Elzhi - "Halftime"

One of Detroit's greats is covering the hip hop classic "Illmatic" with live music from Will Sessions.  The mixtape, aptly titled "Elmatic", is due to drop May 10th. I've heard a few cuts and they all sound pretty dope.  No one's expecting this to be Nas; Elzhi included.  He's paying homage and paying it well.  Check out the video from his version of the classic, "Halftime".

Lauryn's Ill

If I could list musicians, dead or alive, that I would love to sit and talk to one-on-one, Lauryn Hill would definitely be at the top of that list. She's embodies alot of what is good about music. Talent, innovation, intelligence, and integrity. She's a force only held back by her high standards, which is really to be commended. Here's a clip of her at this year's Coachella festival. Peep her performance. She's still a beast.


http://videobam.com/Pbcnt?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4dad9b97a444f4a0%2C0

ATCQ - What Really Goes On

The link below pulled from www.okayplayer.com is from an interview that Sway from MTV conducted with Q-Tip, Jarobi, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest.  The interview addresses the issues that they have with the recently premiered documentary on the group's legacy.  There have been issues with how they are being portrayed in the film among other things.  This is their side of the story.  I hope things work out for the sake of the group and all of their fans.


http://www.okayplayer.com/news/video-a-tribe-called-quest-breaks-silence-on-documentary-concerns.html

The Roots Are AMAZING - "The Legendary: A Film About The Roots"

I knew the roots were something special when I bought their "Distortion to Static" single with "The Lesson" on the B-side back in '94.  Since then, I've found them to be the most consistently creative rap group out there, not to mention the premier band called on by hip hop's elite to supply the backdrop for life altering live perfomances.  If you need proof, watch Jimmy Fallon every week night on NBC for an unmatched dose of musical dexterity.  The film "The Legendary: A Film About The Roots" is a brief lesson for those who have thoroughly dozed on one of hip hop's greatest groups.  Take notes on how to rock live, embody versatility, and still keep it hip hop regardless to who's watching.

\http://vimeo.com/20022107

J-Dilla Still Shining

Wow, this made my day.  Five years ago, hip hop lost an icon.  J-Dilla aka Jay Dee outta Detroit, the father of the neo-soul sound, creator of classic beats blessed by Erykah Badu, Common, De La Soul, Janet Jackson, Q Tip, Busta Rhymes, The Pharcyde, and many, many more, passed away from Lupus, leaving a musical legacy that is to this day unmatched.  In the link below, fellow hip hop enthusiast B Kyle from www.okayplayer.com has compiled a wonderful 40 minute film honoring his memory and the impact he had on music as a whole.  I mean, this cat influenced those who influenced him musically.  Who can say that???  We truly miss him in the music industry and pray that his genius is never forgotten.  Enjoy.


"J.Dilla: Still Shining" from B.Kyle on Vimeo.

HEAVY D-"I CANT"..F/ANTHONY HAMILTON

This is one of the few cats in the game ever to have a mainly commercial sound, but still get respect from all the hardcore underground cats, too.  He's worked with everyone: Gangstarr, Pete Rock, the Notorious BIG, Q Tip, K-Ci & JoJo, BB King, Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and many more.  His new single features Anthony Hamilton and looks to be produced by Pete Rock.  Classic Heav.

http://www.swift.fm/heavyd/song/89349/

Oddisee - "A Year In"

This young cat out of the DMV (aka DC/Maryland/Virginia) has been a fav of mines for the last two years.  One third of the collective Diamond District, Oddisee is currently one of my favorite producers.  Below is a collection of his favorite collabs from 2010.  I'm really loving this compilation.  Enjoy.