My Mixtapes

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Album: SoulChef - Here & Now (2011)


Damn, here's another stellar find. Straight from the New Zealand producer SoulChef's beat kitchen comes a jazzy and groovy collaborative album featuring a different dope underground MC on nearly every track. The 10 track album is filled with fluid beats and rhymes that will have your head bouncing on one track and contemplating on the next. But one thing remains clear throughout the entire work, it's pretty solid. From the laid back Pete Rock-reminiscent tracks like "We Gon Turn It Out" and "Take" to the driving steady baselines and drums of "Never Been In Love Like This" and "Dreams", this album delivers impressive production...and the rhymes are nothing to gloss over either, although you are highly likely to do so the first listen through as the beats draw you in. 


Enjoy.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Album Of The Year: Rashad & Confidence - The Element Of Surprise (2011)

HeadPhoneHOME Album Of The Year 2011

Dear Hip Hop,
        2011 has been a crazy busy year for you. More and more rappers appeared everyday and fewer and fewer were actually worth listening to. It's hard to keep up with you I admit, but I'm doing my best to stay up to date with how you've changed for the better. I still yearn for that golden era 90's sound though and can't stand this new obsession with swag rap that devalues putting history or substance into beats and rhymes. But luckily you've been blessed with some new MC's and producers with real skill who are keeping your authenticity and raw energy alive. I'm talking about one MC and one producer, a new duo by the names of Rashad & Confidence.
        Rashad & Confidence's debut album "The Element Of Surprise" was appropriately titled as they both seemingly came out of nowhere with a polished product that, after careful consideration, I believe will prove to be a timeless piece of hip hop artistry. Confidence crafts his beats from soulful samples re-envisioning the smooth yet gritty sound that was often found in the golden era of hip hop. Confidence produces the entirety of the album enabling him to create a consistent sound as the glue that holds the entire album together while Rashad puts the icing on the cake with his effortlessly watery flow. Rashad brings his mic skills as an extremely well-rounded artist spitting substance and dropping knowledge all throughout the album. He paints a picture with words on topics ranging from the political, to love, the past, and the never-ending quest for hip hop mastery. This is an album I can listen to from front to back and then repeat it over and over again, always with something new to appreciate every time. In his own words, Rashad describes his and Con's work together as "something golden-era esque, but still futures ahead". When asked about why this specific time period influenced their work, Rashad answered: “Hip-Hop’s golden era was important because of the sound and the emotion that was put into the music. Hip-Hop during that time had a certain type of energy. It was more organic and raw back then.” They even paid homage with their album cover, recreating the 1990 album cover from "Funky Technician" by Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth (In case you were wondering why it looked kind of budget).
        All in all, the album is ridiculously well put together. There are very few discs that I own that I actually want to listen to every track, but this is certainly one of them. If you can't get enough of that 90's sound and like your hip hop with some substance, please support one of the next great MC / producer duo's in hip hop who are now joining the likes of The Left, my pick for 2010's Hip Hop Album Of The Year "Gas Mask".

Tracklist
01 Introduction
02 Brand New
03 The City
04 Understand
05 Rumors Of War
06 Days Of My Youth
07 Interlude
08 Pen On Display
09 Shining
10 Pass Me By
11 Interlude
12 They Keep Asking Me
13 Let Me Explain
14 All Year Round
15 The Break Up Song

Runner Up for Album Of The Year:
Buy That.

Friday, December 23, 2011

#NewMusicFriday: Return Of The Album (Part 2)


Back for the second addition of "Return Of The Album"; a little segment for the true hip hop heads out there where I list all the albums and mixtapes that I've downloaded since the first post. This is a dedication to those fans that still listen to albums in their entirety. Now of course I haven't listened to all of them yet (who knows how long that will take), in fact I've listened to only a mere fraction of them. But all of these albums I consider worthy of checking out. Most of these are new stuff that's come out this year, but some are albums and artists that I've stumbled upon along the way. I can't help but want to share all of my finds with you guys and hope that I can open your eyes to some new artists or remind you of something you've missed along the way. Keep searching for that perfect album...

ALBUMS!

