Fly.Union – Close Doors, Open Windows (2008)[Mixtape] + Music Video

Hosted by the indieground God mixtape DJ, Mick Boogie, Close Doors, Open Windows is personally my first glimpse into the up & coming Ohio group, Fly.Union. I’ve previously listened to some of the tracks from the mixtape on Myspace and peeped the video for Big Trucks, and I must admit this entire mixtape has the possiblity of making it until my ipod. Composed of group members, Jerreau (MC), L.E. (MC), JSwifa (Producer), and Eyeon (Producer), the collective has managed to create an interesting sound in which old school & new school mesh to make something which appeals to the old heads, but is viably radio-friendly. While remaining conscious even on tracks with titles like “Big Trucks” the group always has enough swagger to make you feel like you’re listening to a top 40 radio station. Lil’ Wayne like flows, Cool Kids like production, Kidz in the Hall like lyrics… what a Fly.Union. Peep the video for the “Big Trucks” and d/l the mixtape after the jump.

Johnson&Jonson – J&J (2008) [Music Video]

I’ve had the leak of this album since December ’07, but I can’t wait for the legit release. Will def be copping that shit. Check the video (and look up the other Johnson&Jonson music video on here or on youtube).  Blu murked that shit.

Charles Hamilton – And Then They Played Dilla (2008)[Mixtape]

Dilla + Charles Hamilton. Remixed beats, new lyrics. I’ve been up all night waiting on this joint to drop, so just peep it already. If you’re unfamiliar with Charles Hamilton, all you need to know is down to earth ass producer/MC from Harlem who (at such a young age) is set to change the game for 2009. This is one in a series of mixtape he’s dropping in a very limited amount of time. Right now I’d usually tell you who dude sounds like but, yo, it’s 2:30 in the fucking morning. Just download the motherfucking mixtapes and give shouts to CH here and if you want to hear more of his mixtapes in the ongoing series check out this page for a listing.

Rashaan Ahmad – The Push (2008)

Guaranteed this link will be down shortly, so preview it while you can.

It’s been four long years since the release of Crown City Rocker’s debut LP  Earthtones, and while we’ve been patiently waiting for a follow-up to the Oakland crew’s brilliant grade of hip-hop, there’s still no word of a CCR sophomore release. So what are we to do besides replay Earthtones & The Mission EP over and over again until we’ve learned every key and chord? Well Rashaan Ahmad, the frontman & MC of the crew, has the answer. Listen to his long awaited new album, The Push. The album does not have the same ring as what you’d expect from a Crown City Rocker’s album (which is to be expected since there’s no live band backing him this time), but the album is appealing to the golden era & boom-bap sensibilities of your pickiest of heads. Lyrics get an A, production gets an A-. I’m not willing to put money on it quite yet, but with this release of this joint, Rashaan Ahmad may soon be up for a God MC award in the near future. Check the album and if you enjoy it as much as I have, do yourself a favor and buy it here

Q-Tip – Gettin’ Up (2008)[Single + Music Video]

It was recently announced there’s no future plans for a re-union Tribe album, but at least we have Tip’s solo debut to look forward to (dropping later in the Fall). Check Tip’s first single in a long ass 9 years and def. cop the LP when it drops.

Download: Gettin’ Up.mp3

Himalayan Project – Broken World [2007][VBR] + Middle Passage [2002][192kbps]

Download Middle Passage after the jump.

Sneak Peek Track
Download Album

Himalayan Project – 01 – Firewithin (Intro)
Himalayan Project – 02 – Broken World
Himalayan Project – 03 – Rip The Skin
Himalayan Project – 04 – Guerilla Wordsmiths
Himalayan Project – 05 – Satisfied
Himalayan Project – 06 – Been Around The World
Himalayan Project – 07 – Manchild
Himalayan Project – 08 – Chloe’s Theme
Himalayan Project – 09 – About A Girl
Himalayan Project – 10 – Go-Back
Himalayan Project – 11 – Firewithin (Outro) (Plus Bonus Track)

Kid Cudi – A Kid Named Cudi (2008)[Mixtape]

Kid Cudi (aka The Man On The Moon) has been getting a lot of buzz lately for his unique blend of hip-hop and bit of electronica as well as his co-sign from big named cats like Kanye West & Pharell. If you like acts like The Cool Kids, Wale, & Jay Electronica you’ll probably love dude and if you’re into acts like Santogold & MIA you’ll be able to appreciate what this cat does as well. Peep the mixtape (if you’re late enough to not have downloaded it until now), and when his debut LP drops, cop it.

