Blueprint Krew - Blueprints

I think somebody requested this tape recently. 

I must say I had never heard about it until Kaliyuga Pro kindly sent me a rip of his copy. It's dated from 1999 and apparently an alternate cover exists.

No clue of where that crew come from, there's the roster on the artwork but no familiar name as far as I'm concerned. Anyone with more info would be welcome.

As for the tape itself it's pretty decent, definitely worth a try.

Here

A

The Beginning

Doomsday

We Stand Alone

My So-Called Life

Letters To A Skeptic

B

Untitled ('Satisfaction')

Realm Of Fear

My Darksides

This Is Half A Song

Who Was I

Untitled (Freestyles)

UBC (Under Bomber Corporation) - Simple Logic

A pretty rare San Jose-related project (hence the Sharks logo on the left), Simple Logic is credited as UBC for Under Bomber Corporation (yes, related to the Underbombers/ Sub Contents, etc.) but it's more a Camp Crystal Lake side-project really.

I first heard about it from a SJ local who had a 4-tracks-only version (one of these tracks not being on this cassette!). He told me it was a demo, probably from '98, given away by members.

The roster was Zest The Smoker, Keno, Pablo (that's Peaceshine, him are Keno are known as the Knivin Bastards -with various spelling) and a guy named Phil (no idea who this is).
During the course of the tape I'm pretty sure I spotted a guy named Clishade who was on the Camp Crypt B-Sidez compilation. Oh, and there's Persevere on a guest joint too, by the end.

The tape is slightly less dark and menacing than the previous CCL releases musically, although the lyrics are still murderous. Beats are slow, like usual, but more in a chill-y vibe this time. It's a pretty cool tape to zone to.

I spotted this og copy from a big collector recently who bought it at show in San Jose in 1998. I first thought I bought the 4-tracks EP I already had as a second-hand dub, but, surprise!, here's 60 minutes and 18 new tracks of full CCL-related goodness.
I noticed on the B side a couple of tracks spotted on Zest's "The Smoker Filez" comp, namely a medley of "Funkcun" and "Blossom", then Triple Threat with Persevere and a full version of Bumrusch (it's separated in 2 parts on the comp).
Another fun find, the last track of the A side is Teddy Pendergrass' "Be For Real" in almost its entirety (sounds familiar?).

Here's my rip. I added the track that wasn't on the EP version at the end, you'll notice a slight sound quality change. Also, there was absolutely no info on the back cover, no tracklist either. I added some track names for reference, feel free to change it. Enjoy!


Here

18 untitled tracks + 1 bonus cut

Persevere - Void Filler

At last! One of the oldest item on the wishlist is finally down, thanks to a friendly anonymous benefactor (eternal props to him!).

The elusive first and only Persevere album released in 2000 on Isolated Wax. Most of the material is known there, the Stones Throw 12'' joints, the 7'' track, but there's still a couple of never-heard tracks on it.

In case you didn't know Persevere released another solo joint 3 years ago called "Meet Jesse Medina" (his real name).

In another news, the Beetbak homies just released another cassette, Folk Hop Blues by DK NoDeal (formerly known as DK Toon from Beneath The Surface, etc.) and another one by EX2's Syndrome228 should be out soon.

San Diego producer Milky Wayne who released the classic Homesick compilation back in 2001 just released "Homesick 2.0, Still Ill" on cassette with another batch of dope MCs, available through RLK.

Annd.. The Third Sight 12'' & 7" we were talking about a while ago is finally out on Sanctimonious Records! 

Here

My Low End Strange

Beta Boy 2G ft. Dave Dub & Zest The Smoker

The Great Escape

From A Place Called SJ ft. Dave Dub

Four Corners Of Freestyle

Thought Provoking ft. Encore

To The Beat

Ideal Paradise

Visual Training - Contrapuntale Rhythms

As requested, this tape from San Jose group Visual Training thanks to Jack Devo from Beetbak. 

I don't know much on them..  It's comprised of Mr. Ceye and Retina Etcetera, this is their first album from 2000 and sounds like impros over super dry beats. There's another cassette album that I don't have, so if you do holla.

They have guest appearances on SJ comps Outerbodied, San Jose Finest and Agriculture as well.

There's no tracklist on this.

Enjoy!

Here

VA - Stones Throw - Radio City Chaos Vol.1

Another item with a dope artwork, here's Radio City Chaos, Stones Throw' hard-to-find cassette from 98 (back when they were still located in San Mateo).

What you have here is 28 minutes of snippets from Stones Throw 12'' singles catalogue from back then, and a cool little intro by PBW & Rasco. Enjoy.

Here

A

RASCO - Intro

LOOTPACK - Likwit Fusion

THE TURNTABLIST - Super Duper Duck Break #1

RASCO - Suckas Don't Respect It

PERSEVERE - Word Agression

PEANUT BUTTER WOLF & PLANET ASIA - In Your Area

B

THE TURNTABLIST & J-ROCC - Super Duper Duck Break #2

RASCO - Heat Seeking

FANATIK - Amuzin

PERSEVERE - Oblivion

PEANUT BUTTER WOLF & DAVE DUB - Necromancin

LOOTPACK - Episode #1

VA - Project Blowed (1994 OG Tape Version)

It's the first version of the classic Blowed Compilation reissued a year later with a slighly modified tracklist. I read only a few of these has been made, not sure how much, and it was all cassette.

