Hotbox Productions

Hotbox - Number Theory EP (2010)

2010-02-10T07:11:00.005-04:00

1. Numerology
2. Little Bits (Expedyte, Radar, & Phakt)
3. Dollar Bills (Radar & Wordburglar)
4. True Love (Expedyte, Mischif, Nokes, & Spesh K)
5. Millipede (Spesh K & Jay Mayne)
6. Christmas Rain
7. Must Have Been (Sampson)
8. Oatmeal Lumps (Milla Thyme, Sampson, Lee Fitz, Shiest, Arlo Maverick, Markit, Jesse Dangerously, Johnny Hardcore & Radar)
9. Perfect Formula (Sean One & Monark)

Artwork: Varnson Productions
Mixed & Mastered by: Dexter Doolittle

http://www.mediafire.com/?drydewgr5wt

"Millipede" + "True Love" (from Number Theory)

2010-01-28T21:34:00.017-04:00

"True Love" (feat. Expedyte Mischif Nokes & Spesh K)

http://www.mediafire.com/?njmmytm0hlz

"Millipede" (feat. Spesh K & Jay Mayne)

http://www.mediafire.com/?yjiwwmjhlxr

www.twitter.com/hotboxbeats

Number Theory * February 2010

2010 ECMA Hip-Hop Single Of The Year Nominees

2009-12-06T16:02:00.003-04:00

Should be a good time in Sydney this year. Big shout out to all the nominees.

Classified (NS) - Anybody Listening
Hotbox (NB) - Knowledge is Wealth feat. Radar
Mischif (CB) - C.B. Summer
Mista Mack (CB) - Gone with the Breeze feat. Mischif
Shiest (NL) - Nuttin New
Three Street (NS) - How it Goes

Knowledge Is Wealth - Hotbox feat. Radar
http://www.sendspace.com/file/sqfpyt

Hotbox Sample Mix #18: "Impeach The President" (The Honeydrippers)

2009-11-14T17:52:00.005-04:00

1. Moses - Slick Rick
2. Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) - De La Soul
3. Givin' Up The Nappy Dugout - Ice Cube
4. Pass It On - Everlast
5. The Interview - Professor Griff
6. I Ran The Game - MC Shan
7. Funk Radio - Ultramagnetic MC's
8. Dolly And The Rat Trap - Ultramagnetic MC's
9. Funky For You - Nice 'N' Smooth
10. Juvenile Delinquintz - Terminator X
11. Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat) - Digable Planets
12. Gangsta Gangsta - N.W.A.
13. Dana Dane With Fame - Dana Dane
14. 21 And Under - Tha Alkoholics
15. Ya Wish Ya Could - Special Ed
16. Total Kaos - EPMD
17. I Can - Nas
18. Evict Bush - Ghettosocks & DJ Jorun
19. It's A Boy - Slick Rick
20. Rollin' Wit Umdada - Masta Ace Inc.
21. Put Ya Weight On It - Big Daddy Kane
22. Verbal Milk - X-Clan
23. I'm Not Your Puppet - Hi-C
24. Smooth Operator - Big Daddy Kane
25. Check It Out - Grand Puba feat. Mary J. Blige
26. Blood Money - Capone-N-Noreaga
27. Van Full Of Pakistans - Y'all So Stupid
28. Letter To The Pen - Yo Yo
29. Eazy-Duz-It - Eazy-E
30. Unbelievable - The Notorious B.I.G.
31. 2 Young 4 What - MC Lyte
32. 10% Dis - MC Lyte
33. The Chronic (Intro) - Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg
34. Gangsta's Fairytale 2 - Ice Cube
35. The Pimp - Scarface
36. Fakin' Jax - INI
37. Kalifornia - Above The Law
38. The Days Of Wayback - N.W.A.
39. Recipe Of A Hoe - Bo$$

Hotbox #18: "Impeach The President" mix:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/v2kh7u

Shiest - Soul'd Out mixtape

2009-11-06T14:22:00.002-04:00

Free mixtape from Newfoundland rapper, Shiest. The Soul’d Out Mixtape is a collection of old and newly recorded mixtape material and features guest appearances by Classified, Spesh K, Mic Boyd and others.

Download link --> https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=TzY0b256RncxUUIzZUE9PQ

Hotbox Sample Series #17 - "Funky Drummer" (James Brown)

2009-10-17T14:22:00.005-03:00

No Roxanne Shante. Have a nice day!

1. Mama Said Knock You Out - LL Cool J
2. Funky Drummer Interlude - Hotbox
3. Lyrics Of Fury - Eric B. & Rakim
4. Give The Drummer Some - Ultramagnetic MC's
5. Bring The Noise - Public Enemy
6. Let Your Backbone Slide - Maestro Fresh-Wes
7. King Sun With The Sword - King Sun
8. No Peace Sign - Tung Twista
9. Spring Again - Biz Markie
10. S.O.B.B. Story - Leaders Of The New School
11. Mortal Combat - Big Daddy Kane
12. Officer - The Pharcyde
13. It's A Demo - Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo
14. Moe Luv On The 1 & 2 - Ultramagnetic MC's
15. Rebel Without A Pause - Public Enemy
16. Going Wild In The Penile - Tim Dogg
16. Fuck Tha Police - NWA
17. Rated 'R' - Redman
18. The Boomin' System - LL Cool J
19. Ain't It Funky - Father MC
20. I Love Boning - Convicts
21. The Moment I Feared - Slick Rick
22. Jamaican Funk Canadian Style - Michie Mee

http://www.zshare.net/audio/67120024962df553/

Ghettosocks & DJ Jorun @ The Paramount (Moncton) Oct 18

2009-10-08T08:28:00.004-03:00

Ghettosocks and Jorun take their "Out For Treats" tour to Moncton on Oct 18th.. Definitely not to be missed!

