The Crackle

This month's "Revisionist History" track is dedicated to what makes this project what it is.  (diggin)  Elbows deep in crates of records and finding that ill break. 

Sly & The Family Stone's "Sing a Simple Song" is easily one of the funkiest drum breaks and has been used by damn near EVERYBODY.  The horns and the drums are simply undeniable.  From Dr. Dre's "Deep Cover" to Digital Underground's "The Humpty Dance" to KRS-One's "Sound of Da Police", this break has simply MADE CLASSIC HIP HOP. 

The copy I found was from when I worked at a record shop in Seattle.  It was in the dollar bin and scratched/well played.  When I dropped the needle and heard how the drums were panned to one side/singled out and it was SO gritty, I just bugged out.  So many cats want to clean up their samples, but I wanted it dirty and even threw it in the SP1200 to give it that 12bit sound. 

This beat was one of the original tracks for the beat tape I made when I 1st thought up this project.  It sat for a long while until I finally came up with something to do with it.  (sadly years)  At the time I moved on from the "Revisionist History" project and I was thinking of using it for the "Basement Sessions" follow up.  I even came up with a concept for releasing this track, but who knows... it may resurface as a promo in the future. But... now with the rebirth of this project I thought I had to drop it for "Revisionist History".

"The Crackle" is simply that... a song about diggin', dope records, the grit, the grime and the imperfections that make records so much more appealing than microwave glossy music in this digital age. 

The Physics - So Funky (video)

The Physics doing what they do and doing it SO well.

Yo! (Ed Lover)

Today I found my "Yo! MTV Raps" trading cards.  It's perfect timing after dropping the "Revisionist History" track the other day.  Check the video.

Peace

Yo!!! Bum Rush the Flow

This month "Revisionist History" is not only going to take on a classic track, but pay homage to a rap institution. 

"Yo! MTV Raps" was to hip hop what "American Bandstand" was to pop music.  Outside of New York, a lot of hip hop music wasn't available to the U.S. and when MTV was innovative, they decided to take a risk by bringing rap music to the masses.  In a few short years music videos became the new medium for music to be consumed by the public.  Video didn't kill the radio star, but consumers didn't have to subscribe to the pseudo Clear Channel top 40 radio rotation anymore.  This was how I heard rap music for the 1st time.  I was with my father and while he flipped through the channels we stumbled across Run-DMC's "It's Tricky" video... and that was it for me.

The program had two sets of hosts.  Fab 5 Freddy did the weekend slot and Ed Lover and Doctor Dre did the daily show.  (not to be confused with Beats by Dr. Dre)  The weekday show, for many, is what defined the look and feel of the program to most people.  Ed and Dre would interview guests, play videos and do skits in-between songs.  One of the regular routines that would occur on the show involved Ed Lover doing his signature dance while Dre dropped Mark the 45 King's "900 Number."  In a time when even the HARDEST of rappers had dancers, the "Ed Lover Dance" fit in perfectly with the music, humor and style of the show.

"Yo!", along with "Pump It Up" and BET's "Rap City" broke boundaries, ground, artists and hip hop to mainstream culture worldwide.   All have come and gone, but the impact they had on hip hop was unmeasurable.  This month's "Revisionist History" track is a flip on the classic loop that Mark the 45 King made and a nod to Ed Lover, the dance he did, the show and the video pioneers that ushered rap music to mainstream America via television.  (the revolution was televised)
 

DJ Ian Head, DJ Center and Joe Blaxx flipping 45s

DJ Ian Head, DJ Center and Joe Blaxx flipping though the 7" joints on some dope ish.

"Battle Anybody" Undercaste Recording Session.

This is a preview of what will be an ill cut featuring Ace-One.  This track has been bubbling for a minute, but it's going to drop on the next solo Dawhud project and will be on some "Meth Vs. Chef" ish. 

A Dedication to "U Suckas!!!"

