MIXTAPE 89 – HELLO CANADA

So I got interviewed on the Canada Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio One, on a show called Search Engine. Haven’t listened just yet, but it’s about the Jena 6. Shouts to Jesse for making that connection.

By the way, if you’re looking for the Jena 6 episode, you can click here to see the original post.

This episode, we’re pushing forward with more good music.

Jaylib - Mission Remix. There’s not really too much to be said that hasn’t been said about this duo. Dilla on the rhymes as well, and as you expect, he tears it up. The strings in this cut are ridiculous. stonesthrow.com.

Specifics - My Tunes. Straight outta Vancouver – and with this, I believe that I’ve exhausted my supply of Specifics tracks. For some reason I found this on my iPod when I was still in China, and jammed it for like three days straight – then I accidentally deleted my hard drive. They just really have this jazz loop thing down. In case you hadn’t noticed, I like this group. Go Canada. myspace.com/specifics.

UGK - You Don’t Know Me. Wondering why UGK gets so much respect back home? This is one reason. Thanks to cocaineblunts. myspace.com/ugk.

Phonte - Interlude: Wack Freestyles. I couldn’t resist this one. It’s just so…meta. Come on. He’s making fun of mixtapes. And this is a mixtape! Get it? Okay yeah but a good sign of a poor rapper is someone who can’t string together a decent demo without using an established song as a crutch. I’ve got no problem with unofficial remixes and bootlegs (check the archives on this very hip-hop podcast) but unless you have a specific reason for doing otherwise, find your own beats. If you need help with that, ask me – I know plenty of talented producers. myspace.com/mickboogie.

Gif - Alicia Keys Freestyle. And that prior thing was in no way related to this cut, because a) it’s a different flip, and b) it’s hot. Gif, could you explain your name to us? myspace.com/dagif

Wise Intelligent – Go With Me. Another storytelling joint. I won’t ruin this one for you, but check the very end of this cut. myspace.com/wiseintelligent

Polyrhythm Addicts – It’s My Life feat Phonte. I was a bit late on this one, but with DJ Spinna on production, this one’s an easy call. Dig what Phonte is saying about independence as well. myspace.com/thepolyrhythmaddicts.

And the bonus cut: Suburb - Synth + Strings (snippet). Again, the kid is ridiculous. I’ve got more from dude. Anyone want more? myspace.com/suhburb.

Intro beat: Specifics - Life’s Work
Outro beat: Mathematics - Untitled.

And that’s this week. More coming very very soon. Any requests?

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, nothing ever really progresses without the new, underground artists.

So this episode is 100% devoted (minus the intro cut, 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.

MIXTAPE EPISODE 31

Two main concepts this week: One, we’ve got a remix contest from Rebel’s Advocate kicking off this week. Here’s what you do – remix their acapella to Bite (download the mp3 by right-clicking

Next concept: education. Way too many of y’all little rap kids running stupid. I put together this episode to hopefully teach you some things – about the industry, about working on your craft and persisting, and about rap history in general. So pay attention.

Craig Rip f/ Matic - Where do we go from here. Getting spacy on y’all real quick. Matic with the kinda esoteric lyrics, and Craig Rip laying out them tracks. Am I allowed to say Van City? Am I the first to do that? I’m sorry if I offended anyone from Vancouver. Dope track. And also, sampling Quas = win. mumbleshiphop.com. Read on for more…

John Robinson – Indy 102. Hopefully this is not a new name to you. Met up with JR back over summer at some thing or other, and he recently got at me with a couple of packages – Beatology vols 1 and 2, and his The Leak Edition, Vol.1. This joint right here though should help you get your business game up, which is important since there are way too many people out there trying to take you for your shit. Listen to this a couple times. shamanworks.com.

I think especially important on here is how early he stresses the website thing – sure, a myspace is a good start, but what’s important is that you step your online game up, or you’re gonna get left behind. Speaking of which, if you’re interested in sponsoring the show, holler…

Rebels Advocate – Bite. You’ve heard them here before, now hear them again. This is from that same EP that caught me the first time. Basically it’s a 5-minute joint over damn near every classic hip-hop joint you can think of – like 15-30 second snippets of each joint. Pretty crazy hearing dude spit over drastically different beats and keeping it cohesive. All you producers, this is the song that you’ll be remixing for the grand prize of vinyl pressing and the iPod nano – so listen up, and check the end for details.

