IN THE LAB WITH: DJ KHALIL.

We get to do some pretty cool shit here at Hip Hop Official. For real, for real. One of my favorites is our "In the Lab" series where we link up with producers, and they discuss production techniques. This is some all access, behind the scenes type-stuff; Exactly what every true hip hop fan is looking for.

Well this time around, we got to enter the lab with one of the dopest beatsmiths in the game. This cat is a beast, and extremely slept on. Besides behind one of Dr. Dre's in house producers, he's also laced beats for Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Nas, Fabolous, Slaughterhouse, Talib Kweli, Evidence, The Game, Xzibit, Cypress Hill, and Raekwon. You know, just to name a few. His latest heatrock is the jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, neck-breaking, patty-cakin monster he made for the Clipse - "Kinda Like A Big Deal." Khalil showed us a step-by-step breakdown of how he constructed the beat, and gives a little back story on how the Clipse and Kanye turned it into an instant classic.

[VIDEO] The Foreign Exchange feat. Muhsinah - "House of Cards"

I love the Foreign Exchange. Their 2 albums are off the richter scale and if they're not in your collection, you're losing. Real music. Life music. If you don't know, now you know. Foreign Exchange = Phonte (vocals) + Nicolay (beats).

THROWBACK THURSDAYS.

Primo is a god. He defined an entire sound of an era. If aliens ever came to earth, and you had to explain to them what the hip hop sound was, you'd play them a DJ Premier beat. The bouncy drums, filtered sample chops, scratch hooks - he's the essence of the hip hop sound. And whether you know it or not (or admit it or not) he's influenced ever single producer who's come after him. No question. DJ Premier: Top 5, dead or alive.

IN THE LAB WITH: DJ KHALIL

We get to do some pretty cool shit here at Hip Hop Official. For real, for real. One of my favorites is our "In the Lab" series where we link up with producers, and they discuss production techniques. This is some all access, behind the scenes type-stuff; Exactly what every true hip hop fan is looking for.

Well this time around, we got to enter the lab with one of the dopest beatsmiths in the game. This cat is a beast, and extremely slept on. Besides behind one of Dr. Dre's in house producers, he's also laced beats for Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Nas, Fabolous, Slaughterhouse, Talib Kweli, Evidence, The Game, Xzibit, Cypress Hill, and Raekwon. You know, just to name a few. His latest heatrock is the jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, neck-breaking, patty-cakin monster he made for the Clipse - "Kinda Like A Big Deal." Khalil showed us a step-by-step breakdown of how he constructed the beat, and gives a little back story on how the Clipse and Kanye turned it into an instant classic.

[NEW] Drake (ft. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem) - "Forever"

Wow, three of the biggest rap superstars on 1 track? (No, not you Drake). It's only missing Jigga to complete the current Mt. Rushmore of Hip Hop royalty. So what happens when you put this many heavyweights on one track? The people go crazy. The internet has been talking about this one for the last few days, just waiting for a taste. And here it is. Let me give you some insight. Lil Wayne wanted to work with Eminem during the time he was recording for Relapse, but it never worked out. Em promised to give Weezy a collab after the fact, and that time is now. So Weezy pulled in Drake, and of course Kanye followed suit. This track is going to appear on Lebron James’ upcoming More Than A Game project dropping soon. And yes, Eminem kills this shit. No wonder he went last, because the song would have been over in 30 seconds if he went first.

[DOWNLOAD] Drake - (ft. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem) - "Forever"

Props to OnSmash and the whole NMC for the link and artwork.

[NEW] One Be Lo - "PIGS" (ft. Mike Posner)

True story: One Be Lo is one of my favorite emcees. Unfortuntely, there's a chance that you're not familiar with him. And that's a problem. This dude is a beast. And if you don't believe me, go cop his album S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. for a lesson in rhyme spitting. And if that doesn't convince you, go back and cop Binary Star's Waterworld. And if that still doesn't convince you, then there's nothing else I can do for you and you're beyond help. Sorry.

