All-Time Rap Artists #23: Ludacris

LUDACRIS

Starting his musical career as a DJ in Atlanta, Ludacris' versatility as an musical artist and crossover television and movie actor lands him in the #23 spot.

It was written that Ludacris would become the multi-talented entertainer that he is today.  His witty on wax personality is probably only rivaled by Busta Rhymes and Redman, but being an artist from the South, he brought a different game to the table that most southern artists lacked.

His rapid fire flow, ad libs, comedic videos, and punchlines set him apart from his peers.  With a background learning from the likes of Timbaland, Dallas Austin, and Jermaine Dupri, Luda was destined to become a star.  His first major label release, Back for the First Time, peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 with lead singles What's Your Fantasy and Southern Hospitality.  His next release, Word of Mouf, saw the single Rollout, get a Grammy nod, followed by more hit singles Saturday (Ooh Ooh), Move Bitch, and Area Codes.  More albums followed with Luda showing his progression as an artist and also as a man.  His music began to evolve with a more serious tone touching on sensitive subject matters, using his talent to send a message on a more conscious level.

As Ludacris' star grew, he's become a very successful actor landing several television and movie roles in many profitable franchises such as Crash, Hustle and Flow, Law & Order: SVU, and the Fast and Furious series.

Luda could have potentially ranked higher on this list if he had concentrated more on the music, but we can't knock the hustle when there's more money to make in different lanes.  He is 9 albums deep, and with the dwindling market in music, crossing over to mainstream movies is the way to go when you are in demand.  Get that money...

All-Time Rap Artists #24: The D.O.C.

THE D.O.C.

The D.O.C. makes the list in the #24 position due to his potential of being an all around artist and producer.  He has been given his proper due for the early success of N.W.A. as an executive producer and ghostwriter for Eazy-E and other group members.  Also, to some, he may be responsible for the early success of Snoop Dogg during the Doggystyle Era, as it is speculated that he wrote some of Snoop's rhymes.  The rumor started to grow after Snoop noticeably fell off lyrically once he left Death Row Records for No Limit Records.  But that's mere speculation....

The D.O.C. had started out in the mid 80s in a group named the Fila Fresh Crew and was affiliated with N.W.A.  As previously stated, D.O.C. had penned and co-produced several N.W.A., Eazy-E, and Michel'le hits, before going solo.  His solo debut, No One Can Do It Better, was released in 1989 and peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 charts.  The album went platinum 5 years after its release, set a benchmark for West Coast hip-hop, and is a certified classic to hip-hop aficionados.

Again, tragedy strikes, as months after the release of No One Can Do It Better, D.O.C. was involved in a car accident that crushed his larynx and permanently changing his voice.  If he had not been involved in that accident, D.O.C. could have changed the West Coast hip-hop scene in its entirety due to his versatile ear for production and noticeable voice when he spoke.

He is regarded as a legend in hip-hop, even with just one certified platinum album under his belt; but the impact of that one album has made it's mark 25 years later with it's replay value.  No One Can Do It Better is an album that has lasted the test of time, and future generations who come across the album will be blessed with a true treat.

All-Time Rap Artists #25: Big L

BIG L

Born Lamont Coleman, May 30, 1974, the Harlem native was on the come up when he was killed in a drive-by shooting on February 15, 1999.

In 1995, Big L released his debut album,  Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous to much acclaim as he had the underground hip-hop scene buzzing, and many top tier artists wanting to work with him, such as Lord Finesse and the D.I.T.C. Crew.

After disputes with Columbia records over his subject matter and rhyming style, Big L left the label and went independent.  He later released the single Ebonics in 1998 which The Source called a Top 5 independent single of the year, and garnered him the attention of Roc-A-Fella Records CEO, Dame Dash.  Big L was on his way to signing with Roc-A-Fella when he struck down in a hale of gunfire.

Big L makes the list at the #25 position due to his witty rhyme schemes, vivid storytelling, wordplay, and his potential to being a game changer in the heavy 90s when there was so much competition amongst artists.  He was a rising star who's light was snuffed out before it got to shine its brightest.

