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*reviews review by: phil - nakeismlabs.com unless otherwise noted.
$9
VINROC REGGAE ROOTS STUFF
*review by: TahiDEE
I was impressed by DJ VINROC’s mix CD entitled, Reggae, Roots & Stuff. An appropriate title for VINROC, for he not only blends the subgenre’s of reggae; lover’s rock, roots, and earlier dancehall inspired reggae, but the hits chosen were pulled from different time periods ranging from the mid to late 1970’s, mid 80’s, late 90’s to present. VINROC blended these hits from the various time periods effectively especially since the sound is distinctively different. Artists such as Jacob Miller, pioneer of lover’s rock Dennis Brown, Errol Dunkley, Jackie Mitoo, and John Holt. Although I was hoping to hear artists such as Horace Andy, Delroy Wilson, The Abyssinians, Sugar Minott, and the U.K.’s Bitty Mclean, still this was a very well put together compilation by a DJ whose area of knowledge is more so affiliated with hip-hop and soul projects.
The CD features heavy, head bopping, “Tenement Yard” by the late root’s artist Jacob Miller (former lead singer of the group Inner Circle) an old favorite of mine which will get you moving. This steady feel-good vibe is sustained with classic hits such as “Murderer” by Barrington Levy and root’s hits “Police and Helicopter” by John Holt. Additionally, listeners who also enjoy Dub will appreciate VINROC’S successful representation and transition to the middle section using two all-time DUB reggae masters Lee “Scratch” Perry and King Tubby’s “Skanking Dub”. Later the CD featured earlier dancehall inspired reggae songs such as “It Can’t Work” by Tony Rebel, “Golden Hen” by Tenor Saw, and the body moving “Substitute Lover” by Half Pint. Overall, Reggae, Roots & Stuff delivered classic hits from up to thirty years ago, and with the exposure of these legendary artists, hopefully DJ’s will still be spinning them thirty years from now.
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Tracklisting:
1. Jackie Mitoo - Happy People
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$8
PROOF BROWN SOUNDS
*review by: TahiDEE
Imagine head’s bobbin, relaxed smiles, and feel good vibes from music enthusiast’s, together grooving in a dimly lit lounge. These were the immediate images encountered when hearing DJ Proof’s delicious new blended mix CD entitled BROWN SOUNDS. An appropriate title matched nicely to the rich, artistically well-designed album cover revealing a taste of what expressive musical treats yet to be discovered. A continuous, eclectic mix of upbeat soul, hip moving Latin jazz fused nicely with world beats including African rhythms. Proof eases you in slowly with artists such as Dwele delivering a milky remix of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “That’s the Way of the World”, followed by Aloe Blacc’s sexy remix of “Bailar”. The pace is picked up warmly with a remix of “Los Calenas” by Los Hermanos Latinos’ sending you into a steady hip-moving groove. Bugz in the Attic hit’s you with a crisp, smooth remake of Yarbrough & People’s “Don’t Stop the Music”. Additionally Proof incorporates upbeat hip, Latin jazz from Little Kids, Tangoterje, Red Astaire, and Coke Escovedo which are a few of the artists delivering flavorful ear candy. Whether hosting an intimate get together, riding in your car, or grooving in a lounge, Brown Sounds breathes meaning to its title, music delivering soulful, rich, quality beat’s, perfect for any occasion.
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Tracklisting:
1. Ill-Invasion Eric Lau feat. Dudley Perkins & Rahel
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$10
ODDISEE FOOT IN THE DOOR
*review by: Frank(e)
Oddisee gives you a balanced taste of his skills on the mic and on production with a unique approach to his solo release, “Foot In The Door.” Along with providing fresh solo tracks, with your man covering the beats and rhymes, Oddisee utilizes the talents of Philly’s legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, who mixes in tracks from other sources that feature the Maryland MC/producer, including Kev Brown’s “Nitefall” (one of brown’s biggest 12 inches in 2003), “Musik Lounge” from Jazzy Jeff’s “The Magnificent” album, and Oddisee’s “Brother” from the Halftooth Compilation, “You Don’t Know The Half.” Jazzy Jeff puts in work re-editing all of these tracks so that, while some are only a minute to 90 seconds long, you only hear Oddisee’s verses. While the beats are in the same vein as your expected Low Budget family session, smooth bangers with lots of guitar and organ samples, Oddisee shines in the rhyme department with content from all walks of life. He touches on topics from working a 9-5, dealing with fake people, making beats, the music industry, and, of course, the state of Maryland, whom he and Kev Brown rep to the fullest. This is highly recommended for fans of good hip hop who need a well thought out introduction to what Oddisee has to offer, as well as for longtime listeners who want to hear his new and old tracks mixed together by one of hip hop’s most talented DJ’s.
