THROWBACK THURSDAY: "MIC CHECK" - ACEYALONE

"Mic Check", from Aceyalone's album "All Balls Don't Bounce" has to be one of the most dope tracks to come out of Cali during the 90's. I can't think of anyone who could hang with his flow, then or now. I had to show this track some love.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: "FADES EM ALL" - JAMAL

Some things need no explaination.

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "THEY CALL ME D-NICE" - D-NICE

This song dropped at a time when hip hop was raw and lyrically aggressive. D-Nice was confident and wanted the world to know exactly who he was. Tracks like this are timeless, to me.

These days, D-Nice can be found DJing exclusive events across the country or capturing beautiful moments, as a very talented photographer.


Follow D-Nice on TWITTER

or

Visit his SITE

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "WE RUN THINGS" (It's Like Dat), Da Bush Babees

Its a must that I create to elevate from the abyss
The mind must be nourished so the truth can flourish

DRAKE: THE GAME NEEDS CHANGE, HE'S THE M*THA F*CKIN CASHIER...

Just got my hands on this new Drake mixtape by DJ ONPOINT & Jessie Maguire.

Check for the download link after the track listing.

Peace!

01. Every Girl f/ Lil Wayne
02. Best I Ever Had feat Busta Rhymes
03. Successful feat Trey Songz, Lil Wayne & Young Chris
04. Friends with Money feat Vic Damone
05. Faded
06. Ransom feat Lil Wayne
07. I’m Goin In feat Lil Wayne
08. Funkmaster Flex Freestyle
09. Ignorant Shit feat Lil Wayne
10. Black Magic
11. Pop Rose feat Trey Songz
12. Closer To My Dreams
13. Easy To Please
14. Stay In Your Place
15. Swagger Like Us
16. What I’m Thinking
17. AmPm feat Nickelus F
18. Look At The Ice
19. Still Fly
20. Stunt Hard feat Lil Wayne
21. Overdose
22. Unstoppable feat Santo Gold & Lil Wayne
23. Cannon Ball
24. Congratulations
25. A Milli
26. Replacement Girl feat Trey Songz
27. Uptown feat Bun B & Lil Wayne
28. Houstatlantavegas
29. A Night Off feat Lloyd

DOWNLOAD: DJ Onpoint & Jessie Maguire Present Drake: The Cashier (The Game Needs Change) (Mixtape)

TELL A FRIEND, IT'S THAT SYMBOL AGAIN: NEW WU...

I know it may seem like I'm a lil bias when it comes to WU. That's because I am. (lol) As a crew, they embody everything hip hop should be. Wu-Tang set standards and raised bars that unfortunatly, most people haven't been able to live up to, never mind exceed.

This is a brand new video from Raekwon The Chef featuring Ghostface Killah & Method Man called "NEW WU".

"New Wu" is the first single from Raekwons highly anticipated "Only Build For Cuban Links 2" [OB4CL2] In Stores August 11, 2009.

RAEKWON'S RESOLUTION...

Well, the sun has set on another unofficial "Wu-Tang Wednesday". I figured it was only right that I post up this smooth Raekwon track "Resolution", off of "The Brink Boys Present: Staten We Go Hard v. 1 ".

Enjoy!

Shout to 2DopeBoyz.com


DOWNLOAD: Raekwon - Resolution

PROF. JADAKISS STAYS SCHOOLIN' YALL...

Jadakiss is amazingly talented, highly intelligent AND well versed in ALL aspects of hip hop, marketing included. I came across this article below, written by Rob Stone on Songs For Soap and felt it was work reposting.

What Brands Can Learn From Jadakiss

How the Hip-Hop Artist Connected With Fans and Didn't Succumb to Radio Pressure

Posted by Rob Stone on 04.28.09 @ 05:07 PM

Rob Stone

At a time when artists are being cut from major label deals and scrambling to find indie labels to release their next albums, Jadakiss has far exceeded expectations with his new Island Def Jam release, "The Last Kiss." After a five-year layoff between album releases (usually a kiss of death for a hip-hop artist), Jadakiss' album sold over 130,000 copies in its first week earlier this month. In these challenged times of selling music, especially albums, that's a very sizable number.

