Monday, July 12, 2010
Ras Kass' "A.D.I.D.A.S." 2CD Coming July 20
by Jake Paine
Veteran lyricist Ras Kass campaigned with fans to release his upcoming album, A.D.I.D.A.S. Fans could pay to pre-order the album and reserve special bonus materials from Ras Kass, including a vinyl version of the release. Today it was announced that A.D.I.D.A.S. will be readied for a July 20 release.
Additionally, Ras revealed that A.D.I.D.A.S. will be a 2CD. Details of the release are still confirming. In March, DJ Rhettmatic, who worked extensively on the album, said that the project would feature production from The Alchemist, DJ Babu and Mr. Porter. Guest verses are said to come courtesy of Jean Grae, Royce Da 5'9", Strong Arm Steady, Evidence, Fashawn, Planet Asia." That information however is several months old.
This week, Ras Kass told HipHopDX, "This project is about that core group of people that wanted a CD, and showed me they wanted a physical CD. What they'll get, and I don't want to ruin the surprises, is much more than a CD. When we ship them shits out and hit me on Facebook or Twitter - and hopefully they hit me and say, 'I got my shit, and I love it!' We put 110% in it, but the success story is that we accomplished what the fuck we tried to do."
Fans can purchase A.D.I.D.A.S. on http://www.savetheraskass.com/pre-order.htm.
hiphopdx.com
Veteran lyricist Ras Kass campaigned with fans to release his upcoming album, A.D.I.D.A.S. Fans could pay to pre-order the album and reserve special bonus materials from Ras Kass, including a vinyl version of the release. Today it was announced that A.D.I.D.A.S. will be readied for a July 20 release.
Additionally, Ras revealed that A.D.I.D.A.S. will be a 2CD. Details of the release are still confirming. In March, DJ Rhettmatic, who worked extensively on the album, said that the project would feature production from The Alchemist, DJ Babu and Mr. Porter. Guest verses are said to come courtesy of Jean Grae, Royce Da 5'9", Strong Arm Steady, Evidence, Fashawn, Planet Asia." That information however is several months old.
This week, Ras Kass told HipHopDX, "This project is about that core group of people that wanted a CD, and showed me they wanted a physical CD. What they'll get, and I don't want to ruin the surprises, is much more than a CD. When we ship them shits out and hit me on Facebook or Twitter - and hopefully they hit me and say, 'I got my shit, and I love it!' We put 110% in it, but the success story is that we accomplished what the fuck we tried to do."
Fans can purchase A.D.I.D.A.S. on http://www.savetheraskass.com/pre-order.htm.
hiphopdx.com
Raekwon Talks Frauenfeld Open Air Festival, Recording "Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang"
by Jake Paine
Tomorrow, Raekwon will be in Switzerland, alongside Jay-Z, Eminem, Brother Ali, Tech N9ne and other emcees for the 2010 Frauenfeld Open Air Festival. As he set to leave the States yesterday, Raekwon spoke about the opportunity. "Number one, for me, I love to travel. Ever since my career started, we've been doing a lot of traveling around the world. I don't just go just for the money, I go for the experience." Having just been a headliner with Ghostface Killah and Method Man at last month's annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Raekwon compared these outdoor festival-themed performances to his career built in clubs and small, indoor venues. "Havin' fun, buildin' a new fan-base, that's what it's about for me as an artist. I like to get in front of people that really ain't too familiar, but you can see the interest in the air. You can feel it. I like gettin' in front of crowds, whether it's 1,000 people or 50,000 people. So when I get the chance to do these festivals, I know not everybody is not a Raekwon fan. But after the show, I definitely make sure they can recognize and respect what I can do."
After last year's monumental comeback album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II along with Rae's first dealing with Def Jam, this year's mini-group album, Wu-Massacre, Raekwon spoke about his increased demand to perform across the globe. "It feels great to still be one of the guys in the game that still has that opportunity to tour. That's the main thing that's important to me: to still have that prestigious name, and to be able to do venues all over the world. When you get to the level of bein' in the game as long as I have, to even have people thinkin' about you, that means a lot to me." The Chef asserted, "This is somethin' I love to do, for real."
Next week, Raekwon's H20 label will be hard at work, releasing Capone-N-Noreaga's The War Report 2 album, which he executive produced. "I feel like these guys worked really hard on this album," said the emcee who appears on three of the LP's song. "I'm gonna make it my business to be wherever they are." With his own sequel last year exceding sales estimates, Rae spoke to the release's business in saying, "Whether it sells a million records or whether it sells 1,000 records, I know that this is a great project for me and H20 Water, and we just want to be there for them." Beyond the numbers, the 17-year Rap veteran also reminded fans that they asked for this album. "This is an album that everybody's been waiting for - War Report 2. I hope a lot of the fans that went out and supported [The War Report] can get 2. It's only right. If you say you love Hip Hop, you're gonna support these guys."
