Korg introduced their new Kaossilator 2, a palm-sized synthesizer that is played via a Kaoss x/y touchpad. The Kaossilator 2 combines PCM drums, modeling synthesis and two crossfade-able Loop Recorder banks. The Kaossilator 2′s Dual Loop Recording Banks can overdub your touchpad performances as many times as you like. By adding layer upon layer to a simple phrase, you can create complex loops and then save them using the microSD data slot. “Boasting a powered-up sound generator, kaossilator 2 delivers synth and drum sounds spanning a wide range of genres, plus dramatically expanded loop recording. kaossialtor 2 is packed with capabilities that can be enjoyed alone on or together with other people. Use two loops to create DJ-like mixes. Use the internal mic to record guitar, vocal, or other audio source — just as with a looper effect. The Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) display provides superb visibility. Add to that a touch slider for ease of use, microSD card data saving, plus a built-in speaker and mic. All of these features reflect the enhancements incorporated into the sleek and exciting kaossialtor 2.”

Ne-Yo has parted ways from Def Jam and moved over to Motown Records. He’s also been pointed Senior VP of A&R. He will be releasing his fifth studio LP this summer there as well. Via billboard I’m honored that I’ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson — these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it.”

The MPC Fly has all the capabilities that have made the MPC an industry standard: 16 backlit MPC pads into its built-in iPad 2 case, the MPC Fly is completed with an integrated iOS app that boasts an array of effects, a four-track mixer, sound library, sample editing and an EQ. The double-hinged design gives you the flexibility to produce tracks anywhere, while also acting as a protective case and giving you total access to your iPad 2 for normal uses.

Damn! According to the NY Post he’s that guy. A Mega rep told us: “We have never received any word that any artist has [individually] filed a take-down . . . [we have] legally binding agreements with the performers that appear in the video . . . They promised that they had the rights to enter into that agreement and it’s not interfering with any third-party rights.

Yes, I know it’s not a hip-hop album, but it is worth mentioning that The Black Keys moved over 207,000 copies of their 7th studio album, El Camino. For those wondering, the Keys took second place on this week’s top 200 falling short of Michael Buble who has now sold an impressive 1.5 million copies of his Christmas album. The late Amy Winehouse also debuted on the charts this week with her posthumous album, Lioness: Hidden Treasures, which sold an estimated 114,000 copies. Despite critical acclaim, The Roots missed the top 10 with their latest gem, undun, as did T-Pain with his latest release rEVOLVEr. In other news, Mistah F.A.B. may be scrapping his backpack, as his latest installment pushed a meager 260 copies. For what it’s worth, the album sounds like some of his best work to date, but I guess most prefer his lyrics watered down. Check back next week for the results on Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa’s collaborative effort as well as the numbers on the debut from unlikely duo of Gucci Mane & V-Nasty. The Black Keys “El Camino” – 207,087 (55% digital) Amy Winehouse “Lioness: Hidden Treasures” – 114,000 The Roots “undun” – 48,407 (65% digital) [read review] Robin Thicke “Love After War” – 41,943 (28% digital) T-Pain “rEVOLVEr” – 33,802 (42% digital) Mistah F.A.B. “I Found My Backpack 2: The Lost Notebooks” – 260 (93% digital)

All I’ve got to say is “DAAAAAMMMNNN!” I’m not sure why no ‘mainstream’ rap ‘news’ outlets are covering this, but Connecticut rapper Chris Webby just sold 9,500 copies digitally of his debut EP, There Goes The Neighborhood. To say this is impressive for Webby would be a tremendous understatement, especially when considering that he dropped his EP with absolutely zero promotion on a Thursday, so this figure does not even reflect a full week of sales. Surprisingly with these numbers, this may actually be the first time that many people have even heard of Chris Webby as he has built his fan base largely through social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook rather than blog buzz and web coverage. Last week also marked the release of the Curren$y-backed Jet Life album Jet World Order, the first album showcasing the entire Jet Life crew. While not as jaw-dropping as Chirs Webby’s sales, the album had a successful opening week, scanning over 4,200 units. In other new release news, Rashad & Confidence seemed to miss the boat with their ode to boom-bap debut, The Element Of Suprise. The duo closed the week out with just over 100 units sold. Chris Webby “There Goes The Neighborhood – EP” – 9,556 (100% digital) Jet Life “Jet World Order – 4,246 (66% digital) Rashad & Confidence “Element Of Surprise” – 107 (61% digital)

Mac Miller made history this week by becoming the first independent artist to reach the top of the Billboard charts on their debut since Tha Dogg Pound in 1995. It’s worth mentioning that Wale sold about 20,000 more units than Mac on his opening week, but was shafted by Justin Bieber’s Christmas album. I guess I can see why Mac earned that number one spot, as he sounds more like the Biebs on Blue Slide Park than the MC on his seminal K.I.D.S. mixtape…Mac wasn’t the only one having a successful week; Tech N9ne sits comfortably at number 21 on the Top 200 with the latest edition to his Collabos series. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, as Tech has a rabid fan base, but this ultimately a victory as the album was barely promoted and is basically void of the noteworthy features from his last album, All 6′s and 7′s. Pusha T and Pac Div also did their thing this week with independent releases, both scanning several thousand. Check back next week when Drake. mixtape and Childish Gambino. mixtape are sure to own the charts. Mac Miller “Ambition” – 144,237 (76% digital) [read review] Tech N9ne Collabos “Welcome To Strangeland” – 26,222 (29% digital) Pusha T “Fear Of God II – Let Us Pray” – 8,897 (64% digital) [read review] Pac Div“The Div” - 2,154 (100% digital)

As predicted, Wale walked away with victor of this week’s hip-hop chart race, as he moved well over 150k units of his sophomore album, Ambition. That’s quite a feat considering his debut, Attention Deficit, only sold 28,000 in its opening week back in 2009. It’s no secret that the Insane Clown Posse has an enormous cult following. Their fan base continually buys records; even if those records are compilations of previously released material. The face-painted Michigan group sold nearly 3,000 copies of their ‘greatest features’ album. What’s most interesting is that their fans copped nearly all physical copies of the album. On a related note, watch out for those Juggalos; they’re a dangerous gang….Producer Black Milk and Detroit MC Danny Brown had a fairly impressive outing this week, as their collaborative project which has the runtime of an EP sold over 800 units. The reason this is particularly noteworthy is because the group basically gave the album away for free by spreading a stream of the album prior to its release, so I guess the people liked what they heard. Check back next week as Mac Miller is sure to dominate the charts with the release of his full-length debut, Blue Slide Park. Wale “Ambition” – 163,889 (42% digital) [read review] Insane Clown Posse “Featuring Freshness” – 2,917 (5% digital) Black Milk & Danny Brown “Black & Brown” – 832 (72% digital) Idle Warship“Habit Of The Heart” - 464 (75% digital) Torae“For The Record” - 411 (96% digital)