THE PHARCYDE LABCABINCALIFORNIA 20TH ANNIVERSARY MIXTAPE [MIXED BY CHRIS READ]

It's hard to believe that the Cali classic Labcabincalifornia is 20 years old.  The Pharcyde definitely put their collective heart and soul into the more reflective and mature second offering.  Imani, Slimkid3, Bootie Brown and Fatlip may not have earned gold status with the release, but the album definitely is a testament to their dedication to the craft of Hip Hop.  I'm very excited that Wax Poetics and WhoSampled collaborated with Chris Read to bring this dedication to the masses.  Enjoy this nostalgic trip back to Labcabincalifornia!

[NEW MUSIC] "TRYNNA B-MORE (INTRO)" --- DUB (FROM 2AKNATION)

Very promising music is on the horizon from Dub, a member of 2AK Nation (and my son of course).  Here is a teaser from the highly anticipated Trynna Bmore mixtape that is creating buzz in Harm City and beyond.  Shying away from the trap beat frenzy and rhyming over a more boom bap-based soundscape, Dub waxes poetic about his struggles and visions of triumph , giving way to a balanced lyrical offering that fits the song's title perfectly.  Be on the lookout for more from Dub and 2AK Nation.




Link:  https://www.reverbnation.com/2aknation

[NEW MUSIC] MGNTK --- ULLNEVANO FEAT. LOGIC MARSELIS AND ILLIEN ROSEWELL (PROD. BY [W]))

MAGNETIC

Adjective  |  mag-net-ic  |  \mag-'ne-tik

    :  of or relating to a magnet or magnetism
    :  possessing an extraordinary power or ability to attract

It's been six long months since I've even touched WISDOM SEEKER as a blog.  I've had to put music on the back burner for a little bit, but the love is ALWAYS there.  With that being said, here is a dope joint from my B-more brotha Ullnevano (@Ullnevano) featuring his cohorts Logic Marselis (@logicmarselis) and Illien Rosewell (@illien), with production from Kansas beatsmith [w] (@waynevalentine).  Classic 21st century boom bap in the vein of Kev Brown, this banger touches the mental and lets us know that there will always be a home for thought-provoking, insightful hip hop.  The full-fledged project entitled Adventure Rhyme was released September 30th.  In the meantime enjoy the magnetic sounds of "MGNTK".

       

[ALBUM STREAM] INDIE 500 --- TALIB KWELI + 9TH WONDER

#INDIE500

Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and 9th Wonder gave the underground music world a nice surprise when #Indie500 became a hot topic for a possible collaboration amongst the titans.  With Javotti Media, W.A.R. Media and Jamla Records as the respective companies of the aforementioned artists, we have a collective that is destined to make waves with the undercurrent that is 21st Century music. I have been looking forward to the endless possibilities that could result from this project.  What we now have is the fruition of the vision.  Scheduled for official release November 6th, the artists have allowed the music to be previewed via album stream.  Peep the dopeness coming from this album, with various like-minded artists such as Rapsody, Brother Ali, Slug from Atmosphere, Halo, GQ, Planet Asia, Add-2 and Jessica Care Moore adding their finishing touches to the project.  Khrysis, Nottz, Eric G and E. Jones (along with 9th) provided the sonic flair that drives the album overall. Indie 500 is definitely one of the best joints of 2015.  Please support the #INDIE500 movement and cop it as soon as possible.

VIDEO: "NEVA EVA" ---THE BARREL BROTHERS [PRODUCED BY APOLLO BROWN]

Motor City producer Apollo Brown is set to release his GRANDEUR album for the world to witness his beatmaking and production prowess.  The first release (and video) is The Barrel Brothers-assisted joint "Neva Eva".  Vintage NYC hip hop swag is in effect on this track, as Skyzoo and Torae trade verses over a smooth AB track.  Peep the visuals below, and support the Mello Music Group release.

[VIDEO] "THESE WALLS" --- KENDRICK LAMAR

Another stellar visual from the in-the-making great known as Kendrick Lamar.  "These Walls" is the optical adaptation of the excellent song from his acclaimed To Pimp A Butterfly album.  I wondered how this double entendre-driven could be made into a viable video, and now we have that visible viability.  With multiple guest-starring roles from individuals such as Corey Holcomb and Terry Crews, the video for "These Walls" is another feather in the cap of the budding career projectory of such a dynamic artist as Lamar.

