The Connect: ESTELLE X DJ TRAUMA - #IALMOSTMADEAMIXTAPE

Yo! Check out the new mixtape from singer/rapper/etc Estelle. Mixed with the popular DJ Trauma “” has features from John Legend, Nas and more. Heres a sample track below. Comment to let me know if you TOO things shes not...

DOWNLOAD: ESTELLE X DJ TRAUMA - #IALMOSTMADEAMIXTAPE

----> KiDBLaCK <----

New Video: Corinne Bailey Rae – Closer

Yo! So...Corinne Bailey Rae is beautiful. The end.

----> KiDBLaCK <----

New Music: Kanye West- Power

Yo! Mr West is back. Ya ready. *looks at album art above* Cant believe this nuykkah did...

DOWNLOAD: Kanye West-Power

----> KiDBLaCK <----

New Video: Janelle Monae- Tightrope Wondamix Ft B.o.B & Lupe FIasco

Tightrope (Wondamix) ft. B.o.B & Lupe Fiasco

Janelle Monae | MySpace Music Videos

YO! We got Ms. Monae here with the visuals for her new Tightrope Wondamix ft B.o.B and Lupe. This looked fun. Thats all i thought...How bout you...comment, let me know.

----> KiDBLaCK <----

MUSIC VIDEO: Chiddy Bang-Sooner Or Later

Chiddy Bang - "Sooner Or Later" (Pretty Much Amazing Music Video Premiere) from Pretty Much Amazing on Vimeo.

Sooner or later these guys are gonna blow up. I peeped this song while going through their available music on Youtube and enjoyed it enough to let it end up on my MP3 player. Turns out they now have a video for it. Enjoy...

ATM

Bluetube: Keri Hilson: MTV's When I Was 17

Trace Y here...

i wish i could find a video about a more interesting artist.. with less weird friends. But hey, free is free.

Fonzworth Bentley 'Greener' f/ Anthony Hamilton video premiere

Trace Y here...

This video ... this song... those lyrics... his oufit?

I didn't know how i felt about this video but i just couldn't stop watching. Bently's flow is awkward and Anthony Hamilton isn't really doing it for me either. But hey... yay new music?

Also, it doesn't help that I just find it hard taking Fonzworth "servant for Diddy" Bently seriously.

Jim Jones Gives Back To The Community

ATM

The Minions "Minion Mambo" f/ Lupe Fiasco & Pharrell

Trace Y here...

The Minions "Minion Mambo" f/ Lupe Fiasco & Pharrell

*Bonus* Pharrell - "Prettiest Girls"

*Bonus* Pharrell - "Rocket's Theme"

via GoWhereHipHop:

The 'Despicable Me' soundtrack features a lot of writing, production, and new songs from Pharrell Williams, who also co-produced the movie's score with the legendary Hans Zimmer. Perhaps Clearly the most interesting of the bundle comes courtesy of 'The Minions', who I believe are the little critters you see above. In "Minion Mambo", Lupe writes and performs as 'The Minions' and his voice is then modified to be their high-pitch. Amidst the rhyming is some singing from Pharrell, which makes for a unique track to say the least. The lyrics are pretty clever if you pay attention closely, but it's not quite the collabo you are expecting. Pharrell continues the singing in the trio of solo tracks available below, also for the movie. "Rocket's Theme" is the simplest and my favorite of those three. Finally, Robin Thicke contributes his musical stylings on "My Life", which is another nice upbeat record that matches the theme of all of the tracks in the post. Download 'em all and hear for yourself (shouts 2 UHTN). And if you're scoring at home, Lupe Fiasco has now rapped as The Minions and Blitzen in the past 6 months. Enjoy!

Upcoming Albums...

This is a good time for Hip Hop. Drake & Eminem are both on the top of Billboard right now.

Kanye West - Good Ass Job

Set to drop: Sep 14th

KiD CuDi - Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager

Set to drop: Sep. 14th

BONUS! Click here for to listen & download a live version of "Kid Cudi - Mr. Rager."

