AltWeeklies Wire
Skrunk Happens: We're Not Fans, But The Kids Seem to Like Itnew
The Warped Tour's 15th year sees a large number of acts that have embraced a combination of minimalist Southern hip-hop, Auto-Tune croons, techno breakdowns, barked vocals, and party-til-you-puke poetics. It's called scrunk, a bastardized combination of crunk and screamo, and it's the hottest thing since sliced bread joined Twitter.
Boston Phoenix |
Leor Galil |
07-15-2009 |
Music
Unagi Keeps Hip-Hop Reference-Richnew
Unagi takes hip-hop on a maximalist ride that jells with his geography. He talks up living in the birthplace of Del the Funkyhomosapien, Hieroglyphics, and DJ Shadow, and his drive to "go for more obscure references than [sampling] the obvious song."
SF Weekly |
Jennifer Maerz |
07-15-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Finale Aims at the Top of Detroit's Hip-Hop Cropnew
Finale's name may not yet be as familiar as some of his better-known peers, most who hold him in the highest regard as one of the very best Michigan has to offer. But it shouldn't be very long before people start paying attention.
Metro Times |
William E. Ketchum III |
06-30-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Suddenly, Hip-Hop Can't Hate on Soulja Boy's Swagnew
The spoils (and spoilers) of success were expected. But who knew he'd earn credibility, too?
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Ben Westhoff |
06-18-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Willy Northpole Wants Hip-Hop Fans in Phoenix to Feel 'Tha Connect'new
In the increasingly formula-following rap game, Phoenix rapper Willy Northpole likes to do things a little differently.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
06-16-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Mac Lethal Prepares to Go Straight for the Heartnew
The funny, emotional, shit-talkin' white-boy rapper who's admired almost as much as he's despised has been making a living off his music in a way that runs against music-industry wisdom, which, given the state of the industry, is exactly why he's successful.
The Pitch |
Jason Harper |
06-16-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Meet the Pirate Signal, One of Denver's Most Compelling Hip-Hop Actsnew
When he performs, Yonnas Abraham's artistic zeal is unmistakable. As frontman for the Pirate Signal, one of Denver's brightest emerging hip-hop acts, he's simply electrifying.
Westword |
Dave Herrera |
06-15-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
The Roots Discuss Hip-Hop's Second Jazz Agenew
Since forming in 1991, the Roots have broken from sample-reliant rap, writing original music and using live jazz-funk breakbeats instead.
Dawaun Parker's Boom-Bap Fairy Talenew
As hip-hop's newest secret weapon -- and Dr. Dre's right-hand man -- the Berklee College of Music grad is helping resuscitate rap's biggest stars.
Boston Phoenix |
Chris Faraone |
05-14-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Dawaun Parker, hip-hop
Asher Roth Is 'Asleep'new
Being a privileged white guy from the Philly suburbs doesn’t disqualify Asher Roth from legitimate hip-hop MC status—not being able to spin an interesting yarn does.
Newcomer Has 20/20 Vision When It Comes to KC Hip-Hopnew
By far the most invigorating shot in the arm for KC hip-hop comes from the surge of just-turned-21 talent. The little guy with funny specs, Greg Enemy is getting some recognition.
The Pitch |
Nadia Pflaum |
04-28-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Dumate Brings Together Underground Hip-Hop and Street Rapnew
It seems that backpack rap is alive and well in Madison. That's thanks in part to dumate, the five-person hip-hop collective that performs with sharp rhymes, sizzling samples and progressive themes.
Isthmus |
Jessica Steinhoff |
04-27-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Seattle Hip-Hop Act Merges Old-School Swagger with New-School Appealnew
Dyme Def lives on that thin line between cockiness and confidence. They fully embrace rap's boasting tradition, but they're comical enough with their punch lines and prose that it works.
Seattle Weekly |
Jonathan Cunningham |
04-27-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
C'mon, Del, Give Us Something to Care Aboutnew
Del the Funky Homosapien—probably the first rapper to ever sport a nose ring and a lip ring—has long had a peculiar way of traversing the hip-hop world, and his latest effort isn't any different.
INDY Week |
Eric Tullis |
04-23-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Jim Jones: Jack of All Tradesnew
Dipset alum Jim Jones' many projects include an off-Broadway show, a workout DVD, a documentary and a mockumentary. Once in a while he actually puts out some music, and his major label solo debut Pray IV Reign is an often-decent, occasionally-excellent effort.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Ben Westhoff |
04-10-2009 |
Reviews
