lab-o

The Ritz (Apoc & Rel) - The Night Of Day CD @ Access Hip Hop

MoodSwangz — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:00:56 +0000

For their first full-length album as The Ritz, Apoc and Rel showcase their ability to explore a diverse array of styles while still creating a cohesive and affecting hip hop record. Exploring the possibilities of a concept album but not going the whole nine yards so not to confuse their audience, Apoc, having shown age and weathered with wisdom on exhaustive travels for shows across the country, and Rel pulling out all the stops with incredible range and production inspiration, this album goes from 1940’s gangster to 1990’s gangsta at the flip of a coin. Spitting fast raps over soulful tracks or long storytelling-style lyrics against darker samples. The Chi-town natives prove that once more coming from Chicago, a city of that boasts “no-coasts” is a breeding ground for new and exciting talent. If you picked up Apoc’s Shipwrecked Salesman or Gods and Ghosts you won’t be disappointed. Featuring guest appearances by Racecar of Modill, Psalm One and DJ Onceamonth on cuts and scratches! I’ve said this before but fans of Aesop Rock will dig this, Apoc’s voice and flow is sometimes uncanny but reminds me of just how good he is regardless of the similarity.

LINK

GZA and Langston Bukowski Performing Live April 2nd @ The Abbey Pub!

MoodSwangz — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:00:19 +0000

What has always set The GZA apart from the ordinary is his ability to create complex images with simple context. In the same way it’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words, Genius assembles his words to create thousands of vivid pictures. “I don’t like to just be simple,” he explains. “Even though some of my stuff can seem simple at times, I like to write in a way that when you listen to it over and over again, you hear something new and it requires you to think.” Legend Of The Liquid Sword does just that. Whether the listener gets captured by the vocal acrobatics of Santi White (who has written songs for Res) on GZA’s Stay In Line or the authentic old school soul production on the masterpiece Animal Planet, Genius weaves satisfying brain food through his lyrics. In his phenomenally cerebral use of metaphors, The Genius flawlessly equates human city dwellers to animals in the jungle on Animal Planet, which was produced by rhythm doctor Bink (who has produced heavyweight joints for Fat Joe, Nate Dogg, Mr. Cheeks and Faith Evans). With beats by fellow Wu Tang brother RZA, Jaz-O (Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt album), DJ Muggs (who has produced for Cypress Hill, Mobb Deep), Wu producer Mathematics (Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Sunz of Man), Arabian Knight and other sonic masterminds, GZA’s talents come across even heavier. On the adrenaline raising Hip Hop call to arms, Knock, Knock (the album’s shining debut single), The GZA asks on the chorus, “knock, knock, who the f*** is banging at my door, is it abstract, commercial or hardcore?” In his signature way of ill rhyme construction, GZA further defines the parameters of what rap music should be.

LINK

Yet another Apoc imposter has been sited!

MoodSwangz — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:00:09 +0000

Sources say after listening to Chicago hip hop duo Apoc and Rel’s newest album The Night of Day, actor Joaquin Phoenix became so obsessed with Apoc’s lyrics he began reciting them day and night. As the weeks progressed the actor began believing he was Apoc himself. Although Apoc has been known to be seen frequenting local bars and pinball machines in the Los Angeles area he is not at the moment any where near Southern California. If you do see this man consider him armed and dangerous. Call the proper authorites immediatley as the police are on the search around the clock for this deeply troubled individual.

-Moodswangz

Don’t Hate Them Because They’re Hip

MoodSwangz — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:00:55 +0000

Don’t Hate Them Because They’re Hip
One of Chicago’s hottest scenes has attracted the inevitable backlash.
By Miles Raymer
June 5, 2008
In late May the old-school hip-hop site Unkut.com put up a post called “The Search for the Biggest Douchebag in Hipster Rap.” Site curator Robbie Ettelson defines the hipster-rap scene as a “new wave of ‘ironic’ rappers who seem hell-bent on achieving new levels of sucking,” dismissively calls their style “Party Rocking,” and complains about the “gimmicky, calculated vibe” of everything they do. “Whether it’s wearing 80’s gear and garish print hoodies, rapping about skateboards and BMX bikes or making songs about nail polish/lip gloss, these wacky young ’uns are poised to take ’tarded rap to the next level.” The post ends with a poll, “Who Is the Biggest Hipster Rap Douchbag [sic],” and five of the eight contenders presented are from Chicago: the Cool Kids, Kanye West, Kid Sister, Lupe Fiasco, and Kidz in the Hall.

LINK

The soft white underbelly of Chicago rap

MoodSwangz — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:00:41 +0000

Not too long after I published yesterday’s post about Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco’s lovers quarrel re: this year’s presidential election, I received the following email from one of my Chi-town correspondents. Come to find out, not only is everything you ever suspected about Chicago hip-hop true, but it gets worse. Way worse. I was even warned about mentioning this shit, lest I end up the next Nailah Franklin. But whatever. I’m willing to take certain risks to bring the truth to the light.

emailing from chicago again. you want to see some bullshit on how these two dudes complaining is the fakest thing. see if you can catch…Gangland on history channel. They have a segment on GD’s in chicago and BD’s. It talks about the gang influence in chicago and how the BD’s where working with jihadist since the 60’s and shit and how the BD’s are “muslims”, sponsor businesses (aritsts), jesse jackson and others. the BD’s is the one you want to see.

LINK

Speedknot Mobstaz-Money 2 Blow

MoodSwangz — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:00:05 +0000

A Winter Block Party for Chicago’s Hip-Hop Arts

MoodSwangz — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:00:09 +0000

This day long event begins with a free “Winter Block Party,” celebrating Chicago’s hip-hop arts. Featuring a live mural painting by Revise CMW, one of Chicago’s finest graffiti artists; an open mic showcase; music by DJ Itch13 and DJ Issues; and a debut gallery exhibition of works-for-sale by some of Chicago’s most notable contemporary artists. Participating artists include: Krista Franklin, Zeph, Brett Neiman, Kane, Novem Studios, Roper, Revise CMW, The Cartel, Rebekah Raleigh, Sam Adams, Stephanie Land, James “Casper” Jankowiak, Sandra Antongiorgi, David Robinson, Rebecca Crouch and Kuumba Lynx.

LINK

Top Chicago Hip Hop on Last.fm

MoodSwangz — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:00:20 +0000

Kanye West- duh. Numerous albums with amazing hit singles, sweet sunglasses and his fame beginning with an almost tragic car accident. Kanye might have a few attitude adjustments to figure out but don’t we all?

Common**- double duh. Smart and pensive lyrics make me really respect him. Right on, Common.

J.U.I.C.E.- or MC Juice respectively, he’s “the illest warrior of all time in rap music”, or so says the intro on his myspace page.

CopperShot- Made up of emcee LongShot and producer Copperpot, Coppershot is a little less abrasive than most mainstream hip hop out there today. More smart lyrics make the listener actually live up to their name and LISTEN. The song “Save Me” is really good.

White Boy- Chicago- based ICEE Records’ own has been wowing crowds since 2004 with his amazing and energetic music.

Nacrobats- consisting of Pugslee, Thaione, Psalm, infinito and Cosmo, Nacrobats bring the sounds or early hip hop with today’s technology and present something totally cool.

Lupe Fiasco- “Superstar” anyone? Enough said.

Lord 360- Straight out of Rogers Park, Lord 360 incorporates loops of creative sounds with hypnotic rhymes that captivate the listener instantly.

Common Sense- ** This is actually what Common was known as in the early ’90s. Youtube Common Sense and you’ll probably die laughing.

LINK

Hip-Hop’s Demilitarized Zone

MoodSwangz — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:00:37 +0000

Hip-Hop’s Demilitarized Zone
Andrew Barber’s Fake Shore Drive forum has room for every faction of the local scene.
By Miles Raymer
January 29, 2009
Like most hip-hop events, the party Mikkey Halsted threw on inauguration day to celebrate the launch of his new Web site was awash in networking—cards were exchanged, demos pressed into hands, phone numbers typed into Blackberries. The rappers and producers in attendance included quite a few with at least modest national profiles (GLC, No I.D., Naledge of Kidz in the Hall, Mic Terror), and together they formed a cross section of Chicago’s diverse hip-hop scene, which makes room for commercially inclined gangsta types, conscious backpackers, and skinny-jeans-wearing so-called hipster-hoppers. And almost everybody there took a second to swing by and say what’s up to the scruffy-looking white dude whose blog, Fake Shore Drive, has become a vital nerve center for that scene.

LINK

The Chicago Hip Hop Story

MoodSwangz — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:07 +0000

Obviously the history to Chicago’s Hip Hop scene is much more complex, intricate, and extensive than can be covered in this article, a magazine special or even a series of stories. This is merely an attempt to spotlight some of the key names, places, and events that helped shape it into what is has become. For more info on the Chicago Hip Hop scene (past, present, and/or future), as well as any of the artists or information in this piece feel free to contact: formless21@hotmail.com Information sources & inspiration: J-bird, Bomb The Suburbs, E.C,, The Molemen, Upski, Flypapers, Jesse De La Pena, Kingdom Rock, Third Rail, PLEE Fresh, Slang, Trixster, Denz, Demon, Zore. The earliest stages of the Hip Hop scene in Chicago don’t differ much from most other areas outside of New York. It began by listening, admiring, bonding, and ultimately imitating it. The roots of Hip Hop date back to somewhere in-between the early to mid 70’s. Its story can be told by a variety of means. I’ve always found it best to visualize it as a series of chronological eras:

LINK

Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative

MoodSwangz — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:00:39 +0000

Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative services are available to all, but our programs are planned and facilitated by our members, and managed by our Board of Directors. Membership is open, and we are always looking for headz across the city to become active C.H.I. members, joining us in community organizing at various levels. There’s always something to do, and there’s something for everyone. In 2003 we drafted a resolution which was presented to the City Council of Chicago on our behalf by 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. to recognize the month of July as Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month. The resolution passed, and now Chicago has an entire month to celebrate hip-hop culture.

LINK

A brief history of Chicago hip-hop.

MoodSwangz — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:00:13 +0000

A brief history of Chicago hip-hop. Rap is the first truly urban, avant-garde folk music, a story-telling vehicle that uses turntables as an instrument. Though it emerged in the South Bronx in the mid-1970s, a number of American cities (and even a few in Europe) have put their own distinctive spin on the music and the broader hip-hop culture that surrounds it. Chicago has a long tradition of hip-hop, but for decades it stood in the national shadow cast by rap epicenters such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston and Atlanta. There are a number of theories about why this happened, among them the primacy of house music in the South Side clubs and the lack of local labels and recording studios devoted to hip-hop.

LINK

charlie cooper of telefon tel aviv passes

apoc — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:49:29 +0000

…chicago musician charlie cooper of the electronic duo telefon tel aviv was found dead this week….you can read the story here ……

…we here at lab-o are mourning the loss of an amazing musician and member of the chicago electro scene…..if you are not familiar with telefon tel aviv’s music, please rectify that by visiting their myspace

….their 2004 release Map of What is Effortless has influenced a number of our artists and is considered to be a masterpiece of the genre by many a critic…..their new album Immolate Yourself is currently gathering accolades and shaping up to be just as influential…..charlie, you will be missed….

Crazy remix

admin — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:28:22 +0000

My Night’s Your Day

a transatlantic romance (ADR post-sync)

my_nights_your_day__-a_transatlantic_romance_adr_post-sync