Ross takes an alternate cut of “Hold Me Back”, shot on location in Nigeria. With plenty of guns in the video, it’s unlikely BET will take this version either.

Kendrick Lamar explains why he chose the photo on the cover of “good kid, m.A.A.d city” and discusses the real-life story behind “Swimming Pools.”

Wow, this album cover really takes the Black Sheep concept to a whole new level. Mask-wearing, opposable-thumb having wolves. Pretty awesome. Guest shots from Pusha T, Big K.R.I.T., Gunplay, Trouble, Yo Gotti, and more.

Sure, Cruel Summer and Brother Ali are out today, but what you know ’bout Kreay? Stream Kreayshawn’s new album, in it’s entirety here. Hey, give her credit, her favorite album is Dr. Octagon.

When Lil Fame aka Fizzy Womack (of the world famous Brooklyn duo M.O.P.) and Termanology (of ST. Da Squad & 1982) first came together to make an album, it started out as a solo Termanology effort produced by Lil Fame, who has helmed the boards on songs for Cam’Ron, Cormega, AZ, and others in recent [cont.]

Title track off Murs & Fashawn’s upcoming album This Generation, entirely produced by Beatnick & K-Salaam, out Sept. 25th.

New freestyle from The Kid.

Nice use of the “Dreamweaver” sample. Al-Doe links up with Boldy James and Vado for “5:46AM” produced by Elemnt. Off of Al-Doe’s forthcoming project Nose Candy set to drop in October.

Young De offers this light-hearted look at the presidential campagne.

Brother Ali’s new album, Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color, is in stores today on Rhymesayers Entertainment. Treat yourself to a full-stream of the album right now, via YouTube.

From StonesThrow: Homeboy Sandman is an MC with a tradition. To commemorate the release of each new record, he records a new track called “OUT NOW” and sends it out to the world on the day of the record release at 12 noon, NY time. This is a bonus track, not on the record. It [cont.]

HHS: First off, what is the concept behind your new album Negroes On Ice…? Didn’t it start out as a theatre show of some sort, like a comedy/sketch show…? PRINCE PAUL: The concept is kinda like a day in the life of my Son, obviously it’s highly exaggerated, it’s more or less like a story [cont.]

One last treat to close-out Mellowhype week.

Nardwuar interviews Big Sean in Vancouver, BC, Canada at Twisted Productions’ All Ages gig at the Vogue Theatre

From The Stoned Immaculate, in stores now.

The official lyric video dropped over the weekend, now here’s the live-action, official video for Game’s first single from Jesus Piece, due this December. Matt Alonzo directed.

Second single from (No) Malice’s new album, Hear Ye Him, coming soon.