Friday, 31 July 2009

Drake featuring Saukrates - The Search

Try to make a profit, or try to make a difference...

This track is massive, there's nothing else for me to say!
N.B In parts the melody makes me feel like Huey from the Boondocks is going to come in with a verse.

Click here to download

Eminem - The Warning

Just a warning before I blow up your whole spot...

Damn!!! I thought Mariah went hard for even having the B's to release a track dissing Em but he has actually destroyed her with his reply. Unless she responds again, which I doubt she will, she has lost this battle quicker than Amir Khan did against Breidis Prescott. I dread to think what bombs Eminem might start bringing out if this goes any further - you know these celebs love a secret sex tape. I for one dont wish to see home girl in any compromising positions.

Click here to download

Monday, 27 July 2009

Maleka - Go (official video)

This is one of my favourite UK Funky tracks. Produced by one of the biggest production outfits in the UK underground scene - Crazy Cousinz featuring the sweet vocals of Maleka.
Great video, so happy they stayed away from the usual urban thing of standing in front of the camera doing random hand movements like a constipated cat.

Saturday, 25 July 2009

Fabolous - Loso's Way, the movie

Trailer...

I can't wait for this to hit cinemas/DVD. It looks wicked!

Friday, 24 July 2009

Fabolous - Throw It In The Bag (remix) live recording

Fabo in the booth laying down his verses...

DJ Target - At The Weekend (volume 2)

Target kill a soundbwoy fast...

I haven't featured any UK Funky on the blog yet for the simple fact that I'm not the biggest fan. Yes, I know I play Deep and Soulful House but Funky is a whole different vibe for me and I'm only in the mood for it if the production is top notch and the DJ is dropping it right. So you know that this is definately a CD to be in your collection if I'm endorsing it!

At The Weekend is a free series of UK Funky mix CDs by my homeslice DJ Target. For all the overseas viewers and those not familiar with Targo; he is one of the leading DJs in the infamous Roll Deep Entourage and holds down one of the biggest radio shows in the U.K on BBC 1xtra.
The CD features a combination of 28 commercial, forthcoming and exclusive tracks from Crazy Cousins, Wiley, Fuzzy Logik and Dennis Ferrer to name a few, perfectly blended in the mix. I've had it on repeat now for the past few hours and it's definately one to get you into that weekend party mood, whether it's before you go out or you're just having a dance around your bedroom.

Check Target out live on BBC 1xtra, online and via DAB, every Saturday night from 11pm (UK time) for a mixture of Hip-Hop, R&B, UK Funky and Bashment.

Click here to download

Kid Cudi - Call Me Moon Man

Kid Cudi is what's really good at the minute. This is an unreleased track, however no-one is sure whether it has made the final cut for his album Man On The Moon: The End of Day coming out 15th September.

Click here to download

Jay Z featuring Rihanna & Kanye West - Run This Town

Someone should've told them he's a f##king Rock star...

Jay-Z debuted his brand new single only a matter of hours ago and Hip-Hop fans over the globe have been in a frenzy ever since! Jigga is my favourite rapper and it feels like I've been waiting for Blueprint 3 to land forever. The official release date is sometime in September.

I'm loving the guitar and rock feel on this one and despite many being apprehensive and moaning a couple weeks back about Drake not being on it, when he was rumoured to be, I think Jay chose the right artists in Yeezy and Ri-Ri.

Click here to download

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

Dru Hill - Indrupendence Day

Blast from the past...

I did warn you all that it was the year of the comeback didn't I? This time it's those fruity guys with the relaxed and bleached hair - Dru Hill. To be fair to them they have been trying to resurrect their career and prove that they're still 'relevant' since the beginning of the year with a reality TV series, Platinum House. The show is produced and funded by the legendary Keith Sweat and follows the steps they take to get themselves back out there. Although I'd love to know who exactly persuaded Keith Sweat that anyone would actually be interested in watching a show about these guys so late on in the day.

I didn't think it was even possible but Jazz has gotten even bigger, I'm talking Sherman Klump division - Jazz, brotha you're hurting my soul (and quite possibly your own). And who is this new guy 'cos that sure as hell isn't Woody?!
Anyway, they will be releasing a studio album, InDRUpendence Day, later on this year - the first single from the album coincidently of the same name is out now. For me it's another one of those, "let's just remix a song everyone already knows", cop-outs and is basically just an '09 edit of How Deep Is Your Love. Still, Sisqo always was a great vocalist and did the track some sort of justice. I sincerely hope the LP is worth it when it eventually hits our stores.

