In anticipation of Cole World: The Sideline Story, J. Cole is quenching our thirsts (or at least mine and the rest of the AlColeholics) by releasing a 5 track mixtape. Since it's listed as "#1," let's hope we get another dose soon.
To read more information about the tracks and to download, click here.
New music from Drake produced by Boi1da and 40. It's an official leak single from Drake's Take Care so it probably won't be on the album. Dope beat. It'll probably take a few listens from me to gauge my opinion.
Since his departure from G.O.O.D. Music, Consequence has been very vocal about the problems leading up to his dismissal from the label(Hit the jump for his MTV Rap Fix interview with Sway). It seemed like Consequence was Kanye West's right hand man when Kanye was first rising to stardom. However, as the G.O.O.D. Music roster got a little larger and Kanye became an icon in the industry, Consequence was seen less and less. The reasons behind his lack of exposure are often speculated.
Consequence claims that he was used and mistreated by Kanye West and had to practically fight to be featured on tracks. He was notably removed from XXL's G.O.O.D Music feature and wasn't present in the acclaimed G.O.O.D. music cypher from the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Hit the jump to read more and to listen to his diss track, "The Plagiarist Society."
New music from OFWGKTA crooner Frank Ocean. In my eyes, he can do no wrong after Nostalgia/ultra, which I haven't stopped listening to for months. Nice to hear Frank's range on this track, and I hope some more music leaks.
Rumor has it, Frank Ocean will be opening for the Watch the Throne tour this fall. I'm crossing my fingers.
Listen to/DL "Thinkin' Bout You" below:
Hit the jump to download his Nostalgia/ultra and to see his music video for his hit single "Novacane."
New music video from Ace Hood featuring Chris Brown. Looks like he's about to be able to get his baby some shoes. Nice change from the last 2 "motivational" singles he's released lately.
New music from DJ Drama. The original dropped around the time of "I'm on One" and hasn't been getting its fair play on radio ever since. Maybe the remix will be different. Listen/DL below.
DJ Drama: Oh My (Remix) f/ Trey Songz, Big Sean, 2 Chainz
I know I've been all on Watch the Throne's...*ahem*...throne lately, but every new move that Jay and Yeezy make regarding this album is newsworthy.
Starting Thursday, tickets for the Watch the Throne Tour go on presale. Starting tomorrow, the presale password will be released. Click here to view all of the concert dates, and follow LiveNation on Twitter for rules on the Watch The Throne Tour Giveaway.
Album on iTunes on August 8th and in stores on August 12th.
Here it is! Gangsta Use Emoticons Radio is going Shawt Bus Shawty for Waka's retirement! As I stated earlier, I have no qualms with Waka for real; I think he knows his limitations just as much as I do.
Sometimes you need a little simp in ya system.
Listen/download below with new and old music from 2 Chainz (Titi Boi), Yung Joc, Lloyd, Tyga, Keri Hilson, Mr. Bricksquaaaad himself, and more.
Happy Sunday! Take a look inside Jay & Kanye's Big Brother, Little Brother relationship in this documentary directed by Robert Lopuski. Watch the Throne coming August 5th.
Gangsta Translation: Maybe I shouldn't have released this...
The Game is one of those rappers I've never really understood. I was kinda feeling him when he first came out with 50 Cent, but I was kind of turned off by his rapping style (unlimited name dropping) and what seems to be his desire for controversy. I still try to give dude a chance, especially since he seemed to have grown up and put all of his beef behind him.
Woke up this morning to some sad news. After years of public drug and alcohol addiction, Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London apartment. She died at age 27, the same age as Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones at their deaths. I was a big fan of her music, and it's sad to see things end this way. Head over to CNN for more info.
Hit the jump to listen to my favorite Amy Winehouse song.
New visuals for Pusha T & Tyler the Creator's "Trouble on My Mind" video. The song was showcased on the last Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio edition. What do you think?
What's happening Gangstas? I'm in the process of packing for a cross-country move, so there's gonna be a little delay on Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio, Vol. 3. Hopefully it'll be up by Sunday Monday, and be on the lookout for a different mix.
Waka Flocka Flame, my 2nd favorite rapper to hate (2nd only to Lil' B) has announced his retirement from rap recently. In honor of this momentous occasion, I'm making a mix of Waka friendly party hits that get me and my people like this picture below.
Be on the look out!
**On some real stuff, I don't really care if Waka retires. He's had at least 4 songs that are played nonstop at parties and on the radio, so I can't hate on him. Plus, when one leaves, it seems like 3 more will enter in his place.
I am happier than a fat kid locked inside of a bakery right now. Here's our first real taste of Watch the Throne. Shouts to 2dopeboyz for bringing this to my attention.
Listen and download below. You will NOT be disappointed.
