Dirty Waters

Rock the message Rap

2012-02-27T18:41:00.001-05:00

and this is how the story goes...

Grand Master Chilly-T & Stevie G - Rock the Message Rap

Triip

2012-02-22T23:15:00.003-05:00

Here's another random indie label joint Stretch used to run a lot
circa early 1995. This was also featured on one of those Echo Underground Airplay tapes.Triip with 'Keep it Flowin', her one and only release. One to add to the short list of female MC's. There might be another mix for this track, I prefer this remix here..

Triip - Keep it Flowin

Agent 106 Freestyle

2012-02-12T11:30:00.000-05:00

As Stretch says, this was one Hefty Bag of a session. Some real deep lyrics. This was from a Stretch & Bobbito Show sometime in the summer of 1995. Because I didn't tape the interview, I actually had no idea who this was until recently when someone on the Philaflava forums mentioned that it was Agent 106. The beat he's on is a beat brought up by G-Bo the Pro. Enjoy...

Agent 106 Freestyle WKCR 1995

Ebay and Paypal ranting

2012-02-10T09:23:00.004-05:00

eBay and Paypal are really starting to screw over eBay sellers. The fees associated with using their services are becoming more and more astronomical. Excuse my ranting here, but I need to vent and those of you selling on eBay need to know what these people are doing (if you haven't figured it out already). Click on photo or 'track listing' to read more...

I recently listed 123 records on ebay and out of those, 45 sold. Most of the records I listed were not all that rare or in great conditions, so I listed them at low prices. Around $1.99-$6.99, I think I might have listed one record that was over $10. Anyway, after all these records were sold and shipped, I got around to calculating my profits and man did I get hit...

It seems eBay has now introduced not only a fee for the final value of a sale, but also a fee for the shipping prices you charge?? I can understand you take a percentage of someone's profits for allowing them to use your site as a means to sell items, but shipping costs too? That's just obnoxious. From what I've read, eBay does this to 'avoid people from overcharging on shipping.' eBay limits the amount you can charge for media mail shipping to $4, is this not a solution to that problem? They also say this is a way to 'encourage sellers to offer free shipping in their auctions.' First of all, offering low starting bids is what gets people interest in your items. Shipping costs are almost expected with eBay auctions, so it can be easy for buyers to overlook the fact that free shipping is even being offered. This also creates a mess when you offer shipping to various countries with varying shipping costs.

The amount of money Paypal charges for using their services is ridiculous as well. I'm not sure if they were always charging so much for transactions, but it seems like their fees are also getting increasingly higher. Let me show you all an example of how one of my sales went...

I list a record for $1.99, and it sells to a guy in Europe which is $15.20 to ship.

eBay fees:
Final Value Fee: $.20
Final Value Fee on Shipping: $.36

Paypal Fee:
International transfer: $1.16

Total Fees: $1.72

Put the gun down. This leaves me with $.28 profit. eBay and Paypal step in and take nearly 75% of my earnings. How about I just give away the records? I charged too little for shipping on one of my International sales accidentally, and ended up doing just that. I have to package these records, schlep down to the post office, wait on ridiculous lines, fill out custom forms, all for a measly $.28.

You see, when people send you money through Paypal using a credit or debit transfer, Paypal charges you a percentage. For a payment of less than $20, you are charged about $.50 for US transfers, and double that for International transfers. If you receive a Paypal payment from a Paypal balance, the transfer is free. Great, but seemingly no one ever has money in their Paypal account. 9 times out of 10 Paypal pulls the money from their bank account and charges you a fee for it.

Now I either have to give up on eBay altogether, figure out some magical way to offset these fees, charge additional fees (which will cause buyer complaints), or completely cut off my International bidders (which account for a large portion of my eBay business). It's just ridiculous. Feel free to jump in and add your two cents..

What's funny is someone went out of their way to create a website dedicated to ripping on eBay, it's called fuckyouebay.com.

Also this week I got to deal with one of these buyers who wants to go back and forth arguing, giving me a headache over some slight damage to the back cover (not even the record condition) on a record he paid $4 for, disputing my VG+ grade and claiming it is VG. (Yeah, excuse me for not specifically detailing the exact defects on a record I list for $2, because the VG+ does not give you a good enough idea of what kind of shape it's in). Sellers, you know these guys, he's never happy with a standard refund. First he wants to keep the record and get half his money back, then he wants you to refund him before mailing the records back so he 'has money to ship it back to you.' Of course, this falls under what eBay considers 'feedback extortion,' so after this joker bombs me with negative feedback I have to jump around menu screens to find out how to handle it, file claims and wait for the results. Awesome.

Stretch & Bobbito Red Bull Music Academy Interview

2012-02-08T11:50:00.001-05:00

Maze & Mussolini Freestyles WNYU

2012-02-01T00:16:00.010-05:00

Couldn't find any press photos for these two, but here's
Maze & Mussolini on the Halftime Show, WNYU
sometime around 2000? Thug it out!

J-Force

2012-01-25T00:58:00.002-05:00

Was going through the Death Wish Soundtrack and caught the loop for this J-Force 'Bulls Eye.' Sounds like he used the Little Feet drums too. This is an indie label joint from late 1994 that I've seen selling pretty high in the past couple of years. It has both cuts and production by J-Force and was mixed at Marley Marl's House of Hits studio.

The clown logo is kind of odd, and I can't help but laugh at how rugged this dude tries to make his voice, especially on the 2nd verse. Still I'm diggin it.

J-Force - Bull's Eye

Links

2012-01-20T22:10:00.001-05:00

First zshare and now megaupload... looks like most of the links on Dirty Waters went down in the game. I did use divshare for most of the demos and freestyles, so they are still up. I'm not sure how much of the material I'm going to be able to recover and re-up, so any help from the readers would be appreciated. I'm not even sure which file hosting server to use now.. bastards.

Smif N Wessun

2012-01-16T00:19:00.006-05:00

I caught this Smif N Wessun promo CD a while
back and held on to it for the 'Sound Bwoy Buriell' instrumental.
Here it is in CD quality for those interested.

Smif N Wessun - Sound Bwoy Buriell (instrumental)

Also peep some freestyles under their alias the Cocoa Brovas
from the Halftime Show, WNYU, peace to DJ Eclipse

Cocoa Brovas WNYU Freestyles 10/1999

Royal Flush

2012-01-13T02:14:00.004-05:00

I see some of my readers enjoy poker,
so I'm back with another theme song for you gamblers. I haven't played in a while, but I've been known to jump in a poker tournament or two from time to time. This track is from Blunt Recordings' Royal Flush, 'Moving on your weak productions.' I forgot about this promo sticker I had from back in the day too. For those of you that are into online poker, here's a track you might want to play in your next game.

Royal Flush - Movin' on your weak productions

Royal Flush - WNYU Freestyles 1996

Westwood Radio 6-10-1989

2012-01-13T02:13:00.002-05:00

Here's another Tim Westwood
Capital Rap Show from 1989
courtesy of Dave in Essex.

Westwood Capital Rap Show
(6-10-1989)

Side A
Side B

Das Efx WNYU 1996

2012-01-13T01:40:00.002-05:00

2011-12-18T18:05:00.012-05:00

Soulful Strings - Jingle Bells

Jam Session

2011-11-29T03:43:00.004-05:00

Jackson 5 - Jam Session

AL Tariq & Black Attack WNYU Freetsyles

2011-11-29T03:29:00.002-05:00

Still got the freestyle nuggets in the stash..
Al Tariq & Black Attack on WNYU 7/1996
over the Art-of-Facts Instrumental

Reup: Freak Thing

2011-11-27T03:39:00.006-05:00

This was one of my first drops back in 2007 but I'm re-upping for those that might have missed it.. unreleased joint from LL Cool J on the freak nasty tip, talking about sneaking into girls bedrooms and sipping St. Ides from a high heeled shoe. Nice. I'm guessing this track was done sometime around the '14 shots to the dome album' in the early 90's..

LL Cool J - Freak Thing (unreleased)

DJ Boogie Blind 89.9 2002

2011-11-06T11:02:00.004-05:00

DJ Boogie Blind comes through with a really good track selection on this mix from 'the Lord Sear Special' (Lord Sear's short-lived show between the end of the CM Famalam Show
and the start of Squeeze Radio).

*Peep this post for another
Boogie Blind mix from 2003

DJ Boogie Blind WKCR
(Lord Sear Special Nov, 2002)

Side A
Side B

Future Flavors 1997

2011-10-27T19:30:00.001-04:00

Here's a short clip from Marley Marl & Pete Rock's Future Flavors featuring the Beatnuts promoting their 'Stone Crazy' LP

Future Flavors 1997

2011-10-27T19:19:00.000-04:00

Godfather Don Halftime Freestyles 1998

2011-10-20T20:59:00.004-04:00

This one comes courtesy of Aleph, a ranting/freestyle session with Godfather Don from an early Halftime Show in 1998. Peace to DJ Eclipse.

Godfather Don Freestyles WNYU 1998

Emskee Interview

2011-10-16T12:27:00.002-04:00

It's my pleasure to bring you this interview with Emskee The Complex Engineer. Like me, he's a fellow Jersey head and tape nerd. He's contributed a few radio shows to DW as well as his batch of incredible radio promos which I suggest you all peep if you havent already. Emskee has made a name for himself throughout the years making ill promos for some of the best NYC radio shows, with his group The Good People and also as a resident DJ for the acclaimed Underground Railroad show on WBAI. He's got a vinyl release coming out through UK's Diggers With Gratitude label featuring some of his unreleased recordings from the early 90's. He was nice enough to sit down and tell us about his time in the game and what he's been up to, interview after the jump..

DW: Born/raised/currently representing?

EM: I was born in the BX, and raised in the melting pot suburbs of Teaneck, New Jersey. Once I left the rest I 'repped the Heights in Jersey City for about 3 years. From there it was on to the L.E.S. in the city for about 12 years. I been in Bushwick now for over a year. I love my Jersey/New York roots. A lot memories in this area.

DW: When did you start djing/MCing/producing, and who inspired you to get involved with hip hop?
(what records, which DJ's, producers MC's etc)

EM: Ha ha. Whenever this question is asked, most cats that lived through the "golden years" of hip hop in NY will have similar answers.

I caught the bug back in like '85. I had always been infatuated with my pops tape recorders and stacks of reel to reels since i was a baby so I was a music nerd REAL early. I started collecting (and fuckin up alot of records) on my direct drive stereo in my room (before I knew about scratch pads and felt for the platter). I'd burn the grooves of different phrases scratching so much on one side, and then I'd turn it over and realize I'd totally scratched up the flip. The good 'ol trial and error period.

Also, around that time I was a slave to recording stuff from the radio on a little bullshit box I had. Of course the obvious, Mr. Magic, Red Alert, and Chuck Chillout. But I was drawn to the underground, to-the-left, all-the-way-down-the-dial-where-the-static-was shows and super late night jump offs. "Rap This" with P Fine. The Wildman Steve Show on WBAU out in Garden City (when I could catch it without crazy static), Public Enermy's show also out of Long Island. Jerry Bloodrock. The Awesome 2. Afrika Islam's Zulu Beats on WHBI, DNA-Hank Love Show. Man, I was a NERD. It's a shame this next generation coming up won't ever have the special experience of gaining important hip hop knowledge by having to FIND and seek out various "hidden" media outlets spewing brain-twisting, ground breaking material. It's all at the fingertips and the click of a mouse now pretty much. That was a dope time. Those are all the shows and elements that got me into the culture. Of course analog sound is the main factor. It just had that IT that I needed in my life.