"Don't Turn Around" Ghettosocks

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Re-Up: Hotbox - Knowledge Is Wealth 7" (2009)

2009-09-18T21:17:00.006-03:00

Released in January 2009, this marks my first time ever on wax. Featuring seasoned St. John's rapper Radar, as well as Halifax-based Sampson and Heartz, this 45 is an excerpt from last year's critically-acclaimed Boxploitation EP. Available in several music and skate stores in Moncton and St. John's, and from me by request. I'm giving you a free download, but hey, vinyl > mp3.

Side A:
1. Knowledge Is Wealth (Radar) 2.43
2. Squeal Snaps (Sampson) 1.31

Side B:
1. Rent Money (Heartz) 2.51
2. Hot Grits (Sampson) 1.24

Artwork: Varnson Productions
Mastered by: Dexter Doolittle

http://www.zshare.net/download/58231387aae8536e/

Shiest's "They Call Me Shiest" Album Available Now!

2009-08-30T14:25:00.002-03:00

Originally from St. John's, Newfoundland and now residing in Edmonton is hip-hop artist Shiest. He has appeared on several of my releases in the past, as well as on albums from Suave, Lee Fitz and others. With the help of ODC Productions, he has released his debut full-length project entitles "They Call Me Shiest". Production by myself, Suave, DJ Agility and more. Album in stores right now.

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Hotbox - Welcome To Newfoundland (2004)

2009-08-28T17:18:00.004-03:00

Newfie hip-hop classic right here!

"Welcome To Newfoundland" is the first and only Newfie hip-hop compilation. It is a little rocky; the project is not professionally mixed or mastered, and both the rappers and the producer were still developing their individual styles when this was recorded. Definitely more of a mixtape than an album. Too bad Johnny Hardcore wasn't on this.

1. Intro - Lee Fitz
2. You Cannot Win Pt.2 - Suave, Lee Fitz & Radar
3. Wannabe's - Radar
4. Spitfire - Shiest, Classified, Mic Boyd & Spesh K
5. Radar Freestyle #1 - Radar
6. Misconceptions - Lee Fitz
7. Live No More - Shiest
8. This Is Life - Radar, Suave & Lee Fitz
9. Straight Outta CB - Bush
10. Way With Words - Radar
11. Lee Fitz Freestyle - Lee Fitz
12. We Ain't Playin' - Lee Fitz & Suave
13. 8 Days A Week - Shiest & Boomer
14. Radar Freestyle #2 - Radar
15. Battlescars - Homie Smiles
16. I Go Hard - Shiest
17. Fitz Can Rap - Lee Fitz
18. Myselph Freestyle #2 - Lee Fitz
19. It's A Warning - Suave & Lee Fitz
20. Stunning Lectures - Fundamentals

http://www.zshare.net/download/647981518dd8e0e2/

Hotbox Productions August 2009 Update

2009-08-25T12:57:00.004-03:00

Hey whut up everybody! I've been slacking on the blogging tip lately; no sample mixes or album dl's recently, I know. Also, some of the download links from earlier this year are down, so please be patient. I plan to re-up these one at a time, but if you have a specific project you are looking for, hit me up and I'll make that a priority.

I've been busy overthe last 2 months or so finishing up the "Number Theory" EP, which should hopefully drop late 2009. It's about 90% complete! Keep checking with the blog as I will be posting album updates, leaks, etc. I really don't want to say too much about the project at this point, other than it being fire and a little different style than what you may be expecting.

Also, to aspiring artists, keep in mind that this blog is not all about me. If you have a recently released project, show, video etc to promote, hit me up and more than likely I'll help you out.

Wordburglar ft. Radar: "Karma Kills (Dollar Bills remix)" (produced by Hotbox)

2009-08-09T12:57:00.005-03:00

Wordburglar's back with "Burgie's Basement", a collection of B-sides & remixes. This project is not available in stores as of now; it can only be copped in person during the Backburner tour this summer. I had the pleasure of producing one of the tracks featuring my boy Radar from St. John's, NL. Check out the song below and let us know how you feel in the comment section :]

sidenote: This is a remix of "Dolalr Bills", which will appear on my upcoming EP "Number Theory".

"Karma Kills (Dollar Bills remix)" Wordburglar feat. Radar (produced by Hotbox)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/63864806b2182168/

Hotbox #16: Ridin' High (Faze-O)

2009-07-30T15:23:00.004-03:00

Faze-O's one and only hit from 1977 has been sampled dozens of times.

