Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Lil Jon Readies For Completion Of New Album
October 23rd, 2009 Author: Danielle Harling
In an interview with the Associated Press, rapper and producer Lil Jon [click to read] revealed that his latest project is taking much longer then he had originally expected.
Entitled Crunk Rock, the album will be a combination of just that, crunk music and rock n’roll.
“It's probably one of my best albums to date in the sense that it's got a little bit of everything that I know everybody's going to groove to,” Lil Jon told the Associated Press.
Lil Jon [click to read] also revealed that at the moment Crunk Rock is about 80 percent complete.
"We're pretty much like 80 percent done…" said Lil Jon. “I basically got the tracks that I want down, and I just need to make some final touches."
Crunk Rock is expected to be released early next year.
In an interview with the Associated Press, rapper and producer Lil Jon [click to read] revealed that his latest project is taking much longer then he had originally expected.
Entitled Crunk Rock, the album will be a combination of just that, crunk music and rock n’roll.
“It's probably one of my best albums to date in the sense that it's got a little bit of everything that I know everybody's going to groove to,” Lil Jon told the Associated Press.
Lil Jon [click to read] also revealed that at the moment Crunk Rock is about 80 percent complete.
"We're pretty much like 80 percent done…" said Lil Jon. “I basically got the tracks that I want down, and I just need to make some final touches."
Crunk Rock is expected to be released early next year.
Black Dynamite Composer Discusses Film Score
October 23rd, 2009 Author: Krysten Hughes
Since its unveiling at the 2009 Sundance Festival earlier this year, Black Dynamite [click to read] has been well-received by large audiences. Aside from the captivating spoof plot and prototypal theme of blaxploitation films in the '70s, the music behind the motion picture is both authentic and inventive.
In an interview with HipHopDX, editor and composer Adrian Younge, opened up about the making of the official Black Dynamite score. "Hip Hop has served as the generational bridge to the forgotten art of vintage recording and dark soul music. The creativity and recording ingenuity embedded within these vintage recordings is amazing," expressed the multi-instrumentalist.
Embarking on the Black Dynamite score three years ago, Younge played several instruments ranging from a cello, Fender Rhodes, flute and drums, as well as an assortment of guitars including bass guitar, electric and acoustic. Furthermore, he recorded everything analog and used recording equipment and instruments dated between 1968-1974. "The music of these films were essential in creating the mood," said Younge, "I tried to score the movie as they would have done so back then," he continued.
Noting artists such as Ennio Morricone, Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes and Barry White as influences, Younge expressed how he was able to combine that with Hip Hop, capturing both elements. "Deejaying and studying the breaks," he revealed, "you have to study old music in order to make it, explore the composition, recording and playing perspectives of the time. I had to know the recording and playing limitations that existed during this golden era of vintage soul," he said.
Currently, Younge is planning distribution for the 2007 documentary he wrote and directed titled Respond to Sound II, which depicts the evolution of black American street dancing from 1760-1960. The documentary, which features both footage and commentary from KRS-One [click to read], Black Eyed Peas [click to read], Sammy Davis Jr. and more, is slated to be released via Wax Poetics.
Black Dynamite is currently in theaters in select cities and the official Black Dynamite soundtrack is available now on iTunes and Amazon via Wax Poetic Records.
Since its unveiling at the 2009 Sundance Festival earlier this year, Black Dynamite [click to read] has been well-received by large audiences. Aside from the captivating spoof plot and prototypal theme of blaxploitation films in the '70s, the music behind the motion picture is both authentic and inventive.
In an interview with HipHopDX, editor and composer Adrian Younge, opened up about the making of the official Black Dynamite score. "Hip Hop has served as the generational bridge to the forgotten art of vintage recording and dark soul music. The creativity and recording ingenuity embedded within these vintage recordings is amazing," expressed the multi-instrumentalist.
Embarking on the Black Dynamite score three years ago, Younge played several instruments ranging from a cello, Fender Rhodes, flute and drums, as well as an assortment of guitars including bass guitar, electric and acoustic. Furthermore, he recorded everything analog and used recording equipment and instruments dated between 1968-1974. "The music of these films were essential in creating the mood," said Younge, "I tried to score the movie as they would have done so back then," he continued.
Noting artists such as Ennio Morricone, Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes and Barry White as influences, Younge expressed how he was able to combine that with Hip Hop, capturing both elements. "Deejaying and studying the breaks," he revealed, "you have to study old music in order to make it, explore the composition, recording and playing perspectives of the time. I had to know the recording and playing limitations that existed during this golden era of vintage soul," he said.
Currently, Younge is planning distribution for the 2007 documentary he wrote and directed titled Respond to Sound II, which depicts the evolution of black American street dancing from 1760-1960. The documentary, which features both footage and commentary from KRS-One [click to read], Black Eyed Peas [click to read], Sammy Davis Jr. and more, is slated to be released via Wax Poetics.
Black Dynamite is currently in theaters in select cities and the official Black Dynamite soundtrack is available now on iTunes and Amazon via Wax Poetic Records.
Timbaland to Release Shock Value II
October 23rd, 2009 Author: Andres Tardio
Timbaland has recently unveiled details regarding his latest project, Shock Value II. The original Shock Value [click to read] was released to major success, including popular hit singles like "Apologize" by OneRepublic.
The guests seem to be a focal point of the album, with many coming from outside of Hip Hop's borders. Katy Perry, Chris Daughtry, Miley Cyrus, The Fray and Chad Kroeger from Nickelback are set to take part in this album.
"I'm so fortunate and blessed to be able to create a Shock Value II," Tim said via in a press release. "I'm really proud of the caliber of artists on this album and all the work they put into making it a success. I can promise that no one has ever heard Katy Perry, The Fray, or Brandy sound like this before. It's exciting because not only am I giving fans the best of me on each track, I'm giving them a glimpse of their favorite artist in a completely different light. This is an album that can be listened to from start to finish every single time because each song is so unique and the range of artists so diverse. I can't wait for my fans to hear the collaborations."
Timbo will also get help from Nelly Furtado, Brandy, Drake and Keri Hilson.
No official word on if his Jay-Z/Hilson collaboration "Rumors" [click to listen] will make the final cut of the album. The disc is set to be released November 23 on Mosley Music Group/Blackground Records/Interscope Records.
Timbaland has recently unveiled details regarding his latest project, Shock Value II. The original Shock Value [click to read] was released to major success, including popular hit singles like "Apologize" by OneRepublic.
The guests seem to be a focal point of the album, with many coming from outside of Hip Hop's borders. Katy Perry, Chris Daughtry, Miley Cyrus, The Fray and Chad Kroeger from Nickelback are set to take part in this album.
"I'm so fortunate and blessed to be able to create a Shock Value II," Tim said via in a press release. "I'm really proud of the caliber of artists on this album and all the work they put into making it a success. I can promise that no one has ever heard Katy Perry, The Fray, or Brandy sound like this before. It's exciting because not only am I giving fans the best of me on each track, I'm giving them a glimpse of their favorite artist in a completely different light. This is an album that can be listened to from start to finish every single time because each song is so unique and the range of artists so diverse. I can't wait for my fans to hear the collaborations."
Timbo will also get help from Nelly Furtado, Brandy, Drake and Keri Hilson.
No official word on if his Jay-Z/Hilson collaboration "Rumors" [click to listen] will make the final cut of the album. The disc is set to be released November 23 on Mosley Music Group/Blackground Records/Interscope Records.
DX News Bits: 40 Glocc, Cedric Muhammad
October 23rd, 2009 Author: Edwin Ortiz
After starting his own independent label with Zoo Life Entertainment, West Coast rapper 40 Glocc is set to unveil his new roster of artists on Concrete Jungle.
Due out December 1, the street album features Village Boo, Gail Gotti, and Tip Toe, among others. Concrete Jungle will also serve as the precursor to The G-Unit affiliate’s next album N.W.A. New World Agenda, which is tentatively scheduled for an early 2010 release.
40 Glocc’s Concrete Jungle will be released via Urban Music Alliance. Track listing is below:
1. Intro
2. Criminal (ft. Lil Boo & Tek)
3. Spin The Globe
4. Welcome to the Ghetto (ft. Tri Star & Village Boo)
5. Another Angel Dies (ft. Ras Kass [click to read])
6. Walk In My Shoes (ft. Yacc & Tip Toe)
7. Haters & Bitches (ft. Zoo Babiez, Lil Boo & Locie Loc)
8. Hell On Earth (ft. Lil Toot)
9. Grindin (ft. Tip Toe & Notes)
10. 100 (ft. Tip Toe, E-Note & Michlobe)
11. Bouncing In The Bed (ft. Village Boo, Ken Bib & Locie Loc)
12. Skit (ft. Ras Kass & Csik)
13. Narcotics (ft. Gail Gotti)
14. Local Boy (ft. Sun)
15. Skit (ft. Unforgivable)
16. 3 Amigos
17. Couple Geez (ft. Lil Boo & Brook)
18. Smoke Drank (ft. Zoobabiez)
19. Hundred Grand (ft. Yacc)
20. Safari (ft. Village Boo)
21. Concrete Jungle (ft. Tip Toe & Village Boo)
22. Shot The Fuck Up (ft. Prodigy [click to read], Locie Loc, Yacc, Ken Bib, Natural Born & Village Boo)
In other news, business consultant Cedric Muhammad has recently written a series of books catering to individuals who are struggling to start their own business with The Entrepreneurial Secret: Starting a Business Without a Bank Loan, Collateral or Revenue.
Establishing himself as a multi-faceted advisor, Muhammad has worked with such companies as The Source Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and also served as general manager for the Wu-Tang Clan during the mid-90’s. Muhammad has channeled these collective experiences into a three-part book series that gives readers the insight to work toward their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Seeing the significance of his books, Muhammad stated, “There is no single book or book series that I know of that properly and simultaneously connects how the political economy, personal struggle and business principles impact entrepreneurship.”
Taking on the task, he continued, “My clients and readers would always ask me for one book to recommend on the subject that would be comprehensive and I couldn’t do it. So, I guess in The Entrepreneurial Secret I have attempted to write the book that they and I wanted to read.”
After starting his own independent label with Zoo Life Entertainment, West Coast rapper 40 Glocc is set to unveil his new roster of artists on Concrete Jungle.
Due out December 1, the street album features Village Boo, Gail Gotti, and Tip Toe, among others. Concrete Jungle will also serve as the precursor to The G-Unit affiliate’s next album N.W.A. New World Agenda, which is tentatively scheduled for an early 2010 release.
40 Glocc’s Concrete Jungle will be released via Urban Music Alliance. Track listing is below:
1. Intro
2. Criminal (ft. Lil Boo & Tek)
3. Spin The Globe
4. Welcome to the Ghetto (ft. Tri Star & Village Boo)
5. Another Angel Dies (ft. Ras Kass [click to read])
6. Walk In My Shoes (ft. Yacc & Tip Toe)
7. Haters & Bitches (ft. Zoo Babiez, Lil Boo & Locie Loc)
8. Hell On Earth (ft. Lil Toot)
9. Grindin (ft. Tip Toe & Notes)
10. 100 (ft. Tip Toe, E-Note & Michlobe)
11. Bouncing In The Bed (ft. Village Boo, Ken Bib & Locie Loc)
12. Skit (ft. Ras Kass & Csik)
13. Narcotics (ft. Gail Gotti)
14. Local Boy (ft. Sun)
15. Skit (ft. Unforgivable)
16. 3 Amigos
17. Couple Geez (ft. Lil Boo & Brook)
18. Smoke Drank (ft. Zoobabiez)
19. Hundred Grand (ft. Yacc)
20. Safari (ft. Village Boo)
21. Concrete Jungle (ft. Tip Toe & Village Boo)
22. Shot The Fuck Up (ft. Prodigy [click to read], Locie Loc, Yacc, Ken Bib, Natural Born & Village Boo)
In other news, business consultant Cedric Muhammad has recently written a series of books catering to individuals who are struggling to start their own business with The Entrepreneurial Secret: Starting a Business Without a Bank Loan, Collateral or Revenue.
Establishing himself as a multi-faceted advisor, Muhammad has worked with such companies as The Source Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and also served as general manager for the Wu-Tang Clan during the mid-90’s. Muhammad has channeled these collective experiences into a three-part book series that gives readers the insight to work toward their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Seeing the significance of his books, Muhammad stated, “There is no single book or book series that I know of that properly and simultaneously connects how the political economy, personal struggle and business principles impact entrepreneurship.”
Taking on the task, he continued, “My clients and readers would always ask me for one book to recommend on the subject that would be comprehensive and I couldn’t do it. So, I guess in The Entrepreneurial Secret I have attempted to write the book that they and I wanted to read.”
Chris Brown Gives First Radio Interview on Hot 97
October 23rd, 2009 Author: Salima Koroma
In Chris Brown's first interview since the altercation with ex-girlfriend Rihanna this past February [click to read], the young singer spoke on several different topics, including his current relationship (or lackthereof) with Rihanna, his rumored issues with Jay-Z and Oprah, and the steps he's taking to redeem himself in the eyes of the public.
When radio host Angie Martinez asked him about his rumored dissatisfaction with Oprah and the talk-show host's handling of the incident [click to read], he confirmed that he was indeed angry with her. "I don't dis her because I respect what she does for women around the world," Brown said. "But we did so many things together as far as me working for her schools in Africa, that I feel at the time I needed a helping hand, not for my career, but as a person, instead of her pointing fingers." He went on to say that other figures like Will Smith and Diddy called him on the phone to reach out to him. "As a young man, I needed older black role models to mold me. I didn't need people bashing me or shutting the door on me."
In addition, Brown spoke on the previously circulated rumor that Jay-Z was the reason that he was not invited to perform at the BET Awards [click to read]. "I have no issues with dude," assured Brown. "Honestly, I don't know and I don't think it was him."
He also divulged that he is going to counseling, and is doing different community services of his own volition. "At the end of the day, people don't realize I'm human. I go home, hurt, cry, feel pain, embarrassment, ashamed...but people can't expect me to walk around everyday of my life frowning. Life is too short. I love my life and I love my fans and I love me. I'm sorry for what I've done, but the only person that can judge me is God."
