It’s no secret that hip-hop is in constant motion – it changes year to year. Emerging technologies combined with the fickle needs and wants of the industry, the artists, and the fans, all play a role in shaping our musical world. Some of the changes to the hip-hop scene have been, well, less than desirable (see: the decline of radio rap). However, the past ten years, 2000-2009, still held releases of some of the most creative and unique hip-hop albums of all time, with an ever-expanding range of sub-genres. Traditional hip-hop rooted in the golden age of the ’90s was certainly alive and well, but it was sharing chart space with newer, progressive styles. That said, we have compiled a list of our 25 favorite hip-hop albums from the past ten years, as a form of celebrating the musical diversity in hip-hop from the decade that was.

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Concert Review: Chali 2na – Fish Outta Water Tour

The Middle East Downstairs, July 16

The Boston leg of Chali 2na’s Fish Outta Water Tour was a surprise success with some fantastic moments popping up unexpectedly. The first opener on stage was a Brooklyn cat named Prophecy. Really not a whole lot to say about him other than he held it down well (especially for a very young emcee) and for a first opening act, he actually managed to up the overall energy in the Middle East basement, which was a great sign. The next act was a group of 4 Boston-natives called Ear Force (or The Ear Force Crew). This was where I personally was subjected to a live-concert “first.”
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Album Review: Chali 2na – Fish Outta Water (2009)

Rating: 3 out of 5 Potholes

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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. VIBE Magazine ceases operations. After 16 years in business the urban music magazine has ceased operations. It’s not too surprising to anyone these days when a magazine or newspaper folds. But that doesn’t mean it’s still disappointing and a continuing sign of how shitty the industry has become.
2. R.I.P. QB Steve McNair. In a very sad turn of events former Tennessee Quarterback  Steve McNair was killed yesterday in an apparent murder-suicide along with a young woman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.
3. Michael Jackson returns to the Billboard charts. After the tragic death of the music icon last week, his music sales have dominated billboard charts again. Sadly, death is one hell of a promotion tool. Read the rest of this entry »

As we continue our tribute this week to the late great J Dilla, I wanted to bring attention to this excellent track put out to raise funds for Dilla’s mother, Ma Dukes. Click the link to check the joint out and make a donation directly to Ma Dukes. $2 is the minimum donation, but the more the better. It is very important that we support this wonderful woman and keep the J Dilla legacy alive.

Click to donate and download the track:
Solillaquists of Sound ft. Ma Dukes, J-Live & Chali 2na – Death of the Muse

Solillaquists Of Sound: www.myspace.com/solilla