Throwback Thursday : Jay Z - Hard Knock Life

Seems like just yesterday I heard this song for the first time but in reality the year was 1998, and I was just a kid in love with music and HIp Hop in general. Jay Z made everyone fall in love with this song and he had everyone singing the chorus as loud as they could, as the reason why he cliched my Throwback Thursday spot for this week with the anthem "Hard Knock Life". The single comes from Hov's third album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life. The song derives as a sample from the song "It's the Hard Knock Life" from the Broadway musical Annie. Produced by The King 45, "Hard Knock Life" was the most commercially successful Jigga man single and even today the song is still the anthem that has everyone singing it when it plays.

 

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Video: Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross – Black Magic

 MMG’s latest release Black Magic is directed by Parris. Self Made 2  is currently in stores now!

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Video: XV -Swervin

 XV releases his visual to “Swervin’” via Complex; XV’s “Awesome” EP in stores now!

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Nas "Life Is Good" Tracklist & Artwork

Nas' new album Life Is Good will drop on July 17th. Yesterday the tracklist for his new masterpiece was released and can be found below. The Life Is Good trailer can also be found after the jump.

1. No Introduction (Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)
2. Loco-Motive feat. Large Professor (Produced by No I.D.)
3. A Queens Story (Produced by Salaam Remi)
4. Accident Murderers feat. Rick Ross (Produced by No I.D.)
5. Daughters (Produced by No I.D.)
6. Reach Out feat. Mary J. Blige (Produced by Salaam Remi, Rodney Jerkins, DJ Hot Day & Nas)
7. World’s An Addiction feat. Anthony Hamilton (Produced by Salaam Remi)
8. Summer On Smash feat. Miguel & Swizz Beatz (Produced by Swizz Beatz)
9. You Wouldn’t Understand feat. Victoria Monet (Produced by Buckwild)
10. Back When (Produced by No I.D.)
11. The Don (Produced by Salaam Remi, Heavy D & Da Internz)
12. Stay (Produced by No I.D.)
13. Cherry Wine feat. Amy Winehouse (Produced by Salaam Remi)
14. Bye Baby (Produced by Salaam Remi & 40)

Bonus Tracks for Deluxe Edition:
15. Nasty (Produced by Salaam Remi)
16. The Black Bond (Produced by Salaam Remi)
17. Roses (Produced by Al Shux)
18. Where’s The Love feat. Cocaine 80s (Produced by No I.D.)
19. Trust (Produced by Boi 1da) (iTunes Bonus Track)
20. The Don (Don Dada Remix) (Produced by Salaam Remi & Heavy D) (Japan Bonus Track)

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Frank Ocean – channel ORANGE (Cover & Tracklisting)

 Frank Ocean just released the album cover and tracklisting for channel ORANGE, however, July 17th is the date everyone needs to remember for that is when this colorful project drops officially. The album will include features from Earl Sweatshirt, Andre 3000 and John Mayer.

Mixtape: Dom Kennedy – Yellow Album

 Dom Kennedy has officially dropped his new mixtape, Yellow Album. The mixtape features and has productions from Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, Freddie Gibbs, Chase N. Cashe, and more. Dom has been a favorite of mine since the beginning of his music career and this project is definitely another favorite of mine. Stream and download the mixtape below and check out the track below.

Download: Dom Kennedy – Yellow Album (Mixtape)

01. Dom Kennedy – So Elastic [Prod. By THC] (3:48)
02. Dom Kennedy – Been Thuggin’ [Prod. By Fly Union] (2:05)
03. Dom Kennedy – We Ball (Feat. Kendrick Lamar) [Prod. By Chase N Cashe] (3:55)
04. Dom Kennedy – My Type Of Party [Prod. By DJ Dahi] (3:17)
05. Dom Kennedy – Girls On Stage [Prod. By THC] (2:25)
06. Dom Kennedy – Don’t Call Me (Feat. Too $Hort) [Prod. By THC] (3:45)
07. Dom Kennedy – 5.0 | Conversations [Prod. By THC & Polyester] (6:15)
08. Dom Kennedy – Gold Alpinas (Feat. Rick Ross) [Prod. By DrewByrd] (5:35)
09. Dom Kennedy – PG Click (Feat. Niko G4) [Prod. By J.Lbs] (7:06)
10. Dom Kennedy – Lately [Prod. By Troy Noka] (3:28)
11. Dom Kennedy – Hangin’ (Feat Freddie Gibbs) [Prod. By Polyester] (3:25)
12. Dom Kennedy – 1:25 [Prod. By DrewByrd] (3:35)
13. Dom Kennedy – P + H [Prod. By DJ Dahi] (3:41)

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Throwback Thursday: Mims - This Is Why I'm Hot (Remix)

For Throwback Thursday I always ask myself what songs use to make me hype when they came on the radio? What songs use to be that ish when they first came out?  This song in particular makes me think of the times when me and my best friend would be driving somewhere and it would come on the radio, we would get stupid hype. Today's Throwback Thursday goes to Mims and his song "This Is Why I'm Hot". The single was co-written by Mims and produced by Blackout Movement for his debut album Music Is My Savior that was released in 2007. In the midst of all the hype and becoming certified platinum "This Is Why I'm Hot" reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart. The beat to this song is incredible especially when it drops at the end for the final verse of the song. This is a song that reminds you of why you love Hip Hop.
  
