‘Life is Good’ for Nas

What better way to resurrect this blog (for the umpteenth time) than to announce some good news from Mr. Nasir Jones? Fans can breathe a little easier, or in my case, faster, to hear that Nas has finally released the title of his upcoming tenth studio LP: Life is Good.

This will be his first solo album since 2008 and feature works with Odd Future’s Frank Ocean as well as possible production from the likes of Just Blaze, Alchemist, DJ Premier and Kanye West. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for a release date to make way soon.

Props to MissInfo.

Are Ashley Judd’s Apologies Toward The Hip-Hop Community Sincere?

UPDATE: Just this morning, Actress Ashley Judd sent out a personal statement to GlobalGrind, apologizing for her “misinterpretations” in lieu of all the bad press she’s been receiving for her memoir:

“I so regret that my indictment of rape culture as a whole has been interpreted as me blaming rap and hip-hop exclusively,” the Double Jeopardy star wrote. “That was absolutely not my intention, and I so regret it has had that effect on some people.

“That community is incredibly important to me and to the cause of social justice. It is filled with bad a– and brave activists whom I admire, who work under duress fighting epic discrimination.”

“Thank you to the fans of both genres who have introduced me to artists whose lyrics embody activism and progressive values. I am glad to have more beats for my playlists. I celebrate the music, its meaning, and those who love it.”

For those who are unaware of what exactly happened pre-apology, I’ll rewind.

Throwback Thursday: Groove Theory – Tell Me (siik remix)

Since hiatus doesn’t even begin to apologize for my recent lack of posts, this Throwback Thursday I decided to let you guys in for a treat. “Tell Me” by Groove Theory undoubtedly has (or should have) its very own spot on your 90s playlist, but this remix throws the sample from Blackstar’s “Thieves in the Night” on the ’95 classic. Whaaaaat? Special props to the master of all mash-ups himself, siik.

Audio: John Legend – Rolling in the Deep (Adele Cover)

Yesterday, the legendary John Legend blesses our ears by releasing some ear candy via his Facebook fan page that makes fans of the soulful sensation drop their jaws. Peep his a capella cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Being a huge fan of Adele, this song, and John Legend- this was a gem to discover.

Video: Mos Def – “World Premiere”

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard some exclusivity from our traveling man but thankfully he’s back. The other day, Mos Def graced viewers with a performance of his new track “World Premiere” (produced by Madlib) over at Fuel TV‘s The Daily Habit. The track is allegedly the first single off of his new album in the works.

Props to Okayplayer.

Live from Bed-Stuyvesant, The Livest One: Remembering B.I.G.

The day is almost over but the night is still young. Exactly fourteen years ago, we lost an iconic legend in the world of hip hop. Christopher G. “Biggie” Wallace inarguably established his throne in the industry as one of the greatest emcees in the rap game of all time. The memory of Biggie still reverberates in today’s music, both in the mainstream and underground. In honor of this special day, peep DJ Mike Rizzy’s Glorious Notorious mix and “let your tape rock ’til that tape pop.”

Kid Cudi makes amends with Wale, Plans launch for new label

After what seemed to be a pretty frosty fall-out, the beef has finally been squashed between rappers Kid Cudi and Wale.

Video: Dr. Dre feat. Eminem, Skylar Grey- “I Need A Doctor”

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Dr. Dre makes his return with the release of a new music video for his lead single, “I Need a Doctor” (featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey) off the long-awaited album Detox. The video builds much substance regarding Dre’s return as he reminisces on times of his career at peak and ties broken along the way; also depicting the close bond between him and Em that still prevailed. Dre especially tributes to 2pac, Eazy-E and his son, Andre.

Video: Bell Biv Devoe x The Roots Perform Live on LNWJF

Yes, you read that title right. Last night, Bell Biv Devoe took us all back (literally) by performing as the musical guests on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. With a little help from The Roots, the trio perform their classic hits, “Poison” and “Do Me!”, proving to all the 80′s babies that they most definitely still can put on a live show.

Vodpod videos no longer available.
Vodpod videos no longer available.

Throwback Thursday: Jonell – “Round and Round”

If someone were to demand me for my favorite jam from back in the day, I’d look at them like they’re nuts. God knows how impossible it is for me to pick just one track among a sea of millions to single out at the top of the pedestal. Interestingly enough, this track would most likely be somewhere among the top of my selections. The beat (produced by the legendary Hi-Tek) has always had a way of pulling me into the track. Some of you are probably also familiar with the remix featuring Method Man, but to me this track does plenty of justice to Jonell alone. Enjoy.