After waiting patiently behind two singles, a dope video, and a neon-blue triangle shaped vinyl, Union is ready to unleash the most musically challenging, painstakingly crafted, MC-packed album in the dawn of 2012 – Analogtronics. Featuring Talib Kweli, Elzhi, DOOM, Roc Marciano, Guilty Simpson, and more, Union produces space-aged bangers that mold perfectly around each guest, in addition to sprinkling in a few lush, eye-widening instrumentals. This is the full length we have all been waiting for, as bonus tracks provide over twenty songs hypnotic interstellar boop-bap.
Union consists of two Parisian producers whose otherworldly approach to analog-driven, melodically abstract, sample free hip-hop inspired Fat Beats Records to extend a label invitation immediately. When a mysterious, monolithic, glossy black package arrived at FBHQ with nothing more than a cryptic note and an unlabeled CD inside, the staff wasn’t sure if Stanley Kubrick had risen from the dead to make mixtapes or if their lives were about to be transformed forever. Luckily it was the latter, and the legendary label unleashed Union’s debut album Analogtronics on an unsuspecting Earth.
In this weeks Music Video Roundup watch the new Lostribe video ”No Other Word” featuring Talib Kweli, N8 The Gr8, and Maryann Hunter from their most recent release titled Sophie. Also catch a sneak peek at the upcoming full album length music video from Marshmallow Ghosts with their “Corpse Reviver No. 2 Trailer,” and Kyle Park says it all with his new video “Make Or Break Me.” Check them all out!
By: Elijah Carroll Artist: Statik Selektah Title: 100 Proof (The Hangover) Label: Brick Records Genre: Hip-Hop : Rap UPC: 765481009835 Territory: World Release Date: 02.02.10
The wait is finally over. After dropping the lead single and lead-up EP late last year, the new Statik Selektah full-length is here! Featuring too many standout rappers to even list here Stat’s latest offering is a clear sign that he has taken his game to the next level. No longer just an underground beatmaker, Stat has truly become the new go-to producer laying down joints for albums by Lloyd Banks, M.O.P., Foxy Brown, Saigon and even executive producing The Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack for Rockstar Games. While many producer-based hip hop albums end up sounding more like unofficial mixtapes, Stat’s well developed style and expert mixing allow 100 Proof to avoid that pitfall. What we get instead is a soul-filled sample-laden banger. At 17 tracks this is a true LP, not some 7 track EP with few remixes tacked on.
100 Proof starts off smooth as butter with “So Close, So Far.” Bun B’s deep vocals flow over Stat’s laid back production easing us into the record. Wale also delivers a solid verse and Colin Munroe’s vocals fit nicely as a hook. Stat wastes no time getting in to this record dropping the lead single “Critically Acclaimed” next. Featuring Lil Fame, Saigon and Sean P this track really knocks. Exemplifying Stat’s signature style of big booming beats, deftly cut samples and live cuts and scratches “Critically Acclaimed” reminds us how Stat got where he is today. “Night People” is a real radio banger replete with an R&B chorus and a soul vocal sample. Expect to hear this one on Hot97 shortly. On “Drunken Nights” Reks, Joe Scudda and J.F.K. reflect on the mistakes made under the influence. Giving some real meaning to the album title this track remains easy to nod to while carrying a real message.
The track order is clearly thought out and of course well mixed, which allows 100 Proof to flow seamlessly from track to track. With so many different rappers it’s amazing Stat manages to pull off this feat. With beats ranging from the mellow “So Close, So Far,” to the upbeat and fun “Laughing” to the more gangsta “Follow We,” Stat showcases his range and versatility. Easily my #1 track “The Thrill Is Gone” features 2 of my favorite NY (now-not-so) underground rappers and a great Biggie sample cut over a laid back boom-bap beat. Styles P and Talib Kweli kill it as usual dropping their effortless flows over Stat’s musical accompaniment. There are no let downs at the end of this record as the last 6 tracks feature some of the best production. “The Coast” stands out and fits perfectly with Evidence, Kali and Fashawn’s west coast flows. Overall 100 Proof lives up to it’s name and further solidifies Stat’s place in the upper echelon of hip-hop producers.
Artist: Statik Selektah Title: The Pre-Game – EP Label: Brick Records Genre: Hip-Hop : Rap UPC: 765481880816 Territory: World Release Date: 12.15.09
Statik Selektah is back at it with his new lead-up EP The Pre-Game EP. Following the successful release of the single “Critically Acclaimed” Statik is building serious buzz for his upcoming LP 100 Proof (The Hangover) due out Feb. 2nd, 2010 on Brick Records. The Pre-Game EP is already selling well putting it at #28 on iTunes’ Hip Hop album charts. Featuring Statik’s signature style and some of the best emcees in the game The Pre-Game EP is just a taste of what we can expect from the full-length. With guest appearances on the upcoming LP from Talib Kweli, Wale, Bun B, Kool G Rap, Styles P, Freeway, Royce da 5’9″, Souls Of Mischief and many more you won’t wanna miss this one!
Artist: Statik Selektah Title: Critically Acclaimed b/w The Thrill Is Gone Label: Brick Records Genre: Hip-Hop : Rap Release Date: 9/8/09 UPC: 765481880717 Territory: World
Despite what Nas said hip hop is definitely not dead in NYC. Showoff Records founder/CEO Statik Selectah is making sure of that. A one man force of nature Statik is quickly establishing himself as one of the best DJ/Producers in the game. His style is reminiscent of many of the 90′s era greats that he cites as inspiration. With two critically acclaimed LPs to his credit and uncountable other tracks and mixtapes Statik may soon rival Lil’ Wayne’s productivity. “Critically Acclaimed” is the lead single of his upcoming third LP 100 Proof. Featuring Lil Fame, Saigon and Sean Price it’s clear Statik is more than just another underground beat maker. The release has 2 b-sides including “The Thrill Is Gone” featuring Styles P and Talib Kweli which is already making it’s rounds on youtube.
“Born January 23, 1982 in Lawrence, MA, Patrick Baril was exposed to production equipment at a very early age, tinkering with his parents’ eight-track machine, cassette recorders, and turntable. By middle school, he was already DJing school functions, but he was inspired to be a true wheels-of-steel artiste after hearing DJ Premier scratch and mix records on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97 radio show. Soon after, at 14 years old, he purchased his first turntables and mixer. Calling himself DJ Statik (the “Selektah” surname came later), he started to work clubs and private parties up and down the New England coast.” -From Statik Selectah Myspace
Always ahead of the curve, Statik founded Showoff PR in 1993 at the age of 21. Since then he’s been breaking rappers, most notably fellow Lawrence, MA native Termanology, and building his reputation as one of the best beat makers around. This is clearly evidenced by the myriad of talent that he’s already produced tracks for including Foxy Brown, AZ, Talib Kweli, Bun B, Styles P, Freeway, M.O.P. and Jadakiss. Add to that list all the rappers that have appeared on his tracks and you’ve got a who’s who of east coast rap. His musical style and deft sampling give him an appeal from indie to more mainstream. From Mass. to N.H. to NYC Statik’s roots and style are east coast to the core. His talent and drive are undeniable so it’s only a matter of time before the world knows his name.
Union
“Wings feat. Elzhi” (mp3)
Buy at 
