The District Underground

As I Was Saying

2008-07-01T14:15:00.003-04:00

Speak of the devil, or better yet check out this new Wale-Cudi joint. Its produced by emile and from Cudi's still absent A Kid Named Cudi mixtape. Enjoy the dopeness.

Kid Cudi feat. Wale - Is There Any Love

Cleveland? Stand Up

2008-06-17T14:49:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty slow to the draw on this one, but as a Clevelander i felt obliged to throw it up here. Outside of Bone Thugs in the 90's, Cleveland hasn't really been a breeding ground for hip hop talent, but relative newcomer Kid Cudi is really starting to stir shit up. I know he lives in NYC now but fuck it, he's Cleveland at heart. Only released a handful of tracks at this point, but they're pretty hot (a cool blend of flowing and soulish vocals) so check em out if you haven't already. I'm really a fan of "Dat New New" off his first single. Also keep an eye out for his official mixtape colabo with 10 Deep which ought to be hitting any day now.

Kid Cudi - Dat New New
Kid Cudi - Cudi Spazzin
Kid Cudi - The Biggest Grinder

DC Friday: Scottie B, DLake, and thirtyseven!

2008-06-12T15:37:00.004-04:00

Baltimore club pioneer Scottie B, along with the really dope DLake and thirtyseven, are holding down Heaven and Hell in Adam's Morgan on Friday night for the very reasonable five dollar cover. This is not to be missed as I'm sure they will be hitting you hard with low-heavy club bangers all night that should keep you dancing.

M.I.A. - Paper Planes (Scottie B Remix)

Sample Check: James Brown - The Boss

2008-06-11T01:25:00.003-04:00

James Brown is a monster. Most people I know really have no appreciation for the genius that is The Godfather of Soul. His catalog is deep but his music is premier, not just his singles, SO many of songs. A few months ago I saw an incredibly interesting movie that Brown did the score for- Black Caesar, a 30-year precursor to one of the better movies of last year, American Gangster. The movie itself was crazy- a genre piece from the blaxploitation era. As soon as I saw it I ran out and picked up the soudtrack, done by Brown. The gem of the album is “The Boss,” talked about here, but the whole album is bumping and has been sampled by various artists, including Das EFX and Prodigy of Mobb Deep.

James Brown – The Boss

“The Boss” is the bass heavy groover that marks the best scene in the movie, when Fred Williamson, a movie hero seen in other blaxploitation flicks, is shot, laying in the street, and this song hits. Its an amazing scene, definitely check the movie. You can rent it here on Itunes and buy the album over at Amazon.

Hip hop artists have obviously picked up on how funky this song is and has been sampled by a range of old school, underground, and mainstream artists. The old school cats have flipped it slightly differently in each song, although that main bass hit is still the center. Kane just uses the intro, using it to break into the chorus. My personal favorite out of the old school bunch is Ice-T’s just because his lyrics are so ill and Ice-T kicks some shit for the kids.

Ice-T – You Played Yourself (holler)

Poor Righteous Teachers – Word from the Wise (holler)
Lord Finesse and DJ Mike Smooth – Bad Mutha (holler)
Big Daddy Kane – Niggaz Never Learn (holler)

More recently, Nas threw this on his record God’s Son. He actually uses part of the song in his video for “I Can,” which was pretty cool because “Get Down” is one of the best songs from that album. Pete Rock also flipped it wayyyy differently on his instrumental take of the same name from his Petestrumentals.

Nas – Get Down
Pete Rock – The Boss

Deep Sang holding DC down this weekend

2008-06-11T00:55:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite DC DJs Deep Sang is holding down hard at BOTH of my favorite venues in DC, Eighteenth Street Lounge (such a good vibe) on Thursday and Wonderland Ballroom on Saturday. Eighteenth Street Lounge is located near Dupont, right on the corner of 18th and Connecticut. He'll be rocking some classics, new midtempo grooves, and latin bangers alongside funky specialist Sean Haney. ESL is, as the name says!, a lounge, so it'll be a mellower vibe but people are always dancing around. Be prepared for a cover though. Saturday is at the usual no cover throwback spot Wonderland at 11th and Kenyon. Should be crazy at both places, check it out!

Inner Life - Make It Last Forever Larry Levan Mix

And Your Bird Can Sing

2008-06-09T20:07:00.005-04:00

Landon and Scott have been holding it down while I've been getting my boxes unpacked in NYC. Actually there was only one box.

Dalek, AKA James Marshall is currently showing his "fine arts" over at Irvine Contemporary on 14th street. More famously known for his graffiti and toy design, Dalek is making his big break into the art world. Irvine always does it big and this show is no exception.

Also... (...) My favorite GRMTs just released in Canary Yellow in time for the hot ass summer when the black Nike boots aren't going to cut it. Head over to Commonwealth website to peep.

Stay tuned all summer long for apparel and footwear updates and release dates!

pic/IC

Summer Madness

2008-06-09T16:27:00.005-04:00

It's summer time in DC and you should know it because its blazing hot outside. Unbearably so. But shit is still cracking, The Cool Kids played last night and the DistrictUnderground is going to go into high power mode with new updates on music, events poppin' off in DC, and fashion that's the district up. Today, we'll probably have a few updates- including a Sample Check, a review of that Wale mixtape, and some other new hip hop music that has been coming up on the radar recently. Later this week, expect some updates about the events going down this week, including a Friday night event with the legendary Baltimore Club producer Scottie B...STAY TUNED!!!

Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - Summertime

Kool and the Gang - Summer Madness

Wale's Mixtape About Nothing- OUT NOW!

2008-05-30T13:39:00.004-04:00

Go download that shit, all 320kbs, over at the Elitaste. Available here. You can also download it in two parts here and here from zShare. Thanks to Nick Catchcubs at the Hollerboard for those. Also, if you're in New York, make sure to check out the release party...

Happy Birthday Big L!

2008-05-30T13:29:00.003-04:00

One of the greatest to do it...This is the DJ Soul with J Dilla and Big L's first video "MVP"

Check out our past Old School Thursday post about his crew, D.I.T.C., at this spot.

T Minus 4 days

2008-05-26T17:25:00.002-04:00

After months of waiting, we’re just 4 days away from getting our hands on the Mixtape About Nothing (free download at elitaste.com), and I for one couldn’t be more excited. In the past few days the folks in charge have released a bit of information to pique anticipation and I am pleased to present:

A, the track listing:

1. “The Opening Title Sequence” (produced by Best Kept Secret)
2. “The Roots Song Wale Is On” f. Chrisette Michele (produced by ?uestlove & James Poyser) 
3. “The Feature Heavy Song” f. Bun B, Pusha T and Tre from UCB (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
4. “The Freestyle (Roc Boys)” 
5. “The Perfect Plan” (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
6. “The Kramer” (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
7. “The Crazy” (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
8. “The Vacation From Ourselves” (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
9. “The Remake of A Remake (All I Need)” f. Tawiah (produced by Mark Ronson) 
10. “The Grown Up” (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
11. “The Manipulation” (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
12. “The Artistic Integrity” (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
13. “The Star” 
14. “The Skit (Untz Untz)” 
15. “The Cliche Lil Wayne Feature (It’s The Remix baby!)” (produced by Osinachi) 
16. “The Bmore Club Slam” (produced by Scottie B) 
17. “The Chicago Falcon Remix” f. The Budos Band (produced by Mark Ronson & Eli Escobar) 
18. “The Hype” (produced by Best Kept Secret) 
19. “The End Credits” (produced by Best Kept Secret)

and B, downloads for The Crazy (off the forthcoming mixtape) as well as some other new Wale joints to bounce to until Friday. Enjoy.

Wale - The Crazy
X.O. featuring Wale – Rid’n
Wale featuring Skyzoo - The Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Wale - W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E. Video

2008-05-24T13:16:00.003-04:00

Yeah the song is a little bit done but the video is hot...

Laker Land

2008-05-22T00:46:00.001-04:00

I know he isn't with us anymore (we WILL return to the glory days), but check out the big guy clear the bench.

Fresh Out The Oven

2008-05-05T15:54:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow (5/6) keep your eyes open for a copy of 7L & Esoteric's new album Esoteric vs. Japan. The Boston based act have been some of my favorites for a while, and arming 7L with samples from old school Japanese movies is bound to produce something nuts.

Also, In case you missed it last Tuesday, The Roots and Dizzee Rascal have both dropped hot new albums. You can look into those yourself, but until then enjoy these favorites of mine.

The Roots - Birthday Girl
The Roots feat. Mos Def and Styles P - Rising Down

Dizzee Rascal feat. Alex Turner - Temptation
Dizzee Rascal feat. Lily Allen - Wanna Be
Dizzee Rascal feat. UGK - Where's Da G's

Get 'em While You Can

2008-05-05T15:51:00.003-04:00

I was out in Arlington over the weekend, and I came across a pretty wild liquidation sale at Orpheus Records. They have a good selection of music, and the discounts are getting deep, so if for any reason you were looking for some LPs you ought to check it out. The store is a stones throw from the Clarendon metro stop (on the orange line) and they are going to remain open through the end of the month, so don't miss the chance to get some good shit on the cheap.

Sir Luscious Left Foot Reporting For Duty

2008-04-23T17:32:00.003-04:00

It seems like ages since either three stacks or big boi have come out with anything official, but with the flurry of Outkast related news that has coming out recently its time to start getting excited. In an interview with MTV last week, Big boy laid out the groups game plan for the new year that's got his solo album Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty dropping in July, Dre following suite a few months later and finally reuniting on the groups 7th album to kick off 2009.

Not much has been said about the latter two, but with the release date for Sir Luscious Left Foot approaching Big Boi has broken the silence at last and shit is looking good. The record is gonna have 13 tracks confirmed guest spots from Raekwon, Mary J. Blige and of course the bread to his butter Mr. Andre Benjamin. Big Boi has hinted that with this album he is looking to bring us back the golden age of hip hop lyricism and as one of the games preeminent rhyme splitters you can put your money on it. The first track off the album (link below) named Royal Flush featuring Raekwon and Dre (who kiiiiilllllls his verse) is straight fire, be sure to check it out.

In other news, Wale's Mixtape About Nothing has been pushed back to May, but check out his newest guest spot on Skyzoo's Lyrically Inclined, enjoy, and pray that May arrives as soon as it can.

Outkast feat. Raekwon - Royal Flush
Outkast - Da Art of Story Telling part 4
Skyzoo feat. Wale - Lyrically Inclined

Happy High Five Day

2008-04-17T14:10:00.004-04:00

All available at Major DC.

http://www.nationalhighfiveday.com/:

"National High Five Day falls on the third Thursday of April each year, which falls this year on April 17, 2008. The holiday originated at the University of Virginia in 2002, and has since spread across the nation, and around the globe.

Imagine that while on your way to class, you pass a dignified looking middle-aged man in a suit. You, of course, are wearing the same underwear as yesterday, a pair of pants off your floor, and a T-shirt with something ironic printed on it. Instead of noticing this respectable pillar of society fifteen seconds or so before your interaction is fated to occur, and lowering your head to avoid his disapproving scowl, you take another course of action. You confidently walk forward, and at the moment of passing, you and the businessman simultaneously raise your hands and wordlessly high-five. The sound of the perfect high five resonates, causing those nearby to silently and enviously take notice. You both walk on, and likely relate the story to whomever you eat dinner with that night. There is no reason why this should not happen with alarming frequency."

More goods after the link...

And here is the rest of it.

DC DJs holding it down tomorrow night! Deep Sang, Jerome Baker II, Trevor Martin

2008-04-10T12:38:00.000-04:00

What up ya'll, I'll be holding down my first gig in Rome tonight at KetumBar, with an all 80s set, but that's a little far for the DCers. There are two other events besides the aforementioned Sorted cracking tomorrow, so you might need to make some tought decisions.

Deep Sang
Eleventh Street Lounge
1041 N. Highland St. (Right off the Clarendon Metro stop)
Arlington, VA
10-2, No cover
House and Disco
Don't let the cheap flyer fool you, Deep Sang always holds it down!

The Beat Dance Party

Trevor Martin and Jerome Baker III

Wonderland Ballroom

1101 Kenyon St., NW, D.C.

10-2, No cover

Wonderland always hosts great DJs and the parties are always cracking. You can easily hit this and Sorted, they are not too far from each other...

Who the hell is J. Nolan?

2008-04-10T12:10:00.000-04:00

So earlier today I went on to datpiff.com to take a look at the new lil wayne mixtape (which has some good songs) and along the side where they list random ones I saw this cover, thought it was kinda cool looking and purely for the hell of it, hit download.

Let me preface this by saying that I listened to Soul Circuit with absolutely zero expectations, I have to admit that I was impressed (at least enough to put it up here) and taking in to account that the music quality sounds like it was made in garage band or something, you cant deny that J. Nolan is a hell of a lyricist.

Who is J. Nolan you might ask, good question, because I really have no idea either. I didn’t try very hard to find out, but managed to find his myspace page (which did little to dissuade my garage band theory) and all I really uncovered is that he’s from Georgia, apparently this is his 12th tape and though he claims to be 19 based on the picture I’d believe 16, 17 tops. Check it out though, some songs are definitely better than others, but the production is solid and makes you wonder what Mr. Nolan would come up with if he had a professional budget.

On a side note, I found this newish song (see below) by RZA which apparently just missed the cut for 8 Diagrams but is the sickness, and will be on his new Bobby Digital album coming out this summer. He’s gonna be at the 9:30 club in July too (presumably promoting it) which you won't want to miss.

