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Download: J.PERIOD Presents... #RAGEISBACK

Released some days ago, J. Period blesses us with some more good music inspired by the book of the same name featuring even better than good artists.

J.PERIOD presents #RAGEISBACK, the official music companion to the acclaimed new novel, Rage Is Back, by best-selling author Adam Mansbach. Paying tribute to hip hop culture and its birthplace, New York City, #RAGEISBACK brings together an all-star cast of icons & rising stars for a first-of-its-kind hip hop storybook in the spirit of classic book-and-record sets. Featuring exclusive new tracks from Common (Billboard.com Exclusive) and Talib Kweli produced by J.PERIOD, freestyles from Black Thought (Read more at: Okayplayer.com ), The Kid Daytona, Blu, Homeboy Sandman, Shad and more! With audio book narration by: GZA & Danny Hoch.

Click here to download #RAGEISBACK

For official track listing, visit: Okayplayer.com

About the novel: set against the backdrop of graffiti-era New York, Manbach’s Rage Is Back delivers a mind-bending journey through a subterranean world of epic heroes and villains, and is already being called “the great American graffiti novel”. Rage is Back is currently Amazon.com’s “Book of the Month”.

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Black Thought x J. Period – “Rage Is Back (Freestyle)”

Whenever J. Period and Black Thought get to working together, it's literally and figuratively music to my ears. These dudes got chemistry that's hard to find when they collaborate. Black Thought blesses Nas' classic NY State of Mind beat and if there's anyone that's qualified lyrically, it's definitely Mr. Trotter. Peep the info behind this project and hit play after.

Celebrating the release of Adam Mansbach's acclaimed new novel, Rage Is Back, J.PERIOD recruits legendary Roots front man Black Thought for an exclusive new dub plate collaboration: "Rage Is Back (Freestyle)," the first single off J.PERIOD’s forthcoming “Rage Is Back” tape dropping later this month.
Set against the backdrop of graffiti-era New York, Manbach’s Rage Is Back delivers a mind-bending journey through a subterranean world of epic heroes and villains, and is already being called “the great American graffiti novel”. Rage is Back is currently Amazon.com’s “Book of the Month”: www.amazon.com/Rage-Is-Back-A-Novel

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Talib Kweli - "Art Imitates Life" ft Black Thought & Rah Digga / "One Two" ft. Jae Millz & Oh No

One of my favorite and consistently dope artist in Talib releases two brand new singles off "Prisoner Of Conscious". With features like my all time favorite emcee Black Thought, Brick City's own Rah Digga, Harlem's Jae Millz, and emcee/producer Oh No, I wait in anticipation for yet another ill album to drop. In the meantime, hit play on these two dope tracks. Shoutout to Miss Info for the uploads.



>

Buy the singles here:

Talib Kweli on iTunes

Talib Kweli on Google Play

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Summer Stage 6/17/2012: Rahzel, Questlove, Black Thought, and Groove Theory

Every summer, NYC's City Parks Foundation has FREE concerts in various parks in New York City and the surrounding areas. Yesterday, Rahzel, Questlove, Black Thought, and Groove Theory performed at Central Park. Questlove did a DJ set, while Black Thought and Rahzel performed a few songs over various instrumentals.  Below is The Roots "The Fire" over the Otis beat (WTT). Rahzel backs him up with a bit of beat boxing.
 

Apparently this was the FIRST Groove Theory performance in 16 years. Amel brought her beautiful daughter Sky (who is also her background singer) and she sounds amazing! Like a younger version of Amel, still raw but powerful. The video below is of Amel performing D'Angelo's "Lady" and then going  into Faith Evan's "You Use to Love Me."

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¡MAYDAY! - “TNT Remix” ft. Black Thought, DJ Khaled, Jay Rock, Jon Connor, & Stevie Stone

This remix is insane. Not to mention the fact that it also features my all time favorite emcee in Black Thought. What a combination of lyrical weaponry with the list of features on this track. ¡MAYDAY! continues to amaze me with their music though I already know how talented they are. Peep it for yourself.



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Check It ... Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Videos Pt 1 + 2)

Finally got some videos from the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival here for you guys. With so many amazing artists hitting the stage, as a blogger, I'd have to apologize for the quality of these videos. As a fan, I was so into the show that I missed some opportunities to get videos of a few others, but no apologies here. Haha. From L.A. to Eternia, from Random Axe to Kanye West, I was able to get some good footage for those who missed it or those who wanna relive that day. Check out the first part of videos and make sure you stay tuned to part 2 coming.