Had it not been for the internet, I probably wouldn't be familiar with Brooklyn rapper Joell Ortiz. I remember in 2006 when he was signed to Aftermath and lived in talented rapper purgatory until he got let out of his contract in 2008. Luckily, Joell is a natural born hustler and chose to grind independently, building his Yaowa fan base across the country. I love Joell Ortiz because you can tell he's putting everything he's got into his music. He's hungry and his lyrics, well they speak for themselves.
Now 1/4 of the supergroup Slaughterhouse, Ortiz has a group deal with Aftermath (go figure) and is still killing the game through tours and tracks like his newest, "Seven Deuce." Stop sleeping and listen to the track after the jump.
I saw this yesterday, and I think it's a fun way to start off the morning. Hit the comments to help me schedule a Gangstas Use Emoticons flash mob. I'm thinking Big Sean's "Dance (A$$)" right outside the liquor store on Friday. Down?
New mixtape from Tyga, the man who claims he brought Snapbacks Back. I thought I'd let you know I've never stopped wearing them as my head requires adjustable headgear. I peeped the link on Chris Brown's Twitter this morning.
Click here to listen to/download Tyga's Well Done 2. I'm only 3 tracks in, but expect something similar to his YMCMB boss's latest effort.
Hit the jump for the album artwork and some more downloads.
If Wiz, Big Sean AND Curren$y are on a track together, there's really not much that can go wrong. Luckily, we've been given a double dosage as not one, but two collabs have leaked today. These are 2 smooth songs that you can sit back and ride to (and possibly do some things Heaven Sent here doesn't condone o_O). Listen below to listen and download.
Surprise, surprise. Yet another Fox News story where they completely take news out of context to push the network's agenda of pushing its conservative bias onto its consistently misinformed viewers. After trying, and failing, to portray Common as a "vile rapper" and to serve Jon Stewart a nice, cold bowl of Got Ya Soup, Fox News is back at it again.
In no way, shape or form am I saying that I condone what Chris Brown did to Rihanna in 2009. I can also say that I haven't been a fan of many of Chris Brown's decisions to escalate what should have been minuscule or nonexistent beefs on Twitter (Raz B, Tyler, The Creator & the rest of Odd Future, random non-fans) and of his choice of homophobic language when confronted. However, I understand the intensity of the pressure that he must face everyday when he is still being criticized for something he is trying to grow from.
Hit the jump to read more and to see Fox News' Chris Brown story.
When most people think about rappers coming out of the DMV, I often hear talk about Wale and maybe Black Cobain. Another undeniable talent and name that is getting recognized and has to be mentioned in the same ranks is Maryland rapper Phil Adé. Using his diverse upbringing and experiences in his music, Phil can tackle virtually any style. As Raheem DeVaughn's first signee to his label, 368 Music, Adé is proving that he can box with the best of 'em.
Check out his latest single "You're The One" f. Killa Kyleon below and stream his newest mixtape A Different World after the jump!
The late and great Marvin Gaye is a legend whose career left the world with timeless music for us to make babies and/or protest injustice. I'm sure I speak for us all when I say that I wish he were still around to have continued to bless us with his talent.
I've been nocturnal for the past few weeks so I've seen all kinds of foolish infomercials, but this one takes the cake. I'll be the first to admit I've bought some stupid stuff in my day, but this is taking it way too damn far.
The official video was removed (I can only wonder why...) so bear with the quality.
Smoky ash? Wow! 5 feathers for $10? It should be 70?? Wow!!!
STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!
Send me your social security number and credit card information after the jump.
DJ Bankhead Presents: Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio, Volume 2 which includes the likes of Pusha T, Wale, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, CyHi The Prynce, Kendrick Lamar, Bun B, and more. Last go round, it was a celebration, but this mix is grittier. There are a few party songs and a nice R&B groove as well, so get ready for a good time. This DJ has moved on to at least 1st Grade this time.
"...The new Commandment: "Thou shalt not hate, kid"/ My movement is like the civil rights, I'm Ralph David/Abernathy, so call my lady Rosa Parks/ I am nothing like them niggas, baby, those are marks// I met this girl on Valentine's Day, fucked her in May/ She found out about April, so she chose to march// Huh, damn another broken heart/ I keep bitches by the twos, nigga, Noah's ark...G-A-T in the Pathfinder/ Cause you haters got PhDs/ Y'all just some major haters and some math minors// Tiger Woods, don't make me grab iron"
(CyHi on Kanye West's "So Appalled")
When I heard this verse, I was pulling up my car at home. It was so dope, I parked and sat in the car while I played the verse back. I knew who CyHi The Prynce was from his BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher from last year and was pretty impressed, but I had no idea he would murder a song like that.
