If you dig Dwele, check out Jesse Boykins III's video for B4 the Night is Thru.
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/13099108... Read more
Audio
Rick Ross and Jay-Z have made some classics together. Free Mason is the latest in what hopefully will be a long line.
Jay's verse may be his best feature since Diamonds from Sierra Leone (yeah, I said it). Teflon Don drops on Tues, 7/20. About 10 songs have leaked from the project and at least 7 have been fire. If you've enjoyed the songs, pick up the album. Art is not free...Props... Read more
In celebration of the summer Heat, check out the remix to Jay-Z's Hello Brooklyn ft. Lil Wayne set to Quincy Jones' Summer in the City
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFLuJYgbw7c&feature=player_embedded#! You may recognize the Quincy Jones track as sampled in this classic Pharcyde joint. Sit back, relax, exhale and be glad the free agency madness is over. Long live the King...The King is dead....Click here to download the track.... Read more
Cee-Lo’s No One’s Gonna Love You is a cool video and not just because of the naked Scarlett Johansson lookalike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HytmxLXxOQ&feature=player_embedded This plays like a mini-indie film. Props to Cee-Lo for always following his muse and pushing the boundaries of music genres by covering this Band of Horses song.... Read more
Reflection Eternal's Ballad of the Black Gold video is a great statement from the hip-hop nation about the disaster in the Gulf.
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/12982709 If you want to know how you can help with what is looking like it will be the greatest environmental disaster in U.S. history, click here.... Read more
Freddie Gibbs is nice. Really nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn_q-kZLieU... Read more
DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie just dropped a mixtape full of Summertime classics.
When 1 of the greatest DJs ever links with 1 of the best mixtape DJs ever, you know it's going to be fresh. The tracklist below speaks for itself. Click here to download. 1. Summertime Intro 2. Kool & The Gang: Summer Madness (Live Version) 3. Kool & The Gang:... Read more
T.I.'s new track Ya Hear Me is what we've been waiting for. The King is back.
Click here for the download.... Read more
Rick Ross and Kanye West Live Fast, Die Young is the latest track to leak from Rick Ross' Teflon Don album.
It's hard to lose with Rick and Ye. Click here for the download.... Read more
Whoa. Estelle is also a dope rhymer.
I met Estelle recently. She has great energy. She's one of those people who is just cool not because she's trying to be cool but because it's just who she is. In fact, she's so cool she cuts through pseudo cool. Case in point, I saw her perform at a... Read more
Wiz Khalifia and Curren$y spit fire on the Super High remix with Rick Ross.
Rick Ross also contributes a new verse. There's a lot of heat around Wiz Khalifia as of late and this verse will continue to make it get hotter. It's been the best Summer in a long time for hip-hop.... Read more
DJ Jazzy Jeff did the best tribute to Michael Jackson I’ve heard. Check it out for yourself.
You can listen to the whole thing and download it below. Download Mixtape... Read more
It's official. John Legend and The Roots are releasing an album together in September
As you can tell by the numerous collabos between The Roots and John Legend on The Roots album, the 2 artists have been putting in some work together. They will be releasing a full album called Wake Up! together in September, which sounds like it will be their equivalent of... Read more
Big Sean reminds me of The Pharcyde…but a little more gangsta…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ8fIMlTG84 ...and that's a good thing. I'm not sure whether its his tone (which is reminiscent of Fat Lip's), his flow or his catchphrases, but there's something that takes me back to when The Pharcyde dropped when I hear this song. What do you think?... Read more
This is what D'Angelo is listening to these days. Can you dig it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDQ4pILHh9s The Urban Daily was fortunate enough to get the first interview with D'Angelo in 9 years. He primarily discussed where his head is musically these days (check the video above) and avoided the personal drama, but obviously that is more than anyone has heard from him in quite a... Read more
So it seems Lupe actually rocked Nothin' on You BEFORE B.o.B.
According to Nahright, Lupe was the original rapper on Nothin' on You, but Atlantic chose B.o.B. for the track. Though I love Lupe, after taking a listen to his version I can understand why they went with B.o.B. Bob's sing-songy flow on the song seems like a much better accompaniment... Read more
Follow Us is the latest Big Boi track to leak from his upcoming album Sir Lucious Left Foot…The Son of Chico Dusty
Click here for the full download.... Read more
If you haven't heard the new Roots album yet, check out this sneak preview sampler. Props to OkayPlayer for always keeping it fresh.
