Big Pun "Yeeeah Baby!" (The Source, 2000)

Imagine the puzzle faced by a larger cat--slightly heavier than the average entertainer--tryin' to make a name in hip-hop. If you're one of the Fat Boys, you make light of your size, using your music as a way to run one long-ass joke about your weight. If you're Biggie or Fat Joe, you come with the raw, ice grillin' any and everybody who might even think about crackin' a "fat" joke. But what do you do when you're not only one of the sickest MCs in the history of the sport, you also happen to be a genuinely funny mu'fucka? Before he left to join our fallen heroes, Big Pun gave us the answer in the form of the latest, and sadly, his final album, Yeeeah Baby! As the re-up to 1998's Capital Punishment, the portly Puerto Rock's last haymaker at the world offers an even more in-depth peep inside the heart and soul of a man in constant struggle with himself. But don't get it fucked up. Like on... Punishment, you won't hear Big Pun feelin' sorry for himself on this album. Instead, you'll get a backstage pass to the all-out jam that was Pun's personality: street-wise, intellectually sharp, sex-crazed--and funny as all hell. The album's intro, straight outta late-night shock TV, features Lord Sear (R.I.P., of Stretch & Bobbito fame) playing a Dr. Frankenstein-type who's puttin' the finishing touches on his latest creation: The Punisher, the ultimate MC genetically engineered from equal parts Kane, G Rap and, believe it or not, Eddie Murphy. From there, Yeeeah Baby! unfolds like a road-map, guiding travelers in finding more and more ways to laugh at the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of life. "It's So Hard," the Donnell Jones duet y'all have been hearin' blowin' up your radios, contains just the right mix of yin and yang that made Pun, like B.I.G. before him, so popular. And when Pun proclaims that after losing a hundred pounds, he's "ready to live," you'll fight back a tear while crackin' a smile, knowing that he lived his tragically short life to the fullest. Cont'd below...

For those of y'all dirty-fingernail types, who've been hittin' the rewind button since "Dream Shatterer," check "Leather Face," which has been makin' the mixtape and club rounds since late January, along with "Off With His Head," featuring Prospect, "We Don't Care," with Cuban and "The Wrong Ones," on which TS newcomer Sunkiss helps Pun blow some steam. And just in case all the "Latino explosion," backlash made you think he would tone down his ethnic pride, the salsa-stained "100%," featuring Tony Sunshine, will have you paradin' up Fifth Avenue with damn near every proud Puerto Rican in the New York metro area come summa'time. From straight gangsta cuts like "You Was Wrong," with fellow BX battlecat Drag-On, and "Watch Those" to hilarious stabs like "My Dick," "Laughing At You" and "N!gga Shit," Big Punisher's last hurrah testifies his penchant for the punch line. Not so much the "clincher," as in "joke," but rather the witty, "one up on that ass" remarks from someone who has had his share of life--and gone back for the free refills. Ultimately, Yeeeah Baby! will be judged more for the unfortunate circumstances surrounding its release than for its collection of true-to-form hip-hop moments. Heads, however, will realize--or recognize, if they aren't already die-hard fans--that Big Pun was a master of his craft. And as for those pop-hungry neophytes who never would've thought to pick up on his music before his death, I'd bet all the unmarked bills in your favorite radio station's stash-box that Pun is lookin' at y'all right now--laughin' his muthafuckin' ass off. - The Source, 2000. Rest In Peace to Christopher "Big Pun" Rios.

 

Here's the Loud Records commercial for the release of Yeeeah Baby!

Skillz "2025 Rap Up" (Happy New Year!)

What began in the early 2000s as a clever year-in-review record gradually became something fans came to expect — a lyrical snapshot of the year’s biggest moments across music, pop culture, politics, and everyday life. While many artists have attempted similar concepts, Skillz’s Rap Ups stand apart because they balance humor, critique, and perspective without feeling disposable or gimmicky. "2025 Rap Up" continues that lineage, but with a noticeable shift in tone. This year’s installment is explicitly dedicated to D’Angelo (R.I.P.), and that dedication shapes the entire record. Skillz raps over D’Angelo’s “Lady” and the smooth, soulful feel of the track slows the pace and gives the song a more reflective atmosphere. Skillz still touches on familiar Rap Up territory — notable events from the year, cultural shifts, moments that dominated conversation — but the approach feels less like rapid-fire commentary and more like reflection. The humor is still present, but it lands alongside fatigue, awareness, and perspective rather than punchline overload. The result is a record that feels less about racing through headlines and more about acknowledging the [obvious] emotional residue left behind by the year. We needed this! Listen to "2025 Rap Up" below + happy new year!