Why and how is this relevant to brands? Let's explore the circumstances and the marketing that led up to Jadakiss' release and the parallels between the launch of his album and the challenges that a brand team faces in launching a campaign. Rest assured there are numerous differences between an album launch and a product launch, but extracting and highlighting what insights and lessons can be learned from his latest release and his initiatives are not as obvious.

Throughout his nearly 15-year career, Jadakiss has protected his reputation and authenticity with the heart of a lion, in part by passing up short-term successes and not succumbing to the pressure to make quick-hit radio records. As advertising dollars have dried up at radio stations over the years, programmers have been under pressure to play hit records more frequently and playlists have shrunk. Ten years ago, many stations' highest-played records were 45 plays a week, or six plays a day. Today it's common for stations to play top records over 100 times a week, which allows less room for records to make it onto playlists. Artists such as Flo Rida, with his monster radio hit single "Right Round," sold more than 2.5 million singles, but his album "R.o.o.t.s " sold only 55,000 copies in its first week -- a significantly lower amount than what Jadakiss sold.

What things did Jadakiss do to connect with his audience despite a lack of exposure on the radio?

First, he integrated himself into the places where his core lifestyle fans lived and became very accessible to them. He went on the road for seven weeks prior to the release, visiting clubs every night, sometimes performing, and other times just being there as part of the scene. He visited malls and had daily discussions and exchanges with fans through blogs and hip-hop sites. He visited radio and hosted tastemakers, DJs and programmers at clubs and played his music through a sponsorship deal wtih Ciroc Vodka. He showed up and performed for Reebok's 10-year anniversary event for basketball superstar Allen Iverson at the NBA All-Star Game in Arizona. He performed in Austin at the Levi's FADER Fort (a Cornerstone event) in front of a primarily alternative rock and hipster audience. He released videos on Youtube; not just music videos, but also funny, behind-the-scenes videos that spoke to his lifestyle and authenticity, which his core fanbase found entertaining. All of this was done to build anticipation for his album -- always feeding his core yet adapting to new market conditions.

Jadakiss played to his strengths. He knew the limitations of radio, and, much like brands today that may no longer be able to create a huge presence on TV and out-of-home, he invested in his core -- he got creative. Jadakiss made himself accessible to his fanbase by creating partnerships with brands, other artists and DJs, and also by utilizing the momentum of the web. Instead of a top-down national approach, he took to the streets -- connecting DJ to DJ, city to city, and building a national presence for the album.

~ ~ ~
Rob Stone is founder and co-CEO of Cornerstone, a full-service lifestyle marketing firm based in New York City. For over 12 years, Mr. Stone has executed customized brand campaigns for a roster of A-list clients targeting the key demographic of 15-34 year olds.

BRAND NEW!! STATIK SELEKTAH x STYLES P x TALIB KWELI

Styles P and Talib Kweli detail their true feelings about the deterioration of the hip hop culture, over a smooth and soulful Statik Selektah track (which happens to be the first single off of Statik Selektah's "The Hangover", dropping this summer).

This should truthfully be sent to every "aspiring" emcee across the globe, as a PSA, on some "You Must Learn" type ish.

Enjoy!

Download - The Thrill is Gone, Statik Selektah feat. Styles P & Talib Kweli

Shout to Dan Green for the link!

SPAZ IF YOU WANT TO: C.C.P.M (Classic Card-Pulling Moments) Part 1. - Dame Dash

I would like to welcome you to my first "Classic Card-Pulling Moments" posting. After viewing this video, I felt that it was only right that I share, especially since I consider myself to be a card-pulling PROFESSIONAL (lol).

In this clip, Dame Dash displays MASTER LEVEL card-pulling skills, leaving everyone in the room stumbling to come up with useless excuses for why he was left out of what seemed to have been an important meeting regarding his artist, Jay-Z.

Note the looks on each persons face as he checks the ENTIRE room...this is card-pulling at its finest. Classic, hahaha!

