DJ Erok Presents: The Art of Storytelling with Imani of The Pharcyde

This is a dope mini documentary featuring Imani of The Pharcyde, now referred to as Uncle Imani. This is the first Installment of DJ Erok's series, The Art of Storytelling. Erok shot and edited this video, and it was recorded live at MCF Studion in Downtown Pomona.

THE ART OF STORYTELLING WITH IMANI (THE PHARCYDE) from ErokTV on Vimeo.

Music Video: Matixx- iRock

Check the first music video from Inland Empire MC, Matixx for his joint "iRock." Be on the lookout for more Mattix music soon!

Music Download: C-Kwence Tha Kid- Success Story EP

The Success Story EP is the latest offering from Chino Hills, CA MC C-Kwence Tha Kid, just released this past Christmas. It features 13 dope tracks with appearances from Curtiss King, Madd Dod, Keon Supreme, Kaleem Wasif, and more. Production was handled by Salute, Flawless, Johnny Juliano, Superstar, Beats Planet, VTZ, and Kingsmen. Click below to stream and for free download.

Music Download: Phantom Thrett-Happy December EP

The homey Phantom Thrett just dropped his latest project, the Happy December EP today. Thrett is dope on the beats and the rhymes. Be on the lookout for his debut LP, Serious Cartoons, coming soon. Click the link below to stream and download for free.

Music Video: DJ Muggs & Bambu- Grenade

This is the official music video for "Grenade," which is featured on DJ Muggs and Bambu's previously posted mixtape, Los Angeles, Philippines. The video was directed by Chasen Paper. The footage was compiled from their final day of recording the project.

Music Download: DJ Muggs & Bambu- Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape

Check the recently released dope collabo mixtape between DJ Muggs and Bambu. They have provided both the mixed and unmixed versions of Los Angeles, Philippines. It features 13 ill joints! Click below to download.

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Download: DJ Muggs & Bambu- Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape

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Music Video: Blue Scholars- Coffee and Snow 2

A month ago Blue Scholars dropped this new video that I'm just coming across, Coffee and Snow 2. Coffee and Snow Part 1, which was 2 years ago was dope and this one is just as dope! Like the inspiration for the first video, this was recorded and shot on the fly after their hometown of Seattle was hit hard by snow. Also there is a link below the video for a $1 download of the Coffe & Snow EP, which features unedited and radio versions, as well as one other track, Bărf Riddim.

Video: Alize Commercial w/Matixx

The young homey Matixx is apparently very much into Alize. So upon buying a bottle he decides to write Alize a letter in seek of sponsorship while giving them some free promo in the process.

Music Download: Mic Holden- Cray-Z The BlackOut Album

Check the recently released Jay-Z inspired album from LA MC Mic Holden, Cray-Z The BlackOut Album. It features 18 fresh tracks, with guest appearances from Blu, Breezy Lovejoy, Richard Wright, Jimetta Rose, and more. Click the link below to stream and for free download.

Music Download: Phantom Thrett-Signs

Check this dope joint, "Signs" by the homey Phantom Thrett. In this joint he drops ill rhymes and dope vocals on the hook. It's featured on his upcoming release, Happy December, which drops tomorrow! The beat is an old J Dilla track.

Music Download: DJ Limegreen- Smoothed Out 90s Mixtape

Check this dope mixtape from DJ Limegreen, Smoothed Out 90s, featuring over an hour's worth of tracks from DPG, Total, The Roots, Grand Puba and more. Click the link below to download.

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Download: DJ Limegreen- Smoothed Out 90s

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Video: Ivan Ives- Everything's Better With Ivan

The homey Ivan Ives just does not stop yo. Check the Original Knockoff directed video featuring my boy Jimmy, in which Ivan solves a problem of his. This video was used as a great promotional tool for his earlier released music video for his joint, "All My Life."

Music Download: Blak Planit- The Pre-Show EP

Check this fresh new EP, The Pre-Show, from the homies Blak Planit, which consists of Matts and Kent Getrite, formerly of The Mystics, and DJ Kid Grebo. This EP features 8 dope tracks. Click the link below to stream and for free download.

