P&W

[New Video] T.R.A - YYZ High

2012-01-21T20:03:00.002-05:00

The Rhyme Animal one of Toronto's Legendary rap artists hits us with this new herb song. Check it out it's sure to encourage some laughter or weed smoking... Or perhaps both :) Check out more about TRA and his movement at the following links www.thesarsnetwork.com

[New Video] Tona - VietKwam

2012-01-17T12:44:00.000-05:00

This new tona goes hard! Be sure to check out more at BigTona.com

[New Video] Dynamic - Jam to the Beat

2012-01-16T09:38:00.001-05:00

Yo this dude Dynamic has at least 2 mega hits that I heard so far. You need to take this guy in and get his record. I can't believe that EP is FREE. Get it here

[New Video] Conwell - What Took You So Long ft Slick Mason

2012-01-13T20:30:00.002-05:00

New music video by Conwell from the LIU crew. This track has a smooothe hip hop feel. Love this shit right here. Put this in your ipod and make sure to check out more on LIU

[Free Album Download] - The Antiheroes - This is freeDUMB

2012-01-10T17:44:00.000-05:00

This album is f*&!ing dope! And now it's FREE! Get your free download by clicking the image below. Also, you can read a review I wrote for the album HERE. Sha Prince and Flex are definitely artists to keep your eyes and ears on this year.

[Music Video] Notes to Self - All of the Above

2012-01-10T17:38:00.002-05:00

Notes to Self keeps dropping that true-school hip hop flavour in anticipation of their upcoming release, Used to Be Dark, which should be out by the end of the month. This video is quite entertaining as well!

[Video] The Cypher - Holiday Edition

2012-01-10T00:23:00.001-05:00

Peep this excellently shot and edited video from Neil Austen (H3/The Cypher) highlighting the vibe of The Cypher's holiday edition (2011). This is probably the best video to date capturing the raw hip hop essence that is The Cypher, showcasing some of the city's best hidden gems in terms of artists:

The Cypher is a monthly event at Augusta House in the Kensington Market neighbourhood of Toronto. The next installment of the Cypher is Jan. 18, more info HERE.

[New Music] Tona - New Year (feat. Torae & Eternia) Produced by Lyve

2012-01-03T00:11:00.000-05:00

Big chune to start off 2012 from Tona feat. Torae and Eternia (prod. by Lyve). Pop your bottles...then get to work! Some words from Tona:

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Just had to get that out of the way now, and take a little time to thank everybody for your continued support over the past few years in anything I've been involved in, or just recognizing what this movement is truly about. On that note...this song below will explain the state of mind we're in over here for 2012."

[New Music] Promise - Against All Odds

2011-12-22T15:07:00.000-05:00

Consistent as hell and soulful to the bone, promise mixes the new flows with that timeless introspective vibe on this latest offering. Enjoy a cool ride down the self determination lane and in the end you too will get it. For more on promise visit ipromisemusic.com

[New Music] Spekwon - Reality Bites

2011-12-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

Spekwon and Sunshine Anderson do it right on this one. Groovy soulful hip hop with a proper swing and lyrics to bloodclaat. Take it in and download it. &lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://spekwon.bandcamp.com/track/reality-bites"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Reality Bites by Spek Won w/ Sunshine Anderson&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

[New Music] Crossword - Quality Control feat. L the 12th Letter and MC FÜBB

2011-12-19T19:17:00.001-05:00

Regulating the wackness in the city of Toronto! Dope track, jokes video. Share this!

Crossword feat. L the 12th Letter and MC FÜBB - Quality Control

WATCH: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RoybuHd1hk
DOWNLOAD: http://hulkshare.com/vk67avadufi4
@CrosswordMC - @Lthe12thLetter - @MCFUBB

Director: Jason Matos - @jasonmatos

Video Op: Luc Capasso - @CapassoLuc

Producer: CJ Beatz NYC - @CJBeatzNYC

Recorded, mixed & mastered by DJ Mercilless

Quality Control is in full effect
Wack emcees watch out - Crossword, L the 12th Letter and MC FÜBB are on patrol.

TORONTO - In a world full of fakers and wannabes, wack rappers run amok. Luckily, Toronto emcees Crossword, L the 12th Letter and MC FÜBB are on the case, applying Quality Control to offenders of the culture and perpetrators of wackness. In the video for "Quality Control," directed by Jason Matos, the trio roam the T-dot streets in search of the real. They encounter a number of spitters that simply don't make the cut, and combat them with insightful lyrics, provocative flows and passionate deliveries. Wack emcees will be graded, written up, stamped down and aired out, not to mention have their girls taken from them. The moral of the story? Don't be a lame. Crossword, L the 12th Letter and MC FÜBB will call you out on it all day.

Wack Stamp not included.

[New Music] Notes to Self - All of the Above

2011-12-16T02:26:00.000-05:00

New heatery from Notes to Self off of their upcoming project, "Used to be Dark [RECOIL]." This joint is hot!

All of the Above [BBRC] by NotestoSelf

Artist: Notes to Self
Song: All of the Above [BBRC]
Produced by Bronze One (of Notes to Self) & Book (of Beatface)
AKA BOOK & BRONZE for Heart on Sleeve
From the forthcoming Notes to Self project "Used to be Dark [RECOIL]"
Illustration by Elicser (elicser.com)
Design by COS & PK
twitter.com/notestoself
@NNNNNotestoSelf

[New Video] NewBreedMC - Jus Rock

2011-12-14T01:31:00.000-05:00

Peep the new video from B-Town/T-Dot representative NewBreedMC for his latest single, "Jus Rock." This is a serious boom-bap track off of his latest EP, The Fresh Water Playlist, produced exclusively by NTG (aka Fresh Water Monster). Video directed by DJ Finn.

[New Album] J Shiltz - What I Stand For

2011-12-08T00:52:00.001-05:00

J Shiltz's new album, What I Stand For, is a dope work of hip hop from the Mississauga city representative. Featuring production from the likes of Rich Kidd, Lancecape, Smash Brovaz (Junia T and Crook), and Kev Brown, with features from Illa J, Frank Nitt, various Monolith artists, Sonreal and more, this album is banging! You can get it for FREE HERE!

J Shiltz is a Sauga City/Toronto MC who for years has been perfecting his craft on the underground circuit. A long time in the making, his first solo offering is sure to be worth the wait. The album boasts production from Kev Brown, Rich Kidd, Lancecape, Smash Brovaz, and Philly's own Twizzmatic and includes collaborations with Illa J, Frank Nitt, Monolith, SonReal, and more. What I Stand For is a manifestation and testament to the past, present, and future of Canadian hip-hop.

D'bi Young - Cyber Connection (OFFICIAL HD)

2011-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

D'bi shows us yet another side of her multi-faceted artistic soul with this one. I love this honest raw vibe. Check out more on D'bi at thesankofatrilogy.com

[Global Hip Hop] Bboy Abdul - BPU

2011-11-30T18:57:00.001-05:00

Great friend and fellow hip hop lover Magee of Nomadic Wax put me on to this today! This is angelic. Check out how the bboys rock!

[New Video] The Weeknd - The Knowing

2011-11-29T12:37:00.001-05:00

I don't particular like this guys music (too depressing for my taste) however, this art has a feeling and grips the soul. So it deserves a post. Here we go...

[New Video] Saidah Babatalibah - So Cool

2011-11-28T11:24:00.000-05:00

This video did something to me. Once in a while there are songs and videos which exemplify, why I created this site and this is one of them. This is dripping with soul. Enjoy!

