Yung Berg and Mia Rey link up with Raekwon for their first single “You Are” which sample Nas’ classic record “Nas Is Like”. The record is set to be featured on their upcoming collabo project, Mikkey & Mallory, due out soon.

After releasing Fame a few weeks ago wif her man Wiz Khalifa, Amber is back solo this time with a new joint called Loaded. This one is for the club.

Tyga basically puts together all the hottest freestyles from Wale, Fabolous, Meek Mill, Young Jeezy & T.I. done for his smash Rack City single, and make it the official remix.

Chris Brown is back for another round on the charts with his House-ish single called Turn Up The Music, from his upcoming Fortune album. I can already hear this one in the clubs.

Thoughts?

Jared Evan drops off the another leak from his upcoming project The Fourth Chapter, “Kill Me” produced by !llmind once again.

The Fourth Chapter is coming soon.

Tracklist and album artwork for Maino’s sophomore album The Day After Tomorrow now dropping on February 28th.

1. Intro
2. Never Gon’ Stop
3. Make That Money
4. Nino Brown
5. Need A Way Out (featuring Mista Raja)
6. Unstoppable
7. Gangstas Aint Dead (featuring Push Montana and Mouse)
8. Cream (featuring T.I and Meek Mill)
9. Let It Fly (featuring Roscoe Dash)
10. That Could Be Us (featuring Robbie Nova)
11. A Dream
12. Heart Stop
13. Heaven For A G
14. Messiah
15. Glad To Be Alive
16. Day After Tomorrow

Here’s the remix to that new joint from Teairra Mari produced by called Rico Love called U Did That, this must have been the smash record Rico said he would produce for her when he was on Love & Hip Hop. It features one of the hottest in the streets 2 Chainz, who’s killing the features right now.

Young Jeezy continues to drop new remixes to everything that’s got some heat to it, his latest remix is Future’s Same Damn Time single.

Well look at that, Amber Rose can actually hold a note. She was receiving major hate when it was first announced that she was releasing a song with Wiz Khalifa, now here we have “Fame” and guess what? It’s not bad. Ironically the song is for the haters….

Check it out, Taylor Gang or Die!

Things aren’t going well for 50 Cent and his label these days.

In recent posts on his Twitter account, 50 Cent lashed out at his label Interscope Records, stating that he’s lost faith in his music. 50 cent says:

I have lost all the faith in the team I’m on. I having nothing left to say I will not be promoting my music. I’m going to deliver this album then I have a film I wrote to focus on. I’m not upset, I’m just convinced this is not how I want to remembered. Ill be honest I don’t think I’m gonna live much longer. That’s why I started my street king movement. I want to mean more in other peoples lives.

I mixed the big 10 because everything I do has to be the best I can make it cause other artist will create after hearing the ideas. This morning I was look out the window. I saw a bird fly right on to ledge. It felt like he was looking right at me. I hit the window he just looked at me like he new I couldn’t do anything threw the glass. I was tripping he sat there a minute then flew off. I’d like to be a bird so I could fly and shit on the world. Then you all could say 50 shit on me. That’s luck right ? Then don’t wipe the shit off.

It’s odd 50 Cent would be saying something like this when he just released The Big 10 mixtape less than a month ago and it’s fire.

Spotted at Real Talk NY

T.I. took it back to his “I’m Serious” flow on this new joint titled Oh Yeah featuring Trey Songz, off his new mixtape F#ck Da City Up.

Chase N. Cashe join forces with the L.E.P. Bogus Boys for his latest release called In My Zone produced by Cardiak. It’s another banger to add to the Chase N. Cashe collection.

The Heir Up There hosted by DJ DRAMA coming soon! www.ChaseNCashe.com

Alternate cover below.

Ashanti is back on the scene with a brand new single titled “The Woman You Love” with a fire verse from Busta Rhymes.

Check it out.

It’s been a good minute since I’ve heard some new music from Dro, he dropped off the Maserati video a week ago so I knew something was in the works and now here he is with a new joint called “Oops! (My Bad).”  This is the first leak from his upcoming We Outchea mixtape.

Produced by Two Band Geeks.

Some more new Young Jeezy, this one is called “Just Like That (This Is What I Do)” produced by Drumma Boy. From TM103 dropping 12/20.

This one bangs.

Check out the video.

For the December/January issue of XXL magazine, they feature 5 special covers about the 5 Faces of 50 Cent. Floyd Mayweather appears alongside 50 Cent on one of the five covers. Below is a excerpt from the story where Fif speaks on his upcoming album.