Music Video: Yasin, Curtiss King, Jynxx, Noa James – Sole Cleansing feat. Faimkills

This is the first video from the Black Cloud crew's latest project 12 Days on Cloud9. The track, "Sole Cleansing" features Yasin, Curtiss King, Jynxx, and Noa James. The star of the video is the homey Faimkills getting straight lit. Be on the lookout for more and be sure to download the album by clicking the link below.

Music Download: Gorillaz- The Fall LP

Just a few days ago Gorillaz made their new album, The Fall, available for free stream and download for Fan Club members. All tracks were written and performed by Gorillaz using the iPad and additional instruments, except track 13, which was written and performed by Gorillaz and Bobby Womack.

The tracks were recorded between Montreal and Vancouver over 32 days on the Gorillaz North American Tour 2010.

Below is a direct link to download the album without becoming a fan club member, courtesy of 2DopeBoyz.

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Download: Gorillaz- The Fall LP

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Music Video: David Banner & 9th Wonder- Be With You feat. Ludacris and Marsha Ambrosius

Peep the latest music video from David Banner and 9th Wonder for "Be With You" featuring Ludacris and Marsha Ambrosius. This joint is off their recently released collabo album, Death of A Pop Star.

Music Video: Murs & 9th Wonder- I Used To Love Her (Again)

Check this dope new video from Murs and 9th Wonder for the joint "I Used To Love Her (Again)" off their latest LP, Fornever. The video was directed by Jon Mazyck.

Ron Artest's Championship Ring Raffled Off To Father of Four

I had many plans for Ron Artest's championship ring had I won it. However, I forgot to enter the drawing in time, as did my family! So, after the LA Lakers got thier butts whipped by the Miami Heat on Christmas day, Ron Artest annouced the winner of his 2009-2010 Championship ring.

The lucky winner was Raymond Mikkael, a father of four from Hawthorne, California. Artest raffled off the ring to raise money for mental health awareness. He ended up raising over $500,000. So needless to say, the campaign was a success. Congrats to Raymond Mikkael and big ups Ron Ron!

Music Video: Copywrite- Don't Kill Me

Peep Copywrite's latest video for "Don't Kill Me" from the bangin new album Life and Times of Peter Nelson, on Man Bites Dog Records. The video is directed by RML.

Music Download: The Low Budget Crew Presents- A Low Budget Christmas

For the 2nd year, the Low Budget crew have delivered a free LP for Christmas. Yes I'm a little late on posting this, but the music is still dope regardless. It features Christmas-themed remixes and instrumentals from producers Kev Brown, Kaimbr, Oddisee and Roddy Rod, along with special guests, yU and Choppychop. Click the link below to stream and for free download.

Music Video: Ab-Soul-Turn Me Up feat. Kendrick Lamar

Check this dope video from two up and coming LA MCs Ab-Soul and Kendrick Lamar. The joint "Turn Me Up" is off Ab Soul's mixtape, LongTerm 2: Lifestyles of the Broke & Almost Famous. The video was directed by Calmatic. Click the link below the video to download the mixtape.

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Download: Ab-Soul- LongTerm 2: Lifestyles of the Broke & Almost Famous

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Music Download: Belvi & Richard Wright- Players and Pea Coats EP

Peep this recently released collabo EP between LA MCs  Belvi and Richard Wright, Players and Peacoats. It features 10 fresh tracks. Click the link below to stream and for free download. If you're in the LA area you can catch this duo performing at The Grasshopper at Little Temple this Wednesday.

Music Download: Black Cloud Music- 12 Days on Cloud9

Peep the latest project from the Black Cloud fam. A couple of days ago they dropped 12 Days on Cloud9. The project consist of all 6 members, Noa James, Curtiss King, Faimkills, Art Barz, Yasin, and Jynxx. The majority of the production was handled by Jynxx and Curtiss King, with the exception of  one sick track from J. Bizness.

This compilation also features appearances from Richard Wright, Skeem Price, Celphi, Logic, Phantom Thrett, Monks One,  Ariez, and Rosevelt. Please click the link below to download. 12 Days on Cloud9 features nothing but straight bangers!

