MIXTAPE: UNIT ANTHEMS

This one is a long time coming. From the day inhabitants of the Unit and its associates graduated, we've been talking about putting this together. Well, now that the universe is going to end (not really, guys), I guess it's time to put it out to finally close out my bucket list. Damn, I never got to drive that tank...

I'm not gonna include a tracklist because honestly, I'm lazy. There are about 4 hours of music in this one. Plus, if you don't know some of the songs, no offense, but this mixtape isn't for you. Every song on here has a story behind it (any Doors song), was played way too many times at Unit parties ("Marco Polo"), or sums up something about the time I spent there ("Fat Spliffs"). You may not have noticed it but I definitely played all of these songs at some point on my blown out speakers. You were probably just too fucked up to remember. Or maybe that one song you can't figure out why it's on there, is there because we were playing it on our shitty stereo in the kitchen while cleaning the mountains of dishes as a family/cooking Taco Tuesdays.

Yeah, there's a lot of Lil Wayne on here. Yeah, he used to be good at rapping. And yeah, that's an edited interview of Rick Ross on there that you probably heard us reference all the time. It's hilarious.

ALL YOUR DREAMS (click on them and make them come true, idiot)

Much love from the Unit and never take your shoes off inside.

MIXTAPE: Dope Crisis Vol.2

I'm pretty sure this is the first sequel to a mixtape I put out a while ago... Regardless, it feels like I haven't put a mixtape out of just shit I've been listening to on my iPod. Maybe I'll even put out a themed mixtape before the year is out. But don't hold your breathe. I'm also open to suggestions for mixtapes.

Disclaimer: Preserve the original tracklist order for best results.

DOWNLOAD ME

1. ig'nant II - kami de chukwu: i had to make this the opener with a beat like that. chicago hip hop is so consistent with their core of young emcees.
2. lawd knows - athletic mic league: michigan hip hop group. diggin the choppy flow on this one.
3. the prolog - derek wise: this one is grand like james bond grand. could be the bonus track on the skyfall OST.
4. gone - MHz ft. copywrite + tage future: see if you can catch up with the flow
5. they can't come - p.o.s. ft. sims: minnesota emcee from doomtree. kinda underground as in you've probably never heard of him.
6. even louder - danny! ft. tanya morgan + swizz beatz: danny! is back and better than ever
7. the gordeon knock - typical cats: this chicago group is one of the funkiest. more upbeat than a tribe called quest but very similar in tastes
8. here we go - statik selektah, slaine, wais p, jaysaun: big band horns.
9. world famous - styles of beyond: i could definitely see most people not liking sob because of their rawness. but i'm sure anyone would be down to drink with these guys.
10. pull the plug - statik selektah, jfk, jon connor: jon connor. it's a given.
11. how we do it - jr + ph7 ft. kvbeats + slum village: WILLIE BEATS REALLY DIGS THIS. OFFICIAL COSIGN SON.
12. what you want - audio push: this guy's flow just pulls me in. pause.
13. our time - xv + the squarians: this mixtape wasn't that bad. xv is picking up steam.
14. kidz with gunz - skeme ft. schoolboy q: some hood shit you can ride or die to
15. midnight sprite - riff raff + trapzillas: the genius, in his own right, that is jody highroller and a dope beat courtesy of trapzillas.
16. rivers of blood - the wu-tang clan ft. kool g rap: i can't tell you how much this album and movie met and exceeded my expectations. amazing.
17. don't harsh my mellow - kids these days: this group is gonna be around for a while. pushing hip hop boundaries and doing it well.
18. 1991 (bklyn-hrlm remix) - melo-x ft. azealia banks: melo continues his successful remixing streak and adds some verses to it.

MIXTAPE: THE FIX VOL.1: MONDAY MORNING EDITION

This 13 year old kid bought Grey Goose off eBay. This kid got his fix.

This one is long overdue. I've been working too damn hard at The Source and haven't been able to put a mixtape out in a while. Here's a small one that should help everyone get through the week. Oh, and  it's O-Week. So that means it's an excuse to show up to work shitty this whole week for everyone!

DOWNLOAD (it's the one that says 'open me mofo')

1. bare knuckle - kid gloves: they make some of the funkiest music of this century. i hope they keep making music.
2. the night out (a-trak & clinton sparks remix) - martin solveig ft. ludacris: a-trak and clinton sparks. what more do you need. ludacris? SURE.
3. absolutely - donnis, iamsu, jay ant: donnis is really good at making hype tracks. case in point.
4. clique - kanye west, big sean, jay-z: one of the stronger tracks off of cruel summer. and it bangs btw.
5. rnr - will brennan: watch out for this kid.
6. the horns - avious: datpiff hidden gem. he can spit.
7. fist of fury - jon connor, papoose, fred the godson, mysonne, sheek louch: off of dj kay slay's mixtape. who listens to those huge dj mixtapes anyway? ...besides me.
8. i'm crazy - st. millie ft. rich tha second: chicago representer.
9. excelsior - the niceguys: i've been saying it for years-these guys are nice. the production on the whole james kelley album is dope.
10. guitar wonderlust - griffen, vic spencer, fat boi: the antierthang crew from chicago.
11. break ya neck freestyle - wrekonize: wrek continues his rampage over other people's beats.
12. big bank - threat, sir jay are, roc: another datpiff hidden gem.
13. 50k - ferrari boyz (gucci + waka): yeah it's hood trap gangsta ignance. so what.
14. we are not good people - bloc party: bloc party dropped off a pretty solid album recently. here's a cut off of it.
15. precautionary measures - illogic, blockhead: simple. efficient.
16. 4th king - brother ali: i think he had the best verse on this beat. maybe tied with hov.
17. simon says (etc!etc! & brillz bootleg remix) - pharoahe monch: GET THE FUCK UP.

