Featured Videos

A Dipset Xmas

Artist: Jim JonesTitle: A Dipset XmasRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Bill Zimmerman At first it appears that A Dipset Xmas may be a fun ride. The cover features a Santa hat draped over the Diplomats’ logo, the disc is emblazoned with a Christmas tree capped with the same emblem, and best of all, the liner […]

The Re-Up

Artist: Eminem Presents…Title: The Re-UpRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Sidik Fofana Let’s just give Eminem the benefit of the doubt and say that he is working with a sketchy connect, because The Re-Up (Interscope) did not reload enough. If you’re tired of South American cocaine analogies, here is the situation bluntly. Eminem is easily an […]

Hip Hop Is Dead

Artist: NasTitle: Hip Hop Is DeadRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: AJ FreshDue to the current trend of proclaiming Hip-Hop’s demise, Nas’ eighth album Hip Hop Is Dead (Def Jam), is pretty timely. If anything, the controversial title could make it a critical component to the success and ongoing longevity of true Hip-Hop music-if it’s any good. […]

Time Is Money

Artist: Styles PTitle: Time Is MoneyRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Andrew Kameka Few albums are as aptly or unfortunately titled as Styles P’s <i?Time Is Money (Ruff Ryders/Interscope). Four years since the release of his gold-selling solo debut, A Gangster & A Gentleman, Styles has seen much of his shelf-life and earning potential waste away. The […]

The Evolution

Artist: CiaraTitle: The EvolutionRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Alex Thornton A few summers ago, it seemed like the FCC would revoke a radio station’s license unless they played Usher’s “Yeah’ at least twice an hour. The effects of the song’s domination are still felt today with an abundance of singles that infuse R&B with the sensibilities […]

Alter Ego

Artist: Black-Ty/TyreseTitle: Alter EgoRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Maiya Norton In a climate where the musically jaded are chanting Hip-Hop is dead, testing the rap waters is probably daunting for Tyrese. In the same window he unveils his emcee skills, Nas, The Game, Jay-Z and other notables have been the catalyst to the resurgence of […]

The Inspiration

Artist: Young JeezyTitle: The InspirationRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Alex Thornton With so much complaining about Hip-Hop going corporate, a self-made man like Young Jeezy is a refreshing alternative. In less than two years, he’s become a top artist on a top label, and while his rhyme skills are the subject of heavy debate, you can’t […]

More Fish

Artist: Ghostface KillahTitle: More FishRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Martin A. Berrios Ghostface Killah must love his craft. Starks dropped one of the best albums of ’06 with Fishscale but the sizeable sales numbers to match his rep still elude him. Instead of going into hibernation after taking that respectable “L”, Tone is back in […]

10th Annual Mixtape Awards

Artist: Award Show ReviewTitle: 10th Annual Mixtape AwardsRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Robert Longfellow Lackluster. That just about sums up the 10th Annual Mixtape Awards that went down last night (Thursday, November 7) at Harlem, NY’s Apollo Theater. No disrespect to the great Orpheus “Just-O” Faison (RIP), founder of the award show. But, unfortunately, rather […]

Pac’s Life

Artist: 2PacTitle: Pac’s LifeRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: KeiSaundra “K Sincere” Henderson While Nas is proclaiming Hip-Hop is dead, he may be speaking literally. While there are emcees currently in the business alive and well, the late, great Tupac continues to overshadow those who claim to be “the best in the game,” from the grave. […]

My Name Is Gyptian

Artist: GyptianTitle: My Name Is GyptianRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Metanoya Z. Webb The world came to know him as Gyptian; the 23 year old Rasta bred, St. Andrew’s born, vocalist, whose old-school Lovers Rock sound urgently demanded attention back in 2005 with the release of his conscious tune, “Serious Times.” The song exploded in Jamaica […]

Infamy (DVD)

Artist: DVD ReviewTitle: Infamy (DVD)Rating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Sidik Fofana After watching Infamy (Image Entertainment), you’ll never look at a vandalized wall in the same way again. The Doug Pray directed documentary is an ambitious film which shadows renowned graffiti artists from all walks of the globe who practice various styles. Among them are Toomer […]

The Sweet Escape

Artist: Gwen StefaniTitle: The Sweet EscapeRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Alex Thornton 2004’s Love.Angel.Music.Baby. was intended to be a one-off vanity project by No Doubt front-woman Gwen Stefani, but popular demand prompted her to record The Sweet Escape (Interscope). On her sophomore attempt, the good news and bad news are the same: Escape keeps the hectic […]

Konvicted

Artist: AkonTitle: KonvictedRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Tambra Cherie There is an old saying our grandmothers use to say years ago, “If it’s not broke, then don’t fix it.” Platinum-recording artist Akon must have adopted this concept when recording his sophomore album, Konvicted (SRC/Universal Motown). With 11 songs written, arranged, and produced by Akon himself, […]

Hell Hath No Fury

Artist: ClipseTitle: Hell Hath No FuryRating: 4 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Martin A. Berrios The dope dealer persona has always had its place in Hip-Hop. UGK coined the phrase “Riding Dirty,” Jay painted Technicolor style pictures of the ups and down of the game, and B.I.G. broke down the ten rules of success. Since their 2002 […]