Willie Colon // Pan y Agua

Fania Records was a staple in my musical diet as I was growing up. I recall many Sunday afternoons when the sounds of Pedro Navaja could be heard emanating from the hi-fi in the living room. I still play the LPs at home from time to time to recapture that nostalgia.

Pan y Agua is taken from the Masterworks version of Colon's 8th album El Juicio.

More info on the project here.

DOWNLOAD: Willie Colon - Pan y Agua

More about → Willie Colon // Pan y Agua

Beastie Boys // Scenario & I'm Down

Deleted tracks from Licensed To Ill. I hadn't heard these before. I think Scenario is dope. Truthfully, and if you were already thinking the obvious, I was hoping for a Beasties version of the Tribe/L.O.N.S. Certainly not that, but still sick.

According to Discogs, I'm Down had sample clearance issues. These come off Original Ill.

DOWNLOAD: Beastie Boys - Scenario

DOWNLOAD: Beastie Boys - I'm Down

More about → Beastie Boys // Scenario & I'm Down

No I.D. Interview

If you haven't gotten a chance to give it a good read, head on over to Hip Hop Is Read for AaronM's phenomenal interview with the Chicago-based No I.D. Responsible for classics like Communism, I Used To Love H.E.R. and Resurrection, this underrated beatsmith shares some unique insights into his musical past and highlights some of the early milestones in his career. It's a great read.

Enjoy part 1, because part 2 cometh soon.

LINK: Hip Hop Is Read Interviews No I.D. - Part 1

Show the homies Aaron & Ivan at HHIR some love and drop a comment, then Digg it.

And so you have a backdrop while you read...

DOWNLOAD: Common - I Used To Love H.E.R. [prod by No I.D.]

DOWNLOAD: Common - Resurrection LP [Instrumentals]

More about → No I.D. Interview

Video // Classic Rakim Freestyle

The legendary Rakim with a freestyle finesse that is still unparalleled to this day.

Untouchable. Simply untouchable. It's hard to find a new jack that can hang with this.

Shouts to The Meaning Of Dope & It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold This Sac

More about → Video // Classic Rakim Freestyle

Diamond D // The Best Kept Secret, So STFU And Peep It

The Meaning Of Dope gives a run-down of some of their favorites from Diamond D's discography, along with a zip full of really dope music that you should definitely jump on. I'm down with all Diamond D, I've mentioned it before. In my opinion, he's one of those sorely slept-on producer/emcees, like Large Pro, that I'm glad to be able to hear music from. It's just that dope. Enjoy.

LINK: Diamond D - By Far The Best Producer On The Mic

More about → Diamond D // The Best Kept Secret, So STFU And Peep It

Lord Finesse // A Litte Something For The Homiez EP

More rare EP flavor from the funkyman aka the underboss aka seldom-seen.

LORD FINESSE - A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE HOMIEZ EP

01. Intro
02. Set It Off Troop
03. You Know What I'm About
04. Kickin Flava Wit My Man feat. Percee P
05. Da Freestyle King
06. Isn't He Something (Extra P Session Mix)
07. Show Em How We Do feat. Shell Rumble & Harry O
08. Check Me Out Baby Pah feat. Page The Handgrenade
09. Peace To My Brothers

DOWNLOAD: Lord Finesse - A Little Something For The Homiez EP

via OUHH

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Lord Finesse // Funky Dope Manuver EP

When there is so much classic, unreleased, vaulted, demo, alternate version goodness floating around; I can't help myself.

LORD FINESSE - FUNKY DOPE MANEUVER

01. Funky Dope Maneuver
02. No Stoppin'
03. Bust A Move
04. Sexual Healin'
05. Bust A Lil (Nautilus Version)
06. Back To Back (Demo Version)
07. Let The Music Play (Freestyle)

DOWNLOAD: Lord Finesse - Funky Dope Manuver EP

via OUHH

More about → Lord Finesse // Funky Dope Manuver EP

Wu-Tang Clan // Mystagogue Vol. II [Mixtape]

This is another one of those great finds, a rare Wu-Tang mixtape circa '96-97 that you could only get at skate shops. Classic mixtape flavor while I wait for the 2am intermediate advisory. Although it looks like Ike is going to smack Northern Cuba with Category 4 fury. Comforting that we averted it, but the fact that Cuba is getting hit yet again this season -- not so much.

Excerpt:

Mystagogue Vol. II was only ever released on audiotape, around 1996 or '97, packaged as a freebie with Slap skateboard magazine.
In order to get it you had to buy the issue that was sold in skateboard shops (i.e., it wasn't packaged with bookshop or other newsstand copies).
This is pretty early Wu, and at the time they had a board company that sponsored Kevin Taylor, who's now with Zoo York.
The mix itself is gritty Rza, with beats from Tical, Forever, 36 Chambers, etc. mixed with jazz and funk.

