“Wut I Do” is the 3rd single off DJ K.O.’s EP, Living Out A State of Mind Vol. 2, which showcases East on the mic over a raw/gritty/bass heavy Analogic beat.  Keeping with the traditional formatting of the vinyl days, we’ve got a “B-Side” to liberate for this new Digital 12″. “Run & Gun” again features East on the mic with Analogic on the boards. This time around they enlist Finale & Chaundon to let the masses know who’s out to be mentioned amongst the best in the game. As if all this isn’t enough, we’ve even got a B-Side remix by Analogic.

Back on November 10, 2009, DJ K.O. embarked on a year long campaign to release 12 EP’s in 12 months. If you happened to miss Living Out A State of Mind Vol. 1 or Vol. 2, feel free to head on over to Elementality Productions right now to check it out!! Can’t forget to shout out the homie Objektiv One on the artwork.

Download: DJ K.O. – “Wut I Do”

1- Blitz The Ambassador – Stereotype (Amazon)

“It would be great if albums like this became the prototype for future Hip Hop releases in taste, quality, and execution.” – Kkon-El

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Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Here are the pictures from the Audible Treats CMJ Showcase, featuring Souls of Mischief, Tanya Morgan, Trinity, Kam Moye, Oddisee, Finale, Jern Eye and TruthLive. Special shouts to Keelay for holding it down for like 90% of the artists on the turntables! Another thanks to Michelle from Audible for putting on such a dope event.

The homie Vandalyzm just hit me with his latest freestyle featuring Detroit native Finale. Over a Just Blaze instrumental, the two emcees definitely bring it lyrically. Give the freestyle a listen and let us know what you think.

Download: Vandalyzm & Finale – Watch Niggas (Dear Moleskine Freestyle)

It’s July. The year is halfway over, so I figured it’s time to take a look back at the memorable albums that have dropped so far in 2009. Just as a warning, I will be leaving several, if not many, records off this list that you might argue are worth mentioning. Well, if you feel that way, I urge you to leave a comment and try to convince me. There is also the chance that I might forget one or two records that I enjoyed, but simply could not remember as I wrote this.

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Album Review: Tiye Phoenix – Half Woman/Half Amazin’ (2009)
Rating: 4 out of 5 Potholes

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Just got another leak off of Finale’s highly acclaimed, A Pipe Dream and A Promise. “Heat” is produced by none other than J Dilla, giving you that raw Detroit vibe he was known for. According to an exclusive interview we conducted with Finale not too long ago, this is from the same batch of beats that Q-Tip’s “Fever” came from. It also happens that Finale recorded on “Fever” before Tip, but the labels didn’t like it so it was passed back over to the Abstract, eventually appearing as a bonus track. If you haven’t copped Finale’s album already, you are already sleeping. It ranks in the top 5 for me this year so far, and there have definitely been some very dope releases. Check it out and let us know what you think…

Download: Finale – “Heat” prod. J Dilla

Here is the second leaked single off Finale’s latest LP, A Pipe Dream and A Promise. Finale has been on the bubble as far as Detroit emcees come, but this album right here marks his official emergence into the elite. Not only does Finale do his thing on the rhymes, Pipe Dream features one of the greatest production lineups I have ever come across. The single being dropped in this post, shows off some sensational production from DMV’s Oddisee, a perfect example of what to expect on the LP. After you peep the track, check out the exclusive interview we did with Finale! Enjoy…

Download: Finale – “A Pipe Dream & A Promise” prod Oddisee

Welcome to the weekly rundown where we (soulsupreme and marty) provide you with our top ten headlines for the week that was.

1. Guru declares; “I am Gang Starr” ??? This just in: Above-average rappers who blew up thanks to a legendary producer need to shut up. Guru’s proclamation that he was Gang Starr is insulting to everybody on this planet. Does he not realize just how much he owes to Premo? PSA: Artists who feud with the DJ/producers never win; see CL Smooth

2. RUN-DMC get inducted in to the Rock & Roll hall of Fame. Congrats to the pioneers and a R.I.P. shout out to Jam Master Jay. I wish he was still alive to see it. We look forward to another induction when hip-hop has its own hall.

3. Hamilton-gate: Charles Hamilton beat-jacking Black Spade. We’re happy to see a negative scenario produce a positive outcome. Thank you, Charles, for giving us and others a reason to play Black Spade’s topnotch To Serve With Love again.

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