Jimmy Kimmel's Spoof Commercial For Kanye West's DONDA [VIDEO]

Although Kanye West doesn't tweet consistenly, he's never one to disappoint whenever he logs on. Just take a look for yourself. After going on a huge rant about America's education system, he mentioned that he's starting a think-tank, creative firm named after his late mother Donda and started tweeting all over the place.

While Kanye did make a few valid points in his rant, who couldn't help but poke fun at it?  Jimmy Kimmel surely capitalized and created a spoof promotional video for the company using the rapper's actual tweets. HILARIOUS.



Props to Nah Right

Previously: Kanye West Debuts His DJ Alter Ego, Yeezy World Peace [VIDEO]

Jakk Frost - Dirty Uggs

It's about time someone addressed this epidemic! In college it seemed like wearing Uggs until they screamed for mercy was a rite of passage.  Philly rapper Jakk Frost has finally given the shoes a voice on his hilarious track aptly titled "Dirty Uggs." Download below!



DOWNLOAD: Jakk Frost - Dirty Uggs

Props to 2dopeboyz

Future - Astronaut Status [Mixtape Trailer]

Future's got plans of taking us to Pluto with his upcoming mixtape Astronaut Status.  For now, get a chance to see the company he keeps in this mixtape trailer that dramatically reveals how Future keeps himself on top of ATL's new wave of rappers.



Props to TTM

Previously: Future Takes Over BET's 106 & Party [VIDEO]

Masspike Miles - Infatuated [Music Video]

Before Masspike Miles's upcoming project Say Hello To Forever hits iTunes on January 10th, he's got some eye candy to show us in his music video to standout track "Infatuated." Looks like MMG has some heat in the R&B category!

NSFW ALERT



Oh wow.

Props to XZ

Previously: Masspike Miles - Love Come Down

Skillz & Maino Bless RapFix Live With The 1st Freestyle of 2012 [VIDEO]

The first episode of RapFix Live in 2012 was entertaining to say the least as Maino took over as the self-proclaimed host and acclaimed emcee-ghostwriter Skillz spoke on ruffling feathers with his yearly rap-ups.  At the end of the episode, they put all jokes aside and spit a few bars to close the show out properly.  Watch Skillz kill it below, and hit the jump to watch the entire hour long episode!

Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio, Vol. 15: It's A New Year Baby!

It's been a while but Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio is back right in time for the new year! To celebrate 2012 AND the 6 Month Anniversary of the site, I decided to put straight party tracks on this mix.  If you're looking for more indie tracks, check out the other editions!

Thank you all for all of your support since I launched the site.  This has been a huge learning experience and I'm still not close to bringing Gangstas Use Emoticons to its peak.  I appreciate all you gangstas for riding with me through all the music, mixes, videos (and typos), and I'd love to hear any feedback that you have!

Enjoy! Tracks from Nas, Ludacris, Wale, 50 Cent, Jay-Z & Kanye West, Young Jeezy, B.o.B, Andre 3000, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, and more!!


Previously: Gangstas Use Emoticons, Radio. Vol. 14 

Lupe Fiasco - American Terrorist III [Music Video]

I don't know about you all, but Lupe Fiasco's "American Terrorist III" and his Friend of The People mixtape has been getting tons of my play from my iTunes. Talk about pimpin'.

Check out this dope fan made video from ArseneIncubus3 that I'm sure Lupe and all my anime fan gangstas will appreciate.  I'm not even gonna perp like I know what anime show these clips are taken from.



Props to RM

Previously: Lupe Fiasco, Tyler The Creator & Pharrell In The Studio

Rick Ross - Stay Schemin' feat. Drake & French Montana [Music Video]

Soooo Rick Ross dropped a mixtape trailer, mixtape, and music video in one day and I'm still not tired of him.  Check out the music video for Rich Forever outro track "Stay Schemin" below, which features his Y.O.L.O. partner Drake and Coke Boy/Bad Boy French Montana.



