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Headed out deep into the 909 yesterday to check out the 6th Annual Paid Dues Festival, put together again by MURS and the folks at Guerilla Union. The festival has continued to grow since its beginning in ‘06, expanding from its independent hip-hop roots by bringing together artists with different styles from all over. There’s few things better than everyone coming together to enjoy the sunshine, thumping bass, and good vibes so I knew it was gonna be a good day.

Got there a little later than we had planned, so we unfortunately missed Casey Veggies and Dom Kennedy, among others (although Dom is performing in LA and the OC on back to back nights this week so I got over that pretty quickly). We made it in time to catch Black Hippy, the group consisting of Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q. The four had the crowd up, each performing some solo stuff before coming together as a group. Kendrick Lamar had a special buzz going after performing “Pussy and Patron” and “Michael Jordan.” Look for him to have a bigger spot in the show if he returns next year.

Asher Roth and Nottz, as Rawth, delivered my favorite performance of the night as it started getting dark. The thirty minute set was all you could’ve wanted from the two. Asher played some old and new and guided a quick tour through the game-changing work Nottz has accomplished, w/ DJ Recognize showing how a hip-hop DJ can get a crowd hyped in between songs.

The Grindtime Now stage had MCs battling and performing inside a UFC cage, the “hip-hoptagon.” The novelty was pretty cool at first but it was just in the way after a little while. Slaughterhouse headlined, showing up late but bringing the heat once they made their way to the stage. Unfortunately missed MURS due to set times being switched around, but caught him covering Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade” at the end, which was dope. Natural entertainer, MURS has never disappointed with his live act. Immortal Technique killed his set, bringing his inspiring revolutionary message with him. One of the homies cracked some joke about “Che Technique.” Mos Def and Talib Kweli’s re-union as Black Star was the main headliner. I’m a big fan but as a headliner I think they could’ve played more of their popular shit, especially with all the anticipation. Mos Def’s red old school microphone was full of swag though. Sorry for the lack of media, my phone’s been dropped too many times to take clear pictures or videos with clear sound… working on getting that fixed.

Another solid Paid Dues, especially considering the ticket included the price of second-hand smoke. My only complaint (I can’t be the only one who thinks this) is the over-use of the hype man in so many acts. I’d rather hear the artist performing the track than have someone yelling random lines. It’s like when you don’t know all the lyrics to a song and you’re trying to sing along. Sounds so much better without it. Got some good shows comin’ up in the next month, check the Upcoming Events to see where you’ll find us!

+Jangbar

BONUS

Asher dropped the video for “Gotta Get Up” today, pretty interesting visuals… we’ve all been there.

 

FULL POST

Headed out deep into the 909 yesterday to check out the 6th Annual Paid Dues Festival, put together again by MURS and the folks at Guerilla Union. The festival has continued to grow since its beginning in ‘06, expanding from its independent hip-hop roots by bringing together artists with different styles from all over. There’s few things better than everyone coming together to enjoy the sunshine, thumping bass, and good vibes so I knew it was gonna be a good day.

Got there a little later than we had planned, so we unfortunately missed Casey Veggies and Dom Kennedy, among others (although Dom is performing in LA and the OC on back to back nights this week so I got over that pretty quickly). We made it in time to catch Black Hippy, the group consisting of Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q. The four had the crowd up, each performing some solo stuff before coming together as a group. Kendrick Lamar had a special buzz going after performing “Pussy and Patron” and “Michael Jordan.” Look for him to have a bigger spot in the show if he returns next year.

Asher Roth and Nottz, as Rawth, delivered my favorite performance of the night as it started getting dark. The thirty minute set was all you could’ve wanted from the two. Asher played some old and new and guided a quick tour through the game-changing work Nottz has accomplished, w/ DJ Recognize showing how a hip-hop DJ can get a crowd hyped in between songs.