Click here to download

Billionaire Boys / BBC

New for July...







Asher Roth Featuring Busta Rhymes - Lion Roar

Throw back to the 1st quarter...

This originally dropped around March but seeing as I'm currently listening to Asleep In The Bread Aisle I thought I'd post one of my favourite tracks by him. Love Busta's flow on this one too.

Click here to download


Amerie featuring Nas, Jadakiss, Rick Ross and Cain - Why R U (remix)

You're lucky just to have just one love...

Amerie is back, and with a bang as usual. The first single Why R U? from her forthcoming studio album, In Love & War, has been causing a stir on the airwaves for the past two months and now the remix featuring Nas, Jadakiss, Rick Ross and Cain is doing the rounds too.




Click here to download - Why R U (original)
Click here to download - Why R U (remix)



Keri Hilson

Brand new music...

We all love Miss Keri - shes hot, and so is her music! Her debut album, In a Perfect World, is one of my favourites this year and I'm still playing it like it's brand new five months later.
Even after dropping her number 1 album Keri hasn't taken her foot off the accelerator and is still floating about doing features and working with the producer who first introduced us to her in 2007, Timbaland.

Here is some new material from the songstress; first up The Ring, a track produced by Timbaland - which you probably wouldn't realise if you hadn't been told before hand as it doesn't feature any of his signature sounds. Saying that, it's probably one of the reasons Timbo has been around for so long, he always switches up his game when you least expect it. It's a nice, well-written slow tempo track which will hopefully see a proper release in some form.
The second is from the forthcoming Fabolous album Loso's Way, due for release on July 28th, also featuring (and produced by) Ryan Leslie entitled Everything, Everyday, Everywhere. You don't even need to ask if it's massive with R-Les on production!

Click here to download - The Ring

Click here to download - Everything, Everyday, Everywhere

Watch the behind the scenes video from the official shoot


Tuesday, 21 July 2009

Despicable Me - film trailer

I cant wait to see this film, I'm a sucker for animation and CGI.

You can download Pharrell's single from the film if you missed it a few days ago by clicking here

Ryan Leslie

Keeping the levels high...

I remember first hearing R-Les in 2005 and falling in love with his production, in 2006 people still didn't know who he was other than "that guy who produced Cassie's Me & U single".
Fast forward to 2009 and everybody now knows that there's nothing this guy can't do in the music game; sing, write, rap, produce - and unlike the majority of leading producers making R&B/Hip-Hop using Logic, Pro Tools etc, R-Les plays his instruments live. If you've been a follower of his YouTube page (Ryan Leslie TV) you will have seen him making beats in his studio, and creating and learning keys after being put on the spot on live radio shows! That ish is nothing short of amazing to watch.

You have to respect this guys work rate, he only released his debut album the self-title Ryan Leslie in February of this year but has already pretty much finished his second studio album, Transition, which is scheduled to be released this winter. Despite continuously working with so many artists, doing features and making this own album Ryan Leslie has never released material that is below par.
Below are a few tracks off the Transition album, presumably the finally edits but as we know anything can happen in the studio between now and the actual release date so get them now.

Click here to download - All My Love

Click here to download - Nothing

Click here to download - Something That I Like (feat. Pusha T)

Asher Roth - D.O.A Freestyle


Click here to download

Kid Cudi - Make Her Say (video)

Fabolous featuring Drake - Throw It In The Bag remix

My player cards approved, you declined...

I'm pretty sure I've said in previous posts that I'm in love with drake so I won't bother repeating it and get to the point. This track is stupidly massive, and a real remix! Not no add a quick verse to an already finished track, totally new production and lyrics. Drake and Fabo did the damn thing!

Click here to download - clean

Click here to download - dirty



Chris Brown apology

Better late than never I guess...

Rather than issuing a cowardly statement through his lawyers or record company Chris Brown opted to make a video apology to Rihanna and upload it to his YouTube page. Now I'm not sure if I'm just being cynical here but it does look as though he rehearsed it a fair few times before posting, even the facial expressions look timed. But much props to him for having the B's to admit he was in the wrong.

