The Main Source w/Sir Scratch - 11.21.11

Ill Stret Grooves had the honor of having Sir Scratch, founding member of the highly acclaimed '90s Hip-Hop group Main Source, come on the show.  Not only did he talk about his Canadian roots and shed light on many of his production credits over the years with artists like Madonna, Micheal Jackson, Seal and more; but he also set the record straight about Main Source and everyone's role in the group.  On the 1's and 2's DJ 2-Tone Jones served up a set dedicated to Toronto Hip-Hop and the many artists who've represented from that area over the years.  F#ck what you think!....check it out right here!

A Nightmare on Ill Street | 10.31.11

On Halloween night the crew from Ill Street whipped up a basket full of horror-filled Hip-Hop to help set the mood.  DJ's RBI & 2-Tone Jones traded off on the 1's and 2's to set things off just right!  Check it out here.

Mobb Deep & Pro'Verb | 10.17.11

The infamous duo from Queensbridge, Mobb Deep, came to DC to perform during Howard University Homecoming weekend.  But before they did the crew from Ill Street got a chance to rap with Prodigy on air about what they've been working on, their influences and they're take on the current state of Hip-Hop.  Plus, DMV's finest MC, Pro'Verb, joined us to talk about the release of his debut project entitled While You're Waiting.  And on the 1's and 2's was DJ 2-Tone Jones providing a mix of classic joints featuring the infamous Mobb Deep, Pro'Verb, Lyriciss and Ra the MC.  Check it out here!

The Latest Greatest | 10.10.11

Alot of interesting things are brewing in the DC area, and as always the crew from Ill Street is there first to let the people know. Helping us kick the night off were comedians Eddie Bryant and Lamont King who are gearing up for their event on Oct. 26th at the Riot Act Comedy Theater in DC called Trippin' on E. Local promoter and MC, Von (a.k.a. Vendetta), stopped by to give away a free pair of tickets to the upcoming Mobb Deep show on Oct. 22nd (Howard Homecoming Weekend). Also, Ill Street's own, DJ 2-Tone Jones, along with his creative partner, Gerald Watson, talked about the release of their new EP entitled The Gil Scott Suite: a SHAOLIN JAZZ tribute to the late Gil Scott-Heron. Last but not least, the whole team took a moment of silence on honor of Sylvia Robinson (founder of Sugarhill Records) who recently passed away. Check it out right here!

The Low End Theory turned 20 | 9.26.11

20 years ago A Tribe Called Quest released one of the most heralded hip-hop albums of all time; The Low End Theory. On this episode of Ill Street we paid tribute in our own way to a Hip-Hop classic that influenced us all. DJ RBI & 2-Tone Jones traded off on the 1's and 2's rockin' original samples, unreleased tracks, remixes and classic bangers from the album. Check the rhyme!

Black Indian & Judah Tried to Tell Y'all | 9.19.11

HE'S BACK!!! DC Hip-Hop vet and still one of the nicest off the top of the dome, Black Indian, come thru Ill Street along with Judah on the Beats to pledge their support to WPFW, give their take on the legacy of DC Hip-Hop (past to present) and talk about Black Indian's new project entitled, I Tried to Tell Y'all. We also had one of the best up-and-coming duo's from the Hip-Hop scene, DTMD, call in briefly to plug their debut album on the Mello Music Group label. And as always, DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones held it down on the 1's and 2's. Get a taste right here!

Celebration of the King | 8.29.11

On the 53rd bday of the King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson, the crew from Ill Street paid tribute yet again to his musical legacy. DJ RBI put together an incredible set that highlighted many of MJ's collaborations with Hip-Hop artists. Plus, we were paid a special visit by "The Mayor" Chris Thomas (former host of Rap City), Tony Woods and Alison Carney who all joined in on the conversation about the impact MJ made in music. Enjoy it right here!

Pac, B.I.G. and the Pledge | 9.12.11

On the eve of the anniversary of 2Pac's passing the crew at Ill Street along with our good friend JaySun pay homage to him and his Hip-Hop counterpart [in many ways], the Notorious B.I.G. We were also joined by the homie J-Scrilla and VA MC, Sketch, as they hit us with some exclusives from their new mixtape (entirely produced by J-Scrilla) entitled VA-Tec9. It's currently available for free download now. And so is this show!