Props to World Star

Previously:

• Rick Ross - Rich Forever [New Mixtape]
• Drake Performing "Look What You've Done" Live In Vegas [VIDEO]
• French Montana - Toca Tuesday's Best Freestyles of 2011

Rick Ross - Rich Forever [New Mixtape]

When Rick Ross revealed the track listing to this mixtape, he surprised everyone.  Most people, myself included, thought the mixtape would just be Rick Ross rhyming over hit songs like the remixes he'd been releasing for the past few weeks.  WRONG.

The line up on Rich Forever is RIDICULOUS. All brand new tracks featuring everyone from John Legend and Nas to French Montana and Styles P. The wait is finally over, so look below to stream/download Rozay's prelude to God Forgives, I Don't!

Download Mixtape Free | LiveMixtapes.com Mixtape Player

DOWNLOAD: Rick Ross - Rich Forever [Mixtape] (Hulkshare)

Rick Ross - Rich Forever [Mixtape Trailer]

Rick Ross is milking this Rich Forever mixtape release for all it's worth today, and I can't hate on him for that.  Check out the making of Rich Forever below, which displays his luxurious "bowl of lobster bisque" lifestyle and features appearances from Shaheem Reid, Meek Mill, Drake, Stalley and more!



Props to XXL

Previously: Rick Ross - Bag Of Money feat. Wale & Meek Mill

Chase N. Ca$he - IFWT Freestyle

Cha$e N. Ca$he gives us two songs in one on his IFWT freestyle.  No wonder Funkmaster Flex named him one of 20 to watch in 2012.  After producing on Take Care and hitting the road with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and The A$AP Mob, I definitely agree.


Chase N. Ca$he - IFWT Freestyle [Mobile Friendly Stream/Download]

Download

Props to IFWT

Previously: Chase N. Ca$he - Trill Living 2.0 [Music Video]

DJ Tedsmooth x Grafh - Next Episode

DJ Tedsmooth gets another crazy emcee to kill a Dr. Dre production for his upcoming ReTox release.  Check out Grafh taking on Dre's "Next Episode" below, and let me know what you think of his cover by hitting me up on Facebook or Twitter!

DJ Tedsmooth x Grafh - Next Episode

Download

Previously:

• Grafh - Sinning Again [Music Video]
• DJ Tedsmooth x Scram Jones - Str8 Outta Compton

Audra The Rapper - IFWT Freestyle

I'm glad Flex included Audra The Rapper among the 20 to Wach For In 2012, because people are really sleeping on this chick's ability.  Love to see women like myself kill it, so make sure you check this IFWT freestyle out and get familiar!

Audra The Rapper - IFWT Freestyle

Download

Props to IFWT

Previously: Audra The Rapper - Bitches In Paris (Freestyle)

Maffew Ragazino - IFWT Freestyle

Along with Jon Connor , Skeme and Troy Ave, Maffew Ragazino is among In Flex We Trust's 20 To Watch in 2012.  If you don't want to take Flex's word for it, check out this freestyle that he dropped in response to the recognition!

Maffew Ragazino - IFWT Freestyle [Mobile Friendly Stream/Download]

Download

Props to Nah Right

Previously: Maffew Ragazino - Blaxploitation [Music Video]

Gilbere Forte - Say So (Peso Freestyle)

Gilbere Forte is putting all the phony rappers on blast on his latest freestyle, "Say So." He rides over A$AP Ty Beats' production like it was his own on this one, so I'm gonna say that this one's my favorite so far.

Gilbere Forte - Say So (Freestyle) [Mobile Friendly Stream/Download]

Download

Props to YHTN

Previously: Gilbere Forte - Sweet (Freestyle)

STS - Something About You [Music Video]

Like Lupe Fiasco, Sugar Tongue Slim was inspired by Kavinsky's "Nightcall."  The track flows perfectly with STS's Gold Rush movement, and the ATL representer rhymes "Something About You" to of Danny Galardo's direction.  Get familiar or get left behind! #GoldRush



Props to AO!

Previously: STS - Let's Capture This Moment feat. Dosage [Music Video]

Tony Williams - Blazin' High feat. Wale, Emilio Rojas & Macklemore

Def Jam is definitely home of the most creative vocalists right now, and Tony Williams is proof of that on his new single "Blazin' High." On this Oddz.N.Endz. production, Tony links up with "best friends" Wale, Emilio Rojas, & Macklemore for a track that's sure to blow your mind. His new project Some Of My Best Friends Are Rappers drops next Friday, 1/13!

