Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Dr. Dre's "Detox" Single Delayed Because Of Eminem's "Not Afraid"
by Danielle Harling
n an interview that was featured on France’s SkyRock radio Dr. Dre and Interscope’s Jimmy Iovine explained that Dr. Dre’s Detox single featuring Jay-Z, “Under Pressure,” was delayed because of the release of Eminem’s latest single “Not Afraid.”
HipHop-N-More.com reports that in the interview Dr. Dre and Iovine explained that Eminem’s single wasn’t planned to drop first and as a result the release of “Under Pressure” was delayed.
While “Under Pressure” may still be released as a single another track may now be released before “Under Pressure.” A release may come some time this summer.
In other Detox news Scott Storch, the producer behind the “Under Pressure” track, recently revealed that although many are skeptical about Detox’s release the album is still scheduled to be released this year. In Storch’s interview with DJ Skee he also explained that Detox is only three tracks away from completion.
A set release for Detox has yet to be announced.
hiphopdx.com
n an interview that was featured on France’s SkyRock radio Dr. Dre and Interscope’s Jimmy Iovine explained that Dr. Dre’s Detox single featuring Jay-Z, “Under Pressure,” was delayed because of the release of Eminem’s latest single “Not Afraid.”
HipHop-N-More.com reports that in the interview Dr. Dre and Iovine explained that Eminem’s single wasn’t planned to drop first and as a result the release of “Under Pressure” was delayed.
While “Under Pressure” may still be released as a single another track may now be released before “Under Pressure.” A release may come some time this summer.
In other Detox news Scott Storch, the producer behind the “Under Pressure” track, recently revealed that although many are skeptical about Detox’s release the album is still scheduled to be released this year. In Storch’s interview with DJ Skee he also explained that Detox is only three tracks away from completion.
A set release for Detox has yet to be announced.
hiphopdx.com
Big Shug & Krumbsnatcha Host Guru Benefit, Boston Phoenix Tribute
by Jake Paine
It has now been over a month since Keith "Guru" Elam died after a battling cancer for over a year The Gang Starr founder continues to be remembered through Hip Hop. A Boston native, Guru will be honored by two of the artists he worked extensively with, that hail from his hometown. This Thursday (May 27), Big Shug and Krumbsnatcha will honor Guru with a tribute performance at Cambridge, Massachusetts' The Middle East.
Akrobatik, REKS, Statik Selektah and Termanology will also perform at this historic event.
BIg Shug was a founding member of Gang Starr with Guru. After the group personnel changed during Guru's relocation, Shug would later be a member of the Gang Starr Foundation, appearing on many group albums, and the single "Militia." Krumbsnatcha was a protege of the group, and worked with both Guru and DJ Premier extensively, including an appearance on the gold, critically-acclaimed 1998 Gang Starr album, Moment of Truth.
In related news, The Boston Phoenix has chronicled their native son, with interviews from Shug, Jeru The Damaja and members of the Jazzmatazz band. The revealing timeline by journalist Chris Faraone traces Guru's Boston-to-Atlanta-to-New York migration, as well as the turning point of his career, transitioning from Gang Starr with DJ Premier to working with later musical/business partner, Solar.
“Guru saved my life,” Jeru the Damaja told The Phoenix
. “I speak for a lot of people when I say that we would be in jail if he didn’t get us in the studio. But it was always something with him — Guru was always getting mad about something.”
hiphopdx.com
It has now been over a month since Keith "Guru" Elam died after a battling cancer for over a year The Gang Starr founder continues to be remembered through Hip Hop. A Boston native, Guru will be honored by two of the artists he worked extensively with, that hail from his hometown. This Thursday (May 27), Big Shug and Krumbsnatcha will honor Guru with a tribute performance at Cambridge, Massachusetts' The Middle East.
Akrobatik, REKS, Statik Selektah and Termanology will also perform at this historic event.
BIg Shug was a founding member of Gang Starr with Guru. After the group personnel changed during Guru's relocation, Shug would later be a member of the Gang Starr Foundation, appearing on many group albums, and the single "Militia." Krumbsnatcha was a protege of the group, and worked with both Guru and DJ Premier extensively, including an appearance on the gold, critically-acclaimed 1998 Gang Starr album, Moment of Truth.
In related news, The Boston Phoenix has chronicled their native son, with interviews from Shug, Jeru The Damaja and members of the Jazzmatazz band. The revealing timeline by journalist Chris Faraone traces Guru's Boston-to-Atlanta-to-New York migration, as well as the turning point of his career, transitioning from Gang Starr with DJ Premier to working with later musical/business partner, Solar.
“Guru saved my life,” Jeru the Damaja told The Phoenix
. “I speak for a lot of people when I say that we would be in jail if he didn’t get us in the studio. But it was always something with him — Guru was always getting mad about something.”
hiphopdx.com
Necro Talks "Die!", Producing For Raekwon's "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2"
by Jake Paine
Late last week, emcee/producer/Psycho+Logical Records CEO Necro released his sixth album, Die!. The RBC/Fontana nationally-distributed project is entirely self-produced, and finds the Brooklyn veteran experimenting with both a bigger studio sound, as well the lyricist's continuously elevated rhyme schemes.
Speaking with HipHopDX Wednesday evening, the man who's previously produced for Cage, Missin Linx and brother, Ill Bill's Non Phixion group, explained how Wu-Tang Clan's chef broke a self-imposed embargo on producing for artists beyond Necro's label and family circle.
With Die! toying with both lyrical and musical experimentation within Necro's "brutal" Rap sub-genre, the multi-talented veteran explained how this work fits within his cult-acclaimed catalog of albums dating back to 2000's I Need Drugs. "To me, there will never be an end, 'cause I happen to really love makin' Hip Hop," said Necro candidly. "Makin' Hip Hop [is my love] more than the performance or the persona." If Necro explains his adolescence and industry tenure, that "persona" seems to dust the line of his actual lived experience. However, he ellaborated, "I gotta be a persona, 'cause if I'm not a persona, then there's nothing to back up the shit. If I'm gonna rap brutal, I have to be somebody that's willing to punch somebody in the face, or else it holds no weight." Having netted over a million dollars in Rap sales in the last decade - from his self-sufficient operation, Necro also said that persona affects paper. "I gotta go out there and I gotta talk shit and I gotta generate interest. And I gotta back up all that Necro shit that [I'm] saying."
Speaking more specifically about Die!, Necro also said that while he's known for a certain, very precise style, that does not mean he's not challenging himself lyrically. "Slayer makes Thrash, Metalica makes Heavy Metal
, Necro raps brutal," he declared, drawing a comparitive analogy from two bands he deeply admires. "That doesn't mean everything I make is going to be the same kind of brutal." Necro's researched verses often touch on war, women, boxing and Horror films. "People tend to avoid that I'm flippin' all the subjects. I might make a brutal war track, but [it's a track about war]. It is a different subject. I am rapping with concept. I do experiment."
"It just so happens I've got my own sound attached to the name Necro," said the Brooklynite producer, who wanted to also explain musical growth. "The Necro sound is what-the-fuck I choose. I happen to be very obscure, and at the same time, do original shit that people haven't really fucked with yet. For example, on my title track, 'Die' , it wasn't the easiest to flow on that. It's a pretty fast, up-tempo track. It's a little obscure, but if you listen to the original [sample], it's a break - and it's never been used. I never heard anybody freak it."
The man who says he makes 30 beats in one sitting stopped to admire his production craftsmanship. "I freaked it! Honestly, shit's a lil' unorthodox. The way I hooked up the drums [Necro copies the percussion], there's snare kicks on every downbeat. Why? It's beautiful. It gave me the chance to do some next shit." Like Large Professor, Diamond D or even newcomer J. Cole, Necro then has to provided lyrics for the tracks he makes. "Plus the flow - when I started rhymin' to it, shit wasn't that easy. It wasn't like I sat down to it with your regular, average flow with a beat that's boom-boom-bap, boom-bap. That wasn't your typical 90 beats-per-measure shit, this shit was like 107. It required some angle to approach. It's even deeper than saying you're just going to rap on shit. You gotta come off! I don't give a fuck what you're trying to experimentally, if you don't come off, and cats hear it and go, 'that's lyrical,' you fuckin' failed! For me, I wouldn't have released that track if I didn't think I fuckin' came off. So I sat down, took me some time, and finally got in the mode, was able to kill it."
Necro analyzed his opening bars, "You never went to jail, you shook from the look of it / I invented Hell when I took the shit," that's not even as technical as other rhymes of mine because you can't put that many words in those phrases to fit that kind of bar-measure. So you kinda just gotta say some really hot shit. You're not really relying on rhyming eight words in one line."
While speaking with HipHopDX, Necro was also asked about producing "Gihad" for Raekwon and Ghostface Killah for last year's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II. The 2009 DX Year End Award-winning song (and album) served as a milestone for the respected producer who has slimmed down on credits and placements in the last decade. "I got disgusted," explained Necro on his hiatus. "I'm not givin' people beats no more. I don't want to be that dude that puts the power in the hands of a rapper. [If] I make a banger, I'm gonna rap on the banger. Fuck that." Necro said that he makes exceptions for his Psycho+Logical Records roster of artists, which includes Mr. Hyde and former Arsonists member Q-Unique. Additionally, Necro will always produce for Ill Bill, which he last did on 2008's fan-favorite Hour of Reprisal.
As far as breaking the rules to work with Raekwon, the placemement was hardly by design. "What happened was, I wasn't even lookin' to get beats on [rappers' projects]," repeated Necro. "[Ill] Bill had old beat CDs [of mine], and he started fuckin' with Raekwon on some shit," CD. "Bill called and said, 'Yo Necro, can I give Raekwon a copy of this old beat CD you gave me? He's working on Cuban 2, and he's not looking to pay $50,000 a beat - that don't work for [his budget]. He wants gutter, grime shit, and he heard some of your shit and he likes it.' I said, 'Yeah, why not? What do I got to lose?' And you know what, it wasn't even a new beat CD."
Strangely, the instrumental to "Gihad" was made less than two years after the first Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... "Actually, the beat that Raekwon picked was 13 years old. I made that beat in '97," revealed Necro with a chuckle. "It was two years before Rae called me and picked it. Rae had the beat CD for two years. I got a call two years later, Bill says, 'Rae wants to talk to you; he wants to use a beat.' I'm thinking in my head - kind of excited, this is a pretty good look. At the same time, I'm not really one of these dudes that's trying to get beat [placements]. I'm not like Alchemist, no disrespect to Alchemist. He conquered his lane of being that producer that first producer to have something on everybody's shit. I actually tried - I wanted to do that."
Early in Necro's career, the producer shopped beats to several New York Rap icons and even a multi-platinum superstar (which DX will chronicle later this week), but few were receptive. "I would've stayed up all night by the [Ensoniq] ASR-10 if I could actually get the music to people. I couldn't get it done. I wasn't doing it for major money - I would've taken [$1,000]. I would've done shit for the name." With Necro CDs floating around the industry since the late '90s, Cage and Missin' Linx remained the most receptive clients (besides Non Phixion) prior to last year.
With that history in Hip Hop, Necro said that Bill's passing the old beat CD of his brother's was the only way this relationship could have happened. "I wouldn't have gone into the studio and done a new beat CD - no disrespect to Rae. For nobody would I have gone into the studio and made a new beat CD at that point. That just wasn't what I was doing. The fact that Bill said he had an old beat CD, it was easy for me [to agree]. Go ahead."
When Raekwon and Necro finally spoke on the subject of placing "Gihad," Necro respected his fellow veteran in a truly rare style. "'Tell him he can have the beat for free,'" Necro asked brother Ill Bill to tell Raekwon after inquiries were made to buying the track. "I don't even want the fuckin' money; I'm giving Raekwon the beat for free on spec, 'cause it's [Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II] and I know what a big record it is. If he's really 'bout it, and he's really 'bout usin' my beat, then I'm not lookin' to make money off of it, 'cause that's good enough of a payment." A die-hard fan of Hip Hop, Necro felt honored to be included on the highly-touted project, pairing him with producers such as Dr. Dre, RZA, Erick Sermon, J Dilla and Marley Marl. He's complimenting me enough by saying, 'This record is dope, and this [album] has been anticipated for 14 years.'" All Necro wanted was proper credit in the EMI Records release's inserts, which happened to be prominently featured on the back of the six-figure selling release. "Hey, it happened! He dropped it. Much props to Raekwon for [letting me be a part of] a classic album, something Hip Hop really appreciated. I want to thank Bill for that."
The victory however, was bittersweet for Necro. With a 13 year-old beat, the artist would loved proper recognition sooner. "It would have meant so much more to me if when I was trying to get beats out there, mothafuckas showed me love. That's how it works in the game: when you don't care anymore, then [your dream finally happens]."
Stay tuned for more from HipHopDX's 90-minute conversation with Necro. His album Die! is in stores now on Psycho+Logical Records.
hiphopdx.com
Late last week, emcee/producer/Psycho+Logical Records CEO Necro released his sixth album, Die!. The RBC/Fontana nationally-distributed project is entirely self-produced, and finds the Brooklyn veteran experimenting with both a bigger studio sound, as well the lyricist's continuously elevated rhyme schemes.
Speaking with HipHopDX Wednesday evening, the man who's previously produced for Cage, Missin Linx and brother, Ill Bill's Non Phixion group, explained how Wu-Tang Clan's chef broke a self-imposed embargo on producing for artists beyond Necro's label and family circle.
With Die! toying with both lyrical and musical experimentation within Necro's "brutal" Rap sub-genre, the multi-talented veteran explained how this work fits within his cult-acclaimed catalog of albums dating back to 2000's I Need Drugs. "To me, there will never be an end, 'cause I happen to really love makin' Hip Hop," said Necro candidly. "Makin' Hip Hop [is my love] more than the performance or the persona." If Necro explains his adolescence and industry tenure, that "persona" seems to dust the line of his actual lived experience. However, he ellaborated, "I gotta be a persona, 'cause if I'm not a persona, then there's nothing to back up the shit. If I'm gonna rap brutal, I have to be somebody that's willing to punch somebody in the face, or else it holds no weight." Having netted over a million dollars in Rap sales in the last decade - from his self-sufficient operation, Necro also said that persona affects paper. "I gotta go out there and I gotta talk shit and I gotta generate interest. And I gotta back up all that Necro shit that [I'm] saying."
Speaking more specifically about Die!, Necro also said that while he's known for a certain, very precise style, that does not mean he's not challenging himself lyrically. "Slayer makes Thrash, Metalica makes Heavy Metal
, Necro raps brutal," he declared, drawing a comparitive analogy from two bands he deeply admires. "That doesn't mean everything I make is going to be the same kind of brutal." Necro's researched verses often touch on war, women, boxing and Horror films. "People tend to avoid that I'm flippin' all the subjects. I might make a brutal war track, but [it's a track about war]. It is a different subject. I am rapping with concept. I do experiment."
"It just so happens I've got my own sound attached to the name Necro," said the Brooklynite producer, who wanted to also explain musical growth. "The Necro sound is what-the-fuck I choose. I happen to be very obscure, and at the same time, do original shit that people haven't really fucked with yet. For example, on my title track, 'Die' , it wasn't the easiest to flow on that. It's a pretty fast, up-tempo track. It's a little obscure, but if you listen to the original [sample], it's a break - and it's never been used. I never heard anybody freak it."
The man who says he makes 30 beats in one sitting stopped to admire his production craftsmanship. "I freaked it! Honestly, shit's a lil' unorthodox. The way I hooked up the drums [Necro copies the percussion], there's snare kicks on every downbeat. Why? It's beautiful. It gave me the chance to do some next shit." Like Large Professor, Diamond D or even newcomer J. Cole, Necro then has to provided lyrics for the tracks he makes. "Plus the flow - when I started rhymin' to it, shit wasn't that easy. It wasn't like I sat down to it with your regular, average flow with a beat that's boom-boom-bap, boom-bap. That wasn't your typical 90 beats-per-measure shit, this shit was like 107. It required some angle to approach. It's even deeper than saying you're just going to rap on shit. You gotta come off! I don't give a fuck what you're trying to experimentally, if you don't come off, and cats hear it and go, 'that's lyrical,' you fuckin' failed! For me, I wouldn't have released that track if I didn't think I fuckin' came off. So I sat down, took me some time, and finally got in the mode, was able to kill it."
Necro analyzed his opening bars, "You never went to jail, you shook from the look of it / I invented Hell when I took the shit," that's not even as technical as other rhymes of mine because you can't put that many words in those phrases to fit that kind of bar-measure. So you kinda just gotta say some really hot shit. You're not really relying on rhyming eight words in one line."
While speaking with HipHopDX, Necro was also asked about producing "Gihad" for Raekwon and Ghostface Killah for last year's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II. The 2009 DX Year End Award-winning song (and album) served as a milestone for the respected producer who has slimmed down on credits and placements in the last decade. "I got disgusted," explained Necro on his hiatus. "I'm not givin' people beats no more. I don't want to be that dude that puts the power in the hands of a rapper. [If] I make a banger, I'm gonna rap on the banger. Fuck that." Necro said that he makes exceptions for his Psycho+Logical Records roster of artists, which includes Mr. Hyde and former Arsonists member Q-Unique. Additionally, Necro will always produce for Ill Bill, which he last did on 2008's fan-favorite Hour of Reprisal.
As far as breaking the rules to work with Raekwon, the placemement was hardly by design. "What happened was, I wasn't even lookin' to get beats on [rappers' projects]," repeated Necro. "[Ill] Bill had old beat CDs [of mine], and he started fuckin' with Raekwon on some shit," CD. "Bill called and said, 'Yo Necro, can I give Raekwon a copy of this old beat CD you gave me? He's working on Cuban 2, and he's not looking to pay $50,000 a beat - that don't work for [his budget]. He wants gutter, grime shit, and he heard some of your shit and he likes it.' I said, 'Yeah, why not? What do I got to lose?' And you know what, it wasn't even a new beat CD."
Strangely, the instrumental to "Gihad" was made less than two years after the first Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... "Actually, the beat that Raekwon picked was 13 years old. I made that beat in '97," revealed Necro with a chuckle. "It was two years before Rae called me and picked it. Rae had the beat CD for two years. I got a call two years later, Bill says, 'Rae wants to talk to you; he wants to use a beat.' I'm thinking in my head - kind of excited, this is a pretty good look. At the same time, I'm not really one of these dudes that's trying to get beat [placements]. I'm not like Alchemist, no disrespect to Alchemist. He conquered his lane of being that producer that first producer to have something on everybody's shit. I actually tried - I wanted to do that."
Early in Necro's career, the producer shopped beats to several New York Rap icons and even a multi-platinum superstar (which DX will chronicle later this week), but few were receptive. "I would've stayed up all night by the [Ensoniq] ASR-10 if I could actually get the music to people. I couldn't get it done. I wasn't doing it for major money - I would've taken [$1,000]. I would've done shit for the name." With Necro CDs floating around the industry since the late '90s, Cage and Missin' Linx remained the most receptive clients (besides Non Phixion) prior to last year.
With that history in Hip Hop, Necro said that Bill's passing the old beat CD of his brother's was the only way this relationship could have happened. "I wouldn't have gone into the studio and done a new beat CD - no disrespect to Rae. For nobody would I have gone into the studio and made a new beat CD at that point. That just wasn't what I was doing. The fact that Bill said he had an old beat CD, it was easy for me [to agree]. Go ahead."
When Raekwon and Necro finally spoke on the subject of placing "Gihad," Necro respected his fellow veteran in a truly rare style. "'Tell him he can have the beat for free,'" Necro asked brother Ill Bill to tell Raekwon after inquiries were made to buying the track. "I don't even want the fuckin' money; I'm giving Raekwon the beat for free on spec, 'cause it's [Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II] and I know what a big record it is. If he's really 'bout it, and he's really 'bout usin' my beat, then I'm not lookin' to make money off of it, 'cause that's good enough of a payment." A die-hard fan of Hip Hop, Necro felt honored to be included on the highly-touted project, pairing him with producers such as Dr. Dre, RZA, Erick Sermon, J Dilla and Marley Marl. He's complimenting me enough by saying, 'This record is dope, and this [album] has been anticipated for 14 years.'" All Necro wanted was proper credit in the EMI Records release's inserts, which happened to be prominently featured on the back of the six-figure selling release. "Hey, it happened! He dropped it. Much props to Raekwon for [letting me be a part of] a classic album, something Hip Hop really appreciated. I want to thank Bill for that."
The victory however, was bittersweet for Necro. With a 13 year-old beat, the artist would loved proper recognition sooner. "It would have meant so much more to me if when I was trying to get beats out there, mothafuckas showed me love. That's how it works in the game: when you don't care anymore, then [your dream finally happens]."
Stay tuned for more from HipHopDX's 90-minute conversation with Necro. His album Die! is in stores now on Psycho+Logical Records.
hiphopdx.com
Legendary Rappers To Perform Full Length Albums At Rock the Bells
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) Guerilla Union has announced a number of influential Hip-Hop acts will perform their ground breaking albums in their entirety at this year’s Rock The Bells 2010 Festival Series.
Rappers Slick Rick, KRS-One, Rakim and Wu-Tang Clan are headlining the 7th annual Rock The Bells festival, which will stop in four major markets this summer.
Slick Rick will perform his album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, KRS-One is slated to perform his classic, Criminal Minded, Rakim will perform 1987’s Paid in Full, while Wu-Tang Clan will perform Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers.
Supporting performers include Clipse, Murs, 9th Wonder, Street Sweeper Social Club (Tom Morello and Boots Riley), Wiz Khalifa and others.
"This time of year is always filled with anxiety, excitement, and even relief," said Rock the Bells founder Chang Weisberg. "Rock the Bells fans have the craziest expectations and the days and nights leading up to our initial announcement are surreal. Ultimately, our goal is to always present something that is historic. This year’s show is the epitome of that tradition. Some things new and fresh, some things classic and legendary, and something that you’ve never seen or may never see and hear again. That’s the formula.”
In addition to the performances, Freestyle Session will feature the top international B-Boys and B-Girls. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the non-profit, Hip Hop and Hop for Haiti.
The 7th Annual Rock the Bells Festival kicks off August 21st at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Other dates include August 22nd at the Shoreline Amphitheater in San Francisco, August 28th on Governor’s Island in New York and the Merriweather Pavilion in Washington, D.C. on August 29th.
For more information and performers visit www.rockthebells.net.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Guerilla Union has announced a number of influential Hip-Hop acts will perform their ground breaking albums in their entirety at this year’s Rock The Bells 2010 Festival Series.
Rappers Slick Rick, KRS-One, Rakim and Wu-Tang Clan are headlining the 7th annual Rock The Bells festival, which will stop in four major markets this summer.
Slick Rick will perform his album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, KRS-One is slated to perform his classic, Criminal Minded, Rakim will perform 1987’s Paid in Full, while Wu-Tang Clan will perform Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers.
Supporting performers include Clipse, Murs, 9th Wonder, Street Sweeper Social Club (Tom Morello and Boots Riley), Wiz Khalifa and others.
"This time of year is always filled with anxiety, excitement, and even relief," said Rock the Bells founder Chang Weisberg. "Rock the Bells fans have the craziest expectations and the days and nights leading up to our initial announcement are surreal. Ultimately, our goal is to always present something that is historic. This year’s show is the epitome of that tradition. Some things new and fresh, some things classic and legendary, and something that you’ve never seen or may never see and hear again. That’s the formula.”
In addition to the performances, Freestyle Session will feature the top international B-Boys and B-Girls. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the non-profit, Hip Hop and Hop for Haiti.
The 7th Annual Rock the Bells Festival kicks off August 21st at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
Other dates include August 22nd at the Shoreline Amphitheater in San Francisco, August 28th on Governor’s Island in New York and the Merriweather Pavilion in Washington, D.C. on August 29th.
For more information and performers visit www.rockthebells.net.
allhiphop.com
Roots Talk New Album, Projects With Danger Mouse, John Legend
By Ms. Drama and Houston Williams
The Roots are set to drop their 11th album, How I Got Over, but group member Black Thought and Questlove said they also have a number of projecting comes as well.
"He [Black Thought] has a project that I'm in called the Money Making Jam Boys. The support team of this album is the Money Making Jam Boys with Sugar Tongue Slim, Truck North, Dice Raw, [Porn and Black Thought]," Questlove told AllHipHop.com.
"Ill Street Blues," a remake of the Kool G Rap classic, can be found on the Sugar Tongue Slim debut mixtape and it features the Money Making Jam Boys.
As The Roots prepare to drop their new album, Black Thought and Questlove said the group is preparing a slew of new projects, including one with John Legend.
"We're still involved in the John Legend record. That just basically became a John Legend and Roots Album. Initially all the albums were supposed to come out at the same time. But he's pushing his back [John Legend] because his album is tied to a movie called, "Waiting for Superman." This is a movie about how the education system has failed America.," Questlove said.
Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim, who also directed Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth," hems the "Waiting for Superman" film, which follows several intelligent kids through the education system to see the detrimental affects on them. His findings are startling and questions the system that seemingly stunts academic growth.
Questlove said the soundtrack with John Legend will present aggressive music from the singer and the Philadelphia-bred band.
"We created basically a soundtrack that is basically John's most grittiest, roughest album," he said.
Questlove also revealed that the group would be working with the legendary Booker T of the famed R&B band Booker T. & The MG's.
"Come October, we also had the pleasure of creating an album with Booker T. The same with him (as with John Legend, we pretty much make an album. We had Gabe of the Dap Pinks engineer it. This will probably be the 'Rafeal Sadiq' record of this year. It sounds like it was made in 1964...it sounds like super raw and gritty..."
Black Thought also said that he was working on a project with acclaimed producer Danger Mouse called Dangerous Thoughts. Finally, Black Thought revealed that he was still looking to release a highly delayed, but anticipated solo project.
"Its still in the works, but at the moment I'm just trying to find a home for it," Black Thought said of his solo album.
How I Got Over comes out on June 22.
allhiphop.com
Lil Kim Joins Roc Nation
By Houston Williams
Rapper Lil Kim has joined Jay-Z's management company, Roc Nation, and Kim's fellow Brooklynite will executive produce the album as well.
A number of sources have reported the news, including gossip blogger Perez Hilton. No formal announcement has been made even though one is expected shortly.
"Although she's seen better days, Lil Kim is ready to make a musical comeback! The rapper officially signed a record deal with Roc Nation. Jay-Z is even expected to produce her next album. Interesting," said Perez Hilton.
More on the signing as news develops.
allhiphop.com
Rapper Lil Kim has joined Jay-Z's management company, Roc Nation, and Kim's fellow Brooklynite will executive produce the album as well.
A number of sources have reported the news, including gossip blogger Perez Hilton. No formal announcement has been made even though one is expected shortly.
"Although she's seen better days, Lil Kim is ready to make a musical comeback! The rapper officially signed a record deal with Roc Nation. Jay-Z is even expected to produce her next album. Interesting," said Perez Hilton.
More on the signing as news develops.
allhiphop.com
The Pack Preps 'Wolfpack Party' With SMC Recordings
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) Berkeley, California Hip-Hop group The Pack inked a deal with SMC Recordings it was announced today (May 19th).
The group hit big in 2006 with the single “Vans,” which has sold over 300,000 copies since its release.
The Pack, which consists of Lil Uno, Stunnaman, Lil B and producer Young L, were formerly signed with Too $hort’s Up All Nite imprint, which was distributed by Jive Records.
"I tried signing The Pack when 'Vans' broke but how could I compete with Too $hort?" said SMC Recording's Chief Operating Officer Will Bronson.
The Pack’s first release under their new deal with SMC will be titled Wolfpack Party, which will also feature The Cataracs.
"The Pack has always been ahead of the curve and with this new album, the songs are stellar, and they've truly evolved into stars. We've got so much in store for these guys, its incredible,” added SMC CEO Ralph Tashjian.
No release date was available for Wolfpack Party, although the single “Wolfpack Party 2010” is available for purchase now.
The Pack is also preparing to hit the road on a major outing later this summer.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Berkeley, California Hip-Hop group The Pack inked a deal with SMC Recordings it was announced today (May 19th).
The group hit big in 2006 with the single “Vans,” which has sold over 300,000 copies since its release.
The Pack, which consists of Lil Uno, Stunnaman, Lil B and producer Young L, were formerly signed with Too $hort’s Up All Nite imprint, which was distributed by Jive Records.
"I tried signing The Pack when 'Vans' broke but how could I compete with Too $hort?" said SMC Recording's Chief Operating Officer Will Bronson.
The Pack’s first release under their new deal with SMC will be titled Wolfpack Party, which will also feature The Cataracs.
"The Pack has always been ahead of the curve and with this new album, the songs are stellar, and they've truly evolved into stars. We've got so much in store for these guys, its incredible,” added SMC CEO Ralph Tashjian.
No release date was available for Wolfpack Party, although the single “Wolfpack Party 2010” is available for purchase now.
The Pack is also preparing to hit the road on a major outing later this summer.
allhiphop.com
Jay-Z and Beyonce Lead 2010 BET Awards
By AHH Staff
(AllHipHop News) Jay-Z and Beyonce may be married, but they are about to be fierce competitors at the 2010 BET Awards.
The married couple are competing in three categories in the anticipated awards show. They will go head-to-head for video of the year, best collaboration and the viewers' choice honor.
Jay-Z leads all nominees with five nods with Trey Songz, Beyonce, Roc Nation artist Melanie Fiona and Alicia Keys trailing with four nominations.
Rihanna, Maxwell, Drake and Fabolous also received several nods.
The BET Awards air live on June 27 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The Nominees:
Video of the Year
Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B f/ Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You”
Melanie Fiona – “It Kills Me”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West – “Run This Town”
Best Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Raheem DeVaughn
Maxwell
Trey Songz
Usher
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Ester Dean
Lil’ Kim
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Trina
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
B.o.B
Drake
Fabolous
Jay-Z
Ludacris
Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Melanie Fiona
Nicki Minaj
Wale
Young Money
Best Gospel
The Anointed Pace Sisters
Kirk Franklin Presents Artists United For Haiti
Tamela Mann
Marvin Sapp
Vickie Winans
Best Group
Black Eyed Peas
Clipse
Diddy-Dirty Money
New Boyz
Young Money
Best Collaboration
Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B f/ Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You”
Drake & Trey Songz – “Successful”
Drake f/ Lil Wayne, Kanye West & Eminem – “Forever”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – “Say Aah”
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Anthony Mandler
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams
Viewer’s Choice
Beyoncé – “Sweet Dreams”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Monica – “Everything to Me”
Rihanna f/ Young Jeezy – “Hard”
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – “Say Aah”
Young Money (Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Jae Millz, Drake, Tyga) f/ Lloyd – “Bedrock”
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Jay-Z and Beyonce may be married, but they are about to be fierce competitors at the 2010 BET Awards.
