Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Trina Considers Adopting A Haitian Child
January 23, 2010 08:01:00 PM CST by Allen Jacobs
Rapper Trina has built a reputation on being "bad." This evening though, the Miami-based veteran Slip-N-Slide Records hit-maker released the following statement via her personal publicist. The statement has been edited for spelling and grammar.
"With the current state that Haiti is in right now; I personally feel like donating monetary and physical possessions is a enormous and vast donation...however I would like to contribute on a higher level for more personal reasons in addition to being ready to raise/nurture a child; by being involved on a day to day bases.
The tragic and untimely list of events that have happen in Haiti even before the recent earthquake have made me realize how blessed I am as a individual and I want to share that with a child; that is a victim in this disturbing time; in addition to adding on to my immediate family circle.
I am in the financial position to adopt; therefore I am taking it into deep consideration at this time, I have always admired other individuals for adopting children not so much for their celebrity status but more so because of the 'nurturing' and invaluable change and joy it will bring to a child’s life.
Lastly the fact that I am considering adopting a child from, Haiti is even more significant to me seeing that a great deal of adopted children that come into the United States are from larger countries such as China, Russia and Africa [sic]. I also have family members that are of Haitian descent." - Trina
Trina's next album, Amazin' is her first since 2008's Still Da Baddest.
HipHopDX will keep you updated.
Rapper Trina has built a reputation on being "bad." This evening though, the Miami-based veteran Slip-N-Slide Records hit-maker released the following statement via her personal publicist. The statement has been edited for spelling and grammar.
"With the current state that Haiti is in right now; I personally feel like donating monetary and physical possessions is a enormous and vast donation...however I would like to contribute on a higher level for more personal reasons in addition to being ready to raise/nurture a child; by being involved on a day to day bases.
The tragic and untimely list of events that have happen in Haiti even before the recent earthquake have made me realize how blessed I am as a individual and I want to share that with a child; that is a victim in this disturbing time; in addition to adding on to my immediate family circle.
I am in the financial position to adopt; therefore I am taking it into deep consideration at this time, I have always admired other individuals for adopting children not so much for their celebrity status but more so because of the 'nurturing' and invaluable change and joy it will bring to a child’s life.
Lastly the fact that I am considering adopting a child from, Haiti is even more significant to me seeing that a great deal of adopted children that come into the United States are from larger countries such as China, Russia and Africa [sic]. I also have family members that are of Haitian descent." - Trina
Trina's next album, Amazin' is her first since 2008's Still Da Baddest.
HipHopDX will keep you updated.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ja Rule Faces Up To 4 Years In Prison For Gun Charge
January 21, 2010 12:44:00 AM CST by Slava Kuperstein
Ja Rule's bid to keep a loaded gun found in his vehicle from being used against him in a weapons-possession case was denied on Wednesday (Jan 20).
Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Richard Carruthers rejected the rapper's contention that he had been pulled over without probable cause after a July 2007 concert, according to abcnews.com.
Prosecutors stated that the stop was justified because the chauffeured vehicle was driving over the speed limit, and had suspended registration and no insurance. Ja's lawyer, Stacey Richman, says police were simply looking for an excuse to pull him over.
Police reported that they smelled marijuana, and found a .40-caliber semiautomatic in the rear driver's side door.
Despite the fact that the rapper had said he had "a little bit of weed" in his pocket, he is not being charged with drug possession.
If convicted, Ja Rule faces up to four years in prison.
Ja Rule's bid to keep a loaded gun found in his vehicle from being used against him in a weapons-possession case was denied on Wednesday (Jan 20).
Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Richard Carruthers rejected the rapper's contention that he had been pulled over without probable cause after a July 2007 concert, according to abcnews.com.
Prosecutors stated that the stop was justified because the chauffeured vehicle was driving over the speed limit, and had suspended registration and no insurance. Ja's lawyer, Stacey Richman, says police were simply looking for an excuse to pull him over.
Police reported that they smelled marijuana, and found a .40-caliber semiautomatic in the rear driver's side door.
Despite the fact that the rapper had said he had "a little bit of weed" in his pocket, he is not being charged with drug possession.
If convicted, Ja Rule faces up to four years in prison.
Fabolous Postpones Mixtape Out Of Respect For Haiti
January 21, 2010 09:01:00 AM CST by Andres Tardio
Fabolous has decided to postpone the release of his anticipated mixtape Funeral Service: There is no Competition 2 as a reaction to the tragic disaster in Haiti, according to the rapper's recent comments. Fab took to his Twitter account to announce that he would hold off on the release, noting this tape's title may not be appropriate for the times.
Recently, he posted these three updates on his page.
"I appreciate everyone lookin 4 & forward to #TiNc2.. It will b #classic.. But in light of the haiti tradegy imma hold of til end of Jan."
"Its very sad & tragic, & tho I has previously scheduled 2 release it, don't feel good bout talkin "funeral" n these times. Patience 4 #TiNc2"
"Its only a week, 10 days at most.. And its crazy.. Anyone who's heard any of the #TiNc2 mixtape please vouch that its crazy!"
Although it mentions that it will drop at the end of January, no word has been given on the finalized date of the release.
Fabolous has decided to postpone the release of his anticipated mixtape Funeral Service: There is no Competition 2 as a reaction to the tragic disaster in Haiti, according to the rapper's recent comments. Fab took to his Twitter account to announce that he would hold off on the release, noting this tape's title may not be appropriate for the times.
Recently, he posted these three updates on his page.
"I appreciate everyone lookin 4 & forward to #TiNc2.. It will b #classic.. But in light of the haiti tradegy imma hold of til end of Jan."
"Its very sad & tragic, & tho I has previously scheduled 2 release it, don't feel good bout talkin "funeral" n these times. Patience 4 #TiNc2"
"Its only a week, 10 days at most.. And its crazy.. Anyone who's heard any of the #TiNc2 mixtape please vouch that its crazy!"
Although it mentions that it will drop at the end of January, no word has been given on the finalized date of the release.
Copyright Criminals Tackles Issue Of Sampling
January 21, 2010 09:27:00 AM CST by Edwin Ortiz
With the issue of sampling and the legal ramifications behind it becoming more and more prevalent in Hip Hop, a new documentary produced by Benjamin Franzen and Kembrew McLeod seeks to answer the question of who truly owns music created through samples.
Titled Copyright Criminals, the documentary features over a dozen interviews with some of Hip Hop’s most recognizable figures, including Pete Rock, El-P, Chuck D of Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Bobbito Garcia.
Along with artists who have sampled during their careers, Copyright Criminals also highlights a handful of artists who themselves have been sampled. One musician in particular is drummer Clyde Stubblefield, who played in James Brown’s band during recording sessions. “I didn’t know anything about sampling until people came up and said some other artist is using your drum pattern…So many groups have sampled my stuff,” explains Stubblefield in the documentary. “They say I’m the world’s number one sampled drummer; I haven’t got a penny for it yet though.”
Copyright Criminals will be available January 26 via Amazon.com and iTunes, as well as in select local retail DVD stores. Click here to view the trailer.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Waka Flocka Flame Shot During Robbery Attack
January 19, 2010 08:01:00 PM CST by Allen Jacobs
Gucci Mane's So Icey artist Waka Flocka Flame was hit with two gunshots in Atlanta today. KarenCivil.com confirmed the reports, that the 23 year-old rapper (born Juaquin James Malphurs) was the victim of an attempted robbery at an Old National Highway gas station. There, Waka Flocka was approached and told to hand over jewels. After refusing, the Warner Brothers-backed rapper was shot twice.
