Don Cheadle is... CAPTAIN PLANET!!!

I kept seeing Don Cheadle as Captain Planet on Twitter, and I was getting really excited that there was finally going to be a Captain Planet movie.  Well, the news got even better when I found out that it was a Funny or Die skit.  I've barely recovered from Will Ferrell and the baby landlord.  Check it out below and make sure to think about the consequences before you summon CP.

Don Cheadle is Captain Planet from Don Cheadle

Wale - That Way ft. Jeremih & Rick Ross [Music Video]

Brand new music video from Maybach Music Group's Self Made, Vol. 1.  These visuals are for Wale's smoothed out, Lex Luger track "That Way" featuring Jeremih & Rick Ross. Wait, a smoothed out Lex Luger track??? Huh? O_O



Previously: New Mixtape: Wale - The Eleven One Eleven Theory

BJ The Chicago Kid - Heartless ft. Fly.Union

B.J. has been consistently dropping new music, and it's been making my month.  Check out "Heartless" below, which is a track by the dope group, Fly.Union.

To download more new music from B.J. The Chicago Kid, visit his Facebook page. 

Download Fly.Union's latest mixtape, The Greater Than Club, here.

Previously: Next Up: B.J. The Chicago Kid

T.I.'s Out of Jail!

T.I.P. is out of jail today and is serving the rest of his time in a halfway house.  I really hope that he stays out of this trouble and starts making the type of music I grew up to.  I mean, his last album wasn't as terrible as T.I. vs. T.I.P., but I would love to hear classic T.I.  In a recent letter he wrote, T.I. claims to do just that.

Salute T.I. by listening to your favorite tracks from him today and hit the jump to hear one of my favorite tracks from the Bankhead representer.

New Music: Black Cobain "Save The Last Dance"

Black Cobain is slept on. There's no doubt about it.  The DMV native is a part of indie label The Board Administration whose close affiliation with Wale has allowed him to reach a larger audience.  I was introduced to him when he released Young Gifted & Black earlier this year, and I'd argue that he's better than his mentor.  

Black Cobain dropped the stand alone track "Save The Last Dance" yesterday via Twitter, and I'm feeling it. Listen/DL Below.

Late Pass: Hit the jump to stream/download Black Cobain's Young, Gifted & Black mixtape. You'll be happy you did.

Terius Nash (The-Dream)'s Free New Album 1977 is out now!

At midnight, The-Dream dropped his free album 1977 for the people.  I'm gonna look past the Watch The Throne-esque cover and check it out.  The man has consistently produced hits on his own and has made bangers and classics from some of my favorite artists.  

Download 1977 on Mr. Nash's website http://www.radiokillarecords.com/

Alt. Link: http://hulkshare.com/3m9lsbbq185y

If you're still up, hit the jump to join his Ustream. This man is taking Patron shots to the head back to back right now.

CyHi The Prynce is "The Jack of All Trades

Hot off of the success from The Royal Flush 2, CyHi The Prynce is back with Jack of All Trades.  I'm still downloading the mixtape, but in the meantime I'm listening to the freestyle, "Feelin' It" which you can listen to below.  I'm confident that this mixtape will be full of clever punchlines and flows from my favorite rapper out of ATL.

CyHi The Prynce: Feelin' It (Freestyle)


Download Jack of All Trades here.

Previously: Next Up: CyHi The Prynce

New Music Video: STS - Cliche

Oh how I miss college parties. Watch the hilarious video for "Cliche," which is featured on STS's brand new The Illustrious LP.  I've gotta spread the Divine 9 love and point out cameo from the Krimson & Kream men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. All that's missing are my DevaSTating Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. OO~OOP!



Be sure to go download The Illustrious LP.  Trust me, the album is incredible.  If you're feeling what STS has to offer, make sure you vote for him to be one of the artists showcased at the A3C festival.

Estelle: Break My Heart Remix ft/ Swizz Beatz, Jadakiss &Busta Rhymes (NEW MUSiC)

Just in time for Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio comes the banger of the summer.  I'm loving Estelle's "Break My Heart (Remix)" and I've only had the song for a few hours.  Featuring verses from both Jadakiss & Busta Rhymes and classic old school samples, I dare you to not nod your head and dance when you play this.

Estelle: Break My Heart (Remix) f/ Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss & Swizz Beatz


Estelle's album All of Me is expected to drop this Fall. I'll be on the lookout.

