July, 2009

Knockin' em straight outta the left coast. Damizza Feat. Dopey Loco on the new “Crackin’” Video.

Video for Gucci Maino's latest single "Million Bucks" featuring Swizz Beats from new album If Tomorrow Never Comes, out now.
Also -
Maino Speaks On Police Brutality & Prison Industrial Complex [CLICK HERE]

AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted turned Hollywood shot caller Ice Cube has traded in his Chuck Taylors and entered into a new partnership with Nike. In Nike's latest commercial advertising their Nike SB, the commercial uses Ice-Cube's classic hit “Today Was A Good Day” and follows skater Paul “P-Rod” Rodriguez as he makes his way throughout L.A. on his four-wheel board. The video ends with Cube rolling over Rodriguez's board in his low-rider and leaving “P-Rod” walking and wondering if it really was a good day.

Nike has also enlisted the services of Compton veteran MC and producer DJ Quik who will be appearing in Nike's “Hyperize” commercial with NBA ballers Rashard Lewis, Mo Williams, Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala. The commercial will feature the ballers and Quik in throwback Hip-Hop attire from the 90's and 80's.

DJ Quik and Kurupt's collaborative album BlaQKout also hit stores this month and features the hit singles “Do You Know” and “9X's Outta 10.”

Cube also just signed a deal that will bring his hit movie franchise “Are We There Yet” to the small screen which will air on TBS. The television version will star Terry Crews as the character “Nick,” made famous by Cube, who will have a reoccurring cameo in the show.

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by JUSTIN STEWART

To have longevity you have to change with Hip-Hop, it's not going to change with you.”-The Game

With a short and simple response from Jay-Z, the Brooklyn rapper has put the Game in overdrive as it relates to his ongoing beef with Jigga. In a recent interview on Tim Westwood, in relation to Game, Jay simply called the West Coast rapper a “groupie” and that he just needed to get over it in reference to the reported intro to The Blueprint III.

It seemed that's all Game needed was an inch from Jay as he went into Go mode with his response on Virginia's radio station 103Jamz with the Buddha Brothers Morning Show. In reference to his rising campaign of shouting out “Fuck Jay-Z” at shows, he stated that he was surprised that people were so quick to join with him in proclaiming it as if they had been waiting to say it for some time.

“As soon as I came out with the whole “Fuck Jay-Z” thing, everybody jumped on. It even surprised me because I'm thinking that everybody's gonna be like “Fuck Game” and “Game's just hating” but it was a pretty cool split with half being Roc-A-Fella this and that and the other half saying that Jay is old and washed.”

Game stated that the underlying problem with Hov is his inability to accept that his age is only getting higher and he must accept the fact that he is ageing.

“Some people just don't want to get old. He got a problem like my dad got that problem. My dad is still trying to be young, still rocking fitted caps and I'm like ‘pops you 60 man, you gotta chill'. Jay has that problem and he doesn't want to get old.”

As Jay has previously called himself the Michael Jordan of recording, the Game has compared him to the basketball legend, but has added that as time progressed even Jordan fell far from where he once was when he was at the pinnacle of his game. Even for a player of his calibre, times have changed and age has worn the legend down.

“To put it in shorter words, this whole Jay-Z debacle between me and him is basically Michael Jordan stepping on the court today with Kobe. Don't get me wrong, Michael Jordan is the best basketball player ever. We watched him put the tongue out and smash on everybody and take six championships, but that was then. The he tries to come back and do it again for the Wizards, but he's old, he's got a couple of grey hairs, he ain't moving as fast as he used to and the points are down. He kind of tarnished his legacy and that's what Jay is doing right now and trying to play for the Wizards. He's trying to show people he can still go when he really needs to just sit his old ass somewhere and just let the new niggas make their money.”

Game proceeded to touch on Jay not having children and stated that he could end Jay-Z as he has in other lyrical beefs. To hear the complete interview on Buddha Brothers' Morning Show on 103Jamz. [CLICK HERE]


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by Joseph Poakwa

DJ Quik, arguably The West Coast's best producer connects with Kurupt The Kingpin to create a lyrical and sonic explosion...

