Big Shug: Militant Soldier

Growing up in Boston’s ‘Murderpan’ sector, Cary “Big Shug” Guy has seen his share of struggle. At 14-years-old, Shug’s mom split, leaving him and his siblings under the care of their father, who at that time cared more about drinking than raising a family. Like most teens faced with tough times, Shug hit the streets […]

DJ Toomp: Self-Made Legend

What qualifies a Hip-Hop producer as a legend in the game? Is it the longevity, the groundbreaking material, the awards, or the records sold? If it’s any of the aforementioned, DJ Toomp is undoubtedly a contender. Toomp doesn’t carry the flashy media image that some track wizards boast on their resumes, and you won’t see […]

Camp Lo: The Hollywood Shuffle

Since the release of their 1997 album, Uptown Saturday Night, the duo know as Camp Lo has always set themselves apart from other Hip-Hop groups. Fans got their first real taste of Bronx natives, Sonny Cheeba and Geechi Suede’s unique slang and word play on their first hit single, the Hip-Hop classic, “Luchini.” Since then, […]

Planet Asia: Star Wars

Veteran rapper, Planet Asia, burst onto the Hip-Hop scene in ‘90s. Releasing twelve-inch singles such as “Place of Birth” and “Definition of ILL,” the rapper achieved success as a solo artist releasing a solo EP Planet Asia in 1998. Critical acclaim followed when How the West was One was released with Rasco under the name […]

Tash: The Unwrapped Life

As a member of Tha Alkaholiks, Tash dominated the party scene for the better part of the 1990s; making a name for him self by rapping about drinking beer, having fun, sex, and making fun of grandmothers. On the verge of releasing his second solo album, tentatively-titled Expensive Habits, Tash is trading in old party […]

Cassidy: Friend vs. Foe

The beauty of life is the multiple chances it offers. Philadelphia rapper Cassidy has had plenty, and he’s not taking any of them for granted. Over the last couple of years the 25 year old, who first gained notoriety after an infamous freestyle showdown with Freeway, has seen his career go through more drama than […]

T.I.: Cliff’s Notes

Few anticipated that T.I. would become one of the hottest and biggest selling young artists to come out of the South. T.I. became Rap’s Man of 2006 when he won the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance with “What You Know” and was also nominated for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Album, for the […]

Mr. Porter: A Thin Line

     Is Denaun Porter mentally balanced? If you peruse the production credits on notable singles like 50 Cent’s “P.I.M.P,” Pharoahe Monch’s “Body Baby,” and multiple D-12 records, the answer must be yes.   But some of Mr. Porter’s actions tread closely along the lines of insanity.  After reaching multi- platinum status as a producer and a […]