Stacy Barthe - Keep It Like It Is

Since you can't rush greatness, Stacy Barthe's In The InBetween has missed it's Feb. 6 release date. Hopefully the EP will be out in a few hours, but for now, check out another island influenced track from the Brooklyn bred singer-songwriter.  "Keep It Like It Is" is a completely honest song that finds Stacy telling the person she's currently dating that she doesn't want to take it any further.  Hey, sometimes it be's likes that.



Props to SingersRoom

Previously: Stacy Barthe - No Strings Attached

Neako - LVLZEBRA [New Mixtape]

Neako must be part of #TeamNoSleep because he has been dropping mixtapes, freestyles, and visuals nonstop for the past few months.  The Taylor Gang emcee keeps it going on his newest project LVLZEBRA, which features a limited number of guests including Skeme.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Props to DatPiff

Previously: Neako - Atlantis [Music Video]

French Montana - Shot Caller (NY Giants Remix)

Winning the Super Bowl has a lot of perks.  Free gear, championship rings, bragging rights, late night show appearances, and the best--theme music.  French Montana's "Shot Caller" is a NY party anthem so it's only right that he did a remix exclusively for the Super Bowl XLVI champs.

French Montana - Shot Caller (NY Giants Remix) [CDQ, No Tags]

Download: French Montana - Shot Caller (NY Giants Remix)

Props to XZ

Previously: French Montana ft. Diddy, Black Rob & Rick Ross - Shot Caller (DJ Hourglass Remix)

Calez - Kid With Raps [Free Album]

Calez is making his dreams a reality one track at a time, and this Chicago emcee isn't anyone to be taken lightly.  Check out the 2008ighties spitter's new album Kid With Raps below, which is presented exclusively by 2dopeboyz & Ruby Hornet.  DO. NOT. SLEEP. Vibing to this as I type.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Download: Calez - Kid With Raps (Hulkshare)

Props to MacMedia

Monica & Brandy - It All Belongs To Me

R&B lovers rejoice because Monica and Brandy were in the studio creating a follow-up to their 1998 classic, "The Boy Is Mine." This time, instead of working against each other, they're coming together on the Rico Love penned "It All Belongs To Me" that is sure to appear on both Brandy and Monica's upcoming albums.  Listen below, and hit up the comments with your thoughts on their new single!



Props to SoulCulture

Previously:

• Brandy & Sean Garrett Talk Upcoming Project [VIDEO]
• Monica - Until It's Gone [Music Video]

Paul Wall, Killer Mike, Slim Thug & More - Sh*t Rappers Say [VIDEO]

I swore I was done watching these. But.....

Check out Julia Beverly's "Shit Rappers Say," which features Paul Wall, Killer Mike, Slim Thug, Marcus Manchild, Mr. Mecc and Kim Osorio clowning for the camera.  "This is Uranium!!"



Props to Ozone Mag

GLC - Reach For The Top [Music Video]

GLC is preaching the ISM in his new music video for "Reach For The Top." Watch the Chicago emcee give you a look into the Eternal Sunshine of the Pimpin Mind below, and check out his latest tape if you haven't already!



Previously: Tony Williams ft. GLC - Not The One

Props to RM

Nipsey Hussle - Identity (Freestyle)

Nipsey Hussle is pacing himself well on his Marathon to reach the world with his music.  Before he drops off his collaborative project with Blanco and any other solo tracks, he released his "Identity" freestyle.  Listen below as Nipsey confronts his issue with commitment over the DJ Khaled-laced "I'm On One," and hit up the comments with your thoughts!

Nipsey Hussle - Identity (Freestyle)

Download: Nipsey Hussle - Identity (Freestyle)

Props to OS

Previously: Nipsey Hussle - Forever On Some Fly Shit [Music Video]

J. Cole Makes A Beat For 360 [Studio Session]

Now that J. Cole's debut album is working its magic on the charts and radio, the Dreamvillain has more time to devote to his love for producing.  He recently linked up with New York emcee 360 and made a beat from scratch using his Macbook and a keyboard.  Watch behind the scenes footage of their studio session below, and hit up the comments with your predictions on how the finished product will sound!



