Yellow Tape.

HHHToday’s your day,

THE PPF NEIGHBORHOOD

With only one day left until the Canadian Government stops matching private donations in the Haiti Earthquake Relief  Effort, I ask you, loyal HHHT readers and lovers to please head on over to the PPF Neighborhood and donate now.  This project, in conjunction with MSF (a.k.a. Doctors without Borders) and support from the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) is a 14-track album featuring artists from around the world playing everything from Underground Hip-Hop to Latin Jazz, Ambient Electronica to Folk.  Accompanying the audio is also a 13-page PDF booklet featuring art from award winning painters, illustrators, animators and designers.

You’re not just helping a country in distress…please watch.

For more information on the project: THE PPF NEIGHBORHOOD

BIG DILLA

This past week we honored the passing of 2 of Hip-Hop’s greats and in commemoration, Cookin Soul and 2 Dope Boyz put together this mixtape celebrating their absolute awesomeness:

COOKIN SOUL Presents BIG DILLA

SHOTS AT THE THRONE

As a follow-up to their hugely entertaining 10-pages of Jay-Z disses, Complex Mag, also responsible for those awesome soundboards as well as getting Keri Hilson to take those wonderful pics brings you 7 pages of emcees dissing Jay-Z back.  Everyone from Nas to Prodigy, Fat Joe to Jim Jones, it’s allll there.  Click the image below for the whole shebangabang.

*BONUS*

And finally, as an added bonus, a treat from one of the illest to ever do it.

KURUPT – STALKIN

Be well world.

Triple.

www.ppfhouse.com

For the Soul.

HHHTurn it UP,

A little something for the soul today.

WINDOW SEAT

She’s baaaack.

The outspoken and lovely Mrs. Electronica is gearing up for her follow up to New Amerykah Pt. 1 (which was a truly fantastic album btw) and has just dropped the first official single entitled Window Seat.  My hope is that this album will be as fire as the last and knowing Ms. Badu, those hopes are pretty reasonable.  What you think?

ERYKAH BADU – WINDOW SEAT

DILLAGENCE

As it was just the anniversary of Dilla’s passing, and seeing as how tomorrow is his birthday, I thought it’d be fitting to post at least one more thing before Dilla week wraps up for another year.

I give you easily one of the best mixtapes I’ve ever heard.  Dilla’s friend and long time collaborator, Busta Rhymes put this out shortly after his passing and it is just wall to wall bangers.  Stuff for the soul.  Stuff for the clubs.  And everything else in between.  Soak it in cause it’s gonna get taken down soon.

MICK BOOGIE PRESENTS BUSTA RHYMES + J DILLA – DILLAGENCE

Enjoy it folk.

Love.

Triple.

www.ppfhouse.com

Farewell.

HHHTip your hat,

I’m a touch heartbroken to announce the (sorta) end of an era.

El-P, one of the few men in the music industry who has without a doubt stuck to his guns for the entirety of his career and as such, created a whole sub-genre and movement based on his own convictions has recently announced that Definitive Jux, his label, responsible for giving us phenomenal releases from artists such as: Aesop Rock, Murs, RJD2, Cannibal Ox, SA Smash (R.I.P. Camu Tao), Cage, Mr. Lif and Del’s last offering, will be taking a ‘break‘ for an undetermined amount of time.  Read the full press release HERE.

This end I would equate to the Native Tongues breaking up.  Although many of you might find that ludicrous and may’ve never heard of some of these artists, this small group of misfits (along side the Rhymesayers imprint)  changed and re-imagined what independent artists could do and to what level they could take it.  The imagination and creativity that they continually injected into the game for over a decade kept things fresh, and although may not have always been the most listener friendly, was brave and had conviction, and for that I have nothing but respect.

As a tribute, 2DopeBoyz posted this incredible compilation of some of Def Jux’s greatest hits and I implore you, if you like this stuff, pick up the records.  They’re truly phenomenal, and I can personally say I’m a proud owner of damn near the entire catalogue.

