New Joint – Bruse Wane / Sean Price / Chris Rivers

Bruse Wane ft. Sean Price & Chris Rivers – “Venom” (@BruseWane  / 2016)

Taken from the Gotham City rhyme-fighter’s album “The Earl Manigault Of Rap”.

New Joint – Innocent?

Innocent? – “The Storm” (@InnocentFlow13 / 2016)

The Rotten Apple rhymer drops this Stan Da Man-produced Sean P tribute whilst preparing to release his collabo album with the BK legend “The Price Of Innocence”.

New Joint – Illa Ghee

Illa Ghee – “Slum” (@IllaGhee2K / 2016)

The NY emcee pays tribute to the mighty Sean Price on the one-year anniversary of the Brooklyn legend’s tragic passing.

New Joint – Ras Kass / General Steele / Sean Price

Ras Kass ft. General Steele & Sean Price – “PayPal The Feature” (@RasKass / 2016)

West Coast wordsmith Ras Kass gives a nod of respect to the late, great Sean P with these Last American B-Boy-directed visuals from his forthcoming album “Intellectual Property: SOI2”.

New Joint – Royal Flush / Sean Price

Royal Flush ft. Sean Price – “Beasting” (@RealRoyalFlush / 2016)

Taken from the veteran Queens, NY emcee’s 2014 album “Grand Capo” produced by Switzerland’s Grand Papa Tra.

New Joint – Sean Price / Illa Ghee / Royal Flush

Sean Price ft. Illa Ghee & Royal Flush – “Soul Perfect” (@SeanPrice / 2016)

Sean P’s wife and daughter mark the birthday of the late, great emcee with the release of this video off “Songs In The Key Of Price”.

New Joint – Truth / Sean Price

Truth ft. Sean Price – “New Type Of Something” (@IllAdrenaline / 2016)

Produced by JK1 The Supernova.

New Joint – Agallah / Sean Price / Ike Eyes

Agallah ft. Sean Price & Ike Eyes – “Brooklyn Emcee Murderers” (@AgallahFaro / 2016)

Rugged Rotten Apple ish straight outta Crooklyn.

New Joint – Demograffics / Sean Price

Demograffics ft. Sean Price – “Bavarias Most Blunted” (@Demograffics.BandCamp.Com / 2016)

Taken from the German duo’s 2015 album “GLUE”.

New Joint – Truth / Sean Price

Truth ft. Sean Price – “New Type Of Something” (@IllAdrenaline / 2016)

Lead single off the Queens, NY emcee’s forthcoming “From Ashes To Kingdom Come” album, featuring PF Cuttin, OC, Psycho Les and more.

100 Best Albums & EPs Of 2015 (Part Five) – Life MC / Ghostface Killah / People Under The Stairs etc.

Check Part One, Part Two, Part Three & Part Four.

LEX – “Break The Pattern” (LEXOfSinistahCircle.BandCamp.Com) – Frantic and fast-paced, this fourteen-track EP (yes, fourteen tracks!) found the Queens, NY emcee delivering short, sharp displays of lyrical dexterity over bursts of dusty breakbeats. Raw, rugged and fuelled by the essence of old-school Rotten Apple park jams, “Break The Pattern” showcased LEX as an artist who is as passionate about respecting the culture of Hip-Hop as he is about  knocking out his competition.

Equipto & Otayo Dubb – “Baby Steps” (Solidarity Records) – The West Coast has always had a rich, creative underground scene and this collaborative effort from Bored Stiff’s Equipto and fellow Cali representative Otayo Dubb is a worthy addition to a musical timeline that includes the likes of Freestyle Fellowship, Likwit Crew and Hieroglyphics. Poignant life observations and verbal showmanship were combined here with expert precision, resulting in an album that was as sincere and earnest as it was entertaining.

Thaione Davis – “Donald Mayhem – Skywritters” (ThaioneDavis.Com) – Taking on the character of Donald Mayhem for this captivating self-produced concept album, veteran Chicago lyricist Thaione Davis blended street-savvy bravado with an insightful social conscience as he took listeners on a guided tour through the Windy City.

Life MC & Badhabitz – “Deep In The Trenches” (SplitProphets.BandCamp.Com) – Longstanding UK lyricist Life proved once again why he’s considered one of the most consistent emcees to have emerged from British shores with this uncompromising release produced by Split Prophets’ Badhabitz. Accompanied by a sample-driven selection of radio-unfriendly beats, Life flexed his trademark punchline-heavy flow with the type of confidence that only worldly experience can bring, covering topics such as Hip-Hop stereotypes, misguided celebrity worship and institutional racism.

Daniel Son – “Moonshine Chemist” (CrateDivizion.BandCamp) – Toronto’s Daniel Son teamed-up with the Crate Divizion production squad to spit vivid, action-packed rhymes over quality, sample-laced beats from Giallo Point, Vic Grimes and Kurse.