The married couple are competing in three categories in the anticipated awards show. They will go head-to-head for video of the year, best collaboration and the viewers' choice honor.
Jay-Z leads all nominees with five nods with Trey Songz, Beyonce, Roc Nation artist Melanie Fiona and Alicia Keys trailing with four nominations.
Rihanna, Maxwell, Drake and Fabolous also received several nods.
The BET Awards air live on June 27 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The Nominees:
Video of the Year
Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B f/ Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You”
Melanie Fiona – “It Kills Me”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West – “Run This Town”
Best Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Alicia Keys
Rihanna
Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Raheem DeVaughn
Maxwell
Trey Songz
Usher
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Ester Dean
Lil’ Kim
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Trina
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
B.o.B
Drake
Fabolous
Jay-Z
Ludacris
Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Melanie Fiona
Nicki Minaj
Wale
Young Money
Best Gospel
The Anointed Pace Sisters
Kirk Franklin Presents Artists United For Haiti
Tamela Mann
Marvin Sapp
Vickie Winans
Best Group
Black Eyed Peas
Clipse
Diddy-Dirty Money
New Boyz
Young Money
Best Collaboration
Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga – “Video Phone”
B.o.B f/ Bruno Mars – “Nothin’ on You”
Drake & Trey Songz – “Successful”
Drake f/ Lil Wayne, Kanye West & Eminem – “Forever”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – “Say Aah”
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Anthony Mandler
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams
Viewer’s Choice
Beyoncé – “Sweet Dreams”
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
Monica – “Everything to Me”
Rihanna f/ Young Jeezy – “Hard”
Trey Songz f/ Fabolous – “Say Aah”
Young Money (Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Jae Millz, Drake, Tyga) f/ Lloyd – “Bedrock”
allhiphop.com
Rap-A-Lot Celebrates Upcoming 25th Anniversary With New Distribution Partnership
By: Ismael AbduSalaam
(AllHipHop News) J Prince (James Smith), CEO of the pioneering, Houston based Rap-A-Lot Records, has confirmed an exclusive distribution deal with Universal Music Group affiliate Fontana.
Fontana is the independent distribution group within Universal. The company currently provides back office, marketing, and sales support for over 80 labels worldwide, including Kedar Entertainment and Delicious Vinyl. The deal gives Rap-A-Lot the opportunity to expand their audience for new releases from Bun B, the late Pimp C, Z-Ro, and multiple compilation LPs.
Fontana CEO Ron Spaulding was attracted to Rap-A-Lot due to their proven track record over several decades of various trends and stylistic changes in Hip-Hop.
"I have been doing business with James Prince and Rap-A-Lot for a long time and it is an honor to welcome his entire team to Fontana. James is a true music visionary and has established Rap-A-Lot as one of the great pioneers of Southern Hip-Hop, a true original,” Spaulding explained in a statement. "And as they approach their well-earned milestone of 25 years in the industry, Fontana is thrilled to embrace their innovation, rich catalog and talented artists as we play a role in the next exciting chapter of their history."
Founded in 1986, J Prince’s Rap-A-Lot exploded onto the national scene courtesy of seminal albums (Grip It! On That Other Level, We Can’t Be Stopped) from the Geto Boys. Later, the label further its and Southern Hip-Hop’s reputation with projects from Scarface (My Diary), Do or Die (Picture This), and Ganksta N-I-P (The South Park Psycho).
Looking forward, Prince’s vision is for his company to transcend regional tags and be considered the premier label in Hip-Hop.
"I am excited about Rap-A-Lot Records' new journey and the opportunity to work with Jim Urie [President & CEO, Universal Music Group Distribution] and Ron, two music executives that I have the utmost respect for," J Prince stated. "I believe in the Universal/Fontana system and I look forward to having the Rap-A-Lot brand be a part of the #1 music company."
At press time, Rap-A-Lot’s next major release will be Bun B’s Trill OG sometime this summer.
allhiphop.com
VH1 To Recognize Timbaland During Hip Hop Honors
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) VH1 has announced that super producer Timbaland will be honored during the seventh annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South special airing next month.
Timbaland, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, will be recognized for his many contributions to Hip-Hop in the form of hit records by artists like Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Gnarls Barkley, Missy Elliot and numerous others.
In addition to releasing his own albums, the rapper/producer records mostly out of his studio in Virginia, where he also runs his label, Mosley Music Group.
The 2010 VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South, will be hosted by actor/comedian Craig Robinson (The Office, Last Comic Standing).
The special will air on VH1 on Monday, June 7th at 9:00 PM.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) VH1 has announced that super producer Timbaland will be honored during the seventh annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South special airing next month.
Timbaland, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, will be recognized for his many contributions to Hip-Hop in the form of hit records by artists like Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Gnarls Barkley, Missy Elliot and numerous others.
In addition to releasing his own albums, the rapper/producer records mostly out of his studio in Virginia, where he also runs his label, Mosley Music Group.
The 2010 VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South, will be hosted by actor/comedian Craig Robinson (The Office, Last Comic Standing).
The special will air on VH1 on Monday, June 7th at 9:00 PM.
allhiphop.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Sage Francis Releases New Album Li(f)e
by Edwin Ortiz
Rhode Island
rapper Sage Francis has released his fourth studio album Li(f)e yesterday (May 11). Out on Anti- Records, Francis’ Li(f)e features guest spots from Tim Fite, Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie, and Jason Lytle of Grandaddy.
In support of the new album, Francis will be hitting the road for a 31-date tour across the United States with stops in Detroit (5/18 & 5/19), Los Angeles (6/6) and New York (6/25). Strange Famous Records culprit B. Dolan, who recently released his album Fallen House, Sunken City will be joining Sage Francis on the nationwide tour.
Tour dates are listed below:
5/12 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
5/13 S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
5/14 Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall
5/18 Detroit, MI @ Alvin’s
5/19 Detroit, MI @ The Bottom Lounge
5/20 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
5/21 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
5/22 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
5/24 Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
5/25 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
5/26 Missoula, MT @ Badlander
6/1 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
6/2 Portland, OR @ Berbati’s Pan
6/4 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
6/5 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
6/6 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater
6/7 Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
6/9 Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
6/10 Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse
6/11 Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
6/12 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
6/14 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theatre
6/15 Austin, TX @ Mohawk
6/16 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
6/18 Orlando, FL @ Club at Firestone
6/19 Atlanta, GA @ The Loft
6/21 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
6/22 Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
6/23 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
6/24 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
6/25 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
hiphopdx.com
Rhode Island
rapper Sage Francis has released his fourth studio album Li(f)e yesterday (May 11). Out on Anti- Records, Francis’ Li(f)e features guest spots from Tim Fite, Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie, and Jason Lytle of Grandaddy.
In support of the new album, Francis will be hitting the road for a 31-date tour across the United States with stops in Detroit (5/18 & 5/19), Los Angeles (6/6) and New York (6/25). Strange Famous Records culprit B. Dolan, who recently released his album Fallen House, Sunken City will be joining Sage Francis on the nationwide tour.
Tour dates are listed below:
5/12 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
5/13 S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
5/14 Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall
5/18 Detroit, MI @ Alvin’s
5/19 Detroit, MI @ The Bottom Lounge
5/20 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
5/21 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
5/22 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
5/24 Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
5/25 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
5/26 Missoula, MT @ Badlander
6/1 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
6/2 Portland, OR @ Berbati’s Pan
6/4 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
6/5 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
6/6 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater
6/7 Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
6/9 Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
6/10 Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse
6/11 Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
6/12 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
6/14 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theatre
6/15 Austin, TX @ Mohawk
6/16 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
6/18 Orlando, FL @ Club at Firestone
6/19 Atlanta, GA @ The Loft
6/21 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
6/22 Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
6/23 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
6/24 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
6/25 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
hiphopdx.com
A.G. Gives Away His "Oasis" Album With O.C. For Free
by Jake Paine
This evening, veteran Bronx, New York emcee A.G. a/k/a Andre The Giant announced that he is giving away his 2009 album Oasis for free download. The effort, a collaboration with him and fellow Diggin' In The Crates emcee O.C. was released last October on Nature Sounds Records, and featured production from Lord Finesse, Show a/k/a Showbiz and Statik Selektah.
Asked why he was giving away the album released digitally, CD and on vinyl before its first anniversary, A.G. told HipHopDX, "
"Because first of all, O.C. and A.G. have always been about the music first," said Andre. "More importantly, this album need to be heard at a time like this in Hip Hop...D.I.T.C. for life."
The emcee behind such hits as "Next Level" and "Soul Clap" is presently at work on an album with Sadat X.
hiphopdx.com
This evening, veteran Bronx, New York emcee A.G. a/k/a Andre The Giant announced that he is giving away his 2009 album Oasis for free download. The effort, a collaboration with him and fellow Diggin' In The Crates emcee O.C. was released last October on Nature Sounds Records, and featured production from Lord Finesse, Show a/k/a Showbiz and Statik Selektah.
Asked why he was giving away the album released digitally, CD and on vinyl before its first anniversary, A.G. told HipHopDX, "
"Because first of all, O.C. and A.G. have always been about the music first," said Andre. "More importantly, this album need to be heard at a time like this in Hip Hop...D.I.T.C. for life."
The emcee behind such hits as "Next Level" and "Soul Clap" is presently at work on an album with Sadat X.
hiphopdx.com
Tony Austin Goes From Def Jam A&R To Rap Hopeful
by Sha'Linda Jeanine
In 2010's industry-minded crop of Rap fans, it's hard to gauge what is the dream job: rapper or A&R? Tony Austin hopes to achieve both.
HipHopDX recently spoke to Austin about his newfound start into the Rap world as an emcee and found that Tony’s ambitions to be an artist aren’t really new at all. “I’ve had the passion to be an artist for a while. I call it my little itch. You know, I just decided to just give it a shot real quick and see what happens to get it off my chest," said the industry vet. "It’s always good to start from the bottom and build your foundation. That way, you can stand on your own two feet in the end. Even being connected and everything, you can’t fool the public, so I can only give the people a part of me and hope that they accept it. Being connected [to the industry] a little has allowed me to test the records
and they’re being received really well. That’s why I did it from my own standpoint, with the Gangsta Grillz [mixtape]."
