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March 2009 Archives

Another dosage of G.O.O.D. Music



Check out the youngest member of the G.O.O.D. camp spit with the quickness. With an album set to drop later this year, and  the "The Most Influential Brand" standing behind him Big Sean is sitting in a good position on the bubble.

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G.O.O.D. affiliate, Q-tip, Drops a Remix of We Fight/We Love with Ye' and the Cons check it here.

By Evan on 03.25.09 6:37PM | 21 Comments | No TrackBacks
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SXSW recap: Saturday

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Photo by Natalia Ciolko for ATG.


All about Kanye and the Fader Fort and Gonzaga and Duke.


Thanks everyone for another long, complex, clusterfuck of a conference with brilliant moments. That last night's gig was free to the public, filtered by those savvy enough to know where to look; that Kanye rocked a three hour set with a tight-flowing band; that he cared enough to support his roster and to invite marquee quests, just, wow. You can watch the official videos here.

Set list after the jump; photos on our Flickr photostream.
Continue reading SXSW recap: Saturday.
By Ramon on 03.22.09 10:02AM | 10 Comments | No TrackBacks
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SXSW recap: Friday

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6:00: Day gets underway with an uninspired, lethargic set from a tired, band-less Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson.

7:15: Walk across town to drop off handheld with my man, Patrick Caldwell from the Austin-American Statesman. Have to can interview at Four Seasons with Japanese Motors.

8:00: At this point, I'm honed in on hoops over at some generically named sports bar on 6th. It has the distinction of being the only sports bar on the strip. I'm thirsty, I consider finishing an unconsumed paper cup of dark soda; you take out the lid and there's no germs. Then I can just refill it. Surely, some affluent twentysomething with limited infectious bacteria took few hasty sips and left the cup to seductively simmer with condensation.

8:02: I give into temptation.

8:30: Checking out El-P's early showcase, itself drowned out by Silversun Pickups and Metallica's bubbling crowd. The vendors dish hotdogs on the roof adjacent to Stubb's; die hard metal heads and industry badges share in indignation at waiting in line.

9:00: Aimless wandering.

9:15: Alright alright, back to nondescript pub for basketball.

10:00: Shiner Lounge, catch Detroit hip-hoppers kill it next to nicest guy in room, Brother Ali. Mr. Ali's video shout out is interrupted by technical difficulties.

10:37: Technology fails me.

11:00: Well, shit, all sorts of cool things are going on and it's not possible to cover any of it: run into Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, Charles Hamilton.  Hang out with Black Joe Lewis and The Honey Bears (also known as my brother and high school buddy), swing by the DubFrequency Party with Raekwon, Mickey Factz, Hollywood Holt, Kidz in the Hall and Mike Posner. Missed most of it; walk two miles to car, rinse, repeat.
By Ramon on 03.21.09 11:37AM | 19 Comments | No TrackBacks
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SXSW recap: Thursday

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8:45 am: Office colleague out, I had to come in for most of the day. Gorilla V. Booze III in full effect, shouts out to Colin for filling in for me and running sound like a pro.

11:45: Nervously watched Memphis survive and not play like a Final Four team.

NOON: Wish I could take back the poor Cal and BYU picks

6: Outside Cass' apartment, needing my camera.

6:30: Walking down the street to French Legation Museum, catching The Thermals.

7: Dude is still asleep.

715: More basketball it is...

7:30: At the convention center picking up my invite to today's Spin Party.

7:45: Cass meets me with camera.

8:00: Omni bar, watching Clemson's press fail against Michigan, waiting to interview Marnie Stern.

8:10: Clemson is coming back strong to prevent a day one breach on my Sweet 16

8:27: Marnie Stern arrives with friend, Chris Common from These Arms Are Snakes.

8:29: Clemson blows it.

8:40: Long conversation with touring musicians about bloody marys, and their respective spiciness relative to my bloody mary's spiciness, which was originally ordered and intended to be the spiciest.

11:00: At apartment, watching Darren Collison and Vonny Holiday pick apart Virginia Commonwealth.

11:15: VCU storms back, Collison has four fouls, after three straight Final Fours I'm elated to see the Bruins bow out; enough of these motherfuckers.

