Dynospectrum - The Dynospectrum (1998)

I've recently found this album after being pressured from a friend to listen to it, I have to say that I'm glad I took the time to do so. The Dynospectrum is a group of artists consisting of Slug (of Atmosphere), I Self Devine (of the Atlanta-based Micranots), and Swift (of Phull Surkle). This is album, produced by ANT (the instrumental half of Atmosphere), is a great blend of production and lyricism. All of the emcees remain on point for the duration of the album, while the dark production sets the mood. I think one of the only albums that could (lyrically) compare to this group at the time is 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'. I strongly recommend this to any fans of Atmosphere and to production junkies.

Tracklist:

1. You Can Lose Your Mind
2. Introspectrum
3. Headphone Static
4. Permanent On Surfaces
5. Breath of Fresh
6. The Winter Moon
7. Brief Interlude
8. Appearing Live
9. Southside Myth
10. Traction
11. Decompression Chamber
12. Evidence of Things Not Seen
13. Superior Friends
14. I Wouldn't Want You To Die Uninformed
15. Tenfold
16. Anything is Everything
17. Armor

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Alphaghetto - Twenty Something EP (2009)

This was an album emailed to me by Alphaghetto and I must say I enjoyed it quite a bit. If you are in your twenties then you should be able to relate very easy to this EP as the title suggests.

The Twenty Something EP is a concept album that takes all these experiences that are currently going on in our daily lives as Twenty something year olds (depression, picking up chicks at the bar, dinner parties etc.)

1 - Casual Touch feat. Lexington
2 - Keep the Feet Moving
3 - One Day at a Time
4 - Busy Signal
5 - Chip Lock
6 - Long Gone feat. Jamilynn Gubbe

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Honest Jon's Records - Lagos Shake: A Tony Allen Chop Up (2008)

Alright, I'll be honest: part of me just wanted to post an album with sick cover art. Truth be told, some of the songs on here aren't really my style, but other tracks on here are really great so I'm sure it all comes down to personal taste, but I'm calling a dull reception for "Kilode" right now (it grows on you). Anyway, for those of you that haven't been brushing up on your African music, Tony Allen is best known as the poly rhythmic mastermind backing Fela Kuti's bands. More currently he's been working with Damon Albarn as part of the Good, The Bad & The Queen project. This album has little to do with either and instead brings together African, American and European artists from all sorts of different backgrounds, from smooth jazz to four-on-the-floor techno, to remix Tony Allen's solo LP Lagos No Shaking. Hope you enjoy. Perhaps most interesting is "Reggae Land Dub", a dub interpretation of an afrobeat song and something you don't get to hear very often. I've also read that most of these tracks don't sound much like the originals, so if that interests you be sure to follow up with the proper LP.

1	Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Sankofa
2	Carl Craig - Kilode Remix
3	Bonde do Rolê - Awa Na Re Remix
4	Mark Ernestus - Mark's Disco Dub
5	Wareika Hill Sounds - Reggae Land Dub
6	Newham Generals - Testuya's Theme
7	Son Palenque De Colombia - Samba
8	Diplo - Fuji Ouija
9	Salah Ragab - Ole (Cairo Version)
10	Moritz von Oswald - Ole (Remix)

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Flesh'N'Bone - Trues Humbly United Gatherin' Souls (1996)

Damn if this isnt't the epitome of a smooth Bone Thugs album then I don't know what is. The production is incredible while Flesh and company do their thing on every track. If you are a fan of Bone then this is a must listen.