John Legend & The Roots - Wake Up Sessions

Set to drop: Sep. 21st

this is one i'm definitely looking forward to.

Featuring 11 songs, "Wake Up" is infused with sounds of gospel, rock, reggae and hip-hop. "These songs sound so relevant now," Legend said in a statement about the album, which originally started as a one-song idea. "On most of them, you wouldn't change a lyric.

The album features one original composition, Legend's song "Shine," described as a "Stevie-Wonder-meets-gospel" track, which is featured in Davis Guggenheim's upcoming documentary film "Waiting for Superman."

I'll keep you posted on other albums dropping soon. I expect Kanye & CuDi to sell pretty well. I expect Legend to not sell much, but either way you'll probably be able to catch all three on the connect.

Michael Jackson Tribute

I'm normally one who doesn't hop on celebrity bandwagons but I must admit, I'm ADDICTED to all things Michael Jackson now since he's died. I criticize tributes because I feel as though they come at the worse time and are never decent. Truth be told, I did NOT co-sign on the "We Are the World" remix for Haiti. Jean had the best intentions but it just...sucked. Moving on, I LOVE Aloe Blacc's rendition of "Billie Jean" and I hope he gets some shine from it.

Artemis J

Sammie-Its Just A Mixtape Intro

I'm hopin' this isn't a product of Chris Breezy's relatively acclaimed mixtape. Nevertheless, it's that boy Sammie who you probably remember as that pre-teen R&B sensation from back in the day who now just so happens to rap. I didn't find anything extraordinary about this track but you can't hate on someone who's just tryna do his thing. Enjoy?...

ATM

MIXTAPE: DRAKE X COLDPLAY – OCTOBER’S VERY COLD (PRODUCED BY CHI DULY)

Trace Y here...

[click here for the connect]

wow. who's idea was this?

i love it. Not necessarily because it's Drake, but because i happen to love it when rap is placed over alternative or even "indie" songs or beats. I guess it makes sense that this was done with Drake considering So far Gone was full of raps over artists like Lykke Li, SantiGold & Bjorn.

I think its something that should be done more often.

props to Toasted Robots

The Connect:The Roots – How I Got Over

Yo! I wasn't gonna put this out. But its wrong not to. This is hip hop right here. i have not heard the roots sound this right on in a while. The CONNECT brings you THE ROOTS in HOW I GOT OVER.

DOWNLOAD: The Roots – How I Got Over

----> KiDBLaCK <----

New Video: J. Cole – Who Dat

Yo! J. Cole's debut video. Lets hope dude gets some love.

----> KiDBLaCK <----

New Video: The Roots – Dear God 2.0

YO! The Roots are back and with a vengeance. I was confused on why they were on broadcast television almost every night as a house band, but their new album HOW I GOT OVER shut me up. Heres the visuals for their single Dear God 2.0. DOPE.

----> KiDBLaCK <----

Zeyi-Dark Brown Shades (Music Video)

So, as a personal fan of Zeyi (a Hamilton alum), I am honestly pleasantly surprised out my ass that he dropped a video for this joint off of his mixtape Working For Bill (formerly posted here on BVR). Shout out to Kevin Lopez on direction.

ATM

Bluetube: Drake Breaks Down Thank Me Later

DRAKE | BREAKING DOWN 'THANK ME LATER' from DJ SEMTEX on Vimeo.

Yo! Drake is breaking it down with DJ Semtex. Talking about Him and Rhianna's fling, Him having unprotected sex and forgetting about all the people who really love him. this is interestingly real. What do ya'll think? Comment...

----> KiDBLaCK <----

Around The Way: Canada

I know you're probably thinking that it's about time I take my ass to Canada and see what the music our neighbors to North provide is all a boot. : D

Sorry but I had to do it lol. Well I did and let me warn you that this post has NOTHING to do with Drake so if you want to deuce out then do so now...BYE! Now for all you happenin' folks that stayed congratulations; you're in for a treat. I need to put all ya'll on to the lovely and talented Jenna Andrews. Her voice is so soulful and filled with a unique pain that just grabs a hold of you and sits your ass down. Mark my words, this Canadian is going places. Here's her debut single"Tumblin' Down" that REALLY makes me want Starbucks for some reason. Hmmmm caramel Frapps. Pause...does anyone else think she looks like the older sister of Katy Perry.

