Live: Black Star, De La Soul & Rakim – London, 10 May 2011

Oh my days. Let me say that again. Oh. My. Days. When you’re a Grumpy Old Man With A Beard ™, hip hop shows don’t really get any bigger than this.

On Sunday, I started hearing whispers that a hip hop show of mini-Rock The Bells proportions was about to be announced in London. But I certainly didn’t expect to hear that Mos Def and Talib Kweli were reuniting for a one-off Black Star show.

Grandiose facts and figures have been floating around that this is the first show they have performed together since 1999. I’m pretty sure that’s rubbish. Or at least semantics. But who really cares? Not me, ‘cause I’ve got a ticket!

But that’s not all, folks: what if I told you that none other than the legendary Rakim will also be gracing the stage? Oh, and let’s not forget De La Soul, either. Oh. My. Days. To get you in the mood, here's a few tunes from the acts on the night:







One thing though – has Rakim ever really been a support act for a hip hop show? I guess there's a first time for everything. You can pick up tickets for the gig - which is being held at the HMV Apollo in Hamersmith, London on 10 May - through HMV or Ticketmaster, but I’d be quick. Aging b-boys are sure to come out of the woodwork for this.

Video: Tyler The Creator - 'Yonkers'

The video for 'Yonkers', the latest tune from L.A. rapper/producer Tyler the Creator is a sight to behold. Why? Well, let's just say that Tyler is a touch intimidating.

I'm not a religious person, but I'm a little wary of any M.C. who calls out Jebus H. Christ in his rhymes. When the same M.C. calls out Bruno Mars in the same rhyme, though...well, then you know he really doesn't give a fuck about anything. Bruno Mars, people! Is nothing sacred? Obviously not.

Tyler don't play, alright. But Tyler does know how to make an interesting tune. And he most definitely knows how to make a thought provoking video. 'Yonkers' is simple, brutally effective, and slightly disturbing throughout, increasing to pretty damn disturbing by the end:

'Yonkers' will feature on Tyler The Creator's new album, Goblin, which is due to be released in April. It looks like Tyler has made a bit of an impression on XL Records too, who have come on board for the project. Read more about it here.

Video: Zane Lowe On All Saints Basement Sessions

All Saints (the British clothing retailer, not the British girl band) have announced their foray into the world of music by launching Basement Sessions, a series of interviews and live performances recorded in the basement of their East London design studios.

Fronted by Christopher Tubbs of Heads Down/BBC 6 Music fame, All Saints say the Basement Sessions "will present live performances, lectures, interviews and unique insights for a global audience featuring new artists, pioneers and bastions within the industry."

The Sessions launched yesterday with a performance from Surfer Blood, but it's the interview with BBC Radio One prime-timer Zane Lowe will be of the most interest to regular visitors of this here blog.

As you may or may not know, Lowe got his start back in my native Nu Zulland (that's Kiwi pronunciation or New Zealand) as a hip hopper, dish washer and eventually video show host.

In the first part of this multi-part video, Lowe talks about his early musical influences, and breaks down one of his first loves - Run DMC. Check it out below:

And while we're at it, hands up who else mimes along to 'Beats To The Rhyme'? I'm with ya, Zane...Classic material:

You can check out more of the Basement Sessions here.

Update:

Check out the second part of the interview below:

New Music: Saigon - 'The Invitation' (Feat. Q-Tip & Fatman Scoop)

Another morsel from Saigon's impending LP, The Greatest Story Never Told, which is set for release next week - 15 February to be precise. Although I'm guessing that will be US-only, and us UK dwellers won't see it for weeks. And then we'll be asked to pay £18 for an import. Bah.

Deep breath...rant over... now back to Saigon. Today's tune is 'The Invitation', featuring the abstract poetic Q-Tip and sir yell-a-lot Fatman Scoop. It's not really the sort of track you'd normally associate with the Fatman though - 'The Invitation' is more of a slow-burning, soulful cut than a club banger.

A top notch beat from Just Blaze (my lord, was he on fire or what when he made this album?), Tip on the chorus, Sai on the rhymes = win/win/win. And FMS doing a bit of yelling at the end (I can't lie - I'm a fan). So let's make it one more win for good measure.

