Heads might not realize that LMFAO’s origins begin in indie hip-hop. Red Foo along with current Party Rock Crew member, Dre Kroon, first stepped onto the scene around 1997 with their “Life Is A Game Of Chess” and “The Freshest” singles. Collaborating with DJ Revolution and Evidence, it was clear that these guys hearts were [cont.]

Freddie Foxxx aka Bumpy Knuckles doesn’t release albums very often, but when he does, he picks up the mic like he never left. And chances are, he never did leave, as “rhyming is a part of [his] life”, as he let us know on 2000′s seminal Industry Shakedown. Easily one of the best indie albums [cont.]

Four years since their last release, Smif-n-Wessun return with a suitably titled fourteen-song offering of Bucktown brilliance. Boasting exclusive production and expert turntablism from the Chocolate Boy Wonder, Monumental makes its moniker proud every step of the way. The unlikely trio prepared an audible meal that should have the hungry going back for second and [cont.]

After creating a significant buzz for himself on his Finally Famous mixtape series, Detroit emcee, Big Sean, was snatched up by Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint, the first of a new generation of acts to represent the label. With Finally Famous: The Album, all of Sean’s hard work comes to fruition with his official debut [cont.]

On paper, the concept of a posse LP featuring underground fan favorites Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, and emcee/producer Black Milk on one album together sounds like a no-brainer. That’s exactly what we get with Random Axe, a team-up of the three artists, presented by Duck Down. However being that the three each have their own [cont.]

Some ten plus years ago, Eminem emerged on the scene with his independently released Slim Shady EP, which would later mature into a full-length Interscope/Aftermath extended LP version. Around the same time, Em introduced the world to a promising, fellow Detroit emcee named Royce Da 5’9. Together, they recorded three tracks, two which were released [cont.]

It was reportedly a few years ago that KRS-One and Bumpy Knuckles a.k.a. Freddie Foxxx got together in the studio and made Royalty Check, but although we’re just getting access to the album now, it doesn’t sound dated. In fact, it’s the first thing KRS has done in some time that feels fresh. And the [cont.]

Philadelphia emcee/producer Has-Lo’s journey has been described as “a slow burn”. After receiving his first break in 2007 via MTVU’s “Best Music on Campus” contest, a contest in which he placed in the top 5, Has-Lo signed with indie label Mello Music Group in 2010. In Case I Don’t Make It is the emcee’s first [cont.]

Los Angeles emcee Blu stepped on the scene with one of the strongest indie albums of the last five years with his classic Below The Heavens, with producer Exile. Since then he’s gone on to release other collaborative projects such as Jonson and Johnson and The Piece Talks, both being strong, but note quite living [cont.]

Rick Ross has seen an amazing turn in his career over the last year or so, turning accusations of being a correctional officer irrelevant, instead fashioning himself as the biggest boss that you’ve seen thus far, literally. Large in both physical stature and industry status, Ross has shot past rival 50 Cent in terms of [cont.]

Killer Mike has a bit of a rough go with his career over the last couple of years. He was initially introduced to the world via Outkast singles “Snappin’ & Trappin’” and “The Whole World”, leading to his solo career and a lukewarm hit single “A.D.I.D.A.S. (All Day I Dream About Sex)”. After a short-lived [cont.]

Detroit emcee eLZhi has been heralded as one of hip-hop’s most talented for years now, but to some, there was something missing. Despite the witty punchlines, multi-syllabic rhyme patterns and conceptual genius shown on songs like “Guessing Game” and “Rules of Rap,” harsher critics said he couldn’t evoke emotion—one of musician’s most important tasks. Well, [cont.]

We witnessed the strength of street knowledge with N.W.A. in the eighties, entered the 36 chambers with the Wu-Tang Clan in the mid-nineties, and realized Eminem just didn’t give a fuck as he helped usher in the new millennium. Each of these acts had their fare share of controversy, all sharing that “middle finger up, [cont.]

It’s pure coincidence that Kaimbr’s government name is Al Green. Still, some higher power must have known they were creating the nucleus of the 13-track, Albert Green inspired opus titled The Alexander Green Project. Anyone familiar with Kev Brown knows a canvas created entirely of his Al Green sampled beats is enough to carry even [cont.]

The Beastie Boys’ eighth studio album is actually their ninth, if the legend of Hot Sauce Committee Vol. 2 is to be believed. As the story goes, Hot Sauce Committee Vol. One was to be released in September of 2010, but was delayed after Adam Yauch was diagnosed with cancer. This led to the cancellation [cont.]

XV, whose name refers to the age (15) at which he began to create music, is an emcee on the come-up. The Wichita, Kansas native has built his buzz and following through a slew of not only mix-tape releases (14 of them), but also the through the use of social media and the new school [cont.]

“As a producer you always want to progress your sound and you always want to try to improve on what you’re doing already.” – Illmind, Behind the Curtain with Illmind Illmind’s latest project is just that; twenty-two tracks that push his signature sound to its limits. A nod to author and neurologist Oliver Sacks, M.D.’s [cont.]

Released from prison just about a month ago, Mobb Deep’s Prodigy serves up something for the fans in the form of The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP, a free release presented by Complex Magazine. Built around clips from the 1997 film Hoodlum (of which Mobb Deep lent the title track), P loosely takes on the roll [cont.]

Alchemist has always had a knack for bringing out the best in his collaborators; hell, he pretty much helped define careers of many indie rappers during the 12″ vinyl heyday. He’s always had his signature sound, altering it slightly to encompass a number of different styles from lyrical tour-de-force (Royce da 5’9′s “I’m The King”) [cont.]

The last time this reviewer spent a lot of time with Tyga’s music he was a kid singing about “Coconut Juice,” “Aim,” “Cartoonz,” and “Summertime.” The Compton native’s 2008 album, No Introduction, made when he was only 18, wasn’t great, but it was fun. He was a kid, making music for other kids. A few [cont.]