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.

Hieroglyphics Crew (part 1) | 3.5.12

The crew from Ill Street is pleased to present a 3-part series dedicated to one of the illest, groundbreaking crews ever in Hip-Hop, the Hieroglyphics Crew.  At a time when Hip-Hop was depicted by the infectious boom-bap originating from the streets of New York and controversial/"in your face" content pouring out of the west coast, the Hieroglyphics helped lead the way of breaking the mold and coming out with a more humble, yet artistic approach to the genre.  On part 1 of our series we had A-Plus (from Souls of Mischief) call in to break down the origins of the crew and how they perceive their role in the overall leniage of Hip-Hop.  Plus, DJ's RBI & 2-Tone Jones trade off on the turntables with a collection of gems from the earlier part of the Hiero catalog.

Click here to listen and download....