New Music: Red Cafe: "Fly Together" f/ Rick Ross & Ryan Leslie

New music from Bad Boy artist (Let us pray), Red Cafe.  I'm a sucker for a Ryan Leslie beat, so I'm loving this track "Fly Together."  Check it out for yourself below and be sure to tell me what you think!

Red Cafe: "Fly Together" f/ Rick Ross & Ryan Leslie

Props to 2dopeboyz

4 Intimate Nights With Beyoncé: Behind The Scenes

I was hating hard when I saw some of my friends tweet that they were at Beyoncé's up close and personal concert a few weeks ago.  I am no longer salty, and I want to share two behind the scenes videos with my Gangstas Use Emoticons fam.

Watch Part 1 above, and hit the jump to catch Part 2 of the behind the scenes footage.

Smoke DZA's Rolling Stoned Is Out Now!!

I know I've been hyping up September 27th as the biggest album release date this year, but that doesn't mean I'm not excited about other projects dropping.  I've been excited for Smoke Dza's Rolling Stoned to drop, and now it's finally available on iTunes.  I'm definitely copping this and getting familiar with it in preparation for Atlanta's A3C Festival in October.

For those of you who don't know exactly what Smoke Dza is about, peep the tracklisting after the jump, and listen to the tracks that have been already been released.

September 27th Will Be A Momentous Day for Hip Hop

On September 29, 1998, both Outkast and Jay-Z dropped Aquemini and Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life, respectively.  Both albums did extremely well commercially and contain tracks that are recognized as some of hip hop's classics.
September 27, 2011 is shaping out to be a similar occasion, and will undoubtedly be a HUGE day for Hip Hop.  Some of today's brightest emcees who represent the future of the rap game are dropping albums and EPs left and right.  The competition will be on, so hit the jump to learn more about the releases from J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Pusha T, Phonte, 9th Wonder, Blu, Evidence & The Knux which will all hit the net and/or stores on September 27th.

New Music Video: CJ Hilton is "So Fresh"

I've been trying to put everyone on this song since April and it's finally got a video!!

Baltimore, MD raised singer CJ Hilton is the best of both worlds-- he has the voice of an old school soul singer and the appeal and perspective of a 21st century star.  Watch the video for "So Fresh" above, and check him out on the very first edition of GUE Radio.




CJ will be on BET's 106 & Park TOMORROW to drop of this video, so be sure to tune in.

New Music Video: Pusha T & Kevin Cossom - Feeling Myself

New visuals from Pusha T.  "Feeling Myself" features singer-songwriter Kevin Cossum and will be re-released on the G.O.O.D. Music all-star's Fear of God 2: Let Us Pray EP on September 27th. Let me know what you think about the video in the comments section!

Hit the jump to hear what Pusha T has to say to Bootleg Kev about Consequence and his new EP.

Props to 2dopeboyz

Elzhi Interview with GowhereHipHop

eLZhi Interview with Gowhere Hip Hop from Cam Be on Vimeo.

Watch Jeff Baraka interview Elzhi, one of Detroit's finest.

Previously: Phonte x Elzhi: Not Here Anymore

Kendrick Lamar, CyHi The Prynce & Cory Gunz Perform In Atlanta

Kendrick Lamar, Cory Gunz & CyHi The Prynce Takeover Atlanta. from 3 Little Digs on Vimeo.

Make sure to check out Kendrick, CyHi & Cory whenever they're in your town.

Props to 3littledigs for always putting together the best videos.

New Music Video: Yelawolf - No Hands

"Watch the official music video for the Yelawolf song "No Hands" off of his upcoming album, Radioactive. Inspired by Ubisoft's Driver San Francisco video game, the music video was shot at several of San Francisco's landmark locations and features Yelawolf driving the real-life Driver car throughout the City by the Bay. Driver San Francisco is in stores starting September 6th, 2011."

-Ubisoft 

Props to Nah Right

Next Up: Jessie J

Last night on the MTV Video Music Awards, there was a house singer who performed whenever the awards went to commercial break, and let me tell you this!  This woman was SANGIN'!!!! I remembered seeing her on SNL a while back, but I didn't really know too much about the British singer known as Jessie J.  After her vocal performance at the awards, I had to know more.

