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Weekly Flow: Inside Hip-Hop's Evolving Echo

October 23, 2023

Rakim & Scarface Set to Cash in on $500K Fund Honouring Hip Hop Legends

Rakim, one-half of the iconic rap duo Eric B. & Rakim, is set to finally be "paid in full" after 36 years. He and Scarface will be the inaugural recipients of a significant grant from the Paid In Full Foundation, which honours hip hop legends.

The two rappers will be honoured at the foundation's Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards in Las Vegas on November 17.

The event is thrown by Nas and venture capitalist Ben Horowitz, who has been a friend of Nas for many years.

The foundation aims to rectify the lack of recognition and financial rewards that many original hip hop artists received for their contributions to arts and culture.

In addition to the monetary grant, details about the health care offered have not yet been disclosed.

"Suge Knight Takes Over the Airwaves: Launches 'Collect Call' Podcast from Prison!"

Suge Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records, is launching a podcast called "Collect Call With Suge Knight" that he will host from prison.

The podcast will be produced in collaboration with Breakbeat Media CEO and Source Magazine co-founder Dave Mays.

Mays spoke about the podcast, stating that it will provide a truthful and authentic perspective on important issues happening in the world of hip-hop.

He also mentioned that the podcast will not only focus on "slinging mud," but will also aim to educate young people through Knight's experiences, both positive and negative.

Five half-hour episodes are already completed, and the podcast is set to premiere on the Breakbeat YouTube channel.

A sneak preview audio-only release will be available on Apple, Spotify, and other audio platforms on October 24. The episodes will be aired weekly, with audio on Thursdays and video on Fridays.

Legendary DJ and Producer, the 45 King, Dies at 62: A Loss for the Hip-Hop Community

Mark Howard James, better known as The 45 King, a renowned hip-hop DJ and producer who worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Eminem, and Queen Latifah, has passed away at the age of 62.

The news was confirmed by DJ Premier and Paul Martinez, a spokesperson for the producer. The 45 King was known for his unique sound, heavy drums, and distinct horn samples.

He was responsible for iconic tracks such as Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" and Eminem's "Stan."

In addition to his work with mainstream artists, The 45 King was a trailblazer in the hip-hop scene, with his breakbeat track "The 900 Number" becoming a hip-hop anthem.

Tributes from fellow artists and producers poured in following the news, acknowledging his influence and talent.

Despite struggling with drug addiction in the '90s, The 45 King continued to create music and had recently been involved in various projects.

"Uncover the Untold History of Hip-Hop with Chuck D's 'Can You Dig It?'"

Public Enemy's Chuck D is narrating a new podcast series called "Can You Dig It?" which explores a missing chapter in hip-hop's history.

The series tells the story of Black Benjie and the Ghetto Brothers, a street gang in the South Bronx in the late '60s and early '70s that transformed into a cultural organisation, paving the way for the birth of hip-hop.

Chuck D describes their story as "a prequel to hip-hop" and believes it is just as important as any other story about the genre.

The podcast highlights the struggles faced by underprivileged youth in the community and how their determination to transform their lives and their neighbourhood led to the creation of one of the most influential popular culture movements of the past 50 years.

Chuck D hopes that the series will demythologise the story and provide listeners with a deeper understanding of hip-hop's origins.

"Unleashing her Exceptional Talents: Queen Latifah's Trailblasing Career Redefines Multi-hyphenate Success!"

Annette Bening is no stranger to playing complex and challenging female roles throughout her illustrious career.

However, it is the difficult roles themselves that truly captivate Bening. In her latest film, "Nyad," she dives headfirst into the role of long-distance open-water swimmer Diana Nyad, who accomplished the incredible feat of swimming from Havana to Key West against all odds.

Bening didn't just dip her toes in the water for this role – she trained extensively, spending hours a day in the water and even swimming with jellyfish.

Bening's commitment to her craft is awe-inspiring, but it is her ability to command a room through her on-screen presence that truly sets her apart.

She fully immerses herself in her characters, leaving no room for doubt or concession. Through her powerful performances, Bening challenges societal expectations and representations of women in film.

This article delves into the world of Annette Bening, shedding light on her portrayal of "difficult" women and her refusal to conform to Hollywood's demands for surgical enhancements.

She is a beacon of strength for older actresses in an industry that often discards them. Her work not only redefines the role of the older woman in Hollywood but also leaves a lasting impact on contemporary culture.

"Get ready to laugh and groove with Verb T's hilarious remix featuring Romesh Ranganathan and Doc Brown!"

