Listen To This: Knock On Wood

This song is from Tuesday, but I decided to hold off posting so more people would listen to Chiddy Bang.  In hindsight, I think I should have just released this one. It is just too sick, and probably tops my list of best J. Cole songs.  He delivers some scorchers over Kanye and John Mayer's "Go!" beat off of Common's Finding Forever.  If you haven't really given J. Cole a chance or have already written him off, this song might open/change your mind.

J. Cole- Knock On Wood

via 2dopeboyz

Listen To This: Stylo (rmx.)

With their EP dropping on Monday, Chiddy Bang decided to release their remix of the relatively weak Stylo, the first single from The Gorillaz Plastic Beach (I'll probably review that one, but I'm not expecting much after listening to the original version of Stylo).

 

Stylo (rmx.)- Chiddy Bang

 via PMA

Something I Like: The Opposite Of Adults (Kids) -Yes, I realize how creepy that sounds.

As college students, hip hop duo Chiddy Bang have not been around that long. However, in that short time they have coupled exemplary production and nice vocals to create some sick tunes, and recently released a new alternate video for their incredible remix of MGMT's Kids (I discovered them last summer via Pretty Much Amazing, which is basically the music blog I wish this blog could be).  If you like one song I post this year, it will probably be this one.  The video is pretty cool, and is a great excuse for me to plug their awesome mixtape and their first EP, which drops next Monday.

Click here to download "The Opposite of Adults" on Chiddy Bangs' mixtape, The Swelly Express

via KanYe Universecity

BONUS: Chiddy Bang producer Xaphoon Jones' also mixes and remixes songs on the side (I spent all day trying to come up with something even remotely close to this with no success).

Find this song and many more sick mixes on The Xaphoon Jones Mixtape Vol. 1

Listen To This: 2/11/10

There hasn't been much new music lately, which is why I haven't been posting (also I'm lazy).  There were two new songs, a new cut by B.o.B to celebrate the release date of his album being moved up to April 27th and a remix by Kid Cudi, which I figured I'm obliged to post. The B.o.B one is pretty good, but I'm not really feeling the new Cudi joint.

B.o.B- Down For Y'all 

 

 Riot Song (rmx.)- Johnny Polygon ft. Kid Cudi

via 2dopeboyz and  Dat New 'Cudi'

Listen To This: Lean

Old unreleased Lupe Fiasco song, check it out.

Lupe Fiasco- Lean (Unreleased)

via 2dopeboyz

Listen To This: Victory

First of all, I'm gonna need someone to explain to me exactly what DJ Khaled does, because as far as I can see, he does absolutely nothing besides yell at the beginning of a track and put his name on albums which other people produce and big name rappers rap on.  Hopefully, I'm not the only one who wonders this (I googled "what does DJ Khaled do" and got over 600 hits). With that said, this is a nice track by Nas and John Legend with DJ Khaled yelling at the beginning.  I was more excited for this track when I thought Kanye was going to be on it, but Nas is an adequate replacement.

 

Victory- DJ Khaled ft. Nas and John Legend

via 2dopeboyz 

Listen To This: Run This Town (Super Bowl Intro Mix)

I missed the first quarter of the Super Bowl due to a soccer game, and haven't had a chance to see the commercials I missed. However, I have had the chance to go back and watch Jay-Z and Rihanna team up with orchestral group E.S. Posthumus perform an epic new version of their hit single to introduce the big game.

Run This Town (Super Bowl Intro Mix)- Jay-Z, Rhianna, and ES Posthumus

BONUS: Heart of the City (Who Dat)- Anyone cheering for the Saints last night will appreciate this song commemorating their victory.

Listen To This: Highs N Lows

Today we have a "new" KiD CuDi track.  I say "new" instead of new because this is the just released CD quality version of a track from his original demo. This is a great track, possibly one of my favorites from him, and I think you all will enjoy it. Also, I will probably put up my opinion on the Grammys tomorrow, so check that out.

Kid Cudi- Highs N Lows

via 2dopeboyz

Cudder fanatics, download the aforementioned original demo tape here

BONUS

NEW TDA MIX!!!

Listen To This: I'm Beamin'

The Rhymefest tracks were good and all, but I'm excited that I finally have the go ahead to release the opening track off of Lupe Fiasco's LASERS.  I liked the leaked version better, but I couldn't find the download link, and this version is more than sufficient.  As with all Lupe tracks, this one requires your full attention and multiple listens in order to decipher the complex meanings and messages behind the song. I am almost too excited for his album to drop.

Lupe Fiasco- I'm Beamin'

via 2dopeboyz

Listen To This: Say Wassup & How High

 This first of two new music posts tonight features songs by Rhymefest, a talented Chicago rapper who actually won a Grammy for co-writing Jesus Walks with Kanye West.  Expect a lot more posts about him in the future.

Rhymefest f. Phonte- Say Wassup

Rhymefest f. Little Brother- How High

via 2dopeboyz

BONUS: Rhymefest vs Mexicano

Listen To This: The Biz

I can't download and listen to this song, but this is the newest song from B.o.B.'s upcoming mixtape May 25th, incidentally named because B.o.B.'s debut album drops on May 52nd.  Just playin' (I know, that really wasn't funny).  The download link for the mixtape, which drops next month, will definitely be up here so check back for that. 

B.o.B.- The Biz

Also, I updated the labels for all the posts, so take a gander at the tag cloud for anything interesting you may have missed.

I Liked It: KiD CuDi 1/6/10

Kid Cudi ruined my week.  And I mean that in the best way possible, because after that crazy concert, everything else just seems boring.  I have officially decided that concerts are pretty much the best way to spend your money, because you can't put a price on the fun and craziness of a good concert.  This concert, at The Rave in Milwaukee, was sold out and packed to capacity. Chip the Ripper opened, and did fine, although I could not understand a word he said (granted, I probably would have enjoyed his set more had I been more familiar with his music).  After he finished, there was a torturous 30-45 minute wait until Cudi came out.  As soon as he entered the stage, the crowd went crazy, and stayed crazy the whole night.  Cudi performed a mixture of old and new songs, ranging from Man on the Moon (The Anthem) off of his first mixtape through his latest recording, Memories.  I was going crazy along with everyone else while Cudi worked through his entire catalog, performing every one of my favorites except for The Prayer.  Cudi even gave us an acapella preview of a song from his next studio album, Cudder: The Revolution of Evolution, the full title of which was revealed for the first time. The only negatives were the abundance of young high-schoolers (most of which I suspect only came because they thought it was the cool thing to do and/or decided they wanted mommy and daddy to buy them tickets after hearing Day 'n Nite on Kiss FM) and haze of pot smoke which hung in the air.  All in all, the concert was an incredibly enjoyable experience due to Cudi's talents as an engaging entertainer. Next time Kid Cudi comes to town, get your tickets early, because they'll be going fast.

He's drinking apple juice....

photos "courtesy" of The Rave (I stole them)

Listen to This: Playground

I don't have much time today, but here's a song which was left off J. Cole's mixtape, The Come Up.  J. Cole is currently touring with Jay-Z, so that says a lot about him right there.  Enjoy.

J. Cole- Playground

via 2dopeboyz

Listen to This: Music From The Week I Was In Vegas

Yeah, one post for all these songs because I'm laz...busy.

Reflection Eternal – Just Begun f. Jay Electronica, J. Cole & Mos Def [CDQ]

 

Drake-It's Been A Pleasure

Reflection Eternal – Untitled f. Jay Electronica, Mos Def & J. Cole 

 Wale – Bedrock Freestyle

Wale – The Meeting (prod. Osinachi) 

Yeah, that's it.  I know, it's kind of disappointing. If you have any songs I missed, by all means post them in the comments and I'll throw the link up.  Yes, I know first track of L.A.S.E.R.S. leaked, and yes, its sweet, but no, I won't post it here out of respect for Lupe.

via 2dopeboyz

Listen To This: Nothing on You

 I wasn't going to make a post today until Amy (my only known follower who actually follows the blog at this point, so big ups to her EDIT Not true!!!) complained that there wasn't anything new on the blog.  I couldn't really think of anything, so I decided to post this older song from an up and coming new artist,.  With a really unique style, today's featured artist delivers scorching lines with a southern drawl under the name B.o.B. and sings under the moniker Bobby Ray.  I like to think of Bobby Ray as a less-boring Drake (who nearly puts me to sleep when he sings his slow boring woman songs).  This is B.o.B.'s newest single, Nothin' On You (yes, I know I'm almost a month late on this one, but whatever), off his upcoming first album, B.o.B Presents The Great Adventures of Bobby Ray.  The song exemplifies B.o.B./Bobby Ray's (wow, that gets really confusing) half rapped, half sung, all awesome style. Check it out, and be sure to download some of his mixtapes as well.

Nothin' On You- B.o.B. Feat. Bruno Mars

via 2dopeboyz

Listen To This: cudderisback freestyle

I'm gonna keep this post short.  Today we have a brand new Kid Cudi freestyle. Give it a listen, and Wisconsin residents check out Amy's section at the right for info on the Kid Cudi concert in January at The Rave.

Download cudderisback freestyle

via Dat New Cudi

Listen to This: Enemy of the State: A Love Story

Things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:

1. My family
2. My beautiful girlfriend
3. My life in general
4. Lupe Fiasco's new mixtape

I haven't been able to listen to it yet, but I have no doubt that it will be amazing.  Enjoy, and have a fantastic turkey day (I'm planning posting pictures and a review of my dinner, so stay tuned).

Tracklist:

                      01 Intro

                      02 The National Anthem (Radiohead)

                      03 Turnt Up (Travis Porter)

                      04 Fireman (Yoga Flame) (Lil Wayne)
                      05 L.A.S.E.R.S. Manifesto Interlude

                      06 Angels (rmx) (Dirty Money)

                      07 So Ghetto (Jay-Z)

                      08 Say Something (Timabaland)

                      09 Thank You (Jay-Z)

                      10 The One (Slaughterhouse)

                      11 Popular Demand (Clipse)

Download Enemy of the State: A Love Story

via 2dopeboys
alternate album art by ArtByShake

Something I Like: L.A.S.E.R.S. Manifesto

 I was originally going to do a Genius segment on Lupe Fiasco today, but since I don't have enough time, I'll share this instead.  Having already created two masterful, Grammy-nominated albums and established himself as one of the greatest lyricists of our time, Lupe is ready to attempt to reinvent the world.  The L.A.S.E.R.S Manifest is Lupe's vision of the world, an inspiring and earnest plea to everyone.  Why would I want to listen to Lil' Wayne rap about being "a venereal disease like a menstrual bleed" when I could be listening to someone who wants the world to be a better place?

THE L.A.S.E.R.S. MANIFESTO

To Every Man, Woman & Child...

1. We Want An End To The Glamorization Of Negativity In The Media.

2. We Want An End To Status Symbols Dictating Our Worth As Individuals.

3. We Want A Meaningful And Universal Education System.

4. We Want Substance In The Place Of Popularity.

5. We Will Not Compromise Who We Are To Be Accepted By The Crowd.

6. We Want The Invisible Walls That Separate By Wealth, Race & Class To Be Torn Down.

7. We Want To Think Our Own Thoughts.

8. We Will Be Responsible For Our Environment.

9. We Want Clarity & Truth From Our Elected Officials Or They Should Move Aside.

10. We Want Love Not Lies.

11. We Want An End To All Wars. Foreign & Domestic (Violence).

12. We Want An End To The Processed Culture Of Exploitation, Over-Consumption & Waste.

13. We Want Knowledge, Understanding & Peace.

14. WE WILL NOT LOSE BECAUSE WE ARE NOT LOSERS, WE ARE LASERS.

Lasers are the opposite of losers. Lasers are shining beams of light that burn through the darkness of ignorance. Lasers shed light on injustice and inequality. Losers stand by and let things happen. Lasers act and shape their own destinies. Lasers find meaning and direction in the mysteries all around them. Lasers stand for love and compassion. Lasers stand for peace. Lasers stand for progression. Lasers are revolutionary.
Lasers Are The Future.

We're Not Losers...We Are L.A.S.E.R.S.!!!

Love Always Shines Every-time Remember 2 Smile

-Lupe

I Liked It: Attention Deficit

Fans of hip hop expect great things from Wale, an aspiring young rapper from DC, and they weren't disappointed with his debut album, Attention Deficit.  His first official LP combines clever rhymes and witty wordplay with his trademark go-go sound in order to convey his positive message.  His quick punchlines cover issues ranging everywhere from race relations to bulimia and coke addiction.  Wale shines on tracks such as the riff-driven Mirrors and the upbeat World Tour, but at times seems to be drifting away from the uniqueness that made A Mixtape About Nothing great.  All in all, this is a fantastic debut album from a rising star which should definitely be given a listen.

YES!!
Mirrors, World Tour,  90210,  Beautiful Bliss, Chillin', Triumph
No.
Contemplate

Listen To This: Angels (rmx.)

Lupe newest remix is these two verses which he delivers over the beat of Dirty Money's Angels.  With every song he puts out, its becoming more and more evident how far ahead of everyone else he is.  Look for his next mixtape, Enemy of the State: A Love Story, which drops on Thanksgiving (download link will be here), and for his 3rd album, L.A.S.E.R.S.

Download Angels (rmx.)

 via 2dopeboyz