Something For Dudes Who Game??

Gem

Just a dope tune from Boosie the bad ass.

Incognito...

Yes, I have been gone as of late. T o be honest only a few albums have peaked my interest. I will eventually get around to reviewing them. But that's not for today. This is.

Your Aunt's Whip...

You know this the new grind/ true grind music. Realize yet. Yup.

Samson.

For the Celtics...

Go C's!!!

Get Some...

Where The Wild Things Are just came out on DVD, get it.

On A Lighter Note...

Here's some new Curren$y for you fiends. Has Spitta ever graced a beat and not made the song a jam? I would have to say NO. Look out for Pilot Talk coming June 15th. And yes Curren$y is blasting BlackStar in the background.

Curren$y - King Kong from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Shit.

Alright, I am first to admit when I am wrong. I was planning on refusing to download Asher Roth's most current mixtape on the basis that I don't believe in what he stands for (in the rap game). However his catchy beat selection and semi- catchy lyrics have snared me again. I promise to never post an Asher Roth video ever again.

Groovy Lemon PIe...

A Little Disappointed...

I was excited to see a new Fly Gypsy tape on livemixtapes.com . I was excited until I listened to it. This is not material I would suggest putting out for a second release ( second release,that I know of). I was pretty disappointed to hear all the samples, and re-used vocals (of their own). The only song that got me semi- excited was Brooklyn Beauty then I realized that it was the same lyrics as Wildflower (on Vodka & Rum Mixtape) just a different tune. This is not a diss so don't take it that way it is simply an unsatisfied customer hoping that they return to their original ingenuity. Fly Gypsy had a good thing going why start sampling garbage artist, such as Green Day?

Just A Thought.

Samson.

Illa J "R U Listenin'"

I love when my iTunes wakes me up with the exact song thats gonna get me up and get me goin'. Much love to my iTunes shuffle feature.

Slicker Than Most. R.IP. Guru

As I am sure everyone is aware Keith Elam better known as Guru passed away on 4/19/10. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, "Guru" was a wordsmith in the greatest sense, and also a cornerstone of modern day rap. I remember, I started listening to Gangstarr because I had heard they originally started in Boston. And for the longest time I told everyone this was so. By the time I had learned the truth, that the group had actually started in NYC I was able to look past my misconception and truly become a fan of Guru and everything he did. I also can clearly recall the day I listened to Guru's Jazzmatazz Vol. 1. I literally dropped my jaw after listening to it in its entirety. I could not believe live jazz and rap could run so freely together. It's a sad day just realizing that one of the most influential artists in the game is gone for good. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

R.I.P. Guru

We represent the pain that's real talk, what's y'all claim to fame? -Guru

Serendipity Flow...

I've been meaning to do a write- up of the Kid Daytona for quite some time now. This is one "kid" who's doing his thing and needs more people to notice. Right now, I hear all the opponents trying to claim his styles recycled maybe even borrowed. Well I can honestly quell all of these thoughts. Daytona is a throwback to more lyrical rappers such as Mos Def and Talib Kweli, or even Curren$y (little different, but still lyrical). Just listen to the production value on Daytona's mixtapes. Now granted all my readers know I am an established backpack rap fan. But the fact remains you don't have to be a gangster or fake gangster for that matter to make good music or sell records. We as listeners need to rally behind rappers like Daytona and help them revive the dying genre that is rap music. In addition to bringing a lot to the table himself he also works with a few established artists. Such as Bun B, Double-O, and 6th Sense. To get yourself started on some Daytona I suggest first downloading "Come Fly With Me" followed by his previous EP "the Daytona 500". Songs to start off with include but aren't limited to: Air Born, Flava Season, The Pit Crew, and The Wings.

Get Some.

Samson

You Wish...

Today Beck and Sam Cooke discuss a pressing matter, where it's at.

Do it Do it.

Samson

Time For Some Amateur Videos...

This one is a local band performing their first public set last night at the Sky Bar in Tucson, Az.

