There is a great new mixtape on the market featuring East Village Radio all-stars Nick Catchdubs and Mark Ronson. The mixtape is just crazy with a very eclectic mix of songs and artists sampled. The tape features new and unreleased tracks from A-Trak & TTC, Lil Wayne, and Turf Talk as well. Check out what Turn Table Lab had to say.

From Turn Table Lab:

"New mix from East Village Radio all-stars Nick Catchdubs and Mark Ronson is finally upon us. With exclusivos and new blends galore, Radio Radio is exactly what you'd expect from Ronson & Young Catch – a total free-for-all, genre-defying and severely fresh. The coolest thing about this mix is the energy level, which stays up in the stratosphere for the duration but never feels tiring or overwhelming – it's just some good-ass summer music, mixed cleanly and cleverly."

Mp3: Mark Ronson/Nickcatchdubs - "Intro track"

Get the whole damn record here or at TTLab the thing is priceless (or just $9.00 depending where you go).

Here are a couple new tracks off the upcoming soundtrack to Idlewild by Outkast. Be sure to check'em out. Rumor has it that "Idlewild Blues" is the first single.

Mp3: Outkast - "Idlewild Blues"
Mp3: Outkast - "Morris Brown"

Both of these cuts are an improvement on "Mighty O" in my opinion. Be sure to buy the record and check out the movie when it comes out August 22nd. ALSO don't forget that Outkast has another record coming out entitled The Hard 10 due out possibly in 2006 as well.

Update: "easy"archive is giving me grief I will upload these later when I get the chance.
Update to the update: Forget about it. Head over to Nah Right they have them hosted as well, right here.

FourTet aka Kieran Hebden is the latest addition to an extensive catalog of DJ Kicks records (officially No. 26 in the Series). In Hebden's installment he features some big names in Madvillian, Stereolab, Showbiz & A.G., Animal Collective and Curtis Mayfield among others.

I wouldn't say that the record is one seemless piece as the tracks rarely mix into one another smoothly the transitions on other DJ Kicks albums have been better, but that shouldn't discourage you from listening. This is a great record from a DJ who definately understands a good hip hop beat with having a knack for creating great rythms.

This is also probably one of his most accessible records as typically Four Tet's stuff goes in a dozen different directions keeping no consistant sound for long. Regardless of the method he chooses check out the new track that appears on the record called "Pockets" for yourself thanks to the blog Swoon.

Mp3 link: Four Tet - "Pockets"

According to Swoon "Pockets" may be the only new Four Tet material thats going to come out this year. Pockets is also going to be available on a 12″ single (via eMusic) with a different version on the b-side. There will also be a triple vinyl unmixed version of the compilation as well so look for that.

Buy: Four Tet DJ Kicks here or grab the single from eMusic here.

David Stern is a pompous ass and needs to go. He's a terrible commissioner. Its no wonder why the NBA is such a drag. He can't sell the game what so ever. Case in point:

The draft is in NYC the Knicks pick is up and that is the time he chooses to announce a trade that EVERYONE in the freaking building knows about already, can't he just wait to announce it when the Phoenix pick is up?

Well I guess he was maybe doing New Yorkers a favor because as soon as the pick was up we all learned that not only can Isaiah Thomas totally screw up a basketball league and a basketball team, BUT he can screw up a draft as well by taking 2nd round talent in round 1.

Ohh and if you were wondering the Bulls just got a hell of alot better and for some reason my other favorite team took another ridiculous underdeveloped 7 footer.

The consensus about Seattle taking Sene is that Seattle can leave him overseas and not pay him. Another stroke of genius! First Stern then Thomas now Seattle. Nothing like drafting a 7 foot center from Senegal to get the people jacked about basketball! The excitement! I can hear all the people running for season tickets now. I thought they wanted to build the Sonics a new arena? I can't imagine why the people don't give a rats ass.

PS. Tyrus Thomas and his Mr. Rogers purple sweater vest takes the cake for best dressed!

28 year old Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Alice Smith can sing no doubt. Her bluesy vocals are perfectly balanced over some mid-tempo Pop beats from what I have heard from her upcoming record For Lovers Dreamers and Me (due out September 5th on BBE Records).

This young lady's vocals are amazing (4-octave vocal range if you want to get technical). Anyways check out this Freeform Five Remix of the single "Love Endeavor." Great summer track.

Mp3: Alice Smith - "Love Endeavor" (Freeform Five Remix)

Upcoming live shows in NYC:
Jul 6 2006 @ Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street (Free)
Jul 29 2006 @ Central Park Summer Stage
Aug 5 2006 @ Alfred Lerner Hall, Columbia University
Aug 10 2006 @ River Rocks, Hudson River Park (Free)

There are some soulful mothers coming out right now. Building on that whole Jamie Lidell cool as hell pop/soul sound comes Nino Moshella a 29 year old, multi-instrumentalist. Nino is gritty, soulful, and honest. His album The Fix came out May 26th.

