June 29, 2009 Playlist: "June's Final Playlist"

(Gucci Mane and Juelz Santana)

What's happenin everyone? Sorry it took longer than usual to put up this playlist, been caught up with some things. This week is again a pretty small playlist composed of only five songs. Beef or no beef, Gucci Mane is still making a name for himself as he keeps droppin music at an insane rate. This time he teams up with Juelz Santana and Big Boi. This track is pretty hot and reminds me of the tracks Cash Money and The Hot Boyz used to put out earlier in the decade. Along with that, I also put up a single each by artists Ace Hood and Jeremih. Both are looking to drop their albums soon, and I can't wait to hear what these cats are all about. On the smoother end, Sammie is out with a hot track with a really catchy chorus. Also new stuff by the Nappy Boy Entertainment crew. Check it out and enjoy.

"She Got A Friend"- Gucci Mane ft. Juelz Santana and Big Boi
(Straight Fire. Official Music Video)

"Wifey Material"- Ace Hood ft Lloyd
(Hot Track. Lloyd sounds sick as hell on the hook)

"Jam On Me"- Sammie
(Straight Fire)

"Jumpin"- Jeremih
(Auto-tune inspired track)

"Get Lower"- Young Cash ft. T-Pain and Tay Dizm

Throwback Track: "Doin It"

(LL Cool J)

Takin it all the way back to 1996 this time with an LL Cool J classic. I was actually listening to Keri Hilson's new album and I noticed the song "Hey Love" had a very familiar sound to it. It wasn't too long until I figured that the song was sampled using a classic. "Doin It" is a pure New York hip-hop anthem and was a big hit when I was a child. You still hear DJs drop it from time to time within mixes. I must warn you the song contains some explicit lyrics. LL snaps, "No doubt! I'm the player that you talkin about!" The chick singing with him is Leshaun. Check out the music video also, it's sure to bring back some memories.

"Doin It"- LL Cool J ft. Leshaun
(Straight fire and a straight classic)

June 20, 2009 Playlist: Obsessed (Gucci!)

(Mariah Carey and Gucci Mane)

Whaddup whaddup? This week's playlist is quite small, but quite honestly who ever said size really matters? It's all about the quality. The song atop the list is most definitely Mariah Carey's new single, "Obsessed". Mariah is my favorite female singer and she is back with a vengeance. Vocally one of the most talented singers if not the best out there still to this day. She's real smart also, getting Gucci Mane to hop on the remix with her. Gucci straight kills it in the song. I put up both versions for you guys, but make sure to check out the remix. Kanye's label keeps making noise, as Consequence is out with a new song and video. It's real hot and Consequence can straight up flow. There is also new stuff by Ryan Leslie and a record from Chris Brown that has been receiving high praise from the listeners. Check it out everyone.

"Obsessed"- Mariah Carey
(Straight Fire! Co-written and production work by The Dream)

"Obsessed Remix"- Mariah Carey ft. Gucci Mane
(Straight Fire! Gucci snaps. Must hear!)

"Mr. Popularity"- Consequence
(Official Music Video)

"Something That I Like"- Ryan Leslie ft. Pusha-T

"Smash"- Chris Brown

NJB XCLUSIVE: The Blog

(Official NjbXclusive Logo. Designed by: Naveen Madana)

I just want to take the time right now to make it clear that the purpose of my blog is not to ride off of the work of other artists or promote illegal downloading at all. The blog is a form of expression for me through something that I deeply love, which is music. There is a misconception that the blog is up to find music first and promote it and be quicker than anyone else. I can care less if someone finds a song before I do, I only put up songs that I would actually listen to and that are usually straight fire. There are many other features on the blog such as Artist Spotlights, Single Reviews, Lists, and many features are coming up soon. A lot of the tracks I post up, many people are not familiar with, but my aim is not to leak out tracks from artists and promote illegal sharing. I hope everyone hears out the music and enjoys it and decides to legally purchase the music. This is why I usually post up YouTube links, so people can give the new stuff a listen. I have been doing the blog for a few months and have really been enjoying it and hope to continue.

Lupe On Leaks: "Shining Down"

(Lupe Fiasco)

All day today I was steady straight studying in the library isolated from the world while so much was happening in the world of music. The long awaited track, "Shining Down" by Lupe Fiasco was leaked onto the internet today. I posted a snippet of the live version a few weeks back in the May 22, 2009 Playlist. Someone apparently hacked into Lupe's e-mail and stole the song. Many of the other websites have it up for download and the song is surfacing all over, and Lupe has some strong words about it. The song is unfinished and according to Matthew Santos' Twitter, the live version will be straight tweaked and much better. If you want to hear the song, I'm sure you can find it online, but instead this time I want to post an article in Village Voice where Lupe expresses how he feels about leaking tracks and illegally downloading music. This article has inspired me to finally put up a disclaimer of sorts and explain the purpose of my blog.

