A few Dollaz for the homie Kleph | 10.15.12

On October 15, 2012 Ill Street Grooves paid homage to a producer from the DMV region, the late Kleph Dollaz (a.k.a. Darrel Durand) of Petersburg, VA.  Formerly of the 90's hip hop act, Ill Biskits (once-signed to Atlantic Records), the MC/producer went on to work with acts such as NYC's Black Moon, Sean Price, Sadat X, and CA's own Rasco. He also continued to rep VA, joining forces with Richmond's Bear-One to form the Kontrol Freakz production crew and additionally collaborated with the likes of Lonnie B and Shawn Chappelle (Supafriendz), amongst many others. Sadly, he passed away in late August 2012. The Ill Street fam worked with Kleph last year and we're saddened by his transition to the next life. The homie Bear-One called in from Philly to help us reflect and to say a few words about his longtime friend.

In addition to our dedication to Kleph, we invited legendary underground DMV producer Theory (curr. of The Package, formerly of Infinite Loop) into the station alongside personnel from The Beat Konductaz (a producer's competition & showcase) to celebrate his recent victory in the recent BK competition and remind listeners of backyard talent making moves in the business.

Tracklisting 
1) Black Moon - How We Do It
2) Kleph Dollaz - Worship
3) Kleph Dollaz - Agape ft. Lonnie B & Shawn Chappelle
4) Ill Biskits - 22 Years 
5) Ill Biskits - God Bless Ya Life
 ***Interview Break*** 
6) Rasco - U Got the Time
7) Far EXP - Never Change (Tru Skoool Mix)

Additional uncredited music was provided by Theory as his beats were featured as part of his interview.


Peep game right here!

We Do It 4 What We Love | 7.23.12

On this episode of Ill Street Grooves we chopped things up with our peoples Toney Woods and Grindstone Universal in the studio, talked about the things we liked most that are unique about the DC/MD/VA-area, and ran some gems from the vinyl crates of DJ 2-Tone Jones.  Plus, Rev. Barry Obama-Wright made a small appearance. 

Check it out....

Prelude to a Def Jam (part 2) | 6.11.12

Last month the music world lost yet another iconic figure; Adam Yauch, more commonly known as MCA, of the Beastie Boys.  Due to his untimely passing the Def Jam 25 Year Celebration in DC was rescheduled for June 16th.  With less than a week away the crew from Ill Street continued to celebrate this occasion with another episode dedicated to the greatest hip-hop record label....EVER! 

Check out the episode (here) and get schooled on some of the history behind Def Jam Records.

Prelude to a Def Jam | 4.30.12

On a cool spring night in the nation's capital the crew from Ill Street was visited by our good friend Munch (from Groove Gumbo), who slid by to rap about the upcoming Def Jam 25 Year Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 12th @ the Historic Lincoln Theatre in DC.  Joining in on the conversation were the lovely and talented Maimouna Youssef, and our big brother Asheru.  Plus, our good friend Sub-Z hit us up with some info about some upcoming shows with his band Theo Bleu, as well as his martial arts training and fitness classes that he currently teaches.  Check it all out right here...


Be sure to tune in next week (5/7/12) for a special interview with some of the artists and label heads from Def Jam Records! 

Food for Thought | 4.23.12

Not only is Ill Street Grooves known to be on point with music, artists and culture.....but with food too!  The owners (and brothers) from Inspire BBQlocated in the Atlas District of DC stopped by to drop some knowledge about the importance of community and empowerment, drop some opportunity offers for local area youth, and drop off some food for the crew to sample and enjoy (words can't describe how damn good it tasted).  Plus, our sister Triple Threat sat in to further discuss the bookKoontown Killing Kaper and her roll in producing the highly-acclaimed soundtrack.  And to kick things off, comedian, actress and impersonator Sylvia Traymore stopped by to giveaway tickets to her upcoming show at the Riot Act in DC. Holding things down on the 1's and 2's was DJ RBI.  


Check it out here!

Hieroglyphics Crew (part 4) | 3.26.12

Due to the overwhelming response of the fans (and gracious humility of our guests), we here on Ill Street extended our 3-part Hieroglyphics Crew dedication series to a 4th WEEK!  The homie Tajai (from Souls of Mischief) called back in along with one of his partners in rhyme, Phesto Dee.  They spoke about their move to become independent artists and what drove that decision, their mission behind the Hiero Imperium Record label, and new releases from the crew.  Before and after the interview DJ RBI mixed together an ill set featuring some of the most recent bangers from the Hiero Crew! 
Click here to listen to the final episode of the series!

Hieroglyphics Crew (part 3) | 3.19.12

Ill street returns with the third installment of our Hieroglyphics Crew series. This episode features interviews with the mighty Tajai (from Souls of Mischief) and super lyricist Casual. Both of them spoke with us about the crew's departure from Jive records, the influences the crew had on and recieved from Oakland culture, and the story behind the legendary battle between Hiero and the Hobo Junction w/Saafir. And as always DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones laced the airwaves with classic cuts from the crew's catalog around the time they went independent.

Click here to hear from the legends themselves on Ill Street.