Today marks the official U.S release of Kanye West’s sixth studio album Yeezus; To coincide with it’s launch West has released his “American Psycho” themed short film starring Kim Kardasian’s brother-in-law Scott Disick and BFF Jonathan Cheban. An over the top and somewhat bizarre production, the film is more about Kanye taking the piss than it is anything else. Terrible performances aside, the script is pretty hilarious…

Watch the film after the jump.

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A snippet of Drake’s ‘On My Way’ dropped back in 2010, after that though nothing about the song, which also features vocals from James Fauntleroy, had been heard. Now though a full albeit unfinished version of the song has leaked – no word on where it came from or who leaked it but it’s definitely worth a listen.

“We don’t have any rules, everyone is trying to figure it out. That’s why the internet is like the wild west”.

Last night Jay-Z has announced the release of his twelfth studio album titled Magna Carta Holy Grail which will be released on July 4th; The first million copies will be given away for free through a specifically designed Samsung Galaxy smartphone, after which it’ll become available to everyone worldwide. A trailer for the album was aired in the States last night and featured appearances from LP collaborators Timbaland, Rick Rubin, Swizz Beatz and Pharrell Williams. This appears to be a shrewd business deal on all sides and is probably just the beginning of what’s to come. And although this isn’t necessarily the first time a music superstar has teamed up with a technology company, this is Jay-Z and that means something significant. Take a look up top and get ready for July 4th.

Leader of the Pro Era collective and rising star Joey Bada$$ discharges a ferocious new track from his Summer Knights mixtape. Known for this love of 90′s hip hop, it’s little surprise that ’95 Til’ Infinity’ indirectly reflects the 1993 classic from which it lends it’s name. Certifiably charged, Joey delivers some of his most vehement verses over a soulfully guided Lee Bannon beat.  Summer Knights will now drop July 1st. Download this below.

Many would agree that hip hop’s current state is a relatively healthy one. More and more young emcees are stepping up to the mic and proving their worth beyond the misplaced hype. The latest stir comes from 20-year old New York rapper Dillon Cooper who over the past year has been developing a following for himself. Like many of his 90′s-baby peers Cooper seems besotted by the golden age of hip hop (see: ‘Survival of the Fittest’ & ‘Shook Ones, Pt 2′) so it’s little surprise his latest single ‘State of Elevation’ feels like an informal homage to the bygone era. It is however Cooper’s charisma, boastful confidence and lyrical proficiency that sets him apart from other lesser counterparts and not too unlike his fellow New Yorker Joey Bada$$, Cooper is beginning to display a real potential for mass appeal. Expect more from him over the summer.

This years Red Bull Music Academy in New York has arguably been one of their most successful to date. Over 230 artists were involved and over 30 events staged across the city, all within the two week window RBMA operates within. A large part of what the academy does well is host guest lectures with pioneering figures in music, this year partipants included Brian Eno, Erykah Badu, Rakim, Todd Edwards and a whole host of other incredible innovators – including Q-Tip. As one of hip hop’s most iconic figures Q-Tip has a lot to share – watch as he opens up about his career, his process, his current set up, his history and the future; He also dissets some of his favourite records of all time, along with some of his most iconic/influential productions. This is a a two-hour discussion – so kick back and enjoy.-

Watch more lectures from this years RBMA here.

Mykki Blanco reaffirms his position as one of the most intriguing and creative figures in hip hop by releasing a sensational new video for his gripping single ‘The Initiation’. The Chris Cunningham style visual was directed by Ninian and sees Blanco crawling through the streets of London to an underworld fight club. Things get particularly weird (brilliant) when he reveals a freakish second-face protruding from his skull…

2 Chainz teams up with Pharrell Williams on ‘Feds Watching’, the bouncy lead single from his forthcoming sophomore album. Aside from teaming up with Williams (always a great decision), what’s most promising about ‘Feds Watching’ is that it departures from what Tity Boy 2 Chainz usually delivers. For a rapper who is near enough on every other record at the moment, it’s good to hear something different – we thank you Pharrell.

J. Cole set the web alight this past weekend when he released his latest song ‘N*ggaz Know’. Like most things he touches the track refocuses and reemphasises his often often underrated lyrical strengths and his ability to build vivid stories through verses. His new album Born Sinner  is expected to drop June 18th. 

Joey Bada$$ continues to excite hip hop fans across the board with the arrival of this new track titled ‘Word is Bond’ produced by Static Selektah. Lifted off his just announced Summer Knights EP due out June 12th, ‘Word is Bond’ further exemplifies his Joey’s lyrical finesse and of course, his on-going homage to the golden era. High hopes are being mounted for that upcoming debut album.