Video: Drake – HYFR (feat. Lil Wayne)

The 1st of  2 highly anticipated video drops from Drake this week.....Drake went crazy along with a few other people in this video, Mazel Tov!!!!!!!!!!!

Video: Melanie Fiona & J. Cole Perform on Jay Leno

Melanie Fiona recently performed her single "This Time" on The Tonight Show with help from her label mate J. Cole. Her album The MF Life features the single and is in stores now.

Drake Covers GQ Magazine April 2012 Issue

When I found out Drake was on the cover of GQ magazine for the month of April I rushed out to get it. When I arrived at the book store to purchase the magazine I could not find it because there were also 2 other covers for April's GQ, and the ones with Drake on the cover were behind those. So me being the Loyal Drizzy lover that I am took all the ones of Drake and put them in front of the other GQ magazines. I just could not help myself! The article was delectable and left me wanting me because it just was not lengthy enough to be a Drake article, well atleast for me it was not.

OVOXO

Video: Wale – Sabotage (feat. Lloyd)

Wale released a video for Sabotage from his Ambition album. The visuals takes us back to high school with some assistance from the beautiful songster Lloyd.

Video: Ryan Leslie – 5 Minute Freshen Up

Ryan Leslie takes us to MIAMI for his latest video, 5 Minute Freshen Up can be found on Ryan’s upcoming Les Is More

Y.O.L.O. - SAN JOSE

Courtesy of Drake's OVO blog.

A Little Favour

Club Paradise Tour Spring 2012 USA

My WISH came true, late Thursday night Drake announced a Club Paradise Tour for the Spring. After the cancellation of the first tour in the fall and the current club paradise tour that is going on now I did not think that Drizzy would have another US tour but he IS and yours truly will go and sit front row. The Special Guests include North Carolina native J. Cole, Waka Flocka Flame, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, and French Montanna. The dates are as follows.

May 7 – Concord, CA – Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord **
May 8 – Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
May 10 – Phoenix, AZ – Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion
May 11 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
May 13 – Denver, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
May 14 – Albuquerque, NM – Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion
May 16 – Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion
May 17 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
May 19 – Charlotte, NC – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
May 20 – Atlanta, GA – Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
May 22 – Raleigh, NC – Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
May 23 – Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
May 25 – Washington, DC – Verizon Center
May 26 – Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion
May 28 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
May 30 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 1 – Indianapolis, IN – Klipsch Music Center
June 2 – Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
June 5 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum
June 6 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
June 8 – Darien Lake, NY – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
June 9 – Philadelphia, PA – Susquehanna Bank Center
June 11 – Hartford, CT – Comcast Theatre
June 12 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
June 14 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
June 16 – New York, NY – Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
June 17 – Boston, MA – Comcast Center

*Minus J Cole on the first date.

Tickets were on Sale as of Friday March 23rd.......GET THEM NOW!



Drake - VMagazine

Name: Drake

Name of Tour: Club Paradise Tour

Describe your team in three words: Loyal, honest, hungry.

What is your favorite memory so far of working with this team of individuals? We spend each day creating new memories…so my fondest is always the most recent.

Where is the strangest place you’ve ever performed? In a barnyard full of horseshit.

What is the most fun part of touring? Having a great crowd that just wants to sing loud and go hard. What is the hardest part of your touring? Staying healthy.

Is there anyone not pictured who is integral to making your show happen? My entire band and production team and all my fans.

Do you have any lucky charms? Jimi Hendrix Live at Woodstock on DVD. I always have it looping on my bus just to remind myself no matter what, you can always turn your situation into a great show.

What are your pre-show rituals? Vocal warm-up, prayer, and a shot of Henny.

What are some of your essential backstage items? Any special food or beverage? Listerine spray, chicken, dishes, fresh clothes.

If you could play anywhere, where would it be? Toronto.

What is the biggest misconception about being backstage or on the road? That it’s not everything it’s cracked up to be…’cause it is.

vmagazine

 

Courtesy of Drake's OVO blog.

Top 10 Hip Hop Albums of 2011

After much listening and promising the top 10 list is finally done. Choosing a list of only 10 Hip Hop albums when there were a long list of candidates was difficult. I created the list with the help of each album and some very thorough listening. These are some of the reason why I am so passionate about music in general but also why I fall in love with Hip Hop over and over again.

