BlakRoc.

HHHTime is near,

If you’ve been following the updates at all, then chances are you’ve been following the webisodes from the amazing BlakRoc project that’s due out in a matter of weeks.  And on a day where I have less than 15 minutes to get a new piece up, how bout I get you caught up on all the videos and we call it even.  Deal?  Word up.

#5 Feat. NIKKI WRAY & JIM JONES

#6 Feat. NOE

#7 Feat. Q-TIP! (Q-Tip can knock you out too?!?)

#8 Feat. BILLY DANZE (FFFIIIIIREEEE!)

And I guess this wouldn’t be a true HHHT post without at least one treat.  A new unreleased track from a man who supposedly will also be featured on the BlakRoc album, there’ll never be another like him….

OL’ DIRTY BASTARD – SAY NO

Back soon!

P’s

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

Co-Sign.

HHHThat’s my homie,

No matter what anyone tells you, we live in a world based almost entirely on co-signs.

Whether you’re looking for a job at a grocery store, shopping for a record deal, or getting into the mob, someone needs to vouch for you.  Someone always needs to be there co-signing you as you try and claw your way up the elevator shaft to the Penthouse.  And although it’s unfortunate, it’s life as we know it and it’s something we have to learn to work like any other tool or utensil.

So today, I’d like to demonstrate the power of the co-sign.

AYAH

Toronto-based vocalist Ayah has come up quick in her time.   At the eager age of 22, she has already started to create waves through Canada with a string of mixtapes and guestspots that have garnered her a budding and loyal following.  However, despite her smooth voice and well intentioned collaborations, nothing has been more important to her growth in Canada than her success in the Southern half of North America.

Having caught the ear of Touch of Jazz founder, the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, her brand new album, 4:15 is now not only completely executive produced by the Hip-Hop Icon, but also the launching pad from which she is poised to do some serious damage for the home team.

Here’s the first single entitled ‘In my Lifetime’.

AYAH – IN MY LIFETIME

MOS THOUGHT & BLACK DEF.

Okay, so truthfully, neither of these dudes need co-signs.  Both are supremely talented, have cred and co-signs coming out the A, and are arguably in the all-time TOP 5.  That being said, it’s always cool to get your hip-hop nerd on and see a genuine co-signing moment.

Brought to you by the same people who gave you the Def & DOOM footage, I give you the Mighty Mos Def and the incomparable Black Thought.

HEART OF THE HOUSE

This last example of co-signage is one I hold close to my heart.

As some of you may or may not know, I’m the head of the Music Division over at PPF House as well as an artist on the Toronto-based independent label.  We’ve technically been around for 10 years but I didn’t really start contributing until about the Winter of 2004 and our Music Division was only recently launched this past February.  Before then, it was held together by the work of two brothers, Tim and Howie Shia. Both established artists in their own fields (Audio and Visual respectively), if one were to compile a list of (what would be considered MAJOR) accolades from these two, they would have something comparable to one of those new compact phone books they’ve been sending out.

Well now, to add to that phonebook (you can check out more from that list by clicking the image above) Howie, who just recently finished doing a video for Mush Recording Artist, Deru (of Avatar fame — the cartoon not the James Cameron film) recently caught the eye of none other than the Louis Vutton Don himself, Kanye West. And although it was just a blog, I appreciate the love cause based off recent events, it would seem that Mr. West is quite passionate about his videos.

Anyway, here’s the flick:

BLAKROC EPISODE #4 ft. RZA

I’m losing my mind.  This is gonna be RIDICULOUS!

Be well world.

Triple
www.ppfhouse.com

Scare Tactics.

HHHTrick or Treaters,

In a very special Halloween edition of HHHT, I give you a bucketful of tricks and a handful of treats;  A few scares and plenty to calm that sweet tooth of yours.

THE WU

Ghost Stories with Ghostface Killah. – I could listen to this man speak for hours.

The Wu-Massacre – I wasn’t lyin, here they come.

ROC BOTTOM

Some thought the day would never come, and well to many, this truly is a nightmare.  After years of speculation, the silence has officially been broken.  Beans and Jay are no more.

BEANIE SIGEL – WHAT YOU TALKIN BOUT (AVERAGE CAT) — Jay Diss

Jay Responds.

*TREAT*

Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind (Dir. by Hype Williams)

SCREWFACE TREATS!!!

This one is strictly for my T.O. heads.

