LUPE FIASCO: Positivity Should Be The Message of Hip-Hop

Lupe Fiasco talks about his his upcoming album, Lazers, the selfishness of being an artist and businessman, as well as his disregard for the American government.

Jay-Z Rhapsody Commercial

This is amazing.

Akon Introduces Krave

Akon also has a new girl group, Krave. I checked out some of their stuff since they're based in Atlanta, and I'm really digging they're stuff. They have a lot of energy, and definitely bringing the heat in competition to the other girl groups out now.

Link:

Weezy's Worldly Act: Introducing Jay Sean...

Check out who else Weezy added to his label. UK pop singer Jay Sean.

Drake Ft. Trey Songs - Successful (Video)

Does it make up for Best I Ever Had?

Jay-Z On Bill Maher

This is a dope interview, made me laugh and appreciate Jay more and more. With every interview he does, I learn more about him, and how dedicated he is to revealing truth through his music.

Part I


Part II

RUN DMC JMJ Way

It's beautiful to see how far Hip Hop has come. Today the corner of Hollis Ave and 205th Street in Hollis, Queens was renamed: Run DMC JMJ Way. Boys came from the block, changed the world, and now the block is named after them. Below are remarks from Run, DMC, and JMJ's Mom.


Run

DMC

JMJ's Mother

Lil Boosie - Loose as a Goose

Good to see Boosie back.

Mary J. Blige featuring Drake - The One (Video)

I really dig this. I love seeing Mary do her thing.

RIP DJ AM

News reports indicate that Adam Goldstein, better known as DJ AM, was found dead in his NY apartment today at about 5:20 PM. Rumor indicates that it may have been from a drug overdose, but we will certainly keep you posted as details develop.

DJ AM first got major recognition as part of the group Crazytown with the smash hit "Butterfly" in 2001. He has scratched on records for many big name artists including Jay-Z and Will Smith. He also was probably one of the biggest sneakerheads of our time.

Rest in peace, Adam. Thank you for your dedication and contribution to hip hop. You will be sorely missed.

Rappers for GET SCHOOLED

Viacom is bringing all its television networks, including MTV and BET, together for "Get Schooled: You Have A Right" on Tuesday, September 8th at 8:00 PM. You have no reason NOT to tune in. It will be on MTV, MTV Jams, BET, BET J, VH1, VH1 Soul, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, Nickelodeon, The N, TV Land, and more.

Lil Wayne for Get Schooled from Get Schooled on Vimeo.

I was surprised to see that Lil Wayne was one of the endorsers for Get Schooled, but remembered that not only was he an honor roll student, but he got his GED and enrolled into the University of Houston with plans to major in political science.

Asher Roth for Get Schooled from Get Schooled on Vimeo.

More celebrities for Get Schooled include Solange Knowles, DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Wyclef Jean, and more.

HOVA Covers XXL October Issue

I'm looking forward to this issue. For some reason a story on Hova never gets old. Probably because he's always surprising us. You think with this much hype around him again he's going to retire after BP3?

But when I say I’m the best, I don’t say that outta my ass. I say that with all my stats behind me. I put that against anybody. I mean anybody. I really believe that… I believe in a lot of things. 
I believe that ‘SportsCenter’ is the best thing on TV. I shouldn’t have to prove it. But I do have these stats to prove it. I’m talking about real run. I’m not talking about years off. I’m talking about straight—boom, boom, boom—back to back. We’re not talking about heritage acts either. We’re not talking about respect what I’ve done. I’m talking No. 1 [albums] 10 times. The Beatles is the only one [to have more 
No. 1 albums]. They got 19, and if I get a surge of creativity, I could make nine albums next year.

Drake ft. Kanye, Lil Wayne, and Eminem - Forever

This was supposed to drop on friday but here it is. Apparently there will be another version with someone else on the hook coming but for now, enjoy:


Drake ft. Kanye, Lil Wayne, and Eminem - Forever (No Tags No DJ
http://usershare.net/z8vvwg1uf701

Props to Nahright

Bill O'Reilly Ain't "Off That"

50 Pushed His Album Back....And Nobody Cares?

If You Ain't Sick of YOUNG MONEY Yet...

Check out Birdman's track Money to Blow featuring Drake and Weezy.

