Hypnotic rhythms, dusty samples, turntable techniques, & intelligent lyricism combine to form Born With A Determined Idea, the debut album from Columbus, OH emcee & producer Lord Hakim, featuring Vast Aire (Cannibal OX), Dom Pachino (Killarmy), Bronze Nazareth, Planet Asia, & Lord Jamar (Brand Nubian).

An Emcee, Producer and Studio Engineer, Lord Hakim is a Columbus, Ohio native, is a Hip-Hop enthusiast to the fullest, but who like many of us, prefers his beats dirty and his lyricism enlightened. “My style of Hip Hop is grungy samples over boom bap percussion with razor sharp turntable techniques; now that’s Hip Hop! When it comes to emceeing, I’m a thinker; it’s all about vocabulary and being descriptive. The thing about Hip Hop is you actually get hear the novel within an orchestrated arrangement and it can set the mood for whatever chapter or track you’re on” Hakim states.

After previously building with Planet Asia (“Scripturez”) and Lord Jamar (“Peace God”), Lord Hakim returns with the visual counterpart for his collaboration with Can Ox’s Vast Aire and Phizz Ed “Brass Knucklez.”

As Vast Aire and Vordul Mega, collectively known as Cannibal Ox, prepare for the release of their highly-anticipated sophomore album Blade of the Ronin, with the album’s first single, “Iron Rose.” “Iron Rose” features a stellar verse from masked super-lyricist MF Doom and is backed by a monstrously heavy beat by producer Bill Cosmiq, who helms the production on Blade of the Ronin. Vast, Vordul and DOOM deliver thematic verses regarding iron that is sure to magnetize listeners.

Blade of the Ronin is the first new album from Cannibal Ox since their 2001 debut The Cold Vein, which is highly regarded as a classic amongst hip-hop fans and critics alike. Blade of the Ronin features guest appearances by MF Doom, U-God (of Wu-Tang Clan), Elzhi, Artifacts and more, and will hit stores worldwide on March 3rd via IGC Records / iHipHop Distribution.

After years of regional success, Naptown’s own Chucky Workclothes is ready to make his national debut with powerhouse RBC Records. Chucky’s debut, Tax Season, is set for a 2-24-15 release as Chucky joins the elite roster at RBC whose affiliations include Techn9ne, E-40, Too Short, Canibus, DJ Quik and more.

Tax Season comes right off the heals of Chucky’s collaborative LP, Country Boy Livin, with former No Limit/Strange Music signee Young Bleed and features an array of guest appearances including E-40, Crooked I aka KXNG Crooked, Kurupt and Daz Dillinger of the Dogg Pound, Pusha T, Young Buck and more alongside several of Chuck’s Indianapolis cohorts.

Check out the for the debut single, “Tax Season,” and title track featuring KXNG Crooked; which is produced by Daz Dillinger.

An air of mystique surrounds the careers of Harlemites Vast Aire and Vordul Mega, collectively known as Cannibal Ox. Fourteen years after earning their status as luminaries of underground hip-hop, Cannibal Ox is set to release the highly-anticipated sophomore album Blade of the Ronin. Serving as the follow-up to the duo’s acclaimed debut album, Blade of the Ronin is the embodiment of Vast and Vordul’s years of creation and properly serves to provide listeners with the grimy yet futuristic soundscape that they’ve come to expect from Cannibal Ox.

In 2001, Cannibal Ox released its debut album, The Cold Vein, which remains one of the seminal works of the New York hip-hop scene. Regarded as a cult classic amongst hip-hop purists, The Cold Vein has been ranked as #152 on Pitchfork’s “Top 200 Albums of the 2000s” list. In November 2014, The Village Voice ranked the track “Pigeon” from The Cold Vein #22 on its All-Time Top 40 Songs About New York list (“Big Apple Records”). The Voice went on to praise The Cold Vein, remarking, “the early-2000s underground hip-hop scene in New York offered a hyper-experimental take on the culture’s foundations, with the location of the genre’s birthplace giving these creations instant credibility. One of the best results came in the form of Cannibal Ox’s The Cold Vein.”

