Category Archives: Hip Hop

Summer Stage Salute to Hip-Hop Show

By David Whitely

August 21st 2011 was New York City’s Summer Stage “Salute to Hip Hop” concert in Central Park.  The show was headlined by “The God Emcee” Rakim, and featured performances by famed duo Eric Sermon and Robert Parish, known by their stage name EPMD, and Hot 97’s Funk Master Flex. 

Scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m. patrons were still filling up the main stage space twenty minutes prior to showtime, making sure they found a good spot to see historical figures in Hip-Hop perform.  Some were worried about the coming sun shower to hit the area, but still did were not trying to pass on this opportunity: seeing these major players in Hip-Hop history perform for free.

Facing a crowd of several hundred people, Funk Master Flex kicked off the show at 3:10 p.m.  Jumping on the 1’s and 2’s, and dropping his signature bombs, Funk Flex began to take concert goers on a history trip through Hip-Hop history playing classic cuts from the 80’s and early 90’s.  Most in the crowd were rocking with Flex as he played joints, but a few in the crowd were still upset about his Tupac rant he made earlier this year, and heckled him through his set in screaming out “Tupac” and “west coast.”  The Brooklyn born DJ did not let the hecklers stop his history lesson as he went through records like UTFO’s “Roxanne Roxanne,” Salt n Pepa’s “My Mic Sounds Nice,” Slick Rick’s “Bedtime Story,” and Lisa Lisa’s “Take You Home” to name a few.  Flex didn’t stop there, he went to one of the early Hip-Hop beefs in playing Mc Shan’s “The Bridge,”and KRS-One’s “The Bridge is Over.” 

Keeping the crowd the largely 35+ crowd rocking, Flex didn’t regionally discriminate in playing the legendary record “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A.  Funk Flex was taking the largely older crowd down memory lane in continuously saying to the crowd “If you’re 35 and older, get your hands up right now.”  But at the same time was schooling the younger people there on early Hip-Hop records.  The crowd was definitely rocking with Flex as they answered him back when he asked them questions, singing along to the records, yelling out “That was my jam back in…” dancing along to familiar records, and asking him to play extra records as an encore.

Most of the younger Hip-Hop fans nodded their heads as they couldn’t sing along because they didn’t know most of the records Flex played.  They didn’t have to worry too long because Dj Scratch took to the stage next and played some more recent records like The Throne’s “Otis,”  Freeway’s “What We Do,” and a few others before EPMD graced the stage.   

Eric Sermon and Parish Smith took to the stage and performed hits like “You Gots to Chill,” “You’re a Customer,” and “So What You Saying.”  Keeping towards the older crowd, Sermon took time throughout the show to say who and Smith are to younger audience members in case they did not know.  Sermon even stopped halfway through the set to jump into a freestyle where he spits, “I’m from the Golden Era, an 80’s baby//way before T.I//way before Shady//way before Luda//way before Baby//I rock now for those who can’t lately//I’m from the New York C-I-T-Y//Now ya’ll see why we fly//I rocked bells with L//did tours with Run//I did this for fun, years before Pun.”  The crowd went crazy after this due to the name dropping and supposed jabs at the mentioned artist.

Next up was the main event, Rakim’s performance.  The crowd was already in a frenzy seeing the earlier performances from Funk Master Flex, and EPMD, but this was different.  The energy of the crowd was at an all time high in anticipation of the God Emcee to come on and bless the stage.  Despite the coming clouds over the main stage, no one moved.  For many there, Rakim is the reason why they fell in love with Hip-Hop, so to leave before his set due to a little sun shower would be an act of blasphemy. 

 To introduce Rakim, Dj Ralph McDaniels and Technician the DJ came to the stage to get things started for the upcoming performance.  In commemorating the 25th anniversary of the classic album, Rakim went right into hits from 1986’s “Paid in Full.”  The crowd erupted when he performed “I ain’t No Joke.”  The crowd went along with every word that Rakim rapped, while flashing pictures and video recording the performance.  From there he performed other hits like “Holy Are You,” “How to Emcee,” “Eric B. Is President,” “Move the Crowd,” and “The Ledge.”  Halfway through his set it began to rain.  Instead of going home, audience members pulled out umbrellas and rocked with Rakim to the end of his set.  This was a real demonstration of appreciation by true Hip-Hop fans in that not one person left the area.  If they didn’t have an umbrella, they had on a poncho, if not a poncho, they were underneath someone else’s umbrella, if not that, they just got wet in the rain, no one was walking out on Rakim.  During his set, Rakim brought a few guest stars to perform classic cuts.  Peter Gunz came out and performed “Deja Vu” (Uptown) for his hometown crowd, and Cormega hit the stage and recited “Affirmative Action.”  Rakim closed out the show in jumping on the 1’s and 2’s and did some mixing and scratching himself.  The crowd was amazed by how nice he is as a DJ.         