This 23 year old and classmate of Adele first gained fame as a songwriter for artists like Miley Cyrus and Chris Brown.  With a voice like hers, however, performing for millions was her destiny.  Her album Who You Are was released in the U.S. on April 12, 2011 and has garnered two top three singles and platinum certification in the U.K.

Get a taste of Jessie J's music below:

Jessie J: Do It Like A Dude


Hit the jump to view her U.S. television debut back in March as she performs "Price Tag" with B.o.B!

Beyoncé's 2011 MTV Video Music Awards Performance

This was probably the best moment of the night. Twitter and the media were already buzzing when she posed and announced her pregnancy on theVMA red carpet.  When she performed my anthem of joy "Love On Top," I lost it.  Watch below and see her and Jay-Z celebrate their new found joy in front of the world. Congratulations to them both. 

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Beyoncé

Chris Brown's 2011 VMA Performance

Just finished watching the VMA's and tweeting along.  It was so crazy, Twitter has restricted me from tweeting for a few hours.  Watch the video below of Chris Brown's performance.  Although he lip synced through the entire thing, I understand because he was too busy dancing like a maniac and flying above the crowd.  Definitely loving the Wu-Tang moment.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Chris Brown

Props to The YBF.

Jay-Z & Kanye West Perform Otis For the First Time

Jay-Z & Kanye West just kinda surprised the MTV Video Music Awards and hit the stage for their first performance of "Otis."  I'm loving it, and I'm hoping to get to this concert.  Watch closely and watch someone run on the stage.  My suspects: Lil Wayne, Baby, or Lil Mama.

Props to Miss Info

Any Given Sunday: J Cole Tweets Tracklisting

For this weeks installment of Any Given Sunday, J. Cole tweeted the tracklisting for Cole World: The Sideline Story.  Here's the final cut, and I'm excited. He did get the Jay verse!! And Missy??? September 27th couldn't come fast enough!

1. Intro
2. Dollar & A Dream III
3. Can't Get Enough f/ Trey Songz
4. Lights Please
5. Interlude
6. Sideline Story
7. Mr. Nice Watch f/ Jay-Z
8. Cole World
9. In the Morning f/ Drake
10. Lost Ones
11. Nobody's Perfect f/ Missy Elliot
12. Never Told (Prod. No I.D.)
13. Rise & Shine
14. God's Gift
15. Breakdown
16. Cheer Up

Bonus tracks: Nothing Lasts Forever, Work Out & Daddy's Little Girl

Previously: J. Cole Announces World Tour

New Music Video: Nicki Minaj x Rihanna: Fly

Brand new visuals from Nicki Minaj & Rihanna.  Props to Nicki for having a successful album that's given her 8 singles.

Next Up: Sabi

Before today, I had never heard of Sabi.  Thanks to scouring the VMA webpage, I stumbled upon this pre-show performer.  

Sabi is a singer from Inglewood, California whose love for music and dance has led her to her blossoming career.  Most recently, she was featured on the track "(Drop Dead) Beautiful" from this year's Britney Spears' Femme  Fatale album and on the Cobra Starship track "You Make Me Feel."  

I usually have to be in a very interesting mood to listen to music with a pop/electronic vibe, but Sabi's voice    is so strong and powerful, that I've been listening to her music on repeat. Check out her song "Wild Heart" below. 

Hit the jump to watch Sabi's interview with MTV News and make sure you check her out today at the MTV Video Music Award's preshow at 8/7 Central!

The MTV Video Music Awards are Tonight!!

The 2011 Video Music Awards Air on MTV tonight at 9/8 central, and Gangstas Use Emoticons will be live tweeting the entire show, starting with the 8/7 preshow.  I, DJ Hourglass, promise to keep you up to date with all of the great moments and foolishness that is sure to occur.  It's only 2:30 and Lil Mama's already starting.  If I see her on stage like last year, I will be on the floor.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @DJHourglass and @GsUseEmoticons to join in on the festivities!

Hit the jump to see a list of performers for tonight.

Jump Off TV Explains Why You Can't Hate Watch The Throne or Luxury Rap

Jump Off TV's Friday Hip Hop Report panel consists of some of my favorite sources for hip hop news: LowKey of You Heard That New, Mr. Mecc, and JasFly.  This week, they discuss the release method utilized to protect Watch The Throne from leaking, the criticisms that others have about the album, and the newly titled sub-genre that is Luxury Rap.

