Author Archives: Max Herman

2008: Producers still in the spotlight

By Max Herman In the past decade, producers have become much less of an enigma in hip-hop. Gone are the days when beatsmiths comfortably lamped in the shadows and the only thing fans knew about them was maybe their discography. … Continue reading

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The Plug One Q&A: Pugs Atomz

Chicago hip-hop vet Pugs Atomz discusses his long-running college radio show, an upcoming collaboration with DJ Vadim, and a scene that runs much deeper than Kanye West, Common and Lupe Fiasco. (Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.) Continue reading

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The Plug One Q&A: Akrobatik

Boston MC and part-time Perceptionist Akrobatik talks about his new album Absolute Value, how downloading has affected hip-hop culture and his career, and rocking the mic. Continue reading

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Review: Cadence Weapon, “Afterparty Babies”

On Cadence Weapon’s second album, Afterparty Babies, the Canadian hip-hop phenom tries to inject a little intelligence into the club rap fad. Continue reading

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Live Review: “Winter Heat,” 2/08 at Abbey Pub

“Winter Heat” featuring Akrobatik, Juice, 2/08 at the Abbey Pub More and more promoters/organizers of hip-hop shows are realizing that a straightforward night of rhymers is usually no longer enough. Today’s audiences demand more. With the show dubbed “Winter Heat,” … Continue reading

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Review: “The Wire: ‘…and all the pieces matter.’ – Five Years of Music from the Wire”

For its fifth and final season, the producers of acclaimed crime drama The Wire have collected the show’s prime tracks into The Wire: “…and all the pieces matter.” – Five Years of Music from the Wire. Continue reading

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Live Review: “2K Sports Bounce Tour,” 11/30 at Abbey Pub

The 2K Sports Bounce Tour, a rare showcase of Stones Throw’s finest led by figurehead Peanut Butter Wolf, makes a pit stop in Chicago. Max Herman takes notes. Continue reading

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Review: Little Brother, “Getback”

With their third album, Getback, Little Brother craft their most reflective effort to date, and claim the heritage of thought-provoking golden age hip-hop.
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Live Review: “Everybody Loves a Clown Tour,” 10/22 at Metro

Max Herman takes in the scene at the Chicago stop for the “Everybody Loves a Clown Tour,” the latest traveling circus featuring Rhymesayers figureheads Atmosphere. Continue reading

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Review: Rob Sonic, “Sabotage Gigante”

Bronx linguist and conspiracy theorist Rob Sonic returns with Sabotage Gigante, the latest chapter in a long and underrated career. Continue reading

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Review: Ohmega Watts, “Watts Happening”

Rapper and producer Ohmega Watts continues his true-school revolution with Watts Happening, a diverse collection of solo tracks and surprising collaborations. Continue reading

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Review: Zeph & Azeem, “Rise Up”

Rise Up is a collaboration between DJ/producer Zeph and MC Azeem, two of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most unheralded talents. Continue reading

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