From Buckshot & P-Money’s BackPack Travels album, out now on Dawn Raid / Dirty Records / Duck Down Music.

Buckshot Shorty was arguably the first rapper to rock a backpack as a fashion statement, way back in 1993′s video for Black Moon’s “Who Got Da Props?” This seminal track would be the first brick laid in the building of the Boot Camp Clique and the Duck Down Records empire, a year before the release of the group’s classic debut, Enta Da Stage. Buck has been a longtime purveyor of Brooklyn bred, “backpack” rap, with only one strange misstep early in his solo career; that is when he released an album under the alias, Buckshot Da B.D.I. Thug. But even this album had its merits, introducing a young Just Blaze to the world.

Although Buck is one of the few artists that have been able to bob-and-weave through this game, constantly reinventing himself, yet still able to keep his core fanbase in tact. For his last three consecutive “solo” projects, Buckshot has teamed with producer 9th Wonder, for the trilogy of Chemistry, The Formula, and The Solution. On his latest album, he teams with a relatively unknown producer from New Zealand by the name of P-Money. Who is this kid? And can he live up to the precedent set by his predecessors, The Beatminerz and 9th Wonder? As a matter of fact, Backpack Travels might be Buckshot’s best work in years.

While Buck refers to himself on this album as a “backpack rapper with a mainstream flow”, that might not be the most accurate description for the longtime emcee. His controversial debate with Hot 97′s Ebro made for good reality TV (er… YouTube), however the truth of the matter is, there’s not much on Backpack Travels that would fit in between Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and Drake’s “0 To 100″. And that’s a good thing.

Producer P-Money has brought out the best in Buckshot, who is still very lyrically, physically fit, even at this stage in his career. His precise delivery and witty wordplay quickly remind us why we loved him in the past, even if cats try to act like that’s ancient history.

From the brief “Crown (Intro)”, Buck stakes his claim as the “Backpack Don”, a title a bit more attainable than say, “King of New York”, and he plays that role well. Enlisting Pro Era’s Joey Bada$$ and CJ Fly for “Flute”, its clear that even the new generation respects his legacy.

Tracks like “Just Begun” and “Red Alert” have a decidedly retro, 90′s boom bap vibe to them, and Buck’s presence here suggests that era never ended. The clever “Killuminati” is finds P-Money channeling early Premier and Showbiz beats, as Buck lays to rest all wild rap conspiracy theories. Other times, tracks like “The Choice” and the smoothed out “Sweetest Thing” show P’s knack for digging up classic samples and freaking them accordingly. Its a well put together project that plays solidly throughout.

At a quick playtime of 30 minutes, and ten tracks, there’s little room for filler on Backpack Travels. This is an album that knows exactly what it wants to be, and plays out accordingly, with a consistent flow and groove to the set. While many rappers from Buckshot’s era have long fallen off, some hanging up their mics for good, Buck has instead proven to be a savvy business man that still maintains every ounce of his integrity. Sucka emcees Duck Down.

With his new album, Backpack Travels, in stores this week, Buckshot returns to Hot 97 to debate program director Ebro about the politics of the music biz.

The new single, Sweetest Thing” from Buckshot & P-Money’s upcoming album, ‘BackPack Travels,’ features T’Nah Apex. The music video will premiere tomorrow morning at 11AM EST.

‘Backpack Travels’ is out June 24th on Dawn Raid / Dirty Records / Duck Down Music.

Buckshot uses his recent debate with Hot 97′s Ebro for this promo clip called “Majors vs. Minors”, which morphs into a seriously dope cut from his new album, Backpack Travels, by the end of it. Take a look.

Buckshot & P-Money release their latest track off their upcoming album, BackPack Travels out June 24th. “Just Begun” features Raz Fresco, an exciting emerging talent from Toronto, Canada.

The 19-year old MC and producer has brought on Duck Down Music to provide co-management, and distribution for his label, Black Light, which Raz owns with long time manager, Soze Brooks. Raz Fresco is prepping two mixtapes for the remainder of the year. ‘The Screwface Tape’ will be released in late June, followed by ‘Pablo Frescobar.’

Raz Fresco is a member of the Hip-Hop collective, BKR$CLB. Raz has worked with acts such as, Tyga, Big Sean, B.o.B., Wale, French Montana, Mac Miller and Bishop Nehru.

Fans in the New York Tri-State can catch Raz Fresco performing on Tuesday, June 10th, alongside Boot Camp Clik (Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Sean Price + Rock of Heltah Skeltah), CJ Fly of Pro Era, Chelsea Reject, T’Nah Apex and Statik Selektah at the FREE Duck Down BBQ in Betsy Head Park, Brooklyn. The showcase is in conjunction with City Parks Foundation and runs from 6PM to 9PM.

New music from @Buckshot & P-Money’s BackPack Travels album, out June 24th on Dawn Raid / Dirty Records / Duck Down Music. “Flute” features Joey Bada$$ and CJ Fly of Pro Era. Fans can pre-order the album at iTunes today and instantly download the “Flute” single.

Buckshot has teamed up with the platinum-selling producer, P-Money, from Auckland, NZ, for a new album, entitled BackPack Travels. The 10-song project is entirely produced by P-Money, and will be released on June 24th on Dirty Records / Dawn Raid Records / Duck Down Music. BackPack Travelsfeatures Joey Bada$$, CJ Fly of Pro Era, Steele of Smif N Wessun, David Dallas, Raz Fresco, Chelsea Reject & T’Nah Apex.

Fans can look forward to music videos for the lead singles, “Flute” feat. Joey Bada$$ & CJ Fly and “Sweetest Thing” feat. T’Nah Apex. Album release shows are scheduled in Boston on June 24th (Middle East) and NYC on June 26th (Webster Hall).

Buckshot speaks to Vlad TV about his debate with EBro up at Hot 97, and how radio is dying.

Buckshot speaks to VladTV about his issues with Hot 97′s Ebro and their spirited debate last week.

Buckshot and Old Man Ebro share a heated debate about hip-hop’s minors and majors.

From the Jamla Is The Squad compilation, available today, hosted by Statik Selektah.

Buckshot talks to MTV about Eminem’s cover of “I Got’Cha Open”.

From Benefit’s latest album, The Time Is Now, featuring BuckShot, Jojo Pellegrino, Termanology, Grafh, M-Dot, Nature & more.

Update: Duck Down releases full version of Em’s Black Moon tribute. Buck’s not Nervous.

11/3/13: WOW! Eminem covers the original version of Black Moon’s “I Got Cha Open”, for this special bonus track made for the Call Of Duty: Ghosts + MMLP2 double pre-order special. And Buckshot is on it.

Yeah, I want both of those things.