Embrace the Martian

Finally some word from Kid Cudi. His mixtape, which I have been anxiously waiting on, is set to release July 17th. These new tracks that have been released have only increased my expectations. 

Kid Cudi- Embrace the Martian

This next one is a collab with another one of my favorite up and coming rappers, D.C.'s own Wale. Big things out of both these dudes. 

Kid Cudi ft. Wale- Is There Any Love

New Cool Kids

If you're like me, last summer the Cool Kids hit you like a ton of bricks with tracks like 'Gold and a Pager' and the Lil' Wayne collab 'Gettin' It'. If you are also like me, you then waited pretty much a year for their 'Bake Sale' EP to drop, putting up with delay after delay because you knew it would be hot, but by the time it dropped you had heard most the tracks anyways. 

Well it appears the same thing isn't happening with the young men from Chicago as a new mixtape titled 'That Stupid' is set to drop tomorrow. So far I have one new track that is set to come off this mixtape, and it's dope. Hopefully the Cool Kids keep the tracks coming. 

Cool Kids- Dinner Time

Jay-Z At Glastonbury

I wanted to post a few clips from his performance, which seemed to be unreal. These two clips are my favorites though. This first one is crazy as he raps 'Heart of the City' over U2's 'Bloody Sunday'. I found it necessary to make this song IPod ready so the link is below. 

Heart of the City (Live)- Jay-Z 

Look at all these Brits getting their diamonds up! And Noel thinks Jay Z doesn't belong at this festival....

Jay-Z > Noel Gallagher

So Jay-Z is the headliner for this huge British festival called Glastonbury, which drew the ire of Oasis lead singer Noel Gallagher, who said hip hop does not belong at Glastonbury. He also says 'I fucking despise hip hop' and cites Eminem and 50 as the reasons. He also says that hip hop is the reason all these kids are stabbing themselves and the reason why gangs exist.

 Obviously this criticism is nothing new to hip hop. I think it's stupid for some British rock star to criticize an American genre and he obviously doesn't fully understand Hip Hop, evidence in the fact that he thinks Eminem and 50 embody it, and made these comments out of ignorance. Jay Z responded by covering 'Wonderwall' at the festival

Now it's true Jay can't sing, (the man is a rapper, which despite what Noel says is a legit art form)  but this thing is awesome. He's taking the higher road by not saying something outlandish and ignorant like Noel, but he is just having fun with this and responding to Noel in a joking matter. He's the headliner, not some British rock band. Hip hop is global and it's time to accept it! And for all you who say Jay can't sing, I want to see Noel Gallagher get up their and rap something from 'Reasonable Doubt'! He would never do it. 

Jay is a genius and open to anything,  Noel Gallagher obviously is not. That is why Jay Z is greater than Noel Gallagher. 

No Matter What

More stuff from T.I.'s upcoming release 'Paper Trail'. Continuing with the theme of the previous track posted, 'A Better Day', this song is really introspective as is the video. Check it out. Link to the song below the video. 

T.I.- No Matter What

I Have A Confession

I think Justin Timberlake is pretty awesome, in his own way. I don't know about comparing him to Michael Jackson, the king of pop, but this song is so sweet. Justice remixes Timberlake's  Love Stoned and gives it that awesome Justice feel that just makes you want to dance till dawn. 

Justin Timberlake- Love Stoned (Justice Remix)

Another Justice song I've been feeling for a while. I remember when I first heard this song a couple years ago I went nuts. It was my introduction to Justice. 

Justice- Waters of Nazareth

Lupe and A-Trak

This killer track was just leaked by A-Trak shortly following the release of this 43 minute work out mix he did for Nike. If you don't know who A-Trak is, he is a very accomplished DJ who currently is Kanye's DJ and has been killing it for sometime. I haven't listened to the whole mix yet, but apparently Kid Cudi, who I posted about earlier, rapped for this song on the mix cause Lupe had some trouble getting clearance. 

But Lupe kills it in this sneaker song, and the A-Trak beat is awesome, especially the end, and I like how he lets the beat go for a while at the end, really shows off the talent.  It's true though, my sneakers are more cleaner than yours. 

Lupe Fiasco and A-Trak- Mastered

This song starts off that 43 minute mix A-Trak made, which all should check out. I mean it would make me want to work out if I did that sort of thing, but it is dope to listen to at all times as well, so don't pass it up. 