'Dragonfly' by the Les Murphy Band.

and second a video I've been slacking on putting up here's a clip from a Sound Tribe Sector 9 concert I went to at the Rialto Theater in Tucson.

and here is the dl link for both videos.

the Les Murphy Band, Dragonfly

Sound Tribe Sector 9

Enjoy.

Samson

New Young Money Member...

As you may or may not have heard there was a new member added to Young Money, today. Cory Gunz was announced to be the new member, by Lil Wayne via Ustream. I have on major problem with the fact that Cory is going to Young Money. Well first actually more upset at the fact that he's such a slept on artist. Especially considering he is the son of Peter Gunz. The main reason, however, that I'm upset about this announcement is due to the fact that no one on the Young Money label shines besides Drake and Nicki Minaj. Take Curren$y for example how long was he with Cash Money and Young Money and barely anyone knew he was. The only reason you would is if you saw him featured on a track with Weezy. Now that Curren$y is off Young Money he's making major moves. Hopefully some good comes out of this, at least with the move he's getting some more coverage. So good look to Cory Gunz over at Young Money now, do your thing.

Look Out.

Samson

Diggin' Through the Crates...

Was looking through my records for some inspiration. I know my writing has been pretty terse lately but I promise to get some dope stuff up soon, maybe if I get motivated enough, today. Anyways I was cruisin' my records when I happened upon a single from Mic Geronimo that came out in 1996, "Unstoppable". It's a sick little number and brought me back to his hirst underground single "Shit's Real". Mic Geronimo is a completly underrated MC and never really got appreciation for the nice tunes he was putting out. So here at the GrindStoned we are listening to Mic Geronimo all day, today. As should you.

Get Some.

Samson

Searching...

Found this video while reading about some lame dudes arguing about DJ Premier and Dr. Dre. I had to inform one guy that if that 'Detox' (does this deserve quotes seeing as how it's only still a "concept"?) does come out and has more than three listen-able track I will be thoroughly impressed. Anyways these guys have a decent flow nice beat selection and overall a nice product so give it a listen. Kind of reminds of a goofier People Under the Stairs.

Why Not.

Samson

Thizzle Dance

Where'd the thizzle dance go, or in other words bring it back...

Cover Idea...

Hadn't seen this video for 'Wolf Like Me' by Tv On the Radio in a while which is an awesome video and song. But I noticed that at 2:48 on the video the image kind of looks like Kid Cudi's album cover, check it out. Maybe the makers of Cudi's cover borrowed the idea or maybe just a coincidence but still cool. Also make sure to check out TV on the Radio if you don't know them already a good starting point would probably be their album 'Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes'.

Samson

Music With Expressions...

The kind of music that can match and intensify any kind of mood. That's the first thing that comes to mind when listening to the wonderful and soulful music of Lee Fields and the Expressions. To be honest I can't stop listening and it's been that way for months. Not that I'm complaining it's such versatile music with similar vocal quality to the likes of the godfather of soul (look it up if you don't know). Every listen makes you want to move with the music and just escape whatever it is your doing, one reason it's awesome for cardio at the gym. Besides that though it is a beautiful display of talent, vocal quality, and live instrument goodness. Once I had heard this group I could not imagine going back to not knowing them, I need this music in my repertoire. So please, please buy this album. I guarantee it will please you, if not I will buy this album from the first 5 discontent customers. You must come up with a valid excuse in at least 500 words. Seriously. So let me know what you think honestly and I promise I will hold true to this offer (Unless what your saying is blasphemy).

By the way the album is My World by Lee Fields & The Expressions.

Cordially.

Samson.

That New Spitta...

A new Curren$y mixtape dropped today ironically a day after the Saints win the Super Bowl. Who Dat?? At first listen I'm going to have to say I'm not very impressed. But hold up, don't give up on it yet I've only given it a half- assed listen so far. I think I was just mainly put off at the fact that Spitta did nothing new for Gucci's 'Lemonade' beat. One stand out track is Life Under the Scope but ya'll already have that because I hooked you up with the leak around a month ago another fly joint is '187 On a Beat'. So def. get some and I'll check back in at a later time and give it some real thought.

