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The Justos "Mixshow 360" Performance Recap - Mobb Deep

Author: J.B.

Let me start from the beginning at the top of the list/Na mean have, situation like this/Another war story from a thirsty young hustler/ - Prodigy 'Eye For An Eye'

As time goes by and has gone by, things have most certainly changed. The climate and music of Hip-Hop in general, as of lately hasn’t been exactly conducive to what most Hip Hop heads would even consider to be real Hip-Hop anymore. In my personal opinion, there’s been a new genre of music that has slowly infiltrated the roots and origin that embody the “culture”, not the music itself. It’s a beautiful thing that Hip Hop has grown to new heights and levels never before seen, and corporations have been embracing some artists to market their products as well. It’s more like Hip-Pop, rather than Hip-Hop, which is perfect segue for this amazing concert that I had the honor to be in attendance at. Some things change and some things stay the same. Evolution is a beautiful thing, but y’all know how the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it”.

It’s obvious that the 3 year bid that Prodigy just came home from doing didn’t break his spirit and passion, as was evident on the Best Buy Theater stage on Thursday, May 11th. But before we even get into the Mobb Deep set, I gotta pay homage and MUCH respect to another set of legendary pioneers that haven’t compromised their integrity throughout all the years and changes that have occurred during their tenure in the game. Shouts to the Wu-Tang Clan. I found out last minute that this concert was even going down, so I hopped off the B train and basically ran to the Best Buy Theater at mach speed to catch whatever acts were going to be performing before it all ended. The show started at 8, however I didn’t arrive til’ 9. As soon as I walked in, I was magnetically pulled toward the energy that filled the arena and walked in to none other than the performance of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. Although the full Wu was not in attendance, the members that were there did more than enough justice to that stage and left the audience more than satisfied. Raekwon, Ghostface, Cappadonna graced the stage in rare form as they performed a few of the many classic joints off the endless catalogue that they have collectively put together over a span of 18 years (Enter the Wu-Tang dropped in 1993). The energy was crazy and the fans were on their feet, rapping along the lyrics in almost perfect synchronized harmony. I can’t front, I respect the game for what it’s worth nowadays, but I can truly say I’m a fan of the Wu and most of the music today just don’t have that same effect that has the ability to move me and get my spirit uplifted (that’s just my opinion). They performed too many joints for me to go through, however, I will say that they even paid homage to the late great Ol’ Dirty Bastard, with DJ Stretch Armstrong spinning 'I Like It Raw' (the crowd went bananas). To say the least, they couldn’t have done it better.

The lyrics from the Infamous Album have truly manifested themselves, ('Survival of The Fittest' comes to mind) as Prodigy braced the stage with a presence that is noteworthy of a newly resurrected “P”. Looking healthy after serving a 3 year bid, Prodigy captivated the audience with an iron fist while gripping that iron mic. Matter fact, I would say that he was like “Iron Mike” (Tyson) in his prime. Joined on stage by his loyal partner from the beginning, Havoc, the two donned the classic number 11 Hennessy jersey’s, circa 1996. Ladies and gentlemen, the Mobb was definitely Deep and Prodigy’s performance came off as if he never did a day in the pen. They performed severalc lassics from their lengthy catalogue of classic Hip-Hop music and for not one minute did the crowd focus their attention elsewhere, but the stage.

To sum it all up, all I have to say is if you missed this one, please try to search the web to find out when this concert collaboration will be in a city or town near you. It was a memorable night that I will never forget, but before I leave, I must acknowledge that there was also a performance by Black Thought, someone who I truly have a deep respect for in the Hip Hop arena. Unfortunately, I arrived a hour after the show began, so to summarize it all, y’all might just catch me at the next show that goes down...That’s just how good it was.

