Pick of the Week (12/16/10)

88-Keys - The Death of Adam

The debut album from rapper and producer 88-keys, released in 2008 and executively produced by Kanye West. Other featured artists include Kid Cudi, J Davey, Redman, Bilal, Phonte of Little Brother, and Shitake Monkey. A great alternative album that should not be ignored.

Just Groovin' Pt. 2 (12/16/10)

Pretty simple this week. Check it out.

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Playlist:

The Foreign Exchange - Come Around

Outkast - LIberation ft. Cee-Lo, Big Rube & Erykah Badu

Theory Hazit - Extra Credit

Talib Kweli - Waiting for the DJ

Madvillain - Great Day

J Dilla - So Far To Go ft. Common & D'Angelo

One Be Lo - Hip Hop Heaven

Blue Scholars - HI 808

De La Soul - Eye Know

Mos Def - Love

Brother Ali - Self Taught

Mighty Underdogs - Escape ft. Mr. Lif & Akrobatik

DJ Jazzy Jeff - All I Know ft. CL Smooth

Crown City Rockers - Astroshocks

DJ Pick

Talib Kweli & Madlib - Liberation

Liberation is a fantastic collaborative effort from Talib Kweli and producer Madlib, which is out on Stones Throw Records in 2007. Not as far-reaching as some of Madlib's other production work, but nonetheless is a great combination of talent.

Throwback Pick

Outkast - Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik

Released back in 1994, Outkast's debut album reshaped the face of southern hip hop, and continues to be an often-referenced example of true funk/jazz inspired hard hitting hip hop. Check it out.

Pick of the Week (12/2/10)

Slum Village - Detroit Deli (A Taste of Detroit)

The fourth studio album from Slum Village released in 2004 saw the group only consisting of Elzhi and T3, as J Dilla had gone solo and Baatin had left. Still, it's solid and the track "Reunion", while not featuring Baatin, is a tribute to how far the group has come (I have yet to hear a more honest and heartfelt song). Show some love and check it out.

Just Groovin' (12/9/10)

It's been a week since Thanksgiving, and we're back on the air for another episode of Beat Seeker!

Tonight, we're just gonna groove to some good sh*t and see where it takes us. Next week we will be checking out the hip hop stylings of .

Hit up Radio 1190 for more awesome music, concert giveaways and more.

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Playlist:

Common - Thelonius

Nas - Poppa Was A Playa

Jaylib - Starz

Strange Fruit Project - Luv Is

MY-G - Push Me ft. Blitz & DJ Chill

Elzhi - Transitional Joint

BK-One & Benzilla - Here I Am ft. Brother Ali, Phonte & The Grouch

Danger Doom - Old School Rules ft. Talib Kweli

Cunninlynguists - Nasty Filthy ft. Supastition & Cashmere the Pro

Gang Starr - Above the Clouds ft. Inspectah Deck

Brother Ali - Star Quality

J Dilla - Workinonit

Naughty By Nature - Uptown Anthem

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

DJ Pick

Elzhi - The Preface

The first full length debut album from Slum Village member Elzhi, The Preface was widely heralded as one of the best albums released in 2008. Hard hitting production by Black Milk and guest spots from the likes of Guilty Simpson, Royce Da 5'9", Phat Kat and Black Milk, this album deserves the praise. Check it out if you want some new Detroit flavor.

Throwback Pick

A Tribe Called Quest - The Anthology

A collection of all their greatest hits, The Anthology is a must have for fans of good old-fashioned soulful hip hop. Released back in 1999, and featuring Erykah Badu on the cover, this album is a great way to get some golden oldies all in one place.

Pick of the Week (11/18/10)

Zion I & The Grouch - Heroes in the City of Dope

Released in 2006, Zion I's collaboration album with The Grouch (of Living Legends) is a straight up fun album to listen to. Production is mostly handled by Amp Live, but the album also features production work from The Grouch himself and Living Legends member Eligh. Great guest spots, good beats and lots of heart.