“For me, I’m still up against what I’ve done. So in order to top it, I know it’s a difficult task. You know, I see the bloggers. My audience hasn’t grown with me. They keep saying, “Aw, man, I want the old 50!” ’Cause those people, it would take them on a safari. I was bringing them close enough to the animals, without being able to get hurt. I was taking them into my neighborhood, where you can very well get your ass killed.”

New music from John West  titled “Already There” featuring Big Sean, check it out.

Meek Mill turns his smash single into a posse remix featuring T.I., Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Swizz Beatz & DJ Khaled, check it out.

Had a couple seizures, call em minor setbacks
Everybody praying for me, I respect that

Jhené Aiko is back with new music and is currently working on her next project Souled Out, and for its first release she teams up with L.A. native Casey Veggies to assist her on this new record “In Love We Trust” that features production by K.Roosevelt.

Check it out….

Young Money singer/songwriter Shanell gets the allstar co-sign on her brand new single. Shanell teams up with Lil Wayne and Drake on her brand new single “So Good,” produced by Cool & Dre, which she describes as “straight up Hip Hop-R&B.” Check it out!

What do you think?

For the November issue of GQ magazine, Eminem & Lil Wayne join Rock legend and founding member of The Rolling Stones Keith Richards on the cover. Alongside them GQ interviewed 43 other artists for their ‘The Survivors’ feature. The interviews can be read here starting with Eminem’s. A new one will be put up each day.

Below is some behind the scenes footage from the shoot.

Drake stopped by Funkmaster Flex’s show last night to premiere his new joint “Make Me Proud” featuring Nicki Minaj; from his album “Take Care” coming November 15th. Be sure to check out Drake’s interview with Flex below where he talks about Serena Williams, Pusha T’s subliminal diss, Lil Wayne’s ‘It’s Good’ record and more.

Produced by T-Minus.

Drake with Interview Funkmaster Flex

Drake adds a verse to Waka Flocka’s “Round Of Applause” single. produced by Lex Luger.

Update: Mastered version now available.

Says Drake:

First Lex Luger beat I ever got to rap on…feel like I got seat B60 on Southwest…everybody has gone in before me…but we made it happen!

Props: OVO

Rihanna says that she’s in support of her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown and his resurgent music career. The pop star famously split from Brown after the two were involved in a domestic violence dispute in 2009 that led to Brown being put on probation and Rihanna filing a restraining order.

But now, Rih-Rih says the bitterness has passed.

“It’s incredible to see how he pulled out of it the way he did,” she says. “Even when the world seemed like it was against him, you know? I really like the music he’s putting out. I’m a fan of his stuff. I’ve always been a fan. Obviously, I had some resentment toward him for a while, for obvious reasons. But I’ve put that behind me. It was taking up too much of my time. It was too much anger. I’m really excited to see the breakthrough he’s had in his career. I would never wish anything horrible for him. Never. I never have.”

Well it’s about damn time we got some new music from Jay Electronica, here he is with a brand new joint titled “Call Of Duty” featuring Mobb Deep.

“Steve Jobs seen death after just retiring, Takes vision to build, God bless the dead, That’s Mac, that’s Pac, that’s Pun, that’s Big”

Check it out and leave your thoughts.

A unfinished version of this Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa joint called “Young Wild & Free” leaked back in February but now we get the official version with Bruno Mars being added. The artwork sort of reminds me of Cameron Diaz’s ‘Bad Teacher’ movie poster, who it just so happens that Snoop Dogg use to sell weed to in high school.

DJ Kay Slay gathers Sheek Louch, Tony Yayo, Styles P & Lloyd Banks for his “Justice” single produced by araabMuzik. From Slay’s upcoming project, Rhyme Of Die.

Young Jeezy drops off his newest single “F.A.M.E.” with a fresh out of the slammer verse from T.I. and produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League.

J. Cole sits down with Angie Martinez to talk about his first time coming to NY, the Rihanna rumors and rumors of him being dropped from Roc Nation. He touches on how proud he is to represent Roc Nation, how he felt about the Lil Wayne and Jay-Z beef and Drake tweeting his support of his album.He also talks about other famous people from his hometown, where he will be in 4 years, his GQ Magazine spread, having a girlfriend and dealing with all the rumors.

Chris Brown & Bow Wow pair up again for this title track called “2 Young 2 Give A Fuck.” It sounds similar to that “Shortie Like Mine ” collaboration they did a few years back.

Complex.com publishes their J. Cole online cover story and got their in-house writer Damien Scott, Cole’s ex-College roommate from St. John’s University, to write the story of Jermaine’s come up and describe the time they stood in the rain in front of Baseline Studios back in 2005. This is definitely one of the most clever magazine covers Complex has made, the cover story and the cover fits in nicely with J. Cole’s persona and personal life.