Kero One – Windmills Of The Soul (2006)

Fans of Nujabes & Lightheaded rejoice… Kero One is here. Left coast MC & Producer puts it down for you in the tradition of other jazz-hoppers. Excellent production (especially on the tracks which is also a plea to keep vinyl alive, Keep It Alive! and Check The Blueprints). I originally copped this one right after the release in 06, but I haven’t heard anything about Kero since (expect for the track he did with Rashaan Ahmad a while back). If anybody knows anything about a future release, drop a line and if you like what you hear, cop it here.

Because We Haven’t Done It In A While…

It’s time for another posse cut…

One Day As A Lion – One Day As A Lion EP (2008)

Zack De La Rocha (of Rage Against the Machine) and Jon Theodore (of Mars Volta) formed a group and this CD is the end result. I’ve never been a huge fan of Rage or Mars Volta (although they each have songs that I admit I love), so I can’t really give a thumbs up to this one, but I’m sure fans of both Rage and Mars Volta (as well as other rock/rap groups) will enjoy this one. The debut LP from the group should be released by the end of the fall, so keep checking for that one and as always, if you like the music buy it here.

Sound Providers – An Evening With The Sound Providers (2004)

Here’s the debut ABB release of the SoCal Jazz Rap group Sound Providers. Like other Californian groups of the same genre, the Sound Providers cleverly mash boom-bap styled hip-hop with smooth jazz blends. The album features guest appearances from Little Brother, The Procussions, Asheru and others. Fans of People Under the Stairs, INI, Crown City Rocks, and Kero One will love this one, but fans of old school cats like Tribe, De La Soul, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth should be able to feel this release as well. Download it and if you like it, cop it here.

Edgar Allen Floe – The Road To Streetwise (2008)[Mixtape]

Hosted by 9th Wonder

Here we have Edgar Allen Floe of the Justus League’s (aka the nigga with the coolest name besides Lupe Fiasco) latest release. In preparation for Floe’s first solo LP (Streetwise) he created this mixtape (which I hear is pretty nice) to get people familiar with him since 2006’s Floe Almighty was dropped a while ago. Fans of The Away Team, Khrysis, L.E.G.A.C.Y., and Little Brother must check.

Termanology ft. Bun B & DJ Premier – How We Rock [Music Video]

Just got this one in the mail. Can’t wait for Politics as Usual to drop.

Jaylib – Champion Sound [Reissue](2007) RE-UPPED

So the story goes. Once upon a time in the land of hip hop legendary producer of the Beat Junkies, DJ J Rocc, passed a CD of beats to Madvillain maestro, Madlib. Were these beats J Roccs we may have ended up with a Roclib album, but as the story goes, these beats were (for some reason or another)  produced by none other than Jay Dee (aka J. Dilla). Madlib recorded over these beats and called the recordings Jaylib, but the recordings sat on a shelf getting dusty for a few years until Stones Throw put one of the tracks on a mixtape. Dilla, being signed to Stones Throw himself, heard the track, hooked up with Madlib and soon after began trading beats and rhymes (each did his own recording in his own respective hood) which lead to the 2003 release of Champion Sound. The album was hailed an instant classic and prototype for many hip-hop mashups to come after it (Madvillainy, Gnarls Barkley, Patch Adams, Dangerdoom etc.), but when Dilla passed away in early 2006 the album was re-vamped with a second CD of new remixes and instrumentals from the original album featured as well as a tribute to Dilla (“One For Dilla”). So here you are, the finished product of two of hip-hop’s greatest minds. Download the album and if you like it, cop it legit here.

