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Blog, Interviews

SPNDA Talks ‘Light Skinned,’ More Boston Music News

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[Via Scope Music] CCRMG x Scope Music Artist SPNDA‘s recent interview with  @LindseyGamble_ for Arena about his upcoming collaborative album with Rah Intelligence: Light Skinned. Photo by Sofija V. * SPNDA recently released a new single in “Sweet Chin Serenade.” REKS joined the young talent on the The Rah Intelligence produced cut, which serves as the lead single for his forthcoming album, Light Skinned, due out November25th.In an Arenaexclusive, SPNDA talks all about that, and much more. Arena: You’re part of Retrospek, a hip-hop trio that features emcee JuneLyfe, producer Rah Intelligence and yourself. In summer of 2013, XXL selected you guys as one of 15 Boston Rappers You Should Know. While you still make music together, for the last year and a half, you’ve gone the solo route, releasing a number of solo projects like The Jeffrey and Cornrows & Babyhairs EP. What made you decide to go the solo route? career? SPNDA: Everyone knows us as a collective but people don’t know our individual talents. We are all individual artists who come together to form something greater. I think everyone should also have an opportunity to show themselves in that light. We’re also in a creative mode where we are all working and sometimes in different directions or ideas but still want to put out the material. It’s a chance for us to follow ideas that might not fit for the group and do our own thing. In the same time, JuneLyfe released and Rah released solo projects and have more in the works. Since we came in as a group, we already have a team so it’s dope to have my brothers support what I am doing and vice-versa. Arena: How was your A3C experience? Tell me all about it. SPNDA: It was dope. I feel like I learned a lot, not only from the trip itself, but the group of artists I took it with. It gave me a chance to chill with other artists from my own city and get to know them in a different light. One of the best parts was being around artists I am a fan of, who I have looked up to and being given the shot to be on the same level as them, to be one of their peers. That was very humbling. I got to work with these cats. There was a lot of music created down. In fact, an entire album was created that lays the groundwork for future collaborations. Arena: You’ve been on tracks with a range of artists out of the Boston area like REKS, Dua of Bad Rabbits, Real P, and much more. Who is your favorite artist to work with? SPNDA: Its hard to call favorites. I work with a lot of artists and producers out here. From my own Cool Collective Reps / Scope Music family, I work with cats like Dua, Catch Wreck, EvillDewer and am currently cooking up some stuff with OTO. I have a lot of work with the Jungle Club (Kae Tea, J. Howell and Sir Locksley), and a yet-to-be named group consisting of myself, REKS, Moe Pope, The Arcitype, and others. My attitude is I’m just an artist and anybody willing to create dope shit, I’m down. Arena: At the end of November, you’re going to release your new album, Light Skinned. What’s behind the album title? SPNDA: The obvious answer is because I’m light skinned, but it’s more or less taking what used to be an insult or name I was called — I have literally had my name reduced to “lightskin” at one point in time — and putting my own spin on it. This is a joke that has been consistent in my life. There are many times I have faced being stereotyped and prejudged for being the light skinned guy before getting the chance to express myself or my own identity. This project is about that and the broader way we judge each other. It was a way to fight off the stigma of the light skin guy and “make light” of the whole idea that you can know what someone is like or has been through because of how they look. Arena: The promotion for Light Skinned has been quite interesting. Instagram has been one of your main tools. You’ve photoshopped your face onto numerous familiar album covers, movie posters and other things of that sort. What gave you this idea and how effective has it been? SPNDA: Another myth amongst us light skins is that we all look alike so I figured why not put my face on any substantial light skin figure in pop culture, since we all look alike. Almost every example is a joke someone has made at one time or another about me. We started with the people I named on “Al B Sure” and built from there. It has definitely gotten a lot of attention because it gives people another aspect of my personality. In this day and age, people want more than the music. They want to know you and this was a joke we could all share. We have since begun transforming other people into light skinned gods, including Rah Intelligence and Malcolm J. Gray, who we do a live demonstration of the process with. Arena: Let’s talk about the actual music. What can listeners expect to hear on Light Skinned? SPNDA: Sonically, a very traditional sound, very chop and loop driven. Its very minimal on drums. It’s definitely a smooth listen. We worked hard on consistency and arrangement. Conceptually, it is an experience in itself. I was able to channel a lot of my personality into a lot of the content this time around because I was touching on such a personal topic. I never went too deep but it was definitely more personal than I usually get. Expect gritty vocals and the traditional cassette tape experience. Yes, we are trying to make that happen too. Arena: What was the recording process like? SPNDA: Comfortable. It was basically all done in Rah’s house which is where we created a lot

