11.21.09 by Edwin Ortiz
In giving back to his community for the holidays, legendary emcee KRS-One has teamed up with The Bowery Mission to help serve the homeless food on Thanksgiving. From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., KRS is expected to serve over 3,000 meals, while also giving his time and inspiration to those in need.
Homeless at a younger age, The Teacha himself found guidance at The Bowery Mission. As they helped him, he too would like to help others in need. “I am participating in The Bowery Mission’s Thanksgiving food drive and event because I myself was once homeless, walking these very streets, and spending time with these wonderful people at The Bowery Mission. I depended on them to survive.”
Understanding his significance within the Hip Hop community, KRS-One continued, “I am showing up for Thanksgiving this year to not only lend a hand, but hope that I am may inspire others in the Hip Hop community to consider their role towards helping the homeless, and join me by helping those in your community that need help during this holiday season.”
Adding KRS-One, “Homelessness is a pandemic, and most people do not realize the severity of the situation. You may be homeless one day yourself. I urge the Hip Hop nation to live up to the true nature of our culture and give.”
For more information on The Bowery Mission, visit bowery.org.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Fabolous Implicated In Lamborghini Theft
11.20.09 by Salima Koroma
When the story broke earlier this year, there was little evidence to aid in the investigation of this case, thus limiting the hunt for suspects. Now, surveillance video has surfaced, showing the rapper and his crew leaving the hotel, and some of the men receiving the keys from the valet and driving off in the Lamborghini. After the video surfaced revealing Fabolous as one of the suspects, police investigated the theft and confirmed that the rapper did indeed know the men who drove off in the vehicle.
The car was eventually located with the information provided by Fabolous, who will see no criminal charges due to a deal made with police. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said in a statement, "We were informed by the Atlanta Police Department that detectives gained information regarding the location of this vehicle by promising counsel for Fabolous that if he told them where the vehicle could be found, the State would not pursue charges."
The Lambo suffered several bruises and tears. The car's owner, Eric Vargosko, cannot sue Fabolous due to the promise made by the police, but he will sue the hotel. "I did nothing wrong," he said to Channel 2 Action News, "and to be forced to hire an attorney, it's just wrong."
The hotel released a statement saying, "The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta has accepted responsibility for this unfortunate incident from its inception, and has always been willing to provide fair and reasonable compensation for the damages caused to the vehicle by the incident...We have taken several measures, including heightening security, so that a repeat of this incident does not happen."
Fabolous, known recently for his dominating presence in Twitter land only had this to say on his page: "Un-fuckin-believable & In-fuckin-credible... 2 words to describe my mood."
As of yet, Fabolous and his camp have not issued any official statements.
Atlanta police are investigating rapper Fabolous' involvement in a car theft that took place in January of this year. A rare 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder was stolen from the InterContinental Buckhead hotel in Atlanta after the valet unknowingly gave the car keys to one of the members of Fabolous' entourage. Fab was among the people in the group, but left the hotel in a separate car, which followed behind the stolen luxury car. The swindled vehicle was only one of two bought in the United States.
When the story broke earlier this year, there was little evidence to aid in the investigation of this case, thus limiting the hunt for suspects. Now, surveillance video has surfaced, showing the rapper and his crew leaving the hotel, and some of the men receiving the keys from the valet and driving off in the Lamborghini. After the video surfaced revealing Fabolous as one of the suspects, police investigated the theft and confirmed that the rapper did indeed know the men who drove off in the vehicle.
The car was eventually located with the information provided by Fabolous, who will see no criminal charges due to a deal made with police. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said in a statement, "We were informed by the Atlanta Police Department that detectives gained information regarding the location of this vehicle by promising counsel for Fabolous that if he told them where the vehicle could be found, the State would not pursue charges."
The Lambo suffered several bruises and tears. The car's owner, Eric Vargosko, cannot sue Fabolous due to the promise made by the police, but he will sue the hotel. "I did nothing wrong," he said to Channel 2 Action News, "and to be forced to hire an attorney, it's just wrong."
The hotel released a statement saying, "The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta has accepted responsibility for this unfortunate incident from its inception, and has always been willing to provide fair and reasonable compensation for the damages caused to the vehicle by the incident...We have taken several measures, including heightening security, so that a repeat of this incident does not happen."
Fabolous, known recently for his dominating presence in Twitter land only had this to say on his page: "Un-fuckin-believable & In-fuckin-credible... 2 words to describe my mood."
As of yet, Fabolous and his camp have not issued any official statements.
Monday, November 2, 2009
K.A.R. Rapper Shot & Killed In New York
by Jokesta on November 2nd, 2009
According to reports, rapper Mike Beck was shot and killed on Logan and Bellmar Street in Brooklyn, and that a botched robbery attempt could have been the motive.
Beck was born and raised in East New York. At the age of 17, he was sent to prison for five years, for his role in a murder.
Fellow rapper N.O.R.E. paid tribute to his pal in a post on his personal Twitter.com page.
He writes, "Rest in peace. He was a real dude, Mike Beck. I did records for him (sic) and he ate in my crib, 'n drank too. Fucked up my weekend. R.I.P."
Details will be posted as they become available.
A member of Fat Joe's K.A.R. collective was shot dead in Brooklyn, New York last Friday, October 30th.
According to reports, rapper Mike Beck was shot and killed on Logan and Bellmar Street in Brooklyn, and that a botched robbery attempt could have been the motive.
Beck was born and raised in East New York. At the age of 17, he was sent to prison for five years, for his role in a murder.
Fellow rapper N.O.R.E. paid tribute to his pal in a post on his personal Twitter.com page.
He writes, "Rest in peace. He was a real dude, Mike Beck. I did records for him (sic) and he ate in my crib, 'n drank too. Fucked up my weekend. R.I.P."
Details will be posted as they become available.
