Hip-hop has been around for nearly thirty years now. However, its still feels very young at its core. Whiles many emcees have graduated to have success some are just college dropouts with no plan for what’s next. In a genre of music that has no set rules it also seems to be void of maturity in the process. The idea of hip-hop and “growing up” feels like something of an oxymoron when you look at the current music landscape and its future. Very few emcees are willing to take that music past frivolous beefs/feuding, actually becoming successful as artists and making music that doesn’t compromise who they are. In hip-hop for some reason that feels unrealistic? Music is supposed to inspire, how come we ain’t getting no higher? © Lauryn Hill

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Welcome to the weekly rundown where we (soulsupreme and Marty) provide you with our top ten headlines for the week that was.

1. Kanye West at the VMA’s. Probably the most overblown news story of the year. There are bigger issues in the world. Blame it on the Hennessey and keep it moving.
2. Pioneering DJ Grand Master Roc Raida passes away. Another hip-hop legend gone to soon in 2009. Roc Raida was battling complications from surgery. This weekend his condition worsened and he passed away. Busta Rhymes confirmed the news on Twitter. Our prayers are with his family.
3. Benefit concert in Detroit for Hexmurda. We hope people come out and support the cause. And we hope Hex makes a full recovery really soon. Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to the weekly rundown where we (soulsupreme and Marty) provide you with our top ten headlines for the week that was.

1. R.I.P. DJ AM. I can’t say we’re really up on DJ AM, but he was a huge influence on many artists like DJ Premier, DJ Jazzy Jeff, John Mayer and Questlove. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time.
2. Drake – Forever (Feat Eminem, Kanye West & Lil Wayne). We’re happy for his success, but the music he’s making is uninteresting. It’s the same mainstream hip-hop we won’t remember a year from now.
3. N*E*R*D to add a female R&B vocalist. N*E*R*D is a dope alternative rock group, but if the new music sounds anything like BEP with Fergie >>>FAIL. The only female they should be adding to that group is Santigold. Read the rest of this entry »