Freddie Gibbs speaks on the importance of "Rock the Bells"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

This spring, Freddie Gibbs landed the opportunity of a lifetime when Young Jeezy signed him to CTE. Immediately, Gibbs appeared on a number of mixtape tracks with Jeezy. Now, he has become one of the most-visible members of Young Jeezy's crew.

Despite only being known for a few months, Freddie Gibbs has become outspoken. When Lil B announced the title of his album to be I'm Gay, Freddie Gibbs was among the first to call him out. Weeks later, when Osama Bin Laden was killed, Gibbs questioned if he was really dead.

Recently, Freddie Gibbs spoke with Karmaloop TV about the importance of Rock the Bells. Freddie Gibbs said the festival is important because it is one of the few places where all the hip hop subgenres can come together, perform, and have a good time. Freddie Gibbs said it is important that the festival takes place this year, and every year.

Freddie Gibbs also discussed being at the same venue as Lauryn Hill, Black Moon, Mobb Deep, and Nas, saying he was honored to be on the same stage as them.

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Wyclef says The Fugees are Not Meant to Be

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Two days ago, Wyclef made news when he and Pras ended their longstanding feud. During the 1990s, the two, alongside Lauryn Hill, made up The Fugees. The group was popular for their eccentric style. However, they broke up and have been attempting a comeback for some time.

Fans of the group have been longing for a Lauryn Hill comeback for years. Wyclef is the only member of the group still actively making music. But, after his reconciliation with former partner, Pras, fans had hope. Many websites said this was likely the first step in a new Fugees album.

Perhaps reading some of these sites, Wyclef announced no new Fugees album was coming. He said he and Pras have ended their feud, but it does not mean anything. Wyclef feels too much time has passed and The Fugees are just not meant to be. The group had their run in the 1990s and the fans have to accept that was it and move on.

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Nicki Minaj accepts Irv Gotti’s Lauryn Hill comparison

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Recently, Irv Gotti compared Nicki Minaj to Lauryn Hill and there was plenty of outrage from the hip hop community. While there is no one who will deny the talent that lies within Nicki Minaj, no one is ready to crown her the next Lauryn Hill. Many hip hop critics and fans, alike, say Hill is one of the best performers who ever lived. Nicki Minaj, on the other hand, has not proved herself to be legendary, yet.


Currently, Nicki Minaj is keeping the radio hot with her undying hit single, “Your Love.” In the song, Nicki Minaj sings and raps, but it is clear she has a little bit of assistance from the auto-tune machine. While the song will forever be embedded in most hip hop fans’ memories as the anthem of summer 2010, not many would agree that it rivals the run Lauryn Hill had twelve summers prior.

Nicki Minaj, always one to be different, has decided to go with the unpopular decision. She becomes one of few people outside of the Murder Inc. camp to agree with Irv Gotti on any point of view. While he has been painted as the odd man out in the rap game, Nicki Minaj agrees with him in comparing her to Lauryn Hill. Minaj said she definitely has the talent, but Irv has placed the pressure on her to prove it.

Both Nicki Minaj and Lauryn Hill will be releasing new albums this fall.

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Lauryn Hill is one of the Best, Male or Female

Often, when black music is discussed, the name of Lauryn Hill is brought up. She has been credited as one of the best to ever create music. Long before she ever was the legend that she is thought of today, Hill was a raised in New Jersey under the guidance of soul music. Being raised under the influence of soul music made her into the unique artist that she is.

Lauryn Hill had the luck of meeting Wyclef Jean soon after she decided that the music industry was the right place for her to be. Together with Wyclef and Pras, the Fugees were created. Made popular because of their unique sound, they soon took over the game. Initially, Lauryn Hill was known for her melodic voice as she was a great singer. Soon, she expanded her talents.

Early on, everyone knew that Lauryn Hill was a great singer. But, not too many people know what level she was on when it came to rapping. It was not until the Fugees released their debut album that it was revealed how great Hill was. But, when speaking of rappers, Lauryn Hill is often left out. Of all of the albums to come out, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill ranks up there with Illmatic or Reasonable Doubt.

It has not been until recently that anyone has even discussed Lauryn Hill. When people speak of the skills of Lauryn Hill in a sense of lyrical abilities, they say that she is great for a female. But, she could rap circles around some of the great rappers in the 1990s. Plus, looking at the rappers of today, nine out of ten of them could not last against Lauryn Hill.

Even with all of these facts evident, Lauryn Hill is referred to as a great rapper, overall, and then the best female rapper. Lauryn Hill is one of the best rappers, period. She is a lock for the top twenty emcees of all-time.

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