Do you agree with what you're hearing? Hit the comments and let me know!

Props to 2dopeboyz

Phonte, KIng Mez & Charlie Smarts: In The 336

NC Stand Up!!

New music from fellow North Carolinians Phonte, King Mez & Charlie Smarts under the moniker, The Dropouts.  While I rep another NC area code (704), I'm still proud of "In The 336," which will be a part of LiKuid Nation's upcoming L.S.D. project.



Props to Okayplayer

Previously: New Music: Phonte x Elzhi: Not Here Anymore

New Music Video: Big K.R.I.T. - The Vent

New music video from Mississippi representer Big K.R.I.T off of his album The Return of 4eva.  Although he's gained quite the following this year, I still think he's one of the most underrated rappers in the game.   In "The Vent," he raps some real stuff that probably everyone can relate to, so there's no denying the power of this track.

Previously: Big K.R.I.T.: Last King 2 (God's Machine)

New Music: Curren$y & Lil Wayne Reunite with "Smoke Sum'n"

Remember this Curren$y?

Apparently, Curren$y forgot to check his e-mail before solidifying all of the tracks from his latest mixtape, Verde Terrace, and missed "Smoke Sum'n," his first song with Lil' Wayne since leaving Young Money Cash Money Records.


Curren$y: Smoke Sum'n f/ Lil Wayne


Hit the jump to watch the video for "Where the Cash At?," Curren$y's 2006 single with Lil Wayne during his brief stint on Young Money.

New Music: Fabolous, Red Cafe & Trey Songz Are Sicker Than Yo Average

New verses from New York rappers Fabolous & Red Cafe with some assistance from Mr. Trigga N***ga. It's a decent track and is worth a listen or download based on the Biggie sample alone.

Fabolous: Sicker Than Yo Average f/ Trey Songz & Red Cafe

Props to College DJ

Hit the jump to hear the song I discovered after reading some of the comments on Loso's blog.

New Music: Tyga x Travis Porter - Ayy Ladies

I give it a few weeks. Soon this will be all over the radio, in the club, and at college parties everywhere.  "Ayy Ladies" will be on Tyga & Travis Porter's joint mixtape King of Diamonds.



Shouts to College DJ for bringing this to my attention.

New Music Video: Rihanna - Cheers (Drink To That)

Rihanna has been on tour for what seems like forever promoting her internationally successful album Loud.  The video for "Cheers" gives us an up close and personal look at moments during her shows, behind the scenes, and during her off days.  I'm really feeling Rihanna these days. She's working hard.

Hit the jump to view the video for "Cheers (Drink To That)."

New Music Video: Beyoncé: 1+1

This is one of my favorite tracks on 4 mainly due to the raw emotion that she pours into the song.  I do cringe when I hear her sing "algeba" instead of "algebra," but I'll give her a pass because the song is so beautiful.  Check out the video for "1+1" below, which is rumored to be one of many sets of visuals from the 4 album to come.

Track By Track Review of Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV

Yesterday, I was on Twitter minding my business when, all of a sudden, links to Tha Carter IV seemed to fall out of the sky.  It seems like Lil Wayne's attempt to first release the album exclusively on iTunes (following the Watch the Throne model) was unsuccessful.  Naturally, with albums I'm not sure I would pay $9.99 for, I decided to take a listen and write a review to help you determine whether you should go out and buy it.  

Hit the jump to read my track-by-track review of Tha Carter IV and use the Rap Genius links to analyze for yourself.

New Music: Jeremih - Another Song

New music with an old school feel from Chi-Town crooner, Jeremih.  Contrary to popular belief, Jeremih makes more than twerk against the wall music, and he's a pretty well rounded artist.  I'm feeling this new track, "Another Song."

Listen/DL below and tell me what you think.

New Music Video: Jill Scott - Hear My Call

Jill Scott has never had a problem letting all of her emotions out through song or poetry, but "Hear My Call" is probably her most vulnerable record.  This video completely fits the theme of the song from chart topping album The Light of the Sun, and I hope it touches your heart as it has mine.

Until Monday, August 29, you can download this video FREE on iTunes and be sure to catch her on tour if you can. So sad I missed her Charlotte show yesterday.

Props to CollegeDJ!

Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio, Volume 7: Aaliyah, Always Remembered

I know I said that I was going to release this at midnight, but after watching clips from tomorrow's BET's Aaliyah: One In A Million and reading Complex Mag's 10 Facts About Aaliyah You Might Not Know, the nostalgia just got too strong.

