Check out this link:
http://www.conspiracyblog.net
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Def Jam signs Shyne Po to a 7-figure deal
Here’s the scoop:
Multiple sources have confirmed to me that Shyne Po has signed a 7-figure deal with Def Jam.*
This ends a bidding war that had industry bigwigs vying for Shyne’s attention, flying to Belize, calling and courting, ever since the Brooklyn emcee was released from prison and deported to Belize back in October.
For Shyne to turn down hard-court pressure from Jimmy Iovine/Dr.Dre and others and instead join LA Reid back at his last known recording-residence actually seems like an inevitable move….because I’ve been hearing that Shyne has been pow-wowing with veteran manager Kyambo “HipHop” Joshua for a while now. Joshua and his HipHopSince1978 partners, Gee Roberson, also manage Lil Wayne, Drake, Young Jeezy and more. Meanwhile, my old friend Al Branch is both a partner in HipHopSince1978 and a high-level exec at Def Jam…see how that works? Synergy! Now there have been recent reports of new label-wide pressures, but with this team in place, Shyne is in good hands.
As for the logistics, the plan is for Shyne to work out of London, it’s a buzzing hip hop hub with all the necessary facilities. Oh, and about that first verse which appeared on an early DJ Khaled album leak (and is allegedly scratched from the final tracklisting)…I’m hearing that Shyne didn’t intend that verse to be his first look. After nearly a decade inside, he’s allowed a little time to figure out what direction he’ll take.
*(obviously in this climate, these kinds of numbers are few and far between, so this certainly signals that labels see value in legacy or storyline. Drake got a reported 2 million last year. And of course, this is Shyne’s second time around in a bidding war.)
missinfo.tv
Multiple sources have confirmed to me that Shyne Po has signed a 7-figure deal with Def Jam.*
This ends a bidding war that had industry bigwigs vying for Shyne’s attention, flying to Belize, calling and courting, ever since the Brooklyn emcee was released from prison and deported to Belize back in October.
For Shyne to turn down hard-court pressure from Jimmy Iovine/Dr.Dre and others and instead join LA Reid back at his last known recording-residence actually seems like an inevitable move….because I’ve been hearing that Shyne has been pow-wowing with veteran manager Kyambo “HipHop” Joshua for a while now. Joshua and his HipHopSince1978 partners, Gee Roberson, also manage Lil Wayne, Drake, Young Jeezy and more. Meanwhile, my old friend Al Branch is both a partner in HipHopSince1978 and a high-level exec at Def Jam…see how that works? Synergy! Now there have been recent reports of new label-wide pressures, but with this team in place, Shyne is in good hands.
As for the logistics, the plan is for Shyne to work out of London, it’s a buzzing hip hop hub with all the necessary facilities. Oh, and about that first verse which appeared on an early DJ Khaled album leak (and is allegedly scratched from the final tracklisting)…I’m hearing that Shyne didn’t intend that verse to be his first look. After nearly a decade inside, he’s allowed a little time to figure out what direction he’ll take.
*(obviously in this climate, these kinds of numbers are few and far between, so this certainly signals that labels see value in legacy or storyline. Drake got a reported 2 million last year. And of course, this is Shyne’s second time around in a bidding war.)
missinfo.tv
Jay-Z Contemplates "BP3" Follow-Up Album Release, "It Depends On The Music & How It's Coming Out"
Written by Biz Jones
Roc Nation leader Jay-Z talk about planning his Blueprint III follow-up album and explained why a release date is the least of his worries right now.
According to Jay, he is in the early stages of putting the untitled project together.
"I don't know," Jay answered when asked about a release date. "I didn't really start yet. I got a couple of scraps and I got a couple of ideas. I didn't really go into the studio yet. I've been toying with ideas and direction and things like that. I got one crazy record. To be honest with you, it's crazy. I got one and we'll build from there. Whether it comes out this year or next year, it depends on the music and how it's coming out. I don't really have any dates." (MTV)
Last month, Jay said he had not yet fully engaged onto the album.
"Maybe. I got some ideas," the rapper said about a new album in 2010. "I didn't start yet, I just got a bunch of ideas. Maybe if I get into a nice zone...I'm on my way, just ideas." ("The Ed Lover Show")
Prior to its release last September, the rapper explained the significance of offering fans a new sound with The Blueprint III.
"I keep using this phrase 'new classic,' because it has classic sounds and instrumentation, like how music was recorded before. That's why the whole album cover [features] white instruments just left in the corner, no color. It's all about the instruments. It feels classic in that approach, but it's new subject matter, new flows. It's not like an Amy Winehouse thing: a take on what was already done. I mean, if you listen to 'D.O.A.' just the sax alone, those type of sounds. The subject matter is right now. It's a hot-button issue right now." (XXL Magazine)
Outside of album talk, Jay is currently being billed to headline the summer's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Fesival.
Headliners will include Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band and Kings of Leon, in what is currently the Grammy-winning band's only scheduled U.S. show of the year. Bands already announced this afternoon include Ingrid Michaelson, The xx, Regina Spektor, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, Wale, Mayer Hawthorne & The County, Phoenix, Weezer, OK GO, Baroness, John Fogerty, Medeski Martin and Wood, ISIS, Bassnectar, Blues Traveler, Jeff Beck, Avett Brothers and Chromeo with Daryl Hall. The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs will perform Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" in a special late night set. (Billboard)
sohh.com
Roc Nation leader Jay-Z talk about planning his Blueprint III follow-up album and explained why a release date is the least of his worries right now.
According to Jay, he is in the early stages of putting the untitled project together.
"I don't know," Jay answered when asked about a release date. "I didn't really start yet. I got a couple of scraps and I got a couple of ideas. I didn't really go into the studio yet. I've been toying with ideas and direction and things like that. I got one crazy record. To be honest with you, it's crazy. I got one and we'll build from there. Whether it comes out this year or next year, it depends on the music and how it's coming out. I don't really have any dates." (MTV)
Last month, Jay said he had not yet fully engaged onto the album.
"Maybe. I got some ideas," the rapper said about a new album in 2010. "I didn't start yet, I just got a bunch of ideas. Maybe if I get into a nice zone...I'm on my way, just ideas." ("The Ed Lover Show")
Prior to its release last September, the rapper explained the significance of offering fans a new sound with The Blueprint III.
"I keep using this phrase 'new classic,' because it has classic sounds and instrumentation, like how music was recorded before. That's why the whole album cover [features] white instruments just left in the corner, no color. It's all about the instruments. It feels classic in that approach, but it's new subject matter, new flows. It's not like an Amy Winehouse thing: a take on what was already done. I mean, if you listen to 'D.O.A.' just the sax alone, those type of sounds. The subject matter is right now. It's a hot-button issue right now." (XXL Magazine)
Outside of album talk, Jay is currently being billed to headline the summer's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Fesival.
Headliners will include Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band and Kings of Leon, in what is currently the Grammy-winning band's only scheduled U.S. show of the year. Bands already announced this afternoon include Ingrid Michaelson, The xx, Regina Spektor, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, Wale, Mayer Hawthorne & The County, Phoenix, Weezer, OK GO, Baroness, John Fogerty, Medeski Martin and Wood, ISIS, Bassnectar, Blues Traveler, Jeff Beck, Avett Brothers and Chromeo with Daryl Hall. The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs will perform Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" in a special late night set. (Billboard)
sohh.com
Kanye West's New Album Title Revealed By G.O.O.D. Music Artist
Written by Rosario Harper
Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West's next album title has reportedly been revealed by the emcee's G.O.O.D. Music artist, Big Sean.
Click here to find out more!
Writing through his popular Twitter page, Sean publicly announced Ye's next LP title.
"Up n at em!!! Time to go to Hawaii! To work on the best 2 albums of all time. Mne "Finally Famous" n Kanye's graduation!," Sean wrote mistakingly Sunday (February 14) morning. "I mean "Good ass Job" not Graduation. I was sleepy as h*ll when tweeted that sh*t! Happy Valentines Day! Everybody be safe... N Don't break my aching heart! Show me love back! I'm off to Hawaii... Luv y'all!" (Big Sean's Twitter)
Last month, Ye wrote in his daily blog about returning to the studio.
"FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR THEIR CONSTANT LOVE AND SUPPORT OVER THESE PAST 6 YEARS!," he wrote Saturday (January 2). "I'M SO HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THE STUDIO MAKING NEW MUSIC. I WILL BRING YOU THE BEST I HAVE TO OFFER WITH THE SAME DEDICATION THAT KOBE HAS ON THE COURT. IT'S FUNNY HOW SO MANY RAPPERS GET WORSE AS THEIR CAREERS STRETCH OUT BUT TRUE POETS GET BETTER. WE WILL FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MAYA ANGELOU, GILL SCOTT HERRON AND NINA SIMONE. THEIR WORK IMPROVED WITH TIME. THEY DOCUMENTED WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN CULTURE. THAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS THE MODERN DAY ARTISTS AND POETS, TO ACCURATELY REPRESENT WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW, SO WHEN THE POWERS THAT BE TRY TO REWRITE HISTORY YOU CAN ALWAYS LOOK AT OUR WORKS AND FIND TRUTH AND SINCERITY IN A WORLD OF PROCESSED INFORMATION. LET US SOAK IN POSITIVE FORCES AND LOOK DOWN ON UPON THOSE WHO MASQUERADE AS TRUTH TELLERS AND OBJECTIVE FACT GIVERS WHEN IN REALITY EVERYTHING THAT IS PROJECTED HAS AN AGENDA OF BRAINWASHING US, THE "CONSUMER", THE PUBLIC, TO BELIEVE WHAT THEY WANT US TO. LET US LOOK PAST HEADLINES AND DEAL WITH JUST A BIT OF REALITY IN THIS NEW DECADE. WE HAVE OUR OWN OUTLETS NOW. WE DON'T HAVE TO BELIEVE EVERYTHING ANYMORE. NOW I'LL FIGURE OUT A WAY TO MAKE THAT RYHME LOL!!!" (Kanye West's Blog)
He was also vocal in discussing his absence from hip-hop during a Kid Cudi concert in January.
"I had to get up out this motherf*cker for a second," Ye told the crowd. "I love the game so much and I'm so passionate about it that I just can't take this sh*t sometimes. And if they take everything away from me it wouldn't f*cking matter. Artists be too concerned about their well-being sometimes. Artists be too scared to stand up for something. They scared to lose they f*cking house or they scared to lose their record deal. I sold my soul to the devil, I know it's a crappy deal/At least it came with a few toys like a Happy Meal." (Miss Info TV)
Sean reportedly has a joint venture record deal with Def Jam and Ye's G.O.O.D. Music.
