Kendrick's GKMC Sells 240K, Debuts Second Overall

We all knew how highly anticipated Kendrick's debut LP was, but I don't think many saw these types of sales coming. good kid, m.A.A.d city, which hit the top spot on iTunes over the past week, sold 240,000 copies since its October 22nd release, which was good for the second spot on Billboard's album sales chart. Taylor Swift stole the top spot in releasing over a milli albums, but K.Dot's numbers are nothing short of impressive. Ayyy Shyne, u mad bro?

Curren$y - Priest Andretti (Mixtape)

Just in time for the trick or treaters, Spitta Priest Andretti delivers on his promise, dropping his latest freelease.  Featuring a slew of familiar names and Curren$y's signature work ethic, Priest Andretti is sure to fly under the radar as one of the best tapes of the year.

Download: Priest Andretti (Mixtape)

Previous: Curren$y - The Stoned Immaculate (Album)

The 2 Of Diamonds - "Tiffany"

After owning the blogosphere with their 30 For 30 series, Chicago's hottest upcoming duo The 2 Of Diamonds, consisting of Chi-City natives Myke Boogie and Dee Rush, are currently prepping the second installment of their Jackin' 4 Fans mixtape series. For a quick taste of what's to come when the project hits, 2oD let their fans in on "Tiffany,"a J4F2 single that finds two men discussing their differing encounters with the same woman. Expect the tape to drop sooner than later. 

Download: "Tiffany"
Previous: The 2 Of Diamonds - "Boasting"

Kendrick Lamar - "The Jig Is Up (Dump'n)" [prod. J. Cole]

Just in time for his album to debut at the two spot on the charts, Kendrick and Cole hit the lab to pump out a few jams (hopefully for their supposed, anticipated joint project). This joint, however, which was produced by Jermaine and features a solo K.Dot on the mic, will remain a loosie for the time being. Just in case you've been living under a rock  camping in Iceland for a week, good kid, m.A.A.d city is available now.

Download: "The Jig Is Up (Dump'n)" [prod. J. Cole]
Previous: Kendrick Lamar - "The Heart, Pt. 3" (feat. Ab-Soul & Jay Rock)

Russ - Vacation (Album)

NBA Tipoff, Halloween, AND a new Russ album? What a great week. After releasing a few singles featuring his DIEMON running mates, the young ATLien producer rapper unleashes his latest body of work. Grab the free download below.

Download: Vacation (Album)

Previous: Russ - 5280 (Album)

NBA 2012/2013 Season Predictions

Hey everyone, the NBA is starting tonight, and I have been very busy with school, so here are my last-minute predictions including each team's record, and all of the individual awards.

 I may be wrong, but its always fun to look back and see how badly you screwed up....

Russ - "Gods Of Bingo" (feat. Bugus & John Anthony)

It's a DIEMON get together on Russ's latest Vacation release, which finds the rapper/producer trading bars with fellow crew members Bugus and John Anthony over Russ' own trancing production. Expect Vacation to drop Halloween night, allowing me to continue stockpiling jams from the DIEMON camp.

Download: "Gods Of Bingo" (feat. Bugus & John Anthony)
Previous: Russ - "Vacation" (prod. Russ)

Action Bronson - "The Symbol" (prod. Alchemist) [Trailer]

With Bronsollini and The Chemist's Rare Chandeliers project in the making, the two release the official video trailer for "The Symbol." Bronson, who continues to do a great job of meshing comedy and great music, will let loose of the full single and visual next week.

Pac Div - "Truth" (prod. Swiff D)

As expected, the left coast trio unleashes the fourth single and track number four from November 27th's GMB album, featuring production from (who else?) Swiff D. While I've been thoroughly enjoying the volume of Pac Div releases in the recent months, I can already confidently say this "Take Me High"-esque track is the best we've heard from The Div in a minute.

While it may just be my affinity for soulful, jazzy backdrops, I think Like, Mibbs and BeYoung are at their best over such production. Thoughts?


Previous: Pac Div - GMB (Artwork/Tracklist)

Kendrick Lamar - "The Heart, Pt. 3" (feat. Ab-Soul & Jay Rock)

After tearing down Vegas last night, Kendrick and his TDE running mates put down the third installment to K.Dot's "The Heart" series. While part two still remains the best of the three, this Tae Beast produced joint doesn't land too far behind it. Needless to say, Kendrick kills this, going in as hard as we've heard him in a long while.

good kid, m.A.A.d. city hits stores on Tuesday, and if there's any must have hip hop album this fall, K.Dot's debut is definitely it.

