Apollo Brown & O.C.- "Fantastic" (2012)

The legendary O.C. (of D.I.T.C.) teams up with Detroit producer Apollo Brown for their May 1st release "Trophies."  Peep the last cut on the album, "Fantastic"

Go here to listen to samples of the album

DJ House Shoes- "The Makings Pt. 1" (Free Mixtape) (2012)

This dude is a Detroit Hip Hop God! He was a very close friend of both Dilla & Proof, he rocked countless Detroit shows, and he's the guy who does more and knows more about Hip Hop than anyone. The recent years have been very good to 'Shoes, as he is now a staple in the LA Hip Hop scene carrying the torch for anything Detroit-Hip Hop related.  I used to hang with my older brother (Orator) at his DJs apartment, and House Shoes would be chillin smoking blunt after blunt after blunt...THE FIRST BEAT I EVER WROTE A VERSE TO WAS A HOUSE SHOES BEAT (circa '96)!  He didn't know that of course, as I was 14 years old stealing beat (cassette) tapes from my brother to listen to.  If you don't know about DJ House Shoes, then you do now Biaaatch!!!  This new mixtape, "The Makings Pt. 1" highlights some of 'Shoes' production work (yep, he produces too).  If you're looking to find a true DJ/producer who embodies Hip Hop look no further. 

Sene "Brooklynknight" video (2012)

You know that Illingsworth dude I mentioned in the last post? Well, he produced a few joints off this dude Sene's album "Brooklynknight," which just dropped yesterday. Here is the video for the title track, produced by Doc Illingsworth of Detroit. This track is dope!

Peep the rest of Sene's "Brooklynknight" here and purchase if you're down:

Illingsworth "Bread Winner" EP (2012)

I bring you Illingsworth...This dude is a multi-talented MC/Producer/Person out of Detroit.  I was lucky enough to catch him and his Detroit C.Y.D.I. crew at Paychecks lounge in Hamtramak last year.  The thing that sets Illingsworth apart from most Hip Hop artists is that he a genuinely funny dude who isn't afraid to talk about everyday things-like making pancakes.  I highly reccomend that you give his "Bread Winner" EP a listen; as it is free and worth buying...I threw 5 on it to support good Hip Hop, as should you. 

Phonte "Life of Kings" feat Evidence & Big K.R.I.T. (prod. 9th Wonder) video (2012)

The video for Phonte's "Life of Kings" off his 2011 album "Charity Starts At Home" is here.  First, you have Phonte.  Second, you have Phonte with 9th Wonder on the beat.  Third, you have Big K.R.I.T. & Evidence on the track.  And finally, Phonte's mom makes a guest appearance and raps Evidence's verse, which results in a very dope video...Rappers need to bring their moms' in the mix more often.

   

Masta Ace- "Slow Down" (prod. MF DOOM) (2012)

New Masta Ace and MF Doom off their upcoming "MA Doom."  Haven't heard either in a while...

Ab Soul feat Schoolboy Q- " SOPA" video (2012)

I haven't even listened to this and I'm gonna post it..."Control System" coming May 11.