Early reports indicate that Waka Flocka is expected to recover fully soon. There has been no indication at where he was hit on his body, or whether or not the rapper was robbed.
Last month, Waka appeared on Gucci Mane's The State vs. Radric Davis, appearing on "Bingo." A member of Gucci's Brick Squad, Waka garnered buzz with his 2009 mixtape ironically titled Shoot Me Or Salute Me. He can be heard on single "O Let's Do It" .
HipHopDX will keep you updated.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Royce da 5'9" Responds to Benzino diss (Pulls Out A Rocket Launcher ODee)
One quarter of supergroup, Slaughterhouse, had something to say about possibly the worst rapper in the world (according to Eminem), Benzino and his failed attempt at starting a new beef.
* *I wouldn't be showing not AR-15's and Rocket Launchers on the internet for my own personal reasons but hey.* *
Bun B, Jim Jones, Cam'ron, D-Block On Kay Slay's More Than A DJ
January 19, 2010 10:22:00 AM CST by Jake Paine
DJ Kay Slay will be releasing More Than A DJ in on February 9th through E1 Entertainment. The latest in the Streetsweeper Entertainment founder's compilation series boasts a jam-packed lineup. Although the Drama King was outspoken about Plies holding out from contributions, the New York mainstay has included southern talent ranging from veterans Bun B and Yo Gotti to relative newcomers OJ Da Juiceman and Durrough.
West coast representation comes courtest of San Quinn, Mistah F.A.B. and Ray J, while east coast titans Cam'ron, D-Block, Busta Rhymes and Lloyd Banks are involved.
The tracklisting is below.
1. Intro (feat. Busta Rhymes)
2. Men Of Respect (feat. Tony Yayo, Papoose, Lloyd Banks, Jim Jones & Rell)
3. Bad Girls (feat. Jacki-O, Remy Ma, Hedonis & Ayanna Irish)
4. Blockstars (feat. Yo Gotti, Jim Jones, Busta Rhymes & Ray J)
5. Monster Music (feat. Cam’ron & Vado)
6. Layed Out (feat. Bun B, Papoose, Twista, Jay Rock, Young Chris, Durrough
7. Gangsta Shit (feat. OJ Da Juiceman, Papoose & Yo Gotti
8. Skit Straight Stuntin
9. Let’s Ryde Together (feat. Trick Trick, M.O.P., Trae & Trey Williams)
10. Thug Luv (feat. Maino, Papoose, Red Cafe & Ray J)
11. Skit Popa Wu
12. See The Light (feat. AZ, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah)
13. Hustle Game (feat. Bun B, Webbie, Lil Boosie & Nicole Wray)
14. God Forgive Me (feat. Joell Ortiz, Papoose, Jae Millz & Saigon
15. Kay-Slay-Dem (feat. Uncle Murda, Grafh & Mistah F.A.B.)
16. The Block Is Hot (feat. Mike Beck, Lucky Don, Nina B & Ki Grip)
17. You Heard Of Us (feat. D-Block & Ray J)
18. Street Credibility (feat. San Quinn, Big Rich & Hoodstars
19. Blockstars Remix (feat. Busta Rhymes, Sheek Louch, Rick Ross, Papoose, Cam’ron, Vado and Ray J
20. Skit Popa Wu 2
formspring.me
if you could have three wishes no matter how far fetch they are what would they be and why?
My first wish would be to have a cure for H.I.V. so everyone who has it can be cured. My second wish would be to be able to stay with my wifey and son forever. My third and final wish would be me being a millionaire so I could help my moms with whatever she needs and I could invest money into things that will help me.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Queens Veteran Rapper Killa Sha Dies
January 18, 2010 04:01:00 PM CST by Jake Paine
Rap artists including Planet Asia (via Twitter) and website Unkut.com have confirmed that veteran Queens emcee Killa Sha passed away this weekend due to complications from Diabetes. A onetime partner of Tragedy Khadafi, Sha was a member of Juice Crew affiliates The Super Kids.
Later becoming Killa Kids, Killa Sha released several vinyl singles. Throughout the '90s, he remained close with Mobb Deep and Tragedy Khadafi. Sha, who also recorded as Sha Lumi, worked as a deejay for Prodigy and Havoc, while also recording as a rapper with Jedi Mind Tricks, Tragedy and Screwball.
He last released God Walk On Water on Traffic Entertainment in 2007. There was a rumored full album with Large Professor in the works, with whom he worked on last year's Main Source.
UPDATE: Christian Hedlund of the Traffic Entertainment Group, spoke of the rapper's impact to the label, and what they witnessed in Sha. "We felt that Killa Sha was perhaps the last real Queensbridge rapper, period. He was a righteous individual, real stand-up guy, who delivered what he promised, and delivered quality. Not something we run into all the time."
To read a recent and brilliantly researched interview conducted by Robbie Ettelson, visit UnKut.com's September 2009 piece with Sha.
HipHopDX sends our condolences to Sha's family, peers and fans.
Purchase God Walk on Water by Killa Sha
Damon Dash Compared To Andy Warhol In New York Observer
January 18, 2010 01:01:00 PM CST by Danielle Harling
After being hit by a number of financials woes and a recent divorce Hip Hop mogul Damon Dash seemed to have strayed away from the spotlight.
But despite his recent burdens Dash has moved on to create DD172, an artistic space located in Manhattan’s wealthy Tribeca neighborhood.
Described by rapper Mos Def as a mix of “Hitsville, Andy Warhol’s Factory and a little bit of the Algonquin roundtable” DD172 serves as an art gallery, rehearsal space, photo studio, and much more.
In a feature story for The New York Observer, Dash gave writer D.M. Levine and photographer Matt Rodigheri an inside look at DD172.
“I’m a pretentious hippie,” Dash told The Observer. “This is what I should be doing…Regardless of how I got here, I’m exactly where I want to be.”
It may seem a little ironic that after dealing with a number of financial issues Dash chose to open a space right in the middle of one of New York City’s most priciest areas. When asked about his financial issues Dash responded with the following: “Look, you don’t come out of financial troubles over night. But, I guess, if this is financial trouble, I like being broke.”
Young Buck Pleads For Sit-Down With 50 Cent
January 18, 2010 12:01:00 AM CST by Slava Kuperstein
Young Buck seems to change his mind on a weekly basis, as the former G-Unit rapper has now asked for a face-to-face sit-down with 50 Cent, after having recently dissed him.
"Mr. Curtis can only hold me for so long," said Buck of his former employer in an interview with DJ Scream. "Eventually he's gotta come to some type of terms of negotiations. I haven't spoke to 50 in three years. I done did every thing you could do, called the nigga's phone to having lawyers reach out. I really just want to have a sit-down with this nigga, eye to eye."
Buck made it clear that the forum on which they had the discussion didn't matter. "[We can do it] personally or on ESPN, BET, MTV, wherever he wanna do this shit, I just really want to look at this shit in his eyes and see how this nigga really feels and how he's going about handling me because I'm a real nigga and this is something that 50 does though. Every one of them G-Unit niggas know how I get down. Period. Ain't no bullsh*t..."
Buck may have some difficulty getting 50 in the same room as him, however, as he released a diss towards 50 Cent, titled "Finish What You Start," just over a week ago. On the track, Buck implies that either 50, G-Unit or both are jealous of him.
Rick Ross Hosts Blood Drive To Aid Victims in Haiti
January 17, 2010 04:01:00 PM CST by Krysten Hughes
Miami Rapper Rick Ross is hosting a blood drive tomorrow, January 18 to help with the victims of Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Haiti. Alongside Rick Ross is 24 Hour Fitness and The Community Blood Center, who will be collecting blood donations to send to Port-Au-Prince.
“We have to come together to assist Haiti in any way possible. Give blood, donate what you can and remember the relief efforts for Haiti need to be long term," he said in a press release.
Rick Ross will appear at the blood drive between the hours of 5:30pm - 10:30pm at 24 Hour Fitness, located at 8385 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines.
Last year, the Maybach Music Group owner performed at the Starfest Music Festival in Haiti which brings awareness to people of the Caribbean in conjunction with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The festival brings together some of the world's top artists in Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae and jazz, with cultural and educational events.
Haitian Rapper Jimmy O Killed In Quake, Akon Speaks On Smoking Gun Allegations
January 17, 2010 03:01:00 PM CST by Krysten Hughes
Not long after the earthquake struck the small island of Haiti, Wyclef Jean spoke with CNN in an urgent plea to locate Haitian rapper Jimmy O, who was missing.
"I urge everyone who's listening right now that knows how great this kid is in Haiti — I need y'all to verify this information," Wyclef said during an interview with CNN. "It would be a terrible loss for us," he continued.
CNN later confirmed on Friday, January 15 that Jimmy O, who was actively involved in Clef's non-profit Yele Haiti foundation had been discovered dead. Thirty five year old Jean "Jimmy O" Alexandre, who was in Haiti working on a mixtape, had been crushed in his vehicle while driving downtown in Haiti's capital, Port-Au-Prince. Jimmy O was an important figure in Haiti who helped run the Yele Haiti charity as well as develop new music artists in his native country.
Rapper Akon has expressed his condolences to Wyclef and showed support of his Yele Haiti organization during this tragic time. "I know how much passion and love he has for his country and that's why he does so much for Haiti in general," Akon said. "And I can understand it. I feel his pain in all aspects because if it happened in Senegal, I'd be in the same position. So that's why we do whatever we can and assist him in whatever it is, including him and everyone else, they all need help. I think we should put our hands in that same pot and try to find a way to stir that soup [together]."
Akon also responded to the recent allegations that were brought upon Clef and his non-profit organization by The Smoking Gun. "A lot of times, things like [critiques of Wyclef's organization] are really irrelevant," Akon said in an interview with MTV. "Because it's obvious he's trying to do good. Especially for Haiti, his loyalty to Haiti, you can't really question. In the beginning his foundation was in the start-up stages and he had to get the team together, he had to find the right staff and crew that could actually handle those things. He had a lot on his plate. Naturally, of course, when you have a lot on your plate, you're an entertainer and you're moving around performing and doing humanitarian acts through the world, it's going to be hard to keep an eye on everything with your foundation. Some things are going slip through the cracks. But I don't think that's fair to put him under the gun for things like that because at the end of the day, you know where his heart is."
Wyclef has donated $1 million of his own money to the foundation, and received $2 million in donations that have been collected through text messaging.
Valentine's Day Mixtape Coming Soon
The Stakk Money boys have been very busy for the past few years. Releasing various mixtapes across the web and in the streets. Bakin Soda Bizz has had a very busy and production end of 09 and early 2010, releasing 4 total mixtapes with Toronto's own DJ Rated R. R-Stonze has been busy keeping up with the work flow by gathering beats, writing and finishing full length albums and mixtapes. So the "Partners In Crime" are planning on releasing their first mixtape together and its geared towards the ladies. Yes, "Valentine's Day" the mixtape will be dropping next month and it will be free for everybody. This mixtape will feature all R&B music and feature other up and coming R&B artist. This will be a treat for all the ladies who love R&B, and I believe that this will be just on time for Valentine's Day 2010. Stay posted on this blogspot for news and updates on this mixtape.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
DJ Rated R & Big Tobacco - The Cartel Gathering 5 (HOSTED BY WILLIE THE KID)
It's all about bangin' ass music when a new Cartel Gathering mixtape drops. The Fly himself, Willie The Kid is hosting and has exclusive new music throughout. Also featuring new music from Queens staples CNN, Big Twins, and Nas. On the Shaolin side of things there's new joints from Raekwon and Mastakilla. If you're an east coast overdose'r like us this is your theme music for this cold ass winter. Also, up and coming rapper Bakin Soda Bizz has a track on this mixtape as well. Make sure you check out this new tape by Rated R, and help support Bakin Soda Bizz.
Product Details:
Tracklist
01 Willie The Kid - Intro
02 Willie The Kid Ft La The Darkman-Necessary Way
03 Tony Yayo-Obama
04 Lloyd Banks Ft Cormega-I Get It
05 Cnn-Exhibit Cnn
06 Mop Ft Havoc & Kool G Rap-Do It
07 Big Twins-Cash
08 Big Twins-But The Money
09 Lu Chin Ft Big Noyd-Want Them Dead
10 Bun B-On To The Next
11 Jag Ft Cassidy-On To The Next
12 Jag Ft Cassidy-Im Ill
13 Papoose Glock Busta
14 Willie The Kid Ft La The Darkman-Benz Or Beamer
15 Nas-Soulbrother(Pete Rock)
16 Nas-Somebody Help
17 B Real-Chong(Pete Rock)
18 Mastakilla-Things
19 Tru Wariers-What It Comes To
20 Platinum P Ft Jerk-Gonna Ride
21 Raekwon Ft Ghostface Methodman & U God-Clap
22 J Love-Back In Ny
23 Chinx Drugs-Popular Demand
24 Chinx Drugs-Where They Do That At
25 Jr Writer-Im Just Warming Up
26 Willie The Kid-Conjuring The Cure
27 Bakin Soda Bizz-Baby Come Back
28 Sean Perry-Me Im Just Me
29 Styles P-Send A Kite
30 Tony Ducks Ft Styles P-Real Talk
31 Sheek Louch-Pete Rock
32 Chase Fetti Ft Hank Dope-War
Eve Leaves Interscope Records, Plans "Lip Lock" Album In 2010
January 16, 2010 09:01:00 AM CST by Rashad Phillips
After enjoying critical acclaim, commercial success as a solo artist and as an actress, Eve has not released a full-length album since 2002's Eve-Olution. The self-proclaimed "pitbull in a skirt" took to the social-networking site Twitter to announce that she has left Interscope Records and has plans for an album in 2010.
"Let me tell u [sic] what happened with music so y'all don't think I quit," Eve wrote. "Left Interscope, free agent now. Went back in re-doing music. Trust me."
In a 2009 interview with the New York Post, Eve stated similar reasons for the delay of her fourth album. The album was originally titled Here I Am then renamed Flirt.
"Unfortunately I am caught up in a whole music label situation," Eve told the Post. "The album is finally going to come out this spring or summer. But with all the time that passed, we went back in and reworked the whole thing. I am truly, truly sitting on some amazing music. Nobody's been waiting longer than me to get this monkey off my back!"
After moving from from Interscope to Geffen and still not releasing an album, Eve expanded her acting portfolio with her own television show as well as various movie roles. Eve added that her upcoming album is tentatively titled Lip Lock, and the previously released singles "Tambourine" and "Give It To You" will be on the album as bonus tracks.
Bun B Offers "Houston For Haiti", NBA And NFL Offer Donations
January 16, 2010 12:01:00 PM CST by Krysten Hughes
In the wake of one of the world's most devastating natural disasters, Texas rapper Bun B of the Grammy nominated Hip Hop duo UGK has risen to the occasion, offering a rap concert to raise money for the people of Haiti who were hit by the massive 7.0 earthquake.
"We all need to get involved," Bun B said in a statement. "Race, color or creed, we are all Haitians right now, and we need to help our brothers and sisters."
"Houston For Haiti" will take place at Warehouse Live in Houston, TX on Monday January 18. All proceeds collected from ticket sales, which are listed at $20 each, will go directly to the CARE relief organization.
Slim Thug, Trae The Truth, ESG, Lil O, Candi Redd, Just Brittany, Corey Mo and The Party Boyz are just a few of the names scheduled to perform.
Other recent donations to support the victims of the earthquake in Haiti include the National Basketball Association and National Football League, both organizations donating one million dollars to the UNICEF relief effort.
Oprah has donated $1 million dollars, in addition to Shaq, Justin Timberlake, DJ Whoo Kidd, and Ludacris, who have all donated various amounts. In total U.S. companies have pledged to donate over $48 million, and text messages have accounted for more than $11 million in donations. Lady GaGa announced Friday that sales of her merchandise would go to Haitian relief as well.
Also reported earlier this week on HipHopDX, Wyclef Jean's Yele organization has now raised over two million dollars for victims.
Wyclef's Yele Called In To Question, Set To Host "Hope For Haiti" Telethon With George Clooney
January 16, 2010 01:01:00 PM CST by Krysten Hughes
While many have come together to aid relief for the victims of Tuesday's devastating earthquake in Haiti, Wyclef Jean has been the ambassador. Through Yele Haiti Foundation, Clef's charitable organization, $2 million dollars has been raised through text messaging. An organization which has now been called into question.
Friday, The Smoking Gun released a report, claiming that faulty record keeping and documents filed with the Internal Revenue Service reflect previous funds circulated within the non-profit organization have gone towards rent, production services and appearance fees. The report also revealed that 2008 was the first time that the organization had filed tax returns and only representing 2005, 2006 and most recently, 2009.
The Haitian born rapper has not addressed the allegations at this time. However, even with the organization's skepticism, donations continue to pour in. Many Yele supporters argue that The Smoking Gun calling Wyclef's organization into question is shady, particularly when the Red Cross organization has a history of corruption and financial records unaccounted for, as well as misusing funds from the Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005.
Wyclef, who arrived in Haiti on Thursday, spent the entire day with his wife picking up dead bodies and described the scene as "Apocalypse." He also stated that there are at least 400,000 to 500,000 people who could potentially die.
Wyclef is also scheduled to co-host a telethon to raise money for the victims of Haiti alongside actor George Clooney and CNN's Anderson Cooper. The two hour "Hope For Haiti" telethon will take place January 22 and air live, commerical free on MTV, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, VH1 and CMT. One hundred percent of the donations will go to Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef's Yele Haiti Foundation.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Mystikal Released From Prison, Encourages Positivity
January 15, 2010 07:01:00 AM CST by Allen Jacobs
Veteran No Limit and Jive Records rapper Mystikal walked out of the Louisiana State Prison System late yesterday (January 14). This comes after a six-year sentence was given to the rapper in 2004, for forcing a stylist to perform video-taped sexual acts on the popular rapper. Initially claiming innocence, the surfacing video later changed the New Orleans Rap veteran's plea, and led towards his sentence.
“We gotta pay more attention to what we’re doing our self. That’s an easy excuse,” Mystikal told local radio station Q93. Speaking about the Rap community's ever-present incarcerations, including Louisiana peers Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie, as well as Atlanta rappers T.I., Gucci Mane and perhaps Shawty Redd, Mystikal added, “We gotta take responsibility for what we do. We can't be foolish especially when you are blessed and successful. We gotta tighten up.”
Mystikal first released an independent self-titled 1994 album. After catching the attention of popular Hip Hop label, Jive in the year after, he would release Mind Of Mystikal in 1996, garnering the now 39 year-old rapper, his first gold plaque.
With the emergence of No Limit Records, Mystikal would prove to be Master P's first major label acquisition, prior to Snoop Dogg two years later. In partnership with Jive, No Limit would release two platinum albums with Mystikal. After leaving Percy Miller's label at the end of the '90s, Mystikal returned solely to Jive for his biggest success, 2000's Let's Get Ready. The album was a #1 album on the Pop charts, backed by singles "Shake Ya Ass" and "Danger (Been So Long)." After one prior gold album, Tarantula in 2001, Mystikal's recording career went mute for almost a decade.
He told Q93 that he maintains plans to rap, but with a lesson-learned. "I'm gonna be doing a lot of positive stuff he said," unclear whether he meant on or off the microphone. He did say though, "Wait till I shake the world up now," regarding his music.
There is no specification as to whether Mystikal has any label obligation at this time.
R-Stonze - Before The Agony
Stakk Money Ent. artist and CEO R-Stonze is gearing up to release another one of his 2010 projects titled "Before The Agony." This mixtape is the prequel to his long awaited street album "Agony Of Defeat, Glory Of Victory" which is set for release before the spring of this year. This mixtape will feature custom production from some of the hottest up and coming producers, as well as freestyles over some of today's hottest instrumentals. You'll find 20+ tracks on this mixtape, along with an album sampler from "Agony Of Defeat, Glory Of Victory."
Stay posted up on our blogspot, R-Stonze's myspace and twitter for updates on this mixtape and its release.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bakin Soda Bizz's 2 New Mixtapes Now On Livemixtapes.com
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Show your support and download these mixtapes right here. Make sure you vote for this tape as well ya dig, help support that Stakk Money Movement. Don't forget you can also download these mixtapes at http://www.datpiff.com/ or right from the bottom of this blogspot in the mixtape section. Everybody keep Stakkin ya dig !
DX News Bits: C-N-N, Lupe Fiasco, Clipse
January 13, 2010 03:01:00 PM CST by Andres Tardio
Battling inclement weather conditions, Lupe Fiasco joined several others in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Summit on the Summit. The journey, which took about six days and fifty miles, was done in an effort to raise awareness of clean water and how much it is needed in developing nations across the world.
"The thrill of conquering your fears especially in such a physically and mentally taxing environment can't really be done justice in words," Lupe Fiasco said in a statement to MTV. (Photos courtesy of Summit on the Summit)
Jessica Biel, Santigold, Kenna and others were part of the trek. The journey will be televised with a documentary set to be shown on MTV on March 14.
In other news, The Clipse's former manager Anthony "Geezy" Gonzales has been handed 32 years in jail. The group's former manager was arrested as he was thought to be the leader of a major drug ring in April of 2009. He faced 82 counts for drug trafficking and the distribution of 100 pounds of cocaine.
“I just want to say that I’m sorry to my family and I’m sorry to the community,” he said during sentencing. Malice and Pusha T have not issued statements on the matter as of yet.
Finally, Noreaga has been talking about the release of War Report sequel.
"We had the idea for the War Report [sequel]. We was actually calling it Report the War. We was gonna do all the songs [from The War Report] in a backwards order. Like call a song 'Money Blood' instead of 'Bloody Money.' Instead of 'Illegal Life,' we would do 'Life Illegal,' so on and so forth. It was gonna be everything but backwards. Then what happened was, as we started to record for The War Report 2, I didn't want to force it. I didn't want to force calling a record 'Money Blood' if it wasn't that. The shit started flowing. You don't go to the ocean and say, 'The waves is flowing this way, but I wanna try to force the waves to go this way.' You don't do that. So the way we was recording it, I was like, 'I can't mess with Mother Nature.' It's flowing perfectly. We went and got Imam Thug, a person from the original. We got Mussolini. Tragedy [Khadafi] is on the album. As you know, he's incarcerated. But we got a couple of verses, and he'll appear on the skits. Then we gonna get some new features. I ain't gonna say who, 'cause it should be a surprise."
Nore also added that he is more focused on C-N-N than anything else at this point.
"Right now, I'm not even recording Nore records. I got some big-time producers calling with beats, and I tell them, 'Not right now. I'm chilling.' I don't want to record a party record. I don't even want to be near a party. That's not what C-N-N represented. It represented the gutter. If the records could be played in a party, then good. But big-up Rae and the whole Ice Water. Mel, K, everybody. We gonna execute the plan."
He added that Raekwon inspired this release, which will have Busta Rhymes as an executive producer.
"Rae set the platform for everybody to go back in and do their art," Nore continued, referencing the success of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II. Busta is going back in and doing his E.L.E. [2]. Fat Joe is doing Darkside. I don't think I ever been this focused in my whole career. I don't wanna fuck up the War Report legacy. I'm taking it too serious. I'm taking it real serious, because The War Report has its own following, its own legacy. I don't want to take anything away from that. I think we're making a helluva album. Maybe even better than The War Report. I know that's a lot to say, but wait until you hear it."
The War Report sequel may be released on April 20
Lloyd Banks Allowed Back In U.S.A.
January 14, 2010 12:01:00 AM CST by Slava Kuperstein
G-Unit member Lloyd Banks has officially been released by Canadian immigration officials after being detained for 24 hours following an arrest for assault.
According to MTV News, Banks was released on Wednesday (Jan. 13) morning, and was allowed to return to the United States.
On Friday (Jan. 8), Banks allegedly assaulted a show promoter/booking agent after a show in Brantford, Ontario. There was apparently a dispute over money.
Following the altercation, Banks and his entourage were arrested around 5:30 AM on Saturday (Jan. 9). The rapper later posted $50,000 bail, and his associates posted $25,000 each. However, Banks and one other member of his entourage, Nicklas Sloane, were detained by immigration services for unspecified issues.
According to the rapper's lawyer, Sloane is still in custody, awaiting a hearing on Thursday (Jan. 14).
R&B/Soul Icon Teddy Pendergrass Dies
January 14, 2010 08:01:00 AM CST by Melanie Cornish
Teddy Pendergrass, the iconic R&B vocalist who dominated the '70s and '80s died yesterday at the Bryn Mawr Hospital, outside of Philadelphia. In a statement made by his son, Teddy Pendergrass II, to the Associated Press, the singer had failed to fully recover from surgery related to colon cancer, carried out in the summer. He was 59.
The Philadelphia native shot to fame in the early '70s as the lead singer with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, who signed to legendary Philadelphia-based production/writing duo Gamble and Huff. The group went on to record tracks like "If You Don’t Know Me By Now" and "Don’t Leave Me This Way," also a hit for Thelma Houston. After splitting from Melvin's band in 1976, Pendergrass maintained a prominent position in music releasing classics such as "Love TKO," "Close The Door and Turn Off The Lights," becoming an icon for female fans.
Already paralyzed from the waist down, after a car accident in 1982 saw the baritone crooner suffer severe spinal cord damage, Pendergrass continued his successful career even appearing on stage at the Live Aid Concert in 1985. Although he didn’t go out on tour again for 19 years after the accident, he went on to record the platinum selling album Love Language after recovering from the road accident.
With over 20 albums to his credit, various Grammy nominations and multiple platinum discs he went on to developing his own organization to benefit other sufferers of spinal cord injuries, The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance. It was through this philanthropic endeavor that Teddy hoped to give others the opportunity to live life to the fullest despite their injuries in all aspects of daily living.
He was cited as an influence on record to artists such as Snoop Dogg and Ghostface Killah, and was sampled on such hits as Ghost's "Camay," Keith Murray's "Get Lifted" and D'Angelo's "Devil's Pie."
Survived by his son, two daughters, wife, mother and nine grandchildren Teddy Pendergrass will remain huge influence on music. "He will live on through his music,” his son confirmed.
DX News Bits: FeedOffRap.com, Marsha Ambrosius
January 14, 2010 08:01:00 AM CST by Edwin Ortiz
With new Hip Hop websites and blogs popping up every week, one site is acting as a hub to give rap fans a one-stop shop of information.
FeedOffRap.com, created by Niko Lowry, features aggregate content from the most popular sites on the net. Along with news updates, the site also updates a list of tweets made by over 30 Hip Hop artists.
“Hip Hop really needs this site. I wanted a way for fans to get information easily," Lowry explained. Inspired by popurls.com, a site that aggregates content from the Google’s and Yahoo’s of the internet for easier news searching, he added, “I felt Hip Hop needed its own Popurl.”
In other news, R&B singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius recently inked a deal with J Records.
Previously signed to Aftermath Records, Ambrosius told SoulCulture.co.uk, “My deal with Dr.Dre became a writing/production relationship with the Interscope building and I was cool with that.”
However, wanting to expand on her endeavors, Ambrosius took advantage of an opportunity to take her musical career to new heights. “J Records having an understanding with the direction of my sound and style has taken a great weight off my shoulders and I am so comfortable and confident and happy to just be able to make music that I’m in love with again.”
Tentatively titled Yours Sincerely…Marsha Ambrosius, the former Floetry member stated initial progress on the album has been made. At press time, the album will feature production from Just Blaze, Focus, and Dre & Vidal.
Jay-Z & Beyonce Make Forbes' Highest-Earning Couples List
January 14, 2010 09:01:00 AM CST by Salima Koroma
Hard work has certainly paid off for Beyonce and Jay-Z, who seem to have attracted the limelight with virtual ease this past year. According to Forbes, the super couple earned the most money last year, raking in $122 million combined. In addition to the success of their respective albums I Am…Sasha Fierce and The Blueprint 3, the pair also owns clothing lines, tours around the world, and are the faces of several brands. The couple also made last year's Forbes list with a combined earning of $162 million.
The list included actors, artists, and athletes including Tom Hanks, David Beckham, and Ellen Degeneres. Forbes determined the order of the list by speaking to managers, lawyers, agents, and producers with information on what celebrities earned in regards to films, album sales, touring, and professional sports.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith also made the list, coming in at fourth place with $48 million. They were edged out by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who earned $55 million last year.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
R-Stonze & Bakin Soda Bizz Set To Release "Valentine's Day" The Mixtape On Valentine's Day 2010
Stakk Money Ent. CEO R-Stonze and S.M.E. affilliate Bakin Soda Bizz are both set to drop their long awaited "Valentine's Day" mixtape. The two had plans of doing this release last year but the two never came to terms on the project. "I think that this mixtape will be something everybody will be able to play with their lover, or special one this Valentine's Day." said R-Stonze. This mixtape is geared toward the V-Day theme and features joints off previous Bakin Soda Bizz mixtapes, new joints off R-Stonze's "Agony Of Defeat, Glory Of Victory" and tracks by various other indie artists.
You won't find another well rounded R&B mixtape for Valentine's Day besides this one. How can you beat a mixture of quality songs by Bakin Soda Bizz & R-Stonze? You'll have it all. Rapping, singing, love songs, sexual songs, songs about being in bad relationships...everything that has to do with love and every aspect of love will be included on this mixtape. Stay posted on R-Stonze and Bakin Soda Bizz's myspace and twitter pages for more information on the release of this mixtape.
R-Stonze:
Myspace - www.myspace.com/stonze
Twitter - www.twitter.com/stonze12
Bakin Soda Bizz:
Myspace - www.myspace.com/bakinsodabizz
Twitter - www.twitter.com/bakinsodabizz
You won't find another well rounded R&B mixtape for Valentine's Day besides this one. How can you beat a mixture of quality songs by Bakin Soda Bizz & R-Stonze? You'll have it all. Rapping, singing, love songs, sexual songs, songs about being in bad relationships...everything that has to do with love and every aspect of love will be included on this mixtape. Stay posted on R-Stonze and Bakin Soda Bizz's myspace and twitter pages for more information on the release of this mixtape.
R-Stonze:
Myspace - www.myspace.com/stonze
Twitter - www.twitter.com/stonze12
Bakin Soda Bizz:
Myspace - www.myspace.com/bakinsodabizz
Twitter - www.twitter.com/bakinsodabizz
FREE DOWNLOAD: I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II by Killer Mike
January 13, 2010 07:01:00 AM CST by Jake Paine
Released in July of 2008, I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II was supported by Grind Time/SMC/Universal Fontana Records. With appearances by Ice Cube, Chamillionaire, 8Ball & MJG, Pill and S.L. Jones, the independent effort would go on to appear in the Top 200, as well as be awarded HipHopDX's Album Of 2008.
As Mike offers the 17 track release to new and old fans, DX asked him about some of the slept-on release's magic.
From the intro, throughout the album's many interludes, listeners can hear Mike's spoken words of inspiration. One part sermon, one part diatribe, these soliloquies set the tone for the music. Asked about whether these highlighted interludes were rehearsed or staged, Mike credited it to some of his Grind Time producers. "The homie Chaotic Beats, who originally was on I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind I, him and Smiff & Cash...Pledge I was a declaration. It's not a solidification, it's just a declaration - 'I declare myself free.' Pledge II is me [embracing] my freedom and becoming my own boss, and I'm gonna tell you what Pledge III is gonna be later. You get the declaration, so when I'd work on that record, we'd say these things and talk amongst ourselves. Chaos would say to me, 'You have to work like you have somebody else's life in your hands. We'd go back and forth, just giving each other inspiration. We made Pledge I on the floor of a small house in Norcross, Georgia. We slept on the floor. We ate together, we slept together. Everything was done almost like it was a priesthood of sorts, like we were Jesuits or something. Through those things, we'd just give each other these talks. Chaos called it 'the ghetto gospel.'"
Although those gospel sermons began on 2006's I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind, they had deep purpose on the sequel. "When you get around to Pledge II, I don't plan to do these diatribes that I do, these soliloquies. It's just that the song calls for them. The emotion brings it out of me. So after I'm done with the song, I'll go in over the track and I'll just talk. What I try to do is just put people where I am, or project to them where I think they are, or what I think the future is gonna hold for them. Enough words to inspire, but so many that it becomes ho-hum and bores people, and brings people down. I really wish to uplift people. Those really are sermons, they are ghetto gospel."
Within those words, and the lyrics of songs like "Can You Hear Me" and "You See It," Mike says that he had a specific audience in mind. "To say that Pledge II is about being your own boss, it was because at that moment in time, everything had just started going bad - on a national level and on a global level. People were kind of seeing that it's not gonna be good anymore, so people had to make drastic changes in their life to assert more control and authority. This is probably much to my demise, but I tend to think like the American male, in terms of what is going on in the American working-class male's life right now. The guy that puts on a Coca-Cola uniform or a Fed Ex or UPS uniform...in Hip Hop, our lives are an extension of that. Whether a writer or a deejay, we're built on working-class, blue-collar values, so I try to speak to those people. I think that what you're hearing in the music is what's to come, what's happening now, and even some solutions. I think it's needed, and I'm glad it's appreciated."
Particularly after the last two quarters, it's worth noting that I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II showcased Gangsta Pill, one of the breakout stars of 2009. Citing that Pill first appeared on "That Crack" in 2004 alongside Mike, Killer Kill pointed out their relationship, as heard on IPATTG2, "He's my brother. My whole job in terms, in terms of Pill and S.L. Jones, is just making sure they get an opportunity. They have that opportunity, so my job is complete. I really just wanted to make sure everybody in Grind Time, but those two guys in particular, got they shot. With Pill being with Warner/Asylum, that job's halfway done; we get Jones good, and my dreams will come to fruition. The morals, the music, the ethics, it's all been there since we dropped 'That Crack' in 2004." Bothered by the fact that his proteges are only now garnering recognition, Mike added, "It should not have taken five years for people to realize how dope he is. Pill didn't get dope over the last year, he's been that way. If you look at my final show for Mass Appeal in New York, before they closed down, that's Pill and Jones with me."
While Grind Time Gang members Pill and S.L. Jones added one dimension to the '08 album, Mike also enlisted veterans Ice Cube and 8Ball & MJG to assist songs. With vocal allusions to Willie D and Too Short also on the album, Mike Bigga spoke to DX about the importance in looking backwards as well as forwards. "In terms of Rap and Hip Hop, if we don't have a historical reference, then we're just Pop music, and we're gonna pop out. If you talk to a famous Rock guitarist, they're gonna talk to you about Eric Clapton, they're gonna talk about Jimi Hendrix, they're gonna talk about Stevie Ray Vaughan and what inspired them. If they had the opportunity to play with these people, they'd play with these people. Thus, you get an Eric Clapton and B.B. King [Riding With The King] collaboration." "If I want to make a pimp song, I know to listen to OutKast, 8Ball & MJG and Too Short; they give me a reference on how to grow. They did it out of thin air. Why wouldn't I go get them and make dope music? I feel fortunate to be able to call Ice Cube and ask for a record. Unlike a lot of rappers today, who rap like people that came out in 2003, 2004 and 2005 - they don't value those people; they just value they style. When a style affects you to the point where it changes your life, and who you are as a person, then that's what you have with Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. That's where I am with Ice Cube. Ice Cube shaped who I am as a man. I will always send him a track and very, very humble note asking him to consider doing this track. When he does, it's always like the first track. When he did 'Bad Day, Worse Day,' it was that way, when he did 'Pressure,' it was that way." Mike added that he feels the same way about 'Ball & G and that Ice Cube has been asked to appear on I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind III.
Among the 17 tracks, Mike spoke about one of the singles, the Shawty Lo-assisted "2 Sides" . The song, which announced Mike's affiliation with both T.I. and Lo, was an anthem for a lot of the factions going on last year in Atlanta. Bigga was asked about the song's prophecy for a lot of the struggles the ATL would witness in 2008 and 2009. "The future is always there for us to see. It's all about who's in tuned enough to see clues. The problem is that people are in tuned enough to see clues never look at it like, 'This is the future. The ingredients that are going on around me will equal this.' That's what I saw happening in Atlanta. That's the way Ice Cube spoke about the riots. He saw L.A. like a pressure cooker." Going back to his song, Mike continued, "With '2 Sides' and Atlanta, Atlanta was a different kind of pressure cooker. It was stewing. What I was talking about on that record, I felt it in the air, I saw it in the clubs, and I felt it in the way people were interactin' with one another. It was a very surreal and weird experience for Atlanta. I don't even think it's something I consciously process. I think I just see things and turns into truth on paper or on the track."
Breaking the details of upcoming projects, Mike Bigga pointed to S.L. Jones' Y.S.L. (Why S.L.?) mixtape coming this season. After that, he expounded on I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind III, coming on Grind Time/SMC Records. Explaining its role in the trilogy, Mike told DX, "You know how you have that moment, you're sittin' at your desk, and you have that Fight Club moment where you're like, 'fuck this, I'm not a gerbil. I can't do this anymore.' You Jerry MacGuire it and jump out there. Pledge I is the declaration, Pledge II is the self-determinative moment. It's Malcolm X without the Nation Of Islam, it's Muhammad Ali fighting the US Government, it's Huey Newton, it's the dope-dealer that won't pay taxes, it's the working-class guy that wants to do something alternative to a job. Pledge III is gonna bring you to, 'what happens when they take it all away from him?' What happens when you get a call from the debt collector, child support, a job closing, probation, what happens when they close the barbershop? What happens when they take it all away?" "I got the music that'll let you know it ain't just you. I don't have all the solutions, but I got some. I like to think people can listen to my music and apply it their lives. If you're a drug-dealer, you can listen to '10 G's' and you can meditate on how to get yourself out of the game. You can figure out how to buy a couple houses and get you some renters. My thing is, I want to be where the people are. I don't know if I killed my career, or what it could have been, doing that. I could've chosen to floss and boss and do some stuff - not that I haven't. I've bought some diamonds, I've rapped about it. You've seen some fast cars and things of that nature, but I chose to give people a little more of the other side. Maybe it's the time now where everybody's just fucked up enough to listen."
To download I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II from Killer Mike, SMC Records and HipHopDX, click here.
"I figured the best to promote I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind III and keep inspiring people, was to give away I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II," said Killer Mike to HipHopDX Monday evening. The Atlanta native now known as Mike Bigga has joined HipHopDX in giving you his acclaimed third album for free, just click here.
Released in July of 2008, I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II was supported by Grind Time/SMC/Universal Fontana Records. With appearances by Ice Cube, Chamillionaire, 8Ball & MJG, Pill and S.L. Jones, the independent effort would go on to appear in the Top 200, as well as be awarded HipHopDX's Album Of 2008.
As Mike offers the 17 track release to new and old fans, DX asked him about some of the slept-on release's magic.
From the intro, throughout the album's many interludes, listeners can hear Mike's spoken words of inspiration. One part sermon, one part diatribe, these soliloquies set the tone for the music. Asked about whether these highlighted interludes were rehearsed or staged, Mike credited it to some of his Grind Time producers. "The homie Chaotic Beats, who originally was on I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind I, him and Smiff & Cash...Pledge I was a declaration. It's not a solidification, it's just a declaration - 'I declare myself free.' Pledge II is me [embracing] my freedom and becoming my own boss, and I'm gonna tell you what Pledge III is gonna be later. You get the declaration, so when I'd work on that record, we'd say these things and talk amongst ourselves. Chaos would say to me, 'You have to work like you have somebody else's life in your hands. We'd go back and forth, just giving each other inspiration. We made Pledge I on the floor of a small house in Norcross, Georgia. We slept on the floor. We ate together, we slept together. Everything was done almost like it was a priesthood of sorts, like we were Jesuits or something. Through those things, we'd just give each other these talks. Chaos called it 'the ghetto gospel.'"
Although those gospel sermons began on 2006's I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind, they had deep purpose on the sequel. "When you get around to Pledge II, I don't plan to do these diatribes that I do, these soliloquies. It's just that the song calls for them. The emotion brings it out of me. So after I'm done with the song, I'll go in over the track and I'll just talk. What I try to do is just put people where I am, or project to them where I think they are, or what I think the future is gonna hold for them. Enough words to inspire, but so many that it becomes ho-hum and bores people, and brings people down. I really wish to uplift people. Those really are sermons, they are ghetto gospel."
Within those words, and the lyrics of songs like "Can You Hear Me" and "You See It," Mike says that he had a specific audience in mind. "To say that Pledge II is about being your own boss, it was because at that moment in time, everything had just started going bad - on a national level and on a global level. People were kind of seeing that it's not gonna be good anymore, so people had to make drastic changes in their life to assert more control and authority. This is probably much to my demise, but I tend to think like the American male, in terms of what is going on in the American working-class male's life right now. The guy that puts on a Coca-Cola uniform or a Fed Ex or UPS uniform...in Hip Hop, our lives are an extension of that. Whether a writer or a deejay, we're built on working-class, blue-collar values, so I try to speak to those people. I think that what you're hearing in the music is what's to come, what's happening now, and even some solutions. I think it's needed, and I'm glad it's appreciated."
Particularly after the last two quarters, it's worth noting that I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II showcased Gangsta Pill, one of the breakout stars of 2009. Citing that Pill first appeared on "That Crack" in 2004 alongside Mike, Killer Kill pointed out their relationship, as heard on IPATTG2, "He's my brother. My whole job in terms, in terms of Pill and S.L. Jones, is just making sure they get an opportunity. They have that opportunity, so my job is complete. I really just wanted to make sure everybody in Grind Time, but those two guys in particular, got they shot. With Pill being with Warner/Asylum, that job's halfway done; we get Jones good, and my dreams will come to fruition. The morals, the music, the ethics, it's all been there since we dropped 'That Crack' in 2004." Bothered by the fact that his proteges are only now garnering recognition, Mike added, "It should not have taken five years for people to realize how dope he is. Pill didn't get dope over the last year, he's been that way. If you look at my final show for Mass Appeal in New York, before they closed down, that's Pill and Jones with me."
While Grind Time Gang members Pill and S.L. Jones added one dimension to the '08 album, Mike also enlisted veterans Ice Cube and 8Ball & MJG to assist songs. With vocal allusions to Willie D and Too Short also on the album, Mike Bigga spoke to DX about the importance in looking backwards as well as forwards. "In terms of Rap and Hip Hop, if we don't have a historical reference, then we're just Pop music, and we're gonna pop out. If you talk to a famous Rock guitarist, they're gonna talk to you about Eric Clapton, they're gonna talk about Jimi Hendrix, they're gonna talk about Stevie Ray Vaughan and what inspired them. If they had the opportunity to play with these people, they'd play with these people. Thus, you get an Eric Clapton and B.B. King [Riding With The King] collaboration." "If I want to make a pimp song, I know to listen to OutKast, 8Ball & MJG and Too Short; they give me a reference on how to grow. They did it out of thin air. Why wouldn't I go get them and make dope music? I feel fortunate to be able to call Ice Cube and ask for a record. Unlike a lot of rappers today, who rap like people that came out in 2003, 2004 and 2005 - they don't value those people; they just value they style. When a style affects you to the point where it changes your life, and who you are as a person, then that's what you have with Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. That's where I am with Ice Cube. Ice Cube shaped who I am as a man. I will always send him a track and very, very humble note asking him to consider doing this track. When he does, it's always like the first track. When he did 'Bad Day, Worse Day,' it was that way, when he did 'Pressure,' it was that way." Mike added that he feels the same way about 'Ball & G and that Ice Cube has been asked to appear on I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind III.
Among the 17 tracks, Mike spoke about one of the singles, the Shawty Lo-assisted "2 Sides" . The song, which announced Mike's affiliation with both T.I. and Lo, was an anthem for a lot of the factions going on last year in Atlanta. Bigga was asked about the song's prophecy for a lot of the struggles the ATL would witness in 2008 and 2009. "The future is always there for us to see. It's all about who's in tuned enough to see clues. The problem is that people are in tuned enough to see clues never look at it like, 'This is the future. The ingredients that are going on around me will equal this.' That's what I saw happening in Atlanta. That's the way Ice Cube spoke about the riots. He saw L.A. like a pressure cooker." Going back to his song, Mike continued, "With '2 Sides' and Atlanta, Atlanta was a different kind of pressure cooker. It was stewing. What I was talking about on that record, I felt it in the air, I saw it in the clubs, and I felt it in the way people were interactin' with one another. It was a very surreal and weird experience for Atlanta. I don't even think it's something I consciously process. I think I just see things and turns into truth on paper or on the track."
Breaking the details of upcoming projects, Mike Bigga pointed to S.L. Jones' Y.S.L. (Why S.L.?) mixtape coming this season. After that, he expounded on I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind III, coming on Grind Time/SMC Records. Explaining its role in the trilogy, Mike told DX, "You know how you have that moment, you're sittin' at your desk, and you have that Fight Club moment where you're like, 'fuck this, I'm not a gerbil. I can't do this anymore.' You Jerry MacGuire it and jump out there. Pledge I is the declaration, Pledge II is the self-determinative moment. It's Malcolm X without the Nation Of Islam, it's Muhammad Ali fighting the US Government, it's Huey Newton, it's the dope-dealer that won't pay taxes, it's the working-class guy that wants to do something alternative to a job. Pledge III is gonna bring you to, 'what happens when they take it all away from him?' What happens when you get a call from the debt collector, child support, a job closing, probation, what happens when they close the barbershop? What happens when they take it all away?" "I got the music that'll let you know it ain't just you. I don't have all the solutions, but I got some. I like to think people can listen to my music and apply it their lives. If you're a drug-dealer, you can listen to '10 G's' and you can meditate on how to get yourself out of the game. You can figure out how to buy a couple houses and get you some renters. My thing is, I want to be where the people are. I don't know if I killed my career, or what it could have been, doing that. I could've chosen to floss and boss and do some stuff - not that I haven't. I've bought some diamonds, I've rapped about it. You've seen some fast cars and things of that nature, but I chose to give people a little more of the other side. Maybe it's the time now where everybody's just fucked up enough to listen."
To download I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II from Killer Mike, SMC Records and HipHopDX, click here.
Jim Jones, Jermaine Dupri Support "Paparazzi Proof Windows"
January 12, 2010 02:01:00 PM CST by Jake Paine
Feds aren't the only ones taking pictures this year. With more and more Rap faces appearing in headlines, the Hip Hop community has faced the flashbulbs like never before.
Elite Auto Tune has designed a technology that allows remote control technology to meet tinted windows. With Rap personalities such as Jim Jones, Jermaine Dupri and Nick Cannon already endorsing the technology through blog posts and statements, Anthony Benson of Elite Auto Tune supplied DX with a video unveiling the new technology.
Jay-Z Gets Iced Out, RZA Remixes The Revolutionary War
January 13, 2010 12:02:00 AM CST by Slava Kuperstein
Company Gemstone Creative that makes mosaic portraits out of diamonds and various other precious stones. Their latest subject? None other than Jay-Z.
The company's website says, "People are mosaics. We're made up of many different moods, influences and memories." Other subjects of the mosaics made by Gemstone Creative include President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth, and Marilyn Monroe.
The price of the high-end piece? $1 Million. Below is a video explaining the company's work.
Hip Hop and art continue to collide, as RZA - producer, rapper, author, composer, actor and director - has taken to the canvas, according to www.nationalpost.com.
The leader of the Wu-Tang Clan has reimagined Emanuel Leutze's famous painting, "Washington Crossing the Delaware," which depicts the first U.S. President and several soldiers on a boat, making his way across the Delaware River during the revolutionary war.
In RZA's version, he takes Washington's place, while Wu-Tang members Ol' Dirty Bastard and GZA holding up the American flag.
There's a significant amount of Wu-Tang symbolism on the painting, which is named "Victory or Death," including ninja oarsmen, and Wu-Tang symbols throughout. It has already received accolades from Pitchfork, as well as Village Voice, the latter of which called it "the greatest painting of 2010."
To reserve a copy of the picture, visit www.whenartimitateslife.com.
Company Gemstone Creative that makes mosaic portraits out of diamonds and various other precious stones. Their latest subject? None other than Jay-Z.
The company's website says, "People are mosaics. We're made up of many different moods, influences and memories." Other subjects of the mosaics made by Gemstone Creative include President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth, and Marilyn Monroe.
The price of the high-end piece? $1 Million. Below is a video explaining the company's work.
Hip Hop and art continue to collide, as RZA - producer, rapper, author, composer, actor and director - has taken to the canvas, according to www.nationalpost.com.
The leader of the Wu-Tang Clan has reimagined Emanuel Leutze's famous painting, "Washington Crossing the Delaware," which depicts the first U.S. President and several soldiers on a boat, making his way across the Delaware River during the revolutionary war.
In RZA's version, he takes Washington's place, while Wu-Tang members Ol' Dirty Bastard and GZA holding up the American flag.
There's a significant amount of Wu-Tang symbolism on the painting, which is named "Victory or Death," including ninja oarsmen, and Wu-Tang symbols throughout. It has already received accolades from Pitchfork, as well as Village Voice, the latter of which called it "the greatest painting of 2010."
To reserve a copy of the picture, visit www.whenartimitateslife.com.
DX News Bits: Usher, Beyonce, E-40
January 13, 2010 05:01:00 AM CST by Edwin Ortiz
Eleven days before Christmas, R&B singer Usher was met with the unpleasant holiday surprise of theft.
According to MyFox Atlanta, Usher and a friend had stopped at an AT&T store near Atlanta’s Lenox Mall on December 14. While conducting business inside, Usher’s black GMC Yukon was broken into. The theif proceeded to steal over $1 million in personal items, including jewelry, Christmas gifts, and two laptops containing unreleased music from the Atlanta singer.
Still under investigation, no suspects have been named in the incident.
In other news, Beyonce has announced she will be taking a break from music.
“It's definitely time to take a break, to recharge my batteries,” she told USA Today. “I'd like to take about six months and not go into the studio. I need to just live life, to be inspired by things again.”
After performing in over 100 cities across the world last year for her “I Am...Tour,” the Texas-native explained, “When I got home, I wrote out a contract with myself. I made a list of everything I want to do that has nothing to do with music. Well, some of it does. But I promised myself that I would not go back on tour or in the studio until I finished these things.” You can read the full piece here.
Finally, E-40 will be releasing his eleventh studio album, entitled Revenue Retrievin’, as a double disc on March 30.
Featuring 38 new songs altogether from the Bay Area rapper, each disc will be sold separately with a different album cover corresponding to its theme (one for Day Shift, the other for Night Shift).
The album features guest spots from Young Jeezy, Keak Da Sneak, San Quinn, Gucci Mane, and Snoop Dogg, among many others. Revenue Retrievin’ will be released on EMI Records.
Eleven days before Christmas, R&B singer Usher was met with the unpleasant holiday surprise of theft.
According to MyFox Atlanta, Usher and a friend had stopped at an AT&T store near Atlanta’s Lenox Mall on December 14. While conducting business inside, Usher’s black GMC Yukon was broken into. The theif proceeded to steal over $1 million in personal items, including jewelry, Christmas gifts, and two laptops containing unreleased music from the Atlanta singer.
Still under investigation, no suspects have been named in the incident.
In other news, Beyonce has announced she will be taking a break from music.
“It's definitely time to take a break, to recharge my batteries,” she told USA Today. “I'd like to take about six months and not go into the studio. I need to just live life, to be inspired by things again.”
After performing in over 100 cities across the world last year for her “I Am...Tour,” the Texas-native explained, “When I got home, I wrote out a contract with myself. I made a list of everything I want to do that has nothing to do with music. Well, some of it does. But I promised myself that I would not go back on tour or in the studio until I finished these things.” You can read the full piece here.
Finally, E-40 will be releasing his eleventh studio album, entitled Revenue Retrievin’, as a double disc on March 30.
Featuring 38 new songs altogether from the Bay Area rapper, each disc will be sold separately with a different album cover corresponding to its theme (one for Day Shift, the other for Night Shift).
The album features guest spots from Young Jeezy, Keak Da Sneak, San Quinn, Gucci Mane, and Snoop Dogg, among many others. Revenue Retrievin’ will be released on EMI Records.
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