Joey BadA$$ - Enter The Void(Feat. Ab-Soul) - { Audio }

 Joey BadA$$ single The Void featuring westcoast phenom Ab-Soul goes hard I first shined the light on this joint over a year ago. This collaboration has definitely sparked a beautiful friendship between East and West coast HipHop. Imagine Joey Bada$$ and Kendrick Lamar on the same track now that will be a magnificent day in Underground HipHop. Go check out the dope artwork at GhostDesigns , if I'm not mistaken this crew of 20 does most artwork, producing, and rhyming. Sort of reminds me of a new version of the Wu-Tang Clan. No doubt these guys are about their business.

Rah Digga - “Never Back Down” (Feat. Nitty Scott,MC) - {Audio}

R

 The 90's was the era for this Flipmode Squad Allstar Rah Digga, she did a dope collaboration with Rapsody, and now she’s back to collaborate with another of the game’s most exciting female rapping talents, Brooklyn-based Nitty Scott, MC.

The new track is titled “Never Back Down” and it certainly lives up to its name. Around a minute in, Rah closes her hook with the defiant exclamation, “Never let him see you sweat, never let him see you cry, never turn the other cheek, always look him in the eye” and it’s a declaration of intent that sets the tone for the rest of that song.

Although both rappers do their thing on the mic, and Nitty’s younger voice sounds cleaner and clearer over gritty electric guitar chords, it’s Rah’s growly pitch that really hammers home. In fact, the New Jersey rappers sums up her message perfectly with simple reference to two very different female artists. By saying she’ll “never be a Kate Perry…too Maya Angelou”, Rah Digga sets a fine example to the next generation of female emcees.

Mac Miller - “Dog Pound” (Feat. Waka Flocka) - Audio

Mac Miller and Waka Flocka Flame might not seem like the most obvious of partnerships but on “Dog Pound” they work surprisingly well together.

There’s a simple explanation for this and it rests in the catalytic presence of DJ Dahi, a producer who’s made some of this year’s best beats, from Kendrick Lamar‘s “Money Trees“, to Smoke DZA’s “K.O.N.Y”, to Dom Kennedy‘s “My Type of Party“. Here he provides a slow, drum-heavy instrumental, complete with a haunting vocal sample. The cascading beat provides an opportunity for both rappers to experiment with their respective sounds, and they benefit from switching it up. On one side, Mac Miller’s unappealing frat-pack instincts are washed away; on the other, raspy Waka steps away from Brick Squad’s ratchet reactions.

The track, which you can listen to below, unfortunately won’t appear on Mac Miller’s Watching Movies with The Sound Off, and whilst I think that’s a grand old shame, it is available for free download, so I probably shouldn’t whinge about it.

Courtesy Of SoulCulture

Kendrick Lamar Chops It Up With Bootleg Kev Of Power 98

Kendrick Lamar sat down with Power 98′s Bootleg Kev and spoke on a variety of topics to do with good kid, m.A.A.d city and future projects.

In the interview below, the Compton rapper discusses the rippling, word-of-mouth effect by which his debut album sold over 240,000 copies in its first week, and says that maybe in ten years or so it’ll be regarded as a classic.

He also talks about his and J.Cole‘s status as rappers who promote substance over anything else, commenting, ”we show that through our music…the whole point and idea, for us (is) to continue this culture of hip hop that actually has a full body of work, not just sporadic songs everywhere, radio songs”, before revealing that Cole’s sophomore album takes priority over any work they have planned as a duo.

Kendrick gives brief shout-outs to Shyne and Sherane before ending with the news that fans “probably won’t get a second album for a while.” Watch below.

 

Bayou - “Cherry Cola” - {Video}

 Not much is known about the London-based singer and producer Bayou beyond what listeners can derive from his sensual, smooth R&B releases such as “Cherry Cola.” Treating his audience to subtle, brooding production and luscious harmonies, Bayou opts to use abstract, romantic footage found in Japan to add vision to his slow jam hit.