[New Music] SEP - Worst Nightmare

2011-11-27T19:18:00.001-05:00

Thought this was very interesting! Shouts to easparkpro.com for the intro

[New Music] J Shiltz - Ridin' Out feat. SonReal (prod. by Rich Kidd)

2011-11-27T15:54:00.001-05:00

Get amped to this new chune from J Shiltz, "Ridin' Out" feat. SonReal (Vancouver), produced by Rich Kidd (Toronto). Off of his new album, What I Stand For. Reppin 'sauga city to downtown T-O! Turn your speakers up...

J Shiltz - Ridin' Out feat. SonReal (Prod. by Rich Kidd) by J Shiltz

[New Music] Crossword and MC FÜBB - Toronto 2 Chicago

2011-11-24T16:01:00.000-05:00

[DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK]

New heatery from H3 artists Crossword and MC FÜBB feat. artists Cada Bug and Shake LaBomba from Chicago. Check more info below!

Two days, two nights, two banging tracks. This past summer, Crossword and MC FÜBB (The Cypher, H3/Hip Hop Headz) took a road trip from Toronto to Chicago. While the main focus of the trip was to bring Toronto-based event The Cypher down to the windy city, the two emcees also linked up with studio engineer John Randle at JDR Sounds. The first recording session went so well that FÜBB and Cross came back the next day to lay out another track. The end result: the Toronto artists banged out two joints with Chicago artists they'd never met prior.

The products of their collaborations are unleashed in Toronto 2 Chicago (aka #TO2CHI), a hard-hitting double single release that bridges the distance between artists in the two great cities in the name of creating high quality hip hop music. The two track release features Chicago emcee Cada Bug and Toronto's DJ Nef-You on "Casey Anthony," a high-octane track with a murderous beat produced by TO's Justunlimited. Producer/emcee Shake LaBomba rapped on and provided beat for "Not Impressed,” on which all three artists spit diverse flows over a 6/8 timing instrumental (an atypical meter for hip hop music).

In a musical era where monotony and lacklustre quality are commonplace, Toronto 2 Chicago raises the bar by infusing a fresh dose of creative production, original lyricism, distinctive flows and raw hip hop flavour for astute listeners worldwide.
Artists: Crossword and MC FÜBB

Project: “Toronto 2 Chicago” (#TO2CHI) – Double Single Release

Song 1: “Casey Anthony” feat. Cada Bug (prod. by Justunlimited; cuts by DJ Nef-You)

Song 2: “Not Impressed” feat. Shake LaBomba (prod. by Shake LaBomba)

Recorded by John Randle at JDR Sounds (@JAYRAN20).
Mixed and mastered by Phame at GameTyme Studio (@PhameOne).
Project cover art design by Olivia Allen (@liv_allen).

THE CYPHER TO2CHI Road-Trip Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuG9Yvi8PEg

[Music Video] Notes to Self - Nobody featuring Evidence

2011-11-24T15:21:00.001-05:00

Incredible editing job on this video...vintage baby! Check this out, dope track from NTS + Dilated Peoples' Evidence:

Notes to Self returns with the second video from their upcoming project "Used to Dark [RECOIL]." Notes and Ev hopped in the DeLorean and made a video with all their favourite rappers. You have to see it to believe it.

-- Remember back back in the day when you had that 1 Homie who would video tape & record every rap video on TV, or every rap show on the radio? Fast forward 15 years, the Homie has a box of 30 or so VHS cassette tapes sittin dusty in a drawer with things like "Rap City", "Summer Jam", "The Box", "In Da Round" scrolled on the side of'em in some youthful hand styles fit for a wall or 2 - and you're like, I need to watch these, takes you back, rappin along with every word like it was yesterday. But you ain't mad raps evolved, cus you fuck with the new shit, cus back then "this was the new shit". You were at home thinking, "How can I rap like that?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzlThqNOe1Y&list=HL1322103569&feature=mh_lolz

Artist: Notes to Self
Song: Nobody with Evidence
Produced by Bronze One (of Notes to Self) for Course of Study & Bookworm (of Beatface)

*AKA BOOK & BRONZE for Heart on Sleeve

Directed by JR of Motioneer & Matthew Bronson
*[ MOTIONEER & NOTES TO SELF ]*

Edit by MOTIONEER
VFX by The Farm Team [Kyle Sim, Mike MacInnis, JR]
From the forthcoming Notes to Self project "Used to be Dark [RECOIL]".

@NNNNNotestoSelf
www.notestoself.net

[Music Video] J-Live - The Authentic (prod. by Marco Polo)

2011-11-23T13:55:00.001-05:00

Check this new vid from J-Live, J-Live, and J-Live! (Triple Threat Productions). The Authentic, produced by Toronto's own Marco Polo, is a single off of J-Live's new S.P.T.A. album (Said Person of That Ability). Representing that AUTHENTIC hip hop!

J-Live "The Authentic". Directed by Will Feagins Jr. From the album "S.P.T.A. Said Person of That Ability". J-Live approaches "The Authentic" and much of the album, as if he were a three man group, rather than a solo emcee. Track produced by Marco Polo.

[New Video] Kamau - The Village

2011-11-18T11:59:00.001-05:00

Kamau has been rolling out all sorts of unique promotion for his sonically textured album One Day Soon (the cover is all over the background of this blog) and I really been feeling them. This latest and FIRST FULL LENGTH video is a perfect example of what you can expect on his One Day Soon album, a cohesive ode to all things soul! Tdot stand up!

[New Music] Drake - Look What You've Done

2011-11-16T19:34:00.001-05:00

Song of the year in my opinion! Damn drizzy geez. Please listen to this tune and zone out to something different. This took me somewhere.

[New Music] Theology 3 - EPIC (prod. by SCAM)

2011-11-15T23:38:00.001-05:00

Internationally acclaimed emcee Theology 3 (aka THEO3) has teamed up with veteran producer SCAM to bring you this powerhouse single, "EPIC." This single is the first off of the upcoming THEO3 x Tony Touch mixtape, Elevator Up Volume 1. Free streaming + download! Dope hip hop:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://theology3.bandcamp.com/track/epic"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;EPIC by Theology 3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

[New Video] J Shiltz - Gimme That Flow Pt. 2 feat. Nish Raawks, Wio-K & Junia-T (Prod. by Lancecape)

2011-11-15T23:12:00.001-05:00

Dope new video for the single "Gimme That Flow Pt. 2" off of J Shiltz's upcoming album What I Stand For, which drops Nov. 17. Features some of the GTA's finest: Nish Raawks, Wio-K and Junia T, produced by Lancecape. Take it in:

[New Video] Common - Sweet

2011-11-15T16:38:00.001-05:00

Comm Sense, hits us with the video for what looks like the 2nd single for his album coming out this fall. This is fire and soul.

[New Music] J Shiltz - Chop It Up (Prod. by Rich Kidd)

2011-11-12T20:52:00.001-05:00

Peep this new track by Mississauga emcee J Shiltz, "Chop It Up," produced by Rich Kidd. This track is a new single off Shiltz's upcoming album What I Stand For, which drops Nov. 17. Album should be dope!

J Shiltz - Chop It Up (Prod. by Rich Kidd) by johnshiltz

[New Music] Perfeck Strangers

2011-11-08T12:03:00.000-05:00

A young(er) Drake, Dan-e-o and Promise do this track some serious justice. What a feel good record. DJs add this to your mix, the rest of us to our playlist. This is big. This got soul! Check out the video release party next Wednesday as well. - P

http://www.perfeckstrangers.com/

[New Video] Freedom Writers - For The Change

2011-11-07T02:49:00.000-05:00

Take in the new track + video from the Freedom Writers collective (Adam Bomb, Tona, Big Sproxx, Progress, Theology 3, and Franky Payne). Classic Brady Bunch vibes going on with the visuals!

[New Video] royceBIRTH - When the Music Stops

2011-11-04T14:54:00.000-04:00

Check out this mellow-vibe new video from royceBirth, for the track "When the Music Stops." Loving the beat-break section! Directed by Birdo Productions. This song appears on the album, theREBIRTH, available now.

