ThaWilsonBlock Magazine

Immortal Technique Live @LaSantaOC Poison Pen CHINO XL Last night, Immortal Technique and his Rebel Army Soldiers Poison Pen, Chino XL wrapped up their three-day West Coast tour in Central City (Santa Ana OC) at La Santa OC . The three native East Coast lyricists each delivered an epic intimate performance in OC, performing classic joints alongside rare and debut tracks that had never been showcased live. This was an epic and once in a lifetime intimate experience. Immortal Technique, born in Peru and raised in Harlem, NY, rose to prominence in the late ’90s and early ’00s in the NY underground Hip-Hop scene after participating in battle cyphers and distributing copies of Revolutionary Vol. 1 on the streets of NY, which were mostly written during his incarceration. Poison Pen, TEAM HOMI’s (Team Homicide) finest from Brooklyn, originated in the battle rap scene in NY. Pen is known not just for his lyricism but also for participating in and hosting battle cyphers. Chino XL, ...

Wildcard connects with rising emcee Kail Problems for a laid-back new banger, “The Gemini Dance,” that continues Wildcard’s project of dropping Zodiac-themed tracks. Like the previous drops, this one is produced by longtime collaborator C-Lance, and it also features guitar work from Wildcard’s Pops. And when Wildcard heard the instrumental, he realized he had to go in a particular direction lyrically.  “I knew I had to do something smokey for the strippers to dance to,”  he said, adding that this track has a classic Wildcard feel to it—and he’s right. The West Coast spitter brings his signature dizzying flow to “The Gemini Dance,” expertly weaving in and out of the instrumental that’s dripping with sexual tension. He’s also complemented perfectly by his guest, Kail Problems, who closes out the track with a more relaxed approach. It makes for a dope combo, and leaves us hoping that Wildcard and Kail link up more in the future. “The Gemini Dance” is  available now throu...

Compton producer/emcee DJ Quik reuniting with German-American emcee Jason Martin formerly known as Problem for their 2nd collaborative LP. One is amongst THE most underappreciated producers in hip hop who I consider to be on the same level as the Quincy Jones of hip hop himself Dr. Dre behind the boards & the other started out in the mid-2000s crossing paths with QDT during the sessions for Snoop Dogg ’s 9th album  Ego Trippin’ . 9 years later, they linked up for the first time on  Rosecrans  in the spring of 2017 to significant acclaim & are reuniting 7 years later to put out  Chupacabra . The title track featuring The Game starts with pianos, kicks & snares stellarly portraying themselves as 2 versions of the monster even though I respectfully think Game is corny for dissing Rick Ross & siding with Drake in his beef with Kendrick Lamar on “Freeway’s Revenge” to spite Dr. Dre for not letting him perform the Super Bowl LVI halftime show exactly...

NxWorries  is an MC/producer duo consisting of Oxnard recording artist  Anderson .Paak  as well as Los Angeles producer  Knxwledge . Signing to  Stones Throw Records  in 2015, their debut EP  Link Up & Suede  that same winter was an impressively lo-fi neo-soul outing & the full-length debut LP  Yes Lawd! built upon those 2 sounds venturing out in contemporary R&B, west coast hip hop & smooth soul too. After an 8 year hiatus however, they’re linking back up for a highly anticipated sophomore effort. Following the “ThankU” intro, the first song “86Sentra” is a jazzy lo-fi hip hop opener reminding that he did the Super Bowl LVI halftime show with some of the best to ever do it whereas “MoveOn” takes the smooth soul route to discuss being unable to do things that he used to. “KeepHer” featuring Thundercat brings the trio together singing about money being unable to keep their romantic interests over some funky guitar licks just...

The hip-hop world is buzzing with excitement as one of its most influential pioneers, Rakim , returns with his first solo full-length album in over 15 years. Titled “G.O.Ds Network (REB7RTH),” the album is set for a worldwide release on July 26th, 2024. Matthew Markoff, head A&R for the project, recently announced on social media the solidification of a contract with Rakim for this highly anticipated fourth studio album. The project features collaborations with legendary artists such as Kool G Rap, Method Man, the late Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg, and more. Known for his groundbreaking work as one half of the iconic duo Eric B. & Rakim, Rakim’s lyrical prowess and innovative flow set new standards in the genre. This release marks a significant moment in hip-hop history, rekindling the flame of his unparalleled influence. As fans old and new eagerly await the lyrical genius and intricate wordplay that Rakim is renowned for, we are sure this album promises to be a testament to ...

Saint Soprano serves fans as The Pot Whisperer and Black Connoisseur in his new video "What's That Aroma." Produced by DJ Cash (Manger of EPMD), the single is taken from Soprano's upcoming 'Don't Forget To Hustle' album. The CEO of Black Forbes Entertainment is also nominated for several awards for this year's 716 Music Awards (see form below to cast your vote).  Soprano delivers pure, uncut Hip Hop by way of one mic and no gimmicks or bubble gum rap. His blend of slick metaphors and gritty storytelling embodies his role as chef. Whether he's cooking on the stove for addicts or on the mic to move the crowd, Soprano offers only Grade A product. Watch "What's That Aroma" and vote for the established Buffalo MC below.      Connect https://www.instagram.com/1saint_soprano?igsh=MW93aXRpNjJ2cmpzYw== https://www.instagram.com/davidmckithen?igsh=MXQ4YTgxNGU0MmEzYQ== https://www.instagram.com/blackforbeslistentertainment?igsh=MTEzc...

CRIM is a 30 year old MC from Detroit, Michigan who started out under the original moniker Crimson Alchemist releasing her debut EP  E4  in 2018 pulling inspiration from her love for Pokémon & subsequently the 2020 Valentine’s Day-themed  4H (For Her)  only a month until the world as we know it went under lockdown. She has since been putting out singles & doing features, but is taking the next step in her official return switching up her moniker & putting out her 3rd EP albeit her first body of work in over 4 years . “Wrong Turn” sets off the EP mixing technique & passion for a lifetime commitment over pianos, kicks & snares whereas “Adversary” is this synth-boom bap hybrid talking about solemnly swearing she’s up to no good. “The Whitney” featuring Jazar & Semi 6 starts the 2nd half of In the Meantime taking a jazzier approach instrumentally noticing everything ain’t the same once you get into the game prior to “The 11th Hour” featuring J. ...