The Audacity of Dope

Little behind on archiving SNSS, but thanks to today’s holiday, I’ll be able to catch up for y’all.  Here’s our show from 5/19/13, where we were joined in studio by Cam The Mac and French Montana called in to talk about his new album, Excuse My French.  HAAAAAAAAHN.

We also posted up our interview with A$AP Rocky, which you can watch right here.

Enjoy!

Show #414 (5-19-13)

1. Slaughterhouse – “House Gang”
2. Statik Selektah ft. Sean Price & Mac Miller – “21 & Over”
3. Slaine ft. Kali & REKS – “The F*ckery Hotel”
4. Talib Kweli ft. Rubix & Bajah – “High Life”
5. Mystikal – “Hit Me”
6. Bridget Kelly ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Street Dreamin’”
7. Big K.R.I.T. – “Banana Clip Theory”
8. Wu-Tang Clan – “Execution In Autumn”
9. Young Roddy – “Freedom Of Speech, Pt. 2”
10. J. Cole – “Cole Summer”
11. **INTERVIEW WITH CAM THE MAC, PT. 1**
12. Cam The Mac – “I’m On” (Local Music)
13. Nate The Great ft. Fego – “Them Days”
14. **INTERVIEW WITH CAM THE MAC, PT. 2**
15. Porter Ray – “5 Mics” (Local Music)
16. Bryant Dope – “Come Kick It”
17. **INTERVIEW WITH FRENCH MONTANA**
18. French Montana ft. Raekwon & Ne-Yo – “We Go Wherever We Want”
19. Gilbere Forte ft. Active Child – “Nolita”
20. The Black Opera ft. Mayer Hawthorne – “Queen Of Hearts (Oddisee Remix)”
21. Mayer Hawthorne ft. Jessie Ware – “Her Favorite Song”
22. A Tribe Called Quest – “Steve Biko (Stir It Up)”
23. A Tribe Called Quest ft. Dave (of De La Soul) – “Award Tour”
24. Brothers From Another ft. Asher Roth – “Groov” (Local Music)

Link to download/stream the mp3 of the show – http://www21.zippyshare.com/v/74288685/file.html
(back up – http://linkmixes.com/81hxzzpzr00m)
(2nd back up – http://www.sendspace.com/file/4rxujd)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

Ah yes, the list that generated enough tweets in the Seattle hip-hop community to trend the other day has reached its conclusion with the release of the #1 video above.  For those unaware, D-Money of Juice Radio put together this project inspired by the MTV “Hottest MC” debate where he asked several media figures in the Seattle/Tacoma area to submit lists of their top 15 “freshest MC’s.”  The panel was comprised of myself, Casey Carter, Sara from Fresh N Def, Sermon from Sermon’s Domain, DJ SupaSam, DJ Swervewon, Josh Rizeberg, and DJ Iceman.  A final slot was reserved for fan votes collected on Juice Radio’s website and you can view the entire list and the accompanying videos here.

We were told to construct the list using specific criteria focusing on solo MC’s (not groups or singers) and their accomplishments within the past year.  The various categories we were instructed to key on ranged from sales/downloads to radio play, from concert draws to media recognition, and every variable you can think of in between.  In the end, even with the criteria, the idea was to make picks based on who we felt were the overall “freshest” in the NW, which is obviously subjective to each individual.  Not surprisingly, we had fairly different lists, and also not surprisingly, it was revealed during the course of our discussion that some of the panel did not follow the criteria or fully understand it.  What’s a hip-hop list without some controversy from the very start (and the inability to do the most basic tasks correctly)?

The format allowed for the panel to bump up artists if we were convinced during our discussion that they had been voted to an incorrect slot.  Personally, I would have preferred the panel to simply fill out their lists accurately from the jump and then we could stick with where someone was voted.  If you’re deemed knowledgeable enough to be on the panel, you should be able to construct a good list and defend your picks without getting swayed during the discussion to vote someone up or down.  That said, when Macklemore was revealed as #3 on the list, I was happy we’d have a chance to vote him to his correct position at #1 because it’s clear that with the criteria we were told to use, nobody has excelled more than him in the past year.  It’s not even debatable in my opinion.