Props to The Overfeed

Previously: J. Cole Performs "Dollar And A Dream III" & "Cole World" At the NFLPA Pre-Super Bowl Party [VIDEO]

Sir Michael Rocks - Imagine + Out The Jam

I guess Sir Michael Rocks was feeling generous today because he dropped off a double dose of new music.  Check out the Cardo-produced track "Imagine" below, and hit the jump to hear Mikey Rocks and his partner in rhyme, Chuck Inglish, take on a Monsta Beatz track on "Out The Jam!"

Sir Michael Rocks - Imagine [Prod. by Cardo]

Download: Sir Michael Rocks - Imagine

Smoke DZA - Marley's Garden [Prod. by MeLo-X]

“On a cool evening I got up wit my guy Melo-x in bk on bob marley blvd to create. I initially wanted to keep this record for one of the two projects I'm working but being that today is the birthday of one of the most influential artist ever I figured fuck it. Rolled up a raw and picked my greens out of marleys garden happy bday Og #Guidance - DZA”

Happy Birthday Bob Marley!!



Props to SoulCulture

Previously:

• Smoke DZA - Money Down ft. P-IC [Music Video]
• MeLo-X - Video Games (Lana Del Rey Remix)

Rick Ross May Sign Emilio Rojas & Dom Kennedy to MMG [VIDEO]

Rick Ross has got his eye on a few of today's most talent free agents, and I'm the first to admit that I have been impressed with the Bawse's Maybach Music signings thus far.  Pretty soon, West Coast spitter Dom Kennedy and New York emcee Emilio Rojas might be calling MMG home.  Let's see what Ross has to say about the rumors!



No huge announcement yet, but I guess time will tell. If MMG doesn't scoop them up, they'll be just fine.

Props to 2dopeboyz

Previously:

• French Montana ft. Rick Ross, Diddy & Black Rob - Shot Caller (DJ Hourglass Whoa Remix)
• Emilio Rojas - One Last Time ft. Emanny [Music Video]
• Strong Arm Steady x Statik Selektah - Smoke On ft. Dom Kennedy & Baby D

Fatal Lucciauno x Jake One - The Message [FreEP]

Fatal Lucciauno promised to drop off his collaborative EP with Jake One as a prelude to his upcoming album, Respect, and he definitely delivered! Check out The Message EP below, a collection of songs that the Seattle-based emcee poured his soul into, and get ready for Respect, which drops 2.21.12!

Previously: Fatal Lucciauno - Big Bro [Prod. by Kuddie Fresh]

Wiz Khalifa - Cosmic Kev Freestyle

Wiz Khalifa hit up Cosmic Kev's The Come Up show back in December to promote his and Snoop's Mac And Devin Go To High School film and album.  The audio from his freestyle just surfaced, so enjoy!

Wiz Khalifa - Cosmic Kev Freestyle

Download: Wiz Khalifa - Cosmic Kev Freestyle

Props to HHNM

Previously: Wiz Khalifa Explains How To Maintain Success [VIDEO]

Kevin Cossom - Excuses [Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Kevin Cossom has been working on some new stuff for a while, and we're finally getting a preview of what the Florida native's been cooking up for his upcoming pre-album EP Hook Vs. Bridge II. Watch the video teaser to "Excuses," below, and listen to By Any Means to hear more from KC!



Props to Cossom's Twitter

Previously: Kevin Cossom - Love Thru The Speaker

Exile - Oh Word (Keep On Rising) ft. Fashawn

Exile and Fashawn are at it again! The producer/emcee is set to drop his new project Klepto next week, named after the 4TRKMIND standout, and he's giving us a preview of what to expect with "Oh Word." Listen below as Ex and Fashawn go back and forth and get silly, and hit up the comments with your thoughts on the track!

