RAKIM live on The Friday Night Live Show tonight

A few weeks back we premiered his brand new album, 'The Seventh Seal'. Tonight we talk to the man and the legend himself from 10pm GMT (5pm EST) only on
Conspiracy Worldwide Radio. Do not miss this!

Better Late Than Never: INVIZZBL MEN "The Unveiling"

So, First of All....I'm upset that I just recently stumbled upon this album from Karniege and MarQ Spekt, released in 2008. If you are a "purist," or atleast call yourself one...then go cop this album. It features some hardcore, lyricists lyrics and some trippy beats that should satisfy anyone who leans a little to the left-field.

This joint is a little hard to describe, though, in terms of which sub-genre it belongs in within the underground. It's a little reminiscent of Horror-core, ie: Gravediggaz, when it comes to the lyrical content- just hard, punch-the-sh*t-outta you rhymes, but oddly enough...some of the beats are so "tingly" and light that they create a nice dichotomy between the Dungeon and the Stars.

Karniege and MarQ have a dope azz chemistry together on the tag-team tip, and rumor has it that they didn't record this album together since they live in two different states. I don't know how true it is...but it doesn't matter....they "click".

This album is 13 songs deep, and subject matter ranges from ghosts, brawls, girls and pullin' files on phoney mc's. There are some I like better than others, but over all, this is a solid, obscure piece.

Stand Out tracks:

#4- "HipHoppsa"- The piano on this beat is so unexpected against the play on words rap and dope flows....incredible. Then the beat FLIPS a little....what a treat!!

#8 - "Darkroom (Red Warfare Sessions)"- Beat is Grungy and the lyrics are Dope....Karniege is a savage...underrated....please, believe that.

#11- "Stories of a Ghost"- Reminds me of my OTHER favorite obscure, underground hip hop team, Cunninlynguists....Beat is SICK and lyrics are niceness. "Get Smacked off Your Map, backhand Like Arthur Ashe, We Bring the Gift, Yall Just RAP" - ILL!!

#13- "Ten Years Later" ft. Access Immortal- This one is my Personal Fave. The beat reminds me of a Sonic The Hedgehog (My FAVE video game) Background song....and the lyrics are amazing...all three MC's bounce lovely on this track.

Bottom Line: It's Not Too Late to Add this Stellar Piece of Hip Hop to your collection....especially since....Well, Nevermind.

COP!! Dizzler.

A Teenage Love: The Cassette Tape

Technology is a double-edge sword in the hip hop world... the induction of CD's have saved many DJ's from the aching backs and arms associated with lugging 10 crates of wax to spin at a jam, and even more advanced still, party rockers only need to come equipped with a lap top loaded with MP3's (and Serato for effect) in order to get the party jumping.

As a crate digger, I still love the crispy, slightly distorted sound of vinyl and watching a DJ go through the roof when some over-zealous dancer accidentally bumps the turntable and the needle screeches across his or her prized possession, covered labels and all.

But fast-forward to a little plastic, rectangle slice of hip hop heaven filled with magnetic tape and two little reels that hold history for one to behold for as long as there is a twin deck in working condition: The Cassette Tape.

Sure, it's damn near obsolete and a REAL PAIN in the AZZ (more on that later)...but for many die-hard tape lovers like myself, the love affair with the cassette tape is one that will outlast the MP3 and anything else that comes after.

If you were a hip hop junkie in the 80's...you will be very familiar with going to the store, purchasing a pack of 120-minute Maxell's, in anticipation for the Kool DJ Red Alert Show, Mr. Magic's Rap Attack, The Chuck Chillout Show...or even later still, Stretch and Bobbito.

You press record and then sit there with your finger on the pause button between every commercial, so that your radio tape is SEAMLESS...and this went on week after week until you had an Adidas shoe box filled to the rim with gems, exclusives, world-premieres, in-studio freestyles, drops...and you could NAME YOUR PRICE to your country cousins who were out of the loop- there were very few videos back then, and for the LONGEST time, nobody even knew what RAKIM looked like, but we had that tape when Red Alert dropped "The Ghetto" for the very first time....wow.

