After years of feeling like his talent was being overlooked by many people, Drake is now finally getting the recognition he feels has been long overdue, and makes it known on “The Winner,” clearly expressed through the lyrics in the chorus: “this is how my speech go, I deserve this sh—t.” The popular newcomer partners up with production team Tha Bizness (Lil Wayne, “Every Girl”; Young Jeezy, “My President”) on this leaked track to create a feel good song celebrating his newfound position in the rap game. The former TV actor (Degrassi: The Next Generation) even claims that his ability surpasses two of hip-hop’s most notable actor/rappers, rhyming “Nick Cannon and Will never did it this ill.” As long as the rookie doesn’t have any more big blunders like the BET awards or releases lackluster videos for popular songs (“Best I Ever Had”), then the Canadian rapper won’t have to wish to “be successful.” Stardom is knocking at Drake’s door, now all he has to do is answer.

 “The Winner” is expected to appear on Drake’s debut album Thank Me Later.

 

    

Who Is Mike Jones? “Who? Mike Jones.” That’s the rhetorical question Houston rapper Mike Jones asked the world on his debut album. Four years after making sure everyone knew his name, Jones is back to drop his sophomore album entitled The Voice, due in stores April 28th via Ice Age/Swishahouse/Asylum Records.

“For the past four years I have been doing a lot of restructuring: getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more. Now I am ready to finish what I started. I’m hoping my fans will feel The Voice was worth the wait.”

Targeting the attention of the ladies, “Next To You” (produced by J.R. Rotem) is the lead single off the new album. Jones also got production from other beatmakers including: Mannie Fresh, Mr. Collipark and The Package Store, Bigg D and Jim Jonsin, Kojack, Essay Potna, and Mike Dean; as well as guest appearances from Lil’ Wayne, T-Pain, Devin The Dude, Hurricane Chris, and Twista.

Mike Jones is currently readying a promotional tour in support of The Voice and will be in LA on March 17th and 18th, San Francisco on March 19th, and Portland and San Diego on March 20th.

The lawyers of multi-platinum selling recording artist Lil’ Wayne are seeking more time to turn over documents in the federal lawsuit against the rapper for copyright infringement.

According to the federal filing in May, Lil’ Wayne’s song “I Feel Like Dying,” used an unauthorized sample from the song “Once,” written by singer Karma-Ann Swanepoel. The suit states Lil’ Wayne’s record label, Cash Money Records, attempted to negotiate a license to use the sample before it was available for download.

On Tuesday, Lil’ Wayne’s attorneys asked a judge in New Orleans to extend a Friday deadline to submit the required documents to the lawyers of Swanepoel’s publishing company.

Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South recording artist Gorilla Zoe has joined Lil’ Wayne on his “I Am Music” tour, alongside fellow artists Keyshia Cole, T-Pain, Gym Class Heroes, and Keri Hilson.

The tour kicked off December 14th at Miami’s American Airlines Arena and will make its way through North America up until mid-January.

Zoe is currently promoting his new single, “Lost,” off the Atlanta rapper’s sophomore album, “Don’t Feed Da Animals.” The video for “Lost” will debut on December 16th, on BET’s hip-hop show, The Deal.

“Don’t Feed Da Animals” is scheduled for release on March 17, 2009.