Lincoln High EP: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Lincoln Blache is songwriter, producer, rapper and singer out of Mississauga, Ontario. In 2009 Lincoln had his first shot at international success with the hit single “Runnin”, teaming up with successful Dj’s Doman & Gooding. The song went number one in the UK and also gained heavy rotation on MTV Europe beating out moguls Beyonce, Lady Gaga and new comer Kid Cudi for the top spot on the dance charts, earning Lincoln his first nominations: JUNO (2010)-Best Dance Recording and Canadian Radio music awards (2010) – Best Rhythmic/ Hot AC Recording.

In his very own recording studio, the 20 year old also writes Pop, R&B and Rock music to go along with his own urban pop spin. Lincoln is working on his debut album “TELEPATHY.” Teaming up once again with Grammy Nominated production team Tone Mason along with Chuck and Joe, he is ready to perform a musical makeover.


Lincoln High - YEAR ONE(PILOT) from LINCOLN BLACHE ™ on Vimeo.

April 20th 2011 marked the day that Lincoln Blache released his debut EP "Lincoln High". The EP includes 10 tracks recorded with a concept based on Lincoln's High school experience as a young man reaching for the stars and taking the ultimate risks in achieving his dreams of being a successful recording artist. "Lincoln High" was conceptualized, written and recorded in multiple cities including Toronto, Atlanta, and L.A due to traveling tour dates.

The EP is diverse and it showcases Lincoln's numerous attributes such as writing singing and rapping. It captures the essence of High School in a rhythmic motion. Love stories, heartbreaks in a cool, calm and collected manner. Lincoln is an individual you need to keep on your radar.

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Stream Lincoln High EP here
Download Lincoln High EP here


Doman & Gooding ft. Dru & Lincoln - Runnin'

The Overwerk Project

Edmond Huszar, a London, Ontario habitant, is an up and coming Electro House producer with the alias Overwerk.

"My original passion was visual art & graphic design. I was actually working on a design portfolio that I had named “overworked” because I’m always working on so many projects. I really liked the ring it had and decided to use it when I went solo. I changed “worked” to “werk” in tribute to “Kraftwerk” who were pioneers in the electronic music genre." - Edmond Huszar (Vynil Penetration)

He's began work on his first free EP titled "The Nth º". You can find more information and updates on Overwerk by following the social media links posted below.

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This is the first post of it's kind on From Toronto, With Love and we're proud to feature a young talented Canadian artist that is making a name for himself.
Latest tracks by OVERWERK

The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP

The Infamous Mobb Deep member, Prodigy, has not wasted any of his valuable time since being released from a prison sentence. His dedication to his music and his fans is as persistent as ever. He's released a new EP titled "The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson Story EP".

Since being incarcerated for three years on gun possession, the Queens, New York emcee has been working hard in the studio. Since his recent release, he's announced a book tour for "My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep's Prodigy", he's released some tracks, including a shocking one featuring Nas, and he's been in the studio with associates since as early as the first day of his release.

Who exactly is Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson?

Born on October 31, 1905 and died on July 7, 1968, Ellsworth Raymond "Bumpy" Johnson, was a mob boss and bookmaker in New York City's Harlem neighborhood. The main Harlem associate of the Genovese crime family, Johnson's criminal career has inspired films and television. Bumpy was the toast of Harlem, and became friends with many Harlem luminaries such as Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Sugar Ray Robinson. He also became sort of an unofficial crime boss of Harlem; no one could conduct criminal activities in his section of New York without first going through him.

Powered by Complex, the 7-track offering features a guest appearance from Havoc and production from Alchemist, Sid Roams, and King Benny.

The tracklist for Prodigy's "Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson Story EP" is listed below. DOWNLOAD HERE

1. The One & Only (Produced By Sid Roams)
2. Go Off (Produced By Sid Roams)
3. Black Devil (Produced By Sid Roams)
4. Twilight (Feat. Havoc) (Produced By Sid Roams)
5. For One Night Only (Produced By Alchemist)
6. Strong (Produced By King Benny)
7. Told Ya'll (Produced By Sid Roams) (Bonus)

UPDATE

Coodie travels with Lord Nez (Creative Control) to Queens, NY to visit Prodigy. The clip features appearances by Tony Yayo and snippets from "The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP". Quotes stuck on the walls full of motivation really display the enthusiasm, seriousness and dedication to the music.