[DOWNLOAD] One Be Lo - "PIGS" (ft. Mike Posner)

[NEW] Jay-Z - "Venus vs. Mars" (Prod. by Timbaland)

It's funny how only the Timbaland produced tracks from Blueprint 3 have leaked. Its looks like Timothy might need to call a plumber.

[DOWNLOAD] Jay-Z - "Venus vs. Mars" (Prod. by Timbaland)


"Awwwww" (c) Jay-Z

WESTCOAST WEDNESDAY.

We take you up to Seattle for today's Westcoast Wednesday. Don't get it twisted, Cali isn't the only one reppin for the west these days. Ironically, this track by the Northwest duo Blue Scholars is about Hawaii - which is waaaaaaaaaaaaay west. So you get the best of both worlds.

GZA ft. Santigold - "Liquid Swords" [LIVE]

The Genius linked up with Santigold for this exclusive live performance at Lollapoloza, brought to you by Hip Hop Official and 5 Gum. Enjoy.

NIKE SB ZOOM AIR PAUL RODRIGUEZ III

We caught up with P-Rod at his store in Los Angeles to chop it up about his latest skate shoe from Nike SB, the Zoom Air Paul Rodriguez III. They're in stores now. Check back for a further in depth interview with P. Rod coming soon.

AIR JORDAN 11 "SPACE JAM"

One of the most iconic shoes of all time returns. Originally worn by His Airness in the 1996 film Space Jam, these will be re-released November 27th. These have always been a favorite amongst sneaker collections. Get ready to camp out, these will be sold out before they even hit the shelves. I'm talking straight off the truck and into the consumer's hands.

RUN DMC GETS THEIR OWN STREET.

All ya'll rappers talk about be street. Ha! Now this is some REAL street shit. On August 30th, the corner of 205th St. & Hollis Ave will be renamed Run-DMC Way. Walk this way.

[NEW] Raekwon ft. Lyfe Jennings - "Catalina" (prod. Dr. Dre)

Oh word?? New Raekwon produced by the good Doctor? That's what I'm talking about! Here's another leak from The Chef's upcoming album, OB4CL2, dropping September 8th. It's like Raekwon and Jay-Z leak day around these parts. Don't say I never gave you anything...

[DOWNLOAD] Raekwon ft. Lyfe Jennings - Catalina (prod. Dr. Dre)

Another NMC Premiere. Thought you knew.

ARTIST OF THE WEEK: DJ Muggs

He's also one of the most respected producers in the game. Also one of the most underrated. DJ Muggs is an original member of the famed Cypress Hill and Soul Assassins movement. He's been the man behind the boards for some classic hip hop music. You've heard the name, but you might not be familiar with his legacy and impact on the game. Now's your chance to rectify that situation. This is DJ Muggs...



And we got an extra clip that we couldn't fit into the original interview. Christmas comes early on HHO...

[NEW] Jay-Z - "Reminder"

Here's another track from Hova' upcoming album, Blueprint 3. This one is produced by some guy named Timbaland.

"Awwwww" (c) Jay-Z

[DOWNLOAD] Jay-Z - "Reminder"

Courtesy of the NMC.

MISS MONDAYS.

Mondays are all about the ladies here at Hip Hop Official. And today we're hitting you off with the video from one of the illest female emcees in the game, Ms. Jean Grae. Shout out to Robert DeNiro for the cameo. Hahaaaaaa.

This joint is fire. Some hot sex on a platter type stuff going on right here. This one makes you wanna call up your girl and talk dirty to her. Produced by the soul provider, 9th Wonder.

[NEW] Raekwon ft. Cappadonna & Ghostface - "10 Bricks" (Prod. by J. Dilla)

New shit from Raekwon's upcoming album, Only Built For Cuban Linx 2. This is official. It looks like this album might actually see the light of day. It's also dope that the 2 songs leaks from this project are produced by J Dilla. Good thinking, Raekwon. We also get a Cappadonna sighting, which is exciting in itself. Sorta.