California Pt. 4! (11/18/10)

Finale time!!! It's been four weeks since we started hittin' up California and the West Coast hip hop scene. Hopefully I got some good stuff in there, and a range of past and present awesomeness.

As always, check out Radio 1190 for more great music, concerts, FREE tickets and other stuff.

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Playlist:

Roc' C - Movin'

One Self - Bluebird

The Foreign Exchange - Raw Life

The Pharcyde - Runnin'

Del Tha Funky Homosapien & Tame One - Keep It Up

Wu-Tang Meets Indie - Listen ft. Planet Asia, Littles & Khalid

Dudley Perkins - Flowers

Evidence - To Be Determined ft. Elzhi & Aloe Blacc

Zion I - Bird's Eye View

Lifesavas - Shine Language

People Under The Stairs - People Riddum

MC Solaar - Leve-toi et Rap

Blue Scholars - North By Northwest

The Mighty Underdogs - Gun Fight ft. MF Doom

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Throwback Pick

The Beatnuts - Street Level (The Samples)

Boasting some great old school New York hip hop, The Beatnuts first full-length studio album hits pretty hard, especially with it's two stand out singles "Hit Me With That" and "Props Over Here". Released in 1994, this is the last album from them that features group member Fashion a.k.a. Al' Tariq. Street Level features guest appearances from Grand Puba, Miss Jones and DJ Sinister.

DJ Pick

Danger Doom - The Mouse & The Mask

Heavily inspired by Cartoon Networks Adult Swim program, the first album by producer Danger Mouse and MF Doom is a daring and exceptional piece of hip hop collaboration. Released in 2005 on Epitaph Records, marking the third hip hop release for the label, The Mouse & The Mask is one of the best experimental albums out there.

Pick of the Week (11/11/10)

Dilated Peoples - 20/20

The fourth album from California hip hop group Dilated Peoples definitely got back some of the swag that they lost on Neighborhood Watch. The album didn't do too well in the mainstream, but for fans it was a godsend with tracks like "Kindness for Weakness" (ft. Talib Kweli), "Back Again" and "You Can't Run, You Can't Hide". Check it out.

California Pt. 3! (11/11/10)

Still going strong on the West Coast!!! Finale is up next, followed by a city/state or region I haven't picked yet. Hit me up with ideas, requests and all that good stuff.

Check out Radio 1190 for more independent awesomeness!

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Playlist:

Move.Meant - Say When

Strong Arm Steady - Cheeba Cheeba

Sara Devine - Take Me Home

Lyrics Born - Callin' Out Remix ft. E-40 & Casual

Swollen Members - Swamp Water ft. Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia & DJ Revolution

J Dilla - Baby ft. Madlib & Guilty Simpson

Ghostface Killah - One ft. T.M.F.

The A-Team - Pump Up The Jam

Dilated Peoples - Kindness for Weakness ft. Talib Kweli

Gang Starr - You Know My Steez

Murs & 9th Wonder - H.U.S.T.L.E.

Blu & Exile - My World Is...

The Visionaries - V-Peat

Defari - Lowlands Anthem Pt. 1

De La Soul - Plug Tunin' (Are You Ready For This)

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Throwback Pick

Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele

Another Wu-Tang second generation solo album, Supreme Clientele had a really strong debut back in 2000, following Ghostface's first solo album Ironman. The album went certified gold, and features guest spots from fellow Wu-Tang affiliates and collaborators RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Redman, Cappadonna and Masta Killa. Dig it hard. That is all.

DJ Pick

Kanye West - The College Dropout

The debut album from Kanye West, before he went all screwy, is such a good album you can't help but respect the man despite 808s & Heartbreak and later musical and personal fiascos. Produced entirely by West and released on Roc-A-Fella Records in 2004, the album was 4 years in making beginning in 1999. You can definitely see the carry-thru from his work on Jay-Z's The Blueprint earlier in 2001, with heart, soul and funk influences really shining through. Should we judge him by his mistakes or his triumphs? One wonders.

