tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295371152012-02-03T06:01:16.991-08:00"remember Monday evening in the record store at 12?" <br>hip-hop gems and underrated classics...strictly quality, no filler</br>djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.comBlogger1851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-33210415705867195602011-10-16T15:59:00.000-07:002011-10-16T15:59:35.910-07:00

File this under 'dj tools' -- specifically, the dancehall accapella/90's hip-hop production pairing that blew up mid-90's.  This selection put together by DJ Excel is firmly rooted in that era, and includes a couple of Lady Lee accapellas with slightly reworked versions of the instrumentals for "Mad Izm," "The Bridge Is Over," and "Danger": DJ Excel "Dancehall/hip-hop bomb joints, Volume 5" The

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-70802912764512472632011-05-13T23:17:00.000-07:002011-05-13T23:17:52.589-07:00

'98 hip-hop -- majors, but mostly indies. Two live blend tapes covering 100 cuts from the era, as well as a short mix of early-90's classics: dj espionage - "Chronic Coadunation" Full playlist is here. Including classic indie records by Fierce, Choclair, Mass Influence, Dilated, Rascalz, Atmosphere, Boo Brown, All Natural, Frankenstein, etc. Here are links to 12's from this mix already posted

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-82372468910578017122011-05-10T21:31:00.000-07:002011-05-10T21:31:29.255-07:00

At this point in 1997, it was clear where mainstream hip-hop was heading, and the vitality of the indie movement (with Rawkus most successfully commodifying it) was what I attempted to pay homage to here, in Notes from Underground: dj espionage - "Notes from Underground" 48 fresh cuts from the indie movement from '95-'97 round out this mix (playlist here). Classics from J-Live, Mike Zoot,

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-80964092888120292011-05-10T21:20:00.000-07:002011-05-10T21:20:26.549-07:00

The next mix in the series, extending the approach of continuous, live blending. '97 was probably the apex of the indie vinyl movement of the 90's, if not in terms of quality, definitely quantity; this mix packs some 65 cuts into 120 minutes: dj espionage "assiduous amalgamations" Grab the full playlist here.

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-50628248009239198292011-05-10T21:06:00.000-07:002011-05-10T21:06:28.379-07:00

Hip-hop from Fall '96, marked by major label releases by KRS, Tribe, De La, Xzibit, and the Roots. Indie releases remained strong, with material by Mister Voodoo, Percee P, J-Live, Mountain Brothers, Redfoo & Dre Kroon, & Royal Flush. This blend tape again focused on smooth, live transitions, with an A-side sliding through 32 cuts in 45 minutes; the flip moves through a mix of 29 strong cuts

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-13780491669166659372011-05-09T23:47:00.000-07:002011-05-09T23:47:38.651-07:00

Ah, Spring 1996. The indie hip-hop scene was starting to head towards its peak (Blackalicious' "Melodica"), major labels were still releasing projects by random crews (Ill Biscuits on Atlantic?), and college radio was live. Here's a rip of a pure blend-tape from this era: dj espionage - Spring '96 hip-hop The playlist is too long to list here (27 cuts on a 45-min side A, 21 on side B), but

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-92044277969823859282009-08-10T08:27:00.000-07:002009-08-10T19:23:17.529-07:00

An early-90's regional classic; if you were in Philly/Central Jersey in '91-'92 you had to have come across this joint. I wasn't, but benefited from the tapes a friend would bring back to suburban Chicago from trips back to his hometown of Philly. Keep in mind this was when Poor Righteous Teachers and Tony D had shit locked down, and you've got an obvious anthem that has been largely forgotten:

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-7299824402724618542009-03-30T17:29:00.000-07:002009-03-30T18:57:30.224-07:00

Emanon's EP is an example of late-90's indie hip-hop that worked -- three of four cuts (not counting the instrumentals) are worthy of rotation over a decade later. This record has enough support that you can find it posted (Grant P ripped the cassette last month), but for those that are still sleeping on Aloe Blacc & Exile's early effort, here's a high-quality vinyl rip:Emanon "Acid Nine"

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1027735530335515802008-10-24T18:31:00.000-07:002008-11-16T21:30:41.314-08:00

This blog has obviously lost any consistency in posting (uh, quantity not quality) -- but since it's been a long-ass time since i've done re-ups, i'll hit a dozen or so requests if anyone has 'em. I don't have time to go through and check old links and/or comments (and apologies if I haven't responded to an email), but drop a request in the comments or c-box and I'll update the old post and drop

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-75884856386404579552008-08-17T19:08:00.000-07:002008-08-17T19:51:19.751-07:00

As far as I can tell, Insight hasn't been the most slept-on MC in the last five years, so this twelve should come as no surprise to anyone who's been keeping up with (underground) hip-hop. If you're still mostly stuck in the 90's, here's a relatively recent cut that should get you geeked:Insight "Evolve" 12"I remember hearing some unremarkable tracks by Insight around 2000, and had him tagged as

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-55243969164622818462008-06-10T00:16:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:03.732-08:00

From my point of view, the difference between unremarkable Mike Zoot tracks and notable ones lies in the production, with the "High Drama" series of cuts ("High Drama", "High Drama Remix", "High Drama Pt. 3") serving as Exhibit A. They all feature Mos Def and rhyming around the same theme ("Pt. 3" throws Kweli & Consequence into the mix), but the only listenable cut is the original.The 2x12" he

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-48957571067608388152008-05-17T09:32:00.001-07:002008-12-10T23:23:04.138-08:00

Obviously, Scratch Live has changed the entire game for a lot of DJ's and vinyl heads...people with heavyweight vinyl collections seem to be thinning them out these days, since you can just spin the digital copy anyways. If you've moved enough times, you know how the vinyl collection can feel more like an unwanted anchor than an arsenal.As I was digging through a local spot in Philly a few

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-36765006006578827492008-04-15T16:20:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:04.665-08:00

