From Big Shug’s Triple OGzus hitting 3-17-15. Tracklist below.

1.) “I Am Somebody” (produced by DJ Premier)
2.) “I Bleed For This” (produced by DJ Premier)
3.) “The Reason” (produced by Gem Crates)
4.) “Days Go By” (produced by Big Shug)
5.) “Never Change” (produced by Reel Drama)
6.) “Not A Fan” f/ Reks & Termanology (produced by Kid Called Quest)
7.) “Triple OGzus” (produced by Kid Called Quest)
8.) “Make That Body Do” (produced by Reel Drama)
9.) “Off Rip” f/ Termanology & Singapore Kane (produced by DJ Premier)
10.) “2 Good” f/ Trumayne (produced by Kid Called Quest)
11.) “All In” (produced by Kid Called Quest)
12.) “Showtime” f/ M-Dot (produced by DJ Brans) cuts by DJ Djaz
13.) “Make Moves, Get Money” (produced by Moss)
14.) “Get It” f/ Singapore Kane (produced by Reel Drama)
15.) “Relationships” (produced by Reel Drama)
16.) “Chase Then Ball” (produced by Kid Called Quest)
17.) “Soldiers It’s War Out Here” (produced by Kid Called Quest)
18.) “In The Rain” (produced by Charles Roane for C.R.E.A.M.I.N.C.)

With the passing of Guru, it’s up to the rest of the Gang Starr Foundation to carry on the Boston-to-Brooklyn legacy. Freddie Foxxx aka Bumpy Knuckles has done a great job of carving out his own niche, while DJ Premier has never had a problem staying relevant in the game. 1/3 of the original Militia, Big Shug, lends his perspective to it with I.M. 4-Eva, his fourth studio album, which ships with a 36 page hardcover book, chronicling the history of Gang Starr and his career thus far.

Shug was Guru’s early partner-in-rhyme, before being imprisoned on drug-charges during the pre-Gang Starr era, which he details on “We Miss You”. There are quite a few of these introspective moments on “I.M. 4-Eva”, such as “My Kids”, where he dedicates heartfelt verses to each of his seeds, or “True Love”, about his wife. What Shug lacks in complex lyrical prowess, he makes up for in honesty and integrity that comes through in his rhymes.

DJ Premier blesses Shug with a handful of tracks, such as the aforementioned “We Miss You”, the “22 Two’s”-inspired “Spit Six”, or the less-than-stellar “Blue Collar”. The standout of the bunch is “Hardbody”, a blazing posse cut featuring fellow large, intimidating rappers Fat Joe and M.O.P.

But “Hardbody” demonstrates something when Shug shares mic time with his peers – that he is unfortunately the weakest of the bunch. The same can be said about “For The Real”, where again, he is outshined by fellow Boston homies Termanology and Slaine. The fact of the matter is, Shug – while undoubtedly a seasoned vet – has trouble keeping up with the more technically-tongued new generation. Shug also separates himself from the rest with his “Shuggie Diamonds” alter ego, which finds him crooning a lot of his own hooks, for better or for worse.

It’s no coincidence that Shug was last out of the Gang Starr posse, with acts like Group Home and Jeru the Damaja preceding him by many years, while he saw his 90’s Payday album shelved until 2005. But what Shug has that many others don’t is a brand of authenticity, through a longtime friendship with Guru and Premier, and that is something that can’t be created, bought, or faked. Gang Starr forever, in whatever form it takes.

DJ Premier produces this cut from Gang Starr foundation member Big Shug’s next LP, I.M. 4-Eva, which drops July 24th on Brick Records.

His name says it all; standing at well over six feet tall and with the intimidating muscular build of a linebacker, Big Shug’s physical presence alone is enough to command attention. His voice, a hoarse rumble effective for delivering both fearsome threats or smooth crooning as his alter-ego Shugie Diamonds, is one of rap’s most instantly recognizable. As both a solo artist and founding member of Gang Starr, his name has consistently shown up in album credits alongside hip-hop’s elite for over 20 years.

But despite that, Shug has never courted the spotlight. As countless other rappers, and even Gang Starr themselves, fell by the wayside, he has persevered through fans’ evolving tastes and a changing record industry by staying true to the ideals – integrity, respect for the streets and love of music – that have fueled his career. Nowhere is that more apparent than on I.M. 4-EVA.