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Tracklisting:
1. Intro
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$9
KNOCKIN' BEATS A SWEET STEVE HIP-HOP MIX
Don't let the homemade mixtape cover fool you...A definite change of pace from current mixtapes, Knockin' Beats treads new ground by providing a different kind of "golden era" history. Rather than retreating early to mid 90's hip hop that has pervaded the "retro" outlook of his contemporaries, Sweet Steve jumps between that late 80's - early 90's sound while maintaining a perchance to more modern affairs that take the same look back. Definitely worth a peep, as his restraint from playing more obvious fare has allowed tracks like Omega Force's ‘Knockin Boots’, Renaissance's ‘Twist The Cap’, and more to shine again.
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Tracklisting:
1. Omega Force - Knockin Boots
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$10
JON OLIVER JUXTAPOSE VOL. 2
Having worked in both the film and music industry for a minute now, its easy to get jaded when another mixtape, demo, or something left for your consideration is plopped down in front of you for a listen to, a viewing, or for a review. Every so often, amidst the more often than not rehashes of the same track listings, sounds, or what not, something comes a long that is actually pretty damn good or different enough to stand out from the pack. This mixtape/cd is one of them.
Pretty much existing as a historical primer on classic breaks/soul/funk to the sounds of nu-soul, hip hop, and soulful house, Oliver's selection is impeccable across a multi-genre format, yet reins everything in so that it performs as a cohesive unit. Despite a few questionable blend choices, this mix cd is defintely worth more than one listen or maybe even an addition in your regular cd rotation.
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Tracklisting:
1. The Blackbyrds - Blackbyrd's Theme
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$10
NEIL ARMSTRONG NON-STOP
Existing as what could be called the third installment in his Original series, this live mix was created to sooth naysayers and critics of its preceding mix tape brethern (Original & 2Original). Showcasing his skills as a live DJ as well as creating an expanded version of the two previous mixtapes, Armstrong has definitely hit his groove on this
2 cd set. There is a lot of things going on that people may not realize, as he plays out the sample loop longer (manually no less--- try that without serato), and even goes back and forth between the sampled track and the sampling song. Added bonuses abound as well for the discerning listener. Definitely a pick up -- some of the songs and samples may surprise you...
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Tracklisting: There is no tracklisting available for this Double CD. |
$7
NEIL ARMSTRONG ORIGINAL (REMASTERED)
The first installment in his original series, this cd is known by many collectors, fans, and hip hop heads, as an "instant vintage" mixtape.
I've had this since it was originally released way back when, and was pleased to see this "remastered" edition thrown into my review pile recently. The sound is much cleaner than the original release and actually helps to make some of the more discernable blends stand out or become more subtle (or it could be because I'm suffering from ear fatigue from listening to so much damn music at one time). It's a simple premise -- take the original sample for a much beloved hip hop track, and seamlessly blend or transition into said hip hop track.
Its simplicity ends there, however, as the execution and deliberate pacing and musical selection is anything but. This should be handed out to all the newbie hip hop heads out there -- give em' a taste of real history.
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Tracklisting:
1. If U Don't Know Now You Know - Mtume, Rappin Duke
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$8
NEIL ARMSTRONG EXTRAORDINARY
The second installment in his all out kings series, this mix cd comes across as an ode to hip hop, or rather, hip hop hipsters, more than some of his other releases. Having made a name for himself as an all around dope dj, Armstrong is not afraid to cross musical genre's in search for the perfect mix or blend. Having originally released this sometime in 2005 Armstrong has dipped his mixing pen in a number of pots for this release. The sound of the mix cd is consistent through and through, and is seamlessly able to bring about classic samples with trendier indie fair, such as his Napoleon Dynamite drops or an Interpol track. As with all of his other releases, its worth checking out.
