Video: Large Professor Interview

One of these days I'm going to make a Large Pro tribute mix because dude is too often forgotten when the great producers of 90's hip hop are discussed. Not to mention, Large Pro was sporting the polo preppy look before Kanye West even owned a sampler. The below LP interview isn't the most thorough that I have scene, but it's worth seeing because you can see his home studio and record collection.

Don't sleep on the Mad Scientist

Roller Boogie 80's - Mixed by Kenny Dope

It's Labor Day Weekend and your favorite blogger refuses to take a day off. So strap on your roller skates and enjoy the Dopeman at work.

Roller Boogie 80's - Mixed by Kenny Dope (download)

All Night Long-Mary Jane Girls
Don't Look Any Further-Dennis Edwards
Heartbeat-Taana Gardner
Funky Sensation-Gwen McRae
I Want To Thank You-Alicia Myers
Just A Touch of Love-Slave
Watching You-Slave
Inside Out-Odyssey
Walking into Sunshine-Central Line
Mama Used To Say-Junior
Over Like A Fat Rat-Fonda Rae
Come Let Me Love You-Janet Lady Day
I Like What You Doin' To Me-Young & Co.
Rock Your World-Weeks & Co.
Search To Find The One-Unlimited Touch
I'll Do Anything-Denroy Morgan
I Hear Music In the Streets-Unlimited Touch
A Little Bit Of Jazz-Nick Striker

Video: Sha Money XL Interview(s)

A picture of Sha Money XL should be hanging over the bed of every unknown bedroom producer in the world. Why? You ask. Because no single individual is more responsible for the proliferation of producers than Sha Money. Just take a look at 50 Cent's discography and see all the no name producers who got to produce tracks on multi-platinum albums like "Get Rich or Die Trying" and "The Massacre." Below is a very interesting interview where Sha Money talks about his philosophy on Hip Hop, and the need to give back to the culture.

Another older, more informative interview

90's Flava Vol. 1 - Mixed by Just Blaze

I should have figured that Just Blaze knows how to get down on the 1's and 2's because behind every great producer, is a deejay. I recently spent 16 hours on a plane with only a vibe magazine and my wife's ipod to pass the time. I know, I know, dumb move. As I was beginning to go insane I started to frantically search through my wife's ipod to see if she had any music on there that was somewhat listenable. Fortunately, I left this mix on her ipod because this was the only thing I could listen to to pass the time. When all was said and done, I think I listened to this mix 6 or 7 times. Needless to say, I played this mix out to the nth degree. So the moral of the story is to listen to this mix because it's rock solid, but never fly for 16 hours without massive reading material and your entire music collection.

1. Main Source - Atom
2. Main Source - Looking At The Front Door
3. A Tribe Called Quest - Footprints
4. De La Soul - Simply Havin
5. New Edition - Once In A Lifetime Groove
6. Brand Nubian - Allah And Justice
7. Brand Nubian - Steal Ya Ho
8. Positive K - Flower Grows In Brooklyn
9. Grand Daddy I U - Something New
10. Intelligent Hoodlum - Live And Direct From The House Of Hits
11. Marley Marl feat. Craig G - Droppin Science
12. Das EFX - Caught In Da Ak
13. Das EFX - Clap Ya Hands
14. LL Cool J - Pink Cookies In A Plastic Bag
15. Mobb Deep - Just Step
16. Jeru The Damaja - Whateva
17. Big L - Put It On Em
18. Artifacts - What Goes On
19. Da Youngstas - Crewz Pop
20. Illegal - On The Mic
21. Jamal - Fades Em All (Pete Rock Remix)
22. OGC - Hurrican Starrung
23. Black Moon - I Got Cha Opin
24. Flipmode Squad - I Got Cha Opin pt.2
25. Black Moon - Six Feet Deep
26. Black Moon - Act Like You Want It
27. Busta Rhymes - Abandon Ship
28. A Tribe Called Quest - Verses From The Abstract
29. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - In The House
30. RA The Rugged Man - Every Record Label Sucks Dick
31. Milkbone - Keep It Real
32. Mood - Karma
33. Erule - Listen Up
34. Kris Kross - Tonight's Da Night (rmx) f. Redman
35. Too Short - Buy You Some
36. D'Angelo - Dreamy Eyes Of Mine
37. PMD - Rugged N' Raw
38. PMD - It's The Pee '97
39. Xzibit - Paparazzi
40. L The Head Toucha - Too Complex
41. Method Man - Untitled
42. Natural Elements - Lyrical Tactics
43. Natural Elements - Hemlock
44. AZ - Gimmie Yours
45. Wu Deep - Shook Ones Blend
46. Ini - Fakin Jax (rmx)
47. Mobb Deep - Untitled
48. Tevin Campbell - Tomorrow (Just Blaze Remix)
49. OC - Far From Yours
50. Nas - It Ain't Hard To Tell (Demo)
51. Just Blaze - Clientel/Life Of Mine

