2008: It's A Wrap!




Last year, when FF was just starting out, I ended the year with a bunch of lists. Lists featuring my favorite albums, songs, artists of 2007 and into 08. It's a full year later - hip hop had a good one, but as you can see above, we're still obsessed with popping bottles. When you raise your glass tonight, just pray that we can make it better. 

Oh, and do you like the new design? It's only half done, but you can thank the homie smokeYYY. Don't forget to peep the K-Murdock EP we put together. And rappers (especially those of you in the DMV), do not be offended if I left you off a list. (Remember: I'm only a DMV blog half the time). We're still cool, right?


GROU P A (Best Hip Hop/R&B Album of 2008)
1. The Roots – Rising Down
2. Q-Tip – The Renaissance
3. The Foreign Exchange – Leave It All Behind
4. Black Milk – Tronic
5. Al Green – Lay It Down
6. DJ Statik Selektah – Stick 2 The Script
7. Reks – Grey Hairs
8. Kidz In The Hall – The In Crowd
9. Erykah Badu – New Amerykah: Part One
TIE 10. Nas – Untitled & Panacea – A Mind On A Ship Through Time

GROUP B (Best Hip Hop Song of 2008) 
1. Black Milk – Losing Out (feat. Royce Da 5’9”)
2. Wale – Back In The Go-Go (feat. Bun & Pusha T)
3. Reks – Say Goodnight
4. Joe Budden – Who Pt. 1-3
5. DJ Statik Selektah – To The Top [Stick 2 The Script] (feat. Cassidy, Saigon, & Termanology)
6. KiD CuDi – Day N Nite
7. Ludacris – I Do It For Hip Hop (feat. Nas & Jay-Z)
8. Jake One – The Truth (feat. Freeway & Brother Ali)
9. T.I. – On Top Of The World (feat. B.o.B. & Ludacris)
10. Murs – Time Is Now (feat. Snoop Dogg)

GROUP C (Top Artists of 2008)
1. Royce Da 5’9”
2. Nas
3. Wale
4. Blu
5. Janelle Monae
6. Evidence
7. Murs
8. Reks
9. Phonte
10. Q-Tip

GROUP D (Artists for 2009)
1. Wale
2. B.o.B.
3. Jay Electronica
4. Che Grand
5. X.O.
6. Oddisee
7. Apple Juice Kid
8. 6th Sense
9. Colin Munroe
TIE 10. Nando., Lyriciss, Judah, RAtheMC, & Pro’Verb

GROUP E (Best Remix/Remake 2008)
1. X.O. – Rid’n (Remix feat. Wale & yU)
2. Zo! & Tigallo – Something About You
3. U-N-I – Beautiful Day (Remix feat. Big Pooh, Evidence, Aloe Blacc, Fashawn, Mickey Factz, Theo, & Kes Kaos)
4. Blu – Mars (Dela Remix)
5. Nicolay & Kay – Tight Eyes (Aeon Remix)
6. Busta Rhymes – Don’t Touch Me (Remixes 2.1 & 2.2)
7. Apple Juice Kid – Pop Champagne (Kenya Mix)
8. Kidz In The Hall – Drivin’ Down The Block (Remix feat. Pusha T, Bun B, & The Cool Kids)
9. The Package – Makin’ Waves (Kev Brown Remix)
10. Solange – I Decided (Von Pea Remix)

GROUP F (Top FF Highlights of 2008)
11.4.08: Election Night
7.26.08: Rock The Bells Boston
4.25.08: Hosting Oddisee/Kev Brown/Kenn Starr Concert at GWU
4.15.08: FF 013 – Oddisee
4.18.08: FF 014 – Nicolay & Kay
9.9.08: FF 015 – X.O.
10.28.08: FF 023 – Panacea
9.24.08: Red Bull Big Tune DC
3.7.08: FF SE – Che Grand
2008: Y'all made us more popular!

