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The Abstract

Q-Tip

 Modern hip-hop and R&B music can both arguably be divided into pre- and post-A Tribe Called Quest, and the musical efforts of its lead MC and producer Kamaal Ibn John Fareed-better known to the world as Q-Tip. Consider the jazzy sampling, laid-back tempos and boho-chic vibe he introduced, then mull over the bohemian posturing and sounds of the neo-soul movement, plus any rap music that shies away from hardcore posturing. All roads lead back to ATCQ and the beats, rhymes and life of one man: Q-Tip. And now the time is ripe for The Renaissance, the Abstract MC's first solo album in nine years. Read more...

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Diamond D's Huge Hefner Chronicles
Posted on 11/06/2008
There’s not much that Diamond D hasn’t done over the course of his 20+ year career. As a founding member of legendary New York crew Diggin’ In The Crates (D.I.T.C.), the producer/emcee’s name garners instant respect; he’s worked behind the boards for classics by fellow DITC members Showbiz and A.G., Lord Finesse, and Fat Joe, and he’s lent his talents to a slew of hip-hop heavyweights including Mos Def, Busta...
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Murs: Executive Decisions
Posted on 10/14/2008
As the nation prepares for the upcoming election, AM talk shows across the country are becoming fervent battlegrounds in the war for undecided voters. Your FM dial, however, is entrenched in a battle of its own: the battle for artists with substance over those with mere marketability. Now, with the most important election of our lives less than a month away, the state of commercial hip-hop may seem more frivolous...
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Jake One: A Great Beat Writer
Posted on 10/03/2008
Face it, your beats suck. No one wants to hear them. You should sell that MPC3000 you've got sitting in the corner gathering dust and erase that cracked copy of Fruity Loops your hard drive. If you doubt the good Doctor's advice take a few minutes and listen to some selections from Sea-town's finest, Jake One, and understand just how much work a real producer puts in to master their craft. Jake occupies that "real hip-hop"...
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The Charles Hamiltonization Process
Posted on 09/25/2008
Who is Charles Hamilton? That's what I wanted to know when I was tasked with interviewing the ascending lyricist/producer. Ask him and he'll simply say "I'm just a musician," with a sly laugh.
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TV On The Radio: Dear Science,
Posted on 09/25/2008
TV on the Radio, like their name might suggest, is an awkward and quasi-oxymoronic set up of a band. Avant-garde and difficult to classify (other than lumping them into “alternative rock” or "indie rock"), yet possessive of an all-together addicting and powerful sound, the band does not look like your typical rock band gearing up to release their second album as Interscope-signees (and third overall). “There is no reason a...
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