Now if you know me, you'd know that I think hip-hop for the most part has suffered a horrible loss of originality, I turned off fm rdio over 5 years ago, It's a damn shame for real, the game turned to a money game where artists chase the money to stay revelant instead of being true to the music, Whatever, it's like beating a dead horse thats why I never speak on it anymore unless politicking with my man Reppond. With that being said...
I give a BIG shout to Raekwon the Chef for lacing this bonus track that screams originality, with a banging track and in depth story line rhymes..you know, Classic Rae. I've had this on repeat, do the knowledge and enjoy.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
COOKIN' WITH KOOL
So yeah, the holidays are here, I've takin some time off to chill with the fam, get the finishing touches handled on my solo album Integritty..and making this winter a busy one, taking time out the studio and more time into getting dirty and rockin some pieces!
With that being said, I linked up with my Sicilian Grandmother "Nana"..we chopped it up, and reminisced about the old days and all the dope dishes she would cook up for us. One of my favorites are always pretty simple...Here's the official first installment of "COOKIN' WITH KOOL"
I'll take you thru the famous "Pasta & Peas".
Can't front on the classic ol' skool skillet sliced up like a gemstar, lol...
Here I started with chopped up fresh garlic and olive oil..
Then I added in some peas to cook up with the garlic and oil....
Throw in some angel hair Barilla pasta....
Mix all the pasta & peas together adding in some butter and olive oil..
Then serve it all up on a plate sprinklin' some fresh parmesan cheese on top..
then your ready to kick up your feet, max out and chill instead of hittin that drive thru.
I hope you enjoyed the 1st installment of ghetto "Cookin' With Kool"
Here's another lil somethin cooked up free for some dessert...
KOOL SPHERE "OMERTA"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/69249956a6d79276/
With that being said, I linked up with my Sicilian Grandmother "Nana"..we chopped it up, and reminisced about the old days and all the dope dishes she would cook up for us. One of my favorites are always pretty simple...Here's the official first installment of "COOKIN' WITH KOOL"
I'll take you thru the famous "Pasta & Peas".
Can't front on the classic ol' skool skillet sliced up like a gemstar, lol...Here I started with chopped up fresh garlic and olive oil..
Then I added in some peas to cook up with the garlic and oil....
Throw in some angel hair Barilla pasta....
Mix all the pasta & peas together adding in some butter and olive oil..
Then serve it all up on a plate sprinklin' some fresh parmesan cheese on top..
then your ready to kick up your feet, max out and chill instead of hittin that drive thru.
I hope you enjoyed the 1st installment of ghetto "Cookin' With Kool"
Here's another lil somethin cooked up free for some dessert...
KOOL SPHERE "OMERTA"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/69249956a6d79276/
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
NEW PIECE GETTING THE GRAFFITI FEVER
This is a first of many for the winter season..hooked up with some NYC comrades and about to set shit off lovely.
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
REST IN PEACE DJ. MR. MAGIC NYC RADIO LEGEND!
Mr. Magic, an important figure in the world of hip-hop radio, debuted in 1983 on WBLS-FM in New York City with the first exclusive rap radio show to be aired on a major station. Billing itself as Rap Attack, Magic's show featured Marley Marl as the DJ and Tyrone "Fly Ty" Williams as the show's co-producer. Magic's reign on the New york City airwaves lasted six years and was instrumental in broadening the scope and validity of hip-hop music.[1]
During the mid-80s there was a rivalry between Mr. Magic and Kool DJ Red Alert, who hosted a weekly show on WRKS-FM. The feud also played out between proxy rap groups, the Juice Crew and Boogie Down Productions (see The Bridge Wars). The Juice Crew - headed by Mr. Magic's on-air assistant, DJ Marley Marl - was named after one of Magic's aliases, "Sir Juice."[2]
As confirmed by DJ Premier, Mr. Magic died on the morning of October 2, 2009,[3] from a fatal heart attack
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
NEW SONG "CREATIVE CONTROL" FEATURING RHONA BENNETT TO BE ON "INTEGRITTY"
It's a wrap! The album is finally done! I was fortunate enough to get the lovely and talented Rhona Bennett from En Vogue to get on the final track for the album "Creative Control". She just finished her upcoming solo album "The Anticipation Of R&B" so most def go check that out when it drops. We previewed it at her listening party Downtown Los Angeles, below are some flicks from the event, I busted out a lil canvas for her in celebration of such a dope project.
Integritty, 19 bangin joints, this album is real gritty, so now we'll be bobbin and weavin thru the industry to see who can handle this classic masterpiece correctly.
So stay tuned......
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
NEW VERBAL THREAT ALBUM BEGINS!!!
It's been a minute waiting on the completion of Kool Sphere's solo album Integritty. We're finally there with this classic masterpiece getting mixed arranged and mastered!
