Nas on 106 and Park (Video)

Nas talks Trayvon Martin, "The Don", new cats in the game, new music, and more.

Let's Start A Rumor: Kendrick Will be Detox's Snoop

Read the title, and think to yourself "hmm, people will believe anything these days, that could catch on as a conspiracy theory". What if, Kendrick is Detox's Snoop? Like he'll just emerge post release (and critical/commercial fallout) this groomed star. So instead of us having never really seen this superstar, we have instead seen his entire career.

That's some new age shit. Wow. Wait... "Did any actually write any of that? Is there serious? Am I dreaming? Oh god..."

Is the G.O.O.D. Music Compilation Single Dropping Tomorrow?

We've known for a while now that the first single from the forthcoming G.O.O.D. Music Compilation Album was to be "Lamborghini Murci," but we were never given an official release date. Today, however, rumors were swirling on Twitter that the single, set to feature Kanye, Pusha T, and Big Sean, would be dropping tomorrow.

You should all take this with a grain of salt, as it could all be speculation, but same pretty big names in hip hop were chiming into the discussion. Hit the jump for screenshots of said tweets, and tune back in tomorrow to possibly hear the surely incredible track.

Hoodie Allen - "No Interruption" (Single/Video)

Any Hoodie Allen fan knows that the NY rapper's claim to fame was through a number of dope, free Internet mixtapes chalked full of catchy, indie samples. This worked well for the UPenn alum, gaining him a huge blogosphere following that soon translated to sold-out shows across the nation. However, with his debut LP and first retail project All-American in the works, Hoodie is aiming to appeal to not only his current fan base, but to an entirely new demographic.

For the first time, dude is creating sample-free music from scratch, giving him the ability to be more creative than ever while attempting to expand his musical horizons. Our first look into the new and improved Hoodie Allen is AA's first single "No Interruptions" and it's accompanying music video. After the jump you'll find the Charles Alan Whitcher directed visual, while up top a stream and iTunes link is available. As always, the comments section is ready for your thoughts.

Download Buy: "No Interruption"

Previous: 12 Artists to Watch in 2012 (Part 3)

"Drake Man, Young Sweet Jones" Memes

Moar.

Tee-hee. More flicks after the jump.

Previous: "Charles Hamilton Fail" Meme
Previous: "Knowledgeable Nardwuar" Meme

Nike Air Yeezy II (Pics & Release Date)

After jumping around in March, April and May, Nike officially decided on a June release date for the Nike Air Yeezy II. Kanye West and Nike's second creation will be very limited, of course, and selling at a retail price of $245.

That means I won't be snagging these, as badly as I may want them. Head down bottom for a few more pics, and give Complex a look for some exclusive pictures and info on the shoe and the release.

Buddy - "Staircases" (feat. Kendrick Lamar) [prod. Pharrell]

This dude Buddy is really impressing me, and I'm thoroughly excited for his debut project, Idle Time, to drop soon. With most of his already released singles produced by Pharrell, I think it'll be tough for people not to like this guy. Oh, and grabbing a Kendrick Lamar feature won't hurt either.

Download: "Staircases" (feat. Kendrick Lamar) [prod. Pharrell]

Previous: Buddy - "Agitated" (feat. Sir Michael Rocks)

Flipped: Marlena Shaw - "Feel Like Makin' Love"

Last time I left you with a brain buster of a sample in Aaron Neville's "Hercules," which Party Supplies flipped for Action Bronson's "Steve Wynn." For this installment, I take it a little easier on y'all, this time with Marlena Shaw's Who Is This B*tch, Anyway? single "Feel Like Makin' Love."

Sample appears at 0:01

If the stream above isn't working, you might have to click and head to YouTube to listen. Royalties and restricted content got me down. Anyway, as you can see, I've added a caption pointing out when the sample begins for your convenience, and with Shaw's track, you hear it right away. Very smooth sounds in the intro, perfect for a laid back hip hop joint. Think you know where you've heard this one before? Hit the jump and see if you're correct.

Odd Future's Loiter Squad (Episode 1) [Video]

Being the cheap bastards that LT and I are, we refuse to pay for cable, thus were unable to tune in to the pilot of Odd Future's Loiter Squad TV show on Adult Swim. For those of you who had the same problem, here's the entire episode stream. Bad quality, but it's better than nothing.

"Charles Hamilton Fail" Meme

The number of rap memes is too damn low!

...it's late. Which is probably why I'm doing this. Still, welcome to Memesville.

Poor Chuck. It was all so promising. Another one, after le jump.

