Frankenstein “Live From New York (The Remixx Album)” (1996)

One of my favorite pieces from my vinyl collection. I picked this up back in 1996 just for Method Man's "P.L.O. Style" remix and I was pleasantly surprised with all the other tracks. In the last few years I've tracked down audio for just about everything that Frankenstein has ever done. I sure wish he'd come out from wherever he's hiding (a teacher in Canada?) and bless us with some new material.

DOWNLOAD

enjoy,
--dirt_dog

dirt_dog Remix Pack 3

Here we go again with round 3 of the dirt_dog Remix Pack. For this set of 5 songs I decided to go with the Pete Rock and DJ Premier remixes that I used to bump from my cd single collection. Whenever a discussion about great remixes comes up, everyone praises the Pete Rock "Shut Em Down" remix. Personally I love it too, but I've always felt that his version of "Nighttrain" was completely overlooked. If you missed Remix Pack 1 or 2, go HERE or HERE.

Remix Pack 3

01 Public Enemy-Nighttrain (Pete Rock Strong Island Mt. Vernon Meltdown)

02 Shyheim-On & On (Premier Remix)

03 Das EFX-Real Hip Hop (Pete Rock Remix)

04 Blahzay Blahzay-Danger (DJ Premier Remix Street Mix)

05 EPMD-Rampage (Hardcore To The Head Mix) feat. L.L. Cool J

DOWNLOAD

enjoy,

--dirt_dog

DJ Mister Cee “The Best Of Mobb Deep”

I wasn't even aware that this DJ Mister Cee mix even existed until the other day when fellow TROY blogger Thomas V made mention of it. So I tracked it down and purchased it. A whopping 38 tracks of classics, appearances, remixes and a slew of unreleased material (11 to be exact).

