Let’s see. I’ve been on vacation for a minute and the amount of new CDs I’ve received is bananas. So here’s a rundown of what’s coming. While major labels have TV, radio and posters on lock for advertising their new product, these are indie/underground releases (except for a lil’ shine allowed for Virgin and Epic). Rawkus’ is releasing two Mos Def singles, “Beef” and the Swizz Beatz-produced “Monster Music” featuring Full Surface’s rapper Cassidy, although no release date has been set for his full-length. Two highly respected DJs drop their sequels: Tony Touch’s The Piece Maker 2 and DJ Babu’s Duck Season Vol 2 hit stores this Fall. Piece Maker 2 boasts P. Diddy, Redman, Keith Murray, Fate Joe, NORE, Ice T, Snoop Dog, Sean Paul, Method Man, Raekwon, LOX, Large Professor, Pete Rock, dead prez, Slick Rick, Biz Markie, Doug E Fresh (take a breath!) and more. Babu boasts Gang Starr, KRS One, Talib Kweli, Planet Asia, Defari, etc.
Other Fall 2003 releases:
MF Doom: Special Herbs, Vol. 4, September 23.
Abstract Rude & Tribe Unique: Showtyme, September 30.
Hieroglyphics: Full Circle, October 7.
Drag-On: Hell And Back, October 21.
Kool G. Rao & 5 Family Click: Click Of Respect, October 21.
The High & Mighty: The Highlite Zone.
Paris: Sonic Jihad, available on www.guerillafunk.com.
Biz Markie: Weekend Warrior, November.
Spring 2004
Track Masters’ R&B group, XSO, February.
Jin, March.