A decade ago, it was arguably Twista who first became the cliché “favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.” With his Guinness Book of World Records lightning fast delivery, the Chicago star was a well-kept secret, from the now-defunct Big Beat Records, an Atlantic company. His 1997 album Adrenaline Rush remains a cult classic, that spawned styles in […]
Raised by illicit codes and by men who truly epitomize bona fide OGs, this Queens subject was looked to be carrying New York Hip-Hop on his back once upon a time. To him, he still is. Utilizing what his contemporaries may consider the modern day media curse, Grafh, leaked a tester of his up and […]
Longevity is a hard thing to attain in Hip-Hop. Artists come and go while crews dissipate. There are only a select few who have weathered the storm. It’s almost hard to believe that Flipmode Squad, the musical crew founded by Busta Rhymes, has been around nearly 13 years. In that span, the sound, the artist […]
When Eve Jihan Jeffers stepped onto the scene eight years ago, no one could predict what the future had in store for her, but it was obvious she was unique and destined for success. She evolved from a Hip-Hop artist to a sex symbol to an actress in both movies and television. And in light […]
Rock Star Energy Drinks might have a new soundtrack, according to Shop Boyz member Rasheed “Sheed” Hightower. The Atlanta trio’s “Party Like a Rock Star” caught the suburbs last month, and when it joins up with a reported campaign from the Red Bull competitor, expect it to be the draw to sip your way out […]
Nicknamed “Cocaine,” Big Kuntry has had dead presidents represent him for years. The Pimp Squad Click member has known T.I. since the mid ‘90s, and though rap fans are still getting to know him, the Grand Hustle artist might be the Tony Yayo of his click: he’s older, street savvy, and has lots of personality. […]
They may dub themselves The Underdogs, but the production duo consisting of Harvey Mason, Jr. and Damon Thomas is anything but sub-par. Getting their start in two of music’s most revered production teams, Mason and Thomas developed a team of their own in 1999. To date, they have worked with a number of R&B […]
It’s already known that without any struggle there isn’t any progress. Yung Berg can attest to that. At only 21 years-old, Berg has a resume that would have any up and comer jealous. Already aware of the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, Yung Berg is making sure his plan to take over is […]
Mistah F.A.B. may be riding a yellow bus to school, but he brought his homework. The Oakland disciple of Mac Dre’s Thizz Entertainment and Hyphy movement is backed with knowledge of grassroots marketing, social awareness, and a history of the rap around him. After five years of regional building through DIY releases, the 25 year-old […]
A quick trip down memory lane will remind even the most casual of Hip-Hop fan, that at one time commercial endorsements were taboo. The popular commercial of a bankrupt MC Hammer elicits laughs now, but last decade he was virtually shamed out of the industry after pitching everything from soda to buckets of fried chicken—of […]
The road to success and stardom as an in-demand Hip-Hop producer is a long one, especially when you’re a young kid from Canada. But 27-year-old Marco “Polo” Bruno has been putting in work for years, from growing up in Toronto listening to Kool G Rap albums to engineering studio sessions with artists like Talib Kweli […]
Minneapolis-via-Madison, Wisconsin MC Brother Ali may be the longest “Overnight Sensation” in years. After releasing a self-produced demo in 2000, Ali joined up with Rhymesayers and dropped 2003’s critically-acclaimed Shadows on the Sun. Since then, a divorce, custody battles, poverty and homelessness have all dropped Ali’s way, and the rapper hasn’t been shy about dealing […]
After nearly two decades in the game, Little Louie Vega is a legend on the House music scene. He has taken his unique brand of soulful, uplifting House all over the world, making him one of the most prolific and celebrated Dance DJs to come out of NYC. As one half of production duo Masters […]
Lil’ Flip has come a long way since his days as a teen freestyle wiz in Houston. With a solid decade of recording experience under his belt, he’s also been subject to some of the worst nightmares any artist could have. From being shot in 2002, to being sued over the Pac Man sample in […]
When you’re ballin’ out of control, both literally and figuratively, it’s probably pretty easy to lose your focus. Although most of us may never know what it’s like to be in the highest tax brackets, we have done everything within Hip-Hop culture to swagger ourselves into that image. Minnesota Timberwolves’ point guard Troy Hudson, a.k.a. […]
Five years ago, every artist carrying a Shady Records contract was a star. After the Anger Management Tour, 50 Cent, Obie Trice, and D12 all achieved platinum status, not to mention their invincible leader Eminem. After 2004 however, despite adding acclaimed producer Alchemist to the mix, neither critics nor consumers have gravitated towards the upstart […]
Four years ago, I spoke to Rosco P. Coldchain on a rushed Arista Records press day. Advance copies of the album were mailed, The Clipse/N.E.R.D. buzz was still white-hot, and the North Philadelphia MC appeared that he was a walk-on starter with Star Trak, having only a few short months barring him from stardom. Those […]
Though it’s been several years since his untimely passing, Hip-Hop has yet to find another Ol’ Dirty Bastard. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say the odds of ever finding him again are slim-to-none. Name another rapper who bumrushed The Grammys, allegedly got held up by Diddy’s goons, then saved a little girl […]
“Dear Mama” by 2Pac (1995, Out Da Gutta/Interscope) If “Keep Ya Head Up” made 2Pac an ally to women, “Dear Mama” delivered him lovingly to the ears and hearts of mothers, daughters and sons. This brutally honest effort puts the iconic artist very close to Marvin Gaye, for his intimate introspective verses. “Mama Said Knock […]
In Hip-Hop, reinvention can be harder than getting recognized in the first place. While Zev Love X was able to later mask himself as underground superstar MF Doom and the Genius scratched the surface of what would become GZA, both examples are well over a decade old. DJ Quik arguably needs no reintroduction. Few could […]
