"Two Birds, One Stone My Aim is Amazing"

Speaking from the perspective of a longtime Drake fan, his stream of consciousness freestyles represent his best work. Thinking all the way back to So Far Gone with Say What's Real or even 9AM in Dallas, he's at his best when he's ripping off bars one after another and spewing his inner dialogue on the mic. To this date, he's always seemed to rise above all the disses and subliminal messaging that finds a way to leak out when success comes your way. That's what made all this Kid Cudi business that much harder to palate.

Let me explain. In case you missed it, Cudi checked himself into rehab soon after releasing a very candid post about his inner turmoil. With all the unchecked mental health issues we have as a society, it wasn't a surprise to witness the out pour of support in his decision to seek out help. Then Drake started releasing new music and in one of the four tracks he released that will be a part of his More Life compilation, he took some shots at Cudi. But he did so in the most Drake way possible, subliminally throwing shade at his mental health issues in the most even-tempered diss you'll ever hear. Below are the lyrics that are drawing universal ire this week...

You were the man on the moon
Now you just go through your phases
Life of the angry and famous
Rap like I know I’m the greatest
Then give you the tropical flavors
Still never been on hiatus
You stay xanned and perked up
So when reality set in you don’t gotta face it

It worth asking, was it bad timing for this particular release given the Drake probably didn't anticipate Cudi going into rehab right before the song being released? Was it kicking a man while he's down like everyone is claiming? Sure there's even more smoke given that Lupe Fiasco also aired Cudi out this week and now Kanye is being drug into the mess because his name is all over the production credits. I don't know what to believe, honestly. I'm a fan of all these artists' work, but Drake did cross the line by calling him out. Drake should know better than anyone too because he's one of the most transparent, introspective artist on the mic. My guess is there will be a mending of fences at some point, but it can't feel good that a few lines in the track is distracting from the overall point of the track. Hopefully when we get to hear additional tracks from More Life, they will have the same degree of thought put into them without the added negativity...#TwoBirdsOneStone

Drake - Two Birds, One Stone (prod by Noah "40" Shebib)

"Timmy Timmy Timmy Turner He Been Wishin' For a Burner"

Over the past decade, XXL has done a pretty stellar job at showcasing who is next in Hip Hop. For reference check their list of the top freshman (breakout artists) in Hip Hop since 2007 (via Wikipedia) and you'll understand what I mean...
One thing is for sure, they were only getting started in 2007 with names like Crooked I and Lupe Fiasco.

Fast forwarding to present day and their latest crop of 2016 freshman and one name in particular is beginning to stand out. By now you know about Anderson .Paak and Lil Dicky, but despite the Kanye co-sign you may have written off Desiigner as a one hit wonder with his breakout hit Panda. For me, the track was interesting in a lot of ways because of how grimy it sounded, but I wasn't convinced yet. This week, that sentiment changed a bit when I listened to his freestyle turned full track, turned remix with Kanye called Timmy Turner. The unexpected harmony from a rapper that I had written off as nothing special is where it all changed from me. It's really hard to understand what he's saying, it sounds like straight gibberish. Yet, it's so well executed that you feel like you have to sing along with your own made up words. All I know is you need to see his 45 second version of the freestyle, then listen to Kanye's verse on the track to get a full appreciation for it. Respect Desiigner, I get it now...#TimmyTurner

Desiigner feat Kanye West - Timmy Turner (Remix) (prod by Mike Dean)

Videos of the Week September 2nd

Keeping it 100, this was one of the tougher weeks to narrow down a top five videos list. That was mostly there were so many stellar performances at MTV's Video Music Awards (VMAs). There were many more performances deserving to be posted like Rihanna and Ariana Grande's, but my personal favorites were The Chainsmokers/Halsey and Britney Spears/G-Eazy. Chalked full of sexual tension and energy, there were a lot of similarities between the two that made them an entertaining watch. Can we give it up for minute for Drew of The Chainsmokers for his effort as a vocalist? At this point, it's abundantly clear that there is little the duo can't accomplish.