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New Music: Nas Ft. Rick Ross "Accident Murderers"

Nas' fourth coming album Life Is Good is in stores July 17th.

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Video: XV Compares Rappers To Wrestlers & Talks “Squarians”

IN the 3rd part if The Source's interview with XV, the Popular Culture rapper talks  how rappers are like wrestlers and where "Squarians" originated from.

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Video: Rick Ross ft. Usher – Touch ‘N You

Rick Ross’ God Forgives, I Don’t drops on July 31st!

The video is directed by Directed by Chris Robinson.
                 
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Video: Big. K.R.I.T. – ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’

Purchase his debut album on iTunes NOW.

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Video: 2 Chainz feat. Drake – No Lie

Based On A T.R.U. Story in stores August 14th.
Directed by Director X

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Video: XV – Stone Cold (316)

 XV recently released his Popular Culture mixtape (with features from Emilio Rojas, ScHoolboy Q & B.o.B to name a few). Visuals directed by Connor Hays.

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Justin Bieber Feat. Drake ~ Right Here

OMG *insert jumping up and down here* the full version and I am so excited!!!!!!!! Dreams and wishes came true for the millions that wished for a collaboration from these two gentlemen, MINE ESPECIALLY!
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Video: Rita Ora – Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye Cover)

Rita is such a beautiful spirit, you cannot help but love her.

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Video: B.o.B – Ray Bands

Ray Bands can be found on B.O.B.'s latest album Strange Clouds which is available on iTunes.

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Video: T.I. – Live This Life

T.I.'s new album Trouble Man drops September 4th.

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Nina Sky – Heart Beat

Nina Sky's new project titled  Nicole & Natalie is scheduled to drop on July 31st.


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Meek Mill Feat Drake ~ Amen

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French Montana Feat Rick Ross, Drake & Lil Wayne - Pop That

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XV ft. ScHoolboy Q – AaaHH! Real Monsters

Produced by The Awesome Sound, XV teams up with  ScHoolboy for this track.

Popular Demand drops tomorrow!

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Azealia Banks – Aquababe

 Aquababe can be found on Azealia’s upcoming mixtape, Fantasea which is slated to drop on July 4th! The track is produced by Machinedrum.


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Usher - What Happened To U (Produced By Noah "40" Shebib)

Throwback Thursday : Missy Elliot - The Rain

The Throwback Thursday spot goes to none other than one of the most eclectic female mc's Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot. Her video for The Rain served as an incredible stepping stone for her career as the single helped to take her album Supa Dupa Fly to certified platinum status. Missy is the only female rapper to have six albums certified platinum, including one double platinum for her 2002 album Under Construction. The video was directed by Hype Williams.

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Video: Emilio Rojas – Classic

Directed by Court Dunn, Emilio gives us his new track "Classic" from his latest project Breaking Point.
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Big K.R.I.T. – Thank You Kindly

K.R.I.T drops this latest track showing appreciation to his fans saying, “I wanted to thank all the fans for the support, so I did this one for ya’ll #ThankYouKindly”. His latest project 

Live From The Underground can be found on iTunes NOW!

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Video: Ne-Yo – Lazy Love

  This new track can be found on Ne-Yo's upcoming album titled R.E.D. dropping September 18th!

 The video is directed by Diane Martel.

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Video: Usher – Scream

 Usher has dropped the video for his newest single "Scream" which can be found on his new album Looking For Myself, that is in stores now.
             
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Video: Trey Songz ft. T.I. – 2 Reasons

Trey Songz new album Chapter V drops on August 21st. This new track 2 Reasons featuring T.I. is directed by Benny Boom.
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Video: Ab-Soul & Kendrick Lamar “OnDaSpot” Freestyle

Kendrick Lamar and Ab Soul along with his glorious hair stop by Invasion Radio with DJ Green Lantern and give us a really dope freestyle over the beat for Nas’ Daughters. TDE continues to prove that they’re a force to be reckoned with and this freestyle just adds to that fact.

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Video: A Conscious Mind (Sid Sriram Promo)

Sid Sriram prepares to drop his upcoming EP A Conscious Mind (on June 19th) he gives us a promo which includes Sid’s explanation behind his vision for his new project as well as some sneak peek footage as to what we should be expecting from the new project. Directed by Arthur Johnson.

