Friday, October 31, 2008

Takin' Em Back 10/31!

Happy Halloween to all and whatever you do tonight, drink responsibly. Meaning if you got a drink you're responsible for drinkin it. Just playin, be safe though.
Below is one of the greatest videos of all time by one of the greatest entertainers of all time. It's only right that I post this.

Michael Jackson - Thriller

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Mixtape Madness: New Lloyd Banks Mixtape!

Lloyd Banks - Halloween Havoc Mixtapes

All week there's been a buzz behind Bank's latest mixtape that dropped today as promised. Halloween Havoc is the second installment of the 5 or better series (Click here to get the first one)and it features Fabolous, Prodigy and 50's latest single "Get Up".

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Dope or Nope 10/31 - New Ghostface!

Happy Halloween! I'm kicking things off with some new GFK!

Ghostface Killah - Computer Love

New joint from one of my most favorite MC's Ghostface Killah. Surprisingly, I noticed he's dropping an album titled Ghostdeini the Great which will feature remixes and unreleased tracks that will drop later this month. "Computer Love" is not included on the (rumored) tracklist, which means that Toney Starks has another project in the works. Ghost has put out 3 albums in the past 2 years, makes me wonder what's going on at Def Jam?

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Seeing is Believing 10/30: New Lil Wayne, T-Pain & Akon Vids!

Pardon my absence yesterday and pretty much all day today. I've been crazy busy on my corporate grind. I'm back with some new vids from Weezy, T-Pain & Dj Khaled, and Akon which features Jeezy and Wayne.

Lil Wayne feat. Bobby Valentino - Mrs. Officer/Comfortable

New single off the double platinum Carter III. Instead of the appearance from Kidd Kidd on "Mrs. Officer", the video switches to the Babyface assisted "Comfortable". Recently Wayne decided to re-release Tha Carter III with all new material, but there is no word on when it will be released.

T-Pain & DJ Khaled - Karaoke

Third video for Pain's Thr33 Ringz album. From what I've heard so far the joints are solid. This video features T-Pain at a Karaoke filled with old heads, and Khaled spazzin' acting a fool. Thr33 Ringz will be in stores November 11th.

Akon feat. Young Jeezy & Lil Wayne - I'm So Paid

First single off Akon's upcoming Freedom album. "I'm So Paid" features Jeezy and Lil Wayne's hundredth feature. Freedom drops November 25th, a week after fellow Konvict Muzik labelmate T-Pain.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Seeing is Believing 10/28: New T.I. & Ace Hood Vids!

T.I. feat. Rihanna - Live Your Life

The second main single off T.I.'s near platinum Paper Trail. Now that the video is out, I'm sure it'll surpass platinum status.

Ace Hood feat. Rick Ross, Juelz Santana, & Trey Songz - Ride (Remix)

The remix to "Ride", Ace Hood's second single off his upcoming Gutta album due out Nov. 18th.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Mixtape Madness: New Jay-z/Coldplay Mash Up & Charles Hamilton Mixtapes

Jay-z & Coldplay - Viva La Hova


Mick Boogie & the good folks @ illRoots bring you this mash up with Jay & Play. You'll hear some of your favorite Jay verses over Coldplay tracks. We first heard the two collab on Kingdom Come for "Beach Chair" which proved two different genres can make a hot track. Peep the mixtape below:



Charles Hamilton - The L Word


Part 5 of 8 in the Hamiltonization Process. The cover features some of the baddest chicks celebrity chicks, Lacey Duvalle (who Charles Hamilton dedicated a song to on his last joint), and the usual Sonic cameo. Gotta love this dudes work ethic.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Mixtape Madness: New Joe Budden

Joe Budden - Halfway House

The nets favorite emcee drops his highly anticipated mixtape Halfway House. The mixtape features the posse joint "Slaughter House" and "Touch & Go". Budden's new album Padded Room will be in stores February '09.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Girls, Girls, Girls: Chick of the Week 10/27 - Keri Hilson


I've been on this chick for a minute. Keri Hilson is a talented singer and songwriter who coincidentally makes 26 today. She's wrote songs for many Pop & R&B acts, and she is also preparing her debut album, In a Perfect World which drops December 9th. Aside from her singing and writing talents, she was also the main chick in Usher's "Love in this Club" video. Keri projects herself as a good girl which is what I'm a sucker for. Not to mention she's pretty as hell. Click the link below to view more pics!




Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Takin' Em Back - 10/24

Notorious BIG - Warning
Seeing that I just upped the trailer for "Notorious", I felt that I had to post a throwback B.I.G. video. This is one of my favorite tracks by the great Biggie Smalls off the classic Ready to Die album. "Warning" is storytelling at it's best; the lyrics, clear delivery, and that beat equal a timeless, dope track.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Notorious Official Trailer



Here's the full trailer for the Biggie biopic titled "Notorious". From the looks of it, it looks like it's going to be a good movie. It's not too much I can add from my previous blog with the teaser trailer, but go ahead and check it out. Click here to peep the blog on the teaser trailer.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Seeing is Believing 10/24: New Kardinal, Soulja Boy, & Keri Hilson Vids. Plus a Cypher You Don't Wanna Miss!

