Rhymefest: El Che Grand

Chicago-bred MC Rhymefest is one of the industry’s, relatively, best kept secrets. He has gained notoriety for his clever battle-rap skills, where he outshined Eminem back in ’97 (see YouTube). He also penned Kanye’s Grammy-winning “Jesus Walks.” Now, ‘Fest is ready to show the world the total package.     This week, he will drop […]

Havoc: Lost Art

For a producer whose dark grooves helped define New York Hip-Hop’s aural landscape in the 90s, Havoc’s recent presence in the rap game has been underwhelming. The 34-year-old MC/producer displeased many fans two years ago when his long overdue solo venture, The Kush, came and went with dubious results. With his “other half” of the […]

Ludacris: Back to Basics

Long before Hip-Hop seemingly gave way to its vices – misogyny, violence, and drugs – there were The Elements. These cultural fundamentals still are DJing, B-Boying (aka Break dancing), Graffiti, and Emceeing. The climate of Hip-Hop, much like Rock and Roll before it, scared those who didn’t understand the intensity of the expression that resulted […]

Zion I: Taking Mine

When Zion I cut their debut release, Mind Over Matter, in 2000, they garnered the respect of an underground community looking for the next sound. Since that debut, the combination of un-earthly production from AmpLive along with mutating lyrics from their dread-locked MC, Zumbi, has yet to fail.    Since Mind Over Matter, Zion I […]

5 & DONE: Ron Browz

Nah, despite the title of his latest single, “Jumpin (Out the Window),” Harlem’s Ron Browz isn’t trying to harm himself. With an album due in March (Etherboy) via Universal/Motown Records, and certifiable hit singles whether his own (“Pop Champagne”) or thanks to his tracks (Busta Rhymes “Arab Money” and all its remixes), the kid needs […]