Raekwon the Chef - House of Flying Daggers (ft Inspectah Deck, GZA, Ghostface Killah & Method Man) video

Came across this video while watching Rage over the weekend and thought it was too good not to share. I've heard a few of the tracks of the much anticipated Only Built for Cuban Linx II album but this video has sealed a purchase for me. Hot beat (J Dilla), tight verses from all guest members from the clan and awesome video. Is Raekwon the Chef back? Reports from a reliable source in the UK indicate that the album delivers on the majority of tracks, but there are a couple of so so beats that have been selected. Will give a full coverage once I have it in my collection.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

Latest Purchase - De La Soul

I'm quite ashamed to admit this but after over nearly 20 years of being a hip hop fan I'd never got around to listening or purchasing either of the following De La Soul Albums - 3 feet High and Rising or De La Soul is Dead.

So last week I finally saw the light and went to visit Lanny at reefer records and picked up both albums on the reissue tip. There's no need for me to even attempt to review either of these albums, I don't think my words will do justice. The beats are solid, there are plenty of breaks to discover and the lyrics are on point, saying something while being fun at the same time. Classic hip hop, if you don't have either of these albums in your collection please don't do as I did, get out there today and purchase.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

De La Soul - Me Myself and I - off 3 Feet High and Rising




De La Soul - A Rollerskating Jam Named "Saturdays" - off De La Soul is Dead

De La Soul & Q-Tip - Rollerskating Jam
Uploaded by hushhush112. - Explore more music videos.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Stayed up on Friday night to catch a bit of "later with Jools Holland" and came across this group The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble from the south side of Chicago but now reside in Queens NY. The link below is a video story the New York Times did on the group. Also check out the link to the groups website for info on album releases and tour dates.




Enjoy
Average Music Fan

The Nostalgia 77 Octet - Borderlands

On the same day I came across Median's Relief I also stumbled on The Nostalgia 77 Octet - Borderlands album, which was released in 06 on the Tru-Thoughts label www.tru-thoughts.co.uk. I've been a huge fan of Tru-Thoughts for a few years now and will pick up anything they release without hesitation. The Tru-Thoughts roster consists of mainly funk/soul/jazz/electro artist's who are based all over the world including the Bamboos and Kylie Auldist from Australia. To find out more about the label check the website and sign up for their free podcasts.

Nostalgia 77 Octet are made up by Tom Allen (Trumpet,Flugelhorn), Graham Fox (Drums), Mark Hanslip (Tenor), Benedic Lamdin (Guitar, Percussion), Tervor Mires (Trombone), Jonny Spail (Alto), Ross Stanley (Pianos) and Riaan Vosloo (Double Bass). I was unable to find an audio track of the Borderlands album but did find the clip below off their "Weapons of Jazz Destruction" album also release through Tru-Thoughts. The Borderlands album is 100% instrumental with some uptempo jazz/funk joints such as "One for Nan" mixed in with some smoked out down tempo tracks that allow each member of the Octet lengthy solo slots.

If you're like me and are still discovering your way around jazz I recommend either following the Tru-Thoughts label for artist/groups to follow or purchasing a Nostalgia 77 Octet album to learn more.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

Median - Median's Relief

What a breathe of fresh air, it's been a while since I've come across such a down to earth hip hop album from the the states. Unfortunately Median's Relief didn't make noise on MTV or for that fact even ruffle the surface of the underground.

Median is a member of the Justus League who hail from North Carolina and over the last eight or so years have been releasing some classic underground albums, and gaining some mainstream buzz with releases from Little Brother. The Justus League has also delivered one of hip hop's most sort after beat makers in 9th Wonder and following in his steps Khrysis. With this production duo plus the talent of the Justus League roster of MC's it always creates a buzz when any member of the Justus League releases an album. This formula is repeated on Median's Relief.

Median's flow is laid back stop and go style with suits the production of both 9th Wonder and Khrysis and provides some entertaining tracks. Median's ability to make the most mundane of activities sound exciting (check the opening verse on "Personified") helps him stand out from the pack. He has also mastered his story telling skills on the captivating "Brenda's Baby" which see's Median pick up the story from 2pac's "Brenda".

"Rize" sees Median explain his roots and how is upbringing lead him to the microphone to inspire and raise children with line like "Since I was raised a little different, its got to be way to rise outside of what was given here, Jump shot could score a scholarship to get him there, plus I couldn't pump rock on my block as junkies wasn't living there". It's a great uplifting track.



"Pardon Me Dude" see Median once again flow effortlessly over a laid back track explaining how he likes to relax, pick his nose "I like to pick my nose, and get a good booger" and spend time enjoying the city where he stays. A great track to chill out to on a Sunday afternoon with a nice cold beer.



Overall I'm glad I finally got around to picking this album up and strongly advise you do the same if you come across it.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan.

Free Michael Jackson Mixtapes

DJ Jazzy Jeff Michael Jackson Tribute - I haven't listen to this one but you can normally rely on DJ Jazzy Jeff to deliver a great mix.


http://www.undrcrwn.com/Jazzy-Jeff.html
Scroll down to find the link to the free mixtape.




J.Period Micheal Jackson tribute - another J.Period banger. To find the free authorised link scroll down the webpage on the link below.
http://www.okayplayer.com/news/Audio-J-Periods-Man-Or-The-Music-Tribute-To-Michael-Jackson.html


DJ Jaycee's Michael Jackson tribute - sensational mix
http://www.zshare.net/download/618856028d9b91aa/#

Enjoy & tell a friend

Motion Man - Pablito's Way

Was waiting for my wife the other day and paid a visit to the local JB Hi Fi store to rummage through the cheap CD bins. Every now and then I come across something that sparks my interest and this time it was Motion Man's last album - "Pablito's Way". I'd been meaning to pick this up for some time, but was battling against a long line of albums that are also on this list.

I'd picked up Motion Man's previous release "Clearing the Field" and was impressed with the Bay area natives flow. I had first heard of Motion Man on a DJ Vadim album I'd bought back during my time in the UK and thought it was one of the strongest tracks on the album. Motion's flow grows on you and with dedicated listening you will pick up a swag of punchlines and humorous one liners. "Pablito's Way" is entirely produced by Kut Master Kurt, who delivers the funk on the majority of the tracks. Underground Hip Hop fans won't be disappointed with this release as I wasn't, though I do have to question the Too Short collaboration. I understand the Bay area connection, but after listening to the track the two verses just don't gel. Apart from this small slip up "Pablito's Way" is a solid sophomore release from Motion Man and if your a fan of real Hip Hop I strongly recommend picking this album up.

Favourite track's of mine include "Confidence" (link below), "Dat Ass" which has a banging 80's bassline accompanied with 80's hook and is nowhere as near perverted as the title suggests, and "Professional Experts" which sees Motion team up once again with Kool Kieth.

Enjoy

Motion Man - Confidence (sorry the quality is not the greatest but the song makes up for it)