If you haven't checked him out yet and you are into that whole Jamie Lidell, early Prince vibe check him out. Straight No Chaser claims that, "This is next level shit," I couldn't agree with them more. This is some ESSENTIAL summer listening right here.

Mp3: Nino Moshella - "Move On"
Mp3: Nino Moshella - "Are you for real?"*

Buy: Nino Moshella's The Fix here OR get it from eMusic here.
Nino's myspace ZONE.

Every day I look at the Cubs lineup and for some crazy as hell reason Dusty Baker INSISTS on batting Jacque Jones 6 or lower (usually lower). Does he not realize that Jones is the best hitter the Cubs have right now? Why in the hell don't you get that man in the 3 or 4 hole? Does somebody have an explanation?

The Cubs NEED RUNS in the worst way. They have scored the fewest runs in the majors 23 less than the Royals for christsake!.

Seriously! With Lee back, the Cubs' lineup should shakedown like this:

1. Pierre CF 2. Walker 2B 3. Jones RF 4. Lee 1B 5. Nevin LF 6. Ramirez 3b 7. Cedeno SS 8. Blanco C (Barnett 7 when he gets back from his AJ face smashing suspension) 9. Mr. Pitcher.

They should let Nevin catch and they would have a very good offensive lineup if Ramirez and Pierre can ever get back on track.

Nevin has been raking since he arrived. I still would like Murton to get some PT so maybe if they continue to insist on batting Jones so low they can trade him. I would like them to keep Jones I think he is a great all around player though. I also think the Cubs are not out of it yet.

Crazy as that sounds I continue to believe that the Cubs have a good team. Aside from the glass arms of Prior and Wood the prospects of Marshall and Marmol are good. The bullpen is good as well. I do think they will not resign Baker at the end of the year. I don't think this mess of a season is entirely his fault given the injury to Lee but the work load he imposes on the starters has to be a contributing factor to Prior's and Wood's health. Not to worry Baker fans I think he will go elsewhere and do just fine.

Go Cubbies.

Well it might not be a sell out perse...but I have officially gone cover. While some find covers, remixes, and mashups annoying and a detriment to the original etc. etc. I find that those people are commonly music snobs so screw it I am not snob lets post some covers.

I love a good remix, cover and mashup as it adds something you didn't expect or approaches the song in different way (Jose Gonzalez covering the Knife's Heartbeats is a great example). So here it is some tasty covers (some actually are probably remixes but whatever). Enjoy! or not.

Mp3: Shinehead - Billy Jean (Michael Jackson)
Mp3: DJ Nu Mark & Pomo - Imagine (John Lennon)
Mp3: Greyboy with Bart Davenport- Geneive (Cymande)*
Mp3: Tiga - Burnin down the house (Talking heads)
Mp3: Yonderboi - Riders On The Storm (The Doors)
Mp3: This Kid Named Miles - Ring of fire (Johnny Cash)
Mp3: Pete Kuzma feat. Bilal - High and Dry (Radiohead Cover)

It should be noted that I couldn't have done this without the help of the people over Ubiquity as many of these songs are off the covertastic Rewind! series.

50,000 Iraqi Civilians Dead Since Iraq Invasion.
-an investigation carried out by the Los Angeles Times has concluded at 50,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed since the start of the Iraq war. The number is equivalent to the killing of some 570,000 Americans over the same period.

The Los Angeles Times estimate was based on statistics from the Baghdad morgue, the Iraqi Health Ministry and other agencies. Their figure is at least 20,000 more than the Bush administration has publicly acknowledged.

Hey Dittoheads! Who's the dead beat drug addict now?
- first the brother gets busted for illegal prescription drugs and now? Limbaugh is detained for possession of viagra without a prescription. Guess he learned his lesson from shopping for extra oxy cotton pills, why get a doctors permission when you can skip it all together? The skinny is that if it turns out this stuff is his it blows up his whole plea bargin deal and hes going to court.

Crack down in Somalia.
- forcibly cutting young men's hair if it is more than an inch long? Banning a New Year's celebration on penalty of death? Sounds pretty oppressive to me. If we are the defenders of freedom and democracy why is the military machine not in Somalia as well as Iraq and Afghanistan?

Buffet Announces Record $37B Charitable Donation.
- bravo. Finally some rich white people that feel that they have more obligation to society than to buy houses, maybachs, private jets, sports teams, or run oil and insurance companies. It is believed that this contribution is to be the largest charitable donation in U.S. history. Buffet says he will give 85% of his estimated $44 billion fortune.

It is kind of interesting that its the 2nd richest man in the world giving it to the 1st richest man in the world...the causes of both are right on;poverty and HIV/AIDS prevention to name two big ones. My only fear is that governments will use this new record type giving as an excuse to pull back from their responsibilities to their people.

The track list for DJ Shadow's up coming new record The Outsider has just been released.