Pick of the Week (11/4/10)

Little Brother - Get Back

The third album from North Carolina native group Little Brother (Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh and 9th Wonder), Get Back is a throwback to how dope and fluid hip hop groups used to be. Honestly, you don't even have to listen to the albums when they come out, you know that Little Brother is gonna bring some great material to bear. Check it out, and look for their new album coming in 2010 Leftback.

California Pt. 2 (11/4/10)

Here we go, half way through this West Coast set! Checking out some dope stuff tonight, trying to get some nice range of time periods and styles.

Check out Radio 1190 for all the good stuff as always.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download Show

Playlist:

Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones - Can't Hold Back ft. Treasure Davis

Dilated Peoples - You Can't Hide, You Can't Run

Main Source - Snake Eyes

Jurassic 5 - Freedom

Common Market - Re Fresh

The Beatnuts - Hit Me With That

The Game - Hate It Or Love It ft. 50 Cent

Ras Kass - Billboard #1

Illa J - Strugglin

Swollen Members - Dark Clouds ft. Evidence

Strange Fruit Project - Ready Forum

Giant Panda - Diggin in the Tapes

Naughty By Nature - Feel Me Flow

Abstract Rude - Headcase

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

DJ Pick

John Robinson - I Am Not For Sale

For some inexplicable reason, this album received mediocre reviews from many people who are generally fans of John Robinson and his work as Lil Sci (Scienz of Life). Well, they're wrong. While this might not be a milestone in hip hop or a revolutionary album, it is still a fantastic work showcasing JR's deep abiding love for hip hop in all its forms. If you wanna get down with the sounds of someone who truly believes in the importance of pure hip hop, give it a listen.

Throwback Pick

Method Man - Tical

Back to 1994, Method Man's first solo debut (and the first solo project from any Wu-Tang member), Tical is a fitting look at the dark, murky roots of hip hop. Exclusively produced by The RZA, and featuring guest spots from The RZA himself, Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, among many other Wu-Tang affiliates, the album should be considered and loved in it's proper context.

Pick of the Week (10/28/10)

Jaylib - Champion Sound

Not gonna say much about this album because it doesn't need me too. Produced by both Madlib and J Dilla and released in 2003 on Stones Throw Records, Jaylib is a fantastic collaborative album, especially since we get to hear both the production and vocal talents of both artists throughout. If you don't already have this album, go and get it, because your record collection is missing something without it.

California Pt. 1! (10/28/10)

West Coast, it's your turn! This will be the first of four shows sampling some of the best hip hop the great state of California has to offer, and hopefully will be a great time.

Check out Radio 1190 for more awesome independent music, concerts, up and coming album releases and such!

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download Show

Playlist:

Strong Arm Steady - One Step ft. Talib Kweli

Murs & 9th Wonder - L.A.

The Grouch - The Bay to LA ft. Murs

Zion I - Doin' My Thang

People Under The Stairs - Ste. For Peter Pt. 2 "The Grind"

Styles of Beyond - Mr. Brown

Crown City Rockers - B-Boy

Rakaa - Aces High ft. Fashawn, Evidence & Defari

John Robinson - The Makings of U

L.A. Symphony - King Kong

Myka 9 - Soul Beat

Chali 2na - Lock Shit Down ft. Talib Kweli

Madlib - The Way That I Live

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Throwback Pick

Digable Planets - Reachin' (a new refutation of time and space)

The first of two studio albums from Digable Planets, Reachin' is so much fun to listen to it's almost unbearable. Funk, soul, jazz and hip hop all melded into one beautiful album, it almost makes you want to go back to the 90's. Almost. The group only released two albums, this one in 1993 and Blowout Comb in 1994, but they have since gone on to a reunion tour in 2005, and were planning on another one in 2009 but had to cancel due to Ladybug Mecca's other contractual obligations. Nevertheless, check them out if you miss good hip hop.

