The Rap Up & Predictions 09'-10'

So the rapper Skillz puts out a rap up for every year and all of them have been pretty amusing and sounded good. Well once again he didn't fail. Also Maino puts out predictions or at least he has for 2009 and now for 2010. Catch Skillz's "09' Rap Up" and Maino's "2010 Predictions" below.

All About Presentation

Freeway & Jake One are releasing an album called Stimulus Package and the packaging for the album is very creative. I'm sure there might be a couple of people who buy this album just for it's packaging. Whoever designed this definitely gets mad props for the design and it's being called the CD Packaging Of The Year if that's a real award to kinda have. Anyway check out the packaging below. Skip to the 1:10 mark to get pass all the build up and see the actual packaging.

Rap School High

 So some unsigned hype has come through by the name of Tre Little and he's put together a pretty crafty song call "Rap School High." It's a pretty creative song and I like the idea he used putting a lot of the big players in Hip Hop as high school students in one school. I don't expect this song to blast off his career at this point, nor do I even kno if he'll ever make a name for himself, but for this song I give him props on the creativity side of things. Take a listen and leave an opinion.

Lauryn Hill Back?

So Lauryn Hill resurfaced on the performance seen in New Zealand. There's been talks of her reuniting with the Fugees to doin some benefit work for Haiti, but honestly I'll believe that when I see it. From what's being said, the last few time she's performed, her performances have been somewhat "rough." Most have said this performance showed a lot of improvement for Lauryn getting back to her normal and as we all remember her. I definately wish her the best because I believe Hip Hop needs her right now especially on the female MC side. Check out the video and tell me what you think.

Wish I Was There

So last night (1/20/10) apparently Phife Dog of A Tribe Called Quest put on a benefit concert in Brooklyn at The Knitting Factory. The concert was to benefit diabetes which makes sense considering Phife Dog is the self-proclaimed "funky diabetic." Headlining the concert were Jay Electronica, Ghostface, and Talib Kweli. Apparently by the end of the night however one more act got added to the set. The reunion of A Tribe Called Quest with all members (Q-Tip, Phife Dog, & Ali Shaheed Muhammed) present. Here's a video clip of their performance below. All I can say is I wish I was there.


A Tribe Called Quest live @ Knitting Factory 1/20/10 from LTD Magazine on Vimeo.

Go Low

Ludacris' video for his newest single "How Low" was just released not to long ago. Now when the video starts out it kinda scared me at first. I mean yea, it's paid models but there doing something that I'd picture teen girls doin at home and puttin on YouTube which is kinda a scary thought from a parents stand point. I'm surprised Luda didn't just put a Twerk Team video in at the beginning since that's basically what the scenes about. Speaking of that I heard he signed them? Not 100% sure if that's tru, but I'll say it's been rumored. For what? Iono. Either way after the initial scene I came to enjoy the concept of this video. The effects are pretty nice, there's an aspect of comedy to it to me, and it's just an overall creative concept I think that was unexpected for a song like this but works out. I feel like if Uncut were still airing we'd have anutha "Uncut Classic." lol Anyway, prepare to go back to your days of playin horror games (you'll see what I mean) and check out the video.

"That Thang"

I was already a fan, but last night Wale appeared on The Monique Show and to be honest, after watchin that interview he shot to number 1 on my list. Wale's rookie album Attention Deficit had already solidified the idea that he was true to this craft we call Hip Hop, but after watchin the interview he sold me that this was the true him and not just some act. I think he's the realest new artist in the game and will lead the force to bring real Hip Hop back to the forefront. If you haven't heard the album, you definitely need to bless your ears with every track on the album. It should be regarded as I classic I feel, but in today's time where gimics, beats, and choruses are the only focus to sell music it may not be recognized until much later if at all. My hat goes off to Wale and I wish him a long career. If you missed the interview or performance you can see them below.

Interview

wale tms int
by yardie4lifever2

Performance

pretty girls tms live
by yardie4lifever2

Cornel West & Killer Mike

Dr. Cornel West & Killer Mike (now Mike Bigga) sat down at a town hall meeting organized by Sweet Tea Ethics and the people of From Afros To Shelltoes (FATS) to talk about the N-Word and to challenge the black community to look at why there's a growing division between elders and the Hip Hop community. Dr. Cornel West is well known for many of his speeches and teachings in school and Killer Mike is a Morehouse College graduate who also has some pretty interesting things to say. Check it out for yourself below and leave comments.


