Read more rap music stories on Newserhttp://www.newser.com/taggrid/13481/rap-music.html2009 - Newseren-usNewser Feed GeneratorSun, 22 Nov 2009 10:31:29 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/74139/50-cent-fails-with-self-destruct.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tag50 Cent, once at the forefront of rap music, returns with Before I Self Destruct —but his fourth solo effort isn’t impressing the critics. “Though packed with tough beats, dense production and 50's most ferocious delivery in years, the gloats about shootings, drugs and bloody 'hoods feel about as fresh...http://www.newser.com/story/74139/50-cent-fails-with-self-destruct.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagMon, 16 Nov 2009 12:14:50 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/74131/vladimir-putin-rap-advocate.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagWhile it would have been infinitely more entertaining had Vladimir Putin actually tried to freestyle, his appearance at a music awards show this weekend still made newspapers titter. Putin, who first stood around looking awkward while his “youth disguised” security mingled with the dancing crowd, handed out an award and...http://www.newser.com/story/74131/vladimir-putin-rap-advocate.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagMon, 16 Nov 2009 8:33:51 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/73856/craziest-rap-concert-demands.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagDrawing on the Smoking Gun ’s collection of concert riders, Sam Greenspan of 11points.com offers a list of the 11 craziest demands made by rappers: DMX: Three boxes of condoms and a gallon of Hennessy—that’s anywhere from $300 to $800 worth of cognac. Public Enemy: Kosher food—odd,...http://www.newser.com/story/73856/craziest-rap-concert-demands.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagSun, 15 Nov 2009 11:30:33 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/73404/new-site-decodes-rap-lyrics.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagJay-Z and Alicia Keys’ song “Empire State of Mind” is everywhere, even at the World Series. But do you know what the lyrics mean? If not, Rap Exegesis can clue you in the way it educated Nick Antosca of the Huffington Post. Some of the explanations the site offers: Jay-Z...http://www.newser.com/story/73404/new-site-decodes-rap-lyrics.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagThu, 05 Nov 2009 11:42:51 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/72950/ledger-directed-rap-video-debuts.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagA music video, one of a few directed by Heath Ledger for little-known artists he liked, made its online debut yesterday. Australian rapper N'fa Forster-Jones, a childhood friend of the late actor's, posted the video along with a behind-the-scenes look at the project, the AP reports. "Every day I count...http://www.newser.com/story/72950/ledger-directed-rap-video-debuts.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagFri, 30 Oct 2009 10:40:08 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/72739/jay-z-cleans-up-empire-for-world-series.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagThe lyrics to Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" are sometimes as raw as New York, but it looks like the rapper will clean things up when he performs his city anthem at the World Series. A source close to the rapper says Jay-Z won't utter curses or other raunchy stuff...http://www.newser.com/story/72739/jay-z-cleans-up-empire-for-world-series.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagWed, 28 Oct 2009 12:05:16 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/72334/lil-wayne-pleads-to-gun-charge.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagGrammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne pleaded guilty to attempted weapons possession today and expects to receive a one-year jail sentence. He previously had pleaded not guilty to illegal gun possession charges that carried at least 3 1/2 years in prison upon conviction. Police said a gun was found on his tour...http://www.newser.com/story/72334/lil-wayne-pleads-to-gun-charge.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagThu, 22 Oct 2009 10:48:39 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/71196/recession-finds-place-in-raps-latest-hits.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagThe ugly economy is making more than a cameo in today’s hottest rap music, with Young Jeezy taking the cake by naming his latest album The Recession . Rap’s often been a barometer of such huge swings, Sara Libby writes, noting the impact last year of Barack Obama’s rise. Now, Jeezy,...http://www.newser.com/story/71196/recession-finds-place-in-raps-latest-hits.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagWed, 07 Oct 2009 21:38:23 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/71107/public-enemy-hooks-up-with-crowdfunding-site.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagHip-hoppers Public Enemy, one of the first groups to release on mp3, is entering the brave new world of crowdfunding. The group has partnered with Dutch site SellABand to raise the $250,000 necessary to record a new album entirely through $25 donations from fans. The payout? Donors—or “believers,...http://www.newser.com/story/71107/public-enemy-hooks-up-with-crowdfunding-site.html?utm_source=syn&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tagWed, 07 Oct 2009 16:50:25 CDT