Feels like it’s been so long. Is life moving so fast in this generation that when we desire something it begins to move in slow motion? Are we just used to getting what we want right away? Or do we require one another to feel right about all that is going on around us? Maybe our anticipation is justified by the fact that we genuinely cannot wait to share a moment again? Either way, your life and mine are scheduled to meet on October 24…I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

See you soon.

Drake

KiD CuDi covers complex magazine October/Novembe issue for the 3rd time in 3 years, he speaks about cleaning up his act, recent career moves such as his highly publicized separation from managers Pat & Emile, his relationship with women, not working with other people musically, making up with Wale, working on a rock album, being sober and the TV show.

Read the full story at Complex.

Just last night B.o.B alongside Playboy Tre and Meek Mill completed this new banger called “Epic” produced by Lil C.

Thoughts?

Here’s a collaboration many J. Cole fans have been anticipating, it’s called “Mr. Nice Watch” featuring Jay-Z and produced by none other than J. Cole himself. This joint bangs!

Cole World: The Sideline Story in stores September 27th.

A radio rip of this joint dropped yesterday now here’s the CDQ version of DJ Suss-One’s “Champion” single featuring Jadakiss, Lloyd Banks, French Montana, Floyd Mayweather & Junior Reid. Don’t worry Floyd Mayweather isn’t rapping, speaking of Floyd do y’all think Ortiz can take him?

Thoughts?

Drake teams up with Rick Ross for another release for the night, it’s called “Free Spirit” produced by Noah “40? Shebib..

Says Drake:

I like to be a free spirit. Some don’t like that, but that’s the way I am. – Princess Diana

Via OVO.

Drizzy season continues with some more new music from Drake, this one is called “Club Paradise” produced by Noah “40″ Shebib.

Thoughts?

Says Drake:

Via OVO.

Dropping this for our boy Avery…this was his favorite shit during the recording process. 2 more songs coming tonight as well. ovoxo

New joint from T-Pain titled “5 O’Clock” featuring Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen. Off T-Pain’s upcoming album ‘rEVOLVer’. The Erik White & T-Pain directed music video was shot recently in Amsterdam in the red light district and will be released later in September.

This is a chill joint.

“I’m enjoying my last few moments at No. 2,” Ross says. “It’s like I’m watching the No. 1 man on stage, my legs crossed, I’m smoking big, hollering at the bitches in the crowd. And this album gonna do it. I got the formula.”

“When I make music, I go back to my late nights of me by myself, listening to Curtis Mayfield or R. Kelly’s 12 Play,” he says. “There’s certain depths that music can take you to. There’s certain feels that you need to have. When you get to the last song on the album, I want you to have that feeling of being whole. I want to give these muthafuckas classic joints. That means more to me than anything else.”

Source: XXL

Here is a new joint from J. Cole titled “Can’t Get Enough” featuring Trey Songz, It will serve as the second single from his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story dropping September 27. This is a good record but I don’t think it should have been a single.

Thoughts?

Ludacris recruits Waka Flocka for his latest single “Rich & Flexin” produced by FKi. From his upcoming Ludaversal album.

T.I. is a free man and immediately took to twitter to let the people know.

Glad you out T.I.P, now please stay out. Don’t end up like that other guy.

Estelle with the official remix to her “Break My Heart” single featuring Swizz Beatz, Jadakiss & Busta Rhymes. Check it out.

Oh man, shots fired. There is no way Lil Wayne wasn’t taking shots at Jay-Z on this new joint called “It’s Good” featuring Jadakiss & Drake. For those who remember Jay’s line from “H•A•M”. “I’m like really half a billi nigga, really you got baby money, keep it real with niggas, niggas aint got my lady money”. It’s highly unlikely Jay-Z will respond, but this isn’t new there’s been plenty of subliminal shots from both the cats going at each other over the years.

Am I reading too much into this one?

MTV announced yesterday that Tha Carter IV will drop digitally at midnight following the MTV Video Music Awards this coming Sunday.

New York, NY (August 22, 2011) – In a music industry first, Hip-Hop megastar and super mogul, Lil Wayne will release his highly-anticipated album, Tha Carter IV, in its entirety online via retail sites including Itunes, Amazon and more when the clock strikes midnight following the “2011 MTV Video Music Awards” this Sunday, August 28th. The physical CD will be available at all major retail stores on August 29th. This innovative album release designates Lil Wayne as the first artist ever to release an album digitally after an award show and is the culmination of what is already a huge night for him with his performance and nominations for “Best Hip-Hop Video” and “Best Collaboration.”

“I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea. I hope that I can open the door for others,” stated Lil Wayne.

