Flambey: Hustler Rapper
Rising rapper Flambey is more than a businessman; hes a Business, man! This self-taught CEO has just inked a distribution deal with Arizona-based 101 Distribution, one of the major independent distributors in the country. Though the road has not been easy, his tenacity and ability to think outside of the box has gotten his singles […]
Mr. Excitement
Artist: U-GodTitle: Mr. ExcitementRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Danielle Stolich Last heard in 2004 when he released the LP, Ugodzilla Presents: The Hillside Scramblers, original Wu-Tang member U-God recently released his second solo album, Mr. Excitement (Free Agency). Best known for his trademark baritone as well as his unique delivery, U-God returns with an album […]
Better Your Life
Artist: J-LoveTitle: Better Your LifeRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: N. Context J-Love, mixtape DJ and producer from Queens, NY, has been bubbling on the underground circuit for quite some time now. Mostly known for his Best Of series of CDs (Ghostface Killa Hidden Darts, Nas Finest and Rakim Legends, to name a few), hes also […]
The Drought
Artist: Big ToneTitle: The DroughtRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Paine Remember after Snoop, when it seemed like everybody in Long Beach got a record deal? While Warren G and Jayo Felony thrived, others like Twinz and Lil ½ Dead fizzled out. The same may happen in Detroit by way of Slum Village. As Phat Kat, […]
Queen Latifah To Produce ‘Kidnapped’
Queen Latifah has signed on to produce a family comedy titled “Kidnapped” starring James “Lil’ J.J.” Lewis. The movie is based on a script penned by J. Alexander Smith and is being produced by Latifah’s company Flavor Unit along with Flavor Unit’s Latee French and Shakim Compere. The movie centers around three children who are […]
Lil Wayne Talks New Single, Preps ‘Tha Carter II’
New Orleans, Louisiana rapper Lil Wayne recently finished up shooting his video “Fireman” on location in both New Orleans and Houston, Texas. The single has already shot up to the top of the Urban radio charts, with over 100 radio stations adding the single to their playlists. "It’s been a very tough month," Lil Wayne […]
Yo Gotti: Hustle Then Flow
B.G. and Mobb Deeps Prodigy joined forces years ago to create a song called, Young Black Entrepreneur. A lot of new artists claim to be just that; however, when you do a background check or examine current affairs, few actually measure up. Created in Memphis, comes an independent workaholic, Yo Gotti. Gotti swears he doesnt […]
Charleston, South Carolina Police Arrest Three Men In DVD Flap
Police in Charleston, South Carolina have arrested three men who appeared on a DVD displaying assault rifles and drugs. The DVD caused an up roar in the state last week, with images of men allegedly smoking crack, brandishing assault weapons and throwing wads of money around. Three men in the DVD have been arrested and […]
David Axelrod: The Rebirth Of Cool
If Dr. Dres Next Episode ranked high on your nod-meter, David Axelrod deserves a lions share of the gratitude. Since the late 1950s, Axelrod remained one of the hardest working songwriters and producers on the planet. In the late 1960s and 1970s, his Capitol Records phase gave Hip-Hop a crate full of sampling inspiration, and […]
Si*Se: Chameleons Of Sound
If you mixed Sades sweet voice with a little of Portisheads edginess and a Latino swing, you still wouldnt have enough genres to describe Si*Ses sound. Formed by DJ Carol C. and U.F.L.O.W. (Cliff Cristofaro), the six-piece group has evoked just about every type of music and instrumentation into their sophomore effort, More Shine, which […]
Ras Kass: Long Way Back
Ras Kass has been out of prison for ten months. Rumors have swirled that hes on the verge of signing to G-Unit, that hes swinging vocal jabs at The Game, and that hes tucked away recording a classic. Last month, Ras released a mixtape-album, Institutionalized that has critics smiling, and the industry ducking for cover. […]
Rodney O: Still Don’t Hear Me Tho
Rodney O & Joe Cooleys You Dont Hear Me Tho was the groups energetic opus to being snubbed by radio DJs, and became their biggest hit. With other animosity-driven records like, F**k New York, its easy to understand why the Riverside, California duo may be misunderstood. Before the tumultuous early 90s, which saw many rappers […]
Jay-Z In Talks To Purchase Stake In London Soccer Team
In a move to expand his increasing business empire, Jay-Z is said to be reportedly in talks to buy a piece of the famed London soccer team, Arsenal FC. Jay-Z (real name Shawn Carter) has purportedly been in negotiations with Arsenal front office brass to purchase a big stake in the London squad. Originally a […]
Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda Dropping Hip-Hop Project ‘Fort Minor’
Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda is preparing a Hip-Hop album titled The Rising Tied under the name Fort Minor. Shinoda wrote produced and played almost every instrument on the album, which is executive produced by Def Jam President, Jay-Z. "The Fort Minor record is all about getting back to basics in hip-hop, both sonically and for […]
Hip-Hop Producers Battle For Cash In Connecticut
On October 8th, one upcoming producer will receive state-of-the-art equipment, their own website and $10,000 as the winner of “The Architect”, the first 3-day competition in Connecticut where hip-hop producers will compete and network among celebrities and industry A-listers. Presented by the Connecticut Music Alliance (CTMA), the competition will take place October 7th-8th at Central […]
Loon: Full Circle
Loon’s back, but not in the manner that he wanted to return. The former Bad Boy, who has sought greener pastures with his own Boss Up Entertainment, was pursuing a career in acting. Then a chance interview with a New York radio station raised the ire of Ma$e, the Harlem entertainer that helped get Loon […]
Beanie Sigel Subpoenaed By Federal Grand Jury
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rapper Beanie Sigel was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury yesterday, as authorities seek information on the murder of his stepfather and abduction of an associate. Sigel’s lawyer Fortunato Perri Jr. confirmed that the chart topping rapper will appear before the federal grand jury next week. The rapper’s stepfather Sam Derry, was found […]
Public Enemy Comic Book To Debut In 2006
Legendary Hip-Hop group Public Enemy has teamed with Adam Wallenta of American Mule Entertainment to release a politically charged comic book. The untitled comic book, made with the cooperation of PE front man Chuck D, will be an action-adventure story that reflects the political and ideological views of the group that hit big with songs […]
Lil’ Cease/Lil’ Kim DVD Court Drama Continues
Former Junior Mafia members Lil’ Kim and Lil’ Cease continued their battle over a tell-all DVD about Lil’ Kim’s perjury trial yesterday (Oct. 5) in court. Lawyers for Lil’ Kim have been given until next Wednesday to convince a New York judge that former group member Lil’ Cease should not release "The Chronicles of Junior […]
Universal Zulu Nation Clothing Line Hitting Stores
Sedgwick & Cedar announced today (Oct. 6) that they have acquired the exclusive rights to the new Universal Zulu Nation clothing line, launching Oct. 15. Founded by Afrika Bambaataa, the Universal Zulu Nation arose among reformed street gang members in the Bronx in the early 1970’s and boasts a membership of 400,000 people. The mission […]
