Checkin my fresh

Kanye West -Paranoid (Feat. Rihanna and Mr Hudson)

2009-06-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

So I didn't bother posting the leaked version of this last week because I figured it would be removed so quickly from youtube that no one would get a chance to see it. Anyways the final cut has finally dropped and here it is, still starring Rihanna. Anyways, I'm hoping this version isn't stripped from youtube immediately because I think everyone should have the chance to see Kanye playing a warewolf.

Throw It In The Bag

2009-05-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

Fabulous feat The Dream "Throw It In The Bag". Released earlier this week at the Def Jam spring preview, obviously LA Reid is thinking this is going to be the summers "boyfriend anthem". You guys give a listen for yourselves...

Hit Academy presents Andre D'Ace-Ego Freestyle

2009-05-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

A couple months back I posted the remix of Beyonce's track "Ego" featuring Kanye West. Personally, "Ego" was my favorite song off of her album and I thought the remix with Kanye made it all but better (granted its one of his most arrogant verses EVER). Anyways I was recently introduced to a new young MC/vocalist out of the Bronx. Andre D'ace along with his production crew The Hit Academy are producing some hot tracks and starting to make some real noise in the NYC scene. Their myspace is currently under construction so check back for the link soon. In the mean time this is their bio: "The name is Andre D'ace. A poet with a voice that screams out a combination of many artists. D'ace has much to show to the world, hoping to inspire many and help people get away from the real world for a minute or two. Located in NYC, the center of everything, inspiration comes easy. D'ace is influenced by artists such as Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Prince, as well as new artists such as Kid Cudi and Charles Hamilton. To cut to the point, D'ace just wants the world to feel his music the way he feels it himself. Enjoy"

This is a rough snippet is of D'ace spitting a freestyle to "Ego" but it is more then enough to showcase his flow. More tracks from them to come soon but trust me, do not sleep on these guys!!!

Checkin My Fresh

2009-05-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Obviously, Kia Shine and Young Dro read this blog.

TI-All Night

2009-05-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

No one is exactly sure where this track came from or what album its suppose to be released on, but it leaked this morning and it's DAMN hot. As of right now, most people are guessing it will be part of the re-release of Paper Trails yet only time will tell. And lastly, the sample on the track, sounds like Vanessa Careltons 1000 miles doesn't it??

LISTEN HERE or below for the youtube...

Young Dro ft. Yung LA-Take Off

2009-05-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is a hot one from Young Dro off of the Black Boys White Boys mixtape, look out for the TI cameo.

New Look

2009-05-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

This couple from Brooklyn is giving a "New Look" to electro soul. One time model Sarah Ruba along with husband/multi-instrumentalist and producer Adam Pavoa make up New Look. I really like their track "Everything" although the production is bit erratic. Her voice is definitely the highlight of the song. I think if New Look can get their sound right, and Pavoa finds a way to uniform his instrumentals, they are definitely capable of pumping out big hits.

This is hilarious

2009-05-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Obama Vs. Jamie Foxx, Blame it on the E-E-E-Economy,

Mr Hudson-Supernova ft. Kanye West

2009-05-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

Mr Hudson has slowly transformed into Kanye West's newest pet project. Yeezy has actually proclaimed that Mr Hudson may one day be bigger then he is (go figure). Anyways the first single "Supernova" off his upcoming album Straight No Chaser (due out August 3rd) just dropped and it is definitely a hot one. I was surprised at how this track progresses into a legitimate jammer, have a listen...

Colin Munroe

2009-05-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Colin Munroe, a Toronto based artist, is one of the most interesting young musicians I have heard this year. This guys music has got it all, catchy vocals, nice hooks and he has a growing support blanket of industry big wigs. He is definitely on line to blow up in the next coming year. More importantly, Colin has been getting a whole lot of love from the hip hop world. Having collaborated with 88 Keys, Young Berg, Wale (who he is currently touring with) and others, this pop minded performer has such a unique sound that MC's have been lining up to get the chance to get into the studio with him. Definitely look out for this guy in the next year, he is on many peoples Artist's to watch in 09' lists. Have a listen to his track Last Cause (remix) featuring 88 Keys to decide for youself...

NIpsey Hussle is about to be running shit

2009-05-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hot one from Nipsey Hussle, more on him soon...

Rick Ross & The Dream

2009-05-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Off The Boss's new album, video filmed on location in Medillin, Columbia, this is a hot one...

