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Alternative Pick: Chris Brown “Free Run”
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Lola Monroe “Fly Away”
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FRESH HEAT: Chevy Woods [BGA] Ft. Black Cobain “Convo”
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J Stalin Ft. Young Bari and Philthy Rich “U Already Know”
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Teairra Mari “I Don’t Like Freestyle”
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Bump Beef. Where’s The Battle???
Generally speaking, commentary on the follies and foibles of rappers is best left for others. Those of us in an editorial position come too close to the subjects at hand and, in my opinion, actually share a mutual need with the artists we profile. To be heard.
But, as of late, I can’t seem to keep my own personal commentary at bay. You see, lately, well, there have been some major mis-steps in the community. Things like:
Bottles thrown during brawls over babes. Bustin’ off bullets at each other. Bangin’ like this is still 1993 in South Central or something. Oh, brother.
And this isn’t in the ‘hood! This is in the rap game!
I’m tired of beef. Actual beef – the meat – I gave up eating in 2000, and it’s been a good, 12-year long, clearer colon sort of ride. I highly suggest not eating it, or at least cutting back. But the other beef? Rap beef? I’m tired of that, too. Especially when it seems fruitless, especially to those of us who would pick beef as the absolute last thing on Earth we’d want if we had adoring fans, millions of dollars, and pretty much whatever toys we desired in life.
Still, in the midst of the opulence and blessings and fame, there’s time for people to reach into their literal “street bags” and possibly pull out literal weapons on one another. The incident in New York a few weeks ago, the strip club shooting in Houston after that, the Yo Gotti concert shooting, and back in March, when I saw more beef than enough as we all converged on SXSW – it was all baffling.
In the words of the Old Negro spiritual, with all of their wealth and impact on pop culture, haven’t rappers already “overcome?” So, what’s the beef about?
Now, let’s not get it twisted. I know men and their testosterone. Shoot, I know some women with too much testosterone. I understand fully that rap, from its very foundation, was built on competition and who’s better-than-who, and I actually love nothing more than a good lyrical lashing from one MC to another.
And, I like it even more when no one gets hurt in the end. Well, except for a bruised ego and a crushed reputation.
So, I ask, where the hell is the battle in rap anymore???
We’re seeing people like Canibus (who I really think a lot of as an artist overall) being pummeled in a Pay-Per-View battle by a relative no-name. We’re witnessing the era of sub-disses on songs and sub-tweets and Facebook arguments between rappers that have to be solved by $100-an-hour PR specialists and gangs of ex-bouncer bodyguards. We’re watching as people get hurt needlessly in the name of crew love and groupie love…and little love for Hip-Hop.
I want the battle back! I want mugs to keep it in the booth, and say recklessly clever and outrightly outlandish stuff back and forth to each other. And, they should fight it out by one-upping each other with wit, wordsmithing, and Wu-like weaponry. And when there is the threat of real trouble, someone like Rev. Al or Rev Run or Chuck D can help work it out.
And we, the listening audience, can be the judge of whose beef is bigger (whoa there). So, seriously, get your battle weight up, guys.
Lastly, to rap up my rant, we were in the AllHipHop offices last week, listening to an oldie-but-greatie from 1991 by Tim Dog (look him up, kiddies) called “F*ck Compton”. With his menacing look and booming voice, he was GOING IN MERCILESSLY on Compton and certain members of N.W.A. We sat in the office listening last week like, “Dayyyyyuuuummm! Now that’s beef.”
By today’s standards, that song could possibly cost him his life. But it didn’t. From what we heard, some people talked to some people who basically told Tim to chill – but no one died, and quite frankly, I think his opponents (who I love to this day) got fried with that song…
…in the booth. Where the battle reigns supreme, and no beef is allowed.
Seandra Sims is AllHipHop.com’s Editor-At-Large. She actually likes beef, but only in the right context. Follow her on Twitter (@SeandraSims).
MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: Alternative Heat: MarquesAnthony – Frezno
Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil’ Scrappy Says “Let The B*tches Do What They Do” In Regards To Drake/Breezy Bottle Fight
Rapper and “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” star Lil’ Scrappy has decided to give his two cents on the Chris Brown vs. Drake bottle fight. Check out what he told XXL Mag below:
“Wow…a pop artist and R&B artist. What the f*ck? How can ya’ll have any beef? My take is let the b*tches do what they do. We supposed to be n*ggas, tryna get this money. But at the same time, I know how it feels when you’re heart is broke,” Scrap explained in an interview. “I’d just tell ’em to leave it alone. There’s a billion badd b*tches in this b*tch. There’s so many b*tches that look better than my old girlfriend [Laughs].”
