Specialized Lies That Paralyze The Conscious

The conditioned have been conditioned to condition

They influence your mind to the point of submission

Unless you can load up the barrel with mental ammunition

 

An attack has been made on our mental health

See if they tell us what to think we can’t think for ourselves

All I’m asking is that you be aware

Of the psychological warfare

 

So don’t believe what they said

Get that shit out ya head.

 

Don’t believe these magazines telling you how to look

Reject their false history printed in the textbook

Don’t listen to a news anchor just cause he has a catchy name

Cause truth is they’re all just pawns in a much bigger game.

 

I keep saying they, and you wonder who I mean?

Believe me, if I knew…I’d dismantle their machine

Specialized Lies Mix

16 songs, 54 minutes, DOWNLOAD/STREAMING LINKS BELOW

1. Intro - I wanted to start this mix off with just an example of what the media can get away with saying. Most of these quotes are from Fox News, the network notoriously known for it’s right wing racism and ignorance. The only difference I see between Fox News and other news programs is that Fox News doesn’t use subliminal messages, they’re much more forward. When the hosts aren’t spreading their hateful messages, they get their guests to do the dirty work for them. When they really want to say something racist but can’t, they bring in black guests (think Uncle Ruckus from The Boondocks) to say it for them. In the rare event that a guest does make a good point contrary to their conservative beliefs, they quickly shut them up. These people are racists in denial, and convince other Americans to buy their ignorant bullshit. Now that you’ve seen the extreme, look for the more subliminal messages on your every day news program.

2. Propaganda by One Be Lo - Just think about it. Who is controlling your life? Who shaped your opinions?

3. Psychology by Dead Prez - “Don’t let them get in your head, they’ll try to probe you.” “Believe in none of what you hear and half of what you see.”

4. Interlude by Mumia Abu Jamal - So many good points here, just listen.

5. False Media by The Roots - The media uses fear to control us. All to make money and keep people from uprising against a flawed system.

6. Bin Laden Remix by Immortal Technique feat. Chuck D & KRS-One - There are more dangerous enemies in the world than the Taliban…

7. Turn Off The Radio by Ice Cube - And of course any form of true expression and people trying to shed light on our society is quickly silenced. Who do you think controls what gets played and what doesn’t? The same people who are making the big money off of Hip Hop, and they want to keep it that way.

8. Twinkle Interlude by Erykah Badu - I don’t know where to tell you to start. But you should get mad and refuse to accept the society that has been created.

9. Testify by Rage Against The Machine - This song talks about how Americans have become dependent on the media. We have come to need the nightly news to make sense of the world and cheap date movies to teach us about love.

10. Don’t Believe The Hype by Public Enemy - The first step is to question everything that is being taught to you. Who is really teaching it to you and where did that information come from? Don’t believe the hype.

11. Malcolm X Interlude - The way history has been documented completely supports the way society is today. “Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters.”~ African Proverb

12. Nature Of The Threat by Ras Kass- The truth is that America (and current status of Earth in general) was built on hate, enslavement, and the idea of superiority.

13. Brothaz (9th Wonder Remix) by Mr. Lif - There are some stories that the media doesn’t cover. The genocides in Africa aren’t covered because of the true reason why they exist: “How could colonized minds lead to such uncivilized times? Maybe the tribes were harmonious and you were erroneous.” It’s easier for some people to act like their wrongdoings in the past have no effect on the present than to accept responsibility and seek change.

14. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott Heron - If a change is ever to come, it won’t be televised. The people in control of America right now are so content with their way of life and so apathetic of other people’s way of life that they’ll never want change.

15. Wishing by Edo. G & Masta Ace - I wanted to end on a positive note. Who knows, maybe there is still hope. We can be dreamers…

16. Outro - The one thing that they don’t want you to do is educate yourself. Read a book.

Disclaimer: These are my opinions, and I don’t expect a lot of you to accept them, but just think about it.

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

CLICK FOR STREAMING/DOWNLOAD LINK

CLICK FOR .ZIP FILE (full songs, separate tracks, unmixed)

click for guide to downloading

I’d love to get some feedback on this mix.

mood music: through the wire by kanye west

Why: A sprained wrist ain’t gonna hold me back!!!!!