So, is it that special? Well, if you have a fetish for cool objects I'd say yes. This original artwork with a flap and cool b&w photo montage is way better than the rather dull artwork of the reissue in my opinion. The tracklist on the flip got a cool retro feel with slightly different names (introducing The "Nonces" and their hit "Them Tapes"; Dolla Holla was called Section 8 but it's the same track; Aceyalone found 4 different ways to spell his rap name; etc.)

And musically wise? Well, not that special actually. Here's the differences: you got a (not that great) track by Lil Juggsta, "All Balls Don't Bounce" replace "I Don't Know". A track off ATU's Mood Pieces is there instead of the DK Toon joint, "Treble and Bass" is not there, but instead you got a handful of intro/outros and skits including a short instro by CVE called "Feels". It's nice, but nothing too crazy. Otherwise, all the versions of the tracks are pretty much the same than the ones on the reissue.

So there you go, in any case it's still great to bump this essential piece of music once again.

Here

A

Introduction

ACEYALONE, SPOON IODINE & CVE - Jurassick

JUPITER - Who's There

ABSTRACT RUDE - Strength Of A.T.U.

C.V.E. - What A Pity

FIGURES OF SPEECH - Don't Get It Twisted

FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP - Hot

ABSTRACT RUDE & TRIBE UNIQUE - Blast Off n2 Infinity

TRAY-LOC - Once Upon A Freak

SECTION 8 - Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Hold Your Wigs

B

This Evening

P.E.A.C.E., TLOVE, ACEYALONE, NEFFRITTITI, JUPITER, BJ, GANJAH K, MEDUSA, KOKO, MICAH 9 & VOLUME 10 - Heavyweights Round 2

THE NONCES - Them Tapes

C.V.E. - The Feels

LIL JUGGSTA - Nigguzn Blak

FUNKY TREND - Funky Commercial Break

Secondz Chanced

ACEYALONE - All Balls Don't Bounce

ABSTRACT RUDE - Yeh Man

C.V.E. & ELLAY KHULE - Narcolepsy

ACEYALONE - I Think?

ACEYALONE & ABSTRACT RUDE - Maskaraid Part 1 (The Invitation) & 2 (The Finale And Actual Party)

ACEYALONE & ABSTRACT RUDE - More Beat Breakage

VA - Rotation Music - The Return Of The Ancient One

This label Rotation Music was hailing from California, not sure where exactly, and released a couple of interesting releases (including 2 albums, this compilation and a couple of 12''s), all in the year 2000. It seems that the same guy that is producing most of these releases is also the head of Rotation and is going by the name of Cosmic Ro.

While the MCs are not always super technical I really like the overall mood of the productions: slow beats, dark themes, etc. That type of beats was all over Izm Da Mad Soul's self titled album which I really liked, and now with this comp I realized it's pretty much there every time, no matter which emcee is rapping.

So if you're familiar with the label's work you already know most of the tracks here, they were featured either on the albums or the 12''s, or both, minus a couple of instrumental here and there. But it still forms a coherent whole that you can enjoy from a to z. 

It's cassette only though. Freshly ripped from the tapedeck. Enjoy!

Here

A

GAS CHAMBER - It's Yours

JIZZM - Trembling

IZM DA MAD SOUL - Who Lit Dat

PENUCKLE - Putang Ina Mo

JIZZM - Beef

IZM DA MAD SOUL - Untitled

COSMIC RO - Cosmic Interlude

B

PENUCKLE ft. BESUS CHRIST & DEADLY - Godself (The Secret Doctrine) Pt.1

SHANE HUNTER - Boxkit

IZM DA MAD SOUL - Maintaining Izmatic Degrees

JIZZM - Here After Uprizing

PENUCKLE ft. MR. BEASLEY & BIG CHRIS - 3 M.C.'s

COSMIC RO - Return Of The Ancient One

PENUCKLE - Underwater Dormitory (Swimming With The Dolphins)

IZM DA MAD SOUL - No Dollar Signs

Eb.F - Mockumentary Sampler

Another one from Kaliyuga Pro's deep collection. Eb.F is half of San Mateo's Various Blends and this little cassingle from 97 contains the single "Home Improvement" heard on 'More Chemicals', the instrumental, the beat alone, Born To Blow Up featured on their classic Levitude album and a nice unreleased track called Condiments.

Something for the hardcore cassette collectors, pretty hard to find.

Here

A

Home Improvement

Untitled Beat

Home Improvement (Instrumental)

B

Condiments

Born To Blow Up

Himself - Book Of Hymns Vol.1: Himpressions

Another repost from the Ghetto Tyylit archives, this is the first cassette EP from Himself. The picture above is not the original art, it's a just a random photo of him.

If like me you like the Netherworlds you'll enjoy it. 

In another news, you might not sleep on that super dope new 45  by San Diego's Inna Attic Crookz (from the Missing Children crew, related to Veks).

Same for the Blak Forest cd reissue we were talking about (plus there's also a cassette filled with Wiz One's beats).

There's a new Haez One album, so support that dope music from SJ.

Last but not least, you need that crucial FBCFabric & Reindeer classic album vinyl reissue on swiss label Mism. If you're into early Anticon, dark & melancholic beats and the name Constellation Records rings a bell, that might be your cup of tea. There's only 100 copies on triple vinyl though, so be quick!

