[R&B] Drake & Dawn Richard – Where Were You (Prod. Boi-1da & D10)

Drake hasn’t released much music in 2012. After the release of his much heralded Take Care in late 2011, Drizzy’s been seemingly taking a break from projects of his own, appearing on a few guest verses for other artists, while simultaneously producing the upcoming posthumous Aaliyah album. With this new R&B release from the part time crooner, it makes us wonder what could’ve been, had he ever released that R&B mixtape he promised us back in 2010. Drake loves to sing about his ex-girls, and this track is no different. Teaming up with Dirty Money’s Dawn Richard, the two forlorn artists reflect on failed experiences in their love lives and the sudden disappearance of former flings. While this new collaboration with Dawn Richard doesn’t necessarily stand out from the rest of Drake’s library, it’s still a pretty excellent track nonetheless.

Before you get too excited about the prospects of a new Drake project, be warned that this is actually a reference track that was recorded before Take Care ever came out. For those of you familiar with the work of Colin Munroe, you might recognize this track as “Whatever Became of You” an addicting melody that was included on his latest mixtape, Unsung Hero. There’s a long story (which you can read over at HypeTrak) behind how it ended up in Colin Munroe’s hands, but essentially what you do need to know is that his version is the only “official release” of the song. You can stream that version below right after you get a taste for Drake’s iteration below.

’Drake & Dawn Richard – Where Were You’
’Whatever Became of You’
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[LIST] Hip-Hop Cash Kings: The Richest Rappers

Forbes recently released a list of 2012’s hip-hop “Cash Kings,” ranking the rap world’s top earners. Snagging the #1 spot was Dr. Dre, who wrangled up a whopping $110 million — half of which can be attributed to his Beats by Dre headphone brand. The West Coast producer and emcee was joined by #2 Diddy (buoyed by his Ciroc vodka), #3 Jay-Z (his money raked in from number of places, like the Brooklyn Nets) and #4 Kanye (reaping much of the benefits from Watch The Throne). Eminem, who hasn’t exactly been a popular face for corporate endorsements and sponsorships, still placed at #9, bolstered by his music, selling more albums in the last 10 years than any artist. What are your thoughts, ninjas?

1. Dr. Dre – $110 million
2. Diddy – $45 million
3. Jay-Z – $38 million
4. Kanye West – $35 million
5. Lil Wayne – $27 million
6. Drake – $20.5 million
7. Birdman – $20 million
8. Nicki Minaj – $15.5 million
9. Eminem – $15 million
10. Ludacris – $12 million

Check out the full list after the jump.
Continue reading

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[Hip-Hop] Aaliyah – Enough Said ft. Drake (Prod. Noah “40” Shebib)

Toronto’s own hip-hop/R&B superstar, Drake, has on many occasion shouted out the late, great Aaliyah and on this newly released single, likely from her upcoming posthumous album, we get a glimpse into what a collaboration between the two artists might sound like. The beautiful vocals of Aaliyah over the always intoxicating production of Drake’s good friend and incredibly talented instrumentalist, Noah “40” Shebib, make for an ethereal feel all but bringing the sorely missed icon back to life. Drake flows effortlessly over “Enough Said” regarding his always conflicted feelings about fame and fortune. As much of Drizzy and 40’s music, this one’s perfect for winding down a night of partying you hoped would never end.

’Aaliyah – Enough Said (feat. Drake)’
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[Album Review] Rick Ross – God Forgives, I Don’t

MIA might have a new king, watch out Pat Riley. Ricky Rozay has released a monster of an album and isn’t scared to tweet about it. Ross recruited Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Andre 3000, and his MMG crew to be part of his historic album. The Boss utilizes Florida producers Cool & Dre and the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League to create some polished, jazzy beats. With his lyrical evolution from Hustlin’ to GFID, it’s safe to say Ross has revolutionized the current rap scene to a more lyrically conscious audience, compared to artists like Waka Flocka. He diverges away from the typical trap music we associate with the drug aficionado and takes a turn to a more sophisticated mogul.

Ross’ taste has changed & he is altering the menu of rap/trap/hip-hop with him. With standouts like “Sixteen,” “Diced Pineapples,” and “Presidential,” Rick Ross has created THE standout hip-hop album of the summer. And with competition like Royalty,The Yellow Album, Life is Good, and Self Made Vol. 2, it’s a close race. Let’s see if G.O.O.D. Music’s Cruel Summer can break the finish line first, though. Stream a few of the notable tracks below and cop the album on iTunes.

’Sixteen ft. Andre 3000.mp3′

’Diced Pineapples ft. Drake & Wale.mp3′

’Presidential ft. Elijah Blake.mp3′
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French Montana – Pop That (feat. Rick Ross, Drake & Lil Wayne)

We may complain how mainstream hip/hop has become all about swagger, strippers and making money… but well, French Montana delivers a noteworthy track with the immaculate production. It may not be the most intellectual track this year yet this new hip/hop anthem delivers infectious verses from Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne. “Pop That” is the lead track from French Montana’s upcoming debut album Excuse My French, out July 17th.

’French Montana – Pop That (feat. Rick Ross, Drake & Lil Wayne)’
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RL Grime – Trap On Acid + Remixes

Quite possible the hardest, hip/hop influenced electro instrumental track we have heard this year, RL Grime brings us Trap on Acid. A genre mash up taking in the best of Southern Hip/hop with club banging build ups and drops. The New York producer who labels his music ‘Future-Crunk/Next-Level’ specializes in hip/hop induced electronics, and while he may not be the only one doing, it is definitely Next Level having successful remixes of Shlohmo’s ‘The Way U Do’ and ‘Over’ by Drake.

’Trap On Acid
RL Grime’
’The Way U Do (RL Grime Remix)
Shlohmo’
’Club Paradise (RL Grime Screw)
Drake’

[P&P]

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Drake feat. The Weeknd – Crew Love (Star Slinger’s Jersey Refix)

Hear the latest from UK producer and rap remixing enthusiast Star Slinger taking on Drake’s ‘Crew Love’ featuring The Weekend.

’Drake feat. The Weeknd Crew Love (Star Slingers Jersey Refix)’

Via PMA

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