Trey Songz (Feat. Drake) - Successful

We first heard this song on the Drake's So Far Gone mixtape (album? mixtape-album of the year?)earlier last year. Now it's a single on Trey Songz new album Ready, which if you haven't heard is a definite cop for heavy rotation in the music library. Regardless of which album it's on, Successful is a great track and it's safe to say that Drizzy and Trey are a hit combination (pause). Hopefully we see more collabo work from them on Drake's upcoming album. That of course all depends on how many tracks, features, and hooks Baby, Bow Wow and the rest of the Cash Money-Young Money bandwagon stay off. You know what to do.

Red Bull "Big Tune" Beat Battle

Apparently being animated and making stupid faces wins battles. In all seriousness though, I didn't hear anything ridiculous but maybe it was the poor audio capture. Credit: Fakeshoredrive.com

Bow Wow - Regret

Don't know where his shirt is but this track is undeniable. Trust.

NBA2K 10 Trailer

-The post game is really intuitive this year, and I don't think it is being appreciated enough at this point. It's the first time where I really think 2K might have found something that works for good. I struggled the first game because I had to get used to the new controls, but after that, I really started to understand the way to manipulate the controls and started to do some nice moves. And the great part is the moves aren't overly canned and extended, so you will really feel like you are the one doing the up and under, rather than pressing a two-button combo to do it.

-I do think if you have a dominant post player, you will WANT to feed him more than you did in the past because it's just more enjoyable during that interaction.

-You don't have to hold a trigger to post up, now it automatically goes into a post up if the scenario is right. To get out of a post up, you just push away from the basket with the left stick.

Really don't know how someone could still be playing Live...I am also ICoachToWin on 2K too. Again, Kobe showing others how its done. Read the entire preview at OperationSports

Passing of Ted Kennedy

Unfortunate to say the least. Hopefully his legacy of championing health care reform will positively influence the nation's discourse on this issue.

(CNN) -- Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, the patriarch of the first family of Democratic politics, died late Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77.

"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," a family statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice."

Read the entire article from CNN.

Ryan Leslie - Something That I Like

I really like this song. Hope you do to.

Just Blaze Speaks

Funny comment about being asthmatic--we gotta stick together. Also funny comment about Rick Ross about half way through.

David Stern In Harlem

I tip my hat to Stern here even though the questions seem scripted.

Would You Want Iverson For Your Team?

ESPN asked if people were in favor of Iverson signing with their favorite team. Look at the responses state-by-state. I can't even lie, I'm completely surprised. This is unbelievable. Really. No sarcasm. This is crazy. Read the ESPN SportsNation Poll Results

Drake ft. Nipsey Hussle - Killer

This joint just dropped a couple of days ago. Love the beat, and the song has a nice feel to it. Something that I would bump late at night in the whip. By the way, I've been keeping my ear to the streets blogs and have really liked what I've heard from Nipsey Hussle. He kinda sounds like Snoop, but still seems refreshing at the same time. I'll be posting more of his stuff here in the future. With that said, his verse on here is average at best and lacks any kind of real flow. Press Play.

Trey Songz - Ready TrackList

01. Panty Droppa (Intro)
02. Neighbors Know My Name (prod. Troy Taylor & Patrick Hayes)
03. I Invented Sex f. Drake
04. I Need A Girl (prod. Stargate)
05. One Love (prod. Bryan Michael Cox)
06. Does He Do It (prod. Sean Garrett & Eric Hudson)
07. Say Aah f. Fabolous
08. LOL ☺ f. Gucci Mane & Soulja Boy (prod. Fisha & Price)
09. Ready To Make Love (Interlude)
10. Jupiter Love (prod. Troy Taylor & John “SK” McGee)
11. Be Where You Are (prod. Chris “Deep” Henderson)
12. Successful Part 2 f. Drake (prod. Noah “40” Shebib)
13. Black Roses (prod. Bei Maejor)
14. Love Lost (prod. Troy Taylor)
15. Hollalude
16. Holla If Ya Need Me (prod. Troy Taylor & Chris Hines)
17. Yo Side Of The Bed (prod. Troy Taylor & Patrick Hayes)

Credit: 2dopeboyz. Hope it can match Anticipation.

NBA2K 10 Draft Combine Trailer

I cannot wait for this. Great idea.

Jay-Z - Blueprint 3 Production Credits

1. What We Talkin’ About (Feat. Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun) (Produced By Kanye West)
2. Thank You (Produced By No I.D.)
3. D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” (Produced By No I.D.)
4. Run This Town (Feat. Kanye West and Rihanna) (Produced By Kanye West & No I.D.)
5. Empire State of Mind (Feat. Alicia Keys) (Produced By Kanye West & No I.D.)
6. Real as It Gets” (Feat. Young Jeezy) (Produced By Timbaland)
7. On to the Next One (Feat. Swizz Beatz) (Produced By Swizz Beatz)
8. Off That (Feat. Drake) (Produced By Kanye West)
9. A Star is Born (Feat. J. Cole) (Produced By Kanye West)
10. Venus vs. Mars (Produced By MGMT)
11. Already Home (Feat. Kid Cudi) (Produced By Kanye West)
12. Hate (Feat. Kanye West) (Produced By Kanye West)
13. Reminder (Produced By Timbaland)
14. So Ambitious (Feat. Pharrell) (Produced By The Neptunes)
15. Young Forever (Feat. Mr Hudson) (Produced By Kanye West)

The whole line up looks really dope except for Swizz Beatz, but if its only one joint that maybe it'll be good. The rest of this looks amazing though. Really, really looking forward to this.

Jamie Foxx ft. Drake, Kanye West & The-Dream - Digital Girl Remix

"No strings attached, our love is so wi-fi" They also changed some other stuff around in this song but its not too bad. Still love this beat.

Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Back Cover & Tracklist

Looks good and Drake and J.Cole made the album. Why did Swizz have to make it though? I hope for the best...Sept. 11, 2009 people.

Fabolous- When The Money Goes, Honey Stay ft. Jay-Z Video

I like the treatment for this joint. Good cinematography. Looks like they put a lot of time into this--unlike Fab's Loso's Way album. Seriously, Fab is a complete bullshit artist--I mean that literally and figuratively. When decides to make great songs, he delivers, but then fills up every album with 5 to 6 love songs with corny punchlines and weak beats. Listening to the "The Way (Intro)", "Money Goes, Honey Stay (When the Money Goes Remix)" (featuring Jay-Z), "Lullaby", "Stay" (featuring Marsha Ambrosius), and "I Miss My Love" it makes me frustrated that he wastes his time and my hard disk space with so much other unnecessary trash.

Kid Cudi Man On The Moon: End of Days Tracklist

ACT 1 - THE END OF DAY
1. In My Dreams (Cudder Anthem)
2. Soundtrack 2 My Life
3. Simple As…

ACT 2 - RISE OF THE NIGHT TERRORS
4. Solo Dolo (nightmare)
5. Heart of A Lion (KiD CuDi Theme Music)
6. My World Feat. Billy Cravens

ACT 3 - TAKING A TRIP
7. Day N Nite (nightmare)
8. Sky Might Fall
9. Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part 1)

ACT 4 - STUCK
10. Alive (nightmare) Feat. RATATAT
11. CuDi Zone
12. Make Her Say Feat. Kanye West & Common
13. Pursuit of Happiness (nightmare) Feat. MGMT & RATATAT

ACT 5 - A NEW BEGINNING
14. Hyyerr Feat. Chip Tha Rapper
15. Up Up & Away (The Wake & Bake Song)

What in God's green earth is a RATATAT? This tracklist looks pretty terrible. Not anticipating this as much at all now. May not even download it the first day it leaks. I dunno....Props to nahright.

No I.D. on Blueprint 3

No I.D. talking about the direction of Blueprint 3. Really looking forward to this

“I'm on about 6 tracks and the original concept for the album came when me and Kanye were in New Orleans last summer. He was like why don't you come and work on this Jay album with me and we can do a couple of tracks. And we never really did stuff like that before so I was like O.K. And our synergy was so good off the top that I told him, “Hey man, I don't have an ego. Let's do like Dre and Mel-Man would do and let's do the whole album” which eventually lead to us working on 808s & Heartbreak together. First it was just gone be me and him doing it and then over time with Kanye touring and all that, other people got involved with the album. So we got 7 or 8 on there and I'm on like 6 of them and one was me all by myself which was “D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune.)”

Unfortunately...

“From a beat perspective it's closer back to The Black album level from Jay- Z but a little more Blueprintish in a sense of it having a little more Jay-Z soul which you come to expect. But then Timb had some stuff on there, Swizz was on there. It's a really solid Jay-Z album to me and I think that musically its gonna deliver, point blank period.”

Goodness. Lord why. Read the rest of the article form HipHopWired.

Bow Wow + Cash Money = ?

There's so much and so little say about this at the same time... Yesterday, Bow Wow officially came out of retirement and signed with Cash Money Records. I should just leave it at that and let you laugh at Cash Money/Young Money and then at Bow Wow (or vice versa) and then pray for Drake (actually you might want to do this first). But I mean, at least Bow Wow is enthusiastic about it on his Twitter.
"LBW/CASHMONEY/YOUNGMONEY BOW WOW WAYNE AND DRAKE? WHO GOT STOP THAT TRIO! GNR LETS GO ITS SHOWTIME!"
There was no shout to Omarion (also signed to Cash Money?) who did an entire album, Faceoff with Bow Wow a couple years back. Bow Wow, the music artist's selective best friend. No disrespect.

Michael Vick on 60 Minutes

Mike Vick on 60 Minutes talking about everything. I haven't watched it yet. When I do I will update my post.

**EDIT: Very good interview and JB does a pretty good job asking tough questions. Must watch material.

Complex x Quotables

Hahahahhahahahahahahhaa. About a week old, but great for Sunday. Click the people to see what they'll say. Some classic material here.

Drake Talks About New Song

Drake is re-releasing So Far Gone to retail on September 15th. I'm guessing he picked the songs for the release based on sample clearances. In other words, some of the songs that contain samples and unoriginal beats he left off i.e. "Ignorant Shit", "Lust for Life", "Bria's Interlude", and "Congratulations". Also talks about this new song that will serve as a transition between the end of So Far Go re-Release and Thank Me Later. Press play.

No I.D. x Cool

Cool.

Important Words

Barack's most popular word choice since in office. Pretty interesting to see what he's been focused on. No surprise that after America, Economy, Health, and Jobs are 2,3, and 4 respectively. Hopefully uninformed, angry Americans learn about the positive aspects of healthcare reform so some progress can be made. Shouts out to Politico.

Drake Takes an L

Funny sketch from itsthereal.com. It's over a week old, but kinda funny.

Slaughterhouse x DJ Semtex

This is the last one. I promise. Hahahahhahaah at the 6:55-7:05 mark.

Michael Jordan Confirms the Obvious

Michael Jordan confirms what the world should have already known! Please end this debate.

Why Iverson is Unemployed

Realgm.--

The overwhelming belief among NBA general managers is that Allen Iverson isn't worth all the trouble that could come along with him.

"It's a really dicey question," one general manager said, according to NBA.com.

However, unless he decides to retire, Iverson is likely to find a home before the start of the 2009-10 season.

"As a GM, it would be interesting to find out how many GMs with playoff-caliber teams would be willing to even give the veteran's minimum, where the league picks up a large percentage of the salary," the same executive said. "Even at the minimum, you're going to go through training camp and one or two months of the season trying to get the experiment to be successful. I would venture to say that 30 percent or less of playoff GMs would have him for the minimum."

Initially, I was not surprised that Iverson had not been picked up by a team, but after reading this and seeing the time go by, it does strike me as a little weird. For such a prolific scorer, even in his mid 30's, it shouldn't be that hard to land a job. Apparently, most teams (if not all) want him to come exclusively off the bench if signed. This whole situation is crazy. Maybe he does take that offer in Greece... Finish reading the entire article.

Compared to 95% of the music put out today...

...I'd have to argue that this of better quality. No disrespect. As you all know, Nike's successor to the Hyperdunk has already started to hit the courts. Here's a music video Nike put together featuring Mo Williams, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, Rashard Lewis, and plenty of accurate portrayals of what would really happen if they had next at your neighborhood playground. The Hyperize are in stores now. You know what to do.

Skip Bayless In NFL Madden 10!!!!

On Friday people will see @RealSkipBayless playing for the Steelers in NFL Madden 10. Hhaahahahahahaha, but seriously, this is came up on my twitter from @ESPN_FirstTake. If dude was actually in the game, I'm sure he would be a kicker or punter who I would not hesitate to run into/rough and collect a 15 yard penalty. No disrespect of course. Make sure you cop on Friday. ICoachToWin will be online by Sat night. Guarenteed.

Slaughterhouse with XXL

Very funny again. @mousebudden is hilarious.

Kid Cudi "Man On The Moon: End of Day" Album Cover

I guess it is exactly what it is. Its not too bad. I am really interested to see what vision the guys over at GOOD Music have for this project. Hope I'm not disappointed... September 15th album in stores.

Chevrolet Volt 230 MPG?

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Chevrolet Volt, GM's electric car that's expected to go on sale in late 2010, is projected to get an estimated 230 miles per gallon, the automaker announced Tuesday.

That exceptionally high government mileage rating could give the Volt a major boost. For the first time, car buyers will easily be able to compare electric cars with ordinary gas-powered cars.

"Having a car that gets triple-digit fuel economy can and will be a game changer for us," said GM CEO Fritz Henderson.

Continue reading the entire article.

Slaughterhouse Talks to MTV

Slaughterhouse talks to MTV about who they think are the best MC's in the game. I actually value their opinion because they can rap.

@mousebudden Wilds Out

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH. I'm not promoting violence, but the way @mousebudden refers to Raekwon by his Twitter name is hilarious. Is this what it has come to? Hahahahahah. Must watch.

Wale Attention Deficit Preview

Looking forward to this. Full Track-by-Track Preview

There are a few lessons to be learned after hearing D.C. rapper Wale’s Allido/Interscope Records debut, Attention: Deficit: look within before judging others, living to achieve celebrity has its risks, and, most importantly, his name is pronounced Wah-lay. Besides driving home the point that one’s moniker is to be respected, the 24-year-old provides a wealth of teachable moments on his first release.

Gathered amongst a crew of select media and music industry executives in New York City’s Chung King Studios, producer Mark Ronson debuted 11 tracks set to appear on Attention: Deficit. Besides Lady Gaga on the lead single “Chillin’,” guest appearances from Bun B, Gucci Mane, J. Cole, Dap-Kings, K’naan, Jazmine Sullivan, Travis Barker, Marsha Ambrosius, and Melanie Fiona pepper the album, releasing October 20.

“He wanted to tell the story of everything he’s experienced in his 24 years,” Ronson explained before premiering Wale’s tracks. “I think the music speaks for itself.” Attention: Deficit did exactly the opposite of what its title suggested, grabbing a hold of the aural senses. Check out Rap-Up.com’s exclusive track-by-track preview.

-Rap-Up.com

Nike Air Max LeBron VII

This morning at 9AM EST, Nike unveiled the next shoe in the LeBron signature series, the Nike Air Max LeBron VII. Nike held the shoe's unveiling in Akron, Ohio and had the event streamed live across the internet for all those sneaker heads who wanted to watch. From jump street, the LeBron VII is a great looking shoe. Spotted this pic at NiceKicks. It's definitely a new direction for the LeBron line as Nike again incorporates its Flywire technology and like the Kobe IV, has a lower cut. The LeBron VII also has the Air Max 360 system. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the full Air Max system, but it doesn't look bad on this shoe at all.

There are many early opinions about the Flywire and its recent abundant use in Nike signature lines. People feel that it's too similar to the Hyperdunk and upcoming Hyperize. I think this is a revolutionary technology that we should simply expect from Nike shoes. At this point, I think the main question is whether LeBron will ever be freed of the massive Nike logo stamped on all his shoes.

NBA2K 10 Preview

Here's a preview of NBA2K 10 coming out October 6th. I can't believe I played Live for so long.

"In a strange way the NBA 2K series has become a victim of its own success. With EA Sports' NBA Live series lagging behind for the better part of a decade, NBA 2K's worst enemy hasn't necessarily been the competition--though that might change this year--but, rather, itself. Why buy NBA 2K9, after all, when NBA 2K8 or NBA 2K7 were so good? As if to answer that question for the series' tenth anniversary, the team at 2K is concentrating not just on what's new in the game, but also on going back and reexamining what's made the game so great for so long and trying to make it even better. Look for much more NBA 2K10 coverage in the coming weeks." -Gamespot.com

**I PUT ON for the Lakers. Also if you're online NBA2K 9 hit me up if you wanna lose. My username is ICoachToWin.

Nas x C-Sick

Here's Nas with the C-Sick (producer who won that Red Bull beat battle.) (||) I posted the song they did together called "Film". This is them in the studio during the brainstorming process. I see Fruity Loops on deck. (||)

Jay Speaks on BP3 Cover

No mention of my post about the influences. Either he doesn't know or its a coincidence. Still looking forward to the music though. Hopefully someone like Swizz Beatz doesn't find his way onto the project. No disrespect of course.

Justin Bieber Plays Kanye and Drake

So I'm sitting in this hotel with one of my favorite people in the world recently when this teenage white kid shows up on the screen singing. Apparently he's signed to Usher and Island Def Jam. Didn't know he could play guitar. I heard he's only 15, but these labels lie a lot. He may have some potential...

Inspiration for Blueprint 3 Cover

Apparently the cover was influenced by Secret Machines on their 2004 album Now Here is Nowhere, U2's U2’s most recent album No Line On The Horizon, (left to right) and 808's and Heartbreak. I still respect it. Via Idolator.

Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Cover Art

Here is Jay's Blueprint 3 Cover Art. This cover is incredible. Very, very creative.
According to multiple outlets the following is the tracklisting:

1. What We Talking About (Produced by Kanye West)
2. D.O.A. (Produced by No I.D.)
3. Weigh Me Down Feat. Kid Cudi (Produced by Kanye West)
4. Unforgiven (Produced by Kanye West, Additional Production: MGMT)
5. Run This Town Feat. Rihanna & Kanye West (Produced by Kanye West)
6. Empire State Of Mind Feat. Nas (Produced by Kanye West & No I.D.)
7. When It Comes To This (Produced by Timbaland)
8. Always Feat. Drake (Produced by Kanye West)
9. Scenes From The Past (Produced by No I.D., Co-produced by Kanye West)
10. Everyday A Star Is Born Feat. Mr. Hudson (Produced by Kanye West)
11. Already Home (Produced by Kanye West)
12. Forever Young Feat. Mr. Hudson (Produced by Kanye West)
13. Thank You (Produced by No I.D.)

Bonus Tracks:
14. Sound Of The 70s (Produced by Kanye West)
15. We Made History (Produced by Kanye West)

I know its early but the production, features, and Jay make this look like its gonna be something crazy. Apparently dropping on September 11th...

Rich Soil

I always hear about an athlete/rapper with a clothing line and think nothing of it...I did the same with Rich Soil created by Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom and designer Johnathan Garcia. Still a work in progress, they actually have some dope clothes and nice designs. I may cop some T's from them over at RichSoil.com.

**Welcome back to Los Angeles LO!

Jay and Kanye

Read this article and tell me if you agree with the conclusion. I don't, but maybe that's just me.

"Jay-Z - 4
Kanye - 6

So, there it is. What’s your take? 6-4 Jay? 7-3 Kanye? Whatever your tally amounts to, one thing’s for sure. It won’t be easy."

Nas - Film

This kid by the name of C-Sikk won some beat battle and got to produce for Nas. I like this one. Press Play.