Back to our program:

Here

A

Intro

Summer In The City

Aches And Pain (Remix)

The Rape Of Mother Africa ft. Masequa Myers

So Put That On Your Tape (Interlude)

Summer In The City (Instrumental)

Outro

B

Intro (A Wailing Litany)

Aches And Pain

Dirty A__ LA

Interlude

Something From Met

Aches And Pain Remix (Instrumental)

Outro

Insomniac - Don't Sleep

Insomniac's first cassette EP, released on Soothsay in 1997. Production by Raggedy Andy and Tre Lock. Another rare one thanks to Kaliyuga Pro.

Here

A

Don't Sleep

2026

Parasites

Orphan Exhibit

B

Syllabullets

World Wars

Don't Sleep (Instrumental)

Ill-Phonix - The Loaf Pinchers

This is the second post about this group from Phoenix, AZ, and this time we bring you their first album (seemingly from 99) thanks to JackDevo of the unbeatable Beetbak blog/label/evilcult who ripped his cassette. (By the way did I mention the pre-orders for the DK Toon cassette were up? Mm. That's what I thought). I just separated the tracks by hand, accordingly to the discogs tracklist.

And yes, someone requested it, so at least someone is secretly very happy about this!

(BTW I got this cool Afterlife Megamix for sale here). Ok your link now:

Here

A

Blue Spotted

Broken DAT

Ceptic Thanks

Tundra Winds

Still Low Budget

Her

Skeletor's Revenge

Depletion Zone ft. Neila

Wagoooon

Who's Me?

Pleasantvale

B

Untitled

Tungology

The Artbelle Song

Empty Mediums

Drifting Pt. I & Pt.II

Tinted Windows

Shitworms

Vitamin C

Fire Jumpers - My Baby's Got Her Hands In The Fire

Don't know much about the Fire Jumpers, except that they're related to the Ill Nature / Illuminatives crew that I posted about recently. And like the Ill Nature rip, this one is generously brought to you by Kaliyuga Pro.

This is slightly different from the other album, more into a goofy vibe (check the track names below). There's still a couple of nice cuts though. Check it.


Here

A
Intro
Psuedo Happiness ft. Wrecknition
Dirty Hair-E
The Witches Are Transvestites
Red Snow (Dedicated To Jeanie)

B
Thought Police ft. Soverin
Hooty Of A Booty
Innocence ft. C-Nas-D & Hoe Killa
Ear-Wax
Outro

Pseudzero - Closed Caskets (Afterlife Megamix) Mix-CD

My recent Afterlife Recordz megamix just been released as very limited mix-cds. That's 54 minutes of one of the most underrated yet essential Project Blowed-related imprint/ collective. I'm pretty proud about it, check the sampler and let me know what you think.

Cope yours while stock last at the vulgar website or on bandcamp. 

Sabotawjyostyle - Elevation 12''

Since Orko is releasing a brand new LP these days (or is it 2 new LPs?), today I'm sharing a rare 12'' from San Diego which features him.

The artist is Sabotawjyostyle (also known as Sabotawj), from the Rhymeside label/crew, and this 12'' was released in 2002 at 300 units to promote the release of his Memoirs Of The Hardcore album.

"Saturate Da Underground" features not only Orko but also an other Daygo legend, Odessa Kane from Masters Of The Universe (even if none of them are credited on the vinyl).

The vinyl is a bit tricky to find but it might pop up on discogs some day. 

Meanwhile, enjoy the homemade rip...

In another news, there's a batch of other new albums to check for the indie rap afficionados this fall:
Beetbak got their second tape release with Aki Khalaq aka Kennuf Akbar.

The Ganja Cowboys album "Legends Of The Fall" which is Riddlore, Droop Capone and Lord Zen (interesting combinaison, huh?).

A new 2Mex LP "Lospital". 

Another new trio in Gel Roc/ Megabusive/ Deeskee "Exalt the Anti".

An Aceyalone + Orko album called "Ancient Future".

Another SD-related MC, Veks' side project "Apes Of Graf" got the vinyl reissue by Chopped Herring.

And I recommend this dope group from Berlin (rhymes in english though): Moontroop. They got a new album called "The Dirty Something".

Back to our 12'':

Here

Elevation ft. Nick Faulty & Tashi Numbaone

Saturate Da Underground ft. Odessa Kane & Orko The Sycotik Alien

Battle Words

Sabotage

Da Tribute

Backwords

VA - Outerbodied Compilation

This is a somewhat rare compilation pulled together by Esoin in 1999 and blending the cream of the San Jose underground at that time. Its full title is "Outerbodied - Enter Our World (Collection Of Art From San Jose)". A SJ local made me a cassette dub, so here's the rip.

I have no tracklist but there's a list of the emcees on the side: Esoin, Style Misia, Diverse, A-O.N.E., Zest The Smoker, Los, Members Of Accuracy, Megabusive, El Uno, Axiom, Dem-1, DJ Worldwise, Overall Atmosphere, Cancereye, Mr. Aeks, DJ Roe, New Moon, KHz Devils and Visual Training. Pretty interesting, indeed!

Anybody with more info, a full tracklist, good scan of the cover or a better rip, please holla!

