The ‘Twelve 12s’ series is back again for the seventeenth instalment – we crossed the Atlantic once more to bring you none other than Boston’s own -  DJ 7L!

As part member of legendary underground duo 7L & Esoteric, DJ / producer 7L has worked along side as artists such as; Jedi Mind Tricks, Virtuoso, Demigodz, Boondox Saints, Beyonder & Main Flow – to name but a few. Not only that – he’s also the man behind many of the famous Bladerunner edits. 7L is now one of Boston’s biggest club DJs and he’s taken the time out to bless us with a top quality mix. There’s another theme running through this one – its kind of a history in party breaks records – but i won’t say anymore except for those who want to hear how DJ’s used to cut using REAL vinyl – you won’t be dissapointed!

In case you missed the first sixteen instalments from Rob, Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans, Spin Doctor, Matthew Africa, Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven, Big Jacks, Drew Huge, Donsta. J-Squared & another from Superix – you can still catch them here and watch out for another ‘Twelve 12s coming very soon…

For tracklisting and running order – see the cover

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

p.s. This is our 1,000th post!

After a short break for Christmas, the ‘Twelve 12s’ series is back once again for the sixteenth instalment and this time it’s an extra special one – courtesy of our very own Superix!

Now you all know about Superix and his love for all things hip-hop past and present, and the fact that few can put a mix together like this man. However, what you may not know is that (like me) one of his all-time favourite eras in rap was the late 80s early 90s…particularly in the U.K. Assembled here in beautiful mix order are some of the gems that defined the time on these shores and have remained some of our most treasured records to this day. A time when Hijack were everything, the London Posse seemed to redefine U.K. hip-hop with every release and Caveman sounded like our very own Pete and CL almost before they did. Not to mention uptempo monsters from the likes of DJ Mink and MC Mell O and my own personal faves The Demon Boyz. There was just too much good music from this time, so Part 2 has surely got to come (…in fact I’m a get on that right now!), however in the meantime – just hit download, get your running man on and enjoy 12 stone cold classic 12″s.

In case you missed the first fifteen instalments from myself (Rob), Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans, Spin Doctor, Matthew Africa, Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven, Big Jacks, Drew Huge, Donsta & J-Squared – you can still catch them here and watch out for another ‘Twelve 12s coming very soon…

For tracklisting and running order – see the cover

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

The ‘Twelve 12s’ series is back once again for the fifteenth instalment: this time we’ve been blessed with a unique mix courtesy of – J-Squared!

J Squared is another DJ who has been around hip-hop and breaks his whole life and knows his stuff back to front. We first became friends with James in the days he used to run the awesome ‘Off The Hook’ nights in Derby with Hudson (who we already introduced you to!) – a night that was classic every time with so many of hip-hop’s finest passing through to grace the stage or indeed the turntables. However, the first time we actually met was at a Rock Steady charity drive @ SOB’s in New York, which I think you’ll agree is a more than appropriate place to connect with our love of hip-hop. These days based in London, J is responsible, alongside Steve The Sleeve and Skeg, for the awesome Breakin Bread show, which in their perfectly succint words, “brings you the best in Beat breaking funk and hip hop covering any music with a connection to hip hop spanning the last 40 years and beyond!” Simple, right? Dope? Yes. Plus, for his ‘Twelve 12″s’ mix J has gone above and beyond the call of duty and has themed his to a degree that no-one has yet attempted…can you spot it? We’ll give you a clue – look at the ninth record. Then, the 12th, then…oh, just hit download, it’s great!
Enjoy!

In case you missed the first fourteen instalments from myself (Rob), Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans, Spin Doctor, Matthew Africa, Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven, Big Jacks, Drew Huge & Donsta – you can still catch them here and watch out for another ‘Twelve 12s coming very soon…

For tracklisting and running order – see the cover

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

The ‘Twelve 12s’ series is back once again for the fourteenth instalment: this time we head east for another good friend of Southern Hospitality – all the way from Tokyo, Japan we present – Donsta!

