It’s been less than 24 hours since Carmelo Anthony was traded to the New York Knickerbockers. And already, Maino rolls out the welcome mat with this new freestyle. Can Chauncey Billups get some love too? Geesh! flex

Whoa! A month before it hits newsstands, eighty8clothing got a hold of XXL‘s 2011 freshman class. Here’s a roll call from the top. Starting at the the left: Lil Twist, CyHi Da Prynce, Big K.R.I.T., Meek Mill, Diggy Simmons, Kendrick Lamar, Yelawolf, Fred The Godson, Mac Miller, Lil B, and YG. karen civil Related: Vado Absent On XXL Cover UPDATE: Hi-res via XXL

Following Kanye’s performance of “H.A.M.” at the W Hotel this past weekend in L.A., he segued into track 10 from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Still, a helluva record. hhnm

[vodpod id=Video.5616777&w=540&h=350&fv=] Not sure what’s worst: This track or Gucci Mane’s acting . Maybe it’s a little of both. Anyway, La Flare brings along SB and Yo Gotti for his latest viral presentation. The Return Of Mr. Zone 6 coming March 22nd.

Bobby Ray and Jermaine C let the beat build during a recent studio session. Smells like another collaboration is in the works. Let’s see where they’ll take it.

[sparkart-clique site=”rap_radar” video=”rihanan_drake_kanye”] At halftime of the 2011 NBA All-Star game, Rihanna and Drake reunited for the second performance of  “What’s My Name”. Afterward, Mr. West entered the building with the first televised recital of “All Of The Lights”. This was almost as good as the game itself.

Four days after the fusillade outside of Waka’s tour bus in North Carolina, local authorities have made six arrests in connection to the shooting. In fact, one of the suspects was arrested 14 hours prior to the gunfire. Guess this would be a good time to mention Waka’s new mixtape, Salute Me Or Shoot Me 3 is available to download now. Blaow!

During Chris Brown’s set at the Adidas VIP All-Star party last night in Los Angeles, he brought out Busta Rhymes and performed their collab, “Look At Me Know” for the first time. Where’s Weezy? Anyway thanks to the folks at The Source, look at what you missed.

In the Style section of today’s New York Times, “The Commissioner” Steve Stoute took out a full page ad and critiqued the National Arts of Recording and Sciences for this year’s Grammys Awards. Below is a transcription of the note courtesy of the life files. He’s focused, man.

[vodpod id=Video.5606038&w=540&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26] Holy epilepsy, Batman! Two months after shooting this in L.A., Kanye delivers his new clip directed by Hype Williams. Out of the 11 artists on the track, only Rihanna and Kid Cudi are featured in the video. As pointed out by commenter Kofi, the vid was inspired by the opening credits of the film, Enter The Void.