On paper, the prospect of an album from Diggy Simmons – the son of Rev. Run – seems like a big “no thank you”. Good looking kid rapper? Check. Born into money? Check. Skills…? Skills..? SKILLS??? Yes…..check. Yes, Run raised him right, as the young emcee definitely holds his own, as he first caught our [cont.]

De La Soul’s new concept album, First Serve, follows a rap duo starting out in the late 90s, as they rise to stardom, flame out and then get back together again. At this point in their career, with a deep catalog of classic and quality releases, it seems like the right time for the legendary [cont.]

Lee Bannon released the seven track, eleven minute Fantastic Plastic EP in September of last year on Plug Research, and talk about a teaser! For fans, it was only right he came back this February with a full length album of the same title. At first listen, it’s hard to believe Bannon hails from The [cont.]

As one of the most seasoned emcees in the game, Bumpy Knuckles has recorded nine albums over a massive 23-year period. So if anyone has a right to call out what exactly is wrong with hip-hop, it’s him – he’s seen and heard it all. Teaming with DJ Premier for The Kolexxxion, a sequel to [cont.]

Odd Future (full name Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All) seems to make a brand of music that is intentionally garbage – crass, crude, misogynist, lacking in any musicality or substance. It’s the kind of thing you don’t want your mom to catch you listening to, which maybe partially explains its appeal to teenagers [cont.]

In the reality era, there are a number of celebrities who are “famous for being famous.” We can now add Nicki Minaj to that list. After being parodied on SNL and performing with Madonna at the Superbowl halftime show, Minaj is hip hop’s latest larger than life personality (ironically the last one we had was [cont.]

“I’m here to tell the world man, I ain’t fuckin’ with PA Medallions.” So says Planet Asia on “Tell The World”, a soulful head-nodder three tracks into his latest LP, Black Belt Theatre, a return to form for the indie hip-hop movement pioneer. King Medallions was an alias for Planet Asia, midway through his career, [cont.]

It’s been a minute since we heard from Houston, Texas emcee Chamillionaire. Following his 2007 album, Ultimate Victory, Chamillitary left Universal Records, and most recently has been on the mixtape circuit. His 2005 debut album The Sound of Revenge brought two commercially successful singles in “Turn It Up” and “Ridin” to the masses and even [cont.]

New K.R.I.T. as debuted on Shade45 yesterday.

Big K.R.I.T. has had an amazing couple of years, first breaking through in 2010 with K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, then following up in 2011 with the critically acclaimed The Return of 4Eva. This lead a place on XXL‘s Freshmen list, as well as a deal with Def Jam. Now, as we patiently await the release of [cont.]

What a difference 10 years can make. In 2002, Ja Rule was arguably one of the most in demand rappers at the time. His signature brand of “thug lovin” raps dominated the airwaves, and kept the Murder Inc., flag waving high. Whether you loved him or hated him, you couldn’t help but pay attention to [cont.]

Tyga’s Careless World: Rise of the Last King seems like the kind of mainstream release we would hate. A bloated, clichéd, guest-laden album with a subtitle that sounds like it should be the name of the next movie in the Clash of the Titans series. But surprisingly it’s not. In fact, as far as this [cont.]

It’s only a natural progression for someone like Kid Cudi to do a rock-offshoot project. Let’s not forget, even from the days of his first single, “Day N Nite”, he was singing more-so than rapping. We saw him infuse these elements even more-so on 2010′s Man On The Moon II, a hip-hop LP with some [cont.]

Following his intriguing mixtape of covers, The Life of Love’s Cupid, emerging soul singer BJ the Chicago Kid delivers his official debut, Pineapple Now-Laters, a smooth, rich R&B experience. After writing and singing backup for big-name artists such as Mary J. Blige and Musiq Soulchild, he steps out on his own and commands our attention. [cont.]

“There is not an adjective to describe how I work, hard is not enough brother, I’m tougher.” – Curren$y “The Day” That line pretty much sums up the career of Curren$y so far. There really isn’t a word to describe this man’s work ethic. His catalog from just this past year is probably deeper than [cont.]

Coming hot off the heels of a near classic debut, The Greatest Story Never Told, Saigon kicks of 2012 with Warning Shots 3, a collaborative effort hosted by TGSNT producer Just Blaze. Built around a fictional radio station called, uh, One Foot In The Grave (is that on Shade45?), the album suggests it is merely [cont.]

Quite easily the first great album of 2012, Alchemist and Oh No return as Gangrene with Vodka & Ayahuasca, their second collaborative album. Sharing duties on mics and boards, the duo have created a tripped out concept album, blending psychedelic samples with blunted rhymes. Upon first listen, one might assume that Alchemist – the more [cont.]

With the arrival of Kendrick Lamar, all eyes have been on the Black Hippy crew, which also includes Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. Schoolboy Q is next out the gate, with the clique’s first release of the new year, Habits & Contridictions. But is Q just as talented as his Dr. Dre blessed brother? [cont.]

With the string of success that MMG label has had in the past year, every release from any of its artists warrants some sort of attention. As one of the more recent signees to the labels, Stalley comes through with his Lincoln Way Nights project, a re-release of the mixtape that he dropped in early [cont.]

Rappers and rap listeners may hate on Rick Ross, but one thing remains true: everyday he’s hustlin’. And we’re not just quoting his debut singles’ hook. Literally, every freaking day this man litters the internet with new music, news, videos etc, from either himself or members of his MMG label. So, if you are an [cont.]