For those of you who aren’t from Japan – Donsta is one part of the Threepee boys – a Tokyo collective of DJs who run the Threepee Times blog and all regularly appear on nights within the Tokyo club scene. I was lucky enough to get invited to DJ with them recently at their excellent regular residency ‘Threepee Party’ at the revered ‘Organ Bar’ deep in the centre of Shibuya.

Donsta is a guy who knows good music: when he’s not releasing his mixtapes from his ‘Boom & Zoom’ series – he’s over in ATL interviewing artists and educating Japanese audiences about all things southern rap! As a DJ, Donsta plays everything from the latest southern hip-hop bangers, UK grime to dubstep and party bangers – but as you can see from the impressive lineup of 12s he has on this mix – Donsta clearly knows his classics! When myself and Rob saw the tracklist – we knew it would be good – a nice change of pace to the other mixes we’ve had – it’s great to hear underground classics like Erule’s incredible and very slept on - ‘Listen Up‘ alongside our personal favourites – Oukast’s Players Ball (extended version)’ and Digital Undergounds ‘Wussup With The Luv’ (check 2pac’s verse!). After listening to this mix – it really got me digging through my crates again! – great stuff!

Enjoy!

In case you missed the first thirteen instalments from myself (Rob), Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans, Spin Doctor, Matthew Africa, Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven, Big Jacks & Drew Huge – you can still catch them here and watch out for another ‘Twelve 12s coming very soon…

For tracklisting and running order – see the cover

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

The ‘Twelve 12″s’ series is back once again, for the thirteenth instalment, and this time it’s another collection of hard to find hip-hop gems from -  Drew Huge!

Drew Huge is not only a close friend, but has been involved with hip-hop his whole life, and as you can see has the record collection to prove it! One of the world’s most prominent hip-hop journalists, he has written for pretty much every magazine going, including a legendary tenure @ Hip Hop Connection, and is the go-to man for broadsheets like The Guardian when accurate and well-written articles are needed about significant events in hip-hop like the recent, unfortunate passing of Derek B. He also famously co-founded Fat Lace Magazine which as well as giving Eminem his very first cover, was one of the realest and most outrageous mags in hip-hop history! Not only that, but he also wrote ‘The Book Of Hip-Hop Cover Art’, which has since become a definitive part of the hip-hop canon, and has lent his expertise to many a TV programme on the subject of all things emanating from the Bronx. Yep, dude knows what he’s talking about. This mix shows just how deep in the game Drew goes, and I can honestly say is the first ‘Twelve 12″s’ where I haven’t owned ANY of the records! Unbelievable stuff from the ultra-rare Glamorous 12″ on Prism to the beautiful Soul Purpose track that kicks things off, this is a mix that will have you doing the running man…quickly back to those crates! Enjoy…

In case you missed the first twelve instalments from myself (Rob), Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans, Spin Doctor, Matthew Africa, Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven and Big Jacks – you can still catch them here and watch out for another ‘Twelve 12s coming very soon…

For tracklisting and running order – see the cover

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

The ‘Twelve 12″s’ series is back once again, for the (rather coveted) twelfth instalment, and this time representing for Toronto it’s -  Big Jacks!

Big Jacks has been rocking spots all over the U.S. and Canada for the last decade, as well as holding it down on T-Dot radio every week, bringing his love and knowledge of music to the world. He’s also opened up for some of the greatest names in hip-hop – A Tribe Called Quest, Dj Premier, Krs, Pete Rock to name a few and has toured alongside Jigga’s current DJ Neil Armstrong (another SH Fave we may add). Not only that but he even DJs and  programs the music for a large women’s clothing chain! Now that is ‘versatility’ (don’t worry, you’ll get the reference when you’ve copped the mix). Anyway, I’m sure you’re all familiar with his work after the incredible mix with DJ Eleven ‘Great Minds’ that we featured here a couple of weeks ago, which finds Big Jacks tearing through the 80s groove with an ear and skills few have. In fact, an ability that comes from not only a genuine feel for music but years of digging through the racks to find those absolute gems, as I’m sure rap historians out there will appreciate after taking one look at the cover! As well as the aforementioned Nyborn (still my most wanted rap 12″!) you’ll find some more random, but classically dope records like Sir Ibu’s ‘I’m The Peacemaker’ and ‘Bizzie Boyz ‘Hold The Lafta’.  This is heaven to people who, like me,  love that late 80s/early 90s rap sound and a perfect kick off to the week. Incredible stuff.

