Big Sean - "Fire"

Today, in a time where ridiculous publicity stunts like fake proposals are key reasons why people listen to music, it's refreshing to see that tracks like Big Sean's "Fire" can be appreciated without any huge banners or announcements leading up to the release. In fact, the Hall Of Fame track wasn't supposed to hit the net, but a premature leak caused Sean to let the passionate track loose for his fans.

Stream "Fire" below, and let me know if you'll be copping Big Sean's sophomore album Hall Of Fame when it hits stores August 27.


Previously: Big Sean ft. Lil Wayne & Jhené Aiko - "Beware"

[Video] Jay Z Talks Commercialization, Competion & More With Elliott Wilson

While this summer has seen it's fair share of Hip Hop releases from the likes of J. Cole, Kanye, Wale, and Mac Miller, Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail has proven to be the biggest. With first week sales of 528,000 --not including the 1 million copies sold to Samsung weeks before it release-- and the first rap album to hit #1 on Billboard two weeks in a row, Jay has a lot to be proud of.

After giving The Breakfast Club and Angie Martinez a moment of his time with a pair of very telling interviews, Jay Z sat down with Rap Radar's Elliot Wilson to discuss #FactsOnly. Watch Part 1 below as Jay discusses his love for art, performing at Yankee stadium, and more.


Part 2 after the jump!

[Music Video] Kanye West - "Black Skinhead"

Kanye West let it be known on Twitter that he wasn't happy about the video to "Black Skinhead" leaking last week before it was completed. Today, however, the final cut of the interactive visuals premiered on KanyeWest.com.

Check out the visuals below and hit the comments to let me know your thoughts on both the video and of Yeezus. Did Kanye really release the best verse in Hip Hop history on "New Slaves?"


Previously: [Video] Kanye West Performs "New Slaves" & "Black Skinhead" On SNL

[Music Video] CharlieRED - "GreenGREED"

With their sophomore effort MUSE. just a month away, daring soul- hip hop duo CharlieRED holds nothing back in the visuals to the project's lead single "GreenGREED." Watch below as Rocki Evans and Cobaine Ivory take on the man, the flaws of our capitalist system, and hopefully the brains of those watching whose thoughts are centered around the third deadly sin.

MUSE. = August 20th.

[Esquire]

Previously: CharlieRED - "GreenGREED"

Shome - "Get It All"

Shome quickly became a G.U.E. favorite with his tracks "Bourbon & Canal" and "Enter Loot," and I'm sure you're pleased to know that he's prepping the full length project The Balancing Act. 

The New Orleans bred emcee now residing in my hometown of Charlotte, NC keeps it authentic with "Get It All," a raw introduction to what else The Balancing Act has to offer.


Previously: Shome - "Enter Loot" (Interlude) [Prod. by Nesby Phips]

[Music Video] Jarell Perry - "Getaway"

In conjunction with Russell Simmon's new venture All Def Digital, L.A. singer-songwriter Jarell Perry  presents the visuals to"Getaway"-- my favorite track on his Simple Things album. The West Coast sure has some talent in the R&B department, so get familiar with this man!



Previously: Jarell Perry - "Worst Enemy"

DJ Hourglass - Think Outside The Clock, Vol. 2 [New Mix]

Vol. 1 received a ton of love from you all, so I made sure to spend even more working on "Think Outside The Clock, Vol. 2." Just like the first installment, Vol. 2 is mostly comprised of remixes from my favorite DJs and producers, but this one is more representative of my experience in the Atlanta club scene. It also features an impromptu live remix of Jhené Aiko's "Stranger" by yours truly.

Download and stream Vol. 2 below, and hit the jump for a full track listing! Be sure to show love on my Soundcloud, Facebook, and Twitter!

