jeudi 28 décembre 2017

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.



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)

samedi 16 décembre 2017

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

lundi 4 décembre 2017

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



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

jeudi 23 novembre 2017

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!



samedi 11 novembre 2017

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.



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

samedi 4 novembre 2017

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.



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

samedi 28 octobre 2017

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!



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

lundi 23 octobre 2017

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.



A
Home Improvement
Untitled Beat
Home Improvement (Instrumental)

B
Condiments
Born To Blow Up

dimanche 22 octobre 2017

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:



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

samedi 7 octobre 2017

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.



A
Don't Sleep
2026
Parasites
Orphan Exhibit

B
Syllabullets
World Wars
Don't Sleep (Instrumental)

samedi 30 septembre 2017

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:



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

samedi 23 septembre 2017

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

jeudi 7 septembre 2017

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

vendredi 1 septembre 2017

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'':



Elevation ft. Nick Faulty & Tashi Numbaone
Saturate Da Underground ft. Odessa Kane & Orko The Sycotik Alien
Battle Words
Sabotage
Da Tribute
Backwords

dimanche 27 août 2017

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.



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

lundi 31 juillet 2017

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.



Human Race
Cannibalistic
Tangent Rocks
Sushi
Goes Like This
Off The Hook

jeudi 20 juillet 2017

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...



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...

mercredi 12 juillet 2017

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!



The Outcome (Street Version)
The Outcome (Radio)
The Outcome (Instrumental)
The Outcome (Accapella)
Warnin Shots
Devils
Mount Vernon
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled

samedi 1 juillet 2017

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

samedi 24 juin 2017

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.

lundi 19 juin 2017

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

jeudi 8 juin 2017

Pseudzero - Westakoasta (CD version)



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

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!

mardi 6 juin 2017

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.

mercredi 31 mai 2017

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

vendredi 26 mai 2017

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...



Cordless Mics ft. Pismo & Rasco
How Many Stars ft. L'Roneous
Keep It Movin
Fanna Burn ft. Rakaa Iriscience
How Soon We Forget

vendredi 19 mai 2017

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!



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...

dimanche 7 mai 2017

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...

mercredi 3 mai 2017

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

jeudi 20 avril 2017

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.



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

lundi 10 avril 2017

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!





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

jeudi 6 avril 2017

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.

mercredi 22 mars 2017

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)

samedi 11 mars 2017

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.



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 - ??

mercredi 8 mars 2017

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.



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

samedi 25 février 2017

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

mardi 21 février 2017

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.



We Us
Whas Hapnin
Anbesol
Unforgiven
Planet 'Y' Instrumental

jeudi 19 janvier 2017

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.



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.

vendredi 13 janvier 2017

Pseudzero - Closed Caskets (An Afterlife Megamix)


The latest mix, dedicated to Afterlife Recordz, enjoy!



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

dimanche 8 janvier 2017

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).



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