Exile - Oh Word (Keep On Rising) ft. Fashawn

Download: Exile - Oh Word (Keep On Rising) ft. Fashawn

Props to OS

Previously:

• Exile Kills It On The MPC At The A3C Hip Hop Festival [VIDEO]
• Fashawn - Generation F [Music Video]

Flo Rida Peforms "Good Feeling" With The Roots On Jimmy Fallon [VIDEO]

In all my 22 years of living, I never would've thought that a collaboration between Flo Rida and The Roots would ever happen. Thanks to the great mood among the country about the Super Bowl, Flo Rida's hit "Good Feeling" was probably the most appropriate celebration song for Jimmy Fallon's post-championship late night show.

Watch below as the dance track rapper performs with the legendary Roots crew, and hit the comments with your thoughts on the unlikely collab!



Props to Rap-Up

Previously:

• Rihanna ft. Flo Rida - We Found Love (Remix)
• Nas & The Roots Perform "Nasty" On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [VIDEO]

Blu - Jesus [Music Video]

In typical Blu fashion, the Cali emcee dropped the video to the title track of his May 2011 release Jesus, seemingly out of nowhere.  Check out the aaronisnotcool-directed video below, and peep the disclaimer. No blasphemy here!



Props to Prefix Mag

Previously: Asher Roth - Insurance ft. Blu, ZZ Ward & Rockie Fresh

Curren$y - Here [FreEP]

While The Giants and The Patriots were battling it out, it seems that The Jets were making moves of their own.  Curren$y's Jets that is.  Check out his latest EP, Here, which is the first of I'm sure will be many projects from the New Orleans emcee.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Download: Curren$y - Here (EP)

Props to OS

Previously: Ski Beatz ft. Curren$y & C-Plus - Fly By [Music Video]

Pharoahe Monch - Still Standing ft. Jill Scott [Music Video]

Pharoahe Monch and Jill Scott are "Still Standing" in this new music video, despite all of the physical and situational obstacles that have been put in their way.  Check out the heart string tugging visuals below, which features cameos from Jean Grae and Mela Machinko!



W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) available on iTunes now!

Pharoahe Monch - Still Standing Lyrics

Props to Mac Media

DJ Drama - Ain't No Way Around It (Remix) ft. Future, Big Boi & Young Jeezy [Music Video]

DJ Drama's still cranking out hits from his Third Power album, and the remix to "Ain't No Way Around It" has become a street anthem in the south.  Watch below as Drama, Future, Big Boi, and Young Jeezy accept the things they cannot change!



Lots of cameos in this one. Who'd you see?

Props to HHDX

Previously:

• DJ Drama ft. Maino - Hand Of God
• Future ft. T.I. - Magic (Remix) [Music Video]
• Trae Tha Truth ft. Big Boi, MDMA, Lupe Fiasco, Wale & Wiz Khalifa - I'm On [Music Video]
• Young Jeezy ft. Fabolous & Jadakiss - OJ [Music Video]

Black Spade - Spand [Prod. by Knxwledge]

When I lived in STL, I was fortunate enough to see Black Spade live at the Arch one summer, and I've been vibing to his music ever since.  He's been a local staple for years, but now he's finally getting the national attention he deserves without compromising his message.

Listen closely to "Spand," Black Spade's collaboration with producer Knxwledge and hit up the comments with your thought on the politically and socially charged track.

Black Spade - Spand

Download: Black Spade - Spand

Black Spade – Spand Lyrics

Props to Urb

Sheek Louch - Lean Wit It (Freestyle)

D-Block cellmate Sheek Louch borrowed Meek's "Lean Wit It" to make the statement that he's sick of sitting back and watching perpetrators claim to be harder than they really are.  Check out his freestyle below, and hit up the comments with your thoughts on Sheek's declaration!

Sheek Louch - Lean Wit It (Freestyle)

Download: Sheek Louch - Lean Wit It (Freestyle)

Props to Stupid Dope

Previously: Sheek Louch - Back To Work

OK Go - Needing/Getting [Music Video]

This is pretty gangsta.

