LISTEN: Obie Thrice - The Giant

DOWNLOAD Obie Thrice - The Giant (MP3)

Obie Thrice announces his split with Eminem's Shady label and the launch of his own Worldwide Hustle on 'The Giant'. Second Round's On Me was an excellent album and Obie's grown to be one of my favorite second tier (in terms of fame) rappers out there, but I'm concerned the quality of his output is going to suffer.

VIDEO: Snoop Dogg - Crazy ft. Nate Dogg

LISTEN: East Flatbush Project - A Day In A Life

DOWNLOAD East Flatbush Project - A Day In A Life (MP3)

East Flatbush Project was assembled by producer Spencer for Hire and the latest installment in the EFB series of singles features New Jersey's Stress. Excellent track, recommended.

LISTEN: Bullet - Hero Freestyle

DOWNLOAD Bullet - Hero Freestyle (MP3)

This could've been mixed better on a audio quality level, but I'm just marveling at how Bullet doesn't seem to need to take a breath more than once a minute. Over Polow Da Don/Nas's 'Hero' beat.

VIDEO: The Real Presents 'Hitting ROC Bottom'

VIDEO: Jay-Z Glastonbury Concert In Full

Aside from the Oasis cover Jay-Z cleverly weaves in snippets of electronica/dance music early in the set with a surprising live appearance of 'Is That Your Bitch' that segues into The Prodigy's Kool Keith sampling 'Smack My Bitch Up. This is followed by Jigga's Amy Winehouse assisting 'Rehab' verse. 'A Billie' makes an appearance, mostly acapella with a strong sense of crowd control. The electro referencing continues with another Timbaland beat, though heavily altered, on 'Dirt Off Your Shoulders'. The the set takes another classic turn with a Jackson 5 intro for 'H To The Izzo' continuing the conscious decision not to alienate a crowd not used to a pure hip hop show. Onto one of his biggest pop hits 'Can I Get A F* You' that goes straight to another unexpected yet brilliantly chosen reference to the local music taste, the guest verse to Punjabi MC's 'Beware Of The Boys'. 'I Just Wanna Love U' comes next and gets the crowd dancing, which they keep doing to 'Show Me Whatchu Got' after which 'Girls Girls Girls' gives them a break. 'American Boy's guest verse is juxtaposed and brings it right back to the UK market. Rihanna's 'Umbrella' brings the non-Jay-Z song count in this set to 6 out of 13. 'Big Pimpin' leads into 'Hardknock Life' and subsequently a U2 instrumental supporting 'Heart Of The City'. The Linkin Park mashup version of 'Encore' ends the set.

VIDEO: Vordul Mega - Megagraphitti

Cannibal Ox's Vordul Mega is releasing a solo album and 'Megagraphitti' is the lead single and the title of the album itself. Produced by Dev One.

VIDEO: Jay-Z - Wonderwall (live cover)

Jay-Z delivers a classic 'whut?!' moment as he 'covers' Oasis's 'Wonderwall' in a peacemaking ceremony with the Glastonbury audience. HE even puts on a guitar for good measure, even if it's turned off. Nice subliminal shot at Noel Gallagher who wrote the tune and talked greasy about how rappers shouldn't play this festival.

VIDEO: Jay-Z Interviewed By Jonathan Ross

Jay-Z is over in the UK for some shows, including a headlining slot at Glastonbury. Here he's interviewed by talk show host Jonathan Ross, whose show I've always enjoyed. He speaks on Bed-Stuy, Beyonce, recording and much more. Most open and relaxed interview I've seen Jigga do by far. He's also sporting a look I'm going to say he wouldn't sport in the US, gazelles in full effect.

Part 1


Part 2
Via Splash.

LISTEN: John Legend - Green Light ft. Andre 3000

DOWNLOAD John Legend - Green Light ft. Andre 3000 (MP3)

Only posting this for the Andre 3000 feature, a substantial one, though this is a actually very enjoyable track overall on the R&B tip.

VIDE: Talib Kweli Bonnaroo Performance & Interview & Eat To Live

Talib Kweli performed and gets interviewed at last week's Bonnaroo festival. He speaks on what it's like to represent hip hop at the festival, the message behind his music and wanting to work with Bjork one day. Below that his new video for 'Eat To Live'.


