:: RAT RIOT :: A World Full Of Noise

Common, whos latest album Universal Mind Control is slatted for release on December 9th, (look forward to some leaks & a review next week!) recently covered YRB magazine, and sat down for an interview with Jason Newman, where they discuss his musical success, his budding movie career, and some other hot shit. DIG IT after the jump.

Cover & Interview Courtesy of YRB Magazine

Commons Evolution Theory :: By Jason Newman

When Forbes magazine released its annual feature on “Hip-Hop’s 20 Biggest Earners” earlier this year, readers may have been surprised to see Rashid Lynn, better known to the world as Common, sandwiched in at number 12 between Eminem and Akon. Since his debut album Can I Borrow a Dollar? hit in 1992, the rapper has taken on numerous incarnations, including young street poet, lyrical wordsmith, introspective father-to-be, artsy bohemian, revolutionary and eclectic rocker.

Over the course of eight albums, Common has displayed a range most emcees can only imagine, and with his latest album Universal Mind Control, the 36-year-old emcee delivers his most up-tempo and fun album to date. “I didn’t want to over-rap it,” he said at a listening session earlier this year. “I want kids to rap to this, so I didn’t want to make it too intricate.” Not that UMC is any less creative than past efforts. Produced primarily by The Neptunes, the album delves into electro-based, Afrika Bambaataa-inspired sounds (“Universal Mind Control”), church revival anthems (“What a World”) and breezy tones more suited for summer listening (“Make My Day” with Cee-Lo).

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The winter collection for Dim Mak by Steve Aoki (who is probaly one of the coolest dudes alive) made it’s way online recently, and who other then Rat Riot favorites, rappers Kid Kudi and Murs along with designer Kesh, socialite Awash, and DJ’s MSTRKRFT to model the collection. Peep more after the jump and visit Dim Mak to purchase the hot new gear.

Images Via Dim Mak

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My favorite street-wear clothing line, OBEY by Shepard Fairey, has finally launched their online store today along with a pretty dope blog, and I am beyond excited. No more having to buy graphics from last season at Urban O & Buckle. lol :). Peep more of the great site at www.ObeyClothing.com & after the jump… DIG IT!

Images Via Obey Clothing

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Kanye West, who released his highly anticipated fourth studio album today, recently made an appearance on the new cover of FADER Magazine. The article, which came out officially today, written by Peter Macia, dwevles into Kanye’s personal style, as well as what inspired him on this album. Word on the street is Kanye hates his cover ; I dont blame him; SHAVE BRUH! :) Other than that, its a great read, check it out below! Also peep a cool vid of Kanye & DJ ATrak after the read…

:: FADER 58: Kanye West Cover Story :: By Peter Macia

“Kanye West wants to make history.” That is how we began the Kanye West story in our December 2003 issue, his first cover. Exactly five years later, he has done so in a way that even we could not have imagined. His personal style—skinny jeans rising out of exclusive colorway sneakers matched with high fashion sunglasses—has influenced kids from Flatbush to Fukuoka, and now he is finishing work on his own menswear line, Pastelle, and designing a shoe for Nike named the Air Yeezy. At the same time, of course, his music has dominated the pop charts, with seven of his own songs reaching the Top 20 of Billboard’s Hot 100—twice reaching number one—while countless productions for other artists peppered the mainstream with his ever-changing sound. Kanye West has become a brand synonymous with not just success, but innovation, and its CEO is as mercurial and provocative as Steve Jobs.

Interview & Photos Via TheFader.com

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Yet another great Brooklyn Band gets the honor of Artist of The Week here at Rat Riot. The self-dubbed Crunk-Punk trio Ninjasonik has been dominating the NY party scene for some time. Individually, DJ TeenWolf and Rev McFly have been spinning records and rocking parties for more than a few years; and now, partnered with rapper Telli Gramz, they are Ninjasonik.

Ninjasonik has grown to be infamous in the Brooklyn DIY community. Dirty dancing, booty dropping, crowd surfing, freestyle filled nights all make for a live Ninjasonik show. And with the release of their “Tight Pants EP”, it’s official: Ninjasonik has arrived!

“This tight pants thing isn’t even just about tight pants. its about being different. For years every kid in the hood that refused to dress in the ‘hip hop’ uniform of baggy jeans and white t’s has been shitted on and when they wore tight pants, some motherfuckers had the nerve to go say some shit like ‘look at this tight pants wearing ass nigga’ . . . fuck the haters tho . . . that’s why we made the song . . . to say we are proud of who we are.”

You can take a listen to their newest songs, and peep their I Dont Care If She Has A.I.D.S mixtape as well as a video interview after the jump. (Don’t forget to also take a peep at thier latest music video, in the right hand corner of the site)

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Image Via Circus

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