Mimetizm - Mad Props - 2025

 

Parisian beatmaker Mimetizm delivers a powerful homage to the golden era of East Coast rap with his latest project entitled "Mad Props". This remix album is a time capsule that breathes new life into some of the most iconic voices of 90s hip-hop, drawing from an impeccable selection of East Coast legends : Mobb Deep, Showbiz & A.G., Jeru the Damaja, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Da Youngsta's, Smif-N-Wessun, Artifacts, and Nas... just to name a few. 

"Mad Props" is exactly what its title suggests, a salute, a nod, a heartfelt acknowledgment of those who paved the way, all delivered through the lens of a skilled and deeply passionate producer. Enjoy ! 

Keith Nut's Tribute

I'd like to pay tribute to the legendary emcee Keith Arthur Joynes, better known under the name Keith Nut (a.k.a Kieth Kieth, a.k.a Keef Nutt) from Forest Houses, South Bronx. I've been looking for him for years for an interview but I've recently learned that he passed away last year after battling with cancer. 

If the name of Keith Nut doesn't speak to you, you need to know that he was an original member of the Terror Squad with Fat Joe. They were raised in the same building, 1000 Trinity in Forest Houses.

To make a recap about his musical career, Keith Nut made his first appearance in 1993 alongside Fat Joe on the track "Another Wild N**r from the Bronx", under the name Kieth Kieth. The track was part of Fat Joe's debut album "Represent" released on Relativity Records.

He later featured again with Fat Joe on a few freestyles broadcast on the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show on WKCR in 1994-1995 or on a few mixtapes. By the way his demo played by Bobbito in 1995 is a little gem ! He also features on Fat Joe's second album "Jealous One's Envy" released in 1995 and on the album dropped by the Terror Squad in 1999.

In the late 90s, Fat Joe and Keith Nut went separate ways. Keith Nut just stopped spitting and disappeared from the NYC hip-hop scene. He didn't record any songs after that. He dedicated himself to his family life and his various jobs, either at Yankee Stadium or at the hospital... Rest In Peace !

Karbine - Street Politics - 2025

The young NYC-based beatmaker KARBINE returns with "Street Politics", a gritty 13-track project that proves his deep-rooted mastery of the 90s boom-bap aesthetic. With dusty drums, chopped-up samples, and hard-hitting loops, KARBINE delivers a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh, authentic to the golden era.

The album features Ace SL, Rome Streetz, Hahyeem, Plaza718, Mellow NYC, Rigz, M.A.V., Al-Doe and Fastlife. Each MC brings their own flavor, but it's KARBINE's cohesive production that ties it all together, creating a raw cinematic atmosphere throughout the album.

Whether you're a longtime fan of classic East Coast hip-hop or just discovering the new wave of underground talent, "Street Politics" is a compelling listen. It's a reminder that the art of true beatmaking is alive and well, and KARBINE is one of the names keeping that flame burning in New York City. Respect is due ! 

Krumb Snatcha - Snatcha Season Pt. 1 - 2025

 

2xLP + 7" - 2025 - 90's Tapes / HHV 

" Originally released in 1998, Krumb Snatcha's debut "Snatcha Season Pt. 1" finally gets the full reissue treatment including the all tracks from the original CD release plus the original version of "Gangsta Disease" as well as the remix version of "Romeo & Juliet". The album contains timeless productions by the likes of DJ Premier, Ski, Dialek and Curt Cazal to name a few. " - courtesy of 90's Tapes

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7" (in gatefold sleeve incl. bonus 7" ("Closer To God" b/w "Instrumental") - 300 copies), CD in jewel case (300 copies) & Cassette (100 copies). 

Order 

Hahyeem & Karbine - Far From Home 2 - 2025

LP - 2025 - Chopped Herring Records 

" Dropped this on limited CD last year but took a minute to get round to the vinyl version, but here it is. Crazy Finesse-esque production from NY producer Karbine with some of the dopest rhymes to date from BX MC Hahyeem. " - courtesy of Chopped Herring Records

Available on Purple Vinyl (125 copies) & Black vinyl (225 copies)

Order  

Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Show - April 14th 1994 - WKCR

Here is a Re-Up of the Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito Show from April 14, 1994. The guests that night were Mad Skillz, Q-Tip, Co-Defendants & Ron G. 

