News

No To Nas’ N#&$*r, ?uesto’s Blog, New 88-Keys, Jeanius Tracklist & Date, Cool Kids Freestyle, New Estelle Ft. Busta Rhymes, D’Angelo Spotting.

• Looks like Def Jam put the kilbash on Nas’s plans to release the most offensive album title to date (are you really surprised?) There were originally rumors that the album will be titled “Nas,” but through a statement Esco made to allhiphop apparently the album will now be untitled. He makes it clear that though the album title has changed the subject matter and content will remain the same. “The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it” Nas says. The only real disappointment in this situation is that this change seems to have been made for all the wrong reasons. Not because anyone really gives a F about who’s offended by this, but more so because it was made clear that record sales would suffer due to many vendors refusing to stock this album. To Nas’ credit he has in no way shied away from the criticism he has received and seems to be genuine in his reasoning for putting out this album. To clarify his stance a little further here’s Nas’ latest single from his untitled album “N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave & The Master).” Album still dropping July 1st on Island Def Jam.

• D’Angelo Stans… your boy was spotted at The Roots & Erykah Badu concert in Richmond, VA the other night! This post contains a cryptic “he’s back” from 15… we can only just hope.

• ?uesto’s newest blog entry has us all teared up. Get into the inner-workings of the Mighty Afro’s mind and emotions, and then please, cheer your boy up! His deeply reflective post reveals many frustrations that arise from a career built on working on that real music inside the cold world of the music “industry.” Some of the most self-reflective and self-aware disclosures I’ve ever seen in hip-hop. (Trust, this is way deeper than “I’m so self-conscious”).

• Since we are on the topic of feelings, here comes another leak from 88-Keys upcoming Adam’s Case Files: The Mix Tape called “True Feelings” compliments of Kanye’s blog. According to 88s management, the mixtape is dropping in “a week or two.” You can also get the first installment of 88 and Izza Kizza’s podcast “Don’t Know, Don’t Care” over at URB.com where they each play their favorite music, some exclusive records off of their upcoming projects, and talk about working with Timbaland and Kanye West.

• We’ve finally got an official street date for Jean Grae’s new album Jeanius, with full production from 9th Wonder. We know you’ve been waiting a minute for this one! It will be the 2nd Blacksmith release, following Talib Kweli’s Eardrum. Peep the post for the full tracklisting, album art, and download the newest track off the album, “Don’t Rush Me.” We also hear the video for “Love Thirst” will be coming your way soon.

• NYC, hit up SOBs tonight for Kidz In The Hall album release party for The In Crowd, including music by Just Blaze and DJ Timbuk2. Rumor has it that there may be appearances by Phontigga, Estelle, Skyzoo, Gym Class Heroes, Chip The Ripper and more. Tix are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. While you’re getting ready for tonight, check out Lupe doin’ his thing at SOB’s the other night in this vid.

• The Cool Kids, who’s Bake Sale EP is on iTunes today, and in stores June 10th, drop a sick live freestyle (Where are they? At the mall?). The Kids can spit! Watch them do their thing, with some beatboxing talent in there too.

• Estelle has a new version of her song “American Boy” out. The original version had Mr. West on it, while in this one she is accompanied by Busta Rhymes. Link via Shake.

-shamz, gingerlynn & dantana