Common appeared on Sirius Hip-Hop Nation last night. During his interview, he spoke on his battle with Mr. Graham. War of the words, take two.

If lyricism made a resurgence last year, much of the credit can go to Bad Meets Evil and their EP, Hell: The Sequel. Havoc’s haunting crackle sets the tone with “Welcome 2 Hell”. “Fast Lane” ups the ante with Royce and Em battling for lyrical supremacy. Em keeps it G on “Above The Law”, (“I’m trying to stay on fire, so you know if I hate fuckin’ water sprinklers I don’t love the hoes”) with Royce following suit, (“Baby I’m […]

With the NFL Playoffs underway, GQ caught up with Eminem for his picks. Joe Budden and Marshall’s manager Paul Rosenberg also weighed in. GQ: You and Ray Lewis—the way you approach your professions, that intensity—I feel like you’re very similar. Eminem: Ray Lewis, man. That’s a very passionate dude. He’s an animal. He’s the last of a dying breed, really. Obviously, he’s going to the Hall of Fame. He’s fucking iconic. They don’t make them like him anymore. He’s cut […]

Good things come to those that wait. And after two years, J.Cole’s core finally got what they wanted: Cole World: The Sideline Story. The album commences with the cinematic “Dollar And A Dream III” before segueing into “Can’t Get Enough’s” breezy bounce. Jermaine’s underdog tale is palpable on “Sideline Story”, “Cole World”, and “Rise and Shine”. “Lost Ones” and “Breakdown” are equally compelling, but “Nobody’s Perfect” showcases his true majesty. With Missy Elliott on the chorus, Cole’s underachiever anthem is endearing, […]

After releasing a steady stream of mixtapes, Mac stepped up to the plate last year and delivered his independent debut, Blue Slide Park. With ID Labs handling a majority of the sound bed, Mac proved he wasn’t all party and bullshit. He gives haters the cold shoulder (“Smile Back”, “Of The Soul” ), helps White girls lost (“Diamonds & Gold”), and enjoys the fruits of his labor (“Man In The Hat”). But despite his new found success, Mac doesn’t forget […]

Meek Mill and Rick Ross made 9-to-5ers feel like the H.N.I.C. with last year’s inescapable, “Ima Boss”. Fuck a blog dog, Jahlil Beats’ triumphant horns were responsible for nearly every party in 2011. Operating like a hip-hop Stockton and Malone, Meek creates a perfect assist for his mentor, “Got so many shades they thought I had a lazy eye” before closing the track with a game-winning third verse. Who took a loss? Not MMG. Previously: #10 Wale x Miguel “Lotus Flower […]

Lil B got the attention he wanted last spring after ceremoniously naming his album, I’m Gay. Unfortunately, his publicity stunt backfired like a double barrel 12 gauge. B’s production palette is noteworthy, but that’s where it stops. From beginning to end, I’m Gay is marred by off kilter ramblings and incoherent verbiage. Simply put: the boy can’t rap. Just goes to show that short-term decisions breed long term ramifications. Straight up.

Just in case anyone forgot Eminem and Royce Da’ 5’9″ could rap, “Fast Lane” was a great reminder. Released under their Bad Meets Evil banner, “Fast Lane” is a Stan’s wet dream. Over an aggressive soundbed, Em and Nickle bob and weave through pockets of syllables and complexities. By the end of the closing bell, their sparring match is best summed up by Royce’s line: “Me and Shady deaded the past, so that basically resurrected my cash flow“. Jackpot!

Jomo’s good with us ’round these parts. But when it comes to his last album, Capo, this was just all kinds of bad. For starters, his single “Perfect Day” didn’t live up its flawless title. Unlike Jim’s previous efforts, (particularly Harlem: Diary Of A Summer), Capo lacks continuity and cohesiveness. There’s jacked flows (“The Paper”, “Hockey Bag”), poor production (“Dope Boi”), and mediocre rhymes (you can take your pick on that one). Jim’s proven to be capable of holding down […]

Common’s second single was first rate. Produced by No I.D., Lonnie went ham over choreographed drums and a groovy Electric Light Orchestra sample. Part inspirational, “It all started with a dream, I wanted to be Run D.M.C/ The Lord put the blessing upon the MC” with a dash of swagger, “Suited in Prada, stay mellow like LaLa/ Young fresh with dollars, ladies go gaga” “Blue Sky” soars above the clouds. Lift off.