quote:

Originally posted by Turenne:
For those who love beautiful relaxing Hip-Hop make sure you watch out for the new Panacea(massive attack esque beats with raps) and Cunninlynguists(the best Hip-Hop group arounbd full stop) releases. Not only did they realise two of the best albums across the music world last year, they are both dropping new stuff pretty quickly - Panacea with The Scenic Route(it got a great review in the brilliant UK mag Hip-Hop Connection) next month, and cunninlyguists before Christmas.

On top of that, The Shape of Broad Minds album has been getting very strong reviews, as has UGK's new album. Plus the Polyrhythm Addicts and Oh No albums are quality, and Camp Lo's album is decent as well.

didn't know that Cunninlynguists were coming out with a new one this year. I still listen to A Piece of Strange regularly, it's so good. Thanx for the heads up.
And that Panacea description (ie massive attack with rap) sounds really interesting. i'm a huge fan of trip-hop, especially when there's good rapping on it: check out Archive's Londinium for that type of stuff (but only that one album cause after that, they went in a totally different direction)

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have to check it out.

Otherwise, check out this review of Panacea's debut Ink Is My Drink from the always handy AMG. Steel Kites was my favourite track from last year, truly gorgeous music.

As for Shape of Broad Minds,check out the love audiversity is giving their upcoming release.

Finally, Zeph & Azeem's album Rise Up is another slice of funky Hip-Hop well worth a look.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Turenne,

anyone know anything about Madlib's most recent: Beat Konducta Vol. 3-4: In India

what's it about?

the new one by Blu & Exile is really good. It hasn't gotten a lot of coverage, but it's a solid album.

quote:

Originally posted by brainofp:
anyone know anything about Madlib's most recent: Beat Konducta Vol. 3-4: In India

what's it about?

I'm listening to 3 now - sounds like it's instrumental hip-hop using samples of Indian music. I think it's supposed to be a "cinematic" work. I'm digging it - it doesn't quite stand up to my other favorite instrumental joints like Donuts or Deadringer, but it sure isn't embarrassing.

Here's whatDusty Groove has to say about it.

quote:

Originally posted by cuneyt81:
the new one by Blu & Exile is really good. It hasn't gotten a lot of coverage, but it's a solid album.

I heard someone praising that a few months ago.Whats it comparable to?

Right now, Brother Reade's Rap Music and Zeph and Azeem's Rise Up are the best Hip-Hop albums on my iPod.In fact Rise Up is probably my favourite Hip-Hop album of this year.

Hey - just wanted to say thanks for the recommendations! This is my main source for new stuff nowadays - no pressure .

Oh No - I've only listened to it once, but I think this is going to end up really high on my year end list. It has a good shot at the top. It does have an unfair advantage, cos I've been just recently getting into Turkish psych and other mid eastern stuff so it hits a little harder.

Cunninlinguists - Damn good. Listening to this now. Needs more time before I can make a good call on it tho.

Black Milk - I second Turenne's comparison to Dilla. His subject matter is a bit limited, but it's SUCH a fun(ky), great album.

Dub Pistols - I enjoyed this the first couple times I listened to it, but the main MC's resemblance to Beck (albeit one who takes himself seriously, which is suicidal for a white MC) and the generic dub aping is leaving a nasty taste in my mouth. Not so happy on the whole with this, but it's the only bum steer I've gotten so far, and I didn't spend any money on it so no hard feelings.

quote:

Originally posted by vitunkrapula:
Cunninlinguists - Damn good. Listening to this now. Needs more time before I can make a good call on it tho.

which one's this? A Piece of Strange or has their new one leaked?

I doubt Dirty Acres has been leaked two months before the release date, but the same thing happened to APOS so who knows?

I'm a little disapointed you didn't take to Dub Pistols vitunkrapula, because its one of my favourite albums of this year. The Mcing is a little limited but at least its sincere and Open in particular is a stunning track.

quote:

Originally posted by Turenne:

quote:

Originally posted by cuneyt81:
the new one by Blu & Exile is really good. It hasn't gotten a lot of coverage, but it's a solid album.

I heard someone praising that a few months ago.Whats it comparable to?

It's sort of like Stones Throw stuff, though the production is a bit less crackly than Madlib's stuff.

Also, the new Aesop Rock is pretty good too.

I posted this on another forum, but it might be helpful here.Once again the Zeph & Azeem and Shape of Broad Minds albums are rather excellent and worthy additions to anybodies music collection.


