D'Ron - Heart Break (Official Trailer)

So a few weeks ago I got a chance to work with an artist named D'Ron.  I produced this song called "Heart Break" for him.  To make a long story short, He came over and recorded a song in the studio.  So just out of nowhere, my phone goes off and its a text from him with a youtube link.


He already got a video done for the song!  He recorded the song and did a video in the blink of an eye.  I respect that kind of work ethic.  Anyways check out the video.  The song is called Heart Break produced by yours truly.  D'Ron's mixtape "The Reincarnation of New Money" hosted by DJ Kceaser is dropping in June.

Kay Flow Interview

 Shoutouts to Praverb from www.praverb.net for this interview with Kay Flow. Make sure you check out www.praverb.net for more exclusive interviews and music.  CLICK HERE to read the interview.

Don't forget to follow Kay Flow on twitter @DaRealKayFlow.  Also CLICK HERE to download both of his projects.

Tigga Lansky - Imaginary Players

Tigga Lansky brings us another one over Jay-Z's classic "Imaginary Players".  Don't forget to follow Tigga Lansky on Twitter @tiggalansky.  Also download his "30 Minute Masterpeace" mixtape HERE.

Listen to "Imaginary Players"

Just Poets - ReAwakened (prod. by Jeepz)

This is from Just Poets.  Just Poets consist of Street Scholar and Just Peace, 2 emcees coming out of Ottawa, Canada.  Their producer/engineer is Jeepz, a dope producer I came across who is currently featured in our Producer's Spotlight. This Track is called "ReAwakened", off of the upcoming album "A Journey Called Self". The video was shot with an IPhone, directed and edited by Jeepz.  Check it out.

If you haven't checked out the Producer's Spotlight, then do so to find out more about producer Jeepz.  Also check out his website (Dope by the way) www.jeepzondabeatz.com.

CLICK HERE to preview Just Poets upcoming album "A Journey Called Self" .

You can also find Just Poets on

(Beat Video) Phashara - #LOVEbeatmaking Episode 3

I came across Phashara on the MPC forums and had to hit him up when I seen this video.  Phashara is an emcee and producer.  This video speaks for itself though.  Just watch it.  Hopefully we will be hearing more from him soon.

His new album is coming in Spring / Summer 2012. Features a joint produced by !llmind featuring Finale and Reefa Rei and another produced by Noble Dru featuring Sadat X. The lions share of the album is produced Phashara himself.  Check out Phashara's website www.phashara.com.

You can also find Phashara on

Tigga Lansky - 30 Minute Masterpeace

Tigga Lansky brings us some bars that he wrote in 30 minutes hence the name, "30 minute masterpeace".  This is also the name of his mixtape that is available now.  CLICK HERE to get it.

Also find Tigga Lansky on

Tigga Lansky - 30 Minute Masterpeace

Listen to Lady Leak (Getaway Mix)

Mixtape Meeko - Anita Baker Flip

Mixtape Meeko flips an Anita Baker sample.  If you have any beat videos and want to be featured in The Producer's Spotlight, submit your beat videos.  Follow Mixtape Meeko on twitter @mixtapemeeko.

(Beat Tape) JuseBeatz - JuseBeatz Instrumentals

JuseBeatz - JuseBeatz Instrumentals

JuseBeatz, is a producer from Lakewood CA but thats been living in the Philippines for the past three years on the island called Iloilo. You can check out his beat tape HERE.  Also check out this website http://www.radiohitzstereo.com.

You can also find JuseBeatz on

Listen to "Nothing"

Q - Reminisce

Real Hip-Hop... That's the first thought that comes to mind as "Reminisce" begins to play.  Hip-Hop artist "Q" and  producer WMS THE SULTAN prove that Hip-Hop still lives within a perfect verse over a tight beat.   "Reminisce" recounts situations of death and incarceration.  Situations that are far too common within urban communities.  "Q" distinguishes himself while  projecting emotions of pain, sorrow and respect with a mixture of storytelling and  flashbacks.  This element of Hip-Hop, extrudes thoughts from anyone who's ever lost someone close to them to the point of, "why didn't I write this?". As long as the reality of a harsh world exist, the reality of Hip-Hop artists such as "Q", will be forced to cultivate the body of thought for his community through his rhymes.  This is Hip-Hop.