RZA feat. Inspectah Deck – you cant stop me
J. Nolan – the money.
J. Nolan – poetry in motion
J. Nolan – thought it was luv

Sorted with Hot Chip, Stereo Faith, and Taxlo at the Black Cat this Friday

2008-04-10T11:22:00.000-04:00

Check out Stereo Faith, a DJ set from Hot Chip, and the DJs from the Taxlo party in Baltimore. Should be cracking, Brit Pop, Indie Pop, Bangers, and Soul! Here's a track from a Baltimore dude not there, but its Brit Pop sorta...

DJ Will Roc - Lonely People (holler)

Dave Nada coming with a New Remix and Tour Mix! Fiyah!

2008-04-10T10:23:00.001-04:00

Dave Nada is on tour throughout Australia. Hopefully you've already seen him live, he is the killer DJ cat outta DC always holding it down there and abroad. By the way, in the above picture, Nada is with all the superfresh DJs of the moment, Scottie B, Ayers, Tittsworth, and Craze. He's dropped some new shit over the last week. First, we have a promo mix he did over at Discobelle to promote for his tour in Australia. Check out the post here, he has some really really blazing tracks, in particular his Soul II Soul remix that is now an electro banger.

Nada also dropped a remix for LA underground hip-hoppers Time Machine. Time Machine has been around for a quick minute, they make some laid-back party kind of music, but also kick the real shit on the regular. They are dropping a new album Life is Expensive so look out for that. Here is the Nada remix and a track from their debut of 2004, Slow Your Roll, and their new video for "The Groove That Just Won't Stop" off the new album.

Time Machine - Something We're Becoming Dave Nada Remix

Time Machine - Nightlights

Time Machine - The Groove That Just Don't Stop

Being a Gangster is So Neat

2008-04-07T04:24:00.007-04:00

I'm an LA cat and so I've been in a great mood with the Lakers doing so well this year, even though the UCLA loss on the college tip was heartbreaking. The Lakers are first in the Pacific division and already clinched a spot in the playoffs. In the East, I've supported the Wizards for a few years now, even though when the Lakers played it was a close game. Arenas is back and Haywood is holding it down for a veteran. With their clinched playoff berth, it should be a good season for the Wizards and the Lakers. But....I'm on my westcoast shit, so enjoy these new/old left coast heaters.

Ice Cube - You Know How We Do It (holler)

Eazy E - Gangster Beat for the Street (holler)

Murs - 4 the Record (holler)

Kurupt - Calling Out Names (holler)

And here is some raver shit that I've been listening to...hopefully people don't laugh with Eazy-E (gangster shit) opposite Yelle (french electro)...oh well, music is music. Smoke for the above songs, drink for the ones below.

Yelle - ACDG Tepr Remix (holler)

Wiley - Wearing My Rolex (holler)

Wu-Tang Clan - The Jump Off Bird Peterson Remix (holler)

M.I.A. - Paper Planes Scottie B Remix (holler)

this week in the district

2008-04-06T11:00:00.002-04:00

As we head in to the new week, here’s a nice assortment of hip hop news to help you cope with the week ahead.

First: I’ve been hearing rumors flying around for a while that The Roots will be putting on a free concert in DC this month, so I finally looked it up for myself and would like announce that yes, on April 20th The Roots will in fact be rocking out the Mall FREE OF CHARGE. As part of the earth day themed Green Apple Festival, The Roots will be joined onstage by the likes of reggae legends Toots & The Maytals, Thievery Corporation, and a handful of other artists I don’t really feel like listing. The show kicks off at 12 noon and should go a while, so clear your schedule for what should be a great concert + you can’t really beat the price.

Second: This Tuesday keep your eyes open for The Gathering, a new album from cali super-collective Living Legends. Should be a good one.

Third: Still no sign of Wale’s Mixtape About Nothing, however I’ve been able to find two of the tape's Seinfeld inspired songs that have already been unveiled. One titled Conclusion that was posted up on Fader, and another called The Crazy that the folks at Start of the Line were nice enough to pull off Mark Ronson’s radio show. Enjoy.

Thursday Night

2008-04-02T15:10:00.002-04:00

Killing it in Roma Right Now

2008-03-31T07:30:00.007-04:00

So, as some readers know, I am currently spending the semester in Rome, Italy. I won't really get into how amazing it is, but I am enjoying myself.

The club scene out here is obviously much different. Every European city has had the dance scene on hardcore lock down. Paris was all about house, Barcelona was cheesy dance jams, and Italy is all about the electro shit. Its definitely a type of music I feel I could never really hear in the US, which is always a nice addition, because I love going out and hearing good good music I've never heard before.

This week the Crookers are playing in Rome at Brancaleone. This up-and-coming electro group is out of Italy and rocks the hard electro basslines pretty well. They just dropped the official remix for Kid Cudi's newest jam on Fools Gold Records, so you know they'll eventually get that push they need. I'm becoming a club kid a little bit but no hate, I am in Europe, hip-hop is sometimes hard to find. If you're ever in Rome, also check out L'Ektrica at Akab on Tuesdays, Steve Aoki (posterboy LA DJ) is DJing there next week.

Kid Cudi - Day and Nite (Crookers Remix)

Don Rimini - Let Me Back Up (Crookers Remix)

Crookers - My Penny

Nelly Furtado - Maneater (Crookers Remix)

Also, check out the mix they did at Discocircuit.

Also, since I've been hitting up the clubs, I've been in a dancey mood and have been bumping some baltimore club shit recently. I don't hear it that much here in Roma, but I did hear it a few times at this Afro-Brazilian lounge in Paris. KW Griff and Booman together are the Dew Dew Kidz. That song, which has a sick buildup, comes from their EP When We Were Little from 1998. The second one, which samples The Flares, comes from Kazey's baltimore club mix, "Play Me Sexy," available over at Discobelle. Blaqstarr's joint comes from his EP released last year.

KW Griff and Booman - Nothing At All

KW Griff - Foot Stompin'

Blaqstarr - Feel It in the Air

Also, two weeks ago, on the non-dance tip, hip-hop pioneers/legends/creators Sugarhill Gang came through Rome with Kurtis Blow and Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. It was an amazing show! The old cats can really rock it, and each song had the Italo-bboys going nuts, hand stands and pops like no other. It was quite the scene to see in Italy, of all places, where literally hip-hop's founders rocked for a crowd who don't share the same native language. Epic, indeed.

Kurtis Blow - The Breaks

Wale and friends take on the King

2008-03-25T23:54:00.001-04:00

Their cars may look like lunchboxes with wheels, but somebody at Scion sure knows their music. The latest in a long line of great mixtapes released by the Toyota sub-brand features the rhythmic stylings of long time hip hop hit man DJ Mark the 45 King, as well as hot bars from 4th Pyramid, Pase Rock and the one and only Wale (what is he not on these days?). The tape is a brief 8 tracks, but they’re all hot so check it out, especially make sure to listen to Roof and The 900 Number.

45 King - FREE DOWNLOAD

T.E.F.L.O.N.

2008-03-25T12:53:00.004-04:00

Sent to us by T.E.F.L.O.N. over at 27 DEEP Productions, here is a dope new mixtape that is described as a "Classic." Enjoy Folks, and be sure to check out T.E.F.L.O.N. at the following stops on the Vans warped Tour:7/14 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Charlotte, NC; 7/15 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Virginia Beach, VA; 7/16 - Merriweather Post Pavilion - Washington DC
T.E.F.L.O.N. - THE PRE-CONCEPTION MIXTAPE (HOSTED BY DJ REROK0 megaupload

and all the myspaces you can handle:
27 DEEP
TEFLON
Epidemik27
And here is the rest of it.

Diplo, Benzi and Paper Route Oh My!

2008-03-24T06:27:00.001-04:00

Wale may be the guy knocking em out of the park at the moment, but on deck you got the Paper Route Gangstaz and they’re lookin ready to step up to the plate. I won’t bore you with the details, but the fine folks of Paper Route Records represent the finest MCs North Bama has to offer, and Elitaste.com calls them “the new Dungeon Family with a hint of Swisher House and Cash Money thrown in for good measure” so is there really anything else you need to hear? Mad Decent is going to be hitting us with their newest mixtape Fear and Loathing in Hunts Vegas (a colabo with Diplo and Benzi) soon, but in the meantime a 17 min sample has been released to whet our appetite and needless to say the shit is straight fire. The vibe is definitely southern but with some crazy production over it that takes it to a whole new level. Talk about delivering the paper.

The Doctor’s Apprentice

2008-03-19T00:55:00.003-04:00

Despite years worth of production for the Aftermath crew, life in the shadow of the great Doctor Dre has left Focus in the dark. At long last however, his debut album Dedicated has finally arrived on the scene. Littered with guest spots from the Aftermath fam and a ton of other industry heavies, Focus has described Dedicated as his “Chronic”, referring of course to Dre’s 1992 genera defining debut album. Those are some big words to live up to, but with over 20 years in the industry and the good doctor’s stamp of approval this is one drop you can’t afford to miss. Focus has said that Dedicated is the first and only time your going to hear him coming with the flows to match the beats, and he may not be the next Weezy, but don’t worry he’s no Timbaland either, so best make sure you don’t miss the free download. You will not be disappointed. It may not be Dre, but it is aftermath. I guess there is something after that.

On a related note, Dr. Dre has been collaborating with Jimmy Lovine and Monster to create Beats By Dre, a pair of headphones reported to incorporate new technology to deliver natural uber-crisp sound never before seen in portable audio. Projected for a spring 2008 release (and a $400 price tag) keep an eye out for these ones.

Wale Finally Inks It

2008-03-14T13:32:00.002-04:00

At long last, the speculation over who would sign Wale to his first major deal has come to an end. Elitaste.com announced yesterday that DC’s finest MC will be joining the fine folks at Interscope records, and while the exact terms of the deal were unspecified, we do know that it is a joint venture with Mark Ronson’s Allido Records and that Ronson will executive produce the debut album (slated for a Fall release.)

On top of all that, official word is that the Seinfeld-inspired Mixtape About Nothing will be dropping in March, so keep a look out for that one any day now. If you weren’t sold on the whole Seinfeld idea yet, Entertainment Weekly reports that Julia Louis-Dreyfus has already recorded a segment for the tape, so now you know its going to be legit.

Aaaand on top of that, as if he weren’t getting enough play already, Wale is also going to follow in B.o.B’s footsteps, to collaborate with 9th Wonder and LRG to present The Tenth Wonder. No date on that yet, but its going to be off the hook. I’ve also read great things about Rising up, Wale’s guest spot on the new Roots album Rising Down which is set to hit at the end of April.

Wale feat. Bun B - Back in the Go Go
Wale – Eye No DC

Atlanta's Finest: Perfect for a Rainy Day

2008-03-01T19:24:00.005-05:00

Unless you’ve been waiting for that new Lil’ Flip album to drop (if so you can probably stop reading now), the forecast looks bleak for this week’s CD releases. So to tide you over until the new Snoop and Mighty Underdogs discs hit the streets next Tuesday here’s a bunch of new and old A-town jams to break ya neck to.

Recently I’ve been loving just about everything I’ve heard from Atlanta native B.o.B. It never ceases to amaze me that on top of the lyrics, he’s also responsible for the awesome production. And oh yea, you cant forget the fact that at only 17 years old he’s not even legally able to by a pack of those swishers he sings about so dearly.

If you already got his LRG tape there may be a little overlapping, but you cant go wrong with either of these mixes…
Rebel Rock presents The Future the mixtape
B.o.B’s Cloud 9 mixtape
…or these personal favorites of mine.
B.o.B – King Chief
B.o.B – 16
B.o.B – Chevy Star
Voreheez feat. B.o.B – All Night, Everyday

And turning the clock back just a little, no conversation about Atlanta(or any) hip-hop would be complete without mentioning Outkast. Hands down my favorite artists from any genre, the twosome have been doing the solo thing for a while since 06’s Idlewild, but at long last the wonder twins will (re)unite in 2008 to put out their 8th studio album. In the spirit of the group’s acclaimed Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, the new album will bring back the 2 disc layout. The twist? Big Boi drops over the summer and Ice Cold follows suit in the fall.

Andre 3000’s Whole Foods mixtape came out in ’07, but is definitely worth a download, and here are some other cool colabos you might have missed.
UGK feat. Outkast – International Players Anthem
Jay-Z feat. Big Boi – Poppin Tags
Santana feat. Big Boi and Mary J. Blige – My Man

RIP Kickballers DC

2008-02-27T16:29:00.002-05:00

We very sadly bring you all this breaking update about one of our very favorite stores in DC. Full story after the break...
"We are writing to inform everyone that we will be closing down the Kickballers storefront, effective 8pm Wednesday, February 27, 2008. We are left with no other choice, as this decision is a result of several irreversible damages we have suffered due to the actions of a former friend, former partner and former parent company (you know who you are, you know what you did…Lanir!!!).

It has been a blessing working with the local community and helping to show a little bit of what the DMV has to offer. We are keeping the business going, however, we will operate as an online-only shop, at least for the time being. You can access our online shop via our blog. We will explore other storefront opportunities as well.

We would like to thank all of those who supported the Kickballers storefront and we hope you will continue to check up on us.

And remember, make sure to do all of your business in writing…trust us!

Also, congrats to our boy Carlo, this week his little baby girl will be brought into the world…one thing ends, a new life begins….

Blessings,

Kickballers DC
http://www.kickballersdc.com"

Wooster Collective Tonight

2008-02-27T15:10:00.003-05:00

International street art cataloguers, Wooster Collective, will be speaking tonight at:
Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW from 6:30-8 p.m.
It’s free but RSVP is required. RSVP by e-mailing info@wpadc.org or call 202-234-7103
And here is the rest of it.

