    
Yuki Kitano is Nickelman. Originally from Osaka, Japan, he still calls the vibrant city of Osaka home. Yuki started making music as Nickelman over 15 years ago, but has dedicated the last 11 years to seriously fine tuning his sound. Along with hip hop beat maker FROGMAN, the two worked under the moniker of Freemanz Production, putting out synth space lo-fi projects, though their independent label Deepconstruction Records. Nickelman is set to release his upcoming solo feature LP titled "Elements" via URBNET, on June 7, 2019*. *Elements* carries through a smoky lo-fi hip hop sound, intertwined with samples of jazz, soul, and rare groove beats. In speaking to the creation process, Yuki says "I used an MPC2000XL, SP-303, and Tape Echo to make the tracks.Those lo-fi sounds are recorded by cassette tapes and compressed. The record is both danceable beats and a relaxing chill sound. It's trip music you can dance to be and be stoned." 
CHERRY MONGOOSE Toronto's three-headed rap monster, Swamp Thing (Timbuktu, Chokeules & Savilion) have a ritual of delivering spooky, horror-themed albums for Halloween. Creeping up on almost a decade of sonic trick-or-treats, Cherry Mongoose is the eighth full length studio album and follow up to the sci-fi themed 2018 release, Horse Power. Produced by Swamp Thing's own Savilion and Timbuktu, Cherry Mongoose maintains the electric chemistry, creativity, and swagger that all three emcees along with all-star turntablist DJ iRATE bring to the table.
Toronto's three-headed rap monster, Swamp Thing (Timbuktu, Chokeules & Savilion) have delivered a special sonic treat every Halloween for close to a decade. This year is no different. Horse Power is their seventh full length studio album and anticipated follow up to their 2017 release, The Octagon. Produced by Savilion and Timbuktu, the thirteen track LP showcases the electric chemistry, creativity, and swagger that the three emcees bring to the table, along with some talented features including the all-star turntablist DJ iRATE, Wordburgular, and D-Sisive. The new release is dusty, murky, and fully charged, taking you on a freak show tour of lyrical styles, far out concepts and production prowess. Horse Power will be made available via digital, CD, and cassette format through the online URBNET shop. Halloween 2018, baby. Get ready.
Elaquent kicks off 2018 with his latest EP, Celebrate Life! The six-track record is set for release on March 2nd 2018, via URBNET, and is available for pre-order through the URBNET shop. Celebrate Life! is born out of reflection and graciousness, as expressed by Elaquent, "Life sucks sometimes. With all the depressing things that happen throughout the world, to people you know, to yourself even, it's important to take a moment and appreciate the beautiful things the world has to offer, to prevent from going crazy. Stay positive, celebrate life". Celebrate Life! features collaborations with notable producers K, Le Maestro and Dibiase, and will be made available via digital, CD, cassette, and vinyl.
Growth is about adaptation, existing in transit, and nourishing flux. It gives us a reason to move on to our next project, challenges us, and feeds our creative hunger. Sona Elango, as the multi-talented Elaquent, captures a catalogue of experiences and feelings that span time zones from over the better part of 2016. Elaquent has created a reflective sound weaving themes of travel and personal growth into the core of his music. Worst Case Scenario is a record with roots in Europe and Japan, inspired by moments of reflection in hostels, airports, and trains. It boasts Elaquent's growth not only as a beat maker and producer, but as an artist, conscious of peers, music lovers, and strangers alike. He explains how "I wanted it to feel personal and conducive to who I am, but I'll let everyone deduce what they want about each song. It's open to interpretation." Elaquent demonstrates that relative themes have a power that is bigger than ourselves. He manages to hit the bittersweet mark of self-reflection perfectly, reminding us that sometimes the most daunting and intimidating reflections, can secretly be moments of peace and reassurance. "...going on 30, no longer feeling like you're invincible, everyone is getting married and living a completely different kind of life. I don't want to get old, wondering whether I did everything in life that I wanted to do. This album, Worst Case Scenario, it's the idea that if all else fails, I'll know that at least I was able to do all these amazing things in my life". Worst Case Scenario is ultimately a public chapter in Elaquent's life, embodying an unhurried yet vibrant form of personal storytelling. "It's a soulful and colourful record" he says. "I was in a different mindset; it was a challenge to myself. I wanted to expand on previous concepts, and make a record that is about doing things not just to do them, but because it makes sense". Unabashedly human, and eager to make it count, Elaquent is a reminder to us all that we're here for a good time, not a long time.
OBUXUM is a Toronto based Somali-Canadian producer and beat maker, whose lush and characteristic sound celebrates story telling. She has made her presence known with notable festival performances at Wavelength Festival, Kazoo! Fest, Electric Eclectics, and Venus Fest. NOW Magazine also recently included her in their list of Toronto electronic musicians to watch in 2018. OBUXUM's latest EP, H.E.R., released via URBNET in 2018, embodies her inspirations and reflections, to the feel of a rhythmic pulse. She tells her un-silenced story of what it is to navigate this world as a Somali-Canadian womxn. "The blk, brwn, and indigenous womxn have inspired me endlessly to remain courageous, daring and bold. That's what she represents". H.E.R. exemplifies OBUXUM's progression as an artist, by building on her previous works, Luul, ITIYAMA, and 2991. The record carries through an alternative blend of hip-hop and electronics, creating a raw and unnameable vibe.
Moka Only has brought his Martian Xmas series back for another winter season. This time around, you may notice the absence of the 'xmas' abbreviation. Moka felt that many potential listeners may have had an aversion to the Martian album series due to their perception of it being traditional holiday material. That being said, the wiser would know that despite the odd reference to the holidays, Martian Xmas has always been more of a winter themed affair. It is intended to be enjoyed well past Anglo-traditional confines, that of which the author has never prescribed to in the first place. On this go 'round we find a distinct nod to the Martians of 2009-2010 wherein some of the fragmentation and splintered track styles have returned. Repeated motifs of the Bunkers, Hank Hill, and obscure British comedy outtakes are well represented here, as well as the 'Martian ubiquitous' statement of "Also German " still pop up. I am not certain of the significance of the former, but I'll admit it does add to the mystery of it all. The customs are what seem to bring the core listeners back year after year. Aside from the obvious sprinklings of customary absurdity, we have newly explored territory throughout this voyage. 'I Rock Ties' harkens back to classic east coast jazz poetry with its odd vocal 'cool pocket', and it's somewhat jarring 5/4-time signature. 'Mood Lights' essentially takes us into inner/outer space with freeform musings over an indiscernible tapestry of noise, only to abruptly end with a baffling narrative coda resting uncomfortably on a 70s psyche rock track bed. This concoction is repeated on 'Machine Wrapped with Butter'. Pieces like these feel at home on a Martian Xmas outing. 'Start up the Emax' references a line from the classic 90s North Carolina based group Yaggfu Front. Guests DavePsy and Mr. Brady respectively appear on 'Have a Ball' and 'And Again', ensuring that Moka's Torchlight Commission crew is well represented. The album's closer 'Like Yeah' wraps it all up with a 'Naughty' sort of vibe (you'll see what I did there). In conclusion, I firmly feel Moka has recaptured what us true heads have loved most about the Martian series. The Jazz element throughout the record, really cements all aspects into one cohesive, juicy whole. This one will keep you jazzing for a long time to come. I am happy the record label URBNET continually allows for such artistic freedom. - Shu
Patina - Instrumentals Bless up, y'all. Here we go once more. Time travels and the mind rambles. The soup don't come from a can and words just evade your optic sensors, so in a nutshell, smoke this and take it easy. These tracks were created between spring 2018 and September 2018, with the exception of 'Swift as the Breeze'. That one was made during the Concert For One sessions in spring 2017. A lot of patient waiting and soul gyrating. Do you ever put coffee in a thermos and just go into the woods? I would. Feel the evolution and at the same time embrace the nostalgia. The music develops a golden patina over time. Some prefer this over whatever current, shiny audio trinkets rattle in a most ephemeral manner. Me? I'm Kareem Serene. I do the long play. It just has to be that way. Darryl Rodway once said to me "hey Moke.. how come you never wear Napoleon Dynamite type of boots for an album cover shoot?" I simply replied, "horsejazz, D... who better to do what I do better?" Darryl had no option but to concede to an agreeing nod. URBNET knows what type of a ride we are on. Like a slow, lumbering, freight train, on maintenance-deferred trackage. It may not be glamorous but darned if the sonic din doesn't make a few dogs howl. And with that, we now present Patina. (For ages 8 and up, no assembly required, batteries not included).