-Artemis J

I feel like my early morning sun sets and my nights rise.

Days by days, nights by nights.

I'm full of lies. I'm full of cries.

I ain't dead and gone but I'm paralyzed.

HOT OR NOT: Sophia Fresh

I have 3 words to describe Sophia Fresh: FAKE ASS TLC. Ok why am I tight? Maybe it's because this track is off of the Step Up 3's soundtrack...why the HELL is there a franchise to Step Up? Don't you think everyone should be UP by now? Oh and WHY is it in 3D??? I blame James Cameron. Anyway, these chicks are the brain child off T-Pain and I know even though the movie might flop this track won't. This is a b-boy/girl's anthem and it's real catchy. Don't fight the feeling...unless the feeling says to go and see this whack movie. In that case, beat that feeling with a bat.

-Artemis J

This is the pole that you dance to and shake your funky stuff

If you're doing the same old two step then that just ain't enough

Then And Now: Macy Gray

Hey folks. I know it's been a minute since I dropped through but hey what can I say? Diva's been making moves. So many new artists have been popping up that it feels good to hear from a familiar soul. Macy Gray is back with her 6th studio album, The Sellout, out this Tuesday. Miss Gray, who's in her early 40s, is an artist I admire because of her originality (that distinct raspy voice), creativity (have you seen those outfits she rocks?), and just all around realness. I remember her first coming on to the scene back in the late 90s with "I Try" and I've been a fan ever since. Here's her latest single so sit back, relax, and smile as Ms. Gray reminds us that there's still "Beauty in the World."

-Artemis J

First let me refresh your memory...

I may appear to be free
But I'm just a prisoner of your love
And I may seem all right and smile when you leave
But my smiles are just a front

We need more lovin’
We need more money, they say
Change is gonna come
Like the weather
They say forever
They say
When they’re in between
Notice the blue skies
Notice the butterflies
Notice me

CORRECTION:Her album is dropping this Monday. sounds as though her label is worried that she won't be able to compete with others artists' record sales.

NEW MUSIC: Dr. Dre ft. Jay-Z – “Under Pressure”

Trace Y here...

[listen and download]

after a decade, Blue Vinyl gets the first leak off of DETOX.

The Connect: Drake, Cookin’ Soul & Don Cannon – Thank Us Later

Yo! So i know you went out and bought Drake's Thank Me Later [or were here in time to get it on the connect two weeks ago]. Well guess what... i got something a little better than what you had been rocking out to from october's very own debut. This, FOR FREE, is a live reimaginig of the album...well i likes it... despite all the yelling and ignorant DJ shit... and if you download and comment i'll know if you did to...

DOWNLOAD: Drake, Cookin’ Soul & Don Cannon – Thank Us Later

----> KiDBLaCK <----

Artist Spotlight: Joonie

Trace Y here...

Randomly came across this R&B artist. Sounds good. take a listen right quick

Joonie - So Fly by We Plug G.O.O.D Music 2

download that song here

and if you want to listen to and download more free tracks by this guy, you can do that here.

NEW MUSIC: Nadine Charles “Kisses in the Morning”

Trace Y here...

[click for preview & download]

Cute song. Posted up on her blog for free this morning, so this download is guilt free ;)

B.o.B - Airplanes f/Haley Williams VIDEO

Trace Y here...

you know B.o.B & Haley Williams have actually never met? Not even for the video...

awkward

Bluetube: Nicki Minaj Reacts to Drake's "Crush" On Her

trace Y here...

there isn't actually anything significant about this video. I just liked that Ms.Minaj wasn't putting up some fake "baddest bitch" persona during the interview. She seems... almost like a real person. Understands that people say things just to get attention, doesn't wanna get "holla'd at," wants to focus on her album...

she still looks & acts strange.

