Nujabes – Remembering The Master of Jazzy Hip Hop (Video)

Nujabes - Remembering The Master of Jazzy Hip Hop (Video) | Third Monk

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Nujabes, aka Seba Jun, is a Japanese DJ and Hip Hop producer that mastered the combination of classic hip hop sound infused with a jazzy melody to create some of the most chill tunes known to mankind.

His library is extensive and it’s all dope. When going through his collection, it is not uncommon to fall in love with one song and play it out until you are forced to move on to the next jam only to fall in love all over again, which results in hours of great listening.

I first came upon his work through Samurai Champloo and I’ve been hooked ever since.

He passed away at the age of 36 in a car accident, but has already reached a level of immortality through his music.

The first video is a mix of tracks, untouched from various Nujabes albums. The next two is a mix I found on the Cookie Monster Galaxy podcast which takes a lot of his work and adds a lil bit of flavor, still the main beats and melodies are there, but its nice to get a fresh sound from some sweet sounding Nujabes classics.

If you’re feeling the beats, let me know in the comments section and I’ll post more work from Nujabes.

 Nujabes

Tribute Mix Off of Cookie Monster Galaxy Podcast

A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY – VICE Documentary (Video)

A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY - VICE Documentary (Video) | Third Monk image 2

“SVDDXNLY” chronicles the ascension of one of raps brightest young stars, A$AP Rocky. From home videos and interviews with friends and family, to the very first seminal moments of his career caught on tape, Rocky takes viewers behind the scenes into his life as he takes A$AP from Harlem, to the world.

A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY Part 2

In part two, VICE takes a look around A$AP’s tour bus studio and Rocky opens up about his late brother.

A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY Part 3

In part three, we learn about the genesis of the A$AP Mob and Rocky shows us around his house.

A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY Part 4

In part four, Rocky hangs out with fashion icon Jeremy Scott, learns a “secret handshake” form Kathy Griffin, and soaks up some game from Snoop Dogg himself.

A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY Part 5

In the final part of “SVDDXNLY” A$AP reflects on his success and looks to the future. We also hang out with Schoolboy Q, Riff Raff, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, and Chanel Iman.

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Story Time with Method Man, Animation (Video)

Story Time with Method Man, Animation (Video) | Third Monk image 1

Method Man explains how a Masta Ace track influenced his lyrics for “Bring The Pain” and tells a story about his stoner childhood. Limericks and songs from Sesame Street, Chuck Berry, and Rick Dees all contributed to Method Man’s style of writing music and lyrics.

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Method Man – Bring the Pain

Masta Ace – Born to Roll

You’re Dead! – Psychedelic Afterlife Animation with Flying Lotus

You're Dead! - Psychedelic Afterlife Animation with Flying Lotus | Third Monk image 1

‘You’re Dead!’ is a shamanic pilgrimage into the psychedelic unknown of the infinite afterlife.

A sonic, visual and metaphysical fusion of technological innovation and technical virtuosity that amounts to a transcendent, mind-expanding plasm that could only exist between our world and another.

The enduring universe of Lotus’ supporting cast has expanded and evolved to feature in order of appearance, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Captain Murphy, Snoop Dogg, Angel Deradoorian, Thundercat, Niki Randa, alongside mindblowing original artwork by Japanese comic book artist Shintaro Kago.

The album isn’t about the end, it’s really the beginning.

It’s a celebration of the next experience.

It’s the transition and the confusion.

It’s not ‘hey you’re dead.’ It’s ‘hey you’re dead!

– Flying Lotus

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Flying Lotus’ new album You’re Dead will be released on Oct 6, 2014. Preorder at iTunes or Google Play

J Dilla – Lightworks (KJ Song Rec)

J Dilla - Lightworks (KJ Song Rec) | Third Monk

Light up the skies
The name of the game is lightworks
Light up the spliffs
The name of the game is lightworks

J Dilla flipped the track from Raymond Scott, a composer who has influenced many cartoon themes.

Raymond Scott – Lightworks

 

MF Doom – Lightworks

Doom spits on JD’s track, from the album Born Like This

J Dilla

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Piñata, A Collab of Stoner Beats and Gangster Rhymes (KJ Song Rec)

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Piñata, A Collab of Stoner Beats and Gangster Rhymes (KJ Song Rec) | Third Monk image 3

MadGibbs

Piñata is a collaborative album by Freddie Gibbs and MadlibEntirely produced by Madlib, the 17-track LP features Raekwon, Danny Brown, Domo Genesis, Ab-Soul, Casey Veggies, and more.

Piñata is “a gangster Blaxploitation film on wax”. I will show you my flaws, I’ll show you what I’ve done wrong and what I’ve fucked up at. I don’t regret shit, but I’ll show you the things I’m not proud of. I’m about to show niggas how to rap again. – Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Harold’s

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Thuggin’

Madlib, self-aware of his style as a producer, has said that Gibbs is one of few rappers who could handle a complete project produced by him:

My stuff, it ain’t fully quantized… it has more of a human feel, so it might slow down or speed up. So you have to be the type of rapper, like MF Doom or Freddie, who can catch that, or else you’ll be sounding crazy.