UPGRADE

For anyone who has been following this excuse for a blog, I guess I owe you an apology for the lack of posts as of late and an explanation. I recently started an editorial internship at The Source. I've been dedicated a lot of time to that so I won't be able to keep up with this site as much. I'm still reviewing albums at Audiocred. And I just had a post I wrote featured on the front page of The Source. So basically I'll mainly be using this blog for updating people on mixtapes I put together, which is for like five people. Well, thanks to you guys! And fuck the rest!

Made From Beer

The creativity in beer commercials are great. Car chases are great. Put them together and you have the ad above for Carlton Draught. Never had it but it makes me want a pint. Well done.

Space: The old new frontier

Remember that time Bobby Ray wanted to perform on the moon? Well will.i.am debuted a new song, "Reach for the Stars," from MARS via the Curiosity rover on the 28th. The song covered his passion for science, technology, and space exploration. I think I was dropping a deuce in the Smithsonian when this happened. Dahwell...

Friday morning brings us...

...daggering! Insight takes us to Jamaica and follows a young man as he describes what goes down when such a daggering hotshot as himself shows up. With a ladder. You have to believe that his re-enactment at the beginning of the video is spot on. I did.

ICP does more than sue the FBI and rap

They review music videos. Pretty funny especially with the pop up video-esque notes throughout. Too bad it really wasn't the Credit Score band...

What is Chief Keef doing to our society?

At least consider the representation of Chicago, Chief Keef serves as for young kid in Chicago and across the country. It's fun and everything to act hard, livin' that life, and grinding but you always have to look at the flipside. And if you really think about it, we should be afraid along with Lupe. The subconscious messages some kids get from this music can be stronger than you think.

Happy Birthday Michael Joseph Jackson

The King of Pop: August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Old Spice continues to win

Whoever heads the ad campaign for Old Spice needs to organize Presidential campaigns. I swear the person could even get Rocky elected for mayor. And not Sylvester Stallone. I mean Rocky-the fictional character.

These guys are cooler than you

... or at least they're way thriftier than you. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis rap about their extensive collection of second hand clothing items. Ain't so bad when you're the one picking it out, I suppose. Here's their official statement on it:

I am the most prolific thrift shopper in the rap game right now. What Bob Barker is to the Price Is Right, I am to used fringe jackets. My collection is worth anywhere between $70 and a $100,000,000 depending on who’s appraising it. I’m gonna be honest, if it’s me… I’m going with a million. Count the zero’s. That’s how many fur jackets I have. Tell PETA my Mink, Fox, Rabbit, Coyote, and Hungarian Raccoon jacket are ALL dragging on the floor. And I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way. I love my animals. But they’re dead. And they’ve been dead for hella. When I wear them, I’m bringing them back to life and introducing them to a whole new generation who wasn’t around when they were out in the woods doing their thing. Those animals have now migrated from some old lady’s closet, to a thrift shop and are now getting their proper shine, up to 40 years later. It’s recycling. And recycling is beautiful, am I right? That’s what this song is about. – Macklemore

WTF does DJ Khaled really do?

According to his interview with Complex, here are some things he's DONE:
1. DJ'd
2. Ad-lib the shit out of a lot of songs
3. Produce
4. Make hooks

Things he does NOW:
1. Acts as president of Def Jam South
2. Acts as A&R for Rick Ross' albums aka Rick Ross' coach
3. Handle his We the Best label (didn't see that name coming)
4. Solo artist for YMCMB (wait, what?)
5. Hit up artists to rap over a song (I could do this. Drunk.)

Of course he does a bit of his former duties, but I guess it's basically the fact that dude has a vast network. He hustled and now his grind consists of living lavishly. Must be nice to have friends like DJ Khaled.

DMX is everywhere

This version would have changed my life-for the better. YOU THINK THIS IS A GAME?

Cardiak vs. Just Blaze

If this were to be a battle, somebody would've gotten embarrassed. Somebody whose name rhymes with bardiak. I'm mainly posting this for a quick Hip Hop review on Just Blaze's phenomenal production and that crazy ill chop he was doing to "Can't Touch This" around 11:50.

POOF! THERE GO DAVID COPPERFIELD. FORREAL.

At the Reebok Classics event in Las Vegas, Rick Ross really brought out David Copperfield for "Black Magic." I'm pretty sure he was paid judging by his face when he comes on stage. Or he's on that black magic. SNIFF. There goes the car...

