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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

[Music Video] Chilly Chills - "Patience"


I met Atlanta rapper and spoken word artist Chilly Chills last summer at a Poor Little Rich Girl music showcase when I DJ'ed a few of his performances, and I've been a fan ever since. With the help of director K.D. Gray, Chilly presents the visuals to his Maez produced single, "Patience."

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Sevyn Streeter - "It Won't Stop" (Prod. by Diplo & Free School)


Sevyn Streeter has definitely paid her dues in the industry. She broke through as a lead member of the groups RichGirl and TG4, and she's been credited as a songwriter for Alicia Keys, Chris Brown and more. Now Sevyn's busting out as a solo artist, and I'm definitely here for it. The girl's TALENTED.

As a follow-up to her current commercial success "I Like It," Sevyn debuts her latest effort "It Won't Stop," produced by Diplo and Free School. Sevyn's forthcoming debut album is coming together quite nicely!



[Rap-Up]

ScHoolboyQ - "Hell Of A Night" (Prod. by DJ Dahi)


ScHoolboy Q's album Oxymoron is next up for TDE, and Q gave NBA on TNT the honor of premiering his new single "Hell Of A Night." As usual, DJ Dahi outdoes himself on the beat, and Q puts his signature on the track. Yet another reason to get hype for the Black Hippy tour!



[HHNM]

Previously: Black Hippy - "U.O.E.N.O." (Remix)

Le$ ft. Smoke DZA - "Autobahn"


Le$ has some nice cuts on his upcoming mixtape E36, and "Autobahn" featuring the Kushed God Smoke DZA is no exception. E36 this Tuesday, May 28.



Previously:

[Video] DJ Princess Cut - In The Sweetbox, Ep. 5 Starring Big Boi


DJ Princess Cut recently caught up with her friend Big Boi during the Athens, GA stop of his and Killer Mike's Shoes For Running Tour and decided to share her backstage access with us for the fifth episode of In The Sweetbox.

Watch below as she discusses Big Boi's latest album Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors, his new sock line with Crooks & Castles, and his knack for collaborating with artists in other genres.


As a bonus, hit the jump for Princess Cut's new mixtape Girls On Fie, Vol. 1 with Hot 107.9's Mz Shyneka!

[Mixtape Kitchen]

Previously: 


Goodie Mob ft. Janelle Monae - "Special Education"


After premiering "Fight To Win" last year, Goodie Mob relaunches their album Age Against The Machine with their new single "Special Education." Hearing Cee-Lo, T-Mo, Khujo Goodie & Big Gipp all rhyming together takes me back, and I'm excited to cop the album when hits stores on June 18th.

Also lending her vocals to "Special Education" is Dungeon extended family and "Q.U.E.E.N." Janelle Monae.



Previously:

Friday, May 24, 2013

[Video] CharlieRED Performs "Could Be" Live At SOB's


I'll tell anyone who's willing to listen about duo CharlieRED, but my word of mouth can't compare to the following they're growing from their live shows. On May 14, Rocki Evans and Cobaine Ivory took to New York City's SOBs to perform cuts from their Religion EP for BET's Music Matters showcase.

Watch a clip of CharlieRED performing "Could Be" below, and hit the jump to watch them cover Amy Winehouse's "Me And Mr. Jones" as a segue into Religion's "Norah Jones." KILLED IT.



Wale - "LoveHate Thing" ft. Sam Dew


While Wale's commercial smash "Bad" makes its way around the airwaves, Folarin dropped his new single showcasing the elements of his artistry that first put him on the map.

Stream "LoveHate Thing" featuring Roc Nation singer and "Lotus Flower Bomb" co-penner Sam Dew below, and click HERE to preorder Wale's third album The Gifted set to hit stores on June 25. Artwork and tracklisting after the jump.


[Music Video] Stacy Barthe ft. Rick Ross - "Hell Yeah"


Stacy Barthe's P.S. I Love You EP is immaculate, and I'm glad that Island Def Jam is investing in the beautiful songwriter's talent. Watch below as the John Legend protégé, Nouveau Noir and Surf Club member is joined by Rick Ross in the visuals to the worldly "Hell Yeah."



Ahhhh.... like a breath of fresh air... d^_^b

Previously: Stacy Barthe - "P.S. I Love You" [FreEP]

Black Hippy - "U.O.E.N.O." (Remix) + G.K.M.C. Tour Dates


This summer when all four brothers of Black Hippy will be touring together, they'll have another track to add to their set list. While Rocko's "U.O.E.N.O." has been redone about 5,842 times, Kendrick LamarScHoolboy QAb-Soul, and Jay Rock's version should be the remix to end all UOENO remixes.