Max B Affliate Shot & Seriously Injured
by Jokesta on November 2nd, 2009
An affliate of incarcerated rapper Max B was shot and seriously injured Saturday afternoon in Maryland's Parkville neighborhood.
According to reports, Hartford Police say the shooting happened on Park Street at 2:30 Saturday afternoon in front of 1625 Park Street.
The victim's name has not been officially released, however manager Michael Goldberg confirms that the hip-hop artist "Hollywood Fergie," who also goes by the alias "Messiah," had been shot.
Goldberg says Hollywood Fergie had just finished recording a promotional video at the Signature Gold Jewelry store on Park Street.
After the recording was finished, Fergie and a photographer left Signature Gold and was walking by the nearby Elegant Touch barbershop.
Witnesses to the shooting say they were then approached by two men, one of whom attempted to steal a gold necklace from Fergie. In the struggle that followed, the second suspect shot Fergie multiple times.
Fergie then stumbled into the barbershop, and the shooter followed him inside, shooting him several more times as he laid on the ground.
After visiting with his client, Michael Goldberg said the artist was optimistic and expects to make a full recovery. He says the rapper was struck twice in the abdomen, twice in the chest, once in the shoulder, and once in the elbow, all by a .22 caliber gun. Goldberg says that if the gun was of a higher caliber, the rapper may not be alive.
Hollywood Fergie, an alias the artist uses, also goes by the name "Messiah." According to Goldberg, Fergie has performed with several bigger-name acts, including opening for rapper 50 Cent.
You can check out some of his tracks below:
Game Hypes The R.E.D. Album, Says He Might Leak It
November 2nd, 2009 Author: Salima Koroma
"Don't be so fast to lock in to my Dec 8th release date," he said via Twitter, "you already know Interscope gone move the date…but we still locked in!" He shared his confidence that the album would do well, even with recent leaks. "On My Mama, The R.E.D. Album killing ere'thang else in its way when it drop! I SAID ON MY MAMA!!!! I don't even know how this shit leaked but it did so listen close and feel my pain. I believe in US. I MIGHT LEAK MY WHOLE ALBUM & START OVER TONITE & STILL GO TRIPLE PLATINUM! DAMN, I'M DOPE. SHIT I'D GO AT BIN LADEN IF THAT NIGGA RAPPED." He also added, "& Yeah I'm riding wit Beans no matter what Rae think!!!"
In a recent interview, Game talked about his official name change, and details on the album. "It's just Game now. I took the t-h-e off," he confirmed. "I'm just day-by-day right now. I'm strictly on the color red, I ain't going no further than that. It's going to be the craziest album out of all four of them and it's the most hood album."
The first singles off of the album will reportedly be "Crazy" featuring Gucci Mane with production from Timbaland, and "L.A. Girl" featuring Chris Brown with production from Pharrell. The R.E.D. Album is scheduled to hit stores next month.
"Don't be so fast to lock in to my Dec 8th release date," he said via Twitter, "you already know Interscope gone move the date…but we still locked in!" He shared his confidence that the album would do well, even with recent leaks. "On My Mama, The R.E.D. Album killing ere'thang else in its way when it drop! I SAID ON MY MAMA!!!! I don't even know how this shit leaked but it did so listen close and feel my pain. I believe in US. I MIGHT LEAK MY WHOLE ALBUM & START OVER TONITE & STILL GO TRIPLE PLATINUM! DAMN, I'M DOPE. SHIT I'D GO AT BIN LADEN IF THAT NIGGA RAPPED." He also added, "& Yeah I'm riding wit Beans no matter what Rae think!!!"
In a recent interview, Game talked about his official name change, and details on the album. "It's just Game now. I took the t-h-e off," he confirmed. "I'm just day-by-day right now. I'm strictly on the color red, I ain't going no further than that. It's going to be the craziest album out of all four of them and it's the most hood album."
The first singles off of the album will reportedly be "Crazy" featuring Gucci Mane with production from Timbaland, and "L.A. Girl" featuring Chris Brown with production from Pharrell. The R.E.D. Album is scheduled to hit stores next month.
Tracklisting Releases For Rihanna's Rated R
November 2nd, 2009 Author: Jake Paine
Pop superstar and Hip Hop hook-queen of 2009, Rihanna has released the tracklisting to her latest offering, Rated R. Planned for a November 23 Def Jam release, the album is set to contain 13 tracks, with appearances from Black Eyed Peas front-man will.i.am [click to read], Young Jeezy [click to read] and former Guns & Roses guitarist Slash.
The first single, "Russian Roullette," will be serviced to radio tomorrow.
1. Mad House
2. Wait Your Turn
3. Hard featuring Young Jeezy
4. Stupid In Love
5. ROCKSTAR 101 featuring Slash
6. Russian Roulette
7. Fire Bomb
8. Rude Boy
9. Photographs featuring will.i.am
10. G4L
11. Te Amo
12. Cold Case Love
13. The Last Song
Rihanna has appeared on singles this year from T.I., Jay-Z and others.
Pop superstar and Hip Hop hook-queen of 2009, Rihanna has released the tracklisting to her latest offering, Rated R. Planned for a November 23 Def Jam release, the album is set to contain 13 tracks, with appearances from Black Eyed Peas front-man will.i.am [click to read], Young Jeezy [click to read] and former Guns & Roses guitarist Slash.
The first single, "Russian Roullette," will be serviced to radio tomorrow.
1. Mad House
2. Wait Your Turn
3. Hard featuring Young Jeezy
4. Stupid In Love
5. ROCKSTAR 101 featuring Slash
6. Russian Roulette
7. Fire Bomb
8. Rude Boy
9. Photographs featuring will.i.am
10. G4L
11. Te Amo
12. Cold Case Love
13. The Last Song
Rihanna has appeared on singles this year from T.I., Jay-Z and others.
DX News Bits: 50 Cent Edition
November 2nd, 2009 Author: Danielle Harling
In an interview with the Gomez Brothers, rapper 50 Cent [click to read] revealed that his long-awaited album Before I Self Destruct will be released a week earlier therefore changing the release date to November 16.
"I’m pushing the record up. It’ll be out on the 16th. I’m expecting it to do good because of the response I’ve heard on the web…I feel good that it was leaked in its entirety, in sequence. So people can hear my vision," 50 Cent explained in his interview.
Before I Self Destruct’s new release date comes as quite the surprise for an album that seems to have been marred with delays in the past year and a half.
In the interview 50 Cent [click to read] also shared his thoughts on the recently aired out issues between Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel.
"That whole shit is a mess," said 50 Cent. “I understand where his frustration comes from, because there was a point where— He would’ve had a serious check.”
Aside from giving his thoughts on the Beanie Sigel/Jay-Z situation, 50 Cent also gave his sales prediction for Rick Ross [click to read] and Triple C’s debut album Custom Cars & Cycles in another radio interview.
“They can break ten [thousand copies] if they buy some,” said 50 Cent in an interview with DJ Ekin. “They can buy some. I don't know [all their names]. We know the police officer. We know the one that got knocked out. We know the kid from the Bronx. He's the tough one, right? The other guy, he wasn't sure if he wanted dreads or he wanted a flat top.”
Triple C and Rick Ross’ Custom Cars & Cycles was released on Tuesday, October 26.
In an interview with the Gomez Brothers, rapper 50 Cent [click to read] revealed that his long-awaited album Before I Self Destruct will be released a week earlier therefore changing the release date to November 16.
"I’m pushing the record up. It’ll be out on the 16th. I’m expecting it to do good because of the response I’ve heard on the web…I feel good that it was leaked in its entirety, in sequence. So people can hear my vision," 50 Cent explained in his interview.
Before I Self Destruct’s new release date comes as quite the surprise for an album that seems to have been marred with delays in the past year and a half.
In the interview 50 Cent [click to read] also shared his thoughts on the recently aired out issues between Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel.
"That whole shit is a mess," said 50 Cent. “I understand where his frustration comes from, because there was a point where— He would’ve had a serious check.”
Aside from giving his thoughts on the Beanie Sigel/Jay-Z situation, 50 Cent also gave his sales prediction for Rick Ross [click to read] and Triple C’s debut album Custom Cars & Cycles in another radio interview.
“They can break ten [thousand copies] if they buy some,” said 50 Cent in an interview with DJ Ekin. “They can buy some. I don't know [all their names]. We know the police officer. We know the one that got knocked out. We know the kid from the Bronx. He's the tough one, right? The other guy, he wasn't sure if he wanted dreads or he wanted a flat top.”
Triple C and Rick Ross’ Custom Cars & Cycles was released on Tuesday, October 26.
Jay-Z Talks DJ Hero & Performance Pointers From Bono
October 31st, 2009 Author: Krysten Hughes
Jay-Z, who is highlighted in the deluxe DJ Hero Renegade Edition along with Eminem [click to read] joked with Rolling Stones about his favorite song within the Guitar Hero franchise. Outside of his own music, he responded "does such a song exist?"
Also an avid gamer, Hov told Rolling Stones “my nephews ain’t beat me their whole entire life until now. I would never let them win because that meant they controlled the household, so I would just beat them mercilessly. Suck it up, kid," he exclaimed. Enthusiastic about the new console, Jay vowed to have DJ Hero set up in each dressing room across the U.S. and Canada for his tour [click to read] which kicked off October 9 with Wale, J. Cole and N.E.R.D..
“I think after a year with DJ Hero, I’m gonna start deejaying parties like Q-Tip and all them,” he professed. “I’m gonna work on this for a year, then I’m gonna get me a new Serrato set. Then I’m gonna find out who makes the most as a deejay. I’m gonna charge double. I’m gonna tour bar mitzvahs, weddings," he continued.
Not only taking inspiration from the turntable video game, the once self-proclaimed "horrible performer" admitted that he concentrated on U2 front man, Bono, to master the art of stage performing. "These days, I'm the shit, but I used to be a horrible performer. I was terrible. I'm not really an animated guy so I had to figure out a way how to convey my message and talk to people in compact movements, all the while, being entertaining," he stated.
"There is a very thin line between not moving and being boring. [Bono] knows how to exaggerate his movements and he knows how to have that conversation, without moving around much. He's a dynamic performer," he added.
Jay-Z will wrap up his tour for the highly acclaimed Blueprint 3 album on November 22 in Austin, Texas.
DJ Hero Renegade Jay-Z Tracklisting:
“Ain’t No Nigga (featuring Foxy Brown)”
“Where I’m From”
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”
“Jigga My Nigga (featuring Ruff Ryders)”
“I Just Wanna Love U (Give it 2 Me)”
“Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”
“03′ Bonnie & Clyde (featuring Beyoncé Knowles)”
“Dirt Off Your Shoulder”
“Show Me What You Got”
“Roc Boys (And the Winner Is…)”
“Brooklyn Go Hard (Featuring Santigold)”
“D.O.A. (Death of Auto Tune)”
DJ Hero Renegade Eminem Tracklisting:
“Taking My Ball”
“Say Goodbye to Hollywood”
“Soldier”
“The Re-Up (featuring 50 Cent)”
“Rabbit Run”
“Get U Mad”
“Bad Guys Always Die (featuring Dr. Dre)”
“Public Enemy No. 1″
“Say What You Say (featuring Dr. Dre)”
“Lose Yourself”
“Hey Lady (featuring Obie Trice)”
“One Shot 2 Shot (featuring D-12)”
Jay-Z, who is highlighted in the deluxe DJ Hero Renegade Edition along with Eminem [click to read] joked with Rolling Stones about his favorite song within the Guitar Hero franchise. Outside of his own music, he responded "does such a song exist?"
Also an avid gamer, Hov told Rolling Stones “my nephews ain’t beat me their whole entire life until now. I would never let them win because that meant they controlled the household, so I would just beat them mercilessly. Suck it up, kid," he exclaimed. Enthusiastic about the new console, Jay vowed to have DJ Hero set up in each dressing room across the U.S. and Canada for his tour [click to read] which kicked off October 9 with Wale, J. Cole and N.E.R.D..
“I think after a year with DJ Hero, I’m gonna start deejaying parties like Q-Tip and all them,” he professed. “I’m gonna work on this for a year, then I’m gonna get me a new Serrato set. Then I’m gonna find out who makes the most as a deejay. I’m gonna charge double. I’m gonna tour bar mitzvahs, weddings," he continued.
Not only taking inspiration from the turntable video game, the once self-proclaimed "horrible performer" admitted that he concentrated on U2 front man, Bono, to master the art of stage performing. "These days, I'm the shit, but I used to be a horrible performer. I was terrible. I'm not really an animated guy so I had to figure out a way how to convey my message and talk to people in compact movements, all the while, being entertaining," he stated.
"There is a very thin line between not moving and being boring. [Bono] knows how to exaggerate his movements and he knows how to have that conversation, without moving around much. He's a dynamic performer," he added.
Jay-Z will wrap up his tour for the highly acclaimed Blueprint 3 album on November 22 in Austin, Texas.
DJ Hero Renegade Jay-Z Tracklisting:
“Ain’t No Nigga (featuring Foxy Brown)”
“Where I’m From”
“Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”
“Jigga My Nigga (featuring Ruff Ryders)”
“I Just Wanna Love U (Give it 2 Me)”
“Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”
“03′ Bonnie & Clyde (featuring Beyoncé Knowles)”
“Dirt Off Your Shoulder”
“Show Me What You Got”
“Roc Boys (And the Winner Is…)”
“Brooklyn Go Hard (Featuring Santigold)”
“D.O.A. (Death of Auto Tune)”
DJ Hero Renegade Eminem Tracklisting:
“Taking My Ball”
“Say Goodbye to Hollywood”
“Soldier”
“The Re-Up (featuring 50 Cent)”
“Rabbit Run”
“Get U Mad”
“Bad Guys Always Die (featuring Dr. Dre)”
“Public Enemy No. 1″
“Say What You Say (featuring Dr. Dre)”
“Lose Yourself”
“Hey Lady (featuring Obie Trice)”
“One Shot 2 Shot (featuring D-12)”
Bigga Rankin Named Head Of Young Jezzy's CTE Label
October 31st, 2009 Author: Krysten Hughes
Def Jam affiliate and founder of Corporate Thugz Entertainment, rapper Young Jeezy, handpicked Florida based legend DJ Bigga Rankin to head his growing label. With over 20 years of experience in the music business, Rankin will oversee both talent recruitment and development as the head of A&R, as well as hold the official title of Vice President of CTE.
Hugely recognized throughout the underground rap scene, Rankin has been a powerful influence among artists like Plies, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross as well as Jeezy. Rankin's RNR Mixtapes along with Real Nigga Radio is mainstream throughout the southeast and has helped many artists with exposure.
Also an entrepreneur, Rankin is VP of Hittemen Deejays, President of Slip-N-Slide Streets, and a member of Core Deejays, the world's largest deejay organization, in addition to several other networks. His respective awards range from Upstart Record Pool's Lifetime Achievement Award to Hood Magazine's On-The-Grind Award.
With the help of Rankin, Jeezy will continue to develop his Atlanta based label, which currently represents up and comings artists like Blood Raw and Slick Pulla. Jeezy is currently working on his fourth studio album, Thug Motivation 103, which is expected to feature a slew of major recording artists like Jay-Z, Ludacris, T.I., Game, Fabolous and Lil Wayne, along with production by Just Blaze, Kanye West and more.
Thug Motivation is slated to drop in 2010 via Def Jam Recordings.
Def Jam affiliate and founder of Corporate Thugz Entertainment, rapper Young Jeezy, handpicked Florida based legend DJ Bigga Rankin to head his growing label. With over 20 years of experience in the music business, Rankin will oversee both talent recruitment and development as the head of A&R, as well as hold the official title of Vice President of CTE.
Hugely recognized throughout the underground rap scene, Rankin has been a powerful influence among artists like Plies, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross as well as Jeezy. Rankin's RNR Mixtapes along with Real Nigga Radio is mainstream throughout the southeast and has helped many artists with exposure.
Also an entrepreneur, Rankin is VP of Hittemen Deejays, President of Slip-N-Slide Streets, and a member of Core Deejays, the world's largest deejay organization, in addition to several other networks. His respective awards range from Upstart Record Pool's Lifetime Achievement Award to Hood Magazine's On-The-Grind Award.
With the help of Rankin, Jeezy will continue to develop his Atlanta based label, which currently represents up and comings artists like Blood Raw and Slick Pulla. Jeezy is currently working on his fourth studio album, Thug Motivation 103, which is expected to feature a slew of major recording artists like Jay-Z, Ludacris, T.I., Game, Fabolous and Lil Wayne, along with production by Just Blaze, Kanye West and more.
Thug Motivation is slated to drop in 2010 via Def Jam Recordings.
Kay Slay Talks New Album And Old Beefs
October 31st, 2009 Author: Paul W Arnold
Mixtape and radio deejay Kay Slay wants the world to know that his contribution to Hip Hop extends beyond just manning the ones and twos.
“[My album’s title] comes from the fact that I’m more than just that,” Kay Slay told HipHopDX recently regarding his fourth formal compilation effort, More Than Just A DJ (due December 8th). “A lot of times we get stamped with the title of what are main job is, but it be a lot of other things that’s going on behind the scenes people don’t know about… I deejay at parties, I also host big events, I’m a publisher of a magazine [Straight Stuntin], I A&R’d for [Shaquille O’Neal’s Deja34 label on] Ray J’s [click to read] [All I Feel] project, I got two different radio shows [“Streetsweeper Radio” on Sirius’ Shade 45 and “The Drama Hour” on New York’s HOT 97 FM], I do projects in the communities - I bring basketball tournaments in the hood, games for the kids, dances and everything. I do a whole lot more [than just deejay and] sometimes people need to recognize what’s going on with people rather that just labeling them one thing. I’m more than just a deejay. I been here over 31 years, man. I had to progress some. Damn! Give me my props, dog.”
The 40-something former graffiti writer (one of the aerosol artists featured in the 1983 Hip Hop documentary Style Wars) is indeed a Hip Hop multi-tasker. With his days of taggin’ his onetime signature “DEZ” long behind him (although the Harlem native revealed to DX that he does still occasionally find time to legally throw-up at the Graffiti Hall Of Fame on 106th Street and Park Avenue), Slay spends his time in 2009 handling the many tasks associated with constructing his latest retail release.
While clearing samples, as well as personally arranging the appearances of all 62 artists featured on More Than Just A DJ, has proved daunting (and forced the album’s release date to be pushed back a few times now), Slay is firmly committed to doing what’s needed and putting his all into his commercial projects, especially given the current state of the street-based business that brought him to the masses a decade ago with the debut of his Street Sweepers series. While Slay revealed to DX that tapes helmed by him for Jim Jones [click to read] and Tony Yayo [click to read] are forthcoming, he also conceded that street releases are no longer his focus.
“I mean, I ain’t really even fuckin’ into that no more,” said Slay of the mixtape game. “I might drop one every three months just to give away, and people can be abreast that I’m still here, and make some exclusive records and let ‘em out through that. But as far as pioneering that shit anymore, I’m past that. That game nasty, man… I [can] just do what [everybody else does and] throw the shit on the Internet… The game just, it’s messed up now.”
Although Kay Slay cannot more casually arrange artist appearances for his proper albums the way he could for a mixtape, one artist Slay didn’t have to deal with any headaches in getting for his new project was Drake. Unfortunately, the Young Money emcee was unable to record anything new for the album.
“I was trying to get him and Busta [Rhymes] on [a] joint,” Slay revealed. “[But] what happened, [Drake] was so heavy on the road and moving around, and then he hurt his leg. And so it was getting down to crunch time [to complete my album], so his peoples - Gee [Roberson] and them was like, ‘Yo, well look, this record [that] just leaked [‘The Winner’], we don’t know how it leaked, but would you mind taking this [for your album]?’ I’m not gonna be stupid and not take the record knowing that I might not catch [Drake] because of his situation. So I was like, ‘Hell yeah I’ll take that record.’ And people liked it and was spinning it already, so I’m like, ‘Hell yeah.’”
While Drake’s two-step jam has been available to the buying public since this past July, there are plenty of previously unheard selections on More Than Just A DJ including what Slay described to DX as a hard, street joint, “See The Light.” The song featuring AZ, Raekwon and Ghostface was produced by DJ Green Lantern. Slay deliberately reached out to AZ to add a spitter who could hold his own on the track with Rae and Ghost.
“That’s a lot of people [that] claim that got love for the culture, but if they did it would show in their ways, actions and deeds,” he said of his industry peers who have turned their backs on less commercially-viable legends like Sosa. “And I’m just one person that if I know somebody got a talent, if they willing to participate in my projects, then I’ma give ‘em an opportunity.”
One artist who Slay appears to have tried to give an opportunity to is Plies. According to Slay, he provided a platform for the self-proclaimed “goon” rapper to get some shine in the early stages of his career via Slay’s radio broadcast. Recently, Slay further extended his hand to the Florida native and offered Plies a slot on the first single from More Than Just A DJ, “Blockstars.” Plies recorded his verse for the track (which also features Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones and Ray J) but subsequently failed to show for the song’s video shoot, forcing Slay to replace Plies on the record with Yo Gotti.
It’s déjà vu all over again for Slay, who six years ago was stood up for the video shoot for his then first single from his first official album, 2003’s Streetsweeper Vol. 1.
“I mean, I ain’t got no problems with him, but I just choose not to deal with him [for] my own personal reasons,” Slay replied when asked about his current relationship with Nas a half-dozen years after he failed to show for the “Too Much For Me” shoot. “Like, it’s just, he coulda did so much for me by helping me the way I helped him. And he chose not to, so - My main thing is, first time bitten second time shy. You got me the first time, you won’t get me again.”
Although adamant that he won’t be bitten again like he claims to have been by Nas and Plies, Slay still appears to be freely offering a spotlight for artists that he believes are deserved of the shine, including Saigon, Joell Ortiz, Jae Millz and Streetsweepers Entertainment signee Big Lou who all appear on the Street Radio (Jimi Kendrix and J. Math) produced “God Forgive Me.”
In addition to AZ, Rae, Jae, Ghost, Sai and Joell, M.O.P., Maino, Papoose, 50 Cent (for “50/50 Chance” unless the Dr. Dre-produced “Dreamin’” is cleared in enough time to be included on the album) and an assortment of big names from the big apple can be heard on Kay Slay’s latest offering. But More Than Just A DJ is not an all New York City affair. Slay sought out diverse talent from every region of the country. Bay Area notables San Quinn and Mistah F.A.B. can be heard on the same collective along with L.A. natives Glasses Malone and Jay Rock, who share album space with Lil Boosie and OJ Da Juiceman.
“These brothers remind me of a lot of the brothers in New York that’s not getting the burn that they deserve, even in their hometown on the radio,” said Slay. “They get a little burn, they get their props and everything… I’ve always been the cat that fucked with the underdogs. It’s always been my M.O. so me having knowledge on who they are in their hometown I just try to make it my business to help broaden their fan base a little more through my project. That’s what I do, man.”
But it’s not just the underdogs that Slay reaches out to help. Recently, he managed to do the once unthinkable and unite onetime bitter rivals G-Unit and D-Block on wax, with members of each powerhouse crew agreeing to appear on the remix to More Than Just A DJ album cut “You Heard Of Us.” The ally of both camps claims the seemingly difficult-to-arrange union of Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, Styles P and Sheek Louch (alongside Papoose and Bun B) on the same track was just a few phone calls away.
“When I was doing this remix I said, ‘Man, it’d be hot if I could just get them all on a joint,’” recalled Slay. “And so I just picked up the phone, man, and said this is what I’m doing. When [Styles P and Sheek Louch] asked me who was on the record I didn’t lie! I told ‘em, I said, ‘Yo, on some G shit, I’m not even tryin’ to sneak, I got Yayo on there, and I got Banks finishing that.’ And [Sheek Louch] was like, ‘Alright, shit we fuck with them and it’s all good now. Send me the beat.’ And then I remember Styles asking me [about who was going to be on the remix] and me telling him, and that was that. When I told Yayo I’m putting [D-Block on the track] he was like, ‘Alright cool.’ And Yayo bigged ‘em up in his part of the verse. So it was all love, man.”
Slay knows that his next challenge will be to get the heads of G-Unit and D-Block, 50 Cent and Jadakiss, to join forces for a track.
“They’ll work together,” he promised. “They already resolved their differences. But you know it’s just gotta start somewhere. That [remix for “You Heard Of Us”] was like a icebreaker [between their camps].”
The self-crowned “Drama King,” who was once notoriously known for fanning the flames of beef between Jay-Z and Nas during their historic war on wax (Slay was the first to play “Ether” on air), and who just premiered Beanie Sigel’s surprising shot at Hov, now insists that he is beyond basing his career in beef, and that’s why former foes like G-Unit and D-Block trust that appearing together on a Kay Slay track won’t become the launching pad to direct bombs at one another.
“At the end of the day, cats know I’m not trying to do nothing to create any other situation,” said Slay. “If anything, believe it or not, I be the one that be wanting to try to dead the nonsense so we could all have a better day.”
His own well-publicized personal and professional squabbles with the likes of the aforementioned Nas, DJ Clue (the two famously got into an on-air, expletive-laced argument in 2003 regarding who held NYC’s mixtape crown at the time), and Jermaine Dupri (who Slay took issue with over J.D.’s “the deejay is dead” comment last year) have led many to see Slay as nothing more than a reckless firestarter with no justifiable reasoning for his take-no-shit approach to the Rap game.
“Anybody could have [disagreements] with one another,” he reminded. “Me and Clue is cool than a muthafucka. We had our discrepancies. Me and J.D., I guess we ain’t never really seen eye-to-eye with a couple of situations, but I don’t personally hate him. And as everybody know, Nas I mean, shit, the way I was ride or die with him, in the situation when I needed him to just come do the video to a record he did on my album he wouldn’t show up. So, I wasn’t wrong at all. Everybody know I wasn’t wrong in that situation. It’s just me standing up for myself in situations and not taking no shit, letting nobody run over me. That’s all that is. You can’t tell a man not to be a man.”
More Than Just A DJ is due in stores and online December 8th from E1 Entertainment.
Mixtape and radio deejay Kay Slay wants the world to know that his contribution to Hip Hop extends beyond just manning the ones and twos.
“[My album’s title] comes from the fact that I’m more than just that,” Kay Slay told HipHopDX recently regarding his fourth formal compilation effort, More Than Just A DJ (due December 8th). “A lot of times we get stamped with the title of what are main job is, but it be a lot of other things that’s going on behind the scenes people don’t know about… I deejay at parties, I also host big events, I’m a publisher of a magazine [Straight Stuntin], I A&R’d for [Shaquille O’Neal’s Deja34 label on] Ray J’s [click to read] [All I Feel] project, I got two different radio shows [“Streetsweeper Radio” on Sirius’ Shade 45 and “The Drama Hour” on New York’s HOT 97 FM], I do projects in the communities - I bring basketball tournaments in the hood, games for the kids, dances and everything. I do a whole lot more [than just deejay and] sometimes people need to recognize what’s going on with people rather that just labeling them one thing. I’m more than just a deejay. I been here over 31 years, man. I had to progress some. Damn! Give me my props, dog.”
The 40-something former graffiti writer (one of the aerosol artists featured in the 1983 Hip Hop documentary Style Wars) is indeed a Hip Hop multi-tasker. With his days of taggin’ his onetime signature “DEZ” long behind him (although the Harlem native revealed to DX that he does still occasionally find time to legally throw-up at the Graffiti Hall Of Fame on 106th Street and Park Avenue), Slay spends his time in 2009 handling the many tasks associated with constructing his latest retail release.
While clearing samples, as well as personally arranging the appearances of all 62 artists featured on More Than Just A DJ, has proved daunting (and forced the album’s release date to be pushed back a few times now), Slay is firmly committed to doing what’s needed and putting his all into his commercial projects, especially given the current state of the street-based business that brought him to the masses a decade ago with the debut of his Street Sweepers series. While Slay revealed to DX that tapes helmed by him for Jim Jones [click to read] and Tony Yayo [click to read] are forthcoming, he also conceded that street releases are no longer his focus.
“I mean, I ain’t really even fuckin’ into that no more,” said Slay of the mixtape game. “I might drop one every three months just to give away, and people can be abreast that I’m still here, and make some exclusive records and let ‘em out through that. But as far as pioneering that shit anymore, I’m past that. That game nasty, man… I [can] just do what [everybody else does and] throw the shit on the Internet… The game just, it’s messed up now.”
Although Kay Slay cannot more casually arrange artist appearances for his proper albums the way he could for a mixtape, one artist Slay didn’t have to deal with any headaches in getting for his new project was Drake. Unfortunately, the Young Money emcee was unable to record anything new for the album.
“I was trying to get him and Busta [Rhymes] on [a] joint,” Slay revealed. “[But] what happened, [Drake] was so heavy on the road and moving around, and then he hurt his leg. And so it was getting down to crunch time [to complete my album], so his peoples - Gee [Roberson] and them was like, ‘Yo, well look, this record [that] just leaked [‘The Winner’], we don’t know how it leaked, but would you mind taking this [for your album]?’ I’m not gonna be stupid and not take the record knowing that I might not catch [Drake] because of his situation. So I was like, ‘Hell yeah I’ll take that record.’ And people liked it and was spinning it already, so I’m like, ‘Hell yeah.’”
While Drake’s two-step jam has been available to the buying public since this past July, there are plenty of previously unheard selections on More Than Just A DJ including what Slay described to DX as a hard, street joint, “See The Light.” The song featuring AZ, Raekwon and Ghostface was produced by DJ Green Lantern. Slay deliberately reached out to AZ to add a spitter who could hold his own on the track with Rae and Ghost.
“That’s a lot of people [that] claim that got love for the culture, but if they did it would show in their ways, actions and deeds,” he said of his industry peers who have turned their backs on less commercially-viable legends like Sosa. “And I’m just one person that if I know somebody got a talent, if they willing to participate in my projects, then I’ma give ‘em an opportunity.”
One artist who Slay appears to have tried to give an opportunity to is Plies. According to Slay, he provided a platform for the self-proclaimed “goon” rapper to get some shine in the early stages of his career via Slay’s radio broadcast. Recently, Slay further extended his hand to the Florida native and offered Plies a slot on the first single from More Than Just A DJ, “Blockstars.” Plies recorded his verse for the track (which also features Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones and Ray J) but subsequently failed to show for the song’s video shoot, forcing Slay to replace Plies on the record with Yo Gotti.
It’s déjà vu all over again for Slay, who six years ago was stood up for the video shoot for his then first single from his first official album, 2003’s Streetsweeper Vol. 1.
“I mean, I ain’t got no problems with him, but I just choose not to deal with him [for] my own personal reasons,” Slay replied when asked about his current relationship with Nas a half-dozen years after he failed to show for the “Too Much For Me” shoot. “Like, it’s just, he coulda did so much for me by helping me the way I helped him. And he chose not to, so - My main thing is, first time bitten second time shy. You got me the first time, you won’t get me again.”
Although adamant that he won’t be bitten again like he claims to have been by Nas and Plies, Slay still appears to be freely offering a spotlight for artists that he believes are deserved of the shine, including Saigon, Joell Ortiz, Jae Millz and Streetsweepers Entertainment signee Big Lou who all appear on the Street Radio (Jimi Kendrix and J. Math) produced “God Forgive Me.”
In addition to AZ, Rae, Jae, Ghost, Sai and Joell, M.O.P., Maino, Papoose, 50 Cent (for “50/50 Chance” unless the Dr. Dre-produced “Dreamin’” is cleared in enough time to be included on the album) and an assortment of big names from the big apple can be heard on Kay Slay’s latest offering. But More Than Just A DJ is not an all New York City affair. Slay sought out diverse talent from every region of the country. Bay Area notables San Quinn and Mistah F.A.B. can be heard on the same collective along with L.A. natives Glasses Malone and Jay Rock, who share album space with Lil Boosie and OJ Da Juiceman.
“These brothers remind me of a lot of the brothers in New York that’s not getting the burn that they deserve, even in their hometown on the radio,” said Slay. “They get a little burn, they get their props and everything… I’ve always been the cat that fucked with the underdogs. It’s always been my M.O. so me having knowledge on who they are in their hometown I just try to make it my business to help broaden their fan base a little more through my project. That’s what I do, man.”
But it’s not just the underdogs that Slay reaches out to help. Recently, he managed to do the once unthinkable and unite onetime bitter rivals G-Unit and D-Block on wax, with members of each powerhouse crew agreeing to appear on the remix to More Than Just A DJ album cut “You Heard Of Us.” The ally of both camps claims the seemingly difficult-to-arrange union of Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, Styles P and Sheek Louch (alongside Papoose and Bun B) on the same track was just a few phone calls away.
“When I was doing this remix I said, ‘Man, it’d be hot if I could just get them all on a joint,’” recalled Slay. “And so I just picked up the phone, man, and said this is what I’m doing. When [Styles P and Sheek Louch] asked me who was on the record I didn’t lie! I told ‘em, I said, ‘Yo, on some G shit, I’m not even tryin’ to sneak, I got Yayo on there, and I got Banks finishing that.’ And [Sheek Louch] was like, ‘Alright, shit we fuck with them and it’s all good now. Send me the beat.’ And then I remember Styles asking me [about who was going to be on the remix] and me telling him, and that was that. When I told Yayo I’m putting [D-Block on the track] he was like, ‘Alright cool.’ And Yayo bigged ‘em up in his part of the verse. So it was all love, man.”
Slay knows that his next challenge will be to get the heads of G-Unit and D-Block, 50 Cent and Jadakiss, to join forces for a track.
“They’ll work together,” he promised. “They already resolved their differences. But you know it’s just gotta start somewhere. That [remix for “You Heard Of Us”] was like a icebreaker [between their camps].”
The self-crowned “Drama King,” who was once notoriously known for fanning the flames of beef between Jay-Z and Nas during their historic war on wax (Slay was the first to play “Ether” on air), and who just premiered Beanie Sigel’s surprising shot at Hov, now insists that he is beyond basing his career in beef, and that’s why former foes like G-Unit and D-Block trust that appearing together on a Kay Slay track won’t become the launching pad to direct bombs at one another.
“At the end of the day, cats know I’m not trying to do nothing to create any other situation,” said Slay. “If anything, believe it or not, I be the one that be wanting to try to dead the nonsense so we could all have a better day.”
