Access Newsletter 5-01-08

[WesSezSo]

This was a great week for releases...almost too much to choose from!
Enjoy!

Monday, May 12th at 5:00pm YAK BALLZ will be in the building for
a free in-store performance!!! Did you get yourselves a copy of
Scifentology 2? Please drop by and show some support!

Have the writing bug in you? If you're registered with our forums,
you can now write your own reviews!
Guidelines: http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/review-guidelines.php
Reviews: http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?page=reviews

Order online, phone or mail, or visit our store in San Diego.
Access Music * 1537 Garnet Avenue * Pacific Beach * CA 92109
858-270-3987 * info@accesshiphop.com

Check out track listings and sound clips at www.accesshiphop.com


NEW GEAR

Living Legends - THE GATHERING T-SHIRTS
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?artist=Living+Legends&page=gear
Now wear The Gathering cover art by Stacks Malone! It's a drawing of
all eight Living Legends with the LL logo in the middle, covering the
full width of the shirt from the middle on down. Get a better
picture here: www.accesshiphop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27185

SICPADS
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?artist=Sicpads
That's right - mouse pads by the maker of Sicmats slip mats.

Plus restocks of The Grouch, Zion I and One Be Lo shirts
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?artist=The+Grouch&page=gear
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?artist=Zion+I&page=gear
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?artist=One+Be+Lo&page=gear


NEW DVD's:

Various Artists - Hip Hop Time Capsule 1994 DVD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15062
This DVD takes a look back at the videos, interviews, performances,
and freestyles of 1994, including Nas, Wu Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg,
Notorious B.I.G., Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots and
many more!

Andre Nickatina - Booty Star Glock Tawk v.2 DVD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15418


FEATURED ITEM OF THE WEEK:

The Roots - Rising Down CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15286
Grammy award winning hip-hop trailblazers The Roots are back with
Rising Down, just two years after Game Theory, marking their second
release with Def Jam Recordings. Known for their prolific lyrics and
live instrumentation, the legendary Philadelphia crew has garnered
critical praise throughout their career, and have firmly established
themselves as a band with uncompromised artistic control and
integrity. With Rising Down, the band's 10th album release, the
group continues to take bolder steps by adding new depths and range
to their repertoire. Co-founder ?uestlove states, "This is probably
our most political album to date dealing with addiction, nihilism,
hypocritical double standards in the prison system and overall life
in Philadelphia. I'd say it's more mature and intense than all of
our efforts but not a 'downer' as most people expect us to do." The
political nature of Rising Down is not only heard within the music,
in fact, the title comes from William T. Vollmann's treatise on
violence entitled Rising Up and Rising Down, and the release date
falls on the 16th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots sparked by the
acquittal of the police officers accused of beating Rodney King.
Featuring guest appearances by Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Saigon,
Styles P, Malik B. and more!

[WesSezSo]

NEW RELEASES:

2Mex - Team 2Mex Sampler CDR
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15479
All new music from 2Mex and friends for an upcoming release! It's
called a sampler, but there are full length tracks here and it is
not clear if any of these will show up on the actual upcoming
release. In true LA2theBay fashion, these are limited!

9th Wonder & Buckshot - The Formula CD/2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14934
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15192
Following the successful "formula" of their first project back in
2005, sought-after super producer 9th Wonder (formerly of Little
Brother) once again teams up with Black Moon and Boot Camp Click's
very own Buckshot Da B.D.I Emcee, picking up right where Chemistry
left off! After a slew of Duck Down releases hit the market to much
fanfare, the triumphant return of the BCC has helped pave the way
for many members of the group to continue to put out high profile
projects such as these. And with 9th Wonder's still pending Wonder
Years, among other projects rumored to be in the works, The Formula
is just the right mixture to tide us over for now. Featuring guest
appearances by Jazzy Jeff, Ladybug Mecca and more!

