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REVIEW: IV The Polymath

.:ALBUM REVIEW: IV The Polymath - New Vs. Old

In the past few years, instrumental hip-hop albums have started to garner widespread attention. Previously, MCs used to seek out beat tapes to practice their rhymes or find producers for their albums. Nowadays, producers can release entire projects that don’t sound out of place without a rapper spitting over the tracks. This tradition of showcasing beats without rappers started back in the mid 90s with the help of artists such as DJ Shadow and his album “Endtroducing.” The latest release to come across my desk in this genre is IV the Polymath’s “New Vs Old.”

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INTERVIEW: Moka&Chief

.:INTERVIEW: Moka Only & Chief -- Word Is Bond Exclusive Interview

We told you about Moka Only and Chief's show at East Village in London for Doctor's Order previously with our review and we posted some great pictures courtesy of Ruben Cruz of Kraken photography, but it is now time to present our exclusive interview with the duo, recorded a few hours before the show, where they tell us about London, Crickets and more.

Big shout out to Spin Doctor for providing a place for us to conduct the interview and of course to Moka Only and Chief, who took some time to chill with us and answer our questions despite jet lag and tiredness.

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MIX: DJ FYO – Beats To The Vibes 2

.:MIX: DJ FYO - Beats To The Vibes 2 -another side- (WIB EXCLUSIVE)

Japanese DJ and Word Is Bond affiliate DJ FYO has once again blessed us with an exclusive mix. You should know the deal by now from his previous mixes; 40 tracks blended with some additional gems showcasing the sounds of WIB and DJ FYO's own musical palette.

Previous Beats To The Vibes mixtapes have now become available for download, you can find them via the link...

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EVENT: Idle Warship

.:EVENT REVIEW: Idle Warship at the Key Club (Los Angeles)

In the City Of Angels, no matter what day of the week it is.. if you're a fan of any particular artist, chances are you'll be coming out to see them. In this case, this past Wednesday night was no different, as the Key Club became a fully packed house, waiting for Idle Warship artists Talib Kweli & Res (w/their band) to come out and jam for their fans. You can even see the anticipation on the audience's faces that once they got started, it was definitely going to be a good night, brought to you by Move Forward Music & Fusicology.

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7May/1014

FEATURE: Bob42jh – Five albums you should steal, buy or borrow!

piece of strange cover FEATURE: Bob42jh   Five albums you should steal, buy or borrow!

I was having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine, we were talking about Hip Hop releases over the last few years, shamefully my friend failed to mention five of the best releases of the last few years.  Here is my run down of 5 albums that you should own and if you don't then you have seriously missed out!!  Find out which they are after the Jump:

Continue Reading After The Jump...

Cunninlynguists - A Piece of Strange

Cunninlynguists -- Hourglass

Southern trio Cunninlynguists dropped this classic back in 2006.  The concept album tells the "tale of the pathway to and from sin".  It features Cee-Lo Green, Tonedeff and Immortal Technique.  On this album Kno the groups producer shines through, he is honestly the most underrated producer ever.    This was their Third studio release and i seriously recommend you check out there whole discography to find out why they are one of the most consistent Hip Hop groups of the last 10 years.  Favourite tracks: The Gates, Hourglass, Brain Cell, Nothing to Give.  Honestly every song is a favourite of mine in one way or another.

shad2 FEATURE: Bob42jh   Five albums you should steal, buy or borrow!Shad - The Old Prince

Shad - Brother (Watching)

Canadian Rapper Shad aka Shad K dropped this album back in 2007.  Whilst this wasn't his debut album it was the record that gained him the recognition he deserved.  The mix of humour, punch lines and emotion on this album proves that Shad stands out from the rest.   Good news for fans of Shad as his latest album TSOL is due out May 25th.  Favourite tracks: Now A Daze, Brother (Watching), I Heard You Had A Voice Like An Angel. It was this album that made 2007 such a great year for hip hop.

 FEATURE: Bob42jh   Five albums you should steal, buy or borrow!CYNE - Water for Mars

CYNE - This Year

Hip Hop group CYNE (Cultivating Your New Experience) released this album in 2009 and it only takes one listen to realise they have found their place as Underground greats.  The production (provided by Speck and Enoch) is top notch and the verses are great as always, Covering subjects from the current state of hip hop, how to live a better life and the beauty of women, this album is their most consistent work yet.  Its hard to find a flaw with this album.  Favourite tracks: This Year, Pretty Apollo, One Day, Electric Blue, I Never.