Rough Draft

2008-02-27T15:07:00.002-05:00

Streething keeping us up to date on these little known, unreleased Reebok jams. Stay tuned. Other two sample after the hop.

Ain’t No Better Man From the Netherlands

2008-02-26T06:05:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month, Dutch producer Nicolay teamed up with Kay of Huston’s The Foundation to bring back the story-rap on TIME:LINE. The album kicks of at birth, and takes the listener along through the trials and tribulations of the protagonist’s life (sounds kinda like Dre’s Detox no?) Like most high concept albums, TIME:LINE falls short of the mark, but while it doesn’t listen like a straight up rap-opera, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

TIME:LINE still has the same great, super laid back / instrumental production style that has become Nicolay’s calling card, and Kay’s lyrics compliment the vibe well. Like with most of Nicolay’s albums, the lack of production variety can get a bit repetitive, but the beats are on point so I guess if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Purchase and enjoy.

Nicolay and Kay – The Gunshot
Nicolay and Kay – When You Die

B.o.B would like to say Hello

2008-02-25T06:08:00.000-05:00

In case you haven’t heard, earlier this month LRG released a mixtape collaboration from Mick Boogie, Terry Urban and young Atlanta standout B.o.B. Only 17 years old, B.o.B has been turning heads with his lyrical ability and unique style, but it’s his production skills that have lead to his signing by Jim Jonsin’s Rebel Rock label. The tape itself is really fun to listen to and has a handful of awesome songs (I have had Lonely People and Grip Your Body on constantly since I got the thing.) The best part about the tape is it’s free to download, so Hi My Name is B.o.B can be yours today.

Some of the best songs off of the mixtape:
B.o.B – Grip Your Body
B.o.B – Lonely People
B.o.B – Do Anything

And as the wait continues for Wale's new mixtape, I offer these two hot tracks I came across a few days ago. Not the same, but definitely worth a look.
Wale - Yea E, Yea E
Wale - CHicago Falcon

Major Major Release

2008-02-22T15:18:00.004-05:00

Major x adidas Remix EQT BBall Hi Limited Release
Saturday Feb. 23. Doors open at 10AM. No phone orders. No online orders. Limited to 30 pairs.

More pics after the jump, or check out the original page.

MajorDC on the pictures

New Home for DC's Finest

2008-02-19T06:38:00.005-05:00

Finally graduating from myspace, Wale’s got a new home on the web. Elitaste.com (elite + taste) is a collaborative effort between Wale and manager Daniel Weisman created as a platform to get the word out about not just the music, but the whole culture becoming synonymous with DC’s homegrown star. Whether you’re a fan, sneaker-head or looking for representation elitaste has got what you need.

And even though we don’t have a date yet, check the cover for Wale’s new mixtape “Wale… the mixtape about nothing.” Got to love the Seinfeld theme, and keep an eye out for this one because if its anything like 100 miles and running the tape is going to be hot.

Wale-What they know about Wale
Wale-Rhyme of the century

Brand new brand new

2008-02-18T23:29:00.006-05:00

Speaking of Commonwealth, peep the new Alife T's after the break.
Cop em herrrrre

RUN DMV

2008-02-18T14:18:00.004-05:00

Reader, do your self a favor: pick up one of these shirts, or ten. Local brand Clockwise Clothing coming through big with this sweet release. You love New York? WE RUN DMV.

Available for purchase online later this week be emailing orders to info@clockwiseclothing.com . New designs and colorways are soon to follow along with boutique and retail release. Trust me, you're going to want one long before then, Wale did...

The ONLY Good Thing About St. Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T12:26:00.004-05:00

From the man who brought us the 777 mix, 666 mix--hell, from the man who BRINGS us Stones Throw Records, one of the greatest crate diggers alive, Peanut Butter Wolf.

Peanut Butter Wolf V-Day Mix

brooklyn vegan/ pic

New CDs: 2/12

2008-02-11T07:03:00.001-05:00

More than a month deep, and 2008 is finally starting to give us some hot new albums. So for your listening enjoyment, this Tuesday (2/12) be sure to take a look the best the week has to offer:

Whether your down with Jazzmatazz or never heard it, the jazz-inspired side project from Gang Starr’s Guru is getting the “best of” treatment, and deservingly. I have always been a fan of the jazz/rap sound, and The Best of Guru’s Jazzmatzz has got all the dopest collaborations off his older discs as well as three rare bonus tracks. If you do pick this one up don’t miss Lift Your Fist (a roots collaboration) and Watch What You Say (with Chaka Kahn and Branford Marsalis)

In the same vein, Droppin’ Science Greatest Samples from the Blue Note Lab, has got one of the best collections of jazz-funk grooves I’ve heard. And if your not soled yet, songs off the album have been used by the likes of J Dilla, De La Soul and Tupac so you know its going to be hot.

Lastly, Stones Throw Records is releasing In Living The True Gods Stones Throw 102 , a DVD showcasing the labels best music vids to date.

Re-up at Vegetate with Dave Nada, Deep Sang and Meistro

2008-01-29T18:19:00.000-05:00

WE GOT IT FOR CHEAP, REAL CHEAP this Wednesday at Vegetate! Resident Wednesday DJ and DC party-destroyer Dave Nada along with Deep Sang and DJ Meistro are going to be holding it down with no cover at Vegetate, a vegetarian restaurant with style. Vegetate is a pretty cool little spot in the Shaw District that has a weekly engagement, newly named "Re-Up" and featuring Dave and different guests each week. Dave has been killing the scene in DC for a quick minute and each time I see Deep Sang and Meistro they hold it di-down. Also, ILL DRINK SPECIALS. I love the restaurant but have yet to come through on this Wednesday night affair, so hope to see ya'll out there, hollerrrr.

Re-up Podcast with Steve Love (1/23/2008)

Clipse feat. the Re-Up Gang - Ain't Cha

Rhyme Inspector Remix

2008-01-29T07:37:00.000-05:00

He dropped first studio album (Perserverance) in ’07, but the Legendary Lethal Lyricist Rhyme Inspector Percee P has been laying it down over the beats for almost 20 years. An incredibly talented MC and Fast Rap originator, Percee P managed to fly under the radar for years. Surfacing occasionally to spit fire on collaborations with newer underground acts like J5 and Jedi Mind Tricks he never managed to make the jump to mainstream prominence, but regardless his skills, his history in the game and his trademark face-to-face distribution methods have cemented him as a living legend in the hip hop community. Finally signed to Stones Throw Records in 2003, Percee P has arrived at long last and the progressive sounds of Stones Throw mixed with his old-school flow is a match made in heaven.

Now, for your listening pleasure, Perseverance (a terrific album itself) has been retooled by Stones Throw label-mate Madlib to become Perseverance: The Madlib Remixes set to hit the streets today (1/29). This second edition features all new production courtesy of Madlib, as well as a new track not found on the original disc. I managed to buy an advance copy from the man himself when he was in DC last December and the CD is hot, but then again with those guys on board how could it not be.

Some of my favorites off the album:
Percee P - Put It On The Line
Percee P – Throwback Drum Attack

DC Parties This Weekend

2008-01-25T12:13:00.000-05:00

DC has some dope events coming up this weekend at the Rock-N-Roll Hotel and DC9 with some really good DJs. On Friday (tonight!), Deep Sang will be spinning hip-hop, new jack swing, and current and classic dance cuts for all ya'll to groove to for "The Niteshift" at the Rock-and-Roll Hotel. The Hotel is located in Northeast on H St. between 13th and 14th. Deep Sang never fails to impress so the music should be good.

On Saturday, Nouveau Riche is throwing "Party Without Prejudice" at the DC9 with free admission and free Sparks drinks from 9-10pm. The DC9 in located off the U Street metro exit, on 9th and U. If they are offering up free sparks the hipster crowd should be out in full force, but these guys always throw rocking dance events so I'm sure I'll catch ya'll there!

The 9th Wonder of the World

2008-01-24T19:18:00.000-05:00

When it comes to big name producers, 9th wonder often gets overlooked for the likes of Dr. Dre or Timbaland, but just check the guy’s credits and you’ll find a laundry list of collaborations with hip-hop’s greatest, most innovative artists. I’m talking Jay-Z, Nas, De La Soul, Murs and that just scratches the surface. Recently he has been lending his skills and silky smooth Jazz/Soul infused beats to North Carolina duo Little brother.

Now, on his first major studio release, The Wonder Years, 9th has decided to bring in the best MCs and soul singers to create a new old-school R&B inspired sound he claims to be tailored for a more mature listener. Dropping next Tuesday (1/29) The Wonder Years will deliver in a major way: Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Erykah Badu stand out among a line up of killer guest appearances and the “not for the clubs” approach is refreshingly laid back.

9th Wonder feat. Styles P – Only Knew

CALL YOUR SPOT

2008-01-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

Dropping tomorrow morning at 10am. See you out there.

atty st on the picture.

Through- The Wire...on HBO

2008-01-17T03:36:00.000-05:00

I don't even really watch TV, but you are SLEEPING if you are missing this year's final season of HBO's The Wire. This show is most definitely the best show on television and is the most realistically intense (unlike The Shield, which I've always thought is a bit over the top). The Wire enters its fifth season as the most underrated show and it is already starting to get crazy. The show follows the lives of the ruthless Baltimore drug ring (and, more notably, its defector) and the police response that usually fucks up given the misguided city government that cuts its budget. Two episodes in and the drug game has already changed, but I recommend that everyone somehow get a hold of these episodes (new episodes premiere on HBO on Sundays at 9pm and are always available on HBO on Demand; for those unlucky enough like me to not have HBO at home, try downloading the episode and when they drop it on DVD COP THAT SHIT!). It's already a little too complicated to sum up the first two, but bottom line, it's going to be hot with a former drug kingpin helping Marlo (pictured above) and his fight against the dealers on the Eastside, the department ditching their 1 year investigation of Marlo (or not?), and how the new aspect of the media (last year they added the education system) will shake shit up. Please don't sleep.

Equally as hot is the new, updated soundtrack which dropped last week. The last five years of the show has been compiled on a new CD entitled The Wire: All the Pieces that Matter, featuring music from Baltimore club legends Rod Lee and DJ Technics and interludes from the show. What's truly amazing about the soundtrack, which also speaks to the show's depth, is the diversity of artists, rock, country, old and new rap, club, and soul, a little something for everyone. Look out for my mix Dark Corners, partly inspired by the show, which will finally drop within the next few weeks and will brought to you exclusively by the Districtunderground and Adams Mill.

Rod Lee - Dance My Pain Away (holler)

Sharpshooters - Analyze

All the Pieces That Matter available at Amazon.

Old School Thursdays: De La Soul

2008-01-14T03:24:00.000-05:00

De La Soul is one of the best hip-hop groups of all time, so it is always surprising to me that their legacy is often overlooked as whole. Most people discuss De La’s debut 3 Feet High and Rising as “one of the best,” and although this is true, I suspect that critics say this with little appreciation. De La Soul has been “progressive” from their debut, but each release has seemingly outdone the last. As my personal favorite, De La Soul truly set the stage for the superstars of today like Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco.

De La Soul dropped 3 Feet High and Rising (buy it at Amazon) in 1989 at just twenty years of age. The album came together after Stetsasonic producer Prince Paul heard a demo version of their first single “Plug Tunin’.” Prince Paul’s vision was seen through their first three albums and his production completely changed the legal status of sampled tracks. De La rapped about real life, and their free-thinking vibes led to people labeling them as “neo-hippies.” 3 Feet High’s range of influences and samples is stunning.

De La Soul – Plug Tunin’
De La Soul – Jenifa Taught Me
De La Soul – Potholes in my Lawn

De La Soul is Dead (buy it at Amazon) was a complete depature from their debut. The trio didn’t like being called “neo-hippies,” so this album kills that label by mixing sarcasm with somewhat-more serious issues, such as child abuse (“Millie Pulled a Gun on Santa Claus”) and drug addiction (“My Brothers a Basehead”). The album is still fun loving, though, and they have some of their best party songs on the record. This album is my favorite of theirs because of De La’s amazing ability to flip all different styles. I don’t think anyone can ever mimick the amazing rhyme scheme on “Pass the Plugs,” and that’s just one reason this album is so amazing.

De La Soul – Pass the Plugs
De La Soul – Afro Connections at a High 5
De La Soul – Let, Let Me In

Buhloone Mindstate (buy it at Amazon) marks the last album done fully with Prince Paul. This album is fucking hot but pretty different from their previous 2 joints. Luckily Floodwatchmusic holds it down with his Autopsy of an Album series and breaks down this album song-by-song. He writes a lot more than I could ever do, so check it.

De La Soul – Ego Trippin’ (Part 2)
De La Soul – I Am I Be
De La Soul – En Focus

Stakes is High (buy it at Amazon) is such an amazing record because it’s still relevant today. I have always viewed this album as essentially the end of “golden age” rap. Dropped in 1996, Stakes is High was a strong indictment of rap at the time. That same year Puff Daddy was dancing in his shiny suit. Pos and Trugoy drop SERIOUS knowledge on the title track (produced by the late Jay Dee aka J Dilla). Paul’s departure is felt but never too detrimental. The album has a noticeably more laid-back vibe and this allows Pos and Trugoy to flex their lyrical skills, which given the subject matter (the sour state of hip-hop), it seems necessary. Check for their early collabs with Common Sense and Mos Def on here as well.

De La Soul – Dinninit
De La Soul – Stakes is High
De La Soul – Da Bizness feat. Common

De La was also part of a collective known as the Native Tongues Posse, which included A Tribe Called Quest and the Jungle Brothers, among a group of other affiliates like Monie Love and Chi Ali. Although the clique never released anything officially together, they collaborated on many songs, including these two scorchers.

