You could be forgiven for thinking we forgot about our promise to lace you up with hot raps every week of 2009… considering that the year is nearly half over and we’ve only given you three tracks instead of the twenty-something such a vouchsafe would suggest.

It’s a fair cop. No-one would criticize you for saying so.

But here behind the scenes at the Backburner Laboratories, we’re still clawing our way through archives to find mystical hidden gems to present you with, and here’s one I know you’re going to be ecstatic about.

In 2004-ish, Fresh Kils produced a track featuring back-and-forth raps between Timbuktu and Thesis Sahib, and although I think it might have been bootlegged a little for gas money during one of our patented Eastern Canadian World Tours, it has pretty much never seen the light of day.

UNTIL NOW.

Click the track’s name to download it: Thesis Sahib & Timbuktu – Popular Nightmare or click the Quicktime player (ugh) below to stream it on this page.

In extensive interviews with the track’s vocal participants, I’ve gleaned that neither of them ever really liked the song very much and thought it didn’t come out right. I think they both are maniacs, because in my opinion if this song were any better it would be uncomfortable for lesser talents such as myself* to endure it.

One last thing – I’m sorry it’s in M4A format. Thesis is a Mac user, that’s my only excuse. I guess the upside is that you can play it behind slide shows on your Wii?

Okay you’re welcome! Keep it locked for more raps and podcasts!

*false modesty

We got a real treat (of the day) for you this week. An old Alpha Flight performance and interview, Both from 2005.

Check the end of the interview for what is still one of my favorite quotes in any interview I’ve done. The quotables come  courtesy of Ghettosocks when he explains his take on hip-hop. The live performance took place at the Khyber for Parker Lewis‘ going away jam. Classic performance with some great moments including a shout out to Krista at the Bar. Hali misses the Khyber, alright, let’s go!

Alpha Flight interview and live performance

Click this sentence to read what Jesse D thinks about the rapper Cage lately. You might be surprised!

If you’d rather just stay right here on this page, why not bump this scrappy mix he put together for you last summer? Jesse donned the familiar guise of Bad DJ Budget Cuts to mix every track but one (the Canadian one) from gorgeous vinyl. It’s only about twenty minutes long. Go on!

Track list:
Kid N’ Play “Rollin’ With Kid N’ Play” (a capella)
Justice System “Dedication To Bambaataa (Beatnuts Flamenco Mix)”
Jadakiss “The Champ Is Here (instrumental)”
Joeski Love “Pee-Wee’s Dance (drumapella)”
Epic “Learning To Let Go”
M.I.A. “Paper Planes (instrumental)”
Lyrics Born “I’m Just Raw (a capella)”
Tha Mexakinz “Phonkie Melodia (LP edit)”
N-Tyce “Root Beer Float”
The Juggaknots “Sumday”

So, we’re starting something new here on Backburner.ca this week called “Into The Archives”

Every week Uncle Fester will dig into his hip-hop interview tapes and Beatmason will dust off the reel to reel and give you exclusive live show audio!!

This week we start off with none other than the WordBurglar. Uncle Fester is serving you up with an interview done for radio in 2006 and Beatmason brings us back to 2004 for Burgs’ set in Halifax during the “More or Les & WordBurglar Companion Fare Tour” This took place on April 3rd. Alright heads, enjoy.

Into The Archives Vol.1:WordBurglar Interview&Live Show

The Extremities at Beat Lounge (The Silver Dollar Room) June 4th. Cover is $8 all night. Doors open at 9PM! If you’re in Toronto, be there!

In this morning’s Ottawa Citizen, a profile of Jesse Dangerously written by Fateema Sayani appeared to encourage Ottawans to attend his gig opening for Nomadic Massive tonight at Zaphod Beeblebrox.

Click the photograph to read the full text of the interview!

What’s not included in the article is the fact that when Jesse mentioned the Fu-Schnickens, Ms. Sayani launched into Poc-Fu’s verse from “True Fuschnick!” She got as far as Rock and roll, rock and roll / what up with hip-hop, reggae? Let’s kick some SOUL! / I’m a brave man like Captain Caveman, unga bunga, yapple dapple…

Last night, the Embassy Hotel in London, Ontario burned to the ground in a dramatic conflagration.

