Ain’t no music like free music (Shotgun Fam y’all know what’s up!) - See what Domination Recordings has in store:

Arsun F!st - 4-Gotten Coconut$ EP

1. Ticky-Ticky BOOM (skit)
2. Manchester United prod. by Fatman & Tropical
3. Good Curses (skit)
4. Hip-Hop feat. Ayyo of Watson’s Grocery Prod. by The Unknown
5. I never meant… Prod. by J-DILLA

6. Sex in cans (skit)
7. Can a good dude cut too? Prod. by The Unknown
8. Freaky ish (skit)
9. Choppy Fiction feat. Choppy Chope Sounds Prod. by Choppy Chope Sounds

Free-bee download here: 4-Gotten Coconuts

Jon  Wayne  ”self-titled” mix-tape (no, not The Duke the ill-kid from Spacebound)

1. Cake (ft. ???) — Prod. by ???
2. The Future (ft. AVI) — Prod. by Josh G
3. Overstand (ft. Trevor) — Prod. by Josh G
4. 1984 — Prod. by Flying Lotus
5. Lo-Key — Prod. by Bill
6. Don’t Move — Prod. by Yona
7. How Now Brown Cow — Prod. by 00Genesis
8. Pacifist — Prod. by Patch Lunch
9. What’s Wrong? — Prod. by The A3
10. Monstrosity — Prod. by Breakface
11. P.B. & Jon — Prod. by 00Genesis
12. Random Verse Snippet — Prod. by AVI
13. Tater Tots (ft. AVI) — Prod. by AVI
14. Just Another Rap Song — Prod. by JustAnotherDJ
15. Pee Wee Just Farted! — Prod. by 00Genesis
16. Definition of FRESH
a. Smooth Fresh — Prod. by Josh G
b. 80’s Fresh — Prod. by Riff Raff
c. No Fresh — Prod. by Breakface
17. Private Eyes (ft. Black Saint) — Prod. by Mozaik

Free-bee download here: Jon Wayne

Time to shoot on the granddaddy of them all. This time Birdsong sits in and gives his obviously pro-Hulk Hogan rhetoric on this year’s Wrestlemania. (Actually, that’s not true. This is the first time I’ve read something of his for more than 5 minutes were the big yellow-and-red cheese isn’t mentioned, and that’s not Captain Marvel either.)

Anyway, here’s the opening question for the roundtable: will Floyd Mayweather’s involvement in Wrestlemania help WWE recoup his $20 million price tag?

Jonathan Birdsong: Buyrates go up in general when it comes to Wrestlemania. In theory this is a good card, so depending on the performances I imagine DVD sales of this show will be up too. It has the potential to be GREAT, but in the same breath it also has the potential to be mediocre. There’s nobody from the International scene (Japan/Mexico) wrestling on the card, so we’re not really seeing anything new here. $20 mil, recoup…smells like Jay Leno and Karl Malone in WCW all-over again. There will be budget-cuts come Summer Slam!

The Russ: I’m not sure how much money Donald Trump made last year, but did he really do anything to help sell the show besides show up on video every so often on Raw? They didn’t even do anything on The Apprentice with any cross-promotion. At least Mayweather is heavily involved in doing appearances and physically getting involved on Raw, and his name gets a lot of run on the sports talk shows, which is WWE’s target demographic. But, you’re right… Wrestlemania is traditionally the end of WWE’s fiscal year, and April is generally when people get released. If they don’t do some Mike Tyson-like numbers, I would bet that a lot of folks will get whacked next month and they will quite rightly point the finger at this particular business decision.

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 www.definitivejux.net  — $$$

Though his solo-releases have been scattered throughout the years, its a rarity for Del to “guest-spit” flows with even liked-minded emcees. More hiatus, than hibernation as he’s kept himself busy with the alt-rock-rap-anime group Gorillaz, his presence on the mic has been certainly missed.

Making somewhat of a head-turning return with Eleventh Hour, Del joins forces with indie elite label DefJux. The pairing of Heiro and Jux (in theory) is a match-maid in hip-hop heaven as artistically both institution’s think more LEFT than Mainstream, and in today’s single-driven Ipod generation of music listeners a “dream-team” pairing such as this is exactly what’s called for.

