Now this is how you really freestyle off the top. Plus, TRU gets a shoutout.

Here’s a chance to show your friends how much you truly heart The Rap Up. Become a friend on teh Facebook (I hate that term “fan”). Then tell your friends, family, and cats to become friends too.

• Become a Friend on Facebook

I applaud the Black Weblog Awards judges for respecting my fresh. On one hand, I’m grateful that they found me worthy of recognition; on the other hand, I’m saddened that this award has effectively nullified my favorite BWA joke — the one about them thinking I was white for 4 years.

Thanks to everyone who voted. Thanks to Ivan and the rest of the fam for campaigning relentlessly. If you’ve ever linked to TRU, tweeted a link, bookmarked, commented, emailed to say that TRU is your favorite blog, this award is for you. Supa dupa thanks to eskay for his unwavering support. Trying to win this thing back when Nah Right was in the running was like Karl Malone trying to win a championship in the Jordan years. It ain’t happening. Big up to Starr for winning the popular vote. Congrats to all the winners. Our world is full of stars indeed.

Applaud ‘em.

• 2009 Black Weblog Awards Winners

Today is the last day of voting for the 2009 Black Weblog Awards. If you haven’t already done so, please take 50 seconds out of your time to cast a vote for The Rap Up. We’re nominated in two categories: Best Hip-Hop Blog and Best Music Blog, so be sure to vote for us in both. Don’t forget to confirm your email address or your vote will be discarded. Preemptive thanks for your support. Let’s bring this one home.

You still need a reason to vote for TRU? How about 9?

1. Because Ivan says so
2. Because TRU Brain Trust is not to be f-cked with
3. Because…um…Cuban Linx
4. Because Bun B fux with The Rap Up
5. Because Rizoh’s Radio is the illest
6. Because TRU is for the grown and sexy
7. Because VIBE said we’re awesome
8. Because Black Barbie says so
9. You still want your Noby Noby Boy, don’t you?

Most importantly, vote because it will make you feel better.

Your neighborhood rap music weblog has just snagged 2 nods for the 2009 Black Weblog Awards: Best Hip-Hop Blog and Best Music Blog. It’s our first time being nominated, so I’ll be busy doing headspins all day.

Anywho, don’t get too comfortable yet. You still have to vote us in the Grand Finale. You’re only obligated to vote for one category, so feel free to hit the ones you’re familiar with (hint: the music-related ones). The good news is that you only need a name and an e-mail to cast an eligible vote. I can’t tell you to vote Chicago-style but I can’t tell you not to if you wanted to.

If we win, I’ll throw an e-BBQ party for TRU Nation. Plus, my Noby Noby Boy offer still stands.

Finally, big thanks to the greatest starting 5 in the world:

• Jaap
• Nahshon
• Black Barbie
• Andrew
• Ivan

Now go VOTE.

Awesomely Related Posts:
The Rap Up is for the Grown & Sexy
Vibe Confirms The Rap Up’s Awesomeness

I’ve just activated our little TRU Alien. TRU Alien will keep you posted on all our postings as soon as they’re posted. Kinda like an RSS feed but safer.

• Follow The Rap Up
• Follow Rizoh

A.C., who shot to prominence via his brilliant “New Soul” remix, is back in the mix of things. After launching Attack of the Blogs, A.C. is now back on the saddle for the second installment the campaign. The Rap Up is honored to be among the 20 sites selected for the project. Mark your calendars. A.C. attacks on May 29th.

As TRUbians I’m assuming you’re all aware and comprehend the concept of “the grill” as far as it goes concerning rappers and their teeth, but DID you know how far back these blinding displays of excessive wealth go?

(Relatively) advanced dentistry allowed Native Americans to add bling to their teeth as far back as 2,500 years ago – way before Flav, Rick The Ruler, Paul Wall and the sorts got around to doing it. Ancient peoples of southern North America went to “dentists” to beautify their teeth with semiprecious gems, according to a recent analysis of thousands of teeth examined from collections in Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (such as the skull above, found in Chiapas, Mexico). Read the rest of this entry »