Leonard Friend is the musical alter ego of former XYZ Affair frontman Alex Feder. He recently moved to L.A. and is making a hybrid of R&B, Pop and indie. His debut EP Lynrd Frynd was released last week is an compellingly honest effort that evokes memories of earlier dance sounds and will certainly keep the audience on the lookout for additional released from Mr. Friend. To top things off, Luke Top of Fools Gold turns in a great rework of the cut "Everything for the Sake of Everything." Stream both offerings below.

Leonard Friend - Everything for the Sake of Everything (Luke Top Remix)

Quite a historical event took place last night at Carnegie Hall one might say, as Jay-Z performed his fatherly dedication song "Glory" for the first time in front of a live audience. The event was the first of two intimate concerts of Mr. Carter that intend to benefit United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. Tonight is Jay-Z's next gig, but if you plan to attend expect to make a huge investment as ticket prices are ranged from $2,500 to $5,000 while boxes starting at $15,000. You can find more information here.

Source: D Dot Omen

Enjoying his share of the spotlight these days, A$AP Rocky dedicates his latest face-time endeavor to Montreality for the site's latest video feature. Joined by the ever-present ASAP Mob, the group delves into a range of personal topics such as their individual and collective stories, their rise to success, and some of the lessons learned along the way. Amidst some of the more contemplative topics, the group also chops it up about the Club Paradise tour with Drake and Kendrick Lamar, their tattoos, as well as addressing the off-handed rumors of A$AP Rocky being featured in the Nas "Nasty" video.

It appears that M.I.A.'s middle finger affair will have financial consequences for the eccentric artist. As TMZ points out, the NFL is fined by the FCC. Having learned their lesson with previous performers the NFL will forward the payment to the "Paper Planes" singer. M.I.A. signed a contract with the NFL in which "M.I.A. agreed to indemnify the NFL for any money it might be forced to pay if the FCC comes down on the Peacock Network [NBC]."

In 2004, NBC was charged $550,000 by the FCC, for Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction, but that fine was thrown out by a federal appeals court.

Things have been "absolutely insane" for The Black Keys. That's a quote from the band's lead singer and guitarist himself, Dan Auerbach. Before 2011 came to a close, he and bandmate Patrick Carney hit No. 2 on Billboard's 'Top 200' albums chart the week of the December 6 release of their seventh studio album, El Camino. Since then, the LP has been certified gold. A few days after it hit stores, the Keys announced a string of 2012 tour dates set in arena-sized venues throughout the world. 15 minutes after the announcement, their March 12 concert at Madison Square Garden sold out. As if that wasn't wild enough, their March 22 show at MSG is now sold out too. Now, their first single from El Camino, "Lonely Boy," is holding steady atop Billboard's 'Rock Songs' chart. Despite that, the folks over at Nonesuch Records must feel it's time to press go on the second single. "Gold On The Ceiling" is without a doubt one of the most popular songs on the LP, and now with its strong entries onto the 'Alternative Songs' and 'Rock Songs' charts at No. 32 and 50, respectively, and this brand new music video, it will without a doubt become even more popular. The video, shown above, consists of footage from the El Camino release event that took place in New York City back in December. Check it out, and purchase the album on iTunes or Amazon now if you haven't already.

Source: MTV

Quite possibly one of the most scrutinized lists year in and year out, MTV has just revealed its nominations for the hottest MCs of 2011. The field has been narrowed down to 25, as it will then be chopped up to the 10 best throughout last year. The latter half will be announced next week, and then the top five will be unveiled on Sunday, February 19 on MTV2. See below for the nominees. Who doesn't belong, and who got snubbed?

2 Chainz
50 Cent
Big Sean
Common
Drake
Eminem
Fabolous
French Montana
Jadakiss
JAY-Z
Jim Jones
Kanye West
Lil Wayne
Lloyd Banks
Maino
Meek Mill
Nas
Nicki Minaj
Red Café
Rick Ross
T.I.
Wale
Wiz Khalifa
Yelawolf
Young Jeezy

Back in 2007, The Shins rocked the indie and alternative rock worlds with their third studio album and their last on Sub-Pop Records, Wincing The Night Away, which featured the popular single "Phantom Limb." But for whatever reason, the Albuquerque-based group hasn't released a project since then. Last month, though, they finally returned with a brand new single and label backing. Apparently, that single, "Simple Song," has a b-side that will accompany it on a 7" vinyl that will be released on Valentine's Day. To listen to the acoustic-driven track before then, press play on the lyric video above. The Shins' fourth album, Port of Morrow, will hit stores on March 20 by way of the band's new home, Columbia Records.

Source: Record Store Day

In continuing the barrage of Meek Mill leaks, this time the offering welcomes his MMG connect Ricky Ross for a track titled "Errrday." The cut is to be featured on The Syndicate & Dj Spinatik's forthcoming mixtape, as it welcomes production from Cardiak. Stream the single belwo.

After recently releasing her well-received debut album Born To Die, Lana Del Rey sat down with the UK's Vogue to discuss exactly what's next — or what isn't, rather. The ever-controversial songstress may leaver herself as a one hit wonder, as she disclosed that she might not even follow up with another project.

"I don't think I'll write another record. What would it say? Everything I wanted to say, I've said already."

So while the media already consistently puts the pouty singer-songwriter through the ringer day in and day out, it will seemingly become a feeding frenzy after comments such as this. All in all, though, we'd have to expect more music from Lana or at least maybe that's just what we hope for. Do you guys think she'll return to the studio?

With the ever-popular "sh*t ... say" meme still going strong, Ozone recently put together one for all the hip-hoppers out there. Starring Mr. Mecc, Kim Osorio, Killer Mike, Marcus Manchild, Paul Wall and Slim Thug, presented is an eight minute tribute to stereotypical rapper sayings. Yeah, you've probably heard plenty of these time and time again. So sit back, press play, and prepare for hilarity.