"FREEDOM" --- [Produced by WISDOM]

With the very visible and targeted attack on Black existence, it is only right that a chord is struck from a creative standpoint.  Hence we have my diatribe on the volatile subject of #BlackLivesMatter.  "Freedom" is my response in 2014 as a rallying force and battle cry to take up virtual arms and fight for what is right.  Fighting doesn't mean fisticuffs (unless necessary in my opinion); taking a stance can come in many forms and fashions.  Social media awareness is definitely one of the avenues in which we as a people can make those that don't necessarily understand the plights of inner city (and now suburban as well as rural) people of color who are systematically being pushed to the brink.  The brink of what, you may ask?  The brink of destroying preconceived notions and prejudices based on tainted media perception and antiquated ways of thinking.  Truth be told, it took me a little longer than anticipated to create "Freedom".  It is not necessarily the "best" or "most creative" beat that I've concocted.  I believe, however, that it is the most passionate because of the lengthy crate-digging and combing through archives of vocal recordings and speeches relating to the Black struggle, especially during the post-Civil Rights and Black Power era of the late 60's and early 70's.  Making "Freedom" was painstaking yet cathartic.  I hope what you get is a sense that revolution of some sort is on the horizon.  We can't let senseless deaths of our Black males, continued sexism with our Black women, and overall disrespect of our existence continue, with 2015 looking like it will be the precipice of racial tensions.  #BlackLivesMatter should be the continuing theme, and I hope and pray that "Freedom" ignites something, anything, that will spark revolutionary rhetoric and action.

Now question, is every nigga with dreads for the cause?
Is every nigga with golds for the fall

                                                              ---Andre 3000 ("Aquemini")

[NEW MUSIC] REVERSE HOURS LP --- BLACK TOKYO MUSIC

VA representative Black Tokyo Music (@BlackTokyoMusic) has dropped a gem for the holiday season entitled Reverse Hours LP.  This 17-track instrumental/beat album takes the listener on a journey through a 24-hour cycle of beatmaking prowess, as Black Tokyo Music evokes that true school boom bap that will undoubtedly take us into the new year on a brighter note.  Thanks are definitely in order for BTM by blessing us with his musical contribution during this season of giving.

https://black-tokyo.bandcamp.com

THE EDUCATION OF ELLIS [A SHORT FILM]

Written and directed by Toni Branson (@TOMBOI301), The Education Of Ellis short film delves into the mental of the one and only ELLIS (@ELLIS_410), the respected B-more emcee that is part of the fresh wave of artists reppin' Harm City the proper way through lyrical dexterity.  This follows on the heels of the earlier 2014 album release for The Education Of Ellis, with features from Styles P (@therealstylesp), Stan Green (@StanGreen410) and AL GREAT (@algreat11), along with exclusive production from beatsmith LEGIN (@LivinLegin). 

 

 

The grassroots approach that ELLIS is taking is evident throughout the short film, which is more true to life than any "reality television" showing on the small screen in this day and age.  Taking inspiration from the 1974 film The Education Of Sonny Carson (which in itself is an adaptation from the autobiography of the same name), you see more than a coming of age, rags-to-riches saga.  I'm a supporter of anything true AND dope when it comes to Hip Hop culture.  Watch the short, then support the movement at www.ellisbmc.com.

 

One love WISDOM SEEKERS!

 

#BMC

#EOE

 

                               

SAMPLE SUNDAY---HIP HOP EDITION

It has indeed been a good while since I've posted on WISDOM SEEKER (and an even longer time for my Sample Sunday series).  As things change, things stay the same.  This is my mantra when it comes to Hip Hop culture.  It is good, nevertheless, to be back at home with WISDOM SEEKER.  I've missed writing articles, posting interviews, uploading videos, showcasing new/underground music, and shining light on Hip Hop music that goes unappreciated. 

