2 Chainz’s “Spend It” was already the hottest in the hood. But once T.I. was released from the clink and added a verse for the remix, it was a wrap. Over Drumma Boy’s friendly organs, Tip delivered a sweet 16 that complimented Chainz’s kooky rhymes, “I’m riding around on my side of town/ Wit’ my dubs up, and my wind down”. Don’t forget the similac!

The story goes that Trey Songz was originally rapping on the chorus. Thankfully, the powers that be deaded that. Held down by Balla Et Ses Balladins’ tribal sample, Cole creates an irresistible hit with more bounce than an ounce. But it’s not all fun and games, Lightskinned Jermaine still handles his business with smart similes like, “I’m from the ‘Ville where they bang for the money/ And carry 4-5’s like change for a 20.” Good God, that hit the spot!

[vodpod id=Video.15946508&w=540&h=350&fv=] Amber Rose made media rounds yesterday and while conversing with Sway on the MTV Rap Fix couch, she broke down while speaking on her relationship with Kanye West and being tormented by his fans. A tissue for your sorrows. “I have people throwing things at me in the street because they’re fans of Kanye,” Amber said before she started to cry on set. “I’m just crying because I don’t deserve to be bullied like that. I’m a nice […]

Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy isn’t even a week old and is already making history. According to Billboard, she becomes the youngest person to be charted, with “Glory” entering at #74 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. She’s credited on the record as B.I.C. Hey, everyday a star is born.

It almost feels wrong that we didn’t pay for Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia, Ultra. Released for free at the top of the year, Frank turned the tables on traditional R&B and hipster cool. He clipped the Eagles’ wings on “American Wedding” and challenged the status quo on “We All Try”. “Swim Good” was excellent, but then there was “Novacane”. An easy bass and a melodic hook caught everyone’s attention and helped give Def Jam’s red-shirted rookie the push he needed. Ultra […]

2 Chainz’s buzz got a new lease on life in 2011. After dropping his Tity Boi alias, he rebuilt his fanbase and released last year’s most entertaining recording, T.R.U. REALigion. Much of Chainz’s popularity can be traced to his infectious remix with T.I. for his local ATL sensation, “Spend It”. What he lacks for in skill set, he makes up for in charisma. In fact, it’s his presence that anchors cuts like, “Letter To The Rap Game”and “Viagra”. Elsewhere, he […]

The Weeknd gives new meaning to the term, “northern exposure”. There wasn’t any pomp nor circumstance when the reclusive Canadian dropped his debut, House Of Balloons. In its place, was nine wonderful tracks. He made emergency contraceptive a viable option on the sinful, “What You Need” and equally seductive, “The Morning”.  But what’s sex without drugs and rock n’ roll? He shakes things up with “The Party & The After Party” then on “Wicked Games” requests, “Bring the drugs baby, I […]

After disbanding Floetry and leaving Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, Marsha took matters into her own hands. She appeared on a string of hip-hop cuts and finally released her debut. Hell hath no fury like a Songstress scorned, which makes a song like, “I Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player)” so entertaining. She submits to vulnerability (“You Hands”) and handles splitsville like a true champ (“The Break Up Song”). She revamped MJ’s “Butterflies” while Just Blaze’s fairy dust-coated […]

You can never count 50 Cent out. With the release of his next album in limbo, he held fans over with his latest mixtape, The Big 10. Fif makes killing two birds with one stone look easy. First, he gives his hometown a new anthem (“Queens”) and radio another rotator, “I Just Wanna”. Gunplay has always been 50’s specialty (“You Took My Heart”, “Shooting Guns”) but when the time calls for it, he knows when to ease off the trigger (“Wait […]

The Bogus Boys gave the game an ultimatum with last year’s standout, Now Or Neva. The Chicago natives leave their calling cards on “Amerikkka’s Worst Nightmare” and “Claim My Shit”. They push their skills to the limit on “25TH Hour” and emit the same urgency with Meek Mill for “Rush Hour”. Their crown jewel though, comes from the Lupe Fiasco-assisted “Zombieland”. Anchored by J-Kits’ instrumentation, the Chicago natives deliver a cautionary tale served cold. “Better open up your eyes they’ll […]