Mayer Hawthorne direct-to-disc

Mayer Hawthorne - Maybe So/Gangsta Luv (Live at Direct to Disc #1) by stonesthrow

As an audiophile AND a Mayer Hawthorne/everything-Stones-Throw fan, I was ecstatic to stumble upon this project. Peanut Butter Wolf, Stones Throw founder and vinyl enthusiast, had a couple artists from the roster record tracks in front of a live audience direct-to-disc. As opposed to the analog sound being captured by microphones getting transferred to a digital sound and losing fidelity through multiple interconnects before finally getting cut on vinyl, the process allows for the best representation of the original sounds emanating from the performers.

You can purchase the final product here.

b. (a resale shop) 1-year Anniversary Party

b. (a resale shop) is including myself, the legendary King Otto, Stophouse producer 84 Caprice, That Dude Trey and the People's Party Champion, Franz Diego, in the festivities. It's only $3 to get in. You get to enjoy the music and good vibes on BOTH floors (Ginger Hop and Honey). A portion of the proceeds will be going to St. Joseph's Home for Children. The first guests will receive a swag bag and you can pick up the flyer for 20% off at the store good through July.

DJ Tools part 2

The last installment of DJ Tools was back almost a year ago... so I guess I shouldn't even call it an "installment." As I've been keeping a closer eye on which posts get the most hits, that particular post consistently ranks at the top. So I will be giving you some more DJ tools now and in the near future. Below are some of my most recent finds and rips...

One of my favorite Nas tracks and, unlike most of the instrumentals God's Son raps over, this beat makes the track even better. As a bonus, the 12" I ripped this from is the UK version and includes a smooth, guitar-laden remix instrumental.

Nas, "I Can (instrumental)"

Nas, "I Can (The Juliano Creator remix instrumental)"

"Boombox" is the song that made me open my eyes to Blueprint. What's crazy is that Blueprint not only made the "Boombox" beat, but also the El-P-esque "Lo-Fi Funk" instrumental as well.

Blueprint, "Boombox (instrumental)"

Blueprint, "Lo-Fi Funk (instrumental)"

This beat is more suited for A Tribe Called Quest, but LL still got nasty on it.

LL Cool J, "Pink Cookies In A Plastic Bag... (instrumental)"

*DJs, keep in mind these are all vinyl rips and are not quantized

Illuminous Free volume one

Illuminous Free volume one

Check out Illuminous 3's site for producer interviews including a peak into P.O.S.'s lab.

Pete Rock x Smif N Wessun, "Monumental"

Pete Rock and Smif N Wessun "Monumental" featuring Pete Rock and Tyler Woods by duckdown

Brand new Pete Rock and Smif N Wessun from the similarly titled project dropping June 28th on Duck Down. You found it here first.

Mellowhype, "64"

Tyler paved the way, now it's time for the rest of OFWGKTA to widen the path. Rapper Hodgy Beats and producer Left Brain will drop the remastered physical LP BLACKENEDWHITE on Fat Possum July 12th.

Last Word x Fabolous, "What Girls Like? (B-Rock's Can't Deny blend)"

Last Word x Fabolous - What Girls Like (B-Rock's Can't Deny blend) by DJ B-Rock

Go get Last Word's fantastic moombahton Showtime freEP over at the Get Cryphy blog.

RAWS!

Yelawolf, "Daddy's Lambo" video

It's about time...

TRON D1AZ - FUTUR3 PAST TRONICLES

Free mixtape from southside #wag champion and party-rocker extraordinaire, Franz Diego.

TRON D1AZ - FUTUR3 PAST TRONICLES

*photo by Tommy Ellis via HandsoftheNorth

Karmin, "6 Foot 7 Foot" cover

I always wanted some kind of chorus on this track and, well, there you go. Girl kills the verses, can sing and is kinda pretty.