Fueled by the hardcore lyricism of The LOX, the edgy sexiness of first lady Eve and the soul-bearing intensity of de-facto crew leader DMX, the Ruff Ryders stood atop Swizz Beatz Triton keys at the top of the Hip-Hop charts from the late 90s to early 2000s. The thing about eras, though, is they eventually end. Read the rest of this entry »

“You the next aggin? Well, I’m the ex-aggin/ Name still ringin’ bells, so f*ck arrests aggin” It would appear that Turkey Day didn’t only bring together your family, but the Ruff Ryders, as well. Last week, the Double-R clique released a compilation album, called Past, Present & Future, and this grandiose anthem is the intro. Read the rest of this entry »

Avid as we are about Hip-Hop, most of us know Murda Mook strictly from butchering the battle circuit. Period. The vicious MC has gone neck and neck with viral veterans via his Smack battles with Jae Millz and Sirius Jones, but has not put out a single noteworthy song to capitalize on the buzz he created in turn. Since signing with Ruff Ryders last year, however, it seems as though the New Yorker may have realized error was in his ways. Read the rest of this entry »

DJB is back & he comes bearing even more gifts.

This time around, “Featuring Drag-On,” a collection of songs that Drag was either the featured artist or made an appearance on. Read the rest of this entry »

Words By Malik V.

What a difference ten years can make in the career of a hardcore and troubled rapper. Earl Simmons, a.k.a DMX, is currently wrapped up in several legal cases that range from animal cruelty to fraud, and is a far cry from the intimidating, almost gothic MC he entered the game as. Rewind ten years to 1998 back when the Dark Man was just putting his mark on the industry. While Puffy and Ma$e were wearing shiny shirts and Jay-Z was partying on yachts, X was barking ad-libs and rocking hoodies with Timbs. Read the rest of this entry »