MP3: QuEST - March 2nd Freestyle

Dude keeps poundin it (PAUSE) into our brains that his mixtape is dropping' March 2nd. LOL. Be on the lookout for that!

DOWNLOAD:

QuEST - March 2nd Freestyle

MP3: LA & Mr. Music - Pop Champagne RMX (Ain’t Got Champagne)

DOWNLOAD:

LA & Mr. Music - Pop Champagne RMX (Ain’t Got Champagne)

From Gowhere Hip Hop:

"LA & Mr. Music are back with another original RMX where they flip the mainstream hit by Ron Browz “Pop Champagne” f/ Jim Jones & Juelz Santana. They further illustrate their creativity, versatility, and chemistry that is required of a successful duo with this playful spoof of “Pop Champagne” where they actually boast about the exact opposite: being broke to the point where they can’t afford champagne. It doesn’t focus solely on champagne though, however, as LA & Mr. Music take a jab at the faltering U.S. economy and make light of the current situation. Mr. Music sings during Ron Browz’s parts and LA does his best Jim Jones & Juelz Santana (literally) and still evoking his own style. Both flow with on point delivery and their original lyrics are included in the iTunes file and are best viewed and understood after refreshing yourself on the original “Pop Champagne” with the video below. It is worth the time to compare/contrast the lyrics and how LA & Mr. Music creatively flipped them for their concept to fully appreciate their version. Given the right mindset, this is a track that you will likely find enjoyable and even hilarious. But also given that some people do not particularly enjoy the original, myself included, it may not appeal to you as much. That being said though, LA & Music’s completely different take on “Pop Champagne” can’t be ignored and it’s another RMX from the duo that I will be listening to for awhile. Enjoy!"

Interview/MP3: Asher Roth

Peep this interview of Asher Roth and supposed freestyle over Hov's "Song Cry". What I love most about Ash is that, aside from his humor, this guy is really humble and down-to-earth and definitely respectful of how far hip hop has gone.

DOWNLOAD:

Asher Roth - Song Cry Freestyle

In case you missed our interview of Asher Roth, click here.

Mixtape: Darren Hanible - Darkside of the Moon

Show luv to this DC cat, who has features with Marky, Infinity, Chris Barz, Mouse The Waldorf Posterboy, and Badio.

DOWNLOAD:

Darren Hanible - Darkside of the Moon (Mixtape)

MP3: The Five One - Kill Joy

Gotta support not only because it's a DC movement, but also because they remixed N*E*R*D!

DOWNLOAD:

The Five One - Kill Joy

MP3: Kanye West ft. T-Pain & S-Preme - Flight School (remix)

Fresh remix!

DOWNLOAD:

Kanye West ft. T-Pain & S-Preme - Flight School (remix)

Clothing: Limited G

So the goodfellas at Gowhere Hip Hop got a clothing line called Limited G. These joints are hella fresh and definitely on the rise. Be sure to check out the Limited G site and check out their merchandise:

For more information on the clothing line, hit up Gowhere Hip Hop!

MP3: Christian Rich ft. Lil Wayne - Stacks

DOWNLOAD:

Christian Rich ft. Lil Wayne - Stacks

Props to modi for this.

Mixtape: BrandUn DeShay - Two for the Show!

This dude Brandun DeShay is hella talented, truthfully. He produces, he writes, and he has an overall great sound to his mixtape. When I first his first mixtape, I was really impressed, and I'm happy to see that he finally released this joint, which I've been bumpin' all day. Check it out, and show him some love.

DOWNLOAD:

BrandUn DeShay - Two for the Show! (Mixtape)

PSA: Happy Birthday to iLLVibes

(C) Phu N.

So it all began on this day, one year ago, that we decided to start this blog. iLLVibes originated out of a simple idea, a common platform that we all shared - mainly to spread what we thought was fresh, our essentials of cool, as Lupe would say. We weren't trying to bite anyone or any style; in fact, at that time, we did not know too much of the blogging world. Little did we know that when we involved ourselves into the Internet world, this opened the doors to so many events and movements. Within this realm was a world full of great people and essentials: we've met, along the way, incredible bloggers and amazing innovators, fresh and exciting artists and what products they had to offer. We've connected with and advanced our conglomerate, so to speak, of well-rounded individuals and teams, and thanks in large part to the efforts of such people, we have come a long way as a blog and an entity.

What started out as something "fun" to do turned into a daily essential of exposing the world to the many facets of our lives that fortunately connected with our viewers and others. In a sense, we have become one of the many platforms that reflects the desires of the information seekers, those whose hunger is satiated only by finally reaching to a blog. We feel honored to contribute, and thank you again for coming along with us for this ride. Hopefully, and we cross our fingers, we can truly celebrate with the above cake with that many candles someday, but until then, enjoy this "iLLVibes-recommended" digital cake.

Here's to one year and to many more years!!

MP3: Noah ft. Blu "Just Relax"

Damn, this joint is cold! I just wish it was longer. Check it out!

"Just relax...how can I when I'm tryna' make stacks?!? Take it easy...but all the cheese I get gets taxed? Chill...man chill don't pay no bills"

Download:

"Just Relax"

Source: Nah Right

Mixtape: Ra the MC - Are You Not Entertained

DOWNLOAD:

Ra the MC - Are You Not Entertained (Mixtape)

MP3: QuEST - Don't Ever Go

The homie QuEST shot this joint over to us, which will be on his Distant Travels Into Soul Theory. Watch out for that!

DOWNLOAD:

QuEST - Don't Ever Go

Previously: QuEST - Who You Are

Big shouts to illRoots and 2dopeboyz for getting at us with this project! What it do, Mike Waxx!

Time for Some Laughs....

People were buzzin when they heard Christian Bale wildin' out on that dude on the set of Terminator 3 and people were laughin when they saw that kid straight messed up after coming out the dentist....lol look at the result when they are mashed up!!!!

For those who are looking for a *.gif, here's a treat (LOL):

COMING SOON: XV "Everybody's Nobody" Mixtape

Happy to hear my dude XV is still putting in work after 40 Day sand 40 Nights.....his new mixtape "Everybody's Nobody" will be dropping in March, 2009. The project will feature production from Seven, 9th Wonder, ILLMIND & Khrysis, as well as guests such as Rhymefest, Ne-Yo, Tanya Morgan, Big Sean, and more!!!!!

If you guys missed the track "Everybody's Nobody" we posted a couple weeks back, catch up.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD:

XV - Everybody's Nobody

Complex & Eight81 Interview: Drake

I been a fan of Drake for a couple of years now, so it definitely makes me happy to see that he is finally getting the attention he deserves. For those of you guys who do not know much about Drake or are just catching on to his buzz, check out this dope interview from Complex and then check the one from Eigthty81.com. Edumacate yourself from his musical family history, Degrassi background, how he met Weezy, not getting the XXL cover, etc.

Complex Interview on Drake

MP3: Big Sean - Million Dollars; Supa Dupa

This dude is a problem!!! Wow, G.O.O.D. Music in the building!

DOWNLOAD:

Big Sean - Million Dollars

Big Sean - Supa Dupa

Design: Phillips Tapster

Check out these stereo bluetooth ear buds designed by Phillips. These joints are beyond fresh and believe it or not, they feature a touch screen interface. Here are some of the specifics via A2DP:

"Calls and volume control is commited through tapping, thanks to the ultra sensitive touch interface. Soft touches of your fingers pick up calls, and stronger taps correct the volume. I wonder if it is going to be easy for most people, many of us are not so gentle to find a button somewhere they don't see and stroke it with the necessary pressure.

The Tapster features Bluetooth 2.1+EDR A2DP for you to listen to the music, as well as Ever Clear technology to filter out noise, AVRCP, HSP, and HFP. FullSound chip decompresses your music files enhancing the sound, it restores the music’s original dynamics, stereo effects, bass and treble to reveal previously unheard detail without distortion. FullSound is enabled out of the box, and can be turned off and on.

As you disconnect the headset, the calls start to be transferred directly to your cellphone."

Source: A2DP.info

Classic Video: Paperboy "Ditty"

Do any of y'all remember this track circa 1993? I used to love this joint due to the Zapp and Roger "Doo Wa Ditty" sample (RIP Roger Troutman). They straight freaked that beat...Anyway, kick back and enjoy. Let it marinate.

MP3: QuEST & Nero - Check the Rhime

Damn, these two kilt this ATCQ beat!

DOWNLOAD:

QuEST & Nero - Check the Rhime

Waddup QuEST!

Mixtape: Lyriciss - The Day Job

Support DMV!!

DOWNLOAD:

Lyriciss - The Day Job (Mixtape)

MP3: Colin Munroe ft. Young Buck - I'm Fine

Off that new mixtape from production duo K-Salaam & Beatnick.

