Tag: GUILTY SIMPSON

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Reviews

Random Axe – Random Axe album review

When a musical collective is labeled a supergroup, there is definitely a lot to expect. Random Axe is without a doubt a supergroup, and they confidently wear that label with bravado and unquestionable swagger. Comprised of Black Milk, Guilty Simpson and Sean Price, Random Axe is anything but random. Talented MCs coming together to create a unified album that delivers like a full-force axe, Random Axe’s self-titled debut album is a nice introduction to the group.

From the start, the production is choppy, eerie and somewhat dark, but fits for the hard, dark-humored rhymes of Simpson and Price. “Black Ops” features explosive snares, and a guest appearance from Fat Ray. “Chewbacca” and its spooky, flowy synths, contribute to Roc Marciano’s stream of consciousness delivery, his narrative mysterious, yet effective.

“Everybody, Nobody, Somebody” addresses issues ranging from cultural, to political. The eerie, minimal production on this track, is almost as haunting as the subject manner. “Jahphy Joe” combines cracking drums, theremin sounds and guest appearances from Melanie Rutherford (who lays down a great chorus) and Danny Brown, to create a track that is just absolutely intimidating.

“Never Back Down” showcases Simpson’s ability to hold down a track all by himself. He manages to state his greatness in 47 seconds; effective, and precise, it is obvious that Simpson means it when he says, “My ego’s big,” and defends the statement with such a tough guy delivery, that you can’t help but agree.

“Another One” is absolutely crazy, especially when Trick-Trick spits over it. His delivery is uncontrollable and untamed, a verbal onslaught that is just so hardcore, you might not be able to get through the rest of the song.

Overall, this trio is mind-blowing. Black Milk’s production is minimalist and eerie at times, bringing to mind those such as, J Dilla and RZA. Other times, it can be electro-influenced, grabbing sounds from the realms of Kraftwerk, and specific artists such as Brian Eno. To be able to cultivate a sound like that is commendable. Add in Simpson and Price’s impeccable and intimidating flow, and you have an album that is great in so many ways. At times the group does falter, and some tracks may not stand out as much as others, but the album is definitely listenable. The guest appearances are a great contribution to the album, and the diverse selection brings a different energy to each track. Random Axe’s self-titled, debut album is a warm welcome into their world, and these guys confidently show it off for everybody to see.

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Press Releases

Torae & Marco Polo Set to Release DOUBLE BARREL Album On June 2nd: Featuring Lil Fame of M.O.P., an intro by DJ Premier, Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, Masta Ace, Saukrates, S-Roc & cuts by DJ Revolution

Torae & Marco Polo Set to Release “DOUBLE BARREL” Album On June 2nd: Featuring Lil Fame of M.O.P., an intro by DJ Premier, Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, Masta Ace, Saukrates, S-Roc & cuts by DJ Revolution

Digital Deluxe-Edition of “Double Barrel,'” which includes the complete album, an exclusive bonus track, and Marco Polo’s instrumentals, will be available exclusively through iTunes worldwide for only $9.99

Rapper Torae & Super-Producer Marco Polo have joined forces to release the New York rap album that fans of raw, hardcore Hip-Hop have been waiting for.

When it comes to beats and rhymes, Canadian producer Marco Polo and Brooklyn MC Torae don’t play, just check the résumé. On his 2007 critically acclaimed album Port Authority, Polo recruited a who’s who of MC’s like Kool G Rap and Kardinal Offishall to ride over his hard-hitting instrumentals. Torae, on the other hand, has certified his rep as one of the game’s illest lyricists in a similar fashion, with remarkable wordplay on his highly touted 2008 street album Daily Conversation. So, in the spirit of great hip-hop duos, the producer and the MC signed with Duck Down Records to release their collaborative album “Double Barrel,” on June 2nd.

“He’s bringing the hardest production that he can bring, I’m bringing the hardest rhymes I can bring; together its like a double barrel blast,” says Torae of the album’s persistent theme. The two first hooked up when Marco tapped the MC to guest on his Mick Boogie-helmed mixtape, The New Port Authority, in 2007. In turn, Marco went on to produce “Casualty” on Tor’s Daily Conversation. “I think we just had a connection in the studio,” says Polo, “We wanted to make an album that we wanted to hear with banging beats and aggressive rhymes.”

