Keep It Gangsta - live on Saturday!

After a small break I'm back today and glad to announce my involvement in this Saturday's "The Breaks". The Breaks is a one hour radio show on the Bielefeld, Germany located radio station Hertz 87.9, broadcasting every Saturday on 22:00 CET (13:00 PST). You can usually expect the finest hip-hop and funk music, uncut.

I will be handling this week's special feature called Keep It Gangsta. 15 songs straight gangsta rap, some undisputed classics and some maybe already forgotten masterpieces will be waiting on you! You can listen to Hertz 87.9 via internet live-stream.
Tune in tomorrow at 22:00 (or whatever timezone you're in) by clicking here or just click on the stream button in my sidebar.

Tracklist: Keep It Gangsta (18.12.2010)

01: Att Will - Wreck' Em ft. Kronic & Ice-K
02: Dr. Dre - Bang Bang ft. Knoc-Turn'al & Hittman
03: 2Pac - Heartz Of Men
04: Kam - Way'a Life
05: Snoop Dogg - Tha Shiznit
06: Kurupt - I Call Shots ft. Roscoe
07: MC Eiht - Compton Cyco
08: Murder Squad - Knock On Wood (Remix) ft. LV, B.G. Knocc Out, Dre'sta & Jayo Felony
09: Shorty K, Lil J, Lil Tip & Crooked I - Ashes To Ashes
10: Westside Connection - Potential Victims
11: Woss Ness - Ballers, Hustlers, G's and Macks
12: Tha Hood Mob - The Real Hood
13: Tha Dogg Pound - Anybody Killa ft. The Game
14: E-40 - Sinister Mob ft. Nate Dogg
15: Guce - Bang

I hope you will enjoy the music!

Snoop Dogg wants to get you "Wet" on new single

Tha Doggfather just released the second single for his upcoming album "Doggumentary Music". Entitled "Wet", this is supposed to be the upcoming club burner. Snoop himself said he dedicated this song to Prince William's bachelor party as he got asked by his little brother Harry to perform for William. If this will really happen is yet unclear, but the song is indeed the right stuff for a bachelor's party. Check it out:



"Doggumentary Music" is set to drop in March and Snoop wants to give his fans a look behind the scenes of making the album. You can follow him on a regular basis via his own ustream channel and the see him play songs from the album, studio sessions etc.

Go and visit http://www.ustream.tv/snoopdogg for his last and upcoming ustream sessions.

Download: Pharrell & The Yessirs - Out Of My Mind

Pharrell Williams' yet only solo record "In My Mind" has been a huge success, with singles like "That Girl" feat. Snoop Dogg & Uncle Charlie Wilson or "Angel". Similar to the remaking of N*E*R*D's first album "In Search Of...", this album has been remixed and laced with some more instrumental and melodic beats (for the most part). Some songs even got added a few new vocal parts here and there. For instance, the great outro on the aforementioned "That Girl", where Uncle Charlie Wilson is doing his thing.

There also are remixes to songs like "Frontin" feat. Jay-Z which wasn't on this album originally. Pharrell, ?uestlove (The Roots) & James Poyser leaked a mastered version for free download last year. I want to share this great remix album with you as well. My favorite track is the very 80's influenced "Baby" feat. Nelly. While I couldn't stand the original version at all, this new mix is really exciting, Cameo couldn't have done better. See Cover (click) and tracklist below:

01 – Can I Have It Like That feat. Gwen Stefani
02 – How Does It Feel
03 – Raspy Shit
04 – Best Friend feat. Tasha
05 – You Can Do It Too feat. Jamie Cullum
06 – Keep It Player feat. Slim Thug
07 – That Girl feat. Snoop Dogg & Charlie Wilson
08 – Angel
09 – Young Girl feat. Jay-Z
10 – I Really Like You Girl
11 – Take It Off
12 – Stay With Me (Dim The Lights) feat. Pusha T.
13 – Baby feat. Nelly
14 – Our Father
15 – Number One feat. Kanye West
16 – Show You How To Hustle feat. Lauren
17 – Mamacita feat. Daddy Yankee
18 – Frontin’ feat. Jay-Z (Bonus)
19 – Creamsickle (Bonus)
20 – Rell It’s A Wonder (Outro) (Bonus)

Warren G speaks on Nate Dogg's current state

It's been quite some time until we last heard about Nate Dogg's recent shape. Now there's a new video of Warren G talking about his former 213 group member. Him mentioning "he knows who I am when i come see him" as a positive thing feels very, very sad.

Get well soon Nate!

E-40: "Revenue Retrievin" video collection

Big video drop today!

For his last two albums, E-40 dropped a bunch of videos for his fans to enjoy. To gear up up towards his upcoming to albums and to remember you how great the last ones were, I made a collection of all his videos from the two "Revenue Retrievin" records. So get your glasses right, uuugh!

