I want to give a huge shout to my man Blacastan, who released The Master of Reality today on Brick Records. I’ve known Blac for a long time and the guy is one of the hardest working people I know. He’s dedicated to his craft and he’s one of the most charismatic performers I’ve ever seen on stage.

This project, which was originally only meant for Japan, features the likes of 7L, Apathy, Esoteric and Krumbsnatcha. Read more below from UGHH, where you can also buy the album:

Brick Records is proud to announce a limited number of Blacastan’s “The Master Of Reality” will be available in March. The full length CD mixed by DJ 7L Of The Bladerunners was originally slated as a Japanese only promo teaser and used as tour and show support. Brick has decided to make a few hundred copies of the mix (packaged in a retro ‘paste on’ style thick sleeve with obi card) available to their key accounts stateside. Only select vendors are being offered this and there is no digital version available. Once these are gone, they’re gone – this CD will NOT be repressed.

Also, check this video from a few years back and see if you can spot me. Peace Connecticut.

According to what I read today in XXL, ATL MC Donnis, is putting out a new mixtape called Fashionably Late. Unlike his last tape, Fashionably Late, will features less original tracks and will mostly be Donnis over other people’s beats.

Says XXL:

Donnis added that he has a handful of original songs on the tape as well. Producers Needlz, Crookers, who did a remix of Kid Cudi’s “Day-N-Night,” and the Outsyders, the team behind Britney Spears’ single, “Womanizer,” all contributed tracks

Donnis performed at the Perfect Attendance Showcase at the A3C in 2009. We were happy to see him listed as XXL’s 10 Freshmen for ‘10, and to hear the news yesterday that he was signed to Atlantic.

K-Beta – DTLR (Down The Line Rhyme) feat. Diamond District (”Inglorious Beta” Studio Session) from Inner Loop Records on Vimeo.

Representing the 703, A3C alumni Diamond District and Kev Brown team up with K-Beta on Down the Line Rhyme (DTLR). This is a video of the studio session. This track is dope and, as always Kev Brown provides an incredible beat.

K-Beta’s new album, Inglorious Beta, is coming out April 1 through DJBooth.net. The album will also feature guest appearances from Diamond District, Illa Ghee, Sketch, Laelo Hood, B. Sheba and Mina with production by Kev Brown, Team Demolition, Kokayi, J-Scrilla, Judah, Overok, Grussle, Soulful! and Kevlar.

Get familiar? This is one of the best Clinton Sparks beats that I’ve ever hear. Great versus by Common, Talib and of course Consequence. Download the track below.

Consequence - G.O.O.D. Music

I found this one via Vibe. It’s a video of Janelle Monae talking about Puff, Big Boi and underground hip hop in Atlanta. Heads up, she’s going to be touring in the following cities in March and April:

Mar 21 8:00 pm San Francisco

Mar 23 8:00 pm Los Angeles

Mar 24 8:00 pm Los Angeles

Mar 29 Chicago

Mar 30 Chicago

Apr 2 8:00 pm Detroit

Apr 5 8:00 pm Atlanta

Apr 6 8:00 pm Atlanta

Apr 8 9:00 pm New York City

“I Need a Dollar” is a new soulful track by Aloe Blacc off his upcoming album Good Things which is set for release later this year. I first discovered Aloe Blacc when he was working with producer Exile as the group EMANON (Shaman Work). In addition to being a talented MC and producer, Aloe is also apparently also a damn good singer.

Aloe Blacc – Stones Throw Profile

Download Aloe Black – I Need A Dollar

Beat Junkie and Stones Thrower J.Rocc has teamed up with Supreme and put together the mixtape Take 2. The project features instrumental tracks by J.Rocc and has a bit of a DJ Muro meets the Mother Fucking Gaslamp Killer Feel to it.

You can play the embedded tracks below or download the whole tape.

Download the mixtape from DJ Neil Armstrong’s website, or stream the mixtape below. I found this one via TSS.

“This project is my personal way of putting a distinctive bookmark in this chapter in my life, and a way to pass a sincere thank you to Jay-Z, Mr. Sean Carter, for all of the memories, the opportunity to rock on stage as an artist with him around the world, and for the kindness to me as a person. You know I had to do it in my language; a thank you in music.

A sincere thank you and respect to Jay-Z and the Roc Boys.

Take a listen, spread the word, and enjoy the music!”

New Sadat X and Pete Rock, Wild Cowboys II, is coming out later this month on Fatbeats. You Can currently buy the EP, which came out on February 23. This is the video for the lead single “Turn it Up.” I’m looking forward to this album, from what I’ve heard it sounds like boom bap at it’s best. Bump this one in your car on the first nice day in April.

Yelawolf x B.o.B x Whynatte from Motion Family on Vimeo.

This video from Motion Family shows A3C alumni B.o.B. and Yelawolf playing at Smith’s Olde Bar in ATL. Read more about the show at the Smoking Section.

Blu-Untitled(LovedU)2 x GodArt from www.loveonthebeat.net on Vimeo.

Another video from Blu. Similar to the video for “Amnesia” it set to some old movie clips. Thanks to Nah Right for posting.

Not sure exactly what the story is here, does any know? Is this some sort of video seriers?

This one’s making it way around the interwebs right now. It made it’s way to 2DB and Nah Right yesterday. I wanted to take a moment to send props to 9th Wonder for an incredible beat. This track is coming off 9th and David Banners upcoming project Death of a Popstar.

9th Wonder and David Banner – Strange

There’s a new project coming out on March 23 from Marco Polo and Ruste Juxx. To promote the album they’re going to be putting out 13 videos in 13 days featuring freestyles from Ruste. Check out more at Duck Down’s YouTube page.

This looks like a great show to check out at SXSW: Devin the Dude and A3C vet Curren$y. Jumping off Friday, March 19 at the Firehouse Lounge. I’d love to get Devin the Dude at the A3C this year…

Alright y’all… your favorite dopeboyz on the internets is teaming up with Cinematic Music Group, Creative Control, GFCNewYork, Play Cloths and UpNorthTrips to bring you one of the “dopest” shows at SXSW. Next Friday, March 19th, be sure to step into the smoke filled Firehouse Lounge as Devin the Dude will be headlining. With special guests, Pac Div, Curren$y, Jay Rock, Smoke DZA, Big K.R.I.T. and more. Smoke one!

Find out more at 2dopeboyz

I was reading about the North Coast Music Festival today and I wanted to send a little music festival love. The event will take place on Labor Day (September 3-5) weekend at Union Park in Chicago. Their website seems to still be under construction, but the event will apparently feature Hip Hop and Electronic acts.

The reason this event caught my eye in the first place was it’s name. As some of you might know, the A3C is short for “All Three Coasts,” at least it has been since 2007 when 9th Wonder decided to put meaning behind the acronym. We decided that the three coasts in question were the East Coast, the West Coast and the Gulf (representing the South).

The North Coast Festival as taken the same idea but a applied it to the great lakes. I’m cool with that, and I certainly think it’s a good idea for name, however if there are now “Four Coasts,” it makes it sound like “All Three Coasts” leaving out the Northern Midwest (which we’re not).

Can anyone think of any other possible US Coasts?

Duck Down SXSW Showcase

For those of you who caught the Duck Down Records Showcase Friday night of the 2009 A3C Festival you got a taste of what the guys in NYC are really about. For SXSW this year they are bringing out all the guns to celebrate their 15th Anniversary in style.

For 15 years the fellas over at Duck Down Records have been grinding away and bringing the world some of the best Independent Hip-Hop and to celebrate their 15th Anniversary they are bringing nearly the whole damn roster to Austin with them to party at SXSW.

To set off the 15 year milestone, Duck Down will be throwing a huge party on March 19th at 8PM at The Scoot Inn (1308 East 4th Street, Austin, TX)

With support from VTECH, 2K Sports, & Pro-Keds, the showcase will feature:

B-Real of Cypress Hill
Buckshot & 9th Wonder
Sean Price
Black Milk
Smif N Wessun
Pharoahe Monch
Kidz In The Hall
Blue Scholars
Skyzoo
Promise
Marco Polo
Torae
Ruste Juxx
Nottz

+ Special Guests

Music by DJ EVIL DEE

This is a label that does things right and I am jacked about joining them to celebrate 15 years of great music.

