The Story Continues

Alicia Keys has always been one of my favorite artists; Jay-Z is hands down the greatest rapper alive now. Their collaboration "Empire State of Mind" was an instant classic telling the gritty story of chasing dreams on the New York City streets. Alicia Keys, on her album The
Element of Freedom, sings the sequel "Empire State of Mind, Pt. II (Broken Down)"; its different, but beautiful take on the same theme. Keys sings the same stirring chorus. Take a listen to both.

"Empire State of Mind, Pt. II (Broken Down)" Alicia Keys [MP3 link]

So New Moon Doesn't Entirely Suck

The fact that the producers choose to include Lupe Fiasco on the soundtrack proves that they are, in fact, not the worst people in the world. That being said I will never see a vampire movie that manages to get away with less than a R rating. But do take a listen to Lupe's new rock flavored single "Solar Midnite"; it took me a second time but I enjoyed it.

"Solar Midnite" Lupe Fiasco [MP3 link]

Mixtape Madness!!

Mixtapes are a great way to hear some of the hottest hip hop and R&B artists before they go mainstream, or to hear content their label doesn't want (often better). Mixtapes are often available for download on their websites or fine ones like this.


First up, we have "Heartbreak Drake Part 3" from one of my favorites Drake; he has a nice flow that blends rapping and singing together. The production on his songs are always great. The highlights from this mixtape are "Say Something", "Material Girl" feat. Colin Munroe, and "Darlin", but I'm sure you'll enjoy them all.

Heartbreak Drake Pt. 3 Drake



Cleverly named "Burn After Rolling" is from Wiz Khalifia. Wiz is a Philly rapper whose creative techno-influenced songs have set him apart. "Burn.." features Wiz rapping over some popular songs from artists like Beyonce and even Drake to guys like Empire of the Sun. The "Thrill" is one of my favorites along with "If I Was A Lame" and "One Way". This is by far one of the best mixtapes I've heard, there are so many good songs it was hard to choose just three to mention.

Burn After Rollin Wiz Khalifa

Hip Hop or Rock?

The perpetual argument between hip hop heads and rock fans remains. Yet, we all know the magic that come from rap-rock collaborations. Look to "Rock This Way" by Aerosmith and Run DMC for the original and still one of the best. Conversely, terrible, awful things can come from rap-rock collaborations; see Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit rapping. Its a good sign then, when The Black Keys started to venture into rap they teamed up with some of the best people in rap you've never heard of. Blakroc is the name of their new project and record label. The mixtape features Raekwon, Mos Def, Q-Tip, the RZA just to name a few.

Check out these songs, tell me what you think.

"I Done Did It" feat. Nicole Wray and NOE [MP3 link]

"On The Vista" feat. Mos Def [MP3 link]