“I would go somewhere — I would go to an open mic and when they heard my accent and not understand what I’m saying, it would just be a door-closer,” Jay told MTV UK on a recent trip to Europe. “I made a point in being able to speak in a certain way that I wouldn’t get the door closed on me. All of these things make me who I am now, you know. Continue reading article here

13 Days…13 Freestyles…13 Videos…Leading to The eXXecution in stores March 23rd on Duck Down Music. Directed by Mills Miller Media.

9th Wonder, sat down in a recent studio session to discuss his reaction to hearing “Shining” for the first time, the overall response to the hype around it’s release, and future collaborations with Laws,and more…

Last week Sean Price held the first ever Rap Baby Shower, live from Santos Party House in NYC. Sean Price reveals his favorite gift was a pair of Deceptacon socks from General Steele for his baby girl, Shaun P!!!. Enjoy the re-cap which also features a live version of FIGURE FOUR.

Just got this in the inbox, check out DJWHATITIZ every sunday @ Bunradio (7pm-10pm)

DJ WHATITIZ-Where Brooklyn At??????? Tribute To B.I.G.

MC just shot this over via email…read up!

Win Your Way Onto the NBA 2K11 Soundtrack + The Stage At Duck Down’s Fall CMJ Showcase in NYC

Duck Down Music and 2K Sports have partnered to present an exciting contest for all aspiring producers and MCs to create unique and original music, along with the special opportunity to have their song included in the upcoming soundtrack for NBA 2K11, the next iteration of the hugely popular NBA 2K series.

Phase 1: NBA 2K11 Producer Contest
Starting today, March 8th, producers will have two weeks to create one sample-free instrumental.

All submissions must be sent to nba2k11@duckdown.com by March 22nd.

Producers are also encouraged to record video of their beat making process, which can be included with their final submission.

The top ten instrumentals will be selected by Duck Down Music A&R and representatives from 2K Sports. Each instrumental will also be streamed online via a link at www.XXLMag.com, as fans will have the chance to vote for their favorite track. The winner will be announced on April 5th.

Phase 2: NBA 2K11 MC Contest
Starting on April 6th, MC’s will have four weeks to submit one clean track using the winning producer’s instrumental.

All submissions must be sent to nba2k11@duckdown.com by May 4th. After the top ten songs are determined by Duck Down Music and 2K Sports, they will again be posted via a link on www.XXLMag.com for fans to hear the tracks. The winner will be announced on May 11th.

The grand prize winners of the contest, which will consist of one producer and one MC, will:
Have their song placed in the music soundtrack for NBA 2K11.
Receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City, where they will have the special opportunity to perform the song live at Duck Down’s CMJ Showcase in October 2010.

For those of you under a rock download, and play this track below.

Joell Ortiz – Project Boy

Madlib’s Beat Konducta in Africa drops March 23. Madlib’s Medicine Show #2: Flight To Brazil has been on repeat for about a month now pick that up here

Madlib – The Frontline (Liberation)

African Voodoo Queen (Drama)

Im from where niggas pull your car, and argue all day about, Who’s the best MC’s, Biggie, Jay-Z, and Nas-Jay-Z

Some classic BIG for your soul, Big ups to The Source