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).

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

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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.

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

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Alright, a big shout out to SoulStrut for the tip off here (yes, you can find me lurkin on them forums). Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is of the same ilk as YoungBlood Brass Band - the equation is a tight horn section with the backup of funky percussion (mostly instrumental). Not to sell them short with a comparison though, cause they are quite good. Real musicianship here, and from the looks of the live shows they do keep in jumpin. They have a few releases out apparently, though I’ve not seen a one. PS – sorry, this ain’t a Freeway post, but i’ll throw you a bone anyway.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Tarik (title may be wrong)

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Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Brass In Africa
This is Hypnotic Brass Ensemble doing their rendition of Shaft In Africa by Johnny Pate (see below). I seriously can’t get enough of those horns.

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Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – War (Catchdubs Mix feat. Freeway & Jay-Z)
Nick Catchbuds hooked this one up, and GOD DAYAM. It’s a good look.

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Recently they’ve done some reworks of Tony Allen songs as well. Check for em!

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: HBE Blog – MySpace

SOUNDS GOOD WITH

Johnny Pate – Shaft In Africa (straight classic)

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Lil Wayne – Show Em Whatcha Got (homie is killin the mixtapes)

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Freeway – It’s Over (produced by Jake One, fellow Strutter)

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