In the land of real music videos, Lupe Fiasco was a clear standout with his video for Pick Up the Phone. The song was already powerful, but when you add visuals to it, the story gets even more vivid. Addiction is a terrible thing and the video shows exactly why it can be such a sad story. If you've been itching for some new Kygo, I don't have anything fresh to offer except that he's got a new clothing line called Kygo Life now. For the debut of the clothing line, he put on a fifteen minute, piano only concert where he weaved in and out of many of your favorite instrumentals from his new album. I almost list my sh*t when he led off with my personal favorite, Piano Jam. And rounding out the stacked top five was a really in-depth deconstruction of Kanye's vocals by Vox. As someone who loves the in-between the lines stuff, I ate up all nine minutes worth of that. Hate on him if you will, but there's plenty of craft to what he does...#Kanye
The Chainsmokers and Halsey Perform Closer at the VMAs

Britney Spears & G-Eazy Perform Make Me Move and Me, Myself, and I at The VMAs

Lupe Fiasco - Pick Up the Phone (Video)

Kygo Performs Solo on Piano to Launch His Own Clothing Line

Kanye Deconstructed: The Human Voice as the Ultimate Instrument (by Vox)

Video Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week July 29th

Any week that features a new seven minute video from Kanye is probably a noteworthy week in a lot of peoples' eyes. It's hard to ignore how cinematic his videos end up being, but somehow they all seem to fit the dark, edginess of his lyrics. In his new video for Wolves, he shed tears, he walks around in expensive jackets, his wife makes a cameo and there are plenty of models walking around in black and white attire. Have your opinions about Kanye, but he makes provocative act in a lot of ways.

In the land of other videos, there was a whole lot of entertainment on Fallon. Starting with G-Eazy and Tory Lanez's performance of Drifting on Fallon, Jimmy brought out the A list this week. If actors are more your bag, Will Smith did his best to show what it means to make an epic entrance and Matt Damon is a really convincing liar, but Jimmy has an uncanny ability to sense the truth. If only we could say the same for Matt who fell hard for a lie. Rounding out the week was an interesting collabo between JoJo and Wiz Khalifa. I've always been a big fan of JoJo, so seeing an edgier side of her with Wiz was the most entertaining video of my week. It probably won't be for you, but hey, some of us crush hard and don't let go of said crush years later...#FApologies
Kanye West- Wolves (Video)

G-Eazy and Tory Lanez Perform Drifting on Fallon

Will Smith Makes Multiple Grand Entrances on Fallon

Matt Damon Plays Box of Lies on Fallon

JoJo feat Wiz Khalifa - F**k Apologies (Video)

Photo Credit: YouTube

"Could Be Looking' At You From a Freeway Trailer"

I haven't been able to put my finger on it, but there's something special about Francis and The Lights' new single Friends. It's definitely not the flashiest sounding tracks you'll encounter, but the star power behind this track is awe inspiring. First you've got Francis and The Lights featuring two legends, Bon Iver and Kanye West. Then, you dig a little further and find Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat and Rostam Batmanglij (of Vampire Weekend) in the mix. Wowsa that's a collection of talent right there!

I'd characterize it as an eclectic Indie ballad? That's the best I got, but what I do know is that despite it's perceived simplicity, it has a timeless, feel good vibe to it. The quiet snappiness, slight autotune and steady ebb and flow of synths do an amazing job at managing the emotions of the track. It's hard not to resonate with the heartfelt lyrics too, which give it an added level of awesomeness. I'm not sure how this mess of awesomeness of a song came to be, but I dig every bit of it...#Friends

"Got So Many Chains They Call Me Chaining Tatum"

Songs like Pop Style don't need any introduction. You're going to press play regardless of what I say about it because of the immense star power on it. Both Drake and Kanye did everything in their power to deliver memorable verses. The way they were both able to duck and weave between tough talk and creative one liners is why they're two of the best. Do I wish Hov would have gotten more mic time than his short cameo? Sure, in a perfect world, but between the verses and eerie beat by SEVN Thomas and Frank Dukes, the song finds a way to be memorable. I say memorable because there's a decent chance I'm going to end up liking the more uptempo, reggaeton tinged One Dance more than Pop Style. The jury isn't out yet on picking a favorite, but I want to personally thank Drake for taking me across the finish line to a million hits. Cheers to hoping Views From the 6 will be every bit as memorable as the 2332 posts that eventually took this small property on the internet to something noteworthy to a few folks...#PopStyle

Drake ft The Throne (Kanye West & Jay Z) - Pop Style (prod by SEVN Thomas & Frank Dukes)

Streamable links dap to 2dopeboyz

Videos of the Week February 19th

You'd be hard pressed to find a more stacked week for videos. Truth be told, it was hard narrowing down the ten or so videos that were in the running for the top five. Between the Grammy performances and Kanye performing on SNL, there was a lot of content to pick from. In my opinion, the Kendrick Lamar and Justin Bieber/Jack U performances were the most memorable, but I'd give Lady Gaga's David Bowie tribute a solid honorable mention. And as far as Kanye goes, I don't really have word for Ultra Light Beams. It's dramatic, it's emotional and it's everything you'd expect in a Kanye performance.

In the land of non-live performances, Flume came through with some trippy and emotional visuals for his new single Never Be Like You. Love everything about the slow trap movement, which includes slow bangers like that one. And for some a humorous ending to the week, there's the third incarnation of musician Mean Tweets from the Kimmel Show. My favorite digs were on Ed Sheeran, Common and of course the creative Mumford jab in the end was worthy of mentioning...#MeanTweets
Kendrick Lamar Performs The Blacker the Berry and Alright at The Grammys

Jack U and Bieber Performance at The Grammys

Flume feat Kai - Never Be Like You (Video)

Kanye West Performs Ultra Light Beams With Chance the Rapper on SNL
Mean Tweets Music Edition #3 on Kimmel

Photo Credit: CBS

"No One Wants to Fall Out of Heaven"

Initially, it seemed like Kanye was hell bent on keeping his new album on ice Tidal. Now it looks like he's continuing with that plan, but with a revamped version of his new album. First came the new version of Wolves and now there are rumors of tracks becoming longer. Whatever the case, I'm blindly guessing that the new track below is a leftover and won't be on the final version of the final album that may finally come later this week. Fall Out of Heaven showcases plenty of autotune from both Kanye and The Dream and is packed with plenty narcissism. It has a low key synth aided, slow jam vibe to it that is tempting to attribute to Bon Iver's influence on the track. There's not a whole lot that's unpredictable about this one, but in case you wanted an update on the debacle that is becoming Kanye's latest album release, then I hope you feel caught up...#FallOutOfHeaven

Kanye West feat The Dream & Bon Iver - Fall Out of Heaven

"I Hit the Gym, All Chest No Legs"

As we all continue to wait with baited breath for Kanye's new album, The Life of Pablo, at least have a new track to chew on to pass the time. According to the latest news, the album is being mastered now and the track below will be song 14 on the official release...

The album is being mastered and will be out today… added on a couple of tracks… pic.twitter.com/6lBxcd83N2

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 12, 2016

30 Hours is an accessible track that relies on Kanye's penchant for storytelling. There are plenty of one liners sprinkled throughout that will garner a chuckle or two, which in a way, shows Ye's endearing side. It's a smooth addition to the tracklist that is evidently still a work in progress if you're believing the company line that it's now Chance the Rapper's fault for the delay. Let's all collectively hope that super villain wannabe Martin Shkreli's $10 million offer to buy his new album has nothing to do with the yellow light we seem to perpetually be stuck in as we wait for that iTunes link...#LifeOfPablo

Kanye West - 30 Hours

"I Like Your Bougie Booty, Come Erykah Badu Me"

Last week we got a preview of the much anticipated Kanye and Kendrick collabo. Today we got the full six minute version and it's every bit the lyrical gymnastics you would have hoped. Minus a few brief moments for the hook, it's takes on the personality of a cypher with 'Ye and Kendrick trading long-winded, non-stop bars. The beat delivered by Kanye and Madlib is intentionally dumbed down and repetitive, but it produces the intended effect of a grimy, bare knuckle boxing style sparing match.

Vibe wise, it's the type of fast paced storytelling that put him on back in Through the Wire days. While it will probably never reach the heights that his breakthrough single did, stylistically it's the best comp I got. More than anything I loved that Kendrick got to shine all over this one and provide a huge bump to the track. No More Parties in LA is the third of three G.O.O.D. Friday releases in 2016 and we can most likely expect at least four or five more leading up to the album release. Overall, it will add an interesting flavor to Swish, which will be landing on your favorite digital outlet on February 11th...#NoMorePartiesInLA

Kanye West feat Kendrick Lamar - No More Parties in LA (prod by Madlib)

"How Many of Us? How Many Jealous? Real Friends"

It'd be going a bit far to say that Kanye is back to making legendary music, but all signs are pointing that direction. His success has always come from his ability to produce music and tell a story. Keeping that in mind, it's no surprise that he's received overwhelmingly positive reviews for his new single Real Friends.

Songs like Real Friends are a reason why I will always be willing to give Kanye respect. On the track he did what he usually does, pulling together a lot of talented pieces including an assist from Ty Dolla $ign on the verses and Boi-1da on the beat. And while you'll never anoint 'Ye as the greatest rapper of all time, you can't hate on his ability to come equipped with raw emotion when he gets into storytelling mode. Not the rapping about clothes and cars Kanye, the one who speaks about real issues that people can associate with. Maybe common folk don't have to worry about having real friends as much as he does, but it's nonetheless one of those rare down to earth glimpses into his genius...#RealFriends

Kanye West feat Ty Dolla $ign - Real Friends

Kanye Chips in on Sia's New Single Reaper

Remember how Kanye announced his presence in a not so subtle way on New Years with Facts? Well, he isn't just making his own music, he's also chipping in by writing and producing other artists' new music. Like for example, Sia's new one Reaper, which isn't nearly as dark as you'd expect from the song title and reputation that Kanye brings with his music. Instead, you're getting a well-executed, mellow, sing-along ballad that is more inspirational than anything. In fact, I'd go as far as saying you would have had a hard time convincing me that Kanye had anything to do with the track. Other than the subtle funk in the bass line, there's nary a breadcrumb from West in the mix. While it's not my favorite song from Sia, it has an uncanny likability to it that's hard to ignore. As an FYI, you'll be able to cop this one on January 29th when Sia'a This is Acting album drops...#Reaper

"Yeezy, Yeezy, Yeezy, Just Jumped Over the Jumpman"

If you thought 2015 was going to end without Kanye making a big, loud statement, then your thoughts were answered with an exclamation point. On New Years Eve, Yeezy released an aggressive, bass heavy banger in the form of FACTS. It's more of a three and a half minute, stream of consciousness type of freestyle that shouts out everything from clothing brands to professional athletes to pop culture figures that may or may not have just been released on bail for a cool million. It's loaded with braggadocio and will serve as the warning shot for his upcoming album Swish. No definitive word on when we can expect it to drop, but now that he has all of our collective attentions, you can be it will be more sooner than later...#FACTS

Kanye West - FACTS

Kanye Gets a Soundcloud Account, the Internet Takes Note

It's not everyday Kanye opens up a Soundcloud account and lets loose two new ones. I say two new ones loosely because one is a new version of one of his old songs and another heavily samples The Weeknd's Tell Your Friends. I chose to highlight Say You Will because the original has always been one of my favorite Kanye tracks and not just because Drake sampled it to perfection on Say What's Real...

Before you start thinking Ye's new version of Say You Will with Caroline Shaw is going to be appreciably different than the original, check your expectations. It's quite a bit more ethereal, but the lyrics and harmony of the track are a lot like the original. Despite it being eerily similar to the original, I can't hate on it one bit since it's one of my favorites. Now if Kanye would only start posting new tracks on his Soundcloud rather than b-sides and lost verses, then we'd really be talking...#SayYouWill

Kanye West feat Caroline Shaw - Say You Will

Videos of the Week October 16th

There were a few live performances that stood out in this week's top five. The first two having to do with The Weeknd's visit to SNL. He's been one act that has alluded me in a live setting, so seeing him on SNL was pretty cool. I'm really digging both of his remixes for The Hills and seeing Nicki's dramatic performance was icing on the cake.

In other live performances, Pharrell got everyone and their mom singing along with his performance of Freedom on the Ellen Show, which was cool to see. The mystical ZHU also released some shocking new visuals for Automatic. I won't spoil the plot, but let's just say, I definitely did not see it ending the way it did. And last, but definitely not least, the fake Barack Obama spoof of Trump using Drake's Back to Back beat delivered a nice climax to an eventful week of videos. Much love to the authentic Barack delivery and on point lyrics...#BacktoBack
The Weeknd feat Nicki Minaj - The Hills (Live on SNL)

The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face (Live on SNL)

ZHU feat AlunaGeorge - Automatic (Video)

Pharrell Performs Freedom on Ellen

Barack Obama Back to Back (Drake Spoof)

Photo Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week March 13th

The top five this week range from haunting to hilarious to happy. Starting with the haunting, it appears Kanye has landed on Anonymous's sh*t list. That doesn't seem like a very fun place to be in a time where cyber security is more of a myth than an actual thing these days. They have some interesting moral high ground points in pointing out the choices he's made in speaking out against people and choosing, then supporting his now wife Kim Kardashian (sidebar: she's not getting linked, she gets linked enough). We'll see if anything real comes of this, but there are unconfirmed rumors that his laptop was stolen in Paris...the plot thickens.

Picking up with the hilarious, Mikey Bolts came through with a stellar vocal performance of Uptown Funk where he channels his inner Family Guy. If you're in the mood for happy, I don't see how Kygo's Firestone could possible NOT cheer you up. I still have yet to push next when listening to that song, it's nothing short of classic. Also on the hPhe lovebird collaboration between Zedd and Selena Gomez. I'll put it this way, I wasn't unhappy watching Selena dance around in the video. Serving as nice exclamation point on the week is Kendrick Lamar's freestyle over Notorious B.I.G. beats. So cool seeing some fresh lyricism over beats that I grew up with...#ToPimpAButterfly

Kygo feat Conrad Sewell - Firestone (Video)

Mikey Bolts Delivers Uptown Funk Family Guy Style

Anonymous Delivers a Message to Kanye West

Zedd feat Selena Gomez - I Want You to Know (Video)

Kendrick Lamar Freestyles to Biggie Beats

Photo Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week March 6th

This week, you can expect a few standouts mixed in with some humor. Leading the way is the 30 minute documentary style story that Complex put together on Shady Records. The documentary features a lot of interesting commentary from Eminem, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre and Eminem's manager, Paul Rosenberg. The parts focused on the signing of Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf toward the end were most interesting to me because I had always wondered what led to all the worthwhile lyricists in Hip Hop being gobbled up by Shady Records.

On the music side of the fence, Big Sean brought his A game with Drake and Kanye on the Blessings video. I'll say this, Dark Sky Paradise deserved to make it to the top of the charts. Speaking of top of the charts, that's where Major Lazer's new single Lean On is headed. Lyric videos can be so easily botched, but the vivid imagery did the track justice in their case. Finally, ending the week with some humor is never a bad thing. Led by DJs from around the world talking about the craziest things they've witnessed on stage and finishing with Action Bronson's entertaining interview on Dan Le Batard's Highly Questionable...#MrWonderful
Not Afraid The Shady Records Story (with Eminem and Dr. Dre)

Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat MØ - Lean On (Lyric Video)

DJs Talk About the Grossest Things They've Seen on Stage

Big Sean, Drake & Kanye - Blessings (Video)

Action Bronson is Interviewed on Highly Questionable with Dan Le Batard

Photo Credit: YouTube

Videos of the Week February 27th

Let's call it a "memorable" week for videos with a fun mix of new stuff, creative stuff and even a few covers. Kanye leads the way in the new stuff section with his debut of All Day at the Brit 2015 Awards. The track is chalked full of energy, but lyrically it's just a bunch of chest puffed out yelling. Hopefully there are more thoughtful tracks like Only One on his album, I've missed that side of 'Ye.

If you haven't listened to Big Sean's new album, you really are missing out. Skyscrapers is a stand out, but there's a lot more too. Ed Sheeran is a boss, so it only makes sense he remixed CoCo. Similarly, Fallon and Xtina nailed more than a few impressions, including a spot on one of Britney Spears by Ms. Aguilera herself. And last, but not least, a bit of novelty for the week. Kudos to the on fleek video editing by papakilatube for matching the Barney visuals to Straight Outta Compton...#Barney
Big Sean - Skyscrapers (Video)

Ed Sheeran - I'm in Love With the CoCo (Cover)

Kanye Performs All Day at 2015 Brit Awards

Jimmy Fallon & Christina Aguilera Play Wheel of Musical Impressions

Barney With Attitude - Straight Outta Compton

Photo Credit: Vevo

All Day Kanye - "Red Leather Jacket With the MJ Zippers"

So the Grammys are tonight and word has it Kanye is going to be debuting a new song at the award show. Presumably, the song will be his new collaboration with Travis $cott, All Day. A high-ish quality rip of the track has been circulating the past few days and can be played below. It's high quality enough for you to understand the hard-hitting beat and braggadocious vibe of the lyrics. While the song probably won't go down as one my favorites of his, it's equipped with more than enough energy and intensity to get the hype train rolling toward a new album.

In other news, Kanye actually did something randomly nice. While exiting House of Blues, he gave Cameron Grey a shot at impressing him with a few bars as he was walking to the car. Is this an effort to finally get some good publicity or was he actually impressed? I guess we shall soon see if anything becomes of this, but the skeptics out there will be following up, you can bet that...#CameronGrey

Kanye West feat Travis $cott - All Day

DJ Mustard Takes FourFiveSeconds to the Club

If you were one of the many people who wished Rihanna's new single FourFiveSeconds was a bit more uptempo, you're in luck. DJ Mustard just came through with a slightly Trap, but mostly uptempo Hip Hop remix of Rihanna's new single. In general, Mustard is on fire of late with remixes to Beyonce's 7/11, a collabo with DJ Snake and a new one with Cashmere Cat on the way. Sure, he's established himself as one of the best Hip Hop producers in the game, but I'm really digging his remixes and collaborations with EDM DJs of late. Hopefully all these new remixes signify a new album is on the way. I liked 10 Summers, but if his recent remixes are an indication of a new direction, I'm on board...#MustardOnTheBeat

Rihanna feat Kanye West & Paul McCartney - FourFiveSeconds (DJ Mustard Remix)