New: DY featuring Flo-Rida "Shoe Game"

Anyone who knows me knows I have a mean shoe game, so tracks like this are right up my ally. DY is an upcoming rapper who meets up with Grammy nominated producer Poli Paul and hit maker Flo-Rida for "Shoe Game". The track reminds me of Jibbs's "Chain Hang Low". It's a hot jam. Enjoy. MP3: DY featuring Flo-Rida "Shoe Game"

New: Mos Def "24 Hour Karate School"

I'm not sure when Kanye got onto the breaking records business, but he posted up Mos Def's latest single "24 Hour Karate School" yesterday. The track is produced Ski Beatz and is better than pretty much anything on The Ecstatic in my opinion. Check it out. MP3: Mos Def "24 Hour Karate School"

New: Lil Flip "Heartbreaker"

Lil Flip has been a pretty busy man as of late. He released his fourth studio album, Respect Me in September. On Christmas Eve, he is releasing Undaground Legend 2 on iTunes. But today's selection, "Heartbreaker" is from his upcoming album, Ahead of My Time which is slated for release on March 2nd. I don't have the info on who the producer is, but its got those DJ Toomp dark synths going. Enjoy. MP3: Lil Flip "Heartbreaker"

New: Lady Gaga "Poker Face (Hoshina Anniversary Remix)"

Coming up to the end of the year, its undeniable that Lady Gaga had a monster year. Yes, "Poker Face" was released last year but it still got jocked like the new hotness this year. The track gets a face lift from Hoshina Anniversary that give the queen of electro-pop even more electroness. Check out the track. MP3: Lady Gaga "Poker Face (Hoshina Anniversary Remix)"

New: The Heavy Blinkers "Silence Your Drums"

A week before Christmas people are still sending me their last minute Christmas tunes. Today's selection comes from The Heavy Blinkers. The song "Silence Your Drums" takes the tale of the little drum boy but from Mary and Joseph's perspective. The song is simultaneously humorous and beautiful. Check it out. MP3: The Heavy Blinkers "Silence Your Drums"

New: Mark Mallman, Mike Schwandt of White Light Riot, Carin Barno of First Communion Afterparty, and Koo Koo Kangaroo cover "Friday I'm in Love"

Four Minneapolis bands, Mark Mallman, White Light Riot, First Communion Afterparty, and Koo Koo Kangaroo, are performing New Years Eve 2009 at the Varsity Theater. To celebrate they got together and recorded this version of The Cure's classic "Friday I'm in Love". The cover is actually really great. Check it out. MP3: Mark Mallman, Mike Schwandt of White Light Riot, Carin Barno of First Communion Afterparty, and Koo Koo Kangaroo "Friday I'm in Love"

Annie: Don't Stop

Annie: Don't Stop Annie's 2004 debut album, Anniemal was praised by critics; it was named number 167 on Pitchfork Media's top 200 albums of the 2000s. The Norwegian electropop singer finally releases her sophomore album, Don't Stop which has had several set back since it's original September 2008 release date. It has been said "good things come to those who wait". The old adage holds true for Annie fans. The album's lead single "Songs Remind Me of You" is produced by Richard X who produced Annie's hit single "Chewing Gum". The track's four-to-the-floor beat and 80s retro-synths give the perfect backbone to Annie's breathy vocals. The album's second single "My Love Is Better" is produced by Brian Higgins and features backing vocals from Girls Aloud. The track sounds like a combination between Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head" and Calvin Harris's "Acceptable in the 80s" with a little more guitar. The album isn't all singles though. Although I know pop is not supposed to be deep, "The Breakfast Song" is inane even for pop. The chorus features Annie shouting "What do you want/What do you want for breakfast". It's not her finest moment. "Marie Cherie" is as breathy as Annie gets but the song feels like a tease as it never really breaks into anything more than a long extended intro. In the pop world where the album has a few singles and then loads of filler, Annie gives a strong effort on Don't Stop. The album may not have singles as strong as "Heart Beat" and "Chewing Gum" but its still a vote for Annie being a superior artist in the world of pop. Rating: 7.8/10 MP3: Annie "Don't Stop" Buy: iTunes, get the vinyl at Insound

News: Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame class of 2010

Every December music lovers look forward to hearing who will be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. After years of protest from fans and musicians alike, The Stooges finally got the nod. The band was instrumental in rise of punk and blazed the trail for other Hall-of-Famers like The Ramones. The biggest inductee announced was the pride of Stockholm, ABBA. Björn Ulvaeus had said previously "We will never appear on stage again. There is simply no motivation to re-group". ABBA fans world wide hope this is enough motivation to get the four on stage one last time. The biggest surprise to me, was the election of Genesis. The group that launched the careers of Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel got the nod over favorites like Red Hot Chili Peppers and LL Cool J. Rounding out the list of inductees is reggae legend, Jimmy Cliff who I swore was already in the Hall and English group The Hollies. Cliff is best known for his songs "Many Rivers To Cross" and "The Harder They Come". The Hollies were more popular in Britain than they ever were in the US but still scored hits with songs like "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" and "Bus Stop". Congratulations to all the inductees. I look forward to an awesome ceremony next year. MP3: ABBA "The Day Before You Came" MP3: Jimmy Cliff "The Harder They Come" MP3: Genesis "Invisible Touch" MP3: The Hollies "I'm Alive" MP3: The Stooges "I Wanna Be Your Dog"

