J. Cole - Truly Yours
As I wipe off the snot I covered my laptop in thanks to my seasonal allergies, I uncovered J. Cole's latest release: Truly Yours. It's a collection of songs that, for one reason or another, did not make the cut for his second album. He says he's recorded about 4 albums worth of material, this is him sharing some of that with us.
If the download link goes down you can jump to J. Cole's blog post which may have a backup posted.
Download (via Dreamvillian)
Video: Drake - Started From The Bottom
And the Hip-Hop album of the year award goes to... this song has grown me immensely since it's initial release.
Drake - Started From The Bottom
Download (This will probably be taken down soon despite being uploaded by Drake himself)
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
Kid Ink - Bad Ass (featuring Wale & Meek Mill)
To celebrate his singing with RCA, Kid Ink released a more all-star version of "Bad Ass".
Buy (iTunes)
A-1 - Now You Do
I've tried my best to nitpick and find some reason that taints the excellence that A-1 has done to Flosstradamus' "Lana's Theme". I fail every time. I haven't listened to A-1's other work, so I can't comment on his abilities as a rapper but this is almost a massacre.
Check out his mixtape The Thurl Tape, I'm going to listen through it over the next week while studying biochemistry. Shout out to my friend Chris for being the reason why I came across this song.
Download (Bandcamp)
Wale - Back 2 Ballin (featuring French Montana)
Yes this started making rounds over a month ago. Yes I didn't hear it until recently (Wale just doesn't have my undivided attention anymore). Yes I'm sure most of you all have already heard this. But this song is a banger and form of religious sensitivity education.
Shout out to my friend Brian AKA Mr. I'm So Sorry.
Download (Soundowl)
Video: Kendrick Lamar Explains "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst"
Kendrick describes his favorite verse from his last album and why the song was so personable to him. Original track is below.
good kid, m.A.A.d city has sold over 500K albums.