Nyle-Let The Beat Build

2009-05-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

This is sickkkkkkkkkkkk (Hats off to Weezy for the original),

This was filmed in ONE take with audio being recorded simultaneously! Filmed by Last Pictures and recorded by 194 Recordings. Check them both out! Anyways if you haven't heard the name yet, learn it, NYLE. A very serious talent that plays with a very serious band. Rising stars in the NYC scene, these guys and Nyle are destined to be big. Def hit his website up for more info and tonssssss of hot tracks!

NEW JUELZ SANTANA

2009-05-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Just heard this new one, "Days Of Our Lives" from Juelz' upcoming summer album. Real hot track, nobody does a track like this better then Santana, this is him at his absolute best! Anyways check the vid out for yourself, just released...

New Basement Jaxx- Raindrops

2009-04-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

So Basement Jaxx has finally released the first single off their new, highly anticipated album, Scars due out later this summer. The single called "Raindrops" is a highly melodic track with pretty harmonies dominating the chorus. Pretty much what we have come to expect from Jaxx, this opening single gives me high hopes for the rest of the album. Another reason to be excited about the new album is that is contains guest vocals from a slew of different performers including Cyndi Lauper, Yoko Ono, Santigold and Sam Sparro. Anybody in the UK, they are currently on tour with Master Shortie (one of my personal favorites right now) and they will be headlining the O2 wireless festival in London's Hyde Park this July with Dizzee Rascal and The Streets. Check out the new song for yourselves...

DRAKE-Best I Ever Had

2009-04-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

I was recently introduced to canadian rapper Drake by a friend and was only modestly impressed. Anyway his song "Best I Ever Had" changed my opinion on the artist. Nothing out of this work but Drake definitely showcases his commercial viability with this one. This track doesn't propel him to Hip Hop royalty just yet but it is laid back song that is definitely worth giving a listen to...

I Poke Her Face

2009-04-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Check this new one from Kid Cudi, featuring Kanye and Common "I Poke Her Face". Hilarious is the only word I can think of. I am not typically a huge fan of hip hop songs trying to rip off pop songs, but this is all to perfect(especially considering that I can't step foot in a bar or listen to the radio without hearing Poker Face). It definitely seems that Kid Cudi's rise to MC stardom will have some longevity. You guys listen for yourselves, I think the title speaks for itself, oh and dont forget to give Lady Gaga her props...

Ego??

2009-04-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Really Kanye?? The new remix of "Ego" from Beyonce featuring Kanye West really makes me wonder how the guys does it. But credit where credit is due, anyone who can continuously rap about how great they are, yet consistently increase their fan base obviously is doing something right. Enough said, pretty hot track...

Grind Hard

2009-04-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs to check this brand new track from Jadakiss and Mary J. Blige, "Grind Hard". Two of the most legit veterans in the game collaborate on what is for sure to be a huge anthem. Off of the new Jadakiss album The Last Kiss, this song is destined to be a smash for the summer. Mary J's hook is rules the track showcasing her dominance in the urban the music scene. Looks like Jadakiss is back on the map with this one...

Knock You Down- Keri Hilson

2009-03-30T20:01:00.001-07:00

I love this track from Ms. Keri Babayyyy, Kanye and Ne Yo. Check her out at 1:43, DAMN.

CHEW LiPS

2009-03-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

So I just got put on to another British electro pop band (big surprise I know) but I was intrigued enough by their single "Solo" I felt it was appropriate to dedicate a post to them. Chew Lips, an unsigned group from East London are true rookies to the music scene. Having only formed in mid 2008, they are now frantically attempting to establish their live show. That being said, famed BBC Disc Jockey Steve Lamacq has them as one of his bands to watch for 2009 and invited them recently on his radio show to play a live show in studio. The band itself consists of lead singer Tigs, and Will Sanderson & James Watkins on the "Casiotone" beats. Interesting sound, and a bit similar to the previously blogged about La Roux. Chew Lips strengths lie within singer Tigs, her retro vocal style is what this band relies on. She has a very pretty but unique voice which is what attracted me to the band. Although the electro pop scene is becoming increasingly crowded, I think if Chew Lips continues producing pleasant indie electro songs, they have a good shot a finding a niche within the genre. "Solo" definitely has commercial viability and single qualities. Check it out for yourselves, and check out their myspace page if you are a fan of the song, cause they have a couple of other tracks on their that are worth a listen if you are a fan of the genre.

