Dope, dope, dope, dope. What else can I say? Shad, aka “Rakim –  North Pole Edition”, has just dropped his first video from his latest album, TSOL, and it’s for the lead track “Rose Garden”.  I don’t think this is available in the US as of yet, but if you’re states-side then you need to check out this album now, be it through Youtube, streaming at Spinner, etc. The backwards trick in the video might make you think back to Pharcyde’s “Drop”, which Shad accordingly shouts out in the end by acting like he’s never heard of them haha. I think Corey would agree when I say that Canadian or American, Shad is one of the most talented and real rappers to break out in the last few years. Check his work out and I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Lately I’ve been thinking about how little Toronto material I’ve been posting on B&B and I think I know why now: the scene is moving very slow. With the exception of our veterans, our R&B scene, and some new-schoolers (T-West, that Drake guy, Shaun Boothe, D-Sisive, etc.), the Toronto urban scene has been slowing down its grind. And in a genre where the term “minute” is used when talking about a period of weeks or months, that’s not a good thing. iSH however is one dude who is trying to change that and has been getting some decent shine for his debut mixtape. iSH is an actor-turned-rapper from the dot (I know what you’re thinking) with a strong musical background. You can read his full bio, download, and stream his tape after the jump. Personally, I hear the potential and I think some people will definitely feel this, but as with everyone at the start he needs to get better acquainted with himself as a musician so as to get that distinct sound.

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When Fish Ride Bicycles, The Cool Kids’ debut album, never saw the light of day since Chuck and Mike began mentioning it a good while ago. It seems though that the wait will finally be over this year, so add this album to the ever-increasing list of hot projects dropping this year. “Freak City” is off of Tacklebox, the lead-up mixtape to WFRB and it should be out as soon as tomorrow. This track is everything you’ve come to expect from the kids, with a bass-heavy beat, a lazy, arrogant flow and wordplay for days. Stream and download after the jump.

UPDATE: Two more tracks up for download, in case you can’t wait for the tape tomorrow.

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This dropped either yesterday or the day before that, so pardon the late pass. After hearing the song and now seeing the video for “Shutterbugg”, I really can’t find anything negative to say about either thing. The beat just knocks with its spacey, trippy party vibe; Sir Lucious Left Foot shuts it down and brings his A-game from beginning to end, and the video is mad creative. It’s one of those music vids that doesn’t have a solid concept, but rather a bunch of complementing elements that pumps new life into the track. Again, I have to say that as someone who couldn’t stand Speakerboxxx, I’m pretty pumped for Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty, which is finally dropping July 6 (fingers crossed).

The worst part about posting tracks from a major upcoming project is not having to spoil the surprise by listening to them pre-release date, but having to post 1001 different manifestations of the same damn song. The progression from radio rips and snippets to CDQ versions is obviously part of the big plan: you can increase the time your name spends at the top of a major site by having each song posted about 3 times each. The tough thing about leaks for an artist is that you can embrace them and ride the publicity wave at the cost of more potential bootleggers, or you can crack down on them at the cost of not having much to keep the public’s attention during the lead-up to a major release. This version of “Shut It Down” comes equipped with some mellow, slow-tempo spitting from Jimmy, which is a forte of his. I’m still not feeling the autotuning, but it is what it is.

Download: Drake – “Shut It Down” feat. The-Dream [CDQ]

Wow, I wake up like any other morning and I find the first single off of Kanye’s next album which is rumored to be titled Good Ass Job. I already like this better then the attempt at pop stardom on 808′s and it is great to hear a unique beat from Kanye after that album which, production wise for me, was formulaic. The steady chanted beat had me pumped from the beginning and Kanye throws a few hot lines into the mix too. Anyways enough talking and take a listen to this first single and hope the rumors are true that the album is dropping soon. Shout to Hypetrak for the SoundCloud so you all can hear it since my site is still bugging out on audio players.

Download: Kanye West ft. Dwele – “Power”

Remixing classics is something that I tell artists to approach with the utmost respect because if it is done wrong you can turn a whole lot of people off to you. Thankfully, these 9th Wonder proteges take that to heart and even get Carlitta Durand to add the chorus that, even though it can never overtake the original, she certainly gives justice and even a new twist. I have been on and off about M1 Platoon for about a year or so now and it isn’t that I don’t like the music but instead the fact that I never get enough of it to keep me interested for extended periods of time. I am not sure if that is my fault or theirs but I do know they have their new tape Rippin’ They Shit dropping next month and it will get a listen or two from me to see what’s up.

Download: M1 Platoon ft. G5 Clive & Carlitta Durand – “Get Money” (Remix)