Lyriciss Talks Inspiration, The Balance With DMVLIFE.com [VIDEO]

Maryland emcee Lyriciss found time to link up with Christina Martin of DMVLife.com to discuss his  many accomplishments this past year, his Balance series, his inspiration, and his Twitter addictions. Don't miss the a capella at the end!


The Balance EP: Respect is out now!

Previously: Lyriciss - Get It & Go [Music Video]

BJ The Chicago - VIBE House SXSW Performance [Video Recap]

BJ The Chicago Kid with the fam over at Rap Genius

BJ The Chicago Kid is no secret to Gangstas Use Emoticons, but he's definitely been slept on for some unknown reason. My second home, The Well Versed, pointed out BJ's VIBE House performance, which featured Joi Starr, as one of their The 10 Best Kept Secrets At SXSW. Catch highlights of his set below, and make sure you go get Pineapple Now-Laters now!



Props to TWV

Previously: BJ The Chicago Kid Talks Pineapple Now-Laters With Ashley Outrageous [VIDEO]

YG & DJ Mustard - 4 Hunnid Degreez [New Mixtape]

YG teams up with DJ Mustard, best known for his "Rack City" beat, on his new mixtape 4 Hunnid Degreez. The album quality mixtape features 22 tracks of the Cali rapper commanding them solo and with a little help as Dom Kennedy, Meek Mill, Casey Veggies, Mac Miller, 2 Chainz, and more lend some bars.

Download: YG & DJ Mustard - 4 Hunnid Degreez [New Mixtape]

Previously: YG ft. Meek Mill - Im A Thug [Music Video]

Fabolous - She Did It (Behind The Scenes) [VIDEO]

Fabolous invites us behind the scenes of the Aristotle directed video shoot for "She Did It," a club banger from There Is No Competition III: Death Comes In 3s. Fab's been feeling the Glass ski mask look lately, and he may pull it off thanks to cameos from French Montana, Juelz Santana, and more.

NSFW warning!!!



Props to SC

Previously: Teyana Taylor - D.U.I. ft. Fabolous & Jadakiss [Prod. by Hit Boy]

E-40 - Fast Lane [Music Video]

E-40 visualizes the intro track from The Block Brochure right in time for the release of the album. Welcome to the Soil 1,2, and 3 is in stores now, and you can buy the whole package on iTunes HERE.



Props to Baller Status

Previously: E-40 ft. Kendrick Lamar & Droop E - Catch A Fade

Troy NōKA - Free Dreaming [Free Album]

Troy NōKA, the producer behind Frank Ocean's "Love Crimes and Chris Brown's "Should've Kissed You," saved his best material for himself as he takes you on a sonic journey on his new free abum Free Dreaming. Miguel just called it "ill" on Twitter, so it's worth a listen just for that. Check out "Right Now" below, and hit the jump to download the full album!

A$AP Rocky - Niggas In Paris Freestyle [VIDEO]

A$AP Rocky's "Chunk Up Da Deuce" freestyle was only one of his offerings for DJ Semtex's 1Xtra BBC Radio show. Watch below as he drops an off the top freestyle to "Niggas In Paris" and hit up the comments with your thoughts!



Props to XZ

Previously: A$AP Rocky - Chunk Up Da Deuce (Freestyle)

Pitbull - Back In Time (Men In Black 3 Theme)

Pitbull goes "Back In Time" on the lead single from the Men In Black 3 Soundtrack. Yep! Men In Black 3. This is definitely no "Heeere comes the men in blaaaack," but I'm interested what you think about it. Hit up the comments and let me know your thoughts on the Miami rapper's new single!



Props to Ace Showbiz

Previously: Pitbull Brings In The New Year With Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve [VIDEO]

Ace Hood ft. Game - Different People

Ace Hood continues to impress as the release of his upcoming mixtape Starvation nears. He links up with West Coast vet Game on "Different People," a nice change from Ace Hood's usual sound. Can't wait to hear the whole project because it's sounding good so far!