Tony Williams - Blazin' High feat. Wale, Emilio Rojas & Macklemore

Download

Props to Nah Right

Schoolboy Q - Habits & Contradictions [PSA]

If I haven't hyped up Habits & Contradictions enough for you, check out Schoolboy Q's personal appeal below where he explains what type of impact the album should have on Hip Hop.  From the leaks we've already heard and from his track record, Ab Soul may have been right when he said HnC is better than Section.80.



JANUARY 14TH!!

Props to Q

Previously: Schoolboy Q - Blessed feat. Kendrick Lamar

Chiddy Bang - Ray Charles [Music Video]

Chiddy and Xaphoon Jones are prepping us for their upcoming debut album Breakfast with the silly music video to "Ray Charles."  Watch below as Chiddy Bang travels through the decades and takes it back to the "Georgia On My Mind," Fresh Prince, and Blues Brothers days.



Props to Rap-Up

Previously: Chiddy Bang - Ray Charles

Next Up: Honors English

If it weren't for MTV Rap Fix, who knows how long it would've been before I caught wind of Honors English? His video for "Cymbals On The Sidewalk" had veteran rapper Skillz at a lack of words when asked to give the Florida based emcee some constructive criticism.

Honors English isn't just a reflection of the care he puts into his craft; he's actually a college history professor! With the unconstrained ability to paint a three-dimensional picture with his wordplay and backing from Grammy winning producer Needlz, it's certain that the sky's the limit for Honors English.

Check out the Josh Milowe directed visuals to "Cymbals On The Sidewalk," the lead single from Honors English's upcoming album State Of The Art, below, and hit the jump to get more familiar!

Asher Roth - Common Knowledge [Behind The Scenes Video]

From 5 am when Asher Roth checked in to his "Common Knowledge" video shoot, KarmaLoop was there to get a feel for what the Def Jam artist has to go through to make a video as dope as this one turned out.  Check out the behind the scenes footage below, and download Pabst & Jazz if you haven't already.  It's INCREDIBLE.



Props to HHMN

Previously: Asher Roth - Common Knowledge [Music Video]

Chase N. Ca$he - Trill Living 2.0 [Music Video]

Another music video! Cha$e N. Ca$he makes sure you remember that The Heir Up There is coming soon by dropping the visuals to my favorite CNC track "Trill Living 2.0."  Check out the New Orleans spitter/producer below, and make sure you let me know what you think about the track on Facebook or Twitter!



Props to HNHH

Previously: Chase N. Ca$he - Bamboo

DMX Attacked During Performance [VIDEO]

During his live show at Long Beach's Cafe Sevilla, a fan jumped onstage and attempted to attack DMX .  Thankfully, security caught him in a choke hold almost instantly and allowed for the show to go on.  Watch the full incident below, and help me out here.  Did the assailant (over-dramatic word) have a weapon in his hand when he went after DMX's neck?



DMX's gangsta reaction:¯\_(ツ)_/¯ *Kanye Shrug*

Props to TMZ

Previously: DMX & The Ruff Ryders - World's Greatest

Common - Raw (How You Like It) [Music Video]

"Raw (How You Like It)" marks the fourth The Dreamer / The Believer music video from Common, and he's tapping his inner gangsta and inner sex symbol to scam his poker opponents and get the girl at the end.



Definitely including this in the next Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio.

Props to XXL

Previously: Common Confirms Drake Diss On The Breakfast Club [VIDEO]

Grafh - Sinning Again [Music Video]

Grafh's 2010 mixtape From The Bottom has so many standout tracks that he's still cranking out visuals from it.  Check out the music video "Sinning Again" where the emcee nears his wit's end with life.  Watch below to see how Grafh copes with the pain, and hit G.U.E. up later today to hear his contribution to DJ Tedsmooth's ReTox!



#LatePass download of From The Bottom after the jump!

Dawn Richard - SMFU (Save Me From U) [Music Video]

Dawn Richard's solo debut album GoldenHeart is getting closer and closer to being released, and I'm so excited.  After her Making The Band, Danity Kane, and Dirty Money days, I feel like her solo success is destined.  In the music video to "SMFU (Save Me From U)," Dawn is pouring her heart out on this song, and the visuals definitely reflect that.  She's killing the dance moves as usual, too.



