Different Spins With Hi-Tek and Needlz
Cincinnati producer, Hi-Tek, is proof that good things happen to talented people. Being slighted on one of his first musical projects still landed him in the right place at the right time. The right place to meet Talib Kweli and later spawn the duo Reflection Eternal, which greatly contributed to the branding of Rawkus Records. […]

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ike Taylor: Line ‘Em Up
Ike Taylor is a product of the Hip-Hop generation. The Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Back grew up in New Orleans, and was a childhood associate of both Lil Wayne and B.G. Just as hes watched his rapping peers rise to stardom, the Super Bowl ring-wearing Taylor has matured into one of the most versatile players […]

Soul For Real: Perfect Independent Timing
Among the Jodecis and Shais of 90s R&B, Soul for Real was considered by many to be the second coming of the Jacksons. The group, comprised of brothers Andre, Brian, Chris, and Jason Dalyrimple, found success and a following among music lovers with such hits as “Candy Rain” and “Every Little Thing I Do.” They […]

Mr. J Medeiros: Of gods and girls
Rawkus Records has a history of bringing a great sound on its releases. For those with a short memory; this is the label that brought you the likes of Hi-Tek, Talib Kweli, and Mos Def. Even though their roster has completely changed, they still seem to be dedicated to that progressive sound. The album Of […]

Talib, Mos Def, Dead Prez Headline Black August; Rappers Say ‘Hands off Assata’
Talib Kweli and Mos Def have been tapped for their 10th headlining appearance at the The 10th Annual Black August Festival, which takes place August 26 at the Nokia Theatre in New York. The concert, which is produced by the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, is designed to facilitate exchanges between international communities by promoting […]

Chicago Deep Dish: The Best Kept Secret in Hip-Hop
In the last few years weve had a regional struggle for dominance in Hip-Hop, with traditional powerhouses like New York and Los Angeles ceding ground to newer hotspots like Houston and Atlanta for both attention and sales. As rappers have aged, retired, gotten locked up, or fallen off, we have seen a shift in the […]

DJ Semtex/BBC-1Xtra
Kanye West Interview

Raekwon Ft. Ice Water and Busta Rhymes
Do It Big

Reports: Jay-Z In Negotiations With Columbia
Rapper Jay-Z is in negotiations to vacate his President position at Def Jam, in order to join Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin at Columbia. Rubin left Warner Music Group in May for an executive position working alongside Chairman Steve Barnett. Rubin, who founded Def Jam in 1982 and later partnered with Hip-Hop mogul […]

Dave Chappelle Executive Produces Muslim Comedy Tour Concert Film
Comedian Dave Chappelle is expanding his knack for finding what’s funny with his latest project, a concert film version of Allah Made Me Funny – The Official Muslim Comedy Tour. The funnyman is an executive producer on the feature, which features live stand-up performances and a glimpse into the lives of Muslim comics Preacher […]

Hip-Hop Rumors: PIMP C DISSES RUSSELL?
COMMON AND TARAJIYES OR NO? I think Common and Taraji need to get their story and stick with it. Trey The Cholit Jok at Power 92 in Chi City interviewed them both on two separate occasions and got two answers to THAT question. Are yall and item? Last week Taraji Henson appeared on the Trey The […]

Chamillionaire Brushes Off 50 Cent Comments; Talks Ultimate Victory
Houston rapper Chamillionaire is focusing on his upcoming profanity-free album Ultimate Victory and is brushing off media hype caused by disparaging comments made by rapper 50 Cent. Chamillionaire dismissed recent remarks made by 50 Cent in a recent interview with Spin magazine. “Let him [Chamillionaire] go sell gospel records, if he’s so f***in’ righteous,” […]

Tony Yayo Rejects Plea Deal
G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo rejected an offer from prosecutors today (July 24) to serve nine months in jail, for allegedly smacking the 14-year-old son of music executive Jimmy “Henchmen” Rosemond. The rapper was charged with assault, harassment and endangering the welfare of a child in March, after he and several associates allegedly cornered the […]

DJ Premier To Teach Kids Technology During Hip Hop Leadership Camp
Legendary Hip-Hop producer DJ Premier of Gang Starr will take part in the annual Hip Hop Leaders Conference (HHL), which will be held August 8-12 on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles. DJ Premier, along with Spinderella, Mad Mike (Pimp My Ride), Ryan Ford (The Source), Aloe Blacc and others will motivate various […]

Skyzoo: Corner Store Classic [Mixtape]
Brooklyn MC Skyzoo returns with an anticipated follow-up to his 9th Wonder-assisted Cloud 9: Three Day High album. Although hes gained a significant following due to his online presence (his affiliation with 9th and the Justus League doesnt hurt either), the Corner Store Classic mixtape is the appropriate reintroduction to Skyzoo for those unfamiliar with […]

Rugged Intellect: Renaissance Music
For 2007, its in vogue to praise the 90s Hip-Hop movement, but cater to the radio with albums. A Canadian MC with a deep appreciation for that purebred Hip-Hop of yesteryear, Rugged Intellects Renaissance Music: The Introduction (Expertism) lives up to its name, and may kick through walls and borders like Toddy Tees batterram. Through […]

Rapper Lil’ Flip ‘Victim Of A Scam’ Says Lawyer
Lil’ Flip’s manager and his attorney have come forward to speak out against their client’s recent arrest in Houston for credit card abuse. The rapper, born Wesley Eric Weston Jr., was arrested on July 21, after allegedly purchasing Southwest Airline tickets from Houston to Baltimore, costing $671.00, using a stolen credit card owned by […]

Ja Rule Ft. Range
Wait Until Tonight