Ronald “Slim” Williams, CEO, Cash Money Records said, “The MTV Video Music Awards are one of the most watched and respected shows in the industry. Wayne is one of the most respected and prolific artists in the industry. By pairing the release of Tha Carter IV with the VMAs, it will certainly add to the overall anticipation and excitement for fans everywhere for what will surely be an unforgettable evening.”

“Lil Wayne continues to change the game, this time with a new release strategy that demonstrates the power of the VMAs to grab the attention of music fans,” said Stephen Friedman, President, MTV. “After our millions of viewers experience the VMAs, they can go online at midnight and download the album they’ve all been waiting for.”

As promised, Lil Wayne releases his latest single off “The Carter IV” featuring Drake called “She Will”, produced by T-Minus. This is a solid record but I’ve yet to hear anything from “The Carter IV” that really peeks my interest.

Thoughts?

Hip-Hop’s Top 20 Earners

The success of hip-hop’s top earners shows just how powerful the genre has become as a commercial force. Led by Jay-Z and Diddy, the top 20 on our list combined to earn $271 million, taking home cash from live shows, recorded music, endorsements and a wide range of other entrepreneurial ventures. Read on to see the full list.

1. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, $37 million

Hip-hop’s reigning Cash King continues to reap the benefits of a 10-year $150 million Live Nation deal, as well as stakes in the New Jersey Nets, the 40/40 Club chain, ad firm Translation and others. This year marked the first time he out-earned wife Beyonce since their marriage in 2008.

2. Sean “Diddy” Combs, $35 million

Music now accounts for less than 20% of earnings for the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy, thanks to big stakes in clothing lines Sean John and Enyce, record label Bad Boy and marketing firm Blue Flame. But it’s his Ciroc vodka deal that led FORBES to estimate his net worth at $475 million this winter.

3. Kanye West, $16 million

The self-proclaimed Louis Vuitton Don returns to the top three for the first time since 2009. His new album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, hit stores in November, earned critical raves and quickly went platinum. His follow-up, Jay-Z collaboration Watch the Throne, debuted on August 8th.

4. Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter, $15 million (tie)

The lyricist reportedly wrote his first song at age 8 and signed a record deal with Cash Money a year later. Today he’s one of rap’s richest, despite serving eight months in jail last year. His latest release, I Am Not A Human Being, made him the first artist since Tupac Shakur to have a No. 1 album while incarcerated.

4. Bryan “Birdman” Williams, $15 million (tie)

The Cash Money chief continues to rake in cash from the label he cofounded, home to fellow Cash Kings Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj. Excluded from previous lists because we deemed him more executive than rapper, Birdman was included this year because most of his peers now have a similar job description.

6. Marshall “Eminem” Mathers, $14 million (tie)

Eminem doesn’t tour as much as many rappers and his outside business interests are limited, but music alone was enough to blast him back into the upper reaches of the list this year. His album Recovery sold 5.7 million copies worldwide and earned 10 Gramm nominations. Normally non-commercial, he added to his coffers with Super Bowl spots for Lipton and Chrysler.

6. Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, $14 million (tie)

The man who launched the careers of fellow Cash Kings including Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent keeps bringing in cash—namely from producer fees and Beats by Dre, his lucrative headphone venture with Interscope chief Jimmy Iovine.

6. Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus, $14 million (tie)

The ageless wonder of the West Coast turned in another strong year, boosted by new album Doggumentary, heavy touring and endorsements with companies from Metro PCS to Pepsi Max. Icing on the proverbial cake: A verse on Katy Perry’s smash hit “California Gurls.”

9. Aliuane “Akon” Thiam, $13 million

The Senegalese-American singer-songwriter-producer extraordinaire caked up on a string of international concerts from Australia to Zimbabwe, a lucrative World Cup spot with Pepsi, a host of business ventures and hit song “I Just Had Sex,” which has garnered over 115 million YouTube views since its December debut.

10. Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, $12 million

The self-proclaimed Mouth of the South makes money from much more than just music. This year, he earned big on movie roles including Fast Five, No Strings Attached and New Year’s Eve, as well as endorsements with Tag body spray and Trojan condoms. He also struck partnership deals to launch Soul By Ludacris headphones and a cognac called Conjure.

11. Cameron “Wiz Khalifa” Thomaz, $11 million (tie)

Riding high off hit single “Black and Yellow,” Pittsburgh’s most famous rapper has been touring nonstop, playing well over 100 shows in the past 12 months. Adding to his coffers: a robust merchandise business centered on his identity as a marijuana enthusiast.

11. Aubrey “Drake” Graham, $11 million (tie)

His debut Thank Me Later debuted last fall and quickly went platinum; another record is in the works. Touring and endorsements generate plenty of cash in the meantime: he shills for Kodak and Coca-Cola’s Sprite, and even has a Drake-emblazoned Virgin America airplane already in the sky.

