KevinNottingham.com » First Listen

Raven Sorvino: Paper Girl [Album Stream]

Kevin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:32:12 +0000

Congratulations goes out to Raven Sorvino and her whole Language Artz click for today’s release of her debut album Paper Girl. It’s been an extremely long wait and the final version is so much different from the iteration I personally heard over a year ago. You can preview the album in full down below and if you dig, cop the joint over at iTunes.

Small Professor: Gigantic, Vol. 1 [Album Stream]

Kevin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:04:48 +0000

The City of Brotherly Love has given rise to its next great producer with Small Professor, who delivers his debut producer compilation, Gigantic, Vol. 1. The Philly-based beatsmith shows and proves why he is one of the most burgeoning and important boom-bap producers to emerge in recent years by delivering a smorgasbord of gigantic soulful slaps coupled with an impressive guestlist of choice features. Gigantic includes appearances from Von Pea, Buff1, Blueprint, Has-Lo, Reef The Lost Cauze and more. We’ve been huge supporters of Small Pro’s work since he competed in some of our early remix competitions on the site years ago. Glad to see dude finally get his shine.. this is easily some of his best work ever. Check it out and cop it on iTunes.

dRes: Wild Produce [Album Stream]

Kevin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:37:40 +0000

After promoting a couple of leaks, the Newark by way of Philly beat conductor dRes finally delivers his debut album Wild Produce which dropped the other day on iTunes and all other digital retailers. Diamond Media 360 is making the entire album available for stream which you can hear below.

Conceived over a three year period, dRes fuses worldly soundscapes over hard drums for a 16 track compilation which features several guest appearances from many of today’s burgeoning and established hip-hop artists. Featured on Wild Produce include Guilty Simpson, Homeboy Sandman, Tanya Morgan, Stalley, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Count Bass D, Wordsworth, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Truck North, Median, Declaime and others.

Mr. Miranda & Random: The Memorandum [Album Stream]

Kevin — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:50:50 +0000

With The Memorandum dropping this Tuesday, Mr. Miranda and Random decided to do a weekend stream for everyone to preview. The album is sounding great so far and features include Illyas and Von Pea of Tanya Morgan, Fashawn, Mistah Fab, Rufus Pipes, MysticBlu, and more.

Pete Marriott: The Champ Is Here (feat Full Time Grind)

Kevin — Mon, 30 May 2011 23:01:06 +0000

“The Champ Is Here” is the new single from DJ/producer Pete Marriott. The 20+ year hip hop veteran who hails from Seattle, Washington has hooked up with the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina group Full Time Grind to transport listeners back to the Golden Age of Hip Hop. Sampling the line that Muhammad Ali made famous, “The Champ Is Here” is as diverse, innovative and influential as hip hop was in its heyday. This new single debuted to radio stations all over the country over the weekend. Check it out below and look out for the full single to drop on iTunes July 5th via HiPNOTT Records.

Strong Arm Steady x Fiend x The Futuristiks: Made in America [Preview]

Kevin — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:38:14 +0000

While the homies Fiend & Currensy came through LA for the we connected with the homie fiend and Knoocked out a joint entitled ” made in america ‘ we will release the joint on Monday but here is a preview of the making of the cut #JOOk – Kron

Mr. J. Medeiros: So (feat J Kyle Gregory)

Kevin — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:51:58 +0000

Mr. J. Medeiros was kind enough to give us an exclusive first listen to this new track from his upcoming album, Saudade, dropping June 14th. The next official single from the album is entitled “Neon Signs” and will be released on May 17th. For now, check out this new track featuring J Kyle Gregory.

So feat. J Kyle Gregory by Mr. J. Medeiros

Moke & Tone: Fuck Y’all + Album Stream

Justin — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:49:33 +0000

Matt Diamond hit me with “Fuck Y’all”, the latest leak Moke & Tone’s recently released album Shot Heard Round The World. The duo’s new LP is available now on iTunes so make sure you grab a copy.

Hit the jump to stream the whole album as well…

DOWNLOAD

Rapper Big Pooh: Fat Boy Fresh Vol. 1 [Preview Mix]

Kevin — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:28:09 +0000

Little Brother alumnus Rapper Big Pooh has joined forces with DJBooth.net to bring fans a preview mix of his forthcoming digital-only EP, FatBoyFresh Vol. 1: For Members Only. Mixed by DJ Fresh and hosted by Statik Selektah, the one-track, “old-school style” mix blends segments from 14 of the 19 new and previously-released cuts set to appear on the EP. Making guest appearances throughout the project are such artists as Stat Quo, Posdnuos of De La Soul, Naledge of Kidz In the Hall and Glasses Malone. Beats come courtesy of Young RJ, Madlib, D.R., Focus… and more. The final version of FatBoyFresh Vol. 1: For Members Only will be available for purchase on iTunes on April 5.

