The Audacity of Dope

Another fun week on Sound Session, where we played new music from artists like Killer Mike, Maffew Ragazino, Big K.R.I.T., H.O.PE., The Hood Internet, SBTRKT, DJ JS-1, Pharoahe Monch, Pete Rock, Smif-N-Wessun, James Pants, and more.  Special shout to Animal Farm for trekking up from Portland to be on the show and the homey Dhruva from Shocking Goat for coming through as well.  Last, but not least, @therealKramer delivered in the clutch with another recording of SNSS!  We’ll be hiring him on as an engineer shortly.

Enjoy…

Show #312 (5-22-11)

1. Termanology ft. Joell Ortiz, Bun B, Saigon, & Freeway – “Say It (Remix)”
2. Killer Mike – “American Dream”
3. Pusha T – “Blow”
4. Maffew Ragazino – “Black Sheep”
5. Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun ft. Styles P & Sean Price – “That’s Hard”
6. REKS – “Underdog”
7. Jelani The MC – “De La Vega”
8. Fresh Daily ft. Cocoa Serai – “Good Dude”
9. Moe Green – “Extra, Extra”
10. Big K.R.I.T. – “The Vent”
11. The Nonce – “Mix Tapes” (Throwback of the Week)
12. Elzhi – “Memory Lane”
13. **INTERVIEW WITH ANIMAL FARM, PT. 1**
14. Animal Farm ft. Talib Kweli – “Test Of Time” (Local Music)
15. Emilio Rojas – “Breaking Point”
16. **INTERVIEW WITH ANIMAL FARM, PT. 2**
17. H.O.P.E. ft. Jhene Aiko – “Body On Me”
18. Gods’illa ft. Maimouna Youssef – “You Don’t Have To Be A Star”
19. The Hood Internet ft. Freddie Gibbs, Telli, & Elizabeth Harper – “VCR”
20. SBTRKT ft. Little Dragon & Drake – “Wildfire (Remix)”
21. James Pants – “Dreamboat” (Local Music)
22. DJ JS-1 ft. KRS-One & Rahzel – “Boom Slap”
23. State Of The Artist ft. Shaprece – “Alive” (Local Music)
24. Pharoahe Monch ft. Jill Scott – “Still Standing”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?4if945x7975lajv
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/90535905a977143f/)
(2nd back up / streaming link – http://www.usershare.net/w8n1ox2jamo8/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 312, 5-22-11.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.

Coming off the audio problems that plagued us on last week’s Sound Session archive, I was horrified to discover that the studio computer we use to record our show was completely inoperable…about 10 minutes before taking the air.  After realizing I wouldn’t be able to fix it in time, I put out a last ditch tweet in hopes that someone might be able to record it from their computer.  Sure enough, our SNSS listeners came through in the clutch!

While one faithful listener recorded the show through laptop speakers (the 2011 version of that old school Stretch & Bobbito tape you have in a shoebox somewhere), the sound quality probably wasn’t going to satisfy y’all.  Luckily, @therealKramer came through with a high quality rip of the show, which actually sounds stronger than anything we’ve recorded in our new studio (we’ll get that figured out, I promise!).  The first few minutes are missing, but if you haven’t heard Frank Ocean’s “Novacane” by now, you have bigger problems than missing the start of SNSS #311.

Enjoy the show and thanks again to all our listeners, especially Greg!

Show #311 (5-15-11)

