Imam Thug is the go-to hook man for CNN street anthems. See also: “Thug Planet” Watch Nore boast about drinking Ketel One with no hangover in the behind the scenes clip for the video above. I’m starting to like Ketel One. That’s the inner whiteboy in me. Pause. Download: N.O.R.E...

Yep, that’s a jam. On “Shot Glass Magnified,” Soul Khan and Sene play the underground everyman MC. Soul Like Khan drops for free on Tuesday. Those who listened to Koncept’s Playing Life EP know to expect quality from the Brown Bag AllStars crew. Download: Soul Khan – Shot Glass Magnified..

Bama’s best represent over a mighty Block Beattaz production. Download: ST 2 Lettaz – Warning Shots (ft. Bentley, S.L.A.S.H., Kristmas) (produced by Block Beattaz) via Dirty Glove Bastard Sphere: Related Content

Hold it, that’s a Janelle Monae sample. “Neon Valley Street,” to be exact. Dope track, but I feel like they should have asked me before they sampled my wife like that. The verdict is still out on J. Cole, who’s a solid rapper, but hasn’t done much to distinguish himself..

Finally something Japanophiles and hip-hop heads can agree on. And if you hate anime, don’t worry, you can just pretend Akira is the name of some fly colored Asian. Sphere: Related Content

The beat on “Freshest Rhymes” recalls the unmatched emotive power of a vinyl sample. There’s a reason why records are the tools of a real hip-hop producer. Alchemist and Oh No have teamed up as Gangrene to remind listeners of the arresting warmth that only analog sound can provide. I’m..

The clean version of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy leaked today (November 9). I’m going to reserve judgment on Kanye’s new album until I’ve given it some more spins, but my initial problem, which we all saw coming, is that I’ve heard almost all of these songs already. I didn’t hear..

Focus…’s homage series continues with a tribute to A Tribe Called Quest producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad. To recap, The former Aftermath producer has paid homage to DJ Premier, J Dilla, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, and now Ali Shaheed. Download: Focus… – Homage to Ali Shaheed (ft. Von Pea, Donwill, Chaundon)..