New Music: Jone' - Timeclock prod by Cicero

Here's a new track from the homie Jone'. He came in from the DFW to do some recording and perform at our Hip-Hop night The Foundation. He knocked this beat out the park in about a 30 minute session at DirtyOnez studio in South Tyler. As I'm putting together the tracklist for Cicero Mode 4.0, this one feels like its gonna be somewhere early on the mixtape.  Let me know what you think!

Cicero's Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums of 2013

Welp the year is about gone but before we get to the end of 2013, here is my top 10 Hip-Hop projects.  This is completely my opinion and I factored in a few things when putting the list together.  
- Sonic Value -  From production to flows & hooks, how good does it sound?

- Replay Value - How many times have I personally come back to jam to this album throughout the year.
   
- Execution - What was the album trying to accomplish and how well it did that.

- Live Value- Being a Dj, I decided to factor in how I feel crowds would respond to some tracks on these  albums. It's not all about me, sometimes it's about the people. Here we go!

10. Deltron 3030 - Event 2












The Long awaited followup to the classic sci-fi concept album, I was pumped for this release.  Not quite as cohesive as the first one, but just as creative and ambitious. I mean just take a look at their live show, dope!
Fav Tracks: City Rising from the Ashes, Look across the sky, The Agony

9. Childish Gambino - Because the Internet

Gambino comes back from the shortcomings of Royalty with an album that unfolds like a short film.  Each track has its own distinct feel and artistry to it.  This late release might have moved up if I had more time to listen

Fav Tracks: I.crawl, IV.sweatpants, III telegraph ave

8. Kevin Gates -Luca Brasi Story

Kevin Gates put out two projects this year but this is my favorite.  His southern delivery is very distinctive and catchy all while being powerful or vulnerable when needed.  All the beats bang too, this dude will be on national radio really soon.
Fav. Tracks: Neon Lights, Counting on ya, Paper Chasers

7. A.Dd+ - DiveHiFlyLo Every Man is King

The Dallas duo dropped their long awaited album later in the year but it's been bangin in my truck ever sense. Dope production here with great chemistry between Paris P and Slim Gravy.  These guys are making really good Texas Hip-Hop but not defined by the region, don't miss out.

Fav Tracks: Drive Safely, Can't Come Down, Paris Pen


6. Action Bronson - Blue Chips 2

Add some playful East Coast lyricism, nostalgic samples from Party supplies, and hilarious sports references and you've got another tasty dish served up by Action Bronson.  Put this in, have a laugh, and vibe out.

Fav Tracks: 9-24-13, Pepe Lopez, Action Silverado,

5.Eminem-MMLP2

Eminem is an unrivaled lyricist, we all know this, but its great hear him back in rare form on MMLP2.
I find myself just shaking my head at some of his lyrics & wordplay on this thing they're that good.  That said, I haven't found myself wanting to listen back to the album much mainly because of some sketchy hooks here and there.
Fav Tracks: Evil Twin, Brainless,

4.Ghostface Killah - 12 Reasons to Die













Adrian Younge creates a vivid sonic backdrop to accompany the gruesome story that Ghostface delivers firsthand on 12 Reasons to Die. You can get lost in the top notch production or visualize this concept album track by track. I'm not bangin this on the daily but this album is what a good Quentin Tarantino movie feels like.
Fav Tracks: Just listen to it from start to finish lol

3.Chance the Rapper - Acid Rap

The 20 year old Chicago MC came outta nowhere with a great project.  True his style is unorthodoxed, but it works once you buy into it.  Replay value is through the roof here, all the beats are great at helping paint his picture.  This is quirky, soulful album that you have to check out if somehow you missed it.

Fav Tracks: Everybodys Somebody, Smoke Again, Acid Rain

2.Killer Mike + El-P - Run the Jewels













These guys were at it again in 2013 with another powerful project.  It doesn't hurt that I saw them Live in Austin at Mohawk, but the music speaks for itself.  Mike & El-P trade rapid fire flows all while having a message and purpose.  You can ride to this, party to it, or start a revolution to it, the choice is yours.