01 Outsider Intro
02 This Time (I'm Gonna Try It My Way)
03 3 Freaks feat. Keak Da Sneak & Turf Talk
04 Droop-E Drop
05 Turf Dancing feat. The Federation & Animaniaks
06 Keep Em Close feat. Nump
07 Seein' Thangs feat. David Banner
08 Broken Levee Blues
09 Artifact (Instrumental)
10 Backstage Girl feat. Phonte Coleman
11 Triplicate/Something Happened That Day
12 The Tiger feat. Sergio Pizzorno & Christopher Karloff
13 Erase You feat. Chris James
14 What Have I Done feat. Christina Carter
15 You Made It feat. Chris James
16 Enuff feat. Q-Tip & Lateef The Truth Speaker
17 Dats My Part feat. E-40

Have to admit I am most eager to check out cut no. 16 with Lateef and Q should be a good one. Album comes out August 1st.

Update: Hear Mr. Davis talk about the album over in an exclusive interview at HMV UK.

In case you missed this. Check out the great commentary on minimum wage and the absolute ridiculous nature of the US Congress and those in power in this country. As usual Mr. Stewart hits it on the head.



The stuff about the video games is pretty hilarious as well. I love Sam B, but the end segment is pretty weak in my opinion and kind of detracts from the whole segment.

Update: We have some good ole fashioned debate going on in the comments be sure to check them out and add to the "discussion."

Video for the Spank Rock smash "Rick Rubin" filmed live in Baltimore and directed by Jesse Gorham-Engard. Prepare to be telported to the 1980s my friends. Dig the atari'ness. This video will blow your mind!



Buy: Spank Rock's Yoyoyoyoyo! here.

We have Destroy Rock and Roll, Scale, and now we have Transparent Things. While not as promising as the first two this latest record by Fujiya and Miyagi is definitely a hip shaker.

The record features some solid song writing paired with upbeat sythns. If you are new wave head or like any of the recent hipster rock like Bloc Party or Hot Chip you should check out this record.

Mp3: Fujiya and Miyagi - "Ankle Injuries"

Purchase their records over at Turntable Lab here.

It has been brought to my attention that over the last couple weeks I have been neglecting all the fellas over at the party label Hollertronix.

Seriously who is making more of get out and jam sound than these guys by mashing the guilty pleasure of 80s music with hip hop, crunk, and bali funk? It was a rhetorical question, nobody is. Maybe cause everyone else think its an awful idea but I love it.

I admittedly spent a portion of my life "enjoying" 80s music and to see it mixed up with hip hop and other genres makes it all the less embarrassing to listen to. Police with a smattering of Ludacris and Little John anyone? Rock these cuts this weekend and enjoy that summer sunshine.

From Low Budget's Nuff Respect Due:

Mp3: Low Budget - "Police Cia"*
Mp3: Low Budget - "Cure Riddim"
Mp3: Hollertronix (Diplo and Low B) - "Track 11" (10 mins)

The last track is from the T5: Soul Sessions, Volume 2. Head over to the essential Turntable Lab to get yourself some records and gear. Support the DJ! Remember these are are just portions of a larger mix record.

If you don't know already Stones Throw is one of hip-hop's finest. Their Podcasts are my favorite podcasts hands down and now they are giving away more free music, this time via eMusic. The latest is from DJ Oh No.

From eMusic:
"Using legendary funk soundtrack composer Galt McDermot as source material, enterprising DJ OhNo — with help from rhymer Buckshot — creates a rubbery summer jam full of humid, booming bass, dry snare-cracks and quick stabs of piano."

Mp3: DJ Oh No feat. Buckshot - "Gets Mine"
Mp3: DJ Oh feat. Dudley Perkins & Georgia Anne Muldrow - "T. Biggums"
Video: DJ Oh No - "Move"

Get out! A song inspired by Dave's Tyrone! Now that is what I call clutch my friends. I have some dope Galt McDermot songs I will throw up tonight.

CallMeMickey sparked my brain the other day when he posted the killer "Vitamins For You" (Remix) by Ghislain Poirier.

If you don't know Poirier is Montreal-based producer who's resume includes opening for Lady Sovereign on her recent North American tour, collaborating with artists like Beans, TTC, Diverse, DJ/rupture, DJ Collage, Lena, Omnikrom, Mr Lee G., and Lotek Hi-Fi.

Poirier has started his own label Rebondir Records, it's first release being a special 30 minute EP from the man himself that's a mish-mash of crunk, grime, dub, English, French, and Creole. New record came out last Tuesday (June 20th). Go get it.

Mp3: Ghislain Poirier - "Papa Pimp"

Buy the new album over at his official space.
Visit XLR8R for some other great downloads.

More of that Return of Dr. Octagon Remix project. Check out the latest.

Mp3: Dr. Octagon - "Perfect World" (Life During Wartime Mix)
Older Mp3: Dr. Octagon - “Al Green” (Chapter 2, Verse 908 Remix)

The Perfect World track features NYC based Bisc 1. Be sure to get the official album which comes out June 27th.

Link: Check out the entire remix project over at The Return of Dr. Octagon's space at World's Fair News.

Well I wish I could say it was a good run for the US, but it wasn't. Scoring one goal in 3 matches is unacceptable. I was lucky enough to take the 2 hours off of work to watch the match with my pal False 45th at the local pub.

