Razing The Bars- Black Star Power
raze – v.t. to level to the ground; to tear down The growing appreciation and recognition of Hip-Hop’s conscience rappers culminates in the much anticipated release of Common Sense’s sixth album, Be. With added attention given recently to such stars as Mos Def, Talib Kweli (collectively known and slept on as Black Star) the Roots, […]
Royce The 5’9 Preps For ‘Independent’s Day’
Detroit emcee Royce the 5’9” hopes to add more acclaim to his name when he drops his next project, aptly titled Independent’s Day. The LP will be released on the independent label MIC Records and Royce has set out to sell big numbers even though he’s not on a major. “I’m going to put the […]
Mashonda: My Turn
You heard her on Eves Gotta Man and Jay-Zs Girls Best Friend, saw her in Cassidys Get No Better video, and you probably know shes married to former Ruff Ryders producer Swizz Beatz. But after blessing numerous hooks with her saintly vocals and songwriting skills, its finally time for Mashonda Tifrere to hold her own. […]
I’m Back (Mixtape)
Artist: Joe BuddenTitle: I’m Back (Mixtape)Rating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Bill “Low-Key” Heinzelman He may have sold the least, but Joe Budden has still managed to gain the respect of the Hip-hop industry. Even though his debut album did not move the units it expected to, the album displayed Joey’s introspective nature and conceptual talent with […]
Brother From Another
Artist: Young GunzTitle: Brother From AnotherRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Jay Peregrine For rap artists, balancing commercial and raw street appeal is an art, not a science. It is a very delicate procedure that very few acts have been able to master, though it hasnt stopped many of todays major label recording artists from giving it […]
The Preview
Artist: GrafhTitle: The PreviewRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Bill “Low-Key” Heinzelman He hasnt been shot nine times, but Grafh has a story of turmoil and conflict unlike any other. During his teenage years, Grafh witnessed the brutal murders of his two closest role models, one being an O.G. in the streets and the other tragically […]
Do or Die: From the Corners
Do or Die gave us one of the first anthems that made pimpin commercially acceptable and cool, especially if you were Po. Along with a Beatnuts backed Common Sense, they were also early trailblazers for Chi City Rap culture. While in some regions, the album sales and radio play might not reflect it, this duo […]
Junior M.A.F.I.A.: Back At It
As Ready To Die reached high plateaus, Biggie Smalls quickly created a platform for a nine of his closest friends. Junior Masters At Finding Intelligent Attitudes would go on to rule the year a decade ago with Players Anthem and Get Money. Names like Lil Cease and Lil Kim sprung into solo stature, and even […]
Bruce George: Poetic Justice
Almost anyone who knows anything about Hip Hop, knows that the Rap element is rooted in African oral poetry. Back in the early days, some people used to say that Rap was an acronym for Rhythmic African Poetry. Few people in this world understand the historical, social and political impact of the poets as Bruce […]
Master P. Launching Energy Drink
New No Limit Records CEO/Founder Master P is stepping into the energy drink game. P announced that he has partnered with "Who’s Your Daddy, Inc," a licensing and branding company to release "King of Energy," a new drink hitting stores in June. "King of Energy" will be in direct competition with Austrian-based "Red Bull," as […]
AHH Stray News: Cam’ron, Stimuli, DJ Absolut, Punchline
Fountain Entertainment announced plans to air “Hip-Hop In Harlem” on pay-per-view television on July 25. The concert event features top-selling acts such as Cam’ron and the Diplomats, as well as Beanie Sigel and State Property—Doug E. Fresh served as the evening’s host with DJ Clue providing the night’s musical selections. The concert was filmed last […]
Hip-Hop Heavy At Massive ‘Live 8’ Concert
Some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop will take part in Live 8, a concert that is being organized by the founders of "Live Aid," the legendary 1985 benefit concert. Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg Will Smith and 50 Cent are among the performers on the line up for the massive concert on […]
Fan In Seattle, Washington Says Snoop, The Game Assaulted Him On Stage
A Seattle, Washington fan was assaulted on stage during a concert at the White River Amphitheater over the weekend featuring Snoop Dogg and The Game. While reports vary, Richard Monroe, 24, attempted to hop onstage to dance and security guards for Snoop – as well as Snoop and The Game – allegedly beat him. Monroe, […]
New Digital Service Gives DJ’S Songs Directly
Major record company representatives have joined forces to create an online communication platform called the Recording Industry Sound Bank, a dedicated to direct servicing of professional DJs. The Sound Bank was formed as a response to the growing shortage of vinyl needed to service DJs across the country. “The prohibitive cost of manufacturing promotional vinyl […]
AHH Stray News: Soldiers Record ‘Live From Iraq’, Russell Simmons, BEP
A group of Fort Hood, Texas soldiers banded together while deployed in Iraq and recorded a Hip-Hop album, Live From Iraq. Known as 4th25, the 7 man group consists of army Sergeants and Specialists. The group recorded the album in Baghdad with recording equipment purchased from Philadelphia music store Sam Ash, the only store that […]
Capleton: The Prophet Speaks
The title of prophet is often a heavy cross to bear. In addition to dealing with the constant scrutiny of those who wait to see him or her fail in their righteous mission, a prophet also has to not only avoid the temptations of the world, but find a way to get his message out […]
Common Designs Limited Edition Sneaker With Krispy Klean
Chicago emcee Common has partnered with celebrity design team Krispy Klean to release a pair of limited edition Nike Dunks. The sneaker hit stores earlier this week to coincide with the release of the conscious rapper’s latest effort, BE. Just as eclectic as the emcee’s taste, the Dunks are available in two different color schemes, […]
Lil’ Cease & Junior Mafia Plan DVD Explaining Involvement In Lil’ Kim Trial
Lil’ Cease and Junior Mafia are preparing the release the follow up their debut DVD, "Chronicles of Junior Mafia." The second installment of the DVD series is titled "The Chronicles of Junior Mafia Part II: Reloaded," and will feature the group explaining their involvement with the Lil’ Kim trial. “We’re giving it to y’all real […]
B.G.: Return of the Real
A few years ago, a hit single ransacked the streets, Bling, Bling, eventually it was a catch phrase and swept the world. Money and fame were everywhere for Cash Money, successful singles hitting airwaves in constant rotation in both radio and video. Together the collective was unstoppable, then inside quarrels in regards to mismanagement of […]
Battlecat: We’re All in the Same Gang
With the resurgence of West Coast Hip-Hop in full swing, several spectacular events have taken place. One is the West coast Peace Summit, another being the reunion of Tha Dogg Pound and the third the How the West Was Won tour with Snoop, Game and other notable West Coast all-stars. However, if you really want […]
