One of the coolest guys I know

Uncle Travis and his top-hat.

Jdilla Forever

Stussy recently did a really great documentary featuring the great Jdilla. Also The Black Sunn put me on to this show going on in Bmore on Sunday. Check it Out.

Gettin’Grown

It's funny looking back at life. Things that you felt were so big, looking back tend to be miniscule compared to the things you've done in present time. Remember when getting a girls phone number was the biggest thing you could do? I know I do, because I wasn't getting numbers during that stage. Also I lived in a very strict household, and tended to take everything my parents said too seriously. It probably comes from too many ass-whoopin's or growing up in the church. Commandments are scary. Anyway, I remember me, and my Best – Bud Will Smith had just recently graduated high school; well we were about a year into our freshman year at Morgan State. We happened to be catching the bus from his house to the mall. We caught the 3 Cromwell Bridge, and decided to transfer to the 55 to reach our destination Towson Town Center, because our regular 3 Sheppard Pratt never came. So here we are on the 55 bus-stop and 2 girls from our high-school walk-up. We were all giddy to see each other, I guess because we all had experiences outside of high school, and we felt like we were older now. The wind was beneath our wings, and all that typical bullshit. Realize that I'm telling this story from my point of view, because knowing Willie, he probably feels totally different about the situation. Here I am on the bus-stop with who I felt were two of the cutest girls at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School, and I didn't even feel the need to put them on a pedestal, or anything. I still felt they were cute, possibly a little less than years before, but I felt inclined to have a real conversation with them, and not just look at them while they talked, and me virtually not having anything to say. We ended up catching the 55 to Towson, and we were geekin' the whole way there. We walked in the mall together, and eventually parted ways. I remember watching them walk away like I had just accomplished something. Funny right? I didn't even get the number, and I felt accomplished. But it wasn't about the number, it was about Self-esteem. It was about being able to feel like you were on the same level as someone else. Maybe it was because we were all on the Bus- stop, and not in some hooptie that it took us all summer to save up for that made me feel like I was on a leveled playing field, or maybe I had just grown up. I still find myself putting women on pedestals every now, and then. But it least now I aim a little higher with my expectations.

ABLT PRESENTS: THE MIXTAPE VOL.2 COVER

Thank-you to all the artist, and people who collaborated with us on this project. Photography By Willie Smith, Cover Work by Mandelson Fleurival!! Willie Smith is a photographer and owner of BSP, Mandelson Fleurival is the CEO of Redemption Clothing.
Some of the best artists in Bmore are on this mixtape. Word to my mama! This ABLT VOL.2 features 


Wordsmith, Sir Tizzy, Midas, 810, Conscious, Feevaleo, Dank, Mic Brown, A-class,MarkMilly, Peaceful Money, Sim-Plex, Trey R, Bossman, The Black Sunn Greenspan, and Shadina.


Look out for the release next weekend!!! - Ryan Lyons

Curren$y feat Stalley- Address

Curren$y is killin it!  I'm happy to see Stalley doing his thing too.


CURREN$Y + STALLEY: ADDRESS from Creative Control on Vimeo.

The Black Sunn – ‘Sol Parables’ (Extended Play Mixtape)

The Black Sunn is on his grind, releasing quality songs, as well as mixtapes. I like to see that!

Download Sol Parables

Mullyman feat Bossman - "Imma Be More Remix"

Baltimore has been waiting on a song featuring these two for a long time. Nice to hear it.  The instrumental isn't my favorite, but they both kill their verses forreal. They do a great tag team flow at the end!!! Check this  out here on Allhiphop.com!!!!

"Highly anticpated like nas, and the jiggaman" - Mullyman

Greenspan & Tabi Bonney - Love Leaves ( prod. by Judah)

Baltimore, and D.C. collaboration. Two dope emcees trading ill verses. Who's mad? Not me.

Love Leaves Download

Tabi Bonney & Raheem Devaughn " Fever"
This joint is crazy!!!

FEVER - tabi Bonney ft. Raheem DeVaughn (directed by tabi Bonney + 6ix Shoota) from tabi Bonney on Vimeo.

Aasha Adore

Aasha mixing some of our favorite joints!