Props to SoulCulture

Previously: Dawn Richard - December Sky

Rick Ross - Bag Of Money feat. Wale & Meek Mill

Look who's missing on that list...

Rick Ross has been dropping bombs today! First he released the official tracklisting that looked better than the track list for a typical album, and now he has a brand new song featuring Wale and Meek Mill that will appear on the upcoming compilation mixtape MMG Uncut.  Just because Maybachs have been discontinued, doesn't mean that MMG's going anywhere!

Rick Ross - Bag Of Money feat. Wale & Meek Mill

Download: Rick Ross - Bag Of Money ft. Wale & Meek Mill
Rick Ross - Bag Of Money ft. Wale & Meek Mill Lyrics

Rich Forever drops 3:05 PM tomorrow!

Props to Rap Radar

Previously:

• Rick Ross - Rich Forever [Official Tracklisting]
• Wale On BET's 106 & Park [VIDEO]
• Meek Mill & John Wall Support Kicks For Kids [VIDEO]

Tony Touch - Toca Tuesdays: The Best Freestyles of 2011 [Mixtape]

DJ Tony Touch's radio show is known for broadcasting some of the craziest freestyles in Hip Hop, and this new mixtape compiling some of the best from:

“Uncle Murda, Capadonna, Torae, Casey Veggies, French Montana and The Coke Boyz, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Black Thought, Big Sean, Yelawolf, Evidence, Apathy, Smoke DZA, STS, Open, D12, Rapsody, Skyzoo, Boaz, Danny Brown, Tech N9ne, Machine Gun Kelly, Square Off, Vado, Phil Ade, Sean Price, Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Killer Mike, Action Bronson, Reks, and Young Chris”

Wow!


Download: Tony Touch - Toca Tuesdays: The Best Freestyles of 2011 [Mixtape]

Props to Stupid Dope

Previously: Black Hippy Freestyles On Toca Tuesdays [VIDEO]

DJ Tedsmooth x Scram Jones - St8 Outta Compton

Scram Jones assists DJ Tedsmooth with his ReTox remix project by giving his take on N.W.A.'s classic "Straight Outta Compton." Listen closely!


DJ Ted Smooth x Scram Jones - Str8 Outta Compton [Mobile Friendly Stream/Download]

Download

Props to Nah Right

Previously:

• DJ Ted Smooth x Joell Ortiz - I Tote Guns
• Scram Jones - Wildside

Trey Songz x Big Sean - Anticipation 2our [Tour Dates]

This week, Trey Songz announced that he'll be headlining the Anticipation 2our with G.O.O.D. Music star Big Sean.  Now, preliminary dates in February have been announced starting in Cleveland and concluding in Oakland, CA.  Presale for the shows ends tonight (1.5.11) at 10 PM EST, so check out if Mr. Yuuup! will be stopping through your area!

2/9/12 - Cleveland, OH - The State Theatre
2/10/12 - Louisville, KY - Palace Theatre
2/11/12 - Chicago, IL - Auditorium Theatre
2/12/12 - St. Louis, MO - The Fox Theatre
2/17/12 - Los Angeles, CA - Nokia Theatre
2/18/12 - Las Vegas, NV - Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino
2/19/12 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre

To stay up to date with the Anticipation 2our shows, visit Trey's official site.

Props to Rap-Up

Previously:

• Bei Maejor feat. Trey Songz, Wale & J. Cole - Trouble
• Big Sean - HardKnock TV (Freestyle)

Jesse Boykins III - Zoner (Demo) [Music Video]

Chicago Born singer Jesse Boykins III split his life in Jamaica, Miami, and New York, and this diversity definitely shines through in his music.  Check out the body-painted visuals to his Way Of A Wayfarer demo "Zoner" below and get familiar with Jesse's Love Apparatus after the jump by downloading his latest EP!