Lastly, Raekwon revealed his own album plans. In a year that began with Wu-Massacre in March, Raekwon has been actively recording his fifth solo album. Although the Wu-Tang Clan is believed to be totally unified, Rae is maintaining a title he first introduced amidst some inner-controversy after the group's 8 Diagrams release in 2007. "I got a project that I spoke on a while ago called Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, it's definitely going to be an action-packed record. This is gonna be somethin' for the Wu fans." However, as initially reported years ago, this album will not be a criticism of any of his Wu brethren. "There's no derogatory messages in it to play each one of us or anybody. It's just a great album. For anybody that loves that Wu-Tang sound, yeah, that's what we're doing."
Raekwon will perform with tomorrow's acts at the 2010 Frauenfeld Open Air Festival.
hiphopdx.com
Tomorrow, Raekwon will be in Switzerland, alongside Jay-Z, Eminem, Brother Ali, Tech N9ne and other emcees for the 2010 Frauenfeld Open Air Festival. As he set to leave the States yesterday, Raekwon spoke about the opportunity. "Number one, for me, I love to travel. Ever since my career started, we've been doing a lot of traveling around the world. I don't just go just for the money, I go for the experience." Having just been a headliner with Ghostface Killah and Method Man at last month's annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Raekwon compared these outdoor festival-themed performances to his career built in clubs and small, indoor venues. "Havin' fun, buildin' a new fan-base, that's what it's about for me as an artist. I like to get in front of people that really ain't too familiar, but you can see the interest in the air. You can feel it. I like gettin' in front of crowds, whether it's 1,000 people or 50,000 people. So when I get the chance to do these festivals, I know not everybody is not a Raekwon fan. But after the show, I definitely make sure they can recognize and respect what I can do."
After last year's monumental comeback album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II along with Rae's first dealing with Def Jam, this year's mini-group album, Wu-Massacre, Raekwon spoke about his increased demand to perform across the globe. "It feels great to still be one of the guys in the game that still has that opportunity to tour. That's the main thing that's important to me: to still have that prestigious name, and to be able to do venues all over the world. When you get to the level of bein' in the game as long as I have, to even have people thinkin' about you, that means a lot to me." The Chef asserted, "This is somethin' I love to do, for real."
Next week, Raekwon's H20 label will be hard at work, releasing Capone-N-Noreaga's The War Report 2 album, which he executive produced. "I feel like these guys worked really hard on this album," said the emcee who appears on three of the LP's song. "I'm gonna make it my business to be wherever they are." With his own sequel last year exceding sales estimates, Rae spoke to the release's business in saying, "Whether it sells a million records or whether it sells 1,000 records, I know that this is a great project for me and H20 Water, and we just want to be there for them." Beyond the numbers, the 17-year Rap veteran also reminded fans that they asked for this album. "This is an album that everybody's been waiting for - War Report 2. I hope a lot of the fans that went out and supported [The War Report] can get 2. It's only right. If you say you love Hip Hop, you're gonna support these guys."
Lastly, Raekwon revealed his own album plans. In a year that began with Wu-Massacre in March, Raekwon has been actively recording his fifth solo album. Although the Wu-Tang Clan is believed to be totally unified, Rae is maintaining a title he first introduced amidst some inner-controversy after the group's 8 Diagrams release in 2007. "I got a project that I spoke on a while ago called Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, it's definitely going to be an action-packed record. This is gonna be somethin' for the Wu fans." However, as initially reported years ago, this album will not be a criticism of any of his Wu brethren. "There's no derogatory messages in it to play each one of us or anybody. It's just a great album. For anybody that loves that Wu-Tang sound, yeah, that's what we're doing."
Raekwon will perform with tomorrow's acts at the 2010 Frauenfeld Open Air Festival.
hiphopdx.com
Mid-Year Album Sales Down 11% From 2009
by Jake Paine
Nielsen has released their half-year report on music sales, which was republished in part by Digital Music News. With quarterly glimpses included, the list compares 2010 album sales at mid-year versus 2009.
Key points note that overall, music sales are down 11% between the two years. However, looking specifically at formats, CD sales are down nearly 18%, while digital album sales have climbed just under 14%. The oldest of the three reported formats, vinyl, is up just below 10% as compared to last year.