The Alchemist "The Chemistry Files" (The Uncut Version, 2006)

Originally released in 2006, this is the official ALC documentary: The Chemistry Files (The Uncut Version, DVD). Produced, edited, and slapped together by the man himself. Put together from old footage and edited entirely on an Apple G4 laptop with iMovie, this never-before-seen documentary captures the life of the ALC in a rugged yet personal, rough-around-the-edges fashion. "I have absolutely NO knowledge of film making, editing, or anything associated with movies, but one day I was messing around on the laptop and I realized that editing footage was a lot like beat making! So, on the spot, I said fuckit, I'm gonna make a DVD, right here, in my living room, on my laptop, out of all this footage I got laying around. And I sat up for one week straight, got into creative mode, and went berserk! Shit was fun." Of course we'd all rather that Al spends those hours doing what he does best, making those classic productions. But we're quite glad he took a week out and put together this truly motivating DVD. Originally edited, shortened to 25 minutes and used for the re-release of Alchemist's debut album 1st Infantry, this is the full 1 hour unedited and uncut version, exactly as he intended it. "I felt like the edited version didn't tell the story well. So I wanted fans to see it the right way." Go inside the smoke-filled laboratories and studios and watch as Alchemist and The Mobb create their signature sound. Sit in on mix sessions. Watch as, for the first time ever, ALC puts together a beat live on camera. Witness magic as Alchemist and Mobb Deep zone out and the making of the classic, "Hold You Down," miraculously captured on camera, is revealed for the first time. Then watch as the song metamorphasizes from a spontaneous vibe in a little home studio to a live concert in front of 30,000 fans. The Chemistry Files: The Uncut Version...

Inspired by ALC's announcement that 1st Infantry coming (back) 2025!

Method Man x Redman x Raekwon "Red Bull Spiral Freestyle" (Video)

There’s something satisfying about seeing the OGs still sharp with the sword. Red Bull’s Spiral freestyle series has brought together a legendary trio: Raekwon, Method Man, and Redman—three certified mic killers with decades of chemistry. The setting? A minimalist black-cube cipher with the camera rotating slowly around them as they pass the mic like it's '97 all over again. No gimmicks. No distractions. Just bars. From the jump, the vibe is grimy. Method Man leads off with that flawless cadence that’s only gotten sharper with age. Redman steps in next with his trademark punchlines, charisma, and a delivery that somehow feels both chaotic and in-pocket. Raekwon closes it out with his usual cryptic slang-laced delivery—slick references, smooth flow, and that unmistakable Staten Island cool. No hooks. Just three legends still rapping like their legacy depends on it. What makes this special isn't just the lineup: it’s the execution. They’re not mailing it in. Each verse is tight! It feels like a throwback to the Rap City: Tha Basement or Stretch & Bobbito freestyles, where the mic was the only focus and each verse was a statement. No one’s here for clout—they’re here to remind you. It’s short—just one verse each—but it sticks. Wu-Tang. Def Squad. Watch it below...

The LOX "Live From Noochie’s Front Porch" (Video)

In an era bloated with overproduction and rented vibes, The LOX remind us why the foundation still matters. Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch—hip-hop’s grimiest holy trinity—stepped onto Noochie’s front porch in Southeast Washington, D.C. and delivered something rare: a performance that felt both timeless and urgent. This wasn’t a stage soaked in LED lights and choreographed smoke. It was concrete steps, folding chairs, and neighborhood energy. And that’s exactly where The LOX thrive. The performance channeled D-Block basement energy, the kind of cipher spirit that birthed them out of Yonkers. With a setlist that pulled from the Ruff Ryders vaults—“Dope Money,” “Wild Out,” and other deep cuts—they gave real heads the kind of moment we rarely see anymore: raw, unfiltered emceeing with nothing but bars and brotherhood. There’s an ease between them that only comes with time and loyalty. No gimmicks. This was for the culture, not the clicks. 