Ace Hood ft. Game - Different People

Download: Ace Hood ft. Game - Different People

Props to SD

Previously:

• Dorrough - That Lowend (Remix) ft. Ace Hood, Nipsey Hussle & Yo Gotti [Prod. by Jahlil Beats]
• Game ft. Kendrick Lamar - The City [Music Video]

Sheek Louch & Ghostface Killah - Flash Back

Sheek and Ghost are at it again as they team up for another Wu-Block collab. Love to hear them rhyming, but where's everyone else??

Sheek Louch & Ghostface Killah - Flash Back

Download: Sheek Louch & Ghostface Killah - Flash Back

Props to 2DB

Previously: Sheek Louch & Ghostface Killah - Trading Places

Tito Lopez Freestyles On Sway In The Morning [VIDEO]

Tito Lopez has been everywhere lately, and SXSW was no exception. He was even included in my boss's The Well Versed feature, The 10 Best Kept Secrets At SXSW. Watch below as the Mississippi rapper proves why he deserved the honor as he blesses Shade 45's Sway In The Morning with an a capella.



Props to TWV

Previously: Tito Lopez - Mama Proud [Music Video]

Rita Ora ft.Tinie Tempah & Drake - R.I.P. (I'm Ready For Ya) (Remix)

Artwork by Kenny

Drake penned Rita Ora's latest single "R.I.P." so it's only right that he appear on the remix, which combines his original demo with the Kosovo born singer's vocals and Tinie Tempah's verse. Not sure how I feel about the track yet, but the Drizzy assist definitely helps give the single a push.

Rita Ora ft.Tinie Tempah & Drake - R.I.P. (I'm Ready For Ya) (Remix)

Download: Rita Ora ft.Tinie Tempah & Drake - R.I.P. (I'm Ready For Ya) (Remix)

Rita Ora ft.Tinie Tempah & Drake - R.I.P. (I'm Ready For Ya) Lyrics

Props to XZ

Previously:

• Rita Ora ft. Tinie Tempah - R.I.P.
• Drake Performs "Take Care," "Practice" & More Live In Dublin [VIDEO]

J.A.E - Third Lap [Music Video]

J.A.E continues to run circles around the competition as he reveals the Third Lap in his Running Laps series. The NC to NY emcee lives life in reverse as he provides quote-worthy lyrics to the Uncle Dave production. J.A.E has Gentlemans Quarterly, Jake Davis & Mark McNairy to thank for serving as inspiration behind the creative visuals, which follow him living life in reverse.



Until Lap #4!

Previously: J.A.E - Second Lap [Music Video]

A$AP Rocky - Chunk Up Da Deuce (Freestyle)

A$AP Rocky stopped by DJ Semtex's 1Xtra BBC radio show and spit a few freestyles, including one over Houston rapper Lil Keke's "Chunk Up Da Deuce." Listen below to let me know if you think he did the track justice by replying in the comments!

A$AP Rocky - Chunk Up Da Deuce (Freestyle)

Download: A$AP Rocky - Chunk Up Da Deuce (Freestyle)

Props to XZ

Previously: Swizz Beatz ft. A$AP Rocky - Street Knock [Prod. by AraabMuzik]

Fashawn - Santiago's Revenge Pt. 2

This won't appear on Champagne & Styrofoam Cups, but "Santiago's Revenge Pt. 2" is a nice reintroduction to Grizzly City beast Fashawn.

Fashawn - Santiago's Revenge Pt. 2

Download: Fashawn - Santiago's Revenge Pt. 2

Read more at The Well Versed!

Previously: Wiz Khalifa ft. Fashawn - Mt. Money

Rye Rye - Rack City Ni**a

If you can't tell by the title, Rye Rye isn't censoring himself on her "Rack City Ni**a" freestyle over Tyga's hit. There's no bubblegum pop coming from the Baltimore emcee on this track, as she builds momentum for her debut album Go! Pop! Bang!, which will hit stores on May 15.

Rye Rye - Rack City Nigga

Download: Rye Rye - Rack City Nigga

Props to SC

Previously: Rye Rye - Boom Boom [Music Video]

Nardwuar Vs. Machine Gun Kelly [VIDEO]

Nardwuar continues to show off his creepy knack for obtaining little known facts about his interviewees as he chats with Machine Gun Kelly about everything ranging from Ludacris's Word Of Mouf to punk rock.



