2010 Wrap-Up | 12.27.10

With the new year approaching the ISG took time to reflect on 2010. RBI and 2-Tone traded off on the turntables and played a mix of some of the best songs released throughout the year including music by Big Boi, Akua Allrich, Gods'Illa, Kanye West, De La Soul, Roc Marciano, Pudgemcee, Royce da 5'9", Phil Ade, Low Budget Crew and more! The show closed out with a dope cypha, along with a tribute to some of the incredible artists we lost this year. RIP Teena Marie, Catfish Collins, Guru, Lena Horne, Dio, Solomon Burke, Teddy Pendergrass, Tony Curtis and the many others who will be missed. Check it out right here.

Saigon's Story | 12.20.10

Christmas came early for ISG. Saigon stopped by the show to rap with us about the release of his long-awaited and highly anticipated debut album on Just Blaze's Fort Knox Entertainment Record Label entitled, The Greatest Story Never Told (set for release on February 15, 2011). He also shed some light on the ills of the music industry and why he continues to create music that is true to him. And as always, RBI and 2-Tone Jones dropped some gems on the 1's and 2's. Here's the link.

New Music + Elzhi | 12.13.10

Despite the cold front hitting the Nation's Capitol and the rest of the country, the crew from Ill Street keeps coming with the heat. DJ 2-Tone went in with an all-vinyl set rockin' joints from EPMD and Queen Latifah to Ghostface and Westside Connection. Plus, the lyrical heavywieght Elzhi (from Slum Village fam) called in to rap with us about his past with SV, his future as a solo artist and his performance later that night in DC. Check it all out right here!

The Scienz w/John Robinson | 11.29.10

Since the much heralded, underground trio Scienz of Life dropped Powers of Nine Ether in '96 on Bobbito's Fondle 'em Records, John Robinson (then known as Lil Sci) has been traveling the globe continuing to display true lyricism at its best! Throughout his extensive and ever-growing catalogue some of the best artists and producers in Hip-Hop have had the pleasure of collaborating and sharing experiences on the road with him including J Rawls, MF Doom, Jay Dee, Jam Master Jay, Madlib, Prince Po, and more. In honor of this awesome MC and true friend Ill Street Grooves w/DJ 2-Tone Jones on the 1's and 2's paid tribute to JR with a set featuring tracks from a variety of his albums, features, and 12-inches. Check the Scienz right here!

WBL International Teach-In | 11.8.10

It's that time of year again...The Words, Beats & Life Annual International Hip-Hop Teach-In! Brother Mazi Mutafa came thru to talk about all the incredible film screenings, panel discussions and events they have lined up. Not to mention appearances by Kool Herc and Common. Plus, Heron Gibran joined in to give us a hint about a new show in the making that's gonna pick up where Teen Summit left off. Last but not least....DJ RBI rips it on the 1's and 2's! Check it out right here.

The Legend of DJ Spinna | 11.1.10

Arguably one of the most slept-on producers in Hip-Hop since the mid-'90s, DJ Spinna, takes time out of his non-stop schedule of producing dope beats and spinning around the globe (both across different genres of music) to chop it up with the team from Ill Street Grooves. We picked his brain about the array of talented artists he's worked with since the '90s (including Eminem, Polyrhythm Addicts and Apani B. Fly). And along with the DMV's own, SimCity, they spoke about the upcoming Beatdown: Indie Life Edition featuring Spinna, 88 Keys, Bink Dog, Kev Brown and others (shouts out to InnerLoop Records)! Last but not least, the crew paid homage to the one and only Jam Master Jay; 8 years after his untimely death........R.I.P. JMJ!

Check it all out right here.

It's All Love w/Monie | 10.25.10

Just days after an ILL event @ the NYC Adidas Originals Store during the 2010 CMJ Music and Film Festival, and a few days before Howard Homecoming, the crew from Ill Street celebrate Toney Smith's B-Day. To cap things off one of the flyest female MC's of all-time, Monie Love, called in to rap with us about her passion towards Hip-Hop culture, her experiences in the radio industry, and the Dynasty on U/HU Homecoming Party she's gonna be hosting @ Tabaq Lounge (featuring Decipher's own DJ Jshsonic). To wrap things up, the homie Facemann held down the cipher along with his crew and Flex Matthews. Take a listen to it all right here!

