I appreciate Chief’s music for the same reason I dig his video for “Days I Remember” — that is, I can relate to it. Chief lives modestly and loves wholeheartedly. I had the pleasure of meeting dude after his set at SxSW, and I told the Detroit-reppin’ MC that I appreciate that he openly wears his heart on his sleeve, both on and off the stage. From a fan’s perspective, it’s a trait that couldn’t be more refreshing amidst an industry of closed-off rappers and bloated egos. Read the rest of this entry »

9th Wonder may have the countriest grammar since Nelly or Lil Troy. But in an awkward way, it works…or at least that’s what I told myself after the third listen. Read the rest of this entry »

Mick Boogie sent this one over yesterday but I was having one helluva Tuesday and didn’t get around to it. I checked the tracklisting and already know it’s worth a spin so I starred it to come back to. Before I forget again, I’m passing it along now.

“In celebration of Mick Boogie’s event with NERD for the Sony Ericsson Open Kick Off Party in Miami (during WMC-week), a dope mix containing all-things-Pharrell. Read the rest of this entry »

Nefertiti Jones

Video: Joe Biden Drops The “F” Bomb On Live TV [Broken Cool]

Chris Johnson Is Sittin’ On 30s [The Big Lead]

Suge Knight Wanted for Assaulting Rapper Yukmouth [About]

Joell Ortiz Expresses Label Frustrations Via Twitter [HHDX]

10 Things That Should Warrant An Ass Kicking [Uproxx] Read the rest of this entry »

Nothing brought on the butterflies like late night phone calls in high school. Whispering so your parents wouldn’t hear. Thinking about all the things you would do to and with the person on the other end of the line. But you were too afraid to be perfectly explicit, because you were just a kid and everything was scary. So you talked about music. Read the rest of this entry »

I remember when T-Pain first arrived on the scene he appeared to be nothing more than Akon-lite.  Someone to hop on a hook when Mr. Konvict wanted to rest his vocals or go joy-riding.  Since then he’s basically usurped Akon’s spot (although he’s graciously fell to the back due in large part to Pain & Gaga) and created his own lane.  Even a few years ago, I wasn’t sold & scoffed at my barber’s request for a mix of just Pain features. Read the rest of this entry »

A good defensive coach always tells their players: “If you’re going to foul the shooter, make sure they don’t make the shot.” Since Don Nelson is a top-tier chief, we’ll just assume Anthony Tolliver tends to snooze off in the fast-break drills. When going up against Amare Stoudemire, you better bring your hardhat Read the rest of this entry »

Rassy’s A.D.I.D.A.S.(All Day I Dream About Spittin’) project is in the way. In the meanwhile, he & 12th Planet apply a wickedly good remix to Little Jinder’s “Youth Blood.” Trust me, let it play. The first thirty seconds will have you wondering what club you’ve stumbled into. After that, it’s smooth sailing full of bass, frenzied songs and thorough emcee spittin’. Read the rest of this entry »

Metaphorically speaking, every unsigned hype artist is auditioning in one shape or form to their intended audience. Championing their cause with various freebies of freestyles and viral videos is the modus operandi in digital age Hip-Hop and Shawn Chrystopher is a delegate of such practices. Read the rest of this entry »

For an album that teetered on the edge of the dumpster bin, Battle of the Sexes delivers a polished final product of big beat party anthems. Of course it’s Ludacris, so we shouldn’t be surprised that anything bearing his name has at a minimum threshold of quality. Indeed many songs on Battle Of The Sexes, including the ubiquitous lead single “How Low,” recall Luda’s debut Back For The First Time. The ATLien is in full rapid raunchy mode, throwing out crisp odes to booties and boobies everywhere. Read the rest of this entry »

Motion Family’s video would lead you to believe that Mike & Pill performed together & tore it down @ SXSW. They did, of sorts. Pill went on around 10pm and Mike was in the venue. He got amped and straight up took the stage near the end of Pill’s set (I have footage somewhere). It turned into a mini-Grind Time Rap Reunion (including a nice version of “If I Can’t Eat Right”) before Mike segued into his own set. Needless to say, the energy was flowing throughout the crowd. About 15 minutes into Mike rushing the stage, the guy seen the black shirt (around the 5:20 mark) – who I assume was the stage manager – let Mike know he’d jumped his time slot and would be cut short. Technically, it was fair but still it was the definition of…, word to Alley. Not to mention the same black shirt villain appeared near the end of Mike’s second set to tell him it was time to close down the venue. While he was cordial during the first exchange, Killer (still politely) informed said individual that he loved him “but I’ll tackle yo ass right about now.” Hilarious to even think of the prospect because I think the rickety stage would’ve came tumbling down if it did happen. Read the rest of this entry »

Outsight comes through with spiffy visuals for “Catch Me If You Can,” off his Further EP. The project just released today on iTunes today. Do your duty. And check back with us in a day or so when we’ll be sharing an insightful, honest Smoking Session with Outasight. Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve had several people pushing me to listen to The Hybrid, to which I’ve had to politely decline. It’s a minor misfortune that Danny Brown released two projects right on top of each other. Since he did, I’m stuck, still cruising to DSoM4 first with no chances of making it to The Hybrid just yet. Layered, lyrical and funny Danny’s got quotables plus an uncanny delivery, using a warbling tone reminiscent of ODB on wet or Richard Pryor circa the “That Nigger’s Crazy” era. Read the rest of this entry »

Poebama sent this over last night. While I’m rarely thrilled by these types of ciphers, the lyricism and charisma warranted sharing it with the masses.

“So every year in St.L we have a local music awards show called the Traffic Music Awards. This year they put together a BET-styled cipher with myself, Vandalyzm and a St. Louis kid that’s down with Canibus named Prince Ea in the first segment.”

Yeah, I’ll be watching part two when it drops.

[VaultTV]

For those who want it. I’ll wait on someone else to take the plunge and then tell me the tracks worth listening to. I’ll pluck based off those recommendations. As far as Dipset flankers (present & former) go, I’ll save my space for Vado’s Slime Flu. Read the rest of this entry »