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE PICTURES FROM THE CONCERT BELOW:

The Justos "Mixshow 360" Artist Feature - Triboro

Hip Hop's new supergroup, Triboro has arrived via 3 NYC boroughs in the form of emcees (l-r) Frsh Aire (Harlem), Sean Conn (Queens) & Elus (Bronx). Their relentless grind has been on notice for a while now by critics and fans alike and these brothers are PURE when it comes to beats and rhymes. Co-signed by Video Music Box icon Ralph McDaniels and featured on his new show Emcee 2 Emcee, Triboro performed with the legendary Cold Crush Brothers on Season 1 and are also the Hip Hop news correspondents doing news in a groundbreaking way. Their performance game is also very notable with performances at many major spots in NYC as well as regular features with the annual Rapathon competitions presented by the Hip Hop Culture Center. Keeping a strong connection with their supporters through social networking and an exceptional viral presence, Triboro has independently created a following of both younger and older listeners. Deeply rooted in the spirit of the culture, Triboro sets a high mark for themselves as tribute for those who have paved the way. Mixshow 360 Host D.Bail had a chance to sit down with the members of Triboro and chop it up with them on the eve of releasing their new mixtape 'Fate....Timing...& Destiny' available on DatPiff.com - right now. For more info on the group check out their website, TRIBORONYC.COM

*EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE* 'Video Games' Directed by Kristian Kruz

D.BAIL: Thanks for your time today fellas, first question is, what is your knowledge of the Justo's Mixtape Awards and what is the relevance of the mixtape today?

SEAN CONN: The relevancy of a mixtape basically is a platform for the underground artists to present themselves to the people. Justo's Mixtape Awards is like the Grammy's of Mixtapes. It something for the people by the people. Justo was from the hood. He understood what it was to come up and how hard it is, so by him making that platform it was great. I actually know a DJ that was nominated and won a Justo Mixtape Award and it was a great feeling coming out from hood to get that. The DJ was Superstar Jay, thats my man, he won a Justo a few years back it was a great feeling and a good look for Queens. It stands out, and the Justo's is something that will be here from now until.

ELUS: As far as the mixtapes, I grew up on them. I used to cop about 5 to 6 mixtapes a week. The bootleg man used to give me deals hardbody. They gave me specials, that's how much I used to actually buy mixtapes, before they were CD's or MP3's they were on tapes. So I came up in the 90's when the mixtape game was at its peak. It was the outlet for new music, exclusive music stuff that you might not ever hear on the radio. I did college radio attending Baruch College, and I met Justo probably a year before his passing, rest in peace. He was a very good brother, down to earth. I vibed with his spirit on Hip Hop, I already knew who he was due to my knowledge on mixtapes and Justo's Mixtape Awards was the only platform that actually showcased the mixtape scene. You get the underground, the new music stuff that the radio don't play. Radio might play the same 4 or 5 joints missing a whole bunch of good music.

FRSH AIRE: First I want to give a shout out to the Faison family. I was doing my research, and I just found out that Justo passed away a day after my birthday, so it's kinda extra personally for others and I can pick that up just by understanding that fact. Justo and the Mixtape Awards is big for Hip Hop, like period. It's a big deal. Like what Conn said, it's our Grammys. It's our MTV, it's our street award for the DJ's and for the artists also. One big thing that Justo did do is that he didn't keep it in a box. He made those awards for everybody. Dudes overseas are getting awards for new joints or even in Cali. It's not just New York and that right there was a step, because New York likes to keep it New York. So for him to open that door, he makes every DJ feel official not just New York DJ's. So for him doing that and opening up his heart and the door like that was big for him and big for Hip Hop. The relevancy of the mixtape still stands. It's been relevant since then and it's still relevant now. From the Ron G's, to Clue to now. Even the instrumental mixtapes, they're mixtapes with just beats on them. Everything evolves, it's most definitely relevant. It's Hip Hop's grail. Mixtape's are like a surprise, that Christmas gift. Every mixtape was a Christmas gift because you really didn't know what you was going to get at some point in time. There was alot of freestyles on there and improv joints. It's a beautiful thing, and to celebrate it and award it is a plus man.

D.BAIL: Most definitely. One of the best new video directors/producers out Kristian Kruz has directed your new video, 'Video Games', which has a cool different look for yall. Stylistically, has Triboro changed a lot since your original inception? If so how? What elements have remained the same?

