If you told the radio programmers of this show on the 23rd of February 1995 that Jay Z was going to be worth half a bil, own the Brooklyn Nets, marry one of the top Artists of the decade…they would have probably had you escorted out the studio.

It goes without saying that since the passing of Big L, hiphop culture has come to appreciate his legacy and his slaying caused the culture one of its greatest losses.

Big L who was at the time enjoying the moderate success off his debut a year prior, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”, introduced a younger Jay Z who was also featured on the album along with various other NY elite. #RIPBIGL #stoptheviolence

The big announcement is finally here and as usual in classic King Hov fashion the Jiggaman spares not a moment to be part of everything monumental involving hip-hop culture.

Jay Z and Philly mayor Michael Nutter, came together to announce that “Made In America”, a major event scheduled in Philly during the month of September is scheduled to take place.

Budweiser a long time collaborator of previous Jay Z ventures will sponsor the 2 day event and according to Jay, this will probably the beginning of something special.

Hip-hop has an interesting way of transcending through culture and still retaining its authenticity when conveyed right. From Kibera slums (Namba Nane/ Number one of the largest ghettos in Africa enters 8th Ave aka “The Rhyme Demon”.

The young, humble and charismatic MC/Producer responsible for one of the regions biggest records in 2011 “Tokelezea” by Abbass f Chantell , 8th Ave is on a mission to put his hood on the map.

During a recent visit to Nairobi fellow MC/Director, Noggz, (www.therealnoggz.com) caught wind of the young hopeful and was instantly inspired to direct his debut single “Telegram” which is slated to have any hip-hop head itching for that golden era feel once again.

RD is planning on releasing his debut EP as well as continue producing for the numerous other MC’s through his own “Pure Black Pro” Imprint and much more.

Keep an eye out for 8th Ave, he has a story to tell.

There isn’t a single person in the world who can rightfully say they are so full of themselves that there isn’t enough room for a slice of humble pie. That’s why it’s no surprise that after watching this interview of Timbaland reflecting on his life and career, one would find it difficult not to respect him. Tim Mosley, better known as Timbaland, sat down with The Breakfast Club and revealed things about himself that most fans probably never knew. Known for his own signature ‘bounce’ sound, Timbaland has proved himself time and again that he is no ordinary producer. There are things embedded in his persona that propelled him to be amongst the greatest musicians of our generation.

If almost 30 years of a career doesn’t speak volumes of the big homie Ice T, then we can always address the fact he has also made a mark in the film world.

The Film includes cameos from the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Big Daddy Kane, B-Real, Bun B, Chino XL, Common, DJ Premier to Nas, Kanye West, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg Q-Tip and many more.

The premise of the film is to talk about the art of rapping which as become the most forefront piece of the culture.
The film has already made its rounds in the festival circuit and its looking to be a monster smash this coming summer.

Just recently during a visit to Kenya, rapper 50 Cent joined forces with World Food Program to help fight the plague of starvation. Street King, a project launched by 50, was introduced to raise money in efforts to feed children in the region who suffer daily from the lack of nourishment. The name ‘Street King’ comes from an energy drink in which 50 is promoting, that is infused with natural caffeine and is reported to give its users about 6 hours of energy and focus. 50 was said to have been on his way to Somalia to launch the same type of campaign. There was not a lot of media attention attached to the rapper’s visit. It is not certain, but maybe his travels throughout the country was covertly done due to Somalian militants. 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, joins an elite group of artists who has stepped forward to utilize their fame or fortune to support Kenya’s efforts in uplifting their country and surrounding territories.
Even just a few weeks prior Rick Ross had a stop over in Nairobi Kenyans international Airport JKIA while in route to South Africa during his most recent tour.

Seems like there is a lot of attention on the region lately, could this be the East African renaissance in its beginning stages?

click here to check out Atlanta based, Kenyan MC Noggz latest interview/feature with HHABC

“Either you’re slingin’ crack-rock, or you’ve got a wicked jump-shot”. When Biggie spit that line back in 94, it became clear to the world that one’s odds of making it out of ghetto black America were slim to none.

Those words resonate clearly for a cat like Stalley who began with hoop dreams that an injury would eventually put a sudden end to. The Ohio native explained in a recent interview that following his injury that put an end to his once promising basketball career, he found himself strangely drawn to music and 4 years later signed to Rick Ross’s Maybach Music.

Sounds pretty simple huh?  but it was no cakewalk for the small-town dweller who found solace and inspiration in music. The monotony of a small town and get destructive, and the predictability of each and every encounter even the more draining.

“My thing is I just didn’t wanna end up being stuck there, ’cause a lot of people end up selling and using drugs or are just there, existing… says Stalley.

Stalley admits to having a desire to want to know more than what his small town dwelling allowed him to see. Years later, the newcomer seemingly humble and driven at the same time, displays a soulful grace through his music of which he credits towards his diverse taste.

With countless features on heavy rotation, an independent album “Lincoln Way Nights” already released and an MMG co-sign to say the leased, it is safe to say the Ohio native has a bright future ahead of him.

Canadian Based, Somali born rapper K’Naan expressed his dis-contempt for Republican hopeful Mitt Romney and his campaign team.

During Romney’s campaign recently, K’Naan’s song “Waving the Flag” was used during the Florida primary victory speech.

In a statement released on Wednesday the 1st, K’naan says Romney’s campaign didn’t seek approval to use the song and that he would not have granted either way.

“Wavin’ Flag” was an international hit for K’Naan in 2010 which was co-produced by Bruno Mars’ production team, The Smeezingtons.

K’Naan says, he would happily grant President Barack Obama’s campaign the use of the song and he also wants to make sure Romney does not use his song again and is seeking legal action.

This is a very bold statement for any artist to make considering it is usually the artists especially hip-hop artists who get the back hand from public officials more than not.

Stella Mwangi, Famous for the songs Take it Back, Haba Haba, Biacara, and Lookie Lookie, lost her father Jeff Mwangi Kwirikia to a hit and run accident in their resident Norway.

The Norwegian based Stella has been promoting her latest single HULA HOOP! feat Mohombi which has faired well in various Afrcan, Caribbean and European charts.

The vehicle involved in the accident is believed to be dark brown, blue or blank in color, and possibly a Partner ot Berlingo. Police in Norway are asking for anyone who may have information that might lead to the location of the runaway car or driver to call them at 99487751.

Stella’s family relocated to Norway in 1991. STL, has released several hits in Kenyan and international markets over the years. Her song “Haba Haba” topped Norway’s official singles chart in week 6 of 2011. For more on STL click here.

Hate him, like him, disregard him but Zino aka Ray Dog has had his brief moment in hip-hop.

1st as co-owner of hip-hop’s once most influential magazine “The Source”, which was once called “The Bible of Hip-Hop” during its hey day, a somewhat mediocre rap career, Benzino is definitely a notable figure to recognize.

Although he is better known for his infamous beef with Eminem, Zino managed to produce his strongest hit to date, the Mario Winans assisted “Rock The Party”. During late 2002, early 2003 “Rock The Party” saw him “almost” rise to stardom. The record would top various rap charts and then a remix featuring “Lil Kim and Petey Pablo” would follow shortly after.