If you take one part Don Cornelius, two parts midnight oil, a little dry sarcasm and a whole lot of Brooklyn, you’ll find yourself circling the block where Fabolous just bought property to set up shop for The Soul Tape. When he isn’t in between reels (pick one: movie or music) portraying some Mafia Don with an oversized suit, he’s in his zone; his element, giving the ladies something to vibe to so the fellas can catch their vibrations. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s something undeniably unique about XV’s product. Maybe it’s the way he’s able to blend catchy hooks with free-flowing rhymes. Or maybe it’s the uptempo-drenched beats that give backbone to his tracks. These are unique, no doubt; however, it’s the relative subject material of porn, video games and a nerdy ethos that gives the Wichita, Kansas-bred MC’s product charm. Read the rest of this entry »

About this time last year, Jadakiss co-signed Vado as one of the best new artists he had heard in a New York minute. Ever since then, I had wondered when a collaboration between the two would take seeing as how I’m a fan of both. “Check ‘Em Out” ends that waiting game and even sweetens the pot with a feature from one of the better guest appearance rappers ever, Ludacris. Read the rest of this entry »

Them say Gunz N Butta is in stores April 19th. I’m still leery because it’s been coming soon since forever. But now, the joint is up for pre-order on iTunes which means the date could very well be the real thing. Read the rest of this entry »

As if the world needed more evidence of Killa’s gift of gab with the women, we’re blessed with even more. Read the rest of this entry »

According to Cam and his ace Miss Info, yesterday’s track, “Throw It In The Air,” was stolen from his email. Bad business, but I guess we all benefit since Killa decided to release the proper version with assists from Jimmy, Vado and Sen City. Read the rest of this entry »

Nastiness. Not Fat Joe, silly. The big, full horns Mark Henry provided for Crack and Vado. Read the rest of this entry »

XV just might be the most known unknown since 3-6 Mafia went Hollyhood and back to the hood. The Kansas upstart’s name swirled in the wind for two XXL Freshmen classes and he’s still on the outside looking in. But with the ink dried on a Warner Bros. deal and The Kid With The Green Backpack supposedly done, Vizzy appears to be ahead of the curve. Read the rest of this entry »

Being a heavyset brother from New York who raps has to be tough; almost like playing basketball in Chicago with a bald head. Still, Fred The Godson has been making his rounds for a minute now and slowly but surely continues to carve a name out for himself in the New York Hip-Hop scene. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he ended up as one of XXL’s Freshmen for this year now that I think about it. Read the rest of this entry »

“Just bought new heat, like Chris Bosh, the four will rise, Get criss-crossed, you all will die…That flu in me, mouth foam like blue Pennys…”

It’s not a weak statement when Vado remarks that all he needs it the beat. Read the rest of this entry »

Honestly, I figured Vado’s name was etched in stone for XXL’s Freshmen ’11 list but apparently not as Cam’ron shares the news in his very recent Shade 45 interview. Matching talents, promise and buzz, it’s hard to imagine too many other guys more deserving. Yet, Cam and XXL‘s editors not being able to come to an agreement on how V should be presented showcases just shows the underside of industry politics that makes the coveted list a crock of shxt anyways.

Dah well. U.N. and Young Money together on the track.

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Vado Feat. Cory Gunz – “Night Rider”

Eh, hopefully this cutting room track won’t revive the Hip-Hop musical sampling fiasco. Lordy knows we had our fill with Jay and Busta in the late 90s. Nevertheless, the Harlem bosses know how to muddy up any squeaky clean sound with their odes to indo and O.P.P. Read the rest of this entry »

Photo: Crook Robbins

Go slime, it’s your time. As nation so astutely pointed out, “Hands Down” works the same sample as Slime Flu’s “Crimesquare” so we’ll assume the track’s just an extra of some sort. Still, he & araabMUZIK finding an enviable chemistry and Vado MH tosses out a few quips that grab your ears. Read the rest of this entry »

In 2010, The Diplomats finally let bygones be bygones and decided more money could be made by being friends as opposed to acting like they never knew each other existed since “the breakup” a few years back. That’s all well and good, but even more important – and interesting – was the emergence of Vado. Read the rest of this entry »

A few weeks ago, I drew the ire of a few folks on Twitter by saying Vado could very well end up being a better artist than any of the former or current Dips. I still stand behind the idea, considering that even on his best day Jimmy is an average rapper at best. I’m a huge fan of Capo and he’s a great entertainer, but there’s little argument for his mic skills. From Me To You Juelz bests the I Can’t Feel My Face, Weezy-influenced incarnation or the other style adapting versions we hear now. Read the rest of this entry »