SEAN CONN: Shout out to Kristian Cruz for directing the new Triboro video, 'Video Games' which is epic, it’s incredible. He is one of the greatest up and coming directors, and they have a movement going on right now that is powerful. Their talent is incredible. I feel as far as Triboro and our growth, it seems like every year we develop and become more. We grow individually and as a whole, we also teach each other things, we learn from each other, like where one person's strong point is and another person's strong point is in another area. Then, it becomes where we all are strong in those divisions. We've grown and visually we went from our first video, which wasn't in HD but was done very nicely, 'Listen Up' and then our second video 'Do It Over Here' was in HD and was put together very well. Our growth came in and now Elus, has directed two videos that we've done which is 'Game Called Life' and 'To Be Nice'. One of his videos was featured in a blog and they did a review on it. 'To Be Nice', has a golden age feel to it. Our music has grown so visually yeah---when you see the new video, it’s ridiculous. Special effects and everything is crazy. Visually we have enhanced, year by year. It's a continuous growth and it started from greatness so it’s like, even greater greatness if that makes sense.

D.BAIL: I got you.

FRESH AIRE: We got a banger called 'Video Games', Kristian Kruz is behind that pistol. That boy is a pioneer, his vision and work ethnic is crazy. Y'all will remember the name. Triboro has been together for a minute...We've changed, we changed a lot. We've changed in the direction that we needed to be changing into. We're evolving. It's just like anything else, you put a team together yall do a bunch of try outs, ya'll lose yall win, then ya'll start winning, get to the series and take the championship home and that's where we're at right now. We been in a bunch a games and it’s almost series time and we about ready to take that championship home. Musically we haven't changed, but we did because the times have. But still trying to be golden age and keep that hip hop feel, no we haven't changed. Our lyrics and topics have changed somewhat because things change. We're not in a box and we're not old school retro rappers at all. We are vintage dudes. We are not that novelty rap but we are that official hip hop that you need to come home to when you tired of playing around.

D.BAIL: (Laughs) Word up! That was real.

ELUS: I definitely think we changed for the better. We've always been evolving from the formation of the group to where we are now. Individually we've grown and as a group we've grown. Visually we've had some classics like 'Listen Up'. Big shout out to Alan Alfaro (director) who was also a co-worker at Music Choice where I met D.Bail. That was a classic Triboro video. Right before the HD videos became popular, that wasn't HD but it was definitely a classic "This is Hip Hop" joint. Graffiti in it, all the elements of Hip Hop, its official. Where we at now, shout out to Kristian Kruz who I feel is one of the top NYC, East Coast video directors coming out. Him and Mills Miller, Mills Miller Media, they are a conglomerate. They call each other the A-Team. They are killing it. Just to be amongst that is an honor because I see them, and where they're headed. They just did the Jadakiss joint 'Red Light, Green Light', Kristian Kruz and Mills Miller directed it. It's just real. When you see the new Triboro 'Video Games', Kristian Kruz directed and filmed it, he's a genius. It's incredible. It's definitely a level higher, I will say two words - We ready.

D.BAIL: You guys seem to have an affinity and respect for the veterans and that respect is mutual, in the 'Game Called Life' video you had cameos by Treach (of Naughty By Nature), Mr. Cheeks (of Lost Boyz), Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) and Do It All (Lords of the Underground). What do you get from that and what are young artists missing by not making that connection or paying homage?

SEAN CONN: It's like you having two kids, one goes to school and learns ABC's and mathematics, and the other one stays home playing a video game. So only one gets the knowledge and understanding of what Hip Hop really is. Today's generation is lost to Hip Hop. They don't really know what Hip Hop is. Luckily for us, and shout to Ralph McDaniels we're apart of a TV series we filmed a whole season of called 'Emcee to Emcee'. By doing that, we were honored and able to meet such veterans like Chubb Rock, Naughty by Nature, Kwame, Lords of the Underground, Roxanne Shante, the list goes on and on. We actually performed the pilot episode with the Cold Crush Brothers which was an honor because they were the first Hip Hop supergroup and we're today's Hip Hop supergroup. It bridged the gap. The way I look at it, the new generation is missing out and they need to go to the school of hard knocks because they really don't know what's going on. They got guys running around with girl pants on looking crazy. Back in the day you would get snuffed for something stupid like that. Its rules to this thing, they not following them, but its rules to this. Triboro follows the rules, we're the bridge of the golden age to today which keeps us golden within it. We're students of Hip Hop, we're fans of Hip Hop, we grew up on original Hip Hop, thanks to Ralph McDaniels for putting us on that platform, growing up our afterschool special was Video Music Box. We would run home to watch that. Just being a part of that and growing up with that, I wish the new generation was able to witness that. Because now they got dudes that’s just looking crazy out there and they are following the trends. We are trend setters. Everyone else out there is being followers and foogazi. That's how my take is on it. I just feel like today's generation needs to get schooled by us, because Triboro to me is the leaders of the new school for improvement.