With that being said...Kool Sphere and M.C. Reppond are officially back in the building! Verbal Threat will begin a new album starting this weekend entering into the studio officially in Hollywood. History in the making right now straight up!
koolsphere.blogspot.com
ATTENTION CLUB PROMOTERS
We are starting to book shows in the Los Angeles/Orange County/NYC areas looking for club promotors to assist in setting up shows. hit up koolspherecrew@gmail.com
koolsphere.blogspot.com
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
GRAFFITI OUTLINE
Finally getting sum downtime as "Integritty" gets the final "final" mixdown, shits bangin! Was working on a outline for my boy's site and decided to throw in sum real basic colors.
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Friday, September 4, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
100% CO-SIGN! JAY-Z TLKS COMPETITION
(sohh.com)
Hov also said he felt rappers like Nas and Eminem are more on his level.
"Not really that competitive, because the competition isn't based on real competition," Jay said in the October 2009 XXL Magazine. "I mean, Game, I'm his f*ckin idol. If you ask him and he's being truthfully honest with you it's just based off his insecurities and, for the most part, pretension. That type of competition doesn't do anything for me. It's almost like someone trying to set you up, and everyone knows they're to set you up, and everybody. It's just dumb. It's not in the spirit of competition, because he's not competition for me. He's not. Not then, not ever -- he'd have to improve considerably. Competition for me competition is Nas, Eminem. Like Jim Jones? That's ridiculous to me. So how do I respond to that? I can't win. If I win, then they'll be like, 'See. Now chill. You're a f*ckin' bully.' And if it manages to throw a haymaker from the West Coast, then it's like 'Oooooh.' It's not even fun. Like, before I did it, because I would diss anybody. Now who has time to do this sh*t everyday? But before, when I was running after the little fat n*gga from Mase's camp, I was doing anybody. Anybody said anything. If I thought you said something. When I was running in the streets, I wanted all that type of activity. Nobody wanted nothing. Now everybody's a tough guy." (XXL Mag)
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Hov also said he felt rappers like Nas and Eminem are more on his level.
"Not really that competitive, because the competition isn't based on real competition," Jay said in the October 2009 XXL Magazine. "I mean, Game, I'm his f*ckin idol. If you ask him and he's being truthfully honest with you it's just based off his insecurities and, for the most part, pretension. That type of competition doesn't do anything for me. It's almost like someone trying to set you up, and everyone knows they're to set you up, and everybody. It's just dumb. It's not in the spirit of competition, because he's not competition for me. He's not. Not then, not ever -- he'd have to improve considerably. Competition for me competition is Nas, Eminem. Like Jim Jones? That's ridiculous to me. So how do I respond to that? I can't win. If I win, then they'll be like, 'See. Now chill. You're a f*ckin' bully.' And if it manages to throw a haymaker from the West Coast, then it's like 'Oooooh.' It's not even fun. Like, before I did it, because I would diss anybody. Now who has time to do this sh*t everyday? But before, when I was running after the little fat n*gga from Mase's camp, I was doing anybody. Anybody said anything. If I thought you said something. When I was running in the streets, I wanted all that type of activity. Nobody wanted nothing. Now everybody's a tough guy." (XXL Mag)
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Vintage Gangstarr
After checking preme's blog, I was takin back to the good ol' days when Gangstarr's Step In The Arena dropped. This clip was from when they were on a Dutch TV show promo0in the album..show;s you what real was...
koolsphere.blogspot.com
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Friday, July 17, 2009
GET THE KOOL SPHERE MIXTAPE ON AMAZON.COM NOW!
http://www.amazon.com/Unreleased-Archives-Explicit/dp/B002G684HW/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1247847281&sr=1-3
A new release from Kool Sphere of the group Verbal Threat. This album is a mixture of unreleased tracks that were made while working on Verbal Threat's The Golden Era, and Kool Sphere's debut album Integritty dropping later this year.
Unreleased Archives will be available digitally soon..cop a advanced copy here
http://cdbaby.com/cd/koolsphere
A new release from Kool Sphere of the group Verbal Threat. This album is a mixture of unreleased tracks that were made while working on Verbal Threat's The Golden Era, and Kool Sphere's debut album Integritty dropping later this year.
Unreleased Archives will be available digitally soon..cop a advanced copy here
http://cdbaby.com/cd/koolsphere
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
NEW KOOL SPHERE "CONTRAST" FREE DOWNLOAD
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
NEW KOOL SPHERE ON ITUNES!
NEW KOOL SPHERE ON ITUNES
This link will automatically open your itunes to the Kool Sphere page. cop that now!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
OPEN LETTER REMEMBER THE TIMES..