Download: DJ Hourglass - Think Outside The Clock, Vol. 2 | Mixcloud

[Music Video] 2 Chainz ft. Pharrell - "Feds Watchin"

Premiered by BET moments after the curtains closed tonight, 2 Chainz and Pharrell got cleaned up in case the "Feds Watching" in the visuals to the B.O.A.T.S. II lead single. Look for Tity Boi's sophomore solo album to hit stores September 10th.



Previously: 2 Chainz ft. Pharrell - "Feds Watching" + Summer Jam XX Set

Janelle Monae - "Dance Apocalyptic"

Along with today's announcement that The Electric Lady will hit stores on September 10th, Janelle Monae premiered the album's second single, "Dance Apocalyptic." Once you hit play, the title strangely makes total sense...

Stream "Dance Apocalyptic" below, which playfully borrows a line from...wait for it.... Juicy J, and hit the jump to watch the trailer for the video coming July 2!

Nubbz - 'Till Sunset' (Remix Collection)

Nubbz quickly became a Gs Use Emoticons favorite when he released his remix project In A Minute, and the Dutch producer has added more than a few gems to his collection since then.

Nubbz' take on Childish Gambino's "Fire Fly" and Blu's "Soul Provider" spread around the net like wildfire, and his new project Till Sunset bundles those tracks with four more featuring Nas, Danny Brown, Freddie Gibbs, and CL Smooth. Vibe out to Till Sunset below, and be sure to hit the comments with your thoughts!

Download: Nubbz - Till Sunset | Alt Download (Bandcamp)

Previously: Blu - "Soul Provider" (Nubbz Remix)

[Music Video] Bridget Kelly ft. Kendrick Lamar - "Street Dreamin"

Almost more exciting than my two favorite artists Bridget Kelly and Kendrick Lamar crafting a track together is the fact that Roc Nation is actually giving the amazing vocalist a real push leading up to her debut album. "Street Dreamin" has been doing well on Atlanta radio, and now the Clifton Bell directed visual has premiered on VEVO. Watch the video to "Street Dreamin" below, which was shot in my home state of NC. Greensboro, I see ya!



Shout out the Bruhz as well!

Previously:

• Bridget Kelly ft. Kendrick Lamar - "Street Dreamin"
• Black Hippy - "U.O.E.N.O." (Remix) + G.K.M.C. Tour Dates

Big Sean ft. Lil Wayne & Jhené Aiko - "Beware"

Ever since Jhené Aiko became a part of No I.D.'s Artium/Def Jam family, Big Sean took advantage of the new addition, revealing their chemistry in the studio on a few tracks from his acclaimed Detroit mixtape. Now with his sophomore album Hall Of Fame officially slated for an August 27th release, he rolls out another single attempt with "Beware" featuring the "Comfort Inn Ending" songstress and Lil Wayne.

Stream the cautionary tale below and click HERE to purchase "Beware" on iTunes. Hall Of Fame trailer after the jump!

CharlieRED - "GreenGREED"

Thankfully, Rocki Evans and Cobaine Ivory aren't stopping with the Religion EP. On August 20th, they plan to drop their sophomore effort MUSE. as the Blues/Hip Hop duo CharlieRED, and they kick things off with "GreenGREED." Nothing counterfeit about this record. Pure soul.

Hit the jump for the download and peep the lyric video below! #GreenGREED

Nas - "#MadeNasProud" (J. Cole Response)

As a response to the powerful Born Sinner track "Let Nas Down," in which J. Cole reveals Nas' disappointment with his first official single "Work Out," Nasir pays the ultimate respect by tipping his hat to the young star. This song is already really special to their fans, so I can only imagine how special Nas' words are to Cole.


Hit the jump to see J. Cole describe Nas' reaction when hearing "Let Nas Down."

Drake Drops 4 New Tracks & Reveals 'Nothing Was The Same' Release Date

With J. Cole and Yeezus going head to head with amazing results; Jay-Z's revolutionary announcement of his album Magna Carta Holy Grail; Wale's The Gifted on deck; and Drake's Nothing Was The Same officially slated for a September 17th release, there's no doubt that this summer will be the best one Hip Hop music's seen in a while.

In a move similar to the concurrent release of "Girls Love Beyoncé" and "No New Friends," Drake released four new tracks: the J. Cole featured "Jodeci Freestyle," Party Next Door's "Over Here," Migos' "Versace," and the Sampha featured "The Motion."  Stream + download them all below.

[Album Stream] J. Cole - 'Born Sinner'

A Dollar And A Dream Secret Show Dates & Cities

Much like the reactive strategy used for Cole World: The Sideline Story, J. Cole and his team responded quickly to the leak of his sophomore album Born Sinner with the launch of an official stream of the project. At the end of the day, whether you grab the leaked version or not, this is just one of those albums that you should purchase based on sheer quality alone.  June 18, 2013.

Stream Born Sinner below!


Previously: J. Cole ft. TLC - "Crooked Smile"

[Music Video] Wale ft. Rick Ross & Lupe Fiasco - "Poor Decisions" + "Bad" (Remix) ft. Rihanna

Wale's album The Gifted is set to hit stores on June 25th, and if his hit single "Bad" and "LoveHate Thing" are any indications, it may give both Kanye and Cole's project a run for their money.

In addition to The Gifted, Wale will team up with his Maybach Music compadres for their third Self Made compilation, which will drop on August 6. Watch the video for the project's first offering "Poor Decisions" featuring Lupe Fiasco and Rick Ross below, and hit the jump to stream the re-release of "Bad" featuring Rihanna who stands in for Rico Love's newest Divison 1 signee, Tiara Thomas.

Ryshon Jones - "Underdog Theme Music" (Prod. by Rollin Mills)

Ryshon Jones has been busy cooking up the follow-up to his In Theory project, and he's taking no prisoners on the lead leak "Underdog Theme Music." With a soundscape produced by Rollin Mills, Ryshon rhymes about how he'll stay true to his craft and feed off of the doubters.

If only Indiana had this during game 7....


Download: Ryshon Jones - "Underdog Theme Music"

Previously: [Music Video] Ryshon Jones ft. L.atasha A.lcindor - "God's Broken Smile"

J. Cole ft. TLC - "Crooked Smile"

For every "Feds Watchin," there should be a "Crooked Smile." J. Cole, never one to shy away from substance, tackles deep subject matter while cracking a few jokes on himself in the process.

I know you (and clearly Cole himself) have seen the Cole World eyebrow and dental slander, and to make a single that superficially references his aesthetic flaws is genius. Let's not forget that J. Cole tapped T-Boz and Chili, R&B artists cemented in history, to contribute their vocals to the inspirational "Crooked Smile."

Cole's Born Sinner will battle Kanye's Yeezus on June 18th. With "Power Trip," "Niggas Know" and now this on the tracklist, my money's on NC's finest....




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

2 Chainz ft. Pharrell - "Feds Watching" + Summer Jam XX Set

A Pharrell/Neptunes beat gets an automatic listen from me any time of the day, and when I'm in Turn down FOR WHAT?! mode a 2 Chainz line is like a nice selection from Chicken Soup For The Soul.

Thanks to "Feds Watching," I think I've found middle ground for 2 Chainz on my iTunes. The reggae tinged beat is perfect for the summer and "Feds Watching" is a great street single to test the waters for his forthcoming sophomore album.



As a bonus hit the jump to catch 2 Chainz's full set from Summer Jam XX, which features a surprise performance from last year's Summer Jam nemesis Nicki Minaj.

[Music Video] Chilly Chills - "Patience"

I met Atlanta rapper and spoken word artist Chilly Chills last summer at a Poor Little Rich Girl music showcase when I DJ'ed a few of his performances, and I've been a fan ever since. With the help of director K.D. Gray, Chilly presents the visuals to his Maez produced single, "Patience."

Sevyn Streeter - "It Won't Stop" (Prod. by Diplo & Free School)

Sevyn Streeter has definitely paid her dues in the industry. She broke through as a lead member of the groups RichGirl and TG4, and she's been credited as a songwriter for Alicia Keys, Chris Brown and more. Now Sevyn's busting out as a solo artist, and I'm definitely here for it. The girl's TALENTED.

As a follow-up to her current commercial success "I Like It," Sevyn debuts her latest effort "It Won't Stop," produced by Diplo and Free School. Sevyn's forthcoming debut album is coming together quite nicely!



[Rap-Up]

ScHoolboyQ - "Hell Of A Night" (Prod. by DJ Dahi)

ScHoolboy Q's album Oxymoron is next up for TDE, and Q gave NBA on TNT the honor of premiering his new single "Hell Of A Night." As usual, DJ Dahi outdoes himself on the beat, and Q puts his signature on the track. Yet another reason to get hype for the Black Hippy tour!



[HHNM]

Previously: Black Hippy - "U.O.E.N.O." (Remix)

Le$ ft. Smoke DZA - "Autobahn"

Le$ has some nice cuts on his upcoming mixtape E36, and "Autobahn" featuring the Kushed God Smoke DZA is no exception. E36 this Tuesday, May 28.



Previously:

• Le$ - More Le$ [New Mixtape]
• [Music Video] Joey Bada$$ ft. Big K.R.I.T. & Smoke DZA – "Underground Airplay"

[Video] DJ Princess Cut - In The Sweetbox, Ep. 5 Starring Big Boi

DJ Princess Cut recently caught up with her friend Big Boi during the Athens, GA stop of his and Killer Mike's Shoes For Running Tour and decided to share her backstage access with us for the fifth episode of In The Sweetbox.

Watch below as she discusses Big Boi's latest album Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors, his new sock line with Crooks & Castles, and his knack for collaborating with artists in other genres.


As a bonus, hit the jump for Princess Cut's new mixtape Girls On Fie, Vol. 1 with Hot 107.9's Mz Shyneka!

[Mixtape Kitchen]

Previously: 

• [New Mixtape] DJ Princess Cut - Early Morning Tap, Vol. 3
• [Music Video] Big Boi ft. Jake Troth, The Sons Of Thunder & Epic Meal Time - "Apple Of My Eye"

Goodie Mob ft. Janelle Monae - "Special Education"

After premiering "Fight To Win" last year, Goodie Mob relaunches their album Age Against The Machine with their new single "Special Education." Hearing Cee-Lo, T-Mo, Khujo Goodie & Big Gipp all rhyming together takes me back, and I'm excited to cop the album when hits stores on June 18th.

Also lending her vocals to "Special Education" is Dungeon extended family and "Q.U.E.E.N." Janelle Monae.



Previously:

• Goodie Mob Pay Tribute To The Beastie Boys At The 2012 Billboard Music Awards [VIDEO]
• [Music Video] Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu - "Q.U.E.E.N."

[Video] CharlieRED Performs "Could Be" Live At SOB's

I'll tell anyone who's willing to listen about duo CharlieRED, but my word of mouth can't compare to the following they're growing from their live shows. On May 14, Rocki Evans and Cobaine Ivory took to New York City's SOBs to perform cuts from their Religion EP for BET's Music Matters showcase.

Watch a clip of CharlieRED performing "Could Be" below, and hit the jump to watch them cover Amy Winehouse's "Me And Mr. Jones" as a segue into Religion's "Norah Jones." KILLED IT.

Wale - "LoveHate Thing" ft. Sam Dew

While Wale's commercial smash "Bad" makes its way around the airwaves, Folarin dropped his new single showcasing the elements of his artistry that first put him on the map.

Stream "LoveHate Thing" featuring Roc Nation singer and "Lotus Flower Bomb" co-penner Sam Dew below, and click HERE to preorder Wale's third album The Gifted set to hit stores on June 25. Artwork and tracklisting after the jump.

[Music Video] Stacy Barthe ft. Rick Ross - "Hell Yeah"

Stacy Barthe's P.S. I Love You EP is immaculate, and I'm glad that Island Def Jam is investing in the beautiful songwriter's talent. Watch below as the John Legend protégé, Nouveau Noir and Surf Club member is joined by Rick Ross in the visuals to the worldly "Hell Yeah."



Ahhhh.... like a breath of fresh air... d^_^b

Previously: Stacy Barthe - "P.S. I Love You" [FreEP]

Black Hippy - "U.O.E.N.O." (Remix) + G.K.M.C. Tour Dates

This summer when all four brothers of Black Hippy will be touring together, they'll have another track to add to their set list. While Rocko's "U.O.E.N.O." has been redone about 5,842 times, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock's version should be the remix to end all UOENO remixes.


Now... who's coming with me to The Tabernacle?

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

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

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

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


Download: Jhené Aiko - "Comfort Inn Ending"

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

[Music Video] Elijah Blake ft. Common - "X.O.X."

Elijah Blake closed out 2012 with a spectacular EP in Bijoux 22. While I'm fondest of standouts like "Talk To Me" and "Vicky Secrets," I can understand why the Common featured "X.O.X." is turning into an international sensation. Check out the visuals to the No I.D. production below, and try to refrain from hitting your ex with sappy texts... Keep it G!



Previously:

• Elijah Blake - Bijoux 22 [FreEP]
• Common ft. Cocaine 80s - "Congratulations"

[Album Stream] The-Dream - IV Play

If you're in need for some new SERTAfied tunes to add to the collection, The-Dream's fourth studio album IV Play is just about all you'll need this year. If you want to try before you buy, stream the entire project below, which features collaborations with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, Big Sean, and Pusha T.

Hourglass Picks: "High Art," "IV Play," "Turnt," "Michael," "Loving You/Crazy"



IV Play hits stores next Tuesday, May 28th. Hit the jump to peep the visuals to the album's title track.

Pharrell - "Happy"

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

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


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

[Rolling Stone]

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

Shome - "Enter Loot" (Interlude) [Prod. by Nesby Phips]

I was really feeling Shome earlier this year when he dropped "Bourbon & Canal," and to hold us over until his College Years compilation tape hits the net on May 29th, enjoy "Enter Loot."

In the intermission of his College Years compilation tape, Shome describes the title of "Enter Loot" as a double meaning. Loot is described as goods, however, it is also the action of stealing or taking away. The pros and cons of this title helps illustrate this certain track, allowing the listener to "decipher the cypher."

Previously: Shome - "Bourbon & Canal" (Prod. Wister Dice)

[Music Video] Evo ft. NiGEHOOD - "Chasin"

Next to drop from the NC collective The PoRt is Durham's own Evo, who plans to release his new mixtape Restless Drive some time this Summer. Get accustomed to seeing Evo's name more and more on G's Use Emoticons, and watch the visuals to the Nugget produced single "Chasing" below, which features G's favorite NiGE HOOD.


Directed by Keith Eason of Lone Ranger Productions

Previously: QuenT x NiGE HOOD - The Basquiat (Sampler) [FreEP]

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

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



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

[Video] Miguel Adds Wrestler To His Resume At The 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Last night's Billboard Music Awards were full of noteworthy moments, but Miguel found a way to become the most talked about musician at the ball. During a performance of his smash single (pun success!) "Adorn," Miguel took out a pair of fans while attempting to jump from one area of the stage to another.

While he's had plenty of embarrassing moments on stage, this one might take the cake. Hit the comments with your thoughts!



[Yardie]

Previously: [Music Video] Mariah Carey ft. Miguel - "#Beautiful"

[Video] Kanye West Performs "New Slaves" & "Black Skinhead" On SNL

Shortly after debuting his new song "New Slaves" on the buildings of 66 cities worldwide, Kanye West took to SNL to deliver two intense performances from his upcoming album Yeezus. From the sounds and the delivery of "New Slaves" and "Black Skinhead," Kanye seems to be delivering an album that both College Dropout and 808's & Heartbreaks' biggest fans will love.

