May 9th, 2005 · M.I.A.: Rapper and Daughter of Revolution May 9, 2005 · The daughter of a Tamil revolutionary, Sri Lankan M.I.A. is now a rap sensation in England. The 28-year-old is known as much for her music as her life story. She combines the rhythms of global cultures with lyrics that some say incite revolution. Critic Oliver Wang reviews her CD Arular.
Mar 30th, 2005 · Criminal defense attorney Johnnie Cochran died Tuesday at age 67 of cancer, after having been diagnosed in 2003 with an inoperable brain tumor. In 1995, Cochran won O.J. Simpson a not-guilty verdict in the slayings of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Over the years, Cochran defended celebrities as well as lesser-known individuals. He represented football great Jim Brown, as well as rappers Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and Sean Combs. (Originial airdate: 10/10/96)
Mar 7th, 2005 · The RZA is one of the founding members of the kung-fu-meets-hip-hop group the Wu Tang Clan. He has also written film scores, including 'Kill Bill' and 'Ghost Dog'. Now he has turned his efforts to a new book, 'The Wu Tang Manual'.
Mar 3rd, 2005 · In an incident reportedly stemming from a feud between rap stars 50 Cent and the Game, a man was shot and wounded Monday just outside a top hip-hop radio station in New York City. It's the latest in a slew of violent clashes involving rappers over the years. Who should be held accountable? NPR's Ed Gordon discusses the issue with Kenard Gibbs, president of Vibe magazine, and Adisa Banjoko, author of Lyrical Swords Vol. 1: Hip Hop and Politics in the Mix.
Feb 28th, 2005 · Slate contributor Josh Levin comments on the similarities between rappers and bloggers.
Feb 18th, 2005 · Rapper and actor Will Smith talks about his new film Hitch. Also, the first season of his fish-out-of-the-projects TV sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is now out on DVD.
Feb 11th, 2005 · Among the nominees for best new artist at this Sunday's Grammy Awards are Tex-Mex artists Los Lonely Boys, the Los Angeles band Maroon 5, young British soul singer Joss Stone, producer-turned-rapper Kanye West and the hot country artist Gretchen Wilson. Michele Norris talks with music critic Tom Moon about the category.
Jan 26th, 2005 · Producer Roy Hurst talks with rapper turned actor Ice Cube about his new role in the movie Are We There Yet?