03/31/05 | The West Coast Is Crooked!
       The following is the official press release courtesy of AR PR Marketing:

THE WEST COAST IS CROOKED: CROOKED I, B.O.S.S. ALBUM DROPS JULY 12TH

Los Angeles, CA – B.O.S.S. Music (Beginning of Something Serious) is what this industry has been waiting for. JULY 12th marks the beginning of something very serious. In preparation, Crooked I will be in Miami, April 7-10th at the infamous Miami Criteria Hit Factory with producer Scott Storch collaborating and creating 2005’s hottest lyrics and beats! Storch who's created mega hits like, Beyonce's Naughty Girl, Fat Joe's, Lean Back, and Mario's, Let Me Love You, is a positive sign that B.O.S.S. Music will be a chart topper. This long awaited record has been stunted from legal issues sustained by Suge Knight and Death Row Records. Crooked I was recently signed by Treacherous/Universal Records in July of 2004 with a $2 million dollar contract, Crooked I is Treacherous Records top priority and they've now initiated the line up of projects for Crooked I, West Coast’s BEST KEPT SECRET.

03/31/05 | Updates on Ground Up
       Ground Up Records went through some changes the past few weeks, everybody still affiliated but definitely look for the new frontline over there which is Scan. You probably heard or seen his name pop up on the network. We got a new track from Scan below which is called "Videotape Gangstas". Hear that one below along with the older track "Smurf" in case you missed that one. Definitely look out for the Scan street album which should be out soon. Ground Up is also bringing up some R&B talents as well. Stay tuned.

» Scan - Videotape Gangstas
» Scan - Smurf

03/27/05 | Music From "The West Kept Secret" Mixtape
       As promised a while ago, here's some exclusive tracks from the "The West Kept Secret" mixtape from Da Hood's Deviossi Soprano aka YG $oprano. The mixtape has songs with Mack 10 & Da Hood, Young Trey, Money Grip of The Swat, WSCG, Kurupt, Xzibit, Lil Bam, Techniec, and many more. The mixtape will be available in our online store in the next few days. Now on to the audio:


» YG $oprano & DL - Gutta Shit
» YG $oprano Feat. Kurupt, DL & Young Draws - Look Boy
» YG $oprano - I Can't Do It

03/26/05 | R.I.P. Eric "Eazy E" Wright
       March 26 marks the 10th anniversary of Eazy-E's death. I can't believe its already been 10 years... I wanna say R.I.P. to the original godfather of gangsta rap, he will always be in our hearts.

Check out this little video tribute remembering Eazy put together by YahooMusic. Go back in time and watch the classic videos for some of his biggest hits such as "Eazy-er Said Than Dunn", "Just Tah Let U Know", or "Real Compton City G's". Click here to see.



In related news, Bushwick Bill of The Geto Boys is scheduled to tour with Bone Thugs N Harmony in dedication to Eazy E. Here is the full press release:


On the eve of the release of his solo album, “Gutta Mixx,” on Dollars-N-Cents/Adex/Lightyear/WEA, Bushwick Bill of The Geto Boys is pleased to announce that he will be going on a major concert tour with the Grammy-winning Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony.
The first three confirmed dates and venues on the tour will be as follows: On May 5, Robert Stadium in Evansville, IN, on May 6, the Delta Plex in Grand Rapids, MI, and on May 7, the U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee, WI. At press time, more dates are being added, which will be announced at a later date.

Bushwick Bill states that he wanted to announce the tour at a time that would coincide with of ten-year anniversary of the death of Eric “Eazy-E” Wright, so that he could kick off the tour by dedicating it in the late rapper’s memory. Bill observes, “The passing of Eazy-E reminds me of a time, back years ago, when controversy was what ruled hiphop, because people were daring to push the envelope, and that is what made ‘gangsta rap’ prominent. Since Eazy has been gone, very few artists or record companies have had the nerve or the courage to push the envelope, to make statements against the brutality of the police, or to express how they see the government treating people who live in the ghetto. The time was so important, because people like Eazy—E and James Prince threw down, and these are two people that dared to push the envelope. That is part of why the Geto Boys came back with an album called “The Foundation.” Eazy put out groups that struck intrigue in you, where you didn’t just want to hear the music; you wanted to know what was behind it.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony approached rap with hardcore lyrics and melodic speech in how they brought their messages across, using the harmony of R&B to make it a crossroads of hiphop, R&B and jazz. For Eazy to bring someone into the game that could sing and rap at the same time, that was controversial back then.”

