Instead of allowing his emotions get the best of him and detailing cheating exploits and shake fights, J Rawls lets the steam from a heated argument with his lady cool off by hitting the lab and crafting some boom-bap. For better or worse, richer and poorer and all that sappy stuff, Rawls lets it be known that he’s down to put some work in to keep his house together. Read the rest of this entry »

“Dad, what is Hip-Hop? I mean, how does it feel?” These questions are posed by Columbus, OH beatsmith/emcee, J. Rawls’ young son on the intro to The Hip-Hop Affect. More than just a tacked on, cute, throwaway with no real purpose, the intro serves as the driving force for the album. With each track, Rawls builds his case, attempting to state, definitively, that this is how Hip-Hop should feel. Read the rest of this entry »

The cobblestone that paved the way for the Hip-Hop of today gets walked on without so much as a regard by the youth. J Rawls recognizes this minor “affect” in the music continuum and decides to use his platform as a way to educate those who choose to absorb the lesson. Building on the block (again) with the enamored producer is none other than Dottie X along with Wise Intelligent bringing up the anchor. Read the rest of this entry »

The first time I heard Sadat X was on the original version of Biggie’s “Come On.” I was rummaging through one of my uncle’s cassette mixtapes and even through all its pop and hiss glory, I knew his voice was distinctive to stand out on any track. Of course he was already a pillar in Brand Nubian and went on to have a substantial career in this thing called Hip-Hop. Read the rest of this entry »

Desiree Michelle

Chicago Prepares For Life Without Oprah Winfrey [AP]

Tiger Woods Leaves the Players Club [With Leather]

Vybz Kartel Got Hair Extensions, Looks Weirder Than Ever [Fader]

Austin Rivers Is Dime/2K Sports National High School Player Of The Year [Dime] Read the rest of this entry »

“And I dress so fresh it ain’t even funny, Impeccable and pristine in any season, money.”

The Hip-Hop Affect will tell the tale of how producer J. Rawls grew up in Hip-Hop. Obviously, he was influenced by heavyweight producers, most notably those who did double-duty rocking the mic. On “Best Producer…,” he teams up with a couple of those same cats to deliver a nice ditty. Read the rest of this entry »

“And the streets say Jigga can’t go back home/You know when I heard that?/When I was back home…” — Jay-Z – “Streets Is Talking”

With Creative Control Stalley took a slight detour to stop by his alma mater while on the way down to Columbus for his show at Skully’s today. Checking in with his old basketball coach, he took a brief moment to reminisce on his humble beginnings and accomplishments on the hardwood. In the 10 years since graduation, I think I’v been back to my old school a maximum of three times & they all probably came within my first year out. I’m sure the longer you’re away, the more awkward that return visit is, but it’s always good to go back and see those influential figures in your life. Read the rest of this entry »

As previously stated, the capital of Ohio will be bursting with Hip-Hop dopeness this Friday as Stalley takes center stage at Skully’s with Truck North, L.e. & The 3rd. Even Obama will be in town; he obviously knows what’s up as well. To whet your appetites for this Midwest invasion, Rashad of Elevator Music has compiled some of the performer’s illest endeavors. Read the rest of this entry »

Well you knew we couldn’t make you wait too long to show off our new banners. With two writers residing in Ohio’s capital, it was a no brainer for us to get involved for the first official Hip-Hop jam session of summer 2010.

In conjunction with Royal Columbus and Elevator Music, TSS will be in the building for Stalley’s return for the Buckeye State as he’s set to rip the stage this Friday in Columbus, OH. Read the rest of this entry »

What’s the worst thing about being labeled a “hipster rapper?” No, homo. It’s the stereotype you can’t spit a hot 4 bars without a boomin’ system to back you up. When it comes to Columbus, Ohio’s L.e., say what you will about his wardrobe but there’s no disputing his lyrical flair. Get familiar as he puts the finishing touches on his Nike sponsored project The Anti-Parachute Theory.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download — L.e. Feat. J Rawls & DJ O. Sharp – “American Idol”

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download — L.e. – “Bulldog BMX”

Found in the inbox, a little instrumental groove to get your day rolling.

“J Rawls gives fans a free download for Hotel Beats Vol. 1 presented by clothing powerhouse, Mighty Healthy NYC. Read the rest of this entry »