On my box I had Paul C productions / Or was it Prince Paul bomb squad function… I know Rap my man, I mean Hip Hop

What’s good readership, hope everyone had a great Christmas, now it’s time to get ready for New Year’s. I’m not going to bore you w/ any of those end of year lists tho, so don’t worry. I figure with half the bloggerverse doing their “Best of the Decade” & “Best of 2009″ lists… who really wants to read all of that? In the words of Mr. Ed Lover, “C’mon Son”. You know what it is you listened to and liked this past year, and I’m sure just like everyone else you have your own personal favorites. There were quite a few good records, and I can honestly say 2009 was a good year for music. However, lets stay in the present and focus on the future. Check out the “Best of The Week”.

OkiZoo Presents: The Boomin’ System

1. MF DOOM – Air (Astronote Remix)
The beat is sicker than the blood in your stool (c) MF Doom. Some of you may remember the original version to this track from MF DOOM & Dabrye. However Astronote recently released a remix project entitled, The Remixes Volume: One. This beat really compliments DOOM’s style of rap, and I believe this new version is better than the original. From the spacey theme to when the beat drops, Astronote takes you on a journey. Check it out for yourself, enjoy the ride.

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2. Thurzday of U-N-I – Not Quite A Christmas Story
Thurzday, a member of the crew that brought you A Love Supreme ventures out on his own w/ this solo effort. This track is reminiscent of Slick Rick in its vivid storytelling, which makes you laugh and actually visualize the tale unfolding. U-N-I is also anticipating the release of their latest project, A Love Supreme 2.0, although I’m looking forward to checking out the remix project. I don’t like the idea of remixing an entire album, why not just pump out some new work? We’ll see what the future holds for U-N-I, in the meantime enjoy this song from Thurz.

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3. Reflection Eternal w/ Jay Electronica, J. Cole & Mos Def
Finally the CDQ for this phenomenal track from one of my favorite groups, Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) is out. I’m glad to see Kweli back working on some good music. No diss to his work w/ Idol Warship, but I’m a fan of this version of Talib. Jay Elec comes thorough as usual and is on his way to best new artist of the year in my book. I slept on J. Cole but I have to say his verse matched w/ these emcees was adequate. He didn’t ruin the track, but didn’t impress me either. Mighty Mos Def ends the track off nicely, it’s been a great year for Black Dante. Hopefully we’ll see a new Black Star album soon.

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4. Zo! & Asylum 7 Feat. Asheru – Gotta Live
Zo, who you might remember from his work w/ Phonte of Little Brother has constantly been releasing some good music. He teams up w/ Asylum 7 and the one of my favorite emcees Asheru. For those of you familiar w/ The Boondocks, you know Asheru is the emcee on the opening scene of that show. This song really delivers a strong message and has a positive theme.

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5. Black Milk – Keep Going
Black is back and better than ever, or so he claims. This is the first promo leak for his upcoming album entitled, Album of The Year. Quite a bold statement naming your record that, but Black Milk claims that it holds a different reference from the one suggested. Basically the record talks about the road that he’s taken in the last year, the good, the bad & the ugly. I can’t wait to buy this album, Black Milk always provides excellent beats, the challenge will be to see if his lyricism is on the same level, judge for yourself.

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6. Burn Rubber x Acapulco – Detroit Riots (Prod by Black Milk)
Burn Rubber and Acapulco Gold teamed up for the Detroit Riots project. Check out their website Detroit Riots for more information and enjoy this posse cut featuring Fat Ray, Ro Spit, T3, Phatboy Chef, Marv Won, One Be Lo, Buff 1 & Fatt Father. To top it off this joint was produced by none other than Black Milk… enjoy!

