Spoiler Alert: 2008′s Universal Mind Control was an awkward, over-produced mess. Common seems to have understood this fact and abandoned the loud, technotronic mishmash of noises that polluted that album for something more honest and subtle. The result is The Dreamer/The Believer; Common’s best effort in years. Read the rest of this entry »

We here at The Smoking Section made mention that electronic club music became part of the American cultural zeitgeist this year. Thank producer Clams Casino for helping to cram the heady, glitchy sound into our collective consciousness. Read the rest of this entry »

Doesn’t Carol Seleme rep TSS lovely? We have something pretty cool coming soon. Read the rest of this entry »

Say what you will about his desire to bolt small market New Orleans for the L.A. limelight, but a major factor seems to consistently be missing from the CP3-to-LA discussions. For the first time in his career, the league’s best point guard has been paired with a player (Blake Griffin) whose ceiling is also incredibly high so Paul’s change of scenery will work well for everyone involved. But there are other players in the league who would benefit from donning a new uniform. Read the rest of this entry »

When Raekwon gets together with Count and Moonie for a track about cutting out the middle man, is there really anything else you’d even consider naming it, other than “This Sh*t Hard?” Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a while since a floppy-haired, skinny kid named Ricky Rubio shocked the world by hanging with the best point guards America had to offer in the 2008 Olympic Gold-Medal Game. Expectations are, to say the least, high for his rookie season. No worries, though. Rubio lived up to the hype with ease in his debut against the Thunder last night. Read the rest of this entry »

Prior to my December 23rd holiday gift scramble, I hadn’t been shopping in a cool minute. But as I was going to pay for some shoes, I noticed a sign that said “Now Accepting Google Wallet” at the Macy’s cash register. I kid you not, my first thought was “Sh*t, when did I get left in the Stone Age?” Read the rest of this entry »

So, I was walking through hell, just casually knocking down icicles, when I saw someone made a song about the Clippers. Two years ago, hell…two weeks ago, that would’ve seemed sick and twisted. But, now that CP3 and Mr. Big Shot have arrived on LA’s other team, “Lob City” is so legit that T-Raw decided to turn his current strip-club anthem into the Clip Show’s unofficial theme song. Read the rest of this entry »

“Count the Janet Hubert, the first Mrs. Banks, out of any heartwarming “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” reunion.

“Last week, some of the major players from the early 90s Will Smith show got together at a charity event, leading to speculation that maybe, just maybe, fans would be treated to an on-air reunion. Read the rest of this entry »

I fashion myself more of a legs & thighs kind of guy and deem breasts to be extra nice to look at but serving no real purpose, unless you are a newborn baby. Still, Brainiac Society emcee Vic Spencer lured me in with the quick-fix artwork for his new track “The Titty Man.” Read the rest of this entry »

“They be saying I sound like I’m out of tune. I ask them, do you cry in tune, aggin? Do you laugh in tune?”

After a career’s worth of comparisons to Outkast’s most elusive member, Bobby Ray finally gets to share a session with his idol, Andre 3000. For the second single from the Grand Hustle multi-tasker’s sophomore album, Strange Clouds, the past and present purveyors of Atlanta Hip-Hop get together to “Play The Guitar.” Read the rest of this entry »

Well, wouldn’t you look who’s creeping and crawling, still balling in the mix. With a title like Houston, it should be a telltale sign what awaits the ear upon pushing play, and The Thugga does not disappoint with enough chopped & screwed, speak-her sex moments to help restart the H-Town revival in Twenty Twelve. Read the rest of this entry »

Just think, some people start their morning everyday with a line of coke, but you’d probably never know. While I’m 98.9% sure Chance Fischer, Dylan Owen and Kinectics don’t, they did all join forces for the groovy, lyrical free-for-all track, “Breakfast Coke.” Read the rest of this entry »

Teamwork makes the dreamwork. At least, that’s how the say goes. And in an industry such as fashion – which changes even quicker than Hip-Hop – a second opinion could mean the difference in success or failure. It’s a testament to originality, creativity and the not-so-uncanny ability to adapt with the times. With this logic in mind, G-Shock decided to pay homage to three sets of designers making strides with their respective brands. Read the rest of this entry »

Natalia Velez

Janet Jackson Named ‘Grinch of the Year’ By PETA [NME]

Why T-Pain Stopped Singing Hooks [The Urban Daily]

How to Return Presents Painlessly [Bargainist] Read the rest of this entry »