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Rah Digga: Classic Album Sampler

Justin — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:36:54 +0000

Rah Digga’s Classic hit stores today and here’s a sampler of the new project mixed by King Most. The Nottz produced album features the single “This Ain’t No Little Kid Rap” and the remix featuring Redman. Hit the jump for the link.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD

Chris Read: BBE Mixtape Competition 2010

Kevin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:43:25 +0000

Chris Read, a DJ who has seen all of his mixes posted on this site, has a brand new mixtape comprising a selection of cuts from the consistently impressive BBE Label (some time home to artists including Dilla, Pete Rock, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinna, Marley Marl and producer of great compilations from the likes of Kon & Amir, Gilles Peterson, Jazzanova and many others). This mix is in the running for an official release on BBE, but Chris wanted to give us a first listen to check it out. Stream after the cut…

“BBE is, I can say with some confidence, my favourite record label of recent years in terms of consistency and quality of output. From legendary modern day artists such as Dilla and Pete Rock to compilations of obscure and forgotten gems, it’s a label that covers a lot of ground and does it all with style. So it almost goes without saying that putting this mix together was an absolute pleasure. The toughest thing was not deciding what to include but what to leave out. I probably could have made a dozen mixtapes with the pile of records I pulled out before getting started and it would have been simple enough to produce a complete mix of music from any one of the label’s many genres, but I wanted to try and represent the label’s full range. What I ended up with is a fairly quick paced mix which passes through modern soul, hip hop, funk, boogie, disco, a touch of house, reggae, nu jazz, vocal jazz and dancefloor jazz pretty much in that order with a few little surprises along the way. A mix that’s so varied is always going to be a little risky as not everybody shares the same range of tastes but I think I’ve accurately portrayed the label’s range of output and had some fun in the process and that, after all, is the most important thing. If you’ve checked my previous mixtapes, you’ll know what to expect in terms of presentation and mixing style, and if not – well here’s your chance… I hope you enjoy!”

Eazy: The Raptism [Album Sampler]

Kevin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:23:29 +0000

The homie Eazy (who we’ve previously featured on the site) is gearing up to release his new album next month. He recently put together a sampler to give us a little taste. From the sounds of it, I think it’s gonna be pretty dope. Check it after the cut…

The Roots: How I Got Over [Preview]

Kevin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:25:24 +0000

The Roots’ highly anticipated album, How I Got Over, will be released this Tuesday and surprisingly it has yet to spring a leak. Thanks to Def Jam, we now have the opportunity to preview the album for the first time. Hit the jump to check it out and preorder the album while you’re at it!

Click here to purchase the “How I Got Over” CD x “Doin’ It Again” Digital Download x The Roots How I Got Over T-Shirt bundle.

Click here to Pre-Order the How I Got Over Vinyl before it hits stores 7/6/2010

ArtOfficial: The Payback (feat. K. Sparks)

Kevin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:45:14 +0000

Here’s your first audio peak at the next project, The Payback, dropping April 23rd from ArtOfficial! The title track includes a guest feature from none other than HiPNOTT Recording artist K. Sparks (dude literally does not sleep). Although the final project will be available for free download, they just want to give you a taste of the track so it’s only up for streaming only (for now). Check it out below!

Oh yeah — Buy K. Sparks’ new album A Day In the Life… on iTunes now!

K. Sparks + G.C: A Day in the Life [Album Sampler]

Kevin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:00:49 +0000

After the single “Keep Movin” featuring Sean P. exploded all over the Internet just last week, HiPNOTT Records follows up with a preview sampler of the album it was leaked from, A Day in the Life by K. Sparks produced by G.C. mixed by the label’s in-house DJ, DJ Mark 1. The album will drop on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 and will be available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon.com, and other major outlets.

A Day in the Life is a fitting title for this conceptual project, which was recorded in just one day’s time. Listeners are taken from the beginning to end of a typical day in Sparks’ life. The album is an exploration into all aspects of the artist’s identity, a reveal he faces in an intimate and emotionally supercharged way. Sparks provides the A Day in the Life tour using inventive wordplay, internal rhyming, battle raps, storytelling and eye-widening punch-lines. Equally integral to the project, producer G.C. has master-crafted a backdrop for Sparks that glows with rich instrumentation and a comforting jazziness, while still maintaining a raw, boom-bap vibe overall.

