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Tyler, The Creator Imagines Phone Call With Deadbeat Dad On ‘Answer’
April 5, 2013 10:01 AM ET| Billy Johnson Jr.
Tyler, The Creator breaks out the eerie, gospel organ, simple electric guitar scales, and comforting, moody bass for “Answer,” his latest ode to his absentee father. The song from his recently released Wolf album mixes disappointment, anger and anguish as the Odd Future front man imagines having a telephone conversation with his deadbeat dad. Though he sings, “When I call, I hope you pick up the phone. I’d like to talk to you,” on the chorus, he awkwardly fumbl... | More »
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Big Daddy Kane Vents On ‘I Can’t Believe’ With New Group Las Supper
March 27, 2013 9:20 AM ET| Billy Johnson Jr.
Few MCs have earned the elite distinction of the legendary Big Daddy Kane, who receives props whether he's spewing fire lyricism on classics like "Raw" or laid-back R&B offerings including "Smooth Operator." Add spoken word to his repertoire. As a member of the new group Las Supper, a 1970's styled soul group blessed with the Brooklyn rapper's gift of gab, Kane takes a break from his usual raps to provide the poetic introduction on the song "I Can't Believe." The son... | More »
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Snoop Lion Explains Anti-Violence Song ‘No Guns Allowed’
March 25, 2013 10:35 AM ET| Billy Johnson Jr.
In many ways, Snoop Lion is the antithesis to Snoop Dogg. The Reincarnated rapper’s new song “No Guns Allowed” featuring his daughter Cori B and Drake counters his 1992 debut on Dr. Dre’s “Deep Cover” where he boasts, “I got the gauge, a uzi and the motherf—king 22.” The release from his forthcoming reggae album offers a message of non violence. Snoop Lion raps, “We don’t want to see no more innocent blood shed. Me don’... | More »
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Mali Music Confronts Opposition Head-On On ‘Ready Aim’
March 8, 2013 10:21 AM ET| Billy Johnson Jr.
Mali Music could have given his new song “Ready Aim” a happy ending. But he seemed to feel a sense of urgency to emphasize the struggle that sometimes comes with transition. On the soulful, rock-tinged song co-produced by Jerry 'Wonda' Duplessis, Mali appears to be singing about a hijacking. He’s on a flight. There are machine guns, and a shooting. But he’s not scared. He welcomes the challenge, boldly singing, “Ready, aim, fire. You can’t shoot ... | More »
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Mike Stud Stresses The Importance Of ‘Dreamin’ On Scott Storch Track
March 1, 2013 10:35 AM ET| Billy Johnson Jr.
Rappers are so fixated on the cars, the strip clubs and the clothes that they sometimes forget about their pre-fame days. Mike Stud, an up-and-coming MC from Rhode Island, remembers the hard times on “Dreamin’,” a track from his forthcoming RELIEF mixtape. The song tells the stories of two individuals fighting against the odds - the kid who aspired to be a basketball player despite his below average height and a neglected, molested girl-turned-stripper blessed with the gift... | More »
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Edo.G Says Stop Complaining On ‘Change’
February 21, 2013 3:57 PM ET| Billy Johnson, Jr.
An optimistic, get-over-it and pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps anthem probably isn’t what rap fans want to hear during tough economic times, but it’s what veteran Boston MC Edo.G offers on “Change” from his 10th studio album, Intelligence & Ignorance, released earlier this month. While many of the “Be A Father To Your Child”’s contemporaries complain about the system, Edo.G instead encourages his listeners to think differently. On the so... | More »
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2 Chainz Arrested For Possession Of Marijuana And Paraphernalia, Instagram Photo Being Investigated
February 19, 2013 2:20 PM ET| Billy Johnson, Jr.
Grammy nominated rapper 2 Chainz was arrested on Valentine’s Day for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, Maryland State Police Sgt. Marc Black confirmed to Yahoo! The “I’m Different” rapper was en route to a performance at the University Of Maryland Eastern Shore when he was pulled over at 9:15 p.m. for speeding. Sgt. Black said 2 Chainz, born Tauheed Epps, was stopped on Route 50 on Rabbit Hill Road in Talbot. “A trooper observed [the vehicle driving] o... | More »
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J. Cole's 'Tears For ODB': Anthem For 'Forgotten Souls'
February 14, 2013 9:55 AM ET| Billy Johnson, Jr.
J. Cole’s “Tears For ODB” from his new Truly Yours mixtape is more than just a tribute to the late Wu-Tang Clan member who died of a drug overdose in 2004. “Tears” is a nod to anyone struggling to make it. The Roc Nation/Columbia artist raps about having a father on drugs and growing up with a single mother. But he acknowledges that his purpose as an MC transcends simply entertaining. “I’m here for more than to just kick some witty metaphors,”... | More »
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Joe Budden Explains Why He’s Mad On ‘Castles’
February 6, 2013 11:45 AM ET| Billy Johnson, Jr.
Joe Budden has earned a rep as a hot head, always at odds with someone whether video vixen Tahiry, members of the Wu Tang Clan, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, Consequence, etc. But the New Jersey rapper offers some insight into things that irk him on “Castles” from his album No Love Lost, released Tuesday. Budden talks betrayal on the somber, piano-driven ballad. The Love & Hip Hop New York star expresses disappointment that some of the people close to him used him for his financial w... | More »
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Xzibit Talks ‘Napalm,’ Song Featuring Late Mother And Exiting MTV
January 31, 2013 2:30 PM ET| Billy Johnson, Jr.
Veteran hip-hop artist Xzibit discussed his latest album, Napalm, during a recent appearance on Yahoo! Music’s The Aftermath series, the best music discussion on the ‘net. Keeping true to the Napalm title, X-to-the-Z actually shot ta music video for the album in Iraq. X offers details about filming the short in Saddam Hussein’s palace Victory Over America. The Napalm album also has special meaning for X because it includes the song “1983” that features hi... | More »
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