I've posted quite a bit from and about this album over the last couple of weeks. Now that I've heard the full album, I feel fully justified. It's an instant classic for any Roots fan or lover of good hip-hop. The full album drops Tuesday, 6/22. In the meantime, check... Read more
Happy birthday to the homie Pac. Here’s one of the best mixtapes of his music ever made to celebrate his bday
DJ Vlad, Dirty Harry and DJ Green Lantern dropped Rap Phenomenon II over 5 years ago and it still stands up as arguably the best 2pac mixtape ever. Click here or above to download the mixtape and judge for yourself. Pac will never be replaced. He might have had an Oscar... Read more
Miguel drops the video for All I Want is You, ft. J. Cole (Official Video)
I posted a bit on Miguel a while back. I've seen him at a showcase since then and, while the performance didn't kill me, I still think he has a lot of potential and dig his artistry. Time will tell. This video is a good start.... Read more
In My Lifetime – Ayah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoSH90bSl08 Ayah is the great DJ Jazzy Jeff's latest protege. She puts her spin on the sample of the timeless Everybody Loves the Sunshine by Roy Ayers, previously taken on by Mary and Trendz of Culture. Those are BIG footsteps to follow, but Ayah does her thing.... Read more
The Decadence Mixtape – Christian Rich
This mixtape is more like an album than a mixtape and it's pretty dope. It also got a serious co-sign from Pharrell. It gets no heavier.... Read more
The Fire – The Roots ft. John Legend
This is the second collabo between The Roots and John Legend off The Roots upcoming album How I Got Over dropping on June 22nd. Perhaps it’s a result of The Roots serving as John Legend’s band on his upcoming album. Whatever the cause, they seem to be a winning combination.... Read more
Lookin' 4 Ya – Big Boi ft. Andre 3000 and Sleepy Brown
Big Boi = Dope. Andre 3000 = Dope. Outkast? Priceless. Big Boi and Andre bring some more space funk while Sleepy Brown smooths it out. Damn. I miss Outkast, but I’m not mad at Big Boi…Click here for the download (thank you NahRight)... Read more
The Invitation Mixtape – Donnis
Donnis returns with another cool mixtape. This one does not have as many original tracks as Diary of an ATL Brave did. He’s probably saving those for his Atlantic debut, the EP Fashionably Late, which drops on June 22. Still, this is a nice appetizer. Enjoy.... Read more
So Soulful
Listening to Rick Ross talk about his soulful musical influences inspired this playlist. It features Curtis Mayfield, Mary J. Blige and others cited by the Teflon Don. Tracklist below. Summer Madness - Kool & The Gang I Can’t Help It - Michael Jackson Give Me Your Love - Curtis Mayfield Holding... Read more
Doin' It Again – The Roots ft. John Legend
Is Black Thought the most underrated MC ever? Did the fact that The Roots are a live band and ?estlove’s presence take attention away from the fact that he consistently spits fire? This track will only help Tariq’s case.... Read more
Tightrope Remix – Janelle Monae ft. B.o.B. and Lupe Fiasco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3obVteEVLI Lupe and B.o.B. fit with Janelle Monae. They are 3 artists who are pushing the boundaries of their genres. B.o.B’s and Janelle’s albums are 2 of the most solid to drop this year. Lupe is next…Download Tightrope here.... Read more
Beautiful Monster – Ne-Yo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSFykuqA-DQ&feature=related Wow. Ne-Yo is on a whole different level. This is a club BANGER. You have to hear it LOUD to really feel the power of the unyielding build of the track into the chorus. Will.I.Am started this new cylce of dance music/R&B/rap fusion. Ne-Yo is owning it with Beautiful... Read more
If it Ain't About Money – Fat Joe ft. Trey Songz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SZsYhMh1Pg Funkmaster Flex spun this joint with straight venom in his voice when he premiered it. He was on a tear about some local DJs who were hating on his game (radio, clubs and cars). The soundtrack was so sweet it didn’t matter what he was saying—Joey Crack spitting with... Read more
JayPhilla – Phil Nash
Phil Nash is ill. I took notice after hearing him lace a Jazzy Jeff beat on Mick Boogie’s Change Makers mixtape (click here for the download), so I decided to dig a little deeper. What I found is that Phil is 3 mixtapes deep (same number it took for... Read more
Set Me Free – Lloyd ft. Mystikal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clha5JwUZCo In the words of Jay-Z and Beanie Siegel, this is that “Ignorant Sh*t” but man is it hot! Mystikal spits fire likes its 2001 and he and Lloyd rock a track that is vintage Nawlins Louisiana (Who Dat before J. Cole). Enjoy.... Read more