The first part of the match was promising with a Dempsey goal off a magnificent pass by Beasley which tied Ghana in the 43rd minute. The penalty kick was definitely a buzzkill in the 47th minute. Knowing that the US had to score two goals in the 2nd half was depressing given the anemic US offense almost certain defeat. The attacking by the US presented some promising chances in the 2nd half. The best being McBride's header off the sidebar post.

I think I would be more upset about the US not advancing had I thought that the US had been cheated in some form, but they simply didn't look like a World Cup quality team over these three matches. Anyone have an idea why Donovan played like absolute crap? and while you're at it tell me how you think you can score in the 5-4-1 formation?

Had these matches been replayed I think the results would have been different but like I said at the onset you simply don't advance at this level with scoring one goal in three matches. I look forward to the matches ahead and this new found love for football. The NBA has official been replaced in my pecking order of sports. Hopefully the US brings it strong in South Africa in 2010. We are only getting better.

Listen: To All the World Cup matches at the Sun Online.

New Nas "Were Y'all At" thanks to Spine Magazine. Check it out.

Mp3: Nas -"Where Y'all At"
Mp3 link: Nas - "Feds I & II" (Dirty Harry remix)*

The track is produced by Salaam Remi. Remi first appeared on record as the keyboardist for Kurtis Blow's 1986 release Kingdom Blow. In the late '80s Salaam began mixing records. He has been associated with several successful releases most notably the Fugees' multi-platinum Score.

* damn good remix by the fellas at The Rub.

Radiohead unveiled another new song entitled "All I need" during their 2nd night performance in Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, IL.

Mp3: Radiohead - "All I Need"
Video: Radiohead plays "All I need" via YouTube.
Visit: Radiohead at ease for the tip.

For some reason beyond my comprehension the new record isn't due out till sometime in 2007. Of which I still have not heard a title for.

This week's dig is a dedication to silence...well not silence per se because its tough to listen to music when there is silence. So this week's dig is better described as a dedication to songs without words.

The tracks featured range from hip hop instrumentals to electronic to dub. My favorite of this dig remains Love on a Real Train originally featured in the movie Risky Business staring placenta eating homicidal maniac Tom Cruise but was more recently heard in the utterly fantastic Squid and the Whale. This version is from the must own Ghostly Idol Tryouts 2.

The others? Couple from that outfit called The Roots and some fantastic dub by Digital Mystikz. Check it out and be sure to support the artists by visiting Insound or eMusic and buying some records.

Mp3: Digital Mystikz - "Neverland"
Mp3: Charles Mingus - "II BS" (RZA Mingus Bounce Mix)
Mp3: Aesop Rock - "Daylight" (Instrumental)
Mp3: Terre's Neu Wuss Fusion "Love on a Real Train" (Risky Business)
Mp3: The Roots - "What They Do" (Instrumental)
Mp3: The Roots - "Concerto of the Desporado" (Instrumental)
Mp3: A Forest Mighty Black - "Fresh in My Mind" (Hacienda Rainy Dub Mix)
Mp3 link: Ghislain Poirier - "Vitamins For You Remix"

Today Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Japan is going to withdrawal its 600 troops in Iraq soon. Japanese troops have not been deployed in any conflict since WWII.

Koizumi won bonus points with the Bush Administration but the move was opposed by a majority of Japanese. Many people said it contradicted the country's pacifist constitution.

Regardless, Japan is no longer in the Coalition of the Willing. Which in turn makes them the enemy by matter of Bushian Elimination Theory. Its too bad I thought the Japanese liked freedom.

Here are some long mixes to get you through the day and get yourself closer to that end of the week celebration. This of course is in lieu of the Tuesday dig which I will post later this evening.

Mp3: DJ Ayres - "November Hip-Hop Mix"
[DJ Ayers' site]--Track list: Cut Master DC - Brooklyn's In the House, Fearless Four - Rockin It, Jim Jones - We Just Ballin, Pharell & Gwen - Can I Have it Like That, Notorious BIG - Party and Bullshit 2006 (DJ Soul Mix), A Tribe Called Quest - I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Busta Rhymes - Touch It, The Team - It's Getting Hot Remix, Trina & Lil Wayne - Don't Trip, Paul Wall & Freeway - State to State, Outkast - Rats and Roaches.
Mp3: Buddy Peace - "Bully Megamix" [from XLR8R]
Mp3: DJ Benzi & Evil Empire - "Clipse We Got the Remix"
Mp3: DJ P - "Quick Fix" (Part II)

In the best news I have read in awhile the Dems are actually thinking about putting up somebody with convictions and intelligence. MSNbc is reporting that the popular senator (from IL) is being mentioned as presidential contender.

Story: Democrats eyeing Obama for 2008 (MSN), Obama's Profile Has Democrats Taking Notice (Washington Post).

Thanks to Ghana's for a fantastic 2-0 upset over the Czechs. With that upset the US is still alive with its draw against Italy and remains in contention to move on. No thanks to a red card happy Uruguayan referee however who tried to cost the US the match.

