Not content with serving-up killer beats for the Flavor Unit crew, DJ Mark The 45 King also blessed us with several examples of his impressive mic skills, a tradition that’s since been carried on by Kid Capri, Doo-Wop and Tony Touch. Forget that “best producer on the mic” talk, DJ’s that rap are where it’s at, and 45 King puts it down like a pro whenever he steps to the booth. (more…)

The fact that it’s taken almost two years to reach a hundred posts could be seen as an example of “quality over quantity”, but the truth is that between working a full-time job, hanging with my two daughters, drinking and various other anti-social activites, I’m amazed that I’ve done that many.
My first post didn’t exactly set the world on fire, but it wasn’t long before I was pissing people off with stuff like this. (more…)

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Who’d of thunk it? Two posts in two days? Due to some family dramas, I’ve been out of action for a minute, but things should be back on track from now on. Now all I’ve gotta do is catch up on two weeks of emails…..

Here’s a new category that I’m adding to the Tribute – the Magazine Vault. I’ve been a rap magazine junkie since the days of NME, Hip Hop Connection and even Rap Masters. When I bought my first copy of The Source (The “1980-1990: Decade of Hip Hop” issue), it was a wrap. Plus I can’t forget about Blaze from Mental Combat, who was cranking out Vapours magazine on the first Mac computer and reviewing every hip-hop release during the late 80′s. Over the years, On The Go, Stress, Ego Trip, Represent, RapPages and many more all did their thing, and I copped just about all of them in an attempt to quench my never-ending thirst for rap trivia and actual facts. (more…)

Though in recent years the name Flavor Unit has been seen only as Queen Latifah‘s production and management company, it’s origins can be traced back to 1987, when a young New Jersey-based rapper named Latee teamed-up with local DJ, Mark The 45 King to kick some lyrics over a dope Fatback Band loop. Dubbing the track “This Cut’s Got Flavor”, it became a staple on Red Alert‘s Kiss-FM show, and was eventually released as a single on Wild Pitch records. This lead to the formation of the Flavor Unit, a crew which has seen three very different incarnations over the years. (more…)

A modern day renaissance man, DJ Eclipse has made many contributions to hip-hop culture and it’s progress. From his work at Wild Pitch and then Fat Beats, to his role as DJ for super group Non Phixion, Eclipse is also a businessman, heavily involved with the daily operation of the Uncle Howie record label. Perhaps his most influential role has been with The Half Time radio show, one of the last remaining symbolic shows in NYC. In addition to his work as a DJ and host, Eclipse has also delved into the production world. His classic 1994 Remix LP, contains some amazing remixes featuring Nas, OC and more. With one of the most formidable record collections known to date, Eclipse is a walking lexicon of hip hop knowledge. Strangely under appreciated in the editorial world, DJ Eclipse has consistently progressed with his art and is well deserving of a closer look. (more…)

Finally got around to writing this:

What’s The Deal?

Also, Bol knows his stuff when it comes to the internets.

There might be some down-time tonight since I’m upgrading to WordPress 2.0. There’s a fair chance I’ll end up wiping out the whole site or some stupid shit if I start drinking while I’m doing it. Changed my mind….new interview tommorrow.

In the meantime….go here
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A welcome addition to the growing ranks of rap reissues is the famed 45 King Brainstorm EP, unoffically named after the incredible Latee track of the same name that’s contained amongst it’s six selections. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the original pressing of this a few years back, and as far as I know there were two pressings of this originally. The first issue of a mere 50 copies was pressed-up by DJ Mark The 45 King himself, and featured his head on the label on both sides, JB style (one on a yellow background and one on orange ). I believe he later did a second pressing of a few hundred due to popular demand, only this time one side had the 45 King logo and the other had the “Mark head”. Either way, it’s a tough piece to find for under $100, so the fact that Tuff City have issued a retail version is good news. (more…)

Talk about “punk smoove shit”. Whoever convinced 3xD to abandon the sound that made Original Stylin’ so great and start making songs with ex-Slave vocalist Steve Arrington needs to be slapped silly, Yaggfu Front style. While the front cover was OK, the pastel suits that these three Philly fellas are rocking on the back set off all sorts of alarm bells as to the content of this album. (more…)

Real Talk Award: Sadat X on “Back To New York”:

“They sayin’ New York don’t hold it down that slot no more – we ain’t make people get up on the dancefloor/We rhymin’ like other niggas, dressin’ like other niggas/using other niggas slang when that ain’t our thang!”

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