After a few years out of the limelight, Dwele has re-emerged with his latest taste of soul, “What Profit.” Both written and produced by the multifaceted Detroit singer, this classy single depicts an egocentric high-roller, who ditches his longtime lady after she stuck with him through his rise to the top. Read the rest of this entry »

Any aspiring artist can attest to the notion that Masta Ace’s shortcomings on “Enuff,” from the late 2001 release Disposable Arts, still apply in so many ways today. Read the rest of this entry »

With each passing year comes the realization albums which defined many of my teenage years are getting up there in age as well. Alicia Keys‘ The Diary Of Alicia Keys doesn’t turn 10 until next year, yet the lessons learned continue to stand as a testament of near flawless execution. Read the rest of this entry »

Maybe it’s the (mixtape) Gucci Mane fan in me, but seeing Suzi Analouge’s name, the hook from “I Think I Love Her” immediately popped into my head. Upon giving her (R)ose (A)lways (W)ins EP a fair shake, she and La Flare are polar opposites when it comes to musical approaches; and that’s perfectly acceptable. Read the rest of this entry »

Having written on “Terrorist Threats” once or twice now, a third entry should be a sign the song’s in heavy rotation on this side. Now with a video to go with it, I love it even more because Jhene Aiko’s pretty face pops up all hoodied-up and creates one more angle to spin. Read the rest of this entry »

New Zealand’s favorite ex-pat MC, David Dallas, is prepping the release of his new album, Falling Into Place, by releasing the lead single, “Pay Off.” Producer 41 employs clattering hi hats and an infectious house sample that allow Dallas to continue flexing his lyrical muscle and hustle. Read the rest of this entry »

Described by K.R.I.T. as “a straight up energy record,” “Yeah Dats Me” sticks to the formula that’s already brought him success. The verses hold strong as K.R.I.T. describes his daily operation over an amped up, everything but the kitchen sink beat. Read the rest of this entry »

Let’s break this down into three points.

1. Cocaine 80′s (composed of James Fauntleroy, No I.D., Common and Makeba Riddick) is such a dope name for a group for a slew of reasons. The fact the music (mostly) lives up to the name is even better. Read the rest of this entry »

Stop! Before moving to the next topic because you don’t know who the hell Brei is, just know this is well worth your time. Labeled as indie rock on the songstress’ Soundcloud, this perfectly-executed potion is actually more like haunted hip-hop, which starts sending shivers down your spine from the first bullying bass placements. Read the rest of this entry »

Clearing out the inbox for the day, we have Gucci Mane and 2 Chainz, the valedictorian and salutatorian of enjoyable, elementary trap rap, firing “I’m Up,” the first drop off Gucci’s upcoming tape. Gucci says “I’mma throw a bomb at you” and, while La Flare may not have intended it, Chainz snatches the figurative projectile and hands in a decent verse, Read the rest of this entry »

There aren’t too many people who like the cops. Knowing their audience well, Slim Thug and Z-Ro have teamed to rough up the one time on wax with “FTP,” the first single from their upcoming collaboration album Hogg Life. Read the rest of this entry »

Being in the limelight is difficult to navigate for many newly minted stars. However it seems like the minefield that is fame is even more dangerous for stars based in the black community. World class athletes are robbed at gunpoint and stabbed in nightclubs. Police surveillance is seemingly laser-focused on the shiny new toys owned by your favorite rappers. Read the rest of this entry »

Being self-depreciating can be seen as one of the keys to life. Never taking oneself or life’s circumstances too seriously provides peace of mind and an exhale like no other. Sean Kingston clearly understands the premise, titling his new song “Back 2 Life (Live It Up)” after suffering a near fatal jet ski accident. Read the rest of this entry »

In an effort to create the most laid-back song ever, Curren$y and the ubiquitous 2 Chainz join forces on the latest leak from The Stoned Immaculate, “Capitol.” This is lyrical beanbag chairs. Aural fluffy pillows. The Hip-Hop version of a hot stone massage. Read the rest of this entry »

After hearing all the talent House Shoes has behind the boards during his recent two-part Makings pod-casts, it’s somewhat surprising that his upcoming LP Let It Go will be his first. Yet, timing is everything in this industry, so it’s only fitting he gave us a history lesson on all the tracks he’s blessed, before dropping his lead single, “Last Breath.” Read the rest of this entry »