[New Video] Notes to Self - Today (I wanna)

2011-11-04T14:47:00.000-04:00

Check the new vintage-looking video by Notes to Self. It's a banging track, heavy drums, and gorgeous vocals by Lee Gaul. More info from NTS about the track below:

When the stars align and creativity is at its height, magic happens - believe it or not, it can also be predetermined.

Ever just borrow a camera and shoot a video for a joint that wasn't finished yet, solely off the goosebumps that those very first 16 bars gave you? And before that 16 is even written, that 16 is inspired by a beat that is made in 10 minutes while en route to the session waiting for that 16? Flipped in mere minutes from the energy a soulful voice a friend introduces to you only hours before? That same voice winding up on the hook because it was destined to, because you couldn't get that soulful voice out of your head? A feeling from a beat so powerful, that the same Dude that writes the first 16 to that beat, is also incredibly compelled to write a hook too, on the spot? Who's then convinced, that this is "thee" tune and writes his own 16, forcing the other to? Plays it for the only remaining Homie, who then loses his shit so much that he turns on the Organ, unintentionally finishing the joint together? Has that ever happened to you?

Well, it happened to us, Today.

Artist: Notes to Self
Song: Today [I Wanna] with Lee Gaul
Produced by Bronze One (of Notes to Self) for Course of Study & Bookworm (of Beatface)
AKA BOOK & BRONZE for Heart on Sleeve

Additional Vocals by Lee Gaul

Directed by Matthew Bronson
Edited by Gerrit Van Dyke
Shot by JR at Motioneer.ca
Additional Shots by James Donald

From the forthcoming Notes to Self project "Used to be Dark [RECOIL]".
@NNNNNotestoSelf
www.notestoself.net

[Promo] Ian Kamau - One Day Soon

2011-10-30T15:19:00.000-04:00

The digital version of Ian Kamau's One Day Soon is available now! This video shows him receiving the hard copies, it's a very innovative way to advertise showing the artist putting in the work to get his art to you. Watch this and get your copy of "One Day Soon" it will not disappoint. -- p

[New Music] Wordsworth - No Need to Explain (Prod by Thir[13]teen)

2011-10-30T14:15:00.000-04:00

Peep the new joint by Wordsworth (eMC crew member), produced by Thir[13]teen. Dope production, intelligent and witty lyricism, creative flows. Check it:

Wordsworth - No Need To Explain [Prod by Thir[13]teen] by wordsworth

[Classic] Scarface & Tupac - Smile

2011-10-30T14:02:00.000-04:00

"Bussin shots blindly/ Trying to find Jehovah" #damn

[New Music] Notes to Self feat. Fashawn - Mr. Polite

2011-10-27T16:09:00.000-04:00

Notes to Self connects with Fashawn for their new song together, "Mr. Polite". Notes recorded with Fash in Toronto earlier this year, courtesy of their mutual Homie, Evidence. The song that emerged shows a different side of Notes to Self, a departure for both themselves & Fashawn - Girl at home vs. Girls on the road. A classic topic.

Artist: Notes to Self

Song: Mr. Polite with Fashawn

Produced by Bronze One (of NTS) for Course of Study & Bookworm (of Beatface) for Jigsaaw
AKA BOOK & BRONZE for Heart on Sleeve

Mr. Polite with Fashawn by NotestoSelf

[Music Video] J Shiltz - Gimme That Flow (Prod. by Lancecape, cuts by DJ Docta)

2011-10-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

Check out the heatery from J Shiltz. Cuts by KOTD's DJ Docta, track produced by Monolith's Lancecape.
J Shiltz is dropping his debut album on 11.11.11.!

[New Video] Harvey Stripes - Letting Go

2011-10-25T11:14:00.001-04:00

Great track nuff soul by Harvey Stripes -- p

[New Video] P. Reign - Ill Life

2011-10-23T16:42:00.000-04:00

Superdope track from P. Reign "Ill Life" Now this shit got soul -- P

[New Music] Say Goodbye - Unknown Mizery (Prod. DJ Kutdown)

2011-10-23T14:32:00.000-04:00

Take in the reflective lyrical content and dope rhyme schemes on this new track from Unknown Mizery, produced by DJ Kutdown:

[Video] Nigerian Cypher on BET

2011-10-21T18:09:00.000-04:00

This is tight

[New Album] NewBreedMC - The Fresh Water Playlist

2011-10-21T14:49:00.000-04:00

The Fresh Water Playlist

What's more satisfying than fresh water when you're thirsty? NewBreedMC understands that and is back with his second release, The Fresh Water Playlist. Working exclusively with producer NTG Productions the Fresh Water Monster, NewBreedMC has created the musical equivalent of osmosis, inspired by the miraculous powers that water holds in all its characteristics. NewBreedMC and NTG provide a thirst quenching brand of freshness that is essential to the survival of the true essence of Hip Hop.

The project includes hit singles Blue Lights and Rubix Cubez and features guest appearances from the likes of MC FÜBB, Roach Uno, SeAn Prominent, and Relic. The Fresh Water Playlist is nothing short of pure hydrations for all who seek refreshment.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://newbreedmc.bandcamp.com/album/the-fresh-water-playlist"&amp;gt;The Fresh Water Playlist by NewBreedMC&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

[Behind the Scenes] Common - Sweet

2011-10-19T16:27:00.001-04:00

Brother Comm hit the land of revolution Haiti to film his new video for a track named Sweet of his new joint coming out this winter season. Catch a little bit of the behind the scenes in this clip. -- p

[Music Video] Notes to Self - Throw Your (Hands Up)

2011-10-19T15:34:00.000-04:00

Canadian hip hop group Notes to Self (NTS) doing it big with this video. If you've already seen this video, spread it around...and if you haven't, well, now you know! Throw Your HANDS UP!

[New Video] DJ Finn - Breaks & Barz Vol. 2

2011-10-17T13:01:00.000-04:00

Hot verse from DJ Finn:

[Mixtape] Rochester - The R

2011-10-16T20:59:00.000-04:00

Now usually what we post on here is strictly bout that soul, but once in a while an artist has so much resilience, so much hustle you just have to show their music love. Cut from the same cloth as greats such as Kardinal Offishal and next up after JD Era to get signed (in my opinion) is Rochester. The brother has solid music that is both party and playlist bumpable (I know that's not a word) and shows some great determination on this latest collaboration with DJ Cali. Download it here and pay your respects to "The R'

[Live Performance] Lupe Fiasco - Words I Should Have Said

2011-10-14T14:47:00.000-04:00

Holy sh*t has anyone seen this performance. This is incredible. Does my heart good to see people like Lupe as successful as he is. Enjoy a stellar performance!

[Video] Nas - Nasty

2011-10-11T16:23:00.000-04:00

The Queens bridge representer hits us with a video for the first Nas song I heard in a long time and had to silence the room for. I was like everybody shut up, I need to hear what he's saying. Peep this.

Nas - "Nasty" Music Video (NasirJones.com) from Nasir Jones on Vimeo.

[ALBUM REVIEW] The Antiheroes - this is freeDUMB

2011-10-10T18:24:00.000-04:00

Easily one of the most talented and fresh-sounding duos in the world of rap, The Antiheroes’ (Sha Prince and Flex) debut LP, this is freeDUMB, is both musically a great contribution to hip hop and a powerful criticism of modern society and culture. Throughout the album, the two MCs not only point out the obscenities that they perceive around them, both in regards to the hip hop scene and the world at large, but they also poignantly express their own internal dialogues and struggles they face as artists and human beings. Most importantly, Flex and Sha are lyrically able to accomplish their thematic goals without sounding corny or repetitive. Each track on this album sounds like its own distinct single and evokes different emotions in the listener, despite producer MMac producing 8 of the 17 tracks (a testament to the beat-maker’s versatility and creativity). this is freeDUMB is an album not only for those who love high quality hip hop music, but even moreso for those who love and appreciate strong lyricism that touches on deep concepts and complex issues.

