AltWeeklies Wire
The Roots Discuss Hip-Hop's Second Jazz Agenew
Since forming in 1991, the Roots have broken from sample-reliant rap, writing original music and using live jazz-funk breakbeats instead.
Lyrics Born, the Bay Area Mavericknew
If you were looking for a short description of Tom Shimura's more famous alter ego, Lyrics Born, this oughta do it: high-performance, low-key.
SF Weekly |
Eric K. Arnold |
10-16-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Kanye, Jay-Z, Mary J., and Rihanna Clamor for Diva Statusnew
As Ye-Day approaches, one question looms large: Can any arena contain Kanye West's massive ego?
Tags: Jay-Z, hip-hop, R&B, Kanye West, pop, rap, Lupe Fiasco, Mary J. Blige, N.E.R.D., Rihanna, concerts
The Demise of Hyphynew
Thizzle, bling and blunts may have helped bring down the overhyped hyphy movement. But KMEL helped pull the trigger.
Major-Label Misfit: Mistah F.A.B.new
Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B. would be the first to admit there's a problem when it comes to rap music: If you're identified with the streets, you're not supposed to be lyrical; and if you're lyrical, how "street" can you really be?
SF Weekly |
Eric K. Arnold |
01-16-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Mistah F.A.B.
OG Icon B-Legit Reflects on Pre-Hyphy Rapnew
Few artists can say they've recorded with Mac Dre and Daryl Hall. In fact, B-Legit might be the only person who can make that claim.
SF Weekly |
Eric K. Arnold |
12-20-2007 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: B-Legit, Throwblock Musik
Too $hort's Latests Falls Shortnew
Get Off the Stage's ten songs mostly regurgitate past work; it's hard to believe the rapper has never made a song called "Broke Bitch" before.
Tags: Too $hort, Get Off the Stage
Wu-Tang Producer RZA's Balancing Actnew
It's hard to think of a more ubiquitously iconic figure in hip-hop, or a more visionary individual: RZA doesn't just make beats and spit rhymes, he captures moods, drops depth-charge metaphors, and creates epic mythologies.
SF Weekly |
Eric K. Arnold |
12-05-2007 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: 8 Diagrams, The Wu-Tang Clan
Mistah F.A.B. Picks Up Where Hyphy Left Offnew
The relative newcomer represents both the present and the future of West Coast rap, as well as perhaps the best hope for the hyphy movement to transcend its regional appeal.
SF Weekly |
Eric K. Arnold |
05-31-2007 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Mistah FAB
Boss S-O-Vnew
British rapper Lady Sovereign conquers America.
SF Weekly |
Eric K. Arnold |
11-09-2006 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Lady Sovereign
Out of the Shadownew
DJ Shadow has crafted both exquisite beats and a carefully cultivated mystique -- find out from him why the lush trip hop is being replaced by the hyphy sound.
SF Weekly |
Eric K. Arnold |
09-18-2006 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: DJ Shadow
Beat Thisnew
RJD2 has an instinctive production style.
SF Weekly |
Eric K. Arnold |
05-08-2006 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: RJD2