Blue Sky Black Death - Late Night Cinema CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15411
The renowned production duo composed of Kingston and Young God have
answered fan prayers with their first fully instrumental release
since arriving on the scene with the critically acclaimed A Heap Of
Broken Images on Mush Records back in 2006! Said release, if you
remember, was a double feature, with the first disc showcasing their
Endtroducing-like ear for beautiful and thought provoking
instrumentals and the second laying down artist appropriate beats
for a host of MCs. Next they teamed up with the Wu's only West Coast
affiliate, Holocaust, followed by their collaboration with Sunz of
Man's Hell Razah on "Razah's Ladder." Now, after a long wait and by
popular demand, Late Night Cinema proves that once again these guys
can do no wrong! Gorgeous (yes I said it...gorgeous!) instrumental
hip hop bliss. Just the type of heavy and cinematic tone listeners
have been waiting for. Dark and eerie with lots of haunting voice
samples in the background, movie-like violins, bass shattering
percussion, unpredictable drum patterns and mid-song beat changes
make this one an instant classic!

Chin Chin - Chin Chin CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15327
Definitive Jux continues to surprise everyone with yet another
release that will have its hardcore hip hop fan base wondering what
direction El-P is taking the label in...if you ask me, its a
calculated stroke of genius as some of the most successful indie
labels no longer limit themselves to the genre that put them on the
forefront of progressive underground music. Chin Chin is an all out
live band and fully realized mixture of the greatest music genres of
our time, combing funk, soul, jazz, disco and even R&B, transforming
these influential genres into a new age form of dance-able modern
funk in the vein of Breakestra, Orgone and Budos Band! Comparisons
are only a frame of reference, and Chin Chin have a rare energy and
presence that can turn any occasion into a celebration. HEAT!

Dizzee Rascal - Maths + English CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15150
Next up from Def Jux, and another that might surprise Jukies, comes
Dizzee Rascal's all-new follow up to his wildly popular European
crossover smash Boy In Da Corner back in 2003! As a veteran member
of London's Roll Deep Crew, the mc/producer is the epitome of the
English rap genre known as grime, as he incorporates conventional
techniques with ragga and unmistakable regional slang, while the
beats are usually a heavier throwback to 80's hip hop styles and
dirtier electro pop. The violent and sometimes raunchy lyrics are a
mere reflection and reminder of his life growing up on the streets
of the very rough East London side, but play a role only second to
his deeper desire to speak his mind about a lot of topics since
being met with his newfound fame. This album might just blow the
first one out of the water, and if you became a fan a few years back
you will not be disappointed! Featuring guest appearances by UGK (RIP
Pimp C), Lilly Allen, Alex Turner of the English indie-rock group The
Arctic Monkeys, and a special remix of "Where's Da G's" the lead
single off the album by EL-P!

Deeskee - In Loving Memory Of Joey
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15477
Switching gears just a bit, In Loving Memory of Joey is dedicated to
the life of Deskee's niece, who passed away a short time ago. Only
25 (count 'em) will be made available to Access Music and all the
proceeds will go to his brother and family. Featuring exclusive
unreleased tracks and remixes and featuring Dannu, Neila, Gelroc,
2Mex, Life Rexall, Aceyalone, Busdriver, Riddlore and more...

[WesSezSo]

DJ Baku - Spin Heddz CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15175
An amazing and genre-defying collage (check the album cover for
clarity) of styles from Japan by DJ Krush's protege and aspiring
producer DJ Baku! Now finally made available to the U.S., the
release is technically a turntablism album, but Spin Heddz dares to
combine everything from hip hop, drum-n-bass, electronica, heavy
metal, trip hop, break beat and more into an all-new futuristic
hybrid of urban music! Making noise over the last ten years, Baku
has also found fans touring and opening for some of the best of
best, including the Beastie Boys, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and the
Mars Volta to name a few. Overall this album is pure awesomeness on
many different levels...very dope and very different!