A-Trak- Say Whoa

Out My Mind Patrick Bateman With The Rhymin'

Real quick here's a nice track from Wale as he raps over Lil Wayne's new hit Mr. Carter off the Carter III. Everything Wale comes out with I like in some way, whether its his lyrics or the style of his flow. But Wale absolutely murders this track. Throw Up Your Isosceles. 

Wale- Hey.....Mr. Carter

Diplo

Diplo is one of my favorite DJ's, simply because he has turned me on to all sorts of music. He has pointed me in directions I would have never thought to look. But beyond introducing me to new music, he can also make some unbelievable bangers. Evidence of this is the two songs below. 

This song is a remix of A Tribe Called Quest's 'Electric Relaxation' and it is so laid back. 

Diplo- Brew Barrymore

This song I have had for a while, but it is such a good remix of Flashing Lights. The Flashing Lights beat is one of the best I've heard in a long time, so a remix that is actually worth listening to is hard to do for this track. Diplo came through though. 

Diplo- Flashing Lights Remix

The King's Back

And T.I. is the king of the south, and with his new album 'Paper Trail' approaching, some new tracks are being released. This track is different, and I think this whole album will be something people aren't used to from T.I. This song is so introspective, something that I didn't associate T.I. with, but he does it well on this song.  This whole album is being made while T.I. is one house arrest for gun charges and is awaiting sentencing, so that might be responsible for the introspective nature of this track.  This supposedly isn't one of the best off his new album, but its a good song. 

T.I.- A Better Day

This other song is off this Obama mixtape that I'm still waiting on. The whole things is supposedly put together by DJ Green Lantern (who else, the dude is everywhere) along with none other than Russell Simmons. This is one track off of it, and its a good one, although the hook is kinda weak. But Royce Da 5' 9'', a Detroit man, closes it out in fine fashion. 

Kam Moye, Prodz, Royce Da 5' 9''- Change

The Underground

I love free music, and lately there have been lots of good free music. I don't mean illegally downloading stuff that was officially released, but instead mixtapes like this that completely bypass the music industry (messed up as it is). This guys name is Charles Hamilton, out of Harlem. His whole mixtape is available here, mixed by DJ Green Lantern, who has been all over the place. The mixtape samples everything from Staind to Willy Wonka. 

Here is one of my favorite tracks off the mixtape. 

Charles Hamilton- Outside

The Mitten

I'm going to try to start going with some local stuff here considering Detroit has a rich musical history, but I start off with a dude from Ann Arbor. His name is Buff 1 and he is part of the Athletic Mic League, a real good rap group out of Ann Arbor (more from them later). 

This track is a real good tribute to classic hip hop. Give it a listen. 

Buff 1- Classic Rap

Girl Talk

The new Girl Talk album has been released, and it is available for here for whatever donation you feel is appropriate. Whether you feel Girl Talk is an actual musician is very much up for debate, he is after all just taking other people's stuff. But this album , like Night Ripper, is fun to listen to so as long as you aren't expecting the next Mozart just enjoy it for what it is. Fun! Where else can you enjoy T.I. and Sinead O'Connor at the same time?

It's hard to post an individual track from this cause it is kinda one huge track. Every Girl Talk album is just like one of his shows, but the sound quality is album acceptable. This is the first track, which I think is awesome. Download the whole thing though.

Girl Talk- Play Your Part (Pt. 1)

R-E-U-P- G-A-N-G

Clipse is unbelievable, in case you didn't know, and the latest evidence is their newest track. This song produced by Scott Storch.

Clipse- Fast Life

This next one is a dope summer jam, a mashup between Cat Power and Clipse. The piano from 'I Don't Blame You' give it that sweet summer jam feel. 

Clipse vs. Cat Power- I Don't Blame You For Shinin' and Grindin' 

This One Is For Dilla

A great remix of Erykah Badu's 'The Healer' off her album New Amerykah Part I. Pharoahe Monch does a good job with this beat which is laid back to the floor. The whole song is a great ode to hip hop and Dilla. 

Erykah Badu- The Healer (RMX ft. Pharoahe Monch)

American Boy

A mashup between Estelle's 'American Boy' and The Ting Tings 'Shut Up and Let Me Go' made by DJ STV SLV. This dude does only mashups pretty much, and most mashups I think are very mediocre. But every once and a while a good one like this drops. 

