June Misses

Happy Independence Day people! Just so you know, I worked pretty damn hard to get this list done in order to provide you all a proper soundtrack to your  BBQ-ing festivities tomorrow. You throw on a few of these joints and your guests will think you have good taste in music, and for that, here's a premature "you're welcome."

Jay-Z/Timbaland/Timbalake/Nas Collabo Coming Soon???

The above picture was tweeted out yesterday.  Just the picture alone puts high expectations on whatever project these four are working on.  They could be doing a 1000 piece puzzle in that room for all we know.  Imaginations...start your engines.  You're welcome.

Happy Birthday Christopher George Latore Wallace

No matter the name you knew recognized him as (Notorious B.I.G., or Biggie Smalls, or the Black Frank White), the man was an all-time favorite.  Notice I didn't say "great."  I just find it hard to put him in the top 5 with such a small portfolio of work.  Only 2 albums of original work.  If we judged artist by only their first 2 albums, Jay-Z might have stayed retired and the Fugees would still be together.

Don't get me wrong, the man had unbelievable skills.  He was the master of his era, but I'm a firm believer that true greatness in hip-hop is measured by how an artist transcends through different eras.  I'm sure he would only have gotten better, but due to tragic circumstances, we'll never know for sure. To help celebrate what would have been his 41st year on Earth, please find some time today to listen to your favorite B.I.G. song.  Here's mine.  You're welcome.

Kanye West Debuts "New Slaves" Song In Grand Fashion

Say what you want about Mr. West, but the man knows how to make an entrance. Who else would think to debut their new song by projecting a video on 66 building fronts throughout 10 different cities worldwide (Chicago, Toronto, Sydney, Paris, Berlin, London, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, & San Francisco)? The Louis Vuitton Don, that's who.

I'm speechless.  How are people supposed to top that?  Bringing a new track for Funkmaster Flex to drop a bomb on Hot 97 is no longer enough.  I now fear for my safety, rappers are going to be pulling crazy stunts to try and top 'Ye.  Jay-Z will have to debut on the moon next time.  He got in trouble for going to Cuba, what are they going to say when he goes to the moon?

Attention all rappers all music artist, fire your street teams...immediately.  Your promotional plan already sucks. From what I hear of the song, it seems politically charged and socially driven.  It sounds like Kanye is continuing his metamorphosis into Miles Davis and this album might be his Bitches' Brew. Below is a video of one of the New Slaves debuts that took place in Brooklyn. There are a few more presentations of the video tonight in Chicago. If you're interested, you can go to the official Kanye West website and get the locations and times.  You're welcome.

Jay-Z - Open Letter

From the King of Pop, to new music from the King of Hip-Hop. What an eventful morning its been so far.  It seems Jay is a little pissed from a few things.  First from being forced to sell his shares of his beloved Brooklyn Nets in order to pursue ambitions to become an agent to NBA players. Then, there's the whole being investigated for going to Cuba for his and Beyonce's anniversary this past weekend. Looks like some higher ups took his bars from Otis a little too literally (Welcome to Havana/Smokin' Cubanas with Castro in cabanas).

I definitely understand the league's position, it definitely would be a conflict of interest.  Being the business man Jay is, he probably understands too, but he found a perfect opportunity to vent.

I love angry Hov.  His lyrics come off so much more fluid when he has something to get off his chest.  Plus, what other artist do you know that can get Swizz Beatz and Timbaland to come to the studio and make a beat so that they can "vent"?  Only Jigga.  You're welcome.

Miguel ft. Kendrick Lamar - How Many Drinks (Remix)

For my 100th post, I feature this month's Vibe Magazine cover boys.  Kendrick has jumped on the remix to Miguel's How Many Drinks from his Grammy nominated LP Kaleidoscope Dream, and produced a stellar product.  These two represent the future of hip-hop and R&B done right, and they definitely did this remix right.  Could you imagine a Best of Both Worlds type album from these two? It would be amazing.  Hov and Kellz created their album after a simply great remix (Fiesta).  I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.  You're welcome.

Kendrick Lamar ft. Jay-Z - Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe (Remix)

As promised earlier, the G.O.A.T. and the Phenom together on the same track.  The single's cover artwork is fitting, should have really been Kobe sharing knowledge with LeBron, but we all know Kobe ain't sharing shit!  I already liked the original version, Hov on the track is just the hot fudge on the sundae.  This song already has a little Aquemini vibe to it, would have Andre 3000's perspective added to the song, but as I am constantly reminded on a daily basis, I can't always have my way.  This song will have a permanent spot on my car's playlist.  You're welcome.

Week Sauce (3/10 - 3/16)

Late again, I know, shut up.  I'm here now, and that's all that matters.  Here are your most relevant newsworthy stories of last week...according to me.  Go ahead and dig in.