Thanks for the reply, Sphere. Yeah, they are great memories. I didn't write ever, but going to school in Bayside and living in Northeastern Queens, I saw a lot of writers while I was growing up. I was too young to be a part of it. I'm 29 now, started reading graff at age 7 or 8. From about 1987 to 1994, I caught the end of the trains and the whole highway era. I saw stuff by you, Cro, Saint, Sent, Ghost, Gato, Duel, Red, Duran, K-Pro, Smog, Dera, SEOD, SO, Neo,Stane, Dead, Vor, JA, Kite, Chille, PJay, Cope, Lost, Mirage, Tretal, and some others; too many to mention.
By the time I got to to Cardozo high school in 1995 and was old enough to do it, the graff world seemed like a fucking disaster, overrun with full goons that wrote as if their arms were broken. Now, don't get me wrong; I never wrote, nor am I a graff expert or some great artist. But the crispy style that the TMR and RIS guys from Queens had was vastly different than the junk that came out of NE Queens post-highway era.
The stuff that guys like you, Mirage, Stane, Duel, Dead, and Vor put up used to make the hairs on the back of my head and neck stand up. I'd drive to the Bronx just waiting to see the blue Mirage blockbuster with the feet on the Clearview. That comeback that you and Saint did on the 'Dozo handball courts.. there was one time I was just standing there admiring it, like I was frozen.
Again, I didn't write; but you guys' stuff really meant a lot to me growing up.
Thanks for the memories.
By the time I got to to Cardozo high school in 1995 and was old enough to do it, the graff world seemed like a fucking disaster, overrun with full goons that wrote as if their arms were broken. Now, don't get me wrong; I never wrote, nor am I a graff expert or some great artist. But the crispy style that the TMR and RIS guys from Queens had was vastly different than the junk that came out of NE Queens post-highway era.
The stuff that guys like you, Mirage, Stane, Duel, Dead, and Vor put up used to make the hairs on the back of my head and neck stand up. I'd drive to the Bronx just waiting to see the blue Mirage blockbuster with the feet on the Clearview. That comeback that you and Saint did on the 'Dozo handball courts.. there was one time I was just standing there admiring it, like I was frozen.
Again, I didn't write; but you guys' stuff really meant a lot to me growing up.
Thanks for the memories.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
KOOL SPHERE UNRELEASED ARCHIVES MIXTAPE
A new release from Kool Sphere of the group Verbal Threat. This album is a mixture of unreleased tracks that were made while working on Verbal Threat's The Golden Era, and Kool Sphere's debut album Integritty dropping later this year.
Unreleased Archives will be available digitally soon..cop a advanced copy here
http://cdbaby.com/cd/koolsphere
HOLLIS QUEENS STREET TO BE NAMED AFTER RUN DMC
The New York City Council approved a new bill today (June 30) that a major thoroughfare Run-DMC JMJ Way, in Hollis Queens, will be named after legendary rap group Run-DMC.
The bill, which was introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie (D-27) passed today during the Council’s Stated Meeting in City Hall.
Once Mayor Michael Bloomberg signs the bill into law, the corner of 205th Street and Hollis Avenue will officially be renamed after the pioneering Hip-Hop group.
Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and the late Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell grew up in Hollis, a borough of New York immortalized on tracks like “Hollis Crew” "Raising Hell," and the holiday anthem “Christmas in Hollis.”
They formed Run-DMC in 1982 at the behest of Simmons’ older brother Russell, who went on to form Rush Artist Management and the legendary Def Jam record label, with Rick Rubin.
The group went on to accomplish a number of first’s for Hip-Hop culture.
Run-DMC was one of the early act rap acts to perform on American Bandstand, the first rap group with gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, the first rap group to receive a Grammy nomination, the first rap act to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone, the first rappers to make a video appearance on MTV and numerous other accomplishments.
Run-DMC was officially inducted into the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.
“Given their historic accomplishments, Run D.M.C. is a tremendous source of pride for the Hollis community I represent,” Council Member Comrie told AllHipHop.com. “Their dedication and hard work has inspired countless others and they have given back generously to this community. Most recently, Mr. McDaniels donated numerous memorabilia for the establishment of the Hollis Hip Hop Museum, which is located in the Hollis Famous Burger establishment on 203rd Street and Hollis Avenue.”
The accomplishment also marks the first time a major New York City street has been renamed after a Hip-Hop group.
Council Member Comrie also stated he hopes the move will help revitalized the Hollis, Queens community with new business.
“I have chosen the 205th Street location because it is in proximity to the museum and also is the site of a famous mural of the group’s late member, Mr. Mizell. It is my sincere hope that this street renaming, combined with the museum, will help to economically revitalize this particular neighborhood as a potential tourism attraction.”
-from allhiphop.com
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
STUDIO SESSION
As we're laying down the final touches on the new album "Integritty", I had my djay, LD Technicali, work on some scratches and cuts to line everything up perfectly. M.C. Reppond came thru to twist an L and oversee the process giving hints on the Verbal Threat album about to get started as well. Just a quick glimpse into the lives of some real dudes doing real hip-hop properly..staying true to the format and the streets.
koolsphere.blogspot.com
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
MOS DEF DROPS SOME KNOWLEDGE!!
