Love of the Leak

It's damn near Summer, and as we all know "It's the most wonderful time, of the year" (at least for music any way). All the hot summer anthems flood the radio...er, MySpace pages. Your artist's new videos are put in heavy rotation on the music video channels (actually I mean the YouTubes, Hulus, Vevos and artist's websites). And all the albums we've been waiting for all winter finally hit the record stores...or really are put up on iTunes for fans to cherry pick through. Ok yes, the way we enjoy our summer music has changed (no I'm not bitter, ok maybe just a little) but nevertheless it's still a great time to be a music fan.

But my favorite change in the way we get our heads up on music is the "unofficial leak". You know, when a song comes out either online or some late night radio show, and the artist comes out publicly to say that they didn't ok it's release but other then the initial statement they never REALLY try to find out how it got out (assuming it actually is wel received, if it tanks then they're ready to sue every 16 year old with a computer and internet access). In any case we've already seen some great leaks and early releases alone this week, here are some of my favorites:

Drake released his newest "single" of the often delayed "Thank Me Later" (this title is getting more and more brilliant, cuz with all the delays and release push backs we might not be thanking him sooner than 2011 - thank you I'll be here all week). In any case "Light Up" feature's Jay-Z and has the latest and greatest in hip-hop going back and forth, Drake talking about the trials of his "come up" and Jay tryin to let him know what's yet to come. In any case it appears that Hov's appearance forces Drizzy to step his game up unlike any other Drake lyrical co-star has yet to do. If this is what "Thank Me Later" is really going to sound like Drake really might have some "Thank You's" coming sooner (at least from me anyway).

The self-proclaimed master of "uncorny pop", Mike Posner, has finally released his first official single on J Records. The man who once had his following fiening for the perfect "Drug Dealer Girl" recently released his single and video for "Cooler Than Me" for his debut. This electric dance anthem doesn't stray too far from this mix tape hits that made him a well known name amongst college kids over the last couple years. With features with the likes of Kid Cudi, Big Sean and Wale already in his back pocket, Poser's debut might be dope enough to make me if not forget, at least overlook the face that he went to Duke, and if that happens, shit...look out JT, you might wanna get back in the studio real quick.

Lastly, we've got "Mr. I Don't Mean To Interupt" that's right - Kanye West. His new release "Power" is speculated to be the first single from his highly anticipated 4th album in the College Dropout started series "Good Ass Job". "Power" sounds just like a pre-crazy (actually still crazy just not "drunk as hell on MTV" crazy) record full of heavy drums intertwined with smooth soulful samples. In any case, Mr. West shows how you SHOULD come back after a major social fuck up (Chris Brown we're ALL looking at you). Take a few months off, stay as far away from the spotlight, and when the world has damn near forgotten your name drop something so undeniably hot that the only negative the public remembers you doing is dating Amber Rose (seriously 'Ye, her fades damn near better than yours). In any case, had other "urban pop stars" followed this rule maybe him singing the national anthem at a boxing match wouldn't further make him and his career a laughing stock.

Long story short, I know there are tons of other leaks and debut's that have come out recently the likes of Vampire Weekend, Curren$y, Big Sean, Ne-Yo and even The Roots have tipped their hands with regards to their new music. But if this is what we've got coming to us, then regardless of how you choose to pick up your tunes, bogus leaks, legal downloads or even (gasp) archaic physical album puchases (I know crazy that someone would actually leave their computer for their music) - then this is gonna be one hell of a summer.

Peace Up, Peace Out.