The Cassette Tape also had an ugly side...when it popped. Splicing a popped tape is a lost, tactical science. How many times have you sat at your kitchen table with a butter knife, unscrewing the cassette case, pulling out the reels, taping them back together, putting them back in JUST Right, screwing it back together and thus, keeping your addiction intact?? **(hand raised)**

How many of you remember stuffing paper into the holes on a pre-recorded tape that you bought and quickly found out was garbage- so that you could tape over it? **(Again, hand raised)**

Remember the Ron G and Doo Wop mixtapes? They went hand-to-hand faster than crack sales, every body in the 'hood begging for a "dub" of custom blends, local emcees catching wreck over instrumentals...it was a love jones, and if it was wrong, you didn't want to be right!!

Today, I love the convenience of the MP3, and having all of my music literally at my fingertips...but the labor of love associated with the cassette tape is something one does not easily let go of...and for those of you who still have that TAPE BOX stashed in your crib somewhere...here's a universal "pound"....the secret hand-shake...we rule!!

Keep it Reel-to-Reel, for real

Ducky D.

Rap Chicks: Jean Grae

Female MCs are a dying breed, and Female MCs with Lyrical Skills are even more rare. The hip hop industry is male dominated, no surprise there....and if you are a girl, you are expected to look good, show some skin, rap sexy and fall back.....I mean, the game does not need another Foxy Brown, and for the record....Lil Kim would S**T on Foxy Brown in a battle, yep...I said it, but enough of that already....

Then you have Underground Rap Chicks....you hear that? Crickets....There aren't but a few, and in the basement-things are a little darker, a little dingier....we tend to have a lot less tolerance for the blow-up doll types and expect a lot more from chicks who spit. It's not "girly" enough down here for most. You are expected to have skills, do your homework and be able to dissect a song from it's producer and original sample on demand....its HARD out here for an underground rap chick!

Jean Grae is probably my favorite female emcee because she's nice wit' it, lyrically; she's worked with some of the greatest minds in underground hip hop, such as Doom, Immortal Technique, Vast Aire, Slug, Talib Kweli, C-Rayz Walz, Vordul Mega, 9th Wonder, Masta Ace...the list goes on and on...., and most importantly, she hasn't felt the need to get half naked to get spins. I think she's comfortable down here....we accept her in the basement AS IS....but we hold her to a higher standard...and that is...Purism of the Art Form: "They" Got Nikki Minaj, we got Jean Grae!! Braggin' Rights Intact.

Jean Grae is probably your favorite MC's favorite Rap Chick; Your Man probably has a crush on her...(hell, your girl might, too!)....she's ILL....and instead of embracing our homegirl, we almost pushed her out the game in 2008, where she posted on her Myspace page that she was quitting the game due to the lack of "love" the game has shown her. I can't say I blame her...hip hop has turned a cold shoulder on creativity. Hip Hop wants instant gratification. It has no time for paying dues anymore.

But as long as you wanna do it, Jean...we got you...You will always have a home down here....and although it might not make DOLLARS...It Will Make SENSE.

Rock On.....Duck Dizz

***This Just In!!!

My TOP FIVE Rap Chicks....and Why (thank you, X....it wasn't as Easy as I thought it would be):

5. Lady of Rage- She is Grimey...Rough and Stuff (hey) and very lyrical...can hang with the big boys, for sure.

4. Jean Grae- I just like her overall package...underground, lyrical, fresh....dope

3. Lauryn Hill- Lauryn was the 2nd "triple threat" (more on that in a sec...) but had the swag....Hope she gets it in order again....

2. Queen Latifah- the ORIGINAL "triple threat" (rap, sing, act)...Positive yet HARDCORE...always a message....gotta love that...Ladies FIRST

1. MC Lyte- The Rap chick that Made ME wanna Rap....Tomboy cute but Rough with the flow...."Paper Thin" is still one of the most prolific female rapper joints ever....ever!!

*Honorable mentions-

Lil' Kim- for what it's worth...(that subgenre)...Kim is the absolute Queen Bee of the Dirty Minded Rap Chicks...she pretty much started it, and its showing no signs of slowing down

Charli Baltimore- "Stand Up" with Ghostface has solidified you a spot on the list, for that alone...

Cuban Linx 2 REVIEW: The Ducky Theory

First of All...Let Me Say.....They Need to Make CD's Easier to Open!!

