After a long bid on the mixtape circuit and an unsuccessful run with Universal Records, Alfamega found a home on T.I.’s Grand Hustle, via Capitol Records. His soon to be released debut is titled I Am Alfamega and at 6’4” and 260 pounds there’s no question why he’s been dubbed the Grand Hustle Muscle.But what […]
Barack Obama may be “that one,” but The White Rapper Show’s infamous John Brown isn’t letting “this other guy” get the upper hand in the presidential election. The VH1 reality alumni’s latest single “Sarah Palin (I Wanna Lay Pipe)” takes another token stab at the governor’s lack of experience; this time combining her sexual appeal […]
In the normal world, besides its literal definition, “pause” is a term of caution, as used in Run-DMC’s New Jack Swing era salvo, “Pause.” In the 2000’s, when somebody says “pause” it means that person or another person strung together words (or puns and double entendres) that have overt or subtle homosexual overtones. Be clear, […]
In today’s image driven Rap industry it’s difficult for a female MC to create her own lane. But if you looked at the thriving career of veteran rapper, MC Lyte, it might seem easy. After enlisting the help of her older brothers, Milk Dee and Gizmo, collectively known as Audio Two, MC Lyte recorded her […]
When super-producer James “Jay Dee/J Dilla” Yancey departed Slum Village in 2001, many hip-hop fans were left wondering what would become of the Detroit-based rap trio. There wasn’t just the matter of replacing him behind the boards, but Dilla was also a phenomenal lyricist. On Trinity: Past, Present, and Future in the fall of 2002, […]
“Manhattan keeps on making it, Brooklyn keeps on taking it, Bronx keeps creating it, and Queens keeps on faking it…” – KRS-One, “The Bridge is Over.” You can make up your own mind about KRS’ statement. While directed at MC Shan’s Juice Crew, it implicated the entire borough. Back then, Hip-Hop was a little more […]
Veteran West Coast rapper Murs has been an underground Hip-Hop icon for over a decade. Living Legends, collabs with 9th Wonder, the Paid Dues festival; stuff like that. However, a recent signing to Warner Bros. has taken the artist to new adventures as he seeks to expand upon his existing fanbase. Murs for President, which […]
If you’re an ‘80s baby, chances are you don’t remember cuts like “She’s Got a Big Posse” or “Situation Hot.” And even those schooled on the earliest N.W.A cuts probably didn’t know Mik “Arabian Prince” Lezan was an original member, on the boards alongside Dr. Dre and DJ Yella.The term ‘under the radar’ gets used […]
You know the story well… The Black kid grows up in the projects surrounded by welfare, poverty, crime, drugs, racism, and hopelessness, yet becomes a successful MC. But, how many of you are familiar with the same story affiliated with other races and cultures growing up in the same environment? How about a fatherless, poor, […]
When it comes to rap music, the motive to go from being the best on your block to top five dead or alive can be one of three words; money, power or respect. When it comes to New York street music, we want all of the above and do what needs to be done to […]
Anyone paying attention to the rap game for the past decade knows the remote chances of a lanky kid from Boston resurrecting the spirit of early ‘90s Hip-Hop. Then there’s the catch-22 of being hailed as the next coming of the late, great Chris “Big Pun” Rios.Despite the odds, Termanology has released five critically acclaimed […]
South Gate, CA rapper Senen Reyes aka Sen Dog was first introduced to the rap world as a part of the Cypress Hill in the early 90’s. On occasion Sen Dog would step out to the forefront on tracks like “Latin Lingo,” however his main role was to be B-Real’s backup by using his deep […]
If you want to explore Hip-Hop history, ask a DJ. The chosen few with clout who man the ones and twos see the greats come and go, witness movements soar then crumble, and still provide a one a kind Hip-Hop soundtrack. In the case of Funkmaster Flex, sometimes a DJ can create trends and become […]
Philly native Peedi Crakk is a standing survivor of one of the biggest breakups in Hip-Hop history. After signing to Roc-a-Fella Records in 2001 by way of Freeway, Peedi hit the ground running building a name for himself with fan favorites like “One for Peedi Crakk,” and star making appearances on songs like Freeway’s “Flipside.” […]
José Martí, the “Apostle of Cuban Independence” believed, “Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity.” While the realm of Hip-Hop at times is dominated by materialism or melancholy, Armondo “Pitbull” Perez is the personification of Martí’s belief. […]
While Obama and McCain do their thing in the coming months, California-bred combo DJ Muggs and Planet Asia have their own campaigning to do. The latest project matching Muggs with another underground giant for a full-length LP, Pain Language, promises to be the unorthodox and avant-garde album their respective fans will be expecting.It’s hard to […]
Hot Stylz got jokes. During this interview the one liners came non-stop. It shouldn’t be a surprise, since it fits into the scheme of their hit “Looking Boy,” essentially a snap fest (as in joning & the dozens, not that dance rap stuff) in song form that features Yung Joc. Signed to Jive via Joc’s […]
Most noted for their natural chemistry and charisma, clearly evident on their stunning 1996 debut Nocturnal, Boot Camp Clik’s Heltah Skeltah have always managed to stand out from their competition in the ever-fickle rap game. After several years spent as solo artists and working loosely with the BCC, the dynamic duo releases their long-awaited third […]
What event combines the old school, the new school and the next school? Where will history be made as the entire State Property will stand reunited on stage for the first time in years? Where will EPMD tear down the stage representing the golden age of Hip-Hop? Where will artists on the verge of startdom […]
In the four years since his last studio release Cornell Haynes Jr., better known as Nelly, had dipped somewhat under the radar. Many obviously expected another album, although few were quite sure when they could expect it. Then in 2007 he appeared on tracks for R. Kelly’s Double Up and T.I’s T.I VS. T.I.P. These […]
