Tag: "Kendrick Lamar"

Just a few days after appearing in J. Cole’s video for “Power Trip,” crooner Miguel has come forward with the official remix for his single, “How Many Drinks.”

Adding a bit of street flavor to his chill track, Miguel recruits none other than Compton native Kendrick Lamar to freshen up his quickly aging single. The original track admittedly did very little for us, but this refresher gives Miguel that extra edge his endlessly smooth approach fails to present on its own. Lamar goes in, proves for the billionth time he’s an amazing story teller, then steps back and let’s the hook win you over. Is it enough to make the song the hit it has yet to be on its own? Click through the link below and listen for yourself!

Miguel is gearing up for a big Summer 2013, so look for more updates on his activity in the coming weeks. Kendrick, however, has no plans to record and likes to keep quiet on future plans until they’re much closer to becoming a reality. We’ll have more on him whenever he feels like sharing with us. Continue reading ‘Stream: Miguel Ft. Kendrick Lamar – “How Many Drinks” (Remix)’

Kendrick Lamar has been on an unstoppable rise since early 2012, and last night he took his continually moving promotional train to the stage of Jimmy Kimmel Live for a performance of his new single, “Poetic Justice.”

Appearing sans Drake, who is responsible 1/3 of the verses on the track, Lamar appeared on Kimmel’s recently redesigned outdoor stage accompanied by a full band (including a kickass saxophonist). It’s always a little hard to gauge the strength of a live performance while sipping coffee at your desk the morning after it happens, but the reaction from the crowd makes it clear no one left disappointed. You can view the performance below.

Rumor has it Lamar’s 2012 effort, good kid, mAAd city, is nearing platinum certification. If you enjoy “Poetic Justice,” click here and give the full album a chance. Continue reading ‘Kendrick Lamar Performs “Poetic Justice” On Kimmel’

After about a year of heightened anticipation, Rakim Mayers – better known as A$AP Rocky – has unveiled his debut album, Long.Live.A$AP. Released on January 15 by A$AP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music, and RCA Records, the album has made a rather big splash in the urban world and has earned the artist a multi-million dollar record deal, the likes of which have not been seen since 50 Cent began his successful career about a decade ago.

Quickly rising through the cracks of the underground rap world, A$AP Rocky’s debut album has earned him a seat the top at the top of the charts. Long.Live.A$AP features two promoted singles – “Goldie,“ which is the lead single off the album, and “Fuckin’ Problems,” which features guest appearances from rappers Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar. The two tracks are quite different from each other in terms of style, energy, flow, and lyrical content, but are both very well produced. In fact, the entire album is well structured with heavy emphasis on production value. A$AP’s beats are unique to that of many other rappers, which is perhaps why many have flocked to his music; it’s a new sound.

Unfortunately, guest artists and featured producers aside, A$AP Rocky’s material is perhaps the weakest aspect of the album. A$AP offers next to no lyrical inventiveness, nor is there any actual substance to his lines. He spends most of his verses re-hashing well-worn hip-hop tropes – bragging about his high-fashion tastes, his glamorous life, and supposed street cred, the latter a frequent source of controversy.

Continue reading ‘Review: A$AP Rocky’s ‘Long.Live.A$AP’’

Hip-hop is no stranger to violence, whether it’s in boastful lyrics, videos, or the actual past lives of emcees who’ve escaped the streets and struggles of the inner city. Sometimes, though, it gets too real. Cut to Monday morning in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Rick Ross barely escaped a barrage of bullets in an apparent drive-by shooting on the morning of his 37 birthday. Ross and girlfriend Shateria L. Moragne-el were reportedly on their way to a birthday breakfast when a gunman from another car opened fire on Ross’ 2011 Rolls-Royce. Ross sped away, only to quickly crash into a nearby apartment building. Though the bullets pierced the window of a nearby diner, neither Ross, nor his girlfriend, nor any of the diner patrons were injured. The night before, Ross has been celebrating his birthday with P. Diddy at the LIV nightclub in Miami. Continue reading ‘Rick Ross Targeted In Attempted Miami Shooting’

What’s not to love about Tuesdays? You get to listen to a bunch of great new albums, and it’s not Monday anymore. That enough is cause for celebration. This week’s slate of new releases is especially diverse, and gives fans of almost every genre something great to spin.

