Big Boi of Outkast-"Shutterbugg" (Video)

1/2 of The ATLiens Big Boi shows just a little creativity in his new video, "Shutterbugg." His latest release from his upcoming album, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty which drops July 6th. Thanks to OnSMash.com for the post.

Kanye West -New Single "Power"

Kayne West has been 'behind the doors' for a minute now since his infamous confirmation of Beyonce' having the best video. Move forward and Kayne is about to come from behind the doors kicking them down. His style of lyrics, along with interesting concepts, and freedom of music taste is Kayne's M O and was surely missed in the game.
Check out his new single, "Power" at Kanye's site at the jumplink. His new album Good Ass Job is due to drop this summer.
Kanye West - Power Listen To Kanye West's New Single "Power" Here

The Trackmasters Presents Kids Block

Tone and Poke (The Trackmasters) created an educational program for young children infusing Hip Hop. ST contributor Rallah Shakim informed us of this project. I'm not sure what's in the works with this project, but it has been out for some time. Check out the link for more info. Kids Block is available on DVD just in case any parents were wondering, you can hit the jumplink below.

http://www.thekidsblock.com/

50 Cent Takes on New Look for Upcoming Film

50 Cent took on a new look as he lost about 50 pounds for his upcoming movie, "Things Fall Apart". In the movie 50 Cent plays a football player diagnosed with cancer. Check out more at the jumplink.
http://www.thisis50.com/profiles/blog/show?id=784568%3ABlogPost%3A20366925

Janet Jackson performs Again/ Nothing/ Nasty on American Idol

Janet Jackson had an awesome look as she did her thing on American Idol last night. I had to post this just in case anyone missed it (like I did, because I wanted to watch Boston and Orlando). Enjoy

Dwele-"I Wish" (audio)

Detroit’s favorite man next to Dilla is our man Dwele and his new album W.ants W.orld W.omen drops on June 29th. ST gave you the first single off of the album and here is his next single, “I Wish”. Listen close to his ‘wish list’. Props to Soulbounce.com for the early post.

Dwele-i wish by skelletop

Nas & Damien Marley-"Count Your Blessings" (Live on JK)

I posted this, because I didn't catch it the night it came on JK. I really love the message in this song and this performance was awesome. This is just an appetizer for Nas and Damien Marley's upcoming tour this summer.

Official Rock the Bells Tour Lineup

I knew I shouldn't had taken part in the rumor mill, but I was a little hype when I heard Lauryn Hill was rumored to headline. Nonetheless, we got the official word and the tour dates and the cities. NYC, CA, and DC starting on 8/21. Check the jumplink for listings. http://www.rockthebells.net/

Preview Vikter Duplaix's "Electric Love" (Video)

It took awhile, but Vikter Duplaix has finally dropped a video for his single, "Electric Love". Even though this is a sexy video. Can I admit that I like the song better than the video? The video can be seen on Vikter's website and there you can get something for the mp3 as Vikter is giving away the single as a FREE DOWNLOAD. Check the jumplink below.
http://www.vikterduplaix.com/

Nas Re-makes Slick Rick's "Hey Young World" (Audio)

I know when you first saw the title you thought, “How is anyone going to re-make 'The World is Yours'?” Well Nas does a great job in re-making the Slick Rick classic, "Hey Young World". Now if you remember how we all grooved along to Snoop Dogg when he remade the Dougie Fresh and Slick Rick’s classic, "La Di-Da Di". Though it wasn't Slick Rick with the rhymes, it still made us groove and Snoop's Westside flow hugged Dre's remix effortlessly. In our minds everytime we heard Snoop’s version, we thought of Dougie Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew. Well Nas’ re-make will do the same.
Nas-hey young world by skelletop

Rumor Has It, Lauryn Hill to Headline "Rock the Bells" Tour this Summer

Rumor has it, that Ms. Lauryn Hill will headline the "Rock the Bells" Tour this summer. The ex-Fugees songstress will be performing her classic Hip Hop solo album, The Miseduction of Lauryn Hill. Also expected to perform is A Tribe Called Quest. Both acts are Hip Hop mainstays and should make any Hip Hop head locate tour dates and get a ticket. Rock the Bells tour information and confirmation is soon to come. ST will post tour dates and soon as confirmation is released.