Blog, Events, Music + Audio, Singles

Gold Plates – SPNDA x Rah Intelligence / ‘Light Skinned’ Listening Party

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[Via Scope Music] If you’ve been keeping up you know the homies SPNDA and Rah Intelligence have been working on a collaborative album called ‘Ligh Skinned’ – reflections on the complexion and experiences they share. Building up to the project, the two are releasing an EP called ‘Cornrows + Babyhairs’ and the first single from that is “Gold Plates” which was premiered by HipHopDX. “Gold Plates”, the first single off ‘Cornrows + Babyhairs’ highlights both SPNDA and Rah Intelligence’s range as artists stepping out of the boom bap aesthetic people have come to expect from the two. “The EP itself is made up of songs that did not make the cut to the album and I felt like we should share them with people anyway” SPNDA says of the project, a prelude to the duos forthcoming album: ‘Light Skinned’. See more of the “Lightskinned Hall of Fame” at http://instagram.com/hologram2beardz @rahintelligence thehologramwith2beardz.com coolcollective.net scopeurbanapparel.com Join us THIS FRIDAY Aug. 28 at The Inner Sanctum Studio in Dudley Sq. for the Listening Party (Same place we had the Scope 4 Year) SPNDA, Rah and Bobby Bangers will all have DJ sets, we will premiere the ‘Light Skinned’ Album and we will be givin gaway a limited number of physical copies of the ‘Cornrows + Babyhairs’ EP. Friday, August 28 Doors at 8 PM $5 Inner Sanctum Studios Palmer St., Dudley Sq. RSVP via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/273549566172045

Blog, Interview, Videos

Exclusive OverTimeOften Interview

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What an Interview; Good-ISH !!! Exclusive interview with Boston‘s Roxbury area artist OverTimeOften (O.T.O) outside Mass Apparel for the Scope x Mass Apparel “Feed The Hood” charity show on June 7th 2014 !!! This video was filmed, directed, and edited by Romario “Tsunami Smurf” Samuel Owner/Founder of HotCornersMedia.!!!