"Revisionist History" is in full swing as we roll into October and the final sprint of our election season.  BUT, this is the ONLY "Revisionist History" you need to worry about.  Last month, the jump off was a remix to Vintage Dope's debut single, "Cratebangin," with the classic Zapp and Roger "More Bounce to the Ounce" flip.  Now that Summer is over and Fall is upon us, we need something classic that fits that shift.  Cold... hard... and straight up mean.  (The type of joint that when you hear it you make a "who farted" face.)

The Bomb Squad/Public Enemy is responsible for some of the BEST production and albums in hip hop.  That being said, "Black Steal in the Hour of Chaos" is probably the hardest beat ever made.  Chuck D's iconic opening line simply defined a generation and showed the public that there was more to hip hop than party raps.  Rap was big, rap made a statement and the revolution WOULD be televised via MTV.  (back when it was known for music videos)

Issac Hayes' end to end burner, "Hot Buttered Soul" and the track "Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic" painted the backdrop for The Bomb Squad's epic track.  The only thing missing was Chuck D's commanding voice and Flav's distorted "CB" vox on the hook.  The end result was nothing short of a bonified classic.

So, why should we mess with such a dope song?  I honestly don't want to George Lucas my favorite tracks and make Han shoot 2nd.  This project is a platform to make some dope music while revisiting and paying homage to the originals.  (hip hop & source material)  Personally, I've found that I appreciate the music even more after dissecting the beats and rebuilding them.

The beat I made for this month's installment has had long history and it only recently developed into what it is now.  I originally made this beat quite some time ago when I was juggling this, wrapping up "Basement Sessions" and developing what would become "Dub Styles."  After I originally made this beat I let a few people hear it and even asked some cats if they'd be interested in throwing a verse over it.  But... it's easy to have people say they want to do something to a beat, it's HARD to get them to do it.  (I've even heard Jake One and other producers say this regarding their projects) 

Fast forward to when I re-upped this project and after the 1st release.  I was contemplating what to do next and I wasn't really in the mood to put out one of the joints that some people may have already heard.  Also, after the 1st track was released, I wanted to put something out that was just as undeniable as Zapp & Roger.  Once I made that decision, the track started to take shape.  I reworked the beat, listened to a lot of Public Enemy for inspiration and just started writing.  What ended up on tape was a rant about "hustling" rappers in this social media age we live in.  Usually I try to not write something that I think will become dated, but in a way the message is universal. 

So... without any further delay, this month's "Revisionist History" track is dedicated to all "U Suckas."

 

Vintage Dope - Cratebangin'

Hide your records you bacon a$$, trick a$$ DJs!!! 

That pretty much sums it up. 

Vintage Dope is...

Dawhud
Luvva-J
Ryan Fresh

This group/project took a long minute to really find it's sound/concept.  Ultimately, you can say it's genesis came from Ryan Fresh suggesting that I spit over the Kreyshawn "Gucci" beat.  When he first suggested that, I thought he was crazy.  I wasn't going to mess with that beat.  The song is wack, I don't care if it's the ish hipsters, hipster rappers or kids were diggin'.  Ryan then said, "Naw... just flip it on some cratediggin' steeze.  That was the "AH-HA" moment.  Now, that wasn't the moment that the scope of the project really materialized because it wasn't.  Months would go by as we were trying to figure out what we wanted to do, our sound etc. 



We wanted to have something that sounded different than the "Dawhud" tracks because if there's really no difference between the group stuff and the solo stuff, what are you bringing to the table?  (so to speak)  The concept of gangster cratediggin' started to evolve and we started developing it.  What if all the classic west coast gangsta rappers we listened to were also talking about their record collections?  The answer was Vintage Dope. 

It's been a hard project to explain to the people and artists I've talked to, but the moment I've let them hear the music, they all have the same "AH-HA" moment I had when Ryan hipped me.  So... get hip, check it and get ready for more Stone Cold Cratebangin' ISH!!!





And you can't forget the REMIX homie!!!

A.C.E. O.N.E. (Cipher Sessions the writtens)

A.C.E. O.N.E., The Proforms, Breakdown Kings, Indy man about town and Rap Monster, sat down on the cusp of his solo debut for another "Cipher Sessions" installment.  

