Posted in Hip Hop

Listen: Hoodie Allen – Crew Cuts

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Before he embarks on a 28 city tour, the always-hard-working Hoodie Allen first made sure to drop his new 11-track album Crew Cuts. I say this every time Hoodie releases a new project, but it’s clear that he’s been working hard on polishing his sound, diversifying his style (even adding some doo-whop influences in), and improving on his craft. This time around, the former Googler lines up quite a few of his big-name friends (Chiddy Bang, Chance The Rapper, G-Eazy, Skizzy Mars) to rap all over his melodic, laid-back beats. Oh, and it’s free, so be sure to download the MP3s or stream on Soundcloud below.

DOWNLOAD: Hoodie Allen – Crew Cuts

Listen: Drake – “Started From The Bottom”

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Since releasing his Take Care near the end of 2011, Drake has been keeping his solo material close to the heart, only making occasional appearances with his blistering verses and hooks on other artists’ songs (see ASAP Rocky‘s “F**kin’ Problem”, Future‘s “Fo’ Real”, Lil Wayne‘s “Love Me” for examples). So there’s something inherently exciting about “Started From The Bottom,” the Mike Zombie and 40-assisted debut single from Drizzy’s next solo album. It’s a little bit repetitive — probably to help silence everyone who still claims that Drake’s career was gifted to him on a Degrassi-greased plate or that he just somehow stumbled haphazardly onto the world stage, but the bottom line here (no pun intended) is that he’s worked hard for everything he has now and that he’s here to stay.

Here’s what Drake had to say about it on the OVO blog:

My good friends,

It has truly been too long. I assume you’re all keeping well and making the most of this year that has been given to us. Today is the day to begin sharing my newest work with you. This is the first single off of my upcoming album. I feel sometimes that people don’t have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn’t consistent with actual events. My family and my second family (consisting of the best friends anybody could ever have) all struggled and worked extremely hard to make all this happen. I did not buy my way into this spot and it was the furthest thing from easy to achieve. I am proud of every part of my past and I’m excited for this song to find a place in your life as well. I didn’t feel I needed any interviews or radio or press to launch this song. It felt right to come back to the site that I started on and release it to the people that started here with me. Judging by this post, the tour that we’ve been planning, the conversations about new songs and album artwork…I think it’s safe to say we’re back together again. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

“You don’t have to ask me how I’m doing…just listen to the music” – K.Samir

Listen: A$AP Rocky – “F*ckin Problem (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar)”

Wow, this track is a problem. Less than half an hour ago and with no prior warning, A$AP Rocky announced to his Twitter followers that a new track would be released later today. “F*ckin Problem” is that song, which comes loaded with features from Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, as well as production from Drake’s right-hand-man and producer Noah “40” Shebib. Stream or grab the MP3 below, courtesy of Rocky himself. “F*ckin Problem” is the latest single to drop from PMF’s upcoming album LongLiveA$AP, scheduled for release on October 31 through A$AP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records.

MP3: A$AP Rocky – “F*ckin Problem (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar) [prod. 40]”

Dates for Rocky’s current LONGLIVEA$AP tour can be found here.

Listen: Kendrick Lamar – “Compton (feat. Dr. Dre)”

In just three weeks, rap’s new messiah Kendrick Lamar will release his highly-anticipated new album good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Today, we get an exclusive sneak peek of the album with an ode to the city of Compton. Teaming up with legends Dr. Dre and Just Blaze, Kendrick and Dre flow viciously for four minutes on “Compton”, which according to the pre-order tracklisting on iTunes, will serve as the 12th and final track on the standard version of the album. Interestingly enough, the much-talked-about track with Lady Gaga does not appear on the tracklisting, although “Poetic Justice” with Drake still remains. Check out the song below courtesy of TDE’s mixing specialist Ali.

good kid m.A.A.d. city Tracklist:
01. Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter’s Daughter
02. Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe
03. Backseat Freestyle
04. The Art of Peer Pressure
05. Money Trees (feat. Jay Rock)
06. Poetic Justice (feat. Drake)
07. good kid
08. m.A.A.d city (feat. MC Eiht)
09. Swimming Pools (Drank) [Extended Version]
10. Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst
11. Real (feat. Anna Wise)
12. Compton (feat. Dr. Dre)
13. The Recipe (feat. Dr. Dre) *
14. Black Boy Fly *
15. Now or Never (feat. Mary J. Blige) *
16. Collect Calls *
17. Swimming Pool (Drank) *

* = iTunes bonus track

Listen: Frank Ocean – “Blue Whale”

New Frank Ocean is always a treat and last night’s mysterious new “Blue Whale” is no different. This time, however, Ocean trades his falsetto and melodies for a couple of chilled-out rap verses. We’ve already heard him spit on “Oldie” and “She” with the rest of the Odd Future goons, but “Blue Whale” (which seems to be an old demo produced by Midi Mafia) is the most continuous and solid rap effort so far from the Def Jam singer. Check out the song on Ocean’s Tumblr below.

MP3: Frank Ocean – “Blue Whale”

https://twitter.com/frank_ocean/status/250434302951706624