Artist: Clipse
Album: Til The Casket Drops
Release Date: 12.8.09

The long awaited 3rd album from the Virgina duo known as The Clipse has finally arrived. Arguably one of the best duos to ever pick up a microphone, the Thornton twins have had their share of issues and setbacks prior to this release. Releasing a slew of mixtapes, freestyles and features, not to mention an interesting video blog, they have managed to keep their name in the streets and fans salivating at the mouth while awaiting their commercial release.

Freedom – This intro to the album is powerful as they mix their killer flow with a rock instrumental, lyrically assassinating the track. “Cocaine aside all of the bloggers behoove/ my critics finally have a verse to jerk off to.” – Pusha T (5/5)

Popular Demand Featuring Cam’ron – Here they team up with Cam’ron on a Neptunes beat with a Pharrell-assisted hook for their latest single. The instrumental was custom tailored for their type of flow with Cam’ron adding something here, the missing piece to the puzzle. (3.5/5)

Kinda Like A Big Deal (Ft. Kanye West) – The first single off the album. This is definitely one of my favorite tracks as they murder this drum heavy interlaced with a mean electric guitar sample. Teaming up with Kanye is a good look for this track as they both heavily use metaphors to make you rewind and replay the track until you catch each and every one of them. (4/5)

Showin’ Out Featuring Yo Gotti – Opening with their trademark “Yeck!!” The Clipse dismantle this track with their sharp lyricism. The appearance of Yo Gotti is a surprise but he seemed to hold his own with all the cocaine rap that is spewed throughout this track. (4/5)

I’m Good Featuring Pharrell – The second single released seems to be going for a radio friendly vibe while still staying true to their roots. This track demonstrates that they can take street rap and make it marketable and radio friendly. (4/5)

There Was a Murder – This spaced out instrumental seems rather busy. Likable but busy nonetheless. Not one of the best tracks but they still managed to lyrically carry where the instrumental failed. (3/5)

Door man – The beat is amazing, yet simple as they rap about money, cocaine and cars.”I put my money on the roof and crush this B****h“. I’m not really a big fan of the topic from them because it seems to easy to rap about having money and buying nice things. Anybody can do that. (3.5/5)

Never Will It Stop Featuring Ab-Liva -A rags-to-riches type theme with an assist from fellow re-up gang member Ab-Liva. (3/5)

All Eyes On Me Featuring Keri Hilson -The third single seems to be aimed at the clubs with the Neptunes-produced house/club music inspired track. This was definitely meant to have you out of your seats and on the floor dancing. (4/5)

Counseling Featuring Pharrell and Nicole Hurst -The instrumental and hook are a good fit as the duo speak about needing counseling for their lust of women, fast cars and luxurious things. (3.5/5)

Champion Featuring Pharrell -I really like the ‘bigness’ of this track as they proclaim themselves champions of the rap game. (4/5)

Footsteps -Reminiscent of something from Lord Willin’, another track murdered though the hook seems out of place. (3.5/5)

Life Change Featuring Pharrell and Kenna -On this track it’s all about about how life evolves and changes over time. What was relevant yesterday is not today. (4/5)

This album is not a disappointment if you are a Clipse fan and if you’re not a fan then you may become one after listening to this album. They seemed to somehow keep their raw essence but at the same time open themselves up to a new audience. Some of the standout tracks to me are Freedom, Kinda Like a Big Deal, I’m Good and Showin’ Out.

Overall I give this album a 4.5 out of 5.

Well, no shortage of racy lyrics here. Not sure how old this track is though since he makes mention of TRL, which has been off the air for some time now. Decent track tho…

Audio: The Dream – Touch N’ Feel

So I’ll admit, Rihanna isn’t the best vocalist in the world, I got no problems with that. HOWEVER, you can’t tell me she doesn’t hold her own. This is the live performance I’ve been waiting for, to see her perform Russian Roulette. Rihanna belts out the big ones with very few flaws in this performance on the UK hit series X-Factor. Judge for yourself, but I think she did it justice…

Hey wait a minute, ain’t that Brandy… rappin’? Yes, Ray J.’s big sister tries out a new sound on this record for Timbaland’s Shock Value II, and it involves her new persona Bran’Nu spittin a few bars. Ray J. put this one out via Twitter last night and I’m kinda likin it. I think it works for the track, Brandy does her thing. This just builds my anticipation for Shock Value II in stores this week.

Audio: Timbaland ft. Bran’Nu – Meet In The Middle

This is the first of a few bonus cuts on the Deluxe edition of Chris Breezy’s new album Graffiti. Pretty nice joint, not your typical Chris Brown track, some new sounds and elements thrown in the mix. Polow on the beat. Graffiti - December 8th.

Audio: Chris Brown ft. Ester Dean – I Love You

2 new tracks off the new Clipse album, Til The Casket Drops.  Both featuring Kobe, and both produced by DJ Khalil.  Speaking of Khalil, his production this year alone has been on point.  Top 5 in production, as his resume this year is undisputed. Til The Casket Drops hits stores December 8th.  I might throw another track up here later, stay tuned.

DOWNLOAD:  Clipse – Footsteps (Feat. Kobe)
DOWNLOAD:  Clipse – There Was A Murder (Feat. Kobe)

I think we all are starting to realize that this man has put out more music than any other artist this year.  And one month away from the end of the year, it doesn’t look like he’s anywhere near stopping.  Here’s 3 more tracks from Ne-Yo.  You might have heard the That Girl track before, as it was a demo for Marques Houston.

DOWNLOAD:  Ne-Yo – Let Me Know
DOWNLOAD:  Ne-Yo – That Girl
DOWNLOAD:  Ne-Yo – Over

Here’s a new track which will be appearing on Timbaland’s Shock Value II album.  But from what I’ve been told, Chris Brown was removed from the final version of this song.  So, until the final track appears, hear what the track was originally supposed to sound like.  Shock Value II drops December 8th.

DOWNLOAD:  Timbaland – Maniac (The One I Love) (Feat. Keri Hilson, Chris Brown & D.O.E.)

Here’s the bonus track from the UK version R. Kelly’s Untitled album, dropping December 1st.  As a bonus, i threw in another track off the album below.

DOWNLOAD:  R. Kelly – Fallin’ From The Sky
DOWNLOAD:  R. Kelly – Like I Do

Ahh yes, give thanks for this gift from the cool young Lu, his new mixtape: Enemy of the State: A Love Story. In his normal style, Lupe goes IN on the lyrics remixing tracks like Turnt Up, Fireman, Jay-Z’s Thank You, and Timbaland’s Say Something feat Drake among others. Friend of the People coming Christmas Day, check back!!
DOWNLOAD – Enemy Of The State: A Love Story