Following a sold-out US tour, last week Drake kicked off the European leg of his Club Paradise tour in London and Y&Y were in the audience for the second of his London nights (March 27th) at the o2 Arena.

follow Tahirah on twitter

Super-talented producer and musician Labrinth opened the show, setting the bar high with the delivery of an energetic and eclectic set of cuts from his debut album, Electronic Earth (released today).

Drake hit the stage to Take Care album cut Lord Knows, dressed in a black button-down shirt and slacks. Initially the stage felt a little too big for the rapping Lothario; as he reveals later in the set, his two day stint at the 18,000 capacity o2 Arena marks a seminal point in his career – the biggest venue he’s ever headlined. After witnessing his awkward Hammersmith Apollo performance in 2011, I wondered if this show would follow in a similar fashion. But Drake dispelled my concern quickly, finding comfort in the space as he tore through a medley of some of his hyper hip-hop songs and features, Underground Kings, (DJ Khaled’s) I’m On One and Over.

Though clearly rehearsed, his interaction with the crowd didn’t feel too contrived and he succeeded in making us giggle a good few times. In fact, one of the highlights of the set was his hilarious and accurate impression of Lil Wayne, relaying their conversation when Drake told Wayne he’d sold out the now-iconic London venue twice in a row.

Drake shed his dress shirt for the hip-hop emo anthem of the moment, Marvin’s Room. “Everybody put your middle fingers in the air and dedicate it to the girl I was singing to,” he implored, as the track came to the end, inciting fingers to shoot up around the arena. Equally emotive album interlude Good Ones Go (which features backing vocals from The Weeknd) followed before the pace changed dramatically with album title-track, Take Care. Transitioning suddenly into a rave, strobe lights shot through the arena while the synthy Jamie xx beat pulsated through the floor and 18,000 fans belted Rihanna’s chorus. “Shout out to Rihanna and her sexy ass!” called out Drake to the popstar, who attracted media attention by taking the Tube to his show that night.

Since made famous by Jay-Z, many rappers now close their show by turning up the house-lights and peering into the audience, shouting out individuals in the crowd. Rather than carbon-copying Hov’s signature move, Drake spent 10 minutes in the middle of the 90-minute set to engage with the crowd. “Shout out all y’all with the sunglasses on who can’t see a muthafuckin’ thing, I hope you enjoyin’ the music and shit!” he laughed.

The crowd participation was consistently raucous throughout the show – a fact he wryly pointed out at some point. However, his closing songs, The Motto (which spawned the loathsome expression YOLO) and Headlines – which featured a VT with typography that would’ve made Yin happy – succeeded in tearing the roof off of the o2.

The stellar set arrangement showcased just how many hits Drake has had in his short time on the scene, from breakout mixtape cut Best I Ever Had (which was a crowd favourite), to Thank Me Later songs like Miss Me, and Take Care’s HYFR, Make Me Proud and Practice. However, it was Drake’s enjoyment and ease on stage which made the show. Watching his older performances, it’s clearly taken a while for the rapper to become comfortable onstage. This energetic performance made Club Paradise in London feel like an arrival of Drake as a stage performer. Other than a few moments of conceited ramblings (I affectionately moniker his ‘gems’ of knowledge ‘Drakeisms’) and his dancing – Drake really, really, really can’t dance – there was little much to fault in the Canadian’s show.

Amidst rapturous applause, he ended the night with the suggestion, “I’d like to do this again if you’re interested. Maybe I can bring my homie Lil Wayne and this beautiful girl we got called Nicki Minaj…?”

Drake headlines London’s Wireless Festival Saturday 7th July.

Photo by Burak Cingi © – view full photoset here.

After grinding on the mixtape scene for a few years, YMCMB recording artist Tyga is emerging from underdog status this year. From strip-club joint Rack City becoming a huge breakthrough hit for the rapper, to him being part of the reason why millions believe YOLO is The Motto, Tyga makes it clear he won’t allow Young Money comrades Drake, Nicki Minaj and (label-boss) Lil Wayne hog all the limelight.

follow Tahirah on twitter

While on the road touring, the 22-year old took 10 minutes out of his schedule to talk to Y&Y. Choosing not to take up the whole of our 10 minutes talking about his tattoos (so I just didn’t mention them at all. No – I didn’t even ask about the ones on his face), we spoke about the release of his album, Careless World: The Rise of the Last Kings, working with Nas and Wale, and (not) writing a children’s book.

