The Audacity of Dope

As much as I like interviewing my favorite MC’s (most of which are dudes), it’s always a much appreciated change of pace when we bring a talented female into the Sound Session studio.  A while back, the lovely Melanie Fiona came through to chop it up with us and play some records from her upcoming album, The Bridge.

While the album’s release has been delayed until August here in the States, peep the interview to hear her discuss the motivation behind the music, why it’s universal to everyone, and how she’s hoping it helps kill off ringtone singles.  She also talked about her Canadian/West Indian background, the process of crossing over to America’s music industry by signing with Steve Rifkind’s SRC label, touring with Kanye West, and more.

You can watch the interview above or download the audio below.

Melanie Fiona on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?2m4glq2znej
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/62326399c6288270/)

Be on the lookout for The Bridge dropping soon…y’all haven’t heard anything yet, trust me.

Super busy tonight, but y’all know the drill…be sure to peep the full interview with Melanie Fiona!

Show #214 (7-5-09)

1. Bishop Lamont ft. Xzibit – “Hallelujah”
2. The Kid Daytona ft. Bun B – “Air Born”
3. Royce The 5’9” – “Gun Harmonizing”
4. Slaughterhouse – “The One”
5. J. Cole – “Grown Simba”
6. Fashawn – “Life As A Shorty”
7. **INTERVIEW WITH GRYNCH, PT. 1**
8. Grynch ft. One Be Lo – “Chemistry” (Local Music)
9. Wu-Tang Clan ft. Ghostface Killah & Tre Williams – “I Wish You Were Here”
10. B.o.B – “Do You Have The Stamina”
11. The Physics – “I Just Wanna Beat” (Local Music)
12. **INTERVIEW WITH GRYNCH, PT. 2**
13. Major Lazer ft. Mr. Vegas & Jovi Rockwell – “Can’t Stop Now”
14. Mayer Hawthorne – “When I Said Goodbye”
15. **INTERVIEW WITH MELANIE FIONA (SNIPPET)**
16. Melanie Fiona – “You Stop My Heart”
17. **INTERVIEW WITH GRYNCH, PT. 3**
18. Mycle Wastman – “As Long As I’m With You” (Local Music)
19. Consequence ft. Kanye West & John Legend – “Whatever U Want”
20. Alchemist ft. Eminem – “Chemical Warfare”
21. Chali 2Na ft. Elzhi – “When Will I See You Again”
22. The Freshmen ft. Nio Tha Gift – “Hello There”
23. K’Naan – “Wavin’ Flag”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?0dmtmztji0i
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/62326051304d4363/)

Link to download the full interview with Melanie Fiona – http://www.mediafire.com/?2m4glq2znej
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/62326399c6288270/)

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.

Now that it’s my day job to watch music videos all day, I see damn near every clip that gets released.  As such, when a dope one comes around, I’m always extra impressed because I know how much effort gets put into the good ones…and I know how easy it is for folks to cut corners and release wack visuals, even for dope tracks.

We’ve been pretty blessed in the Seattle hip-hop scene to have produced some great videos recently (The Saturday Knights, They Live, The Physics, Choklate, and Zia Mohajerjasbi’s work with the Blue Scholars and Common Market, among others), and now we’ve got another from Clockwork.  The three man crew comprised of Lace Cadence, Take One, and Miguel Rockwell just released “Hold On” from their last album, Future Pastime, and it’s easily one of the cleanest videos I’ve seen in a minute.  There are some great effects to match up with the crystal clear images, plus the track is dope.

Cop Future Pastime on iTunes right here and follow the crew on Twitter as well.

While I get the opportunity to interview lots of dope artists, it’s standard practice that their conversational abilities pale in comparison to the music they make.  However, when someone as talented, eclectic, and interesting as K’Naan drops by the Sound Session studio, it’s virtually guaranteed to be a good time.  Sure enough, chopping it up with the man who fled Somalia’s civil war on the last commercial flight to leave Mogadishu proved to be an enlightening, and humbling, experience.

We discussed the current political upheaval in Iran, the pirates off the shores of Somalia, the gifts and curses that come with being a cultural ambassador, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, his recent Troubadour album, and more.  He even leaked some information on upcoming projects that hasn’t been reported yet…enjoy!