Fav Tracks: Sea Legs, Banana Clipper, DDFH

 1. Danny Brown-Old













Danny Brown had a tough task following up XXX but damnit he delivered.  Old is an important album cuz to me, its a perfect blend of where Hip-Hops been and where it's headed.  The first half travels through Dannys rise out of his drug dealing roots in Detroit over great production for traditional hip hop listeners.  The 2nd half follows his present party lifestyle as a jet-setting, hedonistic rap star doing sold out shows at EDM events.  Lyrically this thing is killer; Dannys at the top of his game. He knows when to be deep and when to turnup for the twerkers.  Some won't wanna indulge in the trap induced second half, but for me it's got some of the best party tracks of the year.  There's something on this album for everybody.  In the end, this album scored big in all of my requirements along with painting a great portrait of the 2 sides of Danny Brown.    

Fav Tracks: 25 Bucks, Float On, Break it Go, Gremlins

Honorable Mention:
Oddisee - Tangible Dream
Jay-z - Magna Carta Holy Grail
Vince Staples - Stolen Youth

A Look Back: Cold In December

As I continue to record for my next project Cicero Mode 4.0, I decided to look back at one track from my last Cicero Mode. Here's the track I did with my homie Concept, produced by Rupert the Duke 'Cold In December'.  We did the song all through emails and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.  With the sudden change in weather, this seemed like a good joint to revisit. Enjoy!

New Hip Hop night in Tyler Tx

I'm teaming up with a few other like minded Hip Hop lovers in Tyler,Tx to bring a new night to Click's Live.  We call it 'The Foundation', as we'll be focusing on the foundations of the artform. It's showcasing Djs, MCs, Beatmakers, and Artists every 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. I'll be posting some recaps here but click the pic above to learn more about the event.

Go Get It: The Cicero Remixes

Take a listen to my new remix project. Download the entire album for FREE!!

New Mix: Early Morning Dreamers 2

EarlyMorningDreamers#2 by Djcicero on Mixcloud

What's that Sample: Ab-Soul

I'm more and more impressed with TDE rapper Ab-Soul day by day.  He reminds me of L.e.g.a.c.y from Justus League when Little Brother and 9th Wonder got the most attention in the mid 2000s (check out  Project Mayhem by Legs, classic!).  The 'black lipped bastard' is getting his due slowly behind Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q, but I'm leaning towards him as the dopest from Black Hippy.  Today's sample is from his record Mixed Emotions from Control System.  It's a departure from his usual thought-provoking lyrics (see Book of Soul and Only 1) but when a Merv Griffin sample can be flipped into a drank induced smokers anthem, who cares just enjoy it.  Follow the link below to listen to both via WhoSampled.com.

Ab-Soul's Mixed Emotions sample of Merv Griffin's Merv's Theme | WhoSampled

Listen: Nas - No Ideas Original (Cicero Remix)

As I gear up for 'The Cicero Remixes' release, I wanted to share another one from Nas.  I tried to keep some gritiness in the production, while adding feeling and insight to one of my favorite hooks in Hip-Hop history.  Listen below

Nas is one of the all time greats in my opinion.  Although it's not important to his legacy, here's hoping they get it right and give him some Grammys for Life is Good in a few weeks. Let me know what you think!

What's the Sample: Trinidad James

Ahh yes, the biggest Love/Hate artist in Hip-Hop right now still has to be Trinidad James.  I checked out his mixtape, Don't be S.A.F.E, before Christmas after hearing a few interviews. Could this guy be anything more than All Gold Everything?  The tape surprised me with its mood and beat selection; especially on todays What's that Sample selection.  One of the standout tracks for me was 'Givin no F*cks' and mostly because I quickly recognized the sample, Listen to James' version below.

The opening sample over his short monolouge is pulled directly from the song 'Voices' by Nosaj Thing off the 2009 album Drift.  Check the original below


Drift was a critically acclaimed album on the electronic beat scene, and it obviously influenced whoever flipped Voices into a southern banger (help me out, I looked everywhere for the producers name). Who knows if Trinidad James ever heard the original, but his willingness to use experimental sounds is all over Don't be S.A.F.E. I say go pick up the Trinidad James mixtape and also check out the new album from Nosaj Thing Home.

