Ludacris: The Actors Studio
Let the record show that MCs skilled at slinging deft lyrics with comedic wit dont get the same props as those more focused on drug and gun tales. Not convinced? Ask Redman or Slick Rick. But one versatile rapper, Atlantas Chris Ludacris Bridges, is out to stake his claim at upper echelon rap recognition. […]

Jedi Mind Tricks: Force Unleashed
On the eve of the most historical Presidential elections in Americas history, the vocal side of Jedi Mind Tricks is on yet another tour bus leaving the infamous Las Vegas Strip. The trio [MCs Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah, with Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind on beats] from the City of Brotherly Love has cemented […]

Scarface: Farewell
Scarface, the rapper, is retiring. We dont believe him. Sure, Brad Scarface Jordan is dropping his 9th proper album, Emeritus, which means retiring but maintaining your title. After 20 plus years in the game and an adherent dedication to putting together words that fit, well go out on the limb and say its highly unlikely […]

TRACKING SHOTS: Styles P
Whether it be promoting his latest project, Phantom Gangster Chronicles Vol. 1, bigging up the merits of juice bars, working on a book or assuring that a new LOX album is definitely on the way, Styles P gets it in. By now you should be at least a little familiar with the Yonkers product who […]

Illa J: Reppin’ Dilla for Life
Cruising down East 7 Mile Road in Detroit, the sharp thuds and jolts from potholes drumming the tires of your ride is unpreventable. Some would shrug it off as a consequence of being so cold in the D. But to an innovator such as the late underground producer/MC James Dewitt Yancey better known as J […]

Royce Da 59: Sargeant Slaughter
If the Internet age has proven to be a blessing for underground rappers, Royce Da 59 is the perfect case study. While his initial albums did not penetrate the mainstream threshold, for a few years it was only his unrelenting tour schedule and online presence that kept the Nickel Nine name alive outside the Midwest. […]

88-Keys: Most Known Unknown
Rather Unique: Eight Things You Should Know About 88-KeysPeep AllHipHop’s Exclusive Debut of 88-Key’s video for “True Feelings”Given his eclectic moniker by none other than celebrated beatsmith Large Professor, 88-Keys is soon to be mentioned in the same sentence as some of his own musical idols. Stealthily working behind the boards over the years with […]

IN HIS OWN WORDS: Trick Trick
A man of respect’s words always carry weight. When Detroit’s Trick Trick speaks, it’s worth your while to pay heed. When I walk outside I have to be Trick Trick. My perspective on life is first and foremost dont do nothing thats gonna upset God. Love the Lord, be prosperous. Smile, s**t, its okay to […]

Where Are They Now?: MC REN
Lorenzo Patterson, better known as MC Ren, turned the rap world upside down as a member of the gangster-rap pioneering group known as N.W.A. While fellow members Eazy-E, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre had a more visible presence, the group would not have been the same without Rens razor sharp and rapid hard-hitting lyrics, which […]

Black Milk: A Black Star
In today’s####-or-miss Hip-Hop landscape, most rappers can’t afford risk-taking or lengthy departures from their prevailing formulaic forte. Detroit-reared indie beatsmith Black Milk isn’t too concerned with staying in one lane with his raw sonic signature having more layers than Kwame Kilpatrick has court cases. Establishing his trademark for an impressive laundry list, producing gutter anthems […]

Charles Hamilton: Sonically Inclined
Dubbed one of the leaders of the new school, Harlems own Charles Hamilton has been receiving industry attention and critical-acclaim since first coming onto the scene in 2007. Known as a triple threat with credits including rapping, producing and occasionally singing, the 20 year-old Interscope Records signee has been compared to mega-artists such as, Kanye […]

Q-Tip: The Catalog
Today, November 4th, Q-Tip drops The Renaissance, his 8th in the new Tribe edition. Sure the album is only his second proper album, but anything Q-Tip affiliated is essentially A Tribe Called Quest. I would never put produced by Q-Tip on this even though I did all this, says The Abstract about his production imprint. […]

Paris: Here For November
Never one to hold his tongue on issues like politricks, violence and poverty in the Black community, it is no surprise veteran, revolutionary rap commander Paris is sounding off on this historic 2008 Presidential Election. The Bay-area rabble rouser just released his latest get free effort, entitled, Acid Reflex. on his indie label, Guerilla Funk […]

STREETS IS TALKING: Bleu DaVinci
As time has gone by, our music has sadly become more about portraying a role than first-rate lyricism and wordplay. Rappers continuously brag about being super gangsters but wouldnt pop off a cap gun. We get hit with a tsunami of bars about ice but the jewels? Rented. Then you have dudes claiming theyre drug […]

DJ UNK: Perfect Balance
DJ UNK bounced onto the scene a year or so ago and wanted us to Walk It Out and 2 Step. It seemed that you could not go to a club without hearing a DJ Unk track from his debut Beatn Down Yo Block, whose main goal was to move the crowd. Just when we […]

The Cool Kids: The Simple Life
Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks love for music goes far beyond paying homage to the influence of 80s and 90s Hip-Hop. For both of these Cool Kids, it started out as a hobby, distinguishing this duo from many other artist trying to get rich quick. Arriving at a downtown Chicago diner as if 88 is […]

Kool Keith: Dooom Seeker
The rap game is notorious for the short shelf life of its artists. Many of the MCs who packed stadiums in the 90’s, or early 2000s, have either been labeled irrelevant or have simply disappeared from view altogether.Hip-Hop mainstays like De La Soul and LL Cool J are respected not only because of their skill, […]

Juelz Santana: Dippin’ On The Set, Pt. 2
Juelz Santana goes in on Cam’Ron making like Houdini, finally releasing I Can’t Feel My Face with Lil Wayne, and winning over the haters, amongst other thingspause. [Part 1 right here]AllHipHop.com: Speaking of family, you began your career as part of one of the most powerful movements in Hip-Hop, the Diplomats…Juelz Santana: I am the […]

TRACKING SHOTS: Freddie Foxxx
There is no need to fear Freddie Foxxx. The MCs rep as an individual not to be crossed is legit, but dont let the sizeable stature, gruff rhymes and machismo make you neglect the fact that he places a premium on loyalty, possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of Hip-Hop and sports a keen intellect. Also known […]

Juelz Santana: Skull Gang Primer, Pt. 1
In dynasties past, soldiers were rewarded for their courage and loyalty. However, the music industry is not the court of King Arthur and, in most cases, when an artist stays in a situation in the name of loyalty, it may mean the end of their career. But Juelz Santana isn’t your average artist. Pressure can […]