#1 Drake - Take Care 

Aubrey "Drake" Graham also known as Drizzy Drake clinches the #1 spot with no questions asked. The anticipation of this album like to have killed me. I couldn't wait to hear it, to listen to what this master mind had created for the world to hear. He is an artist that does two things very well and those two things are rapping and singing. He does both in a manner that allows anyone to relate to his music. I bought this cd the day it came out and have listened to it everyday since, loving it more and more every time I listen. I have not always loved Drake and I have wrote about it before, but with every fiber of my being I am forever an OVOXO chick now. Drake is the #1 reason that I have came to love that OVOXO ish.

#2 Jay Z Kanye Watch The Throne

Jay-Z and Kanye, two of Hip Hop's biggest stars gave us a glimpse of what Hip Hop can really be when two rap genius' come together to create a throne that they both can watch. It was genius the way two head strong individuals could come together and make history with an album that took Hip Hop to new heights. Each song and lyric was crafted to be a hit. It was Hip Hop mixed with R&B and some of the craziest beats that you could have ever imagined that made one of the best Kanye and Jay albums of all times.

#3 J. Cole Cole World: The Sideline Story

Jermaine Jermaine.....this album makes me proud! J. Cole put North Carolina on the map and is accountable for telling us The Sideline Story, through which he represents a broad spectrum of lyrical proof. From Work Out, to In The Morning, to Nobody's Perfect the songs were perfect but so was the album. Cole World was everything I expected it to be and more, that makes me so hype about what this Roc Nation artist has in store for us in the future. Jermaine gave us his dream with his own story, as we listened it was then that we realized that everyone has a story and some of those stories takes us places that we only dreamed of going.

#4 Big Sean Finally Famous

Oh sh*t I'm finally famous!!! G.O.O.D. music done this young thang some good with this album. Since he signed with Kan he has definitely blew up into this Louis Vuitton Sean and then some! Big Sean definitely has an edge to him when it comes to expressing himself and he surely was not afraid to do it while talking about relationships, sex, and chicks (and a lot of them). Sean has got to be one of the best speakers I have ever heard speak, the excitement and humor that he has also shows through his music. He has a hardcore dopeness about him that makes you want to listen to his music and especially his Finally Famous album.

#5 Wale Ambition

 Lotus Flower Bomb *Miguel voice* I cannot help but hear that hook in my head when I think about this Ambition album. I waited for this album and Wale's fresh to death flow and the wait was worth it. There is something about his flow that draws you to the catchy words of his songs. Ambition was an environment that was created through versatility and the rhythmic sounds of a fresh young artist showing us what he is all about....I loved Ambition and everything it was about. Love, A Little White Chick With A Little White Wine ;)  

#6 Lupe Fiasco Lasers

Lupe and his Lasers speak incredible volumes if you actually take the time to listen to this dream driven, show must go on acclaimed album. Lupe gave us a more serious side on this album by truly telling the world how he feels no matter how explicit it got. We learned Lupe's political views and what he really holds as value. I still get hype listening to Show Goes On because of the power that the song itself has, but more importantly the fight for perseverance that Lupe gives us while spitting the lyrics. There is something amazing about a human being that still believes in world peace and being united as a whole and thanks to Lupe for being one of those people that still makes you believe that it is very much possible.

#7 Lil Wayne Carter IV

The Carter IV, what's all the hype for? Yes it sold nearly a million copies in its first week selling 964,000 units but I was rather disappointed with the final product. I actually feel like the mixtape Sorry 4 The Wait was better than the album. I felt as though Weezy had lost the hunger and the fight that motivates him. His flows were a bit different this time around, he sounded tired. I was expecting Weezy F*cking Baby to show up and show the f*ck out as usual. With this being said the album still landed in the Top 10 because his talent is still there and maybe he needed a warm up session to start that fire again. The album itself still gave good material just needed a harder punch to it. I am sure that Weezy is not a lost cause this album was just a small setback for a MAJOR comeback.

#8 Common The Dreamer/The Believer

Common definitely taught us what it was like to be a Dreamer and a Believer with his ninth studio album. Still the refreshing and dynamic Common that we know, he never fails to tell us the truth in his lyrics in a way that is more intellectually driven rather than what is cool. My favorite track off of the album was The Dreamer featuring Mya Angelou, there is something riveting about the message that Common and Mya sends through this song  "Let us dream for today and for tomorrow let us dare to dream".  Once again I was blown away at the way Common gave us a piece of his soul through his music and it never appears any less than beautiful each time.