TheCryptOnline Presents FAREWELL DEF JUX: 1999-2010

01. Cage – I Never Knew You.mp3
02. Yak Ballz – Arabian Facebuster.mp3
03. Aesop Rock – Daylight.mp3
04. Aesop Rock – Bazooka Tooth.mp3
05. Cannibal Ox – Iron Galaxy.mp3
06. The Perceptionists – Let’s Move!!.mp3
07. RJD2 – The Horror.mp3
08. S.A. Smash ft Cage – Smash TV.mp3
09. Aesop Rock – Night Light.mp3
10. Camu Tao – Hold The Floor.mp3
11. Cool Calm Pete – Lost.mp3
12. Company Flow ft Ill Bill – Simian Drugs aka Feeling Ignorant.mp3
13. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien – Bubble Pop.mp3
14. Mr. Lif – Jugular Vein.mp3
15. Murs and 9th Wonder – Bad Man!.mp3
16. Party Fun Action Comittee – Mental Storm.mp3
17. Danny! – Where is Danny.mp3
18. El-P – Deep Space 9mm.mp3
19. Murs – What Do You Know .mp3
20. Despot – Look Alive.mp3
21. C-Rayz Walz – Showgun.mp3
22. Mike Ladd – Black Orientalist.mp3
23. Mr.Lif – Live From The Plantation.mp3
24. The Mighty Underdogs ft MF DOOM – Gunfight.mp3
25. El-P – Dead Disnee.mp3
26. Hangar 18 – Boombox Apocalypse.mp3
27. S.A. Smash – Illy.mp3
28. El-P, DBA The Lyrical Punisher, and J-Treds Freestyle.mp3
29. Party Fun Action Comittee – Chapstick.mp3
30. Aesop Rock ft Breeze Brewin – Getaway Car.mp3
31. Cage – ft Darryl Palumbo – Shoot Frank.mp3
32. Cool Calm Pete – Cool Calm Science.mp3
33. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien – Naked Fonk.mp3
34. The Perceptionists – Black Dialogue.mp3
35. RJD2 – Someones Second Kiss.mp3
36. Rob Sonic – Rock The Convoy.mp3
37. C-Rayz Walz – The Line Up.mp3
38. Danny! – Turn Me Up.mp3
39. Hangar 18 – Feet To Feet.mp3
40. Mr. Lif – Arise.mp3
41. Camu Tao – Open Hands.mp3
42. El-P ft Cage – Habeas Corpses (Draconian Love).mp3
43. Murs ft Humpty Hump and Shock G – Risky Business.mp3
44. RJD2 ft Jakki Da Mitamouth – F.H.H.mp3
45. Yak Ballz – Flossin’.mp3
46. C-Rayz Walz – Battle Me.mp3
47. Dizzee Rascal – Excuse Me Please.mp3
48. Murs and 9th Wonder ft Phonte – The Animal.mp3
49. Rob Sonic – Dylsexia.mp3
50. Yak Ballz – Reign.mp3
51. 4th Pyramid – Aquatic.mp3
52. Aesop Rock ft El-P and Camu Tao – Rickety Rackety.mp3
53. El-P – The League of Extraordinary Nobodies.mp3
54. El-P – Sunrise Over Brooklyn.mp3
55. Aesop Rock – 9-5ers Anthem.mp3
56. Mr.Lif – Earthcrusher.mp3
57. El-P ft Cage – Oxycontin pt 2
58. Cage – Hells Winter.mp3
59. The Mighty Underdogs – Victorious.mp3
60. C-Rayz Walz – First Words Worse.mp3
61. S.A. Smash – Gangsta.mp3
62. Cannibal Ox – Pigeon

And as a bonus download, check this out.  I don’t know anything about this guy or this tune except he’s a Cleveland cat based out of LA.  Either way, it’s dope.  Peace to Analog Giant for the tip.

JESTY BEATZ – THE LAST MAN IN SPACE (Direct Link)

Enjoy the day folk.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

Nothing Like This.

HHHTo the Greatest,

Every year about this time I usually write a long piece reminiscing on what your music has done for me and the world over.  All the artists you’ve made better, all the verses that were slept on, all the beats that should’ve never worked but you still managed to turn into masterpieces and all the tracks that changed the entire face of music.  I could write a damn book!