Ray Vaughn ft. Pusha T "Problems" (Video)

Top Dawg Entertainment signee Ray Vaughn is joined by relative rap veteran Pusha T on his new single “Problems.” The nearly four minutes of straight lyricism connects not only generation but regions, with Ray Vaughn from Long Beach, California and Pusha T famously raised in Virginia Beach. “Let em label me a backpack rapper/Turn to a school shooter/All they top five get hit/Unless they cool tutors,” Ray Vaughn raps early on, leaning into his identity as a serious wordsmith in an era where hip-hop can be anything, as well as his willingness to lean on the greats — Pusha T would be one of them. Pusha T’s guest verse marks his first time on wax since October’s “Mr. Put That Shit On” with CyHi. He spends his quick appearance shouting out Ray Vaughn’s label, asserting his longevity, and offering the young MC a warning: “New rappers trying legends for the notch/And every has-beens interviews are watched/Listen Ray Vaughn be clear of your peers/’Cause in a couple years, it’d be musical chairs.” This is a straight banger on all levels! Watch the video below...

Raekwon Defends ODB's Memory (Rock The Bells, 2006)

On the night of August 5, 2006, Steve-O attended the "Rock The Bells IV" Hip-Hop Festival in San Bernardino, California. The concert was headlined by the Wu-Tang Clan and the event was organized as a tribute to clan member Ol' Dirty Bastard (R.I.P.). While on stage with the Wu-Tang, Steve-O proceeded to show his affection for ODB by getting nude, tucking his penis between his legs and doing a back flip... while Ol' Dirty's mom was in attendance. Raekwon took to the mic and expressed his ill-feelings on the incident and threatened to knock him out if he didn't apologize. That night, a member in attendance shared more about the incident: "Wu-Tang was one of many acts to grace the stage at the show, and during their tribute to ODB, for some reason, STEVE-O from Jackass comes out on stage and embarrasses himself and disgraces ODB (in front of his mother no less) by doing a "dirty stunt" ... claiming that he wanted to do it because he was recently locked in the same jail cell that ODB stayed in at one point in L.A. county jail. Steve-O proceeded to pull off his clothes (surrounded by all remaining members of the WU and in front of an ODB painting) and tuck his 'ish behind his legs and do a backflip... Afterwards the RZA made a comment about Steve-O belonging in a Zoo, then went on with the show... but a couple songs later, Raekwon brought Steve-O front and center and told him over the mic that if he didn't apologize for the disgusting display, he would knock him out on the spot. With a trembling voice, Steve-O apologized to the Wu-Tang and ODB's mother, much to the approval of the crowd." Of course, there's video of the incident, and Raekwon later addressed it in a 2013 VladTV interview, as well, where Rae shared: "Rest In Peace, my brother... I was livid... My brother dead and THIS is what you're doing? And you got his mother there... Is you crazy? N!gg@s coulda bit his face off!" Rest In Peace, Ol' Dirty Bastard. Salute, Raekwon the Chef! Edit: the full video was removed after this post, but below is the portion of Rae talking to Steve-O.

Original flyer for Rock The Bells IV, 2006...

Beanie Sigel "Batcave Freestyle" (Video, 2012)

I'm not sure why this was on my mind so heavy today, but I wanted to take it back to a freestyle Beanie Sigel spit some years back... I read a caption that shared, "Right before Beans got locked up he drove his Crown Vic, with the spotlight still on it, up to N. 3rd St. and spit some serious shit at Batcave Studio…..guns, pills, syrup, duckin’ cops, incarceration." Over a classic break instrumental, Beans did what he does best, raw street raps with an equal dose of real life and pain. Props to Gillie the Kid and all the real spitters out of Philly. This exclusive freestyle from Beanie Sigel was featured on Black Deniro's DVD/CD "Money Is The Mission," directed by Rick Dange. Around the time, Beans was locked up and the streets held this one close until his return. "Money Is The Mission" featured never before seen footage of all the hottest artist in Philadelphia including Cassidy, Freeway, Gillie Da Kid, and many more. You can find it on Amazon or other online retailers.

