Tariq Trotter/Black Thought/Riq Gees dropping yet another one-time only guest verse (transcribed by yours truly, something I just love to do) during a fantastic live performance of Raekwon’s Catalina on Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon. I say one-time only because Thought wasn’t on Cuban Linx II and there’s no remix of said joint that I know of (let alone one featuring Tariq). So the Bad Lieutenant penned this never-before-heard album-quality verse strictly for Chef’s live performance of the track (with The Roots masterfully replicating the somber Dr. Dre-produced beat). And just like the lyrical machine that he is, Thought went right into the following bars as the show went to the final break:
“Yeah, where I’m a start it at / look I’m a part of that / Downtown Philly where it’s realer than a heart attack.”
Indeed, those are the beginning lyrics of the incomparable title track from Game Theory —-> a perfect LP with no fat whatsoever and best believe (spoiler) one of the greatest albums of the decade.
1 noteChef Raekwon - Incarcerated Scarfaces
On Rae’s new album (which came out on Tuesday), a track that stood out on the first listen was House of Flying Daggers (due in part to its early placement on the track listing, the “Clan In Da Front” interpolation, and most importantly the jolting production by the late, great J Dilla). I actually have video of my 2.67 year-old nephew dancing to the aforementioned track (he walked in the room just as I was playing the newly bought album and instinctively started to pop off some dance moves). I even tried to teach him the Wu-Tang symbol. Kid’s a little hip hop head already.
Back in the mid-90s, when I first gave the original Only Built 4 Cuban Linx a spin in my little SONY single CD, dual tape deck stereo, this joint immediately stood out to me. And although there are numerous Rae written, RZA produced masterpieces on OB4CL, Incarcerated Scarfaces still remains as my favourite track from the greatest Wu LP (tied with the GZA’s Liquid Swords album…although on some days I prefer the latter recording). This track is pure NYC (the scenery in the vid further paints the concrete imagery), plus the video displays the Wu at their full power, rooftop swagger lounging if you will.
As for the track, Rae just goes off on a masterfully calculated lyrical vibe and does not hold back (many quotables contained therein). Whereas RZA revolutionizes the use of a hi-hat in hip hop production, creating an incredibly sharp and penetrating soundscape. “Now yo yo, what up yo? Time is runnin’ out” (cue the clever dopeness of Meth peeping his watch), so press play to hypothetically pop in the purple (video) tape and take yourself back to the 9-5. Censored tabled items FTW (most likely drugs, alcohol, guns or a lovely milkshake of all three).
14 long years in between covers and LPs. Part II streets today. And I gotta say that I’m quite happy with the worthy sequel to one of the all-time greatest hip hop albums. Does it go toe to toe with the original? No, but then again not many albums do (in any genre of music). Is there any filler? Definitely, but I have yet to listen to a full-length 20+ track album (beat CDs do not count) where everything was all killer.
When I found out that the RZA was not going to produce the entire album but would be relegated to only 3 tracks, I pretty much gave up any excitement and high expectations that I had for the oft-delayed recording. Hell, just naming the album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…II was setting the project up for massive failure. However, I was pleasantly surprised as to how the lot of different producers were able to create a cohesive and focused sound for the LP (for the most part i.e. the handful of filler tracks). Straight up, Rae, the Wu (esp. Ghost, Meth & Deck) and Dilla(!) came through and shined on they own sh!t.
Officially copping the album this week (it is the LP from New York to support). What a great way to begin the fall music season…as well as rinse out the bland taste of mediocrity that BP3 left in my mouth. On the real, the Neptunes joint, the Alicia Keys track, the Pacquiao reference on Thank You and No I.D.’s production on D.O.A. are the only parts of Jigga’s latest offering that I enjoyed (the rest were throwaways or just plain unlistenable IMO…*cough*…Timbo…*cough*). Regardless, up next in late October: The Roots - How I Got Over.
Side Note: To the young cats out there that are new to the legendary Chi-town producer that is No I.D. (i.e. If the first time you ever heard the name No I.D. mentioned was on the hook to Kanye’s Big Brother), then peep Common’s Resurrection and One Day It’ll All Make Sense LPs, two landmark hip hop albums from the 90s (‘94 and ‘97 respectively), for the finest examples of No I.D. production as well as Common Sense at his lyrical peak (ahhh, memories).
Raekwon - Ason Jones
From the forthcoming and fantastic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 LP. Touching rhymes by Rae dedicated to the late, great Ol’ Dirty Bastard (who is forever a part of the track via some vintage sound bytes of ODB wisdom). With a beautifully soulful beat provided by the late, great J Dilla (one of 3 posthumous Dilla beats on the album). And in light of the late, great Michael Jackson FINALLY being laid to rest tonight (the casket is in full view as I type this), I thought this would be the perfect time to post perhaps my favourite track from OBFCL2. Rest in eternal peace to all of those aforementioned musical geniuses.
Leaked about 3 hours ago. Finally able to sit down right now and listen to this heavily anticipated chapter in the Wu saga. I’m currently in Saddle River, New Jersey aka New Jerusalem, about a half an hour away from New York City (I can see the Empire State Building from here). So the timing of this leak could not be better. No doubt, travelling on lengthy road trips still won’t slow me down on the leaked album tip (especially when we’re talking about the official sequel to OBFCLN).
*absorbing album*
Initial impressions: This sh!t is grimey, cohesive and bangin’. Rae and Ghost turned the clock back on this recording. It’s sounding like the long wait and multiple delays were all worth it. Mos definitely the best hip hop album to come out of NYC this year (or in the next week for that matter). Cop it when it drops on September 8 and show your support. I know I will.
J Dilla - 24k Rap (feat. Havoc & Raekwon)
This has already been posted on hip hop blogs everywhere in the 2 days since it’s been leaked (which goes to show the huge anticipation that exists for Jay $tay Paid). But here it is again + my 2 personal cents.
*listening attentively*
Things start off with the brief James Brown sample, first chopped up in the third 2K5 Dilla Beat CD. Then through the front door comes a very sombre Dilla beat that I don’t think I’ve ever heard before (can anybody point out the source?). Regardless, Hav and Rae spittin’ like they’re both straight loungin’ during the recording session (they must have brought some couches into the sound booth). This composition is definitely more chill than the Black Thought J$P track that leaked about a month ago, making for some good variety. “Sit back, enjoy the flow”, indeed.
But what interests me the most is the conclusion where we listeners get a great taste of how the whole mixtape/radio station concept for this album will feel like (remember, Pete Rock is our gracious host for the duration of the LP). A great way to get a cohesive listen out of what is originally a compendium of unrelated beats. And I think that’s Pete Rock and DJ Premier both dropping their 2 cents on Dilla at the end of the track. Peep it for yourself and enjoy.
Track courtesy of Spine Mag. June 2nd can’t get here soon enough.
RZA on the Tim Westwood radio show, addressing the situation with Rae regarding the direction of 8 Diagrams. Also featured: RZA/Bobby Digi showing us why he is a genius/mastermind and a MASTER producer, homie. “Sometimes new things it’s like: you need to taste it once, taste it twice, and on the third time, that’s when it get NICE.” Congrats on the fantastically ill 8 Diagrams; will cop on the 11th. This is nutritious right here.
"Astonishment is our natural state of mind." - Paul Harris.
"Style is what an artist uses to fascinate the beholder in order to convey to him his feelings and emotions and thoughts." - Stanley Kubrick.
"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it." - Bruce Lee.
"If ya ears hurt, you shouldn't listen. That means you artificial and my style'll poison ya brain tissue." - Black Thought
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