However, this year, after years of preaching and pushing, I’ve decided to take a break from the commentary and let your music and your peers do the talking.

Thank you Dilla, for everything.  You’re beyond missed.

R.I.P. James Dewitt Yancey

Turn it up!

MuchMusic Tribute Video

Common talking Dilla

Q-Tip talking Dilla

Suite for Ma Dukes

Fuck the Police (Live)

Slum Village – Climax (Girl Shit)

Triple.

The Return.

HHHThe Return,
There’s only one thing to say about today’s post.  He’s Baaaaaaaack.

Gil Scott-Heron. The man responsible for ‘The Revolution will not be televised’ and a major influence on most of your favorite emcees, shocked everyone last month in announcing his return to the recorded medium.  Now, as an even bigger announcement, we have a full streaming version of said record for your listening pleasure.

Peace to 2DopeBoyz for the hookup. - CLICK COVER BELOW FOR STREAM (having embedding issues)

And as an added bonus from someone who has helped to carry on this man’s legacy (whether intentionally or not) I give you some new Jay Electronica produced by the late greatest, J Dilla.

JAY ELECTRONICA – SUCKAS (Direct link – Right Click)

Shout out to Analog Giant. That’s my shit.

Be easy people.  Go get it.

Trip.
www.ppfhouse.com

My Own Man.

HHHTime for mines,

For a lot of artists, their first venture into recording is with a crew.  Whether it be because they’re insecure of their skills, they’re not all that serious about it and just get roped in, or they just like vibing with homies, many of today’s best solo artists started in a clique.  Well, today features 4 cats who started in (and some who are still part of) some dope collectives, but have also found a way to establish themselves away from their peers and make their own moves.

BEST IN THE WORLD

No the title doesn’t pertain to my thoughts of this man’s skills (although I’ve heard he’s the nicest guy in hip-hop).

Bun B. The UGK representative, Texan general and Trill originator is solo again, but this time not by choice.  Since Pimp C’s tragic passing in ‘07 Bun’s continued what he had originally started after Pimp C’s ‘03 incarceration: keeping substance in the South and keeping UGK alive at all costs.  Perhaps second to only Scarface in Southern Hip-Hop lineage, Bun has managed to earn the respect of damn near all his peers and UGK detractors rarely come up for air in fear of a good ol’ stompin.

Personally, I’ve never been the hugest Bun B fan but I’ve always had respect for what he does and what he stood for and this jam right here might be one of the best things he’s done in years. Produced by Statik Selektah, enjoy this.

BUN B – BEST IN THE WORLD

GREEN GHOST

Holiday Styles is one of the most underrated rappers on the planet.

Starting his career back in ‘96 with fellow Yonkers natives Jadakiss and Sheek Louch as the Lox, Styles has since grown from his shiny suit debut to one of the most no-nonsensee emcees out.  Known for his tremendous wordplay and straight up demeanor, he’s managed to carve out a nice place in Hip-Hop for himself despite potential overshadowing by Jadakiss’ own solo success.  I guess that’s just a testament to how dope he is.  One of the few pseudo-mainstream cats left pushing hardcore lyricism, I give you a couple bangers off his new Green Ghost project with DJ Green Lantern.

STYLES P. Feat. RAEKWON – TIME WILL TELL

STYLES P. – SHADOWS

YOWAAAA!

Not many people are effin with Joell Ortiz these days.

Although he didn’t start in a crew, since joining the all-star ensemble of Slaughterhouse, Joell has seemingly upped the anti with every verse and continues to improve every time he drops.  This guy is disgusting!  Truly an heir to Big Pun’s throne, I hope he’s given the proper support to break out into the mainstream and make up for Fat Joe’s recent disgrace of the Latino Hip-Hop community.

Off that new ish with Novel:

JOELL ORTIZ & NOVEL – GHETTO PT. 1

*BONUS*

I rant about Von Pea lots.

He’s definitely one of the illest of the new school rappers and although he hasn’t clearly defined himself as a solo artist yet, when given the opportunity I can definitely see him blowing up bigger than Tanya Morgan ever did.