This version of f*ck your remix involves a Mega-Remix project courtesy of Chocolate Industries. The artist Push Button Objects released a 12-inch with Mr. Lif, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien & the ill turntablist DJ Craze called "360°." Now I'll admit the orinigal version of this track was nothing really special, but I guess Push Button and Chocolate Industries realized they had a gem on thier hands

Tired-N-Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17615742579123589344noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-19231007429258896572008-03-17T21:07:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:04.969-08:00

The tree of artists that (the late great) Eazy-E put on is pretty well known with successful artists such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Black Eye Peas, but the group known as Blood Of Abraham might have been Eazy's best kept secret. Blood Of Abraham is a Jewish hip-hop duo of conscious lyricists Benyad & Mazik. The piece of wax I present to you in this update is their first release, "Velvet Glove

Tired-N-Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17615742579123589344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-21588545485530956242008-02-22T20:40:00.000-08:002008-12-10T23:23:05.088-08:00

Most heads probably already have an opinion on Ta'Raach at this point, seeing that he's dropped two albums in the last three years. I'll also admit that I haven't heard most of his material, so I don't have an opinion one way or the other on how thorough his discog is to date.That being said, when my man DJ June put together a crate of hip-hop from '04-'06 that I'd apparently been sleeping on,

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-39558749075073805752008-02-12T13:21:00.001-08:002008-12-10T23:23:05.324-08:00

This record was actually requested a good while ago, but Life has been hell for the kid lately. But gratefully things are looking somewhat positive and I've finally found time to up this banger for the masses.(picture courtesy of Discogs.com)Phat Kat - Dedication To The Suckers 12"Dedication To The Suckers has to be one of my favorite 12-inch singles of all time. This record is a great example of

Tired-N-Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17615742579123589344noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-41247291728223898162008-02-02T13:36:00.000-08:002008-12-10T23:23:05.471-08:00

From Funk Flex's "Six Million Ways to Die" on, Nine's managed to drop a number of semi-classic records. Producer Rob Lewis put together enough ill tracks to make a name in the process, and in making his case as slept-on mid-nineties producer, "Lyin' King" should be 'Exhibit A':Nine "Lyin' King" 12"However you may feel about Nine as an MC (it's "mostly the voice" right?) - this is one of the

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-9401737012835413312007-09-15T08:47:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:05.948-08:00

I don't know how much I have to add to what's been said about Saukrates, as we've previously posted "Father Time" and "Action", but I slept on this joint right here for about a decade. Anyone with the most casual interest in mid/late-90's hip-hop knows about "Father Time", but somehow this joint slipped through the cracks for a lot of cats. I'd go so far as to say that overall, this was his

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-31724733777176178572007-09-03T14:34:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:06.246-08:00

1996 is the time most ppl considered to be hip-hop in its prime or as some would call it the final stretch of the "Golden Age." This was the time everyone who was coming out or dropping material were set to a certain standard (heavy drums, banging loops, samples, scratchin on the hook.) And as a result a lot of artists gave the fans a lot of dope shit and it was great for hip-hop, but with the

Tired-N-Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17615742579123589344noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-40219653762145314092007-08-26T03:25:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:06.689-08:00

Now this is my first entry in the "f*ck your remix" series (I hope Espionage doesn't mind.) And I decided to use a record that I got my hands on a while ago. Now I'll be the first to admit that I'm no huge fan of Funkdoobiest or even know much of thier music, but thier single "Rock On" is one of the heaviest pieces of wax I own. With production from the likes of DJ Muggs and Buckwild (D.I.T.C.),

Tired-N-Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17615742579123589344noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-15725137181418441392007-08-18T15:51:00.001-07:002008-12-10T23:23:06.876-08:00

Talk about aloooooong time coming, its been 4ever since I've made a post on any type of blog. Well I'm back to help My man Espionage carry the load on 12-Inchers. 4 U 2day I have a Japanese release only from the Canadian MC, Muneshine from the Wax Reform crew (Supastition, ILLmind, M-Phazes, etc) This paticular piece of Wax contains the best cut from Muneshine's album "Oppurtunity Knocks",

Tired-N-Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17615742579123589344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-66909218547259643042007-07-28T11:12:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:07.150-08:00

...so you've been a hip-hop DJ for a few years, and dropped a grip of sets at clubs and parties around your city. At this point, you're thinking about how this might turn out as a career. Try this technique: next gig, check your crates. Have you somehow convinced yourself that the possibility of dropping YZ's "The Return of the Holy One" may be a good idea? If so, the club game just probably

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-25566028138789809012007-06-17T12:16:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:07.310-08:00

Favorite Chubb Rock joint? "Caught Up"? "The One"? "Treat 'em Right"? I'm going with "Just the Two of Us", uncoincidentally the first Chubb Rock cut I heard, and one of the jams that defines '91 hip-hop:Chubb Rock "Just the Two of Us" 12"Not sure if this one was ever re-released (came upon my slightly warped copy in a trade), but the retail twelve - posted here - contains the original mix as

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-63301359400842138692007-06-03T17:47:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:07.624-08:00

K-Otix have never really gotten their props, despite dropping bangers for the last decade. There's a number of explanations floating around...their hometown (Houston) and their record company (Bronx Science) being a couple of the better ones. When the LP, "Universal" finally dropped in '01, it included most of the joints that had been released via twelves to that point, with the exception of

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-80829687576778898762007-04-24T19:28:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:08.159-08:00

"Riooot!", one of the more definitive cuts off of Chino's first album "Here To Save You All", has always served to link Rass Kass & Chino in my mind; staggering lyrical potential that rarely manifested itself in an unforgettable cut, much less album. While that might be unfair to Rass - "Won't Catch Me Runnin", "Nature of the Threat", and the "Soul on Ice (remix)" come immediately to mind - the

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-20888231826810299842007-04-01T15:27:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:08.327-08:00

