Terminator X Speaks With His Hands

Believe me, no introduction is needed to what Public Enemy has achieved in their long and illustrious career, both culturally and musically. The famous collective of talented, hardhitting and politically-charged hip-hoppers has had their music heard all over the world, from Radio Raheem's stereo to live shows in London.



But the members of Public Enemy have always been an odd, obscure bunch of artists with their own unique backgrounds, skills, and personalities that made them such an exciting group to listen to--and it was their strong personalities that beat us over the head for more than twenty years. We all know Chuck D., the group's frontman, primary vocalist, leader and poet, whose commanding, charismatic voice still resonates in our ears. To this day he has maintained an extremely straight edge life style, resisting meat, alcohol and drugs--the man hasn't even tasted coffee. Flavor Flav, the group's hype-man and arguably most famous member (sadly), has never shyed from showing off his wild and insane antics to the world, from yelling his ass off on stage, to picking up attempted murder and domestic violence charges, to starring on weird MTV reality shows. Professor Griff, once a soldier in the army, started out as a bodyguard of sorts, working for a private security service hired by local hip-hop acts for parties and shows, where he met an aspiring DJ-for-hire by the name of Chuck D. He was (and still is) a proficient martial artist, having studied Chinese Wushu and Japanese Karate among other forms. He was later kicked out of the group for controversy surrounding his ridiculous and odious anti-semitic comments to British media outlets, but later rejoined in the mid 90's.



But where the hell is Terminator X, you ask me? Why haven't you written about him yet? Well, since I'm here pretending like you haven't read the title, good question. Terminator X is and always will be the most overlooked member of Public Enemy. Period. Nevermind the track "Terminator X to the Edge of Panic," in which Chuck D. shouts him out repeatedly over a classic turntable hook that everyone who has or hasn't seen Friday Night Lights knows and loves. Simply put, the success, fame, and influence of Public Enemy will forever shadow the role of Terminator X as the group's DJ, as well as the solo masterpieces he put out during the nineties. His reticent and shy personality has put him at a disadvantage over his bandmates for media glory, and unfairly so. But there is no use to complain about this--every group needs a glue guy in the background doing his damn thing without attention. All the members can't be getting pinched and doing bids in Riker's Island; that wouldn't suffice, would it?



In 1991, Terminator X collaborated with various and mostly unknown artists to create his first solo album, the classic Terminator X & the Valley of the Jeep Beets. On this gem, X demonstrates not only his sublime turntabling skills--maybe the best ever through an entire album--but also his deft handling of production. The head-bobbing drums and heavy basslines on this album will simply kick your ass. Song lyrics are similar in style and theme to the politically-charged, black activism of Public Enemy, but with a wider range in artists and perspectives. Standout tracks include "Buck Whylin'" with Chuck D. and Sister Souljah (yes, that Sister Souljah--who also happens to be an author and contributor to The New Yorker), "Back to the Scene of the Bass" with The Interrogators, and "The Blues" with Andres 13, as well as my personal favorite, "Juvenile Delinquentz" by the Juvenile Delinquentz. Befitting of it's producer and DJ, the album stands as one of the most underrated works of the 90's.



Terminator X has carved out a place in hip-hop history as one of the greatest and most versatile DJ's to ever operate a turntable, up there with Eric B., Preme, Flash, and Jazzy Jeff among other legendary disc-jockeys.



So what weird, otherworldly endeavours could Terminator X possibly be involved in now? What is he up to that we haven't already seen from Public Enemy's other members? Well according to The Guardian, he currently owns an ostrich farm. Yes, I just said ostrich farm. Flavor Flav's bachelor show ain't got shit on that.

Track listing:

1. “Vendetta...The Big Getback"

2. "Buck Whylin'" (with Chuck D & Sister Souljah)

3. "Homey Don't Play Dat" (with Bonnie 'N' Clyde]

4. "Juvenile Delinquintz" (with Juvenile Delinquentz]

5. "The Blues" (with Andreas 13)

6. "Back To The Scene Of The Bass" (with The Interrogators)

7. "Can't Take My Style"

8. "Wanna Be Dancin'" (with Celo of The Casino Brothers)

9. "DJ Is The Selector" (with Dubmaster)

10. "Run That Go-Power Thang" (with Spacey B. Experience)

11. "No Further" (with Section 8)

12. "High Priest Of Turbulence"

13. "Ain't Got Nuttin'" (with The Chief Groovy Loo)

DOWNLOAD

"Juvenile Delinquentz" is a particularly fascinating song, told from the perspective of three black teenagers condemning the biases shown in America's educational system. Although I don't agree with some of the anti-school messages present, much of what is said holds serious weight. Kids are taught everything in America's "glorious" past from American independence to the World Wars--which are important historical events--yet much of the facts behind slavery, colonialism, and African roots are missing to a people that had their roots taken from them long ago. The educational system has definitely improved, but the song is nonetheless an interesting description of what I'm sure many students must have felt not so long ago.



Yeaaaaa boiii--too much? Alright. But enjoy!



Peace,

—Teddy C.D.

Up North Tip: Canadian Hip-Hop Series

There's no need to skirt the subject: I Am Canadian. Chinese-Canadian, as a matter of fact. And I'm proud of it. My family hailing originally from China, I was born in Toronto, Ontario, the economic and cultural capital of Canada. At around the age of four I moved with my family to New York City (peace to the Upper West Side!), and that is where my brother first introduced me to rap; I bought my first rap album, saw my first rap music video, and basically fell in love with the music. Eventually we moved back to Canada (Western, now) where I currently live. And every day since we left Manhattan, I have cringed at the idea of Canadian hip-hop. Like most American hip-hop fans, I've been spoiled with release after dope ass release of 90's East Coast classics—to the point where I would have ignored everything else a few years ago.