Edit- After a little research I realize some of these tracks were put on some compilations, for example tracks 2 & 7 are on Esoin's "Spiral Journey To The Sun", track 3 on El Uno's "Archive Files", track 6 on Sidus Idiom's "Moments Til Ruin", track 10 on New Moon's first LP, track 12 on Style Misia's "Hidden Pieces" compilation.

Edit 2018/04: I finally found an original copy, so here's a new rip from my tape (sound is slightly louder) and a full and correct tracklist.

Here

A
CANCEREYE - Intro

ESOIN & DEM-1 - Jungle Abyss

EL UNO - Lala Princessa

K.H.D. - K.H.D.

OVERALL ATMOSPHERE -  Massive Destruction

MEMBERS OF ACCURACY - Unrented Space

ZEST, LOS, ESOIN & DIVERSE - Situation Critical

B

WORLDWISE - Staying Power

STYLE MISIA, MEGABUSIVE & ESOIN - S.M.E.

NEW MOON - Downfalls

VISUAL TRAINING - Visual Train

STYLE MISIA ft. DIVERSE - Redemption

A-O.N.E. & AXEOM - Marked Men

DIVERSE, ESOIN & DEM-1 - Malfunction

Tangent - Self Made EP

This is Tangent's vinyl EP off his second album 'Global Swarm', released in 2000.

It's missing some of the finest production work featured on Lost Then Found in my opinion, but it's still worth a try. Once again thanks K.P. for the rip.

In another news, Jihad from Third Sight is releasing his second solo full length album next friday on every format possible, it's called The Wretched Of The Verse and sounds a winner.

Here

Human Race

Cannibalistic

Tangent Rocks

Sushi

Goes Like This

Off The Hook

Tangent - Lost Then Found

That album was requested a long time ago and I'm happy to present it at last, thanks to Kaliyuga Pro -once again- who provided the rip.

Tangent is a MC from Salt Lake City, and part of the Furthermore trio. Lost Then Found is his first album, released in 1996.
I didn't listen to it enough to have a definite opinion yet but this far I'd say this is good... Pretty dope actually. Productions are varied and well crafted, emceeing is well on point... Give it a check, you won't regret.

In other great, non-related news, Wiz1 the producer from Blak Forest / Circle Of Power recently announced a 20th anniversary reissue of the classic "You Are Now Entering..." with bonus and unreleased materials.. We'll keep an eye on that, believe it!

Another great news, the upcoming release of, not one but two! Third Sight vinyls, thanks to Sanctimonious Records. Both releases will consist of tracks off TS' recent Orchids & Corpses old material compilation, and will have 6 tracks on a EP, and the other one will be a 7'' with both versions of Gun Shot Victim. Better believe I'll bag both of these! I'll post links whenever it's officially out.

Meanwhile...

Here

Intro

Frequencies ft. Fisher

Decisions

Fury

Infected ft. Fisher

Jive Talkin ft. Fisher

Drunken Fist ft. Fisher

Jones

Crossroads ft. Fisher, Gunnar & Mark

Diminished

Trick Circus

Sunshine

Transmissions

Later...

Bignous - The Outcome EP

I've been looking for that EP for a while and finally got a copy to share. This is the latest EP from the Hobo Junction's Bignous, although it's 11 years old now. Apparently Big made the jump to the eastcoast at the time he released this.

There's 5 hidden tracks, so total 12 tracks for 22 minutes, productions are rather minimal and dark, I like it although I wasn't expecting much. Enjoy!

Here

The Outcome (Street Version)

The Outcome (Radio)

The Outcome (Instrumental)

The Outcome (Accapella)

Warnin Shots

Devils

Mount Vernon

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Tenshun - Lathes & 7" Pack

I have this stack of super limited lathe cuts, mostly cut by 10shun himself and for the most dating back around 2008. Although the sound is quite cheap (partly cause of the lathe cut quality, partly cause of my shitty set-up and partly cause most of his beats are saturated as fck.) I thought this would interest the super collector nerds that hadn't the chance to cope it while they could.
I also added several pics of the records cause most of his packages are super on point and helps you get into his world.
Enjoy!


Here

Death Cage LC
Deformed Bodies LC
Suffer LC
System Examination LC
Untitled LC
Mental Suicide 6'' Flexi
Skrapez #5 7'' (Psychopop split)
Death Knockin' 7''
Mormon Freegan split 7''
Youth:Kill split 7''
Walter Gross Vs. The World split 10'' LC
Kill Yer Self Zine pics

Record Players - S-T

This is the first Record Players album, 7 untitled tracks only released on cassette in 1999 by San Jose label Highground.
The R.P. roster changed with time, this first draft consists of Joe Dub, Neila and Brandon B (of Supermarket) and on productions San Jo's Pilot Rase and Dick Jones. Most of the tracks were made during a session in Phoenix, AZ in 1999 minus one Joe Dub track from 1997.

A rather rare to find item with a couple of real nice cuts.

I strongly advise to check Direct Drive if you didn't already, the second (well, third but it's really a cd reprint of the second, "Two Thousand And One") very underrated  RP album that I end up playing a couple of times every summer.

Here

Ill-Phonix - End To End

Ill-Phonix is a group from Phoeniz, AZ. 

That being said I don't know much else about them, I copped this vinyl by sheer curiosity and have mixed feelings about it. I still ripped it since it wasn't available anywhere.. Make up your own mind!