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7. Carlitta Durand – Official
This song from the lovely Carlitta Durand’s Christmas present to us all entitled, The Doug & Pattie EP is produced by Vaughn Garcia of M1 Platoon. This is one of the best tracks on a pretty good concept album from the duo. Some might not be familiar with the name but if you’re a fan of the Justus League, Little Brother, Skyzoo and Tanya Morgan, it’s safe to say you know the voice

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8. Dave Notti – Destroy
I featured Dave Notti in the last Let Me Put You On! post, here he is again w/ a snippet of an earth shattering track from DJ K.O.’s latest release Living Out A State of Mind Pt. 2 set for a digital release. The title of the track definitely suits the sound of the song, and Notti is relentless rhyming over the beat. Most of you may know Dave Notti for his production but be on the lookout for his next project that will feature more of his rapping.

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9. Dwele – Eve (I Need You)
While outside everything is covered in snow, I thought it’d be nice to shine some light on a warm soulful joint. I’m positive that Dwele needs no introduction, nor does the track he covered here: Dilla’s classic remix of Spacek’s “Eve”. Dwele singing over Dilla’s production, you can’t go wrong w/ that. Little is known about what project this song will be on, it may just be one of the many Dwele tracks that have never officially been released. So just sit back with some hot tea and enjoy!

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10. DJ Center Feat Oddisee – Leave the City Outside (Prod by Oddisee)
This will be the first single off DJ Center ’s upcoming album, “Everything In Time” , dropping February 9th. The track features Diamond District’s own Oddisee . Gotta love the horns that Oddisee uses in the track, and I thought this was most appropriate w/ the weather most people are dealing with this winter season. It’s cold out there and the block be hot, leave the city outside and unwind to this soothing track.

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Everyone have a safe and happy New Year, and as always thanks for supporting OkiZoo. Feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you think of the songs above, Happy Holidays.

NIXONS

EL3G

*sidenote from Dunn-D*

For all the people that come to our blog and for all other blogs out there, WE ARE NOT, I REPEAT, NOT a “new” music blog. We are a “good” music and an overall lifestyle blog. These are all songs that are in rotation within OkiZoo that WE like. It could be new, it could be a couple years old. We are not them, we do what we want. Nobody sponsors us. We do take new music submissions, but we don’t have those obligations other blogs that are in the “industry” have. So please don’t tell us that some other blog beat us to a song. We are not running that race.

Laterzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (17 Z’s like DJ Alf)

Return of the “Boom Bap” means just that… It means return of the real hard beats & real rap

Once again it’s ON! What’s good readership, thanks for joining OkiZoo again for another installment of The Boomin’ System. As always we have a fresh lineup of 10 songs to start your week off right. Before we get into it I want say thanks to Dunn-D for holding it down last week, and now w/out any further delay

OkiZoo Presents: The Boomin’ System

1. Kam Moye Feat. Phonte & Ayah – Hello Karma
Oh you can beg and plead, but Karma is always coming back for you. Kam Moye (a.k.a. Supastition) tells a morality tale w/ this track from his recently released Splitting Image LP. Go pick that up if you haven’t already it’s a terrific album. Singer Ayah adds a soothing touch on the hook, and Phonte as always comes correct w/ his verse and comical musings towards the end of the track. Karma is a muthafucka, lol

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2. Marv Won Feat. Bilal – Need To Know
There must be something in Detroit’s water system, because the music scene there is phenomenal. From Motown to Dilla, the D holds it down. Marv Won doesn’t disappoint w/ his gritty flow & word play, and Bilal adds his trademark vocal stylings making this song infectious. I won’t hold it against you if you want to put this one on repeat. Be sure to check out the brand new Marv Won album presented by DJ House Shoes, it’s called “Way of The Won” and has got a couple of killer tracks on it.

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3. Strong Arm Steady Feat. Phonte – Best of Times (Prod. by Madlib)
We all pray for the best of times, and this track delivers that sentiment perfectly. With Madlib on the beat this is an instant classic, but Strong Arm Steady holds it down lyrically. I must say that Phonte steals the show though. If I didn’t know any better I’d think this was a Phonte track. He delivers his trademark soulful sangin’ like only he can w/ the hook, and the witty realness in his verse tells me that the Phonte solo Hip Hop album we’ve all been waiting patiently for will be worth the wait.

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4. TiRon – Still Never Happy (Prod. by Madlib)
I first noticed TiRon on the feature to “Paper” by Pac Div. This Cali emcee has come a long way, you can see the potential he has as he rips up this Madlib produced track from his latest mixtape, Ketchup. Be on the lookout for TiRon’s next project Handshakes and Pounds 2 coming soon.

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5. The Roots – Baatin
This tribute to Baatin of Slum Village comes from The Roots latest release, “Sandwiches” from the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Show. Sandwiches are those jams you hear the band playing going into and coming out of commercial breaks. Since the show’s conception this past March up until today, The Roots crew have written 1,000 (that’s not a typo) of these fillers. ?uestlove the groups front man selected 22 to give away as a free download. So enjoy: The Roots – “Sandwiches”

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6. DumHi Feat. Reef The Lost Cauze – Paramount
South Philadelphia Producer Haj started making beats under the name DumHi in 2004, and trust me he still is, lol. I’ve known the homie Haj for quite some time and I must say he’s grown to become one of my favorite producers. He shines again on this track featuring Philly’s finest Reef The Lost Cauze, which is featured on FWMJ’s Back in the Game 2 Mixtape. Check out DumHi’s latest release Indian Summer at their website http://dumhi.com/

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7. Mos Def – 24 Hr Karate School
It’s good to see Mos Def back on the grind and focusing on music. It’s been quite a year for Black Dante, who picked up a Grammy nod for his album The Ecstatic. Mos collaborates w/ Ski Beatz this time around to make “24 Hour Karate School“, another gem coming out of the DD172 studios. The Mighty Mos is his usual charismatic self on this track, he definitely sticks to the theme adding sound effects and a zen like flow to a stellar track.

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8. AB – Kiss Yah (Prod. by Black Milk)
Finally some new soul music! Remember the Neo-Soul movement being huge in early 2000, what happened? Nowadays we sadly have to settle with an occasional album. Luckily I stumbled upon AB’s new record entitled “Student of My Dream” which is a breath of fresh air. On this song he really reminds me of D’Angelo, he shares that same mumble magic. AB’s new album, which is a FREE download contains production from Black Milk, 14KT, SlimKat78, and more. As well as appearances by Slum Village and Black Milk. Get this FREE download HERE!

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9. Flying Lotus – Tea Leaf Dancers (HayZee Remix)
Some of you may be familiar w/ the OG version of this song, however Red Bull’s 2009 Beat Battle Champion from Amsterdam took it upon himself to remix it. I must say he did an incredible job w/ adding the synths to this track. If you want to hear more from one of the Netherlands great talents, go ahead and download HayZee’s FREE Beat Tape HERE

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10. Dam Funk – Love Is Here 2nite (I Can Feel It)
From the album Toeachizown Vol. 3: Life, comes another groovy track from L.A.’s “Ambassador of Boogie Funk”. I featured Dam Funk a few weeks back in the third installation of the Let Me Put You On! posts. This man definitely lives up to his name as he produces another 70’s influenced, mellow yet funky vibe in this song. If you sleeping on Dam Funk, wake the funk up!

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I must say this is one of my favorite sets and we’re only at Vol. 5 just wait and see what we’ve got in store for you next week. Also be on the lookout for the Arcade Archives from DJ Tek Steez coming your way this Friday.

NIXONS

EL3G

Sometimes I sit and wonder WTF I’m rapping for / So many cats more talented and never had a chance at it… not to mention those tryna damage it.

What’s good readership, it’s been a a crazy weekend for your man EL3G I’m just glad that we made it thru and are able to present to you again, The Boomin’ System. I hope you all had a great holiday/weekend. Remember that every Monday we’ll be bringing you this post so that you have some good music to bump… My apologies to our International readers for posting this so late, I meant to do it this morning but I got busy at work. So w/out any further delay… LET’S GO!