             
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XV feat. Raja – #Occupy Music (prod. by The Awesome Sound)

XV continues his music madness with yet another track, as he prepares to release the upcoming mixtape, Popular Culture, June 15th.


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Justin Bieber featuring Drake – Right Here (Produced by Hit-Boy) (Preview)

Two of Canada's most famous stars have allowed the music maps to collide as Pop meets Rap/R&B with this new collabo from The Biebs and Drizzy. Also look out for "Believe" dropping June 19!

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Video: Chris Brown – Don’t Wake Me Up

 “Fortune,” in stores July 3rd.
Directed by Colin Tilley
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XV feat. Slim The Mobster – Andy Warhol (Prod. by The Awesome Sound)

XV drops another record from his upcoming mixtape, “Popular Culture”, this time featuring Dr. Dre protege, Slim The Mobster, and frequent production collaborator, The Awesome Sound.

 “Popular Culture” drops June 15th!

Frank Ocean – Pyramids

Frank Ocean released a trailer directed by Nabil (“Mercy”), that announced the title of his upcoming debut album and the release date: “Channel Orange”, due July 17 via Def Jam. Frank also released the official first single that was featured in the trailer, take a listen to the 10-minute single that features strings by John Mayer.

Usher feat. Pharrell – Twisted

Ursher has released some major singles leading up to his upcoming album, “Looking 4 Myself” due June 12th

1. “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop”
2. “Scream”
3. “Climax”
4. “I Care for U”
5. “Show Me”
6. “Lemme See” feat. Rick Ross
7. “Twisted” feat. Pharrell
8. “Dive”
9. “What Happened to U”
10. “Looking 4 Myself” feat. Luke Steele
11. “Numb”
12. “Lessons for the Lover”
13. “Sins of My Father”
14. “Euphoria”

Deluxe Edition
15. “I.F.U.”
16. “Say the Words”
17. “2nd Round”
18. “Hot Thing” feat. A$AP Rocky

Ciara feat. 2 Chainz – Sweat

 2 Chainz makes the first guest appearance with Ciara’s return. Cici’s fifth album, One Woman Army is due later this year via Epic Records

Video: Curren$y feat. 2 Chainz – Capitol

“The Stoned Immaculate” in stores today!

Kid Cudi Announces New Album Title

A kid named Cudi is back to work on his 4th album entitled, ‘Indicud.’ Cudi is also apart of the G.O.O.D. Music compilation Cruel Summer, expected this Summer. I wish Hit-Boy and Cudi would get in the studio and accidently make something great, either way expect to hear new music from the wizard this year. The flick above is a still-shot from his upcoming music video for, ‘Teleport 2 Me.’

Video: Emeli Sande – Next To Me (Yahoo’s New Now)

This woman is amazingly beautiful. Emeli Sande’s performs one of her songs Next To Me for Yahoo’s New New Series which can be found on her debut album Our Version of Events . After the jump there’s also an interview she did where she talks about her influences as well as her future. Enjoy!

Video: Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz – Mercy

The much anticipated video for Mercy featuring all our favorites. Cruel Summer will be the debut studio album of Kanye West’s record label GOOD Music expected this Summer.
Directed by Nabil

Video: XV On Bringing Back “Classic Just Blaze” Sound

For part 2 of XV’s interview with The Source (XV talks going mainstream in Part 1) the Warner Bros signee speaks on the music he’s cooking up with super-producer Just Blaze for his debut album, The Kid With The Green Backpack. XV talks about creating a conceptual project with the producer and aiming to bring back the “Classic Just Blaze” from the days Roc-A-Fella Records reigned supreme.

Video: Hit-Boy – Jay-Z Interview

The Golden Child, aka Hit-Boy the rapper! Produced by B!nk, directed by Jelani Fresh, check out the documentary, or music video rather where Hov gives the young his approval.

Video: Frank Ocean – TV

Here is a snippet track off some project to be called Channel Orange, which has a July 17th release date.

Video: Sean Kingston – Back 2 Life (Live It Up) [feat. T.I.]

Sean is gearing up for the release of his next LP, aptly titled Back 2 Life. This song, which samples Soul II Soul’s “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me),” serves as the new single and the title track off said LP.

Video: Robin Thicke – All Tied Up

The visuals for Robin Thicke’s third single "All Tied Up" have arrived, the song is off  of his latest album Love After War, which is now available.

Barack Obama Singing Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

By now the song Call Me Maybe is stuck in everyone's head, even the Presidents :).

Drake Punk'd Episode

Ashton came back and with every bit of a great reason to Punk the OVO King himself. I anticipated Punk'd for Drake's episode, so here it is. I laughed throughout but you cannot help but love his reaction when he finds out the woman is prego....PRICELESS!
In the words of Drake "I called my Mom and everything".....SO PRECIOUS!

OVOXO

XO