The Midwest Lineup 1989-2005

Steppin' to the plate today we have a bunch of hard hitters out of the bread belt. I am bringing you volumes 3-5 in my midwest series First to bat is number three which is the only one of 21 volumes with a few tracks that came out in 2000 or later. Beginning at volume 4, the rest of them are strictly 90's selections. If you need the 1st two volumes these are the links:

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2009/05/midwest-starting-line.html

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2009/12/midwest-series-volume-2-1989-1997.html

Volume 3 --

One of my favorite cuts here is definitely 'Phantoms Of The Opera'. I know this classic banger has been heard around the way for years and I had to include it here. Essential underground vs the industry type rap. I can't get enough of the beat on 'Two Trains'. Maybe the sound is not your thing but it's played around here all the time. Also check out the beat on 'In Sync'. If anyone wants to hear it I'd be glad to post the full 'Weightless Recordings Battle Raps & Freestyles' release one of these days. Track 6 is one the nicest cuts from that collective. Here's a link and the tracklist.

http://sharebee.com/a35576a2

01 (5:17) Kanser - Love In Your Face (Minnesota 1998)
02 (3:16) Kankick - Live As It Gets (Ft. Medaphor) (2001)
03 (5:08) All Natural - Phantoms Of The Opera (Ft. Allstar) (Chicago 2001)
04 (5:21) Denizen Kane - Two Trains (Chicago 2002)
05 (4:19) Hypnotic The Native Sun - War Of The Gods (1998)
06 (5:14) Manifest, Inkwell and Blueprint - In Sync (Scientific Remix) (Minnesota 2001)
07 (3:49) Qwel - If It Ain't Been In A Pawn Shop, Then It Can't Play The Blues (Chicago 2000)
08 (4:10) Jack Frost - In It 4 Life (1999)
09 (3:47) Black Project - Crown Me (1999)
10 (4:00) Ghost Team - Revenge (2000)
11 (4:48) Brother Ali - Nine Double Em (Minnesota 1999)
12 (0:22) Weightless Recordings Battle Raps & Freestyles - Freestyle 7 (Minnesota 2001)
13 (4:08) Matlock - Get Outta Dodge (Chicago 2002)
14 (4:00) Rubberoom - Street Theme (Filthy Mix)(Chicago 1997)
15 (12:23) The Primeridian - Tatuduhendi (Reprise) (Chicago 2005)
16 (8:20) Organic Mind Unit - (Bonus Track) Hard......Complicated (Minnesota 1997)


Volume 4 --

Kinda on the gangsta tip this time. Playya 1000 is the kind of sound that makes me crank the system. Maybe it's the drawl, maybe it's the infectious beat. Whatever, turn it up. Another one of my favorite tracks is number 6. K-Stone was a veteran of the Detroit Scene. If anyone out there can provide us a comprehensive disograpny of his work that would be dope. I know he had at least 5 releases I can think of. Next up is that timeless midwest anthem from D 2 Tha S. 'Dissin these fools'. Cold blooded lyrics, a moody beat, what more do you need ? If you like that old school delivery don't sleep on Awesome Dre and The J To The D. Here's a link and the tracklist.

http://sharebee.com/b2ee401d

01 (4:52) Big Bur-na - Addikted To Da Streetz (Tulsa 1995)
02 (5:17) Devious Steve - Where I Stay (Indiana 1994)
03 (3:58) Playya 1000 - Foe Da Mil Ticket (Tulsa 1992)
04 (5:16) 16 Keys - Murder One (1994)
05 (3:57) Menace To Society - Menace Niggaz (Michigan 1993)
06 (4:08) K-Stone - Niggas From Detroit (1994)
07 (4:57) D 2 Tha S & Toxic (Of The Chamba) - Dissin These Fools (Chicago 1995)
08 (2:50) Romeo Ryonell - Iskyspook (Kansas City 1994)
09 (3:59) Blu (Of Criminal Division) - I Rush Niggas (Michigan 1993)
10 (4:02) Swolts - Casanova 1973 (Chicago 1996)
11 (4:10) Thawfor - Dagger Of The Mind (Chicago 1995)
12 (5:02) Chill Will - In The Park After Dark (Chicago 1995)
13 (3:58) Insane Rhyme Slangaz - Side Effects (Flint 1995)
14 (5:36) Awesome Dre - Deadlier Than Strichnine (Detroit 1993)
15 (5:14) The J To The D - Fuck That (Detroit 1991)