Figub Brazlevic & Teknical Development – “The Everyday Headnod” (Vinyl Digital) – This joint effort from Berlin producer Figub and London lyricist Tek was easily one of the most well-crafted releases of 2015. Combining jazzy, full-bodied boom-bap with intricate, intelligent verses, the two Man Of Booom members delivered an album with real creative depth that was both life-affirming and speaker-rocking.

DJ Pressure Presents The Old Boys Club – “Revival Of The Real” (DJPressure.BandCamp.Com) – Manchester, England’s DJ Pressure pulled together a huge global collective of true-school representatives for this epic compilation project. Featuring appearances from Chuck D, Ruste Juxx, Da Buze Bruvaz’ CleverOne and more, this project truly lived up to its title by delivering a hard-hitting collection of beats and rhymes from individuals totally disinterested in pandering to mainstream trends.

R.A.W. (Problemz & DJ Skizz) – “Right Amount Of Wrong” (Soulspazm) – Having been a fan of Brooklyn’s Problemz since his 90s work with the likes of DJ Honda, Al’ Tariq and Black Attack, it was a real pleasure to hear the NY emcee sounding like he hadn’t missed a beat on this dope EP, lacing the moody production of DJ Skizz with a barrage of gritty BK wordplay that was both hardcore and refined.

Adrian Younge & Ghostface Killah – “12 Reasons To Die II” (Linear Labs) – Although sequels are often known for not living up to the impact of their predecessors, this follow-up to West Coast music man Younge’s 2014 collaboration with the mighty Toney Starks actually improved on the formula of the original “12 Reasons…”. Set in 1970s New York and based around a crime-riddled cinematic plot, “…To Die II” found the Wu warrior once again attacking an impeccable selection of live, analog soundscapes with his detailed story-telling skills.

Denmark Vessey – “Martin Lucid Dream” (Rappers I Know) – Displaying a brilliant artistic mind, Detroit-raised Vessey mixed a gritty, realistic worldview with an eloquent delivery and the thump of soulfully distorted production on this eight-track masterpiece. Featuring appearances from Guilty Simpson, Tanya Morgan and Black Milk, there was a genuinely timeless appeal to this EP which was both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Aim & QNC – “The Habit Of A Lifetime (And How To Kick It)” (Atic Records) – Veteran UK producer Aim and NY duo Q-Ball & Curt Cazal built on a longstanding sonic chemistry that dates back to the 90s with this long-awaited project. With both Aim and JVC Force member Cazal sharing production duties, Q-Ball had plenty of sample-based flavour to take advantage of, with both a Grand Puba collaboration and a dope Guru tribute ensuring this album’s true-school value was through the roof.

People Under The Stairs – “The Gettin’ Off Stage, Step 1” (Piecelock70) – At this stage in their career, West Coast natives People Under The Stairs surely deserve to be classed as one of Hip-Hop’s greatest ever duos. Having remained consistent in terms of both quality and quantity since their late-90s debut, Thes One and Double K’s already-extensive discography was further expanded with the release of this quality EP. Packed with more of the feel-good funk the pair have become known for, this project proved that, almost twenty years since they first dropped on wax, the pair still sound as fresh and enthusiastic as ever.

Public Enemy – “Man Plans God Laughs” (SpitDigital) – After Melle Mel in his 1980s prime, Chuck D ranks as arguably the most authoritative voice in Hip-Hop of all-time. Showing no signs of letting-up their attack on the establishment almost thirty years after Public Enemy’s Def Jam debut, the legendary group returned in 2015 with yet another dose of potent edutainment, proving that Strong Island’s self-proclaimed rhyme animal still isn’t ready to be caged.

Conway – “Reject 2…” (Griselda Records) – Hailing from the home of late, great funk-rock legend Rick James, Buffalo, NY’s Conway delivered his own collection of street songs on this captivating Daringer-produced project. Joined by WestsideGunn, Roc Marciano and Skyzoo, the East Coast wordsmith wove nimble-yet-grimy verses around moody, hypnotic soundscapes, resulting in a gripping listening experience.

Illinformed – “The Mould Tape” (Real Life Drama Records) – Whilst this album contained a lengthy list of talented UK emcees, including Leaf Dog, Sonnyjim and Verb T, it was music man Illinformed’s impeccable work behind the boards that really elevated the project above being simply just another producer-based release. Heavy drums, obscure samples and dense b-lines were the order of the day here, ensuring that, regardless of its title, “The Mould Tape” was anything but past its sell by date.

Hus Kingpin & SmooVth – “Splash Bros” (Splash Bros) – The Hempstead, NY homeboys showcased their undeniable rhyming chemistry on this effortlessly dope EP. Backed by a selection of mellow, melodic soundscapes from the likes of Audible Doctor, J57 and Twiz The Beat Pro, the duo shot straight three-pointers throughout this release, with SmooVth’s sharp barbs and Kingpin’s more ominous flow creating a captivating combination which demonstrated why they’re considered two of the best emcees to have emerged from the East Coast in recent years.