Kanye West: Through The Wire

This Friday’s mix will be special…I’m interested to see how ya’ll react.

Who Got Next: Hip Hop Today

I figure the horse isn’t dead yet, so I can add to the beating and give you my .02 on the state of Hip Hop right now. I think the way Hip Hop is now reflects who is in control. Back when Hip Hop culture was getting started, it was not only seen as a recreational activity that people could have fun with, but also a peacemaker between feuding gangs. People would get together, spit rhymes, listen to DJs spin, tag and do throw ups, or break. Nobody saw it as a business, and even to graffiti writers who went the commercial route and displayed their art on canvases in art shows were considered sellouts by fellow writers. Then things changed, and Hip Hop evolved. The emcee was valued more and the DJ took a back seat. Emcees got on records, and the Hip Hop movement spread like wildfire.For about ten years things were beyond great. Although the breaking and graffiti elements of Hip Hop sort of died out, and are not as popular today as they were in the golden age, emcees and producers perfected their crafts. Hip Hop went in so many directions all across the country, and so many new styles were born. You had the Wu bringing that rough & rugged grimy New York style rap and Dre bringing the laid back funk influenced songs. However, around this time the media and corporations acknowledged the power of Hip Hop. The media used it as a scapegoat for problems created by the government and the corporations pimped it out to get paid (C.R.E.A.M.).Not only was Hip Hop being exploited, but the positive messages of Hip Hop were being destroyed. Hip Hop was doing wonders for the black community. Young blacks realized they could be successful simply by expressing themselves and staying true to what they believed in. Although it may be hard to believe, ideas of respecting women, educating yourself, and giving back to the community were being played on the radio. Now I admit some may call me a conspiracy theorist, but I do believe that there were and still are powerful people who didn’t want these message portrayed (that’s a whoooole nother story). So positive Hip Hop stopped getting played on the radio. Hip Hop doesn’t have to be positive though. I can’t sit here and lie to you that in the 90s there were no songs about selling drugs or no misogynistic songs. But back then there was balance and variety. It wasn’t song after song about the same subject matter. Now the only Hip Hop being played to mainstream audiences it about getting bitches, busting caps, and selling drugs. The public eats it right up, because they think that’s what Hip Hop is all about.

Thankfully, the Hip Hop generation is strong headed, and some emcees refused to change their messages in order to get paid. Unfortunately, these emcees are rarely heard today. Hip Hop has been painted as a horrible influence by the same people who made it that way. It has helped brainwash the youth into a fascination of material objects (C.R.E.A.M.) and activities that damage people’s own communities (not their communities, mind you).

There is still hope. The real emcees might not get airplay, but true Hip Hop is very much alive and in great shape. There have been many amazing new artists and albums that people need to hear, yet haven’t. Hopefully, that’s where I come in. I made this week’s mix to show people that Hip Hop is still very much alive. There are still emcees talking about real life situations instead of acting like they’re Tony Montana. There are still emcees who create their own trends instead of following the media. There are still emcees who rap with such poetical lyricism that they remind you of just how deep this Hip Hop can get. Hip Hop is still very much alive, there are just some people who don’t want you to think so. Well…this mix should be proof enough. Pure Hip Hop.

Who Got Next Mix
18 songs, 1 hour 3 minutes but all killer no filler, DOWNLOAD/STREAMING LINKS BELOW

Just a few words about this mix. I often get approached by people wondering who I’m listening to and asking for recommendations on new emcees. Well, here you go. In my opinion, all these emcees or groups are going to become pretty popular in the next couple of years. Some will (hopefully) take over the mainstream, and others will rule the underground. This is a mix that I did spend a lot of time on, but it’s just straight, non-stop Hip Hop. There’s a real quick intro, followed by 18 great songs. I didn’t want to interrupt the flow, I want this mix to grab you and not let go for an hour. So check it out, let me know what you think, if you really like one song or one artist talk to me about it and I could give you more information on him/them. Oh and don’t come to me talking about who I left off, I know who I left off and I left them off on purpose for various reasons. Just enjoy it…