Shout to Secret Agent K*

TRAE x JADAKISS ...(Brand New Track)

I'm about to lay myself down for a couple of hours, but before I do that I wanted to hit you with this brand new track from Trae Tha Truth featuring Jadakiss.


DOWNLOAD: Life - Trae Tha Truth f. Jadakiss

Shout to Splash.

1.

WAYNE'S WORLD: LIL WAYNE ON "THE VIEW"

I'm not sure how many of you were able to catch this on Friday morning, but Lil Wayne was a guest on The View.

I have a love / hate relationship with Wayne but I was really happy to see this. Hopefully after watching it, you'll understand why.

My favorite part of this clip, aside from the look Wayne gives Elisabeth Hasselbeck when she asked "can you brush them" (3:55 on the clip*), referring to his teeth, was when Wayne clarified that he was dependent upon God and motivation, not cough syrup and marijuana.

EVERYBODY LOVES THE SUNSHINE...

Can't go wrong with a lil Roy Ayers. I hope the sun is shining brightly where ever you are.

Enjoy your Saturday!

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER: ENTER THE 37th CHAMBER

Finally, the grace of the hip hop Gods has shined down upon us & my music based prayers have been answered! The good (and clearly, incredibly smart) people at Fat Beats Records have released the highly anticipated album, "Enter the 37th Chamber" (April 21, 2009) featuring full length instrumental renditions of classic tracks by the Wu-Tang Clan by funk/soul live band, El Michels Affair.

Skeptics can relax...the rawness of RZA's production is not lost in the translation. The true essence of the Wu is captured perfectly on this project. As I listened to this, I honestly felt that the music could have be used as the backdrop to a classic Kung Fu flick. It's flawless, in my opinion.

Enjoy the music in the players below & click on the links to purchase the project...its well worth every cent (I'd share a free link...but some things I feel should TRULY be supported*)

(Shout to the kid 40*)

El Michels Affair - “Shimmy Shimmy Ya”

El Michels Affair - “Can It All Be So Simple”

WTF: ASHER ROTH x NAPPY HEADED HOES...

Welcome to the FIRST "W.T.F" entry of my blog, courtesy of Asher Roth.

Clearly all of the success has made him feel EXTRA comfortable. I'm all about a person being who they are and saying what they feel, but um...do you think it's the best choice to follow in Don Imus' footsteps by quoting the comment he made when referring to the Rutgers University Women’s Basketball team as “Nappy headed hoes”?!

Yesterday, Asher made a comment on the popular site Twitter, which read “Been a day of rest and relaxation, sorry twitter - hanging out with nappy headed hoes”

Later he went on to apologize and the comment was deleted, but in my opinion, this is a major faux pas, especially for someone who's JUST dropped an album. Perfect example of "When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong".

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "BORN 2 LIVE" - O.C

It's finally stating to feel like Spring time on the East Coast...which means summer is not too far away. This week I'm posting songs that make me want to pull the speakers to my window and sit down on my front stairs with the sun shinning on my face. Born 2 Live by O.C is a feel good joint.

Enjoy.

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "BACK IN THE DAYS" - AHMAD

"back in the days when I was young, I'm not a kid anymore, but some days I sit and wish I was a kid again..."

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "CAN I GET OPEN" - ORIGINAL FLAVOR

Original Flavor, Jay-Z and DJ Chubby Chub...classic. PERIOD

Click Here and Follow Chubby Chub on TWITTER

Dat Kid From Cleveland (Mixtape!!)

The latest mixtape from Mr. Day N Night is here!

DOWNLOAD: KiD CuDi - Dat Kid from Cleveland (Mixtape)

Enjoy!!

HAPPY 4/20!!

I just thought I'd put together a lil something for my tree-loving friends (not to be confused with my tree-hugging friends...LOL!)

Enjoy

KID CUDI: Daps & Pound

Mr. Day N Night is sharing an exclusive from the Dat Kid From Cleveland mixtape which drops tonight (4/20) on DatNewCudi.

Download -Kid Cudi - Daps & Pound (prod. Jungle Club)

courtesy of Cudi’s blog

Enjoy!!

