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!

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.

Mixtape Friday: Rapsody- Thank H.E.R. Now

North Carolina's brightest female emcee, Rapsody is back with a new street album.With production from 9th Wonder and Khrysis, you'd be a fool not to download this one.

Then again, if you feel Nicki Menaj is the best female emcee out, this one may not be for you.  You know the deal-click on the album cover to listen or download.

DMX: The Dog is Back?

Here's the deal- DMX, according to several sources, will be released from incarceration on July 13th. Moreover, he's already discussing a new reality show named "X-tended Family." The 40 year old emcee, hopefully, will stay out of trouble this time around- after all, he has 10 children to feed. Meanwhile his Ex is about to cash in on a upcoming "tell all" book.

Did I mention he doesn't like Drake or Jay-Z?

As you can imagine, many are wondering will his new album, "Redemption of the Beast," (release date TBA) resurrect X back to the days where he was considered one of the greatest emcees of his era. Only time will tell. In the jail house interview with Vibe Magazine, X was asked about the state of hip-hop. Here was his answer and I think he hit the bulls eye:

The name of the game is ‘Get In Where You Fit In, BUT Fit In.’ And for some people fitting in is blending in and doing what everyone else’s doing. For others, fitting in is just knocking niggas out the way. And that’s me. That’s how I’m going be at it. I’ve got my fanbase. -Vibe Magazine

LoKey Throwback: X Clan- Return From Mecca

With one Google search of the keyword "X Clan," one can discover a revelation: X Clan dropped an album in 2007.  Return from Mecca dropped on the independent label, Suburban Noize Records. Do we have to explain why it got no publicity? Of course not. But let it be known that so called "conscious" rap music is still being manufactured.

The hard cold facts is that major labels are very reluctant, at best, to financially support these types of emcees. Thus, many of these acts are forced to go independent. The unfortunate kick back is it limits the number of  people that will hear what they have to offer to the hip-hop genre. Thats why this blog is here- to shine light not only on hip-hop in general, but to give respect and admiration for artists who strive to be different and communicate a well rounded message as opposed to what is "popular" in today's hip-hop market. Enjoy the track Voodoo from X Clan and reminisce on the Golden Age of hip-hop where groups like X Clan could be heard on radio stations all across America.

New Leak: KooL Keith's Single for New Album

 

Kool Keith is back with a new single entitled "The Game is Free." We've always loved Kool Keith- after all he's independent and original.  But he clearly lost us on this single for his upcoming "Love and Danger" album featuring Keith Murray, Mr. Sche, Megabone, The I.M.O & more. We hope this isn't an indicator of what the album will be like.