 

1. Goatit by Bishop Lamont (feat. Phat Kat & Elzhi) : I know ya’ll wondering who produced this joint. It’s by Black Milk out of Detroit. If you don’t know who he is, do your homework because this producer is getting a lot of hype right now. Bishop Lamont is an emcee outta California. He’s well connected with Dr. Dre and signed to Aftermath. He’s just waiting for his chance to make it, and if Dre ever laces him with some beats on an album, expect big things from this guy. This song is off of his & Black Milk’s Caltroit mixtape. Oh and the 2nd verse? Let me introduce you to Elzhi. Elzhi is simply the truth. His rhyme structure and wordplay is on a whole nother level, and when he does drop his debut album, he’ll finally get the respect he deserves.

2. Say It! by J. Dilla (feat. Ta’Raach & DJ Exile) : Different regions of the country have their times to rule Hip Hop. Right now, L.A., Detroit, & Chicago are running things. This song’s from the late Jay Dee’s (see previous post) Jay Love Japan album. Ta’Raach is a real promising emcee and DJ Exile is a gifted beatmaker. Be on the lookout for Ta’Raach and Blu’s group C.R.A.C.’s debut album The Piece Talks dropping this April.

3. Keep On by Kev Brown (feat. Cy Young) : Kev Brown is one of my favorite producers right now. This song is off of his great debut album I Do What I Do. He talks about some real life issues in that album, so I recommend ya’ll check it out.

4. Women Problems by Pacific Division : I’m real confident to say these guys are gonna be huge soon. They’re outta L.A. and they’re kinda like The Cool Kids except they have more substance to their lyrics. Just a fun group to listen too. I’m guessing their first single Fat Boys ‘08 is gonna blow up. Be on the lookout for their debut album, The Fat Album.

5. Wake Up Show Freestyle by Pacific Division (Like’s verse): I just had to include this one. Such deep lyrics, really shows you the versatility of Pac Div. Remember where you heard ‘em first…

6. So Bad by Uncut Raw: These guys (Selfish & Fluent) are from the Green Llama record label outta Chicago. They’re keeping underground Hip Hop alive in the Chi. Their debut album First Toke was criminally underrated in ‘07. It often got compared to Madvillainy, so if you liked that album check out First Toke. Now let’s just hope they can put together another album as good as their first.

7. Feelin’ Jack by Shawn Jackson: What a beautiful beat that SJ flowed over perfectly. It’s a shame this guy is so under the radar. He’s outta Cali (like so many dope rappers in today’s game) and he’s definitely got a lot of potential. His debut album, First Of All, should be coming soon and features production from Thes One of PUTS, Mekalek, Jack Sample, & Newman. Check out his myspace and uh…if you’re not easily offended download his new podcast Boner Jamz ‘08.

8. Life Of The Party Remix by Little Brother (feat. Skillz) : If you’re not checking for Little Brother by now somethings wrong with you. These guys are one of the (if not the) best groups in Hip Hop right now. If you don’t know what I’m talking about just log off right now, and go buy The Listening, The Minstrel Show, & Getback. Plus I got a feeling Little Brother has plenty more in store for us. And their solo albums??? Damn, damn, damn.

9. Make Shit Bang by School Of Beats (feat. D-One) : These guys are outta D.C., and I’m not gonna lie, the lyrics aren’t anything special…but their beats are fucking ridiculous. As long as these cats don’t go deaf they’ll be making bangers for a long time. Check out their myspace.

10. Rebirth by One Be Lo: One Be Lo is one of my favorite rappers in the game today. I didn’t think that Binary Star’s album could be topped, but S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M (from 2005) is so amazing. If you don’t have that album go get it now. My expectations were so high after S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. that his new album The R.E.B.I.R.T.H. kind of let me down, but I’m hoping he’ll get back to S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. status on his next album. Another example of Michigan keeping real Hip Hop alive.

11. Better Than The Rest by Murs: Murs has been in this game a long time, so it’s kind of funny he’s on my list. But he’s just starting to get mainstream recognition, and some would say he’s at the height of his career. He’s recently made some great albums with 9th Wonder and this song is off his next album Murs For President. Check him out, he’s just a fun emcee to listen to.

