They do it once again! If I had the dough I’d subscribe to this magazine. Their first issue was packed with intelligent stuff that I was wondering if they could pull it off in the second issue and yes, ladies and gentlemen, they have.

The Dave Godin Column get’s back to the roots and the popularization of Rock n Roll in the UK.  The article goes in depth as he talks about the differences between the UK and US and talks about how the major media in Britain tried to control it and how the UK licensed black music from the States and then got those same tracks covered by white groups.  For instance while The Rolling Stones experienced good reception from “It’s All Over Now” it was actually an unissued original by the Valentinos.  Do yourself a favour and get a copy to read the entire article.  Insightful stuff.

The highlight of this magazine must be the second part of the extremely long and interesting interview with Mc Serch.  He talks about his involvement with Nas album “Illmatic” and other artists like O.C. and Non-Phixion.  He also talks more about the break up of 3rd Bass and apparently he’s working on a new album.  Another highlight was the interview with PMD.  From the interview it sounds like PMD is a down to earth dude.  By the way I hear that his latest album “The Awakening” is a classic.

There are other interviews with the likes of Chuck D, Professor Griff, DJ Lord Aswod, Cappo, Scorzayzee, Cmone, Quatermass Productions, Keno 1 and Kool from Kool and the Gang.

I was thouroughly impressed with the George DuBose interview.  For those that don’t know he is the man who’s responsible for taking the photo’s of those classic rap album covers e.g. Biz Markie, Professor X, Grand Daddy I.U., MC Shan, Roxanne Shante amongst many others.  What was interesting to read is that he tells the stories behind the photo-shoots.  Gripping stuff.

In the Random Rap Files section they dig deep into the story behind Top Choice Cliques “Peace Of Mind b/w You Can’t Deal” single which was released in 1990.  They also dig into Makeba & Skratch’s “I Can’t Stand It/Aint It Funky”.  You see in every issue they search for rap’s forgotten classics.  Reading the stories behind these classics induces hard ons.

In addition to all of this they have several other columns plus a whole bunch of reviews. 

This is the magazine for the mature hip hop head.  Don’t even bother to pick up a Source or XXL. 

www.grandslam.net

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