Aaliyah, I didn't know you personally. However, thanks to your music, I was able to understand your immense talent and humility.  To be so gifted and so humble is rare, and you showed me that despite my accomplishments, humility is the most important.  I remember when I was 8, my sister recorded the video to Are You That Somebody and forced me to spend hours learning all of the choreography.  I also remember crying with my sister when we learned of your tragic death on August 25, 2011.  Although your journey on earth was premature, your legacy continues as is witnessed in the music of your successors and your peers.

Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio, Volume 7 is dedicated to you, and includes samples of songs inspired by your music. Thank you for everything, Baby Girl.  

-DJ Hourglass

Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio, Volume 7: Aaliyah, Always Remembered


Hit the jump for the full tracklisting!

Got Beef? Lil Wayne Disses Jay-Z in New Carter IV Track

Back in January, eyebrows were raised a little when Jay-Z seemed to take a subtle jab at Lil Wayne and the Young Money Cash Money empire when he said the following on the "Watch The Throne" track H.A.M. with Kanye West:

"Like these rappers rap about all that shit that I do really/I'm like really, half a billy nigga really? You got Baby money/Keep it real with niggas/Niggas ain't got my lady money..."

Lil Wayne was interviewed about the possible diss and had this to say:

"Actually, the subject that he's talking about in that line, I can't box with the god. I'd be the first one to tell you that, given my wit, and the type of person that I am, I'd capitalize and I'd play off of it."

Seems like Weezy's had a change of heart since then.  His track It's Good with Drake and Jadakiss has leaked, and Lil' Wayne's disses are anything but subtle.

Listen to the track after the jump.

New Music Video: Lil Wayne - How To Love

New music video from Lil' Wayne, and I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised.  The video displays how critical one moment in a person's life can be, and how one bad decision can negatively affect not only your life but the lives of those that you love.



The Carter IV is rumored to drop exclusively online this Sunday following the MTV Video Music Awards.

Props to 2dopeboyz

Previously: Lil Wayne: The Carter IV Tracklisting

Thank You YouTube for...Thug Friends

My time in the Lou may have come to an end, but thankfully I got to witness the Thug Friends movement start before I left.  Consisting of duo Twiggy Kix and Nicholas Accomp, the two just have fun and rap about things that everyone in America loves--titties, carrot cake, titty milk and chicken.  If you don't love at least 3/4 of that shit, exit my page.

Check out Thug Friends search for their beloved poultry in the video for their latest single, Chicken Lovin.  

Their debut EP "We Are Not Rappers, We Are Wrappers" drops on August 31. Make sure to hit up Mademonarchs.com or Absolut-ism.com to download that. 

Props to Made Monarch O   

New Music: Phonte x Elzhi: Not Here Anymore

Yesterday, I read Phonte tweet that he was dropping a new song at midnight. What did I do? Fall asleep...

I have loved Phonte's music since I first popped in Little Brother's "The Minstrel Show" in my bedroom.  After that, it was over; I educated myself on all of their albums and eventually became a Foreign Exchange stan.  "Charity Starts At Home," however, will be the first solo effort from Phontigallo and it will be dropping on 9.27.  Sounds like a great day for North Carolina music.

Listen/ Download "Not Here Anymore" here or below.

#NewTigallo#NewTigallo#NewTigallo

New Music Video: Kendrick Lamar: A.D.H.D.

Brand new video for one of my favorites on Section.80.  The video was directed by Vashtie who had this to say:

Inspired by "A.D.H.D."s dark beat and melancholy lyrics which explore a generation in conflict, we find Kendrick Lamar in a video that illustrates the songs universal and age-old theme of apathetic youth.

Shot in New York City during the sweltering July Summer heat, "A.D.H.D" is the third video to be released from Kendrick Lamar's debut album "Section.80".

Props to 2dopeboyz

Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio, Volume 7: Aaliyah, Always Remembered is Coming Thursday!

It's almost been 10 years since Aaliyah was taken from this earth.  In celebration of her life and her music, make sure to stop by Gangstas Use Emoticons this Thursday for Volume 7: Aaliyah, Always Remembered.

