The way that music is counted on the gold and platinum scale has just been altered for only the 5th time in history. In an attempt to recognize the value of online presence the RIAA will now include On-Demand hits from a number of sources towards sales credits of music.

The previous method change was in 2006, with the addition of  ringtones. Two years before that, digital downloads were included. The now “classic” CDs and cassette tapes added before that which is the standard most of us grew up on. Otherwise, the formula for Gold and Platinum certifications remained largely untouched — 500,000 unit sales for Gold, 1 million for Platinum and 10 million for Diamond.

It’s always a bit humorous that the annual Top 10 Hottest MC’s list sparks so much debate coming from a channel that essential plays no music minus a single Hip Hop countdown on Sundays. Regardless of just how much you agree or disagree with the final ranking, I think the true question remains. In the grand scheme of things, what does being recoginzed as “Hot” really mean? Clearly it opens up opportunity for more business, but in regards to longevity & creative appreciation does it really hold weight to be “hot”?

Not even an hour into Valentine’s Day 2013 and we get some love on the rocks type material via Far Rockaways hidden jewel Persia. Check this new music, “Danger” as a sampler before P drops her next mixtape “Ruby in the Rough”….

Already a year has passed since the passing of Whitney Houston. In honor of her Chrisette Michele covers Whitney’s 1987 hit I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) as part of a week long Tribute via Billboard.

This has been an active anniversary week in Hip Hop. The birthdays and memorials of greats like Kid Capri, Big Pun and Jay Dilla brought many back to what some would call a golden age of Hip Hop. We also had the 10th anniversary of the record breaking album release from 50 cent “Get Rich and Die Trying”. Having sold 12 million copies to date this was a game changer if ever there was one. To mark the moment Curtis Jackson delivers new material he says is directly influenced by this accomplishment.

DJ Green Lantern who is currently touring with Nas passed on the Illamtic ones feelings toward the mainstream nomination “Life is Good” received. Guess it’s safe to safe we won’t be perform for the Grammy’s anytime soon.

Set to air on Feb 16th 2013, The HBO Documentary on Beyonce gets a 25sec teaser that will have the lotal masses ready for more.

TMZ just dropped a very interesting clip featuring one of Young Money’s main artists Tyga. Apparently the lost video was from an old MTV show that was intended make fun of over-the-top rap stereotype and gimmicks. It would seem that young Tyga in his time pre YM was set to compete on this show. In the clip he touches on his comfortable Valley upbringing that is quite the opposite of the Compton Blood Gang affilaited persona he pushes now.

With his “Man with the Iron Fist” movie promo in full swing the Rza drops by Sway’s morning talk show for speak on his work and that of the Wu Tang Clan.

Also here’s a release from the upcoming The Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack on October 23rd. The collection of music will now also come in a limited-edition collectors set. Along with the 5-CD package, The RZA has included an unreleased bonus song from the Wu-Tang Clan titled “Six Directions of Boxing.”

Click Here

After a summer of looking at the Euro based Hip Hop scene we swing back over to North American soil and visit the city of Toronto. Now going onto it’s 6th yr the Manifesto Festival has been providing an amazing platform to showcase the incredible talents of the city via the arts. Through music, film, poetry and more the urban expressive pulse of the city has been beating strong though the works of the Manifesto Organization. This year the weekend of Sept 21th – 23rd will be overflowing with performances, exhibits, food and pure creative energy as some of the best in Hip Hop descend on the city for what will a very memorable time.

For a taste of what’s in store take a look at the video below. Then hit the jump for the official listing of acts and highlight events.

Shout Out: JELL Entertainment