A Tribe Called Quest – Award Tour feat. Trugoy
Chi Ali – Let the Horns Blow Remix feat. Trugoy, Phife (of Tribe), Dres (of Black Sheep), and Al Tariq (of the Beatnuts)

Wale clocks in on new Rhymefest Mixtape

2008-01-10T18:06:00.000-05:00

Nothing like some great, free music to start your year off right, and Man In The Mirror the new mixtape from Chi-town freestyle virtuoso Rhymefest fits the bill. Presented by Mark Ronson, the tape features a ton of solid guests ranging from Talib Kweli to Camp Lo to Ghostface Killer, and be especially sure to check out Wale’s appearance on the fourth track "Get it". The tape is presented as a Michel Jackson tribute, which can come off as kinda goofy at times, but it's got a great vibe and is tons of fun to listen to so check it out.

to download the mixtape: Rhymefest - Man In The Mirror

Greetings from the City of Angeles

2008-01-09T03:14:00.000-05:00

Alright, I know I've been Kala-ing for a while (M.I.A.), but the truth is I've been on break, and have been back in Los Angeles, my, home. But I am not gone for good no! In my absence, let's give y'all some goodies. One from my side, and one from back in Dcizzzie.

Steve Aoki. Kind of a big deal DJ over here. Sister equals model, actress extraordinaire Devon Aoki. Family equals restaurant chain Benihana owners. Don't hold it against him. His Dim Mak records holds shit down, and his Tuesday night parties at Cinispace are for real. Dude knows his music, and is hip as hell.

WALE. His top shoes of 2007. Damn you need to know a lot about sneakers to do that, but whatever. Like, there were a lot of fucking shoes released. On his list for Format mag ("The Hip Hop News Source") he's got a gang of dope Nikes, but no sign of any Undefeated releases or What the Dunks, but don't hold it against him, there WERE a lot of shoes released. Read the full article here.

1. Nike Air Foamposite One (aka Penny Foams)
2. Nike Air Max CB34 (aka Sir Charles)
3. Nike Air Max Goadome (Wale edition)
4. Nike Air Trainer TW II Supreme (aka Supreme Trainers)
5. Nike Air Force 1 Hi premium Bobbito red (aka Bobbito Air Force)
6. Nike Air Jordan III (fire red)
7. Nike Air Jordan VIII (Aquas)
8. New Balance 992’s (grey)
9. Nike Air Jordan Spizike (black/green/red aka Gucci Spizikes)
10. Nike Air Jordan 1 Old Love New Love (beginning moments package

And here is the rest of it.

SEXI04 Pre-release photos

2008-01-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

Last week we had a chance to stop by Self Edge and take a look at the samples for the Self Edge X Imperial SEXI04 indigo and black versions. Both colors will be released on January 19th retailing at $310 at 12:00PM PST in-store and 5:00PM PST online.

I am really loving the streaky denim used on the black version, and with only 25 being made these will not last long. 100 of the indigo model will be released.

The contest is still running until January 10th when winners will be announced.

More EXCLUSIVE pictures after the jump.

New CDs: 1/8

2008-01-06T16:07:00.000-05:00

As we head in to the new year, its important as always to remember where we came from, so on January 8th let mix-maestro J-Love take you back to the golden age of hip hop with his “Legends” series tributes to Slick Rick and Biz Markie. Featured in volumes 2 and 6 respectively, the pair join Rakim, Kool G. Rap, Gangstarr and LL Cool J rounding out a collection that can’t be overlooked by any fan of old school rap or great music in general.

At a time where hip hop is becoming more and more cookie cutter, its refreshing to hear material as unique and creative those two deliver. So whether you love getting down to the Biz’s off the wall mouth-made masterpieces or prefer Slick Rick’s silky smooth narratives either CD (as well as all the other “Legends” compilations) would make an excellent addition to any collection.

Biz Markie Official Website
Slick Rick Unofficial Fansite

Tittsworth at the 9:30 Club Tomorrow Night!

2008-01-04T15:27:00.000-05:00

DC's favorite DJ, Tittsworth, is coming off of a tour with Klever and is coming back to his hometown of DC for a big party at the 9:30 Club on Saturday night at 9pm. Tittsworth, depending on where and when, plays a lot of great club music, mixing classics with some baltimore hits and new shit. It's presented by BrightestYoungThings, so bring your friends and get ready to dance.

The Commodores - Easy Like Sunday Morning Tittsworth Remix
Tittsworth - Klevage Tour Mix

New Year's Eve in DC: Dirty Bombs, Tax Lo, Garutachi

2007-12-29T19:36:00.000-05:00

New Years is coming up, just a few days away, and so I'm sure everyone is making their plans for what is sure to be another, very similar, very drunken, most likely moderately fun, New Years! I'm just bitter because I was working last year until nearly 4am...boo. Check out our list of events...

Monday, December 31, 2007 - New Year's Eve Party Calendar
Garutachi at Rock-N-Roll Hotel in Northeast
The R-N-R Hotel along with DC-party starters Garutachi are throwing what should be the most interesting party going down in DC. With guest hosting from DC-run clothing company DURKL and DJs from BrightestYoungThings, Nouveau Riche, and Sorted, this event should have some of the best music of the night. The pricing is competitive but they also offer open bar tickets for the heavy-drinking types. Hipsters stand up.
Ticket information available here.

TAX LO at Talking Head in Baltimore, MD
If you can make it out to Bodymore on NYE, this party will definitely be ridiculous. The TAX LO dance party has been jumping for a few months now at Sonar in Baltimore, with DC DJ Dave Nada killing it weekly. They moved it to the Talking Head but it's set to feature Baltimore Club LEGEND Scottie B, who will hit the partiers off with some bmore club shit hopefully shutting down the club for a few hours. No special pricing here, only $10, so this should be crazy. Another 18+ club event but I feel the crowd might not be as trashy as Fur.

Ludacris at Love Nightclub in NE
Love is hosting a concert with Ludacris which should be a good tip-off for the new year. Love is always a pretty crazy time, and with Ludacris performing live, it could be a good alternative for the mega-club types that want something different on New Year's. The regular tickets are quite pricey- at $60- so pregame pretty hard if you're going to be hitting up this party.
Ticket information available here.

Dirty Bombs at Wonderland Ballroom in NW
Deep Sang and DJ Meistro will be rocking the NYE tip with their "Dirty Bombs" party, featured last week on the DCunderground, at the Wonderland Ballroom. This party is FREE! I don't think you can get better than that, and I guarentee the music will be bumping. These guys set the fucking party off with Disco and classic House all night. None of that fugazi bullshit either. And Wonderland is always has a nice atmosphere. Apparently the party continues, as well, at the Gold Leaf studio in Chinatown for after-hours partying. Definitely recommended.

Ibiza Nighclub in NE
Ibiza is the new mega-club that has been getting attention because it overtook Fur as the biggest club in DC. There isn't much information on who is playing that night- but tickets are moderately priced at $35, and check this, you get party favors! Pretty lame....
Ticket information available here.

Fur Nightclub in NE
Fur is another big club in DC that is having a blowout NYE event. The tickets there are cheaper (for both VIP and regular) and the DJs are DC locals, including Hot 99.5's Chris Styles throwing down hip-hop and top 40. This will probably be one of the few 18+ events, so you youngin's can come out- but the older crowd might feel awkward at this party.
Ticket information available here.

New Wale Remix with Lil' Wayne!

2007-12-25T03:36:00.000-05:00

As expected, Wale is doing it real big. He unveiled his "Nike Boots" remix at midnight tonight, featuring Lil' Wayne with drops from DJ Green Latern. *The link has been updated for direct download below:

Wale - Nike Boots Remix feat. Lil Wayne

I am still rarely impressed by Weezy, and I think he is kinda lazy (again) on this remix, even though some of his rhymes are on point (he does take the "heads/tails" lyric one rhyme too long). His flow annoys the shit out of me, and over this beat, his stop-go rhyming destroys the vibe, especially next to Wale, who stays with the theme of the song. Holler...

Merry Christmas from the DCunderground!

2007-12-25T02:05:00.000-05:00

I'm sure Jackson wanted to do this post, but....MERRY CHRISTMAS!
James Brown - Soulful Christmas (Today also marks the one year anniversery of Brown's death. Rest in Peace Soul Brother.)

Tittsworth - Titt'smas Time (2007 Edition)
Kurtis Blow - Christmas Rappin'
Run-D.M.C. - Christmas in Hollis (Estaw Remix)
Run-D.M.C. - Christmas in Hollis (Original)
The Real Untouchables - Christmas in the Ghetto

Stay safe, drink mad eggnog, don't kill Santa...

District Underground Records Presents... (denim contest reminder)

2007-12-24T00:47:00.000-05:00

The aforementioned contest to win a pair of the soon to be released (Jan. 12th or 19th as of now) Self Edge X Imperial SEXI04 will be ending in one week from today. Idea is to download the American flag kangaroo image from www.imperial.st (under the '!' news section) and somehow transmit the image to society.

More details at the Official Contest Flickr group page.
Half of my entry pictured above.

Happy new year or whatever to all.

DC Parties: This Weekend!

2007-12-20T20:56:00.000-05:00

I saw DJ Meistro and Deep Sang last week at Gold Leaf Studio in Chinatown and I have to say they KILLED it. I was not a game at all, all disco/house all night and the party was one of the most rocking I've seen in DC since coming here 2 years ago. They are going to be holding it down AGAIN this weekend, tonight and tomorrow nights, and anyone who enjoys drinking and dancing should make it out to these. At least the dancing part.

THURSDAY: Meistro will be solo TONIGHT at Napoleon. Luckily, I won't be at Adam's Mill for a while so ya'll can catch Meistro there tonight. "Top Ranking Thursday" occurs every Thursday at Napolean, which is located in Adam's Morgan on the main strip on 18th St. According to the flier, Top Ranking Thursday has a mix of Discoreggae, Brazillianhouse, and Afrobeat. No cover so you can get your drink on. The flier is available here.

FRIDAY: Meistro and Deep Sang will be together again for "Dirty Bombs" at one of my favorite DC bars, Wonderland. Should be something similar to last week- with a lot of dancey shit you haven't heard (I hadn't, at least) but that isn't wack or cheesy. Wonderland is a nice little spot on 11th and Kenyon, which is a little north of the U Street Area. I always have a good time, and although pricey, I recommend the Delirium beer.

New CDs: 12/18

2007-12-19T12:14:00.000-05:00

These ones dropped yesterday, but better late then never to check out these new jams from Lupe and the folks at Def Jam.

The Cool, Lupe’s sophomore album / follow up to his 2006 masterpiece Food & Liquor (if you haven’t heard Hurt Me Soul off that disc look it up, easily some of the most potent lyrics you will find anywhere) is a concept album based on the character he created in a F&L song by the same name. The premise being the life of a fatherless young boy who in lieu of a father figure is raised by “the Game” and “the Streets” (a concept Lupe has mentioned he hopes to evolve into a comic book and a horror themed radio program). The Cool boasts 20 tracks, great production, a solid guest lineup and most importantly Lupe’s lyrical brilliance. Thus far all the reviews I’ve read have sang its praises and the general feel is that its got a more laid back vibe than his older material. Get a copy and let one of Chi-towns best kick your holidays of right.

The first volume of Def Jam Sessions came out yesterday too, and features a handful of rare songs from the likes of Method Man, Nas and Bobby Valentino. At 13 tracks it’s a bit light on content but the credits are solid so those 13 should be bumpin.

PAPER PLANES official video

2007-12-17T12:53:00.001-05:00

Not so new Video. If you haven't heard it before, which is pretty unlikely seeing that her face, and this song is everywhere. But maybe you don't watch Mtv like we don't. Maybe you don't have cable, or a radio, like we don't (We've heard it though). But if you have a brain, and the internet, you've probably head it-- a thousand and five times. BUT, if you haven't, the (Rye Rye, African Boy remixed) song is linked. Some other goodies too.

Staples Crew Jacket @ Major
Reason hats...@ Major. They look very Supreme inspired.

Dec 26. Bone Thugs. 9:30 Club. $25.

Dec 28. Rakim. Sonar. $15

Dec 31. New Years with Chuck Brown. $50. 9:30 Club.

Jan 5. Tittsworth. $10. 9:30 Club.

Jan 5. SPEAKERBOXIN
VARIOUS COMPETITIONS INCLUDING
**FREESTYLE MC BATTLE** : DJ BATTLE
BBOY BATTLE (1 ON 1) : BEAT BATTLE
$200 PRIZE IN EACH CATEGORY. Sonar. $10.

Jan 11. DR. OCTAGON AKA KOOL KEITH
JERU THE DAMAJA. Sonar. $15.

Thu Jan 17- SHARON JONES AND THE DAP-KINGS, BUDOS BAND $15 Mainstage 8:00

Jan 24. DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist. 9:30 Club. $24. (Look for Cut Chemists cameo in Juno, it was so funny knowing I was like 2 of 300 people who knew who he was.)

Jan 30. Lupe Fiasco. 9:30 Club. $25.

Paper Planes Remix feat Rye Rye and African Boy - M.I.A. Hate Something Beautiful on the link.

Dave Nada Interview

2007-12-16T19:53:00.000-05:00

Check out this short interview with DC's hottest DJ- Dave Nada- who does happy hour at Vegetate on Wednesdays, tears up Eye Bar on Thursday, and shuts down Baltimore on Friday nights for the infamous Taxlo party at Sonar. I checked out Vegetate for the first time on Tuesday (he wasn't playing then) but its a nice little vegetarian spot that has some good food for the vegans and non-vegans alike (fake meats!).

