the Source Pages

DJ Icewater dot com

2010-06-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

I'm moving all operations to www.djicewater.com. I'll leave this site up for now but no more new postings here.

Jern Eye Corner Store Sessions

2010-05-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

Jern and I put in a lot of hours during my Corner Store days. It was fun to watch him grow as an MC. Check out some of the music we put down.

Anotha Level

2010-05-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Don't Stimulate

What's That Cha Say rmx

Doubt We Ever Quit

These songs really remind me of growing up in "Hip-Hop LA". Death Row Records was in it's prime but there were a lot of non-gangsta offerings from the City of Angels. Anotha Level fit right into that mold. They were borderline corny to me but overall their music was pretty enjoyable.

download

East Bay Digital Slipmats

2010-05-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Get your East Bay Digital slipmats today! Mix and Skratch like a real boss while limited supplies last. Free Shipping in the US.

Fu-Schnickens

2010-04-29T20:51:00.001-07:00

True Fuschnick

True Fuschnick Ali Shaheed rmx

The Fu-Schnickens were onto something with the whole kung-fu angle but the Wu-Tang Clan kind of came along and blew up their spot. They had arrived just as the bohemian hip-hop movement was being replaced by a more hardcore east coast sound. Chip-Fu was still pretty impressive with his fast-rap/forward/backward style. I think I'd take him over Twista in a battle.

download

GURU

2010-04-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

Spirituality supports reality

We gotta fight with the right mentality

So we can gain what is rightfully ours

This is the meaning of the chain and the star

Guru is one of my favorite MCs and his death is in many ways harder for me to take than Biggie's or 2pac's. When people ask me what real hip-hop is, I tell them to listen to "Hard 2 Earn" because it gets no realer than that. Below are some lesser known Gang Starr rmx's and collaborations for you to enjoy.

Macy Gray - I've Committed Murder (Gang Starr Rmx)

Gang Starr - Code of the Streets (Kenny Dope Rmx)

Opio and Unjust - Mark it Zero

2010-04-20T05:25:00.001-07:00

Free 4/20-Big Lebowski inspired project by Opio from Souls of Mischief and Unjust from Chosen Few. I helped put this together and did a few cuts.

East Bay Digital New Releases

2010-04-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Similak Chyld - SimiLaCaliente

Similak Chyld - Afro Chico Electro ft. Chico Mann

Check out 2 new mixes by Similak Chyld at East Bay Digital. Both are pretty much hot fire.

Also don't sleep on DJ O-Dub, Jah Warrior Shelter, DJ Platurn and the rest of the East Bay Digital mixtape artists.

You can also listen to some fine mixes and programming over at Splendid Radio for free 24/7.

Shyheim aka The Rugged Child

2010-03-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

On & On

On & On DJ Premier Rmx

The B-Side (Bring The Drama)

Shyheim is what I imagine Method Man sounded like in elementary school.

Download

Sounds from the Fewture

2010-03-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is a new mix I made with my friends from Oakland by way of Ohio. Check out their forthcoming album on Hieroglyphics Imperium.

If you want an untracked mixtape version (one long track) click here -chosenfew.podOmatic.com

Seatown Ballers

2010-03-23T09:13:00.001-07:00

Kid Sensation - Seatown Ballers

This is for my people in Seattle or anyone planning to DJ there.

Download

Nujabes Rest In Peace

2010-03-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

I know Nujabes mainly through his music but I did get a chance to meet him once with Shing02 on a visit to Japan. Over the years I would indirectly work with him through various Shingo mixtape projects and it was a shock to learn that he had passed away. Nujabes was one of the few producers I've worked with that had mastered his "sound". Most of you might have heard his work on the soundtrack for Samurai Champloo which aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim but you can check out more on his myspace page. The above video features Shing02 performing the Luv(sic) medley which was their most popular collaboration.

Link to Shing02's statement

Doom

2010-03-15T12:40:00.001-07:00

On We Go produced by Grandmaster Flash

This is not the same Doom as MF Doom. This is a record from the late 80's that features Grandmaster Flash on production and cuts. Not a bad record overall and the Cymande sample never hurts.

Download

Def Wish II

2010-03-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

Def Wish II DJ Premier Rmx

Def Wish II DJ Slip Rmx

It took me a while to warm up to MC Eiht. He kind of sounded like Macho Man Randy Savage on the mic. Then he put out "Streight Up Menace" and I became a big fan. Def Wish II was the second installment in his long running feud with Compton Rival DJ Quik and this one gets a special assist from DJ Premier of Gang Starr.

Download

Cash Money and Marvelous

2010-03-09T10:40:00.001-08:00

Find an Ugly Woman

The Mighty Hard Rocker

This is actually off of the 45 version that I found at a thrift shop. I'm more of a Jazzy Jeff guy but Cash Money is still a beast on the tables.

Download

Spear of the Nation

2010-03-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

I've been working with Spear of the Nation for 5 years and it brings me great pleasure to help him put out his second LP in which he did most of the production. It features guest appearances from Supernatural, Lunar Heights, Aristotle the Great and DJ Dahi. Show some love and purchase the album or just listen to it for free off the site but be sure to pass the word.

DJ D-Sharp - Definition of a Star

2010-03-01T22:34:00.000-08:00

Definition of A Star ft. Kev Choice and Tony Vic

D-Sharp is one of the best live DJs I've ever seen and it turns out he's a gifted producer/mc as well. Check out this 1st single of his forthcoming project. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Expect much more from D-Sharp in 2010.

Download

New Casual

2010-02-24T21:41:00.000-08:00

I wonder if this is from the project with Jake One?

Def Jef - Droppin' Rhymes on Drums

2010-02-24T10:15:00.001-08:00

Droppin' Rhymes on Drums

God Made Me Funky

Was Freestyle Fellowship referring to Def Jef when they said "West Coast Stars made from East Coast Pollution" on Sunshine Men? I guess they could have also been referring to Ice-T. Regardless, I wanted to dress and dance like Def Jef and The Soul Brothers after seeing them in the All In the Same Gang Video:

Download

The Sweetest Thing

2010-02-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Sweetest Thing

I think I like her better as a rapper than a singer but she is pretty good at both.

Download

The Roots Silent Treatment

2010-02-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

Silent Treatment Beatminerz Mix

Silent Treatment Black Thought's Mix

The Beatminerz/Roots combo always worked extremely well.

Download

Cash Money Click

2010-02-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

4 My Click

Ja Rule and Irv Gotti's (fka DJ Irv) original group. The single was on TVT who also brought you Mic Geronimo and Jurrasic 5 around the same period. To my knowledge, this preceded New Orleans' Cash Money Click.

Download

Best Super Bowl Ad

2010-02-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Crusaders For Real Hip-Hop

2010-02-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

That's How It Is

Higher

I found this record at a small record spot in Brooklyn. It's produced by the late Tony D of Poor Righteous Teachers fame.

Download

DJ Rob One - West Koast Indies Vol. 1

2010-02-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

SIDE A

SIDE B

download

One of the last mixtapes by the late great Rob One.

Da Youngsta's Illy Funkstas

2010-01-28T12:33:00.001-08:00

Bloodshed and War

Vintage Mobb Deep guest appearance on this collaboration of former child rappers.

Download

3 Steps From Nowhere

2010-01-26T22:40:00.000-08:00

Bed Rock

I don't remember buying this record or even ever listening to it...I actually don't remember this group at all but this song off of their debut album isn't bad.

Download

Good Sportsmanship

2010-01-24T23:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the opposition makes plays so spectacular that you've got to give it up.

Da King & I

2010-01-19T21:03:00.001-08:00

Tears

Tears DARP rmx

King Pin ft. Pudgee the Phat Bastard

Da King & I sounded like a mix of the Artifacts and Das Efx. Their debut Contemporary Jeep Music was a good album that was unfortunately slept on. My guess is that it got lost in the shuffle of the Wu-Tang invasion happening at about the same time.

No Concept

2010-01-19T20:50:00.001-08:00

Help Us We're Dope

Homie The Clown

Dope early 90's underground hip-hop outta Richmond, CA. During my time in the bay, some of the dopest MCs I met came from that town. Black Swan from No Concept is the best freestyler I've ever seen/heard and I've seen them all.

Hillfiguz

2010-01-03T09:03:00.001-08:00

Hillfiguz - Up On Prospect

I used to live on Prospect St. in Berkeley and this was my theme music. The Prospect they speak of doesn't sound as pleasant.

The Ill Brothers

2009-12-23T12:58:00.001-08:00

Ill Brothers - Funkneck

I've kicked some of the most vicious freestyle 16's ever to this instrumental.

