The Ghost in the Machine: The Evolution of Songwriting in Modern R&B

Talib Kweli readies is comeback with the music video for his latest single "Upper Echelon." Produced by Harry Fraud, the tune sees the emcee spitting some lyrical greatness.

Only hours after Lil B released "I'm The Bad Ass," a slight at Joey Bada$$ in response to lyrics off the up-and-coming New York rapper's "1999" mixtape, JB has released "Don't Quit Your Day Job".

In this "never-before-seen footage," Franc Grams revives the feeling of bobbing your head to your Walkman back in "1995." "Dumb it down to double my dollars and end up stupid rich," he says about how today's music industry is the reason for the shift in rap

Two music mega forces, super producer Timbaland and rap mogul Jay-Z, are now officially working together under the same label, Jay-Z's own Roc Nation after a picture of the two was posted on Life+Times with the caption, "Roc Nation welcomes TIMBALAND to the

Houston's rising rapper EDF prepares his first EP XXV (25) with the rider debut single "I'm Trill." Complete with a Pimp C sample on the hook, this Texan anthem exudes the lifestyle of a southern mack.

Skyzoo pays homage to veteran movie Spike Lee in his new music video for "Spike Lee Was My Hero." Directed by Alex Ghassan, the rapper gets a gift in the visuals with a special appearance from Spike himself.

Emcees Spank Pops of San Francisco's Honor Roll Crew, J Billion, and fellow crew member/R and B singer 1-O.A.K.

Season one "X-Factor" contestant Astro addresses the naysayers in "He Fell Off"; the sixteen-year-old Brookyn-born emcee solidifies his presence in the game over a track which throws you back to hip-hop's early days.

Ca$h Out teams with Grand Hustle rapper B.O.B for the vibing, ride out new track "Exclusive." Cash Out's debut album Patience will be released sometime in 2013.

G.O.O.D. Music rapper Pusha T feeds the streets with his latest mixture, Wrath of Caine . The 11-tracks set features collaborations with French Montana, Wale, Rick Ross, and others, with production from Kanye West, The Neptunes and more.