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 […]

You have heard the name Juice by now, or at least you should have. The Chicagoan earned his MC stripes in the late ’90s by smashing big name MCs in head-to-head freestyle battles. Legend has it that Eminem, Kanye West and Common all came out on the losing end after battling Juice. He has released […]

Klashnekoff is one of the realest MCs to come out of UK shores, and is set to take the world by storm with the release of his groundbreaking new album, Lionheart: Tussle With The Beast. It’s been a long time coming, and sees K-Lash progressing from his earlier work, 2004’s Sagas of Klashnekoff, the mixtape […]

Sheron “Umi” Smith has been immortalized on record with one of the most powerful rap odes ever written, “Umi Says” by her son Mos Def. On the song, Mos reiterates much of his mother’s wisdom with quotes like, “Tomorrow may never come” and “Shine your light on the world.” All things that she taught him […]

The “lip gloss” be popping for 16-year-old MC Lil’ Mama. What you know about her? The young, native Brooklynite is making waves on radios with her single, “Lip Gloss.” Raised in a musical household, the singer and dancer, who made it with raps, was groomed to be a star starting out on her father’s independent […]

There was a time when being a rapper out of New York City was like carrying a Hip-Hop badge of honor. Today, with the Southern-dominated Hip-Hop climate, it’s hard to find any artist from New York City on your local radio station, unless of course, it’s an established artist tied into G-Unit or Dipset. MIMS […]

The 18th floor seems like the sort of place where deals are brokered and big checks are cut, especially in today’s skyscraper world of industrious artist/execs. Although that might be Brasco’s reality today at his office in Geffen Records, the Brownsville, Brooklyn rapper names his forthcoming album The 18th Floor as a reminder of his […]