Taylor Swift – Red

If at first, you hated “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” then you started humming it absentmindedly in the supermarket aisle, and then you found it taking over every waking thought, you’re not alone. Every successive single released from Red has nestled itself into the deepest recesses of our minds like a musical laser beam of pure studio magic. Red could be Swift’s most blatantly poppy, and best, album yet.

Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city

Indie whiz kid Kendrick Lamar’s major label debut is a stunner. A cohesive rap album with a unified concept that doesn’t get bogged down in its own storytelling, good kid, m.A.A.d city features Lamar spitting beautifully rhymed off–kilter verses complemented by an all–star guest list that features Drake, Dr. Dre, production by Pharrell, Hit Boy, and more.

Bat For Lashes – The Haunted Man

Bat For Lashes’ first album in three years showcases a new set of moody chamber ballads from singer Natasha Khan. Dark synths shiver and glitchy beats pop behind Khan’s lyrical journeys into the shadows of her own psyche. Impossibly compelling and intricately composed, the songs on The Haunted Man demand repeated listens.

Further Seems Forever – Penny Black

Further Seems Forever make their triumphant return with original singer Chris Carrabba, and the result is everything that fans have been waiting for since the release of The Moon Is Down more than ten years ago. The band has never sounded more cohesive or confident, and Carrabba’s vocals soar high over a tangle of rhythmically dense guitar work. It’s emo all grown up.

Titus Andronicus – Local Business

Scrappy Jersey punks Titus Andronicus have already made a concept album about the Civil War, so it only makes sense that their newest effort is a little bit closer to home. Local Business details the band’s personal trials – sometimes in an intensely honest way, as on “My Eating Disorder” – to brash and strident success. This one’s meant to be played loud.

More like this:

• Exclusive Q and A: Chris Carrabba Talks ‘Penny Black,’ Reuniting With Further Seems Forever
• Taylor Swift Drops New Track: “I Knew You Were Trouble”

Boost Mobile and Guerilla Union hosted a star-studded event at Hollywood’s House of Blues Wednesday night to announce the lineup for their 2012 Rock The Bells Festival Series. Supernatural rapped a four-minute freestyle of the ridiculously talented roster of headliners over an impromptu live beat-box from DJ Quik to an enthusiastic crowd; with many of the list’s all-stars sitting right behind him.

The lyrical listing included 2 Chainz, ASAP Rocky, Atmosphere, Big Daddy Kane, Dipset, E-40 and Too Short, DJ Quik, Ice Cube, J. Cole, Missy Elliott and Timbaland, and Salt & Peppa.

Full of famous faces, legends and newbies, mainstream headliners and indie heroes, Rock The Bells looks like the most epic hip hop line-up of the year.

Supernatural went on to announce the newbies like Schoolboy Q, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf, Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, along with veterans Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh, Lupe Fiasco, Nas, Naughty By nature, Method Man & Redman, Prodigy, Kid Cudi, Bone Thugs –N- Harmony, among others.

We caught up with Murs backstage to talk about his involvement in the festival. “I will be performing with Fashawn, we’re working on a record, we’ll be promoting two EPs, one will come out at the beginning of the festival. I’m happy Rock The Bells is stepping up, I’m excited about the line up,” he said. He also revealed that he had a lot to do with linking up some of the stellar set list, and recalled how he helped usher into the limelight this year’s “Goldenboy,” Kendrick Lamar. “Last year Kendrick Lamar was on this stage right here and everyone looked at him like he was nobody. Now if he came up here there would be a riot at the House of Blues. He’s a headliner.”

