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.