The new regime, the next generation or as XXL Magazine would have it, The Freshmen 10. Whichever label it maybe, it’s looks certain that 2009 should be a year of breakthroughs for artists like Mickey Factz & Cory Gunz. In this clip, you’ll hear the Bronx natives demonstrate why they’re buzz hasn’t been based off a marketing gimmick or internet beef. Just talent, and sheer lyricism at it’s best. Check it out.

I’m about to make a bold statement, and some may beg to differ. But, if there were a list for top Hip Hop producers of all time, this man would take the #1 spot. And that’s just off the strength of records like Represent & NY State of Mind, in addition to his resume of classics. But in this video, you’ll see him share his thoughts as not only a producer of Hip Hop but a lifelong fan of it as well. He also mentions the magnitude of having another Nas album with the same producers who brought to you Illmatic. Imagine that. Nas, if you’re reading this, “One Time 4 Your Mind”

Lil Wayne adds another job title behind his name. Weezy starts off 2009 by shocking everyone and taking on ESPN’s Skip Bayless for a spirited debate about sports. Here, Weezy holds his own against the seasoned vet and plays the part well in his frames and zip up sweater. That’s not all though, Skip also seems knowledgeable about Wayne’s career calling Carter III a masterpiece and commenting that he likes “Monster” which is actually a mixtape joint. Check out Part 2 after the jump.

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Fever Ray is one half of The Knife (Karin Dreijer), and this is the first video and single from her upcomming self- titled debut. The Knife are no strangers to the darker side of electronica, and on “If I Had A Heart” Karin Dreijer stays within that comfort zone. The video is ominous and matches the crooning voice lurking in the background. It was directed by Andreas Nilsson who regularly works with the Knife, and by the looks of it he may have created the first great music video of 09′.

After 50 debuted a new single yesterday I guess Eminem felt the need to let his fans know he still has it as well. This joint you are probably already familiar with because a version leaked not to long ago with Em mimicking Dre’s vibrato as he ghost wrote his verse. This is the finished version featuring 50 and Dre, this time utilizing their own voices. Let’s see here, Eminem is back on his off the wall flow rapping about all kinds of mayhem. 50 just dropped a party rocking single sure to heat up the dance floor. Is 2009 poised for a Shady/Aftermath comeback? Download the track below and decide for yourself.

Eminem feat. Dr. Dre & 50 Cent - Crack A Bottle

Theo is starting 2009 off on the right foot. First he unleashes the best song I’ve heard this year so far, then he laces the public with a video for “Dillagence” which will be featured on his upcoming mixtape entitled The Birth. The title is obviously a nod to the late great J Dilla and the soulful, melodic horns on this joint would make him proud. The Hype Club member easily navigates the flow. Check it out above.

If there is one thing about modern music for which I am truly thankful, it is that there exists a sub-group of hipsters who have become obsessed with re-inventing psychedelic music. Psychic Ills much like Amazing Baby, Crystal Antlers, Pocahaunted, Religious Knives, and Robedoor, know how to shred. If you are looking for pop infused tripping like something off an Animal Collective record then Psychic Ills is probably not for you. Their newest album Mirror Eye is set to drop January 20th and is a blissful haze of wandering synths, echoing vocals and haunting guitars. The New York neu-psychedelics are also said to be releasing another mini-LP to follow up Mirror Eye compiled of material recorded around the same time period. Posted below is the track ‘Meta’ off Mirror Eye. Hooray for post-modern hipsters re-hashing psychedelia.

Psychic Ills - Meta

Hot Chip has teamed up with prolific English electro-instrumental pioneer Robert Wyatt and their old friend Geese to release a new EP. The EP is not a simple remix album. Wyatt and Hot Chip selected a few tracks from their latest full length Made In The Dark and met in London to re-record the tracks together. The result is a beautiful 4 track full of instruments unfamiliar to a typical Hot Chip record. Posted below is the track ‘We’re Looking For A Lot Of Love’ which the band released for free via their website.

Hot Chip with Robert Wyatt - We’re Looking A Lot Of Love

In this video entitled “Kamphopo” for the duo The Very Best, consisting of artists Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit, Esau heads back to his home land for the first time in nine years. Previously living in London, the artist is reunited with his vast family in Lilongwe, Malawi and the joy is radiating through out the whole video clip. This joint was from the duos self titled mixtape that dropped last year. Check it out abpve.

The man of the people hits us with another one, this time self produced, and if i do say so myself…it’s a great job on both ends. The transition from rapping into the actual song is done beautifully and this track really captures the mood and sets the tone of the topic. Here’s what Watts had to say about the track.

“this self-produced song tells the story of a superhero/secret agent type who’s out to rid the world of all evildoing and malice. However, the track only explains the early part of his day, and the beginning of his mission, as I may choose to elaborate further on his adventures in the near future.”

J.A.M.E.S. Watts - A Better Tomorrow