Can Diddy save New York hip hop?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Hip hop originated in New York City, but was losing its grip on the hip hop game by the late 1980s. By the early 1990s, the West Coast had completely taken over the game. When New York needed new life breathed into them, it was Diddy, then known as Puff Daddy, who assmebled the team, which brought them back.

Def Jam is known as the mecca of hip hop. While there were hip hop record labels before Def Jam, they were run by older people, who did not quite understand hip hop. By the early 1990s, Def Jam did not quite understand current hip hop. In the end, Bad Boy Records revived the hip hop scene in New York.

With New York hip hop in ruins, once again, Def Jam is still not the label the people are turning to. Two of the biggest buzzing rappers from the City of New York are Red Cafe and French Montana. Two years ago, Diddy announced his re-focus on Bad Boy Records and announced he signed Red Cafe to the label, intending on making him the new flagship artist of the label.

Red Cafe is currently gearing up for his debut album and he is pounding the mixtape scene with a number of new releases. Along with the releases are coming music videos, which also showcase Red Cafe's artists who are signed to his Shakedown label. Diddy also managed to sign the entire Shakedown roster to his Bad Boy imprint, which is distributed by Interscope Records. For years, Diddy has been focused on his other business ventures, but his re-focus on his original business is doing wonders for hip hop.

Diddy is also negotiating with one of New York's hottest underground rappers, French Montana. Much like current Bad Boy artist, Red Cafe, French Montana is the head of his own label, Cocaine City. The roster boasts several other artists. If Diddy does end up signing French Montana, the entire Cocaine City roster will be included in the deal. Bad Boy Records has been compared to Def Jam, which distributed several sub-labels during their heyday, including Roc-A-Fella and Murder Inc.

With the new deal at Interscope Records, Diddy can establish the same sort of deal and distribute several labels in the New York area. The talent in New York remains there, but the exposure is what was lacking until recent years. Instead of waiting on the major label deals and the cameras, New York artists began creating their own labels, again, and turned on their own cameras. Now, they are catching the attention of the power-players, can Diddy be the man to put these people out?

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The Rise of J. Cole, over the years

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The world is just getting to know J. Cole, but the hip hop world has been well aware of Jermaine for over three years. While hip hop fans may know a bit about J. Cole, few know the overall story. J. Cole, while from the South, does not fit the stereotypical mold of being a rapper from the South.

Since the age of fourteen, J. Cole has been rapping. While he grew up in a tough city, J. Cole kept his head in the books. This led to him going to St. John's University on an academic scholarship. During this time, J. Cole often displayed his raps and songs. Upon graduating, he released his debut mixtape.

His debut mixtape, The Come Up, gained acclaim for the single, "Lights Please." The song helped establish J. Cole as an artst and it eventually was heard by Jay-Z. At the time, Jay-Z was preparing to leave his longtime home, Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam, for his new label, Roc Nation. One clause in his contract with Def Jam was Jay-Z having to leave his Roc-A-Fella artists behind.

Needing to start fresh, Jay-Z was looking for fresh talent, so he signed J. Cole in 2008. Jay-Z spent most of 2008 establishing his Roc Nation label. In 2009, Jay-Z started working on The Blueprint 3. J. Cole decided to keep himself hot and he released his second mixtape, The Warm Up. The mixtape also contained "Lights Please" and was met with more critical acclaim than most of the albums released in 2009. After releasing two successful mixtapes, many fans were wondering when J. Cole's debut album would be released.

J. Cole promised fans his debut album would be released in 2010. Before the summer, J. Cole released a single, "Who Dat." The song received massive radio play in his native, North Carolina. "Who Dat" also did well in other markets, but no album release date was scheduled. With Roc Nation shifting their focus to the young daughter of Will Smith, Willow Smith, J. Cole released another mixtape. Friday Night Lights was also met with a strong critical reaction, but no album came.

Despite not having an album out, J. Cole's mixtapes were doing very well and he had songs in radio rotation, even music videos. Aside from his own work, many mainstream artists were featuring J. Cole on their albums. While the collaborations and mixtapes were nice, fans still patiently waited on J. Cole to release his debut album. During the summer of 2011, J. Cole said his album would be released on September 27 and not a day later.

But, with no music being released, many were beginning to give up on J. Cole. It was then when J. Cole prepared to release Cole World: The Sideline Story. Now, J. Cole is one of the biggest names in overall entertainment. With his album not even a month old, J. Cole is already working on his second album. Much like his mentor, Jay-Z, J. Cole intends to release a new album every year. On the mixtape level, J. Cole managed to give fans a new release every other year, with his singles keeping the fans entertained.