Kardinal Official - Numba 1 (Tide is High)


Soulja Boy - Turn My Swag On

No Comment :x

Keri Hilson featuring Timbaland - Return the Favor

My chick (also features in the Kardinal video above) links up with Timbaland on her new single.

Ace Hood, Juelz Santana, Fab, & Jada - BET Hip Hop Awards Cipher

Sick cipher with some of NY's finest emcee's & Miami's own Ace Hood. I can't even front on Ace Hood, he goes in on this cipher. You definitely need to check this out.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

NearClassics: Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele



When it comes to new millennium classics, the first that come to mind are Blueprint and Stillmatic. An album that's often overlooked is Supreme Clientele which is a classic in my opinion. Before I listened to Supreme Clientele, I knew Ghost as one of the standout members of the Wu. Though this is his sophomore album, it was my first full length GFK album that I've heard.
The album starts off with Ironman theme music making it an excellent introduction for a masterpiece of an album. Following the intro is "Nutmeg" which features production and a verse by the RZA, and "One". The first couple of tracks stick to the traditional Wu formula of looped soul samples and sick rhymes giving Supreme Clientele a superb opening. Ghost's sharp delivery tends to compliment on sampled tracks, but he also proves he can go in over break beats on both "The Grain" and one of the albums biggest highlights "Mighty Healthy".
Supreme Clientele helped brand Toney Starks as one of hip hop's most creative storytellers. On "Malcolm" Ghost spits street stories and even begins his verse addressing the rumors of his scuffle with Ma$e saying "Yo I champ punched Ma$e in his face, over some bullshit the other night/kidnapped his brother poking him with knives". Another notable storytelling track is "Childz Play" where Ghost reminisces about childhood crushes and other memories as a kid.
In the 90's when a Wu-Tang member would drop an album it would feature numerous Wu-Tang appearances. Supreme Clientele is one of the last albums to feature various Wu appearances. Raekwon appeared on the first single "Apollo Kids", Method Man made an appearance on "Buck 50", Ghost's biggest hit to date "CherChez La Ghost" featured U-God, the whole clan united on "Wu Banga 101".
In conclusion, Ghostface has proved he is consistent with all of his post Supreme Clientele work. Though he is consistent, this album still reigns supreme. The production, rhymes, content, and swift delivery is what makes Supreme Clientele. If you were like me in the past and didn't listen to the Wally Champ as much, I guarantee this will make you a fan.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Polls Is Talkin': The Most Anticipated Fall Release Is...


Bases off a poll asking what is the most highly anticipated Fall release, Kanye West won by a long shot. It was obvious that that was the most hyped since 808s & Heartbreak has been the biggest topic on all hip hop sites. With everyone curious to see if this album will be a hit or miss, it will definitely do good numbers. 808s and Heartbreak will easily be one of the more interesting albums this year. And no, that's not the album cover, just a sample I threw together. Click the link below to see the interesting results.

Surprisingly, Cam'ron took the number two spot with Crime Pays. Unfortunately, it got pushed back till early 2009. Dr. Dre & Jay are tied with Detox (which is rumored to drop this year) and Blueprint 3. Last but not least is 50's album Before I Self Destruct which drops December 9th.

1. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak - 32%
2. Cam'Ron - Crime Pays - 20%
3. Jay-Z - Blueprint 3 - 12% (tie)
4. Dr. Dre - Detox - 12% (tie)
5. 50 Cent - Before I Self Destruct - 8%

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Dope or Nope 10/22: Some New Lupe For You


I been crazy busy at work, but I still found time to up this unreleased Lupe track titled "Accept the Troubles". No word on when LupEnd will drop, but hopefully it's not his final album like its rumored to be.

Click here to listen/download

As Seen On: OnSmash

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

A Special Message From Nas: Go Out In Vote!


Election day is two weeks away. Play your part and place your ballad. Don't vote just because Nas said so, vote because you're a US citizen which gives you the right to voice your opinion by default. Of course I'm rollin wit Obama, but evaluate both candidates before putting your bids in.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Kanye West - Heartless (Mastered)


I'm a lil late with upping this, but here is the mastered version of "Heartless", the second single from the highly anticipated 808's & Heartbreak album. Not much of a difference, but ain't nothing like the real thing. The album cover is not official, just a fanmade album cover. Peep the link below:

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Old Generation Vs. New Generation

XXL's December issue features Hip Hop's new generation. There are three different covers including newcomers Charles Hamilton, Wale, Asher Roth, B.O.B., and many more.





This cover is reminiscent to The Source's outstanding June 1998 cover that featured raps new generation at the time. The cover was a three page fold out, and unfortunately I can only find the first page of it.

Other artists that made the cover were: Big Pun, Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, Cam'Ron, Noreaga, and Canibus. Let's evaluate where these artists are now...Click the full story to continue reading.

