What Da Bidness

Video: Drake - Forever (feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem)

2009-09-21T14:37:00.001-07:00

This Is Far Too Ill

2009-09-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

Daft Punk have just signed on to be part of DJ Hero. Their exclusive mix features tracks from Queen, No Doubt & Gary Numman, amongst others. It's on!

Nike AM90 x Dizzee Rascal x Ben Drury

2009-09-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Trailer: This Is It

2009-09-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

Michael Jackson's This Is It in HD

Speechless.

Video: Keri Hilson - Slow dance

2009-09-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Hip-Hop Icons..........Simpsonised!!!

2009-09-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Can you name them all? (it's not hard at all actually)

Sorta Like Empathy

2009-09-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

Apathy will never sell a million records. He deserves to though. He might be closer to that dream after having formed an allegiance with underground rap hero Fort Minor (more famously known as the leader of Linkin Park).

This Fort Minor produced single from upcoming LP Wanna Snuggle? proves neither one of them has lost their edge.

Apathy - Shoot First (featuring B-Real & Celph Titled)

Video: Kid Cudi - Day N Nite (Original Video)

2009-09-08T12:27:00.001-07:00

They shoulda gone with this.

Musical Mondays

2009-09-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

Odds & Ends

KiD CuDi - Soundtrack 2 My Life

Nino Bless - Lyrical Murderer

Drake - Fear

V Festival 2009

2009-09-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

How Do You Do Ken?

2009-09-04T10:32:00.001-07:00

The UK's premier grime/indie outfit (don't call it "grindie") return to the scene with a small EP to tide over the fans until their next full length is released next year. Mixes come from the likes of Plastician, so you know it's gonna be a big 'un.

Hadouken! - M.A.D.

Hadouken! - M.A.D. (Detboi Remix)

Diddy's Back

2009-09-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

Diddy returns as part of the new R&B trio Dirty Money. A debut album will be released in the US on November 24th, but a UK release has yet to be announced.

Dirty Money - Angels (Featuring The Notorious B.I.G.)

Been A Long Time/He Shouldn't Have Left You...

2009-09-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

Many a producer have lent their names to programs such as this, but Timbaland looks to break the mold with this game released in conjunction with Rockstar. The sounds are equal to the quality of those used in his chart topping hits with the likes of Justin Timberlake & Missy Elliot & it looks easy enough for beginners to jump into with no problem.

Via RWD Magazine

Beaterator is out 2 October.

DMX Needs Help

2009-09-03T08:36:00.001-07:00

XXL:Are you following the presidential race?
DMX : Not at all.

XXL:You’re not? You know there’s a Black guy running, Barack Obama and then there’s Hillary Clinton.

DMX :His name is Barack?!

XXL:Barack Obama, yeah.

DMX :Barack?!

XXL:Barack.

DMX :What the f-ck is a Barack?! Barack Obama. Where he from, Africa?

XXL:Yeah, his dad is from Kenya.

DMX :Barack Obama?

XXL:Yeah.

DMX :What the f-ck?! That ain’t no f-ckin’ name, yo. That ain’t that n-gga’s name. You can’t be serious. Barack Obama. Get the f-ck outta here.

XXL:You’re telling me you haven’t heard about him before.

DMX :I ain’t really paying much attention.

XXL:I mean, it’s pretty big if a Black…

DMX :Wow, Barack! The n-gga’s name is Barack. Barack? N-gga named Barack Obama. What the f-ck, man?! Is he serious? That ain’t his f-ckin’ name. Ima tell this n-gga when I see him, “Stop that bullsh-t. Stop that bullsh-t” [laughs] “That ain’t your f-ckin’ name.” Your momma ain’t name you no damn Barack.

XXL: So you’re not following the race. You can’t vote right?
DMX: Nope.

OMG! Sneak attack on Obama!

2009-09-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

How did the secret service let this happen?!?

3 Minute Tour of Dubai!

2009-09-03T05:17:00.001-07:00

Dubstep USA

2009-09-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Xzibit’s “So What” featuring Inglewood, CA’s U-N-I is the second release from Cashmere Agency Presents Mr. Grustle & Tha Russian’s Dubstep LA: Embrace The Renaissance Vol. 1 Mixed By Plastician. Crafted by famed Dubstep producer D1, “So What,” seamlessly blends Dubstep’s heavy oscillating bass lines and dark syncopated sounds with the lineup’s fierce lyricism.

Cashmere Agency Presents Mr. Grustle & Tha Russian’s Dubstep LA: Embrace The Renaissance Vol. 1 Mixed By Plastician hits the net September 9 and features famed Dubstep producers Benga, 12th Planet and Caspa alongside hip-hop stars like Murs, Grouch and Eligh, Grand Puba, Ras Kass and Eve. It also features Snoop Dogg’s Chase & Status produced “Snoop Dogg Millionaire” which recently leaked to the web.

