New Frank Ocean called “Voodoo”. If you haven’t heard it yet, this song is a must hear. Wish it was a little longer though.

For all my fellow Pharrell fans, you’ll thank me later. Fader’s recently signed artist Yuna released a new song “Live Your Life” produced by Pharrell. Giving off a musical feel that echoes in tune its an amazing track, hope to hear more from Yuna and Pharrell.

“Live if you really want too…”

via BBC

A few days ago I got word of this group called Phony Ppl that just released their new album “Phonyland”. So I did what most of us would do: Google’d it and found out the hype. These Brookyln based artists bring out soul and hip-hop feels with their music (hence their genre Brooklyn Soul).

“Phonyland” has been on repeat, day and night, so I’d encourage you to give it a listen. You can even catch them live in your city with Theophilus London on TOUR DE ROSES this year. Unless your one of those people that don’t enjoy new, good music to bump to. Enough of my words, click HERE for a listen.

Hip-hop based lifestyle brand/musical collective, Y.H.G.M held a listening party for their supporters this past Saturday at Baltimore’s sought-after shop PedX. From Baltimore to L.A, Y.H.G.M taps in to pop culture through music, clothing, community events, and multimedia. Founders, artist/entrepeneur “Milly Esquire” and dj/artist “DJ Vanrod” intend to take branding to the next level in 2012. Y.H.G.M will be taking calls from fans live from Elite DC Radio on Monday morning, January 28th. The release party for compilation “Welcome II Y.H.G.M” will take place later that evening at boutique City of Gods from 6 to 9 p.m. 1118 Hollins Street, Baltimore M.D.

Chicago emcee R.O.E (Rising Over Envy) drops the visuals for his single “I Won” from his latest EP, “A Backpacker Named R.O.E.” The rush of populartity among music related websites over the past few years have served R.O.E well in sparking a buzz around himself. Visuals shot by Lucid Perception.

Experience here: "A Backpacker Named R.O.E. "

XXL’s 2012 Freshmen Class candidate, Jon Connor, spits a mean verse entitled “Ruby Hornet” for the well known site. Those who slept on Connor in 2011 probably won’t in 2012 after hearing Vinnie Chase: Season 2 released this past December. Connor also recently dished out a few comments about life on the road at SoundScape Studios in Chicago.

Jon Connor: RubyHornet Freestyle from Ruby Hornet

A long intermission is always a mood killer no matter how great the show. Two weeks ago, a break in between sets at The Intern Showcase in Philadelphia seemed like an eternity. Headliner, Cocoa Sarai quickly crushed any early exit thoughts an antsy audience member might have with her electric entrance. With colossal vocals for such a petite frame, Cocoa belted out pop-soul track, “Raining In My Room” from her anticipated project, The BLACK AND WHITE. The NY songstress has already been deemed the “It Girl” for features and hooks by other popular newcomers such as, Mickey Factz and Theophilus London. Having already won 2007′s The Underground Music Awards “Best Female R&B Artist“, and an equally impressive Grammy nomination for her appearance on hip-hop artist Etcetera’s “Treat You Better,” fans are anxious for the release of her second full length project. “The Cocoa Sarai Experience”: The BLACK AND WHITE Album Release Party will be presented by the LegendFactory this Thursday, January 26th. 428 Lafayette Street, Dominion, NY. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Experience the first release from The BLACK AND WHITE: “Raining In My Room” 01 Cocoa Sarai- Raining In My Room (Prod. Jayd) by legendfactceo” title=”"Raining In My Room”">

The 5th Annual BET Honors occurred this past weekend at the historic Warner Theater in Washington DC. According to Elite DC Mag,”the BET Honors was created to celebrate the lifetime contributions/ achievements of phenomenal individuals within the African American culture who also exemplify exceptional service.” This year’s event was hosted by Gabrielle Union who helped to celebrate the achievements and services provided by seven individuals in music, literature, service, and entertainment. Honorees included Stevie Wonder for his exceptional-ism in the musical arts; Maya Angelou as a phenomenal literary; Mariah Carey for her efforts in entertainment; the Tuskegee Airmen for historic service and prestige; Beverly Kearney as a leader in education, and Spike Lee for breaking barriers as an radical Afro-American director. In addition to the recipients being honored, special guests’ included first lady Michelle Obama, singer/ songwriter Aretha Franklin and Patti Labelle, actress Cicely Tyson, hip-hop artist and actor Common, Will Smith and more!

The BET Honors, sponsored by Lexus Dealer, plans to donate proceeds from this year’s ticket sales to Metro TeenAIDS. Metro TeenAIDs is an health awareness organization dedicated to supporting young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The BET Honors airs on BET February 13th 2012.

Jill Scott

Gabrielle Union

Aretha Franklin

Kelly Rowland

Spike Lee

Peep More Photos From Elite DC Mag. 

Jay-Z brought the ballers out to help celebrate the grand re-opening of the 40/40 Sports Bar in New York. Warren Buffett stopped by and didn’t hesitate to support the Roc We were not on the guest list, but of course we have the pics after the jump.

Russel Simmons came out

Angela Yee

Kevin Liles

Peep more photos below.

Baltimore’s own DBoi Da Dome and Starrz ere recently featured on 92Q’s Rap Attack. The dope-boy-duo possess their own street credit, but there accreditation for worthiness in the rap game stems from their popular single “Trashbags”. The single is tearing up the radio and clubs all over the DMV.

“All I can say is the song got legs so it go where it want to go,” DBoi Da Dome tells AJ.

The “trashbag” spitters told Rap Attack that they were also looking to having a serious feature on the record shortly after shouting out “2Chainz” in his signature voice. I’m speculating that this could be a hint as to who will be featured but we will have to wait to see. Its obvious that the city is loving this new team of artist and supports their music, but is it enough? Peep the video and tell me what you think.

Also Peep his more recent single, “Ex Girl” ft . J’are

Ravens Nation anyone?

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