"Bitch" feat. Too $hort / "Over The Stove"


"Undastandz Me"


"The Weed Man" feat. Stresmatic (of Federation)


"Lightweight Jammin'" feat. Clyde Carson & Husalah


"Dem Boyz" feat. Y.V.


"Outta Control" feat. Dem HoodStarz & Mistah F.A.B.


"It's Gotta Get Better" feat. Mike Marshall & Suga-T


"Nice Guys"


"Can't Stop The Boss" feat. Snoop Dogg, Too $hort & Jazze Pha


"He's A Gangsta" feat. Jacka & Kaveo


"Spend The Night" feat. Droop-E, The DB'z, Laroo & B-Slimm


"The Server"


That's the full package so far! Shouts out to E-40 for puttin so much work in it.

"Kush" makes Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg high on the road to Detox!

It's finally official: "Kush" will be the first single for Dr. Dre's (very very very) long awaited upcoming solo record "Detox". And who else could be featured on a track named "Kush" than Snoop Dogg? This is one of Snoop's best performances in years. The hook is done by Akon with additional vocals by the singer Chief Thunderbird aka Sly.
You can hear that they tried to make him sound like Nate Dogg - now that's a very huge shout out if you ask me! I can see this track banging in the clubs very soon and you can expect the video that has been shot yesterday to be released within the next few weeks.

Detox is coming!


On another note, Snoop Dogg just put the new video to the lead single of his 11th solo album "Doggumentary Music" due out on March 2011. The track is called "New Year's Eve" and features the singer Marty James. Check it below!



I have to revise my comment from a few days ago, this song really grew on me and it's positive music. The beat produced by Scoop DeVille still sounds similar to Snoop's last year smash hit "I Wanna Rock" though.

Video: Terrace Martin - Expectations ft. Murs, Bad Lucc & Tone

Here's the brand new visual for "Expectations" off Terrace Martin's great "Here, My Dear" album featuring Murs, Bad Lucc and Tone Trezure.

Enjoy!

Review / Download: Terrace Martin - Here, My Dear

In late September saxophonist and multi-talent Terrace Martin dropped his third full-length effort entitled “Here, My Dear”, inspired by Marvin Gaye's critically acclaimed hit record. In contrary to his previous releases, this has a whole different concept, to be specific; it’s actually a concept record. Terrace went through an awkward relationship while making this record so it’s all about love, women, relationships and attitude. Although, the special thing about this album is that he released it as FREE DOWNLOAD, even though the production, mixing and guest list is extraordinary, so this is by far not just a mixtape, it’s more of a real studio album.

This time, Terrace went way more into the jazz and funk direction, which suits him a lot better than the gangsta type of beats he made for Kurupt’s new album for example. To prove that, you just need to get into track #19 “What You Won’t Do For Love,” which is a top-notch remake of Bobby Caldwell’s 1978 classic. The talkbox brings back memories of Zapp & Roger and the whole production sounds just too elaborate and soulful for any other ordinary hip-hop record these days. The two-minute outro with synthesizer and saxophone solo by Terrace Martin is a heart-touching and sophisticated finish, which would do justice to any other jazz album from back in the day.

On the third track “Thing For You” feat. Tone Trezure he shows that the mix between modern 808 drum patterns and jazz, assisted by lyrics full of dedication could be sort of a renaissance for rap music in the new decade. Same goes for “Roll Up” which features the newcomer group Overdoz and Wiz Khalifa. What you get in the beginning is a modern hip-hop beat with sharp raps and nice hook but at the end Terrace just flips this track into an atmospheric and late-night jazz masterpiece.

Big names do not miss on this record neither. Snoop Dogg is down on two jams, the J. Black assisted "Hey Girl" where Snoop's talking about how he used to get at girls when he was young and the up-tempo player's anthem "Cheat". This sounds like another part of Snoop's occasional "9-Inch Dix" tracks and is a nice fun track.

You find Murs in his great story-telling mode as well as the funny as ever Bad Lucc on the smooth and key-driven "Expectations," sharing some of their own unpleasent relationship experiences. Terrace drops another one of his kind of philosophical reflections that you can find throughout the album.

"how many of y'all have been stuck and have no idea why you're stuck [...] you're just there. I give y'all some advice, cause I've been stuck before. When you're stuck and you don't know what to do, you have to give yourself options, about two, three of 'em. It's either be with this person for the rest of your life and die miserable or step away from that person and open up for what god my have for you."