K’Naan on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?nttezgrtzz3
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/620305724e5447e5/)

If you’re still sleeping, wake up and cop Troubadour in stores now.

It’s strange how doing a weekly radio show means that whenever a major event happens, your thoughts are automatically documented.  I’m sure nobody else does, but I’ve gone back and listened to some old shows after historic moments and it’s kind of cool/strange to have these moments frozen in time.  This episode of SNSS is no different, since I’ll always remember it as the show after we lost literally the most popular person on the planet, Michael Jackson.

By now, there’s really nothing left to be said about the situation, but obviously Mike will be remembered for his incredible highs as well as disturbing lows.  As I mentioned in my initial blog post, regardless of all the trouble he had in his life, his music was exceptional and will live forever.  As we do for all talented musicians that were part of this hip-hop culture, we’ll continue to play songs on our show that carry on Mike’s musical legacy the best we can.  RIP to the King…

Peep this week’s show to hear new cuts from folks like B.o.B, Mayer Hawthorne, Ayah, Chali 2Na, The Kid Daytona, Mos Def, and more, plus an excellent local lineup featuring M64, Mycle Wastman, and The Physics.

Also, be sure to check out the full interview with K’Naan.  We talked all about the uprising in Iran, the pirates in his home country of Somalia, the gifts and curses that come with being a cultural ambassador, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and…oh yeah…his music.  It was a good one.  Shout to Enrique, Jesse, and Simi from IGA/Octone for bringing K’Naan through the station.

Show #213 (6-28-09)

1. Mos Def ft. Talib Kweli – “History”
2. B.o.B – “Do You Have The Stamina”
3. De La Soul – “Big Mouf”
4. Mayer Hawthorne – “When I Said Goodbye”
5. Ayah – “Fallen”
6. Wu-Tang Clan ft. Ghostface Killah & Tre Williams – “I Wish You Were Here”
7. The Physics – “Callin’” (Local Music)
8. Chali 2Na ft. Damian Marley & Stephen Marley – “Guns Up”
9. Slaughterhouse ft. M.O.P. – “Woodstock (Hood Hop)”
10. J. Cole – “Grown Simba”
11. DJ JS-1 ft. CL Smooth, Brother Ali, & Sadat X – “Nuthin’”
12. Drake ft. Phonte & Elzhi – “Think Good Thoughts”
13. **INTERVIEW WITH K’NAAN (SNIPPET)**
14. K’Naan – “Fire In Freetown”
15. M64 (Ragen Fykes & Ohmega Watts) – “Rhythm Of The Drum” (Local Music)
16. Big Pooh ft. Darien Brockington – “Move”
17. Outasight – “Brand New Day”
18. Lupe Fiasco ft. Matthew Santos – “Shining Down”
19. The Kid Daytona ft. Bun B – “Air Born”
20. Mycle Wastman – “As Long As I’m With You” (Local Music)

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?51mhznyoz1z
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/62029183c749b9f9/

Link to download the FULL interview with K’Naan – http://www.mediafire.com/?nttezgrtzz3
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/620305724e5447e5/)

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 many things going on, so little time…so I’ll make this one quick.

Father’s Day featured another dope episode of Sound Session, anchored by fresh music from the likes of Elzhi, Blackstar, J. Cole, Ayah, Outasight, Kanye, Lupe, Drake, and more.  Plus, we gave SNSS debuts to some more talented Torontonians (is that city killing it right now or what?), Notes To Self and 1/3 of Idle Warship, Graph Nobel.  To top it all off, we were joined in studio by local artist Neema, and Portland’s Ragen Fykes and Northwest vet Ohmega Watts, who just released their new M64 project today.  Be sure to check it out at RecordBreakin.com.  Everything about that project (the music, the artwork, the message, the people) is super dope and well worth your support.