Jay-Z "Summer Jam" (Hot 97, June 28, 2001)

One of hip-hop’s biggest moments now has video footage backing it. New footage of Jay-Z’s 2001 Summer Jam performance was shared to YouTube, seemingly for the first time (taken down, and posted again) it’s been uploaded to the platform in its entirety. Included in the Hot 97 performance, which was uploaded by YouTube account HipHopVCR, is the moment when Blueprint-era Jay surprises the crowd with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The new camera angle—filmed from the top of the venue shows a solid view of how it all went down, with MJ and Hov chatting it up on stage as Jackson waved to fans and told them he loved them. Video footage of Jay introducing MJ has been shared before, but in less-impressive camera angles, despite the screams still being heard loud and clear. The footage of the entire performance also features Jay debuting “Takeover” on stage for the first time during the June 28 gig at the Nassau Coliseum. It remains unclear who shot the specific video, but whoever it was, they documented some of the biggest moments in music.... According to former Hot 97 program director Tracy Cloherty, “There were definitely some rules that went into effect” when Jackson pulled up. “Even though I was introduced to him, I couldn’t shake his hand or anything, and I couldn’t step within, like, a 6-foot perimeter around him,” Cloherty recalled. “Things like that. It certainly added another layer of security concerns and things that we had to deal with behind the scenes. But it was certainly worth it.” Check out the performance footage below. - Complex. No doubt, this was a historic moment in hip-hop, especially with the impact Nas vs. Jay-Z beef had on things. We absolutely chose sides, didn't YOU?? Oh and M.J., too!!

Speaker Bullies "Season One Freestyle" (Video)

It’s Speaker Bullies season… let the disrespect begin! Speaker Bullies are Supastition (MC) and Praise (Producer), a powerful combination of veteran lyricism and hard-drummed production. Their first offering, "Season One Freestyle" is putting fans on notice that the duo’s debut album, The Art of Disrespect, will be coming soon through Soulspazm Records. Supastition and Praise did considerable work together on Supastition's 2015 release, Gold Standard, before working together on this collaborative album. A deviation from the grown-man raps of Supastition's 2019 release, Sacrifice EP - in his own words he shares, "The Speaker Bullies joints that we are dropping will be more aggressive than my solo music. I think some people were thrown off by it lol." Enjoy it for what it is, but the bars are still RIGHT. "Tried locking the door / but nothing stopping your boy / until i'm coppin' more property than monopoly boards." Listen to the "Season One Freestyle" below... 

Redman's Staten Island "De La Casa" (MTV Cribs, 2001)

Redman, the gritty New Jersey rapper, who famously showed off his bling-less Staten Island house during a 2001 episode of MTV "Cribs," says the entire episode, long thought a hoax, was legit... "When they were in there filming, I did have a moment of thinking, 'I don't want to show that my city can't live the good and lavish life too,'" ... "But then I was like, 'F--k it, this isn't about nobody else but me. I invited these guys to my house and now I got to go with it.' This is just something that we do. Everything you see was real. It's just everyday life for us." Redman, who grew up in Newark, "had the chops, the originality to want to really show how he lived," "Cribs" creator Nina Diaz told Thrillist. The popular MTV show was in its infancy during the original Redman episode, but was a unique trend-setter in a TV landscape now cluttered with reality shows. "Other people would wait until they got this ballerific place to let us in because they had watched all these other ones like Master P, who was living in a gold Louisiana mansion. People saw that and they would say, 'I'm not ready... You have to give me another year. I have to make some more bank,'" Diaz said. Redman showed the no-frills side of his life. His "bank" consisted of a shoebox filled with dollar bills and his house had no screen on the storm door or a doorbell. The original episode opened with him in a messy bed, pretending to be woken up by the TV crew. He showed off "exhibit A," which consisted of "his clothes and s--t" sitting strewn about in a corner. Redman told his audience he irons clothes on the floor and shows off his "walk-in closet" – "step in, step out." Inside his bathroom, Redman pointed out the Noxzema and Herbal Essences body wash - "keeps me smelling good for the women." And downstairs, Redman's cousin, who goes by the stage name Mr. Cream, was sleeping on the floor, he says, after a long night recording at the in-house studio.... There were dishes in the sink, pizza boxes everywhere, a piggy bank, his bedroom is a mess. He was quite proud of it, and it was so refreshing because everyone in hip-hop is so style-conscious." Revisit Redman's "De La Casa" below...