"The Lupe Fiasco "Shining Down" Leak: Point, Counterpoint"

USDA Approved Beef: "24-23 (Kobe, LeBron)"

(Young Jeezy)

Last night Young Jeezy leaked out a diss track in which he takes stabs at Atlanta based rappers Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman. I kind of saw this coming, but I didn't think Young Jeezy would go so hard and come out of nowhere. This beef is not new though, apparently in 2005, Gucci Mane was rumored to have allegedly killed one of Jeezy's people in self-defense. Jeezy has put out many diss tracks in the past, but this one is causing a storm because it is the first of it's type in years, especially since Gucci Mane has been doing big thangs lately. I don't know if this beef will be anything like Biggie and Pac or Jay-Z and Nas, but let me tell you it has started. Listen to the song is all I can say. All three of the rappers are scheduled to perform at two of the same venues this weekend. Only God knows what will happen next.

"24-23 (Kobe, LeBron)"
(Jeezy goes too hard on this one)

June 13, 2009 Playlist: Steady Mobbin

(Jay-Z)

What's happenin everyone? This week's playlist contains some real hot tracks. Jay-Z bashes all the lames that have turned to the auto-tune and away from puttin out quality music. Just for the record, this song is not a stab at T-Pain, Lil Wayne, or Kanye West, but every else that misuses it. The Ruff Ryders are back as they come together on the remix for the "Who's Real Remix" by Jadakiss. East Coast is bringin that fire. Also check out the R&B track by Mary J. Blige ft. Drake. Drake straight snaps in his verse and refers to himself as, "The Young Money White Knight". Must hear tracks.

"Death Of The Autotune"- Jay-Z
(Straight Fire)

"Who's Real Remix"- Jadakiss ft. Eve, Drag-On, Styles P, Sheek Louch, and DMX
(Ruff Ryders Remix. Straight Fire)

"The One"- Mary J. Blige ft. Drake
(Drake Snaps. Straight Fire)

"Spectacular"- Mario ft. Ludacris

"I'm Good"- Clipse ft. Pharrell

(Lil Wayne)

Along with the East throwing it down like it's been lately, Lil Wayne has been steady holdin it down for the South. He has a single out with one of the hottest names in the game right now, Gucci Mane. They both snap in "We Be Steady Mobbin". The other track is real hot too. Weezy is back to his old form and is straight snipin. Kanye's label is also making some noise. Kid Cudi's next single off of his upcoming album is straight fire. Also Big Sean's "Glenwood" is out with a verse by Kanye. The same exact verse from his freestyle titled, "Wheely Shit" which I posted a few weeks backs. Big Sean has some straight skill. His flow is nasty. Hear em out, these tracks are hot.

"We Be Steady Mobbin"- Lil Wayne ft. Gucci Mane
(Straight Fire)

"No Quitter, Go Getter"- Lil Wayne
(Lil Wayne Snaps. Straight Fire)

"Mr. Solo Dolo"- Kid Cudi

"Glenwood"- Big Sean ft. Kanye West
(Big Sean can spit some fire. Make sure to check out his verse)

"Know Your Name"- T-Pain
(Smooth Jam)

NJB XCLUSIVE: "Written On Her" (Naveen Kumar Bootleg Remix)

Back again for another special post this time around. Chicago's very own Naveen Kumar has been steady in the studio cookin up some of the sickest tunes. One of his most recent works of art is a remix of Birdman's song that features Jay Sean. It's called the "Written On Her (Naveen Kumar Bootleg Remix)". It's a sick remix and is definitely a crowd pleaser at the clubs. Naveen keeps showing off his skill as a producer and remixer and it's clear to see he's here to stay. Look out for his collaboration with Chicago singing duo Qissmet coming our very soon. As far as the "Written On Her (Naveen Kumar Bootleg Remix", I'm sure people have heard it and tried ripping it off of the Myspace page or Youtube, but NJBXclusive would like to make available the CD quality version. Check it out and click on the picture for a FREE DOWNLOAD LINK.

(Click on the picture for a FREE DOWNLOAD LINK)

Throwback Track: "U Know What's Up"

Back again with another throwback this week. Summer 09 has officially kicked in, and it's only right that I bring to you guys a summer classic. "U Know What's Up" is one of my favorite tracks of all time. Donnell Jones and Left-Eye from TLC straight snap in this song. I had to show love especially since Donnell hails from the city of wind. The song held the number one spot on the R&B charts in 1999. It's a smooth R&B jam with a raw hook. Check it out.