The Pledge w/Buckshot | 10.11.10

Last week on Ill Street we were honored to have the one and only General of the Boot Camp Click, Buckshot, call us up to speak on how Duck Down Records continues to move forward after 15 years, the importance of supporting public radio (go to www.wpfw.org to make a pledge), and their 'can't miss' tour stop in DC. Plus, Def Comedy Jam Vet and DC native, Toney Woods, stppoed thru and instantly got the laughs going in the station. And as always, DJ RBI & 2-Tone Jones held it down on the 1's and 2's. Check it all out right here!

Rawkus vs. Stones Throw | 9.20.10

Arguably 2 of the most respected, successful and talented independent Hip-Hop record labels since the beginning of the 90's are Stones Throw Records (Madlib, Oh No, J Dilla, MadVillian, MED) and Rawkus Records (Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Company Flow, Hi-Tek, Pharoah Monch). So on this episode of Ill Street we put the music to the test....which one is the best!?! DJ's RBI & 2-Tone Jones trade off throughout the entire show with classic and lesser known selections from both labels. Tune in right here and give us your verdict in the comment section.

Tracklisting:
If U can Huh, U Can Hear ][ Mos Def (RAWKUS)
America's Most Blunted ][ MadVillain (MF Doom & Madlib) (STONES THROW)
The Umph ][ Last Emperor feat. Cocoa Brovas (RAWKUS)
Champion Sound ][ Jaylib (J Dilla & Madlib) (STONES THROW)
Universal Magnetic ][ Mos Def (RAWKUS)
Something Kind Of Wonderful ][ Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek (Reflection Eternal) (RAWKUS)
Watch Your Step ][ Percee P feat. Guilty Simpson & Vinnie Paz (STONES THROW)
Mayor ][ Pharoahe Monch (RAWKUS)
The Ride ][ Oh No (STONES THROW)
What You In It For ][ MED (STONES THROW)
The Fire in Which You Burn ][ Company Flow feat. J-Treds & Breezely Brewin' (RAWKUS)
Fortified Live ][ Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) feat. Mos Def & Mr Khalil (RAWKUS)
Come Here My Dear ][ Dudley Perkins (STONES THROW)
Move ][ Oh No feat. J Dilla & Roc C (STONES THROW)
Put It On The Line ][ Percee P (STONES THROW)
Down For The Count (instrumental) ][ Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) (RAWKUS)
Definition ][ Blackstar (RAWKUS)
Come On Feet (Remix) ][ Quasimoto (STONES THROW)
Simon Says ][ Pharoahe Monch (RAWKUS)
Miss Fat Booty 2 ][ Mos Def feat. Ghostface Killah (RAWKUS)
Can't Hold On ][ MED (STONES THROW)
Train Of Thought ][ Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) (RAWKUS)
1, 2 Theory ][ Skillz (RAWKUS)
Lootpack - The Lost Art (instrumental) (STONES THROW)
The Express ][ Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) (RAWKUS)
7XL ][ Sir Menelik feat. Grand Puba & Sadat X (RAWKUS)
Play This ][ J Rocc (STONES THROW)
Fourty Days ][ Yesterday's New Quintet (STONES THROW)
Mama ][ Dudley Perkins (STONES THROW)
Pillz ][ Jaylib (STONES THROW)
A Tree Never Grows ][ Hip Hop For Respect (RAWKUS)

For the Socially Minded... | 9.13.10

Things that make you go....hmmmmm. The ISG team was joined by 3-Time Apollo Champ, Messiah, who blessed us with both his gift and presence in the studio. Plus, the founder of the Black L.U.V. Festival and our brother, Kymone Papi Freeman, stopped by to discuss why this year's festival will be the last and how that reflects the current state of the Black community. And as always, RBI and 2-Tone Jones were holding down the wheels of steel with a mix of socially conscious hip-hop music. Check it all out right here!