I for one am really looking forward to Saigon finally getting the chance to tell his long-awaited story (more info for iTunes-ers here, if you want to pre-order the album digitally). For now, you can check out a stream of 'The Invitation' below:

Saigon - The Invitation Featuring Q-Tip & Fatman Scoop by kilo4121983

Mix Tape: Stalley - Lincoln Way Nights: Intelligent Trunk Music

A ton of highly touted mix tapes dropped yesterday, with acts like Consequence and Gilbere Forte giving away the fruits of their labour for free to what will undoubtedly be an appreciative crowd.

But to be honest, I haven't the time or the patience to give them all the attention they deserve. Or may not deserve. I guess I'll never know.

There was one mix tape from yesterday's bumper haul that I did deem worthy of the three clicks that it takes to download something (gawd...when did I get so lazy?).

The collection that got the royal nod is by an Ohio-born rapper by the name of Stalley, who is seeking to do something a wee bit different from the pack by creating "intelligent trunk music" on his latest release, the aptly-titled Lincoln Way Nights: Intelligent Trunk Music.

I've heard a lot about Stalley (real name: Kyle Myricks, a.k.a. The Stallion - now the rap name should make sense). The Massillon native (I've never heard of it either) has released a handful of mix tapes over the last few years, and made a few guest appearances (including a slot on Curren$y’s Pilot Talk and Ski Beatz’s almost-mythical 24 Hour Karate School).

After packing up sticks and moving to Brooklyn, New York, he's made even more of a name for himself, appearing on every other hip hop blog out there over the last wee while. So maybe it was a simple case of name recognition that made me decide to check out Lincoln Way Nights: Intelligent Trunk Music.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad I did, because Stalley has managed to pull off his goal by making what is best described as - you guessed it - intelligent trunk music, mixing low end-heavy, bumping beats with soulful samples and non-ign'ant, automobile reference-heavy lyrics.

With a handful of dope cuts, including '330', the Pimp-C tribute 'Monkey Ish' and the Aaron Neville-sampling 'Hercules' amongst others, Lincoln Way Nights: Intelligent Trunk Music is well worth taking the time to check out. Go on. Do eeeeeet. You can download or stream below:

New Music: The Stepkids - 'Shadows On Behalf'

The Stepkids - the latest group to sign to the ever-expanding house of Stone's Throw - have shared the stage with big names in R&B and hop hop, including the likes of Alicia Keys, 50 Cent and Lauryn Hill.

But this trio of singer/songwriters are now stepping out on their own, with a new single, 'Shadows On Behalf', and a self-titled album set for release later this year, cultivating a sound quite unlike any of their past collaborators by mix experimentation and a mash of genres.

The Kids have a ton of musical experience. After starting out on the East Coast jazz and R&B circuit, individual band members went on to share play with the afore-mentioned big names, as well as touring internationally with indie punk band Zox, scoring movies and commercials, and producing solo albums.

But what do they sound like now? Here's how Stone's Throw describes it. Deep breath... annnnd begin: "The Stepkids groove is a fusion of punk and jazz, West African and 1960s folk, neo and classic soul, classic funk and 20th century classical." Annnd... exhale. Is that broad enough for you?

Enough from me. Why not check it out for yourself? You can download 'Shadows On Behalf' by The Step Kids here, or stream it below:

The Stepkids - Shadows On Behalf by stonesthrow

For more information on The Stepkids and their upcoming releases - and to see how I've rather unskillfully mangled their press blurb to create this post - visit www.stonesthrow.com/thestepkids.

Video: Nas & Damian Marley - 'Patience'

Good things take time. So that explains why the video for 'Patience' by Nas & Damian Marley is dropping today, a good eight months after their solid LP Distant Relatives initially hit shelves and hard drives.

For those that can't remember back eight months, 'Patience' is one of the better cuts from Distant Relatives - but it's even better when accompanied by what is a very slick video.

Drected and shot by Nabil Elderkin (most famous for his work with Kanye West, amongst others), 'Patience' has been transported back to the days of the Pharaohs, with Asiatic imagery aplenty.

Watch below as Nasir and D.Marl get all other-worldy on it:


DISTANT RELATIVES "Patience" from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Documentary: J-Dilla - Still Shining

Back in 2006, film maker Brian 'B.Kyle' Atkins put his camera to work in order to document the life and times of legendary producer, the late James 'J-Dilla' Yancey.

Now, on what would have been Dilla's 37th birthday, it seems like the right time for it to see the light of day.

Still Shining covers everything from Dilla's work ethic and range as a producer all the way through to some more personal stories from the likes of Common, Pete Rock, ?uestlove, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu and a slew of other collaborators, family and friends.

Most importantly, there's some quality footage of Dilla himself, whether he's being interviewed, performing live, or creating beats at breakneck speed.

Whether you're a long-time fan or interested to learn more about a revered master of beat making, Still Shining - which clocks in at just shy of 40 minutes - is essential viewing. You can check it out below:

"J.Dilla: Still Shining" from B.Kyle on Vimeo.

New Music: Yungun - 'The Good Ones'

Every February, the hip hop world marks the anniversary of the passing of two of its most revered figures, J Dilla and Big L.

This year, British M.C. Yungun has taken it a step further by releasing 'The Good Ones', a poignant tribute track dedicated to the memory of these two fallen heroes, and utilising the super-smooth beat used by Big L's D.I.T.C. crew for their classic tune 'Day One'.

Over to YG: "I was one of the fortunate few to witness one of Dilla's last performances at the Jazz Café, Camden Town, London on 24 November 2005. Like many, I had heard rumours of his ill health but understood that he had recovered.

"We were shocked to see his condition when he was carried on stage for the show. Performing from a wheelchair, visibly suffering, he managed to give a mesmerising performance of a handful of his best-loved tracks.

"Once he left the stage, the evening evolved into a gathering of like-minded Dilla aficionados, chaired by Frank 'N' Dank and Phat Kat. Concerned for his health, we all just felt blessed to be in the same building.

"A few months later, when the tragic news of his death broke, I wrote what you now hear as the second section of this song. As much as anything, it was a means of coming to terms with my feelings. They were difficult to describe.

"I had never met Dilla, so it was not my place to grieve. Nevertheless, I felt a strong sense of loss for someone whose work had long inspired me. I had always felt this way about Big L, whose tragic death in 1999 robbed us of, in my opinion, one of the most talented (yet underappreciated) MCs of all time.

"Whilst writing my Dilla tribute, I realised that I was doing so around the anniversary of Big L's death. I decided to pay my respects to him too. This track did reach the airwaves when it was first written in 2006 but has never before been released to the general public. It was never (and still isn't) intended for commercial or promotional purposes.

I have only decided to circulate it now in connection with a J Dilla foundation charity event at which I am performing this Sunday 6 February. "J Dilla Changed My Life", presented by The Doctor's Orders at Scala in Kings Cross.

"This yearly charity event is held in order to raise as much money as possible for The J-Dilla Foundation and Lupus UK, extremely worthy causes. I will be there to perform, donate and pay tribute. I hope to see you there too.

"Big L and J Dilla rest in peace."

To download 'The Good Ones', head over to Yungun's BandCamp page.

Mix Tape: Money Making Jam Boys - The Prestige

As promised last week, The Roots-affiliated power posse Money Making Jam Boys have dropped The Prestige, a quality mix tape that packs a punch from start to finish - a commodity that's been in rather short supply as of late.

The Prestige is presented in collaboration with urbane (not urban - subtle difference) clothing label 10.Deep. Here's what they have to say: "10.Deep has linked up with The Money Making Jam Boys’ for their first mixtape release, 'The Prestige: Jam Boy Magic'.

"The Money Making Jam Boys (consisting of Black Thought from the Grammy-winning Roots crew, Dice Raw, Truck North, P.O.R.N. and STS) join Kid Cudi, Wale and Donnis as artists that we have supported and championed as a brand.

"Seamlessly mixed by The Press Play Show’s own Mick Boogie and Terry Urban, The Prestige – sixteen tracks of hot lava – draws equally upon original production by the likes of Frank Knuckles and ?uestlove, and a revisitation of several golden era hip-hop tracks.

"Mix that with cuts by the legendary Jazzy Jeff and you get what many who’ve been privy to preview listens state is the best mixtape release we’ve had to date. We’ll reserve our judgement and let you decide…"

Well, I've already given you my judgement... although I'm now claiming a minor mulligan on the 'quality from start to finish' call - the Denzel Washington intro and Obama outro are doing my fucking head in on the second listen.

But intros and outros don't really count, do they? I'm just being a pedantic so and so. The Prestige is proper hip hop business which won't disappoint even the pickiest of fans.

