UK Games Charts

The year ends with Need for Speed Underground 2 at no. 1 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas at no. 2 for sales in the UK.

Can't Stop Won't Stop

Apparently the upcoming Feb. 1st release of hip hop history book Can't Stop Won't Stop has inspired author and activist Jeff Chang to massively upgrade his Internet presence with the launch of the website Can't Stop Won't Stop. Much more than a promotional site for his new book, Chang has integrated such elements as his Zentronix blog, writing credits and activist concerns into a sweet looking site designed by E. Ku for 226. 226 is also responsible for the design of audioblog Sticker Shock.

Kano: Next Grimey Star?

Kano may be the next hip hop phenom from London's fertile garage/grime scene, according to both the recent Sound of 2005 poll, which identifies UK music writers' favorites to watch, as well as the earlier Smash Hit Poll Winners' Party, in which fans elevated Kano into the ranks of pop stars.

Homegrown Hip Hop in Japan

Hip hop is growing ever more popular in Japan, in part, due to the development of local acts. Yo Takatsuki looks at the cultural and industry context for hip hop's popularity in Japan. Surprisingly, though the claim is made that some local artists are now outselling American acts, neither the names of such artists nor relevant figures are shared.

NC Voices Include Hip Hop Artists

Neal Hutcheson's documentary Voices of North Carolina premieres this week on UNC-TV. The documentary focuses on North Carolina dialects and speechways with the inclusion of hip hop via members of up and coming NC group Little Brother.

I spoke with Neal this summer in North Carolina about the project and, although he had not been a big fan of hip hop before, the experience had created an interest in the kind of hip hop acts one doesn't tend to hear on the radio. Sadly, I failed to deliver on my promise to check out local acts with Neal but hope to rectify that mistake at a future date.

Eminem's Source Lawsuit Proceeds

Eminem now has a NY judge's approval to continue his copyright violation lawsuit against The Source magazine for publishing parts of controversial recordings of Eminem in his even younger days.  For The Source, this whole affair continues to be a combination of self-inflicted beat down and payback for Benzino's use of the magazine to pursue personal vendettas against writers and artists while providing a platform for his attempts at a performing career.

Of course, The Source had proceeded with its activities under an earlier court ruling and Eminem has been talking about squashing beefs.  Nevertheless, Eminem wins again.  Whether or not this is also a defeat for investigative journalism is well worth considering.

Hip Hop Energy Drinks

With revenues from energy drink Crunk!!! topping $1 million, Lil Jon discusses his involvement with developing and marketing the drink, including naming an album after it, as well as future product plans. In addition to interviewing Lil Jon, Burt Helm also provides an overview of the energy drink scene that includes multiple hip hop related drinks such as Nelly's seminal Pimp Juice, Fat Joe's plump Stinger and one of Russell Simmons' failures, DefCon 3.

UCLA Extension Offers Hip Hop Biz Class

Music industry writer Gary Jackson will again offer his Hip-Hop Music Business course via UCLA Extension. Additional information about the course can be found by going to the UCLA Extension website, entering "Gary Jackson" in the search box and then going to the course. I'd link to it directly but their website has a vicious set of frames that block any form of direct links (worst practice alert) and their navigation makes browsing rather unwieldy (second worst practice alert).

John Legend Debuts on Album Charts

With Eminem on top and various shifts in status among other hip hop albums, John Legend's debut album Get Lifted entered the charts at no. 7. The RnB singer/pianist is one of many artists receiving attention, in part, due to their association with Kanye West.

Spears to Mold Federline Into Rap Star

Britney Spears will turn her star power to management beginning with husband Kevin Federline who is now slated for rap stardom.

Hip Hop Biz for Adults

Rick's Cabaret International (RICK), a public company focused on strip clubs and adult internet services, received a stock boost from their report of nearly doubled profits in 2004.  The original Rick's Cabaret is now Club Onyx, a hip hop themed adult club, and its renewed popularity helped the bottom line.

The Lloyd Banks' hosted video Groupie Luv was nominated for multiple Adult Video News Awards back in November.  Go here for a complete list of nominees for this Saturday's event.

Hip Hop at the Consumer Electronics Show

Hip hop stars Ludacris and DMC will be some of the many celebs boosting XM Satellite Radio at the Consumer Electronics Show. CES is not only the largest consumer electronics trade show, it's also the largest trade show of any kind held in the U.S. USA Today is covering CES via a blog, of all the nutty things, while CNET is providing more traditional online coverage.

Brits Nomination for The Streets

English hip hop act The Streets made the shortlist for the BRIT Awards in the best song category for the single Dry Your Eyes and was the only hip hop act to do so (unless I'm missing one). This is an impressive achievement given that the 25 singles for which BBC Radio 2 listeners will vote come from hits recorded by British acts since 1977. For more on the British equivalent of the Grammies, see the BRIT Awards homepage.