Since Hip Hop is my focus, it would be appropriate to reintroduce Sample Sunday with the Mos Def classic "Hip Hop".  I loved this joint in 1999, and I STILL play this for inspiration.  Black On Both Sides was released 15 years ago today, so it is fitting to have "Hip Hop" as Sample Sunday material.  Mos Def set the tone for Black On Both Sides by spittin' heat on "Hip Hop".  "Speech is my hammer, bang the world into shape now let it fall" is how Mighty Mos opened the seminal cut, and it set the tone for what was to follow throughout "Hip Hop" (and Black On Both Sides for that matter).  The lyrical bravado exhibited is nothing short of incredible by Mos Def.  Here's "Hip Hop", in all its glory.
.

Credit Diamond D for his diggin' in the crates mentality with "Hip Hop" (peep the double entendre).  The drums used for "Hip Hop" come courtesy of the Stanley Clarke song "Slow Dance" (1978), also used in the Nas classic "It Ain't Hard To Tell".  The meat of the beat, however, belongs to the incomparable David Axelrod, one of my personal favorites when it comes to a sample-laden catalog.  "The Warning Talk (Part II)" is from the 1970 Capitol Records album Earth Rot, and the apocalyptic soundscape provided by this song laid the groundwork for Mos Def to wax poetic over the course of three-plus minutes.

Happy 15th Anniversary for Black On Both Sides.  Go back and revisit one of the gems in the Mos Def catalog.  From "Umi Says" to "Mathematics" to "Ms. Fat Booty", this album showcased the Mos Def we all came to love and respect.   Now known as Yasiin Bey, you can find the multitalented artist on Twitter (@MosDefOfficial).  You can also check out the other players involved in "Hip Hop".  Stanley Clarke (@MrStanleyClarke) still has a viable career, leading The Stanley Clarke Band and releasing a new album Up (www.stanleyclarke.com).  Diamond D (@DiamondDITC) has just dropped a dope album The Diam Piece, available on iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-diam-piece/id909406696.  David Axelrod has an illustrious career as composer, producer, arranger, with a deep discography spanning many decades (www.davidaxelrodmusic.com).  His music has been sampled time and time again by a multitude of  producers in the Hip Hop realm.  All of these puzzle pieces created "Hip Hop", and Hip Hop is better for its existence.

INDIEGOGO PROJECT----MAN VS. MASCHINE BEAT ALBUM (PRODUCED BY WISDOM)

Hello WISDOM SEEKERS! The season is here for me to FINALLY unveil this long-awaited MAN VS. MASCHINE beat album. It's been in the planning stages for a good while now. I could easily just get a few copies and hand it out to family and friends, but that's not my agenda. I want this release to be special. To help with the process, I'm enlisting support from anyone that loves Hip Hop and the spirit that comes from the positive aspects of the culture. With that being said, check out my Indiegogo project page for further information about helping this vision come to light. I appreciate all the support, love, and respect given to me over the years, and I hope that MAN VS. MASCHINE will give back to the Hip Hop community, even in the smallest, most minute manner.

One love...

INDIEGOGO LINK:  http://igg.me/at/WisdomSince70/x/7093870

HOUSE SHOES PRESENTS: THE GIFT VOLUME IX --- DENMARK VESSEY

First of all, I'm loving the retro Blue Note-inspired artwork for this new Denmark Vessey beat joint spearheaded by DJ House Shoes.  House Shoes Presents:  The Gift Volume IX --- Denmark Vessey showcases the production prowess of the talented Motor City emcee.  This 14-cut instrumental/beat album is a dope testament to the abundance of talent that doesn't get shine on the commercial front.  I revel in being able to put even a glimmer of illumination in the atmosphere when it comes to artistry of this caliber.  I see nothing but bright days ahead on the Hip Hop calendar for Denmark Vessey (whose moniker is a reference to the former slave Denmark Vesey, who purchased his freedom and plotted an unsuccessful slave revolt in Charleston, South Carolina).  Peep this gem, and check out the other joints in the House Shoes Presents: The Gift series.  You'll be glad you did.






