Charm City Devils - Man Of Constant Sorrow

Many of you out there may have not heard of Charm City Devils. Well, now here's your chance. This up and coming hard rock band from Baltimore, Maryland is a hidden gem that is sure to make it to the big leagues. Check out their latest single "Man of Sorrow" and be sure to be on the lookout for their sophmore album Sins dropping April 10th.

Shinedown - Bully [Video]

Shinedown is at it once again as this past Friday the hard rock quartet just released their 4th studio album titled Amaryllis. It may be difficult for these Floridian fellas to top the awesome success they had with their last album, Sound Of Madness. Nonetheless, the first single off the new album, "Bully" is sure to be played on rock radio throughout the country. Their unique blend of hard and alternative rock allows the band to have singles that are radio-friendly enough while still being able to pack a heavy rock punch for their more loyal fans into their albums. Also, be sure to check out Shinedowns latest video for "Bully".

Say Anything - So Good

Anarchy, My Dear is a milestone 5th studio album for the indie-punk band known as Say Anything. This album is unique from their previous records in some subtle yet creative ways. It seems as if the band members have matured musically and have began to explore different creative routes. Isn't that what making music is all about? Hear it for yourself with their first single "So Good".

Sene - backboards ft. Blu

With all the love we have for Blu, his work with Sene (production, verses, collab projects, etc.) has been some of his best stuff. Sene has grown to become one of the most slept-on underground artists and has been putting in more than enough hard work to prove that. On April 24th he'll be proving it once more with his newest piece of work, brooklyknight. Until then, we get to enjoy this Blu-assisted track that can be found on that album.

 

Previous: Blu - jesus [Video]

D-Pryde - Start Again [Video]

We've been giving D-Pryde some love as of late, but this track deserves some extra attention above the rest. As much as you think that your favorite artist sends a positive message with his music, this one probably tops it. On this track from his Mars mixtape, D-Pryde explains to his fans how to make the best out of bad situations. You having a bad day? Listen to this track. This Rik Cordero-produced video fits it perfectly. Hit the link below to download his newest mixtape album.

Previous: D-Pryde - The Motto Freestyle [Video]

Danny Brown - Radio Song [Video]

Ahhh, yes! I just had Danny Brown's XXX album on rotation yesterday while taking a long drive. Danny was one of the few artists that XXL got right in their 2012 Freshman Class (in my opinion at least) and his XXX album was certainly part of the reason why he was selected. His oddball mentality and flow is what separates him from the rest of the pack and is what's going to take his career far. All he's missing is a few big name features and he'll be the next big thing. Hopefully Fool's Gold Records can give him the help he needs.

Previous: BTH 2012 Freshman List

Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice [Mixtape]

How anticipated is this mixtape? It's crashing servers all over the internet. It's been too long since we've been blessed with a full-length project from the Taylor Gang General, Wiz Khalifa. Finally Wiz has released his 17-track Taylor Allderdice mixtape that includes features from Juicy J, Chevy Woods, Rick Ross, Amber Rose, and Smoke DZA as well as incredible production from Cardo, Spaceghost Purrp, Jake One, Big Jerm, Lex Luger, I.D. Labs, Harry Fraud, and more. Hit the jump for the full tracklist and download link.

Previous: Wiz Khalifa - Mt. Money ft. Fashawn

Wale - Ambition ft. Meek Mill & Rick Ross [Video]

The title track from Wale's sophomore album finally gets a much needed set of visuals. Since there have been a bunch of videos from Ambition already, which track from the album would everyone like to see next?

Previous: Wale - Fairy Tales ft. Lil Duval [Video]

MxPx - Far Away [Video]

Punk rock is an extremely intricate genre of music. It has its haters, while it has its diehard fans. Either way it should be a respected genre of music. Whether you're a hip-hop fan or a Vans wearing rocker sportin' a green mohawk, punk music is relate-able to everyone. Within its simplicity comes extreme value. These power cord striking fellas have a story to tell. Whether it be about a love, jealousy, or stickin' it to the man everyone can empathize, or at least sympathize with a punk song. With that being said, here is one of the great punk bands of their generation with the video for their latest single off their new album Plans Within Plans. Here is MxPx with "Far Away".

