Safe to say, New York Rap wasn’t in the greatest state in 2012. But coming through around Thanksgiving was Fabolous, one of our city’s most consistent spitters who surprised us with a strong sequel. Shit, Soul Tape 2 ain’t no turkey. Loso sets the tone and sounds inspired on the intro “Transformation”. He schools the ladies on “For The Love” and smooths things out on the St. Elmo’s Fire theme-sampled smoke break “We Get High”. Along with Pusha T, he […]

He did it again. Add another plaque to Khaled’s wall as Kiss The Ring‘s lead single has finally struck gold. Congrats to the entire We The Best team! Salute.

Do you remember that producer Jahlil Beats gave this beat to Jadakiss first (“Paper Tags”)? Probably not. Because Meek Mill and Big Sean lyrically exploded all over the damn thing and made it theirs. This is a clash of two young titans who thankfully are on the same side. Like an old school rap group, the dynamic duo trade rhymes building off each other’s wordplay. Rap fans can argue all day about which MC got the better of the exchanges […]

Mike Will Made It really made it in 2012. Along with Drake, he took 2 Chainz to the top of the charts with “No Lie”, he showed no “Mercy” with Kanye and co., and helped Future “Turn On The Lights” and bring attention back to their hometown of Atlanta. But Mike’s crown jewel happened by accident. A lil record Juicy J did in a D.C. hotel room gained a life of its own when Lil Tunechi and Tity Boi decided […]

Guess “Niggas In Paris” wasn’t enough shine for this Cali producer. Hit-Boy hit 2012 with even more drive and diverse sounds. He worked with a wide array of acts from Nicki Minaj (“I Am Your Leader”) to A$AP Rocky (“Goldie”) to Justin Bieber (“Right Here”) to Kendrick Lamar (“Backseat Freestyle)”. But once again it’s Chauncey’s work with Mr. West that shined the brighest. Out of the bunch (“Cold”, “I Wish You Would”, “Higher”) “Clique” is our pick. A pulsating spacey […]

What would drive a man to say such mean things? What pushed Pusha T to the limit to subliminally air Lil Wayne out and say f Cash Money as a staff, record label and crew? I say it was the dark track crafted by Rico Beats. The Brooklyn-bred producer’s credits include Soulja Boy and 50 Cent’s “Mean Mug” and Nicki and Lil Wayne’s “Roman Reloaded” (how ironic?), but it’s his Pusha Ton and Terius Nash collab that really put him […]

The best selling rap album of the year. The most controversial rap album of the year. And the most disappointing! Oh Nicki you can rhyme but the direction you’re taking your career is disturbing. Who cosigned this Roman character shit in the first place? The intro here is dreadful. And did you really have to put your dick in our face on the clumsy “Come On A Cone”? Besides the terrific “Beez In The Trap” (Thank you, 2 Chainz) you […]

I’m starting to think y’all niggas take DJ Khaled for granted. Maybe it’s because the Mouth of The South continues to make amazing all-star collabos look so easy. “Bitches and Bottles” is one of his career best with an infectious Future hook and a rejuvenated T.I.’s opening bars. “I got my own shine/But I want yours.” Khaled has always been able to get the most out of an MC. Who else could motivate Kanye West to spaz out like he […]

The young spitter from the West returns with his next release, Life Changes on 1.22.13. New song debuting here later today.

Before Kelly R joined the party, this was the original version of Big Boi’s current single. Check out Antwan and his Swedish homies tonight on Jimmy Fallon. #VLADR in 4 days! Pre-order now!