Grav (aka Gravity) dropped his album ("Down to Earth") when Chicago was still mad slept on; I was living three hours away at the time, and Grav barely made any noise. Not sure what to attribute to (although my instinct is the avalanche of material in '96), but Grav had heavyweights behind the boards for this one. Dug Infinite (who was about to put in real work on Common's album) produced 3 cuts

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-36585986383286994762007-03-19T16:22:00.000-07:002008-12-10T23:23:08.593-08:00

Camp Lo - Coolie High (Paradise Remix) 12 Inch Hot remix promo only single of Camp Lo's debut track "Coolie High." This is the version that was on the radio and all of the mixtapes when Camp Lo first emerged yet it wasn't either of the versions that actually ended up on their album. The Michael Jackson sample that Ski flipped here is infectious though, hooked up with those

Andyman187http://www.blogger.com/profile/04064911347177648454noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-49231241266900200652007-03-06T10:41:00.000-08:002008-12-10T23:23:08.775-08:00

Finally got settled in New Jersey...all those Todd Solondtz movies paid off, I feel much more prepared to navigate the terrain out here ("Happiness" anyone?). I'm in the Princeton area, which costs waaaay too much cash to not be NYC. But enough about me.This blog generally avoids newer records, partly because they're in plentiful supply, and partly because a grip of other blogs are doing the job

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1170569501926698822007-02-03T22:01:00.000-08:002007-02-03T22:11:41.943-08:00

Whats up y'all...back in the States, and just noticed that most of the links on the site are down. I've got 'em backed up, and will get 'em re-upped soon (and resume posting "new" shit as well). Just moved out to Jersey to start a new job; had to start before getting moved (i.e. hauling vinyl out here from Chicago), so resuming site activity is dependent on the housing situation getting locked

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1167956514720848672007-01-04T16:15:00.000-08:002007-01-04T16:26:58.170-08:00

I thought I might be able to toss up a few posts while I was travelling, but that's looking impossible...I'll be returning to the crates (and posting) again in February, so be sure to check back then. And there's also the possibility that one of the other contributers might post. Thanks to everyone who showed love and/or contributed music and words last year, everything was appreciated. In

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162880895288951592006-12-27T21:43:00.000-08:002006-12-27T19:14:25.466-08:00

I have to preface this by saying I know I've seen this around somewhere in the last few months, although I'm pretty sure the flipside "Independents Day" was featured (as opposed to "Open Invitiation", which is the cut to pay attention to on this twelve):Lower Life Forms "Open Invitation" 12"or(Z-share link)I'd describe "Open Invitation" as typical '97 NYC-centric indie shit, "typical" in this

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1166400210077673242006-12-19T00:07:00.000-08:002006-12-18T22:08:29.563-08:00

At the University of Illinois in the mid-90's, Chicago's Primeridian were one of the local groups of choice. I thought this early release was dope; group member Simeon had a reputation among battle rappers, so they could talk shit, but there were more abstract joints like "Musical Mirages" as well. Simply put, tight mid-90's indie record, with surprising range as well. Some heads in the crew

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162939999944900562006-12-17T02:51:00.000-08:002006-12-16T22:07:19.563-08:00

Apathy is arguably one of the dopest MC's out there at the moment..."Ain't Nuthin' Nice" was my intro to him, and the b-side "Every Emcee" is still one of my favorite Apathy tracks (although the recent "Bobby Brown" with D-Tension is brilliant):Apathy "Ain't Nuthin' Nice" 12"or(Z-share link)"Every Emcee" is close to a perfect track, as far as I'm concerned. It opens promisingly with a rising horn

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1166155579209521952006-12-15T18:41:00.000-08:002006-12-15T08:18:46.036-08:00

I actually know very little about UTD (beyond Google), as I didn't catch these records until the late 90's, after Mos Def had already blown up. If you're completely unaware, UTD consisted of Mos Def and his brother and sister. When Mos Def later blew up on Rawkus, Medina Green (i.e. the rest of UTD plus more family) also dropped a record on Rawkus, "Crosstown Beef", which was solid but

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1165818887883068972006-12-14T10:33:00.000-08:002006-12-14T12:42:33.940-08:00

Been heavy into the '95 crates the last few weeks. Here's a quick "remember this shit?" post...King Tee is simply the man for introducing the world to both the Alkaholiks and Xzibit. Both of them appear on this mid-90's cut, which was a single off of his '94 release "King Tee 4 Life". Admittedly, there's no obscure b-side cut on the twelve: it is what it is, the album version of "Freestyle Ghetto

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1165818746646226822006-12-12T22:29:00.000-08:002006-12-12T21:43:32.540-08:00

Don't know if anyone else made this mistake, but I often confused E.C with capital D (All Natural's MC) in the mid-90's. capital D ended up breaking out a lot more than E.C, but E.C definately made some noise in Chicago in '95-'96. Both MC's are a bit more soft-spoken with a smooth flow that shines when complimented with the right beat and/or concept. For capital D, one of those records was "Que

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1165818579750904882006-12-11T22:26:00.000-08:002006-12-12T13:19:30.106-08:00

You can't deny ODB's entertainment value, but he's never been one of my top MC's. I still remember some of those mid-90's-"Top-Five"-MC arguments, and the small grip of heads that would throw out Ol' Dirty's name in the middle of that conversation. Point blank, that shit has never made sense to me. Yeah, he's got a unique voice and flow, yeah, his shit is raw in the sense that it's honest and

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1165186304698865632006-12-03T14:31:00.000-08:002007-07-28T12:43:29.262-07:00

Things have obviously slowed down a bit, as far as the frequency of posts...been really busy, but will probably continue to drop a couple of posts of week for the rest of the month, at which point I hope to pick up posting. Here's a few 12" that were requested, followed by some links that have been dropped in the C-box:Rasco "The Unassisted" 12"Run-DMC "Down with the King" 12"...upped by Swann:

