Common rang in the New Year by kicking a freestyle at the Trinity United Church of Christ here in Chicago during a mass celebration. He should have busted into “G.O.D. (Gaining One’s Definition)”, but then again, maybe not. Spotted via Eskay

Yesterday, Bol picked up the post I did on the Rhymefest vs. Lupe Fiasco political debate and covered it on his site. Later in the day he received an email from a “Chicago” resident who made some, in my opinion, outlandish claims about politics, rappers and gangs here in Chicago: emailing from chicago again. you…

The latest video from local arist Seel Fresh. This is the second single from his debut album, Trife Life, featuring production and appearances from Dug Infinite, The Molemen and Thirstin Howl III. The video was shot at Alive One, which is one of the best Hip Hop spots in the city. He’s also donning some…

Kanye posted this “preview” over at his blog, from the editing room of his new video, “Flashing Lights”. Well, this isn’t much of a preview. It’s more like a picture. A very nondescript picture at that – so draw your own conclusions. From the looks of things, it appears Kanye is basing this video on…

Fake Shore Drive is giving away two FREE tickets to Midwest Skatefest ‘08 courtesy of the good people at Hype Promotions. Where: Krush Skatepark, 8059 West 185th Street, Tinley Park, ILWhen: Saturday, January 12, From Noon til CloseThis is an all age event…. The Cool Kids are headlining the event, with additional performances by Eyedea…

Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco went ahead and got into a full-fledged political debate on the Okayplayer board over the past 24 hours. It all started when ‘Fest took offense to some of Lupe’s views on Barack Obama and Lupe’s decision to ride with Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Primary. Lupe made some erroneous comments about…

Nasty Nas covers the 100th Issue of XXL, and what better backdrop than the American flag, since, you know, Nas is a rebel to America. (nice Richard Pryor nod as well) I received word that Nas will be coming through Chicago within the next few months, but I don’t have any firm dates at this…

Chi-City Hip Hop ambassador, Pugs Atomz, latest video from his new album, Conversations with a Chamelion. Available in-stores, online and on iTunes now. Bonus: Pugs Atomz feat. Hall of Fame – “Black Boy” (produced by Hi-Tek)

Mo Billionaire hit me with the link for the free download of Mic Terror’s new mixtape, The Terrordome Vol. 2, mixed exclusively by Million $ Mano. Mic is one of Chicago’s brightest new artists, so if you’re not familiar with his work, I recommend you download this immediately for some of that “New Chicago” sound…

This has been floating around since yesterday, but for those who don’t have it, check out the official leak of Killer Mike’s sophomore album, Ghetto Extraordinary. If you remember, Mike released his debut album, Monster, back in 2003 and later followed Big Boi over to his Purple Ribbon imprint, only to have Ghetto Extraordinary shelved…