Sunday, June 29, 2008
Ras Kass Preps New LP
By: Mark DiSalvo(undergroundhiphop.com)
The silence of Ras Kass these past few years has confused many, and left the hip-hop world begging for more. After a barely promoted release earlier this year, Ras Kass is prepping a major release for August 5th, titled Institutionalized Vol. 2. While many details are a mystery at this point, we have a release date, and a label, Babygrande Records. We'll bring you more as we learn more!
The silence of Ras Kass these past few years has confused many, and left the hip-hop world begging for more. After a barely promoted release earlier this year, Ras Kass is prepping a major release for August 5th, titled Institutionalized Vol. 2. While many details are a mystery at this point, we have a release date, and a label, Babygrande Records. We'll bring you more as we learn more!
Two New Tracks From ILL BILL's New LP
By: Mark DiSalvo 9undergroundhiphop.com)
The Non-Phixion vet and UGHH favorite is about to drop a new album. The Hour of Reprisal, set to hit stores August 26 has an underground all-star roster of features, from more than just the hip-hop world. The album will feature Immortal Technique, Raekwon, B-Real, Tech N9ne, and former metal group Sepultura frontman, Max Cavalera. The CD will also include a free DVD of an Ill Bill performance at New York's CBGB. Even better for the fans, you don't have to wait to hear some of it; below are two leaked tracks (credit: Soul Assassins Blog).
The Non-Phixion vet and UGHH favorite is about to drop a new album. The Hour of Reprisal, set to hit stores August 26 has an underground all-star roster of features, from more than just the hip-hop world. The album will feature Immortal Technique, Raekwon, B-Real, Tech N9ne, and former metal group Sepultura frontman, Max Cavalera. The CD will also include a free DVD of an Ill Bill performance at New York's CBGB. Even better for the fans, you don't have to wait to hear some of it; below are two leaked tracks (credit: Soul Assassins Blog).
Latest Nas Tracklisting
By: Trees 9undergroundhiphop.com)
Latest tracklisting of Nas' UNTITLED new album which drops 7/15/08..
01. Queens Get The Money (Produced by Jay Electronica)
02. You Can’t Stop Us Now (Featuring Eban Thomas of The Stylistics & The Last Poets) (Produced by Salaam Remi)
03. Breathe (Produced by J. Myers & Dustin Moore)
04. Make The World Go Round (Featuring Chris Brown & The Game) (Co-produced by Cool & Dre & The Game)
05. Hero (Featuring Keri Hilson) (Produced by Polow Da Don)
06. America (Produced by Stargate)
07. Sly Fox (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez)
08. Testify (Produced by Mark Batson)
09. N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave And The Master) (Produced by DJ Toomp)
10. Untitled (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez)
11. Fried Chicken (Featuring Busta Rhymes) (Produced by Mark Ronson)
12. Project Roach (Featuring The Last Poets) (Produced by Eric Hudson)
13. Ya’ll My Niggas (Produced by J. Myers)
14. We’re Not Alone (Featuring Mykel) (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez)
15. Black President (Featuring Johnny Polygon) (Produced by DJ Green Lantern)
Latest tracklisting of Nas' UNTITLED new album which drops 7/15/08..
01. Queens Get The Money (Produced by Jay Electronica)
02. You Can’t Stop Us Now (Featuring Eban Thomas of The Stylistics & The Last Poets) (Produced by Salaam Remi)
03. Breathe (Produced by J. Myers & Dustin Moore)
04. Make The World Go Round (Featuring Chris Brown & The Game) (Co-produced by Cool & Dre & The Game)
05. Hero (Featuring Keri Hilson) (Produced by Polow Da Don)
06. America (Produced by Stargate)
07. Sly Fox (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez)
08. Testify (Produced by Mark Batson)
09. N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave And The Master) (Produced by DJ Toomp)
10. Untitled (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez)
11. Fried Chicken (Featuring Busta Rhymes) (Produced by Mark Ronson)
12. Project Roach (Featuring The Last Poets) (Produced by Eric Hudson)
13. Ya’ll My Niggas (Produced by J. Myers)
14. We’re Not Alone (Featuring Mykel) (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez)
15. Black President (Featuring Johnny Polygon) (Produced by DJ Green Lantern)
AZ Talks Nas-Inspired Mixtape
By Paul W Arnold (hiphopDX.com)
Only a few months after the release of his most recent full-length, Undeniable [click to read], legendary lyricist AZ [click to read] is set to bless his fans with more of his intricate wordplay via an all-original material mixtape, N4L (Niggaz 4 Life), due August 5th. HipHopDX recently caught up with The Visualiza for a brief conversation about said tape – the inspiration for this somewhat unexpected release, the criticism that has arisen about it, and just what listeners can expect to hear from the conceptually driven mix.
During his conversation with DX, AZ revealed that there were many motivations for N4L, which included to stay current and keep music coming out to the public, and that he was approached by DJ Absolut with an offer to do just that. But the most obvious motivation for this release was his “Life’s A Bitch” [click to read] co-star.
“I was inspired by Nas’ movement,” said AZ. “That’s my boy. And when I was putting out the Undeniable album I was getting a lot of questions like, ‘When you and Nas doing this and doing that?’ And it was overwhelming actually. I mean, I always got [those questions] through my career, but it was more overwhelming this run. And [so] I decided I would never know if [working together again is] gonna come into fruition. So I said, ‘You know what, I’ma hop on that bandwagon and do my Niggaz 4 Life ‘cause he’s doing the nigger theme, and it’ll give the fans an opportunity to say [if] they did do an album [together] this how it would sound like.’”
Earlier this year however, during AZ’s most recent feature interview with DX [click here to read], the Brooklyn emcee fairly, but firmly, made a point of establishing his own artistic identity apart from the mighty shadow that Nas has cast over his career. So why now do a mix inspired by, and thematically aligned with, his longtime partner-in-rhyme’s forthcoming new album?
“When it’s dealing with awareness, that’s totally different,” AZ replied. “[I’m not doing this to be in his] shadow, this [mixtape] is awareness for the fans, the culture, our peoples. I’m not under nobody’s shadow. I’m not trying to…Me and homie cut from the same cloth at the end of the day regardless of whom or what. But I’m always gonna hold mines lyrically on my own.”
Unfortunately, skepticism about A’s claim of a genuinely non-strategic motivation for this mix have surfaced in the days since the release of N4L was first announced, suggesting that "Sosa" is merely riding on the conceptual coattails of the man who introduced him to the world on 1994’s Illmatic.
“I ain’t look at it from that perspective when I got into [making this mixtape],” said AZ. “So it wasn’t no shadow shit or nothing, I’m just adding on. That was my frame of mind when I got into [recording the mixtape], that I’m adding on. ‘Cause [the concept] is so powerful. So when I jumped into it I didn’t even think about that small way of thinking [about my intentions]. But if [my name] is gonna be connected [with Nas] it’s gonna be connected in something that’s powerful. And I feel like this is powerful.”
Boasting 16 all-original songs (no freestyles to other artists tracks) modeled in the same early-'90s sonic vein as Nas’ forthcoming Untitled disc, N4L is sure to be as powerful an artistic statement as the album it was inspired by.
“My Niggaz 4 Life is 'never ignorant getting goals accomplished,' that’s what nigga stands for to me,” explained AZ of his release’s n-word theme. “So I use [the word] in a positive [way]…I speak from every spectrum: the ignorant nigga that has no knowledge of self, to the nigga that do have knowledge of self, from the broke nigga to the rich nigga…I’m not preaching, but I just try to drop a jewel. And awareness is always good for me. So I entertain and educate at the same time. That’s just me, [my career] overall, if you listen to my poetry you gonna get something out of it.”
With song titles such as “Knowledge, Freedom,” “12 Jewelz,” “Conspiracy,” “Nigga Games,” and “Runaway Slave,” AZ’s lyrical direction on N4L is made abundantly clear.
“I try to deal with every spectrum of the black man,” he noted. “We’re frustrated, and it’s a long line of frustration that came from our ancestors that’s in our D.N.A. And that’s why we may act a certain way, and the reason why certain brothers project themselves a certain way. And I just try to speak from that perspective.”
Helmed by DJ Absolut [click to read] and entirely produced by Absolut and A.W.O.L. [click to read] collaborator Frado for their Addicted For Life production squad, the mix sports cameos from Raekwon [click to read], Sheek Louch [click to read], Trey Songz, and artists from AZ’s Quiet Money fam including Charlie Rock and StarKim. The first shot from N4L is “The Secret” . -read more @ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7212/title.dx-clusive-az-talks-nas-inspired-mixtape/p.2
Production And Features Revealed For Nas' Untitled LP
By Jake Paine(hiphopdx.com)
After a lot of speculation over who Nas would work with on his Nigger-turned-Untitled album, the final tracklisting was released late this week. Whereas Nas mentioned seeking MF DOOM for production [click to read], that seems to be the only rumored collaboration that was not actualized.
Seven year affiliate Salaam Remi [click to read] only got one placement in "You Can't Stop Us Now" featuring members of The Stylistics and The Last Poets. The is the second time, after Common's Be [click to read] the latter rap/poetry pioneers appear on a mainstream Hip Hop release. It is Polow Da Don who earned the rights to the first single in "Hero" [click to listen] featuring Timbaland protege Keri Hilson.
Several of the same personnel used on Hip-Hop Is Dead [click to read] return for Untitled. Longtime Anthony Hamilton producer Mark Batson provides "Testify" while Ne-Yo and Beyonce hitmaker Stargate delivers "America." New name producer J. Myers chimes in on "Ya'll My Niggas" and assists Dustin Moore on "Breathe."
Although Kanye West, Will.i.am and Dr. Dre do not appear on this album as they did the last, Nasir and company welcome superstar production in the form of DJ Toomp [click to read] on "N.I.G.G.E.R." [click to listen]. Crossover success Mark Ronson signs in on the Busta Rhymes-assisted on "Fried Chicken" [click to listen]. The Game [click to read] reportedly joins Cool & Dre [click to read] behind the boards on "Make The World Go Round." The song features the Compton rappers as well as superstar singer Chris Brown.
As promised, Erykah Badu protege Jay Electronica does produce on the album, as the intro record "Queens Get The Money." After the The Nigger Tape, Nas did include DJ Green Lantern as a producer on "Black President" [click to listen]. "Project Roach," also featuring The Last Poets, is produced by onetime "Flashing Lights" co-producer Eric Hudson [click to read].
The most prevalent producer on the album is stic.man from dead prez. This collaboration was announced earlier, but may shock some as it led to "Sly Fox," "Untitled" and "We're Not Alone."
The album is presently billed for July 20 release on Def Jam Records
After a lot of speculation over who Nas would work with on his Nigger-turned-Untitled album, the final tracklisting was released late this week. Whereas Nas mentioned seeking MF DOOM for production [click to read], that seems to be the only rumored collaboration that was not actualized.
Seven year affiliate Salaam Remi [click to read] only got one placement in "You Can't Stop Us Now" featuring members of The Stylistics and The Last Poets. The is the second time, after Common's Be [click to read] the latter rap/poetry pioneers appear on a mainstream Hip Hop release. It is Polow Da Don who earned the rights to the first single in "Hero" [click to listen] featuring Timbaland protege Keri Hilson.