CHEW LiPS - "SOLO"

CityofGod- Fly Away

2009-03-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

CityofGod hit the scene as an underground Alt-Pop group out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida last year. They cite influences from a wide variety of genre's including Jamiroquai, N.E.R.D, Earth Wind & Fire, and John Legend. Their wide ranging influences has resulted in a very fresh and unique sound, combining tranquil hip hop lyrics with smooth R&B and uptempo club beats, CityofGod is like nothing we have heard before. A truly unique, hybrid musical act that is currently producing some really enjoyable music. The band includes drummer Raphael Ramos known as "Industry", bass Guitarist Rocco Milord, lead Guitarist Gunnar Vingren, vocalist Stephanie Magro, Tiago Magro also known as DJ Zion on turntables and Synthesizers and lead vocalist Danny Foganholi aka "Smalls". Their song "Fly Away" has been gaining popularity in the last months as CityofGod has built up a loyal following to their live show. CityofGod definitely has potential to be a big musical act of the future and "Fly Away" definitely possesses hit single qualities. Have a listen for yourselves...

iTunes Free Single Of The Week

2009-03-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is, but lately I feel like when ever I discover a new song or artist on iTunes and pay 99 cents to download the song, after a few months I see that very same song being offered for free as part of Apple's Free Single Of The Week promotion. This happened to me first over the summer when I first started listening to Jazmine Sullivan and her debut single "Need You Bad". But most recently occurred with Jay Rock's new single "All My Life In The Ghetto" which is currently the Free Single Of The Week. Any of my peers will tell you that I have been bumping this track since it first dropped in December. I was initially surprised when I first heard the song because I am not the biggest Weezy fan, nor had I heard of Jay Rock. But I gave it a shot and after listening was genuinely surprised. Hailing from the mean streets of Watts, California, this autobiographical track that has launched Jay Rock to the spotlight, thoughtfully recounts the hardships of growing up in the ghetto. A great beat and very pleasant chorus thanks to Will. I. Am. makes this a definite hit. Check it out for yourselves here and if you like, definitely log on to iTunes to download it for free, but don't slouch you only have till saturday if you want it free of charge.

Jay Rock Feat Lil Wayne & Will.I.Am - All My Life [NEW AUDIO
Uploaded by PeteRock

More from Asher Roth!

2009-03-21T08:48:00.001-07:00

Yo Asher Roth's mixtape The Greenhouse Effect has been around for sometime now, but I feel only now it is garnering the attention it deserves. Everyone should listen the mixtape for themselves, but for now check out these highlights. First off "The Reading remix" Prod. by J Brookinz is one of the hottest beats I have heard in a long time(I do admit a bias because of my childhood love of Reading Rainbow and especially the opening theme). But truthfully, a super creative track that is def worth a listen.

The other is called "Cartoon Chick". A hilarious track where we get to here Asher Roth's opinion of what Cartoon Chick he would hook up with if he had the option. Watch out for Asher Roth, if he keeps make quality songs like these, he will be around for a long long time.

New Calvin Harris

2009-03-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is the brand new jam off the forthcoming Calvin Harris full length album, slated for release later this year. (Anybody not familiar with Calvin Harris, he was the guy featured on Dizzee Rascal's summer hit "Dance Wiv Me") "I'm not alone" which starts off with mellow indie rock vibes, all of a sudden transforms after 50 seconds into an electro house jam. Make sure to give this one at least a minute before imposing judgement, definitely a hot track for any electro fan, enjoy...

DO NOT MISS ARCHEO PRICE!!!

2009-03-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

YOOOOOOO it's been awhile I know, expect a supersized post about my recent trip to Europe sometime in the future, but in the mean time I have a HOT new artist for every one to check out. Archeo Price of only 18 years, is my new favorite of the year. With a super smooth, soulful voice, Archeo sounds like a young Michael Jackson (back when he ruled the pop world and was not a creepy weirdo) with a dash of Prince's funkyness. Born in Bombay Indian, to and Indian father and mother from Panama, Archeo spent his childhood years globetrotting, living in places like Nigeria and Hong Kong. Nowadays Archeo is calling London home where he is making some sick music. He writes, produces and arranges all of his work and performs with a 5 person band. People have been calling his live show one of the most promising acts in a long while. He definitely is someone NOT TO BE MISSED. My favorite song by him, "Mr. General" is destined to be the next big club anthem. With its catchy hook, smooth vocals and pounding beat, I struggle to stay in my chair every time I hear it. Check it out for yourselves below...