1. Ridin' High - Faze-O
2. Hang 'Um High - KAM
3. Killa Lipstick - Ghostface feat. Method Man & Masta Killa
4. Twelve Sided Dice - Dream Warriors
5. Shit Iz Real - Black Moon
6. Keep 'Em Flowin' - Low Profile
7. The Real McKoy - Brothers Like Outlaw
8. Proceed 3 - The Roots feat. Bahamadia
9. Nuthin' But A Tramp - Goldy
10. Please Listen To My Demo - EPMD
11. The Man - C.E.B.
12. Outro (Sabotage) - O.C.
13. Tonite's The Night - Kris Kross

Hotbox #16: Ridin' High (36:53 mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/63393593ea9d69eb/

Hotbox #15: More Bounce To The Ounce

2009-07-21T18:47:00.012-03:00

1. More Bounce To The Ounce - Zapp
2. Ain't No Future In Yo' Frontin' - MC Breed & The DFC
3. Heed The Word Of The Brother - X-Clan
4. Jackin' For Beats- Ice Cube
5. 1 Million Bottlebags - Public Enemy
6. Trick Or Treat - Roxanne Shante
7. Brooklyn Bounce - Daddy-O
8. Let The Dogs Loose - Threat
9. Pay Ya Dues - Low Profile
10. You Gots To Chill - EPMD
11. You Gots To Chill '97 - EPMD
12. County Line - Coolio
13. Going Back To Cali - The Notorious B.I.G.
14. So Ruff - Redman
15. Had To Be Loc'd - South Central Cartel
16. Ya Gets Clowned - South Central Cartel
17. Hit The Floor - Compton's Most Wanted
18. Look Who's Burnin' - Ice Cube
19. U Don't Work, U Don't Eat - WC & The MAAD Circle (feat. MC Eiht)
20. Close The Crackhouse - Professor X
21. It's A Shame - Kriss Kross
22. What Can I Do? (remix) - Ice Cube
23. More Bounce - Snoop Dogg
24. Pistolgrip Pump - Volume 10
25. 24-7 - Threat
26. Servin' 'Em Heat - South Central Cartel
27. Slaughtahouse - Masta Ace Inc.
28. Return Of The Real Shit - Above The Law

Hotbox #15: More Bounce To The Ounce (71:22 mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/63154943501e630c/

Hotbox Sample Series #14: Message For The Soul Sisters

2009-07-19T01:11:00.005-03:00

Very infectious soul groove. I just realized I forgot King Tee.

1. Soul Sister Intro - Hotbox
2. Message For The Soul Sisters - Vicki Anderson
3. Son Get Wreck (remix) - Black Moon
4. No More Mr. Nice Guy - Gang Starr
5. Freedom Of Speech - Above The Law
6. In Control Of Things - YZ
7. City Under Siege - Geto Boys
8. Calling Mr. Welfare - Big Daddy Kane
9. God Bless - LL Cool J
10. No Time - Lil Kim (feat. Puff Daddy)
11. Vamos A Rapair - Main Source

Hotbox #14: Message For The Soul Sisters (34:01 mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/628621614c87999a/

Hotbox #13: The Bar-Kays "Gotta Groove" LP

2009-07-14T02:42:00.004-03:00

The Bar-Kays were a Stax Records house band, as well as an instrumental recording act for the label. All but two of the original members were killed in the same 1967 plane accident that claimed Otis Redding's life. The next year, a new line-up was formed and the group continued to release albums up until the late 1980's.

Instead of featuring just one sampled song in the mix, I've included several songs from the Bar-Kays 1969 instrumental "Gotta Groove" album and some of the hip-hop tracks that have sampled them.

1. In The Hole - The Bar-Kays
2. Dead Men Tell No Lies - Compton's Most Wanted
3. Hoes - Yo Yo feat. Threat
4. Ring The Alarm - Fu-Schnickens
5. Rock Stars - Non-Phixion
6. Crime Pays - Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo
7. Living In The World Today - Genius/GZA
8. Humpin' - The Bar-Kays
9. The Choice Is Yours - Black Sheep
10. AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted - Ice Cube
11. Real Estate - Cypress Hill
12. Jiving 'Round - The Bar-Kays
13. Ya Lil' Crumbsnatchers - Del Tha Funkee Homosapien

Hotbox #13: The Bar-Kays "Gotta Groove" (41:28 mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/626986469438b435/

Hotbox #12: Sing A Simple Song

2009-07-05T20:25:00.004-03:00

This is the original "Humpty Dance" drum break that I highlighted last time out.

1. I'm The Type Of Nigga - The Pharcyde
2. I Don't Dance - Compton's Most Wanted
3. Brothers Gonna Work It Out - Public Enemy
4. So Ruff - Redman
5. Worldwide - Del Tha Funkee Homosapien
6. Peep Game - 2Pac feat. Threat
7. Stay Real - Erick Sermon
8. How I'm Comin' - LL Cool J
9. Make Room - Tha Alkoholiks
10. Really Doe - Ice Cube
11. Get The F--- Outta Dodge - Public Enemy
12. Sound Of Da Police - KRS-One
13. Anger In The Nation - Pete Rock & CL Smooth
14. Deep Cover - Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Doggy Dogg
15. Twinz - Big Punisher feat. Fat Joe
16. Hard Like A Criminal - Das Efx
17. In The House - Run DMC
18. Souljah's Revenge - 2Pac
19. Check It Out Ch'all - Paris
20. It's On - Eazy-E
21. Pull Ya Hoe Card - KAM
22. Ghetto Jam - Domino

http://www.zshare.net/audio/6239551768358b4c/

Hotbox #11: The Humpty Dance

2009-06-28T23:09:00.007-03:00

Digital Underground's "The Humpty Dance" was easily the group's biggest hit; a karaoke favorite even today and an excellent example of a second-generation break. The backbone of this beat is Sly & The Family Stone's "Sing A Simple Song", a popular break in itself which will be featured in an upcoming mix.