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1164613037998637852006-11-27T01:19:00.000-08:002006-11-26T23:43:30.303-08:00

Rubberoom was one of the most prominent Chicago underground crews of the mid-90's, and didn't seem to get much of a break 'til the late 90's, when they finally released an LP ("Architechnology") that went nowhere. Their first official release, "Body Snatchin' (On the Isle)" was also one of my first Chicago indie hip-hop records, and with the possible exception of the vicious "Street Theme",

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1163912857019053662006-11-18T22:45:00.000-08:002006-11-18T21:27:04.070-08:00

Right next to the Supercat joint in terms of classic status, this track will probably be immortal, unlike Mad Lion himself:Mad Lion "Take It Easy" 12"or(FlyUpload link)KRS-1's beat still bangs twelve years later (this dropped in '94), and Mad Lion still sounds just as gruff. Even if it was just a performance, shit came together on this cut, at least. If you haven't heard this, absolutely

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1163542287920094182006-11-16T19:00:00.000-08:002006-11-16T16:50:39.933-08:00

The Funky man is one of my favorite Producers/MCs ever, so if you’re a fan of his music, make sure you have this in your collection.Lord Finesse "Game Plan"This record contains the LP version of “Actual Facts” and “Game plan” from The Awaking LP plus two previously unreleased cuts, “Soul Plan” being one them, hits you with the smoothest beat on this 12” featuring Roy Ayers who later delivers a

6MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753310807215570791noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1163733517662856692006-11-16T18:57:00.000-08:002007-07-28T12:41:38.595-07:00

Adding on to Espionage's Show & AG Post, This is another Bootleg joint with tracks that didn't make the Goodfellas LP. Ain't No Fun is my joint on this, I remeber hearing it on Mixmaster Mike's - Neckthrust One mixtape. Didn't find out where it was from untill I saw this EP at UGHH. 3 Dark hard hitting tracks also featuring all 3 previously unreleased Instrumentals.192 KShowbiz & AG - Under

Andyman187http://www.blogger.com/profile/04064911347177648454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162763788338971452006-11-14T21:42:00.000-08:002011-05-13T23:07:50.626-07:00

Back with some grimy Show & AG. This one was a late-90's bootleg; not too rare, and sounds like Goodfellas-era type shit that never made it to the album. Not sure if any of this material has dropped on other comps, but here's this bootleg 12: Showbiz & AG "Unreleased Shit" 12" My two favorite joints on here are on the flipside. "I'm Not the One (Original Mix)" is about as hard as Show & AG

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162775502669228062006-11-10T09:37:00.000-08:002008-11-01T07:50:03.762-07:00

I'll be the first one to say that Jodeci (in all its incarnations) often annoyed the sh*t out of me...K-Ci and Jo-Jo's begging and pleading et al...but you can't front on this vintage hip-hop remix. Uh, no you can't.Jodeci "Come and Talk to Me" 12"[re-up 11/08]This record caught some people off-guard...even my man that educated me about Philly hip-hop and was the resident hard-rock at the time (

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162887048601929452006-11-09T11:30:00.000-08:002006-11-16T21:20:01.163-08:00

I'll preface this post by saying I *know* I've seen this record around somewhere (maybe the old Vinyl Addicts?), but I'm pretty sure it wasn't posted in full. I've had a Philly bias for a while (more Cool C/Steady B than the Roots, although that ain't a diss), so when O-Dub started raving about this record in '97 I tracked down doubles immediately. Mid/late 90's underground Philly shit, and one

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162770661396685182006-11-08T00:44:00.000-08:002006-11-07T22:51:22.536-08:00

Looking through the crates, I've come to the unscientific conclusion that the indie hip-hop revolution peaked in '97 - in terms of volume. There seemed to be a sharp drop-off in volume between '98-'01, perhaps with people realizing that putting out a record usually means just that...putting out a record. This record is "classic" '97 NYC indie, in the sense that this crew is obviously doing this

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162881421401240612006-11-07T00:49:00.000-08:002008-11-16T21:28:50.263-08:00

'92 had a number of ice-cold tracks (in the "Take It Personal" vein), and this Double X Posse semi-hit was definately one of the cream. I remember this cut making a fair amount of noise on the radio; the production and rhyming fused with the concept so well it made heartless make more sense than love:Double X Posse "Not Gonna Be Able To Do It" 12"[re-up 11/08]There's a remix on the twelve that's

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162761182728321572006-11-06T00:43:00.000-08:002006-11-05T22:42:18.256-08:00

I suppose saying Super Cat was your introduction to Dance Hall is like saying MC Solaar was your intro to French hip-hop; you gotta start somewhere. This record dropped in that golden year ('92) and was the first "must-have" dancehall cut I heard. From my perspective at least, this was the record that got the whole hip-hip/dancehall scene jumping off:Super Cat "Ghetto Red Hot" 12"or(Z-share

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1161971836086196702006-11-03T22:47:00.000-08:002007-03-12T16:46:28.246-07:00

I've just set up a new blog, Strictly Beats, that will hopefully serve as an archive for hip-hop instrumentals. A lot of instrumental albums are scattered across blogs. I'm not trying to take away from what everyone else is doing, it just seems to me that this is the sort of thing that would be ideal to have in one place. I've got a limited number of instrumental albums; hell, we all do, and

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162346036266265492006-11-03T11:41:00.000-08:002009-08-10T18:47:58.587-07:00

Part 2 in the Red Foo & Dre Kroon series (Part 1 is here), and another piece of vinyl that is just plain dope. This one follows the formula for tight late-90's indie records: a couple of dope new tracks, a remix, collabo cut with a more affluent MC/producer. In this case, Evidence joins them on the mic in "The Freshest". If you're unfamiliar with this crew, don't be fooled by the silly name;

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162156433729063252006-10-30T15:04:00.000-08:002007-07-28T12:30:04.329-07:00

Yet another late-90's KRS indie joint, this one made the rounds on a number of mixtapes. This cut showcased the later incarnation of the BDP family (Channel Live, Mad Lion), and while it's not as strong as say, "Free Mumia", it's a solid battle cut from the assembled crew:KRS-1, Channel Live & Mad Lion "Happy Verse Day" 12"The cut maintains its intensity throughout; it's pretty much a

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1162110442731674632006-10-29T01:13:00.000-08:002007-07-28T12:32:08.212-07:00

This was one of a small group of records in my collection that I was convinced no one else knew about...'til I saw it on Vinyl Addicts. Since I started this blog up, I've tried to avoid posting records that I knew were available elsewhere, as I'd rather try to complement the work other people are putting in, rather than ignore/overlap/overrun it. However, since the audio has been down for a while

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1161137272418877382006-10-27T14:22:00.000-07:002007-03-12T17:14:11.288-07:00

I don't know too much about Thrust, beyond the fact that he's obviously embedded in the Toronto scene, which for my cash was one of the better scenes of the mid/late 90's. The only 12" of his that I've tracked down so far is this one:Thrust "Emcee" 12"The thing that drew me to this record (and the reason it still gets play) is the beat on the flip-side, "Emcee Pt. 2". Thrust himself is solid

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1161672019348691332006-10-24T01:35:00.000-07:002007-03-12T17:40:44.871-07:00

I discovered Morcheeba a little late (right after the release of their second album), but I couldn't get enough of their early material. As far as trip-hop classics go, I figure you can stick with Massive Attack, Portishead, and Morcheeba; but hell, I'm not British, so ultimately I'm unqualified to annoint 'em (no, I didn't "forget" Tricky). Personally, I find Morcheeba's material past the

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1161112025181227952006-10-23T00:15:00.000-07:002007-03-12T16:57:01.559-07:00

Finsta & Bundy were one time affiliates of Black Moon, and it shows on this particular 12". This was their first single released on Big Willie Records, a company out of London, which eventually became Tape Kingz.Finsta & Bundy "Sunnyside" 12"Finsta's production is very reminiscent of Da Beatminerz. The Black Moon influence is also very apparent in both of their flows. I can't help but think of

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06058009664379254051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160439538671743002006-10-22T00:05:00.000-07:002009-03-30T17:17:42.917-07:00

The JB's will probably go down as the most underrated member of the Native Tongues; I know the "extended version" runs deep, but when you focus on the Big 3 (Tribe, De La, JB's), can you honestly take a JB's album over Tribe or De La's best? Their late-90's offerings (post-"How Ya Want It" and -"Brain") didn't help their reputation, either. That being said, I still can't get enough of this '93

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1161401666009207302006-10-21T00:27:00.000-07:002007-03-12T17:01:49.985-07:00

Big thanks to everyone who's been filling requests and upping random records in the C-box (particularly Andyman & Klay Doe, good lookin' out)...as of this post, these links are still good, but don't expect them to last forever. Here's what you might have missed in the last few weeks:Instrumental AlbumsBlack Moon "Enta Da Stage" upped by Andyman187Lord Finesse "The Awakening"upped by SwannLootpack

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1161312256485288132006-10-20T12:10:00.000-07:002007-04-03T18:46:11.128-07:00

This Dr. Becket record is another one that hss just about everything going for it. First of all, there's the academic-sounding name ("Dr. Becket") paired with the song title ("Bad Mutha F*cka"); I find the contrast ill. On the flipside, it features a guest spot by a dope underground MC (in this case, El Da Sensei).Dr. Becket "Bad Mutha F#%!a" 12""Bad Mutha F#cka" remains the standout cut, though,

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160964855330400722006-10-19T09:08:00.000-07:002007-03-12T17:05:18.284-07:00

I've been a fan of Problemz since I heard "Bring the Noize" off DJ Honda's first full-length; Black Attack ("Correct Technique") had some solid indie shit; and al-Tariq is well-known for his work with the Beatnuts. You have to figure the three of the joining up in an underground super-group would make some noise; unfortunately, it made little, despite being released on Loud (via Stimulated). This

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1161063944737295092006-10-18T10:23:00.000-07:002007-03-12T18:26:23.226-07:00

My intro to Mr. Complex was "Visualize/Why Don't Cha" on Rawshack in '97; I was lucky enough to run into this earlier record (and Mr. Complex's debut, I believe) soon after. One curious thing about the label which I've never deciphered is the fact that Pharoah Monche's name appears in parenthesis below the title cut, as Pharoah does not appear anywhere on the cut.Mr. Complex "I'm Rhymin'" 12"

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160759960970653972006-10-14T00:10:00.000-07:002008-11-01T07:40:55.672-07:00

This twelve from Dr. Oop (aka Droop Capone) was just cool. The fact that it was released on PUTS Records makes it a virtual sure-shot, and it doesn't disappoint:Dr. Oop "Deep Impact" 12"[re-up 11/08]My favorite joint has always been the title cut, "Deep Impact". The stuttering beat bangs its snares against a nice bassline and organ stabs, while Droop drops some thoughtful shit:Is it all for

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160653789043420132006-10-12T11:15:00.000-07:002011-05-13T23:06:23.878-07:00

Here's a dose of some dope mid-90's Chicago hip-hop. Mental Giants consisted of DJ Parker Lee and MC Akbar, who both hold their own weight on these tracks. This 12", though, is more about DJ Parker Lee than the Mental Giants, as it shares the B-side with the Cold Crush Brothers (with P-Lee on production). It's never bad to hear Cold Crush on a track (anyone going to diss Cold Crush?), but 1979-

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160539023860013192006-10-11T20:40:00.000-07:002007-03-12T18:43:47.104-07:00