11:30: VCU's stud point guard, Eric Maynor, misses a buzzerbeater. The senior's career is over . I go to sleep in shame.
By Ramon on 03.20.09 9:04AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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SXSW recap: Wednesday

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Photo by Tony Emerson for ATG.


Fader Fort begins the evening, followed by an interview with Bavu Blakes and the absence of Mojoe.  Ultimately, The Rub saves the night with some ill DJing, but very expensive drinks at Beso Cantina.

This post is actually from the Fader Fort blogging room--waiting for the N.E.R.D. secret show.

niggaz is broke.

By Cass on 03.19.09 8:12PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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SXSW recap: Monday


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Monday night is pre-official SXSW partying, so it's pretty fucking sparse.  I did catch Bird Peterson, followed by the more famous Flosstradmus, spinning over at Beauty Bar.  He also hit the afterparty, at Austin Music Gym.  They always have sick after-parties.

More detail, and pictures, after the jump.
Continue reading SXSW recap: Monday.
By Cass on 03.19.09 3:17PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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ATG Presents: Never Stepped On w / J. Couch - 50/Ross

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ATG Radio and J-Couch discuss the 50 Cent and Rick Ross beef. OFFICER RICKY!!!

Never Stepped On is joined by E'van Hickmon and Jeremy Drummond this week.
By Jerod on 03.19.09 9:27AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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SXSW is here, pubbing the Twitter

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Twitter is a voyeuristic, generally worthless embarrassment to mankind.

Unless you're at a music conference; the kind that drains into far corners of town, where hidden guests make off-the-cuff appearances and you kick yourself the next morning for opting out to monitor your bracket.

Follow ATG all week for up to the second updates and tips. If and when Kanye reveals himself, we'll have you covered. Otherwise, we'll see you every day with daily video, photo and print journal updates.

Stay strong.
By Ramon on 03.18.09 5:44AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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SXSW party updates: Kanye West to rock undisclosed event

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The rapper, producer, designer and general living legend has been confirmed by various industry sources to make at least one appearance during South by Southwest.

Most are hoping for a Saturday night Fader Fort appearance, but you can pencil 'Ye in for a Thursday night gig at either the Perez Hilton or C3/Playboy party. Said affairs are invite only, so if it happens we'll probably just hear about it. Stay tuned.
By Ramon on 03.16.09 4:22PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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SXSW party updates: Cool Kids, Jadakiss, Rick Ross


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The SXSW party tips are rolling in.

Momo's is a jazz/blues/folk kind of establishment and it rests directly above Katzy's Deli, so there's really no good excuse for missing this one other than, say, it's kind of a walk from your downtown base.

Stay tuned for the most detailed, comprehensive, hip-hop based SXSW PDF guide.

Late-breaking news: Fader Fort (the best set of parties during SXSW), has announced its talent. Lineup, set times and RSVP link after the jump.
Continue reading SXSW party updates: Cool Kids, Jadakiss, Rick Ross.
By Ramon on 03.13.09 3:28PM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Instant classic: 'Cuse outlasts Conn

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Not to get off topic, but last night's game was brilliant and classic and the now longest game in Big East Tourney history deserves an acknowledgment.

This also helps explain the lack of news the past day: college hoops is a cancer on efficiency. That and SXSW interviews. Big stories coming soon.

I'll be honest, I was asleep after two OTs. Highlights after the jump.
Continue reading Instant classic: 'Cuse outlasts Conn.
By Ramon on 03.13.09 10:23AM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Morning notes: DJ Thom Yorke, St. Lunatics are back

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  • Nelly and The St. Lunatics are reuniting and releasing new music. My favorite was always Murphy Lee. City Free coming soon.
  • Violence erupts during Beanie Siegal's birthday.
  • Radiohead's Thom Yorke will remix some of DOOM's latest tracks. Exciting.
  • Kanye West dresses up like a senile old man for his latest music video.
  • B.o.B will headline Nahright's SXSW day party. (image above, RSVP link to left)
  • Pitchfork's new website sucks.

By Ramon on 03.12.09 11:43AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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MTV's next wave: B.o.B, Ash Roth, Charles Hamilton, Wale, Kid Cudi




Fashionably late, MTV News and their ethnically ambiguous, English VJ run down the next big thing in hip-hop.

