What's In Your Deck?
Your Weekly Top 5 Music Picks
What are ya'll listening to this week?
Here's what I got.
1. Balance--The Mix Tape
I like hard rhymers. I'm talking about deep voices, lyrics that make you feel the pain, rage, excitement and emotion of the man or woman spitting them. Big Balance is one of those MC's. Very complete, nothing soft, but not on no pseudo gangsta shit. See, Balance represents the New Bay, a community (?) of fire starters who remind me of the early days of the Bay, when that sound just revolutionized everything in rap. Yeah I'm reppin' the south, but I can admit that. Ten years ago the best in the Bay and the best in the South would connect and make some of the hardest music known to man. That kind of died in the past few, but I have a feeling that that Texas--Bay connection is about to get solid again. There's so much new music coming from both regions, young cats who come so original, that they're just gonna have to link. Balance I think is gonna spearhead that shit, cuz everyone I play him for just freaks out. Straight up, this is some real, organic shit without being all hippified. Understand? Not gangsta, not nerd, not bling obsessed, in fact it's almost anti-ALL THAT, and in my eyes, it's a classic. Organic meaning oh so real. Get your hands on some sound samples on his website. And thank me later. Just don't bite it. (balanceskillz.com)
2. Lunar Heights--Crescent Moon--Nataural High Records
Now this one's organic in a more traditional sense. It's some real underground hip hop - conscious, forward thinking and beat tastic. All I know is these cats surprised me like a mug. The name threw me off for a second and I thought, oh man it's gonna be some hippy shit (how you like a hippy like me talking down on hippy shit? It makes no sense…). But it's not. It has its trippy moments, but for the most part it's some straight ahead hip hop that sounds like it comes from a whole new place. I guess a couple of the cats in the group do come from other places and they got together in the Bay. You can hear all sorts of influences running through this one, and all I can say is if you give it a chance you might find yourself running it non stop. (naturalhigh.com)
3. Sylk Smoov--Cat Action 25/8
Cut for cut, the combination of Sylk Smoov and his long time producer Hype Dawg (Mad Flava, JCD & the Dog Pound) is a straight winner. Sometimes the album gets mired in pimp shit, as that's what the bulk of this one revolves around, but there is no denying that it is the most genuinely jammin' record to come out of St. Louis in years, maybe ever. The introspective, inspiring cut “Catch a Vision” gets major play on my show for being an incredibly positive song with a message of empowerment. The single “Poke it Out” should be um, how they say, impacting at a station near you real soon. It's pimpish. Hype's beats harken back to hip hop's heyday, while still sounding ahead of the game. They're gritty and raw, uncut and funky. Pick this one up.
4. DJ Lt. Dan--The King of What's Poppin' Screwed and Chopped
This boy has got me hooked man. A lot of people over the years who have embraced the screwed and chopped sound in the south have stated that the slowing of the music adds a whole new dimension to the song and that the appeal lies not so much with the fact that it is merely slowed down and chopped up, but that it becomes a whole new song. I really never saw it that way as most of the DJ Screw tapes I used to listen to just sounded the way the down south music was supposed to sound. Slow, syrupy, laid back, etc. On this disc however, DJ Lt. Dan does what he does best, he blends original vocals, this time around from Michael Jackson with totally different beats. Beats you would never think would fit, but somehow he makes them fit like a glove and truly creates new compositions. Michael sounds like an old soul singer, 20 years or so his senior, when screwed and chopped, and at times you even forget that it's him you are listening to. Which is good for me, cuz that dude freaks me out. And it takes a lot to freak me out. Get your hands on this. You will trip. Biggie, Ludacris, Blah Bloomberg and a few other greats make appearances as well. This is truly a unique mixtape that SHOULD be picked up by Michaels people and distributed internationally.
5. Zro--The Life and Times of Joseph W. McVey--Rap-A–Lot
O.K. So he's not Pac to most of y'all, but to us here in Texas, he's kind of our Pac. He's the voice of the streets that never lets up on his gangsta, but also never leaves without relaying some sort of a message or emotion that will make you think. His delivery is dry and deadpan for the most part, and on this one, with the RAL folks behind him, his firebrand lyrics are kicked up a notch by some heatseeking beats. Strictly for fans of that down south reality rap.
Remember this is a weekly feature so just your Top 5 choices and save the rest for next week. Now what's in your deck?
This Week's Tight Tight Ones (courtesy of Damage Control Radio)
TW | Artist/Song | Label |
1 | Bavu Blakes f. Paul Wall, Myonne, and Money Waters |
|
"Play the Role" Rmx | ||
2 | Warlords f. Paul Wall, Magno, and Mouf |
|
"Underground Railroad" | ||
3 | ZRO |
|
"I Hate You Bitch" | ||
4 | Run Yo Mouth Click |
|
"Ballin' Smashin'" | ||
5 | Dap f. Kiotti and Mike Jones |
|
"What It Do" Rmx |
You can also listen to what's in Matt Sonzala's deck by checking out Damage Control Radio every Wednesday nite/Thursday morning 12am-3am on 90.1 FM in Houston. Listen to the live stream at kpft.org or kpftx.org.
Message Matt Sonzala and tell him what's in your deck
« In The Office Series In Rotation: Brian Deka Paupaw »
The 2-Way
Replies: 40
posted by: X MAN @ 04/12/04: 12:12 PM EST
1. Pete Belaso - Deeper: just swiped this from a coworker just for the cover art and to check out at my desk
2. Outkast - Southernplayalisticadillacfunkymusic:
Still sounding fresh as it did when it first came out.
3. Robi Draco Rosa - Mad Love: Former Frontman from Menudo... Ricky Martin hit writer... Man this a good cd ive worn to the ground
4. Teena Marie - La Dona: Classic L ady T
5. Kenny Dope - Rollerboogie 80's: see tracklisting below.
mary jane girls - all night long
dennis edwards - don't look no further
taana gardner - heartbeat
gwen mcrae - funky sensation
alicia myers - i want to thank you
slave - just a touch of love
slave - watching you
odyssey - inside out
central line - walking into sunshine
junior - mama used to say
fonda rae - over like a fat rat
janet lady day - come let me love you
young & co. - i like what you're doing to me
weeks & co. - rock your world
unlimited touch - search to find the one
denroy morgan - i'll do anything
unlimited touch - i hear music in the streets
nick striker - a little bit of jazz
posted by: jelly @ 04/12/04: 01:01 PM EST
marvin gaye "greatest hits"
kanye west "collage drop out"
8 ball & mjg "comin out hard"
posted by: MattSonzala @ 04/12/04: 01:01 PM EST
Jeah Jelly I'm all about that comin Out Hard. Ima try to make it to see 8Ball and MJG in Austin Sunday, not sure tho...
And yea man Kenny Dope is aways tha shiznit.
posted by: DAGGZ @ 04/12/04: 02:02 PM EST
OK, I CHANGES THE CDS IN THE DEK THIS WEEK AND HERE THEY ARE:
A. NEW DILATED, DONT HATE, NICE LISTEN
B. ACEYALONE - HIP HOP AND THE WORLD WE LIVE IN, NOT MOVING ME LIKE OLD ACEY, BUT I'M TRYING TO GIVE IT A CHANCE.
C. KOOL G RAP - 4,5,6 - HAD TO TAKE IT BACK, STILL BANGIN
D. E&A - NEW EYEDEA AND ABILITIES TAPE, NIIIIIIIIICEEEEEEEE.
E. SOME NEW MUCIS THAT I'M NOT AT LIBERTY TO SPEAK ABOUT.
posted by: deebee @ 04/12/04: 02:02 PM EST
yo matt... let's see
dead prez - revolutionary but gangsta
dj cam - liquid hip hop
ishues
and i'm going even more old school with my metallica selection this week.. kill em all fool!
big up to lunar heights. oh, and the correct url is: natauralhigh.com
posted by: Baby Tech @ 04/12/04: 03:03 PM EST
1. Cornerstone Mixtape #60-Red Alert
and Brucie B
2. Jay Z- The Black Album
3. Poor Rightous Teachers - The New
World Order
posted by: C-WrekONE @ 04/12/04: 03:03 PM EST
Keep bangin that Lunar Heights ish!!!
Holla,
WrekONE
posted by: scavone @ 04/12/04: 03:03 PM EST
1nina simone- baltimore
2bobby caldwell-do for love
3bill withers-just the 2 of us
4stevie wonder-all i do
5the rolling stones-emotional rescue
posted by: MattSonzala @ 04/12/04: 03:03 PM EST
Yeah that Lunar Heights is a live one. Really feeling that and man, DAGGZ, I listen to 4,5,6 at least once a week. If I had a cd player alarm clock I would wake up to that sh*t aint never gonna change, f - it time to load the clip then we take em to war.... HERE I GO AGAIN! Actually maybe I wouldn't, I wake up salty enough. Love that one tho mayne.