[DOWNLOAD] Raekwon ft. Cappadonna & Ghostface - 10 Bricks (Prod. by J. Dilla)

[NEW] Jay-Z (ft. Drake) - "We Off That"

The FCC homie Eazee came through with the exclusive, so we bring it directly to you. Here's a new leak off Jigga man's upcoming album, Blueprint 3, which drops September 11. Drake's only on the hook, and Jay is talking about how everything that you like now was dope about 5 years ago. Step ya game up, rap fans.

"Awwwww" (c) Jay-Z

[DOWNLOAD] Jay-Z (ft. Drake) - "We Off That"

Fashawn & Exile - "The Score" [Live]

Fashawn and Exile rock a live performance of Fashawn's joint "The Score" off his upcoming album, Boy Meets World. Ex put together a dope flip of one of the illet breaks of all time, Barry White's "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More, Baby." Dope beats, dope rhymes, what more do ya'll want?

BIG BOI LIKES TWITTER.

At the Los Angeles leg of the Rock The Bells Tour, we sat down with Big Boi from Outkast to talk about his upcoming solo album, the new Outkast project, and the advantageous uses of Twitter.

"This is probably gonna end up on Twitter too" (c) Big Boi

Yuuuuuuuuuup. How'd you guess?

[VIDEO] Jay-Z (ft. Kanye West & Rihanna) - "Run This Town"

I still think Kanye killed Jay on this one. Haaaaa.

Blueprint 3 in stores Sept. 11.

"Uhhh" (c) Jigga.

G-SHOCK x BAPE.

Do people still buy BAPE? Apparently.

A Bathing Ape has teamed up with Casio G-Shock once again to bring you another watch collaboration. Once again they go with the chunky classic DW-6900 model. My favorite. These hits stores August 23rd. Make sure you cop a legit one, and don't get swash buckled into buying a fake joint on Ebay. That's lame.

DAMN, I WISH I WAS ON THAT!!!

The Alchemist and Big Boi talk about the songs they wish they could have been a part of. I know you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition, but this is hip-hop, and we break the rules around here.

10.Deep x Cassie.

Well, not exactly. This is actually a new shirt collabo with streetwear brand 10.Deep and rapper Donnis. But they used the now infamous leaked nude photos of Cassie. I wonder if Diddy is gonna rock this funky joint. I also wonder if some big-shot-thousand-dollar-suit-sporting-lawyers are gonna be knocking on 10.Deep's doors very soon.

ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Fashawn & Exile

Fashwan has an album coming out. Exile produced it. It's gonna be good. Wanna hear them talk about it? Of course you do, because you like good music.

Boy Meets World drops October 20.




[BONUS] DOWNLOAD: Fashawn - "Life As A Shorty"

[VIDEO] Basicali - "I Choose You"

Check out the brand new video from the homie Basicali, off the EP, I Choose You, presented by Acrylick Clothing. The track is produced by my alter ego, also known as ILL JACKSON. The video was shot in the street on LA, and directed by the legendary Marlowe McNulty. Cali in the building. Throw your thumbs up.

ROCK THE BELLS 2009 RAP UP.

Hip Hop Official presents its wrap up of the Rock The Bells LA Show presented by 5 Gum, featuring the likes of Raekwon, M.O.P., Murs, Mickey Factz, KRS-One, Big Boi, and hosted by the lovely Hayley Marie Norman. If you missed the show, you missed out on life.

[VIDEO] Slum Village - "Actin Normal"

Off their upcoming album, Villa Manifesto. RIP Baatin.

WESTCOAST WEDNESDAY.

Jurassic 5 - "Concrete Schoolyard"

Here's some classic, rap shit from Jurassic. Remember feel good music? Yeah me too. It's dope. Rappers should take note and tap into that emotion more.

"I get goose bumps when the bassline thumps..."

KRS-One & Buckshot - "Robot" [LIVE]

The Blastmaster and the BDI Thug rock a live performance at our VIP tent at Rock The Bells Los Angeles. EXCLUSIVE!!!! The tent and performance were brought to you by 5Gum and HHO. We love the kids.

