I’m sure this was never supposed to be heard by the public and that’s exactly why I’m posting it. It’s the original version of “Nothin On You”before it was turned over to B.o.B. It’s ill how these hit songs get manufactured right? Sure, we know this happens all the time, but it’s always funny when these originals leak. It’s almost like this is Bruno Mars’ hit and they just needed someone to rap over it.*

Dre Edit: *Actually, that’s actually exactly what happened. Here’s what Bruno told Complex a few weeks ago.

“So, Me, Phil & Ari [of Bruno's production crew, The Smeezingtons] did the track and we submitted it to Atlantic Records and they asked us, ‘What do you think about B.o.B on this?’ I was like, ‘Perfect, let’s see what happens.

Lupe Fiasco ft. Bruno Mars - Nothin On You (Original)

(STREAM COMING SHORTLY)

Disclaimer: I did not break into anybody’s email to get this song. I found it on the internet where it had already been available for hours. Please don’t send goons or lawyers to my house. Thanks Lu.

I’m sure this was never supposed to be heard by the public and that’s exactly why I’m posting it. It’s the original version of “Nothin On You” before it was turned over to B.o.B. It’s ill how these hit songs get manufactured right? Sure, we know this happens all the time, but it’s always funny when these originals leak. It’s almost like this is Bruno Mars’ hit and they just needed someone to rap over it.* Dre Edit: *Actually, that’s actually exactly what happened. Here’s what Bruno told Complex a few weeks ago. “So, Me, Phil & Ari [of Bruno's production crew, The Smeezingtons] did the track and we submitted it to Atlantic Records and they asked us, ‘What do you think about B.o.B on this?’ I was like, ‘Perfect, let’s see what happens. Lupe Fiasco ft. Bruno Mars - Nothin On You (Original) Disclaimer: I did not break into anybody’s email to get this song. I found it on the internet where it had already been available for hours. Please don’t send goons or lawyers to my house. Thanks Lu.

!!! WERD UP ESKAY

Nuff said. Enjoy!

LUPE FIASCO - I'M BEAMING

[Download]

J.Cole, Pill, Nipsey Hu$$le, Wiz Khalifa, OJ Da Juiceman, Freddie Gibbs, Big Sean, Jay Rock, Fashawn, Donnis

March madness is in full swing. The XXL 10 Freshmen for ’10 issue is on stands now, the DJ Whoo Kid-hosted mixtape is available [download here] and the one-night only Freshmen 10 Concert is set for March 31 at the Highline Ballroom (NY) [cop tickets here]. Although it’s time for this year’s class to get their shine, we can’t forget the MCs that paved the way for this highly-anticipatedXXL cover.

Nipsey Hu$$le - The Hustle

Wiz Khalifa - G-d Up

Fashawn - I Need To Know

2009 Freshmen 10 List

Wale, Asher Roth, B.O.B, Charles Hamilton, Ace Hood, Curren$y, Kid Cudi, Cory Gunz, Mickey Factz, Blu

Not saying that I know all, but I'm going to give what I see as far as progression for these selected artists.

I'll start off with saying that Wale has done the most in the time since their listing in XXL. Wale, Asher Roth, Ace Hood, Kid Cudi and Mickey Facts released full album projects. Ace Hood had the most behind him pretty much like 2010's list has Oj Da Juiceman, but still didn't seem to catch the attention of the mass public.  Curren$y teamed up with 2010 freshman Wiz Khalifa for songs as well as a complete project entitled 'How Fly'. B.O.B has slowly but surely assigned a lane for himself releasing genre breaking music and a unique new sound that people are taking a liking to. You can see all of them still taking large part in national and international festivals as well as on tours of their own.

2008 Freshmen 10 List

Lupe Fiasco, Young Dro, Lil Boosie, Rich Boy, Joell Ortiz, Plies, Siagon, Gorilla Zoe, Papoose, Crooked I

Its hard for me to have a read on who made out the best (longevity as a rapper) from this group. I would put my vote on Lupe Fiasco, Young Dro or Joell Ortiz seeing as I didnt hear anything from Lupe's 'Lasers' album. Artists like Rich Boy, Plies, Siagon and Gorilla Zoe seemed to stay in the same spot after minimal success of there releases. Lil Boosie made a great impact with the Down South music imprint but got his influence shortened by a four year prison sentence for violation of probation. Papoose went the opposite direction and (as rumor has it) lost a record deal with DJ Kay Slay. Crooked I is keeping on his battle style as him and Slaughter House have an ongoing beef with Benzino. Personally, I'd say that Lupe Fiasco or Young Dro made out best here.

Lupe stopped by Toca Tuesdays w/ Tony Touch on Shady 45.

Lupe Fiasco Freestyle on Toca Tuesdays from Toca Tuesdays on Vimeo.