Still very much an oddity, Del continues with a nonconformist approach to music making. With a “definitive” flare, artistically few emcees flow with as much diction, vocabulary and scholarly banter. It’s hard to believe that Del once wrecked mics and laid musical foundations with the likes of gangsta-rap pioneer Ice Cube. Not that, that’s a terrible thing to envision, however in the ever-changing world of hip-hop music–unlike his former partner in rhyme very little has changed with Del. It’s not like he’s on some new ‘tree-hugger’ shit or rappin’ off beat strictly for the purpose of being different, with Del its all about pushing the parameters of originality.

And with “originality” in mind, that might be why Eleventh Hour comes off a little uneven. Before Andre3000 rocked a pink wig, it was Del that had the monopoly on ‘peculilarness’ in hip-hop. He and company (Ladybug Mecca on guest rap and J-Zone on boards) tease, but don’t quite deliver the full-monty. Throughout Eleventh Hour’s play the listener is besieged by quirky beats and automatic flows that sound as if they all might be from out of this world. Nothing new when it comes to Del, right? And the topics Del verbally chops threw aren’t really anything new as well–the state of music (Bubble-Pop), his stake in hip-hop (Funkyhomosapien) and other personal perspectives (Situations).

However, it would appear as if Del has outgrown his own eccentricness a bit. Not to be mistaken, Del not by a long-shot is comin’ off whack here. The rhymes are still crisp, just not blistering. The sonic-background provided is an eclectic bag-of-funk that caters towards Del’s style; but Del The Funkyhomosapien is not a New Jack, and some moments on Eleventh Hour just don’t live up to the potential. Real talk, there’s not one collab on here with El-P or any other Juxes for that matter. So instead of a colossal meeting on the minds, in the mold of King Kong meets Godzilla, we’re treated to a featurette in the same vein as Freddy vs. Jason.

www.nature-sounds.net   - $$$(1/2)

Don’t let the hip-hop fan boy’s fizzle for a wet dream disappoint you while mulling over Pete Rock’s NY’s Finest. No, Jigga and Nas don’t make guest appearances. There’s not one vocal drop from Heavy D. There is no Mecca and the Soul Brother reunion slated on its track listing and hell, all of the emcees featured on NY’s Finest aren’t even from New York! Just in case you’re keeping track Redman and The Lords Of the Underground forever-and-a-day rep New Jersey.

But, rather than sulk in the fact of who or what’s not featured on NY’s Finest, relish in the fact that after all these years a hip-hop producer of Pete’s caliber (y’all should be jockin’ him like you jock Timbaland and Dr. Dre), still manages to reanimate the rarest vinyl with that good ole’ mixture of hip-hop knock.

Never known for his strong flow or lyrical wit (its always kinda been about the production boards with Pete), NY’s Finest boasts appearances from a few heavy-hitters in the mic game, albeit on the mixtape circuit/underground tip, coming in the form of Papoose and Little Brother. There are collab’s on here that make perfect sense and sound twice as nice, as the Wu (Raekwon and Masta Killa) rep lovely on the up-tempo “PJ’s;” and from the ‘this should have happened a long time ago’ file, Styles P and Sheek Louch of The Lox’s strap on their timb’s and come with tight flows on the ruff-n-rugged “914.”

Pete really goes into John Walsh mode, finding milk-cartoned emcees Royal Flush (”Questions”) and a all but forgotten songstress Renee Neufville (of Zhane fame) to add to the album’s sonic output. But perhaps NY’s biggest surprise comes in the form of a collabo with Dipset members Jim Jones and Max B on “We Roll.” Bolstering a more tolerable boom-bap flow than his normal ’swag-rap,’ Jim Jones actually shows some dexterity over a jazzy horn-heavy feel-good instrumental. (Listen here: “We Roll”)

So yeah, maybe we don’t get to hear the Black Republicans drop a jewel like its 94′ again on NY’s Finest. However, full credit still goes to the Soul Brother. What NY’s Finest lacks in ’star-power’, it makes up in substance and verve.  If Pete can string together compilations like this on a regular, (at the same time make a rap from Jim Jones listen friendly) maybe the fan boys’ will get a little closer to seeing that dream fulfilled. Definitely less deferred.

Back again, for the first time…with mo’ heat than a lil bit! (damn, we’re so old school!)

Introducing Mr. James Pants! Going from fresh-as-a-fish intern to the new “it” guy of independent music has been one heck of a ride for this smarty Pants! How’d it all happen? A chance meeting (at a high school prom of all places) with Stone Throw’s label head Peanut Butter Wolf and *poof* JP’s first album Welcome is a reality. Checkout the electro-meets disco-80’s-groove medling style for yourself on the free-bee single, KA$H.

