With the slowdown of new releases this week, Its a good time for me to take the opportunity in reviewing a number of out-of-print and recently reissued (and hard to find) albums. Thanks to the good people oversea’s in Japan, the second reissue I have the chance to review is the Sophomore effort from “Show and AG” entitled “Goodfellas.” the follow up album to the critically acclaimed “Slave Train” debut. (also recently reissued)
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Still For The People is the reissued debut Album from Bootcamp Clik featuring Members Cocoa Brovaz (Smif-N-Wessun), Heltah Skeltah, O.G.C., Representativz and others led by B.D.I. (Buckshot) that was released in 1997.
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“Sage Francis’s style blends a varying tone and delivery with subject matter that focuses on intricate sequences of widely varying imagery, metaphors, the occasional pun, absurdism, and pop culture references, while including the occasional touchstones of traditional hip hop storytelling and self-promotion.”

Yep, Rhode Island has Emcee’s… and a damn good one for that matter!
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Bargain Bin Bangers returns with Erick Sermon’s last 2 solo releases “React” and “Chilltown, New York.” Now I know you guys have seen these releases go straight to the bargain bins. With a lack of hype and ear to the street, sad to say- The green Eyed bandit lost his touch with these two releases. No disrespect at all to the man, alongside partner Parish Smith, formed EPMD creating a string of influencial classics like “I shot the sherriff”, “You’re a customer”, “You gots to chill”, “I’m Housin’” and “The Crossover.” So how does his last 2 releases fair to their early success, mainly as a solo artist? (and dope producer) I gotta say, a lotta people (including me, didn’t give these 2 releases a chance. With low record sales and a lack of interest no wonder these albums are all over bargain bins across the country… I these albums at Rasputin Music for a buck each… it’s time to see what went wrong. For 2 bucks, you can’t go wrong.
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“Another Album being reviewed later than never.” (released last fall, My bad guys- Streetlight Records just got this in) If it wasn’t for the dope cover, I wouldn’t have known it was a compilation put together by DJ Amp Live. (of Zion I Crew) Amp has compiled a collection of tracks called “Beats, Remixes & A-Side of Mashups.” It’s not your average Mashup CD, 1st off the sound quality is crystal clear as if the artists themselves dropped by Amp’s studio. Second, it’s not a badly recorded mix-cd with outdated verses and a Hype man calling the shots. The tracks are separated and can be great additions to your diverse playlists. If you’ve come to enjoy mashup laced tracks, this one truly is a crowd pleaser.
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World Famous Beat Junkies Crew / Dilated People’s DJ Babu is set to drop his 1st solo instrumental album from Nature Sounds Recordings. The album features all new instrumentals from The Dilated Junkie and boasts a hefty 32 Tracks of “Head nodding Hip-Hop”

Be on the lookout for “The Beat Tape Vol. 1″ on May 8th off Nature Sounds Records.
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I was impressed by The Lifesavas debut album “Spirits in Stone.” It wasn’t the best album out at the time, but it was a solid collection of tracks that I always found in one of my never ending playlists. When I first heard Neck Excercise on KSJS I thought these cats were nice. Upon seeing the 12″ at Streetlight Records and peeping the Quannum logo on the back of the sleeve, I knew they were on the rise, and backed by a credible label. Call them dope, The Lifesavas appeal to clever and balanced beats over stylish, over the top battle lyrics with a touch of awareness. With the release of The Lifesavas 2nd album “Gutterfly” (The Original Soundtrack) don’t overlook this release. If you’re expecting the same dope beats and lyrical fury on “Spirits of Stone” than you’re in luck, because it’s back… and even better- stepped up a notch!
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I know this album came out last November but my local Record Store didn’t get it till Today. (1 copy was for sale!?!) When I picked it up my homie said “Cop that it’s fresh… it’s old school Miami Bass Hip-Hop.” 1st thing that came to mind was 69 boys… Shaq, (I don’t know why.) and MC Brains. (that dudes from Chicago!) When I looked at the track selection I didn’t see those names… I did see 2 Live crew but hey… They were as Nasty as they wanted to be, especially with bass… and bootie! Bass Session is like straight history. Thanks to Craze’s wicked record collection of late 80’s-mid 90’s Miami Bass, Craze pays homage to the early legends of Miami Bass that came out of the Bass scene down south in Florida.
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From what I’ve been told, Jaylib (The Madlib and J. Dilla) crossover album “Champion Sound” will be reissued this May 8th 2007 with… 43 tracks in all (9 remixes, together with b-sides and the instrumentals) collected in a deluxe 2-CD set, selling for the same price as the original Champion Sound CD! 43 Tracks for $15 BUCKS! (or less in some places!)
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Sa-Ra is an electronic hip-hop/R&B group based in Los Angeles, California, also known by their full name, Sa-Ra Creative Partners. Pronounced “Sah-Rah”, Om’Mas Keith, Taz Arnold, and Shafiq Husayn comprise the partnership and their name translates roughly to “the children of God.”

Sa-Ra is on that next level shit! Believe that! What’s it sound like? Shoot, it sounds like, no… Sa-Ra’s been livin’ that extra ordinary sound! Welcome to the “next” everything (music related) through the soundscapes of Sa-Ra’s“The Hollywood Recordings” via Babygrande Records. The Hollywood Recordings is a prequel to Sa-Ra’s Creative Partners upcoming album debut via KanYe’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint.
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