The makers of Smirnoff vodka have launched a campaign pairing three old-school rappers with contemporary MCs to create new versions of iconic hip-hop songs – and matching drinks.

Artists Common, Q-Tip, and KRS-One will join musical forces with Just Blaze, Cool & Dre, and DJ Premier to remix Common’s “The Light,” A Tribe Called Quest’s “Midnight,” and Boogie Down Productions’ seminal hit “Criminal Minded.”  Each artist/producer pairing has a mixed drink – made with Smirnoff flavored vodka – dedicated to it. (more…)

2K Sports today announced the soundtrack for NBA 2K8, which will feature 23 tracks, including three produced by late producer, J Dilla ( a.k.a. Jay Dee). Common, Talib Kweli, Madlib, and Q-Tip, all of whom had previously worked with J Dilla before his death early last year, contributed vocals for the tracks.

“J Dilla was one of the industry’s greatest talents,” said Q-Tip. “This recording is reflective of his legacy and of the wonderful body of work that he left behind.” (more…)

Salt -N- Pepa, Nelly Furtado, Ne-Yo, KRS-One The Teacha, Jermaine Dupri, Grandmaster Caz, Nelly, Mos Def, Kool Moe Dee, Grand Wizzard Theodore and The Chief Rocker Busy Bee will take the stage along with the honorees at the fourth annual “VH1 Hip Hop Honors.”

VH1 will once again pay tribute to the hip hop luminaries who broke new ground and pioneered the genre into a true cultural phenomenon. Hosted by Tracy Morgan, this year’s honorees include A Tribe Called Quest, Snoop Dogg, WHODINI, Missy Elliott, the film Wild Style and Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell for New Jack Swing. (more…)

In an exclusive interview with XXLMag.com, A Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip reveals he’s forming a new group with Common entitled The Standard.

“Me and Common [are] getting ready to form a group,” ‘Tip tells XXLMag.com. “We’ll probably run it through the Uni [Universal Records] joint because we’re both on Universal.” (more…)

A Tribe Called Quest will get its props during VH1’s Fourth Annual Hip Hop Honors alongside previously-announced honorees Whodini, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell.      

As previously reported, the show will be hosted by 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan and taped at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom on October 4, 2007. (more…)