This is probably one of my favorite Kendrick interviews to date. Above is AHF‘s in-depth interview with Kendrick Lamar about the music that shaped him and led him to hip-hop. He discusses everything from the earliest influences on his musical tastes to the deep connection between him, DMX and Tupac. He is candid, introspective and insightful. Witness the story of where it all began in hip-hop for Kendrick Lamar.
Himanshu Suri (Heems) of super Queens group Das Racist drops his long awaited mixtape Nehru Jackets, partnership with awareness-raising Queens group SEVA NY; with features from Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Childish Gambino etc. and production entirely by Mike Finito this is a project I definitely support and hope you guys take the time to listen to today! Tracklist after the jump.
Download: Heems (of Das Racist) – Nehru Jackets (Mixtape)
B.o.B. releases the video to How Bout Dat which can be found on his mixtape, E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial). The track features Future & Trae The Truth (whose been in heavy rotation on my iPod lately) as well as cameos from T.I. and Lil Duval. Directed by Gabriel Hart.
Pretty big fan of the talented Rusko. Somebody To Love serves as the first single off his new album Songs which is slated for a March 27th release. Enjoy!
This is so dope! Here’s what MeLo had to say, “playing around in the studio once again. I recently put my New Instrumental album up for Pre-Order and gave away Digital art pieces signed and Numbered to the first 200 Pre-Orders. So to congratulate my supporters who purchased the first 200 I created this Cover and live remix of Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games” enjoy. – MeLo-X
I’ve actually been bumping Jade’s project since I got home from work, I’m kinda in love with her 
Jade Alston releases her debut EP, Single On A Saturday Night exclusively on Singersroom, the perfect female tale about a single woman on a Saturday night. Each track off the EP plays like a journal entry into the Philadelphia songstress’s personal diary. Jade writes about women’s issues with distinctive style. Learn more about the Jade Alston as shares behind the scene footage into the making of the EP.
Download/Stream: Jade Alston – Single On A Saturday Night [FreEP]
Ms. Banks let this go via her twitter today in conjunction with producer Machinedrum, the track features a sample from Aaliyah’s, One In A Million (Happy Birthday Babygirl!) and here’s what Azealia had to say, “It’s R&B but hella progressive,” and “it’s about being a guy’s other girl. It’s about knowing that ur number #2, but still sticking around in hopes of becoming #1.”
Jeezy releases the video for one of his standout tracks off of Thug Motivation 103: Hustlaz Ambition with 2 Chainz on the assist!
Singer-emcee Michael Francis brings in the new year with a revival of yes you heard it right, “Pony.” One of the more memorable R&B records in the mid 90s that became the defining singles of Ginuwine’s career. Great production by Cito On The Beat. Check it out below and let us know what you think. You can also request a free advanced free copy of Francis’ upcoming project “Cold Heart Chronicles” here