In other news, there's a batch of interesting stuff to cope recently:

Dave Dub and Haez One just released their dope first collab album, The Broken Uglies, only digital for now but cds and cassettes soon to come.

SFSM did a reprint of Long Live Or Die Trying on vinyl (great title, great album.. hopefully more to come).

Then this upcoming compilation of rare demos by New Mexico's Empty Pockets by the World Wide Wax label from germany that already brought you the 3 Shades Of Rhythm 3LP reissue.

The good folks over at Beetbak just release a cassette compilation with a tight line-up. All the benefits will go to Jean (of Nga Fsh's "Jean In Da Front Row").

T.Spillman also have his first cassette release on his Independent Studies label, a beat tape from Zay Town's Mr Aeks called Lunch Buffet.

And finally, my very own Westakoasta cd version, a mixtape dedicated to the westcoast underground.

Back to the Ill-Phonix:


Here

Empty Mediums
Untitled
Program Virus
Public Out Cry & Untitled
Never Again
Dragon Saliva
Garage Days
Fishing Through Ashtrays
Oxy Moron

Pseudzero - Westakoasta (CD version)

Here's the cd version of my Westakoasta mix-cd, finally available:

http://vulgarrecords.bigcartel.com/

75 minutes of westcoast underground hip hop, mixed by yours truly. Super limited edition.. cardboard cd-single sleeve, shrinkwrapped. Tons of dope artists. Get it while you can!

Log Cabin re-rip update

Just did a much needed new rip of my cassette with a better sound.
I changed the link of the original post towards the new one:

http://tilinf.blogspot.fr/2011/07/log-cabin-universouls-la-experimental.html

Enjoy.

Basbombing - Super 12''

This is a somewhat rare test press 12'' from Oakland MC Bas-One aka Basbombing.
It's credited on discogs as an Insiduous Urban release from 2002, although they never release it properly apparently, it stayed at test press status for some reason.
The vinyl got this little pen-drawn IU catalog ref on one side and a big green Heratik Prod. sticker on the flip that seems to have been stuck by someone afterwards. Bas-One released his first LP and a couple of 12'' on Fanatik's label.

The vinyl got 3 tracks with instrumentals, my favorite being "Can't Fool The Last" (credited as "Untitled" on discogs) and 2 funny tracks with catchy phrases and noises made by Bas in order to be scratched by DJs.

Not a must-have, more an interesting piece for the collectors.


Here

Super
Super (Instrumental)
Can't Fool The Last
Bonus Scratch Sounds A
Kids Takin' Shortz
Kids Takin' Shortz (Instrumental)
Can't Fool The Last (Instrumental)
Bonus Scratch Sounds B

Various Blends - Fanna Burn

Various Blends is a duo comprised of Friz-B and EB F aka RasCue or RastaCueTip from San Mateo, Bay Area. 

Rasco was briefly part of the band (that's him on the original Chill As I Flex 12'', later replaced by Del for the LP version) then moved on to a solo career.

Their first album, Levitude was released in 2000. According to their bio on the Urban Umpires site:

 

"The release was received well, but failed to breakthrough due to the closure of the label (Baraka). Soon they found another home with No Mayo Records where they recorded their second full-length CD Fanna Burn in 2002. The CD was never released as the label ran into financial trouble and folded in 2003."

Weirdly enough an instrumental 12'' of Fanna Burn exists (pictured above), but that's not what I'm offering here (if somebody got it, an upload would be welcome though), but a rip of the 5 tracks that are floating on their old myspace page. Not even the full release then, but again, if you have this, holla...

Here

Cordless Mics ft. Pismo & Rasco

How Many Stars ft. L'Roneous

Keep It Movin

Fanna Burn ft. Rakaa Iriscience

How Soon We Forget

Ill Nature - Life Line In The Hands Of Time

This album from 1998 has been brought to my attention by Kaliyuga Pro. 

He bought it a few years ago on ATAK not knowing much about that crew, except that they were from California. The list of the members doesn't give much clues either: Ill Nature is Serge The Wrecknition, M.E.R.C.U.R.Y. (no relation to Sunset Leagues I think), Maximum Styles and depending on the cd booklet: L-Element and Concept, and on discogs: Sovereign and Elly Estro. 

There's also a bunch of featurings by various mc's I never heard of that seemed to be grouped under the name The I.S. Chapter. The production is handled by Serge The Wrecknition, The Butter Thief and Concept.

The music is pretty good, it's actually a surprise it didn't get any more attention, probably lost in the ocean of releases at that time. A vinyl version of this exist, you can found it easily on discogs although they tend to be a little pricey.

It's about time people check this album!

Here

Streams
Light Years
Unconditional
Meaningless Mission?
Ill-Literation
Out Of This World
Lost Civilization
Tami No Tochu
Run Thru Your Crew
Magic Tricks
Temperatures
Fathoms
July 8th
Outro (Jazz Duet)
Life Is...

Formless Figures - S/T

Somebody asked many times about the Formless Figures album in the requests, so here's a rip of my vinyl.
I must admit I didn't know much about them until recently and well, that was a pleasant surprise.

Formless Figures are a group from Detroit, MI consisting on MC Dial 81 (also known as FR.eeze in Level Jumpers, now an electronica artist), DJ Mr Pickles (released a couple of solo stuff as well), plus musicians/producers Picturetone, Secondhand and Scrapbook Memoir.