Let me be first to admit that I couldn't have been more wrong.



What I failed to realize was that, for over two decades, artists from my own country were putting in major work on the hip-hop circuit. Right under my damn nose, cats like Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, and DJ Ron Nelson were establishing hip-hop as a legitimate genre in Canadian music. You want me to be corny and say it's taught me a lesson?—well, it's taught me a lesson. This is my chance to do the right thing like Spike Lee.



So yes, I am doing this as much for myself as I am for the loyal readers at TROY. It's a chance for me to explore the talent of my own country while bringing you fresh records for your own collections. There are so many great Canadian hip-hop acts that deserve shine, I can only hope to do this series justice. Every now and then I will post an album or two from a different Canadian artist, either from my own collection or from our always-reliable contributors at Philaflava. Where the hell would we be without you guys?



I’ve started this series to shed light on a hip-hop scene that’s been overlooked by both mainstream and underground circuits since day one, and it’s been a long time coming for Canadian rappers, old and new. In the mid-eighties Canadian record companies were still reluctant to sign and promote black music, and artists were forced to form independent labels with poor marketing and what started out as an inadequate fan base. There were no Rick Rubins or Russell Simmons’ to jump start the popularity of hip-hop in Canada, and as a result, this has led to widespread ignorance of Canadian talent. And despite KRS-One shouting out “Ron Nelson and the Toronto posse” in the liner notes of Criminal Minded, most fans in the United States still refuse to take Canadian hip-hop seriously.



See, as much as we claim to be open-minded and keen on peeping different styles from different regions, we all know this isn’t always true; shit, search a “Fuck Compton” video from 1991 on Youtube and you still have idiots arguing over which coast is better. The point is, regional biases always exist, and stereotypes are hard to displace.



Well, at TROY we’re here to break your damn biases and your regional preferences. Or at the very least, get you to open up your minds.



Before I delve into specific artists and crews of different eras, our first joint is going to be the quintessential compilation of Canadian hip-hop, a perfect introduction: The Cold Front Rap Compilation. In 1991 various hip-hop acts from Toronto banded together to display the diverse and largely unknown talent of the Far North. On this comp you will find some of the nicest acts of the 80's and 90's, and not just in Canada: Maestro Fresh Wes, Main Source, Dream Warriors and KGB, among others.



Major props to Who_Produced_It at Philaflava for ripping this album from his own collection and sharing it with us. This is much appreciated. Also props to kotep and the rest of the contributors at The Canadian Hip-Hop Thread on Philaflava for inspiring this series. For additional information, check out the fantastic Canadian hip-hop blog: Living Underwater.

Cold Front Rap Compilation (1991):



1. CIUT 89.5 - Master Plan Show Spot (0:16)

2. Maestro Fresh Wes - Black Tie Affair (4:24)

3. Base Poet - When I Went To Buy Milk (4:30)

4. Sweet Ebony - With This (5:09)

5. Dream Warriors - 12 Sided Dice (4:24)

6. Large Professor - CKLN 88.1 Power Move Show Spot (0:32)

7. Main Source - Atom (2:56)

8. Sonyalive - I'm Coming Into Consciousness (3:35)

9. CIUT 89.5 - Master Plan Show Spot (0:11)

10. Kish - Jim Class (4:43)

11. R & R - Having A Good Day (4:42)

12. Nu Black Nation - Soul Vibration (5:21)

13. CHRY 105.5 - Jam Factor Spot (0:14)

14. KGB - Letters Of Three (4:12)

15. Top Secret - Stupid (4:15)

16. Fresh B - This Is For The Record (4:56)

17. CKLN 88.1 - Oblivion Express Spot (0:19)

DOWNLOAD

Previews



Maestro Fresh Wes- "Black Tie Affair"





Main Source- "Atom"





Sonyalive- "I'm Coming into Consciousness"

Please, do yourself a favor and tune into these cuts—you will not regret it. I know many of the die-hard heads here already have an extensive knowledge on a lot of these artists, but hopefully you will find something new, or just have a good time revisiting some of this nostalgia. Without any reservation, I can say that this is one of the greatest compilations in the history of hip-hop. No other collection of songs represents an entire region of hip-hop like the Cold Front Rap Compilation.



My favorite tracks on this collection have to be Maestro Fresh Wes' "Black Tie Affair" and Main Source's "Atom" (also a bonus on the re-issue of Breaking Atoms). Another favorite of mine came as a pleasant surprise: Sonyalive's "I'm Coming into Consciousness." She has one of the most relaxing flows and thoughtful lyrics out of her peers. I have, however, had a difficult time finding any online information about Sonyalive—her name even comes up blank on Discogs. If any of you have information or additional music from her, please let me know.



As hip-hop heads we should be trying to limit our regional biases. We’re always trying to find the freshest sound regardless of where it comes from. See, it might not always seem like it, but hip-hop is an art form that truly transcends race, ethnicity, gender, and, especially pertinent here, borders.



Now, I still have a long way to go in exploring all the realms of Canadian hip-hop, but there will be a lot of opportunities to learn here. Canadian rappers have been some of the best kept secret, despite what the spoiled New Yorker in me initially thought. I’m sure this series is going to be a long and satisfying ride.



