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As Run DMC assumed roles as indisputable hip hop superstars during the mid-80's heyday of their career, they also ushered in a hard-boiled machismo that set the tone in hip hop for years to come.  Joseph “Run Simmons, Darryl, “DMC” McDaniels, and the late Jam Master Jay became collectively known for their leather jacket aesthetic and their aggressive, crunchy guitar-propelled music that appealed to hip hop and hard rock fans alike.

However, in his new memoir, 10 Ways Not to Commit Suicide, DMC has revealed that veiled behind his hardened exterior hid the sizable tolls that the pressures of stardom inflicted upon his mental well being.  He goes on to detail the fact that he often considered taking his own life after dealing with an immen

David Banner (name from the lead character of The Incredible Hulk) was born April 11, 1974, as Lavell William Crump in Chicago, Illinois and later moved to Jackson, Mississippi. He is a rapper, record producer, actor, activist, and this week's spotlight artist. His education consists of a degree from Southern University and then after that a masters of education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. In 2000 when he went solo with the release of Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1, he had previously been part of the rap duo, which started his career, Crooked Lettaz. Three years later, he had signed to Universal Records and released a number of albums with them: Mississippi: The Album (2003), MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water&nbs

Kendrick Lamar and singer-songwriter Janelle Monae were given the rare honor of performing at the White House last night, July 4th.

The concert was attended by President Obama and his family, as well as an audience of government staff, military veterans, and their families. Obama, a self proclaimed avid fan of hip hop and rap, has invited numerous hip hop artists, including Jay Z, Ludacris, Killer Mike, and Common, to the White House, but only a rare few have been given the opportunity to perform at an official White House event.

Kendrick Lamar has received a lot of mainstream attention and praise for his socially conscious lyrics, political activism, and eclectic musical style. President Obama is apparently a big fan of the Grammy award winning, Compton native's

Last time RAPstation checked in with Solomon “Jumbo” David, the seasoned Lifesavas emcee was on tour in the UK with Blackalicious. Although he’s since moved on to their next tour stop, he had a few poignant thoughts to share on Britain’s recent vote to leave the European Union (EU), being on the road with Gift of Gab, Chief Xcel, and Lateef the Truthspeaker, and watching Gab overcome his health issues. Despite not having much to say about the recent state of the Lifesavas, he did hint there was possibly something coming down the pipeline. Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/lifesavas for more information. 

RAPstation (Kyle Eustice): Is it true Chief Xcel

Apple is reportedly in negotiations to buy out streaming service Tidal, which is currently principally owned by Jay Z.

Apple is reportedly interested in adding Tidal's pool of exclusive artists and records to their own Apple Music service. While still boasting fewer subscriber numbers than its primary competitor, Spotify, in the last year the number of Tidal subscribers has surged, bolstered by the service's exclusive streaming rights (for a limited time, at least,) to some of 2016's biggest releases, including Beyonce's Lemonade and Kanye West's Life of Pablo. Tidal is also the exclusive streaming home of Prince's entire catalog of music.

Tidal has differentiated itself from other streaming services by suppose

Royce Da 5'9 has just released the video for “Layers,” the title track from the new album that he released in April.  The video features Royce trading verses with Pusha T and Rick Ross, and its gritty visuals depict them plotting the kidnapping of a fictionalized corrupt elected official.  The video is directed by Ryan Snyder.

The song features Royce Da 5'9 sounding as sharp as ever, nimbly rapping over the lush sonic landscape while his trademark multisyllabic rhyme schemes and masterful use of alliteration take center stage, with  Pusha T and Rick Ross offering up formidable verses as well.  The Mr. Porter produced instrumental contains a choral sample that sounds like it came from a Marvin Gaye record and lush synthesizer strings that