Bless up, y'all. Here we go once more. Time travels and the mind rambles. The soup don't come from a can and words just evade your optic sensors, so in a nutshell, smoke this and take it easy. These tracks were created between spring 2018 and September 2018, with the exception of 'Swift as the Breeze'. That one was made during the Concert For One sessions in spring 2017. A lot of patient waiting and soul gyrating. Do you ever put coffee in a thermos and just go into the woods? I would. Feel the evolution and at the same time embrace the nostalgia. The music develops a golden patina over time. Some prefer this over whatever current, shiny audio trinkets rattle in a most ephemeral manner. Me? I'm Kareem Serene. I do the long play. It just has to be that way. Darryl Rodway once said to me "hey Moke.. how come you never wear Napoleon Dynamite type of boots for an album cover shoot?" I simply replied, "horsejazz, D... who better to do what I do better?" Darryl had no option but to concede to an agreeing nod. URBNET knows what type of a ride we are on. Like a slow, lumbering, freight train, on maintenance-deferred trackage. It may not be glamorous but darned if the sonic din doesn't make a few dogs howl. And with that, we now present Patina. (For ages 8 and up, no assembly required, batteries not included).
Moka Only has released an instrumental version of his latest LP, Concert For One, via URBNET. Concert For One (Instrumentals) is set for digital release on July 6th 2018 and as a limited edition vinyl on August 17th 2018. The self-produced record is packed with stand-alone characteristic beats, proving that the beats themselves have just as much story as the vocals. "In this stage of my life there is much more reflection and contemplation, and I really feel that I was very open and unguarded on this album. As much as I love all the completed songs with the vocals, the beats on here hold enough detail to speak on their own." Concert For One (Instrumentals) will be available on digital/cassette on July 6th 2018 via URBNET shop and August 17th on vinyl LP through Fat Beats Distribution.
Moka Only's latest album Concert for One, is set for release on September 1st 2017 via URBNET. As the follow up to his 2016 '12 for 12' opus, Concert for One delivers with such admirable tenacity, something that fans are accustomed to from the powerhouse artist. Notably so, this full-length twenty-track album features a guest collaboration from Detroit's own Dank (from Frank n Dank), and artwork from Montreal's Vanessa Malo (Instagram: @vnilla_art). Concert for One is available now on vinyl, CD, and cassette
Winter is officially here and Moka Only's new album, Martian XMAS 2018 is now available on URBNET! This edition of Moka's infamous and annual winter-themed release features a guest appearance from Dave Psy and is full of 20 tracks fit for this frozen season. "It has once again been a pleasure to create another piece of this world, in which you fans have been gracious enough to be a part of, and I love you for it. Enjoy the jazz and please continue to ride with me and help spread the word." - Moka Only Martian XMAS 2018 is another solid entry into the jampacked Moka Only catalogue. After a period of relative rest, he's returned to show that he can still deliver a fresh quality winter album and give fans exactly what they've come to expect every December. 8/10 ~~ Chi Chi | scratchedvinyl.com
mx2017. This season marks my 13th edition of martian xmas. Crazy, and with my schedule this fall it's a wonder that I was able to pull it off. I've been going back through previous editions and listening to the evolution of martian albums over the years. Many of the earlier ones had a lot more silliness in the lyrics and over the years that silliness switched from the lyrics into the dialog samples and bits moreso. This year's martian is a real mixed bag. Eclectic. In addition to all the newly crafted tracks, I was able to comb the vaults and found a few extra leftovers from the last two years as well and, I was able to do some edits to bring them 'up to date', so to speak. Dave Psy made a new contribution but, I couldn't seem to make it work within the context of the album. Jingbell of Yaggfu front was slated to make an appearance too but, I simply ran out of time. You may notice that this time around there are some tracks that are more topical than the usual random fare such as 'timepieces', 'astromartian' and 'dress better'. I don't feel it was an intentional effort to focus on clearer subject matter, just a natural progression. All in all, I'm happy with the outcome of this project and, I hope you will be too. Til next time... The Martian' aka Kareem Serene, aka Moke.