In Chris Brown's first interview since the altercation with ex-girlfriend Rihanna this past February [click to read], the young singer spoke on several different topics, including his current relationship (or lackthereof) with Rihanna, his rumored issues with Jay-Z and Oprah, and the steps he's taking to redeem himself in the eyes of the public.
When radio host Angie Martinez asked him about his rumored dissatisfaction with Oprah and the talk-show host's handling of the incident [click to read], he confirmed that he was indeed angry with her. "I don't dis her because I respect what she does for women around the world," Brown said. "But we did so many things together as far as me working for her schools in Africa, that I feel at the time I needed a helping hand, not for my career, but as a person, instead of her pointing fingers." He went on to say that other figures like Will Smith and Diddy called him on the phone to reach out to him. "As a young man, I needed older black role models to mold me. I didn't need people bashing me or shutting the door on me."
In addition, Brown spoke on the previously circulated rumor that Jay-Z was the reason that he was not invited to perform at the BET Awards [click to read]. "I have no issues with dude," assured Brown. "Honestly, I don't know and I don't think it was him."
He also divulged that he is going to counseling, and is doing different community services of his own volition. "At the end of the day, people don't realize I'm human. I go home, hurt, cry, feel pain, embarrassment, ashamed...but people can't expect me to walk around everyday of my life frowning. Life is too short. I love my life and I love my fans and I love me. I'm sorry for what I've done, but the only person that can judge me is God."
“Dilla Day In The A” To Take Place On October 24
October 22nd, 2009 Author: Danielle Harling
On Saturday, October 24 the life of celebrated Hip Hop producer/DJ/rapper James “J Dilla” Yancey [click to read] will be celebrated as part of “Dilla Day In The A.”
“‘Dilla Day In The A’ is a celebration that is designed to showcase the cultural side of Hip Hop and to draw attention to the J. Dilla Project and the work being done to support Lupus research,” J Dilla’s uncle, Uncle Herm, told HipHopDX. “It's really an effort to show the compassionate and caring side of the culture and that a change can and will be made in medicine as well as technology - through the efforts of the collective.”
Taking place in Atlanta “Dilla Day In The A” will kick off with participants taking part in Atlanta’s Lupus Walk. The walk will then be followed by a BBQ, Dilla’s Dream Camp (a set of workshops for children under 16), and an artist showcase which will feature performances from Illa J [click to read], Boog Brown, Lyric Jones, and more.
“Dilla's dream was to always empower youth with the skills he mastered in terms of creating music, and he was always committed to helping independent artists, which is where Dilla's Dream Camp came from,” said Uncle Herm. “We are going to train and educate youth that attend the event in the elements of the art form so they can learn MPC skills and other things required to excel in making music.”
All of the events, with the exception of the Lupus Walk, will take place at The Bench in Atlanta.
In 2006, J Dilla’s [click to read] sudden passing rattled Hip Hop communities across the world. A standout musically, J Dilla and his music can be heard on albums from Raekwon to Q-Tip and everything in between.
For more information on “Dilla Day In The A” visit OfficialMaDukes.com.
On Saturday, October 24 the life of celebrated Hip Hop producer/DJ/rapper James “J Dilla” Yancey [click to read] will be celebrated as part of “Dilla Day In The A.”
“‘Dilla Day In The A’ is a celebration that is designed to showcase the cultural side of Hip Hop and to draw attention to the J. Dilla Project and the work being done to support Lupus research,” J Dilla’s uncle, Uncle Herm, told HipHopDX. “It's really an effort to show the compassionate and caring side of the culture and that a change can and will be made in medicine as well as technology - through the efforts of the collective.”
Taking place in Atlanta “Dilla Day In The A” will kick off with participants taking part in Atlanta’s Lupus Walk. The walk will then be followed by a BBQ, Dilla’s Dream Camp (a set of workshops for children under 16), and an artist showcase which will feature performances from Illa J [click to read], Boog Brown, Lyric Jones, and more.
“Dilla's dream was to always empower youth with the skills he mastered in terms of creating music, and he was always committed to helping independent artists, which is where Dilla's Dream Camp came from,” said Uncle Herm. “We are going to train and educate youth that attend the event in the elements of the art form so they can learn MPC skills and other things required to excel in making music.”
All of the events, with the exception of the Lupus Walk, will take place at The Bench in Atlanta.
In 2006, J Dilla’s [click to read] sudden passing rattled Hip Hop communities across the world. A standout musically, J Dilla and his music can be heard on albums from Raekwon to Q-Tip and everything in between.
For more information on “Dilla Day In The A” visit OfficialMaDukes.com.
Rappers React To Lil Wayne's Prison Sentence
October 23rd, 2009 Author: Slava Kuperstein
In response to Lil Wayne's one-year prison sentence [click to read], several rappers took to Twitter, determined to offer their opinions.
Jim Jones drew a comparison to rapper T.I.'s prison sentence [click to read]. "Thts crazy lil Wayne gets a year for a hand pistol and ti gets the same tome for having army issued rifles wit silencers U tell me wtf."
Juelz Santana also offered his thoughts on the matter. "A! I just arrived 2 the set. Just did a MTV News interview wit Shaheem about Lil Wayne. That's some BULL SHIT!!!!," wrote Santana, a frequent collaborator of Wayne's.
Finally, Miami rapper Rick Ross also weighed in, but provided a positive outlook on the subject. "It hurt us," said Rick Ross to MTV News. "We strategize and work towards this for so long, [and] when something like that, a major inconvenience such as that, nine people out of 10, that stint could hurt them. But I think Wayne has a unique situation with his Cash Money family and now his Young Money roster, I know they got a lot of things poppin'. Wayne's got enough music. He's one of the few artists I feel could eat those 10 months up, or that year, and then come home to rap royalty. If anybody is gonna be able to do it, it's gonna be Wayne."
In response to Lil Wayne's one-year prison sentence [click to read], several rappers took to Twitter, determined to offer their opinions.
Jim Jones drew a comparison to rapper T.I.'s prison sentence [click to read]. "Thts crazy lil Wayne gets a year for a hand pistol and ti gets the same tome for having army issued rifles wit silencers U tell me wtf."
Juelz Santana also offered his thoughts on the matter. "A! I just arrived 2 the set. Just did a MTV News interview wit Shaheem about Lil Wayne. That's some BULL SHIT!!!!," wrote Santana, a frequent collaborator of Wayne's.
Finally, Miami rapper Rick Ross also weighed in, but provided a positive outlook on the subject. "It hurt us," said Rick Ross to MTV News. "We strategize and work towards this for so long, [and] when something like that, a major inconvenience such as that, nine people out of 10, that stint could hurt them. But I think Wayne has a unique situation with his Cash Money family and now his Young Money roster, I know they got a lot of things poppin'. Wayne's got enough music. He's one of the few artists I feel could eat those 10 months up, or that year, and then come home to rap royalty. If anybody is gonna be able to do it, it's gonna be Wayne."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Trae The Truth Readies Self-Titled Album
October 22nd, 2009 Author: Jake Paine
Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth has had quite a time since his last effort, 2007's Life Goes On. The star of the ABN (Asshole By Nature) click, Trae had a quiet departure from Rap-A-Lot Records [click to read], where he garnered national attention in 2006's Restless album. In the last two years, Trae had a controversial altercation at the 2008 Ozone Awards with city neighbor Mike Jones [click to read], and an unfortunate shooting incident mar his star-studded 2009 Trae Day event in Houston [click to view].
Due in 2010 on A.B.N./Fontana/Universal Records, Tha Truth is reportedly set to feature Lil Wayne, Bun B, Young Buck, Ludacris and The Game, among others.
To gear up for the album, The Incredible Truth, a promotional mixtape, is set to come before year's end. The effort will be hosted by Baker (Vh1's Real Chance At Love).
Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth has had quite a time since his last effort, 2007's Life Goes On. The star of the ABN (Asshole By Nature) click, Trae had a quiet departure from Rap-A-Lot Records [click to read], where he garnered national attention in 2006's Restless album. In the last two years, Trae had a controversial altercation at the 2008 Ozone Awards with city neighbor Mike Jones [click to read], and an unfortunate shooting incident mar his star-studded 2009 Trae Day event in Houston [click to view].
Due in 2010 on A.B.N./Fontana/Universal Records, Tha Truth is reportedly set to feature Lil Wayne, Bun B, Young Buck, Ludacris and The Game, among others.
To gear up for the album, The Incredible Truth, a promotional mixtape, is set to come before year's end. The effort will be hosted by Baker (Vh1's Real Chance At Love).
Death Row Releases 3CD, DVD, T-Shirt Package
October 22nd, 2009 Author: Jake Paine
A breeding ground for some of the best created by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg [click to read] and 2Pac, Death Row Records continues its trend of releasing unherad vault music in 2009. On November 24th, WIDE Awake/Death Row will release the collector's set Ultimate Death Row Collection. The packaging includes three CDs, a DVD and a t-shirt from the controversial label that released new product between 1992 and 2004 under the helm of Marion "Suge" Knight.
Included in the set are 60 songs, a third of which are unreleased prior to this year. The DVD features music footage and archival footage that has reportedly never been seen.
The tracklisting is below, boasting new tracks from Crooked I and Lady of Rage as well as lesser known former Death Row outfits such as LBC Crew (Tray Deee, Bad Azz, South Centrell, Lil C Style and Techneic), veteran Watts collective O.F.T.B., R&B crooner Danny Boy, one-time third Dogg Pound member Soopafly and others.
Earlier this year, WIDE Awake/Death Row released similar material in Dr. Dre's The Chronic Re-Lit [click to read] and the charting Snoop Doggy Dogg's Death Row: The Lost Sessions, Volume 1 [click to read].
The tracklisting is as follows:
DISCS 01
1. California Love - 2pac/Dr. Dre
2. Nuthin But A G Thang - Dr. Dre
3. Gin and Juice - Snoop Doggy Dogg
4. How Do You Want It - 2pac
5. Dre Day - Dr. Dre
6. Who Am I - Snoop Doggy Dogg
7. Regulate - Warren G
8. I Ain’t Mad At Cha - 2pac
9. Let Me Ride - Dr. Dre
10. Doggy Dogg World - Snoop Doggy Dogg
11. 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted - 2pac / Snoop Doggy Dogg
12. To Live and Die In LA - Makaveli
13. Murder Was The Case - Snoop Doggy Dogg
14. New York, New York - Tha Dogg Pound
15. Afro Puffs - Lady of Rage
DISCS 02
1. 6 Shooter - The LBC Crew
2. Everybody Needs To Slow Down - Kurupt
3. With Me Tonight - Jewell, Storm
4. Sticky Situation - J.Flexx
5. Rock, Roll, & Bounce - Danny Boy
6. Consider Me – Sixx Feet Deep
7. That Was Then This Is Now - OFTB, Kurupt, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Big Pimpin’
8. All Eyez On Me - 2pac
9. I Dont Care What The People Say - Tha Dogg Pound
10. These Reasons - Kurupt
11. Aint Got No Time - OFTB
12. Doggystyle 1996 - The LBC Crew, Warren G, Snoop Doggy Dogg
13. Sunday - Big Pimpin’
14. Super Ho - Lil C-Style, Snoop Doggy Dogg
15. Never Had A Friend Like Me - 2pac
DISCS 03
1. Do It Again – Crooked I
2. All We Do - Swoop G
3. So In Love - Danny Boy
4. Spit Game by Petey Pablo
5. Natural Born Killaz - Dr. Dre, Ice Cube
6. 187 - Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre
7. Black Diamond - Jewell
8. It Might Sound Crazy (Remix) - Daz Dillinger, Too Short
9. Big Pimpin’ - Tha Dogg Pound
10. Caught Up In The Game - Doobie, Danny Boy
11. Midnite Hour - Lady of Rage
12. Aint No Trippin - Soopafly
13. Aint No Fun - Snoop Doggy Dogg, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Kurupt
14. Real Thugs - Crooked I
15. This Type Of Flow – Soopafly
A breeding ground for some of the best created by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg [click to read] and 2Pac, Death Row Records continues its trend of releasing unherad vault music in 2009. On November 24th, WIDE Awake/Death Row will release the collector's set Ultimate Death Row Collection. The packaging includes three CDs, a DVD and a t-shirt from the controversial label that released new product between 1992 and 2004 under the helm of Marion "Suge" Knight.
Included in the set are 60 songs, a third of which are unreleased prior to this year. The DVD features music footage and archival footage that has reportedly never been seen.
The tracklisting is below, boasting new tracks from Crooked I and Lady of Rage as well as lesser known former Death Row outfits such as LBC Crew (Tray Deee, Bad Azz, South Centrell, Lil C Style and Techneic), veteran Watts collective O.F.T.B., R&B crooner Danny Boy, one-time third Dogg Pound member Soopafly and others.
Earlier this year, WIDE Awake/Death Row released similar material in Dr. Dre's The Chronic Re-Lit [click to read] and the charting Snoop Doggy Dogg's Death Row: The Lost Sessions, Volume 1 [click to read].
