Fine Art Friday: Lisa Leone - "THE RISE OF HIP HOP"

Bronx bred photographer Lisa Leone grew up in the heyday of late 80s and early 90s hip hop and documented some of the superstars-to-be and lesser known groups, who oddly look like the youth of today, and recently published a book with her own catalog of pics from that era. Capturing some of the iconic figures in the world of hip-hop at the beginning stages of their careers, the early images of Nas, Snoop, Mobb Deep, Guru and many others make us all nostalgic for the days when they ran the airwaves and made us excited to hear new hip hop music. Check some of the highlights below and her site for more in depth info.

ARTIST WEBSITE
http://www.thereallisaleone.com/

Listen: Damu The Fudgemunk - "Public Assembly" Compilation

One of my favorite producers and a DC area hip hop aficionado, Damu The Fudgemunk, recently dropped a collection of his work entitled 'Public Assembly' which features an instrumental collection of some fan favs and harder-to-find, unreleased versions of tracks produced by the man himself. Always bringing a throwback sound of crunchy drums, soul samples, and a true school dedication to the craft, Damu shines a light on his back catalog and paves the way for more quality music in the future.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://damuthefudgemunk.bandcamp.com/album/public-assembly

Listen: Dice Raw - "Nothin"

Philly rep and The Roots crew affiliate Dice Raw, recently dropped the new single from his feature on the 'Rawlife' compilation from Dice Raw and the Family. The track entitled "Nothin" continues his quality features in the same vain as his appearances on The Roots albums. The production is fitting and matches the honest lyrics of Dice well. Check it out and support one of The Roots crew that gets less shine than his Tonight Show family.

DOWNLOAD LINK
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nothin-single/id887962111?uo=4&at=10laZr

Listen: Katiah / OKay - "Next to Us"

Brown Bag Allstar affiliate, Katiah aka OKay, recently dropped the Karamel Kel produced single "Next To Us" for free download. For the unfamiliar, Katiah is an an emcee/producer from the Upper West Side and is currently putting the finishing touches on his next album, featuring production from the BBAS's own J57 and more! Catch him on the road with Koncept and J57 during their US tour this summer/fall.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://www.audiomack.com/song/j57/next-to-us

Video: RA the Rugged Man - "Definition of a Rap Flow"

Legendary rapper R.A. The Rugged Man is back in the director's chair for the rambunctious and hysterical new video "Definition Of A Rap Flow", off his latest album "Legends Never Die". Among the Rugged Man's most infectious videos to date, "Definition Of A Rap Flow" features cameos from a host of hip-hop luminaries, from legends like Grandmaster Caz, Sadat X, Chill Rob G, Dinco D, and the Beatnuts to new-school talent like Chris Webby. Combining the style and essence of hip-hop's Golden Era with technically flawless new-school lyricism, "Definition Of A Rap Flow" is yet another reminder of the Rugged Man's undeniable place in the pantheon of all-time great emcees.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://bit.ly/1cHrpfz.