GROUP G (Best Producer of 2008)
1. Black Milk
2. DJ Premier
3. 88-Keys
4. DJ Statik Selektah
5. Nicolay
6. Oddisee
7. Mark Ronson
8. J Dilla (Yancey Boys)
9. 9th Wonder
10. Jake One

GROUP H (Best Hip Hop/R&B EP or Mixtape of 2008)
1. Wale – The Mixtape About Nothing
2. Zo! & Tigallo – Love The 80’s
3. Che Grand – Breakfast at Wimbledon
4. Tanya Morgan – The Bridge EP
5. Dumhi – Yoga At Home Vol. 1
6. Trackademicks – The [Re]Mixtape Vol. 2
7. X.O. – The Takeover Pt. 2
8. Janelle Monae – Metropolis: The Chase Suite
9. Mick Boogie – The Honor Roll
10. Theo – The Birth
Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Tabi Bonney - Rich Kids (Remix feat. Southeast Slim)


Hey! It's Tristan Wilds from The Wire! Now he's a *rich kid* on The CW

Southeast Slim shot this over this morning: a remix of Tabi Bonney's new single, "Rich Kids." Apparently DJ Alizay rocked it in the club last night, as well. Fire!


Posted by jben.ok

DOWNLOAD: K-Murdock - The Producer's Showcase EP


Artwork by Dylan of SOTL

*NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL PANACEA/K-MURDOCK RELEASE*

When I first settled in DC last year, one of my first "industry" friends happened to be the producer K-Murdock - half of DC's own Panacea and host of Sirius/XM's progressive radio show Subsoniq. He's been a guest on Funkadelic Freestyles three times: twice on behalf of Panacea and the other appearance involved a guest co-host spot with Nicolay & Kay last April (a mere hour after he had interviewed them at XM!) A lot of hip-hop heads have made the mistake of looking over Panacea, but K-Murdock and Raw Poetic consistently remain two of the most talented cats in the genre. 

When K-Murdock visited our studio this past October to promote Panacea's new album A Mind On A Ship Through Time, he slipped me a disc featuring six songs he had produced for other rappers and a few cuts from some side projects he's working on. He gave me the go-ahead to liberate the cuts for the masses, but I figured I'd wait until around Christmas time to drop them. So here they are as a FREE download EP, presented by Funkadelic Freestyles & Start.Of.The.Line. Do your research on the side projects and the additional emcees. It's all about the mystery. (But special shouts to Random! Whaddup big homie!) Please remember to support the music of the artists included!

Tracklist:
1. Nicolay & Kay - As The Wheel Turns (K-Murdock Remix feat. Raw Poetic)
2. 51 Band - Spiritbomb (feat. Raw Poetic) [Prod. by K-Murdock]
3. Jay-Z - Say Hello (K-Murdock Streets of Rage Remix)
4. Random - The Beatdown [Prod. by K-Murdock]
5. Braille - Playing My Role [Prod. by K-Murdock and Cuts by Damu]
6. Ebony Bed - Skyscraper [Prod. by K-Murdock]


Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Judah - 2008 DMV Rap Up (feat. RAtheMC)



Don't sleep! Judah raps! I've gotta switch around my Best of Lists (dropping tomorrow!) based on this joint alone. And RA is so smooth on the singing at the end. In case you missed it (like me), here's last's year rap up courtesy of modi. 


Posted by jben.ok

VIDEO: Surock - Warning (feat. The Package, Enoch The 7th Prophet, & Kokayi)




The most educated hip-hop heads in the District combine for a certified banger produced by Surock. Featuring Noyeek and Dimes of The Package, Enoch The 7th Prophet, & Kokayi (Grammy-nominated). If you're in the DMV, support the record!


Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Termanology - Say It (feat. Sheek Louch, Joell Ortiz, Bun B, Saigon, & Freeway)


This joint is insane. That's all I really got say about it. The title + cover says it all = Term and some top 20 emcees over classic Dilla. The full tape, If Heaven Was A Mile Away (A Tribute To J Dilla), drops on Thursday to mark the start of the new year. Congrats to Termanology and Statik Selektah for REALLY putting Boston on the map this year....DC's next, right Wale?!


Posted by jben.ok

VIDEO: An Impromptu Performance By Oddisee




Straight from Peter Rosenberg's living room, earlier this evening. Supposedly a song Oddisee's working on and a beat he's been waiting to drop. And the "Rod" guy he's referencing on the cuts? That's none other than Low Budget fam DJ Roddy Rod. That's DC for ya!


Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Zo! & Asylum 7 - Overdue Process



On this Thursday, January 1st, 2009, Zo! & Asylum 7 will put their Detroit roots on full display with the release of their full-length album, Overdue Process. Trust me when I say this, it's the perfect project to kick off the new year. I've included the title track for download, as well as a look ahead at the future works of Zo!, courtesy of the man himself:

1. Zo! & Asylum 7 - Overdue Process (January 1, 2009)
This is an album that has long been talked about between myself and A7 (hence the title) and it has been a lotta fun seeing it grow and come to life. We hope this is one that you all enjoy listening to as we did creating it. Hip-hop + Live instrumentation + no cursing, does that even happen anymore?

2. Zo! - ...just visiting too (Early 2009)
I had so much fun making the first one, that I HAD to start on a second volume. Some of you have already heard the Jones Girls' "Nighis Over Egypt" and Don Blackman "Holding You, Loving You" re-creations from it. I was honored when Don Blackman showed love on the recreation (I sent him the mp3 of the song), what a wonderful feeling...

3. Zo! - SunStorm (Late 2009)
My tenth solo album.... Features Phonte, Sy Smith, Yahzarah and AB. All I can say is...I CAN'T WAIT TIL Y'ALL HEAR IT!!!!!!!
Posted by jben.ok

PODCAST: Young H Radio Best of 2008 Pt. 3-4



Young H delivers the final two parts of his Best of 2008 radio show. A very complete playlist worthy for your earbuds.  Check for my lists on Wednesday!

Part 3
Raphael Saadiq - Stayin' In Love
The Roots - I Cant Help It
Large Pro - Classic Emergency
B.O.B - Generation Lost
EMC - Say Now
Fresh Daily feat. 8thW1 - To My Homie
Panacea - Sirens
Ced Hughes - Blame It On Ced
Von Pea - And Rollerskates
Spec Boogie - S.B.
Reef The Lost Cauze - Squeeze
Special Teamz - Classical
Heltah Skeltah - Da Beginning Of Da End
Kidz In The Hall feat. Black Milk & Guilty Simpson - Middle Of The Map Pt. 2
Young Jeezy - Crazy World

Part 4
Dilla - Drive Me Wild
Elzhi feat. Royce Da 5'9 - Motown 25
Charles Hamilton - Ronald McDonald
Foreign Exchange - I Wanna Know
Guilty Simpson - Robbery
Lil Wayne - Dr. Carter
Musiq Soulchild - Special
Ice Da Villain - Rhymin 2nd
T.I. - No Matter What
Count Bass D - Neon Soul
Reks - How Can It Be
Finale - Motown 2K9
Al Green - Too Much
Solange - Dancing In The Dark
Danny! - After The Love Has Gone
Posted by jben.ok

MP3: X.O. & Benji - Uptown



Another new one from DC's Uptown's Finest, aka emcees X.O. and Benji. The first UPTF's EP drops (there will be five in all) in February, along with number two in May. X.O.'s newest solo project, Realmatic, drops in March, and Benji's own effort SSDD (Same Ol Shit Different Day) will be available on my burfday...April 20th. I'll be supplying all the leaks!


Posted by jben.ok

VIDEO: Nas - Queens Get The Money (Unofficial)




Over at Rappers I Know, I happened to spot this (presumably) fan-made video to the song "Queens Get The Money," produced by Jay Electronica and off Nas' Untitled. There's a lot of powerful imagery in this thing, and I certainly do recommend watching it. Though Jay has made it clear he had nothing to do with it...I wonder what he thinks about it. Oh, and you noticed Act II still hasn't dropped yet, right? All I can do is shrug and walk away *kicks a few stones for extra measure*. 

UPDATE: Apparently the video's creators had some problems with Vimeo. Check the new YouTube link and their message - 

Queens Get The Money Music Video's New Link 
To Whom It May Concern


In recent activity, your site took great risks in posting the video, "Queens Get The Money." 
We appreciated and were honored by your dedication to the freedom of speech and more importantly the new 
movement and spirit of the hip hop community that our video personified. Sadly, however, larger 'Powers' feel otherwise, and Vimeo.com 
has abruptly yanked the video from their site. 

Thankfully, Youtube, has been willing to cooperate and respect artistic freedoms that has allowed the video's
message to virally expand. (So far) . This video has taken over eight months to compile produce; the stories behind the clips, which 
will soon be explained, has many times brought our staff and friends to tears. 

