Premium Blend Radio

It's a Smart car.... i keep it clean tho

2008-07-31T14:18:00.000+09:30

Dubs and Rollers are for suckers, Smart cars are where the fuck it's at. Run the ghetto and save money on petrol - win / win.

Redman - Run My Block [NEW]
by PeteRock

Biggie got that hype shit

2008-07-31T10:56:00.002+09:30

Another blog that are way better at their job than i am recently posted the original version of ready to die, which is a seriously cool find. Rather than be a biter and just republish the link, i'll give you one of the gems from the album to suss out - and then you can head over to their site and give them their due.

Biggie Smalls - Biggie got the hype shit (unreleased demo)

The Never Ending Glory of Youtube part 3

2008-07-22T09:56:00.001+09:30

I've watched this 4 times now. This video is the gift that just keeps on giving.

The Never Ending Glory of Youtube part 2

2008-07-18T09:01:00.001+09:30

Life from Phi Life cypher displays some incredible freestyle skills.

and a cosy looking hat.

Le Rage

2008-07-09T09:37:00.004+09:30

Keny Arkana - La rage du peuple (The rage of the people)

This shit is brilliant.

It's in french but fuck it, you dont need to know whats being said. There are subtitles but dont let that distract you from what's happening on screen. Just imagine you are banging a hot foreign supermodel.. she's screaming stuff in another language, but you dont know what she is saying. You could try for the translation, but instead of distracting yourself from the game you should just stop worrying and appreciate the moment.

at least that's what i told the judge.

Keny Arkana's Website

Another Mixtapecdmp3 - This time a good one.

2008-07-07T09:21:00.002+09:30

Our good friend DJ Bonez has been generous enough to release an entirely free mix~~tape cd~~mp3 on his myspace. I can testify that it is also entirely dope. Being that he is an actual DJ and not just some guy with a penchant for silly photoshop covers, you should download it promptly.

DJ Bonez Myspace
Download the Mix

You cant stop me now

2008-07-03T17:00:00.006+09:30

Well you probably could i guess, if you were in control of the internet. But you aren't are you? So why would you say that you are? stop the lies.

Anyway, remember that RZA joint i posted a couple weeks back, off of his new album "Digi Snacks"? It was called "you cant stop me now" and had a pretty damn awesome filmclip. Well watch that, then listen to this song, also called "you cant stop me now" off of Nas's new joint, the title of which I probably shouldn't say due to my angloness. Also you might remember Ill Bill did it too... although he called his song "Unstoppable".

edit: It's been brought to my attention that MF Doom also did this on King Geedora, an album i never actually picked up. Mos Def has also done this on Tru Magic. I've added the latter, if anyone has a copy of the doom track let me know and i'll put it up too.

So which version is best? well that's for you to decide my pretties. Leave a comment with your thoughts.

Nas - You cant stop me now

Rza - You cant stop me now

Ill Bill - Unstoppable

Mos Def - Undeniable

The Never Ending Glory of Youtube

2008-06-27T09:49:00.002+09:30

Fuck this is awesome, ODB doing brooklyn zoo in front of a live studio audience. I would have loved to be in that audience, the awkwardness would be palpable.
Excited audience member air punching next to awkward unimpressed girl at 1:52 is a moment of cinematic glory.

Brolic 5: The Suffering

2008-06-23T10:28:00.003+09:30

So since a few of you actually seemed to enjoy that last mix i made, i thought i'd post the latest in the series. I realise that not all of it is entirely gully and brolic, but you have to stop and have a rest here and there you know. Silly cover art, tracklist (click for the easy to read version) and link all below.

Drop a comment if you like.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Rza - You cant stop me now filmclip

2008-06-18T12:45:00.002+09:30

This filmclip fucking rules.

From the album "Digi Snacks"

On a completely unrelated note Debris has a dog called Digi.. whom he presumably gives snacks. Oh snap.

New Obie Trice

2008-06-18T12:40:00.002+09:30

From the forthcoming album "bottom's up"

Listen and judge for yourself.

Obie Trice - Hold Up

Mystro - U Live and U Learn video

2008-06-11T08:54:00.000+09:30

New shit from Mighty Mys

New news on the new Terra Firma album. New.

2008-06-10T09:40:00.003+09:30

I was lucky enough to hear a bit of the new Terra Firma album on the weekend. It is very very close to completion. Of course they have been saying that for at least 2 years now, but this time it actually is. Mastering date is set. Guest appearances include Percee P (which is a killer song) and a brand new Certified Wise posse track.

Stay tuned to this area for more ~~celebrity gossip~~ rap information as it happens.

Mortar, Evolve, Conseps - Full Metal Racket clip

2008-06-10T09:39:00.001+09:30

banger.

American Gangster Remoted

2008-06-03T14:20:00.003+09:30

Say what you want about Jay Z remix albums - but one thing they are good for, is shining some light on producers who may have otherwise slipped by the radar for some of us. I dont often post up these remix albums, as there are just too many of them to post them all, so the fact that this one gets a mention is a testament to the talents of the producer behind it. This one is by a fellow by the name of ~~Remote~~ Remot, and his version won the Hip Hop DX American Gangster remix competition earlier this year. ~~Remote~~ Remot has a myspace page you can check out - which is HERE. He is currently working with Donny Goines so hopefully we will be hearing more from him soon.

American Gangster Remoted album link:
MEGAUPLOAD

Jay Z - Blue Magic remix (prod Remot):

Donnie Goines - Play out in the Rain (prod Remot):

Brolic 4. More mix for you.

2008-05-09T14:03:00.004+09:30

A kind gent who actually reads this site (possibly the only one, what up Cody) sent us an email praising my brilliance in the mixtape but not really a mix tape making genre. Of course I know that i'm awesome, but it's nice when someone confirms that for you - really makes all those self congratulatory hand shakes (this may or may not be code for masturbation) worthwhile.

Anyway, i've strayed off a bit there. The point is - here is another mix:

No mix I make would be complete without retarded artwork, so here is the cover (i'm actually fairly happy with my photoshop work on this). Please note the wolf in the moon and also the wolf shirt and the lightning coming out of my fist of power.

DJ Frankie Fingers - Me & My Turntables 2
Joell Ortiz - 125 Grams pt. 1
Vents - 5 Minutes to Midnight
Yungun & Mr. Thing - GMB
Move.Meant - Rock Steady
Lord Finesse & Percee P - Rematch in Patterson Projects
Jay Z - Success ft. Nas (Cookin Soul Remix)
Zeph & Azeem - Play the Drum
Jay Z - Bitter Sweet Dirt off your shoulder (mtv mashup mix)
Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra - Kiss the Sky
Roc Marciano - Thug's Prayer
Scarface - In between us ft. Nas
Atmosphere - YGM
Briggz - Brace Yourself
Screwball - Who shot rudy
Pete Rock ft. Ghost - 914
D.I.T.C. - Dignified Soldiers
J Live - Aww Yeah (Methodz remix)
Decay - Super Friends
Roc Marciano - L.I. Stand Up
Ill Bill & Brooklyn academy - Brooklyn
UG - Freestyle
Ghostface ft. Raekwon and Trife - Roosevelts
Kool G Rap - What's more realer than that
Supastition - That aint me

Link:
CLICK HERE

KRS One - Criminal Minded 08

2008-03-20T10:05:00.000+10:30

I train like choooo chooo.

More Ghost

2008-03-19T14:58:00.003+10:30

The hardest working man in Rap is set to release his newest joint at the end of this month. The Wallabee Champ is a collection of unreleased tracks, remixes and rarities. Here is one of the tracks off of it, Roosevelts ft. Raekwon and Trife

Been pretty thin on updates lately, sorry about that. Had other shit going on - important shit, tom cruise in a bunker type shit, Morgan Freeman on national TV as the first black president telling us to pray and remind us of our humanity type shit....

Only fucking Bunks......

2008-02-26T15:58:00.002+10:30

Only fucking bad cunt Bunks would make a track about flinging human shit on people from roof tops his lead single.

Video and everything too. Gold

Billy Bunks - Devils Clay

Kool G Rap - Half a Klip

2008-01-31T12:08:00.000+10:30

Fuck me this album is good. Every track is like a punch in the face. From the moment it opens until the second last track its just one big bashing. Then it hugs you at the end to celebrate its victory with the slightly more soppy Hayley Duff feature. Like "its ok, i kicked your fucking arse - but here is hayley duff. You did well to stand here with me".

I cant even review this shit track by track, its just all good. The only weak one is the Hayley Duff track, which is by no means bad - its just not as brolic as the rest of this album.. after a couple more listens i'll probably start skipping it. I think my favorite track is "whats more realer than that", but there are a few contenders on here. But the horn / trumpet / whatever the fuck it is in this is just nuts. This track is just a clean left hook to the jaw. From here, the entire rest of the album could be wack and i'd still love it.. but its not, it stays strong - even stopping to reminisce with a remake of #1 With a Bullet.

I dont know, maybe i need to listen to this more to find the flaws in it... but at second go through i'm not seeing it. Only the Hayley Duff feature is really opening itself to criticism, and thats pretty minor - as the rest of the track is hot.

Verdict: Classic.

New Hayley Duff Ish

2008-01-09T14:35:00.000+10:30

that also, less importantly, features DJ Premier production and Kool G Rap.

Hayley Duff and Giacana. Wtf. This is apparently a joint off of Kool G's forthcoming album, Half a Klip. I dont know how this collab happened but i'm betting anything Hayley Duff wasn't walking right afterwards.

Before

After

Anyway, here is the track.

Return Of The Premium Blend Playlist 1.1.08

2008-01-01T22:01:00.000+10:30

After a busy year (lazy year) it's my new years resolution to get Premium Blend back under control. Not that it was ever anything less than the greatest Hip Hop show ever.

Ghostface Killah - Return Of The Ironman
A.D.O.R - The Realness
Non Phixion - Rock Stars
Smut Peddlers - Bottom Feeders feat RA The Rugged Man
Method Man - Uh Huh
Hyjack - Breaking Sound Barriers
Ras Kass - Goldyn Child
Godfather Don - Do I Come Off
Brand Nubian - Travelling Jam
Sadat X - Throw The Ball
De La Soul - The Business
Fat Joe - I Got This In A Smash
Hilltop Hoods - Hard Road Plutonic Lab Remix
Pudgee - This Is How feat Kool G Rap
Ultramagnetic MC's - Ego Trippin
TDS Mob - Dope For The Folks
Ron B - Stitch By Stitch
Freestyle Professors - Hear What Hear
Soul Position - Hand Me Downs
Raydar Ellis - Pay Homage
Danger Mouse & Jemini - Live On Both Sides
Move.Meant - Good Money
Scarface - Never
Big Pun - Beware
Real Live - Pop The Trunk
Torcha - Thats Real
Pegz & Ciecmate - Fast Food Killing Giants
Black Twang - Red Letters
Mad Skillz - Extra Abstract Skillz

Billboard Gangsters... (American Gangster - remixed)

2007-12-17T14:54:00.000+10:30

Up until today I had never heard of "Cookin Soul", which is strange - because scientists have proven that my knowledge is limitless

A Scientist hard at work proving how awesome I am

In case you are also wondering who they are, this is what is written on their page:
"Cookin' Soul is the name of a trio of producers/dee-jays straight out of Valencia, Spain. Big Size, Milton and Zock. They ve produced songs for the likes of JR Writer, 40 Cal, Joell Ortiz, Currency, Bezel, Dipset Eurogang or Ali Vegas and have been featured in over 50 albums and mixtapes worldwide."

And, just in case you are wondering why I am talking about a production team that even I, the all knowing master of stuff, have never heard of - its because of this:

Basically, they have taken the accapellas from American Gangster and a bunch of Elvis records, and come up with a remix album. A really good one. I'm enjoying the hell out of this, i really have to say. The mixtape (there's that word again!) is available for free from their myspace site:

http://myspace.com/cookinsoul

Jay Z ft. Nas - Success (Cookin Soul Remix)

Mixtape Time

2007-12-12T16:28:00.000+10:30

By Mixtape i mean mixmp3 of course. A byproduct of our digital age, that the old faithful mix tape has been replaced by something that doesn't even have a physical presence. I've been thinking about the evolution of the mixtape lately. It seems to mean something waaaaaaay different that what it used to. I told a few people i had made a mixtape and in almost every case the response was "dope, so you've been recording music again?". See today, invariably a "mixtape" is something a rapper has put out to promote himself. Maybe sometimes there will be a DJ involved, but usually its some guy rapping on other peoples beats or even with original tracks... Fuck knows why this is, what was wrong with calling that a demo? or even an album? (gasp!). But I digress...

