In a recent interview with MTV’s Rapfix, Wale noted that too many rappers had blown up from the Internet, therefore crowding the window of opportunity for artists via the world wide web. He had a valid point, seeing that the model that worked for several artists such as himself circa 2008, is pretty much commonplace in today’s Hip-Hop atmosphere, making it harder for acts to stand out. Read the rest of this entry »

One of my favorite episodes of Everybody Hates Chris was when he made the wrestling team. Long story short, he did so because he believed having a letterman jacket would allow him to experience a different world socially. The same can be said, somewhat, about the DMV’s own Phil Adé. Read the rest of this entry »

New tunes from Blu’s upcoming NOYORK! album. “Doin’ Something” is six minutes of emceeing at its finest, courtesy of the West Coast. Read the rest of this entry »

So, obviously it’s Valentine’s Day and amongst other things, it is a day observed for a slew of free music under the premise of knockin’ the boots, heartache and faux emotions. Gotta love Hip-Hop for it. Instead of turning the site into the Anthony Thomas music section, we decided to wrangle up the mixtapes/EPs, songs and visuals that are making this day longer than it needs to be.

While most cats opt to “go ham” these days, the L.A. Kings known as U-N-I will stick to going apeshit on beats, thank you very much. If you couldn’t guess the moment you pushed play, the entire concept was inspired by one of the most popular video games to every grace a 25¢ piece. Thurzday gets beastie with his barrel throwing and chest-pounding mic presence while Y-O! makes it happen from the sideline and kicks with the princess. Read the rest of this entry »

Even if you have never been to California, exposing yourself to U-N-I’s music can take you there no matter what side of the globe you call home. It possesses an aura that fully defines the Cali lifestyle with sensations of warmth and carefree leisure. Together, Thurz and Yonas Africa have mastered the art of representing their residence without constantly repeating themselves on the record. Read the rest of this entry »

Terrace Martin is one smart cookie. He knew that his musical expertise associated with any project would make it respected. He knew that by paying homage to Marvin’s classic baby-maker would garner some interest. And he also knew that throwing Houston’s newest angel, Devi Dev into the fray would just sexify the entire thing up 10x. Seriously, have you seen the smile on that woman? Yeah, Snoop, Wiz Khalifa, U-N-I and few other notables are present but Devi’s personality puts this project in a whole ‘nother perspective. Read the rest of this entry »

Surest way to keep the ADD Generation’s attention during your 5-minute-plus music video? Let a Playboy model be the film’s gorgeous—and malevolent—co-star. Read the rest of this entry »

As part of a promo run for his up-and-coming album The Book Of David, here’s footage of DJ Quik (with no C) hosting another one of his jealousy-inducing Quik’s Groove concerts at The Key Club in Los Scandalous, CA. In the clip, you’ll catch another seducing update on his long-awaited eighth album, clips of compadres like Xzibit, Paul Wall, BJ The Chicago Kid, U-N-I and special guest Faith Evans rocking their hits, as well as the Quikster himsef, personally laying down live instrumentation over his guests’ vocals. Yes, you are correct…he does it all. With a perm. Read the rest of this entry »

Prostitution is one of the oldest professions in the world. Music is likely even older than that, so it only makes sense that so many sex-filled songs have been created throughout history. That’s my logic and I’m sticking to it. With that history lesson out of the way, feel free to add N*E*R*D protégés Christian Rich to the illustrious list of singers with odes to getting it on. Read the rest of this entry »

My name is my name © Frank Lucas

Mick’s upbringing and lifestyle may be slightly different the Frank’s but they still share one important trait. Read the rest of this entry »

YoThurz put on award-winning performances no matter if they’re live in concert or serving one up for a music video. Another for the books and A Love Supreme 2.0 folklore, the domestically disturbed “Desha Dayana” (throw some D’s on that b*tch!) gets the visual treatment in this black & white montage. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s still a bit hard for me sit through these days at the ol’ 9 to 5 after The Crew’s takeover of SXSW this past weekend. There are a million memories bouncing around my head, begging to be relived, and here am in a cubicle prepping sales calls. Bah-humbug. Read the rest of this entry »

Upgraded and amplified for maximum enjoyment, the love gurus of L.A. are taking their amore a couple notches in the retail department with the release of A Love Supreme 2.0; a bonus edition of last year’s remarkable A Love Supreme. Along with the addition of “Land Of The Kings” and “Desha Dayana,” this remixed version of their R&B intermission is also featured. Read the rest of this entry »

When Balance saying he’s going all in, he’s cashing in all his poker chips and bringing the entire Golden State with him. Still ridin’ high from the last Bay Area mashup, Mr. 510 calls upon a trio of Cali hotshots to increase the anticipation for We All In. Read the rest of this entry »