Frankenstein “Live From New York (The Remixx Album)” (1996)

One of my favorite pieces from my vinyl collection. I picked this up back in 1996 just for Method Man's "P.L.O. Style" remix and I was pleasantly surprised with all the other tracks. In the last few years I've tracked down audio for just about everything that Frankenstein has ever done. I sure wish he'd come out from wherever he's hiding (a teacher in Canada?) and bless us with some new material.

DOWNLOAD

enjoy,
--dirt_dog

Step One “Illegal Remixes Vol. 2” (2010)

The first volume of Illegal Remixes assembled by Step One proved quite popular, so here’s another batch of unofficial remixes for you.

There’s a good variety of flavours on this one, ranging from straight-up Hip Hop on the Meth, Xzibit and Mobb Deep tracks, to the reggae re-rubs of the Jungle Brothers and Fugees joints. The West Coast is represented on the ‘West Up!’ remix and the ATL gets a look in with 2 Outkast joints. As with the first set, some of these are ripped from vinyl, others have been posted on blogs and forums. I’ve credited the creators where possible so click the links and show them some love if you like what you hear.


01 A Tribe Called Quest-Stressed Out (Richy Pitch Remix)
Remix by Richy Pitch.

02 B.I.G.-Party and Bullshit (Cosmo Baker Remix)
Remix by Cosmo Baker (one-third of The Rub).

03 Blackalicious-Passion (Strictly4TheLuvOfThaArt Mix)
Remixed by DJ Funkyone aka Funkdoc. Germanys Finest!

04 Fugees-Ready Or Not (Dancehall Remix)
Remixer unknown.

05 Jungle Brothers-Jungle Brother (Drumsong Remix)
From the excellent Upstate Remix series, available at Juno.

06 Method Man feat. Busta Rhymes-What’s Happenin (Showoff Remix)
Remix by Statik Selektah.

07 Mobb Deep-GOD Pt. III (Ron G Remix)
Remix by the Legendary Ron G.

08 Nas-Made You Look (Apache Remix)
Remixed by Gringo Starr for the Nation of 5’6. Nice interview with No Identity Records that happened right about the time the vinyl dropped for this remix.

09 Outkast-Ms. Jackson (Party Flavors Remix)
Remix by Technical & True Blue for Dollar Bill Records.

10 Outkast-Spottieottiedopaliscious (Carl Mo Remix)
Remixed by Carl Mo, courtesy of BLVDST.

11 The Pharcyde-Nuttin' Like (Scientist Remix)
Remix by DJ Scientist.

12 WC Mack 10 & Ice Cube-West Up! (Soul Focus Re-Fix)
Remix by Soul Focus DJs.

13 Xzibit-Paparazzi (White Label Remix)
Remixer unknown.

D O W N L O A D

enjoy,
--dirt_dog

Sway & Tech - Wake up Show Unreleased Project (CD)

Sway & King Tech's Wake Up Show Unreleased Project is a compilation of rare tracks by Noggin' Nodder, Chino XL, Steve Def, & The Bums and it has King Tech remixes of D'Angelo, Rakim, & The Pharcyde. The last track on the album is possibly the greatest radio promo of all-time, the 1994 Wake Up Show Anthem with Nas, Organized Konfusion, Ras Kass, Saafir, Shyheim, Dred Scott, & Lauryn Hill. Noggin' Nodder is now known as Motion Man.. the track Bounce is a real banger! That Ice Cube sample is crazy and so is the beat produced by Kut Masta Kurt! The rest is fully produced King Tech. I always thought this was a vinyl only release so I was really surprised when I found this cd! A great pickup!

Download

-- Thomas V

J-Love “Nas' Finest” (Cassette)

CLASS-SICK!

This tape is one of those gems that never gets old (even with some J-Love drops on it). When I first got my hand on a copy of this tape, it really opened up my eyes to the possibility that a lot of artists had material that never made it on albums. And at the time, J-Love seemed to be the one with all the connections as every one of his tapes were covered in exclusives, remixes and unreleased tracks. See scans for track lists and the download contains a full scan of the j-card.
DOWNLOAD

Shouts to Ricky D for sending me a shoe box full of mixtapes many years ago. I'm finally getting around to ripping them.

enjoy,
--dirt_dog

Mapping Out The Stretch And Bobbito Show (Demos: Juggaknots, Kool Keith, etc..)