I'm not pretending to be a DJ, and there's only one song with me rapping on it (which is perhaps one song too many). What this is, is just a collection of tracks that i consider dope, mixed together so as to be listened to in one hit without skipping tracks or putting in new cd's. I dont know what they call that these days, so i'll just call it a "Rap for the Car Music Matrix". Kind of catchy i think. I'm posting it here in case anyone need something new to listen to or shares tastes similar to my own.

Tracklist:
1. Clubber Lang's Prediction
2. Wu Tang Clan - Wolves ft. George Clinton
3. RA the Rugged Man - How Low
4. Main Source - Live at the BBQ ft. Akinyele, Joe Fatal, Nas
5. Black Sheep - The Choice is Yours
6. Uptown - Dope on Plastic
7. Vents One - First of May
8. Jak Danielz & Johnny Walker - Hip Hop Manual ft. Craig G
9. Joell Ortiz - 125 Part 5
10. Pegz - No Attachments
11. After Hours - Darker Days
12. Ghostface Killah - Walk Around
13. Ice Water - Animal
14. Juggaknots - Crazy 8's ft. J-Treds, John Robinson, Pop, B-Slim, Big Tone, Che Logan, Wordsworth, Herawin, Sub-Con, Rob-O, Jax, Breeze
15. Sean Price - The Huckabuck
16. AZ - The City ft. Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Nas (Hasan Insane mix)
17. Hell Razah - Project Prophecy ft. Ill Bill and Sabac Red
18. Smif N Wessun - Here I stand (the streets been good to me)
19. Royce da 5'9" - Promised Land
20. Katalyst - Ya Killin Ya'self ft. J-Live
21. Cilvaringz - Damascus
22. Slow Suicide Stimulus - Firewater
23. Domingo - Caught Between Worlds ft. Non Phixion
24. Jay Z - Success ft. Nas

DOWNLOAD HERE

enjoy

Ghostface - The Big Doe Rehab... A Pictorial Review

2007-12-03T14:46:00.000+10:30

Using the power of google image search, i am going to conduct this review entirely with pictures...

Wu Tang Clan - 8 Diagrams review

2007-11-27T14:41:00.000+10:30

I think it took about 6 seconds for this to leak. Its not available until december 11, but it appeared on the net last week, and being the ~~scurvy pirate~~ connoisseur that I am - I naturally downloaded it promptly. I've had it on rotation in the ~~Ipod~~ beatbox that i carry around on my shoulder like an awesome cunt all the time, and have formed enough of an opinion to write a review.

and here it is:

Its pretty good.

~~end of review.~~

There are some tracks with that almost capture that classic Wu sound, and those tracks win. Tracks like "Take it back" - which reminds me slightly of 'daytona 500' for some reason, and "Weak Spot" are what make this album good. The track with the beatles sample, but not actually a beatles sample, is up there as one of the better ones on the album. So if you liked that, you'll like the rest of the album. Unfortunately there are a couple that are.... well, a bit odd. After listening to this, i've come to the conclusion that the Rza should probably not be left alone in the studio too long, cause then you end up with tracks like "sunlight". I'm sure there are dudes who walk around with chess boards who have mathematical theories about the human genome and the koran who will listen to this and go "wow, this dude is a genius". Most everyone else will wonder if Rza meant to say it all out loud. The opening track, "campfire" would be real dope if it didn't keep stopping to congratulate itself so often. Apart from those little points, its pretty strong throughout. There's a dope ODB tribute at the end, and strong appearances from everyone you would expect. Anything with Rae, Meth and Ghost on it in there current form is going to be good really. It never quite reaches the levels set by their earlier releases, if you want stuff of that calibre - you might want to look into Cilvaringz recent album. But this is still a strong offering and worth a listen.

I give it 8/10

Delta - The Greater Good filmclip

2007-11-26T14:43:00.000+10:30

Another post, another film clip. This time from Delta (not "She had cancer, but I'd still go there in a second" Delta, the other (rapper) one).

Beat cancer and sexy as fuck, thats the heat

This is the film clip for "greater good" featuring Mojo the Cinematic, off of Delta's "Lostralien" album. The thing i like about this clip most, is that at the end of the song, where normally there would be a protracted shoutout section on the album version - it just changes into a completely different track. So instead of "word to chemotherapy, big ups to sympathetic aria judges" or whatever, you get the first verse of the supremely banging "Heat Haze" off the same album.

Here is the filmclip:

Maggot Mouf Video

2007-11-12T12:02:00.000+10:30

Reading the title of this post, you'd be forgiven for not wanting to watch the video. I mean - if I was on a website, and someone asked me to watch something called "maggot mouf video" - i'd probably be hesitant too.

But there are no maggots in this video. Well i dont think so, there might be - but if there are, you cant see them. Maybe in an apple in one of the animals cages. Anyway, This is the video clip for "Animal Instinct" by a guy called "Maggot Mouf" off of the "Dental Records' compilation released by Broken Tooth Entertainment.

The video itself is entertaining, in that it takes something harmless like being at the zoo - and makes it seem really suspect and creepy. I suspect this was the intention. Watch it to find out what I mean:

also, this is possibly old - but while watching the clip above i noticed a clandestine clip that i wasn't previously aware of. Enjoy:

New Mortar Track

2007-10-25T10:32:00.000+09:30

Well the updates are coming thick and fast now aren't they. Its a pity noone checks this site any more, but fuck it - I haven't got much else better to do right now. Besides, I've invented a bunch of imaginary internet friends that i pretend browse this site. Apart from being the ultimate achievement in the field of pathetic, it keeps things rolling nicely. I'll introduce you (by you, i mean me) to the cast of characters over the coming weeks. That should be a ~~laugh~~ total waste of time.

Anyway, This is the filmclip for "Jacobs Ladder", off of Mortars forthcoming album Sacred Geometry. The propaganda for which you can see to the left of this text.

Mortar - Jacobs Ladder

New Royce da 5'9"

2007-10-25T09:55:00.000+09:30

More new shit, this time from Royce Da 5'9". This has popped up all over the internets, so being the popularity leach that I am, I thought I would follow the trend and post it up here too. I'm also changing my name to Headlock Da 6'3".

This track was produced by Nottz and is off the soon to be released Bar Exam 2 mixtape.

Enjoy

Royce Da 5'9" - Promised Land

New Wu

2007-10-22T15:40:00.000+09:30

Some new Wu has surfaced on the net, and the verdict.... Banging

A big deal has been made about the use of this sample, and getting it cleared. Apparently they haven't actually, directly, sampled the song - but have used an "interpolation" instead. According to Billboard.com:

"Rather than a sample of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," the Clan's "The Heart Gently Weeps" actually features an "interpolation" of the track, with new recordings by George Harrison's son Dhani, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante and soul vocalist Erykah Badu."

"(Harrison) himself helped secure the reuse license," Wu-Tang says in a statement, adding that its song will be streamed tonight on Loud.com and will serve as the first single from "The 8 Diagrams."

Of course Ghostface has already smashed this once before on "My Guitar", although that was never officially released afaik.

Anyway, Here is the new one for your listening pleasure.

Wu Tang Clan ft. Erykah Badu - The Heart Gently Weeps

And ghosts older version:

Ghostface Killah - My Guitar

and the original beatles song:

Something to download and listen to

2007-10-18T11:42:00.000+09:30

We were lucky enough to have some guests on Tuesday night. Jehst & Micall Parknsun dropped by to speak on their music, tour and other things of interest. Below is an interview followed by a freestyle session with Moshuns and Delta backing them up.

Not much more to say about it really, other than you should download and listen to it forthwith.

Download It Here

2 posts in one month? gtfohaghawos

2007-10-10T11:49:00.000+09:30

"gtfohaghawos" I made that internet acronym up myself. It stands for "get the fuck out of here and go have a wank or something"... I'm hoping it will catch on.

I'm bored again, and this time its a strong ass coffee thats got me buzzing. So I thought I'd post about Pegz new album, "Burn City". I just got this shit last night, Kirk gave it to me. Putting it that way makes it sound like some kind of STD or something.

"whats up with cold sore headlock?"
"I just got this shit last night, Kirk gave it to me"

(no homo)

But its not an STD. Its a rap album, and thank fuck for that - cause i dont think i could deal with any more medication in my life right now.

I'm a big fan of Pegz work. Axis, for my money, was one of the best Australian releases ever.. umm released. So this one has to be good or i'll be sending the trained vampire bats after him.

cook the man some fuckin pegz woman

I'm going to conduct this review in pro / con dot point format.

Pros
* Pegz is the best lyricist in the country hands down, and continues to earn that title here
* Some genuinely great tracks. "Block to Block", "No Attachments", "Diligent Music" and "I dont need your judgement" all win.
* The average and less than stellar tracks are still better than 80% of what else is out there
* Some excellent guest appearances. Funkoars, Vents and Planet Asia are standouts
* Some fantastic production by Suffa and particularly Jase
* Probably does not cause cancer

Cons
* The 2 guest vocalists (ie. singers) could've done better. Perhaps its the mixing, but it just doesn't sound right.
* Draphts guest verse
* Interlude is pointless. Its like that one guy thats in the photo, and noone knows who he is, but he's really happy to be there.

Thats about it. The cons are really nitpicks. There isn't anything too much wrong with the singing, it just could've been better maybe. Likewise there is nothing wrong with the interlude, apart from the fact it doesn't add anything and you'll probably skip it every time. Draphts verse... well that is a bit crap. Not the worst thing ever by any means, just not exactly good either. Brings the track down is what i'm saying. It sounds like it was mixed wrong, or the mic didn't agree with him, or something... cause his voice sounds even more high pitched than normal. When that verse started, my dog attacked me and one of the windows shattered. He seems pretty bored in his delivery and he also drops this bomb: "like bruce lee in rumble in the bronx".

ooooohhhhh snap

Anyway on a scale of 10, i'm giving this a 9. Go pick it up.

* LISTEN: Pegz ft. Funkoars - Block to Block

This post brought to you by the letters C, B and F

2007-09-26T15:26:00.000+09:30

So if anyone is actually still looking at this site anymore, they will probably have wondered "why is it never updated?" or perhaps not, they may be wondering what they are going to eat for dinner tonight for all I know. So now I will attempt to answer that question.

You should have some chicken rice with chilli (more on this later).

Now for the first question, we have not been posting because we are lazy and cant be fucked. Pretty much. I cant even be bothered turning up to the radio anymore, i would literally rather by punched in the face. Seriously - I have a black eye right now, and I enjoyed the process of receiving it more than i enjoy doing radio. Thai Boxing is fun and not at all bad for your brain.

hw

.

where was I? what was I doing? ah thats right

I dont know about Kirk and what he enjoys, although i suspect it involves putting on some Barry White and lighing some scented candles. So this being the case, why bother with updating the web site? why bother indeed, hence the lack of activity. "But you are updating it now you stupid fuck" i hear you think (i have powers motherfucka, feel that). Well I'm updating it now because I ate a particularly strong chilli dish for lunch, it had 2 types of chilli, and to be honest - i think i'm fucking high. Chilli makes you high, i shit you not. Why do I know about this, and you dont know about this? Simple - because if you knew about this, then everyone would know about this. If that happened, chilli would cost $30 for a small tub instead of 30c, and you'd have to go to some pretentious "chilli house" and eat it with arts students. Fuck that shit, chilli is for the masses.

So now you know. Chilli makes you high, we cant be fucked and being punched in the face is great.

I'm going to finish this post with something I consider to be one of the greatest moments in modern sport. The random spectator who won the UFC fight with nothing more than a karate kid quote. Enjoy

Playlist 17.07.07

2007-07-18T09:36:00.001+09:30

Here is last nights playlist, Big ups to Evolve and K21 for dropping by and hitting us off with some heat.

