I received an email today from a fellow journalist that said I’m squandering my father’s Civil Rights legacy by writing about inconsequential subjects. Apparently, Hip-Hop and the things covered here on TSS would not make Daddy D. proud. (They do. He told me so.)

And to that, I say this: Read the rest of this entry »

Duck Down’s current king of nicknames drops a new one and another new track. P!!! Read the rest of this entry »

The latest entry Nah Right & Court Dunn’s One Shot series is Reflection Eternal and their track “So Good.” I’ve come to love these things so much, I was almost ready to suggest that maybe they mailed this one in. Then, Kweli jumped off the poster and started rapping. I am amused and easily entertained. Read the rest of this entry »

As someone who detests bratty, hipster skateboarders as much as I hate seeing joy on a child’s face, I must say that I love this video. As a man with a healthy love of his own genitalia, this video makes a single tear fall down my cheek. The short story is the kid has a skateboarding accident and screams like a banshee that his nethers have been punctured. Read the rest of this entry »

Others share dreams of Space Jams, Neon 95′s and Penny Foams and such being their most sought after pair of sneakers. Not I. When I remember what shoes always drew me into the love affair with sneakers, it begins and ends with a gum sole. A high top, complete with thickly padded ankle collar and the strap hangin’ off the back of the shoe. All white, no frills or fancy colorblocking. The affinity grew more out of look than performance, style over function. Seasons don’t really factor into it either because, whether jeans or shorts, a shoe built like this and in this simple colorway can cross the lines from summer to fall. But that’s any head’s grail. They can see wearing it daily, only sacrificing wears to avoid inclement weather or situations where the shoes might get scuffed or dirty. Read the rest of this entry »

Given the fact that Freddie’s an obvious student and fan of UGK, “Rock Bottom” is a natural collaboration that’s been in the works for some time. Over a melodic Beatnick & K-Salaam beat, Freddie and Bun tell tales of pain and sorrow, yet managing to keep their eyes on the sparrow all the while. Read the rest of this entry »

To prequel Rawse’s transformation into the Teflon Don this summer, Def Jam and Maybach Music Group deliver The Albert Anastasia EP for you to stuff your face into until it’s numb. Starring Diddy as Meyer Lanksy, John Legend as Lucky Luciano, Yo Gotti as himself and DJ Clark Kent, The Runners and a host of others as the Gambino Producer Family, Rick Ross smells like money Read the rest of this entry »

When it was announced Mikey got signed up by J Records, I pleasantly vowed to behead anyone who misguided the path of my favorite Southfield, MI singer. Now, here we are, mere months later, watching an official visual for one of Mike’s most popular tracks…and it’s not even the best version of the song.

But, apparently justified.

Previewed on Posner’s One Foot Out The Door mixtape, Gigamesh’s version of “Cooler Than Me” is a driving force of phased frequencies that turns up the tempo on the Big-Sean-assisted original and sacrifices the first-version’s sing-along appeal for more dance-floor prowess. The previous incarnation might have been more personal and possibly ear-appealing, but this discoteche time-bomb is bound to blow big; as it’s already driving the kids crazy at his live shows, plus making the rounds on Top 40 stations in the Midwest. Now, the major-label music video is here to tie it all together.

Next thing you know, Mike Posner will actually drop an album, blow up and become a household name. Then, we’ll all hate him for it.

(I keed…I keed!)

“Jewman” (Jewman, gahd#mn) is quite an audacious fellow, referring to himself in third person while explaining the excellence of his whip game. Say what you will but Bouldercrest’s best can manage to string together a good mix of words (“A is for the K when I’m trappin’ selling cookies, Try to take it from, man Jewman ain’t no p#ssy“) and Zay’s mini-symphony of sounds make this one an easy listen. It may just be OJ’s sometimes immigrant-styled butchering of pronunciations that will leave you scratching your head. The best bet? Don’t think too hard. Nod and enjoy. Read the rest of this entry »

No matter what color, race, creed or origin you stem from, there’s a particular disdain for the police if you came up in an urban community. Somewhere down the line, the signals got switched; the barriers that dictate the sides of good and evil were intersected, causing an imbalance in the protection of the community. It takes militancy and poise to be a successful cop but with abuse of power and corruption, the intended goal of the occupation turns into a joke. Like Public Enemy once said. Read the rest of this entry »

One thing I’ve always respected about Big Boi was his patience. These past few years it seems as if everyone has had the same four questions.

1. Where’s Andre?

2. Are you two still cool?

3. What’s taking so long for your solo album?

4. Will there ever be another OutKast album? Read the rest of this entry »

Still blinded by yesterday’s “Fireworks” display?

So were the engineers when they were mixing this track down, since songs are leaking at a torrid pace now. With a laundry list of features, perhaps the album’s biggest one is here to “Light Up” your day. Condensing the gist of his “9 A.M. In Dallas Freestyle” and polishing it up for those with shorter attention spans, Drake looks to Hov for sage advice in dealing with all the potshots from haters. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear Jules,

Please report to the customer service desk to pick up your confirmation information. You and a guest will be receiving free entry to the “It’s Okay To Wear White Again” event. Even though white is the suggested color for the festivities, I’d suggest not wearing anything too expensive. A Duck Down event is a party, not a wallflower convention. Believe that.

Below, bonus footage of executives Buck & NoHa putting in the hard work to help promote the event on the NY streets and then taking a break to shop for the gear for the evening’s festivities. Salute to these dudes & the whole Duck Down family for continuing to hold down the music and culture for fifteen years strong.

Cat Washington

Ellen DeGeneres Starts Own Record Label, Signs YouTube Kid [Reuters]

T.I. Talks Rap-A-Lot’s Legacy And Meeting J. Prince [Complex]

When Michael Caine Met Sally [FilmDrunk]

The Olympic Mascots Look Like Penises With Lobster Claws [With Leather]

RH TV: The After Set With DJ Revolution [Ruby Hornet]

Alicia Keys Publicly Claims Swizz Beatz [I Had Heard]

15 Things You Didnt Know About Steve Jobs [Miss Theda]

Da Brat Visits Jermaine Dupri on Work Release [XXL] Read the rest of this entry »

I’m super-jealous that this twerp (I don’t personally know this guy, so I think I’m officially doing what the kids call “hating” because I’m envious) got to hang out with Big Boi. Not only did they have a discussion about Sir Lucious Left Foot…, but Big spits a few bars. Not from the album. Not from a mixtape. But off the top of the noggin. It’s everything you love about him: real Hip-Hop, down-to-earth and a dash of pimp sh*t.

The album drops July 6th. For real this time. Read the rest of this entry »