Get tickets here
LMNO's "10 Pack" coming 10/10/10
Thursday, August 26, 2010
LMNO at The Airliner (Urban Underground) September 3, 2010
LMNO of the Visionaries will be performing at The Airliner for the Urban Underground weekly event on Friday, September 3rd, 2010. If you haven't been to an Urban Underground event, you're missing out on some great hip-hop, and with LMNO releasing 10 albums this year (7 already out), you know his set is going to be INSANE!
Get tickets here
LMNO's "10 Pack" coming 10/10/10
Get tickets here
LMNO's "10 Pack" coming 10/10/10
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Record Review: LMNO - Tripping On This Journey
Bloggerhouse.net album review for LMNO's latest, Tripping On This Journey:
First things first, this has gotta’ be some kind of world record, LMNO’s “Tripping On This Journey” (which actually dropped on Tuesday, the 10th) marks Leave My Name Out’s 7th (!) full-length album of 2010. Of course, you’ll probably recall how we raved about LMNO last LP, his collaborative effort with Mr. Brady (Deep Rooted), “Banger Management”, but at some point you would have to think that LMNO would deplete his rhyme pool. Not the case my good friend. As with each album that arrived prior to “Tripping On This Journey” they (the albums) all battle with each other for LMNO’s top outing of the year. Really though, if you extracted 12-15 cuts from all LMNO’s albums that have dropped in 2010 and combined them into one final product, it would be very possible that you’d have an album that would contend for album of the year honors. Yet, what’s most awe-inspiring with each of LMNO’s collaborative LPs with the likes of the aforementioned Mr. Brady, Dert, Theory Hazit, etc., is that none of them have lacked “chemistry” or sound “rushed” or “forced” in the least bit, and that my friend, is a difficult chore to complete in this day and age. However, you’ve gotta’ give LMNO his props for his unmatched work ethic and flexibility when collaborating with all the different production personas.
Honestly, as much as I loved “Banger Management” (for one, being such a huge Deep Rooted fan), I was even more amped to review “Tripping..” when I discovered that the producer whom would be paired with LMNO on this album would be the man responsible for my 2nd favorite cut of 2008. Hailing from Paris, France, my first introduction to the newest member of the Asideworldwide roster Astronote, was indeed via his production for for Now On’s “All You Ever Knew” (from their highly underrated LP, “Tomorrow Already”). I mean, “All You Ever Knew” isn’t just a track that was cool two years ago, I still probably play that track at the very minimum, every other day of the week. I’ve even read where fellow labelmate Buff-1 stated that “All You Ever Knew” is his favorite track of ALL-TIME! However, this is 2010, not 2008 and we’re talkin’ about “Tripping On This Journey”, not “Tomorrow Already”. Having already lent his production talents to the likes of Donwill, Talib Kweli, Buff1, Donwill, Joell Ortiz, Guilty Simpson and Mayer Hawthorne, Astronote is soon to be a household name with his performance on “Tripping..”.
As solid as LMNO has been ‘year ’round lyrically, it’s definitely a positive when you have a musical canvas courtesy of Astronote to rock over for 12 tracks. I can’t even front, this may very well be an LMNO “album” per se, as well as being released (as have all of LMNO’s LPs this year) on the Up Above imprint, yet Astronote’s star shines brighest on “Tripping..”. Don’t get it twisted, I’m not speaking in DJ Premier/Group Home terms, but rather Pete Rock/CL Smooth terms, if you feel me?
The album features what is quite possibly the best “opening” track that I’ve had the pleasure of listening to all year. The appropriately titled, “Opening Statement” which not only finds LMNO at his lyrical apex, but the Astronote production is jaw-dropping. With enough “build-up” to achieve the maximum adrenaline rush, “Opening Statement” is truly on some “Rocky entering the ring” type ‘ish, as this track has suited me quite well for my early morning workouts this week. The album’s first leak “Hard To Do” served as the perfect introduction to the LP, as the nice sample selection suits well with LMNO’s “in your face” verbal attack. My second favorite cut from the LP, “Face To Face” features a neck-jerking backdrop from Astro that incorporates elements of Funk and Electronica yet still has that “knock factor” to keep it street. Trust me, if you love the LabTechs and 14KT, Astronote is right up your alley.
Even though the album tails slighly off near it’s completion, I’d have no qualms what so ever stating that “Tripping On This Journey” would be a valid purchase for your CD/LP collection. With no features, yet again, LMNO has proved that he has an amazing ear for production, as well as being one of Hip-Hop’s most dedicated and open-minded emcees.
