1. Obie Trice - Cry Now
In preparation for his new album, Second Round's on Me, Obie Trice hooked up with G-Unit DJ Whookid for a brand new mixtape, Bar Shots. The mixtape is hosted by Eminem, and features rare verses from the blonde rapper.
2. The Game - It's Okay (One Blood)
Without Dr. Dre's support I wonder if The Game's album title, The Doctor's Advocate, still holds water. In fact, rumor has it that the Compton loyalist plans to dismantle Dre on his upcoming DJ Skee-helmed mixtape.
3. The Roots - Don't Feel Right
The Roots should be worried. Very worried. With less than three weeks left before Game Theory hits stores, there's still no music video in sight for their lead single. For now, you can always settle for the palatable audios on The Roots' MySpace page.
4. Nas - Where Y'all At
Nas gets nasty over Salaam Remi's plodding bass dumps. "Where Y'all At" is rumored to be the street single from Nas' upcoming Hip-Hop is Dead...The N.
5. Lupe Fiasco - I Gotcha
Lupe shows off his 'fresh' swag on this Neptunes-produced smash. Interestingly, he stops to shout out his favorite soaps: "Welcome all of y'all to my dark recesses/ This is where I keep the bars like bathtub edges./My Ivorys and my Doves, my Levers and my Zests-es/ It takes half of your bubble bath to match the freshness..." So fresh, so clean indeed.
6. OutKast feat. Snoop Dogg & Lil' Wayne - Hollywood Divorce
OutKast these days means André doing his best Nat King Cole impression on a solo track, while Big Boi rides on his own lane. However, "Hollywood Divorce" is one of few true Idlewild tracks featuring both Boi and Dré. Guests Lil' Wayne and Snoop Dogg impress with their respective verses.
7. Jurassic 5 feat. Dave Matthews Band - Work it Out
Based on the strength of "Work it Out," J5 managed to make an impressive showing on Billboard last week.
8. DMX - Lord Give Me a Sign
Watch the VideoDMX's new album, Year of the Dog...Again, sounds nothing like his early releases, but deep cuts like "Lord Give Me a Sign" will keep heads listening.
9. Snoop Dogg feat. B Real - Vato
Snoop Dogg throws it up with Cypress Hill frontman B Real on this Neptunes-produced single. "Vato" is the lead single from Snoop's upcoming album The Blue Carpet Treatment, slated to drop on November 21st, 2006. The video for "Vato" will air on BET Access Granted on August 30th, 2006. The Game, Daz, Kurupt, E-40, MC Eiht, R.Kelly, Young Jeezy, Stevie Wonder, Dr. Dre also make appearances on The Blue Carpet Treatment.
10. Lupe Fiasco - Kick, Push
Lupe Fiasco wraps up this week's list with his almost-anthemic skateboard hit, "Kick Push." Even though the song has finally worn out its stay on the charts, other gems like "I Gotcha" and "Daydream" help sustain the fiasco.
