Directed by Bill Green and Antman

T.I. - “No Matter What”

I love it when artists seize an opportunity to turn personal turmoil into a banger. Tip has always flourished in this area, and “No Matter What” (a buzz cut from Paper Trail) is no exception. I do find it interesting that he noticed this, “They couldn’t wait to say ‘Good night, shawty,’ so they can try to rhyme, act, and look like shawty. Go get a beat from Toomp and make a hook like shawty.” Ha!

Update:
TRU reader Arthur KR just sent me this: “Know Matter About What”

Prodigy - “The Dough”
Yet another gem from the HNIC 2 cutting room floor.

Busta Rhymes - “We Made It” (feat. Linkin Park)
Official lead single from Blessed.
Come to think of it, I kinda like this new Busta Rhymes.

See also:
Pics from “We Made It” Video Shoot

[Thanks, Zap]

LL Cool J ft. KRS-One, Method Man, Lil Kim, Jim Jones - 5 Boros

Oh lawd, not these New York hip-hop revivalists again.

Jeff and Eric kidnap Elliott Wilson, former XXL Editor-in-Chief and current executive producer of ego trip’s Miss Rap Supreme.

Ryan Leslie’s piano freestyle over Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop.”

Jay-Z - Blow the Whistle (DeShawn Stevenson diss)
Young Turbo sticks up for his little homey, LeBron

If you’ve been paying attention to the Cavs-Wizards series you’ve probably heard all the trash talking going on between players from those two teams. Wizards Guard DeShawn Stevenson (11 Points, 0.30 Rebounds, and 2 Assists. per game) dismissed LeBron James (28 Points, 7 Rebounds, and 6 Assists per game) as being overrated. LeBron waved off the remarks, saying that him replying is like Jay-Z responding to a Soulja Boy diss. Apparently, Soulja Boy seized the opportunity to extend his 15 minutes of fame by accepting Stevenson’s invitation to Game 3 in support of the Wizards. LeBron’s most famous friend, Jay-Z, now addresses the rivalry on “Blow the Whistle” (Shouldn’t he be busy worrying about his own team?)

Bottom Line: Cavs lead the series 3-1

Jean Grae’s latest Myspace entry suggests that she’s calling it quits.

Peep game: (more…)

I have one free copy of The Formula by Buckshot & 9th Wonder for you.

The contest question is: “What’s your formula for success?”

If you’re interested, simply reply in the comment section in 26 words or less within the next 2 hours. Be sure to include your email address in the email column only, because I’ll contact you if you’re the winner. Again, do not enter your email in the comment section for your own sake. Put it in the email column of the comment box and I’ll see it just fine.

Contest ends at 6:00 pm CT. May the best formula win. Good luck!

UPDATE: Contest is closed. Thanks for playing.