MTV's When I Was 17 has been pretty fresh. The latest installment is Swizz Beats.
ExternalVideo.962559&w=425&h=350&fv= ... Read more
Video
Kanye West's new Power video is different than any other video before it. What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L53gjP-TtGE [polldaddy poll=3582085... Read more
Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y lace another track–this time with Big K.R.I.T. on Glass House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dxi4OsT1jc Click here to download.... Read more
The new Eminem video is disturbing especially given Rihanna's role. Does it make its point or go too far?
Love the Way You Lie - Eminem ft. Rihanna, starring Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uelHwf8o7_U&feature=player_embedded... Read more
Check out this preview of the making of Kanye West's Power Video. It's looking like it will be pretty bugged out.
ExternalVideo.961909&w=425&h=350&fv=... Read more
Kanye West did not start by going to the press or TV to promote his new album. He went straight to Facebook. Here’s what he had to say.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQYi6RybLSI&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exNOyZ220jg&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Umjy314sQQ&feature=player_embedded... Read more
It's hard not to like these 2 joints from Red Cafe.
2010 Mentality and Gotdamn - Red Cafe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_UPf8aAXD4&feature=player_embedded#!... Read more
Rick Ross' album is so dope this song didn't even make the cut.
Sweet Life - Rick Ross ft. John Legend http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCOETm5HjQ Click here for the download. ... Read more
J. Cole is a really likeable dude. Check out this interview from Fuse.
[dailymotion id=xe439w The album drops on 10/26. In the meantime, if you don't have his Warm Up mixtape, click here to download it.... Read more
The Mighty Mos Def rocks a jazzy beat from Ski Beatz forthcoming 24hr Karate School Project
Ski Beatz' Cream of the Planet (featuring Mos Def) and Scaling the Building with Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa are just the appetizer's. The line up on Ski Beatz' 24hr Karate School album is looking promising. The set also features Jim Jones, Jay Electronica, Jean Grae, The Cool Kids, Camp Lo... Read more
In Rick Ross' Free Mason, Jay-Z opens his verse by saying "they put the Devil on me." Here's what he meant.
The collaboration between Rick Ross and Jay-Z titled Free Mason has set the hip-hop world on fire over the last couple of weeks. This has primarily been because the song is straight heat, but obviously their tackling of the Freemason subject matter has also provoked interest due to allegations of... Read more
Is 2010 the best Summer ever for hip-hop? These releases from Eminem, Drake, The Roots, Big Boi and Rick Ross are making a strong argument.
Can you come up with a better slate of Summer releases of rap albums than these: Recovery - Eminem Single: Not Afraid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5-yKhDd64s Standout track (1 of many): 25 to Life Thank Me Later - Drake Single: Drizzy hit several markets, dropping Find Your Love for the ladies and Over for... Read more
The evolution of Kanyeezy: Here's a timeline showing how Kanye West is quietly becoming the best MC in the game.
The first time I saw Kanye West perform in person was when Talib Kweli brought him onstage in 2003. Kanye did not have an album yet but was making a name for himself as a producer. He wanted to be an MC but the gents at Roc-A-Fella thought he was... Read more
Pharrell has been stretching out musically lately. The new N.E.R.D. could go in many directions. Here are a few possibilities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3jT3_Vu9rQ Pharrell - Fun, Fun, Fun (from the Despicable Me soundtrack--yep, the kids' movie with Steve Carell...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jICG4paURs&feature=related Robin Thicke - My Life (also produced by Pharrell for Despicable Me--he scored the whole project--and he has Robin Thicke sounding just like Justin Timberlake...) And, of course there's the Christian Rich... Read more
If you dig Dwele, check out Jesse Boykins III's video for B4 the Night is Thru.
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/13099108... 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
Power is Kanye's return from a self-imposed hiatus and a big departure from 808 & Heartbreak, but is he still in the same dark place?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8Yo3FJDrbc Check out the above video (21st Century Schizoid Man by King Crimson) on which part of the hook to Power is based. Pretty dark, right? Also, why does Kanye shift gears at the end of Power to start saying "It will be a beautiful death" and "jumping out the... Read more
Check out the video for Janelle Monae Ft. B.o.B. x Lupe Fiasco “Tightrope (Wondamix)”
ExternalVideo.954139&w=425&h=350&fv= Janelle Monae Ft. B.o.B. x Lupe Fiasco “Tightro..., posted with vodpod Janelle Monae is having a good year. In addition to recently being chosen to honor Prince at the BET Awards, her new album ArchAndroid was just name one of the year's 10 best so far by mtv.com. ... 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
I Love Rick Ross
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPJtZLq07C8&feature=player_embedded Dude is just dope musically. Regardless of what you think of his hood cred, his music has overcome it time and time again. Think about it. He is the first person to survive a full on attack by 50. In fact, he might even be bigger than he was... 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
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
Pharrell discusses the importance of education and his responsibility as an artist to promote that. Could he be more dope? (Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTNnB93zPc Pharrell continues to demonstrate why he is a cut above the rest with his new initiative to promote kids staying in school. If you haven't seen it yet, also check out his site Kidult. It's like a cool cnn.com for kids that informs them without underestimating them.... 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
Talk My Sh*t – Rhymefest (Official Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXJkO7JGMEs This one grew on me in verse 2. I met Rhymefest a few months ago at SXSW. Good dude. Never got his proper respect. Speaking of Rhymefest, check out Kanye's new blog.... Read more
Pharrell on Christian Rich
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8jRLj8V1kk Check out the co-sign of Christian Rich's The Decadence.... Read more
T.I. Speaks One On One With Jamie Foxx (Video)
T.I. and Jamie Foxx chop it up mano a mano. This is the best interview of T.I.P. I’ve seen since he got out. The friendship and respect he and Jamie Foxx have makes this one intimate. ... 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
Rick Ross Discusses Teflon Don on Fader TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiCPXXUtLYg Rick Ross is soulful. You can hear it in the rolling bass of Super High. You can hear it in the way he rides tracks like an instrument in his lush orchestrations. As he talks to Fader TV about his musical influences it all makes sense. Take a look.... Read more
Black and White: An Interview With Sean Combs – Man and Machine
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/10065469 This is Diddy raw and uncut, intimate—maybe even vulnerable—like you’ve never seen him. This is 1 part of the 2006 BET doc in the style of Tyson.... 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
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
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
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
It Ain't Easy – CJ Hilton (Official Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KdTWZMgqDc Meet CJ Hilton. At first glance, he may seem like another R&B cat spewing hip-hop lyrics. Take another listen. Hear the live bass line, drums and keys. Then, realize they were all played by him. Take another listen. Hear the Marvin Gaye-tone. Could he be the next D’Angelo?... Read more
Fall Out Day
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/1953792 Check out this spoof on Groundhog Day featuring Pete Wentz from Itsthereal.com.... 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
Jay-Z: He Came, He Saw, He Conquered
This Jay-Z documentary is a couple years old, but it remains one of the 2 best ever produced on him (the other being Fade to Black). See a whole different side of Jay as he headlines the Glastonbury festival in the U.K. The life and times of Shawn Carter,... Read more
Glee Hip-Hop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBFrbfoEgGg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1 Can those 2 words be used in the same sentence?... Read more
The Many Faces of B.o.B.
B.o.B. played at S.O.B.’s on April 12. He started with a true crunk set that would make the ATL proud, with nothing but his DJ (and manager) backing him. Halfway through the show, he was joined by a full band and proceeded to rock the house with…well, a rock set. If... Read more