Although Dial's emceeing is very much on point, the productions are what sold me over that album that went completely under the radar at a time (somewhere between 2002 and 2004, depending on the source) were it would have been a proud addition to any solid indie rap labels such as Anticon, Galapagos4, Rhymesayers, you name it.
It's pretty rare to have a cohesive feel on a whole lp without sounding repetitive or boring, but that's what this album does. The first two tracks are particularly good: Sound Asleep opens with a dreamy, eerie soundscape before a fat kick starts; whereas Life In A Napkin is all about that beautiful theme change in the middle of the track: there's work and finesse in the productions.

That was their first and only album as Formless Figures. A 13-track cd apparently exist and they released a super limited (150 copies) vinyl version that contains only the first 10 tracks (this rip). If somebody got the cd version and is willing to share, I'd appreciate.


Here

Sound Asleep
Life In A Napkin
Peaceful ft. Sol46
Lust vs. Love ft. Level Jumpers
Flowers From Seeds
Remain
Critics
Purple Interior
Hello...
And...

Plankton - Young Manic Depressive

This is the second Plankton mixtape Renti sent me.
Another dope selection of westcoast underground filled with a couple of indie rock inserts.


Here

A
VIOLENT RAMP - Intro
ANACRON - Good Friday
JULIE RUIN - I Wanna Know What Love Is
SUBTITLE - Young Dangerous Heart
AWOL ONE - Flying Spiders
TONY DA SKITZO - THC
FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP - 7th Seal
VOLUME 10 - A Real Freestyle
2MEX - L.A. (Like...)
FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP - Heavyweights
ELLAY KHULE - Master Flows
THE BADSTADS - Treacharous 3 Remix
BUSDRIVER & 2MEX - Walking Dead
CVE - What A Pity

B
ANACRON - Be Where? (Beware!)
JULIE RUIN - Apt. #5
SUBTITLE - Freestyle
AWOL ONE - Sleepin' All Day
TONY DA SKITZO - Hi-To
FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP - Six Tray
VOLUME 10 - Where's The Sniper
XOLOLANXINXO - William Banner
IMPRINTS - Pepsi On The Record
HIP HOP KCLAN - Sounds Like
EASTY BOYS - Don't Wanna Hear It
BUSDRIVER & XOLOLANXINXO - Borrowed Material
NGA FSH - One Man Riot

Western Union - Off With Their Heads

This cassette is from 1996, from a California crew called Western Union.

From what I get the WU later became Dojo Pros (producer Asterix aka Sueno One plus mcs L.O.R.D. and Wu Shu -same guy as Contakt?). Pretty straight forward hardcore hip hop with nice uptempo prods, definitely something to check.

In a related subject I'm looking for anything WU/Dojo Pros related, their Look Out 12'', L.O.R.D. solo albums and singles, etc. Don't hesitate to hit the comment section with links if you have some. Thanks.

Here

3/4 To Life

Lyrical Whatever

Blunt Statements

Last Battle

Border Lines

Mind Focus

Union Soldiers

Nightmares

Eternal Journal

Problems

Organize Graffiti

Supreme Beings

Live Or Die

Record History

L.O.R.D.'s Intro

ParanormL - The Paranorml Sickayatrist EP

ParanormL is a MC from Los Angeles. This EP, released in 2000, is his first one.

This is pretty much my favourite thing from him, particularly because of the dope productions by The Nutsons, a beatmaking duo from Norway that handled all the beats and released the EP on their Warm Gravy label. 

ParanormL later developped a more jazz-oriented sound but this is more straight-forward, eerie and aggressive hip hop. You even got Vex from The Boogie Monsters on the first track.

The 4 tracks (plus one little instrumental hidden at the end) are equally good, I'm even surprise this piece of wax isn't more sought after.

I ripped my copy since I couldn't find one. Enjoy!

Here

We Bring 4th The Light ft. Vex Da Vortex

Camouflage = Sabotage

I Am The Paranorml

Aggression

4th Light ft. Vex Da Vortex (Acapella)

We Bring 4th The Light (Instrumental)

Camouflage = Sabotage (Instrumental)

I Am The Paranorml (Instrumental)

Aggression (Instrumental)

Enterlude - Conduct

Looking for that Anacron 12''

This is my "Moby Dick" item, the one you're chasing year after year, trying to collect info while barely making any progress and dreaming you'll stumble upon it by complete luck.

This is Anacron's very first single: Out There b/w Interstellar Phenomenon.

He made a digital re-release on his bandcamp a couple of years ago and it mentioned a vinyl version existed. I'm collecting westcoast undergound vinyls for years and never even heard of that one, no need to say I was hyped! 

But after a few months, still nothing, not even a picture or somebody mentioning it, nothing even proving it was once sold or being part of someone's collection!

I asked Anacron on twitter and he confirmed: 350 copies were pressed in 1995 and everything was hand sold, mostly in Europe and Japan! 350... It's not huge but it's not nothing either. How come nobody seems to own this?

So here's my call: if you have any info, picture, whatever, you own one, you know someone who owns one or did, you ever saw a copy in a shop, or even better, you're willing to sell one to me for whatever price... please hit that comment section.