Thaks for the feedback y'all, pass the link onto your friends and lets really get this poppin. Get that music out there. Or Thurr, depending on where you are... who you are....
posted by: mozell @ 04/12/04: 04:04 PM EST
blockhead - music by cavelight
restiform bodies - newbliette
dj signify - sleep no more
u.g.k. - the southern way "cassette"...i still rock tapes
ukalipthis - the green tape
posted by: Tee @ 04/12/04: 04:04 PM EST
I love the fact that on the tight tight list I see a plethora of TEXAS artists!!
I LOVE IT..I LOVE IT!!
posted by: gap @ 04/12/04: 04:04 PM EST
man i heard that dj lt dan shit
and i almost banged out in my car
shits hot whats the cover look like?
posted by: Babygirl @ 04/12/04: 05:05 PM EST
Same as last week:
Dwight Trible - Living Water: If you like real Jazz, you will love this man! His voice is amazing! The entire album is hot!!!
Prince - Musicology: This album brings back the (real) Prince I used to know and love!
Murs w/ 9th Wonder - MURS 3:16: Real Hip Hop at it's finest!!!
Lil Flip - U gotta feel me: What can I say? It makes me bounce!
Nas - Illmatic re-released: Star Wars! If you heard it, then you'll know what i'm talking about!
posted by: acevac @ 04/12/04: 05:05 PM EST
Ghostface..... Pretty Tony
posted by: Babygirl @ 04/12/04: 06:06 PM EST
Yo, Daggs, check out Aceyalone's album Love and Hate, That's the newest one and it's hot!
posted by: James Dunn, RIME Magazine @ 04/12/04: 06:06 PM EST
Fat-Hed "Night Train to Babbleon" (Dope Discs)
Fat-Hed is a cat from LA who has been around for a while now, and is coming
out with his first album with steady label backing. He brings the universal
funk flow over fresh ass boom-bap beats that are dope but not derivative or
old school sounding like so many of these 'i wish it was the 90s' cats. he
has Kutmaster Kurt on a beat with Motion Man rhyming alongside, and he also
has up-and-coming LA producer NOCTURNAL RON handling a lot of production as
well as his longtime collaborator FRED C. AWOL ONE shows up for a song and
Fat-Hed also brings out Crag Malkovich, Ali Abnormal and J Maddox from
Halifax All-Stars to bust. Old school aesthetics meet future school sounds
...
Thirstin Howl III "Skillitary" (Skillionaire)
Point blank, this is one of the hardest emcees alive today. His style is
unflappable, bulletproof. He has paid his dues a million times over. He is
intelligent and street simultaneously. Some of his beats are a little
generic, but when he gets it right man it's a monster...
Masta Killa "No Said Date" (Wu-Tang)
Masta Killa has one of today's sharpest rhyme styles. People more into the
flashier, sensational side of rap tend to hate his music, but thats like
people who don't understand Picasso or Dali pictures - some people just
aren't built to appreciate the nuances and subtleties he brings to the
table. I've only heard what's floating around on the Net, but if you like
that grimy intelligent shit you know you gotta pick this up. The Wu may have
largely fallen off, but when they get it right they blow everyone else out
the water. And it sounds pretty damn right on "No Said Date".
Cannibal Ox "The Cold Vein" (Def Jux)
Yeah, this is old but it's still in my deck. In my opinion, the last classic
rap album. Not that other rap albums haven't had good songs or whatever, but
this is the last album which has no throwaway tracks, maintains a constant
vibe throughout, and is both lyrically and musically groundbreaking.
Otherwize "C.U.N. Traffic" (Blak Forest)
Otherwize is a veteran LA emcee, and C.U.N.T. is his first album with
serious backing. From Blaze battles to every battle spot LA ever had, Wize
has been there and has tore ass, even beating Eminem once back at Scribble
Jam. This is rap for people who know what real rap sounds like.
posted by: MattSonzala @ 04/12/04: 06:06 PM EST
Yo I want to hear Fat Hed and Otherwize. How can I get a hold of this stuff?
posted by: Monalisa Hennysippa @ 04/12/04: 09:09 PM EST
LMAO @ babygirl (she knows why) - girl you missed Sir Tribble at the Temple Bar last week with Sa-Ra Partners, he killed it...