"Knowledgeable Nardwuar" Meme

I just made this... "Knowledgeable Nardwuar". I would love to see what you guys come up with.

I've been watching this dude non-stop the past few days.

The 2 Of Diamonds SXSW Recap (Video)

Watch on as Myke Boogie and Dee Rush capture their entire SXSW experience, including a few performances by the Chicago duo.

GhostWridah's Downtown Lights set for a May 25th Release

Ghost had been tweeting about this, but I guess I missed it. His LP Downtown Lights will arrive on May 25th. He said it'll be on iTunes in his tweet, so bye-bye Bandcamp, I guess. It's not clear whether this will be his debut. I'm gonna Tweet him and try and find out. Oh yeah, speaking of GhostWridah.

May 25th, be ready.

DJ Khaled - "Take It To The Head" (feat. Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne)

I indicated this was Khaled's song with some trepidation, but this one actually features more than his typical lead-off slogan. He actually raps, and yes it sounds awful. Hmmm, a lead single with Breezy on the hook has proven to be money in the bank, and you can rap about pretty much any sexual act these days (but guns and drugs are soooo off-limits). But this is straight up encouragement to give dome.

Kiss The Ring coming soon (or just whenever one of these way-too-crammed-Khaled-songs gets some traction).

Download: "Take It To The Head" (featuring the usual suspects)

Brianna Perry - "Slight Work" (Remix) [feat. GhostWridah]

I'll be honest, I don't really check for Brianna Perry. But if a feature on her song gets my man Ghost on sites he isn't usually on, and playing in ears he doesn't usually reach, I like it.



Ghost KILLS it. I'm not surprised, and if you are, get up to date.

Ace Hood - "Different People" (feat. Game)

I like Ace. Sorry, if you don't. Game kills his verse, by the way.

Ace's new tape comes on Friday, and is titled (as seen above) Starvation. 


Download: Ace Hood - "Different People" (feat. Game)

Iggy Azalea - "Murda Business" (feat. T.I.)

Iggy comes through with the first single from her forthcoming debut LP The New Classic, equipped with a feature from her new boss, Tip. How do you guys feel about Iggy Azalea and her new track?

Download: "Murda Business" (feat. T.I.)

Previous: KWT Exclusive: KWT x Iggy Azalea (Interview)

Mr. Muthaf*ckin' eXquire - "Good P*ssy In Chicago"

Like Bam Bam and Rockie's "Dear Heather," this track was recorded in Chicago for Ruby Hornet's Closed Sessions, Vol. 2 project. However, this one won't end up making the cut for the album, making it the dopest B-Side I've heard in a long time. Is this the kinda music Universal's newest signee will be making? If so, I'm perfectly okay with that.

Download: "Good P*ssy In Chicago"
Previous: 12 Artists to Watch in 2012 (Part 1)

Flipped: Aaron Neville - "Hercules"

Twaan's bored, but contrary to popular belief, that's a good thing. You see, when I get bored, I get productive, which is exactly what I'm doing right here, right now. To cure my lethargic ways, I will delve into the first installment of a series I've been thinking about implementing into the rotation for a while now. Although I love hip hop, music in general is more of a passion of mine than the respective genres and sub-genres; therefore, I have a heavy affinity for music composition, and when it comes to hip hop, that translates to beats. The production of hip hop is what made me fall in love with it, and what keeps me coming back for more. I'm rambling on, I know. Anyway, with KWT's new post series, Flipped, as you've probably already guessed, we will be highlighting dope samples in hip hop production. Up top we will give the name, artwork, and stream of an original, often older song, while after the jump we will feature the hip hop track that sampled the above original. That way, we can have some fun with our viewers, allowing for a guessing game that will undoubtedly leave our viewers clicking for more! *Billy Mays voice....RIP*

Today we kick Flipped off with a track from the classic Louisiana soul singer Aaron Neville in his funky, rolling "Hercules." With a bassline prime for sampling, hip hop producers couldn't let this one go untouched. Any idea on who flipped Sir Neville's soul groove? I'm not taking it easy on you, this one's tough. But head below the click once you're ready...

Plies - "We Are Trayvon"

We love to lament that artists never release songs with "conscious" material. Well, Plies put all the drug and gun stuff aside and talked that real shit. If you've ever commented that you wish such-and-such talked more real shit, you should feel obligated to hit play.



I fuck with this heavy.

Also, this picture and this article*.

*This merely an aside, but it's interesting to read some pro-Miami writing. I mean the press hates Miami, but obviously Miami is going to love Miami. Not why I included the article, but interesting nonetheless.