DJ Pick

Hieroglyphics - Full Circle

Not to stress the point, but how can you not be down with Del? Certainly making Oakland proud, The Hieroglyphics have been rockin' it since the early 90's, and continue to do so. This was their second studio album released back in 2003, and continues to stand as a testament to the groups status as a fantastic hip hop consortium. Enjoy.

Pick of the Week (10/22/10)

Freeway & Jake One - The Stimulus Package

The fourth studio album from Philadelphia rapper Freeway, and the second from producer Jake One (following White Van Music), The Stimulus Package is everything fans of the Rhymesayers record label have come to expect. Great production, old and new school tracks, and amazing guest spots from Beanie Sigel, Raekwon, and Bun B. Simply put, a great example of solid hip hop that has embraced but not been overrun by the current state of affairs in the industry.

New York Finale! (10/21/10)

Alright, so we have finally come to the fourth week of the New York focus. Have no fear hip hop lovers, there will be more from this wonderful region, but it's time to move on to something a little different for the next 4 weeks: California!!!

Enjoy this show, and hit me up if you can think of other places/regions/cities/countries that we should visit.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download Show

Playlist:

Talib Kweli - Get By (Remix) ft. Mos Def, Jay-Z, Kanye West & Busta Rhymes

Symoblyc One & Illmind - Been Gone ft. Strange Fruit Project, Proh Mic & S'ence

Big Daddy Kane - Raw '91

AZ - Magic Hour ft. CL Smooth

Living Legends - It's Us

Beanie Sigel - Nothing Like It

Buff1 - For U

Pharoahe Monch - Push

Strong Arm Steady - Best of Times ft. Phonte

DJ Krush - Meiso ft. Black Thought & Malik B

Camp Lo - Glow

Digable Planets - Where I'm From

Aloe Blacc - I Need A Dollar

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

DJ Pick

Hi-Tek - Hi-Teknology

Cincinnati native Hi-Tek is well known as a rapper, producer and long-time collaborator of Talib Kweli's, mostly on their Reflection Eternal albums and on Talib Kweli and Mos Def's Black Star recordings. This was his first solo album, released in 2001, and is full of great material that points that way to bigger and better things. The album features guest spots from the likes of Common, Talib Kweli, Main Flow, Cormega, Mos Def, Buckshot and Slum Village.

Throwback Pick

Goodie Mob - Soul Food

One of Atlanta's finest old school hip hop godfather groups, Goodie Mob (The GOOD DIE Mostly Over Bullshit) is a testament to funk and soul influenced southern hip hop. This is their debut album, which was certified gold, and pretty much put Atlanta on the map along with Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Check it out.

Just Because It's Dope

Symbolyc One & Illmind - The Art of OneMind

Man, this album is so good!!! You might know Symbolyc One as the producer and one of the MC's of The Strange Fruit Project, and frankly this album definitely takes its lead from them as far as style goes. Paired up with Illmind, and featuring guests including Ghostface Killah, Little Brother, Kenn Starr, Strange Fruit Project, Median, Supastition, The Procussions and El Da Sensei you can't really go wrong. So much funky hip hop soul goodness!

DJ Pick

Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) - Train of Thought

This album pretty much describes itself. Talib Kweli and Cincinnati native Hi-Tek brought some real material to bear for their first duo debut back in 2000. Since then, they have mostly done solo stuff, but they just released a new album under their Reflection Eternal moniker Revolutions Per Minute. In the same vein as Talib Kweli & Mos Def's Black Star collaborations, this is the real deal. Enjoy!

Throwback Pick

Zion I - Mind Over Matter

Man, what even to say about these guys...Well, the group is composed of DJ AmpLive and MC Zumbi and hail from Oakland, California. While their music definitely has some Bay Area sway, AmpLive's production tends to transcend a lot of attempts at conventional categorization. This is their first studio album, released in 2000, and paved the way for their following 5 albums, with a new one (Atomic Clock) set to drop in November of this year!