If Italy hadn't spent most of the match lying on the green carpet crying they might have had a chance to score against a US side who was down 9 men to 10. Regardless thanks to Cristian Zaccardo for the lone US goal.

Mp3: Reggie Rockstone - "Mapouka"

A little Ghanaian hip hop to celebrate the upset thanks to Call Me Mickey.

I still have Donuts on constant rotation the album is just brilliant, but Jay has some more beats for us to enjoy and remember him by. On August 22nd the posthumous release of The Shining will take place. What is better than another Jay Dee/J-Dilla album in 2006? Well teaming up with Pharoahe Monch is a damn good start. Check out this fantastic uplifting track.

Mp3: J-Dilla feat. Pharoahe Monche - “Love”
Donate: Remember Jay by helping out his mom Maureen Yancey by donating to the J-Dilla/Yancey fund.

Tracklist: 1. Geek Down (Intro) feat. Busta Rhymes 2. E=MC2-Feat. Common 3. Love Jones - Dilla & Karriem 4. Jungle Love feat. Med & Guilty Simpson 5. Love feat. Pharoahe Monch 6. Baby feat. Madlib & Guilty Simpson 7. So Far To Go feat. Common & D'Angelo 8. Over The Breaks 9. Body Movin' feat. J. Rocc & Karriem 10. Dime Piece feat. Dwele 11. Love Movin' feat. Black thought 12. Won't Do Dilla [check J-Dilla myspace for some other streaming new tracks].

Rest in Peace J-Dilla. Enjoy the track and support the legend by grabbing some of his records here. You can't consider yourself a hip-hop fan till you grab yourself that Donuts record (eMusic) its one of the best albums around hands down in 2006.

Update: More info about The Shining via Billboard.

Building upon their 2004 record Last Exit. The Junior Boys are set to release their second record, So This Is Goodbye in September 2006. This track entitled "In The Morning" provides promise that the Junior Boys are only getting better.

Mark Pytlik of Pitchfork states:

As simple sonic moments go, its one of the most thrilling you'll hear this year. As for the track, same-- five minutes rarely rush by this quickly.

I would have to agree with Mark whole heartedly. I can't say anything for certainty but if So This is Goodbye isn't one of my top cds by the end of the year I would be surprised.

Mp3: Junior Boys feat. Andi Tomi - "In The Morning"
Visit: Junior Boys at MySpace.

A week ago I wrote about the new J5 track "Work It Out." But, I totally missed this obcenity ridden post by the fellas (David, SergDun, Emynd & Robert) over at We Eat So Many Shrimp about the new team up of J5 with DMB. Head over there and check it out.

Quote from J5 via So Many Shrimp via sohh:

The first single off Feedback titled "Work It Out" features the Dave Mathews Band, who Jurassic 5 formed a close relationship with while touring together in the past.

"It's a step up for us because we have been basically known as an underground group." said group member Soup via a statement. "We've been known as a backpacker group. This album still has elements of that because that's who we are, but at the same time we are also trying to step into another realm."

Read: What the F*** happened to rap?

"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace."

Michael Franti and Spearhead have a new album coming out July 25th. If you don't know who Michael Franti and/or Spearhead is I recommend you get yourself the record Stay Human or Franti's work with The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy (Franti, Rono Tse, and jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter).

Spearhead's music blends hip-hop with a variety of other styles including funk, reggae, folk, and rock the result is fantastic. Many of the tracks are political or other progressive social issues. Its possible that Franti is be the most socially concious musican out there. He is an ethical vegan and a huge anti-war activist.

In the summer of 2004 Franti travelled to Iraq, Palestine, and Israel. He brought video cameras and a guitar, with the intent of exploring the human cost of war. The result was inspired the new album along with a documentary about the experience entitled I know I am not alone.

Check out the new single off the upcoming Spearhead album recorded in Kingston, Jamaica and Franti's hometown of San Francisco, California its out July 25th.

Mp3: Michael Franti & Spearhead - "Yell Fire"

Pre-Order: Yell Fire! from here.
Buy: Spearhead threads, music and videos here.

If you are in the San Fransisco area be sure to see the Power to the Peaceful Festival on June 25th 2006.

I was privledged enough to make it back for the 2nd half of the Tunisia versus Saudi Arabia game and damn was it great. Saudi Arabia equalized in the 57th minute on Yasser Al Qahtani guided in a cross from Mohammed Noor. THEN Substitute Sami Al Jaber (above) struck the winner six minutes into entering the match. Saudi joy was shortlived when Jaidi scored in the 93rd minute to bring the match to a draw. Incredible stuff.

Get yourself all the National Teams songs at Call Me Mickey. A great idea where he is posting all the National Anthems. Ingenious stuff.

Mp3: National Anthem of Tunisia (Himat Al Hima)
Mp3: National Anthem of Saudi Arabia (Aash Al Maleek)

This Tuesday's dig is a taste of some political hip hop. Its done in honor of GW's arrival in Iraq. A state which according to many on the ground is in complete and utter state of anarchy and disarray. Killings and kidnapping are spiraling out of control. There is a better way and I will tell you right now that way is not by violence and the use of force. Check out the rhythms.