1. Frank Ocean – “Novacane”
2. DJ Quik ft. Gift Reynolds & Jon B – “Hydromatic”
3. Snoop Dogg ft. Mr. Porter – “My Own Way”
4. Ya Boy ft. Akon – “Lock Down”
5. Killer Mike – “Ric Flair”
6. Curren$y – “#JetsGo”
7. Freddie Gibbs – “Way 2 Fast”
8. Animal Farm ft. Talib Kweli – “Test Of Time” (Local Music)
9. Emilio Rojas – “Breaking Point”
10. Asher Roth & Nottz – “Enforce The Law”
11. REKS – “Underdog”
12. Elzhi – “It Ain’t Hard To Tell”
13. Bad Meets Evil – “Fast Lane”
14. **INTERVIEW WITH STATE OF THE ARTIST, PT. 1**
15. State Of The Artist ft. Shaprece – “Alive” (Local Music)
16. DJ Khaled ft. Drake, Rick Ross, & Lil Wayne – “I’m On One”
17. Big K.R.I.T. ft. Raheem DeVaughn – “Player’s Ballad”
18. **INTERVIEW WITH STATE OF THE ARTIST, PT. 2**
19. Ras Kass – “Soul On Ice (Diamond D Remix)” (Throwback of the Week)
20. Kyle Rapps ft. U-N-I – “Rapps 101”
21. Gods’illa ft. Maimouna Youssef – “You Don’t Have To Be A Star”
22. Fashawn ft. Sam Hook – “Down That Road”
23. Gerald Walker – “The Missing Piece”
24. James Pants – “Darlin’” (Local Music)
25. Fresh Daily – “Easy”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?e1a8fgluyh1t7yl
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/90246287b294062e/)
(2nd back up / streaming link – http://www.usershare.net/fygrjsit4w7r/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 311, 5-15-11.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.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Yin vs. Yang, if you will.  Good vs. Evil, Light vs. Dark, this intro vs. a good one.  You get the picture.

So when I noticed things were on an incredible roll lately, I should have also realized that something was about to go awry.  Luckily, it wasn’t anything that serious, but I’m sad to report that this week’s episode of Sound Session was recorded too ‘hot’ on our computer (thanks engineers!) so it sounds pretty atrocious.  On the plus side, I just got a new whip (and J got one a few months ago), it was Mother’s Day, and everyone in our circle is happy, healthy, and having more success than ever, so, as the cool folks say, it’s all good.

Oh, and did I mention that 5-8-11 marked our 6 year SNSS anniversary? That’s right…through hard work, great support, and an undying passion for the music and culture, J and I have had the pleasure of broadcasting SNSS live and direct for 6 full years.  Massive thank you shouts to everyone involved, especially the listeners.  We appreciate y’all so much and we’re happy to be one of the last outlets for independent/underground hip-hop on commercial radio.  Let’s keep it going y’all.

Die hard SNSS fans who missed the live broadcast may want to check out the archive since the music is still dope.  Sincere apologies if you can’t put up with the sub-par sound for the entire episode though.  At the very least, I recommend fast forwarding to 51:15 and checking out our interview with the founder of The FADER magazine and Cornerstone Promotions, Rob Stone.  You remember Cornerstone Mixtape #115, right?!  Shouts to the homies Jack & Cash for coming through the studio to talk about their new project too.

FADER just released their annual “Icon” issue and this time around, they honored the legendary Notorious B.I.G..  Obviously any Biggie-centric magazine would be dope, but with Rob’s unique history working closely with Puff in the early days of Bad Boy Records, he made sure FADER took it to the next level.  There’s all sorts of great behind the scenes stories and anecdotes, along with some never before seen photos, that make for a great read.  Cop it on newsstands now or hit up their site for more info.

We’ll see y’all next week, with the new and improved audio to kick off year six…

Show #310 (5-8-11)