The album opens with an eloquent and heartfelt verse by Flex over a lovely synthetic organ-laden beat by MMac and sharp cuts by DJ Docta. Flex, through bar-filled flows and with an ear-pleasing, mid-high frequency arioso tone, raps about his frustrations in facing obstacles to success as an artist. What rings through loud and clear though is not cynicism in Flex’s verse, but rather a passionate commitment to succeed (and with these kinds of lyrics, it’d be a damn shame if he doesn’t): “I’m so committed to living within an image of doing whatever’s fitting/ for me to be in position to give ‘em what they were missing.” Flex also speaks on a value that both he and Sha seem to hold dear to their art when he spits: “honestly is my honesty necessary to blow?/ is selling your soul the recipe? I was hoping it’s no.” It’s clear from listening to this is freeDUMB a few times that The Antiheroes are not willing to compromise their content or dumb-down their self-expressions in order to make music that may be more commercially viable or marketable to the masses. That’s not to say that this is freeDUMB isn’t commercially viable; if anything one of the reasons the quality of their work is so strong is that these artists don’t settle for less than raw authenticity in their music. On the same title track, Sha Prince (bringing a sharp delivery, and on-point intricate flows to the table) reflects on his own self-doubts and personal life choices, which he worries may contain an opportunity cost that doesn’t add up in his favour: “life – I never rush it/ I’m rolling with my punches/ maybe I slow it too much and now I’m running lunges” and “being a rap-star isn’t in my best interest.” Undoubtedly, Sha echoes the same hunger and passion in his verse as Flex does, firing off intense and ferocious flows: “in a verse, on a record, some may say he talk reckless/ but never give a damn, since a kid my mind rebellious/ and I eat these rappers’ lunch, dinner, breakfast on a tracklist/ only spitting two years, word almost perfected.” For a rapper only spitting for two years, Sha Prince displays a lot more talent and skill than many who have been in the game for a decade.

Jon Dubbs supplies a rock-symphonic instrumental on the second track, Become Alive, complete with guitar riffs and violin melodies on the chorus. Flex and Sha articulate their internal conflicts on this track perhaps better than any other on the album. Sha Prince in particular, never a stranger to expressing brutally honest and at times even extreme thoughts on wax, goes in on his conflicting desires for wealth and material success in contradiction to staying true to his own values and principles: “living lavish was never my goal/ ‘till my hunger rose, belly ache, winter froze/ lights dim, looking at my situation inside impatient eyes/ temptation is now my best friend/ worst enemy, lord seek the remedy/ lead me on the right path before my body doesn’t breathe.” Sha’s erratic flows on this track excellently compliment the frantic nature of the opposing thoughts being vented on this track.

Circus Clowns (track #3), another engrossing production by MMac with DJ Docta cuts, is a poetically infused track in which The Antiheroes attack the rap scene which they perceive as becoming little more than a “circus of clowns.” Sha and Flex stake their claim as MCs to be reckoned with on this track and confidently announce their goal to elevate the standards of what is deemed to be acceptable, quality rap music (also check the remix on the album’s final track).

Fly (track #5) is an inspirational track with captivating samples by producer Jay Emess about finding motivation and self-empowerment by being grateful and focusing on living out dreams in order to elevate over current circumstances.

There’s a slew of talented features on the album. Soulful songstress Tamsynn Lee blesses track #4, Masquerade, (as well as track #9, All Alone) which is a song that digs below the surface to reveal the underlying causes of unfortunate life circumstances that have become all too commonplace in the world. Prolific Durham Region rapper Daxflow makes an appearance on Everyday (track #6, produced by Beatwyze, DJ Docta again on the cuts) on which he vents his anger about his abusive, selfish, irresponsible absentee father, while Sha Prince speaks on the painful experiences of his past that he kept inside and Flex reveals that expressing himself via writing and rapping has been vital to his existence: “what’s living if I’m within a prison built up inside?/ if it wasn’t written, I’d never find a will to survive.” Everyday is an especially insightful track as each of the lyricists describe in their own way (whether explicitly or otherwise) how hip hop, via writing and rapping (i.e. being emcees), has given them the ability to stay sane and live productive, meaningful lives despite the trying circumstances they faced growing up. Listen Up (track #7) is one of the heaviest hitting bangers on the album, thanks in part to the banging beat produced by up-and-coming Toronto producer RichKidd. This track is definitely an attention grabber (evident in the title of the track), with high-impact lyrics, punchy deliveries from both Sha and Flex, and complete with a feature from the always entertaining D-Sisive: “fuck you, your momma and your cousin too/ your momma’s gay husband’s uncle’s brother, and his cousin too” (yes D…you got our attention...).

Singer Emerson Brooks (recently signed to Atlantic Records) provides a unique hook on Where to Begin (track #12), a song about relationship troubles and past relationships. Kenny Cee, another skilled vocalist, sings the chorus on Given Up On Me (track #13), a track produced by Khz with a sample that sounds eerily similar to Zepplin’s Stairway to Heaven. Flex and Sha Prince complement each other very elegantly on this track, with Flex delivering a calmer, more melodic verse with reflective and well contextualized lyrics about his past, whereas Sha raps with a much harsher tone and abrasive cadences, which match the animated and harsh content on his retrospective verse. Gospel-style R&B singer Mike Devine compliments track #16, Morning, with his passionate and ambient voice. The beat on this track, produced by Graffic, is probably the calmest and most laid-back beat on the album, which evidently doesn’t suit The Antiheroes style very well, unfortunately – both Sha and Flex sound a bit harsh over this track, which could have benefited either by them toning down their deliveries a bit or by a smoother vocal mixing by the engineer.

The Antiheroes give a vividly dispelling treatment to the dirty underbelly of the “Hollywood lifestyle” of entertainment on Hollywood (track #10), produced by triple-threat artist Relic. One of my personal favourites on the entire album (which is hard to say, given how dope the entire project is) is the track OJ Gloves (track #11). There’s something very serious and polished about Sha’s tone and delivery on this track, showing that even when he simplifies his flows he can still spit hard and impress with the best of them. Flex also comes correct and on point on OJ Gloves, at times with flows reminiscent of Big Pun (with a clearer voice and less laboured reathing). Lyrically, both emcees prove how bright they can shine in this song (albeit each in their own way), Sha with his clever vulgarity, “laughing, like my first name Freddy dude/ last name Kruger but filthier than a prostitute/ not on my level – never reach my altitude/ finger hurt from skipping your tracks like they was interludes,” and Flex with his intellectual superiority, “I take it some of you followers swallow what you were fed/ you wallow within your own – I’m stepping over your head.” Track #15, Of the Night, is definitely a hidden gem on this album, with The Antiheroes coming raw with flows that remind the listener of classic Planet Asia verses and lyrics that evoke the feelings of dark alleyways and late nights with shady characters in the wrong part of town. MMac again supplies an excellently produced instrumental for this song that evokes memories of Pharaohe Monch’s Internal Affairs album.