Sareem Poems - Black & Read All Over (2011)

Vakill – Armor of God (2011)

Hassaan Mackey & Apollo Brown - House Shoes Daily Bread Mixtape (2011)

Hassaan Mackey & Apollo Brown - Daily Bread (2011)

Mac Miller - Best Day Ever Mixtape (2011)

Wu-Tang vs. Jimi Hendrix – Black Gold (Mixtape) (2011)

J-Live - The Live Identity Mixtape (2011) 

Big K.R.I.T. – Last King 2 (Mixtape) (2011)

The Weeknd - Thursday Mixtape (2011)

Def Dee - Cheap Heat (2011)

Warm Brew – Warm Brew EP (2011)

Blu – NoYork! (Album) [WebRip] (2011)

Casey Veggies – Sleeping In Class (2011)

STS – The Illustrious (2011)

Apathy - Honkey Kong (2011)

DJ Drama & Curren$y – Verde Terrace (Mixtape) (2011)

THURZ – LA Riot (2011)

Phil Ade – A Different World (Mixtape) (2011)

Avatar Young Blaze - The Iron Curtain (2011)

The Cool Kids - When Fish Ride Bicycles (2011)

Dom Kennedy – From The Westside, With Love II (2011)

The Physics - Love Is A Business (2011)

Sol - Dear Friends Vol. III (2011)

Aziz - Daydreams Of A Spaceshot (2011)

Gee Wizz - Revolutionary (Mixtape) (2011)

The Black Opera - Overture (2011)

Serge Severe - Back On My Rhymes (2011)

TiRon & Ayomari – En Kärlekshistoria EP (2011)

TiRon & Ayomari - T&A (The Prelude To ASFP) (2011)

Rockie Fresh – The Otherside Redux (Mixtape) (2011)

Danny Brown – XXX (2011)

CyHi The Prynce - Jack of All Trades (2011)

Buckwild, Celph Titled, & DJ Pizzo – Buck’s Wildest Beats

Jay Electronica – ElectroChemicals (Mixtape)

J57 - The Analog Tape (Beat Tape) (2011)

Maffew Ragazino – Rhyme Pays (2011)

Will Sessions - Real Sessions (2011)

One Be Lo - L.A.B.O.R. (2011)

J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story (2011)

Evidence - Cats & Dogs (2011)

9th Wonder - The Wonder Years (2011)

Phonte - Charity Starts At Home (2011)

Blu - Open (2011)

Madlib - Medicine Show #12: Raw Medicine (2011)

DTMD - Makin' Dollas (2011)

Cormega - Raw Forever (2011)

Stalley - Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music) (2011)

Blu - The Greatest Guest Features (4-Disc)

PROMETHEUS BROWN - BROWNOUTS VOL. 1

Oddisee - Rock Creek Park [Instrumentals] (2011) 

Styles P – Master Of Ceremonies (2011)

Gilbere Forte’ – Some Dreams Never Sleep EP (2011)

UGK – The Bigtyme Way (2011)

Ski Beatz – 24 Hour Karate School Part 2 (2011)

Bumpy Knuckles & Statik Selektah - Lyrical Workout (2011)

Warm Brew - Natural Spirit (2010)

Exile - Intro To The Outro (Mixtape) (2011)

Pharoahe Monch - Best Of - Rarities, Features & B-Sides (2011)

Timbo King – From Babylon To Timbuk2 (2011) 

Edo. G – A Face in the Crowd (2011) 

TONY TOUCH, P.F. CUTTIN, MISTER CEE, DJ PREMIER & EVIL DEE - 5 DEADLY VENOMS OF BROOKLYN

Declaime - Self Study (2011)

Khaleel - The Authentic Vol. 1 (Mixed by DJ Premier) (2011)

Tonedeff - Cold.Killed.Collected. (2011)

2Pac - Eternal Legend - Presented by DJ September 7th (2011)

Braille - Native Lungs (2011)

ChrisCo - How Does It Feel EP (2011)

DJ Rugged One – Best Of Da Beatminerz Vol. 1 (Mixtape)

9th Wonder - 9th's Opus (It's A Wonderful World Music Group Volume 1) (2010)

DJ Brace - Nostomania (2008)

DJ Brace - Synesthasia (2010)

Brown Bag Allstars - Brown Bag Season Vol. 1 2CD (2011)

Blasphemous Jazz – The Bitches Brew Sessions (2011)

Demrick (Young De) & Scoop Deville – Neva Look Back EP (2011)

