Kirko Bangz

We present our latest edition of Songs of the Week with three new tunes from Joe Budden, Kirko Bangz and Maffew Ragazino.

After increasing the anticipation last week with the video for ‘Cup Up Top Down,’ Houston’s own Kirko Bangz returns with his latest mixtape, ‘Progression 3.’ The rappe released the second installment to the series a little more than a year ago, and its highlight -- the addictively melodic ‘Drank In My Cup’ -- was a mainstay in the club and unquestionably a high point in his young career.

After weeks of winning the Rap Battle, Troy Ave has been beaten by Kirko Bangz. With his track, 'Cut Up Top Down,' Bangz earned 65 percent of the vote in last week's Rap Battle while Troy received 35 percent.

Kirko Bangz's 'Cup Up Top Down' was essentially an ode to the nightlife and the Houston culture as he teamed up with three well-known Houston artists: Z-Ro, Paul Wall and Slim Thug. The visual basically follows that concept as all four rappers deliver their verses while sipping from their cups.

Congratulations to Troy Ave for winning yet again. His track 'Hot Out,' took 81.25 percent of the vote in last week's Rap Battle and beat Casey Veggies' cover of Tupac's 'Baby Don’t Cry (Keep Ya Head Up II),' which only received 18.75 percent.

Kirko Bangz does it for his hometown on the new track, 'Cup Up Top Down' featuring fellow Texas-bred rappers Z-Ro, Slim Thug and Paul Wall.

In 2011, Houston hip-hop had a heartthrob in Kirko Bangz. As reluctant as the young rapper was to accept the title, he definitely scored one with the ladies after his track 'Drank in My Cup' hit the airwaves. 'Drank,' with its Auto-Tune-saturated hook and trance-inducing production, earned Bangz national recognition...