Capone N Noreaga "The War Report" (25th Anniversary)

As Capone-N-Noreaga -- which naturally translates into the clever initials CNN -- were recording their debut album, Capone was sent to jail, leaving Noreaga to handle the majority of The War Report himself, with the occasional help of such stars as Nas. It's a testament to the talents of both Capone and Noreaga that C's absence is barely felt and The War Report turns into a stellar debut. Both rappers have a distinctive rhythmic style and aren't afraid to deviate from traditional hardcore rap themes. Nor are they constrained by musical stereotypes, since The War Report explodes with impressionistic samples, gritty and evocative loops, and funky rhythms. The only thing that makes The War Report a disappointment is the knowledge that it would have been an even better album if Capone had been able to participate in the entire recording. As it stands, it's merely superb. - AllMusic. Over the years, we've learned a lot about what went into the making of the album, how Capone and Noreaga met, handled recording between bids; Tragedy Khadafi's role behind the scenes, and so-on. BUT, I'm happy to edit this post to include Noreaga's latest Drink Champs podcast with co-host DJ EFN because they paid tribute to the album on its 25th Anniversary and they dove much deeper. Capone and Noreaga are joined by the power players that were part of the creation of their debut album The War Report, guests like: Tragedy Khadafi, Neil Levine, Geno Sims, Marty Most, Gregory Taylor, and the one and only Busta Rhymes. Lots of great stories that you don’t want to miss! From Iraq to Kuwait... watch that Drink Champs episode HERE, and below you can (and should) revisit The War Report. Art above by the ever-talented Torre Pentel. 25 Years!

Hit the archives for samplers, mixes, reviews, VHS tapes and more...

Allen Iverson & Jadakiss "Living Legends" (Interview, 2016)

Allen Iverson has aged so gracefully and humbly behind the scenes. When he pops up, it's always to celebrate another player's career and accomplishments. He seems to truly be a fan of the sport, the culture and showing love to people. That's rare and it comes from a special place. Not to mention, he's still one of the greatest basektball players to ever lace up and bless the court. This video here is a throwback to when Jadakiss interviewed him about his top 5 basektball players (Michaek Jordan, Shaq, Kobe Bryant (R.I.P.), Lebron James, Steph Curry, Kryie, Durant, Mello... "it's the same thing with rap," he says unable to narrow it down, and shares his top 5 artists... Redman, Jadakiss, 2Pac, Nas, Jay-Z, Andre 3000, etc.). His impacted the culture - how he stayed himself and changed the culture by "just being me" and how he took criticism for it but it laid the foundation for players after him to do that. Jada shares many of the same hardships and glories, and that continues to this day. These are two celebrated talents and it's important to remember their continued impact. Don't forget their '01 Reebok TV commercial collaboration HERE, and the Reebok Answer 5 that became associated with Jada once it aired. Peep the interview below... HBD, Allen I.

CyHi the Prynce "LA Leakers Freestyle" (Video)

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since CyHi the Prynce released his incredible No Dope On Sundays debut, but here we are. Thankfully, due to “the on-going encouragement [he’s] received from everyone,” he’s gearing up to release his highly-anticipated sophomore album, The Story of EGOT, sometime this summer. Now, ahead of releasing EGOT the EP on Friday (6/3), the gifted emcee stopped by Power106 to take part in the LA Leakers ongoing freestyle series. And, wow… this man went crazy. Over 42 Dugg’s “Maybach” and (especially) Jeezy’s “Go Crazy,” CyHi put on a showcase of elite lyricism for a solid seven minutes. “If I ain’t the dopest ni**a ever, you must sniff cocaine / Listen, since everybody wanna talk about the ghostwriter, I wrote fire for most of y’all favorite artists, so I inspired this whole generation, y’all are ghost-biters / Technically speaking, I’m everybody’s co-writer,” he raps. Check it out below. - 2DBZ. Dig in the archives for No Dope On Sundays and more... Props to Shake and Meka for puttin' me on, I woulda missed this one for sure.