Video: DJ Revolution Shows His Home Studio

Part one of an 8 Episode series featuring the legendary DJ Revolution. In this episode Rev walks us through his studio, where he talks records, first mixer ever etc... Very cool behind the scenes look at one of the best deejays in the world.

Best of A Tribe Called Quest - Mixed by DJ Platurn

If you enjoyed this mix (which many of you did), you'll love DJ Platurn's "Best Of A Tribe Called Quest." Platurn uses the same formula as he mixes all your favorite breaks from ATCQ.

Best of A Tribe Called Quest - Mixed by DJ Platurn (download)

Thank You Jay Dee Act 3 - Mixed by J. Rocc

Quite possibly the most well put together mixtape that I've ever heard. I know, I know, what about mixtape such and such? I don't mean to hurt anybody's feeling here, but there is just something about Act 3 that gravitates to my ears. The thing that I enjoy most about this mix is that you can hear how much thought and time J. Rocc put into crafting this mix together. Just when we all thought the whole Dilla tribute mix couldn't break any new ground, J. Rocc released this gem on the 2 year anniversary of Dilla's passing and took every deejay (myself included) back to the drawing board. Have a great week!

Thank You Jay Dee Act 3 - Mixed by J. Rocc (download)

Nas Performing Live at Rock the Bells 2008

Don't tell all the heads who attended RTB that hip hop is dead.

Nas at RTB in San Bernandino

Nas w/ Jay-Z in NYC

Video: Documentary About PE's It Takes A Nation...

If you haven't seen this already; watch it, enjoy it, and be inspired by it.
PART I

PART II

PART III

War @ 33 1/3 Volume 2 - Mixed by DJ Bedz

Yesterday I posted a mix that encouraged all of you to go home and think about "nothing." Well, today I am recommending the exact opposite. Thinking of nothing is the last thing you should do if you are listening to PE. If you do listen to PE and think of nothing, there are many adjectives that can be used to describe you (none of which are positive). In the words of Chuck D, "Don't worry be happy was a #1 jam/damn if I say it/you can smack me right here."

War @ 33 1/3 Volume 2 - Mixed by DJ Bedz (download)

Best of People Under The Stairs - Mixed by DJ Food Stamp

I thought I'd post this Best of PUTS mix to compliment yesterday's post. I received this mix a few years back because I ordered a bunch of records from undergroundhiphop.com. I must say that over the last few years no mix that I own has had as much replay value as this one. It's the perfect mix for when you are in the mood to just lay back, have a beer, and think about nothing.

Best of People Under the Stairs - Mixed by DJ Foodstamp (download)

Tracklist link:

Video: People Under the Stairs in Studio

Criminally slept on, PUTS continues to produce quality music album after album. Below is a video of Thes One breaking down his creative process on the MPC, then a video of both Thes One and Double K clowning around in their home studio, and finally a video of Thes One on Price is Right.

In Studio

Thes One on Price is Right

Smooth Criminal - Mixed by The Conmen (Jake One and Mr. Supreme)

I've got a severe case of Olympics hangover. Staying up until 2:30 am watching the Olympics is starting to catch up to me, so no write-up today. Enjoy the mix...

Smooth Criminal - Mixed by the Conmen (Jake One and Mr. Supreme)

Cooking Ingredients - Mixed by J. Rocc

I've been sitting on this mix for a couple of months because I wanted to make sure whoever was going to buy it, did exactly that. This latest mix brought to you by the Funky President consists of generally obscure soul and funk breaks. As usual, J. Rocc blends each break together in a way that you only wish you could. I don' t know why I'm trying to sell all of you on this one, if you're not willing to listen to a J. Rocc mix on blind faith alone I'm not sure what you are doing on this site. Enjoy the mix and have a wonderful week.