DJ Frane - Journey to the Planet of the Birds CD
(Beats to Blaze to Volume 3)
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15570
If you're not already acquainted with DJ Frane, he is a self-
described, "mellow, stoned-out version of the Bomb Squad or late
80's Dr. Dre, or maybe Prince Paul meets Pink Floyd." Well said sir.
DJ Frane cleverly combines an impressively wide range of samples
(jazz piano, electro funk, asian instrumentation, bird sounds),
resulting in a seductively peculiar groove. Bluesy, funky,
psychadelic, ingenious and infectious, this is ish to roll your
windows down to. Or maybe to roll something else...

El Michels Affair - Creation 7"
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15537
An early 45 from El Michels Affair and blazing hot with funk!
"Creation" has some hard drums and horns while "Behind the Blue
Curtain" on the flip is slower and oozing with soul. GO!

The Instant Messengers - Slammers! CD EP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15544
Self released EP featuring all new tracks of strait party-style
"slammers" by the group whom you may remember were picked up by The
Grouch on his very own Simple Man Records for their Kill The
Messengers album out last year.

Jerome Derradji presents - The American Boogie Down 2xCD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15157
BBE has teamed up with Chicago based Still Music to bring you a
slice of phenomenally rare disco, funk and boogie tracks for The
American Boogie Down. Compiled and mixed by Still Music label owner,
Jerome Derradji, with the talents of Detroit vocal legend Paul
Randolph featured on the mix. The compilation is taken from Past Due
Records and in conjunction with Still Music’s famous disco reissue
division, it even includes two unreleased tracks from Chicago’s
Morning After and Detroit’s Monofide. Two discs and a trip back in
time, featuring one mixed version and an unmixed version on the
second disc with a slightly different track order. For fans of other
recently released compilations of retro rarities including Mr. Things
Strange Breaks and Carolina Funk.

L.I.F.E. Long - Longevity Volume 1.5 CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15178
Starting off as a member of the NYC based crew Stronghold on the
side of C-Rayz Walz, Immortal Technique, Breez Evahflowin', and
Poison Pen, and after countless battles, shows, collaborations,
mixtapes, EP's and you name its...L.I.F.E. Long finally gets a
proper debut for his full-length album Longevity Vol. 1.5! Featuring
guest appearances by Apani, Mista Sinista, Poison Pen, Many Styles,
and UG of the Cella Dwellas (WHAT?!). This long awaited release
comes with perfect timing as true school New York hip hop continues
to take back the city from commercially confused trash that once
ruled the club scene and is now taking a back seat to groups like
EMC and hopefully artists like LIFE Long. Highly recommended!

Maleko - Breathing Room CDR
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15463
Brand new and fully solo album from Maleko!!! Its been a longtime
coming but the reclusive emcee is back with a new label, a new sound
and a new attitude! His 4th full-length solo effort is everything
you'd want and more, with solid jazzy beats and laid back vocal
stylings making this it's own unique piece of work. Excellent studio
recordings, 14 tracks total and featuring a special guest appearance
by longtime collaborator Optimus Rhymes of Jedi Knights Circle!

[WesSezSo]

Portishead - Third CD/2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15454
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15455
The reunion of the decade! In my humble opinion of course. Its been
10 long years since their Live In New York album. After their initial
split in 1999, it seemed like the group was just barely reaching mass
appeal. Rumors spoke of creative differences and resistance to the
idea of becoming popular by mainstream standards, however they stood
by their claim that the breakup was mostly to move on to other
projects. Finally in 2005, the band reappeared live for a Tsunami
Benefit Concert in their home town of Bristol, England and announced
to fans that there was a new album in the works! Third is proof that
groundbreaking groups in progressive and alternative music can
remain relevant in times of distress and peril in the world. Lead
vocalist Beth Gibbons is a guiding light in the dark atmosphere of
their sound. After hearing the lead single "Machine Gun Cough", it
was apparent that this album would have a faster, industrial,
and signature moody feel with an added sense of urgency that we are
living in troubling times. And in a word, the album is absolutely
BRILLIANT!