Volume 5 --

Volume 5 is one the volumes I like most of all 21 midwest compilations I've put together. The remix for 'Suicide' is dope as hell. I'm not really a fan of Twista but this track is tight. Another standout is 'Detroit Madness'. This is probably the best thing on his album. To be honest Daddy Hill can't rap his way out of a paper bag but the cheesy beat and female background vocals have me hooked like crack. Make sure to listen up when 'Streetwise' comes on. This is one of the doper selections from 'The Hidden Talent Disk'. The album is a bit 'mixed' and unfortunately lives up to it's name on a few songs. Sometimes I like to rescue good cuts from the sea of mediocrity by which they are surrounded so I don't forget about them. Here's a link and the tracklist.

http://sharebee.com/98741df9

01 (1:26) Twista - Suicide Remix (Chicago 1992)
02 (1:18) Capital D & The Molemen - Midnight (Chicago 1999)
03 (5:12) The Ill State Assassins - Hardcore Crew (Chicago 1995)
04 (3:31) B.O.E. - Black On Earth (1995)
05 (3:14) M.F. 911 - Shots Cold Gunnin' (Detroit 1993)
06 (4:37) Daddy Hill - Detroit Madness (1997)
07 (3:40) Six Pak - Living Nightmare (Chicago 1995)
08 (4:08) Da Flint Connection - Death B-4 Dishonesty (1994)
09 (3:48) Nettwork - Walkin' Thru The Graveyard (Flint 1994)
10 (3:33) Awol - Trilogy (Detroit 1993)
11 (6:06) The Speedknot Mobstaz - One Shot One Kill (Chicago 1995)
12 (8:20) Hynpnotic The Native Sun - Kallsiti 3K (Minnesota 1998)
13 (1:46) Magnetic Personalities - Insectacide Prelude To A Dark (Minnesota 1995)
14 (3:55) B-Movie Fiendz - Streetwise (With Mic One & Thawfor) (Chicago 1997)
15 (3:53) Fo Deep - Mutha Nature (Flint 1994)
16 (3:51) Shade Luv X - Local (Minneapolis 1993)
17 (4:01) H.M.H. - Yo Play Radio Joint (Michigan 1994)
18 (3:00) Esham - Some Old Wicket Shit!!! (Detroit 1990)

There's a fair amount of music here. I'm sure some of these groups are familiar to you already, I'm hoping a few will you'll be playing for the first time. Leave some comments, let me know which cities you're interested in and who you want to hear more from.

For those who missed it, I posted volumes 6-9 here:

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2008/10/thought-id-post-some-midwest-material.html

Thanks for listening, enjoy!

--Schenectadyfan

Great EPs: E-40 - "The Mailman"

Fresh from the "Illest EPs Ever" thread over at the forum, here's a Bay Area classic from the legendary 40 Fonzarelli.

Originally released in 1994, The Mail Man follows the trends set on previous efforts such as Mr. Flamboyant and Federal; E-40 kicks rapid-fire, humorous tales thick with his trademark "slanguage" over slumping mobb-style beats produced by Studio Ton and 40-Water himself. However, what distinguishes this EP from those earlier releases is a more polished, consistent sound; this most likely stems from the major-label backing bestowed upon 40 by Jive Record, the imprint that would later re-release his earlier efforts. Along with this improved production, The Mail Man shows 40 really solidifying his now-trademark style, and it shows. So many solid tunes on this record, including the all-time classics "Captain Save-A-Ho" and "Practice Lookin' Hard."

Despite the transgressions made by E-40 over the past 6 years and numerous attempts to tarnish his legacy as a Bay legend, the grip of full-lengths and extended plays that he dropped from 1991 to 1996 more than make up for it. The Mail Man is no exception. So drop ya drawls and get some 40 Water in ya life, yadadibooboo?

