dork magazine.

DORKMAG X ROOTDOWN - SHOW 6
By Ken Peebles.

Summer is so close! In celebration of a small bit of sunshine, at least in my neck of the woods I’ve put together some smoother jams for this edition. I hope you have the opportunity to grab a brew and relax to these tunes where you are. Enjoy.

1. JJ Fad – Supersonic / MF Doom – Hoe Cakes

Remember when hip hop was fly? I try so hard not to sound like an old man, but there is something so simple and enjoyable about a beat box intro. MF Doom knows this and further inspection reveals he drops a few beat box samples throughout his catalogue. The classic Supersonic on the intro leading into a track off one of my favorite albums period. It’s not really a secret that I’m a giant MF Stan. This was one of the earliest tunes I heard from his album MM...Food. Although at the record store it was ultimately Vomit spit that made me yell out wrap it up! this track has sustained consistent run. It’s also a great example of Doom’s undying ability to make classic hip hop out of FM Lite hits. Super!

2. Sway – Month in the summer

I have to give big shouts out to hip hop journalist Tara Henley for this one. Not for putting me onto the track, but for hipping me to something. Once in awhile she discusses rappers from different parts of the world and it made me realize maybe I haven’t been using the internet to my full advantage. Now I know the UK isn’t exactly super exotic, but I really haven’t gotten that far into the scene. I started exploring recently checking out a few online broadcasts and discovered quite a bit of great music. This one stood out though for me. I probably broke it out a little too early because this just feels like a summer anthem. Maybe I’ll tuck it away till later in July. For now though definitely lay back and soak in these smooth tones.

3. Kardinal – Sunday

This is a good sunrise jam. Rock this and a bowl of Multigrain Cheerio’s and your ready to attack the day. This is probably my favorite tune off of Kardi’s latest. The heavy get out my life woman drum pattern, subtle organ lines, chimes and great hook add up to powerful track. Kardinal’s been doing his thing for so long now and even though he’s achieved a lot as a fan I hope he hits that next level.

4. Artifacts – The Interview

When I was in high school I was really, really broke. Well some things don’t change, but back in the days when downloading didn’t exist ( can you imagine such a thing ) there was a period where my record collection hovered around ten for about 6 months. It is possible that this is why the Artifacts second album That’s Them received so much burn at my place. It’s also quite possible though that this was just a great record and this was just one of the rotating favourites off of that joint. This record isn’t highlighted as much as their classic debut Between a hard and a hard place but it contains a lot of classic moments as well. If you like this I recommend checking Ingredients to time travel and this is da way.

5. Cool Calm Pete - Wishes and Luck

Up next is the dude with one of my favorite MC names ever. Pete’s name fits him well with a style that feels both laid back and effortless. Formally one half of Babbletron this track is off of Pete’s first solo effort Lost. This is another one of those piano laced affairs I can’t seem to get enough of. I was actually digging around in Toronto when I first came across this. I was caught by the cover and decided to throw it on the platter. What I found was a great album that comes across as very personal. It almost feels as though Pete’s right there in the room relaying stories of his travels. Take a minute to chill with the coolest of the calm.