[Hip-Hop] Wale & A-Trak – Festivus EP

Less than a week after announcing his new collaborative EP with A-Trak, Wale‘s new Festivus EP has finally arrived just in time for the holiday (for those of you unfamiliar with Seinfeld lore, I refer you to this.) Despite how you may feel about the quality of his studio albums, there’s no question Wale has always had a firm grasp on the mixtape game. That trend continues here, as Wale’s latest project falls right in line with previous Seinfeld-inspired works like The Mixtape About Nothing and More About Nothing. With a wide array of features including Pusha T, Chance The Rapper & The Social Experiment, Ab-Soul, A$AP Ferg and more, serves as a promising appetizer as a the seasoned emcee prepares to release The Album About Nothing sometime in 2015. Stream a few of our favorite selections from the project, and follow the download link below.

DOWNLOAD: Wale x A-Trak – Festivus

’Wale – The Deep End Featuring Pusha T (Prod. by Tone P)’
’Wale – Friendship Heights Featuring Chance the Rapper & The Social Experiment (Prod. by Omega & Raak)’
’Wale
Keep it Moving (Freestyle) Featuring Ab Soul & Magazeen (Prod. by THC)’
’Wale
Blood Money 3.5 Featuring A$AP Ferg (Prod. by Marce Reazon)’
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[Hip-Hop] Wale – Sunshine (Remix) (Feat. Rick Ross & Common)

Wale
Sunshine (Remix) feat. Rick Ross and Common

Wale is back this week with a new remix to his latest single “Sunshine.” Bringing in Common and MMG bawse Rick Ross for some tough bars, this uplifting tune finds the rappers taking a more serious tone. More than just flossing on the track or dropping some braggadocious bars about the wealthy life, each rapper speaks on something a little deeper. Ross spits about Obamacare and brighter days, while Wale keeps the vibes positive. Take a listen to The Gifted track remix above.

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[NEW] Miguel – Bennie And The Jets (Feat. Wale) (Elton John Cover)

Miguel feat. Wale
Bennie and the Jets

In order to celebrate the anniversary of his landmark album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, music legend Elton John is preparing to release a deluxe edition of the timeless project over 40 years later. Along with a 100-page hardcover book, a CD of live performances, and a DVD of the 1973 film Elton John and Bernie Taupin Say Goodbye to Norma Jean and Other Things, fans can also expect the repackaging to include a tribute CD that features nine other accomplished artists tasked with providing a modern take on a few of the album’s classics.

The first of these commissioned covers comes from the unlikely duo of Miguel and Wale, who take more than a few liberties with their revision of “Bennie And The Jets.” While remnants of the original remain, Miguel adds his own flair to the redesign, complete with a roaring backbeat, potent guitar riffs, and peerless falsetto that stay true to the contemporary crooner’s typical style. Wale meanwhile, chips in with a smooth verse of his own (one that Chance The Rapper would be very proud of) that really helps provide this version of the single with its own identity.

Set for release next Tuesday, March 25th, the record will also include covers from Fall Out Boy, Ed SheeranEmeli Sandé and more. Pre-orders can be found here.

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Sunday Night Soul [Vol. 7]

It’s the final Sunday of 2013, meaning it’s the perfect time to reflect fondly on the year that was and look forward to the year that will be. This week’s collection has exactly what you need to get in a contemplative mood, from sultry slow jams to upbeat numbers that’ll fit right in on your New Year’s Eve playlists. We couldn’t think of a better way to wrap the series up for the year than with supreme vocal talents like Frank Ocean, Elle Varner, August Alsina, and Chiara Noriko, as well as top notch producers like TOKiMONSTA, ESTA, Juan Cristobal, Ticklish, Sweater Beats, and many more. 2013 was a tremendous year for us, and the right time to strike up this series. We know 2014 will only supply us with even more breathtaking discoveries. In the meantime, make sure to press play on this latest edition of Sunday Night Soul, a fitting nightcap to conclude your year.

