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Lots of material in this episode, and plenty has already been released throughout the week.
To recap: Trey Songz’s latest visuals, Khalil’s debut visuals, the official single from the upcoming Foreign Exchange album, Cee-Lo’s anticipated F*** You video, a fantastic cover of Outkast’s Prototype, and finally a new Trey Songz and Drake collaboration.
Oddly, there are some huge hip-hop names making appearances in this episode. Click on to see what they’re doing hanging around these parts, and what everyone else is up to.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 64
In a rush, so here’s one to warm you up for what should be a stellar episode of R&B Fridays.
Audio can be accquired 10 R&B Fridays ago.
Surprised at how much this track has taken off. Apparently, it’s already charted in the US Top 10 before this video was released, so congratulations on that one!
I do like this track, and it was one of the better ones from the album: the positive, summer spin on the track definitely makes this one to perk up any playlist.
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As their debut album, The Swelly Life, has been delayed until 2011, Chiddy Bang are released an EP to tie fans over. Comprised of both new and old material, it’s set for an October 12th release.
1. The Good Life
2. Truth
3. Opposite Of Adults
4. Here We Go ft. Q-Tip
5. All Things Go
6. Nothing On We
7. Bad Boy ft. Darwin Deez
8. Old Ways
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When these two get together, they usually make some pretty good music. This would be no exception to that rule, with the latest leak from Passion, Pain & Pleasure being a midtempo track of great potential. A tagged up version leaked earlier, but I thought it would only be right to wait for the no tags-and I was right.
The beat is really well put together, and instead of coming across as a standalone beat that these guys have just laid vocals over, the way in which it weaves and blends with the lyrics and vocals is a highlight of the track. It’s toned down for lyrical focus points in the verses, and switched up to full effect with a live drum compliment for the hook, emphasising a catchy and upbeat chorus that gives this track a distinct flavour. Vocals are great as you’d expect from Trey, and Drake’s verse is alright, although I’d hoped he’d do better as this sort of beat normally fits his style well. One to check out for sure, another strong track from the album.
Trey Songz-The Usual ft. Drake
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Great to see Yelawolf getting these big name co-signs, and even better that he’s getting screen time for one of them.
No audio for you, as you should already have Big Boi’s album by now. If you don’t, get your head checked!
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The Five One’s first official single gets the video treatment, and builds upon the memorable foundations laid by the audio.
The key to knowing if a video fits the audio is when the descriptions for both are eerily similar: the video is nothing short of genuine, with no unnecessary effects or storylines, and instead gives you a personal and captivating look at the band in their element.
The relaxed, easygoing nature of the video makes it very easy to rewatch too, much like the audio. Overall, a strong video for a strong track that will hopefully elevate The Five One to new heights.
Audio is here.
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A tagged up version of this was posted around a month ago from me, that version was a short 1 verse song. What we have here for you is the full immense version of this track, without tags. Don’t say I never do anything for you.
Fabolous – You Be Killin Em
Murray, September 2, 2010
Whilst the self-proclaimed kings of New York were battling it out for the throne, attention had turned to the underground where the streets were going crazy for the hip-hop supergroup Diggin’ In The Crates crew.
In early 1990 Lord Finesse brought together some of the most talented producers, DJ’s and MC’s in the game who would later become one of the most respected hip-hop group’s of all time. Diamond D, Showbiz, A.G., O.C., Buckwild, Fat Joe and finally Big L one-by-one eventually teamed up to form the legendary D.I.T.C.
Heads, you know what to do. Click that red. → Continue Reading Throwback Thursdays Vol 38
Murray, September 2, 2010
We all know now that Fat Joe’s centrepiece to his Darkside Vol 1 is the modern-day classic, DJ Premier cut: I’m Gone.
Quick video here of the two breaking down exactly how the record came about. I know Joey dedicated his joint to Guru, but doesn’t it seem a bit insensitive he made Premo send over not one, but two beats even though Premo’s man had just passed?!
Joe speaks a lot shit (especially lately), but can’t hate on his closing words.