MC wise, I have to give it up to T La Rock at the start. He had that voice AND next level type flow for that time. Masters Of Ceremony stood out, and of course BDP. Oh yeah. Mantronix was a beast too. I never had my own drum machine/sampler and stuff so I never actually produced anything. I always had dope ideas though.

DW: Favorite year/era in hip hop? why?

EM: Hands down.....'85 to '95. The best 10 years of CONSISTENT, VARIETY hip hop ever. Street joints, conscious joints, happy joints. Whatever mood I was in, there were choices that I could make. More specifically....'91 to "94. That 3-year span saw some ill, legends-born releases. Why? Analog versatility. There were alot of drums that were over-sampled, but why complain. Producers flipped them in their own style and it always came off (pause). LOL My main and biggest producer inspirations are (they should be immortalized like the faces of Mount Rushmore) Buckwild, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Showbiz, Dj Premier, Large Professor and Ez Mo Bee. Some reading this might frown and question why others weren't mentioned, but these are the cats who made up the soundtrack to my life for the most part.

DW: Can u think back & describe some early live shows that really amazed/inspired you?

EM: I used to go to a rollerskating rink called "The Rink" in the next town over from Teaneck, Begenfield, New Jersey, on Saturday nights. They'd have a stage built on the island next to the dj booth in the middle of the skating floor on weekends. Between '82 and like '85 I saw, in their early stages Davy DMX, The Fresh 3 MC's, The Fat Boys, LL Cool J, Dougy Fresh and Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Run DMC, The Cold Crush Brothers, Strafe (yeah the "Set It Off" song group), and a few others I can't remember. These are the shows that molded my early hip hop mind. Not to mention, looking back, that I was watching pioneer icons in action not realizing their significance. I also saw The Roots at the Bowery Ballroom back in like '95 which was INCREDIBLE. A live hip hop band for that time wasn't as championed as it is now, and they just had that IT and their fingers on the pulse of what a solid, entertaining, skilled performance was.

DW: Same question for radio shows, which shows really set u off pre doing radio yourself?
(any specific memories?)

EM: I mentioned some shows earlier. Definitely those, but Marley Marl's "In Control" Show on WBLS with, first Dj Kev-E-Kev, and then the debut (as far as I know) of Pete Rock spinning back in '89 was the ONE. Marley was just THE man for a long while with that show. The selections, cutting, blending were all ahead of their time on that show. Loads of exclusives between Marley and Pete were aired.

"Future Flavors", another show hosted by Marley and Pete for awhile on Hot 97 in NY, was crazy. "Pirate Radio", another show Marley hosted was a staple for me. I lived by the Stretch Armstrong Show in the early 90's. Big up to your show archive blog by the way. I've been downloading the few shows i missed when i used to tape the FULL SHOWS EVERY WEEK. I have an insane amount of cassette tapes that i still need to convert. Another "moment" for me would be a freestyle that Supernatural did on the Stretch Armstrong Show where he was shouting so loud rhyming that it added an ill sound to his voice. I actually jacked parts of his freestyle for a hook on a Funk Master Flex promo that i did in '94. Crazy. That was the best example of hip hop that I could give somebody if they needed to know about it. Oh yeah, and of course the infamous Big L freestyles on the show too.

Oh, and one more ill time was when Kid Capri called me up after I sent him a promo and invited me to come up to WBLS back when he was doing an hour on weeknights in '92. I got to hang in the studio watching the tapemaster work his magic. He eventually asked me to write two songs for his next album (that never came out unfortunately). One of the joints is on the DWG label release I have coming out.

DW: How did u link up with J-Smooth and the Underground Railroad?

EM: I give all credit to my man Dj Monk One for that one. This is back in '99, around the time when Dj Spinna and Dj Avee, who were killin the show every week, were starting to not be around on the regular to do it. Monk was an avid listener of the show, as I was as well, but he used to make these ill break beat tapes all the time at his crib and decided to send one to J Smooth. For all those digitally spoiled these days, this was before EVERYBODY started claiming to be diggers and playing funk/soul records like they'd been doing it for years. AND, spinning with ALL ORIGINAL VINYL.

Anyway, he sent the tape in, and one night a few weeks later, neither Spinna or Avee could make it in, and J Smooth and co-host G Man played the tape. G Man called up Monk, who was listening to the show of course, praising him for the dopeness that they had been blessed with. He asked Monk to come up to the show to do a set. After all this went down, Monk calls me up and tell me to make a tape for the Railroad as well. To make a long story short, me and Monk made our debut on the Railroad in October of '99, and soon after became regulars on the show for the next 10 years. Spinna and Avee moved on other projects and traveling. I'm so thankful to J Smooth and blessed that I had the opportunity to ride as a resident on the longest running hip hop show in the world (i think it's been on for 19 years straight now) and play whatever I wanted. That's big.

DW: Is there any night(s) with guest appearances that really stood out in your mind from your time on WBAI, something that made you really glad to be in the studio for? what can you say about your overall experience from doing that show for nearly a decade..

EM: Wow. Well, for one (and for the record....no pun intended), the show could've been, and not to compare, as great and live "energied" as the Stretch Armstrong Show had playing cursing in records and such been allowed. But I respect J for upholding a standard of ethics and intelligence for all these years.

For me, it had to be when i got Kool Dj Red Alert and Ez Mo Bee to come up and do sets. Mo Bee actually sat down and did and interview with us which was real dope. I don't know of any other radio show in NY that had had Mo Bee on for an interview so it was really special. He talked about the making of the Biggie album of course, record samples, the state of the business, and just what he's into. I have the recording somewhere. Might have to give that you for upload to the blog.

Another moment would be when i brought the End Of The Weak (www.endoftheweak.com or www.eodub.com) freestyle fanatics to the show early on before they spread into other countries and hosting major events and stuff. Their freestyle talent is incredible and to be able to give them that platform was really cool for me.

The last major memory moment for me was being able to host the 5-hour classic dance music special me and Monk One co-created called "The Rare Radio Show" which was spawned by J Smooth giving up the time for the Underground Railroad, and the legend that came on after when we first started, Chet Jackson, allowing us to introduce rare disco and house to the NY and world masses late night, commercial free. We've had Dj Spinna, Ez Mo Bee, Kool Dj Red Alert, Qool Dj Marv, The Boogieman, The Lost and Found Crew, Tony Vega, Dj Mihoko (female japanese dj), and Q-Tip. We did 35 shows in an 11 year span. Big up to the legend in his own right too, Dr. Tony Ryan of Soul Central Station, who took over Chet Jackson's slot when he passed away, and allowed us to keep the show going as consistently as possible. Crazy, great memories, and not to mention music education.

DW: Can u tell us about 'Emskee the complex engineer' and how that came about? (did you go to school for engineering? do all the production and engineering on the promos and demos you made? how would you describe what you were trying to do as an artist?)

EM: The Complex Engineer name sadly wasn't because I was nice on the mixing board and drum machines. I've never really been a full on producer. It described my offbeat/onbeat rhyme style that I had back in 1988-89. I crafted lyrics like an engineer, building them in a complex mannner. A lot of people mistook that name for me making alot of the tracks that I rhymed on. Those were all created by my man Nick Wiz (has done production for Rawkus Records artists, the Cella Dwellas, Shabaam Shadeeq, Chino XL, Pudgee tha Fat Bastard, Main One, Ran Reed, Chubb Rock and alot of others...back then known as Kayzee The White Soul), and DMC competition dj participant and winner, the original Dj Slyce...both from where I grew up...Teaneck, New Jersey. I actually went to the DMX school for production at Touro College in manhattan year before last (2009) to try to finally wrap my head around producing, but still have yet to get my own equipment.

I have a double 12" record EP that the DWG label (Diggers With Gratitude) in the UK just put out of some of my classic promos and demos I submitted to them. I'm looking forward to that.

DW: I noticed a few of the demos you made remarked on how wack the industry was, how they tried to shape and rape artists (no props, no gimmicks). Do you feel much has changed these days? As someone who has been involved with hip hop for so long how do you feel about the current state of things?

EM: Ha ha, do we have enough space to fit everything i wanna say?!! LOL

Real mc's, dj's and overall fans have always had a beef with commercialized garbage. My demo "No Gimmicks" basically exhibited what i thought the industry was like (I did the record execs voice in that joint too) back then. "No Props" was just a hard joint i did (pause) over the ill sample my man Dj Slyce flipped. Oh yeah, if you don't know where that sample is from, i'm not telling you. LOL

I've always been somewhat of a purist when it comes to hip hop. I'm all about expansion and experimentation, but when it gets out of hand, like it has over the last, I'd say 7 years, I can't co-sign alot of it. The underground has always continued to respect the blueprint of making joints, but the commerical money maker players, maybe with the exception of Jay Z, have taken it too far with how they brand and market garbage and have the nerve to CALL it hip hop with no evidence of soul, flavor, or solid creativity. J has proven that he can give you the commercial record, but still take it back to authenticity when he wants to. I never want to knock any artist for doing their thing because art is freedom of expression.

The other blame needs to be placed on consumers who are supporting sub-standard music. If the wack artists don't get supported, the gimmicks and garbage won't be able to make it. I recently saw that the Black Eyed Peas, who USED to have their finger on hip hop, did a show in the rain in Central Park and 60,000 people came out to see them. If Nas, or Dj Premier, or Torae, or Termanology, or Skyzoo, or Little Brother, or any other solid hip hop group did a show like that, there sadly wouldn't be half that amount attending. Why is that? Its crazy. All these brothers I mentioned would annihilate the stage, but the Black Eyed Peas, who are categorized as hip hop, get the nod.

Oh, and you also have the situation of mc's that WERE hot back in the golden age who are dope in their own right to this day, turning down good money and deeming it "not enough". Me and my man The Saint (my current group The Good People just approached a very highly respected mc that everybody knows, that hasn't really been out there alot recently, to do a 16 bar verse on one of our songs. We told him $700. At first he agreed, but when it came down to it, he balked and asked if we could come up with another $300 to make it a G. Money doesn't grown on my tree like that, and furthermore, that's bad business. It takes alot of balls and audacity to do that. This is another way the game has changed for the worse these days. It's all for the check and less for the creation and love of making timeless, quality music.

DW: Can you tell us about the new release you have with DWG records?
When were those tracks made, were they being shopped at the time?

EM: I mentioned that earlier. Big up to Chris Aylen, Dave Roberts, Toby, and all the great cats over at DWG.

All the promos (were actually radio played by the respective hosts) and demos (were being shopped but never landed a deal) were made between '92 and '95. The ones that they have are just a small collection of what I have at the crib. I've already told them that if this first run goes well, I have joints ready for the second go-round. Heads can actually cop the vinyl here. To be honest, I think "No Gimmicks" is the weakest joint on the release. I'm not sure if it made the cut, but I did a Wendy Williams promo which used "Blind Alley" where Nick Wiz flipped the sample so simple but crazy. Sooo dope man. I should have used it for a song, but the promo was actually laid out like a song. If it's not on this release, it'll be on the next one. Trust me.

DW: On the subject of diggers with gratitude, can you tell us some of your most prized vinyl pieces, something you would never sell? and maybe an interesting dig story/good score?