D.BAIL: No doubt. Elus?

ELUS: What Conn said.

D.BAIL: (laughs) Ok.

ELUS: That was an official answer!

FRSH AIRE: Personally, I am not mad at Hip Hop, we love the forefathers because we have morals. We are men of respect, so we know where we going cause we know where we came from. That's probably what’s wrong with the game now, but in the same fashion regarding the tight jean dudes, I don't really rock with none of that. Ever. But if you look at it they offset, they different. Back in the days when everybody was wilding out, around Onyx or Kool G Rap time everybody was thugged out. Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul came out wearing dashikis and baggy pants with polka dots on em. They would’ve gotten killed, but for a certain reason their music was bigger than what they were wearing. So it made it like, acceptable. Because their music was talking bigger than their clothes even though the clothes were crazy or what have you. So now a days, dudes want to wear these tight shirts and tighter jeans and big sneakers and look all wild and crazy but they ain't saying nothing. So that's why the first thing you notice are his tight ass shoes he got on, or these big *ss shoes he got on with an aqua marine belt with 200 fake diamonds in it looking stupid, know what I'm saying?

D.BAIL: Right.

FRSH AIRE: Because it ain't about what it used to be about and that's only because they don't look up to their forefathers. We here for that, we're near their age level. We can school the kids on what it is. If they don't want to go to the so called "old *ss rappers", we can teach them. That's how I feel about it.

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Check out a recent Triboro release:

Triboro - From Triboro With Love

Mixtape DJ Roundup - April 2011

Author: D.Bail



Rick Ross aka Ricky Rozay has been on a run that most rappers don't experience after releasing 4 solo albums---he's gotten better and now has put together an army of talented artists that is making Maybach Music Group look like a new empire on the horizon. First there is Wale, hailing from Washington DC, next is Philly's own Meek Mill and his latest signing of ATL's Pill rounds out what is one of the most anticipated projects this spring. With a new distribution deal locked away with Warner Brothers and a group album 'Self Made' set for May 24th, the buzz surrounding Ross is at an all time high. DJ 5150's mix of some of the ill cuts dropping from the Maybach Music team is great look with a good flow just in time for that summer/spring grind. April's Mixtape DJ Roundup's feature is DJ 5150 & Maybach Music Group - Untouchable Empire. With features from Jadakiss, Roscoe Dash & Mac Miller this is must download and a nice sample of what to expect from the upcoming album.

MUST HEAR JOINTS:
Rick Ross Feat. Wale & Wiz Khalifa - Retrosuperfuture II

Pill Feat. Rick Ross - Pacman

Wale Feat. Rick Ross & Jadakiss - 600 Benz

April 2011 notable releases include the following: (in no particular order)

DJ Whiteowl & DJ Diggz Present Mobb Deep - The Most Infamous Pt. 2

DJ Teknikz - Sippers Choice 2: Red Edition (Hosted by Yo Gotti)

Trap-A-Holics & Bricksquad - Bricksquad Is The Army Better Yet The Navy

DJ Smallz - Southern Smoke Radio (Hosted By Ace Hood)

DJ Lyke - Notorious B.I.G. 'Notorious Blends'

Big Mike & DJ Thoro - 1st Quarter Pressure 2K11 Pt 3

Superstar Jay - I Am Mixtapes 81 (Hosted By Waka Flocka)

DJ Clean - Milk Crates & Mac Books Vol 1 (Big Boss Edition)

DJ Moe Sticky - RnB State Of Mind 21

DJ Scream & DJ Pretty Boy Tank - iFreaknik 2K11 (Hosted By Cory B.)

ALTERNATIVE PICK: Raheem DeVaughn - Heemy Taught Me

Mixtape Artist Roundup - April 2011

Author: D.Bail



The first time I heard Fabolous was on DJ Clue's popular weekly show on Hot 97 'Monday Nite Mixtape' program in 1998. DJ Clue arguably one of the best DJ's out during that time would always end the show with an exclusive freestyle live on air with the hottest artists in the street. Over the LOX "Money Power Respect", a young Fabolous Sport, as he was referred to in those days went bar for bar with Queens rapper Noreaga. NORE had carved his name in hip hop history through his career as one half of group Capone & Noreaga, as well as a fledgling solo career and plenty DJ Clue mixtape features with the likes of Nas, Nature, Ma$e and others. That night in a cypher on Clue's primetime show Fabolous definitely held his own. Although his flow reminded me of Ma$e, who at the time was one of the biggest artist out, I still saw potential and was impressed by his bars and willingness to spit more than a standard 16.

