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 Da Flyy Hooligan, featuring some heavy hitters in the form Sean Price, Westside Gunn, Conway, Guilty Simpson, Estee Nack, and more.
M-Dot has been dropping new music at a rapid clip this year, and today we get another new one, this time with 38 Spesh.
Cormega celebrates Sean Price’s birthday with a track he recorded with the late emcee, sanctioned by Bernadette.
Black Milk this week announced there’s a new album coming soon, set to include this jawn.
Salam MC gets an assist from Estee Nack.
Full stream of the new album by Duncecap and Samurai Banana, which also features Fatboi Sharif.
There’s a new Blu and Exile album named Time Heals Everything coming next month, which is always good news. The first taste is below, including a feature from Rome Streetz.
New Hiero, as Tajai drops the first track from his new group, Smoking Word, with Myke Millen.
Always great to see Hus Kingpin winning, and on this new album be collaborates with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including a shit load of Wu-Tang Clan members and affiliates, what with this project being Wu-inspired.