Timbaland: Shock Value II

Timbaland: Shock Value II Timbaland follows up his multi-platinum, Shock Value with a sequel. Shock Value II much like its predecessor is filled with such big name guests as Justin Timberlake, Drake, Nelly Furtado, and Keri Hilson. Also like its predecessor it features bizarre collaboration partners like Chad Kroeger from Nickelback, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, The Fray, and Jet. There is something so glutinous about Timbaland's records that its hard not to gawk at them like a traffic accident. He is a fine producer but as a rapper or singer, he is better suited for his roles in Aaliyah's "Try Again". So the idea of an over saturation of guest appearances can only be to overshadow the shoddy rapping Timbaland delivers throughout the record. For the most part, this tactic works. Its hard to focus on Timbaland's mediocre verse when Justin Timberlake is singing on "Carry Out". JoJo does such an excellent job on the chorus for "Lose Control", that it actually makes Timbaland sound good. But as advertised, the bizarre collaboration are very bizarre. The misplaced piano-ballad "Undertow" featuring the Fray sticks out like a sore thumb in an album of party jams. Chad Kroeger singing the chorus for a song that features a sample saying "all I want to do is make out" is a little surreal. The acoustic guitar laden, "Timothy Where You Been" features Jet and is awkward to say the least. If curiosity really draws you to listen to Shock Value II , it should only be like the draw of a circus' side show. The album is so disjointed that its actually good in some places, but not enough to be considered a good album. Not even close. Rating: 4.7/10 MP3: Timbaland featuring JoJo "Lose Control" Buy: iTunes, get the vinyl at Insound

New: Don Ho "Mele Kalikimaka (Iamxl Holiday Remix)"

"Mele Kalikimaka" is perhaps best known for its placement in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. But this ain't Chevy Chase's "Mele Malikimaka", Iamxl takes the tune to a new level with some great turntablism to create a new holiday classic. Check out the tune. MP3: Don Ho "Mele Kalikimaka (Iamxl Holiday Remix)"

New: The Game featuring Busta Rhymes "Breakin Rules"

When the Game's fourth album, The R.E.D. Album, was pushed back from its December release date to February 2010, I admit I was disappointed. The steady leak of material from the Game has been making this thing sound amazing. The latest leak is the Scott Storch jam, "Breakin Rules". The track also features Busta Rhymes. Check it out. MP3: The Game featuring Busta Rhymes "Breakin Rules"

Magic Heart Genies: Cardiac Arrest

Magic Heart Genies: Cardiac Arrest Aracata, CA's hip hop trio, Magic Heart Genies return with their sophomore album, Cardiac Arrest. The album is the follow up to last year's Heartifact. Magic Heart Genies were founded in 2006 as a collaboration between the legendary Myka 9, Jthesarge, and DJ Drez. The group's appeal comes from the play between Myka 9 and Jthesarge. Myka has described his style as "My rhymes take the direction of a jazz trumpet or sax solo, like Miles or Trane". He almost never raps over the beat; he instead seems to rap around it similar to Big Boi from Outkast. Jthesarge, on the other hand, takes a much more traditional approach to the beat. The difference in their styles makes the album an interesting listen. On "Take Em Down", Myka 9 spits a flow that reminds me stylistically Eminem. The flow is mind-blowing to the point that you don't comprehend the words because you don't know when to expect them. Jthesarge comes through on the second verse and rocks one of his most rhythmically complex verses of the album. But for every great song there are duds on the album as well. "Designated Driver" sounds like something a police officer would play to a driver retraining classroom. It literally contains the line: "if you drink and you drive you take a chance/you should think about your life and circumstance". If that's not as awkward as an after school special, I don't know what is. Overall, the album lasts far too long, clocking in at 22 tracks. Where it really fails is on the more r&b based songs. With the type of skills Myka 9 and Jthesarge possess, there is no reason for every song not to be a pure banger; leave the r&b to less skilled emcees. Rating: 4.7/10 MP3: Magic Heart Genies "Take Em Down" Buy: iTunes

New: Juicy J featuring Project Pat "Break It Down"

I swear the Three 6 Mafia boys have to be some of the hardest working rappers in the business. They either release a song as a group or individuals twice per month. This week Juicy J releases a new street single, "Break It Down" featuring his big brother Project Pat. The track is pretty much a Three 6-style party song. Check it out. MP3: Juicy J featuring Project Pat "Break It Down"

New: Woodpigeon "XO X-Mas"

Calgary’s Woodpigeon is prepared to release Die Stadt Muzikanten which arrives in stores January 12 on Boompa. To drum up a little support, Woodpigeon just released a new Christmas single, "XO X-Mas". Check out the song and let me know what you think. MP3: Woodpigeon "XO X-Mas"

The Original/The Remix: Tape Deck Mountain "On My Honor"

Tape Deck Mountain released their debut album, Ghost earlier this year. The album is getting a wide release in early 2010, but their first single "On My Honor" is getting the remix treatment here in mid-December. Letting Up Despite Great Faults takes Tape Deck Mountain's drone-pop song and turns it into an upbeat dance tune. Check out the remix and let me know which you like better. The Original: Tape Deck Mountain "On My Honor" The Remix: Tape Deck Mountain "On My Honor (Letting Up Despite Great Faults Remix)"

Last Man Standing: False Starts And Broken Promises

Last Man Standing: False Starts And Broken Promises Once hailed by the Guardian as "the best unsigned band in London", Last Man Standing has signed a deal and now releases their debut album, False Starts & Broken Promises. With that kind of hype from the Guardian, False Starts And Broken Promises has more hype around it than most debut albums. The album, instead of delivering some grandiose new rock hope, delivers a hodgepodge of familiar influences. The band clearly has an affinity for David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and Tom Waits. Their quirky sound mixes mixes elements of goth, folk, and glam into a mix that is easily digestible but not always great. "Everything Must Go" features stream-of-consciousness flow a la Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" with something that sounds like a gospel choir performing backing vocals during the chorus. The song has a clear political message; it is a harsh scolding of America's war in Iraq. On "Go Home", the band indulges in prog-rock. With lead singer M. Vanderwolf's already being fairly high, its hard not to compare the song's sound to a Rush track. Overall, I can see why the Guardian anointed the band early on. Vanderwolf's song writing seems to be like Britain's answer to Canada's Destroyer. Vanderwolf takes songs to more extremes than Destroyer, adding a hard rock edge to almost all the tracks. Its an interesting listen but perhaps not the debut the Guardian was expecting. Rating: 6.4/10 MP3: Last Man Standing "The Dean Street Stumble" Buy: iTunes

New: Young Jeezy featuring Birdman, Lil Wayne, and Drake "Money to Blow"

Birdman's latest single "Money to Blow" has been everywhere. No wonder, it features two of the hottest rappers in the game right now, Drake and Lil Wayne. Well, Jeezy apparently is a fan of the track as well. He records a hot verse on the track. Check it out. MP3: Young Jeezy featuring Birdman, Lil Wayne, and Drake "Money to Blow"

New: Slaraffenland "Little Drummer Boy"

The boys over at Home Tapes sent me this rendition of the Christmas classic "Little Drummer Boy" by Slaraffenland. The Danish quartet is filled with members whose names are not easily pronounced by American tongues. They do a nice job with the Christmas track though. Enjoy. MP3: Slaraffenland "Little Drummer Boy"

Gucci Mane: The State vs. Radric Davis

Gucci Mane: The State vs. Radric Davis Gucci Mane's 2007 debut album, Back to the Trap House was universally panned by critics and looked to be an auspicious beginning to a career. Since then Gucci Mane has appeared on tracks with Lil Wayne, The Game, Wale, and Big Boi from Outkast among others. He has virtually become one of the most sought after collaboration partners without releasing a successful commercial album. He seeks to change that with his sophomore effort, The State vs. Radric Davis. From the get-go the album appears to be unleashing the new and improved Gucci Mane. On the album opener "Classical", Gucci Mane raps over Drumma Boy's symphonic string-filled instrumental. On the track, Gucci raps about his beef with Young Jeezy and the legal troubles which landed him with a 12 month jail sentence. What makes the album odd is that tracks that on paper look great, turn out incredibly disappointing. Token appearances by Lil Wayne and Cam'Ron are wasted on the horrible "Stupid Wild". Appearances by Bun B, E-40, and Devin the Dude are fettered away in the uninteresting "Kush Is My Cologne". While its obvious that Gucci Mane has honed his talent since his debut, the problem is that Gucci Mane falls into the same pitfalls many rappers do. The album spans 20-tracks. The album's four official singles and three street singles are sprinkled across the album; in between is an amalgam of skits, filler, and just plain mediocre tracks. Rating: 6.2/10 MP3: Gucci Mane featuring Lil Wayne and Cam'Ron "Stupid Wild" Buy: iTunes

New: Moneypenny "Christmas Time Is Here"

Chicago-based electro duo Moneypenny are capping off a busy year by offering up a Christmas single. "Christmas Time is Here" starts off with Queen "Another One Bites the Dust"-style bass line then adds Fischerspooner-esque keyboards and weird vocals similar to The Knife. Enjoy MP3: Moneypenny "Christmas Time Is Here"