Enjoy, and stay tuned for more! If you have any suggestions don't hesitate to hit me up in the comments or at the Philaflava forums.



Peace,

— Teddy C.D.

Funk Marathon Volume 4

My roomate hates hip hop. Once in awhile I give him a break. A long break., such as 9 hours and 46 minutes of solid funk instead. Anything is worth doing is worth doing thoroughly, like 141 continuous tracks in a row thoroughly. I'm a fan of all kinds of music save perhaps Verizon's god awful smooth jazz while customers stay on hold for 20 minutes. I should get a new job as the hack who picks waiting music for the corporate world. People could rock out until the supervisor comes on to confirm that yes indeed, you really ARE shit-out-of-luck-sir. On a less cynical note, I figure you funk diggers will recognize some of the gems here. Hopefully you'll come across alot of new cuts. Most of the selections here are 70's tracks but there are a few earlier and later songs too. Turn this compilation up at the barbeque, on your headphones while you drift in cyberspace, while you hang onto the wheel 9 hours in traffic. If you love funk as much as I do Funk Marathon Volume 4 will keep you satisfied for a long time to come.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DKPNMJTS

Here's the tracklist--

01 (5:18) oliver sain - 001on the hill
02 (4:10) jimi hendrix - 002doriella du fontaine (instrumental)
03 (3:12) the young lovers - 003barbarella
04 (7:30) funky lowlives - 004latazz
05 (8:13) johnny hammond - 005star borne
06 (4:29) calypso king & the soul investigators - 006some funk
07 (3:46) the pace setters - 007freedom and justice
08 (3:04) the commodores - 008rapid fire
09 (2:31) boys in the band - 009sumpin heavy
10 (6:09) atu - 010rare grooves#2
11 (1:04) soul fire education - 011fast tempo funk instrumental
12 (3:09) banda black rio - 012gafieira universal
13 (3:53) scott brothers - 013side trackin
14 (1:57) cool breeze - 014fight back
15 (2:08) alan hawkshaw - 015the detectives
16 (2:09) donald austin - 016side saddle
17 (3:07) march wind - 017all the way down
18 (4:28) big boss man - 018sea groove
19 (2:41) meters - 019live wire
20 (5:08) barrabas - 020wild safari
21 (1:50) breakestra - 021soul power '74
22 (3:25) pete moore - 022shady blues
23 (6:59) black heat - 023m & m's
24 (2:38) i gres - 024duo balls
25 (4:24) the invaders - 025instrumental5
26 (3:35) the bongolian - 026valve news reel
27 (4:24) asphalt jungle - 027freakin' time pt.1
28 (4:50) brass construction - 028startin all over again
29 (5:49) lakeside - 029it's all the way live
30 (4:05) donny hathaway - 030sugar lee
31 (2:50) jean knight - 031do me
32 (3:15) the detroit sex machines - 032funky crawl
33 (3:24) exit 9 - 033straight up
34 (3:05) african music machine - 034black water (gold)
35 (4:55) george mccrae - 035look at you
36 (5:06) side effect - 036always there
37 (8:25) brothers unique - 037school daze (instrumental) (glad hemp 1981)
38 (3:35) hamilton bohannon - 038the stop and go
39 (1:55) les baxter - 039hogin's machine
40 (2:02) the bongolian - 040rollin' with you
41 (3:53) fabulous originals - 041it ain't fun but it's fun
42 (4:11) lalo schifrin - 042theme from king kong
43 (5:12) montana orchestra - 043ride like the wind
44 (4:46) cecil holmes soulful sounds - 044shaft
45 (5:18) paul scriver - 045dis-locution
46 (2:19) j. hines and the fellows - 046victory strut
47 (5:29) funk inc - 047smokin' at tiffany's
48 (3:37) isaac hayes - 048disco connection
49 (4:53) incredible bongo band - 049apache
50 (4:45) francis mcdonald&christopher rae - 050party people
51 (4:21) the o'jays - 051family affair instr.
52 (3:00) jesse gresham plus 3 - 052shootin the grease
53 (5:28) jimmy castor bunch - 053supersound
54 (4:09) al foster band - 054night of the wolf
55 (4:17) t connection - 055groove to get down
56 (0:00) jimmy g. & the tackheads - 056break my heart
57 (3:50) eddy grant - 057electric avenue
58 (6:00) one way - 058mr. groove
59 (6:32) mass production - 059firecracker
60 (6:42) armed gang - 060funky fever
61 (4:19) twennynine & lenny white - 061peanut butter
62 (7:33) oliver cheatham - 062get down saturday night
63 (6:01) wild sugar - 063bring it there
64 (4:32) ray parker jr - 064for those who like to groove
65 (4:00) lipps inc - 065funkytown
66 (3:08) kc & the sunshine band - 066shake your booty
67 (1:35) roy ayers - 067hey, uh - what you say, come on
68 (3:42) dr. didg - 068sun of tut
69 (4:47) ben and the platano group - 069platano split
70 (3:07) i gres - 070restless
71 (8:40) sambo soul - 071mambo #5
72 (5:19) mongo santamaria - 072cloud nine
73 (4:36) ananda shankar - 073streets of calcutta
74 (1:56) willie tell & the overtures - 074the kick-back
75 (2:59) florence miller - 075the groove i'm in
76 (2:24) chosen few - 076funky buttercup
77 (2:58) aretha franklin - 077chain of fools
78 (3:06) lee fields & the explorers - 078i'm the man
79 (2:17) ann robinson - 079you did it
80 (2:43) nancy sinatra - 080boots are made for walkin'
81 (2:04) soul brothers - 081testify
82 (4:24) monk higgins - 082heavyweight
83 (5:04) skyy - 083let's turn it out
84 (2:27) spittin image - 084j.b.'s latin
85 (4:57) malo - 085street man
86 (3:05) steve miller band - 086fly like an eagle
87 (2:23) the commodores - 087machine gu
88 (3:05) john dankworth - 088theme from mode
89 (3:35) 4th coming - 089the dead don't die alive
90 (3:26) dennis coffey - 090son of scorpio
91 (3:03) young - 091soulful strut
92 (2:48) funky meters - 092nine till five
93 (4:12) johnny pate - 093outrageous
94 (2:51) mike jackson and the soul providers - 094saturday in the park (fast)
95 (2:20) fabulous counts - 095dirty red
96 (3:29) paul kass - 096causeway
97 (2:17) calypso king & the soul investigators - 097raw grapes
98 (8:14) jimi hendrix - 098third stone from the sun(live)
99 (2:45) the rimshots - 099neighbour! get your own
100 (1:01) james william guerico - 100the chase
101 (2:28) tommy guerrero - 101audiotrack12
102 (5:24) galt mcdermot - 102ripped open by metal explosions
103 (3:05) willie bobo - 103fried neckbones & homefries
104 (2:15) little royal & the swingmasters - 104razor blade
105 (2:45) the soul diggers - 105soul dig part 1
106 (2:17) cold grits - 106it's your thing
107 (2:16) bobby womack - 107harlem clavinette (instrumental)
108 (1:33) the two ronnies - 108the detectives
109 (2:44) lalo schifrin - 109most wanted theme
110 (2:15) eclipse soul - 110psicose
111 (2:36) nino nardini & roger roger - 111tropical call
112 (8:10) caesar frazier - 112hicky burr
113 (6:15) luv'n'haight - 113track07
114 (6:54) uncle louie - 114full tilt boogie (12 inch version)
115 (2:04) the soul machine - 115twitchie feet
116 (6:06) experience unlimited - 116knock him out sugar ray
117 (3:35) 100% pure poison - 117holes in my shoes
118 (4:35) black heat - 118zimba ku
119 (3:33) we the people - 119breakdown
120 (6:29) gwen mcrae - 120funky sensation
121 (3:26) melvin bliss - 121synthetic substitution
122 (7:33) eddie kendricks - 122girl you need a change of mind (long version)
123 (3:13) thunder & lightning - 123bumpin' bus stop
124 (2:38) marva whitney - 124unwind yourself
125 (2:46) brother soul - 125cookies
126 (2:56) skull snaps - 126its a new day
127 (6:28) pleasure - 127glide
128 (5:07) gary tom`s empire - 128blow your whistle
129 (3:48) the kay-gees - 129kilowatt invasion
130 (6:47) zapp & roger - 130funky bounce
131 (2:20) african music machine - 131tropical
132 (2:35) outlaw gang - 132weedhopper
133 (5:33) sapo - 133been had
134 (3:39) brooklyn people - 134peace & love
135 (3:25) dickie goodman - 135friends
136 (4:30) united 8 - 136getting uptown
137 (7:24) david axelrod - 137the shadow knows
138 (9:05) nightmares on wax - 138pipes honour
139 (9:56) billy paul - 139war of the gods
140. (11:18) isaac hayes - 140joy
141 (5:12) dramatics - 141in the rain