Several of the same personnel used on Hip-Hop Is Dead [click to read] return for Untitled. Longtime Anthony Hamilton producer Mark Batson provides "Testify" while Ne-Yo and Beyonce hitmaker Stargate delivers "America." New name producer J. Myers chimes in on "Ya'll My Niggas" and assists Dustin Moore on "Breathe."
Although Kanye West, Will.i.am and Dr. Dre do not appear on this album as they did the last, Nasir and company welcome superstar production in the form of DJ Toomp [click to read] on "N.I.G.G.E.R." [click to listen]. Crossover success Mark Ronson signs in on the Busta Rhymes-assisted on "Fried Chicken" [click to listen]. The Game [click to read] reportedly joins Cool & Dre [click to read] behind the boards on "Make The World Go Round." The song features the Compton rappers as well as superstar singer Chris Brown.
As promised, Erykah Badu protege Jay Electronica does produce on the album, as the intro record "Queens Get The Money." After the The Nigger Tape, Nas did include DJ Green Lantern as a producer on "Black President" [click to listen]. "Project Roach," also featuring The Last Poets, is produced by onetime "Flashing Lights" co-producer Eric Hudson [click to read].
The most prevalent producer on the album is stic.man from dead prez. This collaboration was announced earlier, but may shock some as it led to "Sly Fox," "Untitled" and "We're Not Alone."
The album is presently billed for July 20 release on Def Jam Records
Miss Jones Moved Off Hot 97
By Tai Saint Louis(allhiphop.com)
Hot 97 announced the cancellation of its long-running and often controversial show "Miss Jones in the Morning." As early as July 21st, the show's "AM Drive" time slot will now be split between two shows with a national following.
In a statement issued by the station's parent company Emmis Communications, listeners in the New York Tri-State area tuning in at 5am will catch Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg, which currently airs on Saturday and Sunday mornings. With co-host Peter Rosenberg having gained his popularity conducting interviews on YouTube, the show continues to enjoy a strong online presence. That popularity is boosted by Cipha Sounds' history in New York and status as an MTV personality.
At 7am, Rosenberg will sign off, leaving Cipha Sounds to pair up with the nationally syndicated "Big Boy's Neighborhood. The Los Angeles-based show, which once aired in New York on rival station Power 105.1 FM, signed a multi-year syndication deal with ABC Radio Networks.
"This provides a very special AM show with both local and national talent with less edge, a little more celebrity, and a whole lot of entertainment," the statement proclaims.
The move comes as Emmis prepares to test Aribtron's newest radio research: the Portable People Meter. The PPM system will track the listening behavior and history of each person studied by having each of them where a small device that will record the information. The data created is used as the currency stations use to buy and sell radio advertising.
Jay-Z Silences Detractors at Glastonbury Festival
By Charlie Rem(allhiphop.com)
Jay-Z answered his detractors in commendable fashion at the Glastonbury Music Festival in Britain on Saturday.
The rapper took to the stage – with a guitar over his shoulder – and sang a rendition of Oasis’ hit song “Wonder Wall.”
Noel Gallagher of Oasis, a rock band from the UK, has opposed the rapper headlining the huge event since it was announced in February of 2008.
Jay-Z was greeted with cheers from Glastonbury festival-goers, who sang “Wonder Wall” with the Brooklyn-bred rapper. He quickly spun into his rock flavored “99 Problems,” which lyrics boast “I got 99 problems, but a b***h ain’t one.”
Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z’s wife, attended the event and was noticeably excited as she watched her spouse perform, according to sources with AllHipHop.com.
“The world should be all about mixing culture,” Jay-Z said to UK radio personality Tim Westwood. “Hip-hop is music in its art form. It should be accepted and respected. It’s all the same thing, it’s just coming from a different perspective.”
Normally, Glastonbury caters to rock music, but organizers recruited Jay-Z in an effort to attract a younger demographic. Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher was the most vocal critic and said, "I'm not having Hip-Hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."
However, throughout the festival, expressed a very different sentiment towards Jay-Z than Gallagher.
Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro, another headliner, paid tribute to their Hip-Hop counterpart. The band played a version of Jay-Z’s hit “99 Problems.”
The Gossip's Beth Ditto praised Jay-Z’s presence for elevating the festival, despite slow ticket sales.
"I'm so jealous of you, camping to see Jay-Z," Ditto said during The Gossip’s show. "Seriously, I'm so f**king jealous. Jay-Z: guilty of making this festival good."
The Glastonbury Festival is held on Worthy Farm near Glastonbury in Somerset, England over 800 acres. The festival began in 1970 with about 1,500 people.
The festival nearly sold out, moving about 142,500 tickets.
Plies Gives Money For Students, Inmates
By Nolan Strong(allhiphop.com)
Slip-N-Slide Records’ latest superstar Plies has partnered with his brother/manager Big Gates to create a non-profit organization aiming to promote a “more functional, productive and just community.”
Big Gates and Plies Power of Visions will kick off its crusade against the ills faced by their South Florida community, by awarding two $5,000 college scholarships.
Named after a song on Plies’ latest album Definition of Real, the “Somebody Loves You” Scholarship Fund 2008 will be presented to one male and one female student, who is the child of an incarcerated parent and exhibit a financial need.
“We want to provide those who have been and continue to be affected by the negative impacts of the prison system with a sense of hope, and to let them know that they are not forgotten,” explains Plies. “No matter what adversities one may face in life, one thing remains true – and that is that somebody loves you.”
The scholarship will be applied to the 2008-2009 school year, and is open to entering freshmen, as well as continuing students at an accredited college or university.
The scholarship fund is just one of the ways in which Power Of Visions, Inc hopes to break the cycle of incarceration, which according to a 2000 Senate report, will land as many as 70% of children of incarcerated parents in the criminal justice system.
Big Gates and Plies will attempt to provide the type of “effective intervention strategies” the Senate report suggests can counter those odds by creating educational, and cultural experiences for minority youths in the Tampa and Ft. Myers, Florida areas.
The organization’s primary goal of community improvement will be achieved through a variety of other programs as well, including rehabilitative classes, training and workshops.
Big Gates and Plies will also provide financial support and legal representation for needy individuals, primarily those already in jail.
Plies’ latest philanthropic effort comes as the Ft. Myers-bred artist celebrates yet another career milestone.
Definition of Real debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 two weeks ago, with 215,000 units sold, the highest first week sales numbers in Slip-N-Slide’s history.
Powered by the popularity of its first single “Bust It Baby, Pt. II” featuring Ne-Yo, the album remains at number five on the charts.
Slip-N-Slide Records’ latest superstar Plies has partnered with his brother/manager Big Gates to create a non-profit organization aiming to promote a “more functional, productive and just community.”
Big Gates and Plies Power of Visions will kick off its crusade against the ills faced by their South Florida community, by awarding two $5,000 college scholarships.
Named after a song on Plies’ latest album Definition of Real, the “Somebody Loves You” Scholarship Fund 2008 will be presented to one male and one female student, who is the child of an incarcerated parent and exhibit a financial need.
“We want to provide those who have been and continue to be affected by the negative impacts of the prison system with a sense of hope, and to let them know that they are not forgotten,” explains Plies. “No matter what adversities one may face in life, one thing remains true – and that is that somebody loves you.”
The scholarship will be applied to the 2008-2009 school year, and is open to entering freshmen, as well as continuing students at an accredited college or university.
The scholarship fund is just one of the ways in which Power Of Visions, Inc hopes to break the cycle of incarceration, which according to a 2000 Senate report, will land as many as 70% of children of incarcerated parents in the criminal justice system.
Big Gates and Plies will attempt to provide the type of “effective intervention strategies” the Senate report suggests can counter those odds by creating educational, and cultural experiences for minority youths in the Tampa and Ft. Myers, Florida areas.
The organization’s primary goal of community improvement will be achieved through a variety of other programs as well, including rehabilitative classes, training and workshops.
Big Gates and Plies will also provide financial support and legal representation for needy individuals, primarily those already in jail.
Plies’ latest philanthropic effort comes as the Ft. Myers-bred artist celebrates yet another career milestone.
Definition of Real debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 two weeks ago, with 215,000 units sold, the highest first week sales numbers in Slip-N-Slide’s history.
Powered by the popularity of its first single “Bust It Baby, Pt. II” featuring Ne-Yo, the album remains at number five on the charts.
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Clipse Are Set To Release A New Album On Koch
NEW RE-UP GANG ALBUM, THE CLIPSE PRESENT THE RE-UP GANG, ON DECK FOR SUMMER 2008
Platinum-selling rappers the Clipse have partnered with KOCH Records for a special release: The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang, which will be released on August 5th, 2008. The Re-Up Gang, formed in 2004, is a larger ensemble encompassing the Clipse and collaborative Philly MCs Ab-Liva and Sandman. This fearsome foursome has been recording together since the Clipse’ platinum debut Lord Willin’, and is responsible for the celebrated We Got it 4 Cheap mixtape series. But The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang is a standalone album featuring 9 new songs, including a single produced by Scott Storch, plus 3 unreleased remixes of tracks from We Got it 4 Cheap vol. 3.
realtalkNY
Young Buck And All $tar Form 'Starbucks'
Young Buck and Cash Money recording artist All $tar are set to release a mixtape together entitled "Starbuck's: B.O.A.T.(Based On A True Story)".
Later this year they are expected to release another project entitled "Shop never closes". The new mixtape includes features from Yo Gotti, Sosa Da Plug and The Outlawz. Young Buck also responds to the new phone call drama with 50cent in two songs aimed at him.
Starbucks B.O.A.T. will be released June 24th via grindhardonline.com
hiphopgame.com
Later this year they are expected to release another project entitled "Shop never closes". The new mixtape includes features from Yo Gotti, Sosa Da Plug and The Outlawz. Young Buck also responds to the new phone call drama with 50cent in two songs aimed at him.
Starbucks B.O.A.T. will be released June 24th via grindhardonline.com
hiphopgame.com
Immortal Technique To Help Build Orphanage, Clinic, School in Kabul, Afghanistan
I made the people of the world a promise. Not the music world, not the subdivision of Hip Hop, not the 4th Branch, and not the 3rd World underground. I made the world a promise. I told people that on June 24ththe Green Light would be given. I know that people who believe in Revolution are naturally cynical. They expect their leaders to be flawless and almost take pride in finding the subtle or blatantly obvious hypocrisy in those they idolize. That is why I never wanted to be worshipped or followed blindly.
I know it is hard to trust anyone and anything in this life, you feel better when you don't because you feel like you are no longer as vulnerable. But I am a man of my word and I have never let other people's insecurities and self-image dictate my course of action. I gave my word that there would be a serious mission on June 24th. Some of you just thought that was just the release of an album, which it is partly. But it is really so much more than that for me and for the eternal struggle.
The time has come for me to announce the first stage of "Project Green Light." It is the first stage of one of many projects but an important one that I will dedicate myself to completing. I am always contacted by different organizations who reach out to me personally and ask me to fight along side with them in their struggle. I have done so with immigrant groups, youth detention centers, with those organizing against police brutality, gang workshops, funding children's hospitals in Palestine and of course our fight to try and preserve the South Central Farm. So once again I am here to answer the call of my brothers and sisters, whether it comes from across the street or across the ocean.
