In any case, let’s get back to business because I’ve got some good music for you guys to hear.

Artist: Deadmau5 (ft. Rob Swire)

Song Title: Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff

Album: For Lack of a Better Name

Album Release Date: September 22nd, 2009

A nice little addition to Deadmau5′s VERY popular “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff”. By the way, for all of you that watched the VMA’s, wasn’t his mouse helmet/mask/costume thing AWESOME? (See picture above)

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Artist: Dirty Money (ft. Drake)

Song Title: Loving You No More

Album: Last Train to Paris

Expected Album Release Date: September 20th, 2010

We’ve all been there; you think you’re in love and your significant other breaks up with you or does something to hurt your relationship. Thankfully I have the perfect song to bounce you back (see King Juju). By the way, yes, that is Diddy crooning on the chorus.

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Artist: Drake

Song Title: I’m Ready For You (Original)

Album: Unknown

I think Drake does such a good job of mixing all the styles that he’s good at: in this particular song it’s his vocals and rapping. Some of you may of heard the final version of this song, but I got my hands on the original which I like much better… Keep it up Drake!

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Artist: Flo Rida (ft. David Guetta)

Song Title: Club Can’t Handle Me

Album: The Only One

Expected Album Release Date: Late 2010

If you haven’t heard this song yet, please, do me a favor, get up off your coach, put away your text book, listen to this song, call some friends, and see if life didn’t get a little bit better. I see this as the newer replacement to the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”.

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Artist: Kanye West (2: ft. Pusha T)

Song Title 1: Devil in a New Dress

Song Title 2: Runaway

Album: [Whatever Kanye's new album will be called]

Expected Album Release Date: November 16th, 2010

Ever since Kanye’s announcement of GOOD Fridays a couple of weeks ago (he’s planning on releasing a new song every Friday until Christmas), there’s been a new meaning to TGIF for me. While this weeks release, “Lord, Lord, Lord” was a flop in my opinion, last weeks track, “Devil in a New Dress” is an instant hit. The song has already been used by artists like J Cole for remixes and will surely be a hit if it is on Kanye’s new album.

On to song #2. I’m sure many of you saw Kanye’s performance at the VMA’s: this is the song he played. First of all, I thought partnering up with Pusha T of Clipse was a great move (he actually signed to Kanye’s label too). In this song, I get the idea that all the people that Kanye is toasting, describing, or generally talking about are different versions he has seen of himself. To me, this is Kanye’s way of apologizing for being a (insert your favorite Kanye adjective) and coming clean on his ridiculous image. It’s also a pretty dope song.

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Artist: King Juju

Song Title: Doin’ My Thing

Album: Unknown

We’ve all been there; you’ve been chasing this guy/girl for so long and you finally get that first kiss. This is the song that should play in your head.

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Artist: The Temper Trap

Song Title: Sweet Disposition

Album: Conditions

Expected Album Release Date: October 13th, 2009

This song has been on numerous commercials and movie previews, but is maybe most notable for being on the (500) Days of Summer Soundtrack. It’s not hard to see why… Great song.

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Artist: Travie McCoy (ft. Bruno Mars)

Song Title: Billionaire

Album: Lazarus

Album Release Date: June 7th, 2010

Bruno Mars has been BLOWING UP lately with a decent EP and monster solo and collaboration hits (single called “Just The Way You Are” and with B.o.B on “Nothin’ On You”). Travie McCoy made a great move pairing up with the up and coming star, and I think this is a pretty good song overall that voices a lot of the same ambitions we all have.

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Artist: 3OH!3 (ft. Wiz Khalifa)

Song Title: Double Vision (Remix)

Album: Streets of Gold

Album Release Date: June 25th, 2010

This is one of the most perfect collaboration of artists from different genres I have ever seen. While many would say Khalifa has dabbled in some Electronic style music, you have to admit that he is definitively a Hip-Hop artist. 3OH!3: a high energy duo of white boys from Colorado and Wiz Khalifa: a forever dazed and confused rapper from Pittsburgh… It may seem strange at first, but just listen.

Artist: Cee-Lo

Song Title: F**k You

Album: The Lady Killer

Expected Album Release Date: October 4th, 2010

I’m glad to see this song quickly travelling around the internet, so here it is for all of you who haven’t heard it yet. Upbeat, fun, and a little sass make this a track you want to listen to. Cee-Lo has come a long way since his days with Goodie Mobb… What else you got?

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Artist: David Holmes

Song Title 1: Intro – Stealing The Stock (Le Renard de Nuit)

Song Title 2: 7-29-04 The Day Of

Album: Ocean’s Twelve (Music from the Motion Picture)

Album Release Date: December 13th, 2004

This Irish DJ made most of the music for Ocean’s 11-13 and did a pretty good job with it. I like the mix of old and new sounds and I really like that even though these were intended to be background music for a film, I think I enjoy them more on my iPod.

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Artist: Iwer George

Song Title: Party Hard

Album: Soca Gold 2006

Album Release Date: June 12th, 2006

You know those posters that say something like “Need an excuse to party?”, well “Iwer George is playing” should be one of them. Honestly, I’ve listened to a handful of this guys’ songs and while they may seem a little similar, they’re all so out of control and crazy that I’ve had them all on repeat. Another of my favorite songs of his, “Seasons”, is featured in a funny Malibu Rum commercial (watch it here). One of the problems with this guy is his music is very hard to find for free from a reliable source… Luckily, I’ve found some good songs so don’t forget to subscribe to the blog, then request songs to add to the Links for Downloads section!!!

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Artist: J. Cole

Song Title: Blow Up

Album: Unknown

More of the same from J. Cole; great lyrics, great beat.

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Artist: Katy Perry

Song Title: Last Friday Night (TGIF)

Album: Teenage Dream

Album Release Date: August 24th, 2010

Ok, let me go ahead and just get this over with: I like this album. I don’t think it’s going to go down in the record books of music history or anything like that.. but come on… a lot of the songs on here have pretty good production value, Katy Perry herself brings a good vibe, and the songs are just kind of silly and fun. Plus, she’s really sexy; good work Russell Brand.

This particular song is my favorite from the album. A ballad about adventurous Friday nights and the anticipation of the weekend to come is sure to make this a girls night out anthem for some time. I especially like the SNL band-esque saxophone solo towards the end of the song (turns out Dr. Luke, one of the albums producers, used to be in the SNL band!).

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Artist: Red Cafe (ft. Diddy & Fabolous)

Song Title: Money, Money, Money

Album: Red October

Expected Album Release Date: October 26th, 2010

I’ve noticed that pretty much every time I listen to this song, eventually, against my will, my shoulders start to bounce to the rhythm of this track. I don’t really want to like it, because I think the lyrics are pretty bad and the beat isn’t all that great, but it seems I can’t help myself.

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Artist: Santito vs. Block & Crown

Song Title: Back It Up (Club Mix)

Album: Unknown

Heard a clip of this while watching some YouTube video (can’t even remember which one, but it was probably soccer related) and this beat stuck in my head for a couple of days. Took me a while to track it down and even longer to find a place to download it, but I did it! I like the mix of all the different types of music in this song: there’s strings, modern house type beats, and lyrics that sound like La Bouche or some other mid-90′s female techno artists.

Artist: B.o.B.

Song Title: Don’t Break My Heart

Album: Unknown

B.o.B + old classics = new classics. This song is just plain awesome. B.o.B does such a great job of reinventing an old song we all know the lyrics to in his own distinctive way. I dare you to listen to this song and try not to sing along with the chorus.

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Artist: Kanye West (ft. Beyoncé & Charlie Wilson)

Song Title: See Me Now

Album: (Good Ass Job)

Album Release Date: November 16th, 2010

Not one of Kanye’s best tracks, but I’m such a fan of his that I gotta share this with everyone. There’s some decent rhymes and Beyonce’s voice also boosts the value of any track, Charlie Wilson is also a nice addition.

Note: according to Kanye’s Twitter page, the upcoming album will no longer be called Good Ass Job.

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Artist: J. Cole

Song Title: The Last Stretch

Album: The Blow Up

Expected Album Release Date: Unknown

Man, no wonder people are calling this guy the most promising lyricist in a long while. This track is a great example of his flow and lyrical genius. I think my favorite couple of lines are (start at about 1:10): “Born alone, work alone, die alone / Hot fire like *Dy-l-an /Bi—es get they dial on / Fake ni–as get dial tones”. Amazing. As I understand, J. Cole decided to scrap

*Reference to from Dave Chappelle’s “Chappelle Show” character, Dylan.

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Artist: Novel (ft. Joell Ortiz & Colin Munroe)

Song Title: Walking on Air

Album: Legato Blues Summer

Expected Album Release Date: Unknown

Silky smooth track from Novel and underground star Joell Ortiz.

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Artist: Big Remo (ft. David Banner)

Song Title: Wonderbread

Album: Entrapment

Expected Album Release Date: September 28th, 2010

9th Wonder comes through again on a collaboration with David Banner and Big Remo. I like.

Last night I had a wonderful evening out with two beautiful Portuguese sisters (Matilde and Marta). The night started at one of their uncle’s friends birthday parties; I showed up just as they were singing the bday song. This isn’t the music I necessarily wanted to share with you, but for a large group of wine drinking Europeans, I must admit, it wasn’t too bad. The whole event was so wonderfully unorganized that it warmed my heart a little. Anyway, back to the night out. I hung out with my hosts for a little while at the restaurant before we decided to see if wecould find a place to dance so we walked over to a nearby club right next to the beach (http://www.macasclub.com/).

The place itself is a sight to see. The first section has a staircase that leads up to a patio that I think is only open during happy hour (which lasts until 1 AM apparently). Another set of stairs leads to an indoor bar with a gated section for what I would assume would be VIPs or special events. Not too big of a bar area, but definitely enough room to get a good crowd. Then we get to the good part: after walking through a short, but tiny, hallway, you get to the dance floor. Pass by the DJ on the left and you get to where the action is, or, in our case, where the action should have been; it was a little empty when we got there to say the least. The dance floor is accompanied by a semi elevated area filled with tables and sofas where you can sit and chat. The dance floor also has a full bar and a ticket vendor to purchase drinks (along with a surprise that I wish I got to experience… but I’ll get to that in a second).

Our night started on the patio with a couple of drinks, playing a sort of “truth or dare” kind of game where the object was to get to know each others “deepest darkest secrets”. Being out by the beach was getting a little chilly, so we moved inside. We headed up the stairs, past the indoor bar area, and to the dance floor where, for the moment, no one was to be seen. We sat up on the couches and talked a little more and were joined eventually by a delightful gentleman named Frederico who turned out to be the brother of the two girls I was with. I had met him earlier in the night but I didn’t really get to experience his persona full on during dinner because we were in a large crowd. This dude is half drunk and switching too frequently between Portuguese and English (not sure if it was for my sake but he wasn’t even speaking to me in English); he was ready to party. The dance floor was still empty, so he decided that he was going to ask the DJ to play Shakira’s “Waka Waka” (the #1 song on iTunes here) to get things going. Unfortunately, he got a little distracted by some very attractive ladies… it’s ok buddy, I forgive you.

The night seemed to be winding down as we finished the drinks we had in front of us, but the girls managed to convince me to dance even if we were the only three on the floor (with the occasional inclusion/intrusion/hilariousness of Frederico). We got to dancing a little and I was having a good time with just us three dancing. The DJ eventually turned the music up to “party mode” and people started inching their way closer. The first people to join us were three very entertaining guys who were pulling out all the moves they could. I saw them show off the Beyonce booty shake, the lawn mower, and what I think was an attempt at a lap dance with the wall during the night. Eventually, more people joined us and the night really got going. Everyone was dancing and having a great time, me included. The surprise that I discovered about this bar was they sold food there. How did I find out? Frederico came up to us dancing with half a sandwich in his mouth. Classic. A wonderful night out with some awesome hosts.

To get an idea of what you would hear in a Portuguese club, here’s some songs I thought I would share with you from last night… Enjoy!

