Nine years ago today, R&B great Aaliyah died in a plane crash. Her catalogue boasts several hits (“4 Page Letter”; “Are You That Somebody”; “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A Number”) and with her death she left behind a legion of fans. Among them, Drake who sampled “At Your Best” on his album Thank Me Later in “Unforgettable.” Via Rap Radar, Drake wrote a letter to the fallen songstress. While it isn’t four pages, it’s certainly heart felt. RIP.

Dear Dana,

I’ve never lost a parent, a friend, or a lover but I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I remember getting the news that you had passed and it connected with my heart like a clean shot from Muhammad Ali. I was crushed. Not only was I one of your biggest fans but I was truly in love with you. I loved the way you carried yourself, the way you dressed, the confidence with which you addressed passion and relationships in your music. I said to myself that even if we never met, I wanted a woman in my life just like you. I am pained that we will never get to connect now that music ended up being my career path. But you should know, we all listen to you everyday and we remain inspired and moved by all that you’ve given the world. I hope I make the right life choices so I can end up in heaven where I know you rest your head. I’ll continue to make music in your honor until the day we finally meet. Dinner’s on me!

Love you always and forever,

Drake

New Orleans has stamina. It’s been five years since Hurricane Katrina ripped through the music capital and the city is still standing. Despite it’s setbacks, the rich culture and New Orleans fervor remains unmatched. From the return of Mardi Gras and front line bands to the Saints Super Bowl win, five years after the storm this much is clear—New Orleans is here to stay. To mark the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we celebrate the crescent city with this hometown special, “From New Orleans, With Love.” Enjoy.

Rap Maps: Plotting Juvenile’s “Noila Clap” Across New Orleans on Google

Locals Only: Traffic Boutique

Status Check: New Orleans, Five Years After the Storm

The USA Today reports on the current status of New Orleans, five years after the storm. Read more for a brief update.

This time of the year is still very difficult for New Orleans residents.  Five years after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, metro New Orleans is still both physically and mentally recovering.  The economy, weak and undiversified before the storm, has struggled to rebuild years later.

While the rebuilding efforts and reformation has progressed—residents are returning, schools are being rebuilt and the city has a new mayor and police chief—post-Katrina New Orleans has been met with several hurdles and new challenges. The city is struggling to battle crime, unemployment and a growing homeless community and displaced residents looking to return and rebuild are more often than not, met with red tape.

New Orleans has lost a great deal after the disaster and experts estimate that it will take up to 15 years to rebuild the Big Easy. Despite it’s setbacks, the rich culture and New Orleans fervor remains unmatched. From the return of Mardi Gras and front line bands to the Saints Super Bowl win, five years after the storm this much is clear—New Orleans is here to stay.

–India Banks

Brittany Epps pens our inaugural post for new series, Locals Only, a showcase of the best independent boutiques and shops across the country. Check out streetwear boutique, Traffic, a favorite in New Orleans with a forthcoming location in Dallas.

WORDS BY BRITTANY EPPS

“Dress like you’re coming from somewhere and you’ve got some place to go,” says Lawrence Parker, the creative influence behind Traffic Boutique.

With that motto in mind, Traffic, the first streetwear boutique in New Orleans, is certainly a place you’d want to be jammed in. Located in the world famous New Orleans French Quarters, one of the city’s most exciting and vibrant areas, the boutique offers its customers some of the world’s most cutting edge designers and labels. Established in 2006 as an electronic re-seller with intentions on keeping the masses away from Coogie mistakes and toward hipster successes, Traffic is now a force to be reckoned with. With a great location in both New Orleans and Dallas and an online boutique, Traffic is providing the urban community with a very enticing and universally accessible alternative. Fashion-forward brands such as Durkl, 10 Deep, Unkommon Kolor, Creative Recreation, Crooks and Kastles and Kid Robot can be accessed in Traffic boutiques and from your laptop.

If the style hasn’t already left you astounded, the culture will. In early April, Big Easy native Jay Electronica returned to the city and set the Howlin’ Wolf’s stage ablaze for a Traffic Boutique concert, beat-boxing old bounce songs and singing Rick James between his own hits—and did we mention he brought Mos Def along with him? Enough said

Traffic also promotes “Streetwear Sundays,” which is an avenue for local artists and musicians to display their work.

Traffic Boutique is a quick fix for a quarter life crisis and thus, a 25 Favorite. Head down south for a taste of crescent city swagger and a style upgrade—the light is green, don’t get left behind.

Jay Electronica x Mos Def Performance at Traffic Concert

Photo: RockSmithToyko, Booger Kids, G5Gi, DMC New Orelans

Traffic Boutique

Website: http://www.stop4traffic.com/

212 Chartres St.

New Orleans, La.

“Nolia Clap” off the album The Beginning of the End (2004) by Juvenile, Wacko and Skip is the unequivocal anthem for New Orleans and notes over a dozen locales. Explore the Big Easy as the then, Rap-A-Lot signees shout out their favorite neighborhoods. Inspired by a map of Sir-Mix-A-Lot’s “Posse on Broadway,” we thought we’d plot our own to mark the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Read more for editor’s note.

EDITOR’S NOTE: As a result of Hurricane Katrina, many of the housing projects and neighborhoods featured in the song have been torn down, rebuilt or converted into mixed income developments. The Lower Ninth Ward, a historically black neighborhood with a sizeable low-income population, was and still remains the most devastated area of New Orleans after the storm.

Photo: sickhop.com

A Drake “reference track” titled, “What If I Kissed You” has leaked onto the internet, possibly a preview of what is to come for Drake’s R&B album. A reference track by definition is a professional recorded track used by engineers as a reference when mixing to ensure a recording plays well across mediums. A reference vocal conversely, is not a final recording but a recommendation by an artist for another artists for how a song should be sung or a reference for musicians and featured vocalists to follow when making their recording contributions. They aren’t meant for public release but in the age of the internet, what really is?

Drake - What If I Kissed You (reference track)

After a fruitful press tour of sorts Kanye West hit the studio and has been recording with everyone from Jay Electronica and Raekwon to Kobe Bryant and Mos Def. This time he gets big brother, Jay-Z to remix his single “Power.” Stream after the jump.

Kanye West - Power (remix) Ft. Jay-Z

Drake “Miss Me” from John W on Vimeo.

Drake debuted his video for “Miss Me” on MTV last night. Looks like Lil Wayne made an appearance after all. The video has been getting mixed reviews, what do you think?

As incoming freshmen and returning college students start the new school year they’ll comfort in knowing that imprisoned Lil Wayne shares their dietary pain. According to Weezy’s food order, courtesy of TMZ, the New Orleans emcee has a taste for ramen noodles, kool-aid, Doritos and—stamps, lots of em’. Read more for a snapshot of the alleged food order.

See the full pdf here.

Nadja Benaissa, of girl group No Angels fame, is currently on trial for causing a man grievous bodily harm whom as a result of having unprotected sex, contracted H.I.V. The German pop star admitted in court to knowing her H.I.V. status and putting three sexual partners at risk when having unprotected sex.

Benaissa, 28, first became aware of her status after administering a pregnancy test when she was 16 years-old and pregnant with her daughter. She said she feared publicizing her status would negatively impact her girl band, No Angels. If Benaissa is found guilty of “intentional or negligent transmission of H.I.V.” she will face 10 years in prison.

According to German media, Benaissa’s lawyer read a statement that said Benaissa was “deeply sorry” and “The last thing I wanted was for my partner to get infected.”

VIDEO: Britain’s Channel 4 report on the trial.

Below are the terms of the German criminal law Ms. Benaissa stands accused of violating, courtesy of The Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe website:

Intentional or negligent transmission of HIV is classified as bodily injury according to German law and is therefore punishable. Whether a punishment is actually imposed, however, depends upon whether or not the H.I.V.-negative person knew about their partner’s H.I.V. infection and consented to unprotected sex.

Those who do everything they can to protect their partner, by using condoms for instance, are on the safe side criminally speaking in any case. If the partners mutually decide to stop using condoms in the relationship, the agreement should be made or documented in the presence of witnesses.

Whether a viral load below the detection limit offers sufficient protection for the partner is a question that is answered in a wide variety of ways in the German courts.

You are not obligated to inform sexual partners of your H.I.V. infection in Germany.

Source: NYT | Photo: Reuters UK

Erykah Badu has released a follow-up to her controversial “Window Seat” video with a remix production featuring Rick Ross. Not sure what we love more, the Rick James-esque hair or the video, you decide.

Maya “M.I.A.” Arulpragasam has never been a fan of native Sri Lanka’s government. As a result of her public opposition, she has received several death threats. This coupled with her son, Ikhyd Edgar Arular Bronfman, greatly influenced the creation of her upcoming album /\/\/\Y/\ (or, Maya). “XOXO” is one of the LP’s lead singles. Read more about her comments here.

Uncle Charlie by the way/And I’m a let you finish but I got Beyonce on the track

“See Me Now” Ft. Beyonce and Charlie Wilson (yes, Charlie Wilson) premiered last night on Angie Martinez’s Hot 97 radio show. Expect a remix with none other than Jay-Z later this week. How do we feel about the new, enlightened Kanye West?

Kanye West - See Me Now Ft. Beyonce x Charlie Wilson

The self-proclaimed face of the DMV (read: Washington, D.C. metro) and Roc Nation signee, Wale’s mixtape, More About Nothing, a follow-up to the acclaimed Mixtape About Nothing, is now available for download. Get excited.

Wale – More About Nothing (mixtape) |  Download Here or here

In the days leading up to his mixtape, Wale leaked some material from the tape, check it out:

Wale - Ambitious Girl

Wale’s mixtape, More About Nothing will be available for download today at 12 p.m. Get excited. Read more for the tracklist and latest release, “Black and Gold.”

theblackandgold1.mp3

The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) knows funny. In an effort to promote the NYILFF this week–July 27 to Aug. 1– a series of videos were released. The videos pay homage to those who have supported independent Latino film makers when resources were limited. The NYILFF strives to celebrate the independent Latino film community and will come to a close this weekend. Read more for details on two free panels being offered today in the city.

SATURDAY, JULY 31
HBO PRESENTS “ART OF THE SHORT”
12 – 2:00 PM @ Industry Lounge
Explore the key elements of creating a compelling narrative short – one that showcases a unique style, talent, and point of view – in an intimate workshop hosted by HBO development executives.

“RETHINKING FILM DISTRIBUTION: DOING IT YOURSELF”
2:30 – 4:30 PM @ Industry Lounge
This panel offers an in-depth examination of how to realign your marketing and distribution strategies to capitalize on the new independent distribution landscape, including digital marketing tools, synchronous online/theatrical releases, Video On Demand (V.O.D.) and limited ‘do it yourself’ theatrical runs.

Source: Kiss My Black Ads | NYILF

You know what’s better than a B.o.B. Adidas commercial? A B.o.B. Adidas commercial featuring Paul Iacono, the star of MTV’s The Hard Times of R. J. Berger. The commercial promotes the brand’s latest customizable collection, MEGA and features Bobby Ray’s “Magic.” Head over to the MEGA diner and cook up your own pair.

Photo: corprahlanfrey.wordpress.com

After the Cool Kids member, Chuck English, successfully tried his hand at solo production work it was only natural that the other half, Mikey Rocks, would attempt the lyrical equivalent.

The duo known for their flashy gear and bass heavy production style, found each other on Myspace in 2005. They made a huge splash in 2008, opening for M.I.A. on her World Tour, joining the Rock The Bells concert roster and headlining the “NBA 2K Bounce Tour” with rap veteran Q-Tip. The two are not credited as the most profound lyricists, but with  approval from hip-hop notables like Q-Tip, few find it problematic.

Photo: mwza.com/

Famed actor Laurence Fishburne’s daughter, Montana, wants to pursue a career in acting but to expedite the process, will try her hand in erotica. Vivid Entertainment–distributors of Kendra Wilkinson and Kim Khardashian’s sex tape– announced that Montana “Chippy D” Fishbourne will be the star of an upcoming porn film. Fishburne’s self-titled project will debut Aug. 18.

Fishburne, inspired by Kim Khardashian’s overnight success and rise to celebrity, says she hopes to garner similar results.

“I view making this movie as an important first step in my career,” said Fishburne in a Vivid press release.  “I’ve watched how successful Kim Kardashian became and I think a lot of it was due to the release of her sex tape by Vivid.  I’m hoping the same magic will work for me. I’m impatient about getting well-known and having more opportunities and this seemed like a great way to get started on it.”

According to Steven Hirsch, founder and co-chairman of Vivid, Fishburne’s erotic debut was hardly spontaneous.

“Montana made up her mind to make this dvd before we met her,” said Hirsch. “She grew up in the entertainment business and was well aware of our company. In looking at the careers of many current leading female personalities, she saw a path to success and hopes to follow it.”

Even more, a video interview featuring Fishburne and her adult film co-star has surfaced, confirming the news of her forthcoming DVD.

“I know what I do and I do it well,” Fishburne says in the video.

“I have a lot of at-home experience so I feel very comfortable with the camera. The camera loves me and I love the camera.”

So much for sleeping your way to the top.

Photo: straightfromthea.com

All the ladies in the place with the real hair, where you at?! / Hit the dance floor girl, do your freaky freaky dance

Trey’s back at it and this time with Swizz Beatz. Unfortunately, the DJ is all over this one. Showtime.

Trey-Songz-Ft.-Swizz-Beatz-Scratchy.mp3

Jules Kim of Bijules fame, has teamed up with Urban Outfitters for a designer collection and Le Bij is their second release. It’s eco-friendly and won’t break the bank at $18 a pop, so stock up in the six color ways.

At this point Uniqlo has become has become more synonymous with basic essentials than H&M with cheap and trendy. Stock up on your wardrobe must-haves with this season’s collection.

If you live in New York, you need to be there. #thatisall

And another one. Here’s the second Drake track off of Trill O.G.

Expect verses from Young Jeezy, Drake, Raekwon and Gucci Mane as well as posthumous bars from Pimp C and 2pac (we’re sure he wrote his a long time ago, perhaps in ’94) on the album. It drops on Tuesday, get excited.

Bun-B-Ft-Drake-Its-Been-A-Pleasure.mp3

Album Tracklist:

1. Church
2. Trillionaire
3. Just Like That f. Young Jeezy
4. Put It Down f. Drake
5. Right Now f. Pimp C, 2pac & Trey Songz
6. Countin’ Money All Day f. Gucci Mane & Yo Gotti
7. Ridin’ Slow f. Slim Thug
8. Speak Easy f. Twista & Cedric the Entertainer
9. Lights, Camera, Action
10. I Get Down For Mine
11. No Competition f. Raekwon (prod. DJ Khalil)
12. Let ‘Em Know (prod. DJ Premier)
13. All A Dream f. Latoya Luckett
14. It’s Been a Pleasure f. Drake

Check out the intriguing trailer for The Social Network, the film based on the youngest billionaire in history and creator of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. The trailer features Kanye West’s “Power.” Hit the theaters October 1.

No one man should have all that power. Fitting.

Somewhere between recording with everyone from Chester French and Wale to Reflection Eternal for outside projects, Mr. Freeman was able to garner a star-studded feature list for Trill O.G.

Expect verses from Young Jeezy, Drake, Raekwon and Gucci Mane as well as posthumous bars from Pimp C and 2pac (we’re sure he wrote his a long time ago, perhaps in ’94) on the album. It drops on Tuesday, get excited.

Bun_B-Right_Now_Feat_Pimp_C_2Pac__Trey_Songz-2dope.mp3

Album Tracklist:

1. Church
2. Trillionaire
3. Just Like That f. Young Jeezy
4. Put It Down f. Drake
5. Right Now f. Pimp C, 2pac & Trey Songz
6. Countin’ Money All Day f. Gucci Mane & Yo Gotti
7. Ridin’ Slow f. Slim Thug
8. Speak Easy f. Twista & Cedric the Entertainer
9. Lights, Camera, Action
10. I Get Down For Mine
11. No Competition f. Raekwon (prod. DJ Khalil)
12. Let ‘Em Know (prod. DJ Premier)
13. All A Dream f. Latoya Luckett
14. It’s Been a Pleasure f. Drake

Janelle Monae Speaks On Bilal from bilal oliver on Vimeo.

After watching Bilal perform Bad Boy affiliate, Janelle Monae had some choice words for the neo soul singer. Read more for her soundbite and a stream of the latest Bilal release, “Free.”

“His voice is like a Van Gogh painting,” says Monae. ”It has so many textures to it.”

“I cant even describe how I was feeling the time when I was watching him. But I just kept thinking, man I see that orange and red and green and black and grey and white. He is able to do that with his voice and I’m just honored to hear that while I’m alive and still breathing and he is alive and still breathing.”

Bilal - Free

“The Hiole” is a black suede moccasin to be included in Marc Jacobs’ fal footwear collection. It is an ankle boot with black tie detail at the heel and a rubber sole. Get em’ early here.

We’re really feeling the SUPER FA2010/2011 collection. The sunglasses have a clean, classic design and are a modern taken on the famed retro wayfarer style. Look out for these in August.

Photo: pleasedontstare.com

An unfinished cut rumored to be off of highly anticipated LP, Cole World has hit the internet, and in the J. Cole fashion, it’s damn good (so far).

J.-Cole-Untitled-Prod.-by-Jim-Jonsin-No-Tags.mp3