Asher Roth ft. Keri Hilson - She Don't Wanna Man

Asleep in the Bread Aisle is in stores now.

KiD CuDi - Cudi Zone Snippet

More proof that Man on the Moon will be amazing. I wish it came out in time to be qualified for Grammy's.
KiD CuDi - Cudi Zone Snippet
http://www.zshare.net/audio/6456292765f99031/

Jay-Z - Reminder

Another BP3 leak. Damn. Looks like Timbo's camp is letting joints go but why?


Jay-Z - Reminder
http://limelinx.com/files/bcf2cd6446c61354eede1ea5a1f6e507

My Two Cents:
I like this Timbo produced joint better. But the Kanye Joints have gone harder than the Timbaland joints. I wonder what the leaking of these two tracks will do for Jay and Timothy's relationship. It already must be on eggshells with Timbaland's assumption months ago that he'd be producing the entire BP3. sigh.

Off That - Jay-Z Feat. Drake

Well I damn sure wasn't expecting this to leak today. This link will prolly die soon. just sayin. It's good, but I'm not wowed, tbh.

Off That - Jay-Z feat. Drake
http://usershare.net/fqfsh542y5hu

Young Problemz ft. Gucci Mane and Mike Jones

Young Problemz & Mike Jones Feat. Gucci Mane - BOI [New]
by Yannicklord

This goes hard. Sounds like "a milli" but who cares...
http://www.zshare.net/audio/58987111d99e968f/

Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz on the Hottest MC

Hova put Fall Out Boy on while he was at Def Jam, and here's how they return the favor.

MTV Shows

Ace Hood- BORN AN OG feat. Ludacris

This video was slept on, hence my late pass.



Ace Hood's Ruthless dropped earlier this summer.

Drake ft. Nipsey Hussle - Killers

Drake is in an interesting position right now. Record label drama and apologies, a few media gaffes (Best I Ever Had video anyone?) and a messed up ACL. I wonder if dude will be able to get back into that strange angelic box people were putting him in when So Far Gone Had just dropped. Show and prove time. Anyway here's a new track from him featuring Cali's own rising star Nipsey Hussle.

Drake Ft. Nipsey Hussle - Killers
http://www.zshare.net/download/64379903e4b2c486/

Jay-Z- RUN THIS TOWN feat. Kanye West & Rhianna

I know y'all be waiting on this.



I think that this video was done and directed creatively. Anthony Mandler, the same director from Hova's Lost Ones and D.O.A shot the video at Fort Totten Park in NYC. However, Run This Town isn't meant to look like the average streets of New York. The concept in which Mandler built upon was that of an ancient, chaotic, and foreign environment. Mandler definitely produced this video to its fullest potential.

BLUPRiNT III Track Listing

Jay-Z has finally released the track listing for his upcoming album, Blueprint 3. Collaboration regulars like Pharrell and Kanye will be featured on the album, but also RocNation's first artist J.Cole, UK's own Mr. Hudson, Cudi, Alicia Keys, and Drake (who apparently was supposed to be on "Run This Town"). Anyway look out for the video of "Run This Town" which is scheduled to premiere tomorrow.

If you're twitching, here's a preview:

MTV Shows

Omarion- I GET IT IN feat. Weezy

Omarion- I Get It In

I wish Omarion could actually use his vocals on this track rather than his "lightly auto-tuned, gangsta, sexy" voice, but I'm not going to hate, because I think this can be a potential radio hit. Not sure whether or not this will be Omarion's first single off of Cash Money but I'm feeling it. It'll also be a nice club joint. Actually, I would also love to see Drake join in on this track. Just curious =)

Who Is Nicki Minaj?

I have to admit for the last two weeks I've been banging Beam Me Up Scotty, Nicki Minaj's latest mixtape that she recently dropped with Young Money. If you don't know about her yet, this interview can give you a little glimpse as to who she is. One thing I can honestly say I respect about her is how she takes her influences from other female rappers, yet you will not be able to compare her to any of them. She's not a Trina or Lil' Kim, neither is she a Lauryn Hill or MC Lyte. She's simply Nicki Minaj. Check out her mixtape.