Now... who's coming with me to The Tabernacle?

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Jhené Aiko - "Comfort Inn Ending" (Prod. by No. I.D.)


For all my fellow Jhené Aiko fans dying to hear what her Artium/Def Jam debut Soul(ed) Out will offer, the beautiful songwriter gives us a bone with the 2 minute freestyle "Comfort Inn Ending."

Produced by her boss No I.D., Jhene vents about a recent relationship that went sour due to infidelity. I'm not one to speculate, but "CIE" may be about Compton rapper and Sailing Soul(s) collaborator H.O.P.E. Wright, who she publicly dated for a few years.

Although heartache may cause a few tears, thankfully, it can also create some great music. Thanks for sharing Ms. Aiko.


Download: Jhené Aiko - "Comfort Inn Ending"

Previously: [Music Video] Jhené Aiko - "Burning Man (3:16 PM)"

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

[Music Video] Elijah Blake ft. Common - "X.O.X."


Elijah Blake closed out 2012 with a spectacular EP in Bijoux 22. While I'm fondest of standouts like "Talk To Me" and "Vicky Secrets," I can understand why the Common featured "X.O.X." is turning into an international sensation. Check out the visuals to the No I.D. production below, and try to refrain from hitting your ex with sappy texts... Keep it G!



Previously:

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

[Album Stream] The-Dream - IV Play


If you're in need for some new SERTAfied tunes to add to the collection, The-Dream's fourth studio album IV Play is just about all you'll need this year. If you want to try before you buy, stream the entire project below, which features collaborations with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, Big Sean, and Pusha T.

Hourglass Picks: "High Art," "IV Play," "Turnt," "Michael," "Loving You/Crazy"



IV Play hits stores next Tuesday, May 28th. Hit the jump to peep the visuals to the album's title track.

Pharrell - "Happy"


While knowing that the minions are back for Despicable Me 2 is enough of a reason to let your inner child free this summer, the fact that Pharrell will be contributing his sounds once again to the hit film series has me more excited than I probably should be.

"Happy" one of the three original songs Pharrell is contributing to the soundtrack, is a feel good record that speaks for itself. Hit play below and enjoy!


Despicable Me 2 will hit theaters on July 3rd, while the soundtrack is set to hit stores on June 18th.

[Rolling Stone]

Previously: Daft Punk - 'Random Access Memories' [Free Album Stream]

Shome - "Enter Loot" (Interlude) [Prod. by Nesby Phips]


I was really feeling Shome earlier this year when he dropped "Bourbon & Canal," and to hold us over until his College Years compilation tape hits the net on May 29th, enjoy "Enter Loot."
In the intermission of his College Years compilation tape, Shome describes the title of "Enter Loot" as a double meaning. Loot is described as goods, however, it is also the action of stealing or taking away. The pros and cons of this title helps illustrate this certain track, allowing the listener to "decipher the cypher."


Previously: Shome - "Bourbon & Canal" (Prod. Wister Dice)

[Music Video] Evo ft. NiGEHOOD - "Chasin"


Next to drop from the NC collective The PoRt is Durham's own Evo, who plans to release his new mixtape Restless Drive some time this Summer. Get accustomed to seeing Evo's name more and more on G's Use Emoticons, and watch the visuals to the Nugget produced single "Chasing" below, which features G's favorite NiGE HOOD.


Directed by Keith Eason of Lone Ranger Productions

Previously: QuenT x NiGE HOOD - The Basquiat (Sampler) [FreEP]

Rickie Jacobs - "Millionaire" (Prod. by YOG$) + #HeresYourAnswer (Reebok Classics Commercial)


Rickie Jacobs' relentless assault of freebies continues as the Baltimore emcee showcases the YOG$ produced "Millionaire." While I ride out to all of the leaks that Rickie's dropped since the release of Songs For High School Kids, "Millionaire" has to be my pick.



Also, give a congratulations to Rickie on Twitter who recently linked up with Reebok Classics to provide the vocal backdrop to the first installment of their HeresYourAnswer campaign. Watch the commercial after the jump!

Monday, May 20, 2013

[Video] Miguel Adds Wrestler To His Resume At The 2013 Billboard Music Awards


Last night's Billboard Music Awards were full of noteworthy moments, but Miguel found a way to become the most talked about musician at the ball. During a performance of his smash single (pun success!) "Adorn," Miguel took out a pair of fans while attempting to jump from one area of the stage to another.