Mike Bigga and Dr. Cornel West Speak on the N-Word from www.mauricegarland.com on Vimeo.

E-40's Servin' It Up

E-40's back with his West Coast style like only E-40 can do. He's got "two albums" coming out on March 30 entitled Revenue Retrievin: Day Shit &  Revenue Retrievin: Night Shift. Below is his video for the single "The Server" Of course the songs is in a style I feel only E-40 can do and I'm wonderin if it'll be a hit on the West Coast. I already kno it won't get probably any play here on the East Coast to be honest, but E-40's always had his own way of tellin his story and I'd say he gets his point across still in this song. Video's shot in black and white and only highlights yellow/gold which I think was a interesting choice. What do you think? Check it out below.

Christian Rapper Addresses Jay-Z

So a Christian rapper has I guess, had enough of Jay-Z and what he feels are his satanic messages and symbolisms  in Jay-Z's music and videos. Fed up with the situation he's responded in his on song to address how he feels and also addresses Beyonce & Rihanna in the song. He attached this statement with the video. "By now you all have probably heard of Jay's Masonic and Satanic ties. Some of you are still skeptical which is expected. But This make give you a little more perspective. And to all my fellow Christians, I know I rpobably shouldn't have stooped to this level but I couldn't take it anymore. I can't sit back and watch someone disrespect and discredit my Lord and Savior! " Here's the song below and comment on what you feel.

Wake Up Calls

It's Sunday and who says there's no religion in Hip Hop. Today Malice of The Clipse released a short film in which he reads scriptures from the bible which talk of discipline and revenge. I think it's done in pretty good manner although the ending kinda makes me think he might be takin shots at sumbody also which I guess is his experiences within the lesson he learned. Check it out for yourself below.

Ride

Nappy Roots recently released what's being called a "video trailer" for their upcoming album entitled The Pursuit Of Nappyness. The album is scheduled to release on April 20 (4/20). Haven't heard these guys in the mainstream for a good while though, so I'm happy to kinda see them bak. In the video however only 2 members of the group are seen and if I remember right when they first came out there was about 6 of them. Not sure if they've since "down sized" or not but regardless I still happy to see the country boyz are still kickin'. The single featured in the video trailer is entitled "Ride" which is directly below.

Invented The Remix....Again?

 Diddy just released his Angels remix with Dirty Money featuring Rick Ross. Can it climb the charts like many of Diddy's remixes have done in past years? That remains to be seen. Personally I didn't feel like the orignal Angels' song would catch on too hard. I mean when you hear about a song that's got Diddy singin, I wouldn't think anybody would think it's gonna be that great a song. I mean Diddy's not a singer, but the song began to raise in popularity slowly. Can't call it a break out hit, but it laid a "foundation" for Dirty Money to be at least recognized I believe. The video for the remix is below and DJ Khaled & Busta Rhymes also appear in the video. Video's got a pretty simple concept if you ask me, sum pretty nice cars, and of course you won't see anything with Diddy or anything Bad Boy without Ciroc appearin in it some where. Check it out below.

Jonah Does Rock

In the video below is a 5-Year-Old drummer who I'm guessing is named Jonah. He's what they call a child/musical prodigy. I usually reserve all my post for Hip Hop stuff but this kid def has skills playin' the drums and to be honest.....he's black. I'll support any black kid doin' sumthin in music...well almost any kid. You do gotta be good at what you do in my opinion too. Well anyway, this kid's good. In the video below he's playin' along with "Toxicicity" by System Of A Down. If you know anything about System Of A Down they kinda have a little different style in the way their music flows, but I gotta admit I listen to some of their music. Anyway, check the kid out and somebody tell Travis Barker the next to take his throne is on the way!.....He's just only 5 right now.

Hip Hop Confessions

So in this video Skillz sits down with DJ Jazzy Jeff & Kwame and let them give you some interesting facts you may have never known. I know I heard some new stuff. Kwame also mentions his reaction to the diss that Biggie had for him in "Unbelievable." Check it out below, it might blow your mind a lil'.


