No. 1
FEATURES
the architect
Two words best describe Dr. Dre’s career in 2004: under construction.
mouth of the south
When Lil Jon talks, the hip-hop world listens. Good thing he drops pearls.
the long cut
It took a while for DJs to get the respect they deserve, yet judging from the results, it was worth the wait.
man at the top
The one and only Funkmaster Flex has built his career promoting others’ careers. Consider this some payback.
nottz so fast
In the time it took you to read this sentence, Nottz has created three beats. Imagine that.
DEPARTMENTS
element 78
How do you begin a magazine about the science of hip-hop? With the birthplace of DJing, of course. Not only that but we have rappers who are making beats; fishing with E-Double; Joey Fingaz on the art of the mixtape; the producer extraordinaire Sleepy Brown finally stepping out front; Danger Mouse spreading his good fortune; and two ladies—DJ Jun and Miri Ben Ari—who are guaranteed to blow a spot near you…soon.
boiling point
What do Denaun Porter, Emile, Digga, Chops and Red Spyda have in common? Well, besides being producers on the come-up, they are still keeping one foot in the underground scene. Which means that you are just as likely to see their beats alongside Eminem (Denaun Porter), 50 Cent (Red Spyda) and Kanye West (Chops) as you are on joints by Charlie 2na (Emile) and Stat Quo and Apathy (Digga).
the loop
Beyond just our no-hold’s-barred CD reviews of Wu brethren Ghostface and Method Man, as well as Lloyd Banks and the X-ecutioners, The Loop also features opinions and tributes to industry legends, featuring everyone from Easy Mo Bee, who imagines a world with Ready to Die 2004; a re-examination of the Gravediggaz debut; a visit to Timbaland’s Hall of Fame; and a final farewell to Jam Master Jay.
the lab
Whew. In addition to reviews of everything you need to start your hip-hop career, The Beatnuts and J-Rocc are cool enough to give you some step-by-step instructionals on how to do what they do. (Or at least try.) We also have the industry legend Pete Rock (above) testing some portable turntables and are providing you some never-before-seen turntable transcriptions. Why? So that you can learn to scratch like the masters.
In the Club
Why does NYC’s Club Cielo always sound so hot? This is why.
Re: Definition
The music. The medicine. The Man. Presenting Lil’ Flip.
Comments