We've finally decided to give this a go. It will be tough, no doubt. But if everybody who has any little bit of knowledge at all about the WKCR legacy, would add on and build with us, it is possible that we can map out the show's entire history.

We've got people who are willing to rip your tapes to mp3 and mail them back to you. The Big Sleep has set up a "Stretch And Bobbito" blog to archive and keep the list of shows, dates, and guests, all together in one place.

Here's a few treats that have surfaced since we started this mission:

Juggaknots - Genuine (demo?)

MF Doom - Gas Drawls (demo)

Rampage - Mad Niggas (demo)

LL Cool J - ?? Unreleased Unknown demo

Organized Konfusion - Why (OG Buckwild demo version)

Showtime - I Walk The Line (demo)

Aiello Wilson - 80 Proof (demo)

Kool Keith - Time Is Now (unreleased demo)[best quality on the internet]

Nas - The Life We Chose (DJ Eli Remix)

[Download them all here.]

This is only a sampler of all the freshness that has surfaced so far.

Check the "Mapping Out The Stretch And Bobbito Show History" thread here for more treats.

Peace and thanks to everyone who has helped contribute so far, I hope I'm not forgetting anyone. Leave a comment if I forgot you:

The Big Sleep, aleph, Digital Stimulation, Andyman187, dj step one, RELM, jamo609, Howfresh, dirtywaters, serch4beatz, recogthereal, boogs, sen, sloppyseconds, Skeptic, Ho1ogramz, djkingflow, Dat_Triflin_Ass_Dude, megafresh, dubs, tuttsifruttsi, Kwestionmark, pradadon, Duddy, Roy Johnson

Most of those links are to really good cassette rip blogs you might want to check out.

Peace to Stretch and Bobbito.

Stretch may be coming through with a full, almost completely accurate, list of all the show dates and guests, soon. Hopefully some show rips, too. Stay tuned.

--Verge

Nas & Ghostface “WR1 Remixes”

So this year I decided I was finally going to put a small dent in recording some of my vinyl. Some for the blog (see the Othorized F.A.M. & Cappadonna rips), others just for me. I should probably be saving this one for the next volume of Illegal Remixes with Step One, but I couldn't wait. I must have bought this one in 98 or 99 from HipHopSite or Sandbox. The labels were white with no writing, no nothing (I made these "fake" labels) and the only info was the etching in the runout said WR1. Sorry about any crackles and pops, I did everything I could to clean it up. If you have any info on this white label, please let me know.

a1 Nas - If I Ruled The World (WR1 Remix)
b1 Ghostface - Daytona 500 (WR1 Remix)

DOWNLOAD

enjoy,
-dirt_dog

Nas and Madlib “Naslib” (2007)

Here's a nice little 38 minute mix of Nas accapellas over Madlib beats done by DJ Serv1. The only place you could get this was with issue #30 of Stop Smiling magazine in 2007. It looks like you can still order the back issue (issues? there were 2 different covers) and get the cd for a couple extra bucks. No track list included, but you'll recognize everything.

DOWNLOAD

enjoy,
--dirt_dog

Step One “Illegal Remixes Vol. 1” (2010)

It appears that good things can happen when the UK gets blasted with the heaviest snow in 100 years. With the country coming to a complete halt, forum regular Step One had time to put together this sweet compilation of bootleg remixes and blends. Show some appreciation by leaving a comment (or a link to another remix) and he might bless us with volume 2.

Step One says "A staple of any nineties Hip Hop DJ’s collection is the shady white label remix. Information on whoever was putting these out was usually pretty thin on the ground for obvious reasons but they often held some real gems. Having rediscovered some of these recently I’ve put together a collection of some of those unofficial remixes as well as a few that I’ve found on the blogs and forums over the last few years."

01 2Pac-Old School (B.Cause Remix)
http://diamondsinthedust.blogspot.com/
Usually the non-Pac fans favourite Pac track. B Cause throws some familiar samples under Pac’s reminiscing of 80s NY and gives it a nice funky vibe.

02 Big Daddy Kane-Set It Off (Daily Diggers Remix)
http://www.dailydiggers.com/
Some of you might recognise this from DJ Mike Nice’s ‘Brooklyn Bullshit’ mixtape. The UK’s Daily Diggers flip the Cold Chillin classic.