Mp3: Mr. Lif - "Home of the Brave"
Mp3: Dead Prez - "Propaganda"
Mp3: Sage Francis - "Makeshift Patriot"*
Mp3: M1, Saigon, Immortal Technique & Just Blaze - "Impeach the President" (Remix)
Mp3: Jel - "WMD"
Mp3: Saul Williams - "The Pledge" (Coldcut Remix)

Money needs to be spent on food, health care, education and infrastructure. No need for more of our young to die for this.

I have always been a bit of a bystander when it comes to soccer football but the more I watch it the more I enjoy it. It beats the hell out of the lifeless NBA, a lot more exciting than major league baseball, and lacks the over the top machismo of the testosterone driven NFL.

It is quickly closing in on my favorite sport of college hoops. In terms of the World Cup it is especially appealing given that the players are playing for love of country and the game/pride etc. This really only comes close to what happens in college sports (yes I know about the sponsors, corruption, boosters etc. etc. but humor me will you?). More than anything I just love the enthusiasm and the sportsmanship shown. What a great moment when the Iranian goalkeeper brought the Mexican goalie flowers for the recent passing of his father. Ace move.

Slate has a great couple articles on the World Cup. The first was "How Intellectuals Became obsessed with the Beautiful Game" the pretentious title turned me off so I skipped to the second article by Dave Eggers called "The True Story of American Soccer." This article is a must read. The other article that Slate posted was a funny one called "Why Ronaldinho Has No Last Name."

Anyways, I have watched ever game possible and even was able to see the routing of the US at the hands of the Czechs on my lunch break today. So far the Germany CR game stands out (wish I could have caught Japan vs. Australia which must have been great to watch). Aside from the US squad I am rooting for Mexico and Holland/Netherlands.

I should also mention that I am in a blogger fantasy World Cup pick'em and for being a newbie to the football world I am holding my own currently beating soccer guru False 45th and my boy Halden over at Palms Out Sounds. For now.

Who needs the NBA Finals when you have the World Cup. Dirk who?

I am in love with house-music producer Matthew Herbert's new record, Scale. In fact if it wasn't for the solid Destroy Rock and Roll, Donuts, and Fishscale albums I would say its the best of this year. Admittedly this is the first Matthew Herbert's Herbert disk I have purchased but I have read its his most accessible to date.

I listened to several of his older works on eMusic and couldn't really get into his sound like I have for Scale. Pitchfork had this to say:

Herbert has outdone himself when it comes to his usual conceptual three-ring circus. But, crucially, this time he's put all that theoretical effort into his most memorable songs.

Its sure that this record will gain steam as the weather gets nicer given that is poppy, catchy, and very dancable. There are a couple cuts on this record that are sure to be great summer songs.

Mp3: Herbert - "Something Isn't Right"

Stream: Harmoise and We're in Love here.

What is especially interesting is that Herbert samples 723 items (including coffins and fuel pumps) in his 11 politically-charged dance tracks. All the songs feature Dani Siciliano who worked with Herbert on previous efforts.

Buy: Herbert's Scale from InSound or eMusic.

We know that Thom Yorke's Eraser is a great album. But what I have heard from the new upcoming Radiohead album sounds fantastic. They have 12 dates in North America (I couldn't get tickets to either Montreal or Boston). Since I couldn't get tickets/afford scalped tickets check out the next best thing in some live bootlegs. Here are a couple tracks from the June 8th show at Hummingbird Theatre in Toronto, Ontario.

Mp3: Radiohead - "Arpeggi" (Live 6/8/2006 Toronto)
Mp3: Radiohead - "Down is the new up" (Live 6/8/2006 Toronto)

I should note that I am biased given that I find everything Radiohead does gold, so take that as you will. If there is any band that I could be called a fanatic for its Radiohead. Anyways check out the new tracks and let me know what you think. I can't wait for the new studio release.

Buy: Thom Yorke's Eraser here.
Buy: Radiohead records here.

Here is a couple N.E.R.D. tracks and/or tracks associated with N.E.R.D. check them out they are here to get you excited for the weekend. See you Monday. Peace.

Mp3: N.E.R.D. - "Maybe" (Sa-Ra Remix)*
Mp3: LL Cool J, Nore, Lady Rage - "Whats Going On" (Neptunes Remix)
Mp3: Brand Nubian - "Don't Let It Go" (Neptunes Remix Instramental)
Mp3: Mr. Cheeks - "Lights, Camera, Action" (Neptunes Remix)
Mp3: Lupe Fiasco feat. Pharrell Williams - "Kick Push" (Remix)

I have hyped the Boston MC before but I am going to do it again in anticipation of what is sure to be a great 2006 hip hop album. Mr. Lif's Mo Mega is set to come out very very soon (June 13th). I already linked up a monster megamix but here is an album track to wet your whistles. I am looking forward for this album.