The tracklisting is as follows:
DISCS 01
1. California Love - 2pac/Dr. Dre
2. Nuthin But A G Thang - Dr. Dre
3. Gin and Juice - Snoop Doggy Dogg
4. How Do You Want It - 2pac
5. Dre Day - Dr. Dre
6. Who Am I - Snoop Doggy Dogg
7. Regulate - Warren G
8. I Ain’t Mad At Cha - 2pac
9. Let Me Ride - Dr. Dre
10. Doggy Dogg World - Snoop Doggy Dogg
11. 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted - 2pac / Snoop Doggy Dogg
12. To Live and Die In LA - Makaveli
13. Murder Was The Case - Snoop Doggy Dogg
14. New York, New York - Tha Dogg Pound
15. Afro Puffs - Lady of Rage
DISCS 02
1. 6 Shooter - The LBC Crew
2. Everybody Needs To Slow Down - Kurupt
3. With Me Tonight - Jewell, Storm
4. Sticky Situation - J.Flexx
5. Rock, Roll, & Bounce - Danny Boy
6. Consider Me – Sixx Feet Deep
7. That Was Then This Is Now - OFTB, Kurupt, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Big Pimpin’
8. All Eyez On Me - 2pac
9. I Dont Care What The People Say - Tha Dogg Pound
10. These Reasons - Kurupt
11. Aint Got No Time - OFTB
12. Doggystyle 1996 - The LBC Crew, Warren G, Snoop Doggy Dogg
13. Sunday - Big Pimpin’
14. Super Ho - Lil C-Style, Snoop Doggy Dogg
15. Never Had A Friend Like Me - 2pac
DISCS 03
1. Do It Again – Crooked I
2. All We Do - Swoop G
3. So In Love - Danny Boy
4. Spit Game by Petey Pablo
5. Natural Born Killaz - Dr. Dre, Ice Cube
6. 187 - Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre
7. Black Diamond - Jewell
8. It Might Sound Crazy (Remix) - Daz Dillinger, Too Short
9. Big Pimpin’ - Tha Dogg Pound
10. Caught Up In The Game - Doobie, Danny Boy
11. Midnite Hour - Lady of Rage
12. Aint No Trippin - Soopafly
13. Aint No Fun - Snoop Doggy Dogg, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Kurupt
14. Real Thugs - Crooked I
15. This Type Of Flow – Soopafly
Lil Wayne Pleads Guilty To Gun Charge, Gets One Year
October 22nd, 2009 Author: Allen Jacobs
Rapper Lil Wayne [click to read] pleaded guilty in a New York City court this morning to criminal gun possession. The Cash Money Records multi-platinum superstar's charges date back to a July 2007 arrest in Manhattan's Columbus Circle. At the time, the rapper's tour bus was reported stopped by New York Police Department officers for suspicion of drug-use after smoke was visible. Upon police search, Wayne reported put a pistol in a Louis Vuitton bag and attempted to remove the evidence from the scene.
As a result of the plea, the New York Post [click here] reports that Wayne will have to serve a one-year sentence behind bars. The specifics will come at a 2010 trial date in a Manhattan Supreme Court.
In March, the top-selling rapper of 2008 will face gun charges from an unrelated incident in Arizona. Wayne has already entered a not guilty plea to that case.
Prior to his sentencing, Lil Wayne is expected to release several albums, including The Rebirth and Tha Carter IV.
HipHopDX will keep you updated.
Rapper Lil Wayne [click to read] pleaded guilty in a New York City court this morning to criminal gun possession. The Cash Money Records multi-platinum superstar's charges date back to a July 2007 arrest in Manhattan's Columbus Circle. At the time, the rapper's tour bus was reported stopped by New York Police Department officers for suspicion of drug-use after smoke was visible. Upon police search, Wayne reported put a pistol in a Louis Vuitton bag and attempted to remove the evidence from the scene.
As a result of the plea, the New York Post [click here] reports that Wayne will have to serve a one-year sentence behind bars. The specifics will come at a 2010 trial date in a Manhattan Supreme Court.
In March, the top-selling rapper of 2008 will face gun charges from an unrelated incident in Arizona. Wayne has already entered a not guilty plea to that case.
Prior to his sentencing, Lil Wayne is expected to release several albums, including The Rebirth and Tha Carter IV.
HipHopDX will keep you updated.
Lil' Wayne Set To Plead To 8 Months In Jail
by MrWhiteFolks on October 22nd, 2009
Lil Wayne is set to plead guilty for his connection with a .40 caliber hand gun found on his bus in 2007, while in New York, after a concert appearence.
According to AllHipHop.com, yesterday October 21st, The courts checked the gun in question for DNA, linking Lil Wayne to the weapon. In fact there was a small amount of the rappers DNA on the gun. A fact that the prosecution will use to build their case against the rapper.
Wayne faces 15 years behind bars for each count of criminal weapons possession and criminal possession of a loaded weapon.
Lil Wayne will reportedly plead guilty for possession in exchange for an 8-month bid in jail.
Sources say, Weezy will make the announcement today and will begin serving his sentence in February 2010.
We will keep you updated on any further developments.
DX News Bits: Cash Money Records Edition
October 21st, 2009 Author: Danielle Harling
The next month is looking quite busy for Cash Money Records [click to read], three different artists on Cash Money [click to read] are planning on releasing albums in November and on top of that former Cash Money artist Juvenile also plans on releasing an album in December.
The three Cash Money artists preparing for album releases include Birdman, Glasses Malone, and Jay Sean. And all but Jay Sean have released track listings for their albums.
All of the albums will include major guest appearances from artists such as Lil Wayne, Drake, and Rick Ross.
Birdman, Glasses Malone, and Jay Sean's albums will all be released on November 23 while Juvenile's album will be released on December 1. And the track listing for the albums are as follows:
Birdman - Pricele$$
1. Intro
2. Southside (feat. Lil Wayne)
3. Everything I Do (feat. Lil Wayne)
4. Money To Make (feat. Rick Ross)
5. Pricele$$ (feat. Lil Wayne)
6. Get Money (feat. All Star Cashville Prince & Yo Gotti)
7. Written On Her (feat. Jay Sean)
8. Be So Hard (feat. Kevin Rudolf)
9. What Dat Iz (feat. T-Pain)
10. Money To Blow (feat. Drake & Lil Wayne)
11. Bring It Back (feat. Lil Wayne)
12. Always Strapped (feat. Lil Wayne)
13. I Want It All (feat. Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne)
14. Always Strapped (Remix) (feat. Lil Wayne, Rick Ross & Young Jeezy)
15. Written On Her II (feat. Jay Sean, Flo Rida & Mack Maine)
16. More Milli (feat. Drake)
17. Champion (feat. Pharrell & Mack Maine)
18. Show Me Love (On Your Knees) (feat. The Veronicas)
Glasses Malone - Beach Cruiser
1. G Bo Intro
3. Malone
4. Turnt Up
5. Make Me Stronger (feat. Krys Ivory)
6. On My Way (feat. Mack 10)
7. Sun Come Up (feat. Birdman, Rick Ross & T-Pain)
8. Certified (feat. Akon)
9. Don't Feel Sorry For Me (feat. Jay Rock)
10. Money Drunk (feat. Jah Free & Red Café)
11. I’mma Pray (feat. Tyrese)
12. Fuc Wit Me
13. Sixty Million Dollar Flow
14. Just Waitin
Juvenile - Cocky & Confident
1. Cocky And Confident
2. Gotta Get It
3. Back Back
4. We Be Getting Money (feat. Dorrough, Kango Slim & Shawty Lo)
5. Feeling Right (feat. Cape, B.G. & Kango Slim)
6. Hands On You (feat. Pleasure P)
7. Top Of The Line
8. Alright (feat. Jay Da Menace)
9. It's All Hood
10. My Money Don't Fold (feat. T Money & Kango Slim)
11. All Over You (feat. Kango Slim)
12. You Can't Stop Me (feat. Mr. Meanor, Youngin & Kango Slim)
13. Break It Down (feat. Q Corvette)
14. I'm Out Chere (feat. Rico Love)
15. I'm Shining
16. I Say (feat. Youngin)
17. Everything (feat. Bobby V)
18. Listen (feat. Q Corvette)
The next month is looking quite busy for Cash Money Records [click to read], three different artists on Cash Money [click to read] are planning on releasing albums in November and on top of that former Cash Money artist Juvenile also plans on releasing an album in December.
The three Cash Money artists preparing for album releases include Birdman, Glasses Malone, and Jay Sean. And all but Jay Sean have released track listings for their albums.
All of the albums will include major guest appearances from artists such as Lil Wayne, Drake, and Rick Ross.
Birdman, Glasses Malone, and Jay Sean's albums will all be released on November 23 while Juvenile's album will be released on December 1. And the track listing for the albums are as follows:
Birdman - Pricele$$
1. Intro
2. Southside (feat. Lil Wayne)
3. Everything I Do (feat. Lil Wayne)
4. Money To Make (feat. Rick Ross)
5. Pricele$$ (feat. Lil Wayne)
6. Get Money (feat. All Star Cashville Prince & Yo Gotti)
7. Written On Her (feat. Jay Sean)
8. Be So Hard (feat. Kevin Rudolf)
9. What Dat Iz (feat. T-Pain)
10. Money To Blow (feat. Drake & Lil Wayne)
11. Bring It Back (feat. Lil Wayne)
12. Always Strapped (feat. Lil Wayne)
13. I Want It All (feat. Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne)
14. Always Strapped (Remix) (feat. Lil Wayne, Rick Ross & Young Jeezy)
15. Written On Her II (feat. Jay Sean, Flo Rida & Mack Maine)
16. More Milli (feat. Drake)
17. Champion (feat. Pharrell & Mack Maine)
18. Show Me Love (On Your Knees) (feat. The Veronicas)
Glasses Malone - Beach Cruiser
1. G Bo Intro
3. Malone
4. Turnt Up
5. Make Me Stronger (feat. Krys Ivory)
6. On My Way (feat. Mack 10)
7. Sun Come Up (feat. Birdman, Rick Ross & T-Pain)
8. Certified (feat. Akon)
9. Don't Feel Sorry For Me (feat. Jay Rock)
10. Money Drunk (feat. Jah Free & Red Café)
11. I’mma Pray (feat. Tyrese)
12. Fuc Wit Me
13. Sixty Million Dollar Flow
14. Just Waitin
Juvenile - Cocky & Confident
1. Cocky And Confident
2. Gotta Get It
3. Back Back
4. We Be Getting Money (feat. Dorrough, Kango Slim & Shawty Lo)
5. Feeling Right (feat. Cape, B.G. & Kango Slim)
6. Hands On You (feat. Pleasure P)
7. Top Of The Line
8. Alright (feat. Jay Da Menace)
9. It's All Hood
10. My Money Don't Fold (feat. T Money & Kango Slim)
11. All Over You (feat. Kango Slim)
12. You Can't Stop Me (feat. Mr. Meanor, Youngin & Kango Slim)
13. Break It Down (feat. Q Corvette)
14. I'm Out Chere (feat. Rico Love)
15. I'm Shining
16. I Say (feat. Youngin)
17. Everything (feat. Bobby V)
18. Listen (feat. Q Corvette)
Lawsuit Dropped Against The Game
October 22nd, 2009 Author: Slava Kuperstein
A North Carolina judge has dismissed a defamation suit against rapper The Game.
The lawsuit's origins can be traced to an October 2005 incident at the Four Seasons Towne Center in Greensboro.
As previously reported, The Game had been walking through a mall wearing a Halloween mask shortly before a planned appearance at Winston-Salem State University. His entourage was filming him walking through the mall, which violated mall rules.
When security guards approached the rapper and his entourage and ordered the group to cease their filming, an altercation ensued. As a result, The Game was pepper sprayed and arrested. He was subsequently chared with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
A video of the arrest made its way onto the internet, and the footage was used by the rapper itself on the Stop Snitching/Stop Lying DVD. The officers seen in the footage filed a 2006 defamation of character lawsuit against The Game, claming that he had illegal used one of the officers' images in marketing the DVD.
The original lawsuit was dismissed in 2008, and the subsequent appeal was dismissed on Tuesday (Oct. 20).
Footage of the arrest is shown below. During the arrest, members of Game's entourage can be heard repeatedly shouting, "He's not resisting."
A North Carolina judge has dismissed a defamation suit against rapper The Game.
The lawsuit's origins can be traced to an October 2005 incident at the Four Seasons Towne Center in Greensboro.
As previously reported, The Game had been walking through a mall wearing a Halloween mask shortly before a planned appearance at Winston-Salem State University. His entourage was filming him walking through the mall, which violated mall rules.
When security guards approached the rapper and his entourage and ordered the group to cease their filming, an altercation ensued. As a result, The Game was pepper sprayed and arrested. He was subsequently chared with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
A video of the arrest made its way onto the internet, and the footage was used by the rapper itself on the Stop Snitching/Stop Lying DVD. The officers seen in the footage filed a 2006 defamation of character lawsuit against The Game, claming that he had illegal used one of the officers' images in marketing the DVD.
The original lawsuit was dismissed in 2008, and the subsequent appeal was dismissed on Tuesday (Oct. 20).
Footage of the arrest is shown below. During the arrest, members of Game's entourage can be heard repeatedly shouting, "He's not resisting."
Kanye West Not Dead, Victim of Hoax
October 22nd, 2009 Author: Andres Tardio
Rumors about Kanye West's alleged death have been traveling through the internet, specifically on Twitter, where "RIP Kanye West" has become a trending topic [click here]. With the rumors now put to rest, West's girlfriend Amber Rose finally spoke out regarding the matter.
"This 'RIP KanyeWest' topic is not funny and its NOT TRUE! He has people like myself and his family that love him very much," she posted on her Twitter page [click here].
“It's in extreme poor taste to have that as a trendy topic. It’s totally disrespectful to make up a story like this," she added. "To say someone died cuz of a mistake is ridiculous. U wouldn’t want someone to say that about u Or someone u love it’s not funny."
Later, she posted several Kanye West lyrics, adding a final note.
"I'll always ride for my man!!!! I'm bout to get off here and still RIDE for him. LITERALLY. Holla!"
West recently released the video "We Were Once a Fairytale" where he stabs himself after walking around a party in a drunken state. The video, which was directed by Spike Jonze, director of this year's Where the Wild Things Are, can be seen below.
Rumors about Kanye West's alleged death have been traveling through the internet, specifically on Twitter, where "RIP Kanye West" has become a trending topic [click here]. With the rumors now put to rest, West's girlfriend Amber Rose finally spoke out regarding the matter.
"This 'RIP KanyeWest' topic is not funny and its NOT TRUE! He has people like myself and his family that love him very much," she posted on her Twitter page [click here].
“It's in extreme poor taste to have that as a trendy topic. It’s totally disrespectful to make up a story like this," she added. "To say someone died cuz of a mistake is ridiculous. U wouldn’t want someone to say that about u Or someone u love it’s not funny."
Later, she posted several Kanye West lyrics, adding a final note.
"I'll always ride for my man!!!! I'm bout to get off here and still RIDE for him. LITERALLY. Holla!"
West recently released the video "We Were Once a Fairytale" where he stabs himself after walking around a party in a drunken state. The video, which was directed by Spike Jonze, director of this year's Where the Wild Things Are, can be seen below.