Props to HHDX

Previously:

• Nardwuar Vs. Kendrick Lamar [VIDEO]
• Machine Gun Kelly Brings Out Travis Porter & French Montana At EP Release Party [VIDEO]

Miguel - Arch & Point [Teaser Videos]

The second volume of Miguel's Art Dealer Chic will drop later on today, but to let you know that it's a must download, he's created two teaser videos for the EP's sexy standout "Arch & Point". Check out the first preview below, and hit the jump for the second!

Chris Brown ft. Tank - F*ck The City Up (Remix)

Chris Brown recruits the baby making music master Tank on the remix to the Drumma Boy produced track "Fuck The City Up." I'm a sucker for a #Sertafied Tank track, so I approve this message. Protection, folks.


Download: Chris Brown ft. Tank - F**k The City Up (Remix)

Fortune's due on May 8th.

Props to Miss Info

Previously:

• DJ Khaled ft. Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne - Take It To The Head
• Tank - Next Breath

Kalenna - "Justin Bieber" ft. Jarren Benton

It's #NewMusicMonday from Kalenna, and she doesn't disappoint with her new take on Jarren Benton's "Justin Bieber." She trades in the do-re-mi's for a hot sixteen, and I'm not mad about it at all. Can't imagine what's coming out next week.

Kalenna - Justin Bieber ft. Jarren Benton


If you haven't checked out Chamber Of Diaries yet, what are you doing with your life??

Previously:

• Kalenna - Chamber Of Diaries [New Mixtape]
• Jarren Benton ft. Aleon Craft - Half Ounce, Quarter Pound (Prod. by Roc N Mayne)

Slaughterhouse - Ten W/ Def Pen [VIDEO]

When Slaughterhouse hit the Queen City for its Welcome To OUR House tour on Saturday, Def Pen Radio found the perfect opportunity to ask the quartet ten random questions, which of course made for pure entertainment. Watch below as Def Pen gets Joe Budden to "plug" the last time he cried, Royce to cleverly comment on his opinion on the current state of Hip Hop, Crooked to reveal his creative process, and Joell to creep us all out.



Previously: Slaughterhouse Performs "Hammerdance" Live [VIDEO]

Jarren Benton ft. Aleon Craft - Half Ounce, Quarter Pound (Prod. by Roc N Mayne)

Fresh off of Huffing Glue With Hasselhoff, Jarren Benton has a contender for mixtape title of the year with his upcoming project Freebasing With Kevin Bacon, but the title may not be all that's praise worthy. His new single "Half Ounce, Quarter Pound" featuring Aleon Craft possesses all the qualities of a turnt up classic thanks to Jarren Benton's flow, the infectious hook and Roc N Mayne's bass heavy production.



Freebasing With Kevin Bacon is set to drop in May with features from Gangsta Boo, Rittz Law and more!

Previously:

• Planet VI ft. Jarren Benton & 2 Chainz - F**k You Too
• J.NiCS ft. Aleon Craft - Wired Up (Prod. by SMKA)

J.NiCS ft. Aleon Craft - Wired Up (Prod. by SMKA)

J. NiCs teams up with ATL's "resident space-climber" Aleon Craft to introduce to his upcoming tape S.N.A.S: The Product, which is set to drop April 23rd. Check out "Wired Up," a SMKA produced sample of the ¡Mayday!, QuESt, Phresh James featured project.

J.NiCS ft. Aleon Craft - Wired Up (Prod. SMKA)

Download: J.NiCS ft. Aleon Craft - Wired Up (Prod. SMKA)

Previously: Aleon Craft ft. Grip Plyaz & Tuki - My Girlfriend [Music Video]

DJ Khaled ft. Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne - Take It To The Head

It's warm outside, so you know what that means. DJ Khaled is back with the club hits. He keeps it in the family on "Take It To The Head," a smooth track which features a hook from Chris Brown and sixteens from Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne. Do you think this will have "I'm One One" power? Listen below and let me know what you think!