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Has Rick Ross become 50 Cent?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

By 2008, it was clear Rick Ross was more than a one hit wonder, but he was on a collision course with 50 Cent. In the months prior, 50 Cent had dissed Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled. His own G-Unit movement was losing its fan base rapidly and the movement led by DJ Khaled was taking over.

DJ Khaled's We The Best movement was not yet a record label, just an assembly of artists. Lil Wayne and Plies were clearly the more popular artists from the group. Rick Ross, at the time, was more of a background figure. However, he had plans of changing the landscape.

The year of 2008 was eventually dominated by Lil Wayne and T.I., but Rick Ross had 2009. 50 Cent was also working on a comeback album and sending more disses towards artists affiliated with DJ Khaled. Early in 2009, Rick Ross released "Mafia Music," which contained a 50 Cent diss, poking fun at his baby mama drama.

The first half of 2009 consisted of Rick Ross and 50 Cent trading disses. 50 Cent, who was having issues with his record label, Interscope Records, boasted of how he would soon take over Def Jam. Once he took over the label, 50 Cent said he would block all moves made by Rick Ross and DJ Khaled. During this period of time, Rick Ross' name was in the headlines every day. Ross used this to his advantage, introducing his group, Triple C's, to the world and his Maybach Music Group.

50 Cent claimed victory in the feud, as did Rick Ross. At the end of the day, Rick Ross won, as his singles gained increasingly more radio play. By 2010, Rick Ross had become the biggest, active rapper in the South, prompting many hip hop publications to ask if Ross had become the "King of the South." One thing was clear, though, Rick Ross was a force to be reckoned with. His summer anthem, "B.M.F.," with Styles P, had taken over urban radio and Ross was on to better things.

Rick Ross promised he would be all over all forms of the media, in 2011, and he has lived up to the promise, with his God Forgives, I Don't album coming right before Christmas 2011. While he does not release diss records, Rick Ross is involved in a beef with Young Jeezy. Rick Ross usually releases a new album every year. Before Rick Ross landed on Def Jam, Young Jeezy did this. Now, Young Jeezy cannot even land a secure release date without something happening.

During a recent interview, Rick Ross was asked if he was behind this and he acted as if he was. When he was feuding with 50 Cent, Rick Ross was against his bullying tactics. During 50 Cent's feud with D-Block, who happened to be his Interscope label-mates, 50 was behind their album delays. Two years after he conquered the giant, has Rick Ross become the monster he set out to destroy?

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50 Cent vs. Lupe Fiasco feud?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Even during his days as a mixtape rapper, 50 Cent was known as one of hip hop's biggest forces. In 2003, 50 Cent released his commercial debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin', which was laced with disses aimed at Ja Rule. At the time, Ja Rule was the biggest rapper in the game, 50 Cent took that role.

On his second album, The Massacre, 50 Cent moved on from his feud with Ja Rule. While he still dissed his foe, 50 Cent began dissing Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and Nas. Because of this, Game, then a member of G-Unit, separated himself from 50 Cent. This led to a feud between the label-mates.

50 Cent sparked a feud with Cam'ron before the release of his third album, Curtis. At the same time, 50 Cent found common ground with Jadakiss. It has become clear what 50 Cent does when it is time for him to release a new album. 50 boasted of how he may decide to release a new album this year.

For his new "Street King" movement, 50 Cent has been releasing a new track every day. While the movement is for a worthy cause, 50 Cent took shots at Lupe Fiasco. After being out of the limelight for four years, Lupe Fiasco returned with his chart-topping album, Lasers. The album solidified Lupe Fiasco as the new socially-concious figure in hip hop. For the most part, Lupe Fiasco has stayed away from beef, but he had a minor tiff with Soulja Boy last December.

With 50 Cent apparently taking shots during a time when beef is more of a joke than a true competition, will Lupe Fiasco respond to 50 Cent, or will be invite him to dinner?

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Should Birdman take over at Def Jam?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Coming out of his hiatus, Irv Gotti discussed a series of topics with MTV's RapFix. Among the things Irv Gotti talked about was Def Jam. The label was seen as the mecca of hip hop, but things have not been the same over the past few years. Gotti said hip hop without Def Jam is a problem.

During his interview, Irv Gotti said he was discussing this issue with Jimmy Iovine, the head of Interscope Records. When he was talking with Jimmy Iovine, he told him the new label in hip hop is Cash Money. Irv Gotti pointed out how there is no denying Cash Money, but it is no Def Jam.