Sean Michael Leonard Anderson (born March 25, 1988) is an American hip hop artist who primarily goes by the stage name Big Sean. He was born in Santa Monica, California and moved to the Detroit, Michigan area at two months of age. Sean signed with Kanye West's GOOD Music in 2007, and then in 2008 signed with Island Def Jam. He has been featured in The Source and the Detroit Metro Times. (Wikipedia)
No further details have been released as of now.
sohh.com
Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West's next album title has reportedly been revealed by the emcee's G.O.O.D. Music artist, Big Sean.
Click here to find out more!
Writing through his popular Twitter page, Sean publicly announced Ye's next LP title.
"Up n at em!!! Time to go to Hawaii! To work on the best 2 albums of all time. Mne "Finally Famous" n Kanye's graduation!," Sean wrote mistakingly Sunday (February 14) morning. "I mean "Good ass Job" not Graduation. I was sleepy as h*ll when tweeted that sh*t! Happy Valentines Day! Everybody be safe... N Don't break my aching heart! Show me love back! I'm off to Hawaii... Luv y'all!" (Big Sean's Twitter)
Last month, Ye wrote in his daily blog about returning to the studio.
"FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR THEIR CONSTANT LOVE AND SUPPORT OVER THESE PAST 6 YEARS!," he wrote Saturday (January 2). "I'M SO HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THE STUDIO MAKING NEW MUSIC. I WILL BRING YOU THE BEST I HAVE TO OFFER WITH THE SAME DEDICATION THAT KOBE HAS ON THE COURT. IT'S FUNNY HOW SO MANY RAPPERS GET WORSE AS THEIR CAREERS STRETCH OUT BUT TRUE POETS GET BETTER. WE WILL FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MAYA ANGELOU, GILL SCOTT HERRON AND NINA SIMONE. THEIR WORK IMPROVED WITH TIME. THEY DOCUMENTED WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN CULTURE. THAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS THE MODERN DAY ARTISTS AND POETS, TO ACCURATELY REPRESENT WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW, SO WHEN THE POWERS THAT BE TRY TO REWRITE HISTORY YOU CAN ALWAYS LOOK AT OUR WORKS AND FIND TRUTH AND SINCERITY IN A WORLD OF PROCESSED INFORMATION. LET US SOAK IN POSITIVE FORCES AND LOOK DOWN ON UPON THOSE WHO MASQUERADE AS TRUTH TELLERS AND OBJECTIVE FACT GIVERS WHEN IN REALITY EVERYTHING THAT IS PROJECTED HAS AN AGENDA OF BRAINWASHING US, THE "CONSUMER", THE PUBLIC, TO BELIEVE WHAT THEY WANT US TO. LET US LOOK PAST HEADLINES AND DEAL WITH JUST A BIT OF REALITY IN THIS NEW DECADE. WE HAVE OUR OWN OUTLETS NOW. WE DON'T HAVE TO BELIEVE EVERYTHING ANYMORE. NOW I'LL FIGURE OUT A WAY TO MAKE THAT RYHME LOL!!!" (Kanye West's Blog)
He was also vocal in discussing his absence from hip-hop during a Kid Cudi concert in January.
"I had to get up out this motherf*cker for a second," Ye told the crowd. "I love the game so much and I'm so passionate about it that I just can't take this sh*t sometimes. And if they take everything away from me it wouldn't f*cking matter. Artists be too concerned about their well-being sometimes. Artists be too scared to stand up for something. They scared to lose they f*cking house or they scared to lose their record deal. I sold my soul to the devil, I know it's a crappy deal/At least it came with a few toys like a Happy Meal." (Miss Info TV)
Sean reportedly has a joint venture record deal with Def Jam and Ye's G.O.O.D. Music.
Sean Michael Leonard Anderson (born March 25, 1988) is an American hip hop artist who primarily goes by the stage name Big Sean. He was born in Santa Monica, California and moved to the Detroit, Michigan area at two months of age. Sean signed with Kanye West's GOOD Music in 2007, and then in 2008 signed with Island Def Jam. He has been featured in The Source and the Detroit Metro Times. (Wikipedia)
No further details have been released as of now.
sohh.com
K'Naan & Wale Announce East Coast/Midwest Tour
by Jake Paine
Two of the bigger rising stars of the late '00s have teamed up for a spring tour. Celebrating equal billing, A&M Records artist K'Naan joins Interscope/Alido Records emcee and DXnext alum Wale for select tour dates.
Both acts released albums last year, Troubadour and Attention Deficit respectively. Both were met with critical acclaim, including very positive reviews on HipHopDX.
The tour dates are below:
*denotes co-headlining date with Wale.
3/31 New York, NY @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza*
4/01 Boston, MA @ House of Blues*
4/02 New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place*
4/03 Baltimore, MD @ Ram's Head Live*
4/04 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club*
4/06 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero*
4/08 Atlanta, GA@ Center Stage*
4/09 Williamsburg, VA @ College of William & Mary
4/11 Chicago, IL @ Metro
4/13 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues*
4/14 Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall*
hiphopdx.com
Two of the bigger rising stars of the late '00s have teamed up for a spring tour. Celebrating equal billing, A&M Records artist K'Naan joins Interscope/Alido Records emcee and DXnext alum Wale for select tour dates.
Both acts released albums last year, Troubadour and Attention Deficit respectively. Both were met with critical acclaim, including very positive reviews on HipHopDX.
The tour dates are below:
*denotes co-headlining date with Wale.
3/31 New York, NY @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza*
4/01 Boston, MA @ House of Blues*
4/02 New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place*
4/03 Baltimore, MD @ Ram's Head Live*
4/04 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club*
4/06 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero*
4/08 Atlanta, GA@ Center Stage*
4/09 Williamsburg, VA @ College of William & Mary
4/11 Chicago, IL @ Metro
4/13 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues*
4/14 Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall*
hiphopdx.com
Shyne, Kanye West No Longer Appear On DJ Khaled's Victory
by Jake Paine
The tracklisting for DJ Khaled's Victory album has changed a bit since first being released in December. Amazon
has updated the planned tracks for the March 2 album on E1 Entertainment, and for reasons unknown, several high-profile appearances have been removed or altered.
The new tentative tracklisting is as follows:
1. Intro (feat. Diddy & Busta Rhymes)
2. All I Do Is Win (feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross)
3. Put Your Hands Up (feat. Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Plies & Schife)
4. Fed Up (feat. Lil Wayne, Usher, Drake, Young Jeezy & Rick Ross)
5. Victory (feat. Nas & John Legend)
6. Ball (feat. Jim Jones & Schife)
7. Rockin All My Chains On (feat. Birdman, Bun B & Soulja Boy Tell 'Em)
8. Killing Me (feat. Buju Banton, Busta Rhymes & Bounty Killer)
9. Bringing Real Rap Back (feat. Rum)
10. Bring The Money Out (feat. Nelly, Lil Boosie & Ace Hood)
11. On My Way (feat. Kevin "KC" Cossom, Ace Hood, BallGreezy, Desloc, Piccalo, Iceberg, Bali, Gunplay, Rum & Young Cash)
12. Rep My City (feat. Pitbull & Jarvis)
While several tracks were added, including a Busta Rhymes vow of support on the intro and Lil Wayne has been added to "Fed Up" pairing him with fellow southern Rap titans Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, others have been removed. "All My Life" , billed to be Shyne's first new verse since 2004, was removed. Both Kanye West and Jadakiss were also pulled from the track "Victory," which will still include Nas and John Legend. Fat Joe also no longer appears on the album, having been replaced by Ace Hood on "Bring The Money Out."
hiphopdx.com
The tracklisting for DJ Khaled's Victory album has changed a bit since first being released in December. Amazon
has updated the planned tracks for the March 2 album on E1 Entertainment, and for reasons unknown, several high-profile appearances have been removed or altered.
The new tentative tracklisting is as follows:
1. Intro (feat. Diddy & Busta Rhymes)
2. All I Do Is Win (feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross)
3. Put Your Hands Up (feat. Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Plies & Schife)
4. Fed Up (feat. Lil Wayne, Usher, Drake, Young Jeezy & Rick Ross)
5. Victory (feat. Nas & John Legend)
6. Ball (feat. Jim Jones & Schife)
7. Rockin All My Chains On (feat. Birdman, Bun B & Soulja Boy Tell 'Em)
8. Killing Me (feat. Buju Banton, Busta Rhymes & Bounty Killer)
9. Bringing Real Rap Back (feat. Rum)
10. Bring The Money Out (feat. Nelly, Lil Boosie & Ace Hood)
11. On My Way (feat. Kevin "KC" Cossom, Ace Hood, BallGreezy, Desloc, Piccalo, Iceberg, Bali, Gunplay, Rum & Young Cash)
12. Rep My City (feat. Pitbull & Jarvis)
While several tracks were added, including a Busta Rhymes vow of support on the intro and Lil Wayne has been added to "Fed Up" pairing him with fellow southern Rap titans Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, others have been removed. "All My Life" , billed to be Shyne's first new verse since 2004, was removed. Both Kanye West and Jadakiss were also pulled from the track "Victory," which will still include Nas and John Legend. Fat Joe also no longer appears on the album, having been replaced by Ace Hood on "Bring The Money Out."
hiphopdx.com
Lupe Fiasco Announces The Steppin' Laser Tour
by Jake Paine
Today, through his LupeFiasco.com website, Chicago emcee Lupe Fiasco announced that in conjunction with his forthcoming album, he is going on a world tour.
Although Lu said that dates and venues will be released soon, the rapper revealed that he will begin doing dates in Australia and New Zealand this month, before returning to the United States for various March dates.
The tour gets its name from the spring album Lasers, coming on 1st & 15th/Atlantic Records.
The album features the single "I'm Beaming"
hiphopdx.com
Today, through his LupeFiasco.com website, Chicago emcee Lupe Fiasco announced that in conjunction with his forthcoming album, he is going on a world tour.
Although Lu said that dates and venues will be released soon, the rapper revealed that he will begin doing dates in Australia and New Zealand this month, before returning to the United States for various March dates.
The tour gets its name from the spring album Lasers, coming on 1st & 15th/Atlantic Records.
The album features the single "I'm Beaming"
hiphopdx.com
Brotha Lynch Hung Kills Rappers On 'Dinner and A Movie'
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) Brotha Lynch Hung will debut Dinner and A Movie, the first of three conceptual albums that will be released on Tech N9ne’s Strange Music record label this October.
Dinner and A Movie is Brotha Lynch Hung’s first album since the Sacramento native released Lynch By Inch, in 2003.
Dinner and A Movie is a conceptual album that follows Brotha Lynch Hung as a normal guy by day and serial killer of rappers at night.
The album was inspired by horror masters like Rob Zombie and Wes Craven and introduces listeners to Brotha Lynch Hung’s new character, the Coat Hanga Strangla.
Additionally, Brotha Lynch Hung has teamed with director Dan Gedman of Liquid 9 and :31 to create nine videos from each of the three albums.
"This is the first time this has ever been done," Gedman told AllHipHop.com in a statement "We are visually bringing this character to life, and then Lynch is going to write the next two albums. It’s an interactive process. Now he has to lyrically revisit the character and story, knowing what it all looks like."
The first video from the album is titled “Meat,” while the album’s second single and video, “I Plotted (My Next Murder)” will be released online in the coming weeks.
Brother Lynch Hung has sold over a million records independently since his debut in 1993 with the album 24 Deep.
Dinner and A Movie is due in stores March 23, 2010.
allhiphop.com
DJ Premier Producing New MC Eiht Album 'Which Way Is West'
By Nolan Strong
(AllHipHop News) East coast production wizard DJ Premier has announced a new project with West Coast rap legend MC Eiht, of Compton’s Most Wanted.
DJ Premier will executive produce MC Eiht’s upcoming 11th album, titled Which Way Is West.
In addition to executive production duties on Which Way Is West, DJ Premier will release the album on his independent label, Year Round Records.
In addition to DJ Premier, Which Way Is West will feature production by Marco Polo and other upcoming producers, as well as appearances by Year Round artists NYGz.
MC Eiht rose to fame as a member of gangsta rap group Compton’s Most Wanted, who released three classic albums, It's a Compton Thang, Straight Checkn 'Em and Music to Driveby.
He also had a starring role in the movie Menace II Society, which produced the single "Streiht Up Menace.”
MC Eiht has released albums consistently throughout the past 15 years, including his last release Affiliated, which hit stores in 2006.
Which Way Is West is due in stores this Summer.
Download the sampler here: http://usershare.net/9ntnnhdwnalp
allhiphop.com
Dr. Dre Files Lawsuit Over The Chronic Royalties
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) Dr. Dre has filed a lawsuit against Death Row Records, the legendary record label he co-founded with Suge Knight.
Dre, born Andre Young, filed a federal lawsuit against the company that purchased Death Row out of bankruptcy, WideAwake-Death Row LLC.
According to the lawsuit, Dr. Dre has not seen any royalties from his groundbreaking hit album The Chronic since 1996, the year he left the label due to a strained relationship with Knight.
Death Row Records was put up for sale, when Knight lost a $107 million dollars default judgment to Michael and Lydia Harris.
The Harris’ claimed they invested $1 million dollars, but were cut out of profits by Knight.
WideAwake-Death Row Records LLC purchased the storied gangsta rap label and all of its assets for $18 million dollars during a sale in 2008.
Dre claims the new owners, who have issued releases and reissues by Snoop Dogg and Kurupt, are selling digital, remastered copies of The Chronic and The Chronic Re-Lit, both without his permission.
Ownership of the label is still in question.
In November of 2009, Laura Lavi, who claims to be the sole CEO of Wideawake-Death Row LLC., accused co-owners New Solutions Financials of diverting funds and assets illegally.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Dr. Dre has filed a lawsuit against Death Row Records, the legendary record label he co-founded with Suge Knight.
Dre, born Andre Young, filed a federal lawsuit against the company that purchased Death Row out of bankruptcy, WideAwake-Death Row LLC.
According to the lawsuit, Dr. Dre has not seen any royalties from his groundbreaking hit album The Chronic since 1996, the year he left the label due to a strained relationship with Knight.
Death Row Records was put up for sale, when Knight lost a $107 million dollars default judgment to Michael and Lydia Harris.
The Harris’ claimed they invested $1 million dollars, but were cut out of profits by Knight.
WideAwake-Death Row Records LLC purchased the storied gangsta rap label and all of its assets for $18 million dollars during a sale in 2008.
Dre claims the new owners, who have issued releases and reissues by Snoop Dogg and Kurupt, are selling digital, remastered copies of The Chronic and The Chronic Re-Lit, both without his permission.
Ownership of the label is still in question.
In November of 2009, Laura Lavi, who claims to be the sole CEO of Wideawake-Death Row LLC., accused co-owners New Solutions Financials of diverting funds and assets illegally.
allhiphop.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Raekwon Reveals March 9 Release Date for Ghostface, Method Man Collabo [XXcLusive Video]
Taking a break from his OB4CL2 tour, Raekwon the Chef stopped to view the scenery and record an exclusive video clip for XXLMag.com.
In the vlog, Rae drops word of an official date for the highly-anticipated collaboration disc with Wu-Tang partners-in-rhyme Ghostface Killah and Method Man, as well as the name of the LP. “Yo, March 9th, Three, the Hard Way album coming,” he said. “Me, Ghost, Meth, get ready. We gonna be shooting a video next month or something… Everybody get ready.”
While the trio have yet to announce their group name, in a recent interview, the Chef told XXL that if it was up to him, he’d name the crew “Bastard Swordsmen.”
Stay tuned to XXLMag.com for more tour reports from Rae. —XXL Staff
XXLMag.com
In the vlog, Rae drops word of an official date for the highly-anticipated collaboration disc with Wu-Tang partners-in-rhyme Ghostface Killah and Method Man, as well as the name of the LP. “Yo, March 9th, Three, the Hard Way album coming,” he said. “Me, Ghost, Meth, get ready. We gonna be shooting a video next month or something… Everybody get ready.”
While the trio have yet to announce their group name, in a recent interview, the Chef told XXL that if it was up to him, he’d name the crew “Bastard Swordsmen.”
Stay tuned to XXLMag.com for more tour reports from Rae. —XXL Staff
XXLMag.com
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Update Fans About Uni5
by Allen Jacobs
The fully reunited Bone Thugs-N-Harmony group has been working on Uni5: The World's Enemy, their first release on Warner Brothers Records. After several dates initially posted for late 2009 release, the Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio veteran stars opted to push the return into spring.
Having hosted a weekend chat with fans on their BoneThugsNHarmony.com site, the group revealed some details regarding Uni5, and what fans can expect.
Firstly, the group refuted reports that the work will be a double-disc collection. Although as a group and solo-wise, the group long favored the 2CD, this will remain a single album. Although dates have pushed back in 2010, the group told fans that they are done recording, and fans can expect Uni5 on April 20. To prove that, the group's first video will release to the public next week, although members would not reveal which song. They had already shot a video to "See Me Shine" and released "Gangsta's Glory" to the web in 2010. Strangely though, the group confirmed "Meet Me In The Sky" to be a second single, with a video in production next month.
While Uni5 presently has no features, longtime fans of the group will be pleased to know that a bulk of the production is handled by career-long Bone Thugs-N-Harmony producer DJ U-Neek, who also worked extensively with Ruthless Records artists in the early '90s.
Lastly, Layzie and Krayzie Bone confirmed that a Bone Brothers 4 independent release can also be expected for 2010.
hiphopdx.com
The fully reunited Bone Thugs-N-Harmony group has been working on Uni5: The World's Enemy, their first release on Warner Brothers Records. After several dates initially posted for late 2009 release, the Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio veteran stars opted to push the return into spring.
Having hosted a weekend chat with fans on their BoneThugsNHarmony.com site, the group revealed some details regarding Uni5, and what fans can expect.
Firstly, the group refuted reports that the work will be a double-disc collection. Although as a group and solo-wise, the group long favored the 2CD, this will remain a single album. Although dates have pushed back in 2010, the group told fans that they are done recording, and fans can expect Uni5 on April 20. To prove that, the group's first video will release to the public next week, although members would not reveal which song. They had already shot a video to "See Me Shine" and released "Gangsta's Glory" to the web in 2010. Strangely though, the group confirmed "Meet Me In The Sky" to be a second single, with a video in production next month.
While Uni5 presently has no features, longtime fans of the group will be pleased to know that a bulk of the production is handled by career-long Bone Thugs-N-Harmony producer DJ U-Neek, who also worked extensively with Ruthless Records artists in the early '90s.
Lastly, Layzie and Krayzie Bone confirmed that a Bone Brothers 4 independent release can also be expected for 2010.
hiphopdx.com
Game Officially Returns To Aftermath Records
by Jake Paine
Saturday afternoon, rapper Game officially announced his return to Aftermath Records. The announcement, made via the Compton star rapper's Twitter page (@IHateGame), comes after pictures and statements already confirming Game's musical reunion with one of his early mentors, Dr. Dre.
Claiming, "It's funny how things come full circle. R.E.D." Game linked to a photograph of him wearing four Aftermath medallions on chain necklaces. R.E.D. is the title of Game's spring album, which may now carry the Aftermath logo.
Having released his multi-platinum debut, The Documentary on G-Unit/Aftermath/Interscope in 2005, the Black Wall Street founder would later release his two subsequent releases 2006's The Doctor's Advocate and 2008's L.A.X. on Geffen Records. Geffen, a sister-label to Interscope in the IGA (Interscope-Geffen-A&M) family. Many believed these actions were due to tension between Game and 50 Cent, Dr. Dre and even Interscope head Jimmy Iovine.
By returning to Aftermath, Game joins Eminem, 50 Cent, as well as two newer artists Slim Da Mobster and this week's DXnext artist, Hayes. Throughout his career, Game has worked with Aftermath producers including DJ Khalil, Hi-Tek and of course, Dre.
Earlier this week, Game released the Sam Cooke-sampling "Shake" , produced by Cool & Dre, which will be likely included on R.E.D.
HipHopDX.com
Saturday afternoon, rapper Game officially announced his return to Aftermath Records. The announcement, made via the Compton star rapper's Twitter page (@IHateGame), comes after pictures and statements already confirming Game's musical reunion with one of his early mentors, Dr. Dre.
Claiming, "It's funny how things come full circle. R.E.D." Game linked to a photograph of him wearing four Aftermath medallions on chain necklaces. R.E.D. is the title of Game's spring album, which may now carry the Aftermath logo.
Having released his multi-platinum debut, The Documentary on G-Unit/Aftermath/Interscope in 2005, the Black Wall Street founder would later release his two subsequent releases 2006's The Doctor's Advocate and 2008's L.A.X. on Geffen Records. Geffen, a sister-label to Interscope in the IGA (Interscope-Geffen-A&M) family. Many believed these actions were due to tension between Game and 50 Cent, Dr. Dre and even Interscope head Jimmy Iovine.
By returning to Aftermath, Game joins Eminem, 50 Cent, as well as two newer artists Slim Da Mobster and this week's DXnext artist, Hayes. Throughout his career, Game has worked with Aftermath producers including DJ Khalil, Hi-Tek and of course, Dre.
Earlier this week, Game released the Sam Cooke-sampling "Shake" , produced by Cool & Dre, which will be likely included on R.E.D.
HipHopDX.com
Freeway Compares Def Jam Vs. Rhymesayers, Proudest Career Verse
by Jake Paine
On Tuesday, Freeway invited HipHopDX to his Philadelphia studio. In a secluded, third floor mixing suite, Free and his artist Hollywood were preparing to head to New York, moments after speaking with DX. The conversation took place a week before Freeway releases what he considers to be his third album, and his first independent project.
The Stimulus Package pairs the Philadelphia raspy voiced emcee with veteran Seattle producer Jake One. The duo has been working together for nearly three years, and split the geographic difference by finding a label home in Minneapolis' Rhymesayers Entertainment. After his two prior releases came in burgundy Def Jam jackets, Freeway reflected to DX about the benefits of working with the label owned by Slug, Ant and Brent "Siddiq" Sayers.
"Over at Def Jam, you know they had a lot of artists. I wasn't a main focus," Philly Freezer admitted. "I definitely had a good fan-base and everything - I'm a gold [selling] artist and everything, but I never went platinum, and there's a lot of [Def Jam artists] that go platinum. [The label] tends to cater to them." Joining a team responsible for releases from Atmosphere, Brother Ali and MF DOOM, Free notes contrast that suits him. "Over at [Rhymesayers Entertainment], it's different. I'm hands-on with the project and they're hands on with me. As you see, my phone keeps ringing, we're working, it just feels better. It feels like we're earning the right to put the album out and do good."
Def Jam Vs. Rhymesayers, Proudest Career Verse
DX
News
Freeway Compares Def Jam Vs. Rhymesayers, Proudest Career Verse
February 05, 2010 02:24:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
Share9
On Tuesday, Freeway invited HipHopDX to his Philadelphia studio. In a secluded, third floor mixing suite, Free and his artist Hollywood were preparing to head to New York, moments after speaking with DX. The conversation took place a week before Freeway releases what he considers to be his third album, and his first independent project.
The Stimulus Package pairs the Philadelphia raspy voiced emcee with veteran Seattle producer Jake One. The duo has been working together for nearly three years, and split the geographic difference by finding a label home in Minneapolis' Rhymesayers Entertainment. After his two prior releases came in burgundy Def Jam jackets, Freeway reflected to DX about the benefits of working with the label owned by Slug, Ant and Brent "Siddiq" Sayers.
"Over at Def Jam, you know they had a lot of artists. I wasn't a main focus," Philly Freezer admitted. "I definitely had a good fan-base and everything - I'm a gold [selling] artist and everything, but I never went platinum, and there's a lot of [Def Jam artists] that go platinum. [The label] tends to cater to them." Joining a team responsible for releases from Atmosphere, Brother Ali and MF DOOM, Free notes contrast that suits him. "Over at [Rhymesayers Entertainment], it's different. I'm hands-on with the project and they're hands on with me. As you see, my phone keeps ringing, we're working, it just feels better. It feels like we're earning the right to put the album out and do good."
The decade-deep veteran was also asked about his proudest verse from a catalog that includes hundreds of songs. With a chuckle and a beard scratch, Freeway pointed to his 2003 hit single "What We Do." Elaborating, Free said, "It's so real. Everybody loves that record. I can't do a performance without doing that record. People go nuts, like 'Yo, you can't leave without doing [that]'"
After a quarter that exposed turmoils within the Roc-A-Fella Records fallout, Freeway took it a step further to share his proudest moment with the two Rap icons he's most often associated with. "Plus, how it came together was [unforgettable]. I was in Baseline Studios, we was workin'," Free continued. "When we used to be workin' up there, Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, everybody would be in different rooms doing different things. Jay was in the front room playing pool. When I was naming my verse, I was like 'Damn, it'd be a good idea if I could get Jay to say the "keep goin'",' 'cause at first I was gonna say it. I went and got him. He did it in the booth, and then just sat there listening to [my] verse."
According to Freeway, after hearing the angst-ridden verse from the State Property underboss, Jay-Z was unable to leave the Just Blaze session. "Ten minutes later, Jay's like, 'Yo, I got you, for real.' He went in the booth and did the verse." The final vocal component came together 48 hours later. "Beans heard about it. Two days later, he came up and put his verse on there. It was crazy. The chemistry was there."
With Just Blaze producing 10 of Philadelphia Freeway's 16 songs, Freeway drew parallels to his recent work with Jake One. "I miss working with Just. I never have had a chemistry with a producer, since Just, that [is like] the chemistry that I have right now with Jake One. Me and Bink! have a nice chemistry, but I haven't had a chemistry with a producer since Just."
That discussion led to Freeway being asked about last week's closing of the famed studio where Freeway and Just made hits together. "To tell you the truth, I just found out about [Baseline Studios closing]. I'm about to do an interview, and that wanted me to do it at a place that was memorable to me in New York. I thought of Baseline. I was just on the phone with the label, and they told me that Baseline's shut down." "I got a lot of good memories from Baseline. That's where I recorded the whole [Philadelphia Freeway]. That's where we did Juelz Santana's first album [From Me To U]. Jay-Z would be in one room, Dipset would be in another room. State Property in another room, but we'd all be doing something together. The vibe was there."
Wearing a black Philadelphia 76ers flat-brimmed cap, Freeway's sports opinion was requested, regarding Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb's future in the green uniform. With a hearty laugh, Free deduced, "I don't know, man. Part of me wants to say yeah. Part of me wants to say, 'It's time for change,' like Obama. Donovan's cool, but he gotta get on his shit. Know what I'm sayin'? He's gotta play that role that he's supposed to play."
hiphopdx.com
On Tuesday, Freeway invited HipHopDX to his Philadelphia studio. In a secluded, third floor mixing suite, Free and his artist Hollywood were preparing to head to New York, moments after speaking with DX. The conversation took place a week before Freeway releases what he considers to be his third album, and his first independent project.
The Stimulus Package pairs the Philadelphia raspy voiced emcee with veteran Seattle producer Jake One. The duo has been working together for nearly three years, and split the geographic difference by finding a label home in Minneapolis' Rhymesayers Entertainment. After his two prior releases came in burgundy Def Jam jackets, Freeway reflected to DX about the benefits of working with the label owned by Slug, Ant and Brent "Siddiq" Sayers.
"Over at Def Jam, you know they had a lot of artists. I wasn't a main focus," Philly Freezer admitted. "I definitely had a good fan-base and everything - I'm a gold [selling] artist and everything, but I never went platinum, and there's a lot of [Def Jam artists] that go platinum. [The label] tends to cater to them." Joining a team responsible for releases from Atmosphere, Brother Ali and MF DOOM, Free notes contrast that suits him. "Over at [Rhymesayers Entertainment], it's different. I'm hands-on with the project and they're hands on with me. As you see, my phone keeps ringing, we're working, it just feels better. It feels like we're earning the right to put the album out and do good."
Def Jam Vs. Rhymesayers, Proudest Career Verse
DX
News
Freeway Compares Def Jam Vs. Rhymesayers, Proudest Career Verse
February 05, 2010 02:24:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
Share9
On Tuesday, Freeway invited HipHopDX to his Philadelphia studio. In a secluded, third floor mixing suite, Free and his artist Hollywood were preparing to head to New York, moments after speaking with DX. The conversation took place a week before Freeway releases what he considers to be his third album, and his first independent project.
The Stimulus Package pairs the Philadelphia raspy voiced emcee with veteran Seattle producer Jake One. The duo has been working together for nearly three years, and split the geographic difference by finding a label home in Minneapolis' Rhymesayers Entertainment. After his two prior releases came in burgundy Def Jam jackets, Freeway reflected to DX about the benefits of working with the label owned by Slug, Ant and Brent "Siddiq" Sayers.
"Over at Def Jam, you know they had a lot of artists. I wasn't a main focus," Philly Freezer admitted. "I definitely had a good fan-base and everything - I'm a gold [selling] artist and everything, but I never went platinum, and there's a lot of [Def Jam artists] that go platinum. [The label] tends to cater to them." Joining a team responsible for releases from Atmosphere, Brother Ali and MF DOOM, Free notes contrast that suits him. "Over at [Rhymesayers Entertainment], it's different. I'm hands-on with the project and they're hands on with me. As you see, my phone keeps ringing, we're working, it just feels better. It feels like we're earning the right to put the album out and do good."
The decade-deep veteran was also asked about his proudest verse from a catalog that includes hundreds of songs. With a chuckle and a beard scratch, Freeway pointed to his 2003 hit single "What We Do." Elaborating, Free said, "It's so real. Everybody loves that record. I can't do a performance without doing that record. People go nuts, like 'Yo, you can't leave without doing [that]'"
After a quarter that exposed turmoils within the Roc-A-Fella Records fallout, Freeway took it a step further to share his proudest moment with the two Rap icons he's most often associated with. "Plus, how it came together was [unforgettable]. I was in Baseline Studios, we was workin'," Free continued. "When we used to be workin' up there, Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, everybody would be in different rooms doing different things. Jay was in the front room playing pool. When I was naming my verse, I was like 'Damn, it'd be a good idea if I could get Jay to say the "keep goin'",' 'cause at first I was gonna say it. I went and got him. He did it in the booth, and then just sat there listening to [my] verse."
According to Freeway, after hearing the angst-ridden verse from the State Property underboss, Jay-Z was unable to leave the Just Blaze session. "Ten minutes later, Jay's like, 'Yo, I got you, for real.' He went in the booth and did the verse." The final vocal component came together 48 hours later. "Beans heard about it. Two days later, he came up and put his verse on there. It was crazy. The chemistry was there."
With Just Blaze producing 10 of Philadelphia Freeway's 16 songs, Freeway drew parallels to his recent work with Jake One. "I miss working with Just. I never have had a chemistry with a producer, since Just, that [is like] the chemistry that I have right now with Jake One. Me and Bink! have a nice chemistry, but I haven't had a chemistry with a producer since Just."
That discussion led to Freeway being asked about last week's closing of the famed studio where Freeway and Just made hits together. "To tell you the truth, I just found out about [Baseline Studios closing]. I'm about to do an interview, and that wanted me to do it at a place that was memorable to me in New York. I thought of Baseline. I was just on the phone with the label, and they told me that Baseline's shut down." "I got a lot of good memories from Baseline. That's where I recorded the whole [Philadelphia Freeway]. That's where we did Juelz Santana's first album [From Me To U]. Jay-Z would be in one room, Dipset would be in another room. State Property in another room, but we'd all be doing something together. The vibe was there."
Wearing a black Philadelphia 76ers flat-brimmed cap, Freeway's sports opinion was requested, regarding Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb's future in the green uniform. With a hearty laugh, Free deduced, "I don't know, man. Part of me wants to say yeah. Part of me wants to say, 'It's time for change,' like Obama. Donovan's cool, but he gotta get on his shit. Know what I'm sayin'? He's gotta play that role that he's supposed to play."
hiphopdx.com
Inspectah Deck Announces "Manifesto" For March 9 Release
by Jake Paine
It was revealed this week that Traffic Entertainment will be releasing The Manifesto, a new album from acclaimed Wu-Tang lyricist and budding producer Inspectah Deck. The album will be Deck's first since 2008, and arguably his first majorly-distributed work in over seven years. The Park Hill emcee's 1999 debut Uncontrolled Substance was a gold-selling album for the then Loud/Relativity Records artist.
Last year, Deck returned to the spotlight in a publicized feud with Joe Budden, over a dispute over the Wu-Tang Clan's legacy. Deck also executive produced Fes Taylor's Flight 10304. On The Manifesto, w, Planet Asia, Billy Danze, Kurupt and Cormega appear.
The tentative tracklisting is below:
1. True
2. Ghetto Luv
3. No Hook (featuring Raekwon)
4. Get Body
5. Eyes On Me
6. Tombstone
7. Five Star Gee
8. Brothaz Respect
9. Do Whatcha Gotta
10. Really Real
11. Love Letter
12. P.S.A.
13. Born Survivor (featuring Cormega)
14. Masters Of Ceremony (featuring Planet Asia)
15. Pop Dem Thangz (featuring Kurupt & Billy Danze (of M.O.P.))
16. This Is It
17. The Greatest Story Never Told
hiphopdx.com
It was revealed this week that Traffic Entertainment will be releasing The Manifesto, a new album from acclaimed Wu-Tang lyricist and budding producer Inspectah Deck. The album will be Deck's first since 2008, and arguably his first majorly-distributed work in over seven years. The Park Hill emcee's 1999 debut Uncontrolled Substance was a gold-selling album for the then Loud/Relativity Records artist.
Last year, Deck returned to the spotlight in a publicized feud with Joe Budden, over a dispute over the Wu-Tang Clan's legacy. Deck also executive produced Fes Taylor's Flight 10304. On The Manifesto, w, Planet Asia, Billy Danze, Kurupt and Cormega appear.
The tentative tracklisting is below:
1. True
2. Ghetto Luv
3. No Hook (featuring Raekwon)
4. Get Body
5. Eyes On Me
6. Tombstone
7. Five Star Gee
8. Brothaz Respect
9. Do Whatcha Gotta
10. Really Real
11. Love Letter
12. P.S.A.
13. Born Survivor (featuring Cormega)
14. Masters Of Ceremony (featuring Planet Asia)
15. Pop Dem Thangz (featuring Kurupt & Billy Danze (of M.O.P.))
16. This Is It
17. The Greatest Story Never Told
hiphopdx.com
Sadat X Explains Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
by Paul W Arnold
His distinctive nasal-voiced verbals have been blessing Hip Hop listener’s ears for over two decades, first as one-third of the standout socially-conscious crew Brand Nubian, and subsequently as a noteworthy solo artist in his own right. And it’s Sadat X’s solo career that he is retracing back to its roots with the release of Wild Cowboys II.
Due first on February 23rd as a five-song vinyl EP (plus digital download card), with a full 16-track digital and physical LP dropping exactly one month later on March 23rd, Wild Cowboys II marks the release of Sadat’s third album in the three years since he was released from Rikers Island after a year-long stint for felony gun possession.
Now following last year’s Brand New Bein’ and 2008’s Will Tell-helmed Generation X, Sadat has recruited a smorgasbord of sonic suppliers for the sequel to his 1996 solo debut, including new heat providers (9th Wonder, Sir Jinx, Nick Wiz), more recent producers (Will Tell, DJ Spinna), and a few of the elite beatmakers (Buckwild, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Minnesota) that helped to make Sadat’s first LP one of the more notable boom-bap efforts of the mid-‘90s.
During a quick convo with HipHopDX late Wednesday (February 3rd) Sadat provided a sneak peak into the sound and subject matter for Wild Cowboys II, as well as gave an update on his post-prison personal standing.
HipHopDX: I gotta start off by asking you how much influence Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II, and the recent announcements of AZ’s plans to release Doe Or Die 2 and Capone-N-Noreaga’s plans to drops a sequel to The War Report, had on your decision to come with Wild Cowboys II?
Sadat X: Well, it didn’t really have any influence, ‘cause I was gon’ do what I was gon’ do regardless. I’m just glad to see that they coming with joints. And I love [Raekwon’s] [Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II]. But as far as they albums giving me any influence, not at all, I’ma do what I do.
DX: Yeah it should be noted that on “The Interview” [from the original Wild Cowboys] you said the sequel was coming that next year. [Laughs].
Sadat X: Oh yeah, no question, it took me a minute but it's here.
Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
DX
News
Sadat X Explains Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
February 05, 2010 10:02:00 AM CST | by Paul W Arnold
Share
His distinctive nasal-voiced verbals have been blessing Hip Hop listener’s ears for over two decades, first as one-third of the standout socially-conscious crew Brand Nubian, and subsequently as a noteworthy solo artist in his own right. And it’s Sadat X’s solo career that he is retracing back to its roots with the release of Wild Cowboys II.
Due first on February 23rd as a five-song vinyl EP (plus digital download card), with a full 16-track digital and physical LP dropping exactly one month later on March 23rd, Wild Cowboys II marks the release of Sadat’s third album in the three years since he was released from Rikers Island after a year-long stint for felony gun possession.
Now following last year’s Brand New Bein’ and 2008’s Will Tell-helmed Generation X, Sadat has recruited a smorgasbord of sonic suppliers for the sequel to his 1996 solo debut, including new heat providers (9th Wonder, Sir Jinx, Nick Wiz), more recent producers (Will Tell, DJ Spinna), and a few of the elite beatmakers (Buckwild, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Minnesota) that helped to make Sadat’s first LP one of the more notable boom-bap efforts of the mid-‘90s.
During a quick convo with HipHopDX late Wednesday (February 3rd) Sadat provided a sneak peak into the sound and subject matter for Wild Cowboys II, as well as gave an update on his post-prison personal standing.
HipHopDX: I gotta start off by asking you how much influence Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II, and the recent announcements of AZ’s plans to release Doe Or Die 2 and Capone-N-Noreaga’s plans to drops a sequel to The War Report, had on your decision to come with Wild Cowboys II?
Sadat X: Well, it didn’t really have any influence, ‘cause I was gon’ do what I was gon’ do regardless. I’m just glad to see that they coming with joints. And I love [Raekwon’s] [Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II]. But as far as they albums giving me any influence, not at all, I’ma do what I do.
DX: Yeah it should be noted that on “The Interview” [from the original Wild Cowboys] you said the sequel was coming that next year. [Laughs].
Sadat X: Oh yeah, no question, it took me a minute but it's here.
DX: So is this album a sequel in name only, or are you continuing the loose theme of the streets in comparison to the Wild West?
Sadat X: Well I tried to keep it comparatively the same. I got a lot of the people that was on the first album – Money Boss Playas [for the Minnesota-produced “Everybody Know”], Diamond D [for “In Da Jungle” featuring A.G.], and Pete Rock [for “Turn It Up”] – and then a couple of people blessed me on this new one, a couple of new people. I got M-1 and Kurupt on [“Pray”], Ill Bill [and] 9th Wonder [on “X And Bill”]. So I tried to keep it within the framework of [the original while] adding a little something from the original flavor of Wild Cowboys and [simultaneously] upgrading it to make it be part two.
DX: And speaking of that upgrade, will the sound of Wild Cowboys II sport the same mid-‘90s [thick] basslines and boom-bap drums that the original did?
Sadat X: Well, if that’s what they wanna call it, mid-‘90s. I just go with what sounds good to me, man. If they wanna label it mid-‘90s I guess that’s what it is. But, I had a very high [level of] input on this joint…and every track I stand behind.
DX: I just mean like is there gonna be those modern synth sounds on there…?
Sadat X: Oh nah, I tried to keep it original to my roots. I like to play around with the drums a lot, so you gon’ hear a lot of that in there.
Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
DX
News
Sadat X Explains Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
February 05, 2010 10:02:00 AM CST | by Paul W Arnold
Share
His distinctive nasal-voiced verbals have been blessing Hip Hop listener’s ears for over two decades, first as one-third of the standout socially-conscious crew Brand Nubian, and subsequently as a noteworthy solo artist in his own right. And it’s Sadat X’s solo career that he is retracing back to its roots with the release of Wild Cowboys II.
Due first on February 23rd as a five-song vinyl EP (plus digital download card), with a full 16-track digital and physical LP dropping exactly one month later on March 23rd, Wild Cowboys II marks the release of Sadat’s third album in the three years since he was released from Rikers Island after a year-long stint for felony gun possession.
Now following last year’s Brand New Bein’ and 2008’s Will Tell-helmed Generation X, Sadat has recruited a smorgasbord of sonic suppliers for the sequel to his 1996 solo debut, including new heat providers (9th Wonder, Sir Jinx, Nick Wiz), more recent producers (Will Tell, DJ Spinna), and a few of the elite beatmakers (Buckwild, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Minnesota) that helped to make Sadat’s first LP one of the more notable boom-bap efforts of the mid-‘90s.
During a quick convo with HipHopDX late Wednesday (February 3rd) Sadat provided a sneak peak into the sound and subject matter for Wild Cowboys II, as well as gave an update on his post-prison personal standing.
HipHopDX: I gotta start off by asking you how much influence Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II, and the recent announcements of AZ’s plans to release Doe Or Die 2 and Capone-N-Noreaga’s plans to drops a sequel to The War Report, had on your decision to come with Wild Cowboys II?
Sadat X: Well, it didn’t really have any influence, ‘cause I was gon’ do what I was gon’ do regardless. I’m just glad to see that they coming with joints. And I love [Raekwon’s] [Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II]. But as far as they albums giving me any influence, not at all, I’ma do what I do.
DX: Yeah it should be noted that on “The Interview” [from the original Wild Cowboys] you said the sequel was coming that next year. [Laughs].
Sadat X: Oh yeah, no question, it took me a minute but it's here.
DX: So is this album a sequel in name only, or are you continuing the loose theme of the streets in comparison to the Wild West?
Sadat X: Well I tried to keep it comparatively the same. I got a lot of the people that was on the first album – Money Boss Playas [for the Minnesota-produced “Everybody Know”], Diamond D [for “In Da Jungle” featuring A.G.], and Pete Rock [for “Turn It Up”] – and then a couple of people blessed me on this new one, a couple of new people. I got M-1 and Kurupt on [“Pray”], Ill Bill [and] 9th Wonder [on “X And Bill”]. So I tried to keep it within the framework of [the original while] adding a little something from the original flavor of Wild Cowboys and [simultaneously] upgrading it to make it be part two.
DX: And speaking of that upgrade, will the sound of Wild Cowboys II sport the same mid-‘90s [thick] basslines and boom-bap drums that the original did?
Sadat X: Well, if that’s what they wanna call it, mid-‘90s. I just go with what sounds good to me, man. If they wanna label it mid-‘90s I guess that’s what it is. But, I had a very high [level of] input on this joint…and every track I stand behind.
DX: I just mean like is there gonna be those modern synth sounds on there…?
Sadat X: Oh nah, I tried to keep it original to my roots. I like to play around with the drums a lot, so you gon’ hear a lot of that in there.
DX: I was surprised to see Sir Jinx name in the [album’s] production lineup for “Pray,” the joint with Kurupt and M-1. Does that track have more of a west coast Funk to it?
Sadat X: Nah. Actually man that track is a bangin’ joint. I been cool with Sir Jinx for many years, and we been meaning to collab on something and it just so happened that it fell into pocket on this particular project. And I think a lot of people gon’ be surprised [when they hear “Pray”]. Jinx never went nowhere, he always had that [heat and] he gave it to me and we laid it down. And M-1 came through for it, Kurupt, and my man Umi. So I think that’s gon’ be a track that people gon’ really like.
DX: “Pray,” what y’all praying about or praying to?
Sadat X: We ain’t really praying; we just talking about life, certain things that people went through in life. I’m talking a little bit about my daughter, and being the fact that she’s in Atlanta [and] I’m up here [in New York and so] I don’t see her but my influence is still in her life. Ya know, daily stuff like that.
DX: Now, I gotta know if [you feel] “Turn It Up” is on the same level as the classic “Escape From New York”?
Sadat X: Yeah I think so, man. I told Pete [Rock], I explained to him the situation, [that] I was doing Wild Cowboys II and I needed that thing from him. I told him I needed that original Pete Rock flavor, and he went back into the crate and pulled that out. And I think its gonna be reminiscence of that joint. It’s just a straight-up Hip Hop joint.
read the rest at:
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10573/title.sadat-x-explains-artistic-direction-of-wild-cowboys-ii
hiphopdx.com
His distinctive nasal-voiced verbals have been blessing Hip Hop listener’s ears for over two decades, first as one-third of the standout socially-conscious crew Brand Nubian, and subsequently as a noteworthy solo artist in his own right. And it’s Sadat X’s solo career that he is retracing back to its roots with the release of Wild Cowboys II.
Due first on February 23rd as a five-song vinyl EP (plus digital download card), with a full 16-track digital and physical LP dropping exactly one month later on March 23rd, Wild Cowboys II marks the release of Sadat’s third album in the three years since he was released from Rikers Island after a year-long stint for felony gun possession.
Now following last year’s Brand New Bein’ and 2008’s Will Tell-helmed Generation X, Sadat has recruited a smorgasbord of sonic suppliers for the sequel to his 1996 solo debut, including new heat providers (9th Wonder, Sir Jinx, Nick Wiz), more recent producers (Will Tell, DJ Spinna), and a few of the elite beatmakers (Buckwild, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Minnesota) that helped to make Sadat’s first LP one of the more notable boom-bap efforts of the mid-‘90s.
During a quick convo with HipHopDX late Wednesday (February 3rd) Sadat provided a sneak peak into the sound and subject matter for Wild Cowboys II, as well as gave an update on his post-prison personal standing.
HipHopDX: I gotta start off by asking you how much influence Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II, and the recent announcements of AZ’s plans to release Doe Or Die 2 and Capone-N-Noreaga’s plans to drops a sequel to The War Report, had on your decision to come with Wild Cowboys II?
Sadat X: Well, it didn’t really have any influence, ‘cause I was gon’ do what I was gon’ do regardless. I’m just glad to see that they coming with joints. And I love [Raekwon’s] [Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II]. But as far as they albums giving me any influence, not at all, I’ma do what I do.
DX: Yeah it should be noted that on “The Interview” [from the original Wild Cowboys] you said the sequel was coming that next year. [Laughs].
Sadat X: Oh yeah, no question, it took me a minute but it's here.
Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
DX
News
Sadat X Explains Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
February 05, 2010 10:02:00 AM CST | by Paul W Arnold
Share
His distinctive nasal-voiced verbals have been blessing Hip Hop listener’s ears for over two decades, first as one-third of the standout socially-conscious crew Brand Nubian, and subsequently as a noteworthy solo artist in his own right. And it’s Sadat X’s solo career that he is retracing back to its roots with the release of Wild Cowboys II.
Due first on February 23rd as a five-song vinyl EP (plus digital download card), with a full 16-track digital and physical LP dropping exactly one month later on March 23rd, Wild Cowboys II marks the release of Sadat’s third album in the three years since he was released from Rikers Island after a year-long stint for felony gun possession.
Now following last year’s Brand New Bein’ and 2008’s Will Tell-helmed Generation X, Sadat has recruited a smorgasbord of sonic suppliers for the sequel to his 1996 solo debut, including new heat providers (9th Wonder, Sir Jinx, Nick Wiz), more recent producers (Will Tell, DJ Spinna), and a few of the elite beatmakers (Buckwild, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Minnesota) that helped to make Sadat’s first LP one of the more notable boom-bap efforts of the mid-‘90s.
During a quick convo with HipHopDX late Wednesday (February 3rd) Sadat provided a sneak peak into the sound and subject matter for Wild Cowboys II, as well as gave an update on his post-prison personal standing.
HipHopDX: I gotta start off by asking you how much influence Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II, and the recent announcements of AZ’s plans to release Doe Or Die 2 and Capone-N-Noreaga’s plans to drops a sequel to The War Report, had on your decision to come with Wild Cowboys II?
Sadat X: Well, it didn’t really have any influence, ‘cause I was gon’ do what I was gon’ do regardless. I’m just glad to see that they coming with joints. And I love [Raekwon’s] [Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II]. But as far as they albums giving me any influence, not at all, I’ma do what I do.
DX: Yeah it should be noted that on “The Interview” [from the original Wild Cowboys] you said the sequel was coming that next year. [Laughs].
Sadat X: Oh yeah, no question, it took me a minute but it's here.
DX: So is this album a sequel in name only, or are you continuing the loose theme of the streets in comparison to the Wild West?
Sadat X: Well I tried to keep it comparatively the same. I got a lot of the people that was on the first album – Money Boss Playas [for the Minnesota-produced “Everybody Know”], Diamond D [for “In Da Jungle” featuring A.G.], and Pete Rock [for “Turn It Up”] – and then a couple of people blessed me on this new one, a couple of new people. I got M-1 and Kurupt on [“Pray”], Ill Bill [and] 9th Wonder [on “X And Bill”]. So I tried to keep it within the framework of [the original while] adding a little something from the original flavor of Wild Cowboys and [simultaneously] upgrading it to make it be part two.
DX: And speaking of that upgrade, will the sound of Wild Cowboys II sport the same mid-‘90s [thick] basslines and boom-bap drums that the original did?
Sadat X: Well, if that’s what they wanna call it, mid-‘90s. I just go with what sounds good to me, man. If they wanna label it mid-‘90s I guess that’s what it is. But, I had a very high [level of] input on this joint…and every track I stand behind.
DX: I just mean like is there gonna be those modern synth sounds on there…?
Sadat X: Oh nah, I tried to keep it original to my roots. I like to play around with the drums a lot, so you gon’ hear a lot of that in there.
Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
DX
News
Sadat X Explains Artistic Direction Of “Wild Cowboys II”
February 05, 2010 10:02:00 AM CST | by Paul W Arnold
Share
His distinctive nasal-voiced verbals have been blessing Hip Hop listener’s ears for over two decades, first as one-third of the standout socially-conscious crew Brand Nubian, and subsequently as a noteworthy solo artist in his own right. And it’s Sadat X’s solo career that he is retracing back to its roots with the release of Wild Cowboys II.
Due first on February 23rd as a five-song vinyl EP (plus digital download card), with a full 16-track digital and physical LP dropping exactly one month later on March 23rd, Wild Cowboys II marks the release of Sadat’s third album in the three years since he was released from Rikers Island after a year-long stint for felony gun possession.
Now following last year’s Brand New Bein’ and 2008’s Will Tell-helmed Generation X, Sadat has recruited a smorgasbord of sonic suppliers for the sequel to his 1996 solo debut, including new heat providers (9th Wonder, Sir Jinx, Nick Wiz), more recent producers (Will Tell, DJ Spinna), and a few of the elite beatmakers (Buckwild, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Minnesota) that helped to make Sadat’s first LP one of the more notable boom-bap efforts of the mid-‘90s.
During a quick convo with HipHopDX late Wednesday (February 3rd) Sadat provided a sneak peak into the sound and subject matter for Wild Cowboys II, as well as gave an update on his post-prison personal standing.
HipHopDX: I gotta start off by asking you how much influence Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II, and the recent announcements of AZ’s plans to release Doe Or Die 2 and Capone-N-Noreaga’s plans to drops a sequel to The War Report, had on your decision to come with Wild Cowboys II?
Sadat X: Well, it didn’t really have any influence, ‘cause I was gon’ do what I was gon’ do regardless. I’m just glad to see that they coming with joints. And I love [Raekwon’s] [Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II]. But as far as they albums giving me any influence, not at all, I’ma do what I do.
DX: Yeah it should be noted that on “The Interview” [from the original Wild Cowboys] you said the sequel was coming that next year. [Laughs].
Sadat X: Oh yeah, no question, it took me a minute but it's here.
DX: So is this album a sequel in name only, or are you continuing the loose theme of the streets in comparison to the Wild West?
Sadat X: Well I tried to keep it comparatively the same. I got a lot of the people that was on the first album – Money Boss Playas [for the Minnesota-produced “Everybody Know”], Diamond D [for “In Da Jungle” featuring A.G.], and Pete Rock [for “Turn It Up”] – and then a couple of people blessed me on this new one, a couple of new people. I got M-1 and Kurupt on [“Pray”], Ill Bill [and] 9th Wonder [on “X And Bill”]. So I tried to keep it within the framework of [the original while] adding a little something from the original flavor of Wild Cowboys and [simultaneously] upgrading it to make it be part two.
DX: And speaking of that upgrade, will the sound of Wild Cowboys II sport the same mid-‘90s [thick] basslines and boom-bap drums that the original did?
Sadat X: Well, if that’s what they wanna call it, mid-‘90s. I just go with what sounds good to me, man. If they wanna label it mid-‘90s I guess that’s what it is. But, I had a very high [level of] input on this joint…and every track I stand behind.
DX: I just mean like is there gonna be those modern synth sounds on there…?
Sadat X: Oh nah, I tried to keep it original to my roots. I like to play around with the drums a lot, so you gon’ hear a lot of that in there.
DX: I was surprised to see Sir Jinx name in the [album’s] production lineup for “Pray,” the joint with Kurupt and M-1. Does that track have more of a west coast Funk to it?
Sadat X: Nah. Actually man that track is a bangin’ joint. I been cool with Sir Jinx for many years, and we been meaning to collab on something and it just so happened that it fell into pocket on this particular project. And I think a lot of people gon’ be surprised [when they hear “Pray”]. Jinx never went nowhere, he always had that [heat and] he gave it to me and we laid it down. And M-1 came through for it, Kurupt, and my man Umi. So I think that’s gon’ be a track that people gon’ really like.
DX: “Pray,” what y’all praying about or praying to?
Sadat X: We ain’t really praying; we just talking about life, certain things that people went through in life. I’m talking a little bit about my daughter, and being the fact that she’s in Atlanta [and] I’m up here [in New York and so] I don’t see her but my influence is still in her life. Ya know, daily stuff like that.
DX: Now, I gotta know if [you feel] “Turn It Up” is on the same level as the classic “Escape From New York”?
Sadat X: Yeah I think so, man. I told Pete [Rock], I explained to him the situation, [that] I was doing Wild Cowboys II and I needed that thing from him. I told him I needed that original Pete Rock flavor, and he went back into the crate and pulled that out. And I think its gonna be reminiscence of that joint. It’s just a straight-up Hip Hop joint.
read the rest at:
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10573/title.sadat-x-explains-artistic-direction-of-wild-cowboys-ii
hiphopdx.com
E40 Announces Two New Albums; EMI Secures Release Against Leaks
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) Vallejo, California rapper E-40 has announced he will release his 13th and 14th album on the same date this March.
The veteran rapper has assembled an all-star lineup for the two releases, titled Revenue Retrievin’ The Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin’ The Night Shift.
Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, Mistah Fab, Gucci Mane, B-Legit, Messy Marv, Clyde Carson, TurfTalk, E-40’s son Droop-E and a host of others are featured on the 38 brand new tracks from E-40.
Producers on both discs include Jazze Pha, YV, J. Valentine and Bobby V.
The album is a family affair as well, as E-40 also inked a deal with Heavy On The Grind Entertainment, the record label owned by his son Droop-E, which is distributed by EMI.
"I'm excited about this album, it’s been a year since I dropped The Ball Street Journal,” E40 told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “It marks an important independent business venture for me. This way, I am able to go back to the basics and run my own campaign."
Due to the fact that nine songs from E40’s last commercial release The Ball Street Journal leaked prior to that album’s release, EMI is taking serious measures to ensure the security of the rapper’s latest effort.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide commercial services for E-40. He has had a massive impact on Hip-Hop in the Bay area and beyond and we're extremely excited to partner with him on the next phase of his career," added Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President & General Manager - EMI Label Services.
Revenue Retrievin’ The Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin’ The Night Shift are due in stores on March 30th.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Vallejo, California rapper E-40 has announced he will release his 13th and 14th album on the same date this March.
The veteran rapper has assembled an all-star lineup for the two releases, titled Revenue Retrievin’ The Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin’ The Night Shift.
Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, Mistah Fab, Gucci Mane, B-Legit, Messy Marv, Clyde Carson, TurfTalk, E-40’s son Droop-E and a host of others are featured on the 38 brand new tracks from E-40.
Producers on both discs include Jazze Pha, YV, J. Valentine and Bobby V.
The album is a family affair as well, as E-40 also inked a deal with Heavy On The Grind Entertainment, the record label owned by his son Droop-E, which is distributed by EMI.
"I'm excited about this album, it’s been a year since I dropped The Ball Street Journal,” E40 told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “It marks an important independent business venture for me. This way, I am able to go back to the basics and run my own campaign."
Due to the fact that nine songs from E40’s last commercial release The Ball Street Journal leaked prior to that album’s release, EMI is taking serious measures to ensure the security of the rapper’s latest effort.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide commercial services for E-40. He has had a massive impact on Hip-Hop in the Bay area and beyond and we're extremely excited to partner with him on the next phase of his career," added Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President & General Manager - EMI Label Services.
Revenue Retrievin’ The Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin’ The Night Shift are due in stores on March 30th.
allhiphop.com
Busta Rhymes Aims To Give Fans 'Chemo' On July 4th
By Roman Wolfe
Rapper Busta Rhymes has revealed the tentative release date for his upcoming 9th solo album, titled The Chemo.
According to Busta, the album will hit stores as The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4th.
“When it’s sizzling in these streets, I think that is the most appropriate time to let go of this heat that I’m sitting on,” Busta Rhymes told HipHollywood.com. “I been cooking in the kitchen and it’s been feeling good. We about at the point were we about to take it out of the oven from baking add a couple of the final additive and preservatives and seasonings and feed people the full course meal.”
According to reports, Busta Rhymes has tapped artists like Dirty Money, Trey Songz, Wyclef and others on his upcoming release.
“I called the album The Chemo because it seems like the industry and music overall is dying slowly," Busta told Billboard in late 2009.
"The cancer that's stricken the business is killing the music, not only from a business standpoint, but also the value of the content and the creativity behind it. I just want to start the first stage of chemotherapy treatment that needs to take place and hopefully inspire others to do their part and contribute to different stages of the cure."
The Chemo is the follow-up to Busta Rhyme’s May 2009 album Back on My B.S. which debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart.
allhiphop.com
Rapper Busta Rhymes has revealed the tentative release date for his upcoming 9th solo album, titled The Chemo.
According to Busta, the album will hit stores as The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4th.
“When it’s sizzling in these streets, I think that is the most appropriate time to let go of this heat that I’m sitting on,” Busta Rhymes told HipHollywood.com. “I been cooking in the kitchen and it’s been feeling good. We about at the point were we about to take it out of the oven from baking add a couple of the final additive and preservatives and seasonings and feed people the full course meal.”
According to reports, Busta Rhymes has tapped artists like Dirty Money, Trey Songz, Wyclef and others on his upcoming release.
“I called the album The Chemo because it seems like the industry and music overall is dying slowly," Busta told Billboard in late 2009.
"The cancer that's stricken the business is killing the music, not only from a business standpoint, but also the value of the content and the creativity behind it. I just want to start the first stage of chemotherapy treatment that needs to take place and hopefully inspire others to do their part and contribute to different stages of the cure."
The Chemo is the follow-up to Busta Rhyme’s May 2009 album Back on My B.S. which debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart.
allhiphop.com
Pioneering Rap Group Whodini Plots Summer Return
By Mike Winslow
(AllHipHop News) Pioneering Hip-Hop group Whodini is in the studio with hopes of releasing new music this summer, according to group member Grand Master Dee.
Whodini, which features original group members Ecstasy, Jalil and Grandmaster Dee, is currently on the “Fresh Fest” tour.
The “Fresh Fest” is a re-creation of the original groundbreaking tour, which was the first successful “mega-tour” in Hip-Hop history to play large arenas.
Their first album Whodini (1983) contains the rap classic “Magic’s Wand,” an often-sampled dedication to the late DJ John “Mr. Magic” Rivas.
Whodini's second release Escape (1984) contained tracks like “The Freaks Come Out at Night,” “Big Mouth” and “Friends.”
Their third album Back in Black (1986) also sold over a million copies based on the single “Funky Beat” and “One Love.”
“We're going to come back out, we really feel we need to do another album,” Grandmaster Dee told The Riverfront Times during a stop in Saint Louis at the Chaifetz Arena, on the Fresh Fest tour.
“ I don't want to leak too much out yet, but we're trying to put a single out at least by the summer,” Grandmaster Dee revealed. “For now we're just sharing the road with [Big Daddy] Kane, Doug [E. Fresh], Slick [Rick] and Salt-n-Pepa, doing what we do.”
According to Grandmaster Dee, the Hip-Hop scene is bigger now than it ever has been.
“I look at the scene like hip-hop is bigger than ever right now, but everybody's doing the same thing,” Grandmaster Dee stated. “There's not a lot of people being different. That's not knocking them; like I always say, they do what they do and we do what we do. But if you're not out here in fifteen years, still eating, then you know you done something wrong!”
No release date is available for Whodini’s upcoming single or album.
allhiphop.com
Fans Celebrate J Dilla 36th B-Day Today
By Roman Wolfe and Ismael AbduSalaam
Influential producer James Dewitt Yancey, AKA J Dilla, was born today (February 7, 1974).
The Detroit producer, who began collecting records at the age of two, made a name for himself in Detroit’s Hip-Hop scene with groups with Phat Kat (1st Down) and the late Proof (5 Elementz).
J. Dilla eventually settled with classmates T3 and Baatin in Slum Village. His work with Dilla' attracted the attention of A Tribe Called Quest, who recruited the talented producer to be a member of their Ummah (Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Dilla) production team.
He helped craft several songs on Tribe's platinum fourth album Beats, Rhymes, and Life including "Get a Hold," "1nce Again," "Keep It Movin'," "Word Play," and "Stressed Out." J.
Dilla also produced classic singles for other artists, such as De La Soul ("Stakes Is High"), The Pharcyde ("Drop," "Runnin'"), Q-Tip ("Vivrant Thing," "Breathe and Stop"), Janet Jackson ("Got 'Til It's Gone"), Common ("The Light"), and Erykah Badu ("Didn't Cha Know," "Cleva").
In 2004, Dilla was officially diagnosed with lupus and TTP, a rare and incurable blood disorder. The disease greatly restricted Dilla's ability to tour and also resulted in a marked weight loss.
Dilla immersed himself in his work, and successfully completed his celebrated final project in 2006, the sonic masterpiece Donuts. The album was released on his birthday, February 7, just three days before Dilla's death at the age of 32 from cardiac arrest.
Twitter was flooded with messages about J. Dilla today. . “Happy bday to the greatest hiphop producer ever…your spirit is 4eva my dude,” Q-Tip stated. “We wont let ANY HATE take us away from spreading the legacy of J. Dilla.”
J. Dilla leaves behind two daughters, and younger brother Illa J.
“Happy Birthday Dilla Dawg,” Illa J Tweeted. “We miss you bro. And the Legacy continues to live on.” The celebration of J. Dilla’s life is also an international affair.
Tonight, promoters The Doctor's Orders will host DJ’s Spin Doctor, Rusty Ryan and Harry Love in the UK at Scala, for the “J-Dilla Changed My Life” party.
All proceeds from the event will benefit The J. Dilla Foundation.
allhiphop.com
Influential producer James Dewitt Yancey, AKA J Dilla, was born today (February 7, 1974).
The Detroit producer, who began collecting records at the age of two, made a name for himself in Detroit’s Hip-Hop scene with groups with Phat Kat (1st Down) and the late Proof (5 Elementz).
J. Dilla eventually settled with classmates T3 and Baatin in Slum Village. His work with Dilla' attracted the attention of A Tribe Called Quest, who recruited the talented producer to be a member of their Ummah (Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Dilla) production team.
He helped craft several songs on Tribe's platinum fourth album Beats, Rhymes, and Life including "Get a Hold," "1nce Again," "Keep It Movin'," "Word Play," and "Stressed Out." J.
