Wu-Tang Clan have finally blessed the public with a window into their highly-anticipated upcoming LP A Better Tomorrow. “Keep Watch” is a Mathematics-produced track featuring Nathaniel. The subtle beat highlights characteristically strong wordplay from Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Cappadona and GZA. It’s hard not to get excited about new music from some of the fiercest lyricists hip-hop has ever seen, a point Deck makes sure to enforce when he gets tri-lingual to start his verse: “Codename Sensei, I live what my pen say/Game hall of fame, flow is MJ/Muy caliente, je m’apelle Rebel, capiche, comprende?” Here’s to hoping this gets the ball rolling on more releases leading up to A Better Tomorrow, which promises to be a strong effort from the Shaolin legends. Listen to “Keep Watch” below.

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Phoniks is a producer from Portland who recently dropped a nostalgic album of remixed 90’s hip hop tracks called Basement Vibes. All of the gems that made the cut were already equipped with some of the best production of the 90’s, but Phoniks skillfully remasters them with in a way that is nothing short of flavorful and impressive. What could be better than a collected of classics with a dash of soul, jazzy horns, smooth saxophones, deep bass lines, and fresh samples? In truth, it’s hard to imagine how Phoniks was even capable remaking rap classics in a way that wasn’t corny or untasteful, but as you will hear, the new sounds on Basement Vibes are very welcomed.

01. mathematics – mos def (phoniks remix)

02. communism – common (phoniks remix)

03. these eyes – jay-z (phoniks remix)

04. take you there – pete rock & cl smooth (phoniks remix)

05. c.r.e.a.m – wu tang clan (phoniks remix)

06. fast life – nas & kool g. rap (phoniks remix)

07. kick in the door – biggie smalls (phoniks remix)

08. the world is yours – nas (phoniks remix 2)

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