Go heart your own city

Get More:
Music News

Lil Wayne is one rapper you won't see ever rocking a "I <3 NY" t-shirt anything. The greatest city in the world isn't for everyone. Also, I hate how some celebrities will avoid a topic by saying they don't really remember it or they play dumb. Really? You kinda made the call that decided the whole Nicki Minaj fiasco at Summer Jam. Good luck selling your Target-knock-off-sk8ter clothing line in NYC.

UPDATE: It was just a matter of time before a New Yorker retaliated.

Kanyeezy, what did you think?

Poppin'.

Ever wanted to hear Ryan Seacrest say those words? If yes, you have some weird fantasies Freud would have a field day with. Oh, and your dreams may come true. Nothing definite but the door is open for DJ Yeezy World Peace to join the judges on American Idol. This may actually make me watch the show since Season 2 (What a final. Ruben Studdard vs. Clay Aiken? OOF.)

I can't make this stuff up

Get More:
Music News

MTV interviewed Charles Hamilton about his J. Cole diss. Things I didn't see coming that contributed to the diss track: supernatural forces, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Sonic's children, the importance of 1981. What really goes on in Charles' head? Brilliant genius beyond us? Or batshit crazy. I'm lost.

Kevin Hart should counsel bullied children

 

While backstage during Meek Mill's Dreams & Nightmares Tour, Kevin Hart bodies Meek Mill and three of his friends with insults. What amazes me is how he doesn't even come close to losing his composure the whole damn time. Hilariously impressive.

Blunt guts can be dope, too

OG Dutchmaster comes with another dope duo of songs. The first one is all original and the second half he goes in on "Don't Like." It's nice to see a rapper pull the steez of what the A$AP crew is doing and making it totally his own. BIG UPS.

Your daily mindfuck

Lil Buck shows some new moves to Azealia Bank's "Licorice."

Hip Hop's Dream Team for a poppin party

If you didn't know already, Tha Alkaholiks and The Beatnuts are putting out an album together. Yeah, this shit about to get real raw.

1/2 of TDE's Theme Song: Hold Me Back

While on the Under the Influence Tour, Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q show you the dumb amount of money they like to dance with, border issues with Canada, and Mac Miller's impression of Schoolboy Q's dancing.

Chief Keef: Self-Made

@kanyewest ain't do shit for me Hoppin on da song wasn't enuff I made myself hot #300 all by myself

— CampaignSosa300 (@ChiefKeef) August 12, 2012

You can't deny that "I Don't Like" is hot. Thank you, Young Chop. I don't understand the point of this tweet. Are you that insecure about your fame, Chief? Go work on your social skills.

The FBI is here to help you. NOT

I have not been to a juggalo gathering (I plan on going once many times), but from what I've seen and heard (I suggest Workaholics Season 1, Episode 7), ICP (Insane Clown Posse) fans are just like every other group of devout fans of music groups. You definitely have your extremes in how they show their support but in general, they're out to welcome each other and new comers. To straight up label them as a threat and put them in the same pool as some of the gangs I've seen on Gangland? That's a crime. Let's see how this whole lawsuit turns out, hopefully with an apology letter from the FBI and mandatory attendance of its top officials at the next gathering.

Sensory Overload

Muse was always my escape in high school from reality. They provided just enough chaos through music to give me a feeling of rebellious freedom but just enough cohesion that I didn't go mad. But this... This shit is just... the womp womp and the visuals AND a environmental/political message? Muse, you just melted my brain and chopped it up with a lightsaber.

MIXTAPE: TRAP OR DIE VOL.1

Please, tell me more about your suburban life

I have to say I've wanted to put this together for a while now but I was afraid ya'll weren't ready to ride with it. Good thing mah boi, Takattack aka Guns 'N Nugs aka Wilin out with his guns out aka Da Urban Pacifier aka I'm gonna hit the bike because I don't believe in God, finally got me to man up and see what happens. I tried to fit in all that hood shit I bang when I'm out on the corner. Ride dirty to this. Oh, and that cover I made for this mixtape? FIIIRE.

GET STREET LEGAL (It's the $$$ folder. And I've included both the folder and .zip file again.)

