Let’s count the artsy cliches in the new video from Versis: 1.  black and white cityscape 2.  walking down the street in the rain 3.  not looking at the camera while rapping.

But who cares? The dapper visuals for “The Journey” suit Dibia$e’s ritzy beat perfectly and film noir is timelessly cool.

You can listen to Versis’ album iLLCANDESCENT here.

British singer, DJ, producer Ben Westbeech has a great new single. “Slowly” is smooth and creamy with house drums and subtle synths that keep it exciting. Ben’s floaty vocals seal the deal. His sophomore album There’s More To Life Than This due out in April.

You can download “Slowly” at his website (bottom right corner).

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Download: Ben Westbeech – Slowly

Huntsville and Atlanta connect. Great beat and even better ad-libs.

Presidential type-a-nigga like my last name Obama (OBAMA!!)

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Download: G.U.D. Boy Mafia – Dope Money Junkie (ft. Slick Pulla) (produced by Bossman)

via Dirty Glove Bastard

Audible Doctor swaps out the jazzy sounds of the original for some mournful soul.

It’s hard to overstate what this track means for rap nerds. Unreleased material from the prolific Madlib isn’t all that surprising. But Jaylib? This deserves to be auctioned off in London with Fabergé eggs and Napoleon’s golf clubs. Jeff points us to the sample, The Meters’ “Handclapping Song.” Madlib Medicine Show #11: Low Budget High Fi Music is out now.

Download: Jaylib – Louder (Blast Your Radio Theme)

via Stones Throw Records

I was going to post Snoop’s last joint “El Lay,” but it wasn’t gangster enough to compensate for his Katy Perry placement. That shit was offensive. However, I’m very comfortable with “Gangbang Rookie.” Whoever decided to include clips from Snoop’s Larry King interview, bravo. Also, Jake One says it’s Battlecat on the keys.

I’ve been craving more MNDR since I heard her and Q-Tip make magic on “Bang Bang Bang.” Actually, I really caught the bug when I saw her on Letterman. Regardless, homegirl hits the electropop sweet spot. “Cut Me Out” is rhythmic, melodic and buzzing without all the cheese. Can’t wait for more.

Watch the making of and find tour dates after the break.

via Green Label Sound

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I’m not one to get excited about Freeway or Reek Da Villian, but Statik brings the best out of them here. “Im In the Hood” comes from The Statik-Free EP, which they recorded live for the Internet to watch. Out now.

And yes, Reek actually spells it “Villian.” I looked it up.

Download: Freeway & Statik Selektah – Im In the Hood (ft. Reek Da Villian)

Train! Fight! Die?!

DJA and Dirty South Joe have distilled the essence of motivation and physical and mental exertion into musical form. The product of their labor is Heaven 2 Hell, their second 80s action soundtrack mix. As with any action sequel, the stakes are higher and the danger level has doubled (maybe even tripled). Put this on and get inspired.

Find the track list after the break and don’t forget about part one. Keep it locked for Blood Bros 3!

via Mad Decent

Giiiiirl, I heard Chico was outta jail now. Mmm mmm mmm.

I know, girl. Have you seen him? I heard he doing his thing.

It’s true. Paper Route Recordz’ new artist Chico is fresh off six years in federal prison and yes, he doing his thing. The rap promo handbook says you should have some mixtape buzz and preferably an album or two out before you go to jail, but it’s all the same to us. “6 Year Grudge” is the perfect intro track;  it bangs hard on the verses and then breaks into a calm, expectant hook. Instead of lashing out with six years of pent up energy, Chico offers a measured flow. The beat comes courtesy of PT Prime Time, the guy with the gun and the baseball bat in the “Wut Chu Lookin At” video.

Download: Chico – 6 Year Grudge (produced by PT Prime Time)

via Traps N Trunks