The Roots - Make My video and Undun blurb

The Roots drop their 13th studio album tomorrow. Undun is a concept album taking inspiration from a Sufjan Stevens track and charting the deteration and eventual destruction of a young mans life. That might sound like a typical hip-hop subject but the story plays out in reverse begining with our protagonist one ''Redford Stevens'' death, rewinding the downward spiral that lead to his  There are 4 short videos featuring songs from the album Sleep is the earliest in the tracklist Make My follows with Stomp and Tip the Scale nearing the close of the album and the start of the journey. You can stream the whole album [HERE] and buy it from your usual MP3 and CD stockists and follow the blueness to see more..

Demigodaz Is Back!

I know you been missin them Demigodz dry your little peepers babies cos the DGZ collective is back. The most prolific and longest standing members Apathy and Celph Titled call on regular collaborator Ryu and roll heat over a dope flip of the Rocky theme (courtesy of Ap) on The Demigodz Is Back. Apathy also tweeted an album will be out next year and will feature the whole crew including Esoteric, Blacastan and Motive expect features from other AOTP affiliates and more. With the success and acclaim of Honkey Kong and Celphs Buckwild collab you can bet this project will be worth the wait.

Random Axe - Chewbacca feat. Roc Marciano

Random Axe upped a new video from there self titled album from earlier this year. Join Chewy on his rampage to crash the Rock the Bells stage and steal the show. The album is dope and still gets heavy rotation cop it or even just this song from your favourite MP3 shotta.

Stop What Your Doin - Apathy feat. Celph Titled prod. by Premo

Apathy adds visuals to his Premier produced, Celph Titled featuring track Stop What Ya Doin. The videos good from the kids party to the bridge jumping and hot tattooed chicks. Classic Hip-Hop from the whole crew you can cop Apathys new album Honkey Kong right now from your favourite music site/store. The albums sounding pretty good and features a wide range of guests and producers.

Pusha T - 'My God' (single review)

With Malice becoming a Christian you'd expect this track, from the title at least, to be coming from him. But it's not, this is Pusha T's offering, the latest in his string of 'god' branded releases. On closer listen (and after a cheeky inspection of the lyrics) it's clear that Pusha T isn't referring to God, but to himself, or at least his flow, as god: "There be no waiting, I have no patience, This is the end of all my unrecognized greatness, I’m here now n-gger pardon my lateness, You can hear in every bar and every cadence, Yeah, it’s the new God flow aint it?".

Pretty good lyrics actually. But the bars of the track have to be "I got a voodoo doll, every time I pin the verse, Not only do they say they feel it but they say it hurts". Ouch. I don't usually liken rap to poetry but the whole track is pretty poetical in that it's not explicit; it's written in street code and Pusha T's confident, laid back but forceful flow emphasis every single word.

A far as I can tell, you can get this for free at Pusha T's website, so you might as well, eh? It's official release date is 4th July 2011 on Decon.

Self Scientific - Trials of the Blackhearted

Self Scientific have been around for a long time so its good to see they still have the incredible chemsitry that created classic albums and established them as one of LAs most respected, challenging and talented groups. Trials of the Blackhearted will be released tomorrow (hopefully...its already been pushed back) check out the video teaser above for Gods Language and two more tracks below War Stories and Verses vs Versus. Khalil and Chace have always moved and evolved over there career but kept the same strong ideals. Chace has a great ability to deliver rhymes that'll 1st make you listen and 2nd make you think while Khalil weaves drum patterns between cuts, chords and samples like very few producers out there and isnt afraid to step out the box and deliver some truly ground breaking music.

War Stories feat. Big K.R.I.T


Verses vs Versus

Cunninlynguists Oneirology Teaser

"Oneirology" from StevenMossberg on Vimeo.

Kentucky group Cunninlynguists are set to release there 4th studio album 'Oneirology' on March 22nd. Having reached acclaim through their inventive concepts, moving lyrics and breathtaking beats 'Oneirology' looks too continue the trend and features Tone Def, Freddie Gibbs and more. With their near classic back catalogue I look forward to hearing the latest offering from Natti, Deacon and Kno. Keep your eyes peeled for the first single which should be available tomorrow.

Something Good feat. Ghettosocks Define Rap Quotable Video

Something Good give their 2009 LP Just Add Water the remix treatment with there latest release Just Add Water (and stir) the EP consists of 6 tracks from the Just Add Water album remixed by Tape Notes, Fresh Kils and Ritchcraft. Define Rap Quotable is probly the best track on the EP Ghettosocks steals the show with his guest verse landing a flurry of funny punchlines. I'm not a huge fan of the whole EP but its worth a listen if you like funky 'feel good' beats and rhymes its free too....that never hurts

'You Need This Music' - Nottz (review)

Before I start, I'll just say that I like this album. I really like this album.