Download Mixtape Free | LiveMixtapes.com Mixtape Player

Free Mixtape Download

Curren$y, Smokee Robinson

Right.

Samson.

Dope Video of the Day...

Who doesn't appreciate a dope and live J. Cole video. It's actually real good quality for a live video. For anyone that doesn't (I'm almost certain you all do) he's Rocafella's new up and comer. He's already dropped two incredible mixtapes and he just keeps putting out quality stuff. So if you haven't already make sure to check him out.

Free Mixtape Downloads

J. Cole A Nigga From the Ville

J. Cole The Warmup

Enjoy.

Samson

Who's Next To Shine?... Rumorz.

Rumorz is doing his thing and it looks like its starting to pay off. With two albums under his belt already ('The Whisper Campaign' and 'Crocodile Tears' both available on iTunes) his third attempt, 'The Souloist' is an awesome tape which truly displays raw talent. He had earlier problems with the business aspect of the rap game and is finally making up for lost time. Rumorz style is versatile and can be reminiscent of early Eminem (Slim Shady LP not Infinite) like in the song Remember the Name. Here at theGrindStoned we recently were able to get a hold of Rumorz and ask him a few questions:

Samson: First of all thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for theGrindStoned. Why don't we start off by you telling everyone out there who you are and where your from.

Rumorz: Sure, thank you for featuring me. I go by the name of Rumorz and I come originally from Stoughton, MA, which is a suburb of Boston. I now live elsewhere but still on the south shore side of Mass.

S: How long have you been rapping and what kind of progress have you made since 'The Whisper Campaign'?

RZ: I guess I started rapping at the very end of 8^th grade where I used to freestyle with my friend Digits. The Whisper Campaign was completed my freshman year of college, and was basically my first real attempt at making songs and not just rapping for the hell of it. I’m now at the point where I want to make great songs with good concepts and having a fan tell me they were moved by a song I wrote means way more then eating other rappers does. Another big difference is my skills on the business side of things. My advice to anyone starting out is make sure you find balance between being a great networker and a great musician, because you are just running on a treadmill if you are missing one or the other.

S: What were your early rap influences and have they changed at all today?

RZ: First cd was Coolio, though I wouldn’t say he was a big influence on my style haha. I feel like I’ve drawn influences from all over the place over the years starting initially with Big Pun and Bone Thugs N Harmony. For a couple years I was big into Jedi Mind Tricks, and them along with rock music is what probably gave me my more aggressive sound. I’ve always been a fan of Eminem, that dude amazes me to this day. Delivery wise, Tech N9ne is unbelievable to me, and writing wise I look up to Lupe Fiasco and Joe Budden.

S: What kind of negative response have you had due to the fact your a white rapper?

RZ: Well there’s always the one or two clowns that mess it up for every other white rapper. Someone hears a guy who isn’t true to himself and all of a sudden people look at you different when you say you rap if you’re white. It’s tough because I feel like people don’t take me serious until they’ve heard my music, which means I am constantly trying to prove myself. It doesn’t bother me, but it does suck when people are ignorant like that. Back in High School I dressed a little more gangsta so to speak and I ran into a girl making fun of another white kid who dressed similar saying he was a wanna be. When I confronted her and asked her about her thoughts of how I dress, she said “Well you can rap good, so it’s different”. It will never make sense to me…

S: Who would you really like to work with in the game right now, name a rapper and a producer?

RZ: Hmm… Well I’d have to say Lupe when it comes to rappers because I think conceptually we could make some dope shit. As for a producer, one guy I think is amazing is Pharrell and the Neptunes. Even though they might not match my style so much, they have a great understanding of what it is to make a great song. I am happy to work with anyone who is passionate about my music and truly wants to make a great record. I would also love to collab with The Black Keys. They are a blues-rock group who recently did a sick project with Dame Dash.