 This is a street single from Boston artist Q from his upcoming album titled "Bosstown" coming this year on Brainstorm Entertainment.  This project will feature heavy production from WMS The Sultan (Joe Budden, DJ Kayslay, MC Lyte).   Q currently has a mixtape out called Body Language Vol. 1.  CLICK HERE to get it.  Also check out more of WMS The Sultan at www.sultanbeats.com.

Check out more from Q

Check out more from WMS The Sultan

THE PRODUCERS SPOTLIGHT - Jeepz

Jeepz

Jeepz is a Hip-Hop producer from Canada’s Capital, Ottawa. Inspired by the sounds of Dilla, Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, Exile and Premier. Jeepz brings his own flavour that has that old-school vibe with a new-school twist, rocking with a turntable and the NI Maschine.  Jeepz also does Photography and Videos, all of which is released along with his music on his website http://www.jeepzondabeatz.com

Also find Jeepz on

Listen to Helsdown

ILL GREEN - THE GASMASK TORTURES

Ill Green - The GasMask Tortures

ILL GREEN hails from PR as a one man militia making all his own beats and rhymes.  His style is that dusty boom bap type of hip hop that will keep your head nodding.  CLICK HERE to download.

A little more info on ILL GREEN

Email:  murkymelodyproductions@gmail.com

 

You can also find ILL GREEN on Myspace and Soundcloud by

Clicking on the icons below

 

Listen to Skunk-Ape Soup right here!

(Beat Tape) Tablis - Indīgie zirnekļi un ārprāts

 

Tablis - Indīgie zirnekļi un ārprāts

Listen to "Ķengarags" from this beat tape!


Tablis, a producer coming all the way from Latvia in Eastern Europe sent me this beat tape and I am loving it!  His beats are that good ol' raw, undergroundish boom bap!  To download this beat tape CLICK HERE or click on the CD cover above.

You can contact Tablis thru email at tomshorsts@gmail.com
Follow him on Twitter @tablis_beats

To hear more from Tablis check him out on: 

Rashid Hadee - Chopped Not Screwed Vol. 1: 808s & Hadee

Rashid Hadee - Chopped Not Screwed Vol. 1: 808s & Hadee

I've been following this dude for a WHILE now. He literally took all of the songs from Kanye's 808 & Heartbreaks and FLIPPED them marvelous! A MUST listen!!!

Listen to American Dream (Pinocchio Story) Part 1

Poetry Nites

Brain Food.............................

Thought I'd provoke rivers of ink on this quite evening... Here is one of my favorite colabos from Benny Tones Feat. Shihan the Poet.... Stay tuned... We got u...

Benny Tones - Fountain Of Youth Featuring Shihan The Poet by Republic of Music

Funk Flex Interview

smh
"You can not tell me you wasn't feeling yourself when you was signed wit 50 cent" HAha!! I can front tho, me n the lady can be caught watching Love n Hip hop on a regular basis though. Every week I watch these wenches act a fool... but Chrisy is my ace on the show tho... neither here nor there... check out the interview by Funk Flex as he invited Olivia on Hot 97 to clear the air ... apparently cameras were rolling and we should get some visuals of the interview on the show soon... Back Story, A while back Flex cracked on Olivia on air, and she reportedly wasn't feeling that move by Flex... Its been rocky ever since....
Amidst circus of conversation there Flex does drop some jewels for the note takers
Here's the Interview...

KRS-ONE

Just coming bearing gifts of GROSSNESS.....      KRS-ONE and KENNY PARKER reconvene with straight madness bringing therapy to the audibles....      "DO IT"  

Joe Budden - No Church In The Wild

BODIED!!!! Underrated is an Understatement for Joey!  Download this track by clicking HERE.

Raw Talent on THALOOKOUT..

