Polyrhythm Addicts

Eight years later, a new album sneaks out of nowhere. Hip-hop has been rejuvenated. Well, maybe not. These are just the type of cats whose records I don't usually check for, but they can be entertaining on the freestyle tip.

The first time I ever heard of Shabaam Sahdeeq was on Stretch and Bobbito in June 1996, rhyming back to back with Black Thought. (For more Black Thought, check here.) One of the things I like about live radio sessions is hearing combinations of MCs who wouldn't ordinarily interact with each other.

Shabaam Sahdeeq and Black Thought on Stretch and Bob

This probably isn't the greatest performance Mr. Complex ever gave, but he gets warmed up and flows pretty nicely after a bit. He teams up with Maestro, who sounds like a second-tier Chubb Rock. From November 1999.

Mr. Complex and Maestro on Stretch and Bobbito

Finally, the realigned Addicts (now featuring Tiye Phoenix) showed off their talents last week in support of the new album. Obviously, Shabaam has come a long way in the past decade (though he only spits writtens on this session).

Polyrhythm Addicts on Squeeze Radio

Phone Tap

What's the only thing better than live rhyming on the radio? I love hearing MCs spit over the air late at night, over an unfamiliar beat, without a professional mixdown, most likely drunk, high, tired, or some combination thereof. But even better is hearing them rhyme over the phone. Calling into the station, probably can't hear the music, voice stripped of soul and personality -- I love it! Here's a few examples of recent vintage:

Da Nuthouse in Spring 2004

Phil da Agony in Spring 2004

Queen Herawin (of the Juggaknots) in Spring 2005

All from WKCR Squeeze Radio.