The Weeknd has had a landmark year in 2015 and his current ascension to the pop throne has only been solidified by the fact that he currently sits atop the Billboard Hot 100 with his single, “The Hills”. In case you needed further proof of his current standing though, the Toronto native has landed two major co-signs from Nicki Minaj, and perhaps more unexpectedly, Eminem–both of whom deliver their own renditions of the outrageously catchy tune. Predictably enough, Marshall takes a more vindictive approach, discussing troubled relationships from his past, while Nicki keeps it a bit more raunchy with her version. Both rappers seem to mesh well enough with Abel’s vocals and should ensure that the song holds its position at number one for just a little longer. Stream the tunes above and make sure to purchase the full remix package over at iTunes.
[Remixes] The Weeknd – The Hills (Feat. Eminem + Nicki Minaj)
[NEW] Eminem – Detroit Vs. Everybody (Feat. Royce Da 5’9″, Big Sean, Danny Brown, Dej Loaf & Trick Trick) (Prod. Statik Selektah)
Detroit Vs Everybody Shade 45 Rip (prod. by Statik Selektah)
In a major move that almost nobody saw coming, Eminem assembles a few of Detroit’s finest to form a monster collaboration that pits the city’s top dogs against the rest of the rap game. This is a team up that fans have been pining after for awhile, and it’s great to see all of these Motor City natives assembled together under one roof. Featuring some heavy hitters like Royce Da 5’9″, Big Sean, Danny Brown and Dej Loaf, this absolute banger finds each emcee in top form as they trade indelible bars over a stadium worthy Statik Selektah instrumental. We won’t make a judgment on who murdered their verse the hardest, but it’s definitely closer than you might expect.
It’s only appropriate that the track would be featured on Marshall’s upcoming Shady XV compilation project, dropping later this month on November 24th. Those interested in copping this single before that date can pre-order the project on iTunes now. And if you haven’t had enough Eminem, check out the “SHADY CXVPHER” he released earlier today that features Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf, after the jump.
The Hip-Hop Dojo [Vol. 15]
Guess who’s baaaaaaccckk? Did you miss me? The Hip-Hop Dojo’s finally ready to reopen its doors for business, and I’ve got plenty to share with you today. I’ve traveled far and wide, sailed across the seven seas, climbed the highest peaks, and braved the hottest deserts to hone my craft, learning from the very best, meditating, and planning my return (basically picture the whole training sequence from Batman Begins). In all honesty though, I appreciate your patience over the last few months, and hope I can finally get back on my grind to deliver you the freshest hip-hop product on a consistent basis.
So without further ado, let’s get this party started. This very special fifteenth edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo features plenty of familiar names, from hip-hop heavyweights like Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Raekwon and Kendrick Lamar, to Dojo frequenters like Kings Dead, MeLo-X, Audio Push, Tito Lopez, and Devine Carama, . We’ve even got a few fresh faces for y’all like Michael Christmas, Dom McLennon, A La $ole, GoldLink, and Fresco Nerd. Given the sheer size of our comeback playlist (over 45 tracks!), I’ll keep it light on the words this week to conserve your precious time and keep you focused on the music. However, if you like what you hear from any of these artists and want to check out any relevant projects from them, I’ll include a link roll below.
We hope you guys enjoyed our fifteenth edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo as much as we did! As always, you can send all submissions/suggestions to baseer@themusicninja.com and ash@themusicninja.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE TRACKS (ALT. LINK)
Roc Marciano – The Pimpire Strikes Back
Eddie B & Harry Fraud – Paper, Piff & Polo
Lecrae – Church Clothes Vol. 2
Fresco Nerd – Unexpected Expectations
Village of Pharaohs – Pharaodysseus (1996 A.D.)
Ideas)’
Legends In The Making (Ashtray Pt.2) (Ft. Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y) Prod. By Harry Fraud’
[Album Review] Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP 2
In the entertainment world, the mention of a sequel to an original work that was borderline perfect is usually a polarizing experience. When you first hear it, you are excited because the original story was so great but you are also nervous because the follow-up could just ruin the first. Unfortunately, most of the time, sequels fall into the latter and are never anywhere close to the quality of the original. Such can also be said for Eminem‘s 10th studio album The Marshall Mathers LP 2.
When you mention some of the greats in hip-hop, Eminem should be one of the first names out of your mouth. For 17 years, the Detroit emcee has changed the game by breaking through multiple barriers of the corny white rapper (Marky Mark, Vanilla Ice, etc.) and delivering a raw flow that is as equally controversial as it is dope and cynical. The one thing that separated Em from his counterparts was that he had no shame on the mic; no pop-culture icon nor topic was really off limits for his comedic and aggressive rhymes. From detailing his dark upbringing in an abusive home to his battles with addiction and later his recovery, Marshall Mathers’ trauma has fueled some awesome music. Now at 41, he drops a sequel to his iconic third album The Marshall Mathers LP that attempts to continues his story and sets out to trump the mediocrity of his last few albums.
[NEW] Eminem – The Monster (Feat. Rihanna)
The Monster ft. Rihanna
Ever since 2010’s “Love The Way You Lie,” Eminem and Rihanna have formed an unexpected bond that’s found the two artists collaborating multiple times throughout the years since. The main reason of course is for crossover appeal, which so far has garnered the pair chart topping success. The duo are ready to test the waters again, with their latest single, “The Monster,” dropping just in time for Halloween.
Despite its title, the track doesn’t really strike fear in our hearts, striving for more emotional appeal as Em details some of the demons he’s had to deal with since becoming famous. While the song will definitely thrive on the radio, it leaves a little to be desired lyrically. If you’re feeling this new joint from Eminem and Rihanna, you’ll be able to download it from iTunes tonight at midnight. In the meantime, make sure to grab your pre-orders for The Marshall Mathers LP 2 before it drops on November 5th.
[NEW] Eminem – Berzerk (prod. Rick Rubin)
Berzerk
Here it is, ninjas! After getting fans excited about the prospects of a sequel to 2000’s The Marshall Mathers LP by dropping a teaser during last night’s VMA’s, Eminem comes through with his first single from the project, “Berzerk.” The new single features a return to the raucous, rigid, in-your-face sound we first came to love from the Detroit emcee years ago (and, judging by the commercials from last night, this also marks the comeback of the bleached blonde hair.) Do you guys think this is the return of the real Slim Shady, or is Em reaching too far into the past to try and create some buzz about his career? Maybe it’s better to reserve judgment until The Marshall Mathers LP 2 finally hits shelves on November 5th.
[NEW] Eminem – Survival (Feat. Liz Rodrigues)
It has been a minute since we were last graced with some new words from the Detroit spitter, Eminem. Although there has been a feature here and there, Em has not dropped any new solo material-until today. After teasing a new track via a commercial for the upcoming Call of Duty: Ghosts video game earlier today, a full version of his latest cut, “Survival,” was released shortly after. The DJ Khalil produced single finds the legend dropping some aggressive rhymes over a heavy guitar-ripped beat. Complete with Liz Rodrigues on vocals and the hook, this rock anthem about fighting back compliments the gritty vibe of the highly-anticipated game. The track is not an official single from Em’s upcoming full length, dropping later this year.