WELCOME from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Kid Kold - U Love

What's there not to like?

From rhyming over a J. Dilla crafted instrumental(if you know this blog, you know how much we love Dilla), from mentioning the very first Aunt Viv(Fresh Prince) to mentioning Mobb Deep, to questioning the Roc-A-Fella break up, to exposing the combo for Shryuken(down, forward, up, y) and to just providing you with a smooth song and a smooth video that comes along with it.

There's a sense of humbleness that you receive from this artist and we support it. We love the sound and we love that it's local.

The Cassette Chronicles

The very first time Nitty Scott MC charged her way on this blog, this writer entered a state of excitement and anticipation. She had just dropped her video for her "Monster" freestyle and had released two songs to go along with it.

My reaction to those songs is as follows: "Her charismatic aura plus her critical yet soothing delivery of words and rhymes reminds me so much of Lauryn Hill. Not only that, but this particular female is like the wittiness of Jean Grae fused with the rawness of Foxy Brown. I know comparing a new comer to Lauryn Hill may sound ludicrous but believe me once you listen to her, you'll love it."

The second time I found myself posting about Nitty, I found myself in a state of competitiveness and joy, these were my words: "Watch out mainstream, there might be a new queen knocking over the current multi-hair-coloured-aesthetic-silicone-filled "top" female MC. (Cheap shots? I think so)"

She has just released her first mixtape titled "The Cassette Chronicles" presented by Mick Boogie. Cover art and download link after the jump.

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

Just Another Love Story?

Produced by D-Animals, Mike-Dash-E gives you the sequel to the "Thrill" video as he fast forwards to being a part of the industry. This song is off his solo debut album "Dash with Me" which is now available on i-tunes, rasputins and mikedashe.com. The video also features Thomas Pridgen who is a famous Gammy award winning drummer.

The song features vocals by Viveca Hawkins, a young singer from Berkley, CA. Viveca has performed and recorded with a who’s who of soulful hip hop outfits, including Blackalicious, Goapele, Soulive, The Coup feat. Blackthought & Talib Kweli, MF Doom, Pharoah Monch, Cee Lo, Slum Village.

Aris Jerome, the director of the video, continues to build an impressive resume with his exceptional and captivating videos. This video elaborates on a story of how fame and money changes relationships and the people engaged in the relationship. The video does an amazing job of capturing the emotions and frustrations of the video members.

Just another love story or just another lesson to learn? You be the judge.

Free At Last And Back In The Lab: Prodigy's Return

Ever since Prodigy, Grammy Award winning rapper and member of the hip-hop duo Mobb Deep which also consists of Havoc, entered the industry, he took it by storm. Countless classic albums by Mobb Deep and Prodigy alone have solidified the Queensbridge duo as hip hop legends.

Havoc and Prodigy started rhyming in 1986, then later they both attended the High School of Art and Design in New York City. Havoc took the role of producer and secondary MC, while Prodigy assumed the position of primary MC. Originally dubbing themselves the Poetical Profits, the duo later changed its name to Mobb Deep in order to "reflect their reputation on the streets." To this fan, Mobb Deep is perhaps one of the greatest hard-core East Coast hip-hop groups of all times. Prodigy and Havoc are best known for their dark and hardcore delivery, gritty instrumentals and their never-ending vivid exploitation of the harsh realities in today's ghetto neighbourhoods. Below are two of my favourite Mobb Deep videos; Shook Ones Part II and Quiet Storm. Quiet Storm is probably in my top 5 videos of all time.

Mobb Deep as a group have released 9 albums: Juvenile Hell (1993), The Infamous (1995), Hell on Earth (1996), Murda Muzik (1999), Infamy (2001), Amerikaz Nightmare (2004), Blood Money (2006), The Infamous Archives (2007), The Safe Is Cracked (2009).


Recently, Prodigy served a three-year prison sentence in a midstate correctional facility. He was officially released on March 7, 2011.