Murray, September 2, 2010
This is odd because J-Love/Meyhem’s Acknowledge Greatness is a few years old but hey, can’t hate on some free visual action now can we?
Cormega looks like he’s on some K’naan shit huh?
Murray, September 2, 2010
LOADS of stuff to get through this morning (BST) so of course my speakers have decided to pack in. Hence perhaps a lack of precise analytical ability today.
Onto business, first up is Crooked I’s part 4 of his “swagger jacked” hip-hop weekly series (aimed no doubt at Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Fridays). Here he spits over Fat Joe’s summer hit If It Ain’t About Money. Not his best verses, but certainly does a better job than Joey Crack.
Hip-Hop Weekly Reloaded: Part 4 (If It Ain’t About Money)
Catch up with the series here.
Shortly after announcing details of their upcoming album, Phonte and Nicolay let loose of the first official single from Authenticity. I hope by now you’ve taken the time to get familiar with them, because I’m going to be pushing the hell out of this project, such was the strength of their last album.
This track picks up from where the aforementioned album left off, delivering a slow, contemplative and easygoing production that allows Phonte’s ever-versatile vocals to cross those R&B/soul/hip-hop boundaries seamlessly. Lyrically, the track has a frank honesty that is admirable, highlighted by the insecurity and vulnerability of the hopeful hook.
The key of their music that keeps me coming back is the knack for making music that is uniquely seasonal: it tends to evoke images of autumn (fall) and winter, which comfortably lets you drift away with your thoughts, and all without being remotely depressive. A rare blend that is nothing short of a great experience.
The Foreign Exchange-Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me
You should do, because it was the standout song from The Love Below. It really shot to prominence (if I recall correctly) when Andre performed it on an MTV awards show, and upon that performance the legendary track built its reputation. It’s upon a new version that it may cement its legacy.
I wanted to leave this for R&B Friday, but caved in. Understandably, Jesse Boykins III may not be a familiar name: my only exposure to him was through Mickey Factz mixtapes, as they’ve collaborated several times to good effect. He takes a swing at this track, and does a monumentally good job in not only retaining the beauty of the original, but stamping his own indelible mark on the song. Vocally, the work is very different to the original, being a lot more relaxed and rooted in vintage soul, whilst the production follows suit and drops the sharp guitar notes of the original in favour of a lighter, vocal-boosting sound.
They’re differences that allow this version to stand alongside the original without being hindered by direct comparisons due to the nature of the changes: it’s not about which ones better, but being able to enjoy them both for their respective merits. For me this absolutely consitutes unmissable music, and makes you truly appreciate how there are very few things better than a perfect soul track.
Jesse Boykins III-Prototype ft. MeLo-X and Trae Harris
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Given that our very own Indi is a huge fan of the original and Maino, this should definitely get his engines revving!
Maino keeps his ‘comeback’ on track with a nice verse on this great track. It’s only a clean version sadly, which means even Chris Brown’s vocals are heavily edited, but it’s still worth grabbing for sure.
Chris Brown-Deuces Remix ft. Maino
Some new T.I. for you, featuring Rick Ross. This is going to be on T.I.’s new album, King Uncaged and with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League (the guys who produce the majority of Rick Ross’ hits) producing this, you can expect a typical T.I. southern banger full of plenty of bass, sprinkled with some of that majestic feel to it.
T.I. – Pledge Allegiance To The Swag ft. Rick Ross
Some great new material from XV. From the upcoming Vizzy Zone mixtape, he drops off a motivational and uplifting beat that compliment his speedy and youthful raps superbly. He can be pretty hit and miss on his material, and you’ll be glad to know that this one is definitely on the hit side of things. Catchy hook definitely helps too.
XV-We Zonin’
Murray, September 1, 2010
More new Atmosphere from their To All My Friends tour where they release EP’s which can only be purchased at certain venues.
Really feeling this acoustic nature of Ant’s recent production and Slug delivers those memorable verses which make him one of the best to ever do it. Make sure you get your hands on their last leak.