Pick of the Week (10/15/10)

Strong Arm Steady - In Search of Stoney Jackson

The second studio album from SAS (as they have been mostly focused on mixtapes) is simply very very good. The group now consists of Phil Da Agony, Mitchy Slick, and Krondon, as Xzbit left the group in 2006. Produced exclusively by Madlib, and featuring such vocal talent as Talib Kweli (who signed SAS to his Blacksmith Records in 2007), Phonte (of Little Brother), Fashawn, Guilty Simpson, and Planet Asia, the album is a great collaborative effort. Dig it.

New York Pt. 3! (10/14/10)

So, we pretty much ROCKED Pledge Drive and are still on the air and going strong! Thanks to everybody who pledged and kept us going, and make sure to wear your t-shirts and hoodies when you get them and rep Radio 1190 for the world to see!

Getting back to regular programming, we are going to embark on the last 2 episodes of New York hip hop. I picked out some of my favorite stuff for this week, so tune in, download it or stream it.

(Big ups to Brent for phoning in a request for the DSL track, which was some awesome french electro hip hop.)

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download Show

Playlist:

Sean Price - Onion Head

A Tribe Called Quest - Award Tour

N.A.S.A. - NASA Music ft. Method Man & E-40

Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek - The Blast

The Roots - The Next Movement

Pete Rock - Rock Steady Pt. II ft. Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz

One Be Lo - House Rules

Felt - Woman Tonight

Group Home - Livin' Proof

Freeway - Microphone Killa ft. Young Chris

DSL - Find Me In The World

Guru - When You're Near

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Throwback Pick

Pete Rock - Lost & Found: Hip Hop Underground Soul Classics

A two album set (Center of Attention & The Original Baby Pa), this compilation was originally recorded and produced almost exclusively by Pete Rock in 1995. Released in 2003, both albums finally saw the light of day, despite the fact that Pete Rock publicly stated that it was released by BBE Records without his permission. Leaving all the industry BS aside, these albums are what real soul hip hop is and should continue to aspire too. One time for your mind.

DJ Pick

Edgar Allen Floe - Floe Almighty

Native of North Carolina and member of Justus League and The Undefined, Edgar Allen Floe definitely has the goods. Released in 2006 as his sophomore album, after True Links, Floe Almighty is a great showcasing platform for his versatility and intellect. Check it.

Pick of the Week (10/9/10)

Jurassic 5 - Quality Control

Formed in 1993 by emcee's Akil, Zaakir, Chali 2na, Mark 7even and DJ's Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist, Jurassic 5 is one of my favorite all-time underground hip hop groups. This album was released in 2000 (and the second album I ever bought) before Cut Chemist left the group to do his solo thing. Real vibe for your ride.

Throwback Pick

Big L - The Big Picture (1974-1999)

Just sit back and chill, and listen to what a real up-and-coming working hip hop artist used to sound like (Young Money, eat your heart out). The album was only half finished when Big L was killed, and was finished by producers and collaborators that he had worked with before as a kind of tribute album. The album went on to be certified gold, and Big L is referenced and remembered in many other classic tracks (see the Gang Starr track Full Clip for a good idea).

Pledge Drive Pt. 2 (10/7/10)

Week 2 of Pledge Drive is underway, and our second to last day is upon us! If you want to support independent music, pledge at Radio 1190 right now!

If you don't want to pledge online, you can call 303-735-ROCK and pledge that way! Talk to our volunteers for 2 minutes, get t-shirts, rocket cards, concert tickets, and lots of other schwag! Get with it people, keep Radio 1190 alive!!!