In case you missed the first eleven instalments from myself (Rob), Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans, Spin Doctor, Matthew Africa, Cosmo Baker & DJ Eleven – you can still catch them here and watch out for another ‘Twelve 12s coming very soon…

For tracklisting and running order – see the cover

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

The ‘Twelve 12″s’ series is back once again, and after last months epic mix from Cosmo Baker, who else could we have followed it with, but the final third of The Rub crew and appropriately for the eleventh instalment – DJ Eleven!

You’ve heard us mention on numerous occasions about our respect for DJ Eleven and the reasons for that are simple. Dude is one of the best club DJs around, has an extensive knowledge and love of so many genres of music, concocts dope remixes and incredible mix-tapes and is now even producing fresh hits! Good music informs and underpins everything he’s involved in, and his reputation is built on always delivering quality and being one of the nicest dudes you could hope to meet in the music industry. On top of all this, Eleven is a close friend who has not only shares a birthday with my good self, but has shared a great deal of his wisdom over the years we’ve known each other…something I’m very grateful of. As one third of The Rub (with Ayres and Cosmo Baker) he’s had a huge impact on the U.S. club scene through DJing at only the best events in NYC, tearing up national tours, hosting definitive radio shows and through CDs like their “It’s The Motherfucking Remix” series has re-written the rule book about which music genres should exist together. It’s been an exciting few years for Eleven and we’re therefore very excited to receive his ‘Twelve 12″s’! Especially, as he’s gone and taken on the cross-genre remixes and production of one of hip-hop’s true legends – DJ Premier! Devin The Dude, Janet, Too Short, ‘D’Angelo all with that Premo magic? You really can’t go wrong. So, as we say each week…hit DOWNLOAD and enjoy!

In case you missed the first ten instalments from myself (Rob), Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans, Spin Doctor, Matthew Africa & Cosmo Baker,  you can still catch them here and watch out for another ‘Twelve 12s coming very soon…

For tracklisting and running order – see the cover

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

Cheers

-Rob

The ‘Twelve 12s’ series is back once again for its tenth instalment, and this time (after DJ Ayres) it’s one more third of The Rub – Cosmo Baker!

Let’s get one thing straight, Cosmo Baker’s been DJing pretty much his whole damn life and his reputation for rocking crowds is absolutely second to none. Don’t believe me? Check this quote from Jazzy Jeff, “When it comes to keeping the Philly Music tradition going…Cosmo has it locked. His knowledge is incredible and his Crates are deep and his passion and skills makes him one of my favs.” So, to add to one of the world’s greatest ever DJs, few can truly rock as many styles as Cosmo and keep it as authentic, dynamic and charismatic as he does. Beginning in his hometown of Philly (and now based in NY) he’s been around the world and back again as a DJ, and as one third of The Rub, he not only DJs, but hosts radio (for Scion etc.), produces, remixes, goes on national tours (with A-Trak etc.), holds down hundreds of NY’s finest clubs and bars, and still manages to turn up at their legendary monthly Rub Party. Oh yeah, and if you wanna know how to create a perfect mixtape? Check out his awesome ‘Love Break’ CD, possibly the most worn in my whole collection! Seriously, as his website says – get on his level. Anyway, amidst his ridiculously hectic schedule he’s taken the time out to record the latest instalment to our ‘Twelve 12″‘ series and we’re absolutely delighted to present it. Typically diverse, and typically dope, this is a great snapshot into the world of Cosmo Baker…plus, it ends with maybe the greatest club record of all time. So, make sure you catch him at a party near you soon, follow him on Twitter (dude has stuff to say!) and most importantly…check out the mix!