You've been holding it down in Naptown for quite some time in various rap groups and on your own. Why has it taken so long for you to put out a SOLO record?

I've always wanted to do my 1st solo with a true purpose behind. I def wanted to give my people(fans, supporters, comrades, etc.) the solo they've been waiting on, but it had to have purpose. I personally felt it was time for a "HARD!" Hip Hop album. It's been far too long since I heard something that was just "HARD!". Everyone doesn't do it & a lot can't, but I can & it my 1st SOLO was answer.

A title like "Rap Monster" creates almost larger than life imagery.  I feel that your presence on stage commands that.  There was one time I was at a show and there was this group opening for Keith Murray.  (I don't remember who)  They had you drop a verse on one of there songs and honestly you murdered their entire set in that ONE verse you dropped.  THIS is what I think of when I think of your title.  Was this some of the thinking behind "Rap Monster?"

I remember that gig! Keith Murray's great people! That group was/is my guys Sleeper Cell & that track was/is "Microphone Killers". (Side Note: I did I track w/them & C-Rayz Walz "Outcome" that's killer!)
Rap Monster's an actual title that I've carried since 1998 when I was exclusively wormusic w/Justice League. It does sound colossal for I AM A TITAN! "I tried to explain before unleashing the pain/I'm a mastadon trapped inside a 5'9" frame"

Indy is in many ways the crossroads city to Chicago, Cincinnati, the East Coast and the South.  In my opinion you've been able to capture that in your style.  You've got the look and energy of Mos Def/Yassin Bey, the gruff drawl of Willie D and verbal acrobatics of many great East Coast emcees... basically your style has a universal appeal to MANY listeners without being TOO East Coast, TOO Southern etc.  When you were trying to find your voice as an emcee, was this something you were trying to be aware of or is this an example of your life and influences shaped your style?  (And... where do you find your inspiration?)

Yes sir, I am & have been quite aware of it. I decided in my mid-teens to just do what I want & makes me feel comfortable. I've always truly had more fun doin' me. I did nothing, but freestyle for 3-4 years when I first decided I really wanted to rap/emcee & I feel that most def let me be more me, than any outside influence. I've always listened to & dug variety of artists from all regions, countries, & genres. I've never wanted to rock, like anyone else...I've just wanted to be as good, or better.(The original inspiration was Rakim "I Ain't No Joke", then my cousin Slimm, & always life, as I live & see it.)

Some emcees like writing in the studio with the beat, some people, like GZA, take ages with tracks slowly developing their rhyme... or you have cats, like Jay-Z, pretty much just spit in the booth.  What's your style of writing?

No matter the location; I love the damn near lost art of writing! I admit that I've done quite a bit of typing on the ol' mobile here in the last few years though. I've actually practiced all of those writing styles you mentioned, but I don't prefer to make up on the spot. It's a gift no doubt, but I feel that myself & my rhymes are more focused & put to better use when I write/type/text my words. It's my X-Men theory. All mutants are powerful when unfettered, but in most cases that powers better used & with more impact when channelled & focused properly.

To follow up that question, do you just write and then find a beat that fits what you're saying or does the music/beat speak to you 1st as inspiration to what you write?

I do write many titles, hooks, verses, & even complete songs before ever hearing a beat; if the muse leads me to. I've heard many beats & knew exactly what rhyme's been waiting for it. Some of my production guys have actual built beats around rhyme's I've wrote & rhythm's I've thought of. I'm forever down to write to, or with a beat! There's nothing like the melding of rhythm & rhyme!

Speaking of style, but on the flip side... you've got some dope ish that only you can pull off and look so fresh.  Example: that DOPE A$$ jacket you got?  Another thing my wife always brings up when I mention your name are those ill bracelets.  My wife is honestly envious of those joints.  Where do you get these things and is your fresh style a reflection of you as an emcee?