OkiZoo Presents: The Boomin’ System

1. Ta-Ku & Theron Noble – Baby
Perth, Australia REPRESENT, REPRESENT! Ta-Ku a spectacular new force on the scene from Australia has teamed up w/ the OkiZoo’s own DJ Jam On (Theron Noble) to create a brand new beat tape that will be available… Tomorrow! It’s amazing that while DJ Jam On was overseas fighting in Iraq that they were able to put this record together. Head nod factor is at the max, and you’ll want to keep your hand on that repeat button.

2. Moka Only – The Robin & The Birchwood
I first heard this track riding w/ fellow Zoo member Nations. I had always slept on Moka Only, but once I really *listened* to the words of this song I was hooked. You will be too…

3. Vida Jafari – Movin
Amazing voice, soothing beat, and those drums… WOW those drums are immaculate. Fellas, play this when you trying to break up w/ your lady. * SIDENOTE* Straight from Vida’s mouth herself..”you know Movin’s a breakup joint right? Just sayin..in case a couple really does cuddle up to it, then it hurts someone’s feelings in the hook”…FLATLINE..LOL

4. Agari Crew – Born to Fly
Me I was born to fly, born to try… This is one of those songs that when you feel like the whole world is against, you’ll be able to get off yo’ ass and get back in the game. Motivation music at it’s best. Agari Crew have been down w/ OkiZoo for a while now, it’s only fitting that we give these dudes some shine. Great group right here.

5. Ghettosocks – Count Sockula Esquire
I know what you’re thinking already… Ghettosocks, did this guy really name himself Ghettosocks. Well yes he did, and yes he’s dope. I mean you think we would ever let ya’ll down when it comes to the real? I didn’t think so, lol. Sit back relax, and bob your head to this boom bap magic.

6. Curren$y – Life Under The Scope
YEAH! My weed lit, my glass chilled couldn’t be concerned less how a hater feel. As I’m sure you know by now I’m a fan of Curren$y. Listen to the lyrics and you will be too, he really just took me to a zone with this record when he said: Fullcourt… Media, press they just wanna see you fuck it all up. Enjoy!

7. Blu – Amnesia
This is from Blu’s latest release ‘Her Favorite Colo(u)r, and it’s glorious people. Just listen, I don’t even need to talk this one up…

8. Skahlah – A Different Side of The Real
Excellent track from Skahlah of the Life Penciled Crew from Japan. The LP are extended family of OkiZoo so if you feel us, then you’ll definitely feel this. This songs yells freedom, happiness, knowledge, love, and liberation. Free your mind from that bullshit your FM radio is playing, tune in to the real.

9. Finale – Life Lessons
One of Detroit’s finest, Finale holds it down w/ this song from his record ‘Finale & Spier 1200 – Develop’.
Finale Uses audible thoughts to get up on the charts, you have to respect that.

10. Fashawn Ft. Evidence – Our Way
From one of the BEST hip hop records of the year, produced entirely by Exile (of Blu & Exile fame) comes this track that end our Boomin’ System playlist. We chose this song for a couple of reasons, the unmatched dialect, the rawness, the beat, and the message. Everything that OkiZoo has done, has been done OUR WAY. Everthing/person has it’s own way… what’s yours?

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Hope you enjoy these tracks as much as we here at OkiZoo do. If you don’t, tell us why… but really tho If you don’t feel this, LOL –>

NIXONS

EL3G

You know it’s funky… cause you heard it from here see / A jam that you love that don’t get no airplay (c) LL Cool J

What’s good readership, hope everyone is having a great week. We at OkiZoo have been working nonstop to make the blog as dope as possible, even coming up w/ new blog segments. Every Monday we’re going to bring you The Boomin’ System a blog post dedicated to making sure you have some dope jams to bump in your iPod, Zune, Car, Stereo, Walkman, or whatever system you use lol. If you like what you see/hear then please leave us a comment and let us know that we’re on the right track.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I want to start off w/ giving some thanks to the readers of the blog for all of their support in spreading the word. We really appreciate the love you all have been sending our way, and now w/out any further delay…

OkiZoo Presents: The Boomin’ System

1. Buff 1 – The Shift (prod by 14KT)
The future is now, and Athletic Mic League members Buff1 & 14KT are leading the way. I featured 14KT on the blog before, I told ya’ll this dude was serious w/ the production. He continues to bring the heat as Buff1 goes bananas on the beat. Epic!