Tracklisting:
U.N.I.T.Y. (remix instrumental) ][ Queen Latifah
Arrest the President ][ Intelligent Hoodlum (a.k.a. Tradgedy Khadafi)
Endangered Species (Tales from the Darkside) ][ Ice Cube feat. Public Enemy
Radio Freq ][ Dead Prez
Hell Yeah ][ Dead Prez
Cop Shot ][ Dead Prez
Black Cop ][ KRS One
Word to Mother(Land) ][ Big Daddy Kane
We're All in the Same Gang ][ West Coast All-Stars
These Are The Times (Novus Ordo Seclorum) ][ Dead Prez
White Man'z World ][ 2Pac
Robin Hood Theory ][ Gang Starr

Labor & Love | 9.6.10

After a weekend of cookouts, cooling out and no work, the Ill Street team finishes off the extended Labor Day weekend with plate of full new joints featuring Roc Marciano, Skyzoo & Illmind, Malkovich, De La Soul and more. The grillmasters as always were DJ 2-Tone Jones & DJ RBI, along with the rest of the crew serving up exactly what the people need to get ready for the work week ahead. Check it out right here!

Tracklisting:
Riding Around ][ Roc Marciano
Hot Woman/Bad Rappers ][ Malkovich feat. Chris Clarke & Sumkid
Speakers on Blast ][ Skyzoo & Illmind
Frisbees ][ Skyzoo & Illmind
24 ][ Little Brother feat. Torae
Return of DST ][ De La Soul
Get Dough ][ Vandalyzm
Innerview ][ Malkovich
Backstage ][ Shawn Jackson
Mic Destruction ][ Facemann
Share ][ Drake
Read My Lips ][ Tha Alkaholics
- Freestyle -

Tribute to MJ: Beyond the Hits | 8.30.10

No other artist in the history of mankind has touched the heart of people worldwide and influenced music (across genres) like Micheal Joseph Jackson. On this episode of Ill Street Grooves we paid tribute to the King of Pop by going beyond the hits and playing a variety of his unreleased songs, live versions and collaborations. Plus, the Grammy-nominated DC native, Kokayi, chimed in to talk about his upcoming single release party, new album and memories growing up listening to the magic of MJ.


Tracklisting:
That's what You Got ][ Jackson 5
Coming Home ][ Jackson 5
We're Almost There (DJ Spinna remix) ][ Jackson 5
Buttercup (prod. by Stevie Wonder) ][ Jackson 5
Darling Dear ][ Jackson 5
Breezy ][ Jackson 5
Enjoy Yourself ][ Jackson 5
Lookin' Through the Windows ][ Jackson 5
On the Wall ][ Taken from the Jacksons TV Show
Centipede ][ Rebbie Jackson feat. Micheal Jackson
Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' ][ Jermaine Jackson feat. Micheal Jackson
Burn This Disco Down ][ Micheal Jackson
Things I Do for You ][ Jackson 5

Special Q | 8.16.10

There's never a dull night on Ill Street Grooves. Not only was Supa Kool DJ Uncle Q in the spot rockin' the 1's and 2's, but Hip-Hop legend Special Ed dropped us a line to speak about his current venture and more! Plus, we had a number of friends, family and regulars up in the spot keeping us company. Check it all out right here!

Born I Music | 7.26.10

Just when you think someone has departed the game and allowed the water to still, they splash back on the scene harder than ever. This is exemplified by DC's own, Born Infinite, who came by the station to rap with us about his new mixtape, new single (Conga Drum) and same direction...upward. Plus, Tri-State area MC, Silent Knight, slid thru to talk about his upcoming performance in the District opening up for Canibus, and his new band, Fuse.

Check it all out right here.

Tracklising:
Golden Terror of Rap ][ Canibus
Nas is Like ][ Nas
Elevator Music ][ Unspoken Heard
We Got the Jazz (re-edit) ][ A Tribe Called Quest
We Got the Jazz (DJ 2-Tone remix) ][ A Tribe Called Quest & Waajeed
Welcome ][ Black Milk
Shine ][ Pharoah Monch
Older & Wiser ][ Clan Destined
Conga Drum ][ Born Infinite
Toast Up ][ Born Infinite
High Noon ][ SPP Waxworks ft. Kev Brown
KaBoom ][ DJ K.O. ft. East, Silent Knight and Kaze

DC x South Africa | 7.19.10

South African Hip-Hop Artist/Activist/B-Boy, Emile XY?, makes his return to Ill Street along with DJ Thee Angelo and the good peoples of Nomadic Wax. They sat in to speak about their list of performances and Hip-Hop youth development exchange work they're in the country for (take a glance at their schedule below the tracklisting), breakdown the many similarities in Hip-Hop and Economics between South Africa and the US, and bless us with a couple verses (while switching between different languages)! Plus, Cali O.G. MC's, Myka 9 and Medusa, dropped us a line to rap about their upcoming performance in DC.

