Fresh off the heels of “Marvin’s Room” and “Dreams Money Can Buy,” the Toronto emcee has dropped yet another free download in anticipation of his forthcoming album, Take Care. “Trust Issues” is a spin-off of Drake’s feature in DJ Khaled’s “I’m on One” alongside Rick Ross and Lil Wayne.

Drake describes the record as, “my own little thing using some other thing I did. You know,” on his blog, October’s Very Own.

Take Care is scheduled for an Oct. 24 release—Drake’s birthday. in the meantime, you can catch the Degrassi star in Toronto headlining Ovofest on July 31 with special guests Rick Ross and The Weeknd.

Drake - Trust Issues


DJ Khaled - I’m On One Ft. Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne


Drake - Marvin’s Room


Drake - Dreams Money Can Buy

What do you think of all the new material Drake has been releasing?

25 Magazine explores the buzz surrounding Drake-endorsed, Toronto R&B artist, The Weeknd, and his debut mixtape House of Balloons. Review and stream after the jump.

Have you ever been lifted? Not by any foreign substance, but through music?

If not—or even if so—Toronto upstart artist, The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, just may be your personal batch of the good stuff. Stamped with approval by fellow countryman, Drake who tweeted song lyrics from their track “Wicked Games” and a link to their mixtape, a plug by Rolling Stone, and a Tesfaye vocal and Jeremy Rose production combination that hasn’t been paired so seamlessly in R&B since Aaliyah and Timbaland; The Weeknd just might be on to something. We bang with it.

House of Balloons, the singer’s debut mixtape, wields a title that is a foreshadowing of where his music will take you—to the ceiling.

The nine-track EP brings you on a euphonious adventure, recalling 90s R&B, while adding a taste of futuristic funk and a touch of indie infusions. The second track, “What You Need,” speaks to this, opening with a looped sample, “Baby, now hold me close” – a line from Aaliyah’s hit song “Rock the Boat.” Hot and mellow, “What You Need” is perhaps the sexiest song on the mixtape.

The Weeknd – House Of Balloons by The_Weeknd

It is sample heavy. House of Balloons experiments with an assortment of genres, exploring British punk rock group Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “Happy House” on the title track “House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls” and doses of indie-rock duo Beach House on “Loft Music” and “The Party & The After Party”—two of our favorite songs on the mixtape. “The Party & The After Party” also makes a nod to The Dream with oohs, ahhs, and seductive crooning.

It is consistent. The tone of House of Balloons glides with little to no friction. All nine songs, collectively, tell a story of a weekend under the influence. The crowd is 21+. There are drugs, sex, money, love, lust, alcohol, parties, and fast cars—all on some spellbinding, fluid beats.

House of Balloons is dripping with drug sounds, which are whispered in each song’s rhythm and hinted at in the lyrics. “Even though you don’t roll, girl. You wanna be high for this,” Tesfaye croons in HOB’s opening track, candidly titled “High For This.” Need I say more?

House of Balloons is a soundtrack for the lives of many of our #dopeonastick constituents—and dope individuals in general—and it has been skillfully crafted, which everyone can appreciate.

So what’s all the hype about?

The Weeknd’s music is mood evoking. It makes you feel like you’re where he is and are on what he’s on. It’s sexy, grown, silky and distorted. Tesfaye’s vocals are melancholy and sickly sweet, almost hypnotic. Where many production newcomers fall short, Rose delivers. The Weeknd is fresh and delicious.

XO til’ we overdose? We shall.

-Brittany T. Epps

The Weeknd – House of Balloons | Download Here

Photo: chickensdontclap.net

This weekend, Drake hosted the Juno Awards, a prestigious event honoring the best in music his countrymen have to offer (Read: the Canadian GRAMMYs). The awards were held in Toronto and to open the ceremony Drake led with a skit about his new music business initiative, “Old Money.” Despite having six nominations, Drake did not walk away with any wins this weekend.

“We’re called Young Money because we appeal to a younger demographic and everyone in the label…has a lot of money,” says Drake.

“For this new one coming out this year which is called ‘Take Care’ I think I’ve devised a plan. I really think I’ve stumbled upon an untapped gold mine and instead of Young Money, today, it’s all about ‘Old Money.’”

It’s been some time since Aubrey Graham’s acting days in Canadian teen drama, “Degrassi,” but as far as his Juno skit goes, he’s got comedy down. Read more to see the skit and select winners for the Juno Awards.

Juno Awards Winners:

Juno Fan Choice Award Winner: Justin Bieber

Artist of the Year: Neil Young

Group of the Year: Arcade Fire

New Artist of the Year: Meaghan Smith

New Group of the Year: Said the Whale

Album of the Year & Alternative Album of the Year: Suburbs, Arcade Fire

International Album of the Year: Teenage Dream, Katy Perry

Pop Album of the Year: My World 2.0, Justin Bieber

Single of the Year: “Wavin’ Flag,”  Young Artists for Haiti

R&B/Soul Recoding of the Year: “Stars,” Quanteisha

Rap Recording of the Year: TSOL, Shad

Reggae Recording of the Year: “Likkle But Mi Tallawah,” Elaine Lil’Bit Sheppard

What do you think, did Drake nail the skit?

Rihanna hit her home country Barbados to shoot the video for “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake and looked amazing, expect some high cut shorts, fishnet stockings and pinstripes. Read more for the official video.

The clock struck midnight and J. Cole’s blog, Dream Villain, went down. The influx of Cole fans has the website bandwidth acting up so there is no download in sight for Friday Night Lights. Stay tuned for a link when the dust settles.

Update: The link for the download has arrived. J. Cole – Friday Night Lights | Download Here or Here

01 Friday Night Lights (Intro)

02 Too Deep For The Intro

06 Villematic

07 Enchanted

08 Blow Up

09 Higher

10 In The Morning

11 2Face

12 The Autograph

13 Best Friend

14 Cost Me A Lot

15 Premeditated Murder

16 Home For The Holidays

17 Love Me Not

18 See World

19 Farewell

20 Looking For Trouble (Bonus)

Photo courtesy of dreamvillain.net

Finally, a J.Cole and Drake collaboration, just in time for Cole’s upcoming mixtape, Friday Night Lights.

Who owned the track, J.Cole or Drake?

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

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 “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?

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

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

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, 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.

Bun_B-Put_It_Down_f_Drake-2dope.mp3

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

Last week, the long awaited follow-up to mixtape, So Far Gone (2009), Thank Me Later has garnered early success. Drake’s debut album allegedly sold 447,00 copies in its first week and debuted at No. 1 on the “Billboard 200″ chart. A considerable high in light of his album’s web leak and overall decline in record sales.

Thank Me Later, featured artists Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, T.I., The Dream and fellow Young Money label mate, Nicki Minaj. Drake is often credited with “microwave success” due to his rapid rise to fame, MTV’s documentary attempted to delve in to the man behind the music. If you missed it last night, read more for the highlights.

Part 2: Drake Just Wants People To Be Confident In His Abilities

Part 3: Drake Puts The Finishing Touches On Thank Me Later

Part 4: Drake’s Biggest Fear Is Losing His Producer, Noah ‘40? Shebib

Part 5: Drake’s Show At Governor’s Island Is Canceled

Part 6: Drake Believes He Gets ‘Everything Good In Life’ From His Mom

Part 7: Drake Sells 446,680 Copies Of Thank Me Later In The First Week

Update: Billboard reports that Thank Me Later debuted at No. 1 on the “Billboard 200″ chart and sold 447,000 copies in it’s first week.

The long awaited follow-up to mixtape, So Far Gone (2009), Thank Me Later has garnered early success. Drake’s debut album allegedly sold 462,989 copies in its first week according to Hits Daily Double — expect a confirmation from Billboard tomorrow. A considerable high in light of his album’s web leak and overall decline in record sales.

Thank Me Later, dropped last Tuesday, and featured artists Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, T.I., The Dream and fellow Young Money label mate, Nicki Minaj.

Despite mixed reviews, the album received support from a bevy of fans, artists and industry professionals including street wear brand Crooks and Castles who bought out the dozens of Thank Me Later copies in their local Best Buy’s inventory.

25 Magazine’s Letese Clark gives Drake’s Thank Me Later a first listen.

WORDS BY LETESE CLARK

The Canadian native Aubrey Graham, better known as Drake, has finally released his debut album Thank Me Later after much anticipation. It seems as if it was yesterday when he was Jimmy on the hit television series Degrassi. Drake established fame as one of the strongest emerging artists today with his mixtape So Far Gone, and Thank Me Later marks the beginning of what will probably be a long, lucrative career. The album includes production by Kanye West, Noah “40” Shebib, Boi-1da, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. For Drake’s sake, here’s hoping that Thank Me Later slow sells a million.

1. “Fireworks” Feat. Alicia Keys
The opening track is the beginning of never-ending story and celebration, hence the firework sound effects at the start. Alicia Key’s soulful vocals foreshadows the story that unfolds throughout the album.

2. “Karaoke”
This tracks to be one of the more lack luster exudes a R&B vibe, nothing too exciting.

3. “The Resistance”
Drake continues with the R&B flow on this track, this time speaking on the resistance to changing one’s character.

4. “Over”
The leading single is a return to hip-hop and the heavy hitting Drake as he dismisses the naysayers and continues to do him until it is all over—no the most original motto but still apreciated. This by far is the best track off the album and has the makings of an anthem.

5. “Show Me A Good Time”
Drake was never one for humility. He works hard and isn’t afraid to let it be known. On this track, Drake is looking forward to being shown a good time as a reward for putting in work.

6. “Up All Night” Feat. Nicki Minaj
Another track declaring to the haters that he is on top of his game but this time Drake shouts out his Young Money crew and their contributions to his fame. Nicki Minaj offers a laid-back but nevertheless hard-hitting verse minus her usual theatrics.

7. “Fancy” Feat. Swizz Beatz
Finally, a track for the ladies. This collaboration is an anthem for the independent, intelligent, well-kept and well, fancy woman.

8. “Shut It Down” Feat. The Dream
Drake has teamed up with The Dream to produce another hit strictly for the ladies. With one particular female in mind, the rapper proclaims that she is shutting it down in every aspect of her life. A likely follow-up to “Best I Ever Had.”

9. “Unforgettable” Feat.Young Jezzy
This track features a sample from the late Aaliyah. Both rappers plead fans to disregard the images presented by the paparazzi and remember them for their lyrics—lyrics they consider unforgettable.

10. “Light Up” Feat. Jay-Z
Late night studio sessions while everybody else is out partying and hating critics, this track is a testament to the strenuous music grind. Welcome to the industry.

11. “Miss Me” Feat. Lil Wayne
The album wouldn’t be complete without a lengthily verse from mentor, Lil Wayne. Drake goes on to rap about a variety of things on this track most notably, his love for Nicki Minaj, but in the ends he just wants fans to miss him when he’s gone.

12. “Cece’s Interlude”
This R&B interlude has Drake open, aching for the one that got away. Another joint for the woman he’s tripped up over.

13. “Find Your Love”
The large Caribbean population in Canada has not left Drake untouched. This second single offers an island take to Drake’s ongoing love affairs.

14. “Thank Me Now”
“Thank Me Later, yeah I know what I said but later doesn’t always come so instead you can thank me now” Drake could not have found a better track to close out his debut album with as he declares his spot in hip hop.

We took a page from Lauren Leto’s post on book authors and tasked editor, Kendra Desrosiers, with creating a similar list on rappers; Thus, rap fans stereotyped by their favorite emcee. Enjoy.

*I preface this list by noting that the stereotype is of people who not only consider themselves a fan but that artist’s number one stan.

Drake | People who haven’t done their research. See also, people born after 1990.

Soulja Boy | People who type like this: *~// OhEemGEE, i Luv th@t SOng!! \\~*

The Clipse | Dope boys enrolled in the University of Phoenix.

Lupe Fiasco|  Guys I wanna date.

Mos Def | Guys I wanna sleep with.

Common | Guys I wanna cheat with.

Camp Lo | People who love excess verbiage.

Wale | People who enjoy that chip on their shoulder.

Crime Mob | Girls who get in fights at clubs.

Nicki Minaj | Girls who still play with barbies.

Rick Ross | Liars.

Nas | People who voted before Obama ran for office.

Fat Joe | People who used to be fans of Big Pun.

Keith Murray | Guys that never got any.

Da Brat | Girls that never got any.

Dead Prez | Guys who roam the prison yard in a gang and wear a chain that reads “Big Ass Ankh.”

Fonzworth Bentley | Guys who go to Morehouse.

Little Brother | People from the South who wish they were from the East Coast.

2Pac | People from the West Coast who wish they were from New York.

AZ | People who argue Nas is overrated.

LL Cool J | Men who get manicures.

Mase | People with Blackplanet pages.

Lauryn Hill | Women with strict “no fellatio” policies.

Craig Mack | People who remember “freemail.”

Ludacris | People who went to party schools for the academics.

Trina | Girls with blonde weaves….in the bottom half of their lace front.

Missy Elliott | Girls whose favorite color is flourescent beige.

Ghostface Killah | Guys who read Zane books but skim to the good parts.

Blu | People who got into a state school but missed the deadline for their FAFSA.

Nick Cannon | Guys who didn’t get into Howard.

Jay Electronica | People with google wave invites.

Talib Kweli | Guys who are put in the friend zone.

Prodigy | Guys who match their air forces to their durag.

In the words of Leto,  I respect every rapper on here, kind of. I kid.

– Kendra Desrosiers (@SincerelyJane)

New Yorkers! If you’re in town tonight, swing by Seaport for the kick off of Sounds of Paper 2010 (free) concert series, featuring Drake, Hanson and a DJ set by Ninjasonik.

25 reviews singles from Estelle, Lyfe Jennings, and Drake.

Estelle “Fall In Love”

Estelle’s “Fall in Love” off All of Me, her sophomore album due to release later this year, sounds similar to “American Boy” with the a similar beat. Nonetheless, it has the potential to be another hot summer jam. The upbeat nature of the song is just enough to stop you from pressing the ‘next’ button on your mp3.

Lyfe Jennings “Statistics”

“Fifteen percent of men got a complex… there’s a 50/50 chance that you’ll marry a coward,” is what singer Lyfe Jennings is proclaiming on his latest single. “Statistics” is from his upcoming album I Still Believe, to be released at the end of June. Speaking to the ladies, Lyfe is hitting hard on the issues of relationships and backing up his assertions with hardcore statistics. While some may cringe and grow uncomfortable with this track, others are taking notes.

Drake featuring Young Jeezy “Unforgettable”

Drake has leaked another track of his upcoming debut album Thank Me Later, this time with a sample from the late Aaliyah. Drake collaborates with Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy on “Unforgettable”. Both rappers want to fans to disregard the images presented by the paparazzi and remember them for their lyrics which, as they hope, are unforgettable. “And when you get to talking about the greatest, I just hope that that you think about me, you think of me, you think of me, ‘Cause I’m trying to be unforgettable.” Thank Me Later is set to release June 15 and from the tracks previously leaked, it appears the fans will be satisfied.

Drake releases the cover work for his upcoming album, Thank Me Later.

The Young Money/Cashmoney/Universal Motown signee’s debut album is set to drop June 15th.

25 reviews singles from Drake, Robin Thicke, and Monica.

Drake ft. The Dream “Shut it Down”

Drake is back to releasing hit after hit, but this time it is for his debut album Thank Me Later. Drake has teamed up with The Dream to create a song strictly for the ladies. With one particular female in mind, Drake actually sings and proclaims that she is shutting it down in every aspect of her life. The Dream’s verse could be stronger, as it mainly repeats the chorus. Nonetheless, this track gives off the same laid-back vibe as Drake’s “Night Off” and will be well received.

Robin Thicke ft. Estelle “Rollercosta” (video)

Robin Thicke collaborates with songstress Estelle on his third single “Rollercosta” off his latest album Sex Therapy: The Experience. Just as the title suggests, the song is about the ups and downs of love. Emphasis is placed on the rollercoaster of romance throughout the house party themed video. Thicke continues to prove that he can provide more than just a soulful sound on this track.

Monica “Mirrors”

Monica is stepping back and accepting her self-worth on the track “Mirror” off her recent album Still Standing. The mid-tempo beat adds that little something extra to the otherwise mellow track to keep the head bobbing. Monica is stating that when she looks at herself in the mirror she is no longer ashamed because she sees things clearer.

–Letese’ Clark

RAAAAAAAANDY (a.k.a. comedian Aziz Ansari) is AAAAAAAANGRY. Randy with Eight A’s has released a “diss track,” “AAAAAAAANGRY,” with producer Dave Sitek calling out rappers Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Drake, Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, Eminem, The Clipse, MF Doom, Mos Def, and Kanye West for not sending in their verses for his upcoming mixtape.

“Clipse! What are y’all making more Playcloths? How about putting on some work clothes on and sending us a verse? Next time you guys are baking some crack ,can you look in that oven and see if any lyrics crawled in there that you can rap into a microphone. I asked you guys, I was like ‘hey can you get verses back to me in a couple of weeks’ and y’all were like ‘yuhhh,’ I thought that meant yes but I guess not.” — Randy with Eight A’s – “AAAAAAAANGRY” excerpt

“Some of y’all, alright most of yall are probably like what are these guys talking about they never sent me any beats, well you’re probably right, we’re calling you out, so send us your verses,” says Ansari on the track.

RAAAAAAAANDY Mixtape is set to release, “whenever the f*ck we want it to.” If the “AAAAAAAANGRY” track is a prelude to what’s to come of the project, RAAAAAAAANDY Mixtape may become one of the better mixtapes of the year. #veryfunny

“AAAAAAAANGRY” – RAAAAAAAANDY | Download Here

Drake’s Sprite “Spark” Commercial (Behind The Scenes #2) from nation on Vimeo.

Check out the behind-the-scenes video for the commercial of Drake’s newest endorsement, Sprite. Full commercial after the jump!

Shouts to KMBA

Check out the Young Money follow up to “Bedrock” featuring Lloyd, Drake and Lil Wayne. Stream after the jump!

Lloyd x Lil Wayne x Drake - Bedrock Pt. II

Shouts to 2dope!

25 reviews singles from Sammie, Lupe Fiasco, and Drake.

Sammie “Put It On Ya Tab”

“Put It On Ya Tab” is the 4th track from Sammie’s new EP, It’s Time and features R&B crooner Trey Songz. The song highlights Sammie’s nightlife experience, in which he buys ‘bad’ females unlimited drinks. Though the storyline is not the most complex, the song has a catchy beat and would be well received at any dance club. The song, much like a portion of the new EP, is more mature than some of his previous work and serves a reflection of his transition into the grown and sexy stage.

–Amber Ravenell

Lupe Fiasco “I’m Beaming”

The social activist and lyrically inclined Lupe Fiasco is back with his second single “I’m Beaming” off his upcoming album L.A.S.A.R.S. Fiasco produces another track to stimulate minds in addition to letting his doubters know that he is now beaming. When he states “And baby girl, what does it matter where your purse from? Your hair done, your nails did, your ass fat, but you’re dumb,” Fiasco is pressing the importance of education. The track being leaked made the rapper upset but he recently posted the link on his website www.lupefiasco.com. This track is only a sample of what the fans can expect of his upcoming album.

–Letese’ Clark

Drake “Zone”

Drake’s new single, “Zone” appeared on the Trending Topics mixtape by Evil Empire and is produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League. On the track, Drake flaunts the lifestyle of a successful, money-making artist . The song features a mix of a jazz horns and piano creating a sound reminiscent to smooth elevator music. In the first verse Drake raps, “I got a revolutionary flow, in every scenario,” and continues in the chorus with “I’m up too high somebody come get me down down, down down.” Drake continues to convey his status as becoming one of the best rappers in the game.

–Amber Ravenell

Another holiday treat (53 tracks!)! Benzi x Mick Boogie x D Star x Mike Posner – Motivation III. Tracklist, download and stream after the jump!

Benzi x Mick Boogie x D Star – Motivation 3 (Hosted by Mike Posner) from DJ Benzi at Letsmix.com.

Benzi x Mick Boogie x D Star x Mike Posner – Motivation III | Download Here or Here

Eminem’s Relapse reissue LP, Refill drops tomorrow, Dec. 21. Bonus Tracklist and artwork after the jump!

TRACKLIST

1. Forever ft Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne
2. Hell Breaks Loose
3. Buffalo Bill
4. Elevator
5. Taking My Ball
6. Music Box
7. Drop The Bomb On ‘Em

Fuze the MC remixes Drake’s “Scriptures.” Download/stream after the jump!