Go Get It: B Hardy - P.s.y.c.h.o

The Dallas homie B. Hardy dropped his new album, Psycho earlier this week.  Dude blessed one of my beats a while ago when he jumped on the song Do it Live with Tycity.  B. Hardy is a bonafide spitter, go download his project here for FREE.

Dope Tracks: Emancipator - Minor Cause

New single from Portland producer, Emancipator.  I always enjoy dudes work, and have been listening to him quite a bit lately as I work on my first downtempo EP, Soundscapes.  Look out for his new album Dusk to Dawn, coming out Jan 29th. Enjoy!

Go Get It: 9th Wonder - Black American Gangster

Adding a new series to the blog this year called 'Go Get It'.  I'll be posting great free music I suggest you go get (complicated I know). Anyways, starting the year off with 9th Wonder remixing one of Jay-Zs last great albums in my opinion, American Gangster. Click below to Go Get It!

Pure Hip-Hop Blogspot: 9th Wonder - Black American Gangster:

My Top 5 Hip-Hop Albums of 2012

It's the Last day of 2012! I decided to do a few Top 5 lists to close out the year.  Remember these picks are all my opinion, but let me know what you were feelin the last 365.


5. Killer Mike - R.a.p Music

Killa Kill collabs with indie hip hop producer El-P on this high energy mission statement. Killer Mike's lyrics are potent as ever over El-Ps minimal yet menacing electronic production. This album is meant to provoke thoughts and opinions on everything from hip-hop, politics, the crack epidemic, and rollin with 'blunts and bibles'. None of these topics are new to rap, but don't feel stale either. I think this is also a testament to the chemistry between Mike and El-P, well done guys.

Top Tracks: Southern Fried, Regan, Butane  

4. Oddisee - People Hear What They See

'They say you've got your whole life to make your first album', raps the DC Producer/MC on the first song of People hear what they see; and it was well worth the wait. Oddisee has lent his soulful production to some of indie hip hops biggests names over the years, while also crafting his own label; Mellow Music Group. This debut has Oddisee's signature sound with some great live instrumentation to take all these tracks to the next level. His lyrics are introspective at times, but focused mostly on the world around him. The vibe is smooth and meaningful, definitely my sleeper pick and well worth the listen.

Top Tracks: Let it Go, Maybes, Another Grind

3. Big Krit - Live From The Underground

Young Krizzle has given away more great music than some rappers ever even make, so it's no suprise his first album continues his progression. To me, what I first thought was a weakness became this albums greatest strength. Big Krit is unapologetic about being from the South, and this album reflects that to the fullest. No electro-crossover tracks or pop star laden hooks here, Krit drenches every song in the sounds of the South that raised him. This makes the album incredibly cohesive, which is a rarity these days. By the time you reach the Live From the Underground Reprise, you'll realize you just took a ride with one of the games brightest young dual threats.

Top Tracks: Pull Up, Yea Dats Me, Live from the Underground (Reprise)

2. Nas - Life Is Good

I'm a huge Nas fan, and he's always at his best when he's recalling his personal life. He overcame the streets of Queens in Illmatic. He gave us insight on losing a parent while winning one of the greatest rap battles ever with God's Son (yea I said it, Nas won!). Even the controversial Hip Hop is dead  had me leaning in to hear what he had to say about the embattled state of music. Life is good sees Nas once again reflecting over some major life issues, most notably his divorce from Kelis. From the albums opening cut, No Introduction, Nas balances personal tales of his past and present over some of his most elegant production ever. Lyrically, Nas is Nas, meaning one of the greatest to ever do it. To me, this album speaks on things no other Mcs of his stature wouldn't dare touch. Can anybody say the song Daughters isn't a new and interesting perspective to hear from a rapper? Nope.  This could be a monumental project for hip hop. It shows one of the genres most recognizable artists aging gracefully, even if some of his fans are still 'trapped in the 90s'

