Freestyle Vs. Written

-TheHipHopProject.com



Indie hip-hop icon C-Rayz Walz teams up with fresh-faced, yeshiva-trained wordsmith Kosha Dillz for twelve tracks that mix freestyle and written rhymes, classic and new-school beats, and the frantic, fast-paced energy of a single, manic 24-hour recording session to produce, yes, "Freestyle Vs. Written," the first collaboration of its type. CMJ writes, ".. it's both a statement of cultural solidarity and creative open-mindedness."

It's an album that breaks borders and pushes boundaries. Songs like "I Love Jews" and "Ariel Sharon" are packed with classic hip rock samples and party moving sounds. Boasting collaborations with Murs, Matisyahu and MF Doom between them, and gracing the covers of magazines such as Entertainment Weekly and Source Magazine and spots on MTV, the two artists are ready to take the world by storm.

This soon-to-be-classic record was produced entirely by, 19-year-old Kentron Da Mastadon, who challenges the hip hop mold, armed with an MP of psychedelic rock riffs and jazz chops weaving the perfect backdrop for this Jerusalem Zionist-meets-Black Bronx ghetto aesthetic.

Foreign Exchange drops new album

-TheHipHopProject.com

Four years after the release of their critically acclaimed debut "Connected," The Foreign Exchange returns with their sophomore set, "Leave It All Behind."

Consisting of singer/songwriter Phonte and producer Nicolay, The Foreign Exchange came together via the online hip-hop community Okayplayer.com in 2002. After trading files through Instant Messenger for over a year, Nicolay (living in his native Holland at the time) and Phonte (a Raleigh, NC resident) completed their debut album before they ever met each other in person. The album, "Connected," was released in 2004 to positive reviews, and was praised by legendary DJ's such as Jazzy Jeff, King Britt, and DJ Spinna for its inventive mix of hip-hop, R&B, and electronica.

The duo's second full-length is a dark, multilayered affair that features Phonte showcasing his abilities as an exceptional lead and harmony vocalist, while Nicolay extends his musical palette to include sprinklings of jazz, downtempo, and house.

Download "Leave It All Behind" sampler

Buff1 drops new album

-TheHipHopProject.com

Ten years after Athletic Mic League (AML) came together as teenagers, the men that fill out its roster have spent over a decade perfecting their lyrical skills and writing, working out the most satisfying stage performances and opening for hip-hop’s elite acts sharing the stage with Eminem, Mos Def, De La Soul, Slum Village, Jurassic 5, Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Little Brother and Ghostface Killah to name a few, always capturing the attention and respect of the large, often cynical audiences.

In 2007, Buff1 officially became a respected solo act with the release of his critically acclaimed debut "Pure". Real Detroit Weekly crowned Buff1 “Best Solo Rap Artist of 2007.” Okayplayer gave Pure 4.5/5 afros, exclaiming “This album, my friends, is incredible... classic like thriller jackets”. Listeners should expect nothing less from "There’s Only One."

A Brother Named George in high resolution

-TheHipHopProject.com

A Brother Named George is an artist that stands out, from his distinctive baritone voice to his clever style. While he naturally incorporates his hometown's Bay Area flavor in his music, he is by no means restricted to any musical or lyrical standards. He has a subtle humor and wit that shines through his tracks, reflecting the influences of lyrical talents such as De La Soul, Del The Funky Homosapien, and Organized Konfusion. While performing live, George has shared the stage with artists such as Goodie Mob, Xzibit, GZA, Aceyalone, People Under The Stairs and Zion I. He also shared the stage with BukueOne and Del the Funky Homosapien on the Cali Comm 2002 tour as well as the east coast portion of the Cali Comm 2004 tour.

A Brother Named George's latest album, "HighResolutionGraphicLanguage", is a collaborative effort with an up and coming producer from the Bay Area named Midpoint. The album incorporates several concepts and styles both musically as well as lyrically. From the energetic first track "HighResIntro" to the soulful Ragen Fykes assisted "The Way", the album runs the gamut of vibes and sounds offering a little something for all listeners. The CD features cameos from such artists as Del The Funky Homosapien of Hieroglyphics and Donwill of the group Tanya Morgan. Lyrically rich and musically strong, this project is honest, sincere, personal, as well as entertaining.

"HighResolutionGraphicLanguage" is colorful wordplay over vibrant soundscapes with the intent of engaging the listener in the music.