Copywrite - Swaggot Killaz feat. Jakki Da Mota Mouth [Prod. by !llmind]

MegaHertz crew emcee Copywrite is the self proclaimed "best rapper to say best rapper," and after checking out "Swaggot Killaz," he may have a point.  Despite many highly publicized beefs, and tons of acclaim on some of Hip Hop's largest publications, the Columbus, Ohio rapper is still as underground as ever.  All I know is, don't sleep on God Save The King when it drops this February.

Copywrite - Swaggot Killaz feat. Jakki Da Mota Mouth [Mobile Friendly Stream/Download]

Download

Hit me up on Facebook or Twitter, and let me know what you think of "Swaggot Killaz!"

Phil Adé feat. Raheem Devaughn - High On Life [Behind The Scenes Video]

Looks like Phil Adé and Raheem Devaughn are gearing up to release visuals to the 9th Wonder produced track "High On Life."  Check out the behind the scenes trailer for the video below, and get ready for the video to drop on Monday! I'll be on it this time!



Previously:

• Phil Adé - #PhilAdeFriday2 [New Mixtape]
• Raheem DeVaughn - Lotus Flower Bomb (Remix)

Props to the 368 Hustler himself

J. Cole Explains Idea & Inspiration That Led To "Lost Ones," "Rise & Shine," "Work Out" & More [VIDEO]

J. Cole is giving us a look inside his mind during his Muve Music Sessions interviews.  "Lost Ones" is such a powerful and meaningful track, and it's great to hear all of the elements that allowed the song to come together.  Along with "Lost Ones," J. Cole explains the organic composition of "Work Out," "Rise & Shine," and "God's Gift." Watch the full episode below, and hit the jump to watch the first episode where he explains the story behind "Can't Get Enough" and "In The Morning!"

Big Sean - HardKnock TV Freestyle [VIDEO]

Big Sean got his start freestyling for Detroit radio, and it got him his deal with Kanye West.  Not to mention his slaughter in BET's 2010 Hip Hop Cypher.  Check out the boiii dropping some clever bars to an exclusive beat from The aUtOMatiKs on HardKnock TV.



Props to TTM

Previously: Yo Gotti feat. Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa & Big K.R.I.T. - Go Girl

J.A.E - Deeznutz [Prod. by MG]

Best cover artwork of 2012 so far.

I've been telling people for years that pimpin' makes the world go round.  Just ask J.A.E!

Lesson #1 of my upcoming Pimping For Dummies book: Pimpin' Ain't Easy.

Homework: Listen to this new track "Deeznuts" by J.A.E and write a 2 page report on what you've learned (BTW, you fail if you didn't have one of your hoes do it for you).


Alt. Download (Hulkshare)

Previously: J.A.E - Just My Time (Chopped & Screwed) [New Mixtape]

Big K.R.I.T. Decodes The Meaning Behind "Time Machine" [VIDEO]

Big K.R.I.T.'s Return of 4Eva, one of 2011's best albums, contains a lot of clever metaphors for his ride, but none proved better than "Time Machine."  In a sit down with Life + Times, he decoded the track, which goes WAAAY deeper than cars, and explained his true inspiration for the song.



Props to AO!

Previously: Yo Gotti Big K.R.I.T., Wiz Khalifa & Big Sean - Go Girl

Rick Ross - Rich Forever [Official Artwork + Tracklisting]

UPDATE: Looks like the third time's the charm for Rick Ross's Rich Forever artwork. Along with the official artwork, we now have the release date for the mixtape.  This Friday, Jan. 6 folks! Be gangsta and come right back here on Friday for the download!

UPDATE #2: Take a look at the tracklisting, which the Teflon Don released moments ago on Rap Radar:

Neako - 1-333-777-2323 [Music Video]

Neako turns his dramatic storytelling track "1-333-777-2323" into a mini-motion picture in this new video by John Greene.  Watch below, as Neako treats his love interest to his new, glamorous lifestyle.  His new mixtape T.A.T.T. (These Are The Times) is coming soon! For now, download "1-333-777-2323" after the jump!

Los - Lord Knows (Freestyle)

If I can rely on anyone to kill a freestyle, Los would definitely be my guy. With nonstop bars for almost 5 minutes, I forgot the Just Blaze track belonged to Drake! The Crown Ain't Safe is out now. Don't sleep!