1. Prayer Intro
2. T.H.U.G.S. (ft. Ms. Chaz)
3. Reverend Run Sermon (ft. Reverend Run)
4. World So Cruel (ft. Reverend Run)
5. Northcoast (ft. Layzie Bone)
6. Nothin But Da Bone In Me
7. The Silence Isn’t Over
8. Crazy By The Flesh
9. 51-50 (Skit)
10. Mystic Spirits
11. Comin' 2 Serve You
12. Tha Killin' Skit
13. Live Soil (ft. Kamikaze)
14. Sticks & Stones
15. Empty The Clip (ft. Aftamaff)
16. No Mercy (ft. Fat Joe & Big Punisher)
17. Playa Hater (ft. Krayzie Bone & Layzie Bone)

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Junk Science - Gran'dad's Nerve Tonic (2007)

Dope album from Junk Science. Some electronic/hip hop mix that is perfect for when you just want to kick back and throw the headphones on.

1. Slojo
2. Pop Rocks
3. Do It Easy
4. Words From The Pedro
5. Woodchucks
6. Glasshouse
7. Whatever's Classico
8. Jerry McGuire
9. Hey!
10. That Being Said
11. Third-Person
12. Slouctro
13. The Effects Of The Nerve Tonic
14. Do It Easy (Daedelus Remix)


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Grip Grand - Brokelore (2008)

Grip Grand updates west coast sounds from the '80s, and as the title implies he's basically writing folk songs about people without comfy cash. On the mic and the boards, Grip Grand is consistent and entertaining, though perhaps not always original. He does have his high points though, like his line about 50 inch rims. Both high profile guests are worth hearing, also, so its a bonus for fans of either artist and the kind of cosigns some will be able to get behind. I personally love the beat for "Poppin' Pockets", but I can see it wearing on some people.

Produced by Grip Grand & DJ Design.

1|Showtime (That's Entertainment)
2|Hip-Hop Classic
3|Win the War
4|Tomorrow
5|Handle That
6|But Anyway
7|Paper Cup (feat. Percee P)
8|Love / Drama
9|A Penny (feat. Richie Cunning)
10|96 Tears [MF Shalem's Talk About It Mix]
11|Out of Service
12|Poppin' Pockets [Remix] (feat. A.G.)
13|Mr. Versatility
14|Remember the Time (feat. Darondo)

[Look Records]

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Stacy Epps - The Awakening (2008)

An avant garde style of soul and hip hop with heavy beats, ethereal vocals and real lyrics, urban alternative of forward-thinking music with a healing energy. - CD Baby Review

That is undoubtedly the best way to describe this female artist from ATL. This album is all about positive energy and heavy beats. Give it a listen.

1. Eppisode
2. The Awakening
3. OM
4. Addicted
5. Heaven
6. Cosmik Dust
7. Floatin
8. Floatin (reprise)
9. Who Knows
10. Mothership
11. 00:00

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Diamond D - Hatred, Passions And Infidelity

I know all of you have heard Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop (AND IF YOU HAVEN'T SHAME ON YOUR FUCKING ASS). This is the follow-up to that fantastic debut album and it is on the level. Production is ridiculous and Diamond shows just how damn good he is. The most notable track here is the awesome posse cut "5 Fingas Of Death" with his fellow D.I.T.C. brethren where they rip it up like your mother wouldn't understand.

1. Intro (feat. Kid Capri)
2. Flowin' (feat. John Dough)
3. MC Iz My Ambition (feat. Don Barron)
4. No Wonduh (The Projects)
5. The Hiatus
6. J.D.'s Revenge (feat. John Dough & Gina Thomspon)
7. Painz & Strife (feat. Pete Rock & Phife Dawg)
8. Can't Keep My Grands To Myself (feat. Mark-Lo & Paradise)
9. 5 Fingas Of Death (feat. Fat Joe, Big L, Lord Finess & A.G.)
10. This One (feat. Busta Rhymes)
11. Never (feat. Sadat X & K. Terroribul)
12. Cream N Sunshine (feat. Veronica)
13. Gather Round
14. K.T. (feat. K. Terroibul)
15. On Stage (feat. K. Terroribul & John Dough)
16. Epilogue

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Messy Marv & San Quinn - Explosive Mode (1998)

I'm not much of a Messy Marv fan but this album that he made with Get Low Playaz member San Quinn is straight heat. The guess spots are great with my favorite probably being Celly spitting over a great Mike Mosley beat. Speaking of Mike Dean this album also features a great collection of producers. Mike Mosley, Nick Peace, Race and Reggie Smith, among others of course, lay down some fantastic production for this duo to spit over.