Chuuwee - Lottery Ticket

Chuuwee rips it on his newest track from his upcoming Crown Me King project. This about sums up my thoughts on him nicely:

"It’s that time of the year, XXL’s annual “Freshman List” was recently announced and with it comes the inevitable talking points that are generated by whom and who did not make the cut. While many fans have already added the young Sacramento spitter into the conversation, one thing is for certain, with the release of two new projects over the course of the next four-months, Chuuwee aims to prove he is definitely an emcee to watch and listen for."

Previous: BTH 2012 Freshman List

Soul Khan - Wellstone [FreEP]

The Brown Bag AllStars have been blessing us with some of the dopest underground hip hop for the past year. Soul Khan's 6-track Wellstone EP is certainly no exception. With all production done by DeeJay Element and features from Sene and Akie Bermiss, this is a no-brainer download. Hit the jump for the tracklist and link.

Previous: Brown Bag AllStars - The Brown Label [FreEP]

The White Panda - Bambooyah! [Mixtape]

There are an incredible number of mashup artists out there, but very few have cornered the game quite like The White Panda duo have. This is their fourth album already and it's just as fun and energizing as any of their previous ones. Try to catch them at a show near you soon as they are currently traveling across the country on tour.

Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Blue Chips [Mixtape]

Ever since the release of their 'Hookers At The Point' video, we knew that Action Bronson and Party Supplies have linked up to make something special. Similar to the collaboration between Bronson and producer Statik Selektah on Well Done, this project might as well be labeled as an album with the quality of the 17 tracks that these artists were able to put in. Also included in Blue Chips are features from Roc Marciano and Meyhem Lauren. Hit the jump for the tracklist and download.

Previous: Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Hookers At The Point [Video]

Frank Ocean - Thinking About You (Radio Edit)

Quite a while back now, Frank Ocean's version of Bridget Kelly's Roc Nation single hit the internets with a strong buzz. Immediately being recognized as better then Bridget's track, it became easy to see that it would be more successful if pushed as Frank's song. Now about eight months later, 'Thinking About You' has hit the radio as a new Frank Ocean single with a slightly different sound then the original.

Previous: Frank Ocean - Voodoo

Cris Cab - Angels & Demons [Video]

It's only a matter of time now until Cris Cab is killing the game. His Echo Boom mixtape was no joke and sincerely proved that this kid is the next big thing. Backed by big names like Wyclef Jean and Pharrell Williams, Cris Cab will be the next big thing in the coming years.

Previous: Cris Cab Performs 'No Woman, No Cry' With Wyclef & O.A.R. [Video]

Big K.R.I.T. - Boobie Miles [Video]

Shame on anybody who hasn't download Big K.R.I.T.'s 4evaNaDay mixtape yet. This standout track from that project is just a sample of the smooth feeling that comes from K.R.I.T.'s production and voice. The entire thing has been in constant rotation around these parts since it dropped.

OnCue - New Religion (prod. Party Supplies & Just Blaze)

After dropping three very dope mixtapes, I'm getting this feeling that Cuey's next project will include a bunch of big names just like this track that includes production from Party Supplies and Just Blaze. This one really goes!

 

Previous: OnCue - Rich Kid (prod. Brenton Duvall & CJ Luzi)

Mike Posner Interview with Bootleg Kev [Video]

Mike Posner stopped by Bootleg Kev's radio show to give an update on his upcoming sophomore album, music he's been working on with Justin Bieber, and much more. To save some of you the time of watching this interview, Mike announced that Sky High is most likely looking at a late summer/early fall release date. On a positive note, the new single that features Big Sean, called 'Top Of The World', could be dropping very soon.

Cris Cab Performs 'No Woman, No Cry' With Wyclef & OAR [Video]

While the young Miami native was performing at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC this past weekend with OAR, they went into a cover performance of one of my favorite songs of all time. To the surprise of the fans, The Fugees own Wyclef Jean hopped on stage to help really put the performance over the edge. This over 7-minute cover of the track is just classic, as Cris Cab, Wyclef, and OAR front-man Marc Roberge all got a chance to sing the song in front of the packed New York crowd.

