Underground Fossils was an indie rap focused blog run by myself (Dimxsk) and by Trylemma, who passed August 3rd, 2024 from liver failure of unknown origin at the age of 34. We mostly posted week or twice weekly, the bulk of which were rare rips we made, found on old blogs, he acquired through his insanely broad connection to the scene, etc. We did all we could to make sure we didn't post stuff that (1) You could still reasonably buy from the artist directly, (2) You could reasonably buy secondhand for cheap, (3) You could download easily elsewhere, (4) The artist(s) asked us not to for any reason. Being involved in this blog was some of the most fun I ever had, even if at times it was time consuming, challenging or intimidating (having a readership). It was the product of one of the best friendships I've ever had. If I could say one last thing, it's to encourage all of you: if you have the time and desire, make your own UGF. Find a friend who loves this shit like you do and build it together. It will bring you incredible joy, enhance your connection to this amazing community, and change your life in unexpected and exciting ways. I know it did mine. Love you all!

Friday, April 10, 2020

Extra Kool - Heartburn Vol. 3 (2011)





With the newest release from Denver art rap genius Time just a few weeks old, I've had Dirty Lab on my mind. I decided to share something not from Time, as his entire catalogue is for sale on Bandcamp and he is an insanely cool dude so I really want everyone to support him as much as possible, but from his label mate and friend Extra Kool. This gem right here is one that was available as a free download from the Dirty Lab website a few years back, although I believe the version they'd posted had a relatively low bitrate (128 or 192). This one is variable m4a files, got it direct from Extra Kool who is also insanely cool and it sounds great. It's also in my opinion the best Extra Kool "album" you can't find anywhere anymore.

Any fan of Extra Kool already knows; his Bandcamp starts the Heartburn series with Vol. 4, leaving many to wonder where the preceding three are. Well, look no further. I also have Vol. 2 (although my m4a version of that is missing half the tracks and the one I found on their website is only 128 kbps, so I figured this was a better post) but I am still looking for Vol. 1, if anyone has it I would LOVE to hear it. I'd also love to hear anything he's put out older than Mouth Full of Stitches as his newer album Eight is only his 7th official solo album (if you count the five track The Drakoola EP). There are one or two more somewhere out there, definitely rare fossils waiting to be unearthed...

But I digress, shelter in place makes a person talkative. Heartburn Vol. 3 finds Extra Kool crafting his newer style of rapping, leaving behind the stream of consciousness, poetic lyricism (as exemplified by his 2004 Optik Fusion Embrace album with Satyre (nope not that one) for a more precision, tongue twisting style flow. Sounds a bit more like he's writing to specific beats versus fitting a poem to a beat he received after the fact. It makes his newer work a bit more listenable, although I do love everything he's put out. Always chock full of heart, personality and dope concepts with great production; Extra Kool's been dope and this mixtape is a perfect introduction to the rapper and a must have for any of his longtime fans.

Enjoy!



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