We hope that you find this new home and link for "Queens Get The Money" a simple edit to your blog, and 
accept our apology for the confusion.
Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Freeway - As I Ever Been (feat. Hezekiah) [prod. by Oddisee]



I'm well aware that Philly rapper Freeway has been running this whole Month of Madness project (a new song every day of December), and I regret not posting anything earlier. In fact, with this one I'm LATE. This track dropped yesterday on the 25th, but I'm posting it now because I hope someone will notice that I fixed the huge typo in the tags. It's featuring HEZEKIAH, not Hesikya! Shout out to E Major who knows what I'm talking about, lol. Anyway, DC's Oddisee produced this joint and I can't keep myself from smiling whenever I see new work from dude. 


Posted by jben.ok

DOWNLOAD: L.E.G.A.C.Y. & DJ Flash - The NC Chainsaw Massacre



When I first got into 9th Wonder and Little Brother, I started to get hyped on this guy L.E.G.A.C.Y. (Life Ends Gradually And Changes You) for his work on The Listening and his appearance on 9th's Dream Merchant Vol. 1. Time has progressed (about five years) and the North Carolina's Justus League has only grown in popularity. So why hasn't one of their most talented members blown up yet? In a seemingly violent fashion, L.E.G.A.C.Y. enlists DJ Flash to prove to the fans that he's next. Peace to khal who made sure I didn't "sleep on the boy." As a bonus, pick up khal's new Kanye mix at rock the dub.

Tracklisting:
1.Intro produced by Soul Professa
2.Off The Man f/K Hill,Panama G.A.T. produced by Khrysis
3.Leatherface(freestyle)
4.That Me Shit f/Sean Boog produced by Khrysis
5.Heat Rises f/KAZE,Nervous Reck produced by Khrysis
6.I'm A Star(remix) f/Joe Scudda,Chaundon,Median produced by 9th Wonder
7.No Regrets pt 2 f/Lunatic Messiah,Spec Boogie,Dynas produced by K Hill
8.4 Cornered Room produced by Khrysis
9.freestyle
10.The Underworld pt 2 produced by Soul Professa
11.freestyle
12.Man Next Door produced by Dox
13.14 Grams produced by Khrysis 
14.freestyle
Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Blu - Change Ya World x Mr. Blu


Yo! It was a fantastic holiday thanks to the 1800+ who downloaded A Funkadelic Christmas! But now it's back to business: we've gotta close out the year proper. My year end lists are coming soon, but in the meantime, check out two new joints from Blu via h.e.r. *waves* hey Heather! I'm back on my posting game and guess what? I gave in and got a pair of Nike Boots for Christmas. They're TOO comfortable!


Posted by jben.ok

DOWNLOAD: A Funkadelic Christmas (Mixtape)

It's here! Read our press release and download below...

A Funkadelic Christmas is a compilation of timeless Christmas music & clips from various movies, made for the sole purposes of getting yo' ish real funkadelic on Christmas. Simple isn't it? Brought to you by the powers forming like voltron; Funkadelic Freestyles, DC to BC & THATREALISH.

Present 01. Sufjan Stevens - The Winter Solstice
Present 02. James Brown - It's Christmas Time
Present 03. Tony! Toni! Tone! - My Christmas
Present 04. Weezer - The Christmas Song
Present 05. Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here
Present 06. Snoop Dogg - Santa Claus Is Going Straight To The Ghetto
Present 07. De La Soul - Millie Pulled A Pistol On Santa I
Present 08. The Roots - Millie Pulled A Pistol on Santa II
Present 09. Christmas Is Cancelled?
Present 10. The Jackson 5 - Give Love On Christmas Day
Present 11. The Temptations - Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Present 12. Killer Mike - A Christmas Grind
Present 13. Ludacris - Ludacrismas
Present 14. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
Present 15. Sufjan Stevens - Jingle Bells With The Simpsons
Present 16. Daniel Merriweather - Wonderful Christmas Time

Mixed by jben.ok of Funkadelic Freestyles.
Artwork by smokeYYY of THATREALISH.
Creative Input from modi of DC to BC.
Moral Support & Holiday Cheer courtesy of The Elves of The North Pole.

