Reason #19: see above

A friend once told me that he hadn’t heard enough from Trae to decide whether or not he’s worth checking for. So I’ve strewn together a buncha new songs from the self-proclaimed Asshole by Nature for your listening pleasure. Some of these tracks are also featured on his second Rap-A-Lot album, Life Goes On, due out someday.

>>Smile (LP Version) ft. Jadakiss & Styles P
As I mentioned in my Life Goes On preview, this is an update from the previously leaked version. Jada’s verse is a welcome addition to an already exceptional track. I have a feeling this will end up on everyone’s Best Of- list for ‘07.

>>Bartender (Freestyle)
I don’t really care for the real “Bartender,” but I guess it’s traditional to freejack popular songs these days to prove your versatility. Sounds like something he wrote after a long night out at HK.

>>Throwaway ft. Yung Joc (shhh) and Gorilla Zoe
Anyone who manages to squeeze a decent verse out of Yung Joc (twice!) is alright in my book. This one’s also an album cut.

>>Rock ‘n’ Roll (ft. Nirvana)
Well, he jacked Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” for this one. Not exactly what you’d expect from Trae. You’re gonna love it.

>>Swang (Remix) ft. Jim Jones & H-Town All-Stars
Trae called up his all-star friends–Bun B, Slim Thug, Pimp C, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, and Jim Jones–to appease those folks who felt defrauded when they realized that the version of “Swang” they fell in love with didn’t was missing from Restless. I’m not sure why Chamillionaire is not on this remiix (beef?). And Jimmy might as well migrate to the south. We’ve got rebates on used kufis down here.

Download these and 11 more tracks here: Trae Mix

Saigon & Tre Williams – What A Life

T.I. & Eminem – Touchdown (Snippet)

Check out some more of this week’s new music right here, courtesy of Shorty.

Enjoy and discuss!

- Ivan

Rizoh returns in 5 days…

::Image courtesy of vybrantricky::

He dropped a verse on Def Poetry back in the day. He circulated a snippet to tease us back in 2005.
But now, the track has been released in it’s entirety. ‘Ye is officially 3 for 3 as is T.R.U. for keeping their ears to the streets (well, in this case, the internet). ;-D

Enjoy and discuss!

- Ivan

Wise Intelligent – I’m Him
Taken from Wise Intelligent’s ridiculously enjoyable new album,The Talented Timothy Taylor, due out July 17. If you’re an 80’s baby like me, you probably remember Wise from the legendary Poor Righteous Teachers.

LL Cool J ft. Lil Scrappy – Whatcha Hood Like (prod. by 50 Cent)*
I like the concept of this song–paying homage to self by highlighting peers, predecessors, and imposters. You’ll like it too…if you can get past the beat.

Bonus Cut
Lupe Fiasco + Kevin Michaels – We All Want the Same Things

*I don’t know what 50’s name is doing in the production credit, so don’t shoot the messenger.

NYOIL – Shout it in the Streets (mp3)*
Here’s the latest track from NYOIL, of “Y’all Should All Get Lynched” fame.
You can almost hear the beat panting for breath in a bid to keep up with his lyrical ferocity.

(Taken from NYOIL’s Hood Treason debut, slated to hit shelves on 4/10/07)

50 Cent – Straight to the Bank
Taken from his upcoming album, Curtis, due out on 6/19/07.

This Dre beat is enormously captivating, but that “hahaha” hook gives me the creeps.

(Artwork by Slang Inc)

Skillz ft. Freeway – Act Like You Don’t Know
Freeway has an exceptionally annoying rap voice, the type that puts you at the risk of crashing into a wall if you accidentally woke up to one of his songs. Thankfully, Skillz is here to keep things interesting.

Aesop Rock – Nike Original Run series
Aesop Rock’s Nike + Original Run track was supposedly created with runners in mind. However, this works magic outside the gym as well.

Diddy ft. Lil Wayne – “I Am” (Remix) (wma)
Sample lyrics: “Don’t hold your applause for me, ’cause I only love I more than me.”
Enough said.
(PS: I’m sure Weezy’s fans will find a perfectly logical explanation for those rhymes.)

Bonus Bites:
David Banner ft. Nyce – K.O. (remix)
Polyrhythm Addicts ft. Phonte of Little Brother – It’s My Life
Amanda Diva – 40 Emcees