While he's had plenty of embarrassing moments on stage, this one might take the cake. Hit the comments with your thoughts!



[Yardie]

Previously: [Music Video] Mariah Carey ft. Miguel - "#Beautiful"

[Video] Kanye West Performs "New Slaves" & "Black Skinhead" On SNL


Shortly after debuting his new song "New Slaves" on the buildings of 66 cities worldwide, Kanye West took to SNL to deliver two intense performances from his upcoming album Yeezus. From the sounds and the delivery of "New Slaves" and "Black Skinhead," Kanye seems to be delivering an album that both College Dropout and 808's & Heartbreaks' biggest fans will love.

Stream the performances below, and hit the comments with your thoughts on Ye's new material.



Saturday, May 18, 2013

[Video] Kanye West Debuts Single "New Slaves" On 66 Buildings Worldwide


Leave it to Kanye to find an inventive way to premiere a new single. With his appearance on SNL only hours away, I was sure the track would pop up some time today. Never did I think it'd be done like this.

Instead of passing his single along to Flex, or mysteriously tweeting the record, Kanye had a performance of "New Slaves" projected along 66 buildings across the world.

Check out the debut of "New Slaves" Ye's hometown of Chicago courtesy of GoWhereHipHop's Maks G.



As a huge Kendrick fan, I can't help but compare the subject matter to both parts 1 and 2 of "Vanity Slave," but I'm glad to see Kanye returning to his College Dropout roots.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Daft Punk - 'Random Access Memories' [Free Album Stream]


The anticipation for Daft Punk's new album Random Access Memories has been eating away at fans worldwide, but with help from iTunes, the French duo has made the LP available for free stream. You can listen to RAM on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Solange Knowles ft. Kendrick Lamar - "Looks Good With Trouble" (Remix)


While I think that every song from Solange's True EP deserves its own spotlight, I'm glad that "Looks Good With Trouble" has been gifted with a verse by Kendrick Lamar. Stream the duo's first collab below, and be sure to purchase the single HERE if you're vibin!



[FADER]

Previously:

Monday, May 13, 2013

[Music Video] Kendrick Lamar - "Bxtch, Don't Kill My Vibe"


Just the other day, I had a quick proud fan moment when I heard Kendrick Lamar's "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" on the radio. Now, K. Dot's one of the biggest names in rap, but a few years ago I could only pray that something of substance like this track would break out onto the airwaves.

Check out the official video below as Mike Epps and Kendrick conduct this year's most ig'nant baptism, and be sure to cop good kid, m.A.A.d city in stores now!"



As a bonus, hit the jump to see Kendrick Lamar as principle for a day at Providence, RI's Mount Pleasant High School.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Sean Falyon - "Stay Up" (Prod. by M $tacks)

"So dedicated to crossing the finish line that I feel like I'm only seconds from..."
Sean Falyon links up once again with producer M $tacks as he gives us "Stay Up," an intimate listen  to his introspective journey to the top. December is on iTunes now!



Previously: Sean Falyon - "94 Escort" (Prod. by M. $tacks)

[Music Video] Mariah Carey ft. Miguel - "#Beautiful"


I'm sure Mariah and Miguel had to have a few "it's just acting" talks with their loves Nick Cannon and Nazanin Mandi before shooting the touchy, feely video for their new duet "#Beautiful." Premiered on the latest episode of American Idol, watch below as biker Miguel takes Mariah on a ride through the sunset.


Previously:

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

[New Mixtape] Hustle Gang - "G.D.O.D."


Hip Hop strayed away from crews for a while, but the past few years have proved that the art isn't completely centered around a dog eat dog mentality. With G.O.O.D. Music, YMCMB, TDE, MMG, A$AP and the many other teams out there, T.I. is here to prove that he might be stacked with the strongest group of them all.

With a roster boasting B.o.B, Trae Tha Truth, Young Dro, Def Jam's Iggy Azalea, London emcee Chip, G.O.O.D. Music hybrid Travi$ Scott, singer Kris Stephens, and more, Hustle Gang is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Stream and download their latest offering G.D.O.D. (Get Dough Or Die) below, and don't say I didn't list this one of the best tapes of the year once December rolls around!

Hourglass Picks: "Here I Go," "Problems", "Err-body," "Only In Atlanta" (True story)


[New Mixtape] August Alsina - 'The Product 2'


New Orleans is the home to many talented R&B artists like Dawn Richard and Luke James, but August Alsina is the newest crooner looking to put the city on his back as he climbs to the top. With his song "I Luv This Shit" doing numbers on radio (I just shut a bachelor party DOWN with this!),  August's latest mixtape The Product 2 is set to ensure his place as one of the contenders of the new school.