The video concludes with an unexpected, startling conclusion that leaves listeners with more questions than answers. It’s unclear whether this rising talent will choose to reveal more of himself or his music in the near future, but this memorable introduction will certainly suffice for the time being. Watch “Cherry Cola” below.

Rav.P & Swerve - No Lifeguard On Duty - {Audio}

  Rav.P & Swerve single No Lifeguard On Duty from their "Weed & Wine EP". Two rappers with similar stories swimming upstream with "No Lifeguard On Duty" produced by Rochester's own D-Rock Melodeez. Take a trip with them while they explore dealing with depression and the ups and downs that comes trying to be successful. Make sure you follow them on twitter @Swerve916 & @PassportRav for more updates.

DJ Kay Slay - “Lyrical Gangstas” (Feat.Kendrick Lamar/Papoose) - New Audio

DJ Kay Slay, the man they call Slap Your Favourite DJ, is dropping his Grown Man Hip Hop project tonight and he’s just leaked a new track to get the attention of all the heads out there.

“Lyrical Ganstas” features the highly lyrical Kendrick Lamar and Brooklyn underground wordsmith Papoose, who’s currently signed to Kay Slay’s Streetsweepers’ Ent. label. Whilst the verses would be just about good enough to appear on these rappers’ strongest solo tapes, the hook and beat could definitely start to grate on me. Listen for yourself below:

Ill Bill - “When I Die” - Official Video

 ILL BILL’s "The Grimy Awards" , featuring HR of Bad Brains, A-Trak, El-P, Jedi Mind Tricks, OC, Cormega, Meyhem Lauren, Q-Unique, Shabazz The Disciple & Lil Fame of M.O.P., with production from DJ Premier, DJ Muggs, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Psycho Les, El-P, Ayatollah, MoSS, C-Lance & ILL BILL as himself.  I mean there is so many big names on this album I'm like a groupie over here.  Underground HipHop need our own award show for skilled Emcees only so No Suckas Allowed.

 Official Line-up RAP MAYHEM FESTIVAL TOUR:

VINNIE PAZ (Jedi Mind Tricks) 

& ILL BILL (La Coka Nostra) + DJ ECLIPSE

PHAROAHE MONCH (Organized Konfusion) 

& DJ BOOGIE BLIND (X-Ecutioners) 

O.C. featuring A.G. (D.I.T.C)

Sean-Toure' "In the Heat of the Night" (Ft. yU of Diamond District) - Official Video

 Facebook can be a wonderful tool I connected with an old buddy of mines from B-More, super producer/Emcee Sean Toure'.  We were suppose to work together years ago but our schedules didn't allow it at the time.  I was a up an coming producer creating beats on my Playstation 2 for a group I was a part of called "The Zen Collective" with my partner Chuck "The Mad Ox".  Sean was already a established underground producer/emcee doing his thing.  So I was glad to see my old friend still on his grind.  Check him out on this new joint he sent me call "In The Heat Of The Night", featuring yU of Diamond District.  This video is fly to it was directed by Seannie Cameras. I love when talented people come together to form "Voltron", yeah I said it...this is what "Real" B-more HipHop sounds like.  You can find Sean on Facebook @ SeanToure'.

Giano - "S.O.R.I." - New Album Release - AUDIO

Giano is known for in-depth, intellectual lyrics over east coast/eclectic production and instrumentation. This New York native has built his lyrical skills up over the years which you can hear in his latest project S.O.R.I.

  He has a lot of major hitting producers on this album as well like, Symbolyc One ( Beyoncé, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Babyface, Erykah Badu, etc) !llmind (50 Cent, Eminem, Redman,Scarface, LL Cool J, Talib Kweli) Apollo Brown (OC, The Left, Onyx, Chino XL, D12).  I've already listen to this album twice its definitely going to be a classic.  Check it out below:

Bishop Nehru Making His Mark In HipHop By Not Following The Mainstream Trend

Teen rappers are not a new commodity as far as the HipHop community goes. We’ve seen Shad Moss go from Lil Bow Wow to [big] Bow Wow, Master P’s son go from Lil’ Romeo to Romeo, and further back than that we bore witness to Kris Kross take adolescent rhyming to a whole other level. Hell, even LL Cool J debuted at the age of 16. With that said, enter 16-year-old Bishop Nehru.