Throughout the course of hip hop, there have been several other labels. Bad Boy Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, and Irv's own label, Murder Inc., have been met with success. Despite their success, Irv Gotti said there will never be another Def Jam. Even though hip hop is still successful, Irv Gotti said Def Jam has to be the focal point of hip hop.

Def Jam has been very successful over the years and has continued to dominate with the ever-popular artists on their label, Kanye West, Ace Hood, and Rick Ross, among others. While Def Jam is dominating, it is not the way it used to be. Cash Money Records, on the other hand, has had a legacy, which has rich history in its own right. Before he decided to rap, Birdman was simply known as one half of the CEOs of Cash Money, back when the label was still on the local level in New Orleans.

Cash Money Records has experienced all types of success and has a nice deal with Universal Records, which has allowed sub-labels, such as Young Money, to emerge. Def Jam had a similar deal, during its early days, with Columbia Records. However, Def Jam was purchased by MCA, which eventually morphed into the Universal Music Group. Currently, Cash Money Records is riding its third wave of success, with the first being on the local level, the second being the Hot Boyz, run and then there is now.

Birdman and Slim are obviously doing the right things to make Cash Money successful. Irv Gotti said the first thing Def Jam needs is a real CEO who cares. While he wants the job, he is willing for anyone, who is able, and who cares, to take the job. Irv Gotti is even ready to see his rival, Chris Lighty, take over the label if he wants to. Of course, Birdman is under contract with Universal Records for several years. But, if things were different, could Birdman be the person to right the ship at Def Jam?

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Is French Montana the next King of New York?

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

New York is where hip hop was born. For decades, New York single-handedly dominated the rap game. However, in the late 1980s, the West Coast took over the game. New York hip hop suffered until the 1994 emergence of The Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records.

Following the feud between the East and West Coast, New York hip hop continued to dominate. However, in the 2000s, Southern hip hop emerged and took over the game. For well over ten years, the South has dominated because of their unity.

The problems in the New York hip hop scene have been magnified, but the West Coast was also struggling, until recently. Aside from the veterans, no New York rappers are having success. Papoose, Mims, and Saigon have been among the names picked to revive the mecca.

Papoose and Saigon both met their downfalls when they could not secure release dates. Mims, on the other hand, had a fast start, but quickly evaporated. Currently, New York hip hop is being held up by Nicki Minaj, best-known as a part of Young Money. Recently, Papoose returned to the headlines when he proclaimed himself as the king of New York.

Bad Boy rapper, Red Cafe, rebuffed those claims, saying Papoose does not have enough buzz to even be considered in the running for king of New York. While Red Cafe is signed to Bad Boy Records and has such stars as Akon, among others, in his corner, he does not have much buzz, either. French Montana, on the other hand, is making the most buzz, both in and out of New York.

Currently in talks of signing with Maybach Music, French Montana has taken several flights back and forth to the city of Miami to speak with Rick Ross. Even if he does not sign with Maybach Music, French Montana is working with the top DJs, producers, and executives in the game. If being the king of New York is simply based off buzz and popularity, French Montana is easily the king of New York.

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Will Lil Wayne respond to 50 Cent this time?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last week, 50 Cent took shots at Lil Wayne and Game on his new song, "Love, Hate." This is not the first time 50 Cent has decided to go after Lil Wayne. 50 Cent was used to being the focal point of the hip hop scene. However, by 2007 his popularity had waned and the people wanted more of Lil Wayne.

Angry because he was losing his grip with the fans, 50 Cent was no fan of Lil Wayne. Adding insult to injury, Lil Wayne was also friends with many of 50 Cent's rivals. Lil Wayne performed the hook on the popular Fat Joe single, "Make it Rain." Ja Rule even turned to Wayne for a verse on his comeback single, "Uhh Ohhh!"

Lil Wayne's popularity and choice of friends gave 50 Cent the ammo to go after him. Despite the disses from 50 Cent, Lil Wayne refused to give him a response. Wanting an Eminem collaboration, Lil Wayne said he may start a feud with Em if he did not reply to his messages. However, each time 50 Cent said something, Lil Wayne chose to ignore it.

In 2008, it turned out Lil Wayne had intentions of dissing 50 Cent. A freestyle called "Louisianimal" leaked to the internet and it was obviously Lil Wayne taking shots at 50 Cent. Nearly a month after the song came out, 50 Cent questioned why Lil Wayne dissed him. In response, Lil Wayne's team said the song was recorded in 2007, while 50 Cent was dissing him. By 2008, Lil Wayne and 50 Cent had almost become friends, shaking hands at the 2008 BET Awards.

