Gnarls Barkley: Three Times Crazy
W hen Cee-Lo Green and Danger Mouse began recording what would become Gnarls Barkley’s St. Elsewhere in 2003, the uncanny pair simply envisioned a pet-project that they could possibly shop to an indie label. Three years later, their debut song Crazy is a record-breaking, genre-jumping single in the UK that just started infecting American airwaves, […]
Smiley the Ghetto Child: A Simple Twist of Fate
S ome people have all the luck while others get a raw deal. Smiley the Ghetto Child has been devoted to Hip-Hop for over two decades, and he just released his first album. Fans may remember Smiley as the guest verse on Group Homes#### 1995 single, Tha Realness. Just days before appearing in the video […]
Beenie Man: Its All Good
While Beenie Man is one of the most musically recognized artists in the world, his strong opinions and dynamic personality often garner him as much attention as his music. His rise to fame started in his home of Kingston, Jamaica, and led him to pop icon status in the United States after two decades of […]
Yo Gotti’s CD Release/Birthday Party Interrupted By Shooting
A birthday and CD release party for North Memphis rapper Yo Gotti was interrupted on Friday (May 19) morning by a shooting at a Beale Street nightclub. Police are investigating if an alleged feud between Yo Gotti rivals may have sparked the shooting just after 3:00 am, inside of the Plush Club. Witnesses said one […]
Kanye West and Common Named Honorary Global Mixx DJ Retreat Co-Chairs
Rapper/producer Kanye West and his G.O.O.D. Music associate Common have been chosen as honorary co-chairs for this year’s Global Mixx DJ Retreat. The annual event, scheduled for Aug. 10-13 at the House of Blues Hotel in downtown Chicago, celebrates urban DJ music, culture, and lifestyle. The Retreat will highlight a series of music events and […]
Keyshia Cole Tapped To Serve In Akademiks Ladies 2006 Advertising Campaign
R&B songstress Keyshia Cole has been tapped to serve as the face of the new Akademiks Ladies 2006 Fall/Holiday advertising campaign. Cole, who recently wrapped up her national headlining tour, will promote and tout the new women’s line in a series of print ads in the upcoming months. The yearlong campaign will be featured in […]
AHH Stray News: Nas, Supernatural, DMC Battlegrounds
Nas will release his highly anticipated first album for Def Jam in late September. The Queens-bred MC made the announcement during a 15-minute performance that took place during the first night of the Roots’ two-night concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Def Jam representatives told Billboard that the album will be titled […]
Yung Joc Does Double Duty as Artist and Label Head
With the success of his first single “It’s Goin’ Down,” Atlanta rapper Yung Joc is riding high as an artist. But the Block Entertainment/Bad Boy lyricist is not resting as he expands his resume with his new role as president of Mastermind Music, a new label he created with his friend Chino Dollar. “We did […]
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 […]