12. Wonderful by CunninLynguists (feat. Devin The Dude) : This group isn’t new either, but they’re still making dope music and will be for the next couple of years. I think they can only get better. Kno’s production keeps evolving and the lyrics are improving as well. This is off their new album Dirty Acres and features the always entertaining Devin The Dude. Stop sleeping on this group, they’re way too underrated.

13. Gold & A Pager by The Cool Kids : See? Hip Hop can sometimes be about material objects. The Cool Kids are just so much fun to listen to. You’ve probably heard their song Black Mags on the Rhapsody! commercials. They’re reppin Chicago, and I swear they’re about to be huge. Their beats make you nod your head off like a fiend and they have catchy lyrics. Widdalittlebituhgoldandapager will be stuck in your head for weeks. Be on the lookout for their debut album The Bake Sale.

14. 50 Thousand Deep by Blue Scholars : I got no clue where these guys came from. Well I mean, they’re from Seattle, but it feels like they just appeared in the game out of nowhere. They dropped one of the best albums in 2007, Bayani. If you haven’t heard it go check it out now. The beats are something else and the lyrics are nice & reflective. Hopefully Blue Scholars can keep making dope music in the years to come.

15. The World Is… (Part 1) by Blu & Exile : I saved the best for last. Hmmm…..fuck it, I’ma say it, Below The Heavens is the best Hip Hop album of the past 5 years. This album is so amazing. I’ve had it in my car CD player since May and haven’t gotten tired of it. My favorite song on the album changes every two weeks. If you listen to this mix and decide to buy one album, buy Below The Heavens by Blu & Exile. The new Pete Rock & C.L. as they call themselves.

16. Fly (Song Of Liberation) by Blu & Exile : This song is off of Exile’s Dirty Science album and it just hints at the talent Blu has. I was considering doing a whole mix just on Blu’s music, that’s how impressed I am by him. He just raps about some real life shit that other rappers are scared to mention. I can’t even say enough about Blu, just go buy Below The Heavens. In my opinion, he’s tied for #1 in the game right now.

17. Act 1 (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind) by Jay Electronica : Who else is tied for #1 in the game right now you ask? Meet Jay Electronica. This man’s lyrics are unlike any I’ve ever heard before. And who else would even think of rapping over the Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless mind score without even tweaking the music? When I first heard Act 1 I felt like I discovered Nas before Illmatic dropped. He’s got the internets going crazy and everybody is waiting on Act 2. I really think, and I’ma catch flack for this, that this guy has the potential to be one of the greatest rappers of all time if he stays on this path. He’s got big plans for ‘08 too. I swear to god this guy is the truth, check him out, holla at me if you want more, and remember where you heard him first..

18. New Years Eve Freestyle by Brother Ali : I don’t know how I came across this song and I’m not sure if it’s a freestyle or a single from Ali’s next album, but it’s gotten a whole lotta plays from me. The beat is laid back and the lyrics are honest as always. I’ll admit, I kinda forgot about Brother Ali, but in ‘07 he dropped The Undisputed Truth, which is a great album. Ali’s lyrics and flow are getting better and so is Ant’s production, so I think Brother Ali can definitely be regarded as one of underground’s greats in the next coming years.

 

Whoo…enjoy that shit, pure Hip Hop that’ll make you remember what it’s all about.

 

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

CLICK FOR STREAMING/DOWNLOAD LINK

CLICK FOR .ZIP FILE (full songs, separate tracks, unmixed)

click for guide to downloading

 

on the real though, this is an important mix for me. It’s simple too, straight Hip Hop. So if you enjoy it, just tell all your friends who listen to Hip Hop to check out the blog. Thanks for continuing to show the love though, it’s much appreciated. Til’ next week, pz.