Since the success of The Cold Vein, Cannibal Ox has largely maintained their independent, enigmatic persona, shying away from the glowing heat of the mainstream limelight. In 2005, the duo released Return of the Ox: Live at CMJ, a live album recorded at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York, but otherwise remained relatively off the radar as a collective with exception of Vast and Vordul appearing on each other’s solo endeavors. In 2013, Cannibal Ox re-emerged with a maxi-single entitled Gotham, which included three tracks produced by a widely unknown yet remarkably talented producer by the name of Bill Cosmiq. Upon listening to the project’s title track, fans were taken aback by how the duo still sounded in its prime. As Spin Magazine declared, “while it doesn’t sound like a day has passed since Vein, Vast and Vordul were always spitting from the future.” Gotham would go on to be re-released as a Deluxe LP Edition along with the first reissue of The Cold Vein in nearly a decade as part of Cannibal Ox’s partnership with iHipHop Distribution.

Today, Cannibal Ox reveals the cover art and track list for their long awaited sophomore album, Blade of the Ronin. Blade of the Ronin solidifies the triumphant return of Cannibal Ox as the kings of underground hip-hop, as Vast and Vordul capture their trademark sound with Bill Cosmiq at the helm for the majority of the album’s production. Together, this trio has created an album that personifies a sense of insightful lyricism and poignant production that has arguably been absent from the scene since The Cold Vein. The album also features tremendous guest appearances from MF Doom, U-God (of Wu-Tang Clan), Elzhi, Artifacts and more, all of whom compliment the vibe of Can Ox. Blade of the Ronin will hit stores worldwide on March 3rd via IGC Records / iHipHop Distribution.

Cannibal Ox ‘Blade of the Ronin’ Tracklisting:

1. Cipher Unknown (Intro)
2. Opposite of Desolate f/ Double A.B.
3. Psalm 82
4. The Power Cosmiq f/ Kenyattah Black
5. Blade: The Art of Ox f/ Artifacts & U-God (of Wu-Tang Clan)
6. Pressure of Survival (Skit)
7. Carnivorous f/ Elzhi & Bill Cosmiq
8. Thunder In July f/ Space, Swave Sevah & Elohem Star
9. Water
10. The Horizon (Interlude)
11. Harlem Knights
12. Sabertooth f/ Irealz & Bill Cosmiq
13. Iron Rose f/ MF Doom
14. Solar System (Cosmos) (Skit)
15. The Fire Rises
16. Gotham (Ox City)
17. Unison (Skit)
18. Vision f/ The Quantum)
19. Salvation

As DJ Premier finishes all the last minute tasks, taking down the soundproofing, in-wall speakers and moving the last bit of his equipment, furniture and hundreds of vinyl records, it’s certainly a hectic time in his life—but it does not mean there isn’t time to reflect on one of the cornerstones of his legacy.

On January 7th, 2015, after nearly twenty-five years, the iconic D&D Studios on the fourth floor of 320 West 37th Street shut its doors. Premier first set up shop at D&D in 1991 to record Gang Starr’s third album, Daily Operation, and ever since it has been both a home and a conduit for artists of all genre’s to attach their lyrics to Preemo’s complex rhythm of the streets.

There have been innumerable sessions with hundreds of established and emerging artists, a veritable slew of classic recordings and even more stories created at D&D Studios, as Premier set up camp to put his stamp on timeless music from Gang Starr, Rakim, KRS-One, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas, Christina Aguilera, D’Angelo, Janet Jackson, Mos Def, Common, Jeru The Damaja, Bumpy Knuckles, The Game, M.O.P., Snoop Dogg, Cee-Lo, Mac Miller, Kanye West, Slaughterhouse, Mack Wilds and many more, to his recently released collaborative project, PRhyme, with Royce Da 5’9″, to still unheard and recent recordings with Miguel, Wale, Scarface, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes and Joey Bada$$; all of which were birthed at the legendary Studio.

Twelve years after Premier first set foot in D&D, he bought the studio from its founders, Douglas Grama and David Lotwin, in 2003 and renamed it ‘HeadQcourterz’ after his late friend Kenneth “HeadQcourterz” Walker. While Premier knows the end of D&D closes the book on a major chapter of Hip-Hop history, he also realizes it’s the start of a new phase of his career. “The building was sold in order to change it from commercial business to residential and our leases would not be renewed, so basically that means Everybody Out! It is tough to accept after so many years making that much history there, but life is good and I will continue to make hot music. Passion never leaves your soul and I have a lot of it so I’m ready to continue on.” says Premier.

With Premier’s relocation of the “HeadQcourterz” to KAS Music And Sound at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Astoria complete, the three-time Grammy Award winner pushes ahead with an active label (Year Round Records), which Premier will release his debut album, Last Session @320, on in 2015 (a debut album that includes major guest stars) his independent album projects (NYGz, MC Eiht, Lady Of Rage, Khaleel) and begin to heavily focus on stepping into the film and television scoring worlds and use the new “HeadQcourterz” live space to work on a large live show, replete with his own band to tour and play his greatest hits—with so many hits to choose from, the hard part will be coming up with a set list!