New Mixtape: Curren$y - Verde Terrace

Curren$y never stops.  The man has already released 3 albums/mixtapes this year not including the newest, Verde Terrace.  Whoever says weed makes you lazy does not know this man.  Stream and download below. Props to College DJ for reminding me of this drop.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

The Well Versed Presents: 10 Hip Hop Collaboration Albums We Wish Would Happen

With Watch The Throne having the Hip Hop world craving for more full album collabs from our favorite rappers, The Well Versed created a list of hip hop collaborations they wished would happen.

Read the full article here. Hit the jump for my favorites on the list.

New Mixtape: GLC - I Know Who You Pimped Last Summer

While some artists are too busy making diss records crying about how they were tossed aside (*cough* It's The Cons *cough), others are making great music and making money.  GLC continues to release new music and he's back with I Know Who You Pimped Last Summer.

I'm vibing to it now and I give you the DJ Hourglass guarantee that it is a must download.

Download I Know Who You Pimped Last Summer here.

Hit the jump for the tracklist and to watch the video for Max Julian with Ro Spit.

Lauryn Hill Speaks on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

There is no doubt that Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a classic. In this rare interview, she describes the process behind creating a Hip Hop and R&B masterpiece.

Props to Xclusives Zone for putting me on to this.

2 Chainz ft. Big K.R.I.T. & Bun B - Pimps [Music Video]

This song will make you dust off ya gators and get that that pimp hand strong! "I'm talking 'bout pimpin' since been pimpinsince been pimpin'!" This is my s**t!!

Hit the jump to download the track!

New Music: Schoolboy Q - My Homie

New music from Black Hippy TDE representative Schoolboy Q produced by The Alchemist.  People have got to stop sleeping. The whole team is a problem.

Listen to/DL My Homie below:

It's still not too late to check out his album Setbacks. Download here.

STS: The Illustrious LP

Here's the debut LP from Atlanta rapper Sugar Tongue Slim featuring production from the likes of The Alchemist, Ski Beatz and Will Power.  Here's what he has to say:

Recorded in Atlanta's legendary Tree Sound Studios, The Illustrious is a culmination of years of mastering words, music and lifestyle. "Illustrious is the way I want people to feel when they hear my music. It's how I feel. Every occasion, every location, every ensemble in my wardrobe, but more importantly my music is illustrious." To insure the proper picture is painted, STS gathered up some of hip-hop's best to provide backdrops for him make his statements. They include SKI BEATZ (Jay-Z, Camp-Lo, Curren$y), ALCHEMIST (Nas, Linkin Park), WILL POWER (YelaWolf, Wiz Khalifa) and The Knux (B.O.B).

Download the album here, and hit the jump for the full tracklisting.

Spotted at XclusiveZone

New Music Video: Eminem & Royce Da 5'9" x Bruno Mars--Lighters

New visuals below from Eminem & Royce's Meets Evil collab, which I think is one of 2011's best albums.  They hooked up with Bruno Mars for the smash hit "Lighters."



Hit the jump to see Royce Da 5'9"'s latest video, "Writer's Block!

Shouts to Xclusives Zone

West Coast Legends Pass the Torch to Kendrick Lamar

The music speaks for itself--Kendrick Lamar is one of the best in the game right now.  But it has to mean a lot for Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Kurupt and Game to be on stage a present him as the soon to be king of the West Coast.

Hit the jump to see Game & Kendrick Lamar perform The City.

Shouts to Ghetto News Flash

J. Cole: Any Given Sunday #4

As September 27th draws closer, J. Cole's installment of Any Given Sunday start to reveal more and more about his debut album. Finally, we have the album artwork for Cole World: The Sideline Story.  He also hits us with a snippet of a track that is most likely in the album.

Hit the jump to see the clip and a surprise cameo! Props to dreamvillain.net

Jhené Aiko: Snapped

New music and visuals from the beautiful Ms. Aiko that I spotted on her Tumblr thanks to my daily Jhene Twitter habit.

Download "Snapped"

Gangstas Use Emoticons Radio: Volume 6

DJ Bankhead has officially retired. It was fun while it lasted, but I'm serious this time.

The official, REAL DEAL stage name is............ DJ Hourglass!
(If you wanna know why, ask somebody)

I've been doing tribute editions for the past 2 weeks and it's time to get back to that new s**t!  This mix is probably the most well rounded--ranging from mainstream to underground, club bangers to love songs.  Volume 6 features new music from artists including the Billboard toppers of The Throne, Big K.R.I.T., Meek Mill, and Wale.