Can anyone identify the artist on track 10 ? I've dug that one for years but don't know anything about it. I hope y'all dig the sounds. If you want to check out the 1st three volumes you can find them here--

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2008/12/on-your-marks-its-funk-marathon-stage-1.html

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2009/01/on-starting-line-funk-marathon-2.html

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-starting-line-funk-marathon-volume-3.html


Hit me up with some feedback, thanks for reading/listening. Enjoy!

--Schenectadyfan

The Midwest Lineup 1989-2005

Steppin' to the plate today we have a bunch of hard hitters out of the bread belt. I am bringing you volumes 3-5 in my midwest series First to bat is number three which is the only one of 21 volumes with a few tracks that came out in 2000 or later. Beginning at volume 4, the rest of them are strictly 90's selections. If you need the 1st two volumes these are the links:

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2009/05/midwest-starting-line.html

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2009/12/midwest-series-volume-2-1989-1997.html

Volume 3 --

One of my favorite cuts here is definitely 'Phantoms Of The Opera'. I know this classic banger has been heard around the way for years and I had to include it here. Essential underground vs the industry type rap. I can't get enough of the beat on 'Two Trains'. Maybe the sound is not your thing but it's played around here all the time. Also check out the beat on 'In Sync'. If anyone wants to hear it I'd be glad to post the full 'Weightless Recordings Battle Raps & Freestyles' release one of these days. Track 6 is one the nicest cuts from that collective. Here's a link and the tracklist.