Cooking Ingredients - Mixed by J. Rocc (download)

Sampology: Isaac Hayes Chapter - Mixed by DJ Parler

And the award for the first Isaac Hayes tribute mix goes to.........

Sampology: Isaac Hayes Chapter - Mixed by DJ Parler (download)
"Theme From Shaft" - Isaac Hayes
"Reservoir Dogs" - Jay-Z ft The Lox, Beanie Sigel & Sauce Money
"Hung Up On My Baby" - Isaac Hayes
"My Mind Playin' Tricks On Me" - Geto Boys
"Gangster, Gangster" - Styles P ft Jadakiss & Sheek Louch
"Ike's Mood" - Isaac Hayes
"I Love You" Remix - Mary J. Blige ft Smif-N-Wessun
"Walk On By" - Isaac Hayes
"I Can't Go To Sleep" - Wu-Tang Clan ft Isaac Hayes
"Can I Live" - Jay-Z
"The Look Of Love" - Isaac Hayes
"A Few More Kisses To Go" - Isaac Hayes
"Tonight's Da Night" - Redman
"Ellie's Love Theme" - Isaac Hayes
"The Wickedest Freestyle" - The Notorious BIG
"Bumpy's Lament" - Isaac Hayes
"Back At You" - Mobb Deep
"Hyperbolicsyllabicseequedalymystic" - Isaac Hayes
"Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos" - Public Enemy
"Do Your Thing" - Isaac Hayes
"Breakthrough" - Isaac Hayes
"Joy" - Isaac Hayes
"Never Can Say Goodbye" - Isaac Hayes

Video: DJ Shadow Excerpt From Scratch

For all you producers, deejays, and emcees out there, something to keep in mind as you make your contribution to the top of the stack of existing music.

Video: DJ Cash Money at The Love Below (09/07)

This is how you rock a party...

PART II

PART III

PART IV

Video: An Ode to Dead Presidents

With scenes like the one below, I've never understood why Dead Presidents has been so slept on. With the Hughes Brothers behind the camera and actors like Lawrence Tate, Terrance Howard, Freddy Rodriguez, and Chris Tucker, you'd think that would be a recipe for cult success. Go figure? **Not to mention the Isaac Hayes soundtrack **

One of the best botched heist scenes of all time...

Yo! 45 Raps Vol. 2 - Mixed by J. Rocc

Playing on the theme of Yo! MTV Raps, J. Rocc constructs an all 45 mix consisting of primarily 80's hip hop. Between mixes, J. Rocc throws in a variety of old MTV Raps segments to give you that authentic MTV Raps experience. Grab some tissue in case you find yourself getting misty eyed while hearing Fab Five Freddy doing his thing. Have a wonderful weekend.

Yo! 45 Raps Vol. 2 - Mixed by J. Rocc (download)

Video: Breakestra Performing Live

With all the fanfare surrounding funk groups like Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings these days, I'm surprised the Breakestra isn't getting more love. Their live mixtape albums still get mad burn in my car. If the Breakestra ever comes to a town near you, do yourself a favor and see them live.

Veteranos - Mixed by The Conmen (Jake One and Mr. Supreme)

A couple of weeks ago I posted the Conmen's Jealous Toys Die mix and promised to post the rest of the five part series. Well, here is #2 of 5. Expect more of the same, an excellent mix consisting of breaks used for many of your favorite hip hop jams. Before you roll your eyes at yet another break mix, let me assure you that Jake One and Mr. Supreme do a superb job of choosing breaks that aren't usually included in your standard break mix while not getting so obscure that you don't recognize the break. Enough of my chiter chater, just listen and enjoy.

Veteranos - Mixed by The Conmen (Jake One and Mr. Supreme)

Shaolin's Finest - Mixed by DJ Supa Dave

Another classic mix from DJ Supa Dave.