Blog

Late Pass: The Best Boston Hip-Hop Albums of 2013

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Back by popular demand, the B’s and 3’s top 25 Boston Hip-Hop Albums of 2013. Originally we were gonna leave this to good folks like HITP who have been grinding to covering the scene over the last year. Plus comprehensive lists are so much work and so hard to do. But, the people have spoken, and we have delivered and even if its two months late, here is the B’s and 3’s list of the top 25 Boston Hip-Hop Albums of 2013. If you really give a f*ck these projects and artists STILL need your support. Like last year, our top 25 Boston Hip-Hop Albums of 2013 List was based on a few main criteria To even make it to the list, you had to be a Boston (NOT Cambridge, NOT Lawrence, NOT Brockton etc.) artist – even though there is incredible talent from the Metro-Boston region and New England in general. But this is not that list. We tried to consider several factors in terms of what made our “best” albums. The artists had to be local and have some sort of presence on the scene but we still left space for new blood. It all came down to the overall quality of the project, musicianship and lyricism. Lists and rankings like this are totally subjective and we know this list would be different for everyone who tried to make one, so we hope that people who disagree with us will, rather than get all bent out of shape over who ended up where, instead take the time to check out a different slice of the scene than you may already be acquainted with. If you still really think our list sucks, please leave a comment, make your own list, send us a link and keep the conversation going. After spending days months listening to the Hip-Hop that came out of Boston in 2013, we have a new appreciation for the diverse array of talent this city has to offer and hope that as a scene we can come together and show more support for the kind of music and artists we want to represent the Bean. So lets get down to it: #25 Sean Hines – Nothing Came Easy Featuring Masspike Miles. Production by The Bury Boyz, Bizzness Boi and Maggbeatz. Stream / Buy #24 DomOfTheYear – Thrills Representing the Good Karma family, DomOfTheYear’s first solo effort Thrills. Stream / Download #23 Tech Mic – M.U.S.I.C. (Making U See I Care) Official debut mixtape by Roxbury native Tech Mic. Stream / Download #22 Edo G – Intelligence & Ignorance Tenth studio album from Boston Legend Edo. G. Stream / Buy #21 GiO Dee – Fashionably Late GiO Dee ‘Fashionably Late EP’ feturing Reese (of Two9), Cam Meekins, Reem, Nick Gray, and Frizz. Production by David Greene, Andre, Nowah Beatz, Chanslin, and Tah. Stream / Download #20 Natural – Ways to Go Featuring April Stanford, Charmingly Ghetto, Dutch ReBelle, J The S and Incredible Chuck. Production by eone, Fakts Uno, Grime, Latrell James, Mark Merren, Mr. Light Up, Raw B, Stay Puft and Teddy Roxpin. Stream / Download #19 M30 – Perfect Timing M30 (E Lowkey, Vinny Black, Audi, Maze & Smitty) Debut Mixtape ‘Perfect Timing’ Hosted by DJ Hustle Simmons. Stream / Download #18 Ms. Jack – Jack’d Audio Ms. Jack repping Roxbury / Dorchester / Mattapan new project ‘Jack’d Audio’. Stream / Download #17 Pilot Nation – Expensive Heat The debut compilation project from Pilot Nation – a Boston-based hip-hop collective comprised of Jeff Replay, Stizzy and Nick Gray. Stream / Download #16 Famous Nobodies – Nobodies Nation The Famous Nobodies aka Real P, Dutch Rebelle and Chris Brook with appearances by Natural, RasBeans, Caliph, Amandi, & More. Stream / Download #15 OFATS – Before Passion is Revolution OFATS debut full length album ‘Before Passion is Revolution’ produced by Naysayers. Features E-Telligent, Ma Barb and Chuck from Notoriety Stream / Download #14 Fran-P – Mutation Fran-P flips The Arcitype’s one-day beat-tape ‘Evolution’. Stream / Download #13 Mr. Fritz – Bragging Rights Mr. Fritz’s ‘Bragging Rights’ features Dutch Rebelle, Latrell James, Top Billion, Galaxy, E.G.O., Matthew Rosewood, Arianna Lashea, M. Card, and Ora Slick. Production Fritz himself, Johnny Juliano, 5 Star Generals, Duce P, Taz Taylor, GarudasHellMuzik, WarBeats, and Hucktana Belvidere. Stream / Download #12 Primo Profit – BoomTrap Money Mobb’s Primo Profit ‘Boom Trap’ mixtape was a mix of boom-bap and trap beats with all raw lyricism. Stream / Download #11 Moe Pope & Rain – Let The Right Ones In Featuring Blacastan; Boycott Blues; Casso; Ceschi; Christopher Talken; Dua Boakye (of Bad Rabbits); Jake Mehrmann (of Tan Vampires); John Robinson (aka Lil Sci of Scienz Of Life); Julia Easterlin; Lady Lamb The Beekeeper; Rain; Reks and Tea Leigh. Production by Headnodic; Rain and The Arcitype. Stream / Download #10 Avenue – Summer Of 91 Avenue’s 5 Track EP ‘1Summer Of 91’. Stream / Download #9 Charmingly Ghetto – Of the Meaning of Progress Charmingly Ghetto – ‘Of the Meaning of Progress’ Chaundon, Koncept, Katrina Renee, REKS, Murph Watkins and Omar Aura Stream / Download CG also dropped a dope EP ‘Kickz-N-Starez‘ at the beginning of the year. #8 Wazir Gray – Balancing Act 2 Wazir Gray – ‘Balancing Act 2’ featuring April Stanford, Keef, A.Zero, Shafia Gray, Azeezah, Bakari J.B., Gabriel and Alan Watts. Stream / Download #7 Bakari J.B. – Fear and Desire Bakari J.B.’s debut album ‘Fear and Desire’ Featuring A Zero, Wazir Grey, C.B., April Stanford, Masshon, C.L. Clay, David Jordan Jr., C Roc Smooth, Tech Mic, Catch Wreck. Stream / Download #6 Muna – Judah 19 year old Muna’s new mixtape “Judah” with features from Brian Odiana & D-Blockz. Stream / Download #5 PAuSE – End of Story Pause’s 3rd studio album ‘End of Story’. Stream / Download #4 Caliph – Heart In Mind Features Doc Lek, DomOfTheYear and Mike Wyche. Production by Caliph himself, AyyDot, James Rogers, Mic. V, Haasan Barclay, EmilieXclusive and Dice Da Geniuz. Stream / Download #3