Previous: Cris Cab Performs Cover of Sublime's 'What I Got' [Video]

Kasual Kas - Brilliant [Video]

Let me start by saying that music is losing its feeling recently. It's rare to find a track that you can really feel how the artist felt while they were writing...except Adele (that girl is somethin' else). While I watched this video I felt inspired, sad, motivated and uplifted, but more importantly I felt.

This video has been long awaited by me, as well as anyone who follows Kas's career. The first time I heard this track, produced by famed producer Araabmuzik, on Radio Killer I knew it was special, but what Taranchino and Kas put together is magic. In what is supposedly his last solo video, Kas chronicles his story. The story of the struggle to make it, and how just when you think you did, it can all be taken away.

Enjoy the video as much as I did, and as much as Kas did making it. And more importantly try to really 'feel' the music you listen to.

And I know Kas would want me to throw this out there; Look out for Hollywood People Mixtape True Hollywood Story on March 31st.

Previous: Kasual Kas & Hollywood Peoples- Champeen Freestyle

Jahguar - Fight The Negative

It's rare to come across honest music these days, but with Jahguar it's different. These guys are in it purely for the love of the game. Their mission is simply stated in their latest single "Fight The Negative". These 5 guys met in Tampa in 2010 and have been spreading good vibes ever since. There is no greed or hate behind their lyrics and their classic yet unique reggae style will just melt right through you. Be sure to check out their Facebook page here and support this great band.

Big Wreck - Albatross [Video]

As you great fans of BTH may have already realized I am a huge fan of 90's rock. It has the perfect mix of grit, creativity, and passion. So, it is no surprise that I am extremely excited that one of the great bands of the 90's, Big Wreck, has just released their first album since 2001's The Pleasure and The Greed. My fellow 90's rock fanatics may remember their single that put them on the map "The Oaf", which you can find here. Their latest single "Albatross" has been out for a few months now, but just recently their music video has come out to accompany this great tune. If you're a fan of their single, be sure to pick up their new album, Albatross, in stores now.

Contest: Rick Ross' MMG Takeover Tour Ticket Giveaway

Click to enlarge photos

Where are all of our Maybach Music Group fans at? Rick Ross and crew are taking over New York next week with three great shows to go and check out. First, they'll be in Rochester on Sunday, March 11th at The Bluecross Arena with Meek Mill, Wale, and French Montana. Then on March 13th, he'll be assisted by Meek Mill and Wale as they tear the roof off Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC followed by another show in the Bronx on the 15th featuring Ross and French Montana. Various other MMG artists will also be in attendance, so don't miss out!

Update: Would you like WIN tickets to one of these upcoming shows? We're teaming up with our friend Nick at Carefree Nation to help give away two (2) FREE tickets to one of these three upcoming Maybach Music Group performances. The steps are easy! Share this page on your Facebook or Twitter and make sure to tag either the BelowTheHeavensMusic.com fan page or @belowtheheavenz official Twitter so we can see your share. It doesn't get much simpler than that (unless you're willing to do the cinnamon challenge). Contest ends Sunday, so get to sharing!

Jitta On The Track - Two Thousand & Twelve [Video]

CT artists Jitta On The Track gets a new video to accompany his freestyle track over Wale and Ross' 'Tats On My Arm'. Download the track here.

Previous: Jitta On The Track - Friday Night [Video]

Childish Gambino Freestyle [Live in Paris]

While performing a show out in France, Gambino decides to kick a freestyle during some technically difficulties on stage. Also included in the video is some behind the scenes action of Donald and his crew.

Previous: Childish Gambino - Heartbeat [Video]

Waka Flocka Flame Supports PETA [Video]

Not sure whether to say "Awww!" or yell "POW! POW! POW!".

Previous: Bei Maejor - Lights Down Low ft. Waka Flocka Flame

STS - Gold Rush [Mixtape]

STS - Gold Rush [Video]

The follow-up to STS' The Illustrious mixtape has been highly anticipated since it was first announced. Gold Rush lives up to its expectations with 15 new tracks containing samples from some of the most popular music of the past year- just the way a mixtape was made to be put together. You can check out the video for the title track above or hit the jump for download link of the full project.

