The Audacity of Dope

New music on this week’s SNSS from the likes of Ro Blvd, Nitty Scott, K-Os, DJ Shadow, Kids These Days, DMP, Evidence, and more, but hands down, the dopest record on the show is Common’s “Blue Sky.”  Crazy!

Big shout to Mayer Hawthorne for calling in as well.  Be sure to pick up his new album, How Do You Do, ASAP!  Listen to the interview to hear Mayer explain how it differs from his previous album, what life on a major label is like, his relationship with Snoop Dogg, how his old Athletic Mic League and Now On homies feel about Haircut becoming a crooner, and more…

Show #331 (10-9-11)

1. Rick Ross – “I Love My B*tches”
2. Ro Blvd ft. Thurz – “Great Going Good”
3. Evidence – “I Don’t Need Love”
4. Styles P ft. Pharoahe Monch – “Children”
5. Nitty Scott, MC – “Doobsicles”
6. TiRon & Ayomari – “If I Had You”
7. Sonny Bonoho ft. Playboy Tre & Rudi Deville – “Super Cool” (Local Music)
8. The Gooneez & The Fratelleez ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Too Strong”
9. Kendrick Lamar – “Cloud 10”
10. Common – “Blue Sky”
11. Add-2 – “Introspective of a Young Black Male”
12. K-Os ft. Drake – “Faith, Pt. 2”
13. **INTERVIEW WITH MAYER HAWTHORNE**
14. Mayer Hawthorne ft. Snoop Dogg – “Can’t Stop”
15. DJ Shadow ft. Little Dragon – “Scale It Back”
16. Yonas Michael – “House Full Of Women”
17. J. Cole – “Lost Ones”
18. Jay-Z & Kanye West – “New Day”
19. Kids These Days – “Clear Eyes”
20. Proh Mic ft. Tone Trezure – “Sleep In Girl” (Local Music)
21. J. Bre ft. Luck-One & Grynch – “Memories” (Local Music)
22. Black Eyed Peas – “Fallin’ Up” (Throwback of the Week)
23. DMP – “We Ain’t Playin’”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?41mb5wp9m3p4n69
(back up / streaming link – http://hulkshare.com/ny1vj736s795)
(2nd back up – http://www.zshare.net/audio/94805431727ff5de/)

Link to download just the interview with Mayer Hawthorne – http://www.mediafire.com/?pum2cp922cw7cp8
(back up / streaming link – http://hulkshare.com/6ux47x0bq3xg)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

When Biz Markie spit the classic line, “damn it feels good to see people up on it,” it wasn’t really about having other people validate your work.  Nah…you were still going to grind and do your thing,  regardless of whether or not cats caught the “Vapors.”  But clearly, there’s something rewarding about seeing others share and appreciate that work, especially when they spread it to their circle of friends with no ulterior motives.

That’s precisely what I’m seeing with the tidal wave of critical acclaim from journalists, bloggers, artists, DJ’s, label reps, and most importantly, listeners, for the new album from SNSS‘ close friends, Shabazz Palaces.  Fans may be familiar with Ish’s previous work in Digable Planets or Cherrywine, but I promise you, Black Up is an album unlike anything you’ve heard.  It’s officially out today on the venerable Seattle label, Sub Pop Records, and if you haven’t peeped it yet, consider your cool kid card pulled.

Cop it here (or at your favorite retailer…support indies!) and if you need convincing, read glowing reviews on Pitchfork, Prefix, the Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, the BBC, NPR, and the Seattle Times.  Speaking of NPR, Ann Powers and Andrew Matson are highlighting the burgeoning hip-hop scene in Seattle all week in their Grind and Shine piece.  On SNSS #317, you can hear interviews from both Shabazz and Matson.

Clear some space out, so we can space out.  Black Up.