Shaolin's Finest - Mixed by DJ Supa Dave (download)

01. Bacdafucup - Intro
02. Wu-Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M. (Supa Dave Remix)
03. Genius - Duel Of The Iron Mic
04. Method Man - What's The Blood Clot
05. Wu-Tang Clan - Duck Seazon
06. Wu-Tang Clan - Can It Be All So Simple
07. Wu-Tang Clan - Can It Be All So Simple (Raekwon Remix)
08. Ghostface Killah - Camay
09. Raekwon - Rainy Dayz
10. Ol' Dirty Bastard - Shimmy Shimmy Ya (Supa Dave Remix)
11. Wu-Tang Clan - Ain't Nuttin To Fuck Wit
12. Black Ivory - I Keep Asking You Questions
13. Sweet Inspirations - Why Marry
14. Raekwon - Criminology
15. Method Man - Release Yo Delf (Supa Dave Remix)
16. Raekwon - Incarcerated Scarfaces
17. Wu-Tang Clan - Triumph
18. Wu-Tang Clan - Shame On A Nigga
19. Ol' Dirty Bastard - Brooklyn Zoo
20. Al Green - You Ought To Be With Me
21. Ghostface Killah - 260
22. Wu-Tang Clan - Da Mystery Of Chessboxin
23. Wu-Tang Clan - Daytona 500
24. Jerry Butler - Mechanical Man
25. Method Man - Bring Da Pain
26. Wu-Tang Clan - Proteck Ya Neck
27. Emotions - If You Think It (You May As Well Do It)
28. Raekwon - Verbal Intercourse
29. Ann Pebbles - Straight From The Heart
30. Genius - Shadow Boxin
31. Genius - 4th Chamber

Video: New Jay-Z Song at Kanye West NYC Show

BLUEPRINT 3 from kwest on Vimeo.
** I know I'm late on this one, but you will have to forgive me because I've been out of the country for the last week. **
Two thoughts come to mind when I watch this video: 1. If Blueprint 3 sounds as good as this song I will be a very happy man. 2. No matter how big Kanye gets, it is very clear who big brother is after watching this video.

Hip Hop Classics Vol. 3 - Mixed by Lord Finesse

The one, the only, the funky technician.

Hip Hop Classics Vol. 3 - Mixed by Lord Finesse (download)
01. Tragedy - Intelligent Hoodlum
02. Big Daddy Kane - Something Funky
03. LL Cool J - 1-900-LL Cool J
04. Main Source - Friendly Game Of Baseball
05. Kool G Rap - Truly Yours
06. Craig G - Droppin Science
07. Antoinette - I Got An Attitude
08. MC Lyte - Shut The Fuck Up
09. Original Concept - Knowledge Me
10. Mantronix - Fresh Is The Word
11. T La Rock - Breakdown
12. T La Rock - It's Yours
13. Fearless Four - F-4000
14. Cold Krush Bros. - Fresh, Wild, Fly & Bold
15. T. Ski Valley - Catch The Beat
16. Spoonie Gee - Spoonie Is Back
17. Waterbed Kev - All Night Long
18. Grandmaster Flash & Furious 5 - The Message
19. Fab 5 Freddy - Change The Beat
20. Doug E Fresh - The Original Human Beat Box
21. The B Boys - Girls
22. Davy DMX - One For The Trouble
23. Intro
24. Kraftwork - Trans Europe Express
25. Soul Sonic Force - Planet Rock
26. Man Parrish - Hip Hop Be Bop
27. Kraftwork - Numbers
28. Run DMC - Together Forever
29. Masters Of Ceremony - Dynamite
30. Kool G Rap - It's A Demo
31. Public Enemy - Don't Believe The Hype
32. Public Enemy - Rebel Without A Pause
33. Public Enemy - Terminator X On The Edge Of Panic
34. Big Daddy Kane - Mortal Combat
35. Markey Fresh - Mack Of Rap
36. Jesse West - No Prisoners
37. Grand Puba - Step To The Rear
38. Big Daddy Kane - Young, Gifted & Black
39. Tribe Called Quest - Butter
40. Gangstarr - Gotta Get Over (Remix)

Underground Railroad Mix (9/8/07) - Mixed by DJ C-Reality

Another excellent mix taken from WBAI's Underground Railroad show. I don't know about you, but nothing beats a quality mix performed live on the radio. Listening to a quality radio mix takes me back to the days of laying in bed late at night with the headphones on, and thinking of nothing more than who my next page was going to come from.