I was disappointed that the list didn’t unanimously have him at #1 to begin with, but I can’t speak for the selections of any other panel member.  All I know is that only 6 of the 15 artists I selected made the final list (though they only revealed the top 10, so I suppose 5 were never going to make it).  Of those, I think the most startling omissions were Geologic (aka Prometheus Brown) and Ish (aka Palaceer Lazaro of Shabazz Palaces).  To conclude a “Freshest In The NW” list without two of our most successful and influential artists, who continue to release great music to widespread critical and consumer acclaim, seems like a travesty.

Regardless, it seems the list accomplished what it set out to do, which was to generate conversation about all the talent we have in the Northwest.  Were there things I would do differently if this were my project?  Absolutely, starting with the fact that I would never do it to begin with.  However, this is Juice Radio’s creation and I enjoyed giving my two cents in the discussion.

That said, I’m troubled by the reactions of many people, mainly because they seem to be attacking the idea that this is some sort of definitive list.  Of course it’s NOT a definitive list!  I thought that would have been common sense, but yet again, for the 24823948239423424th time in my life, I’ve overestimated the intelligence and comprehension levels of the general public (though if I continue to do that, it’s really more my fault than theirs).  Individual lists are fine, but it’s the idea that combining a group of lists, from anyone, somehow transforms these individual opinions to fact that is completely absurd.  I assumed everyone would understand that, but I was wrong.

I hope you enjoyed the debate and the videos, but I’d advise you do yourself a favor and don’t take it too seriously.  Then again, that’s also just my opinion…

On this week’s SNSS, we brought back one half of Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum production group, Tha Bizness, and Henny brought Dow Jones with him this time to complete the crew.  A few days prior, J. Moore and I had the pleasure of appearing on their panel about “How The Music Industry Really Works In 2012” alongside Jake One, Macklemore, BBoy (Two In The Shirts clothing), Sermon’s Domain, Miss Casey Carter, Eddie Francis, and the Sacramento Kings’ starting point guard, Isaiah Thomas.  We had a great discussion and I can’t wait until Henny & Dow do it again next year, even bigger.  Peep Sermon’s recap here.  Much respect to everyone involved!

We were also joined in studio by one of our favorite producers, Marcus D, who  just released his new Melancholy Hopeful album with appearances by Substantial, One Be Lo, Luck One, Choklate, Cise Star, Funky DL, and more.  Cop it here!

PROPS! also came through to debut his new track with Stalley (produced by Vitamin D) and give out some tickets to their show next week, alongside Miss Casey Carter and Chikara (from Rock Paper Scissors).  Stalley will be doing an in-store appearance at RPS at 3pm on the 10th before their show, so check that out and grab an autograph from one of MMG’s finest.

On top of all that, we played joints.  New music from 50, Ab-Soul, Meek Mill, Drake, Big Boi, Rashad, Curren$y, Big K.R.I.T., and more, plus we world premiered a new cut from Jimi 84 (formerly known as Yonas Michael, who is formerly Y-O from U-N-I).  Super dope record.  Enjoy the show!

Show #364 (6-3-12)

