All That Music & Video

Brother Ali performing “Good Lord” off of his album “Truth Is Here”.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Check out the new video for Eyedea & Abilities new video “Smile” from their latest album, “By The Throat”.

Popularity: 4% [?]

A quick-witted and diverse rapper able to deliver punch lines at breakneck speed, Washington, D.C.’s Wale debuted and then thrived in the underground mixtape world, releasing a handful of well-received full-lengths before getting to work on his official major-label debut. It’s the reason why Attention Deficit had a cult following the day it arrived on shelves, but the unexpected advantage to this 21st century style of artist incubation is that the wide variety of producers (Mark Ronson, DJ Green Lantern, Cool & Dre, and others) and guest vocalists (Lady GaGa, Bun B, Gucci Mane, Pharrell, and more) are surprisingly in tune with this “newcomer,” all obviously aware of his post-Kanye, post-Lil Wayne, alternative-meets-hardcore style. True to its title, the hyperactive album is filled with grand statements, provocative jokes, and busy productions, and yet, it’s an accessible listen first time out, thanks mostly to Wale’s natural delivery and quirky sense of humor. Take “Chillin,” which crafts an instant floor-filler out of a sample from the ’70s hit “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” guest star Lady GaGa acting as Rihanna to Wale’s Jay-Z, plus a string of T-shirt worthy lines, best being “I remain a Giant and you Jeremy Shockey.” Elsewhere it’s the Nintendo-loving “I would invest in a poncho/’Cause I won’t punch out like Glass Joe,” but heavier topics like social commentary (“90210″), bittersweet sentimentality (“Diary”), and flat-out joy (“Beautiful Bliss”) are all well within this talented rapper’s grasp. The biggest complaint has to be that the early single “Nike Boots” is missing, but otherwise, this unique debut does not disappoint.

Wale-”Chillin’” Ft. Lady Gaga

Following the same format as 2004’s 1st Infantry, Alchemist recruits a capable lineup of rappers for his new disc, Chemical Warfare. With the usual suspects, like Prodigy and Jadakiss, still in tow, this go-round, the Beverly Hills–bred producer offers several unexpected collaborations, and surprise attacks as well.

It isn’t every day that you hear Three 6 Mafia and Juvenile over an Alc beat, but on “That’ll Work,” the producer’s bouncy take on crunk wins. Juve steals the show with a fast-paced flow, while Juicy J chooses his usual stop-and-go rhyme pattern on the standout track. Another remarkable pairing comes from Maxwell and Twista, who, respectively, provide a soulful hook and awe-inspiring verses on the slow-paced hip-hop love fest “Smile.” Hardcore fans need not worry, though, as Eminem links with Al and gets down and dirty on the album’s title track, offering to “eat the fuckin’ Octomom’s pussy lips with some okra/While I watch Whoopi Goldberg scissoring Oprah.”

Not all the artists have as much chemistry, however. The bass-farting “On Sight,” which links Lady of Rage and Tha Dogg Pound, only seems to fulfill the West Coast quota, and Prodigy’s sex talk over Al’s pulsating drums on “Keep the Heels On” just sounds creepy. Still, in all, Chemical Warfare proves that Alchemist keeps an arsenal of WMDs just in case shit jumps off.

Popularity: 8% [?]

The first Clipse albums got serious FADER rotation, but especially Hell Hath No Fury, based on the brick-like density of tracks like “Ride Around Shining” and (from the Barbershop 2 soundtrack!) “Pussy”. Not that there were not the moments like “I’m Good” on either, but our expectations are ridiculously high and it felt initially too easy. But maybe it’s time to open our hearts and let a little Clipse shine in. Because really, it looks sweet to drive around in a black BMW convertible and have a pool party on the roof of The Standard or wherever chilling in cardigans and expensive sunglasses with a bunch of models. Maybe this song is alright, actually.