It has been 14 long years....I've spent many an afternoon getting BASHED on Social Networking Websites by youngsters who think just because I'm not a Radio Head, That I'm OLD and BITTER....No....I'm a Purist: Beats and Rhymes is LIFE....and "Cuban Linx 2" delivers the MAGIC....Braggin Rights INTACT....The Over-30 crew still reigns SUPREME MATH...

Overall, Rae shoots about 80% from the field...there are a couple of missteps, in terms of beats not really meshing and a few guests that don't quite work but this album is SOLID....I was afraid...I play favorites...and although Purple Tape can never, ever be touched....this is HIP HOP...Best $14 I've spent on music in AGES!!

Let Me Break it DOWN:

HEAVEN:

"Return of the North Star"....Opens it up with some good ol' Soul and Wisdom...Let's GO!!

"House of Flying Daggers" goes HARD....Dilla!! Everyone on this track goes Bananas, especially Deck and Ghostface....woooo!

"Pyrex Visions"...EXCELLENT....Rae on some soft and dirty lyrical murderation over a SEXY beat by MARLY MARL...my only complaint...TOO SHORT....I rewound this 4 times!!

"Black Mozart"....RZA oh DAMN...this beat is SICKENING.....DECK Murked this joint....EXCELLENT

"Gihad"...Wasn't sure how Rae would sound on a NECRO beat...but I likes....Ghost, you NASTY...but I LOVE IT...(he stole this one too- sound familiar??)

"The New WU"....Vintage RZA on the beat....Lyrically FLAWLESS... Five Stars

"Baggin' Crack" ...Erick Sermon!! Welcome Back.....Niceness, Rae went IN on this

"Broken Safety"...The Scram Jones beat is NICE...Rae went in....Jada and Styles didn't really work for me on this

"Ason Jones"...First of All, R.I.P, ODB.....The "Believe in God" track from "Jay Love Japan" (Dilla) is AWESOME.....This is How I Like to Hear Rae Bounce....EXCELLENT

"Have Mercy"...Beenie and Rae sound GREAT Together....Beat is Good,Too

"10 Bricks"....This Gave me that "Winter Warz" feeling....LOVELY....Ghost, Rae and Cappadonna went WILD on this

"Fat Lady Sings"...Nice...Vintage Rae....Like this but HATE the Hook!!

"About (N*gga) Me"...Stupid Song title, but Busta Buss and Rae sound GOOD together on this DRE beat....my head is still NODDING

"Mean Streets"....Excellence...Ah yes...I see PURPLE...ALLAH MATH killed this beat!! WOW

HELL:

"Sonny's Missing"- wasn't my favorite....but it still knocks

"Cold Outside"...GOOD song....GHOST Stole this track....hated the HOOK, though...lol...ay

"Peneteniary"...Not really Feeling This one....

"Surgical Gloves"...The Alchemist beat is FIRE...but this beat is too Pretty for the drug talk on this Track....

"Canal Street"....Not Feeling this One Either....Sounds Like Rae is reading his rhymes right off the paper....no BOUNCE...no charisma....

"Catalina"...Nah...this reminds me of that horrible "La Rhumba" by RZA...doesnt work

"We Will Rob You".....This one just doesn't work...I was expecting alot more from a Rae, GZA, Slick Rick collabo....

"Kiss the Ring"....I would have ended it with "Mean Streets"...this just doesnt sound like WU....

Welcome Back, Rae!! Point for the OLD HEADS

Deuces...Duck Dizz

Raekwon "House Of Flying Daggers" [video]

Raekwon Ft.Inspectah Deck,GZA,Ghostface Killah & Method Man - House Of Flying Daggers [Video] from Noles506 on Vimeo.

In light of Ducky's post last night regarding the hype and suspense of Rae's new album, here are the visuals to The Chefs latest single. Pretty dope right?. Kind of brings me back to Ghosts "Daytona 500" video.

Heaven or Hell?: Cuban Linx 2

Picture it....Summer, 1995....It's been two long years since Staten Island split your wig back with "36 Chambers"....it was HOT.... You were THIRSTING...Then you saw a mirage....an image of purple that would end up in every car stereo from Vermont (well, maybe not Vermont) to Vancouver for the rest of the year and if you are anything like me....consistently since: "Only Built for Cuban Linx" by stocky Shaolin Monk, Shallah Raekwon.