Marsha Ambrosius New Mixtape: Yours Sincerely

The lady who is one of the greatest voices I've heard in the latter part of this decade has released  a mixtape which is a preview of sorts to her new material. This should give her fans something to hold them down until the release of her upcoming album ,Late Nights & Early Mornings!!!!


Download Here

Black Serenade Feat 810 ( produced by Damu the Fudgemunk)

This leak was provided via DJBooth.net It's called “Black Serenade ft. 810.” Were also big fans of 810 over here at ABLT. Serenade sets the tone for the release of Sunn’s DJBooth.net-hosted EP Sol Parables due out on February 25!!! We can't wait to see what he has in store!!

The Black Serenade


 Also, if you are in the DC metro area come out and see him perform at University of Maryland on the same day of the release!!!!

Listen Now: Dappa!!! Dan Midas

Let me introduce you guys to Dappa!! Dan Midas. I love this guys music. It's full of energy, and coming from a whole nother' side of emceeing in my opinion. Check out for more diversity in this Bmore scene, WE GO HARD!!

Push Start  by  midasmusick


Hold Ur Head  by  midasmusick 

Download Now: Bmore Orignal Radio pt 9.

My man DJ Benni Stixx has a new mix!!!! This is a 30 min club mix is up with some new exclusives! Download free at www.bmoreoriginal.com!!

Devin the Dude, “What I Be On” MP3

Devin the Dude is easily one of my favorite artists. Check his catalog. His new album Suite #420 coming on April 20th!!!!

What I Be On

Copper Foams A.K.A " Dope Dealers"

The Nike Foamposite has been the hood's favorite shoe in Baltimore for some time now. They are durable, they come with a hefty price tag( which is why we call them Dope Dealers), and it's like a cult thing here whenever a new color is released. Penny Hardaway’s only non-”Air Penny” is definitley one of my favorite sneakers. I haven't been able to get a pair, but I need these in my life. I even wrote a poem about em' a while back. Peep Below!



"Chillin wit the crew"

 Dopedealers, yea that's what we called em'/ they come in new colors every so often/ had to get his pockets too green like Boston/ most niggas can't even afford em'/ See dope dealers was a prized possession, if u had em' in our town u was reppin/ He was talkin to girls that went to Western/ and they wasn't even in my section , or his district , but let's move quick let's get on/ Dope dealers cost more than your cellular phone/ And they sure ain't worth no pennies, but the penny was shown/ For bmore we puttin em on/ For bmore we puttin on/

Dru Hill - Love M.D.

I'm feeling this cut! Always been a fan of Dru Hill, and hopefully they can stay together, and keep putting
out that good music!

Did Lil Kim write her own rhymes?

I always thought Lil Kim was dope. Her flow was always on point, and her voice is DOPE. I 

loved the in your face sexuality, and I feel that even though that is not how a supposed "lady" 

should act, she made a statement. Real artists make statements, point blank. Hell, she probably 

stands for a lot of females who feel that just because they belong to the female sex, that doesn't mean they can't own their sexuality and take advantage of men who do the same thing, and are

praised for it by their brethren.

The above rant is neither here nor there, it just preludes this interesting thing I found on youtube. Behold it is an unreleased Biggie track spitting vocals that belong to Lil Kim's record " Queen 

Bitch". Throughout Lil Kim's career there has always been talk of "ghost-writers" and such, but I have 
never heard proof. This is big evidence. Some still say that Biggie was just saying 

Lil Kim's rhymes for her, to show her how to say what she had already wrote. That makes 

sense to me, because I've seen that type of a situation before. I really can't call it, but I'd like to 

hear from you guys!

Either way Lil Kim has influenced a sea of women who have followed her lead!

“Love Thang” - Mania Music Group (Feat. Kane Mayfield, Rapman Ron G & Eze Jackson of Soul Cannon)

I like this joint. This is smooth, and very reminiscent of ATCQ.

Erykah Badu - Jump Up In The Air (Stay There) (feat. Lil Wayne & Bilal)

Erykah always pushes herself creatively, and she doesn't limit her self to topics on love. I support all of Ms.Badu's projects!This track is a web only version, which will not be featured on her upcoming album New Amerykah Pt. II (Return Of The Ankh) due out March 30th, 2010. 