Almost 13 years later Fabolous has maintained and excelled in his career as a rap artist currently signed to Desert Storm/Def Jam Records. He has dropped 5 solo albums and one EP that was originally a mixtape from his series 'There Is No Competition' hosted by DJ Drama. The first of that series under Drama's infamous Gangsta Grillz umbrella gathered much buzz (over 220,000 downloads with DatPiff.com) and a song off the mixtape was in regular rotation at popular NYC radio stations. Def Jam saw it fit to make the second edition a actual label release, (There is No Competition 2: The Funeral Service) further proving the relevance and importance of a mixtape and the vision Justo Faison had foreseen concerning the evolution of the mixtape genre. At the same token, credit is also due to Elektra Records who originally signed Fabolous and released a part 2 to his second album 'Street Dreams' which was titled 'More Street Dreams 2 The Mixtape' which was in a mixtape format, hosted by DJ Clue himself and included 'Exclusives' as well.

Fab has always used mixtapes as an outlet regardless of his label situation and has become a trend setter and leader of the pack due to his perseverance as an artist always working to make the best music possible. His mixtape history is quite extensive as he was the flagship artist for DJ Clue's 'Desert Storm' label and often retain that much coveted first slot on DJ Clues mixtapes for a number of years. DJ Clue's 'Desert Storm' roster included a talented number of emcees all cosigned by Clue which included Joe Budden, A-Team(Hitchcock & Ransom), Paul Cain, & Stack Bundles. (RIP) The forth mentioned were featured exclusively on DJ Clue's mixtapes series in the early and mid 2000's and often collaborated for some freestyle classics that are still listened to today.

As his fans eagerly awaited Brooklyn's own next album 'Loso's Way 2' he has been heating up the streets with before mentioned 'There is No Competition 1 & 2' and now his newest mixtape The S.O.U.L. Tape which is this month's mixtape feature. It features soulful sampled sounds and sets off with a freestyle over 2 Pac featuring Thug Life classic 'Pain' which was on the 'Above The Rim' soundtrack released in the 90's. Fab spits:

/I done felt pain waited but no help came/went thru some crazy s--- still kept myself sane/You ever been dying of thirst and smelled rain?/Ever been told to go to hell and felt flames?/

This mixtape definitely focuses on a more introspective Fab as he raps about relationships; "That's Not Love" feat. Lil Wayne [prod. by StreetRunner], "Leaving You" [prod. by Sonaro] success; "PayBack Music" feat. Freck Billionaire and brings it back with a remake of Nas & AZ's "Mo Murder Mo Homicide" with a former Justo's Award Winner Lloyd Banks and Harlem's own Vado. It's titled "Mo Brooklyn, Mo Harlem, Mo Southside", and is a standout on the mixtape. All three emcee's go hard on this one and it will definitely get alot of burn as the good weather starts to come in effect. Fab has always been nice with the punchlines, but his content is becoming deeper and he has found his stride with his flow, sounding as comfortable on the mic as ever.

Overall the flow of the mixtape is cohesive, laid back and the sound of it is a change from what has been popular as of late in terms of production. It has just surpassed 300,000 downloads on Datpiff.com and is buzzing on the social forums as well as the streets. "Really Tho" [prod. by Teddy da Don] is another banger I can see in radio rotation soon. Another thing that's a plus for this release is the sound quality is tremendous. I always tell aspiring artist, if you got a hot song and the mix is terrible or the overall sound is bad it definitely is not a good look and will probably not get a thoro listen from anyone other than your close friends. Take pride in recording your music as you do when you write your bars or produce your beats. It is just as important! This is a great lead up project that is building anticipation for his 6th solo album slated to be released later this year.