"Well... I don't want to brag, but I did it. 12 albums for 2016 and I'm happy with all of them. It's hard to pick a favourite, they all have their own flavour. I wanted to close it on a good note with this album. This one is sort of an extension of Martian Xmas in a sense that winter is the prevailing theme. This project ends where the new year began, with a track that was intended for the Brutal album. I figured that makes sense with this project since 'World of Mine' was recorded last December. 'Goin with this' was another Brutal track that just didn't fit on that project. It's delicious here. There's more nostalgia on this album than I've showcased in a long time. I mean, it's often nodded towards, but I went deep up in it on this collection. The song 'Come Back' is urging the old heads to come back to a world in which they probably never should've been distanced from. One of my faves on the album is 'Where Did All the Muffin Shops Go'. It's a bit silly, but valid as a perfect example of how so many standards of the 90s have been largely forgotten in favour of the next trend. It speaks metaphorically of 90s hiphop too. 'Join Me Now' is a cool ass winter track from 2014. Had to include it here. It fit. Just so you know, I don't just go looking for old filler. It's not as if I don't record a ton of new tracks for every project, but rather I pull old tracks for the pure purpose of contextual enhancement. Sometimes it's older instrumentals and sometimes it's vocals. That is just how I do art. To end this off, I must give a big thanks to URBNET for allowing me to make this dream come true! I've always wanted to be with a label that gave me the freedom to be as creative and prolific as I want. URBNET is my home base and I'fm very thankful for them. Big thanks to St. Mic for mastering ten out of these twelve albums, you've been great. Thank you to the legions of Torcharoons who keep me rolling. Torchlight Commission is my crew. Happy New New, people. Love." ~~ Moka Only
Well here we are at the end of 2016 and the Martian XMAS series is still rolling. It's funny when I think back to when i did the first one in 2004, I had no plan on making it an annual custom but it has become just that and is always one of my more stranger efforts out of my catalog. This one definitely nods heavier to the nineties. The jazz is thick, the terminology and phrasing is to be noted as a bastion of that era as well. I don't think we were done with that era, we moved on too quickly. Anyhow that's the energy I'm from and I do stay connected to it. Pacific northwest winters are notedly different than winter anywhere else on the continent. At times it's hard to tell if it's really winter at all but on some years such as now it is extra soggy and dreary. Those are ingredients that seem to bring the best out of the martian editions. Umbrellas, Carhartt, Boots, Northface, Coffee, crosstown traffic, low clouds, grey beach scenes and more coffee, home studio, it goes on. I started this year's martian a little earlier than normal because I wanted it ready for a late November release. No guests this time around with the exception of my man Chin who laced the best for 'The Wish'. I added a little extra synth and some audio clips and singing vocals paired with his. The track 'Bread and Butta' is actually a leftover track from last year's martian, but I felt it didn't fit the format for that one. It works here perfectly. You'll definitely note there is a healthy presence of upright bass samples. I'm back on that shit for real. All jazz all day, you know how i do. Anyhow in keeping this brief I hope you'll enjoy and keep this rocking beyond the holidays. It's for the winter on a whole. I'm off to the barbershop to get my baldy touched up. Straight blade. Thanks to URBNET for letting me be me. I am planning a 'martian companion' project of sorts to be released in December so these vibes can continue. Stay tuned and spread these tunes... I triple dog dare ya. - Moka Only
Moka Only has announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding The Winter. From 2001 "Nowfolk, The Winter: This project was conceived in October 2001. Ishkan and I were looking to make a follow up to the "Moon" album, which at the time had yet to actually be released. We just wanted to keep the momentum going. I think Ish came up with the idea of titling this project 'The Winter', since it was fall, and beginning to ease into that classic dark, damp 'Vancouver city vibe' that we knew so well. As a warm up, we knocked out a couple of tracks but didn't end up keeping them. One of those tracks featured Dave Psy of Oddities and The Nope fame. It took us a couple of practice jams to really get into the mood of what we were trying to convey. " -Kareem Serene / moka.
Moka Only has announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding Milky State"Ok, this one took as much out of me as I put into it. Consider this album: Fall Collection 2016. Longtime headz know what I'm talking about! I enter an industrious mental state every fall: storing up my nuts for the winter. It's, like, "TIME TO GET SERIOUS!" Whatever the fuck that means. I wanted to involve more guests on this project. Big thanks to the Pharcyde and my Torchlight Commission brethren: Jon Rogers, Mr Brady, JuneTen and Jinglebell (j bels roxwell) for all blessing me. What stands out about this project is its wild rigor: it is widely varied in vibes, yet I made a precise effort to make sure that it all blended smoothly. There was a lot of experimentation during the recording of this project, including quite a few interlude type thingies. I only kept a couple: the ones that could abridge certain songs. 'Till next month! Peace and good golly and suck my d*ck and do lunch, I love you... and me. -Kareem Serene / moka."
Moka Only has announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding California Sessions Vol.3 2003, Yes yes, back once again for the hundredth time. Yup, u heard me. 100. This project is one from the vaults of 2003 and is the final instalment of the California sessions series, which I came up with back then while floating back and forth between Los Angeles and Vancouver. Ima go track by track on this one for y'all so u get a better idea of the overall itness and allness. Give it a minute, let it sink in ya ~~ Moka Only
Moka Only has announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding #99, I'm writing this bit on the album at 4am in Kamloops, BC after rocking a show, still underground, still grinding like you wouldn't believe. When I think about this project, I realize this marks my 99th release, at least that's what I counted on wiki. There could be more considering there were a few very minor projects that came out under the radar, or were simply passed around to friends and such. Doesn't matter. I like the title 99. It signifies something, perhaps the change of guard? The brink of a next era? That's up to your perception, of course. I like the songs on this project. The majority of them are newly constructed from this spring and early summer. A couple surprise older joints on here too, because I felt they fit the mood. ~~ Moka Only
Moka Only has announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding SUMMERLAND, So there it is, I present the SUMMERLAND album! You may replay it now, and marvel at its many aspects. Then contemplate if you are awake enough to wade through all of its esoteric properties. Moka produced the entire project. Val Halla may have invented Malkin inadvertently. Aries may have perpetuated his mythical actuality. Goodnight
Moka Only has announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding I'M DELIGHTED, "Well here it is, I'm delighted to present you with this work of art. It's been a minute since I've made an instrumental album. I feel it was overdue, and I would like to continue with similar genres in the future. This project feels special, the aim was to have an eclectic mix of sounds and styles rather than focus on the future. The majority of the tracks are brand spanking new, yet I still pulled from the unheard archives with tracks like: "Everybody Knows" and "Sunny Bap". Even a track such as: "True Googz" has a backstory, it is an unfinished piece from a project I've been working on slowly over the years with Bootie Brown of the Pharcyde. If there is a major theme to be gleaned from this project, I would say that I tried to use a similar template as the Magickal Weirdness album, in that the tracks are short, multilayered and overall intended to take the listener through a bit of a journey. The album starts upbeat and gradually fades into a melancholic territory before the sunshine appears toward the end to round out the album. Much respect to Noah Becker who played sax on both "Bellhowse" and "Going In" (where he also played Fender Rhodes piano and I played synths and xylophone). Big shouts to everybody who made it onto the intro track. Interestingly, all of the folks on it are people I've worked with, both old and new since Jump... even URBNET is vocally represented! I hope this album helps set up the summer season for you and stay tuned for the next installment in the #12albumsFor2016series. Much love to all of YOU!
Moka Only has announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding RE-BENT TWISTED AND GNARLED, "This album is dedicated to Ishkan. It's really a remake of sorts, recalling Bent Twisted a gnarled album from 2000 that he created with Deceo (a.k.a. starving marvel). To me, this album is such a marvelous work of art-one that represents the crew I was in, and the music we surrounded ourselves with. Ish may claim that it sounded rough or rushed, but for me it captured the vibe of that era better than any project I was doing at the time. That's my opinion. For THIS project I tried to stick to the script without making exact duplicates of Deceo's original beats. I wanted to "keep the feel" as best as possible and, in some instances, create similar melodies."
Moka Only has announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding SAO PAULO, "This album is dedicated to all my people in Sao Paulo, Brazil (and all of Brazil in general). I have been blown away by the love and support Brazil has shown me. I watch and notice who gives me love and credit for my work. Thank you. I hope to visit and perform in Brazil in the near future." ~ Moka
Moka Only has just announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. Regarding Magnesium Opium, there is just not enough space to say and express everything Moka would like to about the album and that era. There was just too many fun nights and laughs while recording; too many Shell gas station coffees; too many great recording breaks to hit up Cactus Club restaurant; and just too much awesome wizardry to accurately describe. "I got so much joy re-listening to this album, and I sincerely hope you will too. !"