The Grindtime Now stage had MCs battling and performing inside a UFC cage, the “hip-hoptagon.” The novelty was pretty cool at first but it was just in the way after a little while. Slaughterhouse headlined, showing up late but bringing the heat once they made their way to the stage. Unfortunately missed MURS due to set times being switched around, but caught him covering Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade” at the end, which was dope. Natural entertainer, MURS has never disappointed with his live act. Immortal Technique killed his set, bringing his inspiring revolutionary message with him. One of the homies cracked some joke about “Che Technique.” Mos Def and Talib Kweli’s re-union as Black Star was the main headliner. I’m a big fan but as a headliner I think they could’ve played more of their popular shit, especially with all the anticipation. Mos Def’s red old school microphone was full of swag though. Sorry for the lack of media, my phone’s been dropped too many times to take clear pictures or videos with clear sound… working on getting that fixed.

Another solid Paid Dues, especially considering the ticket included the price of second-hand smoke. My only complaint (I can’t be the only one who thinks this) is the over-use of the hype man in so many acts. I’d rather hear the artist performing the track than have someone yelling random lines. It’s like when you don’t know all the lyrics to a song and you’re trying to sing along. Sounds so much better without it. Got some good shows comin’ up in the next month, check the Upcoming Events to see where you’ll find us!

+Jangbar

BONUS

Asher dropped the video for “Gotta Get Up” today, pretty interesting visuals… we’ve all been there.

 

Unofficial mixtape from Actor/Comedian/MC Childish Gambino released this week, titled “I Do Not Talk.” The tape highlights Gambino’s earlier work and shows the progression to his current sound. If you haven’t listened, Childish Gambino is the stage name of Donald Glover, who stars on the TV show ‘Community‘ and also performs as a comedian. His entertainment background is definitely reflected in his flow; he’s developed a nice ability to play with words as if there’s a controller attached. His more recent material on “EP” succeeds in straddling the line between continuous wit and rhythm… it’s almost tempting to dub his style geek-rap. I haven’t had the chance to catch his live show but it’s tough to go wrong with stand-up and live music together (he’ll be in LA on 4/27… tickets. Grab both “EP” and “I Do Not Talk” below.

If you’re gonna be at Paid Dues this weekend hit me up!

+Jangbar

Childish Gambino – I Do Not Talk | DOWNLOAD
Childish Gambino – EP | DOWNLOAD

Childish Gambino – Freaks and Geeks

Childish Gambino – Lights Turned On

BONUS

XXL’s 2011 Freshman Class: The Mixtape gives a taste of the talent from all the artists on the list. Also includes new tracks from BIG K.R.I.T., Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, and others.

FULL POST

Unofficial mixtape from Actor/Comedian/MC Childish Gambino released this week, titled “I Do Not Talk.” The tape highlights Gambino’s earlier work and shows the progression to his current sound. If you haven’t listened, Childish Gambino is the stage name of Donald Glover, who stars on the TV show ‘Community‘ and also performs as a comedian. His entertainment background is definitely reflected in his flow; he’s developed a nice ability to play with words as if there’s a controller attached. His more recent material on “EP” succeeds in straddling the line between continuous wit and rhythm… it’s almost tempting to dub his style geek-rap. I haven’t had the chance to catch his live show but it’s tough to go wrong with stand-up and live music together (he’ll be in LA on 4/27… tickets. Grab both “EP” and “I Do Not Talk” below.

If you’re gonna be at Paid Dues this weekend hit me up!

+Jangbar

Childish Gambino – I Do Not Talk | DOWNLOAD
Childish Gambino – EP | DOWNLOAD

Childish Gambino – Freaks and Geeks

Childish Gambino – Lights Turned On

BONUS

XXL’s 2011 Freshman Class: The Mixtape gives a taste of the talent from all the artists on the list. Also includes new tracks from BIG K.R.I.T., Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, and others.