It goes by two words: Purple Tape....that's all you have to say and Wu Heads and hip hop junkies in general can have seemingly endless conversations about every track on the album, including the skits. Remember the St. Ides joint playing in the background right before "Spot Rusherz" came on?? Remember thinking how insane the "Glacierz of Ice" beat was? Remember rewinding "Verbal Intercourse" over and over trying to comprehend the ILLNESS of Ghostface's verse? Cappadonna's verse on "Ice Cream??" - BANANAS with a cherry on top!! "Incarcerated Scarfaces"....WHAT?? Remember?

I know you do. Hands down, "Only Built for Cuban Linx" is a Five Mic album (if the Source mag was actually credible), as close to hip hop perfection as one can hope to get, which brings me to the question: Can The Chef "cook up" another marvelous serving of Beats, Lyrics and Emotion like he did 14 years ago? Who's Tape Was it? Rae or Ghost? (that's an argument that still plagues basements all over the world...but I digress)

Why would he name this new album after a classic, I asked myself. Is it to SELL albums? (we already know whats up with the industry...no need to go there)...Is it to Recapture the ESSENCE created by the masterpiece that is Purple Tape? Does he think he can Best Purple Tape with this offering?

I don't know...and I'm skeptical to say the least. I am a self-professed BEAT SNOB and when it comes to RAE...if it ain't RZA, it ain't RIGHT...(although I heard the Beat G-O-D, Dilla is in the kitchen...hmmmm). So what to do? Money is tight.....Albums these days have been Sh*t to say the least....and I have a special place in my heart for Purple Tape...That is History that I don't think can EVER be repeated.....the CLAN has changed...the GAME has Changed....I'VE changed....

So....

How can I savor it with an indiscriminate palate??

Find out on Tuesday, September 8th....Where I give a song for song REVIEW (protect YOUR Neck!!)

Cuban Linx 2: The Ducky Theory.....see u then. Deuces. and YES...I'm a GIRL!

Back again: The Friday Night Live Show returns!

Last Friday The Friday Night Live Show returned after a brief hiatus, delivering this back to back action packed guest studded show. Guests featured on this show included Billy Danze and Laze, Buckshot, Shabazz The Disciple, Esoteric, Punchlyne, Kyza Smirnoff and JoJo Pellegrino. Enjoy this one world, and remember we return back to our schedule per usual each and every Friday at 10pm GMT (5pm EST) on Conspiracy Radio

Peep part 1 here

Peep part 2 here

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Lady Gaga has a WEINER!!

"Welcome to Jurassic Park" (c) John Hammond

Courtesy of Taje

CONSPIRACY EXCLUSIVE: Shade Sheist mini interview

I caught up with Shade Sheist earlier this week to dicuss two new singles currently gaining buzz on the internet, one of which he directed a video for. In addition we discussed his recent recruitment into Y.A. (Young Assassins) and his brand new fourthcoming third solo album!

Fans of yours will be glad to hear that your back to tricks with the current circulation of two new tracks, namely, "Bad Enough" which features Red Music UK and Cali vets TQ and Young Noble and the recently reformed Y.A. (Young Assasins) assisted track "1 Day I Was Chillin'. How did these tracks come about, especially "Bad Enough" which of course features a relatively new artist in the UK, namely RedmusicUK?

RedMusicUK is a new artist making a name for himself in your territory and he wanted to do it major for his 1st two singles. His first joint featured Soul Nana and he decided to go West Coast on the 2nd. So he reached out to myself, TQ and Noble and the rest is history. After we finished the record, Red mentioned he wanted to shoot a video for it, so of course I offered my services. I hooked up with Danny Frenkel and put together a very clever visual to accompany the single.

As for the "Chillin" track, I work very closely with Roscoe and we had been working on a follow-up to DJ Quik and his brother Kurupt's group album "BlaQKout". During this process we have been working with the rest of Y.A. and this track is just one of many. The single is from the next edition of my Worldtape: "Out of Sight Out Of Mind: Canada"

How much of a restriction on the videos creativity was there with yourself, RedMusicUK, Young Noble and TQ all residing in different areas in the world, or was the video shot whilst everybody was here in the UK recently?