IN THE DECK:
Dilated Peoples - Neighborhood Watch
Dilated Peoples/Alchemist - Heavy Surveillance EP
The Alchemist - Cutting Room Floor
Sa Ra Partners - "Glorious/Rosebuds"
Mars Volta - Deloused In The Comatorium
Audioslave - Audioslave
Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV
DJ Kaleem - Body & Soul Vol 1.5
Murs 3:16 - The 9th Edition
Madvillain - Madvillainy
The Opus - Breathing Lessons
Otherwize (got heat!!!!!!):
mr_deon_harris@hotmail.com
posted by: Kosuri @ 04/12/04: 10:10 PM EST
sup matt, here's my 5
1. Murs 3:16 the 9th edition
2. Ethos
3. An evening w/ the Sound Providers
4. Kanye West - High School Graduate mixed by dj risky bizness
5. Dilated Peoples - Neighborhood Watch
posted by: Peasprout @ 04/13/04: 05:05 AM EST
If I say it's still George Michael's Patience album am I being boring or repetitive? I just think that album is soooo dope. So yep, George takes it two weeks in a row.
posted by: Mark Thomson @ 04/13/04: 05:05 AM EST
Top 5 righ tnow:
1. Memphis Bleek's "M.A.D.E"
2. The Coup - "Party Music"
3. Tragedy Khadafi - "Still Reporting"
4. Raekwon - "The Lex Diamond Story"
5. Sheek Louch - "Walk Wit Me"
posted by: Todd @ 04/13/04: 11:11 AM EST
1. The new Ghostface
2. Dizzy Rascal
3. David Banner
4. Ludacris
5. ..................... /´¯/)
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posted by: Chi_Honey @ 04/13/04: 11:11 AM EST
If you like Jazz, check out Astrud Gilberto, a Brazillian jazz singer.
posted by: Johnny Neumatic @ 04/13/04: 12:12 PM EST
CARL THOMAS-Let's Talk About it
BEYONCE-Wishing On A Star/Speechless
JODECI-The Hits (i.e.-forever my lady, stay, i'm still waiting, feenin', etc..)
DIP-SET-Diplomatic ImmunityN.E.R.D.-Fly or Die
DONNY HATHAWAY-Live!
USHER-CONFESSIONS
FRANK MCCOMB-The Truth(Import)
CALVIN RICHARDSON-2:35a.m.
KAREN CLARK-SHEARD-T.H.A.T.
KIM BURRELL-TRY ME AGAIN (re-release)
DJ ENVY MIX CD (feat. FOXY, COKE & NEWZ, M.O.P., etc.)
posted by: mbellish @ 04/13/04: 12:12 PM EST
Tribe Called Quest-The Love Movement (I am in that mood)
Outkast-SpeakerBoxx/The Love Below, ATLiens
Rhiann Benson
Mint Condition-Definition of a Band
Commissioned Reunion-Live
Kanye West
Erykah Badu-Mama's Gun
posted by: Chi_Honey @ 04/13/04: 12:12 PM EST
I always love these posts...
I recently got put on to this Brazillian jazz singer, Astrud Gilberto. I gotta hold to a Verve recording called Astrud for Lovers (they have a whole "for Lovers" line up). If you haven't heard this lady yet and you like jazz, I highly recommend it.
I'm also listening to Usher's Confessions. I mainly listen to him in the car. Very good cd.
Of course, as much as the hata's hate, I'm listening to Kanye West's College Drop Out. Mainly in the car.
Carl Thomas is the truth. I'll admit that I had to listen to it a couple of times, to really get a good feel for it. I think I anticipated so much from him because Emotional was such a classic. Overall, this is a pretty good album. I love Carl!
I'm revisiting Christina Aguilera's Stripped. That girl has a voice outta this world! I put "Lovin Me 4 Me" on repeat and go into a zone.
Honorable Mentions:
Reuben Studdard's debut
Musiq's Soulstar
posted by: MattSonzala @ 04/13/04: 12:12 PM EST
Yo Chi Honey, What part of Chi are you from? I love Astrud Gilberto too. If you want to dig into some good Brazillian stuff, you should look into Caetano Veloso and his son Moreno Veloso for something really beautiful but a little more modern. Great stuff. ANd Marcelo D2 for some hip hop from out that way.
posted by: bpolite @ 04/13/04: 12:12 PM EST
John Mayer
Mary J Blige Mix CD
posted by: Todd @ 04/13/04: 12:12 PM EST
BeBe Gilberto got some goods to.
..................... /´¯/)
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What Ya Heard
posted by: MattSonzala @ 04/13/04: 12:12 PM EST
So does Joao
and
Genuine Electric Latin Love Machine
posted by: Matt Conaway/Movement Marketing & Hiphopsite.com @ 04/13/04: 04:04 PM EST
Here's what I'm rocking lately in no particular order:
Royce 5'9- Death Is Certain
Illogic- Celestial Clockwork
Saigon- Warning Shots
Goodie Mob- One Monkey Don't Stop No Show
The Beatnuts- Milk Me
Kanye West- The College Dropout
Ghostface- Pretty Toney
Cee-Lo- Cee-Lo Green Is The Soul Machine
Alicia Keys- The Diary Of Alicia Keys
Sleepy Brown- Phunk-O-Naut
posted by: zerowons @ 04/13/04: 09:09 PM EST
Peace Matt. Much love for the Heightsmen feed.