EM: To be brutally honest. I'm not one of those collectors that spends hundreds of dollars on rare records. I've always been a dollar to 20, maybe 30 dollar dude. I seek out the deals. I've never sought out records just for samples or "collection" per say. I always bought records that I would play in some capacity. Not to just sit on the shelf just to say I have it. I know alot of heads that are "stuck" with good records, but at the same time are hunkered down with an excess of joints that they'll never use/play. My collection is pretty thick. I can't even begin to tell you how many I have because....well...although i don't dig nearly as much as I used to....diggin never stops. I've got to find the time to go through and get rid of stuff that I'm never going to play. I don't dj as much as I used to either so, as any "experienced" digger will tell you, there comes a time when you have to downsize and "let some stuff go". Especially now in the digital age where it's easy to store music on an external drive to save space.

A few interesting stories would be...well....the countless basements, thrift stores, and whole crates just sitting on the street that I've seen, gone through and bought home. When I used to live in the L.E.S. (Lower East Side) of Manhattan back in the early 2000's, there's a well know collector/record show seller from uptown Harlem called King George that had a store front a few blocks from my crib that was disgustingly filled with nothing but RECORDS upon RECORDS. Not in any particular order or system, just wax upon wax, upon wax. I once dug in his store for about 3 hours and came across two mint copies of the classic disco joint "Frisco Disco" with the psychedelic colored wax in one sleeve. He couldn't have known they were there because I had to go through crazy shit to get them. Anyway, all the joints I was looking through he said were 2 dollars. I already had a stack of about 10-15 $2 joints piled up. I stuck the Frisco Disco joints in the middle so he would look and breeze right by them. To make a long story short, he recognized the record and tried to charge me 20 per copy. Fuckin asshole. I left them there. I caught them later on somewhere else in reasonable condition for a moderate price.

DW: Aside from the vinyl release, do you still spin out/do radio/what's up these days?

EM: I'm working on a new Good People album, and a project called "Love Me Dusty" with my brothers E the 5th and D Slim formerly of the monstrous talented Sputnik Brown hip hop group. I'm also still recording tracks with my man Chris Parkin out in the UK as a part of a project called the Holglodytes. And guest appearances on miscellaneous joints.

I still spin some private events here and there. Since EVERYBODY'S a fuckin dj these days, the demand for quality dj's who take chances and EDUTAIN venues has diminished. From where I see it, if you haven't sustained a name from a long time ago and stay connected with the right promoters, you're lost in the scramble of the fake selectors who never take chances with selections, have fake followers because everybody claims to know the dj, and who believe that when the dj plays music that they don't like or recognize, they have the right to plug in their ipod to keep the party moving. I also think the digital, easy-to-access music age has killed the demand for properly skilled djs.

I haven't done the Underground Railroad or Rare Radio in a minute since the shows moved from saturday night to friday night. Times have changed inevitably, but I stay busy doing something musically besides the j-o-b.

DW: Last words, shout outs, contact?

EM: I just want to big you up again Nes for the interview opportunity. I'm not the household name that alot of heads know, but i hope they found my story interesting if they didn't already know me. Big up to all my cassette and record collecting nerds all over the world. We are in a special class. I know I was ridiculed by friends and others back in the 90's when I would bounce from wanting to hang out because I couldn't miss taping a Stretch Armstrong show, or getting shit from my parents back in the day when I would be up late night taping shows and couldn't keep the volume down. Now, it seems all the work we put in collecting those ill moments have those same cats that used to bug on us wanting the recordings. Ha ha, suckers. Search the blogs.

Heads can get the friend add on facebook and can also catch me at twitter. Like said earlier, check for all my archived mixes at http://djemskee.podomatic.com and for my Good People group. If you can support my vinyl release on DWG, i appreciate and thank you in advance. Shouts to my wife Karen, my mellow Old Chris, P Duddy,Todd aka Dj Mixed Greens, Dj C-Reality, Maggie Stein, Nydia at Daptone Records, Honey Dew Sue, Jared Boxx at Big City Records, and everybody!!! Peace!!

Big Shout to Emskee for taking the time to do this interview and check for his DWG release coming soon.

DWG011: Emskee 'The Complex Engineer E.P.' (snippets) by Diggers With Gratitude

Thug Thursday

2011-10-09T03:03:00.001-04:00

One of the few times I remember Stretch showing up to WKCR after the alternating weeks went into play. Peep the original version of Inspectah Deck's 'Femme Fetale' with the uncleared samples from the movie 'Dead Presidents'.

Stretch Armstrong 5-27-1999

Side A
Side B

2011-10-04T18:51:00.001-04:00

Stretch & Bobbito 3-16-1995 (w/Masta Ace Inc, The Roots, Bootcamp)

2011-09-22T00:48:00.007-04:00

This might be my all time favorite Stretch & Bobbito show. This was one of those wish-I-still-had-this-tape kind of deals, until recently. This one is a collaborative effort, the first 2 hours brought to you by Steve B via Nobs and Aleph, and the 3rd part is what I was able to fill in afterwards. Not sure if Organized Konfusion showed up this night, but they were scheduled. You do get some good freestyle material from Masta Ace, Lord Digga, Paula Perry, Malik B, Black Thought, Dice Raw, Tek, Steel and Buckshot. Crazy line-up.

Stretch & Bobbito 3-16-1995
(w/Masta Ace Inc, The Roots, Smiff N Wessun, Buckshot)

Side A
Side B
Side C

Side A

Notorious BIG - Ready To Die
Heather B - All Glocks Down
E Bros - Funky Piano
Gang Starr - Doe in Advance
Organized Konfusion - You Won't Go Far
Kool G Rap - Take Em To War
Lord Digga - Can You Feel It
Red Hot Lover Tone - 4 My Peeps
Paula Perry, Lord Digga Masta Ace Interview/Freestyle
Masta Ace - The I.N.C. Ride

Side B

The Alkaholiks - The Next Level
Smif-N-Wessun - Wontime
The Roots - Silent Treatment
The Roots Interview/Freestyle
Double X - Money Talks
Showbiz & AG - Next Level
Boot Camp Click - Headz Ain't Ready
Junior Mafia - Players Anthem
Smif-N-Wessun & Buckshot Freestyle

Side C

Smif-N-Wessun & Buckshot Freestyle (continued)
Heltah Skeltah - Letha Brainz Blo
Mic Break
Buckshot - Trapped
Half A Mil - Another Homicide Scene
Mic Geronimo - Masta I.C.

Diezzle Don & Tha Govna

2011-09-19T20:58:00.001-04:00

Here's an early track from Newark's own Diezzle Don and The Govna. I took this one off a 1993 Stretch & Bobbito show. Not sure if this saw any kind of release on vinyl or LP. I've been trying to find out where it came from, so if anyone knows let me know. Enjoy..

Diezzle Don & The Govna - School of Hard Knocks?

Big Daddy Kane Westwood Session 1989

2011-08-30T23:17:00.006-04:00

Here's Big Daddy Kane in session
with Tim Westwood circa 1989
with a quick 2 minute freestyle over
a Kool & The Gang break...
peace to Dave in Essex

Big Daddy Kane Westwood Freestyle

*Full Show - Tim Westwood Capital Dance Show (5-13-1989)

Date: 5-13-1989
DJ: Tim Westwood
Show: Capital Dance Show
Station: Capital Radio 95.8 FM

Side 1

Uptown - Dope On Plastic
Black Rock and Ron - I'm Tired of All This
Chuck Chillout - The Rhythm is the Master
Special Ed - I Got It Made
Advert (FRAGMENT)
Paul Lawrence - I Ain't With It
Guy - I Like
Advert ('Allo 'Allo)(Currie Motors)(Sunday Mirror)(Toni Childs)
Break To The Beat (James Brown - Blues and Pants)
De La Soul - what Is More?
AOK - Shack It Up
Break To The Beat
Superlover C - Do The James
MC Sugar Ray - Knock 'Em Out Sugar Ray
Advert (TV Show)

Side 2

Joyce Ivy + Doug E Fresh - Mr DJ
James Brown - Talking Loud & Saying Nothing
Advert (Peugeot 205XE)(The People)
Independent Radio News
Litter, Anti Poll Tax, Boy Scouts dying,
Bogus doctor commits suicide)
Show resumes with jingles etc.
De La Soul - Me Myself & I (Remix)
Big Daddy Kane - Rap Summary
NMC & ADJ - Messiah
Gig Guide
Jodie Watley - Friends
Advert (Savacenter)(Sunday Mirror)(Nescafe)
New Edition - Crucial
Big Daddy Kane - In Session

Stretch & Bobbito 1996 (w/Tragedy)

2011-08-30T22:30:00.018-04:00

Boogie and the Barber on Hot 97 with
Tragedy Khadafi and his peoples in the
studio. This one is early/mid 1996.
Peace to Stretch, Bobbito and Greg T.

Stretch & Bobbito 1996 (w/Tragedy Khadafi)

Akinyele - In the world
Redman - Funkorama (remix w/E.Sermon)
Sadat X - Hang Em High
Mr Voo - Lyrical Tactics
Nine - Lyin King
Paula Perry - Paula's Jam
Fab 5 - Leflah Part 2
MOP - Hellraiser
Large Professor - Spacy
AK Skills - Nights of Fear
Mic Break
25 to Life - LA LA (remix)
Tragedy & 20 Man (?) Interview/Freestyle
??
Dutchmin - Get Your Swerve On
INI - Fakin Jax (remix w/Pete Rock)
Big Noyd - Recognize and Realize (remix)

*check this post for Tragedy's appearance on S&B 1997

Underground Railroad (Tom Kat)

2011-08-26T13:00:00.014-04:00

Here's another Underground Railroad show with Tom Kat playing some original breaks. This is some time in 1999 I'm guessing.
30 minutes

Peace to Emskee, Monkone and J Smooth
and the whole crew.

Underground Railroad WBAI (Tom Kat)

Halftime Show - Nov 1998 (w/Method Man & Redman)

2011-08-21T00:47:00.009-04:00

This tape has a few pause edits but I did catch the entire freestyle session with Redman, Method Man and Loose, which runs about 25 minutes. 60 minutes altogether on this early Halftime Show (WNYU, 89.1) with
DJ Riz , DJ Eclipse and Lynn Gonzalez.

Halftime Show 11-18-1998
(w/Method Man & Redman)

1) Virtuoso - Incinerator (Vinyl Reanimators Remix)
2) Kid Capri - Hot this year (w/Brand Nubian & Diamond D)
3) Eminem & Skam - Three siz five
4) Cormega - Sex, Drugs, Bitches & Money
5) Afu Ra - Whirlwind Thru Cities
6) Method Man - Sweet Love (w/Streetlife & Cappadonna)
7)
8) Heltah Sketlah - Call of the Wild
9) Ed O.G. - I feel you
10) Method Man, Method Man & Loose interview/freestyles

Stretch & Bobbito 12-28-1995 (re-up)

2011-08-21T00:45:00.011-04:00

Here's a re-up of this Stretch Armstrong Show with Bobbito, Mr Sinista and Rob Swift filling in for Stretch.

This pre-dates the name change from X-men to the X-ecutioners, and even Sinista's name change from Joe Sinista to Mr. Sinista. Sinista & Swift kill it with a mix of old, new and routines. You also got some freestyles from Cracker Jax (promoting "Rhymes like Dimes" 12") and Genesis. (peace to Genesis for dropping a comment).

There's a little something for everyone on this one, some turntablism, freestyles, old school, indie label stuff and Bobbito plays a heap of unreleased demos. Peace to my boy Greg T, Stretch, and Bobbito.