Stream the performances below, and hit the comments with your thoughts on Ye's new material.

[Video] Kanye West Debuts Single "New Slaves" On 66 Buildings Worldwide

Leave it to Kanye to find an inventive way to premiere a new single. With his appearance on SNL only hours away, I was sure the track would pop up some time today. Never did I think it'd be done like this.

Instead of passing his single along to Flex, or mysteriously tweeting the record, Kanye had a performance of "New Slaves" projected along 66 buildings across the world.

Check out the debut of "New Slaves" Ye's hometown of Chicago courtesy of GoWhereHipHop's Maks G.



As a huge Kendrick fan, I can't help but compare the subject matter to both parts 1 and 2 of "Vanity Slave," but I'm glad to see Kanye returning to his College Dropout roots.

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

The anticipation for Daft Punk's new album Random Access Memories has been eating away at fans worldwide, but with help from iTunes, the French duo has made the LP available for free stream. You can listen to RAM on iTunes by clicking HERE.

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

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



[FADER]

Previously:

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

[Music Video] Kendrick Lamar - "Bxtch, Don't Kill My Vibe"

Just the other day, I had a quick proud fan moment when I heard Kendrick Lamar's "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" on the radio. Now, K. Dot's one of the biggest names in rap, but a few years ago I could only pray that something of substance like this track would break out onto the airwaves.

Check out the official video below as Mike Epps and Kendrick conduct this year's most ig'nant baptism, and be sure to cop good kid, m.A.A.d city in stores now!"



As a bonus, hit the jump to see Kendrick Lamar as principle for a day at Providence, RI's Mount Pleasant High School.

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

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

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



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

[Music Video] Mariah Carey ft. Miguel - "#Beautiful"

I'm sure Mariah and Miguel had to have a few "it's just acting" talks with their loves Nick Cannon and Nazanin Mandi before shooting the touchy, feely video for their new duet "#Beautiful." Premiered on the latest episode of American Idol, watch below as biker Miguel takes Mariah on a ride through the sunset.


Previously:

• Mariah Carey ft. Rick Ross & Meek Mill - Triumphant (Get 'Em) [Music Video]
• [Music Video] Miguel ft. Kendrick Lamar - "How Many Drinks" (Remix)

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

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

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

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

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

Alt. Download (Datpiff)

[New Mixtape] August Alsina - 'The Product 2'

New Orleans is the home to many talented R&B artists like Dawn Richard and Luke James, but August Alsina is the newest crooner looking to put the city on his back as he climbs to the top. With his song "I Luv This Shit" doing numbers on radio (I just shut a bachelor party DOWN with this!),  August's latest mixtape The Product 2 is set to ensure his place as one of the contenders of the new school.

Stream the Def Jam/Radio Killa signee's DJ Drama hosted tape below!

HOURGLASS PICK: Downtown ft. Kidd Kidd

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Tamar Braxton - "The One"

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


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

[New Mixtape] Scotty x DJ Burn One - 'F.A.I.T.H.'

"You don't use our music to get high. They use our music to get by..."

A powerful statement like that puts a lot of responsibility on Atlanta emcee Scotty, but he delivers 100% on his new mixtape F.A.I.T.H. (Foreva Atlanta In The Heart) with DJ Burn One. Surely the next to blow out of the A, Scotty gets support from Big K.R.I.T., Trinidad Jame$, Le$, Killa Kyleon, Miloh Smith, Ebony Love, and more.

Stream + download F.A.I.T.H. below, and get used to seeing Scotty's name a lot more on GsUseEmoticons.

Download: Scotty - F.A.I.T.H.

Previously: Scotty ft. Trinidad Jame$ - "Conversations On That Brown"