Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Amalgam Digital, E1 Music Team For Joe Budden, Saigon Releases
Author: Slava Kuperstein
E1 Music, formerly known as Koch, has entered in a deal with online imprint Amalgam Digital in order to release albums by both Joe Budden and Saigon.
The first of the albums will be Saigon's Warning Shots 2, sequel to his 2008 Amalgam Digital release. The album is set to be released on September 29.
Following will be an October release by Joe Budden. Already released on E1 was Slaugherthouse's self-titled debut - a group which Budden belongs to. Budden also has a partnership with Amalgam, where he released this year's Padded Room.
Currently, it's unclear what will become of Saigon's oft-delayed release, The Greatest Story Never Told. Despite the matter, Just Blaze advised the rapper to put out Warning Shots 2.
hiphopdx.com
E1 Music, formerly known as Koch, has entered in a deal with online imprint Amalgam Digital in order to release albums by both Joe Budden and Saigon.
The first of the albums will be Saigon's Warning Shots 2, sequel to his 2008 Amalgam Digital release. The album is set to be released on September 29.
Following will be an October release by Joe Budden. Already released on E1 was Slaugherthouse's self-titled debut - a group which Budden belongs to. Budden also has a partnership with Amalgam, where he released this year's Padded Room.
Currently, it's unclear what will become of Saigon's oft-delayed release, The Greatest Story Never Told. Despite the matter, Just Blaze advised the rapper to put out Warning Shots 2.
hiphopdx.com
M.O.P. Confirm DJ Premier On September Album
Author: Andres Tardio
At one of the Rock the Bells tour stops, Lil Fame spoke to HipHopDX about M.O.P.'s new album, The Foundation. That album has been heavily anticipated by the group's following and the production list for the album may have fans' anticipation growing even more.
"We just finished off the album. It's called The Foundation. It's dropping on September 14th on E1," Lil Fame noted.
Also, expect a list of producers set to impress many M.O.P. fans, including work from DJ Premier.
"We got Statik Selektah. We got me, I'm doing some production. We got DR Period. We also got DJ Premier." Of Premier, he added that it was a wonderful experience to link back up with the fellow New York vet. "It's beautiful, man. We tried to get some more from him but we didn't have time."
Recently, the crew also got to work with Slaughterhouse on a track that got some buzz through the net but didn't actually make the group's album.
"That was fun. Slaughterhouse, they're my homeboys. They're some of the best motherfuckin' lyricists in the game. It's just dope to be a part of some shit like that. We're going back to the lyrics and the music. It ain't no gimicks no more."
hiphopdx.com
At one of the Rock the Bells tour stops, Lil Fame spoke to HipHopDX about M.O.P.'s new album, The Foundation. That album has been heavily anticipated by the group's following and the production list for the album may have fans' anticipation growing even more.
"We just finished off the album. It's called The Foundation. It's dropping on September 14th on E1," Lil Fame noted.
Also, expect a list of producers set to impress many M.O.P. fans, including work from DJ Premier.
"We got Statik Selektah. We got me, I'm doing some production. We got DR Period. We also got DJ Premier." Of Premier, he added that it was a wonderful experience to link back up with the fellow New York vet. "It's beautiful, man. We tried to get some more from him but we didn't have time."
Recently, the crew also got to work with Slaughterhouse on a track that got some buzz through the net but didn't actually make the group's album.
"That was fun. Slaughterhouse, they're my homeboys. They're some of the best motherfuckin' lyricists in the game. It's just dope to be a part of some shit like that. We're going back to the lyrics and the music. It ain't no gimicks no more."
hiphopdx.com
Termanology Talks Latest Project, State Of Hip-Hop
Author: Sean Ryon
Contrary to popular cinema, it doesn’t take a nuclear-powered Delorean and flux capacitor to make a time machine. Although souped-up whips are always applicable, the only real Time Machine needed is the sixth installment of Termanology’s Hood Politics series, coming this September 22 on his own ST. Records. Term spoke to HipHopDX last Thursday about the details of the project, saying that it sounds like the Doc and Marty McFly could have brought it back from a trip to ’94.
“I felt like the name [Time Machine] really fits the project,” said Termanology. “It took me awhile to come up with it, because I was just going to call it ‘Hood Politics VI’ like the mixtape series, keeping it moving. [But] then I was like ‘Yo, this more like an album than a mixtape because these are real beats that I got from Pete Rock and Alchemist and Statik [Selektah] and all these people…I feel like the music really fits the title.’”
He then added, “I was waiting to put out this album with me and Lil’ Fame [of M.O.P.], and we pretty much got to the point where it was done, but the M.O.P. album [The Foundation] had to come out first. I was like ‘Y’know what? I ain’t going to wait a whole year without putting out something for the fans.’ So I figured I’d do the Time Machine joint. I grabbed a bunch of joints that I had just sitting around, and then I did probably like 10 new joints, slapped them together, and whoop, there it is.”
Time Machine (Hood Politics VI) boasts production from a veritable army of legendary Hip-Hop icons, including Alchemist, Pete Rock, Fizzy Womack and DJ Premier. Term says he feels more than blessed to not only work with such producers, but to also maintain genuine friendships with them.
“It’s so crazy,” Term said. “It was so crazy this year and it was so crazy last year. While making the ‘Politics As Usual’ album [click to read], I got to work with nine multi-platinum producers, legends, all the people that crafted ‘Ready to Die’ and ‘Illmatic’ and ‘Reasonable Doubt,’ along with some new school cats like Hi-Tek and Alchemist who are like the new gods. It’s so crazy for me, being a fan forever. I’ve been a fan of Hip-Hop music my whole life…I study Hip-Hop. So for me to be working with all the people I look up to is amazing. But I’m kind of like…not that I’m unappreciative of it, but it’s like I’m not really star-struck when I see these people because they’re my real friends.”
Despite his success over the past few years, Termanology indicates that the raw, unadulterated Hip-Hop on which he grew up is still in a precarious state. He discussed where he feels the game went wrong and the possibility to a return to form.
“I don’t known [when Hip-Hop started to go downhill],” said the Massachusetts emcee. "To tell you the truth, I was so in love with Hip-Hop until around the year 2000, and then after that, shit just started getting mad wack. It got so bad that like every single year, we were like ‘We didn’t think it could get that bad’…and everybody in New York didn’t think it could get that bad, like ‘Yeah, it’s all good. We could take a couple of years of and let these cats get their shine.’ It didn’t work out that way for it because once a lot people took that time off, they were over when the decided to come back. It was too late, and now it’s like ‘Yo, Hip-Hop ain’t even like it was before when you were popping a couple of years ago…now you’re not relevant and you don’t matter. Now this type of shit matters.’ And it’s like ‘Oh shit, well maybe we’ve got to do what they’re doing,’ but it’s like ‘Nah dude, because you ain’t from there or you don’t sound like that or that ain’t you, so it’s not real.’”
But he later added that all is not lost, saying, “I feel like [Hip-Hop]’s coming back around. It’s not like a full circle thing, but there’s definitely a lot of bullshit that’s been weeded out with the good groups like Slaughterhouse [click to read]. They’re real Hip-Hop. You’ve got myself, Statik Selektah, that whole little “subgenre” of absolutely 100% real shit, it means something. La Coka Nostra, all of that shit, that shit really means something and people fucking believe in that shit, and so do we.”
Yet even before Time Machine (Hood Politics VI) hits the racks, Term will be headlining a European tour from August 20 to September 6. No stranger to European fans, Term discussed the differences between an American Hip-Hop show and a European Hip-Hop show.
“One thing about [European audiences] is that they really appreciate [Hip-Hop shows],” explained Term. “They really appreciate the music and they appreciate that you flew all the way over there and you’re giving it your all and you’re killing shit. You could do a show in New York and go hard-body and everybody’d just stare at you and not even clap, not even nod their heads…that’s how [different] it is over there. I’ve done shows not even about me…[and] their fans will just straight kill it…over there, they’re fucking zoned in on you. Like, ‘When I say real, y’all say Hip-Hop,’ everybody in that bitch, a thousand niggas are like ‘Hip-Hop!’”
In addition to his upcoming tour and the release of Time Machine, Term plans to keep stereos reverberating with new music throughout this year and next year. He discussed two projects upcoming collaboration projects with Statik Selektah and Lil’ Fame of M.O.P. that he hopes will drop within the next 12 months.
“Right now, I’m going to try to finish up 1982 with Statik [Selektah] right when I get back from tour,” said Termanology. “We’re going to finish that up real quick by the end of this year and put it out maybe second quarter next year. And I’m going to try to shoot to put out the Lil’ Fame joint maybe late fourth quarter, early first quarter [of next year]…I’m going to try to put out all three of these in the next 12 months or some shit…and then I’m going to start the sophomore joint where I go in for real and go back in the lab with all the producers and stuff.”
hiphopdx.com
Contrary to popular cinema, it doesn’t take a nuclear-powered Delorean and flux capacitor to make a time machine. Although souped-up whips are always applicable, the only real Time Machine needed is the sixth installment of Termanology’s Hood Politics series, coming this September 22 on his own ST. Records. Term spoke to HipHopDX last Thursday about the details of the project, saying that it sounds like the Doc and Marty McFly could have brought it back from a trip to ’94.
“I felt like the name [Time Machine] really fits the project,” said Termanology. “It took me awhile to come up with it, because I was just going to call it ‘Hood Politics VI’ like the mixtape series, keeping it moving. [But] then I was like ‘Yo, this more like an album than a mixtape because these are real beats that I got from Pete Rock and Alchemist and Statik [Selektah] and all these people…I feel like the music really fits the title.’”
He then added, “I was waiting to put out this album with me and Lil’ Fame [of M.O.P.], and we pretty much got to the point where it was done, but the M.O.P. album [The Foundation] had to come out first. I was like ‘Y’know what? I ain’t going to wait a whole year without putting out something for the fans.’ So I figured I’d do the Time Machine joint. I grabbed a bunch of joints that I had just sitting around, and then I did probably like 10 new joints, slapped them together, and whoop, there it is.”
Time Machine (Hood Politics VI) boasts production from a veritable army of legendary Hip-Hop icons, including Alchemist, Pete Rock, Fizzy Womack and DJ Premier. Term says he feels more than blessed to not only work with such producers, but to also maintain genuine friendships with them.
“It’s so crazy,” Term said. “It was so crazy this year and it was so crazy last year. While making the ‘Politics As Usual’ album [click to read], I got to work with nine multi-platinum producers, legends, all the people that crafted ‘Ready to Die’ and ‘Illmatic’ and ‘Reasonable Doubt,’ along with some new school cats like Hi-Tek and Alchemist who are like the new gods. It’s so crazy for me, being a fan forever. I’ve been a fan of Hip-Hop music my whole life…I study Hip-Hop. So for me to be working with all the people I look up to is amazing. But I’m kind of like…not that I’m unappreciative of it, but it’s like I’m not really star-struck when I see these people because they’re my real friends.”
Despite his success over the past few years, Termanology indicates that the raw, unadulterated Hip-Hop on which he grew up is still in a precarious state. He discussed where he feels the game went wrong and the possibility to a return to form.
“I don’t known [when Hip-Hop started to go downhill],” said the Massachusetts emcee. "To tell you the truth, I was so in love with Hip-Hop until around the year 2000, and then after that, shit just started getting mad wack. It got so bad that like every single year, we were like ‘We didn’t think it could get that bad’…and everybody in New York didn’t think it could get that bad, like ‘Yeah, it’s all good. We could take a couple of years of and let these cats get their shine.’ It didn’t work out that way for it because once a lot people took that time off, they were over when the decided to come back. It was too late, and now it’s like ‘Yo, Hip-Hop ain’t even like it was before when you were popping a couple of years ago…now you’re not relevant and you don’t matter. Now this type of shit matters.’ And it’s like ‘Oh shit, well maybe we’ve got to do what they’re doing,’ but it’s like ‘Nah dude, because you ain’t from there or you don’t sound like that or that ain’t you, so it’s not real.’”
But he later added that all is not lost, saying, “I feel like [Hip-Hop]’s coming back around. It’s not like a full circle thing, but there’s definitely a lot of bullshit that’s been weeded out with the good groups like Slaughterhouse [click to read]. They’re real Hip-Hop. You’ve got myself, Statik Selektah, that whole little “subgenre” of absolutely 100% real shit, it means something. La Coka Nostra, all of that shit, that shit really means something and people fucking believe in that shit, and so do we.”
Yet even before Time Machine (Hood Politics VI) hits the racks, Term will be headlining a European tour from August 20 to September 6. No stranger to European fans, Term discussed the differences between an American Hip-Hop show and a European Hip-Hop show.
“One thing about [European audiences] is that they really appreciate [Hip-Hop shows],” explained Term. “They really appreciate the music and they appreciate that you flew all the way over there and you’re giving it your all and you’re killing shit. You could do a show in New York and go hard-body and everybody’d just stare at you and not even clap, not even nod their heads…that’s how [different] it is over there. I’ve done shows not even about me…[and] their fans will just straight kill it…over there, they’re fucking zoned in on you. Like, ‘When I say real, y’all say Hip-Hop,’ everybody in that bitch, a thousand niggas are like ‘Hip-Hop!’”
In addition to his upcoming tour and the release of Time Machine, Term plans to keep stereos reverberating with new music throughout this year and next year. He discussed two projects upcoming collaboration projects with Statik Selektah and Lil’ Fame of M.O.P. that he hopes will drop within the next 12 months.
“Right now, I’m going to try to finish up 1982 with Statik [Selektah] right when I get back from tour,” said Termanology. “We’re going to finish that up real quick by the end of this year and put it out maybe second quarter next year. And I’m going to try to shoot to put out the Lil’ Fame joint maybe late fourth quarter, early first quarter [of next year]…I’m going to try to put out all three of these in the next 12 months or some shit…and then I’m going to start the sophomore joint where I go in for real and go back in the lab with all the producers and stuff.”
hiphopdx.com
Murs and Slug Unveil Felt 3 Details
Author: Andres Tardio
Last week, HipHopDX spoke to Murs about upcoming projects and he mentioned that Felt 3 would be the first offering he'd release in a long line of new material. He also said that the album's producer and the name of the person this one will be a tribute to would be released very soon.
That time has come. "Protagonist," a song off of the forthcoming Felt album has been leaked.
"And this time, Aes Rock is the drummer," Murs proclaims on the song, announcing that Aesop Rock will be manning the boards for the entirety of this disc. The original Felt album was produced by The Grouch and the following edition was handled by Ant.
Who will this album be a tribute to? Fans will have to wait before an official confirmation from the label or the artists. For now, many fans have speculated that it could be actress Rosie Perez or politician Sarah Palin. The original Felt record was a tribute to Christina Ricci and the second release was a tribute to Lisa Bonet.
No finalized release date has been posted for this album.
hiphopdx.com
Last week, HipHopDX spoke to Murs about upcoming projects and he mentioned that Felt 3 would be the first offering he'd release in a long line of new material. He also said that the album's producer and the name of the person this one will be a tribute to would be released very soon.