03 Big Pun & Fat Joe-Twinz (Brooklyn Untouched Remix)
This remix discards the original ‘Deep Cover’ beat and replaces it with another Dre & Snoop collabo, ‘The Next Episode’. Always goes down well in a club set.

04 Common-I Used To Love Her (Sir Charles Flavour Remix)
http://www.myspace.com/djsircharles
Common gets a G-Funk makeover as his vocals are dropped over Warren G’s ‘Nobody Does It Better’.

05 D&D All-Stars-1,2 Pass It (Bootleg Remix)
A DJ Fashion remix? All signs point to yes.

06 Erick Sermon-Bomdigi (Street Jam Bootleg Remix)
The beat from En Vogue’s ‘Hold On’ gives this E Double solo joint some extra bump.

07 Fat Joe & Doo Wop-Boriquas On The Set (DJ Dough & Porge One Remix)
http://www.myspace.com/djdoughhiphop
The UK’s Dough & Porge One always had some special remixes on their CDs. This one is taken from their ‘Heads Aint Ready’ mix which is well worth seeking out.

08 Method Man & Redman-How High (Bootleg Remix)
The acapella of this track was definitely a favourite amongst producers, probably due to the amount of quotable lines from Red & Meth at their peak. This version uses the ‘Human Nature’ melody over EPMD's ‘You’re A Customer’ beat.

09 Mobb Deep-Hell On Earth (Paul Miles Remix)
Another UK remix, this time by Birmingham DJ Paul Miles (aka Pat Bateman).

10 Nas-It Aint Hard To Tell (DJ Day Remix)
http://likeathrottle.blogspot.com/ (this also came out on vinyl)
This track has been remixed to death but this has to be the best of the unofficial ones. Quality production from DJ Day out of California.

11 The Pharcyde-Passin Me By (WAR! [What-A-Remix])
A Jazzy Jim remix.

12 Tim Dog & KRS-One-I Get Wrecked (Gamm/Samoo Remix)
http://diamondsinthedust.blogspot.com/
I don't have any info on this one but I’m pretty sure I copped it at B.Cause’s blog.

13 Uptown-Dope On Plastic (B.Cause Why Zee Refix)
http://diamondsinthedust.blogspot.com/
Uptown meets YZ.

DOWNLOAD

enjoy,
--dirt_dog

Adrian Champion “Stars & Stripes: The White Stripes Reimagined”

This in one of my favorite mash-up/blend/remix projects from 2009. You're all probably like, WTF? But seriously, give it a chance. It's brilliant. This is only one of a few things from last year that's still in the rotation and if he'd press up a physical disc, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

Step 1: Watch the trailer




Step 2: Visit STARS & STRIPES and go to "download" (instrumentals are also available for those who need everything)

01 Bombs Over Orchids (The White Stripes + Outkast)
02 Icky Says (The White Stripes + Pharoahe Monch)
03 Ante Up Every Way (The White Stripes + M.O.P.)
04 Turn It Up (The White Stripes + Kanye West)
05 Ms. Doorbell (The White Stripes + Mos Def)
06 Cash Run (The White Stripes + Notorious B.I.G. & 2Pac)
07 Got Yourself a Cannon (The White Stripes + Jay-Z)
08 Jolene's Ether (The White Stripes + Nas)
09 One More Corner (The White Stripes + Common)
10 Dangerous Love (The White Stripes + Busta Rhymes)
11 Fucking Apples (The White Stripes + Eminem)
12 Tha Countdown Blues (The White Stripes + Redman)
13 Stars & Stripes (The White Stripes + Adrian Champion & Brian Jacobs)


Step 3: Go to his BLOG and you can pick up the bonus track

14 Bound to Pass Me By (The White Stripes + The Pharcyde)


Step 4: Enjoy


--dirt_dog

In Retrospect - Pete Nice & Daddy Rich - Dust To Dust

This isn't the first time I touched this topic on T.R.O.Y. because for some unexplainable reason I'm attached to this album. '93 was a year of classics, but it also contains many great obscure releases that fell by the wayside too. Let me start off by saying I was never a huge 3rd Bass fan. They had a few tracks I've enjoyed but for the most part they (mainly Serch) always came off a bit corny to me. Pete, not so much, he always had that cool swagger that made him a little less contrived than his counterpart. When the group broke up I don't think anyone shed a tear. They had a good run but their time was over. Hip-hop was moving in a different direction and did not contain 2 white boys rapping about the same humdrum shit for another 6 years.