Bushwick notes, “I look forward to the next ten years in hiphop, and to see what Eric’s sons are going to do, and who is going to be the next person to come out and push the envelope. Eazy-E was special, not just because he was a great entrepreneur, a solo artist, and because of what he did with NWA, but also because he was a pioneer who spoke his mind. He let everyone on his label express himself freely, because he held up the Constitution. Unlike many today still, he believed that we have the right to free speech, and he carried that torch all the way to the grave, and it’s still burning now, like an ever-burning light. That’s what I learned from Eazy-E. I miss him, and I am still curious about what he would have to say about the world as it is today.”

Bill concludes, “As far as a lot of the music from some of these so-called ‘gangsta’ rappers, who are coming today with this bubble gum rap that is taking over the airwaves, I think a few of the rappers like Eazy-E and some of our other musical forefathers who came before him, are wondering why are we not using our opportunities to speak about the problems that are going on, instead of just talking about having a good time.”


(by Phyllis Pollack)

03/22/05 | El Pecador "Dime Piece (Remix)" (Audio)
       You might have heard El Pecador's (of Tha Mexakinz) single "Pieza Diez" off his latest album "Confesiones De Un Pecador". He recorded a bangin remix and flipped the title to "Dime Piece", and thing is a banger. He added two of the West's best kept secret on there which is Sly Boogy and Techniec, along with Demo. Click below for a snippet of the remix:


» Sinful El Pecador - Dime Piece (Remix) Feat. Sly Boogy, Techniec & Demo (Snippet)

03/21/05 | Exclusive Interview With Balance
       We chopped it up with Balance the Bay Area Mixtape King for an exclusive, indepth interview. We discussed his new mixtape which just came out, his upcoming debut album "The Day Kali Died" droppin this summer, the New Bay Movement, the state of Hip Hop, and much much more. Watch Balance kick some knowledge on the Rap game, and also kick some exclusive freestyles. Click here to read the interview.

03/19/05 | Young Lyfe "Real Lyfe" (Audio)
       Paperchase Records (Universal) is preparing the debut album for rapper Young Lyfe entitled "Real Lyfe". Young Lyfe intends to bring the LBC back to the mainstream and knew the only way that would happen is if he got back together with the originators of the Long Beach sound. It was just like the old days when Soopafly, Daz, Lil ½ Dead, Bad Azz, Goldie Loc, Jellyroll, and sister Kola Loc from Doggys Angels collaborated with Young Lyfe on his new project. Daz produced the smash single "Bounce Wit Me", a club track with a dirty south flavor. Other contributors include Tha Realest, Kam, and oldschool legend Howard Hewitt and many more. The album is in stores May 17th, check back for information on how to order it. Westcoast2k got 5 exclusive snippets from the album below!


Tracklisting & Audio:

1. Real Talk With Goldie (Intro) Feat. Max Julien
2. Bounce Wit Me
3. I Wish
4. This Is Why Feat. Goldie Loc
5. Put Yo Hands Up Feat. Daz Dillinger & Lil 1/2 Dead
6. Flossin Feat. Rhyme Savage & Kola Loc
7. Get This Crackin
8. What Lyfe Is
9. Sexy Lady Feat. Soopafly & Bad Azz
10. Twerk It Feat. Kola Loc
11. Live Tha Young Lyfe Feat. Tha Realest
12. Say Boo
13. Eastside Northside Feat. G-Spot & Likwid
14. Keep It Groovin
15. Move On
16. West Coast Ridin' Feat. Kam & Howard Hewett

03/19/05 | Audio From "Da U.S. Open"
       Andre Macassi & Mall Macenroe b.k.a. Mac Dre & Mac Mall's album "Da U.S. Open" is in stores next Tuesday, March 22nd. We got some audio for preview, its the songs "Cuddies Say Yee" and "Dredio" with E-40 on a verse. This song is on some old school electro shit, definitely crazy. The album has production from Swamp Kat, One Drop Scott, Tone Capone, and many more. Pick up a copy of the album and get the included comic book! What Thizzzzzit!