Sonically Double Barrel pays homage to New York’s mid-‘90’s rap scene, when artists like Gang Starr and Wu-Tang Clan reigned supreme. The album’s lead track “Party Crashers” is a definite standout, harkening back to that era with its chest thumping percussion and rock solid rhymes. So rather then try to fit in with Hip-Hop’s pop set, Torae & Marco chose the unconventional route. “I think the sound of the album is not the most popular or trendy, but we’re going to crash the party,” says Tor, “ We’re coming in with this sound and we’re coming in doing what we want to do.”

Songs like the dramatic “But Wait” and the free associative “Word Play” display Tor’s forward-thinking conceptual abilities, while the rock-infused “Danger” stands as one of Marco’s finest productions to date. Overall the album is chock-full of the street-influenced rap that fans have come to expect from the two Hip-Hop upstarts.

Torae sums up the collaboration perfectly when he spits, “He makes violent beats, I’m from the violent streets/That Double Barrel sound, that’s where violence meets.”

Torae & Marco Polo will also be hitting off the vinyl heads with both a 12″ and LP of the album.

The 12” line up is:

Double Barrel

Hold Up featuring Sean Price & Masta Ace

Combat Drills (exclusive cut not found on the Double Barrel CD)

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Media Press Releases

eLZhi – Fire featuring Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Fatt Father, Danny Brown and Fat Ray

eLZhi – “Fire” Featuring Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Fatt Father, Danny Brown and Fat Ray

“from the beginning until the rhyme end / it’s no stoppin’ / every line’s mind bogglin'”

eLZhi and a crew of D-town guest stars bring the heat on “Fire” off eZhi’s highly acclaimed solo effort The Preface. The track showcases talent from the likes of Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Fatt Father, Danny Brown and Fat Ray, in addition to the man himself. eLZhi lights up yet another track with effortlessly explosive flow. He says ” Limitless-I’m / Not even the sky’s the limit to I / when we spit with adrenaline times ten / from the beginning until the rhyme end / it’s no stoppin’ / every line’s mind bogglin’.”
Like what you hear? Keep up with eLZhi and other artists like Freddie Foxxx, Ill Bill, and Black Milk on the Fat Beats Blog where you can learn about upcoming performances, releases, and in-store appearances.

Also, check out this video on the history of Fat Beats Records, bringing you fresh, independent hip hop since 1994.

The Background:

In the late-nineties, eLZhi made a name for himself by moving his way up through the ranks of Detroit’s underground scene and teaming up with Slum Village for his first big taste of success. He has since been making the rounds, working with local Detroit luminaries such as J Dilla, Waajeed of Platinum Pied Pipers, and Dwele, in addition to a well-received solo tour of Europe during his early years in the game. Hip-hop enthusiasts across the globe consider eLZhi to be one of the most skilled emcees in the entire scene, and bloggers and critics have been trumpeting this sentiment since the release of the last Slum Village album in 2005. With the release of The Preface, eLZhi looks to cement his name amongst the greatest emcees in the game. The 16-track album, produced almost entirely by rising star Black Milk, features guest appearances by a who’s who of the Detroit hip-hop scene. Royce Da 5’9″, T3 (Slum Village), Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, and more add to what many have predicted will be one of the most noteworthy hip-hop releases of 2008. The Preface is in stores now via Fat Beats Records.