Big Pun - Big Pun dropped arguably an classic lyrical LP, and followed up with a solid sophomore album. He also brought out him and Fat Joe's crew the Terror Squad. Unfortunately, Big Pun passed away of a heart attack in February 2000. R.I.P Big Punisher.
Cam'Ron - Received recognition from his second single "Horse and Carriage" which featured fellow Harlem native Ma$e. Cam then went on to form The Diplomats, which launched the careers of Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, JR Writer, and many more. Cam is preparing his upcoming album Crime Pays, which is now set to drop in 2009.
Noreaga - Noreaga made a name for himself in the duo Capone-n-Noreaga, but while Capone was locked up, Noreaga (who changed his name to N.O.R.E.) had to hold it down on his own for the two. He dropped three solo albums, signed to Def Jam, and when Capone was free, they reunited to create the slept on Reunion album. Shortly after, Nore went reggaeton for a minute, and is rumored to be hard at work on his new album coming soon.
Canibus - Lyrical mastermind Canibus emerged in the 90's and gained attention for his advanced wordplay and beef with LL (click here if to find out why). The beef spawned the popular diss track "Second Round K.O." which featured Mike Tyson. His debut LP Can-I-Bus, didn't do as well as expected, but Canibus went on to drop numerous underground LP's afterwards.
Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz - One of the most popular 90's hits was "Deja Vu" by this uptown duo. Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz dropped their album, but it turned out to be a flop for the two. Ironically, Peter Gunz' son Cory Gunz graces the cover of this decades next generation. Like father, like son.
DMX - The most successful out of the new generation cover, DMX dropped a classic album It's Dark and Hell is Hot. Filled with hardcore street anthems and devilsh tracks, DMX's distinctive voice and style was like non ever heard. He dropped numerous successful albums, had leading roles in films, and introduced the world to Ruff Ryders. DMX also built a criminal record for drug possession and many other bizarre activities. He plans on releasing his two new albums on the same day, one titled "Walk With Me Now" and the other "You'll Fly With Me Later".
Kurupt - Westcoast heavyweight was one half of the popular duo Tha Dogg Pound. Kurupt then made plenty of solo albums, with his debut being Kuruption, a two disc set that was both East and West coast themed. His feud with East coast MC's DMX and Ja Rule over Foxy Brown (his girl at the time) created a buzz for his sophomore solo disk "Streetz is a Mutha". Kurupt is still working with Daz Dillinger, but is also working on project with DJ Quik, DJ Premeir, and Pete Rock.
Silkk The Shocker - In the mid to early 2000's, No Limit Records were a huge stable of Southern artists. Some of their biggest talents were Master P, Mystikal, C-Murder, Snoop Dogg, and Silkk The Shocker. Being Master P's younger brother, P kept it in the family by signing his sibling. Silkk went on to release five solo albums, with a sixth one in the works. Some of Silkk's biggest hits were "It Ain't My Fault", "We Like Dem Girls", and "That's Cool" with Trina.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Girls, Girls, Girls: Chick of the Week 10/20 - Nikki Jean


If you're a Lupe Fiasco fan like myself you're definitely up on Nikki Jean. If not, she's the woman on the hook for "Hip Hop Saved My Life" and "Little Weapon" off The Cool. Aside from her Lupe appearances, she's a singer, pianist, and songwriter for a hip hop band called "Nouveau Rich". Earlier this year I went to the Lupe Fiasco Show at the House of Blues, and that's when Nikki Jean's beauty caught me eye. Click the link below to view pics and continue reading.

Shortly after, I started seeing a slew of YouTube vids via Nikki (the Nikki Jean Project) which really showed Nikki Jean is more than just a pretty face, she has talent and lots of personality. Peep her video below on how she met Lupe:


Need I say more?





Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Takin' Em Back - 10/17

Amil feat. Jay-z, Beanie Sigel, & Memphis Bleek - 4 Da Fam

I saw a thread recently with someone saying they missed the old Roc-A-Fella days, and this joint was the first that came to mind. I loved that era in hip hop when everyone was cliquing up. You had the Ruff Ryders crew, Ca$h Money, Murder Inc., and of course The Roc. Watching this vid made the Rocafella crew seem promising, but they slowly disbanded as the years went by. Amil is rumored to work at K-Mart, Beanie Sigel developed a love/hate relationship with the Roc, Bleek's still on the Roc but he's been lowkey. Eventhough there was that Garnier Fructis commercial he did (I had to up this).
And the Jigga man, owns the Roc and is still putting out dope music. Anyways, peep the vid. This shit makes me want to pop in my copy of "Backstage".

