[Music Video] Jay-Z ft. Justin Timberlake - "Holy Grail"

Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake have collaborated quite a bit this year--from "Suit & Tie," the Legends Of The Summer tour, a soon to be released track on Justin's The 20/20 Experience: Part 2 Of 2, to Jay-Z's MCHG opener "Holy Grail."

While the song itself is big, the visuals by Anthony Mandler take record to another level. Magna Carta... Holy Grail is in stores now!



Previously:

• [Video] Jay Z Talks Commercialization, Competion & More With Elliott Wilson
• [Music Video] Justin Timberlake - "Mirrors"

Janelle Monae ft. Miguel - "Primetime"

After revealing the upbeat yet socially aware singles "Q.U.E.E.N." and "Dance Apocalyptic," Janelle Monae reveals a smoother side of her forthcoming album The Electric Lady with the Miguel duet "Primetime."  As two artists who are highly influenced and in awe of Prince, I'm almost sure this is a track he'd be proud of.

Stream "PrimeTime" below, and hit the jump to view The Electric Lady's official album cover and track list!

[Music Video] Big Sean ft. Jhené Aiko & Lil Wayne - "Beware"

After Kendrick Lamar stole the show on Big Sean's "Control," it's good to see that Sean is returning the the focus back to promoting his singles that will land on August 27's Hall Of Fame. Check out the trippy visuals to the Lil Wayne and Jhené Aiko featured "Beware" below, and hit the jump to catch Sean and Jhené's recent performance of the track on Jimmy Kimmel live.

[Free Album Stream] Earl Sweatshirt - 'Doris'

I'm not one to vocally deem myself an avid fan of Odd Future, but my CD collection from the past year begs to differ. After streaming Earl Sweatshirt's new album, I'm positive that my physical copies of Frank Ocean's Channel Orange and Tyler, The Creator's Wolf will soon be joined by Doris.

Now that the "Where's Earl?" phenomenon has ended and the shock value surrounding Odd Future has calmed down a bit, it's time to see if the nineteen-year old emcee is really the prodigy he's been proclaimed to be. Stream Doris courtesy of Odd Future's Souncloud HERE, and check out the visuals to the Tyler, The Creator featured "Whoa" below. Be sure to cop on August 20th if you like what you hear!



Previously: Earl Sweatshirt ft. Frank Ocean - "Sunday"

Rickie Jacobs - "Memoirs Of HER"

I say this too often... Faith Evans had some of the best hip hop beats on her R&B albums!! Finally, an emcee worthy of "You Used To Love Me" greatness takes on the classic record.

Listen to "Memoirs of Her" below as Rickie Jacobs reminisces over somebody that he used to know.

This song is based on true events, me trying to get over a woman that's moved on to other things, me on the other hand is still dealing with the fact that she's never coming back. - Rickie

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

[FreEP] J.A.E - 'Verses For !llmind'

Artwork By: Ladale Ally

While !llmind's musical greatness should never go unrecognized, J.A.E provides the ultimate salute by recording an entire mixtape over the producer's most recent project, !.B.F.K.W. (!llmind Beats For Kanye West). Stream + download Verses For !llmind below, and check out J.A.E's personal !llmind story below:

!llmind is one of my favorite producers of all time. When I met him awhile back at the Skyzoo "Frisbees" video shoot, I remember inquiring about some production and him stating something about a budget. However, at the time I hadn't even put out my first mixtape yet and was clueless to what a budget was. When a friend of mine played the production on #BFKW I was blown away and felt the need to pay homage to one of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you !llmind

Hourglass Picks: "Rolling Stones," "Fast Forward," "Accept Us," "Mr. Blog[*ahem* wom]an"

Download: J.A.E - Verses For !llmind

Earl Sweatshirt ft. Frank Ocean - "Sunday"

Earl Sweatshirt was the sole rap feature on Frank Ocean's debut album channel ORANGE, and the favor's been returned as the singer-songwriter morphs into an emcee on "Sunday." Frank's half of the record is an added bonus to Earl's well-crafted verse as Odd Future's most skilled lyricist takes on the simplistically intricate self-produced track.

Stream "Sunday" below, and hit the jump to see Earl's television debut as he took to Late Night Jimmy Fallon to premiere "Burgundy" with The Roots. Doris hits shelves August 20th,


Earl Sweatshirt - "Sunday" ft. Frank Ocean Lyrics

Did you catch that Chris Brown shade?

K. Michelle ft. Young Jeezy - "V.S.O.P." (Remix)

This week is "very special" for K. Michelle, so why not drop the remix?

The Love & Hip Hop diva is one of the few cast members with legitimate talent who positively capitalized from reality stardom, and she now has the album to show for it. In celebration of yesterday's release of Rebellious Soul, K. Michelle premieres the remix of the project's lead single "V.S.O.P." featuring Young Jeezy.


Purchase Rebellious Soul on iTunes now!

