Q-Tip - Kamaal The Abstract

Tip's 2008 release 'The Renaissance' blew my mind, and he's back again with some mad crazy new album... well it's not exactly new but very OVERDUE. Kamaal The Abstract was meant to be released in 2002 but was seen to be too 'uncommercial' to be put out on the market. Well let's just say that I'm happy that it's finally going to be released this month. Props to my boy Alberto on the hook up!!

I'm feeling Damn You're Cool on some next level, it's my weekend jam!!

Enjoy!!!

Damn You're Cool





Reverber For The Factory

Boon Doc - MPC Fiend

Now I'm on a production tip right now, thinking about the MPC and it wouldn't be complete without posting up an amazing production by a US cat called Boon Doc. My good MPC loving friend Ola hooked me up on this one and I fell in love immediately.

The 1st track is the one that left me gobsmacked.. he chops up
Donnie Hathaway - I'll love you more than you'll ever know

If you sit back, watch, listen and feel no emotion then I recommend you get yourself checked out by a doctor because this guy is packing nothing but musical HEAT..

Pete Rock - MPC 2000 XL

Anyone who knows me I love Pete Rock for his contribution to hip hop, he's a seriously gifted producer. From his work with C.L. to Soul Survivor 1 & 2, Petestrumentals - actually I APPRECIATE IT ALL. I am happy to say that I saw him live at Jazz Cafe earlier this year , playing a phenomenal set and I'll definitely go back next time he comes.

Now I saw this clip a little while ago on youtube and admired the thought that he puts into every track. After my friend got an MPC and I watched it again I was just blown away. With my birthday coming up next month feel free to get me an MPC ;)


Enjoy!!!

Eric Roberson - Music Fan First

Erro has gone and done it again.... Music Fan First is yet ANOTHER fantastic album full of beautiful melodies and lyrics that make you think twice.

I've been blessed enough to hear the tracks at my work, and as always his honey coated vocal chords make me smile!! I haven't had the chance to fully listen to the album but I love Dealing & How Could She Do It.

Rather than post up some music from MFF - I'm going to leave it to you to buy the album or check out his blog for some more info : http://blueerrosoul.blogspot.com. Instead I'm puting up a live version of him performing the Marvin Gaye classic 'Distant Lover'. He did this amazingly at Jazz Cafe earlier this year , and blessed my camera with a lot of love. Just goes to show that Erro is a true performer and extremely talented!!

Keith Murray - Magnifique (Original Rules)

I woke up this morning with the sun blazing through my windows and it made me want to listen to something that just had that chilled, summer vibe and have decided to share it with you too!

There's something Magnifique about an Erick Sermon production laced with lyrics by Mr Murray, the name of the song, just says it all.

"With the technique that I'm usin, choosin, abusin' Got more flow than D'Angelo crusin'"

Keith Murray

Erykah Badu - Next Lifetime

A treat for all the Erykah, Andre, Pete Rock & Meth lovers.

This is one of my favourite videos of all time and I thought I'd share it with you!

Whether you're loved up, just broken up or hating the concept of love - sit back and enjoy the beauty of the track!

In memory of Baatin (Slum Village) 31/07/09

"If people could open their minds....they could see a broader perspective of hip-hop instead of categorizing it as 95-beats-per-minute, loud snares and muffled samples. . It could be anything."
Baatin (2000)

I was shocked after hearing the news yesterday that Baatin had passed away. Even though the details of the death have yet to be released, it's crazy to think that he was just 35 years old and we will never hear another lyric come from his mouth. His voice alone, set him apart from other members of Slum Village, along with his versatility and love of spirituality (not forgetting the famous Turban)


As a massive Slum Village fan, it's sad that there will never be a Reunion ,even though there were plans for the comeback album 'Villa Manifesto' with Elzhi, T3, Baatin and Illa J (Dilla's mad-talented brother). It was hard enough when Dilla died , but for another member to have passed away just makes you think how easy it is to be here one minute and gone another. The loss of these pioneers makes you grateful that music is timeless, that you can make a playlist and sit back for the day and truly appreciate the lyrics and music. That's exactly what I've been doing since I found out about Baatin and I know I'm not the only one.


It goes without saying that he had an extremely rough period when he was constantly being called 'crazy' and 'drugged up'. The biggest shock had to be his Schizophrenia diagnosis which explained why Elzhi though he "had unlawful demons" in him & why he wasn't being "normal". It didn't just stop there, as there was more trouble to come as he temporarily left the group to regain his health, it became apparent that his contract with SV had been terminated. He couldn't afford to pay his bills and subsequently lost his home and his car, which is a blow that I couldn't even comprehend.

Despite his losses, hard times and being shunned as being a Q-Tip wannabe, a crazy Spiritualist, poor lyricist and even crazy. He however always prevailed as being one of the forefathers of SV, for following on where groups like A Tribe Called Quest started, leading the way for groups like Little Brother and even more for making a name for Detroit in the hip hop game.

R.I.P. & may music still live through his spirit.

