Karriem's Beats Makin' Me Fiendish

The title of this post is taken from a rhyme from the track "Quills" by The Roots, which appeared on their 2002 album Phrenology.  It was the first time I'd ever heard the name of Detroit jazz drummer and producer Karriem Riggins.

I knew he was popular within hip hop production circles, but I never really knew much about him.

But I was recently tipped off on this latest record he has released entitled Alone Together, and I gotta say I'm feelin' it immensely!

This album lives right at the cross-section of hip hop and jazz music, and will bring delight to fans of instrumentals and beats.  The first comparison I drew was to J Dilla's Donuts album.

What I like about this record is the fact that with 34 tracks in total, you'll always discover a new track that you dig, so it always sounds fresh.  This is what you've come to expect from a Stones Throw release.

A super-dope record indeed.

-Turnbull

Dig On Jay-Z's Unplugged Album

P&B brings you the "Dig On" Classic Album Series.  We'll delve into our vaults to discuss the records that have profoundly impacted our musical tastes.  The albums we present are considered essential to anyone's record collection. In the end, you can't understand the present (or future) until you "Dig On" the past

image via geminihiphop.com

Hip Hop Kingpin Becomes Affable Showman for this Intimate, Stripped-Down Performance

"Welcome to Jay-Z's Poetry Reading!"

These are the first words uttered by Mr. Shawn Carter as he takes the stage for what will turn out to be an exclusive, intimate performance.

Jay-Z: Unplugged, released on December 18th, 2001, is the record that changed my attitude towards the hip hop superstar.

Justin Vernon Jams Out With The Legendary Roots Crew On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

(photo via thesteamengine.net)

In this week's edition of "Why the hell haven't I seen Bon Iver live yet?!", Justin Vernon drops by the Jimmy Fallon show to jam out with the Roots. I mentioned last week that I loved his performance on SNL, and that I really wanted to see Vernon and Co. play "Perth" instead of "Beth/Rest". Well, I got my wish a week later and it was without a doubt worth the wait.

Do yourself a favor and check out the amazing collabo (take note Grammy Awards) that didn't make the broadcast after the jump.

Paqman's Top 5 J Dilla Produced Cuts

(Photo via listenrecovery.wordpress.com)

It's been said many times, but needs to be said again. J Dilla's influence on hip hop was massive. Up until he passed away, Dilla was pumping out memorable production on some amazing tracks. So, in his honour here are my top 5 fave Jay Dee produced songs without any commentary, because these songs stand on their own and don't need my 2 cents:

Friday Flashback - Things Come Together In Movement Edition

The Roots - "The Next Movement"

P&B present this classic jam from The Fifth Dynasty in honor of their freshly released (and rad) album Undun. This cut comes from the LP that arguably put The Roots on the map. For any of you that don't own Things Fall Apart, you need to a) run to the your favorite record store now and b) eventually forgive yourself for not getting on this amazing album sooner.

The song features scratching from the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff and the video shows that The Roots are immune to gravity. 

This track is best consumed at a high volume level. 

-Paqman

The Roots "Undun" - 12/06/11

image via mixtapewall.com

Philadelphia's Legendary Roots Crew are set to unleash their 13th studio LP entitled Undun.

The rec will drop on December 6th via Def Jam Records.

From what I've read, the conceptual tone of the album is said to be "pitch-dark," and that the ease of its writing and recording process comes as a result of the band's renewed focus.

Call me biased, but The Roots are incapable of making an inferior album.

This record will slam.  Period.

-Turnbull

Friday Flashback - Smooth Good Friday Edition

The Roots "What They Do"


Your "How To" guide for making the perfect Hip Hop video.  Taken from their 1996 classic album Illadelph Halflife.


Happy Good Friday too all.


-Turnbull