Albums, singles and videos leak online first. iTunes has replaced both local record stores and national chains. And Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and MySpace are increasingly narrowing the distance between artists and their fans. In an effort to help readers wade through the ever-deepening stream of information, XXL has assembled a list of the 100 Best Hip-Hop Web Sites: Blogs, lyrics archives, MP3 downloads, artist pages and digital record pools are all included here. Get your clique on point with the point and click.

 

1200squad.com
Back in the day, DJs joined regional record pools, where labels exchanged new vinyl for grassroots feedback. What’s vinyl, you ask? Oh, forget it. Now providing the same function with MP3s and also forum-style commenting, Cornerstone Promotion’s 1200 Squad offers free membership to DJs and filthy industry types.
2dopeboyz.okayplayer.com
Smart, knowledgeable blog that doesn’t think East Coast and underground are epithets.
24hourhiphop.com
Gossip, news and music (ostensibly) provided around the clock.

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http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=63041

I'd cut it to 50 and take out any sites associated with artists, except for ones like OkayPlayer where the reach is beyond, say, B.o.B.

I just don't like seeing gossip sites on there either.

So I'm not really ready to name names (besides one I write for), but I was just slightly disappointed...though not surprised, ha.