Early in 2009, 50 Cent made plans for a major feud with Lil Wayne. However, a diss from Rick Ross entirely changed the dynamics. 50 Cent shifted his focus to Rick Ross, nearly forgetting all about Wayne. In the time since then, Lil Wayne has released more albums and has continued to dominate the radio waves and the charts. Rick Ross has also experienced much success, with fans and fellow hip hop artists giving him props as the biggest rapper in the game.

Now, 50 Cent is releasing new music in hopes of getting his spot back. On his "Love, Hate" song, 50 Cent responds to Game's frequent disses and takes aim at Lil Wayne. With Lil Wayne holding the top spot in the game, will he respond to 50 Cent's disses. Usually non-confrontational, Lil Wayne has already decided to go after Jay-Z, with his "It's Good" track. Will Lil Wayne now refocus his energy on 50 Cent, the hip hop bully, and come out with more lyrical ammo.

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Can Red Cafe return Bad Boy Records to Prominence?

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Early in its run, Bad Boy Records dominated the game. The label quickly built around The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans. Founded by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, Bad Boy Records was quickly becoming a second-generation Def Jam. While Combs established himself a new-and-improved Russell Simmons, B.I.G. never had the chance to have a legacy like LL Cool J, as he was brutally murdered.

Bad Boy Records has had a number of hits over the past fourteen years, but the label has never had another flagship artist like their original. Immediately following Biggie's death, Mase became the new face of the label. However, during the promo run of his sophomore album, Mase decided to quit rap to become a preacher.

In 1999, Shyne became the new flagship artist for Bad Boy, but he was soon arrested and serving time in prison. Loon stepped up to the plate in 2003, but his career quickly fizzled, also. In 2009, Combs announced he had signed Red Cafe to the label. During the fall, Bad Boy Records left Atlantic Records for a new deal at Interscope Records. Diddy said Red Cafe would now be the focal point of Bad Boy Records.

Aside from being Bad Boy's new flagship artist, Red Cafe was also the head of his own Shakedown movement. Red Cafe has been working for well over five years, trying to gain exposure and release his debut album. After two years of delays, on Bad Boy, Diddy announced Red Cafe would soon be taking his rightful place as the new flagship artist of Bad Boy Records. Red Cafe also discussed the situation and announced his debut album would be released on Valentine's Day 2012.

But, for nearly ten years, Bad Boy Records has been struggling. Bad Boy Records has been struggling two years longer than the New York hip hop scene. Long before his Bad Boy days, Red Cafe was said to be the artist who would return New York to hip hop prominence. Now, he is being hailed as the man who can make the same happen for Bad Boy Records. However, Red Cafe does not have much more buzz than any of the other New York rappers in the game.

Once Red Cafe gets the Bad Boy machine behind him, will he be able to re-ignite New York hip hop and, in turn, place Bad Boy Records back on top of the game?

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What if Roc-A-Fella Records had never Split?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Sixteen years ago, Jay-Z was a street hustler trying to go legit. He had teamed up with Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke to launch his own record label. Jay-Z had attempted to get signed by major labels, but none of them saw his vision. The trio's hail mary attempt was starting their own record label, Roc-A-Fella Records.

In 1996, Jay-Z released Reasonable Doubt and Roc-A-Fella Records took off. Memphis Bleek also signed to the label, while Jaz-O, a mentor, of sorts, to Jay-Z, and Sauce Money were expected to. For one reason or another, they never signed to the label. Roc-A-Fella Records soon established a distribution deal with Def Jam and hit it big.

Before the end of 1997, Jay-Z had a platinum album under his belt and was quickly becoming a big name in hip hop. By 1998, Jay-Z became the biggest rapper on the planet, propelled by his "Hard Knock Life" single. Soon, Def Jam was using Jay-Z to spin off the careers of DMX and Ja Rule. Because of Jay-Z's initial flame, both rappers went on to achieve much success. Back at Roc-A-Fella Records, the label added several rappers from Philadelphia, which became State Property.

When the 2000s emerged, Roc-A-Fella Records had become the biggest hip hop label in the game. Every rapper in the game wanted to be a part of the movement. If an artist did not want to sign to the Roc, they wanted a beat from one of the in-house producers. Due to the success they were having, Damon Dash decided the company should branch out, which led to the 1999 launch of Rocawear. Corporate giants were watching Roc-A-Fella Records, as they had become much more than an independent record label.