Juelz Santana featuring Jeremih - Live The Life

They know I aint no cop but they keep reaching in my holster, POW!...

After hating the album so much Jeremih redeemed himself on this track and Juelz did his thing as standard.

Click here to download








Monday, 20 July 2009

Omarion

Brand new music...

Managed to get my paws on some new Omarion bits, I'm presuming these are leaks from his forthcoming album but I'm not entirely sure. Totally loving What Do You Say.

Click here to download - What Do You Say

Click here to download - Smokin' A Bottle

Mariah Carey - Obsessed (remix)

Featuring Ja Rule, Harry-O and Gucci Maine...


Wow, Ja Rule is really jumping on these remixes lately. He must've been extra happy with this one though, another chance to have a pop at Eminem and co.
Still much prefer the original.

Click here to download

Jeremih - Jeremih

The ANTI-climax...

Hands down, this has to be the worst LP I have purchased this year! Off the back of Birthday Sex I was really looking forward to hearing what this guy would come with hoping it wasn't just a one off big track - unfortunately for me it was the latter.
With the exception of the first two tracks on the album, That Body and Birthday Sex, I could quite happily never listen to it again.

Nevertheless if you want to hear it for yourself it's out now in all major and independent record stores and digitally on iTunes.

Maxwell - BLACKsummers'night

Recommended LP...


I've had this album for a little over a month now and I can honestly say that it is an amazing album from start to finish. So good that it sold well over 316,000 units in it's first week, topping the American billboard charts - not bad for someone who hasn't released any material for the past 8 years is it?!
Along with his suprise new haircut, Maxwell doesn't faulter in bringing something new to the Neo-Soul table. With songwriting skills, production and vocals to give you goose bumps you should really add this future classic to your collection.

Tracks I'm feeling;

Bad Habits
Pretty Wings
Help Somebody
Love You
Fistful of Tears
Playing Possum

The album is out now in all major and independent record stores - including iTunes.

Saturday, 18 July 2009

BlackBerry Messenger 5.0

Instant messaging just got a whole lot better...

If you own a BlackBerry you'll already know how handy the messenger application is for keeping in contact with friends, people overseas and if you're a perv in a night club - random chicks whos PINs you've obtained.
The only downfall with BBM was its lack of features that you'd find on other messengers such as MSN - avatars etc. BBM 5.0 is about to change all that, it includes;

* Avatar support — set your own avatar using the Camera or saved photo on your device (this is displayed locally as well as shown next to your Messenger name on your friend’s buddy list)
* GPS location integration — you can now set permissions so friends can always see your location, have to request it each time, or never can see it
* Proximity sensor — we’re guessing this will let you know if you’re within a certain distance of friends (pending, of course, you’re both set to share locations freely with each other)
* Set conversation subjects — this will allow you to organize your convos on the main Messenger screen and label them with subjects to keep track of all your conversations
* Homescreen support — you can pin/sticky actual Messenger contacts directly to the homescreen for easy access!

Click here to download it - probably easiest if you download it straight from your BlackBerry browser if you aren't good at installing applications via desktop.

Friday, 17 July 2009

T.I - T.I.P Drill

You just can't keep a good rapper down...


If you're a T.I fan by now you will have already heard that the reissue of his album Paper Trail will no longer be coming out next month (August). The reissue entitled Paper Trail: Case Closed was due to include five previously unheard tracks, but the powers that be at the label (Atlantic) have decided to shelve the project, unsuprisingly giving no explanation as to why or when, if ever, it will see the light of day in CD form. Instead they have chosen to release the unheard tracks which include "Remember Me" featuring Mary J Blige and other collaborations with Ciara and The Dream one at a time via Atlantic's online store. Not even iTune you know, jokers.

"The re-release is definitely not happening, we plan on releasing the additional songs digitally." (Atlantic Records representative, via MTV)

Instead we have to make do with a brand new mixtape, I for one am not complaining. I say brand new but it includes a couple of his hits from the last year or so such as, Big Shit Popping, What You Know and Let's Get Away. It does however have a load of exclusive/unreleased tracks and Remember Me with Mary J. If you're a T.I fan you need this in your collection.

Tracks I'm feeling;

Don't Give Up
That's What I Thought
Bread Up featuring Trick Daddy and Keri Hilson
Magic featuring Robin Thicke
Good Loving featuring Mary J Blige
Way That You Want It

Click here to download


Chico DeBarge / Talib Kweli

Work your matter but dont subtract me...

Another one of my primary school crushes has crawled out from under the woodwork - maybe '09 is the year of the comeback? I just hope that no one tells MC Hammer though, that is one person whos comeback album I'm not eager anticipating!
Mr DeBarge has been missing for the past 6 years but is back with a brand new album, Addiction. This is a cut straight from the album; Chico bringing the soul like only he can complimented by Talib Kweli - "Math"

Click here to download and pick up the album in stores now!

Termanology

Blackberry hype...

It's no secret that my Blackberry barely leaves the palm of hand, I even think I might be developing a rare form of Blackberry R.S.I from the constant use but all these songs about them are slightly cheesey.
Here's the latest one by Termanology featuring Hggnz - "Blackberry".

Click here to download

Pharrell

Skateboard P gets his way...

Pharrell will be working on the official soundtrack for computer animated 3-D film Despicable Me, which is set to hit our screens on July 9th 2010. Here is what I preseume to be one of the lead singles off the soundtrack of the same name.
I'm definately feeling this one - even if you didn't know it was the soundtrack to a film it lets off the vibe of suspense and for me has a sort of Pink Panther type feel to it production wise. I've heard a few people saying they don't like it for various reasons but it's definately worth a peep.

Click here to download

Cassie, Diddy, Ja Rule

Hollaaaaaaaaaa...

I always wonder if Ja Rule releases music sporadically because he's suffering from a sore throat, someone with a voice that deep must suffer some kind of strain, surely? Anyway he's jumped on Cassie's popular Must Be Love alongside Diddy. I've got to admit that I'm slightly disappointed that Diddy didn't drop a fresh verse for this remix and I wasn't really impressed with Rule's lyrics, but then I've always preferred the original by Day 26 anyway so I may be slightly biased. Have a listen for yourselves.

Click here to download

Lil Wayne

Hitting more home-runs than one...

Lil Wayne has taken a break from impregnating half the American population and dropped a brand new track featuring Mack Maine - Baseball Sex. I'm feeling it.

Click here to download

Nodeci

Brand new music...

Ok, when I initially heard the name I thought it was some weak group/artist taking the Michael, then I found out it was actually Mr Dalvin and Devonte behind the name (and the amazing vocals).
Jodeci minus K-Ci and Jo Jo = Nodeci. Clever guys ha ha. I have been in love with these guys, literally, since I was about 8 years old so obviously I for one am happy that Jodeci, in some form, have finally left the after party, put down the drink/drugs and got back in the studio. I'm guessing that not a lot of people have cottoned on that they're back in the game yet judging by the meagre about of followers they have on MySpace and Twitter but obviously we all know once people realise its the boys that will all change.



Their first release doing the rounds and the one up on their MySpace is Sex In You (part ooo), which is a nice Slow Jam about, erm.... sex. But I've managed to get my paws on another track by them entitled I Got This with the general feel, and re-vamped hook, of the infamous Feenin' - which coincidently is one of my favourite ever Jodeci tracks.

Nodeci - I Got This: click here to download
Nodeci - Sex In You (part ooo): click here to download

Kid Cudi

Live on Tim Wetwood...

I heart Kid Cudi. He has the most disturbing Twitter updates, but is an amazingly talented guy none-the-less. I love people who aren't afraid to push artistic boundaries for fear of what others think and am really looking forward to the album Man on the Moon: The End of Day dropping September 15th.

Thursday, 16 July 2009

Mariah Carey Obsessed

Official video...

I posted the mp3 via Twitter a while back, still loving the track but the video is absolute rubbish. Considering what the song is Miss Carey could have done a lot more with the visuals and stayed away from the usual wind swept themes she has in all her videos, but I guess that would be asking a little too much - right? I loved the Stan references she did dressed up as a man, but overall it's a bit dry!

Tuesday, 14 July 2009

Q-Tip

The best of the Abstract...