I have decided to partner with a Non–Profit Human Rights Organization called Omeid International. (www.omeid.org ) We will come together to build an orphanage/ clinic/ school in Kabul, Afghanistan for children who have been left without families because of the wars and diseases that have ravaged the land. It will be called "The Amin Institute."
- The orphanage section will house 20 children at first, from toddlers to ages 10, while the clinic will service the impoverished community surrounding it.
- There will be caregivers there, widows, dedicated people that have witnessed the violence that has consumed the country since the Russian Invasion first hand.
- There will also be a school the serves the area and will teach K through 5 to the children with certified teachers from here and Afghanistan. And we will also
have the children work with therapists and psychologists to aid their undiagnosed post traumatic disorder that in many cases rivals that of veteran infantry troops.
In every city in America we see homeless people. We have become numb and desensitized to it, as if it was an acceptable normality. We have standards around the world about using certain gasses or bombs on people and yet we have no standard, no right to NOT facing starvation or poverty. But if you travel to Africa, South America, South East Asia or The Middle East you will find something we are not used to seeing in America. Homeless children. The children in Afghanistan face starvation, death from disease being drafted into warring factions, and the disgusting child prostitution rings and human traffic of modern day slavery. I cannot change this throughout the world overnight, or I would, but I feel as if we have a good chance to start a small project in Afghanistan that we can build on. I pledge myself to this cause, to this Revolution.
Pledge 1: I will participate in a gigantic Hip Hop fundraiser for the orphanage / clinic/ school to be known as 'The Amin Institute'. I will reach out to those from New York, Atlanta, Chicago, LA, the Bay and anywhere else that Hip Hop has Underground and Mainstream Support so people that I hear talk the talk can join me in this fight to raise the funds and awareness necessary to complete the first phase of this program.
Pledge 2: "Amin" the name of the institute literally means "trustworthy" in Arabic. It is an important word because it was one of the early nicknames of The Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) even before he fathered Islam. I know people are scared to believe in anything as I said before, and regrettably there have been so many charlatans scamming their own people over the years. Therefore to show all that I am working closely and that I fully trust the partners that I have formed at Omeid International. I will pledge $10,000 of my own money into a foundation to support the cause.
Pledge 3: We all have a destiny and I will see mine fulfilled. I will succeed or die trying. And that will come as my vision for this mission is completed. So, I pledge to personally travel to Afghanistan and see the completion of the project that I have decided to dedicate my time and effort to. Omeid after all, is the Farsi word for hope.
This is not a Middle Eastern issue. It is not a Muslim issue. It is a Human Rights issue. And that is why I chose people who came to me with a blueprint, proposal and a passionate desire for real change. We throw that word around a lot, "change" and yet the war hasn't ended…IT has just changed. There has always been an ulterior motive to our involvement anywhere as a nation and so OUR response to that will be motivated by selfless Revolutionary action. It will inter-relate our struggles because I have decided to also create a forum here on my networking site, so that you can all participate in Revolutionary action. This is after all something that will BEGIN in Afghanistan but spread all over the world as different stages are completed. People from all over the globe have been activated and are in motion.
To some people this music is just entertainment, and even if it is that for many people, entertainment can inspire, it can brighten people, and it can feed their imagination. It can also pacify, it can placate and distract, it can shadow and mask real problems around us that we cannot see. But for me this is not about entertainment, it never has been it has always been a mechanism for delivering so much more. Hopefully by this time next year there will be a child in Afghanistan who knows NOTHING about Rap who doesn't even know what an Immortal Technique is, and the money I have made off this music will be giving them a place to live and a chance to learn and rebuild their own nation instead of paying some US corporation trillions of tax payer dollars to do so after we destroyed it. Unless you're brain dead and completely lost on the meaning of what our people's spirit truly is there is no way shape or form to deny no matter what your taste in music is…THAT is Hip Hop. More so because I'm not a Hollywood actor making millions getting tax breaks, this was done with Underground Hip Hop money. That, in itself, is Revolutionary. This is not making music but it is an integral part of the struggle and one that must never be forgotten. It's the foundation of the culture that we owe our identity to.
I thank you for listening and I hope you will spread the word, support "The 3rd World" and of course donate to the cause at www.omeid.org so that we may expedite the coming of our combined strength. If I can succeed here it is a great sign, a sign that I can go to the most violent and distraught place in the world and triumph. That means that everywhere else I go, the Caribbean, Africa, South East Asia, Latin America and anywhere here in the states, that we can succeed.
Con Amor de Revolucion.
Immortal
Technique
PS.
I am not as worthy as those that have come before me, but greater men have achieved less and smarter men have accomplished nothing. I am no longer a Revolutionary Apprentice but a Young full fledged Revolutionary working towards maturing and strengthening his ideas. Learning from his failures and building on his success. There have been many rebels, leaders, and prophets that came before me and there will be others that come after me. None of these men were perfect, as they were human and man is naturally imperfect. But as they lived and died for what they believed in I will devote myself to the causes and the fights that I pick, not to champion religion or national pride, I seek no rewards or trophies that I leave to you, for me the fight is all. Read. Read. Read.
I know it is hard to trust anyone and anything in this life, you feel better when you don't because you feel like you are no longer as vulnerable. But I am a man of my word and I have never let other people's insecurities and self-image dictate my course of action. I gave my word that there would be a serious mission on June 24th. Some of you just thought that was just the release of an album, which it is partly. But it is really so much more than that for me and for the eternal struggle.
The time has come for me to announce the first stage of "Project Green Light." It is the first stage of one of many projects but an important one that I will dedicate myself to completing. I am always contacted by different organizations who reach out to me personally and ask me to fight along side with them in their struggle. I have done so with immigrant groups, youth detention centers, with those organizing against police brutality, gang workshops, funding children's hospitals in Palestine and of course our fight to try and preserve the South Central Farm. So once again I am here to answer the call of my brothers and sisters, whether it comes from across the street or across the ocean.
I have decided to partner with a Non–Profit Human Rights Organization called Omeid International. (www.omeid.org ) We will come together to build an orphanage/ clinic/ school in Kabul, Afghanistan for children who have been left without families because of the wars and diseases that have ravaged the land. It will be called "The Amin Institute."
- The orphanage section will house 20 children at first, from toddlers to ages 10, while the clinic will service the impoverished community surrounding it.
- There will be caregivers there, widows, dedicated people that have witnessed the violence that has consumed the country since the Russian Invasion first hand.
- There will also be a school the serves the area and will teach K through 5 to the children with certified teachers from here and Afghanistan. And we will also
have the children work with therapists and psychologists to aid their undiagnosed post traumatic disorder that in many cases rivals that of veteran infantry troops.
In every city in America we see homeless people. We have become numb and desensitized to it, as if it was an acceptable normality. We have standards around the world about using certain gasses or bombs on people and yet we have no standard, no right to NOT facing starvation or poverty. But if you travel to Africa, South America, South East Asia or The Middle East you will find something we are not used to seeing in America. Homeless children. The children in Afghanistan face starvation, death from disease being drafted into warring factions, and the disgusting child prostitution rings and human traffic of modern day slavery. I cannot change this throughout the world overnight, or I would, but I feel as if we have a good chance to start a small project in Afghanistan that we can build on. I pledge myself to this cause, to this Revolution.
Pledge 1: I will participate in a gigantic Hip Hop fundraiser for the orphanage / clinic/ school to be known as 'The Amin Institute'. I will reach out to those from New York, Atlanta, Chicago, LA, the Bay and anywhere else that Hip Hop has Underground and Mainstream Support so people that I hear talk the talk can join me in this fight to raise the funds and awareness necessary to complete the first phase of this program.
Pledge 2: "Amin" the name of the institute literally means "trustworthy" in Arabic. It is an important word because it was one of the early nicknames of The Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) even before he fathered Islam. I know people are scared to believe in anything as I said before, and regrettably there have been so many charlatans scamming their own people over the years. Therefore to show all that I am working closely and that I fully trust the partners that I have formed at Omeid International. I will pledge $10,000 of my own money into a foundation to support the cause.
Pledge 3: We all have a destiny and I will see mine fulfilled. I will succeed or die trying. And that will come as my vision for this mission is completed. So, I pledge to personally travel to Afghanistan and see the completion of the project that I have decided to dedicate my time and effort to. Omeid after all, is the Farsi word for hope.
This is not a Middle Eastern issue. It is not a Muslim issue. It is a Human Rights issue. And that is why I chose people who came to me with a blueprint, proposal and a passionate desire for real change. We throw that word around a lot, "change" and yet the war hasn't ended…IT has just changed. There has always been an ulterior motive to our involvement anywhere as a nation and so OUR response to that will be motivated by selfless Revolutionary action. It will inter-relate our struggles because I have decided to also create a forum here on my networking site, so that you can all participate in Revolutionary action. This is after all something that will BEGIN in Afghanistan but spread all over the world as different stages are completed. People from all over the globe have been activated and are in motion.
To some people this music is just entertainment, and even if it is that for many people, entertainment can inspire, it can brighten people, and it can feed their imagination. It can also pacify, it can placate and distract, it can shadow and mask real problems around us that we cannot see. But for me this is not about entertainment, it never has been it has always been a mechanism for delivering so much more. Hopefully by this time next year there will be a child in Afghanistan who knows NOTHING about Rap who doesn't even know what an Immortal Technique is, and the money I have made off this music will be giving them a place to live and a chance to learn and rebuild their own nation instead of paying some US corporation trillions of tax payer dollars to do so after we destroyed it. Unless you're brain dead and completely lost on the meaning of what our people's spirit truly is there is no way shape or form to deny no matter what your taste in music is…THAT is Hip Hop. More so because I'm not a Hollywood actor making millions getting tax breaks, this was done with Underground Hip Hop money. That, in itself, is Revolutionary. This is not making music but it is an integral part of the struggle and one that must never be forgotten. It's the foundation of the culture that we owe our identity to.
I thank you for listening and I hope you will spread the word, support "The 3rd World" and of course donate to the cause at www.omeid.org so that we may expedite the coming of our combined strength. If I can succeed here it is a great sign, a sign that I can go to the most violent and distraught place in the world and triumph. That means that everywhere else I go, the Caribbean, Africa, South East Asia, Latin America and anywhere here in the states, that we can succeed.
Con Amor de Revolucion.
Immortal
Technique
PS.
I am not as worthy as those that have come before me, but greater men have achieved less and smarter men have accomplished nothing. I am no longer a Revolutionary Apprentice but a Young full fledged Revolutionary working towards maturing and strengthening his ideas. Learning from his failures and building on his success. There have been many rebels, leaders, and prophets that came before me and there will be others that come after me. None of these men were perfect, as they were human and man is naturally imperfect. But as they lived and died for what they believed in I will devote myself to the causes and the fights that I pick, not to champion religion or national pride, I seek no rewards or trophies that I leave to you, for me the fight is all. Read. Read. Read.
Darrell "Digga" Branch launches OnlineBeatTutor.com to help producers
Veteran music producer Darrell "Digga" Branch, known and respected in the industry for hits like 50 Cents "Many Men," "Dopeman" by Jay-Z, and smash single, "Can't Stop Won't Stop" by the Young Gunz launches a new website, OnlineBeatTutor.com. OnlineBeatTutor.com is the first of its kind. It's a video sharing website for music producers. Here, beat makers and producers can learn, teach and discover everything about making beats! This site will teach aspiring producers how to improve their skills on techniques such as sampling, sequencing, programming, song structure and more.
OnlineBeatTutor.com is similar to YouTube but exclusively for producers. OnlineBeatTutor.com will become the most effective tool available for beatmakers who need instant solutions and answers. They can log on and search a wide array of topics including sampling, software, equipment and or music production. OnlineBeatTutor.com will provide a tutorial of your problem instantly. OnlineBeatTutor.com is for basic, intermediate and advanced users.
"I wanted to create a central place where beatmakers and producers could get useful tips immediately on their problems instead of searching through a gigantic database of videos, waiting for an email response from me or technical support," Digga said.
In addition to video tutorials, music producers and beatmakers will have access to channels specifically related to sampling, sequencing, programming and more. They will be able to upload their own tutorial videos or view instructional videos from other members. Users can create their own profiles, peer groups and save their favorite videos and communicate with other users online.
hiphopgame.com
OnlineBeatTutor.com is similar to YouTube but exclusively for producers. OnlineBeatTutor.com will become the most effective tool available for beatmakers who need instant solutions and answers. They can log on and search a wide array of topics including sampling, software, equipment and or music production. OnlineBeatTutor.com will provide a tutorial of your problem instantly. OnlineBeatTutor.com is for basic, intermediate and advanced users.
"I wanted to create a central place where beatmakers and producers could get useful tips immediately on their problems instead of searching through a gigantic database of videos, waiting for an email response from me or technical support," Digga said.
In addition to video tutorials, music producers and beatmakers will have access to channels specifically related to sampling, sequencing, programming and more. They will be able to upload their own tutorial videos or view instructional videos from other members. Users can create their own profiles, peer groups and save their favorite videos and communicate with other users online.
hiphopgame.com
Timbaland Wins Top Honors At ASCAP Awards
Author: Slava Kuperstein (hiphopdx.com)
Timbaland was named songwriter of the year at ASCAP's 21st annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.
According to Billboard.biz, other top honorees at the even this year were: publisher of the year (EMI Music Publishing); R&B/hip-hop song of the year (Robin Thicke's "Lost Without U"); rap song of the year ("Make Me Better" by Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo); ringtone of the year (Mims' "This Is Why I'm Hot") and gospel song of the year (the Clark Sisters' "Blessed & Highly Favored").
Timbaland continued his acclaim, as he won the award for songwriter of the year ealier this year at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards. He was recognized for his work on four songs: "Ice Box" by Omarion, "Make Me Better" and two Justin Timberlake songs, "My Love" (featuring T.I.) and "Until the End of Time" (featuring Beyoncé).
EMI Music Publishing was the big winner at the awards, totaling 17 award-winning songs.
DJ Khaled Prepares New Album
Author: Andreas Hale (hiphopdx.com)
DJ Khaled has put together some pretty big collaborations in the past to go along with his albums laced with some of the finest Hip Hop has to offer. The trend is set to continue as DJ Khaled prepares his latest dish titled We Global on Koch/We The Best Music Group.
We Global will be Khaled’s third album and will be jump started by the lead single “Out Here Grindin” which will feature Akon, Lil Boosie, Rick Ross, Plies, Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy and Ace Hood with production by The Runners.
“’Out Here Grindin’" is the biggest record in the streets!! This will be the anthem for ‘08!” says Khaled via statement. “I do this for the streets!!! WE GLOBAL!!!! This record is for the people!!!”
A video for the single is currently in the works.
We Global will feature Kanye West, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Nas, Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, Flo-Rida, Akon, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy and many more to be announced. Production will be handled by the likes of The Runners, Danja, Nasty, The Incredibles, Cool and Dre and Beat Novacaine.
Look for We Global to be released on September 16th.
D-Block Preps New Album
Author: William E. Ketchum III (hiphopdx.com)
After seven years since The L.O.X.’s last official group release, D-Block is finally prepping a new disc.
The album, Prepare For Glory, is set to hit August 19 on Babygrande Records.
D-Block is anchored by The L.O.X.—Jadakiss, Styles P [click to read] and Sheek Louch [click to read] —but also has several other members: Poobs, Trav, Straws, A.P., T.Y., Bucky, Bully [click to read], Don D. and Large Amount. Longtime group member J Hood was dismissed from the group after publicly dragging the crew’s chain on the ground and dissed The L.O.X. for their inability to help get him further into the industry. Last month, he wrote a letter apologizing for his actions and explaining his rationale. [read here]
While each of The L.O.X. members have released their share of solo albums and mixtapes—the most recently being Styles P’s Super Gangster, Extraordinary Gentleman from last year and February's Silverback Gorilla by Sheek Louch [click to read]—Prepare For Glory marks the entire D-Block ensemble’s first official release since year 2000’s L.O.X. album, We Are The Streets.
The album’s first leak is “That’s My Nigga,” which features Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek [click to listen].
Freddie Foxxx's Crazy Like A Foxxx To Be Released
Author: Jake Paine(hiphopdx.com)
Fourteen years after its intended release on Flavor Unit/Epic Records, Freddie Foxxx's Crazy Like A Foxxx album is being released on July 29th by Fat Beats Records.
The 1994 sophomore release was promoted behind the single of "So Tough" which was remixed by Notorious B.I.G. mentor Easy Mo Bee and also by Pete Rock [click to read], the single was backed by "Crazy Like A Foxxx." After promotional cassettes were sent to radio and press, the album was mysteriously shelved by the label.
"It was important for me to [release] Crazy Like A Foxxx because I took it back in, and I remastered it. I just wanted to give them the whole entire album," Freddie Foxxx told HipHopDX last evening. The album was largely made for the emcee's comrades in prison at the time, and initially featured darker music and aggressive subject matter.
The initial 1993 demo version of Crazy Like A Foxxx features production exclusively from D.I.T.C.'s Showbiz, Lord Finesse and Buckwild. As an added treat for listeners, Fat Beats and Foxxx have included these unheard versions on the bonus disc of the two CD set, also available digitally. The emcee, who released his debut album in 1989, added, "The D.I.T.C. version got turned down by Flavor Unit. I actually liked it better, but I had to go and produce [the album] myself, and that was the [version] they accepted. A lot of emails and MySpace blogs were comin' in about how people liked the Crazy Like A Foxxx album. I was [thinking] I don't know how they like it if it was never put out. Somebody leaked it on a cassette, and people were just listening to the raggedy old, nasty-soundin' cassette version. I said, 'You know what? Let me just put it out.' It's really about the fans all day."
Among those original tracks, producer Showbiz had initially submitted the beat that would later become KRS-One's "Sound Of Da Police," which can be heard in its original form through this release. The Freddie Foxxx version is called "8 Bars To Catch A Body."
Another point of interest from this relic is the largely unpublicized competitive rap battle with the Ultramagnetic MC's. "It wasn't a physical thing, it was a rap competition/battle, whatever you want to call it," reveals the artist who also goes by Bumpy Knuckles a decade and a half later. "I decided to switch up the title song 'Crazy Like A Foxxx.' There's two versions on there that people are gonna hear. I gave them the original version, which was more of me doin' my lyrical skill thing, and then I switched up and put my whole battle verses on there and dedicated the whole track to them. I was trying to feed the audience what they wanted from me."
Asked what the album makes him think about today, Foxxx says, "At first I think, 'Damn, I've been rapping a long time. [Laughs] I think about, and hopefully people understand, it's just classic material. It's catalogue. I'm actually going to start releasing a lot more catalogue."
The album also features appearances by Kool G Rap [click to read], Chuck D and 2Pac.
Freddie Foxxx is also releasing Motorcycle Music volumes 1 through 3 for Krupt Mob, as well as working on his anticipated next studio album Amerikkkan Black Man and the Stop The Violence movement.
BET Loses Sponsorship Over Content
Author: Anthony Springer Jr (hiphopdx.com)
BET suffered another setback this week when several advertisers pulled spots from popular network programs due to images of violence and profanity.
According to Paul Porter of media watchdog group, Industry Ears and CNN, Proctor and Gamble, Pepsi and General Motors pulled their ads from Rap City and 106 & Park after the companies viewed “The Rap on Rap,” a content analysis of BET and MTV programming.
The study found that children were exposed to violence, profanity or obscenity once every 38 seconds.
According to a CNN report, BET Chairman and CEO, Debra Lee dismissed the study, saying the network pays attention to the content it airs and edits videos.
“It’s geared for kids but the content is for adults,” Porter told HipHopDX. “That’s what the study shows.”
Porter also asserts that responsibility for monitoring content should not solely rest on parents of minors. “The standard excuse is about parents, but there’s supposed to be corporate responsibility too.”
He goes on to add that the images of black people on networks like BET effect more than just the young people exposed to the content. “We’re the only ones presented like this in the world. It effects you globally, on your job, with the police.”
While Porter—a former media executive himself—is a harsh critic of the network, he is not without solutions for the Viacom network.
“Balance,” he says of the solution, adding that every video shown does not have to be about violence, sex, or materialism.
“We’ve been stuck on this fake gangster stuff. Black people have so many different shades and nobody is talking about lifting each other up.”
From talking to Porter, it’s clear that his agenda is not geared toward outright censorship, but more about common sense.
“I listen to the same crazy shit in my car,” he says before adding, “but I’m not going to play it for a nine-year-old.”
Monday, June 23, 2008
KRS-One Reveals Apathy of Conscious Rappers
By Ismael AbduSalaam (allhiphop.com)
As KRS-One prepares for his Stop the Violence Fundraising Concert on August 26th, the Blastmaster has revealed a surprising lack of support among Hip-Hop’s “conscious” emcees.
This past February, KRS-One received vocal contributions from over 50 rappers for the 2008 version of “Self Destruction,” the seminal 1989 all-star posse cut.
The modern version has confirmed verses from The Game, 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Styles P, Cassidy, MC Lyte, Ne-Yo, David Banner, and one-time nemesis Nelly.
In a new feature on AllHipHop.com, KRS noted a lack of responsiveness from many “conscious” rappers he reached out to.
“I’m not gonna call no names but I called everybody to come out, conscious rappers included,” KRS informed AllHipHop.com. “You know what the conscious community said? Oh KRS again, stop the violence, he needs to just retire, why is he still rhyming? That’s what I’m getting from the conscious community.”
KRS further elaborated that his biggest support has come from a trio of mainstream artists.
“Game is an intelligent black man, period. And when the call went out he was there,” KRS stated. “I want the most aggressive artists to be involved. I need 50 Cent and Fat Joe to come together, that’s what I need.”
KRS-One founded the Stop the Violence Movement in 1988 in response to the violence that plagued Hip-Hop and African-American communities.
KRS experienced personal tragedy with the shooting death of friend and Boogie Down Productions member Scott La Rock in 1987.