The interview is available at Palms Out Sounds. Two of his favorite bars/clubs I have been to in the last week- Wonderland and Vegetate Restaurant- both of which are always a good party. Also, expect a year-end wrap up and review of the party at Gold Leaf last night with Deep Sang, Chris Burns, and DJ Meistro.

Here are two remixes Dave Nada has done recently:
Dave Nada - Crank Dat Soulja Boy
Dave Nada - Phat Bottom Girls
Nada's Kick Out the Jams EP available now at Turntable Lab.

Heads UP- Blue in Green denim sale tomorrow

2007-12-14T14:44:00.000-05:00

Crazy. Tomorrow, December 15, Blue in Green is selling jeans at 20% discount from Samurai, Eternal, Skull, Warehouse, Momotaro, Fullcount, Oni, Studio D'Artisan and more. Shoes as well, although the Japanese companies BiG carry don't go above size US 12.
Since they are both preorder items, the Samurai USA model and 19oz version of the 710xx will not be on sale. Sugar Cane will not be discounted either, probably just because they are the best.

Get on it while you can. Online sale is only open for five hours tomorrow night, 9:00 PM to 2:00AM EST and in store sale at the NYC store will be 3:00PM to closing.
Partial listing of brands and models available on Blue in Green's web store with even more models available in store.

This is an excellent opportunity to get into Japanese Denim if price was holding you back at all. Eternal 811 and Skull 5010xx (indigo or black, raw or one-wash) are both good modern slim cuts with premium fabric and construction. Call [(212) 680-0555] or email [info@blueingreensoho.com] with sizing questions.

Cool Kids on National TV??

2007-12-13T01:31:00.001-05:00

Yo I just saw The Cool Kids on a "Rhapsody on TiVo"commercial that was pretty sick. It's actually a split promo with Sara Bareilles singing that super catchy song called "Love Song."
Also just heard a hot Flosstradamus remix of Cool Kids' "Pump up the Volume." For a band that doesn't even have a full-length, they sure are blowing up everywhere. Looks like they're even heading on tour to Europe soon? God I love Chi-town.

Sara Bareilles- Love Song (zshare)
Cool Kids- Black Mags (zshare)
Cool Kids- Pump up the Volume (Flosstradamus edit) (zshare)

There is no "mean time"

2007-12-11T18:49:00.001-05:00

While I'm waiting on some EXCLUSIVE happenings regarding the winter outwear report, which will (despite what some of you may think) be ready in time not only for Christmas, but in time for you to get your lists together because I know you don't have all that cash you'll need for those 2 10 Deep hoodies, the Huf fitted, the Crooks bomber jacket, AND the ADDICT belt. Sorry, but neither do I.
But look on the bright side; Christmas is a time for receiving! And giving...
Another sorry for not getting it out in time for Hannukah, but maybe you have late December birthdays or something.

In the mean time, let me update y'all on some new stuff that has hit the DC spots in the last couple of days after the link:
The following is available for coppage at Major DC:

pics courtesy of Major DC.

Following available at Commowealth, instore or online:

(Cardigan not supernew, but still, new. And I like it so shut up)
pics very courtesy of Commonwealth.

Crashing/Flashing Lights

2007-12-11T18:22:00.000-05:00

Kanye West's Graduation is sure to be nominated one of the year's best album even though I thought his previous shit was way more fresher with way less effort. One of the few standouts is the synthed-out heater "Flashing Lights," set to be the fourth (!) single from the album. The video has reportedly already been shot but release has been delayed because of the recent death of Kanye's mother.

Kanye West - Flashing Lights feat. Dwele
Kanye West - Flashing Lights Instrumental
Graduation can be picked up at Amazon.

DC-native Wale, recently signed to Mark Ronson's label and covered on the DCUnderground site here, here, and here- jumps of the track for his own solo remix. His flow is more refined that Kanye's original, which I thought didn't quite fit the beat. Here, Wale does his own thing with the rhyme scheme, which works in some moments and not others, but overall he snaps over the somewhat-crazy beat. DJ Benzi also dropped his own "refix"/blend with some verses from Clipse, originally from their We Got it For Cheap mixtapes.

Wale - Flashing Lights (holler)
Clipse - Flashing Lights (Benzi Refix) (holler)

A few electro DJs have also reinterpreted the original song to make it more appropriate for the dancefloor, especially with such epic synths, it made sense. I have been banging the Junior Sanchez (a legend among House DJs) mix for a few months now at Adam's Mill and it ALWAYS kills it- especially because people recognize Kanye's songs now. I like the Dan-O (killing Cinespace Tuesdays in LA) remix alot though, which only recently came out, and his more synth heavy version should tear the roof down.

Kanye West - Flashing Lights (Junior Sanchez Remix) (holler)
Kanye West - Flashing Lights (Dan-O Remix) (holler)

Sample Check: I Choose You

2007-12-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

Willie Hutch is the monstrous Motown singer who backs one of the year's finest singles- "International Player's Anthem" from UGK and Outkast. Because Pimp C of UGK unfortunately passed last week, I thought it was appropriate to trace the sample through the rap archives. Also, based on the success of the first Sample Check, this will become a bi-monthly affair!

Willie Hutch is one of Motown's most renowned and versatile figures, known for both his solo work and his predominant work with other artists. Hutch was born in 1947 in Los Angeles and moved to Dallas where he began singing as a teenager. He initially attracted major producers and record execs for his songwriting, and after penning the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There" (one of their biggest singles of their early career), Motown mogul Benny Gordy signed him to a production/songwriting deal. After producing records for Michael Jackson and other artists, he dropped the soundtrack for the blaxploitation flick The Mack, where the aforementioned "I Choose You" appears. Hutch went on to do the soundtracks for more blaxploitation movies of the time, including Foxy Brown, and finished work with The Four Tops and Sammy Davis Jr.

Willie Hutch - I Choose You
Buy The Mack soundtrack at Amazon.

Three Six Mafia has now flipped the above sample on three different productions, Project Pat's "Choose U" (from 2002!) and two versions of UGK's "Player's Anthem." Their obsession with Hutch began on their track "Stay Fly," which reinterprets "Tell Me Why Our Love Turned Cold," also by Hutch. The UGK version originally had Three Six Mafia, but after Andre 3000 of Outkast heard the song, he and Big Boi decided to appear on it. Although the single version is with Outkast, both versions appear on their album Underground Kingz.

Project Pat - Choose U (holler)
UGK - Player's Anthem feat. Three Six Mafia
UGK - International Player's Anthem feat. Outkast

In addition to this mainstream concotion, three underground rappers have rapped over the same sample during recent memory. The first is Cormega on "Rap's a Hustle" (my favorite version), from his debut The Realness. The song is produced by Ayatollah, who has also worked with Styles P of the Lox, M.O.P., and Wu-Tang's Ghostface Killah and Inspectah Deck. "Pimpology 101" from Wu-producer Mathematics was released in 2003 and "I Did It" by Gangstarr-affiliate Termanology dropped late last year. Not really feeling the Mathematics version, but Hi-Tek (known for his work with Talib Kweli and Mos Def) cuts up the song pretty nicely on "I Did It."

Cormega - Rap's a Hustle (holler)
Mathematics - Pimpology 101 feat. Buddha Bless (holler)
Termanology - I Did It (holler)

New Wu: 12/11

2007-12-10T16:17:00.000-05:00

Been a while since I’ve had some hot new shit for you to check out, but tomorrow (12/11) is going to be huge thanks to RZA, GZA, Meth and the rest of The Wu-Tang Clan

Its been more than half a decade since the Wu released their last studio album Iron Flag, and despite infighting, the 2004 passing of the great ODB, as well as a handful of solo projects, the groups fifth album is finally arriving. Widely considered to be one of the most influential groups with regards to shaping modern hip-hop, the Clan has produced piles of critically acclaimed albums since the nine assembled in the early 90’s, and most of them have enjoyed very successful solo careers since, some even making the leap into literature, television and film.

The album, titled 8 Diagrams, includes 16 all new songs combining vocals from the whole Clan (ODB included), killer production work from RZA, and a slew of guest appearances ranging from Erykah Badu to George Clinton. I’ve only been able to hear a few of the tracks, but those I got my hands on were pretty slick and even if your not a fan of the Wu’s style make sure not to miss "The Heart Gently Weeps" a Beatles cover featuring Dhani Harrison (son of George Harrison) and Red Hot Chili Pepper John Frusciante . When it comes to street cred, its pretty damn hard to beat the Wu, so If you love real hip-hop like I do, snagging a copy of this CD/DVD combo will be at the top of your list of shit to do tomorrow.

And if that's not enough Wu for you, you might have missed Ghostface Killah’s new album The Big Doe Rehab that dropped last Tuesday, and even though it’s a bit older, The Wu-Tang Manual written by RZA is a fascinating look at the groups history, motivations and inspirations.

This week at least, Wu-Tang Clan most certainly is something to fuck with.

Take5 X Momotaro - Peach Boy Jeans

2007-12-09T19:05:00.000-05:00

Take5, the hardcore denim shop in Hong Kong, has recently released a collaboration with the Japanese denim company Momotaro. The Take5XMomotaro jean will be a slim cut based on 1966 Levi’s. Compared to a couple popular models by other Japanese denim brands, this collaboration will be slightly slimmer than the Skull 5507xx and very similar to the Eternal 811.

Detailing on these look great. Blue flower pattern lining in the back and deep blue pocket bags along with the usual high quality hardware and hidden rivets to be expected from a brand such as Momotaro. The peach design on the back pocket and leather patch come from Momotaro’s name which can be translated into English as ‘peach boy’ (momo-peach and Taro is a popular boy’s name), who is a recurring character in Japanese folklore.

Available now for 2280 HK dollars. Email info at take5jeans.com for further information about ordering. Hurry up if you're in the US before Levi's catches hold of the copyright-infringing tab on the back pocket.

Additional pictures posted here and here.

SAY WHAAAT!

2007-12-08T21:43:00.001-05:00

I made a little guest appearance in to Kickballers this afternoon, and to my dismay, they were all out of the crazy yellow and green dunk Brazils that have now become super-exclusive. Although they didn't have the sneakers that I wanted, Carlo did have something else pretty special for me (and you!).

D.C. is really coming up in the street-wear, sneaker, LA-NY game, but what really is lacking is the toy scene. You know what I'm talking about--Kid Robot shit, super-expensive custom vinyl toys produced by some of todays most talented artists: artists like Frank Kozik, Gary Baseman, Tara McPherson, MAD, Thomas Han, Deph, ; actually my knowledge is pretty weak, but fortunately theirs isn't. Kickballers is on some other shit as far as toys are concerned, and this event just proves it. Not only are they bringing toys to DC, but they are doing it for charity. There's a bunch of cool stuff, but i don't want this to go one forever-- I don't know all the details, but from what Carlo told me, its gonna be dope.

Just like the flyer says, over 60 artist, some local; live toy customizing; music; hip fucking people. Runs December 13-16 at the Kickballer store, but make sure to RSVP to the opening night party which you know is gonna be fire. Check out the Myspace for more details, and I just want to officially say, welcome Kickballers OFFICIALLY to the District Underground family!

Old School Thursdays: Nasty Nas

2007-12-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

"Nasty Nas is rebel to America, police murderer I'm causing hysteria...." Nas dropped his Greatest Hits last month that was actually a decent collection of his past work. Not confined to only singles, the greatest hits record took FOUR songs from his debut album Illmatic, so I'm not really complaining- that was by far his best work.

But some are unfamiliar with Nas' early music- in fact, Illmatic is his lowest selling record besides his newest album Hip Hop is Dead. Nas has had quite the career. Nas started getting buzz as an underground artist after his letal verse on Main Source's "Live at the BBQ," produced by the great Large Professor. Large Pro would eventually produce two of Nas' singles from his debut, "Halftime" and his most popular single from the album- "It Ain't Hard to Tell." Illmatic is truly a masterpiece- no one (including himself) has been able to match Nas' almost-innocent poetry on this album. 94 was an interesting year because it was just as rap music was gaining more popularity but underground artists were still repping hard.

Main Source - Live at the BBQ feat. Nas, Akinyele, and Fatal
Nas - Halftime
Nas - Memory Lane (produced by DJ Premier)

Large Pro was monumental in the evolution of Nas' career, but Nas' first two albums had some of the best production of the decade- from DJ Premier to the Trackmasters. Nas has been unable to match his almost-always on point lyricism with the outstanding production seen on his first two albums. Although It Was Written has been considered a rough spot in Nas' career, its greatness has come to fruition as people consider it for its actual content and not strictly in comparison to Illmatic. Nas' lyrics were still on point, but the production lagged at moments. It Was Written is still one of his best albums.

Nas - I Gave You Power (produced by DJ Premier)
Nas - Street Dreams (produced by Trackmasters)

Nas also appeared on some other classic records of the time- including Raekwon's Only Built For Cuban Linx and Kool G Rap's 4,5,6. In each case, Nasir Jones drops some of his best knowledge- it's a shame that he has never been able to match the intensity of work at this time. Even Stillmatic, Nas' response to Jay-Z's potentially career-ending "The Takeover," doesn't compare to this early work lyrically. His hunger was pretty evident as he was taking out MCs left and right.

Raekwon - Verbal Intercourse feat. Nas
Kool G Rap - Fast Life (Remix) feat. Nas

Nas also had a brief stint as part of supergroup The Firm, with Dr. Dre, AZ, Foxy Brown, and Nature. The Firm album had a lot of hype behind it when it dropped in the mid-90s, but most critics were unimpressed. Two of Nas' best songs came from this album- but it did mark the beginning of his beef with Cormega, an unforunate conflict between two very talented artists.