Mood Music: “Imwityou” by Uncut Raw

Some people have been asking me to update the blog more frequently. I don’t really have the time to make good entries cause I’m working on the mixes Mondays-Thursdays, but I figure I could do a little something something. So from now on, I’ll be sharing one song a week that just represents what I’m going through and the current mood I’m in. Now don’t take these songs so literally, but they probably will capture how my week is going and what’s going on up in my head. I’ll try to share this Mood Music Mondays or Tuesdays. They won’t have any writing though, just music…Hope they can hold you over til Fridays. Just click the link to listen/download, enjoy.

Uncut Raw: “Imwityou” 

For The Lovers

 

Part of me is scared to post this. The only time you can talk about love in Hip Hop is when you’re talking about love making(and you damn sure don’t call it that). I’m probably gonna get made fun of for this one, and hopefully I won’t lose too many readers…but hell, today’s a special (albeit a “hallmark-created”) day. Plus next week I got some good Hip Hop in store for ya’ll. Say what you want about Valentine’s Day, but it is the day in which people show the most love. It may be more tailored towards couples, but anyone can get into it and express their feelings for those they care about, if not just sit back and reflect on the love in their lives.

I see love as coming in four categories. There’s the type of love you throw around all the time. People say they love restaurants, movies, and a bunch of other shit that they enjoy, but don’t really care all that much about. They could go on without this type of love. Then there’s the type of love you feel for people you know well and your distant family members. You care about them, you want them to be happy, you’d miss them if they were gone, but you probably wouldn’t sacrifice too much for these people. The third type of love is the kind you feel about your closest friends and immediate family (well…some) members. You know you’ll always be there for them and they can come to you for anything. The macho way I determine this kind of love is asking myself, “Would I take a bullet for them?” There are only a handful of people on this Earth I love like that.

The last type of love is hard to describe. You all know which type I’m talking about, but not all of you necessarily know how it feels. It’s the kind of love portrayed in movies and novels that seems so common. We’ve all seen plenty of depictions, heard many different definitions, and have probably seen it first hand ourselves. But we can never really comprehend it until we experience it.

So that’s my breakdown on love. Unfortunately, some people never experience any of those kinds of love. If everybody did experience them, the world wouldn’t be in so much trouble today. Maybe music can help. Music has been used as a tool to spread love (Bob Marley), reverse hate (Sam Cooke), and rebel against the system (Public Enemy). So hopefully, ya’ll can throw my mix on (they’re improving…I’m telling ya) by yourself, with your significant lover, or with a friend and feel the love. Then spread it.

For The Lovers Tracklisting
23 songs (lotta interludes) 1 hour 2 minutes DOWNLOAD/STREAMING LINKS BELOW

1. Intro (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind)

2. Love & Happiness by Al Green

3. Interlude (True Romance)

4. The Man In Me by Bob Dylan

5. I Only Have Eyes For You by The Flamingos

6. Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You by Lauryn Hill

7. Interlude (A Bronx Tale)

8. Lovable by Sam Cooke

9. Interlude (Casino)

10. Unforgettable by Nat King Cole

11. Uncomfortable Silence

12. Interlude (Pulp Fiction)

13. A Long Walk by Jill Scott

14. You’re All I Need (Just Like Heaven) by Bilal

15. For Your Precious Love by Jerry Butler & The Impressions

16. The Light Intro

17. The Light by Common

18. Interlude (Casablanca)

19. Turn Your Lights Down Low by Bob Marley

20. Interlude (Love Jones)

21. I Want You by Erykah Badu

22. Untitled (How Does It Feel?) by D’Angelo

23. Outro (Mo’ Better Blues)

 

I understand that this is kind of a random mix with a variety of music styles, and some of you may not be into it (haters) but next week we’ll be back on track with some Hip Hop. I got big plans for next week….

DOWNLOAD LINKS (if you need help downloading just say so in the comments):

Click Me For The Download & Streaming Link Of The Mix

Click Me To Download All The Songs, Yet In Separate Tracks (.zip file)

edit: the separate tracks download is a little messed up…sorry bout that. I’ll try to fix it next go round.

 

rededicated to my Valentine…we for real now? nevermind, you fooled me again.

 

 

 

R.I.P. Dilla Dawg (February 7, 1974–February 10, 2006)

“Saying two can win, well, I don’t agree. You call Dilla the G.O.A.T. before you holla at me.”

