If lyricism made a resurgence last year, much of the credit can go to Bad Meets Evil and their EP, Hell: The Sequel. Havoc’s haunting crackle sets the tone with “Welcome 2 Hell”. “Fast Lane” ups the ante with Royce and Em battling for lyrical supremacy. Em keeps it G on “Above The Law”, (“I’m trying to stay on fire, so you know if I hate fuckin’ water sprinklers I don’t love the hoes”) with Royce following suit, (“Baby I’m […]

Dr. Dre co-signs don’t come everyday. So when Kendrick Lamar released his independent album Section.80, best believe, all eyes were on him. Fortunately, he didn’t disappoint. From a production standpoint, scattered pianos anchor “Fuck Your Ethnicity” while lounging horns permeate “Hol’ Up”.  Elsewhere, “Chapter Six” and “Rigamortis” locks down K-Dot’s unchained melody. “Ronald Regan Era” made being an 80’s baby not so bad. Kendrick said Section .80 was created following a vision from 2Pac, so Afeni’s baby boy would be […]

With the NFL Playoffs underway, GQ caught up with Eminem for his picks. Joe Budden and Marshall’s manager Paul Rosenberg also weighed in. GQ: You and Ray Lewis—the way you approach your professions, that intensity—I feel like you’re very similar. Eminem: Ray Lewis, man. That’s a very passionate dude. He’s an animal. He’s the last of a dying breed, really. Obviously, he’s going to the Hall of Fame. He’s fucking iconic. They don’t make them like him anymore. He’s cut […]

Good things come to those that wait. And after two years, J.Cole’s core finally got what they wanted: Cole World: The Sideline Story. The album commences with the cinematic “Dollar And A Dream III” before segueing into “Can’t Get Enough’s” breezy bounce. Jermaine’s underdog tale is palpable on “Sideline Story”, “Cole World”, and “Rise and Shine”. “Lost Ones” and “Breakdown” are equally compelling, but “Nobody’s Perfect” showcases his true majesty. With Missy Elliott on the chorus, Cole’s underachiever anthem is endearing, […]

Murder is all she wrote. And recently, 2 Chainz was in L.A. shooting the visual to his track with Ms. Gucci Gucci off his latest mixtape, T.R.U. REALigion. Here are some flicks from the set courtesy of DJ Teknikz.

As we wait for Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music album, Pusha T and Big Sean were recently joined by producer Mannie Fresh in the UK where the crew are all recording together. Let’s hope the outcome of this sounds uh, good.

The biggest misconception surrounding Wale signing with Rick Ross’ MMG Records was that his sophomore album would be infiltrated with the Rozay sound. Could Folarin maintain his identity? Well one listen to Ambition proves it. The first three songs sound like his band UCB is backing him up. Mr. Rich Forever only pops up at the end of “Miami Nights” to scoop him up. Ha! The Bawse and Meek Mill do emerge on the amazing title track but this disc […]

Jeezy back! Man, it took a long time to get Young’s fourth album but he really came through victorious in the fourth quarter with the fourth highest first week sales of any rap album in 2011. How’d he do that? By keeping that trap music to the forefront and rounding up a gang of guests to help him reach that goal. Hov and 3 Stacks help craft this year’s player’s anthem (“I Do”). A fresh out of jail T.I. rides […]

As Tyga’s popular anthem racks up on takes, Trae Tha Truth arrives with his rendition. Off his freestyle mixtape, King Of The Streets with Don Cannon coming this Tuesday. uhtn

There is really no wrong side when it comes Ms. Fiona. Until we experience her sophomore set, The MF Life, the Roc Nation singer shares what a woman doesn’t want to hear. Luckily for us, the sound is nice on our ears.