DJ STV SLV- Shut Up, American Boy

Go Dumb

So I just graduated from college and what better to post then some hyphy stuff. I love hyphy simply because it is a subgenre of hip hop that is focused on having fun. While its true that the lyrical content of most hyphy songs is weak, the beat is always thumpin and makes you want to go dumb. 

This song is a perfect example. Pretty weak lyrics, but infectious. 

Team Knoc- Ima Party

This is a new one from Mistah F.A.B., the yellow bus rider. 

Mistah FAB- Slappin In the Trunk

I should throw up my favorite hyphy track from my favorite Oakland artist, none other than Sir Too Short. 

Too Short- In The Trunk

Techno!

Detroit is after all the founding city of the genre, so it is about time I post some techno stuff. This is from Boy 8 Bit, who Diplo has been hyping for a while. His EP titled 'The Suspense Is Killing Me' just released and it has good dance tracks. 

This first one is the title track off the EP

Boy 8 Bit- The Suspense Is Killing Me

This one is a real simple remix of Burials Archangel. He mainly just adds pounding bass, but the original is so good on its own. It definitely adds a dance feel. 

Burial- Archangel (Boy 8 Bit Remix)

The Future

This young man is one of the most innovative in hip hop. He is form New Orleans, but has a ton of J Dilla ties. His Style Wars EP was released in 2007 and it is nuts. He definitely works well with Dilla beats. He has also drawn high praise from Nas who called him 'the total package' as well as 'the future' for his innovative lyrics and production. Some worry that his rhymes are too smart for mainstream hip hop, but if you want to see what many people are predicting the future of hip hop could look like, listen to Jay Electronica. 

This first song is off the Style Wars EP and it is very accessible compared to some of his other stuff. But even when it seems like Jay might be dumbing it down a little, you realize that he is still light years ahead of almost everyone else. 

Jay Electronica- Renaissance Man 

This next one is more recent, and is J Dilla produced (RIP). It is a real good critique of modern hip hop and gives you an idea of why this man is believed to be the future of hip hop music. 

Jay Electronica- Bitches and Drugs

A Nas salute as Jay Electronica pays homage to The World Is Yours off the Illmatic

Jay Electronica- My World 

I want to post one more, and this is like a 15 minute mini-mix, although the first 6 minutes is just people talking about how awesome Jay Electronica is, so you should skip that. But the song after that is awesome, along with the rest of the mix. 

Jay Electronica- Act I: Eternal Sunshine

Chi-City!

I just got back from a quick day trip to Chicago to celebrate finishing my last final and attended a Cubs game in the bleachers. It's crazy out there! But Chicago is big these days with the likes of Kanye and Common as established stars, but they also have some up and coming dudes. 

I don't know if Lupe counts as up and coming anymore, but I don't think he's quite on Kanye or Common level yet. The way he's been goin though one more album and he's up on their level. Here is an awesome summer song from Lupe. Perfect to roll through downtown to. 

Lupe Fiasco-Gangsta's Groove

When talking about up and coming and Chicago, there is one group that comes to mind these days, and that is the Cool Kids. They released their highly anticipated EP "The Bake Sale" a few weeks ago and its real good. One of the guys is actually from Mt. Clemens, MI and the Pistons references are plentiful (represent!). This is one song that didn't go on The Bake Sale. A nice ode to sneakers and sneakerheads. 

Cool Kids- Unos

Earlier I mentioned Kanye and Common, so its fitting that I post a track they did together. This is a new one, and its real smooth. Kanye claims to have served millions with his flow and Common delivers his Chi Town groove with his ode to the corner. Mikkey finishes off the song and finishes it strong. 

Kanye West, Common, Mikkey- Corner's (Remix)

Kid Cudi

If you don't know about Kid Cudi, you need to get on board. Another up and coming rapper with 10 Deep as a backer. This man is out of Cleveland and is responsible for the hit Day n Nite which everyone should already have. His mixtape, titled 'A Kid Named Cudi' was supposedly set for release in early May, but still no sign of it so we just have to keep waiting. But this trailer has built the hype. The song at the end is so nuts.

Here are a few tracks as well. This first one is off the Day n Nite single. The dude is definitely different and this song is evidence of that. It's a good summertime jam though. 

Kid Cudi-Dat New New

The second one is new, as Cudi takes over a Rick Ross beat. This is supposedly on the upcoming mixtape, but I wouldn't know since it hasn't been released. Is that a shot he takes at the Cool Kids?