First things first, this has gotta’ be some kind of world record, LMNO’s “Tripping On This Journey” (which actually dropped on Tuesday, the 10th) marks Leave My Name Out’s 7th (!) full-length album of 2010. Of course, you’ll probably recall how we raved about LMNO last LP, his collaborative effort with Mr. Brady (Deep Rooted), “Banger Management”, but at some point you would have to think that LMNO would deplete his rhyme pool. Not the case my good friend. As with each album that arrived prior to “Tripping On This Journey” they (the albums) all battle with each other for LMNO’s top outing of the year. Really though, if you extracted 12-15 cuts from all LMNO’s albums that have dropped in 2010 and combined them into one final product, it would be very possible that you’d have an album that would contend for album of the year honors. Yet, what’s most awe-inspiring with each of LMNO’s collaborative LPs with the likes of the aforementioned Mr. Brady, Dert, Theory Hazit, etc., is that none of them have lacked “chemistry” or sound “rushed” or “forced” in the least bit, and that my friend, is a difficult chore to complete in this day and age. However, you’ve gotta’ give LMNO his props for his unmatched work ethic and flexibility when collaborating with all the different production personas.
Honestly, as much as I loved “Banger Management” (for one, being such a huge Deep Rooted fan), I was even more amped to review “Tripping..” when I discovered that the producer whom would be paired with LMNO on this album would be the man responsible for my 2nd favorite cut of 2008. Hailing from Paris, France, my first introduction to the newest member of the Asideworldwide roster Astronote, was indeed via his production for for Now On’s “All You Ever Knew” (from their highly underrated LP, “Tomorrow Already”). I mean, “All You Ever Knew” isn’t just a track that was cool two years ago, I still probably play that track at the very minimum, every other day of the week. I’ve even read where fellow labelmate Buff-1 stated that “All You Ever Knew” is his favorite track of ALL-TIME! However, this is 2010, not 2008 and we’re talkin’ about “Tripping On This Journey”, not “Tomorrow Already”. Having already lent his production talents to the likes of Donwill, Talib Kweli, Buff1, Donwill, Joell Ortiz, Guilty Simpson and Mayer Hawthorne, Astronote is soon to be a household name with his performance on “Tripping..”.
As solid as LMNO has been ‘year ’round lyrically, it’s definitely a positive when you have a musical canvas courtesy of Astronote to rock over for 12 tracks. I can’t even front, this may very well be an LMNO “album” per se, as well as being released (as have all of LMNO’s LPs this year) on the Up Above imprint, yet Astronote’s star shines brighest on “Tripping..”. Don’t get it twisted, I’m not speaking in DJ Premier/Group Home terms, but rather Pete Rock/CL Smooth terms, if you feel me?
The album features what is quite possibly the best “opening” track that I’ve had the pleasure of listening to all year. The appropriately titled, “Opening Statement” which not only finds LMNO at his lyrical apex, but the Astronote production is jaw-dropping. With enough “build-up” to achieve the maximum adrenaline rush, “Opening Statement” is truly on some “Rocky entering the ring” type ‘ish, as this track has suited me quite well for my early morning workouts this week. The album’s first leak “Hard To Do” served as the perfect introduction to the LP, as the nice sample selection suits well with LMNO’s “in your face” verbal attack. My second favorite cut from the LP, “Face To Face” features a neck-jerking backdrop from Astro that incorporates elements of Funk and Electronica yet still has that “knock factor” to keep it street. Trust me, if you love the LabTechs and 14KT, Astronote is right up your alley.
Even though the album tails slighly off near it’s completion, I’d have no qualms what so ever stating that “Tripping On This Journey” would be a valid purchase for your CD/LP collection. With no features, yet again, LMNO has proved that he has an amazing ear for production, as well as being one of Hip-Hop’s most dedicated and open-minded emcees.