9th Wonder - True School - Westbury (12/04/09)

2 Shows in a row, it's a hard life but when it's music you love and artists you don't get to see everyday it's definitely worthwhile. Now 9th Wonder to some is merely a name, but for me he's been a fundamental part of my life for a great part of the past 6 years in particular as I really fell in love with music. If there's one thing I love about hip hop it's that it is one of the few genres that truly gives credit to more than just the performer who sings/speaks/emcee's over the MUSIC. The producer is just as appreciated, sometimes even more than the person emcee-ing. I mean there must be songs that you like moreso for the beat than the lyrical content, because I know I have loads!

With a setting of an almost haunted looking bar in Kilburn, it seemed like the last place you'd expect 9th to turn up to for his first UK show but it was definitely a perfect spot. With the likes of Uprock playing that sweet sweet hip hop, pulling out classics by Slum Village, Mobb Deep, Brand Nubian & A Tribe Called Quest there was so much going on that everytime I went to sit down I had to jump up and run back and vibe to the music to enjoy it that little bit more. They definitely had me in the mood for some more hip hop but not just any hip hop, I'm talking about 9th getting on stage and dropping tune after tune - but it didn't quite go that way. That doesn't make it any worse, if anything it made it even better, with the True School Corp stepping on stage with a whole lot of swagger and a million and one tunes - 9th wouldn't drop the tunes for a good 2 hours!

I'm not going to lie, I stood there in amazement thinking "damn this dude is too cocky, standing around sending messages on his Sidekick and he's not even playing a single track".. But as the True School Corp members started bumping their tracks one by one - there was nothing left to complain about, each of the 4 sets (hold up, it takes a little while for it to sink in that I witnessed a good few HOURS worth of the music I love!). The tracks varied from old classics such as Marvin Gaye - Got To Give It Up,Roger & Zapp - Computer Love, Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams , Mint Condition - Breakin My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes) Jodeci - Come & Talk To Me (Remix)  to more recent music such as Erykah Badu's track ; Honey (which most people aren't aware is one of his productions). It didn't stop there though, hip hop came, got played and got PULLED BACK , track by track. I mean come on now me and my boys couldn't take it when 93 'til Infinity dropped - in the words of Sway and King Tech "It's a CLASSIC" and I was hardly going to stand around twiddling my thumbs when I heard the beat drop in the mix - we turned around looked at each other with that look on our face like "we need it to go back at least one time or we just won't be able to sleep tonight" - did we not signal to 9th to take it back, 3 dudes, 1 chick and a whole lot of passion - it went back. But it didn't stop there, Verbal Intercourse dropped, The World Is Yours, T.R.O.Y., When The East Is In The House - you know what I could probably sit and write every song and be content with myself but all I'm trying to convey is the fact that it was an Ill and I mean..... ILL set. Best thing is that I couldn't have been more wrong about 9th's persona, he's anything but cocky, he's dedicated to his music, got really good vibes and was nice enough to show us guys some love after the show and take some pics.  

After seeing Pete Rock in March I fell in love with the concept of seeing producers and DJs playing live sets and whilst I loved the layout of Pete's set (chronological order of tracks that influenced him, tracks from the golden era of hiphop, tracks he produced up until now and tracks he will release in the future) - the 1 hour and a bit set seemed like a godsend but let's just say that True School have REALLY set the standards - with a minimum of 3 hours of REAL music - perfect for us eclectic souls, it's all about hip hop, soul and a whole lot more!

And the last thing I have to say or even ask is "Did I enjoy myself?" - If I didn't enjoy that night, I don't know what enjoyment is. True School brought music back from the dead, they brought the versatility and diversity that people seem to be scared of these days, whilst I love hip hop, there's so much more to music , so many genres that people shouldn't be scared to explore and if people should take home something from that night it would be to stray from the norm of being solely a "hip hop head" and becoming a truly eclectic music lover.

Forget old school , new school -  it's all about true school!

My Show Ratings:

Uprock : 10/10

True School : 10/10

GURU - JAZZMATAZZ (Cargo - 11/04/09)

By this point I'm pretty sure you all know I've been a Guru fan for a while - the show at Carhartt really tainted my views of him as an artist and he truly failed to live up to my expectations. I was contemplating on not even going to see him at Cargo despite already having my ticket up on my wall - was it going to be worth giving him another chance? I mean fair-play it's a paid show and he wouldn't flop on people who'd already paid for their tickets (a sold out event) but what does that say about him as an artist - is he only in it for the money? 

So I swallowed my pride (how dramatic!!) and decided I couldn't let something so stupid stop me from a session of Jazzmatazz. I got in just as him and Solar were rehearsing, was pretty cool to see him practising on stage with his DJ (Doo Wop) & a 2 piece brass band. After an hour or so he returned to the stage - he came out with a whole lot of energy compared to last time at Carhartt - the crowd really loved him. He performed classics and new tracks from his Jazzmatazz collection from Loungin, Keep Your Worries, Jazzy Wayz needless to say, everyone was on a high - with a serious improvement on his first show. I for one was feeling every track ; from the Jazzmatazz to old Gang Starr Ex Girl To Next Girl, Above The Clouds & You Know My Steez (and you know I was so damn excited - because that's the first song that got me into Gang Starr many many years ago). Not forgetting his newest material from the 7 Grand label. 

