We'll Be Back

What's Good?
I apologize for the hiatus but due to some outside interference we had to take a break. I promise you we will be back with a new location and more enthused writers. Stay Tuned!

New Music Update: 1977 -Terius Nash

What's Good?
The hiatus is officially over. After months of writing for himself and many highly celebrated recording artist, The Dream releases his anticipated freEP titled 1977. For this freEP he dubs himself as Terius Nash. Make you look out for his latest album 'The Love IV(Diary Of A Madd Black) Man' set to release soon.

1977 -Terius Nash (The Dream)

J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story (Tracklisting X Artwork)

Cole World: The Sideline Story” Drops on September 27th


1. Intro
2. Dollar and a Dream III
3. Can’t Get Enough ft. Trey Songz
4. Lights Please
5. Interlude
6. Sideline Story
7. Mr. Nice Watch ft. Jay-Z
8. Cole World
9. In The Morning ft. Drake
10. Lost Ones
11. Nobody’s Perfect ft. Missy Elliot
12. Never Told (prod. by No I.D.)
13. Rise and Shine
14. God’s Gift
15. Breakdown
16. Cheer Up
Bonus
1. Nothing Lasts Forever
2. Work Out
3. Daddy’s Little Girl

Music Update: Thursday (mixtape) -The Weeknd

If you remember he dropped his first project under the name right around the same time as Frank Ocean... Both of these young R&B/GenreToBeNamed artists are taking the game by storm... Production is crazy just like his last tape, and his homie Drake is on a track as well....

The Weeknd - Thursday (mixtape)

White Mike?

Sometimes trying to understand people's "art" gets confusing. Yesterday, ESPN's columnist, Toure wrote up an article about Michael Vick and race. On his twitter account he claimed that he asked ESPN not to run the article with the headlines "What if Mike Vick was white" but they went ahead anyway.

My question though is, what was the point of doing it? Is there a reason why everyday another writer brings to light something that should stay in the dark?

Here's the picture of "White Mike".I wonder what Vick's response will be.

What's yours? Comment here or hit me up on Twitter @TDimas_ with a reaction.

New Music Update: Rough Draft[Mixtape] -Jeff Donna

What's Good?
The homie Jeff Donna dropped his latest freEP to hold the fans and hip hop listeners over til he drops Spa Treatment. He opens the tape with a barrage of lyrics allowing you to engage in his thought process. #WEARESTJOHNS

Rough Draft -Jeff Donna

Check It Out: A.D.H.D. -Kendrick Lamar

What's Good?
Finally K dot drops another set of visual for maybe the best track on his #Section80 project. I really tip my hat to this gentleman for all his success.

#NOCOMMENT

Blu - NoYork (Free Album)

MOst fans in NYC know that he didn't show up for his scheduled show there recently. He then said his next project would be titled NoYork.. here it is, and as usual, its rare to get Blu material so enjoy... its free.



Tracklist and download after the jump...

Curren$y X DJ Drama - Verde Terrace

The most consistent with this mixtape/FreEP movement... Curren$y drops his next project Verde Terrace.

Curren$y X DJ Drama - Verde Terrace

Terrelle Pryor Drafted by Oakland.

I woke up this morning and first thing I saw on ESPN were possible destinations for former Ohio State Buckeye's QB, Terrelle Pryor.

Even before clicking I said to myself, "Raiders are definitely going to take him" and with the 18th selection in the 3rd round of the Supplemental Draft, the Oakland Raiders and Al Davis took a shot on a QB who has a lot to prove in a short amount of time.

I never felt that Pryor did anything wrong truthfully. I didn't think him selling his equipment and Ohio State valuables was that big of a deal. At the end of the day it was his possessions that he got rid of and it wasn't as if he was using the money for anything illegal. A college kid needs money and how they obtain it, as long as it's legal of course, shouldn't be punished.

Pryor had promised Ohio State to return to the team next year and serve a 5 game suspension for his "crime". After his coach, Jim Tressel was fired however, and Ohio State started to become filled with allegations from former players way before Pryor's era, he decided to enter the Supplemental draft and take his talents to the NFL.

He wasn't named eligible right away but after a meeting with NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, he was named eligible with the understanding that he would be punished 5 games in the NFL. At first Pryor planned to appeal but this past week during his workout for 17 NFL teams he said in a statement to reporters that he would not appeal the suspension. Good idea, buddy.

And so, after 5 suspension games look for Pryor to dress up in the Silver and Black uniform and try to put the past in the past and move forward. His next true step is proving that he has what it takes to be an NFL Quarterback.