Blog, Interviews, Videos

The Grinder – Episode 4: J Sketch

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[Via Grassroots Grind] For the fourth episode of ‘The Grinder’ Scope / GGG’s own Jake links with up and coming Boston MC J Sketch at an in-store show at Kulturez. Host: Jake Guest: J Sketch Filmed by: Chad Nelson Edited by: Jake and Chad Performance and Extras: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldu81O… J Sketch https://www.facebook.com/JustinSketchler http://Myspace.com/JustinSketch http://Youtube.com/JustinSketch420 http://Twitter.com/JustinSketch http://Datpiff.com/mixtapes-search.php http://ReverbNation.com/JustinSketch http://Google.com/JustinSketch Grassroots Grind http://www.grassrootsgrind.com/ https://twitter.com/grindgroup https://www.facebook.com/GrassrootsGrind http://grassrootsgrind.tumblr.com/ Scope Urban Apparel http://scopeurbanapparel.com/ https://twitter.com/scope_apparel https://www.facebook.com/scopeurbanap… http://www.youtube.com/scopeurbanapparel http://scopeurbanapparel.tumblr.com/ http://instagram.com/scopeurbanapparel More J Sketch J. Sketch – Shook Ones Freestyle (Official Music Video) J. Sketch – Sincere [Nas Is Like Freestyle] (Official Music Video) J. Sketch – Rise N’ Shine [#MuFuckAHookDoe!] (Official Music Video) J. Sketch – Remember When (Official Music Video) J. Sketch – Headies, Kush, Haze & Sour Diesel/Hometown (Official Music Video)

Blog, Interviews

Whyd Interview with Lightfoot: Hip Hop from Boston

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[Via Whyd] 1. Can you tell us about yourself? How does your personality show up in your music? My name is Lightfoot, and I’m a sample-free hip hop producer out of Boston MA.  I grew up on all sorts of different music, but sometime around high school, I really fell in love with hip hop.  I’m not just talking about rap music either; I really fell in love with the whole culture. The DJs, the b-boys, the graffiti, it all took a pretty strong hold on me, and my growing appreciation for the culture made me want to be a part of it. I wasn’t great at drawing so Grafitti didn’t work, I didn’t have good enough equipment to DJ, and dancing was never going to happen for me, so beat making was the obvious choice.  When I first started making music, I was really influenced by artists like MF DOOM and Mad lib, so my beats were very “boom bap” and sample heavy.  I loved that traditional hip hop feel, so it was important for me to replicate that in my music.  As i continued to make beats however, I began stepping away from sampling, and really tried to force myself to make original productions.  This was due to the ever evolving legality issues with rap music as well as my own desire to feel more satisfied after making a beat.  As I shifted my methods I also departed from only listening to underground hip hop and started expanding into other genres such as electro and indie rock. I then began to mesh all of these influences together whenever i sat down to make a beat. I always try to make my music emotional (probably because I’m an emotional dude) and I always try and make it interesting, but ultimately I just make music and try and let things happen organically, and hope that I come up with something good as a result. 2. When did you start producing music and when did it click that you had to pursue it seriously? I think I made my first “beat” (i use that term VERY loosely) when i was in 8th or 9th grade.  I ended up with a copy of fruity loops somehow and decided to do some exploring.  The results were pretty bad, but they were my first so they are cool in that respect.  I did this on and off for about 6 or 7 years until i finally met my mentor and good friend The Arcitype.  I started interning at his recording studio, and was able to see how a professional producer operates.  It blew my mind and gave me so much inspiration that I ended up quitting my job and focused all of my efforts on music.  It lightened the wallet tremendously, but it allowed me to really hone my craft and in doing so find what I truly love to do.  I haven’t looked back since, and have been enjoying every second of it. 3. What’s the Boston music scene like?  The music coming out of Boston is pretty awesome.  There is a wide range of material that fits almost any palate, and a lot of it is pretty unique.  Unfortunately A LOT of it is unknown, even to people who reside in Boston.  That is the real downfall of this place.  We don’t really have an active listening community here.  People have their cliques, and their specific artists who they support, and rarely depart from that.  This makes for poorly attended shows, and hard for newer artists to break out. Boston is also particularly hostile to rap shows.  It seems like every day another venue closes its doors to hip hop.  This is due to a number of reasons (which may or may not be valid), but it makes it very hard to navigate and expand in the hip hop scene here.  You kind of just need to cross your fingers and hope you meet the right person who will introduce you to their scene, which may or may not be a good one.  All in all, the music itself is great.  Some of my favorite artists come from Boston, so I will always be a fan of the music this city produces.  My main beef, and quite frankly only beef, are the promoters and venues in the city.  They don’t allow for this place to breathe and evolve the way it should.  I love Boston though, and I will always be a part of this city musically. 4. What should we look forward to from you in the near future? I’m actually currently wrapping up an EP I have been working on with my rapper homie Andrew Milicia.  Collectively we go by “Remains”, and our EP is titled “Ei8ht Se7en”.  I’m pretty excited for the drop and eager to share our work.  The project will be available as a free download on Bandcamp.  Andrew is a super talented rapper/lyricist/songwritter, and i love the beats on the record so it’s definitely something I’m proud of. I also have a bunch of other projects in the works, but everything is still in the early stages so I can’t speak on them just yet. I’m certainly staying busy though, so there will be plenty of music in the future.  In the meantime you can check out my instrumental album i put out last fall called “The Rudimentals” which is available on iTunes/Spotify/Pandora.  Cheers! Thanks Lightfoot! Make sure you take a listen to his work on Soundcloud, like his Facebook page, follow him on Twitter, and of course subscribe to him on Whyd!  SOURCE: http://blog.whyd.com/post/56139417374/interview-with-lightfoot-hip-hop-from-boston