Skillz Presents: Hip Hop Confessions feat. Jazzy Jeff & Kwame from LowKey on Vimeo.

Mr. Danger's Home

Guess who's back!? After doing six years locked up, Mystikal has been released from prison and is back home in New Orleans. As his first act back on the scene he did a radio interview with New Orleans radio station Q93 and talks about how he looks forward to getting back to work and even talked about a few offers he's had put on the table. I gotta say he sounds happy to be back and eager to work, but I guess after six years who wouldn't be right? Anyway click the listen here link to go to the full interview or just listen to the youTube video for a little bit shorter clip of the interview.

LISTEN HERE

"I believe in one God." - Jay-Z

So of course by now if you've been up on the Hip Hop News you've heard Jay-Z respond to the rumors of him being a mason/devil worshiper/Illuminati. If not here's a link at the bottom to the audio of his response on the Angie Martinez show. Young Jeezy & Trey Songz were also in the studio and they also talked about the upcoming tour they've got coming up as well as a few other things. One including money. I won't say too much. Click on the link and hear it for yourself.

LISTEN HERE

Smoke Sumthin

OK, typically I wouldn't post sumthin' like this but the video is kinda funny to me. Below is the video for Juicy J & Project Pat's "Cali High" It's a real simple video and almost looks like they bought a good camera, went to the strip in Cali and shot it themselves. Mean I was a Three Six Mafia fan, so I'm def not hatin'. Song is kinda catchy and if your a smoker, you'll probably end up bangin' this as your rollin' up or smokin'. Check the video below.

Be Forever Young

So mayb I'm jus late but I didn't kno this song had a video. I got a good feelin I'm not the only one though. This came out before "On To The Next" and Jay's still on his black and white. I'm lookin forward to Mr. Hudson's album also. Peep the video below.

You Workin' Or Jus Havin Black Thoughts

Black Thought of The Roots jus recently did a short interview with StrictlyFitteds.com to talk about some of the work he's been doin from the upcoming Roots album How I Got Over, to mixtapes with the Money Making Jam Boyz, to upcoming album with Dangerous Mouse entitled Dangerous Thoughts, to even an Olympic performance. This guys workin hard. Check it out below.


Black Thought from Strictly Fitteds on Vimeo.

Happy Days?

The video below comes from an artist named Pack FM. The song kinda gives a run down of some sorta recent events and how the times have changed so quickly. At the same time, some things never change. It addresses a few trends and "heavy hitters" in Hip Hop and jus how the industry has been, but if you listen fully it offers some hope for change also. My favorite line, "Last week it was dead, now rap does not suck. Lil' Wayne and Gucci Man just got locked up. YES!!!" I like the song, check out "Happy Days"

Dreams Are Self Explanatory

North Carolina artist Self Explanatory is grindin' hard in the studio. In just a few short days he's been pushing out tracks. Here's his latest "A Dollar And A Dream" from his upcoming album UN HUMAN MUSIC. Open your ears.

Self Explanatory - A Dollar And A Dream


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U Got Nada On Knotta

Knotta hails from Delaware, born and raised. Just seven years into the game he calls himself a "fueled entity." Influenced by rap artist Eminem, may say he even raps a lil' "psychotic" as Em' has been known to do himself. Some others have compared him to mainstream artist such as Lupe & Common, but Knotta's here to make his own mark on hip hop. He respects the art & craft of what Hip Hop is and says "I'm hungry for it now more than ever before." So my question to other artist is what you got on Knotta? Below is his main single "Money So Far" and two other tracks entitled "Rock This Shit" and "Break It Down" Wanna get in Knotta's world you can follow him on twitter @Knotta4real. Open up your ears people and take a listen to what Knotta's gotta say.


Knotta - Money So Far


Knotta - Rock This Shit
 
Knotta - Break It Down



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NC's Workin' Hard!

So within a few short days Jones Andrews & Self Explanatory have teamed up to make a banger, "Go Hard or Go Home" This boys from NC are not playin' games, they are grind hard. Open your ears, support!, comment, rate, tell ya friends about the joint. Follow these guys on twitter @iamJonesAndrews & @DntPlayWitClay. If you want you can find me on twitter @FlashThoughts. Check out the song below, let me or one of them know if you want a copy. Industry betta look out before these Carolina boys come hurt ya!