As we move further and further into the digital age it’s no surprise that more and more younger individuals today are wanting to pursue their dream and shape a career out of a culture dipped in personality.

Despite his age, Nehru is no cookie cutter emcee with a penchant for ignorant rhymes about money, women and ice. He’s an educated youngster with an intriguing mind and a passion for the golden era of Hip-Hop.

Taking his name from both Tupac Shakur’s character in the movie Juice (Bishop) and India’s first Prime Minister (Jawaharlal Nehru), not only a rapper, Nehru is also a keen beat maker with aspirations of being an established producer who others turn to for heat. With just one mixtape to his name – Nehruvia – the old head on his shoulders serves him well.

As a young upstart who takes note of those who came before him, the tape offers up a well rounded selection of subject matters, and by jacking [previously used] beats he pays homage to the likes of DJ Premier, MF Doom and J Dilla.

Lyrically delving into matters of the heart, on tracks like “Misruled Order” looking deeper into the connection between crooked cops, the streets and young black males, on the hook Nehru spits, “I gotta stay away from the streets cos the cops trying to put a kid to sleep/ They showing brute force no remorse, there’s a corpse in the middle of the street.”Other Nehru moments that stand out include the MF Doom sampled “Elder Blossoms.” Fusing both jazz and Hip-Hop with intellectual rhymes that vary in weight, the youngster’s focus on a higher sense of achievement – “But physically I plan on changing history/ With a pen, no pad, and a distant dream/ But distance ain’t an obstacle that’s too much/ I’m closer than you think to the stars, nigga look up” – is inspiring to say the least. With an obvious goal set out with plans, there’s no question this fresh faced rhymer from New York has a bright future ahead.

In the dawning of a new career, those in dire need of an emcee actually saying something needn’t look any further. With an as yet titled debut album in the works for 2013, Bishop Nehru’s reconfiguration of Hip-Hop’s key elements is definitely a beautiful thing in the eyes of the many.

Courtesy Of Soul Culture

Lecrae Talks About His Beginnings As A Emcee

Please tell our viewers a little bit about your background and what experiences inspired you to become an emcee?

I grew up your average kid in hip hop culture. Hip hop was the lens I saw the world through. They told me all the stories I thought I needed to hear and taught me about life. I took it as truth and tried to live it and emulate it. I found voices in the urban context who I could relate to so I aspired to be like them. My mom worked and I had a stepdad who worked so after school, so I would spend hours watching rap videos and listening to music.

Define Lacrae the emcee, is he any different from Lacrae Moore, family and business man?

No. Im one man. What you hear is a snapshot of my views on things in the music. You hear my views on family, God, music, love, pain, suffering. Integrity is being the same person when no one is looking as you are when everyone is looking. I’m not here to create an alter ego. I’m hear to give people authenticity on the mic.

You are truly blessed with the skills to create a concept of reliable topics that display your inspirational and deep thought provoking craft for telling a story, What’s your approach for writing, and how did your latest  project ‘Rehab: The Overdose’ evolve?

I was always blown away by guys like Nas and Tupac for their ability to connect with listeners through story or provoke emotion and reflection.  I think there should be more of that in Hip Hop. Not just conscious music but emotionally inspiring or challenging or reflectional. Everyone articulates their views on life on the mic. Some just arent as explicit. But when your song tells me you advocate selling crack cocaine, it also gives your implicit views on other things like the law, God, your community. So I just give more explicit views on those things. No dancing around it.

Let’s talk leadership,you accomplished a lot in music with out comprising who you are, your testimony lives up big name emcees that infuse materialistic subjects , what infrastructure is needed for kids growing in a impoverished environment to live a Christian lifestyle?