1. Home (feat. Dee-Dee)
2. Pop Ya Collar (feat. E-40 & Mixture)
3. Discourteous
4. Ready 4 War
5. Golden Slate (feat. Rappin' 4-Tay & Sky Skers)
6. Mobb Shit (feat. Marvaless)
7. Explosive Mode (feat. Bossman)
8. Stop It (feat. Bill Bathgate)
9. Bay Luv (feat. Baldhead Rick, Black 'N Brown, & Don P)
10. Presidential (feat. The Network)
11. Hoodlyfe (feat. Celly Cel)
12. Want Me To Stay (feat. D'Wayne Wiggins)
13. Watch Out (feat. D-Mozer, Willy Hen & Leysha)
14. Money Now (feat. Sky Skers)
15. Boss Hogs (feat. D-Fresh)
16. Takin' Inventory (feat. Rich The Factor & Young Fee)

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Killer Mike - I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind, Vol. 2 (2008)

Killer Mike's output in 2008 represents everything Nas' Untitled should have been. Completely unafraid to be honest with himself, Killer Mike plays a brilliant dual role between the too-calm, too-collected crack philosophy of Clipse and the awkward, intense explorations of ghetto politics that were once Ice Cube's bread and butter. Nas flirted with a lot of token touchy subjects like society as slavery, blacks in positions of power, stereotypes and media brainwashing. But he did it all from the altar of Nas, atop glistening mountains of synths and Def Jam-circa 2008isms. Killer Mike doesn't pull these punches. When he brags about his riches, he goes on to explain why he feels like he should brag about them. When he notices things that are wrong in his neighborhoods, he talks about what should be done about them. He takes Young Jeezy's mantra of thug motivation and actually puts it to use, urging anyone who listens to this album from the very first track to be more than you think you are. I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind, Vol. II is an incredibly powerful album that, like human beings, struggles through the balancing act of selfishness and selflessness, conscious and gangsta, edutainment and the cool.

1|Intro (Produced by Brandon Bailey & Tec Beatz)
2|10 G's (Produced by Young Sears)
3|Can You Hear Me (Produced by CKP)
4|2 Sides (feat. Shawty Lo) (Produced by Wonder Allo)
5|Pressure (feat. Ice Cube) (Produced by Tha Bizness)
6|Big Money, Big Cars (feat. Chamillionaire and Messy Marv) (Produced by Cutmaster Swiff)
7|God in the Building (Produced by The Cancer & Kidz With Machine Gunz)
8|Super Clean / Super Hard (feat. 8Ball & MJG) (Produced by Tyrice Jones)
9|Woke Up This Mornin' (Produced by Chris Crak)
10|Bang! (Produced by CKP)
11|Grandma's House (Produced by X.P.)
12|If I Can't Eat Right (feat. Gangsta Pill and Rochelle Fox) (Produced by Young Sears)
13|I Gotcha (Produced by Smiff & Cash)
14|I'm the Shit!!! (Produced by B Don)
15|Can You Buy That (feat. Rock D) (Produced by Drugs)
16|You See It (feat. S.L. Jones) (Produced by Tec Beatz)
17|Good-Bye (City of Dope) (Produced by Malay)

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Freddie Gibbs - The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs [Mixtape] (2009)

Earlier I was telling a couple friends Freddie Gibbs might symbolize a fusion of Tupac's Thug Life lyricism with Biggie's penchant for smooth good times and East Coast delivery. Then I was ready to take that back after finding out he's been around a while, only to then find out Tupac is his main influence...so...now I say he succeeds. In fact, these exact comparisons are made in a blurb posted to his myspace page's background. So, I guess you could say he leaves a very exact, universal impression. And he got a great Devin the Dude feature, which has to count for something. This guy just does real rap. His story is common and ripe for exploration, especially with Freddie opting to tell it like it has been rather than sugar coat his post-college life with hyperbole and big numbers. He has an undeniable combination of influences and similarities that makes him instantly entertaining and listenable when given a microphone.

