Philadephia’s legendary B-Boy BBQ returns to form for 2010. This year’s festivities included a 2 block mural which featured outstanding pieces from writers such as SEEN, ARAB, and SYE. B-Boys and B-Girls also represented over classic tracks from Michael Jackson, Nu Shooz, The S.O.S. Band, Shannon, and more. There were several local designers and vendors […]

Jay-Z continues his international conquest, with high profile appearances this weekend at the Isle of Wight Festival with a special surprise guest  on Friday (June 11th). Then, Jay-Z jetted (literally) back to Manchester, Tennessee, where he rocked over 50,000 fans at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. At the 40th Annual Isle of Wight Festival, […]

The charts have been dismal. Let’s face it…they still are.  But there have been some slight to significant jumps from Hip Hop and Hip Hop inspired artists this week.First up this week is Usher whose latest album, Raymond vs Raymond, continues to put up numbers.  This week the ATL singer stays at the number five position and sells […]

I recently had the privilege of attending the Kanye West SHOW concert for Chicago Public Schools at Farragutt Career Academy on the low end the bridge, between the South side and the West side.My father is one of the resident history teachers at Farragutt, so I had the pleasure of spending the day and somewhat […]

Born in Chicago, Illinois as a twin, Dolla’s sibling died at birth. Still, as the only boy amongst two sisters, the light-eyed MC admits to being spoiled. “We’d clean the house every Sunday but my only job was to take out the trash,” says Dolla. As a five year-old Dolla sat on his parent’s bed […]

Ice Cube has been on other rapper’s Top 5 Dead or Alive lists more than enough times. It was time to get a list from the man himself. Like many legends, Cube has maintained a career in rap that is equal parts successful emcee and uncompromising rebel. From NWA to his solo status to Hollywood […]

Thousands of fans turned out to support third annual Roots Picnic yesterday (June 5th) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A number of top acts performed in support of The Roots’ annual, all-day festival, including The Roots, John Legend, Wu-Tang Clan, Jay Electronica, Money Making Jam Boys, Nneka, Vampire Weekend, Peedi Crakk and others. Here’s a quick recap […]

    From Illmatic and Doggystyle to Get Rich or Die Trying and College Dropout, the classic debut has become somewhat of a prerequisite for a new artist aspiring for greatness. While there are certainly exceptions, the majority of hip hop’s premier acts made sterling first impressions. As if crafting a timeless LP wasn’t challenging […]

Poe Boy’s latest release 36 Reasons Reloaded comes from New Rochelle, New York native Billy Blue. Billy Blue is signed to Interscope through a joint venture between Poe Boy, Akon’s Konvict Music and Timbaland’s Mosely Music Group. Billy Blue spent a few years in juvie as a result of a tough lifestyle. He ended up […]

ChartWatch for June 2, 2010The summer started to heat a few weeks ago with some big albums dropping from artists like Nas and Talib Kweli.  I know album sales are as low as they have ever been but (and yes I appreciate the irony when I say this in a column titled “ChartWatch”) it’s not […]

Gucci Mane is working with Sean “The Pen” Garrett on a series of upcoming mixtapes and albums. They debuted the first single “She Geeked” off of The Inkwell, this past weekend at Bicentennial Park. In addition to Gucci Mane, the mixtape features Yung Money’s Tyga Tyga. Garrett and Gucci last hit big with the single […]

The general of Slaughterhouse is here with the latest in the Bar Exam series. He’s passed the “bar” every time, Royce Da 5’ 9” keeps raising the stakes for the competition. Bun B, Joe Budden, Crooked I, Marvon, Black Milk and others pop up. There’s even a presumed diss to Saigon. Download the latest Whoo […]

Track Listing : 1. Searchin For 2. Alphabet Soup 3. Ms. Sincere 4. Big Beat 5. Wallys & Pringles (P###. The Alchemist) 6. Lizz 7. Traphouse 8. City Of God 9. Shake 10. Keep On Feat. Selasi 11. Slow Down Feat. N.O.R.E. 12. Just 4 Laughs 13. Disposable Gunz 14. Calligraphy 15. Pullin’ Teeth Feat. […]

T.I.’s sounding very hungry with his new….street album, F**k A Mixtape. Check it out and then download. [Download] 1. Jamie Foxx – Intro 2. Welcome Back To The Trap (P###. By Smash Factory) 3. Spazz Out (P###. By Swizz Beatz) 4. Whatcha Saying Tip (P###. By Chuck Diesel) 5. Yeah Feat. Lil Wayne (P###. By […]

Rick Ross has finally released The Albert Anastasia EP to fans. The 13-track EP features production by Lex Lugar, DJ Clark Kent, The Remedy, The Runners, Infamous and L-Don. The free release is filled with guest appearances, including Birdman, Trey Songz, John Legend, Triple C’s, Style’s P. and the highly anticipated collaboration between Rick Ross […]

ChartWatch for May 26, 2010 There aren’t a lot of new albums coming out this week but we do have a few Hip Hop artists entering the top fifty.  We lead off the charts this week with two influential artists in the worlds of Hip Hop and Reggae.  Nas and Damian Marley lead the countdown […]

Looking for some Max B music? Well  has just released Amalgam Digital Series Vol 1: Prelude To Vigilante Season MAX B & YOUNG RIOT – “A Wave Called Yes.” This mixtape will serve as a prelude to Max B’s highly anticipated debut album Vigilante Season on Amalgam Digital. A Wave Called Yes’ first single Young […]

T.I. isn’t taking any prisoners on “Takers.” This goes hard. Listen up, competition.

What do you think of Drake & Jeezy’s new song? Listen below to the CDQ version of “Unforgettable.” [Download]

ChartWatch for May 19, 2010 There isn’t a big change in the charts this week (well there’s one…but we’ll talk about Trina later) but there are some big albums coming out.  Let’s get the charts out of the way first.  There isn’t any Hip Hop in the top ten this week and, once again, the […]