It's obvious that Nottz and Black Milk are mates (BM features on the LP on 'Blast That'), and with Black Milk's recent album employing heavy live drums, kicking of 'You Need This Music' with a track featuring Travis Barker makes so much sense. The aforementioned 'Blast That' will make your head nod more than 99% of the Hip Hop out there this year. The heavily distorted electric guitar sounds absolutely at home too on this beat.

'Shine So Brite' seems to be a tribute to Dilla and it's this track that first really proves that Nottz is an engaging and entertaining rapper. I guess it's this track that some would also cite as proof that Nottz is like Kanye. Nottz is like Kanye, to a certain extent. He can produce, really well, and he can rap - better than Kanye could ever dream of rapping, yet he still has that mass appeal.

I love 'I Do It For Yawl' (the beat reminds me of 'Amores Como El Nuestro', but I guess it's some other sample) and Little Brother and Kardinal Offishall revive Eminem's concept of rapping letters from fans - thumbs up. 'A Dream Come True' is just a joy to listen to as Nottz creates a story featuring all your favourite dead black musicians over a laid-back and lazily happy beat. 'I Still Love You' featuring Mayor Hawthorn is the perfect Hip Hop love song.

Asher Roth comes really correct on 'Dontcha Wanna Be (My Neighbor)' (video is here), as does Colin Munroe on the chorus. This a really quirky track, with definite radio play-ability. There are other tracks featuring Snoop Dogg and Royce Da 5'9 and Joell Ortiz before the album closes with the soothing Bilal featuring track 'Right Here' on which Nottz re-asserts his lyricism as he prays out loud over his own heavenly production.

'You Need This Music' is out right now and can be found at itunes, amongst other places.

Track Of The Day: 'The Mighty Binoculars' ft. Braille - Mr. Fresh

Yo peeps! Track of the day - not strictly UK but Mr. Fresh is 100 percent bona fide British (but don't quote me on this). The track features Braille, one of my favourite underground US rappers, although the EP also features Chrome and Coherent who are also from the UK.

'The Mighty Binoculars' is all about looking forward in time, and seeing that Braille is a Christian, it's clear to me that he's looking forward, through his mighty binoculars, to heaven.

Even if you don't share his beliefs this track contains a positive message for all. The old school, big beat, is also suitable for all.

Buy the EP, or just the track, now at Bandcamp like I did.

'Album Of The Year' - Black Milk (preview)

'Album Of The Year'? It's a bold claim but a lot of folk are saying the title's justifiable. Black Milk's totally down with the net and has himself a Bandcamp page from which you can download the first two tracks from the LP. 'Welcome (Gotta Go)' and 'Keep Going' both have beats which bang with that latter incorporating some pretty heavy rock drumming and the former that dope shuffling synthiness you'll have come to expect from the Detroit producer. The two tracks remind me, for some reason of the times when Kanye used to get things so right although Black Milk is a better who rapper, not dissimilar to Jay-Z, strangely. Download the tracks at Bandcamp.

The album is only available for Pre-order right now but hold tight, it won't be long.

The Rub Hip Hop History Downloads

Now, many of you may have come across these before but the 1979 version came on shuffle on my ipod whilst I was hoovering this afternoon and I thought why not whack it up here?

The 1979 edition can be downloaded here and it features Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Kurtis Blow, The Sequence, Funky 4+1 and more classics from the year that is widely recognised as the first time Hip Hop was committed to wax.

What struck me so much about this mix is how much from those formative years has been reused and recycled over the last 30 years. Educate yo'self.

Then you can download a mix for every year from 1979 to 1999 as well as a 90s mix. Do it. You can also take some time to snoop around The Rub's website to find out what DJ Ayers and DJ Eleven get upto (check the mp3s for the mashups and remixes).

Lewis Parker and John Robinson Live Shows

No matter where you are, you need to make it across to Leeds on 14th of August for this. Apart from the UK legend Lewis Parker being in full effect with John Robinson (and if you've not checked out the 'International Summers' LP yet, then do) you get a whole host of top notch artists from the thriving West Yorkshire Hip Hop scene including DMC 2010 set from Mike L, live shows from J Bravo, Defenders of Style, Verbal Contact and Brutal Artistry. There will be live Art from The Beat Inspection Scribblers and the whole thing will be hosted with much energy by Mr Ris of Alphabetix. DJ Prolific with Kockee K and Sir Snaff (How We Do) will also be holding things down. Tickets are only £5 from www.ticketweb.co.uk, Crash Records, Jumbo Records or The Elbow Room.

The tour also takes in Ipswich on 11th of August, London on the 12th and Milton Keynes on the 13th.

