Maino - Criminal [Music Video]

Maino is looking back on his life on the reflective I Am Who I Am track "Criminal." Watch below as he relives the pain of his past and looks forward to his future in this Kraze directed music video. The Day After Tomorrow drops Feb. 28th!



Props to RM

Previously: Maino & PUSH! Montana - Last Of The Mohicans [Music Video]

Iggy Azalea Debuts New Tupac Inspired Track, "Picture Me Rolling" [VIDEO]

Last night Iggy Azalea performed at the Dim Mak Studio stage in Los Angeles and surprised the crowd by performing her brand new track "Picture Me Rolling," produced by Toronto's Boi-1da.  As you can see by the shirt and by the title, Tupac was definitely an inspiration for the song, which will most likely land on her debut album New Classic.



What'd you think? Hit up the comments and let me know!

Props to The Source

Previously: T.I. Set To Executive Produce Iggy Azalea's Debut Album [VIDEO]

Estelle - All Of Me [Official Tracklisting]

Estelle's sophomore LP All Of Me is officially set for release on February 28th. Now the official tracklisting has been revealed and she's taking on most of the project without features.  When she does enlist the help of guests, I'd say she made some great choices.  Which track are you most excited to hear? Hit up the comments and let me know!

01. The Life
02. International (Serious) ft. Chris Brown & Trey Songz
03. You And I
04. Love The Way We Used To
05. Cold Crush
06. Don't Break It
07. Break My Heart ft. Rick Ross
08. Thank You
09. Who We Are
10. Wonderful Life
11. Found My Way
12. Back To Love
13. Blue Skies
14. Speak Ya Mind
15. Do My Thing ft. Janelle Monae

Props to HHNM

Previously: Estelle & Stacy Barthe Hit Up 106 & Park [VIDEO]

RaVaughn Brown - Same Ol' BS [Music Video]

While some of you are getting excited about the upcoming holiday, others aren't as cheerful.  If you're part of the latter group or have ever realized that you deserve more than a complacent relationship has to offer, Compound U/Columbia Records singer RaVaughn Brown has the perfect single for you.  Watch the music video to "Same Ol' BS" below, which demonstrates why RaVaughn is such a well respected vocalist in the industry and why she has Ne-Yo's full support.



Hit the jump to watch behind-the-scenes footage of "Same Ol BS!"

Prodigy ft. Cory Gunz - Great Spitters

Prodigy and Cory Gunz have two things in common. #1: They've both gotten into legal trouble thanks to the Hip Hop Police. #2. They're "Great Spitters." Prodigy's H.N.I.C. 3 is coming soon!

Prodigy ft. Cory Gunz - Great Spitters

Download: Prodigy ft. Cory Gunz - Great Spitters

Props to XZ

Previously:

• Young Gliss ft. Prodigy, Killer Mike, Jon Connor Lo Keys & Just Shawn - No One Can Stop Us Now
• Red Cafe ft. Cory Gunz - Brinks Truck

Don Trip - Like Me [Prod. by Drumma Boy]

Don Trip makes it absolutely clear on his latest leak from Guerilla when he chants "I don't give a f**k if they don't like me." We do though! Feb. 24th is the release date!

Don Trip - Like Me [Prod. by Drumma Boy]

Download: Don Trip - Like Me [Prod. by Drumma Boy]

Props to XXL

Previously: Don Trip - Allen Iverson

Jay-Z & Kanye West - Niggas In Paris [Music Video]

If you were like me and missed the tour, Jay-Z & Kanye West bring you right on stage for one of their 348,398 performances of "Niggas In Paris." These effects have given me a temporary LSD high, so that's a warning to you folks about to go to class. Watch The Throne is in stores now.

Update: I hear the YouTube/Vevo vids are tripping so I'm giving you the option!





Props to VEVO

Previously: Jay-Z Makes History At Carnegie Hall [VIDEO]

Nickelus F - Handsome [Music Video]

Nickelus F's latest mixtape Faces is not one you should overlook.  Check out the visuals to the standout "Handsome" as the former 7-time 106 & Park Freestyle champ styles will getting himself cleaned up. I've gotta admit it. He does clean up nice!


Directed by Mark A Shark

Props to OS

Previously: Nickelus F - Faces [New Mixtape]

Earl Sweatshirt Is "Home!"