S: What kind of problems have you had trying to make a name for yourself on the Boston rap scene?

RZ: The Boston scene is a funny thing man. I’ve been in New York for the last four years with school, so these last few months since I’ve graduated are my first real attempts at building a buzz around Boston. There are only 3 or 4 dope rap producers, and only one guy who runs all the promotions for rap shows around here. I’ve been trying to make my own path doing shows at more underground spots and trying to build a solid fan base instead of sucking up to some of these other dudes just to get in the scene. I enjoy performing where people are there for the music, so that is the scene I look to conquer, whether that is Boston, New England, or wherever they’ll hand me a mic and the stage.

S: I really like how your music has progressed. I feel that 'The Souloist' is your best work as of yet what kind of changes have you made to bring your game to the level its at today?

RZ: Thanks that means a lot. My mentality has definitely changed. I can’t stress enough how much I want to make great music, I’ll let the other dudes fight over who is the illest and got the most swag or whatever. I just want to create songs and concepts that people can relate to and vibe to. That change in attitude along with working at my craft has been a big factor. I also started incorporating this type of “almost-singing-but-not-quite” style that I use a lot for hooks now (I have no official name for it yet haha). The Souloist is a preview of where my sound is going and the prequel to Souled Out Show, my next album which should drop sometime in the spring.

S: What are you currently working on?

RZ: Souled Out Show and also a few different projects. Me and fellow Stoughton rapper Grafite are working on a project together and I am also working with a live band called Mean Monsoon. The band is very new, but it’s dope. It’s got that rock-rap vibe to with a little twist. Both those projects will be something to look out for near the end of 2010.

S: Any shoutouts?

RZ: Yeah. Shout to DJ Ill Will, Kp of Datpiff.com, Mix Master Maize of hear-it-first.net and Shake from 2dopeboyz. Their support is what is helping spread the word and get the name out. And shout out to anyone who has ever suggested my shit to someone else… You’ve got good taste. Haha.

Download Link Below Player, Make Sure To Download

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

Keep your eye on this dude he's building his own niche in the game and it looks like he's here to stay.

Spread the Word.

Samson

6th Sense Mixtape Yo....

This is a hot few songs, Yo. I like how there is two more songs from The Kid Daytona and Chip the Ripper with 6th Sense. If you haven't checked it out already go download 'Come Fly With Me' by The Kid Daytona which is produced by 6th Sense also check out the song 'Dear Hip- Hop' which features Sixth Sense as well.

Free Mixtape Download

It's A 6th Sense Mixtape Yo!! Vol. 2 & 3

Enjoy Samson.

Album Cover...

The Kidz In the Hall's new album cover and track list was released today for their upcoming 'Land of Make Beleive'. Looks dope, can't wait for this to get released. Keep you updated on album happenings and any leaks that might come out. Also stoked because they've also got some ill artists featured such as the Kid Daytona and Chip the Ripper.

Official Track Listing: 1) Intro 2) Traffic 3) Flickin 4) Out To Lunch ft The Kid Daytona 5) Bougie Girls ft Russoul 6) Jukebox ft MC Lyte 7) L_O_V_E 8) Will II Win ft Marsha Ambrosius 9) Take Over The World ft Just Blaze & Colin Munroe 10) Fresh Academy ft Chip Tha Ripper & Donnis 11) Simple Life ft Amanda Diva 12) Running ft Tim William 13) Do It All Again (I AM) 14) I AM (Reprise) 15) Rise & Shine ft Russoul

Throwback Wednesday... Or Censoring At It's Best!

It's time for some throwback Wednesday track to kick back and grind to.

The Firm, 'Phone Tap'

I love (hate) how they censor this song with the phone static. I mean at least they made a classy attempt at pretending the curse words weren't even there.

Lil Shawn & Notorious B.I.G., 'Dom Perignon'

Digital Underground 'Humpty Dance'

Funny how one of the censored parts in this track is just covering up Burger King. I guess the king doesn't like people fornicating in his bathrooms.

