Fans, critics, and execs search exhaustedly for our next crew of heroes and legends...impatiently waiting for artists to pass the torch to. Message boards and forums are full of pretentious screen names, heated debate, and passionate postings as the old and new school give their take on the state of hip hop music and culture. With much more emphasis placed on capitalism and commercialization, the spirit of our beloved artform has been changed quite a bit. Some support this while others do not, both tightly grasping what little originality and rebellion is left.
The news was received years ago: " HIP HOP IS DEAD"...pay attetion to the signs around us and you'll find we were misled.
J Cole : The North Carolina native was the first artist signed to Roc Nation . His mixtape, The Warm Up gained much deserved attention with tracks like" Grown Simba", "Lights Please", "Dollar and a Dream", and "Dead Presidents II". He appeared on the Blueprint 3 single " A Star Is Born" and later dropped "Who Dat" both of which forced listeners to bob their heads (to the beat) in approval. With Friday Night Lights released in November (2010), one can only expect big things from this talented lyricist in the near and far future.
Random Fact: Mr. Cole graduated from St. John's College Magna Cum Laude
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Just Begun) Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Jay Electronica, J Cole
Wiz Khalifa :Reminiscent of Snoop in the early 90's, if for nothing else the thin frame and pothead persona, Wiz Khalifa deserted his seven figure deal with Warner Bros to do his own thing (independently) in 2009. Seems like Khalifa made the right move! His recent single "Black and Yellow" is playing EVERYWHERE. Rumor has it, Wiz and Snoop have a new album and DVD project coming out (4/20/11)
Random Fact: "Wiz" is short for wisdom and"Khalifa" is Arabic for successor
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (This Plane) Wiz Khalifa
Eminem :A highly anticipated return was met with Recovery (2010 Aftermath), which sold over 700,000 its first week in stores. Aside from radio hits like " Not Afraid" and "Love The Way You Lie" (feat. Rihanna) , Slim Shady has also recorded a collabo with Nicki Minaj entitled "Roman's Revenge"( her diss to Lil Kim). He also performed recently on SNL beside rapper Lil Wayne.
Random Fact: Shade 45 on Sirius and XM Radio is arguably one of the better hip hop stations to listen to
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (No Love) Eminem feat. Lil Wayne
Rock The Bells 2010 :A Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang Clan, KRS-One, Rakim, Snoop Dogg,
DJ Premier, Slick Rick, Street Sweeper Social Club
Wiz Khalifa, Clipse, LAURYN HILL and other performances. NEED I SAY MORE?
Random Fact: Legends performed their most influential albums in their entirety on the main stage as hip hop newcomers performed on side platforms.
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Oh my God) Tribe Called Quest
The Roots:Hands down... one of the greatest lives acts ever! The Roots and Jimmi Fallon teamed up in 2009 for Fallon's late night talk show. The Legendary Roots Crew, originally out of Philly, appear every episode as the house band on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon", making them the coolest band on late night tv.
Random Fact: Members Black Thought and ?estlove were classmates at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Peforming Arts
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Silent Treatment)The Roots
Jay Electronica :Without a commercial single release under his belt, this New Orleans nomad gained quite the reputation by word of mouth and internet buzz. "Act 1" was one of many internet recordings that impressed underground rap music junkies everywhere. Tracks like "Exhibit C"(Just Blaze prod.) and "Victory Is In My Clutches" are easily fan favorites. Now signed to Roc Nation, Electronica is due for a debut album, which will be a great day in American history (mark my words lol) . Look out world!
Random Fact: The song "Act 1" was rare and creative for its use of the score from award winning movie Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Shiny Suit Theory) Jay Electronica feat. Jay Z
Distant Relatives :Nas and Damien Marley combining their styles together on an entire album, something we've all been waiting for since "Road To Zion". With tracks such as "Work and Blaze", "Nah Mean", and " Count Your Blessings"
Distant Relatives is a classic album that can be played all the way through..
Random Fact: Their fathers being musicians and strong cultural pride/beliefs indeed make them distant relatives, in fact some say interviewing one is like interviewing the other
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Patience) Damien Marley/Nas
Pharrell & Despicable Me:That's right, Pharrell Williams was the musical genius behind this animated picture. He produced and co-created the score which includes songs from Lupe and Robin Thicke (among others).
Random Fact: N.E.R.D is an acronym for "no one really dies"
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Minions Mambo)Despicable Me Soundtrack
Talib Kweli- Group/Solo ProjectTalib Kweli and Hi-Tek never cease to amaze. With the release of their most recent album, hip hop fans are blessed with songs like "In The Red" and "Strangers"(Feat. Bun B). Revolutions Per Minute is perfection, end of sentence ;)
Kweli has been busy since Reflection Eternal's release date last year...he has recently dropped his latest solo album, Gutter Rainbows which includes the feel good hit, "How You Love Me".