1|G.I. Pride (Produced by Just Blaze)
2|What It B Like (Produced by Polow da Don)
3|From tha G (Freestyle #1)
4|Keep It Pimpin' (Produced by Megahertz)
5|Neverending Cycle (Produced by J.R. Rotem)
6|Queen
7|Flamboyant (Freestyle #2)
8|Close Your Eyes (Produced by Tycoon)
9|In My Hood (Produced by J.R. Rotem)
10|Summa Dis (Produced by Finger Roll)
11|Stray (feat. Devin the Dude) (Produced by Devin the Dude)
12|How We Do ('93 Til Freestyle #3) (Produced by A-Plus)
13|Goodies (feat. Black Flint) (Produced by Josh the Goon)
14|4 da Streets (Freestyle #4)
15|It's About to Be (Produced by Needlz)
16|World So Cold (Freestyle #5)

Props to TSS for the release.
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Fat Freddy's Drop - Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW (2009)

One of my favorite groups from the last 5 years is undoubtedly this band here. With their much anticipated follow up to Based On A True Story come FFD with might I say an even better record. Soulful and heartfelt, smooth and building beats ala Pink Floyd reggae dub style they appeal to every sound my ears love to hear. If you loved their first album you will definitely be hooked on the follow up Dr. Boondigga and The Big Brain Wash, this truly is one of the great bands of our generation, time to take note and buy an album.

1. Big BW
2. Boondigga
3. The Raft
4. Pull The Catch
5. The Camel
6. The Nod
7. Shiverman
8. Wild Wind
9. Breakthrough


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Infectious Organisms - Human Experience (2002)

Live poetic jazz fusion hip hop. Quite a mouth full but that is the fewest amount of words I could use to properly describe this incredible group. This album is incredible and should be heard by the masses (thats you) so check it out.

1. Autobiography
2. Hall St
3. To Give
4. Genesis
5. City Limits
6. Medelling Cartel
7. Comfort in the Swell
8. 1984
9. One
10. Beautiful World
11. Seconds on Earth


CD Baby

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Little Vic - Each Dawn I Die (2008)

Time for people to stop fucking sleeping on this EP. This shit is the future of hip hop and is what we need more of. Raw lyricism and no name producers provide a mecca of unheard beats for Vic to rip apart. Best album of 2008, far and away.

1. Each Dawn I Die
2. It's My Turn
3. The Evil That Men Do
4. Dying Slowly
5. This Is What It Sounds Like
6. Love Hurts
7. The Exorcist
8. After All I've Done
9. Caked Up (feat. Kool G Rap)
10. Sister Morphine
11. Carry The Weight

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Restoring Poetry In Music - Dream Awake (2004)

Restoring Poetry In Music or RPM is from the creators of Panacea and the music is very similar. This is their first album under the RPM title and its got soul, rhythm and flow throughout every song.


1. Grandpa
2. Intro
3. Life is Change
4. Less is More
5. Sliders
6. Momenterlude
7. A Quiet Taste
8. Soul Pouch
9. There U R
10. And Another One
11. Interlude II
12. Winning Losses
13. Sleep Walkers


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11/5 - Fiendin 4 Tha Funk (1995)

Great album from this legendary Bay Area rap group. Dope rhymes over dope ass beats that will certainly satisfy your ears.

