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CraveOnline put together a comprehensive list of some of the most anticipated hip-hop albums of 2012. They definitely hit the nail on the head with most of these. Some albums on the list include the G.O.O.D. Music album, which is said to feature Pusha T, Common, John Legend, Mos Def, Mr. Hudson, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, Kanye, and others. If that’s not enough to peak interest in this release, then we don’t know what is.

Check out some more albums mentioned after the jump.

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© 2012 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nickestrada | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: clipse, hip-hop, jay-z, kanye west, Music

In their latest issue, V Magazine worked with iconic fashion editor Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele on ‘The Queen of Hip Hop’ fashion spread, fusing the high and low.

“A French fashion editor, Carlyne’s pioneering stories at magazines like American and Italian Vogue laid the groundwork for what would ultimately become the epitome of “street chic.” For proof positive of this impact, look no further than the cover of American Vogue’s November 1988 issue. Photographed by Peter Lindbergh, this was not only Anna Wintour’s first issue at the helm of the magazine, but the arrival of a bold new style.

This was Parisian high style mixed with America’s street-inspired sportswear, put on blast. The marriage of high and low continues its thread in the renowned editor’s work today. “I was the first to pair a Chanel jacket with a pair of blue jeans,” she says. “This is what I call the ‘Cerf style.’” For V75 The Music Issue, Cerf de Dudzeele and Sebastián Faena pay homage to the women who continue to inspire the evolving movement of hip-hop style in Queen of Hip-Hop.”

Photography Sebastián Faena
Fashion editor Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele

We feel like a lot of the ground-work that has been done by her, is being displayed on our site every day. We report about everything from a Louis Vuitton backpack, Nike sneakers to Supreme caps, simply because that is the reality of style today. Hardly anybody exclusively sticks to one specific look, but over time tends to mix things up.

Check out ‘The Queen of Hip Hop’ spread after the jump.

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© 2011 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: David Fischer | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Fashion, hip-hop, Music, v magazine

Click here to view the embedded video.

This past week VH1 premiered the documentary ‘Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation’.

“Narrated and executive produced by Ice-T, “Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation” is the first documentary to focus specifically on the connections between crack and hip-hop.

Crack first appeared in the early 1980s, but by 1986, it was raging through the inner cities of America like wildfire, leaving pain, grief, and death in its wake. With candid, never-before-seen interviews from survivors, including Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill’s B-Real, and the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and Raekwon, “Planet Rock” examines the hardships young men encountered growing up in impoverished neighborhoods, which led many to deal crack cocaine as their only way out.

From the gold dookie chain to Gucci, many hip-hop artists were influenced by the look and fashion of infamous dealers like Azie Faison in Harlem, who is prominently featured in the documentary, along with Freeway Ricky Ross, the Godfather of Crack in LA. As hip-hop became increasingly popular, the fascination with crime and gangster culture, specifically the violence inherent in crack culture, became ingrained in the music. And soon the very kids dealing crack were turning their street tales into hit records. After serving hard time in jail, Snoop Dogg became the biggest rapper of his day; after a bullet in the back nearly killed him, B Real went legit with Cypress Hill; and after crafting their business model on the crack hustle, RZA and Raekwon turned the Wu Tang Clan into a hip hop empire. As journalist Cheo Choker reflects, “it’s fascinating to think that Jay Z, a global icon who had better seats at President Obama’s inauguration than Jesse Jackson, was once a New York City crack dealer.”

Watch the rest of the documentary after the jump.

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© 2011 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: David Fischer | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: documentaries, hip-hop, ice-t, Music, planet rock, videos

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.

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© 2009 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: David Fischer | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: hip-hop, kanye west, notorious big, simpsons, snoop dogg

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.

© 2009 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: dr. dre, Gadgets, headphones, hip-hop

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.

© 2009 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: hip-hop, kanye west, mixtape

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.

© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: hip-hop, Music

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.

© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: hip-hop, wale

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.

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© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: Art, hip-hop

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.

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© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: Art, hip-hop

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).

© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: hip-hop, video

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.

© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: hip-hop

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.

© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: hip-hop

88 Keys has been an household name in hip-hop’s underground since (around) the time of Rawkus’ Lyricist Lounge Vol. 1. He’s remained steadily in the background, working capably and building connections. One of those may yet pay off. Next week 88 Keys releases “The Death of Adam,” his debut as an MC and a record aided in part by friend Kanye West. This, obviously, will raise interest, and though Kanye appears only once, that singular stamp might be the ticket. Other guests are notable, if of a lower profile. There’s Redman, Bilal and Phonte.

“The Death of Adam,” also benefits from significantly better cover art than might usually be expected. Clear, simple and direct. And, decidedly without any lame allusions to hip-hop itself. The release is set for November 11 on Decon.

© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: 88 keys, death of adam, decon, hip-hop, kanye west

Momentarily taking the spotlight away from the abundant chatter on Kanye’s latest, Eminem is back. For those of us who’ve earned for a return to the brilliance of “Desparados” the new joint “I’m Having a Relapse” gives just enough to allow hope to shine. Let’s hope this is the tip of the ice berg and not a one off. Excited for the album now.

Check out “I’ve Relapsed” at Fader.

© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: eminem, hip-hop, Music

Written by graphic designer Cey Adams, with help from noted hip-hop photographer/historian Bill Adler, DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop gets to the nuts and bolts of establishing the hip-hop aesthetic. Both Adams and Adler contribute essays, as do notables like Russel Simmons and Sacha Jenkins. Visuals, the driving force behind the book, come from the likes of HAZE and Dapper Dan. Fine arts are also represented, with the work of Mr. Cartoon, Kehinde Wiley and others reproduced and dissected.

A must for anyone interested in hip-hop and its many spin-offs. Out now from Collins Design.

Images from DEFinition after the jump.

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© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: nschon | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: Art, book, definition, Design, hip-hop

Hip-hop chess tournaments are a growing trend in the United States. From Washington D.C.’s Bum Rush the Boards event, sponsored by Words Beats Life, to the West Coast centered Hip-Hop Chess Federation, recognizing the values to be learned is in evidence. Long time fans of chess, the Wu-Tang Clan might just have some of the most overt references to the 64 squares. 
In that spirit Clan mastermind Rza has teamed with Chesspark.com to form WuChess.com. The site is an online chess community with a hip-hop sensibility. For a fee of $48 per year, users can join and meet other like minded chess players. A portion of the fee goes to the previously mentioned hip-hop chess federation, with whom Rza often competes. 
All in all, it’s nice to see some positive social networks being developed that promote some cognitive activity.

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© 2008 Highsnobiety for Titel Media. Author: David Fischer | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us | %%sharethis_link%%
Post tags: chess, highsnobiety, hip-hop, online gaming, wuchess