Majik Most: A track by Majik Most is about as funny as an episode of Family Guy. (Real Talk) And Majik’s latest web offering off his You Got Jokes LP most certainly follows suit. Peep the Johnny Carson show sample on, The Tonight Show.

Other Side Of The South: What do you get when you blend two-handfuls of Southern flavored underground heat, the mix-stylings of one DJ Y-Not and the emcee skills of the extra-ordinary Supastition all into one? One helluva musical ride! Other Side Of The South (or OSOTS for short) not only features two hip-hop dynamo’s in DJ Y-Not and Supastition givin’ it there all, but also a royal guess list of ‘down south rappers’ that ain’t even thinkin’ twice about tryin’ to do the Souljaboy dance! And that’s word to Lord Jazz—hit me one time (make it funky!) Download all the goodness here: OSOTS

The Mother-Brains over at Domination Recordings ain’t playin’ around this year! Why? Well, if you’ve read that last few “I Know You Gonna Dig’s,” you’ve been privy to there 2008 sonic-assault!! Yeah, its that deep–and they aim to please, or at least make a lasting impression–with yet another round of FREE MUSIC downloads. But yo, the quality of music is ever-present, so don’t trip cause its free….some of the best things in life are free. And that’s word to Ms. Jackson!! (if ya nasty)

Saint and Muneshine remix Jay-Z’s “American Gangster”: What movie was more bootlegged than ‘American Gangster’ in 2007? Reflect on that for a minute and then answer me this—what album has been remixed more than Jay-Z’s recent classic of the same name? Check out/Download: The Resident Remixes

ST/MIC “Life’s Work” album sampler: Just might be ‘pre-dating’ myself here, but I remember when street-team cats would hand-out album samplers/cassette singles/promo’s after the club let out. For an artist it was good way to get the name out there, before the album dropped. ST/MIC stick to that same formula, albeit with a digital twist: “Life’s Work” 

Forthcoming album features Distruck, TAMU, Dutchmassive and (the one and only) Jazz Addixx.

Can the Ladies Get Some?: Hip-Hop Artist (with an emphasis on the word Artist), Stacy Epps makes like ice cream and Root Beer (but definitely with a smoother taste) with her latest single, “Floatin’”.   Track produced by APEX and its smoother than peanut butter…  

One To Grow On: ST/MIC get glutinous with their charity with anotha free-bee mix, chopped-up and sliced by DJ Skruff. “Timeless Daimyo Choice Cuts” Vol. 1 features ST/Mic, Jazz Addixx, Primo The Cinematic, Bliss, Ollie Ox Grill and a host of Domination Recording affiliates. Check for the track ‘Marijuanalounge.’ One guess on what the song is about:Timeless Daimyo Coice Cuts Vol. 1 Download  

Since the turn of the New Year, the “major” hip-hop releases have left somethin’ to be desired. I mean it’s gotten so bad, I’ve been bumpin’ old Mic Geronimo and Doobie Brother’s records. Anywho, thank the Lord for the underground–peep the goodness:

Domination Recording artist and Chi-town representative, Cosmo Galactus serves up the “Appetizer” ; a mix-tape prelude (if you will) to his upcoming Domination Recording LP Hunger Strike. Sounds like dude has thing for digestive themes(???)

The Wise(n) Rhymer: 

Not to be outdone–yet another Domination Recording artist hands out a few freebees, as Praverb the Wyse (gotta luv the spelling, right!) makes his latest mix-tape “The Gospel Is Free” available for download. (And what do you know its free!!) Mix features Praverb’s take/lyrics over contemporary hits and features fellow mic-mashers Billybo, JC Rymez and Change. Check for Praverb’s official debut Center Of Attention coming soon.

The One Man Army returns!

If One Be Lo’s ‘next-up’ effort, The R.E.B.I.R.T.H is anything like his last (the relatively slept-on classic from a few years back S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M) then the hip-hop sonic drought should be over! Check out: “Gray” and judge for yourself!