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download Show

Playlist:

Gang Starr - Full Clip

Ladybug Mecca - Dogg Star

Wade Waters - The Quickening

Rakim - When I Be On The Mic

Jaylib - The Red

Big L - Fall Back ft. Kool G Rap

RJD2 - Ghostwriter

De La Soul - Thru Ya City

Gift of Gab - Dreamin' ft. Del The Funky Homosapien & Brother Ali

Evidence - For Whom The Bells Toll ft. Elzhi & Aloe Blacc

Felt - Marvin Gaye

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Pick of the Week (10/5/10)

Evidence - The Layover

A member of Dilated Peoples (Rakaa Iriscience, DJ Babu, Evidence), Evidence is a native of California and an influential producer and MC. This is his second solo album, released in 2008, and features production by North Carolina native Khrysis, DJ Babu, The Alchemist, and Evidence himself. The album features Phonte (of Little Brother), Blu, Defari, Krondon (of Strong Arm Steady), Fashawn, Aloe Blacc, and Elzhi (of Slum Village).

DJ Pick

J Dilla - Jay Love Japan

A little bit of misleading information surrounds this album, whether it was supposed to be a solely instrumental EP, an instrumental EP with a few vocal guest stars, or a straight up album. Despite all this, it remains a great album and one of the last works Dilla finished before he died.

Pledge Drive Pt. 1 (9/30/10)

Well, day two of Radio 1190's Fall 2010 Pledge Drive is underway! This and next weeks shows don't have a regional focus, rather we're just going to groove to some good s#@t.

If you want to pledge and keep independent radio on the air, go to Radio 1190 and pledge online, or call 303-735- ROCK and talk to one of our volunteers for 2 minutes and pledge that way! (There is so much shwag available it's insane, so pledge now and get a t-shirt, stickers, concert tickets, cd packs and much more!)

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download Show

Playlist:

Strange Fruit Project - Get Live ft. Erykah Badu

Theory Hazit - Just Another Day

DJ Jazzy Jeff - Hold It Down ft. Method Man

Jurassic 5 - Quality Control

Buff1 - Goodness Music

Dilated Peoples - Poisonous ft. Devin the Dude

A Tribe Called Quest - Check The Rhyme

Zion I - Caged Bird Pt. 1 ft. Brother Ali

Mighty Underdogs - Ill Vacation ft. Lyrics Born

BK - One - Mega ft. Aceyalone, Myka 9 & Abstract Rude

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Pick of the Week (9/29/10)

Buff1 - There's Only One

Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Buff1's sophomore album is a freakin classic. Formerly part of the collaborative group Athletic Mic League (AML), Buff1 went solo with his 2007 album Pure. There's Only One features guest spots by Mayer Hawthorne a.k.a. DJ Haircut, Black Milk and DJ Rhettmatic. Check it out!

DJ Pick

The Strange Fruit Project - Soul Travelin'

The Strange Fruit Project consists of emcee/producer Symbolyc One, emcee Myth and emcee Myone. They hail from Waco, Texas and are one of the most uncompromisingly great underground hip hop groups making music right now. If you like spiritual, hopeful hip hop, this is for you. Also, check out their 2006 album The Healing if you're digging this.

New York Pt. 2! (9/23/10)

New York Pt. 2 is here! For the next two shows, Radio 1190 will be in the midst of our Fall 2010 Pledge Drive, so Pt. 3 of the NY series will be a little while in coming. However, we're still going to have shows during Pledge Drive, so stay tuned.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download Show

Playlist:

Gang Starr - Royalty ft. K-Ci & JoJo

Eric B & Rakim - I Ain't No Joke

C-Rayz Walz - '86

Nas - Hustlers ft. The Game

Camp Lo - Luchini (This Is It)

Killah Priest - Black August

Immortal Technique - Crossing the Boundary

Digable Planets - Dial 7 (Axioms of Creamy Spies)

88-Keys - Handcuff'Em

Wu Tang Meets The Indie Culture - Biochemical Equation ft. RZA & MF Doom

Talib Kweli - Supreme Supreme ft. Mos Def

Styles P - The Life ft. Pharoahe Monch

DangerDoom - The Mask ft. Ghostface Killah

J-Live - The Upgrade ft. Oddisee & Posdanous

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Throwback Pick

Gang Starr - Moment of Truth

In all honesty, this album doesn't even need a descriptive blurb. The Gang Starr legacy will live on for a long time to come, even with all the noise and other crap surrounding Guru's death. Let the music speak for itself. Enjoy.

