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– The world seems to be in working order, but we still want those questions answered. While you’re at it, the BET Awards ones too. Read the rest of this entry »

From Virginia Beach, Virginia, to enough money to afford a floating studio. I’d say that’s a come up. All those years of “Grindin’” (or grustling) pays off when making music while drifting across open waters is no longer a dream for Pharrell. Instead, it’s his reality. Read the rest of this entry »

Just when you thought rap couldn’t get any more brain-dead, Lil Scrappy and Skateboard P have combined the words grind and hustle to produce the inbred single “Grustle.” Seeing as how I’m just at a complete loss for words at the nonsensical nature of this, in general, I’ll pose the question – is this really what we’ve come to? Combining verbs for song concepts? Read the rest of this entry »

From what has been publicized this year, Young Money’s next “build-a-superstar” project appears to be Lil’ Twist. Given Baby, Slim and Weezy’s prior successes, maybe they know something the masses are currently unfamiliar with. It is Tyga, however, who seems like the logical choice for such backing. Admittedly, his Black Thoughts 2 mixtape was anticipated on my personal radar. Read the rest of this entry »

Flex gets the drop – and adds the bomb drops – to a new track from Pharrell. Where’s Skateboard been? Read the rest of this entry »

When Pharrell starts looping down-scale piano chords, more than likely the session isn’t for Nelly Furtado. Typically, P’s sinister keys are reserved for only the gulliest of gully, so it’s only fitting two of Hip-Hop’s most open books – Pusha T and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson – tempt both MCs and police precincts alike with this sinister sample of the G.O.O.D. Music member’s Fear Of God mixtape, which drops next Tuesday. Read the rest of this entry »

Jeny Romero and Bernice Burgos

T.I. & MTV Sued For Exploiting Dead Body [Karen Civil]

Will Plaxico Benefit From Vick’s Success? [Yardbarker]

Why Men Forget About Valentine’s Day [The Urban Daily]

Oprah’s OWN to Receive $50 Million Boost [The Root]

Waka Flocka’s Mom Will Manage Heidi Montag? [Necole Bitchie] Read the rest of this entry »

It was the beginning of 2009 when TC and I had a side bet going as to whether or not Tyga would be part of a legitimate Top 40 hit within the next 365. Going against my better judgment, I stuck with the tatted Compton kid who dropped the not-so-hotness that was “Coconut Juice,” based on the bars of heat he was spitting on his Outraged & Underage mixtape. TC, of course, bet against him. Read the rest of this entry »

Around this time last year, the Clipse were firmly established in having their cult following support and promote what ever direction their drug trade influenced penances took them. Even so, the glamourous commercial realm still eluded most of the brothers from Virginia’s efforts. If a day could alter the course of a career for an eternity, imagine what a full 365 days can bring. Pusha T especially, saw a rap rebirth if there ever was one, Read the rest of this entry »

If case you didn’t know, Swizzy flipped the scripts on Yeezy’s G.O.O.D. Fridays shtick and has unleashed #MonsterMondays. I’m typically not too keen to Mr. Keyes’ stylings, but this one is a banger indeed. Even if he sounds like an arrogant bastard on his mediocre verse. Read the rest of this entry »

Child Rebel Soldier, comprised of Kanye West, Pharrell & Lupe Fiasco, sent fans into a tizzy back in ’07 with the release of US Pacers. But like most things that appear too good to be true, especially for a group of artists that have trouble getting their own projects out on schedule, anticipation subdued over time. Read the rest of this entry »

When I first heard Tyga a few years ago, “impressed” was probably the last word I’d use to explain my reaction. Time heals all wounds though. While calling myself a “fan” these days may be pushing the envelope, I will admit I am more inclined to give his music an honest critique. Either he’s gotten a lot better, I’m listening harder or it’s a combination of the both. Read the rest of this entry »

Kid Cokey isn’t the only rap star gracing Complex Mag this fall. Who else would get newsstands in a fevered tizzy than the pink/purple/plum haired vixen, Nicki Minaj? In candid splendor, Toshitaka Kondo grilled the Hip-Hop heroine about type ish that you really want to know, like: Read the rest of this entry »

“I came a long way from when I wasn’t so fly, Did music like Kweli, just to get by.”

Devin, Beware and I have a weekly conversation about what it will take for Chiddy Bang to catch on with listeners. Not with larger audiences, because they seem to have latched on to the two-man team’s music and continually crowd in to see their performances. Read the rest of this entry »

I remember the first week of school was always a contest of who had the best summer. Some kids boasted about trips out of state. Most bragged about clothes. Diggy Simmons can say he opened for Wale and dropped a record with Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell. The most I ever did was go to Myrtle Beach. Read the rest of this entry »