50 Cent Says Jay-Z's Image is Contradictory
October 22nd, 2009 Author: Salima Koroma
The fallout from the infamous Kanye West/Taylor Swift debacle [click to read] has yet to come to an end even weeks after the 2009 MTV Music Awards. This time, the incident has two of Hip Hop's largest figures taking swipes at each other. In an interview with the BBC in September, Jay-Z was asked if he thought Kanye West would have crashed MTV's stage if 50 Cent was the one accepting the award. "No one is scared of 50 Cent," Jay responded [click to read], and expressed his belief that 'Ye would have gone onstage anyway.
Later, 50 Cent [click to read] responded to the comments [click to read], saying that the interviewer made Jay-Z feel like a punk, and that Jay was "the coolest punk in Hip Hop." Although the tension that the remarks have created between the two seems to have blown over, 50 Cent was asked to speak on the issue again during an interview with Complex magazine recently. When asked if he thought Kanye West would have interrupted his acceptance speech at the MTV Awards show, 50 assured, "He wouldn't. You can't convince the public, you can't convince Kanye to say he would've did that. If I was there and he did that to me, we would have had an altercation. Right there. It's clear. [Kanye] would have avoided that, just being intelligent."
Fif also had a bit to say about what he believes is Jay-Z's conflicting public image. "[Jay-Z's] presentation is really simple and you can't have both. You can't be gangster Jay from Marcy and be the good guy Jay-Z on Oprah. You just can't. They don't let you in. That's Mr. Knowles. He just got that pass. There ain't any tickets to an inauguration ball with niggas. If you're from the hood, you have that element or that aura around you. There's no tickets for you. It's 'safe' people there. This is why those things are happening. This is why he has to convince the person that he's talking to he's not afraid of anyone."
The fallout from the infamous Kanye West/Taylor Swift debacle [click to read] has yet to come to an end even weeks after the 2009 MTV Music Awards. This time, the incident has two of Hip Hop's largest figures taking swipes at each other. In an interview with the BBC in September, Jay-Z was asked if he thought Kanye West would have crashed MTV's stage if 50 Cent was the one accepting the award. "No one is scared of 50 Cent," Jay responded [click to read], and expressed his belief that 'Ye would have gone onstage anyway.
Later, 50 Cent [click to read] responded to the comments [click to read], saying that the interviewer made Jay-Z feel like a punk, and that Jay was "the coolest punk in Hip Hop." Although the tension that the remarks have created between the two seems to have blown over, 50 Cent was asked to speak on the issue again during an interview with Complex magazine recently. When asked if he thought Kanye West would have interrupted his acceptance speech at the MTV Awards show, 50 assured, "He wouldn't. You can't convince the public, you can't convince Kanye to say he would've did that. If I was there and he did that to me, we would have had an altercation. Right there. It's clear. [Kanye] would have avoided that, just being intelligent."
Fif also had a bit to say about what he believes is Jay-Z's conflicting public image. "[Jay-Z's] presentation is really simple and you can't have both. You can't be gangster Jay from Marcy and be the good guy Jay-Z on Oprah. You just can't. They don't let you in. That's Mr. Knowles. He just got that pass. There ain't any tickets to an inauguration ball with niggas. If you're from the hood, you have that element or that aura around you. There's no tickets for you. It's 'safe' people there. This is why those things are happening. This is why he has to convince the person that he's talking to he's not afraid of anyone."
Monday, October 19, 2009
Cormega Offers Opinion On 'Spoiled Rich Kid' Drake
October 19th, 2009 Author: Slava Kuperstein
Queens, New York rapper Cormega [click to read] recently spoke to Street Disciplez Radio about his opinion on Toronto rapper Drake [click to read].
The veteran emcee didn't have many positive things to say about the Young Money signee, saying, "I can't fuck with Drake, I like Drake, I like Drake as a young man trying to make money but I can't take him serious," revealed Mega in the interview.
The crux of Mega's argument was his belief that Drake did not grow up with much adversity. "Number one, he's rich. He's rich man. I don't like when these spoiled rich kids they just get into rap because it's something they can do but they pops got money and they put 'em in the game and then they start rapping about something, a life they could never live."
Cormega continued, saying if he were in Drake's position, he would have chosen a different profession. "Go do something else. I mean, shit, if I could switch with you, I would be the rich dude, the rich goody good my whole life. Niggas like us rap about sh*t because we lived it. These niggas use rap as a hobby."
Cormega is, of course, no stranger to beef, as he famously fueded with fellow Queensbridge rapper Nas.
Queens, New York rapper Cormega [click to read] recently spoke to Street Disciplez Radio about his opinion on Toronto rapper Drake [click to read].
The veteran emcee didn't have many positive things to say about the Young Money signee, saying, "I can't fuck with Drake, I like Drake, I like Drake as a young man trying to make money but I can't take him serious," revealed Mega in the interview.
The crux of Mega's argument was his belief that Drake did not grow up with much adversity. "Number one, he's rich. He's rich man. I don't like when these spoiled rich kids they just get into rap because it's something they can do but they pops got money and they put 'em in the game and then they start rapping about something, a life they could never live."
Cormega continued, saying if he were in Drake's position, he would have chosen a different profession. "Go do something else. I mean, shit, if I could switch with you, I would be the rich dude, the rich goody good my whole life. Niggas like us rap about sh*t because we lived it. These niggas use rap as a hobby."
Cormega is, of course, no stranger to beef, as he famously fueded with fellow Queensbridge rapper Nas.
Michael Jai White Explains Black Dynamite, Context
October 19th, 2009 Author: Jake Paine
The talk of the town right now is Black Dynamite. Over 30 years since the artistic wave of critically-acclaimed, cult-followed and low-budget urban films took back a piece of Hollywood, Michael Jai White's brainchild pays homage and breaks new ground at once. In a conversation this month in Philadelphia with HipHopDX, White chronicled the importance of the so-called Blaxploitation genre. "First of all, these movies saved the Hollywood studio system. When television got very, very popular and international and foreign films got very big, it really started hurtin' the pocketbooks of the studio films. When the urban films started up, they were such a cash-heavy thing," said Black Dynamite's writer and star. "That's why they started cranking these things out left and right, and became exploitive - Blackploitation, so to speak. That word got attributed to movies that didn't deserve it, movies that were really just truly great movies." An avid fan of late '60s and '70s urban films, White says that it's high and low-brow films that are channeled in his film co-starring Arsenio Hall and Tommy Davidson. "What we try to do with [Black Dynamite] is pay hommage to the entire genre - the great ones and the not-so-great ones sometimes."
As Hollywood is still far from an equal racial playing field, Michael Jai White also told DX about the important hero aesthetic for audiences in these films. "This was the first time black people were seen in heroic fashion. Up until that time, we were just seen as butlers, maids and stuff. When you've got people like Jim Brown and Fred Williamson kicking ass and being alpha males, it was a very liberating experience. Not only were they welcomed action figures for the black community, but for the white community as well."
Those films of yesteryear play a large role in the 2009 film. For nostalgic fans and new viewers alike, Black Dynamite has a lot of jewels. "I've got dialog, famous lines that was lifted. There's a pool-room fight scene that does direct hommage to one of the coolest movies ever, which was Trouble Man. There's a plot point that alludes to Three The Hard Way, that whole conspirital tone - sometimes wildly conspirital." Beyond simple cut-and-paste recreations, the film artistically combines visual allusions from Willie Dynamite with dialog from The Mack. The fast-paced shooting schedules of lesser quality '70s films also plays an artistic role, as White says, "Sometimes the boom mic gets into the shot...For people that really recognize this genre, they're gonna recognize a whole lot of stuff."
Whereas films like 1989's Wayans family ensemble have attempted previous revues, White and other producers were careful to be accurate to the script's core. "We didn't want to do any cutesy stuff, like cast a bunch of people from the Blaxploitation era. That destroys the illusion; that person would have been young back then. We really wanted to preserve that line."
With that attention to detail, White also explained how they wrote Black Dyamite as a heroic character that balances his tough-guy persona with a sense of humor and a sense of cool. "It starts with a character. The character will [bring] in things that will go out of the box. If you have a fully realized character, and something happens in the room that makes that character respond, as long as that character responds in kind in the truth of that character, you maintain normalcy. You maintain an organic representation. It starts there."
Although the film is set in the '70s, it has ties to Hip Hop, including an "inspired by" song, "The Feeling," [click to listen] from Buckshot, 9th Wonder and Sean Price. White spoke about the parrallels between the urban film movement of the '70s and the formative years of Hip Hop, both voices of rebellion subsequently embraced in the mainstream. "[Hip Hop is] born from the streets. Both are born of the streets - of and for the people. When Melvin Van Peebles made Sweet Sweetback's Badasssss Song, it was nothing that the status quo was going to do. But you see, him getting it to the theater, you saw what it could to do. [This is] just like Hip Hop: when the people wanted it, they tried to it over," said White. "It's hard for them to reproduce Hip Hop that. It still remains something that only a unique body of people can do - somebody has to be in the struggle to create."
Black Dynamite is in theaters now.
The talk of the town right now is Black Dynamite. Over 30 years since the artistic wave of critically-acclaimed, cult-followed and low-budget urban films took back a piece of Hollywood, Michael Jai White's brainchild pays homage and breaks new ground at once. In a conversation this month in Philadelphia with HipHopDX, White chronicled the importance of the so-called Blaxploitation genre. "First of all, these movies saved the Hollywood studio system. When television got very, very popular and international and foreign films got very big, it really started hurtin' the pocketbooks of the studio films. When the urban films started up, they were such a cash-heavy thing," said Black Dynamite's writer and star. "That's why they started cranking these things out left and right, and became exploitive - Blackploitation, so to speak. That word got attributed to movies that didn't deserve it, movies that were really just truly great movies." An avid fan of late '60s and '70s urban films, White says that it's high and low-brow films that are channeled in his film co-starring Arsenio Hall and Tommy Davidson. "What we try to do with [Black Dynamite] is pay hommage to the entire genre - the great ones and the not-so-great ones sometimes."
As Hollywood is still far from an equal racial playing field, Michael Jai White also told DX about the important hero aesthetic for audiences in these films. "This was the first time black people were seen in heroic fashion. Up until that time, we were just seen as butlers, maids and stuff. When you've got people like Jim Brown and Fred Williamson kicking ass and being alpha males, it was a very liberating experience. Not only were they welcomed action figures for the black community, but for the white community as well."
Those films of yesteryear play a large role in the 2009 film. For nostalgic fans and new viewers alike, Black Dynamite has a lot of jewels. "I've got dialog, famous lines that was lifted. There's a pool-room fight scene that does direct hommage to one of the coolest movies ever, which was Trouble Man. There's a plot point that alludes to Three The Hard Way, that whole conspirital tone - sometimes wildly conspirital." Beyond simple cut-and-paste recreations, the film artistically combines visual allusions from Willie Dynamite with dialog from The Mack. The fast-paced shooting schedules of lesser quality '70s films also plays an artistic role, as White says, "Sometimes the boom mic gets into the shot...For people that really recognize this genre, they're gonna recognize a whole lot of stuff."
Whereas films like 1989's Wayans family ensemble have attempted previous revues, White and other producers were careful to be accurate to the script's core. "We didn't want to do any cutesy stuff, like cast a bunch of people from the Blaxploitation era. That destroys the illusion; that person would have been young back then. We really wanted to preserve that line."
With that attention to detail, White also explained how they wrote Black Dyamite as a heroic character that balances his tough-guy persona with a sense of humor and a sense of cool. "It starts with a character. The character will [bring] in things that will go out of the box. If you have a fully realized character, and something happens in the room that makes that character respond, as long as that character responds in kind in the truth of that character, you maintain normalcy. You maintain an organic representation. It starts there."
Although the film is set in the '70s, it has ties to Hip Hop, including an "inspired by" song, "The Feeling," [click to listen] from Buckshot, 9th Wonder and Sean Price. White spoke about the parrallels between the urban film movement of the '70s and the formative years of Hip Hop, both voices of rebellion subsequently embraced in the mainstream. "[Hip Hop is] born from the streets. Both are born of the streets - of and for the people. When Melvin Van Peebles made Sweet Sweetback's Badasssss Song, it was nothing that the status quo was going to do. But you see, him getting it to the theater, you saw what it could to do. [This is] just like Hip Hop: when the people wanted it, they tried to it over," said White. "It's hard for them to reproduce Hip Hop that. It still remains something that only a unique body of people can do - somebody has to be in the struggle to create."
Black Dynamite is in theaters now.
Young Buck Speaks on 50 Cent and Eminem
October 19th, 2009 Author: Andres Tardio
Over the weekend, HipHopDX posted the audio of Young Buck's [click here] brief interview with G-Unit Radio [click to listen]. The interview was based around a variety of topics, from Buck's current relationship with 50 Cent to his alleged beef with Eminem.
In the audio, Buck explains his side to the Eminem beef rumor.
"I would never diss Eminem. I'ma be real. What had happened was I got a white producer that's from my town [He] produced that track. So when I went into the booth, I'm like 'Eminem, we after your ass.' Basically speaking on the production side of things because the producer of the track is a white dude and Eminem is his favorite and just fucking with him."
He went on to add that he was upset that the track was released the way it was.
"Actually, I still slam the shit out of his ass for keeping that shit on there."
He said he instantly spoke to Trick-Trick to let Eminem know that he did not mean to disrespect the Detroit emcee.
"Eminem's been one of the realest motherfuckers with me in this rap shit. There's only a handful of 'em, you know," he said of Slim Shady.
Buck also spoke on his relationship with 50 Cent.
"I'm doing what it takes to survive. You know, I'm still trying to handle the business side with [50 Cent]," he noted. "I ain't nothing but a phonecall away or an [airplane] ticket away."
"I'm just ready to keep it moving."
"I'm willing to get some money. I'm willing to come to a conclusion and put something out there."
50 Cent has yet to speak on the matter.
Over the weekend, HipHopDX posted the audio of Young Buck's [click here] brief interview with G-Unit Radio [click to listen]. The interview was based around a variety of topics, from Buck's current relationship with 50 Cent to his alleged beef with Eminem.
In the audio, Buck explains his side to the Eminem beef rumor.
"I would never diss Eminem. I'ma be real. What had happened was I got a white producer that's from my town [He] produced that track. So when I went into the booth, I'm like 'Eminem, we after your ass.' Basically speaking on the production side of things because the producer of the track is a white dude and Eminem is his favorite and just fucking with him."
He went on to add that he was upset that the track was released the way it was.
"Actually, I still slam the shit out of his ass for keeping that shit on there."
He said he instantly spoke to Trick-Trick to let Eminem know that he did not mean to disrespect the Detroit emcee.
"Eminem's been one of the realest motherfuckers with me in this rap shit. There's only a handful of 'em, you know," he said of Slim Shady.
Buck also spoke on his relationship with 50 Cent.
"I'm doing what it takes to survive. You know, I'm still trying to handle the business side with [50 Cent]," he noted. "I ain't nothing but a phonecall away or an [airplane] ticket away."
"I'm just ready to keep it moving."
"I'm willing to get some money. I'm willing to come to a conclusion and put something out there."
50 Cent has yet to speak on the matter.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Roxanne Shante Admits She Never Got Ph.D, Apologizes
October 13th, 2009 Author: Salima Koroma
As one of the vanguard figures in Rap history, Roxanne Shante made her mark when she got involved in the infamous and very heated lyrical battle against Rap group UTFO. The conflict, dubbed the "Roxxane Wars," put her on the Hip Hop map. Recently, Shante has become the center of another controversy that may end up damaging her reputation.
This past August, Shante told the New York Daily News that she earned a Ph.D in Psychology from Cornell University [click here]. Not only did she claim to have received her doctorate from the university, but she also affirmed that her former record label, Warner Music, funded her education "for life" [click to read]. According to Shante, there was a clause in her contract that would make Warner responsible for her schooling, and they eventually paid over $217,000 for her to go to school. However, after an investigation done by Slate.com [click here], it was discovered that many of Shante's claims were false [click to read].
At first, Shante told Slate via email, "[I] made a mistake on an application and put my old name so maybe that's the reason for [Cornell's] computer error?" However, Shante admitted yesterday that her claims regarding Warner Music and her doctorate were indeed false.
"It is very easy to criticize someone and I have left myself open to criticism," she said in an open letter. "All I can say to that is before you level any further criticism and cynicism, walk in my shoes. I am making this statement to apologize to the people that truly care about me for any angst that this situation has caused, and to thank them for their continued support...Like all of you, I am human and may have not made the correct decision all the time. And, like anyone else, I would like to think that my entire life or career is not judged by one error or mistake."
At the end of the statement, Shante emphasized that she would not comment on the situation any further.
As one of the vanguard figures in Rap history, Roxanne Shante made her mark when she got involved in the infamous and very heated lyrical battle against Rap group UTFO. The conflict, dubbed the "Roxxane Wars," put her on the Hip Hop map. Recently, Shante has become the center of another controversy that may end up damaging her reputation.
This past August, Shante told the New York Daily News that she earned a Ph.D in Psychology from Cornell University [click here]. Not only did she claim to have received her doctorate from the university, but she also affirmed that her former record label, Warner Music, funded her education "for life" [click to read]. According to Shante, there was a clause in her contract that would make Warner responsible for her schooling, and they eventually paid over $217,000 for her to go to school. However, after an investigation done by Slate.com [click here], it was discovered that many of Shante's claims were false [click to read].
At first, Shante told Slate via email, "[I] made a mistake on an application and put my old name so maybe that's the reason for [Cornell's] computer error?" However, Shante admitted yesterday that her claims regarding Warner Music and her doctorate were indeed false.
"It is very easy to criticize someone and I have left myself open to criticism," she said in an open letter. "All I can say to that is before you level any further criticism and cynicism, walk in my shoes. I am making this statement to apologize to the people that truly care about me for any angst that this situation has caused, and to thank them for their continued support...Like all of you, I am human and may have not made the correct decision all the time. And, like anyone else, I would like to think that my entire life or career is not judged by one error or mistake."
At the end of the statement, Shante emphasized that she would not comment on the situation any further.
J.R. Writer Issues Statement On Shooting
October 14th, 2009 Author: Slava Kuperstein
J.R. Writer released a statement on the recent altercation, during which the rapper was shot [cilck to read].
"I was in front of the studio I been recording out of for the past three months in the Bronx, when two bum ass niggaz stepped to me and a couple of my dudes with guns," wrote Writer in a statement to XXLMag.com. "For what? I still have no idea. They wasn't trying to rob nuthin', they looked more like they was going to kill something. None of us was strapped, we actually thought we was in a low spot in the BX. On top of that we been coming there for the past three months with no problems working on my album and new mixtape."
As the account continued, the Dipset affiliate explained how the shooting went down. "When we saw the look on his face and heard him say 'now what, what now' it sounded more like a beef then anything else so we got up out of there. That's when he let off two shots our way, which, one of the shots hit me and I dropped. He then starting shooting at my peoples and running towards them. When I saw that I was gonna play dead but I said 'Hell no' and picked myself up and got across the street where my nigga Plat was running back towards my way."
Writer believes that the altercation may very well have been fatal, were it not for police. "The shooter looks back and sees me limpin' across the street with my nigga Plat and starts runnin' towards us like he was going to finish me off till he heard police sirens and ran off. I am doing OK now, just trying to recover."
Luckily, the wound J.R. Writer sustained was much less severe than it could have been. "The doctor says I was lucky the shot didn't hit any major artery or bones it went through the back of my thigh and exited through the front. It was a .45 so that would of really fucked me up."
J.R. Writer released a statement on the recent altercation, during which the rapper was shot [cilck to read].
"I was in front of the studio I been recording out of for the past three months in the Bronx, when two bum ass niggaz stepped to me and a couple of my dudes with guns," wrote Writer in a statement to XXLMag.com. "For what? I still have no idea. They wasn't trying to rob nuthin', they looked more like they was going to kill something. None of us was strapped, we actually thought we was in a low spot in the BX. On top of that we been coming there for the past three months with no problems working on my album and new mixtape."
As the account continued, the Dipset affiliate explained how the shooting went down. "When we saw the look on his face and heard him say 'now what, what now' it sounded more like a beef then anything else so we got up out of there. That's when he let off two shots our way, which, one of the shots hit me and I dropped. He then starting shooting at my peoples and running towards them. When I saw that I was gonna play dead but I said 'Hell no' and picked myself up and got across the street where my nigga Plat was running back towards my way."
Writer believes that the altercation may very well have been fatal, were it not for police. "The shooter looks back and sees me limpin' across the street with my nigga Plat and starts runnin' towards us like he was going to finish me off till he heard police sirens and ran off. I am doing OK now, just trying to recover."
Luckily, the wound J.R. Writer sustained was much less severe than it could have been. "The doctor says I was lucky the shot didn't hit any major artery or bones it went through the back of my thigh and exited through the front. It was a .45 so that would of really fucked me up."
DX News Bits: The Jay-Z Edition
October 14th, 2009 Author: Andres Tardio
Jay-Z and Young Jeezy opened the BET Awards with Jay's "Real As It Gets," a cut off of this year's Blueprint 3. Now, Jeezy is saying that they plan on recording a video for the track.
"Opened up the BET Awards, me and Jay-Z," Jeezy told MTV [cick here]. Shouts out to the homie, man, he stopped through. He was on his way to another show. But that's what we do. Real ones do real things. I just wanted to do something big for the city. Since the song is on both of our albums, we gonna shoot the video. It's gonna be crazy. We said, 'Let's go ahead and break it in at the BET Awards.' "
Noting that the two emcees will "go dumb," Jeezy added that the video will feature a lot of luxurious items.
"We just gonna go dumb. Call Rick [Ross] up, everybody. [We'll have] cars, watches, blunts, money, just go dumb. Dumm-meeee! That's what we need to do."
On performing with Jay-Z and a band, he added that he was all for it, as long as he could still have the same topics in his rhymes.
"I'mma keep it all the way live, homie. At this point in my career, I'm like, whatever, I do this from the heart. Everything I do is real to me. If it's some strings and orchestra with it, and we still talking about what we supposed to be talking about, I'm all for it."
No official statement from Jay-Z has been made regarding the "Real As it Gets" video as of yet.
In related news, Jay's services have been requested by Dr. Dre once again, according to MTV [click here]. Dre recently told MTV that Jay has been working on songs for Detox.
"Well, actually, Jay-Z's just been in the studio doing some writing."
Even though he's been helping with lyrics, Dre added that he'd like to have Jigga's vocals on a track also.
"Hopefully I'll get him to perform on the record. Jay, come holler!"
With skeptics still referring to it as a myth of and album, there is still no word on when Detox will be released.
Jay-Z and Young Jeezy opened the BET Awards with Jay's "Real As It Gets," a cut off of this year's Blueprint 3. Now, Jeezy is saying that they plan on recording a video for the track.
"Opened up the BET Awards, me and Jay-Z," Jeezy told MTV [cick here]. Shouts out to the homie, man, he stopped through. He was on his way to another show. But that's what we do. Real ones do real things. I just wanted to do something big for the city. Since the song is on both of our albums, we gonna shoot the video. It's gonna be crazy. We said, 'Let's go ahead and break it in at the BET Awards.' "
Noting that the two emcees will "go dumb," Jeezy added that the video will feature a lot of luxurious items.
"We just gonna go dumb. Call Rick [Ross] up, everybody. [We'll have] cars, watches, blunts, money, just go dumb. Dumm-meeee! That's what we need to do."
On performing with Jay-Z and a band, he added that he was all for it, as long as he could still have the same topics in his rhymes.
"I'mma keep it all the way live, homie. At this point in my career, I'm like, whatever, I do this from the heart. Everything I do is real to me. If it's some strings and orchestra with it, and we still talking about what we supposed to be talking about, I'm all for it."
No official statement from Jay-Z has been made regarding the "Real As it Gets" video as of yet.
In related news, Jay's services have been requested by Dr. Dre once again, according to MTV [click here]. Dre recently told MTV that Jay has been working on songs for Detox.
"Well, actually, Jay-Z's just been in the studio doing some writing."
Even though he's been helping with lyrics, Dre added that he'd like to have Jigga's vocals on a track also.
"Hopefully I'll get him to perform on the record. Jay, come holler!"
With skeptics still referring to it as a myth of and album, there is still no word on when Detox will be released.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Dungeon Fighter Online (Not What You Think)
"RPG Fantasy World / Arcade -Style Fighting Action"
The mystical continent of Arad is a beautiful and varied landscape, with lush green forests, vast snowy planes, beautiful towns with dusty cobblestone streets, magical fortresses atop the back of flying whales, a gravity-defying Sky Tower that stretches into the deep blue of Middle Ocean, which itself defies gravity as it floats above the sky, separating Arad from the land of Empyrean… Arad was once a rich and vibrant land that enjoyed peace and prosperity until it was overrun by a mysterious darkness known as the Devolution. It’s up to you to save Arad from a grim fate. Guiding you along your way is a colorful cast of NPCs, who send you on critical quests, help enhance your equipment and skills, aid you in manufacturing items you will need in your myriad adventures, and fill in important pieces in the larger narrative tapestry of Arad and its struggle to resist the dark and insidious advancement of the Devolution. Much rests upon your shoulders, but with great responsibility comes great reward.
Go download this now and play for free (Click Here)
Wyclef Jean, DJ Drama Collaborate For Upcoming EP
October 13th, 2009 Author: Salima Koroma
Wyclef Jean's [click to read] latest album will take inspiration from a figure whose image has long ago become a symbol of freedom and revolution for the island-country of Haiti. Titled From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion, the EP will see Clef channelling 18th-century Hatian revolutionary Toussaint L'Ouverture, leader of the Haitian Revolution, an uprising that led to the abolishment of slavery and Haiti's independence.
Wyclef explained that his alterego on the EP, Toussaint St. Jean, delivers lyrics in a more aggressive fasion. "Toussaint is more direct," he said. "He aint going to sugarcoat nothing. Whatever he's thinking, he's going to tell you. It's like, I've still got this machete--my tonge is harper than it's ever been."
To emphasize the gritty backdrop of the album, Clef enlisted DJ Drama [click to read] to host the project, which was at first slated for mixtape status. "I asked myself, 'Who's the toughest guy out there?'" Wyclef explained about his choice in collaboration. "Then I said, 'Well, DJ Drama is pretty badass.' So I called him and asked if he'd be interested in doing a mixtape. He heard what I was up to and he said, 'We gotta do a book--this is a novel!' He got excited, and it became more like an EP than a mixtape."
The 13-track album will see appearances from Timbaland, Lil Kim, Eve, [click to read] and Cyndi Lauper who is credited as "Luscious Loo" on the project, and who will offer vocals to the track, "Slumdog Millionaire." From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion will release on November 10, and will be the precursor to Wyclef's full-length album Wyclef Jean, releasing in March of 2010.
Wyclef Jean's [click to read] latest album will take inspiration from a figure whose image has long ago become a symbol of freedom and revolution for the island-country of Haiti. Titled From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion, the EP will see Clef channelling 18th-century Hatian revolutionary Toussaint L'Ouverture, leader of the Haitian Revolution, an uprising that led to the abolishment of slavery and Haiti's independence.
Wyclef explained that his alterego on the EP, Toussaint St. Jean, delivers lyrics in a more aggressive fasion. "Toussaint is more direct," he said. "He aint going to sugarcoat nothing. Whatever he's thinking, he's going to tell you. It's like, I've still got this machete--my tonge is harper than it's ever been."
To emphasize the gritty backdrop of the album, Clef enlisted DJ Drama [click to read] to host the project, which was at first slated for mixtape status. "I asked myself, 'Who's the toughest guy out there?'" Wyclef explained about his choice in collaboration. "Then I said, 'Well, DJ Drama is pretty badass.' So I called him and asked if he'd be interested in doing a mixtape. He heard what I was up to and he said, 'We gotta do a book--this is a novel!' He got excited, and it became more like an EP than a mixtape."
The 13-track album will see appearances from Timbaland, Lil Kim, Eve, [click to read] and Cyndi Lauper who is credited as "Luscious Loo" on the project, and who will offer vocals to the track, "Slumdog Millionaire." From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion will release on November 10, and will be the precursor to Wyclef's full-length album Wyclef Jean, releasing in March of 2010.