DJ Khaled ft. Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne - Take It To The Head

Download: DJ Khaled ft. Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne

Props to XZ

Previously:

• DJ Khaled's All Star Weekend Vlog [VIDEO]
• Nicki Minaj ft. Chris Brown - Right By My Side
• Rick Ross - Swear To God [Music Video]
• Nicki Minaj ft. 2 Chainz - Beez In The Trap
• Mac Miller ft. Lil Wayne - The Question

Mobb Deep Performs At The AllHipHop/A3C SXSW Showcase [VIDEO]

Mobb Deep was among the legendary lineup present at SXSW earlier this month, and the AllHipHop/A3C showcase was full of The Infamous's biggest fans as the duo dropped off classics like "Survival Of The Fittest," "Shook Ones Pt. II," and "The Learning (Burn)." Check out the recap of the show below, and I'll be sure to keep you posted on when Mobb Deep may be rolling through your city!



Props to AHH

Previously: Prodigy Speaks On Tupac, Jay-Z & Saigon Beef [VIDEO]

Dawn Richard - Armor On [Free EP Stream]

Tomorrow, Dawn Richard will finally deliver Armor On, her first solo project since A Tell-Tale Heart on iTunes. To ensure you that the EP is absolutely worth the money, she's made the entire project available for stream on AOL Boombox, which includes the previously previewed tracks "Black Lipstick," "Change,"and "Bombs." Loving what I'm hearing so far!

Stream: Dawn Richard - Armor On
Preorder on iTunes

Props to Rap-Up & AOL Boombox

Previously: Dawn Richard Performs "Change" & "Novacane" At SXSW [VIDEO]

Add-2 - Save. Our. Souls. [New Mixtape]

Ever had one of those moments when you just kick yourself for missing something amazing? If it hadn't been for my Twitter creeping, I would have completely overlooked Add-2's amazing new mixtape (that sounds so wrong), Save.Our.Souls. The Chicago emcee gets his point across early on the lead track "The Real Back" where he rhymes about the current bandwagon movement going on in Hip Hop. Stream/download the LRG presented album below! Trust me on this one!

Mixtape: Add-2 - GetRightMusic

Download: Add-2 - Save.Our.Souls [New Mixtape]

360 - Woulda Kid ft. DJ Wonder [Prod. by The Dark Nyte]

360 releases another track from his upcoming free release Everywhere And Back, which is set to drop next week on April 3rd. Check out "Woulda Kid" produced by The Dark Nyte and featuring scratches from DJ Wonder below, and hit up the comments with some lines that stuck out to you!

Download: 360 - Woulda Kid ft. DJ Wonder [Prod. by The Dark Nyte]

Previously: 360 - Talk To 'Em + Everywhere And Back [Album Trailer]

Future - Spaz On Y'all [Music Video]

Future's focus may be on Pluto but he still managed to show his latest mixtape Astronaut Status some love by visualizing the standout "Spaz On Y'all." Watch below as the ATLien travels to New Orleans on a promo tour, and get ready for Pluto, which hits stores on April 17th.



Props to Uristocrat

Previously: DJ Green Lantern ft. Future, Pusha T & Emilio Rojas - Fettucine

Rajeev - Heartless (Prod. by SMKA)

The SMKA collective continues to gain momentum as Rajeev preps for the Wednesday (3.28) release of his new project 80 Proof Memories. Check out the album's final individual offering, "Heartless" below, and be on the lookout for the remix, which features Track North, to hit the soon!


Download: Rajeev - Heartless (Prod. by SMKA)

Napoleon Da Legend - Jewelz Pt. 3 [Music Video]

Napoleon Da Legend speaks truth on his latest single "Jewelz Pt. 3," and it couldn't come at a better time with it being election year and the time of Occupy Wall Street protests. Watch below as the DMV native asks plaguing questions like "Will the human race ever learn?" in the video to the Symphonies Of A Lost Soul standout.


Directed & Shot by Edson Flores

Download: Napoleon Da Legend - Jewelz Pt. 3

Previously: Napoleon Da Legend - Napoleonic Language [Music Video]

Iggy Azalea ft. T.I. - Murda Bizness

Iggy Azalea promised to deliver her new single "Murda Bizness" at 3 PM, and she was right on schedule with the T.I. featured track. The beat on this one is crazy, so big ups to Bei Maejor. Check out the single below, and look for Iggy to drop it on iTunes later this week. Her debut album The New Classic is due out later this year!