I don't know about you, but this song never gets old to me. I know there's some dispute over "best all-time Nice & Smooth cut" ("Hip-hop Junkies" being a reasonable nomination); it may be too obvious, but this is my definitive pick. This twelve (B-side pictured) also includes "Hip-hop Junkies" and its remix, so I can't see another Nice & Smooth 12" getting over on it:Nice & Smooth "Sometimes I

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160415490959151292006-10-10T10:29:00.000-07:002007-06-19T17:44:44.790-07:00

Back to the era when Diamond was relatively unknown; a lot of kids thought they were the only ones who had figured out that "Stunts, Blunts & Hip-hop" was incredible f*ckin' dope. Diamond 12" typically had extra goodies on 'em, but the "Sally Got a One-track Mind" promo stands out with a number of gems:Diamond D "Sally Got a One-track Mind" Promo 12"The original version with instrumental appears

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160183962659211312006-10-09T18:00:00.000-07:002007-03-12T17:19:17.647-07:00

I didn’t know about this remix until I heard it on one of the Hip-Hop’s VINYL HEAVEN Internet Radio Shows. After considering the fact that it’s kind of hard to find, I decided to post it for all the 12” Inchers visitors who haven’t had the opportunity of give it a listen. Don’t know who did the beat for this white label (it sounds like a Vinyl Reanimators production). If someone has some info,

6MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753310807215570791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160249496786838892006-10-07T11:55:00.000-07:002007-07-28T12:33:16.670-07:00

This monster (15 tracks, with instrumentals and clean versions) release by Mike Zoot piqued (and ultimately diminished) my interest in his music. This 2x12" followed "High Drama" and "Service" 12", and as far as I know, was a Japan release. Considering the dopeness that was the "High Drama" (and to a slightly lessor extent, "Service") 12", obtaining this record was my mission for a few months.

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1160006230373271502006-10-05T16:55:00.000-07:002007-03-12T17:21:01.458-07:00

It seems to me that most people either love 'em or hate 'em...myself, I'm in the middle. I honestly find most of their stuff pretty much unlistenable due to Vinnie Paz' rhyme style. This record - their first - deserves mentioning, though, as it is embedded in that early wave of indie records, and JMT has obviously made a name for themselves:Jedi Mind Tricks "The Amber Probe" EPBeats on this

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1159934780846359472006-10-04T09:03:00.000-07:002008-10-24T18:45:40.523-07:00

Staten's Ruthless Bastards dropped this twelve that was quintessential NYC thug shit in '97. Although you'll notice from a quick glance at the label that RNS (usually considered the underrated Wu producer) handled production on the ridiculously-titled "Murder We Wrote", flip immediately to the B-side, and the self-titled cut "Ruthless Bastards".Ruthless Bastards "Murder We Wrote" 12"[re-upped 10

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1159853771719085302006-10-03T22:09:00.000-07:002008-06-15T14:03:45.401-07:00

Everything about this record was right: Released at the peak of the wave of indie records, hot guest MC, ill beat by a producer about to enter his prime. Mike Zoot was in a way the perfect indie MC, from a marketing standpoint (not that marketers give/gave that kind of a fuck). He was New York, but definately had his own style of quirky rhymes, worked with a variety of producers in the

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1159757316945281902006-10-01T19:32:00.000-07:002006-10-01T19:48:36.956-07:00

I've been on a bit of a hiatus; time to burn and post has been disappearing the past few weeks. I'll be back on it shortly, but in the meantime, I wanted to remind y'all to check the ups that have been dropped in the C-box, as well as some new/old blogs that are dropping some dope music:* In 12's we trustnedd2's upped a lot of requests in the last three weeks, and started up his own 12" blog,

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1159492785398690202006-09-28T17:33:00.000-07:002007-03-12T19:08:26.697-07:00

Another random '96 indie record...I've always associated this with NYC, but I really can't say anything about Jam D.O.T. with certainty. Production on this record is solid, and Jam gets points for originality and concepts if not delivery:Jam D.O.T. "Soul Search'n" 12"The a-side, "Soul Search'n (Remix)" (never heard the original) is my joint on this record. A dark, grimy beat, with an ill spoken

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1159418803911893112006-09-27T21:32:00.001-07:002007-03-12T19:48:32.533-07:00

I have to preface this post by admitting I never intended to up hip-hop exclusively, although the soul of it is obviously tight indie shit. I've upped a few downtempo records, and plan on dropping some more, but along with that, find genres like trip-hop, acid jazz, and R&B relevant, if the vibe is right. That being said, this Portishead record is definately worth tracking down:Portishead "

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1159248469116424442006-09-26T10:22:00.000-07:002007-03-12T17:29:33.531-07:00

One more KRS post before moving on...'95 was a highlight year for KRS. In addition to the self-titled LP (and singles), there was the collaboration with Channel Live, and the releases on Front Page Records, KRS' fledgling label. "Strictly for da Breakdancers", KRS' self-produced instrumental album, was a coveted record at the time (although now I've looked at discogs.com, and supposedly it was

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158872099346581022006-09-25T12:00:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:37:03.534-07:00

Like many others, D.S.A. was part of the whole “Wu-Related” phenomenon that gave birth to a fair amount of records around the mid-nineties. Unlike other major singles produced by RNS, this 12” didn’t get as much attention as it deserved. “Lock Shit Down” (1995)“Lock Shit Down*”, featured on the A-side, has an Isaac Hayes sample that flows smoothly over the drums. The chorus consists of blazing

6MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753310807215570791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1159074904024793702006-09-24T21:50:00.000-07:002007-03-12T20:32:41.232-07:00

Been on a KRS kick recently, and wanted to share this bootleg twelve that dropped in '95. "Ah Yeah" was the kind of defiant pump-your-fist anthem that seemed so natural at the time, and never loses its relevance. This track was truly back-to-basics; you can't deny the effectiveness of the simple bassline and drum loop (classic, even)...Kris' lyrics are unabashedly revolutionary, and there's no

