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For Kenyatta Blake aka Buckshot’s interview, I started out by asking him promo questions regarding his album, The Formula, scheduled to be released April 29th. But the rapper of the legendary hip-hop group Boot Camp Clik and Black Moon, responses felt mechanical, and, as he was talking, the sound of overbearing sirens made it hard to hear him over the speaker phone. When I asked him where he was, he assured me “I’m in my office in Manhattan.” After this pivotal moment in our interview, I decided to switch gears.

Knowing the most basic rule in Journalism (which is to keep your opinions and thoughts out, period), I was backed against the wall by compassion that had started to manifest. Not only did my socio-political questions fuel Buckshot’s fire, but for a hot minute, I became the target of his valid frustration.

Ultimately, no matter how controversial Buckshot’s answers may be, (and I questioned whether the interview should even be published), they are the truth. Even if he didn’t say it outright, his message is that everyone, no matter how insignificant they may seem, is an ambassador of something. So take responsibility.

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Longevity in the rap game is something that can only by claimed by an elite group of emcees. Today, even fewer of those rappers can say that they’ve stuck around for almost two decades without reaching past their core fans for a buzz. You can label Del the Funkee Homosapien as having a cult following, but it would be a shame to stop there when defining what he has done for hip-hop. His place was at the helm of one of rap’s early 90’s movements, one that has evolved into a full-fledged genre of ‘underground’ hip-hop today. Teaming up with Def Jux for his new release the 11th Hour, Del talked to us about the album, his broken hiatus, and how he’s back to stay.

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Much like James Madison to the Constitution, producer Pete Rock laid the foundation for an era. His sound, unmatched. His talent, unparalleled. Rock’s sample-laden soul cuts fused heavy bass lines, resonant horn samples, gritty snare drums and unforgettable jazz favorites to cultivate what would become the standard for producers. As part of the legendary hip hop duo, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Rock introduced clarity to the game. After his split with Smooth in 1994, Rock continued to work alongside industry heavyweights. His catalogue is impressive, having worked with Dead Prez, Nas, Run-DMC, the Wu-Tang Clan, Heavy D & The Boyz, and Public Enemy (among others); he’s become a force in hip hop.

Having previously released numerous solo efforts, most notably 1998’s Soul Survivor and 2004’s Soul Survivor II, Rock is set to release NY’s Finest this February. With the New Year in full swing, the famed producer is once again on the verge of injecting vigor into hip hop’s soul. Take note, the architect’s up next.

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Download A-Maz-On - Muscle Up

Repping Baltimore, A-Maz-On releases his new single “Muscle Up” featuring KAL Productions.

More Info: http://www.myspace.com/dakidrell19

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Download Arabesque - Marlboro Man

Grief is only the memory of widowed affection’s, Arabesque calms his grief by recounting it. The Toronto born artist has turned the untimely death of his girlfriend and it’s mourning into an unbeaten career. His heart grieves over what he has lost, his spirit rejoices over what it has left, music. Since the passing of his companion, Arabesque’s remedy for grief has landed him a dozen heavily rotated singles on commercial radio and a hand full of videos on Much Music and MTV.

One of hip hop’s most talked about artists, Besque continues to intrigue Music’s biggest names. Signing with UK based label Sin Nombre with distro via Universal, “The Frenzy Of Renown” was released with glowing reviews. He was nominated Rap Recording of the Year at the 2007 Juno Awards, hosted by Nelly Furtado. International press in various publications, also landing him in a meet and greet with The Source Magazine staff in New York. Fall of 2007 Arabesque graced his first cover of an international magazine with NOX, the leading and most admired English speaking Mid East publication. A slew of global 12 inch singles with a wide-reach across campus radio charts. As well earning himself sponsorship’s from L-R-G and Scifen Clothing. Arabesque has opened up for artists such as Wu-tang’s Raekwon, Little Brother, Zion I, Dilated Peoples and Sean Paul.

More Info: http://www.myspace.com/besque

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