Check Out :: Kanye, Kendrick & 88 Keys

Check Out :: Kanye, Kendrick & 88 Keys

KANYE WEST X MY BEAUTIFUL TWISTED NIGHTMARE

So, there's not much that needs to be explained with this one. I'm not suggesting that you get Kanye's new album because I don't think you have it cause I'm already assuming that you ALL have it and have enjoyed it as much as I have. It's merely out of respect for what I consider Ye's first classic album; boasting 13 perfectly composed tracks.

If for some reason you've been living under a rock and you don't already own My Beautiful Twisted Nightmare, click here and download it at iTunes.

TRACK LISTING

1. Dark Fantasy
2. Gorgeous f. KiD CuDi & Raekwon
3. Power f. Dwele
4. All Of the Lights (Interlude)
5. All Of the Lights f. Alicia Keys, Charlie Wilson, Elly Jackson, Elton John, Fergie, John Legend, KiD CuDi, Rihanna, Ryan Leslie, The-Dream & Tony Williams
6. Monster f. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver
7. So Appalled f. Jay-Z, Pusha T, CyHi Da Prynce, Swizz Beatz & RZA
8. Devil In A New Dress feat. Rick Ross
9. Runaway f. Pusha T
10. Hell Of A Life
11. Blame Game f. John Legend
12. Lost In The World
13. Who Will Survive In America

88 KEYS X ADAM'S CASE FILES (MIXTAPE)

So, if you keep up with my music posts then you already know that I have a tendency to sleep on new tunes because I'm either not checking the right sources or I'm not yet ready to listen. Well here we go again with 88 Keys. Thanks to my brother Fonzworth Bentley's tweet last week, I learned that the super elusive producer has a "new" mixtape out. As you can see via 88 Keys' tweet to me, it wasn't really brand new, but new to me nonetheless. As always he delivers nothing but the best. My ears are very thankful!

Click here and download Adam's Case Files.

TRACK LISTING

1. A Happy Ending?
2. Fibs ft. Grafh
3. Wasting My Minutes ft. Kid Cudi
4. 21 & Over ft. Big Sean
5. Deal Breakers ft. Mr. Bentley
6. Typical Maury ft. Izza Kizza
7. Quit Playing ft. Serius Jones
8. True Feelings
9. Cuddle Bums ft. Tanya Morgan
10. Just LIKE A Man ft. Guilty Simpson
11. Young, Dumb & Full of...
12. Outro


KENDRICK LAMAR X OVERLY DEDICATED (EP)

Yet again, I was sleeping. This time, on Compton, CA-native Kendrick Lamar. I heard all the buzz from all my producers friends like Curtiss King and Tae Beast, but for some reason did not take the time to download and listen. Tssk tssk. This self-proclaimed EP became a constant in my car, home and at the gym in November. I still can't get over how amazing the intro is. He spits with SO much passion that he chokes towards the end. Excellence is an understatement for this mixtape.

If you were sleeping like me, click here and download Overly Dedicated.

TRACK LISTING

Check Out :: Cee-Lo, Mac, & Donald

Check Out :: Cee-Lo, Mac, & Donald

CEE-LO X THE LADY KILLER

Music lovers rejoice! Cee-Lo Green's long awaited album The Lady Killer dropped today! Of course, through my gracious friends in the music industry, I've had it for the past week and have not been able to stop listening since! What I love most about Cee-Lo is that he gives his listeners something completely unique with every project he releases. I didn't think it could get any better than his mixtape Stray Bullets he released this past summer but...it did! Please please please go out support this man!

Click here to purchase The Lady Killer on iTunes!

TRACK LISTING

1. Lady Killer Theme (Intro)
2. Bright Lights Bigger City
3. Forget You
4. Wildflower
5. Bodies
6. Please (feat. Selah Sue)
7. Satisfied
8. I Want You
9. Cry Baby
10. Fool For You (feat. Philip Bailey)
11. Its Ok
12. Old Fashioned
13. Lady Killer Theme (Outro)
14. F**k You

MAC MILLER X K.I.D.S.