Guru
Blog, Boston Old School, Classics, R.I.P. Tribute

The Illest Brother © Gang Starr (Dedicated To The Life & Memory Of Keith “Guru” Elam)

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By Dart Adams [ Via HipHopWired ] Today (July 17), is the late Keith “Guru” Elam’s birthday. Rest In Power.  I‘m old enough to remember back when Mike Dee & Keithy E left for New York in order to eventually land Gang Starr Posse a deal with K-Tel/Wild Pitch Records in 1987. Back then Boston’s Hip-Hop and Rap music wasn’t being acknowledged by New York City even though Bostonians had already made significant contributions to the culture of Hip-Hop and it didn’t look like that was going to change anytime in the near future. Boston was the second city after New York to feature an all Rap radio show. Many of the seminal, groundbreaking Rap songs played at the time were actually produced by Bostonians such as Arthur Baker, Michael Jonzun and Maurice Starr. Due to the fact no one paid attention to producers, only the artists back then Boston remained overlooked in regards to Hip-Hop. What would Boston Hip-Hop be like today had Guru and Mike Dee never gone to New York? What if those first Gang Starr Posse 12”s on Wild Pitch had never dropped? What if Guru never met DJ Premier (or Waxmaster C as he was known then) and made No More Mr. Nice Guy? How would that have affected not only Boston Hip-Hop history but Hip-Hop history as a whole? Not only would this piece never be written but I never would’ve have become a Hip-Hop journalist. I’m extremely conscious of Guru’s influence on me but let’s examine his influence on the other Bostonians who dreamed of scratching out a career and eventually achieving fame in New York. Boston has completely infiltrated New York Hip-Hop to the point few even realize how many of them are currently there now in regards to Hip-Hop (both print & digital) journalism, radio, production, emceeing, or business management. For example, take Geespin (Power 105), Sean C (Grind Music), Cherry Martinez (Power 105), Statik Selektah (ShowOff Radio), DJ Madsol-Desar, Dawaun Parker, Che Vicious (G.O.O.D. Music), Maya The B, J The S, DJ Synapse, Touré, Chairman Jefferson Mao, The Source and the crew from Clockwork Music. Even New York City’s mayor is from Boston now. It all started with one man who was willing to crash on couches, eat sparingly & work menial jobs in New York to be where he had to be to make his dreams come true and put his city on one day. Even though the beginnings of Gang Starr and Gang Starr Foundation all started in Boston close to 30 years ago, their membership and extended family spread throughout the boroughs of New York and their influence is now worldwide. These things were all made possible through the drive and determination of one man named Keith Elam. We all know Guru as the MC half of Gang Starr. We all remember the unique timbre of his voice. We all marveled at his conviction on the mic even when he was delivering in a laid back, relaxed manner. Guru was also an accomplished producer, an aspect of his amazing career that often gets overlooked. He had an eye for talent. He advocated for Lord Finesse to get signed to Wild Pitch after hearing his demo (which he took it upon himself to do at Stu Fine’s office). Guru also discovered and signed Bahamadia in addition to producing several of her most notable songs. Together, Guru and DJ Premier crafted the sound that came to define Brooklyn and East New York. Who would’ve ever expected that a transplant from Boston and another one from Houston came to create, symbolize and fully embody the sound and aesthetic of one of the most storied and highly regarded boroughs in Hip-Hop history? Guru’s highly influential Jazzmatazz series were his brainchild and he was the main producer behind the first three Jazzmatazz albums. He and DJ Premier reached out to many members of the GangStarr Foundation directly during their time in Brooklyn and East New York. Jeru Tha Damaja once told me flat out at the 2010 Boston Hip-Hop Unity Fest “Guru saved my life. Without his intervention and guidance I wouldn’t be alive speaking to you today. I’m not the only person who can say that, either” Guru spit countless classic bars and quotable lines over his illustrious career. He produced and penned both underground classics and radio hits. He helped to discover and put on numerous people we regard as legends in Hip-Hop today. Even when I heard him big up Brooklyn on records as a youth I knew that Boston, his home, could never leave his heart. In his memory we must make an effort to focus on the true essence of Hip-Hop culture and aspire to inspire others that follow. Make Guru proud. Make Boston proud. RIP  Keith “Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal” Elam (1961-2010) Source: HipHopWired