Talib Kweli - Bonnaroo/Ourstage Interview

Talib Kweli - Eat To Live

VIDEO: Donny Goines Bars Ep. 5 ft. The League

This Bars thing is a great idea on Donny Goines's part.

LISTEN: Killer Mike - 10 G’s

DOWNLOAD Killer Mike - 10 G’s (MP3)

The Notorious B.I.G. vocal samples are the new Jay-Z vocal samples. Off of I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II.


Via 2DB

VIDEO: Jadakiss, Styles P & Sheek Louch Speak On New Album

Jadakiss, Styles P & Sheek Louch speak on their new D Block album Prepare For Glory, out August 19th.

Edit: Because Babygrand decided to only release a video that automatically starts playing right away, I had to take that shit down. Get with the times Babygrand, don't push, pull. Check out the video here instead.

Edit 2: Someone liberated the video and threw it up on DailyMotion. Can't stop it Babygrand. Came across it at Eskay's.

LISTEN: 1st 48 - My Way ft. Benzino & Nas

DOWNLOAD 1st 48 - My Way ft. Benzino & Nas (MP3)

I think we all agree that of all great rappers Nas easily has the worst judgment in terms of doing the right thing artistically and strategically. Here he appears on a lame track (with a pretty dope verse) with the WOAT Benzino's new group 1st 48. This is of course fresh off of Nas inviting nuisance DJ Khaled to be on a track off of his upcoming album (download here).

LISTEN: Mickey Factz - Incredible

DOWNLOAD Mickey Factz - Incredible (MP3)

Mickey Factz continues to push the envelope with #27 in his weekly series of track. This is his tightest flow yet. Below the interview and freestyle Mickey did for SDSU a little while back.

VIDEO: Wale - The Artistic Integrity

Off of Wale's Seinfeldian The Mixtape About Nothing, courtesy of Rik Cordero.

VIDEO: X Clan - Prison ft. Christian Scott

X Clan updates their sound but retains their message. Surprisingly strong.

NEWS: Wale And Blu & Exile First NYC Performances Coming Up

This should be quite the show.

Sunday July 13th
S.O.B.’s Presents:
Wale & The Legendary Go-Go Band UCB
Blu & Exile
w/ Special Guests: AOK, Che Grand
co-hosted by NDJ Peter Rosenberg & Sucio Smash
$13/$15 @ Ticketweb

LISTEN: Nas - Surviving the Times (Spade's Remix)

DOWNLOAD Nas - Surviving the Times (Spade's Remix) (MP3)

Spade still has some to learn and work on his mixing game, but Spade's Remix > the original Cool & Dre version. Though the version from Nas's, see below in the classic SDSU captured live performance, is going to be hard to top by anyone.

LISTEN: Culture VI - Never Had A Clue ft. Royce 5'9"

DOWNLOAD Culture VI - Never Had A Clue ft. Royce 5'9" (MP3)

Royce 5'9" comes through on Culture VI's 'Never Had A Clue'. Below Culture performes the 'Because OF You' remix. I hear some other folks on this track but they go uncredited.

NEWS: 50 Cent Ordered To Disarm, Lawyer Lies

Rapper 50 Cent has been told by a New York judge to surrender any guns he might have after an ex-girlfriend obtained a restraining order. [...] Mr Jackson's lawyer, Brett Kimmel, said he would contest the order. "To my knowledge, he has no guns," he said. Ms Tompkins has been involved legal row with Mr Jackson over money. She claims she is entitled to half of his estate, based on an oral agreement. (Source: BBC)

First of all, LOL @ the oral agreement claim. Good luck trying to make that one happen.
Second of all, LOL @ his lawyer's statement.

VIDEO: Can't Nobody Hold Me Download

VIDEO: LL Cool J - Rockin’ With The G.O.A.T.

Finally LL Cool J does something dope again.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Episode 4 ft. Esso

LISTEN: Black Thought Freestyle New Year's Eve @ Jay Dee's House

DOWNLOAD Black Thought Freestyle New Year's Eve @ Jay Dee's House (MP3)

Rare old Black Thought freestyle recorded at the late J Dilla's house. Off of Washington DC's Chris Instrument's Places Everyone mix project. It also includes an unreleased A Tribe Called Quest track. Download the whole mix here.