-Download-

Swarmy - What Did You Leave
Boltz - Ooh Yeah
Akir - Rites Of Passage
Raheem Jamal - Women Weed & Washingtons
Damo - Bermuda Triangle
Big Shug - Play It
Master Ace - Other Side Of Town
Tim Dog - The Professional
High & Mighty - In Outs
UN - What They Want
Raekwon - Clientelle Kids feat Fat Joe & Ghostface
K21 & Evolve live
Mortar - Full Metal Racket
Last Emperor - Echo Leader
Non Phixion - Rock Stars
Pudgee - Money Don't Make World Stop
Double X Posse - Headcracker (remix)
Salt n Pepa - Let The Rhythm Run
Fat Lip - What Up Fat Lip
Naughty By Nature - 1,2,3
Paris - Days Of Old
Hostyle - Takeover
Dres - Damn Right
Grav - The Battle
Knucklehedz - Savages
50 Cent - Rotton Apple
Wise Intelligent - Intelligent Wise
Evidence - Mr Slow Flow
Newsense - Show Stopper

Damo & Simplex Live

2007-07-11T12:22:00.000+09:30

In anticapation for Damo's new album 'Declassified Files' we had both Damo and the Producer Simplex drop by to have a chat about the album. Damo dropped an awesome 100 bar verse for us and also talks about the controversy surrounding his release.

The album is due to drop on July 14th be sure to catch it.

Damo & Simplex Live on Premium Blend

Dj Miguel Sanchez & Headstrong Company Live

2007-07-04T19:23:00.000+09:30

Sanchez & Headstrong Co dropped by the Premium Blend to flex some skills. Sanchez mixed up a nice set of classic hip hop and Headstrong killed it on the mics. You need to keep a look out for these guys shit is dope!

Headstrong are due to release later this year peep their myspace for more info.

While your at the myspace thing check Miguel Sanchez'.

Sanchez & Headstrong Co Live on Premium Blend

HEADSTRONG COMPANY

SANCHEZ

Playlist 26.6.07

2007-06-29T11:19:00.001+09:30

Brand Nubian - Slow Down
Main Source - Peace Is Not The Word To Play
Mos Def - Universal Magnetic
ATCQ - Lyrics To Go
Murs & 9th Wonder - Walk Like A Man
Brother Ali - Bad Ma Fo's
Theodore Unit - Got Gats
Buckshot - Out Of Town
Roots - Clones
Diamond - 5 Fingers Of Death
Kamachi -
Paris - Guerilla's In The Midst
Ultramagnetic MC's - Ease back
Tragedy Khadafi - Sole Dead Brothers
Main Source - Atom
Dangermouse & Jemini - The Brooklyn Shit
Jedi Mind Tricks - Blood In Blood Out
The UN - DOA
Pharoahe Monch - Lets Go
Smif N Wesson - Gun Rap
Screwball - On The Real
Hi Tek - Where It Started
Hell Razah - Buried Alive
Fat Joe & Party Arty - I'm On My Way
Apathy - Welcome To Assholeville
Saigon - The Letter P ft Kool G Rap
KGB - Bless Ya Life
Damo - Country King
LL Cool J - I Shot Ya (remix)
CNN - L.A L.A

Review: Pharoahe Monch - Desire

2007-06-14T02:32:00.000+09:30

Pharoahe Monch is a gun, one of the very few rappers that after a long career keeps releasing innovative albums. Who else 10 years after their debut album brings out a classic hip hop joint like 'Simon Says'? It just doesn't happen on the most part a MC has a 2 or 3 album halflife. So this being Pharoahe Monch's fifth outing I was reserved when it was first announced, well I couldn't help but be excited but I knew what the odds were of this comparing to his finest works.

Desire is that fifth album for the ex Organized Konfusion member and from the very first bar of the very first track (well past the intro) I knew this was going to be something special. Rather than try to capitalise on the sound that made him so popular Pharoahe rolled the dice and moved forward.

Influences of Gospel, Soul and Jazz shine through in the music complemented by some crazy singing both by Monch and guest vocalists. On occasion the singing is the focus of the track like on the lead single Push and it is to Pharoahe's credit the way it has been handled, not at any stage do these come off as RnB joints. The same creativity that made Monch one of the best rappers to ever bless a mic has been applied to every aspect of this album.

Production wise this is an incredible album it has the smoothness you would expect from the influences Monch takes onboard, but it also has the intricacy you would only expect from someone looking outside of the square, for example an electric guitar pops up with perfect timing behind a jazz loop.

Making a song that should be technically classified as RnB appeal to hip hoppers without question is a huge creative endevour, but that's the least of his achievements with Desire.

The one that stands out to me as creativity at it's best is the reworking of Public Enemy's 'Welcome To The Terrordome'. The first verse stays as Chuck D originally delivered it of course with Pharoahe's trademark flow and the second verse refelects more current world events. More than the vocals the reworking of the beat is amazing with the Bomb Squads grinding guitar being replaced with a more mellow version and the horns being updated with a much smoother sample that fits the vibe of the album.

Desire still has it's straight up O.K style rap tracks and Pharoahe is every bit the MC he was on his first release. Unlike other albums released by pioneers of the rap game this is not a wank fest of reminicent tracks celebrating a career, this is an album thats shows who the artist is today and where he is heading in the future. Sleep on this at your peril.

Take a look at the clip for the 50's swing influenced 'Body Baby'

Review: Brad Strut - Legend Official

2007-06-14T01:49:00.000+09:30

Without blowing smoke up your arse this has to be the single most anticipated album coming out of Australia for a while. It seems like forever since the project had been announced giving ample time for the Lyrical Commission fan base to whip itself into a frenzy.

Strut has been around for a long time delivering a hip hoppers bad attitude at every opportunity he gets to spit. Legend Official is no different this is a record with attitude, what is different is Brad Strut has found his groove on this album making it the most consistent recording out of the LC camp yet.

Overall the album is on a really dark vibe lots of strings and keys throughout the production delivering that grimy street hip hop sound. I can't help but to make the comparison between the sound of Legend Official and that coming out of the Uncle Howie camp, that's not to say it's an intentional direction more that the two crews are on the same tip.

No hip hop album is complete without the features and Strut steps it up a level with big name internationals Outerspace and Sean Price, as for the locals he sticks to LC fam Trem and Bob Balans on the raps and Daniel Merriweather & Lee Sissing on a couple of sung hooks.

As much as I love Legend Official it isn't faultless, while every track is hot in its own right as a complete album it starts to wear thin after a while. The tempo and vibe don't take any significant turns allowing the album to start sounding similar if you're not paying attention. It's one of those albums you need headphones and a few listens to truly appreciate, being surrounded by so much throw away music that isn't a bad thing though.

So was Legend Official worth the wait? Fuck oath it was, this is the exact album you were anticipating it pulls no punches and oozes attitude. Now bring on the Trem solo he was sounding sharp on his guest spots!

Check the clip for one of Legend Official's bangers Monopoly

Playlist 12.06.07

2007-06-14T01:41:00.000+09:30

-Download-

Autism - Let em know ft. Bigfoot
Brad Strut - Incite the premises ft. Trem
Cilvaringz - The weeping tiger ft. Shallah Raekwon
Damo - Dont want it
D.I.T.C. - Day One
Ill Bill - La Coka Starsky & Hutch
Joell Ortiz - L.I.F.E.
Krumb Snatcha - W.o.l.v.e.s ft. MOP
Smif N Wessun - Gunn Rap
KRS One & Marley Marl - Hip Hop Lives
Overproof - Talk it up
Pharoah Monch - Push ft. Showtime, Mela Machi
Qwel & Jackson Jones - Big Time
The UN - Golden Grail
Eminem - any man
El Da Sensai - under pressure
Godfather Don - I come off
Hilltop Hoods - Soul of the beat
High & Mighty - The Meaning
Jurassic 5 - Without a doubt
Wee bee foolish - this kid
Ultramagnetic MCs -
Antoinette - i got attitude
Main Source - Down low
Typical Cats - Any Day
Cella Dwellaz - Land of the lost
Polyrhthm Addicts - Smash
Mr Live - Question
Talib Kweli - Holy Moly
Styles P - Come One Come All ft Kool G Rap
Casual - Rap Game

Playlist 05.06.07

2007-06-14T01:39:00.000+09:30

-Download-

Damo - Track One
Damo - Track Two
Canibus - The Fusion Centre feat Vinnie Paz
Mr Live - Brooklyn 2.0
Styles P - The Hardest feat AZ
Pharoahe Monch - Welcome To The Terrordome
KRS One & Marley Marl - Musica feat Magic Juan
Migel Sanchez - Adelaide SA
DJ Jazzy Jeff - Let Me Hear You Clap feat Posdnuos
X Clan - Weapon X
Phrase - Here Now feat Mystro
Talib Kweli - The Perfect Beat feat KRS One
Psycho Les - The Man
Braintax - Last Tenner
Rainman - Soul Fire
Mr Long - My Introduction
Devin The Dude - She Useta
Cross Bred Mongrels - Hip Hop Life
Tribute To Nikeheads Mixtape

Awesome DMC Routine

2007-06-03T18:44:00.000+09:30

These days, I'm not one to pay heaps of attention to DJ competitions.. Before DMC and ITF stopped being held in adelaide - I used to go, sure. But it was always invariably a bunch of DJ's performing routines that only other DJ's could really appreciate. While I'm sure that what I was seeing was technically brilliant, a lot of the time it would just sound like noise. Yeah I'm really impressed that you can crab scratch 1000 times per second on 2 turntables at one... but it just sounds like ass. This doesn't go for all the DJ's of course, I'd be lying if I said that I'd never heard a really audibly pleasurable routine... but it always seemed like the guys who could put together a musically good set, were outnumbered by the guys who would put together a technically good set that held no semblance to music...

Where am I going with this you ask? Well, a friend of mine pointed me in the direction of this routine from French crew C2C from the 2005 world DMC championships. This, to me, is what a really good DJ set should be. Check it out and drop some thoughts in the comment box.. do you prefer a good musical set? or do you prefer to see mental technical tricks and screw the music?

Playlist 29.05.07

2007-05-30T09:22:00.000+09:30

Evidence - Mr Slow Flow
Polyrhythm - The Purist feat Large Pro
Marco polo - Marquee feat OC
Edan - Rock & Roll
DJ Nappa & Inja - Supernang
The Nextmen - Knowledge Be Born
Ludakris - Grew Up A Screw Up (JJ Brown Remix)
Powerule - Heatin Up
Freestyle professors - NY Swagger
Redfoo & Dre Kroon - Life Is A Game Of Chess
Lone Catalyst - Lone Catalyst
House Of Pain - Word Is Born feat Diamond D
Ras Kass - Goldyn Chyld
Rawcotiks - Real Heads
AZ - Get high
Real Live - Real Live Shit (Remix)
Marco Polo - Nostalgia feat Masta Ace
Kool G Rap - First Nigga
Talib Kweli - Listen
Smiley the ghetto child - wake up call
Royce the 5 9 - Ding
Sky 200 - Get it done
Sauce Money - Intruder Alert
big city - i hear ya
marco polo ft. sadat x, juju - rolling
Masta Ace - Saturday Night live (remix)
Diamond - You dont owe me
Saafir - Touch Somebody
Polyrhythm Addicts - Reaching

Hip Hop Lives Freestyle Session

2007-05-25T19:22:00.000+09:30

I know I have dedicated way to much of this blog to the new Marley Marl and KRS joint, it's almost becoming an unhealthy obsession.

This was way too good not to post though a freestyle session from the launch of 'Hip Hop Lives' featuring Fat Joe, Joell Ortiz, Ice T, Blaq Poet, Craig G and a bunch of dudes I can't ID through the youtube haze and the distorted sound.

Funkoars - Live In Melbourne

2007-05-24T23:42:00.000+09:30

Yes I am biased cause I manage these guys. They put on a dope live show and we don't often get to see such good quality footage. Enjoy this one.