Hip-Hops Dead?!?!?  If so, it must of been buried in the pet cemetery because rap artist"Dondada" is one hell of a Zombie making his way around the streets of Greenville telling a different story.  "You can catch me sitting sideways, in something pretty wit the ratchet on me", is all I needed to hear before giving Dondadas freestyle video my full attention.  

Behind a raspy southern twang mix between Scarface and DMX, you can experience Dondada as he illustrates his story of street pharmaceuticals and the daily grind of Greenville streets.   

Blessed with a smooth delivery and the art to verbally manifest vivid images by witty verses, partnered with the ability to sing hooks with a voice comparable to Lyfe Jennings, Dondada will capture head bops and lip syncs from anyone close enough to lend an attentive ear. Dondada..coming to a speaker near you.  This is Hip-Hop.  

Note Worthy

Dusting my fingers off after a successful campaign digging for gems is an addiction I blame on Hip Hop.  As any good miner would do, I share what I come across.  So Ive been rocking to Jonti lately, a south african  beat smith who just moved to LA about 3 months ago,  This joint has been in heavy rotation in the whip as of  late and his releases have yet to disappoint the ear drums. This particular post is a song named Red On Green Feat. Jonwayne.  Hopefully it may add to the vibes in your playlist selection as it has mine..

- Cappucino Kidd 

Kay Flow - Used 2 B

Kay Flow smooths it out on this one!  Another Mixtape Meeko produced joint from the "Kreative Kontrol" album.  CLICK HERE to download.

Kay Flow Interview

 "A look into the mind of Kay Flow", an interview which hopes to uncover the man behind the music.  We'll get his thoughts on the state of Hip Hop today, his creative process and much more.  If you want to know Kay Flow hit me up with your questions, ac@thalookout.com.  One love, keep your head up!

C-Red - For the Listeners Vol 2

C- Red - For the Listeners Vol 2

Female lyricist, C-Red gives us a hip hop inspired mixtape courtesy of producer Trill Trax(who mix/mastered this project).  "For the Listeners Vol. 2" can be downloaded by clicking on the cover art above, or CLICK HERE.

Follow C-Red and Trill Trax on twitter @Cred_13 and @Trilltrax
You can also listen to more of Trill Trax's work HERE

One of my top pics from the mixtape is:

Generation X

Nostalgic chants of "Eenie Meeni Mieni Mo... My mother said to pick this one and you are not it" instantly take many back to the days of their youth.  When the only thing you had to say to be included in any activity was "Can I Play?"   For some, these memories are as vivid as they were yesterday.    Even while reading the first line of this Blog, began to say their own rendition of the same.  Generation X, 80s babies, Reagan era kids. Whatever you may call them, they will be known as the generation that played and grew up in the streets simultaneously with Hip-Hop.  

Generation X grew up in a time where Hip-Hop itself was still "young" and in the early stages of asserting itself as a legitimate art form and culture.  The 80s will always be known as the era where Hip-Hop began to diversify as the styles developed and became more complex unknowingly to the X Generation.  We were always just a little to young to stay up late nights and go to the block parties.  A little too young, to understand the political message by Public Enemy.  A little too young to get in the first Hip-Hop clubs.  We were, on the other hand, old enough to listen to our older brothers or sisters talk about the parties, rap lyrics and the clubs.  We were a generation waiting to get older so we too can enjoy this new phenomenon called Hip-Hop.

With Hip-Hop anonymously growing around us, we would spend hours in the street or fields playing games.  Hot peas and Butter, Monkey in the Middle, Scatter, Kick ball, Hide and seek, Dodge ball and the list goes on.

Other generations will say that they too played games, but none can say they were able to hear RUN-D.M.C blasting from a boom box, or Slick Rick playing on HOT 97 in the corner store.   Whether we drank from the water hose or chugged the sweetest red Kool-Aid until we stopped just long enough to gasp for air, the latest Hip-Hop album could be heard.

