For years, DJs and MCs fended off declarations of hip hop’s demise with innovative beats and chart-busting albums. But these days, hip hop is stuck in a deep funk. Today on Soundcheck, we look at hip hop’s soul-searching journey into the future. And later: West African Lionel Loueke mixes the giants of jazz with African traditions. He talks about his turn on Herbie Hancock's Grammy winning album and plays in our studio. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.
Guests:
Lionel LouekeHip Hop's Haters at the Gates
Music industry watchers have been obsessed with the future of hip hop practically since the moment rap was born 30 years ago. But sales were down 30% in 2007 and superstars like 50 Cent have lost their luster. We talk about hip-hop's soul-searching journey into the future, and longtime MC ...
Lionel Loueke
West African Lionel Loueke is the guitarist on Herbie Hancock’s "River: The Joni Letters," which just won a Grammy for best album of 2007. He is now releasing his Blue Note debut, Karibu, which includes appearances by Hancock himself and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Lionel Loueke joins us to talk about ...
The Song of the Summer
Every summer, one song seems to blast from every beach radio, car stereo, and block-party boombox around the city. This Friday, Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman joins us to help crown this summer’s biggest jam.
But first ...
Could-Be Contenders: Summer Song 2008
Soundcheck wants you to make an informed decision before you cast your vote in our Summer Song 2008 Poll. Sample each song below and weigh your options.
Rihanna, "Disturbia"
Lil' Wayne feat. Static Major, "Lollipop"
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The Soul of Hip-Hop Retreats to the Underground
So hip-hop is in trouble? Sales are down? The music's lost its edge? Sorry, but weren't we just saying those exact same things about rock a few years ago? And it turned out that rock wasn't dead at all - ...