NELSON MANDELA: DEAD AT 95

Today, Nelson Mandela, the revered & beloved South African anti-apartheid icon who became the country's first black president, died, at the age of 95, in his native country Thursday.

Freedom fighter, statesman, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.  That was Nelson Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead his country out of decades of apartheid.

His message of reconciliation, not vengeance, inspired the world after he negotiated a peaceful end to segregation and urged forgiveness for the white government that imprisoned him.

"As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison," Mandela said after he was freed in in 1990.

Mandela has also procured a number of awards for his humanitarian efforts and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, one of his many accolades.

He would go on to become South Africa’s first Black president.

“The time for the healing of the wounds has come,” he said in his acceptance speech in 1994. “The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation.”

Mandela, battled health issues in recent years, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalizations.

Despite rare public appearances, he held a special place in the consciousness of the nation and the world.

Mandela's impact on mankind will not be forgotten......

NEW MUSIC: KBO of BAD NEWZ GANG "FRIENDZ"

Once again, KBO of Bad Newz Gang, return with another single from his upcoming project, "No Mercy".  This time, there's a warning about the snakes, hanger-ons, faux partners, and leeches that consider themselves "Friendz".

Listen closely and count how many of these "friendz" he describes in the track that you may know....

FOLLOW KBO ON TWITTER FOR MORE BAD NEWZ GANG INFO AND THE RELEASE OF "NO MERCY"

MUSIC VIDEO: MAXIMUS "TURN UP 4 WHAT" featuring FAT TREL

Once again, the District is in full effect with Maximus, and he's not coming alone; he's recruited Maybach Music Group's newest signee, Fat Trel, for the visual "Turn Up 4 What".

From the jump, the visual brings the lyrics of both Maximus and Fat Trel to life, as they lamp in the studio gettin' right during, what has to be an intense session.

The visual was shot by the self proclaimed Video King, Mack Visions.

FOLLOW MAXIMUS ON TWITTER FOR MORE MUSIC, VISUALS, & SHOW INFORMATION

NEW MUSIC: $PACE LIGHTYEAR aka IVAN OOZE "GET ME OUT THE WAY"

The sound of rap and hip-hop is evolving at a rapid rate due to the influences of technology and those who dabble around with a different sound, but just couldn't find the formula.

Auto-tune has been used in music for decades and with the most recent success of T-Pain and Future, other artists are creating a sound that is similar to what brought success to the predecessors.  Enter, $pace Lightyear aka Ivan Ooze, the Washington D.C. native, who brings forth, "Get Me Out The Way", a very infectious track that is eerie in its sound, yet entrancing.

"Get Me Out The Way" pierces through the ears and penetrates through the skull, grabbing your brain organ, causing a hypnotizing nod of the entire cranium.  Easily a track that has to be played during your own meditation period; it's clear that the influence is from that of the new sound of rap and hip-hop; and $pace Lightyear is yet the newest solider on the frontline.

$pace Lightyear could very well be the future if he sticks to creating that hypnotic sound.

FOLLOW $PACE LIGHTYEAR ON TWITTER FOR MORE MUSIC & VISUALS

MUSIC VIDEO: DOUBLE BAND COMMITTEE "BALLIN'"

The DMV is full of talent that represent all levels of rap and hip-hop.  The Double Band Committee is a group that will drop their much anticipated project, New World Order, this winter, and to heat things up, they have released another single from the project titled, "Ballin".

With Da Squadd ballin' out 24/7, there will be haters, and with the visual, those haters will have much to complain about; and mainly that they are jealous of what Da Squadd holds.

The visual broadcasts a lifestyle many wish to obtain through this music game, but there are other means of obtaining that life.  Which direction are you willing to take to get the money, the big house, fancy cars, the jewels, and the fine woman? 

FOLLOW DA COMMITTEE ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE VISUALS & MUSIC