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Paz, Jus, & Stoupe or Tip, Phife, & Shaheed?

If you had to pick one you'd rather see released, which one would you pick?

BQ: Favorite beat at the moment?

My choice :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6A0P47WAU0

In the past 10 years?

Based on a balance of quantity/quality of work put out since 03.

curious to see what people have to say.

What's up RHH?!!

Surprisingly, this year wasnt as bad as I thought it would be.

A lot of hidden gems dropped within the last couple of months.

So what are your top 5 albums and honorable mentions?

Mine is Exile's "Radio"....love how he only used samples from a radio.

What's yours?

Lotta good ones out there.

& damn, haven't been on here in a long time.

Havent been on this in a while & I've been on a heavy instrumental mood last couple months (thanks Madlib) and I've come across a couple new & old tracks I'd like to share just to see who likes what on here, and to hopefully put some of you guys on to someone new you've probably never heard before...

so here we go.

1. KanKick - Xtraterretsial Travelin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXU8psOBRno

OR

Shin-Ski - "I Wanted You Down"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II9JQ-HibEM

2. Dela - "Kiss"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTBHBJzlo1E

OR

Dexter - "One For Yusef"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h82LRbx00pc

3.Gramatik - "Don't Get Weary"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRkTMTOFabg

OR

Nefarious! - "Take My Love"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSxH60aCi8Y

4.Bibio - "Fire Ant"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ui2vo9S7wo

OR

Suff Daddy - "Lotta Hydro"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4pG72A1Hy0

5.Slakah The Beatchild - "A Rebel's Vision"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV_ogKFT2d8&feature...

OR

HULK HODN - "Sandig"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVX5VBgngTc

pretty straightforward, just pick the one you like most out of the two.

I tried to post tracks that were meant to be kept as instrumentals so you can really grasp what the producer was trying to do (except for maybe the #3 pair.)

Q2 : Who else besides Madlib would you nominate as Hip-Hop artist of the year so far?

Did you like his new album, and most importantly, do you like the new direction he's going with his music?

I mean, I've always thought Aloe was one of the most underrated rappers in the scene.

But this dude's singing is great too.

Kinda knocked Mos out of my "fav. rapper/singer" spot.

Not to mention he plays a bunch of different instruments and he produces as well.

Pretty complete artist.

So what do you think of Aloe's new style?

"I Need A Dollar"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbVHbEGerRA

"Femme Fatale"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nsh1bLIp-o&feature...

and if you've never heard Aloe rap...

"Acid 9"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzSiQmdVt2s&feature...

"Tell You"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acN36uTX4SE&feature...

This Q is inspired by a show I attended over the weekend, where it was pretty much a couple of local UG Hip-Hop acts gettin together to put on a show. It got surprisingly packed (mostly due to the amount of alcohol being served) but the acts got the crowd moving. This particular act by the name of Urban Disciples really got my attention. When it was all done, I lingered around for a while and saw how the promo team for each of the respective acts where scrambling around trying to get people to buy their CD's. As you can imagine, the vast majority said no. Being the douche that I am, I told them each if I could get a free copy to post their stuff on my blog (non-existent) to try to get their names out there. I was really just trying to see how well put together their albums were. Surprisingly enough, it was pretty good stuff.

So this got me thinking...now that the music industry is flooded more than ever with money hungry artists/CEO's and considering the fact that it's nearly impossible to make it big if you don't know someone important in the biz, is there any real incentive(s) left for up and coming artists who are trying to make music out of the "norm" in a legit way, besides just making music for pleasure?

How hard will it be for artists (like the ones mentioned in the story) to make any sort of money off their talent once CD's become obsolete? (which is sooner than it seems.)

And, should some of the more successful UG artists try to make an effort to help these artists out?

I hear a lot of rappers complaining about the current state of hip-hop, but hardly ever hear what they're doing to try to help out.

Maybe give some of those local cats a chance every now and then.

For Example :

"I'm The N, the A to the S-I-R, If I wasn't, I must've been Escobar." - Nas

"It's The N-O-T-O-R-I-O

U-S you just lay down, slow". - Biggie

& so forth...

My personal fav is by Freddie Foxx on "Mind Frame".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYY_SMm34pk

"To kick control is to take control

They can never have the mind, the body, the soul

of a true emcee, E-M-C-E-E,

F-R-E-D-D,

F-O triple X, disrespect & you'll be crippled next."

he didn't spell out his whole name but still..

Q2: What are your top ten Pete Rock beats?

Q3: What would you say has been the most "well-rounded" album released in the last five years?

*by "well-rounded", I mean an album that both mainstream and underground listeners could thoroughly enjoy, taking lyrics and production into consideration*

What were your fav. rapper and producer doing 10 years ago (2000)?

What projects were they part of or what albums did they release?

Nas = Was part of a compilation album (QB's Finest) consisting of other rappers from Queensbridge (Nature,Cormega,Havoc,Capone, etc.)

Unfortunately it was not as dope as it sounds, in my opinion.

Pete Rock = was putting the final touches on his classic "Petestrumentals" album.

BQ: What instrumental are you feeling at the moment?

I cannot stop bumping this track...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II9JQ-HibEM

What I mean is, how can people complain so much about Hip-Hop being so sexually orientated and seemingly forbid their children from listening to anything remotely related to hip-hop, yet let artists like Rhianna/Katy Perry/Lady Gaga get away without hardly any criticism towards them?

Is it simply because they are females, or in Katy Perry's and Lady Gaga's case, is it because they're white females?

I'm just saying, I think it's probably a lil easier for kids 13-17 to react to lyrics like "I kissed a girl and I liked it" and "Come on rude boy can you get it up/ Is you big enough" more than other hip-hop songs out there at the moment...

idk I was just reading some comments on youtube and it got me thinking about why artists from other genres (and most of the time it's female artists) get less criticism from people yet throw the same amount of sexual content in their music being played on the radio.

(and with a more "direct" approach, at that.)

but anyways, discuss if you'd like.

If not...

Q2 : How important is bass to you when you listen to music?

Do you like soft bass, deep bass, or does it depend on other factors of the song?

What are some songs you enjoy that have heavy bass in them?

What are some songs you enjoy that have very little bass in them?

Some recs. for those looking to bump something outside of their current rotation of music...

For those not interested,scroll down for survey.

1.Ayatollah Jaxx - Hello, Hip-Hop (my rating = 8/10)

After hearing the two leaked tracks from this album a couple months back, I knew I was gonna dig this album, and I did.

It's my favorite album this year so far, and it's one of those albums that makes you feel like you're listening to something brand new but it's really not.

For those who listened to Lushlife's "Cassette City", you might know what I'm talking about.

This album gives off that vibe, great lyricism (nothing that's gonna go over your head) and modern-sounding production with that boom-bap feel.

I'm not comparing it to Lushlife's album, but it's great overall, from the guests on it to the R&B style hooks on some of the tracks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w51oVWRTWc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gruCD0K1DVk

2. Freestyle - Etched in Stone (my rating = 8.5/10)

This is the solo debut album from one of my all time fav. rappers, Freestyle.

Since his days with the rest of the Arsonists crew, his rapping style really stood out and grabbed my attention, more specifically his great annunciation considering how fast he raps.

This album is solid, with not much to dislike about it.

Great lyrics, great messages, and a very listenable album from start to finish.

The only thing holding me back from giving this a higher rating was the production, which wasn't bad, but didn't fit Freestyle's flow at times.

Still great stuff though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN8og8uZvAo&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpAOSDtLbYg&feature...

3. KanKick - Seeing Spirits (my rating = 10/10)

On the last thread I did, KanKick's album was the one most ppl emailed me about, so I'm recommending another one of his albums, and also because I really feel this is a producer that has the potential to be considered top 20 all time.

This album is nothing short of excellent, seriously.

Probably one of the greatest instrumental albums I've heard (without a real concept behind it, just strictly beats) and definitely one of my favs.

Give it a listen and let other ppl know about this dude.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE-a-l9sxh4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVHemNeNIZ0

4.Insight - Targeting Zones (my rating = 9.5/10)

Another artist whom I feel doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

This album combines Insight's intelligent and thought provoking lyrics with great, soulful production, which he almost entirely managed.

Dope listen from start to finish.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAUvUsjYZgk&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr1-l18N3Yk&feature...

5.Hokidoki & Brakkbacda - Underground Sciece

Here's a dope VA album I came across by accident.

A collab. between a bunch of underground MC's I've hardly heard of, compiled by Hokidoki & Brakkbacda.

Yea I know it sounds kinda vague, but trust me this is quality stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGHcX09XvTw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O53oaZZndgA

RHH Survey :

1.Favorite beat at the moment.

2.Favorite Non-RHH song at the moment.

3.Which album, if any, from this year has surprised you the most?

4.Last artist(s) you discovered & post a link to a song you're feeling by him/her/them.

5.What artists do you tend to listen to the most during summer time?

Can anyone recommend me some Cymarshall Law albums or songs?

I heard him featured on a couple tracks and he was pretty dope, but I don't really know much about him and I vaguely remember some users mention him on here.

Which albums/songs should I start off with?

I'd appreciate it...thanks.

RHH2: Which of the upcoming releases this year do you feel could be possible flops?

I know that Memphis waived him off, but how did he fall of so hard this past decade?

Q2: In which team would you like to see Steve Francis play, taking into consideration what he can bring to the table at this point in his career?