BEAT THIS! A HIP-HOP HISTORY [DOCUMENTARY]

I am a documentarian and historian by nature I guess.  I am always attracted to the informative nature of Hip Hop culture, so it should come as no surprise that this gem strikes my fancy.  Beat This!  A Hip-Hop History is an early venture into documenting the culture, in a similar vein as Wild Style.  Focusing on legendary icons such as Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, The Cold Crush Brothers, and others, Beat This!  A Hip-Hop History should be added to your hopefully growing catalog of Hip Hop-themed TRUE pieces of film.  There are quite a few that doesn't dilute the cultural significance of each element that comprises the Hip Hop sphere.  At 54:14, this slice of history should be watched and revered, showcasing where Hip Hop originated, and how no entity can claim to predict its impact on so many facets of existence worldwide. 

[NEW MUSIC] BLU --- SOUL AMAZING (PART FIVE --- THE ALCHEMIST EDITION)

Blu (@HerFavColor) has surprised us with another dope offering, this time utilizing excellent production from the Alchemist (as well as Bombay).  This installment in the soul amazing series has a definitive jazzy mode, perfectly constructed for Blu to wax poetic.  I love how Blu is bucking the proverbial system and making music on his own terms.  It seems that Cali-based artists are taking the baton and making independence a priority when it comes to music.  I am NOT mad at Blu for promoting his creativity via Bandcamp for a $40 price tag. When the art is good and coming from the heart, don't sell yourself short.  Definitely a mantra to live by in 2015.  Enjoy the eleven choice cuts featuring various emcees such as Planet Asia, Chuck Inglish, Rakaa, Action Bronson, Evidence, Roc Mariano, Quelle Chris and others.  Another feather in the cap of the budding and colorful lyricist.

  https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-five-the-alchemist-edition

FASHAWN --- THE ECOLOGY [DOCUMENTARY]

Fresno rhyme spitter Fashawn (@fashawn) has been making waves with his Left Coast sensibilities and unique storytelling abilities.  As an artist on the Nas-helmed Mass Appeal Records, Fashawn is showing the now school with Golden Era influences throughout his musical palette.  You get the sense through his lyrics that this young man has witnessed much in his twenty-plus years on planet Earth.  Viewing The Ecology documentary will only strengthen that notion.  With appearances from family and friends (most notably his mother), you see what has influenced Fashawn to be the artist and man that he is becoming right before our very eyes.  Support the young lion by purchasing his newest musical release The Ecology.

 

 

 

[VIDEO] LIVE FROM THE STREETS (EPISODE 6) --- "PLAY THE BACK" FEAT.WORLD'S FAIR AND PITCHBLAK BRASS BAND

Episode 6 of Live From The Streets with Mr. Green (@GreenHipHop) features him interacting on a creative level with PitchBlak Brass Band (@PitchBlakBrass), a 10-piece Brooklyn, NY collective that bridges the gap for Hip Hop with live instrumentation and boom bap sensibilities.  Of course the police had to interfere with this process along the way, but not before Mr. Green was able to gather enough sonic material to create the soundscape for World's Fair (@THEWORLDSFAIR) to spit some potent bars for listeners to grasp.  Enlisting the brief vocal stylings of Singing Dragon, Green is able to build a dope joint showing the creativity and expansive nature of this music we call Hip Hop.  Peep other episodes of Live From The Streets at the following:  http://noisey.vice.com/live-from-the-streets/.

[VIDEO] LIVE FROM THE STREETS (EPISODE 3) --- "THE BLASTMASTER" FEAT. KRS-ONE, HAKIM GREEN & MARIO LEVIS

Mr. Green (@greenhiphop) is at it again with this installment of his very dope Live From The Streets series sponsored by Noisey.  I've peeped a few of these and have been inspired by Mr. Green utilizing sounds and samples taken from urban and street scenes during his travels.  This episode has special significance, as Mr. Green gets the opportunity to chop it up AND make a dope joint with the legendary Blastmaster himself, KRS-One (@IAmKRSOne), along with Channel Live representative Hakim Green (@HakimGreen).  Taking the sampling cues from international street performer Mario Levis, Mr. Green proceeds to construct the track from scratch (no pun intended).  Once you get the chance to check this out, go visit the site for all of the gems in this ingenious series that should get more shine.  Thanks for providing some much needed inspiration within this thing we call Hip Hop!

 

 

http://noisey.vice.com/live-from-the-streets

DJ JAZZY JEFF (LIVE FROM JOHNNY BRENDA'S)---DOING IT FOR DILLA! [LIVE TRIBUTE]

The greatest representing for the greatest!  DJ Jazzy Jeff (@djjazzyjeff215) spun an incredible set at Johnny Brenda's in Philly to celebrate the life and legacy of James DeWitt Yancey, better known to the Hip Hop world as J Dilla (or Dilla or any number of nom de plumes).  Hosted by Dayne Jordan (@THEREALDOSAGE), you get a nice collection of vintage, as well as obscure, Dilla joints, with Jazzy Jeff delivering it in his classic cut and paste style.  Dilla was a true artisan and genius, and his legacy will live on through his countless tracks.  I appreciate that Mr. Vinyl Destination took the time to show his love and support, as witnessed by the crowd that experienced that magical moment in time at Johnny Brenda's.  Download and keep this in constant play!

[NEW MUSIC] BLACK-TOKYO MUSIK---THE EMBODYMENT EP

Black-Tokyo Musik (@BlackTokyoMusik) is back with another dope instrumental offering, The Embodyment EP.  I definitely have an affinity for instrumental/beat albums, and this EP gives us quality beat after quality beat.  What we have are six tracks of heat.  Support this talented brother and visit his Bandcamp page:  https://black-tokyo.bandcamp.com.

[NEW MUSIC] CLEAR SOUL FORCES---CHEAT CODE (EP)

Detroit's very own Clear Soul Forces have blessed listeners with a new EP entitled Cheat Code.  This is a dope teaser, with three distinct cuts showcasing the video game-influenced sampler.  Members Ilajide, E-Fav, Noveliss, and L.A.Z. drop lyrical heat (as usual), while Scott Xylo (@ScottXylo), Astronote (@TheAstronote), and Nameless (@_nameless) provide the varied soundscapes.  My personal fav here is "Claire", with the sample nod to Motor City legend J Dilla (utilizing the "Clair" sample from obscure 60's group The Singers Unlimited).  All in all another dope offering from one of the most creative new generation artists in the hip hop realm.  Purchase and download this gem in the growing Clear Soul Forces discography.

LINK:  https://clearsoulforces.bandcamp.com/album/cheat-codes-ep

[VIDEO] CLEAR SOUL FORCES---"BPSWR"

L.A.Z.  Ilajide.  E-Fav.  Noveliss.  These four distinct entities are the lyrical titans known collectively as Clear Soul Forces (@clearsoulforces).  They have been on my radar for a few years now, and they are poised to make an impact a la Odd Future or TDE.  Inventive, creative, and extremely dope lyrically, Clear Soul Forces has another banger on their hands with "BPSWR".  The visual impact of this crew is as engaging and their vocal artistry.  Check out the visuals for "BPSWR" in order to grasp the concepts behind CSF (beats, rhymes and life).

 

 

Follow each member of the collective via Twitter:

 

@TheNoveliss

@wimp87

@Ilajide

@e_fav

 

Website:  http://forceswithyou.com

 

[VIDEO] RAPPER BIG POOH---"AUGMENTATION" [PRODUCED BY APOLLO BROWN]

Rapper Big Pooh is back with a new heater with "Augmentation".  Produced by the very accomplished beatsmith Apollo Brown, we have the visuals depicting this dope track for the masses to consume.  Using Detroit as the backdrop for the video, "Augmentation" is a fitting showcase of what is to come with the highly-anticipated Mello Music Group release Words Paint Pictures (slated for March 24th).  I am surely looking forward to hearing more great music from these two underrated, yet very talented individuals.

Check the artists via Twitter:

@Rapper Big Pooh
@ApolloBrown
@MelloMusicGroup

[VIDEO] PENSADO'S PLACE --- INTERVIEW WITH YOUNG GURU (TWO-PART VIDEO)

Young Guru is one of the dopest and most well-respected engineers and sonic architects in the game.  As the go-to-guy for the bulk of Jay-Z's (hyphen or no hyphen) discography, he has truly elevated the artistry within the science of engineering.  An accomplished producer and DJ as well (these elements all intersect paths at some junction), Young Guru (@Young_Guru) sits down with world-renowned and Grammy Award-winning engineer Dave Pensado (along with co-host Herb Trawick) for a lengthy and EXTREMELY informative two-part discussion on the art and science of engineering.  Touching on the huge collaboration of Hova and Alicia Keys for "Empire State Of Mind", we see how Young Guru contributed greatly to the sonic inner-workings of that great effort.

PART ONE

PART TWO

I admit that I am becoming that sonic nerd that I feared years ago.  I'm glad that cats that I can relate to such as Young Guru exists in today's musical climate.  You can sense the passion and love he genuinely has for engineering and Hip Hop.  This is one of those highly-respected individuals I am looking forward to meeting in 2015.

ONE LOVE!

J DILLA IN STUDIO WITH COMMON AND THE SOULQUARIANS [VIDEO]

On this anniversary of the transition for the great James Yancey, we have some Electric Circus footage (courtesy of Ahmir Thompson of course) with Common, Dilla, James Poyser, Frank Knuckles and the late Jef Lee Johnson vibing, creating, and innovating.  It is a great look into the recording process for The Soulquarians.  Jam session after jam session resulted in some monumental moments for the collective.  This particular 2002 session showcases what that in-studio magic would lead up to (the underrated and slept-on Electric Circus).