13. Pharrell Williams, $10 million

The Virginia-born super-producer continues to earn industry-leading production fees even while touring and releasing albums with his funk-rock group N.E.R.D. Not included in this year’s tally: proceeds from the recent licensing deal struck between his Billionaire Boys Club clothing line and Jay-Z’s Rocawear.

14. Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley, $7 million

The superstar beat-maker had something of a quiet period in between album cycles, leading to a steep earnings drop from last year. But he still makes a killing by peddling his production talents and should earn more in the coming year–his third solo album, Shock Value III, is scheduled for release later this fall.

15. Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean, $6.5 million (tie)

It’s been more than a decade since Swizz burst onto the scene by producing DMX’s “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” at age 16; since then, he’s added hundreds of credits to his catalog, most recently on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch The Throne. He tied the knot with singer Alicia Keys last summer and recently announced a lucrative partnership with Reebok.

15. Onika “Nicki Minaj” Maraj, $6.5 million (tie)

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Nicki Minaj grew up in Queens and is now the first female rapper to grace our Hip-Hop Cash Kings list. Her debut Pink Friday went platinum shortly after its launch this fall, and she’s not shy about her earnings: on Kanye West’s “Monster,” she boasts that she gets $50,000 for her guest verses.

17. William “Rick Ross” Roberts, $6 million (tie)

The rotund rhymester makes his third-straight Cash Kings appearance on the strength of solid album sales and touring. His latest, Teflon Don, was certified gold; he’s been supporting it by hitting the road with Lil Wayne and performing lucrative gigs on his own.

17. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, $6 million (tie)

Though he holds the record for the highest single-year earnings of any Cash King—$150 million in 2008, fueled by a nine-figure Vitamin Water windfall—50’s fortunes have fallen of late. But he still earns from his G-Unit empire, as well as acting roles, concerts and recorded music, most notably a verse on Michael Jackson’s posthumous album.

17. Armando “Pitbull” Perez, $6 million (tie)

Better known by his stage name, Armando Christian Perez is one of the most prolific artists on our list, releasing two albums and performing 50-plus shows over the past 12 months. But it’s his endorsement deals that really set him apart; he earned seven figures for a deal with Kodak this year.

20. Faheem “T-Pain” Najm, $5 million (tie)

AutoTune may be dead, but T-Pain’s earnings are alive and well. The “I’m On A Boat” crooner has racked up over 60 guest appearances since the beginning of 2010. He also beefs up his bank account with concerts and side ventures like the I Am T-Pain iPhone app.

20. Bobby “B.o.B” Simmons, Jr., $5 million (tie)

The 22-year-old rapper-singer-songwriter burst onto the scene in 2010 with the smash hit “Nothin’ on You,” featuring Bruno Mars. The duo performed the song at the Grammys, helping to fuel sales of B.o.B’s first album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray. Touring, guest appearances and a viral Adidas commercial boosted him to his Cash Kings debut.

This track which was originally titled Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne is actually David Guetta’s song called “I Can Only Imagine” and features Lil Wayne & Chris Brown. The track will appear on the new David Guetta album which drops August 29th (the same day as Carter IV).

Check it out.

Here’s a new one for the thrown hold and the heir to the throne called “Lift Off” and features Beyonce, not sure how I feel about this one yet. I’m giving the album a few spins right now so I’ll have a review soon.

Thoughts?

Download the Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne album, they’re 4 extra tracks in the deluxe version

Here’s a new one from Chris Brown and Kevin McCall called “Strip” over the sounds of Tha Bizness. The new mixtape from Chris Brown was originally supposed to be all rapping but I guess not anymore. Anyways Boy In Detention is set to drop on August 15th.

Here’s a single from upcoming R&B artist Cherlise titled “Love U Right” featuring Lil Wayne. The Rico Love written/produced “Love U Right” will serve as the first single from her upcoming album due out soon.

Drake’s recent releases have left the web in a frenzy and the  fans have been checking for more, he feels now is a good time to liberate the first single from his “Take Care” album hitting stores October 24th. Produced by none other than Boi-1da.

Thoughts?

New music from 50 Cent called “I’m On It” produced by The Cataracs. Fif’s sounding like he’s trying to find a new sound or maybe he just lost his magic, either way this one a miss.

Here’s a ear full of what to expect from Jay-Z & Kanye West’s “Watch The Throne” album, produced by Kanye West. The digital version hits Aug 1st, while the physical CD drops Aug 5th.

Thoughts?

