Billy Ivan | Asking

Billy Ivan, a musical artist and producer from Stanton Island, New York who contacted me to let us know that he was releasing a mixtape in the new year called "The Compilation Tape". Billy himself is a self taught artist who is inspired by hip hop favourites such as Kanye, Pharrell and Jay Z.  Check his new video out below and stay tuned for more.



Yours Truly

Hustle & Thrive | The Super Professionals EP

Chapter Thrive and Charly Hustle, the collaboration between the two makes sense. Partnered up during shows; an impromptu team of friend helping out a friend, up turned into a contagious high energy performance. Working alongside both Hustle & Thrive was always a good time, seeing either of the two on a Scratch event poster meant that night was going to get 'super professional'.

The SociaList Toast released December 2012, celebrated the good times at Scratch and the birth of the Super Professionals working together. After listening to The SociaList Toast, I wanted more from Hustle & Thrive.

*album cover photography by Jeremy Marucot (1Take Photography)

Hustle & Thrive recently released The Super Professionals (coined by Chad Reynolds after the two-piece finished a slightly intoxicated performance in the U of S Beer Gardens), a collection of topics of a young man's daily life backed by fun, up tempo, smart, high energy table work and wordplay. What I really like about The Super Professionals EP is that you get a very similar vibe that you would get from a live performance by Hustle & Thrive... and their live performances are top notch, that says a lot.

Do yourself a favor... pick up this 'seasonal depression pick me up' for whatever price you feel it is worth, run victory laps around 'Victory Lapse', and Enjoy!

 


For more of that good good from The Super Professionals, check out the links below!

Chapter Thrive - Twitter/Instagram/soundcloud/bandcamp/Website
Charly Hustle - Twitter/Instagram/soundcloud/bandcamp/Website
Phonographique - Twitter/Instagram/soundcloud/bandcamp/Website

the Method to my Madness,

DJ Khaled - Hip Hop ft. Scarface, Nas & DJ Premier

First and foremost, I'm not a huge fan of DJ Khaled. That being said, Nas and Scarface on a song together? How can you resist?

I'm glad Nas is back to his old self. I couldn't handle his preachy phase. Also, this would be one of Scarface's first few songs after getting released from prison.

Check it here: DjBooth

Sorry I couldn't find an embedded link.

Dom Kennedy - Yellow Album

Dom Kennedy always puts out good music right when the Summer begins. Once again we get a chance to hear that cool calm flow on relaxed beats. This West coast rapper managed to get Too $hort, Kendrick Lamar and Rick Ross on the album too! My favourite track at the moment is "We Ball" featuring Kendrick. Check out the official "My Type of Party" underneath.



Download Here

Love the North

Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap Trailer

This film was directed by Ice-T to educate and show the viewer, what hip hop is and why it is around. Many different artists (Dr. Dre, KRS-One, Nas and Kanye West) from different eras are involved with the documentary so we will get to see the progression of hip hop as well. I am excited to see the perspectives of hip hop and its culture from many different artists. It is expected to release on June 15, 2012



Love the North

Late 90s, Early 2000s Hip-Hop/Rap

I swear they don't make it like they used to, especially the Top 40 Hip Hop tracks. Last night I went on a huge nostalgia trip listening to all these old tracks.









Dang.

Shad

This past Tuesday, Dallas, JJ, Mike and I went to Amigo's to check out Shad. The few performances that I attended at Amigo's were great, always a wide selection of drinks, people and music. The crowd at this show were much younger and rowdier to say the least. Putting that aside, the music was great. I took some pictures and videos to show people who had missed the show. The music is a bit distorted, but you get the picture.

Love the North,

R. Mack