MIXTAPE 79 – ALL UNSIGNED HYPE
It’s been a minute since I’ve really concentrated on the independent artists that really make this show stand out from any other bullshit show. While it would be pretty easy for me to just play old classics or guaranteed sellers, therapy nothing ever really progresses without the new, page underground artists.
So this episode is 100% devoted (minus the intro cut, prostate obviously) to giving some shine to the independent artists without a major record/distribution deal, without a bunch of squares telling them how to sell records in the college market. Just a bunch of talented young brothers and sisters with talent, an MPC, and a myspace.
This show and community was built on the strength of real artists who have supported the show since day one. This episode is just a small thank you.
Big Shug – Play It (prod DJ Premier). The video for this cut is actually pretty good. Basically Shug sits around in gym shorts and looks at the camera with puppydog eyes and asks you to play more records. Okay that didn’t sound so great but really – it’s a simple, yet good video. The track is just a given, and partially helped remind me that I needed to do a show like this. myspace.com/gangstarrfoundation.
Interlude – Dex Digital, CEO of the Mixtape Show Corporation in 2016 vs Propane Pip (and his conscience). Beat by Alf-Alpha.
Gif – Oh Love. I am not sure where the name came from, but Gif’s cut is good. I can’t even remember when he got this one to me – months and months ago – but I’ve been meaning to drop it for a miiinute. Postproductionwise the song needs work – the levels are way too hot – but the feeling is definitely there. myspace.com/dagif.
Binary Star – Conquistadors. This group no longer exists (or at least I don’t think it does), but this is back from their Waterworld days. I remember the first time I met this dude named White Boy (not the rapper, but this kid who actually preferred that we all refer to him as White Boy, or WB – like the TV network). He had on a set of headphones, so I asked him casually what he was listening to. “Binary Star. You should check them out, man.” Which ended up being pretty good advice. This record didn’t really age so well, but you can see the duo really pushing to find their own sound on this cut. And come on. Chuck Mangione beatflip? I’m there. myspace.com/onebelo (one half of the former BS).
Rashid Hadee – You Can’t Hide feat Augustine. I don’t even remember where I got this one from. Production values on this one are a little higher than the previous cuts, and really the cadences are kinda Little Brother-esque, or maybe even a little reminiscent of certain artists on the Loud Minority roster. I can’t even remember who e-mailed me this song – whoever it was – thank you. myspace.com/rashidhadee.
Specifics – This Is Why. Specifics is one of the few groups I can name that just has consistently good material. The MC is constantly just this side of weird, and the jazz loops are solid, and never give you that “okay another lame throwback” feel. I really wanted to drop “My Tunes” in here, but couldn’t get it in time. Maybe I’ll get it in the future. It looks like Specifics has an album dropping in the near future in Japan – if you live out there, you might want to get in on this. myspace.com/specifics
Trew – Lyrics To Go feat Mic Source. Has this sample been flipped before? Yes? Do I care? Not if the rhymes are this good. myspace.com/trewdat.
K.Sparks – Ghetto Child feat Tina Quallo. This one, along with the last one, hit my inbox not more than a few weeks ago. Really, this song just works – if I find myself putting a joint on repeat when it’s still in the gmail account, it’s in. This is one of those cuts. Make sure to check out the blog of the Hoodgrown record label – I’ve never seen so much transparency in a record label before. If you are looking for a perspective on how weird the music business can get for an independent label – check this out. myspace.com/k.sparks.
Outro beat – Alkota.
So that’s it for this week – as always, stay in tune for new developments – got a few things coming down the pipeline.