New Music: Kelly x Tinie Tempah x J.Cole x Drake

Kelly Rowland feat. Lonny Bereal - "Favor"...cute track!

Tinie Tempah - "Did It On Em" (Nicki Minaj Cover) ...hmmmm.

J.Cole - "See It To Believe" ...nuff said.

Drake x Rick Ross x Lil Wayne - "I'm On One" ...nuff said.

DJ Ski Beatz, the Mastermind behind "Reasonable Doubt" Speaks

Hip-Hop Classics like "This Is It" (Luchini), "Politics As Usual" and "Dead Presidents" don't come out of thin air. And if you recall the last two songs are on Jay's debut album, Reasonable Doubt, a must have in your music collection. Much credit is due to Jigga Man himself but, CREDIT must be given to the mastermind behind the production. And, that is (DJ) Ski Beatz. In an interview, he speaks on how the music industry almost jaded his vision in the 90's and how he's back at it with two new titles: rapper and producer. I enjoyed this interview....Good Stuff.

Watch below:

“I got jaded through the industry and I started changing my music up, I got lost for a minute,” he calls. “Like, ‘Oh shit, what the fuck am i doing? Who am I? Where’s my music going? I’m not on top. Am I supposed to be on top?’ …Then I just broke down and stopped.” - DJ Ski Beatz

Jeremih: Look At Me Now (Remix) Video

It seems as if a lot of artists, especially singers, want to jump on Chris Brown's hit "Look At Now". Da Brat & Trey Songz have both put their spin on the track and have gotten favorable reviews. R&B singer Jeremih released his version of the song a while ago but, recently put out a video for his remix. Check it out below:

What Do You Think??

Kelly Reveals NEW Album Title...

I know for sure I am not the only one relieved that Ms. Kelly has a CERTIFIED hit with "Motivation". It's about time she gets the recognition she deserves, IMO! In an interview with Billboard this week, she announced the name and origin of her album title, Here I Am.

"I was talking to my product manager," recalls Rowland, who's currently working in Los Angeles. "I said I wanted people to know that this is the record, the sound I¹ve been working toward... that here I am. And she said,that's the title. It just connected with my heart and the music as well. It stands for everything I've gone through and thought about for this record as a woman. It's very strong."

Her first single, "Motivation", is currently #3 on the Billboard countdown. Get 'em Kelly!

T.I. "Got Your Back" feat. Keri Hilson [Music Video]

Here is the OFFICIAL video for T.I.'s latest single, "Got Your Back" featuring Keri Hilson. The visual features actors Lance Gross (Tyler Perry's House Of Payne) & Jill Marie Jones (Girlfriends).

Don't you just LOVE the ending? Word is that T.I. & Tiny will be getting married within the next week! It's no question that she has stood by him and "had his back" throughout these years so, It's about time!!

Drake Makes "Women Feel Special"

Yet another artist on his grind is "Mr. Find Your Love" better known as Drake. He just released his debut album, Thank Me Later (June 15), and is now working to shoot videos for his next few singles. One of which is for "Fancy" featuring T.I. [produced by Swizz Beats]. You've probably heard, "Oh You Fancy, Huh?" a lot lately...it's all because of Drake.

In a recent interview [below] with MTV.com, Drake says, "It's just to make women feel special" [speaking about the single, "Fancy"]. I would say so, since everyone has been quoting the song like crazy.



Also, As I was browsing I came across this video from the blog, October's Very Own which is mostly dedicated to Drake. The guy definitely shows love to Drake and his album, Thank Me Later, by buying every copy in the store. Now, that's what I call LOVE.


And, according to Drake's Twitter [here] he is already prepping for his NEXT album...ALREADY!

"Started my new album last night too...ok I'm done...miss me video tmrw at 9am...tipsy...maybe? naaaaaaah....maybe tho"

I'm not sure if he was under the influence but, I do know that he is on his grind with that second album!!

Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj - "Bottoms Up"

"Bottoms Up" is Trey's first single from his up-coming album, Passion, Pain, Pleasure, which is to drop this Fall.

Sidenote: Why didn't I know Trey was releasing another album so soon?? The man is GRINDIN'...much respect.

#FACT: Nicki kill'd her verse.

