Theo – Somethin For Me
Fuck it, I’m a softy – I like me some laid back ish. I’m not sure if this is just a jam on the album or not, cause he just rocks on an old 9th Wonder beats (see below). Maybe he dipped back and bought that shit. Anyway, I dig Theo – but more and more he reminds me a lot of Lupe. The first cut that got dropped was Sweetest Language (which is also pretty good). Apparently it’s Theo singing on the hook on that too, even though he needs some pitch correction it’s a good effort. The Birth mixtape is worth checkin out, and the album should be good (I hope).


Sounds Good With:
Amerie – Why Don’t We Fall In Love (9th Wonder Remix)

Skillz – Don’t Act Like You Don’t Know (feat. Freeway)
I actually saw Skillz on Rap City not so long ago… it was strange. He even wore his backpack. Honestly, the video they played was eh… and I can’t remember what song it was for (yes, they even played a Skillz video on Rap City). His album really ain’t that bad though, but I expected a little more. I think i’m just getting old! Anyway, this cut is a heater, and has my boy Philly Freezy on it. I think the production is a throwback to What We Do, gotta be.

Sounds Good With:
Freeway – What They Do (feat. Jay-Z & Beanie Siegel)

Oh snap… new hip hop! Yeah yeah, we can all bitch til we’re blue in the face about how “hip hop has fallen off” or whatever. Well, just try listening a little closer. What we have here is some fresh shit that might actually make some waves. Now I’m not saying you’ll be hearing this on your top 40 hip hop rotation but this should get some video play and make the dboys listen too.

New cats on the Duck Down roster, Kidz In The Hall (no bird lady or head crushing relevance) are bringing some heat. Drivin Down The Block is a modern whip pushin anthem in homage to Mr. Ace. The Geniuses mixtape that broke a little while back was a hint at what was to come, and it sounded nice (see Sweet 16 below). It’s good to note how the remix steps it up even more.

Kidz In The Hall – Drivin’ Down The Block

Now THIS is how you do a remix… shout out to 2 Dope Boyz for tipping me off on this.

Kidz In The Hall – Driving Down The Block (remix)
featuring Pusha T, Bun B & The Cool Kids

Kidz In The Hall – Sweet 16 (All My Ladies) (from the mixtape)

The Knux are another new act that are bringing some freshness to the game. They got a little bit of an odd southern twist to them reminiscent of early Outkast, so I ain’t mad at that. Now I haven’t heard too much aside from this cut and the remix, but I’m excited to hear more and expect it to be AS good… call me naive.

Again… props for steppin up the remix a bit.

The Knux – Cappuccino (remix)

Last but not least, another new album on the scene for 9th Wonder & Buckshot (more Duck Down). In all honesty I wasn’t feelin the last album. It felt like 9th was strechin himself thin with the the projects and just pumpin out weak beats. Meanwhile the 2nd wave of 9th style Fruity Loopz producers took a crack at the game and 9th seemed to take some time to refine his style. Well, time paid off cause the new album has some heaters on it. As expected, Buckshot does not disappoint and overall the album is WAY better than I expected

Buckshot & 9th Wonder – Hold It Down feat. Talib Kweli & Tyler Wood

Buckshot & 9th Wonder – Go All Out feat. Carlitta Durand

NOTE Sit tight for another tome from the homie Gabe comin soon… (as soon as this site’s lazy editor gets off his ass)

BOSS!

Apparently I took a month off. Funny how time passes. In the meantime I’ve been working my ass off, traveling (shout out to my Philly, Baltimore and NYC people), taking care of “business” and overall pursuing some interesting endeavors. Got some crazy nice records on my trip and will dippin into those for upcoming posts. Regardless, I’m still up in this. Cannot be stopped, got posts on deck. In homage to my “time off”, here is some funky shit for your earholes that I’ve been bumping as of late.

Johnny “Hammond” Smith – Shifting Gears
Classic, and one I’ve been playing and listening to quite a bit lately. Was on UBB, but I never hear anybody rock it. Stop sleepin.

Rudy Love & The Love Family – Does Your Mama Know
The quality on this one sucks, sorry. I need a more krispy version of this. Anyone got one?! I actually don’t have this record… yet. Recently used on the new Jay-Z album for you spotters. The track is great.

Rick Ross – Maybach Music
Your boy Ross is growing on me. Sheeeeit, this is a banger. I still haven’t listened to his album, but it’s on my list. Sound familiar? Check it. BOSS. NOTE: updated with non “CLEAN” version – thanks Gabe.

Analogic & DJ KO – Ladder Of Success (feat. Phonte, Wordsworth, K-Hill & Masta Ace)
I think I kinda slept on this one. From 07, but went under the radar. Phonte is nice with it. Sounds like a 9th Wonder production but I don’t think it actually is.

PS Shout out also to whoever sent me that Choklate track. Thanks!

Well, I’m not sure this album will be a commercial hit for Erykah Badu but it’s def worth hearing and a bit of a surprise. She’s kinda going off on her own thing this time – it seems it’s her Electric Circus dare I say. Ironically, the first single (Honey) doesn’t really seem like an album track and more of an after thought (possible due to the need for a single?). It definitely sticks out a bit, but is worth the inclusion as it’s one of the better songs IMHO. Anyway, I just finished listening through it and it’s pretty interesting. The Sa-Ra boys are at the production helm for most of the album, which is pretty apparent and an interesting choice for Badu. There’s a little thrown in by Madlib, Kareem Riggins, The Roots crew and 9th Wonder as well. Gotta say, Madlib’s tracks are pretty nice, and not what I was expecting. The Sa-Ra cuts seems a bit too sloppy for my tastes (see prior Sa-Ra posts for my rants). All in all, it’s pretty damn good and a solid listen. Here’s a few for your earholes.

Erykah Badu – The Healer (prod. Madlib)

Erykah Badu – Soldier (prod. Kareem Riggins & Erykah Badu)

Erykah Badu – The Cell (prod. Shafiq Husayn for SA-RA)

Erykah Badu – Honey (prod. 9th Wonder)