OK Go, who is known for their clever music videos like the calorie burning "Here It Goes Again," teamed up with Chevrolet and implemented product integration in the coolest possible way:

“OK Go set up over 1000 instruments over two miles of desert outside Los Angeles. A Chevy Sonic was outfitted with retractable pneumatic arms designed to play the instruments, and the band recorded this version of Needing/Getting, singing as they played the instrument array with the car. The video took 4 months of preparation and 4 days of shooting and recording. There are no ringers or stand-ins; Damian took stunt driving lessons. Each piano had the lowest octaves tuned to the same note so that they’d play the right note no matter where they were struck.”

Props to High Snobiety

Madonna, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Cee-Lo & LMFAO Shut Down The Super Bowl [VIDEO]

Ever since the infamous Janet Jackson nip slip, Super Bowl halftime shows have become exponentially more boring every year. When I heard Madonna was this year's performer, I wasn't expecting to be as entertained as I was last night.  With B-boys, LMFAO, a tightrope walker, Cee-Lo, Nicki Minaj, muscle men leading the way AND M.I.A. apparently flipping the bird, Madonna's performance proved to be one of the best I've seen in a very long time.

If you missed it or want to relive the performance, watch below! Hit the comments with your thoughts on the halftime show and the game. Congrats to the Giants!



Props to HHNM

Previously:

• Madonna ft. Nicki Minaj & Madonna - Give Me All Your Luvin' [Music Video]
• Nicki Minaj - Marilyn Monroe
• M.I.A. - Bad Girls [Music Video]
• Cee-Lo & Melanie Fiona Perform "Fool For You" At The Soul Train Awards [VIDEO]
• LMFAO Brings In The New Year [VIDEO]

M$ney ft. Omarion - Restraint [Music Video]

I was reluctant to post music from another artist with a dollar sign as part of their name, but once I realized M$ney is the same singer that was featured on Timbaland's Shock Value track "Fantasy," I had to give this a look.  That was my cut senior year of high school.

Watch below as M$ney and her Starworld boss Omarion try to get over their feelings for each other and practice "Restraint" to save their friendship. Let's see if that works!



Props to Rap-Up

Gucci Mane - Trap Back [New Mixtape]

Gucci Mane. New Mixtape. BRR!

Looks like there might be some dope production on here, and the features from Rocko, 2 Chainz, Jadakiss, and Yo Gotti don't hurt either. BRR!

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

John Legend Performs "Tonight (Best You Ever Had)" In The Cayman Islands [VIDEO]

John Legend took his show to the Cayman Islands this week and turned up the sex appeal to level 10 when he performed his latest single "Tonight (Best You Ever Had)." Watch below as he performs the Think Like A Man soundtrack standout below, and hit the jump to watch him cover Adele's "Rolling In The Deep."

J. Cole Performs "Dollar And A Dream III" & "Cole World" Live At The NFLPA Super Bowl Party [VIDEO]

After a nice introduction from 106 & Park's Rocsi, J. Cole took the stage during the NFLPA Players Super Bowl Weekend Party in Indianapolis and opened with the powerful "Dollar And A Dream III."  Watch below as he livens the place up with a performance of "Cole World" as well.  Sideline Story is in stores now!



Props to HHDX

Previously: Trae Tha Truth ft. J. Cole + More - I'm On 2.0

David Banner ft. Chris Brown & A$AP Rocky - Yao Ming (Remix)

David Banner is giving "Yao Ming" another go with the remix, which features verses from Chris Brown and A$AP Rocky.  I thought the original would take off, but I haven't heard it anywhere, but I'm guessing this version will do more damage. Banner's Sex, Drugs, & Video Games mixtape is coming soon!

David Banner ft. Chris Brown & A$AP Rocky - Yao Ming (Remix)

Download: David Banner ft. Chris Brown & A$AP Rocky - Yao Ming (Remix)

Props to DLTDJ

Previously:

• David Banner ft. 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne - Yao Ming
• Busta Rhymes ft. Chris Brown - Why Stop Now [Music Video]
• A$AP Rocky & Waka Flocka Perform "Pretty Flacko" Remix [VIDEO]

Nicki Minaj - Marilyn Monroe

I'm not sure if this new track from Nicki Minaj is going to land on Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, but at least I won't suffer inner ear damage after listening to this one. Check out the female Weezy's ballad, "Marilyn Monroe" below, and hit up the comments with your thoughts!

