ContactMusic — MOS DEF banned the use of the 'N' word on the set of his new movie NEXT DAY AIR in a bid to urge his co-stars to use less controversial terms to "express"... more info

Chicago Tribune — Many who listen to and are fans of Talib Kweli aren't always sure how to pronounce his name (he has a great song, "The Blast," that breaks it down). But his style (and lyrics that say "came to rock the party" while giving a philosophical message a... more info

Altsounds — Stephen Marley is joining forces with Snoop Dogg and punk-reggae veterans Slightly Stoopid for the "Blazed and Confused" tour of North America. The tour launches July 10th in Nevada. Stephen won his first solo Grammy last year for the album Min... more info

VH1 News — Somali-born rapper K'Naan hopes to break the States with his first U.S.-released album, Troubadour, featuring guest spots from Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Mos Def. more info

MTV.com News — 'I like to do things in a very natural process,' Somali-born MC says of recording his first U.S. release.By Kathleen Newman-Bremang K'Naan Photo: MTV News In the post-Rick Ross era, a rapper's biography carries as much weight with his peer... more info

JamBase — Austin City Limits 2009 | October 2-4 | Zilker Park | Austin, TX Austin City Limits Music Festival has announced the lineup for the 2009 event. Set to go down October 2-4 at Zilker Park in Austin, TX, the festival features 130 bands on 8 stages ov... more info

Stereogum — As festival-lineup announcement season (yes, it's its own season now) continues, the most entertaining game to play with respect to headliners is "What year is this, 1991?" I thought Lolla had it wrapped with their zeitgeist grabbing spread of Too... more info

Kanye's Blog — Via: illroots Click HERE to listen to the MP3... Click HERE to download the MP3... more info

Kanye's Blog — Via: illroots Click HERE to listen to MP3... Click HERE to download MP3... more info

AllHipHop — This year’s Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (BHF) will showcase different vibes on the Hip-Hop soundscape with the addition of rappers Pharaohe Monch and Styles P.   The fifth annual event, which takes place from noon to 8 p.m. June 20 at Empire F... more info