A Funkadelic Christmas Ode
A wise man once proclaimed; “There is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love, generosity & devotion exist, & you know that they abound & give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus?”. A wiser man said; “All Santa Claus wants is two fat bitches, a bag of weed & two bag of chips to give to the fat bitches”. So please; spread love & generosity not only for the holiday seasons but for all seasons & keep the fat bitches & people of all creeds, cultures & breast sizes in mind. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Posted by jben.ok

MP3: X.O. & Benji - We Go Hard


I've been holding onto this on for a minute now; I just sorta forgot to post it. New music from DC emcee X.O. and his cohort Benji, together as the group Uptown's Finest. This one is GRITTY! We'll premiere a similarly-titled joint featuring X.O., Lyriciss, and Pro'Verb off AB The Producer's new mixtape Producer's Credit very, very soon (ask modi, we both think it'll be the song that'll drop jaws, nationally). Until then, keep in mind that X.O. has his new project Realmatic dropping in March and an EP from Uptown's Finest is due sometime in the spring.


Posted by jben.ok

PODCAST: Young H Radio Best of 2008 Pt. 1-2

Young H, a fellow Che Grand supporter and purveyor of other good music, has a pretty good thing going with his podcast series. He sent me this email today with his Best of 2008 podcast parts 1 and 2, with two more on the way. Peep the tracklist and click the links to grab the mp3s. Stay tuned for the Funkadelic Freestyles Christmas/Best of 2008 podcasts next week.

Part 1
Danny! - Intro
Donwill - The Champ
X.O. - Intro
Torae - Somethin To See
N.E.R.D - Anti-Matter
J-Live - Simmer Down
Young Dro - Tropical
P Brothers feat. Res Connected - Shoot Em Down
Erykah Badu - Telephone
Wale - The Opening Title Sequence
Von Pea - Hell Yea
Lil Wayne feat. Robin Thicke - Tie My Hands
Che Grand - Girls Talk
Black Milk feat Royce Da 5'9 - Losing Out
Kidz In The Hall feat. Phonte - Paper Trail
T.I. - I'm Illy
Count Bass D - Dont Run Out On Me
Q-Tip feat. Norah Jones - Life Is Better

Part 2
Q-Tip - You
Kanye West feat. Mr. Hudson - Paranoid
Prodigy - Veterans Memorial Part 2
Charles Hamilton - Shinin'
P Brothers feat. Milano - Got It On Me
Reks feat. Big Shug - Black Cream (The Negro Epidemic)
Foreign Exchange - All Or Nothing/Coming Home To You
John Robinson - Outta Control
Danny! feat. Maria - At What Price
Shawn Jackson feat. Ty and Kory - Go There With You
Decay - Sunsplash
Scarface - Emeritus
Jean Grae - This World
Freeway - How We Ride
Jazmine Sullivan - Fear
Posted by jben.ok

VIDEO: Daniel Merriweather - Change (feat. Wale)



I hinted at this last night, and to my surprise, the video is here! Daniel Merriweather, the new *Australian* singing sensation, presents his new single "Change" along with DC's own Wale. (Produced by Mark Ronson) For those of you wondering, the video was shot in Brooklyn. And for your iPod enjoyment, here's the mp3. Merriweather's album, Love and War, is out February 9th. Peace to elitaste.
Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Jay Electronica - Scratches & Demo Tape Vol. 1


I've got some more catching up to do, and I can't forget to compile the completed songs from blogger fwmj's and emcee Jay Electronica's new project, Scratches & Demo Tape Volume 1. It's basically a lo-fi collection of joints Jay has been putting together over the last few weeks. Over at Rappers I Know, you can let Mr. Electronica know how you feel about each record by leaving your opinion in the comments section. I'll link over to there each time a new one is unleashed. Today's newest one was spawned from Jay's Twitter outbursts in defending Michael Jackson (at 3am in the morning). And here's the news you've all been waiting for: Jay Electronica says we can expect to hear Act II, his long awaited project, on December 25th (a year after he originally said it would be ready). Regardless, you can't hate this guy's genius. Oh, and shout out to Frank. He rules the blog ish.
Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Finale - Jungle Music (All Day) x Without You


Detroit hip-hop is making one helluva resurgence (or am I just slow and didn't realize it never went anywhere in the first place?) Every time I visit Zo!'s crib, he drops crazy knowledge about Motown emcees. Michigan's own Finale has kept me impressed, beginning with the way he freaked Oddisee's "Life's Pie" beat (which I've included as an extra). DC's own Nick Tha 1da sent these two joints along to me, originally featured on FreshSelects.com. Nick happened to produce the first one, a DC-B'More go-go/club fusion track that Finale created on a challenge. The second is a slow-flow joint, "Without You," produced by M-Phazes. Both songs will be featured on a mixtape leading up to Finale's March 2009 album, A Pipe Dream & A Promise. 


