AlBe Back feat. Hassan Khaffaf, Malik Yusef & Styles P – Bam Bam [Stream]

I started out with the idea of wanting to make a song go from really warm to ghostly cold. As myself and Hassan started our recording process. I believe it took me 30 minutes for my verse to show up. Hassan takes my verse and drops the temp a lil bit with his Fresh out the fridge cold verse. Then I knew we had something. Malik Yusef had an original verse on it but when we looked at it over we needed to get colder. So hassan kinda stripped the music and made the beat stand outside with her bikini on in the middle of winter. The power in maliks bars led us to another level a cold I don’t think anyone else could reach outside of my good friend Styles P. Not to mention CHUCK E on the chorus. I love this record. #TheALBum is coming soon. -ALBe BACK

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DJ Jazzy Jeff: Vinyl Destination Season 3 (Episode 1) [Video]

Jeff’s Vinyl Destination series continues with Season 3. Welcome to Season 3 of Vinyl Destination. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the crew do a coast to coast run, starting with a trip to the Big Apple for Super Bowl XLVIII. But they are ready for more than some football. Dust off your gold rope chain and Adidas shell tops because Jeff joins The Roots in a tribute to New York City hip-hop. Before the show, some of the guys struggle to keep calm in the midst of hip-hop royalty. But the scene of legends backstage is nothing compared to the magic that happens on stage. This once-in-a-lifetime event features Busta Rhymes, Slick Rick, Naughty By Nature and a rare reunion of an iconic group. The momentum continues in LA with a performance at DJ City in front of a record breaking audience. But it doesn’t end there. Stick around after the episode for a special treat from DJ Jazzy Jeff and Serato.

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A-Trak, Migos, OG Maco, Tory Lanez & More Share SXSW Essentials [Video]

As you probably noticed last week, much of the music industry made their way to Austin, Texas for the annual SXSW music conference. Rap showcases have become prevalent at SXSW in recent years, and this year was no different, with rappers roaming the streets and doing as many shows as they can fit into their hectic schedules. We had a few chance encounters with rappers (such as Michael Christmas and Manolo Rose, both of whom we literally ran into on the infamous 6th Street), and some were pre-planned encounters as part of press runs– whatever the case was, we asked each artist what their essentials are for a great South By experience. The general consensus seems to be: condoms, and leave your bitches at home. Watch the video above to hear from Tory Lanez, A$AP Twelvvy and Ant, OG Maco, A-Trak and more.

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Substantial & The Other Guys feat. Von Pea – Late Pass [Stream]

“The Past…” is the first of three EPs leading up to the fourth studio album from prolific, Indie MC, Substantial. This time around the veteran wordsmith has partnered with HiPNOTT Records producer duo and fellow Maryland natives, The Other Guys for his latest release. Substantial’s musical past, pre-Hyde Out Productions, included many collaborations with Isaiah of TOG, which makes their project’s title quite fitting. The Past… features Von Pea of Tanya Morgan, Substantial’s protegé, See King, cuts from DJ Jav and plenty of that soulful boom bap The Other Guys have been known to provide. Lyrically, Substantial is as sharp as ever and covers subjects such as the dying art of MCing, dreams limited by stereotypes, and the exploitation of his former producer, Nujabes. Substantial’s full length album “The Past Is Always Present In The Future” drops fourth quarter 2015. Until then, enjoy this appetizer and look forward to more flavorful Hip Hop music to feed your sol.

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