New Jay-Z and Kanye West from Watch the Throne. Check out Otis ft Otis Redding.
This is the one that had all the critics raving. What do you think: hot or not? Click here to download.... Read more
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Here’s some footage of Q-Tip and Kanye West performing at the Brooklyn Hip-Hip Festival.
Kanye does a medley of 3 songs. The audio is through the boards, so the sound is right. Check it out. http://vimeo.com/26591533 Update: Here's some additional footage from Karmaloop TV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wgZJf6ellk&feature=player_embedded... Read more
After 25 years in the game The Beastie Boys are still innovating.
Check out the video for Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win ft Santi Gold, Ken, G.I. Joe and others. Not surprisingly, this is from the mind of Spike Jonze who also directed this for Kanye West: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-0siK1w3eM... Read more
The tracklist for Watch the Throne has been finalized. The album drops on 8/2.
Here's the tracklist: 1. No Church in The Wild (Feat. Frank Ocean) 2. Lift Off (Feat. Beyoncé) 3. Niggas in Paris 4. Otis (Feat. Otis Redding) 5. Gotta Have It 6. New Day 7. Prime Time 8. Who Gon Stop Me 9. Murder to Excellence 10. Welcome to The Jungle... Read more
Here’s some interesting food for thought from Young Guru, one of the sonic architects behind much of the music of Jay-Z, Kanye West and many others.
For many years, Young Guru has worked as the engineer on much of the music to come out of the Roc-A-Fella camp, as well as on tracks by De La Soul, Mariah Carey, Little Brother, T.I., Talib Kweli and many more. Having been in the game as long as he... Read more
It looks like Watch the Throne will actually drop before the end of the Summer.
Jay-Z had a listening session for the album last night. Complex has posted a compilation of the reviews. You can check out the articles and a summary below. From Complex: Our very own Editor-In-Chief, Noah Callahan-Bever—who was there as a portion of the album was created—took to Twitter and tweeted... Read more
It’s been 17 years since No I.D. laced Common with the track for the classic I Used to Love H.E.R. Nearly 2 decades later, the Chicago legend that Kanye West cites as his mentor is still going strong. The latest installment of our Producer Series is dedicated to the music of No I.D. Click below to hear the mix.
Nearly 2 decades later, the Chicago legend that Kanye West cites as his mentor is still going strong. The latest installment of our Producer Series is dedicated to the music of No I.D. It's always interesting to listen to a producer's body of work over an extended period of time. ... Read more
Remember our question about which album was going to drop 1st: Watch the Throne or Detox?
According to The Source, Watch the Throne is going to take that one. A supposedly very reliable source says Watch The Throne is dropping on 7/4 (how's that for fireworks) and Kanye and Jay-Z are making the official announcement tonight. Click here for The Source story.... Read more
Just Blaze is known but he does not often get his props as being 1 of the all time great producers. He is the subject of the latest installment of our Producer Series playlists. You’ll hear Joe Budden, Beanie Sigel, Cam’ron, Freeway, Kanye, Jay Electronica, The Game, Nas, Scarface, Saigon and of course lots of Jay-Z.
Just Blaze's first producer credits were in 1999 but he really caught people's attention in 2000 when he laced Jay-Z with his classic Streets is Talking track. A year later, Just Blaze and another promising young producer named Kanye West combined to produce 9 out of the 15 tracks on... Read more
There was a long video clip of Kanye West’s Coachella performance floating around a few weeks ago. Here’s the audio for the full performance.
Check it out. Click here to download. The full video is rumored to be dropping soon. Check out this 48 minute clip in the meantime, if you missed it.... Read more
Happy Mother’s Day to the moms out there. You are appreciated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdI8SfMHuxs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNcloTmvTeA... Read more
Consequence just dropped a new joint on a Kanye West track. Check out Everybody Told Me.
Click here to download.... Read more
Check out this video of Kanye West’s headlining performance at Coachella.