Where do you think he would most likely fit in?

So I've been catching up on a lot of albums I haven't really listened to, and came across some that sound pretty good overall.

1. Reach - "Corner Speech" (My Rating = 8/10)

The 2nd album of one of my fav. underground rappers.

Great production (handled by Twelve Beats, great producer from Copenhagen)...

and lyrically wise, Reach describes himself on one of his songs as a rapper with "a bit like Kweli, but got a little Murs in him", and it shows throughout the album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzMGYudc6Fw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soLBs9E9nAY

2. 40 Winks - "More Than Loops" (My Rating = 8.5/10)

One of my top 5 fav. production duos, 40 Winks goes away from the traditional sound of instrumental hip-hop albums with something short (tracks about 2 mins. long) and mellow.

Great album for walking around campus, listening to while you're reading or doing HW, or before going to bed...very smooth & jazzy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVwgHQHPWLU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1UXxL2jKt0

3.Kan Kick - "Beautiful: Opus Of Love Deeper Than Flesh" (My Rating = 9.5/10)

I hadn't listened to this album because there were so many other dope releases in 09, but Kan Kick once again delivers on another great instrumental album.

If you liked Dela's "Changes Of Atmosphere", you'll love this album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xlgUf-Gtd8&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tUc8eB3fx4&feature...

4.The Goats - "Tricks Of The Shade" (My Rating = 10/10)

Kinda old, but came across it while looking for other albums, and have rarely seen it mentioned.

I remember bumping this album to death around the time I got into Kool Keith, and it's quite possibly one of, if not the greatest Hip-Hop concept album of all-time.

Very political album, but the lyrics,production,and skits are all superb.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK5r4V89uQw&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uek5dyBcXE&feature...

RHH Survey :

1.What's the last music video you liked?

2.Which artist(s) do you hear on a daily basis?

3.What part of the day do you listen to music the most?

4.Do you like the new R&B sound on today's Hip-Hop?

5.Do you see yourself listening to Hip-Hop until you're old & gray, or do you think you'll eventually stop listening to it?

"Three Eyes Of The Time"?

Just got through listening to it.

It's pretty interesting...

Production has more of a new sound, but Grouch still brings it on every track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imc1QmPTFCo&feature...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJytnrGQUkw&feature...

What's your take on the sudden resurgence these past two years of rappers who fell off or haven't been active in a while?

And, do you think that by changing their style up to make their music seem a lil bit more "modern" it's helping them, or hurting them?

I've been wanting to ask this for a while because I feel 9th Wonder and Pete Rock are some of the best at remixing tracks....

Who do you think does it better?

What are your fav. remixes by each?

Q2 : What's the last sample you heard on a beat that you immediately recognized?

For me it's Billy Stewart's "Cross My Heart" on Jay Electronica's Exhibit C..

Exhibit C

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s81O9G2IQ0A&feature...

Cross My Heart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY4AGgH6swc

similar to The Roots?

It's too bad there's not many other hip-hop acts that still do live instrumentation (that I know of), but I think it would be nice to seem some new bands rise up in the near future.

Agree or disagree?

Q2: Buy or Sell, If there were more live hip-hop bands, it would make it easier for those who don't listen to hip-hop music to get into it.

I often see non-RHH listeners complain about how making Hip-Hop music requires no skill because it's just rapping over a generic beat...and even though that's as far from the truth as it can get, I believe if there were more groups with live instruments it would more or less appeal to those who think Hip-Hop is all about machine made sounds....just a thought.

Q3: Any fans of Sole on here?

I hardly see him mentioned, and I just got through listening to the "Sole and the Skyrider Band" album and it's pretty dope....plus, their live sets look fun.

Your thoughts on Sole?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YywqSQ6-2Os&feature...

"Assassin's Creed"?

Features include Beanie Sigel, Clipse, Freeway, Jakk Frost, Journalist & Army of the Pharaohs among others...

Along with production by Madlib, Egon, Peanut Butter Wolf, Lil Fame, Da Beatminerz, Bronze Nazareth, & 4th Disciple among others...

Haven't really looked out for anything new from Vinnie in a while, but this looks like it could be a pretty decent album...

Here's the first single from the upcoming album...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY7pjmhkJtY

Thoughts?

What do you think of Vinnie Paz overall, and what are your likes/dislikes about him?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Zulu_Nation...

not sure if this has been brought up before...

-Which principles do you agree with?

-Which principles do you think are still in effect, and which principles do you think have completely gone out the window?

BQ1: How seriously do you think rappers took this at the time it became public (2001)?

On a scale from 1-10.

BQ2 : And do you think it was right for the U.N. to ratify Hip-Hop as a legit, worldwide "culture" based on the principles listed?