Straight outta 30 Rockefeller Plaza we have Ice Cube performing "Straight Outta Compton" (kind of) on the Jimmy Fallon show. This was actually recorded before they went on the air to hype up the studio audience. Cube goes in over the most incredible Roots band including Black "MC Ren" Thought and guitarist Kirk "Eazy-E" Douglas in what is probably the illest karaoke performance ever. You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge.
Ice Cube
This was originally on the advance copy of The Love Movement album, but for whatever reason it didn't make the final cut. No rappin', just Mos Def introducing ATCQ playing the role of host at "the comfortable Paladino Lounge and Supper Club". Nothing ground breaking, but a cool listen for Tribe heads.
A Tribe Called Quest
The original version of "Benjamins". This was before BIGGIE found his way onto the record. This version saw the light of day on a Bad Boy promo tape that was given out back in '96. Same beat, but just Puffy & The Lox on this one. This song is the reason the version that everybody knows is called the "remix".
Puff Daddy & The Lox
This was recorded in '94 around the "Get It Together" time. Completely different beat than the bugged out version that came out in '99. I dig this one better. Much better.
Beastie Boys
I always felt that "Regulate" would have been better served if the version we all know and love wasn't the radio edit. Everything is better with swearing in my books and "Regulate" is no fucking exception. This is the dirty version that was never released. It kind of sounds like shit and doesn't start clean but fuck it, "Regulators, mount up!"
Warren G & Nate Dogg
The "Dig A Hole" that made the Kingdom Come album was produced by Swizz Beatz, and like the whole Kingdom Come album this wasn't Jay's best work. The original version of the song was produced by Just Blaze and to my ears is WAY better than Swizzy's version. This should have been on the album no question. Maybe it was a sample problem, maybe it was a record label thing, or maybe it was Jay just fucked up. Regardless, Just Blaze let this one loose so enjoy!
Jay-Z