Now you've heard me on similar topics discussing the state of hip-hop and some accountability. In 2009, there is none! You can basically do what you want with no repercussions...that means, claim you are the beat rapper, diss legends in the game with no problem, do a nursery rhyme sing along rap that will top the charts..etc...
Well, in this interview, Mos Def addresses the topic of people giving certain rappers the title as the greatest rapper alive. I completely cosign what money says. I think it's about time more mc's in the game speak up on topics like this and get things back to how they should be. We used to have respect people! Listen and learn.
Well, in this interview, Mos Def addresses the topic of people giving certain rappers the title as the greatest rapper alive. I completely cosign what money says. I think it's about time more mc's in the game speak up on topics like this and get things back to how they should be. We used to have respect people! Listen and learn.
Monday, June 15, 2009
OLD BLACK BOOK PIECE (COMPLEX)
I came across one of my comrads photo albums online of some pieces we did over the years and bugged out when I found this. This was some old blackbook piece I did and totally forgot about it. Luckily for me, ZONE WST tooka flick of it and kept it in the archives. Big shout out to Wild Style Technicians the graffiti crew/clothing line. wildstyletechnicians.com some real dudes that keep this shit respectable. Yo the summers here yall!
koolsphere.blogspot.com
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Friday, June 12, 2009
DJ PREMIER RARE PLAY 20TH ANNIVERSARY MIXTAPE (verbal threat)
Came across this with Verbal Threat on the trck list for a free download of some classic Primo joints...
1. Intro Rare Play
2. The D&D Allstars - 1, 2 Pass It
3. Blahzay Blahzay - Danger (DJ Premier Remix)
4. Crooklyn Dodgers '95 - Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers
5. Sauce Money - Against The Grain
6. Special Ed - Freaky Flow (DJ Premier Remix)
7. Biz Markie - ...And I Rock
8. Teflon - Comin' At Cha
9. Rass kass - Goldyn Chyld
10. Kool G Rap - First Nigga (DJ Premier Remix)
11. Big Daddy Kane - Any Type Of Way
12. Craig G - Ready Set Begin
13. Royce da 5'9" - Ding!
14. Teflon - Showtime
15. Verbal Threat - Reality Check
16. Royce da 5'9" - Hit 'Em
17. Rakim, Kanye West, Nas & KRS-One - Classic
18. KRS-One - Criminal Minded '08
http://www.mediafire.com/?yym2jj2zzjy
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Auto -Tune debate
My views on the game are still very dated unfortunately compared to today's standards. So you'd obviously know my stance when it comes to this whole Auto-tune debate. Personally I thought Jay-Z doing a single Death Of Autotune was genius. It not only shows that he still controls the game in a big way, but also the fact that he has respect still for hip-hop as a whole. a lot of the newer cats are complaining now, "Ohh Jay is taking food out of rappers mouths by that song..and let these young dudes eat etc etc"
Shit gets old man..That's the problem with what's going on right now. Everybody in rap music wants to be a movie star and instead of raising the bar and doing some next shit, er-body wants to copy the next man's shit that's currently hot. Still to this day I can't fully figure out why the rappers/groups that stayed true to hip-hop are always the ones with the least record sales and notoriety. It's really out of control whats going on right now from the lack of talent in today's music..to the payola that keeps these wack rappers music on major radio/video..and nothing seems to change. In the good ol' days you had real mc's stepping up and ending careers when things needed to go down. KRS-1 and Pm Dawn for example..with Kris literally throwing homeboy off the stage saying your wack..dude was never able to recover and career ended immediately. Nowadays if that same scenario was to happen..the industry would turn things the opposite way..and label KRS a "hater" with Pm Dawn been the victor.
It's a sad scene all the way around. It's been over a decade now with pretty pathetic rap music dominating the whole genre with people having the nerve to do write ups claiming some of the new generation to be labeled as the best rapper alive etc...There's no accountability! There's no repercussions! right now it's open season to do anything and say what ever you want. It's the mighty dollar that runs this game.
so in closing..I send out a BIG thank you to Jay-Z for putting the hit out on Auto-tune for which I hope it dies a violent death never to return. do the game a favor and step your music up!
Just my 2 cents..
-Easy
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Ropes to Riches: Cowboy Claims $232M Lottery Win - ABC News
I don't wanna sound like a hater but this is some bull shit! "That buck that bought the bottle could have struck the lotto" Next time I'll listen to Nas. LOL
Ropes to Riches: Cowboy Claims $232M Lottery Win - ABC News
Shared via AddThis
Ropes to Riches: Cowboy Claims $232M Lottery Win - ABC News
Shared via AddThis
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
DJ PREMIER'S TOP LIST OF PRODUCERS
Once again another allhiphop.com feature:
DJ Premier aka Preemo is the standard by which all Hip-Hop producers strive to be. The notion is absolute, like it or not. From his innovativeness to his uncompromising style to his tour of duty – Preem is it. He’s done it all from his professional debut in 1987 with Gangstarr to his modern work with Christina Aguilera and the innumerable acts in between.