Wow! The "Brown Bomber" gangster coat I got from "Dope Fiend Carl"! That dude was my guy! He always used to come by pad & try to sell me shit he boosted, but it always the most useless & random shit! HA! He'd try to sell me tampons once, but he knew I didn't have a girl! It was crazy! He borrowed $5 off me once & disappeared for a few months...LOL...when he came back around he was trying to fleece some shit & I asked for my $5. He didn't have it so, he gave me legendary coat. I've always dug bracelets, cuffs, wristbands, gauntlets, etc. I feel I have a true warrior spirit & I've never been uncomfortable outwardly showing it. "Right here, right now I'm takin' a stand/A.C.E. O.N.E. in my Conan B-boy stance". They're a true reflection of me as an individual. I'm always on the hunt for new pieces to my puzzle of madness.

Rap Monster Release Party

Who helped develop, record and produce this record with you?  Did people help direct you or did you just go IN? 

I developed the Rap Monster only, because I am the Rap Monster, but I didn't build the album alone. I recorded 98% of the album with my Proforms/Cut Camp brethren Joe Harvey. All the producers did a bang-up job! There were some beats I heard & had to have, but many were made specifically for me. I helped build on a handful of beats i.e. samples, arrangement. I got awesome input from Joe Harvey & DJ Spoolz, but I already had most of the album's sound in my head.

You're a very busy man in the Indy scene, what do you have on deck along with this project?

I've talked to my friend Devon Ashley, drummer supreme, about forming a live band for the Rap Monster. I'm mad excited about me & DJ Spoolz The Doo Doo Browns aka The Dookie Bros.! Work with The Proforms, Cut Camp, wormusic, The Breakdown Kings, Dead Man's Switch, s.a.i.n.t RECON, & Mic Sol never stops.

Finally and most important... where can people find your debut LP?I'm gonna need everyone to start following Ace One the Rap Monster on Sound Cloud http://soundcloud.com/aceonerapmonster, go check me on Band Camp at
http://aceoneindy.bandcamp.com, & get acquainted with me & my fam at CutCamp.com, TheProforms.com, & wormusic.com. It's time to take over the world...WHO'S COMIN' WITH ME!?!

Vintage Dope "Cratabangin" 9/28

Next week Vintage Dope will officially drop their debut single, "Cratebangin".  You've heard the remix off of the ongoing "Revisionist History" jump off and ish from the snippet tape, but September 28th, it will be here.  In the meantime... peep the samples.

Vintage Dope - "Cratebangin'" (More Bounce Remix)

Here we are, "Revisionist History".  This project has been a long time coming and this monthly installment will be its new incarnation.  Originally "Revisionist History" was going to be a compilation release, but budget issues, emcees and other projects pushed it to the back burner.  As time passed, I had a handful of tracks and numerous beats, but ultimately it was shelved.  (although I did let people hear the rough tracks that were finished)

And that was pretty much it.  It sat... every now and then I'd dig up some records, think of a flip or make a beat, but for the most part... "Revisionist History" was dead.  Then, as I mentioned in a prior post, the whole project was basically resurrected by the simple suggestion from DJ Ian Head to make it a monthly post.  So, BIG shout out to DJ Ian Head for sparking the "revision" of "Revisionist History."

So, how do we set it off?  What should be the 1st release/installment for "Revisionist History?"  Since I've started making beats for this project and collected records, there have been many different tracks/beats to select from.  Bottom line, the jump off needs to be something undeniable, something classic... something that everyone will get.

If you've also heard the hints I dropped on Twitter and Facebook the debut track would be a Vintage Dope release.  This track actually came from making a bulk of beats for the Vintage Dope project and just throwing the vocals of another V-Dope track over the beat I made.  Fast forward to when I decided to reignite this project.  I'm contemplating what to release, thinking about all the things I could do for the jump off and I realize... I have this cut and what better way to help cross promote Vintage Dope than to release this remix.  BOOM!