Nicki Minaj - Marilyn Monroe

Download: Nicki Minaj - Marilyn Monroe

Props to XZ

Previously: Madonna ft. Nicki Minaj & M.I.A. - Give Me All Your Luvin' [Music Video]

Ryshon Jones - Letter To Jhene Aiko

Ooooh. HOPE's not gonna like this....

Jhené Aiko's music seems to inspire everyone who hears it. For me, it's because she writes about things anyone can relate to and she crafts her vocal arrangement to perfectly convey her message. Ryshon seems to have a especially deeper connection with her music because she "reminds [him] of a girl [he] lost. Check out his "Letter To Jhene Aiko" below, and hit up the comments with your thoughts on the track!

Ryshon Jones - Letter To Jhene Aiko

Download: Ryshon Jones - Letter To Jhene Aiko

Props to Ryshon's Tumblr

Previously: Ryshon Jones - Heroin For Breakfast [Music Video]

2 Chainz Talks Raekwon, Atlanta Hip Hop & NYC Debut With The Breakfast Club [VIDEO]

2 Chainz's sold out show at SOBs was a big deal for Southern Hip Hop, but like most big events, there was a little drama.  Apparently a lot of commotion started about their being bad blood between 2 Chainz and Raekwon, after the Chef took the stage at the end of the show and said "pay homage to me son."  Watch below to hear what really happened at his NYC debut and to find out what to expect from his upcoming Def Jam solo album!



Props to HHDX

Previously: 2 Chainz - I Got One [Music Video]

A$AP Rocky & Waka Flocka Perform "Pretty Flacko" Remix Live In NYC [VIDEO]

When I first heard "Pretty Flacko," my brain associated it with Waka Flocka.  Looks like A$AP Rocky did too, and they linked up to record the remix to the banger.  Recently at an A$AP Mob show at NYC's Irvine Plaza, the "pretty mothaf**ka" brought out Fozzie Bear to perform the track to an amped up crowd. Watch below!



Props to GWHH

Previously:

• A$AP Rocky Meets Rakim For The First Time [VIDEO]
• N.O.R.E. ft. Waka Flocka, Game & Busta Rhymes - Lehhhgooo

The Roots - Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around [Music Video]

Soundtrack For A Revolution is an Academy Award-recognized film that includes performances by Mary Mary, John Legend, Angie Stone, Anthony Hamilton and more.  Check out The Roots's contribution to the film below, which combines footage of The Roots crew performing with Civil Rights protest video.


Preorder the soundtrack now on iTunes!
Props to XZ

Previously: Nas & The Roots Perform "Nasty" Live On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [VIDEO]

M.I.A. - Bad Girls [Music Video]

It's been quite a week for M.I.A., who came back in a major way with a brand new single, a feature and appearance on Madonna's new video, and now her own set of visuals. Tomorrow, she's even set to appear at the Super Bowl halftime show.

When I say this video is gangsta to the highest power, I mean it. The car stunts, the colors, the desert, the dancing. "Bad Girls" is officially my s**t now.



M.I.A. – Bad Girls Lyrics

Props to HHMN

Previously: Madonna ft. M.I.A. & Nicki Minaj - Give Me All Your Luvin' [Music Video]

Brandon Hines - Yes You Are ft. Jermaine Dupri

So So Def's Brandon Hines has a track perfect for all the lovers on Valentine's Day. Check out the singer's new track "Yes You Are" below, which features the boss JD, and reminds me of the R&B from the 90's (in a good way). Hit up the comments with your thoughts on the single!


"Yes You Are" will be available on iTunes this V-Day.

Props to Rap-Up

Scolla - Take What's Mine ft. Rapper Big Pooh & Big Sant [Prod. by Coop]

Apparently I have some catching up to do because Detroit emcee Scolla has been dropping heat like this every week as part of his #ScollasWebTour weekly series.  While I get the other three tracks ready, listen to "Take What's Mine" featuring Rapper Big Pooh (NC Stand Up!) and Mississippi's Big Sant and hit up the comments with your thoughts!

