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.