Hit Boy’s production takes a back seat on the latest leak from Kendrick’s debut. “Freestyles” are usually reserved for mixtapes and this probably should’ve been too. good kid, m.A.A.D city drops on the 22nd. Pre-order here.

Are veteran MCs trying too hard? Well, for the inaugural episode of Life and Times‘ “The Truth”, our Elliott Wilson gives evaluations of LL Cool J’s “Ratchet”, Fat Joe’s “Instagram That Hoe“, and Eve’s “She Bad Bad”. Unfortunately, none of these are easy on the ears.

Gucci puts a toe tag on his enemies for his new video featuring Trae Tha Truth and protege Young Scooter. Make way for the Trap God in two days.

Don’t attempt to adjust your player. In slow mo, Hov puffs a cuban with a glass of his D’USSE VSOP for the cognac drink’s new ad. Cheers.

Love can be deadly. But for The Man With The Iron Fists‘ latest leak, Talib Kweli and Res have it their way anyway. Soundtrack in stores October 23. Cop the deluxe version here. Film hits theaters November 2. hhnm

There’s more room on the executive side of Def Jam. Today, the company announced that producer Dallas Austin will fill the role as the Senior Vice President of A&R at Island Records. “I am truly honored to be working with the most cutting-edge and creative artists in the business,” said Mr. Austin.  “I am inspired and excited every day by this amazing and diverse roster and by the leadership and vision of Barry Weiss, Steve Bartels and the IDJ team.  […]

[youtube-http://youtu.be/cPa76DrWiUE] It’s politics as usual as Jay-Z gives an endorsement for President Barack Obama’s re-election. The second round of debates takes place tomorrow at 9:00 PM EST. Rock the vote November 6th.

Stuntin to the max with Weezy, T.I. drops his new single produced by Rico Love and Earl & E. The video’s been shot and will be released October 22. Trouble Man arrives December 18.

Maino and his cosa nostra packed Sway’s morning show and invidually took turns rapping over the “Stay Schemin” beat. If you haven’t yet, download The Mafia mixtape here.

Buckle up, ladies. MMG’s Masspike Miles is preparing to take off with his next EP, Skky Miles 2: Cozmic Cloudz, and it arrives today with his new duet featuring Gunplay. xzone