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.