Show #317 (6-26-11)

1. Curren$y – “She Don’t Want A Man”
2. Kendrick Lamar – “Hol’ Up”
3. Rapsody ft. Raekwon – “Black Diamonds”
4. Nas – “Take It In Blood” (Throwback of the Week)
5. Nas – “Nasty”
6. Elzhi – “One Love”
7. **INTERVIEW WITH SHABAZZ PALACES, PT. 1**
8. Helluvastate – “Make Moves” (Local Music)
9. TiRon & Ayomari ft. Seinabo Sey – “Back 2 U”
10. Cocaine 80’s – “Summer Madness”
11. Casual ft. Mike Frost – “Sunday’s Best”
12. Shabazz Palaces ft. Thee Satisfaction – “Swerve…the reeping of all that is worthwhile (Noir not withstanding)” (Local Music)
13. **INTERVIEW WITH SHABAZZ PALACES, PT. 2**
14. Shabazz Palaces – “Recollections of the wraith” (Local Music)
15. **INTERVIEW WITH SHABAZZ PALACES, PT. 3**
16. J. Cole – “Work Out”
17. The Cool Kids ft. Mayer Hawthorne – “Swimsuits”
18. Random Axe ft. Roc Marciano – “Chewbacca”
19. Royce Da 5’9” – “Second Place”
20. Apathy – “Check To Check”
21. **INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW MATSON**
22. Blue Scholars – “Anna Karina” (Local Music)
23. Thurz – “Prayer”
24. H.O.P.E. ft. Jhene Aiko – “Do Better Blues”
25. Drake – “Marvin’s Room”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?qrila94pmaboeta
(back up / streaming link – http://hulkshare.com/h4xfnd3g4z4w)
(2nd back up – http://www.zshare.net/audio/919711259dd2b26e/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

The 316th episode of SNSS marked the return of the Mayor, J. Moore, from hip-hop’s injured list.  We also welcomed longtime homies Grieves and Budo to the studio to discuss their new project, Together/Apart, dropping on Rhymesayers today.  Go cop that!

Other artists featured on this week’s SNSS include Nas, Royce Da 5’9″, Casual, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, Wale, Rapsody, Tonedeff, and more.  Enjoy!

Show #316 (6-19-11)

1. Nas – “Nasty”
2. Royce Da 5’9” – “Second Place”
3. Random Axe – “Monster Babies”
4. MED – “Superman”
5. Casual – “Mic Memorial”
6. Helluvastate – “Fresha Adventure” (Local Music)
7. **INTERVIEW WITH GRIEVES & BUDO, PT. 1**
8. Kendrick Lamar – “Ronald Reagan Era (His Evils)”
9. CyHi Da Prynce ft. Big Sean – “Woopty Doo”
10. Curren$y – “She Don’t Want A Man”
11. Grieves – “Light Speed” (Local Music)
12. **INTERVIEW WITH GRIEVES & BUDO, PT. 2**
13. Grieves – “On The Rocks” (Local Music)
14. Blue Scholars ft. Macklemore – “Tommy Chong” (Local Music)
15. Charlie Smarts – “Torture”
16. **INTERVIEW WITH GRIEVES & BUDO, PT. 3**
17. Drake – “Dreams Money Can Buy”
18. Bentley – “Venice Beaches”
19. Kanye West – “The New Workout Plan” (Throwback of the Week)
20. J. Cole – “Work Out”
21. Wale – “Lacefrontin’”
22. Rapsody ft. Raekwon – “Black Diamonds”
23. Skyzoo – “Rap Like Me”
24. Emilio Rojas ft. Rittz, Laws, Laura Reed, & Voodoo – “Champion (Remix)”
25. DJ JS-1 ft. Tonedeff – “Last To Know”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?ot9hle0fo1u6hi8
(back up / streaming link – http://hulkshare.com/n0kme3cnqbxi)
(2nd back up – http://www.zshare.net/audio/91693445c0f9aecb/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

I initially intended to share some extended thoughts on the NBA season wrapping up last night, but then I went and forgot to eat food today.  Uh, whoops.  So I’ll make this quick cause my kitchen is callin’ me and for the most part, Bill Simmons expertly summed up many of my takeaways on the game, series, and Lebron’s incredible ability to avoid shooting alienate the entire viewing public in this piece.

Anyway, congrats to the Mavs and the big homey, Seattle’s own (and one of my Arizona Wildcats too) Jason Terry!  It was a very entertaining series, but after hockey’s game 7 and the NBA Draft pass, we’ll be down to just baseball and the WNBA for the summer.  Well, baseball, the WNBA, and the Women’s World Cup.  You think I’m joking, but I’m with it.  Word to Abby Wambach.