Verb T has released a remix of his hit song "Four Oh!" featuring comedy legends Romesh Ranganathan and Doc Brown.

The video for the remix is out now on HF TV, and it is sure to have you laughing along. All three emcees bring their own unique perspective on the challenges of life after 40, including bad backs, dad jokes, and questionable skincare routines.

This remix truly takes the original song to the next level, and fans are loving it. Verb T's highly anticipated new album, "The Tower Where The Phantom Lives," is also available now in various formats, including limited edition vinyl and merchandise.

If you're in need of some new music, be sure to check out this catchy and humorous remix.

"Little Simz Takes Toronto by Storm: An Unforgettable Night of Hip-Hop and Soul"

Little Simz, the effortlessly cool UK rapper, made a triumphant return to Toronto during her North American tour. With the release of her fifth album, NO THANK YOU.

Little Simz has been gaining recognition for her soulful and complex sound. Influenced by legends like Lauryn Hill and Nas, her music blends rap with gospel and RnB, adding her British accent and African drum beats to create a unique style.

During her performance at HISTORY concert venue, Simz captivated the crowd with her measured yet powerful stage presence.

Clad in her signature white dress shirt, black tie, and black bomber jacket, she effortlessly delivered her intellectually-rich lyrics while maintaining control over the audience's energy.

With her talented band by her side, Simz created a mesmerising experience that left the crowd in awe. It's clear that Simz is an artist who cares deeply about her craft, and her performance at HISTORY showcased her greatness.

Fab Five Freddy, the Hip-Hop Pioneer, Continues to Make Waves Across the Culture

Fab Five Freddy, the artist and former host of Yo! MTV Raps, has left an indelible mark on hip-hop and American culture overall.

From his early days as a graffiti artist and filmmaker to his role in popularising rap music on television, Freddy has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation.

Having grown up in Brooklyn during the birth of hip-hop, Freddy was exposed to the vibrant art and music scene that was taking shape.

He quickly became a part of this movement, using his artistic talents to pioneer new forms of street art. With the release of the film Wild Style in 1983, Freddy helped bring hip-hop to the mainstream.

The film, which he co-starred in and helped create, chronicled the rise of graffiti, rap, and breakdancing in New York City. It became a cult classic and set the stage for Freddy's future success.

In the late 1980s, Freddy became the host of Yo! MTV Raps, a show that introduced rap music and culture to a national audience.

He used his platform to champion emerging rap artists and help shape the direction of the genre. Since then, Freddy has continued to make waves in the art and music worlds.

He has directed music videos, released rap singles, and hosted his own web-based show. He has also become an advocate for cannabis reform, producing a documentary that explores the racial disparities in marijuana arrests.

At 64 years old, Freddy shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to create art, pursue new projects, and inspire others in the industry.

With his lifelong dedication to hip-hop and his enduring influence on popular culture, Fab Five Freddy is truly a cultural icon.

Hip-Hop Icons Share Their Secrets to Success and Legacy on 'The View'

In a recent episode of ABC's The View, iconic hip-hop artists The Sugar Hill Gang, Doug E. Fresh, and Rob Base came together to discuss the enduring legacy of hip-hop.

They shared their personal experiences and insights into the culture that has shaped their careers.

Doug E. Fresh recounted how he started beatboxing in the Lincoln Projects and then took it outside, which eventually led to his success.

Master Gee, from The Sugar Hill Gang, reflected on their journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global phenomenon with their hit song "Rapper's Delight."

Host Sunni Hostin even shared her own connection to the song, revealing that she used to sell photocopies of the lyrics for 50 cents each.

Rob Base chimed in about the lasting popularity of his hit song "It Takes Two," expressing gratitude for its continued use as a party anthem.

It's clear that these artists and their contributions to hip-hop have left a lasting impact on the culture and continue to be celebrated even after 50 years.

"Westside Gunn: Breaking Boundaries in Music, Fashion, and Art for His Best Project Yet!"

Westside Gunn, the rapper and cofounder of Fashion Rebels, recently released his album "And Then You Pray For Me" and feels like the sky's the limit for his career.

In an interview with designer Chaz Jordan, Gunn discussed his shift towards focusing on art and fashion and his plans for the future.

He explained that he sees himself as a student, constantly learning and building relationships in the industry.

Gunn also talked about his relationship with designer Virgil Abloh, whom he credits with helping him get his start in the fashion world.

He discussed the impact of their collaboration on his music and his recent experiences at fashion week.

Despite his success, Gunn maintains an underdog mentality and is excited to continue pushing boundaries and cementing his place in history.