Beatmaker of the Week: Statik Selektah

Statik Selektah is a beatmaker who like Jake One has worked with a plethora of emcees. His versatility is a quality that keeps the fans coming back for more. I was turned on to Statik's work via his classic mixtapes with Royce Da 5'9", AZ, Nas, and more. His work ethic is also legendary (He released an album called "Spell My Name Right" last year and he contributed to Reks and Termanology's albums). Recently his new album, "Stick 2 The Script" was released to the public via Showoff Records/Brick Records. The album features Cassidy, Royce Da 5'9", Jadakiss, Freeway, Redman, Termanology, M.O.P. and more. If you get a chance get out the album or his past work.

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Donny Goines - Can't Fit In My Shoes (Video)

Donny Goines is an artist that I respect, I had the privilege to see him rise from the Bum Squad Djs message board to where he is now. He is known for his heartfelt delivery and his awesome work ethic. I advise you to listen to what this guy has to say. Donny and I also worked on a collaboration for Rip One's compilation and the song turned out great (you will hear it soon I hope).

I have embedded a video from Donny's upcoming album "Minute After Midnight" which is Executive Prod. by Dame Grease. The video is directed by Court Dunn and the song is produced by Dj Snips.


Donny Goines - Can't Fit In My Shoes [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO] from Restless Films on Vimeo.

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Who would win a rap battle between McCain and Obama?

Before I type about this subject I would like to say that a new president will be elected in November...I have to quote Buff 1 right quick

you say guck the fovernment and buck Bush//
I say I love the government, I love Bush//

Am I the only one who believes that elections are similar to rap battles? I mean the attempt to dig up dirt on your opponent (personal disses), the eloquent speech (flow, presence and delivery), and the crowd deciding who the victor will be. Who would win a rap battle between the two candidates? Would McCain butt in while Obama is flowing? Would Joe Budden I mean Biden direct all of his attacks towards Mrs. Palin?

What is the election based on? Is it based on a younger hipper candidate or an older candidate who has a lot of experience (with the pass regime)? Will the elected president help us restore the economy and get the soldiers out of Iraq?

the answer is emphatically H E double L no haha

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Beatmaker of the Week: Jake One

Fresh off dropping White Van Music is the man known as Jake One, whose name is synonymous with underground and commercial heads. He has done beat work for numerous artists, most notably 50 Cent, Brother Ali, and more. I had to feature Jake because he is so versatile with his production and he conjures up some dope material. I am a fan of music and when I hear a dope song I have to inform the masses. Jake One has a contest going on over at Jake One.com, and it centers around crafting a song from the instrumentals from White Van Music. You know that I will participate in this contest and I will record over God Like...who knows I may even video blog the process hehe. Cop White Van Music!! trust me you won't be disappointed especially with the lineup (Young Buck, Freeway, MF DooM, Elzhi, Royce, Black Milk, Nottz, M.O.P., and more).

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Artist Appreciation: Juice

My second installment for artist appreciation focuses on the brilliance of Juice. Juice is a renowned freestyle and battle rapper. I first caught wind of Juice back in the late 90's when I was heavily immersed in the underground hip hop culture, most notably Scribble Jam. When I found out that Eminem battled Juice I did a back flip...especially when I saw the footage of them battling. I was amazed by his flow, delivery, and witty lines. When I saw him freestyle on YouTube or listened to him I was amazed by the content of his lines and his ability to say things that I should have thought of. He is definitely a legend in the underground scene and will always come with substance.

If you get a chance check him out via google and other Internet mediums.

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NEW TRACK: Praverb - Blessed With The Gift (prod. by Teddy Roxpin)

Hello Everybody,

Praverb - Blessed With The Gift (prod. by Teddy Roxpin) <--- Link for the track...(attaching the file only works if you are given permission, so I decided to add a link)

This is Praverb and I am hitting you with a track that I recorded yesterday (first time in a long time) during my massive recording session. The track is produced by Teddy Roxpin (MA stand up haha) and the track is a combination of battle lyrics and spiritual aspects. As the listener you will hear a lot of sports references and I hope that you catch most of them. As always if you are feeling the track share it with someone else.

peace and blessings,
Praverb

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A return to the stage...

"I battle you for the respect, I'll battle you over a blank check
I'll battle you with a gun to my neck" - Canibus

Waddup everyone, I am fresh from my return to the stage. I went to the Scribble Jam Pre-Lims in Baltimore and I had a chance to compete for a spot at Scribble Jam. My comeback mission was halted after the first round but I did learn some valuable lessons. I learned that freestyle battles are about "shock value" or what is being delivered and how it is delivered, gone are the days of having a tight flow and ill presence. I also learned that making stupid comparisons garner the most applause or reaction from the average rap audience. I love battle rap because it is the closest thing to a fight and since I don't use the fisticuffs anymore I prefer battle rap. I understand that I will catch some flack for it but this is an art in which I can be creative and incorporate a lot of ideas and opinions. The experience was great and I had a chance to vibe with A-Class, Ull Neva No, and my homie Darnell. Ray was there to accompany me and I felt a little nervous and rusty. I have worked on my freestyle skills for about two weeks but I want to continue to advance. If I continue to battle rap I want to work on my approach more because I think I got caught up trying to emulate Juice instead of spitting like myself. All in all I had fun freestyling all the way there and back. Be on the lookout for new tracks, especially the one featuring Donny Goines.

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