Pac Div - GMB (Artwork/Tracklist)

Like and Mibbs' grandmama offers her services for the album cover of The Div's forthcoming sophomore LP GMB, which will hit iTunes on November 27th. Although some of us may be disappointed in the project's push back, a tracklist like this makes the wait much easier, as Ty$, Kendrick Lamar, Blu, Mac Miller, Kurupt, Big Sik and more are slated for guest appearances.

With the latest single expected to drop soon, head down bottom to peep GMB's back cover, which also features the star studded tracklist. Until November 27th, check back with KWT for updates and new music from Like, Mibbs, and BeYoung.

A$AP Rocky - "F*ckin' Problem" (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar)

For his latest single from his forthcoming debut LP LongLiveA$AP, Pretty Flacko scores a dynamic lineup featuring Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar along with production from OVO's own Noah "40" Shebib. 2 Chainz handles the hook while A$AP, K.Dot, and Drizzy do their thing on the verses.

Big Sean Raps, Poses for GQ

Always keeping their tabs on the best dressed stars, Gentlemen's Quarterly recently nabbed a photo shoot, winter dress tips, and even a short verse from G.O.O.D. Music's own Big Sean.



Watch Sean rap a recycled verse from Detroit's "100" for GQ before heading down bottom for a few flicks from the shoot. Spark your interest? Read up here.

Jimmy Astro x FreddsDEAD - The Pre-Release (Mixtape)

While we wait for the Tennessee duo to drop the re-release of their popular project VICE, Sir Jimmy and Fredd let loose of a free mixtape consisting of joints that didn't quite make the cut for VICE. A preview of what's to come when the re-release hits, allow this to hold you over until then.

Download: The Pre-Release (Mixtape)

Previous: Jimmy Astro - "A King's Prayer" (prod. Jimmy Astro)

Chance the Rapper - "Family" (feat. Vic Mensa and Sulaiman) (Video)

As a HUGE Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, SaveMoney Crew, AND Chicago rap scene fan.... I've got to share this with you.  One of the standout tracks from Chance's #10Day mixtape has finally come to life as we receive a visual.  Check out Chance the Rappers video for "Family" below.



Peep #10Day HERE

Odd Future "OF Tour 2012" (Video)

San Fran to Santa Cruz. OF behind the scenes. OF stays winning. OF stays entertaining.

Kendrick Lamar - "Backseat Freestyle" (prod. Hit-Boy)

This cut coming from good kid, m.A.A.d city. It's one of the best lyricists-in-the-game over some of the best producers-in-the-game's heat, how could you not be excited for this? good kid, m.A.A.d city drops next Monday.

Ruby Hornet Sits Down with Chicago's Haile (Interview)

Another unheard of young gun from the Chicago rap scene.  AEMMP is a record label out of Columbia University in Chicago and Haile is one of their up-and-coming artists.

Take a look at his interview with RubyHornet Blog and have a listen to some of his tracks after the jump. Pretty dope.

Mix Appeal: Posterizations

In basketball, there is probably nothing worse than getting dunked on. sometimes, you just shouldn't try to block a shot, try to take a charge, or foul a guy. If it goes right it look good, but if it goes wrong, you could end up getting some balls in your face, and the whole gym, and possibly internet laughing and awing at you (see Frederick Weis). 

This week's mix comes from the folks at Ball Is Life, and it contains many players from many teams from many leagues dunking, and dunking on people (A LOT)...Enjoy.

WIz Khalifa - "Runways" (Video)

Wizzle Man goes in over Drake's "Cameras" beat for a impromptu visual featuring clips of him on the roads and runways to various cities. ONIFC hits stores this December with the recently announced Cabin Fever 2 mixtape hitting the web likely sooner.

Kanye West - "White Dress" (prod. Kanye West & RZA)

With RZA's The Man With The Iron Fists film hitting theaters November 2nd, a few tracks from the ridiculously dope soundtrack and starting to make their way into the blogosphere. We've already heard a few joints from the compilation, but today we receive possibly the most anticipated cut in Kanye's RZA produced "White Dress."



Here, we find Yeezy as sappy as ever, admitting he could one day see his "special someone" (as if we don't know who he's speaking on) in a white dress. I don't know about y'all, but I'm really hyped about this joint. This sounds like something the old Kanye would put out, and I'm a strong believer that the old Ye was the best Ye. The full soundtrack will hit stores on October 23rd, so while you wait, hit the jump for the movie's trailer.