Moka Only has just announced he will release 12 albums with URBNET in 2016. #12albumsFor2016 Showing no signs of slowing down, Moka Only will continue his prolific reign in the hip-hop scene by dropping an album every month this year. After a busy year of touring North America and releasing 3 albums, Moka returns full force with plans of releasing 12 albums in 2016. He aims to include new recordings, mystery albums with exclusive unreleased music from the vaults of 2002-2003, as well as collaborative projects from Torchlight Commission crew members including Illa-J, Jon Rogers, Tanya Morgan among others. While most albums will only be available in digital form, select releases will be available on Vinyl LP, cassette and CD. "Brutal" -- being a short but solidly constructed vessel -- hold's all of Moka Only's concepts in, much like the "tiny house" fad that seems to be gathering steam in 2016. This album like those modest dwellings has nothing you don't need but everything that's necessary to be functional.
Welcome once again to another edition of Martian Xmas, people. I can't believe I've been keeping this series going since 2004 and it has definitely evolved from the initial concept to being more thematic and simply emblematic of the winter period in the Torcharoon Universe. I had even recently considered altering the title as 'Xmas' -- seems like it may have misleading connotations but it's been a custom, so for this edition the 'Martian' stays. Things have been heating up in a great way for my crew, the torchlight commission and you are going to see and hear more and more about us all as a unit and individually. A whole platoon of talented torchbearers that for the most part both rhyme and produce and all share common musical principals and aesthetics. I am proud to have three of the commission aboard for this project: A-Ro from Vancouver, Jules Chaz from Victoria, who contributed two beats and Illa J from Detroit. The future is for all of us, birth the crew and the listener, limits don't exist, let's shake the cosmos! Big thanks to URBNET who has been committed and loyal to seeing and supporting my vision. We gonna win! Big thanks to my manager Nic who is guiding my flight course and believes in the power of this journey and finally thank you to you guys, the fans... The Torcharoons. It's in your hands where we take this just as much as it is in mine. We must all share and communicate. I do this for the greater happiness of the world. Happy winter and New Year, yall!
Veteran Vancouver rapper Moka Only has announced he's started up a label of his own called Beautiful Records to co-release an upcoming full-length. Titled Magickal Weirdness, the album arrives July 14 through a partnership between Beautiful Records and Urbnet. The new album features a hefty 32-song tracklisting, including a number with New York hip-hip icon Grand Puba called "More Rugged." The album lands on cassette, CD and as a digital download, and it's being teased by first single "No." You can stream the track to the left, while a pre-order for the set grants you an immediate download of the cut.
HMLT, (pronounced "Hamlet") are a Toronto based RnB duo, comprised of brothers Corey and Taylor Wong. The two have been honing their soulful craft for some time, establishing themselves with previous releases while performing steadily throughout Toronto. Their most recent release, Wednesday EP, is a collaborative project with fellow Toronto RnB artists Kei-Li and Joiya. Every Wednesday HMLT would pick up Kei-Li down the road. As they rolled through the backwoods, Joyia would anxiously await their arrival at "Wong Way Studios". With Kei-li and his overly heavy swing, Joyia's angelic whisper, and HMLT's unwavering loyalty to Ableton, together they bound their unique and special powers, creating what would be known as the Wednesday EP.
Fortunato is no stranger to the hustle and from the beginning he had to grind hard to prove his talent and stamina in the hip-hop scene. Born and raised in Toronto's west end he dropped his first album in 2008 and began freestyle battling in 2001, since winning tournaments in both Beastmode and KOTD. He credits his proudest battling moment to KOTD's Proud 2 Be Eh MC Tournament in 2012 where he took down three MCs to take the championship. With hard work comes success and Fortunato has made prestigious moves touring with Onyx and collaborating with Sean Price on a track called "Don't Drink The Kool-Aid" as well as tracks with Steele of Smif-N-Wessun. If he didn't work so damn hard you could say he was fortunate but everything that comes Fortunato's way is well deserved. He has been seen taking the stage alongside rap majors such as AZ, Freeway, Sean P, Smif N Wessun, M.O.P and PMD across Canada and Europe. Fortunato has teamed up with New Brunswick producer Sean One to release his third studio album The Blue Collar EP on Urbnet and will be touring the United States this winter alongside Snowgoons.
Toronto's three-headed monster, Swamp Thing, is back with an incredible new album, Planet Murk. For the first time in their five-year history, Timbuktu, Chokeules, and Savilion have outsourced the production (which is usually handled by Savilion or Timbuktu) to super producer Peter Project, and his army of 808s, 303s, MPC 60s, and SP-12s. The result is a Swamp Thing album unlike any other. "Planet Murk? It's equal parts Gravediggaz and Beastie Boys, Wes Craven and Tim Burton. It's as swampy as ever, but on this one we're having even more fun." - Chokeules "We're going hambolini like Gandolfini!" - Savilion The new Swamp Thing and Peter Project album, Planet Murk, is available 10/31/15 on URBNET. Happy Halloween.
Teppei Sano, or EYTREG (8-reg), as he is better known by in the music world, is a Japanese beat maker, born and raised in Niigata, Japan. He currently resides in Toyko, and has actively been releasing music since 2015, including a 28-track retrospective compilation with Inner Ocean Records, and as part of Fuzzy Scope's "Earwax Shelf Life" project. EYTREG's music is an extraction of jazz, soul, RnB, and trap music, with inspiration and cues from legendary hip-hop predecessors. His unique method of restructuring these genres and sounds results in the innovative creation of something that is his very own.
Auxx's latest accomplishment 23/09 is no light feat; Sterling deals with a heavy hand of mixed experiences, and he encompasses raw themes into his music to produce a multi-faceted sound. "The day I'd officially moved to a new city, was the same day I'd later found out a family member passed away. It inspired me to question and explore unexpectedness, danger and mortality, the key foundations to curating the album, 23/09". Rather than tribute, I decided to write a project that explores this phase of surrealism through the musical genres and styles I have been closely familiar with - from the statements and sinister atmospheres on "Black Wings", to tracks such as "Lilith" - representing the closure of consciousness, knowing of its surrealism and unfamiliar outcome."
"Louis Sterling, otherwise known as Auxx (Pronounced Aukes), is an electronic & Experimental producer hailing from Bath, United Kingdom. Having an interest in music production and electronic music from an early age, the style that he has developed lives up to his name, inspired through Auxiliary sends of a mixing desk, with his works being heavily influenced through modern day production styles and techniques, including the various buzzing SP-404 effects, unique synth sounds and off-kilter drum patterns which he demonstrates through his sounds.
