Over the last five years, many of us have watched music stores either condense or remove vinyl from their inventory. Besides a very niche community, who’s buying it? Moreover, who’s playing it? DJ Eclipse is not only playing it, he’s keeping it sold in stores. By day, Eclipse manages the sacred grounds of New York’s […]

You don’t interview Russell Simmons, you just hang on for the ride. The mogul’s mind travels a mile a minute, and he switches from anecdotes to small-talk to revelations to advice. Just days before appearing on Oprah, Simmons, sitting across the desk from his brother Reverend Run, discusses his book Do You: 12 Laws to […]

Hip-Hop has many detractors, but the Honorable Louis Minister Farrakhan is not one of them. The Minister witnessed the birth and the rise of the music across the world, and after traveling the globe, believes that Hip-Hop music will be the force to usher in change. While rap music is under an unprecedented attack in […]

Aesop Rock has been dope for years. A longtime Def Jux staple, fans of his catalog seek out even his earliest work, which can command prices on eBay of hundreds of dollars. The classically trained painter who doesn’t paint, Aesop Rock the individual is hard to pigeonhole. As a word maven and beat smith of […]

DJ Jazzy Jeff admits to being stopped often, to dismissive fans asking, “Jeff, what are you up these days?” While he’s chosen a different light than his former MC partner Will Smith, Philadelphia’s beloved DJ has been successfully keeping Hip-Hop very much alive, worldwide. The former champion of the turntables has blossomed to a producer […]

Growing up in the spotlight of show business ain’t easy, just ask the cast of Diff’rent Strokes. So many child-stars have fallen quickly out-of-favou with their adoring public over the years. And in the world of music, look no further than the once-beloved Michael Jackson to see the effects of celebrity status early on in […]

The concept of established artists fronting a group effort is about as original as a duet with Akon, creating a clothing line, or dropping a DJ Drama assisted mixtape. Someone must have forgotten to tell Young Jeezy—he’s managed to release two certified multi-platinum albums and stretch his fan base as if it were one of […]

Through samples, through peace meetings and through friendships The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has been speaking to Hip-Hop for decades. Today, with his health not as certain, Minister Farrakhan speaks to Hip-Hop. Minister Farrakhan’s words at Saviours Day stressed unity – of race and religion. Though the politics may not have changed, the walls that […]

When Spoonie Gee spit a verse, he typically had a lot more than 48 bars in his raps. Two decades later, Gabriel Jackson is a man of a few words. But as one of the first nationally-known Harlem MCs, Spoonie’s legacy speaks for him. Starting with “Spoonin’ Rap” in 1979, the MC had hits including […]

With every major player in Hip-Hop, there is always someone behind the scenes ensuring all the business is being handled. In the case of multi-platinum trap star Young Jeezy, Demetrius “Kinky B” Ellerbee is the man behind the man. An equal partner in Corporate Thugz Entertainment, Kink plays an intricate role behind in the day-to-day […]

Considering that he’s built like a fullback, it’s only fitting that Phat Kat was the co-founder of a group named 1st Down. Long before the legion of hipsters bought their “Dilla Changed My Life” t-shirts, Kat and a virtually unknown Jay Dee teamed up to become the first Hip-Hop act from Detroit to secure a […]

By now, most people are aware of the YouTube video circulating of Dallas Austin discussing some interesting aspects in the career of Joss Stone. When AllHipHop.com Alternatives interviewed Stone, a very slight part of our discussion included her ill feelings toward Dave Gates and his involvement in her project. Dallas Austin’s name was mentioned, which […]

Hip-Hop has birthed an entire bling culture. Everything from hats and chains to belt buckles and watches have been adorned with diamonds and worn by industry heavyweights to hopefuls. At the forefront of this movement is a small group of jewelers, among which is Houston rapper Paul Wall and partner TV Johnny. AllHipHop.com decided to […]

Mayday is a lot more than your average Hip-Hop group with keyboards, bass guitars, turntables, and mic-stands. The duo can deliver thought-provoking rhymes and danceable, head-noddin’ rhythms accepted by both regular nine-to-fivers and buttoned-up bottle poppers. A feat that many try to accomplish but few succeed; and rumor has it that they have plenty of […]

While many independent artists have sought project funding from various places, from corporations to street entrepreneurs, Miami MC Stack$ has been able to keep his business in the family. The blossoming SoBe Entertainment label has released albums for singers Brooke Hogan and Urban Mystic, while 21-year-old Stack$ has honed his rap skills as the label’s […]

Hip-Hop has always had a fascination with the culture of Miami. Many rappers today seemed to be obsessed with the story of a young Cuban refugee named Tony Montana who rises to power in the Miami underworld. Today’s lyricists litter their tales of drug dealing with references about South American drug cartels who filter their […]

It’s not a new phenomenon that Rick Ross is the “Boss.” Since his first release, “Hustlin’,” Ross has left a strong presence in Hip-Hop letting everybody know how Miami can get down. With gritty rhymes about living the Scarface lifestyle in the cocaine capital and working with everyone from DJ Khaled to Fat Joe, he’s […]

For most Americans, August 12, 2005 represents a dark day and that’s not just describing the clouds that brought death and devastation in the name of Hurricane Katrina. The storm and resulting displacement of thousands along the Gulf shore became real life reminders of the inequities and challenges still facing poor people in our country. […]

At 36-years-old, Timbaland brings a youthful energy to his music that speaks to the stamina of a 20 year-old sneaking in the club and a 45 year-old raised amidst the Electronic genesis of the ’80s. Coming off of one of the most dominant streaks of hits in Tim’s 15 year career, the Virginia rapper and […]