Rapper Torae & Super-Producer Marco Polo have joined forces to release the New York rap album that fans of raw, hardcore Hip-Hop have been waiting for.
When it comes to beats and rhymes, Canadian producer Marco Polo and Brooklyn MC Torae don’t play, just check the résumé. On his 2007 critically acclaimed album Port Authority, Polo recruited a who’s who of MC’s like Kool G Rap and Kardinal Offishall to ride over his hard-hitting instrumentals. Torae, on the other hand, has certified his rep as one of the game’s illest lyricists in a similar fashion, with remarkable wordplay on his highly touted 2008 street album Daily Conversation. So, in the spirit of great hip-hop duos, the producer and the MC signed with Duck Down Records to release their collaborative album “Double Barrel,” on June 2nd.
“He’s bringing the hardest production that he can bring, I’m bringing the hardest rhymes I can bring; together its like a double barrel blast,” says Torae of the album’s persistent theme. The two first hooked up when Marco tapped the MC to guest on his Mick Boogie-helmed mixtape, The New Port Authority, in 2007. In turn, Marco went on to produce “Casualty” on Tor’s Daily Conversation. “I think we just had a connection in the studio,” says Polo, “We wanted to make an album that we wanted to hear with banging beats and aggressive rhymes.”
Sonically Double Barrel pays homage to New York’s mid-‘90’s rap scene, when artists like Gang Starr and Wu-Tang Clan reigned supreme. The album’s lead track “Party Crashers” is a definite standout, harkening back to that era with its chest thumping percussion and rock solid rhymes. So rather then try to fit in with Hip-Hop’s pop set, Torae & Marco chose the unconventional route. “I think the sound of the album is not the most popular or trendy, but we’re going to crash the party,” says Tor, “We’re coming in with this sound and we’re coming in doing what we want to do.”
Songs like the dramatic “But Wait” and the free associative “Word Play” display Tor’s forward-thinking conceptual abilities, while the rock-infused “Danger” stands as one of Marco’s finest productions to date. Overall the album is chock-full of the street-influenced rap that fans have come to expect from the two Hip-Hop upstarts.
Torae sums up the collaboration perfectly when he spits, “He makes violent beats, I’m from the violent streets/That Double Barrel sound, that’s where violence meets.”
Torae & Marco Polo will also be hitting off the vinyl heads with both a 12″ and LP of the album; the 12″ line up will include “Double Barrel,” “Hold Up” f/ Sean Price & Masta Ace and “Combat Drills” (an exclusive cut not found on the Double Barrel CD).
**The Digital Deluxe-Edition of “Double Barrel,’” will include the complete album, an exclusive bonus track and Marco Polo’s instrumentals from the LP; will be available exclusively through iTunes worldwide for only $9.99
Tracklisting and credits for Torae & Marco Polo’s Double Barrel:
1.) Intro f/DJ Premier
2.) Double Barrel featuring cuts by DJ Revolution
3.) Smoke f/Lil Fame of M.O.P.
4.) Party Crashers
5.) But Wait
6.) Lifetime featuring cuts by DJ Revolution
7.) Rah Rah Sh*t
8.) Danger
9.) Stomp f/Guilty Simpson
10.) World Play
11.) Hold Up f/Masta Ace & Sean Price
12.) Coney Island
13.) Get It
14.) Crashing Down f/Saukrates & S-Roc (***Bonus Track)
***All Tracks Produced By Marco Polo
Beastie Boys may have only just recently reissued their Paul’s Boutique LP but already the group are planning to give the same treatment to its 1992 follow-up, Check Your Head.
Via Capitol/EMI, the Beasties’ third album will be remastered, expanded and released in a variety of formats, the most elaborate of which will be an “ultra-deluxe” four-LP, 180-gram vinyl version that will come in a fabric-wrapped hardcover coffee-table book case. All editions will include numerous B-sides and bonus tracks, and along with the four-LP box (which is limited to 2,000 copies), the reissue will also be available as a DRM-free digital download, a double CD and as less deluxified double-vinyl. There’s no word yet on which added tracks will be included on the reissue but the physical editions of Check Your Head will hit shops April 7.
As previously reported, this bit of Beasties news comes as the band prepare to release their new studio album, which is expected to drop sometime this year and has been given the working title Tadlock’s Glasses. According to what the group have said in recent interviews, the record is “political,” “bizarre” and “a combination of playing and sampling stuff.” Also, that title is inspired by one of the Beasties’ old bus drivers, who once received a pair of glasses from the King of Rock’n’Roll himself: Elvis Presley.
On the live front, the band only have a few dates lined up: one at this summer’s Bonnaroo festival and another at L.A.’s Hollywood Bowl on September 24. However, the press release says to expect a lot more shows in the run-up to that new full-length.