Stetch & Bobbito - 12-28-1995 A
(Bobbito selections)

Stetch & Bobbito - 12-28-1995 AA
(Mr Sinista, Rob Swift, Cracker Jax & Genesis)

Stetch & Bobbito - 12-28-1995 B

(Demos & Krunchtime)

...Mr Sinista's Set
1) Marley Marl - The Symphony
2) Masters of Ceremony - Sexy
3) Special Ed/Common Sense
4) Public Enemy - Rebel Without A Pause
5) Ill Distraction - No MC's
6) Big Sha - Reload the Clip (Remix)
7) Triflicts - Genuine
8) Mr Sinista routines (Artifacts, SWAT, Das Efx)
9) Mic Break
10) Cracker Jax Freestyles
...Rob Swift's Set
1) Public Enemy/ MC Shan - The Bridge
2) Boogie Down Productions - South Bronx
3) LL Cool J - Dear Evette
4) Kool G Rap - It's a Demo
5) B Boys - Girls
6) Stetsasonic - Go Stetsa Go
7) Ultramagnetic MC's - MC's Ultra
8) Bad Boys - Oh Veronica
9) Rob Swift Routine (Biz Markie)
10) Genesis Freestyles

Rahzel & Powerrule Freestyles Hot 97 1998

2011-08-09T01:10:00.007-04:00

Stretch and Bobbito would often double/triple book different artists on the same night. If they shared the same air time, you might hear an odd combination of MC's but it usually worked out well. This session from 'Boogie and the Barber' on June 14, 1998 features Rahzel of the Roots and Powerule.

Rahzel & Powerrule Hot 97 6-14-1998

2011-07-30T20:41:00.002-04:00

Lord Sear Special

2011-07-30T09:15:00.003-04:00

The Lord Sear Special was a short lived show after the CM Famalam Show ended and before the Squeeze Radio Show began. Lord Sear was the host and J-Love was the DJ, although I remember DJ Evil Dee and Boogie Blind coming up a few times to DJ as well. Pretty sure this tape is from 2003.

Lord Sear Special 2003 (w/J-Love)

1) Mobb Deep & Snoop Dog - Thou Shall not Kill

2) Cuban Link, Noreaga, Lord Tariq, Kool G Rap, M.O.P - Men Of Business

3) Remy Ma -

4) Cormega & Large Pro - The Come Ip

5) OC -

6) Nas - No Idea

7) Rakim -

8) Redman, Tame, Rah Digga

9) KRS - One - Ova here

10) Styles P & MOP - Ya'll Don't Wanna

11) Thug Poet ?

12) Brand Nubian - Who Wanna Be a Star?

13) Cappadona - Nice to be Important

14) Cormega - Love in Love out

15) Royal Flush -

16) Talking

17) Inspectah Deck - Sword Play

18) Darkman -

19) 50 Cent - Thicker Than Water

20) Nas -

21) Large Professor - 4 my peeps

22) Mobb Deep - Thugged Out

Dujeous - Cinematics

2011-07-21T07:29:00.004-04:00

This track is from a hip hop band called Dujeous. If you listened to Stretch & Bobbito circa 1996 this song should be familiar to you. I remember being really impressed when I saw these guys perform this song live at the Wetlands back in the day. Enjoy..

Dujeous - Cinematics

Gambler tracks

2011-07-21T02:07:00.002-04:00

So I've been watching parts of the World Series of Poker this year, and it got me thinking about what I might listen to in my Ipod if I was playing. It's hard to imagine having to grind through hours of a tournament like that without listening to some music. Hip hop always makes for a good playlist at the poker table, or even when playing video poker. Here are a few tracks with a gambling/poker theme that you might want to play at your next game.

Ghostface Killah - Pokerface

Money Boss Players - crap game

Kool G Rap - 4, 5, 6

Stretch & Bobbito 10-10-1996

2011-07-19T03:11:00.007-04:00

Here's another Stretch & Bobbito show from around the 6 year anniversary. Bobbito is in the studio solo playing the best freestyles from 1995-1996, along with some live performances, demos, and other exclusive treats. You get about 2 hours on this one. Peace to Greg T.

Stretch & Bobbito 10/10/1996

Side A

Side B

Big City Records, NJ

2011-07-19T02:34:00.010-04:00

I usually don't hype events, releases or stores, but I definitely want to see this store stay in business...

Big City Records has been around since November of last year. Not sure if there is an affiliation with the Big City Records in NY, but the store is kind of like the NJ version. They have a good amount of Rock, Soul, Jazz, Disco and Hip Hop, and not a bullshit selection.

I stopped by the store for the first time this Saturday. I didn't get a chance to go through all of the boxes thoroughly, but I breezed through the hip hop crates and caught a 'What's Next' Extra P remix for $3 and the 'Kaught in the AK' Premier remix for $1. New Jersey does not have a good amount of record stores surviving, so if you are in the NJ area check these guys out.

Sadat X - The Melody

2011-07-14T17:41:00.008-04:00

This is an unreleased goodie from Sadat X

circa 1995, produced by Diamond D.

Sadat X - The Melody

Stretch & Bobbito 10-26-1995 (w/Roc Raida/Non Phixion)

2011-07-12T20:15:00.002-04:00

Another Stretch & Bobbito treat courtesy of Greg T. Guest DJ Roc Raida (R.I.P.) as well as Non-Phixion (including MC Serch) stop by the studio.

Stretch & Bobbito 10-26-1995

(w/DJ Roc Raida/Non Phixion)

Side A

Side B

Side C

DJ Eclipse Interview

2011-07-03T19:41:00.002-04:00

DJ Eclipse...

Fat Beats, Rock Steady Crew, Halftime Radio, Rap is Outta Control, Wild Pitch Records, Non-Phixion, Heavy Metal Kings need I say more??

Few DJ's can match Eclipse's dedication to the music and longevity in the game. His work at Fat Beats (the go-to source for underground NY hip hop since 1994), and his work on numerous radio shows, has brought him world-wide recognition, but has kept him down to earth and in touch with his fans. I took the opportunity to interview DJ Eclipse about his work over the years. For those of you who aren't familiar with DJ Eclipse, this track should explain his steez...

Non Phixion - DJ Eclipse Promo

DW: What year did you start DJing, and who influenced you as a DJ?

DJ Eclipse: 1984 is when I first started getting pieces of equipment and practicing on what I had. As far as who inspired me, aside from the big artists and legends like Grandmaster Flash and DJ Easy Lee, it was a local thing. In Providence, Rhode Island, there was a guy by the name of Scratchmaster Bucket who was doing college radio and also DJ'd for some of the local groups like the Magical Four. Seeing him in action, DJing at places like USA Skating Rink, really inspired me to start DJing myself.

DW: The Dirty Waters blog is largely focused on old school hip hop radio, can you tell us some of the radio shows you used to listen to in the early days?

DJ Eclipse: In Providence stations like WRIU, WDOM and WBRU were probably the main stations I would listen to catch all the new stuff. From there I would go to the record stores to try to find what I was hearing. I got exposed to NY radio a little bit later. I left Providence in 1985, stayed in South Carolina until around 1991, and during those years I was taken out of the loop a bit. I made some friends from up north, and they would help us to get NY radio shows by sending us tapes. We would hear Mr Magic, Marley Marl, Red Alert, Hank Love and DNA, etc. From 1988-1991 I was taking a lot of trips to New York, before I moved there in 1991. 1990 or 1991 is around when I first heard the Stretch Armstrong Show hosted by Bobbito. At first, I wasn't aware of who it was, I found out later. I just caught it flipping through the dial. When I moved to New York in 1991, I became in tune with all the radio shows here, pretty much everything... WNWK, DJ Riz and Wildman Steve on WBAU... lots of shows.

DW: If you had to pick a favorite year for hip hop?

DJ Eclipse: Probably 1987-1988, maybe combine those years. That time was most important to me because they were such original and creative years, with sampling and everything. We had been listening to hip hop from 7 years earlier, but around 1987-1988 it just took a turn. Everything that was coming out blew your mind, Rakim, BDP, etc., it grabbed you so much. You also had the videos come in. Everything about those years left such a mark on our youth.

DW: What can you remember about working with T-Ray in South Carolina before a lot of people knew about him?

DJ Eclipse: In South Carolina I was making a name for myself DJing at all the jams, clubs, school functions, stuff like that. I was pretty much the go-to guy. My name started traveling outside my circle of friends and I ended up working at a record store there called 'Sounds Familiar'. While at the record store there was a guy Mike from the House Rockers that came in that told me about T-Ray, saying he's heard a lot about me and wants to meet. I was already familiar with his group The White Boys. He was in Kershaw which is about 45 minutes from Columbia where I was. Kershaw is pretty country, dirt roads, not much to do. T-Ray would pick me up and we would make beats at his place all day. 99% of the beats we made came from records in his collection. He had an incredible collection back then, but it was mostly just breaks. We would sit there in his small ass room sweating to death, no air conditioner, making beats and beat tapes.

After that, he started itching to get back up north. He was an MC in the White Boys, and at that point he was still trying to make it as an MC. We made a 3 song demo with him rhyming and the both of us doing the beats. We got it to where we wanted it to be, and he went on his way to try and get a deal. He got the attention of Big Beat records with the demos, but they were more interested in his production. They gave T-Ray a production deal and set him up to do a few remixes and stuff like that.

Somehow he got the attention of Serch, and that's when he started doing production for Serch's solo album. I actually linked up with Serch by name dropping T-Ray when Serch came through South Carolina on a promo tour. From there I linked up with Serch, and T-Ray again, and saw potential for staying in NY long term.

DW: How did you link up with MC Serch and DJ Riz?

DJ Eclipse: When Serch and I first connected he told me he already had a DJ in pocket that he wanted to use, and that was DJ Riz. Serch told me he wanted the two of us to DJ for him on tour and wanted me to produce some stuff for him too. He kept telling me Riz was mad nice. It was funny because I had been down south for so long, I had no one to really look up to or compare myself to. I started hanging out with Riz at the radio station he was doing with Wildman Steve, and I was just like 'this kid is incredible.' Where I thought I was up to par on everything, Riz made me have to re-think myself. He was definitely a big influence for me when I came to New York, because he was a perfectionist. I think it was Riz that brought me up to Stretch & Bobbito's show for the first time too, because Riz was always cool with Stretch.

DW: How were the tours with Serch, and what kind of stuff were you doing for his second album?

We immediately started doing shows with Serch before we started producing anything, because Serch's album had just dropped. We did a lot of spot dates and club dates, some shows with Pete Rock and CL Smooth and Pharcyde. We also did a lot of radio shows, Summer Fest, stuff like that. It was Riz, Serch and I, and Serch had a couple of dancers.

After the tour we started working on the 2nd LP, which I pretty much produced entirely. DJ Riz did all the cuts. I think Serch released that LP digitally on his website a few years back, but I think what he released might have been mixed with some of the stuff he was working on for the 3rd Bass reunion they were planning. Serch also came up to the Halftime Show and I played some of the unreleased stuff we did. We had a lot of demos. Serch eventually had a fall out with Def Jam, so we never had the opportunity to give them a final mix down. There were no guest spots on that second album, but we did do a different version of Daze in a Week that featured Sabac.

DW: Working at Fat Beats for many years has probably provided you with lots of records no one else has, can you think of any records off the top that you know you are probably one of the few to own?