Last time you were here, I heard a Westwood interview and he was teasing you about being the underdog in a crew with [heavyweights like] Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj in there. I’m sure that’s not the first time you’ve heard that. Do you take it with a pinch of salt or has that become less of an issue as you’ve gotten bigger in your own right?

I think my fans have always been there, but maybe the more mainstream people are only starting to recognise now with the success of Rack City. But I think my fans have always been there, especially overseas. I starting touring overseas before I started touring in the States.

Careless World: Rise of the Last Kings is the title of the new record. It kind of sounds like a dope computer game or something! Explain the title to us.

It’s more of a story [than a computer game]. Careless World is a place I made up, and the subtitle, Rise of the Last Kings is basically me becoming the king of this world, and trying to help my people, and the things I have to do to get there, and the whole album is a story from beginning to end.

What kind of place is Careless World?

When I first envisioned it it’s like a real apocalyptic type place. It’s almost an end of world type feel, in the beginning. But it gets better as the story goes on and the album goes on.

Obviously, Rack City is still tearing up the clubs, the radio, everything. But at the same time [as Rack City has gained popularity] I’ve been hearing Far Away on commercial radio, but it wasn’t until I paid attention that I actually realised it’s your track. So we’re used to the party tracks from you but I’m getting the idea that Careless World is going to take your listeners beyond the club?

Yeah, it’s definitely more different vibes. It’s definitely good music. It’s more storytelling. Sometimes there’s a party vibe at the same time, but there’s gonna be way more of a story with it. More real situations and stuff.

You’ve got a few collaborations on the album. Kings and Queens with Nas and Wale may be the one that surprises people the most. What do you think about the whole conscious rap and party rap divide? And how do you feel that Kings and Queens maybe responds to that?

I think that’s just a part of the hip hop culture. It’s real competitive and fans are real strict with what they support. Nas has a whole different fan-base that I have, and I have different fan-base than Wale has. [But] I think that’s what music is at the end of the day, nobody has to stay in their lane, it’s supposed to be for everybody. It’s self-expression so I think however you wanna express yourself you should be able to. I think the track’s just perfect. The song which doesn’t go from good to bad or bad to good, it stays consistent.

After the success of your Fan of a Fan mixtape with Chris Brown do you have any plans to do any future projects with him?

We’re talking about possibly doing a Fan of a Fan album, we had the mixtape, so we’re talking about doing an album. Hopefully soon.

So what else have you got coming up other than promoting the album?

I’m on tour right now! I just started my tour in the States, and I’ma bring it overseas in May.

I heard somewhere that you’re writing a pop-up book, is this true?!

[Pause]…Writing a what?

A children’s book!

Nah.

Oh. Erm, that must have been some random internet stuff I read then. [I move on awkwardly while Tyga wonders if I'm mad]

Other than YOLO, what’s a motto you live by?

Doing the best you can and giving it your all. Because if you don’t try, and continue to try you’ll never succeed. Whether you fail, or you succeed, just as long as you try. And I think you just really gotta take everything (successes and failures) as motivation.

What can we do to make the world less Careless?

Stop being hypocrites, and stop being so judgmental. [For example] Twitter is really good, and the internet is a good source to be able to contact artists, and it’s just way more interactive. But at the same time it’s used the wrong way sometimes, and it sends the wrong message to people who follow rather than lead. So sometimes the internet and all that shit makes people tend to have [someone else's] opinion rather than leading with their own opinion, you know?

Tyga’s debut album, Careless World: Rise of the Last Kings is released in the UK on 12th March 2012.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA – that is all. FouseyTube aka Yousef Erakat is a 22 year old college student and YouTube comedian. If you’ve ever come across his videos before then you’ll know he’s incredibly funny and this video is no exception. If you are/were a Drake fan then you should be cracking up each one of these, the handflapping technique had me in tears. Can’t even decide on which part is the funniest, it’s all funny! Watch it on the reverse.

follow me on twitter

FouseyTube – Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

We’re 2 years old. Expect big things to come in the next few months, enough gassing for now. In the mean time, here are 5 tracks for you to enjoy.

follow me on twitter

JHENE AIKO x CASEY VEGGIES

‘In Love We Trust‘

We have got to a point we record labels seem to no longer want or feel the need to groom an artist by allowing them to express themselves musically via artistic freedom. Instead we have a situation where one person brings out a fresh sound and it becomes a hit so then labels push all their artists into that direction believing they will gain the same success.