Zapp & Roger's classic "More Bounce To The Ounce" is probably one of the sickest beats of all time and it helped define a lot of the west coast's sound.  EPMD, South Central Cartel, J. Dilla and COUNTLESS others have used this classic track from Zapp & Roger to make instant heat.  At one point it was so OVER sampled that it was almost a cliche when you'd listen to a random west coast rapper.  (much like Skull Snaps and Substitution break on a lot of east coast hip hop) 

EPMD's classic "You Gots To Chill" is probably one of my favorite flips.

That being said... here's this month's installment of "Revisionish History" and technically the 1st official release from V-Dope.

"Cratebangin' (More Bounce Remix)."

Rasco Show Canceled

No debut for V-dope.  But, Friday there will be a V-Dope debut HERE when the 1st track from "Revisionist History" is released. 

9/20 Vintage Dope at the 1230 room (opening for Rasco)

Vintage Dope will be opening for Rasco at the 1230 Room September 20th.  #UFOAtour
@xperience888
@vintagedope
@soulfatherrasco

Revisionist History

In the last post I mentioned that "Revisionist History" will be an ongoing project and every month a new post/song will be released.

Here's the deal... starting September 7th.  (the 1st Friday).

The 1st Friday EVERY month a different track will be released here and on the KAOS 89.3 "Live from I-5 Hip Hop Block Party."  Some will be solo cuts, some group tracks, some tracks I may only be on the production/decks. 

Keep it locked. 

Down the Pipeline... (The Resurrection of "Revisionist History")

Here we are.  It's August.  A lot's been going down, life has been life etc.  What's cookin'?  What's shakin'?  What's Dawhud been makin'?

Vintage Dope

I know I've been hyping up this project and this is going to be a dope product.  West Coast crate diggin' music.  (str8 cratebangin')  We will have a single out very shortly.  I've got to have a minute to sit down and mess with the mixes. 



Dawhud (solo)

I've been working on tracks that will make up either an EP or a follow up LP to "Basement Sessions".  I currently don't have a title, so at the moment it'll be TBA/Untitled.  I'm also in the plotting stage for a follow up to "Dub Styles".  I enjoyed working on that project so much that I don't want to just walk away from that sound/vibe/concept.  The working title... "Dub Styles: Boombox Redemption".

Finally...

Revisionist History

If you've been reading this blog for a minute you've heard me talk this up.  Long story short this project was put on the back burner due to budget, time, people etc.  I thought about totally abandoning it, but what I already made was too dope to just shelve. 

A little over a month ago I met up with DJ Ian Head as he came through Seattle.  We sat down, had some coffee and chopped it up.  We both were talking about unreleased/shelved projects and what to do.  I somehow brought up the "Revisionist History" and he simply said to put out an exclusive every month. 

So... here's what's going to go down.

Starting in September I will put out a "Revisionist History" track every month.  I'll start with some of the ones that you might have heard and go from there.  Some will have guest MCs... some I will only be doing production on... some will be solo cuts.  This will be an ongoing project and every year the tracks will be compiled into volumes.  (1 comp a year)

Please thank DJ Ian Head for this, I know I do.

Bring That Beat Back - Review of "Basement Sessions"

Bring That Beat Back just posted a review of "Basement Sessions".  Click the hyperlink or see the review below. 

(side note... Bring That Beat Back is one of the illest 206 hip hop spots.  Do the math homie!)

Late Night Marauder

Northwest cat Dawhud put out this debut album in 2008, but it could have easily been from 20 years previous.  Written, performed, and produced by the man himself, this 27-track record, for those reasons alone, is quite an accomplishment.  But this Basement Sessions is more than just a collection of songs, this is a cohesive document from start to finish, that plays out like a well-scripted screenplay.  It's in effect a concept album, that seamlessly combines Dawhud's personal experiences in the world of hip hop with the more universal sounds and concepts immediately identifiable to those of us tuned in to what hip hop was at it's arguable apex. 