Randam Luck - Conspiracy of Silence CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15386
Holding it down for San Diego hardcore underground scene for the last
eight years, Randam Luck's (Lucky, Randola and Stadi Majadi) hard
work has finally paid off having caught the attention of Babygrande
Records to release their long awaited debut Conspiracy of Silence!
Featuring guest appearances by Vinnie Paz, Ill Bill, Outerspace,
Kool G Rap and more! For fans of Army of The Pharaohs and Jedi Mind
Tricks! (Sold out at Access - will be back in stock on Monday.)

Santogold - Santogold CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15283
The latest from the multitalented and always sonically diverse Santi
White, under a new guise: Santogold. Gritty, melodic, and always
infectious, there's something utterly relatable yet charismatically
twisted about her style. Previously the lead singer for the punk band
Stiffed, and before that executive producing Res' debut album How I
Do, Santi continues to assert herself as a lasting presence in pop
music. This release also features production from Switch and FreQ
Nasty, with guest appearances by Spank Rock and Trouble Andrew. If
you need more persuasion think along the lines of Karen O of the
Yeah Yeah Yeah's softer side, or the various styles of fierce female
alt-pop-hop-rockers M.I.A and Kid Sister.

D-Boyz - Street Sampler vol. 2 CDR
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15546
Volume 2 of the Street Sampler mixtape by the D-Boyz, who produced
most recently for Special Teamz on Duck Down. Composed of multi-
talented instrumentalist and producers, Lethal D and DJ M.u.T.T. aka
Dr Claw, their combined sound is a powerful blend of live
instruments, sampled loops, electronic beats, east coast grittiness
and west coast funk, taking a dynamic new stance in the hip-hop
genre. Two different backgrounds, two different coasts, each with
their own respective styles blending together... Features all new
remixes and exclusives tossed up and served mixtape style.

DJ Shag - From the Depths CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15541
Coming up on almost 15 years deep in the San Diego hip hop scene,
producer/DJ Shag emerges from the depths (like the title suggests)
to drop and impressive album featuring an even more impressive list
of guests including Capital D, Pumpkinhead, iCON the mic king, and
some widely respected SD natives including Dannu of the Visionaries,
Blame One, Future Shock and more!!!

Inoe One - Obese God CDR
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15478
All new from the ever experimental lyricist Inoe One, who we last
saw on the extremely rare Name Science with Sach. Lo-fi and even
quite a bit more abstract than any previous release, dabbling here
in an array of styles including the super dope "Lover's Lullibi"
with a ragga rap feel but a relentless drumming in the background,
and then there's the hyperactive "Whateva Makes You Happy"
reminiscent of something Orko might have done! This is what we live
for here...under-underground releases like this! With extra emphasis
on "under"....this one is bananas!

Code Poets - Mark Of The Beast CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15553
Code Poets are composed of emcees and producers Off Topic and Phase
Fate of the label Rhymenetwork, who recently released Apakalypse's
Walking Coma and Bad Luck's Make It Brief in conjunction with Nod
Records. This East Coast underground sleeper from last year is full
of conscious lyrics and socio-political content in the vein of
Uncommon Records' The Presence (NASA and Cirrus) or Special Teamz
Stereotypes. Heavy beats and excellent chemistry make Mark of The
Beast a true banger from beginning to end. Again if you like Def Jux-
like offshoot labels such as Embedded Music you will dig this. I
sure did!

Grip Grand - Brokelore 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15266
Now on vinyl! Returning after a silent nine year hiatus since his
limited debut Welcome to Broakland on Bomb Hip Hop in '99, soulful
rapper/songwriter Grip Grand drops his brand new album, Brokelore!
Growing up with hip hop all his life, the emcee and producer never
found it hard to adapt as his family led a nomadic-like lifestyle
that took him up and down the West Coast, from LA to Portland... but
the artist typically identifies himself with the Bay Area as
adulthood grounded him in one place. Featuring a range of diverse
styles throughout the album, Grip even manages a little humor as he
parodies current commercial gangsta rap sounds dominating the radio.
This is probably the real surprise of the week, as Grand is
virtually unknown to some and hopes to re-introduce himself with
notable guest appearances by Percee P, AG, MF Shalem, DJ Design and
more!

Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That Shit Gold 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=13956
It's finally here and now on limited yellow vinyl! The 6th official
full length studio album from Atmosphere! Over the years Slug and
Ant's sound has attracted fans by the hundreds of thousands as they
quickly came to rise as one of the most well known indie hip hop
groups this decade. Evolving their sound and taking their act on the
road has aged and matured the artists and helped mold their style.
Slug's brilliant wordplay and Ant's unique production have taken on
many different forms and continue to attract new listeners with
heartfelt stories, retrospective ballads, and that straight up chill
shit. Some of us can say we remember them way back when, others
are closet listeners, and the rest are hypnotized by their
charismatic aura. I can definitely imagine how much fun they are
having now, even if it goes as far as making an album all the
newbies might not understand, as this one has darker content,
experimental grooves and a lack of catchy refrains. This isn't pop
people, this isn't emo-rap...this is the kind of platform that hip
hop needs to slap the MTV generation upside the head, and if that
takes two blue collar white guys from Minneapolis to do it then by
all means... Hats off even goes out to the fans, whom I truly
believe this album was intended for. So open your ears, there's
probably a song about you on there.

[WesSezSo]

RESTOCKS:
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/restocks.php


Anomaly - The Long Road CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=10898

Buck 65 - This Right Here Is 2xLP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=9910

Danger Mouse - The Early Years 2001-2003 12" EP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=9304

Dday One - Heavy Migration 2xLP [$16.95]
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15102

DJ Spinna - Dilla Is the G.O.A.T. 7"
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14468

EPMD / Redman / Das Efx - Serious / U Can't 12"
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14477

Joe Beats - Reverse Discourse CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=6339

MRR-ADM (MHE) - (no title) 10" EP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15187

Ultramagnetic MC's - Smack My Bitch Up CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15538

Abstract Rude - All Day 12"
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=6512

Apathy - Where's Your Album?!! 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=9013

Atmosphere - Shoulda Known 12"
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15191

Braille - The IV Edition CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14508

Bumps - Bumps LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=13429

Defari - Odds & Evens CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=5478

El Michels - Sounding Out the City CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15496

Erykah Badu - New AmErykah Part One CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15064

Glue - Catch As Catch Can inst. 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=12590

J Rocc - James Brown & Friends CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=9390

Kero One - Love Triangle 12"/Windmills Instrumentals 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=13879
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14624

King Most - Remixes 12"
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15256

Lyrics Born - Variety Show: Season 1 CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=13255

Madvillain - Madvillainy Instrumentals 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=8232

Nighthawks (Cage/CamuTao) - Nighthawks CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=4472

Proof - Brown Sounds CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14086

Quasimoto - The Further Adventures of 2LP/The Unseen 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=9143
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=1075

Shortee & Step 1 - Bikini Wax Breaks LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=13426

Substantial - Sacrifice CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14073

Supreme Team / J Dilla - See / Mash's Revenge 12"
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14522

Turntablist - Super Duck Breaks LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=1051

Yesterday's New Quintet - Uno Esta 12"
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=1969

Declaime - Andsoitisaid CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=731

Eric Lau - New Territories 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14887

Grip Grand - Brokelore CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15249

J Rawls - Essence of J Rawls CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=556

The Lions - Jungle Struttin' 2LP
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15209

Up, Bustle & Out - Istanbul's Secrets 2xCD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15041

Various Artists - Lyricist Lounge v.1 2xCD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=13471

D-Boyz - The Mix Tape Album CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15545

Giraffe Nuts - Eat Them CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=15540

Vakill - The Darkest Cloud CD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=5318

Vin Roc - Jeepney Mix CDR
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=14865

Vin Roc - Recon-struction v.1 2xCD
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=11180

Vin Roc - Sample Reference Tools CDR
http://www.accesshiphop.com/store/?itemid=11971