The Cliff Notes Version of the saga behind The Last Emperor: A West Philly b-boy makes moves in his hometown in the early ‘90s, but emerges as a standout on the mic and in the classrooms at Lincoln University, the nation’s first historically Black college. He shuts down ciphers in campus dorms, proving that he […]
It is an undeniable fact that few MCs have contributed more to the game of Hip-Hop than MC Lyte. To say she helped blaze a trail for other female MCs to follow would do her a severe injustice. Not only has she garnered the respect of her peers, she has captured the imagination of those […]
In Nick Broomfield’s recent documentary, Biggie & Tupac, for possibly the first time, someone not associated with hip-hop culture acknowledges the surveillance of the F.B.I. on unsuspecting artists and other figures in the hip-hop community. Implying that the feds have aggressively monitored artists for years in the hope that they will lead them to bigger […]
Boston, Massachusetts has been better known more for their sports teams and New Edition than rappers over the years. But Smoke Bulga, a, cocky 22 year old Beantown native, has plans to grab more respect for the unduly looked over city only 200 some odd miles North of New York City. About a year ago […]
“Be in Columbus, never seen Bow Wow” – Cam’ron from “What’s Really Good” This may come as a surprise to some, but Columbus, Ohio actually has a thriving hip-hop community, one that existed prior to a prepubescent pup began reppin’ for the CO (via the ATL). MHz, Copywrite, RJD2, and many other Columbus area hip-hop […]
Cormega isn’t the type to let obstacles slow him down. From being shelved on a major label, to releasing two albums that he feels were not promoted properly, the Queens Bridge bred rapper maintains a positive attitude. Cormega reveals the true meaning of hard work, diligence and maturity. AllHipHop.com: What’s going on? Cormega: I’m just […]
Bone Crusher has spent over 10 years in the rap game’s wings, waiting for his chance to soar. Waiting patiently and learning from some of the industry’s most successful moguls, Bone Crusher absorbed the knowledge of those around him and is ready to drop it on the rest of the world. Underlying his violent content, […]
Shawnna is one of very artists who were blessed with music running through their DNA. As the daughter of Blues pioneer Buddy Guy, she had special privileges coming up as a young girl. Money was never an issue, and she always had the latest fashions before any of her friends and schoolmates. But don’t get […]
Ludacris recently took a break from recording and performing the southern club bangers that get us all crunk in the club. In the sequel to “The Fast and the Furious,” he joins Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, and Eva Modes in a brief but significant role. “2 Fast and 2 Furious,” directed by John Singleton, gives […]
Swinging the lyrical sword of the chosen few Inspectah Deck takes on his personal ills with no fear. Still, INS has survived years of label turmoil and has settled in at a new home with Koch Entertainment/In the Paint Records with new comforts. Here he revels in his past successes and obstacles and his desire […]
Three Years. A hiatus of such length is considered career suicide for most rappers, but not Roc-A-Fella’s first signee Memphis Bleek. Bleek was taking care of some real business – the business of family. He witnessed the birth of his firstborn son and almost saw his older brother return to the essence. Now, he is […]
I’ve never been alive and there wasn’t hip-hop. That is why I feel like I’m fortunate to have this in my life. I’m blessed. –Flo Brown The relationship between an individual MC and hiphop is one that can be observed through the artist’s musical execution. Some emcees have a relationship with hiphop that is strictly […]
The Cunninlynguists’ first album was aptly titled, “Will Rap For Food.” The duo made a record that illuminated a whole breed of conscious MC’s from below the Mason-Dixon. In the last two years, they’ve picked up a third member: SOS, built the rep, and rocked many stages. The group is comprised of two producers DJ […]
Ol’ Dirty to Dirt McGirt: Welcome Home A two years stretch in jail is liable to test hip-hop’s collective, forgetful memory. However, when Ol’ Dirty Bastard, now known as Dirt McGirt, was greeted with a flock of reporters, photographers, fans and family – a reminder that Dirt is one of the most fascinating rappers to […]
Stagga Lee knows he is getting a raw deal, but he can’t seem to convince minions of rap fans of this. Nevertheless the Bronx-born, Yonkers-reared rapper assures himself and his detractors that his time is now, like it or not. A fan of the greats [Kool G Rap, Rakim, KRS-One], Stagga could, quite possibly be […]
April 10, 2003, 7:04 pm The Day. A shady ass Thursday to some, but for me it was the ultimate jump off. It was the day KRS One and I would meet and greet. sh*t. I didn’t plan for the episode, its just that I attended his lecture “Hip-hop Declaration of Peace” at Northeastern University […]
The Detroit Hip Hop Summit is over. Like every 24-hour day, April 26, 2003 had to end at midnight. But the feelings can last a lifetime. The dialogue sparked at the historic event can create sweeping change to echo around the world. It is obvious the enormous power that hip-hop holds, economically, musically, politically, and […]
While it is an accepted fact that Hip Hop culture was produced by both African Americans and Latinos, the historical record hasn’t always reflected this. Inside the stories of Hip Hop’s pioneers are the visible ways that Blacks and Latinos influenced each other and developed artistic expressions that spoke to their environments. After years of […]
Before anybody knew Obie Trice they knew his name. Eminem set it up perfectly on the intro to his smash single, "Without Me," allowing the Detroit rapper to open the song proclaiming "Obie Trice, real name, no gimmicks." Obie Trice has patiently waited for the limelight, putting in work and building a name for himself […]
Much like his Queen’s bred counterpart 50 Cent, Brooklyn born and Rockland County representative Saigon has seen a lot in his 20 some odd years on earth. From spending a good portion of his life in the streets, to spending time in the penile system only to take that aggression to the streets and pour […]
