Benz and a Backpack

I am currently visiting the Bay Area, and in honor of my first trip trip to California, I wanna put a few songs together that are some of my all time Cali-favorites.  While the hyphy movement has gone somewhat national, what I really love about Bay Area hip hop for is the incredible flows their artists put together.  More south, L.A. has recently produced some of the most talented MC’s out right now, a la artists like Blu and Evidence.  So, heres more or less a CD’s worth of songs that are all worth checking out.

Love Flowin’ – Hieroglyphics

As the song hints, Hieroglyphics flows hard on this song.  Download their album Full Circle right now.

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’93 till Infinity – Souls of Mischief

A laid back Bay Area classic and a must have.

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So Fresh (Step Brothers) – Evidence

“Everyday I wake to the sounds of wave crashing, make moves, its time to take action”.

A perfect summer song.  EV has a lot of range, and even on a good summer song like this has a dark, gritty feel.

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So(ul) Amazin’ (Steel Blazin’) – Blu and Exile

Blu over a laid back beat, reminds me a little of Hiero.  Blu is hands down one of the most promising MC’s and his first       full album is coming in the Fall.  Support young talent.

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Dat’s My Part – DJ Shadow feat. E-40

DJ Shadow is from San Jose, and E-40′s mother apparently lives in the very neighborhood I am sitting in right now.  Two veteran artists coming together to make a track with definite hints of the hyphy influence.

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Thizzle Dance – Mac Dre

R.I.P. Mac Dre.  A Bay Area version of one of those songs that teach you a dance, but this one was way before this fad became something ridiculous.  This song is fun and distinctly Bay Area.

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Mistadobalina – Del Tha Funkee Homosapien

Del has by far one of the best all-time flows.  Many may know him from his work with the Gorillaz on the song Clint Eastwood.  Also check out the song “3030″ by Deltron 3030, his space age alter-ego.  Sorry, but don’t have the file as an mp3 so I can’t host it.

The Bay – Zion I

Zion I is kind of like the West Coast version of Dead Prez.  Their album True and Livin’ got infinite spins in my CD player.  Incredible flows above a simple, catchy beat.

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Massage Situation – Flying Lotus

Shout out to Dizzy.  Flying Lotus is a producer that has a very bright future.  Sorry I don’t have this file so I can’t host it, I’ll try and find it.

Tell me what you think, tell me what I missed.

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