Album Review: Wale - "Ambition"

Just finished checking out Wale’s new one entitled Ambition, which is slated for release on November 1. Wale gets some assistance this time around from labelmates Rick Ross and Meek Mill, R&B crooner Miguel and a very unlikely collabo with one time rival Kid Cudi.

The CD gets a thumbs up from me. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and I didn’t find one track that I would skip over...RARE!

The album has some great production and the beats have a full body sound. Wale’s flow fits the tracks with ease and there is a little something for everyone.

Check it out for free below before it hits stores. Enjoy!

Wale - Ambition

Standouts: Louts Flower Bomb ft. Miguel, Slight Work ft. Big Sean, That Way ft. Jeremih and Rick Ross

The Black Keys - "Lonely Boy"

Check out the latest video from The Black Keys called "Lonely Boy". The band’s new album, El Camino, will hit stores December 2. 

Shout out to the guy in the video…he's giving us all kinds of feva’ - Go cat daddy, go!!! Enjoy…





Luis Skye Media & Nonstop Hip Hop Live Present: The New Edition

Hip hop heads in Columbia, SC where you at? The New Edition is a showcase for local hip hop talent. The monthly event has been going on since August. It's held at The New Brookland Tavern on State St. in West Columbia.

To top it off, there's an open mic session after all of the performances! Stupid, dope excited...do you feel me? We love a good freestyle session/cypher!



So we, The Yamm, must have been sleeping because we didn't know this was happening in our city! Thank you creators of this event! It's so needed because there is so much talent in South Carolina. Now I don't have hold cyphers in my tiny apartment just to get my fix!

The final two events of the year will be on November 3 and December 1. We'll surely check out one or both of the shows. Will you? Rep yo' city!

Check out the link below for details.

The New Edition at New Brookland Tavern

Fashion Inspired by Beyonce's "Party" Video

We couldn't resist it! We are so stupid, dope excited about the video release of Beyonce's "Party", from her latest album 4, that we've decided to showcase fashion inspired by the video from around the web. Be sure to check back later for details on where to find all of the fashion!

By the way, may we add that Bey is the dopest! We love how the video was shot in a trailer park! Yes Bey, that's that country ish! Enjoy!

Beyonce ft. J. Cole - "Party"

It’s finally here - the long awaited video for Beyonce’s latest single “Party”!!!!!! We at, TheYamm, have been going H.A.M. for this song since the beginning of the summer and we’ve been like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for this one!

I think fans of the album version of the song will be a little disappointed not see Andre 3000 in the video performing his verse with that sexy, southern drawl that makes all the ladies melt; but J.Cole puts it down for the new school so it gets thumbs up in my book.

Peep the video below and watch for a cameo from Bey’s BFF Kelly Rowland and sister Solange….ENJOY!

 

Meeshy Approved: The Roots ft Big K.R.I.T. – “Make My “

In honor of The Roots' upcoming performance here in Columbia this weekend, I thought it only fitting to let you take a listen to the latest from the band entitled “Make My"

The group teamed up with my choice for Rookie of the Year, Big K.R.I.T.  The track is on undun, which is a concept album about a life lost.  Enjoy!

Meeshy Approved: CJ Hilton – “Cold Summer"

You may be familiar with CJ’s other song, “So Fresh” featuring Nas, which saw some radio play earlier this summer. Now the young crooner’s back with a nice groove entitled “Cold Summer”.

I like this young guy’s sound and I'm interested to see what he has to offer on his debut. With

co-signs from established artists like Raphael Saadiq, I’ll be checking for it. Enjoy!

And if you like what you hear, be sure to check out CJ’s mix tape, The Package, hosted by DJ Driis aka Idris Elba!



Mixtape of the Moment: Estelle – “AOM: The Prequel”

Check out the latest mixtape from my favorite UK import, Estelle.  The mixtape is entitled AOM: The Prequel hosted by DJ Cannon.

Estelle - AOM: The Prequel

I love how Estelle can go from sassy singer to rhyme spitter all in one breath. She is truly one of my favorites to come out in a while. If you have not checked out her last CD, Shine, do yourself a favor and pick it up. I promise you will keep it in rotation…enjoy!



Rock The Runway Model Casting Call - Charleston Fashion Week 2012

So you think you got what it takes to be a model? There will be a model casting call for Charleston Fashion Week 2012 at Charleston Harbor & Marina in Charleston, SC on Saturday, October 22.

Charleston's annual fashion week hit the ground running in 2007 and it hasn't slowed down since then! The 2011 event had over 7,000 attendees! Yay Charleston! Make us proud!

We got our tickets! Check out the link below to get yours and to find out more about the event.

Charleston Fashion Week 2012

New Music: T.I. ft. Pharrell - "Hear Ye, Hear Ye"

Ladies and Gentleman, they've done it again! Yep, T.I. and Pharrell have linked up for yet another classic track called "Hear Ye, Hear Ye". The song was recorded shortly after T.I.'s recent release from prison. No word on whether this track will be on his next album.

