The Double Truth

LuvJonez Music Youtube Channel

2011-12-30T14:26:00.000-11:00

LuvJonez Music has a new Youtube channel for some promotional videos from the last few albums of 2011. Check them out if you like, by clicking on the Link in the title. Many of the albums are available for free to download or embed around your digital world.

Grafitti Science

2011-12-30T14:19:00.000-11:00

This comic always makes me laugh. It simultaneously shows love for and makes fun of the world of graffiti and street art....with a mix of graphic design.

How Sampling Music Can and Has Changed the World

2011-12-28T16:25:00.001-11:00

The World's Most Important Six Second Drum Loop

In 2004, Nate Harrison made a video discussing the surprising influence that a six second drumbeat has had on popular music. The Amen Break, as the beat has come to be known, has been sampled so many times by so many people that it's become part of our cultural fabric.

The brief drum solo, or break beat, first appeared on the B-side of a single recorded by the funk and soul band The Winstons in 1969. Because the break was isolated in the middle of the song, it was easy to isolate and incorporate into other songs using early samplers. By the 1980s, the drum loop was being sampled in hip hop, gangster rap, jungle, and drum and bass songs, spurring Harrison to claim that this six second clip "spawned several entire subcultures."

To learn more about how a six second drum loop came to be used for everything from producing old-school hip hop to hardcore dance music to the soundtrack for commercials, check out Nate Harrison's video below.

LuvJonez Music

2011-12-20T16:19:00.002-11:00

Since my last post many moons ago, I have been developing both my own muscial venture and my discography. Through collaborations with various MC's across the globe and sorting my archives, I have released several albums of instrumentals under the LuvJonez moniker on my Bandcamp page. I have recently posted remixes, MC collaborations and other projects and continue to build toward something greater.

I have also posted work on SoundCloud and Youtube to share my work. I am always looking for like-minded MC's and singers to work with, so if you are interested in building, please feel free to contact me through those sites. Look out for more frequent updates about my own adventures and interests here and I promise it will be more often than every other year.

LUVJONEZ MUSIC

http://luvjonez.bandcamp.com
http://soundcloud.com/luvjonezmusic
http://twitter.com/luvjonezmusic
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LuvJonez/201640913212832

Brooklyn NYC T-shirts

2010-06-14T06:36:00.006-11:00

Here is a link to a simple Brooklyn (BK) logo T-shirt. You can inquire how to purchase one HERE

Here are some pics of some of the other stuff you can get. Represent BK to the fullest...in old school Dodger blue.

Jonas Angelet Artworks

2010-06-09T09:21:00.008-11:00

I decided to post some images from artist Jonas Angelet. He is a graphic artist and has done work for various Hip Hop groups and many gallery shows. This is a sampler of his art, but feel free to check out the link for more info.

ORIGINAL ARTWORK: Duck & Cover, 2009, screen print, spray paint, image transfer, charcoal

ORIGINAL ARTWORK: As Time Grinds Down, 2009, Screen print, spray paint, image transfer

ALBUM COVER: Lucha Libre, I Need A Raise Records, 2006

ALBUM COVER: The Strangerz, 2010, DigitCrates Records

ALBUM COVER: Skeeterhawk, 2010

Da Ricanstrukta (Swae Da Ricanstrukta) - Local Favorites

2010-03-25T11:56:00.006-11:00

So, over my many years meeting beat makers, I have never met anyone, personally, that has been more prolific and more criminally slept on then local Wisconsin beat-smith Swae Da Ricanstrukta. He has been the musical backbone of many groups in the midwest, most notably as a member of Break Bread and Lucha Libre. In the 10 years I have known him, I have collected hundreds of beat CD's from him and after dusting off a few of them recently, I have decided to post them in abundance. To me, sonically, he is a mixture of Pete Rock and Just Blaze with a bit of Fizzy Womack. I realize that is a heavy comparison, but he cranks out very anthem-type beats that make me want to slap people at random. This is a bit of a teaser, as I have at least 50 beat CD's of new stuff, but here is a small collection of tracks that show his range and talent. We here in the midwest are always in need of MC's, so anyone that rhymes and is interested in these beats, please feel free to reach out and help promote this cat.

