While You Were Sleeping: Top 6 Underground Hip-Hop Albums From March 2013 (Part 1)

It’s now March, March Madness is finally upon us and the cold, unforgiving Winter will soon give way to Spring (although it’s putting up one hell of a fight thus far). Hip-Hop releases have finally begun to be churned out in greater numbers as the year goes on. The growing frequency of quality releases means this new Hip-Hop Wired feature “While You Were Sleeping” has gone bi-weekly (no need for a press conference).

Over the past couples of weeks there were six notable independent releases from the likes of Demigodz, Torae, K-Def and more that hit the Internet, digital music marketplaces and store shelves that deserve mention, but the mainstream noise kept hidden from too many.

Here’s what you may have missed, while you were sleeping…

Demigodz KILLmatic 3.5.2013 (Man Bites Dog)

Demigodz are back! The East Coast based Hip-Hop supergroup that claims Apathy, Celph Titled, Esoteric (7L & Esoteric), Ryu (Styles Of Beyond), Blacastan & Motive among it’s membership have reformed to bring forth KILLmatic. This project features production from DJ Premier, Marco Polo, Apathy, Will C, Snowgoons, Teddy Roxpin & more. This album boasts guest appearances from DJ Premier, Eternia, Panchi (NYGz), Planetary (Outerspace), Scoop Deville and Open Mic amongst others.  You can cop KILLmatic right now from iTunes, Amazon, Fat Beats or UGHH.

K-Def One Man Band 3.5.2013 (Redefinition Records)

The legendary DJ/producer/remixer K-Def is a former protege of Marley Marl and he has amassed a laundry list of classic production under his belt going back 20 years. His latest effort consists purely of replayed compositions and beats with no samples, only live or programmed instrumentation. K-Def’s One Man Band is now available for purchase from iTunes, Amazon, Fat Beats, UGHH or you can stream & purchase it from Bandcamp.

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Photo: Torae

Ayatollah Avant Garde 3.5.2013 (Elementality Productions)

When you think of think of the foremost masters in regards to instrumental Hip-Hop albums, Ayatollah’s name appears on that short list next to unadulterated legends in the game. His new 14 track project was released two weeks ago on Elementality Productions and it showcases his trademarked brand of sample based boom bap expertly crafted on his trusty MPC60. You can now purchase the latest Ayatollah instrumental opus Avant Garde via iTunes, Amazon & Juno.

The Doppelgangaz HARK 3.12.2013 (Groggy Park Entertainment)

Hip-Hop duo The Doppelgangaz have built their fanbase the old fashioned way over their three albums, they’ve earned it. They live & breathe the DIY ethos as this album is self produced, recorded, mixed and distributed by The Doppelgangaz. With this continuous effort and releasing quality music, before you know it, they might make the Black Cloak Lifestyle as big as OFWGKTA, A$AP Mob & Pro Era is now. HARK is now available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon or you can stream & cop it from their Bandcamp page.

Torae Admission Of Guilt 3.13.2013 (Internet/DJ Booth.net)

Torae (Double Barrel, For The Record & Off The Record EP) has released a brand new project (I don’t think it’s fair to characterize this as mixtape due to it’s content and overall quality). In celebration of Da Young Veteran’s recent birthday you should treat yo’ selves and listen to his latest jawn. Don’t sleep on Admission Of Guilt, homie…

Mr. Len The Marvels Of Yestermorrow 3.19.2013 (High Water Music)

Mr. Len was 1/3rd of the legendary group Company Flow. His production also appeared on the seminal Rawkus instrumental release Little Johnny From The Hospitul and his slept on 2001 debut Pity The Fool amongst his work with Jean Grae, MURS, Massinfluence and more. Mr. Len has recently resurfaced on Sucio Smash’s High Water Music label with his ambitious instrumental opus The Marvels Of Yestermorrow. You can acquire Mr. Len’s latest instrumental effort from iTunes & Amazon plus you can listen to this bonus track that isn’t on the commercial release via the High Water Music Soundcloud page. Until next week, this is Dart Adams saying “Don’t sleep”…

One.