Success can be measured in many different ways and for me Jhene Aiko is already a success, why? Because she is making music that is true and authentic to her, not trying to chase the “sound” of the moment and is getting significant recognition for it. In Love We Trust is the first taste from her pending mixtape Soul(ed) Out following the release of her critically acclaimed mixtape Sailing Soul(s). The song is a nice R&B cut with a thumping beat and sees Casey Veggie (im not here for that name) add a little extra urban flava with his short rap break. Overall I think it’s not the best I’ve heard from Jhene but it has definitely got me anticipating this new LP.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

PAC DIV x TiRON

‘She‘

Californian rap trio, Pac Div released their long awaited official debut studio album, “The Div” this week. A good mix of West Coast style braggadocio, witty wordplay, great features and diverse production makes for a great album, make sure you cop it! One of my fave tracks is She featuring Tiron taken from Tiron’s ‘Ketchup’ EP a couple of years back. A comical, back-and-forth tale of Hip Hop groupies and rapper’s high sex drives, cleverly disguised by a smooth R&B chorus from Tiron and Cook Classics’ laid back production. Enjoy!

Selected by Tara

___________________________________________________________________________

CHILDISH GAMBINO

‘You See Me‘

While I don’t think I’m being biased (considering I love this man), Childish Gambino (a very underrated artist) hits us with another banger with this song which is on his New album ‘Camp’ which debuts November 15th. I heard this first when I attended his concert two weeks ago – and, as usual, I was not disappointed. With a wit Gambino effortlessly have, he gives us his usual flair with his funny lines that you sometimes don’t get until the second or third time you listen to the song; so, listen to it here…two, three, maybe fifty four times – I know I have

Selected by Yemi

___________________________________________________________________________

DRAKE x RICK ROSS x JUST BLAZE

‘Lord Knows‘

Selected by Yin

___________________________________________________________________________

BRANDY

‘Silent Night‘

Let me start this off by saying that Brandy is a Bad Bitch! Her vocals are ALWAYS on point. Unfortunately in recent times her material hasn’t matched up to our expectations of someone with such talent, however she has been recording again and hopefully this time she’ll get it right.

Silent Night is a step in the right direction in my opinion although I’m really not here for that annoying bridge/hook part in the song where she sings “I can’t believe you left me” repeatedly. For me that part of the song sound nothing like her but instead sounds very whinny, which is not a good look. Other than that the song is cool. Its always good to hear new ish from Miss Norwood.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

WE’RE BACK with new songs from Amy Winehouse, Robin Thicke, Shannell, Coldplay, Florence & The Machine and more. So much goodness, trust me your ears are in for a treat. One bonus track! Hop on after cut.

follow me on twitter

ROBIN THICKE x LIL WAYNE

‘Pretty Little Heart‘

Jheeze this is a good song! When I first listen to this track I was a little disappointed but having listened to it on a few occasions I now find this song utterly sexy but for the presence of Lil Wayne at the start. Robin Thicke is one of those artists that doesn’t get the mainstream recognition and/or plaudits that he deserves but at the same time this is the reason why I like him even more. He just continues to make good soulful music regardless, he doesn’t chase chart success by changing up his style and I admire that quality. Pretty Lil Heart is the first single taken from his upcoming 5th studio album.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

COLDPLAY

‘We Found Love (Rihanna Cover)‘

This came out late last week but I don’t think many have listened to it yet, mainly due to the original getting massive airplay everywhere. Honestly speaking I didn’t even know it was a cover of a Rihanna song till someone told me, Coldplay have made it their own. An anthemic and easy listening version of the Bajan songstress’s number one single. I prefer this version, what do you reckon?

Selected by Yin

___________________________________________________________________________

SHANELL x LIL WAYNE x DRAKE

‘So Good‘

Unlike the Robin Thicke track Lil Wayne fits this song perfectly. His rap at the beginning and Drake’s interruption in the middle coupled with Shanell’s soulful vocals just makes this one of those tracks that you blast real loud while you ride around in your car with the roof off. For me this song would be better suited for a summer release however I think this is just a leak rather than a release so it still may get a summer release but the same time there’s a strong possibility that the song will never get released.

Its good to hear some new music from Shanell because for a while it did seem like Young Money had forgotten about their songstress. Hopefully she’ll have a big year next year, although I am gonna need to take that nose/earring thing out of her nostrils please, thanx.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

FLORENCE & THE MACHINE

‘Lover To Lover‘

Selected by Yin

___________________________________________________________________________

FRANK OCEAN

‘Back‘

Na but seriously why haven’t we received a full length Frank Ocean album yet? Yes I know there were plans to release Nostalgia, ULTRA commercially but for those who are already onto Ocean’s talents we have already heard those songs and are awaiting something new. This week newness comes in the form of ‘Back’. Honestly this isn’t something that will blow your socks off however it’s still a cool song. I kinda get the vibe that this song was written for someone else, Mario perhaps?