 Audience members went home satisfied in enjoying a great show with Funk Master Flex, EPMD, Rakim, and the surprise guest.  Both the younger and older crowds of attendants were very happy with the turnout of the show, even with the rain, they wouldn’t trade the day and experience for anything.

One on One with Diggy Simmons

By Tamara Jenkins

He’s the son of a Hip-Hop Legend, nephew to a Hip-Hop mogul and now Diggy Simmons is venturing into the family business and coming into his own.

Already a proven lyricist with two successful mixtapes under his belt, The First Flight (2009) and Airborne (2010), a nomination for MTV’s “Hottest Breakthrough MC Of 2010″and a member of  XXL Magazine’s prestigious 2011 Freshman Class, there’s no question about his longevity in music.

Currently on tour as part of the BET’s106 & Park Presents: Closer to My Dreams Tour, Simmons took time from his busy schedule to speak with UnRated Urban Magazine during a promotional appearance at PHLI Sneaker Boutique in Hyde Park, IL.

You’re working on your debut CD right now, what’s the title?

Diggy Simmons: I can’t say yet, but the title is definitely perfect for where I’m at right now and how people see me and how I’m feeling with my career in general. It‘s going to be out soon.

Who have you worked with on the CD?

Diggy Simmons:  I can’t say.

Who are you’re influences in music?

Diggy Simmons:  I have so many especially in other genres but I’ll stick to Hip Hop like Jay-Z, definitely musically of course and the way he’s taken himself as an artist to businessman and entrepreneur to CEO and Kanye (West) of course too creatively he always raises the bar with what he does and takes risks and Lupe (Fiasco) is another person, he’s out of Chi-Town is someone that I look up to as an influence and like a big brother to me as well.

Will people be surprised by the sound of the CD?

Diggy Simmons: Definitely, without a doubt. That’s what I’ve been telling people in interviews that there just going to be shocked, it’s so amazing and I’m so excited. Like, unbiased, besides the fact that its mine, its incredible and I can’t wait to share it with everybody.

Is there a lot of pressure considering you come from a very successful family?

Diggy Simmons:  People ask that, but not really, not at all I just really do me and I’m just an independent person and I’m my own individual. So not really.

What was it like having your life filmed during Run’s House?

Diggy Simmons: It was something you got use to.

Would you ever do your own reality show?

Diggy Simmons: No, probably not.

You’re a fashion plate; do you have any aspirations to become a designer?

Diggy Simmons: Definitely, definitely my own clothing line and I also have my own sneaker line, Chivalrous Culture and you can find it online at chivculture.com.

Do you have any plans to go into acting?

Diggy Simmons:  That can happen, I’ve always been interested in that and I use to do a little bit of acting.

What’s the best advice someone has given you before you started in the music industry?

Diggy Simmons:  Something that I always remembered even now is that just do you because sometimes what people say can get under your skin and you can’t let it.

How do you parents feel about you getting into the music industry?

Diggy Simmons:  Their just proud and support what I do and their happy for me.

Black Rob Stays True to Streets on Game Tested, Streets Approved

By David Whitely

Rating: Borderline of 2.5 and 3 out of 5

Black Rob returns to the music scene with his follow up to The Black Rob Report (2005) with Game Tested Streets Approved (2011).  His first album released with independent label Duck Down Music, Game Tested Streets Approved, brings the gritty, hood rhymes that Black Rob is known for.  This album stays true to the Harlem born MC’s street persona with records like “Boiling Water,” and “Up North.”  Rob does keep it radio friendly with the cuts, “Sand to the Beach,” and the lead single “Celebration.”  This LP can definitely be played in any hood despite its large NY influence because it appeals to the struggles, situations, aspirations, and lifestyle of a traditional street dude.  Could he be the “comeback kid” of 2011?  Not likely.  Despite a few bright spots and the records previously mentioned, this album probably won’t make your “top rated” playlist on your itunes.    

            With “Boiling Water,” BR comes on strong and very boastful over a continuous, rising baseline.  This track demonstrates the NY native’s confidence and refusal to come in anything but the number one spot when he spits, “Second place the first loser, I ain’t use to losing//Beef in the hood I’m staying ’cause I ain’t use to moving.”  He also shows his dedication and commitment to obtain that number one spot in depicting a scruffy bearded Rob whose more focused on being the best than a growing beard when he says, “I could spit something hard or something soothing//Grind so hard my beard be growing like Rick Rubin.”  His confidence in his abilities goes even stronger during the chorus where he rhymes, “I spit it hotter than boiling water//Bet I make the next episode of Law&Order.”  But despite the first few bars and the chorus, this track is lukewarm at best.  For the most part, there aren’t any parts in the song that necessarily stand out, or even make you want to hit the rewind button to hear it again.  He doesn’t quite kill anything on this record, so hopes for making it on to “Law&Order” for this, aren’t realized.

            The record “Celebration,” brings out that feel good music for everyone in the hood, from the lil shorties playing double dutch, to the grandmas sitting on park benches.  The lead single for the album does Black Rob justice in his ability to paint a picture and create good music.  Here he depicts a usual summer in the hood with basketball tournaments, cookouts, “neighbor hood pools to keep cool,” handheld fans, etc.  The beat drops with a very soulful sound that BR spits to with perfection in showing what summer life in NYC is all about.  An example of this is when he spits, “All the shorties jump roping, hydrants open, laughing joking//Lemonade, Puerto Rican/Dominican day parades, is fun for all ages.”  With this song, Black Rob tells everyone to go out and enjoy the weather and summer life of NYC.

            “Up North” shines light on BR’s experiences when he was locked up.  He rhymes about the changes in people once they get “up north,” from tough guys to singing queens.  He spits, “I seen the roughest niggas call the cops up north//You a tough guy, why you ain’t pop up north?”  He depicts what its really like up north and how life really changes.  From gang life, to visitors, etc, its BR shows that its a different beast up north.

            Despite its numbing beats, BR does a decent job in providing some tracks that will grab the listener with his content after the second listen.  Ultimately, this LP is not a game changer, but is worth a listen.        

 

A3C Hip Hop Festival Now Accepting Artists Submissions

The annual A3C Hip Hop Festival is now accepting artist submissions to take the stage October 6-8, 2011 at The Masquerade.

Artists can submit for the 2011 event through either Sonicbids or ReverbNation. The A3C staff listens to every submission and is looking for talented artists from across the country who can bring something unique to the festival. All artists that submit receive a 3-day festival pass. There is a fee for submissions, and artists can submit before June 1, 2011 at an early bird rate of $10.

Three-day passes for the 2011 A3C Hip Hop Festival are on sale through the A3C website for $25 until May 31, 2011. 3-day passes will increase to $33 after June 1, 2011. Daily passes are also available for $15/day.

In addition to live performances and showcases, the A3C Hip Hop Festival features turntable, producer, and break dance competitions as well as educational and community programming including panel discussions and workshops.

Specific showcase, panel, artist and event updates will be announced through the A3C website
 on a rolling basis and continuing through the event’s start on October 6, 2011. More information about becoming involved in the A3C as an artist, partner, volunteer or media representative can be found at www.a3cfestival.com
.

 Now in its 7th year, the A3C Hip Hop Festival is a 2-day, 3-night event held annually in Atlanta, GA and features live performances from a wide variety of approximately 200 artists. The live performance schedule is enhanced by day and evening content showcasing some of the most exciting breakdance, graphic art, fashion, film, equipment demonstrations and panels relating to Hip Hop culture.

Since 2005, the event has featured over 600 artists in Hip Hop including: Rakim, Buckshot, Black Sheep, DJ Premier, The Juice Crew, Biz Markie, Del the Funky Homosapien, The Clipse, Souls of Mischief, Little Brother, Wale and B.o.B. In 2010, the A3C was attended by over 20,000 fans.

The A3C will take place October 6 – 8, 2011 in Atlanta, GA with its hub at the Masquerade located at 695 North Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30308.

Mr. Immortal Will Undoubtedly Live On

By Wendy Simmons

In the documentary, Mr. Immortality: The Life and Times of Twista, rap legend Twista, from the hard streets of Chicago, gives us a glimpse of his life behind his gift for speedy lyricism. Twista allows us to ride along and witness the raw reality of how this relatively shy talent really looks at his life, career and the city he calls home.

Twista, formerly known as Tongue Twista, gained world renowned famed by being one of the only Chicago based rappers to make it “big time”. With his record breaking speed for rapping, he placed himself on the map way back in the early 90s. From the days of rap battling in school and in basements, Twista prepared himself for greatness simply because he didn’t want to lose. He would lyrically destroy any competitor that challenged him.

Even after multiple gold records and countless big hits, people and critics continuously try to count Twista out but he always prevails. After leaving Atlantic Records in 2007 he has once again regained praise with his latest project under his own label GMG Entertainment. The documentary is laced with his new music. Giving us the latest example of why Twista has such longevity in the rap game.

Twista is a very humble guy, unlike most in the music industry, and he views it as a gift and a curse. A curse because media rarely focuses on a man that is not making noise. But now we get to know the Twista that isn’t on the magazine cover. The Twista that is humble enough to let his music speak for him.

While watching the documentary we hear testimonies from everyone from producer Scott Storch to R&B singer Ne-Yo to Chicago’s own Rep. Danny Davis. They praise Twista for his talent and longevity.  We get to see the very home that Twista grew up as well as the gritty and tough Westside streets of Chicago. His brothers describe how he was focused on his success which deterred him from a life on the streets. According to Twista he was more afraid of his strong mother than anything a gang could throw at him.

Unfortunately though, many Chicago youths have fallen victim to gang violence. Twista talks about the unbelievable violence that is taken place in his home town. He remembers performing in Iraq and hearing that at that very moment, there were more killings in Chicago than in Iraq. He was floored by the immense violence and the many high school and elementary school students that were victims of these senseless shootings.

Twista speaks candidly throughout the entire documentary. And he even allows us to witness his marijuana habit. I was captivated at how a man with such a speedy tongue could smoke marijuana at any given time of the day, consistently. But that is only a part of Twista’s whirlwind life on the road. He makes an effort to stop and greet fans along the way.

If you listen to Twista’s latest rap songs, you will notice that he has slowed it down a bit for a better understanding. The flows may have slowed but not his motivation to succeed and to continue to represent Chicago to the fullest.

This is a captivating yet simple documentary that allows you to travel along with a rap legend. Rap fan or not, this documentary will keep your interest and will give you on appreciation for a side of Chicago that is rarely ever seen in a positive light.

Producer 14TK Named 2010 Red Bull Big Tunes Winner

By Tamara Jenkins

Michigan native 14TK prevailed as the best beat master and crowned the winner of Red Bull Big Tune’s 2010 national championship held November 18 at the Metro in Chicago, IL.

In its fourth year, Red Bull Big Tune is a national producer competition that began 2004 in Seattle, WA as a way to highlight local talent.  The competition is now the premier producer battle giving unknown and established producers a chance to become stars and the opportunity work with A-list recording  artists.

Red Bull Big Tune creators, Jonathan Moore and Vitamin D, derived the concept and name of the competition from traditional Jamaican dancehall culture when DJ’s would clash (battle) with one another by spinning  the latest Riddims (songs) that would be played in dancehalls.  The Riddim most favored by the people was considered the “Big Tune.”

Translated to contemporary times, two producers hit the stage giving the crowd a snippet of their track and the last producer standing at the end of the night is crowned the winner by the crowd.

This year’s championship  included winners and runner-ups (19 in total) from nine qualifying battles held across the US. Before the competition, The 19 aspiring producers received one-on-one mentoring with legendary producers DJ Premier and Just Blaze.

More than just a competition, Red Bull Big Tune reaches out to local youth in cities where battles are held.  Vitamin D and Jonathan Moore said the most fulfilling part of the program for them is visiting  YMCA’s and college music programs where they can interactive with the youth.  

Prior to  the championship, a screening of 2009’s Big Tune championship was held at the Wit Hotel with Vitamin D and Jonathan Moore in attendance.  The documentary chronicled  2009  finalists and featured success stories from past winners and competitors including 2008’s winner, Chicago native C-Sick who got the chance to work with Nas. Nas,  a fan of the competition, stated in the documentary“this is a great opportunity” and aspiring producers “need situations like this”. Before winning 2009’s competition, Frank Dukes produced tracks for 50 Cent and following his win, he worked with Ghostface.

Other notable success stories include Tha Bizness, a trio of producers that produced the hit “Every Girl” for Lil Wayne and Mayer Hawthorne, discovered by Peanut Butter Wolf, who is now a soul singer signed to Stone Throw Records.  For more information on Red Bull Big Tune, visit the website: http://win.gs/aNJ7U6 .