J.Period Presents... The [Abstract] Best

If you follow me on Twitter then you'll know that a few months ago I was calling for a renaissance of A Tribe Called Quest. I was a bit too young to fully appreciate their movement, or even have much knowledge of it, but fell in love with them in the mid-90s and haven't looked back since. To this day the lyrics of Bonita Applebum, Stressed Out, What's The Scenario and Can I Kick It? remain firmly lodged in my memory.
Q-Tip will always be one of my favourite and most respected wordsmiths, not only for his lyrical content but his delievery, flow and the different, (abstract), way he approaches his subjects.

Even though he released an album last year you can imagine how happy I got when he dropped an official mixtape, a "best of" if you like, alongside J Period. This features many of his classic tracks - solo and ATCQ, some refixes and snippets of him Behind The Scenes explaining where the ideas for certain tracks came from.
If you're into what I call 'real' Hip-Hop then this has got your name written all over it. Featuring artists such as De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, Stevie Wonder, Nas and Big Daddy Kane its almost like a forum for Hip-Hop/Jazz Rap history.


Tracks I'm Feeling;

What's The Fuss
Give Up The Goods
Gangster B*tch
Award Tour
Jazz (Tribute Remix)
Vibrant Thing (Remix)
...... ahhhh there are way too many to mention, just download it and fall in love all over again for yourself!

Click here to download

Poe Picasso

Diamond in the rough...

Meet Poe Picasso from Brooklyn, USA. An unsigned Hip Hop artist whose word play, flow and delivery definately shouldn't be slept on. He claims to be bringing truth to the light in Hip-Hop's darkest hour, sparking fire in the darkness - and listening to his promo track 'You Gotta Love It', he's not far off.
Reminiscent of the realism and consciousness that artists such as Q-Tip and Phonte were bringing to the table in the early '90s , this is an uptempo feel good track that got me nodding my head from the first time I heard it. Poe talks about his love of Hip Hop, why rappers should put their heart and soul into the music they're making and the importance of getting back to the fountations of good music and staying away from gimmicks.

"we do it for the love of the art not distribution"



Poe Picasso has even financed and distributed his own album, Exhibit A - The Real Hip-Hop Project, for free via his MySpace page.

Download the single You Gotta Love It here

If you're feeling that then check out the album by downloading it here - 16 tracks deep, its worth downloading even if you just want to introduce your ears to something new.

Tracks I'm feeling;

Checking The Levels
Two Words And Then Some
Outside
9th Inning
She Cries


Sunday, 12 July 2009

Louis Vuitton

Love, love, love this bag! Really feeling the football pattern, have no idea what its called though.

Melanie Fiona & Quest Love

The Roots...

?uestlove in the guise of WQST Radio present Melanie Fiona; a live jam session of her forthcoming album The Bridge. Inbetween tracks are interviews with herself and ?uestlove giving an insight into her background and how she got started in music. This is the only official mixtape, as posted by Miss Fiona herself.



Download it here

Pharrell

Out of this world...

This is nothing less than massive production from Mr Bape himself featuring artists such as Common, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Young Jeezy, Usher and Rick Ross to name but a few.

Download it here

Drake

Heartbreak Drake part 2 (R & Drizzy Edition)...


It's no secret that I've been in love with Drake for the past 18 or so months, so naturally I've been all over this mixtape since I got it this evening. It's an unofficial mixtape, presumably to keep us sweet until his album, Thank Me Later , drops towards the end of this year and obviously Drake doesn't disappoint.

Download it here

Friday, 10 July 2009

Weezy F Baby

These are far from l'il...

There has been a lot of hype around the sneakers Lil Wayne wore to the BET Awards and where he got them from. Well I've finally found out and they look even better close up.
Meet the Supra Skytops which were exclusively customised at the CLVII Store. Like Smokey in Friday all i can say is; "daaaaaaaamn!!!"


Louis Vuitton / Kanye West

Women's shoe...

I'm so disappointed that we only got one shoe while the men have an array of choices, but smiling right now because the one we can get our hands on is awesome as you can see.


Nike Blazer Hi

Men & Women - More summer stunners...

Absolutely love these!
The men's Blazer Hi comes in white leather with patent blue swoosh and matching sole while the women's are an amazing mixture of suede tongue and toe cap with matching swoosh and tonal graphic printed leather and neon yellow highlights. Sick!!!



Women's Nike Air Jordan Icy Collection

Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 1 Phat Low...

The Air Jordan 1 comes in all pink with the Phat Low in white/yellow. Both a very good look for the summer - if we manage to get one in the U.K