(Donnell Jones)

"U Know What's Up"- Donnell Jones ft. Left-Eye
(Classic. Official Music Video. Straight Fire)

June 5, 2009 Playlist: On Top Of the World

(T.I. and Kanye West)

What's happenin everyone? I got the first playlist of the month for ya'll this time. Some real hot stuff including an T.I. track off of his recent, "On Top Of the World" ft. Kanye and my guy I'm so big on lately, B.O.B. Although it's a repeated Kanye verse, it's a real hot track, I'm sure you guys will enjoy it. Timbaland is back on the scene on a track with Genuwine. He's been out of the mix for a little bit, but keep a look out for more hot stuff to drop. There are a few tracks with Lil Wayne where he snaps as usual, and make sure to hear the track by Cassie. Although she's drop dead gorgeous, I'm a little iffy about her vocal talent. Day 26 on that track snaps though. Check it out fasho.

"On Top Of The World"- T.I. ft. Kanye West and B.O.B.
(Straight Fire)

"Get Involved"- Genuwine ft. Timbaland and Missy Elliot
(Produced by Timbaland. Banger)

"Everywhere I Be"- Tommy Stars ft. Lil Wayne and Birdman
(Straight Fire)

"I Told Ya'll"- Lil Wayne
(Snippet)

"Must Be Love Remix"- Cassie ft. Day 26, Busta Rhymes, Diddy, and Red Cafe
(Day 26 snaps)

(Mickey Factz)

Mickey Factz is another fresh artist that has been making a name for himself out there. It is clear that he is very talented as it shows in his song featuring Kid Cudi, "Do My Do". D.C. rapper Wale is out with another track also. he's been getting some radio play across the nation with his single featuring Lady Gaga. Look out for him in the upcoming weeks. Fabolous has been busy making appearances on every other artist's tracks. He's featured on tracks by R&B singers Lloyd and J. Holiday. Check out the tracks. Also, I previewd a snippet of Fabo's song, "You Baby" a few weeks back, but the full version is out. Give it a listen, it should be his next single off of his upcoming album.

"Do My Do"- Mickey Factz ft. Kid Cudi
(Straight Fire)

"Family Affair"- Wale

"Your Baby (Roll With Me)"- Fabolous ft. Johnta Austin
(Straight Fire)

"Year Of The Lover Remix"- Lloyd ft. Fabolous and Plies

"Fall Remix"- J. Holiday ft. Fabolous

Artist Spotlight: Blu

(Johnson Barnes a.k.a Blu)

Alright everyone, I know I haven't done a spotlight on an artist in a minute, but I've been meaning to introduce this guy for a while. His name is Blu, and he hails from California. For those of you that know me personally and my taste of music, I'm more into the sounds of the East coast, but once I heard this cat I was blown away. Definitely one of the most talented dudes I have heard in a while. Apparently he's been on the underground scene for a minute and even released an LP in 2007 titled, Below The Heavens. It was pretty much produced by underground producer Exile, who is straight up raw with the beats. Blu is a straight mixture of Lupe Fiasco and Drake. He blends his words together great and lyrically he is one of the most gifted I have heard. XXL Magazine named him one of 2009's top freshman, and I agree with that judgment. Hear out the tracks I've posted, each and every song is sick. Although his single off the LP is considered to be "Narrow Path", my personal favorites include "Show Me The Good Life" and "The World Is". Blu turned down a deal from Deathrow and still remains unsigned. Someone needs to pick this man up on their roster on the quicks. Kanye where you at?

"The World Is"- Blu
(One of the sickest hip-hop tracks I've heard in a minute. Straight Fire)

"Show Me The Good Life"- Blu
(Must Hear! Listen to the lyrics. This man is sick with it)

"The Narrow Path"- Blu
(His single off of the LP)

"Dancing In The Rain"- Blu
(Smooth laid back track)

"Blu Collar Workers"- Blu
(Official Music Video. Straight Fire)

"In Rememberence Of Me- Blu
(Straight kills it in this song)

Throwback Track: "What You Got"

Check it everyone, I'm starting a new segment on the blog titled, "Throwback Tracks". Every now and then I'm gonna be bringing back some songs that we all used to jam to, or at least I used to. Music is such a beautiful thing and I admire all of the new stuff the artists are coming out with now days. At the same time I feel it's necessary to pay respect to the material from the past. I'm not gonna be going too far back and featuring tracks our parents listened to, but just some tracks that need to be played after a while. Back when we were all on Media Player 7.

(Akon and Colby O'Donis)

I don't wanna go too far back and bring out a track from Tupac or Jodeci or nothing, so I'm gonna take it back just a year, Febuary 2008. Although I feel this track was over-played and killed by all the radio stations, I think it's a straight classic. Also, for some reason it's been stuck in my head lately. The 19 year old Colby O'Donis shows how talented he is as he teams up with Akon to bring you "What You Got". The song is a typical R&B track and features some pretty sweet lyrics. I love when Akon comes thru and says, "Why you thinkin you the only dude? She off in the mall livin off to you. Lettin everybody know she got you, but now you feel like a fool." This song is about that girl that has everything she wants and needs, but always seeks more. It's never enough! Fellas, you know what I'm talkin about, be careful with that kind of girl. I'm sure you already have, but give it another listen.

"What You Got"- Colby O'Donis ft. Akon
(Official Music Video)