The report noted that last month's Eminem album, Recovery, having sold over 740,000 first week units, was the first to do so since AC/DC's 2008 album Black Ice.
2010 Rap albums to reach gold include Recovery, Drake's Thank Me Later and Lil Wayne's Rebirth.
Visit Digital Music News for the full report.
hiphopdx.com
Nielsen has released their half-year report on music sales, which was republished in part by Digital Music News. With quarterly glimpses included, the list compares 2010 album sales at mid-year versus 2009.
Key points note that overall, music sales are down 11% between the two years. However, looking specifically at formats, CD sales are down nearly 18%, while digital album sales have climbed just under 14%. The oldest of the three reported formats, vinyl, is up just below 10% as compared to last year.
The report noted that last month's Eminem album, Recovery, having sold over 740,000 first week units, was the first to do so since AC/DC's 2008 album Black Ice.
2010 Rap albums to reach gold include Recovery, Drake's Thank Me Later and Lil Wayne's Rebirth.
Visit Digital Music News for the full report.
hiphopdx.com
Blu's "Her Favorite Col(u)r" To Get 2CD Deluxe Release
by Jake Paine
From his 2007 Below The Heavens album with Exile to his 2008 LP with Mainframe Johnson & Jonson, Los Angeles' Blu has captivated audiences, garnering numerous HipHopDX Year End Awards and others. Now signed to Warner Brothers at work on his major label debut, the emcee/producer will formally unveil his unreleased debut, Her Favorite Colo(u)r.
Nature Sounds Records is poised to release Blu's mid-'00s album August 24, featuring acts such as TiRon, Sene and Strange Fruit Project's Myth. Aside from one song, the entire album is produced by Blu.
To add to the fanfare, Nature Sounds and Blu have also included another unreleased Blu project, The Godlee Barnes LP as a bonus disc within this deluxe packaging.
"Every project I approach, I don’t want it to sound like anything else," Blu said in a statement. “I feel like I’m going to be producing a lot longer than I’ll be rapping."
Similar releases have taken place in the past with fellow California artists such as U-N-I and Murs.
hiphopdx.com
From his 2007 Below The Heavens album with Exile to his 2008 LP with Mainframe Johnson & Jonson, Los Angeles' Blu has captivated audiences, garnering numerous HipHopDX Year End Awards and others. Now signed to Warner Brothers at work on his major label debut, the emcee/producer will formally unveil his unreleased debut, Her Favorite Colo(u)r.
Nature Sounds Records is poised to release Blu's mid-'00s album August 24, featuring acts such as TiRon, Sene and Strange Fruit Project's Myth. Aside from one song, the entire album is produced by Blu.
To add to the fanfare, Nature Sounds and Blu have also included another unreleased Blu project, The Godlee Barnes LP as a bonus disc within this deluxe packaging.
"Every project I approach, I don’t want it to sound like anything else," Blu said in a statement. “I feel like I’m going to be producing a lot longer than I’ll be rapping."
Similar releases have taken place in the past with fellow California artists such as U-N-I and Murs.
hiphopdx.com
Ol Dirty's Masters Being Sold For 'Peanuts' According To Former Manager
by Mike Winslow
(AllHipHop News) The battle over Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s final album rages on between his manager Jarred Weisfeld and the rapper‘s widow, Icelene Jones.
Family members have publicly accused Icelene Jones of squandering money and opportunities that would benefit Ol Dirty‘s estate and other children.
According to Weisfeld, Icelene Jones sold the rights to an upcoming Ol Dirty album titled A Son Unique and then spent the money on herself.
"She sold out for peanuts," Weisfeld told The New York Post of Jones' business deal for the album.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard died of a heart attack induced by drug use in November of 2004.
Weisfeld and Icelene Jones remain embroiled in a court dispute in Brooklyn Surrogate Court.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) The battle over Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s final album rages on between his manager Jarred Weisfeld and the rapper‘s widow, Icelene Jones.
Family members have publicly accused Icelene Jones of squandering money and opportunities that would benefit Ol Dirty‘s estate and other children.
According to Weisfeld, Icelene Jones sold the rights to an upcoming Ol Dirty album titled A Son Unique and then spent the money on herself.
"She sold out for peanuts," Weisfeld told The New York Post of Jones' business deal for the album.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard died of a heart attack induced by drug use in November of 2004.
Weisfeld and Icelene Jones remain embroiled in a court dispute in Brooklyn Surrogate Court.
allhiphop.com
Miles Davis Former Bassist Sues Rapper Snoop Dogg Over Samples
By Nolan Strong
(AllHipHop News) Snoop Dogg and a number of other West Coast rappers are being sued by a legendary bassist who claims the artists illegally sampled a record and never paid him.
Michael Henderson cut his teeth touring with Stevie Wonder and recording extensively with Miles Davis, before he launched a successful solo career and released eight critically acclaimed albums.
His music has been sampled by artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G. and others.
Lawyers for Henderson filed a lawsuit against Snoop Dogg, MC Eiht, Goldie Lo, Kam, Doggy Style Records and Universal Music on Tuesday (July 6th).
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District, Snoop and company illegally sampled “Riding,” a song on Henderson’s 1979 album Do It All.
Henderson accuses the rappers of incorporating his music into their song “Riding” and also “Hands on the Wheel,“ which were both available for stream, download and purchase.
In the complaint, Henderson claims “Flashbacks” featuring Warzone (Goldie Loc, Kam and MC Eiht) was released on a mixtape, which was used to promote Snoop’s album Ego Trippin’, which was released in March of 2008.
Henderson also says “Hands on the Wheel” illegally incorporated his music and was used to boost ticket sales for Snoop’s West Fest tour in June of 2008.
Henderson is suing for copyright infringement, unfair competition and unjust enrichment. He is seeking unspecified damages in a trial by jury.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Snoop Dogg and a number of other West Coast rappers are being sued by a legendary bassist who claims the artists illegally sampled a record and never paid him.
Michael Henderson cut his teeth touring with Stevie Wonder and recording extensively with Miles Davis, before he launched a successful solo career and released eight critically acclaimed albums.
His music has been sampled by artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G. and others.
Lawyers for Henderson filed a lawsuit against Snoop Dogg, MC Eiht, Goldie Lo, Kam, Doggy Style Records and Universal Music on Tuesday (July 6th).
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District, Snoop and company illegally sampled “Riding,” a song on Henderson’s 1979 album Do It All.
Henderson accuses the rappers of incorporating his music into their song “Riding” and also “Hands on the Wheel,“ which were both available for stream, download and purchase.
In the complaint, Henderson claims “Flashbacks” featuring Warzone (Goldie Loc, Kam and MC Eiht) was released on a mixtape, which was used to promote Snoop’s album Ego Trippin’, which was released in March of 2008.
Henderson also says “Hands on the Wheel” illegally incorporated his music and was used to boost ticket sales for Snoop’s West Fest tour in June of 2008.
Henderson is suing for copyright infringement, unfair competition and unjust enrichment. He is seeking unspecified damages in a trial by jury.
allhiphop.com
Rapper DMC Bestows 'Jam Master' Title Upon DJ Scratch
By Grouchy Greg Watkins
(AllHipHop News) Legendary DJ Scratch has revealed to AllHipHop.com that he will change his well known moniker to DJ Jam Master Scratch, with the support of founding Run-DMC member, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.
As DJ Scratch, the veteran turntablist/producer has worked with EPMD, DMX, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent.
In 1988 Run-DMC helped Scratch gain entry into the music business as the DJ for their “Run’s House World Tour.”
In 1988 on the tour, Scratch befriended Jam Master Jay, who recommended him to rap group EPMD. Scratch has been with EPMD ever since, in addition to becoming a world renowned battle DJ and producer.
At 8:00 PM, Jam Master Scratch will air footage of DMC proclaiming him the next official “Jam Master.”
“I dropped so many tears about this,” Jam Master Scratch told AllHipHop.com. “Me being recognized for my 22 years of work by a king [DMC], is my ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’”
Jam Master Jay was gunned down in his Hollis, Queens recording studio on October 30, 2002. The legendary DJ’s murder still remains unsolved.
"I will continue to represent JMJ. Only practice makes a real Jam Master," Jam Master Scratch said, quoting the song “Jam Master Jay,” Run-DMC’s familiar ode to the late DJ.
To witness DMC renaming DJ Scratch to Jam Master Scratch, visit www.scratchvision.com.
allhiphop.com
(AllHipHop News) Legendary DJ Scratch has revealed to AllHipHop.com that he will change his well known moniker to DJ Jam Master Scratch, with the support of founding Run-DMC member, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels.
As DJ Scratch, the veteran turntablist/producer has worked with EPMD, DMX, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent.
In 1988 Run-DMC helped Scratch gain entry into the music business as the DJ for their “Run’s House World Tour.”
In 1988 on the tour, Scratch befriended Jam Master Jay, who recommended him to rap group EPMD. Scratch has been with EPMD ever since, in addition to becoming a world renowned battle DJ and producer.