No one can deny the hits they had, whether it was "The Gas Face," "Pop Goes The Weasel," "Steppin' To The A.M" or the Marley laced "Product Of The Environment." Two white dudes lucky to have careers in a black dominated sport enjoying every minute of it. They were not poet laureates. One rapper was the self-loathing lighthearted guy, while the other played the too cool for school steelo. Together it worked and with the help of Prince Paul, The Bomb Squad and some respectable co-signs from people ranging from EPMD, Henry Rollins to Russell Simons 3rd Bass become a legit rap act.

So where does that leave us? '92 the group officially split, Serch was dabbling in the production game with female rapper Boss, The Zebrahead soundtrack, and let us not forget finagling his way into one of the most important rap signings of all-time (Nas). He dropped a lackluster solo titled Return of the Product, which included the hit "Back To The Grill" with Nasty Nas, Chubb Rock & Red Hot Lover Tone. But other then that track, which gained notoriety for its use by Kid Capri Def Comedy Jam, the album fell flat.

A year after the breakup Pete Nice got the call from Russell Simmons and before you knew it "Dust To Dust" was in stores. With the help of friends K.M.D (MF Doom), Sam Sever and The Beatnuts, the production on Dust To Dust was really gratifying. Samples ranging from Velvet Underground. Iron Butterfly, X-Clan, Otis Redding, Ramsey Lewis to Frank Sinatra combine to bring forth an eccentric background for Pete Nice's verbals. I still can't tell you what DJ Richie Rich actually did. Street cred employee?



Tracks like Rat Bastard, Kick The Bobo, Verbal Message, The Lumberjack, The Rapsody, 3 Blind Mice featuring Kurious or Rich Bring 'Em Back" featuring the debut of Cage help balance out the album. Check it out! --Philaflava

Download Dust To Dust here!

Cop Dust To Dust for $0.75 here!

Where is Pete Nice today? Well after quiting the rap game Pete started his own Baseball memorabilia store in Cooperstown. In 2003, he published his first book, Baseball Legends of Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery, under his real name. He has also been working to secure some property for an official grave site of Negro League players.

In early 2008, Pete opened McGreevy's 3rd Base Bar, a sports bar in Boston with Dropkick Murphys' band member Ken Casey. The bar recently was named Best Sports Bar In Boston by Citysearch.

An Open Letter To Chris Winston Regarding Nas "Deja Vu"

Chris Winston,

It has come to my attention via The Bridge '94 blog that you are the producer of the classic unreleased Nas song "Dejavu." It may seem odd to label an unreleased track as a classic but over the years, "Deja Vu" has earned this status. Despite the fact that only relatively lo-fi, unmastered versions have made it to listener's ears, it is apparent to any rap fan that the song is a bonafide gem. Nas' masterful lyrics combined with your perfectly suited sounds like heaven with a few hisses, so a higher quality version might well be the holy grail for us aging hip hop heads. I speak for the vast majority of our 1,100 subscribers (and thousands of other followers and assorted visitors) in saying that I've been fiending for a CD-quality version of this song for what seems like centuries.

It is unfortunate that shady business kept this song from seeing the light of day on a proper release. I understand that this experience must have been hugely frustrating. I also see how it could lead you to believe that there is little interest in the song itself. On this point I beg to differ. Nas' unreleased and rarities catalogue is deep and has been extensively covered on the internet. There was even a popular blog devoted entirely to such songs. Time and time again, "Deja Vu" is mentioned as one of the shining stars of this unreleased catalog, the rough draft of what should have been a perfect album cut on It Was Written. Not only does the song include the verse that later appeared on "Verbal Intercourse," it contains a second verse which is arguably even better (the "swimming pool/ sinning fool/ winning jewel" rhyme is some next shit). You produced a monumental song featuring one the genre's most beloved rappers at his peak and it deserves to be heard - crisp and clear.

Do the right thing, Chris Winston - release a CD quality version of Nas "Dejavu." Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of pairs of ears eagerly await this.

--- Thun, speaking on behalf of The T.R.O.Y. Team, and hip hop fans worldwide.


READERS: If you agree that "Deja Vu" should be released in CD quality format, you should do the following:

1) Respond to this post with a message showing support for the release of "Dejavu" in CD quality. To save time just type "RELEASE IT ALREADY".