From then on, I kept an eye out for him looking for any songs or videos he made. I spent many tweets trying to let all my followers know how much of a problem he is and will be for the game. It even sparked a few debates.
Wale released this track via his Twitter page today around 2:30. It's called "Bad Girls Club" and features J.Cole (NC stand up!). It's a nice party joint and I'll definitely be blasting it. This is tentatively going to be on Wale's upcoming album, Ambition.
Soundtracks today are almost unheard of, unless the corresponding movie is a musical. But growing up, my family's CD collection was stacked full of original soundtracks that sold millions of records and could be played all the way through. Here is my personal Top 10 11 list of R&B and Hip Hop Soundtracks:
Honorable Mention: Don't Be a Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996):
"My name is Dashiki. That's Swahili for "doggy-style."
With a movie as silly this one, I loved that I could vibe to songs like "Renee" by the Lost Boyz on the soundtrack. R.I.P. Freaky Tah...
10. The Rugrats Movie (1998):
When this song came out, I used to think I was doing something--from trying to do dance routines on the stairs while no one was watching to trying to teach myself how to play the song on a xylophone. Surprisingly, this soundtrack features songs from Busta Rhymes and Rakim as well to keep it well rounded.
9. Belly (1998):
With a film starring Nas and DMX, there's no way that the music isn't on point...
I'll admit it. there are times when I wished Lil Wayne would suffer a brief codeine-induced coma and wake up with both amnesia and the inability to rap. Other times, I respect the hard work he's put in and recognize that he's legendary in the game. You can't deny his talent; you also can't deny that he's overhyped. It seems he's got the entire world awaiting his next album, The Carter IV, and decided to drop Sorry 4 the Wait to appease the fans.
Yesterday morning I reported that Nicki Minaj had responded to TMZ's claims that she had been assaulted in Dallas by her hypeman and boyfriend, S.B. Both she and S.B. aggressively fought the rumors, but it seems the proof is in the pudding. Check out Global Grind for the full story.
Good mornting everyones, everyones! Welcome to my first installment of Got Beef? where I cover some of the new and not so new beef in the entertainment industry.
First up: Nicki Minaj vs. TMZ
Yesterday, it was reported by TMZ that Nicki Minaj was assaulted by a male friend she was with during her stay at a luxurious Dallas hotel. It was also reported that the two got into a verbal argument poolside and that she called police once the altercation became violent, suffering a busted lip. However, she refused to press charges once the police arrived.
After TMZ released the news, virtually every entertainment site and blog followed up and spread this alleged story. I also began to do some research and thought first of Nicki's hypeman and alleged boyfriend, S.B. who tweeted earlier that he was "poolside."
Naturally, I believed that this was true and that there would be some sort of police documentation to prove the incident.
After months of mystery and speculation, Jay-Z and Yeezy have finally given us a release date for Watch the Throne (August 2). Now, we believe we have the official tracklisting. After poor radio reception, it looks like H.A.M. is still on this list; thankfully, it's only a bonus. More good news: Frank Ocean is featured TWICE. From the reviews from those invited to Jay-Z's private listening sessions, it lives up the expectations, and I personally can't wait. I'm thinking a Watch the Throne edition of Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio. What do you think?
Sorry for the delay in posts. Had to do it big for my Birthday! Great weekend!
If you love Music Soulchild, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, or Mario, chances are you will love BJ the Chicago Kid. Not because he sounds like them, but because he has been the pen behind the hits and the voice behind the hooks of some of my favorite songs. While his songwriting abilities are amazing, his vocal talent is arguably the most impressive. Check out his single "Fly Girl Get 'Em" and see what I mean.
...Or YouTube. Apparently I'm not getting the full Wal Mart experience. Clearly I should be in the "lingerie section" bouncing it like a pogo stick. Clearly for the ladies, this was their big break to get back in the business since their last days of fame in the Hot Boyz era. I'm personally gonna call corporate and inform them of this f*ckery.
Thanks to my homie Lia for bringing this to my attention.
When I first saw this song posted on 2dopeboyz, I thought this had to be an unreleased track from the 90s. I've never been more happy to be wrong because this song GOES! Watch the the trailer for the "Ghetto Dreams" below, and hit the jump to download the track!
I linked to a post about Norma’s gigantic chest cannons last month but I think we all would agree that her melons deserve more attention than that. Her cups runneth over!
I'm hoping you've already heard of Kendrick Lamar and his music. If not, prepare to be amazed. Hailing from Compton, CA, he's mastered his craft by incorporating his first and second hand experiences of the streets. I've been bumping all three of his albums since J. Cole mentioned him on UStream in the fall and after one listen, I wished I'd heard of him before.
Signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, Lamar is also 1/4 of Black Hippy along with Jay Rock, Ab Soul, and Schoolboy Q who are all going to do some serious damage to the game.