1. trap-young bird ft. los: it's that chicago x bad boy connect.
2. red bentley-soulja boy & vinny cha$e ft. curren$y: so much $ up in this bitch. wtf you know about my struggle?
3. who run it-le$: make sure you run dem streets and no one else.
4. still arrogant-king louie: handle your business like RAMBO.
5. globetrotter-wale ft. 2 chainz: dream of the day you can fly the world in your PJ
6. ghetto boy-french montana ft. uncle murda, torch: talkin' coke wave and i ain't talkin' frank ocean.
7. like a pimp-caleb james: old pimpin anthem gets a rework.
8. look out below-righchus ft. vinny cha$e, benjamin starr: trilla $hit
9. drugged out-juicy j: the entire club DRUGGED OUT.
10. face down-freddie gibbs: it's ski mask season year round.
11. $outh$ide-trinidad jame$ ft. forte: ratchet bitches. WE LOVE EM.
12. rasclat riddim-vato gonzalez & diplo: some heavy, SUPA DOPE base for yo face.
13. glock pop-juelz santana: don't fear the trigger.
14. respect-lloyd banks, fabolous, jadakiss: honor amongst thieves. and DOPE DEALERS.
15. black magic-meek mill: word on the street is that you got that BLACK MAGIC.
16. rebel diamondz-cool neighbors: pop slugs in them eharmony thugs.
17. cokeamania-troy ave ft. avon blocksdale: you better be curb certified if you have a name like avon blocksdale.
18. goals-kidking: if you don't have dreams you have NOTHING.
19. kush rhymes-twista: grind FASTER.
20. whaddown-treated crew: the chicago super crew gets the bass CRANKIN'
21. if they want it-fabolous: some classic dj drama to help you bring the drama.
22. higher ground-khadafi dub: rapping over a TNGHT track? DUUUUMB.
23. let's get that remix-chamillionaire ft. doughbeezy, marcus manchild: got chicks coming IN THE MAIL.
24. adrenaline-cam'ron ft. twista, psycho drama: a little somethin somethin slowed up for ya
25. roll the drums (clockwork remix)-autoerotique ft. marissa jack: so you're not supposed to get high off your supply but if you do, this is your guilty pleasure track.
26. snow blowers-boldy james ft. count (LEP bogus boys), chuck inglish: bring them BANGERS OUT
27. what you need-vado ft. nipsey hussle: SLIIIIME.

Birdman's $300k Truck aka the creeper van you wish you had

Ok, rappers, pick one: pimp out your crib or your whip. I know you're not living in both of them. And don't try to b.s. me that you're gonna tour in that van. But actually, it would be a poppin' party bus, even with all that hardware going on (PS3, etc.). Dude is so excited about doing things right with those massage chairs though. Thank the Lord for those.

Man, this dude is feelin' Chief Keef HARD-possibly through his drawers. Pause.

I'm scared to hear his list of top 5 favorite emcees. At least his friend has his back aka giggles at his rant. And I'm sure that was Chief Keef at the end tweeting at him, giving his number one fan mad props.

Need a job?

The timing of this trailer is too perfect. Debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival, Matthew Cooke's tutorial on how to make money selling drugs features some familiar faces. And why is the timing perfect? TRAP OR DIE VOL.1 coming soon.

CYPHER: Team Backpack

DJ Hoppa on the beat. Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, Mobs Jedi, and Irv Da Phenom on mic duties. Tight. Toight like a toiger.

What can't Jay-Z do?

If you said, executive produce the next NBA 2K game, you guessed wrong. So completely wrong. Hey, at least he's not singing an entire album.

MIXTAPE: NO MERCY VOL.2

Cheat to win

The 2012 London Summer Olympics have kicked off (did you watch that history lesson of an opening ceremony?) I know you're getting hyped for the US of A to kick some serious ass across the boards. AND I KNOW, that means you think you can train like an olympian. Whether that's true or not, what is true is that this humid, nasty weather (at least in the northeast) brings me down more than hearing about Ralph Lauren's mistake with our uniforms. So, to continue my workout mixtape series, here's NO MERCY VOL.2:

(Since I will now be using Dropbox, you have an option which way you wanna download it. To download the tracks just right click on each one and click Save Link As. Right click the image and click Save Image As for the cover. Or you can download the single .zip file which I'll leave for the long term, since I'll delete the folder with individual tracks eventually.)

1. the chant-noah caine: for those whose minds are uninitiated, this samples the soundtrack from Ghost in the Shell. perfect for a warm up track.
2. whatchu, want-slum village: phase two of your warm up. this is gritty. adrenaline flow shit.
3. reign that never falls-n.a.: first set. buck up.
4. american royalty-childish gambino, rza, hypnotic brass orchestra: mind over body. make your body impenetrable. so that makes your mind...
5. tour de roses anthem-theophilus london, bryan holder: kicks off the EDM songs on the mixtape and if the ancient greeks had EDM this is what it would sound like.
6. run cmd 2012-skrewtape, apollo the great, fickle: this is either your in between sets song or the start of your second set song. either way, don't lose sight of how jacked you're getting.
7. let's get down-wale, skrillex: wale continues his beat jacking with skrillex. you should continue with pumping iron.
8. automatic-pac div: stay sucka free. pay no attention to the other meatheads in the gym.
9. lighthouse (jj remix)-theophilus london: like 80's aerobic dance music? you're welcome.
10. express yourself-diplo, nicky da b: find your groove. express yourself.
11. bad girls (n.a.r.s. remix)-m.i.a., missy elliott, azealia, banks: where the hell has missy elliott been? a nice cast of femme-cees.
12. lemme go-deph naught, royce da 5'9", crooked i: detroit native gets some heavy hitters on this banger.
13. it's that beat (toxic avenger remix)-playdoe: playdoe=spoek mathambo+sibot. playdoe=other world jams that get you moving like you can actually dance.
14. made you look (remix)-nas, jadakiss, ludacris: takin it back to something that always got me on edge. in a great way.
15. mshini wam-spoek mathambo: this guy is making waves from south africa. "b-f-g. that's big fuckin gun."
16. butane (champion's anthem)-killer mike, el-p: grind through the pain.
17. higher ground-tnght: lunice+hudson mohawke give you a little boost at the end. sweat like you've never sweat before.
18. can't c me-2pac, george clinton: walk out of the gym like an olympian. no one can really see you.
19. forthereal-big shug, slaine, termanology, reks: cold beer hot shower? blast this right here.
20. lp surprise-large professor: feels so good. you're a new you. for the drive home. or the sprint home.

