RapStation

RAPSTATION/HIPHOPGODS: You've got such a distinct style and are always pushing the boundaries of what a DJ can and should be.  When you were coming up and building your skills, who did you look to for inspiration? DJ NU-MARK: Thank you, for production I really looked up to Marley Marl, Full Force, Prince Paul, Uncle Jams Army etc... DJ's that inspired me were Mix Master Ice, Howie Tee, Bambaataa, DJ Aladdin, Steve D....list goes on. RAPSTATION/HIPHOPGODS: You've been on both sides of the fence, dealing with major labels, indy labels, and now being completely independent for your Broken Sunlight series.  In 2012, what are some of the pro's and con's of being independent as an artist? DJ NU-MARK: Well for the first time I'm a completely indie artist.  In the past I was labeled a

In commemoration of the 20-year-anniversary of the Los Angeles riots, journalist turned filmmaker, Mark Ford, recaptures the events, as seen through the eyes of those who lived it. Uprising: Hip Hop & The LA Riots chronicles how a simmering beef with police reached its boiling point. Ford screened the film at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles Thursday (April 26) night, followed by a panel discussion with Kurupt, Too Short, John Singleton, Arsenio Hall, Henry Watson, Mathew McDaniel, and Cheo Hodari Coker; all of whom were featured in the documentary. Narrated and executive produced by Snoop Dogg, Uprising takes a look at Hip-Hop's role in foreseeing and encouraging the riots that cost the city of Los Angeles $1 billion, and took 53 lives. Notable rap records like N.W.A.'s "F**k tha Po

DJShadow.com are very excited to announce a major new archival release exposing Shadow’s early production on the Akai MPC. Containing entirely unreleased material spanning from 1992 to 1996, the project is entitled, "Total Breakdown: Hidden Transmissions From The MPC Era, 1992-1996." Included among the highlights are instrumental tracks from an aborted 1994 EP planned with The Gift Of Gab, which includes the original demo of what would eventually become "Six Days." The new collection of "MPC Era" tracks follows on from the much-loved "4-Track Era" releases from 2008 and 2009, and establishes a pattern which should be familiar to Shadow fans. "I like to follow up new material (such as the recent 'The Less You Know, The Better' LP) with a tastefully-done archival project," Shado

Raps United Nation is the door opener for artists, building an international crew with their 1 plan 1 movement motto giving all the artists a louder voice and greater visibility. The mixtapes are designed to keep "RUN" in the peoples faces as this large group of worthy artists will not take no for an answer. They have connections in every country in the world so every song will be serviced to dh's around the world. In addition, each mixtape will been sent to A&Rs, CEOs and Presidents of major and indie record companies. The people involved with We Build Hits and Raps United Nation have an obligation to help artists like yourself. They would like to have every artist representing "RUN" as "RUN" will represent every artist, with a constant release of "RUN" projects, your voice will b

Peace Friends and Family, This has been an adventurous year for me in the studio and I'm very excited to share new music from my upcoming debut album Broken Sunlight. I've decided to release Broken Sunlight on my own label Hot Plate Records and will be releasing a series of limited edition colored 10"s over the coming months along with a cool USB drive inspired by a needle and cartridge. Broken Sunlight features an eclectic mix of music and a dynamic set of vocal guests. The first release "Dumpin Em All" features Bumpy Knuckles a.k.a. Freddie Foxxx and "When You Sleep" features Large Professor. The single will be available in stores on April 24th, but you can pre-order it along with some other cool goods on unclenu.com In a few weeks I will be hitting Europe to celebrate the

VH1′s five-time Emmy-nominated documentary series “Behind The Music” returns to focus on six of today’s most influential hip hop/urban artists. This season’s roster includes: Nas, Game, Akon, Pitbull, Brandy and T-Pain. In addition to the dramatic storytelling that made “Behind The Music” a worldwide hit, the series will feature originally shot footage of each artist at work today, anchoring each story in the current day and connecting the past with the present. Behind The Music: Nas tells the story of one of hip hop’s most daring and prolific icons. Raised in the gritty Queensbridge projects of New York City, Nas narrowly escaped his violent surroundings. He later channeled his experiences into a lyrical style that would revolutionize hip hop. A musical legend by