PASSION PIT

2009-03-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

By now I'm sure most have you have heard Passion Pit's debut single "Sleepyhead". Hailing from my home town of Boston, Passion Pit is one of the fastest growing bands in the rapidly expanding electronic music scene. The BBC has already dubbed them as one of the "Bands To Watch in 2009". "Sleepyhead" with its sweeping melodies, heavy synths and Irish Harp samples has been the talk of the electronic music scene this year. I remember first hearing the song and noticing just how unique their style was. The track remarkably fresh, loud, exciting yet remaining incredibly beautiful. Take a listen for yourself...

I recently listened to Passion Pit's debut EP "Chunk Of Change" in its entirety and was genuinely surprised at the strength of the album. What really caught my attention (Outside of Sleepyhead) was the song "Better Things". Funk reigns supreme on this track that makes you feel good all over your body. Definitely one to put on while working out or dancing the night away at the club. Expect Pit to do big things in 2009...

Coming Back

2009-03-01T10:39:00.001-08:00

As T.I. prepares for his coming jail sentence ,its obvious to most he wont be "Coming Back" anytime soon. But the pending incarceration has not slowed his flow at all, on this brand new snippet of "Coming Back" produced by Dre, T.I. shows us exactly what has propelled him to the apex of the hip hop world, where he stands today...

D RECK- It's Official (LISTEN TO THIS IS YOU HAVE EVER SEEN RUGRATS)

2009-03-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

YOOOO, got a HOT one here, brand new from D Reck "It's Official". EVERYONE SHOULD CHECK THIS ONE OUT!

Phoenix

2009-02-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, anyone remember the Phoenix track "If I Ever Feel Better". This group from Versailles, France has a new album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, slated for release this coming May. The first single, "1901" is available for free download from their website, so everyone should check that right away. "If I Ever Feel Better" from their 2000 hit album United was featured on Entourage this past season and has been a personal favorite of mine for sometime.

44 watches the Bulls

2009-02-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

From POLITICO: Obama entered once the game was under way. Officials delayed the start for his arrival. Obama chatted much of the time with a Chicago friend, and shook hands with fans as they passed in front of him. He stayed in his courtside seat for most of the game, but he left with 47.8 seconds left in the first half to make a visit to Wizards owner Abe Pollin's suite... Obama got up to leave with just under 4 1/2 minutes left, not staying to endure the 113-90 finals score of the winning Wizards. Obama had already welcomed the Bulls into town Thursday, when the team visited the White House and presented him with a jersey.

La Roux!!!

2009-02-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

Here's another new artist coming out of the UK. Elly Jackson, better known by her stage name La Roux, hails from the rough southeast London neighborhood of Brixton. Notorious for pumping out some of London's most famous Jamaican acts, Brixton is not typically associated with producing popular electro acts. A newcomer to the electro pop scene she is set to soar in 09'. Her first single "Quicksand" pays homage to the 1980's with heavy synths and her beautifully piercing vocals. She brings a unique heart and intelligence to electro pop, attributes that are typically absent from the genre. Lily Allen has chosen her for her upcoming tour as a support act, the beginning of what should be a great year for La Roux. Check out "Quicksand" for yourself...

La Roux - Quicksand
Uploaded by MaisonKitsune

Also, check out her myspace page to take a sneak peek at her new single "In For The Kill". Officially dropping March 15, this song has all the same passion and emotion of "Quicksand" verifying that La Roux is not your average, one hit electro pop wonder, she is here to stay.

Take Me Back

2009-02-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

YOOOOOOOOOOO, check out the new track by the UK's Tinchy Stryder. "Take Me Back" is currently blazing the UK charts and is one of the years best Dance tracks. Enjoy...

Tinchy Stryder ft. Taio Cruz - Take Me Back
Uploaded by martin_c7

800

2009-02-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

Everyone congratulate Uconn Basketball coach Jim Calhoun on his 800th career victory tonight. The Huskies beat Marquette tonight in Milwaukee positioning them to rise to the number 1 ranking by the end of the week. In a decisive victory on the road, the Huskies look poised for a final four run. By reaching this milestone, Calhoun is now the 8th ever coach to reach 800 victories and only the second active coach. He now keeps company in this exclusive club with some of the greatest coaches of all time(Dean Smith, Bob Knight, Mike Kryzewski just to name a few) Congratulations coach Calhoun!!!