It's been nine years since Dilla left us in the physical, but he left all of us with musical blueprints that will span the decades and generations.  Let this brief footage remind us that he is never truly gone. 

Rest In Beats J Dilla!

[NEW VIDEO] "SAY GOODBYE" --- KENN STARR (PRODUCED BY BLACK MILK)

"Say Goodbye" is a Kenn Starr banger produced by Motor City titan Black Milk.  Here we have the visuals for the single off the recently released Square One.  Directed by Jay Brown (visual effects by Paul Milhailoff), we take a journey into Starr's world.  Looks like Mello Music Group is bringing the heat in 2015 with quality, independent music.  Follow Kenn Starr on Twitter:  @kennethcold.

 

DJ PREMIER, ROYCE DA 5'9 AND PHONTE INTERVIEW WITH STASHED

This interview is a dope look into the respect these acclaimed artists have for one another, as DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9 and Phonte trade barbs and shine insight into their respective places in the Hip Hop realm.  With Kazeem Famuyide at the helm of this interview (which initially was a solo Phonte offering), you get the innate feeling that a forthcoming project of some sort is in the works (even from a gestational standpoint).  We shall see.  In the interim, check out this visual treat, and visit STASHED for more cultural, curated pieces of creativity.

 

 

 

[MIXTAPE] NOVEJ---THE BEFORE'S AND AFTER'S [HOSTED BY RAPPER BIG POOH]

Winston-Salem, NC representative Novej (pronounced NO-VAY) comes correct with a dope mixtape showcasing his lyrical range. Hosted by Rapper Big Pooh, this nineteen-track affair covers familiar territory, but coming from the introspective perspective of an artist wise beyond his years. My personal favorite on The Before's And After's is "Rakim Taught Me How To Rhyme", but other joints strike a positive chord, including "Gold", "Young Black and Handsome" and "Came Up". This Carolina lyricist has a bright future on his hands. Support the music. Support the movement.

Website: http://www.novejraps.com/
Twitter: @NovejRaps

STORYVILLE EPISODE 1: "QUESTLOVE VS. PATTI LABELLE"



Peace and blessings WISDOM SEEKERS!  It's been a good while since I've made my presence felt via this social media vehicle.  So much has transpired from a political and racial standpoint that it has been quite overwhelming to say the least.  Under normal circumstances I would have taken to WISDOM SEEKER to voice concerns and showcase artistic pieces of expression from like-minded artists on a local and national standpoint.  I just wasn't in the proper mindset to do this blog justice.  With 2015 upon us, this is a good time to reignite and reenergize myself with a revamped WISDOM SEEKER, making certain that I am able to document what Hip Hop culture will mean for this year and beyond.

 

Okayplayer has been the biggest influence because it showed me that other similar (and not-so-similar) individuals could discuss, dissect, and disseminate.  I appreciate what Questlove and crew have been able to do with Okayplayer, because it has influenced other social media outlets and sites.  That is why this recent OKP TV jawn "Questlove Vs. Patti LaBelle" is hilarious and amusing.  Questlove has kept his finger on the pulse of the culture for the better part of two-plus decades, and this animated video proves that point.  It is an ingenious way to tell a story (I'm sure there is MUCH more to this) that has been brewing for quite a few years.  Peace to Hectah for providing the animation, bringing the Quest vocalization to life here. 

 

 PEACE IN THE NEW YEAR!

 

 



 

Link:  http://www.okayplayer.com/news/questlove-tells-his-patti-labelle-soul-food-story-animation.html

VOL. 7 - BEATXPLOITATION --- PROD. BY THE BEATFONICS CREW

2015 is upon us, and I'm excited by the prospects of new, dope music permeating the airwaves.  Thus far I've encountered some flyness via beats outside of my normal sphere.  Of course Twitter has been my friend in this beat adventure, allowing me access to come across this musical gem.  Vol. 7 - Beatxploitation by The Beatfonics Crew is just that diamond in the rough I've been seeking.  Even though I've noticed 9 volumes produced by the beat clan, Vol. 7 stands firm in its position because of the obscure, and not-so-obscure, funk and Blaxploitation joints that called the 1970's home.  This international collective of beatsmiths have joined forces to deliver a powerful throwback to an era that never seems to lose its allure.  Vol. 7 - Beatxploitation has nineteen tracks to whet the appetites of those hungry for beats (sans rhymes) that are not of the cookie-cutter variety.  I'm going to make it a priority to check out each volume from The Beatfonics Crew to gather inspiration and develop an extended musical palette for my own chopping pleasure.  Make certain to check out the beats and support quality music.

 

www.facebook.com/thebeatfonics

www.thebeatfonicscrew.bandcamp.com

www.thebeatfonicscrew.tumblr.com