I Ain't Mad 'Atcha, Soulja Boy [New Video]

Watch Soulja Boy's NEW video for "Digital" below:

May I ask what on EARTH is SB doing at exactly the 1:50 mark? I guess man.

People can muster up as much depise and hate for Soulja Boy but, this guy is still making his $$$. Is he the most lyrical? No. Is he the best rapper, as some of his DIE-hard fans would state? Well, I will let you decide that for yourselves. Regardless, you have to respect his hustle.

His album, "Dre" is to to drop July 27, 2010.

I ain't mad at ALL.

Beyonce [NEW VIDEO] - "Why Don't U Love Me?"

It seems as if M[r]s. Beyonce only wants to know one thing...."Why Don't You Love Me?"

* Song written by Solange Knowles

I gotta few questions myself Beyonce...

1. How many outift changes did you make?! Crazy [in a good way]!

1.1. And, Were those the same shorts from the "Crazy In Love" video? [kiddin!]

2. Was there even a cigarette after you were done with it?!

...that is ALL. I'll be fair.

[I THINK...] It's different. Bey better put in that work. The word "hiatus" is not in her vocab. CLEARLY.

Prince, U've [STILL] Got The Look

I found this picture on Prince.org which is [apparently] his largest fan site, && he still has IT! Plus, the hair is always on point w/ him!

Prince can sing his behind off. You know that like I know that!! He is the definition of a true "artist's artist" w/ his ability to play a wide range of instruments...all of which he taught himself. I was a sucker for his music at a very early age. I'm embarrassed to say but, when I was younger, I thought he was Michael Jackson's father...not knowing they really actually weren't far apart in age. But, that was then. && now Prince, to me still can not be topped. His music can be a little "in your face" & downright odd in some instances ("Darling Nikki") but, he still has my vote!! I loved him in Purple Rain, & I can sing each and every song from the soundtrack. Besides "Beautiful Ones" still has my heart to this very day.

Every now & then I listen to this on my I-Tunes. Gotta love LIVE music!

//[Chaka Khan sings "Sweet Thing" while Prince plays for her. This IS music at it's finest.]

*sorry for the bad quality

As my mother would say, "This is grown folks music" but, Prince is timeless man.

"Try It Out" w/ Kandi Burruss [video]

Thanks to SFPL for the heads up! Kandi Burruss is featured in Big Bank Black's video, " Try It Out".

I was a little taken back at the overall message of the video, which was improving the way the lead girl looked b/c she had apparently "fallen off" in the looks department. The theme kind of reminds me of "Upgrade U" (Beyonce) but, a little more straight to the point as the lead girl shows up to the club in ATL looking dolled up w/ Kandi Burruss' crew....

Other than that---the video is cute && Kandi's swagg is at a high so, try it out & click play! :)

The TRUTH is...Erykah

Excuse me for one moment because I just have to let this out...

When we speak of "the truth", many thoughts come to mind. Paul Pierce. Honesty. Purity. Maybe even God. But, when I think of TRUTH in music, I can not, [You can not] over-look the talent that is Erykah Badu.

I'm sitting here, well, I have been sitting in this same spot for about 3 hours listening to Erykah Badu. And not even multiple songs....I have had one song on my mind all night long. "Otherside of the Game" was introduced to me by the music site, Pandora, which is similar to Yahoo Music but, a lot better IMO. Anyways, I have always been a fan of Badu. ALWAYS. She is such a beautiful spirit inside && outside, as you can see by the picture below. Her music speaks to me. It's real. It fails at nothing. It's limitless && speaks what is....truth. So, excuse me on this post...I'm just flowing with it....

I am ashamed to say that I don't own any of her albums but, that is soon to be changed. Baduizm & LIVE is that sh--!



[["Otherside of the Game"]]I'm just discovering the song && the video, which features Andre 3000 *mind you this video was shot in the late 90's.

[The song speaks on a dilemma that Badu is currently facing or thinking about at least. && the video, which I love, shows just that. She speaks on her becoming pregnant and the conflict of her boyfriend (Andre), stating in the chorus, "What you gonna do when they come for you/Work ain't honest but it pays the bills---". I love the colors and she looks flawless in it as well. Take a peek.]
* also who knew Badu had some serious dreads?? check the end of the video && see.

//Live version "Otherside of the Game"
[...I love live music. Feels like you're right there with her almost. Listen in.]