Gibbs admits it was a challenge rapping over beats with chops and changes as unpredictable as the man who created them, but says with confidence “I think I did it to perfection.”

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib ft. Danny Brown – High


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Freddie Gibbs & Madlib ft. Danny Brown – Shame

Freddie Gibbs – BFK

This track was produced by M-80 but it’s one of Gibbs’ best so we had to include it.

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Dan the Automator Presents: Lovage, Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By (KJ Song Rec)

Dan the Automator Presents: Lovage, Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By (KJ Song Rec) | Third Monk image 2

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Lovage is a studio supergroup featuring Dan the Automator (Gorillaz, Deltron 3030) producing, Mike Patton and Jennifer Charles on vocals, Kid Koala on the turntables, Brandon Arnovick (as Astacio the Nudist) on guitar, Daniels Spillson keyboards and SweetP on harpsichord & noseflute.

For their debut album Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By, Dan the Automator provides trip hop beats while the vocals mostly consist of Mike Patton and Jennifer Charles engaging in sultry and provocative dialogue.

Nevertheless, the overall tone of the album is tongue-in-cheek. The album cover is a homage to Serge Gainsbourg’s second album. The album features many references to Alfred Hitchcock with re-dubbed excerpts and the album title itself refers to an album Hitchcock appeared on in 1956 titled Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Music to Be Murdered By.

Lovage – Sex (I’m A)

This track was originally written and performed by 1980s New Wave band Berlin. The Lovage version differs significantly from the original.

Lovage – Stroker Ace

Lovage- Koala’s Lament

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Beats and Breaks, A Brief History of Musical Sampling (Video)

Beats and Breaks, A Brief History of Musical Sampling (Video) | Third Monk

The Beatles – Strawberry Fields
Joe Tex – Papa was Too
Lee Dorsey – Get out of my life woman
Cypress Hill – Hits from the bong
B.O.B. w/ Bruno Mars – Nothing On You
Wu Tang Clan – Aint Nothing to Fuck With
The Mohawks – The Champ
KRS ONE – Step INto a World (Rapture’s Delight)
Eric B. & Rakim – Eric B Is President
Onyx – Slam
The Beatles – Revolution 9
The Winstons – Amen Brother
N.W.A. – Straight Out of Compton
Snow – Informer
Apache Indian – Original Nuttah
The Ganja Kru – Super Sharp Shooter
James Brown – Funky Drummer
Public Enemy – Fight The Power
De La Soul – The Magic Number
Dr Dre – Let Me ride
LL Cool J – Mumma Said Knock You Out
The JBs – The Grunt
Public Enemy – Rebel Without a Pause
Wu-Tang Clan – Protect Ya Neck
Kool and the Gang – N.T.
NAS – It Ain’t Hard To Tell
Q Tip – Breathe & Stop
Soul Searchers – Ashley’s Roachclip
Eric B & Rakim – Paid in Full
P M Dawn – Set adrift
Ohio Players – Funky Worm
Kriss Kross – Jump
Lyn Collins – Think (About It)
Rob Base & DJ E-Z ROck – It Takes Two
The Honeydrippers – Impeach The President
Action Bronson – Imported Goods
Notorious B.I.G. – unbelievable
Janet Jackson – That’s the Way Love Goes
The Incredible Bongo Band – Apache
Skull Snaps – It’s A New Day
The Pharcyde – Passin Me By
Lafayette Afro Rock band – HiHache
Melvin Bliss – Synthetic Substitution
Wu Tang Clan – Bring The Ruckus
Ultramagnetic MC’s – Ego Trippin
Barry White – I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby
Beastie Boys – Time To Get Ill
Daft Punk – Da Funk
Schoolboy Q feat. Kendrick Lamar and CurT@!n$ – Live Again
James Brown – Funky President
Fresh Prince – Summertime
Naughty By Nature – Hip Hop Hooray
Fred Wesley & The JB’s – Blow Your Head
De La Soul – Ooh
Digable Planets – Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)
Public Enemy – Public Enemy Number 1
Bob James – Nautilus
Eric B & Rakim – Follow The Leader
Slick Rirck – Children’s Story
Bob James – Take Me to Mardi Gras
Run DMC – Peter Piper
THe Headhunters – God Make Me Funky
Depeche Mode – Mercy in You
NAS – Hip Hop is Dead
Tone Loc – wild Thing
Van Halen – Jamie’s Cryin
Zapp – More Bounce to the Ounce
Biggie – Going back to Cali
Billy Squier – The Big Beat
Dizzee Rascal – Fix Up, Look Sharp
Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire
A$AP Rocky – Out of this world
Jay Z – 99 Problems
ESG – UFO
Biggie – Parties & Bullshit
Queen & David Bowie – Under Pressure
Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby
AC DC – Flick of the Switch
LL Cool J – Rock The Bells
Beastie Boys – Slow and Low

A video remix journey through the history of sampling taking in some of the most noted breaks and riffs of the decades.

