Bakari J.B.

Blog

ProU 2018 Breakout MC of the Year Choice: Bakari J.B

/

[Via Producers United] I am happy to make my return to writing to announce our breakout/underrated MC of the year choice – Bakari J.B. I call him the James Harden of Boston Hip Hop. He makes it look too easy. Insulting terrible emcees without addressing them directly, with his talent. Secretly, I’ve admired his talent from a distance for years, really feeling the soul he brings, and being put on more heavy – when Mr.Fritz of ProU mentioned some of his lyrics / ability when they went on the “Boston Bullies” tour together. Mr. Fritz is a student of the game. When you get sincere heart-felt co-signs from acts like Fritz & Relentless (not to mention REKS, who brought him on tour in Europe) – you know there is something special about an emcee. I admired also his performance at Opus when the Bullies visited and his performance energy and passion were clearer than daylight. To be the best in the game, you must have the confidence of a Harden, a Curry, or a Bakari JB. This is what I respect about these people. They NEVER let anyone tell them they are anything near subpar. If they did, they would not be where they are. Music has always had a place in my heart, but a big reason for writing this article is because I’m moreso a student of life. And I see Bakari JB going very very far with this attitude. A confidence but not an air of arrogance to where he would ever put down his peers. He would only work on HIS game. Like a Curry. Smooth flow like butter. Just a fun MC to listen to . And one you secretly hate if you’re a fellow-MC – hearing a clever line you should have came up with. Congratulations, man. And on your success so far. Do big things. Continue to make your city proud. We look forward to you reaching all your dreams. Peep some of his incredible tracks below: and his latest tape: “Infinity Tape, 1,2,3” I will start with the track that inspired me to remember him for Breakout MC of the year choice to our staff, “Glory”. I especially love the touching lyrics on “View.0” from his new tape. Widely underrated, we believe if he perfects the work ethic and releases a steady pace of music and mixes in a bigger audience with his skill – he will reach unfathomable heights. It may take til end of 2019 or longer to get the recognition he deserves. But we are confident that if continues to do what he loves, it’s only a matter of time. Whatever it is, this is the year you will see him be a household name in Mass, and then it’s off to the races. This is old but gold, to get a taste of his cleverness. I’ll leave you all with some inspiration from the Boston hip hop scene by Bedlam, a friend and businessman I look up to – to get us to the next level. (Courtesy the DOPE #LFODRadio, my favorite podcast on the scene). As well I recommend you check out their powerful interview with Latrell James & Tashawn Taylor – where Latrell speaks upon the power of patience for a musician. Strategize. Find what works for you, and master your dreams. Life is short, but life is long too. So don’t underestimate the power of meditating on your actions, mixed with confidence you will make it, and consistent action. Teach and serve others. These are some of the takeaways I pulled out from the genius James. Most of all, nothing trumps hard work, he’s in the studio making 1 beat, and 1 song a day. And thinking & acting like a business. How are you going to fail with this attitude? You cannot. Written by Shawn Patel Founder of ProU – Not sure what to write here. I like marketing. I like rapping. I like clapping. I like laughing.

Events

#HoopHop 2015

/

RSVP via Facebook The “Second Annual Hoop Hop Basketball Tournament” featuring Boston based hiphop/r&b artists will take place at Washington Park in MLK Boulevard in Roxbury on Saturday August 1st from 12pm-6pm. This event is intended to help bridge the gap between the Boston music scene, our community and organizations that provide resources for our people. We look forward to seeing you there. Peace, Bakari J.B. & The Hoop Hop Family HoopHop.splashthat.com

Music Videos, Videos

Bakari J.B. – Soul Cats ft. C Roc Smooth

/

via – scopeurbanapparel.tumblr.com Bakari J.B. & C Roc Smooth bring club life and soulful energy together over jazzy hip-hop production with ‘Soul Cats’ the hit single off the recent album ‘Fear and Desire‘. -See more online at www.BakariJB.com -Director/Editor/Cameraman: www.LastShotProductions.com

Blog

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

/

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

Albums, Mixtapes & Projects, Music + Audio

Wazir Gray – “Balancing Act 2”

