The UN (Roc Marciano, Dino Brave, Mike Raw & Laku) – UN Or U Out [Album Stream]

The UN consists of Roc Marciano, Dino Brave, Mike Raw and Laku. Here’s a free stream of the re-release of their album “UN Or U Out”, which comes with 2 bonus tracks. Listen below. Ten years after its initial & highly slept-on release, Fat Beats Records & Frozen Files are proud to present the first-ever reissue of UN Or U Out, the classic debut album from The UN. Consisting of Roc Marciano, Dino Brave, Mike Raw, and Laku, the UN first emerged on Pete Rock’s 2001 Petestrumentals album, a primarily instrumental release including two tracks—“Nothing Lesser” and “Cake”, both featuring vocals by The UN. At the time, the group hadn’t performed live and never had major prior releases, although Roc Marciano had already made his name as a member of Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad. Pete Rock fans were at first perplexed by the vocal appearance of an unknown group. Yet Pete not only had the confidence and foresight to introduce the four MCs, he also furthered the collaboration, making it full circle by lending production on “Game of Death (G.O.D.)” , “Avenue” and “Ain’t No Thang” on UN or U Out. UN or U Out remains a timeless listen, a deeply succinct homage to New York’s bygone era of gritty boom-bap, made with tasteful nods to Queensbridge’s cold-steel aesthetic.

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Swiff D – Washington Park [Beat Tape]

Happy Birthday, Swiff D! Considering today is Swiff’s birthday, he has cooked up a gift to fans, the instrumental album Washington Park. The 10-track effort travels through a variety of moods and sounds, ultimately proving why he’s a force to be reckoned with. We bring you the project exclusively, in hopes to get you familiar with the man behind the boards. Download: Swiff D – Washington Park

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Saigon: “I Had Game’s ‘Dreams’ Beat First!” [Video]

Saigon talks about his relationship with Kanye West, where he explained West and Just Blaze co-produced a track for him, and that Kanye even gave him a beat that was intended for his own album. He goes on to share that West’s beat for the Game track “Dreams” was originally given to him, but he was too slow to move on purchasing it and Game took the track, for which Game thanked him recently.

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Apollo Brown – Cigarette Burns [Free EP]

Two weeks from today Detroit producer Apollo Brown will be releasing his newest instrumental soundtrack Thirty Eight. The sound falls somewhere between the end of 70s heroin and the beginning of 80s crack, with all the cigarette burns and scratches intact. The technicolor journey begins today with a three track collection of instrumentals from the project that Apollo has titled Cigarette Burns EP. To go along with the OST, Apollo has created three advance film posters in addition to the cover photo taken by legendary photographer Jeremy Deputat. The Entire New Album Hits Stores April 29th. Cigarette Burns EP by Apollo Brown

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Pink Floyd x dead prez – They Schools (CHEATCODE Remix) [Stream x Download]

“From Nas to Aerosmith to Johnny Cash and Nina Simone, Massachusetts producer CHEATCODE is a chemist when he breathes new life into songs you’d think couldn’t normally be joined together. Blending the Brooklyn duo Dead Prez with English rockers Pink Floyd and their classic hit, “Another Brick In the Wall (Pt.II)” his take on “They Schools” is as entertaining as much as it is introspective. As the hard hitting instrumental creeps up to a banging verse that touches on the issues associated with the present day eduction system, it’s important to note that, though the songs were recorded nearly a generation apart, the themes still are applicable to this day. Give this one a play through and remember that education is what you make it.”

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