The Roots @ Rock The Bells 07. More pics here

VIDEO: Donny Goines - Faces In The Crowd (Live, 6/17/08)

LISTEN: Nas - I’m On ft. DJ Khaled

DOWNLOAD Nas - I’m On ft. DJ Khaled (MP3)

Oh hell naw. Nas? Why didn't your advisors forewarn you? Please not DJ Khaled on your track. He's just for play. DJ Khaled on a Nas track is like taking a crap inside of a $1,000 pair of jeans. This track is decent mixtape material at best.

LISTEN: Praverb - The King

DOWNLOAD Praverb - The King (MP3)

This new Praverb track is so dope it hurts. My only complaint is that it's too short. Produced by The Admiral with Teddy Roxpin on the cuts.

NEWS: Pearl Jam Screws Kanye West

Ouch Pearl Jam, why'd you go an do that?

West had been scheduled to take the main stage at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival at 2:45 a.m. Sunday morning. While the sleepy thousands in the audience waited, a message on the jumbotrons told them West’s show would be delayed until 3:15 a.m., and when that didn’t happen, that he would start at 3:30. West didn’t hit the stage until 4:25 a.m.

The delay was caused by problems setting up West’s elaborate stage set, which included an interplanetary landscape of a wavy black platform with a slanted floor in the middle and a video screen above. West performed a spectacular galactic-themed concert complete with interaction with his spaceship, a disembodied female voice named Jane (a kind of sexier HAL).

Ken Weinstein, a spokesman for the annual festival held on a 700-acre site south of Nashville, said the delay was simply a matter of unloading the Pearl Jam stage (the band went an hour past its scheduled end time, playing until about 1:15 a.m.) and loading the West stage. (Source)

VIDEO: Cymarshall Law & Skit Slam Perform Live In The Netherlands

Cymarshall Law and Skit Slam perform at the first annual Boogiedown Breda Hip Hop Festival in the Netherlands last month.

LISTEN: Johnson Boy - Been Around The Block ft. Bohagon, J-Bo and Sky (Prod. by Nobody Famous)

DOWNLOAD Johnson Boy - Been Around The Block ft. Bohagon, J-Bo and Sky (Prod. by Nobody Famous)

Now what kind of name is Johnson Boy? Dope song though, courtesy of Nobody Famous.

LISTEN: RZA - Straight Up The Block ft. David Banner

DOWNLOAD RZA - Straight Up The Block ft. David Banner (MP3)

Continuing SDSU's run of RZA firsts and exclusives we bring you 'Straight Up The Block'. Off of Digi Snacks, out next week, and featuring production and rhymes by the honorable David Banner, and of course a very noticeable Jay-Z vocal sample. In case you were wondering, the album is dope and surprisingly different.

Previously:
- RZA - Can't Stop Me Now Trailer
- Can't Stop Me Now Set Photos
- Can't Stop Me Now Script
- RZA 'Digi Snacks' Interview


Photo part of 'Rock The Bells' series. More here.

LISTEN: Joell Ortiz - Summertime In Brooklyn

DOWNLOAD Joell Ortiz - Summertime in Brooklyn (MP3)

I love all the little details about the neighborhoods, especially mine (Bushwick). Over two beats, one of which is DJ Premier's 'A Million and One Questions' beat of Jay-Z fame.

Eskay, who I jacked for this MP3, posting I'm claims: Summertime anywhere in NYC > Wherever you are. Except maybe Miami. Ya’ll got that. I'm going to passionately and respectfully disagree lol. The city sweats out all the dirt and shit that builds up over the course of a year and spits it out on its people. It's disgusting. But, I still love it anyway.

VIDEO: Mosh Jelton vs. Johnny Storm Battle

He isn't bad, but Mosh Jelton needs to step his fashion game up because this particular look only makes me want any rapper he might be battling to whoop his ass.

Mosh Jelton vs Jonny Storm Pt. 1

Mosh Jelton vs Jonny Storm Pt. 2

NEWS: Kanye West's Glow In The Dark MSG Show Presale

Tickets for the extra August 5th Kanye West/N.E.R.D./Lupe Fiasco Glow In The Dark show at Madison Square Garden are now on presale. Internet pre-sale password = HEKANYE. Go here. Spotted over at BV.

NEWS: Jay-Z Sued By Dumbass For $88M For Whisper Flow

This may be the most pointless lawsuit against Jay-Z ever. This won't even come close to making it to trial.

Former heavyweight boxer Mitchell Rose is planning to file an $88 million dollar copyright lawsuit against Jay-Z in Brooklyn Federal Court [...] According to Rose, he gave Jay-Z his demo tape on March 12, 2001, following a bout between William Joppy and Felix Trinidad. He was shocked to discover that Jay-Z allegedly stole his style of rhyming, delivery and even certain lyrics. “He took the style and the delivery,” [...] He’s using it on the regular, now Lil’ Kim is using it. All I want is justice. Jay-Z knows what I am talking about." "I had previously trained some of my artists to use that style, but it quickly became obsolete after Jay-Z got a hold of it," Rose claims. "He [Jay-Z] used the whispering to enhance his music and financially benefit from it. Jay-Z disregarded the fact that it was my demo where he got the style from as he went on to use it for his own personal gains, which is wrong.” (More on AHH.)

VIDEO: Dame Grease - Coke Talk ft. E-Nast

VIDEO: Donny Goines Bars Ep. 3 ft Mickey Factz

This episode I linked up with my dude Mickey Factz down in Soho. I remember back in Nov. of 06 me and him were headlining this show at a club called Lab in Brooklyn, and even tho I didn't perform that night (don't ask haha) Mickey tore it down. I knew back then he was a problem on the mic so you know I had to get him on a Bars segment. Until next week people....

VIDEO: Saigon Interviewed On Alcatraz

The homey Will interviewed Saigon in an original and appropriate location: Alcatraz. Off Topic Note: for all of you who haven't yet seen Escape From Alcatraz yet, netflix that one, or be old-fashioned about it and run down to the local video store.

NEWS: The Game Reveals LAX Cover

I have high expectations for The Game's upcoming LAX album. No rims on this new version of the album cover.

Old

New
New one via Eskay's.

LISTEN: Mickey Factz - Machine Gun

DOWNLOAD Mickey Factz - Machine Gun (MP3)

Mickey Factz rhymes over one of the hardest beats out there, ironically not originally a hip hop track by a Portishead song. One of my favorite Mickey rhymes yet.

VIDEO: Phene & Dub Floyd Pay Homage To Gang Starr

Phene and Dub Floyd, 2008 Justo Mixtape Rookie of the Year, are paying homage to Gang Starr. These kids seem genuine so I'm going to let the whole calling themselves the '08 Gang Starr thing slide. Phene spittin' over 5 different DJ Premier beats with Dub Floyd playing DJ. Phene kind of has an old school Common Sense vibe about him, which is a good thing.

LISTEN: N.O.R.E. - Body In The Trunk Pt. 2

DOWNLOAD N.O.R.E. - Body In The Trunk Pt. 2 (MP3)

A dangerous sequel to N.O.R.E./Noreaga's career highlight track, but it's not bad at all. Wish he could get some excellent beats again. Marley Marl where you at? Includes some annoying dj shouting, but not too much.

NEWS: Scott Storch Wanted (Not By Hip Hop Fans, But By Police)

I consider Scott Storch somewhat of a hack production wise, but damn, I feel kind of bad for him now. Especially after that lame mafia-inspired Meyer Lanski style press campaign with photoshoots last year where he showed off all the money he allegedly had.

Record producer Scott Storch, who owns a $10.5 million home on Miami Beach's Palm Island, is behind in property taxes -- $511,839.16. He owes $294,492.50 for '06, and $217,346.66 for '07. [...] He is in arrears on child support for son Jalen, 2, and was a no-show at a hearing. So Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Marc Schumacher issued a pick-up order, authorizing cops to jail Storch until he can be brought to court. [...] Meanwhile, Storch just got hit with another paternity suit. Vanessa Bellido, 33, of Davie, says Storch is the ''natural father'' of her son Steven Brandon Bellido, 16.

Storch acknowledged he is Steven's dad and voluntarily sent money -- until January, Vanessa says. Now, she says, she and Steven are struggling. They were evicted from their Davie residence last month and had to live with her parents in their two-bedroom apartment in Plantation.

''While [Storch] drives around in his Ferrari and Cadillac, [Steven] is sleeping on a couch in the same room with his mother,'' says her emergency petition for child support, filed by attorney Paul Leinoff. ``The situation is dire. (More here.)

LISTEN: Raekwon - Once In A Lifetime ft Mika

DOWNLOAD Raekwon - Once In A Lifetime (MP3)

New unreleased Raekwon. He's perfoming at BB Kings June 19th (8PM) with Cappadonna. This better not be indicative for OB4CL2. Feels more like whomever is singing Mika is the main artist on this track.


More Wu-Tang pics from Rock The Bells here

NEWS: GZA Tour Dates

Wu-Tang Clan's GZA is taking his Liquid Swords record on the road again. He'll be previewing some new material off of his yet-to-be-titled upcoming record as well. Dates below.



GZA 'Liquid Swords Tour' Dates
08-21 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey (performing Liquid Swords)
08-22 Santa Cruz, CA - Moe's Alley (performing Liquid Swords)
08-23 Petaluma, CA - Phoenix (performing Liquid Swords)
08-25 Portland, OR - Berbati's Pan (performing Liquid Swords)
08-26 Seattle, WA - Neumos (performing Liquid Swords)
08-27 Vancouver, British Columbia - Richard's on Richards (performing Liquid Swords)
08-29 Salt Lake City, UT - Palladium (performing Liquid Swords)
08-30 Denver, CO - Cervantes (performing Liquid Swords)
09-01 Dallas, TX - Palladium (performing Liquid Swords)
09-02 Houston, TX - Warehouse (performing Liquid Swords)
09-03 Austin, TX - Emo's (performing Liquid Swords)
09-04 Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze (performing Liquid Swords)
09-05 Grinnell, IA - Grinnell College (performing Liquid Swords)
09-06 Madison, WI - SoCo Music Series (performing Liquid Swords)
09-07 Chicago, IL - House of Blues (performing Liquid Swords)
09-10 Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head (performing Liquid Swords)
09-11 Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues (performing Liquid Swords)
09-12 New York, NY - Irving Plaza (performing Liquid Swords)
09-13 Boston, MA - Harper's Ferry (performing Liquid Swords)

LISTEN: The Pharcyde - Passin' Me By (Hot Chip Remix)

DOWNLOAD The Pharcyde - Passin' Me By (Hot Chip Remix) (MP3)

Electro kings Hot Chip remixed this classic Pharcyde track, and flipped it on its head. The fact that it came out excellently is quite an accomplishment seeing that the original is one of the highlights of the entire genre of Hip Hop. Off of RMXXOLOGY which celebrates 20 years of label Delicious Vinyl. Out August 18.


Via ImposeMag. Props to Rafi for finding it.

LISTEN: Professor P & Dj Akilles - He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper (Full Mixtape)

DOWNLOAD Professor P & Dj Akilles - He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper (Full Mixtape) (MP3)

How can boom bap this nice and authentic come from Sweden? I'm not sure, but you need to download this and check it out for yourself.

20 years after Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff released their album ”He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper” Professor P and DJ Akilles releases a mixtape with the same title!
Like the title originates from the early days of hip hop so does the musical inspiration of the mixtape, even though the lyrics are based on modern times. The mixtape contains eight new songs, seven remixes of well-known hip hop tracks and one remix of a track from Professor P’s debut album ”Patience”. The entire mixtape is produced by Professor P and DJ Akilles for ProAktive Beats and features guest apperences by AFC, Prop Dylan, Mr. Noun, Remedeeh, Choys, Verbal Ink and That Dude Prince.

Tracklist:
1. He´s the DJ, I´m the Rapper
2. Chillin´ at the Bus Stop
3. Evidence - Mr Slow Flow (ProAktive Remix)
4. Let U No Dat (I´m Here For You)
5. Fat Joe - Find out (ProAktive Remix)
6. Move Up feat. Prop Dylan, Mr. Noun, Remedeeh & Arka
7. Big L - Put it on (ProAktive Remix)
8. Things On My Mind
9. ATCQ - 1nce Again (ProAktive Remix)
10. Where Ya At feat. AFC
11. AZ -Doe or die (ProAktive Remix)
12. Hot, Fresh and Smooth Remix feat. Choys & Verbal Ink
13. Royal Flush - Worldwide (ProAktive Remix)
14. Set It Straight feat. That Dude Prince
15. Jay-Z - Ignorant Shit (ProAktive Remix)
16. Like This

LISTEN: N.E.R.D. - My Drive Thru ft. Santogold & Julian Casablancas

DOWNLOAD N.E.R.D. - My Drive Thru ft. Santogold & Julian Casablancas (MP3)

Converse, the shoe company, is really hitting the music scene hard. After the Kurt Cobain sneakers, and some other in the making, they got together N.E.R.D., Julian Casablancas of The Strokes and current hipster wunder Santogold.

Via Eskay via HighSnobiety.

LISTEN: DJ Insite - Drunk Off The Funk (Full Album)

DOWNLOAD DJ Insite - Drunk Off The Funk (Full Album) (MP3)

The UK's DJ Insite sent over his Drunk Off The Funk album and it turns it's good stuff. Lots of instrumentals and some tracks that feature a selection of UK MC's. Recommended.

VIDEO: Big Treal- Dusty Rhodes

Charlotte N.C's own Big Treal is back with the Khrysis produced 'Dusty Rhodes'.

NEWS: Peedi Crack To Release 'Camel Face Hunting Season'

Peedi Crack is mirroring Jim Jones in his Jay-Z obsession and is set to release Camel Face Hunting Season through Alamgam Digital of Joe Budden fame this September.

“Yup. I’m back! And I feel unstoppable. My flow is advanced and as an artist, I’m getting better, especially without the claws of Roc-A-Fella digging at my back. I’ve been a free agent for the past 3 months and now signing with the Amalgam Digital label for my first project I feel even more unstoppable. They are providing exactly what Peedi always needed...proper promotion and distribution. BANG! It’s Camel Face Hunting Season”

It was all good just a week ago

VIDEO: Donny Goines Bars Ep. 2 ft Nina B

Bars Segment 2 (Feat. Nina B)fromDonny Goines on Vimeo

VIDEO: Crow Wins Loud.com Contest

4 Finalists @ Loud.com MC Contest


Crow goes to Universal to meet with Sha Money and some Loud execs.

LISTEN: Myself - Keep The Fire Burnin'

DOWNLOAD Myself - Keep The Fire Burnin' (MP3)

No this is not my rap debut. It's an artist by the confusing, and google-f*cked, name Myself and the song is nonetheless dope. Off of Protest in Disguise.

VIDEO: Jam Master Jay Documentary Trailer

The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) has announced that “Two Turntables and a Microphone,” a music documentary about the life and untimely death of Jam Master Jay with guest appearances by Russell Simmons, Reverend Run, Jay-Z, LL Cool J and 50 Cent, will have its world premiere as the opening night film of the 2008 Hollywood Black Film Festival. The premiere, sponsored by One Village Entertainment, will take place on Tuesday, June 3, 8:00 pm at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, California; the festival runs June 3–8. Trailer below.

Via DS.

LISTEN: Donny Goines - I Am Moving (Prod. by Dame Grease)

DOWNLOAD Donny Goines - I Am Moving (MP3)

Donny Goines drops the first single off Minute after Midnight, produced by Dame Grease.

NEWS: New Nas Album Cover

Nas wasn't kidding when he said: The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it.. Will Def Jam pull this cover after they already pulled the title?



Previously the cover was going to be this:

Via DS

VIDEO: Kardinal Offishall - Dangerous ft Akon (Live @ Summer Jam)

NEWS: Summer Jam Pics

Photos from this weekend's Hot97 Summer Jam show. More here.

Alicia Looking For Me In Crowd

Jim Jones Not Looking Agitated For Once

Lil' Wayne Doesn't Seem To Have Any Skin Left

Rick Ross, The Only Rapper With Stretch Marks

Kanye West

Raekwon

VIDEO: Saigon Speaks On Future

Saigon signing with Jay-Z's new Roc Nation movement?

VIDEO: Guru Freestyle

An SDSU exclusive. Gang Starr's Guru lays down a quick freestyle for the cameras.