SIDE A
Killer Bees Intro
7th Chamber pt. II
Dog Shit (Mixed)
Ghostface Killah - Box In Hand
Method Man - Release Yo' Self


SIDE B
Ghostface Killah - Who's The Champion ft. GZA
Wu - As High As Wu-Tang Get
Raekwon - Guillotine (Swords)

DOWNLOAD: Wu-Tang Clan - Mystagogue Vol. II [Mixtape]

via HHB

More about → Wu-Tang Clan // Mystagogue Vol. II [Mixtape]

2 Live Crew // Get It Girl VLS [1987]

Adding to TSS' 2 Live Shots, here's a 12" from my own collection.

2 Live Crew - Get It Girl VLS [Luke Skyywalker Records, 1987]

A Get It Girl (Club Remix) (Vocal) (6:22)
B1 Get It Girl (Club Remix) (Instrumental) (6:22)
B2 Cut It Up (Vocal) (3:48)

DOWNLOAD: 2 Live Crew - Get It Girl VLS [Luke Skyywalker Records, 1987]

More about → 2 Live Crew // Get It Girl VLS [1987]

Big Daddy Kane // Raw'91 VLS [1990]

Big Daddy Kane - Raw'91 VLS [Cold Chillin', 1990]

A1 Ooh,Aah,Nah-Nah-Nah (Master Mix) (3:47)
Producer - Big Daddy Kane
A2 Raw '91 (4:30)
Producer - Big Daddy Kane
A3 Ooh,Aah,Nah-Nah-Nah (Instrumental) (3:47)
Producer - Big Daddy Kane
B1 It's Hard Being The Kane (Remix Radio Version) (5:10)
Producer - Prince Paul
Remix - Marley Marl
B2 Taste Of Chocolate (Remix) (3:48)
Producer - Big Daddy Kane
Remix - Big Daddy Kane
B3 It's Hard Being The Kane (Album Version) (4:58)
Producer - Prince Paul

DOWNLOAD: Big Daddy Kane - Raw'91 VLS [Cold Chillin', 1990]

More about → Big Daddy Kane // Raw'91 VLS [1990]

Big Daddy Kane // Get Into It VLS [1987]

Cause all I have to do is pick-up the mic, and live from New York, it's Saturday Night.

Big Daddy Kane - Get Into It VLS [Prism, 1987]

A1 Get Into It (Vocal) (5:08)
A2 Get Into It (Instrumental) (5:11)
B1 Somethin' Funky (5:07)
B2 Just Rhymin' With Biz (4:03)
Rap [Featuring] - Biz Markie

DOWNLOAD: Big Daddy Kane - Get Into It VLS [Prism, 1987]

More about → Big Daddy Kane // Get Into It VLS [1987]

DJ Premier // Penalty Recordings [Mixtape]

'95 classics mixed by DJ Premier.

DOWNLOAD: DJ Premier - Penalty Recordings [Mixtape]

via the GULLY

More about → DJ Premier // Penalty Recordings [Mixtape]

Biggie Smalls // WKCR Freestyle

I hadn't heard this one before, but it comes off of the Stretch & Bobbito Show.

DOWNLOAD: Biggie Smalls - WKCR Freestyle

More about → Biggie Smalls // WKCR Freestyle

Bass 91.7

So I'm about to step out and get some wings, when I get drop kicked by my reader. It seems TSS has gone and served us up with some 2 Live Shots.

I'm from Miami. I'm all about 2 Live. I grew up on it.

Do yourself a favor, go over there and download all that shit.

LINK: The Smoking Section - 2 Live Shots

You're welcome. Wings, I'm out.

More about → Bass 91.7

WYDU // Classics - August 08

I threw this one up without a second thought because I really relate to what Travis at WYDU was trying to do with these obscure originals and remixes. Classics are classics, and it's all well and good, but like I do here, people need to hear these rarities and b-sides.

Too much snoozin' goin' on. Listen.

Tracklist:

01 Mobb Deep - Drop A Gem On Em (Vinyl Reanimators Remix)
02 Tim Dog - Bronx Nigga (The Blue Note Mix)
03 Diezzel Don & GovnenerMattic - Family Day feat Redman, Pacewon, Young Zee, Rah Digga
04 Cenobites - Cold Peein' On 'Em
05 EZD feat Noreaga and Muzalini - Worldwide
06 The D.O.C. - A Mind Blowin (Remix)
07 CPO - Ballad Of A Menace (Homicidal Theme Remix) (with MC Ren)
08 Low Profile - Funky Song (Remix)
09 Rodney O & Joe Cooley - Oldie But Goodie (Remix)
10 Criminal Nation - Niggaz From The Ghetto
11 Rappenstine - Scream
12 7A3 - Party Time (City Mix)
13 Mannish - Jive U The Man
14 Red Eye Rum - Get This (biz street mix)
15 Kazi - Wake Up
16 Dirty Face Angels - Actin Up (street mix)
17 Ill Knob - A beautiful thing (street)
18 Germ - Itz Uzelezz ft. Lin Que and Finsta Evil Dee remix