1. 50 Cent – “Complicated”
2. Ab-Soul ft. Jay Rock & BJ The Chicago Kid – “Lust Demons”
3. Meek Mill ft. Drake & Jeremih – “Amen”
4. **INTERVIEW WITH PROPS!, PT. 1**
5. PROPS! ft. Stalley – “Fresh & Fly” (Local Music)
6. **INTERVIEW WITH PROPS!, PT. 2**
7. Big K.R.I.T. ft. Devin The Dude – “Hydroplaning”
8. Dom Kennedy – “My Type Of Party”
9. Big Boi ft. Theophilus London & Tre Luce – “She Said OK”
10. **INTERVIEW WITH MARCUS D, PT. 1**
11. Marcus D ft. Cise Star, Substantial, Funky DL, & Mario Sweet – “Night On The Town” (Local Music)
12. Slum Village ft. Phonte – “Special”
13. Rashad – “I Wanna Love You”
14. **INTERVIEW WITH MARCUS D, PT. 2**
15. Kid Ink – “Time Of Your Life”
16. Curren$y ft. Corner Boy P – “Sunroof”
17. **INTERVIEW WITH THA BIZNESS, PT. 1**
18. Henny & Parker – “Headband & Macallan” (Local Music)
19. Lupe Fiasco – “Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)”
20. Big Daddy Kane – “Warm It Up Kane” (Throwback of the Week)
21. **INTERVIEW WITH THA BIZNESS, PT. 2**
22. Blu ft. Mela Machinko – “Kiss The Sky”
23. **Jimi 84 – “Bad Man” (WORLD PREMIERE)**
24. Killer Mike – “Don’t Die”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?59gqxkc0jed4j6g
(back up / streaming link – http://www.sharebeast.com/mwghd4uvrjda)
(2nd back up – http://linkmixes.com/ddr467z3po25)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

It’s a busy week in Seattle with Monday Night Football coming to town for my day job at ESPN, Dom Kennedy performing on Capitol Hill, and the Watch The Throne tour with Kanye & Jay-Z going down as well.  To that end, just the biz this week.  Shout to King Britt (!!!), Tendai Maraire, Dyme Def, and Casey Carter for coming through the SNSS studio to kick it.  Enjoy the music and don’t let us get in our zone.

Show #340 (12-11-11)

1. Black Star – “Fix Up”
2. Common – “Celebrate”
3. DTMD ft. Oddisee – “Untitled”
4. Slim The Mobster ft. Dr. Dre & Sly – “Back Against The Wall”
5. Kooley High – “Laid Off”
6. **INTERVIEW WITH KING BRITT & TENDAI MARAIRE**
7. Bruce Leroy – “To The Death” (Local Music)
8. Drake ft. Lil Wayne, YG, Nipsey Hussle, & Snoop Dogg – “The Motto (Remix)”
9. Dom Kennedy – “Dream To Me”
10. 50 Cent – “Wait Until Tonight”
11. **INTERVIEW WITH DYME DEF, PT. 1**
12. Dyme Def – “Opportunity Knocks” (Local Music)
13. Jay-Z & Kanye West – “Illest Motherf*cker Alive”
14. **INTERVIEW WITH DYME DEF, PT. 2**
15. Slick Rick – “Need Some Bad”
16. The Roots ft. Mos Def – “Double Trouble” (Throwback of the Week)
17. The Roots ft Big K.R.I.T. – “Make My”
18. **INTERVIEW WITH CASEY CARTER, PT. 1**
19. John West ft. Pusha T – “Lovely”
20. Robin Thicke – “The New Generation”
21. **INTERVIEW WITH CASEY CARTER, PT. 2**
22. Antbeezy – “Dreams To Make It” (Local Music)
23. Childish Gambino – “Fire Fly”
24. Quelle Chris – “Symbolic (Basquiat)”
25. Amy Winehouse – “Half Time”

Link to download the mp3 of the show – http://www.mediafire.com/?23ykstt7gbt5bxr
(back up / streaming link – http://hulkshare.com/7g8icpdwd7ex)
(2nd back up – http://www.zshare.net/audio/9731797568bcf93d/)

If there are any problems with the links or if you’d like to be added to our weekly email list to receive the playlist and download links after every show, just shoot me an email, DJHyphen@gmail.com.

The homey Casey linked up with the other homies Thurz & Y-O for an interview at their Neumos show the other day in Seattle.  Homies everywhere!

Look out for the A Love Supreme documentary to drop soon, narrated by yours truly…