Alot of projects comin’ in hot the past few weeks: Chip Tha Ripper’s bass-slappin Gift Raps, Pac Div’s Mania!, The Original Dom Kennedy, among others. Today we got another, the solo debut of Sir Michael Rocks. The artist formerly known as Mikey Rocks (one half of The Cool Kids) brings the same heat on his first tape without Chuck. Starts off with a little distortion on “Hate Me Too” that goes hard (would love to see more use of that), continues with a couple instant jams like “Coochie Crook” and some storytelling skills in “Deal Went Sour.” All with the fresh demeanor that can only be pulled off by the dude that can rock the leather strap hat. Mr. Rocks has definitely matured since his early shit with the Cool Kids. 25 tracks on this bad boy with a few features and some skits. Check it (and get that bracket ready)

+Jangbar

Sir Michael Rocks – The Rocks Report | DOWNLOAD

Sir Michael Rocks – Coochie Crook
Sir Michael Rocks – Hate Me Too ft. Sir Charles

BONUS

Kanye West – All of The Lights Remix ft. Lil’ Wayne, Big Sean, Drake +++

If you haven’t already, make sure to grab Mac Miller’s much-hyped Best Day Ever. Just a kid havin a good time makin’ tunes, more positive vibes from Mac. Two thumbs up!

FULL POST

Alot of projects comin’ in hot the past few weeks: Chip Tha Ripper’s bass-slappin Gift Raps, Pac Div’s Mania!, The Original Dom Kennedy, among others. Today we got another, the solo debut of Sir Michael Rocks. The artist formerly known as Mikey Rocks (one half of The Cool Kids) brings the same heat on his first tape without Chuck. Starts off with a little distortion on “Hate Me Too” that goes hard (would love to see more use of that), continues with a couple instant jams like “Coochie Crook” and some storytelling skills in “Deal Went Sour.” All with the fresh demeanor that can only be pulled off by the dude that can rock the leather strap hat. Mr. Rocks has definitely matured since his early shit with the Cool Kids. 25 tracks on this bad boy with a few features and some skits. Check it (and get that bracket ready)

+Jangbar

Sir Michael Rocks – The Rocks Report | DOWNLOAD

Sir Michael Rocks – Coochie Crook
Sir Michael Rocks – Hate Me Too ft. Sir Charles

BONUS

Kanye West – All of The Lights Remix ft. Lil’ Wayne, Big Sean, Drake +++

If you haven’t already, make sure to grab Mac Miller’s much-hyped Best Day Ever. Just a kid havin a good time makin’ tunes, more positive vibes from Mac. Two thumbs up!

Hard to talk about up and coming rappers without mentioning Dom Kennedy. After being mysteriously left off the XXL Mag Freshman Class ’11 Cover, Dom dropped off a treat today via twitter to hold us off until his much anticipated From the Westside With Love II. XXL might end up looking back on that as a mistake. The Original Dom Kennedy is just more good shit from the Leimert Park native; flows on point but when he blows up he’ll be the last to say it. He also threw different artwork on every track, gotta love that. If you haven’t already, grab From The Westside With Love below… might have been my favorite tape of ’10.

+Jangbar

Dom Kennedy – The Original Dom Kennedy | DOWNLOAD

Dom Kennedy – Designer Sh*t
Dom Kennedy – Playas Punch

BONUS

Dom Kennedy – From the Westside With Love | DOWNLOAD

More on “Playas Punch”

FULL POST

Hard to talk about up and coming rappers without mentioning Dom Kennedy. After being mysteriously left off the XXL Mag Freshman Class ’11 Cover, Dom dropped off a treat today via twitter to hold us off until his much anticipated From the Westside With Love II. XXL might end up looking back on that as a mistake. The Original Dom Kennedy is just more good shit from the Leimert Park native; flows on point but when he blows up he’ll be the last to say it. He also threw different artwork on every track, gotta love that. If you haven’t already, grab From The Westside With Love below… might have been my favorite tape of ’10.

+Jangbar

Dom Kennedy – The Original Dom Kennedy | DOWNLOAD

Dom Kennedy – Designer Sh*t
Dom Kennedy – Playas Punch

BONUS

Dom Kennedy – From the Westside With Love | DOWNLOAD

More on “Playas Punch”

You should really set that image as your background… it’ll brighten your mornings. Anyways, LA local trio Pac Div’s been building up a solid fan base and respect from some big names over the past few years killin’ verses with a strong old-school influenced sound. Got to see them open for The Cool Kids and Q-Tip a few years back and they put on a hell of a show. They’ve teamed up with Don Cannon to blend decades with their latest mixtape, Mania! Their third tape since signing with Universal back in ‘08 packs a little of everything from start to finish; bangers, tracks to light up to, summer jams. They’ve been putting in work and it shows… if I haven’t made it clear, this shit goes harder than Sheen. Grab the whole thing below or you still a knucklehead.