http://sharebee.com/a35576a2

01 (5:17) Kanser - Love In Your Face (Minnesota 1998)
02 (3:16) Kankick - Live As It Gets (Ft. Medaphor) (2001)
03 (5:08) All Natural - Phantoms Of The Opera (Ft. Allstar) (Chicago 2001)
04 (5:21) Denizen Kane - Two Trains (Chicago 2002)
05 (4:19) Hypnotic The Native Sun - War Of The Gods (1998)
06 (5:14) Manifest, Inkwell and Blueprint - In Sync (Scientific Remix) (Minnesota 2001)
07 (3:49) Qwel - If It Ain't Been In A Pawn Shop, Then It Can't Play The Blues (Chicago 2000)
08 (4:10) Jack Frost - In It 4 Life (1999)
09 (3:47) Black Project - Crown Me (1999)
10 (4:00) Ghost Team - Revenge (2000)
11 (4:48) Brother Ali - Nine Double Em (Minnesota 1999)
12 (0:22) Weightless Recordings Battle Raps & Freestyles - Freestyle 7 (Minnesota 2001)
13 (4:08) Matlock - Get Outta Dodge (Chicago 2002)
14 (4:00) Rubberoom - Street Theme (Filthy Mix)(Chicago 1997)
15 (12:23) The Primeridian - Tatuduhendi (Reprise) (Chicago 2005)
16 (8:20) Organic Mind Unit - (Bonus Track) Hard......Complicated (Minnesota 1997)


Volume 4 --

Kinda on the gangsta tip this time. Playya 1000 is the kind of sound that makes me crank the system. Maybe it's the drawl, maybe it's the infectious beat. Whatever, turn it up. Another one of my favorite tracks is number 6. K-Stone was a veteran of the Detroit Scene. If anyone out there can provide us a comprehensive disograpny of his work that would be dope. I know he had at least 5 releases I can think of. Next up is that timeless midwest anthem from D 2 Tha S. 'Dissin these fools'. Cold blooded lyrics, a moody beat, what more do you need ? If you like that old school delivery don't sleep on Awesome Dre and The J To The D. Here's a link and the tracklist.

http://sharebee.com/b2ee401d

01 (4:52) Big Bur-na - Addikted To Da Streetz (Tulsa 1995)
02 (5:17) Devious Steve - Where I Stay (Indiana 1994)
03 (3:58) Playya 1000 - Foe Da Mil Ticket (Tulsa 1992)
04 (5:16) 16 Keys - Murder One (1994)
05 (3:57) Menace To Society - Menace Niggaz (Michigan 1993)
06 (4:08) K-Stone - Niggas From Detroit (1994)
07 (4:57) D 2 Tha S & Toxic (Of The Chamba) - Dissin These Fools (Chicago 1995)
08 (2:50) Romeo Ryonell - Iskyspook (Kansas City 1994)
09 (3:59) Blu (Of Criminal Division) - I Rush Niggas (Michigan 1993)
10 (4:02) Swolts - Casanova 1973 (Chicago 1996)
11 (4:10) Thawfor - Dagger Of The Mind (Chicago 1995)
12 (5:02) Chill Will - In The Park After Dark (Chicago 1995)
13 (3:58) Insane Rhyme Slangaz - Side Effects (Flint 1995)
14 (5:36) Awesome Dre - Deadlier Than Strichnine (Detroit 1993)
15 (5:14) The J To The D - Fuck That (Detroit 1991)


Volume 5 --

Volume 5 is one the volumes I like most of all 21 midwest compilations I've put together. The remix for 'Suicide' is dope as hell. I'm not really a fan of Twista but this track is tight. Another standout is 'Detroit Madness'. This is probably the best thing on his album. To be honest Daddy Hill can't rap his way out of a paper bag but the cheesy beat and female background vocals have me hooked like crack. Make sure to listen up when 'Streetwise' comes on. This is one of the doper selections from 'The Hidden Talent Disk'. The album is a bit 'mixed' and unfortunately lives up to it's name on a few songs. Sometimes I like to rescue good cuts from the sea of mediocrity by which they are surrounded so I don't forget about them. Here's a link and the tracklist.

http://sharebee.com/98741df9

01 (1:26) Twista - Suicide Remix (Chicago 1992)
02 (1:18) Capital D & The Molemen - Midnight (Chicago 1999)
03 (5:12) The Ill State Assassins - Hardcore Crew (Chicago 1995)
04 (3:31) B.O.E. - Black On Earth (1995)
05 (3:14) M.F. 911 - Shots Cold Gunnin' (Detroit 1993)
06 (4:37) Daddy Hill - Detroit Madness (1997)
07 (3:40) Six Pak - Living Nightmare (Chicago 1995)
08 (4:08) Da Flint Connection - Death B-4 Dishonesty (1994)
09 (3:48) Nettwork - Walkin' Thru The Graveyard (Flint 1994)
10 (3:33) Awol - Trilogy (Detroit 1993)
11 (6:06) The Speedknot Mobstaz - One Shot One Kill (Chicago 1995)
12 (8:20) Hynpnotic The Native Sun - Kallsiti 3K (Minnesota 1998)
13 (1:46) Magnetic Personalities - Insectacide Prelude To A Dark (Minnesota 1995)
14 (3:55) B-Movie Fiendz - Streetwise (With Mic One & Thawfor) (Chicago 1997)
15 (3:53) Fo Deep - Mutha Nature (Flint 1994)
16 (3:51) Shade Luv X - Local (Minneapolis 1993)
17 (4:01) H.M.H. - Yo Play Radio Joint (Michigan 1994)
18 (3:00) Esham - Some Old Wicket Shit!!! (Detroit 1990)

There's a fair amount of music here. I'm sure some of these groups are familiar to you already, I'm hoping a few will you'll be playing for the first time. Leave some comments, let me know which cities you're interested in and who you want to hear more from.

For those who missed it, I posted volumes 6-9 here:

http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2008/10/thought-id-post-some-midwest-material.html

Thanks for listening, enjoy!

