Keith Murphy
Obie Trice Recalls ‘Upset’ Jimmy Iovine, Talks Eminem Collabo
Getting shot in the head has a way of giving you new perspective. For Detroit rhymer Obie Trice, that harrowing night on Dec. 31, 2005, changed everything. The former Eminem protégé had experienced the spoils of rap stardom out the gate with his 2003 debut, 'Cheers,' a factor that Trice admits had a negative effect on his already mammoth ego. He showed up...
Everlast Has a ‘Toilet Grammy,’ Recalls ‘Jump Around’ Success
For Everlast, writing music these days is quite simple: If you have nothing to say, keep quiet. It's a mantra that the rapper-singer-guitarist carries unapologetically on his latest album, 'Songs of the Ungrateful Living,' due Oct. 18. For the man who once made millions of fans 'Jump Around' as a member of House of Pain, the bleak conditions smothering America -- whether economic, political or soc
Van Hunt Says Odd Future Are ‘Rebellious,’ Talks New Album
Van Hunt is a man without a musical home. In political terms the Dayton, Ohio singer-songwriter-producer could be cast as a nomadic refugee. He's much too eccentric to be R&B. His funk chops seem almost too polished to break bread with the likes of George Clinton. Hu...
J. Cole Reveals Hip-Hop Nickname, ‘Winning’ for Jay-Z
When you are about to release one of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of 2011, you can be forgiven for coming off a little anxious. Certainly you can hear it in the pressing tone of J. Cole's voice. Add on the fact that the North Carolina lyricist just so happens to be Jay-Z's first signing to his Roc Nation imprint, and you've got the makings of unmitigated show-and-prove pressure...
Ninjasonik Compare Their Life to Jimi Hendrix Years + More
Mel D. Cole
So let's get right to it. Ninjasonik is weird. Not in that all too cliché, "What the hell was Lady Gaga wearing last night?" weird, but in a "Wow! These guys are a record executive's worst dream." They're somewhere between an Albino R&B singer and a heavy metal polka band. An...
Kelly Rowland Discusses Lil Wayne, New Single, ‘X Factor’
The weight of expectation can be crushing. Yes, there is the undeniable springboard of being a former member of one of the most successful girl groups of all time. After all, during Kelly Rowland's time in the multi-platinum-selling trio Destiny's Child, success became almost a foregone conclusion...
Tech N9ne Opens Up About Devil Worshiping, Banking $15 Mil
He laughs at the irony of it all. The fact that Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne stands as one of the most successful independent artists of the past four years is a sobering realization that he is still trying to adjust to. But Tech's wonderment has nothing to do with a lack of confidence...
Will.i.am Says Black Eyed Peas Make ‘Life Music’ + More
Will.i.am is seemingly inescapable. Within a span of a week, the ubiquitous frontman and producer of the Black Eyed Peas has made headlines for brazenly proclaiming that ad agencies were so "yesterday," made a surprise appearance on a Paris fashion runway for buzz-heavy Japanese designer Rynshu and saw his chart-topping group ink a deal to release their own dance-centric video game entit
Atmosphere’s Slug Talks ‘The Family Sign,’ Respects Eminem
There is something to be said for straight-no-chaser honesty. For outspoken lyricist Slug, a member of the influential Minneapolis hip-hop act Atmosphere, it has always been a hallmark of his triumphant and, at times, turbulent career. As a duo -- his partner Ant serves as both DJ and producer -- he's pumped out EPs and albums with substance...
Ledisi Wants Q-Tip Collabo, Talks Life as a Breakdancer
Ledisi is not one to conform. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has taken her jazz chops to the world of R&B, hip-hop and soul music. Maybe that's the reason why the New Orleans native has always been a tough artist for the marketplace to nail down. It...