There’s an overarching sound on this is freeDUMB that can best be described as a romantic requiem in response to a dead and pure form of hip hop that has been lost over the years. In a broader context, there seems to be an undertone in the MCs words expressing a nostalgic eulogy to naïve dreams, desires, and values that, while not being abandoned, have had to be tempered and adapted to certain harsh realities they now face. Flex and Sha Prince are, for the most part, a very complementary pair of artists throughout the project. Flex endows The Antiheroes’ sound with a sense of stability in terms of rhyme pattern, flow structure, and smooth delivery while Sha Prince contributes unpredictability with intricate flows, harsher tones, and a gritty feel to his verses. After listening to each artists’ lyrical content, particularly their respective interludes (Flex on track #8 and Sha Prince on track #13), it seems that despite both of them coming from difficult childhood upbringings, Flex is a bit more at peace with his past that Sha is. The difference in the places on their life journeys between the two artists, while the divide doesn’t seem to be too big, makes for an interesting dichotomy throughout the project. It’s hard to fault either MC for anything; both of the rappers are technically almost perfect with their flows and their styles are well defined. To be nitpicky (and I am stretching for constructive criticisms here), Flex’s voice and presence on the tracks can at times sound a bit monotonous from song to song (despite switching up his flows and rhyme structures). Sha Prince, on the other hand, can occasionally go a bit far with the complexity of his flow structure, which can sometimes obstruct the vibe of the track. Most listeners may not put this album on repeat and listen to all the minute details and technical elements in the music, however I encourage them do so – if they are lovers of hip hop, they will be hard-pressed to find anything to give this album flack for. The Antiheroes have set the bar very high for themselves on their debut LP, and I hope that the world starts to take notice of the immense talent that is embedded on the wax (or plastic or digital encoding) of this is freeDUMB.

[EVENT] THE CYPHER feat. Citizen Kane + Fresco P

2011-10-10T03:08:00.000-04:00

FB Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=300304253318860

WHAT: THE CYPHER feat. CITIZEN KANE & FRESCO P

WHEN: Weds., Oct. 29, 2011 - Doors @ 9:30

WHERE: Augusta House (152 Augusta Avenue, just north of Dundas, Kensington Market)

Other details: In addition to the regular cyphers and featured performances, there's a LYRICIST COMPETITION going on where rappers/emcees can put their money up to compete, spitting their best 16-bar verses for a chance to win all the money in the pot. Competitors must arrive and sign up by 11pm.

19+

Cover: $5 before 11:30pm

[PSA] Lil Wayne talks on being an innovator

2011-10-09T11:38:00.000-04:00

Lil Wayne drops some knowledge here that is so valuable in this time. Take it in.
WEEZY F BABY PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT from DERICK G on Vimeo.

[Alternative Action] Russel Means - Treaty School

2011-10-06T12:37:00.000-04:00

Heritage truly moves my heart like nothing else. Take in wise movements from an old sage.

[New Music] Common - Blue Sky

2011-10-05T20:58:00.001-04:00

Com sense hits us with this new one. Very inspiring business. I love common and this track makes me love him more. You go boy! (looks left and right) :D

[NEW VIDEO] The Antiheroes (Flex x Sha Prince) - Become Alive

2011-10-04T14:21:00.000-04:00

Peep the new video for "Become Alive" off The Antiheroes debut LP, This is Freedumb (<---cop that right now, great album...review coming soon!):

[New Video] Blake Carrington - Cole Sweat

2011-09-29T12:16:00.000-04:00

Carrington is consistent and consistently great. This new video and song concept is no different. I'm telling you from now Blake Carrington is going to make it or die trying. Tdot Stand up for this funky fresh Big Daddy Kane looking breath of Fresh air. Peace. --- P

[New Music] Belly - I Drink I Smoke

2011-09-27T21:42:00.000-04:00

Now we know you read us cause we got soul and we know that hardcore hip hop is not necessarily soul, but I do have to admire a man who's been hated on profusely and just keeps coming out with good music. His last single Back agains't the Wall ft Kobe def had more soul than this musically but I respect the man's heart what can I say. So if you're gonna hate on this hate hard! But here it is via iluvloa Belly I Drink I SmokeFollow Belly on twitter @rebellyus

[New Video] 6th Letter - Easy on the Motion

2011-09-23T12:52:00.000-04:00

New artist 6th Letter is on point! His movement seems well put together, damn the music definitely is. I'm anticipating more from 6th listen and see if you should too. :D

[New Music] Timbo King - Youth

2011-09-22T11:01:00.000-04:00

HiGradetv.com introduced me to this one today. This goes hard! Soul and belly on this joint and this artist Timbo King. Check out his myspace for more great music

[ALBUM REVIEW] Promise - Awakening

2011-09-20T19:19:00.002-04:00

Get the album HERE.

For those who are thus far unfamiliar with Promise, Awakening is a good time to get familiar. Originally from Toronto, Promise moved to the US in recent years and is currently being managed by Duck Down Music. Released in 2011, Promise’s most recent album, Awakening, is a musically rich and lyrically engaging listening experience.

Right from the get-go, the first track on the album, The Wake, engulfs the listener into the context in which Promise writes and pursues his life and a career as a rapper. Promise is a devout Christian, and he isn’t shy about making this fact known in his lyrics. Throughout the album, P touches on his internal conversations with God and how his spiritual connection and religious upbringing influence his life and the message in his songs. While Christian themes and religious overtones may turn off some listeners, Promise is committed to stay true to himself and his convictions and makes no apologies for keeping it real to his core values. More astute listeners won’t be taken back by Promise’s lyrics – he manages to walk the fine line between delivering a conscious-minded message and being preachy very well. Most of the time, he’s able to infuse his spiritual beliefs into his music in an empowering and uplifting manner, encouraging his listeners to look at themselves, their lives, and encourage them to be better people in the world. For those who are averse to hearing about promises of a better afterlife/heaven, you may want to avoid track #4 (Hereafter).

Being a rapper and at the same time being religiously oriented makes for an interesting dichotomy that can be heard in Promise’s lyrics throughout the album. It’s often the case that rappers/MCs are expected to be egotistical and self-aggrandizing in their content, which Promise does delicately at times, while at the same time striving to be humble and giving the credit for his talents, skills, and blessings up to God (check track #2, Clark Kent). And make no mistake – Promise is not lacking in talent and rapping ability on the mic. His vocal presence is strong and melodic, while his vocal tone and cadences come across as sincere and heart-felt. When it comes to flows, P definitely doesn’t follow the cookie-cutter approach that is all too prevalent in the world of rap music, and he isn’t afraid to change up his rhyme patterns quickly between bars. Having seen some of his live performances as well, I can safely say he’s an all-around great MC, and holds it down just as properly live as he does in the booth.

Lovers of Tupac Shakur’s song Changes should enjoy track #3 (Something Better), which melodically and lyrically seems to be a bit of a tribute to the late artist (albeit with a more religious and less “thug life” message). There are an abundance of talented vocalists on Awakening, which makes for a very rich listening experience, and it would be hard to simply classify the album as a “hip hop” record. Awakening definitely fits into the “soul” category and, some may say, the “holy hip hop” category. I encourage listeners to give up their labels for this one, however, and simply sit back and take in the album (suffice it to say that it fits into the category of “good music”). For those looking for straight lyricism, punch-lines, and creative flows, check out track #7, Against the Odds. With a contagious hook by Jhene Aiko and an in-depth look into the mind of the artist, this is easily one of the best tracks on the album (close second/possibly a tie goes to track #5, Everyone Knows feat. Tony Williams). Check some of the lyrics from Gonna Make It:

“Labels that I wanted to sign, would want to me shine, they don’t want me to rhyme, they want me to lie and sign posters/ I was like, “you outta your mind?” so I had to decline, and now I’m just rapping to find closure/ I know, when the sun shines it’s over/ compromise my art? no sir/ if the sky don’t part, my hopes will help me to smile in the Dark Knight – Joker” –Promise

Another personal favourite track on the album is #9, Somebody Else. Featuring Slakah the Beatchild, this song has an excellent crowd-sing-along type chorus with a positive “be yourself” message and smooth production with some nice organ/piano sounds. Followed up by another great track with heavy organ-laden instrumentation, Don’t is a powerful song about the dangers of making bad choices and the fallacy of victimhood (in this case by blaming God) in such scenarios. The track’s hook and bridge, saturated which distortion and synthetized sounds effects (reminiscent of Kanye West), can be a bit overly abrasive at times, but works quite well in the song overall. After this track, the album’s theme shifts focus into the empowerment of women (tracks #11, 12, 13), which is clearly a cause that Promise is passionate about. Men trying to run game on women everywhere will probably dislike track #10, Down, because Promise comes straight with the type of advice that cuts through all the bullshit that can often encapsulate dysfunctional relationships: “Just because he’s in you doesn’t mean he’s into you” and “When’s the last time your man said he loved you and in return wanted nothing from you? huh? huh? huh?” "Huh? huh? huh?" indeed! Kudos Promise.

