Lupe Fiasco: Revenge of the Hip-Hop Nerd
Being co-signed by Jay-Z over three years ago would seemingly ensure Lupe Fiasco’s propulsion to superstardom. However, the Chi-Town native’s deals with Roc-A-Fella Records, an L.A. Reid-helmed Arista and a group project via Epic all crumbled. Still, a talent like Lupe Fiasco isn’t anchored by the trials of life – he rises. Eventually, Atlantic Records […]
Ice Cube Movie Changes Plot, Sequel To ‘Are We There Yet?’ On The Way
Ice Cube’s forthcoming comedic film Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is being redone as the sequel to the rapper’s 2005 movie, Are We There Yet? According to Variety, the change occurred after Revolution Studios announced it had ceased development of new product. The big opening for Martin Lawrence’s new movie, Big Momma’s House 2, […]
People Under The Stairs Switch Labels, Prepare New Album
Los Angeles-based Hip-Hop duo People Under the Stairs (aka PUTS) is releasing their fifth album, Stepfather, this May under the independent Hip-Hop label, Basement Records. The full-length album features guest appearances by legendary Funkadelic and Parliament member George Clinton, Monty Stark of Stark Reality, and Kat of Crown City Rockers. The CD will be accompanied […]
Timeless
Artist: Sergio MendesTitle: TimelessRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Mark Cilantro Remember when Eazy E tried to cash in on the De La Soul craze, post Feet High and Rising? That was when Ruthless Records signed The Atban Klann. A Black cat with dreads, a Filipino dude, and a Pacific Islander; former dancers with a Boho […]
The Remixture Vol. 1
Artist: OddiseeTitle: The Remixture Vol. 1Rating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Bill “Low-Key” Heinzelman Oddisee may very well be the best producer you have never heard of. Drawing comparisons to the legendary Pete Rock, Oddisee has made a name for himself in the underground through his work with J-Live, Wordsworth, Little Brother, DJ Jazzy Jeff and […]
Update: Busta Reps Say Rapper Attended Services, Pressure Mounts On Rappers
A wake for the slain bodyguard of rap superstar Busta Rhymes was held yesterday (Feb. 9) in New York. Mourners laid Israel Ramirez, 29, to rest at the Century Funeral Home, where hundreds of family and friends turned out. Police believe Ramirez was shot and killed as he shielded Busta Rhymes during an altercation between […]
Kanye, BEP, Jay-Z, De La Soul, Others Win At Grammy Awards
Multi-platinum selling rapper Kanye West scored three Grammys last night (Feb. 8), including the coveted Best Rap Album award at the 48th annual ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Fueled by the success of his sophomore album, Late Registration, the Chicago MC took home honors in three categories, including Best Rap Album, Best […]
Rapper Penelope Jones To Be Featured On ‘America’s Most Wanted’
Rap newcomer Penelope Jones will appear on the crime-solving television show America’s Most Wanted Feb. 18 to discuss the still-unsolved murder of her brother. Jones (born Juarita Jones) has been aggressively searching for the murderer of her brother Tony since he was fatally shot in his home three years ago in front of his two […]
Nick Van Exel & Smoot: Family Affair
You know the saying – rappers wanna be ballplayers and ballplayers wanna be rappers. NBA veteran, Nick Van Exel of the World Champion San Antonio Spurs, is yet another basketball player with Hip-Hop aspirations. However, instead of getting on the mic, Nick has decided to stay in the cut and help develop his own record […]
Slip-N-Slide Inks Multi-Million Dollar Deal With Def Jam
Miami-based record label Slip-N-Slide Records has inked a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam, headed by rapper/mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. While Trina, Trick Daddy and Ft. Meyers rapper Plies will remain signed as Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic artists, newcomers Rick Ross, of Miami, and Citty, of Atlanta, will record under the new Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam imprint, where a new […]
AHH Stray News: Twista, BET, Marc Ecko, Ludacris
Twista recently headlined an event at Chicago’s Roosevelt University, as part of National Black AIDS Awareness day yesterday (Feb. 7). The rapper encouraged young fans to engage in safe sex and use condoms. The event was sponsored by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and the Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV/AIDS (BASUAH). According to the U.S. […]
Juelz Santana Announces New Clothing Line
Diplomat affiliate Juelz Santana is branching out beyond music and stepping into the world of fashion with his new clothing company, the Z-Line, due out this fall. The rapper will then launch Mazia, a clothing company licensed by Z-Line Clothing, Inc. The line signals the MC’s desire to become "a driving force in the urban […]
Chops: Both Sides of the Brain
Chops has played all positions within Hip-Hop and its geography. From an MC and producer in the underground group, The Mountain Brothers, he went on to producing for Dave Ghetto, Bahamadia, and Raekwon, before creating remix albums that focused primarily on markets in Atlanta and Houston with artists like Bun-B, Mike Jones, and others. Chops’ […]
Dave Ghetto: Spread the Light
When MCs brag about hailing from tough hoods, Dave Ghetto might take the cake. Famed by a landfill and a prison, Camden, New Jersey attracts trouble from Philadelphia and New York. It also has a crime-wave not unlike scenes from Sin City. But amidst the depression, is a lot of living beauty. Dave Ghetto brings […]
Kanye West Records Theme To ‘Mission Impossible 3’, Tom Cruise Speaks
Grammy Award-winning rapper Kanye West has been selected to interpret the theme to the latest installment of the Mission: Impossible movie franchise. West follows in the paths of U2, who reinterpreted the theme for the first movie in 1996, and Limp Bizkit, who recorded their version for Mission: Impossible II in 2000. Mission: Impossible III […]
Hip-Hop Experts Take ‘Rap Sessions’ On The Road
Critically-acclaimed author and Hip-Hop activist Bakari Kitwana has collaborated with the Community Technology Foundation of California to kick-off Rap Sessions, the first national tour that explores race and Hip-Hop. Rap Sessions presents a multiracial panel of Hip-Hop experts who will tour the nation to engage youth and community leaders in candid, compelling conversations about the […]
Police Seek To Question Busta Rhymes, Tony Yayo, Swizz Beatz About Murder
Police have widened their investigation of a murder that occurred Sunday (Feb. 5) on the set of Busta Rhymes’ new music video. In addition to seeking out G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo, authorities are now looking to question Swizz Beats and Busta Rhymes himself. Detectives believe Busta Rhymes was standing on the sidewalk when the shooting […]
Crucified 4 The Hood (Mixtape)
Artist: Whoo Kid & MaseTitle: Crucified 4 The Hood (Mixtape)Rating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Angus Crawford 2006 may go down as the year of the reclamation project for 50 Cent. Mobb Deep and M.O.P. arguably fit the profile of G-Unit artist, but former Pastor Mason Betha is causing a few people to scratch their heads. While […]
The Sun Beckons…
Artist: PenuckleTitle: The Sun Beckons…Rating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Max Herman The free flowing Hip-Hop of Penuckle is unquestionably characteristic of his Southern Cali stomping grounds. Yet on The Sun Beckons (Basement), this blunted MC proves to carry a style all his own with his easygoing nature, vivid rhymes and occasional sing-songy flow. While still a […]
Ice Cube Announces Released Date For ‘Laugh Now, Cry Later’
Rapper/actor Ice Cube has announced that he will release his seventh solo album, Laugh Now, Cry Later, in June via his independent label, Lench Mob Records. The album is the follow-up to Ice Cube’s Greatest Hits collection, which hit stores in 2001. The rapper, born O’Shea Jackson, put his film career on hold to focus […]