The story of Earl Sweatshirt is a long one.  To make this tale short, Earl became the one to watch in Odd Future when he displayed a lyrical talent at such a young age that could be compared only to a young Eminem.  After going viral and releasing his debut LP, Earl, in 2010, underground hip hop fans were excited for the now 17 year old's next move.

Suddenly, Earl went missing and the members of Odd Future, led by Tyler The Creator, started a Free Earl campaign that took over Twitter, blogs, and grew into a huge movement.  After months went by, it was finally revealed that Earl's mother had sent him to Samoa to a school for troubled youth.  Fast forward to now, and it seems that Earl Sweatshirt is finally home.  Check out newest track below.

Earl Sweatshirt - Home
Download: Earl Sweatshirt - Home

Illmaculate - Rapper Of The Year

To be a real rapper, you have to think you're the best even if you may not be yet.  However, Illmaculate can really boast about his skills because he actually holds two World Rap Championships AND holds the record as the youngest to ever win the Scribble Jam Freestyle Rap competition at the age of 17.

Now, the Portland emcee is proving himself in the booth as he prepares to release his debut LP Skrill Talk, which will feature guest verses from Tech N9ne, Crooked I, Evidence INS Deck and more.  Check out his first single, "Rapper Of The Year," below, which demonstrates why Illmaculate is so accomplished!

Illmaculate - Rapper Of The Year [Prod. by Chase Moore & Hippie Sabotage]

Download: Illmaculate - Rapper Of The Year

Vado ft. Nipsey Hussle - What You Need

Two of the East and the West's hottest new emcees have come together and the end result is exactly what I was hoping to hear.  Listen below as Vado brings Dipset to Nipsey Hussle on "What You Need," and hit up the comments with your thoughts on the banger!

Vado ft. Nipsey Hussle - What You Need

Download: Vado ft. Nipsey Hussle - What You Need

Props to Nah Right

Previously:

• Vado ft. Fabolous - Okay Y'all [Music Video]
• Nipsey Hussle - Rose Clique [Music Video]

Fokis - Lyrical Homicide ft. Sadat X & Livin Proof

New York's Fokis is bringing the golden age of Hip Hop to 2012 on his upcoming mixtape  A Vintage State Of Mind, which drops Tuesday, 2/21. With the help of legendary Brand Nubian emcee Sadat X and Brooklyn's own Livin Proof, Fokis is planning to murder everyone with "Lyrical Homicide." Don't snitch though. Just listen.

Stalley - BCGMMG

Stalley reps both the Blue Collar Gang and Maybach Music Group together, and he's letting everyone know on his new track from his Songs By Me, Stalley collection, "BCGMMG." Savage Journey To The American Dream is coming soon!

Stalley - BCGMMG

Download: Stalley - BCGMMG

He's done playing nice!

Props to RM

Previously: G-Side ft. Stalley & Joi Tiffany - Gettin' It [Music Video]

Yamin Semali - What I'm Living For

Yamin Semali is what I'd like to call an Atlanta gem. With most of the mainstream music coming from the A being more about swag than lyrical content, there are a few exceptions who refuse to compromise themselves for a hit.  Check out "What I'm Living For," the self produced track from 1/2 of Clan Destined, Yamin Semali, below, and consider this a chill prelude of what's to come on his upcoming LP Yamin!

Mike Jaggerr - Prime Time (Freestyle)

This isn't your ordinary freestyle.  This right here is what Mike Jaggerr likes to call a Free.Lifestyle.  Check out how the Brooklyn emcee's living below as he flows effortlessly over Watch The Throne's "Prime Time!"

Mike Jaggerr - Prime Time (Freestyle)

Download: Mike Jagger - Prime Time (Freestyle)

Props to UHTN

Rick Ross - Yella Diamonds [Music Video]

Rick Ross is showing off his "Yella Diamonds" and possibly the $100,000 watch that Dr. Dre gave him on his latest music video.  Watch below as he makes some threats and calls out the goons. Don't try this at home, Gs!




Rich Forever is out now!