Buy Kendrick's #Section.80 on iTunes today. Jay Rock's Follow Me Home will be available on July 26th.
The video above shows Kendrick rapping his #Section.80 song "Hol' Up" to Jay-Z "What We Talkin' Bout." Shouts to Hip Hop Music Now for the video. Hit the jump for some more music and downloads.
I'll admit it. I'm a Jhené STAN so I was beefin' it up all around my studio apartment when she finally released a "visual" for Sailing Soul(s). Check it out and her ghost lover, H.O.P.E. Wright who are both featured on Vol. 1 of Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio.
Another rule to live by: Gangstas wear tie dye. I digress.
Drum roll please?!?!!!!
DJ Bankhead Presents the first mix of Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio--Vol. 1: The Birthday Edition! It features songs from Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Cyhi The Prynce, Teedra Moses, Big Sean, and more. Start your weekend off right and rock with me as I celebrate my Double Deu2e.
I apologize in advance for some of my mixing flubs. This DJ is still in kindergarten.
Twitter and blogs have been buzzing for the past month talking about Cocaine 80s who dropped an EP seemingly out of nowhere. Who are they, you wonder? You're actually probably really familiar with them (or their work, at least). It's a collective consisting of:
While I was waiting on my 1st edition of Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio to upload, I was vibing to this mix that's sure to make it known that summer is officially here. Check out the stream or download here.
Listen/DL Volume 1 from last year after the jump...
Lord knows how many more points there would have been in my GPA if it weren't for YouTube, but I'm grateful for people like Phill Wade who keep me looking younger by posting foolishness on the regular. Known mostly for getting Trey Songz's panties in a bunch by impersonating him (video after the jump), this man has an incredible voice and uses it to keep us laughing.
My favorite video has to be the No Hands Gospel remix. Maybe it makes sense now why you see me bustin' out in a praise dance in the club once the hook comes on...
More hilarious videos after the jump...
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As a self-proclaimed DJ (Big Boi, I don't wanna hear it) I feel it's my duty to help promote the artists and songs I keep on rotation. Mr. Finley is a Vegas native signed to Def Jam and part of Yelawolf's Ghet-o-Vision label. His latest single "Oh Yeah" f/ Yelawolf has been getting all kinds of iTunes play counts and off-beat scratches on my Virtual DJ, and if it gets to the clubs it'll make all my emoticon typing gangstas want to smack the snapbacks off somebody. You definitely won't be disappointed.
This highly anticipated documentary has been stirring up a lot of controversy as of late between Q-Tip and the director, Michael Rappaport. Regardless, it looks well made and I'll be in the theaters humming Bonita Applebum the entire way through. Hit the jump to hear both sides of the story:
For everyone that appreciates real music and real talent, you HAVE to download Jhené Aiko's Sailing Soul(s). Most of you may recognize her from B2K's glory days as Lil' Fizz's fake cousin, but take a look at her now--she's so much more than that. I think of her as Tupac reincarnated into a beautiful singer. Take a listen and tell me what's not to love about Jhené Aiko.
Here's her track "Hoe f/ Miguel". Download the mixtape at www.jheneaiko.com.
I can't have a blog about music without shouting out my favorite underrated singer, Teedra Moses. She released her classic debut album Complex Simplicity in 2004 and now The Young Lioness is back with her newest mixtape, Luxurious Undergrind, her first solo release as the first songstress on Anti-Sexy Rozay's Maybach Music Group. Download after the jump...
Excretions and Aaron Hall biting aside, no one can doubt that R. Kelly is one of the most innovative and greatest R&B singers of all time. All day, I've been going through all of his music and I was reminded of one thing: He is probably one of THEE most IGNANT people I'll ever come across. And I love every bit of it.
5. Pregnant feat. Tyrese, Robin Thicke & The-Dream (Untitled)
I know we argue that you can fall in love at first sight, but impregnation at first sight? No matter how beautiful it's sung, the lyrics are still the same. If you have this on your Get Booty or Sertafied playlist, consider yourself cursed. And why, oh why, did he have to bring Mr. Thicke into this?
Notable lyrics: "Put them pills on chill, and girl give me my baby."
4. Be My #2 (Untitled)
Would everyone please rise for the sidechick national anthem? As you remove your hats and place your hands on your #2's lacefront, listen and learn as Kellz sweet talks his other woman all the while reminding her that she's never EVA EVA EVA going to reach the golddigger's promise land.
Notable lyrics: "I could never be your husband, but that don't mean you still don't rock my world...Though that ass is incredible, I can't leave her"
Meet me after the jump for the rest of the Pied Piper's classics.
So I was checking out one of my favorite sites of f*ckery, Crunk & Disorderly, and stumbled upon this beautiful rendition of Jennifer Hudson's "No One Gonna Love You." My, my my.