Specifics – Take me back. I’m sure there’s some life lesson to be learned here. Not sure what it is, but it’s probably there. Specifics have been supporters of the show since mad early on. And obviously since they’ve gotten so much play on the show, I’m definitely a fan of the sounds. Check the beat and the laid-back flow on this one…ill. Keep them coming…mumbleshiphop.com.

Milk Crate – What’s the deal f/ Muneshine. Had to drop this piano-and-bass laced beat up there in the end on some classic type shit. And come on, references to the Jeffersons and Prince in the same song? It’s a wrap. Basically just a dope way to close out the show. mumbleshiphop.com.

Aight, that’s this week’s show. I actually had a couple more joints I wanted to try to fit in here, but looks like we’ll have to wait for next week.

[oh - sidebar. I still have a couple of those Propane Piff mixtapes left - you want one? comment here and let me know, I'll hit you on the email if I decide to...]

Yeah – the info on the official Rebels Advocate Remix contest, cosigned by yours fucking truly. Copied from their website, here’s what the winner gets:

1. Your Version of the Bite Remix on the next Rebel’s Advocate 12” set to release in the spring
2. Apple I-Pod Nano
3. Deluxe Rebels Advocate Promo Package (t-shirts, posters, cds, ect)

Plus, 20 Runners up will be posted on the webpage and given Deluxe Promo Packages

Cheyeah. You can check all the official info right here: rebels advocate remix contest info. And again, you can download the acapella right

That’s it for this week – get on them decks, kids, and start producing! All you fans stay in tune, and all y’all entrepreneurs stay in tune with me too…if you’re trying to make something happen on a promo tip like this, get at your boy boyyyyyyyeeeeeeee. next week, yall. peace.

Anyway, it’s episode 10, and believe it or not, even though I am out of the studio, have no CDJs or turntables, and have to record this on a $4 mic I stole from a kindergartener (sorry Bobby), I think it might be one of my favorites thus far. Check the tracklist…

First up is 26, yeah, as in the number, with California Kings. I think I first heard these dudes through myspace, and it sounds like he (they?) got their ish fairly tight. LuckyIam.PSC also comes through on this track, and makes a pretty strong track a damn good one. Don’t ask me what that “hey mom, punch me in the eye” thing is about, either. Random side note: I was listening to some other bootleg-ass “hip-hop” podcast, and some nerdy guy introduced LuckyIam as “Lucky Aim PSC”. I was a little saddened. Check them out on www.myspace.com/26hrs

Next is Lawless Element, featuring Jay Dilla, with Love. This one came via some people down with Lawless Element hitting me up on the mixtape site, and also sending me emails. So forreal, all artists out there, if you want to shoot me some material for possible inclusion in a show, get at me…I respond to every email, eventually. No site for them either…

I’ve got another couple tracks from these Lawless cats as well, and one of them is pretty fucking brilliant. Be on the lookout for more Lawless and maybe an interview. Did I mention that Jay Dilla is on this track? If you haven’t arready clicked the download link, you need to right now.

Third on the list is Faculty with Wickedest Sound. Check them out at thafaculty.com. Peace to Damon for hooking us up with this track. Dude’s been on board with me since before I even had a home (or a name) for this show, and it’s been constant support ever since. Faculty has been linking up with several big-name producers recently, and, well, who wants an interview? I’ve got another track featuring Faculty along with Wildchild and Oh No on production. Remind me to drop that one in a future show…

Last cut is, again, Specifics with Under the Hood. If anyone’s wondering why I keep bumping the Specifics, well, it’s because they sent me six mp3s and all were quality. Check them out on their page, myspace.com/specifics.

Sorry for the short podcast this week. Like I said, though, I’m trying to keep it hood, so for all y’all in the hood without broadband, this one won’t take so goddamn long to download.