Mp3: Mr. Lif - "Brothaz"

Pre-Order: Here it is check it out from Def Jux.

I am sure everyone is aware that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi public enemy #2 was killed yesterday. The death of Iraq's most wanted militant has triggered positive but guarded reactions. The death of al-Zarqawi, the most wanted terrorist in Iraq, who was killed in U.S. airstrike is certainly a victory for those that believe in violence as a means to peaceful ends.

I doubt that the killing of al-Zarqawi will end the violence in Iraq. I am sure there all sorts of people ready to take his place. So I wouldn't count on the violence ending anytime soon. It should also be noted that the father of Nicholas Berg, a US soldier who the Al Qaeda in Iraq leader is believed to have beheaded, blames Bush not al-Zarqawi.

I was listening to BBC yesterday and an interesting question was brought up. Since the US acted on tips from a terror network insider to find al-Zarqawi which they then in turn bombed.

Question: If the US knew where al-Zarqawi was, why drop two 500-pound laser-guided bombs on him? Shouldn't they have captured him and held him for the atrocities which he committed?

Again I am not taking sides just raising the question.

Update: al-Zarqawi was alive when Iraq police arrived. He was placed on a stretcher where he later died from his wounds.

New music from R&B man Jaheim. Its a remix of The Chosen One (original is on Ghetto Classic released in Feb. 2006). The track features two of my favorite MCs: Ghostface and Talib. Check it out.

Stream: Jahein feat. Ghostface Killah and Talib Kweli - "The Chosen One (RMX)" (opens in realplayer).

The United States Senate has defeated a proposed constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage. The bill was defeated 48 to 49 and did not receive the minimum amount of 60 votes to that would allow the bill to to be taken to the full Senate. The bill fell 18 votes short of the 67 that were needed for approval.

In order for the bill to become part of the U.S. Constitution, this bill would have had to be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, then be approved by the legislatures of three fourths (that is, 38) of the States.

I would like to congratulate the following Republicans for standing again bigotry and intolerance by voting against having an amendment that bans same sex marriage in the US:

McCain (AZ), Snowe (ME), Specter (PA), Sununu (NH), Chafee (RI), Collins (ME), Gregg (NH).

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the President of Iran has stated that he does not believe the Holocaust occured. Specifically in reference to the Holocaust, he stated that "they have invented a myth that Jews were massacred" (CNN 2006).

Given this statement should Ahmadinejad be allowed to travel to Germany and watch the World Cup?

This Tuesday dig is dedicated to Big Dada, the hip hop arm of the essential independent Ninja Tune label. Its best know for Roots Manuva but probably more so recently for Diplo and Spank Rock. Dada was started by reputed hip hop journalist Will Ashon in February 1997.

The label's first release was Misanthropic's 12"Alpha Prhyme a collaboration between Luke Vibert and Juice Aleem. Big Dada is not exclusively British, their roster has boasted contributions from Saul Williams, Mike Ladd (Infesticons/Majesticons) and Daniel Dumile (aka MF Doom/King Geedorah) and TTC. One of my favorite artists on the label is LA's Busdriver (pictured).

Check out Big Dada's strength:

Mp3: Big Dada Sound - "Showtime"*
Mp3: Busdriver - "Unemployed Black Astronaut"*
Mp3: Roots Manuva feat. Wood Harris and Daedelus - "Too Cold" (Sa-Ra Remix)
Mp3: New Flesh - "Communicate"
Mp3: Busdriver feat. Abstract Rude - "Get on the Bus"
Mp3: Coldcut feat. Roots Manuva - "True Skool" (Spank Rock Remix)
Mp3: Diplo feat. Sandra Melody, Vybz Cartel & Pantera Os Danadinhos - "Diplo Rhythm"*

Buy it: Big Dada store here.
Check it out: Big Dada Official Blog.
* do not miss.

Just in case you didn't know its 666 and the end of the world aka The Apocolypse is upon us. I would argue that the Beast has been living amongst us for some time but technically today is the day that we are all subjected to eternal damnation in the fires of hell.

You might be saying that you have heard all this before and you would be right, the end of the world has been predicted many times. But this time I am on top of my game and have been reading Rapture Ready and I am indeed ready. If you don't find yourself quite ready check out some tracks to get yourself up for the return of Christ on Earth and you better look religious damnit!

Mp3: Iron Maiden - "Number of the Beast" (Live in Donington, 1992)+

Get on the right side of Jesus. Wish I could say I'd see you tomorrow but the world will be over so I won't.

Link: A Brief History of the Apocalypse.
Source: Image from Ron English's Popaganda.
+thx JDS.

Here are a couple mashups I have discovered searching the various internetsss. Yes I am on that GW type knowledge level were I know of the existence of both. Added some Gnarls Barkley mashups since people just can't seem to get enough Gnarls these days.

