Requiem for a Dream Deferred
Has the American Dream for cream been masked over top of Dr. King’s? These days unity between the races is easy to see, but is it truly the vision of he who gave his life for the civil rights movement? Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see White and Black hands held together… only they’re clasping […]
112: Right Here, Pt 1
While Atlanta quartet 112 has yet to reach a decade in their recording career as a group, they are on the verge of a comeback of sorts with their fifth studio album, Pleasure And Pain. In the midst of the current trends of rap-crossover, crunk&b, and two-stepping, the group is revitalizing the club-friendly vibe that […]
112: Right Here, Pt 2
AHHA: Well, I think thats a good attitude to have. It sounds like you guys are well adjusted too. Mike: We did that on the fourth album. Theres nothing like mediocre success to bring all the problems out. It seems like when one problem happens all of em happen at the same time, so it […]
UPDATE: Man Shot Not With 50 Cent; Violator Offices Shot Up
Updated March 1,2005— Authorities have refuted early reports that a shooting victim at Hot 97 was affiliated with 50 Cent’s G-Unit. Now authorities have stated that the victim is a native of Compton, the hometown of The Game. At the time of the shooting, 50 Cent was interviewing on Hot 97 and The Game was […]
From the Vaults: Slick Rick, circa 98-99
In an old box, I found a bunch of old interviews I conducted. One of the tapes on the top of the pile was the infamous Slick Rick. This was a very personal interview. Beyond the glitz and glam, Slick Rick is a very down to earth cat. Here, Slick Rick talks about the loves […]
The Massacre
Artist: 50 CentTitle: The MassacreRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Martin A. Berrios You know the deal. He came back from taking nine shots, built a buzz thicker than Kitoy, and proceeded to take over the rap game in one fell swoop. 50 Cents bandages to riches story added a certain amount of authenticity to the ill […]
Opening Remarks In Lil Kim Case Start Tomorrow, Judge Questions Jury Selection
Jury selection started today (Feb. 28) in the federal trial of Lil’ Kim, who is charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to a federal grand jury in relation to a broad daylight shootout in New York. Testimony could begin as early as tomorrow. Lil’ Kim, born Kimberley Jones, and her assistant Monique Dopewell […]
Lydia Harris Talks Death Row Lawsuit, Possible Lawsuit Over Documentary
The wife of notorious Los Angeles drug trafficker, Michael "Harry O" Harris, is continuing her legal bouts with Death Row Records in court to obtain what she calls rightful half ownership of the label. Lydia Harris, otherwise known as "Lady Boss," is seeking $100 million in damages and 50 percent ownership of Death Row Records, […]
Chicago Industry Vets Help Noonie Ward With Label
Harold “Noonie” Ward, currently on the cover of the newest F.E.D.S. magazine has started a record company to show love back to the streets of Chicago. Chicago native and music industry vet John Monopoly has lent support in helping Noonie cultivate relationships. Noonie has also been in talks with former Def Jam executives Russell Simmons […]
Ja Rule Starring In New Donald Goines Flick, Launches Film Company
Following the success from his latest role in the film "Assault On Precinct 13," The Inc. recording artist Ja Rule recently extended his endeavors in film by landing a role in the big screen version of Donald Goines’ classic novel, "Whoreson" and launched a film company in the interim. Ja Rule, who has built his […]
Folks Music
Artist: Mars BlackTitle: Folks MusicRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Jason Newman Mars Black, the Brooklyn-born, Omaha-raised rapper, sums up his life succinctly in the intro to his debut album Folks Music (Team Love), rhyming I was born in the borough of the mightiest MCs/But in the Midwest is where I live and breathe. Balancing standard […]
Absence
Artist: dälekTitle: AbsenceRating: 2 StarsReviewed by: Kevin Polowy Theres a lot to be said for sheer distinction in todays increasingly expansive Hip-hop arena, and däleks third album, Absence (Ipecac), plunges the New York trio even further into the inscrutable abyss of industrial rap. But as far as dälek (pronounced dialect) veers from the most avant […]
Whoo Kid Collaborates With Jamie Foxx
DJ Whoo Kid has collaborated with Jamie Foxx for a promotional mixtape featuring rappers 50 Cent, Twista, Stat Quo and The Game. Whoo Kid, who has worked with Foxx in the past, said his relationship with the actor/singer developed more after Foxx did a record on 50 Cent’s upcoming album, The Massacre. "Jamie liked the […]
TJ’s DJ’s: Breakin Records
The record pool is a lost art. It’s the way many got discovered, and it was a critical way to build careers throughout the late 80’s and 90’s. With many club and radio DJ’s moving to CD’s, most record pools went by the wayside. But among the few standing, is an influential house in the […]
Krayzie Bone Responds To Arrest Warrant, Dismisses ‘Dead Beat’ Dad Allegations
Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony has promptly responded to reports that an arrest warrant was issued Wednesday (Feb. 24) for the rapper after he failed to attend a scheduled plea hearing in Butler County, Ohio. Krayzie Bone, whose real name is Anthony Henderson, has been confronted with charges of child support non-payment of his 6-year-old […]
The Jam Master Jay Foundation LaunchesTonight (Feb. 25)
The Jam Master Jay Foundation for Music along with adidas will host a kick-off event tonight (Feb. 25) in New York City to honor the slain Run DMC DJ and commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the legendary adidas Superstar sneaker. The celebration takes place at 8.p.m. through midnight at New York’s Skylight club, with an […]
Kanye West To Pose Nude?
Earlier this week, Kanye West suggested that he should be compensated to appear on the cover of magazines, because his mug drives subscriptions and off-the-rack sales. While most publications scoffed at the notion, citing its a reciprocal publicity relationship for the artist. However, one cutting edged magazine has opted to take the rapper up on […]
Starchild
Artist: O.C.Title: StarchildRating: 4 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Paine 1994 is the fitted year of reverie in Hip-hop. That year, three New York MCs arrived with potent solos that served as a triadic keystone to what was to come. Notorious B.I.G., O.C., and Nas. Theres a good chance that you hold two of those names much […]
Diddy In Trouble Over Penguins
Music and Fashion entrepreneur Sean “P. Diddy” Combs is under fire once again, this time by animal activists who were outraged to find that live penguins were used as props at a recent Miami event he hosted. Representatives from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) were shocked upon discovering six penguins floating in a […]
50 Cent Offers ‘Goodies’ With His ‘Massacre’
With 50 Cent’s anticipated sophomore album, The Massacre, being moved up from March 8 to March 3 due to rabid bootlegging, Interscope Records is offering exclusive content for those who choose to purchase the CD legally. As incentive, 250,000 limited edition packages are being manufactured, with a special Digipack and a CD key to unlock […]