BEST MICHAEL JACKSON SAMPLED HIP HOP SONGS.

There's no denying Michael Jackson's impact on music. He influenced so many musicians across so many genres, it's hard to even quantify his impact. So I wanted highlight some of the greatest hip hop songs that took inspiration from the King of Pop, by sampling his music. There are some CLASSIC hip hop songs in here. Here they are, in no particular order:


Nas - "It Ain't Hard To Tell"
SAMPLE: Michael Jackson - "Human Nature"




De La Soul - "Breakadawn"
SAMPLE: Michael Jackson - "I Can't Help It"




Naughty By Nature - "O.P.P."
SAMPLE: Jackson 5 - "ABC"




Ghostface (ft. Mary J. Blige) - "All That I Got Is You"
SAMPLE: Jackson 5 - "Maybe Tomorrow"




Q-Tip - "Move"
SAMPLE: Jackson 5 - "Dancing Machine"




Kanye West - "Good Life"
SAMPLE: Michael Jackson - P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)




Jay-Z - "IZZO" (Hova)
SAMPLE: Jackson 5 - "I Want You"

The Escobars.

Cookin Soul presents another dope mashup, this time between two famous Escobars. Nas Escobar x Manolo Escobar. Hip Hop meets Flamenco. Queensbridge meets Spain. We worldwide up in here.

Enjoy this one. It's well done, as always.

Throwback Thursdays.

Kool G. Rap (ft.Nas) - "Fast Life"

...This is one of my favorite songs from 1885, and a true slept on classic. And to top it off, this video is also incredible for multiple reasons:

1. The awful acting in the beginning. It's comedically bad. How did Nas ever end up in Belly? Didn't Hype watch this video?
2. The awkward handshake between Nas and Kool G. in the beginning. Why didn't they re-shoot that? Was that really the best take?
3. Kool G. Rap running on the treadmill in Timberland boots. And jeans.
4. Kool G. Rap's multi-syllabic rapid fire flow on his opening verse is one of the most amazing things ever. And he does it all with a lisp. Incredible.
5. Nas's opening line in his verse is one of my favorite's of all time. It's simple, but so gangster.
6. Nas looks so uninterested in being in this video. There's probably 47 other places he'd rather be at that moment in time.
7. Nas wearing his socks in a sauna.
8. The awkward "Staircase" scene where Nas and Kool G. look like they're about to get married to each other as they walk down the steps.
9. The bassline in this song is ridiculous. It melts my eardrums. In a good way.
10. The dance that the guy who sings the hook does at the end of the video. I need to add that to my arsenal.


Looking back, this might be one of the worst videos ever. Most videos are supposed to make the song better. This does the complete opposite. If you had never heard of Kool G. Rap or Nas in your entire life, and somebody made you watch this video, you would lose respect for them based on this. But in a weird way, it makes me appreciate the song even more. And you should too. So here's the downloadable version to go bump in your whip.

[DOWNLOAD: Kool G. Rap (ft.Nas) - "Fast Life"]

You Can Name Nas's Baby.

Nasir Jones talks about the possibility of having the fans submit names for his unborn (and unnamed) child with Kelis. Too bad Ether Boy is already taken.

You can also check out Nas headlining this year's Rock The Bells Festival, coming to a Live Nation venue near you.

Rock The Bells 2009 Lineup Freestyle.

Supernatural does what Supernatural does best, and freestyles the entire lineup for the 2009 Rock The Bells Tour. Headlined by Nas & Damian Marley, the roster also includes The Roots, Common, KRS-One, Slum Village, Raekwon, RZA, and so much more. To peep the full roster, let Supernat tell ya in this video.

Rock The Bells 2009 Lineup Anounced.

Headlined by Nas and Damien Marley, and featuring the Roots, Common, Big Boi, Slum Village, KRS-One, Raekwon, RZA, Slaughterhouse, Tech N9ne, and Reflection Eternal. Hip hop, hip hop, and more hip hop. It's gonna be crazy, and HHO will be there every step of the way to bring you all the action.

Stay Tuned...we'll have the video of Supernatural freestyling the lineup shortly.

Throwback Thursdays.

"The Anthem" featuring The RZA, Tech N9ne, Eminem, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, Kool G. Rap, Jayo Felony, Chino XL, and KRS-One.

You know a posse cut is dope when every single person on the track is still relevant after 10 years (Well almost everybody. Sorry Jayo Felony). Every emcee was from a different background, and on a different style, but they all killed it just the same. The Wake Up Show knew what they were doing.