Stitching together the various parts of his career into one, this album, true to its title, is a comprehensive look at who Big Shug is, where he came from and where he is going. With his bruising flow over classic DJ Premier produced cuts bringing back nostalgic 90s memories, he pays tribute to the fans who have stuck with him since the beginning. I.M. 4-Eva – Shug’s fourth solo album and his first since 2008′s Other Side of the Game – marks the next chapter in his ongoing maturation as an artist. The album reunites Shug with old friends like M.O.P., Fat Joe and Premier, while also connecting with a new generation of hip-hop fans and artists alike.

In addition to the 17 all new studio cuts Brick Records has presented a timeless package; a hard back, 36 page book chronicling The True History of Gang Starr as told by Big Shug, plus anecdotes from his 20+ year career, rare never before seen vintage photos and more. Through his words and his music, Big Shug truly shows here why he is 4-EVA. Big Shug’s I.M. 4-Eva LP and The True History of Gang Starr will be released on 7-24-2012.

His name says it all; standing at well over six feet tall and with the intimidating muscular build of a linebacker, Big Shug’s physical presence alone is enough to command attention. His voice, a hoarse rumble effective for delivering both fearsome threats or smooth crooning as his alter-ego Shugie Diamonds, is one of rap’s most instantly recognizable. As both a solo artist and founding member of Gang Starr, his name has consistently shown up in album credits alongside hip-hop’s elite for over 20 years.

But despite that, Shug has never courted the spotlight. As countless other rappers, and even Gang Starr themselves, fell by the wayside, he has persevered through fans’ evolving tastes and a changing record industry by staying true to the ideals – integrity, respect for the streets and love of music – that have fueled his career. Nowhere is that more apparent than on I.M. 4-EVA.

Stitching together the various parts of his career into one, this album, true to its title, is a comprehensive look at who Big Shug is, where he came from and where he is going. With his bruising flow over classic DJ Premier produced cuts bringing back nostalgic 90s memories, he pays tribute to the fans who have stuck with him since the beginning. I.M. 4-Eva – Shug’s fourth solo album and his first since 2008′s Other Side of the Game – marks the next chapter in his ongoing maturation as an artist. The album reunites Shug with old friends like M.O.P., Fat Joe and Premier, while also connecting with a new generation of hip-hop fans via collaborations with Reks, Termanology, Singapore Kane and Slaine.

In addition to the 17 all new studio cuts Brick Records has presented a timeless package; a hard back, 36 page book chronicling The True History of Gang Starr as told by Big Shug, plus anecdotes from his 20+ year career, rare never before seen vintage photos and more. Through his words and his music, Big Shug truly shows here why he is 4-EVA. Big Shug’s I.M. 4-Eva LP and The True History of Gang Starr will be released on 7-24-2012.

LISTEN: Big Shug + Krumbsnatcha + M-Dot + Singapore Kane + Avirex – “Think Twice”
]]> http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/07/20/big-shug-krumbsnatcha-m-dot-singapore-kane-avirex-think-twice/feed/ 0 http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/04/14/spinz-round-the-world-feat-big-shug/ http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/04/14/spinz-round-the-world-feat-big-shug/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:01:41 +0000 http://www.hiphopsite.com/?p=32985 [cont.]]]>

After 3 years of highly relevant releases and reviews from such media as Okayplayer.com, XXL, as well as being named Urb Magazine’s “Next 1000″ west coast indie hip hop artist Spinz is ready to heat up the winter. Spinz has been touring internationally following his last 3 albums which have brought him to the forefront of indie hip hop along with his comrades from the area better known as the 805, yes another MC from Oxnard,California tearing up airwaves and stages.

Spinz and the legendary Big Shug of Gangstarr Foundation team up with another producer from the 805 Filiblunt who produced past songs for Spinz such as “Protected” ft. LMNO of Visionaries and many others. “Round Tha World” is a song about tour life and the goods and bads that go with the life as a touring hip hop artist. “Round Tha World” is being released under Be Focus Records based in Germany releasing tracks by hip hop legends such as Talib Kweli, Keith Murray, Mc Eiht, Edo G, Sadat X, J-RO and many more.

