Russell Simmons To Speak at Inaugural CRO Conference
Hip-Hop activist/mogul Russell Simmons will be among the speakers at the first-ever Corporate Responsibility Officers Conference. The entrepreneur, who will be featured in Fireside Chat with Russell Simmons, joins Wall Street Journal assistant managing editor Alan Murray, best-selling author Andy Savitz, and Citigroup vice chairman Lewis Kaden as part of the event’s 20-speaker roster. “Russell […]

Fonzworth Bentley Supports Outstanding Music Students, Hosts ‘All That Jazz’
Fonzworth Bentley is better known for his impeccable dress and his former role as Diddy’s umbrella-hoisting assistant. In October, the rapper will showcase his musical side as host of the All That Jazz concert at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. For Bentley, the concert will be a precursor to his upcoming debut C.O.L.O.U.R.S. (which stands for […]

Fredro Starr Introduces Onyx Spin-off, Yung Onyx
"Papoose can’t be the only one to bring New York back," said Onyx frontman-turned-actor Fredro Starr. "Yung Onyx is here."With a notable legacy that dates back to 1993, Queens, N.Y., rap team Onyx was among the kings of gritty street anthems.No, they aren’t making a comeback, but their protégés, under the name Yung Onyx, plan […]

Jet Li: Enter The Wu
When 43-year-old Jet Li walks into a room, you dont know whether to bow or stretch out your hand. Its that kind of respect that Lis career demands, though perhaps being in America has made him completely oblivious to the hoopla of celebrity. His non-threatening demeanor and brotherly smile add to his larger-than-life persona. So […]

Hands Up
Lloyd Banks f. 50 Cent

One Blood (It’s OK)
The Game

I’m Losing It
Tupac Ft. Big Syke and Spice-1

Food & Liquor
Artist: Lupe FiascoTitle: Food & LiquorRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Paine One leaked album don’t stop the show. After Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor (1st & 15th/Atlantic) was made illegally available several months ago, fans reacted with strong opinions, both championing and ridiculing Chicago’s next MC. Endorsed by Kanye West and Jay-Z (who executive produces), the […]

Blood Brothers
Artist: OuterspaceTitle: Blood BrothersRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Omar Hamza Holding the underground torch high while stressing how it is no sin to like money and nice things seems to be the trend of the day for many a subterranean rapper. Outerspace, the Philly duo who have been putting in work for many years is […]

The Second Coming
Artist: Deep RootedTitle: The Second ComingRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Paine San Diego’s conscious Hip-Hop comes to the light by way of the experienced collective Deep Rooted. Former Battle Axe Records producer Mr. Brady backs a group that features the talented songstress Brea with MC Johaz and DJ Artistic. The Second Coming (Open Myndz) is […]

DJ Paul Says MTV’s ‘Adventures In Hollyhood’ Sure To Draw Laughs
Memphis, Tenn.-based rap group Three 6 Mafia has teamed with MTV for a new comedic reality series.The show, titled Adventures in Hollyhood, is set in Los Angeles and follows the Oscar-winning collective and their entourage as they set out to Hollywood in an effort to make the most of their fame and "establish themselves as […]

Kurtis Blow Forms Gospel Label With Holy Hip-Hop Music
After announcing the launch of his new church-based television series in July, Hip-Hop pioneer Kurtis Blow and Holy Hip-Hop Music have partnered to form Music Ministry Recordings. The strategic alliance is part of an exclusive agreement with EMI Gospel, in which Holy Hip-Hop Music and Pastor Kurtis Blow will produce, distribute, and market Music Ministry. […]

Limited Edition Ghostface Dolls Hit Stores Nov. 6
Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah and 4 Cast Limited have teamed together to release 1,000 hand-numbered Ghostface Killah dolls. Arriving in stores Nov. 6, the action figures boast a real 14k gold chain, an authentic GFK robe and a chalice with Swarovski crystals. Collectors can also purchase the signature Ghostface golden eagle bracelet, which is […]

Proof’s Murderer Convicted On Weapons Charges
A suspect charged in the murder of D12 rapper DeShaun “Proof” Holton was convicted on weapons charges related to the incident. After a three-day trial, Mario Etheridge, 28, was found guilty of carrying a concealed weapon and shooting the firearm indoors after the April 11th shootout in a Detroit nightclub, that left Proof and one […]

E Ness: Nessesary Roughness
A lasting career in the music business is not promised, even if you are lucky enough to be chosen out of 40,000 people to star in your own MTV reality show. E Ness learned this lesson, but luckily, he knew the rules of engagement. Having already experienced regional success before his MTV stint, Ness wasnt […]

SO SO Gangtsa
Later, people would also recognize D-A-Z as the producer of classic Death Row jams like “Tha Doggfather” and “Ambitionz Az A Ridah”. Unfortunately, after swooping under the mainstream radar following his departure from Tha Row, the West Coast figure would become as well known for his controversial interviews and questionable independent output as he would […]

The Game: Above The Law
The Game is more familiar with beef than A.1. Steak Sauce. The rapper has had tense situations with 50 Cent, Joe Budden, Memphis Bleek, JT Tha Bigga Figga and others but suddenly he’s got a new, unlikely adversary in Ras Kass, one of the West Coast’s lyrical legends. The conflict stemmed from an apparent, albeit […]

C-Ride: Coming From The Bottom
Dade County. Home of Ricky Ross and countless other aspiring artists who are striving to put their stories into the minds of millions. Insert Carol Citys own, C-Ride. His grind has gotten the attention of super-production duo, Cool & Dres. He is one of the few hoping to escape out of a city where 61% […]

B’Day
Artist: BeyonceTitle: B’DayRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Eb Haynes Beyonce Knowles, street alias “B”, has emerged into a limitless talent, poised to approach any challenge with grace while possessing an almost surreal foresight for revolutionary creativity. The curvaceous B has conquered the hearts and minds of lusciously proportioned women, adoring male fans and aspiring superstars in […]

Straight Outta Humboldt
Artist: PotluckTitle: Straight Outta HumboldtRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Paine While Dr. Dre admitted that he didn’t “smoke weed or ‘sess’” on Straight Outta Compton, Potluck is unashamed of their green fingers on Straight Outta Humboldt (Suburban Noize). The Southern California duo of 1-Ton and UnderRated enter their third album with an impressive list of […]