Format has come out once again with a fun series of characters. Last time around we saw them turn Hip Hop albums into Lego figures, this time the Hip Hop icons were Simpsonized. The set features Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Flava Flav, Eazy E, Andre 3000, Eminem, and Fat Joe alongside iconic O representations for each artist.

Designed by Moxy Creative the posse shot is available as a 11.75 x 15.75 limited edition (100) print for $45 USD including tax and shipping. Special orders for individual artist shots are available at $55 USD by e-mail (editors@formatmag.com).

After the jump you can check out the individual Simpsonized versions of each artist.

Lost in the shuffle of previous coverage of the Beats By Dre set from Monster is the Ear Bud headphone. As sleek and (sort of) inconspicuous as the ubiquitous white ipod headphone, these pack a similar punch to the Doctor’s full ear version. The price ain’t cheap, at $149.95, but they do come recommended.

Benzi and Plain pat have collected a slew of Kanye remixes for their “Sky High” Mixtape. They’ve additionally enlisted the help of some Fools Gold Family, including A-Trak and Kid Cudi. After some unofficial floats out there, the official mastered version is now available direct from here.

A little teaser from CurT@!n$ off The Great Adventures of Dope Boy C: WHSL Rebel Radio. “The Dope Supremacy” can be downloaded here. Look for Rebel Radio to drop on January 13, 2009.

OnSmash gives us a preview of the graphic identity for Wale and 9th’s “Back To The Feature” project. A little parody never hurt. And, if 9th’s effort is what it was working with Murs, Wale will be riding some worthy beats. The collaboration comes via LRG, which despite all its growth has always found time to support the up and comers.

Since 1932, LEGO has become a staple in any kids toy box. In more recent times the mini-figs and legendary building blocks have been used to recreate famous landmarks, classic photographs and now: Formatmag.com recreates over 20 Classic (and some not-so-classic) Hip Hop Album Covers in LEGO. Worth a look, a fun little project.

More after the jump.

EPMD’s new album “We Mean Business” will be in stores on December 9th. The record features Raekwon, Teddy Riley, Havoc and long-time collaborator Keith Murray. If samplers are anything to go by, the album in full won’t throw us for any loops, it’s a pure EPMD sound. Aside from getting back to the boards and mic, the due of Eric Serman and Parish Smith are lending their influence to an art project giving back to the Groundswell Community Mural Project.

“The EPMD Art Project”, is collection of premiere international artists creating works inspired by EPMD. Works from each artist will be presented on canvases and prints and auctioned off at a record release event and a listening party. In Los Angeles, EPMD will team with Zune at their Zune L.A. space, offering guests the first opportunity to hear the new album and bid on the exclusive artwork. A main event will follow in New York at Santos Party House, which will include performances by EPMD and friends, as well as the next opportunity to bid on the artwork.

Read more about “The EPMD Art Project” after the jump.

Jay-Z on iLike – Get updates inside iTunes

Evan Roth, of The Graffiti Research Lab, went hard for his visual play on Jay Z’s “Brooklyn Go Hard” (featuring Santogold). For 5 years he’s been holding off requests to use the typographic illustration utilized in the video. He says for hopes Jay came calling. Well, it was RED and The Global Fund that called, but the effect remains the same. A stellar video for Hova’s newest track. (Via Kushtv).

After 22 years, Scarface remains both below the radar and commonly understood as a legend. With that, it’s no real surprise that on Emeritus, ‘Face spits alongside Bun B and Lil’ Wayne on a track called “Forgot About Me.” He’s decidedly comfortable alongside his most noteworthy guests, and the confidence suits him. Emeritus stands out this week (a lean one for hip-hop releases). Fellow Houston legend K-Rhino appears. As do newer Texas talents Slim Thugg and Z-Ro. There’s nothing wrong with some slick talk to open from James Prince either. Check it out. Emeritus drops from Asylum.

The newest project from the Artifacts El Da Sensei has a true throw back feel. From the tag inspired cover art, to the American MC x European producer collaboration, “Global Takeover” has late ’90s written all over it. On the upside, the New Jersey rapper sounds as confident as ever, and while the beats may lack imagination, there’s a complete back pack appeal bred through the set.

“Global Takeover” drops this week from Asfalt.