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Tracklisting:
1. The Zombies, The Association, The Animals - 6&7 Extraintro
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$9
ODDISEE INSTRUMENTAL MIXTAPE VOLUME 2
Not one to rest on his laurels, out comes another impressive beat tape from East Coast Producer, Oddisee. Typically, on beat tape releases its a tape of more of the same, no progress, but still dope. Oddisee flips the script with his second instrumental release, with his instrumentation becoming much more lush and mature sounding that the good ol' boom bap that most heads are used to. Again, I will stand by my initial reaction to Oddisee being a great medium between the Pete Rock and J Dilla sound, adding some killer drums to some really fresh samples and smoothed out instrumentation layers. Producers take note -- its not about pushing out a quantity of beats its about pushing out quality work that can retain its musical relevance as time progresses. Classic joints on this album include the following: She Remembers, Chuck Brown (reviewers note: "I Almost thought this was a Dilla Joint"), Bring Back, Hindsight, and The Quickening.
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Tracklisting:
1. Stylin
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$11.50
MARK FARINA MUSHROOM JAZZ VOLUME 5
Farina's fifth installment in the Mushroom Jazz series, exists as a timeless mix for the blunted, downtempo, jazz, and hip-hop heads who have been following this line from the start. In what has now become a classic, if not seminal, series of mixes.
Farina pushes the sound a bit further, diving into a more instrumental sound while allowing some of the underground's latest and greatest mix it up with some vets of the game. Appearances by OM label mates, Colossus and People Under The Stairs provide a sonic juxtaposition of smooth (or silky) vocals against some jazzy hip-hop that helps to drive home the point that this is a mix that anyone can get into. Stand out tracks include, Red Astaire's, "Come Down," The Earl's "Here's the Proof,"
the Jazz Liberatorz, "Music Makes The World Go Round," and "Maintain" with the Strange Fruit Project. From start to finish, Farina deftly spins out yet another classic; definitely worthy of a playing during a chill out session, a blunt, or during a nap. *Mushroom Jazz Vol. 1 also available upon request.
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Tracklisting:
1. Afros In Ya - (with J Boogie)
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$8.50
ODDISEE INSTRUMENTAL MIXTAPE VOLUME 1
Since the death of legendary producer, Jay Dee, and the return to form of sample based hip-hop, a new generations of producers have emerged that are not only carrying the torch of underground hip-hop production but also pushing forward into new territory. Oddisee is one such producer. Playing off the classic beat tapes of artists such as Pete Rock, J Dilla, and Premiere, he has released a mixtape of instrumentation with a direct lineage to the classics. This is definitely an album to check out if not only to deconstruct his sampling to give avid beat heads more records to dig for. Luckily, the beats are paced out well and break the mold of loop based instrumentals by keeping things short, sweet, and rhythmatic.
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Tracklisting:
1. Head High
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$6
DJ PRIMETIME THE FORMULA VOLUME 4 feat. J-Zone
This J-Zone hosted mixtape by East Coast underground vet Prime Time, is the fix for those heads looking for that certain kinda of underground sound -- dope beats, not too backpack, with a certain degree of grime to it. Stand out tracks include his remix of the Little Vic joint, The Exorcist, Grap Luva's Pete Rock infused Revenge and the J-Zone and Celph Titled collabs that litter the tail end of the mix. No surprises here -- as Beat Suite resident, Wicked, would put it just that raw, uncut shit.
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Tracklisting:
1. J-Zone - Intro
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$7
DJ NERSTYLIST FORWARD LISTENING
The first official release by a current bay area and internet favorite, DJ Nerstylist, is a definite go to mix for those looking for something organic and soulful in there life. It is a rare occasion when a mixtape with a definite mood style and rhythm comes along and a feat when someone can take a little bit of everything from everyone that has had an influence on the current soul and conscious movement and make it sound dope. More than just a mixtape, this is a journey through a variety of moods and soundscapes. Plain and simple, this mix has got soul in spades. Definitely an album for real soul music heads who have one foot entrenched in a rich musical history and one foot moving foward into that next level sound.
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Tracklisting:
1. Nikki Giovanni - luxury/poem (intro)
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$8
DJ THAT GIRL SUMMER LOVE
After a successful limited run, this mix, by South Bay talent, That Girl, has been brought back for a second run for those who missed it the first time around. A brilliant showcase of mixmanship and musical prowess, this would appeal to fans of Gilles Peterson's BBC1 Worldwide broadcasts, as she displays the ever so rare ability to bring the listener across multiple genre's of music while retaining a hold on the mix's rhythm and emotive abilities. Nothing is left untouched, from Jazz to Neo Soul to Indie Rock to Chill and back again, this was an impressive and deftly styled mix album that is sure to please anyone's ear.