Feedback is appreciated. Also, for all you people out there on your conspiracy tip, Swae did many of the beats in the documentary LOOSE CHANGE: The 9/11 Truth Movement.

LINK BELOW:

http://www.mediafire.com/?cojngdkooum

Local Cats, Volume 2 (Midwest USA)

2010-03-25T11:26:00.006-11:00

This is yet another post in my collection of demo's and burned CD bootlegs passed to me by local artists here in Madison Wisconsin. I have seen many groups change their sound and image and these posts are some of the in-between groups and personalities of a few select Milwaukee/Madison mainstays.

The first in a short EP by a emcee/R & B singer named SOSE "Just Listen". He has a smooth singing voice and sounds at times like New Edition-era crooners. Though I am not a huge fan of R&B music, at least the modern version, SOSE does make some decent effort as far as production and trying to make a more commercial effort. He has since become a "political" rapper and tried to be more aggressive and less sing-songy, but I thought I would post this to show one of the "stages" that many of the cats in my region tend to approach while "finding themselves". Overall, I thought it was a decent attempt for some Usher type sound, but times have changed i guess. Feel free to give me some feedback and your general thoughts about any of this.

LINKS BELOW:

http://www.mediafire.com/?zmmtkd2o2nj

Big Hus "Hooked On U" 2004, CHI-TOWN PT. 2

2009-12-26T18:54:00.008-11:00

The B-Side of Big Hus single is a song called "Hooked On U". This is a decent song that is trying to describe the ups and downs of a Chi-Town love life. It too is well-rounded as far as production but it is also something that would never get much repeat play on my ipod, but perhaps in yours. CDR part 2. It sounds a bit like Doggfather era Snoop Dogg mixed with a bit of Coolio "Fantastic Ride" in a Chicago stylee. Let me know your thoughts.

Peace.

CLICK ON TITLE FOR DOWNLOAD LINK

Big Hus "I Don't Even Know" (Ion't Een No) 2004, CHI-TOWN PT. 1

2009-12-26T18:41:00.009-11:00

First up is Big Hus with his single "I Don't Even Know" (or ION'T EEN NO in Chi-Town slang). This song reminds me of Juvenile's "Ha" song from the late-90's/ early 2000's but was made around 2004. It is catchy in the "say the title a hundred times" way that most of Cash Money's singles often are/were. I came across this CD when I met a guy I worked with on his first day and we got to talking about rap/hip-hop and he mentioned that his brother was a rapper. This claim "my brother raps" is something I come across often and although I am open minded about the substance of their songs, I often end up hating the results upon first listen. This song came out mildly professional sounding, down to the fake call-in show intro.

Overall, this is one of two songs on a burned CD that my co-worker Kevin gave to me for a listen. The unprofessional presentation is consistent with most every "rap cat" that I meet who works so hard to craft a song that they ill consider their presentation when handing out CD's (CDR with name scribbled in sharpie). I will post both songs for anyone's listen, but for all of the hand-to-hand CD's I have gotten, this one surprised me a bit with the clarity of sound, as I usually can hear the hiss of open-air bad recordings on a lot of these demo's.

Give me some feed back people!

Peace

CLICK ON THE TITLE FOR DOWNLOAD LINK

Music You Don't Have

2009-12-26T18:20:00.005-11:00

Greetings people,

So as I was cleaning out my CD spindles from years and years of trying to create the perfect mixtape, which i have yet to do, I came across demo CD's, debuts and singles from local and regional artists I have encountered throughout my life. Many of these acts have been artists from Kentucky (Louisville, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville), Wisconsin (Madison, Milwaukee), Illinois (Chicago, Rockford) and New York (Brooklyn, 5 Boroughs) and others. I decided to compile these albums and post them for people to listen to. Many of them are not high quality, but there is something I admire about even the lowest guy on the totem pole of the hip-hop world, feeling confident enough about his work to "put it out there" for everyone to hear.

I will provide brief descriptions of how I acquired these items and upload the albums one at a time. I would love some feedback on many of these acts. So many of them disappeared from the radar of the general public, but these all bring me back to a moment in time, whatever the quality is of the recording.

Peace.

Keep an eye out below for the links!

Intel Agents - Intelligence (2002)

2009-06-30T16:59:00.000-11:00

These cats are fairly obscure on the national scene for hip-hop, but back in 2002 they were holding it down for the Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison hip-hop crowd. Soon after the release of this album they disbanded into several incarnations of other groups. However, on this album, they showed a diversity of sound and a Rawkus-Era underground dedication that proved their place at the top of the midwest hip-hop groups.

This album never got thorough distribution outside of the midwest, but the sounds still sound relevant today. Take a listen and see what you think. The group was Dana Coppafeel, Dan Profit, and Mic Virus. They have since prospered as members of groups such as King Hell Bastard and Lucha Libre respectively.

Currently, Mic Virus is working with Dj Pain 1 of Young Jeezy "Don't Do It" fame on a full length album. Hoping to ride the wave of industry level hit makers from the midwest to his overdue acclaim as one of the midwest best kept secrets. Catch him in his younger days right here.

http://www.mediafire.com/?gh2ye2gnjqz

Flex Matthews & XO / Local Cats, DC Hip Hop Greats

2009-06-30T15:56:00.002-11:00

Since relocating to DC myself, about 2 years ago, I have been inundated with Cd's and demo's from many local MC's and I have been very impressed with how Hip-Hop the DC scene is. These cats grind hard and make good music with a hint of Golden Era aesthetics but a modern twist. The roster includes luminaries like Grap Luva, Kev Brown, Asheru, Wale and such, but the dudes I cross paths with are Flex Matthews, XO, and Ardamus. They all put out quality records and mixtapes at an impressive rate and do shows regularly. I would not be surprised if they bubble up from the underground to decent fame.

In the meantime though, I decided to drop some of the tracks that keep me going when i give up on the current "Radio Station" hip-hop.

Check em out:

Ride'n feat. XO http://www.mediafire.com/?gz5qznozydy

Flex Mathews Cat woman http://www.mediafire.com/?nymm3vmdzoy

Wale - Goodbye (Back to the Feature mixtape) Track it down yourself! It's worth it!

Michael Jackson Rarities

2009-06-30T15:01:00.000-11:00

Michael Jackson was a tremendous influence on me as a child. We all got got up in the red jacket with zippers phase, moonwalking, and one glove. It was more than fashion for me though, it was a universal music that even at 7 years old, I could relate to. I thought it was great that for the only time in my life, that i can remember, everyone liked the same music. It stuck with us too, for all the years after. I toughed it out through light-skinned Michael to melted face, recluse Michael and his music always outlasted his public image to me. Mj inspired me to be things I knew i couldn't and would never try, but people always rallied around his music.

Despite "Thrillers" impact on me and the music I consumed, it wasn't until the Wu-tang Clan came along that a surge of Jackson family music was interesting to me again. Ghostface Killah particularly, used all types of J5 sounds and had me diggin in crates for all the original records by little MJ and the J5. It made me revisit songs like "With a Child's Heart" and "Music and Me" and "Dear Michael" and "Morning Glow". These are super chilled out songs that I could put on my turntable, CD player, and now my Ipod and zone out to. His musical legacy helped me grow up and think about growing up in a seedy small town and how I endured.

Perhaps this was a cheese-mo post, but I have often felt compelled to write when my own personal musical giants pass on. Dilla inspired almost an entire thesis paper from me, just from his selections on "Donuts". Either way, I have compiled a mix of MJ's greatest songs to me. Most are from his younger years, but it seems timeless to me. Feel free to comment on the choices or make fun of me for being sentimental about a dude I never met, but somehow recognized his passion.