DX News Bits: Kanye West, Tone 7
October 13th, 2009 Author: Edwin Ortiz
With Kanye West’s latest cancelled concert [click to read], as well as his recent no-show at the BET Hip Hop Awards [click to read], fans speculated on whether the Chicago producer/rapper was emotionally torn following the backlash from the MTV Video Music Awards incident [click to read].
Speaking to MTV, Queens emcee and label mate Consequence [click to read] explained that people shouldn’t be worried about Mr. West’s state of mind. “He’s in a good place [right now],” he stated. Assuring that the label that ‘Ye built has no animosity toward MTV, Cons added, “At the end of the day, MTV has been a great outlet for G.O.O.D. Music as a company. Regardless of whatever [else] goes on, there's a great respect there, a great admiration for what the outlet is.”
In other news, a group of seasoned musicians whose collective careers have performed with famed artists like Bob Marley, B. B. King, and Jeffrey Osborne have combined to release their first album together.
Tone 7, which consists of lead vocalist Tony “The Tone” Jackson, drummer Thomas Mason, keyboardist Will Hammond, bassist Stephen Smith, and guitarists Bobby Cobb and Neil Stallings will be releasing Tonality on November 3.
While the Bay-area collective stylistically emphasizes neo-soul, blues, and R&B, Jackson states his childhood parallels that of Boyz In The Hood as he grew up in South Central Los Angeles. With that experience in mind, the groups lead singer gives their music a raw edge not typical in a neo-soul atmosphere.
With Kanye West’s latest cancelled concert [click to read], as well as his recent no-show at the BET Hip Hop Awards [click to read], fans speculated on whether the Chicago producer/rapper was emotionally torn following the backlash from the MTV Video Music Awards incident [click to read].
Speaking to MTV, Queens emcee and label mate Consequence [click to read] explained that people shouldn’t be worried about Mr. West’s state of mind. “He’s in a good place [right now],” he stated. Assuring that the label that ‘Ye built has no animosity toward MTV, Cons added, “At the end of the day, MTV has been a great outlet for G.O.O.D. Music as a company. Regardless of whatever [else] goes on, there's a great respect there, a great admiration for what the outlet is.”
In other news, a group of seasoned musicians whose collective careers have performed with famed artists like Bob Marley, B. B. King, and Jeffrey Osborne have combined to release their first album together.
Tone 7, which consists of lead vocalist Tony “The Tone” Jackson, drummer Thomas Mason, keyboardist Will Hammond, bassist Stephen Smith, and guitarists Bobby Cobb and Neil Stallings will be releasing Tonality on November 3.
While the Bay-area collective stylistically emphasizes neo-soul, blues, and R&B, Jackson states his childhood parallels that of Boyz In The Hood as he grew up in South Central Los Angeles. With that experience in mind, the groups lead singer gives their music a raw edge not typical in a neo-soul atmosphere.
The Game Owes Lawyers Close To $35,000
October 13th, 2009 Author: Danielle Harling
According to TMZ, rapper The Game [click to read] is being sued by his former legal team for unpaid bills totaling $34,683.90.
This is the same legal team that kept Game [click to read] from serving five years in prison following an incident in 2007 that left Game facing criminal threat and possession of a firearm in a school zone charges.
Instead of the potential five years in prison Game’s lawyers were able to shrink Game’s sentence to only eight days in prison.
Game’s former lawyers, who are part of Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert law firm, filed their lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court earlier this week.
Game [click to read] has yet to comment on the situation.
According to TMZ, rapper The Game [click to read] is being sued by his former legal team for unpaid bills totaling $34,683.90.
This is the same legal team that kept Game [click to read] from serving five years in prison following an incident in 2007 that left Game facing criminal threat and possession of a firearm in a school zone charges.
Instead of the potential five years in prison Game’s lawyers were able to shrink Game’s sentence to only eight days in prison.
Game’s former lawyers, who are part of Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert law firm, filed their lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court earlier this week.
Game [click to read] has yet to comment on the situation.
Three 6 Mafia Enlists Tech N9ne For Single, Talks Album
October 13th, 2009 Author: Jake Paine
Last week it was announced that Three 6 Mafia [click to read] fans will have to wait until 2010 for the latest major label group effort, Laws Of Power. Speaking with HipHopDX on Friday, Juicy J gave another reason why the wait may be worthy. Among a heavy guest-list, the veteran Memphis collective reached out to Kansas City cult-followed favorite Tech N9ne [click to read] for an official single, "Shots After Shots."
Juice explained, "Dr. Luke produced the track. It's just one of those records, man. You've got a record that's just so hardcore." The Crunk chorus boasts, "'I'ma drink beer, and I'ma get high / I'ma take shots after shots till the day I die!" Given that vibe, the Academy Award winners wanted a unique guest. "When we did the song, I was like, 'This song is hard! We need to put somebody on this that can really rip this mothafucka up! Tech N9ne!' After bringing in the Strange Music CEO, Juicy J takes pride in the decision. "He killed it! It was like to perfect combo. It was the burger, the fries and the drink. We're gonna shoot a video to it. I'll tell you what: I never call a song a hit before it's a hit, but this song is definitely a very strong single. Let's see what happens. When you hear it, you're not even gonna believe it."
Although an affiliate producer is responsible for "Shots After Shots," the famed duo has not out-sourced their sound. "Me and [DJ] Paul produced about 85% of the album. It was the same vibe. It was the same Three 6 Mafia...we've got our serious records, we've got our Crunk records, we've got our party records on there. When you listen to this album, it sounds more like our older stuff. We try to put out older school stuff like we put out back in the day, 'cause everybody wants to hear that sound." There are still a handful of guests on the boards. "We got like two or three [outside produced] tracks on there - one by Rodney Jerkins, 'Shots After Shots' produced by Dr. Luke, and we got another song on there called 'Go To Work' produced by Dr. Luke. Also, we've got another song on there produced by Kevin Rudolph."
With an emphasis on their long-standing underground sound, Juicy J was also asked if Sony's A&R Department embraces that authenticity to Three 6 Mafia as much as fans do. "With Sony [Records], we have like a 50/50 relationship over there. They come in with their ideas; we come in with our ideas. In a 50/50 relationship, you've got to give a little bit to get a little bit. We make an agreement on a lot of our music. Man, it's not no problems. The album is still gangsta, and we have a few different-sounding tracks on there for some of our newer fans. I'm satisfied; I'm happy."
Laws Of Power is planned for release on January 26, 2010.
Last week it was announced that Three 6 Mafia [click to read] fans will have to wait until 2010 for the latest major label group effort, Laws Of Power. Speaking with HipHopDX on Friday, Juicy J gave another reason why the wait may be worthy. Among a heavy guest-list, the veteran Memphis collective reached out to Kansas City cult-followed favorite Tech N9ne [click to read] for an official single, "Shots After Shots."
Juice explained, "Dr. Luke produced the track. It's just one of those records, man. You've got a record that's just so hardcore." The Crunk chorus boasts, "'I'ma drink beer, and I'ma get high / I'ma take shots after shots till the day I die!" Given that vibe, the Academy Award winners wanted a unique guest. "When we did the song, I was like, 'This song is hard! We need to put somebody on this that can really rip this mothafucka up! Tech N9ne!' After bringing in the Strange Music CEO, Juicy J takes pride in the decision. "He killed it! It was like to perfect combo. It was the burger, the fries and the drink. We're gonna shoot a video to it. I'll tell you what: I never call a song a hit before it's a hit, but this song is definitely a very strong single. Let's see what happens. When you hear it, you're not even gonna believe it."
Although an affiliate producer is responsible for "Shots After Shots," the famed duo has not out-sourced their sound. "Me and [DJ] Paul produced about 85% of the album. It was the same vibe. It was the same Three 6 Mafia...we've got our serious records, we've got our Crunk records, we've got our party records on there. When you listen to this album, it sounds more like our older stuff. We try to put out older school stuff like we put out back in the day, 'cause everybody wants to hear that sound." There are still a handful of guests on the boards. "We got like two or three [outside produced] tracks on there - one by Rodney Jerkins, 'Shots After Shots' produced by Dr. Luke, and we got another song on there called 'Go To Work' produced by Dr. Luke. Also, we've got another song on there produced by Kevin Rudolph."
With an emphasis on their long-standing underground sound, Juicy J was also asked if Sony's A&R Department embraces that authenticity to Three 6 Mafia as much as fans do. "With Sony [Records], we have like a 50/50 relationship over there. They come in with their ideas; we come in with our ideas. In a 50/50 relationship, you've got to give a little bit to get a little bit. We make an agreement on a lot of our music. Man, it's not no problems. The album is still gangsta, and we have a few different-sounding tracks on there for some of our newer fans. I'm satisfied; I'm happy."
Laws Of Power is planned for release on January 26, 2010.
Apathy, Ryu & Scoop Deville Form Get Busy Committee
October 13th, 2009 Author: Jake Paine
The same week that veteran underground emcee Apathy [click to read] releases his latest, Wanna Snuggle? [click to read], it has just been announced that the Demigodz member will join forces for another release this December. Teaming up with Ryu of veteran west coast Hip Hop outfit Styles Of Beyond as well as producer Scoop Deville (son of Latino Rap pioneer Kid Frost), The Get Busy Committee plans to release Uzi Does It on Veteran's Day, November 11.
Both Apathy and Styles Of Beyond suffered the slings of major label shelf-lives. The Connecticut emcee had a lengthy, unfruitful tenure at Atlantic Records while the once Divine Styler-mentored group was among many underground Rap acts signed in the mid '00s to Warner Brothers.
Last month, Apathy explained to DX the significance of this side project: "Get Busy Committee might be a real big deal ‘cause of some of the moves we’ve made,” said Ap. “Like, my album is underground. Demigodz is super underground. But Get Busy Committee is gonna be something really fuckin’ crazy. We have Topspin Media behind us. We have [Mike] Shinoda behind us. We got the dudes at MySpace Music heavily behind us. So Get Busy Committee is gonna be something else...[And] if you don’t like it, I don’t know what to tell you,” added Ap. “I don’t really give a fuck."
The album is 100% self-released. In addition to CD and digital formats, Uzi Does It will also limited release on USB drives shaped like automatic machine guns.
The same week that veteran underground emcee Apathy [click to read] releases his latest, Wanna Snuggle? [click to read], it has just been announced that the Demigodz member will join forces for another release this December. Teaming up with Ryu of veteran west coast Hip Hop outfit Styles Of Beyond as well as producer Scoop Deville (son of Latino Rap pioneer Kid Frost), The Get Busy Committee plans to release Uzi Does It on Veteran's Day, November 11.
Both Apathy and Styles Of Beyond suffered the slings of major label shelf-lives. The Connecticut emcee had a lengthy, unfruitful tenure at Atlantic Records while the once Divine Styler-mentored group was among many underground Rap acts signed in the mid '00s to Warner Brothers.
Last month, Apathy explained to DX the significance of this side project: "Get Busy Committee might be a real big deal ‘cause of some of the moves we’ve made,” said Ap. “Like, my album is underground. Demigodz is super underground. But Get Busy Committee is gonna be something really fuckin’ crazy. We have Topspin Media behind us. We have [Mike] Shinoda behind us. We got the dudes at MySpace Music heavily behind us. So Get Busy Committee is gonna be something else...[And] if you don’t like it, I don’t know what to tell you,” added Ap. “I don’t really give a fuck."
The album is 100% self-released. In addition to CD and digital formats, Uzi Does It will also limited release on USB drives shaped like automatic machine guns.
Teens Out Of Control: Three Juveniles Burn A 15 Year Old Boy Alive! (News Report)
WSTV reports "Three juveniles are in custody in connection with an attack on a teenager which left the boy hospitalized with severe burns. Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating the scene where 15-year-old Michael Brewer was doused with gasoline and then lit on fire by another juvenile. Authorities said it happened at the Lime Tree Apartments at around 3:15 p.m. Monday. The 15-year-old ran through an apartment complex and jumped into the pool to out the flames. "
Monday, October 12, 2009
BET Hip Hop Awards Recap: The DX Edition
October 12th, 2009 Author: Danielle Harling
After skipping out on what was to be one of the biggest tours of the year, the Fame Kills Tour [click to read], rapper Kanye West has shied away from yet another major event.
Although he was nominated for nine awards, rapper Kanye West was a no-show at this years BET Hip Hop Awards [click to read] which taped on Saturday, October 10.
Aside from a few cue-card mishaps from host Mike Epps, the BET Hip Hop Awards [click to read] ran quite smoothly.
Due to the fact that the show airs about two weeks after it’s actual taping not all of the awards were announced during the taping on Saturday. But Jay-Z did take home the MVP of the Year Award, Drake (who was also not in attendance) won Rookie of the Year, TI was awarded best collaboration, and the late DJ AM was given the DJ of the Year Award.
On top of the awards, rappers Ice Cube and Missy Elliott and choreographer Fatima Robinson were given special honors.
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane seemed to be the star of the night as he took part in three different performances: “Pretty Girls” with Wale, “Break Up” with Mario, and “Gucci Bandana.”
The awards show began and ended with noteworthy performances from Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, and Goodie Mob. Young Jeezy and Jay-Z opened with “Real As It Gets” while Goodie Mob closed out the show with “Cell Therapy” and “Get Rich To This.”
After skipping out on what was to be one of the biggest tours of the year, the Fame Kills Tour [click to read], rapper Kanye West has shied away from yet another major event.
Although he was nominated for nine awards, rapper Kanye West was a no-show at this years BET Hip Hop Awards [click to read] which taped on Saturday, October 10.
Aside from a few cue-card mishaps from host Mike Epps, the BET Hip Hop Awards [click to read] ran quite smoothly.
Due to the fact that the show airs about two weeks after it’s actual taping not all of the awards were announced during the taping on Saturday. But Jay-Z did take home the MVP of the Year Award, Drake (who was also not in attendance) won Rookie of the Year, TI was awarded best collaboration, and the late DJ AM was given the DJ of the Year Award.
On top of the awards, rappers Ice Cube and Missy Elliott and choreographer Fatima Robinson were given special honors.
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane seemed to be the star of the night as he took part in three different performances: “Pretty Girls” with Wale, “Break Up” with Mario, and “Gucci Bandana.”
