Doomtree – False Hopes (2007)

Artist: Doomtree
Album: False Hopes
Year: 2007
Label: Doomtree Records
Order Online: Doomtree.net
Download: Here

“For those uninitiated, the 11 person collective is made up of RSE’s P.O.S., Dessa, Cecil Otter, Sims, Mike Mictlan on the vocal front and Lazerbeak, Paper Tiger, Turbo Nemesis, MK Larada, Tom Servo and Emily Bloodmobile on the boards, decks, etc. With so many hands in the pot, everyone has to make the most out of their moment to shine, particular the emcees. As a result, there is so much disenchantment and anger packed into each verse that it would be hard-pressed for the listener not to feel deftly energized (or decidedly claustrophobic and overwhelmed) after hearing just one song from the group. Tracks like “Knives On Fire“, Dessa’s solo cut “Veteran“ and “No Homeowners (Renter’s Rebate)“ exemplify the fervent eloquence of disappointment and “anguished apathy” funneled through the group’s heady vocal appreciation of Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony, Freestyle Fellowship and Blackalicious. Even a mellow track like “A Hundred Fathers“ manages to press the listener’s ears with the rapper’s inebriated lyrical expression and vivid descriptions of haunted towns and imaginary monsters. In other words, some Hip Hop fans will bite and others will find this eclectic approach towards rapping a detriment to Doomtree’s music.”

Definitely in the top five best albums released last year. I highly suggest you pick this one up and give it a listen.

Aesop Rock – All Day: Nike + Original Run (2007)

 

Artist: Aesop Rock
Album: All Day: Nike + Original Run
Year: 2007
Label: Nike
Other: iTunes only release.
Download: Here

If you’re getting sick of taking your daily jog to the Crystal Method, it’s time to move on to the new Nike mix from Aesop Rock. ($10) is a kick-ass 45-minute continuous mix created by the MC/Producer for runners wanting a little audible boost during their routine. “I wanted to create something that evolved enough that the sound was constantly fresh and attractive,” he said, “as if the runner were moving through a set of differing cities or landscapes.”

Aesop Rock – None Shall Pass (Lmt. Ed) 7″ (w/ Unreleased Track)

Artist: Aesop Rock
Album: None Shall Pass Limited 7″
Year: 2007
Label: Definitive Jux
Myspace: Here
Download: 7 Inch

This is a limited edition 7 inch Aesop released this year. It is a single for the title track of his new album “None Shall Pass”. This B side of this 7 inch includes an unreleased track called “Puff Tuff” which you can find to stream on his myspace page, but I bring it to you here. A must have if you were a fan of the album.

Blue Scholars – Bayani + Bayani Instrumentals (2007)

Artist: Blue Scholars
Album: Bayani
Year: 2007
Label: Massline Media/Rawkus Records
Myspace: Here
Download: Album | Instrumentals

“Bayani, the third release from arguably Seattle’s biggest hip-hop duo is easily one of the most poignant, important, and best albums ever to come from the Northwest. I realize that I’m placing an immense weight on the Blue Scholars by making this statement, but after listening to this album, I gladly invite you to disagree with me.” – Three Imaginary Girls

(Read Entire Review)

Brother Ali & BK-One – Present Off The Record (2007)

 

Artist: Brother Ali & BK-One
Album: Present Off The Record
Year: 2007
Label: Rhymesayers
Myspace: Here
Download: Here

This is a mixtape released off of Rhymesayers Entertainment that came with pre-orders of Brother Ali’s Undisputed Truth. A handful of exclusive tracks definitely worth checking out if you liked The Undisputed Truth. Check below for Production credit etc.

“Original King” is from the Scribble Jam 06 Compilation, “Life Sentence” is from The Molemen’s album “Killing Fields.” “The Magnificent” is from the forthcoming album by CP, “Pitch Black Noon” is from The Ninth Circle, “Doin’ The Do” is from Nucular by Ursus Minor, “Fire In The Eye” is from A League Of Our Own Vol. 2 “Raise Up The Levels” is from All Over by CMA, “Doomage” is from Sticky Business by Sage Francis, and “One For The” is from Pidgeon John and the Summertime Pool Party. The rest of the tracks are exclusives.

Grieves – Irreversable (2007)

Artist: Grieves
Album: Irreversable
Year: 2007
Label: Black Clover
Myspace: Here
Download: Here

“Irreversible is a well-crafted and produced album that was obviously made by an artist who wants to have and keep a career within the hip-hop community. Grieves demands respect for the degree to which he pulls off highly introspective lyrics with so much raw emotion. He also makes music that is refreshingly original, fun to listen to and very melodic.”

Check this one out, it’s all I have been listening to lately and it sure as hell is worth every listen. Only two tracks on here that I skip, and I think they are attempts at humour that you only understand if you are from Seattle, but that aside this is one great disc. For fans of Atmosphere and the like.