Former hustla builds a buzz in the South, then signs with Def Jam, and releases a debut album with top notch production. Sound familiar? Last summer Young Jeezy set the streets on fire with Thug Motivation 101 and in 2006 Rick Ross’s Port of Miami will be bumping in car stereos in every hood [cont.]

   Somewhere Paris is smiling, because the Lost Children of Babylon may hate Bush II more than he hates Bush I.  Following in the footsteps of Paris, Chuck D, and Brother J, the Philadelphia collective’s latest album, The 911 Report The Ultimate Conspiracy, is condemnation of President Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld,  and any person [cont.]

     In a perfect world rappers would be paid based on their rhyming skills and not the label’s marketing skills. Unfortunately we do not live in an ideal world and rappers like O.C. have yet to achieve the financial success they deserve. By refusing to conform to the candy rap standards, O.C. may never experience [cont.]

    In a little under a decade, Jimmy Jones has gone from “Cam’ron’s friend” on “Horse and Carriage” (remember me too?) to “Capo” of one of the hottest rap clicks around.  Along the way he has negotiated numerous business deals for himself and other members of the Dipset, as well as release a successful independent [cont.]

   With the exception of Eminem, most battle rappers have difficulty translating their rhymes into something that is enjoyable for a full length album.  Unlike battling, which relies mostly on witty one-liners, creating an album often requires a concept.  While C-Rayz’s championship battling skills are displayed on his second Def Jux full-length recording, The Year of [cont.]

    When The Black Eyed Peas debuted, they were critically acclaimed, with many claiming them the heirs to the Native Tongue movement.  Three albums later, the Black Eyed Peas have undergone a huge makeover, mainly the addition of former Wild Orchid member Fergie, and have gone from acquired taste to world pop stars.  While some [cont.]