--Schenectadyfan

Boston Underground - Volume Three (1993-2003)

Bringing y'all volume 3 in my Boston series today. A couple notes. I've heard Akbar is from New York, Boston, and also Chicago. If anyone out there wants to clear that up for me I'd like to know. Also, 'Overdose' is from South Boston Va apparently. Other than that, I think all these cuts are in fact from Boston artists. I've done 8 of these Boston compilations. The later ones also have some obscure dopeness so make sure to check back. In the meantime, here's a link and a tracklist for volume 3.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4TCO3M5R

01 (4:44) Akbar - No Suckas Allowed 2001
02 (5:13) Joint Ventures - Time To Pay The Piper 1993
03 (0:31) Virtuoso - Interlude 2001
04 (3:12) Juice With Soul - It's On 1993
05 (3:34) 7l & Max Bedroom - The Smoothness 1994
06 (4:18) Street Poets - Everybody Knows Me 1995
07 (4:24) Top Choice Clique - Survival 1993
08 (3:39) T-Max - Executioner Style 1996
09 (0:10) Insight - Rock A Vest 2001
10 (3:19) Ed O.G - Get It Right 1996
11 (3:52) Overdose - Countin' Em Up 1993 (South Boston, Va woops)
12 (3:19) Wiseguys - Doubleheada Ft Blazertown, Big Man The Terror, Im & J-Hops 1997
13 (4:20) Concrete Click - Gone With The Wind 1995
14 (1:06) Big Shug - Intro 2006
15 (3:39) Criminal Scientifik - Lawtown (Produced By Ed OG) 1994
16 (0:46) Electric Company - E-Tro 2003
17 (4:07) Loose Notes - Bring It Ft. Etelligent & Scars 2003
18 (3:16) Akrobatik - U Got It 2000
19 (4:04) Raw Produce - Weight Of The World (Remix) 1995
20 (4:37) Krumb Snatcha - Closer To God 1997
21 (3:52) Ripshop - You Don't Want 2001
22 (3:22) Brown F.I.S.H - 45 1997
23 (2:10) Proph - Me And You..Boston 2001
24 (3:15) Xcaliber - Butta Messenga (Remix) 1997

Let me know what's new to you and what's old hat. I hope everyone likes the selection!

--Schenectadyfan

It's Goin' Down at... The Lyricist Lounge

By the 19-naughties hip-hop had opened its doors to a wide array of sounds, techniques and styles, both mainstream and underground. While the boom-bap New Yorkers were taking back the rap reins from their West Coast counterparts, the emerging alternative hip-hop collectives on both coasts were laying a foundation for the underground circuit. One of the areas in which rap began expanding was the art scene. Open-mic nights at local cafes and clubs became a hotbed for raw, unadulterated talent, and unknown artists were given the chance to showcase their work to an audience of other young and aspiring lyricists. Like poetry reading circles or songwriter sessions, rappers were organizing themselves in these collective workshops, honing their craft like true artists—true professionals.

On the West coast, the open-mic nights at the Good Life Café became the breeding ground for some of the most impressive lyricists ever caught on wax. One of the acts to emerge from amateur night at Good Life Café was the criminally underrated Freestyle Fellowship, frontrunners for most talented rap group of all time (but they warrant their own piece altogether… hint: stay tuned).

In New York, however, there was no Good Life Café, nor was there a Freestyle Fellowship. Instead, there was the East Coast equivalent to Good Life, a tiny studio apartment on Lower East Side Manhattan which acted as a workshop for artists, new and old, known loosely as the Lyricist Lounge. Founded in 1991 by Anthony Marshall and Danny Castro, the Lyricist Lounge became a hit in the underground New York City circuit, a popular place and hangout for young artists to share their music on the open-mic stage.

Fast forward to the new millennium. It was the year 2000, and the Lyricist Lounge had just gained enough of a following—after a compilation album and two separate tours involving artists from Mos Def to KRS-One to Slick Rick—for a television series. That’s right, MTV agreed to a proposal by Marshall and Castro to bring the Lounge on air—only, a twist of humour would be added to tie the rap acts together. And with a diverse cast of underground rappers and comedy actors, music producers and comedy writers, the first ever hip-hop sketch comedy was born, dubbed The Lyricist Lounge Show.

To those who remember watching the show, it was groundbreaking in its demonstration of how hip-hop could be used as a viable musical media. Most episodes comprised a series of often hilarious sketches, featuring characters conversing only in rapped dialogue—most of it written, some of it even freestyled to a live studio audience—over minimalist and non-invasive background beats. The three artists especially instrumental to the show’s creative direction were Wordsworth, Master Fuol, and Baby Power, all members of the ensemble cast and writers of the show. Frequent guest appearances were made by fan favourite Mos Def, as well as Q-Tip, Cee-Lo, Common, and Erykah Badu, among others. The strong cast of lyricists and All-Star rappers made each episode not to be missed.

Yet sadly, The Lyricist Lounge Show failed to survive beyond two seasons, and like our other favourite hip-hop show Yo! MTV Raps, the program was promptly canceled (another reason to ignore television beyond HBO, Showtime, and the occasional NBC Comedy). Conflict between MTV and the show’s producers—no doubt a creative difference between network and creators—coupled with high production costs and a deflating audience, resulted in the shows termination. In short, we fans were screwed out of what could have been a hit television series, and the first of many forays of drama into hip-hop. I remember staying up late as kids with my older brother, watching Mos Def trade rhymes with characters like “Mayor Fuoliani,” just soaking in all the music with our young ears glued to the tube. For years we wondered where the show had gone after it left the air. I have yet to see another hip-hop based musical production add the same amount of depth and versatility to its lyrical content, while matching the biting wit of The Lyricist Lounge Show.