Blog, Interview, Videos

Video Interview: Sir Locksley Talks Greening Album, Music Videos, Battle Rapping, & More

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Via – www.hitpmusic.com Last month, I had the chance to speak to Boston lyricist/battle rapper/producer Sir Locksley. The accomplished Jungle Club member spoke on his Greening album, what he’s been working on, the difference between making songs and battle rapping, and much more. Watch the interview above and grab Greening, http://www.hitpmusic.com/new-mixtape-jungle-club-greening/. – Lindsey Gamble

Blog, Interviews

Beats, Rhymes and Life 8/23/12 – 2/21/13

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Here’s a bunch of Beats, Rhymes and Life interviews; Definitely there’s some dope music and conversations on BRL and a lot of amazing peoples and artists that appreciates the music, culture and arts. We’ve been slacking on keeping up with the BRL weekly shows but here’s an archive for you to go through if you missed em. #JustPressPlay 8-23-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL8-23-12.mp3 8-30-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL8-30-12.mp3 9-6-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL9-6-12.mp3 9-13-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL9-13-12.mp3 9-20-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL9-20-12.mp3 9-27-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL9-27-12.mp3 10-04-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL10-04-12.mp3 10-04-12 Cyber http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL10-04-12Cypher.mp3 10-18-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL10-18-12.mp3 10-25-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL10.25.12.mp3 11-1-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL11-1-12.mp3 11-8-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL11-8-12.mp3 12-6-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL12-6-12.mp3 12-20-12 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL122012.mp3 1-3-13 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL1.3.13.mp3 1-10-13 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL1.10.13.mp3 1-24-13 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL1.24.13.mp3 2-7-13 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL2-7-13.mp3 2-14-13 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL2.14.13.mp3 2-21-13 http://www.unregularradio.com/bostonradio/podcasts/BRL2.21.13.mp3

