Throwback: Artifacts - "Wrong Side of Da Tracks"

I remember blowing out my tape deck to this track (when cars still had tape decks) and every time I hear it, I realize that nobody makes Graf writers anthems anymore or at all. This was the first and only times I heard emcee's talking about paint markers and tags, which they apparently regretted later once the police started to use it against them. The video, horn sample, and vibe of the entire track still sound crisp to me and make me wish these type of tracks still got airplay like they did in the heyday of Rap City.

Fine Art Friday: Joe Iurato at Signal Gallery (London)

I have been a long time fan of the stencil art of New Jersey artist Joe Iurato and posted about him before. He recently opened a show in London at the Signal Gallery, splitting the show with fellow artists BAEL, MICHAL JANOWSKI and SPQR, and I wanted to share some images of his latest experimental works. The bulk of them continue his mastery of stenciled figures but these are rendered with spray paint, enamel and acetone on carbon steel and the results are visually rich with textures and colors. Check it out and help shine a light on a stand up citizen, father and street artist.

Video: G-Do X Exception - "Keep Rising" ft. Shishani

Though I don't know much about this crew, G-DO and Exception teamed up with singer Shishani for a mellow heat rock entitled "Keep Rising" and recently dropped the video to show the "making of". Recorded and shot on location in Pobiedna, Poland at the Saraswati Hotel, the team came together for a number of tracks and hopefully this is a hint of more to come from G-DO and Xception in the future.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://g-doxception.bandcamp.com/track/keep-rising

Video: Koss X Craig G - "Stare Into The Mirror"

Belgium based producer Koss and rap legend Craig G recently teamed up for a joint LP entitled "The Legacy". Released on the heals of his most recent album "The Ramblings of An Angry Old Man", Craig G is staying busy and building his international fan base by linking up with Koss for a collaborative mix of fresh beats, stories, and insights from a veteran of the rap game. "Stare Into The Mirror" is the second single from the project and gives a good preview of what the rest of the album sounds like. Check it out and see for yourself.

Preview the album on Itunes here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-legacy/id593863044

Listen: Earl Grey - "Wes Blues" Album

Denmark producer Earl Grey recently dropped this ode to the jazzy blues guitarist Wes Montgomery entitled "Wes Blues"in collaboration with German crew Radio Juicy. It is a chill collection of beats sprinkled with chops of Montgomery's riffs and stands as a nice dedication to one of the quiet giants of music history. Some off-kilter rhythms and airy production throughout, but a nice soundtrack to zone out with if thats your thing.

DOWNLOAD LINK 
http://radiojuicy.com/album/wes-blues

Listen: DLO - "Dusties" album

Wisconsin hip hop's secret weapon DLO holds his own as an mc/producer/father and always brings an interesting mix of original instrumentation and soul samples chopped up with fresh drums and arrangements. He recently dropped an instrumental album entitled "Dusties" for some throwback, jazzy grooves. Check it out here for the cleverly priced $4.20 and help shine a light on a slept-on midwest captain.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://dlonline.bandcamp.com/album/the-dusties