Asher Roth "Seared Foie Gras (With Quince and Cranberry) (Mixtape)"

To be honest I'm not a big Asher Roth fan. Didn't think he belonged on XXL's Freshman list last year. However, I went against my better instincts and downloaded this tape. Now I can see what the hype about Asher was. Granted he picks some of my all time FAVORITE beats (Heatmaker's "I'm Ready' off Diplomatic Immunity, Ryan Leslie's "Diamond Girl," and the Kanye produced "Down and Out" off Cam'ron's classic Purple Haze). Still, Asher does pretty well going over these beats, as well as others by Dilla and 9th Wonder. Even if it's not your thing, you can at least show it to the bro's who live down the hall, and possibly convince them to stop playing "I Love College."

Asher Roth- "Seared Foie Gras (With Quince and Cranberry) (Mixtape)"

Common feat. John Legend "Strange Fruit"

Apparently this joint was one of the throw-aways from Common's Finding Forever. I have no idea why, the song is amazing. The song samples the classic Billie Holiday song of the same name. If you've ever heard the original you know how haunting and memorable the song is. This version does justice to the original, with John Legend lending his voice on the hook. Oh yea, and Kanye produced. 

Common feat. John Legend- "Strange Fruit"