PS: NEW TWITTER ACCOUNT - @TDIMAS_

St8ofmines: Throwback Joint Of The Week

Before the collaborative front of Hov and Ye i.e "Watch the throne", The R.O.C man had previous global success collabing with another big name from the Chi A.K.A Robert Kelly. Though the dynamic of two rappers is definitely different from a rapper and a singer the hits were still pumping and the huge success contributed to an official Best of Both Worlds Tour and amazing album sales. Though the relationship went somewhat sour for a number of reasons, the time spent showed what these two could potentially do to the game. Fiesta the single that sparked the idea went on to climb the billboard charts and is this week's throwback joint of the week enjoy.

St8ofmines By Ear Mixtape Review: JF Brooks

Peace and Blessings,

Brooklyn native JF Brooks recently dropped his debut album Undeniable. The thirteen track soul rendition gives you a look into the 23 year old iraqi war vet's life, dreams, ambitions, and so forth. The production on the album has a very smooth soulful consistency that not only grabs your attention but also puts you in the frame of mind to connect with JF on each track. Lyrically Jf displays the lyrical prowess to entertain mainstream audiences as well as provoking one to think on a more deeper conscious level.
The album also contains a number of powerful interludes and skits that nicely transition with the subject matter of each track. This album has "Undeniable" replay value and im certain lovers of sound quality music will connect with it. Check the link Here

By Ear: @St8ofmines

New Music Update: The Eleven One Eleven Theory [Mixtape] -Wale

What's Good?
Folarin drops his latest mixtape since his last internet senstion FreEP.

The Eleven One Eleven Theory [Mixtape]

St8ofmines By Ear Mixtape Review: DreamChasers

Peace and Blessings

Fellow philly native Meek Mill is back with the highly anticipated Mixtape DreamChasers. On board with the Maybach Music Group Meek has been steadily forming into the "Next Up" to blow. Meek most certainly proved his talents on The Maybach Music Group "Self Made" Mixtape and has been quite consistent on banging out the hits i.e "I'ma Boss and "Tupac's Back" DreamChasers hosted by DJ Drama, combines the radio hits with gritty tales about life on the streets of philly and the struggles associated. Meek has been on his grind for quite some time and DreamChasers is a solid piece of work proving so. Check the link for the drop. Listen to it here

By Ear: St8ofmines

Watch the Throne....Collapse?

The marketing and promotion for this collaboration album has been crazy. And while I'm not offer a review of the music specifically, I thought I'd say a little about the reaction from fans and media alike.

I'm not into to following the crowd. I must admit I've never been a die hard Jay-Z fan, but Kanye is pretty dope when it comes to name dropping and lyrically attacking any and everyone. I found it interesting that for the second time Jay-Z decided to do a collaboration album. If you recall, in 2002 Jay and R. Kelly released Best of Both Worlds. Admittedly, this was a classic album but suffered due to Mr. Kelly's court case nevertheless. So to do it again, you'd think Jay would partner with someone a little less controversial. Kanye has been known to throw a tantrum or two, grab a mic and say all hell against whomever he chooses. However, he and Jay have formed a very close chemistry over the years so I assume, the pairing was organic.

If I focus on the fan reactions from the itunes comments alone, it seems, that fans are utterly confused. Lots of comments say "its not what I expected" or something along the lines of "its not that great". While the lead single "Otis" seemed to excite fans whetting their appetite for more, I don't think many fans will stay for dessert. Critics have come down hard on the album calling Jay's flow "lazy and unconvincing" and even saying that Kanye is "elaborate and off putting".

Regretfully I admit that all the drama has me contemplating purchasing and hearing for myself. And as a fan of hip-hop, I owe them that, I think. But, all of the comments whether positive, negative or indifferent got me thinking alot about the title and the connotations associated with it. Two self-proclaimed kings in their own right have asked us, the common folk, to watch the throne. Well my question is what are we watching? Is this a continuation of the dynasty Jay began with Roc-a-Fella or are we watching the demise of a royal asshole and his millionaire rapper friend?

If we are to "watch the throne" as the title suggest, I would challenge you to look for a few things:
1) Portrayal of the Theme: How well do the artists set the tone for the album? You have to think about the purpose of this album. Why a collaboration? why now? Why the throne?
2) What is missing: Its important to know there are very few feature son this album both features and production. Who is missing? What is missing? How could the absence of something have changed the finished product?
3)Integrity: Separate the two and examine their performance based on their career. Is this the best they've done or could do? Is it similar to what we've seen? How are they elevating their craft?
4) Implications: Look at the album in context. What does this album say about hip-hop as a genre and a culture?

It could very well be that in thinking of all of this you find no real answers. But, it is worth thinking about. And one last thing, who put Kanye and Jay-Z on the throne anyway?