Playlist 22.05.07

2007-05-23T09:27:00.000+09:30

Block Mcloud - Chaos
Joell Ortiz - Brooklyn Bullshit
DJ Muggs & Gza - Queens Gambit
Tek N Steele ft. Boot camp clik - Get Back
Apathy ft. Emilio Lopez - Oh my god
Run DMC - Beats to the rhyme
Silver Bullet - Bring forth the guillotine
Gunshot - Battle Creek Brawl
Big Daddy Kane - Set it off
Public Enemy - Welcome to the terrordome
EPMD - Rampage
Dangermouse & Jemini - Copycats ft. Prince Po
Clandestien - Harvey Wallbanger
Gza, Ghostface, Raekwon - Wu Banger (remix)
Klashnekoff - Terrorise the city ft. Kool G Rap
Hard Knocks - Thoughts of a negro
Nas - Made you look ft. Jadakiss, Luda (remix)
Q Unique - Violence for the violent consumer
Krs One & Marley Marl - Rising to the top
Marco Polo ft. Kool G Rap & DV Alias Chirst - Hood Tales
Juggaknots - Trouble Man
Hilltop Hoods - Monsters Ball restrung
Boltz - Spitfire
DJ Famalam ft. Sean Boston - Big City
Marco Polo ft. OC - Marquee
Royal Fam - Medina 718
Cap D + the Molemen - Currency Exchange
Custom Made - Crime COnnection
Saafir - Less work
D&D all star - 2 hits & Pass

Beanie Sigel disses Kanye

2007-05-21T17:03:00.000+09:30

An out take from the latest Beef DVD has hit the net with Beanie Sigel taking shots at Kanye. Beans has a point Kanye is a fruit and wouldn't be out of place in a gay mardis gras, but homeboy still makes some good music.

Review: KRS One & Marley Marl - Hip Hop Lives

2007-05-21T11:33:00.000+09:30

The music industry is in a state of emergency, no matter how good your music is if you don't fit in to a limited marketable stereotype you can forget any commercial success. As a result there is less and less material being released that will satisfy older Hip Hop fans. Nas brought this to the front claiming Hip Hop was dead, but those of us with our hearts in the music refused to let go of our baby, refused to accept that our baby had grown up and left the house that Marley built. Come back albums from our favorite artists kept falling short of bringing us the sound we want as they seem to buckle under the pressure of the new commercial industry. The stage was set for someone to bring Hip Hop back, but who was going to do it? The rumor mill was set into motion with talk of comeback albums from almost everyone you could imagine, it wasn't until the mention of KRS and Marley Marl that the retired hip hop heads started to get excited. Can this be true? The two adversaries that brought us so many hits are joining forces 20 years after they went head to head? Fingers and toes were crossed for this not to fall short and give hope to everyone who thought boom bap was dead.

The rumor mill was correct and KRS One and Marley Marl were in the studio recording and today was the day the promo copy landed itself in my postbox. My expectations were high after hearing some promising joints on the internet and with the excitement of a kid unwrapping Christmas presents I opened the box and put the CD in the booming system.

The CD starts off with a short skit at a memorial service for Hip Hop with someone interrupting proceedings screaming "IT'S ALIVE, IT'S ALIVE" making for a fitting intro. The intro leads in to the first single 'Hip Hop Lives' a piano a drum lead instrumental with KRS going over what Hip Hop is, it's not new ground for the Blastmaster to be going over but for this project it's very apt. It's almost a perfect start for the album a real headnodder and KRS still seems sharp.

The third track comes in with KRS doing a rasta chorus on 'Nothing New'. The beat again is lead by some heavy boom bap drums and a single piano note, sounding very reminicent of 'The Bridge Is Over'.

'Where Were You' addresses the rap historians that Kris must have an issue with asking them where they were and making it clear that he was present at these events. KRS comes off preachy on this track, while it's dope to hear the history making events mentioned in this track KRS shouldn't think only he has the right to talk on them. Hip Hop history is one of the only things holding this culture together there are plenty of younger cats thirsty for knowledge. I don't think KRS should take issue with anyone that wants to satisfy that need.

A signature Marley sound comes through as the next track starts. 'Musica' kicks off with some screeching horns that sound similar to the work he did on the Lords Of The Underground album. The first feature MC comes through 'Magic Juan', I have to admit I'm not familiar with him but he is a fresh MC and sounds very similar to Jadakiss. The lyrics once again go over the state of Hip Hop, but that's what this album is about, right?

'Rising To The Top' drops and it is my least favorite beat so far, the sample has been used quite a few times and I was never a fan of it in any of it's forms. The track is saved by Kris who keeps me listening with his story covering the early Juice Crew story and diss records. The hook is catchy with a female vocalist and KRS going over the top of each other. Even with my objection to the main sample I can't help but feel it by the end, this is something that will really work on radio and in the club.

Seeing my 30th birthday just past the title of the next track was interesting to me 'Over 30'. I thought this was just going to be another run down of KRS being old school, but to my surprise it's more of a shout to the older heads. KRS addresses the fact that he isn't too old to rock it and will continue to do so well into the future.

Another track that has been getting some shine on the internet is up now. 'Kill A Rapper' is back to some of KRS' best material finally he has stopped rapping about rap and concentrates on some topical lyrics. I am surprised that no other MC I know of has touched on the subject of unsolved murders in Hip Hop. The beat is suitably atmospheric for the subject matter and is the first real change of pace so far. This is classic Kris right here.

The pace picks right back up with 'The Teachers Back' another boom back track to make necks crack. I wasn't sure if the lyrics were going to kick in with the intro going for a minute and a half, KRS address it when he comes in with "The teachers back the heaters back/ had to chill for a minute so you could see what's wack". Lyrically KRS rips through the commercial MC's and those who have changed up styles through their career. KRS comes off hungry on this, he shows he is an MC you wouldn't want to cross. I think KRS still has what it takes for another classic battle.

Before the next beat drops KRS comes in saying "Look who just walked in it's DJ Premier", I'm amped right now here is the reunion we have all been waiting for. The album these two made together was a classic and I consider it the highlight of both of their careers. The surprise doesn't stop there with Blaq Poet sharing the mic with KRS. For those who don't know KRS and Poet went head to head during the Queensbridge battles, it played second fiddle to the battle with Juice crew but Poet approached the battle with the aggression the Shan lacked. It's exciting to hear these two greats going back to back. It could be argued that these two MC's have had the most consistent releases in their long careers.

Once again a beat comes in that lifts the vibe with powerful drums and chops. KRS complements this beat perfectly while once again coming off slightly preachy. So far this is my main gripe with the album, but after taking a little time to reminisce over the Blastmaster's back catalog I come to the realisation that this is what KRS is. Just this time he is doing it about hip hop rather than social issues.

It's now time for the last track 'House Of Hits' featuring Chief Rocker Busy Bee. It's a fitting end to the album and it's great to hear Busy Bee back on record.

We got Hip Hop hijacked by force, it wasn't the choice of the fans, it was a choice by industry led by the media on a search for pretty boy teen idols rather than quality music. It's time to be taken back and those that have been making quality comebacks like X Clan and Black Sheep struggle to get any recognition. I can only hope that this monumental joining of forces has made enough noise to generate the recognition the others have failed to. Because when all is said and done and whether you love or hate this album it can't be denied this is real Hip Hop.

So whats the overall verdict? Well I think this is the album KRS needed to make, to get the old school memories out of his system. To some that may be the downfall of the album, KRS is the teacher but unless you want to be taught about hip hop your not going to learn much on this one. What else could of been expected though? This was never going to be 'Edutainment' in the new music landscape. Hip Hop Lives is what it needed to be a celebration of Hip Hop, a celebration of two great careers that needed a revival. Overall this is a great album bringing back the kind of hip hop we have all been asking to hear and hopefully gets the support it needs to help rebuild the culture and inspire a new generation of Hip Hop Heads. Is it a classic? Well time will tell, I will say this is the best thing in both Marleys and KRS' career in over 10 years so read in to that what you will.

Five things I don't get

2007-05-20T01:47:00.000+09:30

1. MF Doom - Since when has it been cool to sound like your not trying to rap. He reminds me of a kid trying to rap in his bedroom without mum hearing.

2. Blogs - There are two many, surely not this many people have anything interesting to say (me included).

3. Mixtapes - Why? It seems like these days the main skill needed to put 'DJ' before your name is to jack beats and scream over the top of the (semi) famous rapper.

4. Random Rap - So any jerk can pull out an obscure record call it 'Random Rap' and sell it for loot. I had a bunch of that stuff and I called it garbage and put it in the bin. With a few exceptions most rare and limited releases are that way for a reason.

5. Madlib - What is the big deal here? What don't my ears pick up? All I hear is a bunch of samples mashed together with varying levels of annoyance. Is that creativity these days?

Hit up the comments and let me know why you want to give me a high five or strangle me with piano wire.

Deep Crates 2: Review

2007-05-20T01:31:00.000+09:30

Digging in the crates has become an exclusive sport, with new technology like Serato and the availability of mp3’s, not to forget all the rare breaks getting comped those who feel the need to dig are diminishing. In this new environment where only the purists are keeping their fingers dusty it’s refreshing to see film makers are still interested in exposing the culture.

Like a lot of hip hop documentaries Deep Crates 2 starts out covering what should be already well known by those who have sort this movie out, and for the first 10 minutes I had a growing concern that this wasn’t going to satisfy my needs as a discerning hip hop head. Deep Crates does warm up and the more the film rolls on the more obscure the information becomes and the more interesting the interviews get.

Who ever conducted the interviews should get a pat on the back, the hard questions get asked and the artists are comfortable enough to speak freely. A good example is in the ‘Ghost Producer’ section where both Marley Marl and K Def are asked about the topic, Marley denies ever having ghost producers and K Def who has been open about ghost producing for Marley denies ever being a ghost producer(going back on comments on an unkut interview). Pete Rock speaks his mind throughout and pulls card’s on other producers, diggers and record dealers making his sections some of the most enjoyable in the movie.

While the focus is on Marley Marl and Pete Rock there is plenty of knowledge being dropped by other legends of the game like Ced Gee, 45 king, Grand Wizard Theodore, Dj Doc (one of the real surprises), Tony D and King Of Chill. Deep Crates 2 could of rested on those names alone but that would be too easy, they travel to Japan and talk to Dj Muro along with record store owners, let me say digging over there looks crazy. They also get comments from some of the leaders of the new school like Marco Polo, Domingo and J Zone.

Deeps Crates 2 has an excellent spread of artists making it a well rounded documentary with loads of crazy stories being told. The production and soundtrack is slick, well above the quality of the first issue.

If you’re a digger, purist or someone who has the thirst for rap knowledge you need to check this out.

You can purchase a copy here.

KRS One & Marley Marl - Hip Hop Lives

2007-05-17T21:31:00.000+09:30

I'm excited about this one!

K Rino Show ...... finally

2007-05-16T16:33:00.000+09:30

Sometimes I wish I wasn't a combination of slack and busy. It's a bad combination to have, the busier I am the less of the stuff I enjoy to do (like this blog) gets done and the more lying on the couch happens.

Anyway that's not the case with this, more the case that the radio I tried to record this show on was tuned in to 102.3FM (an easy listening station) and not the greatest rap show in the world on 93.7FM.

The show went well besides all the technical issues (fat fingers, a cold, and a confusing amount of cd's piled around me), K Rino dropped some knowledge and opinions that are really worth listening to.

Big up's to Resident Records, K Rino, Streets On Beats (jacked your pic)for making this happen.