I was in the crowd at Coachella rooting for Kanye...and he delivered. In the past 2 years I have witnessed in person the professional nadir for Mr. West (the 2009 VMAs) and possibly his apex last night at Coachella. The vitriol I witnessed at the VMAs after the infamous Taylor... Read more
Got lyrics? Jay Electronica does. His verses + Kanye’s beats = Blue Magic.
Devil in a Blue Dress that is...Check out the video for Prelude to a Freestyle: http://vimeo.com/21091889 J. Cole spit on this beat too. LOTS of fire on this track. Check out J. Cole's version and Kanye's original Devil in a New Dress below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7E0Hy6JK00 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rULPq7XEjY... Read more
Here’s a double dose of new Kanye West. Check out the remix to All of the Lights and the promo video for Kanye’s appearance at SXSW.
The All of the Light remix features Lil Wayne, Big Sean and Drake and the visual is a mix up of some of Kanye's best tracks. Here's the video and you can listen to and download the track below: http://vimeo.com/20948755 Click here to download.... Read more
This week’s playlist is the first in a series dedicated to the greatest producers in hip-hop. First up is the legendary DJ Premier.
Primo burst onto the national scene more than 23 years ago and has been a hip-hop staple ever since. He represents guaranteed credibility for any project he touches and has often been the go-to guy for the greatest rappers in the game. You know what to expect: Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z,... Read more
I got a story to tell…This week’s playlist is dedicated to the art of storytelling in rhymes. Many have witty punch lines, but a rare few have the ability to tell a full and engaging story over 48 bars and 3 hooks. You know the names: Nas, Biggie, Slick Rick, Eminem, KRS-One, Ice Cube, Snoop, Lupe, Kanye…Press play, sit back and here’s a little story…
Not just a bunch of rhymes dedicated to a theme, but true narratives...... Read more
Mos Def and Kanye West freestyling over Dilla beats?! Does it get any better?
This happened at a Lupe Fiasco show at Blue Note. Dudes just kicking real ish and rocking a party, taking hip-hop back to its essence. 7 min of dopeness. Click here to download. I wasn't there but I imagine the energy was something like this (without the bboys): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOzd5THVKk4 Click... Read more
This week´s playlist was inspired by incredible soul made by rappers. You´ll find Outkast, The Foreign Exchange, Mos Def, Freestyle Fellowship, Andre 3000 and even Snoop Dog.
Just sit back, press play and liberate your mind. Click here for the full version as intended (some videos were not allowed to be embedded).... Read more
You can always count on Kanye West to push boundaries. Check out the video for All of the Lights.
It features Rihanna and KiD CuDi and is directed by Hype Williams. It looks like it has a Japanese anime/TRON influence. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAfFfqiYLp0&feature=player_embedded... Read more
Consequence has always been on the verge but he never had that hit to take him to the next level.
He had an incredible pedigree--his big debut was on A Tribe Called Quest's Beats, Rhymes and Life, he was Q-Tip's cousin and he became closely affiliated with Kanye West, ultimately signing with G.O.O.D. Music. He never had that one big song that put him on the map, though. His new... Read more
Rewin(d) – AFH Samples (Video Playlist)
We recently posted a documentary about sampling so it seems fitting to make this week's playlist one dedicated to some classic samples. You'll find music sampled by Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, A Tribe Called Quest, Kanye West, DJ Quik, Biggie, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Redman, Black Moon and more. The tracklist... Read more
I usually don’t post concert videos from phones but: 1. the sound quality is good on this, and 2. It’s Common…Check out his new song Believe.
Sounds like Kanye may have done the track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-2nFwPdFsk&feature=player_embedded#!... Read more
Missed this dope article Complex did on the Top 25 Kanye West verses of 2010 but it’s worth posting late.
It includes a breakdown of each verse along with an audio snippet. It's a must for all Kanye fans. Big props to Complex for this. Click here for the article. Below is the intro. From Complex: 2010 belonged to Kanye West. He was the year's most creative, controversial, and entertaining... Read more
Saigon’s album is sounding like it’s going to be a classic. Here’s another hot joint called Clap from the forthcoming Greatest Story Never Told. It features Faith Evans singing the best gospel heard on a track since Jesus Walks.