DJ Eclipse: I'm sure there are a lot, but off the top of my head- a test pressing with an alternate version of Natural Elements '2 Tons'. It sounds exactly the same as the released version, except I did the scratches for this version. Natural Elements were having issues with Tommy Boy, and it looked like they might not be putting anything out under their label. They came to Fat Beats and we pressed up, or were about to press up, that '2 Tons' single, except the B-Side for the one we wanted to put out was different. I can't remember the name of the song, but it sampled Doug E Fresh's 'the Show'. Things started moving ahead with Tommy Boy and they decided to go with the version of '2 Tons' that you hear released, so the only copies of that version I did the scratches on are the few test pressings that I have.

DW: What kind of equipment were you using to produce the remixes on the Remix LP 'Circa 94' you released? Is there any production you did that didn't get released?

DJ Eclipse: I used the S-950 for all the beats and the S-1000 to sample in all the vocals/acapellas. I was working with Prodigal Sunn from Sunz of Man when he was living down south, way before Sunz of Man was out. We did some demos. As far as unreleased, I did a remix for a song by the Coup, which gave it more of an East Coast flavor. I also did a remix for the Bushwackas that I can't find.

DW: With some of your counterparts retiring from radio (Stretch/Bobbito/DJ Riz), do you feel the obligation to step up and keep it going? What keeps you interested in radio and how do you feel about the music these days?

DJ Eclipse: It's a combination, definitely part of it is feeling an obligation. I can't say I listen to a lot of shows that are doing that great of a job. Based on what I've listened to coming up, I try to combine all of those elements. How I enjoy listening to radio, is how I try to put it back into the show so that hopefully other people can get the same feeling out of it. When people play all exclusives only and no Djing in the show, that is automatically a fail for me. There has to be some chemistry to the show and cohesiveness. I approach every one of my shows as if it's a mixtape. I try to make it as perfect as possible with the blending, cutting, talking, interviews. I try to make everything as interesting as possible. I want each show to stand on it's on, so you can listen to it like a mixtape that you would have bought. I hold everyone up to that standard.

I also do it because I honestly still love it. That's not to say that I didn't feel there were times the music sucked. Right when Riz quit the Halftime Show, it was really bad. You really had to reach to find enough music to play during the show. It was still pre-serato and pre-digital, so we were only playing vinyl and exclusive stuff we had on dat. Riz got fed up with it, wasn't really feeling it anymore. I think it was a similar thing with Stretch and Bob. I kind of stuck it out and things got better. I love the music, and I love playing new stuff that people aren't familiar with. Nowadays it's kind of the opposite. There's way too much to choose from and that's bad as well. I had DJ JS-1 up at the show last week, and he was saying that no one's song lasts anymore. Of course he wants his song to get spins and have longevity, but we're getting 50+ new songs to play weekly. Music is getting knocked out of the box weekly, I want to create awareness by giving them rotation, but I don't want to get left behind by not playing something new. I want to be ahead of the game and on top of my job. I just try to play what I feel is the best of what I've gotten for that week.

DW: How was the recent tour with the Heavy Metal Kings?

DJ Eclipse: It was great. It's cool because over the years a lot of people compared Non-Phixion to Jedi Mind Tricks before we started working together. It's kind of like the heads of two families going out on tour, you have our fans and his fans and it makes a more powerful show. The shows were back to back bangers and the turnouts were incredible. Me and Ill Bill already have an established rapport, and a way that we approach tours, and it was cool to see Vinnie has the same work ethic. He's easy to work with and we enjoy going on tour together. After a couple of weeks of touring, we all agreed that we would make this a priority in our future. We don't want it to be a one-off, we want it to be something that we continue to do.

DW: Plans for the future?

DJ Eclipse: Everything for me is pretty much on repeat. I plan on continuing to do radio, help out with Fat Beats in any way I can, help out with Rock Steady planning those anniversaries. I've also recently started my own management company. I'm gonna keep DJing and stuff, but I've gotten wiser to the game and I'm using that knowledge to give other artists a hand. I manage La Coka Nostra, Ill Bill, Q-Unique, and co-manage Heavy Metal Kings.

Thanks to DJ Eclipse for taking the time out to do this interview, and for his many contributions to hip hop. Everyone at Philaflava and I would also like to thank Eclipse for sharing rips from his vast tape collection. Speaking of which, check this DJ Eclipse guest spot on the Stretch Armstrong Show hosted by Bobbito from May, 1997. This one is the 'Righteous Show' one of my favorite mixes, enjoy!

Stretch & Bobbito 5-22-1997 (w/ DJ Eclipse)

Tape 1
Tape 2

Be sure and check Eclipse @
Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Fat Beats

Pay To Winn Management
Heavy Metal Kings (in stores now) • DJ MUGGS vs ILL BILL • Q-Unique • La Coka Nostra

"The Halftime Show" • 89.1 FM WNYU • Wednesday Nights • 10:30 PM - 1:00 AM (EST)

"Rap Is Outta Control" • Sirius XM Radio • Hip Hop Nation Channel • Sunday Nights • 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM (EST)

Halftime Show 11th Anniversary

2011-06-26T10:38:00.003-04:00

This was posted on UGHH, along with many other Halftime shows you can find in their archives... wanted to run it by here for those who might have missed it. This is the Halftime Show 11 year anniversary on March 4, 2009.

DJ Eclipse sets it off with some unreleased treats, DJ A-Trak cuts up some Hip Hop, DJ JS-1 kills it with non-stop OG breaks, DJ Premier takes you on a journey through some of his production, Tony Touch gives you some B-boy breaks, and finally Evil Dee and Mr. Walt jump on the tables for the last 15 minutes with some old/new hip hop. A legendary line-up of DJ's and a nice variety of music...

Halftime Show 3-4-2009 (11th Anniversary)

(w/DJ A-Trak, DJ JS-1, DJ Premier, Tony Touch & Beatminerz)

Part 1

Part 2

Westwood Radio One 1998 (w/Canibus, Nore, DMX)

2011-06-21T21:58:00.004-04:00

Here's another Tim Westwood treat from Dave in Essex. This is a Radio One show from March, 1998 featuring a 30+ minute freestyle with Canibus, DMX and Noreaga.

Westwood Radio One 3-7-1998

(w/Canibus, Nore, DMX)

Westwood Capitol Radio 1989 (w/Black, Rock & Ron)

2011-06-21T19:42:00.006-04:00

Kickin' it old school again with some more Tim Westwood Capitol Rap Show. This one's from April Fool's Day, 1989. Featured guests are Black Rock & Ron. Peace to Dave in Essex and the original uploader. Show starts about 5 or 6 minutes in, after some news reports.

Westwood Capitol Radio 4-1-1989 (w/Black, Rock & Ron)

1) Independent Radio News

2) Opening Jingles

3) Heavy D and the Boyz - We Got Our Own Thing

4) Jingle - Heavy D

5) T la Rock - T'ing Off

6) Kings of Pressure - Brains Unchained

7) Gig Guide Part 1

8) Most Wanted - Calm Down

9) Ace and Action - Together

10) Gig Guide Part 2

11) Black Rock and Ron - In Session

12) Black Rock and Ron - Interview

13) Black Rock and Ron - Stop the World

Westwood Capitol Radio 4-1-1989 (tape 2)

Westwood Capitol Radio 1990 (w/Double Trouble)

2011-06-13T01:29:00.005-04:00

Taking you back
to April 21, 1990
with another
Tim Westwood
Capital Radio show.

This one features
Double Trouble
in the studio giving
a lengthy interview,
kicking it about the

old school days, and

being in Wild Style.

Peep the Kool Kieth/Ultra tracks in the beginning too, not sure if that's some unreleased goodness or what... Peace to Dave in Essex for the share.

Westwood Capitol Radio 4-21-1990 (w/Double Trouble)

1) Ultramagnetic MC's = ya not that large
2) Ultramagnetic MC's - Message from the Boss
3) Ice Cube - Once Upon a Time in the Projects
4) X-Clan - Verbal Milk
5) Double Trouble - Live Amphitheatre
6) Double Trouble (Rodney Cee & KK Rockwell) Interview

7) Double Trouble - Stoop Rap
8) Beats International - Won't talk about it

9) Double Trouble Interview (continued)

10) Rodney Cee vs Busy Bee MC Battle

11) Cold Crush Brothers Vs Fantastic Freaks - Basketball Throwdown

12)

13)

14) Ultramagnetic MC's - MC Champion

15) Dream Team - The Bounce

16) Public Enemy - Who Stole the Soul

17) Public Enemy - Anti-N Machine

18) Overlord X - Powerhouse

19) Caveman - Victory

20) Audio L - Get Your mother off the crack

21) Biz Markie - Just a Friend (Ard done by mix)
22) Audio 2 - Step

Halftime 1998 (Choclair)

2011-06-09T12:29:00.000-04:00

Here's another Choclair guest spot on WNYU, this time on the Halftime Show in 1998. DJ Riz, DJ Eclipse minus Lyn G. Slight static on this one.

Halftime 1998 (w/Choclair)

DJ Premier Hot 97 Flood

2011-06-04T15:55:00.017-04:00

Here are some DJ Premier guest appearances on Hot 97. Two shows of Primo filling in for Stretch on 'Boogie and the Barber', and one Thursday night show sitting in with Funkmaster Flex. Shout to Greg T for the treats!

DJ Premier Hot 97 (1997)

DJ Premier Hot 97 1-5-1997

DJ Premier Hot 97 w/Flex (1997)

2011-06-01T02:50:00.002-04:00

PMD Freestyles 1994

2011-06-01T02:44:00.005-04:00

Here's PMD droppin a few verses on

Stretch & Bobbito's show in August 1994

PMD Freestyles 89.9 1994

Stretch & Bobbito 10-19-1995

2011-05-27T06:36:00.013-04:00

This is a full Stretch & Bobbito show from October 19, 1995, featuring The Other Side (a group featuring 5Ft from Black Moon), Sunz of Man, Smoothe the Hustla and Trigga Da Gambler. Peace to Greg T, Stretch & Bobbito. Updated links come courtesy of DJ Eclipse.

Stretch & Bobbito 10-19-1995

tape 1
- KGB - Bless Ya Life
- Fat Joe - Bronx Tale (w/KRS)
- Real Live - Real Live
- Diezlle Don & Da Govna - Now u Know
- KRS-One - Represent the Real Hip Hop (w/Das Efx)
- Kool G Rap - 4, 5, 6
- Talking
- Shabazz the Disciple - Crime Saga
- Genious -Liquid Swords
- Mic Geronimo - Train of Thought
- Grand Puba - Playin' The Game
- Myscief - Anticipation
- AZ - Gimme Yours
- Erick Sermon - Tell Em'
- Akinyele/Sadat X - Loud Hangover
- Group Home - Livin' Proof
- Fab 5 - Leflah Leflah
- The Other Side Interview/Freestyle
- The Other Side (demo)
- Sunz of Man -
- Sunz of Man - Soldiers of Darkness (w/Killa Army)
- Sunz of Man Interview/Freestyle

tape 1
- Sunz of Man - No Love without Hate
- GrassRoots - Drama (Instrumental)
- Young Zee - Milk (w/Busta Rhymes/KRS)
- Q-Ball & Curt Cazal - My Kinda Moves
- Kool G Rap - Money on My Brain (w/B1/MF Grimm)
- L Swift - Check Da Style
- Smoothe Da Hustler & Trigga Tha Gambler Interview/ Freestyle
- La the Darman - As the World Turns (w/Raekwon)
- Cypress Hill - Illusions
- KRS-One - Rappers R in Danger
- Supernatural - Buddah Bless it
- Fat Joe - Dedication
- Ten Thieves - Straight from The Slums
- Heltah Skeltah - Blah
- Powerrule - Rock Ya Knot Quick
- Das Efx - Hardcore Rap Act
- Q-Tip - Glamour & Glitz
- DJ Krush - Mieso (w/The Roots)
- Money Boss Players - Player's Pinnacle

- Krunchtime

Non-Phixion Hot 97 Freestyle

2011-05-24T00:39:00.009-04:00

Here's Non Phixion with a freestyle on Hot 97, Boogie and the Barber, August 1998. Peace to DJ Eclipse.