Most notable omission: Drake, an artist cut from similar cloth, and, frankly, the most interesting of the bunch.
By Ramon on 03.12.09 11:40AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Kanye fails to connect with heartland




The haterade for 'Ye's "Idol" gig is permeating, as evidenced by this stupid column; which, with due respect, misses the mark.

"American Idol" is, first and foremost, a celebration of American pop. Kanye West is at pop's epicenter. That's it.

To the "he sings badly" movement, I'd like objectively remind everyone that he doesn't lay claim to being a competent singer; his robotic, hollow Auto Tune is but a narrative device he embeds into his minimalist beats, and this sums to make ART ninety times more interesting than everything every "Idol" contestant has ever laid down in the booth.
Continue reading Kanye fails to connect with heartland.
By Ramon on 03.12.09 11:05AM | 22 Comments | No TrackBacks
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ATG, SPIN Earth present: Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears




The major-label debut drops next week, special shout outs to John Bradley for his editorial sickness on the handhelds (SXSW patrons, check his day party), to the SPIN Earth team, and special love to Colin Guerra, who just celebrated the birth of his first child.

Continue reading ATG, SPIN Earth present: Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears.
By Ramon on 03.12.09 9:22AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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Deep, enlightened sign that has no relation to hip-hop

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My enlightened friend, Josh Bradshaw, came across this marquee in Austin, Texas couple of nights ago.

His description, a different Austin Wendy's sign, and my favorite all-time Wendy's-related zinger, after the jump.


Uninteresting news day.


Look, the signs are clearly mistakes from foreign employees unaware of the implications of their word choice, doing marquee postings at 5am before business hours. And really, this speaks volumes to societal ills, tying in the roots of the work force's identity crisis, a desperate, embedded plea for understanding in a cold city.
I'm kidding, shit is hilarious.
Continue reading Deep, enlightened sign that has no relation to hip-hop.
By Ramon on 03.11.09 4:32PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Biggie bundle

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Yesterday marked 12 years since the death of, well, the most commanding presence in hip-hop's history. Duh.

To commemorate the occasion a day late because I put this shit on the backburner, here are three unmissable Notorious products.
Continue reading Biggie bundle.
By Ramon on 03.10.09 11:36AM | 3 Comments | No TrackBacks
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New Memphis Bleek

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Props to Nahright reader, D Block, for the most interesting Memphis Bleek commentary I've ever read:

  1. D_Block_4_Life Says:
    March 9th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    Bleeks insatiable desire to rock his doo-rag's for the last 15 years has to commended on some level.



Memphis Bleek - Bitch We Get Low
Memphis Bleek - Whiskey On The Rocks
By Ramon on 03.10.09 11:30AM | 4 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Saigon on his digital deal

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Over the weekend, consummate next big thing bridesmaid, Saigon, inked a digital deal with Amalgam - the same folks who handle Joe Budden.

His copied and pasted address after the jump; dude is adamant he's no one's bitch.
Continue reading Saigon on his digital deal.
By Ramon on 03.10.09 11:23AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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Morning notes: NWA on the big screen, Bono, Diddy on sampling legacy




  • C Murder is going back to jail. For shame, C Murder, for shame.
  • Dre, Cube and E's widow, Tamika Wright, are hammering out details with New Line Cinema for an upcoming N.W.A. documentary. Aren't you glad I didn't say N.W.A. biopic?
  • Bono is a big backer of Kanye West.
  • Amy Winehouse has canned return appearances stateside.
  • Diddy reminds us all that he did, in fact, produce Ready to Die.
  • John Mayer dives into hip-hop; I'm perpetually baffled at how such a self-aware, cool, interesting person can make music that sucks so much dick. (video above)
By Ramon on 03.10.09 9:21AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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Nas X Smirnoff X shameless endorsement




Smirnoff the vodka brand, has some lame-o promotional series wherein they team up emerging artists with legends, for the purposes of updating - via splashes of youth - one of said legend's catalog classics.

Didn't work for George Lucas, kinda of works here if I'm being completely honest.



Nas, Marsha Ambrosius - If I Ruled The World
By Ramon on 03.10.09 9:12AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Nas X Ghostnotes

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I generally hold my tongue on producer-based remixes, but Ghost Notes has a dope stage name and he eloquently, stylishly flipped the Nas number below. Rest of the work (Jay, Raekwon, Slum Village) here as well, if you feel the sampler.