And as always....DJ RBI and DJ 2-Tone Jones were in the mix. Check it all out right here!

Tracklisting:
To the Max ][ Stezo
Get Bizzy ][ Big Daddy Kane
Intro (La Familia) ][ Jay-Z
From My Porch (remix) ][ Kev Brown ft. Sean Born
Come Clean ][ Jeru Da Damaja
Get It Together ][ Beastie Boys ft. Q-Tip
Blue Funk ][ Heavy D. & The Boyz
Shine ][ Jadakiss ft. Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik
Me and My Brother ][ Redman ft. K-Solo
Headbanger ][ EPMD ft. Redman and K-Solo
2 Dope Boyz ][ Outkast
A King and Queen Creation ][ Queen Latifah ft. The 45 King

Waxploitation (w/Adrian Younge) | 7.12.10

Joining us on an exploration of the music of the blaxploitation film era was the composer and producer of the Black Dynamite original score, Adrian Younge. Plus, legendary DC DJ, Sam "The Man" Burns, sat in to add to the discussion. DJ RBI, along with the assist from DJ 2-Tone Jones, created the soulful soundtrack to the program. Click here to get a blast from the past!

Conceptual Concept | 7.5.10

On the eve of the DC Hip-Hop Festival the ISG explore some of the best conceptual hip-hop songs, past and present. Paige Hernandez, Kev Brown and others called in to talk about some of the must-see events and performances throughout the week-long festival, including Paige in Full: The Live Mixtape and the 5th Annual J Dilla Tribute Event. Check it out right here.

To the Fathers That Bothered | 6.21.10

It's that time of year when we give thanks to the men who helped make us the men that we are. The crew is joined by C. Love as he performs live in honor of Fathers' Day. Plus, DJ RBI follows suit with a special Fathers' Day set. Here you go.

All the Way Live (part 1) | Live Footage

What's just as good as hearing a badass jam session?.......seeing it go down. Here's some footage from Sound of the City's live set on Ill Street Grooves on MAy 10th, along with songstress Akua Allrich.

Take our word for it......it's just as good as it sounds.



Sound of the City w/Akua Allrich (part 1)




Sound of the City w/Akua Allrich (part 2)




Sound of the City w/Akua Allrich & Flex Matthews (part 3)

New Music Money | 6.14.10

RNL found out he has a brother, Toney pulled out some wings w/mumbo sauce, and DJ Roger Rog came with some new beats....on cassette tape! All this and a crate load of new joints dished out by DJ RBI & 2-Tone Jones; including new cuts by Slum Village, Planet Asia & Gold Chain Military, Kanye West, OC & AG, Reef the Lost Cauze, Roc Marciano and Canibus produced by DJ Premier (FINALLY!). It's all right here.

To the Homies Out West (feat. Planet Asia & TriState) | 6.7.10

The I.S.G. Crew was straight rollin' on 'Dubs' and reppin' for the west coast on this episode. In addition to RBI and 2-Tone slanging classic joints from the left coast, golden state rhyme vets, Planet Asia & TriState, called in right before their performance at Liv Nightclub to promote their new Gold Chain Military project and discuss their major influences while coming up on the West Coast hip-hop scene. Plus, Kokayi dropped us a line to add to the discussion. Raise up them 'dubs' and get with tha program right here!

All the Way Live (part 3) feat. Mambo Sauce | 5.24.10

In continuing our theme of live music and it's place in Hip-Hop, the crew is joined by Black Boo, JC, Pep, Khari, Chris and the lovely Ms. Twink of Mambo Sauce. They took over the show with in ill live set featuring some of their new and classic bangers. Jay Mills also jumps in the mix to lace the mic. And as always, DJ's RBI and 2-Tone hold down the 1's and 2's with some classic live hip-hop cuts. Listen to it here!