Only a select few can match the repertoire that Preemo has cultivated over the last 20 years. But, this is an intro about those beat maestros that Premier loves and respects. Understand, Premier is no child so his influences and Top 5 is reflective of his background.
Without further delay, DJ Premier’s Top 5 Dead or Alive…
LARRY SMITH
“Larry Smith is a producer that used to work with Kurtis Blow, Run DMC with “Rock Box” and all that. He did a lot of the Whodini records. Very, very, very good producer.”
[Early in his Hip-Hop career, Smith crafted songs for Kurtis Blow and Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, rap’s early super stars. He later produced Run DMC’s first two albums, their self-titled debut (1984) and King of Rock (1985). Additionally, Smith wove a string of hits for Whodini, including their 1984 debut Escape with hits like “Friends.” – source AllHipHop.com]
“Jam Master Jay” – Run DMC (Produced by Larry Smith)
“Freaks Come Out At Night” – Whodini (Produced by Larry Smith)
MARLEY MARL
“Marley Marl is my idol of Hip-Hop. He’s like the James Brown of Hip-Hop.”
“At Your Own Risk” – King Tee (Produced & remixed by Marley Marl)
QUINCY JONES
“Quincy Jones is a no-brainer too. He did movie soundtracks back in the 50’s and 60’s when he was a young cat and all the way up until he produced “Thriller” for Michael and all that. He broke the code of music theory and created his own lane on how to count and start on the “2” and not always on the “1.” You gotta watch him to know when to change up, because he’s so unorthodox with his production and his talent as an artist.”
“Summer In The City” - Quincy Jones (Sampled by Pharcyde and Black Moon)
“If I Ever Lose This Heaven” – Quincy Jones (featuring Minnie Ripperton) and “I’m Gonna Miss You In The Morning (featuring Luther Vandross and Pattie Austin)
JAMES BROWN
“James Brown is just super ill.”
James Brown Master Mix With Various Samples
“The Boss” – James Brown (sampled by Nas and Ice-T)
RICK RUBIN
“Rick Rubin is a major, major reason – no disrespect to Russell, because we know Russell’s that dude… Rick Rubin did a lot of them beats that transcended…hard reality of production. And to be a founder of Def Jam Records when it was Def Jam…before it got soft and watered down. Signing groups like Public Enemy and the Junk Yardband. Showing that they can sign a Go Go act. All the way to all the old Beastie Boy records when they used to have the purple label. When MCA and Berzootie and Jimmy Spicer. Even with Russell and Jazzy Jay with the record Def Jam. LL Cool to be the first official artist that they signed with “I Need A Beat.” T La Rock “Its Yours” on the Party Time label which is really the official first Def Jam record ever. That’s how far back it goes so shout out to Rick Rubin too.”
“Give It Away” - Red Hot Chilli Peppers (produced by Rick Rubin)
“Rock The Bells” – LL Cool J (produced by Rick Rubin)
Preemo Bonus – GEORGE CLINTON
“On some real s**t, I gotta make it six. George Clinton, Parliament Funkadelic, Booty’s Rubberband, Eddie Hazel, Parlet, the Brides of Funkenstein. He [George Clinton] was James Brown spaced-out – on some other s**t. James Brown was spaced out anyway, but George Clinton living is just the epitome of funk and all that other s**t.“
“Paint The White House Black” George Clinton – featuring Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Flavor Flav, Yo-Yo, MC Breed, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kam and others
“One Nation under a Groove” - George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic (1978)
DJ Premier aka Preemo is the standard by which all Hip-Hop producers strive to be. The notion is absolute, like it or not. From his innovativeness to his uncompromising style to his tour of duty – Preem is it. He’s done it all from his professional debut in 1987 with Gangstarr to his modern work with Christina Aguilera and the innumerable acts in between.
Only a select few can match the repertoire that Preemo has cultivated over the last 20 years. But, this is an intro about those beat maestros that Premier loves and respects. Understand, Premier is no child so his influences and Top 5 is reflective of his background.
Without further delay, DJ Premier’s Top 5 Dead or Alive…
LARRY SMITH
“Larry Smith is a producer that used to work with Kurtis Blow, Run DMC with “Rock Box” and all that. He did a lot of the Whodini records. Very, very, very good producer.”
[Early in his Hip-Hop career, Smith crafted songs for Kurtis Blow and Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, rap’s early super stars. He later produced Run DMC’s first two albums, their self-titled debut (1984) and King of Rock (1985). Additionally, Smith wove a string of hits for Whodini, including their 1984 debut Escape with hits like “Friends.” – source AllHipHop.com]
“Jam Master Jay” – Run DMC (Produced by Larry Smith)
“Freaks Come Out At Night” – Whodini (Produced by Larry Smith)
MARLEY MARL
“Marley Marl is my idol of Hip-Hop. He’s like the James Brown of Hip-Hop.”