Artist: The Ataris

Song Title: The Boys of Summer

Album: So Long, Astoria

Album Release Date: March 4th, 2003

It’s kind of hard to imagine dancing to this song and having a good time doing it. The Portuguese LOVE this song (at least from what I witnessed last night). Everyone was singing the words, which I thinkt hey all knew by heart, and dancing their asses off. Again, it might be hard to picture, but trust me, it happens and it’s fun.

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Artist: Billy Idol

Song Title: Dancing With Myself

Album: Billy Idol: Greatest Hits

Album Release Date: March 27th, 2001

Probably my favorite song I heard over the course of the night. I don’t know exactly what it is about Billy Idol, but there’s definitely something about his style that makes you want to get up and dance.

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Artist: Dire Straits

Song Title: Walk of Life

Album: Sultans of Swing – The Very Best of Dire Straights

Album Release Date: October 27th, 1998

I felt like I would be more likely to hear this song in an 80′s movie than in a club, but it’s really fun to dance to.

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Artist: Niche

Song Title: Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

Album: Not sure…

A lot of House songs have a billion different remixes, but I’m assuming you already know that. Anyway, I have to confess that I don’t think this is the exact version of the song I heard last night, but it hits on all the right points.

Artist: Wale

Song Title: Black & Gold

Album: More About Nothing

Album Release Date: August 3rd, 2010

The first and only single to come out off of Wale’s upcoming mixtape, Wale infuses his style with Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold”. I still like Sparro’s version better, but as far as a hip-hop remake goes, this is pretty good. I give the song an overall grade of A- with the condition that if I hadn’t heard the original first it would probably get an A.

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Artist: The Underdog Project

Song Title: Summer Jam (2003)

Album: It Doesn’t Matter

Album Release Date: July 24th, 2001

I hear this all the time on the radio in Portugal… A great summer classic. This is a remix of the original song on their album It Doesn’t Matter.

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Artist: Bun B

Song Title: The Best Is Back

Album: Trill O.G.

Album Release Date: August 3rd, 2010

This bonus track off of Trill O.G., Bun B’s latest album, is simply a pump up song. For all you fellow Nike+ users, this will be my Power Song for the time being. Sounds much better through headphones than computer speakers.

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Artist: Trey Songz

Song Title: Can’t Be Friends

Album: Passion, Pain & Pleasure

Expected Album Release Date: September 14th, 2010

OK let me start off this song review with a couple of notes. First, this is Trey Songz’ second single off his upcoming album; the first single, “Bottoms Up” with Nicki Minaj, came out a couple of weeks ago and is terrible (in my humble opinion). Second, this much better song uses a sample of a song called “Bibo no Aozora” by Ryuchi Sakamoto which you may recognize from the movie Babel (it’s the song that plays at the end). Anyway, Tremaine adds some good vocals to the song and makes it into a pretty good R&B track.

Artist: Gotham Green & Quickie Mart (ft. Freddie Gibbs)

Song Title: Tell Me Something

Album: Haze Diaries Volume 3

Album Release Date: July 20th, 2010

I can’t exactly pinpoint what I specifically like about this song, I think it’s just a combination of everything. I wouldn’t necessarily any part of this song is extraordinary, but the fun beat, the smooth flow, and the decent lyrics make this a good listen.

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Artist: Lupe Fiasco

Song Title: Hustlers

Album: Vintage Fiasco

Album Release Date: July 27th, 2010

Back in January (click here) I posted a snippet of a Lupe song. I was really looking forward to hearing the rest of the song and the album in full. Vintage Fiasco is a mixtape of songs that Lupe didn’t release over the years. I highly recommend all Lupe Fiasco fans download this album (download it here). This song is an example of Lupe’s unbelievable talent.

