The Original Hip-Hop Lyrics Archive (OHHLA) is one of my favorite rap websites, despite its flaws. However, now that the CDDB, the database that most music libraries like iTunes use to serve up album info, has cut a deal with the majors to include lyrics, OHHLA will become obsolete overnight. The official lyrics from CDDB will be more accurate and complete than OHHLA can ever hope to be.
Now that the rights holders to those lyrics have a way of making money off those words outside of the music, I wouldn't be surprised if OHHLA was forced to be shut down with a lawyer's letter.
Ah well; OHHLA was always a nice example of substance over style and I used it often.
Posted by: josephgrossberg | 2007.01.05 at 08:55 AM
ohhla and rapreviews is the shit
Posted by: qb | 2007.01.05 at 10:27 AM
So they got lyrics, they got album art, if they get liner notes and song credits, I won't have to buy another CD again...
Posted by: Quibian Salazar-Moreno | 2007.01.08 at 08:47 PM
Hi,
I kindly ask that you link http://www.bboyzone.com with the link text "How to Breakdance" without the quotes.
We will gladly link you back if you wish for us to do so. We can use any link text you desire. Email me at webmaster@bboyzone.com with the page the link is located and we will gladly link you back.
Thanks.
Posted by: Dan Svinsky | 2007.01.12 at 02:27 PM
This is real talk from a true 80's baby from the crack ridden streets of East New York Brooklyn. This era of time influenced our music in an immeasurable fashion. My music, and the music that I listen to, reminds us where we came from in order to show us where we are capable of going. Our music is supposed to be about uprisings and the overcoming of obstacles which our fellow citizens around the world have no idea about. In this day and age, communication is diluted through the corporate strangle. Check out some of my music, I can never forget my history... I lived it. Two spots on New Lotts Ave on the Croner of New Jersey, thats my life just like Ghost told yall country cats a while back. Step back and let the news of Urban warfare be told. Down with police violence and corruption. Sean Bell Rest In Peace!
www.myspace.com/
Posted by: Bigg Ski 420 | 2007.01.12 at 05:43 PM
1992-2007, let's get that right. I was on Gopher and FTP for three years before hitting the web. And I'm not letting anybody lay the flowers on OHHLA's grave just yet. I've been prepared for the possibility of being nullified into non-existance for at least six of the last ten years and it hasn't happened yet. I've got plans and ideas I can't even discuss but let me just say a few of the well known "internet celebrity bloggers" are with me behind the scenes, and will say more when the time is right.
Posted by: DJ Flash | 2007.01.27 at 03:26 AM
DJ Flash - I'm rooting for you and the site. Good luck on the redesign.
Posted by: Hashim | 2007.01.27 at 10:54 AM
Big up to Flash, one of the original online heads (HardC.O.R.E.!)... the OHHLA remains my favorite place to search for vocal sample ideas.
Posted by: Laze | 2007.01.29 at 05:25 PM
I like OHHLA, I have used it since the 90's and is those timeless websites you can always relly on. I dont think how that can be replaced because the interface and just the culture of being purely hip hop.
I acknowledge that is a generational thing and most users wont think the same. I am old school internet user who still think ICQ is the king of all instant messengers.
Posted by: JZA | 2007.04.08 at 05:31 AM
Wow didn't know they existed so long. Appearantly they are still alive. Trying my best to also help the Hip Hop community. http://www.worldofhiphop.org
Posted by: Mark | 2008.01.24 at 11:55 AM