The awards show began and ended with noteworthy performances from Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, and Goodie Mob. Young Jeezy and Jay-Z opened with “Real As It Gets” while Goodie Mob closed out the show with “Cell Therapy” and “Get Rich To This.”
Gucci Mane Not Feelin Jay-Z?
Gucci Mane "Jay-Z is the best rapper alive, That's a lie". Shout out to Mr. Exclusive!
D.I.T.C., X-ecutioners To Perform At Roc Raida Tribute
October 12th, 2009 Author: Slava Kuperstein
D.I.T.C. and the X-ecutioners will be among the performers set to pay tribute to the late DJ Roc Raida.
The tribute will take place in the form of a concert on October 22 at BB Kings underground in Times Sqare, New York City, and will honor the late turntablist, who passed away last month [click to read].
Other performers at the event will include Boogie Blind and Beat Junkies. The Hip Hop icon passed away on September 19. No cause of death has been made public.
The legendary deejay was laid to rest on September 24 at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem, NY. Attendees included the X-ecutioners, I Dee, DJ Eclipse, Grand Wizard Theordore, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Premier, Fatman Scoop, Rahzel, JS-1, DJ Riz, DJ Enuff, DJ Camillo, DJ Fat Fingaz, DV One, Crazy Legs, DJ Cash Money, Busta Rhymes, Spliff Star, Dready, Sean C, DJ Rhettmatic, Babu, Mickey Factz, Large Professor, Fat Joe, Henley Halem, Christie-Z and Fabel Pabon, *Marilyn*, Sally (from DMC), Spictakular, Alex Aquino, Kid Capri, J-Smoke, Neil Armstrong, Kuttin Kandi, Daddy Dog, Roli Rho, Vlad, Tony Touch, Bobbito, Chela, DJ Scratch, Sadat X, Lord Sear, Marcus, Shiftee, DP One, Cutfucious, Esquire, Dave-1 and Grandmaster Supreme.
D.I.T.C. and the X-ecutioners will be among the performers set to pay tribute to the late DJ Roc Raida.
The tribute will take place in the form of a concert on October 22 at BB Kings underground in Times Sqare, New York City, and will honor the late turntablist, who passed away last month [click to read].
Other performers at the event will include Boogie Blind and Beat Junkies. The Hip Hop icon passed away on September 19. No cause of death has been made public.
The legendary deejay was laid to rest on September 24 at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem, NY. Attendees included the X-ecutioners, I Dee, DJ Eclipse, Grand Wizard Theordore, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Premier, Fatman Scoop, Rahzel, JS-1, DJ Riz, DJ Enuff, DJ Camillo, DJ Fat Fingaz, DV One, Crazy Legs, DJ Cash Money, Busta Rhymes, Spliff Star, Dready, Sean C, DJ Rhettmatic, Babu, Mickey Factz, Large Professor, Fat Joe, Henley Halem, Christie-Z and Fabel Pabon, *Marilyn*, Sally (from DMC), Spictakular, Alex Aquino, Kid Capri, J-Smoke, Neil Armstrong, Kuttin Kandi, Daddy Dog, Roli Rho, Vlad, Tony Touch, Bobbito, Chela, DJ Scratch, Sadat X, Lord Sear, Marcus, Shiftee, DP One, Cutfucious, Esquire, Dave-1 and Grandmaster Supreme.
Drake Confirms Collaborations for New Album
October 12th, 2009 Author: Andres Tardio
Drake, who has recently recovered from a knee injury he suffered during a concert, is now confirming that Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West and The-Dream are slated to appear on his new album. He went on to tell Billboard [click here] that "a couple of guest that may be very much surprises for a Hip Hop album. I just want to give people a musical experience. I like to open up the minds of the fans in my genre."
Rehabbing from that knee injury, he says he is ready to focus on that album, which he hopes will be timeless.
"I'm able to walk around, so I'm working very hard on the album. I've been out of the scene for so long because I've been off my leg. Sitting at home in your apartment and having a doctor come over every day and eating healthy and going to the gym -- there's not much of a rap album to be made off that. I have to get my inspiration and start seeing things and going to dinners and meeting people again and just finding stories to tell for this album. I'm trying to make something timeless."
Of that collaboration with The-Dream, he says fans can expect an "R&B" vibe.
"It's sexy. It's slow, but there's an energy to it. I rap on it. Me and Dream both sing on it. It's cool. ...This song is sort of like an anthem for women, like pre-the club. It's like an anthem for you to be at your house with your girlfriends getting ready, what you listen to before you get there. It's a song for the non-famous woman to make her feel special and just to let you know that even though I'm up here and have the option to mingle wtih these 'upper-echelon' women, if you will, that sometimes I'd rather be with the girl from back home or a student or a girl that works at Wal-Mart. They don't have to be a star or rich or anything like that; that's kind of the gist of the song. It's an empowering song for all women."
Still working on the album tentatively titled Thank Me Later, there is no official release date for it as of yet. He is also trying to get more involved with film making and said he'd enjoy working with Judd Apatow and his good friend Jamie Foxx. His first single for the new record, "Shut it Down" may not hit stores until December or January.
J.R. Writer Shot In The Bronx
October 12th, 2009 Author: Allen Jacobs
Details are still releasing, but Diplomats affiliate J.R. Writer [click to read] has confirmed to HipHopDX that he was shot last evening, in Bronx, New York. Both Writer's and his brother, rapper Fred Money's Twitter accounts alerted fans yesterday.
At last report, both rappers were presently signed to Babygrande Records.
HipHopDX will keep you updated of Writer's recovery, and the shooting details.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
So Hood (Of VH1's Real Chance Of Love) Photoshoot
So Hood (Of VH1's Real Chance Of Love) Photoshoot + Speaks On Kicking Twista's Boy In The Head & Then Some Guy Slapping Her In The Face Incident
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Shyne Denies Having A Conversation With Diddy
by GrizMeansGrind on October 10th, 2009
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According to Shyne, who's real name is Moses Michael Leviy, he never spoke to Diddy.
Via his attorney
, Oscar Michelen, Shyne released a statement commenting on Diddy's claim that the two had spoken.
“My client wants to make it very clear that no such conversation between Mr. Combs and he ever occurred. I want it known that this supposed conversation is a figment of Sean Combs' imagination. He never spoke with me, he never visited me nor would I ever accept a phone call or visit from him. The only way I would do either of those things would be if he stepped up and did the right thing for the victims of the incident.”
Shyne's attorney also spoke on the situation saying...
"I was very surprised to hear Mr. Combs' claims about talking with my client since I speak to Shyne all the time and he never mentioned anything about it. Knowing how he feels about Mr. Combs, I know that it would have been very strange for Shyne to have spoken with him and not told anyone."
Shyne was to be released on October 6th but he is currently in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while his immigration status is being reviewed.
While still being held in federal custody, Shyne, has denied speaking with Diddy. During a recent interview on Hot 97, Diddy said that he had spoken with Shyne since the incident that occured back in 1999 and that the Bad Boy CEO and former Bad Boy artist were on good terms.
According to Shyne, who's real name is Moses Michael Leviy, he never spoke to Diddy.
Via his attorney
, Oscar Michelen, Shyne released a statement commenting on Diddy's claim that the two had spoken.
“My client wants to make it very clear that no such conversation between Mr. Combs and he ever occurred. I want it known that this supposed conversation is a figment of Sean Combs' imagination. He never spoke with me, he never visited me nor would I ever accept a phone call or visit from him. The only way I would do either of those things would be if he stepped up and did the right thing for the victims of the incident.”
Shyne's attorney also spoke on the situation saying...
"I was very surprised to hear Mr. Combs' claims about talking with my client since I speak to Shyne all the time and he never mentioned anything about it. Knowing how he feels about Mr. Combs, I know that it would have been very strange for Shyne to have spoken with him and not told anyone."
Shyne was to be released on October 6th but he is currently in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while his immigration status is being reviewed.
Birdman in Amsterdam (In A Private Jet With Family)
Birdman in Amsterdam (In A Private Jet With Family,, Showing Off Black Diamonds & Smokin It Up At A Weed Shop)
Yung Berg - Making Moves
JTF reports "BERG IS BACK LIKE HE NEVER LEFT!!!! JORDAN TOWER FILMS!!!!!! JTF TO DEATH!!!!! JTFMANAGEMENT@GMAIL.COM"
Birdman Says Wayne's dropping 3 albums December 15
Hella Grind: Birdman Says Lil Wayne's Carter 4, His Rock Album, & Young Money Album Are All Dropping Same Day December 15! + Starting Cash Money U.K
Shyne’s Uncle Speaks On Pending Deportation
October 10th, 2009 Author: Danielle Harling
In an interview with 7 News Belize, Michael Finnegan the uncle of rapper Shyne [click to read] gave his thoughts on Shyne’s pending deportation.
“He has been released from the prison and he is being attended to or being held by the immigration authorities,” Finnegan told 7 News Belize. “The matter will be dealt with by a well known immigration lawyer and he is being supported by Professor Overtree, you know the guy that was connected to Barack Obama campaign, well known professor, and as I understand from them while I was there yesterday, the process would want to appear to be looking kind of positive.”
Shyne [click to read] was initially supposed to be released on October 6, but was instead held by immigration and faces a possible deportation.
“I don’t know if he will be deported. I know there are legal challenges that are being made by his attorneys and I would want to believe that those matters would be able to be resolved next week or the following week. So we’ll know shortly,” said Finnegan.
Finnegan also revealed that if Shyne [click to read] were to be deported he is in the process of preparing a living quarter for his nephew.
In an interview with 7 News Belize, Michael Finnegan the uncle of rapper Shyne [click to read] gave his thoughts on Shyne’s pending deportation.
“He has been released from the prison and he is being attended to or being held by the immigration authorities,” Finnegan told 7 News Belize. “The matter will be dealt with by a well known immigration lawyer and he is being supported by Professor Overtree, you know the guy that was connected to Barack Obama campaign, well known professor, and as I understand from them while I was there yesterday, the process would want to appear to be looking kind of positive.”
Shyne [click to read] was initially supposed to be released on October 6, but was instead held by immigration and faces a possible deportation.
“I don’t know if he will be deported. I know there are legal challenges that are being made by his attorneys and I would want to believe that those matters would be able to be resolved next week or the following week. So we’ll know shortly,” said Finnegan.
Finnegan also revealed that if Shyne [click to read] were to be deported he is in the process of preparing a living quarter for his nephew.
Atlanta Rapper Donnis Signs On To Fools Gold
October 10th, 2009 Author: Edwin Ortiz
Atlanta rapper Donnis, who recently put out the 10.Deep-sponsored mixtape Diary of an ATL Brave [click to listen], has signed on with Fool’s Gold Records to release his latest single “Gone.”
“I've known A-Trak and Nick [Catchdubs] for a couple years. We've wanted to work together for a while now, but timing is everything - and the timing is finally right,” Donnis said in a press statement. Looking forward to the partnership, he added, “I respect what they do and I'm excited to work with the Fool's Gold team on this record.”
With plans to release a music video for the aforementioned “Gone,” as well as a handful of remixes, A-Trak said the collaboration with Fool’s Gold is just the beginning of things of come. “Donnis has always been dope, but he's grown by leaps and bounds over the past year from a skilled party rapper into an extremely charismatic, well-rounded artist. Nick and I are thrilled to have 'Gone' bring him into the [Fool’s Gold] family.”
Atlanta rapper Donnis, who recently put out the 10.Deep-sponsored mixtape Diary of an ATL Brave [click to listen], has signed on with Fool’s Gold Records to release his latest single “Gone.”
“I've known A-Trak and Nick [Catchdubs] for a couple years. We've wanted to work together for a while now, but timing is everything - and the timing is finally right,” Donnis said in a press statement. Looking forward to the partnership, he added, “I respect what they do and I'm excited to work with the Fool's Gold team on this record.”
With plans to release a music video for the aforementioned “Gone,” as well as a handful of remixes, A-Trak said the collaboration with Fool’s Gold is just the beginning of things of come. “Donnis has always been dope, but he's grown by leaps and bounds over the past year from a skilled party rapper into an extremely charismatic, well-rounded artist. Nick and I are thrilled to have 'Gone' bring him into the [Fool’s Gold] family.”
Friday, October 9, 2009
Jay-Z Speaks On Oasis Collaboration & Soccer
October 9th, 2009 Author: Andres Tardio
It seems Jay-Z has made amends with Oasis after a small dispute in the past [click here]. The Marcy emcee recently spoke to The Sun [click here] regarding a potential collaboration with the group.
"I hear Snoop Dogg might be teaming up with Noel. If that's the case then I would love to work with Liam," Jay told The Sun. "[Oasis'] music is tight and I think we could blend our styles well."
He went on to add that the collab could be as successful as the one Jigga had with Linkin Park [click here].
"When I teamed up with Linkin Park nobody expected that to work but we made a massive success of it. The same could happen with Liam."
During the interview, he also spoke on soccer, a sport he now follows.
"I loved it. I won't pretend I know everything about soccer but it was an amazing match. We had a great day out. I keep hearing I am a big Manchester City fan but that's not true. I follow Arsenal."
He also said he might invest in an English soccer club.
"People keep asking me if I would ever invest in an English club. All I can say is that I am pretty busy at the moment with the Nets but you can never say never. I am a businessman and if the right deal comes along you never know what might happen."
As we reported yesterday, Jay will be hitting various location on his Blueprint 3 tour. The dates for the tour are below.
October 2009
9 - State College, PA - Bryce Jordan Center
10 - Highland Heights, KY - Bank of Kentucky Center
13 - Edmonton, Alberta - Rexall Place
14 - Calgary, Alberta - Pengrowth Saddledome
15 - Kelowna, British Columbia - Prospera Place
16 - Vancouver, British Columbia - General Motors Place
17 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena
21 - Ypsilanti, MI - Convocation Center at Eastern Michigan University
23 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
24 - Providence, RI - Dunkin Donuts Center
25 - Amherst, MA - Mullins Center
27 - Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena
28 - Columbus, OH - Value City Arena
29 - London, Ontario - John Labatt Centre
30 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre
31 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre
November 2009
1 - Ottawa, Ontario - Scotiabank Place
7 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
12 - Champaign, IL - University of Illinois - Assembly Hall
19 - Albuquerque, NM - Tingley Coliseum
20 - El Paso, TX - Don Haskins Center
21 - Lubbock, TX - United Spirit Arena
22 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center Arena
It seems Jay-Z has made amends with Oasis after a small dispute in the past [click here]. The Marcy emcee recently spoke to The Sun [click here] regarding a potential collaboration with the group.
"I hear Snoop Dogg might be teaming up with Noel. If that's the case then I would love to work with Liam," Jay told The Sun. "[Oasis'] music is tight and I think we could blend our styles well."
He went on to add that the collab could be as successful as the one Jigga had with Linkin Park [click here].
"When I teamed up with Linkin Park nobody expected that to work but we made a massive success of it. The same could happen with Liam."
During the interview, he also spoke on soccer, a sport he now follows.
"I loved it. I won't pretend I know everything about soccer but it was an amazing match. We had a great day out. I keep hearing I am a big Manchester City fan but that's not true. I follow Arsenal."
He also said he might invest in an English soccer club.
"People keep asking me if I would ever invest in an English club. All I can say is that I am pretty busy at the moment with the Nets but you can never say never. I am a businessman and if the right deal comes along you never know what might happen."
As we reported yesterday, Jay will be hitting various location on his Blueprint 3 tour. The dates for the tour are below.
October 2009
9 - State College, PA - Bryce Jordan Center
10 - Highland Heights, KY - Bank of Kentucky Center
13 - Edmonton, Alberta - Rexall Place
14 - Calgary, Alberta - Pengrowth Saddledome
15 - Kelowna, British Columbia - Prospera Place
16 - Vancouver, British Columbia - General Motors Place
17 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena
21 - Ypsilanti, MI - Convocation Center at Eastern Michigan University
23 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
24 - Providence, RI - Dunkin Donuts Center
25 - Amherst, MA - Mullins Center
27 - Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena
28 - Columbus, OH - Value City Arena
29 - London, Ontario - John Labatt Centre
30 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre
31 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre
November 2009
1 - Ottawa, Ontario - Scotiabank Place
7 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
12 - Champaign, IL - University of Illinois - Assembly Hall
19 - Albuquerque, NM - Tingley Coliseum
20 - El Paso, TX - Don Haskins Center
21 - Lubbock, TX - United Spirit Arena
22 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center Arena
Soulja Boy Arrested Last Night In Atlanta
October 9th, 2009 Author: Allen Jacobs
Last evening, Soulja Boy [click to read] was arrested in Atlanta, for obstruction. The Interscope Records rapper was among an estimated 40 individuals trespassing on an abandoned home in Stockbridge, Georgia.
After police responded to neighbor complaints, the group scattered, including the star rapper. As police investigated the scene, a handgun, counterfeit money and other contraban was discovered. Soulja Boy returned to the scene and was detained in a Henry County jail. The rapper was reportedly released by morning.
Speculation has been made that the group was shooting a video. At present more information has not been made available.
HipHopDX will keep you updated.
Last evening, Soulja Boy [click to read] was arrested in Atlanta, for obstruction. The Interscope Records rapper was among an estimated 40 individuals trespassing on an abandoned home in Stockbridge, Georgia.
After police responded to neighbor complaints, the group scattered, including the star rapper. As police investigated the scene, a handgun, counterfeit money and other contraban was discovered. Soulja Boy returned to the scene and was detained in a Henry County jail. The rapper was reportedly released by morning.
Speculation has been made that the group was shooting a video. At present more information has not been made available.
HipHopDX will keep you updated.
R-Stonze -Blinded By The Light Feat. Bakinsoda Bizz
The single off R-Stonze's new album "The Agony Of Defeat, The Glory Of Victory" coming 2010. This is my shit right here. The beat is crack, the sample throughout the beat is crack, and both Stonze and Bakin Soda murder the entire track. This joint is tuff from start to finish. I suggest that you go download this right now from one the the links below.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Ryan Leslie Unveils Transition, Says It Was All For A Girl
October 8th, 2009 Author: Kathy Iandoli
Upon walking into New York's legendary Chung King Studios this evening, the visual of Ryan Leslie bopping in front of a keyboard proves he means business.
The singer/songwriter/producer invited a select few to an intimate revealing of his second studio album Transition - a work, that according to Leslie, was a labor of love over a certain lady. Leslie took his audience through an audio and video history of the album's making, beginning with his rap "I'm So Glad We're Friends" from his barely teenage years entering Harvard University as a young prodigy.
Leslie then explained key bits on Transition, starting with his initial meeting with his mystery woman during a rehearsal for his showcase at New York's SOB's earlier this year. Upon meeting her, he says, a melody came into his head that he couldn't shake. That melody later became one of the album's key tracks "Something That I Like." In an effort to woo her, Leslie became absorbed in her varied musical tastes, leading to his creating the guitar heavy "Without You I'd Be Nothing." "We had a small challenge," he explained. "She had a boyfriend."
Each song on Transition was indicative of his recent history in love with her. So did he get the girl after filling her home with wall to wall roses and making an album in her honor? You'll have to buy the album to find out.
Upon walking into New York's legendary Chung King Studios this evening, the visual of Ryan Leslie bopping in front of a keyboard proves he means business.
The singer/songwriter/producer invited a select few to an intimate revealing of his second studio album Transition - a work, that according to Leslie, was a labor of love over a certain lady. Leslie took his audience through an audio and video history of the album's making, beginning with his rap "I'm So Glad We're Friends" from his barely teenage years entering Harvard University as a young prodigy.
Leslie then explained key bits on Transition, starting with his initial meeting with his mystery woman during a rehearsal for his showcase at New York's SOB's earlier this year. Upon meeting her, he says, a melody came into his head that he couldn't shake. That melody later became one of the album's key tracks "Something That I Like." In an effort to woo her, Leslie became absorbed in her varied musical tastes, leading to his creating the guitar heavy "Without You I'd Be Nothing." "We had a small challenge," he explained. "She had a boyfriend."
Each song on Transition was indicative of his recent history in love with her. So did he get the girl after filling her home with wall to wall roses and making an album in her honor? You'll have to buy the album to find out.
Shyne Still In Custody, Release on Hold
October 8th, 2009 Author: Andres Tardio
Shyne was meant to be released from prison on Tuesday, as HipHopDX reported [click here]. However, the rapper's release didn't pan out the way it was scheduled to. Instead, Shyne is still in custody and awaiting further details.
A rep spoke about the situation to MTV, Wednesday October 7, 2009.
"Shyne is currently in federal custody while his future immigration status is determined," the rep said.
Oscar Michelen, Shyne's lawyer spoke to MTV about the case. When asked about Shyne being deported by the end of the week, he didn't confirm or deny the rumors.
"[I] don't know where that came from or if it's true," he said.
In a report that surfaced early this morning (Wednesday, October 7, 2009), Michelen also spoke to the New York Daily News [click here] about Shyne's spirits.
"He is looking forward to seeing his family and being able to be free to do what he wants to do," Michelen added.
DX will keep you posted as more details emerge on the case.
Shyne was meant to be released from prison on Tuesday, as HipHopDX reported [click here]. However, the rapper's release didn't pan out the way it was scheduled to. Instead, Shyne is still in custody and awaiting further details.
A rep spoke about the situation to MTV, Wednesday October 7, 2009.
"Shyne is currently in federal custody while his future immigration status is determined," the rep said.
Oscar Michelen, Shyne's lawyer spoke to MTV about the case. When asked about Shyne being deported by the end of the week, he didn't confirm or deny the rumors.
"[I] don't know where that came from or if it's true," he said.
In a report that surfaced early this morning (Wednesday, October 7, 2009), Michelen also spoke to the New York Daily News [click here] about Shyne's spirits.
"He is looking forward to seeing his family and being able to be free to do what he wants to do," Michelen added.
DX will keep you posted as more details emerge on the case.
Xzibit Hosts ABC's Extreme Home Makeover
October 8th, 2009 Author: Jake Paine
Since the early '90s, Hip Hop audiences have embraced Xzbit's [click to read] raspy delivery and lyrical linguistic gifts. For the last decade, the Likwit emcee has gone on to household name status through acting, endorsements and most notably, hosting MTV's Pimp My Ride. While that program saw Xzibit helping hoopty-drivers clean up their cars, X-to-the-Z will lend his charitable-rescue talents to a far more serious cause: ABC's Extreme Home Makeover.
Airing this Sunday at 8pm local on the ABC network, the rapper will be leading the charge in helping a family in need. "It's a whole different presentation. It's a whole different seriousness, [when] you go about building a house in seven days," Xzibit told HipHopDX Wednesday evening about the contast between Pimp My Ride and Extreme Home Makeover. "This is somewhere where people have to spend their lives at. So it's a lot different than putting a chandelier or somethin' in a car...it's different programming, it's a different network, it's a different feel all the way around."
The emcee and actor elaborated, "The demographic that watches Extreme Home Makeover is definitely different from the medium that I was at [with] MTV [and Pimp My Ride]. It was good, man, 'cause I actually got to do something good for somebody else. It was out of generosity. It's something that's definitely gonna affect these peoples' lives for a long time."
Xzibit admitted to HipHopDX that he is a fan of the show, "I had seen episodes, but there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes that goes into putting one of these homes together." The rapper's business handlers were approached based on his existing television reputation for giving.
Xzibit bonded with the recipients of the television gift. "They're the Hill Family. It's an extended family. One of the close relatives of the mother and father couldn't take care of the six or seven kids, so they all came together as one big family. The Hills. There's 13 kids altogether, a mother and father - the father is ex [US Military] Reserve. He did some years over in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's back and he's trying to carve a living in Connecticut."
Continuing the conversation with HipHopDX, Xzibit was asked about his own life, and an instance when he received a significant gift. "The nicest thing anybody's done for me...geez...I don't know, the judge lowered my child support? [Laughs hysterically] I'm only kidding," said the rapper jokingly. He continued, "A lot of people I'm sure have done things for me. Some I know about. Some I probably don't. I don't keep count, me. I don't worry myself with that. I think when you start doing that, you start anticipating; I don't anticipate anything from anybody."
The rapper also expounded on his own musical return, and unique strategy. "We're gonna definitely put together three EPs leading up to the real, physical album. We've been cuttin' already; I got 10 songs in." Without the usual pressures found in Xzibit's major label tenures, he admitted, "We're gonna build this with the fans, for the fans and to the fans."
After platinum, gold and critically acclaimed albums for a decade, Xzibit's take on the industry has shifted since his last release, 2006's Full Circle [click to read]. "I think the days of just rolling a regular album out with one single...or even just floodin' the mixtapes...I don't think that's the answer. I think over the last decade, I've carved out a niche for myself that is unique to me." The rapper seems to have embraced the digital age, "I'm not tryin' to get on the radio, 'cause I really don't think radio is relevant to get to the fans that are online looking for music everyday. Not that Internet is everything, you do need radio, you do need certain avenues that we'll attack on our own level, on our time."
Extreme Home Makeover with Xzibit airs at 8pm Sunday on ABC.
Since the early '90s, Hip Hop audiences have embraced Xzbit's [click to read] raspy delivery and lyrical linguistic gifts. For the last decade, the Likwit emcee has gone on to household name status through acting, endorsements and most notably, hosting MTV's Pimp My Ride. While that program saw Xzibit helping hoopty-drivers clean up their cars, X-to-the-Z will lend his charitable-rescue talents to a far more serious cause: ABC's Extreme Home Makeover.
Airing this Sunday at 8pm local on the ABC network, the rapper will be leading the charge in helping a family in need. "It's a whole different presentation. It's a whole different seriousness, [when] you go about building a house in seven days," Xzibit told HipHopDX Wednesday evening about the contast between Pimp My Ride and Extreme Home Makeover. "This is somewhere where people have to spend their lives at. So it's a lot different than putting a chandelier or somethin' in a car...it's different programming, it's a different network, it's a different feel all the way around."
The emcee and actor elaborated, "The demographic that watches Extreme Home Makeover is definitely different from the medium that I was at [with] MTV [and Pimp My Ride]. It was good, man, 'cause I actually got to do something good for somebody else. It was out of generosity. It's something that's definitely gonna affect these peoples' lives for a long time."
Xzibit admitted to HipHopDX that he is a fan of the show, "I had seen episodes, but there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes that goes into putting one of these homes together." The rapper's business handlers were approached based on his existing television reputation for giving.
Xzibit bonded with the recipients of the television gift. "They're the Hill Family. It's an extended family. One of the close relatives of the mother and father couldn't take care of the six or seven kids, so they all came together as one big family. The Hills. There's 13 kids altogether, a mother and father - the father is ex [US Military] Reserve. He did some years over in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's back and he's trying to carve a living in Connecticut."
Continuing the conversation with HipHopDX, Xzibit was asked about his own life, and an instance when he received a significant gift. "The nicest thing anybody's done for me...geez...I don't know, the judge lowered my child support? [Laughs hysterically] I'm only kidding," said the rapper jokingly. He continued, "A lot of people I'm sure have done things for me. Some I know about. Some I probably don't. I don't keep count, me. I don't worry myself with that. I think when you start doing that, you start anticipating; I don't anticipate anything from anybody."
The rapper also expounded on his own musical return, and unique strategy. "We're gonna definitely put together three EPs leading up to the real, physical album. We've been cuttin' already; I got 10 songs in." Without the usual pressures found in Xzibit's major label tenures, he admitted, "We're gonna build this with the fans, for the fans and to the fans."
After platinum, gold and critically acclaimed albums for a decade, Xzibit's take on the industry has shifted since his last release, 2006's Full Circle [click to read]. "I think the days of just rolling a regular album out with one single...or even just floodin' the mixtapes...I don't think that's the answer. I think over the last decade, I've carved out a niche for myself that is unique to me." The rapper seems to have embraced the digital age, "I'm not tryin' to get on the radio, 'cause I really don't think radio is relevant to get to the fans that are online looking for music everyday. Not that Internet is everything, you do need radio, you do need certain avenues that we'll attack on our own level, on our time."
Extreme Home Makeover with Xzibit airs at 8pm Sunday on ABC.
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