So, there’s a new Wu-Tang single floating on the Internet. Don’t get too excited, though. While “Clap 2010″ features Raekwon, Ghostface, U-God, and Method Man and is being touted as new Wu, it’s actually from a side project being helmed by longtime Clan collaborator Mathematics. As much as I’d like Wu-Tang to stop cluttering its semi-pristine catalog with middling side projects, it’s always a delight to get a new treat every now and then. You’d think they’ll be trying to channel all that energy towards an official group album. After all, there are those who contend Wu’s spot in the Best Groups discussion (I have them at numero uno) solely on the basis that thin group catalog.

Listen to “Clap 2010″ below.

• Raekwon, Ghostface, Method Man, U-God – Clap 2010

The Return of Wu-Tang…Well, Sort Of originally appeared on About.com Rap / Hip-Hop on Monday, January 11th, 2010 at 21:43:53.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Have you ever caught yourself chanting “I’m from Nu Yawwwk” even though you’ve never set foot on the empire state? You’re not alone. “Empire State of Mind” has sparked a remix craze like only Jay-Z can. Versions of the Alicia Keys-assisted jingle now exist in other regions of the States, including Boston, San Diego, and Miami, just to name a few. Have you heard an “Empire State of Mind” remix in your neck of the woods? Feel free to share it with us in the comment section.

Photo © Christopher Polk/Getty Images

“Empire State of Mind” Sparks a Remix Craze originally appeared on About.com Rap / Hip-Hop on Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 23:32:08.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

I don’t have any scientific evidence to back this up, but I suspect that the lifespan of an average rap star must be lower than normal. Between the myriad of stress inducers and drug habits that typically accompany stardom, celebrities in any field are extremely lucky if they make it past 35. The list you’re about to see includes 10 hip-hop artists that died in the 2000s. All died prematurely. None lived to see 40. Here are 10 deaths that rattled the hip-hop community in the 2000s.

© Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

10 Most Memorable Hip-Hop Deaths of the 2000s originally appeared on About.com Rap / Hip-Hop on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 15:58:52.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

I heard someone refer to “Forever Young” as one of Jay-Z’s best collaborations the other day. Not. Even. Close. In fact, I’ll give you 5 better collaborations from the same album: “Already Home (with Kid Cudi),” “Star Is Born (with J Cole),” “Empire State of Mind (with Alicia Keys),” “So Ambitious (with Pharrell),” and “Real As It Gets (with Young Jeezy.” That said, it’s a poignant song with an even more powerful video. Enjoy.

• Watch Jay-Z’s “Young Forever” Video

Watch Jay-Z’s “Young Forever” Video originally appeared on About.com Rap / Hip-Hop on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 22:01:27.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Jay-Z rang in the New Year with a black and white music video for his Swizz Beatz-assisted single “On To The Next One,” off the rather under-appreciated Blueprint III. There’s a Brandon Lee lookalike and an offshoot of Heath Ledger’s Joker character in The Dark Knight. Pundits are already speculating that the video is a nod to occultism. Say whaaat? I’m not versed in such dealings, but I do like the song. How exquisite is that new Jaguar XJ?

Jay-Z (Ft. Swizz Beatz) – “On To The Next One” Video

Jay-Z Unveils Music Video for “On To The Next One” originally appeared on About.com Rap / Hip-Hop on Monday, January 4th, 2010 at 03:03:17.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Cue the cinematic theme music. Lil Wayne and Eminem, two largely revered hip-hop titans clash on their first real collaboration (no, “Forever” doesn’t count) on “Drop The World,” a track off Weezy’s eternally postponed Rebirth album, due out Feb. 1st. Both MCs seize the opportunity to tout the cachet that others could only envy. Here’s my take on Lil Wayne’s “Drop The World” featuring Eminem.

Eminem Roasts Lil Wayne on His Own Song originally appeared on About.com Rap / Hip-Hop on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 13:32:37.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

From early indications, Common’s next album might see him return to the raw emceeing he was known for before he caught the Kanye experimentation bug. For starters, the Chicago native has stated that he wants to do “some raw hip-hop” with his next effort, The Believer. It gets better. He also tapped No ID, the mastermind behind his early albums, for this go-round.