Happy Born Day, Jadakiss! (Video, 2021)

Happy Born Day to one of the nicest MCs to ever breathe life into a microphone, Jadakiss. It's the nature of every lyricist and competitor to truly believe they are the best to ever do it. When Jadakiss released the album and campaign for #T5DOA, there was an arrogance to it that felt so New York. Then... Raspy became the undisputed King of Verzuz during this pandemic with his two wins against Fabolous -- as a solo artist -- and as the lead mic in The LOX, against Dipset. Against Fabolous his character and charisma stole the show - he utilized his catalog in a way that disrupted Fab's flow and his own drunk antic's made him a meme in the greatest use of the word lol. In the Dipset battle, the superior group won - the LOX proved that lyrics mattered, showmanship mattered, and that their legacy was their ability to play their respective roles. Jadakiss controlled that stage and put his name back in contention for Top 5, Dead or Alive. It was in the moment below that everything shifted, and even Fat Joe's "Yesterday's price is not today's price!" became legend. Remember it. "He's a dick, you pussy, y'all neighbors..." // Illustration above by the homie Toon Crew. 

Too Short "Life Is... Life & Times of Todd Shaw" (Documentary, 2003)

You think you know Too Short. Yeah, he’s a player that was born to mack and he tells those freaky tales so well. But really you have no idea. Unlike any other file on the legendary MC, Life Is . . . The Life and Times of Todd Shaw, executive produced by Short’s childhood partna and fellow artist D’Wayne Wiggins (of Tony Toni Tone.) The 90 minute file is a provocative, revealing documentary that goes behind the dirty raps of hip-hop pioneer Too Short, chronicling in vivid detail his legendary rise to prominence and exposing some nasty trials and tribulations he faced along the way. Consider it a rare glimpse into the wild Cadillac ride of areal rap legend who — like today’s top sensation 50 Cent — built his buzz from the ground up as a genuine street phenomenon. Only he did it nearly 20 years ago. Life Is… features never before seen performances along with candidly revealing and often very funny interviews with Short Dog himself, fellow artists like Chuck D, E-40, Money B of Digital Underground, and the Luniz, industry insiders like Sway and journalists Davey D and Danyel Smith. From his independent days of trunk hustlin' in the streets of Oakland to signing with Jive Records, see firsthand how Too Short's fame evolved. With over twenty years of success in the rap game, Todd Shaw, a.k.a Too Short, has laid down the blueprint for longevity in a business known for its revolving doors. Watch the full Life Is... documentary below, and Happy Born Day to Short Dog! 

"Dawg Fight" (Documentary, 2015)

West Perrine, Florida is an impoverished pocket of Southwest Miami-Dade County, where over 73 percent of its residents are African American, and more than a third of them are unemployed. Violent crimes occur on a daily basis in this neighborhood of less than two square miles, where much of its adult male population winds up dead or in prison before their 30th birthday. But among the blight, there is hope. Standing at 6’3, weighing 270lbs and with a mohawk crest crowning his head, Dhafir “Dada 5000” Harris is a statuesque and imposing figure -- a fist waving warrior who gained notoriety through bare knuckled battles as part of the crew of Mixed Martial Arts sensation Kimbo Slice, a childhood friend. Using his mothers yard as a venue, Dada built a ring and quickly cemented himself as the Don King of illegal fights. No doctors, no ambulance. Just two men in a 12’ x 12’ ring battling in a savage bare-knuckle fight to the finish, all in search of a little glory but more importantly of some cash to feed their families as they literally try to fight their way out of poverty and out of the hood. The documentary Dawg Fight was released in 2015, where I believe it briefly appeared on Netflix. If you haven't seen it, it's a solid indie documentary, check it out below...

Happy Born Day, Bun B of UGK!

Texas rapper and scene icon Bun B (born Bernard Freeman) rose to fame as part of the duo UGK, issuing a string of U.S. Top 20 hits, including 1996's gold-certified Ridin' Dirty and the 2007 chart-topping Underground Kingz. Bun B made his solo debut in 2005 with Trill, extending his presence into the 2010s with Trill O.G.: The Epilogue and Return of the Trill, just as a generation of younger MCs looked up at the influential veteran for inspiration. Together with partner Pimp C, Bun B formed UGK in the late '80s when their former crew, Four Black Ministers, fell apart. Based in Port Arthur, Texas, UGK signed with Jive, and with 1992's Too Hard to Swallow began a series of Southern gangsta rap albums that were successful sellers. Things came to a halt in 2003 when Pimp C was sentenced to eight years in prison on an aggravated gun assault charge. Bun B carried on solo, making numerous appearances on other artists' tracks and then in 2005 releasing both the mixtape Legends and his debut album, the Rap-a-Lot release Trill. With Pimp C seeing early release in late 2005, Bun B returned to UGK. In 2007, the pair released their chart-topping Underground Kingz, which included the hit single "International Players Anthem (I Choose You)" with OutKast. Tragedy struck in early 2008 when Pimp C died suddenly, leaving Bun B to return to a solo career. Bun since released a handful of well-received projects, including 2019's TrillStatik, which teamed the rapper with producer Statik Selektah. The LP featured Method Man, Fat Joe, Westside Gunn and more. Bun B is certainly one of the most influential and most well-respected MCs. HBD, Bun B!