Musically, another great week, but y’all already know how we do.  Shout to good friend of SNSS, Royce Da 5’9″ for calling in to discuss his new Bad Meets Evil project with Eminem.  In stores today!

Show #315 (6-12-11)

1. Wale ft. Rick Ross & Jeremih – “That Way”
2. Gerald Walker – “Shackles”
3. C-San – “I Want It All”
4. Charlie Smarts – “Torture”
5. Curren$y – “She Don’t Want A Man”
6. Helluvastate – “Saucalino Bossalino” (Local Music)
7. Pusha T – “Alone In Vegas”
8. Skyzoo ft. Manhattan – “Until It Goes”
9. Primeridian – “Drop The Needle”
10. Bad Meets Evil – “Scary Movies” (Throwback of the Week)
11. **INTERVIEW WITH ROYCE DA 5’9”**
12. Bad Meets Evil – “Fast Lane”
13. Random Axe – “Random Call”
14. Al-One ft. Freeway & DJ Wicked – “Can’t Stop” (Local Music)
15. Co$$ – “Da Meanest”
16. Fresh Daily – “DoWhatTheyWon’t”
17. Bentley – “Venice Beaches”
18. Eric Roberson ft. Chubb Rock – “Summer Time Anthem (So Hot)”
19. Blue Scholars – “Marion Sunshine” (Local Music)
20. Phil Ade ft. GLC & Tracie Josephine – “Cloud 9”
21. J. Rawls ft. Casual – “Find A New”
22. The Weeknd – “Rolling Stone”
23. Drake – “Marvin’s Room”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?5ur08s3b6ngpdnj
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/914168638871acbe/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/7557r23jq68b/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 315, 6-12-11.mp3)

Link to download just the interview with Royce Da 5’9″ – http://www.mediafire.com/?jga8sa7sziu565l
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/91417387264ce543/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/b9vkpyns5re9/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Interview With Royce Da 5’9”, 6-12-11.mp3)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

This past week, J. Moore and I were joined in studio by the legendary Raphael Saadiq. While we thoroughly enjoy breaking new artists and conducting interviews with up and coming musicians, there’s always something special about chopping it up with someone of Saadiq’s stature. The man has been one of the brightest starts in R&B for over 20 years and yet couldn’t be a nicer, more down to earth dude.

In the first part of the interview above, we spoke about his new Stone Rollin’ album, the “neo” & “retro” soul tags heaped on his recent work, his creative process, his collaboration with Little Dragon, and more.

In the second half of the interview, Saadiq spoke about his fondest memories of the Tony! Toni! Toné! and Lucy Pearl days, his proudest moment in music, his advice for young artists, and even playing basketball with Prince.

If you prefer to listen to the audio instead, you can grab it below:

Raphael Saadiq on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?97cxf19frx4o7r7
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/891679810db2ee03/)

During our discussion, I mistakenly stated that Stone Rollin’ was in stores now (mp3’s have sadly rendered release dates somewhat moot…for listeners at least), when in actuality, the album will be released May 10th.  My bad.  Go support it when it drops!

Special shout to everyone who came through the studio for this week’s Sound Session.  First up, the legendary Kokane stopped by to catch up and pay some respects to Nate Dogg (RIP) and then Donnis hung out with us as we world premiered his new record, “Ford Mustang.”  We were also joined by our homies from the town, Steelo, as we talked about their upcoming project.

On top of it all, we played the dopest new records out right now, including tracks from Pac Div, Pusha T, Big K.R.I.T., Dom Kennedy, Jhene Aiko, Phil Ade, Fly.Union, Frank Ocean, Raphael Saadiq, and more.  Enjoy!