2) Retweet this post on Twitter, and link it on Facebook.

3) Get at Chris Winston himself: via Twitter (@chriswinston) or email (chris@chriswinston.com).

Great Introductions

One of the greatest things about music is discovering new artists. Whether it's the case today, years ago hip-hop was always about helpin' others get on. There was a certain element in the music was more authentic. The chemistry was real and more importantly rappers were motivated by their competitive nature, not potential endorsements. There are tons of memorable debuts such as AZ on "Life's A Bitch," Jay-Z on "Hawaiian Sophie" or 2Pac on D.U.'s "Same Song." For some, careers were made on just one verse.

Below are 7 phenomenal debuts that some might argue contain the greatest ever. We're asking our T.R.O.Y. readers to let us know which debut you feel is the greatest of all-time. You can post your comments as well as vote on which debut from the videos below you feel is the best. --Philaflava

Ultramagnetic MC's - Raise It Up feat. Godfather Don


A Tribe Called Quest - Scenario (Remix) feat. Kid Hood & L.O.N.S.


Gang Starr - I'm The Man feat. Lil Dap & Jeru The Damaja


Organized Konfusion - Fudge Pudge feat. O.C.


Main Source - Live From The BBQ feat. Joe Fatal, Akinyele & Nasty Nas


Dr. Dre - Deep Cover (187) feat. Snoop Doggy Dogg


Lord Finesse - Yes You May (Remix) feat. Big L

Danger Mouse - DM Mix (98-01)

Before Gnarls Barkley, Danger Doom, The Grey Album, & bringing back Jemini The Gifted One, Danger Mouse was putting out his own hip-hop mixtapes which always included a handful of his early mash-ups or should I say blends. He released four promo mixtapes from 1998 to 2000. I hooked up all his remixes together into one folder full of Danger Mouse Remixes*. They were all well done. A blend that I really enjoy is Inspectah Deck's "Rec Room" vocals over Demastas "Feel No Guilt" instrumental. While a lot of the instrumentals used for the remixes were known to my ears, my three favorites which I included below didn't ring a bell. I think they were probably his own beats. All of you should enjoy these remixes, peep the samples below to give you a nice idea of the concept. Enjoy,

Download

Samples:

-- Thomas V

*One of the remix I included is from 2001 (wasn't on his promo mixtapes)

Large Professor - The LP (Official Release)

This needs no explaining. The wait is over so enjoy the CDQ version of "The LP" and if you see a copy at a store nearest you, PICK IT UP! --Philaflava

EDIT: Red Line Music Distribution asked us to remove the link. We're told "This album is available now for sale at online stores such as iTunes.com, Amazon.com, myspace.com and more. The LP will also be available for sale on 2 LP and CD."

1		Intro (1:02)
2		That Bullsh*t (3:42)
3		Hungry (2:43)
4		I Juswanna Chill (3:28)
5		Funky 2 Listen 2 (2:54)
6		Mad Scientist (4:22)
7		Hard (3:50)
8		One Plus One Featuring NAS (2:48)
9		The LP (3:17)
10		Dancin' Girl (3:45)
11		Large Pro:Verbs (2:36)
12		Havin' Fun (3:25)
13		Spacey (2:59)
14		Amaman (3:57)
15		Queens Lounge (3:16)
16		Bowne (3:53)
17		Big Willie (3:38)
18		Outro (1:45)

(LINK REMOVED BY REQUEST)

DJ Mighty Mi - Large Professor Megamix (45:41)

DJ Mighty Mi (The High & Mighty) - Large Professor Megamix (45:41) (2003)

1 Kool G Rap & D.J. Polo - Bad To The Bone (Radio Remix)
2 Jaz, The - Hypocritters
3 Main Source - Peace Is Not The Word To Play
4 Nas - Rewind
5 Mad Skillz - Extra Abstract Skillz
Featuring - Large Professor , Q-Tip
6 Organized Konfusion - Stress (Remix)
7 Slick Rick - It's A Boy (Remix)
8 Gang Starr - Gotta Get Over (Takin Loot) (Remix)
9 Tragedy - Da Funk Mode
10 Kool G Rap & D.J. Polo - Money In The Bank
Featuring - Large Professor
11 Common - Resurrection / Resurrection '95
12 Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell (Remix)
13 Main Source - Atom
14 Roxanne Shanté - Brothers Ain't Shit
15 Apache - Hey Girl
16 Kool G Rap & D.J. Polo - Wanted Dead Or Alive
17 Akinyele - No Exit

Download

Mixed using ORIGINAL VINYL!!! Don't Believe Me? Ask Shaun D.