- Skyzoo

Unfortunately, losing amazing artists unexpectedly is something you have to get used to in Hip Hop. Many are taken by the gun, some by overdoses, few by natural causes, and one by Lupus. James “J-Dilla” Yancey was one of the greatest Hip Hop producers the game has ever seen. His discography is awe inspiring and his influence on today’s producers can easily be seen. I could go on and on about Jay Dee; the samples he flipped, his timing, his versatility. But I don’t need to, because his music can speak much louder than any words can. If you’re not up on Dilla, I suggest at least checking out the Thank You Jay Dee Podcasts mixed by J Rocc (go to iTunes, search Stones Throw Podcast, and then download Act 3 for free). It is an impossible task, and I’m mad I had to put myself through it, but I compiled a list of my top ten J Dilla songs. Click the song titles to listen/download.

My Top Ten J Dilla Productions/Songs

1. Fall-N-Love - Whenever I’m in a bad mood I just throw this on. This song always calms me, and for that reason it is my favorite Dilla production. In my opinion Fantastic Vol. 2 was his best work.

2. Nag Champa (Orchestral Mix) - It was Hip Hop’s destiny that one of the best emcees paired up with one of the best producers. Nag Champa is perfect, and the only way it could’ve been better is if an orchestra accompanied it or something. Well…lucky for us Carlos Niño and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson did just that. Paired together, this is one of the most beautiful musical compositions.

3. Climax (Girl Shit) - Another laid back joint off of Fantastic Vol. 2. Dilla could create vibes with his music that no other producer could. It was like he was telling you exactly how to react to songs…

4. Runnin’ - Dilla always knew who to get on his beats. It was all about chemistry, and The Pharcyde had undeniable chemistry with Jay Dee. There are so many aspects to this song, which just show the versatility of Dilla. One beat could sound real simple yet well crafted, while another one could sound very complex yet it blended perfectly.

5. The Look Of Love - This is one of the beats that sounds real simple, yet is well crafted. It just flows. Dilla’s beats sound so effortless some times.

6. Find A Way - Another group that shared great chemistry with Dilla is A Tribe Called Quest. It was like Dilla knew exactly how the beat needed to sound for Quest’s lyrics and the Tribe knew exactly how the lyrics needed to sound for Dilla’s beats. Find A Way is a perfect example of this.

7. Stakes Is High - Yet another group…maybe it’s just that Dilla brings the best out of every emcee he works with. This is another example of a really complex and intricate beat.

8. Crushin’ - You can’t help but nod ya head to this one. Just a great song. Not only did Dilla have a keen sense of production, but he always knew how to flow over his own beats.

9. It’s Your World - From the start of this beat you know you’re in for something good. A lot of Dilla’s best work (ex: Voodoo, Electric Circus) is when he’s collaborating with other producers. On this beat he was assisted by James Poyser & Karriem Riggins. Tailoring the beat for the emcee is something Dilla mastered. This song fit Com’s style perfectly.

10. As Serious As Your Life Is (Jay Dee Remix) - A lot of people haven’t heard this song. It’s a remix of a Four Tet song and it features Guilty Simpson. Just another great composition by Jay Dee.

You have no idea how impossible that was. Not only is it hard to describe these songs (that’s like describing the meaning of life), but I have over 500 Dilla songs (that’s nothing compared to some people) and narrowing them down to 10 is a task that can never be complete. I’m already looking over this list and double guessing my selections. I just hope that this entry can put some people on to J Dilla because, in my opinion, he is the greatest producer of all time yet doesn’t get the credit and respect he deserves.

R.I.P. J Dilla, you are greatly missed.

Where It Started At

“I’m not talking ‘bout the first record ever made. I’m talking ‘bout the first one that ever made you.
The first records that I played never played me. And I can still play ‘em today cause they stay true.”

- J-Live

 

At age 10 I could have sworn that Nelly was the best rapper alive. Puff Daddy, Mystikal, and uh….(me not being able to remember who my favorite rappers were back then speaks for itself) everybody else held their own, but Nelly was in a league of his own. I knew he was the best because he got the most radio airplay and had the hottest girls in his videos. I sang every word of E.I. not knowing what any of them meant, and thought I was cool because I listened to rap music.

