This is still a concession to homophobia, but one that enables a less rigid definition of the hip-hop self than we’ve seen before. It’s far from a coup, but, in a way, it’s progress.
Slate columnist Jonah Weiner • Who’s obviously thought way too hard about the role of homophobia in hip-hop. While it’s always been there, the latest mutation, the use of the phrase “no homo,” seems to at least offer a degree of wiggle room. “No homo tweaks this dynamic because it allows, implicitly,” he says, “that rap is a place where gayness can in fact be expressed by the guy on the mic, not just scorned in others.” Cam’ron, Lil’ Wayne and Kanye West (who has made statements denouncing homophobia) have all spouted the phrase on record. Is it really a turning point? • source
Vibe Magazine should not be a victim of the economic climate. They’re way better than the other hip-hop magazines out there, and there’s already a V-lettered magazine that deserves death way more. Alas.source
In our continuing effort to try new things, here’s our latest: Band coverage! This time, Austin’s Spin Alley, who freely mixes rhymes and oi’s, goes through the short-form grinder. Want to see your band here? E-mail us or bug us on Twitter!
Listen to them
Q1: In 15 words or less, describe your band’s sound:
Loud, punchy, auditory experience of life. Guaranteed to get you moving.
Q2: Name three influences that inspire you, with three words each on why they’re awesome: Kerouac: On the road Whiskey: Fuels the fire Marijuana: Um, we forget
Q3: What’s a recent song you’ve been digging? Write ten words explaining why: Downsiid – “Pole Dancer”: Epitome of Texas Crunk, keeps heads and asses in motion
Q4: In 140 characters or less, how do you use social networking to get the word out: We’re charming bastards when we want to be. Social networks let us share our charm with the world, connect with the old and find the new.
Q5: In 15 words or less, what’s next for you guys?
Tour sell tour sell tour sell tour sell tour sell sell tour, across the universe.source
Is Eminem just regurgitating the same type of album he made a decade ago, like Pitchfork said today? Metacritic also suggests that it’s not a critical hit across the board. But it should be up to the listener. So listen, kids.source
Justin Timberlake is easily the biggest name of the three who have agreed to scale the African mountain. And he’s amazing at everything, including wardrobe malfunctions. source
Kenna came up with the idea; he’s not as famous as the other two, but his albums tend to get better reviews and he’s childhood buddies with The Neptunes, so go Kenna. source
Geek rapper Lupe Fiasco is the wildcard of the bunch – people have heard of him, but he’s not famous enough that we’d care about him climbing a stupid mountain. source
SOUTH PARK MURDERED ME LAST NIGHT AND IT’S PRETTY FUNNY. IT HURTS MY FEELINGS BUT WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SOUTH PARK!
Kanye West • Who writes in all caps all the time, by the way. He agrees with the show’s sentiment, and although his feelings were hurt, dude agrees he needs to “get past” himself. Good for you, you crazy bastard. • source
