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Here is Crew54‘s new episode of their bi-weekly reality show. In this episode there is some great footage from the Z-Ro show at Spiros on Friday, with local openers Da. C.O.D. putting it down and SPC legend K-Rino dropping some real knowledge. There also is a comedic video at the end with the Crew doing their own version of the Kid Cudi song, Day N Night.

Week 24 of K. Sparks‘ Manic Monday series is here with a new track produced by T-Mos.

Download: K. Sparks- Genesis

Hired Gun is a New Jersey born emcee representing the borough of Brooklyn since 2000. An educator, writer, emcee and event organizer, Hired Gun is a man who wears many hats within this hip hop culture. Recently, HG released his solo record, “The People’s Verses”, firing off his thoughts and ideas about American politics, hip hop culture, life, and love using his intricate rhyme schemes, un-matched originality, and licentious lyricism.

RM London had the chance to sit down with Hired Gun to talk about him as an artist, his new record, and much more…

RM London: Who is Hired Gun and what is his purpose in Hip Hop?

Hired Gun: I am young a black man, educator, emcee, writer, griot, poet who has many silent haters (but I hear you…). My purpose in this music is to have fun (and you too), carry on tradition, and as an artist get you to question everything.

RM London: How did you get started making hip hop music? How did you perfect your craft and find your style?

Hired Gun: It honestly started in a little house on Keer Ave. in Newark New Jersey, near the border of Hillside, NJ. The first song I heard, “Self Destruction” sparked my love for this music. It was through my older cousin Altareik “Reik Dog” (R.I.P. 1999) , ciphering with him on my grandma’s stoop and her block. I actually studied a lot of emcees from the golden era, Kane, Q-Tip, De La, OK (Organized Konfusion), KRS, Nas, and Chuck.

I would say that I’m close to perfect, but still perfecting my style. I try to push the limits of what I can do in terms of writing, flow etc. Someone told me recently, that they were not used to hearing such intricate flows, patterns with the type of content that I discuss. A mix of the lyrical and the conscious. I stay with my rhyme book in my hand, and listening, observing, writing. Just repetition and study.

RM London: What are your thoughts on the influx of young “musicians” not paying their dues and finding a quick fan base on the internet/blogs? Do you think that the younger generation is pulling a proverbial “Making the Band” move on how a real MC should make his/her way up the ladder?

Hired Gun: It’s definitely a different time. I maintain what I’ve always said…cream rises to the top. In time those that can’t really rock will be exposed. At some point all the favors will run out. Me, myself and I (and my people) will continue to do what we do. Since I can’t control the politics of the blogosphere, I try not to focus too hard on it. In all honesty, the way hip hop is, it isn’t the fault of this generation, it’s the reality of the technology, and how the industry reacts to trends and artist.

I make classic music, as in timeless, as in blog or no blog, you will feel it. It will be relevant. This generation will learn that the hard way. I don’t think (hip hop) history will be kind to this era…

Read more…

Another edition of Sundaze. 5 tracks to kick back and enjoy your lazy day with.

Download: John Robinson- Mascot ft. Peter Hadar
Download: Ken Starr- Relentless ft. Kev Brown
Download: Insight- Evolve
Download: Kaimbr, Cy Young, and DJ Roddy Rod- Everyday Campaign
Download: J-Zone- 190 ft. Al Shid