Los - Lord Knows (Freestyle) [Mobile Friendly Stream/Download]

Download

Props to YHTN

Previously: Los - The Crown Ain't Safe [New Mixtape]

Ryshon Jones - Vitamin Bree [Prod. by Talent Ted]

Ryshon Jones loves to tell stories over The Weeknd-sampled tracks, and his newest track "Vitamin Bree" is no exception.  Listen below to hear the story of Bree, an irresistible woman troubled by traumatic events in her past, over a Talent Ted production that samples Drake & The Weeknd's "Crew Love."

Ryshon Jones - Vitamin Bree [Mobile Friendly Stream/Download]

Download

Highaches EP should be dropping this weekend or next weekend, so I'll keep you posted!

Props to YHTN

Previously: Ryshon Jones - Highaches

Phonte - Dance In The Reign [Music Video]

Phonte says it best!  Check out the visuals to "Dance In The Reign," his first music video from the INCREDIBLE Charity Starts At Home album, below.  Watch below to catch a cameo from former Little Brother group member 9th Wonder, and make sure you check out Phonte & The Foreign Exchange on tour.  It's an experience you'll never forget. Trust me!

Props to Tigallo himself

Previously: The Roots feat. Phonte & Dice Raw - One Time

Slim - Deja Vu (Remix) feat. Rick Ross & Play-N-Skillz

112 lead singer Slim is taking another stab at a solo career with his new Rick Ross & Play-N-Skillz featured track "Deja Vu."  "So Fly" was the jam when it came back and had clubs rocking everywhere.   This song...I'm not so sure.  Check it out for yourself, and make sure you hit me with your opinions in the comments below!

Slim - Deja Vu (Remix) feat. Rick Ross & Play-N-Skillz [Mobile Friendly Stream/Download]

Download

Slim's new album Cruise Control is coming soon!

Props to VHH

Previously:

• Rick Ross - Rich Forever [Official Artwork + Release Date]
• Play-N-Skillz - Red October [New Mixtape]

Meek Mill, John Wall & More Support Kicks For Kids [VIDEO]

Meek Mill & John Wall luh the kids! This holiday season the two superstars were seen giving back at Reebok's Kicks For Kids event in Maryland's The Sneaker Suite.  Watch below to see clips of their autograph signing, as well as shots from Meek Mill, Uptown X.O., Black Alley, Kingpen Slim, Godsilla, and Pro'verb's performances!



Props to Cool Kids Forever Films

Previously: Meek Mill - Lean Wit It [Prod. by Cardiak]

LoveRance - Up (Remix Pt. 2) feat. 50 Cent, T.I. & Young Jeezy (CDQ)

It seems like Love Rance's "Up" is only getting bigger as both T.I. & Young Jeezy have both added verses to the remix that originally consisted of 50 Cent, Bow Wow & Chris Brown.  CDQ coming soon added!

Love Rance - Up! (Remix Pt. 2) feat. 50 Cent, Young Jeezy & T.I. (Clean)

Download

Which remix do you prefer? Let me know by hitting me up on Facebook or Twitter!

Props to Rap-Up

Previously: Love Rance - Up! (Remix) feat. 50 Cent, Chris Brown & Bow Wow

Meek Mill - Lean Wit It (CDQ, No DJ) [Prod. by Cardiak]

Meek Mill proves to be another emcee that has no plans to slow down this year.  Straight off of the success of his latest mixtape, he plans to drop the sequel, DreamChasers 2, very soon.  Check out "Lean Wit It," the first offering from the MMG powerhouse's upcoming tape below, and make sure hit me up with your opinions!

Meek Mill - Lean Wit It [Prod. by Cardiak] (CDQ, No Tags) (Mobile Friendly Stream/Download)

Download

Props to HNHH

Previously: Meek Mill On BET's 106 & Party [VIDEO]

Lo Keys - Coast 2 Coast [Music Video]

Fayetnam emcee Lo Keys has been grinding with back to back visuals from his latest mixtape The Green Hornet.  Check out his latest music video where he takes you "Coast 2 Coast" with his rhymes.  If you haven't checked out Lo Keys The Green Hornet, what are you waiting for?



Previously: Lo Keys - Jammin [Music Video]