Also, if you haven't, check out the pictures from the BHF '11 right here: No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn: Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Recap

Check out more videos by clicking here.

Check It ... Saigon - "Too Long featuring Black Thought"

Saigon's "Greatest Story Never Told" finally saw a release date on February 15th. Possibly a good belated Valentine's Day gift for the fellas, ladies. Haha. Good production, good lyrics, good features. You already know I'm digging this track with one of my favorite MCs ever, Black Thought. What are your thoughts on the entire album?

Saigon - Too Long ft Black Thought


Saigon

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Download ... Money Making Jam Boys "The Prestige: Jam Boy Magic"

What crew is really fucking with The Money Making Jam Boys (S.T.S., Dice Raw, Black Thought, Truck North, P.O.R.N.) lyrically? I'll wait. Ha! This mixtape is serious.

Download. Hit play. Enjoy.

While you wait for the download, enjoy "Friday Night Street Fever."

Download: 10.DEEP Presents THE PRESTIGE: Jam Boy Magic

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EVENT: Black Thought Presents: DJ ?uesto, J.Period Live Mixtape, Money Making Jam Boys, Derrick Hodge & Rakim!

Get your tickets here!


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Check It ... Ghostface x Black Thought "In Tha Park"

At 5:30 this morning I hit play on the advance copy of Ghostface Killah's Apollo Kids. Uh, dope. Before listening to the full project I had heard this Black Thought featured track, which found itself on replay throughout the weekend. Also dope. Initially when I saw all the features on Apollo Kids (the project features Jim Jones, Ugod, Raekwon, Method Man, Redman and the Game among others) I frowned. But the features work. And they work well. Cop that Apollo Kids tomorrow and enjoy "In Tha Park" in the meantime. Chea!



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J.Period Live Mixtape (Illadelph Edition) Featuring Black Thought

Almost 27 minutes of Black Thought and J. Period killing it? Shit, I'll take that. J.Period Live Mixtape (Illadelph Edition) was recorded live while on stage at Toronto’s festival, The Manifesto, September 26, 2010. Presented by Truelements + Lyrics to Go, this live mixtape is dope. You're welcome in advance. Chea!

Download: J. Period Live Mixtape (Illadelph Edition)


J Period & Black Thought Present "The Live Mixtape" illadelph edition @ the 2010 MANIFESTO Festival (OFFICIAL) from themanifesto.ca on Vimeo.


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Black Thought & Mos Def - "75 Bars"

Shoutout to okayplayer.com for this clip! Mos Def and Black Thought go back and forth on 75 Bars. Gotta love a dope MC who respects and gets hyped up by another dope MC.

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Tha Lady Blogga: Hip Hop BET… Really?

Despite my wanting to watch the opening Cavs and Celtics game, my Twitter fam quickly convinced me to watch the BET Hip Hop Awards. I was watching the Tweets and laughing hysterically. Soon I joined the fun.

Let me just say that BET always guarantees disappointment. The over display of Gucci Mane (aka Leather Lips) and Soulja Boy Tell Em (aka Mr. Sharpie Shape Up) was just ridiculous. Every other performance featured those two fools and since this was a “Hip Hop” show, I couldn’t figure out why. It’s not like they are real Hip Hop artists. Hip Flop is more like it. Souljah Boy came out with his Sharpie hairline and at first glance, I thought he was Flava Flav. His marketing team put together a helluva package. He came onto the stage looking uncomfortably “hard and from the hood”. Saggy skinny jeans and a bunch of hollow gold around his neck. He looked terrible. His outfit was definitely influenced by his woman (ahem… Trina). As for the performance well, you already know. I had to listen and rewind the performance a few times to hear what he was saying. He and Gucci Mane need to see a speech therapist because their speaking skills are the worst. Gucci raps like he has a mouth full of marbles … How the hell did he get a record deal sounding like that? I guess that masks his wack-ass lyrics.

And can somebody please direct Jim Jones to the shower ... Mmmmmkay?

Oh and Busta, Canal Street is not the place for Award gear. Perhaps you could pick up an accessory or two but a whole outfit, no bueno.

They did re-birth a lot of artists who we haven’t seen in awhile. Missy Elliot (who had some fabulous hair *makes salon appointment*), the Goodie Mob reunion was great!! Cee-Lo looks like he shrunk though. Snoop was there too looking fabulous with his Dominican blow-out. I hope those young boys had their notepads out because Snoop knows how to do the damn thang. The show opened with Jay-Z (O_o) and Jeezy. And after that, every commercial was Jay-Z inspired (that must have been in the performance contract).

Now here’s where BET messed up. This was a Hip Hop show … Right? Well, in between the commercials was a 3-5 minute piece called "The Cypher" … well that was the best part of the show. They could have just played all of those in a row and I would have been happier than a pig in slop. You had artists old, new, non-English speaking rapping in a group and they were freestyling!!! For minutes at a time, BET actually represented Hip Hop. I am by no means a fan but lyrically, Nicki Minaj gave me something to listen to. She definitely needs to ditch that “Barbie” image and her mechanical voice. At that point, she might gain me as a fan (I said MIGHT!) Joe Buddens held his own as well. Gsan did the damn thing in Portuguese (but it would’ve been better without the sub titles #BETfail). Nipsey Hussle is another one to watch. His lyrics are beastly. He sounds a lil Snoopish but I am sure he’ll break free of that copied image and create his own. The best damn Cypher of the night… Mos Def, Black Thought and Eminem with DJ Premier on the 1 and 2’s. Dammit BET, why weren’t these Cypher’s stage performances? That was a humongous programming fail and this is why I think you folks at BET/EBT have no idea what you are doing.

If you missed last night’s Cyphers, here they are. Enjoy the first enjoyably vision ever on BET…

First Group: Nicki Minaj, Joe Buddens, Crown Royyal, Buckshot. Second Group: Nipsey Hussle, KRS-One, Gsan and Wale. Third Group: Mos Def, Black Thought and Eminem




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J. Period + Black Thought "Brooklyn Go Hard"

We posted the full video but Black Thought really goes in on Brooklyn Go Hard, so we just posted that part of the clip. J. Period pretty much did a live mixtape during his set and Black Thought ripped it!

J.Period & Black Thought "Brooklyn Go Hard" (Live @ Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 2009) from J.Period on Vimeo.

Check out our other post on Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival for the full Black Thought performance

"Brooklyn we go hard..." Black Thought at Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival

I've seen The Roots perform almost a dozen times! The band is crazy and Black Thought really goes in! On Saturday, it was just Black Thought who hit the stage with a surprise visit at the main event for the Fifth Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. Thought ripped it for almost 8 minutes! Both O and I are big fans of Black Thought and definitely enjoyed his performance! We'll be posting more from the Hip Hop Festival over the next day or so. So many great emcees performed! While it rained on and off on Saturday, it was great to be at the show enjoying some GREAT hip hop!

Peace to ReachNYC.com for posting the video on YouTube.



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MOS DEF proposes "The Battle in New Orleans"

So I get a message from @OneAndOnlyKema on twitter hitting me up on the info about MOS DEF talking about doing a friendly competition styled battle in New Orleans. According to this YouTube video (shout out to @Knowledgium for posting the link), he was previously recorded candidly and unknowing the video would get out, speaking on a few artists that proclaim that they're the greatest rapper alive. He spoke on one artist in particular. That artist is Jay-Z. His point is that he doesn't see much sense in calling yourself the greatest without really ever having to defend that claim. Especially when a Slick Rick who, quoting Mos Def, is still very alive and well, and Rakim as well. He doesn't like the fact that someone in his circle leaked the video but at the same time, he's not backing out.

It seems that in all honesty, he's just defending some of the pioneers that are still able to put it down on the mic. No beef. And in a friendly competition to showcase these MCs talents, they can get a chance to prove their claim. Personally, I think it's a very, very great idea and would probably do so much good for hip hop. Maybe with the state of music this game is in, some of these artists should consider it. Tell me you wouldn't watch a battle featuring Morgan State vs Grambling for the Battle of the Bands, Kid Capri vs Biz Markie for DJs, Kanye vs Swizz for the Battle of the Beats, the Battle Royal is a 5 man team which he says he'd be a captain for that consist of Black Thought, Jay Electronica, MF Doom, Nas, and Jay-Z could put his team together for a $10 million dollar pot. Why would you turn that down? Unless.........you can't back it up.





Regardless, I should start campaigning to get this event started. Somehow. Someway. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and marking my calendar! You ready? The BOOGIE MAN is! Haha.


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What I'm Listening To...Big Pun ft. Black Thought

It was rumored that when Big Pun came up with the idea to do a track called Super Lyrical, that many would assume he would enlist a well known lyricist by the name of Canibus. But as it turned out, he chose an MC I consider in my top 5 all time, possibly top 3 easy. Black Thought of The Legendary Roots Crew definitely made most of his opportunity to shine with the first Latin rapper to go platinum. Track is still so ill to this day. Anytime my mp3 player lands on this track randomly, I can't help but blast the volume up and hit repeat about 3-4 times. Check it out...



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