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

BONUS – AMY WINEHOUSE x NAS

‘Like Smoke‘

We just HAD to feature this song as a bonus. I’m sure most of you have already heard it but it’s the first piece of music that has surfaced since her death a few months ago. Produced by Salaam Remi and it features her good friend Nas. It’s a beautiful song – her soulful vocals and Nas‘ smooth flow compliment each other really well. Although it does feel like a Nas (feat. Amy Winehouse) track. RIP Amy.

Selected by Yin

We are back once again with the next instalment of Eargasms, again apologies for the later than usual reveal but in the words of Daley ”good things come to Those Who Wait” (as a bonus listen to Daley’s Those Who Wait here). We almost never produced Eargasms this week but then I thought that it would be a shame not to so I took over and selected all the songs myself. I’m not gonna lie, i’m not in love with every track but they are all tracks that will be lodged into my iTunes library. Head on after the cut for some musical goodness. 5 tracks to start your week off the right way.

follow DJB on twitter, add him facebook

___________________________________________________________________________

JUSTIN BIEBER

‘Christmas Eve‘

Let me start off by saying that this song was written by Chris Brown. I bet now that I have told you that, you’ll be able to imagine Browns vocals all up on this track. It’s obvious that JB has simply gone into the booth and laid down vocals to resemble Brown (probably taking lead from the demo Chris recorded). That being said this song is actually pretty good. It’s refreshing to hear a Christmas song that has more than the novelty appeal, a song that could be played all year round without feeling outta place. To often people throw sleigh bells over a beat to emphasize its Christmas link, this song doesn’t do that and for that reason I really like it. Plus JB’s vocals sound more matured which is a bonus.

Justin’s new Christmas album Under The Mistletoe hits stores today (31/10/2011)

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

YELAWOLF X KID ROCK

‘Let’s Roll‘

Kid Rock is the reason I like this song. He vocals on the chorus are just so good. I’m not saying that he is sanging on the track like he’s at church or anything but his tone for this particular hook matches really well with beat and the whole vibe of the song. Yelawolf is not too bad but for me he plays second fiddle to Rock on this one. This is the latest single taken from the often-delayed debut album from Yelawolf (which is now slated for a November 21^st release)

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

DAY 26

‘Made Love Lately‘

Many would have thought that Day 26 had sung there last song but this newly leaked song proves otherwise. Now performing as a quartet, the group are no longer guided by Diddy and his Badboy Record label and instead call Atlantic Records their home.  The song is cool, as expected the lyrical content is all about making love to a certain female but this song doesn’t offend so its all good. It’s good to hear the boys back on top form because behind all the drama that seems to surround Diddy and his manufactured groups (this includes Danity Kane) the groups actually work well together and have huge talent.

You’ll be able to see more of Day 26 when they reintroduce themselves by way of a new reality show call Day 26 Presents: A New Day

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

LIL MAMA

‘Hustler Girl‘

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

MARY J BLIGE X DRAKE

‘Mr. Wrong‘

Simple mid-tempo track that honestly could have been taken from her last couple of albums, it just doesn’t sound that new to me. The song isn’t anything new or refreshing but as usual Mary sounds great, as does Drake. This song is neither crap nor great, it is what it is.

UPDATE: Having listened to the track a couple more times I feel like I need to write something positive about it. It’s actually grown on me in a short space of time and now I really like it. Rico Love is the man who penned this tune so it’s no wonder why I now like it because he seems to be writing nearly every track that I have or still do love in the last year or so (Think Usher‘s ‘There Goes My Baby‘ + many more)

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

]]> http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-52/feed/ 0 http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-51/ http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-51/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:10:47 +0000 Yin http://yinnyang.co.uk/?p=35797

BOOM. We back – well later than usual. I’m tired, just got home after a birthday dinner at Jamie’s Kitchen in Stratford Eastfield Westfield. Not moaning though, I’ve still got a bit of work to do before I head to bed tonight and up again at 7. Ready for this week! going to be managing this week’s campaign, in the mean time – head on after the cut for some musical goodness. 5 tracks to start your week off the right way.

follow me on twitter

DRAKE x LIL WAYNE

‘The Real Her‘

Bedroom music. Well Drake’s best attempt at it – you can’t expect Maxwell quality croon vocals from him but he does a good job with the smooth lyrics over the mellow beats. I actually don’t mind Lil Wayne on this, strange. His verse compliments Drizzy’s singing. This track has nothing on his mixtape songs though.