Mike Zoot and Mos Def

2009-12-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Mike Zoot ft. Mos Def - High Drama

Mike Zoot - Turn

Mike Zoot - Service

Early Mos Def appearance with production by DJ Hi-Tek

Chi Ali - Roadrunner

2009-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

Roadrunner

Roadrunner Puberty rmx

The original version is produced by the Beatnuts and the remix is produced by A Tribe Called Quest.

Dr. Oop - Just The 3 of Us

2009-11-28T00:53:00.001-08:00

Just The 3 of Us

Just The 3 of Us Inst

Los Angeles hip-hop that never got the credit it deserved.

L.A., L.A.

2009-11-24T23:56:00.000-08:00

L.A., L.A. - CNN ft. Mobb Deep and Tragedy

Here is east coast's response to The Dogg Pound's "New York, New York". This was one of the strangest hip-hop battles to me because no real dissing was going except for maybe in the intros.

2 Face

2009-11-22T13:30:00.001-08:00

NYC

NYC Instrumental

Voodoo Child DJ Premier Rmx

2009-11-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

Voodoo Child ft. Afu-Ra DJ Premier Rmx

Voodoo Child ft. Afu-Ra DJ Premier Rmx Instrumental

Voodoo Child ft. Afu-Ra DJ Cam version

Fader Nation Radio

2009-11-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Check me out along with Jern Eye on Fader Nation Radio. Big shout out to DJ Platurn and Ammbush for letting us get down.

Link to Podcast

Everybody Loves Ramo

2009-11-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

~~I dedicate this free mix to Ramo~~

Break Yo Self!

Enter the Cypher

2009-10-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

For about 3:07 I was a fan of Hip-Hop again.

Return of the Boom Bap

2009-10-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Return of the Boom Bap rmx ft. Mad Lion

Mortal Thought rmx

This was when KRS was at the very top of his game. He even gets away with making up words like "unrational".

AZ

2009-10-07T23:42:00.001-07:00

Doe or Die

Doe or Die rmx ft. Raekwon (produced by the RZA)

Mo Money, Mo Murder ft. Nas

Listening to this had me thinking that AZ, Nas and Raekwon would have made a nice group.

E-40 - Practice Lookin' Hard

2009-10-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

Practice Lookin' Hard

Practice Lookin' Hard Inst

I don't know if E-40 will ever get a Hip-Hop Honors nod but he's a legend as far as I'm concerned.

Dubee - My Thang

2009-10-06T00:58:00.001-07:00

Dubee - My Thang (produced by Khayree)

When I first came to Berkeley in 1996, Dubee was the first artist I met over at KALX. I never heard of him at the time but he was kind enough to give me some vinyl and autograph it. Later I would come to appreciate this track and others produced by Khayree of Young Black Brotha records. As one of the architects of Bay Area "Mob Music", Khayree had an impressive run of predominantly synth-based/sample free music throughout the 90s. I highly recommend checking out Mac Mall's Illegal Business for a good introduction to his genius.

DJ Roc Raida

2009-09-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Roc Raida mixtape side A

Roc Raida mixtape side B

Rest In Peace Roc Raida...One of the best ever. This 90 minute mix is from the library of fellow hip-hop archivist DJ Platurn.

Triflicts

2009-09-17T22:03:00.001-07:00

Triflicts - Don't Make Me Try

Triflicts - Genuine

I found this record the other day rummaging through the archives. I don't remember this one too well but the Beatnuts production piqued my interest.

Mood

2009-09-16T15:39:00.001-07:00

Secrets of The Sand

Secrets of The Sand Jay Dee Rmx

Snakebacks (Produced by Hi-Tek)

Mood is a Cincinnati-based hip-hop group with ties to DJ Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli of Reflection Eternal.

Mixmaster Mike

2009-09-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Rescue 916 side A

Rescue 916 side B

Mixmaster Mike in the mix and on the cut.

Latyrx?

2009-08-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

These guys sound their best when they make tracks together. Maybe we'll see another full length album down the road.

download (radio, inst, dj edit, a capella)

Da Bush Babees

2009-08-26T13:02:00.001-07:00

Remember We rmx

Remember We rmx inst

Da Bush Babees always seemed a little corny to me but they had a few slick songs/remixes.

Black Star

2009-08-24T21:32:00.001-07:00

Respiration rmx

Respiration rmx inst

This is one of those cases where I like the remix over the original but you can't really go wrong with either.