Today, the Lyricist Lounge has evolved into a rappers’ showcase. An always-changing cast of emcees from all over the hip-hop world, both unknown and established, tour through various venues across the United States to perform live shows. Sponsored by a wide array of companies and hosted by many respectable rappers, these live performances are all we have left after the termination of The Lyricist Lounge Show.

In 1998 before the show was created, members and affiliates of the Lyricist Lounge released a compilation album featuring various artists including Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Ras Kass, Words, Saul Williams, and Jurassic 5, titled The Lyricist Lounge Vol. 1.

The Lyricist Lounge Vol. 1

Disc 1:
1. Wise Guy- “Street Promoters (Skit)”
2. De La Soul & 88 Keys- “Intro”
3. Cipher Complet- “Bring Hip Hop Back”
4. Diaz Brothers with Matrix & Abutta- “Keep Pouring”
5. Sarah Jones- “Blood”
6. Q-Tip, Mos Def, & Tash- “Body Rock”
7. Hazadu, J-Treds, Thirstin Howl III, Kwest, & I.G. Off- “Bathroom Cipher”
8. Punch & Words- “Da Cipher”
9. Word A’ Mouth- “Famous Last Words”
10. Prime- “No Mater”
11. Ras Kass & O.C.- “Action Guaranteed”
12. Mike Zoot- “All in My Own”
13. Wiseguy & Words- “The Phone Call (Skit)”
14. -Black Thought, Common, Pharoahe Monch, & Absolute A.K.A Xtra Kredit- “Live From the D.J. Stretch Armstrong Show With Your Host Bobbito the Barber”

DOWNLOAD

Disc 2:
1. Saul Williams- “Ohm”
2. Kool Keith & Sir Menelik- “Intro”
3. Natural Elements- “Mayday”
4. Talib Kweli (Reflection Eternal)- “Manifesto”
5. Bahamadia & Rah Digga- “Be OK”
6. A.L.- “Lyrics”
7. Talib Kweli, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wiseguy, Building Blocks, Mr Metaphor, & Lil Sci- “Outside the Lounge”
8. Lord Have Mercy More & D.V. Alias Khrist- “Holy Water”
9. Jurassic 5- “Jayou”
10. KRS-One, Zack De La Rocha, & The Last Emperor- “C.I.A. (Criminals in Action)”
11. Problemz- “Society”
12. Indelible MCs, Company Flow, Juggaknots, & J-Tred- “Weight”
13. Words, Rise, Punch, Jedi, & A.L.- “After the Show”

During the show’s run, a Lyricist Lounge Vol. 2 was released, featuring more established rappers of the game. It is worth a listen, though it isn’t quite as strong as the first album. Much of the Lyricist Lounge flavor is missing from this set, as the CD tries to cross over into a mainstream sound, probably in anticipation of a growing audience.

Not to be confused as music used on the show, both of these albums were showcases of the diverse talent found in hip-hop, while still leaving fans hungry for more of the actual television series—which, of course, no longer exists.

The Lyricist Lounge Vol. 2

1. Notorious B.I.G.- “16 Bars (Live at the Lyricist Lounge)
2. Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, & Nate Dogg- “Oh No”
3. Q-Tip & Words- “Makin’ It Blend”
4. Cocoa Brovaz- “Get Up”
5. Beanie Sigel- “Get That Dough”
6. Royce da 5’9- “Let’s Grow”
7. Mos Def & Ghostface Killah- “Ms. Fat Booty”
8. Redman & Saukrates- “W.K.Y.A.”
9. Talib Kweli & Dead Prez- “Sharp Shooters”
10. Kool G. Rap & M.O.P.- “Legendary Street Team”
11. Big Noyd & Prodigy- “The Grimy Way”
12. Erick Sermon & S. Scott- “Battle”
13. Da Cipha, Punch, Cobra Red, Planet Asia, Guilty, & Phil Da Agony (Consequence & Menace)- “Interlude”
14. Big L. & C-Town- “Still Here”
15. Dilated Peoples- “Right and Exact”
16. The Last Emperor & RZA- “He Lives”
17. Master Fuol, J.T. Money, & Pastor Troy- “Watcha”
18. Macy Gray, Mos Def & Gang Starr- “I’ve Committed Murder (Remix)”
19. Q-Tip- “Outro Live at the Lounge”

DOWNLOAD

Now wherever you may be at, take a few minutes, sit back, relax, and check out these clips from the show:

Enjoy these old clips. If anyone has old episodes of The Lyricist Lounge Show taped anywhere, please feel free to post them in the comments or on the forums, so other readers can experience them too.

Peace,
— Teddy C.D.

Boston Underground - Volume Two (1993-1997)

Ok Boston locals, give me the lowdown. What are the best spots for picking up (used) vinyl ? I'm out here on the west coast but next time I make it back that way I want to know where to hunt. I did a trip there in 2006 but didn't have time for any crate digging. Alas. This compilation is something I put together back in 2007. It is volume 2 of an 8 part series. I figure most of the tracks here are already familiar to underground heads, but it's still a good lineup. Put the needle on and listen up. Okay, okay click the play button and then listen up. Here's a link and the tracklist.