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

News: Kanye Explains His Heartbreak, Eminem Has a Relapse, Ne-Yo Bows Out of Beef

Kanye Hosts Listening Party for 808's & Heartbreaks, and Announces Next Album

This past Tuesday, Kanye West threw a listening party for the upcoming 808’s & Heartbreak album. Ye hooked up with Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft (who co-signed 808’s…, stating it touched her “personal life”) to add an artistic touch to his party. The scenery was made up of up to 50 nude model chicks which was contributed by Beecroft. Jay-z, Will.I.Am., Rick Ross, and Mos Def were amongst some of the guests that were in the building.
So now about the album, there were rumors that the album will be in full auto-tune, and that is true. Kanye expressed his love for the auto-tune sound which helped influence him to do a full album using the auto-tune. Kanye also stated that this album is “pop”. Here’s what Mr. West had to say about peoples opinion on the Pop genre “People think pop is bad, but Michael Jackson was pop and who can compare to him?” Kanye also had this to say about the latest project “I don’t give a fuck if it’s hot or not, it’s from the heart… Would you judge a grandmother’s love? Give it two-and-a-half mics out of five?” Kanye felt it was important that this album was released this year and he also has another album dropping in June where he may be rapping or singing.

This sounds like it will definitely be an interesting album. The fact that Kanye is doing what he feels with his music and speaking from his heart is excellent. That’s a true musician for you. Instead of making music for the paper the artist is supposed to give you them. 808's & Heartbreak will be in stores Nov. 25th!
Click here to read the rest of the story

Eminem Preps New Album

It’s been 4 years since Eminem has put out an album (excluding the Re-Up Mixtape and The Greatest Hits album), and he’s returning to the rap scene with his upcoming album “Relapse”. There were numerous rumored titles such as “King Mathers” and “Empack”, and here is what Eminem cleared up the title stating "There's a lot of fake albums and a lot of bullshit album titles floating around out there." "I just want to tell everybody the real album title is Relapse." A new Eminem joint titled "I'm Having a Relapse" leaked this week (click here to get it).
Shady/Aftermath is pushing the “three headed monster campaign” promoting 50’s Before I Self Destruct, Em’s Relapse, & Dre’s highly anticipated “Detox” Eminem is ready to release his autobiography, The Way I Am, with Relapse rumored to drop in 2009.
Click here to read the rest of the story

Ne-Yo Vs. Young Berg Comes to an End (thank God)

Random. Recently Ne-Yo sat down with Big Boy's Morning Show on Power 106, and of course they asked him a set of funny yet random questions. Big Boy asked Ne-Yo questions about groupies he's taken down and who would he slap if he had the chance to. Without any hesitation, Ne-yo said Young Berg. When asked why, Ne-Yo said he feels Berg is unoriginal and he's copying Wayne & Ye's style on his track "The Business". As soon as Berg got the word, here's what he had to say:

Ne-Yo responded ending the beef. Check the vid below:

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

NearClassics: Clipse - Lord Willin'


Six years ago, two brothers from VA released the breakthrough classic track “Grindin’”. While Pusha T and Malice were new to the rap game, what gained everyone’s interest in the duo was not only their rap skills, but the fact that they were the first major rap act on Neptunes’ Star Trak imprint. With "Grindin’" being well receipted, Clipse eventually dropped their near classic debut, Lord Willin’.
Lord Willin’ was crafted well. From the albums intro where Pusha T starts the track saying “Playa’s we ain’t the same, I’m into cane and guns”, the Clipse introduce themselves to the rap game dropping bars over a sick instrumental with no hook. On their hometown anthem “Virginia”, the Clipse put out of towners up on game about VA. Clipse also show love to their VA native Fam-Lay, by giving him his own track, the bass-heavy “Fam-Lay Freestyle”. Their second single, “When’s The Last Time” served as the albums club banger. When non-club/radio friendly rappers attempt to drop a party track it often sounds clichéd and unnatural. The Clipse on the other hand created an ill club track and still remained themselves.
The only mediocre track on the album was “Ego”. Clipse rapped over what sounded like a left over Neptunes track with a sloppy hook. The song wasn’t terrible, it was just outshined by much better tracks on the album like “Gangsta Lean” and the posse cut “I’m Not You”.
The bottom line is, Lord Willin’ is over a half a decade old and still very enjoyable today. It’s rare nowadays to hear artists create an album with only one producer, and the Clipse were fortunate enough to have thorough Neptune production. Lord Willin’ passes the test of time.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Kanye West - Heartless (Unmastered Version)



Ye's second single is finally here. The snippet has been floating around the net for about a week now, but here is the full joint. It's easily more favorable than "Love Lockdown" (which I still think is a nice track). And yes, the autotuner rumors are true. 808's & Heartbreak is due out Nov. 25th!

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Dope or Nope 10/15 - New Eminem

Eminem - Guess Who's Back Freestyle I'm Having a Relapse

Eminem's back on his shit. I was a lil worried after Encore, but this is kinda nice. His upcoming album, Empact/Empack is rumored to release this year. I updated the link with the full track. Peep it.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Mixtape Madness: New Charles Hamilton & Barack Obama Compliation!

Charles Hamilton - It's Charles Hamilton

The 4th mixtape of the Hamiltonization Process making it half way done. This is a dope cover mixing his love for Sonic (as usual) with my favorite album of all time, the classic Illmatic.