After a fairly ****e first half of the year, things are getting better. Some of the new albums from this month that are worth getting, plus some links...

Eardrum - Talib Kweli

Listen!!! video

Hot Thing/In The Mood

Underground Kingz - UGK

International Players Anthem video

Rap Music - Brother Reade

Like Duh video

Rise Up - Zeph & Azeem

Craft of the Lost Art - Shape of Broad Minds

Changes video

Dr No's Experiment - Oh No

Break Glass - Polyrhythm Addicts

Extra Credit - Theory Hazit

Emit Gninrut

The Offspring - Killah Priest

Emergency Powers - Super Chron Flight Brothers

Copperpot - Wyla

Eardum is solid but a little unspectacular, maybe repeated listening will change my mind.The Zeph & Azeem and Shape of Broad Minds albums are essential imo, but every one of the above albums are good.

As well, Panacea are dropping their second album The Scenic Route at the start of the next month, and if its as good as their overlooked debut then its going to be one of the albums of the year.

Starlite video


Plus Cunninlynguists are dropping a new album called Dirty Acres in November.

The following isn't Hip-Hop, but some English rap and from two of the better albums of the year. Kala particurly kicks ass though...

This Is The Girl ft. Craig David - Kano

Jimmy - M.I.A.

Boyz - M.I.A.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Turenne,

Shape of Broad Minds is one I'd like to hear. I heard the track with MF DOOM and it was awesome.

quote:

Originally posted by Turenne:
I'm a little disapointed you didn't take to Dub Pistols vitunkrapula, because its one of my favourite albums of this year. The Mcing is a little limited but at least its sincere and Open in particular is a stunning track.

I think that's my problem with it - it's entirely too sincere. The production's really clean and pleasant, but whenever the MCs try to be clever it often falls flat. and "Cruise Control" has got to be one of the most annoying songs I've heard this year. Wayy too much repetition of the hook.

Nothing personal - I've just got to call them as I hear them.

I also gotta say that the new Aesop rock is pretty wonderful.

quote:

Originally posted by vitunkrapula:

quote:

Originally posted by Turenne:
I'm a little disapointed you didn't take to Dub Pistols vitunkrapula, because its one of my favourite albums of this year. The Mcing is a little limited but at least its sincere and Open in particular is a stunning track.

Nothing personal - I've just got to call them as I hear them.

I'm sure I'll get over it.

I haven't listened to Aesop Rock's album yet but I might check it out, assuming I can get over his incredibly annoying voice.

Revised top ten...

10.Black Milk - Popular Demand
9.Dub Pistols - Speakers and Tweeters
8.Polyrhythm Addicts - Break Glass
7.Common - Finding Forever
6.Cap D - Return of the Renegade
5.Shape of Broad Minds - The Craft of the Lost Art
4.Brother Reade - Rap Music
3.Zeph & Azeem - Rise Up
2.Lifesavas - The Gutterfly Soundtrack
1.EL-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead

Still about a dozen Hip-Hop albums that I have to listen to a little more.

quote:

Originally posted by Turenne:
[I haven't listened to Aesop Rock's album yet but I might check it out, assuming I can get over his incredibly annoying voice.

hmmm...not sure this will change your mind. But his flows are ridiculous, he's one of the most interesting lyric writers in hip-hop, and the production is some of the best you'll hear all year.

I'm really feeling Theory Hazit's Extra Credit as well, can see it being a top ten Hip-Hop album of the year. Its got the kinda energy MC and production wise that was almost completely absent in the Monch and Talib albums and that only a young hungry artist can bring. Definetly one of the best Hip-Hop artists to debut this year.

My only gripe, as one of those anti-social scumbag atheists, is with the pro-Christian lyrics throughout. Its not a problem with Theory Hazit, who writes in a particurly thoughtful and humble style, but 'Lesson In Power' and 'Decisions' are ruined by his arrogant/moronic guests.

quote:

Originally posted by brainofp:

quote:

Originally posted by vitunkrapula:
Cunninlinguists - Damn good. Listening to this now. Needs more time before I can make a good call on it tho.

which one's this? A Piece of Strange or has their new one leaked?

oops sorry I spaced the reply - yeah it's a Piece of Strange

Shape of Broad Minds - Craft of the Lost Art

Picked this up today. Really digging it, more news when I give it another listen, which should be soon. Thanks Turenne, cuney, et al!

Hot damn! I didn't realize Cunninlynguists were coming out with a new cd. Really excited for that. A Piece of Strange was very high on my list last year.