Albums, Mixtapes & Projects, Blog, Music + Audio, Polls

2012 Boston Hip-Hop the Year In Review – Top 25 Albums

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So its that time of year, when all the blogs make a mad scramble to compile top lists of everything that happened over the past year. Our contribution to the fray is less of a scramble on our part; we took a few days to scroll through all the posts of the year, look through all the CD’s dragged home from shows and tried to come up with a list the reflected the diversity and talent of Boston Hip-Hop. Our top 20 Boston Hip-Hop Albums of 2012 List was based on a few main criteria  To even make it to the list, you had to be a Boston (not Cambridge, not Lawrence, not Brockton) artist – even though there is incredible talent from the Metro-Boston region and New England in general. But this is not that list. We tried to consider several factors in terms of what made our “best” albums. The artists had to be local and have some sort of presence on the scene, but we still left space for new blood. It all came down to the overall quality of the project, musicianship and  lyricism. Lists and rankings like this are totally subjective and we know this list would be different for everyone who tried to make one, so we hope that people who disagree with us will, rather than get all bent out of shape over who ended up where, instead take the time to check out a different slice of the scene than you may already be acquainted with. If you still really think our list sucks, please leave a comment, make your own list, send us a link and keep the conversation going. After spending days listening to the Hip-Hop that came out of Boston in 2012, we have a new appreciation for the diverse array of talent this city has to offer and hope that as a scene we can come together and show more support for the kind of music and artists we want to represent the bean. Boston Hip-Hop is what we make it. With that: Boston Hip-Hop 2012 – The Year in Review – Top 25 Albums. #25 – Bigg Dee ‘#TOTB: This Is Only The Beginning…’ The Sophomore Release of Boston Based Rapper Bigg Dee. This Mixtape Includes Features Maye Star, REEM, D-Note and B. Stream / Download #24 Lee Boy – Magic Life 4 Life Artist Lee Boy released his project “Magic” this year which features Smoke Bulga, Masspike Miles, Millyz & the whole Life4Life/ Dukati Gang team. R.I.P Roc Dukati. Stream / Download #23 Natural – 20 Somethin Natural was busy in 2012, hitting a lot of shows and events and dropping his 2nd tape and debut album ’20 Something’. Features from Dutch Rebelle and the Famous Nobodies. #12for12. Stream / Download #22 Avenue – Words Speak Life Avenue’s Words Speak Life came out this fall (co-release with Natural’s 20 Something) and featured Newside Zeak, Cap Mazarati, Intl Show, Deon Chase and Tania. Production by HiFadility. #12for12. Steam / Download #21 Lou Armstrong – Certified Hood Star Let’s face it Lou can put out an album and take over worldstar every year without breaking a sweat – Certified Hood Star was 2012.  Features from French Montanta, Alexx Fatt, Max B, Mike Beck, Ryan K., Cyrus Deshield, Young World, Carmen, Blanco and Crookz the Paper. Production by Statik Selektah, J. Cardim, BSM, Antagonist, Iroc Z and Ballistic Beats. Stream / Download #20 Bakari JB – Skinny EP You might know him from tearing down local stages with his crew X-Rated but the ‘Skinny EP’ is his first solo project. Who says lyricism is dead? Stream / Download #19 City Slickers – A.D.I.D.A.S The City Slickers mixtape from this year A.D.I.D.A.S. – All Day I Dream About Success is a mix of oriignal joints and freestlyes. Not to be missed is “Modification” ft. S. Dot. Stream / Download #18 Alias & Fakts One – Second Chances Man Fakts comes with some shit every now and then! Alias and Producer / DJ Fakts One team up for ‘Second Chances’   . Not to be missed is “dreamer” Doload via iTunes #17 BeWyze x Good Gatsby – The Public Policy EP Dope collab project from two up and coming Boston MC’s BeWyze and Good Gatsby. Stream / Download #16 J The S – The Last Days J the S gotta be one of the coolest chillest MC’s out here. His projet this year, The Last Days, saw features from  The Kickdrums, Styles P., P-Dub,Harlem, Pill, Franco Anthony, Greater Good, A N E, Janet Onyenucheya, Emilio Rojas and L Michelle with production from he Kickdrums, J. Cardim, Nelly’s Protoolz, Goodwill & MGI, Franco Anthony, M-Phazes and the artist himself, with additional vocals, cuts and instrumentation by Lion’s Share, DJ Special Blend, Alex Bodnar and Netousha Monroe Stream / Download #15 Riznut & Chilla Jones – High Def Riznut and Chilla Jones linked up for a 17 track, full collab project ‘Hi Def’ showcasing both MC’s. For cats who might only know Chilla from his battles remember this guy had tracks first and still does. Stream / Download #14 Rey Leon – The Pledge LP U.S. Army Infantry Veteran and Conscious MC Rey Leon dropped his long awaited (2 tours) ‘The Pledge’ LP features include Apollo, J.C.I.T.Y., Midie, Spenda, Mike Anthonii, B&B and Damilleo Stacks. Stream / Download #13 The Knowbodies – Sci-Non-Fi Vol. 2 “Reality Music” The KnowBodies Crew and their fam of artists like Cassius have been making a lot of moves this year including the release of Sci-Non-Fi Vol. 2 – Reality Music. Features from Cassius the 5th, Madame Cruz, Jamille Malik and Kidd Fr3$h. Stream / Download #12 Phinelia – Manteca Phinelia is one of the most prolific artists out here and this year dropped his album, Manteca and a mixtape Heroina. Stream / Download #11 MeTaL – What Should I Call This Mix Tape? MeTaL’s debut EP ‘What Should I Call This Mixtape’ is  dope project in its own right and captures the mix of integrity, levity and lyricism that MeTaL brings to the scene. Stream / Download #10 Cassius the 5th – Diamond

