Acid Reign "Diversity"

A few months back Uncommon Records announced the addition of Acid Reign (Gajah & BeOnd) to the New York based indie label. With Uncommon the LA underground crew dropped Diversity, their debut LP, a few days ago. As the press release said, "Diversity as an album is just that, DIVERSE." And I agree. It's that diversity that makes it unique and enjoyable. The production (EQ, Nasa, OoloO the Wize and more) is solid. The content is fresh. And the features (Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Myka 9, Nga Fish, Rifleman (aka Ellay Khule), Graves, Olmeca and Neila) are on point. At the very least the project is worth a listen. I vibed with at least 90% of it (and that says a lot based on some of the music I receive on a weekly basis). Enjoy.



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EVENT: Fat Beats May Pop Up Shop (5/21/11)

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Gearing Up For The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

BHF 2011 headliner, Q-Tip

Canadian Rapper Shad

Yeah buddy, it's that time of year again. You know, when the Brooklyn Bodega rolls out their line-up for the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. O and I have attended the last few years, rain and shine. We've peeped some pretty dope live performances, enjoyed good food, drank and have met up with some fresh people.

BHF is where we met Lady Blogga for the first time in person after being cool for months online. BHF is where we met YC The Cynic, Dremur, Willie Green and many other dope NYC underground staples for the first time in person after posting much of their stuff on the site. BHF is where we met Jessica Estevez of iheartdilla.com for the first time after connecting online.

Eternia @ PAID DUES FESTIVAL by Ty Watkins

We're already looking forward to this year's event with its' headliner Q-Tip. But I'm also excited to check out Shad and Eternia, two Canadian artists who have been among my top 10 favorite music folks for over two years. I'm also excited about performances from NYC underground legend Homeboy Sandman and newcomer female emcee Nitty Scott. And they aren't even done announcing the line up, not to mention who Q-Tip may be bringing. I've already taken the time off from work. And word is a few other good people will be in town, including my boss over at skyyhookradio.com. I'm looking forward to building, networking and connecting with some good people again this year in Brooklyn. Are you down?

One of the hardest working members of the NYC underground Hip-Hop scene, Homeboy Sandman

The week-long Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival kicks off July 11 and culminates with the Family Day and Main Stage Performances on July 16. Throughout the week they'll be a salute to the DJs, the Brooklyn Bodega will have a recognition awards night, in addition to their education initiative and other events. I usually kick it for the tail end of the week. If you're in the city, you should make time. I mean, let's get together for drinks, they're on you. Ha!

In the meantime, look out for more updates as we approach the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival this year. Also, get out and support Show & Prove tonight, with some live performances from folks vying for their chance to perform in July on the main stage.

Stay tuned.

For more information:
www.brooklynbodega.com

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What I'm Watching: Adebisi "Rhythmatic"

Just when you think he's done, he delivers more. Adebisi returns with another video from his TMB presented Blaxploitation Mixtape. According to Adebisi he has a few more videos lined up before he's ready to "retire" the project and drop Part II of Blaxploitation. So, in the meantime enjoy the Damon S. Joy directed video. Shouts to Signif with the cameo too. I see you. Chea!



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e.d.g.e. x Steel "24"

I hadn't heard much from e.d.g.e. in recent weeks. This was a guy putting out three or more tracks per week for a while. So, I shot him an email the day before yesterday (I could have just said Tuesday) to check in. Then this morning he hit me (and the rest of the internets) with some new music from him and Steel presented by notorietybeinganobody.com. The two offer up a freeverse over Raekwon's Verbal Intercourse. It's fresh. According to e.d.g.e., we should be looking out for more work from the two in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy this cut. Chea!



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Pete Rock x Smif N Wessun x Styles P x Sean Price "That's Hard"

My speakers haven't been the same since I played this joint a dozen times. Enjoy the new Pete Rock x Smif N Wessun joint featuring Styles P and Sean Price. Yeah, That's Hard. Look out for Pete Rock & Smif N Wessun's upcoming project Monumental due out June 28th on Duck Down Music. In the meantime, enjoy this track. Chea!

