DC / chicago duo the paxtons come with some heat on this one! their latest mixtape, work, is co-signed by The Smoking Section, UBIQ & atmos. featuring collabos with RA the MC, AP the Prince, Britney Packnett, and TeLuv, and some trill production. i feel like they make their own beats, but i’m not sure! i like the fact that they rep two areas, you can hear the distinct sound of each in their rhymes, whether it be locations they talk about, or that fast midwest flow they occasionally hit you with. anyway, check the awesome samples, and download below.

DOWNLOAD: The Paxtons – Work [Mixtape]

In The Ruff is the highly anticipated debut album from new DC hip hop group The Diamond District, created by state veterans Oddisee, X.O. (yes, the same man from studio 43. he’s working overtime.) & YU. it’s the answer for any lover of hip hop who asks the question – “Where did that grimy east coast sound go?”

the group was founded by rapper/ producer oddisee (right), who has a long list of production & collaboration credits with the likes of Freeway, Talib Kweli, Siagon, Little Brother, Trek Life, Charles Hamilton, Jazzy Jeff, Buck Shot, Royce the 5′9”, Nikki jean, Muhsinah, J-live, Lil Fame of MOP, Skyzoo and many more. Oddisee’s soulful, haunting samples over bass-heavy beat breaks create the perfect instrumentals for him, X.O. (middle) & YU to match with their street savvy, politically conscious lyrics.

that raw mid-90’s Boom-Bap themed album for the DC state of mind, destined to appeal to all lovers of hip hop’s golden era, managing to travel back in time and push the boundaries of DC Hip-Hop simultaneously.

now who says i don’t post great hip hop? legendary status for this mixtape, should have got more love by the e-masses for sure.

if you want the dirty version, gotta buy it! how’s that for aggressive marketing? and nah, i’m not late. i posted some of their work in march. after the drop, get the download, AS WELL AS a the tracklisting and short documentary.

DOWNLOAD: Diamond District – In The Ruff

DC emcee g5 clive is back with a new mixtape, and frankly, it’s genius. some real hip-hop. all sorts of features on this joint, too. i even wrote a paper on this dude for my feature writing class. click album art or link to download, and jam the sample track i’ve include, "state of emergency" to see what to expect.

DOWNLOAD: g5 clive – the social class [mixtape]

it’s december 4th today. and while it is jay-z’s birthday, it’s also the 1st anniversary of the death of UGK’s chad butler, better known as pimp c. i don’t have a lot of words, except that he has been missed in the rap game dearly. he was one of those dudes who never held his tongue. i could give write a tribute, but i would rather point you in the direction of a very polished one here. and i could give you his greatest hits, but i’d rather just throw you a rare gem that people overlook. listen to the second verse. that’s when the pimp takes over and wrecks it. mayne, hol’ up! shout out to noz for throwing this my way per request!

i’m a huge clipse fan. seen them three times live. unfortunately, i missed their appearance at DC’s cmonwealth, one of the illest streetwear boutiques in the DMV. but my homies over at EF lifestyle caught it ALL ON TAPE! and everybody (in DC) and their grandmothers showed up. X.O., wale, tabi, and more! check it out.

it’s like an hour and a half long, but you know you’ll watch at least a little bit of it. enjoy.