The up and coming Kendrick Lamar shines on two tracks as well. "Give Me Some Of You" is a beautiful "hey let's get together"-type of song with a very catchy chorus:

"let's talk about love / let's talk about trust / let's talk about you / let's talk about us"

The vocoder provided "I Had No Idea" is like the opposite of the aforementioned cut, talking how badly you can be wrong about a person and how this turns out. This is topped off with a nice jazzy outro enhancing smooth strings, some gentle guitar tones and a saxophone backing.

This record is perfect for every mood involving love. Whether it's being in love, being depressed or being stressed by your partner of choice, or just being in a good mood - "Here, My Dear" delivers the right atmosphere for it. Plus it is a nice example that hip-hop has so much more to offer than just stereotypes and that it's able to mix with other genres. Another good example would be the nasty "Show Her The Way" which is a nonserious sex anthem to be laughed about and it takes you right back to the 80's with the funky drum pattern.

Everyone who likes good, melodic and soulful music mixed of hip-hop, r'n'b, jazz and funk should get the ears on "Here, My Dear" and give it a listen. Artists like Terrace Martin definitely have to be supported for their sophisticated efforts in putting out quality music and this time it's not even currency related. Again: This project is a 100% free and legal download (click), so help Terrace - spread the word!

If Snoop would always rap like this

Yesterday, Snoop Dogg, who just turned 39 on Oct. 20th, broadcasted about one hour live on ustream. In the very beginning you can hear a nice laid-back beat and Snoop spittin over it live. This made me think why he chooses to drop singles like his recent "New Year's Eve" with Marty Jones. The way he raps over this beat brings back that old Snoop Dogg vibe and would fit more to an album named "Doggystyle 2" (which is a horrible idea in my opinion) than this designated lead single.

Check his ustream session here.

And check the new single here:


Props to Snoop though, for bumping "Biatch" by E-40 and Too $hort on 10:00.

Hieroglyphics are back with a new album

I think he was pretty high, but Del Tha Funky Homosapien just spreaded a video via facebook, announcing a new Hieroglyphics album. Yeah, you're reading correctly, Hieroglyphics, new album! The title will be "Valey Of The Kings" and it's suppsed to drop on Tuesday, November 1st. I don't know why I didn't hear ANYTHING about this yet, but I'm looking forward to get this CD in my system!

CHECK THE VIDEO (click)

Let's see if it really drops and spread the word!


Si-Chill

N.E.R.D. releases new video

Just a quick update:

N.E.R.D. just put their new video online. The song is called "Help Me" and will be featured on their upcoming 4th album "Nothing". The CD will be out on November 2nd and will also be available in a 2-disc deluxe version.



Be sure to pick it up! November 2.

Droop-E news: BLVCK DIAMOND LIFE; working with Snoop / 50

Bay-Area producer Droop-E dropped his latest mixtape "BLVCK DIAMOND LIFE" for free (click here to download) a few weeks ago.

This 8 track EP consists of sampling classic tracks by the British r&b band Sade. In a recent interview with XXL, Droop-E stated why he loves Sade's music, his plans on BLVCK DIAMOND LIFE 2 and working with Snoop Dogg & 50 Cent for their upcoming albums. He also revealed that he will be again the executive producer for his father E-40's highly anticipated new double LP "Revenue Retrievin: Overtime Shift" and "Revenue Retrievin: Graveyard Shift", coming early next year. Read the full interview here.

Stay tuned for updates on Droop-E right here on Love For The West!

Si-Chill

New Category: Lyrics

Tonight I'm gonna create a new category on this blog which really means a lot to me: Lyrics. It's often hard to find lyrics of songs that may not be so well known on the internet and so I dedicate this to all the people who love real lyrics just like I do.
From time to time, I will post up some lyrics which really grip me or carry a special weight. I may also work on requests if I have time.

I will begin with a song of former X-Mob rapper Vicious from 2006, it's called "Every Man For Himself". Vicious to that time was just fresh out of jail and put this on his very rare to find mixtape "Possession With Intent To Distribute". I felt like he rapped as if it still was the 90's and he had missed all the bad things that happened to rap music while he was incarcerated.
Check it out and feel free to contribute in any way.

[Verse 1]

I see you where you’re heading you ain’t ready

Keep trust them niggaz, you gon’ live to regret it.

They say money is the root of all evil in the bible,

and I pray that he forgive me cause I'm believing in survival,

I wasn't born here to have to get it how it came nigga,

you're sympathetic, but you don't feel my pain nigga,

I been locked down and knocked down and stomped and kicked,

I been betrayed, I been played, I been dumped and tricked,

I been abandoned by the people I love,

I can't forget em, can't forgive em so I'm keepin a grudge.

Them niggaz used to turn me down for simple shit,

Now they come back and ask for money like I’m stupid and I don’t remember shit.