Cesar Comanche & DJ Flash - Itch Remedy EP (2011)

John Crown - Coffee And Beats (2011)

MED - Classic (2011)

Various - America Is Dying Slowly Soundtrack (1996)

Black Moon - Enta Da Stage (1993)

Black Moon - Diggin In Dah Vaults (1996)

Black Moon - War Zone (1999)

Black Moon - Total Eclipse (2003)

Black Moon - Alter The Chemistry (2006)

Planet Asia x G_Force – Camouflage Jackets (2011)

Dubb – The Departure (2011)

Mac Miller - I Love Life, Thank You (2011)

Devlin - Bud Sweat & Beers (2010)

Kooley High - Eastern Standard Time (2010)

Chuuwee - Be Cool (2011)

FeSo - Working Title (2011)

Truthlive - Patience (2010)

JR Mint - Canadian Mint (2011)

Zion I - Atomic Clock (2010)

Neek The Exotic & Large Professor - Still On The Hustle (2011)

Jadakiss – I Love You Mixtape (A Dedication To My Fans) (2011)

Add-2 – One Missed Call (2011)

Fly Union - The Greater Than Club (2011)

Luck-One- King Of The Northwest (2011)

JayKin - Sneakers And Video Games 2 (2011)

Murs - Love And Rockets (2011)

Trackademicks - Fresh Coastin' (2011)

Statik Selektah – Population Control (2011)

Descry – As Serenity Approaches (2011)

Gym Class Heroes - The Papercut Chronicles II (2011)

Mac Miller - Blue Slide Park (2011)

Childish Gambino - Camp (2011)

Chuuwee - Watching The Throne (2011)

Rapsody - For Everything (2011)

Mick Boogie - My Adidas Mixtape (Various Artists) (2011)

yU - A Garbage Beat Tape (2011)

Freddie Gibbs – Cold Day In Hell (Mixtape) (2011)

Danny Brown & Black Milk - Black And Brown EP (2011)

Rittz - White Jesus (2011)

Celph Titled & Buckwild - Nineteen Ninety More (2011)

Termanology & Ea$y Money - S.T.R.E.E.T. Mixtape (2011)

Nesby Phips - The Lockout (2011)

Elite - Awaken (2011)

Layne Harper x Miami Beat Wave - Beyond Category EP (2011)

Yelawolf - Radioactive (2011)

Action Bronson & Statik Selektah - Well Done (2011)

Twin Peaks - The Perfect Strangers EP (2010)

Twin Peaks - Kissing Hands and Shaking Babies (2011)

Notes To Self - A Shot In The Dark (2009)

Lupe Fiasco - Friend Of The People Mixtape (2011)

M.O.P. – Sparta (Prod. Snowgoons) (201!)

The Roots – undun (2011)

Lil B “The BasedGod” – The Silent President (2011)

Jedi Mind Tricks – Violence Begets Violence (2011)

Mobb Deep - Black Cocaine EP (2011)

Kidz In the Hall – Occasion (2011)

Has-Lo - Conversation B (2011)

Asamov - And Now... (2005)

Ratatat Remixes Mixtape Vol. 1

Ratatat Remixes Mixtape Vol. 2

Panacea - Thinking Back, Looking Forward (2008)

Al Tarba - Blood Out Connections Vol. 1 (2009)

A.Dd+ - Loosies (2011)

O.C. - Jewelz (1997)

Incise - Familiar Voices (2010)

Rashad & Confidence - Element of Surprise (2011)

Guante & Big Cats! - An Unwelcome Guest (2010)

VA - Farewell Fondle Em (2001)

Cecil Otter - Rebel Yellow (2008)

Doomtree - Doomtree (2008)

Immortal Technique - The Martyr (2011)

Grieves - Irreversible (2007)

Grieves - 88 Keys And Counting (2010)

Lateef The Truthspeaker - Firewire (2011)

Lateef & Z-Trip - Ahead Of The Curve (2007)

Tom Pepe - CupaTea (2010)

Knowmads - Knowmads (2010)

Knowmads - Seattle (2009)

S.2 - Low Cohesion - The Remixtape (2008)

M.A.E. - More EP (2010)

Notebook Noice - Snares, Hooks and Rhymebooks (2008)