I'm Ill – Red Cafe ft. Fabolous (Official Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV1czq6MQVI Really feeling this right now. Definitely a party starter and could end up being the Summer anthem. Diddy still has that ear for ill hip-hop…... Read more
Meditations on Hip-Hop, Vol. Too
Think of this as hip-hop for chilling, sitting back and relaxing or just marinating. It’s hip-hop for a rainy day. Just hit play, sit back and let it ride. Tracklist is below. Kick it to the Beat – J-Live The Lights – Nicolay & Kay Do You Think About Me... Read more
Stairway to Heaven – Mary J. Blige
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nEiWSeO-vc The incomparable Mary J. Blige puts her stamp on one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Like it or not, you have to respect the artistry. Randy Jackson, Travis Barker, Mary and others talk about the making of the song and what it meant to perform together.... Read more
All Night Long (Miss Me) – Drake ft. Lil Wayne
Another banger from Drake produced by Boi-1da. They are becoming a can’t miss team having already killed it together on Best I Ever Had, Forever and Over. Could they bet the 20 teens version of Kanye and Hov (or Pharrell and Hov…or Timbaland and Hov)? Click here for the download.... Read more
Find Your Love – Drake (Official Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyv4Bjja8yc As with most sad Kanye beats (808 & Heartbreak, Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon), this track gets better with each listen. Drizzy invests some time and energy in a pretty slick video.... Read more
Amorous – Jesse Boykins III (Official Video)
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/11454106 “I am a reawakening of the Romantic Movement ; an observer of Love and the Power it holds. So when given the opportunity to document my priceless experiences and connect them with moments in melody I’ve captured, I am humbled. Amorous is my appreciation for the relationship and the magic... Read more
The Drought is Over Mixtape – Drake
There are a couple of new joints here (notably What I’m Thinking Right Now), but it’s mostly a compilation of Drake’s best mixtape material ahead of the new album. Download here. Track List: 1. Drake Speaks 2. Good Night, Good Luck 3. Uptown (Original) (Feat. Bun B & Lil’ Wayne)... Read more
I'm Beamin' – Lupe Fiasco (Official Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge4BEdyZ8bM He’s baaack…Lupe Fiasco returns with a cool breezy new joint. This is vintage Lupe.... Read more
Where They Do That At? – K. Michelle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH21KcQzI1M Wow. She can sang!... Read more
Miguel Playlist
The 80’s are definitely back. In some cases, that’s a bad thing. Some hairstyles should never return. In the case of Miguel, however, it’s a good thing. He has a lot of Babyface in his vocal, and a hint of Prince, but check it out for yourself.... Read more
Who Dat – J. Cole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bufwGKV-9Yw The first single from the heir apparent. Is his official debut as strong as Lebron’s was?... Read more
Super High – Rick Ross ft. Ne-Yo (Official Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtY2wHs44qI Another instant classic from Rick Ross. The first single off the Boss’ new album, Teflon Don, featuring Ne-Yo. Regardless of his street cred, dude’s music cannot be denied. Click here to download.... Read more
DJ Premier Guru Tribute Mix
Here's the Guru tribute from the legendary DJ Premier (one of the greats--producer, DJ and person): Keith "Guru" Elam Tribute Mix by Dj Premier Blog Radio on Mixcloud... Read more
Gang Starr’s Guru Dead at 43
Keith "Guru" Elam died on April 20, 2010 at the age of 43 after a long battle with cancer. I knew Guru personally and he was always nice and humble when we spoke. Regardless of all the rumors that swirled around his death, he left a lasting musical legacy, both... Read more
Biggie Playlist and Rap Phenomenon Mixtape
Any day is a good day for a biggie mix. Also, click here to download the classic Notorious B.I.G. Rap Phenomenon mixtape by DJ Vlad and Dirty Harry. And, you can listen to the whole thing below: Download Mixtape... Read more
Ibiza Sonica: La Latina – Karlos Sense
Press play, sit back, close your eyes and imagine the sunset at a cafe in Ibiza.... Read more
Over – Drake (download)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lTB1pIg1y0 Is it humanly possible for Drake to live up to the hype? Only time will tell. For now, he continues to release solid joints live Over. Click here for the download.... Read more
The Boondocks – Asheru ft. Raheem Devaughn (download)
Fresh new song from one of the most slept on MCs. If you like Talib, Common, Black Thought, J-Live or any other MC with something to say about more than whips and chicks, peep this (courtesy of Nahright.com). Click here to download.... Read more