Once again, Just Blaze provides the fire on the track. Click here to download. The Greatest Story Never Told drops on 2/15. Here's some more of that gospel rap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYF7H_fpc-g&ob=av2el And, here's an interview with Saigon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSq7ocQm41s&feature=player_embedded... Read more
So while we’re on the topic…what is Underground anyway?
Is it a genre? A description of an artist's commercial status? A reflection of whether you're signed to a major label? All of the above? Neither? People use the term all the time. "I like underground rap." "They're too underground, they'll never sell." "Let's keep it on the underground tip..."... Read more
NEW KANYE WEST AND JAY-Z. NUFF SAID. It’s called H.A.M…you’ll figure it out.
This is a dark track with big strings. Need to give it a few more spins. What do you think? Click here to download.... Read more
Kanye West’s new song Eyes Closed didn’t make the album…but it’s Kanye so you know it’s worth a listen (or 10). Check it out.
Click here to download. And speaking of songs that didn't make the album, whatever happened to this one?... Read more
10 reasons why 2010 was the best year ever in hip-hop: #2 G.O.O.D. Music…the name says it all.
It's fitting that the video for Monster leaked today. This has been a year of leaks for Kanye West. Some were unexpected, but most of them were completely under his control and were part of one of the most daring album promotion plans ever. Kanye bucked the system. He said... Read more
Whoa. Kanye West’s new video is kinda scary…but that’s fitting for a Monster. Check it out.
This one is more high art from Kanye. The execution of Nicki Minaj's verse is very dope. This is clearly a work in progress, but you get the picture. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WL-J0uo7_Y&feature=player_embedded... Read more
Merry Christmas to all. May your years only get better.
Christmas Rap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh8hB1tAip8 Christmas in Harlem... Read more
10 reasons why 2010 was the best year ever in hip-hop: #6 Roll the dice…this was a year of taking BIG chances and they paid off.
EVERYBODY knows the music business as it has existed for the last few decades--where sales of recorded albums are the primary financial-driver of the business--is in trouble. The record industry, like other entertainment businesses, tends to be a bell curve: During the vast majority of times, the music tends to... Read more
Curren$y's lyrics are always tight so did his tracks keep his album from being a hit? Check out how he rides the Kanye West-produced Live Fast, Die Young track and see if this one moves you.
Curren$y's version is called Daze of Thunder. Rick Ross and Kanye still rocked this track the best, but Curren$y holds his own. http://www.vimeo.com/17995715... Read more
10 reasons why 2010 was the best year ever in hip-hop: #10 Don't call it a comeback…but this was the year for some of the best ever.
Now that the year is winding down and new music is slowing to a trickle, it's the perfect opportunity to take a look back at 2010 and what made it such a phenomenal year for hip-hop. Stay tuned for 9 more reasons until the end of the year. First up... Read more
Curren$y's album Pilot Talk 2 came and went so now it on to the next one. This freestyle over Rick Ross and Kanye's Live Fast, Die Young is not a bad preview for his upcoming mixtape.
The song is called Daze of Thunder and the mixtape will be titled Return to the Winners' Circle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rYC9prqTfw Click here to download.... Read more
Everyday I'm (digital) hustlin'. Check out Forbes Magazine's breakdown of the most tech-savvy hip-hop artists.
Uncle Snoop Dogg could be clocking more than $5,000 per Tweet from Toyota. "They used to think I was a nerd," says hip hop artist Chamillionaire, "when we used to do live shows on my website, back in the day." The time Chamillionaire, aka Hakeem Seriki, refers to is around... Read more
Do you dig The Joy by Kanye West ft Curtis Mayfield, Jay-Z, Charlie Wilson and KiD CuDi? Pete Rock's instant classic track was originally set for a group called Strong Arm Steady and was called "Makings of You." Check it out.