See U is a beatific and euphoric instrumental hip hop album and the champion URBNET release from producer, Cut From The Team. This 9 track album sounds like daydreams about an island in East Asia; because that is exactly what inspired it. "The entire record is very personal to me ... Sounds from a place I have an outstanding longing for ... As a kid I always wanted to visit Japan and still do ... Japan is a huge inspiration to me." ~~ Cut From The Team See U is the soundtrack to a fantasy day in Japan and what the producer, Cut From The Team, would do with his time in this dream destination. "Waking up in the morning, just walking around ... Soaking up the atmosphere, skating ... Visiting places I adore, seeing my friends, cruisin' together." ~~ Cut From The Team The day that sounds sweet to Cut From The Team, fueled his creativity and gave this album a dreamy heart. Instrumental hip hop that is electric and lovely -- you can almost feel the height of Tokyo sky-scrapers around you, or the breeze from Mount Takao.
The Crossroads is a collaboration between Awol One and Factor Chandelier. This is the 1st EP the duo have released together since they dropped underground classics including "Owl Hours" "Only Death Can Kill You" and "The Landmark". This is some of their best work to date and these songs will not be on the album. Here is something fresh while your wait for the full length to drop on Fake Four Inc due early 2016.
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Career Crooks is the culmination of the longtime collaborative relationship between Zilla Rocca & Small Professor. "Good Luck With That" is the kind of brilliance that could only be born out of that specific type of familiarity. Small Professor's production is the spiritual cousin of RZA's work on "Cuban Linx" at times, harnessing the moody atmosphere that breathed life into that project, but simultaneously feels like twilight in Philadelphia. An undeniable declaration of one's own art. Zilla takes the mood set by Small Pro and runs with it, dropping a seamless combination of stream-of-consciousness raps intertwined with expert story telling. The combination is a mesmerizing originality that taps into the feeling that we all had when we first fell in love with the form. "Good Luck With That" features an array of guest appearances from, PremRock, DJ Manipulator, Curly Castro, ALASKA, My Man Shafe, Defcee, s.habIB, Dewey Bryan, and MaLLy. While each artist contributes texture to the flavor, it is the team work between Zilla and Small Pro that really makes the project cook. With "Good Luck With That", Career Crooks are placing their stamp on the modern rap renaissance. It is a perfect and vital addition to the genre, and it deserves your attention.
On November 5, 1996, Toronto-based label, Beat Factory released the seminal Canadian hip-hop compilation, Rap Essentials Volume One. Helping to further energize the already-established careers of such north-of-the-border lyrical heavyweights as Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, Ghetto Concept and Rascalz, the album is also credited for launching the career of Scarborough lyricist, Dan-e-o. With his featured single, "Dear Hip Hop", Dan-e-o immediately cemented himself as one of Canada's premier MCs. A quasi-love letter to the music and culture he adores, the Scam-produced single has stood the test of time and has garnered itself "classic" status in the annals of Canadian hip-hop history. Dear Hip Hop: 20 Years Later is a unique combination of re-mastered gems recorded during the mid-90's and brand new golden era-esque bangers, which include "Rap Essentials", an ode to the compilation that started it all with alumni, Mathematik and Deuce Deuce of Concrete Mob and a symbolic tribute to J Dilla entitled "Spit' featuring the late legend's brother, Illa J.
LEAVE IN TACT The Remix Collection Following the accolades of "Leave in Tact", which included feats of an extended stay on the couch of the CMJ charts, and reached ears from Boise to Berlin, and Crown Heights to Copenhagen, the North American tag-team PremRock and Fresh Kils, have successfully corralled the best and brightest in hip-hop, to help re- imagine choice cuts from their debut record. The wildly impressive list of heavy hitters adding their signature flair to the project includes the likes of Mello Music Group's in house wizard, L'Orange (Kool Keith, Mr.Lif), seminal favourites Chicago's Maker (Qwel, Glue), Blockhead (Aesop Rock), Willie Green (billy woods, Open Mike Eagle), Elaquent, 2oolman (A Tribe Called Red), and veteran of The Six, Junia T. "The Remix Collection" boasts a strong addition to the pair's already robust resume, and as they set their sights on another ambitious tour with contemporaries' billy woods and Henry Canyons, their prospects only continue to grow. If you missed "Leave in Tact" due to the avalanche of the election fallout, or perhaps because of the shared release date with a comeback album from the greatest group of all time, you are forgiven, but do take this chance to catch up.
(Produced by Moka Only) Seattle based rapper davepsy [The Oddities/The Nope] teams up with Vancouver's Moka Only on a new 14 track LP entitled "Extended Playpen". The album is produced entirely by Moka Only and contains guest features from 10isee Williams, Blu & Ahmed. "I called Moka and said I was ready to do a solo project, and I wanted him to produce it, all the way. Give me the 'Pete Rock treatment', so to speak. I really wanted him to be in on the whole thing. This was a challenge, being that we never actually got in a room together for any of this (unlike The Nope albums, which were all recorded together at Moke's studio). He would send me beats, I'd write and record, then send him vox back to mix. These tracks were all recorded between December 2015 and December 2016. The content ranges from the writing process, to societal ills, to wordplay cuz it's good, to dropping inhibitions and chasing dreams, thinking positive, sex, grocery shopping, parenting, and just doing art to make life a little bit easier, and more colorful. Oddly enough(dot com), none of the songs are about my dad, but he was most definitely a catalyst. My solo cuts at the beginning and end of the record are probably the most personal of the bunch. Some of the content is straightforward--plenty of it is inside, cryptic. Moka whooped up some real goodies for me to blabber over. Producer of the year after year, after year. He's the hardest trooper for this rap sh*t, and it shows with every release." - davepsy
A shimmery, incandescent summer jam, Geneva's new single "Full Bloom" evokes the sweet and intoxicating vibes of warmer weather, replete with days full of promise. "Full Bloom" bubbles up and spreads out, capturing the listener in a rippling sea of deep bass and soaring harmonies. Produced by L.A. electronic mainstay B. Bravo, "Full Bloom" shows off his signature style of late night synth grooves, cosmic G-Funk and R&B. Catch a chill vibe and let yourself blossom and unfold into what Geneva & B. Bravo have in store.
Hip Hop has not traditionally thrived in St. John's, Newfoundland, but for the individual members of ChessClub (Andrew Lahey, Matthew Murphy, James Piercey and producer Adrian Gagnon), who grew up there, hip-hop is how they found each other. The four piece now call Toronto home, and with fifteen years of collective writing, musings, and perhaps a few rebirths, ChessClub are all too ready to release their sophomore album, These Flowers Are For You.
For the past five years Toronto's three-headed rap monster, Swamp Thing (Timbuktu, Chokeules & Savilion), have delivered a special sonic treat every Halloween. This year is no different. Back again with perhaps their greatest achievement yet, Pray To Science is a distinguished and sizeable creation, conjuring up themes of the mythical, bizarre, and ultimately, the unknown. Produced entirely by Savilion and Timbuktu, Pray to Science was conceived and recorded at a remote Muskoka cottage, and features the cuts of DMC champ DJ iRATE. The record delivers uptempo grooves and deep pocket space-aged boom bap, born of and created for the musically creative. Digging into the pantheon of underground hip hop, the records features collaboration from Ghettosocks, Birdpares, Ambition, Wordburglar and Nilla.