We flew everybody out to Newport Beach, California and shot the video next to Kobe Bryant's residence. It was a big deal! Really no creative restrictions that I can think of. Everything flowed smoothely. Two day shoot, us fellas and a gang of ladies!

Thats big! Bringing it back to your relationship with Roscoe and Y.A. (Young Assasins/Youth Authority). Tell us, who is currently a member in the crew and if anybody, whos left?

The crew is thick, Roscoe, Bizzle and Tri-Star are the core and Slo Stallone and myself top off the group. Anterazh Ridas is also a subsidary of YA and considered part of the crew.

What direction will you and Roscoe be taking together with your collaborative efforts?

Roscoe is a lot like me in the regard that we just want to make hits and hits only. We experiment at times and try new sounds but essentially we are about producing what we think will be popular.The 1st record we recorded together this year was "I Still Luv Her (Cali In The Summertime 3)" just to give you an example of how we get down.The 1st two 'Calis' were hits.. and this one is no exception. So use this as a guage and you will understand what direction we are going with our collaborative efforts. I still need to drop "Movin Units" and my 3rd solo lp which im currently recording.


Lets focus on and talk about this solo material your currently working on and its update in sound. How much of a reflection and throwback is your new solo material of yourself pre-99/2000 during the days when you were working with Damizza?

Actually a lot. My next solo is like Informal Introduction's ‘lil brother. One that has watched his bigger brother do tremendous things and plans to achieve the same success but in his own way. "P.N.L.A." will definitely have its throwback moments and will feel like a 90's era project but freshened up!

Sounds crazy! Your online pressence is as ridiculous in 2009 then it was when you were signed to a major. How do you plan on ensuring your relevance is reached to the same heights as it was when you dropped your debut Informal Introduction?

I'm more concerned with staying relevant. I have laid the groundwork for a prosperous independent career all of my goals center around that. I don't care so much to match my acheivements of past because honestly I don't know that they can be emulated in these changing times. I much rather continue to sell to and entertain my core audience. Millions of folx visit my Myspace and web pages so obviously it is my intent to convert as many of them into consumers as possible. This is still my work, business and occupation at the end of the day!

Before we wrap this interview up, where can people stay updated on Shade Sheist and the moves your making?

I’m on U-streamand I’m live every week, droppin exclusives and knowledge. You can also find me at
www.ShadeSheist.com and www.youtube.com

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Once again it sucks to be YOU!

Cee - Rock "The Fury" interview - part one

I caught up with Cee-Rock "The Fury" last night to discuss his new video ‘LYSSYNUP!’ among many other issues. This is the first of a two part interview with Cee. If you aren’t already familiar with his work and history, get familiar! Word to Clinton Sparks

Q1/ No other then the legendary Mikey D (Main Source) can be seen "Just Hangin' Out' in your new video ‘LYSSYNUP!’. Given his hectic schedule and current involvement with "Hush Hip Hop Tours", was it hard tracking him down for his cameo appearance?

Nah, me and Mikey D go waaay back. His producer from the beginning was the legendary Paul C (who produced cats like Ultramagnetic, Superlover Cee & Cassanova Rud and of course Rakim). I worked closely with Paul C's brother Tim McKasty (who has done alot of production on a lot of Bad Boy tracks). That's my dawg. He is also featured on my Bringin' Da' Yowzah!!! album. Mikey D, myself and a lot of legendary catz used to be at this place called THE MUSIC BUILDING (located between Archer Ave. & Jamaica Ave near Gertz mall). A lot of celebrities used to be there. That is where the famous Studio 1212 was located. Cats like Run-Dmc, Jam Master Jay, MC Lyte, Biz Markie, Onyx, The Afros, Black Moon; Stretch of 'Live Squad' and even Metallica was in there. We would get some BUD (Budweiser’s, don't get it twisted) and do ciphers in the hall way or go into each other's studio and build. Granddaddy I.U. used to be in there too.

Q2/ Legendary! What specific memories do you hold of the ciphers and studio sessions around that time?