The Roots-"Dear God 2.0"

The Legendary Roots Crew is gearing up for their new lp, How I Got Over, which drops June 22. Here is the latest leak, "Dear God 2.0”. OkayPlayer.com premiered the song yesterday. Get the FREE DOWNLOAD at the jumplink below.
http://www.okayplayer.com/news/Audio-The-Roots-Dear-God-2.0-plus-Artwork.html
The Roots - Dear God 2.0 by shavarross

NYC Leela James Listening Party

NYC NO COVER!!! ST informed you of Leela James' upcoming album, My Soul and gave you a peak listen. Come out to the Leela James' listening party.  The Good Spot Residents Stimulus & Moma will be playing tunes from new Leela James album for the FIRST HOUR: 11pm - 12am. Come out NYC and celebrate her latest album. In the meantime, if you haven't seen the video for her first single, check out, "Tell Me You Love Me", below. My Soul is set for release on May 25, 2010.

Venus' Choice of Dress Cause More Talk than her Win Day 1 of the French Open

Venus Williams wins in Day 1 of the French Open, but the talk wasn't about her win. In France there was more discussion on her choice of dress. Read the full article at the jump.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/05/eye-opener-venus-williams-corset-dress-too-ooh-la-la/1

Talib Kweli-"Papers Please"-Song about Arizona's SB 1070 Bill

Just like Talib Kweli to drop a jewel to a situation,

"I could never respect a law that doesn't respect humanity..."

Here is the leak, "Papers Please", where Talib discuss in rap the state of Arizona's SB1070 Bill. Click on the jumplink below to get the FREE DOWNLOAD.
http://www.yearoftheblacksmith.com/profiles/blogs/new-music-talib-kweli-papers-1

Erykah Badu and Nas Answers the Question, "Who is Jay Electronica?"

BET Videos

Who is Jay Electronica? That's the question and if you didn't know, now you know. Erykah Badu and Nas tell you a little of Jay Elec.Check this run of Jay E that I laid out and then you would know. New Orleans representing, but sounding like and old east coast freestyle EmCee. Skills, off the hook. He bars aren't unfocussed like a lot of dudes. His bars are focused and Jay's wordplay is banannas.

Jay Electronica - Exhibit C by PJ!
Just Blaze (producer of this track-Exibit C) killed this track. The Billy Stewart sample (Cross My Heart) is used just right. This is a hip Hop track and I can see it being a standard in the freestyle game.

Jay Electronica - Exhibit A (Transformations) by PJ!

J. Cole is also another one of these new cats that my ears seems to enjoy his lyrics. Here is  "Just Begun" a Talib and Hi-Tek cut feat. some of the best of the new (J. Cole and Jay Electronica) with Talib and Mos Def (the vets).
Just Begun (J. Cole Feat. Jay Electronica, & Mos Def) by atlargemedia

La the Darkman-"You" feat. Bobby Valentino and Willie the Kid

My dude La The Darkman just dropped a video w/cameos from Kandi and Toya. The single, "YOU", features Bobby Valentino (always good to hear from him) and Willie the Kid. La have been in the game for sometime as a true underground producer, DJ, and EmCee. Shouts out to OnSmash for the post.

Lyfe Jennings-"Statistics" (Audio)

As a writer and DJ, I’m always looking for the perfect combination. Lyfe Jennings is just one of the many artists I admire who can put together a perfect combination. His new single, "Statistics" will be played for my daughter’s ears. This cut can break down a lot of things for fathers with daughters.

Lyfe Jennings - Statistics by Warner Bros. Urban

Frank Lucas Wife Arrested in Puerto Rico

If you’ve seen American Gangster, the story of Frank Lucas, then you remember he had a Puerto Rican wife, who loved diamonds, cars, the good life, and was bad as hell, well guess what? Allegedly she is still hustling. 


Julianna Farrait, 70, the ex-wife of 1970s heroin dealer Frank Lucas, who inspired the movie "American Gangster", was arrested after police said she tried to sell 2 kilograms of cocaine at a hotel in a popular tourist district of Puerto Rico.

