The-Dream, “Roc”

Is it weird that The-Dream uses the spelling of the word “rock” so closely associated with his former Def Jam boss Jay-Z? Yes, sort of. In response, Jay-Z should make a song about how good he is at doing sex.

Rick Ross feat. Wale and Meek Mill, “Bag of Money”

Ross’s new mixtape Rich Forever dropped today, and it is star studded: Drake, John Legend, Nas, Diddy, Kelly Rowland, plus some Boi-1da and Lex Luger beats. Very exciting! Less awesome: the fact that the existence of this mixtape is explained by the fact that Rozay was supposed to drop his new album, God Forgives, I Don’t, around this time, but ended up pushing it back because of the multiple seizures he suffered a few months back. Can we get some confirmation that our dude’s health situation is being monitored closely? Maybe a primary care physician can be drafted into Maybach Music Group?

Mod Sun, G-Eazy, Meta, “Rapping A$$ Rappers”

I’ve never heard of any of these guys before, and I’m not really sure how I came across this song, but the phrase “rapping ass rappers” is one I’ve been using and enjoying for years, and I feel that my new friends Mod Sun, G-Eazy, and Meta did it justice.

Scissor Sisters vs. Krystal Pepsy, “Shady Love”

Krystal Pepsy is a penname for Azealia Banks, the adorable 20-year-old Harlemite quickly becoming the internet’s favorite rapper. She also just started beef with recently fallen blog-hero Kreayshawn: “”@KREAYSHAWN you’re a dumb bitch. And you can’t rap. I’ll sit on your face. … Fall back slut.” What’s not to love?

Katy Perry, “Bullet”

This is the original demo version of a track Katy Perry recorded for country star Jessie James. At one point, KP says “Why do you think they call me Jessie James?” Just a bit of comic relief in a time of darkness for our gurl.

Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith, “Happy New Year”

Has 2012 already let you down?! Clearly, you haven’t heard this song.

Thom Yorke, “Stuck Together”

“Twist”

A couple of new spooky instrumentals from Yorkey. Good for instantly adding an element of desperation and doom to, say, your gardening experience.

A$AP Rocky, “Pretty Flacko”

Whatever else happens in the ascendant A$AP Rocky’s career, he’s already cemented himself, this early on, as the rapper most closely associated with the use of the word ‘pretty’ as a positive descriptor.

Gangrene, “Vodka & Ayahuasca”
Just watch this video (that I’m having a hard time embedding for some reason). I have absolutely nothing to add.

Kool A.D., “Flying Thru the Air Inna Airplane”

Das Racist’s Kool A.D. just dropped the solo mixtape The Palm Wine Drinkard, and it is Lil B-level weird. And, although I never understood the appeal with Lil B, I love this: “Flying thru the air inna airplane / watching TV in an airplane / taking a nap in a airplane / sitting in a hotel, watching TV / now I’m flying in an airplane,” and on and on. On the one hand, he’s dutifully recreating the numbing mundanity of the life of a touring musician. On the other, he’s lost his goddamned mind.