Not sure how old this is, but either way, it’s good to see Rakim still doing it! He sounds great and definitely hasn’t lost a step since The 18th Letter. If you haven’t picked up the Seventh Seal yet, make sure you go and get it! The whole thing is actually pretty nice. The beats are a great combo of classic Rakim mixed with a current feel. Anyway, enjoy the video!

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Definitely a classic track, just gets an upgrade from Black Thought and the roots crew. Definitely check this one out! Pulled from HipHopDX.com. Black Thought needs to put out that rumored Solo album already. Enjoy.

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Empire State Of Mind from Brock Mills on Vimeo.

You’ve got to check this one out! Definitely a great montage. A photographer set Jay-Z’s Empire State to photos he took throughout all of New York City. Definitely a great thing to see if you’re an NYC fan, lover, or just urban enthusiast.

Definitely worth checking out!

This guy Brock Mills who created it has some AMAZING photography too. You should definitely check him out and take a look at his prints, I think they are for sale.

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I mean what else can you say? It’s about time Jay flexed his muscles and proved his influence in the game.

It’s kind of strange that Kanye who is king autotune these days gets a co-production credit (last I heard) along with No ID. Plus in the song, Lil Wayne doesn’t really get ripped like he deserves to be.

Obviously you’ve got guys like T-Pain who that was his style coming in, but you can’t turn on the radio without every song being auto-tuned. But on the subject of this track…great beat, great message, just hope it works.

Is Jay-Z really leaving Def Jam? Anyone know if the rumors of Jay starting something new with Lyor Cohen are true? I guess so with the cameo and all.

Also, some more good news: Jay’s 11th solo effort, Blueprint 3 is slated for release on September 11th, 2009. I guess that’s some kind of message.

All I can ask for is a couple of Dj Premier tracks, at least some Clark Kent or Buckshot…something. After a few disappointing albums, Jay needs to get back to Blueprint form.

Blueprint 1 – Classic

Blueprint 2 – If it would have been one disc, it would have been a great album

Black Album – Good, but coulda been better

Kingdom Come – Okay

American Gangster – Not a big fan

Blueprint 3 – Classic? If DOA and Brooklyn Go Hard give us an idea of the way Jay is going, then I’m excited about it.

Maybe, just maybe, Jay-Z will be able to bring Hip Hop back.

Oh and is it just me, or does Jay-Z look like Pharoah Monch these days?

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One of the few tracks to hit the streets with a message. This is reminiscent of the Hip Hop 4 Respect project from back in 2000. Featuring Queens, NY’s own Reka the Saint, and legendary Screwball members Blaq Poet and Kyron (Who Shot Rudy?). This isn’t new for them, they’ve been outspoken against the NYC government for a few years. Who can blame them? Gentrification killed real NY. Now it’s just kids in skinny jeans whose parents pay the rent at their loft/art studios on Marcy Ave.

Enjoy.

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