Throwback Track: Citizen Kane - "Blackrain"

Citizen Kane is a super slept on group from Toronto, Canada that released their debut album Deliverance back in 1999. Though their album won acclaim in Canada and had some video time on Rap City in the 90's, it was the 1996 B-side to the Structure/Foundation single, called "Black Rain", that stuck out to me for all these years. The Bill Withers sample flip and lyrical skills that shine on the single made it almost hypnotic to me and I still rock it in my iPod daily during long train rides. I wish their was an official video for this track, but this post from Youtube of the 12" cover will suffice.

More classic Citizen Kane videos like "Soldier's Story"after the jump:

Fine Art Friday: John Casey

 

John Casey has been a favorite of mind since I found a book of his illustrations years ago. I respect pencil drawing from the craft point of view, but also Casey's ability to create macabre, humorous work that reminds me of Edward Gorey. Check more of his work on his site or his blog.

More images of his recent sculptural work and color illustrations after the jump.

Video: Zion I - "Human Being"

After years of grinding under the radar, Zion I might be able to finally crack the top 40 (fingers crossed) with the most recent single entitled "Human Being" from the Shadow Boxing album that just dropped. Continuing with their experimental music, mixing dubstep-ish effects and 808 drums, and positive (often political) lyrics, Zion I crafted a fun and clubby track as a proper exit to the Summer. Hopefully, they can get the notice they deserve with their latest offering and get universal attention from hip hoppers everywhere.

Listen: Phonetic One - "Clarity"

Phonetic One is no stranger to posts on The Double Truth, as I have worked with him in the past, and plan on releasing more stuff in the future. I just came across some new material he put out for a track called "Clarity" and it exhibits the clever style and intelligent rhymes he is known for. He is still in college, but working hard to break out in a larger role once his studies are complete. Check out "Clarity" above and stay tuned for more in the future.

Listen: DJ Shadow - Reconstructed

DJ Shadow has long been a favorite for me and with the recent re-release of many of his iconic works with the "Reconstructed" greatest hits box set, I am reminded of his vast catalog. Pieced together from Endtroducing and everything in between now and then, this box set includes remixes, edits and versions of Shadows work from all corners of his mind. His work with UNKLE, his solo work, his guest production and other items help build a great overview of his mix of chilled out, downtempo, trippy music to his breakbeat and experimental work with guest vocalists. If you never knew how to enter into his catalog, this a great place to start learning backwards to the cornerstone that was his debut album. Gems galore!

Get the super glossy, awesome sauce packaging and collectors edition too! News after the jump:

Thank You Everyone: 10,000+ Views And Counting...

Just notified that my blog hit 10,000 total visitors as of today! I appreciate all the readers and folks from around the globe that check in with The Double Truth daily. Here's to 10,000 more!

---LuvJonez

Video: Ruste Juxx X The Arcitype - "GGTC"

Ruste Juxx and The Arcitype are back with another video and single from the V.I.C. album that just dropped this past week. Do your self a favor and pick it up! This album has bangers galore and The Arcitype comes with solid production that supports Ruste Juxx's grimy flow wit ha mix of soulful chops and street rap anthems. Similar in quality (to me) of when Jake One and Freeway hooked up for a full-length album a few years back. The right beats can carry an MC far and this collaboration is further proof.

Pick up Ruste Juxx + The Arcitype's 15-track 'V.I.C' album out now on AR Classic Records/Duck Down Music Inc.

Fans can purchase the iTunes Deluxe Version here: http://bit.ly/PTCzTj

More info after the jump:

Stadium Status - Jay-Z is The King of Brooklyn

" I don't wear jerseys, I'm thirty plus..."

.....unless I own the team, then I will make an exception.

Certainly not startling news, but as the Barclays Center opened up for business this past Thursday, Jay-Z launched his first of 7 straight performances to a sold out crowd in front of his hometown Brooklyn crowd. He rocked a team hat and jersey for the crowd, despite his rap claim to never wear them, and has now christened the Kings County with their own awesome spectacle for concerts and events, mainly the Brooklyn Nets. Somehow, despite no games having been played yet, it already feels like the Nets will make noise with their squad and new arena to quickly outshine (and encourage hatred from) the NY Knicks. It's an exciting time to live in BKNY, until the rent goes up so high that it turns into Manhattan, Jr., but until then it is nice to see Brooklyn spread the love and acclaim that Biggie desired back in the day. Hate on Jigga for many things, but his grind from the projects of BK to the crown prince of BK didn't take very long and his "hard knocks MBA" has finally brought him the cornerstone of an empire. Stadium status indeed!

Read more about the show and opening events after the jump