01 Mobb Deep-Peer Pressure

02 Mobb Deep-Cop Hell (Unreleased)

03 Mobb Deep-Hit It From The Back

04 Mobb Deep-Patty Shop (Unreleased) feat. Big Noyd

05 Mobb Deep-Shook Ones (Parts 1 & 2)

06 Mobb Deep-The Bridge (94 Unreleased) feat. Big Noyd

07 Mobb Deep-Survival Of The Fittest (Original & Remix) feat. Crystal Johnson

08 Mobb Deep-Give Up The Goods feat. Big Noyd

09 Mobb Deep-We About To Get Hectic (Unreleased) feat. Gambino

10 Mobb Deep-Temperatures Rising (Original & Remix) feat. Crystal Johnson

11 Mobb Deep-Eye For A Eye feat. Nas & Raekwon

12 Mobb Deep-Drink Away The Pain feat. Q-Tip

13 Mobb Deep-Q.U. (Unreleased)

14 Das EFX-Microphone Master (Remix) feat. Mobb Deep

15 Da Youngsta's-Bloodshed & War feat. Mobb Deep

16 Mobb Deep-Take It In Blood (Unreleased)

17 Mobb Deep-Still Shinin

18 Big Noyd-Recognize & Realize (Parts 1 & 2) feat. Mobb Deep

19 The Almighty RSO-War's On feat. Mobb Deep

20 Mobb Deep-Back At You

21 Mobb Deep-Street Life feat. L.E.S. & ACD

22 Mobb Deep-First Day Of Spring (Unreleased) feat. Tragedy

23 Tragedy-LA, LA (Original & Remix) feat. Capone-N-Noreaga & Mobb Deep

24 LL Cool J-I Shot Ya feat. Keith Murray, Prodigy, Fat Joe & Foxxy Brown

25 Big Noyd-Usual Suspect (Original & Remix) feat. Havoc

26 Nas-Live Nigga Rap feat. Mobb Deep

27 Mobb Deep-Drop A Gem On Em

28 Mobb Deep-Rep The Q.B.C. (Unreleased) feat. Godfathers Pt. III

29 Shaquille O'Neal-Legal Money feat. Mobb Deep

30 Mobb Deep-Hell On Earth

31 Mobb Deep-Everyday Gunplay (Unreleased)

32 Foxxy Brown-Da Promise feat. Havoc

33 Mobb Deep-Crime Connection (Unreleased) feat. Cormega

34 Mobb Deep-G.O.D. Pt. III

35 Mobb Deep-In The Long Run (Unreleased) feat. Ty Nitty

36 Xzibit-Eye's May Shine (Remix) feat. Mobb Deep

37 Mobb Deep-Extortion feat. Method Man

38 Mobb Deep-Nightime Vultures feat. Raekwon

Since this is a very recent purchase, I didn't make a new cover to match all the other ones (and I think those days are behind me). But I did take the time to scan it in and lay out all new type. Up next is the final installment in this series, a double disc set for “The Best Of Jay-Z.”

Download

enjoy,

--dirt_dog

Best Of Westwood Radio Freestyles - Nas, Biggie, OC, Das Efx, Cam'Ron...

This was submitted by our friend Dj Step One from the TROY forum. If you're digging this, check his blog out: Only Built For zShare Links

"I’ve spent the last few weeks sorting through that dusty box of tapes that so many older Hip Hop heads have stashed away somewhere and have been digitizing the various treats I’ve come across.

As Hip Hop was scarce on English radio in the 90s, most of these tapes are recordings of Tim Westwood’s show on BBC Radio 1. Up until 1994, Westwood only broadcast in London and the surrounding area, first on pirate stations LWR and Kiss FM, and then legitimately on Capital FM.

A move to the BBC in 1994 gave him two 3 hour shows every week and meant that Hip Hop heads nationwide finally had the opportunity to hear first hand the exclusives and guest appearances that would make up Tim’s show. It often meant staying in on a Friday or Saturday night, but as some of these freestyles prove, it was worth it!

I was going to do a profile of Big Tim but then remembered that Stretch Armstrong gave him a mention on his blog a while back and I couldn’t think of a better person to rubber stamp Westwood’s contribution to Hip Hop radio."

Stretch Armstrong, speaking on The Flavor Unit track ‘The Flavor Unit Assassination Squad’:

"Bobbito and I got hip to this record via the homie Tim Westwood in London who used to have what may have been the most progressive hip-hop show on earth in the late 80's. Because he was free to operate outside of the beef that had split NYC rap radio in the late 80's but also was very close to both Red and Marley (though closer to Marley who eventually would broadcast a version of In Control on his show in the UK), Tim would bless the airwaves with crazy exclusives and remixes, AND, influenced by his roots in 80's Jamaican and UK dancehall, was the first, and perhaps only, hip-hop personality to get all the hot emcees to re-record their hits with his name in them, sound-clash style. Many in the UK complained that Tim didn't support home-grown talent, but we sure didn't care, 'cause we'd frequently hear shit from his tapes first, sometimes to never be heard anywhere else. I'd have to confirm it with Aaron Fuchs, but I believe Tuff City only released this record after we played it on KCR from a cassette from Westwood's show."

Previews:

Akinyele & Sadat X (1996)

Cam'Ron (1998)

Das Efx (1995)

Masta Ace (1998)

Nas & De La Soul (1996)

Biggie Smalls & Craig Mack (1995)

OC (1994)

Snoop, Daz, & Kurupt (1994)

Download in one folder here.

--Verge

iLLSTYLE LIVE! 'Music from the Elektra Entertainment' (CD 1995)

Here is the super rare promo cd version of "iLLSTYLE LIVE!" from 1995. Some of you probably already have the vinyl rip but guess what? I had it too, it's time to forget about the cracks and pops and upgrade to the digital version.

The IllStyle Live LP was a live recording promoting all the rap acts from Elektra Records & EastWest Records. They had artists like Ol' Dirty Bastard, Das EFX, Supernatural, The Juggaknots, 8-Off, ... As you might already know, most of the artists were left with shelved albums. Luckily, a few of these albums leaked throughout the years.

While all the performances are on point, there isn't anything close to the Ol' Dirty session. ODB mentions how he didn't want to come to the show on some classic funny ish. He then rocks a freestyle with Buddha Monk and 60 Second Assassin then starts to talk again and finally performs Brooklyn Zoo & Shimmy Shimmy Ya. Pete Rock is also the DJ of the night.