Twitter:
@HouseShoes
@DenmarkVes

BALTIMORE INDIEFEST THE MIXTAPE

The Baltimore IndieFest has been a long time in the making for Charm City heads.  No commercialism.  No filler.  Just pure, unadulterated music courtesy of some of the finest talent within the region.  Names such as Eze Jackson, Greenspan, Wendel Patrick, Kissi B, DJ P Chris, DJ Trelly Trell, and Queen Culture will infiltrate The 8x10 on May 30th to bring a level of artistry that is sometimes not showcased in our fair city.  Even though I am physically 300 miles away in the City Of Oaks, I still give my deepest support for the Baltimore IndieFest movement.  It will be a very dope event, to say the least.  Leading up to the musical extravaganza is the DJ Trelly Trell-mixed promotional mixtape.  Baltimore IndieFest The Mixtape gives the listener a glimpse into what is in store at The 8x10 this upcoming Friday.  Thirteen prime cuts will wet your whistle and leave ears wanting more.  Get your tickets via the website:  http://baltimoreindiefest.com. 

Let this dope mixtape serve notice that the independent, underground scene is alive and well in the metropolis by the Patapsco.

#BaltimoreIndieFest

#RealHipHop

 

https://soundcloud.com/baltimoreindiefest

[VIDEO] ETHEL CEE AND DUMHI --- "LOST"

This is a major late pass moment for me.  I normally don't allow dope music, right under my nose, to slip through the cracks, but in this case I was oblivious to the Ethel Cee and Dumhi EP entitled SEVEN THIRTY.  Dumhi has been on my radar as Okayplayer fam for quite a few years [shout out Mash Comp (@wisemath) and Haj (@alwaysdumhi) and the other Dumhi-related artists].  Ethel Cee (@EthelCee) is, in one word, amazing.  Gender plays no role in me identifying someone with lyrical and artistic talent, and Ethel Cee is the epitome of talent.  The Illadelph lyricist teamed up with Dumhi producer to release SEVEN THIRTY to unsuspecting ears Spring 2012 (hence the late pass reference). 

A video that I came across this weekend is the very creative "Lost".  Utilizing a sample from the television cult-classic Soap, and then creatively intertwining footage from the seminal late 70's/early 80's ABC show that I fondly remember, "Lost" takes us on a short yet precise journey.  Cee drops gems during her one verse dissertation on love that may be seemingly lost.  Not lost, however, is the accompanying production Haj has concocted.  You be the judge AND jury, because the verdict is in, and "Lost" (as well as the entire excellently executed EP) is a dope listen, even a couple years after its release.  In the meantime, watch this inventive video.  I guess I will be posting late pass options going forward, thanks to this joint!

 

Visit the aforementioned artist websites to see more music in the burgeoning discographies.  Enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, and listen to some dope music!

 

www.dumhi.com

http://ethelcee.bandcamp.com

 

 

 

[MIXTAPE] JOINTS FOR THE PARKWAY DRIVE: DJ SET VOLUME III (AISHA KARIMAH)

Aisha Karimah has created a dope mixtape of DMV-based lyricists entitled Joints For The Parkway Drive:  DJ Set Volume III.  Most, if not all, in the Baltimore-Washington area have experienced the rush hour traffic on BW Parkway at one time or another.  This mixtape will definitely help that experience go a tad bit smoother, as various repected artists rep the DMV region.  Kev Brown, Wordsmith, Kaimbr, Sean-Toure', Gods'illa, Oddisee, Labtekwon, Asheru, Substantial, Hassan Mackey, Ill Conscious, Maimouna Youssef, Roddy Rod, Priest Da Nomad, Circle Of Native Vibes, Kenn Starr, yU, Raheem Devaughn (and others) come together on one cohesive mix, showcasing the breadth and depth of Hip Hop from seemingly two different worlds (B-more and DC).  It's refreshing to hear this dopeness flow from one song to the next, and it's even more refreshing that a sista is bringing this to the masses.