Continue reading ‘Soundcheck: Rock The Bells 2012 Announces Stellar Setlist & Murs Exclusive’

It was 10:45 Sunday night when Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg hit the main stage to close out the three-day music festival at Coachella. When the lights went low, the infamous West Coast duo resurrected some old hits and old friends for their highly anticipated, headlining set. 50 Cent, Tony Yayo and Eminem all came out to perform famous collaborations with the prolific pair; leaving lots of room for long breaks for Dre.  An elaborate hologram of the late Tupac Shakur appeared alongside the duo onstage to deliver his verses from “Two Of America’s Most Wanted” and “Hail Mary” from beyond the grave.  The tribute was interesting; but a bit morbid as well and the crowd seemed a bit puzzled to say the least.  Overall, the ninety-minute headlining set was nostalgic at best; and while it was enjoyable; Dre’s contribution didn’t suggest the comeback he has been promising for years now.  Backstage fans included Rihanna, Fergie, Will.I.Am and the Fire Marshall shut down the area for capacity reasons, leaving stars like Paris Hilton scrambling from the side stage.

Continue reading ‘Soundcheck: Hip-Hop Hits Festival Season– Paid Dues, Coachella & Lollapalooza’

With the new year comes new talent, new music and new must-see shows from some of our favorite artists. While more hot ticket tours are sure to be announced as the months go by, here’s a few we’re already gearing up for in 2012.

Rick Ross: Although he’s been relatively quiet since last year’s numerous health scares, it seems Ross is ready to get back on the scene with a year full of features, releases and live gigs. On January 13, he will be at LA’s Nokia Theatre with Busta Rhymes, Y.G. and Eric B; following up with a show two weeks later at Webster Bank Arena in Connecticut.  In February, he’ll hit the stage for “The Maybach Massacre” featuring Waka Flocka Flame at Uno Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. This year is looking good for Mr. Ross, who began production last week on the video for his single, “Rich Forever” from his upcoming mixtape of the same title.  The video reportedly features Meek Mills, Drake, DJ Khaled and French Montana.

Bow Wow: The Young Money artist took to Twitter to confirm that he would be embarking on a world tour in 2012 in to promote his album, Underrated. He’s planning to hit North America, Europe, Africa, Australia, Japan and South America, but no official confirmation has surfaced.  Only time will tell if Bow Wows global bounce back comes to fruition, or is just wishful thinking.

Lil Wayne & Eminem: Though no dates have been confirmed, Eminem and Lil Wayne are rumored to be coordinating an international tour together for 2012.  Weezy first announced the news in November on his Facebook account, posting “Headed to Fiji, Australia, then S. Africa…on tour with Slim Shady…a blessing…thx to those who supported C4! 2x platinum! Love y’all” With his album, The Carter 4 going double platinum, and Eminem being the show-stopping performer he is, there’s no doubt this tour will be the hottest ticket in town.  The two already have numerous successful singles under their belts, including “ No Love”, “Drop The World” and ‘Forever”.

Continue reading ‘Soundcheck: Hot Ticket Tours’

The 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards was filmed in Atlanta on October 1 and aired on BET last week.  Packed with powerful performances and full of surprises, the show offered the world a glimpse of some of rap’s most promising up and comers through their nine cyphers, and gave some unexpected players a turn at the mic while other big names were noticeably MIA.

The show’s opening set the pace for the night.  A fire-filled stage revealed Young Jeezy who spit some verses before throwing the mic to T.I. Making his triumphant return to the stage in his hometown of Atlanta, the recently–released rapper got straight to the point, spitting “I been out of sight/ been out of mind…another year of prison/ promise this is it for me/ trying to make it through the storm/ should be makin’ history. /No feeling sorry keep your pity and your sympathy/ good or bad take it like a man whatever’s meant to be.”

Hosted by Mike Epps, the show was light on awards. An hour into the show, they had only given out one. The night’s biggest winner was Chris Brown (who couldn’t be bothered to show up) for his hit, “Look At Me Now” featuring Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne. The song nabbed a total of four awards including Best Hip-Hop Video, People’s Champ Award, Reese’s Perfect Combo Award and Best Featured Verse from Busta.

Continue reading ‘Soundcheck: 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards: Scathing Cyphers, Political Points, and Missing Winners’