Most independent record labels were founded when an artist had trouble getting signed. After creating one hit, the label gets picked up by a bigger label and the star makes hits. Roc-A-Fella Records bucked the trend and continued to sign more artists. Not only was Roc-A-Fella Records signing artists, they were also helping artists out with their movements. Beanie Sigel created State Property Records under the Roc, Memphis Bleek's Get Low label was founded in 1998, under Roc-A-Fella Records.

Roc-A-Fella Records' biggest move came in 2001, when Cam'ron was signed. Being from Harlem, Cam'ron knew Damon Dash and the two were friends. Cam'ron was also the head of his own label, Diplomat Records and he came to Roc-A-Fella for a deal. Unlike other artists signed to Roc-A-Fella, Cam'ron had buzz before signing to the label. Previously, Cam'ron had a deal with Sony Records. But, in 2002, he had the biggest hit of his career with "Oh Boy" and his only platinum album, to-date, Come Home with Me.

By 2003, it was clear Roc-A-Fella Records was much more than hip hop, with a film division, a clothing line, subsidiary labels, and a liquor brand. The major corporate players had watched long enough and they decided it was time to make an offer. Def Jam offered to buy complete control of Roc-A-Fella Records and offer an executive role to Jay-Z. Already worth well over $100 million, Jay-Z would have been well without the role with the company.

However, a behind the scenes beef with his partners prompted Jay-Z to move with Def Jam. But, had their not been any beef, Roc-A-Fella Records could have either turned Def Jam down, or made a counter-move. Either way, the label could have continued to run the game. Had Roc-A-Fella Records turned Def Jam down, they could have easily established a new deal with another label, which could have been much more lucrative.

A bigger focus could have been placed upon the sub-labels, building their stars. With Kanye West emerging, the Roc-A-Fella movement could be what the Cash Money movement currently is. Cash Money Records has big names, such as Bow Wow and Lil Wayne and is also the head of the Young Money movement. It could have been the same way for Roc-A-Fella Records and Jay-Z could have been just as rich, if not richer, had the partners been able to stay together.

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Can Rick Ross ascend to true "Boss" status?

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

If confidence could translate into record sales, Rick Ross would have broken Thriller's record on his first mixtape. Rick Ross released his debut album, in 2006, and boldly called himself the boss. His Trilla album featured his breakout single, "The Boss."

Over a short period of time, Rick Ross has risen to become one of the biggest names in rap. In 2011, Rick Ross has been the most-popular rapper, without even releasing any music of his own. His collaborations have been enough to keep him out there.

Rick Ross had a similarly dominating year, last year. His album of the year, Teflon Don, only went gold, but his two singles, "B.M.F." and "Aston Martin Music," were immensely popular. This year, when Ross releases God Forgives, I Don't, he said he will officially take over the game.

On the collaborative side of things, Rick Ross has already replaced Lil Wayne. But, his own solo work has yet to match his popularity, sales-wise. Last year, Rick Ross boldly predicted Teflon Don would break the 10 million mark in sales. This year, Rick Ross is not predicting sales, but he promised his new album would turn him into hip hop's go-to guy.

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What is the Problem with Skinny Jeans in Hip Hop?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In recent years, Jay-Z has been the biggest figurehead in hip hop. But, in 2003, he decided to leave the rap game for the corporate world. In 2006, Jay-Z came back to "save hip hop." During this period of time, several rappers opposed Jay-Z. Lil Wayne also rose to the top of the game, giving way to new artists and a new style.

Hip hop in the post-American Gangster 2007-2008 period, hip hop was dominated by auto-tune and childish rhymes. The style of dress with hip hop artists also changed. No longer were rappers wearing the baggy pants, they had traded them in for the skinny jeans. Jay-Z again returned to the game in 2009, pointing this all out.

On the song, Jay-Z rapped "you boys' jeans too tight.' But, what many tend to forget is the original members of hip hop wore tight jeans. Before his NWA days, Dr. Dre was a member of the World Class Wrecking Crew. During this time, Dr. Dre was not a gangsta rapper dressed in the rough clothes, he was wearing tight jeans.

Grandmaster Flash and many other hip hop figures wore the tight pants and there was no opposition to it and no criticism. During the 1990s, when hip hop truly became commercial, rappers began wearing the baggy pants, as a way to rebel to the older people. Many older people viewed hip hop as negative and the young rap stars fed into this, rebelling against the older generation. Now, hip hop has moved back to the pants that fit, why is this such a major problem when the original figures of hip hop wore the skinny jeans?

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Will Drake top "Thank Me Later" with "Take Care"

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

When Drake signed with Young Money, his mixtape fans could not wait for him to release his debut album. In 2009, Drake collaborated with many big names. His "Forever" single displayed Drake's abilities against the likes of Kanye West, Eminem, and Lil Wayne.