DJ Green Lantern - Yes We Can Mixtape

DJ Green Lantern brings you this mixtape dedicated to presidential Barack Obama. The mixtape features Jay-z, Nas, Kanye West, Akon, Busta Rhymes, Styles P, and many more. It's a good look to see hip hop speaking about politics and showing heavy support to what could be the first black president. Hopefully politicians won't react to this mixtape like they did to the "Politics" track by Luda (click here to read the story). Remember, go out to vote November 4th! If you aren't registered, make it happen!

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Dope or Nope 10/14: New Joe Budden

Joe Budden feat. Royce Da 5'9, Crooked I, Joel Ortiz, & Nino Bless - Slaughterhouse

Joe Budden grabs former rival Royce Da 5'9 and other indie elitist for this posse track titled Slaughterhouse. This will be on his upcoming digital album Halfway House, which is scheduled to drop October 28th. Joey's also dropping his studio album, Padded Room this February.



As Seen On: illRoots

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Seeing is Believing 10/13 - New T-Pain & Ludacris Video!

T-Pain feat. Ludacris - Chopped & Skrewed



T-Pain is back with his follow up single to "Can't Believe It" with Lil' Wayne. Though this vid reminds me alot of the previous one, it's still a hot vid. T-Pain is definitely coming with some innovative video's this time around. Not to mention, both singles are on point.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

This Months KING Magazine Features 16 Bars From..




Me, myself & I. Every issue of KING Magazine, they have a contest on who can pen the best 16 summarizing the previous issue. I came thru with a dope 16 about Hoopz (the cover girl), Teirra Mari, fashion, and many other things that were covered in the previous issue. Big ups to the good peoples of KING Magazine for selecting me and acknowledging my talents. I am greatly appreciated! This marks my 3rd victory of the "Gotta Win" column, congrats to myself.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Girls, Girls, Girls: Chick of the Week 10/13 - Beyonce


As usual, I bring you my weekly CotW. This week is none other than Beyonce. Mrs. Carter has been a lil lowkey lately, but now shes back on the scene with her I Am... album due out next month. Peep the video for her first single "Like a Boy".

Even when Bey isn't trying to be provocative, she still looks sexy as hell. It's obvious she's facially beautiful, and I haven't even got on her curves and legs. I bet there's going to be plenty of ladies in cop suits this Halloween thanks to this video. I envy Hov, well I don't really envy him; but you know what I mean.
Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)



Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Dope or Nope 10/10 - Uncle Murder & Jay-z DJ Khaled & Fat Joe Diss (Supposedly)


Roc-a-Fella Brooklynaires Uncle Murder & Jay-z bring you the "Untitled" track which is rumored to be a diss towards Fat Joe and Dj Khaled. No word on if this is an official diss track, but someone of Hov's caliber shouldn't even be beefing with dudes like Khaled and Fat Joe.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Takin' Em Back - 10/10

Puff Daddy & The Family - All About the Benjamins

I've been hearing this song alot lately for some odd reason. Ironically, I still love it. Eventhough "Bad Boy couldn't work the Lox", everyone went in on this track, including Lil' Kim. The Biggie verse at the end wraps the joint up perfectly. No Way Out is arguably a classic, agree or disagree?

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Seeing is Believing 10/9: New Nas, Murs & Mike Jones Vids!

Nas feat. The Game & Chris Brown - Make The World Go Round

My least favorite track from the powerful Untitled album, yet it's still a decent track. This is the most appealing track off the album and hopefully this will bring it past gold status.

Murs - Can It Be

Second video this week from Murs off the Murs For President joint. Don't sleep.

Mike Jones feat. Trey Songz & Twista - Cutty Buddy

Mike Jones second single off the Voice of the Streets album due out Nov. 11th.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Some Fresh New U-N-I For You!


If you haven't heard the Fried, Chicken, & Watermelen LP you are definitely sleepin! Here's their latest vid for "Soul Hop" which hit the net today, and a remix to their smooth track "Beautiful Day" which features Evidence, Big Pooh, Aloe Blacc, Fashawn, Mickey Factz, Theo & Kes Kaos. Gotta love that fresh LA talent!

U-N-I - Soul Hop


Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

News: Rick Ross Says Here I Am, Admits His Past x Nas, Face, & Cube Rumored to Form a Trio x Lil Wayne Still Grindin'

Rick Ross Finally Admits he was a Correctional Officer

A couple of months ago, Rick Ross had the internet going nuts. Not over new music, over rumors about his past profession as an correctional officer. Images began to surface the net of him on the job and eventually turned into a huge photoshop joke. The Boss recently spoke with a magazine and admitted it was him in a photo when asked if it was him. In Ross' defense, he said "I never tried to hide my past. I put my name inside my cds. My company has my SS#. I could've put a company name... I done been up and I done been down and that's what makes me what I am. I never ratted on a nigga. I never prosecuted a nigga. I never locked up a nigga, that's first and foremost. I always felt that me being the nigga that I am, I never owed a nigga an explanation... When I'm making my music and I'm talking about blow, it's because I did it. When I say that I'm rich off cocaine, it's because i did it. Those are the street principals that apply."
He should've said that from the jump and sparred him the embarrassment. As I've said before, hip hop fans are forgiving and eventually they'll get over it. A lot of rappers get their cards pulled and are still relevant.
Click here to read the rest of the story

