"Billboard reports today on a few "top rap acts" with expiring contracts and a taste for more direct streams of cash. Although Jay-Z has proven that hip-hop can venture outside the traditional record-label world, what does that mean for acts like Outkast, LL Cool J, and the always delightful 50..."

"Thursday night at Sonotheque, local mash-up masters The Hood Internet, aka DJ STV SLV (Steve Reidel) and ABX (Aaron Brink) will be celebrating the release of their new "Hood Internet vs. Chicago" mixtape. While the concept walks the fine line between sincere tribute and genius local marketing gimmick, the Hood..."

"I was laying in bed the other night, listening to my Shuffle. This song came on. I was completely blown away. Coconut and I have been making music together. And this song sounded a little like some of the stuff we have been working on. It gave me hope.Not to..."

"Ed. note: Chris "dennisobell" Molanphy, our resident chart guru, looks at the upward, downward, and lack of movement on this week's Billboard charts: If only Chris Martin were holding an iPhone 3G: then his band would be atop the charts. As it stands, Coldplay's "Viva la Vida," fueled by Apple's..."

"The Hood Internet has gone and remixed an entire city! This fun mashup album features a ton of bands and the songs range from the straight up insane (Kanye + Wilco + the Super Bowl Shuffle!) to some really great stuff, like this Andrew Bird track I’m posting up. MP3:..."