Non-Phixion Freestyle Hot 97

Future Flavors 1998

2011-05-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

Pete Rock and Marley Marl with another episode of Future Flavors circa 1998. Lot of treats on this tape, stand outs are exclusive Future Flavors promos with Raekwon and one with Jane Doe and Consequence. Shouts to Greg T.

Future Flavors 1998

2011-05-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

New York Live WNYU 1996 (w/Choclair)

2011-05-20T17:11:00.003-04:00

Martin Moore and DJ Mayhem on WNYU 89.1 with special guest Choclair, who drops a quick two verses over Jay-Z's 'Dead Presidents' instrumental. Peace to Talib for the rip.

New York Live 1996 (w/Choclair)

1) Lord Finesse - Actual Facts
2) Cella Dwellas -
3) Genius - Duel of the Iron Mics
4) Choclair Interview/Freestyle session
5) Choclair - 21 Years
6) One & One - Phenomenon
7) Akinyele - Put it in your Mouth
8) Group Home - The Realness
9) Young Zee - Milk
10) Blahzey Blahzey - Danger part 2
11) Chill Rob G - Know your place
12) Aboriginals - The Joint
13) Phone calls

Stretch & Bobbito 9-21-1995

2011-05-18T00:00:00.005-04:00

Bobbito, Lord Sear, and DJ Jab hold it down in Stretch's absence for this show in September, 1995. Bobbito plays a variety of new (at the time) and old school hip hop, as well as a few promos and demos here and there. First two hours of this show- Highlights include Anttex & the click with 'As the World Turns' (early appearance from Havoc of Mobb Deep) and the classic 1994 Wordsworth and Punchline demo produced by the Trackmasters.

*The A-side sounds fine, but the B-Side has an overwhelming ringing throughout, and nothing all that exclusive played, so I'm just putting it up for those who might want to check it. Thanks again to Greg T for this one, and peace to Stretch and Bobbito. And peace to Aleph for IDing the Anttex track.

Stretch & Bobbito 9-21-1995

Side A
Side B

Ras Kass & Canibus on Future Flavors 1999

2011-05-16T00:13:00.005-04:00

Ras Kass and Canibus make an appearance on Pete Rock and Marley Marl's Future Flavors.
They play a 4 Horsemen track using the same intro beat for 'The Symphony', which might be exclusive (insert KRS drop) to Future Flavors. Next the two drop a verse before the show ends.
Thanks to Greg T for this one...

Ras Kass & Canibus Future Flavors 1999

Stretch & Bobbito 1997

2011-05-10T23:54:00.003-04:00

Another one from Nasa at Uncommon Music. This is a Stretch & Bobbito 'Boogie and the Barber' show from some time in 1997, straight mix, no guest...

Stretch & Bobbito Hot 97 1997

1) Jay-Z - Foundation
2) Black Attack - Verbal Attack (w/Problemz)
3) Street Smartz - Metal Thangz (w/FT/Pharoah Monche)
4) Grav - City to City
5) Dutchmin - Surrounded
6) Mic Break/commercial
7) Shabaam Sadiq - ?
8) Krumsnatcha - Closer to God
9) DJ Honda - Kill the Noize (w/Problemz/Black Attack)
10) Mic Break
11) Big Pun - You ain't a killer
12) Saukrates - Rollin' (w/Masta Ace)
13) Mobb Deep -
14) Natural Resources - Bums
15) Camp Lo - Hollywood (w/De La Soul)
16) Buckshot - Follow me
17) Meaner - Saratoga Ave
18) Royal Flush - Iced Down Medalions (w/Nore)
19) Mobb Deep - God III
20) Cella Dwellas - Maintain

Natural Elements

2011-05-07T03:39:00.009-04:00

I found some more Natural Elements material on one of my old Stretch tapes,
this one dated July 31, 1997. The freestyle session features Mr.Voo, L-Swift and A-Butta.
The same night they played a joint I've never heard released on anything..

Natural Elements Freestyle 89.9

Natural Elements (1997 demo)

*Peep this post if you missed 'Knick Knack'.

King Tech Wake Up Show 7-8-1994

2011-05-01T19:07:00.002-04:00

Here's another Wake Up Show from Shaun D aka Wicked's collection, re-upped for those who missed it the first time around. This is one of my favs, with a line-up featuring the Artifacts, Ras Kass, and Organized Konfusion, all in pretty early stages of their careers at this time, July, 1994.

The King Tech Wake Up Show (07/08/1994)
with Sway, King Tech, Kevvy Kev & Joe Quixx
106.1 KMEL San Francisco Friday 10pm-1am

Side A (46:56)

Wake Up Show Intro
-Artifacts (El Da Sensei & Tame One) Freestyle/Interview Part 1
Artifacts - Wrong Side Of The Tracks
-Interview Session Part 2
A Tribe Called Quest - Mr. Incognito
House Of Pain feat. Diamond D. - Word Is Bond
King Just - Warrior's Drum
Scientifik - Jungles Of The East
-Ras Kass & Voodu Freestyle/Interview Part 1
Ras Kass - Remain Anonymous
-Interview Session Part 2
Craig Mack - Flava In Ya Ear
Organized Konfusion - Black Sunday

Side B (47:01)

-Organized Konfusion (Pharoahe Monch & Prince Poetry)
Freestyle/Interview Part 1
Organized Konfusion feat. Extra P - Stress (Large Professor Remix)
-Interview Session Part 2
Organized Konfusion - Keep It Coming
-Interview Session Part 3
Dredknotz - Respect
Smif-N-Wessun - Bucktown
Mobb Deep - Shook Ones
The Beatnuts - Are U Ready? (w/Grand Puba)
-Phone Interview: Crazy Legs of Rock Steady Crew
The Notorious B.I.G. - Dreams
Gravediggaz - Constant Elevation
De La Soul - Afro Connections At A Hi 5 (In The Eyes Of The Hoodlum)
Wake Up Show Outro

Quality: 192 kbps
Size: 128 MB

Sticker Game 4

2011-05-01T17:17:00.000-04:00

Underground Railroad 2001

2011-04-28T18:15:00.002-04:00

Here's an Underground Railroad tape from around 10 years ago, May 2001. It might jump around a bit, but you get some quality mixing from DJ Monkone/ Tom Kat and a freestyle session from Rise.

Peace to Emskee, Monkone, J Smooth and G-Man.

Underground Railroad 5/2001 (w/Rise)

New York Live August 1996

2011-04-19T22:33:00.010-04:00

This is the A side to one of my old New York Live tapes. New York Live was a show on WNYU mid 90's with Mayhem/Sunset/DJ Riz. The tape here jumps around a little bit, but you get a good 30 minutes of DJ Riz in the mix and a freestyle session with Xzibit and Phil Da Agony.

New York Live 8-28-1996

1) Fierce - Crab
2) Raekwon - Rainy Days (Remix w/ Ghostface)
3) Group Theory - East Coast/West Coast Killers
4) Royal Flush - Worldwide
5) The Roots - Panic!!!!
6) DJ Honda/Common Sense - Interlude
7) Tribe Called Quest -
8) Xzibit & Phil Da Agony Freestyles
9) Lord Finesse - Check the Method

Kool Keith & Xzibit Freestyles Hot 97

2011-04-19T22:23:00.008-04:00

Kool Keith buggin' on Hot 97, doing his famous 1-2-3-4-5 style and more.
Xzibit tries to keep a straight face long enough to get a few verses in.
Real funny session from Stretch & Bobbito's 'Boogie and the Barber' show, 9-27-1998.

Kool Keith & Xzibit Hot 97 Freestyles

King Tech Wake Up Show 1-14-1994

2011-04-17T21:24:00.022-04:00

This show comes courtesy of Shaun D aka Wicked.
Shaun blessed a lot of people with some vintage
King Tech Wake Up Shows a while back, and has
dug through his collection to pull out a few more.
MC Ren and Souls of Mischief pass by the studio
for this one in January, 1994.

The King Tech Wake Up Show (01/14/1994)
(w/with Sway, King Tech, Kevvy Kev and Joe Quixx)
106.1 KMEL San Francisco Friday Night 11pm-1am

Side A (46:58)

-Intro
-Talk Break
Mysterme, Kool Kaz, D-Wyze, Motion Man, Sway & Evol (Wake Up Show Theme) (’94 Remix) (Prod. by King Tech)
-Talk Break/Classic Break
De La Soul feat. Shortie No Mass - In The Woods (Prod. by De La Soul)
Kurious feat. The Constipated Monkeys - Uptown *hit (Prod. by The Beatnuts)
A Tribe Called Quest - God Lives Through (Prod. by A Tribe Called Quest)
Shyheim - On & On (Prod. by RNS)
Leaders Of The New School - Spontaneous (13 MC’s Deep! Remix) (Prod. by Sam Sever & Adam Gazzola)
-Talk Break
MC Ren - Same Ol’ Shit (Prod. by Tootie)
-Interview Session & Phone Calls with MC Ren

Side B (45:44)

-Talk Break
O.C. & The Large Professor - Stretch & Bobbito Freestyle (1993)
Nas - It Ain’t Hard To Tell (Prod. by The Large Professor)
Wu-Tang Clan - Shame On A n*gga (Prod. by Prince Rakeem “The RZA”)
-Talk Break
Souls Of Mischief - Never No More (76 Seville Mix) (Prod. by Snupe)
Wu-Tang Clan - Method Man (Prod. by Prince Rakeem “The RZA”)
Odd Squad - I Can’t See It (Prod. by DJ Styles)
-Talk Break/Commercials
-Interview/Freestyle Session with Souls Of Mischief
-Outro
KRS-One - KRS-One Attacks (Prod. by DJ Premier)

Size: 169 mb
Quality: 256 kbps

Halftime Show - February 2002

2011-04-15T22:40:00.001-04:00

This is a Halftime Show from February, 2002 featuring Def Jux (El-P, Aesop Rock, Mr Lif) and a group called Wanted and Respected. You get nearly a full, unpaused, 2 hours on this one.

Halftime Show 2-13-2002

Future Flavors 1996

2011-04-08T17:27:00.004-04:00

Another treat from DJ Emskee...
Future Flavors circa 1996 with
Marley Marl and Pete Rock.

Future Flavors 1996

1) Busta Rhymes - Flipmode Squad meets Def Squad
2) JB's -Same Beat/ talking
3) Busta Rhymes - It's a Party (w/Zhane)
4) Deda Baby Pa -
5) Derelict Camp - Hold On
6) Real Live - Real Live S**t (remix)
7) Roots - Clones
8) Organized Konfusion - Bring it On (Buckwild Remix)
9) Nas - On the Real (remix?)
10) De La Soul - The Bizness (w/Common Sense)
11) De La Soul - Big Brother Beat (w/Mos Def)
12) Ini - Props
13) CNN - La, La (Marley Marl Remix)

Stretch & Bobbito 8-31-1995 (DJ Riz full set)

2011-04-01T19:32:00.016-04:00

Here's DJ Riz's full set from August 31, 1995 on Stretch and Bobbito show. This was also the night Big Pun made his radio debut.