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Big Tune

Drake at the Chicago Theatre

Rap phenom Drake flew into Chicago to perform two sold out shows on October 14 and 15 at the Chicago Theatre. Touring in support of his highly successful and long awaited debut CD Thank Me Later,the young star is accompanied on the tour by Young Money label mate Tyga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Raymond Boyd

J. Cole — Rebel with the Lyricist Coup

By Sommer Thornton

J. Cole is one of the most anticipated new comers in hip-hop. Following in the footsteps of successful sophomores Wale and Drake, J. Cole, who hails from North Carolina, offers what hip-hop has been missing for quite some time. That’s why his loyal fans packed Chicago’s Bottom Lounge for what was supposed to be a brief after party for Lollapalooza. Instead, J. Cole performed nearly 20 tracks from his mix tapes The Come Up (2007), The Warm Up (2009), and from studio sessions for his upcoming album, Cole World(2010), which includes his first single, “Who Dat.”

J. Cole’s rap style is a lyrical gumbo of the greats –Jay Z, Tupac, Kanye West, Eminem, and Common – some of which happen to be J. Cole’s inspirations. But Cole brings something authentic to the game. The Roc-Nation artist speaks from the perspective of a  bi-racial kid from the south who graduated from a big-city university with honors, yet endured the same hardships as the foster kid, the kid from the projects, the kid with the parent on drugs, the kid who dreams of going to college. J. Cole infuses passionate metaphors and inspiring messages in his verses, all while flaunting his intelligence. It’s clear that J. Cole refuses to dumb down his lyrics.  And his fans appreciate that. The multi-ethnic crowd rapped every line with J. Cole as he performed tracks that had never been released. At one point, he took the mic and put it to the audience. When the fans sang his lyrics on point, J. Cole blushed in gratitude.

While J. Cole’s swag is of the humble, smart- cool kid, he’s no doubt easy on the eyes. With same veracity he raps for positive change, he talks about stealing a guy’s girlfriend, gratuitous sex, and refuting haters. Songs like “Losing My Balance,” “Dollar and a Dream,” and “Lights Please,” are an honest snapshot in time, relevant to people around the world.

As eloquent as he is eclectic, J. Cole has already collaborated with some of the most prolific lyricist in the game-Talib Kweli, Wale, Jay Z and Mos Def. Now, J. Cole is producing his own tracks. And he doesn’t limit himself to one genre of beats. He samples classic music from everyone from Hank Crawford to Mary Love.  Though some try to place him in the category of “conscious rapper,” J. Cole’s style is a mixture of consciousness, passion, pain, reflection, and braggadocio. 

There hasn’t been this much support for a newcomer from rap vets and fans since – well since Drake, but it had been a long time prior to him. But unlike Drake, J. Cole speaks to the streets, to suburbia, and to hip-hops heads around the world. Instead of trying to be the hardest, the most conscious, the best dressed, or wear the brightest chain, J. Cole is focused on the basics, good music. And for that real fans salute him. 

Photo by Dan Locke

XXL Live Tour in Chicago

XXL Magazine brought their XXL Live Tour to Chicago’s The Shrine nightclub on July 29th. The tour, co-sponsored by Rémy Martin Fine Champagne Cognac, featured Clipse and special guest Twista on its stop in Chicago.

Hometown artist Twista amazed the crowd and those that may have forgotten about his lyrical skills. During his half hour set, the fastest tongue in rap began with his verse on Po Pimp and continued with hits Slow Jamz, Wetter and Overnight Celebrity and debuted new tracks I Do and Make a Movie featuring Chris Brown from his upcoming CD The Perfect Storm.

The evening’s headliner, Malice and Pusha T aka Clipse hit stage shortly after Twista keeping the crowd hyped up as they performed a short set that included Kinda Like a Big Deal, All Good and Popular Demand. All in all an entertaining and enjoyable evening for rap fans.

VH1 Fall 2010 Lineup

VH1 just announced its fall lineup and it includes new faces and returning favorites.

New offerings include NBA star Carmelo Anthony and television personality LaLa Vasquez planning their nuptials and tying the knot in  Carmelo and LaLa (September 19);  Real and Chance: Legend Hunters (September 19). The dynamic duo will search for the truth behind some of nature’s infamous animal tales including the Hogzilla, Super Crocs, Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster; and Basketball Wives spin-off Football Wives (October 11).  Described as Dallas meets Dynasty meets the gridiron, the series will give an inside look into the lives of the women who are the driving forces behind the scenes.

Returning favorites include the second seasons of American Idol and Grammy winner Fantasia Barrino’s series Fantasia For Real(September 19) and the brother sister team of Brandy and Ray J Norwood in Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business (October 24).

For more information on these shows including sneak peek premieres, and online extras, visit www.VH1.com

Photo courtesy of VH1