Scolla - Take What's Mine ft. Rapper Big Pooh & Big Sant [Prod. by Coop]

Download: Scolla - Take What's Mine ft. Rapper Big Pooh & Big Sant [Prod. by Coop]

Props to UHTN

Torch - Slowdown ft. Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley, Gunplay & Young Breed (CDQ, No Tags)

It's a Maybach Music Group affair on this new track from Bronx emcee Torch. He brings that old school cypher sound back on the new banger "Slowdown," which features his brothers Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley, Gunplay & Young Breed.  Definitely adding this one into my next mix!

Updated: 2/4, 12:23 PM - The CDQ Version is finally here!

Torch - Slowdown ft. Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley, Gunplay & Young Breed (CDQ, No Tags)

Download: Torch - Slowdown ft. Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley, Gunplay & Young Breed

Props to UHTN

Previously:

• Masspike Miles ft. Torch - Shattered Picture
• Meek Mill - Stay Schemin' Freestyle + Interview On Hot 97 [VIDEO]
• Wale ft. Rick Ross & Fabolous - Albert Pujols
• Stalley - Cash & My Cutty

2 Chainz - I Got One [Music Video]

2 Chainz is giving us a class at The Real University on his music video to T.R.U. REALigion track "I Got One." This is one of the most quoted tracks from the mixtape, so it was only a matter of time.  Watch the visuals below, and peep cameos from Yo Gotti, CyHi The Prynce and more!



Meanwhile, why do I know the entire first verse? Probably because of this: 2 Chainz - I Got One Lyrics

Props to the homie D.SCOTT

Previously: 2 Chainz Freestyles, Announces Record Deal & Shouts Out DJ Hourglass On MTV Rap Fix Live! [VIDEO]

D.O.P.E. - How It Look [Music Video]

Hell. It's the weekend. Turn up.

Grand Hustle's newest group D.O.P.E. is bound to have a southern hit with this new track.  Watch below as Spodee, Rich Kid Shawty and Yung Booke show you how ATL really looks in their music video to the catchy "How It Look."



Their self-titled mixtape is due out soon.  Hit up the comments and let me know what you think of "How It Look!"

Props to TIP

Previously: T.I. - Harry Potter feat. D.O.P.E.

French Montana ft. Black Rob, Diddy & Rick Ross - Shot Caller x Whoa (A DJ Hourglass Remix)

So I've been learning to DJ for about 6 months now, and I finally made a mashup that I can post in confidence.  "Shot Caller" is easily one of the hottest songs out, and it's probably because it brings the old school Bad Boy feel back.  To really give it that "Take That, Take That" circa 1999 touch, check out what I did!



Feedback is appreciated!

DJ Hourglass

Miguel - Adorn [Music Video]

It must be my birthday!


Miguel's debut album has had such a long life that I wasn't even expecting for him to be out of the lab with a new project this soon.  Check out the up close and personal music video from the eclectic singer below, and get ready for Art Dealer Chic: Vol. 1, which drops Feb. 27!



Props to okayplayer

Previously: Miguel Performs "Girls Like You" At The Soul Train Awards [VIDEO]

Reek Da Villian - Can't Get Enough (Remix) [Music Video]

The Conglomerate emcee Reek Da Villian's verse on his "Can't Get Enough" remix was pretty nice, so I understand why he took the boss route and made a music video out of it. Check out the Daniel Czernilofsky-directed visuals below!



Props to WSHH

Previously: Reek Da Villian - Can't Get Enough (Remix)

Stalley - God's Child

Stalley dropped off another track from Songs By Me, Stalley where he addresses his ability to stay true to himself despite his major label deal with Maybach Music Group.  Check out "God's Child" below, and hit up the comments with your thought on the song!

Stalley - God's Child

Download: Stalley - God's Child

Props to DDO

Previously: Stalley - Blue Sky (Freestyle)