I don't watch college b-ball (I know I prol'ly should), but here's some free music to soothe over your March Madness craze.
Dot S!lly :: Silly City Vol. 2
[Straight outta a city called Brooklyn, I've been getting this one in my e-mail a lot lately and I see that people are showing love to his mixtapes on many sites so why won't I share it here? Here's Dot Silly with his Silly News, but ain't no joke in this tape here.]
Tracklisting: 1. Get Ready 2. Go Get 'Em 3. Highest Light 4. Angels 6. My Number f/ Voila Steele 7. Intermission (Hustle Non-Stop) 8. Fear f/ Drake 9. She Likes Me f/ Chase 10. Never Say Goodbye 11. Watch Me f/ Zone Banga 12. Take Me as I Am f/ Chase 13. Head to the Sky 14. Outro
DJ Drama & Fabolous :: There is No Competition 2 (The Funeral Service)
[F-A-B-O Loso (in case you ain't know so) goes by a new name these days and it's Funeral Fab. Because he's murdering his competition and he got the mixtape to prove it. Teaming up with DJ Drama, Fabolous becomes the Randy Orton of hip-hop as he's the Legend Killer RKO'n his competition to the grave. R.I.P.]
Tracklisting: 1. The Wake 2. I'm Raw 3. Body Ya 4. Hard f/ Kobe, Paul Cain & LA The Darkman 5. Oh Lets Do It 6. Suicide 2 f/ Paul Cain & Freck Billionaire 7. It's Goin' Down f/ Freck Billionaire 8. Roger That f/ Freck Billionaire 9. Love Come Down 10. Fabolous & Paul Cain - Popular Demand 11. Mr. R.I.P. 12. Body Bag f/ Cam'ron & Vado 13. Lloyd Banks f/ Juelz Santana & Fabolous - Beamer, Benz, or Bentley 14. For The Money f/ Nicki Minaj 15. Fabolous & Red Cafe - Tonight 16. Fabolous & Trey Songz - All The Way Turnt Up 17. Say Somethin' Nigga 18. Funeral Service Music f/ Kobe, Paul Cain, Red Cafe & Willie The Kid 19. Bring Death To Em' 20. Exhibit F
[Welcome to 20X - a new decade bringing new things, such as this rapper here Danny Goines. With this free EP and an album on the way, Goines is making his mark to be remembered not only in this year, but in the years beyond. This is how Danny Goines chill from 20X 'til...]
Tracklisting: 1. 20X 2. No Apologies 3. Rock NYC 4. Short Circuit 5. Can't be Stopped 6. Not Your Fault
[Here's another free EP, but this one is from Nametag tagging his name on the map of hip-hop. Put the Soul System in your computer system and it won't be taken out.]
1. Time (Produced By Black Bethoven) 2. Beast Mode (feat. Kopelli) (Produced By Black Bethoven) 3. Can We Try (feat. Journey) (Produced By Black Bethoven) 4. The Product (Produced By Black Bethoven) 5. About You (Part 2) (Produced By Black Bethoven) 6. Visionz (Produced By Black Bethoven)
Scheme (of Molemen) :: Same Rebel New Cause
[For those familar with the underground hip-hop producers, the Molemen, they will be pleased with this mixtape from Moleman Scheme.]
Tracklisting: 1. Same Rebel, New Cause 2. Pour My Ashes 3. Picture Perfect 4.Never Say 5. Maintain 6. Ghetto Divinity 7. Infinite 8. Lose Your Soul f/ Mikkey Halsted 9. Rebel Minded 10. The Flyest 11. Dirty Game f/ Visual 12. For All I Know 13. Gimme That 14. Not Concerned With You 15. The Enemy f/ Astonish 16. So Amazing 17. Westside 18. Cold Chill 19. Amarga Vida 20. I Might Have 21. Labor of Love
[Okay, this link comes with many rules of obtaining the mixtape. But take it from me, it's worth it. This underrated British MC may finally make it big this year, with a huge co-sign from Akon. THis mixtape is signed, sealed, delievered, and all yours for de FREE!]
