ABL's own Oplex Releases Single from upcoming Indie Release

                                                        

Mixtape Friday: Cocaine Muzik 5: White Friday

Reviewed by Tee-Mack

This week I'm bring you the southern sounds of Yo Gotti and his latest mixtape entitled Cocaine Muzik 5: White Friday. Hosted by Bigga Rankin, this mixtape features artists such as Waka Flocka and Ciara. Although Yo Gotti isnt as lyrically endowed as some of my favorite rappers, the beats in this mixtape fill that void and emmit  a 8Ball and MJG flava.

Two of my favorite songs featured on the mixtape are "It's On" and "We Can Get It On" which features Ciara. Yo Gotti is signed to J Records and is working on his 5th LP entitled: "Live from the Kitchen". 

There is no release date set, but the LP should be refreshing for the rapper who hasn't released a studio album in six in six years.

                                                             

So ok, he's on the back burner at the label but  I'm still going to

            give this mixtape one thumb up because overall it sucked and the lyrical content

           WAS SUBPAR!!!!

  But don't take my word for it, you be the judge! Click here to listen.

New Leak- Common ft. Nas (Produced by No ID)

Sources are stating that this song will be on Common's new album. Never the less, it is new and in our eyes is considered a leak. Plus, if you're on your hip-hop, you know that Common and Nas on the same track just sounds good!

Alter Ego Music

Blogged By Julian Williams

 Music is a global production of sounds that are soothing and moving to the soul. Many people take interest in this industry, but do they have what it takes to rise, or at least bring in some steady cash? Many men will try and fail. The question one must ask is: what makes the difference in those who succeed?

There are numerous differences that can be established, but ambition, or putting your dreams in action has to be one of the mindsets of a successful musician. Alter Ego Music possesses the type of ambition necessary to achieve the unimaginable. They have dropped 3 mixtapes in less than half a year, and are racking up fans along the way. Being that they are fairly new to the hip-hop musical world, they adhere to the process of growth. Taking pride in musical creation is a must because pouring your mind, heart and soul through music is what captures the hearts of listeners. Alter Ego Music has developed a recipe of hustle to make it in the hip hop business. Check them out at http://www/alteregomusic.tk/ 

           

In the reality we live, everything is a process, from learning to ride a bike to building a multi-million dollar company. We all must crawl before we walk. Alter Ego Music utilizes an identical concept, by applying the method of success to the music they create. Learning as they go, they speak their minds through lyrics and upbeat personality. Alter Ego Music is powered by individuality and building their own philosophy of life through personal perspectives and external experiences. Their eyes are set on the prize, and tend to have a huge impact on the world, bringing about new ideas, innovations and theories into the hip hop world of theory and truth.

Mixtape Fridays: Mac Miller- Best Day Ever

Reviewed by Tee-Mack

For those who haven't heard of Mac Miller, Let me drop some knowledge on the 19 year old Jewish Hip Hopper from Pittsburg.

Miller is a small guy making big waves in the hip-hop community with his latest mixtape entitled "Best Day Ever". Listening to this mixtape you will find Miller's flow to be similar to that of Wiz Khalifa's (Pre-Rolling Papers of course). This should come as no surpise because not only are Khalifa and Miller Pittsburg natives, they are also label mates on Rostrum Records.

With witty lyrics about money, parties, and of course "everyone's favorite recreational drug", this mixtape, in essence, out shines  Khalifa's "Rolling Papers."  One of my personal favorites is "Donald Trump" where Miller exclaims in the hook "We go take over the world while these haters get mad!" Needless to say, I give this mixtape my stamp of approval. Not bad at all for the up and coming Hip-Hopper from Pittsburg. So you know what time it is- click here to get your listen on.

LiL B's "I'm Gay" Album Receives Death Threats and Praise from Lupe

Lupe Fiasco was spotted on Twitter giving praise to LiL B's "I'm Gay" album. Meanwhile, The Young Turks Network reported that upon announcing the title of the new album, he received death threats from his fans!

Here's the deal- Lupe stated in a tweet (today), "I actually think callin his album "I'm Gay" is GENIUS & Revolutionary, the cover is Genius, some brave sh@t...AND he spittin REAL sh@t...I actually think callin his album "I'm Gay" is GENIUS & Revolutionary, the cover is Genius, some brave sh@t...AND he spittin REAL sh@t."

Well, to put it all in perspective, the California native might just be expressing his liberal views on life and hip-hop. And what has it done? Yup, you guessed it: controversy to 3rd degree.


MTV reports that the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defemation criticized LiL B's album title. Maybe, just maybe they did that because- you guessed it- he's not gay! Via MTV, LiL B clears the record:
 "I'm very gay but I love women. I'm not attracted to men in anyway. I've never been attracted to a man in my life. But yes, I am gay. I'm so happy. I'm a gay heterosexual male."

This has to be our most eyebrow raising blog of the month! Okay, the death threats were inappropriate, but it's reasonable to see why gays would find this offensive.  In other words, it's easy to perceive that LiL B is simply using a alternative sexual orientation as a means to bring attention to himself.  So if you hate Kanye because of his class clown tactics, you probably won't like LiL B- same thing, different approach.

If you want to say it's revolutionary, I would have to say in what way, especially considering that gays leading defamation organization opposed this expression. Oh, don't forget Lupe has a new album out too and just recently made the national press for calling Obama a terrorist. With that said, the only sense I can make out of any of this is: controversy sells.

Jill Scott Tops the Billboard Charts

 What can we say here at ABL- Jill Scott is simply on fire and we're not ashamed to do three blogs on her in one month!

 Jill Scott's fourth studio LP has placed her in what was previously uncharted territory: The Light of the Sun is number one on the Billboard charts. In her first week, consumers purchased 135,000 copies. Without question, Scott is deserving of this kind of reward- after all, she's a hard worker and nothing short of a trend setter.

While we're speaking of accomplishments, the single So in Love made Time Magazine's 2011 best of summer music list. So in Love also has the number one spot on Urban Adult Radio. Is this what it takes to finally have a performance at the BET Awards (Pun intended BET)? At anyrate, it's good to see Jilly from Philly shine and throw another award next to the three Grammys she has.