HighResolutionGraphicLanguage album sampler

Dumhi producer Haji Rana Pinya creates yoga for your ears

-TheHipHopProject.com

Dumhi producer Haji Rana Pinya focuses his energy on the first in a series of EP's titled Yoga At Home v. 1. Haj samples heavy beats, along with some of hip-hop most exciting new artists. Master Swami Vishnu, a legendary yoga instructor and spiritual guru in his own right, hosts the EP and uses the extended metaphor of home yoga techniques to celebrate the benefits of all therapeutic practices which can be performed in perfect solitude. Whether you find spiritual awakening through exercise, meditation, music, art, or even the funky mystic Buddha leaf.. chances are you will be able to relate to Master Vishnu's instruction and follow him along the path of enlightenment. Joining Master Vishnu and Haj are some of hip-hop's brightest rising stars. Che Grand drops by to work through some Sun Exercises; Reef the Lost Cauze and Von Pea of Tanya Morgan share some breathing techniques which they have found beneficial; and Doap Nixon of Army of the Pharaohs fame offers some rather untraditional methods of relaxation. With hip-hop legend Sadat X (Brand Nubian) providing the Yoga At Home Theme Song, Yoga At Home v.1 promises to be a wonderful alternative for fans seeking music a bit to the left of the norm.

Longshot mixtape comes out with guns blazing

9/4/2008 4:57 PM CT
-TheHipHopProject.com

The art of hip-hop is chaotic and violent. It’s turned muses into mutes and optimists into cynics, yet artists from all walks of life continue to consciously throw themselves in to the fray. Countless numbers are torn to shreds leaving only a handful of war torn fighters armed with luck, skill, or drive. The fortunate ones are blessed with a combination of these three. Emcee Longshot has walked away bludgeoned yet inspired from this cutthroat world to ascend into your eardrums through his sacrifice and successes. Longshot views each victory as the start of a new battle and triumph is the cry of this vindicated warrior. He has already declared two civil wars on a divided city and he’s outwardly taken his message to those starving - leaving open mouths fed. Now Longshot has set his crosshairs towards those who have chosen to cross his path to and declare war with 26 Shot Salute. Longshot aligns himself with Akbar, Earatik Statik, Cap D, Profound, Su’dan, Psalm One, Pugs Atomz, & Scheme and national artists KRS-One, Royce Da 5’9 and Pace Won.

Chicago Welcomes:Bun B

8/26/2008 6:40 PM CT
-TheHipHopProject.com

There’s a lot of talk and posturing in the rap game about who’s the realest. Real has different meanings for different people. But in it’s most basic form, real is being true to yourself and your ethics and your people. No one in the game today exemplifies the true meaning of the word real, like Bun B. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, a city an hour and half east, and three worlds away from Houston, Bernard Freeman always set his sites high. Surrounded by chemical plants, corrupted ports, a disproportionate amount of drug houses and an overtly harsh police force, the man who would one day become known as one half of the ground breaking rap duo UGK, probably never thought that one day he’d not only have a record in stores, but that an entire region, and later the world, would hang on his every word. UGK masterfully built an unparallel catalogue and has collaborated with artists from all sides of the spectrum. Artists like Big Daddy Kane, Jay-Z, Scarface and Kool G. Rap, who had a definite influence on Pimp and Bun, as well as big current names like Outkast, T.I. and Rick Ross, who benefited from the ground work laid and mentoring given by their predecessors, rapped side by side on what has been heralded as the greatest rap album to be released in the past year. It seemed as though the only way UGK could go was up, but on December 4th, 2007, Pimp C was found dead in a Los Angeles hotel room, to the shock and dismay of Bun B as well as his family and legions of fans and supporters. It was a dark day for hip-hop, and a hard day for music in general. One can only imagine how Bun B felt. Bun also happened to be in the middle of the recording of his second solo disc, 2 Trill, an album rife with sentiment and meaning and well, Trill. II Trill is a heartfelt walk through the mind of a man who has kept his partner, his city, his family and entire culture of music fans on his shoulders for more than a decade and a half. Bun B’s II Trill boasts production from Mr. Lee, Scott Storch, Jazze Pha, Bigg Tyme, Black Out Movement, Khalil, Clinton Sparks, Enigma and Chops, and features the late Pimp C, Lupe Fiasco, Z-Ro, Mya, Mike Jones, Junior Reid, Webbie, Chamillionaire, Expensive Taste (Paul Wall, Skinhead Rob, & Travis Barker) and Slim Thug. This September 11th, Bun B will be visiting Chicago along with Decay & Astonish of the Molemen, Kinky Notti, & the Outfitters. See the events section for more information.