Kid Cudi-The Biggest Grinder

Weezy A.K.A. The Martian

So here it is, the highly anticipated Carter III. Probably the biggest release of the year to date, and it was sort of anti-climactic because it leaked about a week ago. People seem to either hate or love Lil' Wayne, and I am currently somewhere in the middle. There is no doubting this mans lyrical skills, but sometimes I wonder what is going through that head. Diddy gave this album high praise calling it 'a classic' but I'm not sure if its better than the Carter II. It's worth getting though as Wayne is truly unique. When he says he's a martian ain't nobody else on his planet he means it. 

Since this album is so highly anticipated, I will only post one track from the Carter III. You have to listen to the rest yourself because it deserves a listen. This track I do believe is a classic. Swizz Beats produced it and it is different than most songs that Wayne does. Weezy doesn't have such an attacking style of flow that he normally does. His flow is slow and calm at the start of each verse, but builds with the beat. Plus the concept of Dr. Carter is awesome. 

Lil' Wayne-Dr. Carter

This song is my favorite off the billion mixtapes Wayne released prior to the Carter III. I forget when the original release date for the Carter III was but I'm pretty sure it was over a year ago. 

Lil' Wayne- Haters (La La)

 

It would be a shame for me to ignore another big release. N.E.R.D. came out with Seeing Sounds today and it has some of the most creative beats you have heard. It may not have as much fanfare as Weezy's release, but these dudes are some of the most creative when it comes to beats. Just ask Clipse. This song titled "Everyone Nose" is so creative. If you don't like it the first time through give it a few more listens and see if it grows on you. It's different than anything else in hip hop right now. 

N.E.R.D.-Everyone Nose

Wale Ovechkin

Wale, from D.C., has been killing it for a while now without an official ep release but he has the backing of big names such as Mark Ronson and has paired up with Lily Allen. The dude has been called the next Kanye West by a few, so that gives an idea of the creative skills this man has. He just came out with a new mixtape titled "The Mixtape About Nothing". There has been a lot of buzz around this dude for a while so I'll post a few tracks that I've got. 

This first one is new off the mixtape about nothing, which everyone should download. its free on 10deep.com. Wale collabs with Pusha T from Clipse and Bun B. Wale is all about D.C. , and therefore is all about go-go. His style is completely suited for go-go, but Pusha T and Bun B hold their own on this track. Pusha T is usually killing Pharrell beats but he doesn't disappoint. 

Wale-Back In The Go-Go

This song is so sick. Wale takes the Justice superhit "D.A.N.C.E." and murders it. No steez biting!

Wale-W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.

This song is old, but I listened to it constantly last summer and it's good enough to bring back. Let me see what you about!

Wale-Freaks (Bird Peterson Remix)

In case you were wondering, Wale is a huge sneakerhead, as evidence in his little monologue against steez biters in w.a.l.e.d.a.n.c.e. And he's still got his nike boots.

Wale- Nike Boots

The Hood's Barrack

There have been a ton of A Millie remixes floating around, Jay-Z even says so at the start, but when Jay-Z decides 

to take over a song, all must listen. It's short but it's raw. Buyin' champagne companies, past buyin' out bars. 

Jay-Z- A Billi

I've had this other Jay-Z track for a while, but it's so dope. Mick Boogie did a mixtape with American Gangster mixed with Marvin Gaye and the whole thing is good, but Hello Brooklyn combined with Sexual Healing is crazy. It sounds like an actual love song, and is so smooth. Great for the summer. 

Jay-Z/Marvin Gaye - Hello Brooklyn

Nasty NaS

Tracks are leaking like a sieve from nas these days in the run-up to his new release. These are the two most recent ones to my knowledge. The first is his song for Barrack with the sick Tupac sample, beat provided by DJ Green Lantern. People seem to be really buzzing about Barrack after his nomination and I think more songs like this will be released. It's history in the making. 

Nas-Black President

The next is so dope, and the beat isn't the typical NYC beat, but Nas kills it anyways. I think people have been way to harsh on Nas in general, the dude is one the best to ever do it. With these two tracks, the buzz for the upcoming release is only building. I'm anxious to see how this new album does. 

Nas- Hero

Yo Yo

What's good. I figure I'd start this whole thing off real light hearted with this dance track from Dizzee Rascal out of England. I can't really understand what Dizzee ever says, but this is the least menacing song he's made I think. He even smiles in the video. 

Dizzee Rascal-Dance Wiv Me (ft. calvin harris and chromeo) correction, chrome, not chromeo