Mos Def, Fat Joe, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes Go “Beyond Beats and Rhymes”
An independent filmmaker has crafted a film that enlists the likes of Mos Def, Fat Joe, Chuck D, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Russell Simmons, and activists such as Michael Eric Dyson, Beverly Guy-Sheftall, and aspiring Congressional candidate Kevin Powell, who offer earnest critique about Hip-Hop lifestyle. Beyond Beats and Rhymes: A Hip-Hop Head Weighs in on […]
New Joe Budden Album Coming in October
After months of being shelved, rapper Joe Budden’s sophomore opus The Growth will finally see the light of day later this year. “The album will be out in October…It’s crack,” an excited Budden told AllHipHop.com. “The music is definitely nuts. The people will forget I was even gone. I been gone for so long I […]
Mo’ Mega
Artist: Mr. LifTitle: Mo’ MegaRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Jessica Dufresne Chances are if you’re not familiar with Def Jux, or prefer your rap via mainstream radio, you haven’t heard of Mr. Lif. A subterranean favorite, the Beantown MC has been steadily grinding the past nine years. His most recent coup was the highly regarded […]
Carving A New Standard Vol. 1
Artist: Up Above Records Presents…Title: Carving A New Standard Vol. 1Rating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Max Herman From the mid-90s to the early-2000s, L.A.âs Up Above Records served as a reliable outlet for the right-minded Visionaries crew and their West Coast affiliatesâ¦but not much else. Hence the labelâs reputation forever changed when they released emerging East […]
The Flamerous Life
Artist: Flam BeyTitle: The Flamerous LifeRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Brent Woodie Although dwelling in a multitude of places like Virginia and Maryland may have a strong influence on the consciousness of a young MC, it has done little to change the New York state of mind built in the cityâs own Flam Bey. Playing […]
Sergio Mendes: The Uncommon Denominator
Who would have thought that a Latin musician who started recording in the 60s would be making hits 40 years later with one of todays hottest producers? Sergio Mendes is one of the innovators of Bossa Novathe fusion Latin Jazz music out of Brazil. Mendes went worldwide in 1966 when he formed the group Brasil […]
Mike Watts: The Name Ain’t Changed
T here isnt just one Mike Watts chopping and screwing his records. While one might be more recognizable than the other, Philadelphias Mike Watts isnt changing his name anytime soon. In fact, the two artists shared legal counsel at one time, and acquaintances in Houstons Lil Troy. While some might be quick to judge the […]
Swishahouse: Take ’em to the House
Between the success of Mike Jones, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug, Swishahouse Records was a proud father of artists in 2005.. However, as Chamillionaire and Slim Thug fared well without the label at times, Mike Jones has also recently been declaring his own independence. Michael “5000” Watts and G-Dash say otherwise, and responded to comments […]
Muse Recordings: Universoul
Dwele isn’t the only one out of Detroit baring his soul these days. With no formula, no reservations and no fear, Marcus Collins and Mike Muse, founders of Muse Recordings, are rolling with music in a manner different from todays conventional standards. The eclectic musicians have garnered attention from the NBA to McDonalds with their […]
New Game Album Pushed Back to Late Summer
The Game’s highly anticipated sophomore album The Doctor’s Advocate is slated to hit stores in late summer. The project, which the rapper referred to as “my masterpiece,” has been pushed back a number of times. “My second album is the highest anticipated record coming out this year and I’ve been spending long hours in the […]
Weapons Charges Against Young Jeezy Dropped
Two counts of weapons charges against Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy were dropped after the Florida State Attorney’s Office determined there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him in connection with a Miami shooting. The Def Jam artist (born Jay Jenkins) had been charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. According to […]
Ice-T, Afrika Bambaataa, Melle Mel Headline UK Hip-Hop Summit
Ice-T, Melle Mel, Afrika Bambaataa and UK rapper Skinnyman are set to headline the first ever UK Hip-Hop Summit (UHHS) this July. According to organizers, the summit, which takes place in London from July 12-16, will bring together players from the UK and US Hip-Hop industries. The event, which has been endorsed by Hip-Hop Summit […]
Diddy Settles Lawsuit With Limo Driver
Sean “Diddy” Combs has finally reached a settlement with a North Carolina man who claimed he was assaulted by Combs’ bodyguards after a concert in Winston-Salem 1995. Limousine driver Cedrick Bobby Lemon said he was credentialed to be in a backstage area of the Joel Coliseum during a Mary J. Blige concert in June of […]
Lady Sovereign: Lady’s First
L ady Sovereign may be 5’1 tall, but don’t underestimate this young woman’s fierce presence. The self-proclaimed “biggest midget in the game” created such a stir on the underground UK scene, that it persuaded Jay-Z to bring her over the pond to a Def Jam/Island Records contract. Some critics forecast this union of unique talent […]
Thoughts on My Beloved: Big Proof (R.I.P)
His eyes turned a pretty shade of brown when light hit them. Especially the light of the sun or of a camera’s flash. On his high cheeks, like his father’s, were dozens of freckles, like his mother’s. Between the freckles, were two barely noticeable places where his deep honey brown complexion lightened. I loved those […]
Bone Thug-N-Harmony Ink Deal With Interscope Through Swizz Beatz’ Full Surface Label
Cleveland-bred rap crew Bone Thugs-N-Harmony recently inked a deal with Interscope Records via producer Swizz Beatz’ Full Surface imprint. The group is currently working on an as-yet-untitled album, slated for a late 2006 release. The new set will feature production by Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Lil’ Jon, Three 6 Mafia, Big Boi of Outkast, and […]
Judge Ends T.I.’s Probation, Rapper Cleared To Tour
Atlanta rapper T.I. appeared in court yesterday (May 15) to answer a charge of violating his probation sentence stemming from a 2003 arrest in Tampa, Fla. Judge Daniel Perry ended the probation and T.I. is now free to perform a series of concerts that had been canceled after a month of turmoil rocked the rapper’s […]
Snoop Dogg Permanently Banned From UK
Rapper Snoop Dogg has been permanently banned from entering the United Kingdom, after a brawl in London’s Heathrow airport in April. Snoop Dogg and an entourage of almost 30 people were en route from Los Angeles to Johannesburg, South Africa, to perform at a major festival. The rapper and other men became upset when they […]
MC Shan: Play it Again Shan
MC Shan’s albums vanished from record store shelves 15 years ago, and yet he is party to one of Hip-Hops most celebrated battles. When cousins Shan and DJ Marley Marl released The Bridge in 1986, they soon found themselves with a big slab of beef on the grill. KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions stood up […]
MC Breed Sentenced To Jail Over Missed Child Support Payments
Flint, Michigan’s MC Breed has been sentenced to serve a year in state prison for failure to pay over $200,000 in child support. On Thursday (May 11), Genesee Circuit Court Judge Richard Yullie ordered 34-year-old MC Breed, whose real name is Eric T. Breed, to prison for violating his probation in lacking to make payments […]
