The title "Universal Mind Control" conjures up images of Common wearing an aluminum foil helmet. Alas, it isn't a concept album about conspiracy theories. ...more

December 26, 2008

Beau Hume's nickname is "Slow." "Rhymes with Beau," Hume said, grinning. ...more

December 21, 2008

Jay-Z says this rather quick follow-up to last year's dismal "Kingdom Come" CD was inspired by the film of the same name, and that's not hard to believe. The story of infamous Harlem crime boss Frank Lucas would just about have to appeal to an ex-hustler like Jay-Z. ...more

November 15, 2007

OK, so who sounds like an old man? Will Lively: 'Please, would somebody learn how to play an instrument? I'm sick and tired of all this mumblin' and grumblin' with these rhymes over old rock tunes. How many times are they just going to copy something and call it their own? Where's the talent? I don't care what anybody says, music took a dive after the mid-1980s.' ...more

October 5, 2007

The same egomania that turns Kanye West boorish in public is part of what makes him one of hip hop's most fascinating artists. On 'Graduation,' his third album, his self-esteem comes out in clever, disarming rhymes; and it's tempered with some equally rampant self-doubt. ...more

September 21, 2007