In April 2019, Rolling Stone reported that Bun B had shot and injured an armed intruder during an attempted robbery at the rapper’s Houston home.... Police confirmed that a masked man holding a gun rang the rapper’s doorbell; Bun B’s wife Queenie answered the door, thinking it was a package delivery service. After the intruder demanded valuables, Queenie offered her Audi in the garage. Bun B, who heard the commotion downstairs, grabbed his weapon and confronted the intruder in the garage. A shootout reportedly ensued, with Bun B hitting the robber near the arm before the man fled the scene on foot. TMZ added that, hours later, the alleged intruder showed up at a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound to the left shoulder; police apprehended the man, later identified as DeMonte Jackson, at the hospital and charged him with two felony counts of aggravated robbery with a weapon and one count burglary. Both Bun B and his wife were uninjured in the incident. Give this man his flowers, that's how you protect your home and family. In an interview with The Breakfast Club, Bun B and his wife discussed the matter further, watch it below...

"Wild Style" (1982)

Universally hailed as the first hip-hop movie, "Wild Style" captures New York's hip-hop culture circa 1981 and several prominent figures including Busy Bee Starski; Fab 5 Freddy; the Cold Crush Brothers; and one of the godfathers of hip-hop, Grandmaster Flash. A movie whose influence cannot be underestimated and hailed as the most inspirational hip-hop of movie of all time, "Wild Style" immortalizes the birth of the underground hip-hop scene about to explode around the world, changing the face of music, fashion, art, and a way of life forever. Following street artist Zorro (played by legendary subway artist Lee Quiñones) and his crew as they journey through the streets, projects, and train yards of New York, keeping one step ahead of the cops and their rivals, the film climaxes in one of the most famous hip-hop concerts in history. Featuring the pioneers at the forefront of a cultural revolution including DJs, emcees, and breakers such as Grandmaster Flash, the Chief Rocker Busy Bee, Fab 5 Freddy, the Rock Steady Crew, and the Cold Crush Brothers, "Wild Style" is the greatest hip-hop movie of all time. You've gotta revisit Wild Style every so often, why not today? Watch the trailer below and let me know, were you outside at the time??

Below are some publicity photos from Wild Style...

"New Jack City" (March 8, 1991)

1991's New Jack City is a timeless classic! The ruthless leader of a New York City drug syndicate battles to maintain his power and avoid imprisonment in this fast-moving action drama. While the film's heroes are Scotty (Ice-T) and Nick (Judd Nelson), a pair of tough, streetwise cops, the main focus is their target, drug lord Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes). A criminal businessman with no room for pity or emotion, the flashy but severe Brown has built an empire and transformed an abandoned Harlem apartment building into a well-defended fortress. He begins to consider himself invincible, but his lust for power and the unpredictable actions of a former client turned police informer threaten to bring about his potential downfall. First-time director Mario Van Peebles keeps the traditional plot moving at an appropriately rapid pace, with stylish action sequences and energetic performances. The film's violence was somewhat controversial on its initial release, especially after shooting incidents marred showings in several theaters. However, the film's moral message is clearly anti-drug and anti-crime, its main intent to provide a high-powered, modern take on the gangster movie. - AllMovies. In May 1991, Roger Ebert said this about the film, "I've seen a lot of movies where the lifestyle of the drug lord looks seductive—until he's killed in the last reel, of course—but this isn't one of them. It's a character study of a bad man running an evil business, and by the end even his mistress is telling the cops she'll testify against him. The movie isn't a comic book that's been assembled out of the spare parts from other crime movies; it's an original, in-depth look at this world, written and directed with concern—apparently after a lot of research and inside information." Below is the official trailer for 1991's New Jack City ... I suggest you revisit it today!!

Some original publicity shots and rare action figures...