The Jungle Brothers

2009-08-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

Doin' Our Own Dang JB's mix

Doin' Our Own Dang Richie Fermie mix

The Jungle Brothers kind of get overlooked when it comes to the Bohemian/Native Tongue rap movement. I don't expect a Hip-Hop Honors mention or a Rock The Bells spot anytime soon but their first 2 albums are classics. Extra credit if you can name everyone on this cover.

Mobb Deep - Hoodlum

2009-08-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Mobb Deep ft. Big Noyd and Rakim - Hoodlum

Movie soundtracks used to always produce small gems like this track.

Saafir - Rock the Show

2009-08-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Saafir ft. The Hobo Junction - Rock The Show

This is a rare b-side to the Battle Drill 12" promo vinyl featuring the Hobo Junction. I remember spending a lot of money for this one.

Mountain Brothers

2009-07-22T00:49:00.001-07:00

Chinese-American hip-hop straight outta Philadelphia.

DJ Q-bert and DJ Shadow

2009-07-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Q-bert's DJ Shadow mix

I found this mixtape the other day. It features Q-bert mixing and skratching some of Shadow's work. According to the liner notes, this was recorded live in 1997.

Zimbabwe Legit

2009-07-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwe Legit - Doin Damage DJ Shadow mix

The best thing Zimbabwe Legit ever did was let DJ Shadow remix this single. According to legend, Shadow used only a belt drive turntable, mixer and cassette 4-track recorder to create this song...no mpc, no technics, no pro tools.

Originoo Gunn Clappaz

2009-06-21T17:37:00.001-07:00

Hurricane Starang

Hurricane Starang Inst

The Boot Camp Click was my favorite crew out of NYC...even over Wu-Tang Clan.

WC & The Madd Circle

2009-06-19T09:10:00.001-07:00

Ain't A Damn Thang Changed rmx

Ain't A Damn Thang Changed

Before Westside Connection but after Low Profile, WC put out a remarkable album that was overlooked. That seemed to be the trend with a few of Ice Cube affiliates (Threatt, Kam, K-Dee and I guess even Del). One notable member of the Madd Circle was Coolio who comes strong on this song and the rest of the album.

Made In America

2009-06-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Made In America Whoopi's Mix

Made In America SD50 Mix

Made In America Del's Mix

Vintage Del. This song was off of a soundtrack for a movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, Ted Danson and Will Smith.

DJ Honda

2009-06-08T18:32:00.001-07:00

Trouble In The Water f/ De La Soul
Trouble In The Water Inst

Aside from being a world champion battle DJ, Honda also released a pretty dope compilation a few years back. This track with De La Soul was one of the better songs and one of my favorite De La cameos.

A positive Kause in a much Damaged Society

2009-06-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

What A Niggy Know?
What A Niggy Know? rmx
Constipated Monkey
Q3

Before he was MF Doom, he was Zev Luv X of KMD. The group originally debut in the early nineties under the "Native Tongues" umbrella. This single is off of their second album Black Bastards which initially never came out due to controversial artwork. Bobbito's Fondle 'Em records eventually released the album in the late nineties after the group disbanded and Zev Luv re-emerged as MF Doom.

Kobe and Lebron puppet rmx

2009-06-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

DJ Babu - Comprehension

2009-05-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

DJ Babu - Comprehension

This is a collection of DJ Babu scratch compositions, beats and even rare live audio of his battle with Shorkut. Babu refers to himself as "the turntablist" in the liner notes giving birth to the now ubiquitous term.

Biz Markie - Studda Step

2009-05-19T23:01:00.001-07:00

Biz Markie - Studda Step

Biz Markie - Studda Step Inst

Here's a random Biz Markie 12" that uses the Art of Noise's "Moments In Love" sample

DJ Rob One

2009-05-17T01:38:00.000-07:00

Jiggy Reggae 2 side a

Jiggy Reggae 2 side b

DJ Rob One is one of my favorite mixtape djs. He unfortunately passed away from cancer back in 2000. His Jiggy Reggae series has been a major influence on my own mixes. I recently found a bunch of his mixtapes in my garage and I'll be posting them soon.

Street Dreams rmx

2009-05-10T00:19:00.001-07:00

Street Dreams rmx

Street Dreams rmx instrumental

Listening to this makes me wonder if Nas and R. Kelly are a better duo than Jay-Z and R. Kelly.

