Trailer: The Art of Rap

Ice-T‘s documentary on the craft of hip-hop lyricism in which he interviews over 50 of the great MC’s  including Chuck D, Grandmaster Caz, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Melle Mel, Q-Tip, Redman, Mos Def, Afrika Bambaataa, B Real, Immortal Tecnique, Ice Cube, MC Lyte, Nas, Dr. Dre, KRS One, Common, Kanye West, and many more. In theaters on June 15th.

Redman: “I Never Had A Beef With Def Jam” [VIDEO]

Reggie Noble clears up rumors that he is unhappy with his record label Def Jam Records. While he wishes that the label would get back to its days of being “mechanics under the car” he says he’s not mad. He makes some cogent points about artist development and lazy A&R practices, but  Red don’t be mad at the visitor’s pass. Def Jam doesn’t own that building. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

Redman Says Def Jam Has Lost Its Edge, Calls The Label 'Followers'

One of Def Jam's own artists says the pioneering label has lost its leadership, and is struggling, along with other labels, to keep up in the digital era.

There is no denying the significant influence Def Jam has had on the emergence of Hip Hop music. The label that was once home to both Public Enemy and Run-D.M.C. was not just famous for its talent, but also revered for it's contributions to the culture. However, the label previously synonymous with Hip Hop, has faced criticism for its failure to keep up with transformations in the music industry. Some of this criticism comes from Def Jam's own artists, most recently, Redman. He sat down with XXL Magazine to describe what he feels are the label's biggest problems.