That all changed when I went to camp the summer of 2000 at age 10. I had 18-20 year old counselors that I looked up to and tried to emulate as much as possible. They rejected my taste in music, which, in turn, made me denounce all things Nelly. At first I didn’t believe them, but then I heard Common’s “I Used To Love H.E.R.”. My life was changed from the first time I listened to that song. It was like realizing that everything I had been taught was a lie. I had to know the truth. These counselors took me under their wing, and not only showed me what they were listening to, but taught me about the culture of Hip Hop.

By the end of the summer I came home with a list of about 10 albums to get. I threw away all my Nelly and Puff Daddy albums, and until now never admitted to owning them. For the next couple of months I was like a fat kid discovering chocolate. I would just sit in my room for hours and listen to music. I was hooked on everything from true old school gems like Tribe, Wu-Tang, EPMD, Boogie Down Productions, Eric B. & Rakim, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth to new era typical white-boy-Hip-Hop like Atmosphere, Blackalicious, Aesop Rock, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Brother Ali and my new “best rapper alive” favorite, Common. Imagine me, a frail ten year old boy on his way to private school listening to Dead Prez’s Let’s Get Free.

For a time all I heard was music. You know that feeling that Neo got in the Matrix whenever they programmed some new information into his head? That’s how I felt every time I listened to a Hip Hop album. I had discovered my passion. From then on, I utilized the internet as a resource to Hip Hop. I turned off the radio and hit up Amazon, reading reviews of my favorite albums and recommendations of new ones. I stumbled across some Hip Hop forums, and asked anybody that I thought could help me to point me in which direction I should go next with Hip Hop. I kept learning more about Hip Hop and building my album collection, something I’m still doing to this day, eight years later. At first I listened to rap to be cool and Hip Hop to act mature, but then I just listened to Hip Hop because I loved it. I became obsessed with it. It took my life to a new level and opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know existed.

It’s something that you could never understand unless you overstand it. The people who do hate on the culture, whether it be the elderly asking me to turn it down or Bill O’Reilly claiming it causes cancer, simply don’t get it. They have no right to speak on it because they never gave Hip Hop a chance and never will. Sadly, the radios will never play that real Hip Hop and it’s damn hard for kids to wake up and reverse the brainwashing of their music tastes. That’s where I got the inspiration for my first mix. Now I’m not saying this mix will change the world or overthrow the powers that be, but this music changed my life forever. And if it could change one kid’s life as it did mine, then I did my part. So download this mix, play it to your newborn babies, your mislead nephews, or your lost preteen daughter. Know that the youth aren’t as close minded as you think, and if you step to them without a condescending tone, they might just listen. Know that this is the music that changed my life, and has changed many others. But most of all, this is that real Hip Hop……know dat.

 

Where It Started At Tracklisting
19 songs: 1 hour 4 minutes (download/streaming links below)

 

1. Intro: Just a lil Dilla and Phonte…didn’t feel like I really needed an intro…

2. Move Somethin’ by Talib Kweli: This is just classic Kweli. Amazing album, great production, Kweli at his peak.

3. Excursions by A Tribe Called Quest: Personally, I think The Low End Theory is better than Midnight Marauders, but it’s all subjective. I think Tip’s verse is the first Hip Hop verse I completely memorized. Maybe the best opening track on an album…

4. Current Status by Atmosphere: Atmosphere can be misunderstood a lot, partly because of their audience nowadays. This is off their first album Overcast! though, and is simply dope beats and dope rhymes. I’ll admit, I went through my Atmosphere phase, but they did make some great music together, this song is a perfect example.

5. One Love by Nas: Best album of all time in my opinion. This is my favorite song on the album, partly because of Tip’s mesmerizing production and Nas’ reflective lyrics. I was so amazed when I first heard this album, still am today.

6. Deception by Blackalicious: This song is just so sick. Gift of Gab is a great storyteller and Chief Xcel is a criminally underrated producer.

