From what I can decipher, Supastar LT, (crickets) a Boston (by way of Dallas) rapper recently released a diss record aimed at Smoke Bulga and Masspike Miles. In turn, Smoke seems to have some dirt on him.

Clinton Sparks has heavily endorsed LT, flying him out to Vegas for shows and puttin him on tracks with Whitney’s ex, Ray J amongst other big name artists.

Fiance’s, lawyers, miscarriages, and the dreaded Snitch label make up the ingredients of this brewing screenplay.

I wasn’t gonna post this here. By the time I jumped on JTTS, both Trees and Marty had already written about CZARFACE, and I figured that I’d tend only to the Phoenix blog. But then I noticed the low quality of their coverage – a re-printed press release, and some sort of insider spiel from Caballero. Anyhow, while I wrote this post with a less rap-nerdy audience than JTTS in mind, I thought that some younger readers could use the history, and that an older reader (perhaps Eso himself) could point me in the direction of the Elemental column I’m referring to…

There’s no such thing as seriously awesome news in hip-hop anymore. Everything has more or less been done. Twice. If Tupac returned from Hawaii to cut a track with Sam Adams about how much he loves the FCC, I might find it blog-worthy. But if there’s a marathon of some Angie Harmon show or another on TNT, then forget about it. You’ll just have to read about it elsewhere.

Still I jumped at today’s news that Boston’s 7L&Esoteric are collaborating on a joint project, amazingly titled CZARFACE, with Wu-Tang’s Inspectah Deck. The reaction was probably because I consider myself an insider geek in the local scene, and, under most circumstances, would have known about this from the minute that Deck texted Eso to confirm. Rap music is supposed to pack an element of surprise, though – or at least it’s better when there is one. This shit really toppled me. So here I am.

I also appreciate how this isn’t out of nowhere – the result of an amusing studio session, in which a bunch of guys who like smoking blunts smoke a whole bunch of blunts together and decide to collaborate on a box set. There’s an interesting history between Deck and Esoteric, as the latter documented in a legendary Elemental Mag column (which I can’t find, so please shoot it over if you have a scan), and has told several times since. They met recording “Speaking Real Words” on some pay-to-play shit – one of the earliest documented instances of an up-and-coming underground act securing a verse from such a prominent MC. But over time, Deck came to respect the duo for their skill and hustle, and just last year collaborated on the full-circle banger “12^th Chamber.”

Lastly, this announcement has me psyched about the possibilities for Wu-Tang soldiers moving forward. We’ve heard Ghostface with Termanology and Action Bronson. Slaine rocked the U-God album. The Think Differently project was fucking fascinating. But the thought of this whole new wilderness is one that I truly hope materializes. In the least it’s enough to get me blogging about hip-hop.

Guess who’s back.

Straight No Chaser coming soon.

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DOWNLOAD: Reks x Statik Selektah – Autographs

UMMM.. EXCUSE ME..

@InspectahDeckWU
@MCEsoteric
@Bladerunner7L
@BrickRecords96

Even though I’ve known about this for about a year and kept my mouth shut.. you dudes couldn’t even give us boston blog ass no homo brethren the exclusive?

You had to go and announce it press release style, on some “let the world know the truth, you don’t want me to shine” type shit.

Shits fucked up B. (See their mass text message below)

UPDATE: JUST REALIZED THAT EVEN MARTIN CABALLERO BLOGGED THIS NEWS BEFORE TEH GOD.

I HIT PUBLISH AND THEN SAW HIS POAST.

WOW.

A SAD DAY FOR THE STATE OF THE BLOGOSPHERE WHEN MARTIN BESTS ME ON A STORY.

THIS CAN’T BE LIFE.

It is a good day people. The long rumored, much anticipated long-form collaboration between the Rebel INS and Boston’s own 7L & Eso is finally happening. Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire, Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Large Professor and Premo are all on board. See details below:

 

With his illustrious career spanning nearly two-decades now, it would be easy for Inspectah Deck to sit back and rest on his laurels; after all, he has helped create some of the best hip-hop music ever recorded. Despite his low-key persona, Deck carved out his own unique space in the Wu-Tang Clan, thanks to his stand-out verses from “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck” and his otherworldly verse on “Triumph” among many. Likewise, who could forget Deck’s contributions on Ghostface’s Ironman (“Assassination Day”), his many appearances on Raekwon’s OBFCL, GZA’s Liquid Swords (“Cold World”) or his collaborations with Gang Starr (“Above The Clouds”) and Big Pun (“Tres Leches” which also featured Mobb Deep’s Prodigy).

