With the start of a new year, it only makes sense for us to reflect on the events of the past year. Last year marked the deaths of two legendary hip hop figures, J Dilla and DJ Dusk, and the proclamation that hip hop, too, is dead. In 2007 we need to ask ourselves, is Nas just starting a controversy, or is hip hop really dead? Well, I can’t answer that for you. I can, however, list four of my hip hop heroes for January 2007. Not that these are actual heroes, but just a few people that will surely make me smile throughout the coming month: more ›

Shanghaiist probably knows a little more about China than the Chicago Sun-Times. Giving them the benefit of the doubt on that one. The city does to have a music scene. Don't even front like they don't. They also have Dorito bananas and white guys shopping for wives. What they don't have is any more tolerance for jaywalkers. more ›

For this Laist contributor, the love for The Brand New Heavies began with a little Heavy Rhyme Experience. Before LL Cool J went unplugged and before The Roots became the only contemporary Black (hip-hop, r&b, pop or rock) band with national acclaim and radio airplay in America, there was this eclectic group of British cats getting supremely funky underneath my favorite rap group in high school, The Pharcyde. From "Soul Flower" 14 years ago to last night at The Roxy, we've all been through a lot. more ›

People probably expected Luchadores at the rally but did they expect Filipinos? more ›

We've listened to his J Dilla tribute mix at least 10 times since James Yancey died in February and now we have to say goodbye to him as well? We're not ready to let go of an integral part of The Root Down and one of our favorite turntablists at Fusicology events. Tarek Captan aka DJ Dusk was killed Saturday night by a drunk driver. He was 31. more ›

WEDNESDAY more ›