DJ Deadeye’s debut, “Substance Abuse,” will be released on 3-22-2011 in conjunction with Brick/ST. Records and you can catch him at SxSW and on tour worldwide all throughout 2011 with Brick label mates 1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) and REKS. Here is a new track DJ Premier premiered on his radio show this past weekend featuring Gang Starr Foundation members Freddie Foxxx, Big Shug and Panchi (NYG’z).

LISTEN: DJ Deadeye – “Had It Comin’” (feat. Freddie Foxxx, Big Shug & Panchi)

DJ Deadeye – “Had It Comin’” (feat. Freddie Foxxx, Big Shug & Panchi)

The group East Coast Avengers was created in 2008 by MCs Esoteric, trademarc and DJ/producer DC The MIDI Alien. Having dealt with almost 8 politically corrupt years of the Bush regime, the three banded together and the result was the controversial yet socially aware ‘Prison Planet’ album full of gritty production and razor sharp lyricism. The lead single and video, “Kill Bill O’Reilly” sparked a national outrage, getting the group’s visuals banned from Myspace and Youtube and even gaining them notoriety on Keith Olberman’s “Countdown” on MSNBC. The album was met with stellar reviews, landing on many “Top Albums of the Year 2009” lists; including a feature in NME magazine, a blog response from the right’s prissy lap dog Michelle Malkin, live debates on conservative radio talk shows and numerous actual death threats for the artists themselves.

Fast forward a couple years and we have a new president in office, but various ‘natural disasters’, chaos at the border and poverty and unemployment at alarming levels nationwide. Naturally the Avengers are being called back into action. This time around they are armed with Hip-Hop royalty from across the country. Joining the efforts of Esoteric and trademarc over DC’s matured, apocalyptic sonic onslaughts are Slaine (La Coka Nostra), Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks), Sabac Red (Non-Phixion), Outerspace, Termanology, Reks, Singapore Kane, Big Shug, Reef The Lost Cauze, Blaq Poet, Boycott Blues, Main Flow, King Magnetic, Blacastan, Akir, Revolution Of The Mind and many many more… Each bringing a particular injustice or rally calls to the fore front of their social conscience, politically contesting diatribes.

Theme music for the revolution comrades… Open your ears and raise your fists.

Tracklisting:

1. “Rushmore Tune-Up” (Intro)
2. “National Threat” f/ East Coast Avengers
3. “Man Made Ways” f/ Slaine, trademarc, Vinnie Paz and Sabac Red
4. “Ain’t Shit Changed” f/ Outerspace
5. “Another Hundred Days In” f/ trademarc
6. “Revolutionary Theme Music” f/ Esoteric, Main Flow and King Magnetic
7. “The Spirit Pt. 2″ f/ Champs Vs. the League and trademarc
8. “Disposable Heroes” f/ Nabo Rawk and Apeshit (produced by DC & Nabo Hawk)
9. “Pawns and Rooks” f/ Blaq Poet, Esoteric, Akir and Stu Bangas (produced by DC & Stu Bangas)
10. “World Wounds” f/ Sabac Red, trademarc and Shiek and D-Fi of Revolution Of The Mind
11. “Riot Gear” f/ trademarc, Termanology, Singapore Kane and Big Shug
12. “The Right To Remain Violent” East Coast Avengers f/ Reef the Lost Cauze and DJ Slipwax
13. “Technology Takeover” f/ Granite State
14. “Soldiers/ Survivors” f/ Esoteric, Boycott Blues and Godilla
15. “Ride For A Cause” f/ Reef the Lost Cauze, Doap Nixon, Blacastan, REKS and DJ Kwestion
16. “Artists In A Time Of War” f/ trademarc and El Greco (produced by DC & El Greco)
17. “Recession” f/ Jon Hope and LB
18. “Birth Of A Nation” f/ REKS
19. “False Prophets” f/ trademark (Digital Bonus Track)

Post Gang-Starr collaboration between Big Shug and Preem, from I Am Forever, as Shug does what the song title says. Get with the wickedness.

LISTEN: Big Shug – “Six Shots” (prod. DJ Premier)

Big Shug – “Spit Six” (prod. DJ Premier) (MP3)

Big Shug of the Gang Starr Foundation and Slaine of La Coka Nostra have signed on to appear in fellow Boston compatriot Ben Affleck’s new film; “The Town”. Shug’s role will be that of a drug dealer named Kenny, while Slaine plays a character named Gloansy.  The film is set to be released September 10, 2010. Shug’s album is set to drop early this summer.