12 Artists to Watch in 2012 (Part 4)

As the final four takes shape, here's our final installment of the 12 Artists to Watch in 2012. Refresh your memory and get up to par with Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 before heading below.

Don't get the gist? Here's a crash course. These are the guys we believe are poised to make big breakthroughs in the coming months. Forget about XXL's list, everybody knows those dudes were selling spots. Forget about MTV's list, everybody knows they were smoking angel dust the entire time. Kids Wasting Time's got you. 

Hit the jump to see the final three artists to make our list, and who knows, maybe we included French Montana anyway...

Jimmy Astro - "Ventilation" (prod. MVIAB)

Sir Jimmy is currently hard at work on his next project, Fairytales, which you can expect to hit the web late this summer. For the first release from the mixtape, the Memphis producer/rapper headed out west to link up with producer MyVisionIsABlur (aka MVIAB) for "Ventilation." Along with this joint, he two finished a few songs together, a few of which will appear on Fairytales.

Download: "Ventilation" (prod. MVIAB)
Previous: Jimmy Astro - "Magic" (Freestyle)

Nardwuar vs. Kendrick Lamar (Video)

Watch on as Nardwuar catches up with K.Dot, which is just what you all were hoping for. Seriously though, is this dude with the Feds?

Danny Brown - "Grown Up"

Download: "Grown Up"
Previous: Danny Brown - "Radio Song" (Video)

Heat On My Feet: New Balance 574 "KWT"

So many people lack originality these days so I thought what better way to express my own style than to create my own unique custom shoes. Yes I know that it is quite easy to just head over to New Balance and create your own shoes. I'm not saying I sat down with NB and came up with some new design. While people in my neck of the woods don't even wear New Balances, (not fashionably anyways) this just makes the shoe that much more unique and special to me. Just another way LT is staying ahead of the game. Hit the jump to see how these are really customized for true KWTheads.

With serious thoughts of opening a Kids Wasting Time shop,  would you buy these? Leave us a comment.

Nardwuar vs. Danny Brown (Video)

Doot doola doot doo...it's Danny Brown's turn.

Nardwuar vs. Action Bronson (Video)

Nardwuar's SXSW 2012 campaign began with A$AP Rocky, and now the Human Serviette does his thing with Bronsollini. Who else would y'all like to see this dude interview?

Verse of the Day: Earl Sweatshirt - "Oldie"

Earl is back, OF Tape, Vol. 2 just dropped, and OFWGKTA buzz seems to be back at an all-time high. Aside from his far-too-short, bad quality "Home," Earl appeared on his first track since returning home from Samoa in the Odd Future posse joint and album outro "Oldie."

It's been a while since we've given y'all a VOTD, but the Early Man's return sparked some extra motivation to us here at KWT. Hit the jump for the entire verse, as well as a few words from Twaan Boy as he tries (and probably fails) to dissect the bars at hand.

Game - "The City" (feat. Kendrick Lamar) [Video]

This shit hard.... for reals. Game's never made a bad album *shrugs*. Sorry, I don't have much to say, I'm waiting to see how much Diggy and OF sell this first week.



It's hard to keep your eyes off Kendrick these days. Dude grows on me every time I hit play. Dope video by the way. As in its got a concept, and isn't just whips and watches.

B.o.B - "So Good" (Video)

Save the pretty white singers for the rookies, B.o.B is gonna do this shit all by his damn self. Hopefully this single will get the spins needed to secure the release of Strange Clouds.



I'd like to send out a quick "fuck you" to everyone who doesn't fuck with Bobby Ray.

Big K.R.I.T. - "I Got This"

K.R.I.T. made an appearance on Toca Tuesdays earlier today, and as a special gift he premiered his newest single, "I Got This." The track will appear on his upcoming debut LP Live From The Underground, which is slated to release soon and is sure to appear on many a hip hop fan's most anticipated projects of the year.

Wale - "Sabotage" (feat. Lloyd) [Video]

Wale and co. go back to high school in the official video for his Lloyd assisted Ambition joint. Despite Lloyd's gender-confused voice, this is definitely one of my favorite tracks from Folarin's strong sophomore effort.

Odd Future - "Oldie" (Unofficial Video)

At a recent Terry Richardson photo shoot, the OF crew shot an impromptu video for their OF Tape, Vol. 2 posse joint "Oldie." With everyone from Tyler to Mike G to Earl rapping their verses, this is the most fun I've seen collective have since they blew up. This is also a really sick song, the beat is smooth and the verses are dope.

Nardwuar vs. A$AP Rocky (Video)

A$AP's up next for The Human Serviette. Let's hope for a few more of these with SXSW in full swing.

Earl Sweatshirt's First Interview Since Returning Home

Thank god. I'm not a big OF guy, but I always check for Tyler, and this shit right here cleared up a lot of stuff for me. Watch it.



Are you grabbing their album today? Happy to see Earl back?

The League - "Woah!" (feat. Moses Sumney)

The League's March Madness series continues as P. Cool and J. Wax hook up with California singer Moses Sumney for this soulful second release of the series. Expect a few more releases from the LA twosome and KWT best discovery as we round out the month.

Download: "Woah!" (feat. Moses Sumney)
Previous: The League - "#FriendTime" (Video)

GhostWridah - "Daytona 500" (Freestyle)

Ghost kicks off #WuWeek, seven days of him going in over classic Wu-Tang beats, with this freestyle over Ghostface Killah's "Daytona 500" record. Just another reason why Ghost is guaranteed to blow up in 2012.

Download: "Daytona 500" (Freestyle)
Previous: Verse of the Day: GhostWridah - "Money"

Frank Ocean - "Whip Appeal"

Mmmm, new Frank Ocean is good Frank Ocean, and in this case, new Frank Ocean is great Frank Ocean. I will be playing this all summer, fact.

On a side-note, how many of you will be grabbing The OF Tape Vol. 2 tomorrow? 

Download: Frank Ocean - "Whip Appeal"
Previous: Frank Ocean - "4 Tears" 

Homeboy Sandman - "Cops Get Scared Of Me"

Ahh, more flawless raps from the Sandman himself. Color me pleased. Why didn't this dude make our list of artists to watch in 2012 (which you should probably check out)? This right here is the first release off his upcoming EP, Chimera. Word is it'll drop in April.

Not much to say here, other than if you're considering giving this a try, do. Homeboy is better than your current "underground" favorite, whoever that may be. Oh yeah, Exile on the boards.

J.Nolan - "Can't Stop" (prod. SMKA)

The young, buzz-worthy ATLien J.Nolan is back, this time with a SMKA produced banger entitled "Can't Stop" that's slated to appear on Nolan's label's, The Manifest Movement, forthcoming compilation project. To be titled Dreams Manifest, "Can't Stop" is the compilation's second official release.

Download: "Can't Stop" (prod. SMKA)

Previous: J.Nolan - "Time Machine"

12 Artists to Watch in 2012 (Part 3)

After churning out Part 1 and Part 2, the dude TS throws the lob up (it is March Madness) to your boy Twaan who throws down the tomahawk for today's third and a soon to be released fourth installment of KWT's 12 Artists to Watch in 2012. We keep it New York in Part 3 with a trio of upcoming spitters who put on for The Big Apple.

Don't recall our earlier segments? Here's the rub. These are the guys we believe are poised to make big breakthroughs in the coming months. Forget about XXL's list, everybody knows those dudes were selling spots. Forget about MTV's list, everybody knows they were smoking angel dust the entire time. Kids Wasting Time's got you.

Hit the jump to see our list/leave a comment telling us we missed out on French Montana. Oops, spoiler.

Wiz Khalifa - "Brainstorm" (Video)

Wizzle Man drops a video from his recently released Taylor Allderdice mixtape. I've heard the bro bro LT bumpin' it lately, and I must say....I'm not mad at it. Download it today.

Theophilus London - "Big Spender" (feat. A$AP Rocky) [Live at SXSW]

SXSW is crazy, but not being there is terrible. Last Name London makes me feel a little better for not attending by performing his "Big Spender" cut with A$AP Rocky for the first time in front of a live audience. First we get studio footage, then months later a live performance, so does that mean the official track is coming soon? Let's hope so.

Mr. Muthaf*ckin' eXquire signs with Universal

Weiiiiiird shit. I mean, the guy has a highly poo-pooed expletive in his name. Get your paper though. Billboard has the scoop.

Just as reminder, KWT did tell you to keep your eye on this guy in 2012. I'm just saying...

Nas - "The Don"

Hey KWTers, sorry things have been so slow around these parts the past few days. Some of the dudes are MIA, and the music world is awfully focused on SXSW right now. But still. It's Saturday, and I'm gonna update with some shit that caught my attention this week. First and foremost, the next single off of Nas' upcoming long player has arrived and daaaaaaaaaaamn it sounds good. This delivers on the promise of "Nasty." Forget "I'm sure the album will be a flop" and all that other nonsense, and just listen to one of the best to ever do it kick it over some dope production.

