It seems like one word has single-handedly decreased the importance of being a good writer or having good lyrics in hip-hop. When did swag become synonymous with being a good rapper?

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If there was a fifth element in hip-hop it would be the battle. Hip-hop was a movement and art form that served as creative outlet to combat the inner city struggle in New York City in the late 70’s. Whether it was the emcees, the dj’s, the breaker dancers or the graffiti artists, battling has always been a core component of hip-hop.You couldn’t just say were dope you had to actually displays the skills worth of that title.

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I first heard/read about SelfSays when D. Allie posted an entry on his blog about the emcee. Besides the fact that D has not let me down both in his own music and others’, I was more than willing to give his friend Self a listen. And damn, am I glad I did. This EP, Something Out of Nothing, is a collection of tracks recorded over the years and for someone who apparently makes music for himself, he’s certainly deserving of any attention he receives. While his somewhat-abstract delivery might turn away some more traditional heads, anyone in the mood for something a little different is sure to love this. It doesn’t hurt that the production on here is fantastic, with the likes of Samiyam and Devon contributing behind the boards. Here’s hoping we hear more from Self as ‘09 goes on.

SelfSays – Something Out of Nothing

New episode of Villainous Volume Radio hosted by Deal The Villain to get your week started on the right foot. Enjoy!

Send your comments, requests and (constructive) criticism to potholesinmyblog@gmail.com

Download: VVR Vol. 4

Album Review: Sapient – Letterhead (2009)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Potholes

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Album Review: Animate Objects – Dubs, Grunts and Things EP (2009)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Potholes

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Dilla Week comes to a close today and I have one or two tributes left to throw your way. Here is a quick breakdown of Top 10 Dilla beats from 2008 Scribble Jam Producer Battle Champion, Optiks.

Here is a preview, hit the skip for the full list…

10. Mood – “Secrets of the Sand (Jay Dee remix)”
A slept on joint by one of my favorite slept-on crews of all time. Dilla took a solid album cut produced by Hi-Tek and made it the perfect soundtrack for a late night cruise through Cincinnati.

9. “Reckless Driving”
One of the livest, most dense productions that I can recall in Dilla’s career, “Reckless Driving,” features a mash-up of atmospheric synth keys, and a thumping drum pattern that backs some of the best rhymes he had as an MC. My dude, MidaZ, did a dope mixtape joint over this beat as well. I chose this over “Fuck the Police,” because this beat had a very original feel from the rest of his catalog at that time.

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I needed to throw this one up before I hit the sack tonight. This weekend has been pretty hectic as far as Valentine’s releases go and this right here takes the cake. Do not sleep on any of this mans work, he will not disappoint. Ever since Below the Heavens I have made sure I copped every single piece of music that this man has put out. So check this out, let us know what you think, and be on the lookout for some top notch projects from Blu and his LA camp in 2009.

Blu – HerFavoriteColo(u)r Mixtape

Hit the skip for the tracklist…

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Hey there, it isn’t officially Valentine’s Day anymore, but for most of you it still is, so I am dropping one more treat to celebrate the occasion. This is a short mix, “Silk Boxers”, from our home boy DJ Y-NOT.

DJ Y-NOT Presents Silk Boxers A Short Valentine’s Mix

Hit the skip for a tracklisting…

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Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Here is a special treat from Haj of Dumhi called “Funny Valentine’s Remix”. Haj just flipped this one the other day and decided to shoot it over to us to share with you all. Also be sure to download the new Flowers EP for free on Potholes right now!

Dumhi – Funny Valentine’s Remix