Blasphemy, the collaborative album from Detroit producer Apollo Brown and West Coast legend Ras Kass, is a thought-provoking and highly personal treatise on the unspoken. No “ism” is out of bounds, no topic too untoward. Whatever you hold sacred isn’t above aggressive inquiry.

Above all, this album displays Apollo Brown & Ras Kass’ undeniable synergy. Their sacred writ is the same, their blasphemy for those who want to think as they nod to the rhythm. When Ras Kass crucifies supposed facts over Apollo’s beats, it’s clear he is the West Coast’s preeminent philosopher. When Apollo’s blaring suites soothe your soul and his sonic scripture takes you to church, it’s an ontological fact that he ranks among the best producers in the game. With Blasphemy, the duo has delivered the truth.

Today, Apollo and Ras Kass release a free download of a non-album bonus track, “Impossible Dream,” f/ Sean Price.

REKS & Hazardis Soundz collaborative album, Eyes Watching God, displayed an uncanny chemistry, as they linked up to create a concept album which showcased the contrast between “good and evil” beginning with a “God Side” and finishing with a “Devil Side”; and the result is a highly conscious and fiercely political album.

Produced entirely by Hazardiz Soundz, Eyes Watching God also features guest appearances from N.O.R.E, Saigon, Fredro Starr, Termanology, Ruste Juxx, Dutch Rebelle and others to add to their cause.

GOD SIDE
1. Eyes Intro
2. Garvey ft. N.O.R.E & Saigon
3. Free Minds ft. EzDread
4. Eye 2 Eye (additional vocals by Venessa Renee)
5. Martyrs (Steve Biko)
6. I, Visionary ft. Termanology
7. Lesser God ft. Ming
8. Hold Your Applause (cuts by Deejay KNS)

DEVIL SIDE
9. Unholy ft. Fredro Starr & Ruste Juxx
10. Hop Out Boyz
11. Poison ft. Dutch Rebelle
12. Snakes
13 So Much ft. Knowledge Medina
14. Devils Clutches (cuts by Dj Heron)

BONUS
15. 54
16. My Arena ft. CityBoy Dee
17. Jon Doe Flow ft. Termanology & Easy Money

The Pittsburgh, PA collective known as Bilderburgh consisting of Crumb, Blender, Traxx, Raspy and Rambo are set to release their debut album, Speak Easy, on 11-11-14 courtesy of RBC Records. The five-man collective consists of past War Veterans, Blue Collar workers and Underground Hip-Hop aficionados whose tracks reflect their personal and group trials and tribulations through stories of combat, interpersonal relationships, alcoholism and their never-ending admiration for Hip-Hop culture; that binds them all both in and outside of the booth.

Speak Easy features an eclectic blend of some of the groups primary influences representing the factions of the Wu-Tang Clan, Army of Pharoahs, Slaughterhouse, Gold Chain Military and more with guest contributions from Canibus, Planet Asia, Timbo King, Reef the Lost Cause, C-Lance and Crooked I.

Crooked I joins Bilderburgh for the album’s lead-single, “Written Agreement,” which is produced by C-Lance.

On Monday 9-15-2014 an ambiguous video showcasing DJ Premier and Royce Da 5’9″ visiting Adrian Younge’s record store was leaked and in it, a small clip of what sounded like a new DJ Premier and Royce Da 5’9″ track resonated and Royce brought the trailer to a close with the following lyric “This is for the real hip-hop niggas who would never ever, ever ask me am I here to replace Guru.”

Immediately, the discussions and debate began—what are Preemo and Royce cooking up? Are they working on a joint project together? Why is Adrian Younge also in the video?

Well, the foreshadowing is now over; PRhyme (their collaborative alter-ego), is the first official full-length collaboration from two of Hip-Hop’s most respected artists. The album also marks the first time that DJ Premier has been part of a group since being ½ of the legendary Gang Starr.

“I want people to appreciate the fact that we didn’t compromise in lieu of the environment. In order to try to change the way that people digest music, we had to take a leap of faith,” says Royce. Enlisting the likes of Killer Mike, Jay Electronica, Common, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Slaughterhouse, Mac Miller and Dwele for the album Royce and Preemo are looking to make a huge statement with this project.

“The bar has to be high. For this album to be another body of work and another chapter for both of our lives,” remarks Premier. With PRhyme, Royce and DJ Premier forever cement their names in Hip-Hop’s concrete. All the music for PRhyme is produced by DJ Premier, who decided to take a new approach this time by only sampling the work of musician Adrian Younge.