This joint appears on their upcoming collaboration album, Survival Skills.

[VIDEO] DJ Quik & Kurupt - "Hey Playa"

This song is fire. Shout out to the homie/host/comedian Terrell Battle for selling Quik and Kurupt those camels. Good look, my dude.

And in case you missed out interview with Quik x Kurupt. Check that shit, they're classic:

Quik x Kurupt Interview | Quik x Kurupt Interview out takes | In The Lab w/ DJ Quik

Shawn Chrystopher - A City With No Seasons [Free Album]

A big congratulations to the homie Shawn Chrystopher are in order. His debut album, A City With No Seasons, is finally here for the world to hear. I know how much blood, sweat, a tears Shawn put into this album. Most rappers write rhymes, but Shawn wrote his life. I had a chance to get an advance screening of this album, and I'll say this...It might change the way you listen to Hip-Hop. But enough from me, I'll let Shawn tell it:

I’m a person who loves to take chances, loves tight-roping the line between genius and insanity; the artwork for my debut album is no different. I felt, in hip hop, we were playing things a little too safe with our album artwork, scared of the backlash we would get and ultimately not being true to ourselves. I’m here to change that. The A City With No Seasons artwork is inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat because his art was debated about the most on whether or not it is real art because it looks ‘elementary.’

I honestly believe that there is no such thing as wrong, or bad art; that is difference between art and math. If I say 2+2=5 I’m wrong, but because my lines aren’t straight and my coloring isn’t inside the lines my art isn’t art? Art is all about expressing yourself, and no one can ever say that you are expressing yourself incorrectly.

It’s ok to say you don’t understand; what’s not ok is to say that it’s wrong.

[DOWNLOAD HERE.]

Also, be sure to watch his latest video for his intro song, "And I Present".

[VIDEO] Mayer Hawthorne - "Maybe So, Maybe No"

Mayer Hawthorne is my shit. For real. I love the Doo Wop soul vibe. Creativity and Originality is a lost art these days. Here's a dope video for his track "Maybe So, Maybe No" sot through out L.A., including my favorite party in all the land, the legendary Do Over. His album, A Strange Arrangement drops this Fall and his US tour begins September 5th.

ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Crooked I.

We sat down with 1/4 of the Slaughterhouse machine, Crooked I, at this years Rock The Bells. He was able to shed some light on the whole Joe Budden vs. Raekwon beef that popped off at the L.A. show. Craziness. Crook also talked about the new Slaugterhouse album that is in stores RIGHT NOW. Buy 2 for Hip Hop.

[VIDEO] Shawn Chrystopher - "A City With No Seasons"

My family....I'm proud to introduce my video directoral debut. This is the first video, and intro track for Shawn's debut album, A City With No Seasons. I co-directed this joint with the homie Charles Yi. Stay tuned, we have a bunch more shit coming in the future.

MISS MONDAYS.

Mondays are all about the ladies here at Hip Hop Official, and today we salute Da Brat. This joint is a classic. And the cameos are thick in this video: Biggie, Diddy, Too Short, Mary J. Blige, TLC, MC Lyte, and even Bill Bellamy. Yes, that Bill Bellamy. I think I even caught Goodie Mob in there. Enjoy this one...

Wooooord Upppppp, Heeeeeey.

"Today Was A Good Day"

In celebration of his new signature shoe, here's the extended version of Nike SB's extended commercial for world class skateboarder P-Rod (Paul Rodriquez Jr.). It features Ice Cube, skateboarder Eric Kosten, Kobe Bryant, and the steps I used to walk up everyday at my alum mater LMU.

MISS MONDAYS.

Little Bit

Mondays are all about the ladies here at Hip Hop Official. Today, we're rocking out to Swedish indie singer, Lykke Li. I don't know how to pronounce her name correctly, but I love her music. I love her voice. I love her steez. You should too.