Stretch &Bobbito 8-31-1995 (DJ Riz)

1.Lords of the Undergound - What I'm After (Remix)
2.Kool G Rap - It's a Shame (Dr Butcher Remix)
3.Smoothe Da Hustler - Broken Language
4.Grand Puba - A Little Of This (remix)
5.Cover - Undergound Flow (Remix)
6.Kapone No Jurisdiction
7.Walkin Large - When I flow (w/Jeru)
8.KRS-One - Represent The Real Hip Hop
9. Mic Break
10.Junior Mafia - Get Money
11.Blahzay Blahzay - Danger
12.Company Flow - 8 steps to perfection
13.Cypress Hill - Killa Hill (w/Rza & Masta Killa)
14.Raekwon - Ice Cream
15.A Tribe Called Quest - Glamour & Glitz
16.Mobb Deep – Give Up The Goods
17.Drop - The Pharcyde
18.?
19.Funkdoobiest - XXX
20.Das Efx - Real Hip-Hop (pete Rock Remix)
21.Fat Joe - Success (DJ Premier Remix)

Buckwild Mixtape 12-12-1992

2011-04-01T19:23:00.009-04:00

This one's courtesy of 2dopeboyz.com.
Haven't gotten a chance to listen to it, but Verge gives it two thumbs up. Thanks to everyone contributing.

Buckwild Mixtape 12-12-1992

Side A
Side B

Hawthorne Radio episode 3

2011-04-01T19:20:00.002-04:00

Barbara McNair "Steal Away Tonight"
Barbara Randolph "You Got Me Hurtin' All Over"
The Earles Inc "Let's Try It Again"
The Vibrations "Wind Up Toy"
Tammi Terrell "This Old Heart Of Mine"
The Manhattans "I Call It Love"
The Ethics "Look At Me Now"
Brothers Of Soul "Try It Babe"
Little Carl Carlton "Drop By My Place"
Cheryl Williams "Everybody's Happy But Me"
Barbara Mason “Half A Love”

Sticker Game 3

2011-04-01T19:01:00.000-04:00

Stretch & Bobbito B-Side

2011-03-26T21:41:00.012-04:00

The B-Side was a show Stretch, & Bobbito had on Hot 97 in 1996, that ran quadra-monthly. Episodes include guests ATCQ and Consequence promoting the 'Beats Rhymes and Life' Lp, Jeru the Damaja and DJ Premier promiting the 'Wrath of the Math' Lp, and Redman promoting the 'Muddy Waters' Lp.

Here are all 3 B-Side episodes.
The first is one I found online (peace to the original uploader)
second comes courtesy of Talib.
*third episode featuring Redman (courtesy of UNT)

The B-Side (featuring A Tribe Called Quest & Consequence)

The B-Side (featuring Jeru the Damaja & DJ Premier)

The B Side (featuring Redman)

words from Bobbito on the B-Side...

"The B-side show, if I remember correctly, only happened these three times. It was sort of an experiment to get me and Stretch on more prime time, during Angie's weekday evening slot. It went over well with everyone. It was kind of like a showcase of anticipated albums from artists who were known from our corner of the world. I think that'd be like 8pm to 9pm? I don't really remember (the time slot). Our Sunday, 'Boogie and the Barber', show on hot was from 11pm to 1am.

Another thing you may want to search for is me and Stretch doing the subbing for Ed Lover and Dr. Dre's morning show on January 1, 1997. I can't remember why they couldn't do it, but people were absolutely buggin' to hear us that early (started at 5am i think until 8am) on prime time. We were just ourselves, acting stupid, snapping, all that. I can't remember, but I don't think stretch dj'ed, the station just played their regular playlist and we talked a lot. I don't have a recording though . . ."

-DJ Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love
Subscribe to Bobbito's Monthly Email Blasts Here

Stretch & Bobbito 7-13-1995

2011-03-26T21:39:00.008-04:00

The sound Quality isn't that great on this one, kind of a high pitch ringing throughout, but worth a listen. Guests include Dark Skinned Assasin and Rugged Scientist. Peace to Stretch, Bobbito, and Greg T.

Stretch & Bobbito 7-13-1995
(w/Dark Skinned Assasin & Rugged Scientist)

Side A

1) Mannish - Expect That
2) Bahamadia - Respect the Architecht (w/Guru)
3) KRS One - MC's act like they don't know
4) L Swift - Check the Style
5) Cella Dwellas - Cella Dwellas
6) D&D All Stars - 1.2 Pass it (Premier Remix)
7) Dark Skinnned Assassin, Rugged Scientist Freestyles
8) Mad Skillz - Extra Abstract Skills (w/ Q-Tip, Large Pro)
9) Mobb Deep -

Side B

1) Souls of Mischief - Rock it Like That
2) Redman - Tonight's the Night (Remix)
3) AZ - Rather Unique
4) Junior Mafia - Get Money
5) Rakim - I Get Visual
6) Method Man - The Riddler
7) Bushwackas - Caught up in the game
8) Lord Digga - Maintain (w/Masta Ace)
9) Mad Skillz - Skillz in 95
10) Redman - How u Get Down?
11) Artifacts - Dynamite Soul 2 (w/Mad Skillz)
12) Ill Al Skratch - Dr Feelgood (w/MOP, Nine, Greg Nice)
13) L-Swift - How itz goin down

Westwood Rap Exchange

2011-03-20T00:00:00.004-04:00

This is the B-Side to this show here featuring a clip from a live Big Daddy Kane performance, Roxanne Shante stopping by the studio, and a rare demo from Pete Rock and CL Smooth called 'CL strikes again'.

Tim Westwood/Marley Marl Rap Exchange 8-26-1989 (side B)

1) Commercials/talking
2) Big Daddy Kane - Wrath of Kane (live @ Apollo)
3) Pete Rock & CL Smooth - CL Strikes Again (demo)
4) Lakim Shabazz - I Feel Like Flowin'
5) Roxanne Shante Interview
6) Roxanne Shante - Live on Stage
7) Biz Markie - Just a Friend
8) Redhead Kingpin & The FBI - We Rock the Mic (Teddy Riley remix)
9) Big Daddy Kane - Smooth Operator
10) Unique - Pure Dynamite
11) Poetry - Everything I do
12) Kool G Rap - She loves me, she loves me not
13) Prince Markie Dee/Tiger?

Thanks again to Dave from Essex for hooking this up
and also peace to the orginal uploader..

Stretch & Bobbito 3-9-1997

2011-03-16T11:23:00.007-04:00

This show was broadcast March 9, 1997, the night the Notorious B.I.G. passed away. Guests include the Dutchmin and Natural Resources. Also in the studio was buckshot, but the tape ran out before he got on. Peace to Stretch, Bobbito and Greg T for providing the gems.

Stretch & Bobbito 3-9-1997 (w/Dutchmin & Natural Resources)

1) Beatnuts - Do you Believe?
2) Mic Break w/Dutchmin
3) Street Smartz - Metal Thangs
4) Shamus - Tight Team
5) Dutchmin Freestyles
6) Krumb Snatcha - Gettin Closer to God
7) Brainwash 2000 - Break it Down
8) D.I.T.C. - Day One
9) Natural Resources Intervies/Freestyle
10) Cage - Radiohead
11) Craig G - Sing-A-Long

Underground Railroad 1999

2011-03-16T11:04:00.001-04:00

Here's another Underground Railroad show from 1999, mostly breaks, with a Milt Jackson tribute set towards the end. Peace to Emskee, J-Smooth, MonkOne and most definitely G-Man and the whole crew.

Underground Railroad 1999

New York Live WNYU 1996 (w/Lord Finesse & Onyx)

2011-03-13T14:35:00.000-04:00

This tape is pretty crazy, came to me via Talib. Lord Finesse shows you why he's the total package in hip hop right here. DJ, producer and MC. Of the three, you couldn't really say where he's best suited. Here, Finesse jumps on the wheels for Mahem and Sunset's WNYU show on 89.1, on what is most likely one of their Thursday shows. After a 45 minute DJ set, Finesse plays some of his exclusive, unreleased beats for a freestyle. Onyx was also in the studio promoting their new material.

New York Live 1996 (w/Lord Finesse & Onyx)

Lord Finesse's set
1) Sadat X - Stages and Lights (instrumental)
2) Sadat X - Hang Em High
3) Mic Geronimo - Men Vs Many (w/OC & Royal Flush)
4) Fugees -
5) Fat Joe - Firewater (w/Raekwon)
6) Royal Flush - Worldwide
7) Lord Finesse - Actual Facts (w/Sadat X, Grand Puba, Large Professor)
8) Organized Konfusion - Bring it on (Buckwild Remix)
9) Lord Finesse interview/freestyles
DJ Mayhem's set
10) Natural Elements - Shine
11) INI - Fakin Jaz (Remix w/Pete Rock)
12) Fab 5 - Laflaur Leflah Eshkoshka (Part 2)
13) Tragedy - Funk Mode (w/Havoc, Large Professor)
14) Mad Skillz - The Jam
15) Kool G Rap - Fast Life (w/Nas)(Vinyl Reanimators Remix)
16) Pop Da Brown Hornet - Black on Black Crime

17) Onyx - Evil Streets (w/Method Man)
17) Onyx Interview/Freestyle

Stretch & Bobbito 1997 (w/Tragedy)

2011-03-11T18:40:00.004-05:00

Here's another Boogie and the Barber from Greg T's stash with Tragedy Khadafi in the studio. Peace to Stretch & Bobbito

Stretch & Bobbito 1997 (w/Tragedy Khadafi)

1) Saukrates - Play Dis (w/Common)
2) Artifacts - Ultimate (Showbiz Remix)
3) Grav - City to City (w/Al Tariq & Lil Ray)
4) Ak Skills - One life to Live
5) High & Mighty - Cranial Lumps
6) Powerrule - Bright Lights, Big City
7) Brainwash 2000 - Break it Down
8) Mic Break w/Tragedy
9) Problemz -
10) Big Noyd - All Pro (w/Ty Nitty, Twin and Prodigy)
11) Shabaam Sadiq - On a Mission
12) Jeru the Damaja - Me or The Papes (Premier Remix)
13) Street Smartz - Problemz
14) Rampage - Wild for the night
15) Dutchmin - Get your swerve on (dolo version)
16) Royal Flush - Rotten Apple
17) Nitty Gritty Southside - Tru-Grain
18) Mic Break w/Fat Man Scoop/Tragedy Freestyles

Blood from my soul

2011-03-11T13:31:00.003-05:00

This is nothing new, it actually started making the rounds two years ago. I finally got around to listening to it all the way through and really enjoyed it. Highly recommended if it strikes your mood.

Underground Railroad Nov 1999 (Ug, Ran Reed, DJ Slyce)

2011-03-07T18:46:00.001-05:00

Here's a pause edit mix of Underground Railroad shows from November, 1999. It features a good 7 minute freestyle session with UG (of the Cella Dwellas) and Ran Reed. And you'll also you'll hear some of DJ Slyce's routines (Yello, Michael Jackson,) In case you missed it, check out the DW DJ Slyce interview.