SKYZOO x DJ DRAMA x STATIK SELEKTAH: The Power of Words (Mixtape*)

Skyzoo is a talent dude. I know a lot of people have been anticipating something new from him and this mixtape shouldn't disappoint.

Download - Skyzoo - The Power Of Words (Mixtape)

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "THE LIFE" MYSTIC

Mystic is a beast. This song is timeless.

Follow her on Twitter. Click here

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "PAPARAZZI" - XZIBIT

"Paparazzi" made people pay attention to Xzibit. This song is undeniable and its lyrics still apply today. The irony is, as time went on, Xzibit himself may have leaned in the very direction of those he criticized. I'm not mad at him though, money makes the world go round...I guess.

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka" - The Fab 5

YES, YES YALL!! I love this song, but I especially love the video. This came from a time in hip hop when people were more concerned with making good music (and having fun with it*) than they were with being "cool". I think the illest part about that (and something I feel that a lot of these new artists don't understand*) is...when you are comfortable in your own skin, doing what you do naturally, you don't have to worry about being cool...you just are.

RAEKWON IS BUILT 4 THIS: OB4CL2 PRESS RELEASE...

(Raekwon fans across the globe have been (im)patiently awaiting this project. Below is the "official" press release...hopefully the album drops asap.)

The Wu-Tang Clan Rapper Signs Deal With EMI Label Services To Release Follow-Up To 1995 Hip-Hop Classic This Summer in US, Canada

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 Features The RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, Others

(NEW YORK – April 15, 2009) – Ready to give his worldwide following what they’ve been waiting for, the Wu-Tang Clan’s rhyme slinger extraordinaire Raekwon is set to return this summer with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2.

Raekwon, whose 1995 platinum classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx was universally hailed as a rap classic and has sold more than 1.1 million units in the US, according to Nielsen Soundscan, has signed a distribution deal with EMI Label Services for his ICEH20 Records label to release Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 in the US and Canada later this summer. EMI Label Services will also provide Raekwon with additional radio promotion support and licensing and synchronization services.

“The wait is finally over,” Raekwon says. “Words cannot describe how extremely happy I am to work with EMI Music to put out my album.”

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 buzz single and video “The New Wu” features fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man and Ghostface Killah and is getting mixshow airplay at radio stations across the country, including Hot 97 in New York. The album features a spectacular line-up of guest appearances and producers: The RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, The Wu-Tang Clan, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Bun B and The Game, among others.

“We are thrilled to have a chance to work with the legendary Raekwon,” said Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMI Label Services. “He has had a massive impact on the history of Hip Hop and Urban music overall. Everyone at EMI is excited to be working on this record and continuing his legacy.”

Rap fans were mesmerized by Raekwon’s distinctive brand of street slanguistics when he emerged as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The Staten Island, New York rap group’s debut album, 1993’s Enter The Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers), was a landmark collection that introduced the group’s signature blend of kung-fu inspired reality rap. Raekwon established himself as a solo star in 1995 with the release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. The mafia minded album, which peaked at No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart, unfolded like a cinematic crime caper, with such imaginative songs as “Criminology,” “Incarcerated Scarfaces” and “Ice Cream” propelling the album to platinum status.

Raekwon’s second album, 1999’s Immobilarity, was certified gold. To date, Raekwon has career sales of more than 1.6 million units in the US, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Now, with the impending release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2, Raekwon is ready to release his second masterpiece. “It’s been a long time coming,” he says, “and I’ve put my blood, sweat and tears into making this classic album for my fans.”

TAHIRY: SHE'S KIND OF A BIG DEAL...

I believe that my initial blog entry was proof positive that I have a slight girl crush on Tahiry. I'm comfortable in my femininity and have no issue at all admitting this. I don't want to touch her, I don't even need to hear her speak. I just think she's a booty-ful beautiful woman and I appreciate all things beautiful.

After looking at some these shots from Tahiry's King Magazine shoot, I do think you will be in complete agreement with me. Good lord, she is a sight to behold, haha.

Enjoy the flicks (there were my personal fav's*) and make sure you pick up the magazine when it hits the news stands on April 21st. Some of you may want to buy two...lol

Shout to RR for sharing these photos.