DJ Pick

Jr and Ph7 - The Standard LP

German production duo Jr and Ph7 hit the scene pretty hard with this release, featuring guest MC's including Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Supastition, Oddisee, Skyzoo, Edgar Allen Floe, Edo G, and Median. Each song really focuses on the native style and flow of the guest stars, and on the whole the album is a fantastic attempt at presenting a cross-section of American hip hop.

Unfortunately, this album wasn't released in the States, but it can be found on itunes.

Throwback Pick

Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Mecca and the Soul Brother

Do you remember where you were in 1992? I would like to say I was out coping this album, but I was probably chillin in my crib (an actual crib, not a ridiculously over-the-top unnecessary place to hang your hat) with some Dr. Seuss. If you're missing this from your collection, get it right now! If you already have it, go bump it really loud for all your neighbors!

Pick of the Week (9/17/10)

One Be Lo - The R.E.B.I.R.T.H.

Michigan MC One Be Lo a.k.a. One Man Army (half of celebrated group Binary Star) strikes a great balance between conscious, intellectual thought and straight up banging down your block hits. Released in 2007 (after many other solo albums), The R.E.B.I.R.T.H.(Real Emcees Bring Intelligent Rhymes To Hip-Hop) is one of my favorite all-encompassing comprehensive albums ever!

DJ Pick

The Foreign Exchange - Connected

The Foreign Exchange, or Phonte (of Little Brother fame) and Dutch producer Nicolay, have an rather unusual story. They never actually met in person until they started touring to promote the album. They created this entire album, a widely recognized alternative hip hop classic, by email and such over the internet. Great collaboration, and great end product. If you like this, check out their other albums!

New York Pt. 1 (9/16/10)

East Coast get live! Here's part 1 (hopefully of 3) explorations into the sounds of New York City/Long Island hip hop. Check out Radio 1190 to listen to our live netcast 24/7, and check out Basementalism for more hip hop on saturdays from 4-7!

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download Show

Playlist:

AZ - I'm Back ft. El Shaber a.k.a. Daddy Rose

Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Return of the Mecca

Big L - Flamboyant

Inspectah Deck - City High

Pharoahe Monch - Desire

De La Soul - No

Danger Mouse & Jemini - Omega Supreme

Talib Kweli & Madlib - Funny Money

Large Professor - Hardcore Hip Hop

Ali Shaheed Muhammed - Lord Can I Have This Mercy

Dead Prez - Hip Hop

John Robinson - Always Bless

Souls of Mischief - Cabfare

Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass

Mos Def - Mathematics

*The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

North Carolina! (9/9/10)

Despite being a little distracted by the raging forest fire close to my house, here is the third installment of Beat Seeker. Also, check out Radio 1190 for awesome independent music!

(I realize that I neglected to play some Justus League, being one of the biggest collaborative groups in North Carolina, but I don't have any edited stuff. I'm planning on getting some for a future show. Stay tuned.)

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download File

Playlist:

Nicolay & Kay - Blizzard ft. Toby Hill

Little Brother - Good Clothes

Median - How Big Is Your World

Common Market - Trouble Is

The Foreign Exchange - Hustle Hustle

Pete Rock - Best Kept Secret ft. Lords of the Underground

Edgar Allen Floe - Nametag Streetwise

John Robinson - I Am Not For Sale

Supastition - Soul Control ft. Little Brother

Mike Bigga a.k.a. Killer Mike - Guru Salute

Kooley High - Eastern Standard Time

Little Brother - Do It To Death ft. Supastition & Rhymefest

Nicolay - I Am The Man

Pete Rock - Da Villa ft. Slum Village

Strong Arm Steady - One Step ft. Talib Kweli

* The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Welcome to Detroit (9/2/10)