+Jangbar

Pac Div – Mania! | DOWNLOAD

Pac Div – Anti-Freeze
Pac Div – Take Me High
Pac Div – Still a Knucklehead ft. SIr Michael Rocks

BONUS

Couple new tracks this week.

Asher Roth ft. Chip Tha Ripper, Whatzisface – Back Home (prod. by Blended Babies)
Wiz Khalifa – The Race

FULL POST

You should really set that image as your background… it’ll brighten your mornings. Anyways, LA local trio Pac Div’s been building up a solid fan base and respect from some big names over the past few years killin’ verses with a strong old-school influenced sound. Got to see them open for The Cool Kids and Q-Tip a few years back and they put on a hell of a show. They’ve teamed up with Don Cannon to blend decades with their latest mixtape, Mania! Their third tape since signing with Universal back in ‘08 packs a little of everything from start to finish; bangers, tracks to light up to, summer jams. They’ve been putting in work and it shows… if I haven’t made it clear, this shit goes harder than Sheen. Grab the whole thing below or you still a knucklehead.

+Jangbar

Pac Div – Mania! | DOWNLOAD

Pac Div – Anti-Freeze
Pac Div – Take Me High
Pac Div – Still a Knucklehead ft. SIr Michael Rocks

BONUS

Couple new tracks this week.

Asher Roth ft. Chip Tha Ripper, Whatzisface – Back Home (prod. by Blended Babies)
Wiz Khalifa – The Race

First track we’ve heard from J. Cole since Friday Night Lights back in November; understandable considering he’s either been in the studio or on tour ever since (somehow missed him everytime… SMH). Dropped this last night after hitting 400,000 followers on his Twitter.

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J. Cole – Nothing Like It

Bonus

Fashawn ft. J. Cole – Relaxation +
Notorious B.I.G. ft. J. Cole – Can I Get WIt Ya

FULL POST

First track we’ve heard from J. Cole since Friday Night Lights back in November; understandable considering he’s either been in the studio or on tour ever since (somehow missed him everytime… SMH). Dropped this last night after hitting 400,000 followers on his Twitter.

+Jangbar

J. Cole – Nothing Like It

Bonus

Fashawn ft. J. Cole – Relaxation +
Notorious B.I.G. ft. J. Cole – Can I Get WIt Ya

Chuck and Mikey at it again with what you’d expect from ‘em with “Bundle Up,” the first single off their upcoming album, When Fish Ride Bicycles. This coming just a few days after the announcement that the album will be released on Mountain Dew’s Green Label Sound, which has plans to waive the label share of revenue for this and other albums. More on why that’s awesome. Anyways, this track’s got the same heavy beat and cool as the underside of the pillow flow we’ve become accustomed to. Enjoy.

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The Cool Kids – Bundle Up
Cold War Kids ft. Sir Michael Rocks – Mine Is Yours (Blended Babies Remix) +

BONUS

New Chip Tha Ripper video off his upcoming project with Chuck Inglish, Gift Raps, dropping March 1st.

FULL POST

Chuck and Mikey at it again with what you’d expect from ‘em with “Bundle Up,” the first single off their upcoming album, When Fish Ride Bicycles. This coming just a few days after the announcement that the album will be released on Mountain Dew’s Green Label Sound, which has plans to waive the label share of revenue for this and other albums. More on why that’s awesome. Anyways, this track’s got the same heavy beat and cool as the underside of the pillow flow we’ve become accustomed to. Enjoy.

+Jangbar

The Cool Kids – Bundle Up
Cold War Kids ft. Sir Michael Rocks – Mine Is Yours (Blended Babies Remix) +

BONUS

New Chip Tha Ripper video off his upcoming project with Chuck Inglish, Gift Raps, dropping March 1st.