The book Independent as F*** – Underground Hip-hop From 1995-2005 by Grown Up Rap Editor Ben Pedroche is out now via Velocity Press. Order your copy here (shipping worldwide), from Amazon, or anywhere else you get your books, including various physical stores.
For a glorious ten-year period from 1995 to 2005, hip-hop music received a much-needed shot in the arm from a generation of determined and wildly creative rappers and producers. They rallied against the increasingly formulaic and shallow world of mainstream rap, as well as a music industry unwilling to listen.
By releasing music on their own terms as independent artists—many adopting the mantra of being “independent as fuck” as a mission statement—these hungry creatives reclaimed their artistic freedom and wore it as a badge of honour. Most importantly, they also made a lot of excellent hip-hop. What emerged was a vibrant underground music scene that stretched from New York to Los Angeles, with influence reaching across the world.
Independent As F**: Underground Hip-hop from 1995-2005 explores how a generation of rap artists rebelled against the major record labels and made music on their own terms, celebrating individuality and creative freedom. It also traces the history of some of hip-hop’s most respected artists, including MF DOOM, El-P, Mos Def, Kool Keith, and Madlib.
“Ben is an archivist of the highest regard. His Grown Up Rap pushes the myth and mythology aside for real powerful hip hop facts.” Chuck D
New music from Cavalier, with contributions from Quelle Chris, amongst others.
Blu and Cavalier guest on this excellent new cut from Raz Fresco and Nicholas Craven, from the upcoming Boulangerie Deux, set to drop late next month.
Full stream of the latest instalment of The Don & Eye by The Musalini, and the legendary 9th Wonder.
Every new Open Mike Eagle album is an event, and especially when its produced by Kenny Segal, drops on Backwoodz Studioz, and comes equipped with a guest spot from billy woods himself.
The Godbody album is finally set to arrive next month.
Next video lifted from the new 
Title track plus another, both from the new Ransom project, coming to a streaming platform near you in the next few days, or, if you can’t wait, check it first 
More west coast-drenched visuals off of the new Kurupt and Battlecat album, 
Busta drops another one from Dillagence 2, which is coming next week.
In celebration of the release of the Deluxe Edition of Mos Def‘s classic 2009 album, The Ecstatic, Rhymesayers have put some visuals behind one of the many standout tracks.