That time has come. "Protagonist," a song off of the forthcoming Felt album has been leaked.
"And this time, Aes Rock is the drummer," Murs proclaims on the song, announcing that Aesop Rock will be manning the boards for the entirety of this disc. The original Felt album was produced by The Grouch and the following edition was handled by Ant.
Who will this album be a tribute to? Fans will have to wait before an official confirmation from the label or the artists. For now, many fans have speculated that it could be actress Rosie Perez or politician Sarah Palin. The original Felt record was a tribute to Christina Ricci and the second release was a tribute to Lisa Bonet.
No finalized release date has been posted for this album.
hiphopdx.com
De La Soul Explains 3 Feet High And Rising Re-release
2009 marks the 20th anniversary of De La Soul’s debut album 3 Feet High and Rising. The album is known for its free thinking and unique content during a time that Trugoy describes as “the gold chain era.”
Trugoy recently told Rolling Stone, "We felt like, if we wanted to look the way we looked and touch on topics we did, we shouldn't be fearful of doing it just because it was the boasting and the bragging and the gold chain era. We always felt that individualism and creativity and expressing it was most important."
The Hip h=Hop trio has a natural history of free thinking. Posdnous told The Volume that in high school they always had their own way of dressing and thinking, and even though they loved what rappers at the time were doing, they knew they had to come up with what they wanted to do.
After building a legacy, the group has recently come up with something else they would like to do, reissue 3 Feet High and Rising, but this time along with their in-the-works album You’re Welcome, which will feature artists like Public Enemy and Damon Albarn.
The reissue will consist of new interpretations of the old tracks. Posdnous told The BoomBox, “Instead of doing ‘Say No Go’ over, why not do ‘Say No Go’ over with Hall & Oates? Why not do ‘Me Myself and I’ with George Clinton and a couple members of Funkadelic? That’s how we’re trying to approach this particular project.”
De La Soul hopes to put out the album themselves. They are currently on tour celebrating the 20 year anniversary, which will end in Bellevue, Colorado on August 29th.
Reported by Kenzie Rosengreen.
hiphopdx.com
Bobby Creekwater Leaves Shady Records
Author: Slava Kuperstein
Bobby Creekwater has joined the growing list of emcees leaving the Shady/Aftermath camp, currently including Obie Trice, Stat Quo, Raekwon, Joell Ortiz and Busta Rhymes.
"I, Bobby Creekwater, am...no longer with Shady anymore," said the rapper in a video for MauriceGarland.com. "We parted ways. It was a business decision. Wasn't no bad blood, or nothin' like that...The relationship just ran its term, understand what I'm sayin'? As far as Bobby Creek was concerned...I have big plans. And that particular relationship [with Shady] wasn't helping as far as the plans I had.'"
"And I didn't get dropped!" added Creek vehemently. "I felt like it was time to move on, so I made a phone call to Paul [Rosenberg, Eminem's manager and co-founder of Shady Records] one Sunday morning, and had a talk." He added that he was grateful for the manner in which everything was conducted, saying, "Just so you know, labels, in some cases, can choose to be assholes and hold an artist on their label...and put an artist through a whole bunch of bullshit. But they didn't, and I appreciate that."
Creekwater signed with Shady Records in 2005, and appeared on 2006's Eminem Presents: The Re-Up, a group album featuring the label's artists.
The move will likely fuel criticism of Shady/Aftermath, as the labels have already been lambasted for sparse musical output and numerous shelved projects. Currently, the Shady Records roster includes Eminem, D12, 50 Cent, Ca$his and Slim Da Mobster.
hiphopdx.com
Ghostface, Method Man, Raekwon Expected To Drop Album This Year
Author: Salima Koroma
Ghostface revealed to MTV.com plans to record an entire LP with Wu-Tang Clan brothers Method Man and Raekwon. According to Ghost, the as of yet untitled album will go into production in the next couple of months.
"We ain't got no title for it, but [Rae and Meth] been wanting to do that for a while, maybe like the past two years," Ghostface said. "I was always with it. I think that right now, everybody is in that position to do it now. I think within the next two months, everybody will start collecting beats. Everybody goes in — [Raekwon] gets four songs, I get four songs, [Meth] gets four. Start coming around like that and seeing what we can do. Make a little phat, tight one. I told Meth the other day, 'It's gotta be phat and tight. We don't need 16, 19 joints on there. Nah, nah, nah — 12 phat bullets. We do it like that, and that's it.' That's gonna happen soon. It will probably be out by the end of the year or January, and that's that."
Ghost and Meth will also appear together on Raekwon's long-delayed Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II LP. The album, which was supposed to release on August 11, will see a September release.
"Rae got darts," Ghost assured. "His beats were up to par. He was doing what he gotta do. It's good, man. People wanna see that. Rae's been like, 'Cuban Linx coming, Cuban Linx is coming' for years. [Fans] was like, 'Yo, when is it coming, B?' Now he's finally finished it, and he's gonna put it out September 8."
In addition to these projects, Ghost is also anticipating the release of his R&B-inspired album, The Wizard of Poetry [click to read]. Although he plans to drop the album this year, an official date has not been set.
"If it's not steaming," he said of the finished product, "we can't put it out until it's right."
hiphopdx.com
Ghostface revealed to MTV.com plans to record an entire LP with Wu-Tang Clan brothers Method Man and Raekwon. According to Ghost, the as of yet untitled album will go into production in the next couple of months.
"We ain't got no title for it, but [Rae and Meth] been wanting to do that for a while, maybe like the past two years," Ghostface said. "I was always with it. I think that right now, everybody is in that position to do it now. I think within the next two months, everybody will start collecting beats. Everybody goes in — [Raekwon] gets four songs, I get four songs, [Meth] gets four. Start coming around like that and seeing what we can do. Make a little phat, tight one. I told Meth the other day, 'It's gotta be phat and tight. We don't need 16, 19 joints on there. Nah, nah, nah — 12 phat bullets. We do it like that, and that's it.' That's gonna happen soon. It will probably be out by the end of the year or January, and that's that."
Ghost and Meth will also appear together on Raekwon's long-delayed Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II LP. The album, which was supposed to release on August 11, will see a September release.
"Rae got darts," Ghost assured. "His beats were up to par. He was doing what he gotta do. It's good, man. People wanna see that. Rae's been like, 'Cuban Linx coming, Cuban Linx is coming' for years. [Fans] was like, 'Yo, when is it coming, B?' Now he's finally finished it, and he's gonna put it out September 8."
In addition to these projects, Ghost is also anticipating the release of his R&B-inspired album, The Wizard of Poetry [click to read]. Although he plans to drop the album this year, an official date has not been set.
"If it's not steaming," he said of the finished product, "we can't put it out until it's right."
hiphopdx.com
Slaughterhouse Talk Second Album And 2010 Plans
Author: Andres Tardio
It may only be a day after the release of Slaughterhouse's debut [click to read], but the crew is already promising a follow up. In an exclusive to HipHopDX, the members of the group said that fans can expect to hear a lot more from them soon.
"We started talking about it," Joell Ortiz told us with Royce adding that they have somewhat of a plan for the next year.
"I think the goal is-without us even fully discussing it-to release all our solo projects, then get back together and knock that motherfucker out," Royce noted. "But, we’ll probably start recording something in that period of time so we won’t have to go through that album in six days again. So, if this one is not a classic, we’re definitely going to make the next one a classic. We’re not going to allow a label to have us behind an 8 ball, not to say that it’s what E1 did but we don’t want to be held to restraints like guidelines, deadlines and shit like that. We’re going to take our time and bang them out."
Even as their solo projects are released, Royce said fans can expect Slaughterhouse to be involved.
"We’re all going to be helping with promoting each solo album anyway. It’s going to be like a machine that’s going to go all the way through, and 2010 is going to be a crazy year."
Joell Ortiz echoed those sentiments.
"I feel like all of our solo albums will have us featured on there. The Slaughterhouse entity will influence our solo albums too. You’re going to get a whole lot of music from Slaughterhouse from here until then. But, our second official album together, we’re going to make it twice as good as this one and we’re going to get two weeks instead of one this time."
Some have also been asking about tracks that were left off the album, but Crooked I let us know that those tracks will be unveiled, one way or another.
"Some tracks might not fit this project, but they fit another one. So, I think you will hear the stuff we didn't release. We did some crazy stuff, man. The world needs to hear it even if it's just a leak."
hiphopdx.com
It may only be a day after the release of Slaughterhouse's debut [click to read], but the crew is already promising a follow up. In an exclusive to HipHopDX, the members of the group said that fans can expect to hear a lot more from them soon.
"We started talking about it," Joell Ortiz told us with Royce adding that they have somewhat of a plan for the next year.
"I think the goal is-without us even fully discussing it-to release all our solo projects, then get back together and knock that motherfucker out," Royce noted. "But, we’ll probably start recording something in that period of time so we won’t have to go through that album in six days again. So, if this one is not a classic, we’re definitely going to make the next one a classic. We’re not going to allow a label to have us behind an 8 ball, not to say that it’s what E1 did but we don’t want to be held to restraints like guidelines, deadlines and shit like that. We’re going to take our time and bang them out."
Even as their solo projects are released, Royce said fans can expect Slaughterhouse to be involved.
"We’re all going to be helping with promoting each solo album anyway. It’s going to be like a machine that’s going to go all the way through, and 2010 is going to be a crazy year."
Joell Ortiz echoed those sentiments.
"I feel like all of our solo albums will have us featured on there. The Slaughterhouse entity will influence our solo albums too. You’re going to get a whole lot of music from Slaughterhouse from here until then. But, our second official album together, we’re going to make it twice as good as this one and we’re going to get two weeks instead of one this time."
Some have also been asking about tracks that were left off the album, but Crooked I let us know that those tracks will be unveiled, one way or another.
"Some tracks might not fit this project, but they fit another one. So, I think you will hear the stuff we didn't release. We did some crazy stuff, man. The world needs to hear it even if it's just a leak."
hiphopdx.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
East Flatbush Project Unveils Full Length LP
Author: Jake Paine
Ninetines 12" Hip Hop single purchasers cannot forget East Flatbush Project's "Tried By 12." The Asian string samples made for a socio-political track that landed its way on a slew of New York City mixtapes, freestyle instrumental usage, and licensed to projects from Fat Beats and The Beat Junkies. While the East Flatbush Project would prove seminal in launching the career of Ruste Juxx [click to read] and gaining producer Spencer Bellamy some Roc-A-Fella work, the crew failed to deliver a full-length LP.
Today (August 4th) that is all changing, as Traffic Entertainment has joined 10/30 Uproar Music, Bellamy's label in releasing First Born, the long-awaited debut collection. Last week, Bellamy spoke with HipHopDX about the status. "Traffic had approached me a while back about doing the [First Born EP] and then, they were like, 'It would probably be a good idea to add some of the stuff that you've put out in the past as well.' I didn't want to do it at first, but [eventually] I thought it might be a good idea. I had some material that I've never released, so I'm putting that out as well. This is material that I've leaked over the Internet, but basically, you have everything that I've ever done in this package."
The aforementioned EP was released digitally last summer in June of 2008. The LP will be packaged as a "deluxe edition," including the six-song EP plus six more previously released East Flatbush recordings, as well as new remixes. Some of this rarely heard material features Paul Cain, now famous as a member of Fabolous' [click to read] Street Fam crew.
Spencer's career began with Kid N' Play and Chubb Rock producer "Hitman" Howie Tee, as a deejay with 1980s Brooklyn Rap crew Count Disco. "I watched him do a lot of those songs like [Special Ed's] 'I Got It Made' and a lot of Chubb Rock's albums right in the basement; I was right there. That sparked the interest," Bellamy said, along with a deep respect of LL Cool J's production on the Walking With A Panther album.
That production interest took a hiatus while Bellamy attended college, and returned home to New York, hoping to work with CL Smooth on a solo album. That not happening led to the founding of the Project.
As far as the near decade-long delays in the full-length, Bellamy blames himself. "It's sad to say, but it's me being a procrastinator. [Laughs] I'm not gonna sugar-coat it. It's me. I'm the reason why it took so long. There was a time when I would just do a beat or there. I guess you get caught up in the other things in life where you don't dedicate or devote as much time as you need to. That was one factor. And then, I think the other factor was just dealing with the politics of getting your stuff out there. Even with the mixtape deejays, if they didn't know who you were, you know how the game is. You gotta pay. It turned me off." The producer did affirm though that Hip Hop music was and remains his passion.
The politics became apparent to Bellamy in the wake of the success of "Tried By 12." Borough brothers Jay-Z , Sauce Money and Memphis Bleek recruited the young producer in the formitive years of Roc-A-Fella Records. "I think Jay-Z wanted me as one of his producers. It was him and Chris Lighty at Violator. They basically wanted me. I did a song that was supposed to be on Foxy Brown's album, that [also featured] N.O.R.E. I had some stuff with Memphis Bleek, some stuff with Terror Squad. "Today though, while Bellamy did secure a placement on the Belly Soundtrack with Sauce Money, the producer says most of his work went unheard on artist demo tapes. "I got paid for it, but it never saw the light of day," Bellamy added. "It's been a frustrating journey."
Famed for his hardcore approach to Hip Hop, Spencer Bellamy said that his recent musings have actually veered slightly from the genre. "To be totally honest with you, I haven't left Rap - I'm still doing that, but I have ventured off into R&B now. It's kind of funny. It's something that I've been fighting off for a long time. When I would always approach a track, it was like I wanted to do something like somebody else. That was the biggest mistake. When I decided to let go, it just started to flow from there."
The deluxe edition of First Born is available today.
hiphopdx.com
Ninetines 12" Hip Hop single purchasers cannot forget East Flatbush Project's "Tried By 12." The Asian string samples made for a socio-political track that landed its way on a slew of New York City mixtapes, freestyle instrumental usage, and licensed to projects from Fat Beats and The Beat Junkies. While the East Flatbush Project would prove seminal in launching the career of Ruste Juxx [click to read] and gaining producer Spencer Bellamy some Roc-A-Fella work, the crew failed to deliver a full-length LP.
Today (August 4th) that is all changing, as Traffic Entertainment has joined 10/30 Uproar Music, Bellamy's label in releasing First Born, the long-awaited debut collection. Last week, Bellamy spoke with HipHopDX about the status. "Traffic had approached me a while back about doing the [First Born EP] and then, they were like, 'It would probably be a good idea to add some of the stuff that you've put out in the past as well.' I didn't want to do it at first, but [eventually] I thought it might be a good idea. I had some material that I've never released, so I'm putting that out as well. This is material that I've leaked over the Internet, but basically, you have everything that I've ever done in this package."
The aforementioned EP was released digitally last summer in June of 2008. The LP will be packaged as a "deluxe edition," including the six-song EP plus six more previously released East Flatbush recordings, as well as new remixes. Some of this rarely heard material features Paul Cain, now famous as a member of Fabolous' [click to read] Street Fam crew.
Spencer's career began with Kid N' Play and Chubb Rock producer "Hitman" Howie Tee, as a deejay with 1980s Brooklyn Rap crew Count Disco. "I watched him do a lot of those songs like [Special Ed's] 'I Got It Made' and a lot of Chubb Rock's albums right in the basement; I was right there. That sparked the interest," Bellamy said, along with a deep respect of LL Cool J's production on the Walking With A Panther album.
That production interest took a hiatus while Bellamy attended college, and returned home to New York, hoping to work with CL Smooth on a solo album. That not happening led to the founding of the Project.
As far as the near decade-long delays in the full-length, Bellamy blames himself. "It's sad to say, but it's me being a procrastinator. [Laughs] I'm not gonna sugar-coat it. It's me. I'm the reason why it took so long. There was a time when I would just do a beat or there. I guess you get caught up in the other things in life where you don't dedicate or devote as much time as you need to. That was one factor. And then, I think the other factor was just dealing with the politics of getting your stuff out there. Even with the mixtape deejays, if they didn't know who you were, you know how the game is. You gotta pay. It turned me off." The producer did affirm though that Hip Hop music was and remains his passion.
The politics became apparent to Bellamy in the wake of the success of "Tried By 12." Borough brothers Jay-Z , Sauce Money and Memphis Bleek recruited the young producer in the formitive years of Roc-A-Fella Records. "I think Jay-Z wanted me as one of his producers. It was him and Chris Lighty at Violator. They basically wanted me. I did a song that was supposed to be on Foxy Brown's album, that [also featured] N.O.R.E. I had some stuff with Memphis Bleek, some stuff with Terror Squad. "Today though, while Bellamy did secure a placement on the Belly Soundtrack with Sauce Money, the producer says most of his work went unheard on artist demo tapes. "I got paid for it, but it never saw the light of day," Bellamy added. "It's been a frustrating journey."
Famed for his hardcore approach to Hip Hop, Spencer Bellamy said that his recent musings have actually veered slightly from the genre. "To be totally honest with you, I haven't left Rap - I'm still doing that, but I have ventured off into R&B now. It's kind of funny. It's something that I've been fighting off for a long time. When I would always approach a track, it was like I wanted to do something like somebody else. That was the biggest mistake. When I decided to let go, it just started to flow from there."
The deluxe edition of First Born is available today.
hiphopdx.com
Wendy Day & Kim Ellis Launch 'In The Know' Seminars
Author: Jake Paine
Without question, Wendy Day is the most feared woman in Hip Hop. Day, founder of the Rap Coalition, has helped pry numerous household rappers from sharecropping-esque record contracts, she has been instrumental in helping get many rappers to positions of wealth and power through innovative negotiating. Artists like David Banner , Ras Kass and the Cash Money Records family have publicly endorsed the three-decade industry veteran, and they've seen the results to prove it.
One of Wendy Day's latest ventures has been branding In The Know, with another respected Rap industry name, Kim Ellis. "I met Kim when I first moved to Atlanta," Day explained to HipHopDX recently. "She was everywhere. Like you know how when you go into a new market and you just attend everything because you got to get immersed as quickly as possible? I kept seeing her like everywhere. And about a year after I was here, I started working with Blood Raw, who was signed to Young Jeezy, and Kim was the publicist on the project and we went out on the road and she was without a doubt, the most efficient person I have ever dealt with." The mutual respect birthed a collaborative idea, "She had approached me with this phenomenal idea that she had doing seminars online and I loved the idea."
In The Know was born, taking the expensive regional and very exclusive seminars and Rap industry information panels of yesteryear, and making them accessible online to anybody - keeping the personal attention and losing the extra costs. Wendy Day told DX about how the questions from participants are changing, and how digital needs are leading to digital dollars. "I have been doing this for 18 years and I have actually done and organized most of the panels at most of the urban conferences. Like I did a couple of Jack the Rapper [events]. I coordinated a couple of How Can I Be Down [events] in the early '90s, Urban Network; I’ve done so many. I’ve organized and coordinated so many panels that I’ve really got an insiders glimpse of how they’ve changed, and they’ve become more digital obviously, more Internet based questions obviously. We’ve gotten more away from the history and the knowledge and more into the money aspect, meaning how can I make money with my music, how can I get a record deal, just things that control one’s career, and therefore one’s income."
As Wendy spoke of the shifting trends, Kim Ellis affirmed their purpose and unique outlet in the ever-changing Hip Hop information space. "One of the benefits with In the Know is that it’s a controlled atmosphere. You’ve got Wendy, myself, and five panelists that are the only ones allowed to communicate via the telephone, and then the attendees have the capability to type their questions over the Internet. And what I’m finding is that questions are either more thought-out or they are able to actually get them off their mind and then move onto the next question. One of the things I noticed in live conferences is there was hardly anyone who would raise their hand to have that microphone put in front of their face in a room full of 400 people. So my observation is that there is a lot more questions being answered with In the Know than I’ve seen in live conferences."
Both Ellis and Day commended participants right now, for their intelligence and their ambition. "I think a lot of people are self conscious and aware and wanting to take control of their careers. We all know the economy is suffering so a lot of people don’t have the money to hire multiple people into their realm even though we always suggest that they have like a team, but I’m finding, or at least from In the Know, that our attendees are very educated on top of it, like they know about what they are needing to learn or ask," said Kim.
"Really it is a mater of signing up through our website which is InTheKnowSeminars.com. There is a registration process. We have been offering some specials because again the economy is really kind of jacked up. [Looking at rappers in remote markets], that was one of the main reasons why this initiative came to light, because I sat there and thought two to three days of registration and travel and everything else, that’s a $1,500 ticket at least. You know here every single month we do these once a month. It costs as low as $29 to get it from the comfort of your home for two hours." In The Know is hosted the third Saturday of every month.
In addition to In The Know, both women are active in other facets of their careers. Wendy Day, known for creating labels for artists from Twista to Young Jeezy said, "One of my focuses right now is to build a successful label for an athlete. It seems like nobody has been able to do that yet and it has become my goal in the past year or so. So what I’m doing is meeting with athletes like a crazy woman. Trying to find the perfect mix of a budget and talented artist. It seems like most people have one or the other. And I’m certainly not looking for a label where the athlete is the artist, you know I don’t want to do a basketball rapper. You know I’m really just looking to do something and make it successful for an artist. I do a lot of educational work in the industry. So I am still doing panels, live traditional panels as well. What else am I working on right now? I’m pulling Young Buck off of G-Unit - his debacle."
Kim Ellis is presently serving as editor-in-chief of the national Street Report Magazine, as well as consulting for New York Rap duo Physha P.
For more information, vistit InTheKnowSeminars.com
hiphopdx.com
Without question, Wendy Day is the most feared woman in Hip Hop. Day, founder of the Rap Coalition, has helped pry numerous household rappers from sharecropping-esque record contracts, she has been instrumental in helping get many rappers to positions of wealth and power through innovative negotiating. Artists like David Banner , Ras Kass and the Cash Money Records family have publicly endorsed the three-decade industry veteran, and they've seen the results to prove it.
One of Wendy Day's latest ventures has been branding In The Know, with another respected Rap industry name, Kim Ellis. "I met Kim when I first moved to Atlanta," Day explained to HipHopDX recently. "She was everywhere. Like you know how when you go into a new market and you just attend everything because you got to get immersed as quickly as possible? I kept seeing her like everywhere. And about a year after I was here, I started working with Blood Raw, who was signed to Young Jeezy, and Kim was the publicist on the project and we went out on the road and she was without a doubt, the most efficient person I have ever dealt with." The mutual respect birthed a collaborative idea, "She had approached me with this phenomenal idea that she had doing seminars online and I loved the idea."
In The Know was born, taking the expensive regional and very exclusive seminars and Rap industry information panels of yesteryear, and making them accessible online to anybody - keeping the personal attention and losing the extra costs. Wendy Day told DX about how the questions from participants are changing, and how digital needs are leading to digital dollars. "I have been doing this for 18 years and I have actually done and organized most of the panels at most of the urban conferences. Like I did a couple of Jack the Rapper [events]. I coordinated a couple of How Can I Be Down [events] in the early '90s, Urban Network; I’ve done so many. I’ve organized and coordinated so many panels that I’ve really got an insiders glimpse of how they’ve changed, and they’ve become more digital obviously, more Internet based questions obviously. We’ve gotten more away from the history and the knowledge and more into the money aspect, meaning how can I make money with my music, how can I get a record deal, just things that control one’s career, and therefore one’s income."
As Wendy spoke of the shifting trends, Kim Ellis affirmed their purpose and unique outlet in the ever-changing Hip Hop information space. "One of the benefits with In the Know is that it’s a controlled atmosphere. You’ve got Wendy, myself, and five panelists that are the only ones allowed to communicate via the telephone, and then the attendees have the capability to type their questions over the Internet. And what I’m finding is that questions are either more thought-out or they are able to actually get them off their mind and then move onto the next question. One of the things I noticed in live conferences is there was hardly anyone who would raise their hand to have that microphone put in front of their face in a room full of 400 people. So my observation is that there is a lot more questions being answered with In the Know than I’ve seen in live conferences."
Both Ellis and Day commended participants right now, for their intelligence and their ambition. "I think a lot of people are self conscious and aware and wanting to take control of their careers. We all know the economy is suffering so a lot of people don’t have the money to hire multiple people into their realm even though we always suggest that they have like a team, but I’m finding, or at least from In the Know, that our attendees are very educated on top of it, like they know about what they are needing to learn or ask," said Kim.
"Really it is a mater of signing up through our website which is InTheKnowSeminars.com. There is a registration process. We have been offering some specials because again the economy is really kind of jacked up. [Looking at rappers in remote markets], that was one of the main reasons why this initiative came to light, because I sat there and thought two to three days of registration and travel and everything else, that’s a $1,500 ticket at least. You know here every single month we do these once a month. It costs as low as $29 to get it from the comfort of your home for two hours." In The Know is hosted the third Saturday of every month.
In addition to In The Know, both women are active in other facets of their careers. Wendy Day, known for creating labels for artists from Twista to Young Jeezy said, "One of my focuses right now is to build a successful label for an athlete. It seems like nobody has been able to do that yet and it has become my goal in the past year or so. So what I’m doing is meeting with athletes like a crazy woman. Trying to find the perfect mix of a budget and talented artist. It seems like most people have one or the other. And I’m certainly not looking for a label where the athlete is the artist, you know I don’t want to do a basketball rapper. You know I’m really just looking to do something and make it successful for an artist. I do a lot of educational work in the industry. So I am still doing panels, live traditional panels as well. What else am I working on right now? I’m pulling Young Buck off of G-Unit - his debacle."
Kim Ellis is presently serving as editor-in-chief of the national Street Report Magazine, as well as consulting for New York Rap duo Physha P.
For more information, vistit InTheKnowSeminars.com
hiphopdx.com
Moka Only Explains New Album Sequel, Battle Axe
Author: Jake Paine
Arguably British Columbia's most successful emcee, Moka Only has been releasing albums throughout the last decade in a career that's endured over 15 years. The one-time artist in Swollen Members most recently followed up his 2003 release with a sequel, Lowdown Suite 2: The Box.
Speaking with HipHopDX earlier this week, the Juno Award-winning emcee and producer explained, "Honestly, the decision to follow up the original Lowdown Suite came about when I was working on a few songs that I personally felt captured a similar vibe." He continued, "Plus, I've had a lot of people over the years tell me that Lowdown was one of their faves. One of the illest emcees, Planet Asia, once told me that the original Lowdown Suite affected him, and that lead to [us collaborating] for one of his projects, so that was something that stuck with me as well as other accolades. The idea to do the sequel wasnt some sort of epic idea. just something that came about. The original was special to me and I felt good about where I was in life at that time and the album reflected that to me... like a journal." He did note, after releasing over a dozen solo and joint efforts, that "I suppose most of my projects fit that description to me."
Looking specifically at the album, which released May, Moka was asked about "Riverside," one of the more striking records on the album. "'Riverside' came about in 2006. I was recording for a [still unreleased] project called Way West, and I was doing a lot of the writing in outdoor locations as, opposed to my usual studio [and] home writing. I was sitting in New West, near Vancouver, along the Fraser Eiver and watching business and industry and tugboats and trains running around doin their thing and it made me feel a sense of progress and commerce, so I just tried to flip that feeling into the writing. When I returned to the studio, I made the beat for it and somehow it ended up capturing the feeling that I intended with the lyrics."
Moka also reflected back as one of the flagship artists on the now defunct Battle Axe Records imprint. Based in Canada, the label played home to underground luminaries such as Abstract Rude, Swollen Members and Shabazz The Disciple, as well as industry veterans like Funkdoobiest's Son Doobie and Buc Fifty. "I haven't worked with Battle Axe in five years," admitted Moka, who released Lowdown Suite 2: The Box through Feelin' Music. "Sometimes I forget about what a unique little team that we had. I think it could've had a longer run as a whole unit, but I keep up with a lot of those cats still and I prefer to go [about my career] alone as opposed to a team. It was pretty intense with a whole lot of touring at the time. As for impact, I am grateful if people feel that way about what we were doing musically. It was a good time. Everything does evolve though, and all one can do is appreciate the past, anticipate the future and do work in the now."
Lowdown Suite 2: The Box is in stores now.
hiphopdx.com
Arguably British Columbia's most successful emcee, Moka Only has been releasing albums throughout the last decade in a career that's endured over 15 years. The one-time artist in Swollen Members most recently followed up his 2003 release with a sequel, Lowdown Suite 2: The Box.
Speaking with HipHopDX earlier this week, the Juno Award-winning emcee and producer explained, "Honestly, the decision to follow up the original Lowdown Suite came about when I was working on a few songs that I personally felt captured a similar vibe." He continued, "Plus, I've had a lot of people over the years tell me that Lowdown was one of their faves. One of the illest emcees, Planet Asia, once told me that the original Lowdown Suite affected him, and that lead to [us collaborating] for one of his projects, so that was something that stuck with me as well as other accolades. The idea to do the sequel wasnt some sort of epic idea. just something that came about. The original was special to me and I felt good about where I was in life at that time and the album reflected that to me... like a journal." He did note, after releasing over a dozen solo and joint efforts, that "I suppose most of my projects fit that description to me."
Looking specifically at the album, which released May, Moka was asked about "Riverside," one of the more striking records on the album. "'Riverside' came about in 2006. I was recording for a [still unreleased] project called Way West, and I was doing a lot of the writing in outdoor locations as, opposed to my usual studio [and] home writing. I was sitting in New West, near Vancouver, along the Fraser Eiver and watching business and industry and tugboats and trains running around doin their thing and it made me feel a sense of progress and commerce, so I just tried to flip that feeling into the writing. When I returned to the studio, I made the beat for it and somehow it ended up capturing the feeling that I intended with the lyrics."
Moka also reflected back as one of the flagship artists on the now defunct Battle Axe Records imprint. Based in Canada, the label played home to underground luminaries such as Abstract Rude, Swollen Members and Shabazz The Disciple, as well as industry veterans like Funkdoobiest's Son Doobie and Buc Fifty. "I haven't worked with Battle Axe in five years," admitted Moka, who released Lowdown Suite 2: The Box through Feelin' Music. "Sometimes I forget about what a unique little team that we had. I think it could've had a longer run as a whole unit, but I keep up with a lot of those cats still and I prefer to go [about my career] alone as opposed to a team. It was pretty intense with a whole lot of touring at the time. As for impact, I am grateful if people feel that way about what we were doing musically. It was a good time. Everything does evolve though, and all one can do is appreciate the past, anticipate the future and do work in the now."
Lowdown Suite 2: The Box is in stores now.
hiphopdx.com
Final Big Pun Recordings To Release In September
Author: Jake Paine
In Big Pun's lifetime, he was only alive to witness one album release, 1998's critically-acclaimed Capital Punishment. Just months after the iconic rapper's 2000 passing, Yeeeah Baby also released. Both efforts released on Loud Records, and both debuted at #1 on the Rap/R&B charts. After a 2001 greatest hits compilation, Endangered Species, 2009 promises to close the book on unheard music from the late, great Christopher Rios.
On September 15th, director Vlad Yudin will release his film Big Pun: The Legacy on Vladar/Czar, through Universal. In conjunction with the film release, The Legacy: The Best Of Big Pun will be released, featuring exclusive music from the film will be released the same day. The release will come through Columbia/Legacy.
The soundtrack includes the reportedly never-before-heard tracks, to be confirmed, in addition to liner notes penned by Vlad Yudin. The official tracklisting has yet to be confirmed. Officials close to the Rios family and estate insist this will be the last music release from Big Pun.
hiphopdx.com
In Big Pun's lifetime, he was only alive to witness one album release, 1998's critically-acclaimed Capital Punishment. Just months after the iconic rapper's 2000 passing, Yeeeah Baby also released. Both efforts released on Loud Records, and both debuted at #1 on the Rap/R&B charts. After a 2001 greatest hits compilation, Endangered Species, 2009 promises to close the book on unheard music from the late, great Christopher Rios.
On September 15th, director Vlad Yudin will release his film Big Pun: The Legacy on Vladar/Czar, through Universal. In conjunction with the film release, The Legacy: The Best Of Big Pun will be released, featuring exclusive music from the film will be released the same day. The release will come through Columbia/Legacy.
The soundtrack includes the reportedly never-before-heard tracks, to be confirmed, in addition to liner notes penned by Vlad Yudin. The official tracklisting has yet to be confirmed. Officials close to the Rios family and estate insist this will be the last music release from Big Pun.
hiphopdx.com
Del, Tame One Team For 'Parallel Uni-Verses' LP
By Morris Moore
Hieroglyphics founder Del Tha Funky Homosapien has teamed with Artifacts member Tame One to create a brand new album titled Parallel Uni-Verses.
Newark, New Jersey native Tame One is best known for his role as one-half of The Artifacts, in addition to his involvement with underground super groups The Weathermen and the Leak Brothers.
Oakland bred rapper Del and Tame first met almost 16-years-ago, through a mutual love of the “party life” on the road.
The pair kept in touch throughout out the years, resulting in Parallel Uni-Verses, a ten-track effort produced by producer Parallel Thought.
"Man, I ain't even gonna be egotistical like that and try to say that we are trying to usher in some new revival of whatever," Del told AllHipHop.com. “However, he adds, "I'm a say this: we are the element that is missing, not [just] because I said so. That's what's up; we didn't sell out for all the luxury and monetary gains. The original ways, we kept at and built upon those."
Tame One promised fans the album will stand out over contemporary releases, “because of the sonic quality and clarity of the samples and our vocal performances."
“I have always been impressed by his [Del] wordplay and originality. Rap-wise, neither of us use words only because they rhyme; I believe we both utilize substance as opposed to nonsense,” Tame One said.
Parallel Uni-Verses is slated to hit stores later this year on Gold Dust Media.
allhipohp.com
Goodie Mob Reunites For Show This September
By Morris Moore
All members of Atlanta rap group Goodie Mob will reunite for a one-time performance at a concert this September.
The original collective featuring Big Gipp, T-Mo Goodie, Khujo, and Cee-Lo Green will perform the Masquerade Music Park as part of the 'Remember Atlanta' festival.
“The Goodie Mob Reunion is something we have collectively talked about doing for a long time. The people have called for it, and with the state of the union the way it is, the time is right,” said Cee-Lo Green in a statement.
The concert is being promoted by local event company Shameless Plug Promotions, which has produced events for Devin Da Dude, Drake and others in Atlanta.
“This show means a lot to the people of Atlanta,” said Jabari Graham, one-fourth of the do-no-wrong new events group, Shameless Plug Promotions. “I grew up in Atlanta back when Dungeon and La Face were doing their thing. We knew this reunion show has been in the works for years; so to be a part of making this concert happen is just remarkable for us. For so long, Atlanta has been labeled as swag or crunk, so a lot of acts may feel they shouldn’t make a stop here. We know ATL is more than that and we’re out to prove it.”
The Goodie Mob concert takes place at Masquerade in Atlanta on Saturday September 19, 2009.
Doors open at 7:00 pm. Tickets for ‘Remember Atlanta’ went on sale Saturday (August1) through Ticketmaster.
Other unannounced members of the Dungeon family will also make appearances during the concert.
The group has been working on a solo album since they announced their reunification in 2005.
"There never really was [any] animosity,” Big Gipp told AllHipHop.com shortly the group reunited. “It’s just, when people grow up and grow in different directions, sometimes you run into times when you’ve got to do things on your own.”
allhiphop.com
Baatin of Slum Village Dies
By: Ismael AbduSalaam
AllHipHop.com has confirmed that Baatin (Titus Baatin Glover) of Slum Village has passed away.
While no details are available regarding cause of death, the veteran rapper's body was found early this morning in the 1400 block of Detroit's Anglin Street.
The body was then transferred to the Wayne County medical examiner's office, where Baatin's next of kin made a positive identification.
Friends of the rapper have been sending out condolences via Twitter throughout the day.
“R.I.P. baatin of slum village forever,” wrote singer Dwele on his page.
In a summer filled with celebrity deaths, producer 9th Wonder advised fans to remember artists while they are still living.
“RIP Baatin of Slum Village; let’s celebrate our people while they are here,” 9th reflected. “We are losing folk.”
Baatin was the founding member of the group Slum Village, along with J Dilla and T3.
Together, the trio released two influential albums in Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) (1997) and Fantastic, Vol. 2 (2000).
In 2002, Dilla left the group to pursue a solo career, and lyricist Elzhi was added. Baatin himself left the group before the release of their 2004 LP Detroit Deli after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The group experienced further hardship when musical backbone J Dilla passed away in 2006 following a long battle with Lupus.
Earlier this week, T3 had confirmed with AllHipHop.com that Baatin had rejoined the group.
“The whole thing is I felt like the fans wanted Baatin to come back. And I felt like I really didn’t want to do another album without Baatin. I wanted his energy,” T3 explained. “I found him and he was ready. He seemed like he had his stuff together. So that’s how the whole wheel started spinning for this new Slum Village album because basically, for the last couple of years, we dropped an album but we were going through a lot of depression. Dilla passed and then Proof passed. I really didn’t feel like doing no music. I wasn’t inspired. I was really just going through my thing.”