Underground Railroad Mix (9/8/07) - Mixed by DJ C-Reality (download)

Hot 97 Breaks Mix - Mixed by Rza

This Rza breaks mix was performed live on the Hot 97 airwaves (1995). The mix is so good that I'm not convinced it was Rza on the turntables. Assuming that there was no ventrilomixing, Rza is (or, at least was) a lot nicer on the tables than I have ever given him credit for. Enjoy the mix...

Hot 97 Breaks Mix (1995) - Mixed by Rza (download)

Video: Wax Poetics Magazine

If this video about the only "real" Hip Hop magazine/journal (RIP Scratch) left doesn't inspire you, then you must fit into one of the following 2 categories: A. You worship Satan or B. You enjoy long walks on the beach with Barbara Streisand bumping in the head phones (Sorry Babs fans, but Babs gets no love on this blog)

Krs-1 @ His Best - Mixed by DJ Supa Dave

Easily, the best Krs mix I've heard. If you know of a better one, by all means, send it my way. ** For some reason there is 1 minute of silence at the 30 minute mark. My apologies **

Essential Mix (01/07) - Mark Ronson

When he is not producing for Amy Winehouse or deejaying at New York's bourgiest nightclubs, he is on Radio 1 throwing-down a two hour, action packed mix.

Mark Ronson ‘Intro’ (White Label)
Mark Ronson feat. Dirt McGirt & Tiggers Toxic (Columbia)
Three 6 Mafia Stay Fly (Columbia)
Coldplay God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (Parlophone)
Mark Ronson feat. The Daptone Horns God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (Columbia)
Billy Bragg A New England (Version Blend) (Go! Discs)
The Jam Pretty Green (Polydor)
Mark Ronson feat. Santo Gold Pretty Green (Columbia)
Chaka Khan Acid Drop/I Feel For You (Warner Bros)
Bag Raiders Christina 3-6 Drop (White Label)
K.W. Griff Respect (Quiet Records)
Aaron Lacrate feat. Spank Rock & Amanda Blank Blow (Milkcrate Records)
T.I. What You Know (Low B Remix) (White Label)
The Pack Vans (DJ Eli Remix) (White Label)
Justin Timberlake feat. T.I My Love (2nd Nature Remix) (Jive)
Busta Rhymes feat. Rick James In The Ghetto (DJ Eleven Remix) (Interscope)
Beck Nausea (Interscope)
Notorious B.I.G. Nasty Boy (Version Blend) (Bad Boy Entertainment)
Lil’ Wayne Show Me What You Got (Remix) (Cashmoney)
Lily Allen Stop There (Freestyle) (Regal Recordings)
Dangerdoom feat. Talib Kweli Old School Rules (White Label)
Ghostface Killah feat. Amy Winehouse You Know I’m No Good (Def Jam Recordings)
The Roots Thought At Work (Original) (Geffen)
Nas Hip Hop Is Dead (Def Jam Recordings)
The Charlatans The Only One I Know (Situation 2)
Mark Ronson feat. Robbie Williams The Only One I Know (Columbia)
Mark Ronson feat. Ghostface & Nate Dogg Ooh Wee (Version Blend) (Columbia)
Mark Ronson feat. Alex Greenwald Just (Columbia)
Dizzee Rascal Fix Up Look Sharp (XL Recordings)
Thom Yorke Black Swan (Parlophone)
The Game feat. 50 Cent Hate It Or Love It (Version Blend) (Shady Records)
Jackson 5 I Want You Back (Version Blend) (Motown)
The Strokes Someday (BMG)
Rhymefest Devil’s Pie (Adillo Records)
Regina Spektor Fidelity (Sire Records)
The Smiths How Soon Is Now? (Version Blend) (Rough Trade)
The Smiths Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before (Rough Trade)
Mark Ronson feat. Daniel Merriweather Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before (Columbia)
Massive Attack Unfinished Sympathy (Wild Bunch)
The Go! Team Ladyflash (Memphis Industries)
CSS Let’s Make Love and Listen To Death From Above (Spank Rock Remix) (Sub Pop Records)
Petey Pablo Fire (Jive)
The Futureheads Skip To The End (679 Recordings)
Gorillaz Feel Good Inc (DJ Eli Remix) (Parlophone)
The Rapture Whoo! Alright-Yeah… Uh Huh (Vertigo)
Peter, Bjorn and John Young Folks (Wichita)
The Specials Gangsters (Chrysalis)
Lily Allen Knock Em Out (Regal Recordings)
Sons and Daughters Dance Me In (JD Twitch and The Truffle Club’s Optimo Mix) (Domino)
Robbie Williams Lovelight (Soulwax Ravelight Voc) (Chrysalis)
Cassie Me & U (DJ Eli Remix) (Bad Boy Entertainment)
Domino Everyone Else Is Boring (White Label)
Boney M Sunny (Hansa/Sony BMG)
Mark Ronson feat. Ghostface & Nate Dogg Ooh Wee (Columbia)
Stone Roses Fool’s Gold (Silvertone)

