Get ready to blast off into the innermost R.E.M. stage of a pure MC’s cerebral cortex. Straight from the heart of Leimert Park, Co$$ is sleepwalking with precision and confidence with his studio debut album, Before I Awoke on the horizon. A black and white backdrop, jazzy lounge composition and a plethora of palm trees are all representation of the West Coast’s newest astronaut. Read the rest of this entry »

Before last week, I had never heard of Rochelle Jordan. After one song, however, I’m now on a hunt to uncover more material from the charming Toronto songstress. The press release states ’90′s R&B rank as a distinct influence on how she approaches music and it resonates through her own product. Without putting too much too soon on an artist I barely know from a can of paint – but I’m going to anyway – Read the rest of this entry »

Rittz reminisces on “Piece of MInd,” painting a picture of life and struggle, pain and violence. His rapid-fire flow is in full effect throughout, but instead of obscuring his message, the verbal acrobatics only amplify the emotion he brings to this cut. Read the rest of this entry »

Jasmine Solano’s “Turn It Up” is equal parts reverberating bass and full-on rap ruckus. With the second single and accompanying music video from her forthcoming EP, our favorite BK-based DJ and rapper may look like a butterfly but she always stings with music fit to raise the decibel levels in any club. Read the rest of this entry »

Fat Joe licks shoes. Mistah F.A.B. just lets ‘em stack to the ceiling to create a leaning tower of sneakers. When you’re on your Grind, there’s rarely any time to stop and enjoy the finer things in life. Yet, there’s many rivers to cross; many miles to trek to get to your mountaintop, and I’ll be damned if you don’t need plenty of kicks to get there. Read the rest of this entry »

The late ’80s saw Black filmmakers gaining prominence in a renaissance led by Spike Lee. However, Lee’s influence wasn’t limited to film and still remains strong, as evidenced by dope.’s Summer 2011 lineup. Read the rest of this entry »

He may be “booked out ’til August” but the time is now for Ace Hood to have a block party in front of the coroner’s office, handing out toe tags with the We The Best logo stamped on them. His third album, Blood, Sweat And Tears, is on the way but DJ Infamous is helping the young Miami rapper carry out the autosopies on his Body Bag Vol. 1 mixtape. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s good news and bad news with Sleepy Brown’s new audio nugget, “You’re My Lady.” Want the bad news first? No, this is not a cover of the classic D’Angelo record. Either way, a treat was in order, but my subconscious kept praying Sleepy would add his syrupy Dungeon Family drawl to the 1995 classic. Read the rest of this entry »

Summertime Chi

As life would have it, I was only able to spend a few months as a Chicago resident. At least it was during the summer though. The city was alive with culture, food, history, sports and the best mild sauce man could ever ask for. Not to mention, the Ralph Lauren store on Michigan Avenue still brings a lone tear to my eye. Had I still paid been paying my taxes in the Chi, Mikkey Halsted’s summertime ready “Linen” would find itself as apart of my daily routine. Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to tribute songs, “How To Do That” may be a first. Despite most odes to fallen soldiers being down-tempo and carrying orchestral qualities, The Cali Swag District stay true to form and take their homie’s memory straight to the club. Read the rest of this entry »

Say whatever needs to be said about Rick Ross, but be sure call the guy a noble facilitator. Where and how long Meek Mill, Wale and Pill’s careers eventually peak remains to be seen, but thanks to their association with The Fat Man, their buzzes have grown exponentially since the ink dried. And Rozay appears to be more than willing to share the spotlight. Read the rest of this entry »

Toni

Ray Lewis: No Football = More Crime [Baltimore Beat Down]

10 People We Know Because Of Oprah [CNN]

Google Turns To Lady Gaga & Her Fans To Promote Chrome Browser [Hypebot]

How Not to Play Defense,’ Starring Kyle Korver [Basketball Jones] Read the rest of this entry »

MTV:

“It’s just been a great experience for me, whether they go on the album, whether they don’t go on the album,” Swizz said of his time spent in the studio with Dre and the songs they’ve recorded. ” ‘V.I.P. Chillin’,’ I took that one for myself, but I would gladly give it back to him anytime he wants it back.” Read the rest of this entry »

Photo: Kristofferson San Pablo

Beware of that damn infatuation stage. It may feel like pure bliss but you could easily find yourself stumbling over your own two feet if you don’t keep your eyes straight ahead of the situation. Just ask the good brothers of the Mania! movement, Pac Div. In their conquest for lust love, they find themselves in a titty trace; assmatized from all the voluptuous that cross their path. Read the rest of this entry »

Want to know when a shoe is tough?

When I have to overlook my allegiances and acknowledge greatness. The black and white Rose 1.5 Derrick wore in Game 1 were sharp as tacks and I’ve been quietly reading all the promo and specs on the adiZero Crazy Lights for a while now too. In other words, adidas is nipping at their competitor’s heels and my heart is being slowly won over. Read the rest of this entry »