Other notable releases include: (No Particular Order)

Prodigy – The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP Fresh home Mobb Deep general Prodigy goes in, and hooks up with Complex magazine for this exclusive EP which features production from The Alchemist and Sid Roams. A real solid release from P who also released his bio this month "My Infamous Life" which is making waves across the industry.
Reppin': Queensbridge, NY Standout Song: Black Devil

Various Artists - The Blakk Family Ties Plainfield, NJ known for the P-Funk movement alongside George Clinton is a hotbed for emerging rap talent. Monei First Records drops a mixtape compilation featuring talented artists like Barri Blakk, Jersei Raw, Eskille, Gram, Tank G, Julius Pimpin' and others on The Blakk Family Ties, a prelude to the full length album dropping soon. With Baysehead and Barri handling fire in-house production, these guys are Jersey's newest team to check for.
Reppin': PLFD, NJ Standout Song: Trying 2 Stick Me

Curren$y - Covert Coup Curren$y is one of the best artists out right now period. His consistently is second to none and his rhymes and production stay on point. The Alchemist produced Covert Coup is album status worthy and displays Spitta at his finest. The producer emcee collabos are truly a treat for the fans and features from Prodigy, Freddie Gibbs, Smoke DZA and Fiend are perfectly placed on this project.
Reppin': New Orleans LA Standout Song: Success is My Cologne

XV - Zero Heroes With 16 mixtapes and 2 independent albums since 2006 XV has definitely been working. Zero Heroes finds XV at his best with a hungry flow and excellent production from Just Blaze, J.Cole, Omen and Seven to name a few. Refreshing sound from a cat who will soon receive his just due putting out material like this.
Reppin:' Witcha, Kansas Standout Song: All for Me

Chinx Drugz - Cocaine Riot Back for a second month in a row holding down the Riot Squad/Coke Boys Movement is Chinx Drugz. Harry Fraud is a monster with the beats and is a great compliment to Chinx flow which has stepped up a notch since the "Hurry Up and Die" mixtape series. Chinx Drugz has what it takes to be the next breakout star in NY and is currently touring with French Montana.
Reppin:' Far Rockaway, Queens NY Standout Song: Labor Day
HOSTED BY EVIL EMPIRE & DJ BIG MIKE

A-Mafia - What The Streets Made Me With a new company - Deep In The Game Ent. , an assortment of ill street videos, a boss mentality and a rejuvenated flow A-Mafia has been one of the hardest working since he came home last year. What The Streets Made Me is one of the toughest releases of the year, gangsta rap at it's finest. As he says in one standout song on this mixtape -Wayne Perry- "the streets say I remind them of Lamont Coleman" I can certainly hear Big L's spirit in Mafia and he's holding down the streets in a big way with this one.
Reppin:' Harlem, NY Standout Song: Star Wars
HOSTED BY EVIL EMPIRE

Tyga - Black Thoughts 2 Young Money's own Tyga has been putting in work. His collab mixtape's with Chris Brown got him notable press and his mixtape grind has kept his name buzzing as he waits patiently for his album release. In the meantime he's been crafting some great projects and Black Thoughts 2 continues that trend. Songs for the ladies are his forte but Tyga can really spit and his flow has been showing more diversity as late. With some bangers from Lex Luger and the Neptunes, Tyga does his thing.
Reppin:' Compton, California Standout Song: Hypnotized
HOSTED BY DJ ILL WILL & DJ ROCKSTAR

Chamillionaire - Major Pain 1.5 No deal? No problem. Cham's Independence means no restrictions and nothing but heat from one of Houston's Finest. Chamillionare who has a classic mixtape catalog goes back to his roots with a full length mixtape that reinforces the reason why Cham is considered one of the best underrated emcees out. With features from Nipsey Hussle and last months mixtape feature Big K.R.I.T. Cham is poised to bring back his state and keep his name buzzing for the rest of 2011 and beyond.
Reppin:' Houston, TX Standout Song: Already Dead

Donnis - Southern Lights In 2010 Donnis was featured in XXL's annual top 10 Freshmen list and since then has been making a name for himself with solid mixtape releases which included last years "Fashionably Late" mixtape. With Southern Lights Donnis looks to separate himself from the pack and make that XXL co-sign golden. He's definitely got a different sound and this is a quality release from the young ATLien.
Reppin': Atlanta, GA Standout Song: Eyes Low