Who do you think is next to comment on the bottle fight?
Hip-Hop Rumors: Yelawolf Throws Shots At Machine Gun Kelly, Talks Disappointment With Shady Records
Yelawolf and Machine Gun Kelly have a history of throwing shots at each other. It all started last year when MGK did an interview while he was drunk and did a Yelawolf impression that Yela didn’t appreciate. The misunderstanding was further amplified during the BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher, when people began saying that MGK took a few subliminal shots at Yela.
Well, the two are back at it. During a recent interview with Shade 45, Yelawolf took a shot at MGK when asked about the comparisons between the two. Check out what he said below:
“Who?” “It’s probably the most insulting thing on the planet, to be asked to sign a Machine Gun Kelly autograph. ‘Yo MGK?’ I’m like ‘Yea, motherf***er. Let me sign your Birkenstocks.’”
Yelawolf also took the opportunity to express his frustration for his label for the lack of support for Radioactive.
“I’m all about figuring sh** out, for myself and my art. My last project, Radioactive, was deliberately given to Interscope … and it was on a f***ing silver platter, given to them to work,” he explained to Rude Jude. “It was radio records after radio records, purposely, was my attempt. These motherf***ers have given me one single in 11 months. I don’t really understand where the importance is lined. That’s just me being real, every artist gets frustrated at some point, I imagine.
“I fully comprised, but I let everybody know, even prior to doing Radioactive, what I was doing. I was being honest with my fans,” Yelawolf continued. “I was like ‘Yea, I’m letting people in. We’re gonna so something more melodic.’ The album’s called ‘Radioactive’ — to be ‘active’ on ‘radio’. Like, it was a purposeful shot for me, because I felt like I had a window to use. Like, I could gain … pull some people in with this sh**. I don’t know what the f*** they’re doing up there. Shady’s great, I love Shady Records. I just think there’s some sh** going on upstairs.”
Yelawolf is currently working on a gang of projects. His first project will be a mixtape/free album, titled The Heart Of Dixie with Alabama producer M16, which is due on July 4. It will be followed by a collaborative effort with Travis Barker called Psycho White, released as part of capsule collection with Famous Stars & Straps; and finally, an upcoming installment of his Trunk Muzik series, aptly titled Trunk Musik Returns, is on its way as well. Work!
Hip-Hop’s Go-To Restaurant Guide: ATL Bite Life
Food isn’t just a means of survival, it’s an influence. Pretty often, spots are mentioned in songs, certain dishes have been deemed cool to partake in on numerous verses, and restaurants cash in on happy hours and events hosted by entertainment’s elite. The impact is obvious, and because of that, restaurant tastemaker Nick Love combined his two loves, music and food. The collaboration was given the name ATL Bite Life.
To sum it up, it’s the go-to guide for restaurant reviews from a more urban standpoint.
“Music’s influence has always been seen in the way young adults talk, walk, dress, etc. With eating and dining out, it’s no different. When Jeezy mentions spots in Atlanta, like Spondivits or Chanterelles, fans of his are going to want to know about those places, and they go try them. When Jay Z mentions Mr. Chow, people are going to get curious,” explains Love.
“You can even look at artists like Common or, most recently, Jermaine Dupri, who have emphasized their vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. You are now starting to see young adults in the ‘hood leaning towards that lifestyle, too. Artists aren’t always the direct cause, but they definitely have some influence. Musicians have always been able to make things cool and hip. Dining is no different,” he adds.
The ATL Bite Life website and show travel around the city – usually twice a week – highlighting favorites and trying new eateries. Love shares what he feels ties the two forces together:
“Well, I’m a product of the Hip-Hop generation. I was born in 1980, so I’ve seen and been influenced by everything from the original pioneers to this most recent indie/internet rapper movement. I’m just taking something that I know and I’m passionate about, and applying it to something else that I know just as well, and I’m just as passionate about.
“Plus, food and music are a natural fit because they are two of the least divisive, non-discriminate entities in the world. EVERYBODY has to eat. We may have different tastes and preferences, but it’s absolutely necessary in order to live. It’s the same thing with music. We may have different tastes and preferences, but there’s something about a catchy melody or a familiar tune that ignites something inside of all of us.”