K Rino Interview on Premium Blend

Playlist 15.07.07

2007-05-16T10:53:00.001+09:30

Podcast is back!
-Download-

D&D All Stars - How it sounds ft. Ruck, Jimmy Grand, AG
Marco Polo - Hood Tales ft. Kool G Rap, DV Alias Christ
Hilltop Hoods - Recapturing The Vibe Restrung
Edan - Key Bored
DJ Honda & PMD - Look at U ft. Eric Sermon
DJ Honda - On the mic ft. Cuban Link, Juju, A.L.
Joell Ortizz - Brooklyn Bullshit
Method Man - Ya'meen ft. Fat Joe & Styles P
OC - Get Yours (remix) ft. Big L & Diamond
Smut Peddlers - Bottom Feeders ft. RA the Rugged man
DJ Jazzy Jeff - Practice ft. J Live
Nas - Lifes a Bitch ft. AZ (remix)
Prince Paul - No Rubber, No backstage pass ft. Chubb Rock, Biz Markie
Klashnekoff - Daggo Mentality
Biz Markie - Family Tree
Rappin Is Fundamental - Highway To Heaven
Barsha - Seminar 90
Two Kings In A Cypher - How U Figga
Awesome Dre - Frankly Speaking
7A3 - Mad Mad World
Hard Knocks - Road To The Precinct
K Solo - Your Mum's In My Business
Master Ace - 4 Minus 3
OG Style - Catch Em Slippin
Queen Latifah - Wrath Of My Madness
Schoolly D - Gangster Boogie
Special Ed - Magnificent (remix)
True Mathematics - Greeks In The House
Hilltop Hoods - Roll On Up

Next Week: K-Rino

2007-05-02T09:59:00.000+09:30

Hopefully next week we should have K-Rino in the studio with us, and its shaping up to be a good show. Dont miss it. Kirk promises me he is actually going to record it and get it up to stream, so if you aren't in adelaide or if you miss it... you should be able to stream it from here!

Playlist 01.05.07

2007-05-02T09:51:00.000+09:30

Gunshot - Reign of Terror
EPMD - Funky Piano
Cilvaringz - The Weeping Tiger ft. Shallah Raekwon
Domingo - Street Hustle ft. Immortal Technique
Method Man - Say
Nabo Rawk - The Great Escape
Nas - Made you look (remix) ft. Jadakiss, Ludakris
Ol Dirty Bastard - Brooklyn Zoo
Gravediggaz - Constant Elevation (extended mix)
Kollabo Brothers - Hip Hop Blues ft. Grandmaster Caz
Milano - Show em freestyle
Grayskul and Xperience - Jump the General ft. Peegee13
Joell Ortizz - 125 Part 2 (feat. Ras Kass, stimuli grafh, gab gotcha)
Theodore Unit - Paychecks
Black Attack - Hold It Down
AG - Hidden Crates
Hostyle - Beat Em On The Head
Kool G Rap - Foul Cats
Natural Elements - Tri Boro
God Father Don - Properties Of Steel
AZ - Do Or Die Remix feat Raekwon
Rawcotiks - For Every Day That Goes By
Finsta Bundy - Feel The High
Laster - Searching 4 Meaning
Last Emperor - Secret Wars Part 1
L The Head Toucher - Too Complex
Neek The Exotic - Make That Money
Money Boss Players - Games
Fantastic 4 - You're In The Wrong Place
Beatnuts - No Equal (remix)
royal flush - queens represent

Playlist 17.04.07

2007-04-18T14:26:00.000+09:30

Apologies for the lack of posts recently. Kirk has got a job now and has had less time to rip vinyl and all those good things. I've always had a job so i'm sticking with that excuse for why i do nothing.

last nights playlist:

Hyjack - Worlds Largest Island
Qwel & Maker - Broken Wing
Blues Scholars - Bruise Brothers
The Hospice ft. Swarmy, Trials, Headlock, Balboa, Vents - The Caution
Cilvaringz - Brothers aint Brothers
DJ Muggs & The Gza - Queens Gambit (remix)
Domingo - Fuck You Mean ft. Pack FM, Slug, Brother Ali
The Roots - Episodes
Hard Knocks - Dirty Cop named Harry
Scarz on 45 - Melbourne
Evidence - All said & Done
XBred Mongrels - Agitated Dingoes ft. Blockade, kollaps, flee
Lyrical Commission - Fuck all the BS
Clandestien - L.I.G.T.
MC Lyte - All that
House of Pain - Over There
GP Wu - ?
Gravediggaz - Hidden Emotions
Masta Ace - NFL
Diamond - The Projects
Kanye - 2 Words ft. mos def, freeway
Dangermouse & Jemini - Omega Supreme (remix)
diverse - uprock
muph + plutonic - walking tightropes
yungun - thats the game we play
Bliss & Esoterikizm - Next Shit
Reason - Fatter Too
Mark 1 - Elementary, what son

Playlist 20.03.07

2007-03-21T10:23:00.000+10:30

Overproof - Sunshine
Blacknificent 7 - Ohh Ohh Ohh
Brand Nubian - Claimin I'm a Crinminal
Raydar Ellis - Watcha say dat deah
Drapht - Prolific
Clandestien - Harvey Wallbanger
Royce da 5 9 - Regardless
Tek & Steele - Toolz of the Trade
Gunshot - Battle Creek Brawl
Edan - Sing it Shitface
Cross Bred Mongrels - Underrated
Co4Sure - Spread Out (Simplex Remix)
3rd Bass - Gasface
Rakim - Heat it Up
PHD - I'm Flippin
Latee - Brainstorm
Big Daddy Kane - Come on Down ft Q Tip & Busta Rhymes
Dynamic Syncopation - The Essance ft. Mass Influence
Method Man - Make ups to Break ups
Show & AG - You know now (buckwild remix)
Beatnuts - Hit me with that
Gemini the gifted one - Funk Soul Sensation
Godfather Don - Fame
Bias B - Catch of the day
=Bias B Interview=
Devon the Dude - She useda be

2007-03-12T01:22:00.000+10:30

Big up all the listeners to our weekly Airwave Shennannegan's..!!

A few weeks ago we were playing a selection of tracks, and after a particular 'joint' was aired , both Kirk and myself received a text each, asking what that 'lick was???
So to get into this blog mode and following suit with our "Jam of the Week" (even though we slippin a little on the weekly tip). Im serving up that same track as a single d/load..

I can't elaborate on the tune, except to say I believe it's a tape joint..or recorded off a casette (sounds a bit ropey) in conjunction with DJ Evil Dee..but its a nice gritty little number thats a good representation for its time, of an underground banger!!
I couldn't help but notice quite good usage of some dramatic horns lifted off the Barry White piece 'GET AWAY' from his Together Brothers soundtrack..and complimentary flutes , tucked in the back....i been playing this one for a few weeks now..CHECK IT!!!

"War & Position." EZD

Unreleased Unleashed Pt 3: Last Emperor

2007-03-03T16:22:00.000+10:30

This one I'm not 100% sure on, this could be an unreleased album or just a collection of tracks either way it's dope and I am pretty sure most of these tracks never got a proper release.

Last Emperor was signed to Rawkus in the late 90's after ripping mic's in the Lyricist Lounge. Rawkus had some financial difficulties and along with a lot of good artists Last Emperor never got a release date. Last Emperor later got signed to Aftermath but the good Doc found himself overloaded with artists and a whole bunch of material got left on the back burner.

Last Emperor - Unreleased

Playlist 27/02/07

2007-03-01T17:32:00.000+10:30

Podcast is back!
-Download-

Shaun Love - Rebel Music
Mystro ft. Maya Jupiter, A Love, Layla - The Beaches
Clandestein - Return of the Kings
Movemeant - Rock Steady
Apathy - Welcome to Assholeville
Klashnekoff ft. Kyza, Kool G Rap - Terrorize the city
Bad Luck, All Day & Allah Real - Wheer's brooklyn at
Sean Price - King Kong
Schooly D - Run
45 King ft. Champain & Big Poo - Still the one
Show & AG - all out
Run DMC - Slow and Low
rakim - living for the city
Mc serch - handle it
Ras Kass - Goldyn Child
Treacherous 3 - Heartbeat
Real Live - Heart of the city
Beastie Boys -Body Movin (def Squad Remix)
Lord Finesse - Live set
Pegz - Reclaim the streets
Ghostface - Ironman
Prowla -
La Coka Nostra - Head nod shit
OC - Times Up
Ron B - Stitch by Stitch
Obie Trice - Dont come down

Unreleased Unleashed pt2: Pacewon

2007-02-26T20:52:00.000+10:30

Why do labels keep fucking up and shelving perfectly good albums? Pacewon had a decent amount of street hype after dropping "I Declare War" but Ruffhouse didn't have a chance to get "The Pacewon Effect" out before they shut up shop. Columbia who owned Ruffhouse only kept around the rap artists that were making loot ie. Cypress Hill. This album came out much later with a revised track list as 'Won' but most of the joints on 'The Pacewon Effect' had disappeared into the abyss of industry shadiness.

Pacewon - The Pacewon Effect

Jam of the week

2007-02-24T15:37:00.000+10:30

This weeks gem is from Joe Buddha and Klashnekoff, who have just released a CD by the name of "Lionheart: Tussle with a Beast". Klashnekoff is one of our favourites around the Premium Blend "offices", with previous efforts such as 'daggo mentality' and 'murda' ranking high on the list of incredible songs to come out of the UK. If you haven't heard any of his previous material, I highly suggest you source yourself a copy of a CD called "The sagas of...". For now however, here is a little preview of his latest effort with producer Joe Buddha. This song is a certified Banger, and the fact that it features Kool G Rap (check unkut.com for a series Robbie is running on incredible G Rap guest spots) and Kyza only adds to its insanity.

Download: Joe Buddha and Klashnekoff - Terrorise The City ft. Kool G Rap and Kyza

Unlreleased Unleashed Pt 1: Smif N Wesson

2007-02-22T17:48:00.000+10:30

Rawkus records made some bad moves in the late 90's one of them being shelving this Smif N Wesson album. A couple of these joints got reused on the dope come back album 'Smif N Wesson Reloaded' but the rest never saw commercial release. There are some tight joints on this album and I'm sure this would of been successful for both Rawkus and Smif N Wesson if it wasn't for industry rule #4080. Thanks to internet bootleggin' this album sees the light of day.

Enjoy!

Smif N Wesson - Unreleased Rawkus Album

Binary Star - New Hip Hop EP

2007-02-21T18:50:00.000+10:30

Senim Silla and Onemanarmy (now known as One Be Lo)rip through this popular indie release, flipping over lo-fi relaxed beats. This EP isn't amazing but is worth checking out for 'Glen Close' alone. This was their first release from around 98/99 before 'Masters Of The Universe'. Hope you all enjoy!

Binary Star - New Hip Hop EP
1. New Hip Hop
2. New Hip Hop (instrumental)
3. Slang Blade
4. Slang Blade (instrumental)
5. Glen Close
6. Glen Close (instrumental)
7. Fast Food Joint
8. Fast Food Joint (instrumental)
-Download-

Playlist 20:2:07

2007-02-21T18:38:00.000+10:30

Sorry my recording fucked up for the second week in a row. Stream back next week.

Downsyde - Something Natural
Def Wish Cast - Head Messer
Lake & Comega - Don't Start feat Greg Nice
Shawn Love - True Music
Adroit Effusive - No Edicate feat Funkoars
Hunter - Not The Sequel
Non Phixion - Refuse To Lose
Y'all So Stupid - 85 South
Crusaders For Real Hip Hop Thats how It Is
PRT - Hot Damn
Ed Og - Bug A Boo (remix)
Sham & The Professor - Can't Fuck With The Destruct
King Tee - At Your Own Risk
FLG - Funky Who's Deffer
Third Estate - Are You Satisfied
Koolism - Koolism '98
Clandestien - Invincibility
Clandestien - Track Record
Clandestien - Her Choice
Looptroop - Ambush In The Night
Czar Camanche - ?
Pete Rock - The Game
EZD - War & Position
Sean P - Jamaican
Bias B - Hot Shot
Mystro - Wizard Of Oz

No Brainers: Funny tube Links

2007-02-16T02:17:00.000+10:30

To give our visitors something new to look at I went down no brainer avenue and pulled a couple clips from the tube. Sure they may be old but still piss funny.

Jam of the week

2007-02-13T09:27:00.000+10:30

I'm sneaking in ahead of the Kirk here to get my jam of the week in. Last week we posted something like 4 of them, so I'm sure it wont matter anyway.

