What do Boot Camp Clik, a Double Tall Americano, and Blue Scholars have in common?

A lot, apparently. They’re the latest creative collaboration to hit the hot Seattle pavement this summer. Click here for the gory details.

Our boys Geo and Sabzi have never gone the traditional record deal route (and that’s partially why we love ’em), but this partnership between Duck Down Records and Caffe Vita looks to be the most interesting to come around thus far.

Distribution by Rawkus last go ’round was cool. Partly because it was nice to see Blue Scholars get so much shine nationally. (I came across a few copies of Bayani in the hip-hop section at the Virgin Megastore — may she rest in peace — last year in Times Square, not to mention that beacon of hip-hop independence, Fat Beats, in Greenwich Village.)

Honestly, though, I was a little scurred that it was the start of something bigger; something nefarious. Something that might even result in their hasty departure from the Emerald City and *gasp* normal rotation on MTV2. Then I remembered that it was Blue Scholars. “Sell-out” is simply not a term in their vernacular (knock on wood). Also, MTV2 doesn’t even f*cking play videos anymore, so whatever. It was all paranoia on my part, anyway. (Plus, even De La eventually had to go a little commercial to get paid.)

Anyway, this new partnership is cool. Duck Down has been a standard-bearer in hip-hop (as was Rawkus, of course). And I used to hit Caffe Vita every morning on my way to work. Which reminds me: what the hell does coffee have to do with any of this??!! Judging by Geo’s somewhat esoteric blog post, I presume their role is of financier. Speculation abounds.

In any event, I’ll be checking for the OOF! EP on August 25th and so should you.

Stay UP!