DJ Critical Hype: The Art of Slaughterhouse Blends

I stumbled upon this tape on Datpiff. Haven't had time to digest the entire thing, but damn does that Royce "I Owe You" blend sound good.

"I Owe You (Critical Hype Blend)"- Royce Da 5'9"

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Not sure if Critical Hype crafted this beat or not, I'm not familiar with it, but I love the sped and chopped "Shorty Swing My Way" sample. Creativity is certainly not lacking in rap production these days, fuck what you heard. To peep the whole tape, click here.

Trae: Angels By Nature

It's great to see Trae, a major players in the rap game, giving so much back to his community. From public speaking engagements at prisons, high schools, middle schools and hospitals, to dressing up as Santa, this dude does it all. Trae probably does more good in one week than I've done in my entire life. The fact that Houston named a day after him in honor of his efforts needs to get way more ink from the rap journalists.

The best part of this video is seeing how loved and respected he is everywhere he goes.

Killer Mike's Birthday With Adult Swin

Hands down one of the most interesting/talented dudes in the rap game. Period. Great lil' feature with Mike done by the folks at Adult Swim. The part with Miss Ann is hilarious.

Big K.R.I.T. On Def Jam

The more I listen to K.R.I.T., the more I respect his craft. I honestly feel that he is one of the best rap artists out right now. You can quote that.

Although some people in the blogging community have been saying his beats are superior to his lyrics, I find him to be a compellingly honest and passionate lyricist. For evidence, check the track below off of his new, must have mix tape. I feel sorry for you if this isn't on your hard drive yet.

"Children of the World"

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Big news broke yesterday as K.R.I.T. is now officially part of the Def Jam team. I hope this means success and not frustration for this extremely talented individual. The music game is insane right now, and the hip-hop community has seen Def Jam struggle with handling several major talents in recent years. Hopefully K.R.I.T.'s experience with the label is a positive one.

P.S.: Make sure to check out the great piece DX did on K.R.I.T. for DX Next.

DJ Craze and DJ Klever- Scratch Nerds

Remember the days of scratch tapes? When people would gladly go to the ends of the universe for an ISP practice tape featuring 90 straight minutes of scratching over two electro beats. If you detect a hint of snark, it isn't unintentional, because I was one of the people I speak of, and it's easy to poke fun at my then-self now.

However, all snark aside, I do miss those days. There was some really good music being made then, and the whole "turntable as instrument" argument was so valid because turntablism evolved at a mind blowing rate for a solid decade plus. Of course I still view the turntable as an instrument, but there was something special about those years because every time heard a new composition made with tables, records, and a mixer, it seemed like the creators had done the unthinkable. Each new battle or scratch routine seemed to bring the art form to earth shattering new highs.

Happily, during my recent online perusing, I found Craze and Klever's (The Allies) Scratch Nerds. This tape is easier to digest than most scratch tapes without being watered down or short on skills. Craze and Klever were definitely ahead of there time, and the shit they are doing now is so complicated I can't believe I ever though it was possible to reach the same level of skill and showmanship.

Download this tape and take a musical journey down memory lane by clicking here.

Read Klever's back story on the tape by clicking here.

Killer Mike feat. Rock D "Swimming"

New Killer Mike track with some inventive (it's getting harder to find creative words to replace good or different) production by Flying Lotus. This cut is a grower, and after a third listen I think it might be an official summer 2010 banger. Preview/download it by clicking here.

I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind, Vol. 2 was one of the most slept on albums of all time, and I can't wait for Vol. 3. Not to be a obnoxious know-it-all blogger, but if you didn't support Vol. 2 and buy a copy, you should by clicking here. Used copies are going for cheap.

New G-Side

I'll co-sign pretty much anything G-Side/St. 2 Lettaz puts out these days. This video is the truth...St. just sitting in a room full of shoes puffing on green. I love it. There must be something in the water in Huntsville, because their rap scene is ridiculous and is showing no signs of slowing down. Keep inspiring fellas...your shit stays in rotation all the way out here in dub Mass. Shouts to Huntsville Got Starz for posting this.