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Anthony Pinn, Bun B in Rice University lecture hall.

Several rappers deserve acknowledgment in 2011 for finding success via nontraditional avenues.

Bun B and YoYo broke new ground in education. The Beastie Boys scored major career achievement recognition. Ice Cube, Game, Kanye West, and Jay-Z used their influence to promote family values as opposed to the genre's usual celebration of debauchery.

Why 2011 was Nicki Minaj's breakout year

The Aftermath, Yahoo! Music's hip-hop news webisode series, spotlights these achievements with special classic-rap-song themed Year-End Awards.

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Special One

[Update: The family of the Conscious Daughters member, Karryl "Special One" Smith, who died Saturday of unknown causes, has established a memorial fund for the late rap star. "Thank you for your prayers and condolences," the family said in a statement. "We have set up a memorial fund so the family can give her a beautiful home going. She meant so much to so many people. No contribution is too small, as she also has a son who will need to be cared for. Anything you can do will help, and will be appreciated."

There are three options for donating:

Wells Fargo Bank Account Name:
Memorial Fund for Karryl Smith
Acct# 1939396865
Routing# 121042882
Routing# for International wires: WFBIUS6S

Donate online with PayPal: specialonefund@yahoo.com

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Happy Birthday Jay-ZRemember when a rapper was considered old if he or she was in their 30s? Well what does that say about Jay-Z who turned 42 this week? Watch the latest segment of The Aftermath to get Soren Baker and my commentary on the "Watch The Throne" rapper's age and place in the game.

The Conrad Murray Behind The Bars Mixtape

Ironically it was Jay-Z who called for the "D.O.A. (Death Of Autotune)," and this week the Autotune king T-Pain releases his long-anticipated album, "rEVOLVEr." Was Jay-Z right or has T-Pain breathed new life into his sound?

The Aftermath Discusses Lil Wayne And Eminem Tour; Jeezy, Jay-Z, Andre 3000 Collab

Conrad Murray

The news of Conrad Murray's sentencing in the death of Michael Jackson has prompted a new entry into The Aftermath Presents mixtape series. Our latest release, "The Conrad Murray Behind Bars Mixtape," is meant to offer insight as to what Dr. Murray experienced before and after the "Thriller" singer's death.

The song selections are telling. Slick Rick's "The Moment I Fear" depicts the story of hope and excitement when met with grave disappointment. Kurupt's "Behind The Walls," from the soundtrack for the HBO jailhouse series "Oz," gives a day-in-the-life overview of an inmate. Lastly, Xzibit's "Release Date," a track set on the convict's last day incarcerated, reflects on the horrors of the cell block vacation.