1. Da U.S. Open
2. They Ask For It
3. Cuddies Say Yee
4. Giggin' (Feat. Rydah J. Klyde)
5. Heat and Head
6. The Nation of Thizzlam (Feat. P.S.D. & Dubee)
7. Murder I Wrote (Feat. J-Diggs & Rydah J. Klyde)
8. Willingly
9. I Got...
10. Klyde, Mall and Dre (Feat. Rydah J. Klyde)
11. Maca-Frama-Lamma
12. Dredio (Feat. E-40)

03/19/05 | Avila Brothers Album Out Now
       Bobby and IZ better known as the Avila Brothers have just put out their first album "The Mood: Soundsational". The two California natives have contributed music to albums by some of today's biggest artists including Janet Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Usher, Yolanda Adams, Mya, and Toni Braxton among others. The album covers such a diversity of music, from soulful vocalizing to cutting-edge production. The album comes with guest appearances from Sly Boogy, Dirty Birdy, Little Brother, Shelea, and Ahmad of 4TH Avenue Jones. Make sure you give this a check! Available here. Below is a audio preview of the song "Somthing To Feel" featuring Dirty Birdy.


1. The Mood
2. Soundsational
3. I Want You
4. Smile Feat. Little Brother
5. Sweet Symphony
6. Love's Mystery Feat. Shelea
7. Mix It
8. Tilt Ya Cups Feat. Sly Boogy
9. Let It Go Feat. Shelea
10. Play for Me
11. It's Over Now Feat. Ahmad of 4TH Avenue Jones
12. The Boogie Jones Theme
13. Somthing To Feel Feat. Dirty Birdy
14. Big Jim's Sontata (In F Minor)
15. Give the Horns Some
16. Nic of Time
17. The Mood (Part 2)

03/19/05 | Mic Boog "Soul Clap"
       Mic Boog is releasing his solo album entitled "Soul Clap" next month. The west coast bred Gospel Rapper is the first artist to be released from Danny Boy's new Eclectic Soul/Platinum Pearl imprint. The album boasts production from fellow Platinum Pearl artist, Bobbi Blaq, Terry Carter and Death Row Records producer, Yaku. The lead single is also titled"Soul Clap" and features Death Row Records R&B star, Danny Boy. You can listen to "Soul Clap" at Mic Boog's website.

03/14/05 | Balance Is "The Bay Area Mixtape King"
       Balance has created a strong buzz in the Bay with his appearances on radio stations and droppin nothing but heat on mixtapes. His new mixtape "The Bay Area Mixtape King" is coming out this week. New music, same story. As always, Balance comes off with a sick flow that is complimented by his charismatic voice. As he himself puts it, "others drop songs, I drop heatrocks". Westcoast2k has 3 songs from the mixtape for preview. Check back for more information & a full feature on Balance very soon.


01. 8 Ball Feat. Locksmith & Royce Da 5'9
02. What Up
03. Get 'Em Feat. Sean T & Seam
04. Nice Girl Feat. Baby Jaymes
05. Roll Wit Me Feat. Chamillionare & Stat Quo
06. Bullet Wounds (skit)
07. Dreams
08. Palm Trees, Ogs, & Gangstas
09. Welcome 2 Kali
10. Come See Us Feat. E-A-Ski
11. Duck Down Feat. Frontline
12. Ridin By
13. Burned
14. Responsibility
15. 16's Feat. Casual, Planet Asia, El Dorado Red, Smigg Dirtee, Flii, Kiotti, & Blu Chip

03/13/05 | Exclusive Freestyle From Young Maylay
       Westcoast2k introduced you to West Coast up & coming sensation Young Maylay not too long ago (click here to read the feature). He's still workin on his project and recording new songs. I've had the opportunity to hear a few tracks and they sound crazy, he has recorded songs with some of y'all favorite rappers / producers. To keep everybody in the loop, Maylay wanted me to let everybody hear a sneak preview from whats coming in the near future. Its an exclusive new Freestyle produced by Da Riffs. Maylay goes hard on that one, he's ripping 2 verses straight without any hook! And as he put it, this is for the West Coast.

