Hip hop artist, record producer, actor, screenwriter, film producer, and director, Ice Cube, stopped by Sway in the Morning to promote his new movie, Ride Along, which is in theaters now. He explained to us why the funny movie, featuring Kevin Hart, was shelved for 10 years — and why the movie industry generates more income than the music industry.
Transcending from the topic of film to music, Cube tells us that the NWA movie has gotten it’s start, and that Dr. Dre is on board as a producer, and all rights were cleared from Eazy E’s estate. Cube also tells us that he is working on his next album, Everythang’s Corrupt, and reveals his personal list of the greatest… “Melly Mel, Rakim & Chuck D,” he tells Sway.
They couldn’t let him leave without kicking a freestyle though! Watch above, plus catch his new movie, Ride Along, in theaters now.
DJ Revolution hangs out with Marco in New York . They go record digging and listen to music from ‘PA2: The Director’s Cut’ on their Journey through New York. They also go through the process of making a beat.
Rapper R.A. the Rugged Man shares his thoughts on rappers promoting the Illuminati with imagery in their music videos and clothing, which he says is just a trend that doesn’t amount to anything. He adds that the people promoting such imagery aren’t a part of a secret society, claiming “they’re nothing.”
Rugged man then explains why he thinks “fashion rappers” are only going to last as long as their image, giving them 2 years tops until they go away.
UK producer Endemic brings us the second in his ‘Terminal Illness’ series, and it is a triumph in grimy but soulful production, a great selection of potent lyricists and just enough of a range of subjects to keep the project entertaining throughout.
Although hailing from the UK, Endemic has recently relocated to the US, and seems to have landed on his feet, as the guestlist on ‘Terminal Illness 2′ is a whos who of US underground talent including Ruste Juxx, Afu-Ra, Killah Priest, Tragedy Khadafi (who smashes every tune he is on!), Roc Marciano and many more, as well as a smattering of top draw UK Rappers (M9, Ray Vendetta, Cyrus Malachi and Tesla’s Ghost, who all more than hold their own on tracks with their US Counterparts).
This album has got a real 90’s feel to it, which is only fitting considering the certified credentials of the rappers involved, and is a must for anyone who misses the grimy sound of the 90’s underground.
Although the majority of the tracks are showcases for the skills of the rappers, topics such as government corruption ( Political Criminals 2013 Ft. P.R. Terrorist, Bugsy da God & Cyrus Malachi) and police brutality ( Babylon Reload Ft. Killah Priest, Hell Razah & Shabazz the Disciple) are also covered.
Usually it is fairly easy to pick 2 or 3 standout tracks, but really the whole album is a pleasure to listen to, but if I had to choose I would say ’20/20 Vision’ Feat Tragedy Khadafi, Skyzoo, Kevlaar 7 & Salute da Kidd, ‘High Society’ Feat. Tragedy Khadafi, Ruste Juxx & Afu Ra and ‘Circle Makerz’ Ft. Tesla’s Ghost & Ray Vendetta as my pick of the bunch.
All in all a quality release filled with sick verses and classic production, for fans of that classic sound and dope lyrics this is well worth a listen!
Words: Chris.
Endemic’s ‘Terminal Illness 2’ is OUT NOW!
Tracklist…..
Intro Ft. DJ Switch
King’s Indian Attack Ft. Masta Killa, Cappadonna, Bronze Nazareth & DJ Switch
High Society Ft. Tragedy Khadafi, Ruste Juxx & Afu Ra
Purple Hearts Ft. Bronze Nazareth, Kevlaar 7 & Salute da Kidd
Royal Flush Ft. Planet Asia, Ruste Juxx & DJ Switch
Capos Ft. Roc Marciano, P.R. Terrorist & Kevlaar 7
Outbreak [Interlude]
Babylon Reload Ft. Killah Priest, Hell Razah & Shabazz the Disciple
Political Criminals 2013 Ft. P.R. Terrorist, Bugsy da God & Cyrus Malachi
Circle Makerz Ft. Tesla’s Ghost & Ray Vendetta
Calisthenics Ft. Tragedy Khadafi, Sav Killz & Bugsy da God
Elite [Interlude]
Cardinal Ft. Supreme, Darkim be Allah & DJ Switch
20/20 Vision Ft. Tragedy Khadafi, Skyzoo, Kevlaar 7 & Salute da Kidd
Diamond Knights Ft. Prodigal Sunn, William Cooper & M9
This throwback footage features Ice T as he sat down with DJ Julio G of L.A.’s 92.3 The Beat, to speak on his lacking presence on the radio years ago, and how he managed to stay very relevant in Hip-Hop without radio help. Ice spoke about being a “real” man in the Hip-Hop culture and that he “ain’t gonna be a radio rat” and suck up to various radio personalities just to have his music played.
He also explained that his music is “hardcore” in the sense that when people would hear it they want to fight someone, whereas other rappers make music that appeals to women. He stated that he was a fan of Jay Z but he also acknowledged that Jay and many others rappers coming up back then made music which would appeal to women and he stated that if a man’s girlfriend liked the song, it was “wack.”
The first installment of The Bring Back Rap Show, a mix of performance & light hearted interview, designed to shed more light on the UK underground scene….
Tesla’s Ghost a member of UK collective Triple Darkness speaks about his new music, rap politics and the trials and tribulations of the great Nikola Tesla…
hiphoplifeandtimes 