[Hip-Hop] Big Sean – First Chain (Feat. Nas & Kid Cudi)

Big Sean
First Chain (Feat. Nas & Kid Cudi)

While the most talked about single all year won’t be making the final cut, Big Sean is still out to prove that there’s plenty of material to look forward to on Hall of Fame. Joining forces with Sean on “First Chain” are Kid Cudi and Nas, who help engineer an eclectic single that features the group reflecting on some of the earlier successes in their respective careers. All three emcees are in rare form, with Cudi delivering one of his strongest verses in recent memory, and Nasty Nas spitting some pristine bars as expected. We only have to wait one more week to hear Sean’s sophomore effort, set to drop on August 27th.

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[Hip-Hop] Big Sean – Control (HOF) (Feat. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica) (Prod. No I.D.)

Big Sean
Control (HOF) (Feat. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica)

Say what you want about Big Sean, but bringing together Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica on one track is an accomplishment in and of itself. Both deemed as saviors of hip-hop at one time, the dichotomy between how their two careers have diverged is truly amazing. While Kendrick is dominating the rap charts and garnering guest verses on just about every relevant single this year, Jay seems to be locked away in some lost corner of the globe, providing fans with a rare glimpse here and there, while leaving us all wondering when we’ll finally be able to hear his debut project, Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn). Still, “Control (HOF)” gives us a chance to finally compare the two side by side through seven fiery minutes of “straight rap” as Sean puts it. If it were up to me I’d say Kendrick won this round, spitting one of his most venomous verses to date.

Unfortunately, “Control (HOF)” won’t be featured on Sean’s upcoming album due to some sampling clearance issues. We’ll also have to deal with the Funk Flex bombs for now as well, but we’re hoping the full, CDQ version drops soon. Hall of Fame will finally be in stores on August 27th.

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[NEW] Drake – All Me (Feat. 2 Chainz & Big Sean)

Drake
All Me feat. 2 Chainz & Big Sean

While many of us out there were sleeping (I know I was), Drake decided to drop this bomb on us seemingly out of nowhere (which is pretty much the norm for him these days). Drizzy must’ve been in a generous mood last night, hooking us up with a free download of his latest single featuring 2 Chainz & Big Sean. Given the title of the song (and the parties involved), it’s probably not too difficult to ascertain that the minimalistic trap anthem is brimming with braggadocious rhymes and self indulgent lyrics. We’d like to say this will be featured on Nothing Was The Same, but you can never be too sure with Drake. Look for the album when it drops on September 17th.

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[Hip-Hop] Big Sean – Fire

Big Sean
Fire

Detroit’s been going through some rough times lately, especially with the recent news that they’re filing for bankruptcy. However, the Motor City still has at least one thing to be proud of, with Big Sean returning to light a “Fire” under their ass. Sean first premiered the single live in London back in March, but now we get a chance to hear the inspirational tune in its full, CDQ glory. Big Sean’s sophomore effort, Hall of Fame, is only less than a month away, with the album set to drop on August 27th. If you’d like to get a sneak peek at the album’s packaging, you can check out Sean’s (hilarious) reveal from his Instagram account after the jump. Continue reading

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[Hip-Hop] Big Sean – Beware (Feat. Jhene Aiko & Lil Wayne)

Big Sean
Beware (Ft. Jhene Aiko & Lil' Wayne)

With all the attention surrounding releases from Drake, Jay-Z, J. Cole and Kanye West recently, you might’ve forgotten that Big Sean has an album on the way this summer too. Good thing he’s back to make sure you’re “Beware” of his presence. Featuring the soulful stylings of Jhene Aiko and a guest verse from Lil Wayne, “Beware” is an incredibly smooth, laidback joint that’s easy to vibe out to. Don’t let its sultry sounds deceive you though, as the track serves as a warning to men everywhere about the wrath of a woman scorned. Check out the single above, and be on the lookout for Sean’s forthcoming release, Hall Of Fame, set to arrive on August 27th.

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[Hip-Hop] Pusha T – Who I Am (Feat. 2 Chainz & Big Sean) (Prod. Kanye West & Million $ Mano)

Pusha T
Who I Am (Feat. 2 Chainz & Big Sean)

Pusha T gave Funkmaster Flex the go-ahead today to premiere the latest single from his upcoming album, My Name Is My Name. Featuring G.O.O.D. Music cohorts Big Sean and 2 Chainz, “Who I Am” is yet another understated banger. Just like “Numbers On The Board,” this one takes a more minimalistic approach, one that requires a a quality pair of headphones to truly appreciate. You have Kanye West and Million $ Mano to blame thank for that. While I’m a bit torn on this one, given the cast involved I’m sure it’ll grow on me over time. Stream the record above, and be on the lookout for My Name Is My Name, due out on July 16th.

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The Hip-Hop Dojo [Vol. 8]

While last week’s playlist managed to keep things on the lighter side in preparation for the summer, this week’s load is a bit heavier. Featuring a wide array of crafty wordsmiths and lyrical masterminds, the eight edition of the Hip-Hop Dojo is bound to get your head nodding and your mind racing. While I won’t be elaborating on every track this week, please note that we do have quite a bit of diversity in this group. Most of the names on this list should be familiar to you already, but there are a few newcomers this time around too.

First off, we’d like to welcome you to “Get Inspired” by 16 year-old rap phenom, AkonoMiles. Over a soulful sample of James Brown‘s “Sunny“, the eager young emcee shows us he knows just how to have fun, while also displaying skills far beyond his years. Another new name to the mix is Nike Nando, who lets us know exactly why he’s not one to be messed with. The SAVEMONEY crew makes a return this week as well, providing a brand new song “For The People.” This was definitely a stellar week for Chitown’s Thelonious Martin, who put his production skills to the test on a multitude of different tracks, including Naledge‘s “Arthur Agee Freestyle” and Alex Wiley‘s “Icky Woods.”  

The title of this week’s most unique sound might go to Weekend Money, as Ne$$ tries to exorcise his inner “Demons” over some creepy, lurching production courtesy of BaghdaddyA-1 might have the strongest track in this week’s lineup though, with “Summertime Sadness.” Spitting over the Ryan Hemsworth remix to the Lana Del Rey single of the same name, A-1 takes the song’s title to heart, highlighting the spike in violence that occurs in Oakland as a result of the scorching heat of the summer. On “Ol’ Skool Pontiac,” Jeremih tries his hand at the rap game, opting for a more chopped and screwed, Houston sound alongside Big Sean and Paul Wall. We’ve got a few more bangers right beside that one as well with A.J. Crew‘s “Don’t Ask Me (Crafty)” and “Hate Me On The Low” from Tory Lanez2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa bring us the theme song for Fast & Furious 6,  with “We Own It,” a song that seems more appropriate for Eminem and 50 Cent circa 2005. Finally, we end things off with Yonas, who invites us to “Feel The Love” over a sample of Rudimental‘s single of the same name.

We hope you guys enjoyed our eight edition of The Hip-Hop Dojo as much as we did. As always, send all submissions/suggestions to baseer@themusicninja.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ALL THE FREE TRACKS

’Dessy Hinds – P.E.nlightenment (Prod. Backpack)’
’Akono Miles – Get Inspired’
’Willie The Kid – Mainstream Freestyle’
’Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire – Noble Drew Ali’
’Nike Nando – Wrath Of A God’
’Kami de Chukwu & Tokyo Shawn – For the People (Prod. Thelonious Martin)’
’Naledge – Arthur Agee Freestyle (Prod. Thelonious Martin)’
’Alex Wiley – Icky Woods featuring Action Bronson (Prod. Thelonious Martin)’
’Tito Lopez – Diamonds & Whips (Feat. Trae Tha Truth & Jameel)’
’Jon Connor – Michigan $h*t Feat. Royce Da 5’9″‘
’Slaughterhouse – House Gang’
’Havoc – Favorite Rap Stars (ft. Styles P & Raekwon)’
’SIN – Eye For An Eye’
’Weekend Money – Demons’
’A1 – Summertime Sadness (Prod. Ryan Hemsworth)’
’Andrew Milicia x F. Virtue x Juan Deuce x Falside x DJ Emoh – Stickers’
’Jeremih
Ol’ Skool Pontiac Feat. Big Sean, Paul Wall’
’A.J. Crew – Don’t Ask Me (Crafty)’
’Tory Lanez – Hate Me On The Low’
’2 Chainz & Wiz Khalifa – We Own It (Fast & Furious)’
’Emilio Rojas – Make A Move Ft. Emanny’
’Yonas – Feel The Love’
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