//Recent video of Erykah discussing her new album
[Can you spot Damon Dash??]


...this woman is IT. Her voice is undescribable. Sometimes I don't feel as bad that we've lost Lauryn Hill because we still have Erykah. && I have a feeling we will continue to hear from her for a long time to come.


---until next time.


(Picture: fansite)

Young Dro f/ Yung L.A. New Video && XXL's Jay-Z "Classic Lines"

I said the same thing you're prob thinkin' ("Where have they been?"). I don't know but, I'm glad their back on the scene. I can't even tell you the last Young Dro song I heard, && they STILL play "Ain't I" in the clubs. Why, I do not know. But, the two artists collaborated for the song/video "I Don't Know Ya'll" && I must say that I actually rock w/ it. It's a fun record. The video has a nice effect to it as well. Grand Hustle is back...I guess.



I'm fully aware that this video below does not pertain to anything above but, I saw it on XXL's site & thought it would be a nice post.

You have a favorite Jay-Z line? Well, so do many other people. Here's a clip of fans reciting or attempting to recite their favorite line from the Jigga Man. Some people actually had good lines, while others just needed to give it up. Funny stuff :)

Most Definitely: Wale is about to BLOW!!

I LOVE WALE. I rock with dude all day every day. Like I've said before, and I'll say it again, he is a fresh breath air that we drastically NEED in Hip-Hop. The album drops November 10th (next Tuesday) and although I'm a self-proclaimed "broke college student", I will, I REPEAT, WILL be copping this album.

Because the beginning of the BET's Hip-Hop awards bored me to death, I NEVER watched the entire show, meaning I missed Wale's performance. But, here it is below.

//Wale rips the stage w/ my joint "Pretty Girls"

Ok back to it.

//XXL's "Attention Deficit" Album Review

Wale's album is broken down, as well as how he got started in the game. The review compares Wale's rise to fame to President Obama, and states how he chooses to speak on other issues besides the ones usually covered (i.e money, women, jewelry).

EXCERPT: "What Wale manages to avoid is regurgitating the same frivolous concepts and mundane subject matter that so many rookies feast on. In fact, on the Ronson-helmed “90210,” he boldly touches on females suffering from bulimia and coke addictions (“She throws up whatever she eats/She leave the bathroom with her nose bleed/She live her whole life like TV/And she do anything for everything”)."

It's a pretty good read.

(Check out XXL's review here)

Also, I strongly encourage that you preview the album here. I'm telling you, these 30 second previews are on point! Wale is something that I have never heard from before & this definitely confirms that. If you do nothing at all, check this out.

Seriously, Dude is about to BLOW.

Once again the album drops next week TUESDAY!

//Non-native Becomes Inspired..."Empire State of Mind" premiere

When I first saw the opening sequence to the highly anticipated video, Empire State of Mind, I was immediately drawn back to numerous videos in the past. Think back to Mary J. Blige's "Break Through" video, Jay-Z's opening to his "Fade to Black" documentary, or even more recently Trey Songz' "Invented Sex" opening. It's those bright lights that we are all so familiar, even if we're not native. Hailing from the South, I have only been to New York once. Yet, after viewing this video, I feel inspired.

Hype Williams directed the video, which is a no-brainer giving the execution of the video. Black and white videos [i.e., pictures, etc] are DOPE and will never go out of style. I love the images and the fact that it was shot in the streets, and not in some "bourgeoisie" location.

"In NY, concrete jungle where dreams are made from---." ...I'm a believer :)

*I'm aware that I haven't been posting as much. School kills again.

Jay-Z & A.Keys "Empire State of Mind" (Video Footage)

So, the video for the un-official New York anthem, "Empire State of Mind", is comin'! The song is powerful && the clips below leave me wanting to see more. It kinda gives me a Nas "If I Ruled The World" vibe. It's shot in the streets w/ the bright lights and the energy level is crazy. I can't wait to see this video. 106 is about to have a NEW #1 song before they know it. Check the pics & clips below...

// Jigga Man in New York rappin' into the chorus


[Jay-Z & Alicia Keys on the set of "Empire State of Mind"]

[Stuntin' hard, ain't they?! Love it!!]


"Working together on 'Empire State of Mind' was incredible," Keys said. "I've admired Jay-Z for a long time. Reasonable Doubt is my all-time favorite album, period, and he's been on the scene for long time. I always figured that we would do some type of collaboration, and finally, it came together with this." - Alica Keys told MTV.

