One of QN5’s finest is here with a brand new project. Well, sort of. Wink: Something Substantial chronicles Substantial’s career across the past 10 years with a heavy focus on his love/relationship songs. Yeah, you guessed it, this also acts as a Valentine’s Day-type-project, like QN5’s 2008 release Baby Blue For Pink. Hosted by Kno and mixed by UK artist Dub MD, this mixtape also features three brand spankin’ new tracks from Substantial and features from a slew of cats including Eric Roberson, Nujabes, Kno, and Gods’Illa. Get to downloading, all you smooth-music lovers.

Download: Substantial & Dub MD Present – Wink: Something Substantial

It’s no secret that hip-hop is in constant motion – it changes year to year. Emerging technologies combined with the fickle needs and wants of the industry, the artists, and the fans, all play a role in shaping our musical world. Some of the changes to the hip-hop scene have been, well, less than desirable (see: the decline of radio rap). However, the past ten years, 2000-2009, still held releases of some of the most creative and unique hip-hop albums of all time, with an ever-expanding range of sub-genres. Traditional hip-hop rooted in the golden age of the ’90s was certainly alive and well, but it was sharing chart space with newer, progressive styles. That said, we have compiled a list of our 25 favorite hip-hop albums from the past ten years, as a form of celebrating the musical diversity in hip-hop from the decade that was.

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I’m not just saying this because he’s a Rhode Islander, but Joe Beats is one of my favorite producers. Hands down, I have a hard time finding cats who can top what he does. And on this track, he remixes Kno’s already-dope beat for “Hellfire” and gives it an extra something special. I’ve also included a bonus download of the instrumental for “Any Port”, which appeared on his famous album with Sage Francis as Non-Prophets. If you’re feeling like this isn’t enough Joe Beats for you, and I wouldn’t blame you for that, head here to get some more.

Download: CunninLynguists – “Hellfire” (Joe Beats Remix) [Right Click Save-As]

Download: Joe Beats – “Any Port” [Right Click Save-As]

Album Review: CunninLynguists – Strange Journey Vol. 2 (2009)
Rating: 3 out of 5 Potholes

Buy Now! CunninLynguists – Strange Journey Volume Two

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Just as I’m about to head out and (hopefully) grab my pre-order of CunninLynguists’ Strange Journey Vol. 2, Kno tweeted a link to another leak off this project. This time it’s “Imperial” featuring relative newcomer Freddie Gibbs. And, as always, the track is accompanied by some fresh artwork, something we sure appreciate over here at Potholes. Check out the track and be sure to leave us your thoughts. And check them out on tour while you’re at it!

Download: CunninLynguists – “Imperial” [Right Click and Save-As]
Support! CunninLynguists – Imperial (f. Freddie Gibbs)

You already know how much we worship Cunnin over here, so it’s only right we hit you with the latest single off their upcoming project, Strange Journey Volume 2. This group is truly flawless. Deacon and Natti are beasts on the microphone, and Kno comes correct time and time again. Peep the single and make sure you support this wonderful second installment November 3rd…

Download: CunninLynguists – “To Be For Real” [Right Click Save-As]

New CunninLynguists?! Yes, please. Here we have the first leak off their upcoming Strange Journey Vol. 2. If the first volume was any indication, this is going to be a must-cop. But what CunninLynguists album isn’t worth buying on day one? Anyway, check out this new joint featuring E-40 and Evidence called “Running Wild”. And hit the jump to see the group’s tour dates for this fall/winter. Oh, and you can pre-order Strange Journey, Vol. 2 by going here and you can download alternate versions of this song here.

Download [Right Click Save As]: CunninLynguists – “Running Wild” Feat. E-40 & Evidence

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Here is the most recent cut off the new CunninLynguists’ Strange Journey Volume One, called “The Distance”. This joint features Tonedeff on the rhymes and Kno on the boards. If you feel the same way as I do, you know that Kno has emerged onto the hip-hop scene as one of the premier producers. Every track he touches is golden, no matter what. Peep this track and go cop Strange Journey Volume One on iTunes if you haven’t already, it’s a classic.

Download: Tonedeff – “The Distance” Prod. Kno

Album Review: CunninLynguists – Strange Journey Volume One (2009)
Rating: 4 out of 5 Potholes

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I am sure many of you will agree with the statement that CunninLynguists is one of the dopest hip-hop groups right now, almost everything they put out is an instant classic. Well guess what folks, I have another CunninLynguists classic for your ears, produced by Kno and featuring Slug of Atmosphere (You already know how dope he is). “Don’t Leave (When Winter Comes)” is the first single off their upcoming release, Strange Journey Volume One, coming soon. This single is also available as a limited edition 7″ vinyl pressing at Bad Taste Records. Props to Tunji!

Oh and guess what, they have a dope video as well for the joint on their website.

Download: CunninLynguists – “Don’t Leave (When Winter Comes) ft. Slug