In 2010, Lil Wayne began his prison sentence and Drake was told to hold the Young Money team down. Right before spring, Drake released his debut single, "Over." Quickly, the song became a hit, getting significant radio play.

During the summer of 2010, Drake released Thank Me Later and it was met with mostly-positive reviews, plus the two summer singles, "Find Your Love" and "Miss Me." Aside from the singles, the album did well with collaborations with Jay-Z and Young Jeezy. Before the end of 2010, Drake was already discussing his next album, saying it would be much better than his debut.

Despite not having any music of his own out, Drake still dominated during the summer of 2011. Being featured on all the biggest songs helped Drake keep his name out there. Before the end of summer, Drake released his "Headlines" single, which has received moderate radio play. On his second album, Drake is not going to benefit from dropping during the summer. Instead, he is going to drop in the fall.

From a sales-wise standpoint, can Drake top his previous effort. With his debut album, Drake already had two singles generating significant radio play. So far, his second album only has one single out and it is not receiving much play as his initial singles did. Still, he has another top twenty hit and his lyrical abilities have vastly improved.

However, overall, will Take Care do better than Thank Me Later both sales-wise and with critical reception.

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Can DMX take over the Rap Game again?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Released from prison, DMX headed straight into the studio and began recording new music. A free man, once again, DMX is determined to take over the game. Well over a decade ago, DMX was the man in hip hop. There was no one tougher or more gruesome than Dark Man X.

Not only was DMX considered the ultimate thug rapper, he also starred in hip hop's version of Goodfellas, Belly. The film was not met with much acclaim outside of hip hop, but DMX was credited for playing a role much similar to himself. DMX reigned supreme for a few years, before he struggled to sell.

In 2001, DMX's popularity began to wane, but he still remained relevant because of his previous hits. By 2003, DMX had decided to retire from the game. A short three years later, he returned with his album, Year of the Dog... Again. The album was met with mixed reviews and critics were ready to count DMX out.

Unfazed, DMX began recording his next album, which has still yet to come. There have been numerous changes to the album, including a double album released on the same day. One album was going to be hardcore and the other album was going to be gospel. However, DMX's drug use got the best of him and he was arrested for various crimes. In 2009, DMX was sent to prison and began serving a two-year sentence, which he was recently released from.

DMX's career had been on the decline for ten years, his label and legal issues only made matters worse. As a free man, DMX still had trouble finding a label to release his album. DMX has returned to the Ruff Ryders, but they had trouble releasing Eve's album. With his popularity down, anyways, and a less-than-perfect label situation, can DMX defy the odds and take over the game the way he did in 1998?

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Jay-Z is still Hip Hop's most influential Rapper

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

This summer, Jay-Z made a brief return to the rap game and quickly became the focal point. He was one half of Watch the Throne with Kanye West. While the duo, as The Throne, set an iTunes record, they were quickly replaced by Lil Wayne.

There had been several rumors about Watch the Throne's release date. Many felt the album had been shelved. Right when fans had given up, "Otis" was released. Within hours, the song had been sampled by Game, who dissed Jay-Z.

Following Game, several rappers began freestyling over the "Otis" track. Both veteran rappers, current stars, and newcomers flowed over the track. Once Watch the Throne was released, rappers began freestyling over the other tracks.

The biggest hip hop release of the year was Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV. However, "It's Good" has been the most-publicized track off the album. "It's Good" sticks out because Lil Wayne disses Jay-Z in his verse on the song. His diss stems from Birdman's frequent Jay-Z insults, which led to a Jay-Z swipe on "H.A.M." It does not matter if Jay-Z is in his office, or promoting an album, he is always being targeted.

Rappers of all type either want to be like him or want to diss him, or both. The biggest rapper in the game and several other big names cannot stop with the Jay-Z disses. Other rappers are not dissing Jay-Z, they are freestyling over his beats. The rappers who refrain from dissing and sampling Jay-Z are borrowing his rhyming styles and ad-libs, or simply sampling his voice.

No rapper is having a bigger influence on the game than Jay-Z.

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What if The Notorious B.I.G. had Never Died?

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

During the late 1990s, the biggest feud in hip hop history emerged when Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records began taking shots at each other. The center of the feud was the outspoken Tupac Shakur, of the West, and The Notorious B.I.G., of the East. Initially, the two rappers were friends, but a shooting changed all of this.