To say it's a unique project doesn't quite describe how I feel about this record..  It is an album unlike any other, but when  a term like "unique" is  thrown around one might think of Divine Styler's "Spiral Walls" or Boom Bip, or something else self-indulgent and perhaps difficult to listen to.  Not so here.  Although in its hour-length duration Basement Sessions rarely visits anything remotely similar to today's mainstream hip hop, it is far from difficult or alien listening; and although it's Dawhud's personal story, it manages to be masterfully very un-self-indulgent.  The reason being is that with Basement, Dawhud has peeled back the layers of hip hop down to it's core elements, to something universal, and keeps the language basic, pure, and easily understandable (and quite likable) to anyone familiar with the art form.  Combining the story of his musical upbringing with an appropriate musical backdrop, and using the novel/film Fight Club as a fitting metaphor to weave the albums' many songs, skits, and spoken word fragments into a cohesive, flowing monologue, this is his story of a man lucky enough to come of age at the same time hip hop did, and therefore speaks to a huge cohort of listeners who can immediately feel where he's coming from.  Basement is a colorful patchwork of breaks, funk and jazz loops, classic hip hop samples, and storytelling; with the inclusions of the afore-mentioned skits and historical audio documents to illuminate the story further.

He says it plain early on: he's not out for money, he's out for respect.  It's a reoccurring theme, and it's an attitude that can be applied to his feelings about the commercialization of hip hop in general. But with Basement Sessions he razes all the extraneous garbage that has infested hip hop culture in recent years to the ground - no dilution here, no watering down of the pure essence of hip hop.  The 4 Elements are present, and that's really all that matters.  Dawhud paints a picture of himself that throughout the record comes into focus: That of a young man frustrated with the bullshit in life and in the garbage found in hip hop, and throughout the narrative this man strives to better himself and through him, the art.  

Other reviewers have heard echoes of the second golden age of hip hop when describing this record, but to me I hear more evocation of the first:  I hear Premier's beats in the forefront, Ced Gee and Kool Keith's cadences, KRS's message, Eric B's loop-digging.  Like I hesitate to use the term "unique", I also don't want to say this is "old school", as that implies something tired-out and nostalgic.  But as much as the music and lyricism evoke and pay homage to the golden age of hip hop, there is nothing tired about this record.  This is fresh and vital music, as youthful as the man depicted in the story.  It's vibrant with energy, and that energy flows through the space between the drum breaks, the lyrics, and the loops.  This is true school, that's what it is, and so it never gets old.  There are no tricks here, no gloss, no lasers.  No choruses of "Make money money," no glorification of drug use, no violence, no misogyny, no hating.  At the same time, this isn't some vapid party soundtrack, either.  This is a testament to personal achievement, through hard work, constant refinement, and long, sleepless nights.  This is taking it back to one mic and two turntables - and the holy Akai.  This is strictly beats and rhymes.  Dawhud does it almost completely alone, and as a personal testament it should be that way.  He is more than capable at handling all the chores here. 

Dawhud has other releases out there which I will present shortly, but this is the place to start.  Download it, then put it on a tape, if you can find one, then put it in your walkman or boom box, if you can dig it out of storage.  Turn it on, then listen; remember the past, and use that memory to build a better tomorrow.

Rusty Redenbacher - Lower Snippets

Homie doesn't sleep. Already about to drop a follow up to the "Tinkerer" joint. 

Here's a youtube video with snippets of what he's cooking up for his "Lower" project.

Cut Camp "Dippin" (video)

This is a straight up 1, 2 pass it jawn highlighting some of the illest cats from 317.  (period)  Dope beat, dope rhymes...

Stay FRESH!!!

Dawhud & Wizdom "The Return (like this)" recording session

Working on the next PNW anthem with Wizdom.

Dub Styles Chronic Tape promo

The warm months are still here and what better way to get down than with a copy of the Chronic Tape in your deck.  All orders come with either an instant download from bandcamp or a digital download card.

Special thanks and peace go out to the neighbors across the street that put this JVC jawn on the corner for FREE.

Order now!

Stone Cold Chillin' Session

Recording session with Luvva-J when he was laying his vocals down for the Vintage Dope track "Stone Cold Chillin". 

(featuring a cameo of Max aka Bobo)

Vintage Dope Snippet Tape

V-Dope in the Building!!!