Digital Underground ft. 2Pac 'Same Song'

Happy Wednesday.

Samson

Worth a Look

If your a fan of groups like the Cool Kids or Kidz in the Hall, then this album is for you. He's the Blogger, I'm the DJ is a collection of a few artists spitting on some throwback style beats with some new school thrown in the mix.. All around a good idea to have this tape in your collection. So do the right thing and follow the download link below.

Free Mixtape Download

http://bt.gd/1e3
Enjoy.
Samson

All About... Goose.

So I've been jamming out to Goose's "Homeless In Hollywood" for a few weeks now. Every listen is better than the last with dope beats that range from upbeat and rapid fire like 'Diamonds', to laid back but intense lyrical content like 'AgreeDisagree' its got something for every occasion. I also like how Goose doesn't limit himself to a singular flow style which enables him to rhyme on a plethora of different beats. At theGrindStoned we expect to see some big things from Goose he's a talented artist who seems to have his goals in order and knows how to attain them so keep your eye on this guy.

Recently i was able to catch up with Goose and ask him a few questions. This is what transpired:

Samson: Ok so first off why don't you let everyone know who you are and where you’re from.

Goose: My name is Goose and I am originally from Syracuse, New York, but relocated to Orlando, Florida around 1999. So, I am officially a Floridian!! I can’t complain I love the weather!

S: So where did the name Goose come from?

G: Well, that’s funny because I get that question a lot. When I was about 8, people used to tell me that my lips where not proportion to the rest of my face because my head was so small lol… So, people said I look like a goose! I took a negative and turned it into a positive lol.

S: Is “Homeless In Hollywood” your freshman attempt?

G: As far as putting a body of work together, yes this is my freshman attempt, but not so much as recording and getting music out. I’m still learning how to put an album together and I look at it as writing a essay, you have the thesis, the body and the conclusion, but everything has to relate to the title; so that’s my approach.

S: Have you had any response from labels that have heard Homeless In Hollywood?

G: There has been an overwhelming response to it, but I’m at the point where I want to perfect my craft before putting it out to the mass public. I have to love my work more than anybody else before I feel comfortable enough to release it on a national level. So, I’ll let the labels sit and wait for a while. Hopefully not too long though lol.

S: What year did you get in the game and what kind of struggles have you had to overcome?

G: I came into the game around 2006. Coming into it, there’s a lot you have to learn and there really is no book you can read to teach you about handling all of what comes with this industry. When its money involved, its 90% business and 10% talent and I had to learn the hard way. In order for me to accomplish my goals and make the music I wanna make, I gotta make sure my business is intact. There’s a lot of broke talented people out there, and I don’t wanna be one of them, lol. Like every inspiring artist, you’re gonna have your trials and tribulations, but I believe consistency is the key to success so as long as I have that mentality, I can’t go wrong!

S: Do you think that being featured on the Madden 07 soundtrack progressed your career any further than if you hadn't taken part in it?

G: Yea and No, I think it progressed my career in terms of showing me that this is attainable. It gave me confidence and sparked motivation in me that I’ve never experienced before, especially because I, along with the other artist on that record, was the first unsigned artists to be featured on the world’s best selling video game. In that same since, I don’t think it helped my career or put me ahead of the game because I didn’t have a strong structure, as far as a team is concerned, to capitalize on that opportunity, I didn’t have the follow up material and the push to use that situation as a stepping stone to make people pay attention. It was kind of like I was on the soundtrack and then musically you didn’t hear from me no more. I was working and planning an attempt but I didn’t have a strong foundation. But it’s all good; I’ll make up for lost time, lol.

S: Any videos in progress? I'm sure your fans would love to see that.

G: We working on something but I cant give away all my secrets, lol My fans will have to stay tuned and I can assure you that they will be pleased with what’s about to come. 2010 is gonna be a good year.

S: Has living in either Florida or New York influenced the way you rap?

