J.Cole  is gracing  the cover of  Beyond Race Magazine.  J.Cole, who recently signed to Roc Nation, sat down and briefly discussed his journey from an unknown artist from North Carolina to being signed to rap supernova Jay-Z’s new label Roc Nation.

In the sit down, J.Cole addresses his views on major recording labels verses independent ones as well as how his feature on Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 has impacted his life.

To see behind the scenes footage and the brief interview check out the video.

Read rest of story…

As an African American business woman it is often difficult to juggle my career as well as my love life. Whether some women’s standards are considered too high or not enough for others, it takes tremendous effort to find the right match.

In a recent ABC News Special the private of successful black women are addressed and has produced some shocking numbers.

According to ABC 42% of black women have never been married doubling that of white women. Furthermore there are 1.8million more black women than there are black men. However even if one man did marry one black woman it would leave 1 out of 12 women who are never going to wed.

Guest speaker comedian and actor Steve Harvey believes that while there are slim pickings of successful black men in society, there are still some good ones out there. He argues while it is always good to have standards, sometimes the best thing to do is compromise.

“You’re a corporate exec; does he have to be a corporate exec?”

To hear more on the black woman’s plight check out the video

As the year comes to an end the hip hop world reflects backs on the hits and misses of 2009 and who better to do it then rapper Skillz.

Skillz recently released the single “2009 Rap Up” and we must say it’s a certified banger.

Check out some of his punchlines:

I’m Bout To Put This Thing Again, ‘09 Is Outta Here
20-10 Is In The Building, Time For A New Year (YURP!)
Your Boy Skillz Back On His Grind, Let’s Run It Back And Re-Cap 2009

DC Starts Off The Conversation, Cuz We Was In Yo’ Town For The Inauguration
We Froze Our Asses Off, It Wasn’t Just Me — That Was A Small Price To Pay To See History

50 & Rick Ross, That’s A New Level Of Beefin’. Lebron Got Dunked On And He Ain’t Want Us To See It
The News Of Chris & Rihanna Broke In The Streets. T-Pain Got On The Golf Cart And Broke Some Teeth

Lil Wayne Did It Big, He Said He Wanted To F- Every Girl In The World And I Think He Did

To find out what other outrageous rhymes Skillz delivered check out the record.

DL: SKillz – 2009 Rap Up  

2009 has been a success ful year for hip hop artist, however for some it has also been a difficult one.

Rap phenomenon Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter has without a doubt been the most successful emcee this year. With prodigys such as Drake and Nicki Minaj signed to his Young Money label, Lil Wayne is on the fast track to becoming a music mogul to rival that of Jay-Z and Diddy.

However, while Lil Wayne has achieved success he has also suffered legal ramifications. In October the 27-year old rapper pleaded gulity to weapon possesion charges. Last night Lil Wayne returned to his hometown of New Orleans to begin what he is calling his Farewell Tour. Read rest of story…

Lloyd Banks. G-Unit loyalist and former mixtape phenom. I’ve said it before, but during the years of 2002-2004 this guy was one of the more entertaining rappers to listen to mainly due to his insane punchlines and laid back flow. Maybe that’s just me. However, Banks, the self proclaimed “PunchLine King”, is back to close out the decade with his new mixtape, “V5.” Tracklist and link after the jump.

(Keep reading…)

Even the media scrooge was in the spirit this holiday. On Saturday, December 26, rapper Kanye West made a rare public apperance and decided to give back to the community. The troubled Grammy award winner alongside his socialite girlfriend Amber Rose, served lunch to the homeless at the Los Angeles Mission with other volunteers. West who is native of Chicago, took pictures and seemed to be in great spirits despite the trouble he has faced this year.

West who has been in hiding since his MTV Music Awards fiasco seemed to have turned over a new leaf in life. He arrived on time and ready to work.

He stated:

“[It's nice] to spread your blessings and take time out, especially during the holidays to appreciate people who never get that appreciation. It makes me feel really good to come out here, [with] my family, and I just thank ya’ll [the Los Angeles Mission] for allowing us to be apart of this.”

For over 70 years, the Los Angeles Mission is a nonprofit organization has been serving food to the homless. Located in Downtown L.A., the organization offers employment, rehabitational, and transitional services to those recovering from substance abuse.

 With celebs such as Kanye, Wyclef, Young Jeezy, and Yung Joc giving back it seems as if hip hop is doing its share to change the world for the better.

Courtesy of Derick G, we are afforded an exclusive look into the life of one of Hip-Hop’s more intriguing figures, Bryan “Birdman” Williams. Let D tell it:

Follow Birdman along with Jay Sean & Mack Maine on the album release week of Priceless & All or Nothing. this video includes: Day 1 in NY going to different radio stations and doing live TV, also going to Pace University to talk to students, Day 2 going to New Orleans for his 15th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Giveaway & Day 3 cameo album release party featuring Lil Wayne.

This is completely random, but I sure would love to see another Big Tymers album. Those things were nothing short of entertaining.

The holidays is usually symbolized by love. So, since I love music so much, I feel the need to admit two things.

1) I have never listened to Jay Electronica. It’s not that I have anything against the guy, I’ve just never been pressed to listen to his music.

2) I hate radio rips. It’s like bragging about getting a hand job. I’d much rather wait for the CDQ to appear (usually hours later) and have my initial listening experience be the real thing. That’s just me though. (No disrespect to my homie Matt who ripped the track show though. I know I’m definitely not in the majority with my sentiment.)

I was thinking the other day about how it’s been awhile since I heard any new music from J. Cole. I know (and appreciate) he’s the type to practice quality control with his product, but it’s 2009, as fans we’re spoiled and we make no qualms about it. Then I saw the homies from around the way dropped the radio rip of a new Reflection Eternal song which featured Cole, Electronica and Mos Def. Next thing I know it’s being dubbed as one of the better tracks of the year. Color me “intrigued.” Like clockwork, the CDQ dropped today and I was allowed to formulate my own decision about “Just Begun.” Instead of merely posting the record, hit the jump for a in depth breakdown of the record. (Keep reading…)

I’m a Gucci fan so I’ve got the greater majority of his work, but I’m pretty sure this hasn’t been released yet. And if and when it ever does, this has club banger written all over it.

“I don’t do the line, cause I don’t have the time…”

You know everyone who goes to the club feels like that, important or not. Shout out to Hood Affairs for the footage. Now, someone let go of the MP3.

It’s always a good feeling to see people who deserve it reap the benefits for their talents and hard work. Chili Chil, B. Carr, Hit Boy and Chase N. Cashe, collectively known as Surf Club, are an example of those “people.” Without saying I’ve been a fan since the beginning, in more than a year, I’ve seen these guys grind their way to knocking on noteworthy success. Having placements on both We Are Young Money and Rebirth, the group has never forgotten about their own work, a trait I’ve always respected about the quartet.

“Cheers To The Hustler” serves as a perfect celebratory track as New Years parties near. Acknowledging the past while anticipating the future. I think that’s what we all envision. In case you need clarification:

1st – Hit Boy
2nd – B. Carr
3rd – Chili Chil
4th – Chase N. Cashe

Can’t forget TY$L for delivering a monster hook. Last, but CERTAINLY not least, I’d be a fool if I go a minute longer without giving Karla aka HustleGRL her credit for yet another dope cover. Similar to everyone else in this post, look out for her in 2K10.

DL: Surf Club – Cheers To The Hustler