WZRD (KiD CuDi & Dot Da Genius) - Teleport 2 Me, Jamie [Live on Conan]

Cudi and Dot performed on Conan tonight to help promote their recently released collaborative album, WZRD. What's been everyone's thoughts on the album so far?

Previous: WZRD - WZRD [Album Review]

Logic - Numbers [Video]

Logic's been on a roll with the release of his last three videos. Similar to those, he'll share a download link for the track when the video reaches 150k views. So if you're feeling this track as much as we are make sure you share it. Might be a little too early to claim this, but Freshman 2013? I think so...

Previous: Logic - The Spotlight [Video]

9th Wonder: A Wonderful Professor [Video]

When he's not busy producing, rapping, or mentoring some of his own artists, It's A Wonderful World Music Group founder 9th Wonder spends his time teaching at Duke University. Watch this special that CBS produced on this Grammy award winning artist.

Far East Movement - Candy ft. Pitbull

While this new movie about a wild house party has been getting a lot of attention, the soundtrack is apparently something that shouldn't be overlooked. With that being said, who better to lead the soundtrack to a movie about partying then some of the biggest names in party music?

XXL Magazine Explains Their Freshman Cover [Video]

Well, somebody had some explaining to do! Take a look at this interview between XXL Editor's and the radio crew at NY's Hot97 as they discuss this year's cover and how they go about selecting the freshman class.

Previous: XXL Freshman Class of 2012 Announced

Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Hookers At The Point [Video]

Hit the jump to watch the video

"With the most intriguing collaboration since Public Enemy & Anthrax, Action Bronson & Party Supplies have crafted a hypnotic joint that takes us to the streets of Hunts Point in 1993. Inspired by the classic HBO documentary of the same name, Action offers up a shocking first hand account from the stunted lives of streetwalkers: Cyndi, a prostitute addicted to crack, Silk, a violent, misogynistic pimp and Ramón, a former athlete turned junkie. Directed by Rik Cordero.

Blue Chips is a project that allows me to give something back to all the people who have been supporting me during the last year. Party Supplies and myself linked up in the late fall and over the span of a few weeks created this project entirely off the cuff. We didn't over think it, we just had fun making music with no pressures of making a "hit song", clearing of samples or sales expectations." - Action Bronson

Previous: Action Bronson - Nothing To Worry About

Ro Ransom - Limousine [Video]

After some time off and a name change, the artist formerly known as Nero is finally ready to hit us with some new material consistently. This first track, produced by BrandUn DeShay, is the first taste of his upcoming Ransomnia project that he's been working on. As always, the folks at illroots bring us another great video.

Previous: Ro Ransom - Sorry Ms. Ransom

Wiz Khalifa - Mt. Money ft. Fashawn

We knew they had something cooking when Fashawn shared this picture yesterday. Now you can check out what these two 2009 XXL Freshman alumni put together for us. This track won't be featured on Wiz's upcoming mixtape so make sure to download it now while you can.

Aloe Blacc - You Make Me Smile [Video]

Aloe Blacc's Good Things album was an instant classic. It's great to see that the soul genre hasn't died out.

Previous: The Kid Daytona - New Yorker's Ambition ft. Aloe Blacc [Video]

Ab-Soul - Showin' Love

There's no doubt that Top Dawg Entertainment is quickly taking over the game. The four members have been dropping some of the best music in hip hop for the past few years with no signs of stopping. Take a listen to Ab-Soul's latest offering.

Previous: ScHoolboy Q - Druggies WitH Hoes Again ft. Ab-Soul [Video]

Wale - Fairy Tales ft. Lil Duval [Video]

Even after the release of his sophomore album, we continue to receive new videos from Wale Folarin's most recent mixtape, The Eleven One Eleven Theory.

Previous: Wale - Slight Work ft. Big Sean [Video]

Calvin Harris - Let's Go ft. Ne-Yo

Calvin Harris has gained a lot more exposure to mainstream fans with his feature on Rihanna's 'We Found Love' single as well as her rumored next single from her Talk That Talk album, 'Where Have You Been'. Hopefully this monster hit, with some help from Ne-Yo, can help him make a name for himself.

M.A.R.S. (Cormega, Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, & Saigon) - MARS

As promised by Cormega, the newest supergroup in the hip hop world that goes by M.A.R.S. hits us with their debut single. A video should be accompanying this great track very shortly. Music with a sound like this is the reason real hip hop is still alive.

Big K.R.I.T. - 4evaNaDay [Mixtape]

Big K.R.I.T. has been supplying us with some of the dopest free music in the past few years with his strong mixtape releases. K.R.I.T.'s southern slang lyrics on top of his own superb production makes him one of the best artists in the game right now. K.R.I.T. Wuz Here and ReturnOf4eva were classics in my eyes and now about half way through my first listen of 4evaNaDay, this one is no different. Hit the jump for the stream and download link.

Previous: Big K.R.I.T. - KING pt. 2 (Lord Knows Freestyle)

Mac Miller - Loud

Mac comes at us with his latest release and a little taste of what Macadellic might be. The track produced by the long time companion of Mac, Big Jerm, is a little different feel than we're used to hearing from Mac, but gets the job done. Another dope track from Mac if you ask me.

John Mayer - Shadow Days

It's hard to believe the 23-year-old kid from Connecticut who used to sing about going back to high school after becoming a star has far surpassed his childhood dreams as the now 34-year-old John Mayer is set to release his 5th studio album, Born And Raised. After his success of his 2009 album, Battle Studies, Mayer hit a rough patch as this past Fall he needed surgery to remove an enlarged nodule in his throat dangerously close to his vocal chords. After months of rest, Mayer is back on track and is ready to release his new album May 22nd of this year. His first single off Born And Raised is titled 'Shadow Days' and will most definitely be heard on radio stations throughout the country, but for now get your first listen here at BTH. Enjoy!

WZRD (KiD CuDi & Dot Da Genuis) - WZRD [Album Review]

 
In the 2012 music climate, originality for originality's sake tends to go a very long way; much further than it should. Being unique is the new conformity, standing out has become blending in. As a result, we as consumers are now subject to the likes of dresses made out of meat, ass implants, excessive dub step, neon hair, and lyrics that are more hollow then R. Kelly’s morals.

Hit the jump to continue reading...

J. Cole - Visionz Of Home (prod. Elite)

J. Cole started off his Dreamville Weekend today in Fayetville, NC. In celebration, Cole dishes out this track produced by his boy Elite. Glad to see the beast has finally come back alive.

Previous: J. Cole - Grew Up Fast

Boldy James - Consignment [Video]

DOWNLOAD

I'm presuming, or just hoping, that this is the first video of many videos we can expect from Boldy's latest project, Consignment: Favor For A Favor, The Redi-Rock Mixtape.

Consequence - They My Juniors ft. Busta Rhymes

Why is Cons always into going at other artists? smh. Anyway, he reaches out to Busta for his newest single off his upcoming project, Curb Certified 2, that's coming soon.

Previous: Busta Rhymes - Why Stop Now ft. Chris Brown [Video]

Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded [Artwork]

Previous: Ester Dean - Gimme Money ft. Nicki Minaj

Chip Tha Ripper - Hy As F**k

It kinda looks like Chip is coming out hard with a vengeance for the folks over at XXL. This is his second track in two days and this one throws direct shots at the Freshman cover.

Previous: BTH 2012 Freshman List

Trick Trick - The Price Is Right ft. Diezel

As soon as I heard the title of the song I had hoped that he'd maybe say something funny about Bob Barker....TURNS OUT I WAS WRONG. Trick took the catchy theme song and flipped it for the hood. The Detroit rapper encourages all the haters to "come on downnnnnnn" with this one (sorry that was way cheesy).

BTH 2012 Freshman List

No matter what artists XXL chose for their always scrutinized Freshman cover, nobody's going to be completely happy. I'm sure even those who were choosing artists for the cover weren't even completely sold on some of the finally choices. To each his own right? Rather than complain about their 2012 Freshman cover, we went ahead and made our own list of hip hop artists on the rise this year. Ready...and...debate! Hit the jump for our list.