YOU'RE THE F*ING BEEEEEEEST!! (DOWNLOAD)

I know it may seem like Busta Rhymes is getting some extra love around here. I can't help the fact that he's doing collabs left and right, nor am I mad at that fact. This is the beauty of the music game when someone is prepping to drop an album...new music EVERYWHERE! He appears here with Mr. "So Far Gone" aka Drake.

Enjoy the remix, I do this for YOU (yes YOU)...Cause you're the F*ING BEST!!

Busta Rhymes & Drake - Best I Ever Had

A KITE FOR STACK BUNDLES

Max B reflects and shows love to Stack Bundles, who's life was taken on June 11, 2007

Download Max B's "Letter To Stack" here

Shout to 2dopeboyz

A Little Monday Motivation...You Can't Stop Me

Ok, it's be a almost a full week since Jadakiss' album, The Last Kiss, dropped. I think it's safe to assume that by now you've either purchased it or downloaded it from someone's blog / website. This album is solid and it couldn't have come at a better time, in my opinion. Jadakiss is a seasoned emcee who spits with confidence and conviction. Something a lot of these boutique rap emcees are lacking (for the most part, because they're still new to the game.

I consider projects like this to be motivation music; The type of music that you can turn on and get focused to. The type of music that will have you in the mirror in the morning, mean mugging, like "I'm exactly what they not, I'm something else" (see track #5, Something Else) or two stepping across your kitchen, with your coffee singing "you can't stop me now, you can't stop me" (see track #2, Can't Stop Me).

Enjoy the gift, but BUY the album.

Download Can't Stop Me (Prod. by NeoDaMatrix) feat. Ayanna Irish - Here

Mo' Music Monday: This is WAY better than an Easter Basket

Easter has come and gone and I'm willing to bet that you didn't even get an Easter Basket (who knew that the bunny was down w/ age discrimination!?!)

Well, I've put together a nice little collection of music for you that's pretty damn sweet, if I do say so myself. There should be something in here for everyone, kinda like those Jelly Belly jumpoffs, only these won't get stuck in your teeth.

Enjoy!

Download Busta Rhymes feat. Lil Wayne & Jadakiss "Conglomerate" here
(from Busta's upcoming album that keeps getting pushed back...lol)

Download Memphis Bleek's "I'm For My Family" here
(New track, produced by Young Guru)

Download Black Milk's "Mo' Power" here
(a soulful and jazz influenced track from the Detroit based producer / emcee)

Download Keyshia Cole feat. Monica "Trust" here
(a classic slow jam discussing one of the most essential elements of a relationship)

Shout out to Baller Status*

HELL RELL IS KILLIN 'EM... (Mixtape)

Dipset's Hell Rell can always be depended on when it comes to official, hard street music. This mixtape contains 19 tracks of the perfect example of that. Rell one of Harlem's grimiest / raw emcee's, in my opinion. But you can be the judge.

1. The Extermination
2. My Service To The People
3. King Kong Muzic
4. I'm So Special
5. Crack House
6. Incredible Ruga
7. What You Need?
8. Freestyle
9. Death Wish ft. J.R. Writer
10. Return To The Grind
11. Ready To Fuck
12. Fresher Than New Borns
13. The Ruga Show
14. You Tryin' To Be Me
15. It Takes 2
16. Calm Down
17. Put Me Round Some Hoes
18. On The Real
19. A Profit

Download -Hell Rell - The Extermination (Mixtape)

YOU MUST LEARN: JADAKISS DROPS SOME JEWELS (Teaser 2)*

This is the second teaser from "The Next 48 Hours with Jadakiss" (view the first one here ).

In this clip, Jada talks about what he has learned during the process of making this album, in relation to marketing budgets and such.

Stay tuned for "The next 48 Hours with Jadakiss"

CHINO XL Conducts an "INTERVENTION" (90 Straight bars!)

Chino goes IN. No hooks. No autotune (that's a rarity these days*). Just straight BARS (90 of them, to be exact).