Here are all the buying options available for the Check Your Head reissue:
— Digital Download (album and B-sides)
— Deluxe Digital Option (also includes videos and video commentary)
— Deluxe, limited collector’s vinyl + Digital Download
— Standard double vinyl + Digital Download
— Ecopack double CD + Digital Download
— Deluxe Digital + shirt
— Standard Vinyl + shirt
— CD + shirt
— Deluxe, limited collector’s vinyl + shirt
Andy Samberg and the Lonely Island crew are at it again with another song/video that is sure to be an internet sensation. The production value with these guys continues to impress… SNL should thank their lucky stars they have these guys:
Legendary Hip-Hop producer Ron Browz is climbing the charts with his debut single, “Jumpin’ (Out The Window)”. Currently sitting at #24, it is one of the hottest songs on Urban radio. With the help of new rock sensation Forever The Sickest Kids, Browz has remixed the single to bring it to a whole new audience. Check out the video below.
Jumpin(Out the Window) remix ft. Forever the Sickest Kids - Ron Browz
After spending the last six months hard at work on his next project following the critically acclaimed Back to the Lyrics, Chicago MC Bullet is back to unleash the first single off his up and coming THE LOST JABBAWOCKEE. Shake Yo Body was crafted to make people dance plain and simple. There is no hidden agenda with this track, it is simply for the clubs and those of us who like to shake off the week when the weekend comes around.
WATCH BULLET IN THE STUDIO WITH PRODUCER SLOT:
Bullet: The Lost Jabbawockee MIXING SESSION with SUPERSTEVE AND SLOT-A from Bullet on Vimeo
The street audience is often neglected by many producers in favor of creating popular hits for mainstream artists. Since the late 90’s, Harlem native Ron Browz has made it his business to bring both worlds together. In his quest to keep the spirit of hip hop alive, he has received little credit for some major accomplishments. Fortunately, he is now on the verge of receiving proper accolade for his work.
Influenced by the sounds of DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, and Havoc, Ron’s first big break came in the year 2000 when he produced four songs on the late Big L’s album, The Big Picture, including the classic track “Ebonics.” Big L taught Ron about the music business, and exposed him to a new network of contracts. The experience gave Ron reason to take the game seriously, and his career began to grow exponentially.
The following year of 2001 Ron Browz gave some beats to Queensbridge emcee Nas during the recording of the 2001 double-platinum album Stillmatic, Ron Browz was not expecting history to be made. Nas used Ron’s track as the foundation for his lyrical battle classic “Ether,” a scathing comeback to Jay-Z’s “The Take-Over.” “When I did the beat and Nas picked the track, I didn’t know that’s what it was gonna be for,” explains Ron. “To this day I feel honored. I get a lot of respect for it when people meet me. “
The credibility of “Ether” sparked a demand for the Ron Browz sound. His reputation for crafting walloping records grew with songs like the Ludacris smash hit “Blow It Out” from the album Chicken N Beer, which has sold over 2.5 million copies to date. Other platinum-plus albums with Ron’s magic touch include Lloyd Banks The Hunger For More with the song “Playboy,” DMX’s “F’ck Y’all” on the Grand Champ LP, “Whatz The Word” on Lil Kim’s La Bella Mafia album, and the Snoop Dogg collaboration with 50 cent “Oh No” on Snoop’s Rhythm & Gangsta: The Masterpiece lp. As time surpassed, Ron’s perseverance became more memorable, with a strong showing on Jae Millz Street anthems “Who”, and “Bring it back.” Ron took the industry by storm when his production was presented as the opening song for 50 Cent’s blockbuster film Get Rich Or Die Trying. The track, “I’ll Whip Ya Head Boy,” which features 50 and Young Buck over Ron’s brazen baseline, was also nominated for an Oscar the following year. Ron’s captivating, irrefutable sound coincides with the follow up album from Lloyd Banks “Rotten Apple”, where you can hear his undeniable drums on “Playboy 2” or the heartfelt keys on the single “Help” which features singer Keri Hilson. His ‘sought-after’ sound can also be heard on the Remy Ma song “Fresh” as well as songs with pop-singer Lumidee.
Faced with the fact that Hip Hop fans know his track record but not his name, Ron Browz humbly acknowledges that this should not be and issue much longer. “Every day a different person learns about me, and I want my name to be out there amongst the big names,” he states confidently. “I bring raw talent to the game. I taught myself everything about making beats. For a person with eight gold and platinum plaques, I still don’t get the recognition. When people hear my name, I want them to say, ‘I know its some fire.’”
The sky is the limit for Ron Browz, as his career progressively gains momentum, and he continues to deliver with such consistency. He continues to remain relevant. His hard work and diligence landed him two tracks on the recently released G-Unit album T.O.S, “Straight Outta South Side” and “Money Make The World Go Round.” His impeccable craftsmanship can also be found on the upcoming release of Jim Jones new album, where his innovative sound can be heard on the song titled “Good Stuff.”