Jack Flash - The Sound Of Colours EP (2010)

Jay Fresh vs. Pretty Lights - The Delta Project (2011)

Lowkey - Soundtrack To The Struggle (2011)

VA - Stronghold – Mixtape Vol. 2 (2004)

K-OTIX - The Reason (2008)

Wais P - Premo Pimpin' Mixtape (2011)

Jon Connor – Season 2 Mixtape (2011)

Nine Leaves - Peace In Death (2008)

Blu & Exile - Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them (2011)

Aim - Cold Water Music (1999)

Bop Alloy - Substantial & Marcus D Are Bop Alloy (2010)

Marcus D - Shoshin (2010)

Heltah Skeltah - Magnum Force (1998)

Asher Roth - Pabst & Jazz (2011)

Afu-Ra - Body Of The Life Force (2000)

Torae - For The Record (2011)

Reks - Grey Hairs (2008)

Sir Menelik - Cyclops 4000 (The Einstein Rosen Bridge) (2005)

King Mez & Khrysis - The King's Khrysis (2011)

The MC Type - Mustache Secrets (2007)

Supersci - Pinetrees On The Pavement (2006)

Supersci - Timelines (2010)

Supersci - Cutting Down Trees (2007)

Marty Mcfly - Lastly (2011)

Versis – iLLCANDESCENT (2010)

Angry Mic Intervention (2008)

Curren$y - Verde Terrace (2011)

Zilla Rocca - Nights & Weekends EP (2011)

The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come for Free (2004)

Curren$y – Weekend At Burnie’s (2011)

A.Dd+ - When Pigs Fly (2011)

Cymarshall Law & Mr. Joeker - Hip Hop In The Soul (2008)

Cymarshall Law & Mr. Joeker - Hip Hop In The Soul 2 (2011)

Snowgoons - Black Snow (2008)

Snowgoons - German Lugers (2007)

Thirstin Howl III - Licensed To Skill (2003)

Thirstin Howl III - Skilligan's Island (2002)

Thirstin Howl III - Skillitary (2004)

Thirstin Howl III - Serial Skiller (2001)

Thirstin Howl III - Skillosopher (2000)
https://rs335tl.rapidshare.com/#!download|335l32|76616701|Thirstin__Howl_III_2000_-_Skillosopher.rar|51321|R~3F31A491560BDEC0A41A71A1DB1B06CE|0|0

Thirstin Howl III - Skillionaire (1999)

Grip Grand - Brokelore (2008)

OCD: Moosh & Twist – The Welcome Mat (2011)

Yours truly,
FiletOfSole

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Filet-o-Mix 17: Catharsis - The Breakup Mix

Catharsis - The Breakup Mix

So here's another addition to the Filet-o-Mix series for y'all. This is the first Filet-o-Mix sequel though, a follow up to the first mix I ever did in 2009, Filet-o-Mix 01: Love - The Most Dangerous Game. It seems that I'm obsessed with hip hop songs about heartbreak. They're so honest and I'm able to relate to the artists' emotions. I made both of these mixes in true cliché breakup fashion... after two of my own breakups. I realize that I make these mixes after breakups for cathartic purposes, so I can listen to them and empathize, expressing and sharing my sorrow with the artists through their music. Both or these mixes are very personal and I hope you enjoy them or know someone who can use them as I did.


Tracklist
01 Now On - I'm Sayin (14KT Random Horns Remix) Ft. Aloe Blacc
02 Macklemore - Love Song
03 Donwill - Want You To Want Me Reprise Ft. Tanya Morgan
04 Devin The Dude - Thinkin' Boutchu
05 Sway - Look After My Girl Ft. Darren B (Prod. by Emile)
06 14KT - Miss U (For Lost Loved Ones)
08 JR & PH7 - I Keep On Movin' (Ft. Kaze & Edgard Allen Floe)
09 Eminem - Space Bound
10 Mickey Factz - Ashes
12 Z-Trip - Everything Changes (Ft. Aceyalone & Mystic)
13 Yelawolf - Love Is Not Enough
15 BlakRoc - Why Can't I Forget Him (Ft. Nicole Wray)
16 J Dilla - Stop
17 Donwill - Laura's Song
18 Miguel - All I Want Is You Ft. J. Cole
19 Lauryn Hill - Ex Factor

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails