Jhené Aiko - "Comfort Inn Ending" (Prod. by No. I.D.)

For all my fellow Jhené Aiko fans dying to hear what her Artium/Def Jam debut Soul(ed) Out will offer, the beautiful songwriter gives us a bone with the 2 minute freestyle "Comfort Inn Ending."

Produced by her boss No I.D., Jhene vents about a recent relationship that went sour due to infidelity. I'm not one to speculate, but "CIE" may be about Compton rapper and Sailing Soul(s) collaborator H.O.P.E. Wright, who she publicly dated for a few years.

Although heartache may cause a few tears, thankfully, it can also create some great music. Thanks for sharing Ms. Aiko.


Download: Jhené Aiko - "Comfort Inn Ending"

Previously: [Music Video] Jhené Aiko - "Burning Man (3:16 PM)"

Pharrell - "Happy"

While knowing that the minions are back for Despicable Me 2 is enough of a reason to let your inner child free this summer, the fact that Pharrell will be contributing his sounds once again to the hit film series has me more excited than I probably should be.

"Happy" one of the three original songs Pharrell is contributing to the soundtrack, is a feel good record that speaks for itself. Hit play below and enjoy!


Despicable Me 2 will hit theaters on July 3rd, while the soundtrack is set to hit stores on June 18th.

[Rolling Stone]

Previously: Daft Punk - 'Random Access Memories' [Free Album Stream]

Rickie Jacobs - "Millionaire" (Prod. by YOG$) + #HeresYourAnswer (Reebok Classics Commercial)

Rickie Jacobs' relentless assault of freebies continues as the Baltimore emcee showcases the YOG$ produced "Millionaire." While I ride out to all of the leaks that Rickie's dropped since the release of Songs For High School Kids, "Millionaire" has to be my pick.



Also, give a congratulations to Rickie on Twitter who recently linked up with Reebok Classics to provide the vocal backdrop to the first installment of their HeresYourAnswer campaign. Watch the commercial after the jump!

Solange Knowles ft. Kendrick Lamar - "Looks Good With Trouble" (Remix)

While I think that every song from Solange's True EP deserves its own spotlight, I'm glad that "Looks Good With Trouble" has been gifted with a verse by Kendrick Lamar. Stream the duo's first collab below, and be sure to purchase the single HERE if you're vibin!



[FADER]

Previously:

• [Video] Solange Knowles Performs "Losing You" Live With Janelle Monae & Wondaland
• [Music Video] Kendrick Lamar - "Bxtch, Don't Kill My Vibe"

Sean Falyon - "Stay Up" (Prod. by M $tacks)

"So dedicated to crossing the finish line that I feel like I'm only seconds from..."

Sean Falyon links up once again with producer M $tacks as he gives us "Stay Up," an intimate listen  to his introspective journey to the top. December is on iTunes now!



Previously: Sean Falyon - "94 Escort" (Prod. by M. $tacks)

[New Mixtape] Hustle Gang - "G.D.O.D."

Hip Hop strayed away from crews for a while, but the past few years have proved that the art isn't completely centered around a dog eat dog mentality. With G.O.O.D. Music, YMCMB, TDE, MMG, A$AP and the many other teams out there, T.I. is here to prove that he might be stacked with the strongest group of them all.

With a roster boasting B.o.B, Trae Tha Truth, Young Dro, Def Jam's Iggy Azalea, London emcee Chip, G.O.O.D. Music hybrid Travi$ Scott, singer Kris Stephens, and more, Hustle Gang is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Stream and download their latest offering G.D.O.D. (Get Dough Or Die) below, and don't say I didn't list this one of the best tapes of the year once December rolls around!

Hourglass Picks: "Here I Go," "Problems", "Err-body," "Only In Atlanta" (True story)

Download: Hustle Gang - G.D.O.D. (LiveMixtapes)

Alt. Download (Datpiff)

Tamar Braxton - "The One"

Tamar Braxton's lead single "Love & War" is doing great on radio, but I'm glad that Epic is capitalizing on that momentum by releasing her next single "The One." More upbeat than it's predecessor, the familiar rhythm brom Mtume and Biggie is sure to make "The One" a feel good record for the summer.


Previously: [Music Video] Tamar Braxton - "Love & War"

MeLo-X - "Girls Love Rihanna"

It's true. "Girls Love Beyonce." But that doesn't mean we can't love Rihanna either.

Brooklyn jack of all trades MeLo-X reps for the Barbadian Roc princess as he turns transforms the Drake record into "Girls Love Rihanna," a work all his own. Enjoy below, and hit the jump to download MeLo's latest EP GOD: LoFi.

[FreEP] J. Cole - 'Truly Yours 2'

J. Cole put the internet on pause Monday when he dropped off the freebie "Cole Summer," and to keep the momentum leading up to the June 25th release of Born Sinner high, Cole presents the second installment of his Truly Yours EP series for his fans.

On TY2 J. Cole surprisingly hands off the production duties on a few songs-- Canei Finch ("Westside Right On Time," "The Jig Is Up (Dump'n)" and the highly accomplished Jake One each lent their talents. Stream the project below, which features Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz and Bas.

Download: J. Cole - Truly Yours

Rickie Jacobs - "Medusa's Soundtrack" (Prod. by YOG$)

Rickie Jacobs continues his reckless onslaught of new releases as he explores a darker, chopped up element of his sound on "Medusa's Soundtrack."


Download

Is a new album on the way? Hmm... d(^_^)b

Previously: Rickie Jacobs - "The Devil Wears Prada/God Wears Gucci"

[New Mixtape] Rockie Fresh - 'The Birthday Tape'

It seems like Electric Highway just dropped, but Rockie Fresh keeps the new music coming with The Birthday Tape, his second MMG release. Stream the project below, which features Rick Ross, Gunplay, and Lunice.

Hourglass Picks: "Life Round Here" & "Panera Bread"

Download: Rockie Fresh - 'The Birthday Tape'

Previously: Casey Veggies ft. Rockie Fresh - "Energy"

J. Cole - "Cole Summer"

A J. Cole freebie to kick off the week? Yes please.

Although his sophomore album isn't set to hit stores until June 25, Cole was generous enough to let loose the "Nothing Even Matters" sampled vent "Cole Summer" last night. Listen below as the Roc Nation golden child follows in the footsteps of the boss as he pens a letter to the upcoming season he's bound to dominate.

J. Cole - Cole Summer Lyrics

Previously: [Music Video] J. Cole ft. Miguel - "Power Trip"

[New Mixtape] STACE - 'Caesar'

STACE has impressed the G's so far with his singles "It's Getting Harder To Cheat" and "I'm Chillin," and now he's bound to gain even more fans with the release of his new mixtape, Caesar. The Mt. Vernon, NY bred emcee infuses jazz, R&B, and hip hop to create a formula all his own.

Stream and download Caesar below, and find out more about STACE by checking out his most recent feature on XXL's column, The Break.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Previously: STACE - It's Getting Harder To Cheat [Music Video]

Beyoncé & Andre 3000 - "Back To Black" (Amy Winehouse Cover)

A snippet of Beyoncé and Andre 3000's cover of the late Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black," surfaced about a week ago, and many people took offense to Bey and 3 Stacks touching the recent classic.

Stream the entire track in full below, which premiered on East Village Radio, and make your own decision. Do the "Party" collaborators do the the talented Amy Winehouse justice?



The Great Gatsby original soundtrack is set to hit stores on May 7. The film premieres in theaters on May 10.

Previously: [Snippet] Beyoncé & Andre 3000 - "Back To Black" (Amy Winehouse Cover)

Jarell Perry - "Worst Enemy"

As a thank you to all of the fans and blogs who supported Jarell Perry's incredible new project Simple Things, the singer presents the marching band drum-laced freebie "Worst Enemy." Enjoy the track below, and be on the lookout for some visuals from the breakthrough artist on the way very soon!



Previously: [Free LP] Jarell Perry - 'Simple Things'

Ab-Soul ft. Mac Miller - "The End Is Near"

Ab-Soul and Mac Miller seem to get each other musically, and thankfully for us they continue to release records together.  All eyes are on Soul since his crowning as one of XXL's 2013 Freshman, and on his latest track "The End Is Near" he spits more than a few bars you might have to rewind to fully grasp. The track, produced by Mac Miller under the Pittsburgh emcee's alias Larry Fisherman, is a simplistic yet dark beat that's perfect for Ab-Soul and Mac to focus strictly on the lyrics.



Hit the jump to peep Ab-Soul's individual freestyle for XXL. Definitely representing TDE well!

Rickie Jacobs - "The Devil Wears Prada/God Wears Gucci"

GUE's favorite Baltimore emcee Rickie Jacobs has been relentless lately, as he drops his second The Jake produced loosie of the week. Premiered by Sermon's Domain, the homie Sermon described the dual track perfectly:

"In Star Wars Episode II-III, Anakin Skywalker was at a constant battle with himself before ultimately turning to the dark side. If that could translate to rap, Rickie Jacobs’ “The Devil Wears Prada/God Wears Gucci” would be his episode II. This two sided record finds him struggling with his career (in a story fashion, not necessarily meant to take away as personal in his life) and his surrounding. The force is strong within this one."

Download

Songs For High School Kids is out now!

Previously: Rickie Jacobs - "GIRLS" (Prod. by The Jake)

Los ft. Diddy & Ludacris - "Disappointed"

Los finally flexed his Bad Boy privileges as he recruited boss Diddy and punchline king Ludacris on "Disappointed," the latest leak from Los' Becoming King mixtape. Look for the project to hit the net on April 25.


[HNHH]

Previously:

• Los & Lola Monroe - Bonnie & Clyde
• Trey Songz ft. Diddy & Meek Mill - Check Me Out
• [Video] Usher, Ludacris & Lil' Jon Perform At So So Def's Reunion Concert

Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu - "Q.U.E.E.N."

I know I don't speak for all the other people archandroids out there, but the fact that Janelle Monae is ready to present her next album/suite The Electric Lady, let alone release a collaboration with Erykah Badu, has made my year.

Stream "Q.U.E.E.N." below, and I'll keep you posted on Twitter when the single hits iTunes for download. NEW JANELLE!!

Q.U.E.E.N. was inspired by private discussions between Erykah and me. It is meant to make you JAM. DANCE. FUNK OUT. and dialogue later...
— Janelle Monae (@JanelleMonae) April 22, 2013

Previously:

• [Video] Janelle Monae Covers Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" With The Roots On Jimmy Fallon
• Bonobo ft. Erykah Badu - "Heaven For The Sinner"

Rickie Jacobs - "GIRLS" (Prod. by The Jake)

Fresh off of his project Songs For High School Kids, Rickie Jacobs presents his latest single "GIRLS" featuring the soulful sounds of producer The Jake.



Previously: [New Mixtape] Rickie Jacobs - "Songs For High School Kids"