NOE - Stark

Check out Baltimore's own NOE who's affiliated with BLACK ROC ( Dame Dash's latest movement). This video features the Wildout Wheelie Boyz of Baltimore! Check the video out here: CreativeControl.com

ABLT presents : In the Heart of the City

Download our Valentines Day Mixtape which includes 21 spectacular jams from my itunes!

IN THE HEART OF THE CITY DWNLD

Smitty - Popular Demand

A lot of people have used this instrumental, but I haven't grown tired yet. Smitty goes in on this!

Tony Fly - Welcome To The Fly Life

Nice snenery in this video of Baltimore, and Tony Fly does his thing! Check it out and let us know what your thinking!

Welcome To The Fly Life from Tony Fly on Vimeo.

R.I.P DILLA WE LOVE YOU

This song has to be one of my favorites that the late JDILLA sampled.



 The Kirkout Hour Presents_ J-Dilla Tribute

Download: Here

Al peace - The Reeling

Al peace sent me a great track he did for this Mixtape! It'a nice cover a Passion Pitt song, once again! Check this out, listen to it over, and over again. Al has some big collaborations going on the next mixtape, that I won't let out of the bag just yet!

Download:  THE REELING

Me and My ninja's back in the day

Before the hype. We are a crew. We lost a few. And even tho shit change. Its funny how shit remains the same. I love yall.

My Sweetie - Wale

Wale - My Sweetie (directed by tabi Bonney) from tabi Bonney on Vimeo.



This video is big to me for several reasons. I love the song, and it samples a nigerian disco classic "My sweetie" by BUNNY MACK. Also the video is very prideful of African culture, and supportive. For some many years blacks have down graded each other. This is a party joint, but the visual to it shows unity,pride, and dopeness. It makes you want to be Nigerian, or rather makes you want to accept your own culture. Props to the artistry that is TABI BONNEY.

E-major - MAJOR MAJOR The Mixtape

 The Major Major Mixtape is finally here!! presented by Under Sound Music & PedX, This latest release features Substantial, Cynthia Hawkes, Hezekiah, Dre Beloved, J Soul & more.DJ Sat One, Eddie Pearson and Dre Beloved lend their production skills to the mixtape as well. DJ Face of 9th Wonder’s True School DJ crew, mixed the project.  The MajorMajorMixtape is available for download here :

http://emajor.bandcamp.com/

B.O.C Cypher

Every Thursday from 7pm-close at PEDX, 1707 Aliceanna st in Fells Point

PEDX CYPER PT.2 from BILLIONS OF CURRENCY on Vimeo.


I'm loving this guys!

If You Love Me Remix - Brownstone featuring Craig Mack

I've always liked Brownstone more than a lot of other 90's r&b. I never heard this remix of If you love me with Craig Mack. It's pretty dope.

Ms. Jade

She used to rip it. I miss her stuff.

A Rose in the Concrete: SHADINA

Some might say that that R&B new-comer Shadina is a legend in the making. Singing since she was only two years old. Shadina started a dance group, Raw Fusion, at the tender age of ten and made a few appearances on The Apollo Theater stage. At 13 years old, OTIS WILLIAMS of THE TEMPTATIONS discovered Shadina. Otis took her into the studio and saw her talent right away. Her mother Topaz, is an accomplished singer in her own right, produced and managed by the team of TEDDY RILEY and GENE GRIFFIN.

Reppin' Bmore to the fullest while globe-trotting and making moves, she takes time out of her schedule to discuss the present, past, and her future goals.

Ryan Lyons: First things First, When did you start singing, and how did it grow into what it is now?

SHADINA: I been singing since I was a lil baby. My mom is a singer (TOPAZ), and was managed and produced by Teddy Riley and Gene Griffin. Now she manages my career. We just been grinding and giving back. People have just been very supportive of my movement.

 Ryan Lyons: Are You from Baltimore (What part of B-more)? How has this city had an effect on your music?

  SHADINA: Yes I'm from Bmore .Born and raised in the park heights community (north west Bmore).

Ryan Lyons: Who are your favorite artists (any genre)? Do they inspire you, and why?

 SHADINA: My mom (TOPAZ) JANET JACKSON,TINA TURNER,ALICIA KEYS,WHITNEY HOUSTON,BEYONCE,MARY J BLIGE,JESSE NORMAN(CLASSICAL SINGER)....They all inspire me in some form of fashion, rather with music, shows or the way I dress.

