Gangstas Use Emoticons

[Music Video] Elijah Blake ft. Common - "X.O.X."

2013-05-22T09:17:00.000-04:00

Elijah Blake closed out 2012 with a spectacular EP in Bijoux 22. While I'm fondest of standouts like "Talk To Me" and "Vicky Secrets," I can understand why the Common featured "X.O.X." is turning into an international sensation. Check out the visuals to the No I.D. production below, and try to refrain from hitting your ex with sappy texts... Keep it G!

Previously:

[Album Stream] The-Dream - IV Play

2013-05-21T14:49:00.001-04:00

If you're in need for some new SERTAfied tunes to add to the collection, The-Dream's fourth studio album IV Play is just about all you'll need this year. If you want to try before you buy, stream the entire project below, which features collaborations with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, Big Sean, and Pusha T.

Hourglass Picks: "High Art," "IV Play," "Turnt," "Michael," "Loving You/Crazy"

IV Play hits stores next Tuesday, May 28th. Hit the jump to peep the visuals to the album's title track.

Previously: The-Dream - "Tron" + 'Parental Advisory' With DJ Mick Boogie

Pharrell - "Happy"

2013-05-21T14:37:00.002-04:00

While knowing that the minions are back for Despicable Me 2 is enough of a reason to let your inner child free this summer, the fact that Pharrell will be contributing his sounds once again to the hit film series has me more excited than I probably should be.

"Happy" one of the three original songs Pharrell is contributing to the soundtrack, is a feel good record that speaks for itself. Hit play below and enjoy!

Despicable Me 2 will hit theaters on July 3rd, while the soundtrack is set to hit stores on June 18th.

[Rolling Stone]

Previously: Daft Punk - 'Random Access Memories' [Free Album Stream]

Shome - "Enter Loot" (Interlude) [Prod. by NesbyPhips]

2013-05-21T14:26:00.001-04:00

I was really feeling Shome earlier this year when he dropped "Bourbon & Canal," and to hold us over until his College Years compilation tape hits the net on May 29th, enjoy "Enter Loot."

In the intermission of his College Years compilation tape, Shome describes the title of "Enter Loot" as a double meaning. Loot is described as goods, however, it is also the action of stealing or taking away. The pros and cons of this title helps illustrate this certain track, allowing the listener to "decipher the cypher."

Previously: Shome - "Bourbon & Canal" (Prod. Wister Dice)

[Music Video] Evo ft. NiGEHOOD - "Chasin"

2013-05-21T09:05:00.000-04:00

Next to drop from the NC collective The PoRt is Durham's own Evo, who plans to release his new mixtape Restless Drive some time this Summer. Get accustomed to seeing Evo's name more and more on G's Use Emoticons, and watch the visuals to the Nugget produced single "Chasing" below, which features G's favorite NiGE HOOD.

Directed by Keith Eason of Lone Ranger Productions

Previously: QuenT x NiGE HOOD - The Basquiat (Sampler) [FreEP]

Rickie Jacobs - "Millionaire" (Prod. by YOG$) + #HeresYourAnswer (Reebok Classics Commercial)

2013-05-21T08:31:00.002-04:00

Rickie Jacobs' relentless assault of freebies continues as the Baltimore emcee showcases the YOG$ produced "Millionaire." While I ride out to all of the leaks that Rickie's dropped since the release of Songs For High School Kids, "Millionaire" has to be my pick.

Also, give a congratulations to Rickie on Twitter who recently linked up with Reebok Classics to provide the vocal backdrop to the first installment of their HeresYourAnswer campaign. Watch the commercial after the jump!

Shot By Samuel Rodgers

Previously: Rickie Jacobs - "Medusa's Soundtrack" (Prod. by YOG$)

[Video] Miguel Adds Wrestler To His Resume At The 2013 Billboard Music Awards

2013-05-20T20:22:00.002-04:00

Last night's Billboard Music Awards were full of noteworthy moments, but Miguel found a way to become the most talked about musician at the ball. During a performance of his smash single (pun success!) "Adorn," Miguel took out a pair of fans while attempting to jump from one area of the stage to another.

While he's had plenty of embarrassing moments on stage, this one might take the cake. Hit the comments with your thoughts!

Previously: [Music Video] Mariah Carey ft. Miguel - "#Beautiful"

[Video] Kanye West Performs "New Slaves" & "Black Skinhead" On SNL

2013-05-20T14:45:00.004-04:00

Shortly after debuting his new song "New Slaves" on the buildings of 66 cities worldwide, Kanye West took to SNL to deliver two intense performances from his upcoming album Yeezus. From the sounds and the delivery of "New Slaves" and "Black Skinhead," Kanye seems to be delivering an album that both College Dropout and 808's & Heartbreaks' biggest fans will love.

Stream the performances below, and hit the comments with your thoughts on Ye's new material.

Previously: [Video] Kanye West Debuts Single "New Slaves" On 66 Buildings Worldwide

[Video] Kanye West Debuts Single "New Slaves" On 66 Buildings Worldwide

2013-05-18T17:22:00.001-04:00

Leave it to Kanye to find an inventive way to premiere a new single. With his appearance on SNL only hours away, I was sure the track would pop up some time today. Never did I think it'd be done like this.

Instead of passing his single along to Flex, or mysteriously tweeting the record, Kanye had a performance of "New Slaves" projected along 66 buildings across the world.

Check out the debut of "New Slaves" Ye's hometown of Chicago courtesy of GoWhereHipHop's Maks G.

As a huge Kendrick fan, I can't help but compare the subject matter to both parts 1 and 2 of "Vanity Slave," but I'm glad to see Kanye returning to his College Dropout roots.

Daft Punk - 'Random Access Memories' [Free Album Stream + @RapGenius Lyrics]

2013-05-14T14:33:00.003-04:00

The anticipation for Daft Punk's new album Random Access Memories has been eating away at fans worldwide, but with help from iTunes, the French duo has made the LP available for free stream. You can listen to RAM on iTunes by clicking HERE, and head over to Rap Genius for a lyrical breakdown!

Daft Punk – Get Lucky Lyrics
Daft Punk – Touch Lyrics
Daft Punk – Lose Yourself to Dance Lyrics
Daft Punk – Instant Crush Lyrics
Daft Punk – Beyond Lyrics
Daft Punk – Giorgio By Moroder Lyrics
Daft Punk – The Game of Love Lyrics
Daft Punk – Give Life Back to Music Lyrics
Daft Punk – Within Lyrics