Prodigy comes from a musical family—his grandfather, Budd Johnson, and his uncle Keg Johnson are remembered for their contributions to the Bebop era of jazz. In the year 2000, Prodigy took a temporary break from the group and released his first solo effort. "H.N.I.C." which stands as an acronym for "Head N**** In Charge". Prodigy enlisted a number of producers for the album, including The Alchemist, EZ Elpee, Rockwilder, Just Blaze and his Mobb Deep partner Havoc. The single "Keep It Thoro" (embedded below) received moderate video and radio rotation. A sequel, H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 was released April 22, 2008.



Since his release from prison, Prodigy has been locked up inside the studio with Havoc, close affiliate The Alchemist, a hip hop producer, DJ and rapper from Beverly Hills, California. I stumbled upon a UStream of Prodigy in the booth and the excitement became a constant build up until I saw Prodigy enter the recording booth and start reciting these rhymes that had me reminiscing the old Prodigy. A new song has been released titled, "Dog Shit" which features previous affiliate turned enemy and now friend, Nas.



It feels like it's the return of the late 90's. Keep your eyes out for new music by Mobb Deep and Prodigy.

From Toronto, With Love is BASED

OMG, God damn is he really going to make a post about this? WOOP yes he is!

There has been quite the controversy surrounding this young man as to whether this kind of music is destroying the rap game, or is it just the type of music that has an impact on what is hot right now? Lil B the Based God, also part of The Pack, has been making progress with his career, from his social media following on Twitter, to his millions of views on YouTube. He's been featured on the XXL Freshmen's list this year and has even had Diddy bring him out during a show in Texas.

Lil B has garnered a huge following and strong fan base, and has a lot of people "cooking". Want to know how to cook? Check out the video embedded below.



This Master Chef has released a few mixtapes, the most recent one called "Illusions of Grandeur", which features one single that has impressed many called "Base For Your Face", which can be viewed in the audio below. "Base For Your Face" is produced by 9th Wonder, a hip hop producer, DJ, lecturer and rapper from Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.A., and it features underground heavyweight femcee(female emcee) Jean Grae and one third of Little Brother, Phonte.



From (insert derogatory female term here) on his (insert the name for the male private parts) 'cause he looks like _________ (fill in the blank with any word you like) to "cooking", to controversial songs. Hate him or love him Lil B can possibly be the hottest thing in the near future.

For your viewing pleasure, check out these videos that sparked a lot of views and see what you think.

"SWAG SWAG"

Everybody Looks Forward to The Weeknd

There's a lot of buzz surrounding this 20 year old singer/songwriter straight out of Toronto, who goes by The Weeknd. With the release of his debut mixtape House of Balloons, which dropped on March 21st, Abel Tesfaye (the man behind the music) could be the next big thing to blow up. The mixtape has smooth melodies and is something the game could use right now.

Toronto native Drizzy Drake shows his support for The Weeknd, as he has recently been tweeting lyrics off the House of Balloons mixtape. With that said, there has been rumors circulating that producer 40 (Noah Shebib) who works closely with Drake, produced the mixtape for The Weeknd. The rumors were then clarified on Twitter when The Weeknd tweeted he didn't have input on the tape.

From Toronto, With Love expect to see more of this young unsigned talent. and if you haven't embraced his talent, follow the link http://the-weeknd.com/ to download the mixtape, or listen to his mixtape embedded below on From Toronto, With Love below.

The Journal of Wonders: Tale of the Phoenix in the Moon Labyrinth

Recently, I made a post about how dissatisfied I was with the state of the R&B genre. I typed away my thoughts and I used Trey Songz as a reference of how R&B had really downgraded down the ladder. I am actually quite relieved to make this post because ever since I began to listen to this artists work I've been listening to it quite frequently.

Born Glenn H. Adams Jr., the gifted Plainfield, New Jersey native has spent the better part of his life on some form of a stage. Growing up on healthy helpings of classic soul singers like Al Green, Sam Cooke, and Luther Vandross provided him with a solid musical foundation; but his more direct influences were contemporaries like Prince, Lauryn Hill, and D'Angelo.