Props to NahRight.com for the scoop. If you missed The Joy, do yourself a BIG favor and cop it right now here. It's arguably the best of the G.O.O.D. Friday releases. 13 Makings of You by letskeepgoing Click here to download. As dope as Pete Rock's production is, this track... Read more
It's hard to believe but Nicki Minaj actually made a POP album…and it's really good.
I resisted the Nicki Minaj bandwagon for a really, really long time. At first, I thought she was a Young Money puppet-- a female extension of Lil Wayne. Her clothes and image seemed overly sexual and I thought they were designed to be a distraction from a lack of true... Read more
Are you wondering why in the hell The Joy wasn't included on Kanye's album? Pete Rock has the answer (and you're gonna like it).
The mighty Pete Rock talks about working with Kanye on The Joy (arguably the best of the G.O.O.D. Friday gifts). He also reveals that the track will be included on the upcoming Kanye and Jay-Z album called Watch the Throne which is rumored to be dropping this year (good G*d... Read more
G.O.O.D. Music joins Grand Hustle as Kanye West and KiD CuDi get on T.I.'s song called Welcome to the World. T.I. sounds like he has something to prove on this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdOHLGAAE9Q Click here to download.... Read more
Keeping it on the Kanye tip, check out this new track called That's My B*tch ft Kanye and Jay-Z.
This one is not as strong as anything on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (or even G.O.O.D. Friday for that matter) but it's worth a listen. It also features Elly Jackson of La Roux. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVN8WwrSIxI Click here to download.... Read more
More Kanye…it's just too damn G.O.O.D. Here's an article from Complex magazine that gives intimate details on the making of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in Hawaii with the likes of Pete Rock, KiD CuDi, The RZA, Pusha T, Nicki Minaj and many, many others.
Here's how the story begins: "Did you look at my eyes?" asked Kanye West over the phone. He was calling from Milan. It was the middle of October 2009. It had been over a year since the completion of his last LP, 808s & Heartbreak, but this conversation was my... Read more
G.O.O.D. Monday. There was no new Kanye music on Friday because he blessed us with the full album today. If you've heard it, you know it's genius. If not, get ready for a treat…and here's another. Check out the samples Kanye used for the album here.
Click here to download the samples. Tracklist is below as well as the opportunity to listen to most of the tracks. Mike Oldfield – “In High Places” (Dark Fantasy) The Turtles – “You Showed Me” (Gorgeous) Cold Grits – “It’s Your Thing” (Power) King Crimson – “21st Century Schizoid Man”... Read more
With no G.O.O.D. Friday (or Saturday) it's been a slow weekend in hip-hip. Here are some blasts from the past that you may not have heard in a minute to help get you to Monday.
Speaking of G.O.O.D. Friday, what do you think happened? Kanye promised new music each Friday through Christmas. Do you think it had something to do with his album leaking, the Matt Lauer interview or something else altogether? In the absence of a new Kanye joint, here's some good music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCbwHN07L10... Read more
New Nicki Minaj ft Kanye West! Nuff said.
The track is called Blazin' and for the 3rd time in 4 singles, she's used an 80's sample. Coincidence? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbTNu5m1Lcw Click here to download. Here's the 80's sample. Breakfast Club fans rejoice! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAdaQhitdKg... Read more
Interested in what's on Nicki Minaj's mind? Check out this interview. The visual is kinda crazy but the audio is pretty insightful.
Looks like somebody didn't come to the station all barbied up. It's all good though. She discusses Wayne, Eminem, Kanye, Drake and much more. http://www.vimeo.com/16802119... Read more
Kanye West is flawed (like the rest of us) and he just might be the realest dude in entertainment. If you haven't seen the much discussed interview with Matt Lauer, check it out.
What do you think? Did Matt set Kanye up or is Kanye overreacting. Perhaps his sensitivity also had something to do with the fact that his album had just leaked... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNMxHfmXKVU... Read more