  Pete Rock & Smif N Wessun "That's Hard" feat. Styles P & Sean Price by duckdown

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EVENT: Elle Maxwell x Durkl Clothing (5/21/11)

Durkl Clothing and Elle Maxwell join forces presenting a hip-hop and fashion-filled event. Come check out the phenomenal hip-hop emcee from Washington, DC perform some of her latest music along several with others. A Syce Game Sponsored Event. 6pm - 8pm. FREE! (Donations will be accepted). Also Performances by: Lyriciss, Chris Barz, Nate Greyski, JF Coop, Avion, rMell, SiR E.U, 431. Hosted By: Stef Is Dope. Music by: DJ Mista Selecta. Live Art By: Markee Bryant.

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KHB "Ma'waukee"

One of my favorite KingHellBastard tracks, with Stan P shooting footage of KHB opening for W-Tang in Milwaukee back in October. The track produced by Dima TheWhiteRussian with co-production credit going to Reason of 4AR. Enjoy.

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Backpack Jax "Remember the Future"

Call me forgetful. That's fine. I've had this Backpack Jax track in the inbox for a minute. First, I forgot to give it a listen. Then after I listened, I forgot to write myself a note to post it. Yes, I write myself notes of things to post. Yes, I write those notes on a piece of paper. Ha!

Anyway, I really dig the sort of throwback sound of Backpack Jax (Mauikai and Boogie Monsta). The duo are currently working on their EP and this is their title track, "Remember The Future". A unique, chill and laid back sound. Hit play and enjoy. Chea!

Remember the Future (Preview) by BackpackJax

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What EMS Is Watching ... @ULuvTashaRamos - "Dysfunctional"

Now raise your hand if you know how much I ADORE this artist! Ha! Duh right? Anyway, my home girl Tasha hit me up on Twitter to share her new video "Dysfunctional" with me. I love it. Tasha is a ball of fire and feisty. I love the simplicity of it all and the professionalism. So many things come across our desks that aren't and believe me when I say we are more than ecstatic when we have artists that really put the time and effort into their craft. I commend her and her team.

But back to the song! Y'all know how I'm a lyric person and if you're listening, we've all had a bit of dysfunction to deal with. Who hasn't? I think "Dysfunctional" really speaks to a lot of relationships people have we each other and the video gives us a look into that emotion we experience when in said "shit"uation. Her vocals, as always, are on point. And again, I look forward to her next video. If I had to put my bid in, I'd love to see some visuals to "Deeper" and "Pack Up," two of my particular favorites.

Now seriously, like I told you folks last time, if you're not familiar with Natasha Ramos, I'm giving you guys ample opportunity to GET familiar. She's got a great hustle and if she keeps going the route she's going, she's has the talent and ability to be an incredible star. '

You can still download her full mix tape here and if you want to get a peeksy into the songs, you can check out my Favorite Five below. Enjoy!

Natasha Ramos - Dysfunctional (Official Video) from iQ MultiMedia Llc on Vimeo.

Follow Tasha Ramos: twitter.com/ULuvTashaRamos


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What I'm Watching: Random Axe "The Hex"

Dope video for an already dope track. "Random acts happen when Sean Price, Black Milk and Guilty Simpson visit a Motel." Indeed they do. Ha! Enjoy the Todd Angkasuwan directed video.  Random Axe album due June 14th on Duck Down Music. Enjoy the vid in the meantime. Chea!

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Brown Bag AllStars "The Agenda (Marco Polo Remix)"

Not a fan of The Brown Bag AllStars? That's a shame. Well, no time like the present to become a fan of the NYC crew. They just dropped Brown Bag Season, Vol. 1, which you can get in a digital form on iTunes  and physical form on Fatbeats.com. They're celebrating the release of the project with, as J57 put it "good friend Marco Polo" with the Brown Bag AllStars "The Agenda (Marco Polo Remix)." Enjoy.

  The Agenda (Marco Polo Remix) by BrownBagAllStars

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