Ever since making the cut of Diddy’s “Making the Band” back in 2004 and becoming a member of the sensational girl group, Danity Kane, Aubrey O’Day’s life has unfolded in the public eye. A lot has changed since she’s been on the cover of DUB with Danity Kane back in Issue 43. As the most outspoken and controversial member of the group, Aubrey has often been depicted as the group’s “bad girl,” and recently got kicked out of the band, along with fellow member D. Woods.

Keri Hilson is stepping out from behind the scenes as a successful music writer for some of the industry’s biggest names and leaping into the limelight with the debut of her album In A Perfect World…(Interscope Records 2009). Although the R&B songstress is barely releasing her debut album, the Atlanta native is actually a veteran in the music industry, having more than 10 years of songwriting under her belt as a member of the song-writing crew “The Clutch.”

LUDACRIS
It’s been about two years since you’ve heard anything from the lyrical genius and Southern hospitality specialist Ludacris, but expect to have your airwaves bumping his musical prowess in heavy rotation in the coming months, with the release of his sixth studio album, Theater of the Mind (Disturbing Tha Peace, 2008), later this year.

In fairytales, nobody ever wants to be the villain since it’s the hero that always shines. That is, everybody except Detroit lyricist Trick Trick (born Christian Mathis), who isn’t afraid to bring out his edgier side on his latest album, The Villain (Koch Records, 2008), which features production from Dr. Dre and Eminem and guest appearances by hip-hop’s finest like Lil’ Jon, Rich Boy, Ice Cube, Kid Rock and the late Proof from D12. “Expect to be shocked ’cause I place some things on this album that a lot of people wouldn’t say for political reasons,” he describes. “It’s The Villain ’cause if I got to be the bad guy for speaking the truth, so f*uck it…I’m the bad guy.”

Y’all know who the f*ck I am…— The Game, “Big Dreams”

Already a hip-hop legend, West Coast lyricist The Game has graced the pages of DUB quite a few times now. Back in Issue 22, you were first introduced to the West Coast’s newest lyrical prodigy while Issue 31 showed off his love for old school classics while he secured his place in hip-hop history merely a year after his debut album The Documentary (Aftermath, 2005). Then, in Issue 38, you got to catch up with him in his Murciélago after his next project, Doctor’s Advocate (Interscope, 2006).

It’s a typical Miami afternoon in early autumn. The city’s honorary spokesperson poses next to a classic model of American muscle, a custom 1972 Chevrolet Caprice. He soaks in every ounce of inspiration from the scantily clad women and the hustlers flossing their latest gadgets to the groups of immigrants striving to make it in the land of opportunity. In this virtual “Scarface” city, trouble brews as often as the warm breeze brushes gently against the cascading array of palm trees. However, for 24-year-old “Pitbull,” nothing is better as a backdrop and foundation for his destiny than the sexy and unpredictable streets of the M-I-A.

It was a typical Miami day—bright blue skies provided the perfect backdrop for a canary-yellow Ferrari and wicked-black Mercedes-Benz McLaren, framed by green, sloping palm trees. Rapper Stack$ was perched on the edge of his Ferrari—shades and brim of his money-green cap blocking the glare of the sun. He sauntered by the McLaren, which he referred to as his own personal “Batmobile.” Each diamond on his necklace glinted in the shape of giant dollar reflecting off the water and the skyline. He is Stack$—as in stacks of money—heir to a family fortune and a music business legacy. But foremost, he’s a rapper with intentions to make it big. He’s pulled out all the stops for the buildup to his album release. After all, Stack$ is money.

“Go big or go home” perfectly sums up rapper Rick Ross, who constantly refers to his grandiose lifestyle in his raps and interviews. Everything Rick Ross (born Williams Roberts) does is large and over the top. From his glistening, large diamond pendants to his elaborate and expensive car collection—everything has to be big when Rick Ross is involved. “

David Banner’s latest release, The Greatest Story Ever Told (Universal/SRC, 2008) goes beyond the realm of music as it dives deep into the rapper’s history, from being the first lyricist to hail from Mississippi to the trials and tribulations he’s faced for the past year and a half.

There was a time in hip-hop when the DJ was more important than the MC. But times have changed as the MC pushed his way to the limelight only to leave behind the beat-maker in the shadows of hip-hop culture.