Droppin’ Knowledge
Droppin’ Knowledge: UK Emcee Black Josh Releases New Single “Wannit All”
Manchester rapper Black Josh shares a new single from his forthcoming album, Mannyfornia, which drops June 10th, on British label Blah Records. The song “Wannit All,” features Sleazy F Baby and was produced by Metrodome. Josh spits over a sputtering, minimalist beat, with an assist from Sleazy. The video looks like a home movie and …
Droppin’ Knowledge: Hip Hop As A Vehicle For Protest And Social Change
Since its creation, in the New York City borough of the Bronx, hip hop has always addressed topical concerns. The music that Public Enemy’s Chuck D called “Black America’s CNN” often addresses systemic problems in the United States, and has the ability to powerfully articulate the traumas perpetrated on the Black community on a daily …
Droppin’ Knowledge: Terrace Martin Shares New Song And Video Featuring Denzel Curry, Kamasi Washington, G Perico & Daylyt
Terrace Martin, the Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist, producer and actor, has shared a new song, entitled “Pig Feet.” Martin enlisted Denzel Curry, Kamasi Washington, G Perico and Daylyt for the track, which reflects the current moment in the United States. The song’s video shows gut-wrenching images, in fuzzy black and white, of protests and acts of …
Droppin’ Knowledge: Listen: BROWN_BUDDHA – BCK.PCK.002
One of our favorite makers of sound collages, beat tapes and instrumental hip hop here at Droppin’ Knowledge is BROWN_BUDDHA. BUDDHA, is one half of the Brooklyn hip hop group 11roots, where he is making noise with his partner, Ur Maa. The BUDDHA has shared his newest collection of instrumental hip hop, BCK.PCK.002. The BUDDHA’s …
Excerpt From King’s Letter From Birmingham Jail
“I must make two honest confessions to you… First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizens Councillor or the Ku Klux …
Droppin’ Knowledge: Behind The Boards With argov
Welcome to this week’s edition of Behind the Boards. Each week, Backseat Mafia sits down with a musician/beat-tape maker/hip hop producer to find out what makes that person tick. This week, we’re joined by argov, the mysterious Middle Eastern master of musical mayhem. There is no known picture of argov, but like Terminator X, argov …
Droppin’ Knowledge: Emcee Jabee Releases New Video And Single “No Allegiance”
Oklahoma City rapper Jabee has shared a new single from his forth-coming album, This World Is So Fragile and Cruel I’m Glad I Got You. The video for the song, “No Allegiance,” is a meditative reflection on life and love and loss, and the artist says in a press release that its contemplative tone and …
Droppin’ Knowledge: On Dre Island’s Debut Album, Now I Rise, All Praises Go To The Most High
Seven years is an eternity in popular music. Trends, styles, tastes, and popularity divide, replicate and morph at an exhausting pace and even the greatest pop artists struggle to keep up. Social media enhances the difficulty of staying atop the pop culture firmament and, before you know it, an artist who was up today, tomorrow …
Droppin’ Knowledge: Behind The Boards With Brainorchestra
Each week, Backseat Mafia’s Droppin’ Knowledge talks to a musician, producer, or beat maker, to hear about their creative processes and how they approach making music. This week’s guest is Brainorchestra, the nom de guerre of Andrew Melo, a musician, rapper and producer from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Shout out! Brainorchestra has worked with artists such …
Droppin’ Knowledge: Meet Brooklyn Hip Hop Duo 11roots
Brooklyn hip hop duo 11roots is poised to release their debut, self-titled album this summer. The pair, consisting of rhyme artist and producer Ur Maa and beat smith Brown_buddha, create jazzy, swirls of sound behind abstract, poetic lyrics. 11roots is firmly based in the traditions of the greats of Brooklyn hip hop, while at the …