Tracklisting: 1. Just a Matter of Time f/ Akon 2. How Low [Freestyle] 3. I Declare War [Freestyle] 4. Double Standard [Snippet] 5. Hard Bodied [Freestyle] 6. Hard [Freestyle] 7. Mercedes-Benz DCY RMX f/ Marvell, Klayz, Lil Simz, Raptor, Katie & Ezee 8. Sexy Bitch [Official RMX] 9. Feeling Funky 3 f/ Sarkodie 10. Broke Love 11. Body Rock f/ Dwele [Snippet] 12. Comfortable [Freestyle] 13. I Wanna Rock [Freestyle] 14. Back 2 Basics f/ Giggs 15. The Watcher [Freestyle] 16. Payback f/ Dublin & Jay Servere 17. True Stores [Bi Coastal RMX] f/ Small World, Styles P, Kardinal Offishall & Nump Trump 18. CB f/ Bigz and Kevin Tuffy 19. Feat. Sway 2010 [Kaiser Cheifs & Tinchy Stryder] 20. Konvict [Freestyle] 21. Skool Woz Kool [Asem_School De Be_Remake] 22. Pray for Kaya f/ Akon 23. Life [Snippet] 24. Everyday For Himself f/ Mr. Hudson 25. Update 26. The Final Delivery 27. The King Full Stop
That's it for the "March Madness Edition" of "Free Music Fridays." If you have any free music you would like to share with the world, please e-mail me at erik@rapreviews.com. If you're an artist with your free mixtape/album shown on this page and you want to send me a link re-up, corrections, and/or questions, e-mail me at erik@rapreviews.com, as well. Thanks for reading and enjoy y'all! Two fangas, one love....
Philly’s own RJD2 is preparing to embark on the third leg of his massive four-month tour, and where better to start it than in his hometown of Philadelphia? RJ kicks things off on the east coast, with two shows in New York City, before heading up through Canada and down into the belly of the Midwest.
RJ and friends have been releasing videos at a feverish pace, with two new videos released in the last month! “The Glow” featured a vicious yuppie Ken doll, wreaking havoc in his endless search for the spotlight and more personal possessions. The newest, premiered yesterday on Spin.com, is the strangely psychedelic, slightly post-apocalyptic envisioning of the song “A Spaceship For Now.” From RJ:
"What I love about the video is how surreal and weird it is. It’s like a timeline with gaps in it that basically forces you to come up with your own storyline or chronology. Or you can just bug out on the big ambience of the synths. It's a perfect fit."
In addition to the slew of videos, Brooklyn-based musician, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Alan Wilkis ( http://www.wilcassettes.com ) has remixed the track “A Shining Path.” Be sure to take heed.
Fri. Mar. 5 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church #& Sat. Mar. 6 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg #& Sun. Mar. 7 - New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom #& Mon. Mar. 8 - Boston, MA @ Paradise #& Tue. Mar. 9 - Providence, RI @ Jerky's Music Hall #& Wed. Mar. 10 - Montreal, QC @ La TuLipe #& Thu. Mar. 11 - Toronto, ON @ The Mod Club #& Fri. Mar. 12 - Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick #& Sat. Mar. 13 - Chicago, IL @ Metro #& Mon. Mar. 15 - Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club #& Tue. Mar. 16 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theater #& Thu. Mar. 18 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop #& Fri. Mar. 19 - Millvale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theater #& Fri. Apr. 2 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater #$ Sat. Apr. 3 - Durango, CO @ Strater Theatre #$ Sun. Apr. 4 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room #$ Mon. Apr. 5 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah #$ Tue. Apr. 6 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre #$ Wed. Apr. 7 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent #$ Thu. Apr. 8 - Eureka, CA @ Red Fox Tavern #$ Fri. Apr. 9 - Portland, OR @ Dantes #$ Sat. Apr. 10 - Bellingham, WA @ The Nightlight Lounge #$ Sun. Apr. 11 - Seattle, WA @ Neumos #$
Word from Dove and Tygereye is that he's okay! Here's the details:
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Thank you to everyone who spread the word about J-Kwon missing and showed genuine concern! I'm so happy to let you know that he's made contact with the folks at his label and a few of his friends have finally talked to him as well. At this point he's declined the opportunity to make a comment, although he's truly sorry for causing everyone so much worry.
If you'd like for your updates, here is a statement from Dorian Washington, co-CEO of Gracie and CEO of D.Wash Management (Static Major, J-Skillz, J-Kwon), who spoke with J-Kwon this morning:
"I am very happy to let everyone know that I personally spoke with J-Kwon today, and he is ok. He'd like to send a sincere apology to his friends and everyone who showed concern this week. He was taking some time to himself as he sometimes does, not realizing that people would start to worry after a while. A few days out of touch versus a month is quite a difference. Right now he just wants to keep doing what he's doing, and will be more available for those who care about him. We thank you again for your outreach, and we are relieved to know he'll be alright."
Thank you again for your time and positive energy. Good things can happen when we just put our minds to it! Dove
We finally have some news straight from the man himself. Thanks to www.Theboombox.com for making it available to the public. Guru's statement is short but to the point:
Guru: "I am doing fine and I am recovering! I’m weak though. Solar is the only person who has the accurate info on my situation. Any info from anybody else is false! I appreciate your well wishes and all the love!"