Odd Future Cypher

These guys never take a day off from straight spittin' hot bars. And from being absurdly hilarious. I hope they do this till they're 50.

"I'm big shit/You're poo little/Talkin' to your bitch/I'm Dr. Dolittle"

Take a minute for the boys

Will Arnett is hilarious. Learn something from this guy and play Xbox from a poker table. He's a trailblazer.

Platitude CONFIRMED: Violence begets violence

SMH Colorado

It hasn't even been a week since the tragedy in Aurora, CO, and the locals have taken to arms. The number of people in Colorado who have applied for a background check to purchase a firearm has increased by 43%. Let's go over the numbers.

880 people applied on July 13

(July 19-James Holmes, in a calculating and merciless manner, kills 12 people and injures 58 others)

1,216 people applied on July 20

1,243 people applied on July 21

_________________________________

2,887 people applied over the weekend after the shooting

I understand the fear and anger some families have over this ordeal, but for some reason this public response doesn't feel right. Shouldn't we work on making it harder to get guns on the streets and regulate the use of the ones already out there? I'm probably really naive and optimistic to hope for a world where people don't need guns for protection. At least Batman shows he has a heart.

Chief Keef, the social butterfly

Noisey continues their Back and Forth series following Danny Brown and A$AP Rocky with Chief Keef and Childish Gambino. And boy, is it one sided. Either Chief was blunted out of his mind, hates Childish, or is socially inept. But they do discuss belts, go over Childish's version of "I Don't Like," and compare fat stacks.

SIGNED: The Black Opera

The elusive collective, The Black Opera, has signed a multi-record deal with Mello Music Group (Oddisee, Gensu Dean, Diamond District). Music with a message continues to spread.

"The independent collective, comprised of intellectuals, musicians, creators, artists and agents known as The Black Opera launched its mission last year armed with audio and video demonstrations. To our surprise, this secret society of creatives extended an honorable invitation to US. After listening intensely for the past year, Mello Music Group decided to join The Black Opera – signing them to a multi-album deal and issuing a physical edition of “EnterMission.” August 28th on CD and September 25th on vinyl to add to the archives. The Black Opera issued the following statement about the signing:
“The Black Opera is not solely a musical outfit, music is only one aspect that represents THE BLACK OP: ERA. But, when it was time for The Black Opera to get their Musical Movement to ears of the future, they mapped out a plan. They knew that the Third and Final Endstallment of The Black Op Era: I; “Libretto: Of King Legend”, would be the Beginning of something special. Special enough to enlist a company worthy of joining forces with, that company is Mello Music Group.
Both sides decided to join forces in order to advance to their own vision and to assist the vision of their partner. This partnership stems from mutual admiration and appreciation of what each had done on their own. This marks the Beginning of a New Era for both Movements, as ONE.
WE: Will. NOT: Stop."

This is inspiring

In one of the most depredated cities in the country, in all senses of the word, Phil Cooley (resume: model, restaurateur, real estate developer, philanthropist) is doing a lot to make a difference. VICE is teaming up with Dos Equis to bring you some of the world's most interesting people, hence the show name, Jefes.

50 Cent in the ring. BOUNCE.

Guess who just got licensed to promote boxing matches in the great state of New York? Your favorite Street King, 50 Cent. His promotions company (TMT), The Money Team, will represent Yuri Gamboa (2004 Olympic Gold medalist) and Andre Dirrell (2004 Olympic Bronze medalist).

Two things: 1. As an emcee, who touts clever word play, could you not come up with a more creative name for your business, other than that guap your after? 2. Does this mean we'll see Joan Rivers replacing those cute half naked girls with the round cards at the matches?

I'm not sorry for that image.

Not quite Wilt Chamberlain

Sultry

Although it's from an unofficial biography, there has to be some truth to the absurdity felt when you're told that Mick Jagger has biblically known 4,000 women. What's a good day in Mick Jagger's sex life? What's a bad day?

Oh, and this is Wilt Chamberlain. He had sex with 20,000 women. He's the guy on the left.

SUPERDUTYTOUGHWORK: The Fuck?

SUPERDUTYTOUGHWORK: The Fuck?: I never noticed how fucking weird Segal runs in his movies.

Simply true.

La musica de Harry Fraud

The wonderboy Harry Fraud chops it up with Noisey. This guy can make HEATERS. He discusses his methodology, Funkmaster Flex's mastery of the hi-hat, and the development of his own sound.

the chick that says "La music de Harry Fraud" > Jessica Gomes

Dubstep is possible with your mouth

This guy is doing it wrong.

