History of the American Economy as Told by Hip Hop Videos

Did you know that hip hop videos have been scientifically proven to subtly embody everything you need to know about the state of US popular and political culture? Proof in four easy examples: More »

The Return Of The B-Boy

Discussion: break dancing—cool, embarrassing, or some mixture thereof? A new film called "Planet B-Boy," opening tonight in New York, takes a look at break dancing across the globe—the type of thing that could spark a revived cultural moment for the niche urban phenomenon, like "Spellbound" did for spelling bees. The Times gives it a fairly positive review; the New York Sun kind of pans it, but what do they know about B-boys? I always considered them to be fun to watch, but not something I would ever personally become. Will we soon see nouveau break dancing battles across Soho and Williamsburg as the form gains a brief, ironic throwback popularity? Or will it remain consigned to circles in Union Square and Rock Steady anniversary parties? After the jump, the movie's trailer, and a clip from LOZ—the best b-boy crew that I ever saw up close—in action. DC stand up! More »

You Know, That Really NOTORIOUS One, It's a BIGGIE

When Fabolous was gunned down in Flatiron earlier this week, we were shaken in so many ways that one could be shaken, and could not help but think of other New York rappers whose skins were pierced by bullets. Neither could New York mag's Daily Intelligencer, who listed the "illustrious pantheon of New York MCs to get caught up with violence and cops". But there is one glaring omission, points out Razor Apple: Notorious B.I.G. More »

The RZA Takes Over 'Boldtype' Book Review. No, Seriously.

Contrary to popular belief, we are not mind-readers. As such, we really can't explain why monthly email book review Boldtype would have its spirtuality issue guest-edited by Wu-Tang Clan guru the RZA. Perhaps the Church Lady was unavailable. More »

May Ms. Force Be With You

Yvonne Force Villareal and Sandra Hamburg are the socialites du jour, say the trend-hounds at Sunday Styles. The duo's "heavy, sexy, disco-inspired, French existential gigolo" style is showcased on their new CD, Mothers Inc:

a collection of electropop rap songs about plastic surgery, breast-feeding and society galas at the Whitney and the Museum of Modern Art.

Coming up, a song about sipping from a surgically-enhanced breast at the Whitney or MOMA. —MG More »

Changes At The Source: Benzino Out, Lawsuits In

Friday evening, MTV reported that The Source magazine's co-founder Benzino (or Raymond Scott, as his parents like to call him) had resigned as Chief Brand Manager, citing problems with the publication being "too politically correct." And what timing! More »

Losing Your Bling Is Way Worse Than Being Fired

On Monday, our heavily SPF'd brother alerted us to the following news about hip-hop channel BET: More »

Touré Pulls A Basabe, But Means It

We're happy to report that Touré, he of the demurely unbuttoned shirts and suggestive hints of eyeliner, is not CNN's homosexual talking head. He's straight, everyone, and, just to prove it, he got married! To a girl! Sorry, boys, but you'll have to find another lover to whisper sweet, pop-cultured nothings: More »

Remainders: Another Day, Another Shooting At Hot97

· This week's winner of our creative music promotion award is Mr. 50 Cent, whose homies shot up the homies of another rapper named The Game while 50 Cent gave a radio interview dissing The Game. Follow that? No? Doesn't matter. [NYT] More »

Get Domestic Or Die Tryin'

The residents of quaintly moneyed Connecticut 'burb Farmington have their conservative panties in a bunch over tonight's big party being hosted by Farmington resident and bullet-addled rapper 50 Cent. The local folks don't see a lot of 50, but they know he's around: More »

And The Grammy For Most Disturbing Achievement Goes To...

...Political rapper John Eff Kennedy for Bomb the Hamptons. Kennedy is best known for, um, nothing, but he definitely deserves some last-minute recognition. A sampling of his angry lyrical talent: More »

Damon Dash To Make An Announcement!

A cryptic event from today's AP day schedule: More »

Sorry, Kid: Rock Out of Bush Inaugural

We usually leave this stuff to our D.C.-based sister, but we couldn't pass up telling you that Kid Rock has been dropped from playing at the Bush inauguration. More »

'New Yorker' Tips A 40 For The Late O.D.B.

Rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard (n e Russell Jones) may be gone, but his memory lives on. The New Yorker introduces us to a different Russell Jones, a 44 year-old Park Slope man who's been receiving missplaced calls for O.D.B. since 1996: More »

Damon Dash Does It For The Kids

Because executive-producing a film about pedophilia simply isn't enough, Roc-A-Fella co-founder Damon Dash is has created the Debonair Dash teddy bear. Available on eBay, the Debonair Dash bear is the perfect holiday present: More »

Jay-Z: More 'Def' Than Ever

The Times is reporting that rapper Jay-Z will likely head Vivendi Universal's Def-Jam records division. More »