Sean C & LV Talk Working On Jay Z’s “American Gangster”, Big Pun & The Role Of DJs [Video]

The production duo, Sean C and LV stopped by Sway in the Morning to promote their new mixtape, Loud Dreams Volume 1. The producers and hip-hop pioneers discussed why they got into the music industry being A&Rs rather than their current careers as DJs and producers. Additionally, they reminisced on times working with hip-hop legends Big Pun and Jay Z. They also detailed their experience working with Jay on his American Gangster album.

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Smoke DZA Talks “Dream.ZONE.Achieve”, Personal Weed Strain, Being Independent & More [Video]

Here is HHS1987’s interview with Harlem’s own Smoke DZA. After performing with Cam’Ron at Philly’s Theatre Of The Living Arts, DZA chops it up with HHS1987’s E-Money to discuss his new album, Dream.ZONE.Achieve, his weed smoking preference & having his own strain, working with Philly artists, being independent and more.

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YG Live @ The Melrose Ballroom In NYC [Video]

CTE’s own YG took the stage at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, NY late last month to celebrate the release of his chart topping debut album ‘My Krazy Life’. The LA-based emcee performed a number of his hits for the sold out crowd including “My Nigga”, “Act Right”, and “Who Do You Love”. As always, HHS1987’s Rick Dange was there to grab all the great footage. Check it out.

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Yasiin Gaye – Ms. Fat Booty [Video]

Amerigo Gazaway’s *Soul Mates* series continues the theme of his previous work in creating collaborations that never were. On the series’ latest installment, Amerigo unites Brooklyn rapper Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and soul legend Marvin Gaye for a dream collaboration aptly titled “Yasiin Gaye”. Building the album’s foundation from deconstructed samples of Gaye’s Motown classics, Gazaway re-purposes the instrumentation into new productions within a similar framework. Carefully weaving Bey’s tangled raps and Gaye’s soulful vocals over his new arrangements, the producer delivers a quality much closer to an authentic collaboration than a lukewarm “mashup” album.

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Joell Ortiz & The Heatmakerz Connect For “House Slippers” [Video]

rooklyn’s own Joell Ortiz stopped by to talk about his new album House Slippers. When asked about the title of his project, Ortiz said it was reflective of his comfortable place in his career, stating “I’m at home with this album.” Mr. Yaowa linked up with The Heatmakerz production duo, known for their iconic fast paced, sample heavy work with The Diplomats. He also revealed that he has inked a deal with the storied hip-hop label Penalty Records for his solo work. A lot has changed for Joell since the launch of the Slaughterhouse album. His new album, deal, and mindset are representative of the new direction. Check out the video above and catch up with Joell Ortiz. via

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The UN (Roc Marciano, Dino Brave, Mike Raw & Laku) – For The Love [Stream]

Taken from The UN’S re-release of “UN Or U Out” available 4/15 on Fat Beats Records/Frozen Files. Ten years after its initial & highly slept-on release, Fat Beats Records & Frozen Files are proud to present the first-ever reissue of UN Or U Out, the classic debut album from The UN. Consisting of Roc Marciano, Dino Brave, Mike Raw, and Laku, the UN first emerged on Pete Rock’s 2001 Petestrumentals album, a primarily instrumental release including two tracks—“Nothing Lesser” and “Cake”, both featuring vocals by The UN. At the time, the group hadn’t performed live and never had major prior releases, although Roc Marciano had already made his name as a member of Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad. Pete Rock fans were at first perplexed by the vocal appearance of an unknown group. Yet Pete not only had the confidence and foresight to introduce the four MCs, he also furthered the collaboration, making it full circle by lending production on “Game of Death (G.O.D.)” , “Avenue” and “Ain’t No Thang” on UN or U Out. UN or U Out remains a timeless listen, a deeply succinct homage to New York’s bygone era of gritty boom-bap, made with tasteful nods to Queensbridge’s cold-steel aesthetic.

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