Mp3: DJ BC - "Nothing in its right place" (Roots v. Radiohead)
Mp3: DJ BC - "Wings of the Evening" (Paul Simon v. Method Man/Capleton)
Mp3: DJ BC - "The Coltrane Influence" (John Coltrane v. Jurassic 5)
Mp3: Arty Fufkin - "Crazy Logic" (Supertramp v. Gnarls Barkley v. The Who v. Rockwell)
Mp3: Team9's - "Crazy Times" (Prince v. Gnarls Barkley)
Mp3: Arbiters - "Missing Sweet Love" (Jay Z v. The Verve v. M.I.A.)

Sources: DJ BC's official site and Bootie Magazine (its not what you think).

At 22 and 33 and 2nd to last in the NL Central the question is: What do my Chicago Cubs do at this juncture of the season?

First off thank god for the perenially miserable Pirates to keep the Cubbies out of last place in the central. Its like that KC type safety net that no matter how much you suck you can always assure yourself you won't be worse than the Royals.

I was listening to the arguement that the Cubs should throw in the towel and blow the team up and rebuild and get some playing time for younger players. Also bring in some young prospects by trading away Pierre (who is in the last year of his contract) along with the struggling Ramirez. I am not so willing to bail on the Cubs season quite yet.

My argument? First it can't get any worse for the Cubs than it did in May. Second, I think Ramirez will start hitting along with Pierre which will allow for a bunch more run production. Wood is back (even though his latest start has been pushed back) is another plus. The final thing is that Pujols is out indefinately and I think given that since St. Louis is already missing Carpenter and now Pujols the Cubs might be able to gain some ground in the Central (won 2 out of 3 in the latest series).

The addition of a struggling Nevin from Texas might help up the Cubs run production which has been keeping the team out of alot of games this season. The Cubs still have a solid bullpen and when and if Prior comes back, the starting rotation should be solid. I'm just not ready to call it quits on the Cubbies quite yet. Maybe others are.

AIDS toll may reach 100 million in Africa

Cuts in funding, pharmaceutical company price gouging, ridiculous advocating of abstinence and fidelity as crucial tools against AIDS policy is only worsening the problem. 100 million people dead. Unbelievable and incomprehensible.

Link: The Orphaned Continent (BBC News)
Help: Aids Foundation South Africa

Bush Calls for an Amendment Banning Same-Sex Nuptials

Looks like Bush isn't going to be able to drum up another war in time for this new election cycle (there is always hope for something with Iran right?) and his low poll numbers need him to drum up some support. What better than to appeal to the religiously blinded ultra-radical right wingers with some good old homophobia and gay-bashing. Yep its a new election cycle and a new chance to get out that Anti-Gay Marriage vote. Helped him beat Kerry, should help his party rally support again.

Barry Rosen was a former U.S. embassy official and one of the hostages held in Tehran in 1979. Rosen doesn't believe resorting to military measures is a fruitful way of dealing with Iran's nuclear program. This is the second of two commentaries this week about Iran's nuclear program.

Listen: Respect Beats Confrontation as an Iran Strategy (3:59 mins)

Rosen gives some of the best advice I have heard and you can't say its not coming from an informed place given his circumstances. A must hear for anyone interested in the evolving relations with Iran and nuclear energy.

Links: China, Russia Join Deal on Iran (Los Angeles Times)

More remixes from the upcoming Dr. Octagon album. This campaign to get the word out about the new album by pumping out a bunch of great remixes is a fantastic idea.

Mp3: Dr. Octagon - "Aliens" (Cassettes Won't Listen, Hearing Aid Remix)

More remixes: Check out World's Fair for more remixes.
Buy: Return of Dr. Octagon out June 27th? from here.

Video: Akshay Buddiga faints at Spelling Bee.

In honor of the Spelling Bee being on ABC here is the most clutch Spelling Bee performance I have ever seen by Akshay Buddiga. You might have thought that alopecoid and fainting was going to hold him down but no. The kid has ice flowing through his veins. He stands up and nails it. Don't mess.

Its nice to see America interested in something that actually requires intelligence and propogates learning rather than watching mindless reality television, stupid game shows which require no strategy or celebrity gossip shows.

On the flip side its hard to stomach 14 year olds busting out words that a kid just off getting his MA has no clue how to spell.

Update: Katharine Close of New Jersey does False 45th and Tony Soprano proud by spelling ursprache. Cold blooded.

One of my favorite soundtrack songs is Golden Brown by The Stranglers. I wish I could claim I was in love with it ever since I heard it on the 1981 release of La Folie but I was only 2 at the time. I admittedly didn't know anything about the Stranglers or the Stranglers' body of work until I saw one of my most favorite movies, Snatch.

Snatch is classic Guy Richie when Guy Richie was good, like the Guy Richie pre-Kabbalah/Madonna brain washing that successfully turned a movie genius into an absolute flop producing machine. Anyways I am getting side tracked sorry. Here is that great song I began this post talking about.

Mp3: The Stranglers - "Golden Brown"
Buy: La Folie from Amazon.

Mp3: Better Daze - "Golden Brown" (The Stranglers Cover)
Buy: Ubiquity's Rewind Vol. 1 from eMusic.

Update! Head over to So Much Silence and get this track:
Mp3: Kaleef - "Golden Brown"