Leela James: Soul Journey
Its the day of Leela James release in more ways than one. Not only has the Los Angeles natives debut album A Change Is Gonna Come finally hit stores after receiving rave reviews, but her long, hard work is paying off at last. Its high time for a little exuberance. Just hours before hitting up […]
KMC: Soca Supreme
The Sugar Hill Gang introduced the masses to Rap music by way of Rappers Delight in 1979. It didnt matter that Grandmaster Caz penned Big Bank Hanks lyrics, or that the crew was based out of New Jersey. In time, more certified emcees like Busy Bee and Melle Mel would emerge to let audiences decide […]
AHH Stray News: Karrine Steffans, Lil’ Kim, Yukmouth, Balance
Lil’ Kim is already set to address her critics and detractors with the release of her newest single, “Shut Up B***h.” The single is the lead into her newest album, The Naked Truth, and the opus boasts the outspoken Kim of old. However, instead of sexually titillating rhymes, the Brooklyn native spews verses about those […]
Buckshot & 9th Wonder: Breaking Atoms
For more than a decade Buckshot has been stunning Hip-Hop crowds with his fiery rhymes. Whether it was with Black Moon or the entire Boot Camp Clique, lyrics ranged from insightful to riot-inspiring, striking a chord in all that listened. But after 1998, Buckshot unstrapped the backpack and became disassociated with his purist audience. Alone, […]
Wendy Williams Brings The Heat, Vol. 1
Artist: Wendy WilliamsTitle: Wendy Williams Brings The Heat, Vol. 1Rating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Dove ~Sheepish Lordess of Chaos~ There was a time when the title of a label A&R rep meant Artist & Repertoire the person responsible for finding talent, developing it, and nurturing it to the point of stardom. Over the years, the […]
WMG Exec Kevin Liles Dropping Inspirational Book
Music industry executive Kevin Liles announced that he will release an inspirational book in September titled “From Intern to President Make it Happen: The Hip Hop Generation Guide to Success.” The book gives advice to up and coming executives on how to navigate the turbulent waters of the music industry and contains stories from his […]
How Can I Be Down Conference Celebrates Pioneers
How Can I Be Down Inc. and X/O Management have come together to put on a concert celebrating Hip-Hop’s pioneers and the impact they have made over the years. The event will be hosted by Prince Markie D of The Fat Boys and feature performances from Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Chubb Rock, […]
Viacom Backs Black August, Focuses On AIDS Awareness
This year’s 8th Annual Black August Hip-Hop Benefit Concert kicks off this summer with shows in New York City (August 7) and Tanzania, East Africa. The annual concert sponsored by KNOW HIV/AIDS and Viacom aims to encourage HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness among young adults in the hip-hop community. Throughout the festivities, HIV/AIDS resource materials will […]
AZ Preps New Album
East New York native AZ was last heard in 2002 when he dropped his critically-acclaimed album AZiatic. Now, three years later, the only guest on Nas classic Illmatic is back once again withA.W.O.L. Being released through AZs Quiet Money label in conjunction with Fastlife Music, A.W.O.L. is being hailed as another stellar chapter in AZs […]
Da Backwudz: Done by the Forces of Nature
Atlanta has proven to be a breeding ground for many of today’s most talented artists. This group is no different. The famous music/film producer, Dallas Austin, believes in Da Backwudz’ music and talent so much that he even re-launched his defunct label, Rowdy Records, just so he can work with them. Their video and song […]
Lil Kim Sentenced To Prison Time
Platinum selling rapper Lil’ Kim was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, fined $50,000 and sentenced to three years probation by a federal judge today (July 6), after being convicted on federal perjury and conspiracy charges. Lil’ Kim was escorted by rappers Freddie Foxxx (Bumpy Knuckles), Maino and a fortress of security […]
Rev Run Finishes First Ever Solo Album
Former Run-DMC member Reverend Run has announced the completion of his first ever solo album, Distortion. The album was produced entirely by Run and Whiteboy. The first single from the album, “Mind On the Road,” will be featured in EA Sports’ popular football title, “Madden 2006.” Run, born Joseph Simmons, is the younger brother of […]
O.C.: It Takes Two
Some artists truly do get better with time. Jay-Z and Masta Ace proved that last year. Quietly, O.C. may be showing 2005 what hes made of. At the top of the year, O.C. released the import, Starchild, but only 20,000 copies were made available. Still, the work was strong enough to attract Pete Rock and […]
U.S.A. (United State of Atlanta)
Artist: Ying Yang TwinsTitle: U.S.A. (United State of Atlanta)Rating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Clover Hope Whether or not their rhyme skills are up to par, the Ying Yang Twins are always up to party, providing hilarious, innovative rhymes to complement their eccentric personalities. On their senior set, U.S.A. (United State of Atlanta) (ColliPark/TVT), the explicit twosome […]
Ge-ology Plays Ge-ology
Artist: Ge-ologyTitle: Ge-ology Plays Ge-ologyRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Orisanmi Burton If youre a connoisseur of Hip-hop, chances are youre an unwitting fan of Ge-ology aka G-YOUNG. This highly imaginative DJ, instrumentalist and visual artist is perhaps one of the cultures best kept secrets. His foray into Hip-hop began in the late 80s when he and […]
Self Destruction
Artist: I Self DevineTitle: Self DestructionRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Paine The Micranots are often remembered for their breakthrough album a decade ago, Return of the Travellahs. If Atmosphere is the heart of the Rhymesayers crew, The Micranots are the backbone. However, the two following albums never equated to the cult success of the first. As […]
The Final Countdown (Mixtape)
Artist: Che GrandTitle: The Final Countdown (Mixtape)Rating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Jesse Fairfax As Hip-hop continues to age, its pool of new talent seems to get younger, with music primarily geared towards the 106 and Park audience. Che Grand repping Brooklyn by way of Virginia was a Freestyle Friday contestant himself but his music isnt made […]
Baton Rouge Rapper Beelow Shot In Dispute
Beelow, a local rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is in the hospital after being shot in the head in a dispute over bootlegged CDs. Beelow, who worked with such artists as Juvenile, C-Murder and David Banner and opened for such acts as 8Ball & MJG, Master P, and Silkk the Shocker, was allegedly accused […]
Pitbull Added To Eminem’s ‘Anger Management’ Tour
Miami MC Pitbull has been added to the lineup for Eminem’s 39-city Anger Management Tour. The summer tour starts in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 7, runs through August, and features performances from Eminem, 50 Cent, and G-Unit among others. "This tour gives me a great opportunity to reach all my fans and hopefully make some […]
McDonald’s In Talks With Hip-Hop Designers For Uniforms
McDonald’s has already tapped into Hip-Hop music to help sell their food and promote their brand and now the fast food giant is in talks with Sean John, Rocawear and Fubu to give employee’s uniforms a makeover. McDonald’s has hired music mogul Steve Stoute, who runs Translation Consulting and Brand Imaging to oversee the project. […]