Salaam Remi, Da Internz, and Heavy D (!) on the boards. This has summer banger written all over it.

Milk N Cookies - "Vamos A La Playa" (Remix)

Just in time for Spring Break, the homies at Milk N Cookies put their own spin on Loona's famous track of the same name. If, by some weird coincidence, you're headed to Puerto Vallarta throughout the upcoming week, be sure to look out for the Chicago duo, who will be performing there to celebrate Spring Break. Be sure to stay posted to MnC, who continue to make all the right moves.

Polyester - Real Deal P (Album)

Following up on his crazy dope Sumthin' Ta Creez To project, Polyester The Saint grabs Skeme, Young Veggies, Freddie Gibbs and a few others for his latest album Real Deal P. Released for free via DJBooth,  Polyester, as he does best, handles the production on most of the project. If you like what you hear, catch dude on Dom Kennedy's forthcoming Spring/Summer tour, where Real Deal P will be performing.

Download: Real Deal P (Album)

Previous: Polyester - "Show Me" (Video)

J. Cole - "Nobody's Perfect" (feat. Missy Elliott) [Video]

A personal favorite joint of mine from Cole World: The Sideline Story now also exists in music video form. As I've said before, I wish Missy had went in on a verse here, but, regardless, it remains a tough and impressive collabo for Jermaine. Cole world, no snuggie.

2 Chainz - "Like Me"

Kanye's DJ, DJ Mano, on the boards, The Weeknd sample, 2 Chainz letting you MFers know the album is coming this summer. Me likey.

Download: 2 Chainz - "Like Me"

Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice (Mixtape)

Download: Taylor Allderdice (Mixtape)

Previous: Wiz Khalifa - "My Favorite Song" (feat. Juicy J)

Wale - "Ambition" (feat. Meek Mill & Rick Ross) [Video]

Yessssss.



Thank god. Now I know what young Rick Ross writing "Hustlin" looked like.

writes down "Everyday I'm hustlin', everyday I'm hustlin".

Danny Brown - "Radio Song" (Video)

Danny Brown, fresh off getting XXL's stamp of approval (HA!), drops a video for "Radio Song" off of XXX. I wanna call this song a standout, or one of my favorites, but honestly, every song on the tape is dope.



Hahaha @ "best rapper ever to flat-iron his hair".

Tito Lopez - "Mama Proud"

Ever since the Dr. Dre cosign, Tito Lopez has had more than a few blog eyeballs pointed his way. Count me among the group paying attention. He's polished, talented, and truly seems destined for big things. I know that's a weird statement, but maybe you'll understand when you listen. The flow, the voice, the confidence. I predict big things. Bet against Tito at your own risk.

I'm still waiting on that King's Speech inspired tape, to be honest.

Download: Tito Lopez - "Mama Proud"

12 Artists to Watch in 2012 (Part 2)

Part 1 is in the books, Part 2 is here to brighten up your day.

As a refresher, here's what's what. Over the next few days, Twaan and I will be presenting our 12 Artists to Watch in 2012. These are the guys we believe are poised to make big breakthroughs in the coming months. Forget about XXL's list, everybody knows those dudes were selling spots. Forget about MTV's list, everybody knows they were smoking angel dust the entire time. Kids Wasting Time's got you.

We get it popping, after the jump.

PBR of the Weiss Posts Their Actual List; TS Genuflects

Enough rap beef for one day, my hombres? Yesterday, written words came to more written words, and people got upset. That's what happens, people disagree over stuff. But I promised in the Comments that I'd react to their new list, and out of fairness, I'm doing it.

And by reacting, I don't really mean reacting. If you follow the site, their picks are consistent. I love their inclusion of Rick Ross, because you know I fucks with Rick Ross the long way. Jeff and his crew have probably actually done a lot to popularize Danny Brown, so it only makes sense he takes the silver spot on the podium. If When Brown gets big, do you think they'll give Passion of the Weiss any credit in the biography? Probably not hey? No one respects ze blogs. Lastly, I like the Palaceer Lazarro inclusion. PBRW put me onto him and Shabazz Palaces, who they've been championing since before everybody.

So you see, TS is fair. I reacted to both lists. This one just had less things to upset such a self-serious blogger like me.

Previous: Defending White Rappers Against Soul-Eating Hipsters

Verse of the Day: 50 Cent - "Put Your Hands Up"

Hey, what the f*ck, you guys still don't mess with 50?

