Album Review: Various Artists – Delusional Records 7-inch (2010)

Rating: 3 out of 5 Potholes

Read the rest of this entry »

The Boston based duo, Defcon, has been steadily making a name for itself throughout the underground hip-hop scene in New England. After dropping a successful self-titled debut album, the duo consisting of Subtex and Jipeto is poised to release its sophomore album, The Lost Generation. In preparation for the release of the upcoming album, Defcon dropped this video for the single “How You Feelin.” The vibe is raw and a bit of a throwback, but with Subtex and Reks delivering some nasty rhymes, you can’t go wrong.

For those who haven’t been paying attention, there’s a vital underground hip-hop scene brewing in Boston, boasting some of the finest rappers, producers, and DJs around. The latest of the bunch is rapper H.W. (Hazardous Wastes). The Boston-based rapper presents his newest full-length project, A Year’s Worth of Worry, for free. Featuring DJ Emoh on the tables, A Year’s Worth of Worry plays with insecurities and melancholy, yet with some quirky optimism squeezed in for good measure. Check it out and leave us your thoughts.

Download: H.W. – A Year’s Worth of Worry

Providence, R.I.-based producer Falside met up with Boston-based turntablist DJ Emoh Betta, of The Deck Demons, for an afternoon of Pad Thai, caffeine, and brainstorming. Meet’n Veggies is the result. It’s a free five-track EP that blends Falside’s boom-bap elements with DJ Emoh’s ridiculous skills on the decks. If this is anything like what I have heard from Fal in the past — yes, I haven’t had a chance to listen yet — this is sure to stay in the rotation for at least the next week or two. Enjoy.

Download: Falside vs. DJ Emoh Betta – Meet’n Veggies

With all the talk of the decline of the music industry, particularly in hip-hop, it’s comforting to know that no matter what, no one will ever be able to bootleg the live experience (at least, I hope not). Hip-hop began as a live art form, and to this day the live element of hip-hop remains perhaps the most complete component of the culture. There is a physical interaction between the artist and the audience that simply cannot be duplicated. That said, there may very well be few people in New England who understand this better than rapper/beatboxer/hip-hop aficionado, Madness2012, who puts on some of the most fun and energetic shows (although party may be the more accurate term) in Boston.

Read the rest of this entry »

In the spirit of the holiday season, Boston area band, Bad Rabbits, has partnered with Karmaloop to give away their EP for free. The Stick Up Kids EP has been getting some major buzz around Boston, due largely to the title track single. Bad Rabbits may well be known as the current backing band for legendary emcee Slick Rick, however they have more than enough talent to make an established name for themselves. Taking cues from 80s soul, New Jack Swing, Pop, and hip-hop, Bad Rabbits creates a sound that is unique and absolutely irresistible. So stop being a grinch, put on your dancing shoes, and enjoy this gift from some of Boston’s finest.

Download: Bad Rabbits – Stick Up Kids [EP]

One of my personal favorite Boston rappers, Will C., decided to put together an exclusive package for the Potholes family. He took the classic Intelligent Hoodlum track, “Black and Proud” and made an incredible remix to it. Besides dropping a tight track for us, Will is also giving us a behind the scenes peek at his work on the MPC when creating this remix via a very amusing video.

For those who are unfamiliar with Will’s previous work, be sure to check out his fantastic debut album, Evil In The Mirror, which dropped on Brick Records earlier this year. He combines banging beats and clever rhymes with an ear for true-school hip-hop, creating a dope overall sound.

Download: Intelligent Hoodlum – Black and Proud (Will C. Mix) [Right Click Save-As]

Will wanted to leave us some of his personal insights, so hit the skip for a quick word from the artist himself, as well as the video for the original track…

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s not every day that international hip-hop or neo-soul acts make their way over to America, and when they do, it’s usually just to hit the most major cities (New York and Los Angeles). Therefore when I heard that Nigerian/German songstress Nneka would be performing in Boston, I immediately cleared my schedule, and made sure nothing would get in the way of me attending her show.

Read the rest of this entry »

Album Review: MC Esoteric – Saving Seamus Ryan (2009)
Rating: 4 out of 5 Potholes

Buy Now! Esoteric – Saving Seamus Ryan

Read the rest of this entry »