2. Royce Da 5′9″ – Something 2 Ride 2 (Feat. Phonte)
This is a little something to ride to, kick back and just catch a vibe to. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock somewhere you should know that Street Hop is in stores now, and this is one of its standout tracks. No, Phonte isn’t rapping on this one. He is bringing you that trademark soulful sanging tho.

3. Slum Village – Dope Man
RIP J Dilla, RIP Baatin 2 of the illest. Slum Village is back on the scene, this is a promo leak for their brand new Album Villa Manifesto. For those of you that didn’t know Fantastic Vol 2 is being re-released in 2010 w/ several unreleased tracks & the original production how J Dilla wanted it to be. Check out
The Find Magazine for more info

4. A.R.M. – Heaven Only Knows (Feat. Brother Ali)
Heaven only knows the pain in my eyes. Rain and the snow, the stress, and hard times. Heaven Only Knows I Hustle For My Shine! A.R.M. stands for ‘African Rebel Movement’ and is comprised of Ghanaian emcees M.anifest & Krukid, as well as Seattle-born, Brooklyn-based producer Budo. This is my favorite track right now, it’s uplifting, soulful, honest, and just a dope ass track from some real Hip Hop heads. Enjoy!

5. Kenichiro Nishihara – Consider My Love (Feat. Pismo)
Some fresh Japanese Hip Hop from Kenichiro Nishihara. This song is featured on his album Humming Jazz, and I most definitely recommend you all check this cat out. As is common w/ Japanese Hip Hop the beat has a soulful, jazzy melody to it. Pismo is excellent behind the mic w/ his raw flow and clear delivery. I guarantee that you’ll be intoxicated by this song as soon as you hear the chorus. Kampai!

6. Muneshine – Bon Jour (Instrumental)
Canada’s Muneshine, focusing mostly on jazz, soul and funk influences, for his latest Instrumental album ‘A Walk In The Park’ gives you a sound reminiscent of BBE”s early “Beat Generation” series… Yo word life, I’m going to record something over this track. It’s just too good to leave alone.

7. J-Rocc – Secondhand Sureshots (Instrumental)
If you missed the post I made about Stonesthrow x Dublab’s documentary on beat making check it out below. This is J Rocc’s contribution to the documentary, you hear a snippet of it on the end of the trailer for the Secondhand Sureshots documentary. This is an amazing piece of music, very impressive.

8. Mayer Hawthorne – The iLLs
I dedicate this song to any of you reading this that had a bad day today. You know the ills of the world, they can get you down… but then we get BACK UP! I’ve been a fan of Mayer Hawthorne ever since I saw that heart shaped vinyl of his on youtube. He’s got that old school northern soul sound, w/ a little jazz, and a lot of funk. You can’t go wrong w/ this guy.

9. Diamond District – Make it Clear
The DMV trio (DC, Maryland, Virginia) of Oddisee, XO and YU have made one bangin boom bap album called “In the Ruff”. This jam is to make it clear that the vintage 90’s Golden Era sound is still alive. The drums on this one KNOCK thanks to Oddisee’s
stellar production.

10. Shad – I Don’t Like To
YO! I don’t really like to but um, I put the smack down like it’s rehab. Make sure that there’s no relapse for these cats. Ya’ll cowards couldn’t rap this dope w/ a zig zag, WORD! The Old Prince is in the house!!! Canadian emcee Shad puts his wit on display over this smooth but rough banger off his “The Old Prince” ablum. This song BANGS!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Readership!

EL3G