Dilla also produced classic singles for other artists, such as De La Soul ("Stakes Is High"), The Pharcyde ("Drop," "Runnin'"), Q-Tip ("Vivrant Thing," "Breathe and Stop"), Janet Jackson ("Got 'Til It's Gone"), Common ("The Light"), and Erykah Badu ("Didn't Cha Know," "Cleva").
In 2004, Dilla was officially diagnosed with lupus and TTP, a rare and incurable blood disorder. The disease greatly restricted Dilla's ability to tour and also resulted in a marked weight loss.
Dilla immersed himself in his work, and successfully completed his celebrated final project in 2006, the sonic masterpiece Donuts. The album was released on his birthday, February 7, just three days before Dilla's death at the age of 32 from cardiac arrest.
Twitter was flooded with messages about J. Dilla today. . “Happy bday to the greatest hiphop producer ever…your spirit is 4eva my dude,” Q-Tip stated. “We wont let ANY HATE take us away from spreading the legacy of J. Dilla.”
J. Dilla leaves behind two daughters, and younger brother Illa J.
“Happy Birthday Dilla Dawg,” Illa J Tweeted. “We miss you bro. And the Legacy continues to live on.” The celebration of J. Dilla’s life is also an international affair.
Tonight, promoters The Doctor's Orders will host DJ’s Spin Doctor, Rusty Ryan and Harry Love in the UK at Scala, for the “J-Dilla Changed My Life” party.
All proceeds from the event will benefit The J. Dilla Foundation.
allhiphop.com
Drag-On Talks Upcoming Album, Ruff Ryder Reunion
By Whitney Nichole Stevens
(AllHipHop News) Former Ruff Ryder rapper Drag-On recently inked a deal with Universal to release his upcoming album. It’s been three years since Drag-On’s last album, Hood Environment.
Now he’s ready to step back into the industry and put himself and his team back on the map.
"I got the album dropping real soon as a joint venture between Universal and my record label called Hood Environment," Drag-On told AllHipHop.com. "I’m excited that I’m coming back and I’m also excited that a lot of other people are excited to hear that I’m coming back. That right there let’s me know I have a purpose in this industry."
Rumors have been circulating the internet for months about a possible Ruff Ryders Reunion.
With the departure of Eve, members of The LOX working on their own solo projects, and DMX’s consistent legal troubles, their super producer Swizz Beatz moved on to other projects.
Ruff Ryder’s CEO Waah Dean has officially confirmed that the Ruff Ryder album, Ruff Ryders Evolution: Generation, is a work in progress and is almost completed.
Drag-On talked briefly about the upcoming re-union.
"We just sat at the table with all the Ruff Ryders and really got it poppin. I’m really looking forward to it," Drag-On stated.
The album will include features by Eve, The LOX, DMX, Drag-On, and a host of new members of the Ruff Ryder camp.
Drag-On’s yet-to-be title album is scheduled for release in June 2010.
The Ruff Ryders LP is scheduled for release in July of 2010.
allhiphop.com
National Museum of Hip-Hop Confirms 2010 Awards Ceremony
By Ismael AbduSalaam
(AllHipHop News) The National Museum of Hip-Hop (NMoH) has announced their 2010 Hall of Hip-Hop Awards, which annually inducts legends and icons into the organization’s Hall of Fame.
This year’s event will be televised, and seeks to recognize icons in all of the universally recognized elements of Hip-Hop culture: emceeing, DJing, graffiti art, and b-boying.
Other contributors in the realms of production, filmmakers, and fashion will be recognized as well.
While shows such as the just-aired Grammys include several Hip-Hop themed categories, NMoH President Craig Wilson points out that many of the pioneers who laid the groundwork for the culture’s commercial boom have not received their just due.
“The Hall of Hip-Hop will exist as the first true beacon of homage for those who created and pioneered this great culture we call Hip-Hop,” Wilson explained to AllHipHop.com. “[It’s] a testament to the prominence of the many who helped spawn this phenomenon but have been long since forgotten via contemporary commercial/corporate interests. We have developed an Induction Committee with enough experience to develop a system that will be world class.”
That board includes such figures as mogul and former Hip-Hop artist Andre Harrell, Grammy Museum President Bob Santelli, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President Terry Stewart.
On April 6, KRS-One and Chuck D will host the NMoH’s “Hip-Hop Immortal,” an invitation only event from New York’s M2 Ultra Lounge on 530 West 28th Street.
The show will feature a special DJ set from Grandmaster Flash, and offer a silent auction, VIP gift bags, raffle, and live performances.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) The National Museum of Hip-Hop (NMoH) has announced their 2010 Hall of Hip-Hop Awards, which annually inducts legends and icons into the organization’s Hall of Fame.
This year’s event will be televised, and seeks to recognize icons in all of the universally recognized elements of Hip-Hop culture: emceeing, DJing, graffiti art, and b-boying.
Other contributors in the realms of production, filmmakers, and fashion will be recognized as well.
While shows such as the just-aired Grammys include several Hip-Hop themed categories, NMoH President Craig Wilson points out that many of the pioneers who laid the groundwork for the culture’s commercial boom have not received their just due.
“The Hall of Hip-Hop will exist as the first true beacon of homage for those who created and pioneered this great culture we call Hip-Hop,” Wilson explained to AllHipHop.com. “[It’s] a testament to the prominence of the many who helped spawn this phenomenon but have been long since forgotten via contemporary commercial/corporate interests. We have developed an Induction Committee with enough experience to develop a system that will be world class.”
That board includes such figures as mogul and former Hip-Hop artist Andre Harrell, Grammy Museum President Bob Santelli, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President Terry Stewart.
On April 6, KRS-One and Chuck D will host the NMoH’s “Hip-Hop Immortal,” an invitation only event from New York’s M2 Ultra Lounge on 530 West 28th Street.
The show will feature a special DJ set from Grandmaster Flash, and offer a silent auction, VIP gift bags, raffle, and live performances.
allhiphop.com
Foxy Brown Disses Lil Kim On "Let Em Know"; Name Checks Eve, Trina
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) A new track by Brooklyn rapper Foxy Brown hit the Internet today (February 4).
The song, titled “Let Em Know” is the latest release from Foxy Brown and features M.O.P. group member Lil Fame and rapper BAM.
The 4 minute and five second track, which was produced by Easy Mo Bee, features Foxy Brown name checking a number of rappers during her verse.
Brown drops lines about Jay-Z, former boyfriend Rick Ross, Eve, Miami rapper Trina and longtime nemesis, Lil Kim.
A number of lines are aimed at some of the more popular female rappers of the day, but most seem to be directed at Lil Kim.
“I’d rather be in the club at the bar/then to disrespect my hood on Dancing With the Stars/Nah I’m in the hood taking chances with the Gods..”
Later Brown gets more aggressive with the lyrics, adding Eve to the list of names called out on the track.
"Slam a b**ch on her back like I’m John Cena/F**k that I aint Eve, I aint Kim, I aint Trina/BK’s own Diva/I give the whole hood face lifts/Go on and fix your face b***h/"
Foxy Brown’s last full length album was titled Brooklyn’s Don Diva and was released by Koch Records in May of 2008.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) A new track by Brooklyn rapper Foxy Brown hit the Internet today (February 4).
The song, titled “Let Em Know” is the latest release from Foxy Brown and features M.O.P. group member Lil Fame and rapper BAM.
The 4 minute and five second track, which was produced by Easy Mo Bee, features Foxy Brown name checking a number of rappers during her verse.
Brown drops lines about Jay-Z, former boyfriend Rick Ross, Eve, Miami rapper Trina and longtime nemesis, Lil Kim.
A number of lines are aimed at some of the more popular female rappers of the day, but most seem to be directed at Lil Kim.
“I’d rather be in the club at the bar/then to disrespect my hood on Dancing With the Stars/Nah I’m in the hood taking chances with the Gods..”
Later Brown gets more aggressive with the lyrics, adding Eve to the list of names called out on the track.
"Slam a b**ch on her back like I’m John Cena/F**k that I aint Eve, I aint Kim, I aint Trina/BK’s own Diva/I give the whole hood face lifts/Go on and fix your face b***h/"
Foxy Brown’s last full length album was titled Brooklyn’s Don Diva and was released by Koch Records in May of 2008.
allhiphop.com
Naughty By Nature Preps New LP, Reality Show, Speaks on Apache Loss
By: Ismael AbduSalaam
(AllHipHop News) Veteran New Jersey trio Naughty By Nature have mapped out a 2010 year that includes a new album and Treach-centered reality show.
The group’s last full length offering IIcons was released in 2002. Because of the layoff, Naughty has released two singles over the past six months to reintroduce themselves to their original fans and a new generation of potential listeners.
“We working on a brand new Naughty album now, it’s called Anthem 8,” Treach disclosed to AllHipHop.com in an exclusive interview. “It’ll be out before the summer we got 2 singles on iTunes, ‘Get to Know Me Better’ and ‘I Gotta Lotta.’ And we shopping a reality show called A Tribe Called Treach. We doing all that and got that in motion.”
Naughty By Nature is known for two of the biggest, seminal singles in Hip-Hop history with “O.P.P.,” and “Hip-Hop Hooray.”
Even with the music industry vastly different from their early to mid 90s popularity peak, the group has maintained themselves through constant touring, particularly on the international front.
“We tour all year round. We’re about to go to Australia with Busta Rhymes and Kid Cudi,” Treach revealed. “We keep it moving. Hip-Hop is a movement, we ain’t stingy and just doing it for Naughty, we doing it for all of Hip-Hop.”
Since the early 90’s, Treach has maintained steady film work. Now with TV booming again, the East Orange native is looking to take his talents to the small screen with his own spin on the reality TV genre.
“Mine is a docu-reality [show]. We see the majority of them and everybody is rich and famous. They shopping all day and going through drama and doing parties,” he explained. “Our thing is about the tribe; our group, production, management, movies, family life, [and] homies in the hood. If you leave the hood they say you forgot where you came from, if you stay you’re doing something you ain’t got no business… We all live in the outskirts no further than 10 minutes out…Their dreams are our dreams. We ain’t just made it and been like ‘we made it, y’all better get y’alls.’ We’re like, what can we do to help….Just like Flavor Unit pulled us out.”
Naughty’s close friend and fellow emcee Apache (Anthony Teaks) was laid to rest last week after passing suddenly from an undisclosed illness.
Both parties featured extensively on each other’s early albums (Apache Ain’t Shit, Naughty By Nature), and Vinnie detailed it was Apache who convinced Flavor Unit to give them a shot.
“Our big brother passed away, we just buried him,” he said. “He’s definitely a Hip-Hop legend and another Hip-Hop icon. He gave birth to Naughty By Nature. He told Flavor Unit ‘if y’all don’t sign naughty, I’m not messing with y’all.’”
At press time, Naughty By Nature’s Anthem 8 album does not have a set release date.
allhiphop.com
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