Jake Brown takes advantage of the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records to present music fans with his appreciation of its co-founder, Rick Rubin.

Brian Colman’s book gives the inside scoop on 36 classic hip-hop albums, all from the mouths of the artists who created them. Lori Bartlett thinks it’s about time.

Bloom - Remix Album (Arista/ Sony BMG). Review by Carl F Gauze.

Once again, New York City signals the end of summer with a non-stop CMJ Marathon. Tracy Fay gives us her highlights in this roundup.

Dying in Stereo (Star Time). Review by Aaron Shaul.

Run-DMC, Ocean’s Eleven, Hyena Records, Wendy Carlos and more – Ben Varkentine gives us his 2002 highlights … and a lowlight.

No Stranger to Shame (Lava). Review by Stein Haukland.

Definition of a Remix feat. Jermaine Dupri & Jagged Edge (So So Def). Review by Bill Campbell.

Armageddon Through Your Speaker (Interscope). Review by Matt Cibula.

Run DMC are attempting a Supernatural comeback with their latest album, the guest-laden Crown Royal. Will Crown re-establish Run, DMC, and Jam Master Jay as the Kings of Rock, or have the emperors been shorn of their trademark leathers and Adidas? Julio Diaz takes an in-depth look.

Just Push Play (Columbia). Review by Brian Kruger.

Music Midtown is a great chance to catch bands you might never get to see otherwise. Frank Mullen took some chances at this year’s festival in Atlanta, and found out what he’d been missing from the likes of Jimmy Cliff, BR5-49, the Jungle Brothers, and Bjorn Again, as well as a pre-Noel Gallagher walk-out Oasis.