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Soundcheck / July 18, 2008

Soundcheck

Friday, July 18, 2008
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  • Del's

    The Future of Hip Hop

    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.

Hip 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 Del tha Funkee Homosapien talks about his new album, "Eleventh Hour," and his experiences on major and independent labels.

Our blog: John Schaefer on the future of hip hop.

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 mixing jazz giants with African traditions. And, he performs in the studio.

Toumani Diabaté

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

Marvin Gaye

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Taylor Swift

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

cab

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.