Clips

Updated: December 19, 2018

INTERVIEW: Will Claye Outlines Path From Olympian To Hip Hop Musician

Originally posted on HipHopDX 4/13/2017

For world-class athletes, the allure of the music industry always seems to find its way into the picture. That call didn’t miss Olympian silver medalist Will Claye as he readies his debut album Look What You Created. The #DXLive team recently made the trek to the Red Bull HQ in Santa Monica to host the listening party for the long and triple jump champion alongside fellow Olympian Allyson Felix and Hip Hop luminaries Seaside Stretch, Thurz, and Apple Music’s own Carl Chery.

When asked if the 25-year-old silver medalist felt he’d ever reach this level with his music.

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Updated: December 15, 2018

INTERVIEW: Hopsin Dismisses Regrets Over Funk Volume Breakup

Originally posted on HipHopDX 4/10/2017

In preparation for his first album since leaving his former crew and label, Hopsin stopped by the #DXHQ to talk with the #DXLive crew about where his career has been since the fallout and the direction it’s headed. Which, appears to be up.

The live sitdown was witnessed by hundreds of his fans through the HipHopDX Facebook page and answered many of their inquiries and concerns as the tenured MC moves forward with his career.

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Updated: December 15, 2018

ALBUM REVIEW: Page Kennedy Shows Promise & Rookie Mistakes On “Torn Pages”

Originally posted on HipHopDX 3/29/2017
Rating: 3.3/5

Page Kennedy has had an interesting and fruitful career arc over the years. From reoccurring characters in Emmy Award-winning shows like Weeds and Desperate Housewives, roles in movies such as S.W.A.T. and Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood to social media success with Vine and YouTube: Page has in nearly every form of media and entertainment. Now it’s time for music. The Detroit native makes his foray into rap with his debut album, Torn Pages. Despite an earnest effort, there isn’t a consistent theme throughout the album which ultimately reveals itself to be a collection of random tracks.

The LP opens with “Reintroduction” as Page takes this time to introduce the listener to him as a rapper. Over a militant production, Page uses the intro as his origin story with rapid-fire precision (“That’s right I’m a shitty rapper because I don’t talk about poppin’, turnin’ up, or fuckin’ models,” he quips).

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Updated: December 14, 2018

ALBUM REVIEW: Devin The Dude’s “Acoustic Levitation” Soothes The Tension In Today’s Hip Hop

Originally posted on HipHopDX 3/26/2017
Rating: 3.7/5

After a nearly four-year hiatus, Devin The Dude reintroduces his syrupy, southern drawl and epigrammatic narration to today’s Hip Hop scene with Acoustic Levitation. The modern day Godfather of today’s stoner rap generation, Devin continues to display his longevity and ability to transcend generations for the past 19 years. Acoustic Levitation borrows from its clinical definition as it takes you through a 14-track journey that uses melody to suspend you in the moment.

The album opens with “Can I”, a melodramatic soundbed complete with crisp, live instrumentation as Devin wax poetics to the woman who has caught his attention. The beauty in Devin’s lyrical ability comes in his effortless storytelling and melodic tone. He hits home with relatable topics and lines such as, “No promises, I’ma just do my best/previous I was devious, wasn’t true I guess,” as the hook carries you through the thoughts of a man who wants to devote himself to his woman.

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Updated: December 14, 2018

INTERVIEW: Fashawn Announces New Album, “Manna”

Originally posted on HipHopDX 3/24/2017

Fresno MC and Mass Appeal artist Fashawn stopped by #DXLive to give us the exclusive on his forthcoming effort. “It’s about to drop on y’all, probably April 29th, the day of Grizzly Fest. Y’all the first people I’m telling this to,” says Fashawn. “It’s called Manna. That’s where the beauty comes from. I had to figure out a title that really encompassed [how I feel],” Fashawn explains to the #DXLive cast as HipHopDX Editor-In-Chief Trent Clark pointed out the parallel to the Bible where manna was “coming down from the sky.”

Fashawn also discusses the confusion between mixtapes and albums. “It’s a project. I don’t even know anymore [if there’s a difference between albums and mixtapes], the lines are so blurred. I just call them projects. The Fresno MC also goes into detail about what we can expect from Manna, “It’s just me,” Fashawn exclaims when asked about features. “I got love for everybody in Hip Hop but a lot of cats just didn’t make the cut. I still got time to work on the project so I’m still laying the finishing touches on it [so] you never know. I got a few people in mind so hopefully if their schedules permit it [and] if they got enough love for the kid they can [send their verses in].”

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Updated: December 14, 2018

INTERVIEW: DJ EFN Talks Finding Hip Hop Talent In Vietnam

Originally posted on HipHopDX 3/21/2017

While in town premiering his new Hip Hop documentary, Coming Home: Vietnam at the Los Angeles Film School, Drink Champs co-star DJ EFN stopped by the #DXLive set to discuss the film.

“Coming Home: Vietnam is the fourth film in a series I’m doing where I travel to countries and explore global Hip Hop,” exclaims EFN. “Cuba is the first one. I went in 2012 and it aired in 2013 on Revolt. We went to Peru then we went to Haiti. We went into the slums of Haiti. It was an amazing, humbling experience. Then we went to Vietnam and in Vietnam, I went to the base that my dad fought at during the Vietnam War. So part of the storyline there is going on behalf of veterans and family of veterans. It [premiers], on Revolt TV, March 23rd.”

Marcel Friday

Social Media Manager Creative & Social Strategist Journalist

INTERVIEW: Will Claye Outlines Path From Olympian To Hip Hop Musician

INTERVIEW: Hopsin Dismisses Regrets Over Funk Volume Breakup

ALBUM REVIEW: Page Kennedy Shows Promise & Rookie Mistakes On “Torn Pages”

ALBUM REVIEW: Devin The Dude’s “Acoustic Levitation” Soothes The Tension In Today’s Hip Hop

INTERVIEW: Fashawn Announces New Album, “Manna”

INTERVIEW: DJ EFN Talks Finding Hip Hop Talent In Vietnam