BlueScholarsBayani FEATURE: Bob42jh   Five albums you should steal, buy or borrow!Blue Scholars - Bayani

Blue Scholars - Loyalty

Seattle producer and emcee duo Blue Scholars dropped the follow up to their self titled debut album in 2007.  Bayani was one of the albums to really highlight the talent out in Seattle and the Northwest.  The production on this album is great and even though Geologic ain't the best of rappers this album is one of my most replayed records, him and Sabzi just work so well together.  Each track tells a story wether it be Political, Emotional, Love or Day to Day life.  This is another example of how dope 2007 was.  Favourite tracks:  Loyalty, 50k Deep, Joe Metro, Second Chapter.

1fg3li FEATURE: Bob42jh   Five albums you should steal, buy or borrow!Nujabes - Modal Soul

Nujabes - Luv (sic.) pt3 (Ft. Shing02)

Modal Soul is Nujabes' second solo album. His typical combination of hip hop and jazz, Modal Soul features Substantial, Shing02, Cise Starr and Akin (CYNE), Uyama Hiroto, Apani B and Pase Rock.  This album has some classics, its a great mix of instrumental music and Rap.  It came out in 2005 and it didn't take long for it to get the shine it deserved.  Definitely my favourite Nujabes album.  Favourite tracks: Luv Sic Part 3, Reflection Eternal, Eclipse, The Sign, World's End Rhapsody and Feather.

We'll there you have it, 5 of my favourite most slept on albums.  Do you agree or disagree?  Also whats your favourite most underrated albums?  Let me know in the comments section, be interesting to see other peoples opinions.

Bob42jh

pixel FEATURE: Bob42jh   Five albums you should steal, buy or borrow!
  • Voice

    Agreed.

  • Anonymous

    Every album by every artist here is a hands down must have.

  • Voice

    Agreed.

  • Geeeeerald

    Every album by every artist here is a hands down must have.

  • TheOneDas

    Even though I do agree with your list I would like to add Blu & Exile’s “Below the Heavens”, just an amazing album which I never get tired of listening to :)

    • bob42jh

      @OneDas

      whilst it is a dope album – its a pretty popular album with many differant audiences

  • Anonymous

    Thats 4 of my favourite albums right there, but I haven’t that Shad album.
    I’ll have to check out Shad just on the strength of the other 4!
    How about: Tha Connection – “Moon Water”
    Prince Ali – “Curb Side Service”
    Carlos Nino & Lil Sci – “Whats the science? Elevation”

    • bob42jh

      good selections

      other honerable mentions which i was gonna add are:
      Last Emperor – Music Magic Myth
      H.I.S.D – The District
      Jazz Liberatorz – clin d’oeil
      Panacea – Any of their albums lol

  • TheOneDas

    Even though I do agree with your list I would like to add Blu & Exile's “Below the Heavens”, just an amazing album which I never get tired of listening to :)

  • daddystronglegs

    Thats 4 of my favourite albums right there, but I haven't that Shad album.
    I'll have to check out Shad just on the strength of the other 4!
    How about: Tha Connection – “Moon Water”
    Prince Ali – “Curb Side Service”
    Carlos Nino & Lil Sci – “Whats the science? Elevation”

  • bob42jh

    good selections

    other honerable mentions which i was gonna add are:
    Last Emperor – Music Magic Myth
    H.I.S.D – The District
    Jazz Liberatorz – clin d'oeil
    Panacea – Any of their albums lol

  • bob42jh

    @OneDas

    whilst it is a dope album – its a pretty popular album with many differant audiences

  • Roy

    Dope list.
    A few additions:
    Panacea – Ink is My Drink
    A Tribe Called Quest – Beats, Rhymes And Life
    Deltron (Del Tha Funky Homosapien) – Deltron 3030
    Gorillaz – Demon Days
    Kero One – Windmills of the Soul
    DJ Jazzy Jeff – Return of the Magnificent
    MF Doom – Special Herbs and Spices Box Set

  • Roy

    Dope list.
    A few additions:
    Panacea – Ink is My Drink
    A Tribe Called Quest – Beats, Rhymes And Life
    Deltron (Del Tha Funky Homosapien) – Deltron 3030
    Gorillaz – Demon Days
    Kero One – Windmills of the Soul
    DJ Jazzy Jeff – Return of the Magnificent
    MF Doom – Special Herbs and Spices Box Set

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