2 FRESH VIDEOS 4 YOUR VIEWING!

BIG TONE GOT THAT ART!
For many fans of Detroit hip-hop, Big Tone has been under the radar for some reason. You rarely hear his name mentioned alongside other well known Detroiters like Black Milk, Dilla, Eminem, Guilty Simpson, etc. for some reason. That definitely has nothing to do with the man’s skills on the mic, because he’s pretty talented. He’s been doing his thing around these parts for a minute too. His debut album “The Drought” originally hit the streets back in 2005, featuring guest appearances from artists like Slum Village and Dwele. Overall, it was a pretty solid project, but with a lack of heavy promotion it was overlooked by the masses. Big Tone is back in ’09 with a new album entitled “The Art of Ink” that drops on March 31st digitally and April 21st on CD. Featured guests on the new joint include Ta’raach, Monica Blaire, Blu, Phoenix and Guilty Simpson. Don’t sleep on Big Tone. Be sure to pick up the new joint when it hits the stores…

Put ears on this new track: SKIN DEEP feat. M. Blaire

www.myspace.com/bigtone

HIPHOP ROTATIONZ 2 MIXX!

No, your eyes are not deceiving you! Yes, I am posting two different mixxes back-to-back within two days. I felt it was time for some rap/hip-hop joints (or whatever you call it). I don't consider this site a hip-hop blog, or even a soul blog for that matter. Truthfully, it's just a blog that promotes good music from all genres (except polka and folk). Hip-Hop has been and will always be a big part of my obsession with music. I can still remember back in the day when 75% of my music collection was hip-hop. Today, things are drastically different because my tastes have definitely evolved over the years. I still keep my "HipHopHead" identification card in my back pocket at all times, but I'm finding myself not being that impressed with many of the newer katz spittin' on the mic today. I don't feel that hip-hop is dead, but it has definitely changed. I'm cool with that, but excuse me if I continue to dig in my archives to replay some of the classics. Good music never dies, and that is why it continues to have so much replay value. It's like comfort food for my ears...

So, this evening I am sharing some of the tracks that have been getting much rotation in my boomin' system as of late. For, the last few days most of these tracks have been on repeat, so welcome to my "HipHopRotationz 2 Mixx" x-strava-ganza. I hope you dig it, because I do....

HHR2 Playlist:

01-Little Brother - Whatever You Say
02-Ghostface ft. Raekwon - Good Times
03-Q-Tip ft. Kanye/Consequence - We Fight, We Love (Remix)
04-Slim Shady - Get You Mad
05-Little Brother ft. Yahzarah - The Beginning
06-Mr. Complex ft. Trugoy (De La Soul) - Emotional
07-Asamov - Hookslide
08-Keith Murray ft. 50 Grand - Dangerous Ground (Ummah Remix)
09-Erick Sermon - Boy Meets World
10-Busta Rhymes - Enjoy Da Ride
11-B.I.G. - Kick In The Door (Jazzy Remix)
12-ATCQ ft. D-Life - Pad & Pen
13-Viktor Vaughn - Open Mic Nite Pt. 2
14-Finale - Heat
15-Slum Village - La La
16-J Live - Like This Anna
17-John Robinson - I Am Not For Sale
18-Nas - The World
19-Nas - The World Is Yours (Nick Remix)
20-Legacy - Cold As A Butcher
21-Common - Tekzilla

GET ROTATIONZ 2 HERE!

THEE OWTER LIMITZ VOL. 1!
I'm back up in this piece like a XXL Timberland fleece! I know by now most are in need of some music to get you through these first days of Spring, so get your headphones ready. Fortunately, for you folks my music tastes have no limits, and that's why my latest mixx is all over the place. It's all good though (no MC Hammer pants)! This time around I'm taking it back to my WNEX Radio Mixx days. If you've been supporting this site from its beginning, you should be familiar. For those that are not, WNEX was all about showcasing music from all genres in one mixx. Think of it as a fantasy radio station where all genres and eras of music could intermingle like horny young adults at a sleezy night club. I call it the "Owter Limitz Mixx" so put ears on it. This is only volume one, so stay posted for volume 2 sooner than later...

If you desire a little country in your life, I just might have something for you on Volume 2. I have this dope Garth Brooks remix by Madlib that I'm itching to share...