It’s been a long time coming and something that I, as well as many many others have waited years for.  We got singles.  We got demos.  We got guestspots.  And thankfully we got Big Black Lincoln.  But now, after what seemed to be an endless strings of delays and setbacks, word is Saukrates is on his way back with Season One, and it’s coming soon! Here comes the first street single off the record featuring Andreena Mill.

SAUKRATES – HOT LIKE SUMMER ft. ANDREENA MILL

BLAKROC EPISODE #3 ft. MOS DEF & JIM JONES

Awesome.  Just awesome.

Get ta trickin folk.

Be scared world.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

RAP! GAWTDAMMIT! RAP!

HHHTime for some akshun,

Today’s post is for people who like Rap.  Period.  That’s it.  You like bars?  You like flows?  You like lyrics that make you go ooooh?  Then this is for you.  If you said no to any of these questions, leave now.

I’ve been trying to figure out how to post this ish yesterday exactly one minute after it was posted!  Unfortunately my code-illiterate ass just couldn’t get it to embed.  Thankfully, as expected, someone Youtube‘d it and we’re back in business.

THE CYPHER

Yesterday the annual shamefest known as the BET hip-hop awards took place and well, as expected, it was a useless piece of goonery crap that only helped to ensure that those who don’t like hip-hop stay hating.  That being said, this award show has provided us with 1 good thing every year and it’s those damn (Rap nerd wet dreams -  ‘What if…’) Cyphers.  Last years dopest cypher featured Juelz Santana, Fabolous, Ace Hood (Who surprisingly rocked it even though he can’t write a song worth his life) and Jadakiss running a mean anchor.   Well, I’m happy to say that this years top cypher nearly made me wet myself.  And if it doesn’t make you at least kegal a couple dozen times, then you lied about one of the above questions.

No more talkin.  RAP!  This one’s gonna have people arguin for a while….

The other 2 cyphers (that were decent, but nowhere near the one above) can be found below:

Cypher #2 ft. Wale, Nipsy Hussle, Gsan & KRS-One

Cypher #3 ft. Nicki Minaj, Buckshot, Crown Royyal & Joe Budden (Budden’s a problem!)

A & E

It seems like the thing to do these days for rappers in their mid-30’s is to find another rapper in their mid-30’s who roughly holds the same stature and combine to make a group.  Canibus and Keith Murray.  Del the Funky Homosapien and Tame One. DJ Quik and Kurupt. And even though it would seem like all of these would be dope, or at very least entertaining, only the Quik and Kurupt really popped for me (and I’m a Del fan to the core).  Well we have another pairing for you and this time, it might just work out.  2 people that have influenced a LOT of your favorite rappers but rarely ever get their mention, ladies and gents, I give you A & E (a.k.a. Masta Ace and Edo G.)

**sidenote — for all you Eminem fans, if you didn’t realize that Em started as a Masta Ace clone you better go do your research.  Em’s even copped to it himself.**

MASTA ACE & EDO. G – EI8HT IS ENOUGH

BLAKROC EPISODE #2 ft. Mos Def

We proceed with part 2.  Mos hits the studio and the world implodes.

HIP HOP HISTORY w/ RAKIM

An interview 24/7 Hip Hop did with the Teflon Don breaking down the significance of the number 7 in his life, his falling out with Eric B., and a wild story involving Kool G. Rap getting snuffed and Eric B. riding a sheep skin.

BONUS

No MPFrees?  Now how could I do that to you.  This one’s for the CAPtain to get his blood pumpin.

NEW MADVILLAIN B*TCHES! Courtesy the legendary J-Rocc from the World Famous Beat Junkies.

Click the Metal Face and get your tease.

Phew!

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

This one’s for the King.

HHHThis is it,

Back in 2003, I had the privilege of seeing the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff spin in London for my very first time.  Probably one of the finest and most cohesive hip-hop sets that has ever been put together, he somehow linked Run DMC to Paul Wall and everything in between all in a matter of 30 minutes without a single wasted beat.  Following this chaotic half hour, he then went to another floor and rocked 2 and a half hours of the best soulful house I’d ever heard.  To sum it up, Jazz is a beast.

Well, he’s back with a mixtape dedicated to Late King of Pop, and I assure you, this is on some serious hardcore repeat shit.  Album art and link below.

DJ JAZZY JEFF presents HE’S THE KING, I’M THE DJ (mixtape)

And as promised, we continue with the 48 hours episodes as well as the Blakroc recording sessions.  Get live.

48 HOURS — JADAKISS (part 2 & 3)

BLAKROC – WEBISODE 1 feat. MOS DEF

More Blakroc and 48 hrs next blog.  Stay tuned.

