The man officially known as Jamie Meline has achieved a lot since arriving on this planet some 40 years ago today. And to mark El-P’s birthday, DJ Elwood has given us all a gift; this incredible mix of classic beats, covering everything from those grimy Company Flow days, through the Def Jux era and right up to Run the Jewels. If this is what an El-P birthday sounds like, then we reckon he should definitely consider having another birthday next year.
Category: mix
Your Old Droog – Instrumentals
Your Old Droog’s self-titled album was one of the most impressive debuts we’ve heard in years, and now producer El RTNC has released an instrumental version. Stream the whole thing below, and let us know thoughts.
Juggaknots – ‘Baby Pictures’
The Juggaknots were one of the most impressive groups to come out of that late 90s classic era of New York underground hip-hop. Not a whole lot has been heard of them since, but now boutique indy label Chopped Herring Records has dropped Baby Pictures, a collection of unreleased tracks and off-cuts. Listen to a few snippets below, and let us know what you think.
Lord Ron – ‘Fifty Shades of Rayz’ (C-Rayz Walz mix)
C-Rayz Walz has released a lot of music over the years, and some of it is pretty amazing. Lord Ron has linked up the best bits into a new mix, nicely titled Fifty Shades of Rayz. Listen below, then go back and re-listen to the albums C-Rayz Walz dropped on Def Jux circa 2003-2005.
Big Shug – ‘Triple OGzuz’ (preview)
Gang Starr Foundation stalwart Big Shug is releasing his new album Triple OGzuz next month, and has dropped some sneak previews. As you’d expect, he’s enlisted old friend DJ Premier for a few of the beats, including lead track I Am Somebody. As for the artwork, well, this just might be one of the worst covers we’ve ever seen.
Pharoahe Monch – ‘Lost in Translation’
Organized Konfusion legend Pharoahe Monch has dropped Lost in Translation; a new collection of joints for Valentine’s weekend. Its a random mixed-bag of tracks, but there are some special moments, including the Phonte featuring Home.
A round-up of J Dilla anniversary treats
It’s been a great few days for remembering the work of J Dilla. The annual Dilla Weekend took place just days ago in Miami, and today, on the date of his actual death, there have been videos, interviews and mixes showing up everywhere. Here’s a quick round-up:
Get Live With It mix, from J. Rocc and DJ Rhettmatic:
2002 studio session footage, with Common and others:
Memories of Dilla from Camp Lo, Ski Beatz and his old group Slum Village:
Lord Finesse – The SP1200 Project: A Re-awakening
Diggin’ in the Crates crew member and all-round legend Lord Finesse is releasing an extended version of his excellent The SP1200 Project: A Re-awakening album in March, and you can hear snippets from eight of the new tracks below. Pay your respects to one of the most gifted rappers and producers of all time when it hits stores in a few weeks time.