All The Way Live (part one) | 5.10.10

There's no music like live music, and tonight we proved that. The infamous Sound of the City Band (featuring Chuki on Bass & Biscuit Bynum on Drums) took over halfway and crusied thru the rest of the show with a live groove. They were joined by local phenoms, Akua Allrich and Mr. Higgz (from Sound of the City), who both recently began to release solo freshman projects to the world of music lovers. Crew cousins, Ardamus and Flex Mathews, slid in towards the end to supply classic lines to the jam session. Plus, DJ 2-Tone Jones started things off with a set dedicated to hip-hop treats produced using band musicians (both live and studio recorded). Check the real right here!

This Is In Memory Of.....GURU | 4.26.10

On Monday, April 19,2010 Keith Elam, known more commonly to his fans worldwide as GURU (1/2 of legendary Hip-Hop duo Gang Starr), passed from this lifetime. In honor of this Hip-Hop/Jazz fusion icon the I.S.G. crew rapped about Guru's musical legacy, his influence and acts of bretrayal surrounding his death. We were joined by DJ's, artists and fans from all over including The Funk Regulator Celo, Illa Ghee, Team Demolition, and C. Love. Plus, DJ Roddy Rod teamed up with RBI and 2-Tone to spin endless joints featuring the late great Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Click here for the sure shot!

3 is the Magic Number | 4.12.10

Over the ages Hip-Hop fans have highlighted the works of some of the best solo artists, and at times the best duos. But instead falling in line with everyone else, the ISG crew decided to up the ante by paying homage to some of the Greatest Trios in Hip-Hop. And to bring things to a full circle DJ Face from the True School Camp (spearheaded by producer 9th Wonder) came thru to join DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones on the wheels of steel. That's right...3 DJ's!!! Check it out.

Bum Rush the Capitol | 4.5.10

Spring is finally here and the heat is coming! K-Beta helps us kick off the show hot off the release of his debut album on InnerLoop Records entitled INGLORIOUS BETA. Then, entertainment industry vet April Watts calls in to rap about the final week of WHW Rocks, a DMV-based television show and talent competition that she both hosts and produces. To wrap things up Mazi Mutafi and Tyrone Norris from Words Beats and Life, Inc. and DCRap.com sit in to discuss the 5th Annual Bum Rush the Boards Hip Hop Chess Tournament on Saturday, April 10th, the Mystery of Chessboxin' Hip Hop Showcase and Chess Challenge on Tuesday, April 6th, and the connection between Chess and Hip-Hop. DJ 2-Tone Jones was around holding down the background with some new and timeless joints by Little Brother, Casual, Damien Marley & Nas, K-Beta, Pac Div and God's Illa. Check it out here.

As if it isn't challenging enough for local area artists to find a stage to perform on, now it's getting more difficult for some of them to get paid for performing on them. DC area Hip Hop vet, Head Roc (of GODISHEUS), dropped in to rap with the crew about an issue affecting area performing artists and the basis upon which venues determine how much they will pay them at the end of the night. Plus, DJ 2-Tone Jones catches wreck on the wheels of steel droppin' a series of exclusive Wu-Tang and Erykah Badu tracks. All right here!

Best of DC | 3.15.10

One of the hardest working MC's in the DC area slides thru to talk shop, Hip-Hop and the pay off; while 2 of the hardest working DJ's in the DC area commence to groove. Ardamus joins the crew and talks about his recent nomination to the City Paper's coveted "Best of DC" music list. And on time as always, DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones drop exclusive and classic gems over the airwaves. Check it out here.

Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal | (3.1.10)

On Sunday, February 28, 2010 Keith Elam, better known as GURU from the iconic Hip-Hop duo Gangstarr, suffered a severe heart attack and went into a coma. In honor of our former guest, DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones traded off for a special GURU/Gangstarr set on Ill Street Grooves. Listen to some of your favorite GURU classics and rare tracks you may have never heard before right here.