Jake One – The Truth (feat. Brother Ali & Freeway)[Single]

Man, oh man. After hearing this track I can’t say how excited I am about Jake’s new Rhymesayers release (White Van Music due out October 7th). For those who don’t know Jake One has been the man behind the boards for everybody from MF Doom and De La Soul to 50 Cent & Nas. I mean damn… who didn’t love Rock Co. Cane Flow? His album is slated to feature underground & mainstream legends alike and with his ability to get cats who would have otherwise never worked together on the same track, this is going to be ill. Check this track out for a taste of what I’m talking about. Ill ass collabo. Fucking crazy…

Download: The Truth.mp3

The Dynospectrum – The Dynospectrum (1999) [Slug, Self One, Beyond & Swift]

Got a request for this one a little while ago. Any fan of Atmosphere or the Rhymesayers fam should have heard of this one (although I had some trouble finding it). If you’re familiar with any of the Headshots series (or even just the widely popular Headshots: Se7en) you’ll know most of the cats on this project… Of course there’s Slug of Atmosphere and Beyond (who later became Musab) as well as old school Rhymesayers junkies, Self One (aka I Self Divine) & Swift (who I have no idea what happened to). Apparently this was the first and last actual LP that was done by the group so, Iif you like the Headshots series & Deep Puddle Dynamics you’ll love this one… if you just like Atmosphere you’ll at least enjoy it.Like it? Buy it here.

2 Sene Albums + 1 EP

So I posted one joint by this cat a minute a good minute ago (Pavement Special) and expressed my amazement about how such a young cat could release such a dope album, but now it gets crazier as dude has release 3 more works… all just as crazy as the first. I know it’s a lot to listen to, so if you don’t know where to start peep his first work (link given above) or if picking out of the 3 new joints check on The Beautifully Ugly EP (2008), after which either of the other two albums Anywhere But Here (2007) and Elevator Music: A Collection of Rejected Excellence (2008) is a dope follow up. For fans of Raks One, Blu (of Blu & Exile), Buff 1 & Now On… fuck just do yourself and whoever you are, give dude a listen.

(Question: I know Elevetaor Music: A Collection of Rejected Excellence is being given away for free on Sene’s myspace page, and Pavement Special was a Japan only release, but does anybody know where the others can be copped legit as physical copies)?

Blackalicious – The Craft (2005)

This is the junior album from the legendary underground Cali duo, Blackalicious. I was first introduced to Blackalicious in the 10th grade (about three years ago… give or take) by a friend named Kevin. Kevin was heavy into Aesop Rock, Sole, and Deep Puddle Dynamics at the time so I was certain Black would be something to abstract and left field for me to really enjoy, but after weeks (maybe months) of his nagging and bitching I finally listened to their 2nd LP, Blazing Arrows. To my dismay I greatly enjoyed the album and Kevin won. Anywho, as much as I enjoyed Black’s aforementioned sophomore album, I feel as if The Craft is an all around better album. Better production, better rhymes… shit just flows more nicely than Blackalicious’ other two joints. If you’re a fan of Lyrics Born (who’s a member of another of MC Gift of Gab’s crews), People Under the Stairs or Jurassic 5, make sure to check on this one.

Pete Philly & Perquisite – Time Flies [Music Video]

I’m starting to feel like Ches about these cats. How did I go so long without having their shit in my collection? You must check the CD version of this joint. 

Common Market – Gol’ Dust [Single][2008]

New shit from common market. Just like the track we dropped a while back (Tobacco Road), this has me fiending for new material from the dudes. Fans of Gabriel Teodros, Blue Scholars, Move.Meant, and Braille should def check on this one.

Download: Gol’ Dust.mp3

Hezekiah – I Predict A Riot (2007)

Straight of Illadelphia Rawkus artist Hezekiah (aka Mister Conscious Porn) puts it down as a mic controller as well as a producer. From listening to his last LP (Hurry Up and Wait) I imagine Hezekiah is best described as an MC who the conscious and mainstream crowds alike can relate with. That’s not to say he like a sort of Kanye West/Common , because his overall neo-soul influenced sound is what one expects out of a Philly native. Still he makes songs the everyman can relate to without being too dumb or too high and mighty. Big shouts to LeBlunt Flames for hitting us this one (as well as a shit load more which we’ll feature in the future). Listen to it and if you like it, buy it here.

Rhymefest – Stolen [Video] (2008)

Dope video, dope beats, dope rhymes. If you don’t check out any of the other videos we drop at least peep this one. Excited for Fest’s new album El Che? Yes.

