This month has been a relatively quiet one on the whole for Hip Hop. A few major stories here and there, a few album drops here and there but on the whole, it’s been quiet. Though I think this relative silence has just been the simmering of things to come in September. September 14th is set to be a big date with the release of four albums in particular that caught my eye though the 28th is to sure to be another date worthy of a mark on your calender. Check the releases that matter next month after the jump and peep some Hip Hop shows and events while you’re there:
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September 7th
Blue Sky Black Death – ‘Third Party’
Q-Unique – ‘Between Heaven and Hell’
Ski Beatz – ’24 Hour Karate School’
Sole & Ravi Zupa -‘The Pyre’
September 14th
Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Mecca And The Soul Brother (Deluxe Box Set)
Black Milk – Album of The Year
Black Milk and his boldly titled ‘Album of the Year’ are set to drop on the 28th, I’m not doubting Milk’s abilities, it would be stupid to do so, but forgive me for echoes of Saigon’s ‘The Greatest Story Never Told’ (that was literally, never told) ringing in my ears. Look out for the limited edition aluminum embossed album cover (featured at the top of this post).
Rah Digga – Classic
Rah Digga ‘Classic’ is another bold album title. The Femcee has been making something of a comeback in recent months, something we’ll probably touch on quite a bit in the coming month. I’ve always been an admirer of certain Digga verses dotted about the place. Her voice is undeniably ill and one of the main things i like about her. Another gutsy title, though I’ve been told to expect good things out of this release so hopefully it follows through.
DOOM (MF Doom) – Expektoration Live
Hmmm, another live album from Doom. Not quite sure what to expect from this one. Fans of Doom seem to have become a little agitated in recent years. He’s one of those strange artists that many either love or hate. Yet those that choose to love remain loyal and ever-expectant and hopeful for new Doom projects. So while this one may be old news for anyone who actually attended the show, allow the rest of us to be enlightened.
September 21st
The Roots – Wake Up!
The 21st sees John Legend and The Roots release their much anticipated ‘Wake Up!’ album. This effort by Legend and the classic group seems destined to be a soulful chill-out album.
September 28th
Hell Razah’s – Heaven Razah
‘Heaven Razah’ is set for release on the 28th and this could turn out to be one of the dark horse releases of the month. I’m mad at myself for losing touch with Razah’s activities since ‘Renaissance Child’ dropped in 07. That album didn’t receive the rightful props it deserved. Still to this day I the sounds of Richard Pryor flow from my speakers as I bang out classic cuts like ‘Chain Gang’….Razah is underrated.
Boogie Down Productions – Criminal Minded (Elite Edition Box Set)
The 28th also sees the release of Boogie Down Productions ‘Criminal Minded (Elite Edition Box Set), I can’t help but let out a little chuckle at that title. Typical KRS, soaking with more self-importance than necessary the title is a somewhat overboard but then, reading the product description it does sound like must-purchase…..“The first disc features the original ten album tracks; all cuts remastered from the original masters. The second disc contains rare 12″ cuts and alternative versions as well as exclusive and previously unreleased radio spots and audio footage. Disc three offers all 10 album instrumentals plus 3 early 12″ instrumentals available for the first time on CD. All three discs come housed in individual ‘paste on’ style sleeves with a full color printed dust sleeves sporting the original B-Boy Records graffiti logo. A 44-page book boasts never before seen artwork and is packed with original illustrations by KRS-ONE himself, vintage BDP promotional flyers, unreleased photography, full lyric sheets, and in depth liner notes written by Brian Coleman with KRS-ONE. All this plus a full sized poster to boot.”
Aloe Blacc – Good Things
Probably the album that’s got me most excited for this coming month is ‘Good Things’ from the multi-talented Aloe Blacc. I was so late up on Blacc that I’m actually quite ashamed. It’s always refreshing to hear new talent but when it’s been around for years right in front of your eyes, it’s hard not to feel stupid. Aloe caught a buzz earlier this year with the release of his ‘I need a Dollar’ track for the dope TV Show ‘How to Make it in America’ and this album can surely do nothing but add to that.
Skillz – Confessions of a Ghostwriter
Amiri – The Recipe
I’ve had cheeky sneak preview to this album so let me just say, yes it is as dope as this description makes it sound. “Following up the release of this year’s album Almost Famous with partner in rhyme Spectac, Amiri comes out from behind the boards to release his first solo effort The Recipe. Comprised of 16 tracks featuring Amiri’s signature boom bap soulful sound, The Recipe is 100% Amiri on production and on the mic. Songs like “Music”, “Boom Bap” and “Like They Used Ta!” will have Hip Hop fans wishing it were 1994 again. With influences such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, DITC, Marley Marl and Large Professor, Amiri has got The Recipe to give hip hop fans what they’re craving.”
Group Home’s ‘Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal‘ – is also out the 28th.
{EDIT} – I just caught wind that Damu the Fudgemunk has got a new project in the works to hopefully be released before the end of this year!
HAPPY LISTENING!
Peace,
H
The Author