I Love College!!

2009-02-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

Considering that I have now entered the final 2 months of my college career I have begun feeling a bit nostalgic about the whole experience. When I heard up and coming lyricist Asher Roth's new track "I Love College" I couldnt help but feel sad that this experience is over. Check out this track if you haven't heard it before, quite possibly the best college track I have heard. Not to mention Asher Roth is getting big quick, his album is set to drop in April and he is already collaborated with a bunch of established MC's. And all UCONN peeps, he is going to be in Storrs, March 6th at the Jorgensen Center, DO NOT MISS THIS! Check out his myspace to hear more, or just to get a good laugh, you wont be disappointed...

Whats going on with Commercial Aviation?

2009-02-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or does it seem that the commercial aviation industry has been through a particularly tumultuous month? First we all know about the Miracle on the Hudson and Capt. Sullenberger's heroics. Not long after that, Continental Flight 3407 went down shortly before attempting to land in Buffalo, killing all passengers onboard. But today tragedy struck again, this time across the pond at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. A Turkish Airlines flight went down attempting to land, killing at least 9 people and injuring dozens other.

Just Like Me

2009-02-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

Jamie Foxx's new album dropped all the way back in December and has been decently popular. The first single "She's Got Her Own" is in OK track but pretty formulaic like the rest of the album. The one song that I have not heard a whole lot of buzz about is actually the first single from the album, "Just Like Me" featuring T.I. While there is nothing groundbreaking about this song, its a standard upbeat party/dance track(That actually kind of sounds like Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body"), its been good enough to find its way onto my party playlist. This song released way back November, seemed to go under the radar with most people, if you haven't heard it, check it our for yourselves...

Jamie Foxx - Just Like Me (feat. T.I.) [HIGH QUALITY]
Uploaded by BlackAndree

Obama's Address

2009-02-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

I watched President Obama's address to Congress last night and I have to say that I was duly impressed. It has been no secret that I am fan of the young president and have supported him throughout his budding presidency and campaign. The one small complaint that I have had recently about Mr. Obama and his nascent administration is the lack of hopeful rhetoric (which was displayed so beautifully throughout his campaign) since he has taken office. It is my opinion, that at a time of such economic uncertainty, having a hopeful voice assuring Americans that our country will rebound is absolutely essential. His address last night finally took him back to where he is at his best, garnering public support with his gifted rhetorical skills. Obama hit stride last night when he outlined what he hopes will be his administrations education reform. In the house chambers, we could see first lady Michelle Obama in the crowd sitting next to a young girl from South Carolina that President Obama met while touring a school during the campaign. He used her not only to outline the need for us to upgrade our schools throughout the country but how this will subsequently create many jobs that we so badly need. "This is a prescription for economic decline, because we know the countries that out teach us today will out compete us tomorrow". All in all, I still can't fully articulate my excitement over our new president.

K'NAAN

2009-02-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs to check out rapper/rocker/reggae/artist extraordinaire, K'Naan. He is currently being featured by MTV as part of their celebration of Black History Month. His newest album Troubadour just dropped today and the track "Take A Minute" is one of my favorites of the year thus far. K'Naan successfully blends traditional hip hop styles with heavy rock and reggae influences. Hailing from the east African nation of Somalia, he fled with his mother during the Somali civil war to Harlem where he has since established his musical career. His background is almost as inspiring as his music. I wont elaborate here, but check out his website to learn more about him. For all of you Boston people, he'll be at Harpers Ferry in Allston this sunday(March 1st). Ill DEF be there and all of you should be there too. No official video of "Take A Minute" but here is an awesome live, acoustic version he and his band performed for QTV...

Day N' Night

2009-02-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

By now im sure mostt have heard Kid Cudi's track "Day N' Night" but im sure most havent seen the video. It just got released last week, its pretty trippy, check it out...

kid cudi - day 'n' nite
Uploaded by 75_prod

Welcome

2009-02-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog, first and foremost I would like to say that this blog will function mostly as a way for me to share with others the new, Fresh music that i'm currently listening to. But political and sports banter will often be mixed in, as these three things seem to be dominating my life right now. Anyways, comments of course are more then welcome and dont hesitate to share anything you think I would like too.