As we got older and grew into society, so did Hip-Hop.  We went from playing in the streets, to lip syncing every major artist's latest song (when I'm alone in my room, sometimes I stare at the wall...), learning the newest dance steps, and trying to imitate the fashion.  We were able to stay up a little bit longer and see the street battles, go to the block parties and stand outside the club to see the action.
Skip a few years and we are now old enough to play the lyrics for our children.  Old enough to throw block parties.  Old enough to own the clubs.  We are old enough to remember when this all started.

We grew up with Hip-Hop.  We grew up IN Hip-Hop.  We supported Hip-Hop from day one as in turn, Hip-Hop supported a new culture that our generation helped to create, maintain and spread around the world.  We've seen trends come, go and now come back.   We are not considered the pioneers of Hip-Hop, but we are the ones who took the spark of the originators of the 70s, and ignited the idea bright enough for the world to see.  Am I prejudiced towards this? Yes! Am I speaking off of emotions? Maybe.. do I care? NO! I am a member of Generation X and this is Hip-Hop.

H.E.A.t. aka Hdot2hot - 16 Bars

H.E.A.T. spits a quick 16 bars.  To download the "H.e.a.t. wave" mixtape CLICK HERE.

Follow H.E.A.T. on twitter @hdot2h0t

City of God (DVD Review)

 'City of God' is a intriguing true story of crime, violence and poverty amongst the lawless slums (Favela) of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
With a narration that incorporates three decades of crime, the main focus is on a selected group of residents of the Favela and their struggle to escape.  Some choose violence and drugs, others try the  struggle of everyday work.  
Accounts of gangs wars, love, lust, murder and triumph make 'City of God' a must see movie. 

City of God (2002)

The Road to Kreative Kontrol (Preview)

This is a preview for the making of Kay Flow's Kreative Kontrol album.   Some behind the scenes footage coming soon!

For those of you who have heard the album CLICK HERE.

Kay Flow - Kreative Kontrol

Countryslik N Brikk Flair - I'm Alright

Some feel good music from Countryslik N Brikk Flair.  I've had this song on repeat for weeks now!  This is a single from their album "Amplified Muzik Over a Bowl of Cold Gritz".  Buy their album on Amazon and Itunes.

ATG - The Susan Sarandon Story

ATG - The Susan Sarandon Story

New mixtape from producer ATG.  Features from Sean Price, Kool G Rap, Termanology, Fashawn and more!!!!

KevWest and KillahTrakz - #IHateMixtapes EP

KevWest and KillahTrakz - #IHateMixtapes EP

This project came together over a mutual respect for Hip Hop.  KevWest and KillahTrakz linked up over the internet some time ago.  KevWest's beats and KillahTrakz rhymes put together equals to some good Hip Hop.

CLICK HERE to download the EP.

Follow them on Twitter @KevWestBeats and @Killahtrakz
Also visit their websites KevWestBeats.com and Killahtrakz.com.

Check out "Round n Round"
Killah Trakz- Round n Round Produced by KevWestBeats.com by Kev West Beats

Lace Cruz - The Blue Line Ep

Lace Cruz - The Blue Line Ep

I just came across this Ep from Lace Cruz.  I love the vibe from it.  Definitely Hip Hop!  Check it out for yourself.  Follow Lace Cruz on Twitter @eserocks.

To download The Blue Line Ep CLICK HERE.

Listen to "Gold diggers Shawdow"

Red Tails Movie Review

Ok Party People!!!!....Just saw Red Tails.....Great Movie!!!....SMDH as to what was the big deal with Hollywood getting behind this movie.....It was Rated PG-13....Not nearly as violent as it probably should have been or as violent or "controversial" as Saving Private Ryan or Schindler's list which have been on National TV several times. As a matter of fact, TNT is showing Private Ryan right now. Just a thought. 
Tee Jay J.

Tha Etta James Tribute (Sweet Memories)

Mixtape Meeko does an Etta James dedication and chops up a sample from her song "Sweet Memories" and does his thing!


Check out Mixtape Meeko on Reverbnation and also check out his Beat Tapes.



Follow on Twitter @mixtapemeeko.

Inspiration & Wisdom - Your Journey!!!!

