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.

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

FREESTYLE FRIDAY - Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco - Freestyle @ The Shrine (Chicago) from Cam Be on Vimeo.

Lupe goes off the top for almost 3 minutes.  One of the best out there right now - watch out for LASERS in 2011.

Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On

I listened to this track 10 times on Saturday night.  Lupe is one of the most talented artists out there.  Go support him.  LASERS March 8, 2011.

All City Chess Club - I'm Beaming Remix

Lupe brings in the All City Chess Club to remix I'm Beaming.  LASERS March 8, 2011.

Download I'm Beaming Remix

Major Update

To make up for the 10 days without a post I'm gonna hit you with everything you missed over the past week...  Shout out to everyone who keeps checking back anyways - I promise to go hard again in November.

Child Rebel Soldier - Don't Stop (Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell)

RZA - Gone 

I dedicate the song “Gone” to my friend Sally Menke and its my gift to her memory. I feel music is the best gift I can give and I’m giving it away to Wu-Disciples for free in her name. Who ever like the song can send a blessing of positive energy to Sally’s family and her legacy. Peace.