Ego Trip included iLLSTYLE LIVE! on their "Official All-The-Way-Live Albums" list. It still remains one of the greatest live performances ever released on wax to this day!

1. Intro
2. Daddy D - Luv On A Dub
3. Omniscence - Amazin'
4. Juggaknotz - I'm Gonna Kill You
5. Lin Que - Let It Fall
6. 8-Off - Ghetto Girl
7. Deda Baby Pa - Blah Uno
8. Coz - No Place Like Tha Hood
9. Interlude
10. Supernatural - Natural Disaster
11. Das Efx - Real Hip Hop
12. Ol' Dirty Bastard - Freestyle/ Brooklyn Zoo/ Shimmy Shimmy Ya

Ripped exclusively by dirt_dog for The T.R.O.Y. Blog

Download

-- Thomas V

Das Efx - What More Can I Say Samples

This right here has gotta be my favorite Das Efx track, and it's mostly due to the production. The way that they incorporate all of the samples is pretty insane. See for yourself:

Das Efx - What More Can I Say


Take 6 - Spread Love Remix (Edit)


Albert King - Cold Feet


King Curtis - Sweet Inspiration


Big Daddy Kane & Biz Markie - Just Rhymin' With Biz


Audio Two - Top Billin'


ATCQ - Push It Along


Download everything in one mediafire folder:
http://www.mediafire.com/?2tzzwwr3z51

--Roy Johnson

Fifty Remixes You Need To Hear (1-10)

FROM THE STAFF:

This is a RAP NERD VOLTRON in full effect, duns amd dun-ettes. The entire T.R.O.Y. regular staff (Admiral, Blockhead, Philaflava, Roy Johnson, Schenactady Fan, Thun, ThomasV, Verge) put our heads together to come up with a list of Fifty Remixes that YOU need to hear as soon as humanly possible! Take note that this is not a list of the "best" remixes ever (though many are contenders) or even our very "favorites," (though some qualify) but simply a list of fifty great remixes (interpreted somewhat loosely to include songs that are essentially remakes or sequels) that we think you'll enjoy. We tried to leave out extremely obvious picks ("Scenario" 7 MCs Remix, "I Got'Cha Opin", and the like) but we also kept the list fairly accessible and mostly confined to crews that were signed and put out actual albums. We'll be bringing you ten picks every morning this week, so join the T.R.O.Y. Movement and spread the word via Twitter, Facebook, Digg, the message boards and blogs you frequent, text messages, and what have you. Enjoy, and be sure to leave some (hopefully not hateful) feedback.

1. Eric B. & Rakim "Microphone Fiend" (45 King Remix)

2. Leaders Of The New School "International Zone Coaster" (SD50s Remix)

This one is a pure adrenaline rush, and it's easily one of our favorite L.O.N.S. tracks. Produced by Dante Ross of the SD50s.

3. Slick Rick "It's A Boy" (Large Pro Remix)

Quite possibly the dopest remix that the Large Professor has ever produced, and that's saying something. Extra P utilized an incredible Cal Tjader sample for this one. Check out out 2CD set of Cal Tjader samples.

4. Artifacts "Ultimate" (Showbiz Remix)

5. De La Soul "Breakadawn" (De La Remix)

A slammin’ remix that doesn’t get mentioned too often. While it’s hard to outdo the original, this one definitely comes close. That “Dawn Brings Smoke” beat is outstanding.

6. 3rd Bass "Product Of The Environment" (Marley Marl Remix)

7. Organized Konfusion "Stress" (Extra P Remix)

8. Das Efx "Microphone Master" (Domecracker Remix)

9. Da King & I "Tears" (Darp Vibe)

10. MOP "Rugged Neva Smoove" (Premier Remix)

Here are all 10 of them in one file:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?i2wzomgnrla

Tune in tomorrow morning for selections 11-20.

Strapped (Starring Fredro Starr) (1993)

For the Hip-Hop heads, this movie is for you. If you like movies like Who's The Man where you see a lot of Hip-Hop Cameos, "Strapped" features appearances by Busta Rhymes, Das EFX, Chi-Ali, Sticky Fingaz, Monie Love, Yo-Yo, Kool Moe Dee, and Fredro Starr as the supporting character. The setting, soundtrack, and the clothes will all take you back to the 1993 New York scene.

