The Year of Diggi

With the release of his F64 for SBTV and the new mixtape hosted by the mixtape master DJ Ames; what better time to write about a man who has started 2010 stronger than any other.

After many years of Underground appreciation both alone and as 1/2 of the Natural Born Spittaz, it seems as though Mystro is popping up here, there and everywhere these days. I personally have been following him for years; however I know people that have only just recently discovered one of the best MC’s this country has ever seen.

When I make a statement like that, it’s not something that should be taken lightly either, because there are some incredible lyricists out there right now. However; this man is pretty special in so many different aspects. His flow is second to none and I would go as far in saying that his lyrics are some of the best I’ve ever heard. He can do anything - from serious stuff (Rock This World) to 7 minute yearly reviews (UK Rap Up 2009) with time to throw in the odd spoof for good measure (Mess I Ever Had). Pretty unique, hey?

Now for the two things I mentioned earlier in the post; his F64 and the new mixtape. Honestly, amazing. Considering the lack of quality and thought that have gone into the majority of the recent F64’s, I was ecstatic to find that Example and Pro Green both have one in the works and that Mystro has gone and done the best yet: WATCH.

The mixtape is brilliant; treating us to old tracks, new tracks and a couple of exclusives - a must for any Mystro fan and perfect for anyone trying to get into this man’s music. DJ Ames provides the perfect host and it comes with some of my favourite Diggi tracks, including ‘Come Fly With Me’, ‘U Live & U Learn’ and the incredible re-working of my favourite Luda track, ‘Like Dat Potion’. Not much else needs to be said apart from, educate yourself by watching the F64 and downloading the mixtape (link below). Also; if you wanna support him, get onto iTunes and pur-chase the E.D.T. EP and look out for the Digmund Freud EP later on in the year, which is part of the lead up to the highly anticipated debut LP; Mystrogen.

“That’s why it’s time for Mys to really hit the Earth now!”

The Rest Of: DOWNLOAD

F.D.T. EP is now available on iTunes: BUY

Twitter: FOLLOW

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First part of a 3 part Documentary by Stussy on Jay Dee, interviewing different people he worked

First part of a 3 part Documentary by Stussy on Jay Dee, interviewing different people he worked with throughout his career.

One word; amazing.

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New Janelle is always nice, but new Janelle with Big Boi is even nicer.Top track.

New Janelle is always nice, but new Janelle with Big Boi is even nicer.

Top track.

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RIP Jay Dee.Forever in our hearts, minds and souls.

RIP Jay Dee.

Forever in our hearts, minds and souls.

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This man is something else.Special Kind of Fool coming in April. Yessir.The amazi

This man is something else.

Special Kind of Fool coming in April. Yessir.

The amazing cover is HERE

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Jay Dee

So it’s that time of the year again; Dilla day, Dilla week, Dilla month. However, it’s those all year round for me. Out of all the artists/producers in the world, I think this man still remains to be the biggest musical influence in my life. Hip-Hop misses him. Music misses him. I miss him.

On the 7th of February 1974, Maureen Yancey brought a special man into the world. A man that would change the world of Hip-Hop and change my general outlook and appreciation for music. When I look at my favourite artists, such as Tip, Common & Mos, they all relate back to one man that influenced their careers more than any other; J Dilla.

As well as the uniqueness of his kicks and snares; Dilla’s sampling method was second to none and he did things that I didn’t think were possible. The best example being the slowing down of Thomas Bangalter’s ‘Extra Dry’, which took frenetic techno and made it into wheezing Hip-Hop for Slum’s ‘Raise It Up’. Astonishing production that makes you wonder why more people don’t appreciate work like this and somewhat overlook it. To me, he is the closest you will find to perfection in Hip-Hop. You cannot find me a Dilla beat that I don’t like or isn’t a work of art - it’s an impossible task.

And even though he was gone far too soon, I guess it just shows the power of music and the impact it can still have, after death. Although I personally have been following his work for a long time, I know some people that only discovered him post 2006, which I find truly beautiful. I could talk all day about Jay Dee and what he means to me, but that’s pointless. It’s best to just let the music do the talking and remember the best to ever do it.

R.I.P. James Yancey;

U & Your Smile

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So we finally have the first full leak from Distant Relatives. It’s been long enough! I hop

So we finally have the first full leak from Distant Relatives. It’s been long enough! I hope this album lives up to what it’s promising to be.

DOWNLOAD

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Safe In The Steep Cliffs

When I said we were off to a strong start in 2010, I wasn’t kidding you know. I have found an album that caters to all my musical needs. I never thought I would hear an album that sounds like DJ Shadow, Pete Rock and Rob Dougan combined, but that’s exactly what this feels like. Genuine perfection from a quite exceptional producer.

As Emancipator explains: “‘Safe In The Steep Cliffs’ represents the tightest, most unique, most organic beats I’ve made in the last three years. This album has a new palette of sounds and samples from around the world, including more original recordings (guitar/violin/mandolin/banjo) and new guest artists including Japanese jazz musician Uyama Hiroto. It’s ominous and overgrown, dense and ethereal. And epic. Always epic.”

The dense layers of choirs, horns, American folk instruments and distinct Asian influences make for something that is very rare and unheard of in modern day music. From the first listen I felt like I was listening to a Nujabes production, but with more listens, I can tell it has so much more. This is one of the most thoughtful and beautiful instrumental albums I have heard in years.

Everything just, works. I adore the way in which he has taken about 10 different genres and countless instruments, which shouldn’t work, and made a whole new innovative sound. The only thing that comes close to the uniqueness of the project, is DJ Drez, who’s Jahta Beat albums have been well received within the Underground Hip-Hop scene.

I think any lover of music will find it hard to not enjoy this album from start to finish. It’s one of those albums that you just know will be timeless and is perfect no matter your mood or state of mind. I have posted YouTube links to the two tracks that stood out for me most (hard) and all the necessary links you need below. I hope you all enjoy the album. Another early contender for album of the year.

01. Greenland
02. Black Lake
03. Jet Stream
04. Kamakura
05. All Through The Night
06. Old Devil
07. Nevergreen
08. Ares
09. Rattlesnakes
10. Bury Them Bones
11. Vines
12. Hill Sighed
13. Siren
14. Safe In The Steep Cliffs

Buy

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