Happy New Year

I'm back - here are some essentials from the last 10 days that you need to scoop before 2011.  I'll hit you with some singles and videos in the next couple days

Asher Roth & Nottz - RAWTH (EP)

Rick Ross - Ashes to Ashes (Mixtape)

Big Boi v. The Black Keys - The Brothers of Chico Dusty

And visuals for the Lupe Fiasco banger, The Show Goes On.  Everyone enjoy their NYE celebration tonight.

Happy Holidays

Squeezing in another post before I head out of town again.  Did anyone else see that G-Dep confessed to murder?? Crazy shit right there.

Kanye West - Christmas in Harlem (feat. Cam'ron, Vado, Jim Jones, CyHi Da Prynce, Pusha T, Big Sean, Teyana Taylor & Musiq)

Wale - Let's Chill (feat. Lloyd)

XV - A Night to Remember (Produced by Seven)

David Banner & 9th Wonder - Be With You (Video)

The Wrap Up

I'm headed out of town for the weekend, but I wanted to hit ya'll with a quick post.

Wale - Talk2Me (feat. Roscoe Dash) (via 2dopeboyz)
Not my favorite Wale track to drop, but still worth the download.

Lil Wayne - 6'7" (feat. Cory Gunz)
First single off of the Carter IV.

Saigon - It's Cold (via rapradar)
 Track that didn't make the cut for his upcoming album, but should have.

Johnny Polygon - Wolf in Cheap Clothing EP

Fabolous - You Be Killin' Em (video)


KiD CuDi - All Along (Unofficial Video)
Gremlins = win.

KRS-One & DJ Premier - 5% (feat. Grand Puba)

Here's the first single for the upcoming KRS-One and DJ Premier album, Return of the Boom-Bip, dropping in 2011.  Three legends in the building on this one.

Download 5% (via djpremierblog)

Bonus throwback: Brand Nubian - Don't Let It Go To Your Head.  Every up-and-coming rapper should listen to the third verse.  Daily.

Don't let it go to your head, no!
Cuz one single don't make you a hit...

Dr. Dre - Kush (feat. Snoop Dogg, Akon)

Video for the first single off of Detox.  I wasn't feeling this at first, but it grew on me...

John Legend & The Roots Concert Footage

I was fortunate enough to score tickets to the John Legend & The Roots invite-only concert this past Tuesday.  It also happened to be the Rolling Stone holiday party (which meant open bar).  I'm a huge fan of John Legend and The Roots, and I had pretty high expectations, which they completely blew out of the water.  I'll just say that these guys are true artists and if you get a chance, you need to go see them.  My friend already wrote a full review/re-cap from the night, so, if you're interested, hit up 34th & Now for his thoughts.

Here is a playlist of all the songs I recorded: Hard Times, Lil Ghetto Boy, Doing It Again, Wake Up Everybody, Ordinary People, I Can't Write Left Handed, The Fire, and Green Light.  Enjoy.

Mixtape Monday: B.o.B - No Genre

This is kind of cheating, but hit up bobatl.com tomorrow to download his mixtape No Genre.

Previously - B.o.B - F*ck The Money (feat. Whiz Khalifa)

Mixtape Monday: Raheem DeVaughn - Jackin 4 Beats

Raheem had the twitterverse going crazy over his latest video (check it out here if you are into soft-core porn). But more importantly, the DMV crooner just dropped his most recent mixtape.  If you don't know about Raheem DeVaughn and are a fan of R&B, then you are missing out on a true talent.  His most recent album, The Love & War MasterPeace, was just nominated for R&B album of the year.  That  makes for his third grammy nomination for those keeping score at home.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he finally wins one, because the dude deserves it...

Download Jackin 4 Beats

Throwback Thursday: Lupe Fiasco - Dumb it Down

After becoming addicted to Lupe Fiasco's The Show Goes On, I had to re-visit one of my favorite hip-hop albums of all time - The Cool. Lupe Fiasco is on another level, and if you never listened to The Cool, you are missing out on a classic. On this track, Lupe addresses those who would have him sell out to sell more records. Like Jay-Z said,

If skills sold, truth be told, I'd probably be, lyrically, Talib Kweli

Truthfully, I wanna rhyme like Common Sense, but I sold five mil, I ain't been rhyming like Common since.

Dumbed down lyrics sell (see: Crank Dat, This is Why I'm Hot). But Lupe stays true, and always comes out with albums that focus on lyricism instead of catering to radio and the mainstream. Lupe can still come through with a radio banger, but Dumb it Down is no radio track. Watch Lupe showcase his lyrical skills.

They told me I should come down cousin, but I flatly refuse I ain't dumb down nothing

Cee-Lo - It's Ok (Video)

Official video for Cee-Lo's It's Ok. Go cop The Lady Killer if you haven't already.

Migeul - All I Want is You (Live)

Sick track.  Sick performance.  It's been out for awhile now, but this is worth a view even if you're fed up with the track - dude has some vocals. 

Nas - Snitch Alibi

Following up last week's Take it from me (Freeway), here is an even better joint featuring the legendary Nas.  Lovin' the piano on the track...

Download Snitch Alibi