I was a bit taken back by the name at first but, Land of Make Believe, the new album from the Kidz in the Hall is dope. It dropped yesterday on Duck Down Records. I’ve included some of my favorite tracks below.

For those who missed it, the Kidz killed it at the A3C in 2009 at the Duck Down showcase.

Big Bio kills it as he usually does, but I have to give credit for George Clinton at the end. Thanks to the Smoking Section for posting.

As of yesterday, Danger Mouse and James Mercer have officially released their self titled project “Broken Bells.” I am extremely excited about this album and I think it represents a new trend in alternative music: the hip hop indie rock hybrid. Unlike the hip hop rock hybrid that gained popularity in the late 90’s with groups like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park, the indie rock hip hop actually sounds good and has artistic value.

Another group I’m feeling right now in the same vain is a group from Saratoga Springs, NY called Phantogram. Both groups feature melodic vocals over instrumental hip hop beats. Hip Hop has been in desperate need of inovation for some time and this type of fusion is a huge step in the right direction.

Outside of straight forward hip hop, what else have people been listening to these days?

We’re thinking about giving the A3C site a bit of a sprucing up, does anyone have any suggestions? What would be useful sections for us to add? I would personally like to see more artist interviews and music downloads, but I think we’d need a few more people contributing before we get there.

Let us know your thoughts.

A lot has changed since 1997, but one thing has remained the same, on March 9, you can expect to see hip hop heads worldwide pay tribute the one of the greatest MCs of all time. Here’s a list of some of the best salutes I’ve seen today:

1) Prefix Mag - Sights & Sounds: Notorious B.I.G., “Juicy”

Prefix mag is kicking off a new section today called “Sights & Sounds” and their featuring an interpretation of “Juicy” by an artist named Pellet. This is a really incredible  piece of artwork that show’s biggie with a mic outside of bodega in Brooklyn. Definitely worth a look.

2) J.Period – March 9th Video Remix Collection

J.Period and Ralph McDaniels are paying tribute to Biggie with the March 9th Video Remix Collection, which will feature Notorious BIG remixes over classic videos. The first video in the series is remix of “Flava in Ya Ear.”

3) DJ Clark Kent Remembers Biggie as “Brooklyn’s Finest” (XXL)

XXL sits down with DJ Clark Kent, the producer of “Brooklyn’s Finest” to talk about the making of that track as well as the life and times of Biggie Smalls.

I found this on XXL, it’s an ill new video / track from Blu, who performed at the A3C in 2008. I hadn’t heard much from Blu in a while and it was refreshing to see this up on a major outlet like XXL.

I did a bit of research to see what Blu was currently up to but I couldn’t find much. The last entry on his MySpace blog was back in Sept 2009. I’m hoping this video means that the gears are still grinding and we’ll be seeing more from Blu in 2010. Maybe another visit to ATL?

Wale/K'naan Show 4.8.10

If you are an A3C head you remember when he opened up the MySpace stage for us back in 2008 at Center Stage for Del, Jeru, and Little Brother. It was one of the most classic nights in A3C history. Little did any of us know then that he would end up in every major magazine and come back to Center Stage as a Co-Headliner only 2 years later. Check him out at Center Stage in the CW Midtown Music Complex on April 8th.

We have a couple pairs of tickets for this show which promises to be a banger. To enter add a comment below and include your favorite artist that you “discovered” at A3C past. We’ll pick at random from all entries.

For those that don’t know Kool Keith is coming back to Atlanta (The Loft @ CW Midtown Music Complex to be exact) on March 18th. 5 time (yes that means they rocked every year of A3C) vets of A3C Binkis Recs is opening up the show.

We have our hands on a couple of pairs of tickets to giveaway to the show. Binkis holding down the opening role we will selected randomly for the tickets from anyone who comments below and can successfully name another artist that has performed all 5 previous years of A3C (there are only a handful). Get crackin.

Stones Throw has announced that the collaborative project from Madlib and Guilty Simpson will be released on May 18 of this year. The album will be called OJ Simpson. This will be Guilty’s second full length album after Ode to the Ghetto in 2008.

A track called “Corner’s Music” was released by the pair last July.

Guilty_Simpson – Coroners_Music

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UGHH Interview with Guilty Simpson at the A3C in 2008: