Formerly known to the music world as ‘Justin Daye,’ the Flint, Michigan artist has recently decided to begin releasing music under the name he was actually given at birth, David Aaron. Having been featured on tracks with fellow Flint native and 2014 XXL Freshman, Jon Connor, Aaron was hard at work over the summer, taking his time to gradually broaden his musical talents, both conceptually and sonically. Currently working on his yet-to-be-titled solo LP, Aaron thought he’d drop fans a new track to hold them over until then. On his new song “No Good,” he talks about the woes that many face in toxic relationships.

Take a listen to “No Good” below.

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It is that time of the year again, folks, where XXL reveals their Freshman cover. This year’s “Dirty Dozen” are Chance the Rapper, Rich Homie Quan, Isaiah Rashad, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Durk, Kevin Gates, Troy Ave, Vic Mensa, Lil Bibby, Jon Connor, Jarren Benton, and August Alsina. There is always a ton of scrutiny on who makes the cut, and by the look of it this year will be no different. The actual definition of “freshman” is always a hot debate because many of these artists have already had multiple mixtapes, and August Alsina just dropped his debut album.  Many may have something to say about August and Ty Dolla $ign making the cut since they are more in the R&B category and the list is usually limited to rappers. What do you think about the list? Do you think these 12 men were deserving of gracing the cover? Not one female on the cover? Who do you think should have made it? Hit us in the comments to let us know your thoughts.

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Jon Connor may very well be the hardest working rapper in the game. Just weeks off releasing his Kanye West-themed mixtape, the Michigan spitter continues his #BestInTheWorld series with a tribute to Biggie. The 11-track project finds Connor spitting over classics like “Juicy,” “Who Shot Ya,” “Kick In the Door” and plenty of others. The tape is also hosted by DJ Khaled for some extra energy. Stream it below and download here.

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The Flint, Michigan native always delivers a high quality product, and this time is no different. Connor’s Unconscious State is available for purchase now but he’s letting fans stream the whole thing for free. The album features the likes of Royce da 5’9″, Freddie Gibbs, Talib Kweli and Danny Brown. Listen below and buy a copy if you’re feeling it.

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Talib Kweli comes out swinging today with his new track “Makes No Sense.” The Brooklyn rapper teams up with Gary, Indiana’s Freddie Gibbs, and Detroit’s Jon Connor on this hard-hitting tune full of pure, bare-bones spitting. The rappers pummel the simple piano loop with a continuous stream of gritty bars, opting out of a hook. So far, there is no word on if the track will be featured on Kweli’s upcoming album Prisoner of Conscious, dropping on May 7th. Listen and enjoy below.

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When the niggas you look up to on the block is not in a suit
When they’re glorifying the rocks that they got the cops in pursuit
When one of your niggas die, you don’t cry, you just salute
Like his death is a badge of honor till death came looking for you

If you haven’t copped Jon Connor‘s While You Were Sleeping mixtape, then perhaps this song will invite you to download it. The song has accompanying vocals from Lia Mack and the visuals are brought to us by Joe Puma. “Don’t Wanna Be” addresses the frivolous pursuits of the hip-hop community and calls for a look in the mirror rather than pointing fingers.

The sampled guitar riff can be found (most popularly) on Pretty Lights’ “Finally Moving,” however the original is from Judy Clay and William Bell track called “Private Number.”

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