VON PEA – TOSS IT OVER

I’m caught up!

Get into it folk.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

Where the Hell You Been?!

HHHThere you are!

Today’s post touches on the phenomena that Harlem rep and Dipset General,  Cam’ron just went through over the past year called, ‘WHERETHEFUCKYOUBEEN-itis” It’s a phenomena that has plagued the music industry for almost as long as there’s been an industry and ever year, more and more incredible talent succumb to its fatal clutches.

Well, just recently a few artists have seemed to fight their way through ‘WHERETHEFUCKYOUBEEN-itis” and are here to tell their stories.

SADAT X

Teacher.  Firefighter.  Basketball coach.  Convicted Felon?!

Ok, so if you’ve really had your ear to the pavement, you’d know that this Brand Nubian General hasn’t actually disappeared but he definitely hasn’t made it easy to find him either.  Having released 3 albums in the past 4 years (my personal favorite being 2006’s Black October pictured above) despite being rung up on weapons charges, he’s stayed the course that he started back in ‘96 and released his 6th solo album just this past May titled, Brand New Bein’.  And sure, although he continues to release his music to very little fanfare, Sadat’s voice remains fierce, his cadences abstract, and his lyrics poignant.  Now coupled with another New York legend, I’m proud to bring you some of that new new.

SADAT X feat. PETE ROCK -TURN IT UP

BTNH

Bone bone bon-booooone…bone BONE bone BONE!

From Flesh ‘n Bone being incarcerated to Bizzy Bone dealing with Schizophrenia to Wish Bone becoming a Realtor, this groundbreaking Cleveland quintet have seen their share of problems.  And although they continued to push even as a trio (remember ‘Home’ where they sampled Phil Collins?  I won’t hate but go listen for yourself) they never got back to that sound that we all came to love.  Well, with Flesh’s release and Bizzy’s attempt to return to sobriety, Bone heads collectively let out a sigh of relief as the team has reformed and been grinding in the lab.   And well, there’ve already been 2 or 3 songs that I passed on posting cause well, they just weren’t that good.  This one I can definitely dig on.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you:

BTNH – GANGSTAS GLORY

NAPPY ROOTS

Remember Nappy Roots?

Awnaw? Po Folks? Those were dope ass jams.  And while their sophomore release Wooden Leather barely got a spin, and there next record, Humdinger, did a bit better due to some savvy internet marketing, they haven’t been able to recapture the glory they had on 2002’s Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz.  That being said, despite not always having the best production, I’ve always appreciated these cats for spitting some proper lyrics and this one is no exception.

Some new Nappy Roots for ya, whatcha think?

NAPPY ROOTS – RIDE

*BONUS*

EARLY!

No people, I know Freeway hasn’t been missing so stop your hating.  In fact, he’s been quite the opposite and been demolishing the blogs for the past year with what seems like a never ending barrage of tunes.  However, I used to be a huge Freeway fan but somewhere down the line I just kinda got bored of it.  Well, I finally found a new tune of his that made me do a Track 2 from Low End Theory and well, I thought that warranted a mention in today’s post.  Featuring the Chef himself and production from Seattle heavyweight Jake One, I give you:

FREEWAY feat. RAEKWON – ONE THING (Prod. by JAKE ONE)

It’s Monday folk….soak it up.

Be well world.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com

Weird People Make Dope Things.

HHHTweaked,

I apologize for my recent Twitter‘esque posts but time has not been on my side lately.  However, I’m doing the best I can to get these wicked tunes out to you so bare with me as I learn the ancient art of time management.

TRUTH

Dam Funk is the shit.

The L.A. beatmonster is back again with some treats for the kiddies.  Who’s effin’ with Stones Throw?!

DAM FUNK – SPEAK THE TRUTH

CRISTAL ON THE MOON

I just met Corinne for the first time 2 days ago (not personally but sonically), and I feel good about it.

I hope to learn more about her and have something to actually write about next time I post on her.  In the meantime, she’s dope.

CORINNE STEVIE – CRISTAL ON THE MOON

TOURNAMENT

Def.

One of, I believe, 3 or 4 tracks that didn’t make the Ecstatic. Album of the year.  Artist of the decade.  That’s my word.

