Hip-Hop Blog Round-Up: New Interviews with Rakim, Daz; OutKast Leaks

-According to the Smoking Section's interview with Daz, his upcoming solo album, SoSo Gangsta, is on some "some West Coast G'd Down South flavor" sh*t. Huhhh?

-In the second part of his interview with Halftimeonline.com, revered wordsmith Rakim makes an interesting analogy between the end time and hip-hop. Se-ri-ous-ly. Their Hip-Hop Icon Series is a must-read for all hip-hop followers.

-On The Rap Up, fans are buzzing over two new Outkast tracks--"Hollywood Divorce" with Lil' Wayne and Snoop Dogg and "The Train"--leaked from their Idlewild soundtrack.

-In what appears to be a publicity stunt, femcees Khia and Trina have been entangled in a war of words. Concrete Loop has the latest scoop on the saga, including audios.

-Hop on to Young, Black & Fabulous for some pictures of Allhiphop.com's Relaunch party, as well as pics of Jermaine Dupri's fiancee in the September issue of Vibe.

-Beauty N The Beat dissects Christina Aguilera's jazz-inspired, hip-hop-fueled new album, Back to Basics. The album features extensive production from hip-hop chieftain, DJ Premier.

-In case you missed it, check out Oh Word.com's Crack Week Round-Up for a humorous look at hip-hop's connection to crack-cocaine.