This past Wednesday, Farrait allegedly met with an informant at a hotel room in the Isla Verde and unveiled the drugs. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration then entered the room and arrested her.

For more, check out the jumplink below.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/21/julianna-farrait-american_n_584645.html

Marryland 2nd Grader Asks The First Lady an Adult Question

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Funny how this problem was here in America way before President Obama's short time in office and even a 2nd grader wants to blame the problem on Obama(LOL). As cute as she is, the situation is not a cute. Yes, we need to address the immigration problem here in America, but deportation is not the answer in my opinion. Neither is Arizona's SB 1070 law the answer.

Peter Hadar Live Tonight @ Ella, NYC

For those in the NYC area looking for, "Something to get into" this evening, check out Peter Hadar tonight @ Ella's featuring Nikki NTU. This is a $10 show, so you know you can't loose. If you haven't seen Peter perform live, check out ST's earlier post when Hadar was at Joe's Pub, NYC at the jumplink below. http://www.skelletop.com/2010/04/peter-hadar-live-joes-pub-nyc-video.html

Philly Get Ready

Donwill and Von Pea of Tanya Morgan-"The Sandwich Shop"

"You must hate women. Or it appears so. 'Cause in songs, the only ones you mention are hoes...."-Von Pea

Von Pea and Donwill 2/3 of one of my favorite new rap group Tanya Morgan dropped their side project today. If you haven't heard of Tanya Morgan, get hip. This group will remind you of the days when Hip Hop was fun. This project was made with beats from Questlove's Sandwich EP which hit the internets earlier this year and was full of dope beats.

Well these two EmCees from Tanya Morgan just ran in the studio and put some vocals to EP. The result-The Sandwich Shop. This is what Hip Hop use to be and seems to be coming back around. Hip Hop is fun and when you’re an EmCee, you can’t help but to drop a verse when you hear a dope beat. That’s one reason why I love Tanya Morgan, these young cats remind of REAL HIP HOP. Get the free download of The Sandwich Shop at the jumplink. http://donwill.bandcamp.com/album/the-sandwich-shop

Is the Ms. USA Tiara now Tarnished?

The Tiara worn by the newly crowned Ms. USA Rima Fakih may now be tarnished. Photos of the beauty working the pole like a pro were posted on the, “Mojo in the Morning” radio show website, which broadcasts out of Detroit. Rima Fakih is seen provocatively working her way up and down a stripper pole while wearing a blue tank top, bottom-grazing red shorts and a pair of high heels. Another photo shows her wearing a bra stuffed with dollar bills (we can’t show that one).

The 24-year-old beauty did not remove any clothing during her show-stopping performance at the Coliseum Gentleman's Club which won her 'jewelry, gift cards, adult toys and a stripper pole for home use.'

In all honesty, I hope this doesn’t tarnish her rep and I hope the committee doesn’t take her crown from her. She as young, didn’t remove any clothing, and therefore this should just be dismissed as Cindy Lauper once said, “Girls just want to have fun.” Congrats to Rima on her win.

Dwele Promo Video for his forthcoming CD-"W.ants W.orld W.omen"

Dwele drops his promo video for his forthcoming LP, W.ants W.orld W.omen which is set to drop next month. ST informed of his single, "What's Not to Love", in one of our earlier posts and the streets could use another Detroit/Dilla laced flavored Dwele CD.

Kem Gives Us the Introduction to "Intimacy" and Thanks the 'Top

We're getting ready for Kem's new album and director Erica D. Hayes gives us the first visual to the upcoming lp entitled, Intimacy.  ST gave you the info on the first leak off the lp, "Why Would You Stay", which is the Kem we've come to know and love. Check it out. Kem Tweets a 'Thank You' to ST and we re-tweeted, "No thanks needed, just keep making GOOD MUSIC and ST we'll keep the word on the street".