This is the official single “I’m Good” featuring Pharrell from Clipses upcoming third album “Till The Casket Drops”. “I’m Good ” was produced by The Neptunes and the artwork was created by KAWS, who is also working on the cover art for the groups album. The album is scheduled to be released on September 8.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Before she could utilize her talents for her own solo endeavors, R&B singer, vocal arranger, and songwriter Keri Hilson wrote a slew of songs, many of them chart-toppers, for several popular artists in the mid-2000s as part of the five-person production/songwriting team known as the Clutch. The dynamic songwriter was born in Decatur, GA, only a few miles outside of Atlanta. Addicted to TV talent shows like Star Search and Showtime at the Apollo, she was already plotting out her career in music at age 12. Even though her mother hired a piano teacher to encourage those talents, she mainly wanted to sing; therefore, Hilson converted those sessions into vocal lessons, accompanying the teacher on piano. In her mid- to late teens, her career jumped off as a songwriter and background vocalist, working under producer Anthony Dent (Destiny’s Child, Diddy). Born out of that relationship were two failed girl groups (named Pretty Toni and D’Sign) and, more importantly, a host of connections within the industry for whom she wrote or did backup vocals, including Usher, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, and up-and-coming Southern rap producer Polow da Don.
After Hilson graduated from high school, she managed to continue juggling all these tasks when she enrolled at Emory University in Atlanta. She eventually moved on from Dent and began working more with Polow da Don. Attending school while actively advancing her music career put a great demand on her, especially from being a member of the extremely versatile Clutch team. But as luck would have it, Polow introduced her to superproducer Timbaland, who wasted no time in signing the multi-talented songbird to his growing Mosley Music imprint in 2006. Over the next couple years, Hilson’s songwriting was practically ubiquitous, responsible for numerous hit singles, including Mary J. Blige’s “Take Me as I Am,” Omarion’s “Ice Box,” the Pussycat Dolls’ “Wait a Minute,” and Britney Spears’ “Gimme More.” She was also featured prominently on Timbaland Presents Shock Value, including the number three Billboard Hot 100 hit “The Way I Are.” With Timbaland and Polow in her corner, Hilson relied on the vast pool of recording artists and producers who needed (and wanted) to return the favor for her Mosley MusicInterscope debut. After a couple pre-release singles and numerous delays, In a Perfect World… was issued in March 2009, shortly after one of its tracks, “Turnin’ Me On,” had reached the Top 20 of the Hot 100.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Ross confirmed that he is already working on his next solo album, Teflon Don, which he expects to surpass his recent success with 2009’s Deeper Than Rap. Rick Ross takes his recording alias from the name of a famous drug dealer, and Teflon Don is a nickname for the infamous John Gotti. Reportedly, part of the reason for Teflon Don’s existence is so that Ross will have a place to repudiate the allegations made about him by 50 Cent and say “yes, yes I did sell drugs. I too am street.”

“I’m already on top of it, and it’s going to eclipse all my other projects,” Ross stated. “I recorded a record last week called ‘My Wedding Day.’ Just to summarize it, it’s like New Jack City when they were at the wedding…but it starts off real beautiful. But we’re just focused on this Triple C project and hitting them hard.”

The Triple C’s LP, entitled Custom Cars & Cycles, is being promoted by the Birdman-assisted single “Go.”

The debut project from Ross’ group is currently slated for a Fall release.

“The streets are excited. It’s all about motivating people to get up in the morning and go and get it,” Ross detailed. “I always stay focused on business….These are my brothers and they’ve been riding with me forever. It’s only right, the time’s right. We have a high-powered album we’re going to drop in October. Just know there’s a lot more treats to come.”

With the correctional officer and 50 Cent issue dying down, Ross credits his business acumen and music quality for his perseverance.

“I’m being a hustler,” Ross argued. “It don’t matter if you put me in Ireland tomorrow. You’re going to here about me doing something over there, I’ll make a movie. It’s the kind of dude I am. Whatever room you put me in it don’t matter. That’s what it’s about. I feel like everybody that’s watched my career and this empire being built are going to learn to respect it.”

At press time, a specified October date has not been announced for the Triple C’s album.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Big Sean gained a valuable relationship with local Detroit Hip Hop station 102.7 FM, where he would show his rhyming skills on a weekly basis as part of a rap battle contest the station held on a regular basis. In 2005, Kanye West was doing a radio interview at 102.7 FM; hearing about this, Sean headed over to the station to meet West. After gaining a strong relationship with the station from his previous rap battle routines, he was allowed in and allowed to talk to Kanye about his rhyming skills. After leaving a demo tape and along with free styling for West, Sean left him impressed. Two years later, after months of submitting and fine-tuning Sean’s work, West finally signed Big Sean to GOOD Music. Big Sean signed with Kanye West’s GOOD Music in 2007, and then in 2008 signed with Island Def Jam.