Katy Perry "California Gurls" f/ Snoop Dogg

Trace Y

Snoop dog is a grown ass man. With kids. SEVERAL kids. Yet he allows himself to get recorded in videos like the one above, and this.

VIDEO: Junior Reid "I'm So Crazy" f/ Cassidy

trace Y here...

no Junior Reid you're not crazy. just old.

FREE MIXTAPE: Blue Vinyl Summer Hits Vol. 1

Trace Y here...

Well, you know how i like to give free things away.

click the images to see them full size.

download instructions:

click this link

download

unzip file

enjoy

now wait for volume 2 to drop...

Jay-Z feat. Kanye West-Run This Town (Live)

You don't see a live show as big as this nowadays...

ATM

Plies - Goon Affiliated (Album Review)

HipHopDX.com did not like Plies's fourth effort, entitled Goon Affiliated. Perhaps this is a sign that people actually want more lyrical quality to the music they listen to...

Plies - Goon Affiliated Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews

ATM

Drake Acapella "Freestyle"... NO BLACKBERRY

ATM

UPDATE: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/audio/id.11222/title.drake--bollywood-flow-prod-statik-selektah?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hiphopdx%2Fnews+%28HipHopDX.com%29 I'm not sure if Statik Selektah just chopped up the vocals from this video and made a track out of it or if Drake just took this newly released track and presented it to Tim Westwood...

Then and Now: Booty Rap (Juvenile)

Fun Fact: Juvenile's "Back That Thang Up" was the first video to be retired from MTV's "Total Request Live"

Another Fun Fact: Juvenile's 400 Degreez, featuring the smash singles "Ha" and "Back That Thang Up" went quadrupile Platinum.

Not such a Fun Fact: Juve's career has taken a beating since his split with Cash Money (who has been quite successful as of late with the superstardom of Young Money Ent.).

But the boy Juve is back with his new single, "Drop That Thang" off of his upcoming LP Beast Mode. This song is obviously reminiscent of '99 hit but will undoubtedly never receive the same acclaim. However, I'm feelin' the fun spirit of the joint and I hope ya'll do to.

ATM

The Connect: Rox - Memoirs

Trace - Y here...

[click here for the connect]

I know it's usually Artemis J who hits you with international artists, but I was playing around on some UK blogs this morning and stumbled upon this chick. Plus this post comes with a link her album. Its pretty great. I'm actually upset i haven't done this sooner....

if you wanna hear how she sounds before taking the FOUR MINUTES to download the album, go ahead & give this a listen.

also...

I kinda feel bad i'm just giving her away for free, so here's the link to her myspace. Go there & support her if it so moves you...

New Music: Simile-House Of Dreams

YO! Simile is back at it. This summer he is gearing up to release a new project titled '"Folowing Your Dreams" Has Been Cancelled'. This track is right off that. The project is a jazz graffiti inspired album dealing with promising characters in sad stories... this song right here is House Of Dreams, produced by The Stuyvesants.

DOWNLOAD: Simile-House Of Dreams

For more on SIMILE check out IAMSIM.com

----> KiDBLaCK <----

2010 Summertime Music Mashup

Trace Y Here...

credit to @TodaysBigThing for the video

This compilation sounds a whole lot better than the songs do on their own.

"But Tracey" you ask "where's the link for the download?" yeah... it's coming... i have a summertime music surprise coming up soon of my own. It'll start with this mashup, and end with a BVR interpretation of what summertime hits are supposed to sound like. Sound good? of course it does... it's free music!

stay tuned...

Then and Now: Coke Rap

So I'm thinking of starting a new installment here on the blog called "Then and Now" where I'll compare Hip-Hop music from back in the day to Hip-Hop now. This first edition has to do with what many call "coke rap." Artists like Gucci Mane., Jeezy, and the Clipse have made a killing discussing the "trap" in their music but never really dwell too deeply on the necessity of taking such a risk in one's life. However, I like Cube's approach. Check out his song "A Bird In The Hand" from his 1991 release Death Certificate and compare that with the lyrics from USDA's former smash, "White Girl." What do you think...