Scriptures – Drake Ft. Fuze | Download here

25 Magazine recaps VH1′s “Behind the Music: Lil Wayne”

VH1 series “Behind the Music,” has finally returned with a new emphasis on rap artists. The series kicked off with the “reigning king” of hip-hop, Dwayne Carter, better known as Lil Wayne. The narcotic driven artist gives the VH1 staff insight on his childhood in New Orleans, family, career, and reckless behavior. Wayne found music to be his inspiration and began with Cash Money at the age of 9, then heightened his fame with the renowned Hot Boys, and eventually went solo with his debut album The Block is Hot in 1999. Once he stopped writing all his lyrics down, Wayne took his music more seriously. “When I stopped writing, I’ve noticed that everything was real now, I can’t speak about nothing than what was real because I can’t write nothing,” Carter says.

From then on, he pulled everything out of his head and was on the path to becoming a true icon. Few have known Mr. Carter to ever be over the influence. He attributes his  initiation to drugs at the age of 11 for his addiction. Wayne’s life is interesting, though not nearly as hardcore as he portrays it to be in his music. However, he did face some trials, from accidently shooting himself roughly a centimeter away from his heart and losing his childhood to the devastating Hurricane Katrina tearing apart his hometown.

“In 27 short years, Lil Wayne has already lived a lifetime of tragedy and triumph, and while his future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: He has no intentions of slowing down.”

25 Editors, Kendra Desrosiers and Natelege Whaley, discuss highly anticipated music video for Drake’s “Best I Ever Had.”

KD: This reminds me of Andre 3000. “Roses” was it?

NW: Yea the whole high school thing ain’t really new.
NW: Thats an ugly mascot

KD: Coach Jimmy! Sans wheel chair
KD: He must have recovered since the BET awards

NW: Workout plan

KD: …yea definitely looks like Kanye’s video for “New Workout Plan”
KD: Um so is this supposed to be high school varsity? Looks like jail time.
KD: Repeat of the BET performance of the song?

NW: Is there a plot to this video …I’m confused as to how it relates to the song.

KD: It doesn’t.

NW: Once again, titties jumping in my face, not cool.

KD: And Catholics?

NW: They should be ashamed. They filmed at Bishop Ford High School, a Catholic school

KD: Great acting.

NW: Why do the girls sound so dumb.

KD: Wow…that was really corny…”one, two, three…the best!”
KD: Trey and F-A–B-O–L-O–U-S. I bet he wishes he did the remix.

NW: Yea that kind of makes it better to see them. Kind of.

KD: I just had a really inappropriate Don Imus flashback.
KD: Forgive me.

NW: lol ha!

KD: Consequence?!
KD: GOOD Music in the building!
KD: And more asses in the air…

NW: Take that D!

KD: Take that D!
KD: Lmao

NW: I wonder what they’re talking about.

KD: You already know.

NW: While they show asses in the air.

KD: “Cause Wayne say, you know you know you know”
KD: Sorry, BET flashback.

NW: Ok.

KD: Lesbian stretching? Original.
KD: Look, some new video girl talent. Where are you Yeezy?!
KD: They’re giving this one chick a lot of love.

NW: Are they really surprised they lost?

KD: Haha. They bounced the best? KD: I’m a bit surprised

NW: Yea, she’s supposedly the new thing.

KD: No more Esther?
KD: I completely lost all of the meaning of this song.

NW: And i guess Drake and Kanye only like em light

KD: Yea, like Diddy. KD: “Calling all mixed and exotic looking girls”

NW: Lol they have like one token brown skinned girl.

KD: That’s to fulfill the ass to boob ratio.
KD: Some of the lighter ones didn’t make the cut
KD: Well that was five minutes of my life I can’t get back. This was completely not worth the hype, cameos and all.

NW: “HATED IT!”

KD: Lol. Yea it was bad.
KD: And that’s bad meaning bad not bad meaning good

NW: And I thought Drake was doing it for the ladies. I’m gonna watch a MJ video to recover from the horrible sight.

KD: I’m going to watch the last episode of Secret Life of the American Teenager. I need something wholesome.
KD: “You know a lot of girls be..thinking my songs are about them…” Sorry ladies, this ain’t for you.

We’re late. We’re very late, but we figured you’d still be interested.

Read more for Tracklist and download.

Download here

Chopped & Screwed Version by DJ Mr. Rojers – Download here