It was widely thought that Lil Ru would be the one to set the Carolinas on the map after he got signed to Def Jam earlier this year. After all the foolishness that has gone down recently between Lil Ru and Stupid Dope Moves that’s pretty much a wrap. How can you blow up for your city and state when word on the curb is you’re scared to go home and you’ve moved to a neighboring state? **They shoulda never gave you ninjas money**

Enter stage right Fayetteville, NC native J. Cole. He might just be the one to bring Carolina up and out. Being the first artist signed to Jay Z’s Rock Nation label is kinda like a big deal.

On this week’s episode R.E. and I give the full run down on the J. Cole story and discuss what his success means to Carolina hip hop’s future. We also touch briefly on the reports of the rumored Goodie Mob reunion.

Be sure to pick up J. Cole’s The Come Up Vol. 1 mixtape. There’s also a version of the ‘Come Up’ mixtape with new tracks called American Dreamin. Both are dope, fresh and certified wack free. Links from R.E.’s spot.

Where Is Hip Hop Episode 18

WHERE IS HIP HOP? will give you information on the current state of Hip Hop in the world today as seen by Randy Roper aka Randy Exclusive, Music Editor of Ozone Magazine and yours truly.We talk about who is hot and who is not, interviews, how we feel about certain albums and the direction of Hip Hop culture in the world today.Think of us as the Siskel and Ebert of Hip Hop.Get ready to be EDUCATED, INFORMED and ENTERTAINED.