https://soundcloud.com/aishakarimah/joints-for-the-parkway-drive-dj-set-volume-3


Be sure to check out other offerings from Aisha Karimah (@aishakarimah):

www.reverbnation.com/aishakarimah
www.soundcloud.com/aishakarimah

[ALBUM] ACE DIZZY FLOW---LATE NOSTALGIC NIGHTS VOL. 2

As the follow-up to his Sept. '13 release, NC producer/beatsmith Ace Dizzy Flow (@acedizzyflow) gives us Late Nostalgic Nights Vol. 2.  The common thread of nostalgia-based samples continues on Vol. 2, as Ace seamlessly carries on the tradition of North Cak production prowess.  His eleven-cut offering has many high moments, such as "Spacey Adams", "Always (Will)", and my personal favorite "Living In The 90's" (dope chop of the "Living Single" theme).




Peep the discography via Bandcamp:  http://producedbyace.bandcamp.com.  Also take note of the blog The NQM (www.theNQM.com) for insightful stories and music from a different perspective.  No more words from me...I will let the music of Ace Dizzy Flow speak.  Support my NC brethren in this thing we call Hip Hop!

[VIDEO] MAIMOUNA YOUSSEF---"WE'RE ALREADY ROYAL"

 

It's great seeing my B-more sis Maimouna Youssef getting more shine for her vast talents and broad creative steps throughout her musical journey.  From her Cirius B days with cousin and musical cohort Omari Forman-Bey (also known as AzIz) to her Grammy-nominated turn with the Legendary Roots crew on "Don't Feel Right", Mumu Fresh has been illuminating her eclectic musical tastes for all to see.  With The Reintroduction Of Mumu Fresh ready to drop in a few days, we have the fresh visuals for her take on the '13 Lorde song "Royals".  "We're Already Royal", directed by B. Kyle (@BKyle_), gives us Youseff's take on what royalty really is in the 21st Century.

 



 

Big things are on the horizon with The Reintroduction Of Mumu Fresh.  Support this VERY dope artist.  You can find her on Twitter @maimounayoussef. 

 

Peace and blessings on this Mother's Day!  We're already royal...  

 

 

http://mumufreshness.flavors.me

 

[NEW ALBUM] | APOLLO BROWN---THIRTY EIGHT

Apollo Brown has yet another dope project for the masses.  Thirty Eight will be available for public consumption this Tuesday (4.29.14), and I'm hoping potential listeners will cop the Mello Music Group release.  Brown has been one of the most consistent beatsmiths on the Hip Hop landscape for the better part of the 21st Century.  Don't believe me?  Check out the discography:  Skilled Trade, Trophies, Clouds, The Reset, Dice Game, Brown Study, Daily Bread. 

Back to Thirty Eight.  The twenty-track Brown joint is part Blaxploitation, part Stax, and part Golden Era Hip Hop.  The titles alone should give the listener a glimpse into the creative process that resulted in Thirty Eight.  If you don't know the production artistry that is Brown, then this project should open ears and eyes to the notion that AB is one of the dopest in Hip Hop. 

 

Album Link:  http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/thirty-eight

Bandcamp:  http://apollobrown.bandcamp.com/

Twitter:  @ApolloBrown

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ApolloBrown

PARKER BROTHAZ & KUDDIE FRESH FEAT. MOE---"MARINERS HAT" [NEW MUSIC]

Thanks to Big Dho for sharing this joint with me a couple of weeks ago.  It's always good to get dope music before the masses.  Parker Brothaz and Kuddie Fresh (featuring Moe) showcases "Mariners Hat", giving another facet of life on the Left Coast by way of Seattle.  Produced by Kuddie Fresh (www.kuddiefresh.com) , this Jackson 5-inspired track gives breathing room for Parker Brothaz and Moe to give us that Washingtonian state of mind.  This just shows that Hip Hop, no matter the locale, is alive and well in many incarnations.  Enjoy this joint, and peep the offerings of Parker Brothaz and Kuddie Fresh via Fresh N'Def Music (http://www.freshndef.com).  Follow Fresh N'Def on Twitter:  @FreshNDef

GREENSPAN FEAT. ELLIS 410 AND ROME CEE---"WINE AND CHEESE" [NEW MUSIC]

 

 

Here's a dope joint from Greenspan, featuring Ellis and Rome Cee, entitled "Wine And Cheese".  It's an inventive flip on ideals of classism and elitism in today's society, with B-more lyricists Greenspan, Ellis, and Rome Cee taking turns spitting truths over a minimalistic beat.  This is another gem from this blossoming collective of like-minded emcees.