Scarface, Ice Cube, & Nas Rumored to Form Supergroup

Scarface's final album Emeritus is due out in December. Face stated that before he bows out the game he always dreamed of doing a collabo project with Nas, Cube, and himself. As soon as Ice Cube heard the word, he was hyped about bringing it to life. Here's what he had to say about it "I think the album would be crazy, lyrics would be sick, and Hip-Hop would love it. It’s just making that business happen, that’s the part that gets funky. I ain’t never turned down these kind of projects, they just don’t happen for whatever reasons. But I’m up for some s**t like this because I know we can make a dope record."
The only person who hasn't responded yet is Nas. It's a good chance that this will be official.
Click here to read the rest of the story



Lil' Wayne Preparing Tha Carter IV, Dedication 3 Mixtape, and T-Wayne Collabo

Hip Hop's hardest working artist is back in the lab preparing the fourth installment of Tha Carter series. In addition to the Carter series, he's also dropping the third disk of the highly popular mixtape series, The Dedication with Dj Drama. The "T-Wayne" project with Lil' Wayne & T-Pain was announced during the summer, and it is now in the works. T-Wayne has three or four untitled tracks that are already completed. Tha Carter IV and T-Wayne "He Rap, He Sang" will both be out in 2009.
Click here to read the rest of the story

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Seeing Is Believing 10/7: Love Lockdown Official Video! Plus New Vids from Atmosphere & Ciara

Kanye West - Love Lockdown


Mr. West stopped by Ellen to world premiere his video for "Love Lockdown". It's strange that he chose to debut it there, but it was slick in way because people without satellite tv/cable will still be able to peep it and he can expand his audience. I'm liking how he incorporated the African art into this joint, giving the video an artistic look. Kanye West recently announced the new release date for 808's & Heartbreak which will be November 25th.

Atmosphere - You

I fucks with Atmosphere. They're latest album When Life Gives You Lemons...Paint That Shit Gold (lol @ that title) was pretty good. This was one of my favorite tracks from it.

Ciara feat. T-Pain - Go Girl


Ciara can definitely get it. She's back with a T-Pain featured single off her upcoming album Fantasy Ride due out December 9th.

Click Here to Peep the Full Story!

Monday, October 6, 2008

The Homie Cavvi R P Goes in on Tyga!

My boy Pierre has some words for Tyga. It seems like Tyga is building a rep for going big on his affiliates prior to his signing and yet another video has leaked with someone speakin' out. Most viewers leave responses like "They're hatin, jealous, envious, etc.", but for more than one video to drop it's got to be some reasoning behind it. Check the Vid Below:

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Seeing is Believing 10/6: New Common, Busta

Common feat. Pharrell - U.M.C. (Universal Mind Control)

This video is sick! The second video from the album sharing the same title. The "Announcement" video was dope as well.

Busta Rhymes & Spliff Starr Peform "Arab Money Single"

I'm a Busta fan but I'm not feeling this one. The track leaked a couple of weeks ago and I was hoping it'll grow on me but as of right now it's subpar. Peep the performance with Busta & Spliff.

Murs - Lookin' Fly

Don't sleep on Murs. The Murs for President album is nice! This is one of the commercial cuts off the album.

Tony Yayo feat. Max B - Do It Right



I-20 feat. Ludacris - I Really Like Her

My supposed look-a-like dropes his first single featuring Luda & Rocko.

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Girls, Girls, Girls: Chick of the Week 10/6 - Vanity


I'm taking it way back with this one. The other night I was rudely awakened by some broad (still dunno who it was), and then a nigga had insomnia. Wasn't nothing on TV but one of my guilty pleasures "The Last Dragon". It was my first time seeing it in a minute and I forgot how fine Vanity was playing Bruce Leeroy's love interest. Click the link below to view more pics and continue reading!

Aside from her role on "The Last Dragon", she is well known for the popular 80's joint "Nasty Girl" performed by the trio Vanity 6. She was also one of Prince's many bad ones. Vanity was in her prime over 20 years ago and she's still fine till this day making her a timeless beauty.