1. Big K.R.I.T. ft. Ludacris & Bun B – “Country Sh*t (Remix)”
2. Killer Mike – “Blinded By Justice”
3. Freddie Gibbs – “Way 2 Fast”
4. Elzhi – “Halftime”
5. Roc Marciano & Killah Priest – “Slugs Thru Ya Papaya”
6. Asher Roth & Nottz – “Enforce The Law”
7. Focus ft. Phonte – “Uh!”
8. Gods’illa ft. Maimouna Youssef – “You Don’t Have To Be A Star”
9. Rockwell & Ill Pill ft. Grynch & Ra Scion – “My Way” (Local Music)
10. Fashawn ft. Sam Hook – “Down That Road”
11. Schoolboy Q ft. Jhene Aiko – “Fantasy”
12. Consequence ft. Ryan Leslie & Tony Williams – “Waited Too Long”
13. DJ Quik ft. Gift Reynolds & Jon B – “Hydromatic”
14. Fresh Daily – “Easy”
15. **INTERVIEW WITH ROB STONE**
16. The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Puff Daddy – “Who Shot Ya” (Throwback of the Week)
17. Illvibe Collective ft. A.R.M. – “Medicine Men”
18. **INTERVIEW WITH JACK & CASH, PT. 1**
19. Jack & Cash – “Bad Girl” (Local Music)
20. CunninLynguists ft. Big K.R.I.T. – “Murder (Act II)”
21. **INTERVIEW WITH JACK & CASH, PT. 2**
22. Tyler, The Creator ft. Frank Ocean – “She”
23. Joe Budden – “Ordinary Sh*t, Pt. 3 (Closure)”
24. Luck One – “Palestine” (Local Music)
25. Apollo The Great ft. Joell Ortiz – “Call It Quits (Remix)”
26. Dom Kennedy – “Playa’s Punch”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?crrq1c7cj73q0dd
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/899743745c742f7e/)
(2nd back up / streaming link – http://www.usershare.net/ikpat35um1yf/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 310, 5-8-11.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.

Apologies on the extra day delay for this week’s SNSS, but here is episode #309 in all its glory.  Shout to DJ Quik for calling in to the show and to Luck One and Spaceman for dropping by the studio.

Not sure if anyone noticed, but next week’s episode on 5/8/11 will mark the 6 year anniversary (to the day) of our first show in 2005…yup!

Show #309 (5-1-11)

1. Iron Solomon ft. Gordon Voidwell – “Spring Fever”
2. Big K.R.I.T. ft. David Banner – “Sookie Now”
3. Shane Eli ft. Playboy Tre & Rittz – “Let’s Ride”
4. CunninLynguists ft. Tunji & BJ The Chicago Kid – “Dreams”
5. MED ft. Blu – “This Is Your Life”
6. The Physics – “These Moments” (Local Music)
7. Random Axe – “The Hex”
8. Self Scientific ft. The New Royales – “The Picture Show”
9. Schoolboy Q ft. Jhene Aiko – “Fantasy”
10. Kendrick Lamar – “Hiii Power”
11. **INTERVIEW WITH LUCK ONE, PT. 1**
12. Luck One – “Sounds Of My City” (Local Music)
13. Fresh Daily – “Say Yes”
14. **INTERVIEW WITH LUCK ONE, PT. 2**
15. Ice Cube – “Steady Mobbin’” (Throwback of the Week)
16. Aleon Craft – “Make It Out”
17. Ill Vibe Collective ft. A.R.M. – “Medicine Men”
18. A.V.I.U.S. ft. Fashawn & Evidence – “Same Ol’ Line”
19. **INTERVIEW WITH DJ QUIK**
20. DJ Quik ft. Jon B – “Real Women”
21. Rockwell Powers & Ill Pill ft. Grynch & Ra Scion – “My Way” (Local Music)
22. Apollo The Great ft. Joell Ortiz – “Call It Quits (Remix)”
23. Roc Marciano & Killah Priest – “Slugs Thru Ya Papaya”
24. **INTERVIEW WITH SPACEMAN**
25. The Weeknd – “What You Need”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?2v36qa278axeuuv
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/897586766ffe73a1/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/z9uh4xa94lgi/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 309, 5-1-11.mp3)

Link to download just the interview with DJ Quik – http://www.mediafire.com/?y6h8ibbr8ydu990
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/8975881298332d4c/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/1bf3uajbdat4/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Interview With DJ Quik, 5-1-11.mp3.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.

A few weeks ago, I randomly thought to myself that it was about time for two of my favorite non-hip-hop artists, Kenna and Miike Snow, to drop some new music. While I’m not aware of any music from the group, Kenna has just released the first of three EP’s in his Land 2 Air Chronicles series, all leading up to his next album, Songs For Flight.  Here’s the first video from the project for “Chains,” a song all about discovering what binds us in our every day life and trying to break these restraints.