“At Your Own Risk” – King Tee (Produced & remixed by Marley Marl)
QUINCY JONES
“Quincy Jones is a no-brainer too. He did movie soundtracks back in the 50’s and 60’s when he was a young cat and all the way up until he produced “Thriller” for Michael and all that. He broke the code of music theory and created his own lane on how to count and start on the “2” and not always on the “1.” You gotta watch him to know when to change up, because he’s so unorthodox with his production and his talent as an artist.”
“Summer In The City” - Quincy Jones (Sampled by Pharcyde and Black Moon)
“If I Ever Lose This Heaven” – Quincy Jones (featuring Minnie Ripperton) and “I’m Gonna Miss You In The Morning (featuring Luther Vandross and Pattie Austin)
JAMES BROWN
“James Brown is just super ill.”
James Brown Master Mix With Various Samples
“The Boss” – James Brown (sampled by Nas and Ice-T)
RICK RUBIN
“Rick Rubin is a major, major reason – no disrespect to Russell, because we know Russell’s that dude… Rick Rubin did a lot of them beats that transcended…hard reality of production. And to be a founder of Def Jam Records when it was Def Jam…before it got soft and watered down. Signing groups like Public Enemy and the Junk Yardband. Showing that they can sign a Go Go act. All the way to all the old Beastie Boy records when they used to have the purple label. When MCA and Berzootie and Jimmy Spicer. Even with Russell and Jazzy Jay with the record Def Jam. LL Cool to be the first official artist that they signed with “I Need A Beat.” T La Rock “Its Yours” on the Party Time label which is really the official first Def Jam record ever. That’s how far back it goes so shout out to Rick Rubin too.”
“Give It Away” - Red Hot Chilli Peppers (produced by Rick Rubin)
“Rock The Bells” – LL Cool J (produced by Rick Rubin)
Preemo Bonus – GEORGE CLINTON
“On some real s**t, I gotta make it six. George Clinton, Parliament Funkadelic, Booty’s Rubberband, Eddie Hazel, Parlet, the Brides of Funkenstein. He [George Clinton] was James Brown spaced-out – on some other s**t. James Brown was spaced out anyway, but George Clinton living is just the epitome of funk and all that other s**t.“
“Paint The White House Black” George Clinton – featuring Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Flavor Flav, Yo-Yo, MC Breed, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kam and others
“One Nation under a Groove” - George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic (1978)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
MORE UN-RELEASED VERBAL THREAT TRACKS FROM THE ARCHIVES
verbal threat - great story
Keeping you up to date with things..getting joints out the archives while my engineer works on finishing the final mix on "Integritty". There will be a new Kool Sphere site coming shortly where new songs will be debuted and news on the new project.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
NEW KOOL SPHERE "THE CROSSROADS" ON ITUNES !
Click the itunes button to get the Kool Sphere feature on Fabio Musta's mixtape CD "Passport" and while your at it cop the whole CD!
koolsphere.blogspot.com
Monday, May 18, 2009
EXCLUSIVE KOOL SPHERE FEAT. AZ (ALLHIPHOP.COM)
KOOL SPHERE FEAT. AZ "BLUE COLLAR MC'S"
First leak off debut album KOOL SPHERE "INTEGRITTY" ALBUM
BLUE COLLAR MC'S..CHECK IT OUT!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Allhiphop.com's Secret Wars (Rakim vs EPMD)
I just read this article on allhiphop.com and this is the type of read I'm interested in. Instead of these fake highly publicized feuds in rap music where beefs are manufactured to inflate record sales..we go back to the essence where reps were on the line..and dudes still had the respect to subliminally lay out a diss just for it to be known between both rappers and the hardcore listener.
Secret Wars is a new limited series on AllHipHop.com. The series delves into some of the not-so-public battles that were waged quietly in the streets or behind the scenes. Not every MC war becomes a full-fledged battle. There are countless accounts where rappers took shots at one another without actually naming names. Some shots are obvious and feuds become widely known. Some are not so obvious, going way over the heads of average listeners. Often lines or bars are incorrectly perceived as shots leading to unwarranted return fire. This is secret wars: Eric B. and Rakim vs EPMD.
----------------
Secret Wars is a new limited series on AllHipHop.com. The series delves into some of the not-so-public battles that were waged quietly in the streets or behind the scenes. Not every MC war becomes a full-fledged battle. There are countless accounts where rappers took shots at one another without actually naming names. Some shots are obvious and feuds become widely known. Some are not so obvious, going way over the heads of average listeners. Often lines or bars are incorrectly perceived as shots leading to unwarranted return fire. This is secret wars: Eric B. and Rakim vs EPMD.
