Off Da Radar Spotlight : Hero

                           

Artist: Hero

Craft:Hip Hop/Soul

Album: Hero

MC: E-Dot 

Producer/Vocalist: Darp Malone

Label:Thirsty Music

Hailing From:Canada 

 

HERO gives us two such legendary figures. Introducing artist/producer extraordinaire Darp Malone and the incredible word-smith E-Dot (who has previously worked with Mr. Complex, The Chapter, Loer Velocity and released singles on Ill Bill's Uncle Howie Records). These two long time collaborators have finally combined their efforts on a full-fledged scale to create a sound that is nothing short of amazing. HERO's music is honest and passionate, so wonderfully sincere and effortless.  

They have no capes or pantyhose, just soulful ballads and aggressive compositions. Somehow HERO manages to easily combine substance and intricate wordplay with moving melodies and catchy refrains.  
Together as HERO, E-Dot and Darp Malone's music utterly transcends time without the abuse of trends and propaganda. Upon first listen one comes to realize that the future is upon us. The time is now, and they are here. Embrace them, witness the conquest; and don't take them for granted. Album release date is February 26th.

Tracklisting and credits for HERO (all songs produced by Darp Malone):

1.) Mogadishu (co-produced by Donnan Linkz)
2.) Be Aware
3.) Trust ft/Loer Velocity
4.) Feel Good ft/Loer Velocity & Verbal E

5.) What We Gonna Do ft/Sage
6.) Breaker 
7.) They Don't Care ft/Wordsworth

8.) On My Side

9.) Denial

10.) Lonely Sunday
11.) All About

12.) Walk On

13.) Take Me Away

14.) Take Me Away (Reprise)

15.) Blame Me

Check out the videos both directed by Javier Goin.

Mogadishu

Be Aware

Rhymefest & Just Blaze in the studio

Rhymefest left this treat over on the OKPlayer boards. Btw, what the hell happened to Just's blog?

Easy Listening

   

pic from myspace

 

Whatever You Want ~ Little Brother (Get Back Bonus Track)

What else is there to say, but I heart Little Brother!!!  Even though he raps about not getting his props, Big Pooh's rhymes are always on point to me. As far as Phonte goes, he's one of the best lyricists of all time (imho), plus he sings and is funny as all get out.

 

 

pic from fnfradio.mypodcast.com

Gold Watch ~ Lupe Fiasco (The Cool)

Lupe is so on point in his second & third choruses (so much that I swear he was a fly sitting on the wall) -"With my ghetto broad and she's so plain/ gotta couple scars and one of those long names/ she'll fight a nigga and cusses with no shame/and her ex-man had her bagging up cocaine." Yep, this was me in the early to mid 90's (minus the visible scars and the long name), running wild and reckless.

 

pic from jivemagazine.com

Love Thirst ~ Jean Grae & 9th Wonder (Jeanius) 

This track right here is one of the main reasons why I say Jean Grae is one of the most underrated MC's of our time. I love this track, so sexy without being overly explicit. I be awaiting her new album with 9th Wonder.

 

Assata aka Joanne Chesimard

Trailer for the movie Assata aka Joanne Chesimard

There is no doubt about me seeing this flick, as Assata Shakur is on the top of my favorite heroine list. The TRUE story definitely needs to be told. I'm just so upset that more money couldn't be raised to make this film, or that Will Smith or Angela Bassett or at least Gabrielle Union (lol) was not called upon. I know they've at least heard of her plight. They didn't have to give up any money, they could have just donated a line or two,lol. The actors in this movie are horrible at best!

Website here.

In A Sharing Mood

Boondocks Season 2, Episode 2. Enjoy! See you in 2008!

Link

Work To Do ~ Kidz In The Hall

Here's the official video for the Obama '08 anthem "Work To Do" by Kidz In The Hall. To hear the song in it's entirety or to download go to their MySpace.

The Hardest ~ AZ / Styles P

Produced by Large Professor. I almost didn't recognize AZ in the video. He doesn't look the same as I remembered, got all round in the face.

Making of 9th Wonder & Buckshot's "No Doubt"/ Duck Down Makes 'History'

Behind the scenes of the video shoot for "No Doubt", the lead single from the upcoming 9th Wonder & Buckshot album The Formula. The video stars Charlie Murphy in a series of short skits. In related news, Buckshot & his long time partner Dru Ha (the co-owners of Duck Down Records) have inked a deal with The History Channel, creating original theme and promo music for the History Channel’s popular show “Gangland.” Duck Down Records are doing big things lately, partnering with YouTube and also signing a deal with ESPN. Not to mention the recent additions to their roster.

Novel ~ Hit Em With The Shottie ft/ Joell Ortiz

I was wondering what happened to this guy. For all those who don't know who he is don't feel bad, you are not alone. He one of those dudes who fell through the cracks. His name is Novel and probably the only reason I remember him was because of this song, Peach. He said he can eat them for hours. That song definitely had my attention, but then I didn't hear anything from him again. I happen to work with a relative of his, one of his aunts to be exact (also the sister of soul/country singer Solomon Burke) and she told me that he does a lot of producing for other well established artists. She also told me to be on the look out for something new, I suppose this is it. At first I wasn't feeling the beat to much, but the message is on point.

Kidz In The Hall ~ Driving Down The Block Trailer

Feeling the Masta Ace sample. The first single from Double O & Naledge's upcoming sophomore album The In Crowd. BTW they are the newest members of Duck Down Records (Black Moon, Smif~N~Wessun) per the following post:

Duck Down Records, in an effort to continue to expand its roster, is proud to announce the signing of Kidz In The Hall. Double-0, the Producer/DJ and Naledge, the Lyricist/MC, Kidz In The Hall are looking to become one of hip-hop's most admired acts, destined to leave a legacy of artistic brilliance and after recently finishing their latest mixtape, Detention, and tour dates with Redman and their forthcoming sophomore LP, The In Crowd, they are well on their way to doing so.