The past few months have shed light into what caused some of the most-pivotal moments in hip hop. Tupac Shakur's beef with The Notorious B.I.G. stemmed from a shooting in 1994 at Quad Studios, which led to him being shot. Recently, it was said, by Dexter Isaac, that Jimmy Henchman was behind this shooting.

In March of 1997, The Notorious B.I.G. was preparing to release his Life After Death album. On the album, Biggie rapped the same street tales, laced with rhymes of wealth and prestige. Weeks before the official release of the album, The Notorious B.I.G. was taken, only months after Tupac Shakur. A few years ago, Diddy revealed Biggie was supposed to leave Los Angeles on the night of March 8 to head out of the country. However, Biggie ended up talking Diddy into allowing him to stay longer.

Had The Notorious B.I.G. taken the trip out of the country, he likely would have performed some of his older tracks and would have premiered a number of his new tracks. If The Notorious B.I.G. was still alive, today, he would be a seventeen year veteran. While Biggie promised he would retire, in 2000, to focus on the development of Junior M.A.F.I.A., he would have likely released a comeback album. By now, Biggie would likely become a commentator to the hip hop game. Nas created the "hip hop is dead" discussion and the discussion would not have taken place if Biggie were still here.

Jay-Z is the most-quoted rapper in today's generation. While Jay-Z has memorable quotes, many of his rhymes sample lines from The Notorious B.I.G. Had Biggie still been alive, Jay-Z's music would have been missing a number of quotes. In current hip hop, The Notorious B.I.G. would instead be the rapper being quoted all the time. Since his death "106 & Park" has become a surrogate home to hip hop and Biggie would have been a fixture on the show, especially during the era of AJ and Free. If Biggie were still here, hip hop would have more of a focus on lyrics than business.

While the focus would be lyrics, the business would still be booming. Being the businessman he is, Diddy would have made Biggie the focus of his Sean John clothing line, using him for the commercials. If Biggie were still here, a lot of rappers in the game would still be fighting for entry.

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Rock the Bells Festival is important to Hip Hop

By The Voice
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Seven years ago, the Rock the Bells Festival launched for the first time. Originally, the hip hop festival only took place in Southern California. But, in recent years, the Rock the Bells Festival has been all over the world.

The most-recent Rock the Bells Festival was supposed to take place in Boston. However, it seems as if the eighth Rock the Bells Festival may not be taking place. Several hip hop artists have discussed the festival.

The Rock the Bells Festival is highly important to hip hop. Even though hip hop is nearing the age of thirty, there are still those who do not take it seriously. While there are several hip hop award shows, there had not been a festival celebrating the overall hip hop culture. Rock the Bells has become this outlet for hip hop and it is looking like the 2011 edition will not be taking place. It is important for hip hop, in solidifying itself, that there be some form of the Rock the Bells Festival taking place.

While it is hard to start an event and keep it going, it is easy to miss a year and then end the event. Because this festival has such a large following and much media coverage, it is important to keep it going.

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Remembering Tupac Shakur (1971-1996)

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Fifteen years ago, today, hip hop fans across the world received shocking news. Tupac Shakur had died from his injuries in a shooting from a week before. In the time since his death, many have belief that Tupac is still alive. However, fifteen years have passed and there has been no Tupac return.

Had the rapper lived, 2011 would have marked his 40th birthday. Sadly, Tupac never had the chance to enjoy this, as he was taken too soon. What he has left the fans, though, is quality music. Tupac has several songs he has recorded over the years, and even a new album in the works.

Today, Hip Hop Vibe will honor the legendary Tupac Shakur, by posting several videos throughout his career. Shakur was one legend taken too soon.

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Does Ace Hood have Longevity?

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

This summer, Ace Hood turned heads with a triumphant comeback. His hit single, "Hustle Hard," helped place him back on radio stations and on music video channels. While Ace Hood is relevant again, will he remain relevant a year from now?

Three years ago, Ace Hood introduced himself to the world. Ace Hood was the first artist signed to DJ Khaled's We The Best Music Group. The young rapper was immediately signed and placed in the studio. Ace Hood released his debut album, Gutta, in 2008.

Following his single, "Cash Flow," Ace Hood was virtually forgotten by most casual fans. Ace Hood's next album, Ruthless, released less than a year later, had almost no buzz. After two low-selling albums, Ace Hood contemplated quitting rap to focus on things more realistic.

Early this year, Ace Hood made the comeback, but can he keep the wave going? All the other rappers from the We The Best movement have proven their longevity. Plies had a successful string of releases from 2007 until 2010. Rick Ross debuted in 2006 and has experienced tremendous success in the time since then, with his fifth album currently in the works. Lil Wayne's career took off as he was working with DJ Khaled. As a protege of DJ Khaled, can Ace Hood rise to the same proportions.