 

>

  https://soundcloud.com/greenspanmusic/wine-and-cheese-feat-ellis-and-rome-cee

 

@Greenspan410

@RomeCee

@ELLIS_410

MOOG [DOCUMENTARY]

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Moog, I'm posting this dope documentary for all to view and witness.  Robert Moog is the father of the synthesizer, and is a big proponent for the musical landscape over the past four decades, to say the least.  I could go on and on about how pop music has utilized synthetic musicality to create, but I won't do that.  Going on at this moment is MoogFest 2014 (@MoogFest), a very dope musical festival in Asheville, North Carolina celebrating the forward-thinking Robert Moog.  Hans Fjellestad did a fine job bringing to life through synthesis, so to speak, what Moog was trying to accomplish during his lifetime.  Enjoy the journey through the scientific mind of Moog.

http://www.moogfest.com

"THE M.E.D.S."---ROME CEE [NEW VIDEO]

Fresh from the EarthSide album by Rome Cee (@RomeCee) we have the visuals for "The M.E.D.S.".  This creative video gives a different approach to the lyrical storytelling of Rome Cee, showcasing varied facets of Harm City living.  Videography for this dope joint was presented by Kirby Griffin for 4th Eye Diaries. 

Make no mistakes about it, Rome Cee is one of the illest within the 92 square mile area that is Baltimore proper.  Check out the video below, and make certain to cop EarthSide for further proof.






ALBUM LINKS: 

https://romecee.bandcamp.com/album/earthside

http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/26583/rome-cee-earthside.html

 

 

THE MAKING OF LOUD DREAMS (SEAN C & LV)

Thoroughly impressed is what I can safely say.  This album is an inspiration for me as a producer and beatsmith.  Sean C & LV have always been under-the-radar cats when it comes to creating soundscapes that are lush, plush, yet true to the essence of Hip Hop.  Before there was J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, you had this dynamic duo creating some elegant and gritty soundtracks for the underground.  Jay-Z.  Big Pun.  Fat Joe.  Diddy.  Dead Prez.  Ice Cube.  Ghostface.  Their individual and collective discographies are a true collection of dopeness.  Getting back to the topic at hand, however, is the impressive Loud Dreams (Vol. 1).  Released for public consumption March 25th (my daughter's 22nd birthday, by the way), Loud Dreams (Vol. 1) brings their production prowess to the forefront on this 14-cut free album.  Before making your way to download the free offering, check out this video on the making of the album.  Thanks to Creative Control for showcasing this video.  It should give you a glimpse into the process that went into this gem.  I've listened to the album (featuring the likes of Busta Rhymes, Prodigy, Bun B, Big K.R.I.T. and others) and it is VERY good, to say the least.

Follow the Grind Music duo on Twitter: 
@itsSeanC
@LVIZUAL

Free Download:  SeanCandLV.com

NEW VIDEO: "WHO CAN SAY NO"---THE KOOLEST FEAT. THEE TOM HARDY

The Koolest is a dynamic duo that has been on my Hip Hop radar for a little while now.  I've been wanting to post a proper article or interview on Dan The Don and Dinero P, and the time is right for them to receive the exposure they deserve.  "Who Can Say No" is the second offering from Nerds At The Kool Table (slated for release April 1st).  Featuring NC stalwart Thee Tom Hardy, this song (with the video below) is another feather in the burgeoning cap donned by The Don and P.  The accompanying visuals brings life to "Who Can Say No", a mellow and chilled-out cut that will surely be a must-listen for 2014.  Good things are on the horizon for The Koolest.  Check out their website for more information on music, appearances and all things The Koolest:  http://WeAreTheKoolest.com.  I'm looking forward to the opportunity to interview the Carolina phenoms for WISDOM SEEKER.

