We’ve been hearing a lot about Lupe Fiasco’s third and possibly final album titled LupE.N.D. Lasers. While Lupe Fiasco leaks are a dime a dozen around the internets (I just stay away now), Lupe himself has confirmed that “What U Want” will be on Lasers.

With a release supposedly slated in early 2010, “What U Want” serves as the acting first single or taste of what we can expect from Lasers. With simple, laid back beats and equally chill and relaxing supporting vocals, we find ourselves nodding our heads along to a Lupe Fiasco heavily channelling his contemporary, Kid Cudi. If Lupe Fiasco was to perpetuate a trend in hip-hop, choosing the Kid Cudi/808 & Heartbreaks path is most refreshing. I can admit I’m growing weary of the Young Money set.

Late last night, Diplo announced, via Twitter, that Major Lazer will be releasing an EP in April with new material featuring vocals from “M.I.A, Busy Signal, Colliebudz, Lindi Ortega, Buraka Som Systema, Kicks Like a Mule and Thom Yorke“.

Major Lazer is letting us download “Sound of Siren” featuring M.I.A. and dancehall buffo Busy Signal, for free — however, the mp3 seems to cut short at the end. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is an unfinished version of the track. What ever state of completion its in, you can listen her “Sound of Siren” for free.

In light of the announcement of the release of her forthcoming New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh, Erykah Badu seems to be on a leaking streak. Not that I’m complaining, of course. Return of the Ankh will be out on March 30th, and so far, Erykah Badu has posted the web-only bonus track “Jump Up In The Air and Stay There” featuring Lil Wayne on her website, and now also an album-track called “Window Seat” through her Twitter account. “Window Seat” was produced by Badu and features drums by ?uestlove from The Roots. It is also the first taste we get from Return of the Ankh. Think of this as this year’s “Honey“.

Breaking It Up – Lykke Li Live
If you’re crossing the street I might be there…

Love this song. Love this version by The Kooks. Let the young folks tweak the young folk song.

This rap, rock, electro house group from Paris is making me fall in love with them. Their laisser-faire attitude and slightly odd 80′s wardrobe scream and bring a welcomed/much-needed change to our overly serious music industry. Each of their 3 videos ooze creative talent. Visual and audio euphoria. Love this new video. NNB’s fame came in 2007 when they released “Bang Bang” as a music video on youtube and quickly received over 100,000 views.

I am excited to announced that “Tightrope” is the first single off Janelle Monae’s upcoming ’suites,’ the Metropolis Suites II & III: The ArchAndroid. In this outstanding collaboration with Outkast’s Big Boi, Janelle Monae draws strength from James Brown, Grace Jones and even Andre 3000. On Friday, February 12th, “Tightrope”, along with another The ArchAndroid track, “Cold War”, will go on sale exclusively at Janelle Monae’s website. It will be available everywhere on the 23rd of February.

Janelle Monae’s The ArchAndroid is the hotly anticipated and long awaited first release since Monae’s 2007’s Metropolis Suite I of IV: The Chase. According to her official blog, “The ArchAndroid” is an “EMOTION PICTURE” brought to you by Janelle Monáe and the Mad Minds of the Wondaland Arts Society. The star-studded featured cast includes the legendary Big Boi of OutKast, renowned poet Saul Williams, psychedelic dance-punk troupe Of Montreal, punk prophets Deep Cotton, and the Wondaland Arch Orchestra.