Props to The Overfeed

Previously: Rick Ross & Meek Mill - Errrday

Saigon - Down This Road ft. DJ Corbett [Music Video]

Saigon has been cranking out visuals like it's nobody's business lately, and he doesn't seem to be slowing down.  Check out the music video to the DJ Corbett featured and produced track "Down This Road" below, and check out Warning Shots 3 if you haven't already!



Props to The Overfeed

Previously: Saigon - Hungry [Music Video]

Nipsey Hussle - Rose Clique [Music Video]

Nipsey Hussle's Marathon Continues as he drops the visuals to "Rose Clique" from his latest mixtape. The Eritrean West Coast representer must really be living 25/8 because he's been at it nonstop!



Props to RM

Previously: Nipsey Hussle - Identity (Freestyle)

Timbaland Reveals That He AND Missy Elliot Are Releasing Albums In June [VIDEO]

Timbaland has been pretty quiet lately regarding his upcoming album Shock Value 3, but he recently dropped off a bombshell that's sure to make music lovers rejoice.  Watch below as Tim announces that both he and Missy are dropping albums and singles at the same time this summer!



Props to The Source

Previously: Timbaland ft. Pitbull & David Guetta - Pass At Me [Music Video]

Playboy Tre - Patron & Instrumentals [Music Video]

“On the eve of finding out he and his lady's first born is a baby boy, Playboy Tre decides to celebrate with music and a few shots of patron. The video and song lyrics give the listener a very insightful view into Tre's thoughts and life. Welcome to the world Christian!!!"

Playboy Tre's Patron & Instrumentals album is dropping soon! I'll keep you posted!



Props to RM

Previously: B.o.B ft. Playboy Tre - F**ked Up

Asher Roth - Dope Shit [Music Video] + #Final4Tour Dates

Asher Roth continues to share the greatness that is Pabst & Jazz with the world as he cruises through L.A. and performs with a live band on the streets of Hollywood.  Def Jam is getting it right with these signings lately!



Asher Roth recently announced his upcoming Final Four Tour. Hit the jump for dates!

Twista - Purple Swag (Freestyle)

"Purple Swag" is a perfect track for Twista freestyle over, and he delivers.  Now that he and Wale have gone over the A$AP Rocky hit, who else will. I can only imagine...

Twista - Purple Swag (Freestyle)

Download: Twista - Purple Swag (Freestyle)

Twista's Dark Horse is coming soon!

Props to UHTN

Previously: Mike Posner ft. Twista - Hey Lady

Peter Rosenberg Interviews Kendrick Lamar & ScHoolboy Q On Hot 97 [VIDEO]

Kendrick Lamar hit up Peter Rosenberg's Hot 97 show yesterday and discussed his path so far in the music industry.  ScHoolboy Q was also in the building, so Rosenberg asked him about Habits & Contradictions hit "Hands On The Wheel" and its controversial link to drunk driving.  Watch the full interview below, and hit the jump with your thoughts on the track!





Props to The Overfeed


My thoughts and prayers go out to Schoolboy Q, TDE, and the rest of those mourning the loss of Alori Joh.


Previously: Kendrick Lamar & ScHoolboy Q Sit Down With Billboard [VIDEO]

Bei Maejor - Lights Down Low ft. Waka Flocka Flame

Bei Maejor's #Upscale movement continues as he drops his newest single, "Lights Down Low" featuring Waka Flocka. I'm loving this one. Are you? Hit up the comments and let me know!

Bei Maejor - Lights Down Low ft. Waka Flocka Flame

Download: Bei Maejor - Lights Down Low ft. Waka Flocka Flame

Props to The Source

Previously:

• Bei Maejor - The Truth [Music Video]
• Waka Flocka & A$AP Rocky Perform Together In NYC [VIDEO]

Action Bronson - Dear Heather ft. Rockie Fresh & Macie Stewart

Photo by Alexander Richter

When Action Bronson was in Chicago, he recorded two tracks for Ruby Hornet's upcoming Closed Sessions, Vol. 2 project.  "Dear Heather" featuring Rockie Fresh and Kids These Days's Macie Stewart is a B-side of the project, and gives you a sneak peek of the great music that's to come from the Closed Sessions.

Watch behind the scenes footage of the recording session below, and hit the jump to stream and download "Dear Heather!"