----------------
It was 1986, when the streets were knockin' heavy to the hit debut single from Eric B and Rakim, "Eric B For President" and its flip-side "My Melody" which played in heavy rotation for over a year strong. Eric B Rakim's single came out at the right time and had quite an impact on hip-hop overall.
The boom-bap beat and funky baseline in "Eric B For President" was so intoxicating it made listeners move their necks and shoulders in a way that arguably started, but certainly propelled a dance craze called "the wop". Rakim's delivery was extremely laid back and his voice was almost completely monotone. He single-handily brought lyricism and thought provoking metaphors to the game. He also manifested a new revelation, that rap could be respected in the streets without yelling and cursing. In fact if you think about the rappers that never cursed or cursed the least over time, Rakim is right up there with the likes of Young M.C.Fresh Prince and the . Toppled with his 5 percent knowledge, clearly Rakim came to the game to "show and prove."
In 1997, Eric B and Rakim followed up with "I Got Soul" and a separate single called "I Ain't No Joke." Just as the year prior the two songs became hits which solidified their ranking amongst the greatest. They shot their first music video for "I Ain't No Joke" where many saw them in the flesh for the first time ever. The song was up-tempo with horns sampled from James Brown accompanied by Rakim's laid back flow. "I Ain't No Joke" gave you reason after reason as to why Rakim is to be taken seriously. To anyone considering biting their style, Rakim concluded the 2nd verse with this warning:
Your offbeat DJ, if anything he play,
Sound familiar, I'll wait til E say Play 'em. /
So I'ma have to diss and Bro
you could get a smack for this, I ain't no joke. /
Eric B and Rakim soon after dropped their first album "Paid In Full" leading to a very successful year with a string of songs playing all over the radio including its title track. Meanwhile an emerging unseen duo called EPMD was beginning to hit the airwaves. Their song "It's My Thing"7 Minutes of Funk" was done over the then classic break-beat " by Whole Darn Family, (later used again by Jay Z and Foxy Brown on the song "Ain't No Nigga"). Both E and PMD went back and forth over the beat and some noticed that both, mainly PMD, had somewhat the same laid back monotone flow as Rakim. However vocally, not lyrically. Ultimately comparing them to The R lyrically would be like trying to compare The Lox to Notorious B.I.G., you just can't. Likewise EPMD's lyrical flow was more simplified but they were just as confident, slick, and sarcastic. On the flip side to EPMD's single was a song called "You're A Customer," which boldly pointed out the distinction of EPMD being the "stars" and anyone who brought the record as merely a "customer". Credit them for introducing that level of extreme confidence and as for the fans, they just ate it up and became customers as the duo anticipated. The song contained a very simple yet highly contagious beat and base riff that gave you "goose bumps when the baseline thumps". The now classic track was a real treat for Hip-Hop (later used to remix Jodeci's "Can I Talk to You"). In "You're A Customer" Erick sparked it off in the first verse with lines like "Remember this line you're in a danger zone, I figured you would, now leave me alone," while PMD boasted in the following verse:
I have the capability to rap and chill,
Cold wax and tax MC's who tend to act ill. /
It's like a digg'em smack,
Smack me and I'll smack you back. /
So the controversy began. Was this an answer to Rakim's line, "You could get a smack for this"? Hip-Hop had its first official smack fest. At the time there wasn't a die hard listener that would say different. I can personally reflect on the time with additional knowledge stemming from my days producing Video Undaground". The show interviewed E (Erick Sermon) directly and the topic of these shots was addressed from his perspective.
Video Undaground host, Smitty Dawgs, was with Erick Sermon in the studio years later when Erick recalled, "That line was not directed to Rakim or anybody in particular, but everybody was coming at us like why y'all dissed Rakim?" Nevertheless an explanation really didn't matter at that point, it had already become an outbreak in Hip-Hop. The fact that it was perceived as a diss meant everyone expected an answer regardless, especially from the self-proclaimed God, Rakim. There would be some time before there was an answer. Meanwhile EPMD continued their agenda by releasing their follow up single "You Got's To Chill" as well as their debut album "Strictly Business" in 1988. Throughout 1987 - 88, both sides were riding high on their success and promoting their albums to the fullest; both realising multiple singles and videos.
