I'm assuming that if you're one of the followers of the Diversions blog that you were unable to attend the festivities out Coachella way. I personally would have loved to see B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray perform a full set in the California sun. I got to see a younger Bob at Rock the Bells in the summer of 2008, but at that time he was only getting 15 minutes of stage time, a good chunk of it taken up by his radio single at the time, "Haterz Everywhere." In the two years since the man's music has grown bounds. Now his debut album, which drops next Tuesday, is one of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of the year, and by far the most excited I've been about an album in a while. Here is his Coachella live set to get ready for said release date.
What's Good?: "Generation Lost," "Airplanes"
Tracklist and Download link for B.o.B. Live at Coachella 4/18/10
For a little local flavor let's mix in a nice tape for the summer courtesy of LiKuid Nation clothing. Mixed by DJ Ill Digitz, the man that works the 1s and 2s for Kooley High, LiKuid Sounds is a comp of a bunch of dope jams. You've got the incredible Reflection Eternal joint with Jay Electronica, Mos Def and J. Cole as well as some Little Brother, Lupe Fiasco and Big Sean. What's worth getting this tape besides the songs you may already have downloaded? Some music from Kooley High and Charlie Smarts that you may have overlooked. All around a great 12 tracks assemblage. Also, extra fresh artwork.
What's Good?: Reflection Eternal "Just Begun" Feat. Jay Electronica, J. Cole and Mos Def, Kooley High "Ya Times Up," Charlie Smarts "Lovin' Me"
Tracklist and Download link for The LiKuid Sounds
Last but certainly not least, a tribute to the fallen Guru. Half, along with DJ Premier, of one of the best hip-hop groups of all-time, Gang Starr, Guru passed away on Monday after battling cancer. Guru had been in a coma since February. The man was a stellar emcee though and should be celebrated. With DJ Premier behind him, the two produced some of NY's best hip-hop. His flow is lazy yet calculated. If for some reason you already weren't familiar with Guru, do it now. It's a shame what happened between the two former groupmates in recent years, but it doesn't diminish the great music they made together and that Guru made as a solo artist. Here are 35 tracks commemorating a legend.
What's Good?: "Execution of a Chump," "You Know My Steez," all of it
Tracklist and Download link for Icon
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