What's Worth Hearing Today? Part 2 (free downloads and reviews)

Roots Manuva has met Wrongtom and made a tune called 'Jah Warrior'. It's really cool - I love a bit of Mr. Manuva and this Wrongtom fella seems pretty dope too. They've also done a couple of remixes; one of 'Buff Nuff' called 'Rebuff' and I think it's a greater than the original, especially in the chorus. 'Bashment Boogie' also gets tickled with the remix stick and 'Basement Bogle' is definitely rather bogling - good stuff. Buy.

UK Hip Hop artist QRED has joined up with US MC Brandeesh, looped up some apocalyptic beats and got busy with the darkness in a most admirable way. 'Raise The Levelz' has those big sonics that every Hip Hop fan really hankers after. You can download three tracks fro free - but only if you then keep your ear to the underground for more.

Leaf Dog has roped in the rest of 3 Amigos, Jimmy Raygun and Deadline on this Naive produced banger to tell us to do it 'Right Now'. Usual madness from these boys ensues.

Extra Curricular are the live Hip Hop band that Jack Flash fronts. They've put up a couple of free downloads on their blog. There's 'Don't Stop' and 'Where The Problem Lies' - both great tracks with totally different vibes but a recognisable sound. Check them out some more please.

Byron, a UK MC who really deserves more shine, has put out a free EP called 'Hard Worker'. these tracks are billed as covers, you and I might see them as Byron using well known instrumentals and taking cues from the subject matter. The most recognisable tune, B.O.B.'s 'Airplanes', gets done to begin with and then before you get comfortable Byron coes in over Maniac's 'Boiler' - wow, versatile! the further 3 tracks couldn't be more different either - whatever you do, don't pigeon hole or limit this guy - he can do it all. Give it a proper listen.

JC is gearing for a new assault of releases on his own No Money Records. He's hooked up with Oddisee for lead single 'Ayo' which is a double time rhythm with a relentless horn section accompanied by Oddisee's laid back delivery. Malik from Moorish Delta 7 provides the vocals on the flipside 'Soul Search' - a real headnodder. Told ya Yorkshire had the heat. Preview both tracks here. Buy it here.

Have no idea where this came from but it's an awesome bit of instrumental Hip Hop from Kwestro called 'I'm Blowing Up'.

Here's something new from a new artists too: LnC offers up 'Take You On A Journey' for your delectation. See what you think, I think he's pretty nice with his - feeling all aspects of this track. Solid.

To finish with, check Kaos' new track 'Traffic Lights' - got time for this.

What's Worth Hearing Today? Part 1 (free downloads and reviews)

Check these things out:

'Genic Riddim' ft. Skamma & Joe Blow - Stagga - very heavy, dubstep-ish, stripped back, bare and banging.

'Close Reminder' (clean) - Wio-K - beautiful sunshine music from a guy who understands quality control.

'My Estate' ft. Stat Quo - Jaycee Payaso - more sunny production from Sermstyle, raps from the Shady soldier and skilled tones from Jaycee - the next Akon? Maybe. Taken from his mixtape 'Sing City' hosted by DJ Rockstar DevonDJ(Bumsquad), featuring Vado (UN/Dipset), Lil Chuckee, (Young Money), Yung Berg (Epic) + more, with exclusive production from Sermstyle Wiz Khalifa & Young Buck. Mixtape coming August 8th. 'Honour Amongst Thieves' featuring Vado ain't bad either.

Hmmm, more summer vibes - 'Party Tonight' ft. Jean Grae - Dres (Black Sheep). Buy some more Dres from Black Sheep material here and trust, it's worth it. These old guys still got it!

If you've still not picked up Klashnekoff's 'Back To The Sagas' then here's something to whet your appetite: 'Somebody Tell Me' featuring Wretch 32 and K9. It's a thoughtful and soulful track with strong contributions from each MC - still love Wretch.

You may not have heard of Cookbook and Uno Mas (I had) but they've got a song with Evidence of Dilated Peoples (one of my favourite Hip Hop groups) called 'When You Rock and Roll' and it's pretty dope. I'd say it's not Evidence's strongest performance (but he's made it hard for himself with some of his past raps) but Cook and Uno both come very correct so check it. It's taken from their album 'C & U Music Factory' which can be picked up on itunes.

Dels has a single out on Big Dada and it's pretty mental - as you'd expect of a Big Dada release. Dirty electronica backs up this UK MC's figurative and imaginative rhymes - it's hot and it's called 'Shapeshift' and it's produced by Joe Goddard of Hot Chip. Buy it now, innit.

