GRINDIN

M-Phazes has been doing his thing so long that his back catalogue looks something like a rap all star game. With his first compilation album we get a brief look into what happens when music speaks louder than location. When you start an album the way this one starts, (like a korean war film with …

“ManMade” is the sophomore album from multi-instrumentalist/producer, Zo! of the Foreign Exchange’s +FE Music family. This album once again displays Zo!’s distinct ‘polished’ R&B/Soul production, although it’s evident his sound has matured quite a bit since 2010’s “SunStorm”. As with most of the Foreign Exchange releases, the featured artists should be quite familiar to established …

Eric Lau’s sophomore release “One of Many” follows on from his critically acclaimed debut “ New Territories” and effortlessly bridges the gap between sophisticated and infectious soul, dense musicianship and a firm nod to boom bap aesthetics. Lau’s album is heavyweight for lovers of music with substance and depth, but I can also see it …

Latinaotearoa – The South American flavored – New Zealand based group have just released their debut album ‘Sonido de Latinaotearoa’. ‘Sonido de Latinaotearoa’ brings a unique blend of Latin vibes all mixed in with elements of house, soul, jazz, bossa nova, salsa, reggae and hip-hop. Latinaotearoa is the fusion of Chilean born Dj Bobby Brazuka, …

With the ink still not dried on his recently signed deal with NYC’s legendary Duck Down Label. New Zealand’s iconic multi platinum producer, P-Money has birthed a stellar body of work entitled “Gratitude”. With an impressive feature list in tow, fully capable to tackle the sheer quality of beats. One of my standout joints and …

Talib Kweli is a Hip Hop legend, so I’ve been thinking as I write this, how can I really write anything about this dude? But in this modern day where everyone has as opinon online, here’s mine! With Talib being a Golden Era vet, I wasn’t sure what to expect with ” Prisoner Of Conscious”, …

Tall Black Guy has finally taken time off from his immensely popular remixing duties to serve up a debut album that is as worthy as the source for which it pays homage. “8 Miles to Moenart” is as much a debut album for the much-respected Tall Black Guy, as it is a fine crafted tribute …

Ok holdup, gotta stop top rocking so I can sit down and write this here review. That second track “New Generation” was lyrically beat street on VHS. Who produced this shit? Tyrone Brunson? These breaks are ‘ring around the bath tub’ funky. Sound like they teleported Skull Snaps in from 1973 to play this shit …

The Tongue has returned with his third album “Surrender To Victory” that clearly stands out, as his best release to date. From the first track the album delivers. “Bittersweet” with Ngaiire serves as an excellent opening into a well-versed soulful hip-hop journey. The album kicks straight into full force from its second track “Champion Sound”, …

Well let me start off by noting that this review might be coming from a slightly biased point of view, considering Ty is one of my personal favourite MCs. So in saying that, this release has a lot to live up to.. Ever since Ty’s 2001 debut ‘Awkward’, I’ve had a strong attachment to him …