During my trip to Atlanta a couple of weeks ago, my college roommate and producer Marcha, played one of the dopest mixtapes I've heard in a while! Imagine my surprise when I found out that the music I was zoning out so hard to was by an 18 year old white kid from Pittsburgh --- Mac Miller! K.I.D.S. features mostly all original music and only one guest appearance from fellow label mate Chevy Woods. Salute to Mac and Rostrum Records for this mixtape!

Click here and download K.I.D.S.

TRACK LISTING

1. Kickin' Incredibly Dope Shit (Intro)
2. Outside
3. Get Em Up
4. Nikes On My Feet
5. Senior Skip Day
6. The Spins
7. Traffic In The Sky
8. Don't Mind If I Do
9. Paper Route feat. Chevy Woods
10. Good Evening
11. Ride Around
12. Knock Knock
13. Mad Flava, Heavy Flow (Interlude) feat. DJ Bonics
14. Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza
15. All I Want Is You
16. Poppy
17. Face In The Crowd
18. Bonus: La La La

CHILDISH GAMBINO X CULDESAC

I'm always fascinated by triple threats. I firmly believe that God bestows each one of us with our own unique talents. And usually we're all really great at one thing, maybe even 2 if we're lucky. I first caught wind of triple threat artist Donald Glover when I became a fan of NBC's Community last season. I knew was an actor, writer and comedian...and this past summer I found out that he's also an extremely talented recording artist! I've been sitting on this mixtape for a minute and let me apologize in advance, but I guarantee you if you haven't already heard it, it's well worth the wait! Culdesac takes you on a journey of struggle, triumph, love and the chronicles of growing up a Black nerd (something I can totally relate too).

Click here and download Culdesac.

TRACK LISTING

1. Difference
2. Hero
3. I Be On That
4. Got This Money
5. So Fly
6. You Know Me
7. Let Me Dope You
8. Do Ya Like
9. I'm Alright
10. Glory
11. Fuck It All
12. I'm On It
13. Put It In My Video
14. These Girls ft. Garfunkel and Oates
15. The Last
16. Got This Money (Acoustic @ Ace Hotel)

Download :: Westcoast Edition

Download :: Westcoast Edition

One of the most frustrating things as a native Angeleno is not having the world recognize the evolution that Westcoast hip hop has taken on in the last 20 years. It seems as if every other region has gone through their changes and received widespread praise. But everyone still believes our story and sound can be summed up by the likes of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and The Game alone. That couldn't be further from the truth! Here is are the future of Westcoast hip hop...
TAE BEAST x THE TAE BEAST TAPE

In the spirit of J. Dilla, young producer Tae Beast just released a mixtape chock full of some of the most of amazing beats I've heard to date. No loud mouth rappers setting the tone for each, just beats, taking you on a journey of kicks, snares and subtle samples.

Click here to download.

TRACK LISTING
1. Bill Cosby Intro/Believe
2. El Campo
3. Harlem Apollo
4. Blue Ship
5. Another Go
6. Together/Keynote Speaker
7. Gorilla Monsoon
8. Verocai
9. Jamaican Gold
10. Adrianna's Dream
11. Kayden's Interlude
12. Speak Low/Richard Pryor TV
13. The Love Blue
14. Love +
15. Left Me
16. Sunday Nite
17. Chi-Town/Congressional Skit
18. History 03:34

AB-SOUL x LONG TERM 2: LIFESTYLES OF THE BROKE & ALMOST FAMOUS

I'm especially proud of this mixtape because it comes from an artist from my very own hometown of Carson, CA. Ab and I have some mutual friends and I've heard his music over the years. The evolution of his talent is truly something to marvel at. His vocabulary has expanded, ideas more abstract and beats even more epic. This mixtape is incredible. OMG! He goes through all the complexities of growing up a Black kid in the suburbs, the struggles of a talented artist and his journey so vividly and honest. To my delight he even has a feature from Little Brother artist Rapper Big Pooh! How insane is that?!

Click here and enjoy the ride.

