Featured Videos

I’m Still Livin’

Artist: Z-RoTitle: I’m Still Livin’Rating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Eb Haynes “I’m 27 but I’m feelin’ 71/I pray so much I feel like I’m kin to the heavenly son.” Immediately on its opening track, the reminiscent to vintage Geto Boys tune “City Streets”, Z-Ro Da Crooked sets a bluesy mono-thematic theme of survival through faith. […]

Everready (The Religion)

Artist: Tech N9neTitle: Everready (The Religion)Rating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Paine With a style derived from Bay Area and Southern Hip-Hop, it’s geographically convenient that Tech N9ne hails from Kansas City. With a rapid-fire flow, an overpowering personality, and common man subject matter, Tech has spent the last decade touring endlessly, and releasing albums cherished by […]

We Don’t Die, We Multiply: The Robin Harris Story (DVD)

Artist: DVD ReviewTitle: We Don’t Die, We Multiply: The Robin Harris Story (DVD)Rating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Robert Longfellow Genius too often is only fully appreciated in hindsight. Robin Harris for years mastered his comedic trade underneath Hollywood’s nose and was on the cusp of achieving the mainstream recognition he so deserved. But at the age […]

Return From Mecca

Artist: X-ClanTitle: Return From MeccaRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: AJ Fresh On X-Clan’s new album Return From Mecca (Suburban Noize) much is taught and much can be learned. X Clan, the uncompromising pro-black rap group that came onto the Hip-Hop scene with their unique sound of funk and notable lyrics in the early 90’s, continue on […]

Once Again

Artist: John LegendTitle: Once AgainRating: 4 StarsReviewed by: Alex Thornton After racking up experience behind the scenes as a songwriter and session musician for some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop and R&B, John Legend debuted as a solo artist with 2004’s breakout hit Get Lifted. Assisted by a co-sign from Kanye West, Legend surprised […]

Use Your Confusion

Artist: JuggaknotsTitle: Use Your ConfusionRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Jason Newman Say “Juggaknots” to Hip-Hop fans and you’ll be greeted with either blank stares or wide grins. The former can hear the latter incessantly praise emcee Breezly Brewin and producer/brother Buddy Slim’s 1996 underground classic Clear Blue Skies EP. The title track, in which a white […]

As If We Existed

Artist: Sol.illaquists Of SoundTitle: As If We ExistedRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Dr. Zero The phrase “socially conscious Hip-Hop” produces a myriad of different responses. Some fans feel that this is the form of the art that will save it from its current state of complacency and played out themes of materialism, misogyny, and braggadocio. […]

Jibbs Feat. Jibbs

Artist: JibbsTitle: Jibbs Feat. JibbsRating: 2 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Latifah Muhammad Who is Jibbs? You know you’ve heard the song, “Chain Hang Low”. Admit it, you know the words to the chorus. And though the single serves as a catchy play on a nursery rhyme, the rest of the album, Jibbs Feat. Jibbs (Geffen) sounds […]

Dedication

Artist: BeliefTitle: DedicationRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Paine After production stints with Jean Grae, C-Rayz Walz, and Vordul Mega, New York-based beatmaker Belief crafts his own album, Dedication (Green Streets), using a different approach than the norm. While many producer albums utilize a vast array of burgeoning or high-profile feature talent, Belief recruited a foursome of […]

Superman Returns (Mixtape)

Artist: DJ Mick BoogieTitle: Superman Returns (Mixtape)Rating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Latifah Muhammad Just when you thought the hunger pains from waiting for Jay-Z’s new album to drop were too much, DJ Mick Boogie releases the Superman Returns to tide you over. This mixtape packages Jay’s post-quasi retirement collaborations and remixes since The Black Album. […]

No Days Off

Artist: The AlchemistTitle: No Days OffRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Conan Milne When it comes to The Alchemist certain listeners have got it twisted. Although he has been crafting definitive Mobb Deep material for some time now, and his music is undoubtedly East Coast influenced, A-L-C remains one of the West Coast’s finest exports. On […]

Public Warning

Artist: Lady SovereignTitle: Public WarningRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Bill Zimmerman In the years leading up to her full-length debut, Public Warning (Def Jam), Lady Sovereign generated the kind of buzz other artists would kill for. From fans clamoring for new content online to publications quickly making her a cover girl, everybody wanted more of […]

Beatlovers, Vol. 2

Artist: Nocturnal RonTitle: Beatlovers, Vol. 2Rating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Maiya Norton Unless you have the signature sound or name-dropping privilege that a Just Blaze, the Neptunes or Swizz Beats share, stealing the attention of the masses with an instrumental album lacking headlining collaborations could be tricky. Despite the odds against him Nocturnal Ron takes listeners […]

8WM/NOVAKANE

Artist: Black SheepTitle: 8WM/NOVAKANERating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Larusso McFly After a 12-year lay-off, Black Sheep-the “doo-doo eating, vomit tasting,” in a good way, “low lifes” of the Native Tongue family-have laced up the shoes, thrown on the gloves, and returned to rap’s boxing ring with 8WM/NOVAKANE (Bumrush). In an industry where longevity is the exception […]

Soldiers Of Fortune

Artist: Hall Of JustusTitle: Soldiers Of FortuneRating: 3 1/2 StarsReviewed by: Bill Zimmerman In the music business there sometimes is no justice. Underground heroes Little Brother released a masterpiece on Atlantic Records in 2005 that failed to move units while less talented rappers blew up. No matter, LB presses on and continue playing for the […]