Xzibit - So What (Featuring U-N-I)

Snoop Dogg - Snoop Dogg Millionaire

Via Nah Right?

The Best Film Ever?

2009-09-01T13:14:00.001-07:00

In Turtles Forever, the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles of the '80s meet the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles of the present day.

I don't know how that works. I don't even care. That's just the best thing I've ever heard.

How Dope Is This?!

2009-08-31T13:07:00.001-07:00

The Blueprint 3 leaked today. I haven't listened (waiting til the release day to cop it from a store), but you know he'll still sell a million.

Jay-Z - Ghetto Techno [Produced by Timbaland]

WOW

2009-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney Co. said on Monday it has reached a deal to acquire comic book titan Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in stock and cash. In a statement, Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said "adding Marvel to Disney's unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation." Marvel shareholders would receive a total of $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own. At closing, the amount of cash and stock will be adjusted if necessary so that the total value of the Disney stock issued as merger consideration based on its trading value at that time is not less than 40% of the total merger consideration. Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters, including The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the X-Men, The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man, all of which have been turned into highly valuable feature film franchises. Ike Perlmutter, Marvel's CEO, would continue to oversee the Marvel properties, and work directly with Disney executives to integrate them into Disney's businesses.

Musical Mondays

2009-08-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

Video: Drake & Trey Songz - Successful

Drake & Trey Songz - Successful

Swagger Like Who?

2009-08-27T01:42:00.001-07:00

Most superstar collabs are let downs, but this delivers. Em & Drake murk everyone on this, as you'd expect.

Drake - Forever (feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem)

(BTW,stop asking me about that pic. It's the only one his management let us use)

Sheeesh...Snoop's back!

2009-08-27T01:27:00.000-07:00

That is the best verse I've heard from Snoop in a minute.

Sorry for no post last night. We were at the Nooki Launch party. Keep an eye out for updates on that.

Nipsey Hussle - Gangsta's Life (feat. Snoop Dogg)

Lesson Time

2009-08-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

Mr. Green returns with some mo heat for you fiends. His Lecture #2 mixtape is out later this year.

Professor Green - Addicted (ft. Amy Winehouse)

BONUS:
The Streets - Podcast

Nooki Launch Party

2009-08-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Nooki is a new clothes line launching this fall. The company will release a range featuring limited edition handmade t-shirts featuring striking designs & high quality materials.

To celebrate the launch of the label, Nooki will be hosting a night of music & fashion featuring performances from Manchester based band Tyler Mae, as well as performances from Raw Riddim acts MC Myst, Freezi, Curtis Khan & B.B. Manik. This will be the first chance to hear brand new material from all these acts.

As well as all this, they'll also be free goodie bags & give aways all night.
You'd be a fool to miss out,so get yourself down to Clerkenwell House on the 26th of August!

Musical Mondays

2009-08-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

OK, it's clear already that the Blueprint 3 proves what I've always believed. You cannot have a flawless trilogy (orginal Star Wars movies aside). & although it's looking 90% certain it will be terrible, there is some hope there will at least be a few decent tracks on there. Reminder's the best thing he's done in years.

Jay-Z - Reminder

Jay-Z - Off That (Featuring Drake)

Bow Wow Returns,Song Actually Quite Good

2009-08-21T13:49:00.001-07:00

That is all.

Bow Wow - I Love Cash Money

Return Of The Blog Superstars

2009-08-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

They were gonna have Kid Cudi & Mikey Factz on this on this too, but then every blogger in the world would have become so over excited, they would have exploded.

Drake - Forever (feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem)

Will The Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?

2009-08-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Soul Intent was the group Eminem was a member of before joining D12. Heavily influenced by Big Daddy Kane & The Juice Crew, Slim wore those influences on his sleeve & had a very different flow from the one we know today.

Over some old school production care of the groups beatsmith Manix, Slim Shady & Choas Kid kick some bars.

Soul Intent - Artificial Flavour

Soul Intent - Poo Butt

Soul Intent - Unrelaistically Graphic

Via Nah Right?

Video: JME - Over Me

2009-08-18T16:08:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since his Serious heyday, but JME returns with this absolute banger of a track produced by Deeco. With a spectacular video & some of the best bars he's spit in ages, we look forward to the album.

Buy this single when it drops & support good music!

Musical Mondays: What's beef?

2009-08-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Every now & then, a rapper comes along & ruffles some feathers. 50 Cent, Big Sty, The Game. Well, you can now add Curtis Khan to that list. On this breakout track he holds nothing back & lets listeners know how he really feels about the UK scene.

There may be more, but so far we've spotted disses to The Sugababes, Tinchy Stryder, Frankmusic & Ironik. Let us know if you catch any more.

Curtis Khan - F.O.E (F*ck Off Everyone)

The Real Hip-Hop Is Over Here

2009-08-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Big congrats are in order to rap supergroup Slaughterhouse, whose debut album has sold out in many stores across the US & saw them become a trending topic on Twitter this week.

The album is out now & if you haven't copped it already, do yourself a serious favour & purchase it now!!

Slaughterhouse - Onslaught 2 (Ft. Fatman Scoop)

Calling All Wanabe Producers...

2009-08-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Built from the foundation of Rockstar’s widely-acclaimed original web version of Beaterator,
Beaterator for PSP system and PlayStation Network puts a world-class mixer at your
fingertips – enabling easy, powerful and innovative creation.

Featuring original music and a sound-kit which includes thousands of loops and sounds produced by Rockstar andmulti-platinum producer and entertainer Timbaland exclusively for Beaterator.

Coming September 29th to PSP and PlayStation Network

This Is It

2009-08-12T10:48:00.001-07:00

MICHAEL JACKSON'S "THIS IS IT" TO BE PRESENTED IN THEATERS AROUND THE WORLD BY SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT AND SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
-Film Drawn From Legendary Entertainer's Last Rehearsals and Behind-The-Scenes Footage Will Be Released October 30th in High Definition with Digital Sound-

CULVER CITY, Calif., August 10, 2009 - Beginning October 30th, the world will have a front-row seat for Michael Jackson's final concert, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment release Michael Jackson's This Is It.

This Is It is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends and creative collaborators.

Michael Jackson - Dancing Machine (With The Jacksons)

Musical Mondays

2009-08-10T14:31:00.001-07:00

Odds & Ends:

Nispey Hussle - The Hustle Way

The Cool Kids - Champions

J-Kwon - Tipsy '09

Video: Clipse - I'm Good (Featuring Pharrell)

2009-08-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Who's That Girl? : Peaches Geldof

2009-08-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

I've always wondered about Peaches. Sometimes she looks amazing & other times? not so much. But it's official: I would.

Video: Jay-Z’s Michael Jackson Tribute at APW

2009-08-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

K To The Iz-A, N To The Iz-O

2009-08-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

One of the UK's most respected lyricists returns to the scene, now a free agent.
After two major label albums, what path will he follow? Stay indie or sign again?

Watch this space.

Kano - D.O.E (Death Of Everything)

Whuda Thunk It?

2009-08-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

Eve's back with an album that might actually come out (but I'm not holding my breath). Anyway, the first single is produced by Benga.Yup, you read that right. Benga. This after it was revealed the bonus songs on Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 will be produced by Chase N Status. UK stand up!

Eve - Me N My (Up In The Club)

Musical Mondays

2009-08-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

What with his recent slew of number ones, you'd be forgiven for thinking Calvin Harris was a new jack on the scene. Nah son, Mr. Harris been doing his thing:

Groove Armada - Get Down (Calvin Harris Mix Featuring $tush)

The Mitchell Brothers - Michael Jackson (Calvin Harris Remix)

Professor Green - I'm Not Alone (Featuring Calvin Harris)

Is It On? IT'S ON!!

2009-07-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

It's been well documented that you don't get on Eminem's bad side. But Nick Cannon & Mariah Carey obviously didn't get that memo.

After they poked fun at him (& Mariah called him "obsessed"), he gets his own back. In my opinion, this is better than 95% of the material on Relapse. Maybe he needs to get dissed more.

Eminem - The Warning

He Shot The Sherrif

2009-07-30T12:59:00.001-07:00

Duno what it is, but there is something aggie about today. Murda absolutely lives up to his name on this.

Uncle Murda - Summertime Shootouts (Produced by DJ Premier)

My days.

Beats too...

2009-07-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

New Snoop from his upcoming album Bacc 2 Tha Chuuch Vol. 1.. Which will be the first of two albums released within a year of each other.

The TC's - Shut U Down (featuring Snoop Dogg)

Feeling the beat? Snoop made it.

Video: Skyzoo - Beautiful Decay

2009-07-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Trailer: Tron Legacy

2009-07-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Tron Legacy is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn, the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn, looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant, father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous. The official trailer can be seen above, recently premiering at the San Diego Comic Con. With Daft Punk creating the sound track for this movie, TRON Legacy will be a movie not to miss out on.

Via Hypebeast

Westsiiidddeee!!!

2009-07-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

Another day, another unreleased 2pac song. Just shows how amazing his actual music could be when it was untouched.

2pac - If Theres A Cure (featuring Snoop Dogg)

BOY OFF THE TING!!!

2009-07-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

That's It?

2009-07-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Step your rap/song game up. That goes for everybody on this song.

Jay-Z - Run This Town (Featuring Rihanna & Kanye West)

Have a good weekend people.

OMG @ This Trailer!

2009-07-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Assasin's Creed 2...

It's Too Much

2009-07-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Damn, this is sick. Where's the album already?!

Goldielocks - F*ckabout

LoveBox Festival - Victoria Park, London

2009-07-21T17:24:00.001-07:00

London's answer to Glastonbury is what LoveBox Festival promised to revelers and in most departments they more than delivered.
Victoria Park played host to LoveBox as it had done since 2005, and while taking an initial stroll around I embraced the abundance of PR girls showering me with freebies from their respective blue-chips; glow in the dark Rizlas?! Who'd of thought!
As far as acts were concerned, Chipmunk successfully opened for the early birds. Fashionista come singer Florence Welch owned the stage with her swagger and I have to say her sound rang true with my ear drums as I had not heard her music before. Her album was promptly purchased on iTunes the following day.
Mr. Hudson's reggae-esque R'n'B was taken well by the crowds along with a guest apperance from rapper Kano, and it was clear from the audience's warm reception that this relatively new artist signed to Kanye West's label definately has a bright future ahead of him.
U.S rap metal band N*E*R*D was, by far, the highlight of the day for me. Aside from the fact that I was hauled on stage to wild out with Pharrell & Co, their unique electronic/rap/rock mash up had the crowd riled up into a frenzy for the better part of an hour. Capped off with the stage being filled with girls for their final track 'Everyone Nose'.
But what I think sets LoveBox apart from other festivals, especially the ones in London; is their dance areas. Started by Groove Armada it comes as no surprise that there were 3 unique designated areas playing house from electro to balaeric. I particularly enjoyed the 'Relentless Zone' where the surroundings made me feel as if I was on Bora Bora Beach. The large light fixtures scattered around me had periodic fireballs shooting out that was a spectacle to behold.
The 'Relentless Zone' was so good infact, that I had to be dragged over to catch the latter half of the headline act Duran Duran. They were decent but I got the feeling that the relatively young crowd were waiting for the bands biggest track 'Rio'. Which made me wonder if they were the right act to headline such a festival, taking nothing away from their actual performance.
Overall I think LoveBox makes for a brilliant day out especially when the weather is in a good mood. My only shortcomings on the event was the issues they had with sound for some acts (ironically I will include N*E*R*D as the act who had the most trouble). But aside from that, whether you prefer to go for one or two days, LoveBox is definately one of the leading London Festivals and great value for money.

More Goodies For Everyone!

2009-07-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

Freezi keeps leaking new material from his upcoming mixtape & he's got some fire! Could we be looking at the mixtape of the year?

Freezi - Flight School

Freezi - Too Much

It's Turning Into A Drake Fest Round Here...

2009-07-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

October's very own spits on another track with strong buzz, prepping the world for his impending rulership of rap.

Fabolous - Throw It In The Bag Remix (Featuring The-Dream & Drake)

Our Thoughts Are With MCA

2009-07-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Adam “MCA” Yauch of Beastie Boys was diagnosed last week as having a cancerous tumor in his left parotid (salivary) gland. Luckily it was caught early and is localized in one area, and as such is considered very treatable. It will however require surgery and several weeks of additional treatment. Fortunately the cancer is not in a location that will affect Yauch’s vocal chords.

Beastie Boys have canceled all upcoming concert appearances to allow time for Yauch’s surgery and recovery. The release of the band’s forthcoming album Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 will also be pushed back.

Paraphrasing from a video statement on Beastieboys.com, Yauch said, “I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we’ll release the record and play some shows. It’s a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it) because i was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later.”

Beastie Boys - Too Many Rappers (Featuring Nasir Jones)

Video: Kid Cudi - Make Her Say (Featuring Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Common & A-Trak)

2009-07-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

He Never Left

2009-07-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

South London MC Freezi returns to the scene after a short hiatus to provide the masses with some much needed lyricism. His much anticipated mixtape A Lil Glance is set for release in October of this year.

Freezi - Still Here

The Saga Continues...

2009-07-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

As yet unnamed possible first single off the album will.i.am was said to be executve producing. Watch this space...

Michael Jackson - No Name

If it sounds familiar, it's cos it samples this.

Video: Michael Jackson Pepsi Commercial Accident Footage from 1984

2009-07-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

On January 27th, 1984, on the set of a Pepsi commercial starring Michael Jackson, a premature pyrotechnic blast ignited the pop star’s hair, nearly killing him. Until now, the general public had only heard eyewitness accounts of the event, but had never actually seen any footage. Watching it now, you understand how serious it really was, but I gotta tell ya, this whole fiasco inspired quite a few school yard jokes back in the 80’s.

Via Rolling Stone & Nah Right

Here, have some more Drake...

2009-07-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

New Mixtape =
Heartbreak Drake Pt.2 (R&Drizzy Edition)

It's Raining & I'm too tired to blog.

2009-07-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

... so have some new Drake.

Drake - The Winner

Dear Interscope...

2009-07-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

...Please release this as a single with an ultra violent video.

Thank you,
B.B. Manik

G-unit - Let It Go (Featuring Mavado)

Musical Mondays

2009-07-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Odds & Ends. Enjoy.

3OH!3 - Don't Trust Me (Feat. Kid Cudi)

Rick Ross - U The Best (Freestyle)

Fabolous - Lullaby (Featuring Just Blaze)

Video: Slaughterhouse - The One (uncut)

2009-07-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, this is NSFW.

Slaughterhouse - The One

Did That Pig Just Fly?

2009-07-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Murda Ma$e. Killa Cam.

On the same track.

I know, I can't believe it either.

Ma$e - Get It (Featuring Cam'ron & B.Rossi)

It's ON!!

2009-07-11T13:01:00.001-07:00

Anyone who follows The Game will know that the West Coast emcee has been obsessed with Jay-Z for sometime. First wanting to be like him (& to work with him), then, upon being snubbed, hating him.

After Jay claimed he "wasn't talkin' bout Game" in a new freestyle, Chuck Taylor decided to get somethings off his chest.

The Game - I'm So Wavy (Jay-Z Diss)

Let's be honest though, one of two things will happen:
1) Jay-Z won't respond & Game will get mad.
2) Jay-Z will respond & end The Game's career.

...So That's Where He's Been

2009-07-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

The newest member of the Cash Money Millionaires returns to the scene with this track explaining where Mr Mathers has been all these years.

Freeway - Freeway's Beard (Featuring Eminem)

Video: Envy - Set Yourself On Fire

2009-07-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

What with Dynamite getting dropped, No-Lay yet to find any major label success & the Sugababes recent lack of chart activity, it's hard being a female in the current UK music scene.

There is hope however. Mz Bratt has been signed, Mpho has the press going crazy & Pixie Lott has become a media darling. But, there's one person who is really after the crown: Manchester's MC Envy.

After hustling on the underground for years & contributing to some of the UK's biggest mixtapes, Envy is breaking through to the mainstream with her debut LP Set Yourself On Fire. It will be released later this year alongside a book(!)

Whilst we wait for what is gonna be a banger, check this excellent video & tell a friend to tell a friend.

Kanye West @ Wireless Festival, Hyde Park

2009-07-07T11:10:00.001-07:00

Pioneering hip-hop star Kanye West touched down in London’s Hyde Park to cap off day two of what turned out to be a very, very sunny Wireless Festival.
Sunday’s line up boasted a wide array of urban acts and the likes of Kid Cudi, Mr Hudson, Alesha Dixon failed to disappoint as opening acts with N-Dubz earning plaudits for their live performance. Proving that you don’t necessarily need to have a line-up of indie bands in order to draw the masses.
The day started off Young Jeezy taking the reigns on the main stage. The Atlanta based rapper really worked the crowd even though the majority clearly only knew him from his feature on Usher’s ‘Love in this Club’ track. Which he duly performed along with other tracks but the biggest crowd pleaser was ‘Put On’ substituting ‘London’ for ‘Atlanta’ at different points in the song. Jeezy also was one of the many artists on the day that paid tribute to Michael Jackson, dropping the likes of ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘I want you back’ midway through his set.
Whilst having a wander backstage I noticed siblings Mark & Samantha Ronson were taking full advantage of the free bar at Kiss FM’s tent and the day’s other artists were sunning themselves in the lounge areas cocktails in hand.
Tinchy Stryder was the pick of the acts from the second stage aka ‘the oven’ and with such an unexpectedly high following of eager and responsive supporters; could easily have performed to on the main stage. The second stage became renowned for its nickname due to constantly being over-capacity and its tent surrounding caused temperatures to soar with the sun baking those inside throughout the day.
Q-Tip successfully worked the crowd into a frenzy as the final act before Kanye, dropping bangers from his ‘A Tribe Called Quest’ days mixing in his current offering ‘The Renaissance’. With many festival punters arguing that he and not Kanye; was in fact the highlight of the day.
As Q-Tip left the stage it became more and more intriguing what would emerge as the crowds gathered from other areas viewed the construction of a set bordered by jagged gold plates that looked more like the cavity of a canary diamond. The appearance of Kanye West against a kaleidoscopic LED screen behind made for a spectacle to behold. Tribal drums and the auto-tuned tracks of ‘808s & Heartbreak’ added to the other-worldly feel of the performance.
Although the newer songs had a quiet intensity to them, they were never really suited to the festival environment. ‘Say You Will’ and ‘See You In My Nightmares’ seemed to drag and the crowd evidently feigned interest, it was the songs built around samples such as ‘Gold Digger’, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, and ‘Through The Wire’ are what really got everyone going. Offerings from his debut album ‘The College Dropout’ definitely accelerated the evening and it became clear that it was what everyone came to see Kanye perform. At one point, gold fragments were released casting an eerie glow in the air, and the bizarre appearance of 5 gold painted naked female dancers just added to the spectacle.
In closing I have to say that Kanye’s show was a sight to behold and left fans hanging on for an encore which never came. Oddly enough there was no tribute to the King of Pop from Kanye, perhaps he thought his king-sized ego was enough for the evening already.
By Aymen Omar Ahmed

Gym Class Warfare

2009-07-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

On the eve of his solo album (On Nappy Boy Records), Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes appears on this cut from the upcoming Alchemist album Chemical Warfare.
If this any indication of the quality we can expect from his solo album we can look forward to a hell of an LP.

The Alchemist - I Know Your Name (The Alchemist Remix Featuring Travis McCoy & Lil Wayne)

Musical Mondays

2009-07-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone's been doing dedication posts & mixes, etc. I wouldn't have the interest & passion for music I do without Michael Jackson.

I'm working on a mix that I'll debut in the future, but for now I'd like to post some of my favourite tracks of his. This are lesser known by some people, but still awesome.

Michael Jackson - It's The Falling In Love

Michael Jackson - Break Of Dawn

Michael Jackson - Give It Up (Featuring The Jacksons)

Michael Jackson - Who Is It?

Video: Eminem - Beautiful

2009-07-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Eminem - Beautiful

Video: 50 Cent - OK, You're Right

2009-07-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Video: Drake - Best I Ever Had

2009-07-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

Drake Shmake?

2009-07-01T05:22:00.000-07:00

"OH MY GOD, HAVE YOU HEARD OF DRAKE YEAH? OH MY DAYZ HE IS TOTALLY LIKE DA BEST RAPPER SINCE BIGGIE, NAH FUCK DAT, BEST RAPPER EVAH"

Yes alright people, the guy is good- he has the magic combination of clever lyrics, historical impressiveness of two top 10s without being signed and sweet boy smoothness to appease the ladies (pin-dick apparently though, sad times) but, fuck, it's not the second coming of Jesus. Ironically mid writing this he was signed to Cash Money as if acknowledging the over-hyped simultaneous musical pant-creaming moving from Lil Wayne onto Drake.

Before you hip-hop heads dismiss him for being a sheep herder listen to his stuff...preferably not via a fan video slideshow of vanity shots on YouTube. He can rhyme and he has got something setting him apart from everyone else but he's not even knee deep in his career yet. While you have to admit that his PR is tight the hype may eventually kill any credibility...that said I'm sure the wads of cash will muffle the sound of discontent. The same way if you're not feeling Lil Weezy too tough then you've probably already made the assumption that he's an over-exposed midget with shit tattoos...but int he successful!

Drake is a good example where if you're not in one of two camps then you're just flapping round in the middle somewhere like a big ambivalent fish. One camp hail him as a rap Jesus latching onto his every beautifully marketed move and spontaneously jizzing themselves like a 14 year old virgin everytime a performance is televised . The other camp of hardcore boom-bappers ie. "the best hip hop is from the golden 90s era in which I will continue to live and rarely listen to new music" camp get quite rightly put off by the unfaltering hype and don't give the dude a chance.

I'm going to make myself comfortable on the fence for this one, because as much as I get bored of hip-hoptonians taking in as little new music as humanly possible I also can't fucking stand the mass hysteria that comes when someone is marginally slicker than your average in a sea of mediocre rap acts. But unfortunately isn't that the industry these days? Love of money or music? Big booty hoes smothered in baby oil crapping diamonds at your beckoning or a 9-5 grind? I mean, no matter how 'real' some of your favourite moralistic big artists say they're keeping it they're still picking up a fucking great big pay cheque in the end. Up-coming artists know that as well as not being shit, to make music into a full time career you're going to have to please the dead-behind the eyes, soulless big dog PRs, major labels and press spinning monkeys. Babe...you're going to have to wank off the mainstream.

Where was I anyway? Went a bit off topic. Oh yeah Drake. Ummm well lets just say he's not the Messiah yet...let's see how he fares three albums in.

Spotlight On: Tyler Mae

2009-06-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Tyler Mae are a Manchester based band who fuse elements of metal, dubstep & rap. They are currently recording their debut album Boy, That Girl Can Move. They'll also be touring at the end of this year. Keep an eye peeled for these boys.

Musical Mondays

2009-06-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

I couldn't care less about haters, he's dope.

(That t-shirt is sick too)

Soulja Boy - POW

Soulja Boy - Crank That (Soulja Boy)

Soulja Boy - I'm All That

Moonwalker

2009-06-27T02:36:00.001-07:00

I'd bet good money that there's not a man, woman or child on earth who saw the news yesterday and had to ask who it was talking about. When a person is so deeply ingrained in the public consciousness it becomes impossible for them to do, say or be anything without it being endlessly scrutinized.

There are a million things that not one of us will ever know for sure about him. Allegations plagued his adult life and rumors about his childhood and how good or bad it may or may not have been have been whispered for years.

I can't imagine growing up never knowing what it was like not to be famous. In a world that chases notoriety as the ultimate prize people rarely stop to genuinely consider how it can affect the people who have it, or how it might make them feel.

This is a man so famous that an emergency call from the day he died is being played on the news and nobody seems to have noticed how wrong, and invasive and sick that is. I changed the channel because I felt wrong listening to it, but how many other people listened? How many even considered how awful what they were listening to was?

To live a life where millions of people consider your every action, every word and every thought their business, to live a life where people only become more fascinated by you the more you hide would leave a mark on anyone. But when he tried to open up he was derided and treated like a freak.

What does it say about the way he feels about fame and children that his children aren't allowed to leave the house without masks? What was it that he wanted to preserve for them, which he never had?

Allegations and stories will never be proven. But his music and the way it affected people is unarguably real. The messages he wanted to give to people, the things he wanted to say, will last forever, etched in our memories.

Above all, a man died yesterday. Perhaps now he can be free of the eyes which have scrutinized him his whole life. May be rest in peace, and live on and do good through music which will never die.

2009-06-26T06:44:00.001-07:00

well hello all i guess i am the new guy and to introduce my self i will be giving you a review of BlazBlu: Calamity Trigger on Xbox 360/PS3

The newest 2D fighter by arc system works, the staff behind the guilty gear series they are well known for there outlandish characters fantastic artwork and kick ass music, and i can say with out a doubt this is no disappointment!

story:
Prior to the event of the game humanity is at the brink of extinction from the "black beast" a creature of pure darkness until 6 magic wielding hero's arrive helping humanity create "Armagus", a fusion of magic and technology, and with that they are able to defeat the monster

After the war, the Novus Orbis Librarium Armagus (the Library for short) was created to govern the world with the use of Armagus.

On December A.D. 2199, a branch of the Library was utterly destroyed by an SS-class traitor named "Ragna the Bloodedge" also known as "The God of Death", in an attempt to destroy the entire Library. The Novus Orbis Librarium Armagus,

hoping to stop him, immediately put the largest bounty ever for anyone who could capture him. Interestingly, Ragna possessed a powerful form of Armagus known as the "Azure Grimoire" (Grimoire of the Blue in Japan), also known as the BlazBlue. This led to the Librarium and other fighters, to be after not just his bounty, but also his incredible power.

gameplay:

well whats to say about it its a fighter by arc system works with games like guilty gear and hokuto no ken under there belt how can it be bad?? it follows all the basics of a fighter pick your character from a roster of twelve including

"Bang Shishigami" A ninja-turned superhero who has a giant nail strapped to his back and a super movie that makes jam project play in the background!!!

"Litchi faye ling" a Chinese Doctor nicknamed booby lady who uses a bo witch she manipulates to fight by it's self

and "Arakune" a living mass of insect filled red and black liquid that lives under the city feeding on the citizens

The arcade mode has 8 rounds and a boss and with each time you finish the game you unlock the ultra move of the character you used witch i find quite original for a fighter and these moves are a feast for the eyes with some gorges art and effects. Also upon finishing you unlock artwork and music as a little bones sure its nothing special but some of the art is brilliant all be it a little echii I laughed the fist time i saw the achievement for unlocking all the art " hands where i can see them!" I guess some fapping was done?

when playing you can really tell each characters strengths and weakness it all feels very balanced and there is someone for everyone if you like your slow but strong guy or your fast and nimble cat girl.

The only real problem is the special moves now in an arcade you would use the combination but dude to this being a home release and the 360 having a D pad designed for smurfs you thumb just jams the directions down.

So to make things easier you can just tap the right analog stick in one of four directions to use your super moves now i have 3 arcade sticks so i use one but if you have a friend who is using the pad with just a flick of there wrist they can pull over super moves and in a online match it can be a real bitch i can tell you!

to sum up its a top notch fighter with beautiful graphics and a good range of styles to suit any taste in fighters i strongly recommend this to any fan of 2D fighters or fighting games!

well i hoped you enjoyed my first review and keep a look out for new updates

NEW WU-TANG!!

2009-06-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

...& it's banging. '09 is the one.

Wu-Tang Clan - Ill Figures (Featuring Raekwon, M.O.P. & Kool G Rap)

Loso's Home

2009-06-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Fabolous returns with more catchy R&B. Seems like that classic LP may never come.

Fabolous - Last Time (Featuring Trey Songz)

Would You Like Plies With That?

2009-06-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

Plies has been one of the most consistent rappers to emerge in quite some time. With 4 albums in three years, he has made a name for himself balancing dark & gritty gangsta rap with commercial tracks.

"Becky" is the lead single off his new album Goon Affiliated.

Plies - Becky

Goon Squad

2009-06-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Goon is a comic book published by the world famous Dark Horse (they created The Mask). It's creator is the genius Eric Powell. He writes, pencils & inks the vivid world of The Goon which features zombies, monsters, robots & other oddities.

The character of Evan in Superbad had a poster of The Goon on his wall & some thought that would be the closest we'd ever get to seeing him in a film. But now, David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club) is producing a CGI film adaptation.

Early days, but it looks amazing:

They'll also be a One-off comic book featuring the world's biggest metal band, Deathklok:

Madeira Airport - SRSLY?!

2009-06-24T03:20:00.000-07:00

The old runway was too short for the bigger planes, so they had to build a bridge to extend the runway! Not much room for error here!

Cloud 9 Stryds

2009-06-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Until debut LP Catch 22 is on the shelves, Tinchy keeps his fans satisfied with this EP.

Featuring production by Todla T & features from Ruff Sqwuad & Wiley amongst others, this sees Tinch going back to his street roots. Enjoy.

Tinchy Stryder - Star In The Hood EP Volume 1

Now, THAT's Gangsta

2009-06-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

Good to see these two aren't afraid to poke fun of their selves & have a laugh. Music needs more of this!

Musical Mondays

2009-06-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

It's summer time, so you know what that means: summer anthems. Whether it's an electro banger or hardcore house track, every year a tune rules the clubs.

This year Sub-Universe are number one contenders with the Prepare To Meet Thy Broom remix of their R&B banger "Computer Game".

The summer starts here.

Sub-Universe - Computer Game (PTMTB Remix)

Radio Killa!

2009-06-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

I'm conflicted. I love The-Dream,but have zero respect for R. Kelly (for obvious reasons).

Oh, what to do, what to do?!

The-Dream & R. Kelly - Kelly's 12 Play

BAPE Updates

2009-06-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Bapesta X

Bapesta Black Tonal Sneakers

You can cop them from the Bape shop when it reopens:

Video: Clipse - Kinda Like a Big Deal (feat. Kanye West)

2009-06-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!! Album drops soon.

You Gots Ta Chill

2009-06-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

OK, so maybe this isn't the best display of his skill, but it's nice to see Interscope is putting the money behind an artist that deserves it. Hopefully, the full album release will get a huge push.

We'll find out this summer.

Wale - Chillin (Benzi & Willy Joy Remix Featuring Lady GaGa)

This...

2009-06-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

...is insanity

Three The Hard Way

2009-06-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgettin'

Cuiziner - Regulate Flo

Warren G - Regulate

A classic anyway you slice it.

The XX, live at Point Ephemere, Paris

2009-06-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

These guys are gonna be huge & they deserve to be.

Video via Pinglewood

NEW ENTOURAGE!!

2009-06-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

The 2nd best show on TV returns & they've pulled out all the stops. FIDDY! SCORCESSEE! ZAC EFRON!!

From what I've heard, it's a return to form. Bring it on.

Tokyo Madness!

2009-06-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

The 1/1 Scale Gundam Robot at night. Even boasts a rotating head, only in the land of the rising sun do you see such outlandishness!

They Got It For Cheap

2009-06-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

The best group in rap at the minute (yeah, I said it) return to stake their claim. Despite a platinum album, a guest spot on Justin's Like I Love You & a top 30 single (Grindin'), mainstream success still eludes Clipse.

This was due, in part, to the folding of their original label Elektra & the subsequent errors that emerged in the wake of it's merger into Jive.

They're now on Columbia with a project being over looked by musical legend Rick Rubin & featuring production from Polow Da Don, The Neptunes & Timbaland, amongst others. They might finally be about to know. Lord knows they deserve it.

Clipse - I'm Good (Featuring Pharrell)

F.A.B. Easy as 1-2-3

2009-06-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Very few people actually freestyle nowadays. They call them freestyles, but they're prewritten. Eminem still does & Mistah F.A.B. does too.
He was fairly unheard of outside of the Bay area until last year when he tore Royce Da 5'9 a new one (that was last year, right? Or was it '07? I forget. Oh well).
Anyway, he's since moved on & providing the masses with brilliant displays of wit & flow. Enjoy.

Mistah F.A.B. - 2010 'Til Infinity

BAWSE!!

2009-06-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

Have you got this album yet? Why the hell not? It's the best rap release of '09 so far. You are missing out on something brilliant.

Rick Ross - Magnificent (Remix Ft John Legend, Big Boi, Special Ed & Diddy)

Oh yeah, "I'll be in the air/I'm a Twitter when I land" is a bar & a half.

It's That Time Again

2009-06-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Another day, another Daniel remix.

Bat For Lashes - Daniel (Tara Bush remix)