/

26 years of work  ———————- Track List  ———– 1.The Window  2.You Were There  3.Love ( ft. A.Zero )  4. My Own Home  5. Modern Man  6. Constellation Libra ( ft. April Stanford )  7. 2min28sec Later  8.Abducted ( ft. Keef )  9.The Veil ( ft. A.Zero )  10.Time ( ft.Shafia Gray )  11.Cold Skies ( ft. Shafia, Keef, Azeezah, Bakari J.B.)  12.What We Once Were ( ft.Gabriel )  13. So lo w  14.Honest Statement ( ft.Shafia Gray )  15.Sunset ( ft.Shafia Gray )  16.Amazing Breakdown  17.Hollow Drum  18.Where Have You Gone  19.Can’t Stop  20.The Next Three Days  21.We Must Not Let It ( ft. Alan Watts, Bakari J.B.)  —————————–  Engineered/Produced entirely by  ————–  Alex Allinson-  Phone# 860-810-5256  @AlexJamesAudio  A.allinson24@gmail.com www.thebridgesoundstage.com Joe Dusenbury Jdusenbury32@gmail.com Producer/engineer,  and all around Karate Badass  —————————————–  Featuring Artists  ——————-  A.Zero – .Love , The Veil  soundcloud.com/a_zero April Stanford – Constellation Libra  soundcloud.com/april-stanford Keef – Abducted , Cold Skies  Shafia Gray – Cold Skied, Time,  Honest Statement, Sunset  soundcloud.com/shafiacloud Azeezah Gray – Cold Skies  soundcloud.com/zzgoodnight Bakari J.B. – Cold Skies, We Must Not Let It  soundcloud.com/bakarijb Gabriel – What We Once Were  —————————————-                                             Beat Production By  ————————– {” Aaron Green / soundcloud.com/a-g508productions / Tracks – My Own Home, Hollow Drum, The Next Three Days “} {” Spenser Horgan / soundcloud.com/spenser-horgan / Track- Abducted “} {” David Bellow / soundcloud.com/light-foot / Track- What We Once Were “} {” Greench / soundcloud.com/gr33nch / Track- Honest Statement “} {” Klatuu / Track – Sunset “}  {” Chris Felner / soundcloud.com/robfel / Track- Where Have You Gone “} {” Suave Harrison / soundcloud.com/suavety / Track – Amazing Breakdown “} {” Sean Divine / www.soundclick.com/seandivine / Track- Time “}  {” Alex Adot Lipinski /www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1016394 / Tracks- You Were There, Love, Constellation Libra, Cold Skies, So lo w “} {” Dan Mcdonald / soundcloud.com/halloweentrip / Tracks – Can’t Stop “} Credits ” Whole Family, Every Friend, a few foes and a few strangers. Naida & Craig Simpson, Richard G., Alex Allinson, Joe Dusenbury, Bakari J.B., Atare A.zero, Azeezah Gray, Keef Joseph , Shafia Gray, April Stanford, Gabriel . Rahim Gray., Edwin Matos, Christina Lee, Zarinah G. , Richard Jr. Kesina G. Jaquan H., Laura V, Naimah S.,Shreice H., Majorie O. Joesph, Michael Graham, Michelle S. Raheem W.,Suave Harrison, The Bridge Sound and Stage, Janos Arcitype Fulop, Wreck Shop Movement , Justice Born, Mark Merren, Motivate Mondays Church Boston, Nighthawkradio and the whole team , Hiphopdigestshow .com, VCR Vernon C Robinson , YGB Young Gifted & Black, Baba Rumas , Aaron Green, Dan Mcdondald, Amber Santiago, Anthony Thomas, Nick Stringer, Rae Catchings, Julie Rivera, Demakis Tech MIc, Retention Frontiers, Sean Low, Rob Ferragamo, Arafat Akbar, Matt Ganem, Jha D, Tom O’Melia, Leola Summers, Tavonna Miller, Bebe Mb, David Lightfoot Bellow, Catherine Mangold, Paul Williams, Janine & Sid Porter, Kyle DeBergo, Melvin Green, Josh Orlandino, The whole Pescosolido Family, Mars Jupiter,Ester Jean, Cecil Moreira, Catch Wreck, Jen Correia, Lakeshia Pearson, Flyg Rico D, Olasco Boston, Alex Mathew, Matt Green, Big Brother Sadi, Yemi Prestig, Cara Diaz, Wayne Horton “  

Albums, Mixtapes & Projects, Music + Audio

Bakari J.B. – Fear and Desire

/

If you’re like most of us hip-hop heads in Boston you were at #MotivateMoinday last night celebrating the release Bakari J.B.‘s debut album “Fear and Desire” with some of the dopest artists in the city, many of whom make appearences on the project. We’ve been following Bakari since the X-Rated days when him and Wazir Grey would tear sh*t up at Young Gifted and Black shows. It’s dope to see everbody’s development. Download the project for however much you want to contribute over at http://bakarijb.bandcamp.com/ Features include: A Zero, Wazir Grey, C.B., April Stanford, Masshon, C.L. Clay, David Jordan Jr., C Roc Smooth, Tech Mic, Catch Wreck. Fear and Desire by Bakari J.B. Also check out the video for Laid Back Smooth ft. Catch Wreck and Techc Mic.

Music Videos, Videos

Bakari J.B. – “Laid Back Smooth” ft. Tech Mic & Catch Wreck ; Directed by Royal Clapp

/

First single off of Bakari J.B.’s new project “Fear and Desire”. Featuring Tech Mic (@followyourbrain) and Catch Wreck (@CatChWReck) Directed by Royal Clapp (@RoyalClapp) @bakarijbmusic bakarijb.com soundcloud.com/bakarijb   See More At http://scopeurbanapparel.com/magnify/2013/11/bakari-j-b-laid-back-smooth-ft-tech-mic-catch-wreck/#sthash.ZVD6QV9a.dpuf

Downloads, Music + Audio, Singles

Bakari J.B. – Boston State of Mine

/

[Via http://bakarijb.wordpress.com/] Boston State of Mine was inspired by the Nas classics “New York State of Mind” and “New York State of Mind Pt.2”, where Nas talks about life in his city. Bakari J.B. pays homage to hip hop legends and to his city by painting a picture of the urban areas and tribulations of the rap game in Boston. The east-coast style beat prompted two gritty verses from the Roxbury native. Source: http://bakarijb.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/boston-state-of-mine/]

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

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

/

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

Scroll to Top