Previously: Young Jeezy - "R.I.P." (Remix) ft. YG, Kendrick Lamar & Chris Brown

[Music Video] Meek Mill - "Levels"

Levels to this $hit

Meek Mill just told Philly's Power 99 that he has over 100 songs stashed away, but in the meantime he's focused on pushing his hit "Levels" with new Hype Williams' visuals.

Catch cameos from T.I., Irv Gotti, DJ Clue, DJ Khaled, DJ Drama, Rick Ross, and more below, and hit the jump for Meek's response to Kendrick's controversial verse on "Control."

[Music Video] Luke James ft. Hit-Boy - "Oh God" (Co-Starring Kevin Cossom)

While his breakthrough single "I Want You" proved without a doubt that he had some of the best male vocals in the industry right now, Luke James initially presented a very clean cut image. Thanks to the success of his 2012 mixtape Whispers In The Dark and his role as Beyonce's opening act for her European and U.S. Mrs. Carter Show tour dates, people are finally seeing that the New Orleans singer's got just the right amount of edge.

Peep a cameo from Kevin Cossom below as you tune in to the visuals for "Oh God" featuring Hit-Boy, my favorite Luke James track. Also and prepare yourself for his film debut in November's Black Nativity as well as his N.A.R.S/Def Jam debut album Made To Love!



Previously:

• [Music Video] Luke James - "I.O.U."
• Hit-Boy, Kent M$ney, Audio Push, B Mac The Queen, ScHoolboy Q, Casey Veggies, Xzibit, Rick Ross, Method Man, Redman & Raekwon - "Cypher"

Joell Ortiz & B.o.B (And Now Fred The Godson): The First To Respond To Kendrick Lamar's Game Shaking "Control" Verse

Unless you've been on a social media or Internet fast, you've been unable to escape the Hip Hop world's reaction to Kendrick Lamar's verse on the Big Sean record "Control."

If you need a reminder, peep a selection of the lyrics courtesy of Rap Genius:

I'm Makaveli's offspring, I'm the king of New York
King of the Coast, one hand, I juggle them both

I heard the barbershops spittin' great debates all the time
Bout who's the best MC? Kendrick, Jigga and Nas
Eminem, Andre 3000, the rest of y'all
New niggas just new niggas, don't get involved

I'm usually homeboys with the same niggas I'm rhymin' wit
But this is hip hop and them niggas should know what time it is
And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big KRIT, Wale
Pusha T, Meek Millz, A$AP Rocky, Drake
Big Sean, Jay Electron', Tyler, Mac Miller
I got love for you all but I'm tryna murder you niggas
Tryna make sure your core fans never heard of you niggas
They dont wanna hear not one more noun or verb from you niggas
What is competition?

While many rappers have taken to Twitter to make a few comments on Kendrick's bold claim of the throne, Joell Ortiz was the first to take his response to the booth. Listen below as Joell helps bring back the sport of battle rap to the forefront, and hit the jump for B.o.B's response to "Control."



Update: Fred The Godson responds (8/13, 9:05 PM)

[Music Video] Just Blaze & Baauer ft. Jay-Z - "Higher"

Just Blaze and Baauer take their track "Higher" to the next level as they recruit director Nabil for the track's accompanying short film. Watch below as Nabil (who directed Frank Ocean's "Pyramids," J. Cole's "Power Trip," G.O.O.D. Music's "Mercy," and a host of others) showcases the Kerala region of India, home of the martial art Kalaripayattu.

The moral of this story: Never underestimate the little guys...



[Thump]

As a bonus, hit the jump to catch Just Blaze's recent interview with Power 105's The Breakfast Club!

[New Album] Terrace Martin - '3ChordFold'

Terrace Martin is one of the rare musicians who possesses the ultimate respect of the leaders in a variety of circles, from the jazz world to the Hip Hop community. Terrace Martin combines these worlds seamlessly with his new self-produced album 3ChordFold as he calls upon Kendrick Lamar, Robert Glasper, Ab-Soul, Musiq Soulchild, James Fauntleroy, Wiz Khalifa, Lalah Hathaway, Snoop Dogg and more to make the project complete.

Purchase the album on iTunes HERE, but get a sample of 3ChordFold below by checking out "Triangleship" featuring Kendrick and "No Wrong No Right" featuring James Fauntleroy and Robert Glasper.

[Music Video] The Koolest - "1995" ft. Napoleon Da Legend

I just left Brooklyn last week, but I'm already looking to cop a plane ticket back thanks to this new video from The Koolest. The Durham, NC duo take us back to the golden era of Hip Hop with "1995," a cut that is set to appear on their forthcoming LP Nerds At The Kool Table. 

Watch below as GUE favorite Napoleon Da Legend keeps it fresh with Dan The Don and Dinero P, and be sure to hit the comments with your thoughts on "1995!"  

