DMX was recently denied an opportunity to participate in Dr. Drew’s reality show, Celebrity Rehab. X is currently serving six months at an Arizona jail on a probation violation. A rep from Maricopa County Superior Court says that the rapper is doing well and that his substance abuse program ends in July. Oh well, staying clean is more important than shine on TV. TMZ
RZA recently has signed a deal with Universal Pictures and will make his directorial debut with film, The Man With The Iron Fists. Described as a “stylized martial arts film… with a spaghetti Western mindset and hip hop influence,” the film beings production in September in Hong Kong. He will also be responsible for producing the soundtrack. Bong! Shadow & Act
While kickin’ it with Freekey Zeekey in North Carolina, Killa is pressed for a date for the big reunion. He says you should save some room for under the tree. Fingers crossed. WSHH
[vodpod id=Video.3574507&w=425&h=350&fv=] Doin’ the heavy promo rounds for Just Wright, Com kicks it with old friends, The Roots, and bigs up his acting influences, Latifah, Mos Def, and Will Smith. Hey, this is the first flick Lonnie didn’t have to hold steel in. That’s positive, Black man.
At this point, who hasn’t Nicki recorded with? Polow’s on the boards for this new dud off Christina’s new album, Bionic. Miss Info
There was a big fight just a week ago and here’s Mr. Noble’s take on what went down. Who knew Red was such a scholar of the squared circle? Listen up. YK2 Via Vlad
This leaked awhile back off the Barbie World mixtape, but now urban radio is behind it. Anything to make up for that “Massive Attack” mess. Pardon the autotune, this is more like it. Mr. X Sidebar: 1, 2,3. Break!
Black Rob made his way to DJ Whoo Kid’s gig on Shade 45 this afternoon and kicked a written over Red Cafe’s “I’m Ill”. Rahh!
Common does it for the people. Last night he kicked another freestyle at a 1st Fridays event in Atlanta. Afterward he segues into some familiar tunes. Exclusive Access
We brought you the track now peep the behind the scenes foolery. Ole girl admits she was inspired by “Empire State Of Mind” and wanted to make a response record for L.A. Fuck outta here! RH79
Great breakdown of Statik Selektah’s *Round Trip*! Honestly, this 2023 Mass Appeal release is pure boom-bap bliss from start to finish. Statik really outdid himself with those smooth, jazzy sample flips and turntable scratches, creating the exact kind of laid-back, golden-era hip-hop vibe you want playing in the background while relaxing at Denmark holiday cottages over a quiet weekend. The guest list alone is stacked—having legends like Posdnous kicking things off on the opener "Round Trip (For Dave)" alongside heavy hitters like Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Inspectah Deck on "Unpredictable" makes every track feel like a proper event. Even the newer-school features like Benny the Butcher, Conway the Machine, and Joey Bada$$ fit effortlessly over the dusty, soulful production without a single wasted verse. Definitely one of his most cohesive projects in years and an easy front-to-back spin for anyone who appreciates real hip-hop craftsmanship.