Tres Records is making moves and DJ Alibi is next up to bat. If you missed it, Tres was the label to drop the last albums by Giant Panda, Lightheaded and People Under The Stairs. It’s been a good couple years for them, and it’s wise to take notice.

21 year old DJ Alibi was apparently “discovered” by Thes One (PUTS). The first hints of DJ Alibi’s skills first hit with the Tres Presents: Shipping And Handling compilation. He dropped a Chops remix on there that was quite nice. Production is the key here. Alibi’s new release is a nice way to lead off; uplifting production with attention to detail, upbeat tracks, and fresh MCs. I’m not making any predictions, but I’m anxious to hear the new album. Not sure when it drops.

Giant Panda - Chops (DJ Alibi Remix)

DJ Alibi - Let’s Ride (Feat Insight)


DJ Alibi - Don’t Look Down (Feat Bamboombox)

PS Give a shout out!

Yes, it exists. I’m not going to go on a State Of Hip Hop rant, but I’ve been meaning to do a Tres Records post ever since I launched this site. Tres (not actually run by Thes of PUTS as everyone seems to think) is putting out some great stuff! This is a label to watch. These two 12″s in particular have never left my crates since I got them. So, I figure this will help me rotate them out to keep myself from playing them to death.

The first record is by Giant Panda. Initially when I heard these guys I really thought they were too much on the modern throwback tip - the same tone set earlier by Ugly Duckling (not a dis, just an observation and a weak grab at a classification). The more I listened to them, the more I really started to dig them. This cut, 90’s, is only one of quite a few play worthy cuts - and an homage to Tribe. The album itself is crazy solid and even has a few tracks produced by Thes One. Grab it y’all!

The next is by Lightheaded. This is the group Ohmega Watts is from. I have to say his solo album (out on Ubiquity in 05) really set the bar highfor me, but this 12″ really impressed me with the B-side. What’s this, another homage to a Tribe cut? Regardless, this track is still a banger even though it does indeed re-flips a classic.

All in all, a big shout out to Tres! And if y’all are listening, send some promos! There are some DJs out there hearing, AND playing your records!

Giant Panda - 90’s

Lightheaded - Sunrise Cypher (Timeless 12″ b-Side)