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Artist: Tony Bennett

Song Title: If I Ruled The World

Album: The Ultimate Tony Bennett

Album Release Date: May 7th, 2001

Change of pace… Baller…

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Artist: Usher (ft. Jay-Z & Ester Dean)

Song Title: Hot Toddy

Album: Unknown

The only things I really like in this song are the bridge and Jay-Z’s verse (neither of which are really that good). Take it for what it’s worth…

Artist: Britney Spears

Song Title: Unusual You

Album: Circus

Album Release Date: November 28th, 2008

I’m sure most, if not all of you, are rolling your eyes at this first choice. However, I can’t pick a favorite musical list without my Brit-Brit. One, I’m gay. Two, I will be her most loyal fan until I die. Three, this song is not what you might expect me to pick given what you usually here from Britney. Sure, Toxic and I’m a Slave for You are great for a night out, but this song is probably Britney’s most meaningful song to date. It should have been a single off the album, and I think it would have caught the attention of non-Britney fans. Yes, it is an unusual choice for me, but isn’t life more fun that way?

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Artist: Alicia Keys

Song Title: Wreckless Love

Album: As I Am

Album Release Date: November 13th, 2007

This was the hardest song to choose on the list, mainly because every song Alicia touches is pure beauty. Whenever I hear this song, I want to imagine finding that one person to share my wreckless love with. Who wouldn’t want someone to find where you can really be who you are. And when you two are together everyone will stop and stare at just how in love the two of you are. I get carried to another world when this song is on, lost deep in my thoughts.  On a complete side note, if I could sing, which I can’t, this would be the song I’d audition with for American Idol.

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Artist: Carrie Underwood

Song Title: Get Out of This Town

Album: Carnival Ride

Album Release Date: October 23rd, 2007

“Stars all aligned in a runaway sky, holding my hand as the miles roll by.” This song was made for me and Kristine (one of my best friends). It’s especially perfect for me now as I am in my 6^th and final year at GW/DC. It’s time to get out of this town and move onto something new. Time for a new adventure.

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Artist: The Killers

Song Title: Smile Like You Mean It

Album: Hot Fuss

Album Release Date: June 15th, 2004

Title says it all. Show me what you’re really thinking. Be mad if you are angry. Cry when you’re sad. Laugh when you find something funny. And smile like you mean it.

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Artist: Adam Pascal

Song Title: One Song Glory

Album: Rent (Soundtrack)

Album Release Date: August 27th, 1996

This song has so many meanings. Room 204/C$. Best friends. Lost friends. Musicals. Being gay. And the search for that one thing you hope to be remembered by. I don’t mean be remembered by the masses, but remembered by those who mean something to you. Those who smile like they mean it; who will get out of this town with you; who will share wreckless love with you; and who will embrace the unusual you.

Artist: Curren$y (ft. Mos Def & Jay Electronica)

Song Title: The Day

Album: Pilot Talk

Album Release Date: July 13th, 2010

I really like the beat on this song off of Curren$y’s new album. This guy is still young, but look out for more of his stuff. If he can get Mos Def and Jay Elec to work with him now, his future is bright.

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Artist: Dwele (ft. David Banner)

Song Title: Dodgin’ Your Phone

Album: Wants World Women

Album Release Date: June 29th, 2010

I feel like people mostly know Dwele because of his work with Kanye West (“Power”, “Flashing Lights”), but this guy isn’t too bad of a solo artist. An intricate blend of sounds and a sensual voice make this a fun song. I feel like David Banner’s contribution doesn’t really fit with the song, but I’m a fan of his so I’ll let it slide…

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Artist: R. Kelly (ft. Ja Rule)

Song Title: Around The World

Album: Chocolate Factory

Album Release Date: December 17th, 2002

Remember when R. Kelly was popular for more than his adventures outside the recording studio. This classic off of my favorite album of his brings me back to the good old days…

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Artist: Rick Ross

Song Title 1: Live Fast, Die Young (ft. Kanye West)

Song Title 2: Maybach Music III (ft. T.I., Jadakiss, Erykah Badu)

Album: Teflon Don

Expected Album Release Date: July 20th, 2010

With each new Rick Ross track that is unleashed on the world, I hate his voice more and more. You have to respect the fact that he can work with such talented artists to cover up how truly bad he is. The production value on both of these songs is what really impresses me (first song by Kanye, second by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League). Try to cover your ears when you hear Rick Ross’ parts on these though because they are mediocre at best.