STS ft. Dosage - Earthquake [Music Video]

STS's Gold Rush flips are the highlights of my Wednesdays, and he definitely doesn't disappoint with his and Dosage's flip of Labrinth's "Earthquake" featuring Tinie Tempah. Sugar Tongue Slim is WORKING! How could you sleep?



To download the Gold Rush tracks, click HERE.

Props to STS

Previously: STS - Great Mood ft. A$AP Ferg [Music Video]

50 Cent Performs "Wait Until Tonight" With Governor On Jimmy Kimmel Live [VIDEO]

50 Cent hit up Jimmy Kimmel Live over the Super Bowl weekend and performed The Big 10's token love song "Wait Until Tonight" with G-Unit singer Governor. I'm gonna need Gov to lay off the ad-libs jusssst a little bit.



Props to XZ

Previously: 50 Cent Promotes Street Headphones At CES [VIDEO]

G-Side ft. Stalley & Joi Tiffany - Gettin’ It [Music Video]

I'm such a sucker for a southern beat.

Huntsville, Alabama duo G-Side linked up with Stalley and singer Joi Tiffany for "Gettin' It," a standout from their latest album Island.  If you're feeling it, check out Island after the jump!

Ryshon Jones - Late Night With My Best Friend (Part 2) [Music Video]

Here's my Ryshon Jones theory.  He's got a secret twin who's also putting out videos and mixtapes under the same name.  That's the only way all his work seems possible.  I'll add that to the conspiracy pile while you check out the Philly emcee's visuals to "Late Night With My Best Friend (Part 2)," the haunting sequel to his tragic tale from his Friday project.



Ryshon's new mixtape HappilyUnhappy drops Friday, 2.10 at 4 PM ET. Hit the jump for the mixtape trailer!

Jay-Z & Kanye's "Niggas In Paris" Video Dropping Tomorrow?

After dominating the radio, clubs, and concert halls, Jay-Z and Kanye are FINALLY throwing us a visual bone by releasing the video to "Niggas In Paris." The announcement came from Mic Fox, VEVO's Sr. Director of Programming & Strategy, that the video is indeed dropping tomorrow 2/9 at noon ET. You know I'll be on it!

Props to The Source

Previously: Jay-Z Makes History At Carnegie Hall [VIDEO]

Nubbz - The Cross (Nas Blend)

A lot of you were feeling Nubbz's last blend, so here's another from the Dutch producer that will appear on his upcoming project In A Minute.  On "The Cross," Nubbz took Nas's God's Son classic to make the statement, "Y'all can keep y'all weak beats from your corny producers, there's a new king of the streets you're gonna get used to." From the sound of this track, Nas is right. You'll be hearing Nubbz all over the place soon.

Nubbz - The Cross (Nas Blend)

Download: Nubbz - The Cross ft. Nas

Previously: Nubbz - Get Em High (Common Blend)

Chase N. Ca$he - The Heir Up There [Official Release Date + Tracklist]

Chase N. Ca$he's highly anticipated mixtape The Heir Up There is finally coming this week!  You can download the New Orleans rapper-producer's new project starting this Friday, 2.10.12! Hit the jump to peep the full tracklisting!

J.A.E - First Lap (Prod. by Thelonius Martin) [Music Video]

While other rappers are sprinting, hoping to capitalize on what's trending only to receive short lived success, J.A.E is training to run a marathon in the game.  As part of his new series Running Laps, the NY to NC emcee spazzes the f*ck out over a Thelonius Martin production to give you the "First Lap" of his race. Open your ears, folks.



Previously: J.A.E - My Time [Music Video]

E-40 - They Point ft. Juicy J & 2 Chainz [Prod. by Bangladesh]

Bay Area legend E-40 has another hit on his hands with the Bangladesh produced The Block Brochure single, "They Point." Combine an infectious hook, a beat made for going dumb, and three of the most entertaining wordsmiths, this 2 Chainz and Juicy J featured track should put in some work.  Listen below, and hit up the comments with your thoughts!

