Intent to Distribute: Amalgam Digital

When a major label decides to sign an artist/act, it is often a dream come true after many years grinding in the underground with little recognition, a chance to shine in the spotlight, with a huge international team to push your music. What many artists don't realize is that they are now a commodity, and this huge machine that they are now a part of wants a return on their investment. That international team, with access to radio, tours, promotion, etc. is all getting paid for by the "future sales" of the artist themselves. It's called an advance for a reason: they want that return as quickly as possible, or the artist is likely to get dropped like a steaming pile on the sidewalk. If they're lucky they might get to hold onto that "box of Newports and Puma sweats" 3rd Bass was talking about all those years ago on Gasface.

Joe Budden
With the cost of putting out a major label album often too much for many to bear, artists are increasingly looking to alternative methods to get their projects out. Aspiring MCs who wish to avoid label politics can take a page from the book of Joe Budden, who has used the distribution of Amalgam Digital, and his own promotion and marketing skills to create a totally different lane for himself and his career, putting out several projects over that past few years on the independent label. Home to many new underground artists, and even moreso, hip hop veterans tired of the label games, Amalgam Digital allows artists to get their music out without worrying about a huge budget hanging over their head, or having to conform to a marketing plan cooked up by some boardroom exec, or an image concocted by a trendy "swaggerific" stylist.

Saigon & Statik Selektah
When they banged out a full album in the span of a single day, (All in a Day's Work) Saigon and Statik Selektah looked to Amalgam to help them put the project out to the masses with the quickness, before the internets could get a hold of the album and torrent it into a profitless oblivion. The album shot to number 4 on iTunes without any promotion from a major label. It also allowed Saigon to put out a project while fans wonder if that project with legendary producer Just Blaze will ever see daylight.

Kurious
One artist who hasn't gotten the recognition for the skills he's displayed since Walk Like a Duck, is Kurious, who keeps it real on his latest project for Amalgam, Kurious II. Old school heads won't be disappointed with the Constipated Monkey's latest effort, as Kurious reminisce's about Benetton with his old friends Doom and Serch, and talks about frustrations with honeys on Sitting In My Car.

Tash
Amalgam is also home to some seasoned artists that have enjoyed major label fame with a group, but decided to explore a solo route for current projects, such as Tash (from the Alkaholiks) who recently released his latest project Control Freak. Full of consistently trunk rattling thumpers, any west coast head would be happy to snap their neck to this album in the ride or the club.

Tame One
Tame One (half of brick city legends Artifacts) also decided to put out his latest heavily dusted verses through Amalgam, giving other rappers Anxiety Attacks. For fans of Tame's previous solo projects like Ol Jersey Bastard, this album will further expand consciousness with more of that Acid Tab Vocab we have come to know and love from Druggie Fresh since he was with his old partner in rhyme El da Sensei on the Wrong Side of Da Tracks.

Aside from the many artists who are actually signed to Amalgam Digital (Joe Budden, etc.), the company also distributes projects for several other underground labels, and a visit to their website contains information about many hip hop artists we all know and love. Check out the free section for banging mixtapes by the likes of Joell Ortiz, Clipse, Bishop Lamont/Black Milk, and many more.

Young Gunz

Last week we talked about Fred the Godson, an upcoming MC from NY who is starting to make some noise on the internets, but is relatively unknown outside NY at the present. Of course there are lots of MCs who fit that description, but some shine brighter than others, and The Highest Grade aims to help elevate some of the greatest MCs you might not be aware of. Keep in mind, we are not trying to be the first to mention an artist or movement, but take pride in being selective about those artists we choose to discuss, with the hopes that this selection can help others discover the best that hip hop has to offer.

With that being said, every hip hop fan should be aware of Cory Gunz, one of the most talented MCs, of any age, out there today. This young spitter was literally born into hip hop, introduced to the rap game at an early age by his father, Peter Gunz ( a NY mixtape and radio favorite in the golden era of hip hop with his cohort Lord Tariq, and their classic Uptown Baby).