#9 Young Jeezy TM=103 Hustlerz Ambition

 Shall we say the wait is over? Finally, the wait is over after being pushed back for two years the much anticipated album that is the completion of the Thug Motivation series was one that I had to wait for before I could even start my top 10 list. Jeezy being one of my favorite rappers since he first in listed into the game has continued the Jeezy tradition with this album by still bringing the style that on Jeezy has. This album entailed an all star line up of artist features including one for his #1 single I Do featuring Jay Z and Andre 3000. After all this time and the long awaited wait Jeezy still has the Motivation to teach us that Thug Motivation 101.

#10 Bad Meets Evil Hell: The Sequel 

  Eminem and Royce da 5'9 are two forces to be reckoned with and on this album they are a duo to be reckoned with. Eminem's gift of being able to culminate raw emotion into a song and making it all his own is an attribute that not all artists in general possess. He however does and is known and loved  by fans because of the lyrical genius that he is. While Royce da 5'9 on the other hand in my opinion has been a slept on as an artist when it comes to his talent and natural ability to flow. Royce has showcased his talent for many years but it was this album that actually gave him more credibility than any other project. With this EP focusing more on hardcore Hip Hop the album reached a broad audience, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and having two smash hits including Fast Lane and Lighters featuring Bruno Mars.

The World Famous Tony Williams – Another You (feat. Kanye West)

You may have heard the snippet of this BINK!-produced track from G.O.O.D. Music’s own Tony Williams’ last mixtape. Now we get the full version of track six featuring Kanye West off his just released album, King or the Fool.

Video: Cassie - King Of Hearts

Video: Drake’s Club Paradise Tour

My Birthday was last week and though Drake and the Club Paradise Tour will not be paying NC a visit this video footage from the tour will do for now.....The videos are a look from Drizzy and the Club Paradise tour at its finest.........OVOXO <3
SN: I am one happy chick! X&O

KiD CuDi – Dose of Dopeness

The anticipation is a an all time high for Cudi’s WZRD album which drops next week, this is just a glimpse of what we can expect with this joint produced by the very talented Dot Da Genius. I am stupid excited for Cudi's new album as I am sure a lot of other Cudi fans are.....I wonder what the WZRD world will be like?

Rihanna – Birthday Cake (Remix) Feat. Chris Brown

Rihanna's gift to us from her birthday party was a remix of her own Birthday Cake featuring Chris Brown.....with that being said I guess dessert is the way to the heart at least it is the way to mine.

Chris Brown – Turn Up the Music (Remix) Feat. Rihanna

Chris turned up the music adding Rihanna to the remix of his song Turn Up the Music....the colabo has definitely led to speculation of the twosome reuniting but......let's just let it be about the music.

Rihanna 2012 Grammy Awards Performance

Even though I just posted her BRIT Awards performance, I had to post her Grammy performance too. You can decide which one you like best. The beginning of this performance where Ri is singing over the piano is amazing, the feeling you get when you hear it is truly what this song is all about. Only if they had the beginning narration from the video at the beinning of the prformance, just would have been the cherries on top of the banana split.

Kanye West - Through The Wire (feat. John Legend, Miri Ben-Ari) Live



"Through The Wire" what does it mean to you? I know exactly what it means to me, it is one of the reasons why I fell in love with Kanye and it remains one of the reason's why the world became a fan. The rush that I still get when I hear the beat drop to this song is indescribable for numerous reasons and I still get hype riding down the road listening to Kanye's album The College Dropout. There is something about watching Kanye's journey from then to now that makes us continue to fall in love with Hip Hop,whether it be the growth that he has had as an artist or the way music in general has transformed. For me this performance is one that I could watch over and over again and it never gets old for the simple fact that Kanye brings it to life. John Legend singing the hook while that violin plays on top of that beat as Kanye raps one of the greatest stories of his life, its just one of those moments you have to fall in love with. It's an oldie but a goodie. <3

Video: Rihanna Performs ‘We Found Love’ at the BRIT Awards 2012

"We Found Love" never gets old and this time just like the first time it is simply beautiful. Whether it be the BRIT Awards or her Grammy performance she cannot go wrong when perfoming this song. The bad biotch herself lights fire to finding love in a hopeless place with this song and leaves us wanting more.