Streams

Fire Featuring Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Fatt Father, Danny Brown and Fat Ray

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Tour Dates

Who’s Who of Underground Hip-Hop Scene Join together for “Caltroit” Tour Heavy Hitters Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, and Bishop Lamont Hit the Road

Who’s Who of Underground Hip-Hop Scene Join together for “Caltroit” Tour Heavy Hitters Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, and Bishop Lamont Hit the Road

Producer, MC, and vanguard of Detroit’s rising hip-hop scene, Black Milk will embark on a mini-tour of Europe featuring fellow heavy hitters Guilty Simpson and Bishop Lamont and special guests eLZhi and Sean Price on additional U.S. dates. The “Caltroit” Tour will consist of eight dates in major European cities including Amsterdam, Paris and Zurich. The tour is in support of Black Milk and Bishop Lamont’s duo album Caltroit, Black Milk’s highly anticipated solo album Tronic, and Guilty Simpson’s critically acclaimed debut album Ode To The Ghetto.

When discussing the tour, Black said, “It is always good to go to Europe because there is so much energy in the crowd and so much love over there.” Since releasing Caltroit with Bishop Lamont in 2007, the duo have not joined together on a tour. The tour will offer fans a chance to finally see Black and Bishop performing their songs together.

In only a few short years, Black Milk quickly has become one of underground hip-hop’s foremost ambassadors since the release of his debut solo album Popular Demand. Realizing his vast reservoir of talent, both independent and mainstream artists looked to Black to give their albums a raw underground sound. Black has since produced and appeared on tracks for an impressive roster of hip hop artists including Genius/GZA, Busta Rhymes, Pharoahe Monch, Kidz in the Hall, Kardinal Offishall, Guilty Simpson, and Strange Fruit Project, among others. Most recently, Black released two albums, The Set Up with Fat Ray and Black Milk Presents Caltroit with Bishop Lamont. Black also handed nearly all the production on elZhi’s The Preface, an album that is making many critics’ Top 10 lists for 2008 and bringing serious attention to Detroit’s music scene. Black also produces and rhymes as a member of the ground Random Axe with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson and will release a full-length album in early 2009. TRONIC will be released on CD, vinyl, and digitally via Fat Beats Records on October 28, 2008.

Dates:

Thurs-Oct-9 Aarhus, DENMARK Train
Fri-Oct-10 Zurich, SWITZERLAND Aktionshalle
Sat-Oct-11 Paris, FRANCE Gibus
Mon-Oct-13 Leipzig, GERMANY Connie Island
Tue-Oct-14 Amsterdam, HOLLAND Paradiso
Wed-Oct-15 Rotterdam, HOLLAND Watt
Thu-Oct-16 Cologne, GERMANY TBA
Fri-Oct-17 Basel, SWITZERLAND Das Schiff
Sat-Oct-18 Oslo, NORWAY Bla
Fri-Oct-24 New York, NY Southpaw- “TRONIC” ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
Tue-Oct-28 Detroit, MI The Shelter@ St. Andrews Hall- “TRONIC” ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
Thurs-Nov-6 Toronto, CANADA Revival- “TRONIC” ALBUM RELEASE PARTY w/eLZHI
Sat-Nov-15 Los Angeles, CA Key Club w/Sean Price

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Press Releases

DILATED PEOPLES & BEAT JUNKIES DJ/PRODUCER, DJ BABU, PREPS THE RELEASE OF HIS LONG AWAITED STUDIO LP DUCK SEASON 3 | DJ BABU’S DUCK SEASON 3 FEATURES TRACKS WITH BISHOP LAMONT, MF DOOM, DILATED PEOPLES, SEAN PRICE, TERMANOLOGY, M.O.P., LITTLE BROTHER, KARDINAL OFFISHAL, STRONG ARM STEADY, GUILTY SIMPSON, PERCEE P, A.G

DILATED PEOPLES & BEAT JUNKIES DJ/PRODUCER, DJ BABU, PREPS THE RELEASE OF HIS LONG AWAITED STUDIO LP DUCK SEASON 3 | DJ BABU’S DUCK SEASON 3 FEATURES TRACKS WITH BISHOP LAMONT, MF DOOM, DILATED PEOPLES, SEAN PRICE, TERMANOLOGY, M.O.P., LITTLE BROTHER, KARDINAL OFFISHAL, STRONG ARM STEADY, GUILTY SIMPSON, PERCEE P, A.G

A world-famous DJ with active memberships in Dilated Peoples and Beat Junkies among his most notable accomplishments, DJ Babu has made a noteworthy evolution. The Los Angeles-based turntablist also stands as one of underground rap’s fastest-rising producers.