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Sunday, October 5, 2008

VH1's Greatest Hip Hop Songs

Here is the list for those of you his missed the countdown on VH1. I dont necessarily agree with it all seeing that they put "Hot in Herre" much higher than "Children Story" "I Used to Love HER" and "One Love", but to each is own. I'm liking how number one was "Fight the Power". Not only is it a timeless track, it's also monumental and it shows unity amongst African Americans standing up for what they believe in. Don't forget to check out VH1 Hip Hop Honors on Monday! Peep the list:

100 Biz Markie - "Just A Friend"
99 Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz ft/ Ying Yang Twins - "Get Low"
98 Warren G ft. Nate Dogg - "Regulate"
97 Eve - "Who's that Girl"
96 DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - "Parents Just Don't Understand"
95 L'Trimm - "Cars With The Boom"
94 Master P ft. Sikk, Fiend, Mia-x and Mystical - "Make 'Em Say Ugh"
93 N.E.R.D. ft. Lee Harvey and Vida - "Lapdance"
92 Yo-Yo - "Can't Play with my Yo-Yo"
91 Chamillionaire ft. Krayzie Bone - "Ridin'"
90 Pete Rock & CL Smooth - "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y)"
89 Cam'ron - "Oh Boy"
88 Jungle Brothers - "What U Waitin' 4"
87 Wyclef Jean ft. Refugee All Stars - "We Tryin' to Stay Alive"
86 Heavy D. and the Boyz - "Now That We Found Love"
85 Black Star - "Definition"
84 UTFO - "Roxanne Roxanne"
83 2 Live Crew - "Me So Horny"
82 Chubb Rock - "Treat 'Em Right"
81 PM Dawn - "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss"
80 Three 6 Mafia ft. Paula Campbell- "Hard Out Here For A Pimp"
79 DMX - "Ruff Ryders' Anthem (Stop Drop)"
78 Arrested Development - "Tennessee"
77 Cold Crush Brothers - "Cold Crush Bros. at the Dixie"
76 Big Punisher ft. Joe- "Still Not A Player"
75 Lil' Kim ft. Lil' Cease- "Crush on You"
74 EPMD - "You Gots To Chill"
73 Black Sheep - "The Choice Is Yours"
72 J.J. Fad - "Supersonic"
71 Whodini - "Freaks Come Out at Night"
70 3(rd) Bass - "Pop Goes the Weasel"
69 Common - "I Used to Love H.E.R."
68 T.I. - "What You Know"
67 Mase - "Feel So Good"
66 House Of Pain - "Jump Around"
65 Spoonie Gee and The Treacherous Three - "Love Rap"
64 The Roots - "What they Do"
63 Kid 'n Play - "Rollin' With Kid N Play"
62 Digable Planets - "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)"
61 Slick Rick - "Children's Story"
60 L.L. Cool J - "I Need Love"
59 Ol' Dirty Bastard - "Shimmy Shimmy Ya"
58 Ludacris ft. Shawna- "What's Your Fantasy"
57 Big Daddy Kane - "I Get the Job Done"
56 Busta Rhymes - "Woo-Ha! Got You All In Check"
55 Terror Squad ft/ Fat Joe and Remy - "Lean Back"
54 MC Lyte - "Cha Cha Cha"
53 Lox ft. DMX and Lil' Kim - "Money, Power, Respect"
52 Foxy Brown ft. Jay-Z - "I'll Be"
51 Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew - "The Show"
50 Lil' Wayne - "Tha Block Is Hot"
49 Boogie Down Productions - "My Philosophy"
48 Nas - "One Love"
47 Young MC - "Bust A Move"
46 De La Soul - "Me, Myself, And I"
45 Geto Boys - "Mind Playing Tricks On Me"
44 Method Man ft/ Mary J. Blige - "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need to Get By"
43 Game, The ft. 50 Cent - "Hate It or Love It"
42 Roxanne Shante - "Roxanne's Revenge"
41 Funky 4 + 1 - "That's the Joint"
40 Run-DMC - "It's Like That"
39 Tone-Loc - "Wild Thing"
38 Coolio - "Gangsta's Paradise"
37 Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock - "It Takes Two"
36 Nelly - "Hot In Herre"
35 Queen Latifah ft. Monie Love - "Ladies First"
34 Cypress Hill - "Insane In The Brain"
33 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - "Tha Crossroads"
32 Puff Daddy & The Family ft/ Notorious B.I.G., Lil' Kim and The Lox - "It's All About The Benjamins"
31 Kool Moe Dee - "How Ya Like Me Now"
30 Tribe Called Quest - "Check the Rhime"
29 Digital Underground - "The Humpty Dance"
28 Ice Cube - "It Was A Good Day"
27 Beastie Boys - "Hold it Now, Hit it"
26 MC Hammer - "U Can't Touch This"
25 Fugees - "Killing Me Softly"
24 Eric B and Rakim - "Paid in Full"
23 Outkast - "B.O.B."
22 Naughty By Nature - "OPP"
21 Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force- "Planet Rock"
20 Kanye West ft/ Jamie Foxx - "Gold Digger"
19 Ice T - "Colors"
18 50 Cent - "In Da Club"
17 Sir Mix-A-Lot - "Baby Got Back"
16 Missy Elliott - "Get Ur Freak On"
15 Eminem - "Stan"
14 Tupac - "I Get Around"
13 Wu-Tang Clan - "C.R.E.A.M."
12 L.L. Cool J - "I Can't Live Without My Radio"
11 Jay-Z - "Hard Knock Life"
10 Kurtis Blow - "The Breaks"
09 Salt-N-Pepa - "Push It"
08 Snoop Doggy Dogg - "Gin and Juice"
07 Notorious B.I.G. - "Juicy"
06 N.W.A. - "Straight Outta Compton"
05 Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five - "The Message"
04 Run-DMC ft/ Aerosmith - "Walk This Way"
03 Dr. Dre - "Nuthin But A 'G' Thang"
02 Sugarhill Gang - "Rapper's Delight"
01 Public Enemy - "Fight The Power"

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Saturday, October 4, 2008

Mixtape Madness: New Charles Hamilton Mixtape



I know I'm a little late with this one, but here the Staff Development mixtape from Charles Hamilton. It's the third mixtape from the Hamiltonization Process series, a set of 10 mixtapes. Click here to get the first two.