Be well World.

Triple
www.ppfhouse.com

I’m looking forward to…

HHHTime Travelers,

With the 4th quarter upon us and several projects from tons of amazing people still awaiting release, HHHT gets into a few in particular that we’re eye-spyin’ for.

TIL THE CASKET DROPS

Oh Clipse, this one better be good.

I’ve said this before on this blog, but I’ll reiterate one more time.  I’m a huge Clipse fan.  Really and truly I am.  Like, I’ve gone on record as saying that as far as Street lyricists are concerned, they’re the closest thing we’ve had to Wu-Tang in a long long time.  HOWEVER, that last Re-Up gang record was not only unfocused in terms of production and direction, but lyrically they were barely punching their way out of that proverbial wet paper bag (see ‘Fast Life’ produced by Scott Storch).  And to that end…I’m scared.  Nonetheless, I’ve heard 3 cuts off the album thus far and have been relatively content.  Perhaps because they’ve all been Neptunes beats and that’s, at the end of the day, what I think the Clipse should sound like.  Also, Mr. ‘Bison in his studio’, the legendary Rick Rubin is overseeing this album so I can only hope that means any loose ends the Star Trak boys miss, Rick’s holdin down.  Anyway, here’s a new cut featuring Pharrell and the former Dipset General, Cam’ron, whaddya think?

THE CLIPSE – POPULAR DEMAND (POPEYE’S) ft. PHARRELL & CAM’RON

JACK & BROOK

Jack Davey & Brook D’Leau, better known as J*Davey have been a favorite group of mine ever since I saw them perform at this little spot in Toronto some years back.

A clash of about a half dozen genres in one, they were just starting to get their buzz in the scene when the Roots, who obviously felt they were of a particular quality decided to bring them on the Beginner’s Guide… tour.  Unfortunately for them, when they reached Toronto, the type of music they did matched with the venue they were performing at and the audience that was in attendance made for a vinegar/oil type of situation as these 2 were completely drowned out with Boo’s for damn near the entirety of their set.  However, unlike most acts that would’ve packed it up mid-way through the shit storm, they persevered through and finished the set graciously.  Score 1 for J*Davey.  Then, a smart move on their part, they booked a show the next night here in a much smaller club and they absolutely demolished.  They then went on to feature on the Roots next record Game Theory (which is in IMO their best record to date), the late great J Dilla’s Dilla Loves Japan EP, and release 2 EP’s to critical acclaim.  Now, after being picked up by Warner, their preparing to drop their first full length (apparently) soon.  In the meantime, here’s some new ish.

J* DAVEY – END OF YOUR WORLD (MAMA’S BACK)

BLAKROC

I’m not gonna say ANYTHING  about this.  Just watch the video below and digest it yourself cause I’m still convulsing.

I’ll be posting webisodes from the recording sessions on a regular from now on in.  GET FAMILIAR!

**Bonus**

This is kinda old news but for those who don’t know…Allhiphop.com and Jumpoff.TV have been doing a series called ‘48 Hours’ where they follow major artists on the first 2 days of releasing a brand new album.  Thus far, the people they’ve picked have been interesting and the series has been relatively entertaining.  For your viewing pleasure, I thought I’d start posting these up and give you a behind the scenes look at some serious players hard at work.

We start with a Kiss…

We tha ish folk.  There’s no denyin it.

HHHT all day e’yday.

Be well world.

Triple
www.ppfhouse.com

Diggety Dope!

HHHTrick or treaters.

My diggity’s have absolutely nothing to do with DAS EFX and more to do with Complex Mag’s Soundboard. They did it again! Hours of fun.

Just came across this new Video for Kardinal’s track ‘Clear’. Shot on location in Asia (Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore • sadly no Taipei-tears)

CLEAR

peace

CAP

Give the Drummer some. Pt. 1

HHHTap your feet and clap your hands,

**Before I begin this blog, please note that the ‘Drummer’ I’m referring to in the title of this blog will hereby be known as the ‘Producer’ and that the man known as the ‘Producer’, definitely deserves ’some’ as the title suggests.**

Back in the day (let’s say early-mid ’80’s and before), to know a producer’s name either meant you: a) were in the industry, or b) were a huge music geek.  To get that coveted information you’d actually have to spend time sitting down with the album liner notes and research the music you liked. “F’REALS?” Yep, f’reals.  And even then, there was no method of looking up homie’s discography to see what else he/she had done cause well, the interweb was still some ways away and libraries just didn’t generally carry that info.