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Artist: The Roots (ft. John Legend)

Song Title: The Fire

Album: How I Got Over

Album Release Date: June 22nd, 2010

Another great Roots and John Legend collaboration off The Roots’ new album.

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Artist: T.I.

Song Title: Spazz Out

Album: Unknown

A song very similar to the last T.I. track I posted, this beat is awesome. Great for a pump up song or to work out to (although it’s kind of short…). I’m looking forward to hearing King Uncaged (due Sept. 29th) and the comeback of the king of the South.

Artist: Discovery

Song Title: I Want You Back

Album: LP

Album Release Date: July 6th, 2009

A fusion of Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot (literally, RRR’s vocalist and VW’s keyboardist) comes together to produce a coole indie-electronica sound. Check out this remake of the classic “I Want You Back” by Jackson 5. Thanks to Jason for introducing me to this group.

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Artist: Drake

Song Title 1: 9AM in Dallas Freestyle

Song Title 2: July (ft. Jhene)

Song Title 3: Fancy (ft. T.I. & Swizz Beatz)

Album 1, 2: Unknown

Album 3: Thank Me Later

Expected Album 3 Release Date: June 15th, 2010

For everyone who has had enough of Drake, sorry, but I haven’t. Drake has been dropping a ton of new material in anticipation for his new album so here’s some tunes I have to share with you all. I fully expect “Fancy” to be a summer 2010 anthem, so get it here first and introduce it to all your friends early.

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Artist: Janelle Monae (ft. B.o.B & Lupe Fiasco)

Song Title: Tightrope (Wondamix)

Album: Unknown

These three artists really know how to get together and make a record. We’ve already witnessed 2/3 of this group in “The Kids” off B.o.B’s first album, but Lupe adds another dimension. Solid.

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Artist: Kanye West (ft. Dwele)

Song Title: Power

Album: Good Ass Job

Expected Album Release Date: September, 2010

The first leak off of Kanye’s upcoming album. A cool song that is reminiscent of Kanye’s earlier work, which he promises will be the focus of this upcoming album.

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Artist: Keane (ft. K’naan)

Song Title: Stop For A Minute

Album: Night Train

Album Release Date: May 10th, 2010

For a little variety, I added a song from one of my favorite non hip-hop bands. Keane doubles with World Cup anthem singer K’naan to deliver a quality song.

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Artist: The Roots (ft. John Legend)

Song Title: Doin’ It Again

Album: How I Got Over

Expected Album Release Date: June 22nd, 2010

I can never get enough of The Roots or John Legend, and when they make something together it’s even better. The Roots’ iconic music style and John Legend’s silky smooth voice are the highlights of this song.

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Artist: T.I.

Song Title: Road To Success

Album: Unknown

The weirdest but coolest (and only) adaptation of the intro song to Sanford & Son I’ve ever heard… I’m not if I’m embarrassed to listen to this song or not, but I’m just gonna turn it up. I wouldn’t expect to find this on T.I.’s upcoming album, King Uncaged, to be released on August 17th, 2010.

Artist: Bruno Mars (ft. Cee-Lo & B.o.B)

Song Title: The Other Side

Album: It’s Better If You Don’t Understand – EP

Expected Album Release Date: May 11th, 2010

This guy was pretty much made famous because of B.o.B MONSTER hit “Nothin’ On You”, but he shows on this song that he makes good stuff on his own too (although he did work with B.o.B on this one as well). I like this guys sound and style though, I’ll definitely check out the EP on Tuesday.

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Artist: Rick Ross

Song Title: Teflon Don Freestyle

Album: Teflon Don

Expected Album Release Date: June 29th, 2010

I find myself hating all of Rick Ross new songs lyrically, but can’t stop playing them because of the solid production…

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Artist: Kermit Quinn

Song Title: Evolve

Album: Unknown

You may know this song from the new Gatorade commercials. What you probably don’t know is this is pretty much all the work of David Banner… Yeah, the same guy who did “Play”… A fun, happy song that easily gets stuck in your head (in a good way).