Directed by Kwan Lee.
[Video] Big Troopz – The Bullsh!t (ft. Mazaman & J-Hood)
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Keysha releases Mona Lisa EP
Nineteen-year-old emcee Keysha released her new EP titled Mona Lisa. It features appearances from Darryl Riley, Steph J and JellyTooFly and production from Mastermindz, J Reid, Mike Lawry and Nate Smith.
A video for “Coolin” featuring Steph J is set to release on December 18th and a second video for “Never Slip” drops on the 28th.
DOWNLOAD: Keysha – Mona Lisa EP (Soundcloud)
K’naan on censoring himself for success [New York Times]
Illustration by Jimmy Turrell, from a photograph by Steve C. Mitchell/European Pressphoto Agency
On the weekend an article written by K’naan appeared on the New York Times website. In it he speaks on, as the title states, censoring himself for success. It’s a great read and gives a little insight into the struggle artists have with being true to themselves and finding monetary success.
The fox, they say, once had an elegant walk, for which the other animals loved him. One day, he saw a prophet striding along and decided to improve on what was already beautiful. He set out walking but could not match the prophet’s gait. Worse, he forgot his own. So he was left with the unremarkable way the fox walks today.
Right now, the pressures of the music industry encourage me to change the walk of my songs. When I write from the deepest part of my heart, my advisers say, I remind people too much of Somalia, which I escaped as a boy. My audience is in America, so my songs should reflect the land where I have chosen to live and work.
[Video] JR Mint – Magnificent
Produced by Star Slinger “Magnificent” is the new single from JR Mint’s The Vacation Mixtape. The video was directed by Theo Skudra.
DOWNLOAD: JR Mint – The Vacation Mixtape (DatPiff)
[Video] Nukky Grissom – Walk On By
“Walk On By” is the latest video from Nukky Grissom’s If At First You Don’t Succeed, Skydiving Is Not For You. Directed by Ted Mihu.
[Video] Puzzle – Leftovers
New video from Puzzle. Directed by Big Sproxx.
In this video Chris “Puzzle” Green and The Quarter Inch Kings give you a sample of each song from their newly released triple DJ pack #Leftovers. The production stays consistent with that classic boom bap sound that every true hip hop head knows and appreciates, and married with clever lyrics and punch lines to keep your ears glued to the speaker. Video is directed by Big Sproxx of Proletarian Music.
DOWNLOAD: Puzzle – Leftovers (Mediafire)
[Video] Michael Mazzé – Ride Dirty (ft. Church Chizzle)
New video from singer Michael Mazzé featuring Church Chizzle.
[Video] ShaqIsDope – Do It For Ya Boy (ft. Robbie Nova)
New video from ShaqIsDope.
[Video] Mayne Ishu – Doin My Job (ft. E Carter)
Mayne Ishu’s Past Forward mixtape is set for release on December 14th.
Drake nominated for 3 Grammy Awards
The 2013 Grammy nominees were announced yesterday and Drake received three nominations. He is up Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance. To see Drake’s competition, see the other nominees below.
Best Rap Album:
“Take Care” — Drake
“Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1″ — Lupe Fiasco
“Life Is Good” — Nas
“Undun” — The Roots
“God Forgives, I Don’t” — Rick Ross
“Based On A T.R.U. Story” — 2 Chainz
Best Rap Song:
“Daughers” — Nas
“Lotus Flower Bomb” — Wale featuring Miguel
“Mercy” — Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
“The Motto” — Drake Featuring Lil Wayne
“Niggas in Paris” — Jay-Z & Kanye West
“Young, Wild & Free” — Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa Featuring Bruno Mars
Best Rap Performance:
“HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)” — Drake Featuring Lil Wayne
“Niggas In Paris” — Jay–Z & Kanye West
“Daughters” — Nas
“Mercy” — Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
“I Do” — Young Jeezy Featuring Jay–Z & André 3000