Better Days

2009-05-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

This was the finest moment of the Kobe-Shaq era. I never realized had badly Pippen was crossed up by Kobe on the play. The funniest part is at the end where Shaq leaves Kobe hanging and ignores him completely.

NBA Playoffs

2009-05-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

As a Laker apologist, I found this amusing. I do think Derek Fisher deserved to be ejected and suspended for his actions.

Ms. Fatbooty Remixes

2009-05-07T10:26:00.001-07:00

Ms. Fatbooty DJ Spinna rmx

Ms. Fatbooty II ft. Ghostface Killah

Here is a european release of Ms. Fatbooty that features a nice remix by DJ Spinna and a sequel version with Ghostface Killah.

Panther - The Points

2009-05-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Points DJ U-Neek mix

The Points Easy Moe Bee mix

The Points Mista Lawnge mix

I caught the movie Panther the other night and it reminded me of this single. There are probably 5 too many mcs on these mixes but also some standout performances by Biggie, Buckshot and Rock of Heltah Skeltah. My personal preference is Easy Moe Bee's boom bap version.

The Jaz

2009-04-29T12:13:00.001-07:00

The Jaz - Hypocritters

Music from Jay-Zs mentor and ex-bff

Lace Da Booms

2009-04-26T02:33:00.001-07:00

Lace Da Booms - Cut That Weak Shit

Lace Da Booms - Cut That Weak Shit NYC mix

Lace Da Booms - Cut That Weak Shit Buckwild rmx

This track uses the same Albert King sample made popular on Big Daddy Kane's "Young, Gifted and Black". The remix by the highly underrated Buckwild switches to a more mellow vibe but it works just as well. My favorite part is the KRS-One sample for the hook:

People died so I can rhyme..
you think I'm gonna grab the mic and waste my nation's time?
Step up with that weak shit

J-Live

2009-04-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Longevity

Braggin' Writes

Check out the impressive "Braggin' Writes" where J-Live flips doubles and raps at the same time.

Walkin' Large f/ Black Thought

2009-04-20T10:16:00.001-07:00

Listen To This

Listen To This Roots rmx

Walkin' Large from ~~Germany~~ South Africa put out some nice singles in the '90s. Their first one featured Jeru Tha Damaja (i'll post it if I can find my copy) and the next one had the Illadelphalflife-era Roots.

You Must Learn Rmx

2009-04-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Boogie Down Productions - You Must Learn (live from the Caucus Mountains rmx)

This is a fine example of party music that's also educational. KRS-One was pretty much unstoppable around this time.

Japanese commercials

2009-04-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

One of the signs of being a certified star is being asked to do a commercial in Japan. Q-tip finally got his chance but I like this Japanese commercial even more:

All City - Metro Theme

2009-03-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

Metro Theme
Who Dat?

A favorite NYC rap release from the mid-90's

Big Willie Smith

2009-03-21T01:27:00.000-07:00

Keep It Real...Represent '96

Prepare

Big Willie Smith was one of Kool Keith's many alter-egos post Ultramagnetic MCs. This record is from the era Keith spent in the Bay Area with guys like Kutmaster Kurt (who produced this record) and The Automator of 'Dr. Octagon' fame.

DJ Icewater Video Mix #1 '09

2009-03-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I fucked around and made a video mixtape. My video editing skills are a work in progress but I hope to get better and make more of these down the line. I've included an ipod-ready version for download for those of you with compatible devices.

DJ Icewater video mix #1 2009 (250 mb)

Queen Latifah & De La Soul rmx

2009-03-11T11:02:00.001-07:00

Mama Gave Birth to The Soul Children (CJ Macintosh rmx)

This is a remix along the same lines as the "Paid In Full" Coldcut rmx. I used to wear my rayon shirt and dance like Heavy D & The Boyz to this track.

The Last Emperor

2009-03-05T01:25:00.001-08:00

Secret Wars pt. 1

This guy kind of reminds me of Supernatural with the impersonations etc. I heard Dr. Dre signed him to Aftermath but nothing ever materialized.

Aceyalone B-sides

2009-03-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

Feet Upon Da Table

Headaches and Woes rmx

Here are some vinyl only tracks off of Acey's Mic Check single.

Goldy

2009-02-25T03:10:00.001-08:00

px;" src="http://www.thesourcepages.com/images/goldy.jpg" border="0" alt="" />

Whipped Cream Nuts & Cherries

The Game is Sold Not Told ft. Too $hort

Prostitute

Named after the lead character in The Mack (a classic), Goldy takes the "pimp rap" torch from Too $hort and brings it to new heights. Parental discretion is advised.