Solar: "Guru is resting and doing well after his surgery. The doctors say that he will fully recover from his illness. We thank everyone who send prayers our way and we appreciate the outpouring of love from around the world!"
Celebrated Group Begin Their "Curtain Call" With First Single From Final Album, LeftBack
The Song:
Critically acclaimed rap duo Little Brother are back and ready to takeover speakers for the final time together with their new album, LeftBack. Dropping on April 20th via Hall of Justus, LeftBack will mark the end of an illustrious career by partners in rhyme Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh. The album features production from the likes of Khyrsis, Denaun Porter, J.Bizness and guest vocals from Torae, Truck North, Jozeemo, Chaundon, Median, and more. The send-off for the North Carolina hip-hop heavyweights begins with the release of "Curtain Call," the poetically titled first single from LeftBack. Rapper Big Pooh sets the tone for the album by declaring that "this is it, the last monologue / last act in the play, you could say the epilogue." A booming synth line, driving bass and staccato drum pattern intertwine to provide the backdrop for the occasion, while Phonte drives home the album's message by rapping "You know we don't quit / but when it's curtain call then that's all you gonna get." The song "basically sums up the history of our career as Little Brother," says the duo. "This is the last first single you will hear from Little Brother."
Fans can expect further announcements from Little Brother, including tour info and other interesting developments on LeftBack's road to the release.
Little Brother, the Durham, North Carolina group formed in part by Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh, released their debut album The Listening on ABB Records in 2003. They are now gearing up for the release of their fourth album, LeftBack, which will be the last of Little Brother’s illustrious career, available April 20th via Hall Of Justus. Continuing the tradition they set with the critically acclaimed third release GetBack, Big Pooh and Phonte have enlisted multiple producers for LeftBack, both from within and outside of the Justus League camp. The album features production from the likes of Khyrsis, Denaun Porter, J.Bizness and guest vocals from Torae, Truck North, Jozeemo, Chaundon, Median, and more.
As the release of TRUTHLiVE's free EP, The UnLearning approaches, the Cali-based MC/DJ/Producer is letting loose the fifth and final leak before the EP's release next week, and giving one final introduction by releasing the EP's title track, "The UnLearning." Featuring production by Vitamin D, who has worked with artists including 50 Cent and Redman, "The UnLearning," which also serves as the EP's lead track, bears a personal feeling, as TRUTHLiVE introduces himself to the world. Starting off with rhythmic and heavy drumbeats, a rolling bass line, and triumphant horns, TRUTHLiVE's voice soon takes command of the beat, as he raps about his dedication to the art form he loves. "It's my passion, no way that I can mask it/ My heart in every line, every track, every facet," raps the emcee, reinforcing the authenticity that he layers into every one of his songs. Recording the song in one take, what you see is what you get, and TRUTHLiVE was so happy with the natural feeling of the way the vocals came out, he decided to keep things just how they were. "I made some mistakes delivering with the lyrics compared to how they were written, but when I heard the playback, I actually liked the mistakes," explains TRUTHLiVE. "It has the feeling of a sincere, almost desperate plea."
TRUTHLiVE'sThe UnLearning EP will be available for free download next week, while his full-length album, Patience, produced entirely by Jake One, will be available April 20, 2010 via Interdependent Media.
Please contact Michelle or Dan if interested in talking with TRUTHLIVE.
The Background:
Evan "TRUTHLiVE" Phillips, owner and founder of Interdependent Media, has certainly made his mark in the music industry with his wide range of talents. As an emcee, DJ, entrepreneur, and artist, TRUTHLiVE has had his hands in everything from a very young age. After a traumatic adolescent period where his health was at risk, three heart surgeries proved the artist to be quite a fighter. He explains to his new listeners, "The name TRUTHLiVE doesn't mean that I'm proclaiming myself as the truth, end-all be-all; it's more of a reminder to myself on how to conduct my life and career." The MC best summates, "My music is my truth and my life." That meaningful music will arrive on April 20th in the form of Patience, TRUTHLiVE's debut release, courtesy of Bay Area label Interdependent Media.