Whereas, this guy is doing it oh so right. Skrillex's "Cinema" x MIA's "Disparate Youth"

"MY MUSIC IS PERFECT"

I wish I went to this concert in Atlantic City. A stage just for Kanyeezy to perform on and flaunt his shit more than a peacock on PCP? What more can you ask for? Up top is Kanye doing Kanye-forget the haters and do you. Priceless. Except you gotta go back to Beethoven to find an equal? Come on, Kanye. Chopin > Beethoven.

Today's Hip Hop Lesson

LRG did a nice short documentary on the legendary Beat Junkies. These guys rip it up. Too often, we forget about the DJ in Hip Hop. My favorite quote from the film.
Mr. Choc on J.Rocc: "Black as hell. That's all I can say-funky and black."

C.O.B. Cypher

Crooked I's COB and company tackle some familiar beats. As expected, Horseshoe G.A.N.G. and One-2 are the standouts. I'm tired of rappers like P.W.T. who do that "I"m a crazy mofo and I'll cut you with a broken crowbar" spiel, without adding anything new to it. If you're gonna do it, do it like the best.

Bill Clinton + Barack Obama = The Red, White, and Black

This is on some conspiracy tip where Bill Clinton might be from the future. He was already onto M83 before the hipsters were and now this clip solidifies that his solo on the Arsenio Hall Show was foreshadowing predicting something great and catchy like "Midnight City." Now we just need a collaboration with the current POTUS. Old POTUS + new POTUS = Timeless POTUS... Ok, I'll stop now.

Bring back real DJ's!

While I was working all day, I hope you had a sick ass day celebrating America's birthday. Let's try and forget people like Paris Hilton try to DJ and look to the real deals, working on the craft.

IT'S BACK

July is here and that means I'm resuming the hottest singles of the month. My flavors.me page is acting all glitchy, saying I have two soundcloud accounts and an 8track account (which I don't use anymore). So check out the soundcloud account I made for my (hopefully) monthly collection of singles put out by some artists that probably go under the radar. And this month, I slipped in a little something something for the 4th of July.

UPDATE: The folks at flavors.me got their act together! So head to my flavors.me page for EVERYTHING, except the mixtapes.

A Kung Fu moves you might want to get excited for

RZA, of Wu-Tang Clan, grew up on Kung Fu flicks. Hell, the Wu-Tang Clan was formed around the Wu Tang sword style found in a lot of the classics. And now he's teamed up with Eli Roth (Hotel, Inglorious Basterds) to put a project, long in the works, on the big screen. It's associated with Quentin Tarantino in some way so it's gotta be worth your time. Oh wait, Russell Crowe, RZA, and Lucy Liu will star in it? And it will feature new music from the Wu-Tang Clan, Kanyeezy, and the Black Keys? Yeah, I'm watching this. Multiple times.

Mike Tyson: Modern Day Soothsayer

The good folks at complex put a soundboard of Mike Tyson quotes together. Can you be mad? I ain't.

JUST WATCH

Click play. While you're watching, just thank yourself. Because once we get 49 other suckas like you to watch this, we're one step closer to getting a mixtape from this guy...

Be safe, kids!

The hilarious skits from Jimmy Kimmel just keep on coming. I doubt you'll learn anything safe from this but I could listen to Fozzie Bear tell stories about lighting friends on fire all day.

Nipwitz Presents: How Foreignors Can Make Use Out of Your Wastelands (Russia Edition)

Urban skiing at its finest. Really cool things going on in the world. Anybody else looking forward to the winter to snowboard/ski? Yeah, I must be the only one.

Required Summer Reading

Ever wanted to really know what goes on in the brilliant mind that brought you Trapped in the Closet and Chocolate Factory? Solution: Soulcoaster: The Diary of Me by R.Kelly and David Ritz. Available on June 28th, the autobiography contains childhood stories and grownup stories, like the time he chilled with Michael Jackson and his chimp, Bubbles, and went shopping at the Water Tower in Chicago. The best part? You can pre-order a Limited Collector's Edition, which comes with "eight exclusive special collectables created under R. Kelly’s supervision," for $200. You guessed it. You can finally give your girl a Silver "R" rhinestone pendant charm necklace, curated by Robert Kelly, himself. And now you can send your girl 2 postcards, hand picked by Robert Kelly, himself. Needless to say, I found my beach read.

Adele! You sly fox!

Ok, Adele, seriously? Now your music wakes people up from comas? I swear, if there is a zombie apocalypse, I'm just gonna stock up on Andy Capp's Hot Fries and Adele's 21. I'll manage.

Peter Rosenberg: A Lot vs. YMCMB: A Little

How do you expect to go up against a clever radio personality who loves the game/history of Hip Hop when you demean women in your lyrics? This argument is founded on absurdities galore. Hot97 vs. YMCMB. Round 1! Fight!

Chief Keef. Signed.

Get More: Music News

Everybody's (least) favorite rapper under house arrest has officially signed to Interscope. Some details on the deal: He gets his own label under Interscope for his GBE crew (Glory Boy Entertainment). He is under a multi-movie deal contract with the first movie in the works. And he gets his own Beats by Dre line of headphones, aptly titled Beats by Keef.

