Cage Interview.

Sometimes we develop a predisposed opinion or notion about an artist based solely on their music. You know, you feel like you already know how they're going to be before you even meet them. Sometimes it's spot on, and other times it couldn't be farther from that little made up image in your brain.

I interviewed Cage last month at the Paid Dues festival in Los Angeles, and to be completely honest, I had no idea what to expect before the interview. I thought he would be angry or uncooperative, and unwilling to talk to me. Maybe cocky. Maybe aloof. Definitely mad. It was the total opposite. He's mad humble, and surprisingly down to earth, and I think he even enjoyed talking to me. Yes, he does seem like somewhat of an introvert, but he is highly insightful and once we started talking he definitely opened up. Dude has been through a lot, seen a lot, and has a lot to say. And it's dope, because he actually cares about what he is saying, as opposed to some people who just talk to hear themselves talk.

Anyway, long story short - this is a good interview. Even if you're not a fan of his music, I think you'll be entertained and engaged by the interview. If you are a fan of his music then you're probably like the interview even more. He talks about his new upcoming album, Depart From Me, in which he went with a new sound and new direction. He explains the personal growth and reasons that he choose to go with a new sound and the obvious consequences of diverting from what people expect from you. Bottom line, he doesn't care. He makes the music that he wants to make based on what he is experiencing in his life and where he is drawing the inspiration from. And that's how I think it should be, ladies and germs.

Enjoy.

Paid Dues 2009 Wrap Up.

We hit you with your All Access pass to the biggest independent hip hop show on the planet. The show was off the chain and the fans mos def got their money's worth. Check the interviews and performances from Atmosphere, Tech N9Ne, Brother Ali, Living Legends, and the most anticipated group on the bill, the super group Slaughterhouse.

Murs & Tech N9ne Talk Paid Dues.

SXSW isn't the only game in town this month, next Saturday March 28th, the Paid Dues shows goes down in Southern California. It features the likes of Atmosphere, Tech N9ne, Living Legends, B-Real, and the entire Slaughterhouse (Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Crooked I, and Royce Da 5;9").

Paid Dues 2009 Preview w/ Atmosphere.

To get you geared up for the upcoming festival, Slug talks about changing up the Atmosphere live show and how the Felt albums with Murs came about. And yes, there is a Felt 3 on the horizon...eventually. Maybe. We'll see.

Paid Dues Coverage on HHO.

HHO hits the 2009 Paid Dues Festival once again! We'll be bringing you all the EXCLUSIVE coverage, interviews and performances. Watch it on your cell phone or online. Stay Tuned, Coverage starts March 20th!

Paid Dues Lineup Annouced.

Murs has revealed the roster for the 2009 Paid Dues show in San Bernadino, California. It goes down March 28 a the Nos Events Center. Atmosphere will be headlining the event, and the independent monster Tech N9ne will be featured for the first time at a Guerilla Union event. Blu and Exile are also performing, which will sure to please a ton of cali heads. The rest of the lineup includes:

ATMOSPHERE, TECH N9NE, LIVING LEGENDS, BROTHER ALI, B-REAL, GROUCH & ELIGH, CAGE, BLU & EXILE, EYEDEA & ABILITIES, LMNO, DJ VAL THE VANDAL, VERBS AND THE BAYLIENS; and will be hosted by 2MEX.

Backstage @ Paid Dues Festival NYC: Part 2

Part 2 of our backstage coverage of the Paid Dues festival in New York City. We On The Run.

If you missed Part 1, peep it here.

Backstage @ Paid Dues Festival NYC: Part 1

Our New York correspondent Shani Kulture goes backstage at the Paid Dues Festival in New York City. It all went down at the Nokia Theater in Times Square. Hip Hop Official was definitely in the building.

Check for Part 2 on Friday...you know we got you covered. We on the run.