’Jordan Rakei – Imagine (Moods Remix)’
’Lonny Breaux (Frank Ocean) – Light Show’
’Kenny Lattimore – Heart Stops’
’Elle Varner – Rover Ft. Wale’
’K. Michelle – V.S.O.P. (Remix) feat. August Alsina’
’starRo – Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind (ft. Alcordo)’
’Beyonce & D’Angelo – Untitled Rocket (A JAYBeatz Mashup)’
’Aaliyah
One In A Million (Jansport J Remix)’
’Esta. – ForYou&HerToo & Janet (Juan Cristobal Remix)’
’Chiara Noriko – J Dilla Beat (Chiara Remix)’
’Chiara Noriko – Do It Big (Tyler, The Creator Beat)’
’Soulblime – PARTYNEXTDOOR (Soulblime Remix)’
’Drake – Too Much (El. Train Remix)’
’Ciara + Esta – Promise’
’suicideyear x outthepound – yo lovee’
’SANDERMÖLDER – LOVEHANGOVEREDIT (w/ Peedu Kass)’
’Sweater Beats – Do It For Me (ft. Erin Marshall)’
’Kelela – Do It Again (Druid Cloak Club Cosmos Bootleg)’
’Cyril Hahn – Perfect Form (Rey Ruccio Remix)’
’702 – Steelo (TOKiMONSTA Supa Remix)’
’Jarreau Vandal – Until The Dawn’
’SvanSikh – Lose Control’
’Mary J. Blige – I Am (Noïthingness Remix)’
’SWV vs Shackles
Rain On U & I (Reid Speed Mashup)’
’Jagged Edge – He Can’t Love You (Ticklish Reboot)’
’Baby Bash – Suga Suga (Ticklish Reboot)’
’Cosmo’s Midnight – Goodnight (feat. Polographia)’
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The Hip-Hop Dojo [Vol. 14]

After way too many delays, I finally present to you the fourteenth edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo. These playlists keep getting larger and larger, which is really a good sign for the state of hip-hop, as it means there’s way too much quality material for me to even sort through on a weekly basis. Like a trooper though, I’ve powered through to bring you some of the best the game has to offer. We have quite the eclectic group here for you, with a few artists showing off their versatility by making repeat appearances throughout the playlist. Among them are returning veterans like Chance The RapperHit-Boy, Alchemist, Action Bronson, and Domo Genesis as well as newcomer, Sean Dee. Hit-Boy in particular had a strong showing this week, tackling some recent singles from two of his favorite idols. For his first effort, Hit-Boy recruits Rockie Fresh to aid him with a remix of Jay-Z‘s “Somewhere In America.” While Jay’s line about Miley Cyrus had everyone in stitches, I have to say Rockie’s little jab at Amanda Bynes might actually be just as clever. On the second cut, Hit-Boy puts his own stamp on Kanye’s “New Slaves,” flashing his shiny “New Chains” for the whole world to see. It’ll be interesting to see what Hit-Boy has ahead of him now that he’s officially parted ways with G.O.O.D. Music.

Leading off this week’s lineup is one of my absolute favorite groups from the 90’s, Camp Lo, who team up with Pete Rock and Mac Miller for a fun little ode to the always alluring Megan GoodAlchemist came through this week as well, releasing a mini-EP in collaboration with streetwear company SSUR, featuring the likes of Freddie Gibbs, Domo Genesis, Action Bronson, Blu and more. If I had to base my decision on production alone, then the dreamy soundscape on Na$im Williams‘ “61 Lilies” would be a lock for the top honors this week. Luckily, each emcee that touches the record has the bars to match. Devin Miles reminds us of at least one reason why summertime happens to be the most beloved of all seasons through his latest single (hint: it has something to do with “Sundresses”). Bishop Nehru recently dropped off one of the most impressive mixtapes of the year with strictlyFLOWZ. We’ve only provided you with a small bite here, but we’d like to think that at only 16 years old, it’s pretty evident that Nehru has a bright future ahead of him.

With the feverish temperatures escalating throughout the country, it’s only appropriate that Ibn Inglor would come through with a furious “COLD STORM” to help rescue us from this blistering heat. If Cazzie Jetson sounds familiar to you at all, it’s probably because he constitutes 1/3 of TMN favorite, THEBLKHANDS. Cazzie brings that same focus and dedication to quality to his solo effort, “$eminole.” Jarred A.G. and Dally Auston continue to show off why Chicago is one of the preeminent cities for hip-hop at the moment, ruthlessly shredding apart this C-Sick produced number like the “Barbarians” they claim to be. Meanwhile, Da YoungFellaz display why they’ve been a constant staple on these pages over the last few weeks with yet another excellent single in “Presidential Rolex.”

Words cannot describe my excitement when I first discovered Atmosphere‘s new single, “Bob Seger.” While the title may seem odd at first, it has plenty to do with this exchange right here. I guess Slug draws his inspiration from Twitter now. With a rumored seventh studio album in the works, we’re hoping “Bob Seger” is just a taste of what’s to come from one of the most accomplished hip-hop acts of the last fifteen years. Speaking of accomplished underground artists, Tech N9ne surprises us with one of his most personal tracks to date, addressing much of the criticism he’s received towards his art, and how he handles it. It doesn’t hurt that he gets a fiery new verse from Kendrick Lamar too.