Alison Carney w/Jayne Kennedi | 9.5.11

On this week's episode of Ill Street the very lovely and talented Alison Carney dropped by to talk about her journey thru the Rabbit's Hole in her debut album/mixtape Alison Wonderland. Along with her was the multi-talented Jayne Kennedi of Studio 43. Together they gave us an incite to some of their influences, their favorite artists from the area and more. Check it out right here!

New Music Monday | 8.8.11

On another Monday evening in the Nation's Cap, the fellas from Ill Street kicked off the week with a plethora of new joints and new area classics, including music by Edo G., Cornel West Theory, Jay-Z & Kanye West, Teflon, Gods'Illa, Rah Digga, The Package, Planet Asia, Elzhi and more! DJ RBI held it down on the 1's and 2's, while 2-Tone, Toney and RNL kept things moving on the mic. Check the flava right here!

Gods'Illa CPR Mixtape | 8.1.11

A Hip-Hop trio from the DMV area is currently making alot of quality noise in the streets......and no, it's not Diamond District. The superb street journalists, known as Gods'Illa, have recently released their much anticipated mixtape called CPR [Clothes | Promotion | Rapping] hosted by the one and only Erykah Badu. The 3 brothers hit up Ill Street to explain the concept behind the title and to give us a chance to find out what they really think about some of their favorite Hip-Hop giants. Also, DJ 2-Tone Jones dropped some cuts from the mixtape, along with some other gems by area artists including Alison Carney, Maverick, Kev Brown, DTMD, The Awthentik, DJ Roddy Rod, Apex, Asheru, Cy Young and Joe D. Get your fix here!

Outspoken Returns + The One, Two Recap | 7.25.11

Our globe-trotting cousins from Nomadic Wax returned to Ill Street along with our good friend and ill MC from Zimbabwe, Outspkoen [Alpha Intellect]. We got into a good discussion on the parallels of Hip-Hop from the US to Africa, and position he plays as an MC in the ever-changing rap game. He also blessed us with some new music from his most recent project which involves a band led by him called Outspoken and the Essence. But before we got into all of that, we gave our listerners a taste of what they missed out on at the The One, Two Beat Showcase this past Friday (7/22); presented by Ill Street Grooves, and The Home Stretch & Bum Rush Shows on 90.1fm WDCE in Richmond. Shouts out to Kleph Dollaz, Kev Brown, The Unknown, Antagonist Dragonspit and Grap Luva for their participation in the event.

Check it out right here!

Cornel West Theory | 7.18.11

Who is the Cornel West Theory? Psychadelic boom-bap, ecentric dopeness, creative chaos, and a collective of cool, hella-talented weirdos. Members of CWT stopped thru Ill Street to debut selections from their upcoming album, The Shape of Hip-Hop to Come which also features appearances by Dr. Cornel West himself. Take our word for it....this group is DOPE! Plus, DJ's 2-Tone Jones & RBI took turns droppin' new joints by Wu-Tang Clan, Kendrick Lamar, Edo G., Pete Rock & Smif-n-Wessun, T3, Random Axe, and Nas; and a couple classics by the late, great GURU (whose birthday passed on July 17). Bang ya heads to this!

It's Tha LIKS! (part 3) | 6.27.11

For the past 2 episodes of Ill Street we've been holding it down with the freshest from the West, Tha Alkaholiks. All 3 members hit us up and filled us in on the future of the Likwit Crew. Well, after 2 good weeks..........we just felt like it wasn't enough. So on this episode DJ's RBI & 2-Tone Jones went in on some undeniable joints by members of the entire Likwit Crew (King T, Alkaholiks, Xzibit, Lootpack, Defari, Dialated Peoples, Phil da Agony/Barber Shop Emcees).

Bottoms up!

It's Tha LIKS! (part 2) | 6.20.11

Last week Ill Street paid tribute to the one and only liquid MC's, Tha Alkaholiks....but it wasn't enough. So on this episode of ISG we kept the party flowing with more classic joints from the Likwit Crew. DJ/MC/Producer extraordinaire, E-Swift, called back in along with his cousin and the crew's lyrical giant, Tash. Both spoke on how humbled they are to have made such an indelible mark on the game and what they have in store next. Plus, DJ RBI went in on a Likwit crew set along with help from DJ Roger and our lil' homie (and recent DC High School grad) DJ 40.

Check it out right here!