Vintage Dope... I've been dropping hints and talking about this project for a minute, but not releasing anything. Finally, here's a taste of what the project is. To put it simply... Vintage Dope is Cratebangin'. Imagine if NWA, Ice Cube or King T were talking about records as much as they were talking about guns.  


This is a departure from what I normally release as "Dawhud" and we wanted to do that so "Vintage Dope" and "Dawhud" didn't blur together.  I'm really excited about this group because it's got me back into a lot of the west coast rap music that I loved growing up.  I'm diggin' for different records, sounds and making beats that I wouldn't normally do.   

More to come soon...

Wizdom - Foot Soldier (Video)

Sneaker Heads... Get Fresh!!!

Wizdom dropped the 2nd video/single from his slammin' "Unearthed" project with Epidemmik, "Foot Soldier."  If you haven't heard this project, do yourself a favor and check it.

"Foot Soldier" starts off with a nod to "Juice" and then rolls into Nate Burleson's massive collection. Simply F R E S H.





 

The ProForms - Shine (You Better) video

The ProForms are at it again with a video for their 2nd single off of the "Atavism" LP.  Ace, Skittz, Spoolz and Joe Harvey doing what they do best.  You better...

Ever-F.R.E.S.H. (Elevators Vinyls mix)

Preview mix from Ryan Fresh's upcoming "Vinyls" project.  V-Dope in the building! 

Rusty Redenbacher - Slim Get Fonkay

Naptown Slim aka Rusty Redenbacher dropping some heat. 

ATFU foo...

Nine, Ruste Juxx, Shabaam Shadeeq & Red Eye - Burners (Irish Moss Remix)

Irish Moss putting it down on this remix joint. It's so dope to hear emcees like Nine back on the mic. Straight Rediculus...

Sessions/Chronic Tape Combo Pack

Cop both of Dawhud's releases for the low price of $8.00. "Basement Sessions" on CD and the "Dub Styles: Walkman Redemption" limited edition Chronic Tape. (Also includes a download card for "Dub Styles.")

Click on the "shop" section or here for details. 

Rhyme Commission - Poetry In Motion

A few months ago, I was asked by Po' Safe and Big Fletch to drop a verse on a track called "Hall of Famers."  I myself kind of quit following a lot of sports after I really got into music.  (around 5th grade)  Back then the Kingdome was the reigning stadium in Seatown and the Sonics hadn't moved to OK.  So what was I to do?  I spat about what I knew, Seattle sports back then and honestly I really dug how the song turned out.  Little did I know they were working on a full length project and little did I know it'd be out so quickly. 

"Poetry In Motion" is Rhyme Commission's latest LP and it's chock full of Po' Safe's chopped beats and Fletch's rhymes.  When I put this in the deck it honestly put me in the mood to pull out my Dilated Peoples and D.I.T.C. records.  If you're a fan of some classic boom bap... do yourself a favor and support the duo.  

Illin' for Real

The homie, Big Fletch from The Rhyme Commission, took a pic of his copy of "The Chronic Tape," Basement Addicts style. That's what's up!!!

Vintage Dope in the Building

Typical day of txting with Vintage Dope.

The Proforms - Shine (You Better)

If you haven't checked out The Proforms LP, "Atavism," you've been missing out on one of the most solid pieces of Boom Bap to be released recently.  Joe Harvey hit me off with their 2nd single, "Shine (You Better)", and you should all check the product.  

"With the success of their debut single "Get Ready" (reaching #3 on the Rapnetwork Record Breakers Chart and #6 on the RapAttackLives Chart) The ProForm

follow up single "Shine (You Better)" is hard hitting, gritty track that says "seize every opportunity you can to let your message be heard". So let The ProForms message be heard. Also don't forget to check out their video for the debut single "Get Ready" now on Youtube. Thank you."

The Gnu Deal - Yao Ming?!

Dope vid.  Cats chillin' at Bop Street, diggin' and making fresh music.



http://thegnudeal.bandcamp.com

The Chronic Tape is Here

April 20th.  Check the BOOM!  Shipping Friday!!!  Orders from Bandcamp will come with an automatic download and all other orders will come with a download card. 

