Kimora Lee Simmons Arrested
Kimora Lee Simmons, wife of mogul Russell Simmons was arrested in New Jersey and charged with a series of drug and traffic violations, after she was stopped and marijuana was allegedly found in her vehicle on Sunday (July 25). According to reports, Kimora was driving near her home in Saddle Brook, New Jersey when officers […]
True Story
Artist: Terror SquadTitle: True StoryRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Martin A. Berrios History will tell you that keeping a Rap crew together is a tough undertaking, and no one understands this better than Fat Joe. With the release of their first project Terror Squad: The Album five years ago, the click had a formidable line up […]
Banks & Buck: Pop & Politics Pt. 1
Over fifteen years ago, rap deity Dr. Dre helped birth N.W.A., one of the most radically active groups of all time. The Compton-based collective was armed with “street knowledge” and so are their descendents Young Buck and Lloyd of 50 Cent’s G-Unit. N.W.A. and G-Unit’s intellect manifests itself in different ways, but don’t assume these […]
De La Soul Signs With Sanctuary, Prep New CD
De La Soul is set to release their eighth album, The Grind Date, with a high-end signing to the Matthew Knowles-headed Sanctuary Urban Records Group. The album is slated for release on September 28. De La Soul member Pos said that Knowles was attracted to De La because of their proven durability, consistency and their […]
One Day Everything Changed
Artist: Wale OyejideTitle: One Day Everything ChangedRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Paine Wale Oyejide is the real name of the artist formerly known as Science Fiction. Last year his spring release of Walls Dont Exist, made for a fabulous album. Rich musical texture with strong emotion proved it a true jumping off point for Radiohead and […]
Jay-Z, Outkast, Kanye West MTV’s Top Nominees
Jay-Z, Outkast, Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West and Missy Elliot were all nominated for multiple awards at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards. The awards show is being held in Miami, Florida, the first time the event has been held in a city outside of New York or Los Angeles. Jay-Z led the pack with […]
Africa Bambaataa Protests Kool Mixx Championships
A group of protesters that included Hip-Hop legend Africa Bambaataa boycotted the Kool Mixx DJ Championship in Chicago on Saturday (July 24). The majority of states that make up the United States of America have filed lawsuits against Brown & Williamson, makers of the Kool brand of cigarettes. Attorney Generals in various states including Illinois […]
AHH Stray News: Fat Joe, Andre 3000, Black August
Today, a scheduled appearance by Fat Joeâs Terror Squad was suddenly cancelled by the South Street Seaport in New York City. The venue gave no reason for the cancellation, which was supposed to take place on TSâs Tuesday release date (July 27). Even though no reason was sited, Fat Joe said that it based on […]
Ja Rule Facing Assault Charges
Ja Rule surrendered to a Toronto court this morning to face assault charges, stemming from an altercation at a nightclub. Police refused to release details on the incident, which took place June 5 at Tornoto’s La Rouge nightclub. They did say the multi-platinum rapper was charged with assault causing bodily harm. On July 1, Ja […]
Lil Mo Signs with Cash Money
Cash Money has further bolstered their R&B repertoire with the signing of R&B songstress Lil’ Mo. Sighting a lack of support from her former label, the defunct Elektra Records, the New York native said she intends to refocus her musical career. Lil Mo’ joins the legendary Teena Marie as another leg to the R&B component […]
Country Star Tim McGraw Uses Rapper In 2004 Tour
Hip-Hop music has been meshed with almost every musical genre. Country music star Tim McGraw is breaking ground and incorporating the art form into his live stage show. McGraw’s 2004 tour is being hailed as a milestone event due to the inclusion of an African-American rapper named Cowboy Troy, who rhymes during McGraw’s set. Troy, […]
Papoose: Focused Lyrically
Its commonly understood that first impressions are of the utmost importance. This old adage can easily be applied to new MCs hoping to make names for themselves in this fickle rap climate. Coming with simple punchlines and on-beat freestyles are a thing of the past, especially after hearing Alphabetical Slaughter by Brooklyn resident Papoose. Running […]
Just Blaze Joins Scion In Search For Talent
New car company Scion is offering upcoming rap artists or musicians an opportunity to help realize their dream, by offering a chance to win a $50,000 marketing deal. The promotional deal is one that includes three industry heavyweights judging the work of the 10 finalists. TVT executive Bryan Leach, radio personality Eric Cubiche and producer […]
C-Murder Indicted On 2001 Attempted Murder Charges
A Baton Rouge, Louisiana grand jury has indicted Corey "C-Murder" Miller on attempted second-degree murder charges, stemming from an incident in at a local New Orleans nightclub three years ago. The incident occurred in August of 2001 when the owner of Club Raggs refused to allow the platinum selling rapper into the establishment without a […]
Wyclef Planning Benefit Concert In Haiti
Wyclef Jean is planning a benefit concert in Haiti later this year to promote peace in the country, which was plagued by violence when the existing government collapsed. Jean told reporters on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia that he would like to see 2 million of Haiti’s eight million residents attend. "I was in […]
Dame Dash Launches Tiret Luxury Watch Collection
Dame Dash has entered into the world of high-end timepieces and will produce a line of luxury watches called Tiret New York. Dash has tapped the experience of Daniel Lazar, a leading watch and jewelry designer and through the partnership hope that their product will “redefine luxury” due to its uniqueness. "We are creating unique […]
Nore Joins The Roc
The Roc-A-Fella Records roster continues to blossom as Nore of CNN has joined the label, quenching the rumor mill’s chatter. Nore had previously been an artist on Def Jam Records and had released a song and video with partner Capone earlier in the year called “Yes Sir.” But, slowly Nore has began to work with […]
Masta Ace Announces Retirement in August
As Hip-Hop retirements increasingly appear to be promotion or an alternative to falling off, Masta Ace, a 16-year veteran, has revealed that he will hang up his microphone after the release of his album, Long Hot Summer. The new album, Ace’s fifth, will be released on August 3 and will mark the end of an […]
AZ: Classic Material
AZ is vintage. Not Urban Outfitter-manufactured vintage, but genuine, back of the thrift store vintage. From his classic verse on Nas’s “Life’s a B***h” to his pairing with the QB vet on the Grammy-nominated “The Essence,” the Brooklyn-bred emcee has always embodied the sound of an influential era. Mid-90s New York, to be exact. But […]
Police Seek To Question Coo Coo Cal In Shooting
Police in Madison, Wisconsin are seeking to question Milwaukee rapper Coo Coo Cal after a shooting over the weekend left a man wounded. Authorities said the victim is recovering and revealing details of the shooting, which was apparently sparked by a dispute over a dice game. After a performance at a local club area club, […]
