Califormula
Ellay Khule
Here's an album for the hip and those that can smell hot shit before it's even a fart. The early '90s "Project Blowed" album truly assembled the best and most ahead-of-their-time Los Angeles MCs. Blowed-ian Ellay Khule takes a break from the stage and hits the studio to blow a mic or two. Khule's lyrics and cadences, painted over Nobody and Omid beats, is a more European hip hop style. It's mystical, mysterious, two-stepish, and layered and shows that he's the same rapper he was over 10 years ago. He's still got phenomenal "throw-your-hands-in-the-air" choruses that are so catchy you must chant along. His metaphors, similes and wordplay-elements that used to rank rappers on the pan-flasher/legendary scale are still on point. Assisting in the carnage are fellow Blowed-ians Aceyalone, 2Mex, Abstract Rude and Busdriver.
Projectblowed.com
Mash Up Radio Vol. 2
Dj Muggs/DJ Warrior
I didn't think the first Mash Up Radio Mixtape could be topped, but I should get punched in the face for thinking otherwise. I thought that the first one was really good and it seemed that it'd be a cool, occasional, mediocre, production release. I really should get punched in the face for my short-sightedness. In short, if you like any of these groups, buy this CD. Big Timers, Weezer, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Audio Slave, Game, Kasabien, G-Unit, Citizen Cope, Nas, Korn, Biggie Smalls, Pink Floyd, Kanye West, Black Diamonds, 50 Cent, Rage Against The Machine, Louis The XVI, D-12, Tool, 311, Nine Inch Nails, Gza, Sneaker Pimps, Common, Sublime, Gang Starr, The Clash, Lil' Flip and a Perfect Circle. Forget about the West, The Cali Untouchables do it like nobody else. DjWarrior.com, MashUpRadio.com.
HipHopWest.com
Funkmaster Flex Carshow Tour
Funkmaster Flex
There's no doubt that Funkmaster Flex has access to the hot shit. This project alone boasts top-notch rappers: 50, Paul Wall, Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Mobb Deep, Nas, Jadakiss, Elephant Man, Xzibit, David Banner, among others. If, in fact, you don't listen to music, you must be into cars. (Honestly, it's highly unlikely you don't listen to music...why else would you be reading Required Audio in 2nr?) FMF has done you a favor and popped in a DVD containing footage from his Custom Car and Bike Show tour. FMF always does it big: David Banner, Missy, T.I., Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, 50, Xzibit, Webbie, Cam'Ron, Jim Jones, Juelez Santana, Swizz Beatz, Wyvlef, Busta, Jermaine Dupri, DMX, Melyssa Ford, Dame Dash, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, Baby, and a lot of dancing Onion Booty bitches. It's only a little over 30 minutes, but damn it's a good look and the bonus features are no joke.
Funkmasterflex.com
Right About Now
(The Official Sucka Free Mix CD)
Talib Kweli
Talib is fresh off his "Beautiful Struggle" album with a mixtape. It's actually more of a compilation of cuts with random artists than it is a blend or "DJ Clue" type tape. On this episode, you'll find a couple about-to-blow artists (Rhymefest, Jean Grae) respected undergound emcees (MF Doom, Planet Asia, Phil da Agony) and Blown (Mos Def, Common, Q-Tip). There's a certain style and target for the Talib audience-mostly you have to be on a "love yourself" tip. Both he and Mos have been doing that since '98. For me, his rap braggadocio and cadence can get tiring, but his introduction of artist pairings makes half of "Right About Now" right for now.