"Amazones" by Thierry Le Goues

Here is some really, really cool artwork from Thierry Le Goues entitled "Amazones". I love the darkness of the photographs. If you've seen the movie Belly with DMX and Nas, you've seen similar artwork in the scene that explores Tommy's house. Please don't be close-minded and just focus on the nudity. This is art!

Trigga Unplugged

Trey Songz has never struck me as a live performer. I've seen him on various award shows like the BET awards and his live performance has always been mediocre. But this is a bit different. I heard about Trey doing MTV Unplugged a while back, and I wasn't sure how well it would go over. But I watched the video and I'm very surprised. I'm a huge live music fan so I can sometimes be overly critical of live performances. Trey is in great voice, he has a nice band behind him, and he throws a couple surprises in there as well. Enjoy...

Ciara's Gotta Eat Too!

Interesting new video from the 'Princess of Krunk-n-B' (ya'll remember that? HAHA). Ciara is desperately on a full campaign to bring her flatlining career back with Human Instinct. Ludacris, Dream, and Tricky are there for life support but "Ride" is no "Single Ladies" and she's no Sasha Fierce. I appreciate the visuals tho...

Artwork by Jeff Koons

Honorable Mentions 5

Here's some R&B flavor to start your weekend off right.

Here's a new one from my man Marques Houston. He's been making some real hot n heavy sexy joints. But I'm saying that like his music hasn't been sexually oriented for a while. Whatever the case, he got a nice new one for some weekend love. Peep...

Download: Marques Houston - Pullin 'On Hair

Here's a smooth piano Pop-like joint from Bruno Mars. You

might recognize him from B.o.B's single "Nothing On You". Me personally, I think Bruno is going one of the next newest pop stars. Not because he's exceptionally good but he has a marketable voice and look. If he keeps making songs like this, I predict a Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars tour...watch...

Download: Bruno Mars - Runaway

Good o'le Bobby V drops another one. Bobby Valentino is a mediocre vocalist but his beats are always on point which is half the reason why I mess with his music so heavy these days. He just recently dropped a mixtape, 60 Minutes. ...It's decent. Nothing to write home about but it's got some bangers on there. Anyway, here's a Phone Number.

Download: Bobby V - Phone Number

Embrace The Martian

Your favorite Kid from Cleveland switches it up. All the ins and outs are right here:

I started making this project like a collab album, filled with fun and upbeat records that for the most part left you with jack shit when you were finished listening. i took a step back, went on tour, and realized im where im at because of the type of songs i write. every time i read a comment from someone saying ive touched their lives in some way is what made me want to stop fucking around and continue pouring my life into my music. MOTM2 is dark by nature and instead of bringing you into my dreams like my first album, im bringing you into my reality. good and bad. it will explain more of who iam aswell as pushing the envelope musically. this project will focus on many dark, fun, and ignorant moments in my life since ive been kid cudi in a exciting and cinematic nature continuing the MOTM theme. this is my darkest work so far with a hint of fun and grooviness for those who like the classic chill cudi sound but elevated to another level. the things i cant speak will be the things i write. before anything else, you’d come to the conclusion i need a shrink, a stronger drug or a mentor. not a hug. a lot of you have read the news and think they know cudi, got some slick shit to say amongst your peers or just flat out hate me but you havnt the slightest clue of who iam. i will tell the story of Mr. Rager….

the sound: wouldnt you like to know

release: aiming for august

completed? almost, got upcoming sessions with RATATAT and Dot Da Genius on the production side. as far as features ill keep you posted but I DEF got Chip on 2 joints so far. cleveland maneeee

cudder fact: me and dot are a production duo, our first creation is on the new album.

im excited to see what you guys think and i hope you love the new direction. dream on

The ArchAndroid

I ran across Janelle Monae's artwork for her new album, The ArchAndroid which releases May 18th. I'll be brutally honest and say I've never listened to a single Janelle Monae song in my life but I've always heard about her and heard she was dope. I'm listening to some weird music these days anyway, might as well add her to the roster.

I wanted to do a post on her album artwork though. I'm feelin' it actually! The colors stand out and naturally glow. I've always thought Janelle was cute which makes me wonder why I've never picked her up. But the story behind the cover is: The ArchAndroid Crown: Designed by Zoman Ignatius, the half-elf, half-human mystic, reportedly 500 years ago. According to legend, the crown has several magic properties, as well as innovative technologies that can be employed only by The ArchAndroid. Zoman was a consummate inventor, artist and sculptor, a cross between Tesla and Da Vinci, and as such, he designed the crown to be a work of beauty that would embody the very spirit of Metropolis. According to legend, the crown features prominent Metropolis buildings and towers that will light up radiantly when the one and only true ArchAndroid wears the crown.