I believe male leaders who can be trusted and are responsible are a priority. The first thing we need is an example. Sacrificial, loving, authoritative, real men who want to be role models. Thats why we leap to follow the drug dealer or immature athlete we have no models. Women follow after sorry dudes and become sorry women, so there is a leadership problem, outside of that is a real Christian community, not churches with pastors who are raping the congregations, and sleeping with all the women,environments that foster, education, service, purpose, and the Gospel.

What is the definition of these words “Loyalty”, “Salvation”, and “Faith”, and what does it mean to you?

Loyalty means circumstance doesn’t dictate my allegiance. Salvation means rescue from imminent danger you can’t get yourself out of Faith means hoping in and treasuring a security that people think is irrational, but you know different.

Your sound resonates as deep kick drums and synthesized bass lines, catchy sing a long hooks with heart felt lyrics that serve the Lord, what has your albums contributed to hip hop?

Sonically I’m still learning and experimenting. However because mainstream hip hop is broken into so many cliques (east coast,underground, southern…etc.) I’m freer to blend them all and still be accepted because mainstream hip hop doesnt know where to place me. I like that. Hopefully more than anything I’ll expose that there are tons of people who are authentically Christian yet resonate with hip hop culture and that wont be an oxymoron.

Courtesy Of URBAN NEWS MEDIA

Aaron Mcgruder Creator Of The Boondocks Has A New Animated Series Called "Black Jesus"

Aaron McGruder is back at it again, in addition to gearing up for the fourth season of his animated series “The Boondocks,” the animator has also just signed on to produce a new show called “Black Jesus.” The show, like “The Boondocks,” will appear on Adult Swim.

The Hollywood Reporter has details:The new half-hour live-action scripted comedy finds Jesus living in present-day Compton, Calif., on a daily mission to spread love and kindness throughout the neighborhood with the help of his small but loyal group of downtrodden followers. Newcomer Gerald “Slink” Johnson (Grand Theft Auto V) stars as Black Jesus. Charlie Murphy(Are We There Yet?), Corey Holcomb (The Cleveland Show), Kali Hawk (Couples Retreat), up-and-coming comedian Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, Andra Fuller (L.A. Complex) and The Boondocks’ John Witherspoon round out the cast.“Black Jesus” will debut later this year, though a specific release date has not been announced. 

Courtesy Of News One

Andre 3000 Is Set To Play The Worlds Greatest Guitarist Jimmy Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix died at the height of his comeback, only 27 years old over a rumored overdose of choking on his own vomit,  leaving the world in shock-, veered as arguably the greatest guitarist ever; fast forward over thirty years later Andre 3000 (half of the duo Outkast) a rap group based out of Atlanta, Ga which sit in hip hop legendary elite sets to play the late great guitarist and songwriter Jimi Hendrix in a movie based upon his early years, the only thing that’s stopping them is the licensing of the Hendrix movement which is control by his families estate.The wall street journal reports that the statement went on to say that there’s no outright opposition to the idea of a film about Hendrix’s life, but in order for one to come to fruition, it must include Experience Hendrix LLC in decision-making processes “from the inception.”

Courtesy Of URBAN MEDIA NEWS

Remembering One Of The Greatest Emcees Of All Time The Notorious B.I.G.

I remember watching Rap City and seeing Notorious B.I.G for the first time on My Dolly Remix- by Super Cat- his thick raspy voice and street look knew that his message was not only organic but truly felt by hip hop heads that have seen hip hop become mainstream with acts like Vanilla Ice, M.C Hammer, and Kris Kross-, this was nothing like anything heard of, with his stealing verse on Craig’s Mack Flavor in Your Ear remix- with a witty lines like “I get more butt than ashtray” and Don’t be mad UPS is hiring.

