One Time For The Sunshine.

Here's a dope new video from Fusion Unltd. called "The Sun" featuring Little Brother, Nickelus F, H.O.F & Skillz. I'm diggin this one. With the spring in full effect, and summer creepin on the come up, this is perfect. It's the definition of feel good music. I mean, come on, the song is about the sun. And everybody loves the sunshine...just ask Roy Ayers.

Throwback Thursdays.

I kind of stole this idea from the homie Eazee and Thurz (from U-N-I), but fuck it. I haven't seen that shit copyrighted yet, so until they send me a cease and desist notice, I'mma keep it rolling. Every week, I'll throw up an old school or nostalgic video. Sometimes, I'll go waaaay back. Other times, just a few years. You'll never know. Every week will be a brand new mini-cinematic adventure. So hop in the DeLorean with me, and let's take this bitch to 88 MPH.

I set it off with a classic track from the Rawkus vaults circa 1999. The High & Mighty's " B-Boy Document" featuring Mos Def and Mad Skillz. This song got crazy play in my CD player. But ironically, I can't remember ever seeing this video until today. Thank you, YouTube.

The Wire: 5 Season "Rap" Up by Skillz.

This is the greatest thing I've ever seen. All five seasons of HBO's hit series, The Wire, "rapped" up... in 5 minutes by the king of Rap Ups, Skillz. It's fresh because they even flipped the show's theme song for the beat. FYI: The Wire is the best show to ever grace the television since the existence of television. Yeah, I said it. No, you can't disagree.

If you haven't seen the show, you probably won't enjoy it as much. If you've never it, but plan on watching the show (Nicole), don't watch this because it spoils the entire series. Consider yourself warned.

Skillz Rap Up 2008.

I know I'm a few days late, but fuck it. I was on vacation. Here's Skillz legendary yearly Rap Up for 2008. He touches on everything from the past year in hip-hop including Rick Ross's past, 50's beef, Yung Berg's chain, Kanye's auto-tune, and of course the moment of the year, Obama. It's one of the best Rap Ups I've ever heard. Props to Skillz.

DOWNLOAD: Skillz - 2008 Rap Up

New Releases: July 22nd

Its new music Tuesday, so lets get you caught up on what's dropping dropped today. I know I'm mad late on this, but work has been crazier than Mike Tyson off is medication . As always, I've included a sample download to wet your whistle. Remember, this is just a taste... Go out and support (purchase) good music.

Skillz - "The Million Dollar Backpack"

First up, the industry's most famous ghostwriter, Skillz, drops his third solo album, The Million Dollar Backpack. Well known for crazy sick freestyle ability and his year end “Rap Up”, the Virginia emcee calls on some of the biggest names in the game to lend a helping hand on his album, including Common, Talib Kweli, and Black Thought.

BONUS: Skillz - "Hold Tight" (feat. Black Thought)



Black Wall Street - "Welcome to Wall Street: Let the Hazing Begin"

For those who can't wait until the Game drops his upcoming album, L.A.X., have no fear. You can get a taste test on the new offering from Black Wall Street. The album, featuring the likes of the Game, Clyde Carson, Juice, DJ Haze, and Nu Jerzey Devil, is titled Welcome To Wall Street: Let The Hazing Begin.

BONUS: Came (feat. Clyde Carson) - "CA State of Mind" (this song is not on this album, but appears on their latest mixtape, Bang Bang Radio Pt. 1. I couldn't get my hands on any of the new BWS material. Sue me)



Hell Rell - "Black Mask, Black Gloves"

In case you were feenin for some of that sensational Dip-Set music (and who isn't?), Hell Rell has got you covered. The diplomats member drops his gritty sophomore album Black Mask Black Gloves, bringing that infamous hard-hitting New York street rap. With an album title like that, I'm assuming there's a song about robbery, homicide or a similar, but equally street credible crime. It just better not be some soft misdemeanor shit, like a B & E. Bacon and Egg? No... "Breaking and Entering."

Fuck a fair one, I get mine the fast way...ski mask way. (c) Biggie Smalls.

BONUS: Hell Rell - "Get Ready"



The Cappatilize Project"

Also dropping today, the 10th member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Cappadonna is back with his album The Cappatalize Project. It's his fourth solo album -- which is more than Raekwon, U-God, Masta Killa, and Inspectah Deck, and this cat was the LAST member to join the Wu. Come on gods, get ya weight up. I don't want to believe Raekwon is lazy. Cappa's album was originally slated as an online release only, but he picked up some distribution so it will be available in stores now as well... so make sure you “cappatalize” on that. See what I did there?

BONUS: Cappaddona - "Tug Dat Ropet"



Reks - "Grey Hairs"

I'm not going to lie to you, I don't know too much about Reks expect he's from Boston, and his last studio album was released 7 years ago. His first, Along Came teh Chosen, was an underground classic. The highly touted Beantown emcee drops his sophomore album Grey Hairs which features apperances from Reks' crew like Termanology and Krumbsnatcher, but also heavyweights like DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Consequence. This is definite head nod material.

BONUS: Reks - "Big Dreamers" (Lawtown Remix)(feat. Termanology & Krumbsnatcha)

Skillz Freestyle on Rap City.

Because I know nobody still watches that show...

Skillz, J.Period & Don Cannon Present "Design Of A Decade: The 90’s Mixtape"

Skillz just finished a mixtape hosted by J. Period and Don Cannon – basically Skillz rhyming over golden era hip hop classics from the 90s. He sums it up nicely on his blog:

Now I don’t do that many mixtapes, I think I may have like 5 or 6 to my credit. Maybe because I just dont really get inspired to spit over whats hot right now and leak it to the world. I feel like doing something special when I do something, something that will stand out from what else is being at the moment. Picture me rapping over Lollipop right now?? LOL, aint happening homie! So I came up with this idea to do a mixtape series on decades of music. I had to start with the 90’s cuz that music influenced me the most. And when I started pulling songs it was a zillion, I couldn’t decide on which ones that I wanted to do. So these songs are me paying respect to the cats who inspired me. I still get in the car and pick a week where I just listen to one artist all week whenever Im in the car so I can remember how I felt when I first heard those songs. Like last week I listened to Eric B & Rakim all week long, every song, every album. It helps to inspire me ya know? I can’t get inspired by what I hear on the radio. I titled the songs by their initials so you wont know what I did over until to hear the actual song, so check it out, ride with it (it plays perfect in a ipod) vibe to it and hopefully I can make you feel the way I felt while making it. Shout to Cannon & J. Period for making it with me…look out for future volumes cuz I can do these joints all day long!! LOL! Make a playlist and rock out to…DESIGN OF A DECADE THE 90′S COLLECTION

Download here.