OpM - Young Nation, Vol. 1 (Mixtape)

With little prior mention of a new project on the way, Dom and his OpM roster let loose of a free, 16 track mixtape entitled Young Nation, Vol. 1. When the Leimert Park legend tweeted this photo a few days ago, I was expecting just a single, but this surprise is definitely a good one. Executive produced by both Dom and Polyester, a team that's cranked out some crazy tracks over the years, I'm already expecting big things from Young Nation prior to ever pressing play.

Hit the jump for the tracklist before clicking the link for the free download courtesy of OpM, with tracks from Dom Kennedy, Niko G4, Jay 305, Polyester and more.

Download: Young Nation (Mixtape)

Previous: Dom Kennedy - Yellow Album (Album)

Rick Ross - The Black Bar Mitzvah (Mixtape)

With Adele's Skyfall theme playing in the background, I tentatively ducked into Datpiff, expecting the shit to be an Internet warzone, full of pulse-less links. However, the tape is now downloading, meaning I avoided the rush and beat the system. Victory is mine!

I'll have some thoughts about the tape up tonight or tomorrow, until then, the KWTemple will be shaking to the sound of Ricky Rozay. The next chapter has arrived.

Download: Rick Ross - The Black Bar Mitzvah (Mixtape)

Pusha T - "Pain" (feat. Future)

G.O.O.D. Music's always working, sure to keep a relevant release or two on peoples' radars in order to stay on top of the hip hop genre. We should have known it wouldn't be long after Cruel Summer that Yeezy and company would quickly be back to unleashing new music. Pusha's the first to step to the plate, releasing his Future-assisted first single from his forthcoming untitled solo LP.

Although the production is on point and Ziploc-P's bars are dope as always, Future's hook makes this joint forgettable for me. Call me picky, but, Kanye's roster needs to keep dude outta the G.O.O.D. studio sessions from now on.

Milk N Cookies - "Are You Ready (Zombie Sex)"

The first of three releases coming in the next six weeks, "Are You Ready (Zombie Sex)" is the latest freelease from the Chicago twin duo Milk N Cookies. Aside from unleashing new singles, MilkNCooks are currently staying busy performing everywhere from clubs in Chi-Town to campuses across the nation. Be sure to stay updated to their Twitter and Facebook pages for coming music, videos, and tour dates.

Download: "Are You Ready (Zombie Sex)"
Previous: Milk N Cookies - "YO!" (Original Mix)

The Flan - Fan of The Flan (Mixtape)

Remember when KWT was fiending for some The Flan over original production? Consider our wishes granted.

You might remember The Flan from our "3 Toronto Rappers You Need To Know Now (Not Named Drake)". I missed this tape when it dropped, and The Flan is already hard at work on the follow-up. I guess I'm slipping, when this released I was still busy bumping his first tape. If you think the flow is bananas, you need to see him dance (peep after the jump).

Listen: The Flan - "Bad Guy"

Download: The Flan - Fan of The Flan

GhostWridah - "Clique" (Video)

Ghost, as always, sounds killer over G.O.O.D production. Yeezy should just make it official and have him sign on the dotted.



Flu Game, the follow up to last year's attention-grabbing The Michael Jordan Theory (EP) is scheduled for a Dec. 23 release, and Ghost is coming with new shit every week until then.

Mazel Tov, Rick Ross!

On October 8th, 2012, or the 22nd of Tishrei, in the year 5773, depending on your religious leanings, William Leonard Roberts II will be unleashing unto the masses his latest project, The Black Bar Mitzvah. The timing is strange, and not just because he's about twenty-three years past when one typically shakes free the clutches of their parents and joins the Jewish community as an adult. Rather, the timing is strange because some of us are still riding out to God Forgives, I Don't.

For a guy who is supposed to be getting more sleep, this prolific output seems a little dangerous, but for a label boss who's always led MMG by example, this looks just like the latest in a long line of power moves. Hindsight bias be damned, we should've seen this coming. Naysayers have been flooding c-sections across blogs everywhere since the announcement, clamoring about over-saturation, and also to dust off their latest fat jokes (now with a Hint of Hebrew!), but frankly, you can't argue against Ricky's strategy. As Rich Porter Part II told us, "numbers don't lie". Millions in mixtape downloads, strong viewership on the slew of vlogs these guys pump out, a powerful presence on rap radio, a healthy uptick in compilation sales, and a number one album in GFID. The brand is just getting bigger every time out, and while platinum still alludes Ross, the Maybach ball is, in many ways, just getting rolling.