Black Moon – Reality (Killing Every...)

Snoop Dogg – For All My Niggaz & Bitches ft. Kurupt, Dat Nigga Daz & Lady of Rage

Artifacts – Flexi Wit’ Da Tech

Ill Al Skratch – Where My Homiez? (Come Around My Way)

Mary J. Blige – What's the 411? Remix ft. The Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G. – Dreams

Down South – Sitting Here

Casual – Rock On ft. Pep Love

Kurious – Leave Ya With This

N-Tyce – Hush Hush Tip ft. Method Man

The Beatnuts – Yeah You Get Props

Lady of Rage – Afro Puffs

Souls of Mischief – Never No More (76 Seville Mix)

The 45 King – Lost Break Beat

NaS – It Ain't Hard To Tell Remix

The 45 King – Lost Break Beat

Talk Break

Mad Skillz & Q-Tip – ’94 Stretch & Bobbito Freestyle

Talk Break

Artifacts – Flexi Wit’ Da Tech Instrumental

Artifacts – Wrong Side of the Tracks Instrumental

Artifacts – Wrong Side of the Tracks

Ed O.G & Da Bulldogs – As Long As You Know ft. Scientifik

Gang Starr – Mostly Tha Voice

Mr. Voodoo – Come Off Hard

Co-Defendants – Get Cha Weight Up

Casual – That's How It Is (Disseshowedo Mix Instrumental)

Snoop Dogg – Murder Was The Case ft. Dat Nigga Daz

Smif-N-Wessun – Bucktown

Quo – Huh What? Instrumental

Talk Break

Co-Defendants & Ron G – ’94 Stretch & Bobbito Freestyle

The 45 King – Lost Break Beat

Talk Break

Lords of the Underground – Flow On (Pete Rock Remix) ft. Sah-B

The Beatnuts – Props Over Here

Freddie Foxxx – So Tough (Sid's Mellow Mix)

Headhunters – Watermelon Man (Original Break)

Joe Farrell – Upon This Rock (Original Break)

The Fatback Band – Mr. Bass Man (Original Break)

The Fatback Band – Gotta Learn How to Dance(Original Break)

James Brown – Blues and Pants (Original Break)

Ernie Hines – Our Generation (Original Break)

A Tribe Called Quest – Steve Biko (Stir It Up)

Smif-N-Wessun – Let's Git It On

The UMCs – Some Speak Ill Thoughts

Masta Ace Incorporated – The B-Side

Yaggfu Front – Left Field

Gang Starr – Comin' for Datazz

Kurious – Uptown Hit Remix

Casual – Me-O-Mi-O

NaS – Memory Lane (Sittin' in Da Park)

Kurious – Mansion & a Yacht (Merchantz Mix) ft. Sadat X & Mike G

Dredknotz – Causin’ a Menace

Mr. Eon – ’94 Stretch & Bobbito Promo

Jeru the Damaja – D. Original

Fat Joe – The Shit is Real (DJ Premier Remix)

De La Soul – In the Woods ft. Shortie No Mass

Intelligent Hoodlum – Street Life (Return of the Life Mix Instrumental)

Talk Break with Hungry Jack

Artifacts – Wassup Now Muthafucka

Grand Daddy I.U. – Represent

King Just – Warrior's Drum

KMD – What a Niggy Know?

Black Moon – I Got Cha Opin Remix

A Tribe Called Quest – Keep It Rollin' ft. Large Professor

Hard 2 Obtain – Ism & Blues

Page the Hand Grenade & DJ Homicide – ’94 Stretch & Bobbito Promo

Talk Break

Check the Stretch&Bobbito Archives for more shows !

Nozs - By Any Means - 2025

 

LP - 2025 

“By Any Means” is a gritty, no-frills boom bap odyssey that captures the raw essence of golden era hip-hop while carving a lane firmly rooted in the present. Powered by dusty drums, chopped soul loops, and hypnotic jazz samples sourced by Nozs, the album weaves together verses from an elite lineup of underground icons and lyrical technicians. 

