When one talks about Hip-Hop, many things have changed.  We went from youth seeking alternatives to gang violence and artistic expression (Bronx, circa 1973) to winning the first Grammy award for Best Rap Performance in 1989 (DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince/ Will Smith).  The whole story of Hip-Hop was based on innovation and […]

    As is my custom, with my morning cup of java I flicked on the television, watched NY1, and then clicked over to MTV3. Akon faded off the screen (that dude is in everything) and to my surprise the virtual VJ tossed on Biggie’s Juicy. From the moment that “F**k all you hoes—Get a […]

Politics and music in the music industry have had a complicated long-lasting marriage. Question that? Just check the eve of Clarkson’s My December (RCA) release. She’s canceled a tour, fired her manager, and stories of her effort to release this “un-commercial” album flooded the media waves just as much as the album itself. Though Clive […]

I’m broke and so are you. Be honest. This fashion series serves as a guide to keep you fresh and fly, despite your bank statement and other limitations. If style was eyesight, I would wear bifocals. But, let me stay on task.In Hip-Hop, the sixth element of the culture – in my opinion – is […]

YP-K3 (Samsung)    The Mp3 player game is very serious and the players are getting better and better – sort of like Dr. Jay to Michael Jordan to…well Michael Jordan. The products being released are intensifying by the moment. That said, Samsung’s YP-K3 is a sleek Mp3 player that could give Apple and Zune a […]

Stop feeling sorry for Kelly Rowland; she doesn’t need your pity. Since the effectual break-up of Destiny’s Child, Kelly’s stalled solo career has often been attributed to Beyoncé’s supposed “lead singer syndrome” or a nonsensical plot by Matthew Knowles to keep his biological daughter in the spotlight (as if he wouldn’t want them both to […]

  If you ask just about anyone under the age of 35 about their favorite Saturday morning cartoons, chances are that Transformers will be at or near the top of the list. While it seems to have taken eons to create, the debut of the major motion picture version of the Transformers is finally here. […]

In a sea of sequels Transformers (Dreamworks) has emerged as a summer movie worth it’s weight in special effects and excitement. Directed by Michael Bay (Bad Boys II, Pearl Harbor), the movie is a twist on the beloved 80’s cartoon that will make you feel like a kid again sitting in front of the television […]

What can you say about the self-titled debut of reggae sensation, Collie Buddz? Knowing his background growing up in Bermuda, and being a white artist in a field that is saturated by dark skin, a new twist on the genre was expected (no offense to Snow). Perhaps that is a lofty expectation. At the end […]

She is Chrisette Michele and with her debut, I Am (Def Jam), this constituent of the House of Hov delivers one of the quietest, yet most powerful albums out there. With collaborations from Salaam Remi, John Legend, Will.I.Am and Babyface, the team of producers and writers is a combination that resulted in an album much […]

I was recently watching a panel on sexism in Hip-Hop and one of the topics mentioned was how black women feel Black men  no longer love them. I believe a quote attributed to Jill Scott asking, “Who loves us?” became central to the dialogue.As a Black male, I want to make it very clear that […]

Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away rappers had character.  Or maybe rappers were characters.  Emcees had colorful monikers to match their colorful personalities.  Remember the Great Adventures of Slick Rick? Even the album cover with its cinema-inspired marquee evoked a view into another world; a fantasy sketched by words and beats. Now […]

  What up world! Yes, it is him again. Serius Jones a.k.a. the Fight Klub King, a.k.a. the Cornerstore Entrepreneur a.k.a. the J-One-S the only great one left, back for the first time.  I’m about to go in again and just vent some random thoughts in a real college professor-esque fashion as always. After getting […]

Liris Crosse is truly one of a kind. Those plump lips. Those cat eyes. That Coke bottle figure. Her physique has graced innumerable men’s magazines, teen rags and been a digital fantasy for many-a-young man. The still-budding starlet has co-starred in videos by Jay-Z, Diddy, The Lox, Onyx, Lloyd Banks, 50 Cent and others like […]

Reality television is nothing new to Da Brat, although after participating in VH1’s Surreal Life, she thought it was a wrap. Settled back into the music grind, she started her own label, Rare Breed Inc., and signed long time friend and rapper MR. [pronounced mister] and two groups from Arkansas; Ment 2 B and Pressure […]

21. Philadelphia 76ers- Josh McRoberts, F, Duke The second of three first rounders the Sixers have, Philly is going big on this one.  Problem is, this is Josh McRoberts after his sophomore year at Duke, not his senior year of high school at Carmel, Indiana.  He could earn a starting spot in Philadelphia as they […]

  Life is more than drama for Washington, DC native Taraji Henson. The doe-eyed actress has a penchant for evoking tears with her various performances, however she is working tirelessly to build a versatile on-screen presence. A Howard University graduate and stage actress, Taraji began her mainstream career on television with spots on shows like […]

11. Atlanta Hawks- Javaris Crittenton, G, Georgia Tech   Originally the Pacers’ pick, this pick was given to them in the Al Harrington trade (Hawks fans, Billy Knight did something right for once), the Hawks have a second chance to pick a PG and calm the worries of fans who may want to commit dat […]

Well, if you were struggling to stay awake throughout this year’s NBA Finals matchup or simply decided to stop watching and watched Celebrity Fit Club instead like I did, remember that the NBA Draft is a little less than two weeks away.  Although completely overrated in my opinion, this draft has the potential to change […]

    In Hip-Hop fashion, it’s more about making “a statement” than making a statement. As confusing as that may be, anything that’s perceived as propaganda is often considered cheap, and thus undesirable.    For Edwyn Huang and his Hoodman Clothing line, it’s entirely the opposite. At over 30 dollars a pop, Hoodman shirts are artistically designed […]