CANADA WEEK 2008 “Doing great” is a position STILL relatively unheard of in the Canadian Hip-Hop bizz. Nova Scotia’s Classified however, a name steadily hot on everyone’s tongue throughout his almost 15 year career, can realistically boast the status. Steady on the grind in mind and time, Class has spent more than the last decade […]
ALLHIPHOP CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCEDelivering the truth in both context and lyrical poise is Staten Island wordsmith NYOIL. Not a mainstream rapper by any means, his truth to ear lyrical approach spurns unworthy MCs that fluster the mainstream Hip-Hop scene. The rapper’s candor, and lyrical skills, has warranted him the label of a man not to be […]
CANADA WEEK 2008 Nobody is promised tomorrow, and if the upcoming album Not 4 Sale were to be Kardinal Offishall’s last living representation, he’d be content with what he’s delivering the Hip Hop nation. Under Akon’s now established Konvict Muzik and with the hit singer/songwriter executive producing the project, there’s no doubt Jason Harrow […]
As if following some imaginary script, from ’04 –’07, artists began to fall in line with their roles, Kanye West became the kid in school destined for greatness, but was way too concerned with his greatness, 50 Cent took on the title as the Hip-Hop bully who can’t help but still be charismatic and popular, […]
When you hear legendary Hip-Hop artists 8 Ball & you should immediately think of a few things. There is the chronicling of their “Space Age Pimpin’” lifestyles, their badge of putting Memphis, TN Hip-Hop on the map or their steadyfast resolve at only delivering their brand of raw Hip-Hop music despite watered down […]
The Game is not retiring from the rap game. Well, he did not exactly say that during this interview, but if you read between the lines it’s pretty obvious L.A.X. is not going to be Game’s final curtain call. Kind of like Nas declaring Hip-Hop is dead in 2006, only to be dropping another album […]
2000-2003 introduced the question of what Hip-Hop had to offer in the new millennium. Hip-Hop already had a stronghold over music charts but there was still unfinished business. New artists were striving to claim their spot in rap history while veteran rappers were steadily revamping their sound and showboating their newfound lyrical growth. Who could […]
Immortal Technique is a revolutionary. That title is heavy load to carry, but the Harlem born MC wears that badge with pride. A consequence of Tech’s insistence on actually walking the walk is that his fans have gone four plus long years since he dropped his last album, the searing Revolutionary, Vol. 2. Though it […]
In 2008 you can find the lesser-known third member of OutKast, David “Mr. DJ” Sheats, doing grown man things. Whether that means exercising his green thumb outside in the yard or sweating in the kitchen getting his chef on, it’s all about maintaining his peace of mind. Tonight he’s multitasking a meal of basil chicken, […]
It is one thing to come into the Rap industry as an astute pupil of the game; knowing the history and always paying respect to those who came before you. It is another when kids jump into the business clearly for reasons other than the love, in turn representing the culture incorrectly. The latter are […]
Ever wondered what comes with having one of the biggest songs of the year? Ask MIMS. The New York native gained national fame in 2007 with his hit single “This Why I Am Hot.” Featuring minimal production and a straightforward hook, whether you were in the South, North, East or West, the song was ubiquitous. […]
KRS-One is arguably the most powerful voice ever heard in Hip-Hop, as far as both his literal voice and in his ability to move people. For evidence, check him out while he shouts “Jesus was an African” on the 1991 Boogie Down Productions release Live Hardcore Worldwide amidst a slew of the hardest BDP anthems. […]
Just because the rap universe took a few steps toward materialism and shiny suits, does not mean that Hip-Hop was not fully represented and in motion. The labels dominating Hip-Hop were shifting and artists were definitely becoming more open-minded. For the first time your favorite rapper wasn’t afraid to test the commercial imits. For some […]
A few years back Carson, CA native Bishop Lamont took the music world by surprise when Dr. Dre announced on L.A.’s Power 106 FM that he had his eye on possibly signing the young star to his label. Quite a few artists have signed to Dre’s Aftermath label over the years but never before had […]
The early 90s spawned some of the most classic Hip-Hop albums still relevant to this day.1992-1995 foreshadowed the dynamic recording careers of iconic artists like ‘Pac, Biggie, Snoop, Dr. Dre and more. Sure, Hip-Hop was heavily influenced by “gangsta rap” earlier in the decade but the fusion of newcomers from the east coast and other […]
Longing for the days of old is nothing new for Hip-Hop heads. The conscious, grimy, hustlin’, party filled soundtrack of the last millennium have been replaced with today’s swagger filled, remixed, R&B collabo (complete with vocoder) cuts. Despite these shifts, one thing that hasn’t changed is the struggle of the female MC to stay as […]
Right now I’m just trying to get a whole new team lined up together. I’m not on Bad Boy anymore, so I’m a free agent, since January 1st. I’m doing an online reality show. We about to start filming for that. We just trying to push the project [Ed. Note: As yet untitled], the album […]
Last week it was formally announced that Shakir Stewart is the new Executive Vice President of Def Jam. While rumors had swirled for months after Jay-Z’s departure from his Presidential duties, L.A. Reid and the team were already preparing Stewart for his new role in managing the business day to day.Stewart began his work at […]
1988 marked the year that Hip-Hop took center stage. With the help of Yo! MTV Raps it became more than an underground fad and quickly moved onto becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It was the year that the parental advisory sticker opened the door to rap’s freedom of speech. It also marked the emergence of Hip-Hop […]
The sun shines down on the hills of Hollywood, as Darlene Ortiz walks through to The Grill, a swanky eatery close the to Kodak Theatre. All eyes are on the Latina beauty and her adorers don’t even realize they gaze upon Hip-Hop royalty. Darlene’s name might not ring bells in contemporary Hip-Hop circles, but her […]