Last week a snippet of this new Wale track was release, it’s called “Bad Girls Club” and features J. Cole who also produced the record. From Wale’s debut album on MMG, Ambition, is coming this Fall.

New music from Crooked I titled “Pac & Biggie” and no it’s not another “Tupac Back” freestyle, thank goodness. Off Planet C.O.B. Vol 2, available on iTunes now.

Just days after Nicki Minaj’s cousin was killed, a Nicki track called “We Miss You” leaked online with lyrics that address the murder of someone close to her. As the rapper noted online shortly after the song hit the Web, however, “We Miss You” was recorded nearly 12 months earlier. Check it out.

For Lil Wayne’s first leak from his “Sorry For The Wait” mixtape, he takes on the already saturated “Tupac Back” beat, it’s something light. Check it out.

This is a great song and is a definite improvement from her over hyped first single “Who Run The World”.

Oh and she is looking so right in this video.

After the “H.A.M.” single dropped a few months ago, things went dark for “Watch The Throne” with no real follow up information about the collaboration album from Kanye West & Jay-Z. Now the project finally gets a release date: August 2nd, you can already pre-order the album at WatchTheThrone.com.

Who’s looking forward to this project?

New music from T.I. titled “We Don’t Get Down Like Ya’ll” featuring B.o.B, not sure of the origins of this track but in his letter he did say new music would be coming in a couple weeks so maybe this is the beginning of that.

Thoughts?

Yesterday was the 15th Anniversary (Yesterday) of the release of Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt. In honor of the occasion Philly Radio OG Colby Colb has released a rare, mostly never heard interview and freestyle from 1995.

What can I say, this is a historic moment in Hip Hop. At the time I knew of Jay-z from Original Flavor and he had a cameo on this Big Daddy Kane song that was out that summer.

This was before Rocafella, this was best friends Jay and Dame driving down to Philly in twin Lexus GS Coupes with records in the trunk. This was one of Jay-z first interviews outside of New York. You could see the potential in him, he was nervous yet confident. During this interview he talks about life before Reasonable Doubt which didn’t come out until 10 months later. Check out the freestyle over some Wu beats.

It’s crazy hearing a unpolished young and enthusiastic Jay-Z talk about is plans for the future and his minor accomplishments at the time. He was super excited about the video he shot for the “In My Lifetime (Remix)” and the album that would later the classic and legendary Reasonable Doubt. Then he stumbles a couple times through a freestyle over the “Criminology” and “Method Man” beat. Who’d would that guy would become the Jay-Z he is today.

Beyonce with a new one called “Schoolin’ Life” from the deluxe version of Beyonce’s upcoming album, she took it back to the 80′s with this one.

Does Beyonce still have the crown, thoughts?

Mario is back with a new one titled “My Bed” produced by Christopher “Deep” Henderson & Tony “Chef Tone” Scales,” this one sounds like it has potential.

Thoughts?

New single from Travis Porter called “Birthday Girl” featuring Bei Maejor, from their currently untitled upcoming debut album due out soon!

Drake with another R&Drizzy release via OVO, this one is called “Trust Issues” Produced by 40 and Adrian X. His vocals have improved, check it out.

Thoughts?

On the latest Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times has a feature on Vybz Kartel covering his unique position in dancehall, his new album on Mixpak and the growth of the Vybz Kartel brand.

SHORTLY before 10 p.m. on the final night of Best of the Best, a reggae and hip-hop concert held over the Memorial Day weekend in Veterans Park in Miami, DJ Nuffy, the master of ceremonies, began to introduce the dancehall reggae artist Vybz Kartel. But Vybz Kartel wasn’t actually in the park, in Miami, or even in the United States. He was more than 500 miles away at Jamaica Jamaica, a fancy nightclub just outside Ocho Rios, because he has been denied a United States visa.

“And now for your feature presentation, the biggest thing in Jamaica,” DJ Nuffy roared, adding “him look like Michael Jackson.” The sly remark — referring both to the artist’s enormous celebrity in the Caribbean diaspora and to his controversial practice of lightening his skin — drew laughter and mischievous cheers from the crowd of some 10,000 who stared intently at a screen on the stage where artists including DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes and I-Octane had performed just moments before. “Let’s welcome via satellite, live to you, Vybz. Vybz. Vybz.”

The crowd shouted “Kartel” in unison as his image filled the screen. He wore a purple suit with a loosely knotted silk tie and button-down shirt, his pale brown tattooed face framed by aviator glasses and a mane of black hair extensions. “Yo, Miami, you know what time now?” he asked, checking his wristwatch as the stuttering digital beat for “Touch a Button,” his chest-thumping challenge to rivals, started to play. Before long Vybz Kartel’s rapid-fire flow had the audience spellbound.