Top Tracks: Where's the Love, Cherry Wine, Stay  

 1. Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, M.a.a.d City  

Yup no suprise here; not much to say about this album that hasnt already been said but here we go. With all the hype leading up to the TDE rappers debut, Kenrick Lamar lived up to and exceeded expectations. This and Nas were neck and neck, but what sets this album apart is the cinematic narrative that flows throughout. I'm a sucker for concept albums, and this is one of the best I've EVER heard. From the laidback groove of Money Trees, to the confession filled character study on Sing about me, Lamar tells a bittersweet story thats more uplifting than maddening.

Top Tracks: Bitch don't kill my vibe, Money Tress, Black Boy Fly   Honorable Mentions:
Alchemist - Russian Roulette
Ab-Soul - Control System


What were your Tops of 2012?

Top 5 Mixtapes/EPs of 2012

It's the Last day of 2012! I decided to do a few Top 5 lists to close out the year. Remember these picks are all my opinion, but let me know what you were feelin the last 365.


5.TNGHT - TNGHT EP

Trapstep, Trap Beats, Trap... whatever, this EP was the most solid collection of originals of it this year. Lunice and Hudson Mohawk make a great team, lets hope they keep it rollin.
Top Track: Gooo

4. Big Sean - Detroit

Solid tape from Big Sean,.I'm still somewhat surprised at his consistency here.
Top Tracks: 24 k of Gold, Experimental    

 3. Catching Flies - The Stars EP

I came across Catching Flies not that long ago but really loved his Stars EP. Laid back beats, lush electronic production and smooth vocal samples make this a downtempo delight.
Top Track: The Stars      

2. Joey Badass - 1999

Joey Bad@ss came out of nowhere with this golden era hip hop throwback. Great track selection and potent flows will have you grooving on a rainy day. Dude must've been played early 90's hip hop while in the womb, cuz the 17 year old made one of the most enjoyable mixtapes of 2012.
Top Tracks: Summer Knights, HardKnock, Snakes  


 1. Mickey Factz - Mickey Mau5e  

Mickey Factz could've simply done a crossover mixtape with electronic/dubstep beats like so many others have done. Instead he created a concept album starring an entirely alternate persona too. The story of 'Mau5e', a graffiti artist from the 80's, is truly unlike any other mixtape listen of 2012. Some of the parallels between Mickey Factz and his character Mau5e are what take this work to another level.
Top Tracks: Memoirs of ? Entry 1, Hulk Hogan & Crack, Union Square    

What were your Tops of 2012?

Guilty Pleasure/Party Starter of 2012

One track I hated to love and one the slayed the dancefloor.

Guilty Pleasure  of 2012

Future -Turn on the Lights


I can't Lie, this song jams! I really dig the structure of the beat and Future did his autotune thang, somehow it works!

Party Starter of 2012

Good Music - Clique

With so many great remixes and re-edits, this is the one I loved throwing in the mix to get things poppin. 'Mercy' might have been a bigger single, but 'Clique' had the better hook.

Dope Gifs: Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas Everybody!!

Listen: A$AP Rocky '1 Train'

The web is goin crazy off the recent release of the ASAP Rocky song, 1 train.  All of the featured rappers here have dropped at least one critically acclaimed project in the past few years, and it's dope hearing so much potential over this Hit-Boy beat. Swing by HipHopDx for a listen or click the pic below:

Here's how I rank the verses from this posse cut:

7th - A$AP Rocky

6th - Kendrick Lamar

5th - Action Bronson

4th - Danny Brown

3rd - Yelawolf

2nd - Joey Bad@ss

1st - Big K.R.I.T

What did you think?

Catch me in the mix tomorrow night, 11-24-12 doing a Dj set at Where's Rufus in Tyler, Tx! 
Music starts at 9

Listen: Danny Brown - Grown Up (Cicero Remix)

Check this version of 'Grown Up' I did for a remix contest. Enjoy!

Listen: Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers (Cicero Remix)

Check out my remix of 'I Follow Rivers' by Lykke Li!!