EXHALE EP: Geneva's powerful debut EP "Exhale" takes the listener on a sentient journey through the mysterious corridors of the heart; at once vulnerable and confessional, yet strong and surefooted, Geneva weaves together a moving tale of endings and new beginnings with the self-assuredness only experience can bring. With subtle nods to hip hop, electronic and jazz-infused R'n'B, Geneva's raw songwriting capability and rich, sultry vocals shine over production by Jazzfeezy (T-Minus, Boi-1da) and Burd & Keyz (Kardinal Offishall, Meek Mill, Pusha T). Step into Geneva's dreamy realm and discover another Toronto gem worth knowing about. BIOGRAPHY: With provocative elements of R'n'B, hip hop and jazzy, honeyed soul in the mix, ElectroSoul songstress Geneva maintains a classic appeal while offering up futuristic flavour. Cutting her teeth in underground hip hop, Geneva has collaborated on dozens of tracks, including songs alongside DL Incognito and LA's 2Mex (The Visionaries), while also releasing house singles with the likes of Ancestral Soul's founding father Boddhi Satva and electronic powerhouse Ron Allen. Articulate, emotive and drenched in sensual energy, Geneva excavates her soul and bares it on any microphone she touches.
Toronto Born MC Fortunato has teamed up with Nova Scotia's own DJ IV and New Brunswick producer Juliano to create "2 Bad Dudes". Recorded in one session which lasted five hours, the album pays homage to the mixtapes of old and has no features from other artists. Expertly blended into one continuous mix and featuring beats from only one producer creates a seamless musical landscape for Fortunato. He takes full advantage with tracks like "Johnsonville" and "Built Like This" to burn anyone who wants to test. Fortunato will be touring across Canada this June alongside Doom Squad so stay tuned for upcoming show announcements.
(Late Night Radio Remixes) Canadian emcee, Def3, has recently teamed up with Denver, Colorado based producer, Late Night Radio, for a full length collaboration album titled "Small World". The album release is scheduled for late 2016. Both artists have made quite a name for themselves in the past few years amidst the underground hip hop and bass music scenes and have been featured performers in each others sets at Shambhala as well several of Late night Radio's U.S. shows including his sold out Ogden Theatre performance in Denver and Colorado's world famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre where he opened for a sold out Thievery Corporation show. That being said, to celebrate the announcement of this highly anticipated project, the two decided to give you a taste of what's to come, and drop 5 new LNR remixes from Def3 and Factor Chandelier's 2015 WCMA award winning album "WILDLIF3". Side A features the LNR remixes while Side B will include the 5 original Factor Chandelier produced tracks. Enjoy!
On "So Far," off new album WILDLIF3, Regina-via-Vancouver rapper Def3 raps "My lyrics carry truth/ Meaning you've probably never heard of me." While that criticism of modern commercial rap is also something of a reality for the MC, Def3 has recorded collaboration records with Canadian underground legends Moka Only and Factor that have definitely spread his name further than he suggests. Subjects such as life in the Canadian music industry, personal strife and confidence and perseverance are included along with the usual hip-hop braggadocio, all written with witty wordplay. Def3's flow is tight, impressive even alongside vets like Moka Only, Shad and Ceschi, as well as up-and-coming star Merkules. DJ Skratch Bastid lays down some slick cuts on "The Truth" while singers Claire Mortifee and Krystle Dos Santos provide a couple of cool hooks that add variety and work well with the smooth, laidback vibe of the production on most of the album. And it's this production that really stands out on WILDLIF3. Factor supplies a steady stream of smooth soul with only a few attempts to up the tempo. Highlights include "The Truth," which appears custom-made for guest rapper Shad, the groovier "Catalina Wine Mixer" with Kay the Aquanaut, the production a nice mix of wood blocks, guitars and a western gunfight whistle, and "Where Did We Go Wrong," with Merkules and Evil Ebenezer, whose uptempo beat is a likely contender for commercial radio play. While Def3 isn't breaking any new ground with WILDLIF3, it does demonstrate his quality and consistency.
LEAVE IN TACT Taking two of the most tireless acts away from their passports has yielded an album and stage show fit to clobber any unsuspecting rap lover. Fresh Kils is a "producer/DJ/sample magician...involved with two of the 5 most written about rap albums in Canada", according to Allya Kanani at Imprint Show Review.PremRock is no slouch either: "The hirsute and hooded rapper casts himself in a very short but worthy lineage...of rhymers artfully influenced by Aesop Rock" says Jeff Weiss of Pitchfork/LA Weekly. Thousands of words have been spilled on the technical prowess of Toronto producer Fresh Kils and his assault on the MPC, while New York emcee PremRock has written thousands more crisscrossing the globe studying Tom Waits and Ernest Hemingway. After three tours, countless studio sessions in Toronto, and numerous jaunts spiked by booze in back alley shakedowns, PremRock and Fresh Kilshave officially linked up on record and on the road to milk their notoriety for all it's worth.
LESS IS MORE (LO-DEFINITION) Canada-based hip-hop producer Elaquent returns with an 18 track release titled Less is More (Lo Definition) on December 4th, 2015; available now on URBNET with early streaming for 3 tracks. This 18 track release is available on cassette with exclusive bonus track Look In Her Eye -- and digital download. "I've put out many albums. My sound has evolved quite a bit over the years. More layers, more complexity, more structure, more synths, more experimentation... but sometimes the beauty is all in its simplicity. I always liked to say in the past and still say it today: perfect is boring. Human beings are flawed. So let's embrace it. Less is more." - Elaquent
The long-running #URBNET branded Underground Hip-Hop compilation series returns in 2016 with Volume 9. This fourteen track collection features new music from EVIL EBENEZER, Moka Only, Elaquent, Myka 9 + Factor Chandelier as well as tracks from Animal Nation (Mike Animal-Nation Armitage/ Garnet Animal-Nation Clare), Bless Platinumberg, Philly Moves, Swamp Thing, Fortunato Tacchini and more of your favourite underground hip hop artists from the URBNET roster. Only $7 Digital/ $10CD. Get your copy at urbnet.com/ughh
In 2012 I was called to produce a track for Craig G so i went to the studio with DVINE1 and came up with "Originality" (Ramblings of an Angry Old Man - Soulspazm) After being told by J.Rocc & Evidence i need to produce my own album, i took the advice. While already in the studio with DVINE1 working on LexneveL records we came up with "Motherboard" which consists of live instruments, no samples (except for "Deadication") i've been working with DVINE1 since the days of live 4-trk tapes, LBCC recording studios to the now "Motherboard".
Former Gang Starr Protege, Montreal's Bless returns with his new album entitled 'Spoils of War'. The project features collaborations with New York heavy hitters Vado, Fred the Godson, and Statik Selectah as well as production from Mano Soundmachine. The first single/video 25th hour shot on location in NYC, features Bless and Bronx native Fred The Godson exchanging punch line after punch line and clever wordplay over melodic horns and hard hitting beats. 'Spoils of War' stands out from beginning to end, with street anthems such as "Luxury Rap" & "Huge Star" and more introspective tracks like "Feel this Pain" and "paid the price" not to mention banging production and meticulous delivery throughout.