Nas - We Will Survive (Ghost Notes remix)

Ghost Notes Remixes Volume 1
By Ramon on 03.10.09 9:05AM | 3 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Wale X Rock Me TV X Freestyles



Wale and co-conspirators, Omega Red, Daytona and Triple C play pass the mic.

Fresh, raw, real.
By Ramon on 03.10.09 9:01AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Asher Roth major label debut artwork, tracklist

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I don't get it.

For clarification, turn to the homey Cass Luskin's exclusive Ash Roth interview, which we'll run next Monday in our colorful, extensive SXSW preview.

Tracklist, rest of the work, after the jump. However, looks like various, enormous names not as of yet mentioned will add collaborative flows. Stay tuned.
Continue reading Asher Roth major label debut artwork, tracklist.
By Ramon on 03.10.09 8:57AM | 3 Comments | No TrackBacks
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New J Dilla LP slated for summer

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Vitals:

  • His mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancy is the executive producer.
  • Pete Rock selects and arranges the beats.
  • DOOM, Black Thought, M.O.P. provide new verses.
  • Jay Stay Paid drops June 2nd on Nature Sounds.

Full press release after the jump.
Continue reading New J Dilla LP slated for summer.
By Ramon on 03.09.09 1:30PM | 3 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Weekend notes - Detox guest talent angry, Oprah, arrests galore





By Ramon on 03.09.09 9:57AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Mixtapes that matter - March 9

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Your filter.


Every week, ATG rummages the boards and buzz for highlights.



Unsigned hype deserving attention? Email ramon@athousandgrams.com.
Continue reading Mixtapes that matter - March 9.
By Ramon on 03.09.09 9:49AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Case of the Mondays - March 9

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The weekend in MP3s


1. Twista - No Love f / The Game
2. Cage - Dr. Strong
3. Copywrite - Cremation (Asher Roth diss)
4. Scratch (of The Roots) - Let's Go f / Peedi Crak
5. Camp Lo - Regulate
6. Rick Ross - Jumpin Out of the Window freestyle
7. DJ Capcom, Lil Wayne, Drake - I'm Goin In
8. QuEST - Lust for Self
9. Glasses Malone - I Love Dollars
10. Focus w/ Rapper Big Pooh, Kurupt, Sha Stimuli - Homage to Pete Rock
11.  DJ Yoda, Pusha T - It's Aight
By Ramon on 03.09.09 9:07AM | 14 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Raekwon X Ill Freestyles

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Another inconsequential, disposable, utterly badass track from the Chef.
It's the weekend, baby.

We'll be back Monday unless insane news breaks. Drive safe.


Raekwon - Staten (Go Hard) Freestyle
By Ramon on 03.06.09 3:28PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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The Roots X Kweli X Monch X opening night residency



Fantastic shit.

The legendary, unique and universally loved Roots crew opened up their Highline Ballroom residency in New York last night. Their sort of after hours lounge to stay fresh while they button up for Jimmy Fallon; propers to Hip-Hop Universal for bringing the gritty, hand held footage to the blogosphere.

Two more joints after the jump.
Continue reading The Roots X Kweli X Monch X opening night residency.
By Ramon on 03.06.09 2:54PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Pharoahe Monch to start for Pitchfork Festival

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Moments ago, Pitchfork Media announced the "starting lineup" for their forthcoming Chicago festival, July 17th through the 19th. For the heads, it's Monch and a bunch of lo-fi indie that's, as my colleague Cass Luskin would say, mad gay.

Quality opening announcements, tons of talent to be announced over the coming months. What we know after the jump.
Continue reading Pharoahe Monch to start for Pitchfork Festival.
By Ramon on 03.06.09 2:46PM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Ludacris backed by Roots for Jimmy Fallon gig



I keep falling asleep at 9 lately. I'll catch Fallon's slot at some point.
Very nice performance.

Knew Luda would be special back in 2000, when I saw dude kill it right before Outkast.
The next day in class I wore the "Stankonia Tour" shirt, and everyone in World Cultures wanted to know if Ludacris played the fantasy single or not.