With the shortcomings in hip-hop and the inadequacy revolving around New York artist, Ron took it upon himself to venture out and start EtherBoy Records to make music more meaningful. “I’m not saying its dead, I’m just here to try and resurrect the feel for it, how music use to have a meaning, how it would move your soul.” This brings us to his eminent single “Pop Champagne” where Ron introduces the world to his lyrical assertiveness over a pristine drum pattern once again captivating the consumers.
When asked about his transition from a producer to an artist Ron stated, “It takes gumption to diversify one self as a producer, and as an artist. In the industry as a producer you’re behind the scenes majority of the time. Whereas for an artist it consists of you having to be the front and center, but that’s where I belong. It’s a progression from one grind to a more complex one.”
“I realized in order for you to be overly happy with your self you have to follow your personal legend and continue to fulfill it. Find what you’re most passionate about and go for it. It wasn’t easy to get where I am today. I worked hard for it. I took all the negative energy and created something big. I had to make it happen.”
Gang Starr fans and followers of Hip-Hop already know the name Krumb Snatcha. From his “Snatcha Season Pt.1″ EP with songs like “Hip Hop” and the industry critique “Gangsta Disease,” to his duet with M.O.P. on the Oscar award winning movie “Training Day” soundtrack only served to solidify his position, setting the stage for his first full length album “Respect All Fear None” on D&D Records in 2002. Yet, Krumb’s profile went national thanks to his appearance on “Make Em Pay” from Gang Starr’s classic opus “Moment Of Truth” a buzz starting appearance that lead to Krumb being chosen as the first independent artist to receive the prestigious award of The Source Magazine’s “Hip Hop Quotable” for his verse on “Make Em Pay” which propelled him in the spotlight to release “Closer To God” produced by none other then the legendary DJ Premier.
While Krumb has been under the radar for a minute, thanks to a slew of guest appearances on albums by Guru of Gang Starr, Pete Rock, Beatminerz, Funkdoobiest, ED OG, Termanology, Teflon, Afu Ra, Craig G, Tony Touch etc., an appearance in the motion picture “Urban Massacre” and his DJ Green Lantern hosted mixtape release entitled “You’ll See” he is now positioned to release his best work to date “Hidden Scriptures” (which will be released on 3-10-09). With production by names like Pete Rock, Large Professor, Beatminerz, Statik Selektah and 3 time DMC champion DJ Ace and with a lead off single “Feeling” by Beatminerz, and “Mind Power” by Large Pro that have garnered raves, Krumb is sure to please his old fans and acquire new ones with “Hidden Scriptures.”
From the streets of “Lawtown” to new found label Str8up Entertainment, Krumb is back with a new sound and moniker on “Hidden Scriptures.” It’s the rebirth of K.S. and the death of Krumb, as stated in his song “Begins” produced by the legendary Pete Rock as he explains “The vibe was totally different on this one Krumb explains. I wanted to show everyone the other side of me. I feel like I’ve been walking in the dark for to long and I wanted to give the people my inner me.”
With such much turmoil in the music industry today, Krumb feels that with all that has happened in the last year alone, music and its artists should set a new tone by educating fans and picking more social topics that are relevant to people today as he laments “Music should give people a mood. Whether it’s a dark one, or an uplifting one, it should explain the matters of heart”. Further, as we get ready to embrace Barack Obama as our President, Krumb wanted to add on to the movement without getting too political. “This album was not to offend anybody, its sole purpose is to inspire. I believe with this contribution fans can see more to the artist than just skills, we are human too” states Krumb.
Tracklisting and credits for Krumb Snatcha’s “Hidden Scriptures:
1) .The Way (produced by Nickel Plated)
2) .Triumph (produced by Karimbo)
3.) L.O.V.E. (produced by Karimbo
4.) Hold It Down (produced by Nickel Plated)
5.) Still Be Me f/Lex Boogie & Blackastan (produced by DJ Stress)
6.) Street Merchant (produced by Sam Thoro)
7.) Secret (produced by Nickel Plated)
8.) Feeling (produced By Mr. Walt of Da Beatminerz)
9.) Hidden Scriptures (produced by Statik Selektah
10.) The Light (produced by The Asmatik)
11.) Mind Power (produced The Large Professor)
12.) Explanation f/Lex Boogie & POPS (produced by DJ Stress)
13.) Garden Of Eden (produced by DJ ACE)
14.) Heaven On Earth f/ Lauren of I.Q. (produced by Nickel Plated)
15.) Yesterday (produced by Pete Rock)
16.) East Is Back (produced by Nickel Plated)
17.) Underground Ambassadors f/ Afu-Ra (produced by Karimbo)
18.) Leavin (produced by Nickel Plated)
19.) Begins (produced by Pete Rock)
Joe Budden’s self-titled debut album went gold in 2003, earning him a Grammy nomination for best male rap solo performance (”Pump It Up”). Despite his successful debut, Budden’s sophomore album sat on the shelves at Def Jam for nearly four years; a setback that most artists would not have survived; but most artists are not Joe Budden.
