Outkast Aquemini Instrumentals 3LP

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Here’s one of those records I’m beginning to think most people don’t realize what they have and tend to dismiss it as the clean version. All too often I see listings on Ebay for this record as “Clean” or “Censored” version next to bootleg versions of the instrumentals for “Aquemini”. Yes, there is a clean version out there which looks like this one, but the label and cover on that one says “Censored”. For some reason the instrumental version doesn’t say “Instrumental” anywhere that I can see. It just looks like a regular vocal version. So the next time you come across a copy of “Aquemini” with the white label, look at the catalog number to the left as the indicator. The instrumental version reads, LFL-6056. And because most people don’t have this knowledge, I’m sure you can find this record pretty cheap in your local shop’s used bins.

Onra “Chinoiseries” 2LP

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Can I get a late pass!? My brother put me up on this record recently and soon after I was fortunate enough to find a copy for myself. It’s one of those albums that carries a theme behind the production, like those Oh No albums with the Middle Eastern samples. Instead of Middle Eastern Funk and Spyche records, the beats on this particular record were constructed from old beat up Chinese and Vietnamese records that were found and purchased on a trip to Vietnam. Or so the story goes. Very nice stuff on this one. Highly recommended.

Strong Arm Steady “Best OF Times” 12″

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I picked up this 12″ single recently on the strength or Madlib’s production and Phonte’s vocal abilities-I’m a big fan of Phonte from Little Brother. And not to take away from the other MC’s on this record, but I can’t help to think how much more amazing this song would’ve been if it were just Phonte on the mic. The groovy northern soul influenced production with the emotional strings and vocal samples attached to the thick bass line compliment Phonte’s vocals very well. Although I didn’t like the first verse too much as I felt it was a little clumsy compared to the other two. The record is just dope. And no problem for me, I can just edit that verse out with the instrumental.
Strong Arm Steady’s new album, “In Search Of Stoney Jackson” is in stores now on Stones Throw Records. Recommended!

Stones Throw Records

Sadat X “Wild Cowboys II” EP

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Let’s face it. It’s gonna be really tough for Sadat X to top or even match the quality of the first Wild Cowboys LP. It was a classic! So for that, I’m still a little bit iffy on the Idea of a Wild Cowboys part II. And new EP does offer a couple of really nice tunes that I enjoyed listening to-Particularly the cut produced by Pete Rock. So I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens with the new project. The new EP is in stores now and features production by Pete Rock, Nick Wiz, & 9th Wonder. Recommended.

Our Prayers Go Out To GURU!

I really hate hearing news like this. And if you haven’t heard already, GURU suffered a heart attack sometime yesterday and due to complications is now in a coma. We pray for GURU’s full recovery!

Freeway & Jake One “The Stimulus Package”

I wanted to wait on posting this release until I got my own copy of the new record. I mean, I really don’t think you can fully appreciate the effort that went into the creation and design of this album without seeing it for yourself first hand. It’s dope.

And the award for best packaging goes to!….Rhymesayers for “The Stimulus Package”. Highly recommended!

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Mayor Hawthorne “A Strange Arrangement” Instrumentals

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Mayor Hawthorne has been getting a lot of press and even landing a spot on the Jimmy Kimmel show in recent months due to a well received and very soulful debut release on Stones Throw Records. So don’t be surprised if you see the Mayor as a crossover act in the near future. Which I’m sure many purists would cringe at even the idea of that happening. But for now I think we’re safe from hearing collabo with Lil Wayne until he gets out of jail at least haha…anyway on a recent trip to the store I noticed an instrumental version of “A Strange Arrangement” on the shelf which I hadn’t seen before. And well let’s face it I’m a sucker for instrumental versions and thought it’d be interesting to listen to his debut album without the vocals. It’s definitely a different experience listening to the album with just the musicians playing. Worth picking up.

Chikaramanga feat. Droop Capone “A Life Like This” 7″

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Droop Capone, aka Dr. Oop has managed to remain waaaay below the radar despite working with such notable artists as Kan Kick and People Under The Stairs. He’s released some good records in the past so I’m happy to see he’s still doing his thing. Chikaramanga (Giant Panda) produces a nice mellow beat for Droop on this one that really works well as a mellow party record. Pick it up.

OH NO’s Ethiopium LP

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Disruption Productions

Oh No follows up his “Oxperiment” LP with, “Ethiopium”-An album deeply submerged in psychedelic Rock, Funk, Jazz, and scratchy world records from various middle eastern countries. The result is brilliant! Over thirty well crafted beats from one of the more talented and under appreciated artists on the Stones Throw roster in my opinion. These beats shake the earth! Highly recommended!

Simon S. “A Free Soul” 7″ Soul Clap Re-edits

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I love the Soul Clap stuff. Their remix releases have always been something special on the production tip. And limited too! This latest release from Simon S contains a couple of dope cuts in true school fashion. Here you’ll find a remix for Edo G “Situations” and a really nice instrumental track called, “A Free Soul” which uses the famous John Klemmer horns. Very nice stuff.