"Yeah, guys, this nobody came and didn't play the only inkling of his existence anyone in the crowd has so far."
By Ramon on 03.06.09 11:47AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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ATG Presents: Never Stepped On w / J. Couch - T.O. Edition

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Considering all our staff is from, or has lived in, the Lone Star State, we couldn't ignore the biggest sports story to come outta Texas since Tracy McGrady sabotaged the Houston Rockets:

All-world athlete and future Hall of Famer, Terrell Owens, was cut from America's Team on Wednesday. As lifelong, cry-when-they-lose-to-the-fucking-Eagles-with-the-playoffs-on-the-line fan, I'm livid.

Mr. Couch? Not so much.

Needless to say, I had to call in to his Connecticut-based studio, and relay the pain and anger of Texans everywhere. Except, of course, Houston Texans, who are presently preoccupied sucking balls.

By Ramon on 03.06.09 10:51AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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The Roots, Just Blaze, Nas, Cee-Lo talk Nat King Cole



I'll be honest, the few leaked tracks from this Nat King remix/tribute album are just alright for me. Re:Generations coming soon; good interviews in the meantime regenerate interest.
By Ramon on 03.06.09 9:46AM | 4 Comments | No TrackBacks
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New Slim Thug

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Two new cuts from I Represent This 2, the forthcoming, traditional rain-before-the-flood mixtape which will principally serve to put on Boss of All Bosses - his oft-delayed follow-up to 2005's Already Platinum.


Slim Thug - AJs
Slim Thug - Turn Me On

By Ramon on 03.06.09 9:37AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Morning notes




Continue reading Morning notes.
By Ramon on 03.06.09 9:17AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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Biggie Smalls - Juicy (live)




From the Rap Phenomenon DVD, which is now in stores.

Brilliant.
By Ramon on 03.05.09 3:01PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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Uncle Ghostface on domestic violence

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Is there anyone that hasn't weighed in on Chris Brown/Rihanna?



Ghostface Killah - Message From Ghostface
By Ramon on 03.05.09 2:55PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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G. Dep returns

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Feels like a G. Dep comeback night.
Only half-joking, I recently had an extensive conversation regarding how underrated and nice this dude was. Here's to new, Diddy-less beginnings.

Now where's Black Rob at?


G. Dep - Make It Rain
By Ramon on 03.05.09 2:41PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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P.O.S. - Optimist




One of Minnesota's finest, the Rhymesayers emcee makes an excellent opening case for college indie rapper of the year. Tight premier, very lyrical, but I could do without his incessant hardcore shout outs (the emo screams that accent a great deal of his work are rarely welcome).
By Ramon on 03.05.09 2:26PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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John Brown X Amanda Diva



Yes, that John Brown, the runner-up to that reality-competition-debacle about white rappers, which I believe was called "The White Rapper Show."

Anyway, here he is interviewing Ms. Diva as she releases her latest product.
By Ramon on 03.05.09 2:15PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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New Method Man, Redman

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Say it with me now, hip-hoppers,

Aboutfuckingtime!




Method Man & Redman - A Yo
By Ramon on 03.05.09 1:18PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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New Charles Hamilton

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This kid is growing on me. I'll be honest. Despite his whack-ass promotional pictures.

These songs are from forthcoming mixtapes no one cares about because even Hamilton apologists are still sifting through the three he dropped last month. One from a tape dubbed Excellence of Execution, one from This Perfect Life.


NewGirlFriendMusic
Way Cool
By Ramon on 03.05.09 11:42AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Discarded Leaders of the New School joint surfaces

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From the T.I.M.E. sessions, a long-forgotten gem of a song makes its way into the blogosphere.
Busta's original crew was versatile, talented and full of potential. But they hated each other and imploded at the first taste of success...as if you didn't know.


Leaders of the New School - Emotional (unreleased)
By Ramon on 03.05.09 11:38AM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Morning notes




  • Eminem's Relapse will drop in May and he'll drop another album to bookend 2009. Excellent.
  • Consequence remixes an ill track.
  • A script penned by the late Tupac Shakur will come to fruition as a major motion picture.
  • Michael Jackson is plotting fuckloads of London concerts.
  • A bunch of new school talent remembers Biggie (video above, watch the rest here)
  • Fat Joe interviewed on Hot 97.7 this morning.
  • Jonas Brothers want to record with hip-hop heroes.
  • Drake, who boasts the year's best mixtape, speaks
By Ramon on 03.05.09 11:04AM | 5 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Late Night roundup: Weezy on Kimmel, Chuck H on Carson




A recent study claims listening to Lil Wayne makes you dumber.
Eurocentric hogwash.