Well since then, things’ve changed.  We have the internet, which has spawned numerous cult followings (and a million other things).  We have filmmakers dedicating their time to exposing the underbelly of the music creation process and allowing us to really see who’s in charge, but most importantly we have overblown ego’s and insecure men in Hip-hop who generally take their name, turn it into some obnoxious sample and run it at the beginning and end of all their tracks so we know exactly who they are and so they don’t feel inadequate at the end of the day (that being said, I’m a fan of some of those obnoxious samples…JUST BLAAAAZE!)

So, in honor of the Producers of today who’re still secure enough to not throw their name over every ounce of their beat and let their work speak for themselves, I present to you a new HHHT SERIES entitled (you guessed it) Give the Drummer some.

SKI-BEATZ!

That’s right!  That’s who I’m starting with.  The one, the only, Ski-Beatz.  If you know who he is, we might be friends.  If you don’t know who he is, that’s exactly why I’m writing this.

Ski is a legend.  Period.  Ever since he started up with the Bizzie Boyz in the ’80’s as Will-Ski (that’s for the SERIOUS heads) he’s been making that real Hip-Hop.  Discovered early on by the equally as legendary DJ Clark Kent (who just ran a train on Taipeezy — Shouts to M.A. and the fam.) Ski was always able to get a quality out of his beats that, whether people realize it or not, helped to shape that mid ’90’s East Coast sound.

Now, the homie has put out a bunch of sub-par material.  There’s no denying that.  But, dammit when he hit, he HIT.  Camp Lo’s: Luchini (This is it), Swing, Coolie High — Jay-Z’s: Dead Presidents, 22 Two’s, Politics as Usual and Feelin’ It! Dammit….even if those’re the only 7 songs he’ll ever be known for.  Those are 7 incredible songs.

Well, he’s back.  Still rockin with the Lo.  And we got a couple for you.  Check it.

Camp Lo – Black Connect 3

Camp Lo – Boogie Nights

GIGZ

If you don’t live in Southern Ontario or the American East Coast, you’ve probably never heard of GIGZ.  But that’s not to say you shouldn’t.

Someone who I’ve seen first hand grow from a relatively decent producer to someone who has truly mastered the art of the headnod and fist pump.  GIGZ is a problem.  Winner of countless beat battles all over North America including the coveted Battle of the Beatmakers in New York (Grimy Beat Champion @ BOTB IV) he is slowly but surely expanding outward like his Hulk’ish physique and poised to do big things in the coming years.  Having just released a brand new collaborative album entitled ‘Top Rankin’ with long-time friend and PPF House member, The Abyss, ‘09 and ‘10 are looking rather prosperous for the new Gang Starr of the Toronto scene.

Check the chunes:

YEEZY & SPIKE

And finally, word leaked about this months ago and it sounded interesting.

Well, it’s interesting and quite dope (plus a little creepy) imo.

We’re bout that GOOD good.

The squad is thick.  Understand that.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

Superstars Only.

HHHTop of your game,

As a blogger and critic it’s far too easy for me to sit here and criticize or attempt to pick apart a piece of work I’m not into.  Being part of the online community, I’ve been unfairly granted the license to completely dump on another mans art just because I don’t fall in line with his plight (all bloggers, reviewers and columnists should have to take a test and earn a license to write).

In my day to day rants, I do my best to stay within a positive realm and shit on only those I’ve completely deemed worthy.  However, that being said, even though I’m just a small time dude reaching a few hundred people a day, if I might effect the way even 1 person perceives another mans means of breadwinning and allow that artist to suffer the loss of that 1 sale (which, to underground artists means quite a lot!) , then you can only imagine the damage those blowhard, self aggrandizing anal warts at Pitchfork do on a daily basis.

With that said, the artists featured in today’s blog have all worked through the bad reviews and bad publicity, have all put out bad music, and yet, have found a way to milk their accolades for everything their worth, stay relevant and maintain their Superstar Status.

MICHAEL JACKSON

Who else would I start with other than the man who went through arguably the worst publicity shit storm of any artist in history and still manage to have every one of his albums go Multi-Platinum.   Even before his passing, when the storm was at it’s peak, he managed to set a record for selling out his final 50 date-tour faster than anyone in history.

This cut is the title track off his first post-humous album entitled ‘This is It’. I’ll let you guys be the critics on this one.

R.I.P. M.J.

MICHAEL JACKSON – THIS IS IT

S-N-DOUBLE O-P

C’mon folks, let’s be F’REAL f’real.  Snoop can’t lose.