Atmosphere – Free Fallin’
Wiz Khalifa brings us a new single since joining Rostrum/Atlantic. A track that’s produced by Stargate, this is, as ever, a very likeable track by Wiz and will be in my playlist over the next few weeks. Download link below.
Wiz Khalifa – Black And Yellow
It’s no secret that Nottz is one of the better producers in the hip-hop game today, so it’s with great pleasure that I (belatedly) bring you the first track from the upcoming free EP from himself and Asher Roth.
A great track to kick things off with, with the production being a raw, gritty beat that clearly has its roots in the old-school style and helps to dispel some misconceptions about Asher’s rapping: he takes this beat on superbly, delivering a nicely-paced and fitting verse with some great lines. I’d never heard Nottz rap before this and he does a decent job too, bringing a more aggressive, Royce Da 5’9″-esque style to the track. Hip-hop heads should definitely be checking for this one.
Nottz Raw and Asher Roth-Enforce The Law
Quick one here, as Mickey drops off a short freestyle to tie fans over whilst we wait for I’m Better Than You. Some nice bars as usual in this one, though annoyingly I can’t remember what the original beat was!
Mickey Factz-New Campus Kingpin
Unfortunately not quite as dope as the original, but this Pt 2 sees Nas spitting some standard on-point bars over a jazz-inspired backdrop.
From DJ Green Lantern’s Invasion Radio 2k10 Mixtape, but this is a tagless version for you.
Nas – Last Real Nigga Alive Pt. 2
Some more visuals for one of my favourites from the album (Out today. Buy here).
Make sure you pick up the audio because it’s a banger.
After a couple of track leaks, videos and plenty of hype, we finally get the latest mixtape offering for Big Sean. Absolutely can’t wait to hear this, as I’ve become a really big fan of this guy from the quality of his previous 2 mixtapes.
Click here to check out the leaks etc. previously mentioned, and please do yourselves a favour and grab this mixtape. I can’t stress enough how much quality Sean possesses, and if you’re a new-school fan of hip-hop you really need to be appreciating talents like his.
Big Sean-Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG
The tagged up version was posted a few hours ago, and the final version has been let loose by Kanye. Comes with artwork too, hence I felt this was deserving of a new post.
One thing that has to be said, despite my previous insistence on not reviewing the track: Kanye’s done a great job with this beat. It’s a bit of a shame it was used for a Justin Bieber collab (no offense, it’s just a beat better suited for a real hip-hop track). As I said before, this track will definitely intrigue almost every visitor of this site so click below and prepare to listen to the Wu-Tang and Justin Bieber together
Justin Bieber-Runaway Love Remix ft. Raekwon and Kanye West
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Pretty nice track here from Maino, as ever, utilising a classic sample for the first leak from The Art of War. The sample is layered over some pounding drums, and comes accompanied with a pretty decent and motivational hook. Maino sticks to his tried and trusted rapping style, bringing those street raps to the table.
Maino-We Gonna Win
This is another great track from Big Sean, who impresses me more and more with his beat selection: it’s a nice blend of old-school simple vibes layered with some modern touches that retain the youthful and fresh vibe in his music, without sacrificing his maturity.
His rapping ability doesn’t need introduction, as he’s comfortably one of the most accomplished rappers of the ‘new breed’, and cements that status with some diverse and addictive flows on this one. Where’s the mixtape at Sean!?
Big Sean-Meant To Be
So it’s finally here. Probably the most anticipated arrival since the aliens landed, the power of Twitter takes its final, controversial and confusing shape in the form of this song.
I think everyone who visits this site has some form of curiosity about this song, whether its musical or morbid, so I’m not going to pointlessly influence you with my opinion on this. Click below and marvel at how crazy this industry is. It has minor tags, so keep it locked for the final version as and when its let loose. Update: That would be now. Click here for the final version and artwork.
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Visuals for this excellent track by Nipsey Hu$$le & Lloyd are finally here. This is a track that’ll feature on Nipsey’s debut album, South Central State Of Mind. Click here for the audio.
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