I remember we had a cipher on the 3rd floor of THE MUSIC BUILDING. I don't know if I got 'em all but I do know it was myself, Jam Master Jay, Tragedy Khadafi, Little Hatian, Cool T of 'The Afros', Tempest Da Undertaker from 'Flatlinerz' (on Def Jam) and believe it or not.....M.C. Brainz (who did 'Oochie Coochie'). I also remember we were going to do a song with various artists paying homage to the building because it was like a historical monument to us and it was our home. We would sleep and eat in there, man! That didn't happen because the place burned down. I will never forget that day because it burned down on my birthday.

Q3/ You talked earlier about a B-Boy battle breaking out last night in New York whilst Crazy Legs was deejaying. In light of this battle and the energy it transcended, how do you feel about ciphers today in New York City compared to the ciphers back then and the energy they transcended?

Cats are still putting' it in. However, I still it don't compare to days of old (so to speak). You have rappers and you have emcees. My era was the "emcee" era. It's not really about the skills anymore; it's about how much bank you got and your swagger. What happened to lyrics, meta-4z, diction, delivery and wordplay? That's what's missing in this game. Most people are happy just hearing a repetitive chorus with massive auto tune overkill. It's becoming more artificial and mechanical every day. If cats don't be careful, we will wind up like those 'Terminator' movies. We will ALL be replaced, and then Hip-Hop wouldn't even matter anymore because it can all be done through computers and electronics. Imagine that for a minute and think on it. How much dumbin' down has to happen in music before rappers won't even have to rap on a song anymore? The game is slowly being extinct. However, this is one dinosaur that ain't going out like that.

Q4/ Your use of the term "Dinosaur" reminded me of a Game interview I heard just earlier today. Basically one of Games many shots at Jay-Z during this interview was at his age and choice of still rhyming. Prior to this interview Jay-Z addressed the age-factor within Hip Hop in another recent interview. With relation to this, how do you feel about the generation gap of respect maintained between young artists and old artists in 2009?

That's funny to me. I mean, seriously, is there actually an age limit for Hip-Hop? What if comedians stopped comedy at 25? We wouldn't have Richard Prior, Redd Foxxx, Robin Harris and Bernie Mac. You ever watch the cartoon "Family Guy"? Funny show, right? Who you think do the freakin' voices? Mostly older people. If you have the "it" factor in your soul then you will never go out of style. What if a young kid was swimming in a pool and he started drowning and he yelled at me to help him and I say to the kid, "Sorry fam, I'm too OLD to rescue you. Maybe you should try to tread water until someone you can relate to comes along." You think homie cared about my age at the moment? Hell to the no! He lookin' with someone with "experience" to save his drowning behind. The youth need to respect their elders and to respect the game (no pun intended) because without the veterans in the game, there wouldn't even be a game. Kids are calling cats old but they are getting "older" every single day. The only difference between us and them is that we were born before them. They act like they are in some sort of time warp standstill and they won't age. They call us old but they will get old too and those born before them will call them old. And so on....and so on....and so on....and so on!

Q5/ Exactly! With that said where do you see yourself musically within the next 10 years time?

Some people do it for the riches. I do it for the love. It's a part of me. Money and fame are benefits from your labor which doesn't necessarily go to everyone. I get paid when I do shows so I am able to eat. I don't need to make a million dollars to love Hip-Hop. Keep in mind that I was doing' this before it was even a franchise. Making a little money from it now is a bonus. If you love something then you do it for the love. The moment you do it for other reasons is when the passion is diluted and watered down and it slowly starts to fade.

Hope to be in the game and still have my place in it (whatever place that is). I wish to continue to make contributions. Young catz know I've been in the game for a bit so I bless them with some knowledge that could help them. Cats got bling these days and cats got swagger but the knowledge needed in this industry is next to zero. That will only take them but so far. As you know, rapping is like only 15% and the rest is all business. Jay-Z proved that you can still bring it heavy no matter how old you are. Rakim will crush 95% of emcees in any age group (in my opinion). Kool G Rap is just as dope now when he put out "Road To The Riches". Look at M.O.P. those are grown men that can get a crowd amped up to a ridiculous frenzy. If this is what age does to you then give me another slice of that any day



Cee-Rock The Fury official website

PART TWO COMING SOON!