So here we are, sophomore album in with Ms. Monae and because of this artwork, I'll give the album a listen. I'll actually go back and listen to her first joint to catch up to what she's trying to do with this new one. I'll let ya'll know what it's hitting for...

Honorable Mentions 4

This Honorable Mentions post seems to be more of an R&B post. There's some new smooth sailing joints for the lovers out there. Enjoy...

Here's a new joint from Usher and he brought the cool dude, Robin Thicke along for the ride. It's a smooth joint that I guess didn't make the cut for Usher's latest mediocre effort, Raymond v Raymond.

Download: Usher ft. Robin Thicke - Secret Garden

The-Dream and Tricky Stewart help J. Foxx out with a new smooth joint. I'm not sure if this is CDQ or a mastered version, but it still goes.

Download: Jamie Foxx - Body

My main man B.o.B drops another leak. I have to look at the Adventures of Bobby Ray tracklist to see if this track if from the album. I sure hope not. Both parts of "Airplanes" featuring Hayley Williams and Eminem have leaked. I haven't listened to them and will not post them here because I want to wait for the album to listen. But here's some new gutter flavor from B.o.B exploring his Grand Hustle side. Get the album April 27th!!!

Download: B.o.B - Fame

I was never a huge fan of T-Pain until my roommate put me on to him. I still wouldn't consider myself a fan but I rock with Teddy. Here's a new joint featuring the group One Chance.

Download: T-Pain ft. One Chance - Save You

The Diary of Nino Brown

Here's the video for Weezy's "Single" from the mixtape No Ceilings. Overall, nice video. It's shot documentary style. It kind of reminded me of the documentary of Wayne that came out late last year. I think this song is going to be a summer anthem, although I got hip to this song a while ago. I still rock to it. Wayne's got a bad one in the video too. Peep...

Honorable Mentions 3

Third time's the charm right? HM is back with some new heat.

Download: J. Cole - We On

Download: Wale - I'm Ill Freestyle

Ya'll know I have to save the best for last. A lot of speculation going around about this new joint from The-Dream, T.I., and the Radiokilla camp. Some say it's coming from T.I. and DJ Drama's coming, Fuck A Mixtape. I refuse to believe it only because Dream has two verses, a hook, and a breakdown on a close to 6 minute song and TIP only has two quick verses. I think it's from Dream's new album Love King set to release this summer. Dream and Tricky stick to the same formula but it works. Enjoy this new one from the alleged 'King of the South' and the 'Love King'.

Download: The-Dream feat. T.I. - Love Again

#Kushandorangejuice

Yesterday was a pretty busy day for me, so I couldn't really blog the way I wanted to. But early Wednesday morning, around 11:30, my Twitter timeline was going crazy talking about Wiz Khalifa's new Kush and Orange Juice mixtape. Now I've listened to the whole thing through a couple times and believe you me, there WILL be a write up on it coming soon, so be sure to check back for that. Until then, here's the mixtape. Enjoy...

Download: Wiz Khalifa - Kush & Orange Juice Mixtape

Nothing But N.E.R.D.

This is a video of N.E.R.D. performing their new single "Hot & Fun" in San Francisco, CA. The "new joint for the year" as Pharrell calls it, comes from their upcoming album Nothing. I've never been more excited about Nothing in my life. Can't wait for that joint to drop. Peep the vid tho...

Gone

Here's Donnis new video for Gone. Donnis is another ATLien who released his mixtape, Diary of An Atlanta Brave a while back. I'm not sure on his album news, I'll have to research that but here's a nice video. It looks more like a film than just a music video, which I happen to enjoy. #Shoutouts to Donnis.

Honorable Mentions 2

I've decided that Honorable Mentions will be an on-going post that will give you, the readers, the opportunity to download some new music that I particularly like. So here's the second installment. Enjoy...

A new one from the G.O.O.D. Music Freshman, Big Sean. Apparently this track comes from his debut album, Finally Famous. I'm not sure when his debut is supposed to drop but I'm pretty sure it'll be fire. This joint is pretty nice. Gon' getchu some...

Download: Big Sean - Bullshittin'

My mans Charles Hamilton drops another one called "I Hate Parties". Same formula and format. He knows what he's good at. I'm messin with it.

Download: Charles Hamilton - I Hate Parties

I'm a huge R&B fan. Period. I'm also a huge fan of Brandy and I feel like she's so underrated. But anyway, she has some unreleased material. Do I smell a new album coming soon? I sure hope so. Brandy tried to revive her career with her last endeavor, 'Human' but it didn't really do well. But the reason I decided to post this in the HM's is because it has a smooth 90's/ Donell Jones feel to it, equipped with smooth, sultry background vocals, and heartbroken ad-libs. She's killing! Peep...