Brooklyn's own Thirstin Howl The 3rd brings his signature wit, bilingual flex, and rugged charisma, setting the tone with streetwise real life storytelling and unorthodox punchlines. The Album kicks off with Son Doobie, the Funkdoobiest legend, he delivers wildstyle bars and left-field bravado that crash through the speakers like a cipher in full swing. Canada's prolific Moka Only offers introspective gems with buttery flow, while Massachusetts rhyme vets Termanology & Ea$y Money spit razor-sharp verses soaked in East Coast tradition and hard-earned wisdom. 

Rounding out the lineup is Flex Mathews, repping Washington, DC with verbal dexterity and grounded authenticity—his presence bridges coasts and styles, proving that mic skills transcend geography. 

“By Any Means” isn't chasing trends—it’s "Preserving The Culture". For heads who still nod to SP-1200 textures and rewind bars to catch every nuance, this record is a celebration of hip-hop’s core pillars: beats, rhymes, and respect

A1 - Laurens Orphans feat. Son Doobie

A2 - 2 AM Flight Instrumental

A3 - Preserve the Culture feat. Ea$y Money

A4 - Sals Basement #2

A5 - Forward feat. Moka Only 

B1 - Jazz Instrumental

B2 - She Cool Cool feat. Flex Mathews

B3 - Keep Pushin Instrumental

B4 - Real Experience feat. Ea$y Money & Termanology

B5 - Organized Wise feat. Thirstin Howl The 3rd

Listen to the full snippets and order your copy HERE !

Half A Mill - Any Day Can Be Ya Last / Another Homicide Scene - 1995

 

12" - 1995 - Half A Mill Productions 

Here is the debut single dropped by Half-A-Mill (RIP) from Albany Housing Projects, Brooklyn NY. To be honest I'm not a big fan of what Half A Mill released after that but I'd say that this single is something to own in your record collection, it's certainly his best record ever. It came out in 1995 on Half A Mill Productions and contains 2 tracks entitled "Any Day Can Be Your Last" and "Another Homicide Scene", both tracks produced by himself. The A-side contains the vocal versions and the B-side contains the instrumental versions.

For those who are interested in listening to more tracks from that era, a few other demos recorded by Half A Mill the same year and produced by DJ Scratch are floating around on youtube. Here is the best one uploaded by my man Verge. It features Dominator from the original Young Guns crew from Brooklyn. 

Video : John Robinson & Budamunk – Hot Ramen - 2025

"Hot Ramen" is the first single from the upcoming collaborative album of the same name, delivered by Beatmaker/Producer Budamunk from Tokyo, Japan and Scienz Of Life 's John Robinson. The album is available on super limited edition vinyl via Vinyl Digital (only 100 copies, each with a special OBI strip). Check the video !

Crooked Ozone - I Declare War - 1994

 

12" - 1994 - Crooked Ozone Records  

Crooked Ozone was a group from Southside Jamaica Queens, consisted of 7 OD and the Voodoo Priest (RIP), together they formed a duo called Doom Of Darkness along with Chris Lo, and L OD who were a duo called Mass Hysteria, and two other cats from their neighborhood named Smoke Screen and D Lo Peasant Career. 

Photos courtesy of 7 OD

Their first and only single "Insane / I Declare War" was released on vinyl and cassette in 1994 on the small indie label Crooked Ozone Records. All the productions were handled by Tony T, who was also known at that time for his productions for the famous Brooklyn Zoo crew.

- 7 OD, How did everything first start for the group ?

7 OD : " Crooked Ozone was formed from a song we made where I called my neighborhood CROOKED LETTER (S) OZONE base off South Ozone Park, NY where I was born and raised. 

So since we all represented from the same hood we said we should bring it together under one umbrella individually and collectively and represent as one though we all had different lanes and didn’t sound the same we had a crooked way of thinking so to speak can never get things straight (laugh)

We all went to the same junior high school and high school and hung around each other on the block everyone brought something to the table at the time. I was on two records at the time and was trying to break in the industry, me and the Voodoo Priest did a song in Harlem one night at a producer's home that my god sister connected us with, and the very next day we met up on Sutter ave on the corner of 135 PL in Queens in the back streets of Rockaway blvd, my man Chris Lo heard the song and said Yo! L that part in the hook where you say crooked letter ozone repetitively we should come together and call our selves CROOKED OZONE being that we all was from Southside Queens, South Ozone wasn’t being talked about as much we didn’t see the vision until we saw that that’s the lane we were going to go with and when we were together we were a force to be reckoned with with this rap shit. "

- The productions were managed by Tony T. Could you give me more info about him ?