RADIO PLAYLIST:

01-Koushik – Coolin’
02-Dr. Who Dat? ft. Capital People – Ghetto Dreaming
03-Jesse Boykins III – I Don’t Know
04-Miles Jaye – Let’s Start Love Over
05-The Crusaders – Alekesam
06-The Stylistics – Make Up To Break Up
07-Black Ivory – You and I
08-LAUSD ft. Blu/Jack Davey – iFeel
09-Count Bass D – Let’s Chill Medley
10-Lalah Hathaway – Baby Don’t Cry
11-Cheryl Lynn – Whatever It Takes
12-The Flamingos – I Only Have Eyes For You
13-Dwele – Without You
14-Incognito – Incognito
15-Case – Shoulda Known Better
16-Mr. Fingers – On My Way
17-Hygher Baby – Intro
18-Fred Joachim – Meditashun
19-Little Brother – Home
20-Eddie Jackson - You Make Me Wanna Smile Again
21-Common ft. Erykah Badu – The Light (Re-Work)
22-The Floaters – Float On

GET HI-JACKED HERE!

SOUND SPOT: KOOLEY HIGH
North Carolina is at it again. First, those super-emcees known as the Justus League created a lane for NC hip-hop, and now it's Kooley High's turn to get behind the steering wheel. Kooley High is comprised of six former N.C. State University students, who met on the campus bricks by way of hip hop. What started out as a student-run hip hop organization, known as H2O, soon turned into a fresh factory of beats, rhymes, and life. The North Carolina group is made up of three emcees, Charlie Smarts, Tab-One, and Rapsody, two producers, Foolery and The Sinopsis, and a deejay, DJ Ill Digitz. No, music is in no way new to these "new-comers". Charlie Smarts and Tab-One make up half of another NC hip hop marvel, known as Inflowential. And, the lady of the group, Rapsody, is signed to 9th Wonder's label, "Its a Wonderful World"."Kooley High combines traditional hip-hop and R&B with a modern freestyle that traverses effortlessly between not only genres, but also generations. The result is a three-dimensional concoction that envelops listeners in a sound that is as smooth as The Fugees and Common, as passionate as Mary J. Blige and as intelligent as Hieroglyphics." -URB Magazine

For more information about Kooley High, put eyes on this video clip:

Now, download their latest mixtape called "Kooley Is High" hosted by K-Salaam by clicking the cover below. This mixtape showcases the emcees spitting verses over beats from some of the hottest producers.

www.myspace.com/kooleyhigh & www.kooleyhigh.com

DETROIT, FINALE & HIS PIPE DREAM!
No, it's not over yet. Technically, things are just beginning for the Detroit based rapper that goes by the name Finale. I've been following this kat since the early days, waiting for his official album release to finally drop. The kid is one of the most gifted emcees coming out of the D, plus he has lyrics with a conscious message and substance. He speaks the truth. If you listen close enough, you just might learn something. I wouldn't dare label him as just another conscious rapper because he can easily rip an emcee to shreds in a battle. The most impressive thing about this guy (IMO) is his word-cramming flow. Talk about breath control! Finale sounds like he's saying double the words in the same amount of time as the average emcee. If you are already a fan of Detroit hip-hop, you definitely need to add Finale to your collection.

Finale's new album "A Pipe Dream and a Promise" hits the streets on April 7th, so be on the lookout. Production duties handled by J Dilla, Oddisee, Nottz, Black Milk and Flying Lotus. This joint is full of hard hitting beats and rhymes. Expect the unexpected because it's not what you're used to...

Here is one reason to purchase this album!

SUBSCRIBE TO DWELE'S YOUTUBE PAGE!


Check out Dwele's YouTube skit telling fans to subscribe to his page. This is pretty dope, so put ears and eyes on it. You can view his page by clicking the link: DWELE'S YOUTUBE PAGE

Be sure to purchase his album "Sketches of a Man" if you haven't already.

