IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE MADE AWARE WHEN FUTURE PROJECTS BECOME AVAILABLE,
THEN PLEASE
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS
NOT A MONEY MAKING EXERCISE
IT HAS BEEN DONE PURELY FOR
THE LOVE OF MUSIC
AND WE ARE HAVING AN ABSOLUTE BLAST
BELOW YOU WILL FIND LINKS TO THE FEATURED ARTISTS ALONG WITH BASIC NOTES EXPLAINING MUSICAL CHOICES AND INSPIRATIONS
Taken from the Soundbombing II compilation by RAWKUS that was picked up from a very large format record store before they all evaporated into thin air. 😒
TINSELTOWN TO THE BOOGIEDOWN - MOS DEF
I was not aware of this before, but researching for these notes has thrown up one very big surprise!
This is an actual Scritti Politi song!
Not a cover, or clever use of sampling, but the above statement is a FACT!
I'd always just assumed that it was Mos Def, as it appears on an album that is wholly attributable to him, and he is definitely one of the rappers featured on the recording.
Why would I think anything else?
There are actual shout outs to Scritti Politi in the lyrics, and the music identification app interestingly brings up a suggestion of that very band?
Again, I incorrectly assumed that it probably sampled heavily from a Scritti Politi song. No surprises, I'm not very familiar with their output at all. I have heard of them, but have absolutely zero knowledge of any of their recordings.
I was quite keen to listen to the original with a view to maybe including it on a future project.
After tracking it down and listening to it, I thought.... hold on a minute?
Then I MOST DEFINITELY hear Mos Def? A real head scratcher to open the mix?
No such bombshells to drop here, other than the actual track itself.
Ideal for it's use at the top end of the mix.
THUG CHRONICLES - KOOL G RAP & HAVOC
Not immmediately springing to mind when it comes to a dedicated RAWKUS show, but Mr. KG Rap has been known to skip between labels. On that basis, this needs to be included here to add a bit of variety.
ROUND & ROUND (FEAT. JONELL) - HI-TEK
More variety with Jonell supplying the lyrical input for the DJ/Production wizardry of Hi-Tek.
This features input from Brian Digby Jr., Crunch, Donte & Main Flow, but due to the limits of my graphic format have opted to include details of their involvement in the notes.
Pushing the boundaries of good taste, opting to replace an even edgier track in favour of this one.
PLATINUM PLUS (FEAT. BIG DADY KANE) - BIG L
Big L's mastery of verse WAS astounding!
This was picked up independently of my current RAWKUS purchasing schedule.
Bought more for its promise of Heavy Beats, so happy to be utilizing it here for an exclusively Rawcus mix.
SOUL REBELS (FEAT. DE LA SOUL) - REFLECTION ETERNAL
A late substition for a radio unfriendly offering by The Smutt Peddlers.
I think we may just have unveiled a match-winner.
As above, regarding DJ Spinna.
DESIRE (FEAT. SHOWTYME & MELA MACHINKO) - PHAROAHE MONCH
This track is big!
Subbed in for another Big L track that takes the 'Diss' to another level.
Very impressive, the speed and dexterity are a thing of marvel. But my Mum may listen to this, so I've elected to go with an ever so slightly radio friendlier option.
PUT IT IN THE AIR - TALIB KWELI & DJ QUIK
Kickstarting the second half with this rousing effort.
PEOPLE GOING DOWN (FEAT. THE WILLIE COTTRELL BAND) - HI-TEK
This may, or may not actually be part of the RAWKUS roster of releases, but Hi-Tek as either DJ or Producer is integral to so much of the catalogue, this needs to be included.
I was interested to find out a little bit more about this and the samples it uses.
Some of the samples are from David Axelrod, who I'm currently listening to as I write out these notes.
I don't think I've ever been exposed to this music before, but I am super excited to explore further. Just the kind of groovy soundtrack/future jazz that I've been waiting for.
WWLII (FEAT. SHABAAM SAHDEEQ - PHAROAHE MONCH
We're setting quite a high bar here, glad to see that Shabaam Sahdeeq was on hand to help out.
A very welcome guest appearance on the Soundbombing project.
Clearing the bar with ease.
Unusually raw and unflinching for planetmeech radio, but it's good to keep expanding the boundaries.
CHAOS (FEAT BAHAMADIA) - REFLECTION ETERNAL
I've just run a search, and this features the lady vocal of Bahamadia.
I guess that the popular streaming service didn't want to dish out further royalty payments.
Well, apologies for not including a credit on the graphics, I hope whatever miniscule reward for your talents finds it's way to you from this show.
*I may just have to adjust this in the future, as my compulsive obsessions will ultimately get the better of me.
**BOOM! Just updated it now.
B-BOY DOCUMENT 99 - HIGH & MIGHTY, FEAT. MOS DEF & MAD SKILLS
We like this!
From a compilation titled RAWKUS : THE BEST OF DECADE 1.
Unfortunate that we never got to hear anything from a second decade.
THE SUN GOD (FEAT. COMMON) - HI-TEK
Another Rapper turned actor, bit of a theme here...
DOWN FOR THE COUNT - REFLECTION ETERNAL
Twalib Kweli + Hi-Tek = Reflection Eternal.
HA! If you listen carefully , you'll hear a dial up internet connection.
RESPIRATION (FEAT. COMMON) - BLACK STAR
Mos Def + Talib Kweli = Blackstar.
I've seen this referred to as the 'greatest Hip Hop song ever written several times on my Twitter feed.
I have to admit, it is pretty good!
ALTERNATIVELY, FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW FOR THE 60 MINUTE
APPLE MUSIC 'SOFT EDIT'