Cool Calm Pete – Gitty Up Baby [Single] (2008)

Finally a new Cool Calm Pete track. I’ve been fiending for some new Pete shit ever since I heard his 2005 release (Lost the Album) and although I bought and enjoyed his CD of loosies, I was looking for more. This track hits the spot for now, but only makes me want to hear his new LP Leonard Z (which is supposed to drop later this year). Check the track and buy the album when it drops.

MF Doom & Trunks Presents – Unicron EP (2008)

Doom on the beats, San Francisco MC Trunks holding the mic. If you’re huge Doom junkie then you’ll remember Trunks from the track Lockjaw (also included on this EP) which was featured on Doom’s King Geedorah album. Apparently Doom is going to be producing Trunks’ first LP. Some may be saddened to find there’s no actual verses from Metal Face himself but Trunks does a good job of filling the void with raps about everything from RPGs to Star Wars. Doom fans can certainly dig it if not everyone else.

Skyzoo & 9th Wonder – Cloud 9: The 3 Day High (2006)

Went digging in my old files for something to post and came up with this. Dope shit, recorded in only 3 days. I know record sales hardly mean anything but ol’ boy got certified gold from the underground (who does that shit besides Atmosphere?). For fans of Little Brother, Jay-Z, and Joell Ortiz. Buy it here if you like it.

DJ I-Dee ft. Jean Grae & Wreckonize – The Right [Video]

DJ I-Dee hit me up with this one himself. Good production and although I’m not really feeling the video too much the track itself is a hit. JG murders the track and Wreck does his thing too. Peep the video and download the single below.

Download: The Right.mp3

Emilio Rojas aka Raks One – That Time [Video]

Hot ass shit. M-Phazes on the beats and DJ Eaze on the cuts. We dropped some of his older shit here on CTR in the past so cop listen if you like the video (always cop legit if you like it) and check back for this new album. Shit’s obviously going to be heat. Shouts to GrapeApe over at MS for bringing this one to my attention.

Breezilla is Back + Moka Only – Clap Trap (2008)

So as many of you regular cats have noticed I’ve been missing in action for about two weeks now which is culmination of too many hours to be worked at my job with far too many employees as well as a broken laptop. I’ve kind of solved the job problem and I’ve def found a solution to my laptop problems (bought a laptop of this cat for 2 cartons of Newports), so I’m back in full force. HUGE, HUGE, HUGE shouts to DMXXX and Ches B for holding things down in my absence (of course they always do even when I’m here). Have requests, questions, suggestions, submissions, or want ton be affiliated with our blog? Drop us a line here or at checktherhimeblog@gmail.com. On with the new shit.

“If it’s too abstract, you need to get smart, stupid!Such a Moka-ism. Funny little quips and thoughts burst out often here. Following their Martian Xmas disc, this quirky concoction is pure modern Moka: 22 short, sweet, self-produced songs showcasing his soul. The longest track is 2:28.
Dippin’ into 60s soul, 70s psychedelia, 80s pop and 90s melancholy, Clap Trap is diverse. The sinister skin cocooning Summer Stalker is shockingly satisfying, but it’s criminal to not give it a reasonable resolution. Time To Clean Up is a simmering gem. Mo And Mo features wisdom from Sweatshop Union’s Mos Eisley, whose sharp lyrics could have lasted longer but for brevity, wit and all that.”

For fans of MF Doom, Swollen Members, MF Doom, and Louis Logic. It you like it, cop it legit here.

J. Dilla, Ghostface Killah, & MF Doom – Sniperlite (2008)

3 tracks of bliss. Get it before it’s gone. If you like it, cop it here for $2.97.

(PS, where the fuck is my Swift and Changeable Doom/Ghost collabo?)

People Under The Stairs – The Om Years: Favorites, Rarities & B-Sides (2008)

Posted some P.U.T.S. a while back and had to post this as soon as I saw it. For the ultimate P.U.T.S. fan or just for those who are trying to get into them (which it isn’t hard to do). Any fan of that Ol’ Boom Bap in the tradition of West Coast groups like Hieroglyphics, Souls of Mischief, Living Legends and The Pharcyde will dig this one. As always if you like it, buy it here.