Big K.R.I.T- Happy Birthday Hip Hop featuring Yelawolf (Prod. by Big K.R.I.T)

Two of the South's most talented up-and-coming rappers, Big K.R.I.T and Yelawolf, created this ode to hip hop music when they first met in Atlanta over a year ago. Still sounds as jazzy and monumental as ever...

Who's behind Flacco on the depth chart?

Does the name Tyrod Taylor ring a bell?

The Ravens drafted Taylor in the 7th round of the draft in the 2011 draft. He is strength is his mobility both in and out of the pocket. Some teams evaluated him as a quarterback as well as a wide receiver because of the speed he possesses.

Former Carolina Panthers Hunter Cantwell is listed as the third quarterback and with a little luck and a lot of hard work could elevate above Taylor on the depth chart. During his first preseason, the 25-year-old delivered an underwhelming performance, finishing those four games with a 57.2 passer rating.

Unless the Ravens resign Mark Bulger or sign another veteran quarterback to backup Joe Flacco, this is your man. If neither comes to fruition, this will mark the first time in Flacco's career in which he is the most experience quarterback on the team, the mentor not the mentee.

Diggy Simmons- Copy, Paste (Official Video)

In case you didn't catch the video on BET's 106 and Park (you probably didn't if you're over the age of 18), here is the video for Diggy Simmons first single "Copy, Paste". It has been done for weeks but made premiered to the world today.

J. Cole- Can't Get Enough featuring Trey Songz

When J. Cole and Trey Songz get together, of course, they're gonna talk about the ladies. Unfortunately, it's not quite as wonderful as I imagined a collaboration between these two would be.

Four notable veterans headed to free agency

 
Today the Ravens announced that four key veterans of the past few season will be released to free agency. Wide receiver Derrick Mason, running back Willis McGahee, tight end Todd Heap and defensive tackle Kelly Gregg will all hit the open market this Thursday.

Each player has at one point topped the depth chart at their position and left pleasant memories in fan's minds.

At age 36, the game has usually caught up with an NFL player, they themselves have physically slowed down and he finds himself incapable of competing at a top-notch level. Mason does not fit in this category. He finished last season with 802 receiving yards, a number that may signify a decline to the average eye, but is actually a testament to how undeniably good his route running and catching skills still are. In an offense where Anquan Boldin and Todd Heap competed with Mason for passes from Flacco and Ray Rice dilligently ran the ball and caught passes from backfield, a decrease in yardage from the previous year could have been just as much a sign of more equal distribution of the ball as it could have been a decrease in production. Regardless of what you want to believe, there will be a market out their for the veteran once he officially hits the market.


The Ravens signed Willis Mcgahee in 2007 as a replacement for the departed Jamal Lewis. In his debut as a Ravens, Mcgahee ran for over 1200 yards and score a rushing touchdown in seven consecutive weeks of the season. Never again did he tally up that many rushing yards in a single season but he did score 12 touchdowns in the 2009 season as one-third of the three headed monster, made up of fellow backs LeRon McClain and Ray Rice. Mcgahee's release was not a surprise to many since most of his reps have been taken by Ray Rice and his return would have costed the Ravens about $7 million.

Todd Heap's release, however, took me for surprise. Heap is the Ravens' all-time leader in touchdown catches and second all-time leader in receiving yards, behind Derrick Mason. Heap has proven to be a tough, resilient athlete during his tenure. He suffered several injuries during the 2010 season but remained a reliable target, finishing the season with 40 catches, 599 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. During the first three years of his career, Joe Flacco often looked in Heap's direction for a bailout when in trouble. At times it has led to drive saving first downs and other times game-changing mistakes. Number 86 has forever cemented his name and number in Ravens lore as a consistent receiving tight end and good locker room player.

For almost 10 years, Kelly Gregg has been known as a big stud holding down the Ravens offensive line. The 320 pounder was never a great pass rusher but always gave opposing run offensive trouble. The Ravens have remained a top-run defense for as long as Gregg has been around. Pairing up Gregg with 2006 first-round draft pick Haloti Ngata ensured the Ravens a sturdy presence up the middle.

The ironic thing is any of these four players could be signed back if he is willing to accept a lighter paycheck. These men were cut not simply cut because of their ages but because they are costly to keep. The organization has rookies to sign and free agents they are targeting; these players cost money.

Wale- Globetrotter featuring 2 Chainz

When Wale joined the Maybach Music I knew he'd collaborate southern rappers he's never worked with before but a song with 2 Chainz aka Tity Boi wasn't on my radar. "Globetrotter" isn't Wale's most meaningful or conscience track but works well because his and 2 Chainz's deliveries differ so much.

Wale's sophomore album "Ambition" is set to be released on February 2nd 2012; we'll see if this makes the cut.

DJ Khaled- It Ain't Over Til' It's Over featuring Fabolous, Jadakiss and Mary J. Blige

DJ Khaled's We The Best Forever compilation album hit stores yesterday so it's only right that his label (Cash Money Records) release another video to further promote the project. This time New York/New Jersey is represented by rappers Fabolous and Jadakiss and the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul" Mary J. Blige. Fab and Jada's names were never know to be acronyms but if you ever wanted to hear a meaning or comment pinned to each letter in their abbreviated names, you're in luck.

Chris Brown trying his hand at rapping... again

Is there another dimension to Chris Brown? He has already done a good job returning from a dark period in his career. He is arguably, the best singer/dancer in mainstream music once again. Brown began a series called "Real Hip Hop Sh*T" back in February but has come back with the third and fourth installments this week. Even though I don't want to admit it, his verses are rather impressive. Of course, he has the majestic instrumentals of 9th Wonder to rely on but it doesn't take away from his lyrical performance, only adds. Below are the third and fourth parts of his rap series:

Chris Brown- Real Hip Hop Sh*t Part 3 (Produced by 9th Wonder)





Chris Brown- Real Hip Hop Sh*t Part 4 featuring Kevin McCall (Produced by 9th Wonder)