Straight from the commuter deck:
David Axelrod
The Opus
a salvaged DJ Baby G Mixtape circa 1995 - The Raw Deal
(had to xfer this to cd before the tape warped)
Keep the I out for Lunar y'all.
posted by: MR.HEAT1 @ 04/13/04: 11:11 PM EST
edan- (DONT SLEEP!)
sade
little brother
curtis mayfield
high&mighty
posted by: BOBBIE FINE @ 04/14/04: 08:08 AM EST
SADE: LOVERS ROCK & STRONGER THAN PRIDE (WHAT CAN I SAY, I LOVE THIS WOMAN)
SMUGGLAZ: KNOCK KNOCK V2 (REPPIN THE TRE ALL DAE EH DAE)
#9: IT'S ABOUT TIME (JERSEY'S FINEST NEXT TO YOURS TRULY)
JAY-Z: THE BLACK LP BOBBIE FINE RMXS (THESE RMXS ARE ACID. LOOK OUT 4 YOUNG PHIL FROM THE SMUGGLAZ RMXS)
BOBBIE FINE: THE GREATEST THAT NEVA MADE IT V1 (DAYS & DAYS AND ANYWAY ARE MY SHIT!)
GET THESE AND OTHER HOT MIX CD @ THE REGGAE BODEGA 713.942.9535
AMBIDEXTROUS MUSIC/THE MANSION 832.434.3486
FOR THROWBACK BLAQUE SPURM GEAR AND OTHER FLY SHIT CHECK OUT www.cafeshops.com/ambidextrous and www.cafeshops.com/bobbiefine
posted by: Jay Salary @ 04/14/04: 03:03 PM EST
Let's bring it back to the 1980s
(in no particular order)
Masters Of Ceremony - Sexy
The Treacherous Three - Feel The Heartbeat
Super Lover Cee & Cassanova Rud - Girls I got em' locked
Disco Four - Were at The Party
Whodini - Mr. Magic's Wand
posted by: Konstantin Korda @ 04/15/04: 05:05 AM EST
Matt, will get in touch with you soon. I´m definitely not into Hip-Hop/ Rap as you know. But I wanted to send you this anyway - In my deck at the moment:
1. Trend - Das Produkt (Well, that´s German of course!)
2. Bonnie Prince Billy - sings greatest Palace Music
3. Franz Ferdinand - same
With love,
Konst
posted by: saffie @ 04/15/04: 12:12 PM EST
he honey how you? Any way this is what i am listening to at the minite
dionne warwick
Opgezwolle
Stones - sticky fingers album
slum village - fantastic
and lots of David bowie
posted by: Terita Murphy's Milkshake @ 04/15/04: 06:06 PM EST
Prince-Controversy… “Do I believe in god? Do I believe in me?”
NERD-In Search Of… “Cuz I’m the shit”
Antonio Carlos Jobim-Wave…all instrumental…
Kanye West-College Dropout… “Throw your hands up in the sky and say we don’t care what people say”
Prince-Musicology… “Wow”
Sleepy Brown-Sleepy’s Theme… “Oh ho hoooooo”
posted by: Icepikthe2timer @ 04/17/04: 11:11 AM EST
"Blacula-Music from the Original Soundtrack" - Gene Page (1972). Re-issued on Camden Deluxe, BMG UK&Ireland Ltd. 2003. Blaxploitation score in dedication to Pimp Dracula.
"Alarm Clock" - Richie Havens (1971). Mr. Havens hit me out of the blue with "End of the seasons". It's melancholy had me off balance for days.
"Scott" and "Scott 2" - Scott Walker (1967 and 1968). First two solo albums by Walker Brother with lots of Jacques Brel, Kurt Weill, Tim Hardin and his own material. Re-released on Mercury Records Ltd., London.
"Real rap" - The Last Poets. A 1999 compilation on Charly Schallplatten GmbH for Snapper Music Ltd. With material from "The Last Poets" (1970), "This is Madness" (1971), "Chastisement" (1972), "Delights of the garden" (1975), "Jazzoetry" (1977) and "Oh my people" (1985). "Hustlers Convention" (1973) is included in it's entirety.
posted by: jason @ 04/30/04: 07:07 PM EST
What's up Matt?
Today's choice for the deck is Kanye West, The College Dropout
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