V Playlist: Pac Div x Kendrick Lamar x Blu, Whitney Houston, Troy Ave x N.O.R.E., + More

VIBE's Daily Additions to the 'Pod

1. Pac Div (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Blu) – "Cross-Trainers"
Pac Div gets mad respect for paying homage to a Nike classic. Kendrick comes through toward the end and laces (no pun intended) this track with that signature flow of his. Overall, "Cross Trainers" is like hip-hop Halloween music—spooky production, yet dope lyricism.

2. Whitney Houston - "Never Give Up"
Whitney's unreleased material here sounds contemporary, but very mature—an equal combination for a grown woman R&B hit. We just wish she was still around to make more songs like this one. R.I.P. Nippy.

3. Troy Ave (feat. N.O.R.E.) – "Dope Boy (Hands Up)"
The best part about this song is N.O.R.E claiming that he smashed Ma$e's chick in Harlem. That sounds like it could be a funny story.

4. Classified (feat. David Myles) - "Inner Ninja"
The lighthearted feel of this song is a fresh alternative to the typical hardcore hip-hop we're used to. While it does come off a bit cheesy on the chorus, there is a certain "feel-good" vibe you get when listening to this.

5. Curt Chambers - "New America"
This track offers a cool blend of alternative-meets-R&B, similar to what Frank Ocean pulled off on his definitive nostalgia, ULTRA mixtape. From the guitar riffs to the melodies, everything seems to work here.