MOS DEF – TOURNAMENT

SKIN

And just for good measure, new Sade.

SADE – SKIN

SATISFICATION ENDS TONIGHT! See you there Taipei.

Be well world.

Triple
www.ppfhouse.com

Pair Up: Supreme Supreme

HHHTwin Bliss,

Today it’s about quantity as much as it is about quality (I think).

Double the artists with double the tunes?  Get live.

ESCOBAR & JR. GONG

The debut of God’s Son and Bob’s Son on HHHT.  The first song I heard from these two left me really unexcited.   However this one?  Much more excited now.

Off the upcoming ‘Distant Relatives’:

NAS & DAMIAN MARLEY – AS WE ENTER

DEADRINGER & TIGGALO

The man who revolutionized the instrumental game teams up with the man who redefined what an online relationship could be to bring you this smoothed out ditty.

The Colossus is shaping up to be nicety nice.

RJD2 Feat. PHONTE – THE SHINING PATH

JUMPOFF & NICKELNINE

Slaughterhouse is dope.  That’s my word.  From rivals to teammates, 1/2 of the Neo-Horsemen are back and they absolutely mangle this.

Do you have a rocket launcher?

JOE BUDDEN Feat. ROYCE DA 5′9″ – 40/40

MISSISSIPPI & NORTH CAKALAK

Strictly from a Hip-Hop perspective, 9th Wonder might have the most diverse clientele list in the game.  With a catalogue that ranges from Murs to Jay-Z, Ludacris to Little Brother, De La to M.O.P., there’s no question 9th has accomplished a lot in his short time in the game.

Now, with a new team up with Mississippi General, David Banner, he continues his quest to produce for everyone in hip-hop.

9th WONDER & DAVID BANNER – SLOW DOWN

G.O.O.D.

Not much to say other than Kanye with his British muse.  I’m still undecided about Mr. Hudson but this tune’s alright.

MR. HUDSON Feat. KANYE WEST – ANYONE BUT HIM

CAN’TSTANDYA!

Finally, I don’t know who Sene is but he sounds good, and Von Pea’s a damn beast.   Enjoy.

SENE Feat. VON PEA – CANTSTANDYA

Get ta downloadin folk!

3 Days to Taipei.

Be ease.

Triple
www.ppfhouse.com

Give the Drummer Some: Louder Edition.

HHHTrack Terrorists,

LOUDER

In the past 6 years, there have been few other producers/DJ’s who’ve accomplished more than Florida (or Philadelphia, depending on who you ask) native, Diplo.

From hit singles with ex-muse M.I.A. to the success of his own record label, Mad Decent all the way down to becoming the remix darling of damn near every major label and their subsidiaries, Diplo’s ruining faces and doin it with an almost unparalleled consistency.  Combining his love of Baile Funk with damn near every other genre out, like him or not, Diplo has somehow managed to carve out a place for himself that is both unique and exciting and for that, I have nothing but respect.

Now, thanks to HHHT general Marcus Aurelius, Diplo will be finding his way to Taipei for a one night extravaganza and I sincerely insist your attendance.  It’s rare that Taiwan gets someone of this caliber, and the chances of a return may be slim unless we ram the place.  So Taiwan, book off your Friday, shine up your shoes, and let’s do this. And just to get you excited….some brand new free dope from the man himself.

DIPLO Presents FREE GUCCI – BEST OF THE COLD WAR MIXTAPES

I AIN’T TALKIN ORENTHAL OR GENE SIMMONS

Madlib and Guilty are back with some new ish.  I can’t wait for this shit to finally drop.

O.J. SIMPSON – BEFORE THE VERDICT

O.J. SIMPSON – KILL’EM (REMIX)

LET THERE BE HORNS

And finally, the homeboy RJD2 is gearing up the promo for his brand new record, The Colossus, and I can only imagine you’ll be catching a lot more of his ish here on HHHT.

The first official single off the new record….enjoy.

RJD2 – LET THERE BE HORNS

It’s a good day, let’s get grimy.

Be well world.

Triple.
www.ppfhouse.com