Also in the mix are two rappers from the 2 cities nearest to my heart--Charlotte and St. Louis.  QC representer  C-Weav is the founder of record label So Key Entertainment whose mixtape Mixed Feelings is a must download.  Bryant Stewart, the hardest working rapper in St. Louis, just released "I Made This Last Week," a project which he made...in one week.  Doesn't sound like it.

Listen to DJ Hourglass's GUE Radio, Vol. 6 below!
Make sure you hit the jump for the full tracklisting!!

Big K.R.I.T.: Last King 2 (God's Machine)

My country cousin Big K.R.I.T. is back with a new mixtape entitled "Last King 2: God's Machine." That's some powerful stuff right there. I'm never worried about the quality of the music when K.R.I.T.'s on it so download here and listen closely.

To sample a little of the mixtape, listen to Happy Birthday Hip Hop & Yoko after the jump, along with a bonus video.

Kirko Bangz f/ Big Sean, Wale, & Bun B

If you don't pay attention to the ignorance that is his name, the autotune, the improper grammar, and the vulgarity of his question, this song goes. I know that's asking for a lot, but he got Big Sean, Wale and Bun together on a track!




Download the "What Yo Name Iz? (Remix) below:

Next Up: The Weeknd (Updated with New Mixtape!!)

Bring your love, baby, I could bring my shame
Bring the drugs, baby, I could bring my pain
I got my heart right here
I got my scars right here
Bring the cups baby, I could bring the drank
Bring your body baby, I could bring you fame
That's my muthafucking words to you
Just let me muthafucking love you

-Wicked Games 

The Weeknd is a Toronto based singer whose dark lyrics and unique sound mixed with smooth R&B has captivated the ears of the underground and college students everywhere.  If you haven't heard of him before, chances are you will when Drake's album "Take Care" is released.

Listen/DL to the track The Party & The After Party below.


If you're feeling that, download the entire mixtape "House of Balloons" here.

Download the brand new mixtape "Thursday" HERE (Alt. Link: http://hulkshare.com/kx30kibmrx2o)

Hit the jump to reveal the artwork for The Weeknd's next mixtape, "Thursday"

The 25 Best Pharrell Hooks by Complex Mag

Yet another amazing countdown by Complex.  I've been a lover of Pharrell, The Neptunes, and N*E*R*D for about 3/4 of my life, so when I saw this, I found myself playing back all of the songs he's been involved with and downloading the hits I seemed to neglect.

My favorites off the list have to be:

#22: Snoop Dogg f/ Pharrell: Let's Get Blown
#19: N*E*R*D: Provider
#17: Jay-Z f/ Pharrell: So Ambitious
#14: Jay-Z f/ Pharrell: I Know
#11: N*E*R*D: She Wants To Move
#9: Jadakiss: Knock Yourself Out
#5: Pharrell f/ Jay-Z: Frontin'
#2: Snoop Dogg f/ Pharrell: Beautiful


Aww....nostalgia...


Read the full list here.

[Music Video] Stalley - Chevy's & Spaceships

New music video from MMG representer Stalley directed by Illusive.  I've been feeling him since he dropped Lincoln Way Nights early this year, and I'm curious to see if he'll take off as a result of signing with Rozay.

Shouts to Nah Right.

Previously: Next Up: Complex Magazine's 15 New Rappers To Watch Out For

Bridget Kelly Sings Acoustic Version of Thinking About Forever

I know it seems like the Frank ocean demo version is becoming the most popular version, but Bridget Kelly definitely has the best version.  As proof, check out this live acoustic version of the first single from Roc Nation's first lady.

Hit the jump to see her interview with The Rap Up

Previously: New Music: Bridget Kelly - Thinking About Forever

Wale - The Eleven One Theory [New Mixtape]

Say what you want about Wale and him being signed to Maybach Music Group.  He's been working HARD. 

Download the mixtape here or stream it at Get Right Music.

Props to TheOverfeed.com

Snoop Dogg Interviews Kendrick Lamar

On Episode 2 of Snoop Dogg's Double G News Network, Mr. Doggy Dogg interviews Kendrick Lamar and lets Kendrick take the stage. Funny stuff.

Props to HypeTrak

Hit the jump to see Kendrick Lamar live in Amsterdam!