Well March has been a busy month for me, and it still feels more like winter than spring, so this is a brief wrap up of my internet travels over the last 4 weeks. Despite my lack of free time, there are still some gems to bring to your attention in case you've been sleeping (or hibernating from the extremely cold temperatures!).
Rubble Kings
No, this isn't the new TV series on Discovery that follows demolition guys blowing up buildings, despite it sounding like it could be. This looks like it could be a really interesting documentary when it comes out, as it looks at the New York city
street gangs of the late ‘60s & ‘70s and their influence on hip-hop culture. If you grew up watching films like The Warriors then this is the era and events that influenced them.
Unfortunately the film needs financial support before it can be released, but I'm sure after watching this short trailer you'll agree it's an essential chapter of history that needs to be told. Thanks to 238Beats for promoting this.
Here's a nice little piece of radio history. The great Mike Allen interviewing Run DMC in 1987 on Capital Radio whilst they were on their European tour with the Beastie Boys.
MF Doom breaks down his early catalogue
Egotripland have uploaded another lecture from the recent Red Bull Music Academy events in Spain. In their own words:
Bear witness as Doom discusses the early ’80s episodes of Afrika Islam’s “Zulu Beats” radio shows on WHBI, which would provide the inspiration for his signature audio collages. Listen as he explains the defining characteristics of his plethora of performance personas (Zev Love X, Doom, Viktor Vaughn, King Ghidra). Marvel as he dissects the makings of classic recordings such as KMD’s Mr. Hood and Black Bastards, Operation: Doomsday, and his essential collab with
Damn, what a blistering month its been. The summer hiatus is over and now I feel like I'm getting high on all of the dope content that is circulating around the web. There's been so many great finds this month we've been spoilt for choice, so I hope you agree with my selection. Here's the cream of the crop (incl. a free download!):
MC Lyte & Positive K
Ever wondered what happened to MC Lyte? Well, like many of the artists from her era she's still going strong, just not on everybody's radar. She recently hooked up with Positive K for this collaboration:
And if this is a bit too soft for you, then have a listen to this one where Lyte shows that she can still kick it hardcore.
MC Lyte has a host of other tunes that can be found on her website: http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/10434598. She also has a free app that you can download for exclusive pictures, content etc. It's so good to see one of the greatest female emcee's still in the game and still going strong.
Jedi Mind Tricks Interview
On the eve of their new album Violence Begets Violence, Viinie Paz and Jus Allah talk about JMT's current sound and direction and the absence of Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind from the production boards. They also reflect on nearly two decades in the game and a return to their earlier sound.
Red Bull Music Academy - Slick Rick
Old School legend Slick Rick attends the Red Bull Music Academy's World Tour at the Bronx Paradise Theatre where he discusses his early hip hop influences, the development of his unique storytelling style and then revisits his classic debut album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick for a track by track breakdown, giving insightful recollections of their history.
The session lasts around an hour and a half and contains plenty of interesting history pertaining to Rick and some of his early associates. Check the video out here:
Also, there are four more lectures like this from the Wu Tang Clan, Black Moon, Mobb Deep & Dipset. Head over to Egotripland.com to see each video, although you might need some spare time as they're each an hour or more in length.
Murs Interview
Murs has got to be the most underrated and under recognised emcee from the west coast (feel free to disagree or suggest an alternative name). Having just released his latest album Love & Rockets Volume 1, Murs takes time out to discuss this and previous releases as well as his attempts to have a greater understanding of homosexuality, working with O.C., family life and plenty more.
Lord Finesse Breakbeat Mix
The microphone master takes to the decks for a mix of break beats and hip hop classics. As one of the golden era's finest producers, Finesse has an ear for excellent beats and demonstrates that in this nice little mix.
New Masta Ace LP
Last month I gave you the heads up on the new Masta Ace and MF Doom (MA Doom) collaboration LP that's due for release real soon. Well, to give you a taster of the new LP, Ace has released a free promo single on his website to get us all in the mood. This single is an exclusive that won't be on released LP, so go grab it whilst you can.
When I first heard this track, I really wasn't too sure about it. It felt a bit like a DJ mashup, but trust me, it's a real grower when you give it a couple of listens, and I'm now even more excited about the new project.
