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The best and brightest writers of the hip-hop generation reflect upon the era’s landmark album: Nas’s Illmatic.

From the moment then nineteen-year-old Nasir “Nas” Jones began recording tracks for his debut album the hip-hop world was forever changed. Released in 1994, Illmatic, was hailed as a masterpiece and is one of the most influentialalbums in hip-hop history. In Born to Use Mics, Michael Eric Dyson and Sohail Daulatzai have brought together the brightest minds to reflect upon and engage one of the most incisive sets of songs ever laid down on wax.

What are your thoughts on Illmatic?

Pictures from Gucci Mane’s, “Spotlight,” Video

Gucci Mane has been popular in Atlanta for years but as of late his popularity is spreading to the mainstream. MTV ranked him the sixth hottest MC in the game recently. In the last year he has done songs with 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Soulja Boy & Trey Songz and is now dropping a single featuring Usher. His sophomore album, “The State vs. Radric Davis,” drops December 8th.

With all that said, do you see Gucci Mane having a lot of mainstream success?

Lil Wayne is at or near the peak of his career with, “The Carter III,” selling over 3 million albums in a time where record sales have collapsed. With a possible year of freedom being taken away from him starting next year, will he be able to maintain his popularity and buzz? Tupac was able to drop a number 1 album in the country while locked up, can Lil Wayne be the second musician to achieve this feat?

With rappers T.I. & Prodigy already in jail for gun charges, Lil Wayne, Plaxico Burress & Lil Boosie(also drug charges) will soon face the same fate. Wayne, Burress & Prodigy were caught in NY which has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Why do you think these celebs feel the need to carry weapons illegally and don’t you think paid security guards is the safe solution for protection?

It’s crazy to think that 2 of Hip Hop’s most popular figures will both be in jail for the same offense. Leave your thoughts on the impact this will have on Lil Wayne’s career and frequent cases of black celebrities going to jail for gun charges below.

Check below for info about the NY gun laws.
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About to reach my dreams and I ain’t even got my arms stretched,
Thank me later first week I’m taking all bets,
because a million copies isn’t really far fetched,
- Drake On More Milli

Bold statement from one of Hip Hop’s, “Hottest,” MC’s. We all know Lil Wayne’s, “Tha Carter III,” was the last album to have that kind of impact, can Drake come close to that?

Since 50 Cent has now confirmed his release date and has mocked Fat Joe for his sales, what do you expect him to sell in his first week? How much does 50 Cent have to sell in his first week to be considered a success?

50 Cent will have to compete with Bill Cosby dropping the 24th, you can here Cosby’s album HERE.

Guess Whose Bizzack

This Can’t Be Life

Seeing Scarface perform his verse for, “Guess Whose Bizzack,” on VH1’s Hip Hop Honors inspired this post. Jay-Z + Scarface + Beanie Sigel = A Classic song. So who had the hottest verse on each track?

We had out first black president and now we can have our first white Miss Hampton lol. T