DJ Trauma and DJ Mars, two members of Atlanta’s World Famous Super Friends DJ collective, are back with not only a new mixtape but the first in their new #InstantVintage series that they’re presenting in association with SoulBounce.com. The twosome have cooked up The Sounds of Saadiq, with just shy of an hour’s worth of all things Raphael Saadiq. This mixtape includes Saadiq’s solo cuts as well as his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, duets, features and even tracks that he’s written and produced for other artists. You’ll hear a little bit of everything on The Sounds of Saadiq with a blend of studio, live and rare Raphael Saadiq selections along with artists such as D’Angelo, Kelis, Teedra Moses, Musiq Soulchild, Total, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots and so many more. If you love Raphael Saadiq as much as we do, then you are going to love what DJ Trauma and DJ Mars have done on this mixtape and on future editons of the #InstantVintage series in the coming months.

Tony! Toni! Toné! – (Lay Your Head on My) Pillow [Live]
Tony! Toni! Toné! – It Never Rains (In Southern California) [Live]
Tony! Toni! Toné! – Lovin’ You
Tony! Toni! Toné! – Tossin’ & Turnin’
Raphael Saadiq – Still Ray
Tony! Toni! Toné! – Top Notch
Raphael Saadiq feat. D’Angelo – Be Here
Raphael Saadiq feat. Stevie Wonder and CJ – Never Give You Up
The Roots feat. Raphael Saadiq – What They Do
Tony! Toni! Toné! – Ask of You (Traumatized Mars Remix)
Teedra Moses feat. Raphael Saadiq – Take Me
Kelis – Glow
A Tribe Called Quest feat. Raphael Saadiq – Stressed Out (Baby Phife Remix)
Total – Kissing You
Musiq Soulchild – Better Man
Lucy Pearl – Without You (Jay Dilla Remix)
Raphael Saadiq feat. Common & Ledisi – They Don’t Know
Raphael Saadiq feat. Teedra Moses – I Want You Back
Raphael Saadiq feat. Q-Tip – Get Involved
Raphael Saadiq feat. Ledisi and Goapele – Different Times
Raphael Saadiq – Skyy, Can You Feel Me
Tony! Toni! Toné! feat. DJ Quik – Let’s Get Down
Tony! Toni! Toné! – Annie May

Download or Stream: “The Sounds Of Saadiq”

Atlanta based Hip Hop artist Spectac hits us with his second official full-length release on HiPNOTT Records, returning after an almost 3 year hiatus. For his return, the “Almost Famous” veteran emcee has enlisted the help of long-time friend, producer and deejay, Shakim. Together the duo brings us their first release titled For the People on February 19th.

The first single, “Moment Of Truth” is a symphony style posse cut that features underground stalwarts Skyzoo, Warren Wint, Sha Stimuli and Senor Kaos. Producer Shakim ups the ante on a funky loop allowing each emcee a chance to spit lyrical darts. Pre-orders for the album, For the People, are now available on iTunes and Compact Disc.

About:

Sha Stimuli teams with production duo Dynamite Bruhz for the last edition of his Rent Tape Series entitled The Present. The Rent Tape Series started in January of 2012 with The Calling and there has a been a new release every month since.

The project features Planet Asia, J Live, Reks, Boog Brown, Torae, Skyzoo, Big Pooh, Playboy Tre, 4ize, Midaz, Wordsworth, Jamal Buford, King Malachi of the Dungeon Family, and many more.

DOWNLOAD: SHA STIMULI & DYNAMITE BRUHZ – “THE PRESENT”

Cornerstone is a marketing firm based in NYC that started in the later half of the 90′s by music industry insider Rob Stone. I’m not sure how long they’ve been cranking out the Cornerstone Mixtapes actually, by the time I heard of them, the series was on around Volume 16 and that was around the year 2000. What I do know though, is the mixtapes were never sold at retail, they were only sent to DJ’s, promoters, tastemakers, industry insiders, etc. via mail. In order to get a copy you had to be in the know. Each volume featured the newest music straight from the labels (before you could download something off a blog). Receiving a mixtape in the mail meant you were getting a new mix from some of the best DJ’s from NYC and around the country as well as something exclusive. It also meant you were in the know and probably a person people needed to know in your city.