Off of his upcoming album, The RICANstruction

Click Here to Download Chino XL - 90 Bars Of Intervention (prod. Focus)

Busta Rhymes feat. Estelle - World Go Round (Album Version)

This track is off Back On My B.S., in stores May 19th


Click Here to Download Busta Rhymes feat. Estelle - World Go Round (Album Version)

Enjoy.

The FULL Mike Tyson Documentary...(edited Entry*)

Ok, so the powers that be have won in this situation and requested that the film be removed from all sites (since it was technically stolen...lol).

This is was the full 1 hour and 30 stream of the Mike Tyson doc.

A trailer has been put up to replace the actual movie that was online.

The film features original music by Nas (the score was organized by Salaam Remi) and was directed by James Toback (Black and White)


It's probably all for the best. You'll enjoy it more in theaters or at home on a HD television w/ surround sound.


Shout to WorldStarHipHop.com for the link. Enoy it while you can (who knows how long the link will be up for*)

The Web giveth and the web taketh away...lol

Raekwon & Busta Rhymes Have a "Death Wish"

Raekwon The Chef is in the kitchen again with Busta Rhymes by his side. Check out what they have on the menu.

Download "Death Wish" (Produced by DJ Scratch) here

PETER ROSENBERG x Q-TIP MAKE NOISE...

Peter Rosenberg of New York's Hot 97's has put together an event that combines music and up close & personal conversation called NoiseMakers. These events give hip hop lovers a look into the lives and influences of those that have shaped and influenced the culture. Past NoiseMaker events have featured DJ Premier and ?uestlove (of The Roots).

On Wednesday, April 15, Rosenberg will present the third edition of NoiseMakers, featuring Q-Tip, member of the legendary band A Tribe Called Quest. Jazz hip-hop fusion band Igmar Thomas and The Cypher will perform throughout the night, paying tribute to Q-Tip’s music.


Times: Wed, Apr 15, 2009, 7pm doors, 8pm show
Location: 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson Street, NYC

Directions

Buy Tickets

Young Buck Can't Be Stopped (or Caught*)

Former G Unit member, Young Buck is set to drop street album. I'm personally looking forward to hearing it. I always felt that what happened with Buck, in relation to his release from G Unit, was a classic case of "When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong". Hopefully this is a new beginning for dude.

Download Young Buck's "Can't Catch Me" (Prod. by The Future) here

Q-TIP BREAKS DOWN THE HISTORY OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST W/ TIM WESTWOOD

The legendary Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest*) sits down with UK's Tim Westwood to discuss, in detail, the discography of A Tribe Called Quest, as well as his introduction and relationship with J Dilla (R.I.P). The influence that Tribe has had on hip hop is irrefutable. This is a very informative and introspective video.

Endless Respect to Q-Tip & A Tribe Called Quest.

Download the classic, "Low End Theory" Here

Enjoy.

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: 360 (What Goes Around) - Grand Puba

"Copy, Copy, Copy, Copy, Copy"

The Next 48 Hours w/ Jadakiss (Teaser*)

This is a clip from "The Next 48 Hours With Jadakiss", a 2 part web series that will give a behind the scenes look into the life of Jadakiss during the album release week of "The Last Kiss", brought to us by the good people at AllHipHop.com & JumpOff TV.

In this clip, Jada bumps into R&B artist Usher in the Def Jam lobby, while rocking his new "beard" lol...this dude is hilarious.

DRAKE: I'ma Ride This Bandwagon Til The Wheels Fall Off!!! (Better late than never*)

I am fully aware that 99.9% of all hip hop fans know EXACTLY who Drake is.

I am also fully aware that "So Far Gone" has been downloaded to DEATH since it dropped.

Guess what? I do NOT give a damn (lol). Consider this a Public Service Re-Announcement ; )
I could not start my blog and leave this dude out. I know it's "old" in the eyes of the blog world...but this blog is new so cut me some slack and let it slide this one time.

Next to the April 7th release of Jadakiss' "The Last Kiss", Drake's "So Far Gone" is one of the few projects that I'm rocking with any sort of consistency (Emilio Rojas' latest mixtape, "Recession Proof" gets some love too*).

So for those of you who may live under a rock, in a cave or worse, happened to miss it...Enjoy the download. And as an added lil bonus, here is a link to the instrumentals.