2Mex, LMNO, Awol One, Busdriver & more - Live August 21st
2Mex, Awol One, LMNO, Busdriver and many more will be at Hollywood Park & Casino on Saturday, August 21st. Check the promo video!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
LMNO - Tripping On This Journey - Out Now
LMNO 7th full-length LP of 2010 "Tripping On This Journey" completely
produced by Astronote out now on Up Above Records.
iTunes: http://bit.ly/cNIoft
Amazon: http://amzn.to/bpZ3dz
http://www.upabove.com
http://twitter.com/upabovrecords
produced by Astronote out now on Up Above Records.
iTunes: http://bit.ly/cNIoft
Amazon: http://amzn.to/bpZ3dz
http://www.upabove.com
http://twitter.com/upabovrecords
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Record Review: LMNO - Tripping On This Journey
As I expected, the critics are loving the new LMNO album "Tripping On This Journey" (available 8/10) completely produced by Astronote. Peep the OC Weekly review below:
The Hype: Rhyming solo on the seventh installment of a 10-album project, Long Beach rapper LMNO emerges with another new album this year. And though it's been a long marathon so far, Tripping On This Journey (out Aug. 10 on Up Above Records) has him sprinting towards the finish line with sought-after French producer, Astronote. Working together and trading beats and lyrics off and on since 2006, the pair go at it again with inventive, intergalactic boom bap as a canvas for sharp-edged observational flowetry. Judging by the release of the album's lead single, "Hard To Do," we're anticipating very few stumbles on this 11-track trip.
The Judgement: Over the course of seven albums, we've seen LMNO try to synthesize his flows through a number of different producers while sharing bars with some very capable MCs. But listening to the impassioned, solo delivery of his new album, it's odd that his most diverse and inspired album thus far would be one without any guest features. Not to mention working with a producer who he's traded beats with (via Internet) for years.
If there's one thing that this album does prove, it's that when all else fails, write songs what you know. In this case, LMNO uses Astronote's searing, synth-laden psychedelic boom bap as a spray canvas for songs about fatherhood, maturing in the rap game and, of course, clearing the hip-hop scene of wack-MCs. But even though those are some bread and butter topics for LMNO, the way he delivers them--on songs like "The Gift" and "Hard To Do" (the album's lead single) are seeping with an honest and intense delivery that doesn't skimp on the production value for the sake of keeping things "underground."
With no guest rappers or forced cameos to cloud the focus on LMNO's distinct, hard-syllable staccato, songs like "Face to Face" allow him free reign to a construct complete and compelling song about the dangers of gangster glorification in hip-hop that clash with his experience as a real everyday hip-hop hustler with a back pack full of his records and a sturdy can-do attitude. Built on a hybrid of big beat production and shards of Eastern percussion and mysticism, the tracks of the album take LMNO's vivid observations on everyday subject matter and elevate them into something that will compel you to take stick with this voyage of self-discovery and stay satisfied for all 11 tracks.
The Grade: A
The Hype: Rhyming solo on the seventh installment of a 10-album project, Long Beach rapper LMNO emerges with another new album this year. And though it's been a long marathon so far, Tripping On This Journey (out Aug. 10 on Up Above Records) has him sprinting towards the finish line with sought-after French producer, Astronote. Working together and trading beats and lyrics off and on since 2006, the pair go at it again with inventive, intergalactic boom bap as a canvas for sharp-edged observational flowetry. Judging by the release of the album's lead single, "Hard To Do," we're anticipating very few stumbles on this 11-track trip.
The Judgement: Over the course of seven albums, we've seen LMNO try to synthesize his flows through a number of different producers while sharing bars with some very capable MCs. But listening to the impassioned, solo delivery of his new album, it's odd that his most diverse and inspired album thus far would be one without any guest features. Not to mention working with a producer who he's traded beats with (via Internet) for years.
If there's one thing that this album does prove, it's that when all else fails, write songs what you know. In this case, LMNO uses Astronote's searing, synth-laden psychedelic boom bap as a spray canvas for songs about fatherhood, maturing in the rap game and, of course, clearing the hip-hop scene of wack-MCs. But even though those are some bread and butter topics for LMNO, the way he delivers them--on songs like "The Gift" and "Hard To Do" (the album's lead single) are seeping with an honest and intense delivery that doesn't skimp on the production value for the sake of keeping things "underground."
With no guest rappers or forced cameos to cloud the focus on LMNO's distinct, hard-syllable staccato, songs like "Face to Face" allow him free reign to a construct complete and compelling song about the dangers of gangster glorification in hip-hop that clash with his experience as a real everyday hip-hop hustler with a back pack full of his records and a sturdy can-do attitude. Built on a hybrid of big beat production and shards of Eastern percussion and mysticism, the tracks of the album take LMNO's vivid observations on everyday subject matter and elevate them into something that will compel you to take stick with this voyage of self-discovery and stay satisfied for all 11 tracks.