Show #305 (4-3-11)

1. Pac Div – “Anti-Freeze”
2. Pusha T – “Blow”
3. Big K.R.I.T. – “R4 Theme Song”
4. Snoop Dogg ft. Kanye West & John Legend – “Eyez Closed”
5. **INTERVIEW WITH KOKANE**
6. Dom Kennedy – “On The Way Home”
7. Elzhi – “Verbal Intercourse, Pt. 2”
8. Jhene Aiko ft. Miguel & Gucci Mane – “Hoe”
9. Logics ft. Geologic & Adrian Sims – “Focused” (Local Music)
10. Action Bronson – “Brunch”
11. Tyler, The Creator – “Yonkers”
12. Childish Gambino – “Freaks and Geeks”
13. Phil Ade – “The Letter”
14. **INTERVIEW WITH DONNIS, PT. 1**
15. **Donnis – “Ford Mustang” (WORLD PREMIERE)**
16. **INTERVIEW WITH DONNIS, PT. 2**
17. IAME – “Lame” (Local Music)
18. Pharoahe Monch ft. Styles P & Phonte – “Black Hand Side”
19. Pharrell – “The Game Has Changed”
20. Fly.Union – “Hard Sell”
21. Frank Ocean – “Songs For Women”
22. **INTERVIEW WITH STEELO**
23. Steelo ft. Izreal – “My Queen” (Local Music)
24. Mos Def – “Umi Says” (Throwback of the Week)
25. Raphael Saadiq – “Good Man”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?6zdutyt8s3ziwld
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/88640128131902a9/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/b49eagx04crf/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 305, 4-3-11.mp3)

Link to download just the interview with Donnis – http://www.mediafire.com/?dm5xvs61cbi5g5p
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/886403956bcef7c8/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/au9ntuapbr8f/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Interview With Donnis (Show 305, 4-3-11).mp3)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

If you follow me on Twitter (and if you don’t, you should…#humblebrag), you know that I was down at SXSW last week in lovely Austin, Texas. The first night that I arrived, the staff at MTV hooked up a pass for the MTVu Woodie Awards and I got my first experience on a red carpet. Aside from just enjoying the overall environment, I was able to chop it up with everyone who walked by. I grabbed a couple quick videos for y’all with Wiz, Yelawolf, Skylar Grey, and Lil B. Enjoy.

Shout to the homey Scribes, who has my vote for most underrated MC in Seattle, for coming through SNSS a few weeks back.  Here’s a little video recap of his visit in case you want the behind the scenes look.  You can check out the full show too.

Download his album NOW right here.

Long time friend of SNSS, Lupe Fiasco returned to Seattle to speak with J. Moore and I on 1-14-11. We broadcast live on KUBE93.com and talked all about his long awaited Lasers project, his rabid fan base, his life away from the stage/studio, and much more.  In the first half of the interview, Lu discussed how his lyrics impact listeners, how he’s often misinterpreted in the media, his hobbies when relaxing at home, and more.

In the second half of the interview, Lu discussed his car collection, his favorite albums of 2010, his plans to become an author, Lasers, and he even spit an acapella verse from the project.

Lastly, we opened up the floor to questions from viewers who were logged in, watching it live.

Hopefully you enjoy this candid conversation with one of our favorite MC’s in the industry and just an all around good guy.  I wish we recorded footage of the meet & greet we held right before this (remember when we gave out tickets?) so you could all see how Lu’s lyrics have really impacted the lives of his fans.

Support Lasers when it drops March 8th!

If you’ve listened to Sunday Night Sound Session at any point since our debut on KUBE six years ago, you already know that Lupe Fiasco is one of our favorite rappers.  Not only is he an incredible MC, but he’s one of the most forward thinking, intelligent, socially responsible, and innovative artists that we have in hip-hop.  On top of all that, he’s just a cool dude who has appeared on our show numerous times and always shows us, and Seattle, lots of love.

On Friday, January 14th, you…that’s right, YOU…can meet Lupe in person as he comes through the KUBE studios to hang out, sign autographs, talk with listeners, and discuss his highly anticipated upcoming album, Lasers.

If you’re able to come to the station in downtown Seattle from 11am to noon on Friday, the 14th, here are the details on how to win an invite to this meet and greet:

Tell us what your favorite Lupe verse is and why.  Email your answer to DJHyphen@gmail.com and if selected, we’ll notify you by Thursday at noon.

We’ll also pick a few random winners who retweet any of our announcements for this event on our Twitter feeds:

• twitter.com/kube93
• twitter.com/djhyphen
• twitter.com/jmooreseattle

Be creative and thoughtful!  Just like Lupe.  Hope to see you Friday!