Throughout Deck’s career, whether it was beside his fellow Wu-Tang brethren or in a solo-capacity, he is as adamant today about his culture and pushing the creative envelope as he was before Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers became an epic masterpiece; hence the formation of CZARFACE, a new collaborative project with underground icons 7L & Esoteric. With rap fans again craving more substance and less polish, Deck realizes there is a tangible shift taking place- “The industry doesn’t need another well packaged, put together “act,” instead fans are once again gravitating to the seasoned vets and newcomers that are still true to the game.”

With a working history that dates back nearly as far as Wu-Tang’s, 7L & Esoteric are undisputedly Boston and underground hip-hop royalty. CZARFACE offered the duo an opportunity to pick up where they left off over a decade ago with Inspectah Deck, as he joined them on the title track to their revered Speaking Real Words EP (1999). Deck says “Speaking Real Words is one of the many reasons we are now CZARFACE. After doing that song, it was only right we collaborated on a project to cater to the millions of fans that still support hip-hop from the underground.”

With guest appearances from Action Bronson, Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire, Roc Marciano & Large Professor,  additional beats from DJ Premier, plus album art by Lamour Supreme from Mishka NYC (www.mishkanyc.com/home), you can expect nothing less then top notch production and rewind worthy lyricism from CZARFACE. “We are CZARFACE because they know our faces and they know us for being dope rhyme suppliers, like Tony Montana we are known for our balls and our word; lyrically we will conquer the world and everything in it” states Deck. Esoteric explains further, “CZARFACE is a vigilante, anti-hero character who serves as the face of the project, and his focus is on annihilating the media darlings that the mainstream caters to.”

 

 

this was titled “Chris Lil Dick Faraone“.

This is one of TWO entries I have received thus far for the Chris Faraone art show and the other entry was from DJ ON & ON..

Are you fucking serious America? Is Chris Faraone simply that unimportant that you cannot take 15 minutes out of your life and submit a drawing, painting, sketch, or photoshop.

You have ONE MONTH left to submit something relevant to Chris Faraone.

A haiku, a poem, a stick figure fucking an occupy protester.. who gives a shit.

GIVE ME SOMETHING!

For rules: CLICK HERE

If you’ve no clue what I’ve been up to since September, then you must have missed the perpetual flatulence that my JTTS colleagues have blown in my direction over the past few months. In that event I can only assure you that I was working on a project that’s at least half as important as my duty here, which is primarily to remind one and all that any hip-hop recorded after 2001 is guilty until proven innocent.

By now it’s no secret that the shit-ass Frat Rap Tumblr is nominated for a Phoenix award, while the illustrious JumpTheTurnStyle is not. Anyone who thinks I’m the reason for that is precisely right; on account of an obvious potential conflict of interest, we can’t nominate a blog that I personally fuck with. Which raises the serious issue of whether Chris Faraone – the swiftest damn punslinger on this motherfuck – even writes for JTTS anymore.

As a matter of fact I do. I’ve just been equal parts lazy, busy, and inebriated, not to mention in need of a significant break from hip-hop. You see, I’m completely comfortable with being that old guy who hates every shred of success that Lil Flame and Waka Flocka Wayne attain, but it takes a whole lot of work to identify the errs of my contemporaries and recommend substantial alternatives to needy rap fans. I can only prop Action Bronson so many times. It’s ridiculous already.

Which is why I’m making a commitment to start listening to shitty hip-hop. Or southern hip-hop. Or whatever the stupid kids and college pukes are calling it these days. I’ll be taking all of your suggestions – even though most of you don’t know shit about rap music, and are probably still reeling from your cheap two-month tango with dubstep, which still doesn’t show up in my spellcheck, and probably never will now that I declared it dead and done.

So here’s the big, unanswerable question: what did I miss during my hiatus? I got that new Homeboy Sandman shit, and it’s amazing. Also feeling the new Jake the Snake, and looking forward to what Reks has cooking. There’s a new Tajai album in my box that I’ll be bumping, and I heard that I should check the new Copywrite. And Blacastan too. Word to Blacastan. But otherwise, why shouldn’t I have taken a few months off? Fuck you. And did I mention Action Bronson?