Grab a copy from your newsstand or read the full story online.

The audio below (and above) is from New York Times Music Popcast with Jeremy Egner which features a 15 minute interview with journalist Rob Kenner who just wrote a feature on Vybz Kartel. This is a big look for Kartel, NY Times doesn’t just write talk about or give just anybody a feature. it’s crazy because Kartel hasn’t been able to leave Jamaica for more than 6 years now.

Oh shit, the jerry curl gangster (that’s rocking for the rest of the month) 50 Cent just liberated the first song called “Outlaw” from his new LP coming later this year. Fif got tired of Interscope moving in slow motion and not being on the same page as him, so he decided to leak the song himself. The record is pretty tough too, it’s produced by Cardiak.

Thoughts?

Tupac Shakur was shot in Manhattan’s Quad Studios in November of 1994 and the identity of the shooter has been revealed as Dexter Isaac, according to exclusive information from Allhiphop.com. Isacc alleges that James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond paid him $2,500 for the shooting.

According to AllHipHop.com

A man has admitted to shooting rap star Tupac Shakur in 1994 after being paid $2,500 dollars by James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond in inside Manhattan’s Quad Studios in November of 1994.

Dexter Isaac, a former friend of Rosemond, is an inmate currently serving life in prison for murder, robbery and other offenses.

Isaac came forward Wednesday (June 15th) with the information on the eve of what would be Tupac’s 40th birthday.

He confessed to his involvement in the November 30th, 1994 shooting of Tupac Shakur to AllHipHop.com, after Jimmy Henchman identified him in a statement, relating to Henchman’s indictment for dealing numerous kilos of cocaine.

“I want to apologize to his family [Tupac Shakur] and for the mistake I did for that sucker [Jimmy Henchman],” Dexter Isaac told AllHipHop.com from prison. “I am trying to clean it up to give [Tupac and Biggie's] mothers some closure.”

Henchmen, who is currently on the run from Federal officials, claimed that Dexter Isaac, along with other incarcerated inmates were cooperating with the government in an investigation of his alleged drug dealing activities.

Cute little JoJo has grown into a fine piece of ass beautiful woman, haven’t heard anything from her since her “Can’t Take That Away From Me” mixtape from last December, but she’s back now with a remix to Drakes’ “Marvin’s Room” from a female perspective and she kills it, and you already know she been a good singer.

Thoughts?

Kelly Rowland is still killing it with her smash single “Motivation” and following up with a second smash will be a difficult task, her first attempt is called “Lay It On Me” featuring Big Sean and is produced by Hit-Boy. It’s a good track and will be good a summer joint for the radio but not sure how it will compare to the first single. That being said, Kelly Rowland’s music has definitely developed since the last go around, it sounds like she’s finally found her sound and style which we all knew she was capable of.

The new album Here I Am will be arriving on July 26th.

Something new from Lil Wayne titled “Dear Anne (Stan Pt. 2)” produced by Swizz Beatz, this one won’t appear on the Tha Carter IV (pushed back 2 months). It appears that Lil Wayne is experimenting with his creative process, his music has been sounding different ever since he’s been sober. This beat is definitely a different sound from Swizz Beatz signature sound.

A new message from the king T.I. just went up on his website, read it below.

What up world? Been a minute. I’d like to thank you all for the thousands of letters, cards, books, pictures and words of encouragement. I’m truly grateful. I’m sure you already know I’m nearing the end of this chapter of my life, and looking forward to taking all of the things I’ve learned with me while leaving all the rest of the “BS” behind. I’ve been tuned in somewhat to what’s been happening out there. I can’t even begin to tell y’all how much being on the outside looking in, having to witness all that’s going on (and not going on) in the game affects me. Not being able to do what I love especially. It’s like a whole other sentence within itself. But I really do appreciate all the love, respect, shout outs and salutations during this very difficult period in my life. Everybody from da homies Weezy, Killa Mike, R. Rozay my lil bruh B.o.B, Terrence J (106 & Park) and my “durty” Nelly. Regardless of whether the gestures were the greatest or the smallest, they still meant the world to me. REAL TALK. The separation from my art has definitely sparked an inferno of inspiration that will soon be felt by all. As a matter of fact, to show my appreciation to those that have been in support of me and granted the requests of TEAM T.I. I’ll be releasing a record in the near future (couple of weeks tops) to hold y’all over til I get back in action. During this time of seclusion I have developed a mind full of thoughts, ideas, plans and strategies of change to incorporate into my professional endeavors, as well as my personal lifestyle. But none of them is as strong as my determination to conquer my own imperfections and my will to WIN NO MATTER WHAT!!!
I love, respect and appreciate all those who have stood beside me and I have accepted those you didn’t. But one things for sure and two for certain. As long as the Most High blesses me with the ability to live and breathe….My campaign will continue!!! Stronger, smarter, bigger and better than ever. For those that doubt that…See me when they free me.

