A couple of Detroit’s finest musicians got color coordinated on Black Milk’s Album of the Year, and when ni@@s done started something, you know they have to finish. With Black’s brains on the beats and Danny’s brain on drugs, the two give the fans a little fix with their Black And Brown EP. Read the rest of this entry »

The Backbeat is a new web series crafted by photojournalist Erin Edwards and presented here at TSS. Instead of relying on text or asking viewers to sit through a video, we decided to approach the interview process from a slightly different angle. By merging sights and sounds, the series intends to provide a viewing experience that gives an insider’s look at the many characters that make up the rich tapestry of Hip-Hop culture. Read the rest of this entry »

Get up in the morning, pour the coffee, put on the headphones. Press play. Kooley High’s “All Day” comes bumping through. Smooth. Tab-One, Charlie Smarts and Rapsody split a little slice of life, a little good-natured wordplay. Read the rest of this entry »

This post should be prefaced with the fact we’ve long been supporters of Bishop Lamont and that remains the same.

However, this Aftermath cast-off sounds straight desperate on his ironically-named new video. Shot during the final days of the famous Fat Beats LA, “U Ain’t Fresh” finds Bishop stuck moving diagonally and clinging on to a way of life that is literally closing up shop on him. Read the rest of this entry »

The significance of making a definite statement outside of the music has become just as important as the music itself. So when word circulated in the infant stages of 2010 that Black Milk’s fourth album was to be named Album of the Year, there was a collective gasp amongst Hip-Hoppers everywhere. Gutsy call for a first down play. But for an artist such as Black Milk, whose credibility stems from placing art over image, the overall meaning tends to be more than meets the eye. Read the rest of this entry »

For every Hip-Hop luminary that masters the genre and provides hit after critical, popular hit, there are bottom-feeder rappers who could fill silos with their respective clichés. White, female, auto-tone—these are just a few of the labels that have been designated as career-killing scarlet letters that inevitably create more acrimony than ascension for the MCs who embody them. However, there are the rare exceptions that personify one—if not several—of these categories and rise well above the lowest rung of rap’s food chain. Read the rest of this entry »

Considering the renewed interest in the female rapper, you’d think Eternia & MoSS would shove their advantageous disposition in the faces of all who passed by. But that’s not what Hip-Hop is about and neither are these two qualified professionals. Hailing from two different spots on the map, learn how an accomplished musician and domineering wordsmith crossed paths to create At Last, their first LP together. Read the rest of this entry »

DJ Muggs & Ill Bill are back with another televisionary reminder for their upcoming terrordome byproduct in Kill Devil Hills. Giving the 80s babies a bit of nostalgic with the Saturday morning cartoon mix-up, make sure to slice your neighbor’s throat and write 8.31.10 with their blood in the middle of the kitchen floor. Read the rest of this entry »

When I visited New York City, I wanted to see Yankee Stadium, Times Square, and one place in particular perched near the top of my wish list; Fat Beats. Read the rest of this entry »

After a record number of entries, we’re proud to announce that Brett H. of Columbus, OH. won the Distant Relatives t-shirt & CD. Brett, report to the front desk and pick up your prizes.

Thanks to each and every one of you who entered. The more entries, the better the prizes will be. Support appreciated. Big respect due to Burn Rubber and Fat Beats for holding us down.

We’ll be announcing the winner tomorrow but we’re still accepting the entries from procrastinators today. Free gear and a CD? Even Nas & Damien are giving you a look, asking what you’re waiting for? Read the rest of this entry »

If the hipsters hated their moniker, then K.Flay, Kellee Maize and now Eternia, are going to absolutely despise the phrase “White girl rap.” Get over it ladies–it is what it is. Once the blanketed shroud of stereotype washes away, the critic will be forced to listen to what you have to say. Make it worthwhile or take the criticism in stride. Read the rest of this entry »

This limited edition Distant Relatives tee taken off our backs and handed directly over to one winner and we’ll kick in a CD copy of the album to boot. All you have to do is enter. So, what are you waiting for? Read the rest of this entry »

Quite a few release day exclusives today here @ TSS. We sparked things with the Janelle Monae performance clip (album in stores today), followed by a Smoking Session with Reflection Eternal (album in stores today) and we’re rounding the day out with what may be the sweetest gift of all for our visitors. Read the rest of this entry »

“Evil Dee is on the mix…Come on kick it!” Read the rest of this entry »