Kendrick Lamar Promotes Gang Unity With New Reebok Sneakers

If Pirus and Crips all got along, they’d probably wear Kendrick Lamar’s new Reebok sneaker. K Dot is striving for gang unity with his new Reebok Ventilator kicks, which come in a red, white and blue colorway. The left shoe features a blue color pattern (and the word BLUE at the heel) while the right shoe offers a red variation, and RED written on the back—the inside of the shoe reads NEUTRAL. Gotta salute Kendrick for promoting unity while collecting a footwear check. The sneakers hit stores July 18.

Read it at The Urban Daily.

Lil Wayne to Commemorate Hurricane Katrina Anniversary With His Own N.O. Festival

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 10 years since the devastation and subsequent state of emergency that befell New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. But N’awlins rap legend Lil Wayne is commemorating the historically tragic storm by bringing light to his city. The 32-year-old rapper is hosting his own festival, called Lil Weezyana, Fest on Aug. 28. There’s no word yet on what the festivities will entail, but it’s dope to see the hometown hero putting on for N.O.

Read it at Vibe.

Talib Kweli Drops Surprise Compilation Project

With nearly two decades in the rap game, Talib Kweli has such a massive catalog that it’s easy to forget some gems. So allow him to refresh your memory and throw you some unreleased goodies. Last night, the BK MC dropped a 10-song surprise compilation titled Train of Thought: Lost Lyrics, Rare Releases & Beautiful B-Sides Vol. 1, which features guest appearances from Kanye West, Common, Mos Def, Killer Mike and more. Get some nostalgia going via the previously unheard Black Star song, “Bright as Stars.” It’ll only cost you $12 on Kweli’s website.

Read it at OkayPlayer.