Mic Geronimo

2009-02-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Mic Geronimo - Unstoppable

The first time I heard Mic Geronimo was in the summer of '94 on Hot 97 in NYC. He sounded a lot like Nas and I really thought he was going to be as successful. Unstoppable is one of his better songs and one of my favorite Pete Rock productions.

DJ Crimson files

2009-02-17T23:37:00.000-08:00

Freestyles ft. Shyheim, Snoop, P.E.A.C.E., Masta Ace and more

These files are courtesy of DJ Crimson who has donated old cassette recordings of various Southern California hip-hop radio shows from the mid-90's. I'll be posting more of these over the next few months.

Compton's Most Wanted

2009-02-16T21:45:00.000-08:00

Growin' Up In The Hood
Growin' Up In The Hood rmx

I never really checked for CMW and MC Eiht until I heard "Streiht up Menace" off of the Menace II Society soundtrack. I was then compelled to dig deeper and here's one of my many finds.

Come Widdit Remixes

2009-02-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

Come Widdit Fredwreck rmx
Come Widdit Joe Quixx rmx

Street Fighter the movie was wack but the soundtrack wasn't. Here are some remixes to one of the cuts. Personally, I feel Ahmad steals the show.

De La Soul and Pete Rock

2009-02-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

De La Soul ft and produced by Pete Rock

Here's a random De La Soul record I found in the garage. It features Pete Rock and his group InI.

Kid Koala

2009-02-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

This is impressive. I know Vestax created the Controller One for performances like this but he's doing it with a normal turntable. Kid Koala is one of the greatest turntablists I've ever seen and heard. I dug up one of his mixtapes from back in the day for you to enjoy.

Scratchcratchratchatch side 1

Scratchcratchratchatch side 2

Graffiti Rock

2009-02-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

Freestyle Fellowship

2009-02-03T21:38:00.001-08:00

Freestyle Fellowship - Ummm...

Here's a b-side off of the "Bullies of the Block" 12". Freestyle Fellowship was like a west coast version of Leaders of the New School except with more talent. I didn't really feel them at first but the more I became a student of hip-hop, I started to regard them as geniuses.

Plan B

2009-02-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

Plan B ft. Saafir - Quest 4 Survival
Plan B ft. Pooh Man and Saafir - Quest 4 Survival rmx
Plan B - Grindin'
Plan B - Grindin' rmx
Saafir - Runnin' from 5-0

Plan B was a member of the Hobo Junction but unfortunately, his life was taken before he could really start his career. These songs also feature a younger Saafir before he fully adopted his offbeat style.

4001: The Stolen Legacy

2009-01-27T09:39:00.001-08:00

Mystik Journeymen - 4001: The Stolen Legacy

Another classic from the cassette vault.

The Kraken - Abstract & Cognac

2009-01-21T20:09:00.000-08:00

The Kraken - Abstract & Cognac

When I first moved to the Bay Area in 1996, I was immediately immersed in their underground hip-hop movement centered around Telegraph Ave in Berkeley. This was the era of 4-track recordings and street corner ciphers. A friend of mine highly recommended this ep by The Kraken and it turned out to be one of my favorites. I don't know much about this group except that they are originally from LA and were students at UC Berkeley.

XXX Funk

2009-01-21T14:01:00.000-08:00

Funkdoobiest - XXX Funk

Funkdoobiest - XXX Funk rmx

Funkdoobiest fell somewhere between Cypress Hill and House of Pain on the Hip-Hop spectrum. I never thought they were that dope but every once in a while they put out something decent.

415

2009-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

415 - Lifestyle as a Gangsta

415 used to be the area code for the entire Bay Area. That explains why a group from Oakland would name themselves that. Check out 2pac's mentor Richie Rich on this one.

N-Tyce ft. Method Man

2009-01-10T00:59:00.000-08:00

N-Tyce - Hush Hush Tip

One of the few female MCs that has repped the Wu. Positive K could have used a woman like N-tyce

Positive K - I Got A Man

Natural Resource - Negro League Baseball

2009-01-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Natural Resource - Negro League Baseball

The rapper currently known as Jean Grae started off in this group under the name "What? What?". This group reminded me of a more 'backpacker' version of the Fugees.