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Though the title of Julius Francis’ first solo feature (making its world premiere right here in the Booth!) references a romantic relationship, it could just as easily apply to the rising R&B singer’s reunion with Queens emcee K. Sparks – after hearing the two join forces on such blazing hot cuts as Temperature and In the Building (to name a few) Booth readers will undoubtedly be happy to hear that the frequent collaborators are Back Together on a brand new track. Over E-Motion-L Productions’ fittingly, uh, e-motion-l piano-led boardwork, Francis shows off his smooth vocal stylings, pouring out his heart to an ex he isn’t ready to let go of just yet. On the back end, Sparks steps into the spotlight to deliver a heartfelt, characteristically intricate closing verse, lamenting that, “You never really appreciate what you’ve got till it’s gone in the wind.” Julius Francis’ forthcoming solo project, Musically Infected, has yet to receive a solid release date. Keep it locked to the Booth for release details, as well as all the latest leaks.

If there’s anything that can be called a “silver lining” to the troubles that currently plague the globe, from widespread economic woes and endless wars to tragedies like the recent, cataclysmic earthquake that befell the Haitian people, it’s that in times of shared suffering, people of all colors, creeds, and walks of life band together as one – at least, that’s what should happen. On new promo single Shelter Me, making its world premiere right here in the Booth, first-time featurees Pete G & X Man implore all who will listen to set aside petty differences and start working together. Over Kajmir Royale‘s pensive, synth-driven production, the emcees (emcee/producer, in Pete’s case) deliver bars that will have Booth readers nodding in agreement, calling attention to socioeconomic ills and taking aim at rappers who remain preoccupied with stunting while others suffer. This insightful track isn’t set to appear on any forthcoming project, but those who like what they’re hearing should keep it locked for the latest from both of these promising Booth newcomers.

Have you ever felt neglected in a relationship? If so, then Lyfe Jennings has just made your new anthem. On his new single Busy, Lyfe assumes the role of a man whose significant other refuses to show him enough attention. Vocally Lyfe puts on a clinic with this joint, plus piano-tinged production by The Hyenas, a catchy chorus and a strong outro all prove that the Must Be Nice singer still has it. However, Busy ironically suffers from its own topic: the song simply has too much going on. Sounding more like an album-cut than a single with its busy signal effects and dialogue interludes, the song almost loses its emotion while trying to emphasize its concept. Luckily, Lyfe’s voice is intriguing enough to make you sympathize with him and wonder why on Earth this woman doesn’t invest more time in such a talented man. Will Booth listeners pick up on Busy or will Mr. Jennings hear dial tones? That’s up to you. Busy is the new single of Lyfe’s upcoming album I Still Believe (previously titled Sooner or Later), due out in April

As those who tuned in for his Booth-exclusive video interview (shot backstage at ‘09’s Rock the Bells opener) already know, B. Dolan is far from your average rapper. Along with his lovingly-maintained, biker-esque beard and his affection for all things pug-related, another trait that sets the underground emcee apart from the pack is his perspective on the the pursuit of the Almighty Dollar. On his latest album leak (and first Booth feature), Fifty Ways to Bleed Your Customer, Dolan takes a look at our corporate culture, skewering the profit-mongers who would (and do) feed the public poison to make a quick buck. Backed by the appropriately maniacal, percussion-driven boardwork of Alias, the emcee delivers fragmented shotgun blasts of aggressively satirical lyrical ammunition: “We sell Brand X seatbelts and planned obsolescence, clinical trial coverup, never crash-tested…” Sure to earn repeat spins from heads with a penchant for radical rhetoric, FIfty Ways can be found on B. Dolan’s Fallen House, Sunken City LP when it hits stores and online retailers March 2.

YelaWolf has come a long way since he made his debut on the Booth with his defiant breakthrough single I Wish, so far in fact that he’s now releasing an I Wish (Remix). While the remix loses its original Raekwon guest verse, it retains its original hard-rock laced production by Malay and a gains a brand new verse from Yela. Most importantly YelaWolf brings on some fellow Southern emcees to join in on the microphone mayhem, starting with the up-and-coming Pill, who delivers a trademark grimy verse, and newcomer Prince Cyhi, whose “I’ve been fly, my momma gave birth to me on a plane / so I guess you could say I’m airborn.” is either the best or worst line I’ve heard in a minute; frankly I could go either way. Ultimately, as it always does, it comes down to one question: is it better than the original? Well Booth? Is it?  While the remix isn’t on Yela’s recent Trunk Muzik mixtape, I Wish, along with a lot more dopeness, definitely is. I highly recommend you download it now. 

Download I Wish (Remix) at RefinedHype.com!

Though inspired by the notorious Prohibition-era gangster who helped popularize the term “G-Man,” Booth newcomer Machine Gun Kelly‘s stage name has less to do with literal firearms than with the Cleveland native’s knack for lightning-fast flows. On newly-released promo single Leave Me Alone, leaked back in October ‘09 but presented here in its finished form, the up-and-comer reminds us that technically dazzling rhymes and emotional resonance are in no way mutually exclusive. Backed by a reflective, acoustic guitar-synth instrumental by Booth-acclaimed duo Rock City (who also contribute a memorable hook), Kelly vents his frustrations regarding haters, self-doubt and, of course, the relentless grind, building momentum from his conversational opening bars to a double-time grand finale. The rapper ends the record with a promise to keep it one-hundred and not start “[living] like Miley Cyrus.” If he can hold to that, it’s a good bet the 19-year-old emcee has a bright future ahead of him. Digging this promo track? Keep it locked to the Booth for more from the promising up-and-comer.

Hip-hop has a long tradition of producer/emcee combos (ex. Gangstarr) and tracks that use women as a metaphor for a larger topic (ex. Common’s Used to Love H.E.R.), and impressively The Perfect Formula – making their DJBooth debut today – combine both with their new single I’m in Love. Comprised of Booth-approved lyricist Marion Write and producer DJ Finyl, here Perfect Formula has brought along newcomers Verbal E and Fame for some dope, reference-heavy rhymes over Finyl’s soulful beat that draw a direct line between their troubled relationships with women and their native Las Vegas: “Give me the cold shoulder but she’s still too hot / she even had the nerve to tell me that she killed Tupac.” I’ll give you a minute to figure out that line…yeah, there you go. Told you the metaphors were heavy. Do Marion Write and DJ Finyl have the perfect formula for DJBooth success? Are people finally tired of my terrible puns? We’ll find out shortly. Get to commenting people. 

Download I’m in Love at RefinedHype.com!

G-Unit leader 50 Cent has spoken on his admiration for singer Susan Boyle’s record-selling abilities and explained why it could be beneficial to spark a beef with her.

R&B singer Rihanna has denied recent speculation that she will be performing at next weekend’s Grammy Awards in California.

Mystikal recently spoke about former No Limit Records labelmate C-Murder’s 2009 murder conviction.