In 2007, Big Sean released his first official mixtape “Finally Famous-The Mixtape”. His hit single, “Getcha Some”, gave him strong media attention and led to articles in The Source, along with the Detroit Metro Times. He also recorded a music video for “Getcha Some”, which was directed by Hype Williams.The mixtape also featured the song “Get Em”(prod by 93 P), which showcased the talent for metaphors/wordplay that helped Sean gain the attention of his peers. Sean also released a second mixtape, which is produced by Mick Boogie on April 16, 2009 called “U Know Big Sean–Finally Famous Vol. 2”. Finally Famous the album is being slated to release in spring 2009. It will be Sean’s debut album and is said to include a plethora of hip-hop heavy weights. Some names include: Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Mr. Hudson and The-Dream.

Popularity: 9% [?]

I Am… Sasha Fierce is the third studio album by Beyoncé Knowles, first released on November 8, 2008 in Japan and later worldwide throughout November and December from record label Columbia Records. The album reached the top ten on thirty-two charts worldwide. It debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, making Knowles the second female R&B artist this decade to have her first three albums debut in the top spot, and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA, making it Knowles’ third consecutive number-one album.

The album has so far spawned four worldwide hits: “If I Were a Boy”, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Halo” and “Sweet Dreams”, as well as the U.S. only singles “Diva” and “Ego”.

Check out Beyonce’s new music video for “Ego“, the fifth single off her latest album, I Am… Sasha Fierce

“My goal for the video is simplicity,” the 27-year-old singer told EW. “In ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’, I saw this old tape of Bob Fosse’s wife, and I used that as inspiration. I thought in this world, with all the technology and everything that’s going on, to strip everything down—great idea. So I kind of did the same thing, but glossy and black, for ‘Ego’.”

Beyonce – Ego (featuring Kanye West) (Official Music Video) –

Popularity: 13% [?]

The Blueprint 3 is the upcoming eleventh studio album by American rapper Jay-Z, set to be released on September 11, 2009. It will be the final installment in The Blueprint trilogy, preceded by the critically acclaimed The Blueprint (2001) and its follow-up The Blueprint²: The Gift & The Curse (2002). On May 20, 2009 Jay-Z confirmed that he bought out the remainder of his contract from Def Jam Records in order to start his contract with Live Nation, and therefore The Blueprint 3 will be released under Roc Nation and distributed by Atlantic Records. It is Jay-Z’s first studio album not to feature him on the cover.

The initial hype over The Blueprint 3 came when DJ Clue released a mixtape song called “Ain’t I”, produced by Timbaland in January 2008. In the intro, Clue said, “Off that Blueprint 3 baby!” However, a spokesperson for Jay-Z said that the song was an older, unreleased Jay-Z song and that the recording of The Blueprint 3 had not yet started. In July, producer Timbaland, a frequent contributor of previous Jay-Z albums, told MTV News that he was producing the whole album. But in an interview with the Rolling Stone, Jay-Z called the statement “premature”. Later that month Jay-Z appeared onstage with to perform the Kanye West–produced song “Jockin’ JAY-Z” during the former’s Glow in the Dark Tour. The next morning, Jay-Z confirmed The Blueprint 3 as the album’s name during a interview with radio station Shade 45. By November, he had finished the album but with lengthy negotiations with Def Jam, he went back to rework The Blueprint 3. In January, Jay-Z confirmed continued production on and admitted the leak of several songs.

Most of the album’s recording took place in Hawaii. Kanye West protege Mr Hudson explained to the The Times that he “won’t get bothered there” compared in a major city such as New York City or Los Angeles. Jay-Z told the Rolling Stone his method of selecting producers, “If Timbaland makes ten great tracks then he produces the album, if Kanye West makes ten great tracks then he produces the album; if he makes three, I’ll take three. I let the music dictate the direction”. However, judging by the final track listing, it appears that West is producing the majority of the album, with Timbaland producing only one track. West has confirmed two songs, “Everyday A Star Is Born” and “Forever Young”, during an appearance on the The Wake Up Show in February 2009. Mr Hudson, who is the featured artist on the latter, described it as a flip on the Bob Dylan record of the same name. During a joint interview with Hudson, West confirmed that the pop artist would be on three tracks. In a Billboard interview, Jay-Z confirmed “What We Talking About”, the album’s intro, “Thank You,” and “Already Home” as song names and collaborations with the rock band MGMT, rappers Drake and Kid Cudi and singer Rihanna. Jay-Z also mentioned in an interview with DJ Semtex that his favorite song on the album is a song titled “Empire State of Mind”.

 Tracklisting:

Popularity: 5% [?]