Rest in peace Michael Jackson. He was probably the most undeniable pop star ever, and the most liked musician of all time (the record sales don’t lie, do they?).
Adrian Ruhi
Multimedia journalist
The Roots “How I Got Over” (2009)
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Finally. After months of playing house band and backing guest performers on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, The Roots finally had their moment to shine, debuting the title track from their upcoming album, How I Got Over.
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¡Mayday! “Technology” (2009)
From the June 22, 2009 issue of The Miami Herald (web / print)
¡Mayday! has changed quite a bit since the then-duo released its self-titled debut album in 2006. Three years later, the Miami-based hip-hop band has been flooding fans digitally with singles and EPs, of which the latest is the appropriately titled Technology, available on iTunes Tuesday. Continue reading
Mos Def “The Ecstatic” (2009)
From the June 15, 2009 issue of The Miami Herald (web / print)
It may seem like ages ago, but Mos Def was once known for his music. As one of the faces of the now-defunct Rawkus records, Mos helped bring underground, socially conscious hip-hop to the spotlight at the peak of mainstream excessiveness and flashiness. But while he focused on his acting career in the 2000s, the music suffered with two meandering, sloppy albums that left much to be desired (including album artwork and a booklet in the case of the bare-bones 2006 release, True Magic). Continue reading
Black Eyed Peas “The E.N.D” (2009)
From the June 15, 2009 issue of The Miami Herald (web / print)
The members of The Black Eyed Peas have worn many hats in the last 11 years: They’ve managed to work their way from backpacking b-boys in the pre-Fergie era, to Kumbaya-singing war protesters, to unflinching, unabashed pop stars. The group has successfully managed to create an image that is equal parts early De La Soul and Backstreet Boys. Continue reading
Adrian Ruhi 