The group's 1990 platinum single had producers checking for the drum break; it was featured on numerous New Jack Swing tracks by 1992, but also on some hardcore hip hop, which is frontloaded on this mix. The group adressed this beat jacking in typical humorous fashion on "The Humpty Dance Awards" off their third album.

There are several tracks on here (such as Redman's "Blow Your Mind") that may not sample "The Humpty Dance" explicitly, but if in the early 90's you sampled those Sly drums and put a clap over the snare, you were heavily jacking Humpty's swag. Most of the R&B tracks at the end have not aged well at all, and are featured in short snippets.

1. The Humpty Dance - Digital Underground
2. Jackin' For Beats - Ice Cube
3. Buck Tha Devil - Da Lench Mob
4. Can't Truss It - Public Enemy
5. Ain't That A Bitch - KAM
6. Behind Closed Doors - WC & The MAAD Circle
7. Blow Your Mind - Redman
8. The Humpty Dance Awards - Digital Underground
9. Playground - Another Bad Creation
10. You Gotta Believe - Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch
11. Two Can Play That Game - Bobby Brown
12. Closet Doors - Hotbox
13. Lost In The Storm - Chubb Rock
14. Hat 2 Da Back - TLC
15. What About Your Friends - TLC
16. Live And Learn - Joe Public
17. Can I Party - Ahmad
18. Love Makes No Sense - Alexander O'Neal
19. Don't Be Afraid - Aaron Hall
20. It's Not Your Money - Oaktown 3-5-7
21. You Got It - Jodeci (feat. Redman)

Hotbox #11: The Humpty Dance (45:09 mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/62060574f694363d/

Michael Jackson "Remember The Time" (Hotbox remix)

2009-06-27T20:06:00.004-03:00

R.I.P. Michael Jackson
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61943464a47081b1/

Hotbox #10: Funky President (James Brown)

2009-06-21T00:52:00.004-03:00

This is the most ambitious sample mix to date. One of James Brown's last great singles, "Funky President" was released in late 1974. The president in question was Gerald Ford, who had recently replaced Richard Nixon around the time of the recording.

The main drum/wah-wah rhythm guitar loop at the beginning of the track has been mined by many new jack swing and rap-lite artists, and that is the focus of the first 20 minutes or so of the mix. Some producers have jacked the intro drum roll, while others have grabbed the first 1/2 bar of the new jack loop for an almost clean snappy drum break. Vocals samples "funky. . .nasty. . .hey" have been snatched up as well.

1. Funky President - James Brown
2. To The Right - Brand Nubian
3. Why, Why, Why - Slick Rick
4. I Like Your Style - Ultramagnetic MC's
5. Eric B. Made My Day - Eric B. & Rakim
6. Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody - Kid'N'Play
7. Not Just Another Groove - Run-DMC
8. We Got Our Own Thing - Heavy D. & The Boyz
9. A Little Bit Of Dane Tonight - Dana Dane
10. What's Up Doc - Da King & I
11. Who Stole My Car? - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
12. Jazzy's In The House - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
13. Shake Your Thang - Salt-N-Pepa
14. Last Night - Kid'N'Play
15. Mad Flavor Mad Style - Trendz Of Culture
16. Sugar Free - Granddaddy I.U.
17. Sometimes It's Gotta Be That Way - Schooly D.
18. Apex - Hotbox
19. Outta Here - KRS-One
20. Hip-Hop Hooray - Naughty By Nature
21. Show Business - A Tribe Called Quest feat. Brand Nubian
22. Homey Don't Play That - Terminator X
23. Eric B. Is President - Eric B. & Rakim
24. Supa Star - Group Home
25. All For One - Brand Nubian
26. Hey Ladies - Beastie Boys
27. Fast Peg - LL Cool J
28. Looseys - Das Efx
29. Ijustwannachill - Large Professor
30. Knowledge - Gang Starr
31. One To Grow On - UMC`s
32. So Funky - 2 Live Crew
33. Sex, Sex, Sex - Nice & Smooth
34. Nicety - Michel'le
35. Rock Dis Funky Joint - Poor Righteous Teachers
36. Hey Look At Shorty - Lord Finesse
37. Mighty Healthy - Ghostface Killah
38. Anger In The Nation - Pete Rock & CL Smooth
39. U Da Man - Stetsasonic
40. Word To The Mother (Land) - Big Daddy Kane
41. Gotta Get Over - Gang Starr
42. Funky President - James Brown

Hotbox #10: Funky President (64:50 mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/61683095243ae328/

Shout Out mix

2009-06-13T14:05:00.004-03:00

Nobody is really friends in rap these days, but years ago it was common for rappers to shout out their boys on their albums. Some cats (mostly west coast rappers) would even include a "shout out" song, usually the last track of an album. Here is a mix of a few such records; I kept it under 30 minutes.

No rapping; just rappers saying wassup.

1. MVP's - Ice-T
2. Shout Outs - Naughty By Nature
3. Finale - Big Daddy Kane
4. Tha Last Word - DJ Quik
5. Outro - KAM
6. I Gotta Say What's Up!!! - Ice Cube
7. Shots Out - Kokane
8. R.I.P. - Spice-1
9. Shouts Out - South Central Cartel
10. Shots Out - Compton's Most Wanted
11. Music To Driveby - Compton's Most Wanted

http://www.zshare.net/audio/61323124730ef3d2/

Hotbox #9: Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalmistic

2009-06-12T07:23:00.004-03:00

Isaac Hayes's 1969 sophmore solo album Hot Buttered Soul was the first soul album to deviate from the standard 3-minute song format. One of its tracks has had its high-pitched piano rolls and wah-wah guitar looped more than a few times. The Bomb Squad got it right the first time.

1. Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalmistic - Isaac Hayes
2. Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos - Public Enemy
3. Remedy - The Game
4. Suckas - Hotbox
5. Speak Upon It - Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs (feat. Def Jef)
6. Skanless - King Tee
7. Born And Raised In Compton - DJ Quik
8. Just Kickin' Lyrics - Above The Law
9. Puppet Master - DJ Muggs (feat. B-Real & Dr. Dre)
10. I Gotta Say What's Up - Ice Cube

Hotbox #9: Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalmistic (20:59 mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/6126655976a37b22/

Hotbox Sample Series #8: Long Red

2009-06-06T00:06:00.005-03:00

Pete Rock's favorite drums come from the rock band Mountain's live album. I'll probably drop a sequel; the intro vocals "you out there?. . .louder" deserve a separate mix.

1. Long Red - Mountain 1.04
2. Shut 'Em Down (Pete Rock remix) - Public Enemy 3:46
3. Jazz (We Got The) (re-recording) - A Tribe Called Quest 2.10
4. Return Of The Mecca - Pete Rock & CL Smooth 3.21
5. Ghetto Of The Mind - Pete Rock & CL Smooth 1.18
6. #1 Soul Brother - Pete Rock & CL Smooth 1.08
7. It's Goin' Down - EPMD 3.45
8. Stepson Of The Clapper - J-Dilla 0.57
8. Verbal Clap - De La Soul 2.58
9. The Birth - Ice Cube 1.04
10. Shalom A Leck - Tragedy 0.49
11. School Of Hard Knocks - Double XX Posse 0.44
12. Walk Like A Duck - Kurious 1.13
13. Who Ridin' - KAM 3.26
14. Growin' Up In The Hood - Compton's Most Wanted 1.18
15. Who Got The Camera - Ice Cube 4.31
16. Two To The Head - Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo feat. Ice Cube, Scarface & Bushwick Bill 4.46

Hotbox #8: Long Red (40:23 mix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/6102725664a4e9b9/

Hotbox Sample Series #7: God Made Me Funky

2009-05-26T18:55:00.007-03:00

Not that G'd up Hammer album from way back. This week's sample mix marks the first time this series has featured a drum break. . .well, for the most part anyway. The drums that kick off the Headhunter's "God Made Me Funky" track has provided the foundation for a number of hip-hop songs, many of which are featured here. The original track's primary guitar/bass loop has also been mined, and these faster-tempo songs are featured toward the end of the mix.

Ironically, Kool Moe Dee's song of the same name does not sample the track.

1. God Made Me Funky - The Headhunters 1.41
2. Underwater Rimes - Digital Underground 4.15
3. Pease Porridge - De La Soul 4.18
4. Take It Off - De La Soul 1.30
5. To The Listeners - Eric B. & Rakim 3.14
6. Bring The Beat Back - Steady B. 0.48
7. Braggin' & Boastin' - Jungle Brothers 2.00
8. Albee Square Mall - Biz Markie 1.36
9. Approach To Danger - NWA 2.07
10. Headhunters Interlude 1.02
11. No Mercy - Low Profile 2.11
12. Down To A Science - Downtown Science 3.16

#7: God Made Me Funky (The Headhunters) 27.35
http://www.zshare.net/audio/607266861fa5daf2/

Hotbox Sample Series #6: Get Up And Dance (Freedom)

2009-05-21T23:02:00.009-03:00

The majority of the tracks in this week's mix are light-hearted party joints, much like the sample source. The exception is Boogie Down Prodctions' "You Must Learn". The Shan record is nice as well.

1. Get Up And Dance - Freedom 0.41
2. You Must Learn - Boogie Down Productions 4.30
3. Freedom - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five 2.53
4. High Power Rap - Disco Dave 1.57
5. Get Up And Have A Good Time - Rob Base 1.29
6. It's A Love Thang (Word) - Redhead Kingpin & The FBI 1.52
7. Ruff Nigga Gettin' Busy - Poison Clan 1.29
8. Don't Dance - Kool Moe Dee 2.17
9. I Got A Man - Positive K 1.42
10. Give Me My Freedom - MC Shan 3.48

http://www.zshare.net/audio/60341149d20c4e00/

Hotbox Sample Series #5: "Blind Alley" (The Emotions)

2009-05-17T14:36:00.006-03:00

The piano/drum break at the beginning of The Emotions' 1971 hit "Blind Alley" has been sampled many times over the years. Marley Marl gets props for first using it for the first time on Big Daddy kane's 1988 breakout hit "Ain't No Half-Steppin'", then gets most of those props revoked for re-using the same sample years later (and not flipping it differently or even changing the tempo) for LL's track. To trim the tracklisting, I pretty much just used songs that incorporated the piano, as some producers have just lifted the 1/2-bar drum break portion. The exception to that rule would be my favorite of the bunch, Ice Cube's post-1992 Rodney King LA riot ghetto report.

