After a five-year disappearing act, rap superstar Eminem has returned with a new album that seeks to merge forthright confessions about his ongoing battles with substance abuse, but maintaining his edge as the sensational, headline-capturing firebreather on the mic. Like his Slim Shady persona, it’s a schizophrenic experience. Continue reading
Spurned by his former patrons, gangsta rapper the Game has carved out a musical niche that isn’t aligned with Dr. Dre’s West Coast or 50 Cent’s East Coast dominions. Unfortunately, this style, as exemplified on his new album, is little more than a star-sponsored imitation celebrating gangsta-rap’s golden age. Continue reading
Before we cross over into 2008, Soundbytes’ David Hyland has gazed into his crystal ball and is ready to divulge some musical predictions of what we can expect in the year to come. Continue reading
The Game is hip-hop’s hottest property. Sponsored by Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, the West Coast rapper has a debut album that soared to the top of the charts and he’s compiled an impressive list of headlines on MTV.com for the verbal scuffles that he’s had with some of rap’s biggest names. Soundbytes clues you on whether his record is worth the accompanying hype. Continue reading
Summertime is traditionally when the movie industry doles out its biggest hitters, but it’s also when music’s heavyweights hit the road. Here’s a preview of some of the biggest tours slated for the summer of 2000. Continue reading
But after spending the past few years helping other artists behind the scenes, hip-hop producer Dr. Dre is back with his sophomore solo album, “Dr. Dre 2001.” Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 