Your Journey:
Never compare your journey to someone else's because you don't know what destiny God has in store for you versus what he has in store for theirs! Comparing yourself to somone else's accolades and achievements as a measuring stick "may" de-value your own. I'm learning the more I focus on overcoming my own shortcomings, that I am my biggest competitor that I will ever face. It's a daily battle! Be inspired and motivated by others doing positive things that interests and incites you to make a difference or an impact in the world as well as self. Do this without trying to be them! Experience is the perfect teacher and vision is his best student. Learn YOU before you do the knowledge on someone else and you might find that you were the teacher all along! Keep YOUR pace, but make sure God is at your finish line ~Flow~

RIP Etta James

At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over and life is like a song...

These are just a few of the great sultry vocals that the late Etta James (born Jamesetta Hawkins, January 25, 1938) has blessed us with over her lifetime.

Starting her singing career at the age of 5, Etta James was an acclaimed gospel music prodigy and recorded her first R&B hit at the tender age of 15.
Having toured, performed and recorded with some of the top names that R&B, Blues and Rock has to offer, Etta James is considered one of the most critically acclaimed and influential female singers of the past 50 years.
Though her rocky and turbulent lifestyle often overshadowed her talent, we at 'Tha Lookout' like to let her music and accolades speak for themselves:

27 studio albums, 3 live albums, 8 compilation albums, 6 Grammys, 12 Grammy nominations, 17 Blues Music Awards, inductions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1993), The Blues Hall of Fame (2001), and The Grammy Hall of Fame (1999, 2008).
Rolling Stone Magazine has listed Etta James as #22 of the Greatest singers of all time.

Etta James succumbed to her battle with Leukemia January 20, 2012 at the age of 73.
Tha Lookout salutes you and thanks you for a lifetime of memories.  Ladies and Gentlemen, Etta James.

Kay Flow - Kreative Kontrol

Kay Flow gives you a taste of real lyricism over some raw boom bap courtesy of Young Speez.  This is his title track off of his new album "Kreative Kontrol".  Be sure to check it out.  Its available for FREE download HERE.

The Shop

A time honored tradition of the Hip-Hop lifestyle, is style itself.  From the Timbs and bubble vest of NYC, to the Khaki shorts and POLO shirts of the south, to the creased out jeans and 'colors' of the west coast all virtues start at the mecca of style...the Barber Shop.

Though seemingly basic, a fresh haircut is the one  most important and universal aspect of even beginning to have style.  

Embedded in the earliest memories of most young men, the Barber Shop has been the place where your first glimpse into manhood started.  

From your first visit, where everyone called you 'Lil Man', to you pointing to the poster trying to get the crazy lines all through your head, just to have your parent say "take a lil off the top, and fade the rest", to you over hearing stories of blow jobs and back shots even before you actually knew what they were.  The barbers did much more than just cut hair.  They were styling coaches, counselors, love doctors, news anchors, and anything else that you needed.  

Some characteristics of a good Shop are; they are next to a corner store, a fried chicken joint, or a Chinese food restaurant.  The front door is open and no matter how busy it is, there is a barber smokeing a Newport, someone is selling bootleg anythings, and plenty of SHIT talking!! 

The Barber shop...just one if the cornerstones of being a young man in Hip-hop.  Keep the memories pure and alive.  DO NOT bring a woman or significant other to the shop at any time!! It has been, will be and is a designated man cave.. respect that.. and shout out to the single mothers, who continue to bring young men to the shops to get a true upbringing..and don't forget to tip your Barber, they work hard for that money... This is Hip-Hop

Hip Hop

Hip-Hop... Is it the music? Is it a certain way of dress? Is it a way of speaking?  Hip-Hop, (well TRUE Hip-hop) is an instantaneous collective of life long influences that cultivate certain mannerisms inside of people.   Hip-Hop is a lifestyle, a lifestyle that can not be adjusted nor fine tuned at the work place or around choice company.  Hip-Hop embodies a much larger compass of just  music, dress,appearance, a persons vernacular, education level or social status. 'Tha LookOut'  will  show all sides of Hip-Hop; past, present and future.  This blog is just the beginning.  This is Hip-Hop.