Nas (with the Firm) - Affirmative Action (produced by Trackmasters)
Nas (with the Firm) - Phone Tap (produced by Dr. Dre)
All of Nas' available at Amazon.

Rest in Peace, Pimp C

2007-12-05T17:40:00.000-05:00

Rest in Peace, Pimp C.
Yesterday was another sad day for hip-hop, as Pimp C of the criminally underrated group UGK passed away due to what is being reported as natural causes. You can read about the investigation from the LA Times.

The Underground Kingz (UGK) is one of the seminal old-school groups coming from the dirty South. Hailing from Port Arthur, Texas, UGK is one of the few groups that has sustained a career through the numerous style changes coming through hip-hop. Their first record The Southern Way was released in 1992 soley in cassette form and had only a small distribution. Their major label debut Too Hard Too Swallow was released that same year and is definitely one of the defining Southern releases of the era. Still, the press and fans outside of the region paid little attention to Southern artists at the time, and so that album as well as their second major Super Tight received(/receives) little critical attention when talking about "best albums of all time," although I would say that at the very least they are really great, funky old school albums.

UGK - Pocket Full of Stones
UGK - Cocaine in the Back of the Ride
Too Hard to Swallow available at Amazon.
UGK - Front Back and Side to Side
UGK - I Left it Wet For You
Super Tight available at Amazon.

UGK first started to bubble outside of the South with their collaboration on Jay-Z's popular hit "Big Pimpin'," produced by Timbaland. This high profile appearance brought them to a larger, mainstream audience, although they, until recently, have struggled to capture that same popularity. Still, they have appeared on some really banging tracks over the years, including recent collaborations with T.I., Too $hort, and Talib Kweli.

Jay-Z - Big Pimpin' feat. UGK (holler)
T.I. - Front Back feat. UGK (holler)
Too $hort - Money Maker feat. Pimp C and Rick Ross (holler)
Talib Kweli - Country Cousins feat. UGK (holler)

Although some consider Bun B the powerhouse lyricist of the group, Pimp C provided a smoother flow that was still real. Like most duos, both rappers vibed off of each other, and in the case of UGK, they have now been around for nearly 20 years. Pimp C's prison appearance did little to break up the flow of the group. Still, it's hard to do justice the brevity of their career, they had more than 6 albums over that period, collaborations with various regional artists as well as the more high profile artists.

After releasing a solo album during his prison stint, UGK released their most high profile record Underground Kingz, the 2CD opus released at the beginning of the year. Their collaboration with OutKast on "International Player's Anthem" gave them some notoriety and the record will undoubtedly show up on many "best of" year-end lists.

UGK - Swishas and Dosha
UGK - Next Up feat. Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap
Underground Kingz is available at Amazon.

While I'm Shovelin the Snow Man Call Me Frosty Luva

2007-12-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

Quote all the Clipse songs you want--the snow has finally arrived in DC, and no matter how many snow shoveling, snowman-snowmen jokes you make, it is actuallysnowing out. In time for the cold are some hot releases from our favorite apparel comapnies, conveniently which, are carried at some of our favorite retailers in the District (more on that point later). Actually, more on ALL points later. I have an Economics paper due at sunrise, and its not gonna even snow tomorrow.

Stay tuned for a FULL Winter/ Holiday 07 apparel report bearing the likes of ALIFE, Crooks and Castles, Penfield, 10 Deep, Addict, BBC, Huf, Maharishi, GOODS, and others...

Ride Around Shining (feat. AB-Liva of the Re-Up Gang)- Clipse (Buy)

thanks Chickens Don't Clap! for the linko

Say Hey To The Big Spender

2007-12-05T10:50:00.000-05:00

It’s a few months old but I couldn’t let this one fall through the cracks. DC’s favorite son brings roc boys Jay Z and Freeway along for the ride on this bangin Big Spender remix, and when I say Wale kills this one I mean he kiiillls it. The beat, the flow, the swagger this song is the total package and we can only hope the first of many Rocafella-Wale colabos to come.

Wale feat. Jay-Z & Freeway - Big Spender (Remix)

Kid Sister and Kanye have Fancy Nails

2007-12-03T16:56:00.000-05:00

Got her toes done up and her fingernails matching! Here is the new video from Fool's Gold artist Kid Sister, the first video from the label ever released, straight independent status. It debuted today on mtvU and it's the remix featuring Kanye West. The production comes from DJ A-Trak, co-owner of Fool's Gold, youngest DMC DJ champion, and Kanye's touring DJ (what a track record!)

Here is the track that comes at the end of the video, produced by Chicago's DJ Gant Man of the Chicago Juke scene.
Kid Sister - Switchboard
Low quality version so you can buy it here at Turntable Lab! Support independent artists!
Bonus: DJ Rashad and Chi Boogie - DJs Playing Huff (holler/holler)
New ghettotech/juke (hip-hop/house mix for the youngin's) heat from Chi-town's club favorites.

Remembering J Dilla: Busta / Mick Boogie Style

2007-12-03T07:04:00.000-05:00

Its almost two years now since famed producer / MC J Dilla left us, but the fingerprints he left all over the game keep turning as countless hip-hop heavies send him off in their own special way. The latest such musical memorial, a mixtape collaboration between Busta Rhymes and Mick Boogie delivers heaps of unreleased Dilla jams and collaborations featuring the likes of Raekwon and Talib Kweli. Busta lays it down furiously across the whole tape, but it’s he and Boogie’s comments on the influence and legacy of J Dilla that complete the package. The tape bangs, so get a copy and send Dilla out in style. Here is one track from the record, produced by Dilla of course:
Busta Rhymes - Step Up

Galang-a-lang-a-lang!

2007-12-02T21:44:00.000-05:00

M.I.A. is a name I have been meaning to cross off my list of shows I must see, and luckily her show at the 9:30 Club did not disappoint. Even more surprising was how into The Cool Kids I was. Not that I previously didn't really like TCK, I was just so impressed with how they commanded a crowd full of kids who probably had only heard M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" before. But enough about Cool Kids, Lando already got that covered!

Although I thought it was a little strange that Diplo wasn't spinning for M.I.A., DJ Low Budget did a pretty good job of setting the tempo and keeping the crowd dancing. I especially dug the New Order/20 Dollar Mash Up. The opening number in "Pull up the People" wasn't probably the best choice to get the crowd started, but once M.I.A. started shaking and grooving on stage, people soon got that hint that this was going to be a straight up dance party!

And Rye Rye's entrance in the 3rd or 4th song really set the crowd off... especially when she performed "Shake it to the Ground." Who knew that girl could spit and dance like that! I can't believe she's on 16 y/o.. Crazy! Having Rye Rye and M.I.A. on stage plus the numerous invitations by them to bring up tons of audience members kept the whole place going nuts. Oh and Rye Rye's "Wassup Wassup" was another one of my favorites of the night.

Other crowd favorite's of M.I.A's were "Galang", "$20", "Boyz", and "Hussle" feat Afrikan Boy.

We even got an encore from M.I.A., featuring "Paper Planes" as her final jam of the night. I must make one disclaimer.. I love M.I.A., and I love the song "Paper Planes," but I hate that people only know her b/c of that song from the Clash! She has 2 other albums, tons of great mixtapes w/ Diplo, and other great songs on her new album. I honestly don't think Paper Planes is her best song, but hey, if Paper Planes introduces her to a greater audience I guess I gotta support that.

So if you ever get the chance to go see M.I.A., drop everything and go. Watching her move on stage is so hot, and you won't be able to control yourself from getting into the island, dancehall vibe. It's a very very fun show.

Pump Up the Volume: Blaqstarr and the Cool Kids

2007-12-02T21:43:00.000-05:00

DJ Blaqstarr and the Cool Kids opened up for homegirl M.I.A. at the 9:30 Club on Thursday in what was a sold-out (by weeks, now) show. M.I.A. of course held it down (review should come shortly from Tommy) but the openers were equally as compelling.

DJ Blaqstarr is the newest producer/DJ coming from the Baltimore club scene that has been receiving lots of press recently. Baltimore club, a genre that has been bubbling in the native city for at least a decade and a half, combines dance elements (upbeat tempo, significant buildups) with hip-hop samples and beats. Flipping fast drum breaks over recognizable vocal and soul samples makes for a sweat dripping night and that is how Blaqstarr started it off. He dropped a lot of Baltimore classics that are not as well known, while still throwing in some recognizable gems, including his new track that remixes Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up," first heard on DC local Dave Nada's Discobelle mix. While his transitions sometimes dipped a little, his song selection and programming was top notch. The only thing, though, was that people weren't really ready for his bass-thumps so early in the evening. He would have really destroyed the 9:30 Club if he had gone on in between the Cool Kids and M.I.A. after people had already started moving around.

The Cool Kids provided a good contrast to M.I.A., who mixes singing and rapping over more experimental production. The Cool Kids are the newest signees to DJ A-Trak's Fool's Gold Records, which also houses Kanye-collaborator Kid Sister and dance-floor killers Flosstradamus. Although they may not agree with this sentiment, their old school influence is obvious. They opened with the boom-bap'd out "Gettin' It" which set the mood off, a drum break and two youngins rapping about how fly they are. This potentially tired theme is cushioned between battle raps and drum snaps that really shows the potential of the duo, one of whom (Chuck Inglish) also handles the production. They then started a verse from N.W.A.'s classic "Fuck the Police" to jump into their track "Gold and a Pager," which shares the same lyric, and then dropped all the songs from their current catalogue, including the singles "Mickey Rocks," "Black Mags," and their newest release, "Flossin'." Their set, which was nearly identical to the set I saw them perform in Los Angeles in July, kept the crowd jumping and maintained an energy. The highlight before the finale was their lyrically potent "88," an homage to the breakers of the 1980s, sampling a line from Nas' "Made You Look" (it would have been crazy to see them finish the song over that Nas instrumental; maybe in the future...). Their hipster aesthetic and throwback beats were perfect for the scene-ridden M.I.A. show, as well, and so the managers were smart in that sense.

The finale of the show was their Miami booty-bass inspired party track, still untitled and unreleased, which has only been heard on their myspace promo videos. The track really blew the crowd into a frenzy and, again, points to their potential. Unfortuantely, the Cool Kids have no official releases, not even a mixtape to sell, and so access to their music is not that easy. Once they have a wider range of tracks to pull from, their live show will improve (although they have got it down decently well at this point). Holler with a little bit of gold and a pager.

DJ Blaqstarr - All the Girls Around the World
The Cool Kids - 88 (Ryan Justin Edit)
The Cool Kids - Gettin' It feat. Lil' Wayne
Both Cool Kids tracks come from DJ Benzi.
Bonus: N.W.A. - Fuck the Police (holler)

Old School Thursdays: Eric B. and Rakim

2007-11-29T04:53:00.000-05:00

Tonight, The Cool Kids will be opening up for M.I.A. at the 9:30 Club, so I thought it was appropriate to jump off this Old School Thursday with Eric B. and Rakim. The Cool Kids rock the retro beats, and their single "Pump Up the Volume" pulls its title from Eric B. and Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul."

Eric B. and Rakim are considered the most influential hip-hop duo because they pushed the boundaries for rap both instrumentally and lyrically. Eric B. was one of the first producers to flip soul and R&B samples (heard in "I Know You Got Soul"), while Rakim's unrelenting flow and swagger have never been touched to this day. Rakim was an intellect who was hungry to eat up any emcee in his way; in his most infamous line he rhymes "I take 7 MC's put em in a line, and add 7 more brothas who think they can rhyme, well, it'll take 7 more before I go for mine, and that's 21 MC's ate up at the same time." I usually don't like typing out lyrics but Rakim's are more powerful than your average rapper. Truthfully, its hard to do justice to Rakim in writing; LISTEN TO THAT SHIT!

Their first album, Paid In Full, is front-to-back amazing. The beats are simple, allowing Rakim space to drop different styles. The title track was significant for its extended remix, "The Seven Minutes of Madness," which set the future standard for sampling, melding different melodies and samples throughout the song. The following two tracks are both from Paid in Full.

Eric B. and Rakim - I Ain't No Joke
Eric B. and Rakim - I Know You Got Soul

Eric B. and Rakim continued to release quality records despite a more mainstream audience. Their single "Know the Ledge," for instance, was the main title song for the movie Juice, but they were still able to preserve their jazz-influenced beats and high-powered battle rhymes. "Follow the Leader" and "Don't Sweat the Technique" are both displays of Rakim's unmatched talent as a lyricist.

Eric B. and Rakim - Follow the Leader
Eric B. and Rakim - Don't Sweat the Technique

Rakim's solo work never really matched the intensity of his work with Eric B., although his albums still had standouts. Still, his influence on basically every rapper since he began is evident after a few listens. Recently, Rakim appeared on the Nike Air Force 1 anniversary remix, which is included here as a special bonus!

Rakim - Classic DJ Premier Remix feat. Kanye West, Nas, and Krs-One
Full albums available at Amazon.

SEXI04 Contest

2007-11-28T22:17:00.000-05:00

Imperial is running a contest right now and the winners will each receive a pair of the upcoming Self Edge and Imperial collaboration SEXI04 before the public release.

On the Imperial website's news section you can download an american flag kangaroo image. According to an Imperial representative the jeans will be given out to those "who best transmits that image in whatever medium they see fit."
Mysterious.

Submissions should be posted to the official contest flickr group and winners will be determined in early January. Check out the best entry so far above.

