MACKLEMORE

Brooklyn rapper Sean Price dead at 43

Hip-hop artist Sean Price of Heltah Skeltah fame died while in his Brooklyn apartment Saturday morning. Many recording artists who were influenced by his long

Schoolboy Q defends Macklemore’s Kendrick Lamar text

When Seattle rapper Macklemore took home the Grammy award for Best Rap Album this year, he sent fellow hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar a much-maligned text, apologizing for “robbing” Lamar of an award many thought the Compton rhymer deserved. Macklemore posted the text on Instagram, resulting in a backlash from critics calling his apology over-the-top and/or disingenuous.

Buckshot doesn’t believe hip-hop belongs exclusively to black people

Over the past several months, Brand Nubian member Lord Jamar has been vocal in his criticism of white rappers who he feels disrespect the culture. The controversy began with Jamar blasting Seattle rapper Macklemore for the latter’s criticism of homophobia in hip-hop. Jamar told VladTV last fall that white rappers are “guests” in hip-hop and should recognize that “this is a black man’s thing.” Now, another veteran of 90s East Coast hip-hop is voicing his opinion. Buckshot of Black Moon and the Boot Camp Clik responded to Jamar’s comments and made it clear that he does not agree at all.

‘3 Feet High & Rising’; how De La Soul forever changed hip-hop

One of the most original and innovative debut albums in hip-hop history, the masterpiece from the Long Island, NY-based trio of De La Soul was a world-changing album that offered proof that hip-hop was not just machismo and aggression. At a time when hip-hop’s more “gangsta” and “political” strains were at the height of visibility, these three oddballs from the suburbs fired a shot for hip-hop nerds everywhere.

The Grammys got it wrong again; why are we surprised?

The day after the Grammys is always fairly interesting. Everyone talking about which performances they liked, which ones they hated, and which award winners were undeserving–it’s as much a part of awards season as the actual ceremony. After last night’s 56th Annual Grammy Awards, most hip-hop fans are feeling bitter over Macklemore & Ryan Lewis taking home Best Rap Album honors for their popular LP The Heist.