If you need any more convincing that MeLo-X is one of the illest emcees doing it right now, look no further than “Natural Vibez,” which is equal parts chill-out anthem and equal parts trunk rattler. In case you missed it, check out MeLo’s terrific GOD: HiFi project; it’s an absolutely must listen. Chance The Rapper isn’t quite done with the acid rap, teaming up with ProbCause to bring us a trippy new ode to “LSD.”  It’s a well known fact that Space Jam is easily one of the greatest films ever made (anyone who tries to argue this just doesn’t understand modern cinema), so when I saw this single from Audio Push appealing to my nostalgia, I just had to press play. Sampling a portion of the classic theme song, the West Coast duo transforms the hyped up tune into a certified dance floor anthem.

We hope you guys enjoyed our fourteenth edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo as much as we did! As always, you can send all submissions/suggestions to baseer@themusicninja.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE TRACKS

’Camp Lo & Pete Rock – Megan Good Ft.Mac Miller’
’Alchemist – Camp Registration feat Step Brothers, Action Bronson, Blu & Domo Genesis’
’Alchemist – Tesla feat Domo Genesis, Freddie Gibbs & Hodgy Beats’
’Na$im Williams – 61 Lilies feat. Scheme, Doc, & Sulaiman’
’ANTHM – I Remember’
’Rapsody – Dark Knights featuring Wale’
’Devin Miles – Sundress’
’Bishop Nehru – Mobb Dizzle’
’Joey Bada$$ – Norwegian Breakfast’
’Sean Dee – LiT.’
’Kami de Chukwu – Won’t Not.’
’Mickalas Cage – Cross Roads ft. Chance The Rapper & Vic Mensa’
’Martin $ky
PEARL GAWD’
’Ibn Inglor – COLD STORM (prod. Mhone Glor)’
’Ken Rebel – Rebel Life (Remix) Feat. Brandun DeShay’
’Cazzie Jetson – $EMINOLE’
’Snoop Dogg – Passenger Seat (Prod. Cardo)’
’Curren$y – I Can’t Stop’
’Dom Kennedy – Erica Part 1 (Prod. by Lord Quest)’
’Jarred A.G. – BARBARIANS ft. Dally Auston (Prod. C Sick)’
’Willie The Kid – Medusa feat. Action Bronson & Roc Marciano’
’The Procussions – Fall to Fly’
’True 2 Life Music – We Go’
’Da YoungFellaz – Presidential Rolex (feat. Kepstar & DeVo D)’
’The Underachievers – The Proclamation’
’Blame One & J57 – B.L.A.M.E.57 (featuring DJ Rhettmatic)’
”Ezko – Wake Up Feat. Andy Gruhin, Scolla & THURZ’
’Hit Boy – SomeWhereInAmerica (Remix) Feat. Rockie Fresh’
’Atmosphere – Bob Seger’
’Archie Bang – Blasphemy (prod. By 12 Keyz)’
’Tech N9ne – Fragile feat. Kendrick Lamar, ¡MAYDAY! and Kendall Morgan’
’Doley Bernays – Till We Fall’
’Hayk x dFresh – Elevate (prod. Mike C)’
’Kings Dead – Honest Abe’
’MeLo X – Natural Vibez (Prod. Tom Richman)’
’ProbCause – LSD ft. Chance The Rapper’
’Sean Dee – Bow and Arrows (Feat. Anna Yvette)’
’Audio Push – Space Jam ft. Lil Wayne’
’Chuckie – Makin’ Papers ft. Lupe Fiasco, Snow Da Product & Too $hort’
’DJ Katch feat. Izza Kizza – Let Me In’
’E40 – All My N*ggas featuring Danny Brown & Schoolboy Q’
’Hit Boy – New Chains (James Sommerset)’
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[Hip-Hop] Wale & J. Cole – Winter Schemes (Prod. Jake One)

Wale x J. Cole
Winter Schemes (Prod. Jake One)

As they revel in the chart-topping success of their latest albums, J. Cole and Wale decided to let this one loose in celebration of their newfound positions at the pinnacle of hip-hop. July may seem like an odd time to release a song titled “Winter Schemes,” but if you pay closer attention, the name really seems to imply that the pair have been planning their domination since way back in December. Check out the dope Jake One produced single above, and if you haven’t already, make sure to grab yourself copies of Born Sinner and The Gifted, which are both incredible records in their own right.

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The Hip-Hop Dojo [Vol. 13]

June was definitely a monumental month for hip-hop. With album releases from the likes of Kanye WestJ. ColeWale, and even more, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed from the wide influx of new music. While we were all preoccupied with the heavy hitters, it may have been easy to sleep on some of the other hustlers out there trying to push the music game forward. I admit I fell behind myself, hence why this edition of the Hip-Hop Dojo has been sitting in my drafts for weeks now. Lucky for you guys though, we here at The Music Ninja are here to fill you in on what you might’ve missed over the last month or so.