His own well-publicized personal and professional squabbles with the likes of the aforementioned Nas, DJ Clue (the two famously got into an on-air, expletive-laced argument in 2003 regarding who held NYC’s mixtape crown at the time), and Jermaine Dupri (who Slay took issue with over J.D.’s “the deejay is dead” comment last year) have led many to see Slay as nothing more than a reckless firestarter with no justifiable reasoning for his take-no-shit approach to the Rap game.
“Anybody could have [disagreements] with one another,” he reminded. “Me and Clue is cool than a muthafucka. We had our discrepancies. Me and J.D., I guess we ain’t never really seen eye-to-eye with a couple of situations, but I don’t personally hate him. And as everybody know, Nas I mean, shit, the way I was ride or die with him, in the situation when I needed him to just come do the video to a record he did on my album he wouldn’t show up. So, I wasn’t wrong at all. Everybody know I wasn’t wrong in that situation. It’s just me standing up for myself in situations and not taking no shit, letting nobody run over me. That’s all that is. You can’t tell a man not to be a man.”
More Than Just A DJ is due in stores and online December 8th from E1 Entertainment.
DX News Bits: Jay-Z Edition
November 1st, 2009 Author: Andres Tardio
When Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performed at the World Series [click to read], many of the New York Yankees spoke on what it meant to have him perform. Now, Jay-Z is speaking on the experience. In an interview with Mike and Mike of ESPN, the emcee said it was "incredible."
"I felt like a kid. The field is beautiful. I've never been that close to the field. Walking around, I jumped over the center-field fence and everything, like I was catching a home run."
He went on to note that it's "beautiful" that many of the New York players use his music as they get ready to bat.
"Jeter plays 'Empire State' every time he's at bat. A-Rod does 'Already Home' and 'Reminder,' Cano does 'Run This Town.' It's like the Jay-Z compilation at the stadium. It's beautiful."
Later, Jay made a prediction, going with the Yankees in seven games.
In somewhat related news, Jay-Z has been involved in what many people are calling a new beef. Beanie Sigel released a track recently that has been seen as a dis to Jay, despite Beanie claiming otherwise [click to listen]. On the track, Beans also adds a shot to Memhis Bleek. Bleek then reacted on his Twitter [click here] page about the whole thing.
"Just waking up my phone going crazy over this segiel shit," he said, before adding that it surprised him. "I just seen son at power house wasn't nothing now its something..... I'm lost on that.... Guess that's how the rap game work."
"Fuck bleek 3 haaa that's a good one," he joked.
"And for the rec....I can't diss that's my nigg we gotta get up an chop it up that's all..He know me that's all I could say."
When Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performed at the World Series [click to read], many of the New York Yankees spoke on what it meant to have him perform. Now, Jay-Z is speaking on the experience. In an interview with Mike and Mike of ESPN, the emcee said it was "incredible."
"I felt like a kid. The field is beautiful. I've never been that close to the field. Walking around, I jumped over the center-field fence and everything, like I was catching a home run."
He went on to note that it's "beautiful" that many of the New York players use his music as they get ready to bat.
"Jeter plays 'Empire State' every time he's at bat. A-Rod does 'Already Home' and 'Reminder,' Cano does 'Run This Town.' It's like the Jay-Z compilation at the stadium. It's beautiful."
Later, Jay made a prediction, going with the Yankees in seven games.
In somewhat related news, Jay-Z has been involved in what many people are calling a new beef. Beanie Sigel released a track recently that has been seen as a dis to Jay, despite Beanie claiming otherwise [click to listen]. On the track, Beans also adds a shot to Memhis Bleek. Bleek then reacted on his Twitter [click here] page about the whole thing.
"Just waking up my phone going crazy over this segiel shit," he said, before adding that it surprised him. "I just seen son at power house wasn't nothing now its something..... I'm lost on that.... Guess that's how the rap game work."
"Fuck bleek 3 haaa that's a good one," he joked.
"And for the rec....I can't diss that's my nigg we gotta get up an chop it up that's all..He know me that's all I could say."
Lil Wayne, Birdman Sued For Copyright Infringement
November 2nd, 2009 Author: Slava Kuperstein
Florida native Thomas Marasciullo filed a copyright infringement suit on Friday (Oct. 30) against rappers Lil Wayne and Birdman, reports the Associated Press.
Marasciullo claims that Cash Money Records had him speak on several "'Italian-styled' spoken word recordings" in 2006, which were subsequently used without pay or permission on the rappers' joint 2006 album Like Father, Like Son [click to read], and Birdman's 2007 album, 5 (Star) Stunna [click to read].
Marasciullo claims to have written, recorded and copyrighted the tracks "Loyalty" and "Respect" from Like Father Like Son. In all, the lawsuit claims his recordings were used in four tracks on Like Father, Like Son, and five from 5 (Star) Stunna.
"Marasciullo discovered his work had been used when his daughter discovered his 'Respect' while trying buy a ring-tone version of the Aretha Franklin classic by the same name," according to the report. "His son also became entangled in the case when he was fired from a recording engineer job at Cash Money Records after the father started demanding payment, according to the lawsuit."
Florida native Thomas Marasciullo filed a copyright infringement suit on Friday (Oct. 30) against rappers Lil Wayne and Birdman, reports the Associated Press.
Marasciullo claims that Cash Money Records had him speak on several "'Italian-styled' spoken word recordings" in 2006, which were subsequently used without pay or permission on the rappers' joint 2006 album Like Father, Like Son [click to read], and Birdman's 2007 album, 5 (Star) Stunna [click to read].
Marasciullo claims to have written, recorded and copyrighted the tracks "Loyalty" and "Respect" from Like Father Like Son. In all, the lawsuit claims his recordings were used in four tracks on Like Father, Like Son, and five from 5 (Star) Stunna.
"Marasciullo discovered his work had been used when his daughter discovered his 'Respect' while trying buy a ring-tone version of the Aretha Franklin classic by the same name," according to the report. "His son also became entangled in the case when he was fired from a recording engineer job at Cash Money Records after the father started demanding payment, according to the lawsuit."
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