I just wanted to give you all a quick shout out about a new independent label that is putting out good hip-hop right now … Sky’s The Limit Productions. I came across this underground label from York, PA just a couple weeks ago.

Since that time, I have had the opportunity to listen to three of their projects, and was very impressed by the production quality, entertainment value, and lyrical content of each of their releases. (more…)

I came across an article today entitled “ThinkFilm hip to ‘Hip Hop’ docu project” that reported ThinkFilm’s purchase of upcoming hip-hop documentary “The Hip Hop Project.” This is a big step for the movie, especially since ThinkFilm is a widely known and respected producer and distributor of what hip-hoppers would probably refer to as underground film. The acquisition could help put positive hip-hop on a large and recognizable scale.

The documentary will follow the development of The Hip Hop Project, an NYC-based outreach program for troubled teens to express themselves through hip-hop. According to reviewers, the film pushes several positive themes while giving an eye-opening depiction of the “redemptive power” of hip-hop. (more…)

  Rating:
  Release Date: September 19, 2006
  Website: Lupe Fiasco Website
  Label: Atlantic Records / WEA

Lupe Fiasco “Food & Liquor” Album Review
Lupe Fiasco taught me something about myself this week … something I wasn’t ready to admit: I’m a hater, dogg. An old fashioned, cockblocking player hater. I commonly yet often unknowingly participate in haterism. And yes, you can occasionally find me sitting on the couch, bumping underground hip-hop and drinking a tall, cold glass of hater-aide. (more…)

  Rating:
  Release Date: September 12, 2006
  Website: Pigeon John Website
  Label: Quannum Projects

Pigeon John “and the Summertime Pool Party” Album Review
Have you ever been driving and looked over to see the cat next to you cranking out? You know . all smiling with the windows rolled down, system bump, freestyling or singing at the top of his lungs, doing the Carlton and shit? Well, that was me this week. I picked up a copy of Pigeon John’s new release, And the Summertime Pool Party, and it is definitely one of those catchy and happy feel-good hip-hop albums. (more…)

I’ve never paid much attention to Rhymefest. To me, he was always just Kanye’s boy, and due to the mainstream acceptance that would obviously afford him, I never picked up his album or gave his music a chance. I’m a mainstream hater, I guess. However, a couple recent actions by Rhymefest have made me think twice.

Last week I attended A Tribe Called Quest concert in Denver, CO. Although I went just to witness the Tribe reunion, I was impressed by the opening act of Rhymefest. He put on an entertaining performance, laced with important social commentary, and made a great impression. Today, he managed to make another. (more…)

  Rating:
  Release Date: October, 2006
  Website: brokeNdomer Website
  Label: Independent

brokeNdomer “Do You Copy?” Album Review
I’m paranoid as a motherfucker, man. I started bumping an underground release from a group called brokeNdomer this week, entitled “Do You Copy?” As soon as I got into it, for some crazy reason all I could think about was the last Terminator movie. Not one, or two quite as much, but definitely three. I peeped it one night, followed of course by the first Matrix, and started thinking about the possibilities of computers and machines taking over. (more…)

  Rating:
  Release Date: July 25, 2006
  Website: Dead Prez Website
  Label: Affluent Records

Dead Prez & Outlawz “Can’t Sell Dope Forever” Album Review
Hip-Hop music has always been filled with drug references. Many hip-hop stars are admitted former drug dealers. Even more have seen the effects the drug game has had on family, friends and communities. And yes, some even glorify this association. But more and more, I find rappers encouraging their listeners to get out of the drug game. The recent collaboration between Dead Prez and the Outlawz, titled “Can’t Sell Dope Forever,” is one such album. (more…)

I read a very interesting article published on the great Davey D’s website today entitled “The Tragic Death of MC Conscious.” It was written by Minister Paul Scott, who has written many interesting articles on the evolution of hip-hop … mainly about how it has lost it’s way or how it should be only a black art form.

And despite the fact that I disagree with Min. Scott’s basic points of view, I can’t help but be impressed with his intelligence and passion. (more…)

  Rating:
  Release Date: October, 2006
  Website: Apollo’s Sun Website
  Label: Sky’s The Limit Productions

Apollo’s Sun ”The Happy Masochist” Album Review
I received this EP with another EP, Coping Mechanisms by Phynite, from Sky’s the Limit Productions, an up-and-coming Pennsylvania-based hip-hop production company. I came across STLP when I reviewed Leaps & Bounds by Artists of Industry. Needless to say, The Happy Masochist is the third hot album to come out of STLP, and judging on the sound and lyrical qualities displayed on each release, I think we can expect great things from this Apollo’s Sun and Sky’s The Limit Productions in the future. (more…)

  Rating:
  Release Date: September 19, 2006
  Website: Jedi Mind Tricks Website
  Label: Babygrande Records

Jedi Mind Tricks “Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell” Album Review
I don’t really know how to come up with a cool introduction for this album review, so I’m just going to tell you what I think straight up: This album is spectacular. I rarely give a full five stars to any album, except those that I expect to listen to regularly for the rest of my life. This is definitely one of those albums. (more…)