Very late in 1988, Erick B and Rakim returned with the sophomore album titled "Follow The Leader" and as expected Rakim answered both of them in the title track with this:
Stop buggin', a brother said digg'em, I never dugg'em
He couldn't follow the leader long enough so I drug 'em. /
Enter danger zone, he should arrange his own
Face it, it's basic, erase it, change your tone. /
In only two bars Rakim addressed Erick's danger zone, PMD's digg'em smack, the fact that their rhymes are basic and that PMD or perhaps both should make a change from the monotone style Rakim is noted for. There were more shots taken in the song that could have been directed at the duo, but these were the bars that pretty much came at them specifically. Erick Sermon told Video Undaground exclusively, "It was crazy after that, his camp was amping him and our camp was amping us." Everyone wanted the forming battle to reach the point of naming names. Ultimately since they never went at Rakim in the first place they ended up addressing the subject without going back at Rakim directly. In 1999, EPMD dropped the sophomore album titled "Unfinished Business". The first single was "So What You Sayin'." In that song PMD came with this:
People 'round town talking this and that,
on how we sound like The R, and our music was wack. /
Dropped the album Strictly Business and you thought we would fold,
30 days later, the LP went gold. /
Ironically the follow up album "Unfinished Business" went gold in just 10 days, a true milestone for hip-hop back then. According to Erick, after that both sides finally met and it was all cleared up. One has to wonder how ugly it could have gotten if they went into a full-fledged battle. Who knows if a career would have ended early but so it is, the shots came to an end without casualties.
--The End
--The End
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
NEW AZ RELEASE "LEGENDARY" COMING SOON
AZ..one of the last true m.c. lyricists left in the game is still doing it big and releasing a new album! I just peep a joint off it "Get Money", and as expected money comes slick with the word play. It's been a long time since a worth while release has been worthy of some hard earned dollar..and i'm fully endorsin duke! cop that!
And stay tuned for the debut single KOOL SPHERE feat. AZ "BLUE COLLAR MC'S" coming soon!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
VERBAL THREAT "ANXIETY" LOST SESSIONS UNRELEASED....
Yeah as things are winding down on getting "Integritty" mixed mastered and arranged..I've been going thru some old lost tapes of never heard before sessions form Verbal Threat. In the midst of recording "The Golden Era", we recorded over 40 tracks and narrowed down the final track listing to 17. Periodically, I will add some finished and some unfinished songs that never made it out the Verbal Threat studios. Below is a joint "Anxiety"..just Kool Sphere & Reppond doing that VT shit, flipping some piano styled beat blazed out feeling the session.
Any skilled graphic designers with professional CD cover styles get at me, I'm in the process of designing this CD cover...koolspherecrew@gmail.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
FINAL STAGES OF KOOL SPHERE PROJECT
-Lil Dap (Group Home) Kool Sphere working on new track for upcoming release-
We're in the final stages getting over 30 bangers narrowed down to around 15 or so for the final track list. Sticking to a formula that certifies raw hip-hop straight up and down. Get ready!!!
To be up on all exclusives and special promotions..submit you email/contact info to
KOOLSPHERECREW@GMAIL.COM
(we do not spam..only info pertaining to kool sphere & verbal threat)
Friday, May 1, 2009
KOOL SPHERE ALBUM UPDATE!!!
It's been a minute since there's been a update....
KOOL SPHERE's DEBUT SOLO ALBUM "INTEGRITTY" COMING SOON!
FEAT. RAP LEGENDS AZ, KOOL G RAP, SMOOTHE DA HUSTLER, LIL DAP GROUP HOME, SMILEY THE GHETTO CHILD, BRONZE NAZARETH.....
This project has exceeded expectations and new developments will be announced..this is just a update..more surprises to come.
KOOL SPHERE will also be appearing on a Graffiti Writers Mixtape hosted by DJ KAYSLAY as well as KRS-1.
KOOL SPHERE's DEBUT SOLO ALBUM "INTEGRITTY" COMING SOON!
FEAT. RAP LEGENDS AZ, KOOL G RAP, SMOOTHE DA HUSTLER, LIL DAP GROUP HOME, SMILEY THE GHETTO CHILD, BRONZE NAZARETH.....
This project has exceeded expectations and new developments will be announced..this is just a update..more surprises to come.
KOOL SPHERE will also be appearing on a Graffiti Writers Mixtape hosted by DJ KAYSLAY as well as KRS-1.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
New Babygrande release Fabio Musta feat. Kool Sphere and others...
Support my man right here some solid production
Friday, March 27, 2009
UN-RELEASED "KOOL SPHERE" FROM THE ARCHIVES!
Yeah man..alot of new developments in the production of the new solo album droppin later this summer. We're looking at a solid dope creation of traditional hip-hop live in effect. Some of my best work to date..I will give more info on the collaborations at a later time..for now I will be adding joints for your listening pleasure that didn't make the final cut but classics in their own right. Update: Find me on twitter.com/koolsphere
Kool Sphere
"NY, NY"Monday, February 9, 2009
REALITY CHECK FINALLY ON ITUNES !
I'm slowly getting back to getting things back online..will get some new un-released joints up on here that I've been bangin out the studio. Just recorded a new classic Verbal Threat track last week..This year will involve a Kool Sphere album as well as a Verbal Threat reunion getting things back on track. Stay tuned................
Get "Reality Check" here-->
Get "Reality Check" here-->
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
KOOL SPHERE LIVE SHOW & INDIE FILM SHOWCASE NYC
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=HAKYZZHKXATWCBZJPXFZ&li=iq&src=email
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)