J. Cole College Campus Tour

North Carolina native J. Cole is burning the road up, coming to a college campus near you! The Roc Nation rapper will headline the “Campus Consciousness Spring 2012 / The Sideline Story Tour” beginning in April. The 17-date U.S. trek kicks off April 11 in Kensington, Rhode Island, with special guest Big K.R.I.T. Cole has partnered with REVERB, which aims to educate and mobilize students to take positive action for the planet. Via Rap-Up check out the tour dates below.

April 11 – Kingston, RI – University Of Rhode Island @ The Ryan Center
April 13 – Babson Park, MA – Private Location
April 14 – Waterville, ME – Colby College @ Wadsworth Arena
April 15 – Amherst, MA – Private Location
April 17 – Champaign, IL – University Of Illinois @ Assembly Hall Theatre
April 18 – Dekalb, IL – Northern Illinois University @ Convocation Center
April 19 – Lexington, KY – University Of Kentucky @ Memorial Coliseum
April 20 – Johnstown, PA – University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown @ Sports Center
April 21 – Greensboro, NC UNC Greensboro & North Carolina A&T @ White Oak Amphitheatre
April 23 – Springfield, MO – Drury University @ O’Reilly Center
April 24 – Cedar Falls, IA – University Of Northern Iowa @ McLeod Center
April 26 – Bloomsburg, PA – Bloomsburg College @ Nelson
April 27 – Morgantown, WV – West Virginia University @ WVU Coliseum
April 28 – Philadelphia, PA – Temple University @ The Liacouras Center
April 29 – TBA
May 3 – Durham, NH – University Of New Hampshire @ Whitmore Center Arena
May 4 – South Orange, NJ – Private Location

Video: Perry Mystique- Kriss Kross

Following the release of title track, Buildin’ Bridges, Dutch rapper/producer Perry Mystique releases the video freestyle over Kriss Kross’ infamous “Jump” track. Video directed by Digital Dan. The Buildin’ Bridges EP is slated to drop February 1
Perry Mystique is continuing to grow on me.....I absolutely love his music, style,and creativity.

Video: XV ft.Trae Tha Truth – Batteries

Video: Common Talks Drake Beef

Though I will not entertain the Common and Drake beef simply because I admire both of their talents as artists in the world of Hip Hop, I decided to post this to let people hear Common's opinion. However, I would hate to have to choose someones side in all the rift raft because Common is essentially part of Kanye's G.O.O.D music team and as we all know Kanye has has my heart for the longest...BUT I am smitten with Drake as I have stated as of late. For the most part I believe the two gentlemen should get there sh*t together and stop the non-sense. The jabs, disses, and beef is not worth it.

Video: Kelly Rowland – Keep It Between Us

Kelly Rowland - "Keep It Between Us" from Kelly Rowland on Vimeo.

From Miss. Kelly's album Here I Am her single "Keep It Between Us" screams beautiful, as it was filmed in Paris featuring the lovely Lance Gross.

Tonight (Best You Ever Had) Feat. Ludacris

John Legend is back with a feature from Luda. Sounding a little different while still having that suave John Legend demeanor in his new single Tonight (Best You Ever Had). The track definitely has the beautiful Legend vocals with Ludacris bringing his best to the track. There is no release date for Mr. Legend's upcoming album but I am sure it will be just as beautiful as previous ones from this beau. 

John Legend - Tonight (Best You Ever Had) feat. Ludacris by johnlegend

Theophilus London - Glamour Magazine Man Candy: 6 of the Hottest Guys of 2012

I first heard of Theophilus London through my best friend a few years back when she played Theophilus' song "Always Love You", and since that very moment I have been hooked. He has a musical talent that is all his own and a style that nobody can ever say is there's, but Theophilus London himself. This month Theophilus is apart of Glamour Magazines Man Candy: 6 of the Hottest Guys of 2012.

SN: Go listen to Century Girl in the first verse my name is in there but I am sure it has nothing to do with me but I love it anyways <3!

" Wake up, can you paint my canvas? Hot chick, so you name is Candice?"

