One of the highlights of being a hip-hop journalist is the upcoming releases that pop up daily on my doorstep. Not only am I introduced to artists I’ve never heard of, but I’m also alerted to future releases of artists I like. What’s really good? Let me spread the wealth. Stones Throw has two heaters scheduled to hit the streets soon. First is The Third Unheard: Connecticut Hip-Hop 1979-1983. This is an old school set featuring acts like Mr. Magic on “Rappin’ With Mr. Magic” and Pookey Blow tellin’ youngstas to “Get Up (And Go To School).” Then Yesterdays New Quintet offers an instrumental tribute to Stevie Wonder, produced by Madlib. The CD was originally a promo disc created in conjunction with Triple 5 Soul and sold on eBay for $100.
DJ Jazzy Jeff releases Hip Hop Forever 2 on Rapster/BBE on April 20. It’s a perfect blend of old, new, classic and obscure from artists including Nas, Raekwon, Cypress Hill, Pete Rock, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest and Jaylib. Rapster also shines the solo spot on Maylay Sparks for his solo debut Gray Matter due April 2004. Together with the High & Mighty he founded the Eastern Conference label in 1995, and has since relocated to Copenhagen. Some of his tracks were produced with Malik B from The Roots.
Danger Mouse, the creator of the Grey Album, which is the vocals from Jay-Z’s Black Album over samples from the Beatles’ White Album, and his potna Jemini will soon release Ghetto Pop Life, a 6-track EP featuring Cee-Lo, Tha Alkaholiks and Sadat X. Finally, Look Records drops Foreign Legions‘ Playtight and ABB Records gives us The Sound Providers. Both worthwhile listens.