The loss inspired KRS to modify much of his gangsta rap content from his debut Criminal Minded to more political, Afrocentric lyrics as heard on By All Means Necessary (1988), Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip-Hop (1989), and Edutainment (1990).
The Stop the Violence Fundraising Concert at Madison Square Garden is scheduled to feature all 50 plus artists that have contributed to the 2008 remake.
As KRS-One prepares for his Stop the Violence Fundraising Concert on August 26th, the Blastmaster has revealed a surprising lack of support among Hip-Hop’s “conscious” emcees.
This past February, KRS-One received vocal contributions from over 50 rappers for the 2008 version of “Self Destruction,” the seminal 1989 all-star posse cut.
The modern version has confirmed verses from The Game, 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Styles P, Cassidy, MC Lyte, Ne-Yo, David Banner, and one-time nemesis Nelly.
In a new feature on AllHipHop.com, KRS noted a lack of responsiveness from many “conscious” rappers he reached out to.
“I’m not gonna call no names but I called everybody to come out, conscious rappers included,” KRS informed AllHipHop.com. “You know what the conscious community said? Oh KRS again, stop the violence, he needs to just retire, why is he still rhyming? That’s what I’m getting from the conscious community.”
KRS further elaborated that his biggest support has come from a trio of mainstream artists.
“Game is an intelligent black man, period. And when the call went out he was there,” KRS stated. “I want the most aggressive artists to be involved. I need 50 Cent and Fat Joe to come together, that’s what I need.”
KRS-One founded the Stop the Violence Movement in 1988 in response to the violence that plagued Hip-Hop and African-American communities.
KRS experienced personal tragedy with the shooting death of friend and Boogie Down Productions member Scott La Rock in 1987.
The loss inspired KRS to modify much of his gangsta rap content from his debut Criminal Minded to more political, Afrocentric lyrics as heard on By All Means Necessary (1988), Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip-Hop (1989), and Edutainment (1990).
The Stop the Violence Fundraising Concert at Madison Square Garden is scheduled to feature all 50 plus artists that have contributed to the 2008 remake.
Sadat X Returns To Rap With New Album
By Morris Moore (allhiphop.com)
Rap veteran and Brand Nubian co-founder Sadat X has signed a deal with New York independent label Affluent Records and is planning a new album titled Generation X.
The album, which is Sadat X’s fifth solo release, features 10 songs, as well as production from Will Tell and Affluent’s CEO, Oscar Sanchez.
"I am very honored to be working with Sadat on this one,” Sanchez said. “He has got a big sound on this album, his voice is timeless and he has a great brand name in the market. I've known X for many years and he has always stayed working, stayed touring, or doing features, he found a way to be relevant on the indie marker and its due, the fans want it, so signing him was a no brainer.”
Sadat X made his debut as a member of the legendary rap collective Brand Nubian, which also featured fellow Grand Puba, Lord Jamal, DJ Alamo and DJ Sincere.
Brand Nubian’s 1990 debut album One For All contained a number of Hip-Hop classics, including “Wake Up,” “One For All,” “Slow Down” and others.
The group’s best known single, “Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down” hit # 2 on Billboard’s rap chart in 1993 and can still be heard on radio and in clubs around the world.
Rap veteran and Brand Nubian co-founder Sadat X has signed a deal with New York independent label Affluent Records and is planning a new album titled Generation X.
The album, which is Sadat X’s fifth solo release, features 10 songs, as well as production from Will Tell and Affluent’s CEO, Oscar Sanchez.
"I am very honored to be working with Sadat on this one,” Sanchez said. “He has got a big sound on this album, his voice is timeless and he has a great brand name in the market. I've known X for many years and he has always stayed working, stayed touring, or doing features, he found a way to be relevant on the indie marker and its due, the fans want it, so signing him was a no brainer.”
Sadat X made his debut as a member of the legendary rap collective Brand Nubian, which also featured fellow Grand Puba, Lord Jamal, DJ Alamo and DJ Sincere.
Brand Nubian’s 1990 debut album One For All contained a number of Hip-Hop classics, including “Wake Up,” “One For All,” “Slow Down” and others.
The group’s best known single, “Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down” hit # 2 on Billboard’s rap chart in 1993 and can still be heard on radio and in clubs around the world.
The Game & Young Buck Join Forces On New Mixtape
written by Cyrus Langhorne (sohh.com)
Former G-Unit members The Game and Young Buck have decided to squash any prior beefs and team up, as the two are set to release a joint mixtape.
According to Billboard, the untitled collaboration is set to drop in July and will be hosted by DJ Skee, Nu Jerzey Devil and Haze.
As SOHH previously reported, The Game recently sided with Buck in his war with 50 Cent, recording his own version of Buck's diss record to the G-Unit General. On the song, the Compton rapper continues to throw shots at G-Unit and alleges that 50 was responsible for the fire that destroyed the Long Island mansion where his baby mama lived.
In addition to their mixtape together, Buck will also appear on a remix for the West Coast rapper's Keyshia Cole assisted single, "Games Pain." With L.A.X. nearly a month away from dropping, Game is applying a similar technique he used for his "One Blood" remix, by recruiting various artists to contribute to regional remixes of the song. Buck and Bun B will show-up on the Southern remix, Jadakiss and Fat Joe on the New York recording, and E-40 and Ice Cube will be on the West Coast version.
In other Buck news, Buck has teamed up with Cash Money Records rapper All $tar to create the group Starbucks. They have an upcoming mixtape entitled "Starbuck's: B.O.A.T. (Based On A True Story)," set for a June 24th release via grindhardonline.com.
Both Game and Buck were dropped from G-Unit by 50 via the radio. Game was kicked out in March 2005 once 50 went on-air and explained how he wrote the hit singles from the Compton rapper's debut album and Buck was dropped last April due to internal conflicts.
Former G-Unit members The Game and Young Buck have decided to squash any prior beefs and team up, as the two are set to release a joint mixtape.
According to Billboard, the untitled collaboration is set to drop in July and will be hosted by DJ Skee, Nu Jerzey Devil and Haze.
As SOHH previously reported, The Game recently sided with Buck in his war with 50 Cent, recording his own version of Buck's diss record to the G-Unit General. On the song, the Compton rapper continues to throw shots at G-Unit and alleges that 50 was responsible for the fire that destroyed the Long Island mansion where his baby mama lived.
In addition to their mixtape together, Buck will also appear on a remix for the West Coast rapper's Keyshia Cole assisted single, "Games Pain." With L.A.X. nearly a month away from dropping, Game is applying a similar technique he used for his "One Blood" remix, by recruiting various artists to contribute to regional remixes of the song. Buck and Bun B will show-up on the Southern remix, Jadakiss and Fat Joe on the New York recording, and E-40 and Ice Cube will be on the West Coast version.
In other Buck news, Buck has teamed up with Cash Money Records rapper All $tar to create the group Starbucks. They have an upcoming mixtape entitled "Starbuck's: B.O.A.T. (Based On A True Story)," set for a June 24th release via grindhardonline.com.
Both Game and Buck were dropped from G-Unit by 50 via the radio. Game was kicked out in March 2005 once 50 went on-air and explained how he wrote the hit singles from the Compton rapper's debut album and Buck was dropped last April due to internal conflicts.
RZA: Twelve Jewelz
By Omar Burgess
It's hard enough to keep up with the nine original members of the Wu-Tang Clan and their Gambino aliases. But what happens when, after finally getting a beat on those 18 characters, the clansmen start entering chambers that you didn't even know existed? Think of it as W.E.B. DuBois' famous quote about "two warring ideas in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder," with a Shaolin twist.
Take RZA, for instance. He was perfectly happy, chilling in his multi-million dollar home when the call came. Technically, the actual phone call to record another Bobby Digital album probably came from someone at Koch Records. But, the more you hear him talk about his varied interests, the more likely it is that some inner call to rhyme came from Robert Diggs, The Abbot or even Bobby Digital himself. Even with all of his accolades and the money that comes with them, RZA still sounds like he's in search of his true calling. Even if he doesn't reconcile all of the different aspects of his personality which battle within him on his Digi Snax album, it's going to be entertaining to listen to him try.
HipHopDX: Back in 1999, you said the Bobby Digital persona created too much of a contradiction inside you. Did you change your mind, or is this side of you like a werewolf during a full moon that needs to be let out every couple years?
RZA: [Laughs] You could say that in one way. This one came about from two different methods actually. First, the people over at Koch came to me and were like, “Hey Bobby, how about another record?” I was in the middle of my Hollywood excursions and shit, and I kind of put that to the side for a minute. And then, after the 8 Diagrams [click to read] situation and how that turned out, I kind of had a little emcee vengeance in me. I figured I would just bung, bung it out like this and get that energy out through this medium.
DX: Now that the dust has settled, how do you feel about the good and the bad that went down with 8 Diagrams?
R: As far as the good of it, I think it’s a good album. I mean, I still rock it to this day. It’s been in my CD player for, what, almost seven months now? I still know it by heart. I think it’s a good album. That’s the good of it. If you like Wu-Tang and you’ve got the other records, it’s another one to put in that vein.
The bad of it is that we prematurely shot ourselves in the foot. I mean, that’s my opinion, and everybody’s got their own. But, I think we spoke against ourselves. It’s like if you’re in the ring, you gotta box, man. You can’t complain about your glove being untied; you can’t complain about nothing—you gotta just start swinging. I feel like we sabotaged ourselves, in all reality. We did two tours and didn’t perform the music. The Raekwon incident [click to read] was big, nahmean? That was over a couple hundred thousand views, and it made Miss Info’s website actually worth money now. People don’t realize what they do when they do things like that. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a year she had her own TV show. But, everyone’s got their own opinions, yo. I put a lot of hard work into that record and I appreciate how it sounds. I’ve got a lot of fans and friends who appreciate it as well.
DX: True. It seems that the overall sound has changed, and that’s not just limited to 8 Diagrams. Is it age, studying music theory or the live instruments that makes it seem mellower?
R: Nah, it’s just music. If you take all my music and take all my shit and really check it without a biased thought in your mind, you won’t see too much change. I don’t think there’s too much change, besides clarity due to the equipment being used. If we’re talking about 8 Diagrams, name a song, and I’ll give you another one that you loved as much.
DX: Off 8 Diagrams?
R: Yeah, name a song.
DX: “Weak Spot.”
R: Okay, “Weak Spot,” that’s classic Wu shit. From the drums, the Kung-fu samples, the weird noises, the emcees to the drops—that’s classic Wu-Tang material. That’s obvious Wu-Tang, name another one.
DX: What about “Heart Gently Weeps?”
R: Okay, take “Heart Gently Weeps” and compare it to “Can It All Be So Simple.” Take “Babies” off the Iron Flag album, ‘cause “Heart Gently Weeps” is a live band. Go to [Ghostface Killah's] Bulletproof Wallets and get “Maxine,” because that’s a live band too. You can even go back to Ol’ Dirty’s [Return to the 36 Chambers] album and compare it to [“Drunk Game" (Sweet Sugar Pie)"] Those elements have always been in my music in one way or another.
DX: Good point. Since we’re comparing old and new, can you talk about reworking “Drama” from the Words from the Genius album?
R: Yeah, I like that idea and I’m proud of that one. I’m such a fan, because GZA is my big cousin and he taught me and schooled me about a lot of stuff in life growing up. I’m proud to be able to cover a Hip Hop song like that and totally make a new song out of it. Continued on page 2 »
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Lil Wayne Breaks Platinum In First Week
Author: William E. Ketchum III (hiphopdx.com)
Apparently, the hook to “A Millie” wasn’t just a bridge between Lil Wayne’s verses.
Reports with MTV and Billboard, and a video blog from Wayne himself [watch here] have confirmed that Tha Carter III has sold more than one million units, giving it platinum status in only its first week.
"Thank you, that's it," he said to MTV News when asked about the album's success earlier this week. "[I'm] just very grateful, that's it. Blown away, of course. Surprised, of course. Elated. Every positive word there is.
"I wasn't trippin' about this," he said about the sales stats. "I didn't have no expectations. That's not only with music, [that's] period. You shouldn't expect anything. You never know what could happen."
According to Billboard, Tha Carter III is the first album since 50 Cent’s The Massacre in March 2005 to break a million copies sold. Kanye West’s Graduation came the closest, selling 957,000 units its first week in September 2007.
In other news, Wayne has confirmed that he is forming a supergroup with T-Pain, and that he will begin the Tha Carter III tour next week.
Masta Ace Reacts To Eminem's Remix Of "Slaughtahouse"
Author: Jake Paine (hiphopdx.com)
Years ago, Eminem once told Masta Ace that his 1993 Slaughtahouse album was a staple for the Detroit emcee in the uncertain years of his career portrayed in 8 Mile. In a strange turn of events, Eminem, now an Oscar-nominated, Grammy Award-winning producer, was able to remix the title track from Masta Ace Incorporated's aforementioned album [click to listen].
Released on June 3, Delicious Vinyl Records' RMXXOLOGY features classics from the Los Angeles-based Hip Hop independent label remixed by stars from an array of genres. Original tracks from Tone Loc, Young MC and Fatlip are remixed by Peaches, Aaron Lacrate and Debonair Samir [click to read] and Hot Chip. However, many are drawn in by the Eminem re-working.
"It's an incredible honor that somebody so talented and accomplished in the game would wanna do a remix of my song," Masta Ace told HipHopDX Wednesday morning, reacting to the work. The two, along with J. Black, appeared together on the rare track "Hellbound," made early in Eminem's career.
Presently, Masta Ace is working with Wordsworth, Punchline and Stricklin in The EMC [click to read], who just released their debut The Show [click to read] earlier this year.
Years ago, Eminem once told Masta Ace that his 1993 Slaughtahouse album was a staple for the Detroit emcee in the uncertain years of his career portrayed in 8 Mile. In a strange turn of events, Eminem, now an Oscar-nominated, Grammy Award-winning producer, was able to remix the title track from Masta Ace Incorporated's aforementioned album [click to listen].
Released on June 3, Delicious Vinyl Records' RMXXOLOGY features classics from the Los Angeles-based Hip Hop independent label remixed by stars from an array of genres. Original tracks from Tone Loc, Young MC and Fatlip are remixed by Peaches, Aaron Lacrate and Debonair Samir [click to read] and Hot Chip. However, many are drawn in by the Eminem re-working.
"It's an incredible honor that somebody so talented and accomplished in the game would wanna do a remix of my song," Masta Ace told HipHopDX Wednesday morning, reacting to the work. The two, along with J. Black, appeared together on the rare track "Hellbound," made early in Eminem's career.
Presently, Masta Ace is working with Wordsworth, Punchline and Stricklin in The EMC [click to read], who just released their debut The Show [click to read] earlier this year.
9th Wonder, Pete Rock Donate Beats For 100K Battle
By Chris Richburg(allhiphop.com)
North Carolina-based beat maker 9th Wonder, Pete Rock and DJ Babu are among the producers contributing beats for the Wake Up Show/urSession.com 100K Battle.
The event will feature up and coming rappers who will choose from 28 beats to rhyme over, after creating an artist profile on urSession.com.
Participants, who record their best song on the beats they select, can upload no more than three songs to their profiles.
In addition to 9th Wonder, Pete Rock and Babu, the 100K Battle will feature beats from DJ Muggs, Rick Rock, DJ Khalil, Alchemist, DJ Q-Bert, Evidence, DJ Revolution, Amplive, the Avila Brothers, Boom-Batt Productions, Bosko, Fingzazz, Focus, Jake One, Sid Roams, THX, Vitamin D, Wyldfyer and the late J Dilla. Uploaded songs are voted on and heard by urSession non-artist members.
The artist with the most votes will receive $5,000 as well as a round-trip ticket to Los Angeles to appear on the Wake Up Show.
Created by Wake Show DJ Tech, the 100K Battle sprang from an encounter between Tech and a caller who wanted to know what the radio personality could do for those trying to break into the music business.
"I wanted to make sure there was a sound from everybody," Tech said. "I would call up Pete and say ‘Yo Pete, give me old school.’ I would call up the Avila Brothers and be like ‘Give me a party single.’ Focus: ‘Give me grimy.’ Khalil: ‘Give me orchestral.’ In other words, I organized it to make sure that all the beats don’t sound the same, so I don’t get that complaint – ‘Man, I can’t rap to this s**t!’"
For Tech’s fellow Wake Up show host Sway, additional inspiration for the 100K battle centered on a desire to adjust to consolidation from major record labels, as well as a narrowing playlist from radio stations.
"They don’t have access to Grammy award-winning, well-respected, proven producers like all these different guys that we got to donate their beats," Sway stated. "We can give you access as an artist to music that can make you competitive with artists who already have that kind of access for free. You just gotta be able to write the song, and if you got what it takes then you’ll get that break."
North Carolina-based beat maker 9th Wonder, Pete Rock and DJ Babu are among the producers contributing beats for the Wake Up Show/urSession.com 100K Battle.
The event will feature up and coming rappers who will choose from 28 beats to rhyme over, after creating an artist profile on urSession.com.
Participants, who record their best song on the beats they select, can upload no more than three songs to their profiles.
In addition to 9th Wonder, Pete Rock and Babu, the 100K Battle will feature beats from DJ Muggs, Rick Rock, DJ Khalil, Alchemist, DJ Q-Bert, Evidence, DJ Revolution, Amplive, the Avila Brothers, Boom-Batt Productions, Bosko, Fingzazz, Focus, Jake One, Sid Roams, THX, Vitamin D, Wyldfyer and the late J Dilla. Uploaded songs are voted on and heard by urSession non-artist members.
The artist with the most votes will receive $5,000 as well as a round-trip ticket to Los Angeles to appear on the Wake Up Show.
Created by Wake Show DJ Tech, the 100K Battle sprang from an encounter between Tech and a caller who wanted to know what the radio personality could do for those trying to break into the music business.
"I wanted to make sure there was a sound from everybody," Tech said. "I would call up Pete and say ‘Yo Pete, give me old school.’ I would call up the Avila Brothers and be like ‘Give me a party single.’ Focus: ‘Give me grimy.’ Khalil: ‘Give me orchestral.’ In other words, I organized it to make sure that all the beats don’t sound the same, so I don’t get that complaint – ‘Man, I can’t rap to this s**t!’"
For Tech’s fellow Wake Up show host Sway, additional inspiration for the 100K battle centered on a desire to adjust to consolidation from major record labels, as well as a narrowing playlist from radio stations.
"They don’t have access to Grammy award-winning, well-respected, proven producers like all these different guys that we got to donate their beats," Sway stated. "We can give you access as an artist to music that can make you competitive with artists who already have that kind of access for free. You just gotta be able to write the song, and if you got what it takes then you’ll get that break."
BREAKING NEWS: Young Jeezy Arrested
Rapper Young Jeezy was arrested early Wednesday morning (June 18), after being pulled over by the Atlanta Police Department, AllHipHop.com has confirmed.
According to Public Affairs officer Ronald Campbell, Jeezy, born Jay Jenkins, was pulled over on Buford Highway around 2:20am, driving a white Chevrolet Corvette with temporary tags.
The Def Jam artist was hit with seven charges, including driving without a tag, no proof of insurance, speeding, reckless driving, and two counts of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Jeezy was processed at the Atlanta City Jail, and was released around 6:15am after paying a $4100 fine.
His management has declined to issue a statement at this time.
allhiphop.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
THE KID DAYTONA - “LYRICS 2 GO” VIDEO FEAT. KARDINAL OFFISHALL AND JOEL ORTIZ
Off A Tribe Called Fresh MixTape
The Roots Talk Label Struggle, Overseas Hip Hop Fans
by Edwin Ortiz.(hiphopdx.com)
Joining Hot 97’s DJ Enuff on his newly-minted website, ThatsEnuff.com, The Roots' ?uestlove and Black Thought [click to read] took the liberty of explaining their views on their group, record label woes, and why European Hip Hop fans are on point.
Knowing that the group has always separated itself from the pack, ?uestlove metaphorically described his vision of The Roots. “If people really had to investigate the situation, I think that this is a more A.D.D. society. It’s quick fast, in a hurry. Sometimes, you just gotta get that instant gratification; it’s like the crack generation. You need that gratification. I think with us, we’re like souffle, or like baking something in the oven.”
When the questions of record label failures (including sales, marketing and exposure) arose, Black Thought was quick to explain the realistic goals that labels have planned. “Every label’s got a priority list. The Roots isn’t necessarily the number one priority at Def Jam. They doing what they suppose to do, but we’re not necessarily number one on their priority list when they got a Janet [Jackson] record that just came out and a Mariah [Carey] joint. It’s just a different focus at the label at the time that we put our joint out. But it’s not a situation we aren’t unused to…You gotta be self-sufficient in anything. We kinda figured that out early on, and that’s why we still here.”
In a nod to the Hip Hop heads on the other side of the globe, ?uestlove gave props to their integrity of the Hip Hop culture. “It’s going back in time overseas. They still believe in the whole rules and standards of what real Hip Hop is…For them, there’s no biting aloud. For them, they still believe in b-boying and graffiti.” Black Thought then chimed in, describing the essence of Hip Hop and the division in its current state. “[Hip Hop is] everything, all the whistles and bells that came along with it that made it a culture, as opposed to just a job or a career or a game. It was different… We had all these different rules and shit. There ain’t no rules no more.”
Joining Hot 97’s DJ Enuff on his newly-minted website, ThatsEnuff.com, The Roots' ?uestlove and Black Thought [click to read] took the liberty of explaining their views on their group, record label woes, and why European Hip Hop fans are on point.
Knowing that the group has always separated itself from the pack, ?uestlove metaphorically described his vision of The Roots. “If people really had to investigate the situation, I think that this is a more A.D.D. society. It’s quick fast, in a hurry. Sometimes, you just gotta get that instant gratification; it’s like the crack generation. You need that gratification. I think with us, we’re like souffle, or like baking something in the oven.”
When the questions of record label failures (including sales, marketing and exposure) arose, Black Thought was quick to explain the realistic goals that labels have planned. “Every label’s got a priority list. The Roots isn’t necessarily the number one priority at Def Jam. They doing what they suppose to do, but we’re not necessarily number one on their priority list when they got a Janet [Jackson] record that just came out and a Mariah [Carey] joint. It’s just a different focus at the label at the time that we put our joint out. But it’s not a situation we aren’t unused to…You gotta be self-sufficient in anything. We kinda figured that out early on, and that’s why we still here.”
In a nod to the Hip Hop heads on the other side of the globe, ?uestlove gave props to their integrity of the Hip Hop culture. “It’s going back in time overseas. They still believe in the whole rules and standards of what real Hip Hop is…For them, there’s no biting aloud. For them, they still believe in b-boying and graffiti.” Black Thought then chimed in, describing the essence of Hip Hop and the division in its current state. “[Hip Hop is] everything, all the whistles and bells that came along with it that made it a culture, as opposed to just a job or a career or a game. It was different… We had all these different rules and shit. There ain’t no rules no more.”
Monday, June 16, 2008
Big Boi Talks New Album, Andre 3000's Return To Rap
Author: Andres Tardio (hiphopdx.com)
When fans think of Andre 3000, they always say they want him to rap again. Well, those fans/critics can rest easy because Dre is back at it on "Royal Flush" [click to listen]. Recently, Big Boi spoke on Andre's rapping and on his own new album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty.
"[We] came in the studio, actually New Year's Day. Came in the studio, his verse is maybe 190,000 bars, but I just told him to go for what he know. When people ask me, 'Why is Dre's verse so long?' Because he's bustin'! We was recording, I was like, 'Okay, cool.' As long as it's not too long to play it and it gets broadcast, I was like, 'Let's run it,' " Big told MTV.
Currently, Andre is out in Japan, finishing up some work for his clothing line. But, Big Boi is still holding things down and making his moves.
"It's more extreme," he said of his album. "All me. All the concepts. [For] Speakerboxxx/The Love Below [click to read], me and Dre kinda had to stew the pot together. This, I'm doing it all my way. Speakerboxxx was my official solo album. We packaged [our albums] together, but this one is the real-deal, standalone Sir Luscious Left Foot album."
Big also spoke on folks who underestimate his talent while bigging up Andre's. Specifically, he was asked about Andre appearing on MTV's Hottest MC lists while he was a no show.
"I don't know if it's an underestimation. I just don't really put myself out there like that. I draw enough attention to myself when I step in the room. Lyrically and as being an artist, I have nothing to prove. Me and Dre have done everything there is to do. We've won the Super Bowl of music. Hip Hop artists won "Album of the Year" at the Grammy's. After that, what can you do? All the rhymes are definitely vicious. Once people get the whole Big Boi album and put it under a microscope, they'll see."
When fans think of Andre 3000, they always say they want him to rap again. Well, those fans/critics can rest easy because Dre is back at it on "Royal Flush" [click to listen]. Recently, Big Boi spoke on Andre's rapping and on his own new album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty.
"[We] came in the studio, actually New Year's Day. Came in the studio, his verse is maybe 190,000 bars, but I just told him to go for what he know. When people ask me, 'Why is Dre's verse so long?' Because he's bustin'! We was recording, I was like, 'Okay, cool.' As long as it's not too long to play it and it gets broadcast, I was like, 'Let's run it,' " Big told MTV.
Currently, Andre is out in Japan, finishing up some work for his clothing line. But, Big Boi is still holding things down and making his moves.
"It's more extreme," he said of his album. "All me. All the concepts. [For] Speakerboxxx/The Love Below [click to read], me and Dre kinda had to stew the pot together. This, I'm doing it all my way. Speakerboxxx was my official solo album. We packaged [our albums] together, but this one is the real-deal, standalone Sir Luscious Left Foot album."
Big also spoke on folks who underestimate his talent while bigging up Andre's. Specifically, he was asked about Andre appearing on MTV's Hottest MC lists while he was a no show.
"I don't know if it's an underestimation. I just don't really put myself out there like that. I draw enough attention to myself when I step in the room. Lyrically and as being an artist, I have nothing to prove. Me and Dre have done everything there is to do. We've won the Super Bowl of music. Hip Hop artists won "Album of the Year" at the Grammy's. After that, what can you do? All the rhymes are definitely vicious. Once people get the whole Big Boi album and put it under a microscope, they'll see."
Young Buck Declares His Independence, "f*ck G-Unit"
by Cyrus Langhorne (SOHH.com)
A video has hit the net showing Young Buck dissing G-Unit and discrediting 50 Cent at a small club performance in Tampa, Florida over the weekend.
Performing alone on stage to his previous hits like "Shorty Wanna Ride," the former G-Unit rapper appeared to surprise fans after an audience member screamed "G-Unit, n*gga!" as he quickly responded to the shout-out.
"F*ck G-Unit, n*gga, I'm gonna give you what you really wanna hear, 'cause Florida n*ggas wanna really know what the f*ck really be going on with Buck," Buck replied.
Rather than going in to his next song, Buck decided to speak for nearly two minutes explaining the controversy that began immediately following his royalty check statements he made against 50 Cent earlier this year.
"When I made the statement, 'I ain't ever seen no royalty check,' I didn't say that sh*t saying that the n*gga 50 done took money from me or none of that whole sh*t. Or that the n*gga owe - I said it 'cause it's real," he affirmed. "And when I say sh*t, I mean the sh*t. He took it in a different way. I guess the n*gga felt like I'm airing out family business or whatever."
Instead of stopping there, Buck continued to air out the head of G-Unit by comparing his street credibility to his own.
"He feel like he got a whole lot 'til the n*gga hit rock bottom and he got to crawl his a** back up," he said. "The difference between me and a motherf*cking 50 Cent is that I could hit the gutter-[and] I can get back in the streets. He couldn't go back-[or] do the same."
Before preparing to perform "Stay Fly," Buck promised the crowd that he was only going to focus on himself and if anyone does business with the Cashville star, it better be sincere and not just a handshake.
Rappers Talk Slayer In Book 'Reign of Blood'
By Tai Saint Louis(allhiphop.com)
The latest volume in Continuum Books’ 33 1/3 Series takes an unprecedented look at how Hip-Hop touched what has been called “the ultimate thrash metal record.”
33 1/3: Reign of Blood recounts the making of heavy metal group Slayer’s 1986 Def Jam release through the eyes of Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons and the other Hip-Hop luminaries who helped the album come about.
Through all new interviews by Simmons and Rubin, as well as MC Serch, and Bomb Squad founder Hank Shockley, readers are treated to a first-hand account of how Slayer managed to fit in with Def Jam’s roster of rap legends.
"They were nice kids,” said Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons. “They looked fun. I didn’t know. I wasn’t even [interested] because they didn’t rap. Me and all the Hip-Hop kids that were part of my group, they looked up and said, ‘Wow, I don’t know what the f**k this is. This is Rick Rubin’s shit.’”
In addition to anecdotes from the band and the Def Jam staff, including Serch’s experience promoting Slayer alongside 3rd Bass group member Pete Nice, author D.X. Ferris also examines Reign of Blood through the eyes of dozens of fans.
33 1/3: Reign of Blood is available in stores everywhere.
With 60 volumes to date, the 33 1/3 series also includes books about and inspired by groundbreaking albums by A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, James Brown, and Prince.
The latest volume in Continuum Books’ 33 1/3 Series takes an unprecedented look at how Hip-Hop touched what has been called “the ultimate thrash metal record.”
33 1/3: Reign of Blood recounts the making of heavy metal group Slayer’s 1986 Def Jam release through the eyes of Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons and the other Hip-Hop luminaries who helped the album come about.
Through all new interviews by Simmons and Rubin, as well as MC Serch, and Bomb Squad founder Hank Shockley, readers are treated to a first-hand account of how Slayer managed to fit in with Def Jam’s roster of rap legends.
"They were nice kids,” said Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons. “They looked fun. I didn’t know. I wasn’t even [interested] because they didn’t rap. Me and all the Hip-Hop kids that were part of my group, they looked up and said, ‘Wow, I don’t know what the f**k this is. This is Rick Rubin’s shit.’”
In addition to anecdotes from the band and the Def Jam staff, including Serch’s experience promoting Slayer alongside 3rd Bass group member Pete Nice, author D.X. Ferris also examines Reign of Blood through the eyes of dozens of fans.
33 1/3: Reign of Blood is available in stores everywhere.
With 60 volumes to date, the 33 1/3 series also includes books about and inspired by groundbreaking albums by A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, James Brown, and Prince.
Witness Says Young Jeezy Received Kilos From BMF
By Ismael AbduSalaam (allhiphop.com)
Ralph “Ralphie” Simms, an incarcerated former Black Mafia Family member, has alleged in court that rapper Young Jeezy received kilos of cocaine from BMF.
The stunning claim was made in the cocaine-conspiracy trial of Fleming “Ill” Daniels, another alleged BMF member, according to Creative Loafing in Atlanta.
Justice Department spokesman Patrick Crosby would not comment on whether the rapper is now being investigated due to the claims made by Simms.
Young Jeezy’s lawyer Scott Leemon had “no comment” when contacted today (June 14) about Simms’ shocking testimony.
BMF was started in the late 1980s by brothers Demetrius “Meech” and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory in Detroit.
By 2005 the organization is reputed to have laundered over $270 million in drug money throughout various US cities.
Due to high profile forays into Hip-Hop music and lavish spending, the organization caught the attention of the FBI and was subsequently dismantled through strategic raids in the last 3 years.
Demetrius and Terry Flenory were both indicted on drug trafficking charges in 2005.
Bleu Davinci was the only artist on BMF’s record label BMF Entertainment.
Davinci was arrested in 2007 for cocaine distribution and recently pleaded guilty to related charges.
The accuser, Ralph Simms, was indicted on related drug charges last year in Los Angeles.
Simms informed the jury that he hoped to receive a reduced sentence in light of his testimony in the Daniels case.
At press time, Young Jeezy has not been charged or questioned by authorities about Simms’ accusation.
It's Official: Bone Reunites With All Five Members
By Roman Wolfe
After years of inner-turmoil and label woes, Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have reunited, with all five original group members.
According to founding member Krayzie Bone, the group has made amends with estranged member Bizzy, and when incarcerated group member Flesh is released next month, the group is planning a full return to the rap game.
“Flesh will be home July 10th, he’s supposed to be getting out. Bizzy was at one of last shows in Riverside [California]. We had a good conversation there," Krayzie Bone revealed. We told people what it was. When everything got right, we was gonna come back together and what we had to do.”
The group’s original line up, which consisted of Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Wish Bone, Bizzy Bone and Flesh-n-Bone, changed with Flesh, born Stanley Howse, was sentenced to 11 years in prison, after he threatened another man with a loaded AK-47.
Police also raided his California residence in July of 1997 and found numerous explosives, including dynamite sticks.
Flesh, who is Layzie Bone’s brother, was also wanted for of seven assault charges that dated back to 1993.
The arrest derailed Flesh’s career, although he can be heard on classic Bone albums like Creepin On Ah Come Up, E 1999 Eternal and The Art of War.
Group member Bizzy Bone was kicked out of the group in 2002, due to his excessive drug and alcohol use and personal issues.
Bizzy Bone, born Bryon Anthony McCane, recently released his independent album A Song For You in April.
The title track from the album, which features DMX, hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart.
According to Krayzie Bone, the only thing that may prevent the Grammy Award winning group’s signature singing/rapping from return to radio airwaves is label politics.
“We all just been hibernating, trying to come up with the concept for the album,” Krayzie Bone continued. “It’s definitely going down. I ain't gonna say its 100 percent just because of the label situation and the technical stuff, like if the label wants to pay what we deserver. As far as bone as group and us, we together. It aint just a rumor... We are trying to put it all back together for real.”
The group is preparing to enter the recording studio with Swizz Beatz, who is also confirmed to produce for the group’s untitled reunion project.
“We ain't started yet, because we are trying to get paperwork together. We done talked to Swizz, Swizz is on deck and we are ready to roll and make it do what it do baby.”
GZA Launches First Liquid Swords Tour
By Ace Cannon (allhiphop.com)
Wu Tang Clan's The GZA is embarking upon his first ever Liquid Swords Tour, which features the rapper performing selections from his 1995 album of the same name. The cross-country tour kicks off August 21st at the El Rey theater in Los Angeles, California and will hit 19 cities before winding down September 13th at Harpers Ferry in Boston, Massachusetts. During the tour, GZA will also debut new material from his upcoming new album Pro Tools.
Full tour dates are listed below:
08-21 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey
08-22 Santa Cruz, CA - Moe's Alley
08-23 Petaluma, CA - Phoenix (performing Liquid Swords)
08-25 Portland, OR - Berbati's Pan
08-26 Seattle, WA - Neumos
08-27 Vancouver, British Columbia - Richard's on Richards
08-29 Salt Lake City, UT - Palladium
08-30 Denver, CO - Cervantes
09-01 Dallas, TX - Palladium
09-02 Houston, TX - Warehouse
09-03 Austin, TX - Emo's
09-04 Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze
09-05 Grinnell, IA - Grinnell College
09-06 Madison, WI - SoCo Music Series
09-07 Chicago, IL - House of Blues 09-10 Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head
09-11 Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues 09-12 New York, NY - Irving Plaza
09-13 Boston, MA - Harper's Ferry
Friday, June 13, 2008
Game Says "L.A.X." Won't Be Last Album
Author: Slava Kuperstein (hiphopdx.com)
Rapper The Game has insisted since the release of his sophomore album, The Doctor's Advocate, that he will be retiring following the release of his third album.
The west coast emcee's upcoming album, titled L.A.X., was touted as Game's goodbye to the Hip Hop world, as interviews with several media outlets quoted Game as feeling homeless in Hip Hop, as well as suicidal.
It seems that something has changed the young rapper's mind, however, as an interview with DJ Booth revealed that he may be releasing another album.
According to DJBooth.net, Game spoke on the possibility of a fourth project. “If the idea that I have comes together, I will consider doing a fourth album,” he said. “If I can’t get into the studio with the people I want to, and make it happen how I want to, only then I wouldn’t consider it.”
Game elaborated upon which people he would want to be in the studio with him: “My next album was supposed to be this album. But when I started recording [L.A.X.] it turned left on me. The next project will be called the D.O.C. or “Diary of Compton.” It will have ten tracks on it, non-listed, no names— just chapters 1 through 10. If I get Dr. Dre, MC Ren, King Tee, DJ Yella, Ice Cube and DJ Quik to help me, not necessarily to rap on it, but to produce and be in my corner, then the D.O.C. will hit stores!”
As previously reported [click to read], L.A.X. has been pushed back yet again, and now faces a release date on July 22nd.
Tech N9ne Prepares To Sell 'A Milli'
Author: Jake Paine (hiphopdx.com)
Kansas City emcee Tech N9ne has remained a chart contender throughout his career, most of which has been spent on independent labels. After recently touring with Paul Wall on the Fire & Ice Tour [click to read], as well as gearing up to co-release Ill Bill's [click to read] highly-anticipated album Hour of Reprisal [click to read], Tech N9ne will be releasing his Killer album July 1st. According to Tech N9ne's publicist, the album is projected to soon push the veteran over the million mark for his career, a feat reported to be a first.
Although the rapper would not confirm the precise amount needed to sell of Killer to reach the one million benchmark in independent sales, Tech's effort from last year, Misery Loves Company, sold a reported 67,000 copies. Catalogue highlights include 2001's Anghelic, which was released on the now defunct Jcor Records and 2002's Absolute Power, which scanned over 250,000 units, released on the artist's own Strange Music imprint.
Killer, which includes a mock-up of Michael Jackson's Thriller cover, features appearances from Ice Cube, Scarface [click to read] and Paul Wall.
Tech N9ne has been releasing music since 1999. He began his career signed to Quincy Jones' Qwest label, working with Jones' producer son QDIII. In the years since, the independent artist has toured and recorded extensively, also serving as a member with Yukmouth and Dru Down in The Regime. The rapper's most mainstream success came from 1999's Sway & Tech single "The Anthem" alongside numerous other talents, including Eminem and RZA. The video is posted below.
Kansas City emcee Tech N9ne has remained a chart contender throughout his career, most of which has been spent on independent labels. After recently touring with Paul Wall on the Fire & Ice Tour [click to read], as well as gearing up to co-release Ill Bill's [click to read] highly-anticipated album Hour of Reprisal [click to read], Tech N9ne will be releasing his Killer album July 1st. According to Tech N9ne's publicist, the album is projected to soon push the veteran over the million mark for his career, a feat reported to be a first.
Although the rapper would not confirm the precise amount needed to sell of Killer to reach the one million benchmark in independent sales, Tech's effort from last year, Misery Loves Company, sold a reported 67,000 copies. Catalogue highlights include 2001's Anghelic, which was released on the now defunct Jcor Records and 2002's Absolute Power, which scanned over 250,000 units, released on the artist's own Strange Music imprint.
Killer, which includes a mock-up of Michael Jackson's Thriller cover, features appearances from Ice Cube, Scarface [click to read] and Paul Wall.
Tech N9ne has been releasing music since 1999. He began his career signed to Quincy Jones' Qwest label, working with Jones' producer son QDIII. In the years since, the independent artist has toured and recorded extensively, also serving as a member with Yukmouth and Dru Down in The Regime. The rapper's most mainstream success came from 1999's Sway & Tech single "The Anthem" alongside numerous other talents, including Eminem and RZA. The video is posted below.
50 Cent Sparring With T.I. On T.O.S.?
Author: Allen Jacobs (hiphopdx.com)
Hot97 gossip queen Miss Info made a strange discovery late Thursday night for G-Unit's listening session at New York's Fight Klub for upcoming album T.O.S. (Terminate On Site).
The radio personality and frequent Vh1 commentator said that the album caters to longtime 50 Cent and G-Unit mixtape fans above more mainstream audiences impressed by Curtis [click to read], there is a particular line in the song "You So Tough" that may be attempting to stir the pot of Hip Hop yet again.
Although 50 Cent and G-Unit have yet to comment, the song features the lines, "Nowaways, this rap shit ain't adding up / How niggas get caught with 10 machine guns, only get 12 months" and "Got the best lawyers that money can buy / They say at best they woulda got me 10 or maybe nine." The last allusion followed, "I said, 'How do you explain how the homie breezed?' They said, 'You keep your mouth shut or you eat the cheese.'”
Many can quickly speculate that this is a jab at T.I., who was arrested last October for a weapons offense charge [click to read], and given a highly-reduced sentence.
In his own classic call-out, believed to be directed at Lil Flip, "I'm Talkin' To You," [click to read] T.I. made it clear that he was supportive of longtime collaborator and then G-Unit member Young Buck, though he never mentions 50 Cent. Similarly, on last year's "Watch What You Say To Me," [click to read] a track where T.I.'s guest Jay-Z was believed to have spoken out against Lil Wayne, T.I.'s verse was never clarified. 50 Cent and T.I. have never collaborated. Both have a history of on and off-record feuds with other rappers and industry executives.
Hot97 gossip queen Miss Info made a strange discovery late Thursday night for G-Unit's listening session at New York's Fight Klub for upcoming album T.O.S. (Terminate On Site).
The radio personality and frequent Vh1 commentator said that the album caters to longtime 50 Cent and G-Unit mixtape fans above more mainstream audiences impressed by Curtis [click to read], there is a particular line in the song "You So Tough" that may be attempting to stir the pot of Hip Hop yet again.
Although 50 Cent and G-Unit have yet to comment, the song features the lines, "Nowaways, this rap shit ain't adding up / How niggas get caught with 10 machine guns, only get 12 months" and "Got the best lawyers that money can buy / They say at best they woulda got me 10 or maybe nine." The last allusion followed, "I said, 'How do you explain how the homie breezed?' They said, 'You keep your mouth shut or you eat the cheese.'”
Many can quickly speculate that this is a jab at T.I., who was arrested last October for a weapons offense charge [click to read], and given a highly-reduced sentence.
In his own classic call-out, believed to be directed at Lil Flip, "I'm Talkin' To You," [click to read] T.I. made it clear that he was supportive of longtime collaborator and then G-Unit member Young Buck, though he never mentions 50 Cent. Similarly, on last year's "Watch What You Say To Me," [click to read] a track where T.I.'s guest Jay-Z was believed to have spoken out against Lil Wayne, T.I.'s verse was never clarified. 50 Cent and T.I. have never collaborated. Both have a history of on and off-record feuds with other rappers and industry executives.
Remy Ma Bounces Back W/ New Mixtape
written by Thomas A. Harden
Thursday - June 12, 2008
Remy Ma
Incarcerated rapper Remy Ma won't just be spitting bars from jail. In fact, the Bronx-bred femcee, who was sentenced to 8 years in prison last month, is prepping her anticipated forthcoming mixtape, "BlasRemy,"for release later this month.
Hosted by Remy's longtime DJ, DJ Bedtyme, BlasRemy contains 17 tracks, unveiling the trails and tribulations of the last year, from addressing the issues that surrounded her assault trail to criticism from censors and beef from other MCs.
As SOHH previously reported, last month Remy was sentenced to an 8 year bid after being convicted of first-degree assault, criminal weapons charges and attempted coercion, for shooting her former friend, Makeda Barnes-Joseph.
"BlasRemy" features guest appearances from Jae Millz, Chingy, Remy's all female rap group 3Sum (Remy, Jackie-O and Shawnna), and her fiancée Papoose.
The set includes several renditions of hip-hop and R&B's classic and current day hits. On the track "If," which has been serviced to radio over the last month, Remy's freestyle is an ode to love, as she rhymes over a Patti Labelle sample. Although, she displays her softer side, Remy doesn't travel to far from her comfort zone, feeding the streets with her remakes of Lauryn Hill's "Doo-Woop, That Thing," Playaz Circle's "Duffle Bag Boy," and the last song she recorded before being sentenced, "I'mma Do Remy," over Rocko's street anthem.
BlasRemy is now available for order on Remy's website, www.REMYMA.com and will be ready for full digital download in the coming month.
In other news, despite her given circumstances, the rapper is still focused and determined on her career. Remy is also in the works to release her sophomore album PunishHer. Tapping the infamous Parisian artist, Atipik XL, to create the album cover artwork, Remy eyes continue to stay steady on the prize.
At press time, Remy's sophomore album is yet to have a release date or distribution.
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