You can download or stream The Prestige by Money Making Jam Boys here.

Live: Homeboy Sandman @ Vibe Bar, London

Home Boy Sandman has been building a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond, winning over fans with his intricate, multi-syllabic rhyme style.

Now, UK audiences will get a chance to see him in the flesh. Master Sandman will be descending on London's Vibe Bar on Sunday, 13 February to perform - and what's even better news is that it's free!

Doors open at 6, and the show will be wrapped up by 11:30pm, so there's no excuse, school night or not. For more details on the gig, visit the Vibe Bar website.

If you're not up on Homeboy, there's a few things you can do: visit his website, or check out a couple of his tunes, the rather dope 'Parrallel Perpendicular', or the brand-spanking new '72 Bars For Chosenberg' (both below). And then, if you're in London, you can head along to Vibe. Boom!

New Music: Slaughterhouse - 'Everybody Down'/'Sun Doobie'

Underground super group Slaughterhouse had hip hop blogs and chat boards (does anyone actualy visit those anymore?) buzzing when they joined forces and released their self-titled album a year or two back.

The four-man crew of Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9", Joe Budden and Crooked I were a backpacker's wet dream, with their LP touted as a rare moment in time when the underground would reign supreme and skills would translate into sales.

M.Cs with skills over good beats... What could possibly go wrong? I'll tell you what: Many people who spend time online professing their love for underground M.C.s spend most of their time downloading releases. That doesn't help with the old sales figures, really, does it?

As a result, Slauhterhouse only sold 18 copies of their debut album in its first week of release (actually, it was 18,000, but you get the picture). That hasn't put off Eminem - a man who has sold a record or two in his time - though as he recently signed the quartet to his Shady Records imprint. Big tings a'gwan.

Before the Slaughter boys seek to emulate their new boss in the sales stakes, they're releasing a self-titled EP on their soon to be former label, E1.

Who knows how/if life on Shady will change the Slaughterhouse sound, but these two cuts off said EP- the Black Milk-produced 'Everbody Down' and the Mr. Porter-produced 'Sun Doobie', both spotted at Nah Right - are proof that these fellas still know how to make a banging (if not exactly chart-friendly) record:

'Everybody Down':



'Sun Doobie':

New Music: Bilal – The Dollar (Black Milk Remix)

Everyone's favourite crazy crooner Bilal (pictured) is back on deck with a new tune today, tapping one of Detroit' finest post-Dilla beat makers - the mighty Black Milk - to add a little wonkiness to his money-chasing ode, 'The Dollar'.

It might not seem like a match made in heaven at first, but the combination of smooth and hard works pretty damn well, actually. Bilal brings the vocal sugar, while Black turns in a nice of left-of-centre boom bap backing track which allows the lyrics some room to move.

But writing about music is often like dancing about architecture, as the saying goes. So you can make you own mind up by listening to and/or downloading Black Milk's remix of 'The Dollar' by Bilal below:



Oh, and in case you're interested, it turns out that Bilal might not actually be as crazy as he seems to most casual observers, myself included. You can read more here.

Dig deep for one of the creators - DJ Kool Herc

Hip Hop is a money-making paradise for many of the biggest names in the game - but spare a thought for one of the genre's creators and innovators, the mighty DJ Kool Herc.

A few days ago, DJ Premier announced on his radio show that the man who is widely regarded as th 'godfather of hip hop' (thanks to his efforts of being the first DJ to loop the drum breaks on which this music we know and love has been built) is in real need of help.

It turns out that Herc, who can't afford health insurance, has racked up a hospital bill of over $10,000. Add to that the fact that he's in dire need of kidney stone removal surgery, and it's plain to see that the situation isn't great.

$10K isn't a great deal in the scheme of things for the well-lined pockets of hip hop's elite, is it? Hell, Kanye spent $180K on a watch with his face on it... surely he and some of the other big earners (Jigga? Em?) can chuck a few shekels in to help the man who started the ball rolling for their lucrative careers.

For those little folks who want to do their bit, you can mail cheques to Kool Herc Productions at P.O. Box 20472 Huntington Station, NY 11746, or donate through through PayPal to Herc's sister Cindy Campbell at cindycampbell1@aol.com. Every dollar counts, ya'll. In the words of Guru, give the credit where it is due.