Props to Mr. Xclusives

MTV caught up with Timbaland at the VMAs. Regarding Drake on the “Off That” hook Tim says, “I thought to me, we took him out his element” (totally agree) but if he could have done the song over he’d def have given Drake a verse.

The retail release of So Far Gone is out today (iTunes, HMV etc…etc…etc…). Congrats to Drizzy!

From 2DB:

J.Period & K’NAAN are pleased to present the third and final installment of The Messengers tribute to Fela Kuti, Bob Marley & Bob Dylan. Episode #3 celebrates America’s reluctant Civil Rights song leader and poetic voice, Bob Dylan. Dylan’s own struggle with his status as a “Messenger” is well-documented: he shunned the tremendous expectations placed on him during the 60’s, preferring to see himself as a songwriter rather than a social leader. Nevertheless, the impact of his music is undeniable and, over 40 years since Dylan’s arrival, J.Period & K’NAAN set out to show his continued relevance, both socially and musically. On The Messengers #3: Bob Dylan, J.Period remixes and re-invents Dylan’s music for the hip hop generation, while K’NAAN channels Dylan’s poetic voice with heartfelt and compelling lyrics. The result is an unprecedented and truly unique mixtape offering.

Previous: MIXTAPE: K’naan & J Period – “The Messengers” Episode 2 (Bob Marley!)

Previous: K’naan X J. Period – The Messengers ‘Episode 1′ (Fela Kuti)

From Mensa’s FB page! Tracklist after the jump:

What up y’all! By request of the good people at Manifesto, I whipped up a mix showcasing a broad selection of tracks by key artists from this year’s line-up. It’s a doozy! Toronto’s got that heat! Spread this mix out far and wide and see y’all at the events around town this weekend!

The Official MANIFESTO 2009 Promo Mixtape by DJ Mensa (click to stream or right-click and save-as to download)

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Here’s the second installment of Empire’s tribute mixtape series. The 1st one was the Nas tribute (link below), this time they pay homage to the infamous m-o-b-b! Tracklist after the jump! Word is the Get It album will be out next month!

Empire – Mobb Deep Tribute (MIXTAPE)

Previous: Empire – Boom N Pound (Video!!!)

Previous: Mixtape: Empire – The Nas Tribute

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Seen on TRF!

Download!

Does this really need a blurb?! I think the name and tracklisting speaks for itself!

It’s finally here!!! The 2009 edition of Manifesto officially takes over T.Dot in the next few days, but that’s not just the beginning. In fact, Manifesto’s One City Series has been going on since August 29th, promoting and highlighting some of the city’s illest promoters, artists and community initiatives.. (more…)

From RUTv via HHC!

(Shouts to Keezy on the post!)

Nice little interview with the legendary DJX courtesy of Melody Hill Radio/RUTv. Supposedly this is going to be an ongoing series. Look forward to seeing more!

From TRF! via HHC!

“Some of Toronto’s finest beatmakers, Rich Kidd, Boi 1da, Mega Man, Team Soundsmith, & Northern Profit gathered yesterday nearby Scarborough Town Center to show love to each other and play each other’s favourite beats. Collectively, they have produced for the likes of Drake, G-Unit, Busta Rhymes, Rakim, Kardinal Offishall, Young Jeezy, Fabolous, K-Os, and Saukrates just to name a few. Watch as they select their favourite beats from each other; some already hit records, others yet to be released, all heateration.”

Looks like it was a DOPE event (shouts to Keezy on the footage!).

Peep more clips of the show over at TRF!

Directed by Darrell Faria.

Seen on HHC!

Off the “The Les-Kils EP” (a collaboration with producer Fresh Kils) comes the latest single from emcee More Or Less which also features Ghettosocks, Timbuktu & Uncle Fester.

If the extravagant emcee names don’t hint at it, this should be categorized under fun, light-hearted (but with a message) hip-hop ala Jurassic 5. Perfect for a nice Sunday evening just before the VMA’s.