Never less than ill
This one took a while (although not as long as the five month delay for the 2018 version) on account of just how prolific most rappers are these days without the shackles of record label schedules and the general proliferation of the Conservative Rap Coalition approved sound. The rules are simple – one song per…
Another tragic chapter in the story of Queens super group Screwball this week, as news spread that Hostyle has passed away. Fondly remembered for his energetic delivery and stream-of-consciousness flow, the ‘One Eyed Maniac’ made his mark on a number of guest shots in the 00’s, and most recently returned in 2015 with a song…
As much as I enjoy droning on about how good rap was in 1987, there’s nothing like the buzz of listening to a brand new rap LP. While there is far more terrible rap being released now than a decade ago, having the means to release music as often as you want rather than being…
This interview was originally conducted ten years ago, while Mr. Barrier was promoting a new rapper he was working with who none of us can remember. Since I was compiling some material for a Queens book idea that never panned out, I held back the best parts – namely, the stuff about the park jams…
This has been out since late September, but in case you missed this surprise Malik B cameo from the Live At Your Own Risk album. ‘Made It Crack’ is another standout if you haven’t caught it.
Not sure if Timmy had terrible handwriting or the NME intern wasn’t particularly bright. Shout out to ya mans MC Mell OW.
There are several reasons why this may have happened. It could have been when I named him as one of Twitter’s biggest blowhards, the piece titled ‘Why I Don’t Trust ?uestlove’ or just my general disdain for his name-dropping antics and claims to be the ultimate rap nerd. I will out Rap Nerd any of…
Next month sees the release of a new DITC Studios compilation and a new David Bars solo album. DJ Premier, Buckwild, Lord Finesse, Showbiz, Da Beatminerz and Breakbeat Lou contribute to The Bar Code, while Showbiz handles the compilation exclusively. Hopefully Bars does another project entirely produced by Show at some point as well, based…
Also now available on pointless 45 format … Not content with releasing one of the best hardcore rap songs ever made, Just-Ice aka Sir Vicious aka The Original Gangster of Hip-Hop went and recorded the almost as great part II which arguably featured better rapping but over a less varied version of the beat. A…
The recently released Ghostface Killahs album marks the twenty-first officially released album (outside of Wu-Tang group LP’s) from Tony Starks aka Ghostface Killah aka Ironman aka Action Bronson’s Dad. I’m including the Theodore Unit LP, the first Raekwon, Wu-Block and the record with Czarface since Stark’s appears on nearly every track, but I’ve omitted remix…
Here’s the problem – Barry already owns several pressing’s of Illmatic. As a record company marketer – how can we convince Barry to pony up for yet another copy of Nas’ debut? The common answer is one of three options – a 7″ box set, a cassette tape, or some kind of limited edition coloured…
Here’s a classic article from the UK’s The Face magazine in 1990 documenting The Decepticons and the Lo Lifes back in the day.