"Connected" could be an understatement. Tony Austin was an executive A&R for the most-profiled Rap label, Def Jam Records. There, he worked with such artists as DMX and Buddafly. Throughout that tenure, he remained an A&R consultant for the Island Def Jam parent company.
Having gone from label driver to label executive in his first run at the industry, Austin asserted that he's ready for the hard road to Rap stardom. “Some people care about what others think, and I don’t happen to be one of those people. I just go to work and keep my head down, and keep it moving. I don’t think it will make people minimize me because I’m sure that if a person was in the same positions as I was, that they took would take advantage of it to pursue their goals. Some people just don’t have the heart to pursue what they really want, so they talk about those that are making moves. That’s just a part of being a hater.”
It's bigger than Rap, as Austin hopes he can play a role in showcasing his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland properly. Within the city that famously played backdrop for The Wire, Austin owns elite nightclub, The 2 o'clock Club. By linking with another famous Interstate 95 warrior, DJ Drama, Austin delivers, The Influence a Gangsta Grillz-branded mixtape that features Gucci Mane, Beanie Sigel, OJ Da Juiceman, Yo Gotti and many others.
Working in A&R you’ve had to develop a lot of artist Tony hold himself to the same training and developmental tactics of other artist trying to make their mark. “Oh absolutely you know a lot of artist come out and they can be local or regional but operating from an A&R's mindset. You already know that you’re going to have to push it like it’s a national campaign. You have to treat your project on a broad scale. I hold myself up to the same standard whether I’m recording with Jay-Z or 50 Cent or whoever.”
hiiphopdx.com
In 2010's industry-minded crop of Rap fans, it's hard to gauge what is the dream job: rapper or A&R? Tony Austin hopes to achieve both.
HipHopDX recently spoke to Austin about his newfound start into the Rap world as an emcee and found that Tony’s ambitions to be an artist aren’t really new at all. “I’ve had the passion to be an artist for a while. I call it my little itch. You know, I just decided to just give it a shot real quick and see what happens to get it off my chest," said the industry vet. "It’s always good to start from the bottom and build your foundation. That way, you can stand on your own two feet in the end. Even being connected and everything, you can’t fool the public, so I can only give the people a part of me and hope that they accept it. Being connected [to the industry] a little has allowed me to test the records
and they’re being received really well. That’s why I did it from my own standpoint, with the Gangsta Grillz [mixtape]."
"Connected" could be an understatement. Tony Austin was an executive A&R for the most-profiled Rap label, Def Jam Records. There, he worked with such artists as DMX and Buddafly. Throughout that tenure, he remained an A&R consultant for the Island Def Jam parent company.
Having gone from label driver to label executive in his first run at the industry, Austin asserted that he's ready for the hard road to Rap stardom. “Some people care about what others think, and I don’t happen to be one of those people. I just go to work and keep my head down, and keep it moving. I don’t think it will make people minimize me because I’m sure that if a person was in the same positions as I was, that they took would take advantage of it to pursue their goals. Some people just don’t have the heart to pursue what they really want, so they talk about those that are making moves. That’s just a part of being a hater.”
It's bigger than Rap, as Austin hopes he can play a role in showcasing his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland properly. Within the city that famously played backdrop for The Wire, Austin owns elite nightclub, The 2 o'clock Club. By linking with another famous Interstate 95 warrior, DJ Drama, Austin delivers, The Influence a Gangsta Grillz-branded mixtape that features Gucci Mane, Beanie Sigel, OJ Da Juiceman, Yo Gotti and many others.
Working in A&R you’ve had to develop a lot of artist Tony hold himself to the same training and developmental tactics of other artist trying to make their mark. “Oh absolutely you know a lot of artist come out and they can be local or regional but operating from an A&R's mindset. You already know that you’re going to have to push it like it’s a national campaign. You have to treat your project on a broad scale. I hold myself up to the same standard whether I’m recording with Jay-Z or 50 Cent or whoever.”
hiiphopdx.com
Armageddon At Work On "The Journal," With Fat Joe, N.O.R.E.
by Sha'Linda Jeanine
For over a decade holding down the Terror Squad, Bronx lyricist Armageddon is ready to gain some individual recognition. The veteran emcee, producer and songwriter lent his talents to both Fat Joe and the late Big Pun, but like many of the male TS members, has yet to get individual acclaim for rhyme-writing that extends back to the fifth grade. 2010 may prove to be Geddy's breakthrough, as he recently told HipHopDX.
Speaking to DX just hours before shooting his star-studded single, including two Rap icons, and deejay legend Doo Wop, Geddy explained, "Right now I’m gearing up to do this video with Fat Joe and N.O.R.E. [It's to a video to the] remix to a song called, “It’s Over” We’re basically just pushing the street record it’s starting to get some spins. The next step is to keep putting out music and keep the content going. The album is called The Journal, but I’m actually thinking about switching the name to The Journal: Vol 1. The Rebirth."
"I had recently went out to Miami to help Joe with a project. Just being out there sparked a flame in me like something I haven’t felt in a while. I mean I’ve been working and writing all this time but I haven’t been in an environment with the big studio and all these creative people like Cool & Dre and it just sent me back home excited. It made me scrap a lot of the things I was working on and start working on all new material. I just have this whole new energy that you can hear in the remix now compared to the original. It was like I reconnected with Hip Hop."
Work On "The Journal," With Fat Joe, N.O.R.E.
DX
News
Armageddon At Work On "The Journal," With Fat Joe, N.O.R.E.
May 10, 2010 08:05:00 AM CDT | by Sha'Linda Jeanine
Share
For over a decade holding down the Terror Squad, Bronx lyricist Armageddon is ready to gain some individual recognition. The veteran emcee, producer and songwriter lent his talents to both Fat Joe and the late Big Pun
, but like many of the male TS members, has yet to get individual acclaim for rhyme-writing that extends back to the fifth grade. 2010 may prove to be Geddy's breakthrough, as he recently told HipHopDX.
Speaking to DX just hours before shooting his star-studded single, including two Rap icons, and deejay legend Doo Wop, Geddy explained, "Right now I’m gearing up to do this video with Fat Joe and N.O.R.E. [It's to a video to the] remix to a song called, “It’s Over” We’re basically just pushing the street record it’s starting to get some spins. The next step is to keep putting out music and keep the content going. The album is called The Journal, but I’m actually thinking about switching the name to The Journal: Vol 1. The Rebirth."
"I had recently went out to Miami to help Joe with a project. Just being out there sparked a flame in me like something I haven’t felt in a while. I mean I’ve been working and writing all this time but I haven’t been in an environment with the big studio and all these creative people like Cool & Dre and it just sent me back home excited. It made me scrap a lot of the things I was working on and start working on all new material. I just have this whole new energy that you can hear in the remix now compared to the original. It was like I reconnected with Hip Hop."
"I think the biggest difference for me as far as being in the forefront now versus being in the background is I was pretty much doing everything for everyone else. I was doing things for other people as opposed to myself. I evolved from that and really stepped up. I want to do this for me as opposed to helping everyone else. I’ve spent a lot of time helping others write their albums and come up with song ideas so I was kind of drained and wasn’t able to work on my own. Since I’ve stepped off a few years ago, I’ve had nothing but time to work on my stuff. I just needed to get away from my situation so I could focus on me. Now my craft can get better and I am my own brand."
hiphopdx.com
For over a decade holding down the Terror Squad, Bronx lyricist Armageddon is ready to gain some individual recognition. The veteran emcee, producer and songwriter lent his talents to both Fat Joe and the late Big Pun, but like many of the male TS members, has yet to get individual acclaim for rhyme-writing that extends back to the fifth grade. 2010 may prove to be Geddy's breakthrough, as he recently told HipHopDX.
Speaking to DX just hours before shooting his star-studded single, including two Rap icons, and deejay legend Doo Wop, Geddy explained, "Right now I’m gearing up to do this video with Fat Joe and N.O.R.E. [It's to a video to the] remix to a song called, “It’s Over” We’re basically just pushing the street record it’s starting to get some spins. The next step is to keep putting out music and keep the content going. The album is called The Journal, but I’m actually thinking about switching the name to The Journal: Vol 1. The Rebirth."
"I had recently went out to Miami to help Joe with a project. Just being out there sparked a flame in me like something I haven’t felt in a while. I mean I’ve been working and writing all this time but I haven’t been in an environment with the big studio and all these creative people like Cool & Dre and it just sent me back home excited. It made me scrap a lot of the things I was working on and start working on all new material. I just have this whole new energy that you can hear in the remix now compared to the original. It was like I reconnected with Hip Hop."
Work On "The Journal," With Fat Joe, N.O.R.E.
DX
News
Armageddon At Work On "The Journal," With Fat Joe, N.O.R.E.
May 10, 2010 08:05:00 AM CDT | by Sha'Linda Jeanine
Share
For over a decade holding down the Terror Squad, Bronx lyricist Armageddon is ready to gain some individual recognition. The veteran emcee, producer and songwriter lent his talents to both Fat Joe and the late Big Pun
, but like many of the male TS members, has yet to get individual acclaim for rhyme-writing that extends back to the fifth grade. 2010 may prove to be Geddy's breakthrough, as he recently told HipHopDX.
Speaking to DX just hours before shooting his star-studded single, including two Rap icons, and deejay legend Doo Wop, Geddy explained, "Right now I’m gearing up to do this video with Fat Joe and N.O.R.E. [It's to a video to the] remix to a song called, “It’s Over” We’re basically just pushing the street record it’s starting to get some spins. The next step is to keep putting out music and keep the content going. The album is called The Journal, but I’m actually thinking about switching the name to The Journal: Vol 1. The Rebirth."
"I had recently went out to Miami to help Joe with a project. Just being out there sparked a flame in me like something I haven’t felt in a while. I mean I’ve been working and writing all this time but I haven’t been in an environment with the big studio and all these creative people like Cool & Dre and it just sent me back home excited. It made me scrap a lot of the things I was working on and start working on all new material. I just have this whole new energy that you can hear in the remix now compared to the original. It was like I reconnected with Hip Hop."
"I think the biggest difference for me as far as being in the forefront now versus being in the background is I was pretty much doing everything for everyone else. I was doing things for other people as opposed to myself. I evolved from that and really stepped up. I want to do this for me as opposed to helping everyone else. I’ve spent a lot of time helping others write their albums and come up with song ideas so I was kind of drained and wasn’t able to work on my own. Since I’ve stepped off a few years ago, I’ve had nothing but time to work on my stuff. I just needed to get away from my situation so I could focus on me. Now my craft can get better and I am my own brand."
hiphopdx.com
RZA's "The Man With The Iron Fist" Film Picked Up By Universal
by Slava Kuperstein
The RZA's various extra-curricular interests are well-documented. Aside from producing Hip Hop albums
, The Abbot has scored movies like Ghost Dog and Kill Bill, acted in films such as Derailed and American Gangster. RZA has even dabbled in painting.
