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AESOP ROCK DROPS VIDEO FOR ZERO DARK THIRTY

New album Skelethon set for release on 9th July through Rhymesayers

As mentioned before, the mighty tongue-twisting Aesop Rock is set to release his new studio record – Skelethon – on 9th July through Rhymesayers Entertainment (what a great birthday present, nice one Aes). We caught a first glimpse of the forthcoming album in the blistering track ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, and now the rapper has dropped the joint’s accompanying visuals. Check it out after the jump.

DJ NU-MARK VS ALI SHAHEED MUHAMMAD

East coast meets west coast as the two hip-hop icons meet for a soundclash of true-school hip-hop on Saturday

Each members of iconic hip-hop groups, Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and DJ Nu-Mark (Jurassic 5) will be hitting UK shores on Saturday to rock London’s Koko silly with all manner or beat goodness. I’ve caught Uncle Nu and J5 several times throughout the years, but the hands down, most memorable show was when I saw Jurassic play Birmingham Academy in support of their Power In Numbers album. It was a near perfect gig for me, and when Cut Chemist and Nu-Mark strolled to the front of stage to create some strapped on Fisher Price turntable madness, I pretty much went bananas. As did the rest of the crowd.

CHASE THE MUSIC. OWN THE STAGE.

Hennessy begins search for new talent to perform at this year's Blues Passions festival in Cognac, France

Ever the supporter of the world’s most exciting creative talent (check out The Art of Blending), premium cognac house Hennessy has launched its new initiative: Chase the music. Own the stage. Fans will be able to submit a video of their own music performances to the Hennessy International Facebook for the chance to perform at the Blues Passions festival this year in the heart of Hennessy’s hometown: Cognac, France.

AESOP ROCK RELEASES NEW TRACK

New album Skelethon set for release in July

Good news everybody, your favourite multi-syllabic-complex-rhyme-spitting rapper is back and about to release his 6th studio album on Rhymesayers. Titled Skelethon, the album follows 2007′s None Shall Pass and sees the wordsmith self-produce a whole album for the first time. That’s right, no Blockhead on this one, although if ‘Keep Off The Lawn’ from None Shall Pass is anything to go by, this new album should be a belter. Listen to the first track to drop from the album, ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, after the jump.

50 DAYS FOR DILLA

Ta-ku pays tribute to hip-hop's finest with a beat a day for 50 days

Our man Reggie ‘Ta-ku’ Matthews – the producer that honoured us with our first Brainer mix – has just unleashed Vol. 1 of his latest project: 50 Days For Dilla. While he may be one of the most prolific beatsmiths making music at the moment, it’s safe to say that crafting a beat a day – for 50 days – is an incredible achievement. But he done did it in tribute to the legendary Jay Dee, and as you’d expect, 50 Days For Dilla is chock full of pompous, dope beats, gorgeous soul samples and chopped up strings – all tied together by that signature Ta-ku swagger. Instrumental hip-hop doesn’t get better – have a listen after the jump.

VNA READIES NEW ISSUE

Launch party taking place at Lazarides Gallery on Thursday

It’s about that time again – the homies at Very Nearly Almost are getting ready to drop their new issue (18), with a good ol’ launch party going down this Thursday at Lazarides Gallery. Featuring Connor Harrington (currently showing ‘Dead Meat’ at Lazarides), Mode 2 and the man Remi Rough – amongst others – issue 18 looks to be yet another excellent edition in the magazine. All the info you need is in the flyer after the jump.

JOIN GASLAMP KILLER, KUTMAH AND DARKHOUSE FAM IN A DOUBLE CELEBRATION

Secret Hoxton location to be revealed tomorrow

Those fellas at Earnest Endeavours are at it again. In conjunction with the Hit+Run crew and Sketchbook, the London label will be putting on a night tomorrow to celebrate not one, but two releases: Darkhouse Fam’s In & Out EP (out now on Earnest Endeavours), and Kutmah’s Worldwide Family Vol. 2 – compiled for Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label, and released on 26th March.