I've had this new Apathy CD, Baptism by Fire, on heavy rotation since I copped it, the shit is good - real good. I was pretty dissapointed with Eastern Philosophy when it dropped. Ironically enough I thought his mixtape "Where's your album?!?" was a lot better than his actual album. So I was very pleased to discover this new CD was more like the "where is" than the "album", if yaknowhahImin. You can get it right now from here or you can wait for it to appear in stores. Until then, Here is a taste of what is to come. The track I've picked is "Oh My God" featuring Emilio Lopez, and its dope as fuck. Thats pretty much all you need to know.

Apathy ft. Emilio Lopez - Oh My God

ps. I'm using these mega upload links cause i dont have our server details (yes i'm an idiot), so be quick cause they expire

Premium Blend wins an Award!

2007-02-08T07:14:00.000+10:30

We have won the title of Best radio show of 2006 in the Ozhiphop.com awards. Thanks to everyone who voted for us, the cheque is in the email.

Best Radio Show 2006: Premium Blend - 3D Radio -93.7 FM (ADL)

Playlist 06.02.07

2007-02-08T07:13:00.000+10:30

Slow Suicide Stimulus - Akinesia
Harsh Reality - The booth is mine
Hell Razah - Buried Alive
Joell Ortiz - 125 Grams promo
Apathy ft. Emilio Lobez - Oh my god
Sean Price ft. Chaundon - Hearing Aid
Move.meant - Rock Steady
Bronze Nazareth - Super Bowl Cypher
Apathy - Hip Hop is dead
FG - Premium Blend intro
Krs 1, Young Z, Tuffy, Last Emp - Yeah Yeah Yeah
Stig - Rhite Whino
Common - The corner
Bronze Nazareth, Byata - Street Corners
Blaq Poet - Bang This
Poor Righteous Teachers - Dreadful Day
Sean Price - Onion Head
Cypress Hill - Pigs
Mop - Cold as ice
Kanye West - Jesus walks
Jay Z - Friend or Foe
Beatnuts - Originate
Nas - Memory Lane
Jedi Mind Tricks - Outlive the war
Danjermouse & jemini - ghetto pop life
Xecutioners ft. Scram Jones, Saigon - Back to back
Verbal Kent ft. Rusty Chains, Wordsworth - Alley Rap
Outerspace - Blood Brothers
Apathy - Bobby Brown
Ill Bill - Dead Serious
Qwel & Mike Gao - A.D.D.
Ghostface - Daytona 500
Funkoars - Masterpiece
Last Emperor ft. Cocoa Bruvaz - The Umph
Trials - Mr. Trials
Eric Sermon - React ft. Redman
Biggie - Party and Bullshit

If it looks familiar it probably is - was stuck solo and underprepared so had to fall back on an emergency backup disc that had been played before. sorry.

Black Sheep

2007-02-07T12:02:00.000+10:30

This has nothing to do with the rap group at all. Black Sheep is a New Zealand horror/ comedy movie due in cinemas in March. Seeing I'm too busy for a rap update and this clip had me in stitches I threw it up here.

Nas - Where Are The Now - Remixes

2007-02-03T15:28:00.000+10:30

When I posted the first remix I had no idea there where two more to follow. This last one Nasty Nas puts on some dope 80's mc's. Hopefully these 3 tracks get some kind of official release on wax. I'm going to link all the remixes into this post.

Nas - Where Are They Now (80's Remix) feat. MC Shan, Raheem, Doctor Ice, Kangol, Kool Moe Dee, Sha Rock, Tito, Grandmaster Caz, Lique, Dana Dane, Pebblee Poo & Just Ice
-Download-

Nas - Where Are They Now (90's Remix) feat. Redhead Kingpin, The Original Spinderella, Rob Base, Father MC, Monie Love, Mike G (Jungle Bros), EST (3x Dope), Positive K, Das EFX, Lord Doitall (Lords Of The Underground), Chip Fu (Fu-Schnickens) & Dres (Black Sheep)
-Download-

Nas - Where Are They Now (Westcoast Remix) feat. Breeze, Kam, King Tee, Candyman, Threat, Ice-T, Sir Mix A Lot and Conscious Daughters
-Download-

Headlocks Jam of the week

2007-02-03T10:00:00.000+10:30

Kirk's got this site popping at the seams with updates at the moment, and is doing a kick ass job i might add. However I have been very quiet, because well... i'm lazy. Since he has already posted a jam of the week, i thought i'd do one of my own - thereby circumventing the rule that there can be only one 'jam' per week. In the last week I recieved a CD in the mail by a group called Movemeant, called "The scope of things".

I'm no good at writing reviews (because i only review things i like, so it invariably ends up in a couple of paragraphs of "this song is good... oh, and so is this one. This one too.. yeah"), but I will say that I like this CD, and if i were to review it - it would get the usual "this song is good, yeah this one too" treatment and at the end I'd tell you to buy it. Probably the standout track for me is 'Rock Steady', which is just Champ (the mc) flexing his rhyme muscles over DJ Spider cutting up doubles of Aretha Franklins track of the same name. I'm a simple man, with a simple mind - and I like simple things like a dope breakbeat and some tight rhymes - so this track appealed to me. Hope you enjoy it.

You can check out Movemeants myspace page here for more music and info -> http://www.myspace.com/movemeant

Movemeant - Rock Steady

Nas - Where Are They Now Westcoast Remix

2007-02-02T07:48:00.000+10:30

Looks like we are going to see a bunch of these. This time Nas gets a gang of old school west coast artists on a track together.

Nas - Where Are They Now feat Breeze, Kam, King Tee, Candyman, Threat, Ice-T, Sir Mix A Lot and Conscious Daughters
-Download-

Source: Diggers With Gratitude

Dope For Your Ears Fill In Pt 2

2007-02-02T00:20:00.000+10:30

Again this week I sat in for Kyza on Dope For Your Ears. Enjoy the show!

-Download-
Smut Peddlers - Medicated Minutes
Smif N Wesson - Sound Bwoy Bureill
Wu Tang Clan - Can It All Be So Simple
Prowla - Renown feat Trem
Nas - Lifes A Bitch (Buckwild Remix)
Main Source - Looking Out The Front Door
Kool G Rap - It's A Shame
Nas - Where Are They Now (remix)
D.I.T.C - The Enemy
Declaim - Move On
Large Pro - After School
Diamond - When It Pours It Rains feat Jon Doe
Heltah Skeltah - Therapy
Low Budget - Speak Your Mind
Common - Food feat Kanye West
Dynamic Syncopation - The Essence feat Mass Influence
Pegasus - Rouge
Hilltop Hoods - Mic Fellon
Cross Bred Mongrels - Digital Criminals
Trem - Nineteen Ninety Two
2 Biz - Set The Place Ablaze
Juggaknots - Clear Blue Skies
J Zone - Zone Mission
KMD - Sweet Premium Wine
J Live - Hush The Crowd
Reflection Eternal - Fortified Live
Obscure Disorder - Full Circle
Party Arty - Everyday
Redman - Whatever Man
El The Sensai - Keep It Live
Jeru - 99%
Organized Konfusion - Somehow Someway

Jam Of The Week

2007-02-01T08:06:00.000+10:30

I had a go at Nas for his 'Where Are The Now' joint and his whole Hip Hop is dead steez, well I have to say 'Nas I forgive you'. Just found 'Where Are The Now' 90's remix where Nas gets a bunch of these rap legends back on the mic. Sure some sound a little rusty, but what an effort.

Nas - Where Are They Now feat Redhead Kingpin, The Original Spinderella, Rob Base, Father MC, Monie Love, Mike G (Jungle Bros), EST (3x Dope), Positive K, Das EFX, Lord Doitall (Lords Of The Underground), Chip Fu (Fu-Schnickens) & Dres (Black Sheep)
-Download-

Source: Diggers With Gratitude/ Spine Magazine

Playlist 30.01.07

2007-01-31T14:45:00.000+10:30

-Download-
Movemeant - Rock Steady
Blaq Poet - Bang This
Ludakris ft. 4 eyes - Word of Mouf
Ghostface ft. Trife - The Drummer
Egg Babies - Hard Boiled
Q-Unique - No Love
Yungun & Mr. Thing - G.M.B.
De La Soul - The Corner
Funkoars - Masterpiece
The Rza ft. Big Daddy Kane, GZA and suga bang - Cameo Afro
Block McLoud, War Bix, AB, Diabolique - Summercity
Hell Razah - Chain Gang
Jedi Mind Tricks - When all light dies
Sean Price - Stop
Das Efx - Real Hip Hop
Brother Ali - Truth is
Clandestien - Harvey Wallbanger
Outsidaz - Dont look now
Crustified Dibbs - Every record label sucks dick
Nas - Talk of NY (rmx)
Natural Elements - Bust Mine
Powerule - Rock Ya Knot
Troy Slugs - 4 Real
Sauce Money - Pre Game feat Jay Z
OC - Wordplay
Pete Rock - The Game
Polyrhythm Addicts - Not Your Ordinary
Eminem - Low Down Dirty
KMD - Sounded Like A Rock
PMD - Come On With The Rough Shit
Q Unique - Let It Grow On You

Non Phixion - Classic Material

2007-01-31T13:24:00.000+10:30

What ever happened to the first Non Phixion album? There were mix tapes, 12"s, white labels I even recall a leak on the net (could of been a boot though). I love this stuff the 12"s I have are straight up classic material. Mc Serch was originally part of the group and the word is there was beef between Serch and the group regarding their direction, I recall something about Serch not being happy about Necro's involvement in the project. Maybe it was this bitterness that saw the album scrapped, maybe there was no album at all, but what does exist is some of the dopest indie material from that period.

14 Years Of Rap Video

I dug through the crates (so to speak cause I actually have shelves) and pulled out as many pre "Future Is Now" joints as I could find. This isn't 100% comprehensive, but 14 tracks should prove why I am calling their early recordings classic.

Non Phixion - Classic Material
01 - Refuse To Loose
02 - Legacy
03 - Full Monty
04 - I Shot Reagan
05 - Sleepwalkers
06 - How To Kill A Cop
07 - This Is Not An Exercise
08 - No Tomorrow
09 - 5 Boros
10 - Gangsta Rap
11 - Four W's
12 - They Got
13 - 14 Years Of Rap feat Arsonists
14 - Thug Tunin'
-Download-
P.S Leave some comments if you dig this, took me best part of the day.

Premium Blend Drops: We need you!

2007-01-31T12:44:00.000+10:30

Why wouldn't you want to record a drop for the greatest radio show on earth? Getting people to record these for us is about as easy as getting people to leave feedback on our blog. Ultimately this is promotion for you and some name association for us. So if you're a MC, DJ or even just a hip hop fan and want to give us a shout feel free.

Here's the details:
Premium Blend
93.7Fm 3D Radio
With Headlock, Kirk & PBody
Tuesday nights 9pm - 11pm

Flip those details how ever you would like. The only part we would like included is our name 'Premium Blend'. It can be as long or short as you want, the only thing you can't do is promote a product.

Submissions can be emailed to: kirkwray@gmail.com

Freak L - Slammin

2007-01-29T03:33:00.000+10:30

I've been running short of time the last week. I've thrown up a few 12" rips to keep everyone interested while I get some time to put up something with a little more substance. Thanks for checking the site, don't forget to leave comments and check our podcasts!

Freak L's 'Line For Line' 12" was made a sort after piece of wax after it's appearance on a few golden era mixes (you know the one's that jacked up the prices of previously $1 records). This 12" slipped under the radar of a lot of people, maybe because this 12" is minus Paul C credits but 'Buggin In The Crib' is incredible and well up to par with his other works. Slammin isn't half bad either.

Freak L - Slammin
1. Slammin
2. Slammin (instrumental)
3. Slamappella
4. Buggin In The Crib
-Download-

BDP - Questions & Answers Remix

2007-01-28T20:10:00.000+10:30

I know zero about this 12". Comes with a white label and no further info. It's a pretty dope remix using 808's and some keys to change up the original. If anyone has any further info on this drop some knowledge.

BDP - Questions & Answers Remix
1. BDP - Questions & Answers Remix
-Download-

KGB - Bless Ya Life

2007-01-28T12:52:00.000+10:30

Nice indie 12" from wu tang affiliates.

