The Roots’ drummer Questlove is doing a six part essay series entitled, When the People Cheer: How Hip-Hop Failed Black America for Vulture. Even as The Roots gracefully slide into their third decade as a relevant cultural force, Quest questions hip-hop’s sustainability. How can rebellious music or a movement be mainstream? How can it remain both popular and meaningful? He uses Kendrick Lamar as an exception to the rule in order to prove that, as an artist, you either have to be one …
Tag: Hip Hop
Radio show Breakbeats & Rhymes on community radio KPFK 90.7 in LA did an interview from 2012 with rapper, producer Lord Finesse (D.I.T.C.) and rapper Percee P (Stones Throw Bio). In the interview they reminisce over coming up as young artists back in late 80’s and early to mid 90s, different projects they were involved with, other artists of their era they’ve worked with, and their rivalry on wax. Lord Finesse and Percee P also commented on the state of Hip-Hop …
Twenty years ago on April 19th, 1994 a then 20 year old rapper from Queens NYC released the classic Hip-Hop debut album; Illmatic. Considered by some to be one of the best Hip-Hop albums of all time (if not the best), in terms of beat production, lyrical style, and content. No filler tracks. Illmatic is among one of the few 5 mic rated albums by the Source Magazine. Clocking in at ten tracks, a little under 45 minutes, Illmatic weaves …
When I read the news that Wu Tang’s upcoming 20th anniversary album A Better Tomorrow is going to be released along with a one of a kind collectors item double disc album The Wu – Once Upon A Time In Shaolin, it sounded like a big joke to me at first. According to the Forbes article The Wu – Once Upon A Time In Shaolin double disc will be encased in a hand crafted silver and nickel box done by British-Moroccan artist Yahya, with plans to display …
On March 10, 2014 at Lehigh University Dr. Angela Davis and rapper Nas were guest speakers discussing the Prison Industrial Complex. Coming together for this discussion panel from two seemingly different worlds, Dr. Angela Davis; revolutionary, activist, academic, and Nas; rapper, songwriter, actor, entrepreneur. Their discussion was titled Incarcerated Justice, and it was moderated by Dr. James Peterson. Below is the full video of their discussion, which starts around the 33 minute mark. Dr. Angela Davis & Nas speaking on the Prison Industrial Complex (Video) …
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