ATM

Hot Mess of the Week: Shyne feat. Robin Thicke-Pushin' It

We here at BVR recently posted a new joint by The Game entitled, "Pushin' It" (twice as a matter of fact lol). Turns out Shyne wanted to hop on and provide the world with his own rendition. Personally, I wasn't really anticipating anything of lyrical quality but three seconds into his verse had me thinkin' to myself... what the fuck is wrong with his vocals? I'm not too sure about the details of his deportation but um... I'm confused. Shyne, take some halls and get back to speaking normally.

ATM

The Connect: Travie McCoy – Lazarus

YO! I know Lady Trace-Y has been reppin his shiznit here on the blog as of late, but heres ya boy KB with the CONNECT. I got Travie's album right here...he went from being a gym class hero to a religious hero or some sort...?...why LAZARUS? Eh... i dont care that much. Heres THE CONNECT with Travie McCoy's 'Lazarus'. Comment and let me know what you think.

DOWNLOAD: Travie McCoy – Lazarus

----> KiDBLaCK <----

New Music: Kanary Diamonds-Who Dat

She goes by the name of Kanary Diamonds and she's reppin' The Game's crew, Black Wall Street. Pretty decent flow. Enjoy...

ATM

The Connect: Eminen "Recovery"

Yo! Eminem...Recovery... here you go...get connected... if you like it comment and let me know...

DOWNLOAD: Eminen "Recovery"

-----> KiDBLaCK <-----

New Music:Big Boi – Lookin’ For Ya f. Andre 3000 & Sleepy Brown

Yo! This is what im talking about. Let Big Boi keep this up and he will have gained himself another fan. AND JANELLE MONAE'S GONNA BE ON THE ALBUM...This is Big Boi's "Lookin’ For Ya" f. Andre 3000 & Sleepy Brown. Like it, Comment.

DOWNLOAD: Big Boi – Lookin’ For Ya f. Andre 3000 & Sleepy Brown

-----> KiDBLaCK <-----

Outasight to drop new project.

Trace - Y here...

@Outasight dropped some good news on my twitter timeline this afternoon.

"im gonna drop a new project. friday. july 2nd. it will be called Never Say Never. thankyou."

Hell Yess...

[stay tuned to BVR for The Connect]

MUSIC VIDEO: Lady Gaga-Alejandro

Does this video remind anyone else of Madonna? Just sayin'...

ATM

Jae Millz feat. Chris Brown-Green Goblin

Look Chris, we here at BVR have been givin' you a lot of press lately... some of us even sorta like what you've been up to. If you fuck this up for all of us (that means BVR, you, and everyone you've been collabin' wit) by beatin' on someone else, I will piss on every CD of yours I ever come across again.

ATM

Big Sean - High Rise

With Big Sean's Finally Famous 3 dropping soon, the first single, "High Rise" has been released.

Big Sean - High Rise (prod. Don Cannon)

Getting money n*ggahs think I joined the Illuminati, Throwing West Side up I'm feeling like Killuminati

Harlem

Eminem - No Love ft. Lil Wayne

This leak has surfaced recently featuring a sample of the classic Haddaway throwback "What is Love." Weezy joins Em once again in "No Love." I never doubted Wayne but damn. You know what, when you hit 1:30 and Weezy starts going in, you tell me how you feel about Lil Wayne then...

Preview & Download: Eminem - No Love ft. Lil Wayne (Prod. Just Blaze)

[link fixed]


I think about more than I forget, but I don't go around fire expecting not sweat.

Harlem

New Music: Game Feat. T.I. & Robin Thicke – “Pushin’ It”

Trace Y here...

[click here to hear the preview & download the track]

I had a hard time taking the song seriously near the end... but it's still pretty dope.

*shout out to Laurita for playing this outloud in my vicinity.