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Driis aka Idris Elba: High Class Problems Vol. 1 [First Listen]

Arasia Magnetic — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:49:01 +0000

Being a triple threat for an artist is a requirement as opposed to a unique gift that some have. Rather you are a recording artist, actor, or fashion guru, you must have three solid talents to survive the entertainment landscape. Some pull it off flawlessly (Mos Def) while others do more damage (50 Cent…have you seen his acting skills or lack thereof?) Nevertheless, when a new “triple threat” comes out, we are eager to praise them for being inhumanly talented or slam them for being greedy with fame.

Enter Idris Elba.

Some of you knew him as Stringer Bell from The Wire or for you romantic lushes, Beyonce’s husband in Obsessed. He was even on The Office while serving as the over zealous Tango in American Gangster. But no matter your theatrical preference, you’ve crossed his path so you have an understanding that he is an actor…check one.

He is also a respectable DJ that has been engulfed in the craft since he was 14. He started his own DJ company and began working in nightclubs throughout London. Although his craft took a backseat to his acting, he still managed to grab some legitimate gigs— spinning at NBA All Star parties and serving as the DJ for BET’s Rising Icons…check two.

And now he’s upped the ante because he wants to and well, because he can. Prior to releasing his new EP, High Class Problems Volume 1, he co-produced and performed on the intro to Jay-Z’s American Gangster album. But now that all of his ducks are aligned, he is ready to stand alone and introduce Driis, the artist…check three.

Like all EP’s, High Class Problems Vol 1 simply serves as a teaser to what is yet to come, almost like going to a wine tasting event. You aren’t supposed to get drunk— simply take in the flavors to get a feel of what you truly like and dislike. Apply that logic to this situation and decide if you want to get drunk off Driis, or if you want to just have a small portion and keep it moving. But abolish the notion that says actors can’t be musicians…be open and give Driis a chance before completely writing him off. The EP contains production from Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, and Vitamin D with Mr. Elba holding production credits as well. So taste it, and see if it’s a flavor that you can vibe with or move to the next station for something more fulfilling.

1: Best That I Can
Written by Driis
Produced by Vitamin D

2: Please Be True
Written by Driis
Produced by Pete Rock & Driis

3: Private Garden
Written by Driis
Produced by 9th Wonder

4: Extraordinary Love
Written by Driis & Hanif Jainlett
Produced by Hanif Jainlett for Hevlar Recordings

5: Absolutely
Written by Driis & The Klassix
Produced by The Klassix

For more information on Driis, visit:
http://www.driismusic.com/
www.myspace.com/idrismusic

Release Date: February 8, 2010

Dasha: 1 Day 2 the Future [Day 10]

Kevin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:44 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxmRWdvD5L0

Been so busy today, I hadn’t gotten a chance to get my girl Dasha‘s latest video online. This is the last video… song #1 of her Top 10 countdown to Back 2 The Future, her debut mixtape that will be dropping tomorrow (which is sooner than you think). Dasha’s favorite song from the mixtape (song #1) is… I’m not gonna ruin it, check the video. It’s one of my favs too!

Dasha: 2 Days 2 The Future [Day 9]

Kevin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:34:31 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO58KyrPPWM

Dasha‘s mixtape of remakes and remixes is almost here and today she unveils her second favorite track from the mixtape, Back 2 The Future. Check the video to see what Dasha does with Biggie’s “10 Crack Commandments.” She has a few commandments of her own!

Back 2 The Future: Remakes & Remixes, Vol 1 dropping November 14!

Dasha: 3 Days 2 The Future [Day 8]

Kevin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:15:52 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lOJmFHzMqg

I don’t know about you, but I have really been enjoying these daily video blogs from our girl Dasha. After Saturday I feel like something will be missing in my life! Hope you all are enjoying these as much as I have been. We are on #3 of Dasha’s Top 10 countdown of her favorite tracks from her upcoming mixtape, Back 2 The Future: Remakes & Remixes Vol 1. Her #3 is actually my #1 from the mixtape… Mos Def’s “Umi Says.” All I have to say about this record is that Dasha BODIES this track. Peep it for yourself!

Back 2 The Future: Remakes & Remixes Vol 1 dropping this Saturday, November 14th.

Dasha: 4 Days 2 The Future [Day 7]

Kevin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:03:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBZm7KosyAQ

As we get just a tad bit closer to the official release of Dasha‘s debut mixtape, Back 2 The Future, the first lady of HiPNOTT unveils her #4 favorite track from her remakes and remixes. Check the video above to hear her get down on “Everyday Sex,” Dasha’s remake to Jerimiah’s “Birthday Sex.”

Back 2 The Future: Remakes & Remixes, Vol 1 dropping November 14th!