//A.Keys performing w/ the bright lights of NY. [People were spazzin' out!!]


//The 2 performin' together. [Dope!!]


There's no word on when the official video will premiere. But, be on the lookout b/c when it hits, it's gonna be unbelievable!!

WHAT DO YOU THINK? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW.

(Pics & Video 1 from: source)
(Videos 2 & 3 from: source)

M&M's much...

...Nah, I'm definitely not talkin' about candy. I'm talkin' Melanie, Mario, && Maxwell. Those 3 M's. (Ok, I kno there's only 2 M's but, in the words of Jay, "workk with tha kid".)

[WHO GOT NEXT?] ==> MELANIE. MARIO. MAXWELL. All 3 are comin super hard on the R&B scene. Their singles are hott, not to mention their great vocals.

LET'S GET INTO IT...

//MEET, [Melanie Fiona]

Roots: Canada
Delivery: Her album, The Bridge (dope title, right?) drops November 3rd!!
Quote: "I really want to be a new artist that reminds people of a time when music was deeper." (source)

//Melanie in a record store discussing her favorite albums


//LIVE performance of her new single "It Kills Me"


**As, you can see I posted the LIVE footage. It's the raw energy that I love. But, you can watch the official video here on her site.

//[Mario]

Delivery: The album, D.N.A., is to be released October 13th
What [really] stirred us up: That dern drastic hair cut!! && then he went bald.

He's been working hard right? He virtually disappeared from the charts && came back with
Gucci Mane for another hit! Currently, he's promoting his 2nd single, "Thinkin' Bout You"which is really catchy!!

Hijacked 4rm Mario's twitter: "Whas Up ladies & gents! Just came back from london! Video for "Thinkin About you" in the bucket! It's a classic! Chris Robinson in a Genius!"

[Mario - "Thinkin' Bout You"]


//[Maxwell]

Delivery: It's already here. His album, BLACKsummers'night was released July 7. I gotta' get this. For some reason, I wasn't intially into "Pretty Wings" but, "Bad Habits" got my attention!!
Why we love him: This Woman's Worth

//Live performance of "Bad Habits"

Chrisette Michele: Fragile f/ Wale (Behind the Scenes)

I love her. Chrisette Michelle is that chick I'm tellin' you. && I def. bought her album Epiphany too!! The two artists combined for the video of the remix to "Fragile", which is also on her album. Shamefully, I haven't listened to the original enough to know it but, the remixx sounds amazing. I mean when you have Wale opening up the song w/ a verse what else can you expect?? It's about as good as it gets...

*btw, Chrisette looks stunning in these clips. The hair, the makeup, the fit...all on POINT.

//"Fragile" (Behind the Scenes) :: PART I


//"Fragile" (Behind the Scenes) :: Part II


...The production is crazy!!

//Download Chrisette's "Fragile" remixx f/ Wale here.

A Thousand Words: The Fugees Vs...

Something about this picture stood out to me.


I think it was this...

"Hey Hey Hey/Try to take the crew and we don't play play/
Say say say/ Like Paul McCartney, not hardly/
ODD-ly enough/ I can see right through your bluff/
Niggas huff and they puff but they can't handle us/ WE BUST." - Lauryn Hill ("Oh La-La-La")

They were definitely dope, when they had the spotlight.

Now, the spotlight has transitioned....

No more to be said.

Dirty Money - "Angels" (video clip)

Recall the post I did about Diddy's (now, Sean) new group, Dirty Money (here) & their song "Angels". [As stated before, the track is sampled from "Where I'm From" (Jay-Z) && features a verse from The Notorious B.I.G.] Well, now a preview of the actual video has been leaked on-line. Artistically, the video clip looks great! I've said it before & I will reiterate once again, that black & white is timeless. Although, the clip doesn't give away too much, it does look like it will be great in its entirety. I didn't think I would, but I'm starting to like Dirty Money. If this is a representation of the album, I might have to consider buying it.

DOPE--->Dirty Money - "Angels" video clip]

[Dirty Money - "Angels" in it's entirety]


The Last Train To Paris, might be the next big thing.

Are you on or off?

Shouts out to Stuff Fly People Like for the heads up!

(Pic from:Source)