Rickie Jacobs - Live Epic [New Mixtape]

If you didn't fully recognize what time it was on The Prequel, I'm issuing a "Stop Sleeping" public service announcement on this new one from the homie Rickie Jacobs. There's a little something for everybody on Live Epic, his followup to his 2011 acclaimed project Die Brilliant.

When it comes to life, are you actually living? Or are you allowing death to approach you slowly but surely? You do, in fact, only live once and within the hour of your birth and the hour of your death, it is up to you, and only you, to live it up before your time is up! With the aim to make history while his heart continues beating and his thoughts remain racing, Rickie Jacobs presents the next chapter of his story, which takes you on a ride through his soul and in turn, you can attempt to see life as he sees it through his own eyes! After all, before you can Die Brilliant, you must first Live Epic! What’s your life like?

-Rickie Jacobs

Download: Rickie Jacobs - Live Epic

Stop Sleeping: Omen - Afraid of Heights [New Mixtape]

J. Cole isn't the only amazing Dreamvillain in the studio.  Chicago emcee and producer Omen has been perfecting his craft for years, and has assisted Cole on many of his tracks dating all the way back to The Warm Up.  When I tell you stop sleeping on Omen, I mean that.

Although Afraid of Heights was planned to drop on Halloween, Omen wanted to make sure that it was absolutely perfect and took his time with it.  That's what I like to see.  Download Afraid of Heights below, which includes "The Look of Lust" featuring Kendrick Lamar & Shalonda as well as "Numb" featuring Eric Roberson.

Stop Sleeping: Thurz - LA Riot

The West Coast has been on fire this year.  I'm not trying to instigate and suggest a divide as I think it's great for hip hop culture in general, but the talent from Cali is so immense yet underrated right now.

Thurz is the star member of the once popular, now disbanded hip hop duo,   U-N-I.  I was sad when I learned of the group's split, but it seems like It was for the best.  Now, I am hopeful that Thurz will be recognized as an emerging star in the game.


LA Riot is a hell of a way to debut as a solo artist.  This concept album was inspired by the Los Angeles riots of 1992, and chronicles the anger building up to the riots as well as the positive and negative outcomes from the situation.  Thurz's ability to capture these emotions is amazing along with the production and selective use of guest features.

To learn more about Thurz's journey as and artist and his process while creating the album, read his entire inteview with The Smoking Section here.

Preview three tracks from his incredible album, LA Riot below:

THURZ - Molotov Cocktail by #92CREW

THURZ - RIOT ft. BLACK THOUGHT (prod. DJ Khalil) by #92CREW

Hell's Angel f/ BJ The Chicago Kid

If you're feeling these select tracks from the album like I am, I guarantee you'll want to cop the whole album.  Purchase LA Riot on iTunes here.

Stop Sleeping: Tyler Woods

Man, does North Carolina have talent.  I don't think my state gets its due, but trust, we've got some problems down here.

Tyler Woods is an incredibly gifted R&B singer signed to 9th Wonder's Jamla Records.  With E. Wood & 9th's help on production, Tyler is allowed to let his soulful voice take over tracks that are both gritty and sensual.

Don't just take my word for it. Watch his video for Lost In Your Love below and download his FreEP, "The Mahogany Experiment" here.




Shouts to In Flex We Trust

100th Post Baby!!!

Stop Sleeping: Joell Ortiz

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.

Next Up: BJ The Chicago Kid

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.



Click here to download his mixtapes.


Source: listentobj.com

Stop Sleeping: Cocaine 80s

"Snitches get stitches" -Alice

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:

• No I.D.
• Common
• James Fauntleroy 
• Steve Wyreman
• Kevin Randolph 
• Rob Kinelski
• Makeba

Check out the single "Summer Madness" below and hit the jump to download...

Next Up: Mr. Finley

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.



Hit the jump to download his newest mixtape...

Stop Sleeping: Jhené Aiko's Sailing Soul(s)

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.

Stop Sleeping: Teedra Moses's Luxurious Undergrind

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...