Restaurants from Buckhead to Decatur have made it to the ATL Bite Life spotlight, helping patrons to diversify their tastebuds. This type of venture isn’t new per se, but the Hip-Hop community being included so much is new. The show features various entertainment figures and looks to add well known co-signs to the mix; Young Jeezy, 2 Chainz, Travis Porter, Chili, and others have sat down with Love over fine cuisine.
When certain holidays or events are coming up, ATL Bite Life provides suggestions and resources, making them the authority in the city. And, with features in Creative Loafing, BET.com, Eater.com, and Scoutmob, it’s clear that their opinions are trusted.
For visitors to Atlanta, Love offers these suggestions as must-try places: “There are four spots that I would really recommend for anyone looking to ‘taste’ Atlanta: Busy Bee Cafe (great soul food), Ann’s Snack Bar (that Ghetto Burger is the best burger in the WORLD), Magic City (it’s not just a strip club; they have some of the best wings around), and Fatt Matts (great down home barbecue). Beyond that, they just venture around the city. We’ve got neighborhoods that all have their own distinct flair.”
Ultimately, Love hopes to expand to other cities around the country. After all, the love of food travels across state lines.
Along with a wish list of breakfast, lunch, and dinner stops to make, he has another list of staple names he’d love to have on ATL Bite Life. “At the top of my wish list right now has got to be Big and Dre from OutKast. After that, I’m really a big sports fanatic, too. So, I’d love to get Josh Smith from the Hawks and Julio Jones or Roddy White from the Falcons,” says Love.
What are your favorite Hip-Hop inspired eateries in your city, and why? Tell us in the comment section!
Keep Up With ATL Bite Life on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.
Tawni Fears is a freelance writer and contributor to AllHipHop.com. Follow her on Twitter (@brwnsugaT).
League Of Young Voters Hit BET Awards For “Ignite LA” Event; Nipsey Hussle and Dee-1 To Speak
(AllHipHop News) With the 2012 Presidential Election on the horizon, the League of Young Voters have teamed up with AllHipHop.com for a one-of-a-kind event to take place in Los Angeles during the BET Awards this weekend.
Following January’s successful “Barack Talk”, organizers say that this weekend’s “Ignite LA: Uprising Remixed” event will be a “live streaming civic engagement event, spotlighting the work of youth organizers, cultural workers and unsung civic heroes in the Los Angeles area. The event will feature musical performances and uncensored panel discussions about the 2012 election and the role Los Angeles plays in influencing national trends.”
The event, which takes place tomorrow (June 30) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. PST at the Mercado La Paloma in Los Angeles, will be live streamed on YoungVoterLive.com and AllHipHop.com. Event partners, including the League of Young Voters, S.C.O.P.E., and Cashmere Agency will utilize the livestream to engage with the music and political communities before the 2012 Election in November.
RSVP to watch tomorrow’s event, which will feature Nipsey Hussle, Dee-1, AllHipHop.com CEO Chuck Creekmur, Jasiri X, and more, on the event Facebook page.
For more information, visit 99Problems.org and YoungVoterLive.com.
Cee-Lo Cast In New Film “Can A Song Save Your Life?”; Production Begins Next Week In New York
(AllHipHop News) Variety reports that Voice judge and Grammy Award-winning singer and rapper Cee-Lo has been cast in director John Carney’s new musical drama, Can A Song Save Your Life?
Cee-Lo will play the role of Troublegum, a well-known and very successful Hip-Hop star, a familiar notion for the Gnarls Barkley and Goodie Mob member.
The film, produced by Exclusive Media, also stars fellow The Voice judge, Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Keira Knightley (Pirate of the Caribbean), Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers), Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit), and Catherine Keener (40 Year Old Virgin).
Production on Can A Song Save Your Life? is set to begin next week in New York City.
Currently, Cee-Lo is working with Goodie Mob on the group’s forthcoming, fifth studio album, Age Against the Machine and despite earlier complaints about the show, he will return as a judge on the third season of NBC’s####, singing competition, “The Voice”, this fall.
He will also call Las Vegas home for the next few months during his Planet Hollywood residency of Cee-Lo Green Presents “Loberace.”
Lauryn Hill Pleads Guilty To Tax Violations; Faces Three Years In Jail
(AllHipHop News) Former Fugee group member Lauryn Hill is facing prison time, after pleading guilty to tax violations today (June 29).
Lauryn Hill pleaded guilty to three counts of failure to file tax returns, from 2005-2007.