Oh…and did I mention that Karriem Riggins, a flat out musical genius in both jazz and hip-hop, called in to the show as well?  Just another day out in sunny S-E-A…

Show #212 (6-21-09)

1. Pac Div – “Mayor”
2. U-N-I – “The Grudge”
3. DJ Spinna ft. Elzhi – “Colors, Pt. 2”
4. Mos Def ft. Talib Kweli – “History”
5. Outasight – “Brand New Day”
6. **INTERVIEW WITH M64 (RAGEN FYKES & OHMEGA WATTS), PT. 1**
7. M64 (Ragen Fykes & Ohmega Watts) – “In The Pocket” (Local Music)
8. Ayah – “Fallen”
9. **INTERVIEW WITH M64 (RAGEN FYKES & OHMEGA WATTS), PT. 2**
10. Lupe Fiasco ft. Matthew Santos – “Shining Down”
11. J. Cole – “Heartache”
12. DJ JS-1 ft. O.C. & Pharoahe Monch – “Ridiculous”
13. Marco Polo & Torae ft. Saukrates & S-Roc – “Crashing Down”
14. **INTERVIEW WITH NEEMA & SHAST, PT. 1**
15. Neema – “48 Bars” (Local Music)
16. Notes To Self – “Days Like These”
17. **INTERVIEW WITH KARRIEM RIGGINS**
18. Madlib ft. Karriem Riggins – “Life”
19. **INTERVIEW WITH NEEMA & SHAST, PT. 2**
20. Substantial & Marcus D ft. Kokayi & Gods’Illa – “I’m Here” (Local Music)
21. Asher Roth ft. Keri Hilson – “She Don’t Wanna Man”
22. Graph Nobel – “Broken Heart”
23. Jamie Foxx ft. Drake, Kanye West, & The-Dream – “Digital Girl (Remix)”
24. **INTERVIEW WITH M64 (RAGEN FYKES & OHMEGA WATTS), PT. 3**

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?thit4hwy3gm
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/617429144c5d3561/ )

Link to download just the Karriem Riggins interview – http://www.mediafire.com/?yddmjek0m2u
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/61742244d2538d75/)

Link to download just the M64 interview – http://www.mediafire.com/?ddedenmjzuy
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/61742380c3beaee9/)

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.

Awww yeah, the homegirl Chok just dropped the video for 2 joints off her new album, To Whom It May Concern.  Trust when I tell you that not only is she one of the most talented singers in our lovely city, but she’s right there at the top of the pack nationally.  People are starting to catch on, so hop on the bandwagon before you’re too late!

Also, you may remember the Vitamin D “Suns Out” beat from our Cornerstone Mixtape where Thig Natural of the Physics ripped a little freestyle intro.  Have you downloaded the tape yet?

And just in case you needed more proof that Seattle is jam packed full of talent, peep this video of KDCutz remixing “Suns Out.”

Wow.

Back once again, it’s the incredible…err, Sound Session.  Y’all know the drill though: here’s another edition of SNSS, complete with new tracks from artists like the Clipse, Ali Vegas, U-N-I, Jay-Z, Mos Def, Grouch & Eligh, Raekwon, J. Cole, Grand Puba, Outasight, and more.  There’s a ton of great music out these days and each week, it’s a thrill to be able to blast it out over a 100K-watt frequency.

Oh…almost forgot – I should congratulate the Lakers for winning the NBA Championship.  I’m pretty indifferent to the current team (Van Exel/Eddie/Ceballos/etc. was my squad though), but I do prefer to see folks who haven’t won rings before get that feeling.  I would have liked the Magic to win, but L.A. was clearly the best team in the league.  Plus, we know Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar, Adam Morrison, DJ Mbenga, and the crew put in that hard work to get their well deserved rings.

Special shout to Jerry West and the Grizzlies for making it all possible by swinging probably the most one sided trade in the history of organized sports and rescuing the franchise.  Anytime you pull off a trade that NBA Live would veto, you know you’re the king.  The Logo comes through again for the Lakers!  “…no disrespect.”