In addition to new music, the cornerstone mixes also promoted the latest products from various brands including: Levis, Brand Jordan, Dodge, Trojan (Condoms), Converse, etc. They were the first to create a real synergy between Hip Hop mixtapes and corporate marketing.

It took a while before I made it on the list (Shouts to DJ Mega). Over the years it seems as if I’ve ended up with a whole collection of these things. Every once in a while I would take some time and listen to these old mixes. Some are still great, while others sound very dated.

Some of my CD’s include mixes from the Beatminerz, J. Period, Aphiliates (Drama, Don Cannon, Jaycee, Jamad, Ox), Mick Boogie, Clark Kent, Mark Ronson, etc. I just went through my collection today, and snapped a few pics, and wanted to share this story for those who may have never heard of these mixtapes. These are true collectors items.

New music to get your summer started off right. This the second leak from the “Mama Said The Sun Rises In The Resurrection” EP dropping July 3rd. “Communism” is re-produced by Exit aka DJ Exit. Check it out.

Music from the vaults of Señor Kaos:

In 2010 I was invited into the studio to work on a verse for The Constellations single “We’re Here To Save The Day” from their debut album “Southern Gothic.” I was excited for the opportunity and had a great experience writing/recording the track.

However due to music industry politics Virgin Records decided they wanted Asher Roth on the record instead of me, and my version was scrapped and has never seen the light of day.

I’ve held on this song for over 2 years now, while it’s been collecting dust on a random flash drive. The song went on to be a success appearing on television and video games since its release. The time has come for me to liberate the music. I’m making it available as a free download for all my fans today.

Going through my vault, I realized I have a LOT of songs/verses that were recorded (some for me… some for others) that have never been heard. Many of them have interesting stories behind them as well. Maybe this music will find a home on a project one day… but as long as they find a home on your computer/iPod/MP3 Player, I’m just as happy.

Enjoy.

STREAM & DOWNLOAD: The Constellations Featuring Señor Kaos – We’re Here To Save The Day” Remix

It was just this past Saturday morning when the official un-official artwork for Jay Electronica’s long awaited LP: Act II: The Patents Of Nobility leaked on several Blogs across the net, starting the conversation on when or if Jay Elec’s project will ever see the light of day. It’s been about 3 years now since Jay Elect set the net as well as the Hip Hop world a buzz with “Exhibit C” as well as Exhibit A (Transformations), and a slew of other mixtape related tracks. One of the hardest things to do in Hip Hop these days is to get people to pay attention. Jay Electronica seems to have everybodies attention, and doesn’t seem too concerned about it either for the matter. While this new track “Dear Moleskine” produced by Just Blaze is sure to quiet the rumbling stomachs until summer hits. The age old question will not go away. When will the fans be treated to an album? some videos? merch? … I guess only time will tell.

Feels like I’ve heard this record a few years back, but just hearing it again for the first time. Weird.

And before you get Super excited. The track although it says 5 mins, only contains about 1 minute worth of rapping. HA. Classic Jay Electronica. Enjoy. And if you recognize the sample, De La Soul used it on the song “Sunshine” from the Stakes Is High LP. This track although short, is still worth checking out, give it a listen.

DOWNLOAD: Jay Electronica – Dear Moleskine (Produced By Just Blaze)

Buy: I-Tunes | Amazon

Stream:

Señor Kaos, Punchline, Lyric Jones, & Rah Digga in ATL Spring 2011.

When I first read the subject in my e-mail I was hoping this wasn’t an attempt to get people to pay attention to Rah Digga (as many disses in Hip Hop are nowadays). I was also thinking “who the hell is Fat Trel, and why is Rah Digga dissing them?” HA… However after listening to the track it doesn’t appear to be a phony diss (a la Common x Drake) out of left field. Digga is letting these two (as well as every other emcee for that matter) know just because she’s been silent, doesn’t mean she’s too buy to give you a lyrical ass wopping. And she definitely puts them in their place as a real emcee should.

Rah Digga says: “I didn’t make this record for press purposes or for hype cuz that’s not my thing. I got wind of various artists referencin me in a negative fashion. They poked fun at me I’m just pokin back. Its all sport to me. I wish em all the best, they just need to understand who is off limits. MC Lyte is off limits. Rah Digga is off limits. Respect those who kept hip hop raw so that we could still have a culture or get a first hand lesson in a lyrical ass whoopin. Love is love.” – Rah Digga

Head over to Audiomack to stream and download the new joint from Rah Digga.