Recommended Listening: Scorzayzee, Jon Phonics, Blacastan, Abstract Soundz, Sandman, Screaming Soul, & Northern Hostility

Have been really busy of late with this and that, whatnot and stuff and as you can probably tell Certified Banger really took a back seat. Doesn't mean I haven't been listening to music though does it? No. Here's some stuff I've been listening to that you might want to turn your ears to:

Sandman's 'Code of the Road Runner' is some refreshing Dubstep/Dub/Reggae inspired UK Hip Hip which features Ghetto Priest, Farma G, Seanie T, Stig of the Dump and Skrein amongst others. The album is available for just £5 at Bandcamp.

Sandman is also a part of the Screaming Soul crew alongside Ghetto Priest (who has worked with Asian Dub Foundation). Screaming Soul is made up of a whole host of musicians (read more at Bandcamp) and their album 'Ghost In A Shell' is more of the Dub/Dancehall/Reggae/Hip Hop goodness (with less emphasis on the Hip Hop) that can be found on Sandman's LP. This album is also available for a fiver - a bargain as this is a superb collection of tracks suitable for the current weather.

What else have I been checking out? Oh yeah, Abstract Soundz (a producer) dropped an absolute gem from out of nowhere featuring a whole host of interesting MCs who I'll definitely be on the look out for. The release is just called 'Abstract Soundz presents...' and it features a whole host of accomplished and funky productions, rappers such as Brotherman, B'Tol, Chalk MC, Louis Vines, Equis (who's French), Skunkadelic, Tom Long, Kaos, A Kid and The Ruby Kid and the sublime vocals of Eva Lazarus - don't be put off if you don't recognise some of these names - they are all worth listening to. Download it for free here.

Over to the US now with Blacastan's 'The Master of Reality' mixtape - proof that decent artwork and packaging has a huge effect on a potential listener. Basically, the CD is presented as a mini vinyl LP in the cut and paste style of Black Sabbath's 'Master of Reality' album complete with a Vertigo style CD. The tracks are raw, gritty, street rap and the stand out tracks for me are 'If You Only Knew' which perfectly interpolates Henry Mancini's 'The Windmills of Your Mind' and 'Martyrs' which samples Simon and Garfunkel's 'The Boxer' - a track which I've been brought up on. Not sure how you'd get hold of one of these as they're limited edition but I'm pretty sure a quick internet search would turn up a download - try it now.

Jon Phonics has a new thing out, 'Half Past Calm 2' , which you can get for free by simply signing up to get mail outs from YNR Productions by clicking here. It's a fairly dark affair in the vein of the recent work of M9, Triple Darkness and the like and it features T-Bear, Nasheron, M9, Masikah, Verb T, Kashmere, Fliptrix, Cyrus Malachi, Micall Parknsun, Kosyne and newcomer/one to watch Kal Sereousz. Check Jon's exceptionally crafted, blazed-out beats.

I was rather excited to ear-peep Scorzayzee's mixtape 'Raging Bull' because he is such an engaging and entertaining MC and I really wasn't disappointed. Right from his 64 bar romp over De La's 'Babyphat' at the beginning I was hooked and you will be too. Download it for free now. Simples.

Lastly is yet more proof that Yorkshire, especially the West side of said county, is where it's at right now, especially if you're into heavy, unadulterated old school-influenced rap. Northern Hostility, the crew consisting of scores of MCs, producers, DJs and smaller crews, have put together their 'Bad Language Mixtape' and it's pretty good. Verbal Contact, Alphabetix and Defenders of Style all contribute to this free download.

'Now' - Verbal Kent (produced by Kelakovski) (video)

'Wednesday' (UK Remix) ft. Mystro & Loudmouth Melvin - Saukrates

Download it here: http://usershare.net/TeamSupreme/y6fo2snnly0w

El Da Sensei Live in the UK!

El Da Sensei from the legendary Artifacts is here in the UK for theses two special dates on his European tour.

20th of March -LONDON @ The Rhythm Factory

21st of March -MANCHESTER @ Moho Live

EL DA SENSEI has teamed up with THE RETURNERS Poland's super dope producer duo to put out a steady stream of music over the past few years on Polishes biggest independent record label ASFALT. This team bring the boop-bap back with their live shows bringing the neck-snap and energy to the stage.

Support comes from the man like Reps. One of UK's rinsing talents who has made a name for himself with his debut album 'The Saga Of A Peaceful Man' out on Flash Fry Records in the UK and Asfalt in Poland. He rips up the stage the Flash Fry Fam Rup and Nozeeny.

'Relatives Abroad' - Nas & Bob Marley (free download)

Nas and Bob Marley - a high-class mash-up to whet your whistle for Nas' forthcoming collaboration album with Damien Marley.

100 Akres has done the honours, sampling Bob's music, creating beats then matching them to Nas acapellas - a nice thing. The Reggae rhythms really switch up Nas' flows, transforming them into really bouncy, upbeat tracks a world away from the originals.

It's a free download and is available from Bandcamp now - something a little different.