Download

01 (4:53) Top Choice Clique - Push It Past Red (Full Length Mix) 1994
02 (2:31) Joint Ventures - Something For The Head 1993
03 (2:59) Big Shug - P.D.S. 1995
04 (4:44) Concrete Click - Criminal 1995
05 (3:37) M Slash - If You Test We (Main) 1996
06 (3:59) Juice With Soul - Nickel Plated Funk 1993
07 (5:41) Mike Ladd & Company Flow - Bladerunners 1995
08 (5:35) The Almighty RSO - Hellbound (The RSO Saga Part 2) 1994
09 (4:11) Knucklehedz - Savages 1993
10 (5:09) Krumb Snatcha - Hustlers and Hardcore 1997
11 (4:39) Street Poets - Cant Find My Way 1995
12 (4:03) Mr. Lif - Madness in A Cup (Original '95 Demo) 1995
13 (4:38) T-Max - Business 1996
14 (5:10) Easy Business - Wear Your Anorak 1994
15 (2:55) Knowledge X - Put On Your X-Hat 1993
16 (3:23) Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs - Streets Of The Ghetto 1994
17 (4:15) Laster - Off Balance (Rmx Dirty) 1997
18 (4:48) Xcaliber - Always So Hard 1997
19 (3:47) God Complex - Over Flow 1995
20 (3:46) Criminal Scientifik - Criminal (prod Ed OG) 1994
21 (3:55) Raw Produce - Cycles 1995

Enjoy volume 2, thanks for checking us out here at T.R.O.Y. and spread the word!

--Schenectadyfan

Murder Dog Presents: Pirhana Killer Fish 5823 & Ride Or Die 5810

Murder Dog is, quite simply, one of the best hip hop publications ever to hit newsstands. Though not as hilariously demented as ego trip or as comprehensive as The Source during it's Golden Age, every single issue is saturated with a wealth of artist interviews and articles. Black Dog Bone and the Murder Dog team have had their collective fingers to the pulse of underground rap music for a decade and a half and have managed to consistently put out a magazine that is almost completely devoid of industry politricks. Also, where else could you find side-by-side interviews with UGK, Haji Springer, and Danny Trejo along with a ten-page spread on the Sri Lankan hip hop scene?

Along with their interviews, scene coverage, and producer biopsies Murder Dog has also been dedicated to bringing the underground to light through extremely comprehensive regional compilations. The two I bring to you today were actually packaged with early issues of Murder Dog, and are entitled "5823 Pirhana Killer Fish" and "5810 Ride Or Die." They are ridiculously rare in physical form, and as such command top dollar from caked-up rap nerds that have no problem blowing $200 on an out-of-print cd.

Although I wouldn't spend that much cash, the music contained within is indeed top-quality. Low budget environments striving for perfection, naw'mean? Real underground 4-track, recorded-in-a-washing-room sounding records. If you like the obscure regional compilations that schenectadyfan brings us on the reg, you will love these discs. True to first-generation Murder Dog, they have a exclusive focus on the southern and west-coast scene, with raps from Al Kapone, the Botany Boys, and Kool Daddy Fresh, and lesser known talents such as the Funxsouljaz. There's even an old Mac Dre song on "5810 Ride Or Die." These definitely get the EL stamp-of-approval

Grab these compilations while they're hot; I guarantee they won't disappoint.

- Echo Leader

Murder Dog Presents: 5823 Pirhana Killer Fish

1. El Kaye & Nino Brown - Leave The Light On
2. Ska Face Al Kapone - To Tha Death
3. NonFiktion, Lo-Skee & Mr. K Geeta - Raw Game
4. Pat Chilla, H-Bomb & Ski Loc - Watch Your Back
5. Land of Da Lost & DJ T-Ski - Nutt'n
6. Young Dre-D & Sonya Dinkins - Sucka Free
7. Skip Dog - By Any Means
8. Lil' Gene (aka The Sandman), Von OP & Mo-B - Tow-O-Sic-Shit
9. 11/5 & UDI - Kill-a-Hoe
10. Mad Dog Clique - Only Made 2 Bump
11. Kool Daddy Fresh - Born To Slang (Part 2)
12. Funxsouljaz - Ill Gott'N Gain
13. Closed Caption - Greens
14. KNS - Survival's In The Game
15. No Face Phantom - The Island
16. Squeek Nutty Bug & Kevin Gardner - 3 Cides of Life
17. 51/50, MsChief, Solo, Masta G & Popcorn - Automatically

Mediafire

Murder Dog Presents: 5810 Ride Or Die

1. Ska-Face Al Kapone - Ride or Die
2. Hollow Tip - Chasin' $'s
3. Botany Boys - Thought of Many Ways
4. JD Walker - Bogus Bangin'
5. Pistol - High 'Til I Die
6. Tha Funxsouljaz & Ska-Face Al Kapone - Don't Nobody Know Me
7. Crooked Path - Mo' Mail
8. STN - Richmond Rulaz
9. Elite G'z - Planet G
10. Triple Deep - Imagine This
11. Lil' Milt - The Prophecy
12. Doff Kapone - Saussy Lifestyle
13. Fat Kev & Mac Dre - The Game Will Neva Change
14. Central Dynasty - Ghetto Greed
15. Iceburg - Ghetto Therapy
16. Ballers Ona Mission (BOM) - Da Game'z Tryna Take Me Out
17. Kriz & Big D (Major Weight Media) - Maintain'n
18. Mob Related & Snook Tha Crook - Strictly Grind'n
19. Ball Player & Andre - This One's For You
20. Black Rhino - No Seeds (Tax Evasion)

Mediafire