Q&A: Eric Haze On Going From A Graffiti Background To Designing Iconic Hip-Hop Logos

Sometimes cultural icons are known for their contributions to a culture, but the individual behind the talent gets lost in the sauce. Having designed a lot of rap groups’ early logos, Eric Haze is one of these individuals whose work you see daily, but whose face and name you may not be familiar with. Ironic, especially since he never “fell off” and has put out a steady body of work since the early 1980s, and he’s still out here designing and collaborating and innovating after many years. Then again, when you designed timeless pieces like the EPMD and Beastie Boys logos—not to mention Tommy Boy Records and Tone Loc’s—you are your own inspiration.

Lupe Fiasco Elaborates On Comment That “97 Percent Of Hip Hop Is Terrible”

Last week, Lupe Fiasco made comments that “97 percent of Hip Hop is terrible,” explaining that the substance of mainstream music isn’t of quality. During an interview with “Windy City Live” (via FSD), the Chicago, Illinois native elaborated on his comments, stating that the culture is technically at a high point but the messages in the music are subpar.

“I think the substance of it. I think technically, it’s great. The music is as well-produced as it’s ever been, videos are as polished, the chains are as clean, the models are as beautiful as they’ve ever been… But then you get into the substance of the records. The majority of commercial Hip Hop – most of what everybody sees is commercial Hip Hop – is lacking substance. Terribly.”

The outspoken rapper explained what it would take for Hip Hop to get back to a good place. He said that there are few artists who are willing to address the problems in Hip Hop but the problems have become the norm. …

Source: hiphopdx.com

Rest In Peace Stay High 149.

Wayne Roberts, better known as Stay High 149, passed today at the age of 61. Most will remember him as the NYC graffiti pioneer who dotted the city with his Smoker glyph, now as iconic as the Yankees’ logo. Wayne was a close friend of the Frank family, regularly dropping by the office to make a few jokes or work on a canvas.

Even with his declining health, Wayne was in high spirits—a resilient presence who never lost his love for art in all its forms. A true legend, The Voice of the Ghetto speaks on.

Remembering Gil Noble

Gil Noble was the Emmy Award-winning producer and host of the public affairs program Like It Is. 

As a journalist and television producer, Gil Noble worked to dispel the negative images of African Americans in media. The notable host of the long-running public-affairs program Like It Isalso pushed for clear ethics and objectivity in journalism.—TheRoot.com

Theophilus London collabs with Cole Hann, Covers Wax Poetics.

It’s safe to say that Mr. London has been a very busy man lately. Aside from his music and his new album, he’s set to drop a collaboration with fashion brand Cole Hann, The ‘Cole Haan…

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  • Legacy Podcast, Parts 1 - 4Ashford & Simpson
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#RIPNickAshford.  Saddened to hear of his death but grateful that he shared so much music with the world. 

In my opinion, Ashford & Simpson are easily one of the top songwriting duos in ANY genre and don’t get enough credit as such, universally.

For those unfamiliar, here’s a sampling of their work…

and a few hundred others…

Man, I feel like I’m writing R.I.P. every other week….

…Interview via Legacy.

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