KEM_Intimacy I would like to thank @Skelletop for doing a post on my new single #WhyWouldYouStay #INTIMACY http://tinyurl.com/28oeubf :)

Leela James-"Mr. Incredible, Ms. Unforrgettable"-feat. Raheem Devaughn

My ears have a gift when it comes to good music and Leela James’ new single featuring Raheem Devaughn is just that, “GOOD MUSIC”. The single entitled, “Mr. Incredible, Ms. Unforgettable” is all that, a bag of chips, and then some. If you’re a Leela James fan, a Raheem Devaugn fan, or like myself, a fan of both, then this is a single you want in your iPod. Our friends over at SOULBOUNCE posted the single and I promise, YOU WILL PLAY AGAIN. You may even do like I did and just go to iTunes and buy it. Get it at the jumplink below. Leela James’ 3rd lp, My Soul, hit stores May 25th.

Leela James feat. Raheem Devaughn-Mr. Incredible Ms. Unforgettable by skelletop

Kenny Anderson Graduates from College 19 Years After Georgia Tech

Kenny Anderson will graduate from college and not from Georgia Tech. Kenny Anderson mastered the digital classroom and studied in his spare time to make this happen.

The payoff will come tomorrow at St. Thomas University in Miami, when Anderson will put on the cap and gown and graduate, 19 years after leaving Georgia Tech. Read more at the jumplink.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/sports/basketball/13vecsey.html

Mary J Blige to Play the Role of Nina Simone in Forthcoming Film

Mary J Blige is taking on the role in the forthcoming film based on of the legendary singer Nina Simone. The film will be titled, NINA and will focus around Simone’s later years, specifically her relationship with her assistant Clifton Henderson, played by David Oyelowo ("The Last King of Scotland").

Simone was an avid civil rights activist and her vocal style of passion, a loose vibrato, and her unusual low vocal range voice, gave her the nicknamed, "the High Priestess of Soul".
Songs like, "My Baby Just Cares for Me" and my personal Nina Simone fav, "I Put A Spell on You" (below) displays how Simone could fluctuate between exuberant happiness and whatever bitter trouble she was going through (Sounds a little like Mary, Huh?). These fluctuations also were characterized her own personality and her personal life, which amplified by bipolar disorder with which she was diagnosed in the mid-1960s, something not revealed until after her death in 2003.

Can Mary J play Nina well? Take a look at some live performances of Nina Simone and you make your own call. Read more (here).

Camp Lo and Digable Planets @ Numbers in Houston this Wknd

I figure since I’m getting ready to check Digable Planets and Camp Lo this weekend at Numbers in Houston. It’s only fitting that I put up some music to get those attending in the mood. Those unfortunate to attend, check their tour dates as they will be coming to a city near you. Camp Lo is hitting up Chi-Town next, so my Chi-Town people get ready. For now, let’s check out an ‘under the radar’ cut off of their last album “Son of A..”  Does anyone love the ‘Blackplotaion’ era more than these dudes?

Goapele Drops a Remix-"Different"-feat. Mos Def

The Bay Area Songstress is said to be putting the final touches on her upcoming album, Milk & Honey. Goapele's third album is said to have production from Bedrock, Kanye West, Drumma Boy, and Mike Tiger just to name a few. In the meantime, this leak hit the net. It’s a remix to "Different" which appeared on her last album, Change It All, but Mos Def is on this remix. Listen and GET THE FREE DOWNLOAD at the jump.
http://goapele.bandcamp.com/track/different-featuring-mos-def-unreleased

Get a "Look At" Donn T

Next up, Donn T. Now if you haven’t heard of Donn T, then let the ‘Top hip you to ?uestlove of The Roots' sister. Check out the trailer above to get an idea of who DonnT is. OkayPlayer premiered Donn T’s latest song, “Look At”, off of her upcoming debut album, Kaleidoscopic due out this summer. Though Donn T is ?uestlove’s sister, she seems to have own identity and an unique style in music which I would call, ‘FunkHouseSoul’.
Check out her single “Look At” and get the FREE DOWNLOAD of the single at the jumplink below.

http://donnt.bandcamp.com/track/look-at-original-mix?type=email&sig=996175f8a0b75274bba25b0101b92625&auto=mp3-320&payment_id=3005136161

Corinne Bailey Rae Performs "The Blackest Lily" on Late Night w/Jimmy Fallon

Grammy Award winning artist Corinne Bailey Rae performs her latest single, “The Blackest Lily” with The Roots on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon off of her album, The Sea. When I saw this performance this past Monday night, I knew it was something for the people. Enjoy.