He’s put out at least a half-dozen phone-in albums.  Put on a countless number of no talent, two-bit tards (obviously excluding beasts like Kurupt, Suga Free, Battlecat, etc.). Whored himself out to any product that would be willing to endorse him, and yet, the majority of us still champion him like he’s never done us wrong.  I couldn’t even begin to explain it to you, and nor will I even attempt it, just know that when people talk about that ‘IT’ in celebrities, he might as well be a Stephen King creation.

Here’s that new ish from the Doggfather.

SNOOP DOGG ft. THE DREAM – GANGSTA LUV

And if your favorite Snoop is still from ‘93.  Here’s an unreleased track from the Death Row vaults.

SNOOP DOGG ft. NATE DOGG – O.G. (Original)

RAKIM ALLAH

Okay, so the Teflon Don hasn’t stayed the test of time like our previous 2 contestants.  However, when you talk about legacies in Hip-Hop, there are few if any that compare to his.

Arguably the godfather of modern day rap and cadences, you will rarely, if ever, here Rakim miss someone’s top 5.  And truthfully, that might not even be because they like him that much, but simply because they feel obligated to say his name in fear that someone listening will punch out your canine’s for forgetting him.  And if your legacy can do that, you’re a superstar.

Now, back after a decade long hiatus, here goes the first tune off Ra’s 3rd official solo studio album, Seventh Seal.  Is it good?  You tell me.

RAKIM ft. MAINO – WALK THESE STREETS

**BONUS**

THEOPHILUS LONDON

This doesn’t really have anything to do with today’s thread but I really like this song.  I haven’t heard too many tunes from Theophilus, but the ones I have I’ve enjoyed quite a bit.  And now as a part of what I’m assuming is a push for an upcoming record, he’s released a video to arguably my favorite tune of his.

THEOPHILUS LONDON – ENJOY THE SUN

Enjoy the day folk.

Happy Turkey Face Canada.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

Applause.

HHHTenacious,

Today is all about clapping.  Whether it be AK’s or appendages is up to you, just make sure it’s out of joy.

LIFE IS BETTER

After finally releasing the super duper illness known as Kamaal the Abstract.  The man Kamaal Fareed, better known as Q-Tip, has just released a new single (and arguably my favorite tune off his previous album this year the Renaissance) entitled Life is Better.  Although on paper the content may seem a bit ‘been there, done that’ish, Q-Tip, accompanied by one of the most soothing vocal qualities of the past quarter-century, Norah Jones, somehow still manage to make it feel fresh.  Or maybe that’s just my opinion.

Either way, this tune is bomb.

**Bonus**

Following along  the same content lines are 2 underground legends: Del the Funky Homosapien and Tame One (who are also Ice Cube’s and Redman’s cousins respectively) who are gearing up for their upcoming duo album, Parallel Uni-Verses .  The song isn’t near as compelling as it could be, but Del is still a monster.

Del the Funky Homosapien & Tame One – Flashback

FOREVER

First you heard it.  Now you get to see it.

The ‘Swagga Like Us‘ of 2009.  I give you Drizzy Drake, Lil Weezy Wee, Kanyeezy and Em.  Fresh off the More Than A Game Soundtrack, Forever.

**Bonus**

For those paying close attention to the last verse,  aside from Eminem sounding like he might be back to his old form, you may’ve also noticed 4 characters that’ve been frequenting the HHHT blog for the past little while standing behind him.  Yes, that was Slaughterhouse and yes, rumor has it they’re slated to be the next artists on Shady Records.  Now I have no idea whether or not this is actually going to go through, but with a machine like Shady/Aftermath behind these four extremely talented spitters, it may mark the beginning of a new era in the mainstream game.  A ‘return to form’ so to speak.  Anyway, here’s a brand new tune from former Aftermath signee, and the best Latino role model since Big Pun…

Joell Ortiz feat. Novel – Call Me

APPLAUSE

Toronto-based artists LEO37 + Sunclef have been busy boys.  First separately touring Canada and the States as a part of the WPBE and Zaki Ibrahim’s crew respectively, then uniting to conquer a 15-date Canadian tour with fellow PPF Housemates, MAGNOLIUS.   All self-booked and self-produced, their inaugural run has been so great that, to show their appreciation for the love they’ve received, PPF House has decided to officially release their new single for FREE.

Click below to see the promo vid and click under that for preview and DL.

That’s the word people.

Get it poppin.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com