And one to grow on…

Queens, N.Y. emcee and graphic artist Bisc 1 will be taking the plunge into the sound game with his ‘official freshmen’ release, When Electric Nights Fall. (Sounds like a title for a great poem!) Not necessarily a newjack in the game, as Bisc has held down on the art direction tip for a number of well-known indie’s (Aesop Rock, Murs, C-Rayz-Walz), and like every other rapper in this world his 07′ mix-tape, The Stay Up Project has made its rounds…

But even with all of that, the folks over at indie hip-hop label, Embedded Music are givin’  Bisc 1 the industry co-sign! And if that’s not enough to peak yuur interest then perhaps the first single, “Turbulence” will?

P.S. I Love You!

Nah, not really..and that had to be the lamest Hillary Swank movie ever. (???) But, ya know..a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do–especially when the better half is pickin’ the movie. But, I digress–one mo’ freebee to keep y’all amped: Clan Destined feat. Laws “Older and Wiser.”

One Be Lo - S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. (Retro-Hop)

http://www.fatbeats.com/ - $$$$(1/2)

As a prominent fixture within hip-hop’s underground, One.Be.Lo has always left listeners wanting more. Recording under the assumed name One Man Army, along with longtime collaborator, Senim Silla, the two formed the critically acclaimed group Binary Star. Hailing from the Detroit/Pontiac area of Michigan, Binary Star reached its pinnacle rocking shows with the likes of Slum Village and Eminem. After years of sharing stage time with such accomplished acts, it wasn’t until late-2000 with the debut of their full-length album Waterworld, that Binary Star finally realized ‘the props’ that every emcee salivates over. Waterworld, went on to receive regional and ‘underground’ praise but its success never quite matriculated onto a mainstream level. The group’s subsequent split further delayed One.Be.Lo’s plans of becoming a more established fixture within hip-hop music.

Having to tweak his vision from burgeoning group to up-and-coming solo artist, in-between time One.Be.Lo has supplied a solid, however infrequent body of work. Finally catching the ‘ears’ of one of independent hip-hop’s most talked-about labels–Fat Beats Records, he sets out to get even more ‘props’ with S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.

S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.’s blueprint is flawlessly executed. With Fat Beats ‘purist’ stamp of approval and production handled by Decompoze, sonically the listener is treated to a plate of “jazz meets hip-hop” styled beats. Categorically, his music is a bit bohemian in nature, but the essence is old-school inspired. As for lyrics, its One.Be.Lo’s clever rhyme schemes and witty punchlines on tracks like, ‘Back On The Scene’ that stimulates on an intellectual level.  Provided with a certain bombastic bounce, One.Be.Lo takes it back to 88′ with a battle inspired flow on, ‘Follow My Lead’ .  Everyday man themes of emotions and addictions are discussed as ‘True Love’ speaks on matters concerning the heart, as well as things we “think” we love as ‘Can’t Get Enough’ tackles the trials of materialism.

He’s definitely an emcee that isn’t afraid to make a statement or take stance. Nor is he apprehensive on showing his more personal/vulnerable side as he does on ‘The Future.’ Letting invigorating subject matter be the driving force behind the album, very candidly he addresses the problems within the Black community on cuts like ‘Axis,’ a position he again very starkly explores on ‘The Ghetto’. Still, making S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. somewhat of a soapbox affair, the very up-beat ‘Sleepwalking’ and the pitfall story of the dope game on ‘Decepticons’ further distinguish him from the normal standard-fare rappers of today.

As complimentary as it may be to plainly dismiss S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. as a collection of jazz-inspired tunes that hearken the early 1990s rap music’s renaissance, truly limits what One.Be.Lo has accomplished with this release. Giving full credit (or ‘props’) where it’s due, S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. could easily be intermingled and debated upon amongst the classics of that era. From a present day purist perspective, very few rappers–even in the underground–put more emotion into a record. Aside from his personal perspective, conceptually One.Be.Lo does not cover any new territory. However, one would be hard pressed to find such a dynamic and diverse amount of material on one album. The themes of love, hate, fear, joy, anger, life, death, politics, religion and time all play a part into making the record a worthy listen. Multidimensional in his delivery and possessing an equally expansive subject matter that hits on multiple levels, One.Be.Lo gives an outstanding performance.

With soooo much music currently flooding the market, I tell ya it’s just like Christmas! Oh wait..it is Christmas! Well, without further delay, here’s some Holiday MP3 goodies from ya boi Capt. Westside:

Big Noyd - “Things Done Changed” ft. Kira Off the Noyd’s latest project titled, Illustrations. Executived produced by noneother than Lil Fame of M.O.P.! (Fiyahh!!) Well all be damned, Lil Fame gettin’ his muscial mogul on! Watchout Puff..

