This episode of The Combat Jack Show gets an exclusive Talib Kweli and Ma Dukes, the mother of the late J. Dilla. We learn about J. Dilla and his posthumous legacy, his impact on hip hop culture, The J. Dilla Foundation and more. We also get news on Talib Kweli’s album. [Al Lindstrom]

Elton John extends his record for the most appearances in the nearly 53-year history of Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, as “Can’t Stay Alone Tonight” enters at No. 27. The song marks his 70th entry on the ranking. The song is the second single from John’s 30th studio album (and first on Capitol Records), “The Diving…

On Friday, March 21, rapper Jem Cretes from Delaware released a new song called “Hustle 101.” According to TDE rapper ScHoolboy Q, the track, which was released in promotion of an upcoming Cretes’ project, featured his verse used without permission and culled from an old song that Cretes did not have the authority to mine….

Here’s a quick video demo, via darksideothetune, of the TipTop Audio TR-808 drum modules. Technical details: Tiptop Audio Tr-808 Drum Modules: BD808, SD808, Hats808, and RS808 sequenced by Delptronics Trigger Man. [Synthtopia]

The EMS VCS3 synthesizer was one of the most widely used synths in the ’70s in the UK, but never quite made it to the States. That said, it made its mark on songs by The Who (“Won’t Get Fooled Again”), Pink Floyd (“On The Run”), Roxy Music, King Crimson, The Alan Parsons Project, and…

As an artist who has worked with 50 Cent on numerous occasions, producer Scott Storch went on to express his confidence in 50 and the Queens rapper’s new deal with Caroline/Capitol/UMG during a recent interview with Mikey T The Movie Star. 50 Cent’s independent deal also marks the end of the G-Unit helmsman’s deal with…

Industrial Soundtrack for the Urban Decay is a forthcoming documentary about industrial music featuring BB pals Throbbing Gristle and V Vale (RE/Search) along with Cabaret Voltaire, NON, Z’EV, Sordide Sentimental, SPK, and many more artists/thinkers. Directed by Amélie Ravalec and Travis Collins, the film is in post-production and slated for release later this year. [SoundWorks…

A trio of South American Lolla­paloozas scheduled for this spring, including a first foray into Argentina, underscore how the events’ organizers are mining the buzzy South American market and could provide a road map for similar festivals looking to expand internationally. The first leg of the Lollapalooza tour, which will feature such acts as Red…

Starting next year, online purchases of foreign media — including books and apps — will be taxed at the UK’s 20% rate of VAT. Say goodbye to 99p song downloads: the finance bill that will come into effect January 1, 2015 will tax internet downloads in the country where they are purchased, preventing web companies…

“What a party!,” Aretha Franklin said Saturday night, seated on a couch in the Ritz Carlton’s appropriately-named Star Lounge, looking elegant in pearls and a sparkly lime green skirt suit. “Just tremendous. What a night!” The Queen of Soul spent much of her 72nd birthday bash tucked in a corner, sipping Coke next to friends…