KGB - Bless Ya Life
1. Bless Ya Life (grim mix filthy)
2. Bless Ya Life (grim mix clean)
3. Bless Ya Life (original filthy)
4. Bless Ya Life (original instrumental)
5. Bless Ya Life (original clean)
-Download-

Come Back Press Rewind

2007-01-26T12:53:00.000+10:30

Recent history would suggest that the come back album is almost always a failure, the hip hop genre has seen some shocking attempts at bringing back long forgotten careers. Recently that trend has been bucked by a few really strong releases. Most of these come back artists are saying there is something missing in current hip hop and want to try and bring it back, they may be right but do they still have the juice to make a difference?

CL Smooth - American Me

I thought this couldn't happen, CL dropping a dope album without Pete Rock. CL has always shown potential to shine with the few tracks he has done with Pete Rock after their last album, but the majority has been lack luster at best (with exception to 'Appreciate'). So CL grabs a bunch of unheard of producers, gets a little bit of attitude and completely rips this album begining to end.

Mr Long - The Class Of '89

Why he changed his name from Lawnge to Long is a mystery and might have people a little suss on whether or not this album belongs to one of the greatest rap groups of all time Black Sheep. When your history is full of classic material it makes that comeback album a little more difficult with fans expecting something special. The Class Of '89 doesn't dissapoint in my book, I mean don't expect 'Choice Is Yours' but do expect a solid album in true hip hop spirit. You can stream the album here.

X Clan - Return From Mecca

In todays world climate if there is one kind of rap we need back it's the conscious style. I know we have a few like Imortal Technique that are willing to tell us how the world works, but it's just not as accesible as Brother J rapping over funky beats. I've only had this album playing a couple of days but so far I'm thinking it's pretty solid with some incredible features from KRS One, Chali Chuna and Damien Marley. This is one I was expecting nothing from until I heard Weapon X (scroll down) while that is one of the best tracks on the album without a doubt the rest of the album is worth a good listen through.

Black Sheep - 8WM Novakane

This plays more like a Dres solo than a Black Sheep album. I've read varying reports about Mr Long's involvement with some interviews they are going at each other and in the next seem united. The fact Mr Long isn't on the artwork and above the Black Sheep logo there is a 'the' would make me lean to the fact this is Dres The Black Sheep solo. Novakane brings a mix of Dres' smoothed out soulful solo material and the more bouncy Black Sheep sound. Only available for digital download, but if this got pressed and the distro it deserves I don't think fans would be disappointed.

Dope For Your Ears Fill In

2007-01-26T12:36:00.000+10:30

I filled in for Kyza on Dope For Your Ears Thursday night. Another good Adelaide Hip Hop show well worth checking out. He grabbed our old time slot of Thursday nights 11Pm - 1Am so be sure to tune in. Seeing I've been slow on the update this week I'll treat everyone to a download of my fill in spot. Enjoy!

-Download-

Talib Kweli - Listen
Sadat X & Grand Puba - Understand This
Nas - Stillmatic
Rasco - Run The Line (Lord Finesse Remix)
ED OG & Masta Ace - Make Some Noise
BDP - Build & Destroy
D Nice - Time To Flow
Double X Posse - Make Money
Shabazz The Disciple - Death Be The Penalty
X Clan - Speak The Truth feat KRS One
MC - Serch - Handle It
Jaz O - The Love Is Gone
Krumb Snatcha - Feel The Pain
Sokrates - Kalifornia
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Get On The Mic (Remix)
45 King - Flow Motion feat Lakim Shabazz
Masta Ace - So Now You A MC
Tame One - The Moment I Feared
Diamond D - I Went For Mine
Mamas Funk - Rosseta's Friend
Black Sheep - Similak Child
KMD - Black Bastards
Phife Dog - Flawless
Clandestien - Thanks For The Venom
Defari - People's Choice
Cypress Hill - Hit's From The Bong
Mobb Deep - Shook Ones pt 2
Group Home - Supa Star
Krs One - Sound Of The Police
Xzibit - What You See Is What You Get

Playlist 23.01.07

2007-01-25T17:52:00.000+10:30

Clandestien - John Hancock
Funkoars - Blackout
Del - No Need For Alarm
ATCQ - Award Tour
Swarmy - Come Down
Tek & Steele - We Came Up Crystal Stair feat Talib Kweli
CL Smooth - CL Smooth Unplugged
X Clan - Xodus
Block Mcloud - Raise Up
Heltah Skeltah - Mixtape Exclusive
Q Unique - Capital Q
The Roots - Ain't Saying Nothing New
Ed OG & Scientific - Hold The Key
Blaq Poet - Message From Poet
Pitch Black - Ashes To Ashes
Punch N Words - Turn It Up
Klashnekoff - Zero
BDP - You Must Learn
Freestyle Professors - Pockets Been Picked
Eric B & Rakim - Step back
Double X Posse - Ain't Gonna Be Able To Do It (Remix)
The Phantom - Prisons Of The Mind
Supalover C & Casanova Rudd - Blow Up The Spot
Bias B - Rainy Days
Slow Suicide Stimulus - Akinesia
Chino XL - Beef Ain't Over
Mass MC - Hold That Thought For A Minute
Vice Versa - The Won
Cannibal Tribe - Brutality

Jam Of The Week

2007-01-17T15:28:00.000+10:30

Every week there is always that one track that stands out in any music lovers mind, something that been making you hit that rewind button. For me this week it's been this new X Clan banger 'Weapon X'. Brother J doesn't sound to of aged a day since X Clan last hit the studio, still putting out the positive message with his impeccable flow. The new album 'Return From Mecca' is due out at the end of January. Check the X Clan website for more details.

X Clan - Weapon X
-Download-

PHD - EP

2007-01-17T13:51:00.000+10:30

I was going to do a big post on Poet and his discography, but the good guys over at Wake Your Daughter Up beat me by a day. After a whole day of recording and mastering 12"s it all went on the scrap heap haha. They did miss this dope EP from the PHD catalog and seeing it's been requested I'll post it.

PHD - EP
1. This Is For My Peeps
2. Life On The Edge
3. Let The EP Kick
4. Bringing Forth Terror
5. This Is For My Peeps (instrumental)
6. Life On The Edge (instrumental)
7. Let The EP Kick (instrumental)
8. Bringing Forth Terror (instrumental)
-Download-

Playlist 16.01.07

2007-01-16T22:13:00.000+10:30

Mos Def - Napoleon Dynamite
Nyoil - Y'all Should All Get Lynched
X Clan - Weapon X
The Pacifics & Illmind - Maps
Mr Long (of Black Sheep) - To The Beat Y'all
Sadat X - Wild Cowboys (original mix)
PHD - Let The EP Kick
Cappo - Loodikrus
Pudgee - Money Don't Make The World Stop (Remix)
Hell Rahzah - Renaissance Man feat Tragedy, Timbo King, RA The Rugged Man
De La Soul - Voodoo Circus
Slow Suicide Stimulus - Firewater
Brother Ali - Truth Is
After Hours - Clock Watching feat Expressionist
Nas - Carry On Tradition
Ice T - Gangster Rap
Redman - Rush The Security
Agallah - NY Rider Music
Freestyle Professors - Do You Hear What I Hear
Dialated Peoples - Kindness For Weakness feat Talib
Sean Price - At The End Of The Day
Ghostface - Guns & Razors
MOP - Down For Whatever feat OC
Pete Rock - Strange Fruit
Universal Soldiers - Sushi
Saukrates - Action (Remix)
Inspectah Deck - CREEPS
Kamakazee - Snakes
Kool G Rap & Big Daddy Kane - Raw

Pudgee - Dead Silence EP

2007-01-15T12:04:00.000+10:30

Another bootleg of Pudgee material. I have very little information on this EP but if I was to guess I would say it was recorded around 2000. Pudgee must of had something on his mind this time around, the stories seem to be based on experience with a very sombre vibe. Production is a big change up too since the 'King Of New York' recordings using a lot of 80's samples like other street cats from around the era. I'm feeling this EP, definitely worth checking out.

Pudgee - Dead Silence EP
01. Angel Dust
02. Stayin' Alive
03. Die For A Cause
04. Kill You
-Download-

If it looks like something you've seen before

2007-01-14T14:01:00.000+10:30

This isn't something I plan to get into the habit of, but seeing our archives are so deep and we are relaunching the site I'll re up some requests from the back catalog.

Triflicts - Genuine

First up is a classic Hydra peice by Triflicts. It was one of the early 12"s Hydra brought out around '97. Triflicts were Gab Gotcha, Creature and Buck Live. A quick net search tells me Gab Gotcha is doing a 10 year stretch, Creature is still doing his thing and Buck Live is off the map. This is long out of print and super fresh !!! Get on the hunt this is one you need in your collection.

This was left in the original posts comments:
"Whats going on people? I just came across this page while searching the net and I just thought I'd give you an update as to the Triflicts whereabouts. I'm Gab Gacha's brother by the way.

Gab been home for about a year and a change now, we just dropped the first mix tape "Gab Gacha vs. United States". You can go to my myspace page and check out some cuts. Do a search on scarboro78@yahoo.com and my page should come up.

Creature stay doing his thing, you can find him in the city steady grinding. Check out his website www.creaturenomics.com.

And youre right, Buck Live is off the map.."

1. Genuine (dirty)
2. Genuine (clean)
3. Genuine (instrumental)
4. Genuine (acappella)
5. Don't Make Me Try (dirty)
6. Don't Make Me Try (clean)
7. Don't Make Me Try (acappella)
-Download-

All Natural - Phantoms Of The Opera

I really love this 12". The minimalistic production with Capital D's Rakim like smoothness lacing the vocals. No ID drops some incredible production on Thinking Cap. The pick of the 12" is the non album joint D(ism). This is Chicago at its finest.

1. Phantoms Of The Opera (short version)
2. Phantoms Of The Opera (album version)
3. Phantoms Of The Opera (instrumental)
4. Thinking Cap (album version)
5. Thinking Cap (instrumental)
6. D ism
-Download-

Mykill Myers/ Dr Oop - Split 12"

A visitor to the site spotted 'Twist Of Lime' on one of our playlists and requested a copy. It's off a split 12" with Mykill Miers from the a nice compilation Connect The Dots. Twist Of Lime was only available on this 12" and is the stand out track in my opinion.

1. Mykill Myers - Bring It On (album version)
2. Mykill Myers - Bring It On (instrumental)
3. Dr Oop - Twist Of Lime (instrumental)
4. Dr Oop - Run This (album version)
5. Dr Oop - Run This (instrumental)
6. Dr Oop - Twist Of Lime
-Download-

Sadat X - East Coast 12"

2007-01-13T21:15:00.000+10:30

Almost everything that needs to be said is in the press release that came with this white label 12". The original mix of 'Wild Cowboys' is dramatically different to the album version with a faster tempo and a few lyric changes. East Coast didn't make the cut on the LP, maybe it was decided with everything that was poppin between the East and West it wasn't such a great idea. For all I know this could be a bootleg, but coming packaged with the press release makes me think it was a limited run promo. If anyone has information hit up the comments.

Sadat X - East Coast 12" - White Label
01. East Coast
02. Wild Cowboys (original mix)
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Pudgee - King Of New York

2007-01-12T08:55:00.000+10:30

Pudgee is one of those guys who always rolled behind the scenes. Maybe more prolific as a ghost writer than an MC, you'll find he penned for some big time rappers . While knowing all the right people he never really got to that next level. The Phat Bastards first album 'Give Em The Finger' is one of the most slept on albums in my opinion featuring some of the best production work Trackmasterz ever were involved in. In a recent post over at unkut.com Joe Fatal had some interesting things to say on Pudgee.

There was a second album titled 'King Of New York' ready to drop in 96/97 but when Perspective Records folded the album went on the scrap heap. King Of New York's 'Think Big' has been hailed as a classic by underground heads around the world with the test pressing fetching large sums on ebay and between collectors. 'King Of New York' was going to be a feature filled album with Nik Wiz, EZ Elpee, Chris Large among others on production and DMX, Al Tariq, Digable Planets, MOP, Biggie Smalls and Royal Flush on the raps. I think you will find 'King Of New York' was going to offer more than just 'Think Big'.