The singer admitted that she “intentionally and willingly” failed to report income of more than $1.8 million.
Lauryn Hill is facing three years in prison when she is sentenced in November.
She addressed the issue on a blog posts on her Tumblr blog.
“For the past several years, I have remained what others would consider underground,” she wrote in a post. “I did this in order to build a community of people, like-minded in their desire for freedom and the right to pursue their goals and lives without being manipulated and controlled by a media protected military industrial complex with a completely different agenda.”
According to reports, Lauryn Hill was released on $150,000 bail.
Tito Lopez Prepares For First National Tour
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Tito Lopez has landed a high-profile spot along-side Mississippi native Big K.R.I.T. for a nationwide tour.
Tito Lopez will join his fellow Mississippian on the 26-date tour, which is Lopez’s first national outing.
The tour kicks off July 11 at the legendary St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, Michigan and winds August 12 at The Ritz in Ybor City, Florida.
“I’m extremely excited and proud to be a part of this tour.” Tito Lopez said. “I’m even more proud that Mississippi is being represented so well. K.R.I.T. and myself are looking forward to sharing our music with people throughout the country.”
Check out the dates below:
Wed-Jul-11
DETROIT, MI
ST. ANDREWS HALL
Thu-Jul-12
CINCINNATI, OH
MADISON THEATER
Sat-Jul-14
MADISON, WI
BARRYMOORE THEATER
Sun-Jul-15
IOWA CITY, IA
BLUE MOOSE
Mon-Jul-16
LAWRENCE, KS
GRANADA
Wed-Jul-18
DENVER, CO
BLUEBIRD THEATER
Thu-Jul-19
BOULDER, CO
BOULDER THEATER
Fri-Jul-20
FT. COLLINS, CO
AGGIE THEATER
Sat-Jul-21
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
URBAN LOUNGE
Mon-Jul-23
PORTLAND, OR
HAWTHORNE
Tue-Jul-24
VANCOUVER, BC
Fortune Sound Club
Wed-Jul-25
SEATTLE, WA
NEUMOS
Fri-Jul-27
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
SLIMS
Sat-Jul-28
SANTA CRUZ, CA
THE CATALYST
Sun-Jul-29
SANTA BARBARA, CA
VELVET JONES
Mon-Jul-30
LOS ANGELES, CA
EL REY THEATER
Tue-Jul-31
SANTA ANA, CA
OBSERVATORY
Wed-Aug-01
SAN DIEGO, CA
MOVIE REVIEW: “Ted”
Can a “high” concept comedy starring Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and a teddy bear voiced by Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane be any good? Hell yes, it can, and it is!
If you’re expecting an hour-and-a-half Family Guy-like episode in Ted – don’t. Sure, there is a lot of the same humor and quickly-worded references that fans of that show and of other McFarlane creations like The Cleveland Show and American Dad are used to, but overall, Ted is something special and unique. This is not because it’s truly hilarious or absolutely ridiculous – which it is – it’s because Ted knows exactly what kind of movie it is from the start, and does nothing over the course of its hour-and-a-half run-time to give viewers anything different than what an R-rated movie with a talking teddy bear should be.
In case you’re unfamiliar, Ted tells the story of an eight-year old boy with no friends, who makes a Christmas Day wish to have his teddy bear come alive. And it does. Fast forward nearly three decades, and a now 35-year-old Mark Wahlberg is found slacking it up in his girlfriend’s apartment, toking up with his “thunder buddy.” Over the course of the film, Walhberg’s character must make the decision about which is more important to him – his lifelong friend or the girl he’s madly in love with. You can pretty much guess how the film plays out from there.
Strippers named Sauvignon Blanc, fart jokes, tons of pot-smoking, debauchery, and a foul-mouthed stuffed animal are just some of the elements that make Ted the year’s best comedy so far. The laughs are non-stop, the story doesn’t drag, and the cameos – which won’t be revealed here – are great.
Overall, Ted, in case you have yet to notice, is one hell of a great comedy, and a damn good debut for first time director, Seth McFarlane. Here’s to hoping that this isn’t the last we see of the the raunchy, foul-mouthed teddy bear, but just in case it is, you will not be disappointed.
Rating: 8/10
Hip-Hop Rumors: Rick Ross Says Meek Mill “Wasn’t Involved” In Bottle Fight
MMG bawse, Rick Ross, has spoken out in defense of Meek Mill and told MTV Rapfix that his protege “wasn’t involved” in the Drake vs. Chris Brown bottle fight in NYC a few weeks back. Check out what he said about the bottle fight below:
“I know Meek. I know the situation he’s in, I know where he comes from. I know that’s something that he won’t get involved in.”
“I wasn’t there so I won’t make a comment other than it was unfortunate for everybody that was in there,” he said. “But I know the homey, we seen each other that night, and that wasn’t his mind-set. He wasn’t involved in that.”
So, if both Chris Brown and Ross are clearing Meek Mill and Nicki Minaj is saying that Drake “did nothing wrong,” who’s to blame for the huge bottle fight that injured several people and got a nightclub shut down?
Self Made, Vol.2. is currently in stores now.
VIDEO: Wall Street Rapper ANTHM Defines His “Joy & Pain EP”
“Are you a Wall Street trader turned rapper, or a rapper who just so happened to be a Wall Street trader?”
That was one of the first questions asked of Ethiopian native and current Manhattan resident ANTHM when he stopped by the AllHipHop.com offices for his Breeding Ground interview.
Rest assured, the MC chose the latter.
With his positively complex rhymes laced over near-perfect production, ANTHM is more than just another rapper with an interesting story, and he’s got no problem telling you why. Fortunately for Hip-Hop fans, the man who doesn’t need a co-sign has a lot to offer, and his recently released Joy & Pain EP is the perfect body of work to introduce ANTHM to Hip-Hop lovers and music aficionados around the world.
During our sit-down with ANTHM, the well-spoken and thought-provoking rapper defined his role as an MC, and offered a detailed history about just how Joy & Pain came to be. He spoke on which tracks from the project stick out the most to him and what he hoped to achieve with his EP. Check out our exclusive interview with ANTHM below:
Follow ANTHM on Twitter: (@NoCoSign)
Akon Drops “Konkrete Jungle” Mixtape Hosted By DJ Whoo Kid And Evil Empire
(AllHipHop News) Earlier today (June 29), five-time Grammy Award-nominated singer Akon released his first mixtape project, Konkrete Jungle, hosted by DJ Whoo Kid and Evil Empire.
The Konvict Music presented 13-track mixtape features appearances from the likes of Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Money J, Frost, Future, Yo Gotti, Young Swift, and E-40 on a number of new tracks and remixes to current hits.
Konkrete Jungle also features a cover of one of the most popular songs in the country right now, Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.”
Currently, Akon is putting the finishing touches on his fourth studio album, Stadium, which is set for release on September 11 on Konvict Muzik and Universal Motown.
Check out the tracklist and download Konkrete Jungle below:
- Konkrete Jungle (Intro)
- Used to Know (Remix) ft. Gotye, Money J & Frost
- Cashin Out (Remix)
- We On ft. Yo Gotti
- Same Damn Time (Remix) ft. Future
- Aint Sayin Nothing
- Salute 100 Y’all ft. Fabolous & Money J
- Be More Careful ft. E-40
- Call Da Police ft. Busta Rhymes
- Throw Dat
- Put It On Me ft. Young Swift
- Slow Motion ft. Money J
- Get By
Download Akon’s Konkrete Jungle here.
BLACK MUSIC MONTH: “The Planet Rocks” When Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and Hip-Hop Collide
It’s “Black Music Month!” And while it may not sound okay to some folks to call music ‘Black’ or ‘White’ or ‘in-between,’ there are definitely historical and cultural roots to today’s beloved music genres. Black Music Month is a time to celebrate the music of a people born out of struggle and raised into triumph. It emerged from the swamps and plantations of the South, the steel mills and railroads of the North, and everywhere Black people have been in this country.
From Hip-Hop’s inception, the musical art form has been ever-expanding and groundbreaking in every facet possible. Breaking boundaries across different socio-economic walks of life and cultures, from the inner city to the suburbs, from the U.S. to overseas, Hip-Hop has stretched its tentacles to nearly every crevice of the earth.
Jumping across genres as well, Hip-Hop has notably expanded to electronic dance music (EDM), getting its foot in the dual genre of electronic-Hip-Hop in its early years. Some of the earliest Hip-Hop acts had a profound grasp on how to utilize synths and electronic drum-making machines, giving Hip-Hop fans a taste of the European club sound that groups like Kraftwerk perfected.
Now, some groups are making millions and getting played on Pop music stations across the country, jumping from Hip-Hop only stations to stations that play a wider variety of music. Others are making glitch-type beats and performing at the renowned EDM based Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Check out some of AllHipHop.com’s top EDM/Hip-Hop artists and tracks watch, as Hip-Hop makes the experimental jump to EDM:
Black Eyed Peas – With production from will.i.am that is unmatched, this group has sold more albums than 99% of most Hip-Hop acts today. From sold out arenas, to songs that remain on your local pop station, BEP has left an indelible mark on the game. Fergie even made the Kanye album.
“Boom Boom Pow”
Flo Rida – Dude is paid. All the haters gotta move to the side when he pulls up in the Bugatti. Honestly, what can you say when he is winning like this? He is probably one of the greatest selling Hip-Hop artists from Miami, aside from Rick Ross and Pitbull, and is the go-to guy for today’s EDM/Hip-Hop mash-ups. Either way, it’s pretty dope to be mentioned in the same tax bracket as those dudes and he is constantly on tour.
“Wild Ones”
Pitbull – From Dr. Pepper to a whole host of other promotions, this Cuban-American artist bred in Miami is knocking down every door imaginable. Remember when Pit was on MTV’s “Super Sweet 16” after that girl paid stupid dough for him to perform? Yeah…. Umm, he’s getting way more than than right now.
2 Live Crew – These dudes were in serious trouble with the government, and almost couldn’t even put out their music due to its lewd and sexual nature. Things went all they way to the Supreme Court, and the group actually won a big victory for Hip-Hop and our freedom of speech. We owe them our gratitude for sure. BUT, if you REALLY listen to the sounds they incorporated, you will be impressed by the fact that they fully incorporated synths and 808s on their fast-paced beats that were just on the verge of house and techno music.
“Pop That Coochie”
Afrika Bambaatta and Soul Sonic Force – “Searching for the Perfect Beat”…need we go any further? Afrika possibly had one of the best songs ever in this genre. Def groundbreaking and one of breakdancers’ favorite tracks to get down to – let us never forget “Planet Rock”. These dudes are LEGENDS. Get out of the room if you can’t get down to this. You don’t like Hip-Hop.
“Planet Rock”
Nicki Minaj – Well, we just had to put her on this list after Rosenberg called out that pop radio-friendly “Starships” track for lacking the gritty elements enjoyed by Hip-Hop traditionalists. Let’s be real – her music has a lot of electronic sounding instruments, and it’s geared towards a younger generation that is in synch with the electro music of this era.
Kid Cudi – For all Cudi’s antics over the years, you have to give him credit for not being scared to break boundaries with his music. From changing his voice on Kanye’s 808’s and Heartbreaks to the “Day N Night” track, which has been remade into dub step, and the very popular “Crookers” remix, Cudi is pumping out electronic Hip-Hop infused with psychedelics. , fans await his Indicud album, we can only expect it to get more trippy after the recently-released WZRD project, an experimental rock album that did pretty well on both Rock and Hip-Hop charts.
“Day N’ Night (Crookers Remix)”
Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz – How can we not consider Crunk music as part of this dance and electro Hip-Hop sounding music? With Jon’s use of synths and the such to create a whole new genre, he is now performing at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, one of the largest electronic dance music (EDM) festivals in the world. His DJ’ing and creation of more EDM styles of music has to be recognized. This guy is performing worldwide with this style of music.
Kanye West – Starting out chopping soul samples, to including glitch sounds in his most recent Watch The Throne project with Jay-Z, Kanye has expanded the minds of Hip-Hop producers far beyond what many thought was possible. Then you have 808s and Heartbreaks. That whole album was nearly an electronic experiment with auto-tune. Although it was a bit somber, one could say that it definitely took Kanye’s fans into the electronic realm of music. And, we’ll remember the “Stronger” collaboration with Daft Punk as one of electronic music’s greatest modern day hat tricks.
“Stronger”
LMFAO – Related to Barry Gordy and wild as all hell, these dudes possess some of the most hype music there is today, and it’s hard not to put them in the Hip-Hop category after seeing them rap their a##es off at SXSW a few years back. These guys are outta here, and prob aren’t coming back to earth anytime soon. Check the amount of YouTube views they are getting. It’s somewhere in the hundreds of millions, oh, and they like to rap, too.
Outkast – Outkast made this list due to some of the music they put out towards the end of their run in the early 2000s. Stankonia in and of itself was very electronic in nature, with songs like the mind-blowing “B.O.B”. Andre and Big Boi have never been ones to shy away from pushing their music to different place, and “B.O.B.” showed that.
“B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)”