Tim Dog was in a league of his own. After his debut on Ultramagnetic MC’s “A Chorus Line” (the b-side of their “Travelling At The Speed of Thought” single), it would be another two years until he dropped the hilarious “Fuck Compton” on Ruffhouse Records in 1991, a record which spoke on the frustrations that…
Author: Robbie Ettelson
No Country For Old (Rap) Men: Worst. Show. Ever.
I made the mistake of seeing the Ultramagnetic MC’s 25 years too late. This is what happened as a result: The age-old saying that you should never meet your heroes proved to be a bitter, brutal truth last weekend. News that the legendary Bronx Bombers themselves, Ultramagnetic MCs, were touring in honour of the 25th…
Craig G – The Unkut Interview
MC Craig G started his recording career back in 1985 with “Shout” on Lawrence Goodman‘s Philadelphia-based Pop Art label in 1985, before “Droppin’ Science” for Marley Marl and releasing two solo albums on Atlantic before he took the independent route. Despite being initially known for his freestyle skills, Craig has since refined his song-writing abilities…
Nobody’s Smiling – The Unkut Guide To Entirely Humorless Rappers
Many cynical rap fans complain that today’s new rapper dudes are bufoonish clowns and a disgrace to hip-hop, but perhaps we should be more appreciative of these attempts to inject a little humor into the post-Fat Boys rap landscape. Here are eight rapper’s who are no joke:
New Rap Tapes Only Available For Prison Inmates
In a move that should interest those of us who grew-up with a Sony Megabass Walkman, “New York’s Inmate Superstore” Send A Package are now stocking new rap and R&B tapes, as well as two models of portable tape players (I’d go for the one with “Bass Boost”). This means that Nas’ Life Is Good,…
Ralph McDaniels – The Unkut Interview, Part 2
Continuing the session with Video Music Box legend Uncle Ralph McDaniels, he discusses his Classic Concept Productions music video company, dealing with the competition, working on the movie Juice, his Lifer’s Group documentary and why $amhill is ahead of his time. Robbie: When did it get to the stage where Video Music Box became your…
No Country For Old (Rap)Men: Does A Rapper Need Variety To Be Great?
Jack of all trades or a master of none? No Country For Old Men: Does A Rapper Need Variety To Be Great?
The Unkut Guide To Rappers Dissing The Source Magazine
It’s tough being the Big Man On Campus in the wacky world of Rap Magazines. The Source had a great run where they were basically unchallenged for years – despite some good work from Hip Hop Connection in the UK, they couldn’t match the access that the Mind Squadd had to cutting-edge New York music…
Ralph McDaniels – The Unkut Interview, Part 1
“Uncle” Ralph McDaniels is an institution in New York hip-hop. Creating the city’s first music video show – Video Music Box – in 1983, he delivered rap videos, concert footage and interviews years before Yo! MTV Raps and Rap City hit the airwaves. He was also involved on the other side of the camera, producing…
Vintage Episode of the Street Beat Radio Show [Birthplace of The Source]
To compliment the interview with Jonathan Shecter, here’s a classic episode of Shecky Green (aka The Sultan of Rap) and David Mays (aka Go-Go Dave) old radio show, which started The Source newsletter, on 95.3FM WHRB. Featuring Almighty R.S.O.‘s DJ Deff Jeff. Thanks to DJ 7L for passing this on.
Jonathan Shecter aka Shecky Green – The Unkut Interview, Part 2
Concluding my sit-down with Shecky Green (you can read Part 1 here), he explains catering to an expanding readership, getting Illmatic six months before the rest of world, the Game Recordings era and working the party scene in Las Vegas. Robbie: As you began to expand, you were able to start putting on shows like…
Video: Kool G Rap – Talk Like Sex [Live, 1990]
Another classic Joe Fatal sighting as he goes to work on an blow-up doll. Apparently this was from an event called “Rappers For Voter’s Registration” in Harlem… Spotted at ego trip.