West Coast Bad Boyz Vol. 1 – Anotha Level of the Game

I remember buying this tape at the only music store in Sunnyside, WA. I was staying at my grandparents house one summer and spent every spare dollar I had shopping there buying whatever tapes or cds looked dope. I was just getting into Master P (Ice Cream Man era), and this had his name on it so I found it to be a must have.

Back in the early 90s before P was riding for NOLA he was deep in the NorCal rap game alongside stalwarts such as Too Short, JT the Bigga Figga, 4 Tay, 40 Water, and a pair of Dres (Dog and Mac respectively). During this time period P had a different group of running mates such as E-A-Ski, Dangerous Dame, King George, and Sonya C who all make appearances on this tape.

What makes this interesting looking back on it is that it represents what was happening in the Bay at the time but more specifically San Francisco. JT and 4 Tay were both “big names” when I heard this, but I still wasn’t hip to Dre Dog, UNLV, Cellski, and Cougnut who were all doing some big work in the streets of SF.

This record has one great song, the Cameo jacking “Trying to Make A Dollar Out of 15 Cents” a collaboration between Master P and RBL Posse. Honorable mention goes to Cellski and UNLV (Baldhead Rick and SB outta Lakeview) on “Stressed Out” which is rapid fire raps over a real laid back beat. All in all this is a compilation of low level hood rap that I’m sure was very well received in the bay but today sounds dated and a bit corny. Feel free to judge for yourself.

Listen to West Coast Bad Boyz Vol. 1

Bishop Lamont "U Ain't Fresh" (Video)

I'm about half way through the Monday double, you know this blog shit ain't paying nobody right?! I wanted y'all to be sure to catch another stellar voice rising from the West coast. After playing the Aftermath games Lamont too has left the house Andre built and is doing his own thing, I like.

*On another note, anyone know if the Diverse featured here is the same Diverse from Chicago, had some RJ production and a minor underground hit with Mos Def produced by Prefuse73 in "Wylin Out." Always dug dude.

Terrace Martin "Love Prelude/Thing For You" (Video)

I've been looking forward to this project since before I knew what it was! All the leaks have been fire and now that I know it's inspired by the CLASSIC Marvin Gaye album all makes sense.

I'm not incredibly familiar with Terrace Martin but we have all been listening to his music for a minute. As he begins to step in front of the mic I'm sure we are only gonna be blessed by more creative and entertaining ideas. For the above video he takes a page from the king and turns the music video back into a short film. Lots of emotions are explored here but the songs and sentiment are what bring it all home.

Watch for that Here My Dear EP coming out the 28th!

Dam-Funk - Hood Pass Intact (Video)

So much excellence in this video. Dam was my MVP of 2009 and this hood superstar synth funk opus is so fucking west coast it makes me want to start a movement to secede from the union and start the United States of the Best Side.

Kendrick Lamar "Monster (Freestyle)"

Kendrick Lamar - "Monster" from CALMATIC on Vimeo.

Waking up with an hour to post something before work means I got time to post one thing for yall in the morn. Well Lamar is a captivating dude! This had to get out. I love how he spits the verse hella aggressive but yet is smiling and laughing throughout, letting you know this black hippie is just having fun with it. KILLS the beat!

"I'm the best rapper alive tell Lil Wayne to swallow his pride"

Download his tape when it drops and grab his first project on the bandcamp!