Little Larry & Bas One (Psychoplasmz) - Cytoplasmic

I got to know Psychoplasmz while looking for Insiduous Urban Records releases.
That bay area label released all the Mission:/CCR records and related (Headnodic), Foreign Legion, solo Bas-1 stuff, the classic DJ Serg westcoast mixtape, and a couple of more obscure stuff, including a Psychoplasmz 7'', a group consisting of Bas-1 (Oakland) and Little Larry (Berkeley).

This is a compilation from 2011 put together by Little Larry and consisting of all the materials by the group. You even got the 2 tracks from the 7''.

Here


Am I Deranged?
Pass Me The Blunt
Land Of The Nymphos
I'm Back Snitch
Legendary Lyricist
The Recipe
Let's Not Lose It
Psycho By The Candle Lite
Sneek A Peek
Watergun Fun
World Dance
Little Larry (Instramental)
Bas One (Instramental)

Camp Crystal Lake - S/T

This one is a special treat, made possible by Kaliyuga Pro from the great Ghetto Tyylit.

That Camp Crystal Lake self titled 7-track cassette is allegedly from around 1996-1998 and feature Zest The Smoker and his crew. No idea if it's anything official or just a compilation of tracks put together randomly.

From what I get, it was the demo for their Souls Owed To The Lake album that never got out (still you can find various tracks on Zest's discography as well as his soundcloud), then again, it's just a guess.
The artwork used here is just a screenshot from their defunct website.

I got a cassette dub of this 13 years ago through another finnish connection and lost the tape in a flood. I tried to look for it without success, remembering how great it was.

Until a few days ago, the homie Kaliyuga Pro ripped his own dub and sent it to me.
There's no tracklist or info on our dubs but KP figured some of the tracks had resurface on Zest's 'Smoker Filez' years later (first track aka "Red Hot" and track 5 aka "SJC" that was shortened on Smoker Filez, track 3 was "Louisianna Spice" from the Camp Crypt B-Sidez compilation.) but still, some of the most notable tracks that stood out in my memory I couldn't put my hands on.

Track 2, the one I'm referring to in this post, is called Zono, same name of the MC from the Unisuns. It's from 1993. Then you got the awesome posse cut that finishes the tape, unfortunately roughly cut at 3:05 (mine was too).

On a strictly rap standpoint, this is golden. The styles are super raw, so is the production, but these guys completely kills it. Treat yourself with this and much props to Kaliyuga for the help.

Here

KYNIVN BASTARDZ - Redhot

ZONO - Zono (AKA Dracula)

UNISUNS (WOLF PROGRESS & ZONO) - Louisiana Spice

WOLF? - ?? (Magnification?)

? & ZEST THE SMOKER - SJC (Full Version)

DAVE DUB - ??
ZEST, ZONO, ? & WOLF - ??

Plankton - Moments To Ruin

This one has been kindly sent to me by Renti (along with another one that I might share too at some point). Another hard to find pause mixtape by finnish DJ / Anti-Party Music head Plankton.

It's from 2006, first side is obscure westcoast indie rap, the flip is indie rock only. 

Great selection as always (anyone knows who Adura is? What's the name of the tape?) and a good way to share almost-impossible to find cassette content. Like the hand-drawn artwork too.

Here

A

ADURA - Ain't Ready

SIDUS IDIOM - Moments Til Ruin

DIVERSE - I Wish I Had That Power (Rmx)

MPX - Endlessly

TOMMY V, JOE DUB, TABU, HEDGEHOG, STEPHEN, JESTER - Bright Future

ALEX75 & CHAZ - 3rd Bass Shirt

BAY AREA ART COLLECTIVE - Kick BAAC

ANACRON - My Other Pair

PEEKABOO - Live Bonus

B

LOU BARLOW - Be Nice Me

KATHLEEN HANNAH - I Wish I Was Him

JEFFREY LEWIS - 3/4 Moon

KIMYA DAWSON - Time To Think

DANIEL JOHNSTON - I Live For Love

MUCKAFURGASON - South Dakota

MUCKAFURGASON - Bad Ass Fucker

LOU BARLOW AND HIS SENTRIDOH - No Matter What

LUKE KELLY - ??

LUKE KELLY - ??

THE MOLDY PEACHES - Jorge Regula

InK. - Eleveneleven

That's already two years since Private School released their last album.
Now here's the new one from InK. (Ian and Kaos aka Jundax), 2/3 of PS minus DaGoldenRay.
The formula is still there, quiet moods, slow beats. It's kind of late-late night music, something to relax to when you're stressed or before sleeping... I really like the minimal structure of the beats with a very on-point selection of samples, kind of like Sach productions per say.
The two mc's voices complement each other very well also. Gorgeous artwork too.

To sum it up: if you're into their sound,  you'll love this one. Grab a copy, digital, cassette or cd here:

Private School Bandcamp


Days A Long Night
Dig It
Loud & Close
Drowning In The Wind
All I Ever Wanted...
Unknowing
Côte
Do No Harm
1111

Constructive R.U.K.U.S. - S/T EP

This one is an obscure EP from 1999 by San Diego group Constructive R.U.K.U.S..

The self-released vinyl comes in different colors, green, red and gold. 

They also made an interesting collab mix-CD with fellow SD artists Roundtable MC's years ago sponsored by skate shoe company Osiris.

One for the collectors.

Here

We Us

Whas Hapnin

Anbesol

Unforgiven

Planet 'Y' Instrumental

VA - Please Pass The Mic...