Tonight, less the technical difficulties, we explored some Detroit hip hop! I have to say I love this stuff. Heavy bass, crisp drums, a little synth in there now and again, just generally all around bangers every time. Mostly just stuck to the greats tonight; heavy on the J Dilla (for obvious reasons), some Black Milk, Royce Da 5'9", Guilty Simpson, Elzhi, Phat Kat, Slum Village (old and new) and Big Tone for some new up and coming flavor.

My personal highlight was the track "Little Young" by Masta Ace and Edo G off there album Arts & Entertainment. By no means a track to raise your kids too, but in its fashion a strong statement about the current predicament of hip hop culture. The only two artists that they dissed for having 'little' in front of there names that I don't agree with were Little Brother (one of my personal favorite groups) and Lil Fame of M.O.P. (also a favorite group, although for an entirely different mood). Otherwise, the song really hit home, and I'm just thankful that an artist (in this case a duo) had the balls to say what a lot of hip hop lovers are thinking. (The Craig G and Marley Marl song I played goes along in this vein as well).

Check out the playlist, download the show, hit me up, share your love of hip hop etc...

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download File

Playlist:

Slum Village - Reunion

Black Milk - The Matrix ft. Pharoahe Monch, Sean Price and DJ Premier

J Dilla - In the Streets (Instrumental)

Graig G and Marley Marl - Just What I Need

Big Tone - Skin Deep ft. Monica Blaire

Jr and Ph7 - Summer Chill ft. Edgar Allen Floe

Elzhi - The Leak ft. Ayah

Phat Kat - Nasty Ain't It?

Madlib - Blow Ya Horns On Em' ft. Guilty Simpson

Masta Ace and Edo G - Little Young

Royce Da 5'9" - Independent's Day

Slum Village - Tainted ft. Dwele

I Self Divine - All I Know

Atmosphere - Trying to Find A Balance

Madlib - Yo Yo Affair pt. 1 & 2

* The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.

Until next week!

Pick of the Week (9/3/10)

Wade Waters - Dark Water

Out of Chicago, Wade Waters is a duo consisting of Soulstice and Haysoos. This is there debut album, composed entirely after hours, as Soulstice works for the Department of Defense during the day!

Check them out if you wanna groove to some soulful hip hop with integrity and heart.

DJ Pick

Big Tone - The Art of Ink

Detroit classic in the making, Big Tone gives hip hop lovers a reason to hope for a brighter future in the era of Young Money and other such wackness. This is his sophomore album, and really doesn't leave much wanting. Dig it hard and enjoy!

Chicago Stand Up! (8/26/10)

Alright, so last night was the first installment of my weekly show on Radio 1190. You can check out the station at radio1190.org for ridiculously awesome old and new independent, non-commercial music of all genres.

This blog will basically serve to get the playlist for Beat Seeker up for anybody who wants to see exactly what was played. Other than that, this is an open forum for anybody wanting to offer constructive criticism, share their love of hip hop, or let me know about artists that you all might like to hear or that i might not be familiar with.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEEKS SHOW: Download File

(It doesn't start until 5:35)

Playlist:

Diverse - Certified

Outkast - Rosa Parks

GZA - Pencil

Wade Waters - Rock Solid ft. Cuban Link

Psalm One - Standby ft. Brother Ali & Ant

eMC - Who we be

De La Soul - Much More

Rhymefest - All I Do

Soulstice - The Melody

Jr and Ph7 - I don't know why ft. Oddisee

Lupe Fiasco - Real ft. Sarah Green

Strange Fruit Project - Take it slow ft. Bavu

J Dilla - Love ft. Pharaoh Monch

Roc' C - Movin'

* The bold songs/artists will always be from the weekly region/city/state that we're checkin out.