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This particular TNN (That New New) Rap post is dedicated to the hip-hop we miss and the current songs that are trying to bring it back.

Method Man and Redman. The rap duo is coming back with the long awaited Blackout 2, and so far I haven't heard anything but heat! The main two tracks blowing up the internet are "City Lights" featuring UGK and "A Yo". "

City Lights" has Meth & Red rapping over a synth "southern-style" beat, complete with a chopped chorus, and the occasional use of the vocoder. While the production lacks something (originality), their verses ride it perfectly, UGK per the usual also comes correct.

"A Yo" is pure hip-hop hotness. Saukrates (Canadian hip-hop artist) supplies the chorus and Meth & Red, do a great job at reminding us why they are one of the top 5 rap duos. For a more laid back feel, check out "Mrs. International". I wish they were't releasing their album the same day as Eminem! I get the feeling they won’t get their due shine.

Click here to listen to all three songs.

The Clipse (also a Top 5 rap duo). They have an upcoming album entitled Till the Casket Drops, and if it is even a fraction of what their past albums have been, then we are in for a treat. The first single, "Kinda Like a Big Deal" grabs you from the first 10 seconds, blessed with DJ Khalil production, it is an instant hit!! To quote all of the hot lines in this track, we would have to basically give you the whole song's lyrics! Pusha's swag comes raw, uncut, and by the pound. Kayne is in rare form (rare-considering his recent work), and hopefully this is a preview of what’s to come. I have to include one of his lines "...I'm like the black Marshall meets Jay"....try and hate on it! Last is Malice and while he is not on the same level as his brother, he comes correct on this track. If you haven't heard it, cancel any plans you had that involved the next 10 minutes and give it listen here. I said 10 because you're going to play it at least 3 times!

Eminem. In case you haven’t heard, Marshall Mathers has an upcoming album entitled Relapse. So far, three songs have been officially released (the others leaked), and they each offer something different. "We Made You" is the MTV-ready track that fans have come to expect. Hip-hop fans may not like it, but the rap game is a business, and while BET will get you respect (to an extent), MTV will get you sales! It follows along the same lines as "The Real Slim Shady", "Without Me", and "Just Lose It" taking stabs at celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, and Amy Winehouse. If his past record sales are any proof, this formula (MTV-ready track, then the song that shows he is a lyrical beast) works. The track is catchy and if you watch the video you will get a laugh. "3 AM" is a tale about Eminem (the Slim Shady persona) being a serial killer, who begins to doubt his sanity (do you see the irony), while recounting some of his crimes. Just sit back and admire the flow, this is the Eminem we love! It's not as chilling as the other psycho-killer inspired tracks he has given us before, nor is it really unique when you think about it, but its 99% better than any of the other options you have in rap right now. Hopefully, the accent he picked up during the hiatus isn’t permanent, but if you loved him solely for the way he spit, never including what he spit, you only thought you were a fan. Our review of "Old Time's Sake" featuring Dr. Dre is forthcoming, check back! The videos for "We Made You" and "3 A.M." are below.


We Made You Video



3 AM Video