Lastly – I just wanted to make one last point about how the scum-sucking Frat Rap Tumblr is nominated for the Phoenix Best poll while this blog isn’t. The other reason for the omission is that, to be frank, I don’t trust Trees around awards. The last time he wrapped his no-good libertarian fist around a trophy, dude started cursing out his friends for no reason. Haven’t seen him that mad since he lost funding to star as Rick Moranis in the sketchy interpolation skin flick, Honey I Blew the Kids.

So I’m returning home. At least as much as I can be for now. I actually have a bunch of emails and press releases that I need to mush through my meat grinder and get up on this blog. But other than that I’ll be pushing my new book, which I don’t really expect anyone who frequents JTTS to be interested in anyway. I’m heading to SXSW in a few weeks, and will no doubt return with a whole heap of hip-hop to hate on. That’s my promise. My name is Chris Faraone, and I approve this message.

Like I said – Kenny Powers ain’t the only one back on the mound.

Sadly we lost a GREAT one in the Boston music scene…..I hate having to poast this but after the conversation I had w Checkmark I feel it’s only right to remember someone who I had much respect for and a great many times with…….from the 15 passenger van we took up to a show in N.H. in 98′ to the show we did in R.I at a out door skate park. The Flunkies had some good times and most of them had EB at the helm. I’ll miss you brother, your music will live on forever.

This is my favorite Eddie Bones verse….hope you feel the same

These words come from his brother and long time music partner Checkmark……he puts it perfectly and if you knew EB you’d agree.

The World lost another good man last night, and Heaven gained a hardworking Angel.. He’s in a better place. Erik’s last couple years were a living torture for him. He was a hands-on, “stand up” type of guy who had to sit back and watch the World move around him. It ate him up that he didn’t have the ability to contribute more than words, thoughts and feelings since his accident. Erik was a DO-er and never wanted to rely on others to take care of him. In remembering Bones, don’t think of the dude in the wheelchair.. Remember him in his finest hours, whether on stage with a mic in his hand and the spotlight on him, or the proud Father, pushing his daughter on a swing. He already endured the tough times, living, and now he can relax at ease, and be the Angel to guide Marley through life with a much more powerful impact. My Brother got his wings now. No more chair. No more relying on anyone to do the simple things that we all take for granted. God took him from his challenged position, and gave him the opportunity to make things better for his Mom, Daughter, and Woman.. The next week or so will be difficult, but things happen the way they are supposed to. This too shall pass.. Erik went out as he lived- a fighter. Not fighting senselessly, but fighting with purpose. He wanted people to just be BETTER. He wanted us to learn the TRUTH, and not settle for face value. He believed in “each one, teach one”. His life was cut WAY short, but he’s also left a lot behind to live on for him, most importantly, Marley and his Mom, and also his Music.. Remember the good times, and create your own new ones, with him in mind. All I ask is, don’t get DRUNK and mourn for him. Hug your kids, and love your Mom for him. Be a better person for him. Make the most of your time on the earth for him, and be happy for each living, breathing, MOVING day.. In the words of my Brother- “One Love, One God”.

my boy Edo’s still doin it……real nice on the mic (not so much w/ returning calls)

i’ll tell ya i don’t know much about these G Dot & Born fellas but i’m feeling this…..take a listen guys

Hot n’ fresh off the interweb, a new track from Black EL x Durkin

“Che’s Parlay” is the world’s first introduction to Black EL’s alter-ego, EL EL Cool Che. Occasionally one of Durkin’s beats brings him out of hiding, and we have no choice but to let Che into the booth to talk some shit.

Che’s Parlay by Black EL x Durkin

Happy 30th Birthday to Statik Selektah.

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DOWNLOAD: Action Bronson x Statik Selektah – Strictly Business Pts 1 & 2 via Hulkshare

A new track from Charmingly Ghetto from the recently released Susan Sarandon Mixtape by ATG.

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DOWNLOAD: Charmingly Ghetto – Maya Angelou

After much waiting and anticipation, J the S drops his latest full-length album The Last Days via DJBooth.net today. J let me hear the album a week ago and it’s safe to say that this is his best, most complete work to date. Collaborators include Pill, Greater Good, Styles P, Emilio Rojas and many more. #Boston

DOWNLOAD: J the S – The Last Days via DJBooth.net