As a member of an extracurricular high school program partnered with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Lenny's original aspiration was to be an actor. After seeing awe-inspiring performances by some of his music idols, he was compelled to try his hand at singing instead, and soon began honing his craft by performing at local talent shows. He eventually crossed paths with veteran music executive Darnell Scott, and was given the "big break" that aspiring artists always dream about.

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Under the new direction of entertainment and media mogul Forrest Renaissance of BlackBelt Music Group and KYA Entertainment, Lenny recently released his long-awaited full-length debut album, The Journal of Wonders: Tales of the Phoenix in the Moon Labyrinth on March 22nd, 2011.

From Toronto, With Love is proud to present you with Lenny Harold's full-length debut album, The Journal of Wonders: Tales of the Phoenix in the Moon Labyrinth. This album reconciled this long lost connection I once had with R&B. I feel synced to the music and what it represents. It's a great body of work from an artist with an obvious craving for the music. It paints on romantic canvases a painting of a gentleman in touch with reality and the joys of caressing to the needs of love. This smooth sailing is a sure pleaser to your ears and heart. The album consists of 14 original songs; production by Cass Maya; collaborations with Taylor Ryan and Solomon Cortes of WMC Productions; and the support of renowned musicians/writers responsible for some of the greatest hits in mainstream music history.



Before meeting Scott, Lenny would find himself on the very stage that inspired him to become a vocalist. Under his old moniker CHANJ, Lenny proved an undeniable force to be reckoned with when he appeared as an "Amateur Night" contestant on Showtime at the Apollo.


Commanding an audience known globally for its fiercely critical and sometimes brutal reception, he put his own stamp on Floetry's highly received sensual ballad "Say Yes." It was the mark of a consummate performer, as he recalls, "It was a lukewarm reception as I began to sing the song, but I just kept going… it turned into cheers and people standing and clapping." He won the challenge not once, but four times— earning a $25,000 dollar grand prize for his final victory. Footage of his captivating performance of the song on the Apollo and shows at other live venues has generated thousands of hits on YouTube.

After friends insisted the song’s originators see him pay homage at the Apollo performance, former Floetry vocalist Marsha Ambrosius was equally impressed with his version of her composition and was thrilled to work with him on the track "Give it All." He says of the Grammy-winning songwriter, "Working with Marsha was incredible. I'm such a fan of hers and she wound up being a fan of me too, which made for great chemistry in the studio." Lenny was able to nurture his own budding skills as a songwriter on the project while working alongside a host of industry heavy-hitters. He says, "I really just wanted to get involved with different people with different ideas. And I wanted to learn a lot so that I would have a lot more knowledge on how to really construct a song, or really get the best out of a harmony." In addition to Ambrosius, some of his collaborators included Jaime Foxx, Teddy Riley, Dre & Vidal, Adonis, and Day 26's Robert Curry and Mike City.

Jonathan Emile - I'll Be Waiting For You

A regular on From Toronto, With Love, Jonathan Emile, has recently released a video for "I'll Be Waiting For You".



This song/video is a perfect example of  how versatile Jonathan's musical ability is. We like this and it's ability to have you reciting the lyrics in one listen. Not to forget the positive energy and it's message.

A role model in his own right. Jonathan Emile, is on the path of conquering his dreams and fulfilling his own wishes. Click here to discover his work in the community. All proceeds for his The "Lover/ Fighter Document EP" go towards fighting kid's cancer through the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. You're only worth your actions and so far this artist has earned the right to invade your ears and win your heart.


Jonathan Emile - I'll Be Waiting For You

Make sure you check out Jonathan Emile via:

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From Toronto, With Love Presents Sampling Hindi Music

Remember the middle school days when hip hop club music was the only thing they'd play at all ages events and house parties?

That's the type of music that initially swayed me into this internal love for the art. Believe me if I were to ever throw a house party all you would hear are the tunes we have grown fond of.

Some of these songs feature sampling from Hindi music. My knowledge of Hindi music isn't the greatest but I am positive that when Hip Hop samples it, great results are produced.

Let's get into it then.

The first song is titled "React" and it was the single of an album by the same name by Hip Hop veterans Erick Sermon & Redman. The song contains a sample of female Hindi-language singer Meena Kapoor performing "Chandhi Ka Badan" from a 1963 Bollywood film "Taj Mahal". The sampled line, 'Kisi Ko Khudkushi ka shok ho tow uh huh kya kare' translates as "If someone has suicidal interests, what can we do?" and it is followed by Erick Sermon responding with, "Whatever she said, then I'm that". The use of the sample drew criticism from the Hindi-speaking community but we're not here to dwell on that.

The song is produced by beatsmith Just Blaze who honestly has an amazing catalogue and resume. It's no wonder that this song was a big hit back then, it's funny, catchy and appropriate for the club scene. Plus, I'm a a hundred percent positive that Erick nor Redman actually knew what the translation of the sampled voice was.

Erick Sermon & Redman - React

Mohammad Rafi & Manna & Asha - Chandi Ka Badan Sone Ki Nazar (Skip to 7:31 for the part sampled)

The second song is by duo Timbaland & Magoo titled "Indian Flute" featured on the album "Under Construction, Part III". Timbaland is the producer of the song and if there is one thing you must know about Timbaland is that he loves to sample music from different cultures. I've already posted one which was Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin". Moving forward the song "Indian Flute" contains an uncredited sample of "Curura" by Totó La Momposina and uncredited vocals from Raje Shwari, an American contemporary R&B and Indian music singer and songwriter. (Don't worry I'm on my way to writing a post about her and her uncredited work on many songs) Although the song originally features the samples of a Colombian song, it is the words of Raje Shwari who makes this particular song associated with Hindi music.


Timbaland & Magoo - Indian Flute


Totó La Momposina - Curura

The third song is The Black Eyed Peas and their single "Don't Phunk With My Heart" from their album "Monkey Business". The samples used in the song were taken from two Indian songs from two 1970s Hindi/Indian movies: "Ye Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Diwana" from Don (1978) and "Ae Naujawan Hai Sub" from Apradh (1972). Both songs were originally composed by Kalyanji Anandji and sung by Asha Bhosle. The song was sampled by Black Eyed Peas member Will I Am.


The Black Eyed Peas - Don't Phunk With My Heart

Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Deewana Deewana Deewana Pyar Ka

Ae Naujawan Hai Sub Kuchh Yahan - Apradh

The final song is Truth Hurts and Rakim's "Addictive" from the album "Truthfully Speaking". The song was produced by DJ Quik and it features the sampling of "Thoda Resham Lagta Hai", a 1981 song by Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar.

Truth Hurts & Rakim - Addictive

Lata Mangeshkar - Thoda Resham Lagta Hai

The song "Addictive" also features a remix which was produced by Dr. Dre and feature an additional verse by Rakim.

Introducing The Deon Times: Love & Dreams

Deon, Toronto recording artist, recently released his first mixtape titled Love & Dreams. The mixtape features Deon laying his thoughts, perspectives and experiences to songs originally recorded by Adele, John Mayer, Demi Lovato, Dweli, J. Cole and Jill Scott. Although the content of the mixtape matches it's title you can't help but pick up a nostalgic feeling while listening to it but that's not to say it's a bad characteristic. Deon shows a great amount of potential and expect a lot of great content from this artist. To further add on, there's something about his instrumental selection that intrigues me, it's great to say the least. The greatest plus about his mixtape is that it's enjoyable and very smooth.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

Make sure you check out Deon via:

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Hip Hop Is Left Mourning As Another Legend Dies

On March 15th, 2011, Nate Dogg, G-Funk Pioneer, died in Long Beach, California from complications related to his previous heart strokes which occurred on December 19, 2007 and September 2008. 

Erica Beckwith told MTV News that Nate Dogg had been released on December 26 after being treated for a stroke and had been admitted to a medical-rehab facility to assist him in his recovery. In January 2008, it was officially reported that the stroke had rendered the left side of his body paralyzed. Doctors believed there would be a full recovery, and his voice was not affected. In September 2008, Nate suffered his second stroke. Warren G later confirmed that since the second stroke, Nate was undergoing physical therapy in an attempt to return to some normality, but it was unclear whether Nate would be able to resume his singing career.

Tributes poured in from collaborators and friends such as Ludacris, The Game, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Daz, Xzibit, Erykah Badu, Murs, Big Pooh, Big Skye, Fabolous, Sheist, Knoc-Turn'al, Ice-T, Warren G and Eminem.

Known for his mellow and unique choruses during Death Row Records golden days, Nate Dogg exploded onto the music scene as Warren G's partner-in-crime on their hit single "Regulate." His unique voice and musical ability will never be duplicated. Hip Hop is left mourning as another great passes away.

From Toronto, With a lot of Love R.I.P Nate Dogg.

Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg - Never Leave Me Alone

Warren G & Nate Dogg - Regulate

Mos Def, Nate Dogg & Pharaohe Monch - Oh No

Ghostface Killah, Nate Dogg & Mark Ronson - Ooh Wee

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

Re-Introducing The Forgotten: Nyle

Nyle, a Philly born veteran of the New York City Underground, has spent the past half-decade unfolding an interesting journey through rap. A New York University student, Nyle would became a staple within New York City’s SinSin Circuit, one of the city’s most respected collections of rappers, winning the Off-the-Head Game Show Battle, and 2006 Best Freshman MC award. In 2007, Nyle released his debut album "Frosh".

The album was well received and found its way to the top of college charts as Nyle began to fill venues around the East Coast from clubs to college auditoriums. Nyle closed out his college career headlining a sold-out concert which featured Hip Hop staples Asher Roth, Kidz In the Hall, 88 Keys, Izza Kizza, and Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg. The next day, Nyle released a music video for his hit cover single ‘Let The Beat Build’, which was immediately proclaimed as one of the year’s most innovative music videos. The song can be found on his "Capstone EP".


Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

This video was filmed in one take, with audio being recorded simultaneously with the film. The video features Nyle vs the Naysayers and was produced by Last Pictures and 194 Recordings

Nyle has translated his growing buzz into performance success. In 2009 Nyle performed at the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival alongside legendary acts such as Dead Prez, Black Thought from the Roots and Pharoahe Monch. The following week, he was premiered his new song ‘GangReal’ in a live performance/interview on MTVs ‘It’s On With Alexa Chung’

Now, a well-respected NYC artist with a steadily growing following, he is ready to capitalize in the music industry. He has recently released his fifth mixtape titled "Trailer" which is full of promise and integrity. The leading single is titled "Dundiddit" which features Fresh Daily and Mic-L.


Nyle - Dundiddit ft. Fresh Daily & Mic-L (TRAILER*) from Nyle on Vimeo.

Below you'll find "Trailer" courtesy of Bandcamp.

Mike-Dash-E: On The Grind

Mike-Dash-E songwriter/artist/rapper has been quickly gaining much buzz since he first burst onto the scene with his song “Get Up On It” featuring Matt Blaque in the Summer of 2009, the song hit KMEL 106.1, Winnipeg 104.7, Hawaii and has achieved over 100K Digital Downloads while also making it to premier websites such as HotNewHipHop (Unsigned Hype Very Hot Song) section, WorldStarHipHop, Onsmash, WetheWest, and StashMagazineOnline. In the year 2010 Mike-Dash-E has hit the radio 9 times in 5 different markets such as San Francisco, Hawaii, Canada, New York, and Los Angeles.

Directed by previously featured Aris Jerome, Mike-Dash-E is back with a soulful joint full of charisma titled "The Thrill", which is featured on his "Dash With Me" album.

Mike Dash E - Thrill from Aris Jerome on Vimeo.

Make sure you check Mike-Dash-E via his Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Tumblr and his official website.

Nonparallel: Mood Muzik ≠ Emo Music

Forget "Pump It Up" and witness the growth and genius of Joe Budden, a rapper from Jersey City, New Jersey.

In 2004, Joe Budden released "Mood Muzik: The Worst of Joe Budden" which is the first installment of his infamous Mood Muzik series. This mixtape showed a different side of him, a side that eventually took his career to another direction. In 2005, the second installment arrived, "Mood Muzik 2: Can It Get Any Worse?" which again solidified Joe Budden as one of the best lyricst to ever do it. After releasing the second installment, conflicts with his major record label, Def Jam Recordings which is an American hip-hop record label, owned by Universal Music Group, Joe Budden and Def Jam went separate ways. Around this time, Joe Budden used the internet to market himself which led to presently having a cult following with his fans who enjoy his music. In 2007, the third installment, "Mood Muzik 3: For Better or for Worse" became available for fans. Three years later in 2010, Joe Budden released "Mood Muzik 4: A Turn 4 The Worst".

Mood Muzik I (2004)

Mood Muzik II (2005)

Mood Muzik III (2007)

Mood Muzik IV (2010)

Highly criticized as a mixtape series that heavily underlines depression and encourages depression, this writer fan heavily disagrees. Although, the series deals with depression it's quite the opposite if encouraging it. This series provides therapy, it provides the listener an outlet of reinforcement, it promotes hope. "And I'm not saying to not have a Benz son, rings that shiny whateva things timely/those things help to unwind me/ but no, those things don't help define me/ aim at the baiscs, aim you can make it/ because even when the whole game seems tainted/ I'm a star without the chains and the bracelets", is how Joe Budden ends his third verse to the song "Star Inside of Me".


Joe Budden - Star Inside of Me

Mood Muzik is like a musical platform that tangles it self with the life of the listener and integrates Joe's frustrations with those of the listener. It's bares this amazing ability to cope with the listener and express emotions for the listener. To me, Mood Muzik isn't emo music, it is usually associated with promoting depressive symptoms and encouraging suicide, and it isn't depressive.

Here is a teaser released before "Mood Muzik 4: A Turn 4 The Worst" was released, in order to give the fans an idea what they were anticipating. This is teaser number 2.



Recently Joe Budden has released a love story song which is split into two parts. The track is vintage Budden venting his ups and downs within a relationship. He’s at his best when he's pouring all of his emotions and personal experiences on a beat. The song is inspired by Sade, "No Ordinary Love". Below you will find Part 1 and 2 blended into one song.


Joe Budden - Ordinary Love Shit Part 1 & 2

Remembering The Notorious

14 years ago on this specific date, March 9th, one of the greatest MC's to ever grab a microphone; an artist with effortless style and rich lyrical skill, was pronounced dead at 1:15 am.

The Notorious B.I.G, born Christopher Wallace, dominated the music scene in the 90's. His music is still relevant to this day and age. Finding words to describe the legacy Biggie Smalls left behind is one of the hardest things you can ask me to do. A trend setter in the music world The Black Frank White is greatly missed and will forever remain as the greatest ever in the hearts of many.

Here's a mixtape powered by datpiff.com, with some of Christopher's greatest hits. Below the mixtape lies the story of his death.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

On March 8, 1997, he presented an award to Toni Braxton at the 11th Annual Soul Train Music Awards in Los Angeles and was booed by some of the audience.

After the ceremony, Wallace attended an after party hosted by  Vibe magazine and Qwest Records at the Petersen Automotive Museum  in Los Angeles. Other guests included Faith Evans, Aaliyah, Sean Combs, and members of the  Bloods and Crips gangs.

On March 9, 1997, at around 12:30 a.m., Wallace left with his entourage in two GMC Suburbans to return to his hotel after the Fire Department closed the party early because of overcrowding.Wallace traveled in the front passenger seat alongside his associates, Damion "D-Roc" Butler, Junior M.A.F.I.A. member Lil' Cease and driver, Gregory "G-Money" Young. Combs traveled in the other vehicle with three bodyguards. The two trucks were trailed by a Chevrolet Blazer carrying Bad Boy's director of security.

By 12:45 a.m., the streets were crowded with people leaving the event. Wallace's truck stopped at a red light 50 yards (46 m) from the museum. A black Chevrolet Impala pulled up alongside Wallace's truck. The driver of the Impala, an African American male dressed in a blue suit and bow tie, rolled down his window, drew a 9 mm blue-steel pistol and fired at the GMC Suburban; four bullets hit Wallace in the chest. Wallace's entourage rushed him to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, but he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m.