Download: Iggy Azalea ft. T.I. - Murda Business

Props to Rap-Up

Previously:

• The XXL 2012 Freshman Cyphers Pt. 2 (Kid Ink, Macklemore, Don Trip & Iggy Azalea) [VIDEO]
• T.I. & B.o.B Talk Grand Hustle Projects With Fuse TV [VIDEO]

Skewby - Almost There [Music Video]

Skewby shows off both his lyrical and directorial skills on the music video to "Almost There," the lead single from his upcoming EP. Check out the visuals from the Memphis rapper below, and see why I predicted that he's one of the Next Up in the game.
.

Previously: Skewby - Almost There

Trey Songz - Heart Attack

Trey Songz links up with R&B's elite songwriter Rico Love on his latest Chapter V single "Heart Attack." Prepare to hear this one on the radio every day. The thing is, would you mind? Hit up the comments and let me know what you think about "Heart Attack!"

Trey Songz - Heart Attack


Props to the homie D.SCOTT

Previously: Trey Songz - Sex Ain't Better Than Love [Music Video]

Drake Performs "Take Care," "Practice" & More Live In Dublin [VIDEO]

Drake may have fallen through on his promise to premiere "Take Care" on Friday, but the show went on as he traveled to Dublin, Ireland yesterday as part of the European leg of his Club Paradise tour. Watch below as he performs his latest hit, sans Rihanna, and hit the jump to watch him perform "Practice," "Round Of Applause," "Make Me Proud," and "The Motto."

Azealia Banks - F**k Up The Fun [Prod. by Diplo]

Azealia Banks comes at the heads of whack rappers on her new track "Fuck Up The Fun." None of Diplo's recent beats have sounded alike and I'm excited to see what else he has in the reserves. Am I sensing Iggy Azalea shade at the end? Maybe...



Props to CoS

Previously: Azealia Banks - Bambi

DJ Green Lantern ft. Future, Pusha T & Emilio Rojas - Fettucine

DJ Green Lantern reveals the first leak from his forthcoming mixtape Invade The Game, a collaborative project with gaming company Konsole Kings. Future commands "Fettucine" with the hook and first verse, but Pusha T and Emilio Rojas kill their sixteens.

Future ft. Pusha T & Emilio Rojas - Fettucine

Download: Future ft. Pusha T & Emilio Rojas - Fettucine

Props to Pusha T

Previously:

• Future - Pluto [Album Artwork + Track List]
• DJ Naim ft. Sheek Louch, Pusha T, Bleu Davinci, Bun B & Calico Jones - Trappin' In My Sleep
• M-Phazes Ft. Emilio Rojas & Rich Rivera - Holdin' It Down

Mike WiLL Made It - Back 2 Basics ft. Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka

Producer Mike WiLL Made It gave us a proper introduction last December with his mixtape Est. In 1989 (Last Of A Dying Breed) and he's giving us a listen to the sequel on "Back 2 Basics." He links up with Brick Squad generals Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka, who Mike WiLL considers family. Hit up the comments with your thoughts on the track, and make sure you wish Mike a Happy Birthday, who turned 23 yesterday!



Previously:

• Gucci Mane - Trap Back [New Mixtape]
• Drake Announces More Club Paradise Tour Dates With Waka Flocka, 2 Chainz, J. Cole & Meek Mill

Nardwuar Vs. Kendrick Lamar [VIDEO]

Nardwuar reigns supreme as the interview king of SXSW as he took on my favorite rapper, Kendrick Lamar. Watch below as Nardwuar blows the Compton emcee's mind with how much he knows about his career.



"Thank you Tech N9ne."

Props to SC

Previously:

• Nardwuar Vs. Danny Brown [VIDEO]
• E-40 ft. Kendrick Lamar & Droop E - Catch A Fade

L.E.P. Bogus Boys Perform "Benjamin Franklin" At The Shady 2.0 SXSW Showcase [VIDEO]

Of the ten showcases that L.E.P. Bogus Boys performed at during SXSW, the Shady 2.0 Showcase was one of the largest. Check out footage of their performance of the duo's currently unreleased, Jahlil Beats produced single "Benjamin Franklin" below.


