Get "The Blueprint 3" from MTV's "The Leak" Now!

The wait is over for those eager to hear Jay-Z' "Blueprint 3." MTV's "The Leak" has the album ready for download right here. Jay's 11th studio album will hit stores on Friday, Sept. 11.

Here is the official track listing for "The Blueprint 3":
01. What We Talkin' About featuring Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun (4:03)
02. Thank You (4:09)
03. D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune) (4:15)
04. Run This Town featuring Rihanna and Kanye West (4:27)
05. Empire State of Mind featuring Alicia Keys (4:36)
06. Real as It Gets featuring Young Jeezy (4:12)
07. On to the Next One featuring Swizz Beatz (4:16)
08. Off That featuring Drake (4:06)
09. A Star Is Born featuring J. Cole (3:46)
10. Venus vs. Mars (3:10)
11. Already Home featuring Kid Cudi (4:29)
12. Haters featuring Kanye West (2:31)
13. Reminder (4:18)
14. So Ambitious featuring Pharell (4:12)
15. Young Forever featuring Mr. Hudson (4:11)

Jay-Z's Career Summed Up in One Minute

Jay-Z recreates his album covers in this one-minute Rhapsody commercial promoting his "Blueprint 3" album. This was such a dope idea, and it was well executed.

Spotted at RapRadar.com

Behind the Scenes: Kid Cudi URB Cover Shoot

Your boy came from McChikens to "Make Her Say," and he's still got room for growth. I love the fact that Kid Cudi was an employee at the BAPE store and Abercrombie & Fitch in Manhattan before pursuing his music full time. Watch and see other places where The Cudder worked the late shift.

Premeire: Jay-Z feat. Rihanna and Kanye West "Run This Town"

The video for Jay-Z's "Run This Town" was supposed to hit the airwaves tomorrow. But Mr. World Premiere got his hands on the masterpiece, which debuted on MTV Germany today.

I'm really feeling that whole angry mob vibe. I think it's a nice change of pace from a typical music video. It goes against the grain, in a good way.

Spotted at NahRight.com

The Clipse and Kanye Perform "Kinda Like a Big Deal"

Man, I can feel the energy by just watching this video.

Asher Roth and Kid Cudi Tear it Down at the House of Blues Sunset Strip

All The Way Live w/ Asher & Co. from theQside.com on Vimeo.

Judging from Sunday night's performance, it's evident that I missed out on one heck of a show. Surprise guest Ludacris hopped on stage for a remix of "I Love College" and The Cudder blessed the crowd with an a capella.

Spotted at RapRadar.com

The Top 5 Game-Changing Moments from "America's Best Dance Crew"

You don't know how excited I am for the fourth season of "ABDC," which premieres on Sunday, Aug. 9. MTV.com has provided us loyal fans with a compilation of "game-changing" moments from the show, for our viewing pleasures.

MTV Shows

I agree with the Beat Freaks and Quest Crew's rankings, but how could they forget Kaba Modern's "Sensual Seduction" routine? I also thought JabbaWockeeZ should have been higher up on the list, highlighting instead the routine when Rainen did that epic headspin (forgot which song it was to) that went on for days. And I thought SuperCr3w's "We Fly High" performance trumped that ninja routine. I'm just sayin'...

Tune in to MTV on Sunday, Aug. 2 for an "ABDC" special, before the main event on Aug. 9.

Video of the Day: Big Sean "Getcha Some"

"Gone getcha some, gone gone getcha some."

This video was directed by Hype Williams. Big Sean's G.O.O.D. Music comrades, Kanye West and Kid Cudi, have previously used this same effect in their videos. I guess he's just sticking with the winning formula, and I'm not mad at all. Check out Big Sean's mixtape, "UKNOWBIGSEAN," which currently is available.

Video of the Day: Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West and Common "Make Her Say"

A treacherous trio indeed. They all went in on this song. Can't really tell who killed it the most.

Ciara Rocks New, Edgy 'Do

Ciara breaks away from her usual long strands and takes a risk with a short cut. Beautiful.

Twitpics courtesy of @PrincessSuperC

Sneak Peek of Kid Cudi's "Make Her Say" Video feat. Kanye West and Common

MTV Shows

Here's a brief glimpse into what Cudi, Ye and Common have in store for us.

Throwback Thursday: The Roots "The Next Movement"

The Roots - The Next Movement
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"Your head is throbbin' and I ain't said s*** yet."

This was back when Hub was still in the group and my man ?uestlove was on the hefty side. I still believe their one of the greatest hip-hop acts out there, and I'm glad I get to see them perform live Monday through Friday as the house band on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."

Kid Cudi Interview with Tim Westwood

This Tim Westwood character knows how to ask the tough questions. Haha. Kid Cudi makes a stop to see the radio personality in the UK. "I'm on the hunt for Lily Allen."

Good to know that Cudi's "Man on the Moon" album is gearing up for release next month. But by far, the best part of the interview was this gem: "This is your Sisqo 'Thong Song,' isn't it?" (in reference to the success of "Day 'N Nite."

Spotted at GoodMusic-Blog.com

Drake Pays DJ Whoo Kid a Visit at the Sirius Studios

Heartbreak Drake talks about his deal with Young Money, the team concept in "Best I Ever Had," success and more. The video is 17:23 long, but it's worth it to watch it the whole way through. Whoo Kid is a trip. He's hilarious.

Jay-Z is the Biggest Money Maker in Hip-Hop

Forbes.com earlier this week released its list of the top 20 earners in hip-hop and none other than Jay-Z (Shawn Carter, Jigga Man, Hova) ranks No. 1.

The trends show that although hip-hop’s biggest money makers are still making millions, a majority of them are gaining far less than what they made in 2008. This year, in total, rappers on Forbes’ list made $300 million compared to last year's $500 million.

Jay-Z has managed to earn an estimated $35 in the past 12 months -- less than half of the $82 million Jay-Z made the previous year.

Ranking No. 2 is hip-hop mogul Diddy with $30 million. Kanye West is right behind Diddy with $25 million and 50 Cent and Akon tie for fourth with $20 million.

Other artists to make it onto the list include Timbaland (No. 7), Ludacris (No. 13), and Andre 3000 and Big Boi (No. 18).

Forbes’ list was estimated from incomes that include record sales, digital downloads, touring, films, TV shows, endorsements, books, and other entertainment ventures. The time period that is used for the list is June 2008 to June 2009.

Read more at http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/08/jay-z-akon-50-cent-hip-hop-business-entertainment-cash-kings.html.

Spotted at HipHopDX.com

Cliperama with Drake: The Toronto Rapper Talks MJ, Blurring Styles, Lil Wayne and "Thank Me Later"

MTV Shows

"Michael Jackson for me was one of the first times that I really realized the power of an entertainer."

MTV Shows

"The balance of rapping and singing has been blurred ever since I did 'So Far Gone.'"

MTV Shows

"My loyalty lies with Wayne."

MTV Shows

"I'm just basically trying to find the stronger points of 'So Far Gone' and make an album based off that."

Spotted at MTV.com

Drake Signs to Young Money

After months of speculation that kept fans in suspense, Drake officially signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money record label.

According to MTV News, the deal breaks down as a joint venture between Young Money and Cash Money, with Universal Republic distributing. Drake's management was adamant that he should be viewed as an independent artist, although Universal will distribute the project.

"Today is a definitely a comfortable day for me, having my team now that's been in place for a couple of years. It's just a great day," Drake told MTV News recently in New York. "It's something new, but it feels familiar."

So Far Gone became this year's most talked-about mixtape because, in effect, Drake combines the best of both worlds by being a strong singer and rapper. His popularity has gotten so strong that Drake performed — along with Weezy and the Young Money crew — in a prime slot at the BET Awards on Sunday night.

Drake's official debut LP, Thank Me Later, is currently in production and due later this year, with Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z listed as possible collaborators. This summer, look for Drake on tour with Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Soulja Boy Tell'em as part of the Young Money Presents: America's Most Wanted Music Festival.



Spotted at MTV.com

Kanye Hits the Stage at Ellen's "Bigger, Longer & Wider Show"

"Take this, haters."

Yeezy killed it last night on Ellen Degeneres' "Bigger, Longer & Wider Show."

New Joint: The Clipse feat. Kanye West "I'm Kinda Like A Big Deal"

"Pardon me, I must say I'm kinda like a big deal."

Good to see the Clipse back doing their thing. The beat is crazy. Check for the new album, "Til The Casket Drops," set to drop in September.

Video of the Day: Nyle "Let the Beat Build"

Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

This is the first time I've heard of Nyle, but if he's got more songs and concepts like these in his pocket, he'll be known by many. Rumor has it that this video was shot in one try with the music and filming happening at once. Alright, One-Take Hova. Haha.