Corinne Bailey Rae Made My Day

Jesse Boykins III-"Amorous" (New Video)

Jesse Boykins III - Amorous (Official Music Video) from Jesse Boykins III on Vimeo.
http://twitter.com/jb3music http://itunes.com/jesseboykinsiii
Directed by Dr. Woo
Light Up Film

"‎​​I am a reawakening of the Romantic Movement ; an observer of Love and the Power it holds. So when given the opportunity to document my priceless experiences and connect them with moments in melody I've captured, I am humbled. Amorous is my appreciation for the relationship and the magic it holds between two people. The essence of a bond and its affect on its environment for the better. Special thanks to London for its environment and the Lovers that shared their intimacy. The Beauty Created."-Jesse Boykins

Jesse Boykins III released his last visual, "Amorous", from his '09 album The Beauty Created. The video was shot in London and even though the video just came out, it has been a fan favorite for awhile. This is said to be the last video off of The Beauty Created album as Jesse begins to work on his next LP. To the true fans of Jesse and the new fans, this will be a visual pacifier until he drops something next.

Sade-"Babyfather" (New Video)

Sade’s single 'Babyfather' premiered today and if you’re like me, I know you still have Soldier of Love in heavy rotation. Sade sang this song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno a few weeks ago and I much as I looked at her, I can’t believe this woman is 51 years old. As a father, I repeat her words to my daughter often since I heard this particular cut, “A Daddy’s love comes with a lifetime guarantee.” Shouts out to all the dads doing their thing.

YahZarah-The Ballard of Saint James (New LP) Drops

I first heard this D.C. native on a Raheem Devaughn Mixtape and was like, “Who is that?” When Rah D gave his shout out to YahZarah
on his mixtape, I went to do my research. Comes to find out I’ve been listening to her voice for a minute. YahZarah was the female voice of most of The Foreign Exchange tracks and as a background singer for Erykah Badu. YahZarah attended NC Central in Durham and while she was there, she hooked up with several artists in the Raleigh-Durham area including Phonte’ of Little Brother. Phonte' of course had YahZarah singing many vocals on the FE’s songs and was one the major influences to have her pursue a solo career.


This album, The Ballard of Saint James is an awesome piece of work and an educated ear can hear the FE influence even in the different styles the YahZarah brings. Yah has a beatiful voice, can hold a cord, blow a ballad, and one can tell her poetic skills are off the hook. Listen at the jumplink, support good music.
http://www.theforeignexchangemusic.com/2010/03/the-ballad-of-purple-saint-james.php

Wale –"Diary" feat. Marsha Ambrosius (Video)

Wale has dropped his new video for his cut, Diary feat. Ms. Marsha Ambrosius (of Floetry). The video is the work of Mr. Ric Cordero. I love this cut and I love the poetic words Wale drops at the end.

Kem-"Why Would You Stay" (new single)

The streets have been talking and word is that Kem was coming out with a third album, but we haven’t heard a leak until now. Kem's third album, Kem Album III: Intimacy, has no drop date yet, but our friends over at SOULBOUNCE have premiered his new single, "Why Would You Stay". This single has a vintage Kem sound that his fans have grown to love and this is a great kick off single for Kem.
KEM - Why would you stay by LaTone

Jay Electronica-"The Ghost of Christopher Wallace (prod. Quincy Tones)" feat. Diddy.

If you haven’t heard of Jay Electronica by now, I guess you’ve been under a rock. Well Jay Elec is my favorite rapper right now and I know I’m not alone. Jay Electronica’s Exhibit C has been burning up the mixtapes, the internet, and have kids arguing about who’s the best rapper from New Orleans. Our friends over at OkayPlayer have the free download for Jay’s new joint that hit the net, "The Ghost of Christopher Wallace (prod. Quincy Tones)" feat. Diddy. Listen and get the free download at the jumplink. http://www.okayplayer.com/news/Audio-Jay-Electronica-The-Ghost-of-Christopher-Wallace-feat.-Diddy.html
Jay Electronica - the ghost of christopher wallace (feat. diddy) by hypedog2