Fix Up - Black Star

Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey on a Madlib track.  Need I say more? Well perhaps that Yasiin Bey is now the new moniker for the artist formerly known as Mos Def.  Back to the matter in hand and one of the illest partnerships in Hip Hop return with brand new material in the shape of "Fix Up".  When these two go into the studio together, you're nearly always guaranteed magic (look no further than the classic "Definition" and the rest of their eponymous first album).  Word on the grapevine is that we can expect a second LP from the duo next year so in the meantime, get your lug'oles around "Fix Up" and if you've been slipping, go check out the original "Black Star" album.  'Fix Up. Look Sharp. Elevate'.

Download "Fix Up" from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/fix-up-single-single/id483271718

The Press - Caxton Press

I swear GlobalFaction never cease to do the business when it comes to a) championing new music and b) producing some epic visuals.  This time around, their limelight is shared with a new collective, known as "Caxton Press".  With their name taken from the inventor of the country's first printing press, William Caxton, this isn't a group of sudden upstarts.  We're talking big names here people; the likes of Manage, DJSnuff, eMCee Killa, Kingpin, Amy True and producer, Profound.  The video below is for their first offering, the heavier than heavy "The Press" which is taken from their impending album, "Shame The Devil".

And if that doesn't whet your appetite enough, check out their cypher to confirm their lyrical brilliance.

Make sure you head to http://www.caxtonpresshiphop.com to learn more about the group and while you're there, make sure you hit the 'Listen Up' section to sample the aural delight that the snippets from "Shame The Devil" bring to your ears.  It's sounding like a beast!

Lost Tapes Vol.2: Estates & Legacies - Reveal

Reveal's cracked open his vaults again and being the generous individual that he his, he's back with the second installment of his "Lost Tapes" for your listening pleasure.  Once again available to you free of charge, the 16 tracks that feature offer a little more solo material compared to the first volume and includes the brilliant "What Estate R U From?", the powerful Manage and Aina assited "Open Your Eyes" and one of my personal favourites, the chilling "Where Do You Go?" (also featuring on Lowkey's "Key To The Game Vol.3").  All the tracks can be listened to and downloaded individually below or if you want to download the complete project with artwork, then check the download link below the player.  Vol.3 is set for release next week which'll be up on here asap but if you're on Twitter, follow the man himself for updates - @RevealPoison

 

Download "Lost Tapes Vol.2: Estates & Legacies" here: http://www.mediafire.com/?dxp1dlsp1rr5db9

We'll Never Know - Logic & Last Resort ft Maverick Sabre, Akala & Big Frizzle

Taken from his forthcoming collaborative LP with producer Last Resort, Logic has graced us with video for the first single, "We'll Never Know".  Featuring Akala, Maverick Sabre and Big Frizzle with the guys at GlobalFaction the other side of the lens, this oozes soulful brilliance.  "We'll Never Know" finds all involved at their conscious and thought-provoking best, offering a slice of what can be expected from the full project, "True Talk".  Due to be released on 19th December, it boasts the likes of Klashnekoff, Lowkey, Rewd Adams, Remus and Mighty Moe to name but a few and from what's available to listen to on iTunes, it's sounding very, very interesting indeed.  Peep the vid for "We'll Never Know" below and to listen to snippets or pre-order "True Talk", head to http://itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/true-talk/id477199020

Nature's Greatest Mystery (Album Sampler) - The Four Owls

Ahead of it's release in a fortnight's time, High Focus' resident ornithologists, The Four Owls, have dropped a sneak preview of what can be expected from their upcoming LP, "Nature's Greatest Mystery". Just shy of seven minutes long, the sampler showcases what you would expect from a collective of this calibre; heavy production and on-point lyricism throughout.  If you haven't already got your mitts on the first two singles "Lights Out" and "Not Like Before", they're both available on iTunes right now alongside the option to pre-order the album.  To support it's release, The Four Owls are doing a host of 'launch parties' in the next couple of months at various venues around the country so head to http://www.high-focus.com to check the dates and locations.

Say Hello (Razor Ramone) - Loudmouth Melvin

Got some new ish from Loudmouth Melvin for your listening pleasure!  This guy never fails to impress me and once again, he's come up trumps with "Say Hello". Loudmouth effortlessly glides over what I'm thinking is a Barry White track, dropping some subdued yet equally as emphatic bars.  Best of all, its available to you lot for free so head to http://www.hulkshare.com/hj6ouesoxvdh and get your fix.  If you like what you hear, check out http://loudmouthmelvin.bandcamp.com/ to discover more.

Lost Tapes Vol.1: Poison & Other Toxins - Reveal

Forgive the contradiction but Poisonous Poet Reveal has blessed us with some new, old material in the form of his "Lost Tapes Vol.1: Poison & Other Toxins".  The 28 tracks on offer are a collection of unheard dubs and collaborations alongside material from the "Poisonous Poetry" mixtape and the ill-fated second installment, "Lethal Dosage".  For anyone under any disillusion that Double P were/are one of the best collectives to do it, just check the epic "What's Your Status";  I guarantee it will instantly quell any doubts you may be harbouring.  

