It is incredibly hard to believe that the Grammy nominated ‘it’ boy rapper Drake is just releasing his first single for his debut album. I want his publicist. He is already a big name in the game and has yet to drop his debut Thank Me Later. His debut single (although he has had plenty of other singles) is called “Over” and is a great opener for his album. Filled with live instruments, the Boi-1Da produced track has Drake doing his trademark mix of rapping and singing. I like it and can see it doing very well (I mean it’s Drake afterall).

[Download Here]

“Oh that’s right….I’m doing me!”

Thoughts?

Cj..

I learned how to tie a bowtie the other day and I felt so accomplished! I’m sure not many other women have even considered learning how to do it, but it’s a lot more tedious than I thought it would be–finding the right size, shape etc.. It really made me pay attention to men’s neckwear and how crucial it is in relation to the outfit. SO, I was really excited to see the latest spread of Drake in GQ, which features him demonstrating how to measure neckties and button downs. I love seeing a man dress like … a man !

Aisha

Drake covers February/March issue of Complex Magazine.

Interview [Here].

Cj..

Yesterday I had some hot hip hop tracks, today we’ll take a more alternative route. So enjoy these few cuts. All are worth a download for sure. Enjoy!

“Next Best Thing” – Nikki & Rich [DOWNLOAD HERE]

Scott Vener [check out his blog Broke Mogul for some great music], music supervisor for HBO’s Entourage believes Nikki & Rich are soon-to-be-superstars. After hearing this single, I can see why. With great production and 60’s era musicality covered with Nikki’s surprisingly soulful voice, this track is a handful– and I ain’t mad. — and I ain’t mad.

“Live Like We’re Dying” – Kris Allen [DOWNLOAD HERE]

[Props to Valdez Steed]. I’m a sucker for smooth joints, and this is just that. From the American Idol 8th Season winner, Kris Allen, Live Like We’re Dying is a smooth rock joint with great lyrics. Call this feel-good music.

“Fireflies” – Owl City [DOWNLOAD HERE]

You know that joint that’s been out for so long it’s technically old but you, for some odd reason, haven’t heard it until say— 6 months after its release? Yea… this is that cut. Simply addicting. Don’t know which one I like better…the sound, or the lyrics. I’ll let you decide.

“Runaway Girl” – Drake f. Colin Munroe [DOWNLOAD HERE]

Ok ok, technically this isn’t alternative. But who cares, it’s hot. Oh and Colin Munroe?– get up on em.

AR!

A bunch of music videos dropped this week, so I decided to just put them all in one post. Give us your thoughts!

Aisha

Check out the latest video from Kid Cudi for his track “The Pursuit of Happiness” featuring MGMT (dope band) and Ratatat.

Drake’s also in the video for some reason. Anyways, check it out.

Cj..

Young Money Ent. (aka today’s Murder Inc) has released their video for the single “Bed Rock” which was originally leaked as an Omarion (when he was on the label) demo called “The Way She Walks”. Okay, I like Young Money, so the video does the song justice. I must admit though I prefer Omarion on it over Lloyd but eh, he does a good job as well.

THOUGHTS?

Cj..

Chris Brown and Drake featured on the VIBE Magazine dual covers for the December 2009 Relaunch Issue

Pick up VIBE at newsstands starting December 8th.

AR!

Who rocked it the best?

Aisha

GQ has named rappers Wale, Drake, and Kid Cudi has hip hop’s own ‘gangsta killers.’ Peep a scan of the article .

Is gangsta rap really dead?

Cj..

Recognize: Pics from recent photo shoots of both Chris Brown and Drake for the December 2009 cover of VIBE Magazine. The comeback issue will hit stands on December 8th with dual releases: one cover featuring Brown, the other Drake.

Understand: Not really liking the subject matter. I really don’t bang with Space Jam Chris like I used to after all this. It’s not so much that he mollywhopped the girl, we all have low points we’re ashamed of [albeit this is extremely low], I just can’t get with how Chris always seems to portray this “I’m really the victim, woe is me, I’m not really that upset or apologetic” attitude.

Chris could care less, and that annoys the hell out of me. Not to mention the fact that all the attention will surely be on him, resulting in what’s sure to be a HUGE overlook of Drake.

They couldn’t give Drizzy his own cover instead of going halvsies with Ike Turner 2009? Atleast he deserves it. Smh.