G: Of course growing up on the Southside of Syracuse influenced me, from Mobb Deep to Nas to Jay-Z to Wu-Tang, but living down south I can appreciate artist like T.I. and Jeezy. Both sides have influenced my music and opened up my ear.

S: What artists have you been digging lately?

G: Probably Drake and Kid Cudi, I’m with the new school lol!

S: "Homeless in Hollywood" seems like a pretty introspective album. Have you recreated yourself at all in the past couple years?

G: Well. “Homeless in Hollywood” is about finding yourself in the face of adversity and accepting who you are. So yea, I can honestly say that I put out a record and it’s full of emotion and passion. I don’t think I recreated myself within the past few years because I’ve always been me. When I did the Madden thing, I had material that was talking about the same things I am right now but I can say that as an artist I have evolved and matured and my material keeps getting better with time.

S: One last question, how do you plan on setting yourself apart from all the other freshman artists surfacing right now?

G: That’s an answer that you would have to ask my fans! lol I think the music speaks for itself. I don’t know if that’s a good answer but everyone is doing really well right now. I know there’s something different about me, I just can’t put my finger on what it is lol.

A couple songs by Goose:

Some Quotes from "Homeless in Hollywood":

"Peace and tranquility gets thrown out the window, stuck between where you going and what you've been thorugh." 'Dear World'

"I'm a star in the making,a king that ain't been crowned yet, a lost child in the woods and I ain't been found yet." - 'Dear World'

"You've Heard of rappers with a grudge, well imagine its on drugs, when I was laying flat you should've pulled the plug." - 'Reloaded'

Free Mixtape Download

http://thisisgoose.bandcamp.com/

And look out for Goose's next release, "This Is Goose" dropping on March 1st!

Ya Dig?

Samson.

Choose Your Own Adventure...

So I started by going on youtube to look at a a rap video I wanted to see. Once I got to the page I decided instead to look at videos that were suggested for me, this started with a More Or Les & Fresh Kils feat. Ghettosocks, Timbuktu, and Uncle Fester the song was 'Pop N Chips'.

Next I went to Related Videos and seached for the best looking video that video happened to be Ghettosocks feat. Pip Skid and Timbuktu, 'Ballz In Your Stomach'.

This was followed by: Ghettosocks- Step to a T- Rex,

Wordburglar- Cream of Wheat,

Ghettosocks- Don't Turn Around

Then I lost Interest.

Enjoy.

Samson

Deja Vu...

I was watching this video earlier tonight and halfway through realized that a couple months ago I had meant to post this video but forgot. So thanks to my faulty memory here's a video you might've seen before but always classic.

If you listen closely to the lyrics you will hear a few stolen (borrowed of course.) lyrics.
Ya Dig.
Samson.

Hand to Hand...

Saw this on youtube at first wasn't too impressed just a few standard scratches, but the DJ blends 'Passin' Me By', by the Pharcyde and it just flows with Damian's 'Jamrock' so fluidly...

Samson.

nas the cook?

This is a dope ass song. Videos pretty funny too, I wonder how this looked in front of the green screen...

Hip Hop Video from thatcrack.com

Samson.

Hip- Hop With Soul... Or A Breath of Fresh Air(Take It In)...

After hearing Common's last release I was seriously doubting whether rappers like Talib Kweli had clout in the game anymore. But oh how wrong I was, and in this case I am ecstatic about being wrong. Talib and Hi-Tek just put out another Reflection Eternal Album called Reflection Eternal (the RE: Union) and after just finishing it I am thoroughly impressed. The truth is I feel like these two artists have been pretty stagnant in the rap game while others are just desecrating the paths they paved. Well here's the 'RE: Union' literally. With only one listen under my belt I can already tell this tape has numerous listens in store for me. So drop whatever your doing (seriously) dl this tape and give it a listen ASAP, because it's got mass appeal from Hip- Hop heads to radio junkies.

Free Mixtape Download

zSHARE - Talib Kweli HiTek RE Union.zip

Hell Yes.

Samson