TAG: Royce Da 5′9″

Jun01

Elzhi & Will Sessions, Majestic Theater, 05/27/11

Elmaculate Reception 

Real heads don’t throw bottles. When a Detroit Original Schooler like Elzhi does a show with a stellar live backing band (fellow D-natives, Will Sessions), there better be no trouble. And there wasn’t. A diverse bunch came to get down and that’s what hip-hop’s really all about kiddies. Yeah, there’s funky-ass attitudes but you should keep that shit under wraps unless some real stuff goes down, not penny-ante you-stepped-on-my-Nikes shit. Don’t start none, there won’t be none. The first motive is to have as much fun as humanly possible.

A minor pall was cast over the evening when DJ Dez announced Gil Scott-Heron had passed while he was warming up the crowd. We all took a moment’s pause then kept it moving because a …

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May10

Elzhi, Elmatic (Mixtape Album)

In keeping with the homage theme, there will be no review of this free mixtape album. Another LA mag is flying the flag of this release but hey it’s the Internet, we’re all friends here.

Illmatic changed many of our lives. Even if you’re weren’t of age when it dropped April 19, 1994, the ripple effect was so strong that the album had to be carried down from generation-to-generation like a dog-eared version of Catcher In The Rye. There is no improving upon it; never will be a session, hip-hop or otherwise, quite like it. 10 tracks with top-name producers at their best, the essence of all-killer/no-filler; songs that you can always count on in any mood, year, decade, etc.

So Elzhi, being the dedicated head that he is, decided to do something that no one else would have the …

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Mar10

Has-Lo – Antelopes & Lions Mixtape (Mixed By Mr. Sonny James of IllVibes Collective) (MP3)

Really proud to share this dope mixtape from Has-Lo mixed by Mr. Sonny James of the IllVibes Collective, both Philly representatives.

Antelopes & Lions is a great introduction to Has-Lo, which highlights his earlier work as well as some exclusive new music that will not be on his upcoming album In Case I Don’t Make It. Furthermore, Antelopes & Lions showcases Has-Lo’s production capabilities, as he produced his entire upcoming album, and features some great remixes on this mix for folks like Nas, Royce Da 5′9″, Elzhi, and Supastition.

Tracklisting:

1. The Commentary (pt.1) remix (Produced by DeeJay Tone)

2. Black Rose (Gumshoe Remix) (Produced …

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Oct25

Nottz – You Need This Music (Review)

Nottz

You Need This Music

Released by Raw Koncept


After doing a bang-up job on Rah Digga's Classic, the most known unknown producer in hip-hop seizes the moment with his own follow-up release. For those familiar with the man's work, I'm sure there's no need to tell you that his MPC-game is completely and totally on-point throughout the album's 14 tracks. The biggest surprise of the project is the simple fact that Nottz also actually has the ability to hold his own on the mic. As unfair as it may be, his tendency to highlight his ...

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May03

URB Exclusive Book Excerpt: How To Rap: “The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC” by Paul Edwards

One of the best elements of my job is working with authors who’ve poured their hearts into putting together books, and sharing them with URB readers. So, you KNOW you can spit? Here’s a primer, which amounts to a few hundred years worth of life-experience and insight from all kinds of wordsmiths you know and respect. Consider it a lil’ help from your friends…

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