Way before the Project Blowed compilation (1995) or Beneath The Surface (1998), here's "Please Pass The Mic..." a cassette-only compilation that gathered the cream of the LA underground MCs in 1992.

Given the few hints behind this project -the mysterious Under-Ground Music Company label that only released this thing for instance- it's hard to know who came up with this project really.

But it features a few usual suspects from this area, including the Unity Comittee (future Jurassic 5 and Darkleaf), Big Al (that guy from the This Is The Life documentary?), Foesum under their old Perfection moniker, Trensetta as Funky Trend who questions what colors left to wear when you live in LA in 92, Snoop Dogg and of course Volume 10 who offers an interesting pre-album version of Sho Is Hype. 

Obviously the vibe is more about g-funk and gangsta rap than the Blowed comps, but it's still a nice glimpse into what was the scene like back then.

Here

PERFECTION ft. SNOOP DOGGY DOG - Understand Perfection

UNITY COMMITTEE - Who's Gonna Be The Next Victim

MISTER CIX - 6 In The Clip

PERFECTION - Mack Thang

DED 2 THE WORLD - The Hoes That Won't Dance

MAC-10 - Dungeons & Dragons

BIG AL - Get On The Ride

FUNKY TREND - (Tell Me) What Colors Can I Be Wearin'

SUPERB SK & UNITY COMMITTEE - The Fish Taste Superb

QWYET STORM - Spare The Rod (Spoil The Child)

GP HIP HOP NATION - Is It Good 2 U?

CHOCOLATE TAI - Can I Kill It

VOLUME 10 - Sho Is Hype (But Not My Type)


In another news, Please check the excellent Kemetic Suns post over at Thisisforthehustlers, which features Karma's view over the KS years as well as an unreleased -and great- Ka Auditron Ba album on soundcloud. I wish more artists would come up with articles like that.

Pseudzero - Closed Caskets (An Afterlife Megamix)

The latest mix, dedicated to Afterlife Recordz, enjoy!

Here

CVE - CV Intro                                                                                                                                         

ELLAY KHULE - Illuminum                                                                                                    

HIP HOP KCLAN - Bars Up                                                                                                 

RIFLEMAN - Summa This And Summa That #05                                                              

CVE - Hard In The Paint                                                                                                                 

EASTSIDE BADSTADS & NGA FSH  - Iz Hip Hop Dead?

ELLAY KHULE - Struggle Music                                                                                   

DNAE BEATS F/ ELLAY KHULE - Master Flows                                                               

PTERRADACTO - Primal Rage #13                                                                      

RIFLEMAN F/ MISTER CR - Choppers Anonymous                                                      

CVE - Forever CVE                                                                                                                   

OMID F/ ELLAY KHULE - Sunny Side Up                                  

CALI-RAG - Acap Skit                                                                                                                   

CVE F/ PTERRADACTO & RIFLEMAN - Stay On Phat                                                                      

CVE - Reach To The Mic                                                                                                                       

GUERRILLAH SPIT - Guerrillah Spit                                                                         

PTERRADACTO - Primal Rage #17                                                                                                       

RIDDLORE F/ 2MEX & BUSDRIVER - You Know We Run This Shit                                      

NGA FSH - Dubs                                                                                                                                   

RIDDLORE & DEBMASTER F/ AMEWU - We Love It                                                               

NGA FSH F/ DA TWINS - Where Da Real Heads At?!                                                                           BUSDRIVER - Overshadow                                                                                                          

HIP HOP KCLAN - Massive Meltdown                                                                                     

BUSDRIVER F/ ABSTRACT RUDE - Get On The Bus                                                                         CYPHA 7 - Night Life                                                                                                                               RIDDLORE F/ BUSDRIVER - Sin Cycle                                                                

JIZZM F/ RIDDLORE - Hi Style Takeover         

ELLAY KHULE - Knuckle Sandwich                                                                                       

ELLAY KHULE - Telecommunications                                                                                                 

OF MEXICAN DESCENT F/ SNIZAKE - Medication                                                                           RIDDLORE - I Smell Smoke                                                                                                   

CVE - Not Like Those                                                                                                                           

RIDDLORE F/ LATRENDA, MICOLE, NGA FSH & TRAY LOC -  Can U Love A Villain

Nomadik Mind Travlers - S/T

A regular request here is this pretty obscure cassette from 1999, the self titled album from the Nomadik Mind Travlers.

I don't know much about them but from the few hints we can get at discogs, they appear to be a duo comprised of Intillect and Shaun, and since they both appear on the Agriculture comp and Joe Dub is featured on a track, something tells me they must be from Hawaii (?). Once again, hit up the comment section if you know more.

What you get here is the cassette rip with separate tracks. I also noticed that on each side a track seems to be absent or merged with another one, or maybe it's just a tracklist error..  Those tracks are both 4th tracks on each side (Cut So Quick and Square One).

Here

Hazey Elements

Mind Travlation

Up In The Air ft. Epic Paradox & Joe Dubbs

(Cut So Quick)

Life After ft. Epic Paradox & Sef

If It Was Up To Me

What's This World?

2055

Nature Vs. Man

Devils Tongue

(Square One)

Higher Powers

Shmeez

Freedom ft. Defiance, Epic Paradox & Visionary Force