Infinite follows 2011's Bill Murray EP, which won the Western Canadian Music Award for Hip-Hop Album of the Year and raised their profile beyond their grassroots following. The new LP contains a range of vibes and sounds, combining old-school hip-hop sounds with futuristic, electro headbangers, not to mention some ballads and spoken word interludes. It accomplishes the tricky task of reflecting the outfit's individual tastes, as they inform SSU's collective vision. The group is prolific and moves quickly but, as of this moment, Infinite currently stands as the most eclectic record in the Sweatshop Union catalogue. "People are gonna feel many different ways about this record, and that's the point: it forces the listener to recognize that Sweatshop Union can not be easily categorized or predicted," Eisley says. "I hope sincerely that people can tell that we had a lot of fun putting together all this music, and that there are many more layers left to explore."
In 2010, Pigeon Hole released their critically acclaimed debut LP, Age Like Astronauts. Using the MPC 2000, they pieced together a mix of samples, analogue synths, live instruments, and sharp lyricism - their debut outing spoke to listeners from the opening note to its final fade out. The audio translated to the stage, sending Pigeon Hole on a ruthless touring schedule, annihilating audiences across North America. Along with Sweatshop Union their energetic live show invaded the festival circuit, notably Shambhala, Rifflandia, as well as the world-renowned SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas. Chimpblood, the groups second offering, delivers a sound so powerful it's impossible to ignore. Trading in their original blueprint for a heavier bass-driven electronic sound, Pigeon Hole attack with all new artillery. Chimpblood thrashes over a foundation of grimey synths, sampled and chopped over machine gun drum programming, 808s, and massive bass. An epic hybrid of music that will make you feel like you can levitate.
MOKA ONLY, MR.BRADY, LMNO. PRODUCED BY JULES CHAZ "What happens when three veteran power houses LMNO from the mighty Visionaries crew, Moka Only with over 50 albums deep in the game, and musical work horse Mr Brady's rawness let loose over madman producer extraordinaireJules Chaz beats? You get the eagerly awaited project Spacesuits. Spacesuits came to light when Moka Only introduced Jules Chaz to Mr Brady a few years back via internet. Jules Chaz sent Mr Brady about 30 beats that He sat on trying to figure out what to do to them. "They were so raw, genius, and out of this world I wanted to approach them right," Mr Brady said. One day LMNO came to record at Mr Brady's studio, and he let him hear the beats. He flipped out and they immediately knocked out a couple of tracks that same day. After listening to them, they hit up Moka Only to do a feature for one of the tracks. The three of them sounded so good together, and they have so much history together from Battle Axe records in the past, it only made sense to asked Moka if he would be down to record the whole album with them. After all, Moka Only was the one to introduce them to Jules Chaz, so it made perfect sense. After listen to a few songs, and how out of this world they sounded, the name and the project Spacesuits took flight. There effortless cohesiveness is evident with Spacesuits. They bounce off one another, and jump in and verses like the veterans they are. Spacesuits shows their versatility and ability to adapt to Jules Chaz Zany production. With Spacesuits, Not only will you get raw lyrics and beats like the songs Speedy, and _meteor, but you will also get stories with songs like heist and _chicks, as well as a array of spaced out joints and interludes. So grab your moon boots and get ready for lift off because Spacesuits is ready to take off!"
Greetings! I'm Kareem Serene, otherwise known as, your Moka Only. I'm still in this with the Martian. Can't believe I've been doing this annually since 2004! Speaking of those earlier times, we at URBNET are finally releasing Martian XMAS 2005, since it never saw the light of day back then-but that's another story! For this year's edition, I went hard. I recorded many many new tracks from late October right up until the first week of December. Hence, we are a bit behind schedule. Had invited some guests for this project, mainly Jon Rogers, from Torchlight Commission, but encountered some technical difficulties that prevented his appearance. Best believe we've got more music coming soon together. Torchlight Commission is the crew! Shouts to A-ro, Illa-J, Potatohead People, Mr. Brady, Lmno, Jeff Spec, Ishkan, Midflite, Eli Muro, Nomad, JuneTen, and Tanya Morgan. More Commission stuff on the way, universe willing. I hope you love the vibes on this album. I definitely felt I was in throwback mode daydreaming of my time in the early 90s as well as the early 2000s. The places we travelled physically and spiritually always resurface and shape our present and future. I've really enjoyed having you torcharoons along for the ride and can't thank you enough for the support. Rodway and URBNET: you guys have had my back since Vermillion in 2005, and I am really grateful for you giving me the creative control and sticking with me even through the low times. I hope everybody has a blessed winter, stays warm and keeps industrious at whatever pursuit they are involved in... and remember: don't take this album out of rotation once December is done. This series was always intended for the whole duration of the winter and beyond. Lookout in the near future for the unreleased NOWFOLK album "Magnesium Opium with Ishkan". That will be a real treat. Merry Martian Xmas to you all, and a Happy New Year!! I'm still coming on the world... and it feels good. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. #93
In 2010, world famous Visionaries crew member LMNO accomplished an amazing feat -- he released ten albums in one year; with the likes of producers DJ Babu of the Beat Junkies, Kev Brown and more. One of the ten albums was produced by the veteran producer/emcee, Mr Brady. LMNO and Mr Brady's album received rave reviews and prompted fans to blog about how well the two sounded together. The positive response inspired these two workhorses to feature one another on each other's albums, ever since. Fast forward to 2015, LMNO & Mr Brady are back with a new full-length album titled, 25/8. Between the two of them, LMNO & Mr Brady have released at least 40 albums or more, hence the title of the album, 25/8. Instead of having 24/7 hours/days in a week, LMNO & Mr Brady put in so much work they need 25/8 for all the overtime they put in the studio and tours they have done. For this gritty heartfelt album, young up-and-coming producer Asethic from Brooklyn, New York, provides all the beats and the perfect landscape for these two seasoned emcees to paint vivid, truthful pictures with their words. 25/8 is an effortlessly cohesive album and possibly the best work LMNO & Mr Brady have ever done together. When Asethic reached out to LMNO and sent him a batch of beats, he asked Mr Brady to come record him on the track "Rearrange", which turned out to be their first single. What was supposed to be a feature turned into a collaborative full-length album within a matter of a few months. The process for this album entailed producer Asethic sending beats, then LMNO & Mr Brady would pick one and write to it on the spot and promptly record it. "It was a very natural process," Mr Brady said. LMNO added, "Nothing was rushed, everything happened the way it was supposed to and it is evident when you hear the album." So put on your headphones, or turn it up in your car, and enjoy this grimy journey called -- 25/8!
Mr Brady is sharper than he has ever been. With his new album Timing is Everything, it's evident why he's been in the game and remained relevant all these years. Not only did he handle all the rhyme duties on every track, he also produced and mixed it all himself. The soulful hard hitting album features Blu, The Grouch, Exile and more. With his passion, drive and love for the music, it's safe to say, Mr Brady is here to stay!"