A chronological journey from the Beatles’ use of the Mellotron in the 60s to the sample dense hip hop and dance music of the 80s and 90s.

Each break is represented by a vibrating vinyl soundwave exploding into various tracks that sampled it, each re-use is another chapter in the modern narrative.

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TTK Hip Hop Paintings, Surreal Art Gallery

TTK Hip Hop Paintings, Surreal Art Gallery | Third Monk image 10

After success as a sneaker artist, TTK shifted his focus to evolving the collections of his surreal canvas-based paintings. As a collector of vinyl records, his love for hip hop music has led him to pen “Crates to Canvas” a monthly column that discusses the relationship and inspiration various album art has had on his own paintings.

Weed, Grub, and Toons

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A Moment of Peace, Mike Tyson

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Jet Lady

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Bruce Lee

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One Up, Shrooms

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Cocaine Business Controls America

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It Was a Good Day, Ice Cube

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The Cat and the Cat

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The Greatest

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Tiger Lady

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Marvin Gaye

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A Tribe Called Quest

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Chef Raekwon, Wu Tang

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Clown

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Transformer

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Cobra Commander Burger

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Bush

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Hip Hop is Back with a Psychedelic Message! – The Underachievers (KJ Song Rec)

Hip Hop is Back with a Psychedelic Message! - The Underachievers (KJ Song Rec) | Third Monk image 2

Hip hop is back! A group from Flatbush, New York called The Underachievers is breathing new life into hip hop. The Underachievers are a dynamic duo created by Issa Dash and AK. Through psychedelics they were able to become one and rap with a message.

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“My friend Jacob that I knew from my block, he just brought Dash to my house one day to smoke some pot, and we talked about psychedelics, and that was it.”  – AK.

If you’re tired of egoistic hip hop, then The Underachievers got you covered. Their psychedelic infused spiritual content is unique to the hip hop scene.

The Underachievers Music Videos

 

The Proclamation

They do a great job capturing the visuals you have during a shroom trip.

“So if you come to our neighborhood, everyone’s on psychedelics. Kids that shoot guns and do goon shit, they’re on psychedelics, happy, into spirituality… Kids aren’t krilled out on psychedelics everyday. But kids like that psychedelic escape like twice a year. It’s fun. Summertime. Once you get people over the hump of like, ‘Yo, it’s not going to be as crazy as you think it is,’ [they love it].” – Issa Dash.

They’re not out there telling you to take psychedelics, but to get more in tune with yourself.  Psychedelics help you dig deeper. Gold Soul Theory is a great song with an even better message.

Gold Soul Theory

“But the whole ‘Gold Soul Theory’ thing is basically detaching yourself from what society told you is the norm or what superficial things we normally might want to be into, and realizing that all you really need is inside of you. Not even just in your brain, but like from love to intelligence to all the natural shit that’s there outside for you that you don’t have to pay for. Not even just inside of you, but nature and all the other things. You don’t really need to be attached to superficial… The ‘Gold Soul Theory’ is basically saying we’ve searched all around for enlightenment and everything else and realized that you really don’t have to look far. Everything you need was already embedded inside of you. It’s just a matter of going inside yourself and finding that.”  – Issa Dash

Its not only The Underachievers that are bringing hip hop back – a few groups from Flatbush are also helping; Flatbush Zombies , Joey Bada$$/Pro Era, and others are also sharing a similar message. The Hiero influences are evident throughout their music. And with Hiero being one of their influences, it’s no wonder they’re on that good hip hop.

Like Water

“Everyone was listening to ‘90s rap, so I guess I felt obliged to listen it. I got into a little Hieroglyphics, a little Pharcyde, a little Souls of Mischief, and it’s funny that they say that’s who we remind them of, because the only rap era I stepped into was that one.”  – Issa Dash

The Madhi

“Enlighten our generation. That’s all we really want to do. Try and get our generation to start thinking differently, and start the shift ourselves with our generation, who already seem like they know what’s going on. I meet people ages 10 to 40, and they’re not really attached to religion or attached to anything, and I realize that our generation is already in tune to what we have to tell them. Our job is already done. I don’t really have to convince people that there’s a third eye. The general consensus is that there’s some spiritual world now, there is spirituality, people just don’t know where to start.” Issa Dash

Head over to complex for the full interview.

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Boondocks Sketch Show – Tubesteak the Trolling Rapper & Black Jesus (Video)

Boondocks Sketch Show - Tubesteak the Trolling Rapper & Black Jesus (Video) | Third Monk

Aaron McGruder, the creator of the Boondocks comic and TV series, presents The Super Rumble Mix Show. The variety sketch show mocks Hip Hop thug culture with Tubesteak the Trolling Rapper, puts Black Jesus in modern day scenarios,  and features hilarious advice from John Witherspoon.

Best of Tubesteak Compilation, Rap Battle

Steak gets punched in the face during a rap battle.

Best of Tubesteak Compilation, Trolling

Tubesteak goes after the Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder, T-Pain, Ice Cube, David Banner & Himself

Best of Black Jesus Compilation

Black Jesus takes some time off to chill with his ungrateful homies.