SOUNDBACK: THE REAL SOUNDTRACKS!
It's been a minute since I have spent some money on a movie soundtrack. I still remember when different urban films were coming out of Hollywood every month. Some were good, while others were terrible, but most black folks were happy to see their faces on the big screen. The music industry took advantage of this urban movie movement by releasing music compilations disguised as soundtracks by using the film titles. In most cases none of the songs from those compilations were even featured in the movies. It was basically a tool for record labels to introduce new artists and songs from their established ones. In most cases I looked forward to the soundtracks more than the movies. One of my favorite urban soundtracks was definitely "Love Jones The Music." This joint was in heavy rotation back in the day, and it has still managed to last the test of time. With hot tracks from artists like Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, Xscape, Me'Shell Ndegéocello and Groove Theory, how could it not be dope!

With that being said, I've decided to have a little fun by putting some of the songs from my favorite soundtracks onto a mixx. This one is straight R&B for the most part, with one exception. It's like a best of soundtrack for soul lovers, which I call the "SoundNexx Best Uv Soundtrack Mixx."

Soundtrack Playlist:

Chante Moore – Wey U (Waiting To Exhale)
Jewell – It’s Not Deep Enough (Above The Rim)
Eric Benet/The Roots – Why (Ride OST)
B Rezell – Blowed Away (Above The Rim)
Tony! Toni! Tone! – Waiting For You (Poetic Justice)
London Jones – I Lust 4 U (House Party 2)
Chico DeBarge – Any Other Night (Hav Plenty)
Caron Wheeler – I Adore You (Mo’ Money)
Mary J. Blige – You Don’t Have To Worry (Who’s Da Man)
Jeff Redd – You Called & Told Me (Strictly Business)
R. Kelly – Homie, Lover, Friend (Remix) (Lowdown Dirty Shame)
Johnny Gill – Let’s Just Run Away (Mo’ Money)
Cassie – Girl (Love Jones)
Emoja – Erotik City (Men In Black)
Jagged Edge – Keys To The Range (In Too Deep)
Coko/Jon B/Jay-Z – Keep It Real (Hav Plenty)
ATCQ - Glamour & Glitz (Rhyme & Reason)
Sweet Sable – Old Time Sable (Above The Rim)
Erykah Badu/D’Angelo – Previous Love (High School High)

MOVIE SOUNDTRACK HERE!

JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

FOREIGN EXCHANGE "DAYKEEPER" VIDEO

THE WATCHMEN'S CRAZY SOUNDTRACK!
Just a few days ago, I was truly hyped to see the mega-vigilante flick called "The Watchmen" at the movie theater. Outside of shapeshifting music on this site, one of my other hobbies is catching flicks at the movie house. So, I beat the sun up and got my gear on, and bolted out the door into the rain heading to the first showing on that Saturday. My goal for going so early was to beat the loud talking, cellphone texting, seat kicking, Reese Cup family pack opening, folks that mess up the movie going experience for everybody to the theater. I made it inside building, and I eventually spotted the row that provided the best viewing position for my tastes. Quickly, I sprint over to the perfect stadium styled seat (not too high and not too low), and began counting down the minutes until the lights dem. Finally, after the 13th movie preview ended, "The Watchmen" movie began. The atomosphere in the movie house suddenly got serious. The opening scene was engrossing. All eyes were focused on the screen, watching the storyline unfold. Anticipation was definitely high as the movie rolled along for several minutes, and then it happened...

All of sudden, the KC and The Sunshine Band's song "I'm Your Boogie Man" began to play during an action sequence in the movie! That just negatively changed the whole mood for me and many other movie goers that were definitely not in a 70's disco mood. Being that the movie was dark-themed-fantasy-drama, who thought that disco music was appropriate? Personally, I am a fan of KC and the boys, but their music distorted the feel of the movie. It got even worse when tracks from Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Simon & Garfunkel, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" kept popping up at odd times during the movie as well. I know many of you reading this post probably don't know these artists or their music, but trust me when I say that these songs almost ruined the whole movie for me. If and when you finally deicide to watch this movie, it is possible you may feel the same way...

This was the first time that I truly realized how important music is to a movie. Most of us take it for granted, but when a soundtrack is poorly done, bad things happen. I mean really bad things! I won't bother sharing my review of the actual movie at this time. I don't want to spoil the experience anymore than I already have for those that haven't seen it yet.
Just be prepared because you have been warned...