E-40 - They Point ft. Juicy J & 2 Chainz [Prod. by Bangladesh]

Download: E-40 - They Point ft. Juicy J & 2 Chainz [Prod. by Bangladesh]

Props to DJ Booth

Previously:

• Too $hort ft. E-40 - Money On The Floor
• Donnis ft. Juicy J - Bout That Life [Music Video]
• 2 Chainz On The Breakfast Club [VIDEO]

Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Gang Hoe

Looks like The Syndicate and DJ Spinatik have some more exclusives under their sleeves for the upcoming Stash House 12 mixtape.  Check out Wiz Khalifa's new track "Taylor Gang Hoe" below, which I'm gonna go out on a limb and consider a sequel to the Lex Luger produced "Taylor Gang" from Cabin Fever.


Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Gang Hoe (Tags)

Download: Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Gang Hoe

Props to UHTN

Previously:

• Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross - Errrday
• Wiz Khalifa - Cosmic Kev Freestyle

PenStation - Trouble On My Mind (Freestyle)

PenStation keeps the freestyle onslaught going with some fresh bars over Pusha T and Tyler The Creator's "Trouble On My Mind."  Listen below as Riddles and Mr. Write let you know that they're about to cause some trouble in the game, and be on the lookout for more heat from the Write Brothers!

PenStation - Trouble On My Mind (Freestyle)

Download: PenStation - Trouble On My Mind (Freestyle)

Mike Tape, Vol. II is out now! Don't sleep!

Previously: PenStation - Raw (Freestyle)

L.E.P. Bogus Boys - Streets Talkin/Johnny Cochran [Music Video]

Uh oh. Looks like Moonie and Count have a snitch in their team.  Watch their double video to the Now Or Neva standouts "Streets Talkin" and "Johnny Cochran" below to find out how the L.E.P. Bogus Boys handle betrayal.  Warning: These gangstas don't use emoticons, so don't cross 'em.



Previously: L.E.P. Bogus Boys - WGCI Big Jam Performance [VIDEO]

Joell Ortiz Remembers Big Pun [VIDEO] + Mister Cee's Big Pun Tribute Mix

12 years ago on this day, Hip Hop lost one of its greatest emcees EVER.  To celebrate the life of Big Pun, listen to Mister Cee's R.I.P. Big Punisher tribute mix after the jump, but first, watch below as Joell Ortiz reflects on Big Pun's impact on his life, music, and Latin Hip Hop. R.I.P. Big Pun!

WTF?? MTV Reveals Their List of 2011's 25 Hottest MCs

Uh oh. MTV done f**ked up now.

2011 was a great year for Hip Hop in my opinion as a lot of newer artists finally got the recognition from fans and peers that I feel they truly deserved.  Case in point: J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Mac Miller. 2 out of the 3 had #1 albums on the Billboard charts, one is nominated for Best New Artist,  was crowned the new King of the West by legendary West Coast emcees, and the other broke an independent sales record.

The problem: None of them are on MTV's list of the 25 Hottest MC's of the year.

o_O

Instead, artists like Maino, Red Cafe, Jim Jones, and Nas (who put out ONE song of his own in 2011) made the list. I'm puzzled. Anyways, check out the promo for the Hottest MCs In The Game miniseries, and hit the jump for the full list of nominees.

Wale - Purple Swag (Freestyle)

Wale probably won't ever stop jackin for beats, and I'm glad about it especially after hearing this.  Listen below as Folarin goes over A$AP Rocky's popular "Purple Swag," and hit up the comments with your thoughts on the new freestyle!

Wale - Purple Swag (Freestyle)

Download: Wale - Purple Swag (Freestyle)

Wale - Purple Swag Lyrics

Props to everyone on Twitter lol

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

4th Pyramid - Let The Drummer Play

Toronto rapper-producer 4th Pyramid's upcoming album The Pyramid Scheme drops 3.13. Check out the soulful "Let The Drummer Play" below, and hit the jump to read 4th Pyramid's motivation behind The Pyramid Scheme single!

Gerald Walker - Girl, Oh No He Didn't!? [Prod. by Sledgren]

Gerald Walker's upcoming project Believers Never Die hosted by DJ Skee is due out soon, but for now take a listen to his latest single "Girl, Oh No He Didn't!?"  Gerald addresses everyone on the this track -- the doubters and the supporters.  Which one are you? Hit up the comments and let me know!