For a more thorough compilation (but not mixed), click here

1. Blind Alley - The Emotions 1.35
2. Ain't No Half-Steppin' - Big Daddy Kane 3.53
3. Pink Cookies In A Plastic Bag - LL Cool J 2.20
4. Alley Cat - Hotbox 1.44
5. Organize - Chubb Rock 3.19
6. Jiggable Pie - AMG 2.16
7. Sound Of The Zeekers - Leaders Of The New School 0.30
8. We Don't Have A Plan B - Redhead Kingpin & The FBI 1.57
9. We Had To Tear This Muthafucka Up - Ice Cube 4.21
10. Comin' For Datazz - Gang Starr 1.48
11. Reggie Noble Meets Redman - Redman 2.27
12. Phony Rappers - A Tribe Called Quest 2.10
13. Funk Wit Da Style - Craig Mack 4.33

http://www.zshare.net/audio/601494611de1b86c/

Hotbox Sample Series #4: Nautilus (Bob James)

2009-05-13T19:27:00.006-03:00

There are literally hundreds of songs that have sampled various parts of the instrumental jazz record. I narrowed my latest mix down to hard classic rap, which is never a bad thing. But yes, there are many really good records that didn't fit the mold; maybe I'll do a second volume of smoother songs in the future. For a more complete compilation, click here.

1. Nautilus - Bob James 0.46
2. Beats To The Rhyme - Run DMC 2.31
3. Live At The Barbecue - Main Source feat. Nas 2.35
4. Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em - Eric B. & Rakim 4.23
5. Bronx Nigga - Tim Dog 3.01
6. Anti-Nigger Machine - Public Enemy 1.07
7. Daytona 500 - Ghostface Killah feat. Raekwon & Cappadonna 3.36
8. I'll Wax Anybody - Tim Dog 4.36
9. Brothers On My Jock - EPMD feat. K-Solo 2.19
10. Bust One Fa Me - Threat 2.42
11. My Mind Spray - Jeru The Damaja 4.31
12. Throw Ya Gunz - Onyx 3.12
13. Raise It Up - Ultramagnetic MC's 1.46
14. Inna City Life - Group Home 1.44
15. Cruddy Clique - Naughty By Nature 2.41

http://www.zshare.net/audio/6007984147e7cbb2/

Hotbox Sample Series #3: "Hip Hug-Her" (Booker T. & The MG's)

2009-05-10T18:10:00.007-03:00

Episode #3 of the sample series features the powerful groove first utilized by the Jungle Brother's for the B- side of "Beyond This World". This break is sometimes confused for the similar "Buzzsaw" used for "Call Me D-Nice" or the "Tramp" break. Q-Tip digs the track; he rhymes on it twice. Ice Cube comes in immediately after Don't Curse.

1. Hip Hug-Her - Booker T. & The MG's 1.37
2. Promo #2 Jungle Brothers feat. Q-Tip 2.58
3. Don't Curse - Heavy D. & The Boyz feat. Big Daddy Kane, Kool G. Rap, Grand Puba, Q-Tip, Pete Rock & CL Smooth 5.40
4. Givin' Up The Nappy Dugout - Ice Cube 3.03
5. Looseys - Das Efx 2.31
6. I Like My Girls With A Boom - Lord Finesse 4.13

http://www.zshare.net/audio/598498702ec165ea/

Hotbox Sample Series #2: "Handclapping Song" (The Meters)

2009-05-08T15:00:00.013-03:00

There elements of the original track - the intro guitar break, the "clap ya hands now" vocal, and the drum/handclap break - have been sampled many times. All of the songs in this mix contain one or more of these pieces. I'm especially diggin' the Chi-Ali joint, which is pretty much a Native Tounges posse cut with a Chi-Ali 12 bar at the end. And no, I'm not from the Fax. . .it's a possible track for one or more rappers, presumably out of Halifax.

The Meters' 1970 album "Struttin" is littered with familiar breaks. I may feature another cut from the album for a future sample mix. The group's trademark scratchy guitar funk sound is firmly in place here, and the rhythm section is nice, tight, and choppy. Enjoy!

1. Handclapping Song - The Meters 0.43
2. Clap Your Hands - A Tribe Called Quest 3.12
3. The Symphony Pt. 2 - Marley Marl feat. Masta Ace, Big Daddy Kane & Kool G. Rap 3.50
4. Klap Ya Hands - Das Efx 1.40
5. Put Your Hands Together - Eric B. & Rakim 4.02
6. I'm From The Fax - Hotbox 1.44
7. Let The Horns Blow - Chi-Ali feat. Black Sheep, The Beatnuts, & Phife Dawg 5.14
8. Crumbsnatcher - Illegal feat. Diamond D. 2.43
9. Escape From Reality - Positively Black 0.57
10. Beauty And The Beat - Salt 'N' Pepa 0.25
11. DJ Premier In Deep Concentration - Gang Starr 1.02
12. Same Ol' Thang - Del Tha Funkee Homosapien 2.46

http://www.zshare.net/audio/59799625494131d3/

Hotbox Sample Series #1:"More Peas" (The J.B.'s)

2009-05-05T17:02:00.009-03:00

For those that don't know, the J.B.'s were James Brown's legendary supporting cast of musicians during his commercial peak in the late 60's to mid 70's. One of my favorite bassline samples! The bass/drum loop break at the 7:20 mark of "More Peas" has been sampled many times in hip-hop. Perhaps the most famous examples are Cypress Hill's "The Phunky Feel One" and Organized Konfusion's "Fudge Pudge". Here is a 30-minute mix:

1. Soul Clap - Showbiz & AG 3.47
2. Behind Closed Doors - WC & The Maad Circle 4.50
3. Fudge Funk - Organized Konfusion 1.03
4. The Phunky Feel One - Cypress Hill 1.37
5. The Way Of Rhyme - Kris Kross 1.20
6. Fudge Pudge - Organized Rhyme 3.48
7. Search 4 The Lyte - MC Lyte 2.42
8. Gimme Dat Girl - Redhead Kingpin & The FBI (feat. Kwame) 2.25
9. Physical Form - Freestyle Fellowship 3.00
10. A Fight - Apache 2.57
11. I Shouldn't Have Done It - Slick Rick 4.01

http://www.zshare.net/audio/596766015689788f/

Welcome to Newfoundland 2?