Amy Winehouse - Has been all up in the news this year–I mean that gal seemingly channeled negative energy in 2007. But, unlike tabloid media, the Lyrical Lounge does not make a habit of gettin’ into folks ‘biddness’ like that. With us its all about the music and the pure entertainment value that it can potentially bring. Blah, blah, yeah I know, get to the point - Remix guru’s and jazzy appreciators Truth and Soul took a minute to mash things up a bit on A Dubs latestest single, “Love Is A Losing Game”  Straight vintage yo!

Guilty Simpson - Ahhh man! Can an emcee have a better name! I mean its clever, tip-toes the boundaries of good/bad taste and prolly pisses a few people the hell off! Oh, and the dude can rhyme! Checkout the grimy: “Getting Riches” off the Ode To Ghetto album..

Junk Science - A truly odd couple–(I mean they gotta record titled Gran Dad’s Nerve Tonic for goodness sake) are back at it again, this time around they raise the spirit of Tom Cruise (minus the coach jumping) and drop an ode to those who are fed up with their 9 to 5’s on “Jerry McGuire.” Funny stuff..

Musab - Hiero affiliate (Westssside!) trumps everybody on the freebie tip!! As he delivers not one, not two, but three MP3’s off his album Slick Box. And the dude got more sides than a value meal at KFC. Muslam, father, pimp! Thats gotta be the rap-personae triumvirate. Guess it ain’t called the season of giving for nothing, peep: “Baang”; “Hat and Shoes”; and “Kool Aid (Gettoe Juice)”   Thanks Mo!

Not too many rappers are Nikki Giovanni approved! Seriously. And when he’s not crushin’ his own mic (ya know feedin’ his hip-hop habit), you just might find Dumi Right contemplating the significance (and utter brilliance) of the handful of Tribe Called Quest albums out there. See, Dumi can spit verses from both the Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders albums forward and backwards–and he won’t forget a bar, I swear–but just don’t ask him to chose which one is better! - JB

What’s good? Its been a minute since we last spoke? (Circa the first PH Music compilation release) What have you been up to?

Staying busy. Since then I went on to release the O.U.O album, of unknown origin through pH MUSIC/Domination Recordings and through a coincidental conversation I had with DJ Fisher, I connected with some cats that were interested in putting out unreleased Zimbabwe Legit material in the form of the album Brothers from the Mother that never saw light of day when things fell apart back when we were still with Hollywood Complex. After putting out those 2 albums I’ve been working on this new project, The House of Stone and putting in some work with guest appearances on records by Cadence, The Good People and The Saint and a few overseas compilations.

How do you leverage your time between the fam and your music?

I mean its like there are really not enough hours in the day. I have a full time day job, then I have a family so want to make sure that is the main priority. Then there is this business of music. Basically I just have to prioritize, some social stuff that isn’t business related has to get deaded. I mean if some heads want to get together and just kick it I might have to pass so I can spend time with the fam and then jump out when I have a session, show or some business stuff happening. I also have to try to be ultra organized so I can maximize my available time. I have to make sure I stay sharp in all the arenas of my life but also remember that family is most important.

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Rapper Eve on topic..

So supposedly Ms. Jefferie’s album was set to drop on Oct. 16th? However, if you go to any fine record/CD retailer you will find no new album on file. Sigh. Eve’s one of the favorites–yeah, she’s got the throw-away hip-pop music in her catalog (”Who’s That Girl”), but in the same breath Eve’s got the poignant track that every woman can relate to and be proud of (”Love Is Blind”). Not as trashy or as risque as the Lil Kim’s of the world, but with her homegirl appeal and two strikingly placed ‘paw-print’ tattoos, she definitely knows how to get ‘all eyez on her’ and that’s word to Pac!

As of press time the album has been pushed back with no new release date on schedule. Apparently, her and the good Doctor can’t get on the same page. But even with the indefinite delay, she still has found time to crank out two singles : “Tambourine” and “Give It To You” feat. Sean Paul.

In other hip-hop related happenings..

It doesn’t get anymore ignorant than Project Pat! His rap sheet speaks for itself(”Chickenhead”/”Sippin’ On Some Syrup”).  And because hip-hop/rap has seemingly become a celebration of repetitive ignorance–Project Pat unveils his latest single, “Don’t Call Me No Mo” of the Walkin’ Bank Roll album. This record is being heralded as the ‘ringtone anthem!’ And to quote KRS-1..”we now have ringtone rappers?” WTF!!