Lungz provides Breath of Fresh Air

8/26/2008 6:39 PM CT
-by Gabriel Ledezma / TheHipHopProject.com

No stranger to life on the South Side or North Side, Lungz is an eager wordsmith, who creates authentic and intricate lines to express his life experiences of transitioning from a child to a man that could only be learned from the streets of Chicago. Having discovered the language of his chosen art from such masters as Mobb Deep, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, the Pharcyde, and A Tribe Called Quest, Lungz brings his own voice both off and on the hip-hop stage with A Breath of Fresh Air. This breakout project is appropriately entitled to depict Lungz’s evolution as an artist and use the lyrics to share his life experiences with his audience. Lungz created a stir in the crowd at the Chicago Rocks 2007 show with his infamous song “My Town,” one of many hits to come. A Breath of Fresh Air features Mic comrades Swift, Soze, Imam T.H.U.G., YG, Nu Ras, & Osay. This audible odyssey is mixed by DJ Cosm Roks of the Hip-Hop Project

Cosm Roks & Rashid Hadee team up for the first time

5/13/2008 10:39 AM CT
-by Gabriel Ledezma / TheHipHopProject.com

Confidence is the bastard child of Arrogance and Modesty. The desire to excel to fame can become an individual’s greatest asset or their greatest hindrance. But what levels a brilliant mind to excellence and what guides them to obscurity? People from all walks of life are torn into shreds forcing this unnatural balance. We’ve seen and heard these individual’s at their climax of imagination and at their depths of creative blocks. Scores of musicians fear the day they come to pass with this vicious musical dichotomy, they fear the power of this career altering transformation but some welcome this genesis and as Sam Cooke crooned, “it's been a long, a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will”. XXL Chairman’s choice, Rashid Hadee welcomes this change. “A Change Gon’ Come: Hosted by Big Pooh of Little Brother” mixed by Cosm Roks combines piercing wit, hard-edged passion, and innovative production to recount life in this gothic metropolis we call Chicago. This unique project features hip-hop staples such as Little Brother, All Natural, Thaione Davis, Pugslee Atomz and Primeridian; along with upcoming emcees Donwill of Tanya Morgan, Jay Vega, Astonish, Decay, Rita J, King, and Melatone of Chapter 13.

The Return of the Phantoms of the Opera

5/13/2008 10:39 AM CT
-by Gabriel Ledezma / TheHipHopProject.com

With Chinese philosophy, fire is characterize as dynamic, persistent, and expansive; if properly honed its strengths are endless, however the upward and evocative nature of this element is vital as it is destructive. The Phantoms of the Opera better know as All Natural have become akin to the hostile nature of fire and since the release of the classic “No Additive, No Preservatives” Cap D & Tone B have become arsonists incinerating those who resist and impeded the forward direction of fire. This go-round the emperors of the Chicago sound have enlisted Kev Brown, Proh Mic, Gee Field of Mass Hysteria, Battletek, Yuani, & Kalico behind the boards to let loose these scorching sounds on what will no doubt be a hot summer. They start of with the unleashing their first single
"You Know My Name", which you can watch  HERE 

Chicago’s finest DJ’s provide Uprise Radio a free downloadable series

5/13/2008 10:39 AM CT
-by Gabriel Ledezma / TheHipHopProject.com

No one artist is given more free reign to test the thresholds of genres than the DJ, who have long embraced their roles as the communicators and providers of music. The DJ utilizes their skill to manipulate sounds that refuse to be tamed. They have mastered ways to blend and bridge angst with direction, folly with logic, and imagination with reality. THHP is aiming to establish the bar for excellence within the Chicago hip-hop community. We have worked diligently to offer the ideal platform for local and mainstream artists to showcase their talent. Over the past year THHP has aligned itself with two trusted Chicago companies: Uprise Skate Shop and Gramophone Records, to supply a new audience with fresh and evocative music. And so we present to you “Uprise Radio”. This matchless project unites elite Chicago and national DJs beside artists to present to you their musical narratives. Enlisted behind the 1’s and 2’s are THHP DJ Roper, Intel, Jesse De La Pena, DJ Pickel, Swank Society’s Sean Alvarez, Itchie Fingers, Sean Haley of Windimoto, Teebot and first up to spin is Cosm Roks . . . who presents Volume 1 of this exclusive series.

Watch The Molemen's first ever music video HERE!

1/27/2008 8:20 PM CT


Newest member of the Molemen drops his debut single, “Can U Hear Me”, for the world to hear his smooth Chicago flow. The song acts as an intro to what Astonish has to offer, and also a pacesetter to the vibes of the whole album. Music video for his first single received over 13,000 views its first week on Youtube.com. It was beautifully shot in Chicago and features cameo appearances by the whole Molemen crew.