For the Movie heads, it's Forest Whitaker's first directed movie. It also stars Bokeem Woodbine in his film debut. Strapped reminds me a lot to Clockers as far as the setting.

Here's the Plot:
"Ex-con attempting to go straight runs accross serious problems. His girlfriend gets arrested for dealing crack to an undercover police officer. In a desperate attempt to get the charges dropped against his woman, he strikes deal with weapons cop(Michael Biehn) to turn in local gun dealers. However, the D.A. is not satisfied with the results, resulting in some serious game playing and double crossing." Written by Humberto Amador

Download (2 Parts, 500MB each)
Part 1
Part 2

--Thomas V

Das Efx "Hard Like A Criminal"

Das Efx "Hard Like A Criminal" [Listen]

The EPMD-cosigned Das Efx blew the fuck up in '92, pushing a style that was unquestionably stupid and somehow instantly appealing. The silliness of their signature "iggedy"pig latin-esque prefixes and cartoon references was only accentuated set against their deadpan deliveries and rough on-camera demeanor.  While their playful singles "They Want Efx" and "Mic Checka" were fan favorites, the most interesting and arguably best song of the earlier part of their career is "Hard Like A Criminal," the b-side of their less popular "Straight Out The Sewer" single, which was curiously left off their platinum debut, the amusingly titled Dead Serious.

Not surprisingly "Hard Like A Criminal" boasts hard-hitting funk beats, courtesy of in-house producers Solid Scheme, and hard-edged deliveries. The song's greatness lies in its attention to detail -- Das Efx forgo their usual shtick to engage their audience through skillful storytelling. Listeners of the song are granted omniscient access to interior and exterior monologues as well as the dialogue that occurs between Drayze's arrogant and naive party seeker and Skoob's volatile, unrepentant thug.

Drayze's character swaggers cockily en route to a party, reveling in his  fly-as-fuck stature ("freshly dipped ... but money I'm rugged") until a subway car full of Whites and Asians takes too much notice. He pre-emptively denounces their supposed racist paranoia in an angry, mocking tone, suggesting that their suspicions stem from a historicized fear of inter-racial rape resurrected in the wake of the Central Park Jogger media firestorm (" 'They must be wildin' " a mock-White inflected ad-lib proclaims). It is uncertain whether or not his defensiveness is justified or  if the conflicted dialogue exists entirely within his head but one is inclined to empathize with the narrator as he exits the train disgusted by his perceived treatment.

In the next verse we are introduced to Skoob's dark but similarly likable character, an unapologetic repeat offender who "packs steel" and drives "the phat wheels" and actively seeks violent confrontation. His infectious bravado gives way to a telling, chilling observation: the public loves his performance of gaudy nihilism ("living the lifestyles of the rough and rugged") even as they loathe its social impact. He just happens to be on his way to the same party and in the third brilliantly constructed verse the two characters and their respective crews inch closer to collision as Skoob and Drayze exchange lines. Drayze's hard-headed narrator roams the unfamiliar East New York housing complex oblivious to impending danger, even ignoring the fact that someone (the listener knows it to be Skoob's character) is "bustin' caps." 

When the two young men inevitably cross paths, a heated exchange of mutual shit-talking results in an entirely preventable homicide. The partyseeker lies dead and his killer returns for a bar and half speaking as a convicted inmate, quickly silenced by the sound of a closing cell. Although the narrative is straightforward, the message is actually quite nuanced. Both killer and victim share the tragic flaws of arrogance and myopia, as well as similar outer appearance, comportment, and most disturbingly, a life outcome devoid of success and happiness. One might deduce from the narrative that the skyrocketing street crime of the time had a complex myriad of causes, no discernible single solution, and the paradoxical effect of defaming the very group of people most commonly victimized, many of whom actively internalize the stereotypes emerging from the media's incessant scrutiny.

Pretty heavy commentary for a crew mostly remembered for nonsensical tongue-twisting and rocking Band-Aids as fashion accessories.  -- Thun