Now, to be a Throwback, it's gotta be at least 10 years old. That's my rule, so 1999 is the cut off year. This one barely made it, but don't fret...you get a little 2 for one today to make up for it. I originally wanted to post Sway and King Tech's "The Anthem" from 1999 (above), but in my YouTubing I stumbled upon this gem. It's the Wake Up Show Anthem from 1994 when they were on everyday Saturday night on 92.3 The Beat in Los Angeles. This was exlusive to L.A. If you're not from the City of Angeles, then you've probably never experienced this. But every hip hop head who has ever owned a radio and lived in Los Angeles is familiar with the dopeness that is this Anthem.

Personally, I forgot how sick it was, but the instant I heard L-Boogie go, "Uh-uh-oh...I'm coolin with my niggas on the Wake Up Show-uh-oh" I was instantly taken back to '94. This is some legendary hip hop shit right here. The song featured Lauryn Hill, Nas, Organized Konfusion (Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po), Ras Kass, Dred Scott, Shyheim, and Saafir. It's bananas. They're actually rhyming about the show, the radio station, it's call signals, the city, the hosts, and DJs. You know, some real relevant hip hop shit. And it's a full song, over 4 minutes. Throwback Thursdays is in full effect. Check the vibe, ya'll.

[NEW] Nas - "If I Ruled the World '09" (ft. Marsha Ambrosius)

The Smirnoff Signature Series is back again this year to add a new twist to some classic hip hop records. Last year saw KRS-One, Common, and A Tribe Called Quest tracks get a facelift. This year, another 3 tracks are getting the Smirnoff treatment as 3 classic artist link up with some new jacks for a 2009 remix. Nas is the first one up. Coming soon are Buckshot & Kardinall Offishall with "I Got Cha Opin" and Nice & Smooth with Pac Div for "Funky For You." Sit back and enjoy this Smirnoff Remix, because this one goes down oh so smooth. Pause.

[DOWNLOAD: Nas - "If I Ruled the World '09" (ft. Marsha Ambrosius)]
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DJ Premier Speaks On Nas, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne

Primo knows the deal, straight up and down. When you hear him talk, you can tell that he gets it. He's a fan of hip-hop and been a part of this culture his whole life. Good interview right here.

His idea for the next Nas album = Classic. That needs to happen.

Daily Dopeness: Mo Money, Mo Murder.

This was my shit. I still consider AZ one of the most slept on emcees, and this album is a heater. His style is so smooth and effortless as he flips words in such a uniquely dope way. My favorite track from this album is not "Sugar Hill" but "Mo Money, Mo Murder." Nas and AZ tell a cinematic tale of the New York crime-filled lifestyle, over a beautifully laced, heavy string-filled beat. Listening to these cats makes me feel like I'm part of an epic movie, and they are providing the soundtrack.

DOWNLOAD: AZ (ft. Nas) - "Mo Money, Mo Murder (Homicide)

Until tomorrow..

Nas - Please Listen to my Demo.

Peep this mixtape of rare and unreleased gems from the God Son. Props to Ges from the FCC for the link.

DOWNLOAD HERE.

01. Intro
02. 17 Years Old Freestyle
03. Freestyle (1st Time On Stretch & Bobbito Show)
04. Freestyle (2nd Time On Stretch & Bobbito Show)
05. Another Day In The Projects (Demo To NY State Of Mind)
06. I’m A Villain (Demo To NY State Of Mind)
07. Freestyle (3rd Time On Stretch & Bobbito Show)
08. Freestyle (Wake Up Show W/ Sway & Tech)
09. Memory Lane (Primo’s Demo Mix)
10. Represent (Primo’s Demo Mix)
11. NaS Will Prevail (Large Professor Demo Mix “It Ain’t Hard To Tell”)
12. Who’s World Is This (Rough Draft DJ Hollywood Session)
13. Life’s A Bitch (ft. AZ) (Rough Draft Studio Session)
14. Life Is Like A Dice Game (Unreleased)
15. True Dialect (Unreleased)
16. Understanding (ft. Biz Markie & AZ) (Unreleased)
17. Wake Up Show Promo
18. Freestyle In The UK
19. Deja Vu (Demo Which Became Verbal Intercourse)
20. #1 With A Bullet (Demo)
21. On The Real (ft. Cormega) (Unreleased Marly Marl Original)
22. Don’t Hate Me Now (Unreleased)
23. Life’s Gone Low (Unreleased)
24. Tales From The Hood (Unreleased)
25. New York (Unreleased Primo’s Hard 2 Earn Mix)
26. 2nd Coming (Unreleased)
27. Untitled (Unreleased Primo Track)
28. High (Unreleased)
29. NaS Will Rock (Unreleased Pete Rock Track)
30. Surviving The Times

[NEW] Ludacris (ft. Jay-Z & Nas)- "I Do It For Hip-Hop"

I met this girl when I was six years, and what I loved so much she had so much soul. If you know me, then you know that since I was 6 years young, I've been a hardcore hip-hop head. If you don't know me, then I just told you. I've been infatuated with the music, fashion, art, and lifestyle of this so-called "fad" for as long as I can remember, 1985 to be exact. Yeah, I'm an old head. But young enough to still be in touch. Hip-hop been the common thread through my existence or will continue to be til I'm in my final resting spot. This music and culture has influenced me just as much as anything else that's been an integral part of my life. I do it for Hip- Hop. This song has me open right now, I'm feeling good. Not even Monday can keep me down.

DOWNLOAD: Ludacris (ft. Jay-Z & Nas)- "I Do It For Hip-Hop"

Link is courtesy of eskay but that's how he gets down.

Daily Dopeness: The World Is Yours.

"I'm out for Presidents to represent me..."

I couldn't think of a more appropriate song for today. I'm still high from yesterday. Obama truly makes me feel like anything is possible, like I can do anything. The world is in the palm of my hand. He overcame magnificent odds to make history and climb to the highest position in the country. And he did it will our help. The World is truly Ours...

DOWNLOAD: Nas - "The World Is Yours"

Until tomorrow...

[NEW] Nas - "Election Night"

This was recorded last night in Oslo, Norway just for today. Produced by Green Lantern. Link courtesy of OnSmash. Expect to see tons of election/presidential type material today. It's only right.

DOWNLOAD: Nas - "Election Night"

Daily Dopeness: Verbal Intercourse

I'm starting a new section of this blog, called the Daily Dopeness. Everyday I'm going to post one of my favorite songs for your downloading pleasure. Since most of the stuff I post here is new music, this feature will be music that is already out. Typically from the Golden Era, but I'll also throw in some new stuff. But regardless, it will all make you head nod. So Stay Tuned.

DOWNLOAD: Raekwon (ft. Nas) - "Verbal Intercourse"

Until tomorrow...

Know The Ledge: WKCR 88.9 FM

Here's a little history lesson for ya'll. For those of you not knowing...take an inside look to the Greatest radio show of all time, hosted by Bobbito Garcia and DJ Stretch Armstrong in New York. This underground college radio show ran from 1990 - 1998 and broke some of the biggest rap acts of all time. Yes, even you Nas.

This was was radio was still listenable. Shout out to Tony J. for the link. Check him out as well as his group Dynamite Jive.

On The Run: Large Professor.

Shani Kulture links up with Large Professor for a dope interview in Queens, NY. For those of you not knowing, Large Pro a.k.a. Xtra P, is the man behind timeless classics in this game, and was the first to put Nas on. Recognize.

We On The Run!

"Swagger Like Us - Part 2" Confirmed.

...starring Jay-Z, Nas, Andre 300, and Young Jeezy. One of these things is not like the other (sorry Jeezy).

So Lowkey from You Heard That New has confirmed that Jay-Z next and last Def Jam album, Blueprint 3, will be hitting stores on December 2 and Jeezy, Nas and Andre 3000 have already layed verses for Swagger Like Us Pt. 2.

I have a feeling this will be better than the original, and I guarantee you Andre will have the best verse. Then Jay, because there's no way he's letting Nas outshine him on his own shit. All i know, is that there better be no auto-tune on this.

Illmatic, Coming Soon In Paperback.

The classic album Illmatic is being turned into a book. Hip Hop Scholar, Author and Activist, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is currently writing a book about Nas's debut album. Every Song on Illmatic will be analyzed, interpretted and re-articulated in an intellecual sense. See, and who says books aren't gangster?

Released in 1994, the album received the once coveted 5 Mics from The Source, and is widely regarded as one of, if not the greatest, Hip-Hop album of all time. The book, Titled Born To Use Mics: Reading Nas's Illmatic is scheduled to hit books shelves in January 2009. Reading is fundamental, cop you one.

Rock The Bells 2008: Los Angeles Recap.

Check out the Hip Hop Official video recap from the Rock The Bells Tour as they stopped in sunny Los Angeles. (a.k.a. the best day of 2008). Featuring Tribe, Nas, De La, Pharcyde, Mos Def, Ghostface, Raekwon, Meth and Red, and re-introducing the special guest performer the Black Eyes Peas (minus Fergie)!

"So hip-hop I bust nuts in graffiti." (c) Q-Tip


More footage from the show coming soon! All Access, baby.