The Grade: A
Video: DJ Rhettmatic at Primitive BBQ
DJ Rhettmatic (Beat Junkies/Visionaries) was the guest DJ at Primitive's BBQ this past weekend. Check the video as Rhett takes you back to school.
Astronote & DJ Graffiti - Bigger & Better (The Notorious Remixes) hosted by Talib Kweli
Astronote has been quietly killing the game for a few years now. In 2009, Astronote and DJ Graffiti made this remix album of some Notorious BIG hits. I know you're saying you've heard a million B.I.G. remix albums...but not like this!!!
The Astronote produced LMNO album "Tripping On This Journey" comes out next week on Up Above Records. This is THE album to get if you've been sleeping on LMNO.
Bigger & Better (The Notorious Remixes)
Originally released: 2009
All songs performed by Notorious BIG
All songs produced by Astronote
Mixed by DJ Graffiti
Hosted by Talib Kweli
FREE MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: CLICK HERE
01. Intro
02. Young G’s (ft. Talib Kweli)
03. N*gg*s (ft. Buff1)
04. Don’t Stop (ft. Big L)
05. Everyday Struggle (ft. Bahamadia)
06. Interlude #1
07. Party & Bullshit (ft. Erykah Badu)
08. Whatchu Want
09. Dangerous MCs (ft. Guilty Simpson & Busta Rhymes)
10. Let’s Get It On (ft. Heavy D, 2Pac & Grand Puba)
11. Dead Wrong
12. Interlude #2
13. I’m F*cking You Tonight
14. Come On (ft. Sadat X)
15. Crush On You (ft. Junior Mafia)
16. Victory (ft. Puff Daddy & Busta Rhymes)
17. Outro
18. Bonus: Don’t Stop Pt.2 (ft. Big L)
Free MP3: LMNO - Hard To Do
-Lead single off "Tripping On This Journey" out 8/10 produced by Astronote
The Astronote produced LMNO album "Tripping On This Journey" comes out next week on Up Above Records. This is THE album to get if you've been sleeping on LMNO.
Bigger & Better (The Notorious Remixes)
Originally released: 2009
All songs performed by Notorious BIG
All songs produced by Astronote
Mixed by DJ Graffiti
Hosted by Talib Kweli
FREE MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: CLICK HERE
01. Intro
02. Young G’s (ft. Talib Kweli)
03. N*gg*s (ft. Buff1)
04. Don’t Stop (ft. Big L)
05. Everyday Struggle (ft. Bahamadia)
06. Interlude #1
07. Party & Bullshit (ft. Erykah Badu)
08. Whatchu Want
09. Dangerous MCs (ft. Guilty Simpson & Busta Rhymes)
10. Let’s Get It On (ft. Heavy D, 2Pac & Grand Puba)
11. Dead Wrong
12. Interlude #2
13. I’m F*cking You Tonight
14. Come On (ft. Sadat X)
15. Crush On You (ft. Junior Mafia)
16. Victory (ft. Puff Daddy & Busta Rhymes)
17. Outro
18. Bonus: Don’t Stop Pt.2 (ft. Big L)
Free MP3: LMNO - Hard To Do
-Lead single off "Tripping On This Journey" out 8/10 produced by Astronote
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Music Video: LMNO & Mr. Brady - Banger Management
Moving forward with LMNO's 10 albums in 2010, we've dedicated ourselves to not only release a new LMNO album once a month, but to accompany that release with a visual - one music video per release.
Up Above Records is proud to present the music video for LMNO & Mr. Brady's title track "Banger Management"
LMNO & MR. BRADY
Banger Management
iTunes | Amazon
Up Above Records is proud to present the music video for LMNO & Mr. Brady's title track "Banger Management"
LMNO & MR. BRADY
Banger Management
iTunes | Amazon
Monday, August 2, 2010
Visionaries - Blessings (Live at Unity/Bigga B Tribute Show)
Here is the Visionaries performing their J.Rocc produced hit Blessings at a crazy packed house this past Friday for the Unity/Bigga B Tribute Show at El Cid in Los Angeles, CA.
What this video doesn't have is the actual feeling you get by being at a live Visionaries show. But I guess it'll have to do.
"A Video Will Never Replace A Live Show"
What this video doesn't have is the actual feeling you get by being at a live Visionaries show. But I guess it'll have to do.
"A Video Will Never Replace A Live Show"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)