Responding to recent criticisms by Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, RZA recently spoke to Billboard:
“My idea with this album was to have an hour of your day be different
— you go into this other world of beats, hardcore lyrics and imagery
of hip-hop,” he said. “I wanted the listener to be stimulated by the
music. I don’t know if everybody agreed with it. Everybody has their
own opinion. This is in my vision at the end of the day.”
It should be noted that this addresses the Raekwon’s criticisms of RZA’s creative process, but not Ghost or Rae’s criticism of financial dealings.
The Jam Master Jay Foundation for Music has announced nominees for the inaugural J.A.M. Awards. The awards, which stand for “justice, arts and music” will take place in the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
The event will be attended by a slew of hip hop artists and personalities, including (but not limited to) Snoop Dogg, Papoose, Raekwon, Marley Marl, Q-Tip, DJ Kay Slay, Kid Capri, EPMD, Jim Jones, Dead Prez, Mobb Deep, De La Sould and others.
The awards recognize positive aspects of the hip hop culture, and will be rewarding the efforts of those promoting it. Award winners will include Dr. Cornell West, Chuck D, Wyclef Jean, Spike Lee and Kanye West.
The awards will take place on Thursday, November 29th.