Although the Burner had been in the building many times previously, the legendary (and legendarily decrepit and sketchy) venue had been closed for months and was scheduled to be demolished to make way for condos in the near future.

In the eight years that Backburner has been making pilgrimages to London, the Embassy played host to our performances for most of the early excursions, so even though it was never an awesome venue on its own merits, it definitely was the scene for countless memories that many of us will keep with us. Especially those of us who are FROM London – Thesis Sahib and Toolshed.

So pour out a little liquor… matter of fact, pour out the whole bottle – you have a problem.

Upcoming album release and show announcements from The Extremities.

The Extremities are currently back in the studio working on a new album, after their debut album “The New Tonic”. Plans are in motion to announce an album release date on 5&1/4 Records – http://5and1quarter.com. Uncle Fester will be traveling to Toronto in early June to meet up with [Fresh] Kils to add the finishing touches, and to do some performances.

The Extremities are performing at The Beat Lounge (Silver Dollar) June 4th for a 5&1/4 showcase, along with Professor Fingers (of iNsideAMind). On the 6th, The Extremities will be playing in Bayfield at The Black Dog Pub & Bistro (5 Main Street North) with Timbuk2 and King Jus. More information on show times and cover prices soon.
http://www.myspace.com/theextremitiesmusic
http://www.myspace.com/rhedzhonerekkordz
http://www.myspace.com/dehsloot

The Extremities Bio:
The Extremities are Fresh Kils & Fester; two founding members of the Halifax-based hiphop crew Backburner.  Kils is an in demand hip hop Producer and performer whose musiciality and MPC work is well known.  Fester, a Halifax-based DJ/Producer, balances CBC Radio duties with soul-drenched production & cuts for a mutitude of Top emcees.  As the Extremities, this duo brings a unique blend of jazz, soul and hiphop to the stage, combining both live recordings, gnarly VST’s, and dusty sample-laden beats.  The Extremities will be releasing their sophomore
record with 5&1/4 in late 09.

For updates on everything Backburner, check out – http://backburner.ca, and to purchase The Extremities “The New Tonic” (2008) http://cdbaby.com/cd/extremities.

Hey, what’s up people?

Just checking in to handle a couple bits of business. A lot is going on in the Backburner camp these days and I might as well let you guys in on some rumors and secrets (well, maybe not secrets)

First off, I’m deep into doing the Turntable work on Chokes album and Holy S#$t….I would never use a cliche like “people aren’t ready for this” cause quite frankly, people are ready for this album. In fact, They need it.

All three Toolshed members are releasing Solo projects, Psybo’s album is done and is breath of fresh air. All of the shed boys are accomplished MCs and they’re all about to do something special. Timbuk2′s album is also underway right now and you know how hot that will be.

If you don’t know who Toolshed is, I urge you to find out as fast as possible.

http://www.phonographique.com – you can find some Toolshed merch here

http://www.myspace.com/dehsloot – go listen, now.

Second bit of business. We have a new contributor, everybody say hi to Justine. She’s lending a hand and runs 79rpm’s (stands for representation, promotion and management) which offers a bunch of handy services for upcoming artists. She’ll have her section up soon but you can click the link there for the 79rpm contact.

The Extremities will have some shows in Toronto to announce very soon for the begining of June. Also, we’ll be playing Bayfield Ontario on June the 6th. Shouts to Pete Meades and Top Billin. While there, Kils and I will be putting the finishing touches on the Extremities next album on 5 and a 1/4 records.

http://5and1quarter.com/

http://www.myspace.com/514records

oh yeah and rumor is, The Word Burglar is putting out a remix and rarities type project soon. sweeeet.

ok, enjoy these little audio treats, care of  www.stonecutterlabs.com

More or Les – Eat Your Food (Live in Hell)

WordBurglar – Slobberknocker (Live in Hell)

Peace. Young Fes out.