The first time you hear Cory Gunz run through a verse or two, you can't help but think he was born with a silver mic in his mouth. Being born into the rap world can only get you so far, and Cory has been showing and proving that he won't rest on nepotism to get by in the music industry. With multiple mixtapes, including the Apprentice series, as well as several SMACK and other street DVD appearances, Cory has been making a name for himself regardless of his legacy, for many years now.

The young'n literally made jaws drop and records stop on Shade45 earlier this year when he flowed so ridiculous they made him back up and repeat his verse live on the air, for anyone who missed the intricacies that bubbled out the first time around. This may not have been completely unrehearsed verse, but even being able to put together rhymes like this puts Cory in a class of artists, most accomplished MCs can only dream of...and he's still a young buck.

If anyone needs further convincing, watch Gunz demolish the BET cypher; no disrespect to legends (Bun B, QTip, Jadakiss) who went before or after, but Gunz is at the top of his game, and gets the better of everyone in this circle. If you still need more proof, there are enough videos of Gunz online to keep your head spinning for hours, or cop one of the mixtapes. We're looking forward to his newest project with DJ Drama, which Cory recently spoke about with Mixtape Daily. Be on the lookout for that project, as well as his debut album, coming soon.

Exile: Destroyer of MPCs

One of the greatest things about hip hop is discovering something entirely new, when you thought you'd heard it all. This experience happens less and less often, with all the bandwagon artists jumping on then latest sound, or "swagger"(can we please kill that word) of the moment. Abandoning all the glitz and glamor that draw many to the world of music, Exile brought us all back down to earth when he linked with Blu on their classic debut album Below the Heavens, a couple of years ago. This album caught many completely off guard, and remains one of the best, and most overlooked albums in the past 5 years.

One measure of a great producer is the ability to craft a collection of beats into an entire album, a cohesive experience, without each track sounding like the last. Having proven himself after completing an album that was So(ul) Amazing, Exile probably could have gotten almost any MC he wanted to rhyme over his classic sounding beats. Instead, Exile continued to push the boundaries of hip hop, crafting an entire album off of samples from the Radio. Beyond his production skills, anybody lucky enough to catch his live show is truly in for an amazing experience.

Most of the time when you go to see a DJ at a hip hop show, you know what to expect: 2 turntables and some vinyl if you're lucky, or some kind of final scratch/serrato/laptop setup if you're not. Very rarely do you see something as new and creative as Exile and DJ Day when they demolish the crowd on their dueling MPCs. Rather than load a bunch of loops and rhythms, then sequence them together, Exile and Day load all the samples as drum kits individually, and play nearly every tone, every drum kick, every note live. Most recently the internets caught up with Exile and Day rehearsing their MJ tribute. Search out Exile on YouTube for a close-up of Exile tearing some of your favorite beats apart, or better yet, catch him live if he comes to a town near you.

Get it Together (pt 4)

In pt 3 we looked at a couple of rapper/producers combining their skills in the studio with a steady flow on the mic. In the interest of not having this collaboration piece drag on into the weekend, we'll look at two projects coming soon that have some familiar legends of hip hop finding new inspiration by linking with other artists of their caliber.

KRS One and Buckshot
Not much can be said about either of these two MCs (KRS One and Buckshot) that hasn't already been said. The teacher, KRS ONE should be well known to anybody that has ever had an appreciation for hip hop. The first MC (we know of) to claim "I am hip hop" truly lives and breathes the art form, culture, and lifestyle that is hip hop. It's impossible to have any kind of discussion about hip hop, or MCing, without mentioning his huge contribution and dedication to the craft.

