Hip Hop

J. Dash's debut album: Tabloid Truth

1/19/2012
John-Paul Helk
Artist: 
J. Dash

On January 31, up and coming musician J. Dash will release his much-anticipated album Tabloid Truth. The debut single “WOP” which was released last year has already garnered quite a following, already surpassing 250,000 sales. The physical album will only be available at Wal-Mart, but the digital version will be available on i-tunes and other providers.

Wu-Tang: 'Legendary Weapons' review

11/20/2011
Adam Morrison
Artist: 
Wu-Tang
This compilation album meets fairly low expectations.

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that this new Wu-Tang (not to be confused with “Wu-Tang Clan…”) release isn’t outstanding, but I think that even the lesser Wu releases are worth examining since the name has appeared on such great albums in the past.

As with 2009’s Wu-Tang Chamber Music compilation, Noah Rubin handles most of the production here, with contributions from several others including M.O.P.’s Lil’ Fame.

'Cole World: The Sideline Story' marks rapper's big entrance

11/11/2011
Justin Chan
Artist: 
J. Cole

After much anticipation, North Carolina native Jermaine Cole released his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story in September. Cole, known by his moniker J. Cole, had reportedly been working on perfecting the album for a long time, and the effort can definitely be seen.

'Hangover' by Taio Cruz Review

10/27/2011
Chelsea Lewis
Artist: 
Taio Cruz

Taio Cruz is back on the club scene and has a massive hangover to prove it. “Hangover” is Cruz’s new single off his upcoming album, TY.O on Universal Island Records. The “Dynamite” singer is back with his fist pumping beats and catchy lyrics. The “Hangover” track will be spun at every club in America very soon; Cruz has already proved his staying power both on the charts and on the dance floor.

T.I.'s first single post-prison

10/1/2011
Stephanie Trottier
Is he back?

Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr., also known as the rapper “T.I.,” has been recently released from an 11-month prison sentence. He has jumped right back into the music scene as if the time he spent in a federal prison was just a minor speed bump on his path to success.

After serving his sentence and some time in a halfway house, T.I. has released a new single called “I’m Flexin,’” featuring Big K.R.I.T, who has opened for artists such as Wiz Khalifa.

N-Dubz's 'Morning Star'

9/10/2011
Stephanie Trottier
Artist: 
N-Dubz

N-Dubz, a British hip-hop group from London, released an album called Love.Live.Life in 2010, and on that album, the fourth single, “Morning Star” is an upbeat love-y song. Although corny at times, the song still has the miniscule ability to be a pleasurable song to listen to. However, I would never make a friend listen to it.

I have a feeling that N-Dubz is a rap version of modern ABBA. The song is so upbeat and love-y and with a ridiculous band name like N-Dubz, it’s almost like the artists are begging to be ridiculed.

Lethal Bizzle's 'Mind Spinning'

9/10/2011
Stephanie Trottier
Artist: 
Lethal Bizzle

English rapper Lethal Bizzle started his career in 2002, and has continued to pop out singles. Lethal B has released one of his best songs yet, “Mind Spinning,” this year. This song puts other grime artists to shame.

His powerful attack rap style really brings out the story line to the video. Filled with emotion and bass, this song is a new favorite and will surely hit the charts in the UK as well as the U.S. The song and video are supposed to be a sequel video to “Pow 2011,” which featured artists such as JME, Wiley, Chipmunk, Face, P Money, Ghetts and Kano.

'Mind Your Manners' single: Review

7/24/2011
Nicole Swanson
Artist: 
Chiddy Bang

Earlier this year, Chiddy of Chiddy Bang beat the world record for the longest continuous freestyle rap. At the end of his 9 hours, 18 minutes and 22 seconds of rapping, he and his bandmate, Zaphoon Jones, debuted the first single, “Mind Your Manners,” off of the band’s upcoming debut LP, Breakfast.

“Mind Your Manners” has several hip-hop elements incorporated within, which make it a refreshing piece of music.

Chiddy Bang integrates a children’s choir into the song as they sing: “Manners/ Take a second look and you’ll see/ There is no one like me/ There is no one like me.”

'Run' single: Review

7/17/2011
Victoria Meng
Artist: 
The Knux (feat. Kid Cudi)

“Run,” the latest single released by the music duo, the Knux, features Kid Cudi. It also sounds like effort was actually put into its production, which is amazing for a hip-hop song.

“Run” is fairly catchy and sounds good. It probably helps that actual music and singing is added to the song. There are very audible, polished percussion and string sounds throughout the song, so it’s not just a mish-mash of random electronics. The whistling sounds added through the song are pretty and fun to listen to, and the duo Knux have good vocals that harmonize well.

'She Be Puttin' On' single: Review

7/17/2011
Victoria Meng
Artist: 
Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame (feat. Slim Dunkin)
Help whoever listens to this song. Help us please....

What the hell is this exactly? Why is this song so mind-numbing and repetitive? It will not be too much of a stretch to say that “She Be Puttin’ On” represents the worst of the hip-hop industry. Let’s face it: Rappers who allow their handlers to give them stage names like “Gucci Mane,” “Waka Flocka Flame,” and “Slim Dunkin” are destined to fail at their so-called art.

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