The League - "Cool For Thought" (Video)

The League's underground talents have had me anxiously awaiting a follow-up to the California duo's debut project Junior Varsity. Good news graced my inbox recently when P. Cool and J. Wax hit KWT with their newest single "Cool For Thought" from their forthcoming mixtape of the same name.



Released in visual form, which can be viewed above, "Cool For Thought" finds the twosome venting on the frustrations of an upcoming hip hop group over production Stalley fans will recognize. Expect a free download of Cool For Thought to hit the web sooner than later. Meanwhile, here at the KWTemple, we're hyped to bump new sounds from one of our favorite up and coming acts in rap.

Rap on the TV: Pilot Series The Rapper Hoping to Get Greenlight

First off, I've been bad with emails and Tweets, and I'm trying to improve. That has to do with not regularly checking the spots I should be checking, so my bad. Anyways, this popped up in my inbox a little while ago -- and what we've got here is a new series that's trying to gain network attention. And it's about THAT LIFE, even if you're not. "Set in the digital-age, The Rapper chronicles the story of three young men who attempt to overcome the of lack of support, lack of resources, lack of finances, and the pressures of street life, in order to see their dreams of making it in the hip hop industry come true". 

Sounds like a dope concept for sure, and one that's sure to interest more than a few people around these parts. For every Soulja Boy or "Gangnam Style", there's millions of dudes hustling upstream, constantly having to ask themselves if the road less traveled is worth it. The series is directed by Los Angelian Vincent LaMotte, and it's being billed as a mash-up of The Wire, Mad Men and Hustle & Flow. Certainly a promising combination. 

To the guy who sent over the email, and anyone else I haven't gotten to -- I promise I'll get there. KWT is all about supporting passionate people. With all that said, if you like what you see and are intrigued, give these guys any support you can, whether it's a Youtube comment, an email, whatever. Also, as a lil KWT exclusive, I've included the link to the first episode, which I should probably watch so I know what's going on.

Episode 1 - "Not Cause I Want To, Cause I Have To"

Rick Ross - Black Bar Mitzvah (Artwork)

As if gifting us God Forgives, I Don't this year wasn't enough, Rozay will be back with MORE heat on October 8. The hustle never ends. I'm having a tough time believing this. I mean Rich Forever shit on guys whole discogaphies, and we're getting another dose of mixtape Rozay? It's Thanksgiving this weekend in Canada, so when it comes time for me to say what I'm thankful for... you already know.

I'm taking early bets: any shots at 50 on the tape? Shots at Jeezy? Gunplay threatening to kill Mike Knox? As the man himself says, "retaliation is a must."

Kendrick Lamar - "Compton" (feat. Dr. Dre) [prod. Just Blaze]

The best month of the year is finally upon us, and it has nothing to do with Drake, a little to do with my birthday, and a lot to do with the best atmosphere of the year. Comfortable weather, football season, awesome holidays, and, oh yeah, great music. In case you've forgotten, Kendrick Lamar's retail debut drops on the 22nd, an album that people have been salivating over since the first time they heard the Compton emcee spit. We've already been given a few singles, visuals, and even artwork, but yesterday, K.Dot let loose of one of supposedly 30 Dre collaborations the two cooked up during their heavily advertised studio sessions. Listen to the Just Blazed produced joint below before heading over to iTunes to pre-order the Deluxe Edition of good kid, m.A.A.d. city.

Update: Figured we'd throw in the track listing for K.Dot's LP while we're at it. If that kinda thing's your bag, baby, head down bottom to see just what the album will entail, including features from Lady Gaga, Dr. Dre, Drake, Mary J. Blige, and more.

Pre-Order: Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d. city (Deluxe Edition)

Previous: Kendrick Lamar - "Westside, Right On Time" (feat. Young Jeezy)

Nas - "Cherry Wine" (feat. Amy Winehouse) [Video]

We've been absent for a few days, but don't fret, we're all still very much alive. Blame it on the alcohol my Physics, Econ and Logistics professors for obviously joining the Illuminati and deciding to throw all of their exams on the same day. Anyway, what better way to get back into the swing of things than a new Nasir visual? This time, Life Is Good pumps out another clip, with the posthumous Amy Winehouse assisted "Cherry Wine."



An undeniable favorite from God's Son's latest, the visual looks as good as the joint sounds. Dopeness.