Underground Railroad 11-1999

Halftime 13th Anniversary

2011-03-02T15:54:00.004-05:00

Links courtesy of DJ Eclipse

Part 1

Part 2

"The Halftime Show" • 89.1 FM WNYU • Wednesday Nights • 10:30 PM - 1:00 AM (EST)

Halftime Show - July 2000 (Allies, CamRon, McGruff)

2011-03-01T03:00:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite Halftime Shows right here.
I posted parts of this show already, but now here's the full (pause edited) 60 minute tape. This shows features DJ sets from Spictacular, J-Smoke, DJ Infamous, and DJ A-Trak (of the Allies) and an ill freestyle session with Camron, McGruff and a little bit of Jim Jones, along with DJ Riz on the mix. Peace to DJ Eclipse.

Halftime Show July 2000

Stretch & Bobbito 4-10-1997

2011-02-27T11:46:00.005-05:00

This is another one from Greg T's collection. Stretch is absent while Lord Sear and Bobbito welcome guests Organized Konfusion and Eastern Conference All Stars (Ill Advised, Rebel Rasheed, Baby Black, High & Mighty)

Stretch & Bobbito 4-10-1997
(w/Organized Konfusion & Eastern Conference All Stars)

1) Mass Influence - Life To The MC
2) Lord Sear - Alcoholic Vibes
3) Organized Konfusion Interview/Freestyle
4) Mysterme - Unsolved Mysterme
5) Easter Conference - Know a little
6) Unique - Pure Dynamite
7) Ill Advised - Names
8) Ill Advised, Rebel Rasheed, Baby Black Interview/Freestyle
9) High & Mighty - Open Mic Night (featuring Eatern Conference All Stars)
10) Ill Advised, Rebel Rasheed, Baby Black Interview/Freestyle (part 2)
11) High & Mighty - Conflict
12) Rahsheed - Industrypartybumrusha
13) Alkaholiks - Hip Hop Drunkies (w/Ol Dirty)
14) Mobb Deep - Drop a Gem on em' (Remix)
15) High & Mighty - Hands on Experience

Underground Railroad 2-28-2004 (Easy Mo Bee)

2011-02-27T11:45:00.001-05:00

Easy Mo Bee kills it with an hour long set of all original breaks on the Underground Railroad.

Peace to Emskee, Monkone and J Smooth.

Underground Railroad 2-28-2004 (Easy Mo Bee)

Underground Railroad (Re-Ups)

2011-02-27T11:43:00.001-05:00

DJ Oneman "Halloween mix 2006"

DJ Oneman "Diggin for rare soul"

DJ 3-D "Funk/Soul Mix" (5-13-2006)

DJ 3-D "Blaxploitation Mix" (4-19-2008)

DJ Monkone "Funk/Soul" (June 2006)

most of these were
originally posted on hiphopmusic.com
re-ups courtesy of William G

J-Live Freestyle WNYU 1995

2011-02-20T06:00:00.004-05:00

J-Live drops a few freestyles over Saukrates' 'Father Time' instrumental on WNYU's New York Live with Mayhmen, Sunset and DJ Riz.

J-Live Freestyles WNYU Dec.1995

Common Hot 97 Freestyle 1997

2011-02-20T05:51:00.007-05:00

on Stretch & Bobbito's Sunday night Hot 97 show in October 1997.. He drops a few freestyles over OC's 'War Games' and 'Dangerous' instrumentals.

Common Hot 97 Freestyle

--sent this over to The Meaning of Dope awhile back
Fab 5 Freddy interviewing Common Sense in Chi-town circa 1995.

Original Flavor Freestyle 1993

2011-02-18T11:25:00.005-05:00

Here's another dusty one from Nasa at Uncommon Music. This is a Freestyle from Original Flavor on the Underground Railroad in 1993. They do a couple a verses over Pete Rock and Cl Smooth 'T.R.O.Y.'

Underground Railroad DJ Monkone

2011-02-17T17:04:00.006-05:00

I'm battling HecticEclectic to see who can go show for show with Underground Railroad rips, so you'll see an increase in WBAI shows in the next few weeks/months. Some (most) of them will be undated, pause edited and jump around a little bit, but still enjoyable.

Peace to Emskee, Monkone and J Smooth. Open letter to all 3 - Please share more archival episodes of the URR show and update these old links if possible.

Underground Railroad (DJ Monkone)

Sticker Game 2

2011-02-16T00:58:00.009-05:00

Big Daddy Kane, Sir Ibu and Kings of Swing freestyle

2011-02-15T19:12:00.001-05:00

This is pretty rare material here, a freestyle session featuring Big Daddy Kane, Sir Ibu (of the Divine Force), and the Kings of Swing (a group featuring Suga K, Mike Master and DJ Cocoa Chanelle). They all go verse for verse while DJ Kevvy Kev is cutting up the instrumental for Ultramagnetic MC's 'Give the Drummer Some' and Marley Marl calls the shots. Not sure what radio show this was originally from, I pulled this off a Stretch Armstrong Show. Bobbito thanks Madame Superior, a long time WKCR listener, for sending the freestyle to play over the air.

Big Daddy Kane, Sir Ibu and Kings of Swing freestyle

Stretch & Bobbito 7-27-1995 (w/Natural Elements & Tone the Butcher)

2011-02-15T07:31:00.006-05:00

Stretch & Bobbito 7-27-1995 (w/Natural Elements & Tone the Butcher)

1) Diezzle Don & The Govna - Now you Know

2) Soul Kid Klick - Mortal Kombat

3) D&D All Stars - 1,2 Pass it (Remix)

4) Natural Elements 89.9 Promo

5) L-Swift - How it's goin down

6) Natural Elements (L-Swift, Mr.Voo, Dante Pacino) Interview Freestyle

7) Raekwon - Knowledge God

8) KGB - Bless Ya Life

9) Q-Ball & Curt Cazal - My Kinda Moves

10) Godfather Don - Burn

11) Raekwon - Verbal Intercourse

12) Jay-Z - I Can't get with that

13) B.U.M.S. - Take a Look Around (Vinyl Reanimators Remix)

14) Mad Skillz - Skillz in 95

15) Ten Theives - Black Reign

16) Q-Tip - Glamour & Glitz

17) Tone The Butcher Interview/Freestyle

18) Phone Calls

Peace to Greg T

Underground Railroad 2001 (Tom Kat)

2011-02-12T14:22:00.000-05:00

Tom Kat playing some 45's and other treats. Peep the way J-Smooth comes in at the end, hilarious. Underground Railroad 2001

Underground Railroad 5-4-2002

2011-02-08T13:52:00.003-05:00

Here's another Underground Railroad with Monkone and Tom Kat going record for record. 45 minutes of all original breaks.

Peace to Emskee, Monkone and J Smooth.

Underground Railroad WBAI 5-4-2002 (Monkone & Tom Kat)

Stretch & Bobbito - Valentine's Day 1997

2011-02-05T17:52:00.004-05:00

This is a Stretch & Bobbito show from Valentine's Day, 1997. Actually, the show was broadcast Thursday the 13th, but technically the show was running in the early, early morning hours of the 14th.

Stretch & Bobbito - 2-13-1997

Tape 1

Tape 2

There's no hip hop on this one, but two hours of funky Valentine originals courtesy of DJ Maximillian, Tito & Delon Watson. The tracks range from Ultimate Breaks (Marva Whitney, Joe Quarterman, The Headhunters) to some funk (Curtis Mayfield, Bill Dogget, The Meters) to smooth R&B & jazz (Evelyn King, The Jacksons, Bob James, Kool & the Gang). Stretch Armstrong Show rarely featured non hip hop records for an entire show, so this one is kind of a treat. Enjoy. *Updated full version comes courtesy of nobs, Steve B & Aleph, and Philaflava

Sticker Game

2011-02-05T15:46:00.000-05:00

Arsonists Freestyle Hot 97

2011-02-05T04:42:00.006-05:00

Kind of a lengthy freestyle session for a Hot 97 show, at 15 minutes, but who's complaining. I think all of the original lineup is on this appearance on Stretch & Bobbito's Boogie and the Barber show..

Arsonists Freestyle (Hot 97 Feb 1997)

Future Flavas 1997

2011-02-02T14:59:00.008-05:00

Marley Marl, Pete Rock and Half Pint bring you a Future Flavas show, probably sometime in the summer of 1997, around the time Wu-Tang Forever came out. Peace to Greg T for this one.

Future Flavas 1997

1) Wu Tang Clan - Reunited
2)
3) KRS-One - A Friend
4) OGC -
50 Adagio! - My Girl
6) Pete Rock - Verbal Murder (w/Method Man)
7) Wu Tang Clan - The City
8) De La Soul - Channel No. Fever
9) Nas - True Dialect
10) Govna Mattic - Comin on Through
11) Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz - Deja Vu
12) Boogiemonsters - The Beginning of the End
13) Killa Kids Click - Time to Shine

Stretch & Bobbito 3-24-1996 (Hot 97)

2011-02-01T00:01:00.006-05:00

Stretch & Bobbito 3-24-1996 (w/Trigga, Smoothe, DV, Rhyme Recca)

1) Lace Da Booms - Cut that Weak
2) Crimedanch Cartel - Realism (rugged version)
3) 45 King - ?
4) Large Professor - Spacey (w/Vandimator)
5) Arsonists - Halloween
6) Mic Break/Commercials
7) Mop Top - Forever (Verbal Assault)
8) Sadat X - Hang Em High
9) Ak Skills - Nights of Fear
10) Smoothe Da Hustler - Hustler's Theme
11) Smoothe Da Hustler, Trigga Da Gambler, DV Alias Khrist, Rhyme Recca
Freestyle/Interview
12) Saukrates - Father Time
13) Camp Lo - Coolie High (Paradise Remix)
14) Erick Sermon - Fat Gold Chain
15) Pop Da Brown Hornet - Black on Black Crime
16) Mytee G Poetic - Comin with Nuff Rufness
17) Doo Dirty - Live by the Gun
18) Natural Elements - Shine
19) Jay Z Stretch Promo
20) Busta Rhymes Stretch Promo
21) CNN/Tragedy Stretch Promo
22) Large Professor - Ijustwannachill
23) Fab 5 - Laflaur Leflah Eshkoshka (Part 2)

Peace to Greg T

2011-01-28T16:53:00.000-05:00

Stretch & Bobbito 8-14-1994

2011-01-24T19:32:00.002-05:00

Here's another classic Stretch & Bobbito tape courtesy of the homie Nate in Boston via FJP. This tape features the El-P and J-Treds freestyle session (over Gangstarr's 'Speak Ya Clout') that was featured on the 'Farewell Fondle Em' compilation. Here you get the full 20 minute session, and another 25 minutes or so of Stretch in the mix.

Stretch & Bobbito 8-14-1994 (w/El-P & J-Treds)

1) Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Main Ingredient
2) Notorious B.I.G. - Unbelievable
3) Das Efx - Kaught in Da Act (DJ Premier Remix)
4) Red Hot Lover Tone - 4 my peeps
5) Company Flow - Corners
6) El P & J-Treds Interview/Freestyle (20 minutes)
7) OC - Time's Up (Stretch mix)
8) Mobb Deep - Shook Ones (part 1)

I want to say thanks again to Nasa, Nate, DJ Emskee my boy Greg T and everyone who has helped out with treats. If you have any cassettes that need ripping, or any treats you'd like to see posted here, feel free to e-mail. Be sure and give a shout to all these heads for their help and enjoy!

Stretch & Bobbito 1996

2011-01-23T19:00:00.003-05:00

Here's another Stretch & Bobbito 'Boogie and the Barber' show. This one's unlabeled, but I'm guessing it's from summer, 1996. 79 minutes with commercials cut. Peace to Greg T.