The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Connecticut: Political Animals - "Wannabe MCs"

Yet another set out of Connecticut helping continue the journey of finding Hip-Hop in places you wouldn't normally look being done by heads you wouldn't give two thoughts about. Definitely a track I'm feeling. They'll be performing at Toad's Place May 20th. Check them out and check this track.

Off Political Animals' MySpace:

POLITICAL “of or relating to your views about social relationships involving authority or power; "political opinions"

ANIMALS “Living beings which can feel things and move freely”

Remember when hip-hop had meaning and substance? When hip-hop was political, thought provoking, and a party all at the same time? Some may feel the genre has lost it’s touch, some even consider the genre “dead.” Hip-hop isn’t dead, it just needed a revival, and that revival is known as POLITICAL ANIMALS. Stampeding their way out of New Haven, CT the group is composed of Sotorios Fedeli on vocals, Jen Harper on bass, and Trenton Wright on drums.

Covering a wide range of topics, POLITICAL ANIMALS make sure their music can be enjoyed by any and every fan of hip-hop. “Wannabe MCs,” is a song which calls out all the artists who follow the latest trends rather than their heart. The tribute song to the Hip-Hop artists who came before them.

In an era where the majority of hip hop artists “press play” and hit the stage, POLITICAL ANIMALS stand out by bringing out the raw sound of hip-hop with a completely live sound. No pre-recorded music, no background beats, just pure Hip-Hop. Laced with funk grooves, break beats, the power of rock, and classic Hip-Hop, their sound is unlike anything you‘ve heard before.

Currently recording their 5 song debut EP for BeazWax records with hip-hop artist/producer Jack Beazly, be prepared for the POLITICAL ANIMAL stampede. POLITICAL ANIMALS will be sure to be playing in your town sooner than you think, because when the animals come through they turn the party into a zoo. This is more than music this is a movement.

“It’s just that animal mentality to turn a dream into reality.”

Political Animals - "Wannabe MCs"


Political Animals' MySpace


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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Connecticut: Asylum Lifetime

Right out Bristol, CT, home of ESPN, Asylum Lifetime comes through on these tracks doing what he does best. I got a word about this MC through the grapevine. Did a little research, found out he has a mixtape out titled "Check The Résumé Mixtape" that you can get hard copies for. Hit him up for ways to get it. I heard these two tracks and had to share. The journey continues....check it.


Asylum Lifetime - "One Hundred featuring Black Flag"



Asylum Lifetime - "Rhyme Cocky featuring Sherm Larock, Red Lo & Black Flag"


Asylum Lifetime's MySpace
Asylum Lifetime's Facebook


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Catch us on the Internets

Each week O and I get together (online) with Khal of RocktheDub.com and Shaun of BeanpiePromotions.com and put together a list of 10 videos you should be watching. We spend half the time telling jokes and the other half watching some incredible videos from some really talented artists. The thing we've noticed is that folks with minimal budgets put together some phenomenal videos. Delorean "Look Alice" is a great example of that.



You can catch the rest of this weeks selections over at Beanpie. Enjoy!

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15 Years of Duck Down Music

I caught this joint in the email.

15 Years of Duck Down Music - ALBUM + NYC RELEASE SHOW (July 13th)

YOU THE FAN HELP DECIDE THE FINAL TRACK LISTING

Duck Down Music is celebrating its 15 Year Anniversary.

Founded in 1995 by Dru Ha & Buckshot, Duck Down Music has sold over 3 million records in its rich history.

The label, currently home to acts such as KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT, 9th Wonder, B-Real of Cypress Hill, Sean Price, Kidz In The Hall, Skyzoo, Smif N Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, Boot Camp Clik, Marco Polo, Torae, Ruste Juxx, DJ Revolution, Team Facelift, Blue Scholars and more, is continuing to thrive in the Independent Hip-Hop scene.

To highlight the 15 year milestone, Duck Down is engaging YOU THE FAN, to help in deciding the final product for the commemorative album - 15 Years of Duck Down Music.

Fans can visit www.duckdown.com/15yearsofduckdownsurvey

There, you'll find a list of the top songs released through Duck Down, beginning in 1995 through 2010. Fans can vote for their favorite song from each year. The song with the most votes from each year will be highly recommended to be included in the final album track listing.

Voting will end June 1st.

On July 13th, just after INDEPENDENCE DAY, the collector's item will be made available strictly as a physical CD. Fans can expect unique packaging in honor of this historic album.

To celebrate the release, Duck Down is taking over BB KINGS in NYC (237 West 42nd Street) with a night of music featuring performances by:

Boot Camp Clik Featuring Sean Price, Buckshot, Smif N Wessun
Pharoahe Monch
Kidz In The Hall
Skyzoo

Music By DJ Evil Dee

Doors 8:00PM

Click Here for Ticket Info

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Download ... Senica Da Misfit x V-12 "Word Is Out"

I caught this from @LGDanjah via twitter. It's a pretty dope project from Senica Da Misfit. I've had it for a few days and I'm finally getting around to posting it up. Check out one of my favorite jawns on the project. Enjoy Senica Da Misfit x V-12.

Zone


Senica Da Misfit x V-12 "Word Is Out" [Click to Download]

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Dope-Ish from @HAZxTHEWORLD x @Signif

Darren Cole x Haz Solo x Signif. Are you kidding? Is this Christmas morning?

I've been following Darren Cole's work for a while (dude is a talented director out of Milwaukee). I've been a fan of Signif (crazy talented emcee) since her "Beutifully Flawed" project. And I've been checking Haz Solo (dope producer and emcee) since our Milwaukee installment of The Journey to Hip-Hop. All three very, very talented in their own right. Cool people too.

So, I have a bit of a double feature for you. Kind of a combined effort of these three talented people. First, catch the visuals for Signif's "Unleashed" directed by Abigail Benavides for Alphabang Productions, edited by the homie Darren Cole. Then you can catch Signif on vocals and Haz Solo on production (including Unleashed) with "The Transition Remixes." Both the video and remix ep are dope. No, seriously, VERY DOPE! Happy Holidays (lol) and enjoy!


Signif "Unleashed" Music Video from Alphabang on Vimeo.

Get The Transition Remixes: hazsolo.bandcamp.com

www.twitter.com/HAZxTHEWORLD
www.signif.bandcamp.com
www.alphabangproductions.com
www.signifthegift.com/blog

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What I'm Watching ... Fashawn - "Samsonite Man featuring Blu"

Fashawn got a dope album in "Boy Meets World". I have his album but dude didn't really punch me in the face lyrically until I saw him perform live when he came through with Brother Ali. Now, I'm listening but right here, I'm watching.



Check him out at Fashawn.net

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Check It ... Super Chron Flight Brothers - "Reggie Miller" (Prod. by Willie Green)

I caught this from the homie Willie Green. Enjoy.

It's been a long time coming, as they say, but finally the new Super Chron Flight Brothers album, Cape Verde, has a release date (June 22nd). So what better to time hit y'all with the first single, "Reggie Miller", produced by the incomparable Willie Green. And while we are at it, here is the tracklisting (or should I say, TV Guide) for Cape Verde. So twist up, turn up the volume and think back on the days when, for better or worse, "skunk" just meant it wasn't completely brown, and the biggest bill you had every month was for your pager.

Cape Verde Tracklisting

1. Reggie Miller
2. Golden Grams
3. GMA
4. Good Country People
5. Travailler
6. B More ft. Zesto
7. Jumpstreet
8. Wheel Of Fortune ft. Masai Bey
9. Double Jeopardy
10. Strangers With Candy
11. Rap City ft. MarQ Spekt
12. The Spin Off
13. 42nd St. ft. Lord Superb, Pastense & HiCoup
14. No Spin Zone
15. Unsolved Mysteries ft. Vordul Mega
16. Emmanuel Goldstein ft. Bigg Jus
17. Nigger Pennies
18. 100 Ft. of Cold Dirt ft. Johnny Voltik
19. Guns And Pussy
20. Paid Programming

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Connecticut: Cee Reed - "King of Dragonmen"

We're not done with our search here in the state of Connecticut. Here, I bring you an MC by the name of Cee Reed out of Danbury, CT. He's been putting in work for some time now and maybe you need to hear it. This track is titled "King of Dragonmen" off his latest album Fight or Flight. Check it out.

In the late 90's CEE took a stab at production, picking up tips from long time friends Stroe, Dirt E Dutch and UVJT. CEE also gained knowledge in the background areas of music. Interning at local record label and getting a certification in Live and Studio Engineering. 2003 CEE REED created Northeast Abilities, which went on to develop a local scene for underground Hip Hop. 5 years as a solo artist CEE REED has released 3 albums and has appeared on several mix cds. Steady on the grind to get his name out CEE REED has a great start. Featured in the New York Times, opening for acts De La Soul, Lupe Fiasco C-Rayz Walz, J-Live, One B Lo, Ok Go, Louis Logic, and Troublemakers to name a few.

Cee Reed - "King of Dragonmen"


Cee Reed's MySpace
Cee Reed's Facebook

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Connecticut: OnCue "Crashing Down"

I've known OnCue for a minute. I have some some 100 plus tracks of his in my iTunes library, some of which were never officially on projects. He's grown a lot as an emcee. He stays working on his music and his concepts are well thought out. Dude did a mixtape called "Cueyfornication" that he dropped last summer over all Red Hot Chili Pepper tracks. It was insane. Earlier today he leaked the first joint off "Cuey Sings the Blues", presented by 2DopeBoyz, Mick Boogie, Terry Urban and Christopher Truth. The young dude is going places and continues to push the boundries with his music. While the Connecticut emcee is in NY for school, I had to include him in the Connecticut installment of The Journey to Hip-Hop. Look out for "Cuey Sings the Blues" dropping at some point in July. Enjoy.



oncue.bandcamp.com
twitter.com/mynamecuey
www.facebook.com/mynamecuey

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Connecticut: Plus - "Choke Hold"

Check out the homie Plus out of Stamford, CT. I forget how I met him but I think it was from a mutual friend that I may have featured on here. Dude hit me up after I told him about the "Journey" we were about to go on. He couldn't wait to be a part of it. Personally, I'm having fun with this. I heard some tracks off his latest album "The Turning Point", which he has written, produced and mixed all himself, and if I know our viewers like I think I do, you're gonna like this. Plus has opened up for Snoop Dogg in Hartford, CT, to House of Pain and La Coka Nostra in Massachusetts to Bone Thugs N' Harmony and Mo Thugs in Florida. Anyways, enough talking....hit the play button!






Plus - "Choke Hold"


To listen to more off his album, click here: "The Turning Point"

Plus' MySpace


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What I'm Watching ... Alicia Keys "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)"

You already know how O and I feel about Alicia Keys (just listen to our commentary on ep 6 of the podcast). Shit, I could also care less about her homewrecking status right now, even though I'd like to still punch Swizz Beatz in the face (I think O would agree) just because. She looks great in this vid (especially the shots in front of the bushes or whatever). Caught the vid from the good folks over at www.thisisrealmusic.com. Check it.

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