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…
Category: Not Your Average
Never less than ill
A Decade of Dope – The Top Ten CRC-Approved Rap Releases of the 2010s
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…
Eric B – The Unkut Interview [Extended Edition]
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…
Agallah Don Bishop feat. Peedi Crakk, Atare Godspeed, Malik B and Mars Co-op – Spread
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.
Straight Outta Crompton and LA Kimshabazz on Future Rap 20
Not sure if Timmy had terrible handwriting or the NME intern wasn’t particularly bright. Shout out to ya mans MC Mell OW.
?uestlove blocking me made my day
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…
Preview the next DITC Studios and David Bars albums
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…
The Wacky World of ‘Cold Gettin’ Dumb’ Sequels
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…
Is Ghostface the most productive rapper from New York?
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…
The Unkut Guide To Exploiting Aging Rap Fans
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…
The Face magazine: New York Gangs Article [1990]
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.
Which Cold Chillin’ Record Did Newman Grab from The Old Man?
So the other night I was watching a Seinfeld re-run to grab some more essential fashion tips from CRC style icon George Costanza, and lo and behold – the next thing I see is America’s Greatest Postal Delivery Guy aka Newman bagging up a stack of wax at an old fella’s apartment with a Cold…