While sonically pleasing, Big Shug tends to be pretty generic at times. He doesn’t have to much to come with lyrically.  Concept joints like “Play It” and “Lost” really show what he is capable of, proving that Shug needs a concept when laying it down, otherwise the track ends up being very stale and borderline redundant. The most impressive track here is the aforementioned “Lost”.  On this track he actually sings (in his own kinda way) while really speaking on something other than just being hood in the street.  It almost may have been better if he did this more on the regular, as his normal rap style is average at best.  His voice can be a tad annoying, as well as extremely monotonous.  However, with production from those stated above, even the most monotone has a shot.

Despite these minor beefs, this is still a pretty solid LP. Certain tracks like “Street Champ”, “Hood With That” and “Walk Away” definitely grow on you the more you hear them.  A true hiphop critic will find plenty of faults within this package, however the average listener who is looking for that oldskool vibe that we all miss so much will love it.  It’s the type of record that you need to take a step back and really just vibe with it.

The production on this album along with the concept joints are definitely what stands out.  Some very soulful, funky beats are on here y’all.  If you are a fan of Premo, Moss and east coast boom bap flava, do yourself a favor and cop this.  Notable tracks include “Lost”, “Hear Me”, “Spitfire” ft Dre Robinson & Singapore Kane, “Hood With That”, “Walk Away”, “Warpath” ft Termanology & Ea$y Money,  “Play It”. – DJ Prizmatik

Big Shug has had an illustrious career thus far.  Being associated with Gangstarr Foundation and the one and only DJ Premier never hurts.  It’s been 2 years since “Who’s Hard” and on July 17th Big Shug is back with “Streetchamp” dropping on Babygrande Records.   If you are expecting a Gangstarr album you might be disappointed, but according to Shug you won’t be.  With producer Moss handling the majority of the album Shug has crafted a more well rounded album and will garner some new fans from this effort.  Being a huge fan of Gangstarr and the DJ Premier sound, I was thoroughly impressed with “Streetchamp”.  On that note let’s get to the program.

HHS: Shug, what’s good with you man?

Big Shug: Good, good yourself?

I’m good, always looking for anything Gangstarr affiliated.

No question man, as long as its quality it’s cool.

Definitely, I was hoping for a full on DJ Premier produced album, but from what I heard Moss is impressive as well.

Primo has his followers, but we all have to be able to stand.  You know.  I just tried to make a quality album unlike some of us have done in the past.

(Laughs) Oh yeah?

Yeah, I pull no punches on that one.

You need no introduction, so let’s jump into it.  “Streetchamp” drops July 17th on Babygrande records.  Why do you think the world needs this album?

Basically it’s the difference.  There is so much of the same sounding shit out here man.  “Streetchamp” is a hip-hop album to the core.  It’s original, I don’t sound like anybody, my topics are original and relevant, and even the style of the album is different.  It’s a straight hip-hop album.  I feel like the world needs the album for balance, you have to have a little something different every now and again.

I haven’t seen the reviews yet, but would you say to a critic that would call it a “throwback” or a “backpack” sound?

It can’t be.  If you listen to the album you can’t say that.  First off there are no R&B type tracks and if you really listen to it the topics themselves and the different flows and different deliveries it doesn’t sound throwback at all.  Some critics may say its backpack without really listening to the album, that’s because they are being stubborn and they are locked in the pop state that hip-hop, is in right now.  If they want to criticize based on that, so be it.  It’s very relevant and a true listener can see that.  Here’s the deal, it’s not a Gangstarr album period.  We’ve got 3 Premier tracks but the majority of the tracks are produced by Moss who went several different directions which allowed me to go several different places.  The album itself is a few steps above the last album.  Nothing against the Premier, but Premier’s sound is Premier’s sound.  I had to get outside of that in order for me to stand as Big Shug.    It’s a good album, me as an emcee and I even do some singing on some hooks.  We got this joint “Lost” that touches on real live shit about how people have to work and dealing with life issues.

Premier lends you 3 tracks for “Streetchamp”, are we ever going to see a full album of you and Primo?

It’s possible, we have talked about that.  You probably will hear that before another Gangstarr album.