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158984224358042142006-09-22T20:47:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:45:35.618-07:00

I'll argue that this is one of KRS' more underrated singles. It's got the two key elements you want from a single; a dope remix and a vital unreleased cut. In this case, the remix happens to be from Ali Shaheed Mohammed, and one of the hardest beats he'd ever make. The unreleased cut is "Feel the Vibe, Feel the Beat", an underground, anti-commercial manifesto before anti-commercial manifestos

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158853065268236042006-09-21T07:44:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:32:23.219-07:00

[NOTE: Swann is currently living/working/DJ'ing in Seoul, Korea, and is a certified Canadian citizen. Which basically means he's an American, without any of the benefits (like being oblivious to - or deeply paranoid about - the rest of the world). Cymbal clash.]The strongest man in Canada has verified this collection as Grade-A material. Swann's Canadian Hip-hopIncludes the following (

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1157224920099699782006-09-20T12:20:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:51:16.628-07:00

The first of three strong Royal Flush twelves on Blunt Recordings ("Rotten Apple" and "Worldwide" followed), I initially was underwhelmed by "Movin' On Ya Weak Production". Point blank, I was bored by the Beatminerz beat. With the benefit of hindsight, this cut holds up lyrically, and benefits from well-placed vocal samples:Royal Flush "Movin' On Ya Weak Production" 12"Ten years on, I still don't

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158622118347970892006-09-18T18:22:00.000-07:002007-03-13T16:05:05.919-07:00

While some heads might nominate "June" or "Rain", I'm going to go with this twelve as the best thing that RJD2 has done to date. I don't think RJ should take any offence at the "new Shadow" label; hell, mid-90's Shadow was genre-defining, dope-as-hell instrumentals...thank God that someone picked up where he left off, 'cause he hasn't been there in years. RJD2 "Here's What's Left"Even if you

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158545004158196422006-09-17T22:30:00.000-07:002012-01-30T21:35:08.976-08:00

I ran across this 12" on the same day as "Knowledge Reigns Supreme" b/w "French Connection". This was the era when you would automatically snatch up anything with KRS's name on it, his records were so consistent and vital. KRS-ONE feat. Apocalypse "Gunplay" The record bills this as a KRS-ONE song; I'd describe it as an Apocalpse joint featuring KRS, but you'd obviously get less sales that way

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158430861324631952006-09-16T11:19:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:39:48.283-07:00

It's been 2 years since I started living in Montreal, and it’s impossible to just focus on American records when you have a vast selection of dope French material waiting to be heard. My cousin introduced me to this 12” and since that day, it has remain one my favorite French singles. Since Akhenaton and his IAM click are already well known rappers, I’ll skip their bio and go straight to the 12”.

6MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753310807215570791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158293267572798032006-09-15T11:01:00.000-07:002011-05-13T23:10:52.207-07:00

I've been meaning to do this post for a while, and the jukebox over at The T Organization triggered my memory. For me, J-Live is deeply imbedded in that grip of records that induced a lifestyle change in the way i approach/listen to hip-hop, evolving from going down to the record/CD store to pre-order the latest album release, to digging for some obscure crew I'd previously never heard of. For me

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158197088787590652006-09-14T11:29:00.000-07:002007-07-28T22:17:44.600-07:00

Ah, back to a golden-era classic. This record was my introduction to the Alkaholiks; although it says it's a King Tee single, this shit is all about tha Liks. The don't-give-a-fuck creativity that made "21 & Over" shines on "I Got It Bad Y'all":King Tee "I Got It Bad Y'all"The credits for the production read "The Alkaholiks and DJ Pooh", but these beats have early E-Swift's fingerprints all over

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158109682620745912006-09-13T17:50:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:47:47.593-07:00

Coming from Brooklyn and Coney Island, K.G.B. (which stands for Klik Ga Bow) consists of Asiatic (aka Adriatic), DJ Kin (aka Kinny Kin), Ill Knob (aka Knowledge), and Raheem (aka Red), who later replaced Asiatic after the release of this single. Although the group had released some other nice 12”s during the 90’s, there’s no doubt (in my opinion) that this was their best effort.K.G.B. “Bless ya

6MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16753310807215570791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158077678189004852006-09-12T09:13:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:50:28.061-07:00

Nowadays, the term classic is thrown around pretty loosely. With that said, I am fairly confident in declaring that this 12” is just that. Like most people in the NY/NJ area in the 90's, I was introduced to this 12” by the Stretch and Bobbito radio show. It remains one of my favorite 12” to this day.Father Time b/w Twenty One Years + (Instrumentals)Producer Day provides both Saukrates and

Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06058009664379254051noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1158029755828441312006-09-11T21:50:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:55:25.213-07:00

Tired & Broke, Paul, and 6MW have all agreed to begin dropping some posts (in fact, T&B dropped his first yesterday if you missed it). If you've been checking this blog for any length of time, you know that it is about the music; but the posts are also an attempt to connect the music to a perspective. Up until now, that perspective has been a bit narrow (mine), but the experience of music is

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1156050842837972422006-09-11T14:03:00.000-07:002007-03-13T16:09:24.202-07:00

The Roots were overflowing with creative material in the "Do You Want More?!"-era, as evidenced in the singles they put out for that album. These singles ("Distortion to Static", "Proceed", "Silent Treatment") always had bonus material and remixes; in fact, Roots remixes could probably take up a number of "f*ck your remix" segments. For this one, however, I'm going to focus on the Roots 12"

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1157931216668452042006-09-10T16:15:00.000-07:002008-03-22T12:47:45.831-07:00

No, Your eyes don't decieve you....Yes, Your's truly has joined 12-Inchers in the crusade to bring dope, forgotten 12-inch singles to your ears....The single I've chosen to shed light on as my introductory entry is for a request, but nonetheless dopeness. I present to you Rationalize b/w Human Condition by Schoolz Of Thought. This 5-man group consists of 3 emcees: Intense, Syntax, & Speaque-Ezie