Brooklyn emcee Talib Kweli was also at a loss regarding the recent passing, revealing that partner Hi-Tek was set to DJ for the group tonight.
“I’m at a loss right now,” Kweli stated on Twitter. “Hi-Tek was set to dj for Slum Village tonight. RIP Baatin. More influential than you can imagine. Slum Village forever.”
Baatin was 35 years old at the time of his death.
At press time, there has been a public remembrance gathering set for Sunday (August 2) at the Elements Gallery, located in Detroit on 2125 Michigan Ave.
AllHipHop.com will continue to develop this story as more details emerge.
allhiphop.com
Ludacris Announces 'Ludaversal'; New Projects
By Roman Wolfe and Propane
Hip-Hop star Ludacris has revealed the title for his upcoming album will be titled Ludaversal.
In an exclusive interview with AllHIpHop.com, the Atlanta rapper/mogul commented on a number of upcoming projects, including Ludaversal, the follow-up to his 2008 album Theater of the Mind.
According to Ludacris, he also putting the finishing touches on Battle of the Sexes, a collaborative album with Disturbin Tha Peace member Shawnna.
Luda also commented on Conjure, his new line of cognac., which he owns with Birkedal Hartmann Cognac brand owner, Kim Hartmann.
“The quality of it is ridiculous,” Ludacris told AllHipHop.com. “I guarantee you were bringing something new to the market. You know how us folks like to collect certain liquor bottles, it’s a whole bunch of silhouettes of naked women on the bottle. Not only that, but what’s going to bring you back is you loving the taste and the quality of it.”
Although he didn’t reveal any names, Ludacris did confirm that Ludaversal will contain guest appearances from other artists.
Ludacris will also star opposite Gerard Butler in the action-thriller Gamer, about a future world where humans control other humans in a massive, multi-player online gaming environment.
allhiphop.com
Hip-Hop star Ludacris has revealed the title for his upcoming album will be titled Ludaversal.
In an exclusive interview with AllHIpHop.com, the Atlanta rapper/mogul commented on a number of upcoming projects, including Ludaversal, the follow-up to his 2008 album Theater of the Mind.
According to Ludacris, he also putting the finishing touches on Battle of the Sexes, a collaborative album with Disturbin Tha Peace member Shawnna.
Luda also commented on Conjure, his new line of cognac., which he owns with Birkedal Hartmann Cognac brand owner, Kim Hartmann.
“The quality of it is ridiculous,” Ludacris told AllHipHop.com. “I guarantee you were bringing something new to the market. You know how us folks like to collect certain liquor bottles, it’s a whole bunch of silhouettes of naked women on the bottle. Not only that, but what’s going to bring you back is you loving the taste and the quality of it.”
Although he didn’t reveal any names, Ludacris did confirm that Ludaversal will contain guest appearances from other artists.
Ludacris will also star opposite Gerard Butler in the action-thriller Gamer, about a future world where humans control other humans in a massive, multi-player online gaming environment.
allhiphop.com
Rapper Saigon Set to Drop ‘Warning Shots 2’
By Ismael AbduSalaam
Fresh off the positive reception of All In a Day’s Work, Saigon has confirmed with AllHipHop.com the release of Warning Shots 2.
Working again with label Amalgam Digital, the project will be marketed as a full-length album distributed through CD and digital formats.
Saigon’s previous 2009 LP, the Statik Selektah collaboration All In a Day’s Work, was recorded in 24 hours and released in just a week.
With the funds for traditional promotional campaigns shrinking, Saigon feels his recent projects offer a blueprint for artists on how to break the divide between mixtapes and albums.
“I’m enjoying my experience with Amalgam Digital and being creative to give music to my fans without all the bullsh*t,” Saigon explained to AllHipHop.com. “It’s a new way of thinking and it feels good to partner with an innovative company that’s ahead of its curve. I’m excited to get this album out!”
Saigon’s recent explosion of work is the result of a recommitment to his career following years of stagnation on Atlantic Records, where he remained under contract from 2004-2008.
Warning Shots 2 features an array of guests in Grand Puba (“Who Can Get Busy”), Lil Fame of MOP (“Rusy Gunz”), Ransom (“F*ck Me, F*ck You”), Quan, and O.J. Da Juiceman (“For Some P*ssy”).
The latter offering is the lead single, with a clean version ready for radio outlets.
The album also has production from Just Blaze, and will serve as a lead-in to their oft-delayed, but still highly anticipated project The Greatest Story Never Told.
Warning Shots 2 will be available at retail outlets on September 29.
A full tracklisting is available below:
01. Nothing Comes Easy
02. That's Not What’s Up Feat. G.Soul
03. Fatherhood (Rayne Dior) feat Lokz
04. All Around The World Feat G.Soul
05. For Some P*ssy Part 1 feat O.J. Da Juiceman
06. Cookies & Milk Introducing Young Boombaya & A.P.
07. Be On Time
08. G Optified (Tommy Tee's Theme Sampler)
09. F*ck Me, F*ck You Feat Quan And Ransom
10. Rusty Gunz feat. Lil Fame from M.O.P.
11. Aye Aye Aye N*gga
12. Who Can Get Busy feat Grand Puba
13. Copping Pleas
14. For Some P*ssy Part 2
15. Saiiiiii Outro
16. Gotta Believe It
allhiphop.com
Fresh off the positive reception of All In a Day’s Work, Saigon has confirmed with AllHipHop.com the release of Warning Shots 2.
Working again with label Amalgam Digital, the project will be marketed as a full-length album distributed through CD and digital formats.
Saigon’s previous 2009 LP, the Statik Selektah collaboration All In a Day’s Work, was recorded in 24 hours and released in just a week.
With the funds for traditional promotional campaigns shrinking, Saigon feels his recent projects offer a blueprint for artists on how to break the divide between mixtapes and albums.
“I’m enjoying my experience with Amalgam Digital and being creative to give music to my fans without all the bullsh*t,” Saigon explained to AllHipHop.com. “It’s a new way of thinking and it feels good to partner with an innovative company that’s ahead of its curve. I’m excited to get this album out!”
Saigon’s recent explosion of work is the result of a recommitment to his career following years of stagnation on Atlantic Records, where he remained under contract from 2004-2008.
Warning Shots 2 features an array of guests in Grand Puba (“Who Can Get Busy”), Lil Fame of MOP (“Rusy Gunz”), Ransom (“F*ck Me, F*ck You”), Quan, and O.J. Da Juiceman (“For Some P*ssy”).
The latter offering is the lead single, with a clean version ready for radio outlets.
The album also has production from Just Blaze, and will serve as a lead-in to their oft-delayed, but still highly anticipated project The Greatest Story Never Told.
Warning Shots 2 will be available at retail outlets on September 29.
A full tracklisting is available below:
01. Nothing Comes Easy
02. That's Not What’s Up Feat. G.Soul
03. Fatherhood (Rayne Dior) feat Lokz
04. All Around The World Feat G.Soul
05. For Some P*ssy Part 1 feat O.J. Da Juiceman
06. Cookies & Milk Introducing Young Boombaya & A.P.
07. Be On Time
08. G Optified (Tommy Tee's Theme Sampler)
09. F*ck Me, F*ck You Feat Quan And Ransom
10. Rusty Gunz feat. Lil Fame from M.O.P.
11. Aye Aye Aye N*gga
12. Who Can Get Busy feat Grand Puba
13. Copping Pleas
14. For Some P*ssy Part 2
15. Saiiiiii Outro
16. Gotta Believe It
allhiphop.com
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