But let the truth be told and let the lies be exported

Kick the dust up ain’t no way to abort it

Paranoid, not knowing when my time gon’ come,

But let me show em take my charge and nigga I ain’t gone run

[Chorus 2x]

On my ass,

Straight outta prison

Ain’t got a dime, but dawg I got a vision.

I guess I gotta get down and get it how I live,

Every man for himself that’s how it is.

[Verse 2]

Twenty dollars in my pocket and that’s all dawg,

And that’s fucked up when I tell you I used to ball dawg,

That’s how it is in this game when you fall dawg,

Got your number, them niggaz still don’t call dawg,

I’m a giant, but now I’m feeling small dawg,

Fucked up, with my back against the wall dawg,

Feel my pain, and listen cause it’s hard dawg,

Just like in prison man all I got is God dawg,

I wanna cry cause it’s too much,

But fuck it man I’m too tough,

Wipe my tears, shake it off and lace my boots up,

These niggaz ain’t friends,

They foes they hoes,

And ain’t supposed to be down,

I used to roll with these clowns,

Got a mind full of schemes, my dreams turned to nightmares,

The devil on my back,

When I turn around he’s right there,

Pushing me provoke a nigga,

Telling me to smoke a nigga,

Telling me expose of these clown ass joking niggaz.

[Chorus 4x]

E-40 is a workaholic with two new albums

Just got this from dude's facebook account:

E-40 plans on releasing two new parts of his successful "Revenue Retrievin" albums on February 8th, 2011! The new ones will be entitled "Overtime Shift" and "Graveyard Shift" (as you can see on the artwork above) as a follow-up to this year's "Day Shift" and "Night Shift".

I'm not sure if I like the idea of putting it out as another two "Revenue Retrievin" albums, I think he could be more creative with that - but as long as the music is slapping in the manner of Day & Night Shift I'm 100% down with it!
Support real artists and stay tuned for more information soon!

Si-Chill

New Ice Cube album and videos

Los Angeles rap veteran and Hollywood actor Ice Cube just released his newest record "I Am The West" on Lench Mob Records on September 28th. The album features artists such as WC, Maylay, Jayo Felony and Ice Cube's sons Doughboy and OMG. "I Am The West" debuted on #22 on the Billboard top 200 which is pretty decent for an independent release in 2010.

Although its promising title, this album was a bit of a letdown to me due to its large number of weirdly short songs, crudities with the sound, in the tracklist and order. I will post a write-up on it later this month. As for now, be sure to check out the two new videos to "Y'all Know How I Am" and "Too West Coast"!

Y'all Know How I Am featuring OMG, Doughboy, WC and Maylay


Too West Coast featuring WC and Maylay

Video: Terrace Martin - Makings Of You feat. Kurupt & Overdoz

Terrace Martin is back with another visual off his free album "Here, My Dear". This time he hooked up with DPG member Kurupt, whose album "Streetlights" he produced earlier this year and the group Overdoz for a track called "Makings Of You". Again, this video is a nice insight in a not stereotyped part of Hip-Hop mixed with jazzy saxophone played by Terrace Martin.



If you haven't already, don't forget to download "Here, My Dear".
Spread the word!

My Medley 2010 - new music soon!

Here's a little medley I just put together to let y'all hear what I was up to in the last months. I'm currently working hard on my music and I will let you hear new stuff soon. Any feedback is well appreciated, so check it out!



Feel free to comment on, download or spread this!
Thanks for your attention,

Si-Chill

Review: E-40 - Revenue Retrievin

Released on March 30th 2010, "Revenue Retrievin" is the second double disc of Bay Area legend E-40 after his 1998 effort "The Element Of Surprise". This one though, was released as two seperate discs: "The Day Shift" and "The Night Shift"

Since the parted company with Warner Bros. after his last album "The Ball Street Journal" he stated that he recorded over 60 tracks with his son Droop-E alone. Other producers on this LP include Rick Rock, Jazze Pha and Daywalk. It was obvious for him to give his fans a large amount of that now that he's back at the independent route and please them with nothing else but modern day mob music.

That's what this album is: A bass'd out, upgraded version of what "40 Water" always has done. His lyrics are way improved compared to his last 2-3 records and his flow is partially back at its weird "flamboastin" style. Many people claimed this to be "just another Hyphy record" but it's far more than that. The Hyphy topics are not important on this CD and although the music is filled with rattling basses, heavy synthesizers and freaky, sometimes psychedelic melodies, it feels more like the "old" E-40 is back.

He starts off with "Back In Business" and proves that he hasn't lost anything.
"In order to do some right you gotta do some wrong / Got hella shit goin on / The dusty, the dirty, the smirk / I ain't paranoid I am prepared I ain't nervous / When you cookin birdies in the kitchen / Can't be slippin like a transmission gotta be on your peezin toes / It's hard to make a honest livin when your kids ain't got no clothes"
The beat is somehow like the definition of a subwoofer and comes dangerous with the sample. Droop-E did a major job on this one.

I can't go into every track, that would take several hours, but what I have to say is that 40 even brought the guest appearences back to their best - maybe besides Snoop Dogg and Clyde Carson. Mistah F.A.B. is still able to show his unique and hilarious style on "Outta Control":
"40 the ambassador and Fabby is the prince / I shake your hands but hold up pimpin' please no finger prints / Bossy, flossy, groovyer than groovy / A walkin reality show a box office movie"
and Dem HoodStarz prove why they were considered a dynamic duo before Scoot Dog went to jail last year on the same track.

Ya Boy goes hard on "Wet" even though he still claims himself a rockstar but you can't deny lines like "Say we ain't the dopest, nigga whatchu smokin? / Gotta be da sherm, if it ain't money then it's not in my concern / Money to blow, matter fact money to burn / See her money is mine but my money ain't hers" and he handles a hell of a hook on the psycho-like gangsta track "Knock 'Em Down Music". That is the track where even Turf Talk can shine with his weird-as-never flow and insane sounding voice as he raps:
"He was a friend of mine, then he changed up / He used to be a Crip, now we flamed up / They say I'm loco, crazy, a lunatic / Serve these monkeys with the whole banana clique" (I should post the whole verse but I go with this only). Cousin Fik has two nice appearences on both track as well.

San Quinn may have a strange voice but his lines on the minimalistic-electric "Power Up" are sharper than ever: "Energy of the Hennessey / I spit H1N1, you'll never be as sick as me / ... / If I had a piss test it'd put me in the penetentiary".
Keak Da Sneak is stupid on this track but yet again in a positive way.

E-40's cousin B-Legit "makes love to the block and kisses the corner" on "I Get Down" which sounds crumbling and droning, just typical for a nice Droop-E production.
Too $hort has a funny as always verse on "Bitch" which contains the obvious sample but sounds just as relevant as you need. "You see the shadows, you hear the sounds, but you don't do nothing you just turn back around like a bitch / feelings hurt ready to cry, you can't believe everything she said was a lie"
Even though I just quoted a lot of lines (and I still haven't mentioned 40's best efforts) there are way more lyrical experiences worth checking for and this is just an example of how entertaining this album is. Musically you'll find a lot of which you think it might sound similar in the first place, but you'll recognize it's anything but a monotonous record. E-40's delivery helps much to avoid such an impression. I'm going to list a few of his funniest lines below:

"I'm a boss, but I drink like Hasselhoff" (Power Up)
"I'm feeling like I'm 'posed to be and sober is my enemy, Bailey's and Landy - that's the remedy / Money and power that's a friend of me / Chain lickin like a Mini-Me / Campaignin like a Kennedy / They ain't got no idea where this finna be" (Wet)
"Sometimes I wonder was I planned, maybe / Or was I a accident mayne, a oops-baby" (Streets Keep Callin Me -> awsome hook by Krizz Kaliko)
"I got a million dollar mouthpiece, she got a million dollar vagina / I throw a bitch in the sky and break her 'fore she hits the ground / They call me send-a-bun, send a snow bunny just like a tax" (Attention)
He takes a little shot on the new generation as well:
"I take it back to the 80's when I was servin your momma, the reason why you're crack babies / Which I don't really like to brag about, I had style before they brought 'swagger' out" (Dem Boyz)

This album is not only heavy bass 'bay slap' music, you can also find more instrumental kind of songs. A very appropriate example would be "Let Go And Let God" which is a family collaboration between soul singer Lenny Williams (E-40's father), 40 himself and his son Droop-E on the boards.

This double album is a really great entertainment and the music doesn't sound rushed even though you get so much of it (2:42h of music - no (!) skits, not even an intro or outro). Plus the music is very proper recorded and mixed, it requires a good stereo to unfold its true value. Support the ambassador of the Bay, buy "Revenue Retrievin".

New Jamiroquai videos / New Terrace Martin videos out

Jazz-funk day on my blog today - 4 new videos!

Jamiroquai is ready to gear up for their by now 7th studio album entitled "Rock Dust Light Star". To promote the highly anticipated record they've just dropped two brand new visuals to the first single"White Knuckle Ride" and "Blue Skies", which can be seen on their official YouTube channel.

The videos aren't really special or remarkable, just vehicles on the freeway, whatever this intended to show us; but as the videos are not really important to me I'm a little whistful to say that the tracks aren't that special either.