Enjoy the video and support the crew when the album drops April 1st.

 

 

 

 

 

http://WeAreTheKoolest.com

Twitter:  @WeAreTheKoolest

Soundcloud:  https://soundcloud.com/thekoolest

"YES INDEED" (INSTRUMENTAL HIP HOP)

I have been working on music (in my head, in theory, virtually) for as long as I can claim Hip Hop. With life taking twists and turns that I could never imagine, I have finally been able to work on my passion on a regular basis. Of course WISDOM SEEKER has taken a backseat because of work and music, but I appreciate the fact that I have this platform to express my thoughts AND shed light on Hip Hop culture as a whole. I am immersed in Hip Hop. Don't believe me? Even as I'm typing this post I am on Ustream with !LLMIND as he is unveiling a new Blap Kit (cop The Red Crayon Killer Samples at http://blapkits.com). I LOVE giving props to those that are deserving, and !LLMIND has been an influential producer on the Hip Hop landscape over the years (check out his work with Skyzoo, for instance). Man Vs. MASCHINE has been a project in the making for the past year, and I'm glad that it is set for release to the masses in a matter of months. It is a long-overdue instrumental album showcasing my love for obscure samples and chop-heavy production. Give it a listen, and you can hear varied influences such as J Dilla, 9th Wonder, Madlib, Pete Rock, Premo (the usual suspects). I can go on and on about those that have made me the producer and beatsmith I am becoming on a daily basis. I will save that for another upcoming post. In the meantime I am ready to unveil "Yes Indeed" for your listening pleasure. Of course this joint can be used as part of my Sample Sunday series that I've been away from for a good while. Peep the Floetry sample, taken from their seminal debut Floetic. That's all I will say for now. I hope you enjoy!

J. PERIOD AND BIGGIE---MARCH 9TH REVISITED [MIXTAPE]

J. Period is back at work, bringing the masses another dope slice of mixtape heaven. This time around, he enlists the lyrical talents such as Jay Electronica, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Snoop and others for the enlightening March 9th Revisited. J. Period has graced us the the poetic beauty of true emcees such as Q-Tip, Black Thought, Common and others, and he brings the B.I.G. spirit to the masses with this third installment of the March 9th series. Peep the March 9th Revisited joint. Also check out Jay Elec with "In The System" as he is slowly releasing gems for us to absorb (can we FINALLY get a full-length album from the lyrical enigma).

DJ AWETHENTIC---THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD (VOLUME 1) [MIXTAPE]

DJ Awethentic is bringing us the next installment in his series The Underground Railroad. This natural progression picks up where The Underground Railroad (The Prequel) left off, with cuts and blends showcasing a side of Hip Hop that is rarely heard. This East Coast-bred DJ/Producer/MC brings forth skills cultivated in the 80's and 90's. Even though the technology makes it relatively easy to call almost anyone a "DJ" (see Paris Hilton for this example), Awethentic lives up to his moniker, seamlessly blending and transitioning from one underground gem to another. If you like, better yet LOVE, your Hip Hop on the underground level, this is the project for you. Hit this DJ aficionado up via Twitter: @DJAwethentic.

ROME CEE---EARTHSIDE [ALBUM]

I've been on hiatus for 2014 when it comes to WISDOM SEEKER, but it is time to reload and bring that pure, unadulterated Hip Hop to those in the blogosphere. First up, we have the forever-grinding Rome Cee, with his dope project entitled EarthSide. This 20-track offering is another feather in the cap for the Harm City emcee, as he continues to grow and push the envelope musically. I could go on and on, but I feel that his music will do MUCH more than what I can describe here. Listen and cop the album!

 

Twitter:  @RomeCee

Bandcamp:  http://romecee.bandcamp.com/