Artwork by Billy Colbert (www.billycolbert.com)

Link:

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=f16c2760d8d1d6f8af924764f9977b1d45003c62d30db9d0ce018c8114394287

It's been a long time...oldies but goodies update

2008-05-19T09:17:00.000-11:00

I haven't posted here in a long mofo'n time, but I have been digging through all my coolections and I feel compelled to share MY classics, even if they are available elsewhere. Check em out if you like the true hip hop classics.

NO I.D. - Accept your own and be yourself - 1997 Era

http://rapidshare.com/files/112784180/no_id-accept_your_own_and_be_yourself__the_black_album_-1997-bm.rar

Props to onlyrealhiphop.blogspot for the link

NY OIL - Hood Treason

2007-08-28T04:16:00.000-11:00

I know this guy is posted on several websites right now, but I was so moved by this album, that I feel compelled to share it with whomever stops by this site. NYoil is a slighty aggresive rhymer with skills that sound like a combo of Common, Saigon and Immortal Technique. He declares the state of hip-hop in dire need of Direction, much like all the real heads out there, and his album is testimony to that cause. He has many stand-out tracks like "Unreal, Yall should all be lynched, And it dont stop, etc." This guy is capable of deep thoughts and rugged wordplay and seems man enough to back it up. The production is top-notch, with no big names or big name sound-alikes, which make this a very solid, cohesive album.

This album is floating aroud in cyber-space and I wish more people could hear it. He has video's on Youtube and songs available for download on most mp3 sites.

The album itself, as far as the artwork goes, can be decieving, It almost looks like some Goth-rap shit, but that is mostly just bad graphic design work. If you can get past that, there is a great underground artist's album in there and very worthy of checking out.

Here is the link:

zshare:

Rise - From the child to the MC

2007-08-23T14:09:00.001-11:00

Hailing from Brooklyn, like many great MC's before him, little is known about this cat RISE, other than he used to do songs with the Demigodz crew. Somehow in my quest to gather songs by him, I came across this collection that I can only assume is either an album that was never officially released or a compilation of his works. Either way, it satidfied my desire to listen to the skills this guy has. He is a humorous, battle type rapper, with punchline after punchline, and is capable of telling clever stories as well. He got a little shine a while back on Lyricist Lounge vol.1, and Eddie ill freestyle CD and on several Demigodz EP's. He has released some low-budget CDR type discs over the years, but those might as well have never came out, cause they are that hard to find. I can't find much relevant info about him now, but if this is the only thing he ever put out, it is nothing to be ashamed of. Great songs include BKNY, the wickedest flow, etc. Classified as SUPER-underground, cause I don't even think this dude's family knows whats going on with him. Rawness!

Check it out!!!

zshare link:

http://www.zshare.net/download/3286127a6b7c36/

More Info Available at: http://www.demigodz.com/bio_rise.html

TRACKLIST

1 - BKNY
2 - Cheater
3 - Do You Know Him
4 - Eddie Ill Freestyle
5 - Every MC f/ Apathy
6 - From The Child To the MC
7 - I know
8 - Memories f/ Wordsworth & Masta Ace
9 - No Faith
10 - Nothings Changed f/ Mr. Complex
11 - Relay Remix f/ Pack FM & Wordsworth
12 - Smackdown f/ C-Rayz Walz & Apathy
13 - The Godz Must Be Crazy
14 - The Wickedest Flow
15 - Well Well Well f/ The Demigodz

Tardy list for me...means more treats for you _______Mike Boo_Dunhill Drone Committee

2007-08-16T15:29:00.000-11:00

I haven't checked in for a while, but I was trying to dig up some gems for you guys. This is an album that may be my favorite turntablism album in the last few years. Mike Boo - Dunhill Drone Committee. This is an album that I like to call audio heroin, for its use of mellow, layered, surreal soundscapes. It drifts in and out of clarity and sounds like the soundtrack to your brain after a night of heavy partying, and its just begging to go to sleep, but your thoughts keep you up until 5am. This description is pretty lame actually, but few words can describe the sleepy peacefulness of this album. It tends to be a mix of moody hip hop-esque scratching and slow-rolling soundscapes... and I will end by attempts to convey this gem with words. Check it out!!!
*****