TRACK LISTING

1. Still a Regular N*gga (ft. Javonte) [prod. Sounwave]
2. No Pressure (ft. Jay Rock) [prod. Statmajor]
3. Drift Away [prod. Pro Logic]
4. Livin Like (ft. Rapper Big Pooh) [prod. Tommy Black]
5. House Party 5 [prod. Sounwave]
6. Be a Man [prod. Tae Beast]
7. Soul Cry [prod. Willie B.]
8. Turn Me Up (ft. Kendrick Lamar) [prod. Tae Beast]
9. Passion (ft. Alori Joh) [prod. King Blue (of Sore Losers)]
10. Bankrupt [prod. Soundwave]
11. Mayday [prod. Willie B.]
12. Rush [prod. Tae Beast]
13. Pass The Blunt (ft. Schoolboy Q) [prod. King Blue]
14. My Dream Girl [prod. Neffu]
15. Can Anybody Hear Me (ft. Punch) [prod. Tae Beast]
16. Long Term 2 [prod. Curtiss King]
17. Budget Ballin [prod. Soundwave]**
18. Thought It Was Love (ft. Sore Losers)**

HABIT x CLOSE TO ALMOST

One night I went to the Dakota Lounge for a Yoo-N-LA event and had the chance to see indie artist Habit perform. I have to admit that one of those people who when told to "put my hands up" by someone I don't know will give the coldest blank stare. Although didn't initially follow directions, I was definitely doing so after the first song! Habit's music and stage presence was a breathe of fresh air - very clever and energetic! The young spitter says of himself, "Born and raised in LA...moved to AZ for college...I rap about everything that happened before that, and all the greatness to come."

Click here and zone out.

"We" Invented Cool

"We" Invented Cool

February is over, but like Kanye so eloquently put it, "[we] make Black history everyday, [we] don't need a month." My favorite men's style magazine, GQ, just published an article of their picks for the top 20 Black Style Pioneers. They included one of my all-time favorite signers, Marvin Gaye, so I'm all for it!

Click here to see the rest.

"All Black Everything" Event

"All Black Everything" Event

Last night I attended friend and recording artist/producer Malcolm Harvest's "All Black Everything" event. I had an awesome time! What an intensely refreshing experience! It's very rare that I come across an event where people appreciate looking good, being professional and having a great time. Everyone looked amazing in their mostly all black attire. There were live performances by local artists and even a short set by Malcolm himself!

Amongst the Angeleno elite, the party was also attended by Chris Brown, producer Polo da Don (who refused to take a photo with me), and actor Tristan Wilds. It was crazy to be up in VIP standing right next to these guys...and the groupies who were throwing themselves at them. Haha!

I also had an opportunity to do some networking and met my newest partner-in-crime, Earl Grae. Definitely a pleasure talking to him about our outlooks on men's fashion and what we're both trying to do. We have big things in store!

Shout out to my TN fam and other friends Kianna, Keisa, Symphony, Tiffany, Asia, Bryan, Kitti and Trend! Many Kudos to Harvest! Awesome, awesome party! I look forward to many more!

Wardrobe breakdown --- $5 grey dress shirt (Goodwill), $5 black wool blazer (thrift), $10 black bow tie (Men's Warehouse), $0 sequenced pocket square (from Kianna's dress), $10 Kenneth Cole black flat front slacks (Marshall's), $4 black wingtips (thrift).

Download :: Teedra Moses "Royal Patience Compilation"

Download :: Teedra Moses "Royal Patience Compilation"

For all those who have been asking, "Where is Teedra Moses?" Look no further. This is my treat to all of you for the day. The Young Lioness, my future ex-wife, just released her new mixtape, Royal Patience Compilation, featuring some new and old tracks. All this is to build the buzz for her upcoming sophomore project, titled The Young Lioness. But judging by how infamous she's become over the years in the streets, I'd say the buzz is already there.

Regardless, wait no further! Click here and enjoy while we all continue to wait patiently for her next LP.

Download :: Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa - How Fly

Download :: Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa - How Fly

I know I'm REALLY late with this one, but my boy Brian just put me on Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa. I downloaded their last joint project "How Fly" last week. Phenomenal mixtape!

Click here and download for your listening pleasure!

