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Erykah Badu Interviews Kendrick Lamar

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:34:36 PDT

While awaiting his next flight (due to having just missed one), Kendrick Lamar sits down for an exclusive telephone interview with Ms. Badu.

Lamar goes into detail about how he handles his newfound super-stardom and the life that accompanies it, all the while remaining humble and not letting his success go to his head.

"I still know who I am and I haven't let everything consume me... I'm just taking it one day at a time," Lamar says.

When asked what he is out to achieve as a musician, he speaks on shedding a positive light on his hometown of Compton and being able to inspire others.

My favorite part of the interview would have to have been when I got to the part about Badu asking Lamar what he considers love and God to be and the answer that he gives her.

"What is love?" he reiterates. "Love to me is God. God to me is love. It's the ruler of all things, whether it's with a person or with music or with your T.V. I feel like it's this energy. God is energy, love is energy."

Bravo, Lamar. Bravo.

Click here to read the interview in full.

Kelly Rowland Airs Out Her "Dirty Laundry" In New Song

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:50:17 PDT

Kelly Rowland airs out quite a bit of her dirty laundry on her new track produced by The-Dream.
In the tell-all song, Rowland discloses how she felt about being in the shadow of Beyoncé, while simultaneously being involved in an abusive relationship. There is no doubt that this track is going to have people bumping their gums, but I commend Kelly for being courageous enough to open up to the world.

Be sure to catch Ms. Rowland on tour with The-Dream later this month when they kick off their Lights Out Tour later this month, and be on the look out for her new album, Talk A Good Game, when it hits shelves on June 18.

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Listen to Skyin' Soulz Beat Tape "Golden Soulz"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:27:57 PDT

Skyin' Soulz is a 19-year-old producer who hails out of the Fayetteville, North Carolina area. I came across his beat tape today on Mind Bonics and figured I'd give it a listen since I love to vibe to instrumentals just as much as vocals layered OVER instrumentals. Golden Soulz is a very soothing tape, sure to help you relax and momentarily free your mind from your troubles. My personal favorite happens to be Lovers Paradise. Listen below and let me know what you think!

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Watch Born Sinner Episodes 1 + 2

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:35:20 PDT

Recently, J. Cole launched a conceptual digital platform called Born Sinner, which was created by his DreamVille collective. The first two episodes of the series document Kay Cole, Cole's mother, and Kendrick Lamar. Kay Cole weighs in on what it was like working at a post office and reminisces on the day that she retired.

"I always thought that I wasn't doing anything with my life, because I was just delivering mail. And I didn't think that I was making a difference, but I touched people everyday..."

Kendrick Lamar speaks on what it was like listening to "gangsta rap" during his childhood and how it correlated with his Compton lifestyle. He also discusses a talk he had with Erykah Badu and being asked a particular question that he really had no answer to.

"What is your fulfillment? What are you looking for out of all of this?"

"I always figured I was a real strong-minded person. I fell and bumped my head a few times, being influenced by people around me, but I always felt like I was always a leader. But it's a different kind of temptation when the spotlight is on you..."

Watch the episodes below.

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Rock the Bells Line-Up 2013 Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:28:38 PDT

The 2013 line-up for Rock the Bells has been announced and I am ecstatic! 2011 was the last (and FIRST) year that I attended and I have been DYING to go again! I mean, just look at the line-up! You can never go wrong with some K.R.I.T, Black Hippy, Bone Thugs, Spitta, Dizzy OR Jhené Aiko!

There are also going to be virtual performances from ODB and Eazy-E, which I am sure is going to have people talking.

How do YOU guys feel about this year's line-up?!

Cal State East Bay Spring Fest 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:17:47 PDT

It's that time of the year again folks! California State University East Bay's Spring Fest 2013 is RIGHT around the corner and with the artists that they have selected to perform, you are NOT going to want to miss out!

Performers this year include Wale, Ab-Soul, Jhené Aiko, Casey Veggies and Travi$ Scott!

Presale tickets for this event will be on sale from Thursday, May 23 at 10 AM through 11:59 PM. General admission tickets go on sale Saturday, May 25 at 10 AM.

Please note that you will NOT be able to purchase a ticket without a VALID student identification card.

The following items are permitted:

Low back beach chairs.
Small soft-sided coolers, "6-pack" or smaller.
Blankets.

Click photo to see items that will NOT be permitted.

Video: Kendrick Lamar - "B*tch, Don't Kill My Vibe" [Director's Cut]

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:55:41 PDT

With "B*tch, Don't Kill My Vibe" being one of the most stand-out tracks on good kid, m.A.A.d city, I think it is safe to say that a visual to accompany the track has been what many of us were highly-anticipating since the album dropped.

Fortunately, no longer do we have to keep our fingers crossed in hopes of a visual being released because today the official visual was unveiled.

I love the message behind the funeral service that is being held in the video. But I am not going to reveal what that message is, so you are just going to have to watch the video to find out.

You can also catch an appearance from Mike Epps, who serves as the officiating pastor during the funeral service.

Enjoy!

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Music: Jon Connor - "Michigan $h*t" Ft. Royce Da 5'9

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:13:19 PDT

With less than a month until Jon Connor's newest project, "Unconscious State," is released, he shares with us a new track that we can expect to be featured on the project. Not that he ever needs any assistance putting out any material, he enlists his fellow Michigan native, Royce Da 5'9 to lend a couple of bars.

Watch Curren$y's New Video for "Kingpin"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Sun, 05 May 2013 11:52:12 PDT

After dropping his own remix to Young Scooter's "Columbia," the Hot Spitta gives us the official visual to the audio dope track he renamed "Kingpin." The visual was shot and edited by Spitta's go-to man, CJ Wallis.

EVENT: Kelly Rowland & The-Dream Live at the Woodlake Hotel June 26

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:33:18 PDT

Catch Kelly Rowland and The-Dream at the Woodlake Hotel June 26

Update: August Alsina has now been added!

Recently, it was announced that both Kelly Rowland and The-Dream would soon be embarking on a tour together. The 11-date "Lights Out" tour will be kicking off next month on the 24 of May at the Midland by AMC in Kansas City, Missouri and will wrap up at the Mezzanine in San Francisco on June 26.

Don't see your city down below? No worries. Additional dates are expected to be announced.

Be on the look out for Ms. Rowland's album, "Talk A Good Game," dropping June 18, as well as The-Dream's new album, "IV Play," which hits the shelves on May 28.

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J. Cole Releases Second Installment of "Truly Yours"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:06:15 PDT

To hold us over until June 25, the day his sophomore album "Born Sinner" hits the shelves, J. Cole surprises us with the second installment of "Truly Yours."

The six-track EP includes the newly-released "Cole Summer," as well as production from none other than Cole himself, Canei Finch, Ron Gilmore and Jake One. You can also expect features from Young Jeezy and 2 Chainz. Stream and download below.

Listen to Chance The Rapper's New Mixtape, "Acid Rap"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:19:29 PDT

Well, folks. The day is finally here. The day that Chicago native Chance The Rapper finally delivers his highly-anticipated mixtape, "Acid Rap."

I have been really anxious to hear this project in its entirety since my first listen of "Acid Rain," which was my first time ever hearing a song by Chance The Rapper. I have high hopes that I will be just as impressed with the mixtape as I was with that one song.

Aside from the heavily-praised Jake One-produced track, "Acid Rain," the 13-track mixtape also includes "Good Ass Intro," which features BJ the Chicago Kid and the Ab-Soul-assisted "Smoke Again," plus many more.

Listen below.

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Jhené Aiko Performs Acoustic Version of "In Love We Trust"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:05:34 PDT

During her visit to VIBE's West Coast Headquarters, Jhené Aiko, accompanied by her guitarist, performs an acoustic version of her Casey Veggies-featured ballad, "In Love We Trust." Truthfully, I would have to say that I prefer this acoustic version over the original, though both are equally as beautiful. I just think this version takes the cake.

Acid Rap Listening Party April 30 at Jugrnaut

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:43:42 PDT

For those of you that are Chance The Rapper fans and reside in Chicago or somewhere in close proximity to the area, the Jugrnaut clothing store will be holding a listening party tomorrow from 5-7 P.M. in honor of Chance's new mixtape, "Acid Rap," which drops tomorrow as well.

The listening party is free to attend and all ages are welcome.

Video: Chance The Rapper - "Smoke Again" Ft. Ab-Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:07:35 PDT

With "Acid Rap" dropping this upcoming Tuesday, Chance The Rapper teamed up with Soul Brother #2 to give us the official visual for "Smoke Again." The illRoots-directed visual shows the two riding around with their homies while getting their high on. Be on the look out for "Acid Rap."

Music: Freddy Hefner - "The Come Up" & "Imaginary Friend"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:04:35 PDT

22-year-old Los Angeles native, self-proclaimed "Strapper" and singer-songwriter-turned-rapper Freddy Hefner offers us two new songs, "The Come Up" and "Imaginary Friend," both of which are set to be featured on her forthcoming EP, "Time Machine."

Hefner's first EP, "Good Luck," was released in fall of 2011 and boasted production from HS87 producer-artist K. Roosevelt. Having recently graduated from St. John's University, Hefner is now gearing up for the release of "Time Machine," a project that she hopes will simultaneously showcase her growth and range as a singer, writer and rapper. Take a listen to "The Come Up" and "Imaginary Friend" below.

Stay updated with music updates from Freddy Hefner:

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EVENT: KSFM Presents 102.5 LIVE!