Chronic Tape Preorders

Taking preorders for the "Chronic Tape". New mix, bonus cuts... and yo... LIMITED PRESS ON CASSETTE HOMIE!!! (includes DL of the LP)  Get down with Dawhud's "Dub Styles" the way it's supposed to be heard, straight off the cassette ish like Dilla would say.

Click here for preorders or go to the new "Shop" section on the site.   

Dawhud present's: "Dub Styles: Walkman Redemption (Chronic Tape version)." "Dub Styles" is an ode to the legacy of what mixtapes were and cassette culture. As a follow up to “Basement Sessions,” Dawhud gives us the album/mixtape within his debut LP. As it begins with a variation of the skit from “Basement Sessions” we are taken down the rabbit hole as the hiss from the tape begins.

Simply put… dub as in mixtapes and dub as in reggae hinted boom bap.

Intro - Side 1
Come Equipped produced by Dee Supreme
Ever-F.R.E.S.H.
Dub-lude
Say Word
BOOM!
Dub-L
B-Boy Stance
One, Two Yo! (feat. Pacewon) produced by DL Orion)
The Day
The Basics produced by Dr. Peppersauce aka Max Power

Intro - Side 2
Walkman Redemption
Swing (TransAtlantic) produced by Dee Supreme
Watch Out Now
Q&A produced by Josh G
Wheels of Steal
Rock the Spot
Dub-lude 2
Dub Styles (remix)
Outro Dub
Badda Boom

Proforms - Get Ready (video)

The Proforms are backing the release of their LP "Atavism" with their debut video for "Get Ready". 

The Wackness

Highlights (prod. DL.Orion)

This is a track I did with my man DL.Orion for a project he was working on a while back.  Although the project wasn't released, the track is dope regardless.  When he sent this beat my way it made me think of those late night tracks I'd listen to on a Friday night while in the car with my friends.  I took that idea and made it about being amped for the "highlight" of the week and after a stupid decision, it spirals into anything but that.

Badda Boom!!!

Here's a bonus cut that will be featured on "The Chronic Tape" release of "Dub Styles: Walkman Redemption." Set walkmans on "DUB."

Ol' School Notes

I came across these yesterday while unpacking. These are the original notes/ideas/rhymes for "Ol' School Sessions". I wrote a majority of "Basement Sessions" while riding the 34 express to work & these notes are from that notebook that I would take when I'd ride the bus.

April...

The Chronic Tape...

Preorders coming soon.

The Chronic Tape

April.

Stickers

Official stickers. You want 'em? Hit a bro up.

Building

More Progress

Ra Scion Beg Borrow Steal EP (video)

Ra Scion has finally unearthed his "Beg, Borrow, Steal" EP for us all to enjoy.  On his site we've been blessed with a DL of the audio and a short film/video for the entire project.  (SOPA what?)

  Take a listen and enjoy the tracks produced by MTK, DJ Phinisey and myself.  It's honestly dope to hear an emcee that I respect take a beat of mine and do some next ish with it.

The Stranger -Lineout

RS Scion (Common Market, Victor Shade) has also just dropped a video for his superb EP: Beg, Borrow, Steal.
The track "Borrow" (produced by DJ Phinisey) is the cookie; "Steal" (produced by Dawhud) revives 93 (a peak year for hiphop), "Beg" (produced by MTK) does the job. It's good to see RA Scion in top form.

Hurry Yo A$$ Up Homie!!!

Progress

Vintage Dope... It's Brewin'

Where'd the Drums Go?

Word. People have been hitting me up about the drums I uploaded for cats to DL because the links are dead etc. Please know I'll be uploading them for you all shortly, but I'm in the midst of unpacking the new place and seeing my records for the 1st time in at least 1/2 a year.

New ish coming. (drums, music, etc.)

From the Depths

Big thangs poppin'?  More like heavy liftin' boxin'.

Starting off 2012 with a new place and my records finally seeing the light of day after being locked up in storage for so many months.