Posted: March 18th, 2014 | Author: Also known as Rudy | Filed under: Articles, Events, Independent | Tags: Kenneth Sullivan | No Comments »
Photos by: Yinka Soda
This past Friday, Kenneth “Kenny” Sullivan, renowned Philadelphia rapper, producer, and performer extraordinaire, officially released his self-titled mixtape, KENNY, a 14-track project that takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through his ascent toward greatness. This well-composed artist, raised just outside of Philly, in Cheltenham, has used the studio and the stage to bring an unmatched influence to the City of Brotherly Love and other artists, through his music.
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Posted: March 10th, 2014 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles | Tags: Lil Boosie | No Comments »
On March 5 Torrence Hatcher, aka Lil’ Boosie was released from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, where he had been serving an eight-year sentence on drug charges.
The announcement created a social media spectacle. Fans, artists, and industry shot-callers rejoiced. Many provided words of encouragement, while others simply relayed the great news. The celebration struck a nerve with me. “Free at last, free at last, thank god almighty, Boosie is free at last #LilBoosie,” tweeted
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Posted: January 31st, 2014 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles | Tags: NJ | No Comments »
For decades, hip-hop music and culture had a place at the Jersey Shore. For me, it began in 1997 on the streets of Asbury Park, where the now-infamous “Greek Fest” was held. It would later evolve to the Eatontown Roller Rink; a venue forever immortalized for its “Teen Night” parties. It was a place where black youth (now in their early-mid 20’s) would rejoice to whatever was popping in rap at that time. As years progressed, the Jersey Shore became increasingly uninterested in appealing
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Posted: January 9th, 2014 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles, Independent | Tags: ADH, Apollo The Great, Ja Money, Joe College, LoveMovie 1080p, MoShadee, New Jersey Rebels, SirMOORE, Solo For Dolo, Vasco | No Comments »
For the past four years I have publicized what I believe to be some of the best unheard rappers in New Jersey. The lack of attention these artists receive is beyond frustrating. Recently, I took time to celebrate five emcees leading New Jersey's new wave of hip hop talent. As we begin the ninth day of the new year I decided to compile another list of more New Jersey-based rappers you should know about. These 10 unsung lyricist can rap their asses off, enjoy.
1. Apollo The Great (Camden, NJ): Apollo's
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Posted: December 16th, 2013 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles | Tags: Chad B, Mista Encore, Moruf, NJ, Ransom, Topaz Jones | 2 Comments »
For decades, New Jersey rappers have observed the ongoing success attained by many New York City-based artists. Throughout the early-mid 1990’s, New Jersey and its cross-town rival were parallel within the hip-hop community. Anchored by artists like Redman, Notorious B.I.G., Naughty by Nature and the Wu-Tang Clan both regions were tri-state powerhouses. Redman and Method Man exemplified this on their 1999 Grammy award winning single, “Da Rockwilder”. However, as the new millennium approached,
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Posted: October 15th, 2013 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles | Tags: New Jersey Live, NJ | No Comments »
On September 28, Garden State Hip-Hop held its second hip-hop concert ever. Friends, family, and random rap enthusiast filled the Fly Standards clothing store anxious for the night’s festivities to begin. Most spectators eased their anticipation by engaging in casual conversations while gripping red plastic cups filled with beer.
As more new and familiar faces walked into the venue, the show was set to begin. Absolute Carnegie Recording Company artist Dane the Beautiful Monster took the
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Posted: April 3rd, 2012 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles, Independent | Tags: Jay Solo, NJ | No Comments »
Gone Solo
Story by: Shah A. (@ThaShah)
The past year and a half has proven to be a groundbreaking time for independent R&B artist Jay Solo. The up and coming Jersey singing/songwriting sensation has introduced his listeners to several live performances of records off his latest projects. Club Dolce in Elizabeth, New Jersey and Webster Hall in NYC both awaited the unveiling of what Jay would deem to be one of his biggest performances yet! Performing on the same platform where numerous
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Posted: March 26th, 2012 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles, Independent, Interviews | Tags: Francesca The Boss | No Comments »
By: Shah A. (@ThaShah)
A few years ago, a rapper by the name of Drake took the game and the mix tape scene by storm. Releasing classic projects such as Room for Improvement, Comeback Season, and So Far Gone. Though other artists such as Kardinal Official have brought attention to Canada, Drizzy has done more than carry the torch for his country and has put on for his city like Jeezy and Yeezy by shouting out Toronto every chance he gets. Not only has October's own popped it off for Canada, but the
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Posted: February 15th, 2012 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles, Independent, Producers | Tags: LA & Pinky, NJ | No Comments »
By: Shah A. (@ThaShah)
Our anticipation was at an all time high, while GSHH waited for the incoming call from LA & Pinky. The producer and rapper duo gave us a brief look into their world and forthcoming project, Boardwalk Empire. Though our feelings may seem bias, it's always a pleasant surprise to listen to a project where an artist and producer team up exclusively as a dynamic duo to release an LP. Call it divine intervention, coincidence, or just plain luck on how LA & Pinky linked
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Posted: January 27th, 2012 | Author: Rodney C. | Filed under: Articles | Tags: Dane The Beautiful Monster, NJ, The ACRC | No Comments »
By: Rodney Coursey
As the lyrics of KRS-One spill from the speakers of a Ghetto Blaster, a young boy stands near with eyes filled with amazement nodding to the cerebral sound. This was a pivotal moment in the life of a man presently known as Dane the Beautiful Monster. From his humble upbringing in the wealthy suburb of Fair Haven, New Jersey, Dane's first encounter with Hip Hop has triggered a multi-decade quest for music prominence.
Born on October 1, 1980 to Ronald and Sheketa Henson in Long
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