-- Thomas V

DJ Mister Cee “The Best Of Mobb Deep”

I wasn't even aware that this DJ Mister Cee mix even existed until the other day when fellow TROY blogger Thomas V made mention of it. So I tracked it down and purchased it. A whopping 38 tracks of classics, appearances, remixes and a slew of unreleased material (11 to be exact).

01 Mobb Deep-Peer Pressure

02 Mobb Deep-Cop Hell (Unreleased)

03 Mobb Deep-Hit It From The Back

04 Mobb Deep-Patty Shop (Unreleased) feat. Big Noyd

05 Mobb Deep-Shook Ones (Parts 1 & 2)

06 Mobb Deep-The Bridge (94 Unreleased) feat. Big Noyd

07 Mobb Deep-Survival Of The Fittest (Original & Remix) feat. Crystal Johnson

08 Mobb Deep-Give Up The Goods feat. Big Noyd

09 Mobb Deep-We About To Get Hectic (Unreleased) feat. Gambino

10 Mobb Deep-Temperatures Rising (Original & Remix) feat. Crystal Johnson

11 Mobb Deep-Eye For A Eye feat. Nas & Raekwon

12 Mobb Deep-Drink Away The Pain feat. Q-Tip

13 Mobb Deep-Q.U. (Unreleased)

14 Das EFX-Microphone Master (Remix) feat. Mobb Deep

15 Da Youngsta's-Bloodshed & War feat. Mobb Deep

16 Mobb Deep-Take It In Blood (Unreleased)

17 Mobb Deep-Still Shinin

18 Big Noyd-Recognize & Realize (Parts 1 & 2) feat. Mobb Deep

19 The Almighty RSO-War's On feat. Mobb Deep

20 Mobb Deep-Back At You

21 Mobb Deep-Street Life feat. L.E.S. & ACD

22 Mobb Deep-First Day Of Spring (Unreleased) feat. Tragedy

23 Tragedy-LA, LA (Original & Remix) feat. Capone-N-Noreaga & Mobb Deep

24 LL Cool J-I Shot Ya feat. Keith Murray, Prodigy, Fat Joe & Foxxy Brown

25 Big Noyd-Usual Suspect (Original & Remix) feat. Havoc

26 Nas-Live Nigga Rap feat. Mobb Deep

27 Mobb Deep-Drop A Gem On Em

28 Mobb Deep-Rep The Q.B.C. (Unreleased) feat. Godfathers Pt. III

29 Shaquille O'Neal-Legal Money feat. Mobb Deep

30 Mobb Deep-Hell On Earth

31 Mobb Deep-Everyday Gunplay (Unreleased)

32 Foxxy Brown-Da Promise feat. Havoc

33 Mobb Deep-Crime Connection (Unreleased) feat. Cormega

34 Mobb Deep-G.O.D. Pt. III

35 Mobb Deep-In The Long Run (Unreleased) feat. Ty Nitty

36 Xzibit-Eye's May Shine (Remix) feat. Mobb Deep

37 Mobb Deep-Extortion feat. Method Man

38 Mobb Deep-Nightime Vultures feat. Raekwon

Since this is a very recent purchase, I didn't make a new cover to match all the other ones (and I think those days are behind me). But I did take the time to scan it in and lay out all new type. Up next is the final installment in this series, a double disc set for “The Best Of Jay-Z.”

Download

enjoy,

--dirt_dog

I'ma Addict For Sneakers

Stream the track while reading...

Lexicon - Nikehead


For as long as any of us can remember, sneakers have been synonymous with hip-hop. It's a perfect marriage and to this day both use one another for inspiration. Whether it was RUN-D.M.C. telling us about their Adidas or Nas' confessions on his addiction or favorite brand, sneakers have always been prevalent within the hip-hop community. Today it's common to hear cats like Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Bun B and T.I. to commonly reference sneakers. (Click all hyperlinks)

But out of all the sneakers, there is only one staple of the hip-hop community and that has to be the Air Jordans.


