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Quincy Jones: Hip Hop Mourns Legendary Polymath
It's nearly impossible to sum up the seismic impact Quincy Jones had on the music industry.
The legendary polymath, who died at his home in Bel-Air on Sunday (November 3), envisioned and executed some of the most influential albums of all time, including Michael Jackson's 1982 masterpiece Thriller, forever changing the landscape of popular music. But beyond his genius-level talent and seemingly endless accolades, he was beloved by all who knew him.
Perhaps Will Smith (also known as the Fresh Prince) said it best: "Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend. He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me. He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine we
Read moreJahi & Zo1 On Landing Tuff Gong Deal, The New Album "Black Love" & Fighting The Power In 2024
Jahi, an MC, activist and culture conservationist, has been enmeshed in Hip Hop since the beginning. Decades into his career, the Oakland-based artist has released multiple solo projects, shared stages with the likes Mos Def, dead prez, Chaka Khan, The Roots, KRS-One, Outkast and frequently collaborates with Public Enemy tour de force Chuck D. He's also the mastermind behind the Bay Area Archives, one of the most comprehensive collections of local Hip Hop history.
Most recently, he and Kingmakers Music—launched by Kingmakers of Oakland in an effort to create profanity free, life affirming Hip Hop to uplift Black culture—released their new album, Black Love,
Read moreMadlib Files Lawsuit Against Ex-Manager Egon On Anniversary Of MF DOOM's Death
Madlib filed a lawsuit against former manager Egon on Thursday (October 31), the four-year anniversary of MF DOOM’s death. He chose the date to honor DOOM, whose family is currently in litigation with Egon over several missing notebooks that belonged to the late MC.
In a complaint observed by RapStation, Madlib (real name Otis Jackson) accused Egon of several shady practices, including mismanaging his finances, skimming money generated from his recorded music and locking him out of several “key music business platforms” like Ingrooves, Apple Music, YouTube, BandCamp, Instagram and Facebook.
Madlib was signed to Stones Throw Records and released his first single with the label, “Microphone Mathematics,” in 1999. Egon was worki
Read moreKurtis Blow Remakes 1984 Classic "Basketball" For DoorDash Campaign
DoorDash tapped Kurtis Blow to remake his 1984 hit "Basketball" for the company's DashPass campaign—but with a twist. The new version features Brooklyn rapper Lola Brooke and is produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Hit Boy, who's worked on all of Nas' King's Disease albums. The accompanying video features Blow and Brooke performing at a local basketball court surrounded by a slew of dancers, players and even Blow's wife.
"DoorDash’s membership program, DashPass, is the official partner of NBA & WNBA Experiences, delivering a range of exclusive, immersive fan experiences at major events throughout the year," DoorDash posted on Instagram. "These packages grant fans access to unique off-the-court offerings, including meet-and-greets with players and legends, b
Read moreDJ Clark Kent's Death Prompts Wave Of Tributes From Chuck D, Pete Rock & Other Hip-Hop Legends
DJ Clark Kent died on October 24 after a three-year battle with colon cancer. His family confirmed the news on Instagram, writing in part, “IT IS WITH DEEP SADNESS THAT WE SHARE THE PASSING OF BELOVED RODOLFO A. FRANKLIN, KNOWN TO THE WORLD AS DJ CLARK KENT. CLARK PASSED AWAY THURSDAY EVENING SURROUNDED BY HIS WIFE KESHA DAUGHTER KABRIAH AND SON ANTONIO."
Following Clark Kent's death, social media exploded with tributes to the legendary DJ/producer and sneaker head.
"DJ Clark Kent was my brother, my longtime friend, and so much more to so many people. He will always be very special to me – one of the greatest DJ’s and producers IN THE WORLD! but most of all a great person! You did well, my brother. I love you!!!!” Doug E. Fresh wrote, while DJ Premier said, S"
Read moreChuck D, KRS-One & Furious Five's Melle Mel & Scorpio Unite For "Project 2025"
Chuck D, KRS-One and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five’s Melle Mel and Scorpio have dropped a new song called “Project 2025.” The politically motivated track asks, “Hip-hop, where is your voice?” Produced by Scorpio, who weaved 2Pac, Ice Cube and The Isley Brothers into the beat, the song marks the first time the four Hip-Hop legends have done a collaboration. It’s also serves as a staunch reminder that Hip-Hop has always been rooted in enacting change and using your voice. With the potentially catastrophic presidential election just weeks away, the time is now.
“This is a pivotal year that holds the world in balance,” Chuck D told SPIN in a recent interview. “Thi
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