Waiting almost five years after the release of the previous Duck Season installments, DJ BABU has been carefully crafting the final saga in his highly acclaimed hip-hop trilogy. What started out for Babu as a DJ compilation, the Duck Season series has come full circle to become a production showcase for the legendary turntablist; not to mention, his finest work to date.

“It started out as a mixtape that featured some of my favorite tracks,” explains DJ Babu. “Now it has fully evolved into a platform of my own production. The album is still presented in the classic Beat Junkie mixtape style, but that’s just a clever way for me to disguise my LP.” Indeed, working with Dilated Peoples aided DJ Babu in his evolution as a producer. Throughout the trio’s four albums, DJ Babu was steadily gaining knowledge and insight on how to craft meaningful and memorable soundbeds. Now, he has combined his far-reaching creative abilities into one project, the rock-solid Duck Season 3.

This evolution from DJ to producer is on full display throughout DJ Babu’s sonically superior Duck Season 3. The fast-moving collection showcases all of Babu’s quickly expanding talents, from mixing, juggling, blending and scratching — as well as producing. Entirely produced by Babu, the line-up on Duck Season 3 reads like a hip-hop’s who’s who. While Babu includes many familiar faces like M.O.P., MF DOOM, Dilated Peoples and Sean Price, he also plants his ear to the streets, recruiting some of today’s hottest new talent like Bishop Lamont and Termanology.

A West Coast veteran in his own right, Babu has achieved a sound that can’t be labeled by region or style. This album could be equally appreciated in the Bronx, Compton or anywhere in between. Duck Season 3 is a treat for all the true B-Boy’s out there and a testament to the fact that hip-hop’s golden era is alive and well and as Babu concludes the vine between the golden era and today is still deeply rooted “allot of the DJs that I looked up to became great producers, from Dr. Dre to DJ Premier to Pete Rock. In a lot of ways, I’m trying to carry that same torch, where hip-hop is still rooted within DJing and records.”

Tracklisting and credits for DJ Babu’s Duck Season 3:

1. DS3 Intro f/ Dilated Peoples
2. Dearly Departed f/ M.O.P.
3. Fan Mail f/ Little Brother, Joe Scudda, & D-Brock
4. The Unexpected f/ MF DOOM & Sean Price
5. Frozen f/ Guilty Simpson
6. East West Connection f/ A.G.
7. My Opinion f/ Bishop Lamont
8. 2 Feet f/ Kardinal Offishall & Rakaa Iriscience
9. Black & Brown Army f/ Chace Infinite & Sick Jacken
10. Graveyardshiftin f/ Cali Agents & Roc Marciano
11. For Whatever It’s Worth f/ Evidence
12. It’s A New Day f/ M.E.D.
13. O.G. f/ Strong Arm Steady
14. Guns Gon’ Blow f/ Termanology
15. That Ain’t Gangsta f/ Likwit Junkies
16. Meant To Be f/ Roc C. & Oh No
17. SBX2LAX2OX f/ Wildchild & Percee P
18. Ahead Of My Time f/ Niko

(ALL SONGS PRODUCED, MIXED and ARRANGED by DJ BABU)

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Press Releases

DJ REVOLUTION “KING OF THE DECKS” ALBUM IN STORES SEPTEMBER 16th ON DUCK DOWN RECORDS FEATURING TRACKS FROM KRS-ONE, BISHOP LAMONT, CROOKED I, JOELL ORTIZ, SEAN PRICE, DJ QBERT, BOOT CAMP CLIK, JAZZY JEFF, EVIDENCE, GUILTY SIMPSON, ROYCE DA 5’9, SPECIAL TEAMZ, DEFARI, TERMANOLOGY, TASH, RAKAA IRISCIENCE, BUMPY KNUCKLES, BLAQ POET, STRONG ARM STEADY, PLANET ASIA, DJ PREMIER