But hey, this is a business, and in the end it’s all about money; and with Chris on the cover of a comeback issue, sales are sure to go through the roof. For that reason alone you have to give kudos to my former workplace for coming back with a revamped site [check out www.vibe.com], new EIC [Congrats Jermaine Hall], and a buzzworthy cover. It was rough to see VIBE go; now let’s celebrate their renaissance.

What are your thoughts on the cover?

AR!

Come Alive – Janelle Monae

This song is ridiculous. Janelle’s too cool to be a pop star. Put her in the same category as Hendrix and Janis—her time will come when we’re ready to accept her genius.

For Your Sorrows – Big Boi Feat. George Clinton and Too Short

Do I really need to push a single that involves Big Boi, Too Short, and…GEORGE CLINTON?! Nah, didn’t think so. Sir Luscious bout to be dope as hell…

I Run This Shit Remix – Birdman Feat. Wayne

Someone explain how this track went unnoticed for so long? Not new at all, but once you press play, it’s damn near impossible to change the track. Club Banger!

I Gotta Get It – Juvenile

Mr. 400 Degreez is back. Solid first single off his upcoming album Cocky & Confident. Definite Club banger. “Yall niggas think broke look cool man” –haha great line.

Fed Up – DJ Khaled Feat. Usher, Jeezy, Rick Ross, Drake

Ok, I don’t think this is that great, [all of Khaled's music sounds the same to me]. But hey, doesn’t mean you all wont like it. Ross and Jeezy come hard.

Enjoy!

AR!

[ Bow Wow - Every Other ] (This track is actually pretty dope) (my fav)

[ Timbaland ft. Drake - Say Something ]

[ Drake - King Leon ]

[ Drake - Believe It Or Not ]

[ JoJo - Impossible to Love ]

[ Timbaland ft. SoShy - Morning After ]

[ Lykke Li - Possibility ] (Off the New Moon Soundtrack) (She was sampled on Drake’s So Far Gone mixtape)

[ Ne-Yo - Move Along ]

Aisha

[ Cassie - Sky Diver ] (Preview)

[ Drake ft. Birdman - More Milli ]

[ Ne-Yo - Never Knew I Needed ] (From “The Princess And The Frog” Soundtrack)

[ Sammie - Come And Get Down ]

[ Tank - After The Club ] (my fav)

[ Wiz Khalifa - This Plane ]

Aisha

MTV recently released their annual Hottest MC’s In The Game list for 2009. Here are the winners ..

01 – Jay-Z
02 – Lil Wayne
03 – Drake
04 – Kanye West
05 – Rick Ross
06 – Gucci Mane
07 – Young Jeezy
08 – Fabolous
09 – 50 Cent
10 – Raekwon

What are your thoughts????

Aisha

Gather round, it’s new music time.

All I can say is, finally, a decent Chris Brown leak.

[I Can Transform Ya- Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz]

[The Way She Walk- Omarion ft. Lil Wayne, Drake, & Nicki Minaj] (Young Money days)

[Heart Attack-Keri Hilson]

[Girl So Bad- Trey Songz ft. Lil Twist]

[Fly Away- Jojo]

[Last Night- Omarion] (With all these good leaks, I fear Omarion might release a good album)

[Olivia- Take It Off] (Not exactly new, but I’m digging it)

Enjoy.

Cj

The highly anticipated “Off That” featuring Drake has finally leaked, and so has one more track titled “Reminder“. You checkin’ for them?

[ Jay-Z ft. Drake - Off That ] (my fav)

[ Jay-Z - Reminder ]

Aisha

According to MTV’s Mixtape Daily

While on the Toronto set for his forthcoming “Successful” video, he revealed to MTV News exclusively that he’ll be re-releasing So Far Gone to retail outlets on September 15.

According to Drake, the revamped project will feature most of the familiar tracks that have powered his rise, from the Trey Songz and Lil Wayne-backed “Successful” to his hit “Best I Ever Had.”

But there will be a new record, “Fear,” added to the track list.

The never-before-heard song will be tacked on to the end of So Far Gone and will serve as the transition from his mixtape to Thank Me Later.

According to Drake, the last line of “Fear” will be the first line heard on his debut. [Read More]

Aisha

Drake’s photo shoot in Fader Magazine.

Interesting.

Opinions? Let me know!

Cj

Drake on the cover of FADER Magazine’s September issue.

- Aisha