URBNET is pleased to announce the release of Viejo Amigo, the new acoustic EP from Toronto based duo, Philly Moves. Viejo Amigo is filled with melodious and guitar rich tracks -- hip hop lullabies for the proletariat and all half-broken-hearts. Viejo Amigo will be available on limited edition CD and digital download; with support from the Ontario Music Fund. Every purchase of Viejo Amigofrom URBNET comes with a bonus: behind-the-scenes footage and an exclusive interview video. This March 10, 2015, pick up Viejo Amigo from the URBNET shop and hear why Philly Moves have been captivating listeners -- with their warm sincere energy and wistful toughness.
Hailing from the Nation's Capital and now based in Toronto, Canada, Philly Moves is an independent MC/Producer hip-hop duo - one of the country's top emerging acts. Using both sample based and original production methods, producer Rockwell crafts complex soundscapes that straddle the line between organic and experimental perfectly, providing a rich canvas for MC Tragic's compelling songwriting and charismatic flow. Live, their set is high energy and heavy on intimacy; Rockwell switching back and forth seamlessly from live beat making on the MPC to playing acoustic guitar and crooning while Tragic controls the crowd with a commanding stage presence. Truly a collaborative effort, Philly Moves distinctive style combines the tastes and experiences of both men, their personal and artistic chemistry evident both on stage and on wax. Philly Moves has spent almost a full year working on an entirely new project. "Olga", a more mature look and sound for the pair, is available now through URBNET both digitally and on vinyl. Look out for them coming through your city this fall and stay tuned for their next music video!
1AM IN MONTREAL Andrew Conroy is a Vancouver-based songwriter, musician and producer. He is a versatile, multi-instrumentalist who has performed all over North America, including the famed Viper Room in Hollywood, and as far south as Bucerias, Mexico. For the past 8 years, Conroy has dedicated his time to producing, engineering and writing songs. His debut album, 1AM in Montreal, is a 7-track pop exploration of modern love. Conroy laments the isolation that comes with so much closeness, the irony of high-density urban living combined with high-volume internet-dating. The album was inspired by a "cold December night in Montreal that involved a depressing strip club, a nameless beautiful girl from McGill University, and my friend getting hustled out of a hundred bucks.
A GREAT IMPRESSION OF A CHARMING YOUNG GENTLEMAN Animal Nations raps about everything from lasagna to cocaine found in hotel bibles. Their music is upbeat and more than likely drug-induced. Lyrics about cigarettes and chocolate milk, releasing albums on 420 - -totally their style, in particular when collaborating with Saskatoon band Sly Business on a beauty of an album they made together, titled "Don't Grow Up To Be Like Us".
In 2007, I walked into a basement that would change my art forever. I realize that sentence is super dramatic, and equally as rape-y, but it's the only way I can describe it. It was dark. Small. Low ceilings. Filled with cigarette smoke. I sat down on the couch, while Norman Krates [The Arkeologists] prepped his MPC2000 for our first session. I ate a submarine sandwich. He rolled a joint. I swallowed a Percocet. He chopped up a sample. And I began writing what would become Kneecaps. A song, along with Laundry Room, that would make critics and music listeners look past the court jester of an artist I once was. A song that would literally change my life. In 2013, I returned to the same basement to conduct an interview with Norman for a special 5 year anniversary release of my debut record, The B.O.O.K. While listening to him reminisce, I began having flashbacks of those sessions. I felt like 2007 again. A few days later I went back to hang out. Hanging out would result in Norm playing me beats. Which would result in me writing The Reunion Tour. We sat and listened to that song for an hour straight. It was 2007 again. We decided to keep going till we hit ten songs. All raw. All songs recorded on a $200 8-track in one day. All first takes. Embrace the imperfections. No promotion. Keep it basement.
SHIFT will be turning point in the way we absorb our music and will be free for the music lovers! Music and most entertainment will be SHIFTing into way of being consumed. With our growing demand for phone and now cloud storage,downloading isn't the popular thing anymore and paying for music has been out of style since 2001. Don't worry on The #Shift EP is here! A gritty/eclectic look through the eyes of Friday's car window. Big Tweeze provides the sonic theme to more #NiteTimeDrivingMusic Classic Hip Hop mixed with new age lyrical Trap Music and R&B/Soul. Shift has guest appearances from Frankie Payne, Geneva with stellar performances. As well as our new generation's talents T Gramz and Deanna Jade. Stream it First on my YouTube Channel Friday Ricky Dred and please Subscribe for a chance to win a $100 iTunes Gift Card. Available on Spotify, Apple Music and all Streaming platforms and/or DONATE whatever you want and DOWNLOAD a copy from Urbnet Records Bandcamp 90% of download sales proceeds go to Alzheimer Foundation Canada Let's Shift into the future together!
This album should be played on the late night while driving for best results. Insomniacs unite! Nocturnal is a collection of sleepless nights and the things I see through my windshield in these Toronto Streets. The Highs & Lows that I feel in my Cold heart while I'm gripping my Woodgrain steering wheel. I am a Child of the Night looking to make Changes! Sometimes I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders and Nocturnal is a very important project for me to introduce myself to the world as well as reintroduce myself to my cities.
Evil Ebenezer's newest LP "All That's left" takes you directly into his world of moody imagery and catchy song writing while still keeping a raw look at the world. The album features Merkules (SDK, Steathbomb) Kirby Dominant (Paranoid Castle, Fake For Inc.) and Freestyle Fellowship emcee Myka 9. Produced entirely by Factor Chandelier, the album is full of lush sound scapes filled with nostalgia, hope, loss and pain. Evil Ebenezer reaches new levels of emotional depth, musicality and song structure on this release. "All That's Left" is a harsh look into reality yet still hopeful for the future "There's gotta be something out there for me". Released on Urbnet September 2015
Animal Nation is a hip hop duo from Whistler, BC -- one part Tall Man Clare, one part Mike Armadillo Slim Armitage. After 8 years as a band and over 200 shows in the past year alone, Animal Nation is releasing It's Good to Be Us, a 12 song album over 2 years in the making. URBNET is pleased to announce this release which was inspired Animal Nation's full life and acts they have preformed with, like De la Soul and Tech N9ne. It's Good to Be Us features double-time rapping and samples of everything from classic 70s drum breaks to Scooby-doo bongos and even Jennifer Aniston in Southpark. Animal Nation dug and dug for this album, until they found the perfect samples and bass-lines -- when they weren't busy driving 2 hours to the closet music store to replace another broken E string. All of their blood, sweat and partying paid off, cause It's Good to Be Us is definitely Animal Nation's dopest record yet! " Making this album was both fun and painful. Which is luckily what we are into. We were on the road for more than half the year ... eating 2 small meals a day and getting 4 hours sleep a night ... great way to age 10 years in less than 3. Best part of it all was living the stories in the songs on this album. Traveling, to Hollywood, reliving our childhood and teen years, coming to terms with bad things and being reassured by friends and loved ones." - Tall Man Clare
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