So it's pretty fair to say that Guru stepped up his game from the Wednesday show and after meeting him he's a pretty cool dude, polite and was a true gentleman (kissing my hand and allsorts - lol) and he definitely did a show that showed off both his Gang Starr classics, those he did on the early Jazzmatazz albums and his newer material with producer Solar. But if there's one complaint I have about the whole performance it's that an artist as renowned as Guru most definitely does NOT need someone doing his ad-libs or backing vocals, Solar is cool for a producer and I'm really trying not to discredit his work or even their partnership but I don't really dig a next dude trying to spit Gang Starr bars - or  even Guru as a solo artist's bars. It might sound pedantic but the only person I wouldn't have minded hearing talk over Guru would've been the DJ, I'm sure it's part of their show to do it together, but Guru is strong enough as an artist not to need Solar backing his vocals. Simple as!

I can't forget to drop this, Guru had a hell of a lot more time for his fans at this show, with a massive plastic bag of CDs that he was selling and signing after the show and taking photos with people. It goes without saying that it was almost surreal seeing a member of a phenomenal hip hop group selling his own CDs for cash on stage, almost saddening, but hey, at least his money won't be going on drink or drugs (or meat for that matter lol). Plus there's nothing like some Guru 2009 memorabilia, and I'm a sucker for anything with a signature on it ; tickets, cd's cheques - bring it on!!

If I could have changed anything I'd ask for: 

1) A larger live band , the 2 piece brass band sounded amazing but add a little bit more and it really would have been unforgettable.

2)Solar to take a bit of a back seat, Guru doesn't need vocal support!

3)A few more Gang Starr tracks (Even though it was a Jazzmatazz affair) - it would have really made my night!!!

My Show Ratings:

Guru : 9/10

Solar : 5/10 

Live Music factor : 8/10 

GURU - LOST AND FOUND (Carhartt Store 08/04/09)

Think Guru - Think Gang Starr : Premo - ill beats - deep rhymes ; You know my steez???

Hip hop like everything else in this world evolves with time and as Premo and Guru went their separate ways  Guru explored and created Jazzmatazz "an experimental fusion of hip hop and jazz"  - some call it a poor cop out - but I love Jazzmatazz, it might not have the intricate Premo productions that brought Gang Starr into the limelight but there was something beautiful about Guru's jazz/hip hop fusion (and all other musicians that are known for making hybrid music, particularly from 87-now) - something that made Saturday nights at home listening to 'Trust Me', 'Certified'  or 'Guidance' satisfying and perfect after a tiring week. With his latest material on 7.0 and 8.0 straying from the Jazzmatazz vibe it would be fair to say Guru was moving on from his Jazz experimentalism , with him even saying that "It's necessary to get upgrades to keep real Hip Hop alive... 8.0 represents that next level growth.". 

I've really been waiting to see what Guru has to bring to the table in 2009 and after missing so many chances to see him live (along with so many other artists - but 2009 is the year to catch up!) that once I found out he had a show at Cargo performing Jazzmatazz I copped my ticket - and then when I saw he had a free show performing alongside Solar in the same week at the Carhartt Store (thanks to Charlee Brown @ Vision) - I'd hit the JACKPOT!!! Guru twice in a week? Damn, life is good!!

So the layout at the Carhartt store was ILL, the free energy drinks and beer had the crowd on a high especially with Mr Thing's  tune selection from Raekwon to Big L to MOP to Dead Prez  - Hip Hop was in the house.  Mystro was a wicked host - got us all vibing, laughing and enjoying the night.  The supporting acts got us on a roll with Scandal dropping some deep bars , Professor Green with sick beats especially 'Don't Let Go' (With the En Vogue sample) and a whole lot of stage presence (and a free copy of 'The Green EP')  that had me hyped up for Guru!!!! 

 I wasn't expecting too much,  it was free after all, it's a bit of a promotion for his new material and a treat for us Gang Starr/Guru fans - all I really thought we'd get was a Gang Starr medley and maybe 2 or 3 tracks?  Mass Appeal dropped and the crowd was raring for more - I was like 'this is what I need after a hard days work, Guru up in my face dropping bars to beats I've loved for years!' He dropped another two tracks , including Divine Rule from 8.0 and an accapella. Straight after he plugged his album name and  asked for us to cop it he stepped off stage...... BOOO's were heard within moments , who would think that a hip hop legend get that kind of response? And who would think he'd do a 5 minute show? 

I know 8.0 is called Lost and Found (and I'll definitely put up my review of it next week) - but for my first Guru show I LOST a little respect for him and FOUND some for the likes of Scandal , Professor Green, Mr Thing & Mystro who came HARD!!!

I hope he pulls it off at Cargo on Saturday!!!!

My Show Ratings :

 Guru = 5/10 

 

 Mr Thing = 10/10

 Scandal = 9/10

 Professor Green = 8/10

 Mystro = 9/10