?uesto Honors Max Roach, Talib Kweli Video Premiere, News Flash: Jay-Z Is Rich, Graduation Reviewed, Lupéiasco.
One of the most incredible nights in my life in late 2001 (round xmas) went typically like this: after a marathon session at “the lady” (electric lady, my then home we were working on electric circus and phrenology at the same time—i believe this was when monster guitarist jef lee johnson (not to be confused with the former lessonhead with the same nom de plume based on this very jef) came in to contribute all his parts to both albums (”jimi was a rock star”, “between you and me and liberation”, “heaven somewhere”, and “water”)—i ran back to my hotel to shower and change so i could come back to the lady to finish mixing the unplugged album for jigga. i got a call from my pals at joe’s pub about doing an impromptu performance that night with cody (he flew into town that day to do “the seed” vocals again and seemed cool with the idea)–the also mentioned me doing “something” with max roach. [read more]
The video for Talib Kweli’s “Hot Thing / In The Mood” featuring will.i.am is now officially available for public consumption after a non-final version leaked to the net resulting in an infuriated Kweli throwing a 86 inch plasma screen out a window at the Blacksmith office. Oh wait, wrong story. Without further ado…
It’s not really much of a surprise that Jay-Z topped Forbes hip-hop “cash kings” list except to Jay himself who said: “I didn’t even realize I was so rich. Knowing that, I feel more at ease when looking to further help out and take chances with some of the less mainstream artists that I’ve signed to Def Jam, like The Roots for instance.” *
Kanye’s Graduation is the most anticipated release of the year. Read the in-depth review. The album is set to feature a song called “Big Brother” detailing the complex relationship between Ye and Jay Z.
In a revealing article from Billboard, Lupé Fiasco let it be known that his sophmore (and potentially second to last) studio album, The Cool, is being pushed back from October 30 to November 20. Lupe is also hoping to create a full album with Kanye West and Pharrell Williams as the group CRS (Child Rebel Soldiers).
Two new interviews with Soulive and Mark Ronson were posted on Monday.
On Wednesday we told you that Pharoahe Monch would be judging a 16 MC Battle in LA. Check out the video and photos from our man OKP JtothaI to see what went down.
Amy Winehouse has put her tour plans on hold to address some health issues. Get better soon, Amy!
* He didn’t really say that