Posted by jben.ok

DOWNLOAD: PHZ-Sicks - The Feature Presentation


I promised PHZ-Sicks I'd put this up when I got back offa hiatus, so let's hope this gives him an extra push on downloads. Here's what he's gotta say:

“Northern VA’s own, PHZ-Sicks drops his mixtape, ‘The Feature Presentation.” The Feature Presentation is a 19 track mixtape including PHZ-Sicks rhyming on songs from the past, present, and unreleased. “I just wanted to give people a sense of what type of artist I am. The music I listen to and what I wouldn’t mind hearing on the radio. This mixtape is if I ran the radio and remixed it. Commercial with substance.” The mixtape also features original tracks like “Universal Monster” and “The Preview”, produced by Detroit’s own, Black Milk and Melo-X. So take a seat, get your popcorn ready and enjoy THE FEATURE PRESENTATION.”
Posted by jben.ok

DOWNLOAD: Kid Hum - Fossil Fuel


Take your chance on this one: an instrumental album from a producer I've never heard of from Arvada, Colorado. His name is Kid Hum and he seems quite talented; his new one is called Fossil Fuel and is available right now for free download. If you feel generous, please support the official release on Christmas Day by purchasing on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, or Napster. In case you're not feeling the blind listen, peep this imeem link to STREAM the whole thing.


Posted by jben.ok

MP3: A December Wale Post


Here's to what I missed from the homie Wale while on hiatus: A comprehensive post of new Wale mp3s (there's been a lot lately) that have been floating around the net and such. First there's "Critically Acclaimed," produced by DC's own Judah and featured on the HYPECLUB mixtape that received quite a bit of love. Then there's two joints off 10.Deep's The New Deal mixtape presented by DJ Benzi: the Benzi-produced "2nd Time Around" featuring Rhymesayers' Brother Ali and "Pot Of Gold" featuring Daniel Merriweather and produced by Mark Ronson (with the UK producer pulling off his best DJ Premier impression). Stay tuned for another Wale x Merriweather collab that will absolutely blow your mind!

If those weren't enough, the OKP homie High Voltage hooked me up with a pristine live recording of Wale's Highline Ballroom show from December 9th (yes, I was the one who got that joint on the internets) featuring appearances from Young Chris, Pusha T, Chrisette Michele, and many more. Plus as a bonus gift I'll include that Truck North (from The Roots camp) x Wale collab that went highly slept on. 

Oh, and y'all seen the Nike Boots video right? Well, it's on MTV Jams and it needs to STAY on MTV Jams! Let 'em know!

UPDATE 2: I just removed the new, unfinished track "Chillin," produced by Cool and Dre. Key word, unfinished.


Posted by jben.ok

PODCAST: FF - The End of 2008 Bonus Mix


We're back! As soon as I finished rocking those finals, I hopped on a plane back home to the fam here in the Northeast. And as promised, the blog is back up and running with new material on its way (along with a new design; smokeYYY promised, sorta). But before this joint gets cleaned up, I figure I'd drop a few exclusives. 

First off we've got the Funkadelic Freestyles End of '08 Bonus Mix, featuring new music from Wale, Blu, & Zo! along with a special appearance and cypher session from DC/MD/VA emcees Lyriciss, Nando., & Pro'Verb. I also threw in a few Christmas joints as the giving man that I am, similar to Wyclef as Santa Claus in the picture above. We jammed in the studio on Tuesday night at the last minute, but don't think this is the final FF podcast of the year. I'll be putting together some additional mixes before we close out 08! (This one is just the last recorded in our DC studios before we return on Jan. 13th, 2009). Tracklist and download below. 