I would almost consider buying a pair of the headphones if Beats by Dre headphones hadn't consistently received crappy reviews, it said "BANG" over each side of the headphones, and if it wasn't affiliated with Chief Keef at all.

DOUBLE UPDATE: See me in the streets!

So while working today, I saw a newspaper article laying around on this whole ordeal. Apparently, when Drake turned back Chris Brown's "peace offering" he also sent back a note saying, "I'm still fucking Rihanna." Now, who knows Chris Breezy's true intentions for sending the bottle of champagne but grow up, Aubrey. The dude is just getting over beating on women and trying to make peace with his life. I think.

In other news, I wonder if these two are worried about Charles Hamilton because he rapped about getting with Rihanna. Obviously it didn't happen, but I guess Charles should stay out the clubs for a while. Charles, where you at though? Stop putting out those mixtapes with horrible sound quality and come back to us. We (I) miss you.

Proof that he was one of the hottest in the game:
1. All of this mixtape. Yeah, the one with that song everyone knew, "Brooklyn Girls," but no one ever downloaded in its entirety. This mixtape is one of my favorites of all time.
2. This freestyle.
3. The second part to the freestyle.
4. The third part to that freestyle.

UPDATE: See me in the streets!

On top of the silly reindeer games among your girlfriend's favorite rappers/singers, Tony Parker got injured? The dude looks like one of the nicest guys you'll meet, off the court of course. What's next? Bob Ross is gonna come forward and claim injuries as well from the same incident?

Somebody give this guy an award

Yeah, someone decided it was a good use of his time to find the exact date of Ice Cube's good day. And you thought we'd never figure it out, O'Shea.

January 20, 1992. The good day.

Get on it, Hallmark.

See me in the streets!

I'm sure you've heard by now but Chris Brown and Drake got really real at a club in New York City on Wednesday night. Of course both sides have conflicting stories. Guys, this is not what I meant when I wanted some more beef going on in the game. Regardless this is some extravagant ish only rappers could commit-shattering bottles of alcohol more expensive than the average American's yearly salary? Also, I wouldn't fight Chris Brown. He could probably side step the bejesus out of me and make it look hot.

Meek Mill, you a goon.

What ever happened to Celebrity Deathmatch? Bring that back MTV.

Somebody has a little beef with J Beebz

And I don't blame him. But I wouldn't necessarily attribute the widespread use of "swag" to J Beebz but he definitely didn't help. I'm mainly posting this because I support the idea behind the song and the sample (Nelly's Country Grammar got way too many plays on my portable cd player).

Chuck Norris is... Chuck Norris

So, I waste a lot of time on the internet. What? You don't? But this reminded me how excited I really am for Expendables 2.

When beef takes on some flair

Remember the beef between Nas and Jay-Z? More importantly, do you remember beef in Hip Hop*? Well, Nas was planning to have some visual aids for his fans at Summer Jam back in 2002 but Hot 97 said nay, leading to his decision to boycott the show. Now what emcee has the balls today to pull a stunt like this?

*Pusha-T vs. Lil Wayne? Could get interesting but we're waiting on Pusha-T's response. Sidenote: There are bits and pieces of the Lil Wayne we all used to love on his new mixtape, I Am Not a Human Being 2. Surprisingly, his verse is my favorite of the artists on several tracks. But then he tries to 'sing' again. Let's leave auto-tune to drunk kids and their smartphones, folks.

Another reason Bronsoliño is at the top of my list

Not sure when this was filmed, but it has to make you think that either Bronson is really up to date on crazy news (hence the bath salts) or he called the zombie apocalypse (and most likely, rightfully so). Off of the Blue Chips mixtape, which is phenomenal.

So does this mean there won't be a new Ying Yang Twins album for a while?

I'd be lucky to get either of them as babysitters.

D-Roc of Ying Yang Twins was arrested recently for a DUI. And when he was pulled over the cop could smell marijuana off him. Where's the kicker? His 3 year old and 2 month old children were in the back seat. I took this as a lesson D-Roc was teaching his kids about riding dirty and how to create inspiration for future albums...because those are coming out right? Legendary Status still gets plays on my iTunes whenever I feel low.

MIXTAPE: Don't Eat Me Bro!

You ready for the zombie apocalypse?

Recent events in national news have brought to my attention the very real threat of a zombie apocalypse. As much as everyone who is remotely cool has been wanting this since he or she has heard of a zombie, there's a lot to be done before we can safely say we're prepared. First step? Stock up on Twinkies and whiskey. Second step? DOWNLOAD THIS (remember, it's the blue download link in the blue box).

I put a lot of different vibes on this one. Similar to my spring playlist, put this mofo on random and see what you dig/hate. I figured that people like to rock out to different kinds of music while peeling the wigs back on zombies. Don't wanna hear anything smooth till after the carnage? That's why you have the whiskey to put on the rocks while tracks like "The Recipe (remix)" is playing.

Also, people, if there are things you really like about these mixtapes or things you can't stand, let me know in the comments section. Otherwise, spread the good word and help others responsibly get ready for Zombieland. The best thing about good music is sharing it!