While there are some definite gems on Awakening, there are also some tracks on this album that aren’t nearly as strong as the others. There are times when Promise falls into the trap of spitting recycled clichés, which wouldn’t be so glaring if his lyricism didn’t shine so brilliantly at other times. The quality of the all the tracks in terms of production, mixing/mastering, and vocal performances is solid throughout the album. It’s just that a few of the tracks on their own seem to be a bit weaker in terms of their overall vibe and the messages behind them. When taken as a cohesive whole, however, the vast majority of the album flows quite well and the tracks fit together nicely.

The final track on the album, Skin Deep, which has a beautiful guitar-based melody, does a good job of summing up Promise’s mission in life and the overall theme of the album: “But why me?/ I guess in a world that seems Godless it’s hard to be Godly/ so God please, give me words when I speak to help fix the worst that I see.” It’s clear that Promise is an artist who puts his heart and soul into his music, which is probably the main reason why he resounds so well with his listeners. In an industry where most rappers seem to be out just for the green, not to mention a world that seems to run on much less than values and principles, it’s refreshing and hopeful to know that there’s an artist like Promise out there, working, building, and creating art for the promise of a better tomorrow.

All lovers of GOOD MUSIC are encouraged to check out Promise's entire discography.
And read up on the artist HERE.

[Announcement] Manifesto

2011-09-19T18:29:00.000-04:00

The first event of Manifesto has already passed, well the first 2 to be exact or more precise. This festival is so big I struggle to stay abreast with all the shit that goes down during this time. But below are two very important videos one showing the spirit of the festival and one showing another great spirit Zaki Ibrahim (an artist and woman loved by our city). Enjoy and be sure to be at the Manifesto this September... It's already started. Congrats to P&W's main contributor Voyce for being selected for the So Much Things to Say Panel Discussion. Find out more here.

[Exclusive Interview] Ice T Puts Planet Rock Target "Fake" Rick Ross on Blast

2011-09-19T11:03:00.000-04:00

Original Gangsta Rapper Ice T puts fake Rick Ross on blast and speaks on the current state of hip hop and it's history with the crack game. I had to source this article. Read the entire thing here

Here's an exert:

Planet Rock is the first documentary film to focus on the undeniable effect that the crack cocaine “epidemic” of the 1980s had on the world of hip-hop, and vice versa. After watching the doc and its strikingly honest interviews with former gangbangers turned music superstars like Snoop Dogg, B-Real of Cypress Hill, and RZA and Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan, you really get a vivid picture of not only how these worlds were intertwined from the outset, but also the incredible fallout that resulted when crack was introduced into these neighborhoods (which, some allege, was the direct result of C.I.A. intervention). Even Ice-T, who was out of the game when his single “6 In The Mornin” hit big in 1986, was running with some of the crack game’s biggest players.

[NEW MUSIC] The Antiheroes - The Rebels...Listen Up

2011-09-16T16:49:00.003-04:00

Check out the new track from The Antiheroes (Sha Prince and Flex) off their upcoming album, This is Freedumb. Featuring D-Sisive and produced by Rich Kidd. Dope music!

[Video] Joyanne - ForeFathers

2011-09-15T22:41:00.000-04:00

Imma show this love cause I know this sister put in work to make this video happen. If pandw can offer any advice on the real, it's to get that acne looked at or get on them make up or post production people's ass about making sure that shit don't show. Also don't feel like forefathers is the right name for the song. Should be more poppy "pave this for us?" "mess with a gangster?" maybe?! :) But what do I know I'm just a blogger. All in all though, it looks like Joyanne is going for that Beyonce/Rihanna vibe. Keep pushin girl and bring that heat hotter everytime. It's a cruel game out there so I'm showing you the kindness first ;) - p -

[Video] Kamau - Cocoons

2011-09-09T12:14:00.000-04:00

Today is the Birthday of recording artist Kamau, king of soulful hip hop in my books (yeh yeh we know about all the ones who came before put it in context) Either way today also marks the listening party for his long awaited album called "One Day Soon" coming out October 7th 2011 Almost 2 years (if my memory serves me right) after the album was initially announced it is almost here and you can feel the anticipation building in Toronto. Tonight I hope to be at the listening party, but for now enjoy Cocoons the first single (if you can even say single and Kamau in the same sentence) off the new LP. Visit http://iankamau.com for more info

[EVENT] The Academy + The Cypher present: J-Live

2011-08-18T13:04:00.004-04:00

The incredibly talented MC + DJ + Producer J-Live will be coming to Toronto to bless the mic next week...

WHEN: Thurs. Aug 25, 2011

WHERE: The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West)

Also there is going to be live Cyphers at the event, hit up hiphopheadzh3@gmail.com if you are an MC and want to take part.

Advance tickets only $15!!! Get em online HERE or at Moog Audio, Play De Record, or Soundscapes.

Also performing: Wolf J McFarlane, Fresh Kils, Class of '93.

Don't miss this Toronto!

[Video] Common ft Nas - Ghetto Dreams

2011-08-15T09:21:00.000-04:00

Aweeeeee suki suki now! Big P for my dudes Com Sense and Nastradamus on this one. I must say common went hard on this one. Not really what you accustomed to hearing from Com (that's a myth if you peeped his albums) but something fresh on the commercial level. Bang this in the club and at the BBQ this summer, suckas! Dreams....ghetto niggaz dreams... ha haaaa

[Video] Blake Carrington - The Pursuit

2011-08-15T08:12:00.001-04:00

Mr Carrington does it again giving us here at PandW the chills on his latest inspirational effort. That boy got soul. P

[Music] RoyceBirth - Not Afraid to Die

2011-08-10T10:14:00.003-04:00

Royce Birth hits the nail right on the head in this new work. Definitely a praise for the Track. It's driving and an enjoyable listen from beginning to end. Turn it up and get some good speakers cause you're gonna need it for this rock inspired hip hop anthem. Listen below

Download here

[Krump] SENTINEL: Primal Mixtape Vol. I (Krump at its Best)

2011-07-25T22:50:00.001-04:00

I have the most respect for NorthBuck a tdot krump group. They get it in this is Primal getting it in with footage and video done by CJ Cromwell. Check it out

[Film] Black Women Griots: D'bi Young & Helen Yhoannes Speak

2011-07-16T12:06:00.000-04:00

Incredible video of some powerful women griots from the city of Toronto to the world. Watch this and be uplifted

[Tdot Tuesdays] Kamau - Live@ Scadding Court

2011-07-12T19:34:00.001-04:00

After a long wait we now know that Kamau's album is called "One Day Soon" and will be dropping "October 7th 2011" Yaaaayee. Check out some live footage from that feel good poet extraordinaire. Tdot tuesdays is happy to present "Ian Kamau"

[Audio] Slick Mason - I Don't Believe It

2011-07-12T19:27:00.000-04:00

This Kat is going to blow! That's a promise. Peep his new track "I don't believe it." This is the direction hip hop supposed to be going in and Slick Mason is a leader of the pack. Don't believe it? Listen to the track then.

