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[News] Chris Brown Ordered To Remain On Supervised Probation

HipHopDX RSS Feed — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Despite his good behavior, Breezy will have to report to a Virginian probation officer.

Celebrating Dilla Six Years Later

Arasia Magnetic — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:40 +0000

“I’m so excited about his life. It’s such a celebration. How can you cry when you live to brighten the world with what he gave? I think his gift was something to brighten the world. So I’m just so super excited,” Ma Dukes

Six years ago today, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I received the news that Dilla passed away. Not quite sure how to take it I stopped working, turned off all the lights in my house, and played his music for the rest of the day; no interruptions.

I’ve seen and heard plenty of music from astounding artists throughout the years but none of them penetrated like Dilla. The love, energy, and precision he put into his music would send me into a complete trance. You hear people say this all the time but he TRULY was like no other. With an unrivaled ear for melodies, obscure samples, and the ability to take someone else’s beat and make it his own, Dilla was the best to ever do it…point-blank-period (I am still trying to process how he manipulated the samples for “Players” and “Find A Way.”) A complete genius behind and in front of the boards, he leaves behind one of the most luxuriant and enduring catalogs music has ever seen; not just Hip Hop. And to say his sound was unique serves absolutely no justice to his legacy. The world lost one of its brightest and most exuberant talents in Dilla but as Ma Dukes said in the aforementioned quote, he left behind so much music that the world loves, his legacy and the celebration of his contributions and life will continue on forever.

So as we take some time out to “Raise It Up” for Dilla and celebrate his life and extraordinary catalog of music, hit up the comments and share with us your favorite Dilla beat. And make sure to check for the new album, Rebirth of Detroit coming out soon as well as supporting the J Dilla Foundation, which helps fund music programs and scholarships for inner city youth.

Rest In Power

The Magnetic Mindset: The Dreamers

Arasia Magnetic — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:30:41 +0000

It started with a dream and became a reality…

Five years ago, Kevin had a dream. As a DJ and avid lover of music, he set out to create a destination for those that shared his tastes in music. In addition, he also wanted a place where he could rant (how many of you remember Kevin’s Rants?) In doing so, he embarked on a path that would lead him to being the namesake of the best underground Hip Hop site in the game. I know Mr. Nottingham, as I affectionately call him, had no idea that this dream would grow into what you see today. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Kevin and have come to understand him on a greater level than just the “unseen blogger.” Although he gets annoyed, I mean REALLY annoyed, he absolutely loves what he does and is truly amazed by what he has created and the community he’s built as a result of that dream.

So this past weekend, I imagined where I’d be had Kevin not had a dream. Would I be writing for a money driven publication that had no true understanding or commitment to Hip Hop? Maybe, I would be managing some upcoming artist or possibly raising kids with a husband although the latter is highly unlikely. Nevertheless, I hit play on iTunes and allowed it to be the soundtrack as my imagination drifted off. My music game is as scattered as the Republican Party, yet for some reason, iTunes continuously played Common tracks. I do have a sick Common collection (told ya’ll I’m a Stan) but I took it as a sign, because he is the ultimate underdog and dreamer…and so are we. Common has been in this game well over 20 years and has a true love and passion for Hip Hop. No matter how many mistakes or questionable moments he’s had, he always stands on the foundation of Hip Hop. It’s his air. He’s been shitted on, forgotten, laughed at, ridiculed, but he is still here doing it and is just now getting the recognition he should have received when he first told us he was as bad as Leroy Brown.

Now we don’t have 20 plus years like Rashid but we damn sure have been counted out, shitted on, made some dumb choices, have some forgettable moments, and have and remain the underdogs of this Hip Hop blogging world. And maybe we aren’t as bad as Leroy Brown, but five years later, we are still here; still going and still getting it all because we dare to dream. This entire staff that probably don’t realize it, share a [Common] dream (see how this works). We all dream about being a part of a site that exposes people to new music, one that challenges their thinking, connects them to others through agreements as well as difference of opinions, educates, acknowledges the history, but one that ultimately follows the FUBU mantra=for us, by us AND guided by US…those that live, breathe, know, respect, and love Hip Hop.

This year marks KN.com’s fifth anniversary and I’m determined to dream even bigger than I ever have. I am ridiculously proud to be a part of this site that has lasted five years and hasn’t lost its voice but enhanced it. And I hope that each of you will celebrate with the KN crew as we look back, laugh, ask what we were thinking, and appreciate where we started and where our dreams are going to take us for the next five years. So please enjoy our regular postings that you’ve come to love: Ripostes and Replays with Michael, Forgotten Classics with Jeff, New Music Tuesdays with Carsten, Who Flipped It Better with Morgan, and Salute The DJ with Jeremiah. And don’t forget to check our new columns with our scholarly professor Phillip, Form of Intellect, The Underground Rundown with Uptown Bobby, and an oldie, The Great Debate, which Alex has made all his own. Look out for some new offerings from Daniella and introduce yourself to our newest writer, Will also. And of course, the best damn editor in chief in the game, Justin AKA Archer AKA the breathing Hip Hop encyclopedia will also bring forth his Open Thought Surgery series as well as keep us up on all the haps in the underground world like only he can. We we will continue to bring interviews, reviews, and regular music that we rock with in addition to a few other surprises to commemorate five years and counting. So pop bottles for and with us as we pat ourselves on the back. Humble we are, but we earned this moment to be cocky so let us have it. Also, make sure to keep your ears to the street because you might just see the KN crew pop up with a stage and some of your favorite artists in your area. Until then, make sure to peep our very first posting, Blogging Is Sexy, to get a feel of our evolution. And while you are at it, take some time to stop and dream because you never know where it might take you….

“A letter to the people love always,”

Arasia Magnetic

Executive Editor

PS. Thank you Common. You too Mr. Nottingham (smile)

Lyric Jones: Jones St. [Artwork + Tracklist]

Kevin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:15:47 +0000

KevinNottingham.com got the jump on the artwork and tracklisting for the upcoming debut album, Jones St, from Lyric Jones. The Atlanta emcee has been hot on our radar since we caught wind of her last year. We were even fortunate enough to have her perform on our A3C Underground Express stage back in October. This album right here is one that I have been highly anticipating. Check the tracklist below and look for the album to drop next Tuesday, February 7th.

Appetizer Menu
Trapped In The City Lights
Gotta Go (feat Aleon Craft & Playboy Tre)
23rd St.
Where’s The Rent (Interlude)
Fearless (feat Young Scolla)
Loss On Repeat (feat Esperanza Spalding)
Tin Can
Sunshine (Remix)
Where You Atl – Lil John Roberts (Interlude)
Downtime (feat J-Live)
Mr. DC
Middle of The World
Sha Dop (feat StaHHr & Methuzulah)
Yousa ILL Emcee – Phife Dawg of ATCQ (Interlude)
20 Mins

Playdough: Road Doggin [Exclusive]

Justin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:09 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV28A8o6qYk

We here at KN.com are proud to bring you some exclusive footage of Playdough’s most recent tour in a video dubbed Road Doggin. The short film highlights the Deepspace5 member’s tour adventures from shows, backstage hilarity, freestyling in vans and more. Don’t forget to cop Playdough’s new album Hotdoggin, which is available now on iTunes.

Lil Wayne Shows Off His Trukfit Clothing Line in NYC (Exclusive Video)

Mikey Fresh — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:51:23 +0000

Weezy is taking this skateboarding all the way. Aside from popping up at different skateparks in the middle of the night, Lil Wayne has just launched his first skateboard-inspired clothing line. The brand, which he named Trukfit, is gearing up for a nationwide release at all Zumiez locations later this year. Earlier tonight, Wayne popped up at another private event for his new fashion venture. A small group of buyers and industry folk gathered at the Hotel Americano, where Trukfit’s founder made a surprise appearance. Dressed in a pink fitted and t-shirt, Wayne greeted guests and snapped a few flicks before retiring back to his VIP section. Yours truly was there to get some quick footage of his walk through.

Check out one of the first Trukfit t-shirts after the jump…

I think I own the first Trukfit shirt outside of the YMCMB camp. Keep your eyes peeled on ebay. ha!

MaLLy: Stomp Through [Audio] + Cloud Culture [Music Video]

Jeremiah — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:00:03 +0000

Fresh off the announcement of being selected to perform alongside Atmosphere, Kill The Vultures, Big Quarters and BK One on the annual Rhymesayers Welcome To Minnesota Tour MaLLy decided to premiere his new track “Stomp Through” and the video for “Cloud Culture” right here on KevinNottingham.com.

“Stomp Through” features Tigre (of Minneapolis Hip Hop group 925ve) on the hook and the dope production of Last Word. These three join forces to produce the perfect banger for a live show. MaLLy’s verses are filled with jabs and punches of trash talk, intellect, humor and wit all set to the perfect back drop provided by Last Word. Tigre executed the hook flawlessly, warning the masses that if they don’t run with us, you can get ran over.

The “Cloud Culture” video comes from MaLLy and The Sundance Kid’s free project, Free On The 15th, which was released earlier this year. On “Cloud Culture” we find MaLLy celebrating all the good things about life on the positive, party rocking production The Sundance Kid laid down.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBDvLZoFVJw

You can cop “Cloud Culture” and Free On The 15th via MaLLy’s Bandcamp now.

For information on or to cop tickets for the Welcome To Minnesota Tour check out Rhymesayers.com

Thug Vaticans (Hell Razah & Killah Priest): New Millennium Child [Exclusive]

Justin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:44:56 +0000

We’ve got yet another exclusive for you from Hell Razah, this time via his new duo formed with longtime collaborator & fellow Sunz of Man member Killah Priest. “New Millenium Child” gives fans a taste of what to expect from their Thug Vaticans album entitled The Lamb’s Supper, which will be released next year. Make sure you cop Razah’s new project Razah Reborn and look out for Priest’s highly anticipated The Psychic World Of Walter Reed that drops January 30th.

DOWNLOAD

[Videos] R&B Pick: McKenzie Eddy f. Murs – “Ice Cream Mountain”

HipHopDX RSS Feed — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:10:00 +0000

From McKenzie's "Slow Your Horse Down, Son." As she says, it's not ordinary.

Playdough: Hotdoggin [Music Video] (Exclusive)

Justin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:17:34 +0000

We here at KN.com are proud to premiere the new music video from Dallas emcee Playdough for the title track off his latest album Hotdoggin. The Deepspace5 collective member will be releasing an update version of the album, Hotdoggin With The Works, which features guest appearances by The Black Keys, Blackalicious member Gift Of Gab & Mr. Dibbs as well as production by Picnic Tyme. Also, don’t forget to check out Playdough’s recently released Wu-Tang tribute project with Heath McNease.