T.I. and Pharrell have been making beautiful music together since "What's Yo' Name" from T.I.'s debut album I'm Serious. Then let's not forget the super degrading but somehow infectious tune "Amazing" from T.I.'s latest album No Mercy. We sense a collabo album from these two in the near future!

Check out the new track below.

We likey. You likey? Tell us what you think.

New Video: Beyonce - "Love on Top"

Check out the video for Beyonce's "Love on Top". The video is inspired by New Edition's 1988 hit "If It Isn't Love". Then check out the original video from New Edition. Enjoy! 

What do you think? Did she do it justice? Would you call it finding inspiration or stealing? Tell us what  you think.

Music Docs: Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest

There's nothing I love more than a good documentary; but, when you combine good music and A Tribe Called Quest, one of the dopest hip-hop groups of all time, it could be borderline epic!

A Tribe Called Quest was formed in 1985 by rappers, Q-Tip, Phife Dawg and DJ, Ali Shaheed Muhammed. They became famous for their conscience rap over hot party beats. Some of my Tribe faves like, "Bonita Applebum", "Check the Rhime" and "Electric Relaxation" (to name a few), are certified hip-hop classics!

The documentary, Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, will be in stores on October 18. The Michael Rapport produced film takes viewers on a journey through the joys and struggles of the group's 2008 reunion tour. It also captures the story of how the group began through interviews with the group and artists like De La Soul, Busta Rhymes and The Roots to name a few!

I'm stupid excited! I wonder if it'll be available at the RedBox? Pause.

Check out the official movie trailer below!

Nas & Rick Ross - "It's a Tower Heist"

Nas & Ricky Rozay aka Rick Ross team up for this Saleem Remi produced track entitled, "It's a Tower Heist". The song will be featured on the soundtrack for the Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller flick, Tower Heist.

Uh oh, is this return of top artists going hard on movie soundtracks?!? Brings back memories of the days when the soundtrack was actually better than the movie. Can we say Above the Rim? At any rate, let's keep our fingers crossed for that notion. Enjoy!

Meeshy Approved: Wale ft. Rick Ross and Kevin Cossom - “Best Night”

Check out the newest single from DC’s own Wale ft. Rick Ross and Kevin Cossom entitled “Best Night”. You have got to love the Frankie Beverly and Maze sample!

Meeshy Approved: Raheem Devaughn – “Red Carpet"

Raheem Devaughn is one of those talents that you just can’t deny. I don’t think I have ever heard a song by this man I did not like from the first listen. Check out his latest jam, “Red Carpet”.



The BET Hip-Hop Awards in Review: The Cypher

So this year's rap cypher on the BET Hip Hop Awards was a breath of fresh air. I walk away inspired and ready to conquer the world! Isn't that the true essence of Hip-Hop though?

Sneak Peak: Johnny Gill – “Still Winning”

Johnny Gill is back with his new album entitled Still Winning. I must say that after listening to this album in its entirety, it’s definitely an album for the grown and sexy.

With the lead single “I’m in the Mood” and even a LSG reunion on the song “Long, Long Time” (RIP Gerald), this one is worth checking out! In stores now...enjoy!

Still Winning - Johnny Gill

Meeshy Approved: Mayer Hawthorne - "A Long Time"

This week stumbled across this little video gem, entitled “A Long Time”, by artist Mayer Hawthorne . While this video isn’t exactly new, if you’re just hearing Mayer Hawthorne for the first time it’s new to you! Get familiar…enjoy!

All the 80’s babies can truly appreciate this video!!! Mayer Hawthorne’s new album entitled How Do You Do is in stores next week and iTunes now.

Trendin': Be Bold!

Wearing bold, bright yellows, greens and pinks in the Fall may not be new to some of us but it's all the rage this fashion semester! I die (in my country Rachel Zoe voice)!

Meeshy Approved: VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of 00's

Ok, so VH1 aired their top 100 songs of the 00’s this past weekend. I think for the MOST part they were pretty on point with this list.

Hottness: Tribe Jasmine & Rose

Check out this new jewelry and accessories line from Tribe Jasmine & Rose.

Tribe Jasmine & Rose Official Website

Meeshy Approved: Marsha Ambrosius - "Later Nights and Earlier Mornings"

I was a huge fan of Marsha Ambrosius’s 1st solo effort, Late Nights and Early Mornings. Now she has released a mix tape entitled Later Nights and Earlier Mornings which gives fans some unreleased material and remixes from the talented singer/songwriter…enjoy!

Marsha Ambrosius "Later Nights and Earlier Mornings"

Meeshy Approved: Elle Varner ft. J.Cole - "Only Wanna Give It to You"

Since J. Cole is predicted to have the #1 album in the country this week, I thought it only fitting to post this new jam from up and coming songtress Elle Varner ft. J. Cole. The song is entitled "Only Wanna Give it To You".

The Roots Are Coming to The South Carolina State Fair!

Yeah buddy! The Roots are coming, The Roots are coming and we're stupid, dope excited! The band is scheduled to appear at the 2011 South Carolina State Fair on October 22. 

Urban Outfitters Is Coming to Columbia, SC

One of my fave stores, Urban Outfitters, is coming to Columbia...well not permanently. The popular store is traveling around the country with their mobile, fully functioning store.