The Audacity of Dope

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.

Not much time to chat this week as I’m packing my bags for E3 (huge video game trade show, get familiar!) so I have to make this quick.  Shout to Miss Casey Carter for sitting in with us and be sure to “Like” our new SNSS Facebook page right here.  If you’re in Los Angeles for the next few days, attending E3 or not, holler @ a Hyphen!

Show #314 (6-5-11)
**Co-Hosted by Miss Casey Carter**

1. The Hood Internet ft. Freddie Gibbs, Telli, & Elizabeth Harper – “VCR”
2. L.A.U.S.D. ft. U-N-I & Vida Jafari – “Ignite”
3. Fresh Daily ft. Cocoa Sarai – “Good Dude (Jinesis Remix)”
4. Helluvastate – “Brain Champagne” (Local Music)
5. Pill & Wale ft. CyHi Da Prynce, Curren$y, & Teedra Moses – “Rise”
6. J. Rawls ft. Casual – “Find A New”
7. Killer Mike – “That’s Life 2”
8. Big K.R.I.T. – “My Sub”
9. Shane Eli – “When We Were Kings”
10. XV ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Textbook Stuff”
11. Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun ft. Styles P & Sean Price – “That’s Hard”
12. MED – “Superman”
13. Co$$ – “Spaceman”
14. DJ Quik – “Dollaz + Sense” (Throwback of the Week)
15. Bad Meets Evil – “Fast Lane”
16. J. Cole – “Return Of Simba”
17. Damian Marley – “Just Ain’t The Same”
18. Miss Casey Carter ft. Avatar – “Losers” (Local Music)
19. Black Stax – “I Love My Life” (Local Music)
20. Mayer Hawthorne – “A Long Time”
21. Sleepy Brown – “You’re My Lady”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://hulkshare.com/loruqzru91ae
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/91068579ba1f3999/)
(2nd back up / streaming link – http://www.usershare.net/qo4kk9sjkg4g/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 314, 6-5-11.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.

Seattle’s hip-hop scene is starting to catch on outside the PacNW and while we’re on our way, I’m also wondering how long it’ll take for other talented cats to get recognized. Helluvastate, a group formed by Taysean (of Helladope) and Thaddeus (of State Of The Artist), is a prime example. I’m not sure if Taysean and Thaddeus view their collaboration as a side project of sorts, but it’s clear that it’s a great match and worthy of far more publicity/buzz than I’m seeing for the duo.

On the low, Taysean’s production and rhyme skills might make him the most underrated cat in the town right now. Guys like him, P-Smoov, Ryan Lewis, and Budo are so ridiculously talented musically that it’s almost not fair. When they link up with dope MC’s, it’s a wrap.

Download the entire Helluvastate project, Adventures In A Helluvastate, right here.

Pretty fresh and I’m a sucker for anything shot in Paris.  It’s also a great record as the weather finally starts to turn here in Seattle.  There’s not a city in the world that’s nicer than the 206 when the sun’s out…

Not too much to discuss this week, aside from the tempering of a holiday weekend with the sad news that Gil Scott-Heron passed away on Friday.  We’ve lost many influential figures over the past few years, but few, if any, meant more to hip-hop music and culture.  Gil was not only an incredibly talented and intelligent musician, but the themes he worked with and the social causes he fought for formed the foundation of hip-hop.  We felt it was only fitting to dedicate our throwback to GSH this week and we decided to spin an extra track of his as well to help further educate the youngsters that listen to SNSS.  RIP to Gil and shout to his daughter Gia, my freshman year R.A. in college.  Thoughts with their family.

As for the rest of the show, peep the archive to hear new records from J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Primeridian, Blu, Blue Scholars, U-N-I, Oddisee, Sleepy Brown, J. Rawls, and more.  Also, shout to Black Stax for coming through the studio to kick it and discuss their new album, Talking Buildings.

Show #313 (5-29-11)

1. Gil Scott-Heron – “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” (Throwback of the Week)
2. J. Cole – “Return Of Simba”
3. Big K.R.I.T. – “My Sub”
4. Primeridian – “Drop The Needle”
5. Maffew Ragazino – “Black Sheep”
6. Action Bronson ft. Lil Fame – “Time For Some”
7. Blu ft. Planet Asia & Killa Ben – “Doowhop+”
8. Asher Roth ft. Akon – “Last Man Standing”
9. Pusha T ft. Kevin Cossom – “Feelin’ Myself”
10. **INTERVIEW WITH BLACK STAX, PT. 1**
11. Black Stax – “They Want Me” (Local Music)
12. Blue Scholars – “Slick Watts” (Local Music)
13. **INTERVIEW WITH BLACK STAX, PT. 2**
14. Sene – “A Purple Life”
15. The Weeknd – “Rolling Stone”
16. H.O.P.E. ft. Jhene Aiko – “Body On Me”
17. L.A.U.S.D. ft. U-N-I & Vida Jafari – “Ignite”
18. The Hood Internet ft. Freddie Gibbs, Telli, & Elizabeth Harper – “VCR”
19. Oddisee – “You Don’t Close Your Eyes”
20. J. Rawls – “Why You Do”
21. Miss Casey Carter ft. Avatar – “Losers” (Local Music)
22. Sleepy Brown – “You’re My Lady”
23. Gil Scott-Heron – “We Almost Lost Detroit” (Throwback of the Week)
24. Kanye West ft. Bon Iver – “Lost In The World”
25. Kanye West – “Who Will Survive In America”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?l57o25r3hs5yqbx
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/908157318e6586e7/)
(2nd back up / streaming link – http://www.usershare.net/dfyt3qmg1gh0/DJ Hyphen and J. Moore – Sunday Night Sound Session, Show 313, 5-29-11.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.

Mitch: Brand new single from Logics featuring Element of Second Family, with production by Tryfe. Vintage Flow drops June 6th. Get ready…

Logics – Can’t See ‘Em Ft. Element (Prod. Tryfe)

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.

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.