Rhymesayers MC Brother Ali spoke this week on two projects that have been in the works recently, explaining the current state of his newest solo LP with producer Jake One and calling it “too soon” to speak on his collaborative record with Freeway.

“My solo album is almost done, like mixed and ready to go, but we’re going to release that early next year,” Brother Ali said in an interview with OnMilwaukee.com. He explained that he’s just recently begun talking about the project — despite it being in the works for some time — because he doesn’t like fans to get excited too early in the process.

He also mentioned the album with himself and Philly’s Freeway, saying, “Honestly, I think Freeway kind of jumped the gun on talking about it,” saying that it was too early to talk about the project. The two-MC album was likely spawned from the critically-acclaimed collaboration between Brother Ali, Freeway and Seattle beatsmith Jake One, “The Truth”, which was featured on Jake One’s production album, White Van Music.

Rhymesayers also confirmed that although the Brother Ali and Jake One album is set to be released in 2012 sometime, there hasn’t been a decision yet on when the LP will be released.

The to-be-titled LP will be Ali’s seventh album in total, his first since the release of 2009′s Us. More information will be made available as it’s released.

Grynch – Mister Rogers [Prod. Jake One]

Jake One laces the beat while Grynch get’s down on “Mister Rogers.”

Joell Ortiz – Seven Duece [Prod. Jake One]

Here’s “Seven Duece” by Joell Ortiz over Jake One on the boards. The Life And Times Of Sebastian Rios is dropping soon.

Freeway – Listen [Prod. Jake One]

Peep this joint “Listen” produced by Jake One for Freeway off his upcoming Diamond In The Ruff.

Here’s the title track “Armor of God” produced by Jake One. Dropping July 5th.

Vakill – Armor of God prod. by Jake One by Molemen

Vakill – Armorgeddon [Prod. Jake One]

Peep the first release from Vakill’s album Armor of God coming June 14th produced by Jake One.

Tapping into the crowd-funding service, Kickstarter, the creators of the documentary, “The Otherside”, are asking for financial support to finish their film, which explores the emerging hip hop scene that’s present in Washington’s largest metro area.

M.A.D. Northwest, a media production company in Seattle, is the company behind the project. “‘The Otherside’ project is the vision of local Olympian JR Celski, Vinny Dom, and filmmakers Dan Torok and Jeff Santos,” the project’s KickStarter page explains. “Over the course of a year, we’ve compiled hours of interview and concert footage taken in various locations around the country including New York, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Colorado.”

The documentary will feature appearances from a number of Seattle artists, including Macklemore, Massive Monkees, Jake One, Shabazz Palaces, Blue Scholars, Vitamin D, DJ B-Mello, The Physics, Common Market, J. Pinder, Grynch, Sol and more.

“These interviews will give an in depth look at a burgeoning hip hop scene in Seattle that has yet to break into the national mainstream. See the other ‘not so glamorous’ side of artists lives as we follow them into their homes, studios, backstage, and on national tours. Experience everything from the daily struggles and obstacles, to the triumphs and successes these artists face as they reach for stardom.”

The documentary will tackle many hip hop stereotypes surrounding race, gender, drug addiction and more, the page explains.

Although all of the footage needed for the documentary appears to be compiled, M.A.D. is seeking funds to cover their post-production, duplication and distribution costs.

The company has a goal of raising $15,000 by March 17. So far, they’ve raised $4,371. Those who back the project are offered a myriad of incentives, ranging from periodic updates on the project ($1) to executive producer credits on the film and first-class plane tickets to Seattle for the film’s debut ($10,000).

To donate or read more about the project, visit “The Otherside”‘s KickStarter page. Watch the project’s trailer below.

From the upcoming Freeway album Diamond in the Ruff, “Escalators” sees him back at work with Rhymesayers label mate Jake One. While Freeway’s 2010 release The Stimulus Package was produced exclusively by Jake One, Diamond in the Ruff is set to also feature production from the likes of Just Blaze and Bink!.

The Stimulus Package is available via Fifth Element & iTunes.

In preparation for his upcoming album, Diamond In The Rough, Freeway has dropped the first single titled “Beautiful Music” which was produced by beat-maker extraordinaire Jake One.  Diamond In The Rough is the follow up to The Stimulus Package which will make this his second full-length release this year. Word is that the album will boast beats by a number of well-known producers, specifically ones from Freeway’s Roc days. No release date has been set at this time.

Upcoming Shows

10/29/10 – Philadelphia, PA, USA – The Trocadero Theater

10/30/10 – Omaha, NE, USA – Keno King

You can pick up a copy of this latest project The Stimulus Package, which has been widely regarded as one of the best indie hip-hop releases of 2010 thus far. Fifth Element / Amazon / iTunes

Inspired by good weather, good music & help from my friends at Coors Brewing Company, the decision was made to create and share a mix of good hip hop to help your summer. Crack a beer, put it in the whip, take it wherever, just not those two things together. Download and share with all of your friends.

Tracklist:

1. Outasight Ft. Naledge – “Turn It Up” (Prod. by DJ Babu)
2. Atmosphere – “Sunshine”
3. State of the Artist (SOTA) & Ski Team – “REAL HOT”
4. Dom Kennedy – “Locals Only”
5. The Roots Ft. Blu, Phonte & Patty Crash – “The Day”
6. Cunninlynguists Ft. E-40 & Evidence – “Running Wild”
7. Felt (Slug+Murs) – “Early Mornin’ Tony”
8. The Physics – “My Place”
9. Alchemist Ft. Evidence, Blu, Talib Kweli & Kid Cudi – “Therapy”
10. Fresh Espresso – “Girls and Fast Cars”
11. Helladope – “Just So You Know”
12. Jet Audio Ft. Emilio Rojas – “Only”
13. Brother Ali – “Fresh Air”
14. U-N-I & Ro Blvd. – “Windows”
15. Fashawn Ft. Blu “Samsonite Man”
16. Gang Starr – “Mass Appeal”
17. Boom Bap Project – “Wyle Out”
18. Yelawolf Ft. Bun B – “Good to Go”
19. Freeway & Jake One Ft. Raekwon – “One Thing”
20. Shad – “Rose Garden”
21. Sol Ft. J.Pinder & Dice – “Wake Up”

Download: The Summer 2010 Mix