2009-05-02T15:46:00.003-03:00

Lee Fitz and I were discussing the possibility of this project today. The winter of 2004 saw the release of the first and only Newfoundland hip-hop compilation "Welcome To Newfoundland" which featured Shiest, Lee Fitz, Radar, Suave and much more. Classified, Spesh K, and Mic B made guest appearances as well. The project gained recognition from the St. John's creative community; in fact Suave and I were interviewed on the CBC morning show.

Five years later, the scene has expanded greatly to the point where there would be no problem finding enough performers and producers willing to contribute to a new homegrown compilation. Personally, I think a WTN2 could be a great promotional vehicle for new local artists, and I'd be willing to contribute a few tracks to the project. However we would need an "executive producer" of some sort; someone who could organize the recording and collection of tracks. I'm busy trying to finish up my "Number Theory" EP, but if there's anyone else out there willing to take the reigns, I'll help out in as many ways as I can. What do y'all think?

Update: Nas Show in St. John's

2009-05-02T15:37:00.003-03:00

Nas/Kardinal Offishall/Shiest May 28th (Jack Byrne Arena, Torbay

This is the official announcement from ODC Productions. The Game has cancelled his Canadaian dates, but Nas is still coming. Kardinal will be replacing the Game. Show starts ay 6 pm.

2009 ECMA Hip-Hop Recording Of The Year!

2009-04-26T17:03:00.005-03:00

Hotbox feat. Spesh K & Y-Rush "The Main Event"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/592302574aa681b8/

This is the title track from Spesh K's sixth (!) album which is available in stores now!

Hotbox - The Hotbox Social (2005)

2009-04-26T12:58:00.008-03:00

This is a remix project I put together during the spring of 2005. All original Hotbox beats, sprinkled with 4 new local tracks. Shoutouts from Bush, typicalgirl, Locdog, Mickey D and more.

1. Sound OF The police (Beanie Sigel, ODB & Jay-Z) 3.12
2. Drop It Like It's Hot (Snoop Dogg & Pharrell) 2.25
3. Nobody Likes Raymond (Radar) 2.28
4. Fire (Busta Rhymes, Nate Dogg & Johnny Hardcore) 3.34
5. How We Do (The Game, 50 Cent & Nas) 2.38
6. Closed (Radar & Suave) 2.20
7. This Way (Dialated Peoples feat. Kanye West) 3.25
8. No No No (Lee Fitz feat. Shiest) 1.15
9. You The Man (Nas) 2.27
10. Shook Ones Pt. 2 (Mobb Deep) 2.08
11. The Set Up (Jadakiss & Redman) 2.32
12. 3 Men Stood (Radar) 1.22
13. Drink Smoke (Lee Fitz) 1.15
14. Multiple Choice (Tajai) 3.12
15. Shit Hits The Fan (Obie Trice, Dr. Dre & Eminem) 3.34

http://www.zshare.net/download/59221829e8379899/

Suave & Jokez - Agent Orange Crush (2006)

2009-04-25T19:44:00.004-03:00

http://files.filefront.com/JOKEZ+AND+SUAVE+Agent+Ohrar/;13582947;/fileinfo.html

Agent Orange Crush was a free download released to the online hip-hop community several years ago.

R.I.P. Jokez

Nayles ft. J-Bru "Thank You" (produced by Hotbox)

2009-04-19T11:49:00.002-03:00

Taken from Moncton rapper Nayles' second album "Eye Still Grow" released last fall.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/588779295741b37f/

Johnny Hardcore - Johnny Hardcore (2002)

2009-04-18T17:46:00.004-03:00

The first Newfoundland hip-hop album ever!

http://files.filefront.com/Johnny+Hardcore+Johnny+erar/;13582914;/fileinfo.html

Hotbox - Frostbite (2007)

2009-04-13T12:34:00.006-03:00

Released during the Christmas 2006 season, Frostbite recieved much love from critics and fans alike. Featuring high profile guest appearances from the legendary MC Lyte and Sean Price, this was the first release from the now-defunct Classy Criminal Records. Includes the ECMA-nominated song "make 'Em Holla" by Expedyte and Bonshah.

Artwork: Varnson Productions
Mastered by: Dexter Doolittle

1. Warning Shot (Miracle)
2. Spit That Murder (Spesh K, Johnny Hardcore & Y-Rush)
3. The Wonder Years remix (MC Lyte)
4. Non-Stop (Bush, Shiest & Nayles)
5. Political Science (Lee Fitz, Bush & Mischif)
6. Narcolepsy (Quake, Shiest, Lee Fitz & Boy-Ill)
7. Got It Locked (Jofo & Mick D)
8. Decipher This (Radar)
9. Them Newfie Boyz (Johnny Hardcore, Radar, & Lee Fitz)
10. Best Friend (Jay Bizzy & Sean Price)
11. Make 'Em Holla (Bonshah & Expedyte)
12. Markit Places (Markit)

http://www.zshare.net/download/585949911050f37d/

Hotbox - Tortured Soul mix (2009)

2009-04-12T11:49:00.006-03:00

Not released officially, Tortured Soul is a 15-minute mix of beats and interludes constructed primarily from soul records. Similar to J-Dilla's Donuts, some of the beats on here may be slighlty awkward to rap over and perhaps work best strictly as instrumentals. However, this mix has slipped into the hands of some prominent east coast rappers, so some of these beats may make their way on to upcoming projects in one form or another.

http://www.zshare.net/download/588456394075176a/

Suave - Trashy Activity (2008)

2009-04-10T12:58:00.005-03:00

Produced entirely by St. John's-based producer Suave, this star-studded compilation dropped last year.

