Outkast - Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik

Georgia-bred hip-hop duo Outkast, consisting of Big Boi (Antwan Patton) and Andre 3000 (Andre Benjamin), were first signed almost 20 years ago in 1992. This song is the title track off their 1994 debut album, and their reign of trans-genre amazement has been changing the hip-hop game ever since.

Tupac - Keep Ya Head Up

Tupac's heart for those still struggling was apparent in a lot of his music, especially this song. It was released 18 years ago today, in 1993. He samples the beat from Zapp & Roger's "Be Alright" and the chorus is sampled from The Five Stairsteps' "O-o-h Child". It's my favorite song of his, some of the lyrics are just incredible:

I wonder why we take from our women, why we rape our women, do we hate our women? I think it's time to kill for our women, time to heal our women, be real to our women.

Shad - Rose Garden

Canadian hip-hop artist Shad is another intelligent, social-conscious rapper that is breaking stereotypes and changing the game. I found him not long ago and I really dig his style..how many rappers do you know with a Master's degree?

Drake - Fear

One of this year's hottest artists, Drake, turns 25 today. This song is off his So Far Gone EP, I really love the flow, and the lyrics are some pretty deep shit. I love it. Happy birthday Drizzy. OVOXO.

J Dilla - Won't Do

In case you haven't noticed, I really like J Dilla. This song is off the album The Shining, which he was still working on at the time of his death. Friends and family helped complete the album and release it posthumously, and many can be seen in the music video such as Common, Will.I.Am, Black Thought, Frank N Dank, and J Dilla's brother John. Their love and respect is palpable in this video..look at the blimp at 1:57 :)

Common ft. Will.I.Am - I Have A Dream

This duet was featured on the film Freedom Writers and is simply amazing. Common's socially conscious and inspirational lyrics really bring this song to life. Since the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is being dedicated in
Washington D.C.today, I think this is an appropriate tribute. I'll include King's famous speech on the Lincoln Memorial at the bottom as well. Enjoy :)

Kanye West ft. Kid Cudi, Big Sean, Common, Charlie Wilson, Pusha T - Good Friday

Good Friday was released under Kanye West's 'G.O.O.D Friday' series, where he released a new song available for free download every Friday. This track features a myriad of samples, including "Got What I Need" by Freddie Scott, "La Di Da Di" by Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick, "I'll Say It Again" by Sweet Linda Divine, and "Hip-Hop VS Rap" by KRS-One. I'll put a few of them at the bottom :)

Blackalicious - Deception

California hip-hop duo Blackalicious is made up of rapper Gift of Gab and producer Chief Xcel. Their lyrics and style are something truly special and I don't think they get half the attention or recognition they deserve. I heard they've been working on a new album originally anticipated to release early this year but since that hasn't happened, hopefully it will release next year. This track is off their 1999 album Nia.

Adam Tensta - My Cool

Swedish rapper Adam Tensta has an uniquely amazing style, and incorporates electronic beats into many of his songs. He is straight-edge and does work with children in his home country. He is also involved with some political and social activism, which I think is awesome. More artists should be positive and defy stereotypes like him instead of perpetuating them. Check out the pretty rad music video for "My Cool" after the jump. 

Trina - Look Back At Me

I've said it before and I'll say it again-Trina is a bad bitch. Her attitude and sexual prowess are such a huge presence in her music, it's impossible to ignore. I love it! This song,  "Look Back At Me", was released on her 2008 album Still Da Baddest, which of course topped at #1 on the Billboard Hip-Hop charts.

Rick Ross ft. T-Pain, Kanye West, Lil Wayne - Maybach Music II

The Florida-bred Teflon Don aka Rick Ross has been in the game for a minute but his career is really taking off right now. His music lately has some classical and jazz influences, I love it. It makes me feel like I'm in a Maybach :) Also, fun fact...Rick Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, used to be a corrections officer in a Florida prison..

Common ft. Martina Topley-Bird - Everywhere

Not much needs to be said about Common, he's made his talents very well-known over the years. If you know anything about hip-hop then chances are you like or at least respect this man. He's been rapping since about 1992 and acting since 2003. He's smart, sexy, and damn good at everything he does.

D12 - American Psycho

Detroit group D12 formed in 1996 and following rapper Eminem's fame, released Devil's Night in 2001 (their best work in my opinion-I grew up raping the replay button to that CD). "American Psycho" was one of my favorites from that album. All of them had a dark, twisted sense of humor that bled from bar to bar, it was incredible. 

Adult Swim Collection - Osborne - Wait A Minute

I don't know much about Osborne himself except that he prefers to stay low key in Ypsilanti, Michigan, served in the Air Force, and has been DJing for quite some time, but his song "Wait A Minute" is off the Ghostly Swim compilation and has been featured on a few bumps. He also released an extended addition on his EP Hovercrafting. 

Kid Ink - Keep It Rollin

Producer turned songwriter Kid Ink is a Los Angeles-based artist currently building a lot of buzz with his work with DJ Ill Will and others. I love his beats more than anything but he's got a lot of swag too. It doesn't hurt that he's fine as hell :) If you like what you hear, he's offering his mixtape Daydreamer for free download here.

Kid Cudi - Pursuit of Happiness (Chopped & Screwed by Drobitussin)

I just discovered Drobitussin on YouTube the other day and that man is beyond amazing. He will chop and screw anything he can get his hands on. Whatever your musical taste, whether it's hip hop, RnB, country, metal, pop, 80s, or classic rock, he's done it and done it WELL. I've heard my fair share of sloppyass c&s on YouTube but Drobitussin's style is damn near immaculate. It's the perfect blend of slowed&throwed, just how  I like it. Check him out!

Adult Swim Collection - J Dilla - Mash

This short melody from his album Donuts was featured in a pretty common bump so you'll probably recognize it. The more you listen to it, the better it gets..

ASAP Rocky - Peso

ASAP Rocky is a Harlem-bred rapper with a bit of attitude and a lot of swag. I'd say he's the perfect mixture of hipster and gangster, with a good flow and some sick beats. Definitely self-medicate music :]

Wale - Work

Being from the DMV, I love Wale! I truly admire the fact that he stays true to his roots by repping his home in almost every song, incorporating go-go into some of his music, and even collaborating with go-go bands to help them come up in the music industry. He recently signed on with Maybach Music Group and while I'm happy for his growing success, I think he's selling himself short with that. His talent is way out of their league. This song features a sample of "Hey Bulldog" by the Beatles and his lines and flow are on point; I think it is a testament to his true talent. Check it out!