Tired-N-Brokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17615742579123589344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1153540201022070552006-09-09T14:42:00.000-07:002007-03-13T16:45:26.664-07:00

This is NOT "that" Cassidy...I've been so out of touch with mainstream hip-hop in the the last few years that when I heard Cassidy being dissed, I just assumed people were talking about this cat. Which didn't make sense to me, this is some straight hip-hop shit (although it may be a little too happy for the hard rocks):Cassidy "Decisions" (with instrumental)This is another record I've always

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1157701870695315362006-09-08T02:45:00.000-07:002007-03-13T19:59:00.544-07:00

GrantP had this record up on his site, but it's been a while, so as requested, here's "The Dips":The Wascals "The Dips" 12"I don't have much of a memory of the Wascals in the mid-90's; they got nowhere near the push from Delicious Vinyl that the Pharcyde got. They do have a lot of the same things going for them that the Pharcyde did, though...eccentric MC's/rhyming, good chemistry, J-Sw!ft.

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1157224815079008332006-09-07T08:41:00.000-07:002007-03-13T16:52:29.432-07:00

Not to be confused with King Sun, King Just broke out in the mid-90's with "Warrior's Drum" ("hey-ya, hey-ya, hey-ya, ho!"). Dude sounded kinda like ODB, and fit in with the groups that weren't an official part of Wu-Tang, but seemed somehow related:King Just "No Flow on the Rodeo" 12""No Flow on the Rodeo" benefits greatly from an Easy Mo Bee beat, and this post is probably more about Easy Mo

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1156002699662389732006-09-06T01:35:00.000-07:002007-03-13T20:06:50.677-07:00

The "Dropping Science" remix remains one of my favorite early 90's jams; it's a permanent fixture in my favorite classic hip-hop set. "Yeah, I have 'In Control'...that joint is cool, but it'll always be in the shadow of 'The Symphony'," you might argue. Which may be true, overall, but 9 times out of 10 I'd rather show up to a party armed with this record than 'The Symphony':Marley Marl "

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1157463809387249062006-09-05T08:37:00.000-07:002006-09-05T08:57:28.316-07:00

More requests have been popping up in the C-box, and I'll fill what I can, but there's a lot I simply don't have...as always, any contributions would be greatly appreciated; I'd personally like to hear most of the stuff requested, and obviously the requester (and a grip of others) would grab it as well. There's always a small group of people that have the idea that music is some exclusive club,

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1157222483643809712006-09-05T08:16:00.000-07:002007-03-13T17:35:40.137-07:00

Mass Vinyl put out a string of NYC indie records in the mid/late-90's, primarily centered around Hi-Tech (the MC, not the producer Hi-Tek). The first joint they dropped was "Book of Life", which developed a small following, but definately did not overwhelm anyone. I always liked the follow-up twelve to "Book of Life", "24/7", mostly for the B-side:Hi-Tech "24/7" 12""Book of Life Page 2" is the

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1157247439276815732006-09-03T00:05:00.000-07:002007-03-13T20:24:09.500-07:00

OK, so this one breaks the rules; it's neither vinyl nor a single. But as I've seen a number of requests for this around, and I've had the cassette lying around forever, thought I'd make an exception:"Manic Depression" was one of those albums I always assumed I was the only person had ever heard of (or liked). Dropping (extremely quietly) on Ichiban in '92, it never made a dent in a year

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1153712433790598182006-09-02T12:37:00.000-07:002007-03-13T18:27:46.695-07:00

In the debates over the best female MC, you'll run across names like Lauryn, Bahamadia, MC Lyte, Jean Grae...but rarely will someone mention Apani. As much work as she's done (with the Polyrhythm Addicts, guest verses, etc), and as consistently dope as she is, I've always wondered why she hasn't developed more of a following. This record should wake up those that slept:Apani "Spot Me" 12"I

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1157096116063611662006-09-01T02:30:00.000-07:002007-07-29T16:51:43.458-07:00

I know I've been hitting '96-'97 indies hard lately, but this is definately one of the stronger singles from the era. This record was an automatic buy, in no small part due to the beat by DJ Premier:Krumb Snatcha "Gettin Closer to God" 12"If you haven't heard this joint, Premier definately laces Krumb Snatcha with the beat; signature Premier drum programming. Krumb Snatcha comes through with an

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1156015954240238582006-08-31T00:10:00.000-07:002007-07-29T08:59:14.597-07:00

...you've got to be four moves ahead - no more, no less.This cut was just f*cking cool. Who calls themself "Redfoo"? Or "Dre Kroon"? And if you're going to put out an underground hip-hop single, you sure as hell can't have some guy singing all over the second verse...right? This was some shit you just couldn't categorize too easily:Red-foo & Dre Kroon "Life is a Game of Chess" 12"There's two

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1156915452568864512006-08-29T10:19:00.000-07:002007-03-14T15:54:21.557-07:00

Blunt Recordings seemed like it was poised to make an impact in the mid-90's...first, there was Mic Geronimo's "Masta I.C." which was second only to "Shook Ones" in terms influential NYC street-bangers. Then Royal Flush's "Movin On Ya Weak Production" and "Rotten Apple" dropped. It was Royal Flush's third twelve (three in one year) that blew the top off, though:Royal Flush "Worldwide" (with

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29537115.post-1156038484889451552006-08-28T22:50:00.000-07:002007-03-14T17:43:21.708-07:00

To follow up on the Natural Resource's "Negro League" last week, here's their follow-up twelve:Natural Resource "I Love This World" 12"My joint on this record has always been the "Bum Deal" remix. I was never too interested in the original, but the beat on the remix gave it new life, and NR did come through with lyrics and a solid concept. The remix here is another study in simplicity, just an

djespionagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11174796613579628401noreply@blogger.com1