Shot & Chopped by Gregory Buissereth

Previously: L.E.P. Bogus Boys Take Over SXSW [VIDEO]

Lo Keys & Young Gliss Perform "GoodWood Beats" At SXSW [VIDEO]

Lo Keys and Young Gliss brought their Fayetnam-Philly connect to Austin, TX last week as they performed together at the Nice Kicks SXSW Showcase. Watch below as they perform "GoodWood Beats," which you can download HERE.



Young Gliss's Glimmer EP is out now, and Lo Keys' American Greed is on the way!

Previously:

• Lo Keys - No Love
• Young Gliss ft. Rain & STS - Le Cabinet (Remix)

Copywrite - Workahol [Music Video]

Copywrite has a lot to celebrate granted that his album God Save The King recently cracked the Billboard “Top 100,” but he's still grinding despite the accomplishment. Check out the visuals to the Stu Bangas produced track "Workahol,” and make sure you pick up GSK on iTunes now!



Previously: Copywrite - Love ft. Tage Future [Music Video]

Busta Rhymes & Twista - Can You Keep Up [Prod. by Just Blaze]

You don't have to read the title of this track to know where this one's going. When you get Busta Rhymes and Twista together, it's already a given that their rapid fire flows will take center stage. Add Just Blaze to the mix, and we have some serious heat. Check out "Can You Keep Up" below, and hit up the comments with your thoughts on the track!

Busta Rhymes & Twista - Can You Keep Up [Prod. by Just Blaze]
Download: Busta Rhymes & Twista - Can You Keep Up

Props to GWHH

Previously:

• Ashanti ft. Busta Rhymes - The Woman You Love [Music Video]
• Twista - Whitney Houston Tribute

E-40 ft. Kendrick Lamar & Droop E - Catch A Fade

E-40 lets loose of another banger from his upcoming triple CD The Block Brochure: Welcome To The Soil 1, 2 & 3 as he recruits Compton's golden boy Kendrick Lamar and his son Droop-E on "Catch A Fade." Make sure you pick up the albums when they hit stores on March 26 or preorder it now HERE.

E-40 ft. Kendrick Lamar & Droop E - Catch A Fade


Props to Prefix Mag

Previously:

• E-40 ft. 2 Chainz & Juicy J - They Point [Music Video]
• Game ft. Kendrick Lamar - The City [Music Video]
• Droop-E feat. Kendrick Lamar - Rossi Wine (Free My Mind) [Music Video]

Mac Miller - Macadelic [New Mixtape] + Loud [Music Video]

Mac Miller fans have been waiting for Macadelic for some time and he made the wait worth it as he released both the mixtape and the music video to the project's lead single "Loud." Check out the visuals below, and hit the jump to stream or download Macadelic!

Lil Kim ft. Young Jeezy - Keys To The City

Update: Here's the untagged version, courtesy of HHNM

Lil Kim ft. Young Jeezy - Keys To The City

Download: Lil Kim ft. Young Jeezy - Keys To The City

Well, we finally know the "J" Lil' Kim was talking about. She linked up with Young Jeezy on her new single "Keys To The City," which just premiered on IFWT. What do you think of the track. Is Kim finally back?

Props to HHNM

Previously:

• Lil Kim Performs On BET's Rip The Runway [VIDEO]
• Young Jeezy Performs With B.o.B In Las Vegas [VIDEO]

Bangladesh Signs Deal With Cash Money Records [VIDEO]

When I saw this headline come across my timeline, I couldn't believe my eyes. Bangladesh, who has claimed numerous times that Cash Money hasn't paid him for his hit productions for Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, has now signed a deal with Cash Money. In a recent interview, he threw tons of shade at Nicki and her "assets", but he recently revealed to MTV that things were all good.



Previously: Bangladesh Reveals Collaborations On New Album [VIDEO]

Drake Does "The Wheelchair Jimmy Dance" [VIDEO]

I checked my calendar today, and I realized something: It's time for a new dance craze. It's getting warmer, more parties will be poppin, and cooking and beefing it up are becoming things of the past. Captain Save a Ho can add another Cub Scout badge to his vest because he's got it all figured out. Drizzy presents to you... The Wheelchair Jimmy Dance.



Let the YouTube videos commence!

Props to Necole Bitchie

Previously: Inside Drake's Club Paradise Tour [VIDEO]