Show #211 (6-14-09)

1. Clipse ft. Pharrell – “I’m Good”
2. Drama ft. Nas, Willie The Kid, Scarface, & Marsha Ambrosius – “Yacht Music”
3. Ali Vegas ft. Glenn Lewis – “The Block”
4. Eclipse (of the Parker Brothaz) ft. BJ – “Still Parker Brothaz” (Local Artist)
5. U-N-I – “Stylin’”
6. J. Cole – “Heartache”
7. Jay-Z – “D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)”
8. Mos Def ft. Slick Rick – “Auditorium”
9. Grand Puba ft. Lord Jamar & Rell – “I See Dead People”
10. Outasight – “Brand New Day”
11. Mycle Wastman – “Still Holdin’ On” (Local Artist)
12. Murs – “Break Up (The OJ Song)”
13. Mayer Hawthorne – “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out (Astronote Remix)”
14. Ghostface Killah – “Forever”
15. Shawn Starr ft. GMK – “Past The Games” (Local Artist)
16. DJ Spinna ft. Phonte & Yahzarah – “Guaranteed”
17. Grouch & Eligh ft. Blu – “Old Souls”
18. Tame One ft. Breeze Brewin & Aesop Rock – “Molly”
19. Raekwon ft. M.O.P. & Kool G Rap – “Ill Figurines”
20. Marco Polo & Torae ft. Saukrates & S-Roc – “Crashing Down”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?itdghkymmmm
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/6143223677192ab7/)

Remember to download our new Cornerstone Mixtape too!  It’s getting rave reviews all over the net, but you should already know the music is great.  If you like Sound Session, you’ll like this tape – https://www.theaudacityofdope.com/2009/06/09/dj-hyphen-j-moore-dj-b-mello-cornerstone-mixtape-115/

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.

ahahahahahaah aw man, look at the homies Krispy and Al!  The Knux made one of the least diverse crowds I’ve ever seen go absolutely crazy at the Bonnaroo Festival in Tennessee this weekend.  LOL @ the irony of ending with Dead Prez’ “Hip-Hop”…I love it.

Seattle people: Be sure to come check out the Knux at Bumbershoot this year, where they’ll be opening up for the Black Eyed Peas on the mainstage.  Shout to Krispy, Al, Josh, and the whole crew.  See y’all soon fellas.

Yes y’all, the time has finally come for the release of the newest Cornerstone Mixtape, presented by J. Moore, DJ B-Mello, and yours truly.  For those of you who aren’t familiar, Cornerstone is one of the preeminent marketing companies in the music industry and they’ve been releasing a monthly mixtape for years.  The hosts of each edition are hand selected by the Cornerstone staff and to be picked is considered a pretty high honor within hip-hop, one we’re thankful and proud to receive.  Some of the past participants  include  legends like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, DJ Jazzy Jeff, the Fantastic Four (from Friday Night Flavas), DJ Revolution, and countless others.  J and I are excited to be able to join those ranks and represent Seattle alongside our longtime friend and fellow DJ, the original West Coast Tapemaster, DJ B-Mello.

To be honest, it’s a bit surreal to see myself plastered on one of these covers since I’ve been collecting the tapes for years.  To go from a kid bumming copies from my industry friends each month, to being added to the Cornerstone ship list (what up TNT!), to now helping host a tape myself…I can’t front, it’s a really cool feeling.  Big shout to the entire 1200 Squad, particularly Blaze Wong, J, Dru Ha, and Rob Stone, for working with me throughout my college radio years and now at KUBE with Sunday Night Sound Session.  They truly respect and live this culture, and they recognize folks who are helping keep it alive like J, Mello, and myself.  Much appreciated fellas.

Alright, enough sentimentality.  If you’re interested, peep the tracklisting for our mix and download it through one of the links below.  We finished this up back in April, so a few of the songs are a little old right now.  That said, I think we did a pretty damn good job keeping it current and we even managed to hang on to a couple exclusives…no small feat in this day and age.  As always, our goal was to provide you with some great music and perhaps expose you to an artist you might not be familiar with.

Please feel free to repost and share around the net to all your people.  Most importantly, just like on my old Beats, Rhymes, and Life mixtapes, remember to support the artists if you’re feeling their music!

Download Cornerstone Mixtape #115 – http://sharebee.com/9c9bde51
(back up link #1 – http://www.mediafire.com/?ejzak2y2itz)
(back up link #2 – http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7IHDF1P6)

Enjoy!