01 Lust For Life
02 Houstatlantavegas
03 Successful f. Trey Songz & Lil Wayne
04 Lets Call It Off f. Peter Bjorn & John
05 November 18th
06 Ignant Shit f. Lil Wayne
07 A Night Off f. Lloyd
08 Say Whats Real
09 Little Bit f. Lykke Li
10 Best I Ever Had
11 Unstoppable f. Santogold & Lil Wayne
12 Uptown f. Bun B & Lil Wayne
13 Sooner Than Later
14 Bria’s Interlude f. Omarion
15 The Calm
16 Outro
17 Brand New

DOWNLOAD: Drake - So Far Gone (Mixtape) | Second Link

HIT or MISS: Eminem's "We Made You"

It's been close to 5 years since our dear friend, Marshal Mathers has hit us with some new music. Anyone who's familiar with Em, knows that his sense of humor is an acquired taste, although his skills as an emcee are undeniable.

This video is funny, no doubt, but I'm interested to know who feels like they just got to the bottom of the Cracker Jack box, only to discover there was NO damn prize in there.

Thoughts? Opinions?

KANYE WEST a "GAY FISH"? (LOL!!)

I haven't watched an episode of South Park in YEARS, but this clip, depicting Kanye West as a "Gay Fish" is proof that the cartoon hasn't lost its sense of humor or connection to the "the word on the street". I'm not saying Kanye's a gay fish, that would just be foolish. BUT...what's better than a little laughter in the morning, to kick start your day?

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "Electric Relaxation" - A Tribe Called Quest

This video needs no explanation or real introduction. Classic Sh*t. ENJOY!!

THROWBACK THURSDAYS: "From 93 Till Infinity" - Souls of Mischief

With the economy on a steady decline and the retirement of rappers such as Soldier Boy no where in immediate sight, it may be difficult for the average hip hop enthusiast to keep a smile on their face. I have no problem admitting that I occasionally have a strong urge to smack the iPod ear buds out of the nearest adult singing a Flo-Rida "song". It's at these very moments that songs such as "From 93 Till Infinity" quell my desire and allows me to keep my hands to myself, LOL.

It ain't nothing like (real) hip hop music (c) Stetsasonic ; )

ROCK THE BELLS 09 LINEUP

I have to say that this is a pretty f*ing impressive lineup. I'm not exactly sure who will be gracing the stage when the show hits Boston or NY, as some acts don't make every tour date, but there's a little bit of something here for everyone...

Who's going?

CLINTON SPARKS x CHESTER FRENCH ... JACQUES JAMS, VOL. 1: ENDURANCE

Clinton Sparks and the gentlemen known as Chester French have been teasing us via twitter and YouTube.com with details about this project for weeks. Showing us more and more each day, graphically describing how amazing the experience will be once it all goes down...there's been a pretty big build up, if I do say so myself. One might have to wonder if it could possibly be as good as they claim. The idea of hip hop influenced mixtape by a rock band who's members are Harvard University grad's sounds interesting enough...but can they really hold it down? Sure the foreplay (She Loves Everybody*) was great, but we're in it for the long haul.

Well, that fateful day has arrived. Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance is here and features Diddy, Janelle Monae, Lady Gaga, Bun B, Common and more. Get Familiar!

TAHIRY: The FIRST and the LAST

I know I've been discussing the debut of my blogspot for some time now. The original plan was to wait until I had the design together before posting my first entry, but we all know that even the best laid plans occasionally fall to sh*t (especially when other people are involved*). The show must go on, so... BONG. Here I am and here we go.

Since I always like to show respect/love when its due, first entry features the beautiful Tahiry, girl friend of Joe Budden and star of Joe Budden TV (no disrespect to Joe, but let's keep it 100...lol). Since her initial appearance on the vlog, Tahiry has gained quite a following and recently shot for the cover of King Magazine (which is rumored to be the final issue*). Internet may have killed the magazine star, but I have a good feeling this is only the beginning for Tahiry. Hopefully Joe doesn't mind the fact that she may soon have more fans than he does.