1. Fluent - Suave
2. Trashy Activity - Microphone Jones, Phakt & Cess
3. Who's That - Johnny Hardcore feat. Radar, Rezvillian, Matt Nokes, & Boy-Ill
4. Bring It Back - D-Sisive feat. Spesh K, Boy-Ill & Divo
5. Get Wild - Jay Bizzy & Johnny Hardcore
6. The Finish Line - Radar
7. Back To Basics - Lee Fitz
8. Get It Got It Good - Shiest feat. Essence & J-Who
9. Hold On - SickKookies feat. Kid Squid
10. Perfectors Of Wisdom - DNA feat. Monark, Colmes, Apostrophe & Mickey D.
11. Interlude - Kid Squid & Chip Stone
12. Hummer - Suave feat. Matt Nokes, Mischif, Kid Squid & Johnny Hardcore
13. Connect And Collaborate - J-Who feat. Prosper & DJ Agility
14. Party Don't Stop remix - Bush feat. Murda
15. Dirties - Suave feat. Matt Nokes
16. Eye For An Eye - Johnny Hardcore, Lee Fitz, Sampson & Suave

www.angelleapparel.com/images/Trashy%20Activity.rar

Lee Fitz - Fitz Is Back (2008)

2009-04-09T19:23:00.008-03:00

Recorded between 2003 and 2007 by Hotbox and Curtis Day, Fitz Is Back showcases St. John's rapper Lee Fitz's versatility. Produced entirely by Hotbox and Suave.

1. Intro 0:59
2. Fitz Is Back 2:11
3. Fallacy Of Battle MC's 3:11
4. Back To Basics 3:34
5. Elevator Fitz 2:09
6. Blonde Hash 1:10
7. Don't Make A Fuss 2:26
8. Interlude 0:38
9. Who Am I 2:26
10. How I'm Livin' 3:45
11. No No No (feat. Shiest & The Rit) 2:37
12. Just A Man 2:19
13. Political Science (feat. Bush & Mischif) 3.23
14. Throw Your Life Away (feat. Radar) 2:57
15. One Life To Live 3:03
16. Don't Make A Fuss (alternate mix) 2:52

ODC Presents: Nas & The Game

2009-04-07T19:12:00.010-03:00

ODC Productions proudly present to you the biggest hip hop concert in Newfoundland history: Nas & The Game.

May 3 @ Torbay Arena

$60 regular / $100 V.I.P.

Wu-Tang's Cappadonna live in St. John's

2009-04-05T17:02:00.002-03:00

Friday, July 10th @ Junctions!!

$25 admission / $50 VIP

Follow Hotbox on Twitter

2009-04-05T16:49:00.007-03:00

Add me on www.twitter.com/hotboxbeats

Hotbox - Boxploitation EP (2008)

2009-04-05T14:46:00.010-03:00

Released online as a free download, the Boxploitation EP generated an overwhelmingly positive response within the online hip-hop community. Featuring a small group of up-and-coming Maritime rappers, the sound of this concept album is a throwback to the golden age of hip-hop.

1. Knowledge Is Wealth (Radar)
2. Yee-Haw (remix) (Lee Fitz & Radar)
3. Squeal Snaps (Sampson & Mischif)
4. Hot Grits (Sampson)
5. One Life To Live (Mischif)
6. Rent Money (Heartz)
7. Call Of Duty (ArchNME)

Artwork: Nayles for Nayles Design

http://www.zshare.net/download/6454345393156685/

Hotbox - Knowledge Is Wealth 7" (2009)

2009-04-04T23:05:00.004-03:00

Released in January 2009, this marks the first slice of hip-hop vinyl ever pressed from Newfoundland! Featuring local rapper Radar on the opening cut, as well as Halifax-based Sampson and Heartz, this 45 is an excerpt from last year's critically-acclaimed Boxploitation EP. Available at Fred's Records, Ballistic Skate & Snow, and a few other shops in and outside of St. John's. Support local hip-hop!

Side A:
1. Knowledge Is Wealth (Radar) 2.43
2. Squeal Snaps (Sampson) 1.31

Side B:
1. Rent Money (Heartz) 2.51
2. Hot Grits (Sampson) 1.24

Artwork: Varnson Productions
Mastered by: Dexter Doolittle

http://www.zshare.net/download/58231387aae8536e/

Shiest "Nuttin' New" video

2009-03-30T20:01:00.001-03:00

For those that don't know, Shiest (born and raised in St. John's)flew down from Edmonton to shoot this video back in his hometown. Look out for features from other local performers like Lee Fitz and Suave. Brought to you by ODC Productions, this video made its premier recently at the Classified show at Junctions. Shiest is currently back in E-town putting the finishing touches on his debut album.

This is some footage of your boy Shiest as he opened up for Classified & the Half-Life at Junctions.

Shiest