Selected by Yin

___________________________________________________________________________

ESTELLE

‘Remember Me‘

Last week Estelle dropped some new material in the form of a mixtape, it hardly came as a surprise to me as she needed to do something since people have been expecting new music from her for around 2 years! She’s cheekily named it ‘AOM: The Prequel’ clearly hinting her new album ‘All Of Me’ is on it’s way. One of the songs that stood out for me is Remember Me, I thought it best showcased Estelle’s skills and why she is respected as an artist- so that’s why I’ve chosen it for eargasms this week.

Selected by Yang

___________________________________________________________________________

BEYONCÉ x J. COLE

‘Party Remix‘

Mrs Roc Nation calls on J.Cole to spit a verse on the remix of this Slick Rick/Doug E.Fresh sampled throwback song, courtesy of Kanye‘s innovative funk-inspired production. Taking Andre 3000′s place on ‘Party’, J.Cole completely switches up his flow, in a similar fashion to his ‘Nobody’s Perfect‘ joint. A bit of an unnecessary remix in my opinion, J.Cole doesn’t come his hardest…but then again neither did 3000.

Selected by Tara

___________________________________________________________________________

COLDPLAY x FEDDE LE GRANDE

‘Paradise Club Mix‘

Selected by Annabel

___________________________________________________________________________

FAT JOE x CHRIS BROWN

‘Another Round‘

Fat Joe is back with a new track called ‘Another Round’ whihc features RnB crooner Chris Brown. The song is a smooth groove that is esay on the ears but doesn’t scream greatness. As ever Chris does his thing and is probably the main attraction of the song along with the cool beat. Joey Crack does a good job too but honestly it could have been any rapper on this track and my reaction tot he song would probably be the same. I’d give this song 3 outta 5.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

]]> http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-51/feed/ 0 http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-50/ http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-50/#comments Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:07:53 +0000 Yin http://yinnyang.co.uk/?p=35511

We’re baaaaack. Much more solid line-up of songs this week, I feel. Who else has had a relaxed weekend? I’ve spent most of the last 2 days at home, just relaxing and doing work on my top secret project. It’s nice to just stay in and work on something you love. It’s nice to get a break away from the fast-paced city lifestyle. Music for your journeys on the reverse, let us know what you think!

follow me on twitter

SEAN PAUL

I believe Sean Paul has taken a new direction for this single, he’s jumped on the pop euro trash band wagon and frankly I like it… euro trash is a guilty pleasure of mine. My excuse, my girl is is from Cyprus! The track is a pop-ey reincarnation of his usual material and I have to admit is mildly unsettling to hear Sean Paul the creator of one of my favourite albums ‘Dutty Rock’ singing like this. After the first segment of mind blowing vocals *grins*, the dancehall kicks in- a combination of an infectious and thumping beat with repetition of “whine pon it, tump pon it” etc and Sean Paul is back! The rest is just catchy hooks ‘She Doesn’t Mind‘. Over all I love it, obviously.

Selected by Yang

___________________________________________________________________________

JAY ELECTRONICA x MOBB DEEP

‘Call of Duty ‘

I honestly thought the rapture would come before Jay Electronica dropped some new music. Out of Bin Laden’s old cave, Jay Elec-hannukah emerges with a buzz single of his upcoming album ‘Acts II: Patents of Nobility‘. The hype? Incredible. He tweeted a few days prior to the release that he’ll drop a song on the date, then released the artwork before mentioning the fact MOBB DEEP are on it. The ‘Shook Ones’ rappers have been out of the scene for a while with Prodigy in jail and what not but it’s nice to hear them back in the studio.

I dig it but it’s nothing revolutionary. Not sure if it deserves the hype it got, I was expecting something a little more hard hitting. The song is still definitely to revelant to what’s going in the world right now. Have a listen.