Discalimer: I'm missing one 12" there are 2 more joints available. Some of the bootleg 12"s are average quality I've done my best to remaster the audio.

Pudgee - King Of New York Bootleg
01. Niguhz For Life
02. Money Don't Make The World Stop
03. Everyone Wants To Be Hard
04. Make Em Die
05. History
06. Inner City Blues
07. Think Big
08. Money Don't Make The World Stop (Remix)
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Ego Trip's White Rapper Show

2007-01-11T16:53:00.000+10:30

When I heard the concept of the latest in the over bloated morally corrupted world of "Reality Shows" I nearly vomited on my keyboard. Great, more programing supposedly based on reality that makes people look like cock heads. Just what our Hip Hop culture needs, to reinforce the stereotypes that makes us look stupid. But seeing 'Ego Trip' was involved I thought shit lets give it a look, I mean ego trip are known for their humor maybe something fun will come out of this.

Well there is nothing fun about this cringe fest, they have played on every stereo type you wish could be crushed. While I did laugh a few times it was either in disbelief or at someone's expense. At more than one point of this show i wanted to hide behind my couch, these are the guys they have found to represent hip hop? Take white and black out of this, this is hip hop and you turned it into a fucking joke.

I feel sorry for the couple kids on this show that do have some skill being dragged down the idiot kids that have no idea what Hip Hop is.

Here's a break down of the players (that I can remember):

A kid that keeps saying "Ghetto Revival". Delusional enough to think 'Ghetto Revival' is going to be the next big Hip Hop movement. This same kid also has crowned himself 'King Of The Burbs'.

A chick that calls other white kids nigga while waving her dildo around. (I know that does sound funny)

A Punk with a mohawk that raps like he is reading nursery rhymes.

An Edan wanna be that doesn't know what the term 'off the top' means.

The token pretty girl from London who is one of the most skilled of the group.

A girl that stands 5ft tall who says Vanilla Ice is her idol, also not to forget she can't rap.

The other 4 were forgettable so maybe they are ok and got out shined by the idiots.

Throw this mix into the South Bronx (that they have no idea on the history of) and you get a 40 minute cringe fest. Serch is ready to tell everyone "THIS IS NOT A GAME", but it sure is a joke. Reputations will be tarnished.

Adagio - New York To Philly EP

2007-01-11T00:03:00.000+10:30

Breezly Brewin's homeboy released this nice little EP back in '97. One the notable records from the indie scene around that time.

Adagio - New York To Philly EP
1. Intro (D.R.A.M.A)
2. Listening Pleasure
3. Hold Tight
4. 20 Cents (A Tale Of 2 Dimes)
5. Upperhand
6. Boy and Girl Tale
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Bumpy Knuckles goes at Rakim

2007-01-10T17:54:00.000+10:30

Somehow I missed this when it came out. Bumpy for some reason decided to take a shot at the God. When the news first broke I thought "oh shit, bumpy is going to rip him", but Bumpy Knucks comes no where near as hard as you would expect. Maybe he is just trying to lure Rakim into a trap before he delivers the ultimate death blow. Somehow I think if Rakim doesn't answer back this lack luster attempt at bring down Mr Allah will be quickly forgotten.

-Download-

Playlist 09.01.07

2007-01-10T10:12:00.000+10:30

Slow Suicide Stimulus - Akinesia
Chino XL - Beef aint over
Harsh Reality - The Booth is mine
Hell Razah - Buried Alive
Adagio - 20 Cents (A tale of 2 Dimes)
Brother Ali - Take me Home
Bumpy Knuckles - Rakim Diss
Jedi Mind Tricks - Eve of War ft. Gza
Rob O - World Premier
Kyza - Real pt. 1
Jin - You're Fired (Rosie O'Donnell diss)
Mystro - Like Dat
K21 & Mandle - It could never be
Sean P - King Kong
Mystro - Wizard of Oz
Stig of the Dump - Rhite Wino
The Roots - Game Theory
P Brothers ft. Smiley The Ghetto Child - Ghetto Child
Ghostface Killah - Greedy Bitches ft. Redman & Sean Wiggs
Royal Fam - I Declare War
== K21 & Conseps Freestyle ==
Universal Soldiers - 5 Finger Discount
Beanie Man / Heavy D & The boyz - Massive (hold tight)
MOP - Breakin the rules
Mortar - Name, Rank and Serial Number

Video: Groove B Chill

2007-01-08T19:05:00.000+10:30

Youtube is the greatest, a quick search turns up all kinds of novel things. Like this live version of 'Hip Hop Music' featuring the akward running man.

I bet these guys wish they could forget this. I mean sure everyone was doing the running man in 1990, but Chill just looks real uncomfortable. Someone should of told him 'no running man without Hammer pants'. 10/10 for the choreography.

Groove B Chill had one of the better light hearted party albums in 1990 featuring production by Hitman Howie Tee, Prince Paul and Pete Rock. Worth hunting down for sure.

Questionmark Asylum - Hey Lookaway

2007-01-06T02:06:00.000+10:30

I really wasn't feeling this when it dropped. Too much singing and too much rapping like they're singing. Tonight I was having a dig through my collection and put it on for another spin and it is no where near as bad as I remembered. The Erick Sermon remix makes it all worth it. Looks like Mistafiss from the group is still getting busy.

As per usual I've upped a full 12" rip

Questionmark Asylum - Hey Lookaway - 1995
1. Hey Lookaway (LP Version)
2. Lookaway (Erick Sermon Remix)
3. Hey Lookaway (Instrumental)
4. Hey Lookaway (Acappella)
5. Lookaway (Erick Sermon Acappella)
6. Got Dem Joints (LP Version)
-Download-

Internet Bootlegers: Killing The Music Industry?

2007-01-05T23:43:00.000+10:30

We all remember these claims don't we. Here we are 20+ years later and the music industry is thriving. Be wary when the majors tell you that their turn overs are going down, a closer look may tell you they are releasing fewer albums per year. Maybe the majors should be looking at the indie labels who are releasing the music people are actually listening to. Just possibly it is the record industry killing itself. These topics could be found in much more detail and accuracy else where on the net, these are not really the topics I want to discuss but rather a precursor on the deeper issues of internet vs. music industry.

You will be made to believe if you download you will ultimately bring the music industry to it's knees. You will be made to believe if you download your modem is sucking money out of the artists pockets like a wife with a shoe fetish. I believe this couldn't be further from the truth and while in the current market there could be an argument for these statements, I believe the bigger problem is the industries reluctance over the last 10 years to move forward with technologies.

Music has always been shared around me, I was the dub tape king in the early 90's. Nobody would leave my house without some new rap music and now with the radio show and as a DJ I am continuing the joy of sharing music. Isn't this a basic right? Enjoying and sharing something that brings happiness, excitement, enlightenment? So how can a music industry stop internet sharing when it is in our nature to share in things that bring us enjoyment. The simple answer is they can't and won't.

People now want more for their $30 than a cd with artwork, it's easy to obtain that on the internet. Maybe it is up to labels and artist's to be a little more creative. Put more in your artwork than 4 pages, include lyrics, include what ever you can to make your package more appealing and less internet friendly. Throw in a shirt or a poster with your CD, give people a reason to purchase your products. Most I think releases need to be of high quality. For example someone might download 10 albums in a week and purchase 1 of those (I believe people do still want a material product) they will buy the best one.

Now for my argument of the advantages of your album being downloaded. 100,000 downloads means you have more fans. More people coming to your shows, more people buying you merch and more fans. I don't see any loss in this equation it all comes around. For myself I could afford to buy on average 1 album per week, my knowledge and taste for music would be much narrower if it wasn't for my downloading habits. In reality how many downloaders would convert to consumers if there was a way to prevent downloading? The record industry would have us believe that every download is a sale lost. I am saying more than likely it was never a sale, but there is 1 more person spreading the word of the group and that could end in sale (even if it isn't a CD it may be concert tickets or t shirt).

This did all start at the industry embracing technology, so lets get to that. CONVENIENCE is the no.1 reason for downloading, there isn't a million geeks sitting in front of their screen franticly trying to crush the industry with no other reason but their hate for the establishment. Download booths, where is the roll out of these? If you're loosing so much money Mr. Record Industry CHOP CHOP! How hard is these to get up and running? In high traffic public areas you have a vending machine that uploads via usb, bluetooth, directly to your ipod or whatever. This way kids can grab a new album on the way to the bus stop and the joggers can get the latest album before trying to shed some pounds.

If the industry does want to stay viable (and I argue it always will) it needs to keep up with our consumer needs. We as consumers want everything now, not tomorrow. We want our food deep fried and our music downloaded via high speed internet.

I need to add this and seeing it doesn't fit in to any other paragraph right here will do. I do not agree with people making money from bootlegging in any form. If you use a program and that program makes you money and that money is sufficient to justify the purchase you should be purchasing. Same goes for selling bootlegged DVD's and CD's.

So you thought we were dead .... right?

2007-01-05T22:37:00.000+10:30

The recent up serge of hip hop blogs doing a damn fine job of cataloging the rarest and most obscure Hip Hop released had me ready to abandon this site. The future was going to be little more than a place to upload our radio stream and put playlists up. Then our server ate shit and I got real complacent. But after some thought I came to these realizations: we were in the 2nd or 3rd wave of this Hip Hop blogging community and we deserve some god damn props hahaha, and we still have some relevant things to say. So this here is the relaunch of the Premium Blend Blog.

Hip Hop Is Dead?

Nas you're a jerk! How can someone who clearly is out of touch of current Hip Hop releases claim the genre's dead? Don't get me wrong I heard the claim and I thought 'Way to go Nas you school them son', but then after hearing the album and in particular 'Where Are They Now' I realized this kid has lost his fucking mind.

I'm sure I will get jumped on for calling Nas a jerk, but he must of been living under a rock for real. Even this article from allhiphop.com dug most of the artists he mentions up on a Wikipedia and Google search. How on earth did Black Moon get a mention on 'Where Are They Now'? You would think with the Just Blaze and Evil D beef regarding the same samples being used on Black Moons and Jay Z's album's might of been on Nas' radar. If he missed that surely he has been checking for 9th Wonder (he did make that hot remix album God's Stepson) and would of come across the incredible 9th Wonder and Buckshot album. Maybe he is too busy sexing his new wifey to get out of the house but even that's no excuse for his ignorance.

Just to prove the point I will pull a few names out of 'Where Are They Now' to show how easy it is to find some info on these cats.

Tim Dog:
Page 2 of a google search landed me at his myspace page. Audio for his new joints is up there. Even still Tim Dogs name should be on your radar enough to know he has released a few things of late.

Kwame:
This is just lazy, I'm not even going to bother searching this one. You don't even need to have the internet to read the production credits on some pretty popular rap albums.

King T:
Now I'm just getting mad. Nas this is just disrespectful to not know what King Tipsey has been doing. King T's name is still popping up as features on a lot of material.

Black Sheep:
Google search found Dres' myspace pretty quick. Not to mention the Black Sheep project (or Dres solo after he took the name and ran with it) is one of the better releases for 2006. Now I am just guessing Nas can't afford his internet bills or something.

Lakim Shabazz:
Still working with 45 King. Check for 45 King's 'Cat Jams' or Lakim's 45 King produced 12" on BBE records.

The Pharcyde:
Maybe Nas doesn't know Fatlip was in Pharcyde. Maybe he was checking under 'F' instead of 'P' at his local record store cause these dudes are still releasing.

EPMD:
lol Nas lol

I could get nerdy and drop info on a bunch of other cats he mentions but thats not really the point. The point is this someone who clearly isn't keeping up with the groups he misses does not have the authority to claim 'Hip Hop Is Dead'.

I'm hoping Nas is asking where the flame carriers for these groups are rather than asking some pretty obvious questions.

On a slightly unrelated topic: Does anyone else have a problem with Will.I.Am reworking Salaam Remi's 'Thieves Theme' for 'Hip Hop Is Dead'?

I should mention even though Nas' ego has possibly overtaken KRS One's the album is very fucking tight. (Now who's the jerk)