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J Dilla's The Shining gets anniversary reissue

J Dilla's The Shining, which was originally released a few months after the acclaimed rapper and producer's death, is getting a reissue to mark the 10th anniversary since its release.

J Dilla is widely remembered as one of the most influential hip hop artists of the 90's and early 2000's. He worked with a number of different artists, including De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, The Roots, Erykah Badu, and Common. He is often cited as one of the defining voices of the era, with his old school influenced, minimalist style helping to shape the overall sound of hip hop music.

J Dilla passed away in 2006 at the age of 32 from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a rare blood disease.

The Shining was originally released just mon

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“The Great Phatsby”

At 28 seasons, The Simpsons has rightfully earned its position as America's longest running sitcom. However, with so many episodes under its belt, it's easy to imagine that the task of churning out new and inspired content might present itself as a hurdle for the show's writers. They're clearly up for the task, though, as the show recently announced that they'll be airing an hour-long hip hop-inspired episode – a definite first for The Simpsons.

Entertainment Weekly recently reported that not only will it draw inspiration from the world of hip hop, but that the episode, titled “The Great Phatsby,” will also take its cues from F Scott Fitzgerald's celebrated novel The Great Gatsby. The episode will feature guest voice

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Spotlight Artist: Jurassic 5

Jurassic 5 has been a mainstay of the alternative hip hop scene for over twenty years. With their smooth, inventive flows and intricate production, it's no wonder that so many hardcore hip hop heads have become addicted to the J5 high.

The six members of Jurassic 5 -- Akil, Zaakir, Marc 7, Chali 2na, DJ Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist -- are all veterans of the 90's alternative rap scene, as they've been winning over fans and critics alike ever since their 1998 self titled debut. Alongside peerless turntable and production work from DJ Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist, the four emcees of the band all contribute their own unique sound and style to each track, often combining their voices to create a harmonious fifth voice -- the "five" in Jurassic 5.

After going

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Bow Wow Announces Retirement From Music

Shad Gregory Moss, a.k.a. Bow Wow, concluded his recent tour of Australia by announcing that he's retiring from rap, reportedly to focus on his acting career.

"Retirement only means that it is time for a new adventure... over 10 million sold. This the last one. THANK YOU," Bow Wow posted on Instagram. "I always said years ago i'd retire from music before 30. I just cant see myself at 30 years old rapping... Made over 20 million off rap. Why be greedy? Im good with everything i accomplished. I made it to the white house."

Bow Wow says he'll make one last album, which will reportedly be produced by his mentor, Snoop Dogg. "Since he brought me in the game, its only right i involve him and end it with him," Bow Wow said

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Snoop Dogg's next hot collaboration is with... Martha Stewart!?

VH1 has announced production on a new cooking show, starring Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. No, it's not April Fool's Day. You read that right. This is not a joke.

According to Variety, the series will see the Long Beach rapper team up with the East Hampton's favorite DIY hostess, and each week the duo will host a celebrity dinner party and a cooking competition.

“At our dinner party, we will exemplify America’s fascination with food, entertaining and celebrity,” Stewart told Variety. “‘Martha & Snoop’s Dinner Party’ will redesign the traditional food competition shows in a new, different and ve

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New Unreleased Song - “Rap Professor”

It has already been a year since hip hop lost Sean Price. On August 8th, 2015 news of Sean Price's untimely passing sent shock waves through the hip hop world and left us all reeling in sorrow.

The Brownsville-based emcee made a name for himself as one of hip hop's eminent lyricists as a member of the underground hip hop collective Boot Camp Clik. In 1995, he made an appearance on Smif-N-Wessun's critically acclaimed album Dah Shinin, and in 1996, as a member of the duo Heltah Skeltah, he released the albumNocturnal on Duck Down Records.

As a way to celebrate the career of the late legend, Duck Down Records has released a previously unreleased track of his called “Rap Professor.” The song showcases P

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