NAT KING COLE RE-VISITED!
I truly dig projects like this one! Taking old school classics and remixing them with a new school feel is refreshing. Now, it's Nat King Cole's turn to have his tracks re-energized. The project is called "Nat King Cole Re:Generations" and if you're already Nat King fan, you definitely need this one in your collection! Songs are remixed by respected producers like Salaam Remi, Will.i.am, Amp Fiddler, Just Blaze, Cut Chemist and Cee-lo. Some of them really transformed Nat's track into something totally different. The rappers featured on this project are Nas, Black Thought and Will.i.am. Don't get it twisted (are people still using that phrase) though, this is not a rap album people. It's definitely a jazzy album with a pop feel to it, with a smidget of hip-hop thrown in for some balance. This album inspired me to put together a mixx showcasing some my favorite classics that have been reworked, revisited and remixed over the years. I call it the "Classics ReMisited Mixx," and this mixx is full of tracks that you've probably heard and/or forgotten about. Put ears on it immediately...


Playlist:


01) Michael Jackson - Startin' Something (Dwele)
02) Jackson 5 - We're Almost There (DJ Spinna)
03) Isley Brothers - Tell Me When You Need It Again (Will.i.am)
04) Jackson 5 - I Want You Back (SPK Remix)
05) Stevie Wonder - My Cherie Amor (Beatnik/Salaam Mix)
06) Nat King Cole ft. Nas - The Game of Love (Salaam Remi)
07) McFadden ft. Black Thought - No Stoppin'(The Roots)
08) Gilberto Gil - Refazenda (Casamena Remix)
09) Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Fun Machine Mix)
10) Stevie Wonder - Uptight (Fred Joachim Remix)
11) Stevie Wonder - For Your Love (Casamena Remix)
12) Gene Harris - Los Alamitos/Latinfunksong (Bugz In The Attic)
13) Roy Ayers - Funk In The Whole (PPP Remix)
14) Nat King Cole ft. Black Thought - Walkin' My Baby Back (The Roots)
15) Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On (Paul Simpson/Miles Dato Mix)
16) Roy Ayers - The Sunshine (9th Wonder Re-Work)
17) Roger & Zapp - Computer Love (M. Blaire/Meastro)
18) Rick James - Mary Jane (Green Lantern Remix)

A NEW CLASSIC HERE!

Check the video and see what you think:

Nat King Cole - Lush Life (Cee-Lo)

SOUND SPOT: AARON "AB" ABERNATHY
Before I get into some music, let me speak on one of my favorite new comers in the soul music game named Aaron Abernathy a.k.a. AB. I first came across AB and his band The Souljourners when they were an opening act for Dwele a couple years ago. Normally, open acts are nothing more than time fillers in between the headliners, and most of them are forgotten once they exit the stage. That was not the case with AB & The Souljourners though. These musicians made their presence felt with soulful vocals and heavy rhythms. At some points during the show, AB’s vocals actually reminded me of vintage D’Angelo, but that was the only resemblance. AB has his own original style, so if you’re looking for a clone, go that way. Soon after discovering this group, I heard word that these katz had signed on as Slum Village’s official band, and planned to tour over in Europe with the crew. This opportunity opened the door for AB to collaborate with Detroit artists like Elzhi, Black Milk, T3, Bishop Lamont, Buff1 and Zo! Now, AB is slowly becoming a household name amongst soul music lovers. If you don’t know about him, it’s time to get familiar.

Outside of working with The Souljourners, AB is also working on a solo project with super-producer Daru. I have heard several songs from the upcoming collaboration album entitled “A Work In Progress,” and it could be a banger. Definitely, keep your ears out for that one.

It’s time for some music now. This one is another soulful mixx I call the “Muzick Marauder Mixx,” which is full of musical goodness. You already know my steez when it comes to these mixxes, so check it out when you get a chance, and tell a at least one friend or foe about it as well.