Download :: Coldplay - LeftRightLeftRightLeft

Download :: Coldplay - LeftRightLeftRightLeft

Avid Coldplay fans rejoice! As an appreciation for their fans, the British rockband has released a free downloadable live album on their official website! This the same album that was given away for free at their North American Viva la Vida tour in 2009. I'm sitting here listening right now and this is a great live collection! Click here and download a FREE copy for yourself!

TRACKLIST:
1. Glass of Water
2. 42
3. Clocks
4. Strawberry Swing
5. The Hardest Part/Postcards From Far Away
6. Viva La Vida
7. Death Will Never Conquer
8. Fix You
9. Death and All His Friends


You're welcome!

Latest Kanye Quotable

Latest Kanye Quotable

Good friend and designer Jenny P sent me this the other day via facebook and good thing because it was soon after deleted from Kanye's blog. I wouldn't have otherwise seen it. I love it how my friends always know just what to send me at the right time. I am truly, truly inspired by this last "rant" of his. It reminder to be fearless and uniquely...me.

Thanks Jen! ;)

"WHEN IT’S ALL SAID AND DONE, REMEMBER THE FEARLESS, REMEMBER THE DREAMERS, REMEMBER THOSE WHO REPRESENT THE GHETTO…THE FAIRY TALE OF NOTHING TO SOMETHING. I’M BRIEFLY SADDENED BY NEGATIVE COMMENTS, BUT I HAVE TO REMEMBER THOSE PEOPLE ARE SCARED, INCAPABLE OR JUST PLAIN IDIOTS. WE ARE THE FUCKING ROCK STARS BABY. NO COCAINE, JUST LIFE MY N*S!! NO COCAINE, JUST LIFE! IT’S FUNNY TO ME WHEN FASHION BLOGGERS DOWN OUR OUFITS AND THEN SUPER JOCK OUTLANDISH SHIT ON THE RUNWAY BUT THEN THEY DRESS MAD PRUDE AND DON’T LIVE FASHION. WE LIVE IT MAN. FUCK THAT, WE LIVE IT!!! WE LIVE IT SO HARD PEOPLE LIVE THROUGH US! WE REPRESENT YOUR INNER SPIRIT!! THE CHILD IN US ALL, THE BRUTAL HONESTY, THE NAIVETY, THE BRAVE WARRIOR, THE ADRENALINE THAT ALLOWS A MOTHER TO LIFT A CAR IF HER CHILD WAS TRAPPED UNDER IT! REMEMBER, THERE WAS A TIME WHEN EVERYBODY DISSED MICHAEL JACKSON EVERY CHANCE THEY COULD. IMAGINE THE PRESSURE OF BEING A TRUE ICON. VERY FEW HUMAN BEINGS ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO TAKE CONSTANT HATE!!! IF WE DON’T DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS THE SHIT, YOU BEAT US UP VERBALLY AND MENTALLY, LIKE A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER BEATING A CREATIVE STUDENT INTO SUBMISSION. I CAN HEAR YOU SCREAMING ‘COLOR INSIDE THE LINES!!!’ WELL FUCK YOUR COLORING BOOK, COLOR BY NUMBERS APPROACH TO LIFE. AT THE END OF THE DAY WHO ARE WE HURTING??? OH “THE NEW BLACK???” SINCE BARACK IS PRESIDENT BLACKS DON’T LIKE FUR COATS, RED LEATHER, AND FRIED CHICKEN ANY MORE?! WHEN YOU TRULY UNDERSTAND CULTURAL SETTINGS, BOUNDARIES, AND OUR MODERN DAY CASTE SYSTEMS, THEN YOU CAN FEEL THE GLORY AND PAIN FROM THE DAYS OF KINGS IN AFRICA TO THE NEW KINGS OF THE MEDIA. LET THE BALL PLAYERS DANCE AFTER THEY SCORE! IT’S LIFE MY N*S, IT’S LIFE! REMEMBER CLOTHING IS A CHOICE. WE WERE BORN NAKED!!! FRESH IS AN OPINION, LOVE IS OBJECTIVE, TASTE IS SELECTIVE, AND EXPRESSION IS MY FAVORITE ELECTIVE. NO MORE POLITICS OR APOLOGIES!!!"