Love King

First off let me just say I’m a huge T.I., ever since I’m Serious I’ve been sold on this guy and his album K.I.N.G is one of my favorite Hip Hop albums of the last ten years, period. Not to mention around that time I was doing some street related things and when I listen to that album it takes be right back. That being said I don’t know if T.I.P. can return to his former glory, he messed up big time the first time around and then as soon as he gains his freedom he’s right back in the slammer over some dumb shit. Only time will tell though, I just hope he doesn’t go the route of DMX because that would be tragic, what y’all think?

Busta Rhymes, Fabolous & Trey Songz hop on Kelly Rowland’s super smash single “Motivation,” check it out.

Oh and Kelly’s Moviation > Beyonce’s Run The World.

Eminem & Royce Da 5’9 grace the cover of RESPECT magazine, the issue hits news stands June 7th.

Drake is has returned from his “Thank Me Later” run and is now ready for round 2, his first leak titled “Dreams Money Can Buy” is the intro track from his “Take Care” project.

I want Saudi money, I want art money.

Drizzy season has officially begun.

Amber Rose is back and thicker than ever, check out here new KING Magazine cover for the June/July issue.

Still no release date set for T-Pain’s revolver mixtape, nor the RevolveR album but the leaks keep coming. This one is called “You Copying Me” produced by Tha Bizness, this one is tough.

A new joint from Consequence called “Everybody Told Me” produced by Kanye West. From the Movies on Demand 3.

The artwork for DJ Khaled’s 5th studio album “We The Best Forever” due out on June 28, 2011. I’ve never copped any of this guys albums but I do enjoy the singles though.

Akon teams up with Chris Breezy to bring you this new cut “Take It Down Low” that was produced by Polow Da Don, from his upcoming album Stadium which is due out in September.

New joint from Estelle called “Break My Heart” featuring Rick Ross from Estelle’s new album “Allow Me”, one thing I’ll give the officer is that his choices is beat selection is always on point. It sounds like he might have had a hand in selecting this beat.

Another leak from off the “Self Made” album, this time it’s from Wale and it’s called “100Hunnit” featuring Meek Mill, this is just the type of beat Meek fux with. I might actually go pick up this joint just off the strength that I fux with Meek, Pill and Wale. It’s still fuck the police though, lol.

Sade recruits Jay-Z for the remix to “The Moon And The Sky” from her forthcoming compilation, The Ultimate Collection. Mr. ‘I Don’t Do Too Much Bloggin’ premiered it himself on his new blog LifeandTimes.com. Thoughts on the remix?

Here is the Japan bonus cut from Chris Brown’s new album F.A.M.E. in stores now! The album is fire by the way, the boy made a comeback.

“One Night Stand” is the third single from Keri Hilson’s second studio album “No Boys Allowed”  and was co-written by Chris Brown, Kevin McCall and Charlie Bereal.

Oh yeah, this song is my shit by the way.

Wiz and Danny McBride aka Kenny Powers cover the 9th Anniversary edition of Complex, this cover is classic these two need to be in a movie together. Check below for the behind the scenes footage from the photo shoot, and you can read their joint Q&A at Complex.

New music from Ryan Leslie, the multi-talented Harvard alum gets historical on the melodic, clever “Joan Of Arc”. A Kanye influenced rap/sung creation, which finds the NS boss telling the story of a dedicated lover divulging himself to his amour. Check it out!

I call my mother up for advice, she son you should hold your heart, girls play the victim so well, Joan Of Arc.

50 Cent gives a chance to any producer up to it to remix his latest track “Ghetto Like A Motherfucker”, by only finishing part of the beat, so those who want to take a shot at it, can add their own flavor. This is pretty cool and 50 Cent has been spittin lately by the way, on some old Ferrari F50 shit. This one is tough, check it out.

iPod worthy right?

New Orleans native and Surf Club member Chase N. Cashe drops his first rapping release Gumbeaux. Today also happens to be Mardi Gras.

Download:Chase N. Cashe – Gumbeaux

R&B singer Mateo remixes Kanye West’s “Power” which Pusha T & Ab-Liva are now trading bars over. This joint is pretty tuff, check it out.

Chris Brown switches gears from the up tempo club joints and takes it back to the R&B zone with a new track called “She Ain’t You”. The song is produced by Free School and samples Breezy’s idol Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” song. Chris Brown’s 4th studio album F.A.M.E is due out March 22.