OKP-4-Obama, Devin The Dude Leaves Rap-A-Lot, We Miss U Dilla, Pete Rock, 9th Wonder X Buckshot Pt. 2, Reviews. 
So everyone has been waiting and wondering, who will Okayplayer endorse in the ‘08 Elections? After all, most folks won’t be able to truly decide who to vote for until OKP comes out and says who they are riding for 
Sike, we couldn’t possibly take ourselves that seriously. However, since we launched in ‘99 this site has seen two Presidential Elections come and go. While we’ve always supported the system (no matter how flawed) by encouraging our eligible readers to go out and vote (as well as to support various causes), we’ve never fully endorsed one particular political figure. One thing is for sure though, no one we know was cool with Bush either term. So finally, after 8 long years, bye-bye W.
We all want change, and our staff and all the OkayArtists we’ve spoken to believe Barack Obama is the best candidate to bring it. (Read these new Pro-Obama statements from Kweli & ?uestlove) How much campaigning will we do? Likely not much, but we’ll continue to report on the artists in our circle and the statements they are making, musically and otherwise. This here is our statement. We hope you make yours by voting today and in November.
Devin the Dude is parting ways with Rap-A-Lot Records after a 15 year-plus relationship. According to Devin the Dude, there was no ill will behind the split. “Rap-A-Lot has been my family for a long time and there’s no bad blood at all”. Devin is currently exploring offers from various record labels with plans to release more new music.
February 10th marks the 2nd anniversary of J. Dilla’s passing. In honor and remembrance of our hero, tributes and benefits are happening around the country. Check this post for a list of happenings this week in NYC, South Carolina, LA, San Diego, Portland, Denver, London, and more. New Yorkers know what time it is this Friday with the second annual Okayplayer sponsored “Donuts Are Forver” event care of our friends at Rare From.
Meanwhile. the Dilla Turn it up! Box set Cassette & Tee from Stones Throw are back in stock. Click that link and look on the right side in the middle for where to purchase while supplies still last. Cool.
Pete Rock can read this never published interview (and here is part 2) between him and Jerry Barrow originally slated for the now defunct Scratch Magazine. Pete’s latest album, NY’s Finest, drops February 26 via Nature Sounds.
NYC: Pete Rock will be recording a video for his songs “‘Till I Retire” and “Best Believe” featuring Redman. Be in the video this Friday!
Keeping with the producer news, our peoples 9th Wonder is teaming up once more with Black Moon’s Buckshot, of the mighty Boot Camp Clik, for their follow up to 2005’s Chemistry with The Formula due out on April 15. Check for that.
In todays Reviews we’ve got two new 4-questie must-haves. First up, the mysterious Clutchy Hopkins drops his newest effort Walking Backwards. Although his identity is still cloaked in a veil of uncertainty, one thing is for sure, the music speaks for itself. Next up, The Mars Volta bring that unmistakable rocked-out chaos in The Bedlam In Goliath, their fourth LP to date. Our reviewer notes it’s the bands “heaviest release yet.”