Sample Check: Blow Your Head

2007-11-23T22:18:00.000-05:00

After recently hearing "The Motherfucking Rave is Over," a killer track from Pase Rock of Spank Rock's camp dedicated to the late James Brown, I decided to trace the history of the superfunky sample seen on the track, originally performed by the J.B.'s, which I have heard and has been used on a bunch of great hip-hop tracks of past.

The J.B.'s are James Brown's backing funk band that formed from various members of Brown's original touring band. After nearly the entire band walked out on Brown in the late 60s, organist/vocalist Bobby Byrd, alongside Catfish and Bootsy Collins and with some members of the backing band to Hank Ballard, formed the J.B.'s. Fred Welsey, an original backing member, became the musical director of the group. The band took many forms and had many bandmembers come and go, but their musical influence was seen in Wesley as well as other prominent funk/jazz artists such as Lyn Collins.

The J.B.s - Blow Your Head (holler)

"Blow Your Head" is known for its incredible moog-driven intro and pounding horns and bassline seen throughout. The most well-known and standard-setting use of the sample came in 1987 with Public Enemy's "Public Enemy #1," from their record Yo! Bumrush the Show. Puff Daddy notoriously remade the Public Enemy song (with the same name) to disastrous results in his 2000 comeback album Forever. Golden-age favorites Digable Planets and De La Soul used the sample slightly differently but made memorable songs nonetheless.

Public Enemy - Public Enemy #1 (holler)
Digable Planets - 9th Wonder (holler)
De La Soul - Sunshine (holler)

Recently, superproducer Diplo released an instrumental "Diplo Your Head" which has seen treatment from lablemate Rye Rye and up-and-coming emcee Pase Rock. Both artists flip the same beat but come out with much different tracks. Pase Rock's verse (albeit short) is pretty spectacular, launching an all-out attack on over-saturated dance music. The 12" with these tracks and remixes from Crookers, DJ Wonder, and DJ Sega, will be out in December so look out for that.

Pase Rock and Diplo - The Motherfucking Rave is Over (holler)
Rye Rye and Diplo - Wassup Wassup (holler)

Black Friday

2007-11-23T02:34:00.001-05:00

Dope Black Friday sale up at Major. Spiz'ikes hot off the press- were released tonight (technically last night) at midnight. You better believe I was there. If you didn't get 'em already, you better get your ass out of bed nice an early because they too are going to be gone gone gone just like those Aqua Jordan VIIIs you thought you'd be able to get a week later...

and up at Commonwealth:

Old School Thursdays are Back: Jeru the Damaja

2007-11-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

Jeru the Damaja blew up on the New York rap scene with his debut on Gangstarr's beat-changing "I'm the Man." Rocking over a Charles Mingus bass-line sample, Jeru unleashes the most ferocious lyrics on the record, easily outshining lead MC of Gangstarr Guru and affiliate Lil' Dap. His lyrical talent was apparent on this song and his affiliation with Premier and Guru would last through two albums before ending the relationship.

Gangstarr - I'm the Man feat. Lil' Dap and Jeru the Damaja
Gangstarr - Speak Ya Clout feat. Lil' Dap and Jeru the Damaja

Jeru made a name for himself, though, after the release of "Come Clean," widely considered one of the best Premier productions as he flips water drips into a classic underground staple. DJ Premier handled all the production on Jeru's first two albums, The Sun Rises in the East and The Wrath of Math, both critically acclaimed with the former considered an underground gem. Jeru mixed conscious lyrics with battle rhymes but was criticized for his misogyny (see: "Da Bitchez") in light of his supposed knowledge and self-proclaimed "prophet"-status. The Fugee's Pras takes a slight slab at Jeru on "Zealots" and although Jeru answered back briefly, Jeru's main targets were the mainstream artists (most notably Puff Daddy) who lacked the love for real hip hop. "Ya Playing Yourself" and "One Day" are the two most clear attacks on those artists.

Jeru the Damaja - Brooklyn Took It
Jeru the Damaja - Can't Stop the Prophet (Pete Rock Remix)
Both albums available at Amazon.

Happy Skanksgiving!!

2007-11-20T13:35:00.000-05:00

My boys out of Illinois called Le Roy made this song for Thanksgiving last year, and it always puts me in the Holiday Spirit. They do lots of joke rap songs that are always fun to listen to and are a hit at parties, lemme tell ya. If you wanna check them out, hit them up at their Space.

Here's the Link: Le Roy- Skanksgiving

Have a great holiday everyone, and we'll see ya back in DC next week!

The District Discusses Denim Discounts

2007-11-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

Self Edge in conjunction with styleforum.net is presenting a great opportunity to get into the premium Japanese denim scene.

Until the end of the month using the coupon code ‘StyleForumNovember’ while ordering online from Self Edge to receive 15% off on any pair of Skulls. With free shipping this brings the final price to $195.50. This is a great value as the 14.5oz denim Skull uses compares with models from Samurai and The Flat Head in the $300 range.

Right now indigo and black versions of the slim fit 50-10xx and indigo version of the straight leg fit 5507xx are in stock.

Self Edge is also running a 20% discount on the women's line of Slings and Stones using coupon code 'StyleForumSlingStones' and 25% off Nudies using 'StyleForumNudies'

No hate for Nudies, but if you are after true quality I know you already have the Skulls loaded up in another window by now.

Baltimore's own 16 y/o Rye Rye

2007-11-19T18:05:00.000-05:00

Hailing from DC's backyard in Baltimore, 16 year-old Rye Rye has become an overnight celebrity. At first she started as a dancer, but after hooking up w/ DJ Blaqstarr has been rapping for a little over a year, and she's now on tour with M.I.A.!

Check out Rye Rye's myspace to listen to some songs and watch vids.

No word on the 9:30 website or Rye Rye or M.I.A.'s myspace, but I'm really hoping she opens up for M.I.A.'s show at the 9:30 Club on November 29th. Jackson and I will be doing full coverage of that show for y'all.

DJ Blaqstarr - Shake it to the Ground feat. Rye Rye (holler)

Big Bang

2007-11-17T18:54:00.001-05:00

Aesop Rock- Big Bang

Like the cataclismic comsic explosion (implosion) that created our universe a gazillion years ago, The District Undergound is expanding at a mind-blowing exponential rate. More writers= more posts= more shit that helps you do your thing. We brought you CrashLandon, we broght you Webb Dilla (more on this later in the post), and now we bring you the boy wonder himself, TommyCornelis (not Cornelius)

The Webb man is student at Columbia by part of the day, one of today's foremost denim scholars by another part of the day, and a hi-fi audio junkie, by the other part. By night he sleeps. Look foward to some EXCLUSIVE denim updates that he and about 2 other people in the world could give you. Also look out for (please Webb) some bomb-ass audio equipment updates. Freeeeeeeelance.

TommyTimmyTom-Tom's gonna bring us up to date on some...I'm not really sure what he'll bring us up to date on, but when he does, we'll know.

mp3 c/o thepunkguy

Fr-fr-fr-french Friday, hollllllla

2007-11-15T19:12:00.000-05:00

I'll be in the WRGW studio live tomorrow morining (like all MF Friday mornings). You can pick up the show streaming on WRGW online 8-10am; I'm gonna bump some Hip Hop/Rap/ Rap Hop/ Hip Rap from the country that brought us the croissant and the french kiss. You like Teki Latex, IAM, Booba, MC Solaar, tune in, brrrrrrrro. DJ Crash Landon in studio as well as some other "special" guests.

Yelle- Je Veux Te Voir
MC Solaar- Noveau Western mp3 (c/o Street Kiss)

Self Edge X Imperial - SEXI04

2007-11-06T14:46:00.001-05:00

This collaboration between Self Edge and Imperial will be a straight up Dior 19cm cut. If you don’t know about the 19cm cut let me tell you: It rules. David Bowie, Michael Jackson and MC Ren all wear and draw power from these amazing jeans. My only complaint is that some people wear them unhemmed with too much stacking.

When Levi’s stopped using double ring spun denim and the same classic cuts on their 501s, companies like Sugar Cane stepped into the game to combine their premium Japanese denim and mega-attention to detail and classic Levi's styles. Now with the same dedication to quality, Self Edge will be bringing you the Dior 19cm using Imperial denim.

100 natural indigo, and 25 black (normal black, not black over dye like the SEXIH01) will be produced using 14.5 oz denim, with another 10 produced in 12 oz WHITE denim. Hopefully the white ones will feature indigo weft for reverse fade whiskers/honeycombs (if threads showing on the underside of the denim are blue, then areas of high wear will show through as blue too, unlike a normal pair where high wear areas become white). Expect a January 2008 release.

New CDs: 11/6

2007-11-05T21:48:00.000-05:00

Yo everybody, hopefully this weeks batch of new CDs will make up for last weeks awful showing (sorry for not putting anything up but there really was absolutely nothing worthwhile) so this Tuesday (11/6) be sure to look out for:

Jay Z’s new CD American Gangster, inspired by the movie (which is pretty bad ass by the way) drops Tuesday. Now I can remember back when a new Jay Z CD meant you would have that shit on constant rotation long after it came out, but this one just plain sucks, and I mean really sucks, all the songs sound the same (bad), the potent lyrics are gone and the weak ass beats don’t really do anything to fix the situation. I have nothing but love for Jay, but I think its time he hung the mic up for good and stuck to being the Boss. Im not even going to give you a link to it because you’re much better off downloading a free copy Lil Wayne’s Version.

Kanye’s put together a Good Life Single also featuring Cant Tell Me Noting, both off the Graduation album, and its got a few remixes and such but if you don’t have the actual CD go cop that because its pretty good, and if you missed my previous post of the Good Life Music Video, check it out because that shit is the business.

Other notables include: Snoop Dogg’s Greatest Hits Deluxe + DVD and a Nas Greatest Hits Album. Wont be anything new, but they both have plenty of classic jams to make it a worthwhile purchase.

Immortal Technique has got a new mixtape coming out Tuesday also, titled The Green Lantern Mixtape. I didn’t really feel like looking it up so if you like Tech do your own damn research.

Wale on his DC shit

2007-11-04T18:27:00.000-05:00

The 22 year-old DC native Wale graces this month's issue of Urb Magazine only a few months after the release of the Nick Catchdubs-mixed tape 100 Miles and Running (featured on DistrictUnderground in September). This unsigned talent is popping up on many new remixes and has more than just Urb behind him. Being backed by supermusican/dj Mark Ronson and co-sponsorship from street wear lines 10deep and The Hundreds, Wale has a versatility that is unmatched. "ADD Part 2" (available at his myspace here) has Wale jumping on over 7 instrumentals in 12 minutes, dropping punchlines and shouting out his DC/MD/VA peoples. Wale is sure to blow up over the next few months. The article from Urb can be read here along with some interesting behind-the-scenes photography with co-cover artists Justice.

Chris Brown - Kiss Kiss (Eli and Grayson Remix) feat. Wale
Kanye West - Goodlife Remix feat. T-Pain and Wale
Wale - Nike Boots
Wale - Goodgirl Cousin Cole Remix (holler)
Wale - Elevators Scottie B Remix (this song is fucking ridiculous, a classic from this Baltimore club legend, and totally set the crowd off on Thursday at Adam's Mill)
Bonus: Scottie B - N----z Fightin' (holler)

Fanzine Series ST33 Europe releases!!!!

2007-11-01T13:48:00.000-04:00

Im continually being impressed by span of Major's accounts. Everytime I go up there, they are picking up new brands and fresh gear. Not only are they acquiring exclusive streetwear brands like Huf, Maharishi, and The Hundreds, but their shoe acoounts are deepening as the months peel back. Coming from the L.A. streetwear scene (and often visiting New York), I can instantly tell the legitamacy of a store account and the relationship they have with the companies such as Nike, Puma, Reebok, etc. Exclusive release, limited releases, and special releases are all marks of a great shop. This is what seperates great streetwear stores and general retailers like Footlocker. Dope colorschemes DOES NOT necessarily mean dope accounts. Note on this note (but a similar one), I proudly give you the limited edition Super Team 33s by New Balance, available in limited sizes and quantities.

Hypebeast on the lore of the "Super Team:"
"Out of the 6 New Balance factories in the USA, one of the best is located in Skowhegan, Maine - a district famous for its shoe manufacturing. From the engineers in the factory, a special production line was built, made up of the best 28 workers and 5 craftsmen (longest career 25 years, total career of 33 workers: 265.5 years). The collection made from these talented workers was named "Super Team 33", because of its production line #33, and because of the total number of workers on the team. They value "high quality" and "aggressiveness", and create the best quality shoes in New Balance."

Old School Thursdays: D.I.T.C. crew

2007-11-01T03:50:00.000-04:00

The Diggin’ in the Crates crew is the superstar collective comprised of old-school legends Lord Finesse, Showbiz and A.G., O.C., Big L, Buckwild, and Fat Joe. Each member has gone in different directions since their formation in the early 90s but their legacy will live through both their group and solo works. Although Fat Joe ditched his early roots for some wack shit with Ashanti, the crew's collection is unrivaled.

Lord Finesse was the backbone behind the D.I.T.C. crew, getting together with Diamond D in the group’s early years. Both Finesse and Diamond are known for their amazing ability to beat down the microphone but also man the production boards. Finesse, the lyrical juggernaut of the two, consistently drops amazing punchlines, most likely a skill he acquired battle-rapping in the Bronx starting in the late 1980s. His debut with DJ Mike Smooth, Funky Technician, dropped in 1990 with most of the production being handled by Gang Starr’s DJ Premier. After splitting with Smooth, Finesse released his the now well-regarded Return of the Funky Man. Finesse produced the majority of the album with the help of Ice-T’s producer Aladdin and S.L.J.