Playlist:

01+Full Crate ft Mar = She Was Fly
02+Bilal Salaam = Langue De Rasoir (Razor Tongue)
03+Nujabes ft CL Smooth = Sky Is Falling
04+Slick Rick =Women Lose weight (Remix)
05+V = Gone Away
06+Musiq = Just Friends (Green Lantern 2 Way Remix)
07+Alicia Keys = Juiciest
08+Reggie B = Anywhere You Go
09+Melo = Too Good
10+Ms. One ft Black Milk/Rapper Big Pooh = 2 MCs
11+Bobby Valentino = Make You The Only One
12+The Dream = Rockin’ That Sh*t
13+Muhsinah = From Here
14+Lisa Shaw = Better Days
15+Teedra Moses = Love Devine
16+AB ft T3 = Soul So Dirty
17+Murs & 9th Wonder = Marry Me
18+Mariah Carey ft. LL Cool J/Ghostface = Lovin You Long Time (Remix)
19+Ryan Leslie = You’re Fly
20+Maya Azucena = G-Hetto
21+Rapper Big Pooh = Radio

ENJOY THE MUZICK!

www.myspace.com/abmusic

DWELE'S WORKING ON IT!


Remember that short song on Dwele's last album "Sketches of a Man" that used all of those dope J Dilla samples? The track is called "Workin' On It." It's a very short song, but it still made it on my top 5 from the album. The cleverness of this track is what makes it fresh. Dwele always brings the goods on every track he's apart of, and this one is on exception. Now, he's made a short music video for your viewing pleasure by way of Bootleg Productions.

As you watch the video, you'll notice that Dwele is driving on a Detroit freeway that we call "The Lodge." You'll also notice in the background a building with the words "Motor City" on it. That is actually the Motor City Casino and Hotel, which is located in downtown Detroit. I'm still trying to figure out how the hell the snowflakes got into the ride though...

Roll ya window up Dwele...

RISE OF THE FEMALE GROUPZ!
Since, I am still in retro music mode, I thought I’d share music from some of my favorite female singing groups from the 1990s. Back when soul music was still referred to as R&B, and producers like Puffy, Eddie F, Darkchild, Kenny Smoove, Allstar and The Ummah dominated the sound of the genre. A time when remixes were truly remixed to take a hit single to another level of greatness, with a whole new sound. Slow jam remixes were sped up and uptempo tracks were slowed down to perfection, and the hottest rappers would spit quotable verses over them. Remember, when R&B music was saturated with dozens of girl groups trying to jockey for position? Annoyingly, they were like roaches. You get rid of one girl group and the next day three more would appear. Sadly, many of these groups were no-hit-wonders that fooled plenty of us into purchasing their albums, which we’d eventually toss out of a window after just one listen. As always, the cream rises to the top, and there were groups worthy of our attention like SWV, Total, Destiny’s Child, 702, Zhane’, TLC and one of my favorites, Changing Faces.

I still remember the first time I heard their track “Stroke You Up” produced by R. Kelly back in 1994. In that song they asked “Do you mind if I stroke you up?” and I answered quickly with a “Hell Naw!” Those two sexy, thin framed, caramel colored dime pieces had me open like a box of donuts in a police cruiser. Unfortunately, after two solid album releases and one totally missed third project, this group vanished. Damn, I hate when that happens. I’m still waiting for the day when this duo resurrects their singing careers, but until then here is a little something to get you smiling.

I’ve put together a mixx showcasing some of the more memorable R&B girl groups from back in the day. These are some of my personal favorites, so I hope you enjoy this musical drive back down memory lane. It’s simply titled the “Female Groupz Mixx,” so listen to it when you get a chance, and tell a friend about it as well.

FEM GROUPZ TRACK LIST:

01~Uh Huh = Terri & Monica
02~All I Want = 702
03~Red Lights (Bustin’ Out) = Tha Truth ft. Erick Sermon
04~All This Love (KS Remix) = Changing Faces
05~I Got Him All The Time (Remix) = MoKenStef ft. Puba
06~Head Over Heels = Allure ft. Nas
07~Hey Mr. DJ = Zhane’
08~I Like = Kut Klose
09~Now That She’s Gone = Destiny’s Child
10~Sitting Home – Total
11~Stop The Pain = Emage
12~Sexin U (My Nature Remix) = Nuttin’ Nyce
13~My Secret Enemy = TLC
14~That’s What I’m Here For = SWV
15~Damn! = So Plush ft. Ja Rule
16~Make Up Your Mind (Remix) = Assorted Phlavors
17~Can’t Get Enough = Willie Max ft. Raphael Saadiq
18~Love For You (Hurley Remix) = Jomanda
19~Cutie (Johnny O Remix) = Raw Stilo

FEM-GROUPZ MIXX HERE!

LINK 2