Now, RZA will see another project of his come to fruition. According to firstshowing.net, The Man With the Iron Fist, a movie which the producer wrote with Eli Roth, will be picked up by Universal, who will finance and distribute the project.
The movie, which will be a "stylized martial arts film," will star RZA as a blacksmith in a village in feudal China. RZA will also direct and score the film.
"While I was away shooting Inglourious Basterds, RZA went to China to shoot test footage on his own, with all the choreography," explained Roth, who wrote, produced and direct the Hostel series. "It was very visual and I think he will bring to life a script that mixes Kung Fu with a spaghetti western mindset and a Hip Hop influence. RZA has imagined every tribe, every fighting style, every costume," continued Roth. "He knows Kung Fu like I know horror."
Filming for The Man With the Iron Fist is expected to begin later this year.
hiphopdx.com
The RZA's various extra-curricular interests are well-documented. Aside from producing Hip Hop albums
, The Abbot has scored movies like Ghost Dog and Kill Bill, acted in films such as Derailed and American Gangster. RZA has even dabbled in painting.
Now, RZA will see another project of his come to fruition. According to firstshowing.net, The Man With the Iron Fist, a movie which the producer wrote with Eli Roth, will be picked up by Universal, who will finance and distribute the project.
The movie, which will be a "stylized martial arts film," will star RZA as a blacksmith in a village in feudal China. RZA will also direct and score the film.
"While I was away shooting Inglourious Basterds, RZA went to China to shoot test footage on his own, with all the choreography," explained Roth, who wrote, produced and direct the Hostel series. "It was very visual and I think he will bring to life a script that mixes Kung Fu with a spaghetti western mindset and a Hip Hop influence. RZA has imagined every tribe, every fighting style, every costume," continued Roth. "He knows Kung Fu like I know horror."
Filming for The Man With the Iron Fist is expected to begin later this year.
hiphopdx.com
New DVD Movie Explores Hip-Hop Industry Ups and Downs; Features Trick Daddy and Ja Rule
By Chris Richburg
The reality of those involved in the hip-hop industry take center stage in a new DVD movie featuring Miami rhymesayer Trick Daddy, The Wire’s Wood Harris rapper Ja Rule.
The film, titled Just Another Day, centers around two artists who work to achieve fame as well as maintain their status in the rap scene. Harris plays A-Maze, a legendary rapper who feels his place at the top slipping.
Fellow Wire actor Jamie Hector portrays Young Eastie, a rapper willing to do almost anything to make his make his dream of getting his first record deal a reality.
Eastie’s quest for stardom results in first-hand experience in dealing with the ups and downs of the hip-hop industry while harboring hopes of securing a deal through his hero, A-Maze.
In an effort to keep his dominance of the industry, A-Maze is willing to use anyone to stay on top – even Young Eastie.
In addition to Trick Daddy and Ja Rule, Just Another Day includes appearances from Lil Scrappy and Petey Pablo.
The 95-minute feature, helmed by Academy Award™ nominated director Peter Spirer, marks a reunion for Harris and Hector, who starred in The Wire during the show’s critically-acclaimed run on HBO.
Harris is best known for his role as drug kingpin Avon Barksdale in the first three seasons of the TV drama as well as its fifth and final season. Hector is noted for playing Marlo Stanfield, the leader of a rival gang that challenged Barksdale’s dominance.
Special features on the Just Another Day DVD include deleted scenes, the film’s trailer and a bonus feature titled A Hip Hop Hustle: The Making of Just Another Day.
The arrival of Just Another Day comes as Ja Rule gears up for the release his forthcoming album Venni Vetti Vecci 2010, which is scheduled to land in stores this summer. Pablo is reportedly in the studio working on his upcoming opus, A&R: Anticipated Recordings, while Lil Scrappy continues work on his third studio album, The Grustle.
The Just Another Day DVD and Blu-ray are slated to hit stores on July 20. A digital download of the film will also be available the same day. Prices are $27.98 for the DVD and $29.98 for the Blu-ray.
Pre-orders for the video begin on June 22.
allhiphop.com
The reality of those involved in the hip-hop industry take center stage in a new DVD movie featuring Miami rhymesayer Trick Daddy, The Wire’s Wood Harris rapper Ja Rule.
The film, titled Just Another Day, centers around two artists who work to achieve fame as well as maintain their status in the rap scene. Harris plays A-Maze, a legendary rapper who feels his place at the top slipping.
Fellow Wire actor Jamie Hector portrays Young Eastie, a rapper willing to do almost anything to make his make his dream of getting his first record deal a reality.
Eastie’s quest for stardom results in first-hand experience in dealing with the ups and downs of the hip-hop industry while harboring hopes of securing a deal through his hero, A-Maze.
In an effort to keep his dominance of the industry, A-Maze is willing to use anyone to stay on top – even Young Eastie.
In addition to Trick Daddy and Ja Rule, Just Another Day includes appearances from Lil Scrappy and Petey Pablo.
The 95-minute feature, helmed by Academy Award™ nominated director Peter Spirer, marks a reunion for Harris and Hector, who starred in The Wire during the show’s critically-acclaimed run on HBO.
Harris is best known for his role as drug kingpin Avon Barksdale in the first three seasons of the TV drama as well as its fifth and final season. Hector is noted for playing Marlo Stanfield, the leader of a rival gang that challenged Barksdale’s dominance.
Special features on the Just Another Day DVD include deleted scenes, the film’s trailer and a bonus feature titled A Hip Hop Hustle: The Making of Just Another Day.
The arrival of Just Another Day comes as Ja Rule gears up for the release his forthcoming album Venni Vetti Vecci 2010, which is scheduled to land in stores this summer. Pablo is reportedly in the studio working on his upcoming opus, A&R: Anticipated Recordings, while Lil Scrappy continues work on his third studio album, The Grustle.
The Just Another Day DVD and Blu-ray are slated to hit stores on July 20. A digital download of the film will also be available the same day. Prices are $27.98 for the DVD and $29.98 for the Blu-ray.
Pre-orders for the video begin on June 22.
allhiphop.com
Hip-Hop Takes Over NYC Parks During SummerStage
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) A number of influential Hip-Hop acts will take part in City Parks Foundation’s 25th annual SummerStage concert series.
Jay Electronica, Pharoahe Monch, Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Force M.D.’s, Roy Ayers, Kool, Herc, Nice and Smooth, The Awesome 2, EPMD, Brand Nubian, Gil Scot-Heron and others will hit the stage as part of Hip-Hop at SummerStage.
“Over SummerStage’s 25 year history, we have been responsible for bringing high quality, free concerts across all genres of music to the public," City Parks’ Executive Director David Rivel told AllHipHop.com. "Hip-Hop has always been well represented in our offerings because it is a musical genre that grew up in NYC alongside of SummerStage."
This year’s SummerStage will expand beyond Central Park and will include over 100 musical acts, in addition to dance and theater programs in all five boroughs of New York.
“Up-coming Hip-Hop stars and well established legends such as Q-Tip, KRS-One, Pete Rock and numerous others have performed at SummerStage,” Rivel stated. “Now with our expansion into all five boroughs of NYC, we are looking forward to bringing Hip-Hop music to more New Yorkers than ever before."
According to Rivel, this year’s SummerStage has a focus on groups that have their roots in New York. City Parks Foundation is the only nonprofit organization that offers park programs throughout New York City.
The Hip-Hop at SummerStage concert series kicks off June 1st with a performance by Jay Electronica in Red Hook Park in Brooklyn, on June 1st.
The series concludes August 15th in Central Park with a performance by Public Enemy, Blitz The Ambassador and 7th Octave.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) A number of influential Hip-Hop acts will take part in City Parks Foundation’s 25th annual SummerStage concert series.
Jay Electronica, Pharoahe Monch, Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Force M.D.’s, Roy Ayers, Kool, Herc, Nice and Smooth, The Awesome 2, EPMD, Brand Nubian, Gil Scot-Heron and others will hit the stage as part of Hip-Hop at SummerStage.
“Over SummerStage’s 25 year history, we have been responsible for bringing high quality, free concerts across all genres of music to the public," City Parks’ Executive Director David Rivel told AllHipHop.com. "Hip-Hop has always been well represented in our offerings because it is a musical genre that grew up in NYC alongside of SummerStage."
This year’s SummerStage will expand beyond Central Park and will include over 100 musical acts, in addition to dance and theater programs in all five boroughs of New York.
“Up-coming Hip-Hop stars and well established legends such as Q-Tip, KRS-One, Pete Rock and numerous others have performed at SummerStage,” Rivel stated. “Now with our expansion into all five boroughs of NYC, we are looking forward to bringing Hip-Hop music to more New Yorkers than ever before."
According to Rivel, this year’s SummerStage has a focus on groups that have their roots in New York. City Parks Foundation is the only nonprofit organization that offers park programs throughout New York City.
The Hip-Hop at SummerStage concert series kicks off June 1st with a performance by Jay Electronica in Red Hook Park in Brooklyn, on June 1st.
The series concludes August 15th in Central Park with a performance by Public Enemy, Blitz The Ambassador and 7th Octave.
allhiphop.com
Sheek Louch of Lox/d-Block Signs To Def Jam
By Houston Williams
(AllHipHop News) Sheek Louch, a member of the Lox/D-Block, has just signed a solo deal with Def Jam records, the rapper revealed this afternoon.
The move was unexpected by insiders, but Louch made the announcement to his fans.
Via his Twitter, he said, "Ya boy just signed a new deal...y'all can call me Donnie Def Jam now!!"
Sheek has been out of the limelight, unlike his Lox/D-Block counterparts. Jadakiss recently released anticipated mixtape "The Champ Is Here 3" and Styles P released his first novel, "Invincible."
The Lox were expected to re-sign with Diddy's Bad Boy records, there recording home in the 1990's, but Jadakiss recently said the group was looking at other options.
"That's onboard with a few offers," 'Kiss said. "It was in the making with Diddy. But after we put out that '[Ha Ha] Slow Down' remix, we got a few more calls in that's on the table right now," Jadakiss told MTV News. "They upped the ante. The ante got upped off a light freestyle. You see the impact? You feel that?"
allhiphop.com
Busta Rhymes Working On "Extinction Level Event 2"
By Houston Williams
The trend of album sequel continues with Busta Rhymes as the New York staple plans another chapter from from his 1998 opus E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front.
Busta's manger Chris Lighty sent out the message via Twitter. Lighty simply said, "Extinction.Level.Event 2 ......prepare yourself."
The message was subsequently retweeted by Busta Rhymes.
Like the first E.L.E. 2 is inspired by movies of pending destruction and doom on planet Earth, Lighty said.
"From the Intro of the new Busta Album your going to know your [sic] in trouble and you just turned on 2012 the movie on warp speed," he said.
E.L.E. yielded a number of popular songs including "Tear da Roof Off," "Do It to Death" and "What's It Gonna Be," a hit song that featured Janet Jackson.
E.L.E. also had an impressive line of producers like Busta Rhymes Nottz, DJ Scratch, Swizz Beatz, Rockwilder, Diamond D, D-Dot, Nasheim Myrick and others.
Extinction Level Event does not have a release date, but he was slated to release The Chemo, his ninth solo album, this summer.
Other artists that rose to prominence in the 90's have begun creating sequels to their most popular albums. Capone-n-Noreaga and GZA have sequel albums in the making.
Busta Rhymes recently released "Stop The Party," an unofficial theme song for "Iron Man 2 that features Swizz Beatz." Listen below.
Busta Rhymes featuring Swizz Beatz - Stop The PartybyHypetrak
allhiphop.com
The trend of album sequel continues with Busta Rhymes as the New York staple plans another chapter from from his 1998 opus E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front.
Busta's manger Chris Lighty sent out the message via Twitter. Lighty simply said, "Extinction.Level.Event 2 ......prepare yourself."
The message was subsequently retweeted by Busta Rhymes.
Like the first E.L.E. 2 is inspired by movies of pending destruction and doom on planet Earth, Lighty said.
"From the Intro of the new Busta Album your going to know your [sic] in trouble and you just turned on 2012 the movie on warp speed," he said.
E.L.E. yielded a number of popular songs including "Tear da Roof Off," "Do It to Death" and "What's It Gonna Be," a hit song that featured Janet Jackson.
E.L.E. also had an impressive line of producers like Busta Rhymes Nottz, DJ Scratch, Swizz Beatz, Rockwilder, Diamond D, D-Dot, Nasheim Myrick and others.
Extinction Level Event does not have a release date, but he was slated to release The Chemo, his ninth solo album, this summer.
Other artists that rose to prominence in the 90's have begun creating sequels to their most popular albums. Capone-n-Noreaga and GZA have sequel albums in the making.
Busta Rhymes recently released "Stop The Party," an unofficial theme song for "Iron Man 2 that features Swizz Beatz." Listen below.
Busta Rhymes featuring Swizz Beatz - Stop The PartybyHypetrak
allhiphop.com
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Duck Down Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary At Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival
by Jake Paine
As part of its 15 year anniversary, New York's
Duck Down Records will host a medley of performances at this year's Brooklyn
Hip Hop Festival. Taking place Saturday, July 10th from 12-8pm, the Tobbacco Warehouse and Brooklyn Bridge
Plaza will play host to the sixth annual event, produced by Brooklyn Bodega.
The label founded in 1995 by Dru-Ha and Black Moon frontman, Buckshot, will celebrate with performances from two of their flagship acts. Buckshot will be joined by DJ Evil Dee for one performance, with Da Beatminerz producer/deejay also staying "on the mix" for a performance from Smif-N-Wessun. Tek and General Steele will perform classics dating back to their 1995 debut Dah Shinin', before unveiling a new song from their forthcoming Pete Rock-produced LP, due later this year.
Wes Jackson, Executive Director of The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, said, "I am proud to say Duck Down has been involved with us since the festival’s beginning at the Brooklyn Brewery Yard in Williamsburg. This label has supported our mission of delivering positive Hip Hop music to the masses since Buckshot rocked with Little Brother in 2005, Sean Price took the stage in 2007 and Smif-N-Wessun rocked the festival last year. Congratulations to Dru, Noah, Buck and the whole Duck Down Family on 15 years. I look forward to seeing the whole team tear it down this year as they always do.”
Marketing Director for Duck Down, Noah Friedman, added, “Each Summer we look forward to the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. It is a perfect event for families of all ages, where the Brooklyn community comes together on the DUMBO waterfront to enjoy live music
, good food and cold drinks. For Duck Down, we've always felt like family to the Brooklyn Bodega team and are excited to once again have some of our most notorious groups from our roster perform on the main stage. It's especially fitting this year, as we celebrate our 15 year anniversary, that the groups who launched Duck Down are representing the label at this event.”
hiphopdx.com
As part of its 15 year anniversary, New York's
Duck Down Records will host a medley of performances at this year's Brooklyn
Hip Hop Festival. Taking place Saturday, July 10th from 12-8pm, the Tobbacco Warehouse and Brooklyn Bridge
Plaza will play host to the sixth annual event, produced by Brooklyn Bodega.
The label founded in 1995 by Dru-Ha and Black Moon frontman, Buckshot, will celebrate with performances from two of their flagship acts. Buckshot will be joined by DJ Evil Dee for one performance, with Da Beatminerz producer/deejay also staying "on the mix" for a performance from Smif-N-Wessun. Tek and General Steele will perform classics dating back to their 1995 debut Dah Shinin', before unveiling a new song from their forthcoming Pete Rock-produced LP, due later this year.
Wes Jackson, Executive Director of The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, said, "I am proud to say Duck Down has been involved with us since the festival’s beginning at the Brooklyn Brewery Yard in Williamsburg. This label has supported our mission of delivering positive Hip Hop music to the masses since Buckshot rocked with Little Brother in 2005, Sean Price took the stage in 2007 and Smif-N-Wessun rocked the festival last year. Congratulations to Dru, Noah, Buck and the whole Duck Down Family on 15 years. I look forward to seeing the whole team tear it down this year as they always do.”
Marketing Director for Duck Down, Noah Friedman, added, “Each Summer we look forward to the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. It is a perfect event for families of all ages, where the Brooklyn community comes together on the DUMBO waterfront to enjoy live music
, good food and cold drinks. For Duck Down, we've always felt like family to the Brooklyn Bodega team and are excited to once again have some of our most notorious groups from our roster perform on the main stage. It's especially fitting this year, as we celebrate our 15 year anniversary, that the groups who launched Duck Down are representing the label at this event.”
hiphopdx.com
Tyler Woods Breaks Through, Under 9th Wonder's Guidance
by Paul W Arnold
After several years in the shadows of some of Hip Hop’s most respected rhymers, singer/songwriter/producer Tyler Woods is finally getting a well-deserved spotlight on his still burgeoning career, thanks in large part to super-producer 9th Wonder.
“9th Wonder, first of all, is a really good brother,” said Tyler to HipHopDX last week. “And we all reside in the same place, which is North Carolina. And we came up at the [historically] black universities. [A few years ago] I actually was doing a song with Camp Lo and [9th’s people] called – [Camp Lo and I] did a song prior to that [one] called ‘Gotcha’ [back in 2005] – and [9th’s people] were like, ‘Yooo,’ and 9th asked, ‘Who is this guy? What’s up with Tyler Woods?’ And [so] they called me, I came down to Durham – shout out to bull city, shout out to Raleigh…Raleighwood [is] what we call it. And [I] went in the studio [with 9th] and it was history. We did a song called ‘Only Knew,’ which is the first song we ever did together, and [which is] featuring Styles P…”
Tyler subsequently signed to 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records (also home to Brooklyn spitter Skyzoo) and surfaced on 9th’s 2007 compilation release, The Dream Merchant Vol. 2, (on the Jozeemo led “It Ain’t Over”). The Raleigh, North Carolina native has since made notable appearances on Murs’ “Love And Appreciate II,” (the 9th produced track from 2008’s Murs For President), as well as on 9th and Buckshot’s most recent collabo LP, The Formula, (for the project’s Talib Kweli-assisted second single, “Hold It Down”). The Ski Beatz-remixed version of the aforementioned “Gotcha” featuring Tyler also surfaced formally last year on Camp Lo’s Stone And Rob: Caught On Tape.
While some Hip Hop heads view 9th Wonder strictly within the context of Soul-driven boom-bap Hip Hop creations, the former producer/deejay third of Little Brother has previously produced standout soundscapes for songbirds Destiny’s Child (“Girl”), Mary J. Blige (“Good Woman Down”) and Erykah Badu (“Honey”). And with Tyler Woods, 9th continues displaying his knack for crafting soulful R&B gems like “Prove Myself,” which showcases Tyler’s modern day Al Green steez over a stellar remake of The Sylvers classic Soul-Funk jam.
for the rest of the story go to:
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11168/title.tyler-woods-breaks-through-under-9th-wonders-guidance
After several years in the shadows of some of Hip Hop’s most respected rhymers, singer/songwriter/producer Tyler Woods is finally getting a well-deserved spotlight on his still burgeoning career, thanks in large part to super-producer 9th Wonder.
“9th Wonder, first of all, is a really good brother,” said Tyler to HipHopDX last week. “And we all reside in the same place, which is North Carolina. And we came up at the [historically] black universities. [A few years ago] I actually was doing a song with Camp Lo and [9th’s people] called – [Camp Lo and I] did a song prior to that [one] called ‘Gotcha’ [back in 2005] – and [9th’s people] were like, ‘Yooo,’ and 9th asked, ‘Who is this guy? What’s up with Tyler Woods?’ And [so] they called me, I came down to Durham – shout out to bull city, shout out to Raleigh…Raleighwood [is] what we call it. And [I] went in the studio [with 9th] and it was history. We did a song called ‘Only Knew,’ which is the first song we ever did together, and [which is] featuring Styles P…”
Tyler subsequently signed to 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records (also home to Brooklyn spitter Skyzoo) and surfaced on 9th’s 2007 compilation release, The Dream Merchant Vol. 2, (on the Jozeemo led “It Ain’t Over”). The Raleigh, North Carolina native has since made notable appearances on Murs’ “Love And Appreciate II,” (the 9th produced track from 2008’s Murs For President), as well as on 9th and Buckshot’s most recent collabo LP, The Formula, (for the project’s Talib Kweli-assisted second single, “Hold It Down”). The Ski Beatz-remixed version of the aforementioned “Gotcha” featuring Tyler also surfaced formally last year on Camp Lo’s Stone And Rob: Caught On Tape.
