Author Archive

It Was All a Dream: MLK’s Legacy Reflected in Rap

By Michael Denslow on January 18th, 2010

On the day we celebrate his birthday, Michael Denslow examines whether today’s hip hop culture truly reflects Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of an equal society.

Album Review: 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct

By Michael Denslow on December 10th, 2009

There isn’t a word in the English language to accurately portray this particular brand of stupid.

Album Review: Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3

By Michael Denslow on September 16th, 2009

If The Blueprint was the formula for raising one’s social status through the music industry, The Blueprint 3 is the model for aging gracefully once stardom has been obtained.

The Roots, Common, and pals mix well at Hennessy’s Artistry Series (9/12)

By Michael Denslow on September 14th, 2009

Just four nights after Jay-Z treated a handful of lucky fans to a free show at Chicago’s House of Blues, another hush hush, high profile, small venue show came to town. The first show of the Hennessy Artisty Series took place Saturday night at The Shrine, a small nightclub in Chicago’s South Loop.

Three times the charm for McFest (8/16)

By Michael Denslow on August 18th, 2009

Nobody ever thinks there’s “fun” in a fundraiser. McFest’s Lauren McClusky proves otherwise.

Mos Def brings less than Ecstatic show to Chicago (8/2)

By Michael Denslow on August 4th, 2009

The show Mos Def put on at Chicago’s House of Blues on Sunday night almost felt more like a hip-hop history lesson than a concert.

Album Review: Mos Def – The Ecstatic

By Michael Denslow on August 1st, 2009

Mos Def may be modern rap’s most loyal disciple of classic hip hop.

Rock the Bells brings the hip-hop to Detroit (6/28)

By Michael Denslow on June 30th, 2009

This past weekend, our resident hip-hop guru, Michael Denslow, traveled to the Motor City to take in the sights and sounds of this year’s edition of Rock the Bells. His experience follows…

Nine reasons to hit up Rock the Bells

By Michael Denslow on June 23rd, 2009

Good ol’ Michael Denslow paints the facts…

Album Review: Eminem – Relapse

By Michael Denslow on May 19th, 2009

Poor Marshall Mathers. After achieving worldwide fame and critical acclaim for his shocking and crass, yet inventive, earlier albums, he did what would be expected of any rough-around-the-edges artist. He matured, came to terms with his demons, and settled down to make music that reflected a new stage in his [...]