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Tracklisting:
1. Anjali - Lazy Lagoon
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$10
DJ SOULO LOVE JONES FOR THE SOUL VOL. 1
*review by: d. infante
Old School Slow Jam mix with that Nu-School Flava. Call it Neo-Soul Sex music if you will. Perfect background music for chill time, dinner with a date, and whatever else your creative little minds can do with that certain special other. Even your parents will like it, just hopefully not in front of you.
*100% of these proceeds go to "Journey 2 Origin", a youth outreach project by Nu-Origin Dance Crew (Bay Area), teaching kids free dance workshops in the Philippines. This is an annual project that started in 2005. Buying this mix will count as a donation towards Passion Society Non Profit Org (A fiscal sponsor of Nu-Origin & Journey 2 Origin). What does that mean? It means that buying your cd is the same as donating to a charity meaning, you can write it off in your taxes, so buying this CD will be like getting it for free. If you want to write it off (it's optional), after your purchase, just email info@nu-origin.com and we'll give you info how to do it. Journey 2 Origin 2006 will be even bigger for the kids since we are also bringing guests b-boys from Beatz n Pieces crew.
Read the official news release for Journey 2 Origin 2006 at nu-origin.com/pics/j2o2006_release.pdf
To watch highlight footage with the kids from Journey 2 Origin 2005. click here: youtube.com/watch?v=mOHttnGEo8Y
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Tracklisting:
1. Romance...(intro)
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Non-Blended, Yet Still Knockin'
$13
RICCI RUCKER & MIKE BOO SCETCHBOOK - AN INTRODUCTION TO SCRATCH MUSIC
*review by: g. convento
Who said turntablists have no rhythm? This audio display of turntablist skill contains 20 tracks of knockin beats! Ricci Rucker and Mike Boo cover various
styles of music from afro-beat to downtempo, hip-hop, soul, rock and head nodding turntablism using all vinyl records. (No samplers or drum machines here.) The CD comes nicely packaged
in a paperback flip book that states how many records were used to compose each track and what genres they originate from. Genious.
$9
ODDISEE REMIXTURE VOLUME 1
After the slew of remix albums based off the Jay Z, Black Album, there weren't very many quality releases that tried to spread the remix game onto other tracks and artists. Quickly running through the ranks and ears of hip-hop heads, Oddisee's release is polished, inventive, and definitely has that knock.
Skirting the edges of the middle-ground while keeping one foot firmly in the trenches of underground flavor, Oddisee treads new ground (and new sounds) on tracks such as The Fugees 'Fug-ee-la', Mos Def 'Mathematics', Glenn Lewis 'Back For More' featuring Kardinal Offishall, and NERD 'She Wants To Move'. Comes with the Remixture Volume 1 instrumentals CD as an added bonus.
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Tracklisting:
1. Oddisee - Intro
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$15
SUBTERRANEANZ THE STASH
*review by: r. holman
Not exactly a mixtape, but definitely a truly vinyl driven album. The opening track sets the stage with Subz members Hyp and Tranque talking as Hyp explains that he stumbled upon a “stash of records” that belonged to his girlfriend’s grandmother. The records were rare Asian Soul-Rock albums from the 60’s and 70’s (this is every underground Hip-Hop producers dream) and he proclaims that he’s going to do what any producers in his right mind would do with albums like these: SAMPLE. The result is an eclectic Hip-Hop fusion of samples and live instrumentation as the backdrop for The Subz to tell it all.
The Stash is a glimpse into one of the untold stories of the underground sleeper hit makers, The Subterraneanz. This album was critically acclaimed by fans and critics a-like. Some said it completely out shined their previous album Subterraneanz Means, (which sold 8,000 units released by Above Records.) With little to no promotion except at live shows The Stash became a true cult classic. For those of you who love theme albums where you have to listen and follow from start to end….The Stash will fill your appetite. It includes all the real life drama, struggles, humor and triumph that existed in the members of “The Subz” actual lives and was the last full length album they recorded together. It features different artists, some you might’ve heard of (Nazeela a well known poet from the Bay Areas Spoken Word scene is featured on a song) and others you might not.
Go to: tripleave.com to see where some of The Subterraneanz are today.
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Tracklisting:
1. The Stash (concealed)
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