While some Hip Hop heads view 9th Wonder strictly within the context of Soul-driven boom-bap Hip Hop creations, the former producer/deejay third of Little Brother has previously produced standout soundscapes for songbirds Destiny’s Child (“Girl”), Mary J. Blige (“Good Woman Down”) and Erykah Badu (“Honey”). And with Tyler Woods, 9th continues displaying his knack for crafting soulful R&B gems like “Prove Myself,” which showcases Tyler’s modern day Al Green steez over a stellar remake of The Sylvers classic Soul-Funk jam.
for the rest of the story go to:
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11168/title.tyler-woods-breaks-through-under-9th-wonders-guidance
Sha Money XL Talks New Position At Def Jam, G-Unit
by Slava Kuperstein
Since before the time of G-Unit's meteoric rise to the top of the Hip Hop, Sha Money XL has been synonymous with the brand's name.
Now, the producer behind "Poor Lil Rich" and "This Is 50" has signed on to Def Jam to become the senior VP of A&R at the storied label. In an interview with MTV, Sha spoke on the new position, and where that leaves G-Unit.
"I've been floating around this industry since I've just been executive-producing 50 [Cent]'s albums," said Sha Money. "Freelancing, doing my own thing. I've been able to meet with L.A. Reid. We've been having some great conversations. Finally, the call came. It felt so good. Def Jam is such a strong company and strong roster. The staff is amazing. I felt it instantly. I knew that this is something I can do with my New York vision and New York swag and bring that for all the guys that's based out here. And the things that was needed to excite the industry as well, internally and externally. I connect with everybody by all levels."
XL expressed nothing but confidence, explaining, "I work good under pressure. Working with 50, I know what needs to get done. I don't feel pressure. I do the things that need to be done. As long as artists listen and we really become businessmen in this business, as we say we are, I think we should all prosper. I'm looking to make the company more money and take it to the top, the highest level."
Sha Money also broached the matter of brining G-Unit - including 50 Cent,, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo - to Def Jam. "I spoke to Fif, to [his manager Chris] Lighty. I would love to see that there," said Sha of the matter. "Banks has an amazing record right now, independently. If things work out, then yeah, I would love to see that happen."
The producer dismissed any concerns with bringing G-Unit to a label that has a number of rappers with whom the crew has beefed, including Rick Ross, Nas, Shyne
and DJ Khaled.
Currently, Sha Money is working to get Juelz Santana's album out.
hiphopdx.com
Since before the time of G-Unit's meteoric rise to the top of the Hip Hop, Sha Money XL has been synonymous with the brand's name.
Now, the producer behind "Poor Lil Rich" and "This Is 50" has signed on to Def Jam to become the senior VP of A&R at the storied label. In an interview with MTV, Sha spoke on the new position, and where that leaves G-Unit.
"I've been floating around this industry since I've just been executive-producing 50 [Cent]'s albums," said Sha Money. "Freelancing, doing my own thing. I've been able to meet with L.A. Reid. We've been having some great conversations. Finally, the call came. It felt so good. Def Jam is such a strong company and strong roster. The staff is amazing. I felt it instantly. I knew that this is something I can do with my New York vision and New York swag and bring that for all the guys that's based out here. And the things that was needed to excite the industry as well, internally and externally. I connect with everybody by all levels."
XL expressed nothing but confidence, explaining, "I work good under pressure. Working with 50, I know what needs to get done. I don't feel pressure. I do the things that need to be done. As long as artists listen and we really become businessmen in this business, as we say we are, I think we should all prosper. I'm looking to make the company more money and take it to the top, the highest level."
Sha Money also broached the matter of brining G-Unit - including 50 Cent,, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo - to Def Jam. "I spoke to Fif, to [his manager Chris] Lighty. I would love to see that there," said Sha of the matter. "Banks has an amazing record right now, independently. If things work out, then yeah, I would love to see that happen."
The producer dismissed any concerns with bringing G-Unit to a label that has a number of rappers with whom the crew has beefed, including Rick Ross, Nas, Shyne
and DJ Khaled.
Currently, Sha Money is working to get Juelz Santana's album out.
hiphopdx.com
Rakaa of Dilated Peoples Announces 'Crown of Thorns'
By Morris Moore
(AllHipHop News) Rakaa of Dilated Peoples has announced plans to release his debut solo album Crown of Thorns this July.
Rakaa was featured on four albums as a member of Dilated Peoples. For his first solo album, he will touch upon political issues, relationships, family and culture.
Production on Crown of Thorns will be handled by Evidence, The Alchemist, DJ Babu, El-P, Eric Bobo & DJ Rhettmatic, Exile, King Jahzzy, Sid Roams and !llmind.
"This record is my opportunity to give context so people understand more what I'm trying to do," Rakaa stated. "It's the first time I'm really making a conscious decision to sit down and let somebody come into my house, and after all of this time, I'm welcoming all guests."
The rapper’s debut solo album already features guest appearances by KRS-One, Defari, Chali 2na, Fashawn, Aloe Blacc, Roscoe Umali, Tasha (Yoon Mi Rae), Tiger JK and Tablo and Mithra Jin of Epik High.
In related news, Rakaa has almost earned his black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Crown of Thorns is due in stores July 20th on Decon Records.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Rakaa of Dilated Peoples has announced plans to release his debut solo album Crown of Thorns this July.
Rakaa was featured on four albums as a member of Dilated Peoples. For his first solo album, he will touch upon political issues, relationships, family and culture.
Production on Crown of Thorns will be handled by Evidence, The Alchemist, DJ Babu, El-P, Eric Bobo & DJ Rhettmatic, Exile, King Jahzzy, Sid Roams and !llmind.
"This record is my opportunity to give context so people understand more what I'm trying to do," Rakaa stated. "It's the first time I'm really making a conscious decision to sit down and let somebody come into my house, and after all of this time, I'm welcoming all guests."
The rapper’s debut solo album already features guest appearances by KRS-One, Defari, Chali 2na, Fashawn, Aloe Blacc, Roscoe Umali, Tasha (Yoon Mi Rae), Tiger JK and Tablo and Mithra Jin of Epik High.
In related news, Rakaa has almost earned his black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Crown of Thorns is due in stores July 20th on Decon Records.
allhiphop.com
Rapper Seeks to Break Guinness Record With 52 Hour Freestyle
By: Ismael AbduSalaam
(AllHipHop News) Today (May 3) DJ Green Arrow is seeking to establish a new Guinness record by embarking on 52 hour freestyle.
Arrow, who is based out of Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, will start freestyling this afternoon.
The majority of the rhymes will be in 12 hour intervals, with the rapper taking hour breaks to recover before stopping at 52 hours.
Naming the event “Suckas Need Bodyguards,” DJ Green Arrow is framing his event as a tribute to recently deceased legends Guru and Roc Raida, and all Hip-Hop fans worldwide. Also, the rapper has emphasized that all his rhymes will be 100% improvised and inspired by what he sees.
“5.5 hours until I begin rapping for 12 hours, taking an hour break, and then repeating that 4 times,” Arrow posted on his Facebook page earlier this morning. “[I’m] stopping when I get to the showing of "The Other Side of Hip Hop", at Maysles Cinema, 7PM [on] Wednesday night (May 5). 52 hours is a lot and there is always something to rhyme about in New York City.”
Before arriving at Harlem’s Maysles Cinema, Arrow plans to make stops in every New York borough along with brief visits to northern New Jersey and Bridgeport, Connecticut over the next two days.
Fans interested in viewing updates through Wednesday can visit DJ Green Arrow’s personal website at www.djgreenarrow.com or his Facebook account (www.facebook.com/djgreenarrow).
Correction: The current official holder of the world record is Wu-Tang Clan affiliate M-Eight, with a time of 9 hours, 15 minutes and 15 seconds.
allhiphop.com
Obie Trice Announces New Album; Confirms Em For 'Bottom's Up'
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) Detroit rapper Obie Trice will try his hand as an executive with the launch of his new label, Black Market Entertainment LLC.
On May 7th, Obie will officially launch the label with various music executives at Via Nove, a metro-Detroit restaurant located in Ferndale.
Artists scheduled to attend the “Obie Experience” include Eminem, Akon, D12, Dr. Dre, Trick Trick, DJ House Shoes, Chris Webber, Jerome Bettis, Royce Da 5’9 and others.
“Recognition for Detroit artist is a must, and Black Market Entertainment will be a conduit,” Obie Trice told AllHipHop.com in a statement.
Obie has inked a distribution deal with Universal for his upcoming album fourth solo album Bottom’s Up, which is slated to hit stores this year.
Although Obie Trice is no longer an artist on Eminem’s Shady Records imprint, the two remain friends and Bottom’s Up will feature an appearance by Eminem.
The launch party for Obie Trice’s Black Market Entertainment takes place from 7-9pm, followed by an after party from 10pm-2am at Via Nove with music by DJ Salam Wreck.
A portion of all the proceeds will be donated to the Southeastern Michigan Pop Warner Youth Football and Cheer League.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Detroit rapper Obie Trice will try his hand as an executive with the launch of his new label, Black Market Entertainment LLC.
On May 7th, Obie will officially launch the label with various music executives at Via Nove, a metro-Detroit restaurant located in Ferndale.
Artists scheduled to attend the “Obie Experience” include Eminem, Akon, D12, Dr. Dre, Trick Trick, DJ House Shoes, Chris Webber, Jerome Bettis, Royce Da 5’9 and others.
“Recognition for Detroit artist is a must, and Black Market Entertainment will be a conduit,” Obie Trice told AllHipHop.com in a statement.
Obie has inked a distribution deal with Universal for his upcoming album fourth solo album Bottom’s Up, which is slated to hit stores this year.
Although Obie Trice is no longer an artist on Eminem’s Shady Records imprint, the two remain friends and Bottom’s Up will feature an appearance by Eminem.
The launch party for Obie Trice’s Black Market Entertainment takes place from 7-9pm, followed by an after party from 10pm-2am at Via Nove with music by DJ Salam Wreck.
A portion of all the proceeds will be donated to the Southeastern Michigan Pop Warner Youth Football and Cheer League.
allhiphop.com
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