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Download: BlackCloud Music Presents: 12 Days on Cloud9

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Music Video: Are & Be- Bang Big Theory

Peep the recent video from LA duo Are & Be for "Bang Big Theory." They recorded this joint over Flying Lotus' "Galaxy in Janaki." Click the link below the video to stream and download the track.

Bang Big Theory from Are and Be on Vimeo.

R.I.P. Teena Marie

It was recently confirmed that R&B legend Teena Marie passed away earlier today at the young age of 54. Just a few years ago her mentor Rick James also passed. She was definitely one of a kind. Cause of death has yet to be determined. Thanks for all of the hits Teena!

Music Video: Flying Lotus - MmmHmm

Peep this music video from Flying Lotus for "Mmmhmm", which was released earlier this year. It's one of the dopest tracks on the album Cosmogramma. This joint features bassist Thundercat. This very trippy video was directed by Special Problems, and is just one of several highly entertaining Fly Lo videos, which consists of Nintendo inspired 8 bit characters, psychedelic Native Americans, and underwater nirvana. Peep it!

Music Video: Avi The Most ILL- Worldwide feat. Madd Doc

Peep the new music video from the homey Avi The Most Ill, "Wordlwide," featuring Madd Doc. It was shot at Venice Beach and was directed by Sunny Long.  This joint is featured on Avi's upcoming release, The Earthling Project.

Video: VBS TV Meets Famed Cannibal Issei Sagawa

Check this very creepy interview with Issei Sagawa, a self confessed killer and cannibal. However, there are some graphics scenes, so please watch at your own risk. Bigups to VBS TV for the capture.

Music Download: Madd Doc- Prescription Filled LP

Check this 2009 release, Prescription Filled, from Chino Hills, California MC, Madd Doc. It features 16 dope tracks with appearances from Avi The Most Ill, C-Kwence Tha Kid, Poetik Force, and more. Click the link below to stream and for free download.

Music Download- FWMJ & J. Bizness Present: JB3P Vol. 8 Illregular Music Collective

Check the latest 3P offering from J. Bizness and FWMJ's Rappers I Know. JB3P Vol. 8: Illregular Music Collective features 3 joints with appearances from Richard Wright, Skeem Price, Belvi, Mr. Sobers, Craze, Captain, and Bombay. Click the link below to stream and download for free.

MC Nejma Shea & Realizm Rekords Presents: Queens of The Mic

Queens Of The Mic is an upcoming double disc compilation presented by MC Nejma Shea and Realizm Rekords featuring tracks from all female MCs from across the nation. It features appearances from Medusa, Earthstonez, Paria B, Top Dime, Kandi Cole, Nejma Shea, and many more. Queens Of The Mic is set to drop on the very popular release date of 1-1-11. Click here to pre-order the album and check below for a free download of Medusa's track, "Know Thyself", as well as the album's tracklisting.

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Download: Medusa- Know Thyself

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(Disc 1)
1. THIS IS ME (AMBER ROSE, MISS-SHE-ILL, HAZIE THUG QUEEN, XARIS, MC NEJMA SHEA)
2. RITA J (ASSES SHAKIN)
3. KANDI COLE (FRONTERS)
4. J-ROZ1 (CHEFS IN DA KITCH)
5. ADRIFT DA BELLE (CAN YOU FEEL IT)
6. EZY BREEZY (D.O.W.N. AZZ BITCH)
7. TOP DIME feat. TENOCHTITLAN (CHINGONAS)
8. SNOW THA PRODUCT feat. ANGEL (WHATEVER IT TAKES)
9. VISION COMPLEX (2013)
10. STAHHR (COMPULSIVE)
11. XARIS (THE WRATH)
12. GUERILLA QUEENZ (STOLEN LIVES)
13. MC NEJMA SHEA feat. Caprice (SISTA LOVE)
14. LA BRUJA (FOR WITCH IT STANDS)
15. TAINA GUERERRA (REVOLUTIONARY CODE)

