Producer Arcka opens “D.L.S.” with a guitar pluck driven beat that inspires rapper/mc CASTLE to declare the definition of Swagneto (magnetically attracted swagger). Meanwhile, partner-in-rhyme, Has-Lo, glides in like Jordan on the opening verse. But rather than go into the typical 16, Has-Lo and CASTLE begin an uncouth rhyme trade off. But the real star here is the energy between the two emcees as they bounce back and forth spitting, laughing, and dancing through Arcka’s lively production that would have served as a perfect backdrop for some Dirt McGirt, if we were fortunate enough to still have him around.

The mixture of drums, closed cymbal crashes, string plucks, and soul sample vocal stabs is a perfect beat backdrop for the two creatively unfiltered emcees to rhyme, laugh, and enjoy rapping on. Why? Because it feels good. It’s a musical friendship played out with the record button luckily pressed. Vibe with Has-Lo & CASTLE, and if you like the feeling in your brain-stem when you’re done, pre-order Live Like You’re Dead.

From the upcoming all new album from Has-Lo & Castle Live Like You’re Dead, due July 29th Digital, August 5th CD, via MelloMusicGroup.

On July 29th, Mello Music Group will release “Live Like Your Dead,” the brand new collaborative album from Has-Lo & Castle. The Philadelphia to North Carolina connection pairs both MC/Producers together, trading rhymes and production, rapping over raw loops and disrespectful bass, letting go of fear in its many forms, while laughing in the face of death. Today, check out the first leak from the “Live Like Your Dead” album for the track “Go to Work.” Peep the tracklist down bottom.

1. Go To Work (Produced by Has-Lo)
2. Yoga Pants (Produced by Castle)
3. Famished (Produced by Castle)
4. Hennessy-Yak Rap (Produced by Castle)
5. Agassi & Ashe (Produced by Castle)
6. D.L.S. (Produced by Arcka)
7. My Uncle (Produced by Has-Lo)
8. The Big Ole A$$ (Produced by Has-Lo & Castle)
9. Good Feelings (U Must Realax) (Produced by Has-Lo)
10. Stubborn Vice (Produced by Castle)
11. The Uncomfortable Truth About Stardom (Produced by Castle)
12. Live Like You’re Dead (Produced by Castle)
13. Off The Bench (Produced by Castle)
14. Look Out! (Produced by Has-Lo)

Castle’s Return of the Gasface (The Has-Lo Passages) enters the stage today on Mello Music Group. The record is a frame by frame rewrite of the graphic debut from Castle, Gasface. Unsatisfied with the typical approach to remix projects, MMG vet Has-Lo built the album from the ground up – having Castle re-spit verses, adding verses, ad-libs, a guest verse from Has, and even pair of new tracks. The result is an entirely new wave thematically and cinematically. Conceptually the project is somewhere between Marvel’s “Team Up” and “What If” storylines. The synergy between Has-Lo and Castle is that of long-time collaborators offering the best of back and forths.

Lyrically Castle manages to combine the menace of the streets with the reality of home life – an intimate three-dimensional portrait of a man witnessing life unfold through a Hip-hop filter. Castle describes it well: “Pop rappers chastising, claim that I don’t stack enough. Art rappers chastising, claim that I don’t tap enough.” Add to it, Has-Lo’s sonic backdrops that seem to help Castle’s lyrical displays rise to the forefront, providing well-timed accents that drive it all home.

The original cover art was created by New York artist Josh Bayer, who is best known for creating the opening sequences in the HBO show “Rome” as well as the paintings in Alicia Keys “Girl On Fire” video. In addition to the cover art, Bayer created an entire booklet of original pieces to go along with each single for Castle’s album. Mello Music Group is proud of the marriage created between lyrics, production, and original artwork.

Castle, Return of the Gasface (The Has-Lo Passages) hits digital retailers today with vinyl and CDs on the way shortly hereafter.

Next week marks the release of Castle’s “Return of the Gasface (The Has-Lo Passages)” via Mello Music Group.

“Return of the Gasface (The Has-Lo Passages)” is a remix album of Castle’s previously released “Gasface” album, entirely remixed by Has-Lo. The upcoming album is not a traditional remix album as Castle re-spit all of the songs to fit Has-Lo’s new production and the new album contains 2 previously unreleased tracks.

Today, in support of the upcoming release date, enjoy the song “Todd Shaw” which also features a guest verse from Has-Lo as well.

Producer/Rapper, Castle, released his Gasface album earlier this year and is currently working on a collaborative album with fellow Philly Mello Music Group Producer/Rapper, Has-Lo. This previously unreleased remix of “Krillz”, produced by Has-Lo features a minimal synth melody and bouncing bass line which breathes new life into the song, who’s original version was released on Castle’s album Gasface.