This album was great. Go get it.

peace,
-the judge

I was writing about this a while back when I got hung up on some research about these guys. Then, as I was walking around from place to place I decided to bump this, and immediately remembered why I felt so compelled to write about this. Its an excellent piece of work. The beats, courtesy of Mux Mool are fantastic. His drums are boom bap, his samples are electronic, and his chops and cuts are so damn creative. Big Quarter is a really talented MC. Just recently he was one of 7 finalists in RSE’s Jake One single remix contest (although unfortunately he did not win). His poignant lyrics really shine on this EP, which is now back in rotation for me. It’s a great piece of work, and can be had for free. So check it out:

Big Quarter & Mux Mool - Fall in Love EP

peace,
-the judge

I hate having so much KanYe news. I honestly do. It seems unfair, and there are a lot of artists who I think are doing much better things right now. But KanYe does have a way of keeping himself in the spotlight. So much so that I often have to omit stories about him just because I sense its getting to be too much. This is definitely worth the post though… a KanYe helmed production that doesn’t suck, and doesn’t make horrendous use of voice warping technology. He actually holds it down on here, which is music to my ears (literally). And of course, this being a GLC track, I can’t make this all about KanYe. GLC gets it done. I’m excited for his new album, Welcome to Haterville. Anyways, enjoy, and I’ll hold off on the KanYe stuff as much as possible.

GLC - Big Screen (feat. KanYe)

hmmm…
interesting.
I like it.
-the judge

That’s the question I’ve been asking myself lately. I mean, I had a basic understanding… he’s obviously a rapper. And he’s obviously pretty good, because I’ve seen his name all over lately. But honestly, wtf is this guy? Conveniently for people like me, this mixtape came along to answer the exact question that’s been plaguing me. And now that I know, I’m happy I took the time to find out. I’m not huge on Southern rappers in general. But I do make exceptions, and B.o.B. is one of them. He’s pretty darn talented. At least his mixtape is impressive enough. The production on the mixtape is solid throughout… its also slightly reminiscent of Outkast/Goodie Mob/ the whole Dungeon Fam with a touch of Will.I.Am/Black Eyed Peas. And once you get past the innovative production, B.o.B. will make a lasting impression on you. Whether you’re a longtime fan, or just posing the question, this is the perfect way to get a glimpse into who B.o.B. really is.

Who the Fuck is B.o.B?

peace,
-the judge

3 things:

1) WTF!?
2) I thought Gap was on the verge of bankruptcy?
3) Janelle Monae better not start doing garbage like this because of Diddly

peace,
-the judge

oh, the good old days.

peace,
-the judge

I love the Roots. I love Yo Gabba Gabba! So put them together and you sir, have made me a very happy man (which is kind of weird when you think about it). But seriously, this is dope. Its also available for purchase in the iTunes store. In related Roots news, they are retiring from touring. Instead, they will be taking their turn as the house band Jimmy Fallon when he takes over for Conan O’Brian. Remember when they were the house band The New Millennium Minstrel Show in Bamboozled… I hope it goes better than that.

peace,
-the judge

This song/video is awesome. It comes from Wyclef’s most recent album, Carnival II, which apparently, I should have checked out. The song features will.i.am, Melissa Jiménez, Machel Montano, Daniela Mercury, Black Alex, Shabba & Djakout Muzik. Huge lineup of people, but it comes out really cool and organic. Everbody is playing off each other, and you can tell there was just a lot of creative energy in the studio that day. The video itself is so damn funny. Wyclef’s martial art skills are on point.

enjoy,
-the judge

This is a massive collaboration. Ludacris has always held it down for the South. Nas and Jay Z are locked in an eternal battle for the King of New York title. Put all 3 of them together on a track, and you pretty much can’t fail. The beat is by Wyldfyer, who has few production credits to his name, but the ones he does have are top notch (Black Republicans in particular). This is a real tight track. Also, keep a look out for the Luda X DJ Premier song that’s floating around the web. And check back here for the CDQ on that once it drops.

Ludacris - I Do It For Hip Hop (feat. Nas & Jay Z)

peace,
-the judge