"White Knuckle Ride" is pretty decent as for the production but the song overall is just average. "Blue Skies" simply sounds boring to me and is not satisfying after this 5-year break.
I hope the album turns out to be better and more jazz-funk orientated than these two tracks. I rather listen to Terrace Martin's new album "Here, My Dear" right now which is really exciting - believe it or not: free download again. Be on the look out for more information on "Rock Dust Light Star" and a full review of Terrace Martin's "Here, My Dear".

Check the prelude videos so far:

New Jamiroquai album coming in fall 2010

The funk and acid-jazz band Jamiroquai around lead-singer Jay Kay is set to release their new album "Rock Dust Light Star" in the last quarter of 2010, five years after their hit record "Dynamite". Jay Kay said in a recent interview that the break was necessary and helped him to refresh his mind in order to create another album. He also stated that the music was all live recorded in his studio in Buckinghamshire and is believed to carry the vibe of their shows.

Jamiroquai is now signed at Universial Records, who announced the first single called "White Knuckle Ride" for an october release.


Si-Chill

Danger Zone by Si-Chill

New music on MySpace - check this and more!

Danger Zone by Si-Chill

Tribute To Nate Dogg

I know it has been quite silent on this blog for a time now, but the best thing to come back is spreading some positivity and blessings.

Ever since west coast hook legend Nate Dogg suffered from two strokes in 2008, fans are wishing him to get well soon. Currently, a member of the dubcc message board took some time to collect the most famous Nate Dogg hooks and put them together in a 32 minute long mix. See cover, tracklist etc. below:

Tribute To Nate Dogg – The Best Hooks In The Game (mixed by matic)

Tracklist (chorus only)
[01] Str8 West Coast Remix [02] Time’s Up [03] Like This [04] Here Comes Another Hit [05] Space Boogie [06] Can’t Deny It [07] Multiply [08] The Streets (Re-Twist) [09] Never Enough [10] What We Do [11] MLK [12] Gangsta Nation [13] The Set Up [14] Area Codes [15] Yo’ Sassy Ways [16] Thugs Get Lonely Too [17] Too Much [18] Where I Wanna Be [19] Warriors Part 2 [20] I Need A Bitch [21] Lay Low [22] A L’Ancienne [23] The Hardest Mutha Fuckaz [24] 100 Miles And Runnin [25] Shake That [26] Smokin Smokin Weed [27] Holiday [28] Can’t Be Faded [29] Ghetto Millionaire [30] What We Gonna Do [31] Connected [32] My Name Is [33] So Fly [34] Look In My Eyes [35] Xxplosive [36] Real Soon [37] Hey Y’all [38] Boss Life [39] Bitch Please II [40] Him Or Me [41] Real Pimp [42] 21 Questions [43] From Long Beach 2 Brick City [44] Bitches Ain’t Shit [45] Have A Party [46] Somebody Like Me [47] ‘Till I Collapse [48] Been A Long Time [49] Ooh Wee [50] Oh No [51] Black Mercedes [52] The Next Epsiode [53] Nobody Does It Better

Playtime
32:16 min

Listen
http://soundcloud.com/stylematic/tribute-to-nate-dogg-the-best-hooks-in-the-game-mixed-by-matic

Download (320 Kbps)
Mediafire http://www.mediafire.com/?mzrligzedgj
Megaupload http://www.megaupload.com/?d=O728LHQ5
Usershare http://usershare.net/fxanx7ds2gb3

PS: Send cards and get well wishes to Nate Dogg: 8306 Wilshire Blvd #484 Beverly Hills, CA 90211

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to forum member matic for putting this down and showing some love for one of the best singers in the rap game ever to touch the mic. Feel free to drop your thoughts and wishes right here on Love For The West.

Si-Chill

Another 2010 preview

In my last post I presented some upcoming records of famous west coast artists, so you can consider this post as being part 2 of it.

Cypress Hill signed to Priority Records last month, the resurrected label whose chairman is no other than Snoop Dogg. Their new single "Armada Latina" features Pitbull and Marc Anthony and is about to get huge rotation with its feelgood vibe and hispanic hook. The group's new album is called "Rise Up" and will be released on April 20 and will feature the likes of Evidence (Dilated Peoples), Young De, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) and Alchemist among others.

Brotha Lynch Hung just released his new album "Dinner And A Movie" on Strange Music. The Sacramento rapper went back to his earlier style of music as you can hear on his two singles "I Plotted (My Next Murder)" and "Meat". You can check the official videos to both singles by clicking on the title.

Living Legends member Murs revealed plans to release a series of 10 albums this year, one album per month for the rest of the year. He stated that he got too much unreleased material from the record process of his last solo album "Murs For President" which was released on Warner Bros. records. His first release will be out tomorrow, March 30th and is called "ForNever". This will be another 9th Wonder and Murs collaboration album and is about to sound just as good as the prior releases of the duo.