Download: Brandy - Like It Was Yesterday

No Bombs Over Baghdad

If you asked me maybe 5 or 6 months ago what I thought when the name "B.o.B" came to mind, I would tell you the song "B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)" from Outkast. Now, a new B.o.B has taken the place of the first thought I would come up with. He's this new cat from Atlanta (same home of the dynamic artist, The-Dream, might I add) who was featured on XXL's cover displaying the Class of 2009. In the class were the likes of Kid Cudi, Wale, Charles Hamilton, Curren$y, and Blu.

The crazy thing about this guy is that he does everything. Rapper. Singer. Producer. Arranger. Mixer. He does all of that so in a sense he's a one stop shop. His own machine. Really, he reminds me of Prince for two reasons. 1.) Like Prince, Bobby Ray wears all occupational hats when it comes to the studio and recording time. 2.) His diversity. Not only does B.o.B do everything in the studio, but he crosses genre lines almost effortlessly.

It's funny because while listening to one of his mixtapes, B.o.B vs Bobby Ray , a mixtape that explores the Rapper B.o.B versus his crooning and experimental alter ego Bobby Ray, there were loud, obnoxious, and out of place DJ tags over songs that otherwise wouldn't have them. I admire how he still reps Decatur, GA properly and shows that he's also a lyricist on songs with J. Cole, Asher Roth, and Charles Hamilton while he can switch over and write songs like his current single, "Nothing On You" featuring Bruno Mars or the spacey and zoned out "Satellite". T.I. knows what he's doing signing Bobby to Grand Hustle. T.I. now has an artist that really cannot be confined in a genre "box". If executed correctly, B.o.B could easily have several songs on Billboard's Top 10, all at the same time.

April 22, 2010 marks the date B.o.B's commercial career officially begins rolling. In my opinion, I think it is a little early to place my bets on whether his debut will fly or die...commercially. I'm pretty sure that he will deliver some quality music and that me as the listener will be very satisfied with the finished product. But will the strictly radio listeners buy what he's selling? America loves whats new, different, and slightly strange i.e. Lady Gaga, but will we do the same when it actually counts and deserves attention? I sure hope so, but these days I tend to live more by the phrase 'Hope for the best, expect the worst'. Adventures of Bobby Ray is bringing a lot of solid collaborations to the table. Some of the features include Bruno Mars, Lupe Fiasco, Janelle Monae, Hayley Williams (of Paramore) and surprisingly, Eminem. Yeah...Eminem. Guess Drizzy isn't the only one Marshall blesses with a cameo. Overall, I'm expecting a lot from this guy. So far, he's delivered quality and sundry music, which I can appreciate. So today, if you asked me what thought comes to mind when I hear "B.o.b", its definitely not bombs over baghdad anymore.

Over Video

Drake has finally dropped a video for Over. 'Bout time. I like the video. It's different. Visually, I thought it would be different but its not too far from what I expected from Drake. I like how he's sitting in the room and everything around him is going wild yet he stays in the same place. That's what I took from it. Interesting vid tho. Peep...

A Star's Born...Clap for 'em

Another relatively new artist that I'm checking for, J. Cole, performs his new single at the University of South Florida. I'm really excited and ready to see how J. Cole's career pans out because Cole's flow, delivery, and overall package as an artist is very refreshing. If you haven't heard about him, he is signed to Jay-Z's label, Roc Nation, he's featured on Jay-Z's latest Blueprint 3, and he's released a great mixtape entitled, The Warm Up. Download that joint and see what I'm talking about. But here's a video of J. Cole performing his first single, "Who Dat".

Freaks Come Out At Night

Check out some new "electronic-like" flavor from Bobby Valentino as he teams up with his go-to producers Tim and Bob. Honestly, this track has a Kanye/ Will-I-Am feel to it as far as the vocals go but Tim and Bob make the transition smooth and easy as they always seem to do.

Download: Bobby Valentino - Freaks Come Out

Breakup Song

Cuffing season's over. Summertime is steadily approaching so everybody's breaking up in time for that summer jump-off. Here's a little something to help those hopeless romantics get over it faster. I know I'm feelin' better.

Download: Wale - Breakup Song

One Man Show

Good o'le Heartbreak Drake was asked why there were no other Young Money artists opening up on his "Away From Home" college tour.

MTV Shows

Grade A BS Drizzy. Just keep it funky with everybody and tell us nobody on the YM squad deserves to be on this tour! Really, he named the only two artist in this motley crew that are somewhat in his league: Gudda and Nicki. I think I have an idea or a grasp on the kind of artist Drake is. There always seems to be a theme or motif with him and I don't think his tour is any different. I don't think he just goes on stage and just performs a string of random songs for kicks and giggles. I think Drake had a vision of how he wanted this tour to be and I honestly don't think a single YM member had a place in this vision. He said himself he doesn't want to share his spot. It's cool homie, I know what you're really trying to say: Young Money Don't Stop 'Yo Show...

"Away From Home" Tour Dates & Venue

Date City/State Venue
4/09/2010 State College, PA Penn State University
4/10/2010 Boston, MA Private Location
4/11/2010 Lock Haven, PA Private Location
4/14/2010 East Lansing, MI Michigan State University
4/15/2010 Rochester Hills, MI Oakland University
4/16//2010 Morgantown, WV West Virginia University
4/21/2010 Orlando, FL University Central Florida
4/22/2010 Greenville, SC Furman University
4/23/2010 TBA
4/24/2010 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
4/26/2010 Kansas City, MO University of Missouri – Kansas City
4/27/2010 Lexington, KY University of Kentucky
4/29/2010 Lowell, MA University Mass Lowell
4/30/2010 Syracuse, NY Private Location
5/01/2010 Boston, MA Private Location
5/01/2010 East Rutherford, NJ Bamboozle Festival
5/04/2010 Worcester, MA Holy Cross
5/05/2010 Towson, MD Towson University
5/06/2010 Cheney, PA Cheyney University
5/07/2010 Ithaca, NY Private Location
5/08/2010 Plymouth, NH Private Location

Street Artist by Best Ever

More imagery...

Burberry Black Label Fall/Winter 2010 Preview

Wordplay

As I was getting dressed today, I was listening to this song and got an idea for a new post. Me being an English major, I pay attention to lyrics. To be honest, I'm sitting in my English 330 Poetry class right now! But that's neither here nor there. ANYWAY, from time to time, I'll put up lyrics to songs that I really like just to give a more insightful look and listen. So, enjoy...

Fall For Your Type - Drake

Can I, Can I

Save you from you

Cause you know there's somethin' missin'

And the champagne you've been sippin'

Is not supposed to make you different over time

It's starting to feel,

Like the wrong thing to do

Cause with all that recognition

It gets hard for you to listen

To things imma say to make you mine

But live girl...

Have some fun girl,

We'll be fine

Trying to convince myself I found one

Making a mistake I never learn from

I Swear,

I Always Fall

For Your Type, yeah

For Your Type

Tell me why

I Always Fall

For Your Type

I just can't explain this shit at all

I just can't explain this shit at all

I just can't explain this shit at all

I Believe In People Like You...

Download: Drake - Fall For Your Type

New 'Ye Album in June

Word on the street is, Kanye has been in hiding in Hawaii recording his new album Good Ass Job. Mr. West has been staying low key since his VMA incident with Taylor Swift back in September 2009. Good move. Apparently, he's been working with Hip-Hop vets Q-Tip, RZA, and Pete Rock for collaborations but of course, this is all hearsay. No one from the G.O.O.D. Music Camp (Kanye's Label) except for Big Sean has spoken about the upcoming project, and his only information was that the album is supposed to be dropping in June. We'll see...

Easter Leftovers

Aint nothin' like leftovers from a big meal right? This case is no different. Here are two (plus a bonus) mentionable tracks that leaked recently. The Miguel and J. Cole track leaked on Easter and Charles leaked Tuesday. Eat up...

Miguel ft. J. Cole - All I Want Is You

Nice new track from the infamous Charles Hamilton

Charles Hamilton - Sega Music

PLUS Charles Hamilton & B.o.B - Paperboy

Honorable Mentions

Here's some new music to start your day off...

Not a huge fan of Tyga, but he's ok. I like Chris Brown though. He's dipping and dabbling in the rapping department like he did in his most recent 'In My Zone' Mixtape

Tyga & Chris Brown - G Shit

Here's a new one from Chris Breezy and he brought some friends. Lonnie Bereal and Teyana Taylor add their two cents in for the mid-tempo sex joint "Favor".

Chris Brown ft. Lonnie Bereal & Teyana Taylor - Favor

Big Boi's back with his new one "Shutterbug". To be honest, it was better than what I expected. What you think? Ps- Where's 3000??????

Big Boi - Shutterbug

Saving the best for last, my man B.o.B has a new one out. Bobby Ray is one of the new artists I'm really checking for. With incredible diversity, B.o.B brings heat like this new joint on his recent 'May 25th' Mixtape with DJ Drama. His debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray is set to hit stores April 27th. COP THAT!

B.o.B - Don't Let Me Fall

Marco Zamora Art

Just some nice pieces to glance over...