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
The Doppelgangaz re-up on last month’s 
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Urbnet unleash a track from the upcoming Welcome To The Agrodome album by Golden Section, aka Moka Only, Birdapres, and producer K-Rec.
Blu featuring track from the recent Atlas album by Josh Alias.
Three powerhouses of UK hip-hop collide, with vocals from Ramson Badbonez, production by Illinformed, and cuts courtesy of DJ Jazz T.
Latest drop from Resonance Frequency, on the way end of this month.
Following up on the recent “
Its only been a couple of months since 
Very satisfying to see Rome Streetz soar in the rap game. He continues to not miss on this new album, also featuring some heavyweight guest vocals and production, including Styles P, WSG, Pete Rock, Havoc, Alchemist, 9th Wonder, Conductor Williams, and more.
The Musalini and 9th Wonder are gearing up for the release of The Don & Eye 3: The Trilogy with this new visual.