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DOWNLOAD: The Sound of TraQ – TraQ Addicc

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Shout-out to Serg for bringing this recent free drop to my attention. Producer/MC TraQ released this 7-song EP a couple days ago which is one of the best collections from The Town I’ve heard this year. The production is a dynamic mix of lush electronic soundscapes paired with hardcore boom-bap. It features area talent like Spaceman, Meez, Luke Rain, and JusMoni. The MVP, however, is that dude Khingz, who has the best bars by far on the battle-rap joint “I Go In.” Also of note is Tendai Maraire’s verse on “Glory,” where the Shabazz Palaces affiliate shows he’s more than just nice on the mbira. Stream and download for free below.

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VIDEO: “One Chance” – Rockwell Powers & Ill Pill (feat. DJ Phinisey)

Here’s the fourth video from Rockwell Powers & Ill Pill’s latest album, Kids In The Back 2 (available for FREE here). “Once Chance” was shot at Urban Grace, the MC’s church in the TAC.

This clip might resonate for anyone who grew up going to church, or found church to be a sort of second home later in life. Even though I don’t find myself affiliated with a church (or any sort of organized religion) these days, I still feel that connection when I visit my home town and drive past the spot I grew up attending.

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DOWNLOAD: Vintage Flow – Logics

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Logics’ latest project, the 9-track EP Vintage Flow, is also his best collection of tracks to date. On previous excursions this blogger found his flow clunky and forced, on Vintage however, the artist also known as Young Ghangas finds a comfortable cadence amidst seriously head-nodding production that ranges from slap-happy throwback Cali sh-t (think 808 heavy old school beats like Pac Div favors) and vintage soul samples with easily-distorted low-end. It’s a ride-worthy summer soundtrack.

Stream or purchase below.

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DOWNLOAD: On Second Thought Vol. 2 – Ripynt

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Ripynt takes a breather from the entertaining antics of his crew That 1 Show to go for dolo on this seven track EP, available for FREE here. The local cat sounds hungry spitting over beats by production luminaries like Know Choice, Mr. Hill and BeanOne. Stream the EP’s best track, “Puttin’ In Work” below.

“Puttin’ In Work” – Ripynt (feat. Mateo Mblem)

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VIDEO: “Immigrants For Sale”

I don’t post very many PSA-type things on 206UP.COM (many artists the site favors are experts themselves at bringing the proper knowledge), but this animated piece on for-profit detention centers was so well done I couldn’t pass it up.

(Spotted on comedian Hari Kondabolu’s blog.)

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DOWNLOAD: Sliding Scale – Julie C

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Is there a more deeply-entrenched hip-hop artist in Seattle than Julie C? Her affiliations include (but are not limited to): Alpha P, Knox Family, B-Girl Media, 206 Zulu, and Hip-Hop Congress — AND she writes her own hip-hop and social justice blog Sheep Skin Camo. Whew, no wonder she’s just now getting to her first solo musical endeavor, the six-track Sliding Scale EP (available for free above and below).

On Sliding Scale, Julie displays a diverse set of MC skills, from the fast rap show(wo)manship of “Hellfire” to the head-slicing battle rap of “Gimme More.” The album features production by Phreewil, M.Famous, Boombox Massacre, Neebor, and Nitro Fresh. Get hip, dunny.

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DOWNLOAD: “Can’t See ‘Em” – Logics (feat. Element)

Click image for D/L link to "Can't See 'Em."

“Can’t See ‘Em” is a recent drop from Logics‘ forthcoming project, Vintage Flow (hitting pavement June 6th). Classic Cali sound right here. I didn’t know Logics had beef with The Pack, so that’s noteworthy. Element on the hook, Tryfe on the beat. Bump this in the summertime.

(Shout-out to Mitch at Northwest State Of Mind, where I caught this.)

“Can’t See ‘Em” – Logics (feat. Element)

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VIDEO: “Brain Champagne” – Helluvastate

Digging the B&W, the reverse raindrops, the glass/jar/head/vase/thingy. Director Stephan Gray does justice to “Brain Champagne,” my favorite joint off Adventures in a Helluvastate.

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LISTEN (& BUY): Cinemetropolis – Blue Scholars

Click album cover for Bandcamp link.

Breaking news from the Blue Scholars camp (via the good folks — and fellow colleagues — at SSG Music): the crew’s eagerly anticipated third full-length, Cinemetropolis, is now available for streaming and purchase at their Bandcamp page, a full two weeks before its official release date of June 14. Look for a full album review coming soon from 206UP.COM.

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DOWNLOAD: “Swerve…The Reeping of All That Is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding)” – Shabazz Palaces (feat. THEESatisfaction)

“Swerve…” is, by far, the most accessible (I hate that term) Shabazz Palaces track released thus far. I should qualify: by “accessible” I mean “danceable.” This one will tangle your brain and your body. Honorary SP member THEESatisfaction drops science in the track’s second half. The last 1:10 is a call for Black unity through movement and rhythm. Filthy. Seattle’s collective rap conscious sits in contemplative meditation until Black Up drops on June 28.

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