Previously: Napoleon Da Legend - Junk Yard Dog [Music Video]

[Music Video] ForteBowie - "Gucci Mayne"

A few weeks before ForteBowie's Vice Haus EP dropped and "Gucci Mayne" debuted (sans the "y"), I had an inkling that the single would be a breakthrough moment for the Atlanta musician.  It's only a matter of time at this point as he plans to release Vice Haus: Deluxe Edition. 

Peep the video for "Gucci Mayne" below, which serves as an authentic yet intricate introduction to the ATLien known as ForteBowie.


Premiered by Complex.

Previously: [New Mixtape] ForteBowie - 'Vice Haus'

Big Sean ft. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica - "Control"

The fact that Big Sean got Jay Electronica to step outside of the Rothchild Estate to lay a verse is enough of a reason to press play... Add the fact that Kendrick Lamar reveals his Hip Hop hit list and the track is produced by Sean's legendary mentor No I.D. and you've got no excuses. "Control" won't land on Hall Of Fame when it hits the shelves August 27, but trust me-- you need this one in your collection. Flex bombs for now... Update: CDQ courtesy of 2DB

Previously:

• Big Sean - "Fire"
• [Music Video] Bridget Kelly ft. Kendrick Lamar - "Street Dreamin"
• Jay Electronica Performs At The Made In America Festival [VIDEO]

[New Mixtape] Skewby - 'Wishful Thinking'

"I specialize in raps that mean something."

It's been a while since Memphis emcee Skewby came through with a project, and now couldn't be a better time. If you're in need of something refreshing to get you through the Monday blues, hit play and spread the word about Wishful Thinking.

Production comes from Skewby himself, Mindlabs, Thelonius Martin, and Charlie White. Skewby also rhymes over borrowed tracks from Black Milk, Tae Beast and Like.

DOWNLOAD: Skewby - Wishful Thinking EP

Previously: Skewby - "When I Ride" (Prod. by Mindlabs & Skewby)

[Music Video] Clear Soul Forces - "Ain't Playin"

I was fortunate enough to get a front row view of Clear Soul Forces at last year's A3C Festival, and while I was already a fan of the music, their energy on stage is what really sold me.

On September 17th, the foursome plans to drop their sophomore solo project Gold PP7s worldwide via Fatbeats Records, but for now enjoy the visuals to "Ain't Playin" as E-Fav, L.A.Z., Noveliss, and Ilajide continue Detroit's tradition of greatness.



Previously: Sound & Vision Episode 2: "Clear Soul Forces" (Documentary)

Rapsody - "Kingship" (Prod. by DJ Premier)

With one iconic producer in her corner already, Rapsody upped the ante for She Got Game and got her hand on a new beat from the legendary DJ Premier. Stream a radio rip of her latest leak "Kingship" below and get ready for the DJ Drama hosted mixtape to hit the net on August 20th.




Previously:

• Rapsody - "Generation" ft. Mac Miller & Jared Evan
• DJ Khaled ft. Nas, Scarface & DJ Premier - Hip Hop

Kat Dahlia - "Clocks"

With the surprise smash single "Gangsta" introducing Kat Dahlia as one of music's next up, the Miami bred beauty continues to build momentum with the Salaam Remi produced "Clocks." While I'm usually an Hourglass girl myself, I'm making an exception for this track which shows off a lighter yet equally edgy side of Kat. Stream the track below, and look out for her debut album My Garden which will be released via Epic Record's Vested In Culture label.



Hit the jump to stream and download "Fireman," a freebie for the fans!

Ryshon Jones - "Her Remedy" Feat CIDNINJA (Prod by Te Diggs)

Count on Ryshon Jones to come through with a narrative that completely invades your train of thought.  In Theory out now; Track 15 up next!

This song was inspired by an old relationship and as artist we use music as a platform to express things we experience.The song is about a female suffering from a bipolar disorder and going through many things in life and through it all she uses sex as a remedy to cover up what she's scared to reveal.I wanted to release this as a "single" so to say in light of the video I have coming very soon for this song.      --Ryshon

Ryshon Jones - "Her Remedy" Lyrics

Previously: Ryshon Jones - "Underdog Theme Music" (Prod. by Rollin Mills)

[New Mixtape] Stalley - "Honest Cowboy" + "MindGames with Mindbonics" Interview

Out of all of the Maybach Music stars on the roster, Stalley is the artist whose development has remained indie and has progressed at a more natural rate. After breaking out with his independent success Lincoln Way Nights in 2011, he's expanded his fan base with the release of Savage Journey To The American Dream as well as his Songs By Me, Stalley series.

Supported by the release of the Scarface backed "Swangin," Stalley finally let loose his latest effort, Honest Cowboy. Stream + download the project below, which features a verse from ScHoolboy Q and showcases production from Rashad, Terrace Martin, Block Beattaz, and more.

Hourglass Picks: Samson, Swangin, NineteenEighty7

If you need more of MMG's other bearded bandit, hit the jump to catch Stalley's recent interview with my hometown connect, Mindbonics.