2009 has been a year full of ups and downs so far. With the passing of Michael Jackson, the world has realized how fragile the music industry really is. There aren't many people that can enter the fraternity of music and produce works with the ability to stand the test of time. Each year sees the entrance and exit of a new artist; however with every exit we are reminded of those select few artists who have been able to produce hit after hit, leaving them with a career full of longevity. Kurupt and DJ Quik are an example of what happens when an artist creates rather than imitates.

For their uniqueness and ability to create music that not only defined a neighborhood, but an era, Quik and Kurupt continue to be West Coast staples and Hip Hop Legends. With their combined effort Blaqkout in the streets blowing out speakers, Hip-Hop Wired sat down with the west coast kings to speak on their longevity, Death Row records, and the untimely passing of Michael Jackson. [Click here for more]

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Sick of the bullshit bickers and dramas, blogsites and media alike are moulding for jay-Z and his suspected opponents? Jigga went on radio to address the bullshit and set it down straight on C. Breezy's incident and apology and The Game's European tour disses on Camel.

On whether he had Chris Brown shut out of the BET awards:

“First let me categorically…… deny that, that’s not even my style. If I have a problem with Chris Brown, I have a problem with Chris Brown. I haven’t said anything…live or behind the scenes. I don’t agree with what he did and that’s it…
But as far as not letting him perform on BET, that’s ridiculous, that’s stupid and that’s a sucker move. I wouldn’t do it. And people commenting on rumors, that’s a sucker move.”

On Chris Brown’s apology

“We are all flawed human beings. All a person can do is apologize. Everyone should be allowed to make mistakes. It happens.”

On The Game’s diss track:

“Tell me exactly what I said….(reporter: you mentioned his name, Jim Jones’ name, Dame Dash’s name…) I said I’m not talking about, this, this. I’m not…Is that a diss? ‘Oh, you hurt my feelings.’ Tell groupie to get over it…If that’s a diss, then wear that. Tell groupie to get over it.”

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No Way You Can Win

Interview by Rob Graham / Photo courtesy of IamRoccett.com (Edit by PPM)

From the streets of Cali-forn-i-a, comes a focused young talent by the name of Roccett. He’s absolutely and definitely 100% his own man. Yea he runs with USDA and Jeezy’s CTE label. Sure he’s recorded bangers with some of your favourite spittas. But, he stands on his own, along with his team of advisers better known as TEAM ROCCETT. Ride with us as we take you through his foundation, his passions and his burgeoning future. By the way – it’s R-O-C-C-E-T-T – b*tch! Story continued here

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Jay-Z covers this months Billboard magazine and reveals the keys to his stacks. The feature by Mariel Concepcion starts below:

NEW YORK (Billboard) - At just about any given moment of any given day -- including this sunlit June Friday afternoon -- Jay-Z is a busy man.

Sitting on a swivel chair at his Roc the Mic studios in downtown Manhattan with a glass of Santa Margherita white wine in hand, he tackles interview after interview with Japanese reporters, pausing only to use the restroom or ask his assistant to get him a refill or an order of food from his sports club, 40/40.

But while he handles his international duties, his Roc Nation team -- seven people, including his assistant, longtime publicist and engineers -- make sure his empire runs smoothly. His employees are scattered around the room, some perched on stools or couches, others standing or sitting on the floor, some with laptops before them. His assistant is booking flights, hotels and car service for the BET Awards, which is taking place that weekend; his publicist whispers on the phone about another magazine story... Story continued here

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It has been 11 long years since MC Ren has released an album. After a lengthy group and solo career at Ruthless Records, the gangsta rap pioneer told HipHopDX.com this week, that 2009 will indeed be his point of return.

"The album is like 70% [completed]," revealed the N.W.A. member. "Shit is bangin'! It's heat. I'm excited about it. I ain't did no album in like 11 years, so man, I'm excited with how everything is coming. I cannot wait to get this shit out."

