Mike Stud is "So Good"

Dropping his most recent album on the 1st of May, B.o.B. has already made a splash with "Strange Clouds" and the related world tour. While the album features appearances from the likes of artists such as Playboy Tre, Nikki Minaj, Roscoe Dash and Lil Wayne, the album's popular single from the album ("So Good") has inspired a covered version from a favorite artist of mine --Mike Stud. Also, check out Mike Stud's additional tracks on soundcloud here.

Check out this version:



Download the track here: B.o.B.'s version:

"Ray Charles" Video Released

Two days ago, I awoke to an email from one of my absolute favorite trendy pop/hip-hop groups -- Chiddy Bang. As anyone with a music pulse should know, the duo first broke onto the scene a few years ago with "Opposite Of Adults," sampling a MGMT hook. How over the smash hit making machine has been a little quiet as of late. Fortunately for hip-hop heads everywhere, Chiddy Bang released a teaser video to their upcoming album "Breakfast" which drops in February.

"RAY CHARLES"


Download the "Ray Charles" single here:

Chiddy Bang - Ray Charles by dubspain

Fresh New Mac Miller Video: "Of The Soul"

Mac Miller released a music video for a recent song of his, "Of The Soul", from his latest studio album "Blue Slide Park" (album review by Rolling Stone). It's definitely not his best work but it's still a quality track that deserves a little recognition; the beat and catchy hook in the background are both enjoyable. It's also interesting that the song title really doesn't reflect the lyrics very well. But who couldn't look at this Pittsburgh hooligan without smiling a little?



This is definitely one of those songs that you'll want to show your friends, so enjoy!

Here is a download link for the track.

Hoodie Allen: Hipster hop?

Steven Markowitz, better known under his stage-based pseudonym of "Hoodie Allen", first caught the music bug as a child. This New York based emcee is one of my current favorites and I've had numerous of his pop culturally-relevant songs with witty punchlines on repeat throughout the holiday season. At only 21 years old, Hoodie has a prime career in the music career waiting in the wings.

Hoodie sporting some hipster lens-less glasses.

But what impresses me most about this artist is his distinct style (if there is such a thing in music still). One could make comparisons to artists, and fellow contemporary artists, like Macklemore, Childish Gambino or XV, but Hoodie has definitely carved out his own lyrical niche in the rap/hip-hop world.

Now, to the tracks:

"THE CHASE IS ON"



Download via soundcloud:
The Chase Is On by Hoodie Allen

"JAMES FRANCO"



James Franco by Hoodie Allen


"CAN'T HOLD ME DOWN"

Hoodie Allen - Can't Hold Me Down (feat. Tayyib Ali) by Justin Schumerth

"WORDS OF WISDOM"

Words Of Wisdom (feat. Two Door Cinema Club) by the record stack

Also, make sure you check out Hoodie's soundcloud page here. Pretty much all of his songs are free to download. For any twitter people out there, Markowitz can be found at @hoodieallen.

A Grab Bag of New Blue Scholars' Hits

If I could be friends with any artist/MC in the entire rap game, it would easily be Geo (once known as Geologic) of the Blue Scholars. While I've posted about the Seattle-based duo in the past (DJ Sabzi rounds produces beats for Geo to rhyme across), I've never really delved into how much they mean to me as a group.

I feel they're not this intimidating in person.

After listening to them for fewer than five minutes, it's blatantly apparent to anyone with a sense of musically skill that these cats are wired to make truly fantastic, esthetically wondrous and downright filthy good music. Whenever I throw on Blue Scholars, I'm instantly in a better mood.

Blue Scholars catch musical fire

Perhaps what impresses me most about the Blue Scholars is that they manage to stay humble and true to their roots despite they've made it big (or at least have a very faithful following) in the music industry. I also love that Geo raps about things that are real --work, wages, family, friends, love and heartbreak-- and relegates the average rap topics like hos, rims and drugs to the curb.

I hope you get caught up in the Blue Scholars are too!

"Big Bang Hank"


"50 Thousand Deep"


"Coo?"


"New People [Remix]"

(A remix of an song by Empire of the Sun)

Artist Profile: OnCue

OnCue is exactly the type of artist I love to write about and, even better still, listen to. Not only is it apparent that his lyrics come straight from his heart, and he bares his soul for all to see, but listen to five bars of his flow and it's blatantly obvious that he loves what he does.

OnCue, who hails originally from Hartford, Conn., and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY., is quite an enigma. After some skimming some interviews and articles about the rising star, the only glimpse of a name I've found was that some people call him Geoffrey. But, lucky for us, "Geoffrey" from Brooklyn know how to make some great music. Whether he's sampling Dave Matthew's "Crash Into Me," or producing his own beats, he's a raw talent.

Here are some of the best songs of his I've discovered thus far. (Also, you can download his mixtape, "Cuey Sings the Blues", here.) Listen away!

"Crashing Down" (Download included in the description)


"Your Own Supply"

I love the scene with the photographer.

"Friends" (Download included in the description)


"Eat Your Words"

Asher Roth: More than a "One-Hit" Wonder

In the spring of 2008, everyone and their mother heard about how much Asher Roth loves college. When his single "I Love College" came out, however, no one had ever heard of the Pennsylvania native before; he was even confused with Eminem in both looks and flow. Yet, believe it or not, Asher has been busy while the world was focused elsewhere.

The most famous ginger rapper...ever

Not only has Asher been signed to a label, put out several mixtapes, toured with Kid Cudi, Blink-182 and B.o.B., and been promoting his upcoming album that will be released in 2011, but he's also been putting in time in the studio.

XXL cover with Wale, B.o.B. and Charles Hamilton (from L to R)

Thus, it's only fair for me to share some of his tracks that haven't made it to the radio waves. I truly feel like Roth is an above average rapper who has yet to fully hit his stride. I guess only time will tell! Nonetheless, peep these tracks and tell me what you think. How high is the ceiling for Roth? He's certainly more talented than most of the rappers who top the charts today. But I digress...

"G.R.I.N.D. (Get Ready It's A New Day)"


"Sour Patch Kids"


"(Stop) Waiting On The World To Change"