Theophilus London: the Hippest Rapper

Twenty-three-year-old Theophilus London's style inspiration? His dad. "He had all the great leather jackets and cool suits," he says.

So, is he your type? If you don't know him already from his hit single "I Stand Alone," just listen to the first track off London's album Timez Are Weird These Days and you won't be able to get his name out of your head: "Last name London, first name Theophilus," the 23-year-old raps. This Trinidad-born artist was raised in Brooklyn and is known for his varied musical influences—old-school rap, classic rock, soul—as well as his quirky style, a mix of high fashion and hip-hop. As for dating, London has a few definite first-date Don'ts: "Don't bring up death or any ex-boyfriends." Other than that, he's keeping his love life close to the vest: "I don't want to give away too many of my secrets," he quips. (courtesy of Glamour.com)



Video: Lauryn Hill - I Just Want You Around (MTV Unplugged No. 2.0)

Lauryn Hill's MTV Unplugged was by far my absolute favorite MTV Unplugged, that I have seen to date. Her performance of "I Just Want You Around" was amazingly beautiful and one of my favorites during her unplugged special. The entire Unplugged performance is available on a 2-disc album set and I have had a copy since it first dropped. She is definitely a beautiful soul that you can listen to over and over again with her incredible raw artistry.

Introducing Spits Nelson

Spits Nelson is gaining mass attention in the Hip Hop world, though he has been under the radar as one of the most slept on artists of Hip Hop. His upcoming mixtape "Closer Than You Think-The Fixtape" is one to surely gain this New Jersey native a spotlight that will allow him to showcase his authentic sound and undeniable talent, that is sure to bring Spits to the forefront in Hip Hop. He recently released his much anticipated video “MORE THAN RAP” Feat Iron Mic ” which has received a widely positive response.

Along with the drop of his new video Spits has also dropped his new single “GREATEST FEELING EVER”, which will be featured on his upcoming mixtape, “Closer Than You Think - The Fixtape” being released by B.L.A.K. Label Music in early 2012.

Spit Nelson's most recent interview with Gag Order Radio........

With the anticipation of his new mixtape and future projects this B.L.A.K. Label Music artist is sure to take on new heights in his promising career because the Hip Hop world is sure to be buzzing about Spits Nelson in the near future.

Spits Nelson Contact Info:

Twitter: @SpitsNelson
blaklabelmusic@gmail.com
Spitsnj.bandcamp.com

Video: Robin Thicke - Love After War

From his 5th studio album Love After War  the delicious and ever so talented Robin Thicke's new video Love After War will definitely make anyone want love after war with someone they are in love with. The video features his amazingly beautiful wife who's love inspired this album.

Video: Mary J Blige featuring Drake - Mr. Wrong

The first time Mrs. Right, Mary J Blige shot the video for Mr. Wrong Drake was not apart of it due to schedule conflicts. However, there was a second video shoot and thank goodness because the addition of Drake made the Mr. Wrong video oh so right. Though it is Mary's song Drake's verse is so much apart of the song that it would not be right without him.

Video: Perry Mystique- Buildin' Bridges

Hailing from the UK, Dutch rapper/producer Perry Mystique offers the title visual from his upcoming effort, Buildin’ Bridges. With the EP, Perry hopes to showcase his multitude of talents as a rapper, songwriter, singer, and producer as he has already generated a buzz back home in Holland. ‘Building Bridges’ will be available soon as a free download.
Directed by JDS Media

Video: Jimmy Kimmel – DONDA Commercial

Kanye recently had a beautiful tweeting rant on twitter, a rant that I truly was in awe of and I enjoyed every minute of it. Jimmy Kimmel made the twitter rant into a commercial for Mr. West!

Oregon's Bowl Gear 2012

Tis' the season of bowl games where the winning teams in college football get to enjoy a final game to end the years football season. The bowl games give players a chance to play for a bigger title and it also entails some major perks for the players and coaches. The teams receive great prizes and get to travel to different places for the big game. One of the greatest perks is the bowl gear and this year even though the bowl games aren't over, it is safe to safe the Best Bowl Gear Award goes to Oregon. Nike always treats Oregon extremely well when it comes to uniforms and their gear, but this year they gave them some of the best bowl gear I have ever seen.