Lord Finesse – Return of the Funky Man (holler)

Diamond D’s debut, Stunts, Blunts, and Hip-Hop, is regarded by most critics as the best album from the D.I.T.C. crew from that period. It is no wonder, as Diamond’s nearly-flawless production is so consistently fresh than many of the beats heard here are being sampled by current artists (including Nelly, Pharrell, and Busta Rhymes). Pushing conceptual limits, many of the songs have some sort of theme, from robbery stories to advice for the young ladies. Diamond, in contrast to Finesse, was less about the battle raps and more about the message. Either way, they both dropped some amazing shit.

Diamond D – Check One, Two (holler)

Showbiz and A.G., in my opinion, have the best record of the group with their first album Runaway Slave. This album has almost nothing but bangers. Although not of the current party taste, "Soul Clap" and "Party Groove" could get any old school hip hoppers on the floor. But literally every song on here is worth checking. Showbiz flips great horn and jazz samples while Andre the Giant crushes the lyrical tip for most of the album. “Represent,” which features a young Big L, along with Finesse and DeShawn, has some of the most jaw-dropping verses I have ever heard and rivals nearly any battle rap posse cut released within rap. If you find of a copy of this CD immediately buy it, it has been out of print for some time and is definitely a good purchase.

Show and A.G. – Represent (holler)

Big L is one of the most gifted and talented lyricists to emerge from the New York rap scene in the 1990s. Ready to sign a contract with Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella records, Big L was fatally shot outside of his home on 139th and Lenox, known (and constantly referenced by L) as the “Danger Zone.” With only one release under his belt, Lifestylez ov da Poor and Dangerous, Big L was set to release his grand opus, The Big Picture, before his death in February of 1999. Rawkus Records compiled the material that was already recorded, and pulled from some freestyles, to release The Big Picture in 2000. The album, although containing some questionable guest appearances and definitely grappling with the difficulties of such little material, was consistent in its way to demonstrate why Big L was so ill. His lines are without question intricate and with production from Premier and Pete Rock, the album was well-received. His legacy lives on through his records…

Big L – Flamboyant (holler)

The last two, sometimes forgotten members, of the crew are O.C. and Buckwild. Unfortunately, neither could really live up to the standard that O.C. set with “Time’s Up.” The Buckwild-produced single is probably the most-sampled rap song of all time and his verbal jabs that were written in 1994 are definitely as relevant today. Every hip-hop fan should know the lyrics to this song back-and-forth. Word…Life, which featured “Time’s Up,” is critically acclaimed in hip-hop circles, both for its production (mostly Buckwild) and O.C. lyrical flare, which often lended him to the same class as Nas (who at the time was literally at the top of the game).

O.C. – Time’s Up (holler)

Their only album as an entire group was released in 2000 through Fat Beats records, D.I.T.C. The album, however, was more a compilation of previously released tracks placed together with some new recordings. Most critics were disappointed with the record mostly due to its reception as a compilation and now a completed album. There were several highlights, including production from DJ Premier on "Ebonics" and "Thick."

D.I.T.C. feat. Big L and Fat Joe - Way of Life (holler)

Get up on that hip-hop knowledge!

Self Edge X Iron Heart - SEXIH03

2007-10-31T16:50:00.000-04:00

Several collaborations between San Francisco premium denim store Self Edge and various Japanese denim companies are being released over the next few months. Just a couple weeks ago the SEXSC02, a slim straight leg pair of jeans on some really nice, slightly streaky 14.5 oz Sugar Cane denim, came out.

The next one will be the SEXIH03 which is designed for cyclists from start to end. Made with heavy Iron Heart 21 oz denim guaranteed not to tear on falls or ever, it features wide back pockets shaped to hold mini U locks, an extreme taper below the knees such that cuffing won’t be necessary when you get on the bike and a higher rise in the back, among other bike-friendly traits.

What is most exciting about these jeans is the top down design approach. Returning to the function over form ideal which Levi’s first put rivets on denim pants in 1873, Self Edge is garnering to frequent cyclists wanting perfect everyday jeans for their lifestyle. Hopefully we will be seeing more jeans made with this design process in the future.

The SEXIH03 is planned to be released on November 24th in natural indigo and black versions. I recommend lining up for these on Valencia Street starting tonight.

sfgate.com on the img.

Syce that Shit DC

2007-10-31T12:26:00.000-04:00

Tabi Bonney is the newest DC native making noise in the mainstream press. His debut album dropped last year, A Fly Guy's Theme, and above is the video for his new song, "Syce It," which is not on the album. He mixes an off-kilter flow with some boom bap-esque production, giving the listener a somewhat new sound. His arrogance also comes though in his music- basically he is the coolest cat you'll ever meet. I'm not sure about that, but you can check him out on his myspace webpage.

Living Good

2007-10-24T04:48:00.000-04:00

Regardless of what you may think of the man, you have to admit this video is pretty sick:

(1) Uptown. Bronx.

2007-10-23T17:11:00.000-04:00

When I bought my ticket to Justice back in September, I figured that come the weekend of October 20, I'd find some cheap ass way to get up to NYC, find some cheap ass place to crash, and from there, whatever happens happens.
So between then and now, a lot of stuff has come up. I caught wind of the Richard Prince show at the Guggenheim, the What the Dunks release at Dave's Quality Meat, and realized that it couldn't hurt to see some good freinds in the city and pick up a couple pairs of shoes.

We hit a few spots early Saturday: namely Clientele, Bape, Alife, Alife Rivington Club, DQM, Supreme, Wesc, Union, and the DOPE denim store,Blue and Green (If you though I was gonna link up that whole sentance, you were so wrong, son. Here, I'll give you a link, Google). As far as the sneakers, there wasn't anything that really blew me away.

Supreme had some new October released dunk Sbs and some sick new hats.
DQM had a really good selection of Vans (Landon).
Wesc was LACKING compared to the inventory in Los Angeles.
Clientele honestly has 0 things worth buying.
I love the Alife Rivington Club, but there was not 1 pair of shoes there that I didn't see somewhere else, except for the cased Puma Vaughn Bodes and the Reebok Alife edition Reebok Victory pumps. The new winter jackets looked amazing. They're made by Penfield, come in three colors, and are limited to 300 pieces. Solid.
I went next door to the "Alife" not the "Alife Rivington Club" and picked up a pair of Alifes that I saw online last week. They've got that shit fully stocked with all the new Alife releases: shoes, apparel, and toys. The hats are nuts, the beanies are nuts, and the brightly colored Levi 501s are nuts.
Union was the shit. So many amazing tee shirts and fall/winter outerwear.

The suprise of the trip came two fold. The first was walking into the near empty Bape store in SoHo (the only US Bape store for now) and seeing god damn Kanye West fully equipped in black skinny jeans, black Jordan Ivs, and a fresh Bape Letterman jacket leaning up against the register counter almost inviting people to come in and ask "Hey, are you Kanye West?!." Dude goes platinum in two weeks and still loves all the attention.
The second was the Blue and Green store. I'm hoping to get a friend to start doing a denim column for the site, so if he comes through (Webb...) I'll let him at it.

CMJ Music Marathon Coverage - New York City bitches!

2007-10-22T22:32:00.001-04:00

College Music Journal hosted an incredibly well-booked Music Marathon this past weekend in New York. The Districtunderground crew had a chance to cover two of the most exciting events of the weekend, Baltimore-bass hip-hoppers Spank Rock and electronica rockstars Justice.

SPANK ROCK AT THE FILLMORE - NEW YORK CITY - OCTOBER 19

Image from Stereogum

I don't think that Spank Rock can ever disappoint at a live show. The concert was out of control and completely off the wall, as expected, but moreso than I had anticipated. Seeing them in DC last October was a religious experience: jumping on stage, friends grinding with Naeem aka MC Spank Rock, and hanging from pipes at the Black Cat. Imagine that scene but now you have Afrikan Boy, Santogold (who was an amazing opener), a topless (?!) Yo Majesty, and M.I.A. dancing around on stage, Amanda Blank and her hypegirl taking pictures with every fan, and Naeem passing out after pouring Vodka down the throat of some cat in the crowd. And that wasn't even the music.

Spank Rock held down the stage with an amazingly bumping set, consisting of a lot of the 2 Live Crew-influenced material from his new EP with Benny Blanco, Spank Rock and Benny Blanco are Bangers and Cash, as well as the classics from their debut YoYoYoYoYoYo, released last year. Running through crowd pleasers, including "Backyard Betty" and "Sweet Talk," Naeem controlled the crowd by example: moving around recklessly on stage, drinking heavily behind the turntables, and getting the groupies dancing off-beat (actually- that part was wack). The two biggest highlights came when Spank Rock was joined by his female sexpot escort MC, Amanda Blank, who rapped on "Loose" and "Bump." There is nothing like a crowd of New York indie kids yelling "She ain't nothing but a hoochie mama!" Well, they were lame- but Spank Rock killed it. It was disappointing that the show ended a little early because Spank Rock had to be carried off stage after passing out drunk. Yo, it really was a PARTY. My new goal in life is to court Amanda Blank and make her my wifey and then hit the shit of her- so hot.

Spank Rock feat. Amanda Blank - Loose

JUSTICE AT TERMINAL FIVE - NEW YORK CITY - OCTOBER 20

Photo by Jackson Trugman

The hype for the Justice show was pretty overwhelming, as I feel that they are still getting attention from the same crowd that was amazed at the Daft Punk tour over the summer. Although new to the dance scene, Justice has taken over recently due to the success of their singles "We Are Your Friends" and "D.A.N.C.E." both of which have reached a mainstream audience unfamiliar with dance/electronica music (although, arguably, neither of those songs are heavy on the electronica). I was unsure of how the live set would be and so when the set began with, basically, a straight play of their album-opening "Genesis," I got worried. That may have just been my buzz wavering after 3 drinks I downed (mixed drinks were about half an ounce of liquor and 3 cups of juice, but I guess that is expected) because they kept the crowd jumping the entire time.

Their set consisted of, more or less, re-flipping all of their tracks, with elements from different songs reappearing and changing throughout the show. Their massive backdrop, which consisting of no less than 15 Marshall amps (which, as I have heard, were props) and tons of audio sequencing euipment, sported a well-lit cross (a reference to their album cover) that changed slightly duringthe concert. Not as stunning as Daft Punk's pyramid but mildy entertaining nonetheless. Dropping "D.A.N.C.E.", their most recent single, in the middle of the set was great at getting the crowd hyped but getting them excited about the rest of the show. The show progressed with the bass from "Phantom Pt. 2" coming in and out, and the disjointed nature of "Stress" getting people to again throw their hands in the air.

The finale of their first set was an interesting remix of their two best songs, "Waters of Nazareth" and "We Are Your Friends," where the filtered stuter of "Waters" would hit the vocal chops of "Friends" as the song built to literally every single person chanting the chorus. The encore brought the show in a new direction for the last three songs, remixes of nu-rave rockers the Klaxons, electronica partners-in crime Soulwax, and metal/rock and roll pioneers Metallica. The guitar riffs of the Metallica flip added to the vibe that Justice want to the be modern-day electronica ROCK STARS, which, at least for this show, they basically were.

The mindless chanting at the end, after Justice was off the stage for nearly 5 minutes, was an interesting display of unity within the crowd. My only complaint was that sound dropped out a a few times between transitions, leaving me with no beat to shake my hips to with the girly. She was more angry than I was though.

Justice - Waters of Nazareth Erol Alka edit feat. Pase Rock

Justice - Stress

Justice's debut † available at Amazon.

The crew

CMJ's Music Marathon was off the chain hope to see you next year!

Watch my feet, wa-watch my feet

2007-10-22T19:43:00.000-04:00

Weekend in NYC. Craziness ensued. Stay tuned.

New CDs: 10/23

2007-10-22T16:49:00.000-04:00

Great week for new music and I mean great. Tons of new stuff is going to drop tomorrow (10/23) but be sure to check out:

Egoclapper, from Boston legends 7L & Esoteric is going to be an awesome CD all across the board. These guys are some of my absolute favorites and I have been waiting for this one to drop for a while now. Expect killer lyrics, awesome sample-heavy production and tons of the usual personality that pushes their albums on the next level. Eso, who usually sticks to the mic does a bit of the production on this one, and word is he delivers, so be sure not to miss this one.

Also, Reveal The Secret is a new 6 song EP from world renowned J-Live is out tomorrow, and will feature production from the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinna and Marco Polo. The EP serves as an appetizer to J-Live’s full album Then What Happened which will be dropping in a little while as well. From the mouth of J-Live himself “I want this to feel like it came outa nowhere. I want the people that have it to feel special you know. Let them spread the word that I’m back.” Get it.

No real need to elaborate on these two as they’re pretty self explanatory, but Turn It Up!: The Very Best Of Busta Rhymes, and Instrumental Experience from RZA are both hot and worth a look.

Howard Homecoming Blowout Sale

2007-10-15T17:09:00.000-04:00

Everyone should check out one of DC's illest streetwear spots, MAJOR, this week for a Howard Homecoming Blowout Sale. Here is what MAJOR said about the sale: "In celebration of this upcoming event, and based on suggestions from some of our MAJOR staff who are current Howard students, we are putting on 50% Backyard Blowout sale from today, Monday October 15th, through Friday, October 19th. We have shoes, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, shorts, and jeans for 50% off our regular retail price in the Backyard Sale Compound."

Major is located in Georgetown, at 1426 Wisconsin Ave.

I know I will definitely be copping some new gear so hope to catch ya'll out there! Hopefully I'll be hitting up Howard Homecoming, with my man Jackson, dumbin' fuckin' something...YOU SHOULD KNOW MY STEELO.