Charles Hamilton's competing Carson Daly appearance after the jump.

Continue reading Late Night roundup: Weezy on Kimmel, Chuck H on Carson.
By Ramon on 03.04.09 11:04AM | 3 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Morning notes




  • In case you haven't heard, T.I. will be sentenced on March 27th; under the plea bargain's terms, he'll spend one year and one day behind bars.
  • Two of Michigan's finest, Black Milk and Elzhi, announce they're touring Europe. Dates after the jump.
  • Jewish settlers in the West Bank are looking forward to Benjamin Netanyahu's premiership.
  • Former Ohio State and Denver Broncos running back, Maurice Clarett, is blogging from jail. Buckeye Pride.
  • Rick Ross' Deeper Than Rap album has been pushed back from its original March 24th street date. Not because of the 50 Cent shenanigans, because buzz is minimal and it's back to the drawing board.
  • Lil Wayne's "Prom Queen" video debuts. (above)
Continue reading Morning notes.
By Ramon on 03.04.09 10:29AM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
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T.I. to appear on VIBE cover for fourth time

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I'm eager to hit up a newsstand on March 17th, also for the "51 Lost Albums" feature they're teasing. Actually, newsstands don't exist in Austin, Texas; let's keep it real and say I'm eager to hit up a grocery store checkout aisle.

Press release after the jump.

Again, for expert T.I. analysis today, remember to consume Episode 3 of Never Stepped On w/ J. Couch.

Continue reading T.I. to appear on VIBE cover for fourth time.
By Ramon on 03.04.09 9:56AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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Busta, Jadakiss, Jim Jones, Raekwon, Jay Rock put on for Pepsi



Ranking these rappers for no other reason other than they're sharing four minutes of promotional video time, I'd have to go:

5. Jay Rock (sorry dude, you're only a baby in the game, no disrespect)
4. Jim Jones
3. Raekwon
2. Busta Rhymes
1. Jadakiss

By Ramon on 03.04.09 9:46AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Mickey Factz - Pick Up the Bass

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We hit you with this ill, Honda-funded track last week, and Mr. Factz continues his barrage of new material.

ATG is firmly in dude's corner as evidenced by our excessive Factz blurbs. Also because it's the news; but unlike, say, Charles Hamilton, we're actually loading this material into our heads.

Mickey Factz - Pick Up the Bass
By Ramon on 03.04.09 9:19AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Amanda Diva's new EP

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The 2dopeboyz staff leaked this batch of tracks last night. Finally had a chance to listen, and the artist formerly known as that one charismatic chick on MTV brings it.

Tracklist, album art, download link after the jump.
Continue reading Amanda Diva's new EP.
By Ramon on 03.04.09 9:10AM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
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ATG Presents: Never Stepped On w/ J. Couch

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ATG's own J. Couch goes in.

Is there a more pertinent topic than Atlanta's T.I. and his impending incarceration?
Didn't think so.

EPISODE 3
By Ramon on 03.03.09 6:42PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Rap X TV - March 2-6

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I missed Jimmy Fallon, The Roots and JT last night, but check the rest of the week in broadcasted hip-hop after the jump.
Continue reading Rap X TV - March 2-6.
By Ramon on 03.03.09 12:13PM | 4 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Mickey Factz X Honda






Last week we put on the nifty, Honda-funded track Mickey netted from his promotional work with the car company. ATG proudly buys American, but the commercial is worth checking out anyway.

And yes, I fully realize there are American-made Japanese branded cars made in southern states, but the Michigan big 3 have superior pension programs for their employees. Dick.
By Ramon on 03.03.09 11:57AM | 2 Comments | No TrackBacks
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Charles Hamilton X Digiwaxx





Chucky H gives a nifty, extended interview on his career and its progress, speaks to the genre's condition, talks about his love life. Worthwhile investment of six minutes.
By Ramon on 03.03.09 11:53AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Busta Rhymes raps on other's hits

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Mr. Rhymes, I've concluded, is a classic case of style v. substance.

