October marks the 15 year anniversary of OutKast’s charismatic, genre-juggling, mind-bending, cosmic funk escapade – Stankonia. And you would think that I, a fan of OutKast since they were just two dope boys in a Cadillac crumblin’ herb, would have known this off the top of my head. Nope. The thought of this milestone for the album […]
Read moreIn the name of all things lit, Keith Ape and the UNDERWATER SQUAD present to you the premier of the video for the IT G MA remix. Joining the orca ninjas to lend their hand at building up the flame are a few rappers that know a thing or two about going hammer all over a track: Waka […]
Read moreI woke up Saturday morning in L.A. with the thundering sounds from the freaky rain storm. Per customary wake up routine for pretty much everybody nowadays, you’re basically like, “F*ck it I’ll just get my ass out of bed and look at Instagram.” Some folks posted a new music video from The Black Eyed Peas and […]
Read more35 years in the game and counting, Stussy has had a huge year full of collaborations, and they haven’t shown any implication of slowing down. The iconic brand has been calling New York City its home for 25 years, and to celebrate that milestone they have released a collaboration with hip-hop legends A Tribe […]
Read moreIf you grew up in the early 90s and liked music, there’s no doubt that you’re familiar with the ubiquitous influence of Sean “P.Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records. Regardless of its controversial past, the iconic label is important to hip-hop for a lot of reasons. For one thing, it left a significant mark on the […]
Read moreRed Bull’s famed Sound Select series made its way to the City of Angels last night and showcased a ton of talent as Bilal, Thurz and Oddience hit the stage at the landmark club, The Echo. We were on hand to experience the tremendous line up and vibed out to all of the eclectic and […]
Read moreIf chivalry is not dead, then the rule “ladies first” should still apply in today’s world. Hip-hop is a race and men have always been in the lead. Despite being a male-dominated genre since its inception, female rappers have proven that women are fearless, strong and when united are not only capable of being a tough […]
Read moreLos Angeles’ melodical funk-hop masters, Overdoz, have just released their first official single for their upcoming album, 2008, entitled “Last Kiss”. The Pharrell-produced track is a vibey jaunt through the tales of lost love and lamenting over never getting the proper closure from one last kiss. With an infectious bass and Pharrell also providing backing vocals, Overdoz definitely […]
Read moreMartha Stewart got some competition as of today, because April 27th marks the day that the almighty Dipset crew has debuted a home accessories line on their website. So for all those real homebody G’s that want to “dip” their home furnishings in some Harlem flavor, look no further. The Diplomats are ready to take […]
Read moreThe year just tipped into March and three of rap’s biggest names already either dropped a project or they’re about ready to: Big Sean released “Dark Sky Paradise”, Kanye announced that “So Help Me God” is about 80 percent done and Drake released an album/mixtape out of nowhere, and is supposedly dropping another later this […]
Read moreYou knew 2015 was going to be a good year for rap when Dipset decides to make amends and create music again. The reunion has been off to a strong start, dropping two tracks earlier this year and now dropping the visuals for the next one, “Have My Money.” The video has a classic black […]
Read moreHip-hop’s holy grail is soon to make its wholly appearance before us. Wu-Tang Clan’s sole copy of their final album, “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” is said to be sold soon on an online auction site, Paddle8, as a private sale, which allows the clan themselves to select the appropriate bid that is representative […]
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For as much as we celebrate the cumulative highs of this past year, we still have to take note of all the silly lows that have gone hand in glove throughout hip-hop in 2014. Never forget these moments, because as they say, we must remember the past so history does not repeat its mistakes. And […]
Read moreOn the strength of the release of his new Designer EP, Thurz was invited on REVOLT Live for a quick chat and also to perform some of the fire cuts off the project. Check the video above to see him show out on stage with fellow Los Angeles talents, OverDoz, as they perform “The Big […]
Read moreAs far gone as hip-hop might be perceived to be from consciousness and knowledge, the original voice of the urban streets is still profound and effective when addressing vital issues within society. Though mainstream hip-hop music lacks a clear and distinct outlier in an emcee or group who champions a wise political or at the […]
Read moreFor hip-hop to rep so hard at the Sunset Strip Music Festival, a function that’s long been a hub for rock music, it speaks volumes on its tremendous progress here in Los Angeles and pop culture in general. Taking advantage of its new platform via the Murs316 stage, which was curated by proud LA rap legend […]
Read moreMarking their triumphant return from an eight year hiatus, underground hip-hop legends, Dilated Peoples are back. The LA-based crew, consisting of Evidence, DJ Babu and Rakaa Iriscience are releasing a new LP, Directors of Photography, on August 12, and will be promoting the album on a North American Tour. The tour will span nineteen major […]
Read moreLook Back At It is an on-going series highlighting the less than dope, but more than hilarious moments in hip hop history. This time, we’re taking y’all back to 2002, a time when The Weakest Link was a hit show and rappers like Xzibit, Da Brat and Jermaine Dupri had any semblance of relevance. Put […]
Read moreWith new rappers emerging in the hip-hop game, there is a growing trend to stand out. But entertainment has always been about who reigns unique. If your music doesn’t differentiate you from Rapper A to Rapper B, then you better start rocking a look that can’t be imitated. It’s not a gimmick, it’s all part […]
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THE 5TH ELEMENT MAGAZINE 