You also tap MOSS for the majority of the album; tell how you guys hooked up and why he is all over “Streetchamp”

When I was doing “Who’s Hard”, Dan Green from Clockwork Music sent me mad beats.  So I get the Moss CD and I’m like “if I didn’t know Preme I would do a whole album with this dude”.  He did a couple of joints on the last album and he had all these other beats that went so many different directions and really pulled up some crazy shit in me.  It was like it was just meant to happen.  It is just the first of many; we did 35 or 40 songs and only 17 made the album.  It’s not that those were the 17 best, a lot of them are good but it’s not like I’m going to put 40 some songs on the album.

The track “Spitfire” who is produced by Kid Karnage, who is Kid Karnage?

That the one thing about this album.  Most of the people involved are unheralded.  That’s how you make stars, I’m not selling a collaboration album, this is a Big Shug album with a few friends.  I have this studio in Massachusetts with my partner Justin and kids come in there all the time.  I heard the “Spitfire” track and was like let’s do this.  That’s how he fell in the picture, he had a raw track but he allowed me to spit fire so to speak.

That’s a great look for him as an up and comer.

That’s how I am; I just met the dude one time.  If it fits in with what I’m doing I don’t need to know him for years, I think he’s only like 18 or 19.    He’ll be somebody to reckon with in the coming years.

Babygrande is taking over the hip-hop world, they are the new Rawkus.  What made you put this album out through Babygrande?

I had a few labels interested in putting out this album.  I made this album and my man Dan started shopping it.  In this day and time it’s not about who can give you the most money.  It was like that back in the day, but now it’s about who is going to give you the best promotion and the best publicity to work your project.  Babygrande ended up having the best situation for us and so we moved forward.

The single is “Play It” and then the b-side is “Legbreakers” are we going to see a grimy ass New York style video to go along with the single?

Most likely, we are going to do a video for both of those joints. We have our connections so we are going to make sure we get airplay where we need it up at BET.

BET needs some hip-hop, Rap City isn’t what it used to be.

A lot people were surprised that they ran “Do Ya” and people asked how we got them to play that.  We have inside people that help us get in there and will help us with the looks, it is what it is.   To watch the videos (on BET) and how they are now with the girls and cars, and then see a video like “Do Ya” get played was crazy to most.  But on this next set of videos we are going to step it up even more and get it done.

Since Gangstarr broke up, how is your relationship with Guru, still cool?

Neither Premier nor I have spoken to Guru for like 3 years; he took off and does his thing with that dude he’s been rolling with (Solar).  I don’t have any hate for Guru because he’s like a brother and sometimes even your brother has to go off and find himself.  In time he may come back but I haven’t spoken to him in like 3 years, so it is what it is.

With all the talks of NY falling off, what do you hope to accomplish by putting out “Streetchamp”?

First and foremost you know I’m from Boston and I think cats need to come with originality.  Cats need to come out with albums like “Streetchamp”.  Nowadays you have east coast dudes coming out with screwed songs or songs that sound like they from down south like “This is Why I’m Hot”.  It’s almost like people think they need to do this so I can get the listeners.  Instead of like before where before people would do their kind of music and let the pendulum swing.  If you just jump ship and change your style and do something else, what it’s going to do is just kill itself off.  That’s how the east coast will come back is having the right label and having them believe in what you are doing.  That’s how it’s been with “Streetchamp”; we have all the support we need.  I hope I am what of those artists that help bring it back.  Plus, I have other things coming with my artist Singapore Cane and my son Little Shug.  We can get it back together but when I put a record out it doesn’t just go on the east coast it’s international.   I think we just have to stay original and keep bringing the bangers.

Talking about bangers, “Militia” is one of my favorite joints of all time and the chemistry between you and Freddie Foxxx is undeniable, are we going to see more from you and Foxxx?

That’s something that could be possible down the road.  Everybody is doing their thing right now.  We have spoken on it from time to time and if we sit down and get that done we know that’s something that world would be clamoring for.

We know the album is full of bangers, but is there one particular song that everybody needs to check for?

There are quite a few, but cats definitely need to check for “Hood With That” which is a joint about things we do in the hood and how things go down.  All DJs need to check for “Play It” because it’s talking about being a DJ and being diverse and playing different records and not just following trends so we can have that balance.

Last Words?

All I have to say is on July 17th pick up the “Streetchamp” we are going to keep moving forward and representing.  There are going to be plenty more from Big Shug and Team Shug in the years to come.