[Video] Krs One - Hip Hop Nation ft Lina and K'Naan

2011-07-08T10:53:00.002-04:00

How did I miss this bad-ass video and song? I don't know but you don't have to :D Check out Canada's very own K'Naan with KRS One the Teacher and Lina. This song gets me amped.

[New Music] Freedom Writers - "Arizona Bay" feat. Franz Thomas

2011-07-04T14:28:00.001-04:00

Check the new video + track from the Freedom Writers collective. Take in the LYRICS on this one...take them in MORE THAN ONCE...

"Water levels rise hire more cops, Lord of the flies Piggies on top, a wolf in disguise eats from the flock, the Revolution's televised see it on FOX." --- Franz Thomas

"Olympics got money and so did G20 but when it comes to feed the hungry they ain't got none." --- Adam bomb

"Crime makes money, justice moves slow, jobs get lost, jails overflow" --- Frankie Payne

Toronto, Canada

"Arizona Bay" featuring Franz Thomas is the latest diverse, powerful and out of the box assault from the FREEDOM WRITERS collective. It touches on the historical myths of Freedom and Democracy and how they are perpetuated in today's climate. Thought provoking, nonpartisan and often shocking, The Freedom Writers deliver an intricate, and bold rhyme pattern that is backed by an eerie soundtrack creating the perfect blend courtesy of "FW" colleague, producer and engineer Big Sproxx.

Whether it's war, 9-11, Haiti, Hurricane Katrina, The G20, Police Brutality, Government deception, slavery, poverty, the Prison and Judicial systems, the media or the fluctuating price of oil, there is no topic "too touchy" for the Freedom Writers to expose in "Arizona Bay".

DJ Pack- Waves: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZOXTI27A

DJ Pack -MP3's 320k: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ARPG2DP1

Video- shot, directed, and edited by Big Sproxx

Artwork- Gusto for Genius Labs.

www.freedomwritersmusic.com

youtube.com/freedomwritersmusic

twitter.com/freedomwriters_

facebook.com/freedomwritersmusic

Mailing List, Buy Shirts, DJ drops and Interviews: freedomwritersmusic@gmail.com

Show Bookings: Basetone@gmail.com

Videos Inquiries- Sproxx16@gmail.com

twitter.com/FranzThomas

facebook.com/franz.thomas

[Come Up] Carnage in stu w/ Black Ace

2011-06-23T12:07:00.000-04:00

Young duns on the come up. Check out what they got to say, feeling the freestyle closer to the end.

[New Music] NewBreedMC - "Blue Lights" (Prod. by NTG)

2011-06-22T15:03:00.003-04:00

Check out the new heatery by NewBreedMC, off his upcoming Fresh Water EP (produced by NTG Productions).

Here's what NewBreed has to say about the track:

"This story is the story of a quest of duality. In one way the light I seek is God's light in grace truth and understanding but in another sense the blue lights represent the flashy lights that have come to represent being an acclaimed artist. Lets find out what happens!!"

Blue Lights by NewBreedMC Music

[Mixtape] TheReaLVoyce - The Truth Comes Out

2011-06-17T10:00:00.001-04:00

Enjoy the first track off "The Truth Comes Out" Mixtape by TheReaLVoyce. AVAILABLE NOW! Listen and Download the Full Mixtape.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://therealvoyce.bandcamp.com/track/this-is-what-it-is-prod-by-rb-keys"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;This is What it is (prod. by RB Keys) by THEREALVOYCE&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

[Video Mix] DJ Cali - Snap Shot Fridays Mix

2011-06-10T10:42:00.000-04:00

DJ on the rise DJ Cali dropped this mix 2 days ago and I had to post it. Very impressed with the innovation of the video mixing. Keep it up Cali. Get more mixes from Cali here

[Mixtape Review] NewBreedMC – Silent Slang Mixtape

2011-06-09T21:59:00.003-04:00

After a four year hiatus from recording, the Silent Slang Mixtape is an audacious release for Brampton resident NewBreedMC. Boasting 14 tracks over a diverse and well-selected variety of beats (all dubs – this is a promotional mixtape), NewBreed displays his ability to create a strong presence over a broad sampling of instrumentals. When I asked him what “Silent Slang” meant, NewBreed told me it was another way of saying “Unspoken Swagger;” a shared acknowledgment of something that doesn’t need to be explicitly stated to be noticed. Having recently witnessed a charismatic performance by NewBreed at a Killah Priest show, I can definitely cosign the fact that this is one MC who possesses “Silent Slang.”

NewBreed has a definite talent for making catchy hooks, evidenced throughout the mixtape (“Who needs and MC? You need an MC!” is now stuck in my head), and he even sounds melodic at times (e.g. the hook on “I’m the Man”). Some of the tracks on the mixtape have a “mainstream” sound (e.g. “Go Girl” and “Single Forever”), perhaps a result of some of the beats selected, but there’s an ample supply of more “underground” sounding straight hip hop gems on here. “All Lungs” is the stoner anthem of the mixtape, and perhaps one of the catchiest herb-smoking songs since Cyprus Hill’s “Hits from the Bong.” For those who enjoy a good storytelling song, “Great Canadian Fable” will please listeners with a psychologically in-depth crime tale (albeit with a predictable crime-story ending.

When it comes to braggadocio, NewBreed is a pro – for listeners who love punch-lines (and maybe even a few laughs), this mixtape definitely delivers. With lines like, “I’m a giver not a taker – I don’t even take advice” and “I get fly and ‘Neverland’ like Michael Jackson’s home/ I spit a line and ‘Breathe Again’ like Toni Braxton, holmes,” NewBreed displays skilled wordplay and punch-lines that deserve a few rewinds. NewBreed sounds at home on every track – his vocal presence is confident and his delivery is strong. His flows are on point and he displays versatility with his rapping ability. If there’s one major criticism I have of NewBreed on this release, it’s the banality and lack of substance in a lot of his rhymes. Much of what he raps about on this mixtape consists of stroking his own ego and talking about superficial clichés (although he does do this more entertainingly than the average rapper). That being said, it’s clear that NewBreed can be a lyrical beast and craft intelligent and complex verses when we wants to (listen to verse two on “SS Silent Slang” for evidence of this). When I asked him about this, NewBreed told me that he intended Silent Slang as an introductory project, and that “the message” in his lyrics would be coming more in subsequent releases. After listening to Silent Slang a few times and seeing NewBreedMC perform, I’m definitely looking forward to this artist’s future projects.

Download the Silent Slang Mixtape HERE.

NewBreedMC – Silent Slang Mixtape – Track Listing:

1. Who Needs an MC? - Produced by MoSS
(Original: DJ Deadeye and ST. The Squad – “Blood Brothers”)

2. All Lungz - Produced by Black Milk
(Original: Buckshot, KRS One Mary J Blidge –“The Way I Am”)

3. Many - Produced by Ski and Apple Juice Kid
(Original: MC Lyte – “Rocking with the Best”)

4. I'm the Man - Produced by Pharell
(Original: Clipse – “Popular Demand”)

5. Say What You Want - Produced by Kanye West
(Original: Drake – “Say What’s Real”)

6. Pablo Reverb - Produced by Rick Rubin and Beastie Boys
(Original: Beastie Boys – “Paul Revere”)

7. I'm Everywhere - Produced by Soundtrack
(Original: Lupe Fiasco feat Matthew Santos – “Shining Down”)

8.Single 4 Ever - Produced by Best Kept Secret
(Original: Wale – “Pretty Girls”)

9. Go Girl - Produced by Don Correll and Tony Taylor
(Original: Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - “Say Ahh”)

10. Chamber 33 - Produced by J Dilla
(Original: Raekwon – “10 Bricks”)

11. In the Black – Produced by Black Milk
(Original: Elzhi – “That's that One”)

12. Great Canadian Fable – Produced by Focus
(Original: Slaughter House – “Lyrical Murderers”)

13. Silent Slang - Produced by RZA
(Original: Raekwon – “New Wu”)

14. Life – Produced by The New Boyz

(Original: New Boyz feat. Ray-J – “Tie Me Down”)

[New Music] The Antiheroes (Flex x Sha Prince) - "Change"

2011-06-09T19:47:00.003-04:00

If you haven't heard about The Antiheroes yet (Durham Region natives Flex and Sha Prince), it's time to LISTEN UP! These two emcees are hungry and are bringing from fresh rhymes, ill flows, and great music to the world. Check their new promo track Change:

Donwload Change HERE.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the upcoming Antiheroes LP "This Is FreeDUMB" coming this summer. The LP boasts production from: Rich Kidd, Relic, Mmac, Jay Emess, Beatwyze and more.

