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Jul
10
Is Hip-Hop Dead? If yes, explain. If no, explain:
Is that a trick question? Cause you can take that question on many different levels. I will start by saying this; there is no more “Yo! MTV Raps” no more “Rap City” which became “Rap Sh*tty”. Viacom owns every video network and it seems like the art stopped being art a long time ago. Corporate America ate us up and sh*t us out. Kind of like the way we used to sample records; take this and that but f*ck the rest of it. Don’t lie, some of us wouldn’t …
Jul
9
Last year I had the privilege of reviewing Passive 6 5ive’s debut album “Mr. Serebour”. Not only was it innovative but, it was groundbreaking as well. I threw some questions his way to get his perspective on the industry and other things music so, here’s his response:
Is Hip-Hop Dead? If yes, explain. If no, explain:
As far as I’m concerned Hip Hop seems to be in a comatose state as far as commercialized mainstream ‘Urban’ is concerned. Without sounding clichéd though, there is so much mind expanding ground breaking artists out there, boundaries are being crossed. I love …
Jul
9
Ivens Interview by C73
Posted in: Interviews > Reviews | Leave a Comment
I reviewed Ivens debut album “Sounds to Expire to” last year and boldly stated it was by far Hip-Hop’s album of the year. A statement I still stand by today. I recently had an opportunity to interview this Aussie and here is what he had to say:
Is Hip-Hop Dead? If yes, explain. If no, explain:
I would not go as far as to say its “dead”. I don’t think it’s possible for a genre as popular as hip-hop to “die”. At least not to the individual; to those that understand it and actually give a shit about …
Jul
9
Rapper’s Delight and Evian Babies Ad
Posted in: News | Leave a Comment
Jul
7
I have been writing for Insomniac since the mid-90’s and have been privileged to meet and review some amazing artists. In all of this time though, I’ve never interviewed an artist so, I took it upon myself to formulate some interview questions to see what my subject’s perspective was in regards to Hip Hop, the industry and other inquiries. First on tap is Indiana emcee Id Obelus:
Is Hip-Hop Dead? If yes, explain. If no, explain:
Of course not! Even if hip hop wasn’t the global phenomenon it is today, it still wouldn’t be “dead.” The music, dance, …
Jul
3
For fans of best selling authors Malcolm Gladwell (“Tipping Point”) and Chris Anderson (“The Long Tail”), what’s one to do when you find that the authors of your favorite books are at odds over the future of “free” (also the title of Anderson’s new book)? The answer- look to another best seller, Seth Godin (”Tribes”). On his new blog post, he defends Anderson’s point of view.
After reading Gladwell’s review of Free in The New Yorker, I concur that there are indeed significant costs associated with the development of the technology and the distribution behind …
Jul
2
On the night of Michael Jackson’s death iTunes had banners already up that allowed visitors to click and buy his music. Just days after his death, his father was on the carpet of the BET Awards pitching his new label. There are unconfirmed reports that one of his alleged child victims is recanting his story and saying it was all done for money. The Staple Center is reportedly hosting Jackson’s memorial service, and initially they were reportedly going to charge $25 for the public to attend, but apparently changed plans according to Radaronline. It’d be interesting to know how much …
Jun
26
Upon a visit to iTunes on the day of his death at the top display spot was Michael Jackson. Unlike most of the artists who fill that spot for a limited time, Michael’s name will forever have a place on top of anything music related. The world fell in love with him as a child, and our fascination with him never waned. 
Regardless of whether the accusations off the stage were true or not, the reality is that on stage, Michael Jackson was not only an icon, but also the world’s greatest entertainer. The industry is …
Jun
23
INTERVIEW BY KHALID STRICKLAND a.k.a. BLACK PACINO
Last week I attended a media luncheon for State Property’s Freeway and his young protege, Bizz a.k.a. The Prince of Jersey. The event went down at one of my favorite places to handle business, Hawaiian Tropic Zone in Times Square. HTZ’s bikini-clad waitresses, colorful alcoholic beverages and pleasant climate-control makes it one of my go-to meeting spots. Many members of the press were in the house including Angela Yee of the Shade 45 Morning Show, with …
Jun
22
By combining the elements of Jazz, Soul, and Punk aesthetics, and traditional Hip Hop, Shinobi Stalin’s debut full-length shines forth with a lyrical prowess that many would agree is missing in today’s hip hop shuffle. In other words, the music (lyrically and production-wise) takes on a style of its own. “Zombie School” strikes a balance between light and dark, happiness and misery, content and discontent. Built around a wide array of samples, the album is aesthetically based in mid-90s hip hop production without falling to the boredom that comes with most “throw back” rap music. Shunning the …