15:14 Cadik - Hard Times (feat. Blu)
26:17 Snoop Dogg & Nate Dogg - The Night Before Christmas
28:40 Prince - Another Lonely Christmas
38:14 Lyriciss, Nando., & Pro'Verb - FF Cypher


Posted by jben.ok

12.8.08: FF Closes Down - And Thanks You, Too


Sorry folks, we'll be on hiatus for about a week or two. Don't let the title deceive you; we'll be back...but it may take a little longer that one once thought. The semester is about over and I'll be heading back up to the Northeast for the winter holiday. For those of you who read about FF taking the train to NYC for tomorrow night's Wale concert...well, it ain't happening. The concert's still on and I urge you to go (with Kid Cudi, Colin Munroe, Che Grand, Mark Ronson, & Nick Catchdubs), but let's just say I had some *technical* difficulties this weekend. 

Hopefully you'll see the new site design soon...bug smokeYYY and maybe we'll see something next week. Otherwise, hope y'all have a happy holidays. It was a spectacular semester - shouts out to Southeast Slim, X.O., Benji, Toney, Lyriciss, Nando., Lady A, Kenny Burns, Tabi Bonney, Marky, AB The Producer, Cayan, PHZ-Sicks, D.Omen, G*Two, Phonte of Little Brother, Zo!, The Apple Juice Kid, Tre, Slump, E Major, The Package, Spirit Equality, Che Grand, Panacea, R.E.U.B., RAtheMC, Judah, Pro'Verb, Lord Vada, and many more for making this season our best ever!

Remember to come back in January - and keep checking the blog during December - we'll have another insane roster of guests for the winter and spring. A few more shouts are due to DMV bloggers Modi, Ges, and Dylan for letting me into their elite circle. And speaking of elite...did you forget about the taste? Okay, I'm done. I've got one secret: get ready for a huge music project (presented by FF) coming soon!
Posted by jben.ok

CONCERT: Southeast Slim x Gray Kid x Kokayi @ DC9 Nightclub


I won't be able to make it out to this one, but it seems interesting. Also featuring: Nouveau Riche? With or without Nikki Jean? Perhaps this is a different band. Anyway...Southeast Slim, Gray Kid & Spirit Animal, Zooks, Kokayi, and Gavin Holland will all be up in this joint on Tuesday night. Speaking of Slim, remember his group EMP? Well, they released a mixtape a few months ago that you NEED to peep. Click below for the link and stay tuned this weekend for a special spotlight post on Kokayi (I mean, he's a Grammy nominated artist and everything!)


Posted by jben.ok

DOWNLOAD: D-Black - New Black City (Mixtape)


D-Black is a new emcee from New York (Harlem-The Bronx) with a lot of talent. It seems as though his music found its way into the hands of the Justus League fam (Little Brother, Joe Scudda, etc.) and Mick Boogie. In my opinion, D-Black sounds a bit like Jozeemo, but I can definitely see that he's in his own lane (he also produces!). His debut mixtape, New Black City, features production from Illmind, Khrysis, and Nottz. If that wasn't enough, Skyzoo, Big Pooh, and Chaundon all show up for features. Get to know his name early...


Posted by jben.ok

VIDEO: B.o.B. - Auto Tune


Bravo - I laughed. Especially at that coat on the porch. Remember: B.o.B. is a talent! 
Posted by jben.ok

PODCAST: FF 027 - E Major


It took awhile, but a week and a day later, here it is! Baltimore emcee E Major visited our studio last week for what turned out to be the semester finale of Funkadelic Freestyles along with DJ Impulse and DJ Face. Learn all about his blooming career, his most recent album Majority Rules, and stay tuned at the end for a freestyle over a hand-picked beat from jben.ok (read that again: I didn't make the beat, just picked it out lol). Peace!


Posted by jben.ok

VIDEO: Raheem DeVaughn - Any Given Sunday (feat. Wale, Big G, Miss Kim, Hazel, Kingpin Slim, & Duce)


I could have sworn they made this song last year. Oh well... R.I.P. Sean Taylor and enjoy the tribute. I'm not a Redskins fan but this seems to be a pretty fitting eulogy (music wise). Apparently Raheem wrote the joint along with Jamil "Face" Johnson. Shout out 93.9's EZ Street who put this project together.
Posted by jben.ok

NEWS: FF 028 - CANCELLED!