Hip Hop Forever - Mixed by Kenny Dope

The last name says it all....

Hip Hop Forever - Mixed by Kenny Dope (download)

1. intro (1:00)
2. kool g rap & polo - iii street blues (3:27)
3. jeru the damaja - come clean (4:00)
4. reflection eternal - fortified love (4:58)
5. redman - tonight's da nite (3:20)
6. ed o.g and the bulldogs - i got to have it (3:16)
7. de la soul feat. tribe called quest - she's fe mc's (4:29)
8. special ed - i got it made (3:26)
9. black moon - who got the props (3:46)
10. gang starr - dwyck (3:38)
11. the alkaholiks - make room (3:11)
12. the beatnuts feat. the punisher - off the books (2:24)
13. naughty by nature - uptown anthem (2:14)
14. epmd - you gots to chill (3:39)
15. jungle brothers - straight out the jungle (3:33)
16. yz - thinkin' of a masterplan (4:02)
17. black sheep - flava of the month (3:46)
18. sunz of man - shining star (3:34)
19. method man - bring the pain (3:37)

Hip Hop Forever II - Mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff

This mix takes me straight back to 04. I remember seeing Jazzy Jeff perform this mix live and saying to myself that there was no way I could ever match his skills anytime in my lifetime. There simply aren't enough hours in the day to practice to become as good as Big Phil's favorite person to throw out the house.

Hip Hop Forever II - Mixed by DJ Jazzy Jeff (download)

1. Ice Cream (Raekwon)
2. Danger (Blahzay Blahzay)
3. Bucktown (Smif N' Wessun)
4. How Many MC's (Black Moon)
5. Mood Swing (Asheru)
6. Square One (InI)
7. Braggin' Writes (J-Live)
8. Interlude
9. Times Up (O.C.)
10. Made U Look (Nas)
11. Buck 'Em Down (Beatminerz Remix) (Black Moon)
12. M.I.A. (Missin' Linx)
13. This Is What They Meant (Pete Rock & Grand Agent)
14. Official (Jaylib)
15. Words I Manifest (Gang Starr)
16. You Can't Stop The Prophet (Pete Rock Remix) (Jeru Tha Damaja)
17. Electric Relaxation (A Tribe Called Quest)
18. Flawless (Phife Dawg)
19. Party Up (Wildchild feat. Vinia Mojica)
20. Watch Out Now (The Beatnuts)
21. Drop (The Pharcyde)
22. How I Could Just Kill A Man (Cypress Hill)
23. Live At The BBQ (Main Source)

Video: DJ Marley Marl Live on the Cut

Before he became the producer that forever changed the artform of sampling, he was simply known as DJ Marley Marl.
Live from London

Live from Glasgow

World Famous Wake-Up Show Mix (6/21/08) - Mixed by DJ Revolution

Here is an excellent Revolution mix from the 6/21/08 airing of the World Famous Wake-Up Show.

Wake-Up Show Mix 6/21/08 (download)

1. Im not a playa – Big Pun

2. Royal Flush – Big Boi f/ Andre 3000 & Raekwon

3. Halftime – Nas

4. U cant stop me now – RZA

5. Be no slave-J Live

6. Hip Hop - Mos Def

7. Get u mad– Eminem

Video: DJ Revolution Performing Live

Watching Revolution get down on the tables demonstrates how much of a musical instrument the turntables can be. This video doesn't do Rev's skills justice, but you get an idea of how talented he is.