SBX - Holding Down The Tradition

Classic mini documentary from the D.I.T.C crew.  Featuring clips from the infamous freestyle battle between Lord Finesse and Percy P (the whole battle is on YouTube so check it out), and the friendly rematch that was made specifically for this DVD.  R.I.P. to Party Arty.

Also features performance of the tracks:
1. A.G. - Inspiration
2. D-Flow - Don't Know Me
3. Party Arty - Everyday
4. G.D. - Ghetto Dwellas
5. A.G. - Little Big Man

Nobody is on holiday!

 

I thought this was the holiday season when everybody went away and the internet hit a periodic lull.  Nope.  The US heatwaves and the UK washout seems to be keeping people indoors, so there's been plenty of interesting stuff to keep me entertained this month, and here are a few things that I think you might appreciate, read plenty more after the jump:

 

Eventually - Show & A.G. LP Is Coming

For nearly a year it's been talked about, leaked, hyped, pre released etc etc, but it seems that it's now actually going to happen for real.  This is the first track from the full LP and if it's anything to go by then the LP will be some real grown man rap (at last).

 

Total Eklips

French beatboxer Eklips gives us a Hip Hop history in 4 minutes of top notch beatboxing .  He covers everything from Planet Rock, to Tupac, Public Enemy to Dr Dre and everything significant in between.  It's good fun trying to name the tunes and keep up with how quickly he flips them.

Blogwatch - February 2012

I know February is the shortest month, but for me it just seemed to completely pass me by.  To much to do and too little time, and the net result is an all to brief monthly round up.  Sorry folks, but paying bills comes first, lol.

Anyway, here are a couple of highlights from my trips around the blogs, websites and twittersphere.

10 favourite sample flips
Egotrip continue their series of favourite sample flips from some of the best producers in the business.  This time the funky technician Lord Finesse takes his turn followed by J-Zone.
These two beat makers are a perfect example of the alternative approaches taken when producing banging instrumentals.  Whilst Finesse combines funky breaks, his trademark snares, and a signature DITC baselines, J-Zone opts for the rarest, oddest, most bizarre, retro TV and film samples which he combines with a sound that can only be described as organised chaos. 
Either way the end result is the same.  Head nodding, eyebrow raising hip hop.  But who do they think has made some of the best sample flips?  Find out:
http://www.egotripland.com/lord-finesse-sample-flips/
http://www.egotripland.com/j-zone-sample-flips/


1988 Mini documentary on the use of samples
Considering this clip is just under 9 minutes in length, there are some notable contributors such as Coldcut, Prince Paul and De La Soul.
What's most interesting about this footage (other than the retro clothing) is the reminder of the different views about sampling's legality at that time and how this era changed the face of DJing and producing forever.  Props to Battlechasers for digging this up.

Blogwatch - May 2011

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

Also, check out http://old-school-hiphop-tapes.blogspot.com where you can find many old tapes of Mike Allen from the mid 1980’s along with a 3 hour recording from Fresh ‘86. Plus there’s plenty of other good stuff on this blog if old tapes is your kind of thing.

DJ JS1 Guru Tribute
One year on from Guru’s death and JS1 (Rock Steady DJ) has done a tribute mix. Also check out the links to JS1’s blog where you can get free downloads of his mix tapes.
http://www.thetroyblog.com/2011/05/07/dj-js1-one-of-the-best-yet-guru-tribute-mix/

Kool G Rap Interview
I’ve already pointed you to this interview in one of my earlier posts, but if you haven’t read it yet then here is a gentle reminder to do so!
http://wernervonwallenrod.blogspot.com/2011/05/competive-spirit-kool-g-rap-interview.html

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.
 
Peace.