Walk These Streets

Had to post this video for nuthin else but respect for one of Hip Hop's pioneers. Here's the latest from Rakim featuring Maino. Joint's called "Walk These Streets"

Maybach Music 2.5

I don't drive a Maybach, but I'd still bump this in any car like it was a Maybach. lol For some reason I like all this Maybach Music joints from Rick Ross. Here's his newest video for Maybach Music 2.5 featuring T-Pain & Pusha T. Might not eva see this one on MTV or BET, but I still appreciate it for what it is.

Reflection Eternal Coming Back

So come this February, Hi-Tek & Talib are making a comeback with their new LP Revolutions Per Minute. I pretty much figure from their track record there will be guaranteed classics. Here's a taste of what you can expect from the album with a track entitled "Just Begun" featuring Jay Electronica, Mos Def, and guess who.........J. Cole. Check out the track below.

Mos Def Talkin' History

Mos Def just recently released his video for his new single History. On the song he collabs with his long time friend Talib Kweli. Who knos mayb this could lead up to anutha Black Star album? Iono, I hope it will but right now I kno Mos has sumthin else on his plate. He spoke on an English radio show about a collab he's got comin' up with The Gorillaz. The Gorillaz aren't a Hip Hop group, but have made some great music. Songs like Feel Good Inc and Clint Eastwood. It definitely promises to be a great collab when it's all said and done. Only thing is........it may not be released in the States (US). Guess we'll have to wait and see. Anyway, below is the new video for History and under that the radio interview where Mos Def discusses the Gorillaz collab.



MOS DEF | OFFICIALLY JOINS THE GORILA UNIT [3 of 3] from DJ SEMTEX on Vimeo.

Self Explanitory - Warning Y'all Bout NC

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Jones Andrews - NC Hip Hop!

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Will You Finally Listen to NC?

The newest artist signed to Roc Nation, just happens to be a young graduate from a New York skool, but hails from the city of Fayetteville, North Carolina. He's been slowly gaining a lot of buzz simply because he was signed by Jigga himself, but when you dig deeper and actually take a listen to "The Warm Up," his mixtape you should hear that this man deserves his own respect. His flow is his own, he tells his own story, his lyrics will paint pictures in your head, and his plan is to make it to the top and take over. With acts from North Carolina like Petey Pablo who became a two hit wonder, Little Brother who never got the respect they deserved and some have written them out simply because they lost 9th Wonder, and Small World who neva quite created a big enough buzz, will J. Cole finally be the NC, MC who last for more than a season in the game. My belief is that he will. With the right people already backing him and new artist such as Drake, Wale, & Kid Cudi taking the fore front as the newest class of Hip Hop artist, I believe not only will he stay around for more than a season but he'll excel and leave footprints in the world of hip hop. Hip Hop ain't dead, it's just been suppressed. As they say though, history repeats itself. Well I think this new class of artist will bring back that classic 90's hip hop that we've been waitin for for so long. Been tellin people NC's got real talent. Now mayb you'll listen. Below is J. Cole's "Grown Simba" track off his mixtape and "Beautiful Bliss" a track off Wale's Attention Deficit album which features J. Cole. Open up your ears people!

On To The Next All Black Outfit

So below is Hov's On To The Next Video with Swiss Beatz. Not sure who directed it, but I def like the video. Hov naturally is still on his all black everything movement in the video and they through in a lil' rock n' roll with it. The song was already a banger and I think the video does it justice. Some say the video supports the idea about Hov bein on this demonistic thing to sell records, but I mean the devil was the angel of music. Either way nuthins been completely proven, so form your own opinion and take the music for wat it is. Here's the video.

Simba to be King

I respect all artist and their build to become #1 in the game, but Corey Gunz is a tru problem. He is what hip hop needs right now lyrically. Why he's not the face of hip hop yet, I honestly don't understand. Maybe people haven't opened their minds or ears enough. No matter what, he's the truth. Hip Hop ain't dead, it's just been ignored. Even his freestyle tells his story and his skills with the word play. Even Young Money, who stands at the top right now, has nothin' on the young Corey Gunz. He will take over as long as real Hip Hop makes it's movement with artist such as Wale, Kid Cudi, J. Cole & many more taking the fore front of Hip Hop. Check out his freestyle. Monster.