Welp, some last minute changes came about and the semester finale of Funkadelic Freestyles will NOT go on air tonight. Sincere apologies go out to Lady A, who just dropped a new project yesterday and was SUPPOSED to promote it on the show tonight. You'll also miss out on a new episode of Markyland - but the fellas promised they'd come back big in January. 

The 09 semester premiere of Funkadelic Freestyles will be live on GWRADIO.COM from 8-10pm EST on January 13th, 2009. Until then, continue to check the blog for new exclusives and (elitaste) interviews. 
Posted by jben.ok

INTERVIEW: Colin Munroe (iLL Vibes)


Here's an interview with the multi-talented Colin Munroe, conducted by the good folks at iLL Vibes. I was kind of bummed when I first got this email because I'll be doing an elitaste interview with Colin next Tuesday in NYC....but I resolved the issue by deciding I'd just have to come correct with some new questions. In fact, I'll leave you with a question I'm sure I would have asked if not for iLL Vibes! LOL.


IV: We're truly even more excited to hear the remix with Wale. Wale's a DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) native who's been holding it down for years, and like you, he's an upcoming artist who recently signed with a label. And, believe me, if you see him live, as I've had several times, it's just a breathe of fresh air – from his passion to his lyrics and his live band. What attracted you to Wale, and what is it like working with the guy?

CM: He is part of this new generation of emcees that are emerging right now that are also members of the genre-less generation that I was talking about earlier. They are comfortable and clever at coming up with flows over unconventional tempos and tracks. He is just as passionate in person and loves to be productive. I really respect that combination because you don't always find it in an artist.



Posted by jben.ok

VIDEO: Wale - Nike Boots



Featuring appearances by Judah, Raheem Devaughn, Young Guru, Young Chris, Kid Capri, 9th Wonder, Bun B, and...Lyriciss?! LOL. Peace to the homeland elitaste, where you should be sometime in the near future.
Posted by jben.ok

DOWNLOAD: Colin Munroe - Is The Unsung Hero (Mixtape)


As I lamented on Twitter, December 1st is a big day. Ms. Lady A dropped her debut, the Nike Boots video premieres at 5pm, and Clipse are expected to release their new mixtape (they're at Commonwealth tonight here in DC). On top of that, the Canadian producer/singer Colin Munroe, who made his name with this Flashing Lights remix video, finally provides his fans with a complete collection of his impressive work thus far. We finally dropped the "Will I Stay" remix with Wale and Dallas Austin last week, but now you get to hear collaborations with Joell Ortiz, Skyzoo, Novel, Black Milk, and many more. Check for Colin at Highline Ballroom in NYC on December 9th along with Wale, Che Grand, Mark Ronson, Kid Cudi, & DJ Nick Catchdubs. (And FF will see you there!)


Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Collipark - Hot (feat. V.I.C., B.o.B, & Stan Williams)


New rule = any Christmas-related music I post on this site will include pictures from my favorite holiday special EVAR. This one will be featured on (Mr.) Collipark's Xmas album out soon. I'm posting this because it's dope, and because B.o.B.'s on it. Also, be sure to stay tuned later this month as I unleash a UCB Christmas joint (yes, a go-go xmas) that you probably don't have on your hard drive.


Posted by jben.ok

DOWNLOAD: Lady A - The Great Debate


Here's the debut (and free!) record from DC's newest female emcee Lady A. Everyone I talk to have said they've been tremendously impressed by her album promo, and I can't disagree. Featuring executive production from Vages and Judah, The Great Debate also includes some pivotal vocals from RAtheMC. Be sure to catch Lady A tomorrow night on the semester finale of Funkadelic Freestyles from 8-10pm EST!




Posted by jben.ok

MP3: Tabi Bonney - Rich Kids x Radio (feat. Curren$y)


Ladies and gentlemen, may I present...the new and refined Tabi Bonney. The DMV native has been busy working on his new album dope (that sticker is on my wall, btw) and perfecting his sound. I'm proud of Tabi - the former teacher, current rapper, and occasional music video director. He's a noted friend of the show and we hope to see him back in-studio sometime in January to promote the album. And he got a track with Curren$y! The hot spitta y'all love on the blogs. All shouts go to OS for this one (who also happened to premiere the new Jay-Z joint today).


Posted by jben.ok
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