What makes this project even more exciting to fans of "the real hip hop" is that KRS is working with another legend, from the classic Black Moon MC, Buckshot. A legend in his own right, Buckshot has been doing double duty for years as an MC and businessman, founding Duck Down records, which has consistently been putting out great albums by Buckshot and other Boot Camp affiliates, and will be unleashing this Survival Skills project on the world September 15th. Check for the video of the first single, Robot, recently seen on NahRight.com.

Nas and Damian Marley
Another MC who needs no introduction, Nas started his career with what many fans argue is the best hip hop album ever. While his second album was a classic itself, and subsequent albums were consistent, it is difficult to improve on perfection, and adding a completely different sound with a reggae artists is a great chance for Nas to give his fans something completely new.

Damian Marley is obviously most well known as son of the late great Bob Marley, but became fairly popular a few years ago with his roots/dancehall anthem Welcome to Jamrock. It's difficult to play down being the son of one of the most well known musicians the world-over, but Damian has his own style, that mixes a socially conscious message with a soulful voice and blistering dancehall beats.

Already on tour together, Nas and Damian Marley caught us a bit offguard when they announced this joint project which was to be released some earlier this year, but has yet to arrive on shelves. Check out the Road to Zion video to hold you over until the album drops (hopefully later this year).

Get it Together (pt 3)

Continuing the preview of some notable collaborations happening this year in hip hop, last time we talked about a "supergroup" that included a producer who did double duty on the mic, the project discussed today brings together two track masters who spit bars as well as beats.

Gangrene
Announced some time last year, the dynamic duo of The Alchemist and Oh No are set to do damage when they release their Gangrene project in the coming months. Most hop hop fans are familiar with Alchemist's production, if not his rhymes. OhNo might be familiar to fans of the Stones Throw hip hop label, but he has yet to gain the attention he deserves, and is often mentioned in relation to his brother Madlib, rather than for his own unique production, and distinct off-beat/on-beat lyrical skills.

If the Acts of Violence track off Alchemist's recently released Chemical Warfare is any indication, fans can look forward to some disgusting beats that meld Oh No's heroin headnod thump with Alchemist's rock-infused bangers. Alchemist may be better know for his beats than his flows, but he holds his own next to the other MCs (Roc C and Crooked I), and Oh No never dissapoints on the mic, or the boards. In addition to the track off Alc's latest, a video for Under Siege surfaced earlier this summer that gives fans another taste of what we can only assume will be one of the most insane albums of the year. The two apparently also did some work on the recently released GTA China Town Wars game soundtrack as well.

Get it Together (pt 2)

In an ongoing effort to shine some light on a few collaborative albums coming up this year, we pick up where Get it Together (pt 1) left off... This ongoing series is not meant to draw a comparison between any of the albums or groups mentioned, just taking a look at a one direction certain artists are chosing for their projects this year. In part 1 we talked about a group that combines four devastating MCs into one supergroup. This time we take a look at a group that includes a producer to craft the beats, who can also hold his own on the mic.

Random Axe
With two big bullys on the mic (Sean Price and Guilty Simpson), and Black Milk beating up the beats, as well as lacing them with his own rhymes, Random Axe is a force to be reckoned with this year. There is nothing "random" about the two Detroit natives (Black Milk and Guilty Simpson) working together, as many fans have heard the two on Black's Sound the Alarm, amongst other tracks they've worked on. Also, no surprise to hear that Heltah Skeltah member Sean Price will be working on another album for Duck Down Records. But add all three together, and there is no telling what to expect, but rest assured, hip hop heads will not be disappointed.

Black Milk is an amazing producer who was a protege of the late great Dilla, often getting (unfairly) compared to his mentor for continuing the lagacy of gritty off-kilter Detroit beats. (How many NY producers can we compare to Primo or Pete Rock?) But this kid has a style all his own, and can rhyme circles around most "producer rappers". Guilty Simpson has held down rhyming duties on many tracks for Dilla both before and after his passing, many of which have yet to be released. Sean Price, perhaps the most seasoned of the three as far as the rap game is concerned, never dissapoints with his off-the-wall metaphors, and self depreciating style. He may be the brokest rapper you know, but underestimate the skills and you could get broken off.