It's Tha LIKS! (part 1) | 6.13.11

Live and direct from Cali, the one and only Alkaholiks hit up the homies at Ill Street and rap'd with us about the past, present and future of the Crew. E-Swift and J-Ro also talked about their upcoming, heavily-anticipated collaboration with The Beatnuts entitled, LikNuts (sh#t's about to go down). DJs RBI & 2-Tone Jones took turns droppin' classic Likwit Crew joints and some E-Swift-produced gems. Tune in next week for part 2 of ISG's tribute and interview with Tha Alkaholiks and The Likwit Crew.

Check out the episode right here!

Fan Appreciation Night | 5.23.11

Since the gracious fans of Ill Street Grooves and WPFW Radio gave to us we felt inclined to give a lil' something back to them. The lead singer for the legendary band The Bar-Kays, Larry Dodson, helped us kick off the show with a track featuring 8-Ball and DJ Paul from his upcoming [30th] album; internationally known comedian and DC native, Toney Woods came thru and took over the show; and calling in all the way from Digable Planets was Doodlebug. Plus, O.G. Ill Street crew member Slim Chilly was up in the spot giving away tickets for The Jerk Off (pause...its a Caribbean Jerk cooking competition and bike scavenger hunt). Last but not least, DJ 2-Tone Jones, along with the assist from the voice of God, dropped some new and old bangers by Random Axe, Ghostface, Elzhi, X.O., DJ 2-Tone Jones, Kev Brown, MF Doom, Goodie Mob and more! Right Here

ISG (Pledge Drive) | 5.2.11

To show support for not only Ill Street Grooves, but also WPFW/Pacifica Radio, the one and only DJ Tony Touch dropped us a line from NYC. We also received community support from Dr. Marco Clark from Richard Wright Public Charter School. Toney Smith held it down on the mic while DJ 2-Tone Jones put it down on the 1's and 2's. Check out the ill mix here!

Support WPFW/Pacifica Radio by pledging your support with a donation at http://www.wpfw.org/.

Devin + Redbull 3Style | 5.2.11

It's that time of year again...pledge drive. To help stress the importance of independent/community radio the Ill Street received a special call from the one and only Devin the Dude who talked about not only his music, but how supporting the radio station helps support what he does. Afterwards our good friend Munch stopped by to promote the Redbull 3Style Competition. Things started heating up as fellow contestants DJ's Cuzzin B, Jerome Baker III, Petey C, Price and 2-Tone Jones all chimed in to put the pressure on one another. And lastly, our honorly Ill Street member, comedian Toney Woods, dropped in to tell us about his trip overseas. This one is definitely worth a listen...right here.

New Music Monday | 4.25.11

When the weather gets better, so does the music. On this episode of Ill Street DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones take turns spinning new songs featuring DJ Quik, Elzhi, Slaughterhouse, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Yelawolf, Big K.R.I.T., Sean Born, Kev Brown and more. Nothing but gems. Check it out right here.

The Master of the Mix | 4.4.11

After winning the inaugural Masters of the Mix DJ competition, DJ Scratch takes some time out from his Winner's Circle Tour to rap with the crew from ISG. Plus the homie DJ Eskimo stopped by to assist on the wheels of steel with DJ RBI. Check it all out right here.

RA, Folkz and all that Jazz | 4.11.11

If anyone ever questions whether Hip-Hop artists in the DMV cover a range of styles and content, first slap 'em in the face, then have them listen to this episode. In the studio were one of the most talked about female MCs on the rise, RA the MC, along with pimpin' himself, Whitefolkz (http://www.whitefolkzworld.com/). Along with the ISG crew, both discussed what they were currently up to (check out the Whitefolkz app in the Andriod market) and each one cited some of their musical influences up to this point in their respective careers. Plus, Ill Street's own, DJ 2-Tone Jones, played a few exclusive selections from his Shaolin Jazz: The 37th Chamber concept album, which was officially released for free download earlier that day (get yours here: http://gmoney77.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/shaolin-jazz-the-37th-chamber-the-full-project/). Check it all out right here!

Chip Fu...Lyrics on Speed | 3.14.11

Ill Street returns for another Monday with the Quickest Tongue in Hip-Hop...Chip-Fu (of Fu-Schnickens). Don't sleep; this brother is still coming strong on the mic. Check out this episode and hear Chip Fu speak his mind about the current state of Hip-Hop versus the past. Plus, DJ RBI holds it down on the technics. Catch the flow right here!

