November has been a busy month for me, so I've not been keeping up with all the goodness that the internet has to offer, but that doesn't mean that there hasn't been a few things that caught my attention. So here's a few things that you may want to check out if you haven't spotted them already.
Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See!
In 1997 Busta Rhymes' solo hit confirmed that he'd evolved, he could cut it on his own and that his Leaders of the New School era was firmly behind him. The latest edition in the Magnum Opus series goes back in time and uncovers the history of this iconic track in this short documentary.
Can't Lose
Elzhi is back with this smoothed out new track. He was also seeking some funding for his LP, but appears to have already exceeded his target, so hopefully a new solo LP will be on the way sometime soon.
Guru Tribute Gets A Video
It's been a while since Marco Polo and Talib Kweli collaborated on this joint, and now it's got a video. As tribute tracks go, this isn't bad. RIP Guru.
It's been an interesting month on the internet. Aside the drama around Tim Dog's supposedly fake death, and the passing of one half of Kris Kross, there's also been some retro goodness. Here we go....
The Microphone Master
The Red Bull Music Academy has been consistently representing good hip hop for a few years now, but now they bring us nearly 2 hours of discussion with hip hop's greatest emcee. I don't think I need say any more, let Ra do the talking.
NYC Live Throw Down: 1979-1985
Just take another look at that image! 26 hours!!! Props to Janka-man for sharing this. It turned up on one of the best websites there is for finding obscure and out of print records. I'd never seen it before, so I'm assuming many of you won't have either. Here's the description:
Over 1 full day (33 live performances) of vintage and official live throwdowns, spanning from 1979 to 1985. New York City's original school together in one complete set. This collector's set includes one data DVD containing 3.5 GB of high quality (320 Bit Rate) mp3's. Each show is ID'd and sequenced, resulting in convenient use and enjoyment, as opposed to each show being one thirty to ninety minute-long continuous track.
No collection is complete without the infamous Kool Moe Dee / Busy Bee scuffle, or the notorious routines of the Force MCs, Treacherous Three, and Cold Crush 4 MCs. The list of essentials on this disc is endless. Includes a 24 page full color booklet of vintage NYC show flyers and artwork.
If you're an old schooler with a passion for this type of stuff, then download, buy some food supplies and lock yourself in a room for a couple of days whilst you reminisce. All the links and a detailed track listing can be found here:
Last month was the 3rd anniversary of Guru's death. Somehow this tribute track from Marco Polo, Talib Kweli and DJ Premier completely passed me by, which is a shame, because it's pretty nice. See what you think.
Would You Like a Demo of ESP?
Nope, I'm not offering to read your mind, or bend a spoon. I'm talking about the demo tape of Tha Alkaholiks when they went under their previous name, the Educated Street Poets or ESP. I've previously covered this demo (and 29 others) here, but the tracks were embedded and were not available for download, whereas this downloadable version contains all 6 tracks. Props to Warlord for sharing this rarity.
Producer Dominic Owen has released the 3rd instalment of his unreleased Rakim tracks. This time round we're blessed with Get Visual (which eventually made it onto Rakim's debut LP The 18th Letter under the title When I'm Flowing).
For me, this is an interesting piece of history that adds another layer to this track. As you can see from the Soundcloud title, Dominic produced this track in 1995, but the LP wasn't released until 1997! This version is far superior to the album cut, but then I've always hated the LP version. Why? Because there is another (bootleg) version that ranks as one of my all time favourite Rakim tracks. Both versions are presented here, you decide which is better, but don't waste your time with the LP version.
For those that don't remember it, here is a clip from the last Arsenio Hall show which received a major hip hop send off from some of the biggest names in the game at the time. Let's not forget that Arsenio Hall gave a lot of air time to rap music when many major television networks were not interested.
The line up includes, Yo Yo, MC Lyte, Naughty by Nature, A Tribe Called Quest, Fu Schnickens, CL Smooth, Guru, Das EFX, GZA, Method Man and Ghostface Killah, KRS-1 and Mad Lion.
Although 2012 is now here, I've taken the usual look back over the last month of 2011 and pulled together some of the highlights from around the internets various sites and blogs etc. Although the Xmas and New Year parties have now finished, I've decided to lay on a retrospective buffet of hip hop for you to feast upon, there's plenty more after the jump:
Public Enemy in Concert
The boys over at the T.R.O.Y. blog have found this great recording of P.E. live in concert. Although it's a recent concert, they showcase many of their hits from over the decades. Why not digest nearly 2 hours of truly classic hip hop?
Like most hip hop bloggers, I keep an eye on a number of other blogs to feed my own interests and to ensure that our standards are up there with the very best of ‘em. Every now and then I stumble across something that is so good I feel the need to share it with you, but the reality is I never actually get round to it. But all that is about to change, as I bring to you a monthly update showcasing the best that other blogs have to offer.
The month of May has been pretty good to me with plenty of interesting finds. Here is the cream of the crop:
Lord Finesse Interview
The Funky Man reflects on the historic battle between him and Percee P in 1989, but what makes this great interview even more amazing is that the battle was filmed and the footage is at the end of the interview. Enjoy some rare and classic history. Thanks to Thun for finding this little gem. http://www.egotripland.com/interview-lord-finesse/
Mike Allen interview
If you grew up listening to hip hop in the UK in the 1980’s then the name Mike Allen should be familiar to you. Mike was like an John Peel of hip hop and kind of like the complete opposite of Tim Westwood! He did so much to bring the music to the masses at a time when nobody was playing it. You simply must read this interview he did with The Essex Rockerz, he’s a legend. http://www.stylewarrior.co.uk/pdf/MikeAlleninterview.pdf
New Blog
For those who are still mourning the end of the brilliant Underground Strikes Back blog, fear not, a replacement has arisen from the ashes. Check out http://pieandears.blogspot.com for your fix of B-boy and graffiti related content, but this time it comes with an injection of comical additives too!
Hopefully that little lot should keep you busy for a while (it did me!). If you spot any great interviews, rare mixtapes, or anything else that is interesting then shout up and we'll add it to next months update.
