SMTH - Last Straw feat. Capital STEEZ (Video)

Over a lovely beat provided by DJ Spinna, here we have Brooklyn's SMTH with his video for "Last Straw". The track features the last recorded vocals from the late Capital STEEZ of Pro Era. Hearing how he rides this instrumental and displays his hunger, it makes for a more poignant listen.

The song is available on iTunes with proceeds going to STEEZ's family.

CJ Fly - Eyetalian Frenchip (Video)

If Joey Bada$$ is the only member of Pro Era that you're familiar with, dig deeper. Another member of the crew, CJ Fly, released a solid free album last year called "Thee Way Eye See It". Here he releases another visual from it with "Eyetalian Frenchip".

Check the video below and get the album here.

Locksmith - House Of Games 2 feat. RA The Rugged Man (Video)

Locksmith releases his latest video "House Of Games 2" with a guest verse from RA The Rugged Man. The two head to Europe on tour soon and this track will appear on Locksmith's upcoming album "A Thousand Cuts".

Buddy - Idle Time (Mixtape)

Californian rhymer and Pharrell Williams affiliate Buddy drops off his debut mixtape named "Idle Time". The production credits and features are pretty impressive for someone yet to make an impact on the scene. This should do it.

Production and guest spots come from Freddie Gibbs, Kendrick Lamar, Asher Roth, Pharrell, Boi-1da and The Cool Kids, Robin Thicke and,um, Miley Cyrus among others. Sounding fresh on first listen. It's free so give it a listen.

Amerigo Gazaway - Yasiin Gaye: The Departure (Side One) (Album)

Amerigo Gazaway finally drops his Mos Def and Marvin Gaye mash up. Stream or download available below.

Talib Kweli - Rare Portraits (Video)

Here we have the new video from Talib Kweli's new project. The visual for "Rare Portraits" is taken from the album "Gravitas" which you can get direct from Kweli here.

Chief Xcel on Crate Diggers (Video)

Bay Area producer and one half of Hip-Hop group Blackalicious, Chief Xcel is next to talk about his vinyl collection.

No Malice - Blasphemy feat. Fam-Lay (Video)

The elder of the brothers Thornton, No Malice, drops his latest video from the highly slept on "Hear Ye Him" album. The new video for "Blasphemy" features long time collaborator Fam-Lay on the chorus and we see a throwback theme in the visuals.

The Clipse reunion is still on hold indefinitely but Pusha T does appear on his brother's album on the track "Shame The Devil". Watch the new video below and also check out an old video from Fam-Lay which is taken from the fantastic "The Neptunes Present The Clones" LP from 2003.

Happy Birthday Michael Jordan

Happy Birthday to Michael Jordan, who turns 51 years old today.

Trombone Shorty & Friends NBA AllStar Game Half-time Show (Video)

New Orleans was definitely represented for the half-time show of the NBA AllStar Game with the city's very own Trombone Shorty and his band Orleans Avenue setting it of with some Nawlins funk. They were joined on stage by legendary artist Doctor John, as well as Guy Clark Jr., a show stealing Janelle Monae and the timeless Earth, Wind & Fire.

This was one of the better half-time shows in recent memory.

Video below.

Pharrell Williams & Friends Introduce The NBA AllStars 2014 (Video)

Last year was one of the biggest and most successful years in Pharrell Williams' career so far. It was no surprise then, to see him as the musical guest to introduce the Western and Eastern Conference AllStars last night in New Orleans for the 2014 AllStar Game.

Performing a medley of some of his biggest hits over the years, he brought his own all star line up of guests to help him out. Appearances came from Nelly, Puff Daddy, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg and even a brief but welcome guest spot from Neptunes partner Chad Hugo.

Watch the full introduction video with medley below.

Big L 15 Years

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the passing of Harlem's finest, Big L. Throw ya L's up one time.

Oddisee - Caprice Down (Video)

Taken from his instrumental album "The Beauty In All", Oddisee releases a beautifully shot video for "Caprice Down". The theme is simple. Three skateboarders enjoying life, set to a perfect soundtrack.

Check the video and get yourself "The Beauty In All" and more at Mello Music Group. More info about the skaters in the video can be found on the video's YouTube page.

Marsha Ambrosius - Stronger Than Pride (Video)

Former member of the much missed Floetry, Marsha Ambrosius is back once again. She returns with a new single and video for "Stronger Than Pride" which is a remake originally recorded by Sade. Marsha freshens it up with the ill Jeru Tha Damaja sample from "Come Clean" and makes the song her own. I think she's done a great job here.

"Stronger Than Pride" will appear on Marsha's new album "Friends & Lovers".

The Doppelgangaz - KnowntchooTahLie (Video)

Ahead of their album dropping next week, The Doppelgangaz uncloak the video to their second single "KnowntchooTahLie". Aaagh. Some people need a wash.

The album "Peace Kehd" is available from the 18th February through Bandcamp.