Tuesday, November 6, 2012 marks the 25^th anniversary of the release of N.W.A's compilation album, "N.W.A. & The Posse." The record served as the introduction of one of the most highly regarded politically charged groups in rap history. Lead by Eazy-E, the Compton crew also included members Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella.

I admit to being skeptical of Snoop Dogg's new Snoop Lion persona. Was this just a publicity stunt, a reason to celebrate the Rastafarian's pro-ganja lifestyle?

Gulfport, Mississippi rapper Tito Lopez isn't one of those MCs fixated on rapping about watches, houses and cars. On his latest single "The Blues," he makes the point that his artistry is not validated by material possessions.

Lopez explained part of his music perspective when he recently visited the Yahoo! Music webisode series, The Aftermath, the best music discussion on the 'Net, to talk to Soren Baker and me about his favorite three albums of all time. Some might be surprised that his influences transcended hip-hop.

Lazyie Bone and Bizzy Bone in the studio with Game.Bone Thugs-N-Harmony members Krayzie, Wish, Flesh, Layzie and Bizzy Bone have approved Game's song "Celebration" that features Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tyga and Wiz Khalifa and interpolates their 1995 pay day anthem "1st Of Tha Month." Cleveland's hip-hop quintet joins the Compton rapper for a remix.