In case you missed the first nine instalments from myself (Rob), Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans, Spin Doctor & Matthew Africa you can still catch them here and watch out for another ‘Twelve 12s coming very soon…

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

The ‘Twelve 12″s’ series is back once again for its Ninth instalment, and this time it’s the turn of one of another of our favourite DJs – the Bay Area’s hella knowledgable and hella nice – Matthew Africa!

Matthew Africa has been around hip-hop and music in general for a serious amount of time and what he doesn’t know about good  music probably isn’t worth knowing! This is the man whose awesome new radio show ‘2 Busy Saying Yeah’ will have a full (and frankly incredible) Soulful Disco Mix one week, and then without pausing for breath follow it with 2 hours of fresh, new Yay Area ‘Jerk’ records. It’s all so easy for Matthew as the dude, well… just loves music. His mix-CDs are literally second to none, and I can say hand on heart that his ‘Dirty RnB: The Best Of R-Kelly’ is a Top 5 mix of all time for me (this soundtracked an epic tour I did in 2007 and rendered all other CDs in the Hummer useless for about six weeks). Positioned in the Bay he’s seen all the changes come and go and programmed, Djed and co-hosted Beni-B’s (ABB Records) influential West Coast radio show through the 90s, where they indulged in both upfront hardcore hip-hop and rare funk and soul, with Matthew’s impeccable taste up front and centre. So, in short check out his blog and learn more about both music and the man himself. However, before that, hit download on his ‘Twelve 12″s’ where he features not only some of the best hip-hop records of all time like Mac Mall’s ‘Sic Wit Tis’ but some of the best records that only myself and my man Drew Huge cared about…Ministers Of Black ‘Step Into My Office’ (props!). The perfect Monday kick-off continues.

In case you missed the first eight instalments from myself (Rob), Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson, Matt Evans and Spin Doctor you can still catch them here and watch out for another  ‘Twelve 12″s coming very soon…

Enjoy!

For tracklisting and running order – peep the cover.

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

The ‘Twelve 12″s’ series is back once again for its Eighth instalment, and this time it’s ‘Twelve Twelves of Tribe’ (or, if you like…’Twelve Twelves of Twibe!’) from our good friend & promoter of some the finest hip-hop nights in London Spin Doctor.

Spin Doctor is quite simply one of London’s foremost hip-hop DJs and promoters, running classic nights all over the city like ‘The Doctors Orders’, ‘On The Real’, ‘Soulbrew Karaoke’ and well…hella stuff (including of course, the upcoming ‘The Show’ with yours truly – more details on that VERY soon, in the meantime – join the group). His events have played host to some of the greatest hip-hop and DJ talent from the U.S, as well as providing a platform for all the talent on these shores. He’s also the man behind the now legendary J-Dilla tribute evenings ‘J-Dilla Changed My Life’ that have both gone down in folklore as well as raised a load of cash for the J-Dilla Foundation. Seriously, Spin Doctor has got all bases covered…he’s even running a Hip Hop Pub Quiz! He’s also the first to do a fully themed hip-hop  ‘Twelve 12″s’ with this special dedication to his all time No.1 Hip-Hop group A Tribe Called Quest. As you can see from the pic, there’s a mix of 100% certified hip-hop classics awaiting you, or in his words, “…all the classics alongside some forgotten B sides and Remixes (hence the double cover – ‘Midnight’ y’all!). He added, “this is a great example of why the Queens trio are widely regarded as the best that ever did it.” Not got much argument with that…so just hit download!

…in case you missed the first seven instalments from Rob, Superix, James Lebens, DJ Ayres, DJ Dub, DJ Hudson & Matt Evans you can still catch them here and watch out for another  ‘Twelve 12″s coming next week from our man, Matthew Africa!

Enjoy!

For tracklisting and running order – peep the cover.

DOWNLOAD IT HERE