Ryan Lyons: Your voice sounds a classic, like you've been through some trials and tribulations? (Laughter) Can you attest to that?

 SHADINA: No I have not been through anything. I just sing, and put myself into the situation. It's like acting, you have to make people feel you, even if you've been through it or not.

Ryan Lyons: What do you think is going to take for people to take more notice to your music? And where do you see yourself in say 5 years?

 SHADINA: I think it's gonna take more shows, and marketing, and promotion. I see myself being mainstream, and winning some awards .I want to get my non-profit off the ground as well.

 Ryan Lyons:  I was proud of your performance on B.E.T. You showed them we have some serious talent!! Tell me about that experience, and how has it helped you?

 SHADINA: It was a great experience; I loved every moment of it. Now I have A. Keys in my corner, and I will be doing some shows with her as well.

 Ryan Lyons I see that dancing is also a big part of your set, how much effort do you put into that part of your performance?

 SHADINA: I love dancing, my dancers, I call them my SHADIVA'S and my choreographer's name is Champ .We work really hard, we practice for long hours, and put our all into it.

Ryan Lyons: What is it about SHADINA that sets you apart from the rest of the entertainers?

 SHADINA: What you see is me. I sing, I dance, I sing Classical music, I write, and produce my own music, I put my shows together, and I'm a performer. I want to bring the entertainment, back into shows.

 Ryan Lyons: If you could collaborate with any artist (any genre) who would it be?

 SHADINA: KANYE WEST...LUDA...BEYONCE...MARY J BLIGE.ALICIA KEYS.JANET JACKSON .BEANIE SEGAL.PINK.JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE.OMARION...It's so many to really name!

 Ryan Lyons: Thank -you for doing this interview. It was a pleasure. I think your beautiful as well as your sound. Do you have anything you would like to say?

SHADINA: My debut Cd is called BORN 4 THIS. You can find it on Itunes, Amazon, Napstar, Rhapsody, or EMUSIC.www.myspace.com/shadina1


Shadina recently released her debut single,"GOOD GIRLS" featuring CHUBB ROCK which is receiving air play on many satellite radiostations, radio 1 stations and internet play!!
Please follow me on twitter, facebook, myspace, youtube! I also started my own radio show.SHADINA RADIO. You can listen Mon- Thurs at www.blogtalkradio.com/shadina at 9PM EST!!!!

Check her Youtube:  



-

Logan

A picture I took of my sister with Will's camera. It's really high on saturation, but I think it came out dope.

The Black Sunn - Leave Luck to Heaven

This is a DjBooth exclusive from popular new-comer TheBlackSunn. He's definitley got a vintage appeal, and a good flow, but I'll let yall tell it.

The Black Sunn was awarded “Best New Artist” at the 2009 Baltimore Crown Awards.

Check it Out here

Billions Of Currency Cypher

THE GOODFELLAS and BILLIONS OF CURRENCY will be hosting cyphers every Thursday at PEDX, so if you got skill come thru, and show everyone what you got. I really respect what these guys are doing. We have the same mission. To put Baltimore where it needs to be.


 Address: 1707 AliceAnna St in Fells Point.

I love this pic of me and Jenai

Thanks Will

E-major feat Hezekiah - Be Alright

"Most rap dudes words are worthless" - E-major

E Major’s anticipated Major Major Mixtape drops next week, Monday Feb 8! This single “Be Alright.”  is really dope and soulful. Something nice for the whip.  It’s the second release off of The Major Major Mixtape and it features Hezekiah 


Download Here

Sim-PLEX - "Human Nature"

Sim-PLEX has been busy cookin' up that goodness in the studio for all the like minded individuals, come in check out the good stuff. Their latest release is called "the Definition: EPic", and they describe it as their "best" release!



"Human Nature" Download

The Album Release Party will be on Feb 23, 2010 at Red Maple. Don't be Late..

And don't forget to check out their  NEW website:

www.sim-plexmusic.com

Smoke DZA - Marley & Me (Remix) (feat. Devin The Dude, Curren$y, Asher Roth & June Summers)

Some of my favorite emcees describe their favorite past-time. This song is a banger, and the video includes
cameos from some of your favorite people.