About Interdependent Media:
Founded in 2006 in the Bay Area by Evan Phillips, Interdependent Media has built unique strengths in the development, production, and marketing of recorded music via new methods of marketing and promotion. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of both traditional and emerging methods of marketing, iM has successfully created multi-faceted methods of raising awareness and interest in their projects. Industry veterans Ian "ID" Davis and Dominic Del Bene head operations at iM and are credited with discovering and/or developing artists such as 9th Wonder, Little Brother, Tanya Morgan, Blackalicious, Del the Funky Homosapien, the Hieroglyphics and more. In 2010, iM will be releasing multi-media projects from artists Donwill, TRUTHLiVE,Canibus, Von Pea, A-Plus, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.imculture.com
There is a pandemic sweeping our concerts and nightclubs. It doesn’t matter where you live, or what event you go to, you’ll see it. In fact, you may have been affected by it already. The problem - people thinking they’re too cool to have fun.
"Last Minute" is the new short film in HD from Dan-e-o's "Dilla Pickles" album/mixtape. Directed by Kev Major and edited by XCON of Late Night Shooters, the film stars Dan-e-o, Conwell, Melanie Leduc, Stacey Armstrong and the beautiful Jas Seron in a gripping story about love, lust, betrayal and revenge!
"Dilla Pickles" - the official 2 in 1 album/mixtape in tribute to legendary producer/rapper J Dilla - Dan-e-o's first-ever completely FREE digital download project is out now!
Oddisee Spends a Day in His Hometown With On Demand TV's The Stand
The Video:
Oddisee, of the celebrated group Diamond District, gives The Stand (Twitter.com/StandOnDemand) insight into the many facets of his life in interview. As an integral part of Oddisee's life, the rapper talks about the double meaning of his name setting the stage for his rhyming career from a young age and how his hometown of D.C. has shaped his music - hardcore hip-hop without the violence. However, this is one artist not to be restricted to a single genre. His love and passion for music keep tracks fresh as Oddisee prides himself on taking bits and pieces of many genres and incorporating them into his music. His motto, "Keep it fresh, keep it alive, and keep it relevant," has kept the emcee on the cutting edge of music without forgetting his hip-hop roots. Living in the political capital of the US has also shaped Oddisee as an activist, and has led him to constantly try to relay a message through his music. Oddisee closes the interview with, "You gotta stand for something or we'll fall for anything." With an excellent group effort in 2009 and an equally impressive solo project to kick off the new year, it's clear that Oddisee, at the very least, is standing up and being heard as a name to be recognized in music.
Oddisee's Traveling Man is available digitally via Mello Music Group.
Since producing and performing the hit track "Musik Lounge" for DJ Jazzy Jeff's Magnificent LP, Amir "Oddisee" Mohamed has pushed his involvement in the music industry into fifth gear. Taking advantage of working at A Touch of Jazz studios, Oddisee has incorporated the neo soul vibe of Philly into his eclectic and well-decorated resume. Coming from a diverse background, the half Sudanese, half African-American was blessed with musical talent from both sides of his family. Oddisee was influenced by the accomplished singers, guitarists, and poets on his Sudanese side, and on his American side, by the gospel singers, blue grass guitar players, and older cousins who gave him his first taste of hip-hop. Ironically, though, it was his Sudanese father that gave Oddisee the vinyl that fueled his passion for producing hip-hop music.
Since turning his focus towards hip-hop, Oddisee has worked with the likes of Gary Shider of Parliament and Funkadelic, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Talib Kweli, J-Live, Little Brother, Freeway, Flying Lotus, and many other respected recording artists. Now signed with Mello Music Group, Oddisee continues to be one of the hardest working producer/emcees in hip-hop, preparing to release an instrumental project, a solo project, a second Diamond District album, full album production for Finale, Trek LIfe, and Stik Figa, and is executive producing a handful of other projects. With his incredibly distinctive and mesmerizing style, Oddisee covers just about every sect of hip-hop music, creating a sound that is appealing to all music lovers. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Maryland, Oddisee and his "Low Budget" crew, including such hip hop artists and producers as Kev Brown, Kenn Starr, and his group Diamond District (XO and yU) have already managed to leave their mark on the hip-hop community and the D.C. metropolitan area.
About Mello Music Group:
Like Lao Tzu in hip-hop, Mello Music Group provides music for the soul, from the heart of American culture, opening the realm of the intelligent hip-hop experience through melodic evocations, beats that corroborate the truth, and voices that roar above the rising void and impose order on the terrible & triumphant moments of everyday life. This is the compelling sound of Mello Music Group. Industry newcomer Michael Tolle founded MMG in 2007 and is acting Director of Operations. MMG will be releasing projects from Oddisee, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Kenn Starr, Finale, Trek Life, Dudley Perkins, Sareem Poems, and YU in 2010. http://www.myspace.com/mellomusicgroup .
![[Authentic]](coverart/ll-Authentic.jpg)
Sam Hanna Strikes Back.
