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Oakland-based MC Jahi, a longtime collaborator of Chuck D's, is celebrating a birthday today (September 19). The Cleveland native turns 52, an accomplishment in itself. His company, Microphone Mechanics, curates and collaborates with museums, galleries, organizations and companies to design incredible cultural experiences that bring people together.

In January, Jahi, Microphone Mechanics and The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)  established the first Bay Area Hip Hop Archives at the AAMLO. he Bay Area Hip Hop Archives chronicles local artists, culture keepers, activists and educators who’ve made significant contributions Bay Area Hip-Hop. The collections will include previously unheard sound recordings, interviews, research notes, photographs and negativ

Longtime record executive and author of Son of the City, Dante Ross, is making moves. In a new Twitter post, the Los Angeles transplant is posted up outside of Roc Nation headquarters with the caption, "Now it's official Stimulated 2.0. Lets fing go." Ross is referring to his new label, Stimulated 2.0, which will be distributed through Roc Nation's distribution arm, EQ. 

Ross's history in the music business is well documented. At 22, he became an A&R rep at Tommy Boy. He’d go on to oversee the careers of De La Soul, Queen Latifah and Digital Underground. Later, after moving to Elektra Records, he signed Brand Nubian, Grand Puba, Del the Funky Homosapien, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, KMD (featuring the late MF DOOM), Leaders of the New School, Busta Rhymes and Ol' Dir

Living Legends—the West Coast Hip-Hop collective comprised of Luckyiam, Eligh, The Grouch, Bicasso, Aesop, Sunspot Jonz, Scarub and (once upon a time) MURS—will return with their first new music since 2008's The Gathering on Friday (September 8). Titled "Lettermen," the track serves as the single from the group's forthcoming (and aptly titled) album, The Return, and features a guest verse from Reverie. True to Legends form, the cut rattles with rumbling bass, with a snippet of LL COOL J's 1985 Radio single "Hard As Hell" tying it all together.

Speaking to AllHipHop.com, Luckyiam’s excitement was palpable. As he explains, “This summer we got a house in Coachella Valley, set up two studios for a week and went to work. Our fans deserve this and the world

Former Interscope Records president Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre have partnered with Atlanta Public Schools on a new student center at Frederick Douglass High School. The Iovine and Young Center, unveiled on Tuesday (August 29), is designed to combine a "rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum" coupled with real-world opportunities.

“We believe we’re going to give these kids an advantage, a different type of education," Iovine said. "So, you all can sell these kids, go out there and say you want these kids. Because the modern job needs these kids. That’s why." 

Iovine said he and Dre were inspired by a grander mission: to change the way students see their futures. “Me and Dre think big,” he said. “We think everybody in the world’s going to learn like this, well,

LL COOL J, journalist Vikki Tobak and Rock The Bells Editorial Director Alec Banks have teamed up on a new coffee table book called LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip Hop Greatness. As the title suggests, the book celebrates 50 years of Hip Hop culture. Throughout its 336 pages, the book explores the birth, rise and progression of Hip Hop culture and its impact on American music.

Featuring rarely seen photographs—from block parties and street shots to studio sessions—the book is accompanied by first-person recollections from MCs, B-boys, graffiti artists and DJs who have dedicated their lives to Hip Hop. 

DJ Kool Herc, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, Eminem, Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, De La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, Public Enemy, Dr. Dre, Nas and A Tribe Cal

Public Enemy and Ice-T have been plucked to co-headline "The National Celebration of Hip Hop" at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on October 6-7. Additional guests and performers include Melle Mel and Scorpio of the Furious Five, Kurtis Blow, Kid ‘n Play, Soulsonic Force, Roxanne Shanté, CL Smooth, The Sugarhill Gang, MC Sha-Rock and Positive K. Additionally, DJ Hurricane, former Beastie Boys' turntablist, will be on deck for a tribute to Mike D, Ad-Rock and the late MCA.

“We are honored to continue to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop against the backdrop of America’s Capitol with a free event for everyone," Flavor Flav said. "I can’t wait to get on stage and do our thing." 

Chuck D added, "Hip Hop is beyond, not just a musical genre. It's a cultur