If the recently leaked Monster Babies is any indication get ready for some savage beats and barbarian bars when the album drops (3rd or 4th quarter '09).

Get it Together (pt 1)

I don't know if it's the current climate of music sales, a growing trend, or just a coincidence, but '09 looks like the year of the collaboration album in hip hop. Various MCs/'producers, etc. sometimes get together for a track or two, combining forces to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Every once in a while, this effort is extended into a full length album, or tour. This year, several of these collaborative groups have announced albums that they are working on.

Slaughterhouse
One of these "supergroups" lighting up both the internets and the stages this year is Slaughterhouse. Comprised of four underrated and often overlooked MCs from around the country, each of whom could carry an album on their own, Slaughterhouse is sure to make noise when their album drops later this year. Rather than a bunch of random MCs on a beat, Slaughterhouse reminds me of the "posse cut" that was a staple of many hip hop albums in the golden era, where each MC brought their own flavor to the mix.

From Brooklyn, Joell Ortiz draws on his past as a block boy to kick tales of street life that bubble with soul. "Jersey" Joe Budden gets in your face with raspy battle raps that underground hip hop fans have known for years. Former Eminem partner in rhyme, Detroit's Royce 5'9" is also known for his work with Primo, which didn't really get the shine it deserved. Crooked I from Long Beach (last artist on Death Row) first caught my attention for his vicious freestyle on the Wakeup show.

Its almost overwhelming to have that much lyrical ability in one group, and it would be easy to write this off as a ploy to tap in to as many underground markets as possible, but these guys just look and sound like they are having too much fun for it to be some contrived or orchestrated marketing move. Slaughterhouse has been a constant buzz on the internet since the announcement of the project, through almost daily video postings by various group members, and a few tracks that have leaked thus far. If you haven't checked for them yet, watch out for the album, and if you're an aspiring MC, beware; the Slaughter might be coming to a town near you...

Check out NahRight.com for videos, interviews, and leaks of Slaughterhouse.

Outside the Box

Hipster rappers are a dime a dozen these days, and white rappers dont carry the same shock value they did when the Beasties had to fight for their right to party; so it would be easy to dismiss the duo of Folk & Stress as another attempt to capture the white demographic "hiphop head". No marketing BS here, this is pure hiphop.

Mixed by Peter Rosenberg, the mixtape is all substance and no filler. Most of the beats have familiar samples, just chopped up a little differently, letting the original soul shine through. Both MCs stick to familiar braggadocious topics New York hip hop is famous for(rocking the mic, keeping it real, etc.), but there is nothing cliche or formulaic about these rhymes. Finding new and clever ways to describe "life on the daily" is the measure of a great MC.

Anybody can rap about flashy cars and shiny jewels, but it takes a clever mind to relate stories of the life of a kid in the city and make it sound compelling (plus keep your head nodding). Rather than follow curent mixtape formula, and spit over all the hottest producers out now, Folk & Stress take it Outside the Box, and create a unique experience with quality beats and intricate rhymes. Oh yeah, its free too (hit the link below). Look out for their album Folk & Stress - The Box, coming soon.

Folk & Stress - Outside the Box

Needle in a Haystack

These days, there is so much content floating around online, it can sometimes feel like waves of static lulling you into numbness. How to have an appreciation for anything of quality, when there is so much quantity to get through first? Amongst the deluge of mediocre new products, songs, and ideas that are available to us on a daily basis, some of the best things go unnoticed.

As a pessimist, the easiest thing to do would be to complain about all the crap that is out there, but as my father always said, "noone likes a whiner". So, in an attempt to keep it positive, The Highest Grade aims to sift through the detritus of our modern world, and shed light on some gems that get buried amidst the clutter.