Also speaking of keeping it hood, if you listen to the very end of this show, that’s not a joke. There I am, just chillin on the corner with my laptop, mic and headphones, recording the outro of the show cause I liked the street ambiance. I’m almost done, when the fucking 5-0 rolls up, flashes his brights, turns on the blue and reds, and starts to get out of the car. This is where the show ends, kids.

Doing the show on the street was funny though. Aside from the occasional old couple walking down the road, nobody else even seemed to notice. Gotta love Berkeley.

I’ll be back down in LA soon, grinding as usual.

PS: Sorry there are no links yet. I’m back in the party now and I’m feeling like a nerd doing this. Will fix tomorrow or so. Peace.

MIXTAPE SHOW EPISODE 5

Damn, somethin’s got me all chilled out and ish. Whatever though, I’m not complaining. I got back recently from a quick trip to the Yay, and it was all good, except for when I thought it would be a good idea to go to Monterey. That is a terrible city and I will never go there again, but Oakland, Berkeley, and SF, I’m down with that. Peace to all the people I met and broke bread with, peace to Local 2 and the UFW, and stay offa that Gallo wine, no joke.

Anyway, back to that hip-hop music. It’s late and your boy is tired, but just cause I’m all calm and ish doesn’t mean that the selection ain’t hot. I didn’t get to mention the second track in the podcast, but the Trek Life freestyle is hot, you need to check that one.

opening beat – Specifics – Craig’s House bonus beat – myspace.com/specifics
Binary Star – Reality Check – subterraneousrecords.com – amazing wordplay. You’re going to have to rewind this a few times to catch it all, trust me.
Trek Life – Freestyle f/ Mykestro – myspace.com/treklife – this one is hot.
Serengeti – Mad Whimsy – daybyday ent – the rest of this CD is nuts too. I’ma have to interview this dude…
Specifics – Craig’s House – myspace.com/specifics – these dudes gave me like 6 mp3s and all of em were hot. what’s in the water in Canada?
Nite – Life – strictlyclever.com – Has anyone else out there heard her street mixtape? Ish is kinda nice…
Shu f/ Felicia Faye – Feel For You – The Bakery, Ltd.

Thanks as usual to the artists and labels, off hand Azar at daybyday for hooking it up with the Serengeti joint (let’s see about that interview), and Parker at The Bakery Ltdfor coming through at the last minute with the last joint (Feel For You).

Be on the lookout for the next two episodes. They already in planning, and they already hot. Damn!

MIXTAPE SHOW EPISODE 2

What it is, internets? It’s your boy dex digital, back with that mixtape – episode 2. Seven new artists this time, all of them hip-hop, and all of them hot.

Here’s the tracklist. Most of these tracks can be downloaded for free on the artist’s sites.

(intro instrumental) – Anubus – Midnight Slices – deepthinka.com
Hezekiah – Put Your Toys Away – soulspazm.com
Specifics - That’s Just Gold – myspace.com/specifics
Chester Copperpot f/ Earatik Statik – Get Right – copperpot.cc
Trek Life – Doin ‘Em Wrong – myspace.com/treklife
Trek Life – I’m Gone
Rhyson Hall – Still Raw – deepthinka.com
Earatik Statik f/ Edo G - Illstate Massive Pt. 2 earatik.net

Yeah, that’s right. Safe and you knows it.

Also, remember when I was saying that I was gonna get some artists on here for interviews? Well, I wasn’t lying. Next week I got a long-ass interview with underground rap legend , O.C. So if you dig any of these artists here, let me know, and I’ll catch up to ‘em for some exclusives, freestyles, interviews, free candy, whatever.

Indeed, all of this is possible through the combined power of podcasting and the internets.

Peace again to all the artists and management types that linked me up with all this hot material. Oh yes, and for that trek life ish, I got a hot freestyle of his that I’ma drop on y’all one of these days. Ish is major like fantasia (okay, I stole that bar, sorry).

And as always, if there’s anything you think that I can improve on in any way, from track selection to style to whatever, I’d be glad to hear about it. Comment me or somethin, kid.