Showbiz: Live and Direct from Godsville | 3.4.11

One half of the living legend duo from the D.I.T.C. crew, Show & AG, producer Showbiz calls in to Ill Street the night before the official release of his last project with the one and only KRS-One entitled, Godsville. He rapped with us about some of his career highlights, working with his brother A.G. compared to working with KRS, what its like working out of DJ Premier's Headquarterz Studio and his prediction on who's gonna come harder on the upcoming DJ Premier vs. Pete Rock collab album. Backing things up on the 1's and 2's with a set of Show's incredible work over the years is DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones. Check the architect right here!

The VJC | 2.28.11

Throughout Hip-Hop there have always been artists and people in the mix who are not as widely known or even heard of by fans of the music. But within the scene they are very respected and heralded by those who are at the forefront. One such group that continues to push the envelope and work for their moment in the spotlight is The Vinyl Junkie Clique (VJC). On this episode of Ill Street we had the pleasure of having 7 members of the VJC call in from LA, The Bay, ATL, and NYC all at once to rap with us about who they are and how they've managed to continue to grow stronger despite being so spread out. Our resident DJ and co-host 2-Tone Jones (who is also a member of the VJC) served up a set on the wheels of steel that displayed just how dope and talented the VJC is, both lyrically and on the production side. Check it out right here!

Slam Theatre + PUDGE | 2.21.11

Despite having to push a station-wide pledge drive the crew from ISG still made the hour worthwhile. The creators of a new production in the DMV area called Slam Theatre 1.0 (www.newgalaxytheatre.com) stopped by, along with some participating actors who gave us a nice taste of what to expect on the actual show dates. And holding it down on the 1's and 2's was our special guest DJ PUDGE (from the VJC) who came and blessed us all the way from NYC. If you missed it, you will be glad it was recorded right here!

For the Love of Dilla | 2.14.11

Its Valentine's Day, [its still] the month of Dilla, and DJ RBI and 2-Tone Jones are trading off on the 1's and 2's....nuff said! Check it out right here.

A Journey through CTI Records | Part 2 - 1.31.11

Part 2 of our special broadcast highlighting CTI Records features Dave Muse and DJ 2-Tone Jones providing an awesome soundscape of CTI's finest featured artists and personnel including Freddie Hubbard, Art Farmer, George Benson, Grover Washington Jr., Chick Corea, Joe Farrell, Bob James and Milt Jackson. They were also joined by Oddisee, Supa Kool DJ Uncle Q, Hec Dolo, Toine from DTMD and DJ RBI for a discussion on the significance of CTI Records in Jazz and Hip-Hop, and how it has influenced the music they listen to. True music lovers are certain to enjoy this special episode of Ill Street Grooves.

This is Part 2 of the broadcast.

A Journey through CTI Records: Part 1 | 1.31.11

In 1967 music producer/A&R manager Creed Taylor founded CTI Records, and 4 years later it's sister label Kudu Records. Their roster of artists included Jazz greats such as Freddie Hubbard, George Benson, Bob James, Esther Phillips, Idris Muhammad, Grant Green, Hubert Laws, Stanley Turrentine and Grover Washington Jr. On this episode of Ill Street Grooves we teamed up with Dave Muse from Monday Late Night Jazz for a special 3-hour, musical journey through the catalog of one of the most respected Jazz record labels. For the first hour DJ RBI crafted an incredible mix jumping from original CTI Records releases to Hip-Hop songs that sampled from them. By the end of the hour we had a surprise visit and cypher by the Money Making Jam Boys (Dice Raw and Truck North); the night before the release of their new mixtape which also includes Black Thought throughout. Then the following 2 hours featured Dave Muse and DJ 2-Tone Jones trading off on the turntables playing some of their CTI favorites straight from their own personal record collections (vinyl only).

This is Part 1 of the broadcast.

Synthetic Substitution | 1.24.11

In 1973 R&B vocalist Melvin Bliss released a song entitled, Synthetic Substitution, as a b-side for a single that was put out by Sunburst Records. Since then the groovy b-side has gone on to become on of the most sampled songs in Hip-Hop music and other genres as well. Oddly enough this was the only record Melvin Bliss was known to have released. So in true Hip-Hop fashion the crew from Ill Street paid tribute to this unique and timeless work by Melvin Bliss by playing numerous songs that have sampled Synthetic Substitution. It's too funky to miss!

Here's the link.

Tracklisting

Ego Trippin' ][ Ultramagnetic MCs
Watch Your Step ][ Xperado feat. OC

Holy War ][ Divine Force

Mighty Healthy ][ Ghostface Killah

So Called Friends ][ Group Home

Jam 4 U ][ Redman

Saturday Nite Live ][ Masta Ace, Inc

Cool V's Tribute to Scratching ][ Biz Markie

Mind Blowin' ][ The D.O.C.

Real Niggaz Don't Die ][ N.W.A.

Yoke the Joker ][ Naughty by Nature

Throw Ya Gunz ][ Onyz

Snake Eyes ][ Main Source

Cuttin' Heads ][ Ol' Dirty Bastard feat. RZA

Clan in the Front ][ Wu-Tang Clan

DWYCK ][ Gangstarr

5 Men and a Mic ][ Special Ed

Versatile Extension ][ Supreme Nyborn

Wreck Shop ][ Run DMC

Bass Is Loaded ][ LONS (Leaders Of The New School)

For Pete's Sake ][ Pete Rock & CL Smooth

Code Of the Streets ][ Gangstarr

O.G. ][ Ice-T

Hip-Hop Junkies (remix) ][ Nice and Smooth

Don't Believe the Hype ][ Public Enemy

MmmBop ][ Hanson (I know...We're just as shocked as you)

Bring da Ruckus ][ Wu-Tang Clan

Potholes in My Lawn ][ De La Soul

Police Brutality in DC

Roger Rudder and his family came to Ill Street on Monday, Jan. 17th to discuss his family's lawsuit against the DC Metropolitan Police Department which was thrown out of court pending appeal. They're still looking for justice after an unwarranted attack by police officers on several of them at the Annual Carribean Festival on DC's Georgia Avenue in June, 2008. Here's a report about the incident on WUSA 9.

The Power of 10 | 1.10.11

To commemorate the 10th day of January 2011 (which to most folks was nothing more than just another Monday) the crew from Ill Street decided to do something special. With the help of RBI and 2-Tone Jones on the decks, we examined the number 10 in Hip-Hop. Every song that we played had some connection to the #10 (10th song on an album, the #10 in the song title, a song from an artist's 10th album, a song from a group with 10 members, etc.). Plus, our man Mazi Mutafa stopped thru to talk about Words, Beats and Life, Inc. (which was founded 10 years ago at University of Maryland) and their Urban Arts Academy after-school program (go to http://www.wblinc.org/ for more info); the brothers of Spiffkicks rapped with us about their shoe rejuvenation business; and 3-Time winner of Apollo's Amateur night, Messiah, spoke about his current project, a video he shot for track #10 off of his album entitled, The Manual, and his upcoming work. Listen to the show here and pass the link along to 10 other people!

(Quick Trivia: How many times does the number "10" appear in the show summary above?)

TRACKLISTING
Triumph ][ Wu-Tang (10 MC's rapping on the track)
The Points ][ Various Artists (song is based on the Panthers' 10 Point Program)
Fa Ha ][ LL Cool J (featured on LL's album entitled, 10)
9 x out of 10 ][ Organized Konfusion (10 is in the title)
Ten to Run ][ Cru (10 is in the title)
Thank You ][ Jay-Z (featured on Jay-Z's 10th #1 selling album)
Skin Tight ][ Chicago (featured on their album entitled, X)
10,000 Watts ][ J Dilla ("10" thousand)
Blindfold Test #10 ][ Madlib feat. J Rocc (10 is in the title)
10 Crack Commandments ][ Biggie Smalls (10 is in the title)
All 4 tha Cash ][ Gangstarr (from their album entitled, A 'Decade' of Gangstarr: '89-'99)
It's Don't Matter ][ 10 Thieves (10 is in the name of the group)
Basketball Throwdown ][ ColdCrush Brothers vs. Fantastic Four (10 MC's on the track)
Top Ten List ][ Masta Ace (10 is in the title)

2010 Wrap-Up part 2 | 1.3.11

1 show just wasn't enough for us to properly wrap-up 2010, so we had to do a part 2! DJ's RBI and 2-Tone Jones go hard on a mix featuring new music that recently dropped at the end of the year including Ghostface with Raekwon, Alchemist & Oh No, Jay Electronica & Jay-Z (just in case you forgot how lyrical Jigga is), Clan Destined, Fat Joe with DJ Premier, and more! And on the eve of the release of his debut album on Inner Loop Records, Laelo Hood hung out with the crew and dropped a couple exclusive joints on us from the album....COP THAT! Lastly, Darel Dawson from Grindstone Universal clothing line slid thru with the latest on some of the hottest tee's on the streets. Cop it all right here.