Someone needs to tell Alternative Press magazine that their covers are not Hype Williams videos. Photoshop’s cool and all when you’re trying to shoop out some fatass frontman’s double chin, or get rid of some emo kid’s zits, but next month’s cover looks like a propaganda poster for Hitler Youth. Actually I’m sure both Anthony Green and Craig Owens both possess supernaturally luminous blue eyes, just like they can TOTALLY HIT ALL THOSE HIGH NOTES LIVE!!!!

In b4 “at least they still have a magazine”

Houston rapper and frequent object of Synthesis love, Devin the Dude has signed with Razor and Tie Entertainment. Here’s the shit

(New York, NY) – Razor & Tie Entertainment has announced the signing of veteran urban lyricist Devin The Dude to an exclusive worldwide multi-album recording contract.  With a knack for humorous rhymes and light-hearted storytelling, Devin possesses a strong fanbase garnered from four previous studio releases.  Complex Magazine has dubbed Devin, “the Richard Pryor of rap”, while Slate refers to him as “one of hip-hop’s best-loved underdogs among both fans and peers”.  The Florida-born, Houston-raised Devin has indeed earned his reputation as “the rappers’ rapper”, guesting on the albums of such high-profile artists as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, De La Soul and Jay Z.

Devin The Dude is currently in the studio recording his fifth album, LANDING GEAR.  The album, Devin’s first for Razor & Tie, is scheduled for release in the early fall via his own Coughee Brothers imprint.  Razor & Tie’s opportunity to work with Devin was facilitated by Jon Shapiro and Jen McDaniels of Cinematic Music Group.  Shapiro and McDaniels will continue to be involved in the completion and set-up of LANDING GEAR, with Razor & Tie responsible for the marketing and distribution of the album.  Cinematic Music Group was founded in 2005 by Jon Shapiro. Based in New York City, it is a full service entertainment company that focuses on its record label, artist development, artist relations, management, production and film.  Cinematic is home to Sean Kingston, Yung Berg, and others.

The upcoming “Music” title for Wii has a lot of promise. Now, if they can license some music besides classic Nintendo tunes, Rock Band and Guitar Hero will be in serious trouble…

From BBC:

The company did unveil a Grand Theft Auto game in development for the DS console and a new Wii title, called Music, which sees gamers play more than 50 musical instruments by using the Wiimote motion-sensitive controller. Mr Iwata said the success of the Wii and the DS was proof of a new form of social interaction developing. He said: “I believe we must find more ways for players to feel engaged, different ways for them to be enriched. The overall experience from our products must be increased enthusiasm.”

In just two short days, David Banner will be performing at Knitting Factory in NYC on Friday, July 18th at 8:30 PM for one of those special MySpace Release Shows you’ve always wanted to go to. His new album, modestly-titled “The Greatest Story Ever Told”, was released yesterday. From the press release:

Putting Jackson, Mississippi, on the map, David Banner is more than simply a musical artist and actor. Having spent his days since Hurricane Katrina helping out in philanthropic efforts to rebuild the region, David Banner is now ready to properly follow up his widely-received 2005 album “Certified” with a set of fiery tracks synonymous with his name. Featuring guest shots from the likes of Lil Wayne, Akon, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg and Chamillionaire, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is a piece of social commentary expressing Banner’s passionate viewpoints, his recent experiences, and the type of heartache he’s endured over the past few years.

Maino will be opening. Early wristband pick-up for the performance will begin at 7 p.m. on July 17 on a first come, first served basis. And now, for some fun facts about David Banner:
Real name: Levell Crump
Age: 35
He’s pretty much done everything from acting to music production to rapping to modeling and owning a record label. Much of his recent time has been donated to the region affected by Hurricane Katrina. He takes his stage name “David Banner” from the lead character in the 70’s and 80’s cartoon “The Incredible Hulk”.

There’s a few new morsels over on the front page for your perusal, including Spencer Rouse’s rundown of the 2008 High Sierra Festival up in them thar hills, and reviews of the new French Kicks, and Street Dogs records. While you’re there, why don’t you go ahead and enter some of our goddamn contests too? DO IT.

Keys 2 The City.

I’m kinda feeling the whole focus-on-a-city approach to music. When artists rep their shit so often that they become the ambassadors of their home town, it can offer a unique peek into the culture and promise of a region. Our buddy turned us on to this Imeem post by Indiediot, and I’ve been checking out the footage. And so should you.

Curated by [The Roots], the [Roots Picnic] festival brought together an eclectic group of some of the most revered artists in the country including Gnarls Barkley, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Deerhoof, The Cool Kids, J*DaVey, Esperanza Spalding, Dj Jazzy Jeff, Diplo, and more. Check out these exclusive videos and photos from The Roots Picnic courtesy of Okayplayer.