The 9th Wonder of the world has recently been taking heat for his opinions regarding Watch The Throne’s quality but come September 27th, 2011, the producer will have the opportunity to prove he can do much better. It’s The Wonder Years, starring 9th Wonder, in his 137th full-length feature presentation that will surely be an ultimate dream for followers of his movement. Read the rest of this entry »

The theme of ‘dreams’ or ‘dreaming’ in rap right now is about as played out as my Beta copy of Ghostbusters back in 1988. It’s the poor-man’s “swag.” And, while I happen to believe in Fashawn as an artist, this video for his song “Big Dreams” looks like it was filmed around that time, as well. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s a fine line between transformations and transitions, one that Boaz has keyed in on to become the focal point of his career in 2011. Most thirsty rappers would rather see an overnight makeshift. One that would have them looking like the act that’s a step in front of them. Yet Boaz maintains his hungriness–as exhibited on the !illmind-produced “Do It For Ya,” for example–to motivate his hustle. Read the rest of this entry »

Periodically you’ll see a Closed Sessions post pop up around these parts and be privy to the whatever dopeness escapes from the SoundScape recording studio. “Theme Music” is more of the same, yet different because it’s the first single off of the upcoming Closed Sessions ATX LP set to release 3.15.11. Read the rest of this entry »

Featuring J. Cole on the production, J. Cole on the hook and Fashawn, sounding ironically similar to J. Cole in vocal tone. Or maybe I’m just hearing it that way. Either way, Higher Learning 2 drops later today on XXL so we’ll update the post once it’s available for free consumption. Read the rest of this entry »

“Aggins ain’t playing in CA, a lot of shit happening,
Thinking bout packing & moving to Minneapolis.
We from a culture of capitalists,
Cut throats and savages the utmost embarrassing.”

Kanye’s latest project is much more a work of art than just another Hip-Hop album collecting dust in the memories of those who were around for its release like its contemporaries. Read the rest of this entry »

In the Central Valley of California, our entertainment options are as limited as our attention spans. Hours away from anywhere that is considered a destination, we find alternate forms of recreation to keep us from letting boredom take over. With his partners Night & Dirty Money alongside, Fashawn’s latest video exposes the beauty found while riding around the city without a plan, but plenty of trees, broads and good times. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re down with decks and prefer your hip as much as your hop, then Fashawn’s new visual for “Bart Simpson” has you covered. Embracing the Cen Cal skateboarding culture from which he came, this XXL Frosh enlists Pro-Vert-boarder Danny Meyer on the beat and calls in a cameo from this years Dew Cup and Money Maloof Cup Champion Pierre-Luc Gagnon to compliment the intricate rhymes he’ll continue to kick and push publicly for years to come. Read the rest of this entry »

Well aware that nonbelievers still linger, Cole’s effectively doing all the things an artist should do to change their thoughts. Bars that are only getting stronger? Check. Read the rest of this entry »

Any teacher can attest to the fact that each class taught has a different personality. Last year’s XXL Freshman class was full of eclectic, ambitious musicians who were either made or destroyed by their own decisions. This year, the class was intentionally chosen to be ambassadors to the streets. Each artist seems to fit that bill. However not everyone is living up to the precedents set by last year’s clan. Who’ll be the next break-out star? Who’ll be the newest expulsion? Read the rest of this entry »

DJ Skee continues his Alpha rapper mixtape onslaught that started with Freddie Gibbs and continued with Game and…Game. Now it’s Fashawn’s turn to bat and he’s ready for another hit, uh-uh-uh—Barry Bonds. Read the rest of this entry »

With Evidence continuing to further his solo career and no Dilated Peoples album on the horizon, Rakaa Iriscience appeared content to rest on his laurels. But an internal spark seemingly risen the “son of a preacher man” from his self-imposed hiatus, as he debuts his long player Crown Of Thorns. Weaving politically tinged rhymes over head nod-inducing beats, Rakaa shows he’s not taking a back seat to anyone. Read the rest of this entry »

Mr. Thanksgiving and the producers who do it better the 2nd time, Cookin Soul, come through with another freebie on this glorious Tuesday to make your iPod smile. When is the last time you heard a compilation mixtape that was worthy of constant spins? More than likely it was a CS presentation. And with Drama giving his Gangsta Grillz stamp, it seems like they could be invincible. Read the rest of this entry »

Miss a couple of days online and you miss a multitude of music. Thankfully, most of it is disposable and didn’t matter much anyways. Yet, this Ode To Illmatic should be different than the average fodder that passes through the inbox. And it’s only fitting that Fashawn create a “thank you” for the man and album who we’ve compared him to previously. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s funny how things come full circle.

I remember the post I wrote comparing Fashawn’s first album to Illmatic and the subsequent reaction I received in the comments. Of course, I expected this, as I was aware that the majority of people most likely wouldn’t be open to my point simply because I was apparently committing Hip-Hop blasphemy by associating a new artist with arguably the greatest album of all-time. Read the rest of this entry »