I’d like to be more optimistic/ But the world is twisted/ A new America?/ Oh shit, I think I missed it.

With Mr. Lif’s album, I Heard It Today, being pushed back to April 21st (back from an original Inauguration Day release) he wanted to make sure he dropped something on the historic day. Aka I’m a good week late on this post haha. Now before you go and say “Damn, another Obama song?” take a listen. Lif is always one to check for and it’s not all love. Peep his thoughts on the record after the jump…

DOWNLOAD: Mr. Lif – Obama* | Mediafire

My focus and emotions took quite an unexpected turn after Barak Obama’s historic victory in the 2008 election. I thought the excitement would have remained more prominent in my mind, but it dissipated rather quickly. After all the celebrations died down, we were still right here in America (the land where there now seems to be a major pitfall looming behind every alleged opportunity). A fierce dose of cynicism set in on me. Then I began to shun politics altogether at a time when I expected to be paying strict attention.

Many of you know that my new album “I Heard It Today” was orignally scheduled for an Inauguration Day release. When it got pushed back to an April 21st 2009 release date, I knew I still had to release something to commemorate this historic Jan 20th, 2009 Inauguration Day. So, I went about the challenging process of capturing all of my sentiments in regards to the Obama administration within a 3 verse song.

I started the song (now titled “Obama”) so many times and failed. I have 3 or 4 verses that never got past the first 4 bars. I have verses that simply didn’t make the final cut. At one point, I felt I couldn’t organize my thoughts well enough to write the whole song on my own, so I recruited my long time friend and collaborator, “Akrobatik” to contribute a verse.

We approached writing the song in several ways but to no avail. Really, it was my conversations with Ak about the topic that helped me break through and figure out what I really wanted to say. Unfortunately, Akrobatik’s voice is not heard on the song, but I truly believe this piece of music would not have been completed on time without his help.

In closing I will say, I am glad to have the opportunity to release this song on such an important day in American history. Hopefully some of the ideas expressed reflect things you have felt at some point as well.

Thanks for listening…
-Lif

*The download link is straight from his MySpace so if you’d like a package with the CDQ main, clean, a capella, instrumental and a mini poster with lyrics; be sure to cop it on iTunes!

LOL at how Brad is strumming a tune only he can hear while Slim is talking. Props to Theda.

Isn’t it a little late to be doing Obama tributes, Robert Sylvester? And if I were in Barack’s shoes, I’d have to take Luda’s co-sign over this shit. Props to X. Side note: why is it when I typed in “R. Kelly” in the tags “p.o.r.n.” came out instead? *dies

DOWNLOAD: R.Kelly – I Believe | Mediafire

Yea, so last night was something else. Good times. Good times. Here goes some new Bussa Buss courtesy of Lil Splash. Up first is a Obama joint with Barrington Levy & Kardi while the second round is a remix to Jazmine Sullivan’s single.

DOWNLOAD: Busta Rhymes – No War (Obama) f. Barrington Levy & Kardinal Offishall
DOWNLOAD: Jazmine Sullivan – Bust Your Windows (rmx) f. Busta Rhymes

In this daily drop of the young gunner’s 30 Verses in 30 Days, he drops some bars over an original beat by Chad Wes, and as a bonus he drops off an Obama song as well. And here’s the rest for those who need catching up.

DOWNLOAD: Young Chris – Vision (Verse 4) | Mediafire
BONUS: Young Chris – Let’s Do It! | Mediafire
DOWNLOAD: Verse 3 | Verse 2

Atmosphere’s front man and numerous college students speak on the Youth Vote and how important it will be this year. There’s also short clips of performance footage of Atmosphere at the Take Back Labor Day Festival, which took place in St. Paul last month. Shouts to MB. Vote Obama dammit!

Last week the other half of A.R.M. dropped a voting PSA, now it’s M.anifst’s turn to divulge his thoughts over this Budo-produced track. On a side note, I just mailed off my ballot for this whole shebang today. Take a wild guess who I voted for and the reason why.

DOWNLOAD: M.anifest – Age Of Obama | Mediafire

…is fuckin’ dope and very much needed right now! Recently, Trip & Shepard Fairey have thrown fundraisers (The Party fo Change) for the Obama campaign. Trip’s been wanting to put the mix he’s been doing at the shows online. Now he’s done it and encourages you to download it and pass it along to anyone you think should hear it. Feel free to burn copies, share it with friends, family, co-workers, strangers and especially anyone you know is on the fence about this election. As a fan of all genre’s of music (and actual DJ work) I suggest you do what he asks and grab the mix. You’ll hear everything from Public Enemy & The Fugees to Audioslave & The O’Jays.

I think this election is way too important to just be silent, so I am trying to do my part here. – Z-Trip

DOWNLOAD: DJ Z-Trip – Obama Mix | Radio Edit Version

Hot97’s Peter Rosenberg hits the streets and asks the people about the election. Shake’s registered. Are you?

Another new joint off the upcoming Ludacris x DJ Drama mixtape, The Preview. Dropping in it’s entirety come Monday. Luda gets his political rhyme on over some Young Buck goodness.

DOWNLOAD: Ludacris – Politics (Obama is Here)
PREVIOUS: Ludacris – Put On Freestyle