HipHop Rap: Biggie Smalls The Notorious B.I.G.
by blakcitrus
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Kickmag
Thirteen Years After B.I.G.
Thirteen years ago Christopher “B.I.G.” Wallace was killed in a drive-by shooting that remains unsolved. A fast ride of three years from the time he released his first album Ready To Die in 1994 until his death in 1997 made him a hip-hop icon. He is forever remembered for becoming the King of New York in rap circles from reestablishing a respect of his hometown after the rise of West Coast royalty NWA, Dr.Dre and Snoop Dogg. Sean Combs molded and marketed Biggie’s sound into a major part of the Bad Boy Renaissance that included Mary J.Blige, Faith Evans, 112 and Total among others. The laidback baritone’s preeminent delivery made his native Brooklyn proud and attracted a worldwide following. His misogyny, talk of street life and depression resulting from the weariness of being a poor Black man with limited life options was poignant in an America where everyone across class is purposely self-medicating. Just like his famous nemesis Tupac there was hope that he would transcend those things one day to make progressive and happier sounding raps. In one of B.I.G.’s last interviews with The Source he talked about enjoying California’s weather, his new son and looking at life in a different way. And of course the evil irony is that he was murdered in the same place he made these declarations. There are always discussions about what his status would be like today in the hip-hop world. Fortunately for him the music that he recorded before his death has held up and will continue to do so for future generations. He is lucky in that sense to be frozen in time artistically at a high point while people were still excited for him. Longevity is nice but it also gives artists time to live through a heyday and make bad music that can reflect negatively on the choice material. How does he hold up? There have been very few rappers if any to bring skills, charisma and enthusiasm to the party since B.I.G. died. Too many lyricists stack rhymes nicely but bore audiences on film. Or the kid who makes great videos and hit songs can’t really rap.
Has there been aggressive media campaigns to promote the next most important rapper in the world? Several. But Biggie’s appeal was instant among the commercial listening set as well as the cratediggers, purists and hip-hop specialists. The guy who called himself ‘Black and ugly as ever’ really did grab the girls with his gemini charms and wit. Rap fans are not all in agreement about Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne, Gucci Mane etc. These artists are making a living but they are not leading a movement of civic pride the way of Biggie. Perhaps they will in time but today they are well paid hardworking artists who have yet to make iconic status as Biggie did in the post-consciousness, Golden Age blinged-out rap era. As we remember the way he transplanted that Brooklyn vibe into an international point of reference in hip-hop our only hope now should be that his and Tupac’s killer or killers will be brought to justice.
Elzhi-Deep
Some people think that Elzhi sounds like a young Nas. Check out the portrait of Dilla at the end of the video.
D’Angelo—Statement By Lindsay Guion–Manager Of D’Angelo
Statement By Lindsay Guion, D’Angelo Management
“We know there is a lot of speculation in regard to the arrest of D’Angelo in New York City this past weekend. We would like his fans and the public at large to know that D’Angelo has pled not guilty — and is contesting the allegations made against him. Also know that, he is in good health and extremely excited about his forthcoming new album.
D’Angelo would like to personally thank all of his fans for the outpouring of concern, and appreciates if all would allow the American justice system to resolve the matter before jumping to any conclusions.”
GUION PARTNERS
Lindsay Guion,
Worldwide Manager for D’Angelo
Kam Moye-Splitting Image
If you haven’t heard Kam Moye’s immodest rap by now you should check it out.
Rhymefest To Release Long Awaited Sophomore EP Che On May 18th
CHICAGO, IL– Grammy Award winner, Rhymefest (Che Smith), will release his highly anticipated sophomore album El Che on May 18, 2010 via dN|Be Entertainment and distributed by EMI, in conjunction with Rosehip Records.
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HipHop Rap: Hi-Tek Reflection Eternal Talib Kweli
by blakcitrus
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Kickmag
Reflection Eternal-In This World
Reflection Eternal – In This World (Official Video)
Reflection Eternal | MySpace Music Videos
Revolutions Per Minute is coming April 2010.
Throwback:Lil Kim-No Time Featuring Puff Daddy/Diddy
Brooklyn born Kimberly Jones was a rap fan who had the luck to meet upcoming rapper Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace. Their personal relationship blossomed into a professional one after Wallace heard Jones rap one day. The alliance of Wallace and Sean “Diddy” Combs gave Jones the stage name Lil’ Kim and a career as a new hip-hop artist. She made a memorable appearance on the Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money” in 1995 and worked with them for a year before starting a solo career. Hardcore would come in 1996 and Lil’ Kim’s saucy rhymes about sex and money posed her as the Queen Bee in control of her mafioso style castle. “No Time” was the album’s lead single and the video established her love of luxury and sexual fearlessness. “Crush On You” would be the next single to thrust her into pop culture with guest vocals from B.I.G. and Lil Cease. The 1997 remix of “Not Tonight” was another exceptional moment for Kim with the addition of Missy, Angie Martinez, Da Brat and Left Eye the song became a part of the “Nothing To Lose” soundtrack. Her next album The Notorious K.I.M. would come four years later and disappoint musically and image wise. The absence of Wallace made a big difference in the sound and fans could not reconcile the old Black Kim with the new “White” Kim sporting blonde hair, self-proclaimed insecurities and plastic surgeries. La Bella Mafia would restore her reputation with the Timbaland produced “The Jumpoff” and “The Magic Stick” with 50 Cent. In 2005 Lil’ Kim went to prison for conspiracy and perjury for lying to a Federal Grand Jury about her friends’ involvement in a shooting. Later that year her album The Naked Truth came out and was a critical success. “Lighters Up” was the first single and it addressed gossip about Kim and became a top ten hit. Naked’s low sales were overshadowed by her BET show “Lil Kim: Countdown To Lockdown.” Fascination with her prelude to prison broke a record for being the highest rated premiere in BET history at the time. In 2009 Kim appeared on “Dancing With The Stars” and ranked at number five out of 13 contestants. Kim is working on a new album to be released in 2010. Fans can only hope she will revamp her image that has taken a beating from the blogs and that she will reach higher lyrically.
J*Davey-Get Together
J*DaVeY “Get Together” from Veronica "V-Chip" Hinds on Vimeo.
J*Davey has a major label debut on Warners coming soon.
HipHop Pop R&B Rap Soul: Guru Run DMC The Jacksons The Roots
by blakcitrus
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Kickmag
Media Questions Of The Week
Gangstarr-Mass Appeal –
1. Aren’t you glad that Guru is recovering from a heart attack, coma and surgery? But why is MC Solaar the only person in charge of his affairs?
2. What is going on at the Jackson house where a 13-year old Jaafar Jackson son of Jermaine Jackson can buy a stun gun without anyone knowing? Why should Katherine Jackson who is much older now be burdened with this kind of living arrangement just because Jermaine does not want to pay child support when it’s clear that the kids need both parents on a daily basis?
3. Will Run DMC really reunite at the annual picnic given by The Roots?