(The survival kit in the mixtape artwork is for sale in one convenient package)

Hit-Boy... Raps?!

Yes, you read that right. The kid behind the boards on "Black Associates in Paris" (Most played song live. EVER), releases a video for his first "coming out as a rapper" track. Apparently he rapped first as a 13 year old then focused on producing. Dope idea behind the title of the song, and I have to say, kid's got bars. I'm really excited to see anything and everything he puts out in the future.

#goingoutsidethebox #doingitright #takenotes

Bored?

Watch this.

Homeless People Got Game

The good folks at Pigeons and Planes put together some impressive homeless people who have more talent than some recording, label signed "artists"* people actually pay to see. Take some time and appreciate natural born talent, instead of listening to "Call Me, Maybe"** again.

*Nicki Minaj, you ma'am, have no balls, literally and metaphorically. Ya daddy tells you to boycott Summer Jam because Peter Rosenberg has some choice words for you and your fans, and you adhere? Weak.
**I will admit it is catchy as hell, especially when one of my favorite Fabolous songs is laced with it.

Another rapper wasting (his) time (and yours)

Get the f*ck outta here with that!

Wanna waste $10? Perfect, Lil B has allowed that dream to come true easier than ever with his album, Choice and Flowers. In the latest edition of artists going outside their genres and failing, Lil B gives himself the title of "1st Artist Ever," whatever that means, and kinda makes an album of noise. None of the instruments sounds real, as in he made this on his computer. It sounds like a kid, who hates taking music lessons and despises his parents for making him practice everyday, took the soundtrack for Final Fantasy VII and put it back together with a lightsaber and no metronome.

#arrestlilb

Slaughterhouse from over yonder

Budden talks about his ex's, Royce explains his lines in "Fast Lane," Joell talks about some unreleased tracks, and then all of them rap about the ish they don't like over Chief Keef's "I Don't Like." Hilarious. They freestyle around 10:15.

BREAKING NEWS: Nemo Hoes and Curren$y

Educate yourself on some weed strains your favorite dealer's favorite rappers smoke. Then entertain yourself with Blowfly at the end and the crawler on the bottom with a funny crack at the Throne's next album and Snoop Dogg slippers. Get you some!

Visuals from the Throne

It seems the Throne went after the message in the chorus for this track from their album, and nothing in the verses. It was a bit odd trying to make sense of a rebellion as Yeezy raps about a crazy night doing coke off some chick. Also, is that an elephant at the end? #unnecessarybutnecessary

TRU Story

From Tity Boi to G.O.O.D. Music. Big moves.

I can't say this enough

Do what you do best. If that's singing, sing. If that's rapping, rap. And if it happens to be tennis and making male tennis players look like an afternoon snack, then do that. Serena Williams, step down. Just because you thought of a semi-clever metaphor from watching The Hangover, it doesn't qualify you as an emcee. Ok, ok. I'm not gonna get too out of hand because it's not like she signed a record deal. For all we know, she toked up and had a friend who had a beat laying around she wanted to mess around with. But do I smell a Drake or a Common cosign?

Wait, does Serena even get down like that? Regardless, take this however you want, Serena Williams, stay off the mic, otherwise, protect ya neck. BLOCKA BLOCKA BLOCKA.

Really, old guy?

Just smoke another joint, Don.

Hate Frank Ocean? Yeah? Well, you and Don Henley (Eagles' drummer and singer) are probably the only ones on this planet. Henley apparently doesn't like Ocean's use of "Hotel California" for his "American Wedding" track off his Nostalgia, Ultra mixtape. In fact he may sue if Ocean performs his "bastardization" of the song. He's also on record saying Ocean should pay more because his version is that much worse, in his opinion. Objectively speaking, STFU.

#jetlife

Another reason I fu*ks with Curren$y is that he's so down to earth and gets to know his fans, on a real level. He stopped by the Buds & Roses Collective in L.A. to have a smoke and greet with fans. Sounds like a great way to get smoked up by fans for the day, if you ask me. But I don't blame him. Still a sick idea from the hot spitta.

Ok, Bobby Ray...

You heard it first, B.o.B. will be the first artist to perform on the moon. My money is on hologram Michael Jackson to be the first.

This disgusts me

Yeah, he really said that. And then he tried to cover it up. Oh boy...

Some people like to think we're in a post racist society. I'm pretty sure this is racism. Talk about jumping to conclusions: Brooklyn Bitches or Hoes? 9mm in the logo? New York Nigg*s?! And as my girlfriend points out, Jay-Z doesn't even own the whole damn team. Yeah, we're all a little mad Jay-Z is married to Beyonce and living the life (my girlfriend included), but you don't see everyone else shouting ignorant, racist comments about his business ventures.

Rest in Power Adam Nathaniel Yauch

Co-founding member of the Beastie Boys, Adam Yauch aka MCA, has passed away today from complications of cancer. He was diagnosed back in 2009 after finding a tumor in his salivary gland. Yeah, I'll be blasting Beastie Boys all day. I expect the same from you as well. Truly a legend.