For the entire interview: [CLICK HERE]

Since the folding of Arista Records, OutKast's group and solo contracts have been retained at Jive/Sony. After speaking with EyeWeekly last night, rapper Big Boi says that may be ending this month.

“The lawyers just have to finish their lawyering,” Big Boi said of ending his seven year contract with Jive, after leaving LaFace/Artista after Stankonia in 2000, the same year Arista reconstructed to J Records, Interscope and Jive. There, he released the group effort Idlewild in 2006, after 2003's double-solo album project, Speakerboxxx/Love Below, both reaching multi-platinum status.

Since 2007 however, Big Boi's solo follow-up: Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty has remained shelved, despite single servicing and video production.

He told SOHH.com in June, "The push backs have just really been trying to get the situation together with the record label, and trying to learn a new system. There are some talks going on right now. I can't really release it right now. Probably within the next week or so, there will be a big announcement coming out and the album will be out this summer, believe it, it's done, it's it in the can and I'm very happy with it. We got to clearing it up."

According to EyeWeekly's story, Big Boi is set to to reunite with early mentor L.A. Reid, former co-founder of LaFace Records, now serving as Def Jam President.

Though not confirmed, it appears as Big Boi's album will go to Def Jam with him.

In the last year, The Clipse, UGK and Too Short have all ended contracts with Jive Records.

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I dunno who the talented one is, but damn she's nice. Peace - Rip [.Ed]

The collab from Beastie Boys and Nas from their upcoming album, Hot Sauce Committee pt.1, dropping September 15. Peep the live jump.

For the audio joint - [DOWNLOAD HERE]

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"Fuck Jay-Z" chants live in London's Hammersmith Apollo. Peep The Game's show on play.

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iHipHop had the opportunity to sit down with freshman phenom, Wale, last week in Chicago. The rapper discussed how his direct line of communication with Jay-Z has given him a leg up in business type situations. He also cited Jay’s advice as allowing him to maintain a certain amount of normalcy in the fast paced hip-hop world. Wale delves into the rapid evolution of the DC hip hop scene, and what the fans can expect from his début album on Alido/Interscope “Attention Deficit”.

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In a surprising yet interesting turn of events, recent actions by a trifling, mystery person revealed a bombshell. The “Mouth of the South,” Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, was outted as one of Dr. Dre’s main contributors for his long awaited album, Detox. “O.G.’s Theme,” a demo version of a track that is scheduled to appear on the album, was performed by the legendary Atlanta rapper with him trading in his patented southern baritone stylings for a more relaxed and casual flow; an obvious attempt at mimicking the good Dr.

Luda vented some of his frustrations through his Twitter page, where the southern behemoth said, “Not sure how this leaked. It was fun trying to sound like Dr. Dre!”

Luda is not the only ATLien to help Dre with his long awaited project. None other than T.I., the King of the South, is said to also be ghostwriting for the West Coast legend. “Coming Back,” a track rumoured to be on the ever elusive album, was leaked onto the internet a few months ago. No official confirmation has been given by TIP as to whether he is officially involved in the project.

For Ludacris' latest Detox release: [CLICK HERE]

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50 Cent is running scared from the Jigga Man. He officially announced Thursday that he would not release his album on the same day as Jay-Z as previously planned. Instead his album will be released a full two weeks after Jigga’s September 11th release date. Pleased with his decision, 50 bragged about his new album calling it “perfect” and saying that production from Dr. Dre was running behind.

“My album-it’s perfect, I feel. I’m ready,” he told MTV. “I’m ready to put this album out. I really don’t need adjustments. I need a few songs to be finished, mixed. Dre, he drags his feet. He’s slow, but it’s because he’s so creative. He’s gonna make sure it’s perfect. I’m never mad at it. I understand that process from him.”

Despite Dre’s sluggish finishing touches, 50’s “perfect” album, Before I Self Destruct, hits stores September 29th.

In related news, G-Unit soldier Tony Yayo has said that he refuses to accept The Game’s apology. While expressing an understanding as to why Young Buck and The Game would leave G-Unit, and noting that there would be advantages to him leaving, he noted that he would never do that out of “loyalty”. The G-Unit underboss also called The Game “bipolar” and stated that his feelings on the Compton rapper’s apology is mirrored by everyone in the Unit. -

Press Play

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MURS on one of the dopest MC/producers ever, from the CPT or better yet, TTP - DJ Quik.

Look out for Murs’ project with the Los Angels Leakers entitled Damn It Feels Good to Be A Gangsta dropping Tuesday, July 21st.

Game apologises to 50 Cent, Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre and the entire G Unit / Aftermath/Interscope-Geffen family for the whole bullshit drama and beef. he has only now just landed from that plane-wrecked beef he had with 50 and G Unit Records/Aftermath.

Not a word on his recent beef with . Peep this space for that apology and regret in coming months. - Rip [Ed.]

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Dave Chappelle dropped an impromptu show in Portland, Oregon 1am this morning. Armed with only a mic and an amp, he put on for over 3,000 people. From someone at the event, he posted:

"Sooo... Dave Chappelle tries to do a last-minute surprise show in the middle of Downtown Portland at 1 AM, and 4,000 people show up. Chappelle supposedly only expected an audience of about 200, so he arrives in the outdoor Pioneer Square alone with a small portable amplifier and microphone in hand. The mob kinda prevents him from doing a proper show, but it’s still crazy to see him walk amongst us—Chappelle has become the Cam’ron of Comedy. And yeah, we would call this out for being a carefully orchestrated viral publicity stunt of Joaquin Phoenix proportions, but…Oregon? You can’t make that shit up."

Jay-Z inks major book deal to decipher and decode the lyrics from his career. Complex mag dropped the 411 for all on 'Decoded':

People love to talk about lyrics: punchlines, puns, double meanings, you name it. And no one is as fond of his own cleverness as one Shawn Carter. To that end, Jiggaman has reportedly inked a deal to write a book called Decoded, wherein he delves into his own inexhaustible arsenal of wit and wordplay to explain what he meant by many of his favorite lines. “I’m gonna pick the select ones,” he told a radio DJ, “all the double entendres and things that people may have missed or may have gotten and want confirmation on it.” Forgive us if we were a little skeptical at first, but it just didn’t sound like anything we’d want to shell out $24.95 for ($9.95 for the Kindle edition—holla at us, Steve Bezos!).

But as with so many times before, it turned out that we were wrong. We got a look at a preview of Decoded, and the shit is absolute fire! If you thought you knew what was going through Jay’s mind when he penned his joints (without the pen), you had no idea. Even his not-so-incredible tracks are testament to his penchant for cryptic allusion and restless philosophical examination. Don’t believe us? Peep the excerpt below* to see the thought process behind his 2003 hit “Change Clothes.” And you thought it was just about girls and brand names.

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Mr X to the Z performing cru-thick at HOB on May 30th, 2009

The new video from Inglewood CA Rapper, El Prez – “Floss Angeles”, featuring Convinced, Dale Danja, DNEZ, Chris Focus, and C-San. It’s presented by The FCC(Fresh Coast Collective) and Ek5obition Clothing and directed by Reggie Reagor for DRG Films.

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Drake talks of his powerful and popular new joint 'Successful' and cuts through the lyrics. An almost parallel interview came out on ABC News below, asking on the rumour of he and Rihanna socialising closely, the pressure put on him to match expectations, and his street-cred.

For the ABC News interview with Drake, [CLICK HERE]

Snoop Dogg kicks off the Blazed and Confused tour from his closet, featuring Snoop Dogg, Stephen Marley, Verne Troyer (Mini Me), FOD Team, and Drew.

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The God Emcee, Rakim returns with the Seventh Seal album. His third solo album, first of nine years since he and Dre had their creative differences under Aftermath's early days. First single released off the album, "Holy Are You" dropped two days ago on Myspace.

The album, Seventh Seal is currently set for an end of year release via his own G&E Trust label. When asked about the album title, Rakim stated:
"The number 7 has a lot of significance. The 7th letter of the alphabet is G -- that stands for God. There are 7 continents, 7 seas. The 'Seventh Seal' deals with that and also some revelations in the Bible," said Rakim to Billboard. "Some call it the end of the world, but for me it's the end of the old and the beginning of the new. By me naming my album that, I'm using it metaphorically in hip-hop. I'm hoping to kill the old state of hip-hop and start with the new."

Forever the most revered lyricist to have ever rapped a beat.

"N.Y. Minute" by French Montana featuring Jadakiss. This track has been out for a minute, and it's still crisp. The video to boot - Press play - Rip [.Ed]

Tupac Shakur's Bay Area running mate from waaay back, Ray Luv shows off Pac's first business card for Pushin The Bay TV. His title as National Chairman of the New African Panthers, a pager number and a Santa Rosa phone number are listed, among other things.

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What up y’all it’s ya boy Nipsey Hu$$le. This first blog I’ma let you know what you can expect from me for the week and what I been gettin into.

I’m out here in LA filming a movie with my homie Ving Rhames called The Wrath of Cain in which I play one of his sons. That shit been mind blowing to me so I’ma take one of my days of bloggin to talk about that. You can expect that on Tuesday. I also been workin on my album South Central State of Mind which drops December 22nd so I been tryin to balance the filming with the music shit.

I just finished my new mixtape Bullets Ain’t Got No Names Vol.3 which is my best work to date. Y’all gonna go nuts when you hear it! That’s hosted by the homie Whoo Kid, Jonny Shipes and The Empire. Below is the cover artwork you see it here first on my XXL takeover so stay tuned I’m here all week. Let me know what yall think of the cover.

Other than that I just been dealing with my everyday life. A lot of people been askin me about how I feel about West Coast music and the state of it and what the problems have been with breakin new artists and what I did to break myself out here so I’ma discuss the whole West Coast music shit and my mind frame on it in my Thursday blog. Friday I’ma give my fans the Updated West Coast and I’ma name my top 5 new artists and top 5 new producers who I wanna shine the spotlight on like my homie Game did for me. Hussle music All Money in No money out… —Nipsey Hu$$le

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Jay-Z speaks with DJ Drama over his canceled Atlanta show and Blueprint 3.

BONUS: Jay-Z Calls Ryan Cameron (V103 Atlanta) [CLICK HERE]

Nas Live at Rock the Bells, 2009, Washington, DC from illvibes on Vimeo

"O.G. Musik" by Ludacris (Dr. Dre tribute)

"Hallelujah" by Bishop Lamont(w. Xzibit prod by Dr Dre)

"Let's not mourn death. Celebrate life." - Jay-Z

The Jigga Man paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson during a Chicago concert, before 'Can I Live' broke out the mutha. Fuck the bickering beef brewing between he and The Game. Give it up for the Legend. [R.I.P.] - Rip [Ed.]

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The Game - Live in France snaps back at Jay-Z's recent freestyle [CLICK HERE]. Blood loves the bangin' on wax beef. But what happened to the days where you don't disrespect legends? - Words from Jayceon, himself. - Rip [Ed.]

These days homeboy holds down a regular post with Fed Ex Kinkos off Wilshire Boulevard, west of La Brea in in L.A. Much respect for his contributions none the less. - Rip [Ed.]

The freestyle outburst by Jay-Z at his recent show at The Palms in Las Vegas is sure to be picked-apart by the online press vultures. He tore it down, firing off his chest at names like - Game, Jaz-O, Dame Dash, Jim Jones.

(Chicago concert) Press play -

Few sites have supposed lyrics transcribed, but these are the definitive words here:

"What are we talking about cuz i ain't got time
For what people be talking about all the time
Are we talking about fiction or are we talking about fact
You talking about fiction, hold up, pardon my back
I'm talking about life and all I hear is - Oh yeah he keeps talking about crack
I ain't talking about profit, I'm talking about pain
Talking about this film, talking about shame
I ain't talking about gossip, I ain't talking about Game
I ain't talking about Jimmy, I ain't talking about Dame
I'm talking about real shit, them people playin'
What is you talking about, I don't know what y'all saying
People keep talking about Hov take it back
I'm doing better than before, why would I do that?...
Ain't nothin' cool about wearing a strap
worrying your mums, burying your best cat
talking about revenge while you're carrying his casket
getting teary-eyed about to take it to the mattress
I'm talkin' about music, I ain't talkin' about rap
I'm talkin' about who's hot i ain't talkin' about bap
The conversation's changed why don't we yap about that
I don't run rap no more i run the map
A small part of the reason the President is black
I told him I got him when he hit me on the chat
I'm talkin' about progress, I ain't lookin' back
I'm trying to run track, 'try not to get lapped
People keep talking about Hov left em flat
trying to re-write history let's talk about facts
Dame made millions, even Jaz made some scraps
He could have made more but he ain't sign his contract!
In As far as street guys i mean we was all dealing crack
that's how the game goes I don't owe anybody jack!
grown man want me to sit him on my lap
But I don't have a beard and Santa Clause ain't black!"

Good lookin' out on the pics (via WireImage) - Rip [Ed.]

The almighty Rolling Stone magazine fronts the legendary Michael Jackson following his passing last week in its' commemorative issue.

Ninety-six pages on the icon 'from Motown to Thriller to Neverland and beyond.' - from Nahright.com - The Rolling Stone issue will be available next week.

The Game is reportedly in talks to star in his third major film. After hitting up the big screen in Waist Deep (2006) and Street Kings (2008), this time one of the West Coast’s finest is rumored to be in talks to take on the role of “Sgt. Bosco Baracus,” better known as “B.A.” for the upcoming film The A-Team. Scheduled to start shooting in August, the role was made famous by body guard turned actor Mr. T. who made the character an icon after playing him for five years on the 80’s action drama.

The film, version of the classic television show has been in the works for years with several people being attached to play the character including Ving Rhames, Ice Cube, Chicago lyricist Common and mixed martial arts fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. So far actor Liam Neeson is confirmed for the four-man A-Team line-up who’ll play “Col. John “Hannibal” Smith.”

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Download: [CLICK HERE]

Billboard’s Mariel Concepcion recently spoke to Hov and got some clarification on the deals he just closed with Atlantic and Sony.
“Sony is Roc Nation. That’s where Roc Nation’s going through,” Jay-Z told Billboard.com on Friday (June 29).
As for the deal he recently signed with Atlantic, he clarifies that it is a one-off situation for his upcoming album, “Blueprint 3,” slated for a September 11th release.
“That’s pretty much just for this specific album. Roc Nation — we’re experts in marketing and making records. But we do distribution deals,” he says. “On this one, we’re working directly with the Atlantic staff, which is Julie [Greenwald], Lyor [Cohen], Kevin [Liles] and Kyse [Mike Kyser]. For the rest of the Roc Nation artists, we did a distribution deal with Sony."

Below is the official Blueprint 3 tracklist. All tracks are produced by Kayne West, Eternal Jewels, Lucy, and Apostate.

Blueprint 3 (Roc Nation/Atlantic)

01. Wake Up New York (Intro)
02. Most Kings
03. Hades (Lucifer Pt. II)
04. Eternal Jewels (ft. Jay Electronica) [prod. by Jay Electronica]
05. Blueprint 3
06. Lucy (ft. Chris Martin)
07. The Audacity of Dope
08. S.L.U. Pt. 2 (ft. Nas, Andre 3000, and Young Jeezy)
09. Election Night (We believe in Obama)
10. Just Memories
11. Apostate (ft. Eminem) [prod. by Eminem]
12. Oasis
13. My Brothers Keeper (ft. Scarface)
14. Brooklyn Lost
15. Weeds & Concrete
16. Without Rain…