But, but, why not?? You used to back then, why not now? The music is just as good, and better in some places, I promise.

But, you know, verse and discussion after the jump. Plus, I even graciously included the song above, something I've been forgetting to do recently.

The Boy Illinois - "Hole"

In light of the success of his latest project, Inhale, Part 4: Horai, The Boy Illinois has been steady at work on his follow-up mixtape to be entitled The Memoirs of Gilbert Gastón. "Hole" is said project's first release.

Download: "Hole"

Previous: The Boy Illinois - "A Little Bit Off" (Video)

Jay-Z's SXSW Live Stream

It has arrived. I really need to be studying, but last time I took part in one of these interactive stream things (Kanye at Coachella) it was truly an experience. As weird as that sounds. You get to watch with people from all over the world, and react in real-time. Doesn't beat being there I'm sure, but still, this is gonna be dope. Furthermore, you can request songs on Twitter, and he'll actually play those songs. Insanity. #GottaLoveTheInternet.

Previous: Official Footage of Jay-Z at Carnegie Hall
Link: Jay-Z's SXSW Live Stream

D.O.P.E - "Harry Potter" (feat. T.I.) [Video]

I have been awaiting the drop of this video ever since I heard the track. Why? One, I wanted to know who exactly was rapping because I knew it sounded like a lot more than two voices (this was before I found out D.O.P.E was a group). And two, because the greatest (thus far) rap tribute to the book series that raised a generation now has a visual. If you're a Harry Potter fan, you should really mull this over, and realize how cool this truly is.



"Make it disappear we just call it Harry Potter, man..."

Defending White Rappers Against Soul-Eating Hipsters

If you are a rap blog fanatic, as I am, you may have seen "The Passion of the Weiss Hottest Rappers List". If you haven't seen it, you may have noticed I included the link. (You read the article, and when you get back, notice I made a bookmark for you - BOOKMARK). Basically, it's a parody of those types of lists, like the MTV one, or the XXL Freshmen cover. This particular list happens to feature only white rappers. Which I guess makes it funny, because white people are bad at rapping.

I'd have to say, overall, I tack a rapper being white on as a deficiency. It's just one of those things. What's that the result of? Is it years of being presented with almost strictly black rappers? Does it have something to do with seeing lots of terrible white rappers? Is it mixture of these two things? I don't really know. I just know for myself, and lots of rap fans, if a rapper is white, he better be able to make up for it. Hip-hop is a universal culture, but it is shaped and controlled by black people. That's a fact.

So with all that said, why do I take issue with the list? White rappers are definitely an easy target, and none are easier than the likes of Riff Raff, Machine Gun Kelly, Kreayshawn, and Chet Haze. To me, they are all cringe-inducing artists, definitely worthy of ridicule. So what's my issue?

Was Gerald Green's Windmill Alley-Oop the Dunk of the Year?

This is the question on mine, and a lot of other people's minds. He is sooo fucking high. If this got your goat, definitely check out his D-League All-Star Game highlights here. You will enjoy it.



What do you think KWTers? Best of the year?

Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Blue Chips (Mixtape)

Looking out my class window, I have never seen so much snow. Holy fuck, it's supposed to be March. Oh yeah, Action Bronson has a new mixtape. It's called Blue Chips, and is entirely produced by Party Supplies.

I'm debating downloading this to be honest, but I mean, Bronson is a one-time Verse of The Day recipient... Somebody give this a listen and let me know.

Download: Blue Chips (Mixtape)

Previous: Action Bronson - "Hookers At The Point" (Video)

Official Footage of Jay-Z at Carnegie Hall

American Express has come through in the clutch, delivering official, HD-quality footage of Hov at Carnegie Hall. The clips are definitely worth watching. It was clearly an historic night, for many reasons, and it sounds fantastic. Jay-Z with a backing orchestra? Count me in. There's been three videos thus far, and the fact I don't have to watch shifty, trash phone camera footage makes me a very happy KWTer. "Public Service Announcement" right here.



After the jump, a very rousing performance of Blueprint classic "U Don't Know," and "On to the Next One" sans an appearance from Mr. Keys. Click play, and act like you were there. Updated with footage of "Jigga What, Jigga Who." Also, catch Jay's SXSW show at 8 pm EST, as it's streamed live on Youtube.

Yasiin Bey (the artist formerly known as Mos Def) - "In Poorest"

Someday I'm going to stop apologizing for being late, but I only just gave this track a chance, and realized how insanely dope it is. It paints Jay-Z and Yeezy as the enemy, as the rich and uncaring establishment, which can be tough for a Throne stan like myself, but it's a very poignant and revealing statement. Yasiin yasiin yasiin.



If you're gonna be a pseudo-activist and post links to Kony 2012, at least listen to this. It'll open your eyes.

Verse of the Day: J. Cole - "Premeditated Murder"

It's been a bit. But it's Monday, and I'm back with a Verse of the Day.

As per usual, verse and discussion after the jump.

Milk N Cookies - Whiskey, Cigs, Tracks & Vids (Ep. 2)

Episode two of MnC's Whiskey, Cigs, Tracks & Vids finds the DJ brothers traveling throughout Illinois raging and performing, making stops in Chicago, Champaign, and Charleston. New music coming soon and often from Milk N Cooks, so be sure to share their tracks and vids with your peers as they make that push to stardom. Let's get it. MnC x KWT: BFF.



Like: Milk N Cookies on Facebook
Listen: Milk N Cookies on SoundCloud

Big K.R.I.T on 106 and Park (Video)

I know you're still bumping 4evaNaDay, which means you're dying to hear more about the project. From the man himself.

As always, comment section.

Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Blue Chips (Artwork/Tracklist)

Action Bronson and Party Supplies are linking up with Reebok and Complex on March 12th to bring us a free 17 track project entitled Blue Chips. Just a few days after revealing its first single in visual form, Complex debuted the project's official cover art (below) and tracklist (after the jump).

Previous: "Hookers At The Point" (Video)

Previous: Action Bronson - "Nothing To Worry About" (Remix)

Hassani Kwess - Ruthless (Mixtape)

Washington DC rapper Hassani Kwess broke onto the scene after stealing the show on Asher Roth's Pabst & Jazz title track, gaining relevance in the blogosphere due to his talents both on the mic and behind the boards. Fans of the young emcee and rap connoisseurs in general have recently been looking forward to the release of his fifth project Ruthless, which is set to feature stand out, already released singles featuring production not only by Kwess himself, but by other respectable beatsmiths like Chuck Inglish.

With that being said, we at KWT are hyped to exclusively present y'all with Hassani Kwess's Ruthless mixtape, free of charge. Bringing a newfound versatility to the hip hop game, dude's double edged sword of rhyming and producing is almost as rare as his ability to get rough and tough on tracks like his self-produced "Dogma" while smoothing things out on his more upbeat, piano-clad "B&M." After bumping this tape non-stop for the past 48 hours, I think it's no stretch to call Ruthless one of 2012's best hip hop mixtapes, so do yourselves a favor and grab the free download below. If my words haven't convinced you, preview Kwess's Chuck Inglish produced banger below, and hit the jump for the tracklist.

Hassani Kwess - "Kick The Bass, Chuck" (prod. Chuck Inglish)
Download: Ruthless (Mixtape)
Previous: Hassani Kwess - "Dreams At Dusk" (Video)

Hassani Kwess - Ruthless (Artwork/Tracklist)

While buzzing rapper Hassani Kwess is putting the final touches on his fifth solo effort Ruthless, the Washington DC native unleashes the official artwork and tracklist for the March 10th project. What we've heard from the tape so far has been tough, and with production from Chuck Inglish, Blended Babies, J Davey and Kenny Keys, we know it'll be nothing less that that. Come back in less than three hours, as Ruthless drops exclusively right here at KWT. Front cover is below while the back cover/tracklist can be seen after the click.

The Boy Illinois - "A Little Bit Off" (Video)

A few months after the project dropped, Illi comes through with the first official video from his 2011 mixtape Inhale, Part 4: Horai. For us, the tape falls under the category of essential listening, so grab it for free right here at KWT.

Lil Durk - "Jackboy" (Video)

Consider me sold. This dropped six days ago, and is definitely essential listening. Durk has a raw flow, but he makes up for any sort of technicial deficiencies with lots of energy. I was just talking about how important presence is on the Soulja Boy post, and this is a perfect example. Durk's charisma makes him a captivating performer.

What do you think?

Must Download: King Louie - ManUpBandUp Pt. 1

I was late to the King Louie bandwagon, so here's how I'm rectifying it. For some hard-ass beats, crazy flows and general goon shit, grab this tape. #ChiraqDrillinois. For those who don't know, King Louie is a buzzing Chicago rapper, part of an exciting and emerging movement coming out of the area, that includes other artists, like Chief Keef and Lil Durk (Louie and the latter's collab, #iGetPaid is definitely worth checking out).

That's one of the bangers off the tape. This is one download you won't regret. I guess I'm the resident purveyor of "ignorant" music here at KWT, but I'm very happy in that role. 

Download: King Louie - ManUpBandUp Pt. 1

Previous: Must Download: R&B Sunday Edition

A Collection of Soulja Boy's Best Rapping Performances

When I heard Soulja Boy's "Successful" remix all those years ago, I was forced to do a side-eye. Had he, of "Crank Dat" fame matured into a listenable and at times entertaining rapper? Well, unfortunately the answer was no. He certainly hadn't, and he still hasn't. He still puts out a ton of bullshit, and still seems most notable as being a very successful imitator of others' styles. However, he's a young dude, has some pretty promising moments and I'm very confident all his experimentation, and penchant for releasing a lot of stuff will equal him one day being a good artist. If you work at something every day, you'll eventually be good at it. Common sense.

He shows flashes of good work, and those are the songs I've included. Stuff that I feel shows a nice (and improving) flow, and gets close to the level he achieved on the "Successful" remix. I think that's his rap song at the moment, though I'd happily be pointed to some shit that's better.

I'm tired, sick, and I just want to watch a movie, so there'll be little talking, and a lot of Youtube links. The first batch of Soulja's best rapping performances, basically his best rap songs, after the jump.

New Mixtape from 13-Year Old Producer, Mxxnstxnekid

Hey, remember Mxxnstxnekid, our 13-year old producer friend from Canada? Well, he's back with a mixtape, entitled Soft Pillows. No pics of Kate Upton for this post, as he hit me with some artwork for this drop. Link down below.

Download: Mxxnstxnekid - Soft Pillows

Big K.R.I.T - "Boobie Miles" (Video)

Who does this K.R.I.T guy think he is, putting out a project as fantastic as 4evaNaDay? Oh, and we get a video for one of the dopest tracks? #Spoiled.

Previous: Big K.R.I.T - 4evaNaDay

Rittz - White Jesus: Revival (Mixtape)

You might remember Rittz from our list of artists to watch in 2012. Well, his new mixtape, White Jesus: Revival dropped today, and he also put out a video for one of the tracks. Check it out.



Download: Rittz - White Jesus: Revival

Jay Electronica Announces He's Handing in His Album

The question is, do we believe him? I know a lot of JE fans check KWT, so how do you feel? We've been dicked around for ages, but I mean, if there's actually an album then of course I'm going to listen to it. I'm horrendously afraid it won't meet expectations, but that's neither here nor there.

The announcement came via his Twitter, with talks about an open letter to be posted on his Tumblr. Hmmm. I'm praying this is real shit, I've been waiting on this album forever.

Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice (Artwork)

Wiz, on some real ish, this is your last chance with me. Go back to the old sounds or forever lose a fan. No more poppy, "No Sleep" sounding garbage will be found in this dude's serato (I got that Yeezy, though). Anyway, for those of you who are unaware, here's the official artwork for Young Khalifa's Taylor Allderdice mixtape, due out March 12th.

Game Reveals the Title of His 5th Album

Hey! F*ck you! I like The Game (sorry, Metta is still Ron-Ron, and Jayceon will always be The Game). If he wasn't absolutely insane, he coulda been in that upper echelon right now. Guy makes great records, and great albums. All the defensive stuff aside, he revealed that the name of his 5th album will be F.I.V.E (Fear is Victory's Evolution). Check his explanation out underneath the picture, a snap from his recent Australia tour.

The meaning behind that is like—me as a rapper, you as a journalist, Kobe as a basketball player—you gotta be afraid to do something, or have those butterflies in your stomach. We all get that feeling. Before you did your first interview, you probably was like, ‘Damn, I don’t want to ask the wrong questions. I want to do this right.’ Me, before I wrote my first rap, or the first time I was in the booth. Fear. But then fear is victory’s evolution. After a while, you become a dope journalist, I become a dope rapper, Kobe is Kobe. You achieve and you pass over that fear. Now it ain’t fear; it’s just victory. It’s victory of all.

How do you feel about that?

Jay-Z SXSW Preview (Video)

I really dig this, and wish I could be at SXSW to see what I'm sure will be a classic performance. Oh what, you say I can simply stream it on Youtube?! Fuck, life is good.

Previous: Is Jay-Z the 6th Hottest MC in the game?

Verse of the Day: GhostWridah - "Money"

It's Wednesday motherfuckers, and everyone is talking about Kony 2012.

So why not highlight a song that's about real-ass shit? The verse, and words, after the jump.