A few years back there was this preeminent documentary titled Just For Kicks. It was about the sneaker phenomena and the marriage of hip-hop. It featured the likes of Grandmaster Caz, D.M.C., Damon Dash, Bobbito Garcia & King Ad Rock spittin' their favorite stores or dropping science on the birth of kicks like Nike Air Force Ones aka Uptowns.

I would strongly encourage those, like myself, who are indeed sneaker addicts to cop the movie at your local store, but for in the meantime definitely check out the full 82 minute video here.

It's no secret that emcees influence many of us. It's also no secret that those very emcees are influenced by their environment, so in essence we all play a role in this. A lot of stand in line for hours (some days) at places like Alife Rivington Club, Flight Club, Shoe Gallery or Ubiq just for the latest limited release, retro or exclusive colorway.

While sneaker companies go to great lengths at befriending rappers like Bun B, Kanye West, Fat Joe or Nelly in hopes of promoting their brands to millions, it's ultimately us the consumers who dedicate what becomes the hot item. Because after all if it don't make dollars it don't make sense, right?

So next time you're in line at Foot Locker and you happen to do a double take because you think you just saw your favorite album appear on a sneaker shirt, rest assure you're the reason why. Jordan Brand is not run by Michael Jordan. It's not even run by the HDIC, Gentry Humphrey, who after all is just a Jordan stan. No, It's run by young guns scrambling to reconnect with you and take your dollars. The great MJ couldn't name 5 A Tribe Called Quest tracks if his life depended on it. It's the recent 20-something grad who his trying to appeal to the 30-something recovering addict. It's not a coincidence that Jordan Brand just released 3 hip-hop related themed shirts that all happen to feature 3 bona fide classic albums covers.


So next time you pop in that Midnight Marauders album will you be rockin' your Jordans to make the cipher complete? --Philaflava
Related Link:
Charles Barkley Limited Tees

Shout out to the folks at Nike Talk & KicksOnFire.

Best Of Westwood Radio Freestyles - Nas, Biggie, OC, Das Efx, Cam'Ron...

This was submitted by our friend Dj Step One from the TROY forum. If you're digging this, check his blog out: Only Built For zShare Links

"I’ve spent the last few weeks sorting through that dusty box of tapes that so many older Hip Hop heads have stashed away somewhere and have been digitizing the various treats I’ve come across.

As Hip Hop was scarce on English radio in the 90s, most of these tapes are recordings of Tim Westwood’s show on BBC Radio 1. Up until 1994, Westwood only broadcast in London and the surrounding area, first on pirate stations LWR and Kiss FM, and then legitimately on Capital FM.

A move to the BBC in 1994 gave him two 3 hour shows every week and meant that Hip Hop heads nationwide finally had the opportunity to hear first hand the exclusives and guest appearances that would make up Tim’s show. It often meant staying in on a Friday or Saturday night, but as some of these freestyles prove, it was worth it!

I was going to do a profile of Big Tim but then remembered that Stretch Armstrong gave him a mention on his blog a while back and I couldn’t think of a better person to rubber stamp Westwood’s contribution to Hip Hop radio."

Stretch Armstrong, speaking on The Flavor Unit track ‘The Flavor Unit Assassination Squad’:

"Bobbito and I got hip to this record via the homie Tim Westwood in London who used to have what may have been the most progressive hip-hop show on earth in the late 80's. Because he was free to operate outside of the beef that had split NYC rap radio in the late 80's but also was very close to both Red and Marley (though closer to Marley who eventually would broadcast a version of In Control on his show in the UK), Tim would bless the airwaves with crazy exclusives and remixes, AND, influenced by his roots in 80's Jamaican and UK dancehall, was the first, and perhaps only, hip-hop personality to get all the hot emcees to re-record their hits with his name in them, sound-clash style. Many in the UK complained that Tim didn't support home-grown talent, but we sure didn't care, 'cause we'd frequently hear shit from his tapes first, sometimes to never be heard anywhere else. I'd have to confirm it with Aaron Fuchs, but I believe Tuff City only released this record after we played it on KCR from a cassette from Westwood's show."

Previews:

Akinyele & Sadat X (1996)

Cam'Ron (1998)

Das Efx (1995)

Masta Ace (1998)

Nas & De La Soul (1996)

Biggie Smalls & Craig Mack (1995)

OC (1994)

Snoop, Daz, & Kurupt (1994)

Download in one folder here.

--Verge