Kenna was in town last week and stopped by Sound Session, only for the studio in our new production room to screw up the audio of our interview.  I do have some video, so I may still post it, even though the sound quality is pretty poor without the mic audio.  The conversation was great though, as it always is with Kenna.  We discussed the new projects in detail and dived deeper into some philosophical debates over artistry and musical integrity.  I’ll try to get it posted soon, but for now, he says hi:

You’d think that if I took an extra day to archive this week’s SNSS, I would have an enthralling, lengthy write up detailing what went down on the show.  Well, if you thought that, you’d be wrong.

I will say this much though: last week, we discussed microfinancing higher education for students in 3rd world countries through a local non-profit organization called Vittana.  Read the details here.  I’m happy, and humbled, to report that since helping spread the word on our last show, over 60 new lenders have contributed loans to Vittana.  Say it with me: #swag.

Together, we’re making a difference with this music, this culture, this community, and this world.  Let’s keep going y’all.  Thank you!

Show #308 (4-24-11)

1. Dom Kennedy – “On The Way Home”
2. DJ Quik ft. Jon B – “Real Women”
3. Theophilus London ft. Devonte Hynes – “Century Girl”
4. Kenna – “Chains”
5. Childish Gambino – “Be Alone”
6. Aleon Craft ft. G-Wiz & Heavy Slim – “On The Air”
7. Rapper Big Pooh – “Zone Out”
8. The Physics – “These Moments” (Local Music)
9. J. Pinder ft. Royce The Choice, Eighty4 Fly, & Clemm Rishad – “The Opus” (Local Music)
10. Kendrick Lamar – “Hiii Power”
11. Big K.R.I.T. – “The Vent”
12. Kanye West – “Jesus Walks” (Throwback of the Week)
13. Curren$y ft. Freddie Gibbs – “Scottie Pippen”
14. Random Axe – “The Hex”
15. Elzhi – “Detroit State Of Mind”
16. Shane Eli ft. Playboy Tre & Rittz – “Let’s Ride”
17. Dice – “Things I Couldn’t Say” (Local Music)
18. Estelle ft. Rick Ross – “Break My Heart”
19. Frank Ocean – “Nature Feels”
20. Little Dragon – “NightLight”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?bdp7hgrp762sosy
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/894799390f57d113/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/xrgvzud7fbre/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 308, 4-24-11.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.

Maybach Music!

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!

Generally speaking, we prefer to keep Sound Session focused upon what we’re here for: the music.  However, J. Moore and I have considerable interests in the non-hip-hop aspects of our community and we enjoy shining light on certain issues from time to time, particularly when we have the opportunity to bring in an expert in that field.  Along with all the great music on this week’s episode, we had the opportunity to chop it up with one such person, Nick Cain from a Seattle non-profit company called Vittana.

Without embarking on a long rant and getting too philosophical, I feel the two biggest issues negatively affecting the world are overpopulation and lack of education.  When you swim upstream from most other problems, they all seem to lead back to those two.

Seattle’s Vittana organization is a non-profit company that helps students around the world receive higher education for the first time, directly attacking the education issue and helping break the cycle.  For a more detailed explanation, please see their website here, but in short, the system depends on loans (not donations) from folks like you and me that go towards funding scholarships.  For a fraction of the cost of a college education in America, Vittana can help students attend school, graduate, secure a job, repay the loan, and begin providing a better future for themselves, their family, their country, and the world as a whole.

For more information, check out our interview with Nick Cain on this week’s show.  I’d also recommend you to look at their site for more information and even if their cause isn’t one that you choose to support, hopefully you remember the moral obligation you have to make the world a better place.  Give your time/attention/money to some sort of cause and you’ll be more fulfilled.

On a less serious note, we also welcomed the legendary Raphael Saadiq to Sound Session this past week.  We played a short snippet of our interview on the show, but you can download the entire discussion (or watch the video) through the links below and in this blog post.  Saadiq talked about everything from his new Stone Rollin’ album…to his days with Tony! Toni! Toné! and Lucy Pearl…to playing basketball with Prince.  Enjoy the interview and the show!

Show #307 (4-17-11)

1. Childish Gambino – “Freaks and Geeks”
2. Dom Kennedy – “Playa’s Punch”
3. Dyme Def – “Bring It In” (Local Music)
4. Kendrick Lamar – “Hiii Power”
5. Big K.R.I.T. – “King’s Blues”
6. Curren$y ft. Freddie Gibbs – “Scottie Pippen”
7. Sean Price ft. Mayhem Lauren & Roc Marciano – “How The Gods Chill (Remix)”
8. **INTERVIEW WITH NICK CAIN (of VITTANA), PT. 1**
9. Dice – “Things I Couldn’t Say” (Local Music)
10. Atmosphere – “Your Name Here”
11. MED ft. Blu – “This Is Your Life”
12. Soul Khan – “Soul Like Khan”
13. Busta Rhymes – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” (Throwback of the Week)
14. Luck-One – “Listening To The Rain” (Local Music)
15. Apollo Brown ft. Oddisee – “The Times”
16. **INTERVIEW WITH NICK CAIN (of VITTANA), PT. 1**
17. Sade ft. Jay-Z – “The Moon & The Sky (Remix)”
18. Frank Ocean – “Lovecrimes”
19. Little Dragon – “NightLight”
20. **INTERVIEW WITH RAPHAEL SAADIQ (SNIPPET)**
21. Raphael Saadiq ft. Little Dragon – “Just Don’t”
22. King – “Hey”
23. Wiz Khalifa ft. Curren$y – “Rooftops”
24. The Weeknd – “The Party & The After Party”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?3sase6eu4esb2m1
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/89167291a9e97cf6/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/u3wgilk183iv/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 307, 4-17-11.mp3)

Link to download the full interview with Raphael Saadiq – http://www.mediafire.com/?97cxf19frx4o7r7
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/891679810db2ee03/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/ryo63hezh7xk/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Interview With Raphael Saadiq, 4-13-11.mp3)

Link to watch the full interview with Raphael Saadiq – http://www.vimeo.com/22587703

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.

So yeah, it’s tax time.  Almost forgot about that, word to Wesley Snipes.  No write up this week, gotta crunch some numbers.  Enjoy the show!

Show #306 (4-10-11)

1. Beastie Boys – “Make Some Noise”
2. Snoop Dogg ft. Too Short, Daz, & Kokane – “Take U Home”
3. Donnis – “Ford Mustang”
4. Big K.R.I.T. ft. Ludacris & Bun B – “Country Sh*t (Remix)”
5. Curren$y – “Ventilation”
6. Dom Kennedy – “Goodbye”
7. Fly.Union – “Hard Sell”
8. Raphael Saadiq – “Good Man”
9. Charlie Smarts – “The Skin”
10. **INTERVIEW WITH J. BRE”
11. J. Bre ft. Grynch – “All Around The World” (Local Music)
12. David Dallas ft. Freddie Gibbs – “Caught In A Daze”
13. Tyler, The Creator – “Yonkers”
14. Shyne ft. Barrington Levy – “Bad Boyz” (Throwback of the Week)
15. Recess – “The Gentleman”
16. **INTERVIEW WITH TYPE (OF WUF TIX)**
17. Wuf Tix ft. Jonny October – “Nobody Wants To Hear Your Stupid Theories” (Local Music)
18. Pharoahe Monch – “Evolve”
19. Elzhi – “Verbal Intercourse, Pt. 2”
20. The Weeknd – “House Of Balloons / Glass Table Girls”
21. Steelo ft. Izreal – “My Queen” (Local Music)
22. Apollo Brown ft. Oddisee – “The Times”
23. Jhene Aiko – “Stranger”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?bhxa0byot515td6
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/88902815f61479e1/)
(2nd back up – http://www.usershare.net/u397bxq2psc0/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 306, 4-10-11.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.