As for the man in the limelight, to quote Stylah, "Reveal probably has the deepest flows".  His distinctive sound and lyrical venom shine throughout, quite a feat when he's surrounded by such a group of talented artists.  Volumes 2 and 3 are apparently in the pipeline and despite the quality on offer in Volume 1, I'm hoping they feature more solo material from one of the best social commentators about right now.  Head to Reveal's Soundcloud page to listen to and download the tracks individually or for the link for the complete project.

http://soundcloud.com/revealpoison/sets/reveal-lost-tapes-vol-1-poison/

Jack The World - Yungun

I want to keep this short and sweet in order to let the music do the talking!  I've been lucky enough to have had a physical copy of this for a little while now and it's been on heavy rotation ever since it fell into my hands.  Now Yungun's decided to offer up his brilliant "Jack The World" mixtape as a free download.  Mixed by longtime collaborator Mr. Thing, its a blend of demos, collabs, remixes and unheard material from one of the sickest lyricists around right now. Did I mention it's free? I did? So why are you waiting?! Download "Jack The World" here: http://yungun.bandcamp.com/album/jack-the-world-mixed-by-dj-mr-thing

Multi-Tasking - Supar Novar

Seems like more and more MC's are turning their hand towards producing these days. Personally, I'm all for it as the more sources of heavy beats, the better.  In the limelight this time around is Supar Novar with his "Multi-Tasking" EP.  Consisting of 8 instrumentals, a couple of which featured on his "No Favours" album and two more from stable-mate Ragz Sweet Jones' LP, it also houses four unheard beats.  Due to a dodgy Internet connection, I'm yet to download and vouch for it but based on his lyrical calibre, I'm sure it'll be worth a listen!  Head to http://www.suparnovar.com/2011/11/free-download-supar-novar-multi-tasking.html to get your fix.

Closure (Video) - Chima Anya

Just a quick one here peeps.  It's the brand new video for Chima Anya's "Closure".  It's become one of my favourite tracks from his recent mixtape of the same title so if you're feeling it, hit http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/a1e4dq to get yourself a copy alongside the remainder of the project.  Big up Robert Dylan from Chima's camp for bringing this to my attention.  Much appreciated!

The Dark Side Of The Boom - Prose

In the wake of the recent release of their lead single "Real Talk", Steady & Efeks, collectively known as Prose, are back to finally bless us with their brand new full length project, "The Dark Side Of The Boom".

Their latest LP sees the winning formula of dope beats and conscious lyrics that they championed on their first outing "Force Of Habits" evolve to a new level. "The Dark Side..." carries an organic, almost lo-fi aura that gives the project an added rawness to compliment the throwback boom-bap sound that is obviously a heavy influence on the duo. This underlying somber atmosphere deepens when echoed in tracks like "To Kill For" (portraying an encounter with a femme fatale-like character), the Crusada assisted "Meet Ya Maker" and "Welcome To The Abbatoir".

In amongst the 20 tracks that collectively form "The Dark Side...", we are offered 7 short "Darkerludes". Never more than a minute long, they showcase the minimalistic yet equally powerful instrumental foundation that remains fluent throughout the album.

Without stating the obvious, Prose's new project offers a much darker side to the tag-team in comparison to earlier work. Despite this, it still promotes the BBP camp as the home to potent production and creative penmanship. These two deserve massive props for their effort in creating "The Dark Side..." and at a paltry £4.99, it'd be an insult not to get downloading. They've also got a whole bunch of discounted bundles with previous albums and mixtapes so make sure you head to http://boombap.bandcamp.com and get involved!

Not Like Before - The Four Owls

Following on from my post the other day, High Focus' dream team have dropped a video for their next single taken from their upcoming LP " Nature's Greatest Mystery".  "Not Like Before" sees Leaf Dog's brilliant production take a verbal battering by all involved. Personally, I'm feeling this a little more than the last effort but if both of these tracks offer a strong indication of the calibre of the rest of the project, it could easily become an instant classic!

Nature's Greatest Mystery - The Owls

Ladies & Gentlemen, listen very, very carefully.  It may be just under a month away but I needed to bring this to your attention a.s.a.p so that you have no excuse whatsoever not to make sure that you pre-order this!  High Focus Records is has rapidly become the source of some of the finest Hip Hop to grace your speakers over the past year or so and with their latest project, they are almost guaranteed to cement that reputation further. Their new supergroup, "The Owls" (consisting of Big Owl, Bird T, Rusty Take-Off & Deformed Wing), are set to turn the scene on its head with their debut LP "Nature's Greatest Mystery".  You may now be wondering what all the fuss is about but if I offer you their alias'; Fliptrix, Verb T, BVA & Leaf Dog, I'm hoping you'll become just as excited as I am.  With features from Jam Baxter, Dirty Dike and Q-Unique, alongside sole production duties being left to Leaf Dog, this has the potential to be something absolutely massive.