As Seen On: OnSmash

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Kanye Performs New Single & Sets Nov. 25th Release Date!

Last night at the Key Club out here in LA, Kanye made an appearance at T.I.'s Paper Trail Album Release Party. Here's some footage from Consequence showing Ye & T.I. perform "Swagga Like Us". Afterwards, Kanyeezy performs "Love LockDown" and debuts his next single "Heartless". I guess he serious about the autotune, but the joint sounds nice. 808's & Heartbreak has been pushed up to November 25th!

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Friday, October 3, 2008

Biden Vs. Palin Rap Battle


If you missed the debate last night like myself, then this will somewhat make up for it. Joe Biden & Sarah Palin duke it out Fight Klub style. Make sure you check this out, this shits funny!

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Takin' Em Back - 10/3

Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Pt. II

I was listenin' to Pandora radio at work (if you aren't up on it, you need to hit that up), and I came across one of my favorite joints from the Infamous album by Mobb Deep. No lie, I first heard the Infamous some time this year and it made me wonder where the hell was I when it dropped? Hearing an album that dropped over a decade ago and it's still listenable today is a classic and passed the test of time. Therefore I bring you today's throwback track, "Shook Ones Pt. II".

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Thursday, October 2, 2008

Album Review: T.I. - Paper Trail


Last October, T.I.'s career was being questioned due to his arrest from gun possession. Many wondered if it would cause Tip to go on a hiatus or would he still remain relevant while he is locked up. Since T.I. was proven guilty, he was issued 1000 hours of community service, and has to do a year in jail. Since T.I.'s jail time is delayed until community service is complete, it gave him more time to focus on his music and bring his latest effort Paper Trail.

4/5

The album's predecessor, T.I. vs. T.I.P. was an thematic attempt for T.I. to show his more creative side with an "alter ego" style album which received average reviews. With Paper Trail, T.I. went with his typical album formula; hard bass beats, club friendly tracks, and a couple of joints that appeal to the ladies.
The albums opener "56 Bars", T.I. hooks up with longtime collaborator DJ Toomp, dropping 56 lines straight with no hook. While the song sounds reminiscent to the "Trap Muzik" album, T.I. names who he feels is the best and on his level when he says: "Ranked up there with Benjamin/Who? Andre 3K, B.I.G., Jay-Z, UGK, Scarface, Makaveli the great/Wayne, Common, Kanye andLupe/So fuck what you say". T.I. continues to show his confidence in his music with the follow up track "I'm Illy" (not to be confused with the "A Millie"), and "Ready For Whatever".

While the first three openers appeal more to the streets, Paper Trail starts to lean towards the commercial side in the beginning to middle of the album. The "from-nothing-to-something anthem" "Top Of the World" features an unlikely feature by former rival Ludacris, and newcomer B.O.B.. T.I. also links up with Rihanna on "Live Your Life", a Just Blaze produced track that has crossover potential. Other tracks like "Swing Ya Rag", "Porn Star", and the lead single "Whatever You Like", also add to Paper Trail's mainstream appeal.
The post summer smash "Swagga Like Us" which features heavyweights Kanye, Hov, and Wayne is one of the albums biggest gems. The M.I.A. sampled hook features a dope beat by Mr. West, and an impressive verse from not only Jay-z but T.I.. T.I. shows his lyrical growth on "S.L.U." spitting lines like: You know see Weezy for the wordplay, Jeezy for the bird play/Kanyeezy for diversity and me for controversy/I'm a verse that's picture perfect, only spit to serve a purpose/You ain't livin what you kickin then you worthless/Lookin from the surface it may seem like I got reason to be nervous/Been observant, work to see if my adversity was worth it".

The album slows down towards the end with the nostalgic "Slide Show", the behind the walls dedication "You Ain't Missin Nothin'", and the final track "Dead and Gone" which features Justin Timberlake. Not only is JT on the hook, he also shows off his production skills on the track. "Dead and Gone" serves as a tribute to lost ones and also T.I. starting a new beginning; bringing the album to a close. In conclusion, Paper Trial is much better than T.I. vs. T.I.P., and it also shows T.I.'s growth as an artist. T.I. proves that no matter how much pressure and problems he experiences, he still manages to make above satisfactory music.

To Sum It Up In One Word: FlyPaper

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