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Can J. Cole put North Carolina on the map and Keep them There?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Petey Pablo, a rapper representing Greenville, NC put the entire state on the map with his "Raise Up" single. The song came out in 2001 and Petey Pablo was embraced by the entire South. Following a three-year hiatus, Petey Pablo returned in 2004 with his biggest hit yet, "Freek a Leek."

It was following his 2004 run when Petey Pablo's career took a turn for the worst. Petey Pablo teamed up with Suge Knight and began representing Death Row Records. When he began representing Death Row, Petey Pablo placed North Carolina in the background.

When he turned on his home state, Petey Pablo lost the local support and he is still working to gain it back. J. Cole has been on the scene in Fayetteville for years. Three years ago, he landed the opportunity of a lifetime when he was the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation. Many expected his debut album to come before the end of the year.

After two years of delays, J. Cole will finally release his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story later this month. There are rumors of the rapper being dropped from Roc Nation, but even if the rumors are true, it is said to have no impact on the release of the album. Assuming things go well, J. Cole will remain signed to the Roc Nation label and release more albums. Because he is from a small market and on his first album, all the momentum is going J. Cole's way. But, following this, will he be able to keep things going?

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Ten Years Later, The September 11 attacks, and it's Impact on Today's World

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In the late 1990s, people were afraid of the end of the world. With the new millennium right around the corner, experts were afraid the computers may shut down. If the computers were to shut down, the entire world would completely stop.

However, 2000 entered and business went on as usual and the fear slowly evaporated. The danger would not come until a year later. On the morning of September 11, 2001, many people's worst nightmares came true. An airplane went barrelling right into one of the Twin Towers.

Initially, the pedestrians assumed it was nothing more than a freak, yet tragic, accident. Seconds later, another airplane crashed into the other tower. It was then when all the major media outlets reported that the United States was under attack. In 225 years, there had never been an attack on American soil until then.

Hours later, a third attack came, hitting the Pentagon in Washington, DC, with another plane intended to hit the White House. For years following the attack, the United States was in fear. The attacks, which were led by terrorist Al Queda leader, Osama Bin Laden, had a lasting effect on American citizens. Ten years ago, today, many people lost loved ones who were either in the towers or in the planes. While the attacks did instill fear, it also united the United States for the first time in decades.

When everyone feared for the safety of the United States of America, politics were placed to the side and everyone worked together. There were bigger problems in the world and everyone came together to help someone in need. Osama Bin Laden conducted several threats in the following years through video messages, which were shown on the news. It was the September 11 attacks that eventually led to the infamous War on Terrorism.

Ten years later, a number of things have changed, but America has not forgotten. Osama Bin Laden was captured and killed earlier this year. A major weight was lifted off many United States citizens then.

While the decision was made not to rebuild the Twin Towers, a memorial is in the works in the same spot. The Pentagon, as pictured to the right, has been reconstructed. Most importantly, America has moved on, focusing on bigger things.

Many of the young adults and the teenagers who are just beginning to experience the world were very young when the September 11 attacks took place. However, for those who remember, they not only have a story to tell their own children, they also witnessed how America can come together in tough times. To this day, the September 11 attacks are shaping our culture. Several artists, most-notably, Kanye West, have trouble boarding commercial airplanes because of the metal plate in his chin.

Security at airports is very tight and this has had negative effects on rappers for years. The attacks have also shaped lyrics in songs. Three years after the attacks, Jadakiss released his "Why" song, in which he asks several questions, including the infamous "why did Bush (George W. Bush) knock down the towers?" That statement led to Jadakiss' song gaining publicity from Fox News, CNN, and other mass media outlets. It also led to the GOP demanding an apology, or arrest of the rapper.

Among other hip hop artists to blame George W. Bush for the attacks were Eminem. Jay-Z, who released his critically-acclaimed The Blueprint on the day of the attacks, rapped about the attacks on his following album, The Blueprint 2. Jay-Z said something to the effect of "not even Bin Laden could stop him." Also, on his "Blueprint 2" diss towards Nas, Jay-Z raps about helping out during the Columbine shooting and donating proceeds of his concert tickets to the victims of September 11.

In the post-September 11 world, Westside Connection has released an album called Terrorist Threats and dealt with the media backlash. Now, ten years following the attack, there is a new president in office and the world has moved on. While moving on, each year, September 11 is remembered and Americans come together to remember one of the worst days in United States history.

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