[New Video] Redway - Scriptures

2011-06-07T13:47:00.000-04:00

Yeh this is real soulful, Redway switchin' it up on some realy shit. Love when artist spit it on this level. Fuck the bullshit!

[Events] The Cypher - June 22nd@Augusta House

2011-06-06T12:38:00.000-04:00

The cypher is going down June 22nd 2011 after my mixtape release party The Truth Comes Out. Be sure to come through and emcee, femcee, showcase your beats and just generally vibe out with the Toronto hip hop scene. This is the place for you!

[Video] Freedom Writers - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

2011-06-05T11:07:00.007-04:00

The Freedom Writers put you in a perfect laid back mood prepping for the revolution through thought and planning in this one. Check it out. Check out their website for moreFreedom Writers

[New Artist] Leen Bean - 18 Minute Freestyle

2011-06-02T12:41:00.001-04:00

She murders it. She's 16 yrs old

[Video] Kendrick Lamar - Hiii Power Official Video

2011-05-27T15:48:00.000-04:00

Yeh this got soul! The game is looking good these days man, like my nigga Legacy was sayin' shit is shaping up. Eh heh!

[Video] Lokz - Throw it Away

2011-05-27T15:11:00.000-04:00

Well done Lokz. Follow this kat on twitter he's coming with some proper RnB vibes the right way. Much success to you sir! Salute

[Video] Beyonce - Run the World (Girls)

2011-05-22T11:53:00.003-04:00

What can I say, I agree. Big video and great message overall. I like the empowering over and undertones of this track. Good look B!

[Show Review] Playing With Fire Showcase

2011-05-21T11:01:00.042-04:00

It's not often that you go to a hip hop show held by relatively new artists and come away feeling like "wow, these guys really got something here." But that's how I felt last night being at the Light It Up Crew's cd release for "Compliments of the Chef." Albeit the opening acts had a little too lengthy of a set each causing some of the would be new fans to slowly trickle out but the die hards and hip hop heads stayed till the end culminating in a spectacular onslaught of Slick Mason, Conwell and Althea!

These young artist have a unique sound that is at it's roots hip hop but has classic 90s depth, 808 bump and modern overtones. The production hits you where you feel it and the lyrics of Slick Mason and Conwell are witty, original and stylish. It's a style groomed by their hardwork of course but we cannot forget to mention the influence of Canadian Hip Hop Legends like Dan-e-o who by the way hit us with a set that included his Dear hip hop classic and some material off his dilla pickles mixtape, including a song about missing Michael Jackson. A great showing, however, with the legendary status he has I can't help but think he should have hosted the whole damn thing and just stood like a proud father watching his grown up kids kill it.

The LIU crew has got hits, make no mistake about it as I stood up enjoying the show and got inspired to rabble rouse like the 20 or so hype men and women in the mosh pit, I noticed at least 2 songs that could have major mainstream appeal. Its seems like Toronto is in good hands with the fresh hip hop that is being produced by the LIU and their affiliates the Fire Nation.

Fire nation opened the night up for the crew with notables such as Drake-inspired Classic hitting you with those bars you thought you could only witness on BET's freestyle friday. Also notable was hispanic rapper (don't quote me on that one) P-Nuts taking us back to those mobb deep days of tunes about struggling to make it over dark production and tight hooks. Rainman, another notable has a fresh style but the low microphone and rowdy crowd made it a little difficult to hear everything that he was saying.

All and all there was some geniune hip hop love at this show (enter Fire Nation with "Whoz Got Next"),

with great performances an amazing finale a great DJ, kudos to DJ Power an amazing venue and a crowd of fans and affiliates rounding out the great vibe. If this is the beginning for LIU it's a great beginning. Look out for them and cop that cd! Fire Nation bbbiiiiiitttccchhhhhh!!!

-pandw

[Tdot Thursdays] Film - Mighty Jerome

2011-04-28T13:58:00.000-04:00

The Toronto Film Festival is upon us and there are always a few films that merit a view in my opinion. This is one of them. Charles Officer is back this time with a documentary about the rise, fall and resurgence of Harry Jerome. I'm excited about this one. Check out the soundtrack below and the facebook event

Track 01: Mighty Jerome: Mighty Jerome Soundtrack by Schaun Tozer by tenement-yard-selector

[Wonder Wednesdays] Native Sun - Blitz the Ambassador

2011-04-27T15:34:00.000-04:00

One day all black music will sound like this! Fuckin awesome shit Blitz, ha haaaa! Peep his new album and show footage on his youtube

Damian Marley & Nas - Nah Mean [Official Video 2011]

2011-04-26T15:28:00.000-04:00

Nah mean! Yo this is the warrior tune off the distant relatives album! Check out their website for more info

Frank Ocean - Strawberry Swing

2011-04-26T14:22:00.000-04:00

This warmed my ice-cold heart! Hope it does the same for you.Visit Frank's site too

[Freestyle Friday] Slick Mason - Get Right (Freestyle)

2011-04-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

Slick Mason, one third of the new school group "Light it Up" destroyed this! Listen, then pick up the pieces after.

[Tough Tune Thursdays] MCFUBB - Feet Don't Fail Me (Official Video)

2011-03-31T11:47:00.000-04:00

Emcee Fubb is reliable for hitting you with a dosage of true school hip hop. In a time, when skinny jeans and fat egos abound Fubb takes you back to the essence of this art we love so dearly. This got soul

www.mcfubb.com

[Wonder Wednesdays] Sticman - Back On My Regiment

2011-03-30T16:21:00.000-04:00

This is a big tune from Sticman of Dead Prez. Back on my regiment. I feel convicted cause while he getting back on his regiment I'm thinkin' a goin out on Friday after a long drinking fast. Damn Stic, why now? Lol #six

Peep their workout and health site www.rbgfitclub.com

[Music Monday] MCFUBB - Life is a Blessing

2011-03-28T15:07:00.001-04:00

I really love this guy's music. So much soul! Also check out the rest of his mixtape on his new bandcamp page.

[Sexy Saturday] Amenta - Love Song

2011-03-26T00:34:00.000-04:00

I was compelled to post this. Just discovered this artist through my facebook today! Whew! that's all I gotta say. This girl got soul.Visit her myspace for more.

[Tdot Tuesdays] Kardinal Offishall & The Circle - on Da Mix

2011-03-15T02:00:00.001-04:00

Ummmm so today I buss your head with some serious Toronto Swag! Peep Kardinal, Tara Chase, Solitare plus plus, bussin heads on Much Music. Serious bumpability!

[Mega Mondays] Glenn Lewis - Good One Remix

2011-03-14T12:13:00.000-04:00

Can we say super duper mega hit?! All together now, super duper mega hit! There you go, now listen. lol.