Like the perfectionist he is, Preemo was initially skeptical about the idea. “I’ve never sampled just one artist, I’m known for my reputation and my creativity. I wanted it to be my traditional thing where I sample everything I find, but I am really proud how the project came out and Royce is one hell of a pusher.” Ultimately, Royce was able to convince Preemo to embrace the idea. “I started going through Adrian’s catalog and it was just making me a fan of his,” Royce explains. “It was really inspiring me to want to make music. As Premier started sending me music and I started writing, it was falling into place. It was making me excited about going into the studio.”

The first release from Lyte’s upcoming LP, her first studio album in eleven years, which is slated to be released later this year. “Dear John” is a fresh track with a strong urban hip-hop vibe, that will also be featured in Lyte’s upcoming episode of “Being,” which will air on Saturday, September 13, 2014 on Centric, 9pm est / 8c.

“Dear John” is the anthem for #EducateOURMen, which is the signature scholarship initiative of MC Lyte’s Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, which has presented two $100,000 university scholarships during the Soul Train Music Awards Red Carpet Pre-Show each year since the organization’s founding. This year, the foundation will present dozens of scholarships earmarked to send men of color to HBCU’s. Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jada Pinkett Smith and Faith Evans are just of the few celebrities who support the foundation’s movement (www.EducateOURMen.info).

Today, Kid Vishis releases his long awaited debut album, Timing Is Everything, and to celebrate its release, The Montgomery Brothers liberate there collaboration, “Coward,” to officially announce Vishis’ arrival.

The younger brother of Slaughterhouse veteran Royce Da 5’9, Kid Vishis began rhyming in family freestyle basement sessions while still in high school. In addition to his own “Sick Em” mixtape series, Vishis has appeared on Royce’s M.I.C. mixtape, all three of his brother’s “Bar Exam” mixtapes and Royce’s Street Hop and Success Is Certain albums.

Timing Is Everything is the product of years of hard work and dedication to his craft and is a showcase of Vishis at his best; a highly skilled and experienced emcee with the skill-sets to hold down the album in his own right (Royce makes the lone guest appearance on Timing Is Everything).

Coast to coast, the album is represented in the production. Now based in Sacramento, Australian Chase Moore has once again provided the quality prevalent in his previous work with Raekwon, Rock (Heltah Skeltah), Mistah FAB and Papoose. New Jersey’s Nemisis (Tony Touch, Copywrite, Outerspace, Emilio Rojas) brings his trademark style to the table on “In Yo Face” and the single “Heaven” while back on home territory, Mr Porter gets in on the action by producing “Message To The MC’s” & “The Juice.”

The name “Pink Grenade” might be unfamiliar to you, but just you wait; in two months, the SMH Records crew promises they will be Famous as F*ck.

Today, Pink Grenade premiered there new single, “Lights Out,” featuring Royce Da 5’9 and you will be hearing much more from Pink Grenade in the weeks and months ahead, including their debut LP, Fear Of A Pink Planet, which is slated to be released this summer—which includes Johnny Deep (yes, that Johnny Deep!!) guesting on three tracks as well.

DJ Premier’s “Bars In The Booth” is for SERIOUS SPITTERS ONLY! For the uninitiated, “Bars in the Booth” is a new series Preemo has started which revolves around titan emcees of all genres coming thru and being put to the test over a DJ Premier track!

Simply, “Bars in the Booth” isn’t about age, popularity, or how many Twitter followers you have; it’s about an Emcee and a DJ moving the crowd—and that is the definition of Hip-Hop.

For Session 5, Premier linked up with up with Harlem’s own Loaded Lux.; who recently battled Murda Mook at Total Slaughter.

The MLB turned to Statik Selektah to create the 2014 All-Star remix set to the images and sounds of the game. The video is featured on MLB Tonight + MLB.COM, and is a promotional montage for the MLB All-Star game tonight at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN. Fans can tune in at 8PM EST on FOX to watch the game.

In early 2014, MMG brought together Ugly Heroes member and local fire eater Verbal Kent with North Carolina’s Khrysis (Jamla, Away Team) to bring us Sound of the Weapon. In their newest video, “Raponomics”, they come together to explain the market in hip-hop. Weak MCs’ stock is depreciating. Kent chains bars together with slurred rhymes while Khrysis’ heavy drums lead the head nod. If you weren’t convinced in the duo yet, the new video shows both artists at their best.