Theophilus London, “Humdrum Town”

Word on the streets aka Theophilus’ twitter account is that there were actually two videos shot for this. One has him wandering around some wooded area upstate. This one is typical Saturday for London, fingering through some photos, speeding through the NYC streets en route to stealing hearts at his favorite karaoke bar. No JBIII to speak of, but his chorus washes over us like the shimmer from London’s leather.

Suite903 DJ: DJ Spinna

Suite903: No.5 (Part 1)

DJ Spinna is something of an anomaly in music. A humbling example of what it takes to truly succeed within the framework of multiple fields. A steadfast work ethic, an obsessively extensive vinyl library and the willingness to pursue the full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul and Jazz), foundation (Hip-Hop) and future (Electronic/Dance music) with no restraints. A cornerstone of Hip-Hop’s late 90’s indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group The Jigmastas. Turning heads throughout the industry, Spinna’s sonics soon infiltrated numerous genres. Tapped by everyone from Mary J. Blige to Motown Records (for his brilliant Michael Jackson homage to “We’re Almost There”). It’s here his production presence would flourish greatly, as Spinna would go on to revive and revise Soulful marvels like Donald Byrd, Eddie Kendricks, Betty Carter, Roy Ayers and Al Jarreau. With so much studio work, it’s a marvel Spinna travels as much as he does. The constant, globe-trotting performances he’s become equally famed for have brought the DJ as far as Iceland, Australia, and South Africa as well as countless jaunts through England, Europe and the U.S. Not to forget, his hugely successful tours of Japan, where Spinna is held in the highest regard throughout the country for his craft in music. Its true that there are other likeminded DJ/Producers in the world comparable to DJ Spinna, but for the most part, they choose a genre and master it. Ask them to flip another variety with the same intense knowledge and sleek-savvy and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone that’ll do it to Spinna’s extent.

Listen: Suite903: No.5 (Part 1)

Video: Camp Lo, “Double Doors”

The biggest problem with people who claim to miss “real hip-hop” is their stubbornness to accept the evolution of the genre and well, they’re usually super corny. Camp Lo penned one of the most recognizable hip hop songs ever, but “Double Doors” itself gives us a feeling of nostalgia not unlike hearing Luchini on the radio today. The dude has an iPod and there are no ridiculous Kangol/Nike sweatsuit throwback pockmarks pushing the vid into trach territory. It’s just honest soul which, last we checked, was the point.—Judnick Mayard

Video: Mos Def f. Talib Kweli, “History”

These two have quite a bit of “History” together and this song is just a reminder of the majesty that was that Black Star LP. In fact, people probably ask either of them about a reunion on a daily basis, but that’s also not going to stop us from asking here. And by asking, we mean demanding. MAKE ANOTHER BLACK STAR ALBUM NOW PLEASE!

Dedication: Diddy Feeling Himself At An All-Time Outrageous

Diddy done did it again. The most shameless of self promoters has somehow managed to out-prop his previous proppings by giving himself an unofficial “deserving of the most props lifetime award.” Our friends across the pond, Soul Culture UK, report that in an upcoming Playboy magazine interview, King Combs declares himself the most inspirational of inspirations.“If I’m not inspiring you at this point, you’re a lost hope,” said Diddy. To that we offer an extra special album cut tucked deep into the second disc of Jay-Z’s Blueprint 2, when the Jiggaman was still friends with Young Chris, and had wise words for those who didn’t stop to think about their own.

Jay-Z, “Nigga Please” at YouTube

Jay Electronica, “Exhibit C”

Before “Exhibit C” you’d have been excused for thinking Jay Electronica was some kind of rap myth, like that dude a couple towns over who was supposed to be dumb nice at battling, but could never make it to any ciphers cause he was always locked up. Electronica, however, is very real as one Erykah Badu can attest and might just be interested in releasing some viable product now that he and Badu are raising a child together. You can stream the first such offering, “Exhibit C,” below and if you’re interested in contributing to baby Electrykah’s welfare, head over to iTunes to purchase.

Jay Electronica, “Exhibit C”

Suite903 TV: An Interview with Nola Darling

Hip hop duo Nola Darling came through the Suite903 HQ to discuss their backgrounds, motivations, inspirations (Lyte!) and where they’re at in the game. Illuminating!

Charles Hamilton, “Air Agains”

Remember this guy? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t, maybe you don’t want to. Either way, he was once the talk of the internets for the sole reason we’re checking for his Normalcy project, set to be released this week. He raps really well. Still.

Download: Charles Hamilton, “Air Agains”

Video: 50 Cent, “Do You Think About Me”

Drake said it but 50 DID it: ex-girl, next girl and Ms. “Right Now.” Never mind that his new chick is in the video for ten seconds and he goes back to his ex in the end (foreshadowing?), the fact is, that’s some bold shit. Even BOLDER is the fact that the video features real pictures from when he was with his ex Vivica A. Fox, not to mention a semi-accurate antidote of how she lost her mind after. The storyboard doesn’t go much further than “my ex has lost her mind but I still love that crazy bitch.” We’re still wondering how 50 even pitched this to Fox.