7 OD : " Tony T was the producer, he hailed from Coney Island and produced on a record for Mack Da Maniak who was signed to Select Records that featured myself, Rog-A-Rab of The Brooklyn Zoo, Mr Cheeks and Freaky Tah of The Lost Boyz who is also from my neighborhood as well as Onyx. "

7 OD : " We are still friends to this day, Tony T had a studio in Coney Island we would all go to and record, he djs now in club New York in Las Vegas. But it was L OD who set up the single with Tony T to do a A side & B side that we would press up ourselves and distribute ourselves with a 1000 vinyl and 500 cassettes at first. "

- Why is there no more single dropped by the group after the 12inch in 1994 ? Does an unreleased album exist ?

7 OD : " So unfortunately we lost a brother out the group the Voodoo Priest who took his life due to suicide and it took a toll on everybody... we all did music individually but couldn’t quite come together. In 2017 we put out another song in commemoration of our falling brother and was once again going the independent route but life and other situations for seen the project. I will send you the last record we did but for the most part we still have hopes of dropping again. "

The 12" remains hard to find in a record store. I think I've never seen a copy for sale from my own eyes. So Discogs will be your last chance in my opinion if you really need it in your record collection. 

New Joint : Half As Nice feat Recognize Ali - 2025

 

"Half As Nice" is the name of the new joint delivered by the Boston-based producer B Leafs featuring Recognize Ali & DJ Grazzhoppa. 

Grown Man Rap Show - Episode #406 - Celebrating 1990

Hosted by veteran DJ Toast and broadcast live every Sunday night at 10pm (ET) from 91.5 WRPI (Troy/Albany NY), Toast brings you the best in vintage & contemporary true school Hip Hop. This is Episode #406 celebration of the year 1990.

 

Kool G Rap& DJ Polo f. Biz Markie & Big Daddy Kane “Erase Racism”

A Tribe Called Quest “Bonita Applebum (Hootie Mix)”

Master Ace “Me and the Biz”

King Tee f. Ice Cube & MC Breeze “Played Like a Piano”

Poor Righteous Teachers “Shakiyla”

The Bizzie Boyz “Droppin’ It”

Ice Cube “Who’s the Mack”

Kool G Rap & DJ Polo “Streets of New York”

K-Solo “Fugitive”

Freshco & Miz “Ain’t U Freshco?”

EPMD f. Redman “Hardcore”

Brand Nubian “Wake Up (Reprise in the Sunshine)”

JVC Force “Force Field”

A Tribe Called Quest “Ham ‘N’ Eggs” 

Eric B. & Rakim “In the Ghetto”

Boogie Down Productions “Love’s Gonna Getcha”

Grand Daddy IU “Something New”

Intelligent Hoodlum f. Craig G. “Live & Direct from the House of Hits”

Brand Nubian “Slow Down”

Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth “Funky Technician”

LL Cool J “Boomin’ System”

Poor Righteous Teachers “Rock Dis Funky Joint”

X-Clan “Grand Verbalizer, What Time Is It?”

3rd Bass “Product of the Environment (Project Remix)”

A Tribe Called Quest “I Left My Wallet in El Segundo”

Big Daddy Kane “Down the Line”

King Sun “Be Black”

EPMD f. Redman “Brothers on My Jock”

Master Ace “Music Man”

YZ “Thinking of a Master Plan”

A Tribe Called Quest “Can I Kick It?”

Above the Law “Murder Rap”

Jaz f. Jay-Z “Originators”

West Coast All-Stars “We’re All in the Same Gang”

D-Nice “Crumbs on the Table (Otis Mix)”

Gang Starr “Just to Get a Rep”

Brand Nubian “All for One”

LL Cool J “Mama Said Knock You Out”

Main Source “Looking Out the Front Door”

Public Enemy “Brothers Gonna Work It Out”

Special Ed “Ready 2 Attack”

Eric B. & Rakim “Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em”