As I mentioned earlier, this post is long overdue, which is exactly why it’s bursting at the seams with 40+(!) new tracks for a hearty heaping helping of hip-hop goodness (try saying that 5 times fast). I’ve been on my grind over the last couple of days to finally get this playlist in your hands, and there’s a reason why I carefully selected this date to finally unleash it to the world. Today just so happens to be my birthday (yes, this is a shameless attempt at getting more birthday wishes), so as my present to all of you loyal ninjas, I bequeath unto you the thirteenth edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo. Now I’m not quite crazy enough to do a summary of all the songs on this list, so this time around I’ll just give you a rundown of my favorites. Although picking out of a list of roughly 45 songs is no easy task, I’d probably have to say my favorites are (in no particular order): Curren$y’s “Killer$,” Vic Mensa‘s “Hollywood LA,” Fabolous‘ “Young OG,” MeLo-X‘s “The Truth,” Jon Connor‘s “When I Was Young,” Dillon Cooper‘s “Kung Fu” Action Bronson‘s “Heel Toe,” Produktive‘s “Show Me Love,” and finally the knxwledge remix of Denitia & Sene‘s “Casanova.” With that being said, I’d like to think each and every song in this collection brings something unique to the table. Given the length of the playlist, I suggest taking the weekend to sift through it all. Maybe you could even give it a go during your Independence Day cookouts.

We hope you guys enjoyed our thirteenth edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo as much as we did! As always, you can send all submissions/suggestions to baseer@themusicninja.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE TRACKS (ALT. LINK)

P.S. As an added bonus, I’ve included some of the best material from those stellar June releases I alluded to earlier as another “mini-playlist” after the jump. Definitely check them out if you haven’t gotten a chance to get through all the albums yet.

’Curren$y x Young Roddy – Grizzly’
’Curren$y – Killer$ Ft. Trinidad Jame$’
’Rockie Fresh – Kush Do (Feat. Wiz Khalifa)’
’SYG – Sex.Your.Girl (prod. Vanilla)’
’Donnie Trumpet – Zion ft. Chance the Rapper & Vic Mensa’
’Vic Mensa – Hollywood LA’
’Dom Kennedy – Never (prod. The Futuristiks)’
’Flatbush ZOMBiES – Palm Trees’
’Derek Wise – LXVE’
’MeLo X – The Truth’
’Martin $ky – S’all Good’
’Bishop Nehru – Fickle Mind$ (Prod. Ghost McGrady)’
’Leather Corduroys (Joey Purp & Kami de Chukwu) & theMIND – Prophet. (prod.THEMpeople)’
’GDNA – Bad Mutha F*cka feat Macon Hamilton, Frank Leone, & Waju’
’Joey Bada$$ – 95 Til Infinity (Prod. Lee Bannon)’
’Warm Brew – Word (prod. by Lord Quest)’
’Produktive – Show Me Love’
’King Vada – Fini$h (produced by Cardo)’
’Big K.R.I.T. – KING Pt. 3’
’Fabolous – Young OG’
’Silent Knight – Work in Progress’
’Bizzy Crook – Emails From Kanye West (Prod. By SkipOnDaBeat)’
’Jon Connor
The Sarah Song (Tour Life The Sequel)’
’Jon Connor – When I Was Young Feat. Chris Webby & Smoke DZA’
’Freddie Gibbs – Freddie Soprano (Prod. by ID Labs)’
’KuroiOto – Demons feat. James Gardin, The Amature, Jahshua Smith & Rafael’
’Dillon Cooper – Kung Foo’
’Perrion – Corleone (Prod. By Shy Guy)’
’Dominic Lord – Overworld’
’The Kid Daytona – Shotgun (Prod. by Marce Reazon)’
’Bijan – Social Graces feat. Cecily Madanes (Prod. By Monaco)’
’Da YoungFellaz – Fall Down’
’Denitia & Sene – casanova. (knxwledge remix.)’
’DJ Sidereal – All I Need Is Sunshine (Finding Novyon & D.Glove)’
’Brothers From Another – Drunk Talk’
’Radical Something – Cheap Drink’
’D Pryde – Lifted’
’Daz Dillinger & WC – Stay Out The Way (ft. Snoop Dogg)’
’Metabeats – Hookers ft. Action Bronson’
’Action Bronson – Heel Toe (Prod. by Harry Fraud)’
’Hayk x dFresh – Choices (prod. YoYo)’
’Chamillionaire – Overnight’
’Machine Gun Kelly – Breaking News’

’Hassani Kwess
My Money Jam (Prod. by Royal)’

’Asher Roth – Actin Up (ft. Rye Rye, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown) (prod. by Oren Yoel)’

’YONAS – Leaving You’

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