The Message Blog: Keelay and Zaire - Prelude to Drive EP x EPK

Review - Statik Selektah - 100 Proof (The Hangover)

Posted by Wally $ean On February 10, 2010

For the past three years, Massachusetts producer and DJ Statik Selektah has had the underground hip-hop scene firmly under his thumb. With a barrage of mixtapes, guest productions and a nearly annual onslaught of album releases, Statik has managed to transform his little Showoff Records imprint into a burgeoning success, helping to propel emcees like Reks and Termanology into the spotlight. Now, Mr. Spell My Name Right is back with his third studio album 100 Proof (The Hangover).

Review - Stone Arm Steady - In Search of Stoney Jackson

Posted by Wally $ean On January 25, 2010

While former Death Row reps were bemoaning the state of California hip-hop, a handful of independent-minded lyricists established a new age empire that has since defined the left coast soundscape. And although they have gotten far less shine then some of their brethren, the three man collective Strong Arm Steady's contribution to this movement is no less important. Now, Krondon, Phil Da Agony and Mitchy Slick have teamed up with California's premiere independent beatsmith Madlib for In Search of Stoney Jackson.

Review - The Clipse - Til the Casket Drops

Posted by Wally $ean On January 23, 2010

The Clipse have perhaps one of the most spotless track records in Hip-Hop. Between the flawless albums (excluding the unreleased Exclusive Audio Footage, of course) and bar-setting mixtapes, the brothers Thorton have carved a niche for themselves as two of the most lyrical emcees in recent times. Sadly, though, three times isn't the charm for Malice and Pusha T, as their latest effort Til the Casket Drops is D.O.A., save for a few glimpses of lyrical brilliance.

Review - M.O.P. - Foundation

Posted by Wally $ean On October 1, 2009

Arguably the most hardcore of all hip-hop artists to grace the scene, M.O.P., individually known as Billy Danze and Lil’ Fame aka Fizzy Womack, have secured an incredibly devoted fan base with their raucous, no holds-barred music. Despite the Brownsville duo’s numerous label setbacks, courtesy of Roc-a-Fella and G-Unit Records, fans still remain to the foundation. Now, after nine years since their last proper studio album Warriorz in 2000, the Mash-Out Posse has returned with their latest studio album Foundation.

Review - Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...II

Posted by Wally $ean On September 20, 2009

It's been five long years since Raekwon announced his plans to release the sequel to his masterpiece debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995. And with two previous duds under his belt, Immobilarity and The Lex Diamond Story, it seemed like CL II was going to follow suit, if at all...[yet] Cuban Linx II is an album perfectly matched for the current state of Hip-Hop. Rae middles between the old school vibes of the 5 year plan era Wu-Tang and the harder edge music of the present...Break out the blue and cream Clark's, it's time for Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Vol. 2.

Keelay and Zaire - Prelude to Drive EP x EPK

Posted by Wally $ean On Monday, June 29, 2009

Here is a video EPK of Keelay and Zaire. Also, I've included their Prelude to Drive EP from awhile back. I'm sure if I had ever posted it before now. Anyway, here's a little explanation about the EPK:

There's no question you've heard the music. Now, find out more about the producers behind the music as Keelay and Zaire, the bi-coastal production duo, give the world a closer, more personal look in their new EPK. Live performances, press clippings, and studio footage abound as highlights of the two producers quickly bring viewers up to date on how they met and the story behind their music, including the concept and inspiration behind their latest release, the critically acclaimed Ridin High. These are two young producers very aware of their music, and with the depth and foresight displayed in this new EPK, it becomes clear Keelay and Zaire are two names you'll be hearing about for a long time. Ridin High is available now via MYX Music Label.