7. I Ain’t No Joke by Eric B. & Rakim: What can I say about this song that hasn’t been said already? Just think, if it weren’t for this song, none of the other songs on this mix would probably exist.

8. Hip Hop by Dead Prez: The bass on this song is just fucking ridiculous, simple as that. Dead Prez just opened my eyes up to so much. A real influential album for me.

9. I’m Still #1 by Boogie Down Productions: KRS-One is one of the best emcees of all time. Period. It took my ears a while to adapt to some of the older sounding beats, but the lyrics are on par if not better than the lyrics coming out today. He may not be still #1, but KRS & BDP have a huge part in Hip Hop history.

10. Step Into The Relm by The Roots: A simply amazing group. I don’t need to go into much detail because I know The Roots get plenty of love, but they are undisputedly the best live performers in the game right now, and will be for a long time. I had fun mixing this one by the way, hope ya’ll enjoy it.

11. T.R.O.Y. by Pete Rock & CL Smooth: This might be the best Hip Hop song of all time. Simply amazing. Yet unfortunately, I know somebody will hear this song and say, “Hey, isn’t that from NBA Street Vol. 2?” Sigh…

12. Ms. Fat Booty by Mos Def: I hate how no recent albums can be considered classic. I don’t care what anybody says, Black On Both Sides is classic. Mos Def in his peak, I had such high hopes for him, but he got sick of rapping….oh well, he’s a good actor.

13. C.R.E.A.M. by Wu-Tang Clan: Can I get a SUUUUUUUU??? One of my favorite Hip Hop albums. Shit is just so grimy, and this is my favorite song off of it. The best group of all time, can’t even argue that if you look at all the classic albums the Wu have.

14. Alchemy by Aesop Rock (feat. Blueprint): I’m not gonna lie, I have no clue what the hell this guy is talking about. Don’t even act like you can decipher Aesop Rock. But his beats are unique and his flow is impressive, definitely one of the top emcees in the underground game.

15. Respiration by Black Star (feat. Common): Back in the day I played this album so much that it rarely gets thrown in rotation nowadays. That’s a shame, cause I think it’s another recent (well…considered recent) album that needs to be recognized as a classic. Sick verse after sick verse, Respiration is the highlight of the album in my opinion.

16. Let The Funk Flow by EPMD: A very slept on group in Hip Hop. I’m glad I got hipped to them early on. Such a great song. They had such a consistent run of dope albums too.

17. Room With A View by Brother Ali: I heard Shadows On The Sun before it really blew up and Brother Ali is one of the main emcees that got me into underground stuff. Great album, real personal, dope production from Ant, just great stuff. He’s been dropping some gems lately that people have overlooked too.

18. I Used To Love H.E.R. by Common: This is simply the most important song of my life. Got me into Hip Hop, simple as that. Best song of all time. My college essay was actually about how Resurrection changed my life.

19. Outro: I still do love her.

 

Link To Stream Though iTunes

Download & Streaming Link Through Internet

 

leave a comment, tell me what you think.

Allow Me To Introduce Myself…

Welcome to my blog.

I’ll spare you my boring life story because this blog isn’t about me. This blog is about music and life, and how they relate. The idea for this actually came from a school assignment. The assignment is very flexible, and basically along the lines of “work hard on your own independent project.” I spent months thinking of a project. I eventually landed on this idea because I think it’ll be fun and valuable.

Now that that’s out of the way, let me tell you what I’ll actually be doing on my blog. Every single friday I will make a new entry. The entry will be composed of words and music. The music will be anywhere from 10-25 songs I have compiled and mixed together. Think of them as more professional than mixes yet less professional (and annoying for that matter) than mixtapes. All the songs will have the same theme, as you’ll see this friday, and my writing will accompany my mixes. So not only will you have notes on life, but also notes of life (pun son, BRRRAPP!).

So please do come along on the ride with me. Whether I don’t know you and you just want to listen to some good music or we’re good friends yet you still have no idea what the hell is going on in my head, this blog is for you. Any comments, feedback, requests, hate, love, threats, sexual offers, etc. are greatly appreciated.

Until friday…