Selected by Yin

___________________________________________________________________________

DRAKE x NICKI MINAJ

‘Make Me Proud‘

Make Me Proud isn’t the greatest song in the world but I guess it’s good to hear new ish from Drizzy Drake. Having pushed his forthcoming album Take Care back a couple weeks to November 14th a new song from the impending record hit the public domain. ‘Make Me Proud’ features frequent collaborator Nicki Minaj and sees both rappers doing what they do best in addition to warming up their vocal chops by singing in parts of the song. Headlines was my motherf**king song and because of this I felt Drake had to come hard with the second single however this is to me is a semi rather than a full on boner lol.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

CANT

‘Too Late, Too Far‘

Selected by Tara

___________________________________________________________________________

BURIAL x MASSIVE ATTACK

‘Four Walls‘

This track is MASSIVE. Fans have been waiting years for this collaboration to happen and the result? Insane. The masters of trip-hop and the often-labelled Godfather of dubstep combine together to create this masterful result. The song is mesmerising, isolating, comforting, haunting and beautiful at the same time – I have nothing more to say. My favourite track of the week. Have a listen.

Selected by Yin

___________________________________________________________________________

]]> http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-50/feed/ 0 http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-49/ http://yinnyang.co.uk/2011/10/eargasms-49/#comments Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:14:07 +0000 Yin http://yinnyang.co.uk/?p=35260

Hello. We’re back again, new songs for the new week. Hmm, should tell y’all in advance – I won’t be posting much this next week. I need to complete a project that I’ve been working on for 2 months this week, it’s now or never. Taking way too long with my site and work duties so it’s time to take a breather and let the others takeover for a bit.

follow me on twitter

___________________________________________________________________________

THE WEEKND

‘Initiation‘

Abel Tesfaye leaked this track over the weekend, it’s most likely off his forthcoming Echoes of Silence mixtape. Don’t expect your corny lovey dovey R&B lyrics and vibe with any of The Weeknd’s music – Abel’s all about the mellow, dark vibe and the high pitched vocals. It just works. My night time working – relentless + photoshop + 3am bedtimes, I’m sure some designers out there can relate! Love this new wave of R&B, if we can call it that.

Selected by Yin

___________________________________________________________________________

K-OS x DRAKE

‘Faith Part II‘

K-OS hooks up with fellow Toronto native, Drake for the second installment of this soulful, J.U.S.T.I.C.E-produced Hip Hop joint. K-OS comes harder, better, faster and stronger on this second edition – both vocally and lyrically. It’s nice to see that after a year since Part 1 and his Anchorman mixtape, K-OS is still killin‘ it. I look forward to future material from him!

Selected by Tara

___________________________________________________________________________

JOE JONAS

‘Lighthouse‘

It seems as though Joe Jonas is quickly trying to shed his affiliation with Disney and establish himself as a credible artist in his own right. Having broke away from the safeguard that was his all brother group The Jonas Brothers, Joe is gearing up to release his debut album Fastlife. His first single ‘See No More’ was co-written by none other than Chris Brown much like this newly leaked song ‘Lighthouse’. Joe croons over what can only be described as an awkward, quirky yet aurally pleasing beat.

As a fan of music and of Chris Brown I can instantly tell that this is a song that has been inked by him as while I know Joe is singing my mind can only hear what Brown would have sounded like on this track. Never the less it’s good to see Joe stepping out into his own and I feel he should be commended for working with Chris on this new album as it could have and may well have been frowned upon by some associated with Disney due to Chris’s turbulent past. Kudos to Joe for seeing past the negative haze that surrounds Brown’s talent at times and truly basing who he works with on the talent the posses and not their past endeavors.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

WILLOW SMITH x NICKI MINAJ

‘Fireball‘

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

WRETCH 32 x ETTA BOND

‘Forgiveness‘

Forgiveness is set to be the forth single taken from Wretch 32’s debut album Black and White. The song was produced by super producer Labrinth and sees him cameo right at the beginning of the song singing the first chorus before handing over that particular duty to the first signee to his very own record label Old Child Recordings Miss Etta Bond. This is easily one of my favourite tracks on the album; Etta’s voice on a track is pure heaven at times. I’m so excited to hear more from her in the very near future, as for Wretch well he seems to be making all the right decisions when it comes to single choices. Keep up the good work bro.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

Everyone’s favourite emo-rapper Drake unleashes visuals to Headlines, the lead single from his forthcoming album Take Care (hitting stores October 24th). Check it out under the cut.

While I think the artwork is heinous (I won’t even link to it, Google it yourselves), I’m excited for Drake’s sophomore offering and Headlines has been in my musical rotation for a couple of months now. But the most exciting things about this video for me are 1) it’s possibly the best video I’ve seen Drake release – most of this other videos are a little questionable. 2) Girls (who, like me, aren’t attracted to him) might notice that Drake has managed to look sort of uh… sexy in this video! Press play now: