Like many in such circumstances, the now-Maryland resident had some of his most lasting relationships not with his transient peer groups in Germany, New York, Georgia or Texas, but in emcees on the records and CDs he collected. Although Wordsmith rhymes as a youthful 30 year-old, his previous collaborative album with Chubb Rock ( Bridging The Gap ) and his Vintage Experience tip the hand that this is restorative Hip Hop music. …
(more…)

The release of rapper Nas’ 2006 album, Hip Hop is Dead, sparked an intriguing debate among hip-hop’s most avid followers. The artists’ proclamation was met with both concurrence and disdain. Some believe that hip-hop is not dead, but rather experiencing a change in rhythm.

“I don’t think hip hop is dead, it just lost its direction,” said Devin Cole, a third-year political science student from Tampa. …
(more…)