SIGT HIP HOP STOP W/RON GRANT: Beanie Sigel and Meek Mill Beefing, Run The Jewels Almost Done, New EP From Aesop Rock and Homeboy Sandman, The Roots Picnic in NYC, Vic Mensa on Voting, A New J Dilla Children’s Book

by Ron Grant • September 30, 2016

Want a fresh perspective on the Beanie Sigel/Meek Mill beef, or to see what Vic Mensa thinks about voting? Here’s our take on some of the biggest stories of the past seven days.

THE MANY TWISTS AND TURNS OF THE BEANIE SIGEL/MEEK MILL BEEF

First, Game came for Meek Mill. Then, Meek enlisted Philly legend Beanie Sigel to take down Game. Then, Meek’s goons jumped Beanie. Then, Beanie aired Meek out on the Tax Season podcast. Now, Meek is coming for Beans on social media. All having just overshadowed Meek giving snippets of his Dreamchasers 4 project he released this week. Sad, but it looks like the L’s are piling up for Meek in 2016. The full Tax Season interview with Beans follows.

RUN THE JEWELS 3 IS NEARLY COMPLETE, ACCORDING TO EL-P

El-P delivered the news via Twitter this past Tuesday that he and Killer Mike are finished recording Run The Jewels 3. And the news couldn’t come at a better time for fans aching for a follow up to the first two brilliant albums. We at least know a little of what to expect from hip-hop’s new favorite duo: dark humor, social commentary and unapologetic, heavy rhymes. You’ve been warned.

**AESOP ROCK AND HOMEBOY SANDMAND DROP LICE 2: STILL BUGGIN’ EP**

Two of the undergrounds’ most beloved figures, Aesop and Sandman followed up the original Lice from 2015 with a more serious, more topical free EP this week. It’s stream-able right now on Soundcloud. Have a listen.

THE ROOTS PICNIC SET TO HIT NYC THIS WEEKEND, SET LIST REVEALED

The Roots sure know how to call on big-named friends for their fans! This year’s NYC edition of the Roots Picnic will feature D’Angelo, John Mayer, Kevin Gates, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lil Uzi Vert and much more rocking all weekend long. The full set list for NYC can be viewed here. also check out some footage from Philly’s edition to see what to expect.

VIC MENSA FEATURED ON VEVO’S “WHY I VOTE” SERIES

Vic Mensa gets thoughtful and personal in the new series by Vevo, talking about the need for people to impact change in their communities through voting. In the current political climate, voices like that of Vic’s might be needed now more than ever. Here’s the full video.

MA DUKES CREATING A CHILDRENS’ BOOK BASED ON THE LIFE OF J DILLA

If there’s one thing that Maureen ‘Ma Dukes’ Yancey does better than anyone, it’s keeping the memory of her son alive. Dilla’s life will get the children’s book treatment soon. She spoke about the new book as well as Dilla’s equipment being held at the Smithsonian and more at length in and interview with Hot 97. The full interview is below.