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:20:04 PDT

It's that time of the year again, folks! 102.5 LIVE is right around the corner and this time it will be taking place at Discovery Park! Clear your schedule for Saturday, May 18 and come on out to see artists such as T.I., E-40, Far East Movement and Baby Bash perform, plus more! There will be photo booths, food, vendors, and a little something to sip on for the 21 and over crowd!

Get your tickets now because this will be an event that you are not going to want to miss out on, especially for those celebrating the end of finals! Come out and take a load off!

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Video: Ciara - "Body Party"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 23:14:16 PDT

I am probably the last person in the world just now seeing the video for Ciara's new single, "Body Party." Better late than never, though. Let me just say that I unquestionably LOVE the visual. It is very epicurean and provocative. While the video itself is something that I could have envisioned coming from Ciara, it's the song that's kind of a different sound for her. It surely works, though. I LOVE the sample from Ghost Town DJ's "My Boo." The video includes a host of cameos, from Jazze Pha, Ludacris and Trinidad James, plus more. But I cannot forget the most important cameo from none other than CiCi's boo thang Future.

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Can You Serve This Royalty?

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:35:16 PDT

Listen to Big K.R.I.T's New Song "Serve This Royalty"

Big K.R.I.T's highly-anticipated "King Remembered In Time" was released a couple of weeks ago and although I did post the mixtape up on here, I just haaaad to post this particular Cody ChesnuTT-sampled track. I can't say that "Serve This Royalty" is my FAVORITE out of all, but I'd be lying if I said that it isn't ONE of them. This song just gives me so much LIFE, it's unbelievable.

It is one of those tracks that I could just put on repeat and listen to it throughout the whole day, it's just THAT good. Listening to this song - well, listening to King Remembered In Time in general, just makes me that much more excited to see K.R.I.T live again next month when he comes to Harlow's. I know he's going to put on a great show. Stay tuned for photos and footage!

If you haven't yet listened to "King Remembered In Time," listen HERE!

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Music: HelioS - "Wild Turkey Valentine"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:31:50 PDT

Presented to me by a neo-soul artist by the name of HelioS, "Wild Turkey Valentine" tells the story of a young man, that man being HelioS, who somewhat knowingly led a young lady on and the pain that was inevitably brought about because of it. Throughout the song HelioS owns up to what he did.

The drawn out and impassioned production of this melody is what really grasped my attention. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it as well.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

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Kendrick Lamar is About "That Life"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:44:46 PDT

For Karmaloop's 16th episode of their "That Life" series, Carissa Rossi has a little sit-down with Kendrick Lamar during his stop in Athens, Ohio on the Verge Campus Tour. Of course the two discuss his album, "good kid, m.A.A.d city" and how it is on the verge of reaching the platinum status. The number of albums sold isn't what amazes him, though, Lamar states that the best feeling is the fact that people actually love the album.

Watch the interview to see what else the two discuss.

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Video: T.I. - "Memories Back Then" Ft. Kendrick Lamar. B.o.B. & Kris Stephens

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:33:02 PDT

T.I. gets back up with Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B. and Kris Stephens to present us with the official visual for Tip's latest single, "Memories Back Then." The PhillyFlyBoy-directed visual features Tip, Lamar and B.o.B. recollecting memories of past relationships.

Watch Ashanti's New Video For "Never Should Have"

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:57:44 PDT

Ashanti Delivers the Official Visual for New Single, "Never Should Have"

With her fifth studio album, "Braveheart," slated for a June 11 release, Ashanti delivers the official visualfor her new single, "Never Should Have." Upon my first listen to the song, I actually like it. I think it's definitely a new sound for her, though. In fact, it somewhat sounds like something I would hear from Jennifer Lopez. Nonetheless, though, I like it. The video correlates well with it, too.

2013 Freshmen Cyphers Ep. 1, 2 & 3

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:16:12 PDT

2013 Freshmen Cypher Episode 1 Featuring Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Ab-Soul and Travi$ Scott

A few of the 2013 XXL Freshmen grace the mic to deliver a couple of bars and show us why they were chosen to be a part of this year's Freshmen List. Pro Era member Joey Bada$$ kicks off the cypher first while Travi$ Scott wraps it up.

Hit the jump to watch episodes two and three.

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EVENT: Mobb Deep Live at Ace of Spades May 19

noreply@blogger.com (Antionette Latrese) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:29:50 PDT

Click photo to purchase ticket!

What do we have here?

Look what legendary hip-hop duo will be touching down in the 916 for their 20th Anniversary Tour to perform at Ace of Spades in Downtown Sacramento.

None other than MOBB DEEP!

If you are a Mobb Deep fan, you certainly are not going to want to miss out on this show because it is indeed going to be one for the books!

This event is being put on by ENT Legends (of course) and it is an ALL AGES event!

Doors open at 7 P.M. and the show will be kicking off promptly at 8 P.M. Head on over to the ENT Legends site to purchase your ticket today before they are all SOLD OUT!