Here is the link:

Local Favorites... Part 2

2007-07-17T04:51:00.000-11:00

This post features a brief collection of songs by Madison, WI MC Ox. Ox has released 3 albums since 2003, and has yet another on the horizon for 2007. This collection are tracks produced by DJ Curfew, another Madison local who has had tracks featured on every Ox album since 2003. Curfew's productions have increased per album and tend to be the backdrop of the more introspective cuts on the albums. This compilation features the songs that stand out of Curfews productions, that have been or will be featured on Ox's projects.

As far as sound quality, all tracks have been mastered. Ox's voice and content sounds like early work by Scarface & Xzibit. Often introspective & aggressive at the same time. Ox always has a lot to say and the delivery at times is rough, but he always gets his point across. Check it out.

DJ Curfew featuring OX

zshare link:

http://www.zshare.net/download/27285440b523e5/

Local Favorites... Part 1

2007-07-17T03:50:00.000-11:00

This post features 2 groups who have flourished here (in Madison, WI) but never recieved much exposure outside of the midwest: Lucha Libre & OX.

Lucha Libre is a hip-hop/reggaeton hybrid consisting of Producer Da Ricanstrukta, MC's NV1 & Mic Virus. They are currently developing their sophmore album, but their first album Plantando Bandera (2005) is available now. There are few guest appearences on this album outside of other local MC's, but the diversity of sound is a testament to their creativity. Bi-lingual rhymes, battle raps, revolutionary prose, dancehall & reggaeton riddims, and typical braggadoccio are abundant on this album along with professional sound quality. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Lucha Libre - Plantando Bandera 2005

zshare link: http://www.zshare.net/download/2728331305dbf6/

Knotty Slayaz - R.I.P.

2007-07-15T15:47:00.000-11:00

The Knotty Slayaz was a hip hop group from Hopkinsville, KY circa 1994/1995. They released a cassette only demo and I was able to get a copy from the lead MC, Be Be. I grew up with him and we were always trading rap tapes but when he and his crew recorded this song, I wanted a copy for historical reasons. Not to long after they released this and started performing, one of the MC's, Rocky, passed away from a brain hemorage. The group died down to a lull and disbanded. They reformed around 1997 as HPT, but altered their sound towards a more club-friendly audience. Their demo, while rough and darker thematically, was charming for me because it was my firends doing what they loved. I don't think it is the dopest demo in the world, but it always brings back images of high school and Flatlinerz, Gravediggaz era hip hop. A moment in time. It is super lo-fi, but it is the only copy in existance outside my original cassette. Enjoy.

Knotty Slayaz - Lunatical Biography

zshare link:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/2708159035ab32/

Break Bread - Da Album - 2002

2007-07-11T10:29:00.000-11:00

Break Bread Da Album never saw huge distribution or press when in came out in 2002. Originally from Madison, WI, they were a hip hop group made up of Da Ricanstrukta (Producer, MC-Josue) and Dana Coppafeel (MC). Josue switched up his verses between spanish language and english while Dana stuck to his hip hop lyricism. They made a strong debut and brought in like-minded acts to do shows with. Namely, Kev Brown, Breez Evahflowin', Carnage, and Novacane. 2003 saw the group go their seperate ways and Josue began a hip hop/ reggaeton group called Lucha Libre, while Dana moved to Milwaukee and formed King Hell Bastard. This is a lo-fi copy of the album, but I will repost the offcial release as soon as I can dig it up. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Here is the link:
zshare:

http://www.zshare.net/download/265636023578ee/

In the beginning....

2007-07-08T15:37:00.000-11:00

I have several hip hop albums that are floating in obscurity from local acts and assosciates that may never get the exposure they deserve. I want to post them and get feedback. I will post great albums by major artists, but don't ignore the little guys. They all make quality music.