1. "Neva Broke"

2. "Bring the Yellow Tape"

3. "Practice Lookin' Hard"

4. "Ballin' Out of Control" (featuring Levitti)

5. "Where the Party At" (featuring The Mossie)

6. "Captain Save a Hoe" (featuring The Click)

7. "Mailman"

8. "Captain Save a Hoe" (Remix) (featuring The Click)

E-40 - "The Mailman" EP

DJ Eclipse's 'Halftime Show'' 12th Anniversary

credit "photo: Robert Adam Mayer"

To celebrate The Halftime Show's 12th Anniversary, DJ Eclipse had a crazy lineup of mc's rhyming in the booth over beats from Krysis, DJ Babu, & DJ Scratch. MC's included legendary Flavor Unit member Chill Rob G, Sadat X, Rhymefest, Torae, Skyzoo, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Tiye Phoenix, Smiley The Ghetto Child, Chace Infinite, Illa Ghee and many more. They also had DJ breaks with the legendary X-Men (aka The X-Ecutioners). For the people who were tuning in live, you were able to see the whole show on video being broadcasted through Ustream.. unfortunately they weren't able to record it. They just posted the live recording from the radio a couple hours ago. Enjoy!

Download (Part 1)

Download (Part 2)

The Halftime Show 12th Anniversary Pictures

-- Thomas V

"Heard this was a party just to say 'F' Solar" Rhymefest

@djbabuforeal "how do i save this video stream"...@DJEVILDEE"did u record?"...@djbabuforeal "no".....@ItsDJEclipse "SMH"

Southern Series Volume 7 (1991-1999)

It's been freezing lately, the roads are sketchy, my pipes are frozen. brr! Somehow I cant help thinking about how nice it must be down there on the south coast. Corpus Christi would do the trick right now. To fight off the cold I'm bringing you more dope shit out of the south today, 1991-1999. Black Saturday is off the hook every time. One of these days soon I'll post the whole ep. You need to hear it if you haven't yet. Favorite tracks for me here are numbers 1, 4, and 8. Like the past volumes, this compilation showcases the breadth and depth of southern hip hop. I hope y'all dig this. Here's a link and the tracklist --

DOWNLOAD

01 (5:18) Black Saturday - 3 D's (Florida 1992)
02 (4:12) Mad Flava - To Tha Break (Texas 1994)
03 (4:06) Da Phlayva - World Premier (South Carolina 1994)
04 (3:55) E.R.C. - Whip'n Ya Ass (Left To Right) (New Orleans 1993)
05 (2:09) Terrorists - Full Scale Attack Intro (Texas 1995)
06 (4:01) Jammin-G - Comin Off (Florida 1995)
07 (2:50) Odd Squad - Smokin Dat Weed (Undaground) (Texas 1994)
08 (4:06) Yall So Stupid - Super Nigga (Atlanta 1994)
09 (2:24) Dawgzillaz - Intro (Florida 1995)
10 (4:07) Native Nuttz - Skinflower (Atlanta 1994)
11 (4:45) 90 MPH - Satisfied (Atlanta 1994)
12 (2:51) Trinity Garden Cartel - In-Hoe (Intro)(Texas 1995)
13 (4:09) 2 Too Many - The Way It Really Happened (Philly I think, woops)(1992)
14 (3:52) FM - Out Of Control (New Orleans 1992)
15 (4:06) B.O.X. - Life of A Gangsta (Texas 1991)
16 (5:10) 11-59 - Question Of Justice (Texas 1994)
17 (3:33) Supastition - Fountain Of Youth (Slopfunkdust Remix) (North Carolina 1999)
18 (5:23) Nefek - The Bad Seed (Texas 1992)
19 (3:38) Dan Prothero - The Get Down (Tennesee 1993)

Now this is tongue-in-cheek, but I hope volume 7 here thaws some of these cold east coast hardened hearts.

--Schenectadyfan

Attn: Bumpy Knuckles - Please Destroy Solar

Okay this shit won't end. Apparently Guru ain't recovering like we had hoped. All the online statements have been bullshit. I don't know how ANYONE can watch these videos and read what has been posted by fellow bloggers, rappers and friends of Guru and still have the nerve to defend Solar. The man is Suge Knighting him and if this continues he'll end up just like Pac did.

I don't know what its going to take but holla at me @bumpyknuckles because I will gladly Paypal you some coin to remove this cancer that is eating away our homie Guru. Every day that passes is just another day of lies, manipulation and greed. Every fan, friend and supporter of the Gang Starr Foundation has to continue to spread the word and continue to pray for Guru. We cannot allow a no-talent hack like Solar do this much damage to a person, the foundation and more importantly the Elam family. He must be removed by any means necessary. Word is bond!





Related:

Solar kills Gang Starr
Exclusive interview with Guru and Solar

Random VLS Drops: Diamond D - What U Heard

Fresh rip at 320kbps

A1. What U Heard [Radio Edit]

A2. "*!*!" What U Heard [Original LP Version]

A3. I'm Outta Here (My Name Is John Doe)

B1. You Can't Front (...It Is Real) [Vocal]

B2. You Can't Front (...It Is Real) [Instrumental]

B3. I'm Outta Here (My Name Is John Doe) [Radio Edit]

[Download full 12" single here.]

This isn't only worth having for the ill cover art, but you also get a great B-Side, featuring Sadat X and Lord Finesse. Everything on this was produced by Diamond D, with Buckwild on the co production for "You Can't Front", Showbiz on "I'm Outta Here", and Lakim Shabazz on "What U Heard".

You know the shit is real, you can't front, jack.

Peep the video for "What U Heard":

--Verge

Step One “Illegal Remixes Vol. 2” (2010)

The first volume of Illegal Remixes assembled by Step One proved quite popular, so here’s another batch of unofficial remixes for you.

There’s a good variety of flavours on this one, ranging from straight-up Hip Hop on the Meth, Xzibit and Mobb Deep tracks, to the reggae re-rubs of the Jungle Brothers and Fugees joints. The West Coast is represented on the ‘West Up!’ remix and the ATL gets a look in with 2 Outkast joints. As with the first set, some of these are ripped from vinyl, others have been posted on blogs and forums. I’ve credited the creators where possible so click the links and show them some love if you like what you hear.


01 A Tribe Called Quest-Stressed Out (Richy Pitch Remix)
Remix by Richy Pitch.

02 B.I.G.-Party and Bullshit (Cosmo Baker Remix)
Remix by Cosmo Baker (one-third of The Rub).

03 Blackalicious-Passion (Strictly4TheLuvOfThaArt Mix)
Remixed by DJ Funkyone aka Funkdoc. Germanys Finest!

04 Fugees-Ready Or Not (Dancehall Remix)
Remixer unknown.

05 Jungle Brothers-Jungle Brother (Drumsong Remix)
From the excellent Upstate Remix series, available at Juno.

06 Method Man feat. Busta Rhymes-What’s Happenin (Showoff Remix)
Remix by Statik Selektah.

07 Mobb Deep-GOD Pt. III (Ron G Remix)
Remix by the Legendary Ron G.

08 Nas-Made You Look (Apache Remix)
Remixed by Gringo Starr for the Nation of 5’6. Nice interview with No Identity Records that happened right about the time the vinyl dropped for this remix.

09 Outkast-Ms. Jackson (Party Flavors Remix)
Remix by Technical & True Blue for Dollar Bill Records.

10 Outkast-Spottieottiedopaliscious (Carl Mo Remix)
Remixed by Carl Mo, courtesy of BLVDST.

11 The Pharcyde-Nuttin' Like (Scientist Remix)
Remix by DJ Scientist.

12 WC Mack 10 & Ice Cube-West Up! (Soul Focus Re-Fix)
Remix by Soul Focus DJs.

13 Xzibit-Paparazzi (White Label Remix)
Remixer unknown.

D O W N L O A D

enjoy,
--dirt_dog

My Tapes by Basta aka KYOZAI Pt. 1

You might know Basta (aka Kyozai) as being the owner of the rare cassette blog, Music-Thingz. Recently, he blessed us with a nice portion of his tape collection at philaflava T.R.O.Y. forum.

Here at The T.R.O.Y. blog, we wanted to give these tapes their deserved shine and Basta the proper recognition he's earned, to the people outside of the philaflava forum.

I will split his tapes in several posts, giving you enough time to digest this massive work. There will be no previews, but c'mon, the hilariously awesome covers alone warrant a download.

Enjoy!

Nes - 4 Yo Ride (Tape Single 1995 Chicago, IL)

DOWNLOAD NES


Condition Red - Don't Get Caught Slipping (1989,Orlando, FL)

DOWNLOAD CONDITION RED


MC Jr Cas - Droppin' Knowledge 1991 (Inglewood, CA)

DOWNLOAD MC JR CAS


Kracked R.I.B.Z. - 125TH ST. (Mindin' my Bid'ness) (1993) (Brooklyn, NY)



DOWNLOAD KRACKED R.I.B.Z.

-- Markshot

Great EPs: Digital Underground: "This Is An EP Release"

You really ain't know hip hop if you ain't know the legendary Digital Underground. Likewise, if you've never danced your ass off to this song at a house party while singing "I once got busy in a Burger King bathroom," then you should probably bounce and go listen to some Flo-Rida or something. These dudes are Oaktown legends, and are unfairly remembered more for the fact that they gave Tupac his start in the industry than the music that they made.

Digital Underground is a fantastic rap group, don't get me wrong. However, I've got to admit that they have their faults, at least musically. As the mighty ego trip Monkey Academy once said, D.U. has "one great album, one decent EP, and far too much bullshit after that." Whereas this may be perceived as a little harsh, there's a modicum of truth to it. Sex Packets is indeed a classic hip hop album; it's bawdy, rambunctious, and totally fun. Unfortunately, after releasing this seminal piece of music, something caused D.U. to fade away into the ether.

So what happened? Too ambitious, indulgent? The constant revolving-door cycle of artists coming in and out of the D.U. camp? The actual bloatation (is that even a word?) of the group into near-Funkadelic status, with dozens of musicians, graphic artists, dancers shuffled into the collective? Who knows. I suppose that's a question for another day and another blog post. For now, we'll be focusing on just one of the other high-quality releases by Digital Underground: 1991's This Is An EP Release.

Essentially a continuation of the Sex Packets sound and themes, This Is An EP Release rides the Parliament vibe, eschewing the sample-driven sound and embracing live instrumentation; this is some of the funkiest organ work you'll ever hear on a rap record. 6 songs deep, all killer and no filler. It might not be the perfect EP but it's pretty damn close. Do yourself a favor: scoop this up and play it next Saturday night. I guarantee it will not disappoint.

1. Same Song

2. Tie the Knot

3. Way We Swing

4. Nuttin' Nis Funky

5. Packet Man (Worth a Packet Remix)

6. Arguin' on the Funk

Grab it!

- Echo Leader

Solar (Yoko Ono) kills Gang Starr

Let's all call a spade a spade. No more sugar coating shit and no more politically correctness. Since Solar has been involved in Guru's career not only has Guru slipped into obscurity but now into a coma. Before you dare come to his defense once again check out the video below. Just read a few press releases he's (Solar) given over the past week.

I'm sure we'll get some emails from his publicist and a few trolls defending him in the comment section but everyone we've ever spoken to that has MEANT something to Hip-hop, some of the most respected rappers and producers today seem to share the same opinion--Solar ruined Guru. Now I don't know what bet Guru lost or how much he is in debt to Solar, but clearly Solar has an agenda and way more control over Guru, his music and health than any business partner (or person) ever should.

Nobody can say Guru has made better music with Solar. Nobody can say Guru has been a better person with Solar. Not one person, friend or family will say Guru has been a happier person with Solar.

I'm not out to assassinate Solar and or career, but without Guru not a single person would have even known or cared who he was. We're not talking about MC Solar from France here. I've spoken with some of the greatest industry figures today and they all say the same thing, Solar is an opportunist who has Guru under a spell. Publicists hate him. Fans of Gang Starr weep and now Guru's own family is ex-communicated. Enough is enough.

I pray Guru pulls through, but I also pray this puts an end to all the ridiculous beef between Mr. Elam and Mr. Martin. If one good thing comes out of this besides, it's that we'll we finally see what WE ALL want to, Gang Starr reuniting.

And before you get it twisted there has been NO other blog with the exception of Preems that has showed love and support to both Guru and DJ Premier.

Check out our interview with Guru and Solar from from last year.

Sincerely,

Every hip-hop fan in the world


(AllHipHop News) Revered rapper Guru released a statement to AllHipHop.com today (March 3) as he recovers from surgery after suffering a heart attack over the weekend.

Guru, born Keith Elam, was briefly comatose due to the heart attack. Doctors successfully operated on the 43-year-old MC on Tuesday (March 2).

"I am doing fine and I am recovering! I'm weak though,” Guru told AllHipHop.com in a statement today. “Solar is the only person who has the accurate info on my situation. Any info from anybody else is false! I appreciate your well wishes and all the love!"

Guru and his family are asking for privacy as he recovers and stressed for fans to continue to send prayers, thoughts and love.

His partner Solar echoed Guru’s comments about the need for privacy but told fans the outlook is positive for the rapper.

Additionally, only Solar will have access to Guru and accurate information regarding the status of his health.

"Guru is resting and doing well after his surgery,” Solar told AllHipHop.com. “The doctors say that he will fully recover from his illness. We thank everyone who send prayers our way and we appreciate the outpouring of love from around the world!”

Solar can be reached by contacting a representative for his publicity firm, Yo-Pr.com.