1. Herm "Peace, Knowledge, Unity"
2. 11/5 On The Inside
3. Garcia Vegas
4. Straight Murderism
5. Pimp Theme
6. Flat On Yo Ass
7. U.D.C.W.I. Of 11/5 (feat. Cold World Hustlers & U.D.I.)
8. Fiendin 4 Tha Funk
9. The Way I Was Raised
10. Billy "Studio Danksta" Jam
11. Brousin'
12. Hell Raiser
13. Kill-A-Hoe

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Boogie Monsters - God Sound (1997)

Boogie Monsters are easily one of my favorite groups from the 90's and this album is good reason why. Not as good as their debut but a little more polished and they have a whole lot to say. Production is is chill and free flowing. Check it out.


1. Intro (1:50)
2. The Beginning Of The End (3:45)
3. God Sound (4:45)
4. And Then What (1:52)
5. Say Word Ft Bahamadia (4:32)
6. Mark Of The Beast II (R.S.V.) (4:46)
7. Hot Water In The Wilderness Ft Tysha (2:25)
8. M.C. (2:44)
9. Bodya (3:31)
10. Behold A Pale Horse (3:29)
11. Photographic Memory (3:48)
12. Sodom & Gomorrah (3:30)
13. The Lunchroom Table (3:08)
14. Whoever You Ar (Wherever You Ar) (4:05)
15. Whistles In The Wind Ft John Doe (5:07)
16. Warning (2:20)


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Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998)

Perhaps best likened to a marching band on an acid trip, Neutral Milk Hotel's second album is another quixotic sonic parade; lo-fi yet lush, impenetrable yet wholly accessible, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is either the work of a genius or an utter crackpot, with the truth probably falling somewhere in between.

No lie, this is one of the best rock albums ever released. If you think you can't find the right rock album for you because everyone seems to scream and it has very loud guitars, this is the album for you. Very calm with amazing vocals (and I mean amazing), and tons of classic tracks. DON'T SLEEP!

1. The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One
2. The King of Carrot Flowers Pts. Two & Three
3. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
4. Two-Headed Boy
5. The Fool
6. Holland, 1945
7. Communist Daughter
8. Oh Comely
9. Ghost
10. [untitled]
11. Two-Headed Boy Pt. Two

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Finale - A Pipe Dream And A Promise (2009)

I think its safe to say that Detroit is putting together some of the best music late into the decade with Finale further cementing that. This album has nothing short of headnodding production and heavy rhythms accompanied by great lyricism.

1. Arrival & Departure (Feat. Awesome Dre) (Prod. by V-Tech & Apollo Brown)
2. Style (Prod. by Kev Brown)
3. Pay Attention (Produced By Slimkat) Interlude - Beat The Drums (Prod. By Shamus O’Flannigan)
4. The Waiting Game (Feat. Prince Whippa Whip) (Prod. by Khrysis)
5. One Man Show (Prod. by Black Milk) (Scratches By DJ Presyce)
6. Jumper Cables (Prod. by Nottz)
7. A Reason (Prod. by Ta’raach)
8. Motor Music (Prod. by Black Milk)
9. Heat (Prod. by J Dilla) (Scratches by DJ Sicari)
10. Issues (Interlude) (Feat. Prince Whippa Whip) (Prod. by Dimlite)
11. Brother’s Keeper (Prod. by Nottz)
12. The Senator (Prod. by Waajeed)
13. What You Mean To Me (Prod. by MPhazes)
14. A Pipe Dream And A Promise (Feat. Monica Blaire & Allan Barnes) (Prod. by Oddisee)
15. Paid Homage (R.I.P. J Dilla) (Prod. by Flying Lotus) (Bonus Track)

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Superstar Quamallah - Invisible Man (2009)

This album is simply incredible. Superstar Quamallah's voice and delivery flow effortlessly over impressive production. From the depth of his jazz roots he comes correct on this record. A must purchase.

1. Mr. Righteous (Intro)
2. You Need Knowledge
3. 88 Soul
4. Black Shakespeare
5. For My People…Its Spiritual
6. Lonely At The Top
7. Just Listen
8. California Dreamin’
9. Purity
10. Kunta Kente
11. 1993 Shit
12. We Got Plots
13. Do Win-Dis
14. Hope She Remembers Me


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