Ending on a high note -

Check out the slept-on musical stylings of Clan Destined. (Very cerebral music we got here!) We did an album review some time ago, check that out here: Abracadamn! But, givin’ this record a second listen, me thinks we might have errored in its overall rating? Peep: “Never All Ways” and judge for yourself..

Sev Statik (a former Lyrical Lounge interviewee) and DJ Dust (of Mars Ill) have been “in-the-lab” (to borrow a phrase from The R) tinkering, plotting, creating, brewing and scheming their next musical move! And with the fruits of their labor finally coming to fruition (that’s ripe of the uninitiated) on October 9th, they are primed (and proud) to release the collaborative album titled “Back To Dust.”

The album is gettin’ a crazy amount love on the distribution tip with an official digital co-sign by Rawkus Records (thru the Rawkus 50 platform) and a partnership with indie rap label - Hiphop IS Music.

But, what would a collaborative effort be if it didn’t have any quality collabs on it!! (Well, glad you asked!) Guest vocals come in the form of fellow indie heavy-weights  Supastion, LMNO, Manchild, Theory Hazit and Playdough. Album is definitely on a free flowin’ positive strength vibe! Check out the snippets here: www.myspace.com/sumoraps

In other hip-hop related happenings..

Tired of that blasted ‘Superman’ song by Soldier Boy yet? I know the hell I am! (What can I say, I’m just not 10 years old anymore, yo!) Anyways, indie tastemaker and “label-of choice” to the underground, Stone Throws provides us with yet another alternative to the ‘noise’ played on the radio. Listen to: See by Malib and Karriem Riggins from the B-Ball Zombie War compilation. (Yeah, Stone’s is that cool…mixing Basketball and Zombies!)

Domination Recording artist and Demigodz affiliate Majik Most, “is back to bombard and blitz the music community once again”- (And thats a direct quote from the press release people sooo it must be true*) - with his newest musical misadventure ‘You Got Jokes’!Expect to hear from some of the usual suspects Majik getz down with - Celph Titled, Apathy and Dutchmassive - but on this ride M and M also chops it up with fellow Domination fam Tzarizm, Laws and PFM. But hey don’t take my word for it - check out the album sampler here : Got Jokes

Last but certainly not least - DJ extraordinaire, Hip-Hop producer, Prophetix group member, former Lyrical Lounge interviewee and all-around good guy DJ Jon Doe in-conjunction with UK’s Itch FM 105.1, Mr. Lawson and “The Show With No Name” dropped a “free-bee” to the downloading masses some time ago - And because we know everyone likes FREE stuff - (who doesn’t have a hook-up in McDonald’s drive-thru, ya feel me?), consider this your extra Hot Apple Pie on the side: DJ Jon Doe                                                                                                             

Mix features tracks from Skyzoo, Ghostface, Jedi Mind Tricks, The Roots, Hi-Tek, Evidence and LLoyd Banks

MTV won’t air it, but we sure will! Enjoy the latest ‘media event’ from Puffy and Bad Boy Records! (Hi, Suge)

www.babygrande.com - $$$$

Honestly, some time we (those who dare call themselves the hip-hop generation) over think the music that’s currently being released to the masses. Either, we live amongst the naysayers with a proverbial grumble that “hip-hop” is dead - banishing the thought of purchasing any and all music from the genre (even from the indie circuit), or we ride the radio waves of POPularity, happily content “snapping” and poppin’ right along with our local blinged-out disc jockey.

Now, regardless of what side of the argument– left or right that you fall upon, (or even those in the middle, ‘doin’ their own thang’) what is often missed in this unsurrendering debate; is the fact that not every album from the lauded Golden-era of hip-hop is an A and B-side front to back, thought-out with no-debate unanimous classic. Sure today’s hip-hop and rap music has great opportunities around lyrical content and song structure, but the real tragedy I see on a daily basis is that we as a Hip-Hop Nation allow past spoils and the present sonic dictatorship of our ears command what we are willing (and wanting) to listen to.

We are a nation divided, and without pointing fingers in too many directions, we’ll just say that the powers-that-be have clearly crafted a glass ceiling that could most certainly use a sledgehammer taken to it. And with their collective sabbatical now over, The Polyrhythmic Addicts set out to do just that with Break Glass…

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