Soren Baker
2013 itemsThe News Editor of HipHopDX.com, Soren Baker has had more than 3,500 articles published in such publications as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, XXL and The Source. The Maryland native has penned liner notes for albums by 2Pac, Ice Cube, N.W.A, Gang Starr and others. He has also authored 14 books, worked on television programs for VH1 and Fuse and has sold a movie script. Baker is the co-host of Open Bar Radio on 93.5 KDAY in Los Angeles with Xzibit and has written and produced DVDs for Tech N9ne and Chingy.
Exclusive: Mann explains the evolution of his sound and cites Mase, Lil Wayne and Andre 3000 as artists who helped shape him as an artist.
Mike Dean Details Kanye West's Production "Evolution"
Mike Dean has worked with Kanye West on each of his albums, as well as the "Watch The Throne" project. The Texas-based mixer-producer explains how West now works on his material with a team of producers.
J. Cole Says Jay-Z's Cold Shoulder Taught Him A Lesson
J. Cole recounts trying to give Jay-Z a copy of his beat CD, only to be rebuffed by the mogul. J. Cole says the experience was a reality check.
?uestlove's Memoir Blasts 2 Chainz
?uestlove's manager says in "Mo' Meta Blues" that 2 Chainz's music is an "object lesson in thematic narrowness, one dumbass idea repeated over and over again."
2 Chainz's Security Guard Explains San Francisco Robbery
2 Chainz's security guard Harold "Hammer Strength" Folsom called into Columbus, Ohio radio station Power 107.5 to discuss the robbery of 2 Chainz on June 9.
Jay-Z's Rocawear Being Sued For Nearly $500,000
Jay-Z's clothing line is accused of not paying its bills in a lawsuit filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court, according to reports.
J. Cole Recounts Making "Crooked Smile" With TLC
J. Cole says he thought it would be "far-fetched" to get TLC on "Crooked Smile," but he was able to get T-Boz and Chilli on the "Born Sinner" cut.
Kanye West Releases "I Am A God" Audio Snippet
The snippet is accompanied by what appears to be photos of Kanye West and Rick Rubin in a studio session, as well as a conversation between them.
Tyler, The Creator Clowns J-Kwon Over "Pushing The Odds" Diss
The Odd Future member blasts J-Kwon on Twitter after the St. Louis rapper releases a diss track, which also targets Pusha T.
Lil Wayne Reiterates His Intention To Retire Following "Tha Carter V"
Lil Wayne also discusses his retirement plans, his daughter's new book and his seizures during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Ab-Soul Cites Jay-Z As His Biggest Influence
Ab-Soul also names Twista, Canibus and Eminem as rappers who have helped provide him with his "format as an MC."
Game Speaks On Dr. Dre's & Fat Joe's Shoe Collections
Game showcases his massive shoe collection as he shares stories about Dr. Dre's love for Air Force 1s and his shoe rivalry with Fat Joe.
Cee Lo Hopes Andre 3000's Mourning Is Channeled Into Music
Exclusive: At the Goodie Mob's "Age Against The Machine" Los Angeles listening session, Cee Lo says he hopes Andre 3000 can get "something constructive out of" the passing of his mother.
Hopsin & Dizzy Wright Featured In Funk Volume's "Independent Living" Documentary
The full roster of Funk Volume artists are featured in the documentary, which was filmed during the imprint's Funk Volume 2012 Tour and provides insight into each artist.
Swizz Beatz Plans To Open An Art Gallery
Swizz Beatz plans to help discover new artists with his forthcoming gallery, which he wants to be a rich sensory experience, not "just white walls with some titles."
Meek Mill Says Beanie Sigel Made Him Love Rap
Meek Mill cites his fellow Philadelphia rapper's "The Best Of Beanie" mixtape as one of his favorites.
Goodie Mob Laments Lost Eminem Collaboration
Exclusive: Cee Lo, Big Gipp, T-Mo and Khujo previewed their new "Age Against The Machine" album at a private event in Los Angeles.
Lauryn Hill Moving Out Of House In Advance Of Eviction
Ms. Hill has agreed to move out of the New Jersey mansion she was renting prior to reporting to prison for tax evasion.
Jay-Z Lullabies Album Reworks His Hit Singles For Babies
Rockabye Baby!'s 'Lullaby Renditions of Jay-Z' reworks "Empire State of Mind," among other Hova hits.
ScHoolboy Q Says "Oxymoron" Is Better Because Of "good kid, m.A.A.d city"
Exclusive: ScHoolboy Q says he is inspired by Kendrick Lamar, and looked to his partner-in-rhyme's "good kid, m.A.A.d city" while crafting "Oxymoron."
Wale Collaborator Tiara Thomas Signs To Division 1/Interscope Geffen A&M
Last week, Wale told New York radio station Hot 97 that he "was a casualty of the game" because he did not sign Tiara Thomas.