Rusty aka Mr Funky Fresh
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Why Wack Artists Go Harder & Get Deals! By Rusty aka Mr. Funky Fresh

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By Rusty aka Mr. Funky Fresh Every month I find myself in a barbershop, on the streets, or club parking lot listening to artists complain that record labels will sign just about anybody. I hear them complaints about radio stations not playing independent music. I also hear them talk about the lack of opportunities for artists with real talent to get heard. I’ve listened to so many different versions of these same arguments for more than five years as an artist, a manager, a studio owner, and a consultant. These complaints were the exact reason that we put together Boston Hip Hop Mixtape Vol.1.The goal of this mixtape was to establish a level playing field where artists could submit music with the best records receiving a serious promo push including placement on 5,000 Mixtapes distributed in New England. Ironically, when I mentioned this program most artists would be all ears until I told them there was a $20 submission fee. I’ve had artists tell me everything from “You need to put me on there for free…” to “You should be paying me to submit music.” I laugh it off because these are the same artists that sit around complaining about their situation. This is actually a very simple question to answer. I’m not insinuating that you can’t be talented and make it in the industry but the truth of the matter is less talented artists work harder while artists that are more talented tend to think they can get away with doing less. An artist that is less talented has something to prove and will go the extra mile to prove it. Less talented artists may find it harder to get others to believe in their dreams, so they will often be forced to take on more responsibility, often being their own manager, promoting their own shows, selling their own CD’s, and pretty much being a one man movement. On the flip side you have artists that are more talented but surrounded by people that constantly inflate their ego with praise fooling them into a false sense of security as if they have already made it. At this point, many artists tend to think that their talent alone justifies their success and that they should not have to perform the menial tasks of passing out flyers, selling CD’s, networking, etc. So, these artists get so consumed in this false image that they miss out on every opportunity that the less talented artists capitalizes on. Go to any open mic and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about, a room full of nobodies pretending to be somebodies. Let me just point out that I am not knocking independent artists. If anything, I hope this will be a wake up call for the ones that sit around at these events just waiting for their turn to perform. There’s nothing cool about sitting in the back of the club acting Hollywood. There’s nothing cool about not networking, not clapping for other artists or criticizing other acts. The reality of the situation is you’re at a damn open mic! You just paid to perform like the rest of the artists. You came to the club and signed up to get on stage like everybody else. Nobody called you down to the club to perform and there is not a check waiting for you when you get off stage. There were no radio commercials or a dressing room in back with your name on it. You’re just another artist trying to make it. Ironically, at that same open mics I will see less talented artist clap for everyone that performs even if only in hopes of having the favor returned. I watch as they float around the club passing out their CD’s and talking to anyone who will listen. They are hungry and are willing to do whatever it takes to make it. It reminds me of the old Hertz Rental Car campaign “When you’re number 2 you try harder.” This is not to say that these artists aren’t good, but they understand that they are not where they want to be so they will do whatever it takes to get there, unlike their counterparts that feel they are god’s gift to the industry and expect everything to be handed to them. To be perfectly clear, I am not saying that you have to suck to make it in the industry. I am simply stating that success doesn’t come overnight. It has to be worked for. This is about staying humble. A lot of great artists never realize their potential for success due to their work ethic. Too often artists get so wrapped up in their own hype that they start believing that they’re too good to shovel the sh**. They think that passing out flyers, selling their own CD’s, participating in contests and performing at open mics is beneath them; but when you don’t have a promotional budget to employ people to do these things or people booking you for shows…. Guess what… It isn’t! There are artists with deals that still hit open mics trying to build a buzz on records so that the label will give them a release date. There are producers with platinum plaques still worried about getting placements and here you are sitting in the back of the Peacock acting Hollywood while waiting for your name to be called off a list to perform. This is just a public service announcement for all those bitter ass rappers, singers, DJs, producers, managers, and models that always complain about someone “less talented” getting the opportunities they feel they deserve. Quit waiting for opportunities and start creating them.

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