R. Kelly- NUMBER ONE SEX feat. Keri Hilson

Honestly, I haven't heard anything that impressive from R. Kelly in a while, but this collaboration with Ms. Keri Baby was a good choice.

Fabolous- MONEY GOES, HONEY STAY feat. Jay-Z

Loso keeps dropping these singles like no other.

NEWS: Bow Wow Signs to Cash Money

My twitter was definitely blowing up both Saturday night and Sunday. Apparently Bow Wow, who in June of this year, was dropped from Columbia Records, has signed to Cash Money Records to join the likes of Weezy, Nicki Minaj, the affiliated Drake, and Jay Sean.



Earlier this summer, Bow Wow "retired" from hip-hop, stating that he has done all there is in the game, and would like to focus on acting. A month later, Bow Wow retracted his statement and announced that he will be returning to hip-hop, making no promises as to who he will be signed with.

Bow Wow Officially Retires From Hip-Hop, Fans Pay Tribute from Gyant on Vimeo.

But Saturday night Bow Wow stated that he is an official member of Cash Money Records...

RT THIS!! IM OFFICIALLY THE NEWEST MEMBER TO THE CASH MONEY TEAM! CMB YOUNG MUULLLAAA BAAAABY!!! LBW!!!! THANKS 2 ALL MY FANS. MUCH LUV! BOW

Plus...


Looks like Weezy is on his recruit game. I remember the days when Cash Money was left to only Birdman and Weezy, taking everyone's money. Let's see how this one plays out.

Gucci Mane ft. OJ Da Juiceman - Wasted Remix

I'ma use my *Late Pass* on this one. If you haven't got this track your behind. Luckily I got u. Party on y'all. Especially my homie Dania who will be 21 next time I see her.

Gucci Mane ft. OJ Da Juiceman - Wasted Remix
http://usershare.net/800yrej8tfcj

Drake to Re-Release SO FAR GONE

I don't ever look at it and say, 'I wish that was an album.' It was important that that was a mixtape, 'cause if it was an album, I don't know if it would've had the same impact.

As an older Drake fan I think it's amazing that people are starting to realize his success. But at the same time, they play the same 3 Drake songs on the radio and completely miss out on his growth as an artist since Room for Improvement. This is the main reason why I don't necessarily agree with his re-release of So Far Gone, you're basically capitalizing on the same hype. So Far Gone will remain a "mixtape" but will be out on retail starting September 15th. Can't knock the hustle, got to get yours any way you can, right?

MTV Shows

Nelly & Pharrell- LET IT GO (LIL MAMA)

I had no clue Nelly was still dropping tracks but this one is produced by and collaborated with the amazing Pharrell.

Battle of the Sexes: Ludacris & Shawnna

Ludacris and Shawnna were shooting their video in Atlanta last night at the Lucky Lounge for the track "Everybody Drunk As F*ck." Apparently the two are coming out with a collaboration album called "Battle of the Sexes" later on this year. I have to say, I'm pretty excited about this, lots of female MCs stepping up and Shawnna is no exception.

It never has happened before. A lot of people have been talking about doing an album with a male and female perspective, but it never has happened. I'm just trying to inject the industry with stuff that's not going on right now. I think we're gonna win with it — I know we're gonna win.

-Luda

Everybody Drunk as F*ck

COMPLEX Magazine Soundboard

Click the faces for all your favorite phrases! Dutty Ay!


via COMPLEX (which always has cool ish btw)

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: MiSS Banks

I think it’s unfair to say that female rappers aren’t going anywhere. Just because they haven’t been successful, it shouldn’t define the destiny of other “female rappers,” every person is an individual. It’s a new time period, new artists are emerging crazily, look at what the world looks like. Not that they haven’t been successful they haven’t been as consistent. I stand apart by my femininity. I feel like a lot of female rappers try to emulate men in a sense. They try to emulate the same force and aggression in their tone, delivery and lyrics.

Harlem's own 18-year old Azealia Banks is on her way to dominating the hip-hop game with her edgy, promiscuous lyrics and eclectic flow. Girl got a lot of sass, and brings you back to 15-year old Foxy Brown when she was featured on Jay-Z's "Ain't No Ni**a."

Seventeen - Azealia Banks

Don't get it twisted. Miss Banks refuses to apologize for her "offensive" lyrics and at the same time doesn't lean on mere sexuality to boost her career. She's just a chick that spits true fire.



Shout out to BOYS + CLOTHES ONLINE for the interview.

Teyana Taylor for MTTM

Teyana Taylor is featured on the online campaign for Married to The Mob . The popular female streetwear line was founded in 2004 by founder Leah. The fast growing clothing line has had slogans such as "Money over B*tches" and "Other B*tches Just Front." The term MOB stands for the Most Official B*tches. Enjoy the pics!






I think Teyana was a perfect choice. She honestly exemplifies this style on a regular basis.

NEWS: Oprah & Jay-Z In Marcy Projects

Now I'm going to lie, I don't watch Oprah like that, but I do know she's not too big a fan of hip-hop, and this is exactly why these pictures surprised me.




The two were filming a segment for an upcoming episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to promote Jay-Z's Blueprint III. Can't wait to see this episode.



But let's face it, Jay-Z has definitely crossed boundaries as far as hip-hop goes, and I know we as a people are so proud to see someone like him making strides. This is what hip-hop's about. Everybody else that wants to stay in this box as to what it means to be a gangster, hustler, or whatever can never break the barrier like Hova can.

UPDATE:
Jay will NOT be on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" but featured in her O! Magazine for an interview in an upcoming issue.



Oprah did say that she still doesn't agree with his music, but she absolutely loves him. She says he was so "charming and delightful." And talks about how intelligent and gifted Hova is.

Make Her Say - Kid Cudi Concert

Me and my girl were close to the front when this happened. When Kanye comes out,listen to the crowd. Never would I have expected him to show up.

Clipse & Pharrell- I'M GOOD

I miss Pharrell and the Clipse hitting tracks together. Peep the new video.

I'm Good

Drake - This is Not My Best (SPOOF)

This is pretty hilarious.

R.I.P. Baatin

A few days ago Titus “Baatin” Glover. , an emcee in the group Slum Village, passed away of a still unknown cause. Keep his group mates and family in your prayers.
Below is a tribute to him from his surviving group mates.

Fabolous - Loso's Way - Review

In an effort to keep y'all more informed about the music and culture of Hip Hop, the crew has decided to start doing album reviews. Our Inaugural review is Fabolous' Loso's Way.



Anyone keeping up with John David Jackson’s latest project, Loso’s Way, knows that he pictures the album as an answer to Jay-Z’s last record American Gangster; Like Jay, Fab went to the movies and picked hood requisite Carlito’s Way to frame his work. Fab even got Hov to lend him a AG leftover, the smooth “Money Goes, Honey Stay”. So does the theatrical concept work well for Loso?

Yes and No. On this album Fabolous brings what he does best: clever punchlines, swaggerific braggadocio, big singles, and songs that cater to the females. Tracks like “Salute” with Weezy showing up to deliver more of the same mindless freestyle that’s his trademark, and “There He Go” featuring Red Café , Freck Billionaire and Paul Cain has Fab get grimy over heavy bass. These songs are good, but show little growth in a rapper who has been around for 5 albums. Fortunately the production doesn’t lack over the album’s 16 tracks. Ryan Leslie and Fab have great chemistry on record, and “Everything, Everyday, Everywhere” is undeniable thanks to its playful bounce and Keri Hilson hook. The single “Throw it in the Bag” hits hard thanks to Tricky Stewart and The Dream, the laid back “Last Time” sounds like a Bow Wow record ( I mean that in the nicest way possible). So good, somewhat cliché Fab album right?

Actually Fabolous does show growth on Loso’s way. The last four songs on the album are all remarkably good. “Pachanga” makes me wish he had stuck to the album’s concept more closely, as its Latin sample and backstabbing story line are Grade A. “Stay” featuring Marsha Ambrosius lets Fabolous wax sentimental about fatherhood and works basically on all levels.

Overall I’d say this album was a solid effort, as always, on Fabolous part. It works better when he sticks to the theme, showing growth and maturity from a rapper who rarely lets his true personality shine on wax, but its tangents are good enough to stand on their own.


Pros: Great Quality Control, Great Beats, Nice Punchlines
Cons: Strays from theme a little too often, some clichéd substance
Overall Grade: B-