1. The Roots - Don't Feel Right
The Roots drummer and co-founder ?uestlove recently served as the musical director for Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt concert. One word, youtube.2. OutKast - The Mighty O
Rhyming together for the first time since 2000, André 3000 and Big Boi hooked up with heat-makers Organized Noize for the southern bounce production. Big Boi flies solo on the second "Idlewild" single entitled "Morris Brown."
3. Beyonce & Jay-Z - Deja Vu
Jay-Z and his girlfriend reunite for a follow up to their summer slam "Crazy in Love." "Deja vu" is not an instant smash like their previous collaboration, but, the great Bey-Z chemistry makes it worth the bump.
4. Gnarls Barkley ft. Joe Budden - Crazy (Remix)
Listen (windows media)
Joining an array of cover artists which includes pop sweetheart Nelly Furtado, Joe Budden crawls out of nowhere and drops a verse on "Crazy." To keep things fresh, Budden alludes to the Dallas Mavericks' costly mistake in a recent NBA game against the Heat: "We don't think the same, I'm like Josh Howard; I need a time-out but it will cost the game."5. Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push II
Listen | Watch the video (windows media).
A different beat. A different lyrical concept. But, it's still all about kicking and pushing your way to the top. "Kick Push II" is almost as perfect as the original version.
6. Busta Rhymes ft. Kelis & Will.i.am - I Love My Chick
| Watch the video (windows media).Will.i.am is becoming as ubiquitous as Wyclef Jean was in the late 90's. He croons a portion of the chorus here, while Kelis takes care of the rest. Interestingly, actress Gabrielle Union takes the place of Kelis in the "Mr and Mrs. Smith"-themed music video. Dre makes a cameo at the end of the video to check in on the Smiths.
Fun Fact: Busta Rhymes' real name is Trevor Smith jr.
7. Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces
This finger-snapping jam was recently unleashed to assist "Crazy" in keeping St. Elsewhere's momentum alive.
8. Fort Minor - Where'd You Go
Listen | Watch the video (windows media).
The people who appeared in the music video for this were documented in their real homes. They all share a common bond of being away from loved ones and family members, some serving in the military. Now that's real.9. Trae & Yung Joc - In the Hood
Some say Trae's the next best thing from Houston. With catchy singles like his heart-wrenching "Swang" and this Yung Joc collaboration, he just might be.
10. Tha Dogg Pound - Cali Iz Active
A hip-hop group recently accused Snoop Dogg of stealing a song from their MySpace page. "Cali Iz Active" is the title track from DPG's upcoming reunion album.
