Monday, June 8, 2026

90 Proof - The Windy City Theory - 2026


2xLP - 2026 - 90's Tapes / HHV 


Recorded between 1998 and 1999 and originally self-released in very limited numbers on CD only, "The Windy City Theory" finally gets its first official release accompanied by two bonus tracks. Here's an excerpt of the description from back then: "The Windy City Theory" is the first official endeavor by Chicago's finest, 90 Proof. 90 Proof brings an array of styles to the table of hip-hop for those that hunger for the real and have a taste for originality. The fact that this crew cannot be classified under any one category allows them to reach every type of listener, with a very unique vocal presence that is evident in their music. The theme of this first project is simply life in the harsh streets of Chicago. Using melodic tracks and cutting edge lyrics, the six MC's paint a vivid and realistic picture in the minds of their listeners. Don't be mistaken though, these are far from your everyday gun-toting street hustlers turned rappers that you are so accustomed to hearing at the top of today's charts. 90 Proof is a totally self-contained unit with a number of in house producers, artists and writers with styles ranging from urban soul to hip-hop ... "As the world rotates, we create." - courtesy of 90's Tapes 






Available in a limited run on 2LP (350 copies), CD in jewel case (300 copies) & MC (100 copies).
 

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Erule - Forever Living - 1996




Big thanks to 12manrambo for sharing this exclusive archive from his vault featuring LA-based emcee Erule. Originally aired on The Joint in 1996, the show was broadcast on KKBT 92.3 FM The Beat (Los Angeles) and hosted by Mike Nardone & King Emz. 

The recording includes an interview, a freestyle and a spin of the track "Forever Living", which wasn't intended to be Erule's official single from his forthcoming album, but rather a DJ-exclusive sneak preview. Only a few vinyl copies were pressed on a white label. 





In the interview, he explains his relationship with Pallas Records and why he and King Born decided to launch their own record label, Relentless Recordings. Enjoy!




RUN DMC in The Gavin Report - 1991

 

From The Gavin Report - Issue #1840 - January 25, 1991


Saturday, June 6, 2026

Demo : Special Ed - We Rule (Unreleased Demo Version)

 



This kind of demo, recently posted on YouTube, proves that Special Ed recorded some really interesting demo versions in the early '90s that still remain unreleased. I don't know if it was produced by Akshun, but to be honest, I prefer this version to the one that was released on the album in 1995. Big thanks to K. for the upload. Peace







Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Video : Shabaam Sahdeeq feat. General Steele - Top Tier - 2026


 



Brooklyn-based emcee Shabaam Sahdeeq and Producer Es-K deliver the visuals for "Top Tier" featuring General Steele of Smif-N-Wessun, which was originally released in January.




This is the second single taken from their collaborative album "Outside The Lines", available now Digitally. 




Buttas & Fro Organix - Double Dutch : The Album - 2026

 



You may remember Buttas, the Richmond,VA-based female emcee whose excellent '98 release, "Diamonds and the Gold", I previously reviewed on the blog, and who was kind enough to take part in an interview. She returns today with a brand new project titled "Double Dutch", with Fro Organix once again handling production duties on all tracks.







Tuesday, June 2, 2026

New Joint : Manage ft Menace Mendoza & Fidel Cutstro - Creation




"Creation" is the brand new single released by London, UK-based rapper/producer Manage, featuring guest appearances from Menace Mendoza and Fidel Cutstro.