730’s Column: It’s Been A Long Time…

We had the right idea in the beginning. And, and we just need to maintain our focus, and elevate. We what we do we update our formulas. We have certain formulas but we update ‘em with the times, and everything y’know. -Guru

I also thought about leading off with Rakim, another one of my all-time favorites, and his, “It’s been a long time, I shouldn’ta left you, without a dope interview…”

HipHopGame is back. ‘Nuff said, right? 

But I could say more, otherwise what’s a 730 column? The HipHopGame relaunch, for me, at least, was like the html version of Dre’s Detox. It always seemed close, it was being worked on, but it always seemed like something was holding it back to keep it from ever really happening.

I’ve spent the past week setting up and conducting new interviews for y’all. Consider the dopeness I’m about to bring you an apology for being gone so long. However, since we’ve been gone, look at what’s happened to hip-hop journalism. Probably didn’t even remember those three words could go together in the same sentence, right? With the exception of a few writers like Elliot Wilson and Robbie at UnKut, there’s really not a whole lot of writing taking place anymore, just a lot of watered-down opinions beneath links to songs that’ll expire in a month.

And the beauty of running your own site is that you get to control the content. Just because Waka Flocka releases a behind the scenes video does not mean you have to post it. But that doesn’t seem to be the protocol in the 2k13. Not to worry, though, HipHopGame is back to change that.

Not only am I looking forward to reconnecting with artists that helped build HipHopGame, but there’s a fresh new crop of artists doing great things, guys like Harry Fraud and Maffew Ragazino, who you can expect to see exclusive coverage and insights on.

And don’t forget all the different artists you probably first learned about through HipHopGame – Immortal Technique, Joell Ortiz, Lupe Fiasco, Saigon, Nicki Minaj, and J. Cole, to name a few, as well as all the interviews where you learned more about legendary artists like GZA, Raekwon, Just Blaze, Smoothe da Hustler, Pete Rock, and of course my all-time favorite interview, the DJ Premier HipHopGame interview.

And maybe a return of the Poison Pen journal?

Expect us to usher in the next generation of talent while continuing to pay homage and the ultimate respect to the acknowledged and forgotten heroes of hip-hop.

This time, too, there’s extra help. JPizzle (jpizzle108@gmail.com, @jpizzle108), my brother from WeGoinIN, is coming over to assume the heavy role of Senior Editor. His energy, focus, and taste for raw, real music is going to take HipHopGame to an even higher level.

It’s been a few years since I’ve taken writing in hip-hop seriously. That doesn’t mean I ever stopped writing. I’ve been working with the one and only N.O.R.E., excuse me, P.A.P.I., on his autobiography. I can’t wait for everyone to read that. There’s also a few other projects in the works, but, and picture me saying this in rapper-voice, I can’t really speak on that now.

HipHopGame is back. Those other sites, y’all got wack while we were away like you’re allergic to the term “original content.” The copy and paste game is over.

The real is back. And while it’s 5 am in Toronto, it’s 730 on the world wide web.