» Young Maylay - West Coast Freestyle (Prod. by Da Riffs)

03/13/05 | New Audio From Game
       Here are two new Game joints from the new Whoo Kid "Murda Mixtape". One is Game in his early stages on a collabo with Snoop Dogg on the track called "What You On". The other one is called "Hard" produced by Dr. Dre. From the sound of it its most likely a leftover from The Documentary, but as the title says its HARD!

» The Game - What You On Feat. Snoop Dogg
» The Game - Hard

03/09/05 | New Music From Buccweet
      Back in October we introduced you to Wolfpac Records' newest addition Buccweet aka Tha Animal (click here if you missed the feature). Buccweet has released a new single called "Cali Girls Remix" featuring his Wolfpac homies J-Ro, Styliztik, and Tha Real Cassidy, as well as Kurupt and his little brother Roscoe. Its a decent West Coast track which comes with the B-Side "I Don't Care". Click on the titles to hear a snippet. Check back for more on Buccweet soon.

03/09/05 | Introducing Appetite
      We sat down with up & coming West Coast rapper Appetite to discuss his background & influences, his upcoming projects & shows and more. Click here to check out what he has to offer!

03/09/05 | "El Reggaeton Mix Vol. 2"
      West Coast Mixtape Kings DJ Warrior & DJ Strong released the second installment of the "El Reggaeton" mixtape series. Again they team up with Big Dee to you that quality hyped Reggaeton mix. "El Reggaeton Mix Vol. 2" is now available in our online store by clicking here.

03/09/05 | Planet Asia Update
       After years of having label drama and politics halt their success, Planet Asia & Walt Liquor have taken matters in to their own hands by founding Gold Chain Music. Gold Chain Music promises to be a trusted and reliable source for great music. With Planet Asia as the flagship artist, you can rest assured that GCM will bring FIRE!!!

On top of that, Planet Asia livens up the new EA Sports release "NFL Street 2". P.A. hooked up with L.A. based production team Da Riffs to create the track "Move" for the video game. Video game music is the way to go this year. P.A. joins an all- star lineup of artists such as; Sum 41, Royce Da 5'9, Xzibit, M.O.P., Mase, Papa Roach, Nas, & Yin Yang Twinz, Yung Wun, DMX, Lil Flip, and David Banner.

Visit www.liquor-barrel.com

03/01/05 | Game / 50 Cent Article
       Here is the new article taken from MTV regarding the Game / 50 Cent situation which seems to have escalated:






50 Drops Game From G-Unit; Shots Fired At Radio Station

One man was wounded in a shooting at New York's Hot 97 Monday night (February 28) just as 50 Cent was making an appearance at the radio station to announce that the Game had been booted from the G-Unit. Police said a man in his 20s from Los Angeles [Editors note: A member of The Blackwallstreet] was shot in the left leg during an altercation at the station and was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital. The injury was not serious, and the victim is expected to fully recover.

An NYPD spokesperson offered no additional details about the incident, and initial reports differ as to whether the young man was affiliated with 50 and his entourage. New York's FOX affiliate reports that the rapper and his crew were escorted from the building via alternate exits following the shooting and escaped harm.

The shooting occurred while 50 was appearing on Funkmaster Flex's show, where he told the DJ that the Game had been excommunicated from G-Unit because he feels the Compton rapper isn't loyal.

50 told Flex he was disappointed with comments Game made on the station Saturday night, when the West Coast MC revealed he would not be getting involved in the beefs 50 is stirring up with "Piggy Bank".

According to Flex, Game even said he was going to do a song with Nas. "He's gone," 50 scoffed. "He might as well make the record."

50 also said Game should stop saying "G-Unit." "He thinks he's doing me a favor when he says that.

During his conversation with Flex, 50 claimed Interscope was going to drop the Game until 50 stepped in and got involved with The Documentary. 50 also insisted that he's making more money off The Documentary than Game is, and that he wrote more choruses than he's credited for.

Believe it or not, Game was on Hot 97 earlier in the evening, talking to host Angie Martinez. When listeners called in to ask about his and 50's problems, Game simply said he was going to continue to make "good music." Two nights prior, Game had said on-air that he and 50 did not have to be friends as long as they worked toward that same common goal: making good music.