When it comes to funk influenced hip hop and crazy hooks you can't forget about the former Ruthless and Doggystyle records member Kokane aka Mr. Kane. His new album "Gimme All Mine" is about to drop on the first day in June and will feature appearences of Above The Law and Tha Chill (Compton's Most Wanted). This sounds like the perfect mixture for another funky Kokane release. The first single is produced by Tha Chill and goes with the title "Twilight Zone". The video was directed by Dah Dah and looks very promising.

Be on the lookout for more information soon.

Si-Chill

A little prospect for 2010

After a kind of disappointing music year 2009, this year is going to offer some highly anticipated albums. West coast rap fans can look forward to some unexpected projects to see the light of day.

First of all, DJ Quik has announced that he teamed up with the Pomona pimp himself again, Suga Free. After several years of separateness and a rumored beef, the duo is working on a collaboration record called "Reconnected". This announcement reminds me on great music such as Suga Free's 1998 debut "Street Gospel" which was entirely produced by Quik.

This summer, gangsta rap legend Ice Cube is set to drop his new record "I Am The West". On his own blog "The Voice Of Cube" he talks about working on the album, which will be released on Cube's Lench Mob label. Check it out.

Compton veteran MC Eiht will release an album this summer as well, with a similar sounding title. "Which Way Iz West" will feature production by east coast dinosaur DJ Premier and some of his label mates, as the album will be released on Premo's Year Round Records.

I already told you about E-40's new double album "Revenue Retrievin" which will be out on March 30. Released via Sick Wit It / EMI / Heavy On The Grind Ent., the record will be parted in two seperate albums, "Day Shift" and "Night Shift". Features include the names of Snoop Dogg, Suga Free, Dru Down, Too $hort, Jazze Pha, Keak Da Sneak, Mistah F.A.B. and many more. Check 40's new single "Show Me What You Working Wit" featuring Too $hort: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMqLd6s9f74

On April 20, Dogg Pound member Kurupt is set to release his long awaited new solo album "Street Lights". The record was entirely produced by Terrace Martin. As a prequel to "Street Lights", Kurupt just released a free mixtape called "4:20". You can download it below:
http://2dopeboyz.okayplayer.com/2010/03/03/kurupt-tha-420-mixtape-prequel-to-streetlights/

As a final notice I would like to suggest you the new Gorillaz album "Plastic Beach" with features such as Snoop Dogg, Mos Def & De La Soul.

Be on the lookout for more information on any of these records soon!


Si-Chill

Terrace Martin again - The Lovers Edition

Just a few days ago i recommended you to buy Terrace Martin's instrumental EP called "808s & Sax Breaks". Today I can just literally FORCE you to download his brand new 10 track strong EP with the title "Lovers Edition". Entirely produced and mixed by Terrace Martin himself and with guest appearences of Snoop Dogg, Tone Trezure, Uncle Chucc, Chris Starr, Problem, Frank Nitt & James Fauntleroy, this EP is just perfect for everyone to lay back with his / her loved one and enjoy this great music.

Terrace Martin made it available for FREE download, just for his fans. Get it here:
http://hiphopblips.dailyradar.com/story/download-terrace-martin-the-ep-vol-2-lovers-edition/

It seems like Terrace Martin is pushing heavily towards his upcoming releases "The Demo" and the collabo record with Dogg Pound member Kurupt entitled "Street Lights". So if this is just a teaser, the actual albums have to be nuts. Keep checkin for Terrace Martin right here and on twitter.com/terracemartin.

Si-Chill

Terrace Martin - 808s & Sax Breaks

Wow, this came out of nowhere for me!
In the last week of December 2009, Hip Hop producer Terrace Martin released an instrumental album with 5 all new tracks produced by him and Wild Animals ("Snoop Dogg Millionaire"). Referring to Kanye West's "808s and Heart Breaks" he called his album "808s & Sax Breaks" as he plays his saxophone on every track - in a wonderful way! This EP is available for paid download on the common music sites, I got mine here:
http://www.junodownload.com/products/1506016-02.htm

For everyone of you who liked Terrace Martin's earlier jazz-inspired productions, or him playing the sax at all, please spend a few dollars on that great piece of music, you won't regret it. This is just refined and mellow music mixed with 808 drums - which surprisingly fit the concept extraordinarily and precisely - added with some of the most clever and wistful background syntheziser / key harmonies I have heard in a long time. This smooth and confident mix of jazzy tunes accentuated with modern beats is the perfect thing to lay back with.
So my appeal to everyone: Get yourselves a glass of wine plus a copy of "808s & Sax Breaks" and have good time.

