Weekly Fresh Cuts…July 29 to Aug 4, 2012

Last week Drake said in an interview that he was the first to successfully popularize rapping and singing, then he announced that he’s executively producing Aaliyah’s posthumous album and then he released the first Aaliyah track featuring…well…himself?!?!? These harsh realities would send anyone into a deep depression (well it did for me, at least). So I’m here to save you and myself from this devastation with some good music that was released last week. Let’s pray that Drake takes advantage of a muzzle this week.

[AUDIO] Smash Brovaz – “BE FREE” (prod. by Junia T)

The homies Smash Brovaz hit us with a smooth and mellow track, produced by one-half of the team, Junia T. I must say I am quite impressed with Junia’s production chops on this joint and the jazzy component of it. I look forward to hearing more from him as a producer and emcee. The theme of the track is a journey of these two men longing to “Be Free”, something that we all desire in life. This is the first track off of their untitled album to be released in 2013.

[AUDIO] 7evenThirty – “GET UP!!!” (Prod. by Erik L)

A few weeks ago Mello Music Group tweeted that people need to get familiar with the artist 7evenThirty, new to their roster, but not new to the underground scene. Y’all already know I’m a fan of just about anything released by MMG, so the investigation began immediately. This track by Jackson, Mississippi emcee, 7evenThirty, is incredibly dope! The futuristic beat courtesy of Swedish producer Erik L, adds that electronic sound to 7even’s crafty lyrics. Look out for 7even’s album, Heaven’s Computer, to be released via Mello Music Group on September 25th.

[AUDIO] LaToiya Williams – “THIS LOVE IS SWEET” (Prod. by Nottz)

It’s been a minute since I’ve heard a soul/R&B track that I can play on repeat. While LaToiya Williams is not new to the game, this track definitely showcases this songstress’ vocal ability and timeless musical style. LaToiya is best known for her features on hits by Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Anthony Hamilton, Talib Kweli, Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes and many more. She has also sang backup for Gladys Knight and Yolanda Adams. This well-seasoned vocalist delivers this killer 90′s style track with producer extraordinaire Nottz, with more to come on her forthcoming EP “Kup Cak’n”.

[EP] The Black Opera – “OVERTURE”

Last week I posted two new dope-as-hell tracks by The Black Opera. This week they made an official release of their 7-track debut LP, Overture, under their new label Mello Music Group. Although this LP was from last year, it is now available for FREE through MMG. The album features production from Apollo Brown, 14KT, Nick Speed, J-Rell and more. This LP definitely sets a positive tone for their upcoming album EnterMission, to be released at the end of the month, now available for pre-order.

[AUDIO] Thurz – “KEEP THE FAITH” ft. Rich Kidd & Rocki Evans

First of all, please cop that new We On Some Rich Kidd Shit Vol.6 album by Rich Kidd. I am currently taking in the album and I must say that I’m quite impressed with the progression of Rich’s production. The album is so clean and cohesive, with some killer features; it’s definitely going to be looked at as one of the best Rich Kidd projects thus far, in my opinion anyway. This track features Inglewood, Cali emcee Thurz who raps alongside Rich Kidd about the trials and tribulations of life. Houston crooner, Rocki Evans adds some smooth vocals to the track, while fellow Toronto producer/emcee Junia T (co-producer of the track) adds some additional production flavor. This track is so dope that it’s also featured on the recent DJ Mick Boogie x Hypetrack mixtape “Represent the Stripes”, as well as Thurz’ “517 W Queen Tape”.

[AUDIO] Add-2 – “The Reunion” (Prod. by Slot-A)

BP’s Erin introduced me to this Chicago producer/emcee a few months back, and he’s been on my radar ever since. Add-2 released a dope mixtape earlier this year Save.Our.Souls, and keeps the buzz going with the his latest joint “The Reunion”. Add-2 showcases his clever lyrics over some smooth, soulful production by Slot-A.

[AUDIO] Substantial – “Check My Resume” (Prod. by Oddisee)

Yep, that’s right…more Mello Music Group music. I swear they just don’t disappoint. This joint is off Baltimore, MD, Substantial’s upcoming third studio album Home Is Where The Art Is, to be released on September 4th through MMG. Label mate Oddisee provides his signature heavy drums and pleasing samples to the track.

[VIDEO] eLZhi – “Blue Widow”

eLZhi releases the visuals for the DJ Dez produced track “Blue Widow”, which is the first track off of E’s upcoming album. I’m still killing this track on my iPod and can’t wait for the new album. Check it out below. Directed by Donavan Glover.

[AUDIO] DJ Nu Mark – “OUR GENERATION “(Re-Edit) ft. Ernie Hines

Found this dope re-edit by Jurassic 5′s DJ Nu-Mark on egotripland.com. This Ernie Hines classic “Our Generation” is best identified in one of my favorite Pete Rock & CL Smooth tracks “Straighten It Out” off of Mecca & The Soul Brother. You can find this track on DJ Nu-Mark’s “Broken Sunlight Series 3”. The Broken Sunlight series will include a full album with instrumentals and a behind-the-scenes documentary style DVD of all the collaborations. DJ Nu-Mark plans to release two songs per month for 7 months on a series of limited edition 10-inch singles. Check out the track below.

Our Generation (Re-Edit) by DJ Nu-Mark

[AUDIO] Jesse Boykins III & MeLo-X – “BLACK ORPHEUS” (Prod. by Afta-1)

The incredibly talented JB3 (with the best hair ever!), teams up with producer/emcee MeLo-X to release a full-length collaboration album entitled Zulu Guru. “Black Orpheus” the first release off the project, produced by Afta-1, is a soulful, electronic, afro-futuristic track that includes some mellow West Indian vibes. This project will definitely be a dope infusion of modern-day hip-hop and soul and I’m definitely looking forward to this album to be released on October 15th, 2012 via Ninja Tune.