Unexpected Victory: Chef Raekwon - "Chinese Marines" (Genesis & Mobb Deep)

While I thoroughly enjoy nearly any and all permutations of modern day Hip-Hop... I usually manage to pay even closer attention to interesting, left-field culled samples. Chef Raekwon has always been one of the most consistent rappers around, a favourite of mine since the "36 Chambers" days. After a few minor set-backs, Raekwon finally liberated his latest mixtape, Unexpected Victory @ the brink of 2011-12. The 17-track collection's made up of cold, hard "Boom Bap" Hip-Hop beats produced by Scram Jones, 9th Wonder, The Olympicks, Statik Selektah, and many other rising beatsmiths.

Unexpected Victory boasts featured appearances from the like of JD Era, C.L. Smooth, Mobb Deep, L.E.P. Bogus Boys, Busta Rhymes, Capone-N-Noreaga, Altrina Renee, and Styles P throughout. Easily one of the collection's stand-out tracks - "Chinese Marines" showcases Raekwon & Mobb Deep chopping it up over a Scram Jones-crafted beat, which come to find out... samples Genesis' "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" (1986). Raekwon is currently gearing up to have a successful trip this 2012: The Chef is working on the "C.R.E.A.M." biopic film, Only Built for Cuban Linx III, and a 20th anniversary Wu-Tang Clan album. Raekwon's recent concept-based 5th album, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang (2011) is especially note-worthy. The Wu-Massacre joint album, crafted along with Method Man/Ghostface Killah and Dope On The Table [Remix] EP are definitely worth ~~downloading~~ checking out. "Cash Rules Everything Around Me."

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"Let Me Shine for You:" Lindsay Lohan for Playboy (Winter 2011-12 Leak)

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