Watch Terrace Martin speaking on the making of "808s & Sax Breaks":


Si-Chill

E-40 is "The Server" in new video

The ambassador of the bay is back with his new single "The Server" off his upcoming double disc "Revenue Retreivin': The Day Shift / The Night Shift". E-40 recorded about 60 songs within the last year as his son Droop-E revealed in a current interview with baycentrik.com (read/listen here). The album is set to drop on March 30 via Sick Wid It / EMI records.

Check the video below:

My Charts 2009

I'm finally back after a long time of abstinence, I'm sorry for that. As for my first post in 2010, I decided to post my chart list of most played artists, songs and albums. Compare your music year 2009 with mine and be on the look out for some fresh reviews soon.

Top 10 artists 2009:
01. Jamiroquai
02. Snoop Dogg
03. DJ Quik
04. Nate Dogg
05. DJ Quik & Kurupt
06. E-40
07. Erk Tha Jerk
08. Tha Dogg Pound
09. Paris
10. Santogold

I turned my back to Hip-Hop for a while in the last year, listening to Jamiroquai, Isley Brothers and some 90's R'n'B classics. My summer has been a huge Jamiroquai experience, as well as Jimi Hendrix and Al Jarreau & George Benson, while I was visiting my uncle in Norway. I got to know other artists like Santogold, N*E*R*D or Psapp. It was a year of more positive music.

Top 15 songs 2009:
01. Jamiroquai - Butterfly
02. Erk Tha Jerk - Plane In The Air ft. Too $hort
03. DJ Quik & Kurupt - Fuck Y'all
04. Jamiroquai - You Give Me Something
05. DJ Quik - Bombudd II
06. Nate Dogg - Scared Of Love
07. Snoop Dogg - Snoop Dogg Millionaire
08. Jamiroquai - Where Do We Go From Here
09. Kurupt - Build You Up, Tear You Down ft. Soopafly & Snoop Dogg
10. Terrace Martin & Pete Rock - Ridin' Out ft. J Black & Bad Lucc
11. Jamiroquai - Dynamite
12. Pharell - Stay With Me (Dim The Lights) ft. Pusha T
13. Suga Free - Loli Pop
14. Santogold - Lights Out
15. DJ Quik & Kurupt - Hey Playa! (Moroccan Blues)

The year began with some cool rap songs such as Snoop's "Snoop Dogg Millionaire" or the great funk anthem "Fuck Y'all" by DJ Quik & Kurupt. Even the master of entertainmente, Suga Free, came back with his kinda weak "Hi Power Pimpin" album, but with the self praising and nearly wise "Loli Pop" track. The chart is full of the greatest Jamiroquai songs and also includes the two Terrace Martin produced cuts "Build You Up, Tear You Down" and "Ridin' Out" on which he showcases his great talent for 80's touched feelgood music. A whole album with this kind of sound would be an instant classic. You should definitely check out his other 2009 hits "I'm One" performed by Kurupt & Chris Starr, "Doing Me" ft. J Black & Murs as well as the "Martin & Blake Jam Session" ft. DJ Quik. Not to forget his work on the most recent Snoop record "Malice N Wonderland", 2010 could be the year of Terrace Martin.

Top 10 albums 2009:
01. DJ Quik & Kurupt - Blaqkout
02. Jamiroquai - Synkronized
03. Jamiroquai - A Funk Odyssey
04. Jamiroquai - Travelling Without Moving
05. Slaughterhouse - Slaughterhouse
06. Jamiroquai - Dynamite
07. Pharrell - In My Mind
08. Santogold - Santogold
09. Snoop Dogg - Malice N Wonderland
10. E-40 - The Ball Street Journal

My top 10 albums include only 3 rap LP's from 2009, plus the E-40 record which got released in late 2008. "Blaqkout" may be on top of this list, but still is a little disappointing. Several leaked tracks and a poor tracklist of 13 songs, with 2 experimental songs, one song being on it twice and a useless skit turn this album into a big questionmark. Why didn't they put at least 2-3 more track on this album to feed the hungry ears of their fans? I'm sure DJ Quik has got a lot of good music on the shelf to put on a record like this, especially while Kurupt was shining on tracks like "Hey Playa!" and "9x's Outta 10". This record could have been a classic, easily. Even though it had a December 8 release date, Snoop Dogg's "Malice N Wonderland" made it to my chart. The big Dogg sounds hungry again and proves himself dangerous on some south influenced tracks as well as sentimental on his few ballads. When I listened to the Slaughterhouse record, I was surprised. This one came out of nowhere and I had the pleasure to enjoy some of the best lyrics in a long time. I have to mention another record which didn't make it to the list: "Parallel Uni-Verses" by Del Tha Funky Homosapien & Tame One is an overall well produced and 90's sounding album, with a lot of scratching and some dope lyrics. Maybe it comes a few years late...