Stream the Def Jam/Radio Killa signee's DJ Drama hosted tape below!

HOURGLASS PICK: Downtown ft. Kidd Kidd

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Tamar Braxton - "The One"


Tamar Braxton's lead single "Love & War" is doing great on radio, but I'm glad that Epic is capitalizing on that momentum by releasing her next single "The One." More upbeat than it's predecessor, the familiar rhythm brom Mtume and Biggie is sure to make "The One" a feel good record for the summer.


Previously: [Music Video] Tamar Braxton - "Love & War"

Thursday, May 2, 2013

[New Mixtape] Scotty x DJ Burn One - 'F.A.I.T.H.'


"You don't use our music to get high. They use our music to get by..."

A powerful statement like that puts a lot of responsibility on Atlanta emcee Scotty, but he delivers 100% on his new mixtape F.A.I.T.H. (Foreva Atlanta In The Heart) with DJ Burn One. Surely the next to blow out of the A, Scotty gets support from Big K.R.I.T., Trinidad Jame$, Le$, Killa Kyleon, Miloh Smith, Ebony Love, and more.

Stream + download F.A.I.T.H. below, and get used to seeing Scotty's name a lot more on GsUseEmoticons.



Previously: Scotty ft. Trinidad Jame$ - "Conversations On That Brown"

[Album Stream] 'The Great Gatsby Soundtrack' (ft. Jay-Z's "$100 Bill")


Executive produced by Jay-Z, The Great Gatsby original soundtrack is one of the most anticipated projects of the year. NPR yet again scores the first listen, which you can stream HERE.

Featured on the soundtrack are Jay-Z (who open the project with "$100 Bill"), Andre 3000 & Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, Will.i.am and more.


The Great Gatsby original soundtrack is set to hit stores on May 7. The film premieres in theaters on May 10.

Previously: Beyoncé & Andre 3000 - "Back To Black" (Amy Winehouse Cover)

[Music Video] Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu - "Q.U.E.E.N."


Janelle Monae took to BET's 106th & Park yesterday to premiere the video for "Q.U.E.E.N." and to be honest, no other word than "electric" comes to mind when describing it. Directed by Solange's beau Alan Ferguson, Janelle and Erykah Badu Badoula Oblongata are historic icons preserved in a museum who are brought back to life by young rebels.

Hit play and enjoy the sights, and check out Janelle after the jump as she turns up the energy at 106 to another level. The release date for Janelle's sophomore album The Electric Lady isn't out yet, but "Q.U.E.E.N." is available on iTunes now!


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

MeLo-X - "Girls Love Rihanna"


It's true. "Girls Love Beyonce." But that doesn't mean we can't love Rihanna either.

Brooklyn jack of all trades MeLo-X reps for the Barbadian Roc princess as he turns transforms the Drake record into "Girls Love Rihanna," a work all his own. Enjoy below, and hit the jump to download MeLo's latest EP GOD: LoFi.


[New Mixtape] Chance The Rapper - 'Acid Rap'


After listening to Chance The Rapper's Acid Rap yesterday, I was left feeling a sense of deja vu which took me back to my first time hearing Kendrick Lamar's Section 80. As someone who was a fan of Kendrick's previous works, I could tell the second it started that this project would change everything. If past experiences teach me anything, it's that Chance The Rapper is set for the same fate.

Acid Rap is better than most albums hitting stores today, thanks to Chance's ability to lace his melodic flows with strong lyrics and the cohesive yet unique sound courtesy of Peter Cottontale and Stefan Ponce.  Proof that Chicago hip hop is not confined to one sound, stream and download Acid Rap below, which features BJ The Chicago Kid, Twista, Action Bronson, Childish Gambino and more.

Download: Chance The Rapper - Acid Rap

Previously: [Music Video] Chance The Rapper ft. Ab-Soul - "Smoke Again"

[FreEP] J. Cole - 'Truly Yours 2'


J. Cole put the internet on pause Monday when he dropped off the freebie "Cole Summer," and to keep the momentum leading up to the June 25th release of Born Sinner high, Cole presents the second installment of his Truly Yours EP series for his fans.

On TY2 J. Cole surprisingly hands off the production duties on a few songs-- Canei Finch ("Westside Right On Time," "The Jig Is Up (Dump'n)" and the highly accomplished Jake One each lent their talents. Stream the project below, which features Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz and Bas.

Download: J. Cole - Truly Yours