Visit Astonish on Myspace  HERE 

Ann Arbor's Buff 1 more than just "Fast Food"

1/21/2008 10:39 AM CT
-by Gabriel Ledezma / TheHipHopProject.com

There's a new generation of listeners who are products of a fast food style of music. It doesn't matter if the music's good for you, as long as it's given to us quick and cheap. This music is usually made to look delectable for advertisement, but once you get, it's usually less than you expected it to be and to carry on with this analogy this style of music makes a quick and uncomfortable exit.

So the question remains, where do we go to satisfy our hunger for music? We're usually bombed with backhanded offers of what's good for us, but is as empty as it's fast food counterparts. Fresh off his critically heralded debut "Pure", Ann Arbor's lyrical culinary wonder Buff1 is aiming to satiate our growing appetite. Along with the Athletic Mic League and accompanied by hard banging, eclectic soulful beats, Buff1 is poised to have his words be more than food for thought, they maybe nourishment to starving fans.

10/13/07 12:01 PM CT

Rita J Speaks Her Mind

-by Gabriel Ledezma / TheHipHopProject.com



  Hip-hop is as welcoming as it is divisive. Artists and fans alike are constantly drawing lines to a genre that keeps coming up with new labels. Each new sub-genre establishes a new type of elitist, each arguing the state of hip-hop and from time to time these elitists “discover” an artist who’s here to “save us all”.

  Chicago emcee Rita J is not here to salvage hip-hop from the MTV/BET ruins. She is here to simply speak her mind and remind you what good music sounds like. Rita J’s laid-back flow delivers swagger and insight with “Artist Workshop”. DJ Roper (who recently released the critically acclaimed From the Soul: A Tribute to Pete Rock & DJ Spinna) builds the ideal project that not only to makes your head nod, but to reminds you that at the end of the day music can be an escape, it can be thought provoking, or it can be just simply good music.

10/11/2007 1:51 AM CT

Longshot stays fresh with Old School Approach.

Chicago Emcee's mission to be the new voice of Chicago Hip Hop.
-by Chris Tannehill / TheHipHopProject.com



  It was over five years ago when a then unknown MC by the name of Longshot walked into our old downtown studios. To Chicago, he was just another emcee trying to make it, but armed with a vinyl single ("Final Number") in one hand, and a pound in the other we knew he was destined for big things.

   Since then, 'Shot has released 3 full length albums, 3 mixtapes and has guest appeared alongside of other Chicago favorites (not to mention a staple on our mixtapes). Now, in 2007, Longshot has placed himself among Chicago Hip Hop's elite; but that hasn't halted his hustle. Longshot has decided to take a more grass roots approach to pushing his music. He's promised THHP and our listeners to drop by every two weeks to lace us with his newest exclusive material. So far, about a month into his promise, 'Shot has delivered new joints featuring Chicago staples like Cap D & Psalm One, while producers like Oh No and Rashid Hadee bring their A-Games on the beats. In an exclusive interview with THHP, the emcee claimed "When people think of Chicago Hip Hop, they'll think of Longshot." Honestly, we can't think of anyone else more suited to take control with both his actions and words. Longshot also addressed the listeners who have been wondering what his status is with The Molemen. 'Shot immediately smashed any rumors by claiming "Molemen will never die", and he is "Molemen for Ever".

  Stay tuned into The Hip Hop Project, and follow along as Longshot continues to plant his feet firmly in the ground before his album "Addicted" drops early 2008. For more info on Longshot, check him out on myspace at: www.myspace.com/McLongshot.

  -Listen for yourself by going to our Interview section and downloading our exclusive interview with Longshot, aired on September 15, 2007.

10/11/2007 12:01 AM CT

And they say: ChiCity

-by Chris Tannehill / TheHipHopProject.com



   Remember when mixtapes used to be promotional tools? We at THHP certainly do, and that’s why we’re offering Cosm Roks’ latest mixtape “Chi City” as a free download. “Chi City was originally a limited pressing made specifically for Chicago Rocks, but it has now taken on a life of it’s own thanks to the internet. The 80 minute mix features some of the more recent works of Common, Kanye, Lupe Fiasco, The Molemen and many more. The Hip Hop Project thanks all of you for your continued support, as we enter our 13th year on the air in 2008. Just click the link below, and enjoy

[ CLICK HERE ]

Download Rashid Hadee "It Ain't Hard to Tell" here for FREE

12/9/2007 3:12 aM CT
Grab this free download here for a limited time -by Chris Tannehill / TheHipHopProject.com

Here it is, one of our favorite EP / Mixtapes to ever come out of the Chi. Nothing but bangers on this short but sweet project. Rashid Hadee shines not only on the beats, but on the mic as well. Enjoy this while Cosm Roks & Rashid Hadee crank out their first collaborative mixtape due out January 2008.