J. Cole Talks For Nearly An Hour to the WSJ’s Lee Hawkins [Video]

Jermaine Cole, also known as rapper J Cole, opens up to the Wall Street Journal’s Lee Hawkins about his long journey to the top of the music industry, helped by his mentor Jay-Z and his formal education as a magna cum laude graduate of St. John’s University in New York. As part of the discussion, he discusses how he landed his record deal, his controversial autism comments, allegations that he and Jay-z are part of a powerful ‘illuminati’ subculture, Trayvon Martin, his views on race and black America, and his rivalry with Kanye West. On the Illuminati — 37:22 On Going To College — 14:14 On How He Built His Following — 8:29 On Jay-Z’s Mentorship 29:37 On Trayvon Martin — 27:43 On The Advantages of NYC Rappers — 23:06

Read more

Drake Album Will Feature Jay-Z & Lil Wayne

“This album is about growth,” says the Toronto MC. “When I play it for people, they ask, ‘Who’s that rapping?’ I’m like, ‘That’s me.’” The LP also features all-star guests from Jay Z to Lil Wayne, plus superhot producers like Scottish DJ Hudson Mohawke. One highlight? The emotional “Connect.” “That one hits you in the heart,” says Drake. “It’s painful and beautiful at the same time.” via Rolling Stone

Read more

Nas Talks With Miss Info About Kendrick Lamars “Control” Verse [Video]

Last night, Hennessy held their official launch party for their new OS Gemeos-designed V.S bottle. Partygoers along with notable names like Mike Dean, Action Bronson, A$AP Rocky, Stephen “ESPO” Powers, DJ Jazzy Jeff on the wheels of steel and of course our very own Miss Info were all in the building to celebrate with the Hennessy family. The night’s guest of honor and special invited performer, Nas, ended the big night with a live performance. But before that, he stepped onto the red carpet to chat with Miss Info about Hennessy’s connection to hip-hop and of course a brief answer on Kendrick’s infamous “Control” verse. Nas kept his answer short and sweet, so don’t expect any response records from Esco (1:54 mark). via Miss Info

Read more

Fortunate Ones feat. Mike Higbee – Girl, Interrupted [Audio x Download]

This is our third leak prior to releasing our “Honest, Regardless” LP, a project we are in the midst of putting out very soon. This record highlights every man’s worst nightmare…a crazy ass female and the lure that they posses. This release also premiers the album artwork for Honest, Regardless, a digital painting by Brian Irvin. It exemplifies the “Inside of the box” ideology that is very much the mentality in Hip-Hop music these days. – TooFortunate.com

Read more