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".

U-N-I: A Love Supreme [DOWNLOAD]

The wait is over. U-N-I and Ro. Blvd present A Love Supreme, the album. For you, for free. Interesting tidbit, the name A Love Supreme was originally an album by the legendary John Coltrane, and considered by many jazz enthusiasts to be one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. It's one of the those albums that transcended music, and change the face of an entire genre, only to influence musicians for generations upon generations. I'm not trying to gas up this UNI project for you, but I'm just saying...sometimes the dots connect for a reason.

Thurz and Yo are the homies, and we're mad proud of you guys. I've witnessed first hand how hard you've worked, and how far you've come with this music. It's mad inspiring. Congratulations. You guys deserve all the success that lies ahead. For real, for real. One love. OK, enough of the sappy shit, download some music.

[DOWNLOAD HERE]

Link courtesy of UNI's new website, YOTHURZ.com. Bookmark that shit.

J Dilla & Pete Rock To Release Album.

This is great news, hip hop fans. J Dilla's mother, Maureen Yancey (a.k.a. Ma Dukes) and Dilla's idol and legendary producer Peter Rock are planning to release a posthumous Dilla album of unreleased beats and samples, called Jay Stay Paid (J$P). This album will be released June 2, and will feature music pulled off of Dilla's old floppy disks and DATs, as well as tracks Dilla made while he was in the hospital.

The format of the album plays like a radio show with Pete Rock acting as a radio DJ. The album will be mostly instrumental, but will feature verses from Black Thought of The Roots, MF DOOM, and M.O.P.

De La Soul x Nike.

Every sneakerhead knows about the De La Soul x Nike Dunk SB. Shit, I even own a (legit) pair of the high tops. Respect my fresh. But did you know they're working on an album together? True story. Let me tell you about it. HHO sits down with De La to talk about their upcoming album with Nike and how the relationship came together.

EXCLUSIVE!! (c) every mixtape Dj, ever.

Common Talks about the Songs on Universal Mind Control

Universal Mind Control hits stores next Tuesday, Dec 9th. Damn, it's December already. What happened to 2008?

Lil Wayne To Re-Release Carter III...with all new songs.

Why? Because he's a martian, that's why....

MTV is reporting that Weezy is hard at work on this new old album:

...the tireless New Orleans mic fiend says he's dropping a new version of the album with all brand-new songs: He said clearly that the record is not — repeat not — Tha Carter IV.

In the article he also mentions that he is also having his first son. Congrats to Weezy. But wow, I can't imagine that dude raising a child. Lord help us. I wonder if his "dad" Baby will babysit.

Kanye's New Album.

Will be called 808's and Heartbreak. It will be released December 16th. It will feature his new song "Love Lockdown" which he premiered on the VMAs this past Sunday. Kanye says it's his favorite song of his (which song isn't?). He said he wrote the song "a week and a half ago. It's my favorite song 2 date!! Go where your heart takes you...."

I'm still on the fence about this new song until I hear the CD quality version. And I can't stand the auto-tune effect. It needs to stop.

On a side note: I think Kanye might be depressed about Alexis or something. This song is mad emo. His album has the word "heartbreak" in the title. What's going on? I'm worried about you, Yeezy.

MF Doom Returns.

MF Doom is dropping the "MF" in his name, and is also dropping a new album. And it's coming October 21. The album titled Born Into This, will feature production from J Dilla and Danger Mouse, as well as guest appearances from Raekwon and Ghostface. It's his first album in over 3 years. He's probably been hard at work in this studio, that's why he's been missing all those concert dates. Right.

Jay-Z + Kanye = Blueprint 3

Originally, the word on the streets blogs was that Timbaland was going to produce Jay-Z's final Def Jam album. Now, some new details surfaced that dispel those rumors. Mick Boogie revealed the new details, and lets just say, if this is true it's going to be epically epic.

+ Kanye will indeed be producing most, if not all, of the album. Remember back in the day when an artist would do a whole album with one producer for cohesiveness? Think classic Snoop or Jeru with Primo... and fast forward it to 2008.

+ Jay will be leaking the finished version of "Jockin" as soon as he adds a new 3rd verse to the song.

+ Tracks to look for include the aforementioned "Jockin' Jay-Z" and a new track entitled "Victory" that the rumor mill says is simply amazing.

Here's a taste of what to expect...

Murs & 9th Wonder - Sweet Lord (Free Download)

Here's the link to the previously mentioned FREE album from Murs and 9th. It doesn't cost a thing, but feel "free" to drop a donation for Murs' election campaign.

DOWNLOAD HERE.

Tracklisting:

1. The Intro
2. Are You Ready?
3. Nina Ross
4. Free
5. And I Love It
6. Pusshhhhhh
7. It’s For Real
8. Marry Me
9. Love the Way
10. Murs Inatra

Nas Performs Live @ Alife.

Nas linked up with Alife and threw an album release party today in NY which they cleverly dubbed "Alife State of Mind." Nasty Nas held it down with a little backyard boogie performance of some of his classic joints. It's a celebration, bitches.

More videos below. We got you covered like tablecloths.

Ludacris Announces New Album(s).

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Luda tells MTV that he's recording his sixth album. Damn, has it been that many already?

He is also linking up with DJ Drama to drop a Gangster Grillz mixtape. Stand Up.

New Releases: July 8th

Its new music Tuesday, so lets get you caught up on what's dropping today. As an added bonus to this already fantastic section of our blog, I'm throwing in a sample song from each album so you can get taste of what to expect. That way, if you like the music, you can go out a cop yourself a copy of the album. Support good music.

Jean Grae - "Jeanius"

First up, one of the dopest females in the game (well shit, I hope she's still in the game), Jean Grae drops her long awaited album Jeanious. The whole album was produced by super beathsmith 9th wonder, and it actually features 4 different album covers, which all pay homage to classic hip hop covers from Das EFX (pictured) Raekwon, Black Sheep, and my personal fav Public Enemy.

P.S. I fuckin love this idea, and if I ever release a rap album, best believe I'd reenact this bad boy.

BONUS: Jean Grae - "Love Thirst"



Killer Mike - "I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind, Vol. 2"

Up next, Killer Mike releases his third solo album, I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind, Volume 2. You might remember Mike from his work with dem Southernplayalistic boys, Outkast, but this ATL rapper proves he can hold his own on this new album, even amongst features with Ice Cube, Shawty Lo, Eightball & MJG, and Chamillionaire. The video for his song with Cube called "Pressure" just hit the net and has been sending shock waves across the web. It's being discussed as being the most powerful and poignant video of the year. Like to hear it? Here it go...

BONUS: Killer Mike (feat. Ice Cube) - "Pressure"



NYOIL - "Hood Treason"

One of the most outspoken and controversial emcees in the game is someone you might not be familiar with yet. Say hello to NYOIL (pronounced N-Y-Oil). He's no newcomer to the game; he's been rapping since the age of 12 and released his first album in 1991 with a group called U.M.C.'S under the name Kool Kim. This Staten Island emcee spits the uncut truth and voices his frustrations with society and the music industry through his edu-tainment style of lyricism on his new album Hood Treason. He started making noise about two years ago when he released a YouTube video for his song "Y'All Should All Get Lynched." The track calls for the lynching of a number of major-label rappers, and the video features pictures of current rap stars such as 50 Cent and Three 6 Mafia coupled with images of lynchings, slavery, and minstrelsy. Ignorance is not tolerated.

BONUS: NYOIL - "Y'all Should All Get Lynched"



Shawn Jackson - "First Of All..."

And last, but not least, for you west coast independent cats, Los Angeles native Shawn Jackson provides a breath of fresh air with his honest, soulful, and lyrically fulfilling debut album First Of All. His song "Feelin' Jack" is one of my favorite songs out right now..."Feelin Jack" got me feelin' good. And the beat is so sick that Syphilis is sacred to fuck with it. This album features Guilty Simpson, Double K (People Under the Stairs), Ta'Raach (C.R.A.C. Knuckles) and Comel from Time Machine. Be sure to check that out.

BONUS: Shawn Jackson - "Feelin' Jack"



**BONUS NON-HIP HOP, HIP HOP ALBUM**


Beck - "Modern Guilt"

Beck has always been a little hip-hop. You can't front on that, and this new album is produced entirely by Danger Mouse, the brilliant mind behind The Grey Album, The Mouse and the Mask, and well, Gnarls Barkley. If you're looking for something a little different, but still fresh -- look no further.

[INTERVIEW] Three 6 Mafia

Academy Award winning duo, Three 6 Mafia sits down with Hip Hop Official to talk about their new album Last 2 Walk which features the strip club rocking single "Lolli Lolli" and is in stores now.

[NEW] Busta Rhymes - "Missile"

New explosive music from the Busta Bus. Me thinks its off his new album, Blessed. Hi-jacked from Splash.

DOWNLOAD: Busta Rhymes - "Missile"

[NEW] Common feat. Pharrell - "Announcement"

Another collab between Common and Pharrell. This may or may not be on Common's new album which may or may not still be called Invincible Summer because it's not coming out in the fall. Maybe.

Common drops a dope first verse out the gate, mad lyrical and heavy on the word play that we used to remember Comm for circa 1994. I also like the mad Biggie references in the song. You can't beat that with a bat.

DOWNLOAD: Common feat. Pharrell - "Announcement"

Artist of the Week: Jern Eye

Originally from Los Angeles, Jern Eye now resides in Oakland, California. The true school emcee has been making noise with his group Lunar Heights and is affiliated with Bay Area acts Zion I, Crown City Rockers, Quannum, and Hiero. Nice with the beats and the rhymes, Jern is on a mission to elevate Hip Hop music and keep your heads nodding in the process.


Jern Eye Interview



BONUS: Download one of my favorite Jern Eye tracks, this one is a fly ode to the fly ladies:

Jern Eye - "la, la, la"

Common says Fall is the New Summer.

Common's upcoming album, specifically Invincible Summer, is being pushed back to, ummm...the Fall. The album was set to drop in the summer (hence the clever name), but it's new release date is slated for September 23rd. Please tell me he's going to change the name. I'll feel mad stupid bumping an album made for the hot ass summer in October.

His new album will take a new direction:

“You can expect some fresh music that you’ve never heard from Common before…definitely a new sound. The inspiration came from me being out at them clubs. I said I want people to feel my music in that way… Not only do they know Common as this conscious artist who brings thoughtful lyrics, but we can dance to some of his music, too, and just smile and let go of our problems.”

The first single is the Pharrell produced track "Universal Mind Control"

New Music from Busta Rhymes

Here are two new tracks to bump this hot ass summer weekend. These surfaced from his upcoming album, Blessed, which is scheduled to drop this summer Lord knows when.

Busta Rhymes - "Blackout"

Busta Rhymes - "You Don't Want None"

Phonte Loves the 80's.

Phonte of Little Brother is teaming up with producer Zo! to release an album of slammin 80's covers titled, Zo! and Tigallo Love the 80's. And really, who doesn't?

"It just started with me and Zo doing covers for fun, but then we kept recording and decided to release it," Phonte says. "It's our way of paying homage to the stuff we grew up listening to."

Many LB fans are familiar with Phonte's singing capabilities through his hilarious comedic alter-ego Percy Miracles, don't expect to get many laughs from this upcoming project:

"We had fun recording the record, but its not a 'joke' album at all," says Phonte. "We were very serious with everything, from the vocal side, to the production side, to the final mixing and mastering...it was a real painstaking process to recreate it all.

The Zo! and Tigallo Love the 80's EP will be available in early July as a limited edition CD. Only 2,500 copies will be pressed, all individually numbered. "No iTunes, Amazon, or other any digital spots will have it; once we sell out, its gone forever," Phonte warns.

I heard the first one they did a whiiiiiile back on Little Brother's MySpace, it was a cover of "Africa" by Toto. And they recently covered "Take on Me" by AHA.

UPDATE: I the got downloadable audio, courtesy of Shake at 2dopeboyz.com:

Zo! and Tigallo - "Take on Me"

Zo! and Tigallo - '"Steppin Out"