(Disc 2)
1. MEDUSA (KNOW THYSELF)
2. FAWKSIE 1 (DON'T TAKE ME LIGHTLY)
3. TSUNAMI (FIGHT)
4. MC NEJMA SHEA (ENDANGERED SPECIES)
5. EARTHSTONEZ (SWEET CRY OF FREEDOM)
6. BE ONE (FOR THE PEOPLE)
7. PARIA B (IS IT A CRIME?)
8. STICKS C.L.A (THE KEY)
9. KHALILAH 'ALI (CRYSTAL STAIR)
10. TENOCHTITLAN (SINK OR SWIM)
11. BOOG BROWN (THE BEST)
12. EMCEE BELIEF (WITH GOD ON YOUR SIDE)
13. THE KEEN ONE (WE DON'T UNDERSTAND)
14. MOON REFLECTING (BRIGHTER DAYS)d

Music Video: Krazy Race- Live & Learn feat. Rakaa

Peep the latest video from Krazy Race for "Live & Learn" featuring Rakaa of Dilated Peoples. It's featured on his upcoming album, The Rapture, set to drop on 1-11-11 on Realizm Records. The joint was produced and cuts by Ringleader DJ Ace. The video was directed By: BadFame Media.

Music Video: Ivan Ives- Iris Scanners

One thing I've come to expect with an Ivan Ives video is that he's never short of creativity. About a month ago, he sent out an e-mail requesting close-up shots of eyes. Well, now I see what his intention one. So this is the last video of Ivan's First of The Month project, in which he released a video at the beginning of every month. 

"Iris Scanners" is a video about the new world order prediction of iris scanners being used for identification. Read the press release below and check the video out!


Official Press Release
"Iris Scanners" is a video about a dark bleak future where you will no longer be required to carry a wallet or identification. There will be scanners installed everywhere that can read your iris and identify you. Your name, address, shopping habits, everything will be available to whoever wants it. Advertisements will be custom-suited to you as you walk by. If you try to exit a store, an extra ad may pop up with a special deal if you stay in the store and buy something. In some cases, you may be refused service or entry if you have a criminal record. This video is somewhat of a introductory video for those who are questionable about Iris Scanners, mixed in with a collage of eyes provided by fans. Thanks to everyone that was part of the video, enjoy it! If you like it, please support by purchasing the single!
 

Music Download: Keon Supreme- Roll It Up (Philia)

This is the second single from Keon Supreme, off his upcoming project Just Cause, set to release on February 28th, 2011. "Roll It Up (Philia)" was produced by Salute The Gawd of Northridge CA.

By first glance this track may seem to be another smoking song and although it somewhat is, this song really is about FRIENDSHIP. Philia is the kind of love that we have towards friends and neighbours.

Click the link below to download.

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Download: Keon Supreme- Roll It Up (Philia)

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Video: Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble at Grand Performances

Every Summer the California Plaza in Downtown LA hosts a series of free shows called Grand Performances. This past Summer the Miguel Atwood Ferguson Ensemble performed. I was really hyped about going to this show, but unfortunately it ended an hour earlier than posted. So upon arrival, it was just wrapping up.

Well..I'm glad to have found this footage from Miguel's Vimeo page, which features three dope videos. It includes Aloe Blacc as part of a tribute to the late Guru of Gang Starr, Bilal singing Donny Hathaway's "Someday We'll All Be Free," and an original song entitled "Drips/Take Notice" featuring Flying Lotus.

The cinematography is sick as hell. Madd props to the camera crew and the editor! Also below the videos is a link to stream the three tracks.


Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble "Deliver the Word" feat Aloe Blacc from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on Vimeo.

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble "Someday We'll All Be Free" feat Bilal from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on Vimeo.
Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble "Drips/Take Notice" feat Flying Lotus from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on Vimeo.

Book: 7 Years with Atmosphere and Rhymesayers

This is a great gift for any Atmosphere or Rhymesayers fan. Seven Years With Atmosphere and Rhymesayers is a book that's been crafted by photographer, Dan Monick. He's traveled all across the globe with the Rhymesayers crew for the past 7 years and has compiled his best images.

The book will be available in two versions. The standard hardcover, 272 page, glossy book includes a 15 track Rhymesayers compilation CD featuring songs from the seven year period the photos were taken and a limited, hand-numbered deluxe version which includes all of the above with an exclusive 10" vinyl copy of To All My Friends, one half of the new Atmosphere EPs.