Waka Flocka - Benjamin Flocka Brick Squads own and Queens NY transplant Waka Flocka is revving up for his duo album with Gucci Mane coming soon. In the meanwhile Flocka Flame continues his run feeding the streets with this release right here. Hard beats and aggressive lyrics are what we've come to expect and as long as Flocka sticks to his formula success will continue coming his way. We know he reps for ATL all day but shouts to Waka for keeping it Queens with this one, with veteran DJ Love Dinero on the boards.
Reppin': Atlanta, GA Standout Song: Nik after Nik
HOSTED BY DJ LOVE DINERO & DJ TEKNIKZ

Soulja Boy - Juice Love him, hate him or any indifference aside, Soulja Boy is one of the hardest working artist in the game today. This is also a back to back appearance for Soulja with his new mixtape release Juice which is a spin on the popular cult classic film of the same name released in the 90's and starring a young Tupac Shakur and Omar Epps. Not only does Soulja Boy treat his mixtape releases like album releases (in-stores and all) there will also be a remake of the movie Juice starring Soulja Boy himself which will becoming to cable network BET soon. If that's not the grustle I don't know what is.
Reppin': Atlanta, GA Standout Song: Numbas
HOSTED BY DJ SCREAM & DJ SWAMP IZZO

D12 - Return Of The Dozen Vol 2 Although Eminem has been very active with signing of supergroup Slaughterhouse and solo artist Yelawolf as of late, the O.G. group of Shady Records D12 is still keeping the ship afloat with a brand new release that really showcases the talent D12 still has to offer. Without group captain Proof (R.I.P.) it has been a minute since we heard from the Detroit collective. Young Buck makes a worthy appearance as well on this solid release from the Dirty Dozen.
Reppin': Detroit, MI Standout Song: Fame

N.O.R.E. - The N.O.R.E.aster EP Nore has done it again! This EP is one of best that has come out this year as Nore sounds as hungry as ever bringing along the Neptunes, Cool & Dre and Scram Jones out for production duties on this fulfilling appitizer. As one half of Capone and Noreaga NORE has always put it down for the streets but this EP has some club bangers as well that could find it's way on regular rotation soon. Be on the lookout for NORE's latest album S.U.P.E.R.T.H.U.G. droppin soon!
Reppin': Queens, NY Standout Song: N.O.R.E. Shot Somebody

Al Pac - Menace From Lenox Part 3 While Max B, waits to come home and get wavy again, Gain Greene member Al Pac is certainly keeping the movement moving in Biggavel's absence. With a gritty flow and outstanding Dame Grease and Young Los production, the Harlem resident wastes no time in stepping up and handling his business. Al Pac does a good job in making some good music for the spring rideout.
Reppin': Harlem, NY Standout Song: Money on My Mind
HOSTED BY DJ BIG MIKE

Reek Da Villian - How To Be A Player EP Former Flipmode Squad member Reek has gathered some buzz from his "Mechanics" single featuring Busta Rhymes and Swizz Beats which was released last year. With this joint, its a bit smoothed out and is definitely something for the ladies as well for dudes trying to get the ladies attention. Reek is showing some diversity with this one as he keeps it short and effective on this EP release.
Reppin': Long Island, NY Standout Song: Ten Mack Commandments

Smoke DZA - The Hustlers Catalog Smoke Dza is making a name for himself with a string of quality mixtape releases in the past two years. He is currently on tour with Big K.R.I.T and Freddie Gibbs and has the independent grind and drive that can really be appreciated. With his honest lyrics, sharp flows and unforgettable ad libs #Rrrright, Dza has quietly built a cult following and seems ready to make some mainstream noise in the next few months. THC's gotta a smooth yet cohesive vibe to it and is one of the standout releases of this year.
Reppin': Harlem, NY Standout Song: Early Days of George

Dramills - The Melo Drama After a brief hiatus, Queens rep Dramills is back and sounds as passionate as ever on his new release "The Melo Drama". Dramills has been pushing good music for a minute and this release sees him once again at top form. This mixtape also includes an unreleased joint from mixtape legend Stack Bundles. Dramills aggressive flow is a breath of fresh air and hopefully he gets some of the long overdue recognition he deserves with this release. Don't Sleep!
Reppin': Queens, NY Standout Song: John Stockton
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Interview with A.R. in Coast2Coast Magazine

Issue # 14, Page # 11 - A.R is interviewed by J. Hatch in Coast2Coast Magazine. The entire issue is available online here