Despite numerous setbacks, Jump Off Joe Budden kept very busy during those years, besides years of legal wrangling and politicking very loudly for his release from Def Jam (which resulted in a very public feud with Def Jam’s then president Jay-Z) Joe was forced to rely on a then new unproven method (Internet) to release music to his very loyal fan base and did so by releasing the critically acclaimed and highly buzzed about “Mood Muzik” mixtape series collaborating with artists such as Fabolous, Clinton Sparks and Joell Ortiz; and in the process engaging in highly publicized feuds with The Game, Prodigy and Ransom.
After finally gaining his release from Def Jam in 2007, Budden immediately became an A-List free agent and was courted by a slew of major labels. Always one to go against the grain, Joe circumvented traditional thinking and used his forward thinking mentality to sign with the rising new media outfit Amalgam Digital; a booming independent label responsible for launching hip-hop’s first genre-specific digital retail store. The move initially raised some eyebrows with the Hip-Hop populous, but Joe’s foresight was the guiding force behind the move; as Joe’s proactive use of the Internet and the response his Mood Muzik mixtapes received online (going from Nahright.com to your neighborhood in a single click), foretold a massive shift in the commercial landscape (coupled with the dramatic decrease of physical CD sales) and Joe was ahead of the curve in realizing that the Internet would not only be the guiding force where the masses would listen and decide upon what music and artists they liked, but also would eventually support and purchase. Fast forward to 2008 and Joe’s move seems even more revolutionary, as there has been a dramatic decrease of physical CD sales and Joe’s recent “digital only” precursor (Halfway House which was only available on Amalgamdigital.com and was the first digital-only Hip-Hop release employing both traditional marketing methods—radio, video, commercial radio, advertising campaigns, etc) to Padded Room debuted on the “Hot 200″ sales chart—as only a strictly digital release. Halfway House also featured a track from Joe’s super-group, Slaughterhouse, (which also includes Joell Ortiz, Royce 5′9 and Crooked I). Further, Amalgam Digital is now a rapidly ascending record label with established stars such as Joe Budden, Max B and Peedi Crakk on its rapidly expanding roster and the labels shirts are quickly becoming a fashion statement.
Throughout his trails and tribulations with Def Jam and sparring with Hip-Hop’s heavyweights, Joe Budden has largely reinvented himself without losing what endeared himself to fans; his deep thinking lyrical brilliance (can anyone forget Joe’s brilliant “Who” trilogy?). In fact, with his “Joe Budden TV” videos going viral and becoming a staple on blogs worldwide, Joe has to a large extent become Hip-Hop’s “peoples champion” as Joe’s personality and “every man” personality transcends and fans can undeniably relate to his daily life (could a reality series be far behind?).
Joe’s relentless grind culminates on 2-24-09 with the release of his official sophomore LP Padded Room (which has already received rave reviews from XXL, Spin and Smooth Magazines) and the LP’s lead-single “The Future” featuring former adversary The Game is already burning up the Internet and the duo will also be filming a video for the track shortly.
In addition, AmalgamDigital.com also plans to re-launch the website store with a new design, enhanced functionality and new features in unison with the same date of Padded Room’s release. To celebrate the release of Padded Room and the site’s re-launch, Joe budden his record label, Amalgam Digital are offering fans exclusive hidden bonus tracks when the Padded Room album is purchased in digital format direct from www.AmalgamDigital.com
“The Padded Room album is crazy. Go out and get it” – Joe Budden
Tracklisting and credits for Joe Budden’s Padded Room:
01. Now I Lay (produced by Blastah Beatz)
02. The Future f/ The Game (produced by Fyu-chur)
03. If I Gotta Go (produced by the Klasixs)
04. Don’t Make Me (produced by Blastah Beatz)
05. Blood On The Wall (produced by Moss)
06. In My Sleep (produced by Blastah Beatz)
07. Exxxes (produced by the Klasixs)
08. I Couldn’t Help It (produced by the Klasixs)
09. Adrenaline (produced by Dub B)
10. Happy Holidays (produced by Quan)
11. Do Tell (produced by Blastah Beatz)
12. Angel In My Life (produced by Blastah Beatz)
13. Pray For Me (produced by Versatile & Dilemma)
www.myspace.com/AmalgamDigital
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Watch as superstar Akon gives you an exclusive look at the recording process of his latest album ‘Freedom’, in stores now
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