Fact: Talib Kweli is married to Dj EqueSong I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (End) Reflection Eternal
Kanye West / My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy:
Gorgeous(Feat. Kid Cudi/Raekwon)...Blame Game(feat. John Legend)...All The Lights (Feat. Rihanna) are just a few of the songs on this album that are nothing short of melodic genius. Kanye also released a short film/extended music video (Runaway, MTV) in October to help promote his work, something we haven't seen(as far as production value goes) since Michael Jackson's Thriller. Yeezy never disappoints and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a strong example.
Random Fact: Kanye is Swahili for "only one"
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (So Appalled) Kanye West feat. Jay Z, Pusha T, Cy Hi Da Prynce, Swizz Beatz, and RZA
Entourage:
The comedic tv drama is about star Vince Chase and his close knit group of friends, acquaintances, and business partners. Seven years after it's debut, the show provides great television and even better hip hop music. The Entourage soundtrack has included hits from artists such as Outkast, The Roots, Joe Budden, T.I., Jay Z, and De La Soul to name a few.
Random Fact: Corrine "Superhead" Steffans openly discussed her desire to bed actor Jeremy Piven during an interview with him on Foxxhole Radio
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Be Easy)Ghostface Killah
Jay Z (Still Here and Still Strong) :
With the release of Blueprint 3 Jay Z has proved, once again, that he cannot be stopped . Now, with Roc Nation in the works, collaborations with various talents( Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Usher to name a few) , and artists signed to his label like the young Willow Smith, Jay Electronica, Wale, Rihanna, and J Cole...Jay Z seems to have much more up his sleeve than to remain the King of Hip Hop.
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat":(Already Home) Jay Z feat. Kid Cudi
Lauryn Hill:It was not the career ride we expected for our Hip Hop Goddess. Ater her rise to fame in the 90's with legendary rap trio The Fugees, Lauryn has forever been in our hearts. Playing a stubborn teen in the movie Sister Act II alongside Whoopie Goldberg, as well as providing us with her masterpiece, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill , L Boogie seemed to have disappeared out of thin air...pulling a Dave Chappelle, if you will. Speculations circulated, rumors surfaced, and time passed with the following question on everyone's mind "where the f*ck is lauryn?"
It was during Rock The Bells 2010 that Lauryn reappeared, performing tracks off her debut album. There has been less slander regarding insanity thrown her way and more talk of a return to the game.
Random Fact: Lauryn Hil won Album Of The Year over competitor and legendary artist Madonna in 98 for Miseducation....
Song I Can't Take Off Repeat: (Ready Or Not)The Fugees
Random Fact: Mr. Cole graduated from St. John's College Magna Cum Laude
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Just Begun) Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Jay Electronica, J Cole
Wiz Khalifa :Reminiscent of Snoop in the early 90's, if for nothing else the thin frame and pothead persona, Wiz Khalifa deserted his seven figure deal with Warner Bros to do his own thing (independently) in 2009. Seems like Khalifa made the right move! His recent single "Black and Yellow" is playing EVERYWHERE. Rumor has it, Wiz and Snoop have a new album and DVD project coming out (4/20/11)
Random Fact: "Wiz" is short for wisdom and"Khalifa" is Arabic for successor
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (This Plane) Wiz Khalifa
Eminem :A highly anticipated return was met with Recovery (2010 Aftermath), which sold over 700,000 its first week in stores. Aside from radio hits like " Not Afraid" and "Love The Way You Lie" (feat. Rihanna) , Slim Shady has also recorded a collabo with Nicki Minaj entitled "Roman's Revenge"( her diss to Lil Kim). He also performed recently on SNL beside rapper Lil Wayne.
Random Fact: Shade 45 on Sirius and XM Radio is arguably one of the better hip hop stations to listen to
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (No Love) Eminem feat. Lil Wayne
Rock The Bells 2010 :A Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang Clan, KRS-One, Rakim, Snoop Dogg,
DJ Premier, Slick Rick, Street Sweeper Social Club
Wiz Khalifa, Clipse, LAURYN HILL and other performances. NEED I SAY MORE?
Random Fact: Legends performed their most influential albums in their entirety on the main stage as hip hop newcomers performed on side platforms.
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Oh my God) Tribe Called Quest
The Roots:Hands down... one of the greatest lives acts ever! The Roots and Jimmi Fallon teamed up in 2009 for Fallon's late night talk show. The Legendary Roots Crew, originally out of Philly, appear every episode as the house band on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon", making them the coolest band on late night tv.
Random Fact: Members Black Thought and ?estlove were classmates at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Peforming Arts
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Silent Treatment)The Roots
Jay Electronica :Without a commercial single release under his belt, this New Orleans nomad gained quite the reputation by word of mouth and internet buzz. "Act 1" was one of many internet recordings that impressed underground rap music junkies everywhere. Tracks like "Exhibit C"(Just Blaze prod.) and "Victory Is In My Clutches" are easily fan favorites. Now signed to Roc Nation, Electronica is due for a debut album, which will be a great day in American history (mark my words lol) . Look out world!
Random Fact: The song "Act 1" was rare and creative for its use of the score from award winning movie Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Shiny Suit Theory) Jay Electronica feat. Jay Z
Distant Relatives :Nas and Damien Marley combining their styles together on an entire album, something we've all been waiting for since "Road To Zion". With tracks such as "Work and Blaze", "Nah Mean", and " Count Your Blessings"
Distant Relatives is a classic album that can be played all the way through..
Random Fact: Their fathers being musicians and strong cultural pride/beliefs indeed make them distant relatives, in fact some say interviewing one is like interviewing the other
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Patience) Damien Marley/Nas
Pharrell & Despicable Me:That's right, Pharrell Williams was the musical genius behind this animated picture. He produced and co-created the score which includes songs from Lupe and Robin Thicke (among others).
Random Fact: N.E.R.D is an acronym for "no one really dies"
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Minions Mambo)Despicable Me Soundtrack
Talib Kweli- Group/Solo ProjectTalib Kweli and Hi-Tek never cease to amaze. With the release of their most recent album, hip hop fans are blessed with songs like "In The Red" and "Strangers"(Feat. Bun B). Revolutions Per Minute is perfection, end of sentence ;)
Kweli has been busy since Reflection Eternal's release date last year...he has recently dropped his latest solo album, Gutter Rainbows which includes the feel good hit, "How You Love Me".
Fact: Talib Kweli is married to Dj EqueSong I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (End) Reflection Eternal
Kanye West / My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy:
Gorgeous(Feat. Kid Cudi/Raekwon)...Blame Game(feat. John Legend)...All The Lights (Feat. Rihanna) are just a few of the songs on this album that are nothing short of melodic genius. Kanye also released a short film/extended music video (Runaway, MTV) in October to help promote his work, something we haven't seen(as far as production value goes) since Michael Jackson's Thriller. Yeezy never disappoints and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a strong example.
Random Fact: Kanye is Swahili for "only one"
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (So Appalled) Kanye West feat. Jay Z, Pusha T, Cy Hi Da Prynce, Swizz Beatz, and RZA
Entourage:
The comedic tv drama is about star Vince Chase and his close knit group of friends, acquaintances, and business partners. Seven years after it's debut, the show provides great television and even better hip hop music. The Entourage soundtrack has included hits from artists such as Outkast, The Roots, Joe Budden, T.I., Jay Z, and De La Soul to name a few.
Random Fact: Corrine "Superhead" Steffans openly discussed her desire to bed actor Jeremy Piven during an interview with him on Foxxhole Radio
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat": (Be Easy)Ghostface Killah
Jay Z (Still Here and Still Strong) :
With the release of Blueprint 3 Jay Z has proved, once again, that he cannot be stopped . Now, with Roc Nation in the works, collaborations with various talents( Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Usher to name a few) , and artists signed to his label like the young Willow Smith, Jay Electronica, Wale, Rihanna, and J Cole...Jay Z seems to have much more up his sleeve than to remain the King of Hip Hop.
Song I Can't Take Off "Repeat":(Already Home) Jay Z feat. Kid Cudi
Lauryn Hill:It was not the career ride we expected for our Hip Hop Goddess. Ater her rise to fame in the 90's with legendary rap trio The Fugees, Lauryn has forever been in our hearts. Playing a stubborn teen in the movie Sister Act II alongside Whoopie Goldberg, as well as providing us with her masterpiece, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill , L Boogie seemed to have disappeared out of thin air...pulling a Dave Chappelle, if you will. Speculations circulated, rumors surfaced, and time passed with the following question on everyone's mind "where the f*ck is lauryn?"
It was during Rock The Bells 2010 that Lauryn reappeared, performing tracks off her debut album. There has been less slander regarding insanity thrown her way and more talk of a return to the game.
Random Fact: Lauryn Hil won Album Of The Year over competitor and legendary artist Madonna in 98 for Miseducation....
Song I Can't Take Off Repeat: (Ready Or Not)The Fugees
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