G’day there! Well, it came outta nowhere, but the new Method Man, Ghostface and Raekwon full length on Def Jam is out now. Entitled Wu Massacre (and boasting some incredible cover art) the album is chock full of heavy hitting Wu-style production from RZA, Allah Mathmatics, BT and Scram Jones. Admittedly it’s very short and feels a little rushed, but for those wanting their next Wu fix there’s plenty to embrace, enjoy and nod your head to. All three share undeniable chemistry; there’s bloodthirsty storytelling galore, trademark Wu skits and even some nice sequels to classic Wu anthems. Is it me or does Ghost sound like he’s got a bit of a cold on some tunes though…?
Apart from getting in trouble for wandering down the street nude whilst filming music videos, the incredible Erykah Badu has just dropped the second part of her New Amerykah album series. Pt II is entitled Return Of The Ankh and continues her exploration of otherworldly psychedelic soul which, bottom line, has me completely entranced. Again she has collaborated with the best of the best (think James Poyser, Sa-Ra, Madlib, 9th Wonder, Ta’Raach, J.Dilla and Karriem Riggins) and the results are spectacular. Do yourself a favour and have some of what she’s having.
Battle champions Justice & Kaos release their Theme Music album prelude on Saturday April 17 through Red Giant Music. Having reached the pinnacle of the battle scene, getting their TV doco on and supporting some of the biggest names in the business, the renowned duo are back to re-announce their presence with some new sounds. The release is a diverse six track offering, entirely produced by Kaos himself, and shifts gears through a number of styles exhibiting their different tastes and talents. You can grab a copy through www.justiceandkaos.com.>
I’ve been meaning to big up these next two releases for a minute now, so it’s only right I put you on to local lad Jayo. His two mix-tapes Astronaut Vitamins and 100 Million Dollar Mix have been glued to my stereo for the past 12 months since his relocation to the capital and they are the certified business. Jayo has an uncanny knack for selecting the best of each of the genres that he is so obviously passionate about; moving from hip-hop, ragga, reggae or just good old fashioned dusty soul, these mixes are about quality sounds and good times and definitely set the right mood whenever you drop them in your system. Representing Good Foot Promotions, you’ve probably seen his name around town of late, whether dropping wax-bombs with MGO at Transit Bar’s ‘Vinyl Only’ nights or representing on the reggae/ragga tip with Capital Dub Styles. You can grab copies for the price of cheap at Landspeed Records in the city and check him out at: www.myspace.com/jayoptics.com.>
There’s a few big hip-hop showcase events popping off in Canberra over the April/May period, so prep and free up your calendar. On Friday April 23, The Basement in Belconnen plays host to a big local hip-hop bash featuring Wax Lyrical, Buick, The Truth Benders, The Smith Brothers, Smish, Rhyme Ministers, Old School Al and Dub Seven. Get along to both and support the local hip-hop scene for only $12 on the door from 8pm. On Saturday May 22 Transit Bar will play host to a hip-hop showcase of some of Australia’s dopest and most underrated talents in Choose Mics and Social Change, as well as a host of your fave locals. More on this show later…
To hear music from all the above artists and more, tune to 2XX 98.3FM’s The Antidote from 9.30pm every Tues night.
Roshambo
roshambizzle@yahoo.com.au
