Predictably belated. One final round-up before everything sinks into the year-end morass. Tangential point: Herb Alpert is sorely underrated. Lupe Fiasco-“Thank You”  So the new mixtape from self-proclaimed black Zach Galifianakis (nice try, Lupe) is supposedly a response to being snubbed on MTV’s Hottest Rapper’s List. He shouldn’t be surprised. A year of Internet time […]

These ballots were only mailed out to people who promised they would vote for Sage Francis and MC Lars records. Requirements for suffrage included owning at least four backpacks made of the finest Jansport and three Fidel Castro caps. Those without goatees need not apply. I informed Jonathan Bradley that if he voted for Young […]

  Now watch me freak it in Korean. Bishop Lamont ft. Xzibit-“Hallelujah” I’d bet against The Reformation ever emerging from the Aftermath morass. But it really doesn’t matter when Carson’s finest can craft Gospel Brunch bangers over Dre beats better than anything off Relapse.  Bishop’s pet peeve is the cult of swagger, which makes sense, […]

  If Kobe doesn’t grow a mullet, the Lakers will take it in June. Kobe Bryant=Kanye West Raised in more affluent circumstances than their peers, Kobe and Kanye are not only among the best in their respective fields, they share a severe lack of humility and empathy.  Mutually old world-inclined, Kobe has his Italian roots, […]

  Over the next two weeks, myself and a very talented cadre of contributors will be emulating the book above. Unlike said tome, it won’t cost money and you’ll get free MP3s–which, presumably, serve a tangible purpose. Now go cry into your near-beer, Phillip Ardagh, you lovable rogue. 50. Redman ft. Oh No-“Lay You Out” […]

I was supposed to type up my interview with Bishop Lamont but instead decided to watch the last half of the Red Sox-Angels Game. As Goodie Mobb once eloquently put it: “Decisions, Decisions.” After watching the Angels blow the game, I have decided to salve my wounds by watching old Woody Allen clips from You […]

In conjunction with my article in the last issue of LA Weekly, here’s the full text of my interview with Pacific Division. Over the next few days, check for Q&A’s from Bishop Lamont, Knux and Blu.   Q: First off, I suppose the most obvious question is about your back-story. So at the risk of being […]

No time to delve into the logistics. I’m pressed for time, already tardy for a train tunneling into the West Village.  In brief, I have a fairly massive article in today’s LA Weekly–the longest one I’ve ever written. 3,000 words, 47 commas, four hyphens and one mention of Domino’s “Getto Jam.” The piece focuses on […]

In what’s quickly shaping up to be late 90s unsung rap group week (sponsored by St. Ides Special Brew), it’s appropriate that I include the West Oakland duo, The WhoRidas. Particularly since, during our interview last night, Bishop Lamont and I bonded over our mutual love for “Talkin’ Bout Bank” and “Shot Callin’ and Big […]

Zilla Rocca’s chief problem isn’t too much rapping, but rather too little stunting like his daddy.  As someone who loves, loves, LOVES lyrics and rappin’ and bars and spittage and darts and verbal dexterity, it occurred to me the other day that rappers today rap way too much. I have a few theories as to […]