With that verse showcasing his skill “Ready To Die” would be one of the most anticipated albums are the year- going on to sell millions, his deliver with talks of suicide, hustling, robbing, and surviving the dog eat dog streets of Brooklyn, Ny to feed his daughter appealed to hip hop youngsters and veterans with Puff Daddy on board as producer he used old soul samples to put New York back to the forefront. See before Biggie there was uses of samples to rock the crowd, but never did a street rapper flow so effortlessly on melodic beats- the streets of New York were used to the boom-bap drum machine sound.After receiving overwhelming support from hip hop heads Notorious B.I.G went on to release a double album entitled “Life After Death” which cemented his status a one of the greatest rappers to ever do it, unfortunately his life would be cut short after a Vibe party in Los Angeles- only leaving us with speculation on what would the state of hip hop be in if the late great Biggie was alive.

Courtesy Of URBAN NEWS

South African Billionaire Plans To Give Half Of His Wealth To Charity

Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe is known for his wealth and business success.  The South African mining magnate has a fortune of $2.4 billion and is one of the richest men in all of Africa.  In fact, he is the richest man in South Africa.Here are a few simple facts about Mr. Motsepe and his powerful, successful empire.

1)   Mr. Motsepe is the founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals.  The company has stakes in gold, ferrous metals and platinum.2)   Mr. Motsepe has joined The Giving Pledge, committing to give away half of his wealth to charity.  Other notables on this list include Warren Buffett and Oprah Winfrey.3)   Patrice learned the basics of running a business from his father, a school teacher who became a businessman.  He owned a small shop that was frequented by miners, which made him interested in going into the industry.4)   Patrice has a bachelor of arts degree from The University of Swaziland and a law degree from the University of Witwatersrand.5)   Patrice was the first black partner at the law firm Bowman Gilfillan.6)   He became an entrepreneur after former South African President Nelson Mandela created a program to empower black South Africans into owning their own businesses.7)   He got his start in gold mining by founding a company to clean gold dust from inside the mine shafts.  He also bought a few gold mines when the price of gold was at its lowest.

8)   Motsepe was named the Best Entrepreneur of South Africa in 2002.9)   He was criticized for being among the wealthy elite to benefit from Nelson Mandela’s push for black ownership in major industries.  His sister, Bridgette Radepe, married transport minister Jeffrey Radebe and also runs a successful mining company.10)                  He is married to Dr. Precious Makgosi Moloi and they have three sons.11)                   His father named him after Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Financial Juneteenth lessons from this story:1) Patrice got much of his start after having his father fill him with the spirit of entrepreneurship at an early age.  Had this not happened, he probably would have been a successful attorney, but never a billionaire.  Parents must remember that the values you give your children early on are going to stay with them for a lifetime.2) The decision to give away half of his wealth allows Patrice’s legacy to live forever.   His family will still be outrageously wealthy, but the impact of his wealth grows a thousand fold with his decision to keep that money from just benefitting three or four people.  Maybe one day, celebrities like Jay-Z will understand this as well.   When you use your wealth to uplift other people, it makes you powerful beyond your wildest imagination.

Coutesy Of YOUR BLACK WORLD

Coming Out Of Lexington Kentucky Devine Carama Tell Us Why He Decided NOT Follow Commercial HipHop - {Video}

After a 6 week Music Monday series Devine Carama released his FreEP The Dream Walker last week. This week linked with Kentucky based culture site, True Alliance (Stay-True.com), for Devine's one and only interview talking about his writing processed, production credits, inspiration, and other things leading into the release of The Dream Walker. The interview also includes recent performance clips. I wish more Emcees would see their gift as a way they can influence kids in a positive way instead of just lining their pockets.  Hands down Devine Carama is a Man first, father, and last but not least a REal Emcee.  These are the kind of artist that need endorsement deals, checkout his one and only interview below.

Devine Carama Interview (Pt. 1) from True Alliance on Vimeo.

Catcreek Musa - "Mind Control" - {Audio}

Catcreek Musa is from Greensboro, North Carolina, his name derived from the artist's late grandfather's nickname and Musa I of Mali. Catcreek Musa is  1 of 3 members of the new Blunt Roc/Urban Alternative band called Kre8tive Evolution.