Tracklisting:
Plenty - Guru ft. Erykah Badu
Pass the Mic - Da Youngstas
Mass Appeal - Gang Starr
You Know My Steez - Gang Starr
You Know My Steez (remix) - Gang Starr ft. Lady of Rage & Kurupt
Watch What You Sayin' - Guru ft. Chaka Khan & Branford Marsalis
Discipline - Gangstarr ft. Total
Rite Where You Stand - Gang Starr ft. Jadakiss
A Little Spice (Gang Starr remix) - Loose Ends ft. Gang Starr
I've Commited Murder (remix) - Macy Gray ft. Gang Starr & Mos Def
Certified - Guru ft. Bilal (prod. by Jay Dee)
Pimp Sh*t - Baldhead Slick & Da Click ft. Kaeson/Kreem.com (prod. by Pete Rock)
Incredible - Krumb Snatcha ft. Guru
Work - Gang Starr
B.Y.S. - Gang Starr (b/w Full Clip - Gang Starr)
Positivity - Gang Starr
The ? Remainz - Gang Starr
Planet Gang Starr - Gang Starr
Check the Technique - Gang Starr
Dwyck - Gang Starr ft. Nice & Smooth
Mostly the Voice - Gang Starr
Step to the Rear - Brand Nubian
Take it Personal - Gang Starr

New Music Money | (2.4.10)

It's money time once again, and the I.S.G. team was out for some c-notes....and they got 'em. DJ 2-Tone Jones was on the 1's and 2's droppin' world premieres and area-wide exclusives by Diamond District, Reflection Eternal, Phil Ade, Jay Electronica, Zarcain (reppin' San Jose!). Plus, Toney Smith was in the spot holdin' down the boards (and takin' flicks at the same time).

Check out the broadcast right here.

And the Beat Goes On: A Tribute to Clyde Stubblefield (1.11.10)

On Monday, January 11th Ill Street Grooves hosted a special 2 hour broadcast paying tribute to the Original Funky Drummer, Clyde Stubblefield. He (along with former, fellow James Brown band members John 'Jab'O' Starks and Fred Wesley) called in to talk with us about their careers (past and present), experiences working with James Brown, and their legacy in Hip-Hop music. We were also joined by local-area percussionists Lon Laine, Ms. Twink, D. Madness, and Biscuit for a couple live jam sessions with help from MC's Flex Mathews and Fleetwood Mac. Plus, DJ RBI held down 1's and 2's for a tribute mix featuring JB classics and Clyde Stubblefield breaks, along with Hip-Hop gems that sampled them. A special shout out goes to Rusty Hassan from the Night Jazz show for the extra hour of air time for this broadcast.

Check it out here.

2010...Let's Begin (1.4.10)

The new year has officially begun and the ISG crew is back to business as usual. DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones trade off on the 1's and 2's rockin' some old and new hip-hop treats. Plus, members of the crew run down their new year's resolutions as other members determine whether or not they will be accomplished. You be the judge.

Click here for the show!

Ill Street Grooves Logo Contest

Ill Street Grooves, the most progressive Hip-Hop show in the DMV area, is hosting a contest to see who can come up with their new show logo. The winner will receive:

• A free pair of tickets to the upcoming Brand Nubian show
• A box set of mixtapes featuring mixes by DJ RBI and DJ 2-Tone Jones
• An interview on Ill Street Grooves
• and more!

Each contestant must submit 1-2, full-color logo samples. All images need to be sent as either jpeg, gif or pdf files to illstreetgrooves@gmail.com. The deadline for logo submissions is Tuesday, February 2, 2010. The winner and top 2 finalists will be announced on Monday, February 8th.

Year-End/Decade Wrap-Up (12.28.09)

2009 has come to a close, and what better way to wrap things up than a mix of the most notable songs of the year and decade by DJ 2-Tone Jones and DJ RBI. Plus, DMV area artists Godsilla, Fleetwood DeVille, Flex Mathews and Ardamus join in to help the ISG crew bring closure to an unforgettable decade. Listen to the show here!

Legend Series: Naughty by Nature (12.21.09)

Hip-Hop icons Naughty by Nature reach out to ISG to talk about making Hip-Hop history, working with other legends in the game and the upcoming N.B.N. album. Plus, DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones spin nothing but classic joints featuring, produced by and written by Naughty by Nature.

Check it out right here!