Dell-P – “A New Beginning” (WhoMag Distribution) – Clearly an emcee with something of substance to say, Philly’s Dell-P packed this lengthy album with plenty of food for thought, touching on a variety of social issues with both maturity and insight. Yet to simply label this Illadelph lyricist as a ‘conscious’ artist would be too easy, with this project proving Peezie to be a truly well-rounded artist, grounded in the traditions of Hip-Hop culture and bringing something genuine to the game.

OC From NC – “Higher Learning” (OCFromNC.BandCamp.Com) – Bringing his own brand of street knowledge to the forefront on this soulful-yet-rugged album, North Carolina’s OC rhymed like a man with real purpose here, grabbing the listener’s attention with a mix of authority, intelligence and wit. Personal and passionate, “Higher Learning” was quality down-to-earth Hip-Hop that hit you in both the head and the heart.

Severed Tongue – “Gentle Katharsis” (Inner Peace Records) – A collaborative effort from UK emcees Elliot Fresh and Tang The Pilgrim, “Gentle Katharsis” was a melancholy, meditative listening experience, with the two lyricists delivering poignant self-reflection and absorbing wordplay over solid, and at times moody production from the likes of EarthOne, Said Zu and King Boyden.

Sean Price – “Songs In The Key Of Price” (Ruck Down Records) – Although this release was neither an official album or EP, as a nod of respect to the late, great Brooklyn emcee, it’s only right that the final mention in Old To The New’s best-of-2015 list goes to Sean P’s  “Songs In The Key Of Price”. Thirty-tracks deep and drenched in grimy New York attitude, this mixtape showcased everything that was brilliant about the Heltah Skeltah member’s unapologetically hardcore approach to his craft. RIP Sean Price!

 

New Joint – Rockness

Rockness – “Da Streets Want Blood (Sean Price Tribute)” (@_Rockness_ / 2015)

The Heltah Skeltah emcee shows love to his fallen brother-from-another-mother with this track off his forthcoming project “The Man, The Myth, The Monsta”.

New Joint – Ruste Juxx & Kyo Itachi / Rock / Vandyke Mike

Ruste Juxx & Kyo Itachi ft. Rock & Vandyke Mike – “Universal Sean” (ShinigamieRecords.BandCamp.Com / 2015)

The Brooklyn emcee pays tribute to the late, great Sean P on this heartfelt-yet-rugged track from his forthcoming Kyo Itachi-produced album “Meteorite”.

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/229120528params=color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=falsewidth=100%height=166iframe=true/

New Joint – DJ J Hart / Sean Price / Rim P

DJ J Hart ft. Sean Price & Rim P of Da Villins – “Barzini” (@iAMJHART / 2015)

Taken from the newly-released “Passport” EP, featuring J57, Inspectah Deck and Nutso.

New Joint – Marvelous Mag / Planet Asia

Marvelous Mag ft Planet Asia – “Leflaur Leflah Freestyle” (@MarvelousMagNY / 2015)

Taken from the NY-raised emcee’s forthcoming tribute mixtape “Ode To Sean Price” featuring Skyzoo, John Robinson, Guilty Simpson and more.

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/225949277params=color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=falsewidth=100%height=166iframe=true/

New Joint – Aim & QNC / Grand Puba / Sean Price

Aim & QNC ft. Grand Puba & Sean Price – “We Don’t Play” (@ATICRecords / 2015)

Taken from the album “The Habit Of A Lifetime (And How To Kick It)”, the long-awaited full-length collabo project from veteran UK producer Aim and Strong Island’s Q-Ball / Curt Cazal partnership.

New Joint – Agallah The Don

Agallah The Don – “T.R.O.P.” (They Reminisce Over P)” (@AgallahTheDon / 2015)

The Brooklyn-raised producer-on-the-mic offers a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, the mighty Sean Price.

New Joint – Sean Price / Illa Ghee

Sean Price ft. Illa Ghee – “Figure More” (@DuckDownMusic / 2015)

Creative visuals from the late, great Brooklyn emcee’s “Songs In The Key Of Price” project.

Sean Price Tribute – DJ Eclipse / DJ Premier / Torae etc.

Extended footage of the recent RapIsOuttaControl Sean Price tribute show, featuring DJ Eclipse, DJ Premier, Torae and more recalling their memories of the late Brooklyn emcee.

New Joint – DaVillins / Vic Spencer

DaVillins & Vic Spencer – “Ike Eyes” (@DaVillins / 2015)

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/220198226params=color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=falsewidth=100%height=166iframe=true/

The close friends of Sean Price deliver heartfelt rhymes in memory of the Brooklyn favourite.