Kanye Samples

This is far from new, but interesting to see where Ye gets all his samples from.

Slow Jams

Ever feel like you just need to slow down and groove to something a little slower, maybe even more melodic? Since the 90s hip-hop and R&B music have been sharing different elements of each genre and artists have been collaborating creating a smoother hip-hop or edgier R&B sound, which ever you'd prefer to say. With that being said, check out some classic rhythm and blues joints, hip-hop inspired (with maybe the exception of the Croucher track).

Nelly - Dilemma Feat. Kelly Rowland

Foxy Brown - Get Me Home Feat. Blackstreet

Mary J. Blige - Real Love

Kanye West & Twista - Slow Jamz Feat. Jamie Foxx

Jordan Croucher - Planet Control

Shine like Shyne

After 8 years of being locked up behind four walls rapper Shyne was released from prison today. It will be interesting to see which route the artist will take in his hip-hop career. Rumors say that maybe he will be acquired by Jay-Z's Roc Nation, although nothing has been confirmed. Sean Diddy Combs also expressed kind words about Shyne and the possibility of releasing an album through Bad Boy Ent. We'll see.

Quick Response

Wouldn't you know it! I'm not the only one who thinks Eminem shoulda been added into the MTV top 10 "Hottest MCs" list. This argument is spot on. Read this after checking out my post below.

Overlooking Em.

Jay-Z = Hottest MC In the Game

MTV composed a list of the top 10 hottest MCs in the game. When they say hottest MCs in the game they mean at the moment. Judging popularity, albums, radio play - anything contemporary that these guys are doing. This is how it turned out:

10. Raekwon

9. 50 Cent

8. Fabulous

7. Young Jeezy

6. Gucci Mane

5. Rick Ross

4. Kanye West

3. Drake

2. Lil' Wayne

1. Jay-Z

Check out the list and what MTV has to say here.

By popularity this list is pretty accurate. Although I'd rank Raekwon a bit higher and throw Eminem on the list. Also, fuck Gucci Mane.

Nas on CNN

Nas was on CNN last night talking about the Derrion Albert murder in Chicago.

This is what was said.

Nas on CNN

Pitchfork Top 200 of 2000's

Pitchfork recently released their top 200 albums of this decade. As much as I find Pitchfork extremely hit or miss with album reviews and biases their top list isn't that bad at all. I'll link you guys to the top 20 picks and if you wanna browse further then go ahead.

Pitchforks Top 200 of the 2000's.

A few beefs though. Kanye's Graduation, to me, belongs in the top 40 - not at 87. Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP at 119? Cam'ron's Purple Haze 114? How did Cam'rom make it higher than Eminem? Also, not one Roots album on the list? How did Cam'ron make this list at all?!

It was nice to see D'Angelo, OutKast, Madvillain, Ghostface and Jay-Z had ranked high.

Mr. Magic. R.I.P.

For those who have heard of Mr. Magic I regret to inform you that the hip-hop radio icon passed away this morning of a heart-attack. Mr. Magic was the first to have his own all hip-hop radio show with the legendary Marley Marl, often called the "Rap Attack," on WBLS-FM New York City.

Mr. Magic is Wildstyle in GTA: Vice City.

You might have heard rapper the Notorious B.I.G. paying homage to Mr. Magic in "Juicy" he say's "every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl."

Rest in peace to one of the most influential voices of hip-hop in the 1980's. South Bronx's own, Mr. Magic.

How I Got Over

The Roots finally released the video to their single "How I Got Over". Check it!

Before I Self Destruct

For the what feels like 500th time 50 Cent has announced the latest date for his new album to drop. It was supposed to be released in early 2008 but now has an "official" release date of the 17th of November. I wouldn't say that I am ecstatic for this album to be released but I am interested to see what he puts out besides his few only semi to not-so-impressive singles. So far production on the album is rumored to be by Rich Harrison, who produced for many hip-hop and R&B heavyweights like Mos Def and Alicia Keys. Also Kanye West is rumored to be on the album as well as J. R. Rotem, Don Cannon, DJ Premier, Akon, Eminem, Dr. Dre and Timbaland. Details are limited and always changing. Right now all we can really go by are rumors and the odd thing that 50 has told the media. Either way, there is a good list of producers and guest appearances on this album to make it somewhat exciting, even to somebody who isn't a huge 50 Cent fan (i.e. myself).

Official album art recently released.

Before I self Destruct drops November 17th, 2009. Hopefully after that bizarre video attack at Fat Joe over his latest album, J.O.S.E. 2, 50 can walk the walk and not disappoint.