 Mind Control (also known as brainwashing, coercive persuasion, thought control, or thought reform) refers to an indoctrination process which results in "an impairment of autonomy, an inability to think independently, and a disruption of beliefs and affiliations. In this context, brainwashing refers to the involuntary reeducation of basic beliefs and values". The term has been applied to any tactic, psychological or otherwise, which can be seen as subverting an individual's sense of control over their own thinking, behavior, emotions or decision making.  Boom..!!

Homeboy Sandman - "Wade In The Water" - {Audio}

From the White Sands LP Homeboy Sandman & Paul White prepare for their European tour. Despite being one of the most underrated Emcees out today, he is still proof you can successful rap career without being "Main Stream".  I'm still waiting for him to tour on the west coast he's the truth for Real.

Europe Tour Dates

Feb 28: London, UK @ the Garage w/ Paul White (live). Info & tickets .
Mar 1: Bristol @ Start The Bus
Mar 4: Nottingham @ Bodega Social Club
Mar 6: Dublin @ Sugar Club
Mar 7: St Gallen, Switzerland @ Palace St Gallen
Mar 8: Hamburg, Germany @ Mojo Club
Mar 13: Bremen, Germany @ Lila Eule
Mar 20: Eindhoven, Netherlands @ Studium Generale. Tickets
Mar 22: Trondheim, Norway @ Leuten Fest

TwizzMatic - "Defect" (#BreakDance Montage) - {Video}

Music producer, Musician, sound engineer,rapper, actor. T MaTic occupies all of these titles. He started off as a child actor at the age of 4, appearing in magazines such as Essence, Strawbridge & Clothier, and ChildsWork ChildsPlay. Commercials such as Pep Boys and the opening for,"The Ray Rhodes Show". At the age of 10 he started playing drums, taking after his father Anthony "Spike" McRae and also taking lessons at Settlement Music School. At the age of 14 he began producing music and writing lyrics. With the help of his production partner Derek Hall, T MaTic gets better by the day and keeps an open ear to new music. At the age of 19 he attended The Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, Ohio where he recieved his certification as a live and in studio sound engineer. When he returned from Ohio he had the opportunity of being the assistant/stand in sound engineer for the play entitled,"Menopause the Musical". Since then Twizz has been performing all over Philadelphia, recording Mixtapes/EP's and promoting with his crew the TreeHouse Coalition. 

Upload your music for free at ReverbNation.com

Killa Kyleon - "Black History Month" - {Audio}

One day before the last day in February Houston Emcee Killa Kyleon sparks a revolution with his new Trill Gates produced track "Black History Month".  I guess better late than never but these lyrics are straight fire and probably will offend a lot of Uncle Tom's in the game.  Checkout the track below and tell us what you think.

A-Ha! Records and Ra-NYC Presents: E. Grizzly - "Moore" {Official Video}

E. Grizzly is an alternative HipHop artist from Philadelphia, PA specializing in a philosophical, poetic flow similar to Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Immortal Technique, and Zach De La Rocha.  The point of E. Grizzly's brand of  is to share new perspectives and challenge social standards accepted by the majority of society who seem to be losing their grasp with humanity.  

Grizzly has released 5 mix tapes and albums since 2010.  His first release was a HipHop/Rock album with the alternative band Alukard from Miami, FL.  E. Grizzly and Alukard played over 100 shows together including a Jagermeister Tour.  Some of Grizzly's other music ventures include an Alternative HipHop experiment with the punk band 1994! in Philadelphia and mixtapes dedicated to the production of El-P and RJD2.

HipHollywood's Jasmine Simpkins Talks To Adewale Akinnuove-Agbaje About His "Bad Guy" Persona - {Video}

Hiphollywood's Jasmine Simpkins sat down with Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje to talk about his penchant for playing bad guys, and which of his previous co-stars he'd love to take on in a gladiator style battle. Checkout the interview below and tell us what you think.