Gerald Walker - Girl, Oh No He Didn't!? [Prod. by Sledgren]

Purchase: Gerald Walker - Girl, Oh No He Didn't!? [Prod. by Sledgren] 

Props to 2dopeboyz

Previously: Gerald Walker - It's Christmas Time Again, Gerald Walker [FreEP]

360 - What Goes Up [Prod. by J. Cole]

Remember the video I posted yesterday showing J. Cole making a beat for NY rapper 360? Well, here's "What Goes Up," the final cut of their hard work in the studio.  Listen below, and hit up your comments with your thoughts on the track.

360 - What Goes Up [Prod. by J. Cole]

Download: 360 - What Goes Up [Prod. by J. Cole]

Props to 2dopeboyz

Previously: J. Cole Makes A Beat For 360 [VIDEO]

PF Cuttin ft. Action Bronson - Bronsonmania Deluxe

Brooklyn bred DJ and producer PF Cuttin linked up with the Queens chef Action Bronson for "Bronsonmania Deluxe," three and a half minutes of pure bars. Hit up the comments with your thoughts!

PF Cuttin ft. Action Bronson - Bronsonmania Deluxe (Clean)

Download: PF Cuttin ft. Action Bronson - Bronsonmania Deluxe (Clean)
Purchase: PF Cuttin ft. Action Bronson - Bronsonmania Deluxe (Dirty)

Props to Nah Right

Previously: N.O.R.E. ft. Action Bronson - Mazel Tov

Bilal - Levels (Acoustic)

It's Tuesday, so of course it's time for another acoustic track from Bilal.  Listen below as he sings "Levels" from the Airtight's Revenge album, and make sure to get your ticket to Bilal's Valentine's Day Concert at SOBs if you're in the NYC area!



Props to okayplayer

Previously: Bilal - Move On (Acoustic)

Jesse Boykins III & Gora Sou - The Perfect Blues

Jesse Boykins III joins producer Gora Sou and a gang of various recording artists as a part of the Red Bull Music Academy.  Each day, Red Bull is releasing a song from its The Various Assets- Not For Sale compilation, which includes the Madrid 2011 recording of "The Perfect Blues" between the Chicago born singer and the German producer. Find out how more about the experience behind "The Perfect Blues" and take a listen to the track below!

“This song is the perfect explanation for what it means to be a human being in love with danger and risk-taking in relationships,” says Jesse. It began as a loop of hand claps and gradually evolved into an emotive ballad worthy of applause. Dorian recalls “I loved the clap sounds Marc made, and when Jesse came in, he just killed it.”

Props to AO!

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

B.J. The Chicago Kid - #ImJusSayin (Chicago Winter Version) [Music Video]

BJ The Chicago Kid is so Chicago and if you haven't recognized that by now, check out his newest video to "#ImJusSayin," a track from his upcoming project Pineapple Now-Laters, which drops in exactly one week. This is going to be a great Valentine's Day for music lovers.


Directed by Davy Greenberg

Props to okayplayer

Previously: BJ The Chicago Kid - Lady Lady

Jay-Z Makes History At Carnegie Hall With Nas, Alicia Keys & The Roots [VIDEO]

Gabriela Herman

Last night, Jay-Z became the second Hip Hop act to perform at New York's Carnegie Hall, backed by The Roots, Bilal and a 30 member orchestra. Wyclef Jean, who was the first, took the stage with Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton and Whitney Houston in 2001. Among Hov's guests for his first of two benefit concerts were Nas and Alicia Keys, who performed hometown anthems "NY State of Mind" and "Empire State of Mind" with Jay.

Watch below as former rivals Nas and Jay-Z perform the Illmatic classic, "NY State Of Mind," and hit the jump to watch Mr. Carter's debut performance of "Glory," his song dedicated to his newborn daughter, Blue Ivy Carter!

BanksOnTheBeat - Stay Schemin Freestyle [Music Video]

"Flyest out of the Carolinas, it's the Wright Brothers..."

BanksOnTheBeat still has to let 'em know that while he's a master behind the boards, he's just as dope inside the booth.  Watch below as he and the rest of the #Yachts crew "Stay Schemin" outside of Waffle House. His No Boundaries mixtape is coming soon! 



Directed by The Cuddii K & BanksOnTheBeat

NC Stand up!

Previously: BanksOnTheBeat - Lord Knows (Freestyle) [Music Video]