Web site architect builds a hip-hop heaven

Steve Juon

When it comes to the latest in hip-hop music online, there is one nom de plume that is heard time and again: Mistapizzo.

The architect and chief operator of HipHopSite.Com, Mistapizzo is tenaciously dedicated to presenting the latest and best in rap music to net surfers via streaming “RealAudio,” which can be heard on any computer with a 33.6K modem or better.

“We’ll keep delivering y’all the phat ish ya need,” Mistapizzo said.

True to his word, Mistapizzo has gotten the tunes nobody else has been able to on his site, including songs from Snoop Doggy Dogg’s unreleased “Doggumentary” and a promotional remix of a song by the hard rock group Dog Eat Dog, mixed by Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA.

Mistapizzo keeps his ear to the ground by maintaining contacts with record labels and working directly with artists featured on the Web site.

What’s new for visitors to HipHopSite.Com this week?

“We have just added the new albums from Common, RBL Posse and Gravediggaz,” Mistapizzo said.

Most of these albums, including the Gravediggaz’s “The Pick, The Sickle and the Shovel” are either unreleased or not yet available in the United States.

“Of course, you can get exclusives like the Tru Criminal CD Sampler and the Dres Black Sheep 10- song vinyl promo,” Mistapizzo added.

What motivates Mistapizzo to keep HipHopSite.Com at the cutting edge of new hip-hop music every week?

“Chances are, you will never find or be able to buy [some of these] songs in stores because they [are] extremely rare,” he said.

HipHopSite.Com offers more than just new music. There is a Hip-Hop Store, which currently features t-shirts of underground sensation Saafir the Saucee Nomad, and a section Mistapizzo calls “News on the D.L.,” which explores the latest hip-hop gossip and news.

The biggest news to date, Mistapizzo said, may be some unreleased tracks from a man who is recognized as one of hip-hop’s best-selling artists and biggest movie stars ever.

“What? Nine new 2 Pac tracks from One Nation and Outlaw Immortalz?” Mistapizzo said. Even he is amazed at this one-of-a-kind find which has become a high-traffic click on his site.

Mistapizzo’s service is obviously well-appreciated; he has been “certified cool” by the Yahoo! Search Engine and featured in magazines like The Source and Hip-Hop Connection.

Mistapizzo gives credit to advertising and promotions manager Warren Peace and his Web site companies Fat Cactus Entertainment and Keystone Web Productions.

“If ya don’t know, ya better ask somebody,” Mistapizzo said about their work.

What’s in the future for HipHopSite.Com?

“HipHopSite.Com is proud to announce the official launching of the Mind Your Recordings Web site,” Mistapizzo said.

The label includes underground favorites Masterminds and Court of Miracles, and promises to be the “one and only” source for the best in independent hip-hop.

Mistapizzo encourages hip-hop fans and the public alike to stop by and “post a message in the guestbook.”