Music Video: Logic-Smoke Some Green feat. Andre Damar

Peep the new music video from Logic for "Smoke Some Green," featuring Andre Damar. It's  The song was produced by Track Pros and is featured on Logic's debut album, On The Way Up. Click the link below the video to stream and for free download of the album.

Video: Beat Swap Meet 12 Re-cap

Peep this short video shot by the homey EROK documenting Beat Swap Meet 12, which went down this past Sunday, Decmeber 12. Be on the lookout for the next Beat Swap Meet taking place early Spring!

BEATSWAPMEET from EROK on Vimeo.

Music Video Trailer: Foci- Dairy Products

Check this trailer for the upcoming music video from Foci for the joint "Dairy Products." The video was directed by Eric Heights and will be released soon. Also click below to download the actual track.

Foci "Dairy Products" video (Snippet) from Eric Heights on Vimeo.

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Download: Foci-Dairy Products

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Video: Minneapolis Metrodome Roof Caves In

The Minnesota Vikings have been pushing for a new stadium for a while now. This video shows why they need one ASAP. Their stadium, The Metrodome had its roof torn to shreds due to heavy snow.

The Vikings were previously scheduled to play a game against the New York Giants on the same day, this past Sunday, December 12. Luckily the date and location had already been moved before this happened. It could have been a really tragic situation had the stadium been filled at this moment.

17 inches of snow came down in Minneapolis, which was the 5th heaviest in history. It has yet to be determined whether or not repairs will be made in time for the next game this Sunday. If not, they will play at University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium.

Music Video: Arkyve & Malathion- Phoenix

Check this dope video from Arkyve and Malathion of Chamber Records. The beat was produced by Spok, from his album, Fuck The Norm, which was released in 2008. The video was directed by Charley Joyce and  cinematography was done by Uri Ruffin. Post-production was provided by Pheel Good Inc. Be sure to check out the Chamber Records Youtube page.

Gear: Crooks & Castles X Good Wood Medusa

Peep these dope medusa medallions for Crooks & Castles, crafted by Good Wood. They are available in red and black and limited to 200 each. They retail for $60 and can be purchased at Hollywood or Hawaii retail stores or online.

Music Video: Pic Vicious- Beauty Was Her Burden

Peep the latest music video from Pic Vicious for "Beauty Was Her Burden." Be on the lookout for Pic Vicious' debut album coming soon.

Music Download: The Milky Way- Black Magic feat. Airon Azure & Chris Clarke

One of the dopest bands I've seen rock a show in LA is The Milky Way. The 9 piece band recently released a new single, Black Magic. Be on the lookout for their first full length release next year! Click the link below to stream and for free download.

Music Video: Aliso Black-Ahh Yeahh

Peep this video from Aliso Black for "Ahh Yeahh," directed by the homey Charles Bronson of Bad Fame. A good part of this video was shot at the LA Beat Swap Meet, which goes down every 3 months. It actually went down earlier today. Aliso has been grinding. Be sure to check out his website for more material.

ALISO BLACK "AHHH YEAHH" from charles bronson on Vimeo.

Music Download: JNatural & LD Technicali- Dopamine Mixtape

Peep the just released mixtape from JNaturaL and LD Technicali, Dopamine Mixtape. It's is a promotional sampler for the upcoming album, Love Is On Hiatus, executive produced by Aceyalone, and featuring appearances from Medusa, Lord Zen, Abstract Rude and Aceyalone.

All donations going toward the download of this mixtape will go to fund the creation of the independent musical short film "Desire," written, produced and directed by JNaturaL. Please click the link below to stream and download for a very reasonable $1.

Video: 2mex Rocking A Couch at House Party in France

Check this video of the homey 2Mex rocking out on a couch at a house party in France. This was on his recent My Fanbase Will Destroy You Euro Tour. Check out 2mex's Youtube channel for more videos of his tour adventures.

Music Download: DJ Zo & Dumbfoundead- Cut + Paste Mixtape

Just released a couple of days by DJ Zo and Dumbfoundead was the Cut + Paste mixtape. The short 6 track mix is available for free download by clicking the link below.