DOWNLOAD:

Colin Munroe ft. Young Buck - I'm Fine

Video: Cut Copy - Nobody Lost Nobody Found (Dir. Truly Yours)

So a few posts ago, I wrote about our experience at the Presets concert. Well, it just so happened that they opened for Cut Copy, which was the band I was really looking forward to. Seriously, if you don't have their project, In Ghost Colours, you're truly missing out. I was never an electronic fan, nor was I ever into anything related to techno-ish type music. I try to describe electronic music as techno with substance. You have to quality that statement, because I'm sure that most people don't have an acquired taste for techno. Here's the latest video from this Australian band, which will be performing at the 9:30 Club again, in fact, so be sure to look out for that.

Spotted at WDIR.

MP3: QuEST - Post My Shit

I really meant to post this - and not because of the name of the song. I was actually impressed how fast he came (*pause*) with the remake to this beat, which just dropped.

DOWNLOAD:

QuEST - Post My Shit

MP3: Lyriciss - Welcome to Me

Some heat coming from his mixtape, "The Day Job", dropping tomorrow!! Be on the lookout for that; we had the advanced copy, and be certain that Lyriciss is comin' with some fiyah!

DOWNLOAD:

Lyriciss - Welcome to Me

He really goes in, especially about his seed.

Video: Kid Cudi - Day N Nite

Video: Photoshoot for "Go Hard" feat. X.O., Pro'Verb, & Lyriciss

Gotta show these DC cats some love... we're really excited to see the outcome of this video. Wuddup AB!! 43!

MP3: The Five One - DC Colossus

This DC band decides to remix Vampire Weekend. Check it out!

DOWNLOAD:

The Five One - DC Colossus

White Kid Spells Out the N Word?!

Shout out to Talib Kweli for posting this on Twitter, which I thought was hilarious. The kid was sayin' the word as if it were the n-word. I don't know, you tell me. Hahaha:

Mixtape: Charles Hamilton - Every Charles Hamilton Ex-Girlfriend’s Worse Nightmare

Damn, is he trying to prove to Soulja Boy that his career isn't over?? Wow, another drop from Charles Hamilton.

DOWNLOAD:

Charles Hamilton - Every Charles Hamilton Ex-Girlfriend’s Worse Nightmare (Mixtape)

MP3: Nero - Houstatlantavegas

Seriously, Nero is capitalizing off this Drake mixtape or, at the very least, trying to get Drake's attention. Tough joint, nonetheless.

DOWNLOAD:

Nero - Houstatlantavegas

Video: Hasan Salaam "15 Minutes"

I told you before this dude is a problem....Dope video and song by Hasan Salaam. Swing through his myspace to show him some love, and definitely pick up that "Children of God" EP. Enjoy!

This is another one of my favorites:

Hasan Salaam - "Blaxploitation"

MP3: Drake - Congratulations

A track off his mixtape "So Far Gone" that he decided to drop just now.

DOWNLOAD:

Drake - Congratulations

Video: Kanye West ft. Kid Cudi - Welcome to Heartbreak

What you think?!?!

MP3: Blu "Nino Brown (Paper Plate Freestyle)"

Blu and Joell Ortiz are the two industry heads that I am messing with right now. Supposedly this is a verse that was recorded for GZA's "Pro Tools" album. So, I guess it ain't really a freestyle, but regardless this joint is pretty hot and socially conscious.

DOWNLOAD:

Nino Brown

Spotted at: Nah Right

MP3: Propayne "Stack to The Future"/ "Sub Level"

The homie Propayne sent me these a while ago, but I just got around to posting it. Yea, I know, poor excuse. Anyway, check this kid out, he definitely brings some heat, and he is only 16. My favorite track is "Sub Level". Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD/STREAM:

Sub Level

Stack to The Future

Video: The Presets - If I Know You

Man, I saw this group at the 930 Club a couple of months ago, and I'm tellin' you that it was incredible: the energy, the synergy between the group and the crowd, the synchronization of the dancing, just everything. I was a little nervous because I never really went to a concert with an electronic band, so I seriously thought that my boys and I would stick out easily... but, to be completely honest, we had a great time and surprisingly enjoyed the entire night (no less thanks to the alcohol, perhaps).

MP3: XV - Everybody's Nobody (Prod. Seven)

Tough track from that dude XV.

DOWNLOAD:

XV - Everybody's Nobody (Prod. Seven)

Hilarious Video: "That's My Penis"

FRISK FAIL LIKE NO OTHER!

Oh yeah, be sure to hit up the Fail Blog here and there; they have some great material over there.

MP3: Wale & Kardinal Offishall - Head Shoulders Knees Toes (Blend)

DJ Semtex did the mixing on this one:

DOWNLOAD:

Wale & Kardinal Offishall - Head Shoulders Knees Toes (Blend)

Design: Vauni Globe

Check out this dope stand-alone fireplace designed by the good people of Vauni. This design is great because it allows you to enjoy the "fireplace experience" without the limitations of most conventional fireplaces. Via momoy, the Vauni Globe is "a free standing fireplace that can be turned 360 degrees for optimal viewing angle. The Globe fireplace is made of fire resistant materials which are carefully selected to harmonize with the value of fire and express aesthetics, quality and warmth, powered by advanced ethanol burner and has integrated regulation of heating effect and flame size".


Spotted at: momoy

Mixtape: J. Period & Q-Tip "The [Abstract] Best Mixtape"

As a huge ATCQ and Q-Tip fan, you know I had to post this; even if I am a little late with it. The tracklist says it all. Enjoy!

Download

Mixtape: Charles Hamilton - My Brain is Alive

Seriously, were we expecting this project to drop?? Or was I simply too busy with external events in my life that I completely missed out on this nice. Oh well, Chuck really puts out so much music that I've probably missed 80% of his work, which is in no way to suggest that his work is bad - only that I'm so busy with other things that I can easily miss something. Btw, I'm really feelin' this artwork: one of the enemies from TNMT on the front; the Conehead reference on the back!

DOWNLOAD:

Charles Hamilton - My Brain is Alive (Mixtape)

MP3: Nero - Lust for Life (remix)

Nero drops his remix over this beat. Real talk: probably the illest lyricist at his age! I mean, he's spitting this at the age of 16?!?!

DOWNLOAD:

Nero - Lust for Life (remix)

MP3: S-Preme - U R

So this is a Valentine's dedication (yeah I know I'm a day late), but it's also an everyday song for you lovebirds.

DOWNLOAD:

S-Preme - U R

Props to Gowhere Hip Hop for this one!

Mixtape: Blu - Her Favorite Colo(u)r

If you haven't heard of Blu, you have been heavily sleepin'. He's part of the XXL Freshmen class; at the same time, I still think he's probably the most underrated in that group.

DOWNLOAD:

Blu - Her Favorite Colo(u)r (Mixtape)

VIDEO: Termanology - Circulate (100 Bars)

I just love this damn beat, 9th Wonder really outdid himself with this ish. Of course Little Brother killed this beat and I loved what Mickey Factz did over this beat with "Good Money." Termanology definitely does it justice too on his mixtape dedicated to J Dilla "If Heaven Was a Mile Away" that was HEAVILY SLEPT ON!! Well, Enjoy the vid yall!

Termanology - Circulate (100 Bars) [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO] from Restless Films on Vimeo

Video: K.I.G. - Head Shoulders Knees Toes

On the really, this song is makin' a tear all over the UK and the world. Don't believe? Check the recent remixin' by Wale and Theophilus London. Here's the official vid for you noobs to the UK scene:

Props to smokeyyy for shooting this over to me exclusively.

Interview: EPMD

There's not much to say to a true hip hop fan about the likes of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, the duo who comprise of EPMD. What we do have to offer, though, is an exclusive audio interview we had with both of them in a 4-part series. This interview has been heavily delayed in large part because the hard drive that contained this entire interview crashed almost immediately after this interview occurred. So, it took us a while to recover those files before we could proceed. Without further ado, let's get on with this damn interview!!

In part 1, Parrish Smith talks the "Steve Martin" dance, the origins of EPMD, the development of technology, and hip hop (of course!). In part 2, Parrish talks aliens, the Hit Squad, the new album and video, and the creative process. Later we hit up Erick Sermon who, in parts 3 and 4, opines on the state of hip hop, on new artists, on timeless artists such as Q-Tip, on go-go (what you know about that?!), on DC, among other topics.

Be sure to purchase EPMD's "We Mean Business" and support great music!!!



And, yes, Teddy Riley was one of the originators with the auto-tune!!

Mixtape: Drake - So Far So Gone

Damn, this took forever to drop. No, not really, but people were getting impatient!

UPDATE: After further review, why wasn't Drake on the XXL Freshmen cover?? I mean, really, Ace Hood? The other 9 I can't really dispute.

DOWNLOAD:

Drake - So Far So Gone (Mixtape)

MP3: Kid Cudi - Can I Be

I think I like this song more so because of the original song, the video of which I will post below. So check it! Honestly, I don't even know whether Ryan Leslie actually produced this song, since it's an original beat from LCD Soundsystems.

DOWNLOAD:

Kid Cudi - Can I Be

LCD Soundsystems - Someone Great

Mixtape: Charles Hamilton - Well Isn’t This Awkward

DOWNLOAD:

Charles Hamilton - Well Isn’t This Awkward (Mixtape)




Here's Charles explaining the concept behind the mixtape, plus more: