Skillz wraps up another mad year.  ‘09 is soon to be no more, here comes 2010.

Happy New Year!!

I’m always on the lookout for new artists on the Hip Hop scene, so I was happy when I stumbled across Drake.  This Canadian actor/singer/rapper signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment label earlier this year.  He has already released three singles, with a full album, Thank Me Later due out sometime in 2010.

Forever is the second single to be taken from the upcoming soundtrack for Lebron James’ documentary More Than a Game. I think it’s such a great concept, and the preview received positive reviews.  This single features verses from Drake, Kanyeezy, Lil Wayne and  Eminem (who absolutely kills it, in true Mathers style).

Check it out:

The first single from the highly anticipated Jay Z release Blueprint 3 has had it’s first airplay! The single is called D.O.A (Death of Autotune)

The Cool Kids upcoming release When Fish Ride Bicycles is one of the most anticipated albums of the year.  Prior to that major release, the duo have teamed up with Don Cannon to produce this brilliant 18-track mixtape.

Click here to download and get it now!

G.O.O.D. Music (Kanye West record label) is planning on releasing an independent compilation album called, ‘G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D. Night’.  Presented by Kanye West & Malik Yusef, the album will feature guest musicians and producers like, Pharrell WIlliams, Lupe Fiasco, KRS One, and John Legend.  The concept of the album will be Protagonist vs. Antagonist/Lower Self vs. Higher Self, exhibiting the poet’s struggle between his internal dualities.

The first single is right here, “Magic Man” features Kanye West, Common and John Legend.

Finally,  the first single to be taken from The Clipse’s new album Till The Casket Drops is a collabo with Kanye West on this beautifully put together track, produced by the great DJ Khalil, check it out:

The Clipse feat Kanye West – Kinda Like a Big Deal

This is the third single to be leaked from Em’s highly anticipated Relapse album due out later this year.

‘3 A.M’ is going back to classic dark Eminem, showcasing his excellent lyrical ability and Dr Dre’s high-grade production.

Eminem – 3 a.m.

Here is a track from the recently released Tech N9ne album Sickology 101. The track is called ‘Midwest Choppers 2′ and sees N9ne collaborating with K-Dean & Krayzie Bone.  Both  N9ne and Krayzie Bone really deliver on this track, and it will definitely please fans of break-neck rap with dark crazy beats.

Tech N9ne feat. K-Dean & Krayzie Bone – Midwest Choppers 2

Here is the new single from Eminem called ‘We Made You’.  This is the first track from his new album ‘Relapse’ due out in May this year.  Sounds alot like his D12 stuff..I expected something different, but it’s just good to hear Em on a track again.

Enjoy!

With the upcoming eagerly anticipated Cuban Linx II due for release…..sometime this year *fingers crossed*, this should hopefully give you a taster of what’s to come:

Raekwon – Wu Ooh feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man

Here is the new single from The Cool Kids which is also featured on NBA 2K9 the video game. Pennies is from their upcoming album When Fish Ride Bicycles:

The Cool Kids – Pennies

From the UK, here are a couple of tracks I’m really feeling right now:

Tinchy Stryder is doing big things right now, and his is his latest effort.  A collabo with the soulful Taio Cruz, love this:

Tinchy Stryder – Take Me Back feat. Taio Cruz

This is the first release from the incredibly talented grime artist, 17 year old Chipmunk.  He is the youngest ever artist to win a MOBO award.  He is so talented, I”m sure we’ll be hearing more from him this year!  This beat is banging, he’s definitely coming up.

Chipmunk – Beast feat. Loick Essien

enjoy