DJ REVOLUTION “KING OF THE DECKS” ALBUM IN STORES SEPTEMBER 16th ON DUCK DOWN RECORDS FEATURING TRACKS FROM KRS-ONE, BISHOP LAMONT, CROOKED I, JOELL ORTIZ, SEAN PRICE, DJ QBERT, BOOT CAMP CLIK, JAZZY JEFF, EVIDENCE, GUILTY SIMPSON, ROYCE DA 5’9, SPECIAL TEAMZ, DEFARI, TERMANOLOGY, TASH, RAKAA IRISCIENCE, BUMPY KNUCKLES, BLAQ POET, STRONG ARM STEADY, PLANET ASIA, DJ PREMIER

DJ Revolution said it best in a recent interview, “the connection between the DJ and the emcee has been severed. ”King of The Decks” is my attempt at reconnecting it.” DJ Revolution did just that with his new album, as he brought together some of the most talented names in Hip Hop today, who not only produce quality music, but also respect the craft of the DJ Culture.

DJ Revolution has spent 15 years perfecting that craft on the SP 1200. He’s currently behind the wheels of the longest running Hip Hop show in the history of commercial radio, “THE WORLD FAMOUS WAKE UP SHOW alongside Sway & King Tech.

Aside from his weekly duties on the show based out of LA on Power 106, and syndicated Worldwide, he has lent his now infamous scratch techniques to countless records and his production skills to many established artists. REV has also taken his skillz to the far corners as the globe and ripped clubs in locations such as Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He has also shared the stage DJ’ing for many artists including legends like Rakim all the way to current superstars such as Kanye West. Revolution has released two of his own Full length LP’s (“In 12’s we trust/R2K”) and one with his partners Sway & Tech (“This or That”).

As DJ Revolution readies “KING OF THE DECKS,” in stores on September 16th, he divulged further on the issues of the lack of communication between the MC and THE DJ stating that it “is one of the most obvious reasons Hip Hop has devolved so drastically over the years. Since MC’s in general decided to toss aside the DJ as an asset and integral part of their success from production to performance, the music has suffered tremendously. My goal is to re-introduce to the world what a DJ is. He or She is not just a celebrity, or someone who plays records, or makes funny sounds with turntables. He or she is all of that and more. I recruited some of the most legendary and also most talented up and coming artists to help me express all of this within the context of the music.

The title of the album is by no means a way of saying I’m the best on the turntables. “King of the Decks” is obviously just a play on words related to a deck of cards. However, it is also a statement that needs to be remembered. The DJ is King.”

Tracklisting and credits for DJ Revolution’s King Of The Decks (all songs produced DJ Revolution except where noted):

1.) Intro f/Jazzy Jeff
2.) King Of The Decks f/ Sean Price & Tash
3.) THE DJ f/ KRS ONE
4.) Do My Thing f/ Guilty Simpson & Royce Da 5′ 9″
5.) LADJ (skit)
6.) Funky Piano f/ Bishop Lamont, Crooked I, Styliztik Jones
7.) For The Kids (skit)
8.) The Big Top f/ Special Teamz
9). Start The Revolution f/ Boot Camp Clik
10.) Scratch Nerds (skit)
11.) Invaders from the Planet Sqratch f/ DJ Qbert
12.) EY! f/ Joell Ortiz and Termanology (Produced by DJ Revolution & DJ Numark)
13.) Casualties of Tour f/ Rakaa Iriscience (produced by Marco Polo)
14.) Damage f/ Blaq Poet & Bumpy Knuckles
15.) Willie Lynch f/ Styliztik Jones and KBimean
16.) The Biggest Up f/ DJ Premier (Skit)
17.) Blow Da Spot f/ Strong Arm Steady
18.) School f/ Planet Asia
19.) Spit Ridiculous f/ Defari
20.) Pro’s & Con’s f/ Evidence
21.) Calling Haul (Skit)
22.) Man or Machine
23.) The Set Up f/ Sway & King Tech
24.) The Re-Match f/ DJ Spinbad

(ALL SONGS PRODUCED, MIXED and ARRANGED by DJ REVOLUTION)