For the former, he oozes versatility and presence. He humbled rappers, even on the "Space Jam's" soundtrack. But even in his '90s prime, his lyrics were nothing special. This didn't matter, because his perspective and flare was so fresh, but once Y2K dropped and the world continued existing, well, it's been a slow but steady decline.

I mean, you can only start so many verses with, "Busta hit you with that shit that make you..."


Check him elegantly shining on two of the moment's biggest hits though:



Busta Rhymes - Money On My Mind

Busta Rhymes - Swag On
By Ramon on 03.03.09 11:39AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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John Robinson, Phonte, Radar Ellis tribute Dilla




At the desk job, headphones kept me from putting on this tribute medley to the most celebrated posthumous producer in hip-hop history. I'm the gatekeeper, after all, and it'd be disingenuous to just relay flavors without prior review.

Finally home, finally listened, absolutely brilliant homage.
By Ramon on 03.02.09 6:39PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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My shit: Ms. One, Black Milk, Big Pooh

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This is my shit.

Christ I love this track, love these flows. The kinda joint that puts my fitted on tilt.

Smooth, sweet 16s from Milk and Pooh, two respected but overlooked rappers with silk touches, on cut  from Georgia Anne Muldrow Presents...Ms. One & The Gang, a compilation record from Stones Throw producer, Georgia Anne Muldrow.

Have some.


Ms. One - 2 MCs f / Big Pooh & Black Milk


Continue reading My shit: Ms. One, Black Milk, Big Pooh.
By Ramon on 03.02.09 6:27PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Asher Roth X 20 minute freestyle

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I've really only concluded three things with this guy:

- "I Love College" is terrible.
- Asher Roth knows "I Love College" is terrible, but knows it's a means to an end.
- He is undeniably talented.


Asher Roth - 20 minute London freestyle

By Ramon on 03.02.09 2:08PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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GLC and Kanye put in work




Kanye haters to the left.

You've heard GLC on "Spaceship," likely nowhere else. Well, it's time to change that.
By Ramon on 03.02.09 1:29PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Weekend notes





  • Kanye kills his VH1 "Storytellers" episode. Video above, audio here, more songs after the jump.
  • OG Ron C got tased in his hometown.
  • 50 Cent's war or words with Rick Ross has no end game, continues unceremoniously.
  • Chris Brown and Rihanna reconcile (I don't have to say anything, you know that's a mistake).
  • Cam'Ron is on the cover of Truth Magazine.
  • ESPN's Bill Simmons forecasts a grim future for the NBA
Continue reading Weekend notes.
By Ramon on 03.02.09 12:45PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Black Milk X The Carter Cartel






I mean, what other rapper-producers are going to disclose interesting tidbits? Props to Black for going beyond the usual string of self-references and listing of rappers who'll appear on his next project.
By Ramon on 03.02.09 12:20PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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Run DMC opens burger joint in Hollis, Queens

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Brilliant venture: a massive regional name, a delicious American staple, the type of place I'd take trains all the way from The Bronx to at least see. Read about this extensively, here, footage after the jump.

Your move, Kurtis Blow bakery.

Continue reading Run DMC opens burger joint in Hollis, Queens.
By Ramon on 03.02.09 11:57AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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Case of the Mondays - March 2

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The weekend in MP3s


Self-explanatory.

Shout outs to the homie (and co-executive editor) Reggie Ugwu, who is reading this post from Nigeria, wherein dude's building a house with his father.

G as fuck, huh?


1. Raekwon - Stick Up Muzik f / Busta Rhymes, Uncle Murda
2. Cassidy - Jumping in My Bag
3. Nickel Eye & Wale - Brandy of the Damned
4. Small Eyez - Mr. Miyagi (Madlib Freestyle)
5. Asher Roth - Takeover freestyle
6. Asher Roth - Song Cry freestyle
7. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Nuff Said
8. Nickelus F & Portishead - Cowboys
9. QuEST - March 2 Freestyle
10. Mary J Blige & Ne-Yo - Love
11. Kaze - Dusk Til Dawn
12. A-TRAK - Infinity + 1 teaser remix
13.Ghostface Killah, DOOM - Chinatown Wars
By Ramon on 03.02.09 11:17AM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks
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