"Nature's Greatest Mystery" is due for release on 5th December, which leaves you plenty of time to head to http://www.high-focus.co.uk or http://www.suspect-packages.com/artists/r-t/THE_FOUR_OWLS.php?add=UKA13814 and pre-order this shit!

I Need - Maverick Sabre

So the video may have been in circulation for a little while but a few days back saw the official release of Maverick Sabre's latest single, "I Need".  This is by far my favourite track from his "Travelling Man" mixtape and whilst I'm not sure I'm 100% feeling the new arrangement, it's a brilliant track and showcases Maverick's unique vocal talents at their peak.  Kick back and enjoy!

Download the "I Need" EP from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/i-need-remixes/id467964285

House Of Pain - Kano ft Ghetts

Over the past few weeks, Kano has teamed up with regular collaborator Mikey J to drop a series of tracks that take the form of the "Not 4 The A-List" mixtape.  Each of the four tracks carry a different vibe but the stand out from my perspective is "House Of Pain".  It's a track that distinctly lacks the energy that is usually synonymous with Kano and especially the guest vocalist, Ghetts.  Despite this though, it's a pretty deep and reflective track on which the two trade bars and air grievances at a debatable target.  I personally think they're directing their frustrations at music in general but many heads online are suggesting that they're discussing the current state of the Grime scene.  Check the video below to come to your own conclusions.  To get your hands on the remaining tracks "Random Antics", "ET" and "Alien" (with features from Wiley, Wretch 32, Scorcher and Maxsta), head to http://listn.to/TheRealKano

Don't Flop 3rd Birthday: Verb T v Jolly Jay

Another gem from the guys at Don't Flop.  This time it takes the form of one of the headline battles from their recent third birthday bash.  One of my favourite artists, Verb T, squares off against Jolly Jay in a battle that's full of humorous one-liners and far from being as one sided as I initially thought it would be!  There's an official decision as always but check the video and see who you think should've won.

Closure - Chima Anya

So I may be a week or so late on this one but I had to bring this to your attention.  Chima Anya is ridiculously under-rated and somewhat of an anomaly.  Not only is he a gifted wordsmith, he's a Doctor by profession.  That's right, he's officially Chima Anya PhD!  The Nigerian born, Oxford raised and now London based MC recently dropped his latest project as a free download.  Weighing in at 17 tracks, "Closure" finds Anya true to form, delivering potent poetry throughout with personal stand-outs being "What Now" and the Soweto Kinch and Mr Mann assisted "And We Back".  On "Stop Cryin" (the video below), Chima uses Flako's soulful "Colours Of Love" to address the ever relatable traumas/ stresses of lost love. 

"Closure" is an eclectic listen, spanning a range of sounds that cover original productions, live performances and re-dubs of tracks from the likes of Lil' Wayne and Lloyd Banks.  When something's available for nothing it's always worth at least a listen but "Closure" is definitely one of those projects that will be a valuable addition to your music collection. 


Download "Closure" here: http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/a1e4dq

The Crunchie Mixtape - Bashy

Don't Cha Know!!  After taking a little hiatus to focus on other outlets, Bashy's back.  The last couple of months have seen Bashy dropping weekly freestyles, a few of which take place amongst the 24 tracks that complete his new project, the "Crunchie" mixtape.  It's a welcome return in my opinion so hit up http://www.bashy.com, download this for zilch and make up your own mind.

Re:Generation



This is kind of a brief post as I don't know too much about this project as yet but the premise of it was too big not to share.

"FIVE DJs TURN THE TABLES ON THE HISTORY OF MUSIC

Follow DJ Premier, Mark Ronson, Skrillex, Pretty Lights and The Crystal Method as they remix, recreate and re-imagine five traditional styles of music. From the classical perfection of the Berklee Symphony Orchestra to the bayou jams of New Orleans jazz, our five distinctive DJs collaborate with some of today's biggest musicians to discover how our musical past is influencing the future."

I'll bring you more information as and when I can but in the meantime, check out http://www.regenerationmusicproject.com. This has the potential to be something massive.

Out The Box - Kingpin ft Deadly Hunta

There's nothing better than when you unexpectedly stumble upon a hidden gem.  I hadn't heard of Kingpin before but the fact that he's been co-signed by GlobalFaction in the shape of the video for his new track "Out The Box", meant I needed to investigate further.  Featuring Deadly Hunta, the track finds Kingpin delivering double-time fire with Hunta's gruff tones gracing the chorus.  It's positive music in its prime with the duo promoting self-belief and progression.

"Out The Box" is taken from Kingpin's recently released LP, "The Initiative".  It's a cracking listen, full of thoughtful lyricism, soulful production and guest spots from the likes of Kyza, Stig Of The Dump, Dubbledge and Manage.  For a mere £6.99, it's well worth the download so hit up iTunes and cop that ish http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-initiative/id429901833