DOWNLOAD: Wake Your Daughter Up - Classics - August 08

via WYDU

More about → WYDU // Classics - August 08

Bang It Out // Loosie Catch-Up 2

"Loooooosie, I'm hoooooome!!" - Desi Arnaz

Clearing out some of the inbox and bits picked up on the reader. I usually like to add my personal two on most things I post, but sometimes you just need to throw it out there. Plus, I got way too much good music passing through my [digital] hands -- so much good shit out there.

Enjoy.

DOWNLOAD:

Rapper Big Pooh - Plastic Cups [prod by J Dilla]

Peanut Butter Wolf - Area Codes Podcast

Illa J - We Here [prod by J Dilla]

DJ Babu ft Evidence - For Whatever It's Worth

Royce 5'9" ft Kid Vishis - Kill Em

Resident Alien [Prince Paul & Friends] - It Takes A Nation Of Suckers To Let Us In

Ice Cube - Believe It Or Not

Nas - Halftime VLS

Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell VLS

Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell (Large Professor Remix) VLS

Nas - The World Is Yours VLS

Nas - Life's A Bitch VLS

Nas - One Love VLS

Nas - Memory Lane VLS

The Pharcyde - Passin' Me By (Hot Chip Remix)

Big L - Who Shot Ya Freestyle

Big L - Principal Of The New School [prod by Showbiz]

Lord Finesse - Rare Selections EP

J-Zone - Sick Of Bein Rich [Instrumentals]

J-Zone - Every Dog Has Its Day [Instrumentals]

J-Zone - Pimps Whup Tu Madres' Ass When She Don't Pay Taxes [Instrumentals]

Termanology - Talking 2 God (Resurrection '08)

Madlib & Kareem Riggins - Life

MIDIMarc - The Red [prod by J Dilla]

DJ Premier - The Beats That Collected Dust Volume 1


Via these fine blogs:

UniverSOUL
Rock the Dub
NMC
BooGooDooBoom
GRANDGOOD
This Is Hip Hop
GULLY
This Is Hip Hop
Hip Hop Is Read
The Smoking Section

More about → Bang It Out // Loosie Catch-Up 2

Video // Biggie Pushin' St. Ides

This popped up over at AllHipHop yesterday and it threw me back.

Say what you will, the beat is, and the flow... we'll you know.

I've been doin' way too much administrative work.

What a hassle, back to content.

Thanks for the support, as always.

More about → Video // Biggie Pushin' St. Ides

A Tribe Called Quest // Scenario [Unreleased Demo #2]

Thanks to the friends and ends over at Unkut & THIMK, another unreleased version of Scenario has surfaced.

DOWNLOAD: A Tribe Called Quest ft L.O.N.S. & Chris Lighty - Scenario [Unreleased Demo #2]

And in case you missed, get these.

DOWNLOAD: A Tribe Called Quest ft De La Soul, Black Sheep, & L.O.N.S. - Scenario [Unreleased Demo #1]

DOWNLOAD: A Tribe Called Quest - Scenario VLS

More about → A Tribe Called Quest // Scenario [Unreleased Demo #2]

Method Man // The Riddler CDS [ 1995 ]

I think it's all about the album version. It's the break that does it.

Method Man - The Riddler CDS [ Atlantic, 1995 ]

1 The Riddler (Album Version)
2 The Riddler (Hide-Out Remix)
3 The Riddler (Album Instrumental)
4 The Riddler (Hide-Out Remix Instrumental)

DOWNLOAD HERE

More about → Method Man // The Riddler CDS [ 1995 ]

J-Live // Longevity + Braggin' Writes [ 1995 ]

Pretty self explanatory, if you know the score. Braggin' Writes is J laying down pure lyrical fury, letting them know why he's not one to be crossed. I still think he delivers one of the most subversively gut-stabbing lines I've heard to date:

You thought your shit was fly, but the flight was delayed...

And this is just one of many sharp lines throughout. There's no "b-side" here though, Longevity is equally dope.

J-Live - Longevity + Braggin' Writes [ Raw Shack, 1995 ]

A1 Longevity (Radio)

A2 Longevity (Street)

B1 Braggin' Writes

B2 Longevity (Instrumental)

DOWNLOAD HERE

More about → J-Live // Longevity + Braggin' Writes [ 1995 ]