At 8:00 PM, Jam Master Scratch will air footage of DMC proclaiming him the next official “Jam Master.”
“I dropped so many tears about this,” Jam Master Scratch told AllHipHop.com. “Me being recognized for my 22 years of work by a king [DMC], is my ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’”
Jam Master Jay was gunned down in his Hollis, Queens recording studio on October 30, 2002. The legendary DJ’s murder still remains unsolved.
"I will continue to represent JMJ. Only practice makes a real Jam Master," Jam Master Scratch said, quoting the song “Jam Master Jay,” Run-DMC’s familiar ode to the late DJ.
To witness DMC renaming DJ Scratch to Jam Master Scratch, visit www.scratchvision.com.
allhiphop.com
Kool G Rap Prepares New Album With Renewed Passion
By Houston Williams
(AllHipHop.com) Lyrical icon Kool G Rap is preparing a new, untitled album and told AllHipHop.com it has been a long time since he's been so excited about his music.
"I haven't been this passionate about s**tin a long time, so when someone asks me a question about it I got so much s**t to say, its not just recording a song, this is spilling my f**king guts out there," the Corona Queens native told AllHipHop.com.
He also said that this looming album would reveal parts of storied life never told before.
"This is G Rap right here, from childhood to adulthood. This is the part that I'ma give the people," he continued.
Kool G Rap even alluded to losing the passion for Hip-Hop music, even though he is widely regarded as one of the best the genre has offered.
"This is G Rap being excited about even doing this s**t again. There's been times in my life I lost interest, or even desire to do this s**t. But this, is me." he said.
Kool G Rap began his career in the late 80's and is credited with ushering in a new wave of lyricism to Hip-Hop with others like Big Daddy Kane and Rakim. He released seminal albums like Road to the Riches, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Live and Let Die along with DJ Polo. His last work was 2008's Half a Klip.
allhiphop.com
Eminem Stays At No. 1, Expected To Break Platinum
By Houston Williams
Eminem’s new album Recovery will remain the top seller on both the American and UK charts for a second week.
The album sold over 700k in its first week and is expected to bypass platinum with the sales numbers are finally tabulated. Early reports suggest Eminem will push and additional 320-340k in the United States.
The Dream is expected to sell between 55 and 60k copies of his Love King.
Eminem’s single, "Love The Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna, has soared on the singles charts and the Detroit rapper has several other album cuts on the Billboard 100.
Recovery debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's European Albums chart as well as the American chart.
A full sales report will be released in AllHipHop’s ChartWatch, a weekly feature.
allhiphop.com
Eminem’s new album Recovery will remain the top seller on both the American and UK charts for a second week.
The album sold over 700k in its first week and is expected to bypass platinum with the sales numbers are finally tabulated. Early reports suggest Eminem will push and additional 320-340k in the United States.
The Dream is expected to sell between 55 and 60k copies of his Love King.
Eminem’s single, "Love The Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna, has soared on the singles charts and the Detroit rapper has several other album cuts on the Billboard 100.
Recovery debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's European Albums chart as well as the American chart.
A full sales report will be released in AllHipHop’s ChartWatch, a weekly feature.
allhiphop.com
Producer EP Sues Mack 10 For $100G's Over Unpaid Royalties
By Roman Wolfe
Producer Ervin “EP” Pope filed a lawsuit against rapper Mack 10 and his record label Hoo Bangin’ Entertainment, claiming he is owed hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in unpaid royalties.
EP claims he was never compensated for production work on two tracks featured on Mack 10’s album Soft White.
According to the lawsuit, EP claims Mack 10 orally agreed to pay a total of $60,000, for producing the songs “It’s Your Life” and “Big Balla.”
EP is seeking at least $100,000 from Mack 10 in addition to his share of unpaid royalties from sales of the album Soft White and the two songs in question.
Pope has produced tracks for a number of established artists, including Jay-Z, Twista, Kanye West Snoop Dogg, The Game and others.
allhiphop.com
Producer Ervin “EP” Pope filed a lawsuit against rapper Mack 10 and his record label Hoo Bangin’ Entertainment, claiming he is owed hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in unpaid royalties.
EP claims he was never compensated for production work on two tracks featured on Mack 10’s album Soft White.
According to the lawsuit, EP claims Mack 10 orally agreed to pay a total of $60,000, for producing the songs “It’s Your Life” and “Big Balla.”
EP is seeking at least $100,000 from Mack 10 in addition to his share of unpaid royalties from sales of the album Soft White and the two songs in question.
Pope has produced tracks for a number of established artists, including Jay-Z, Twista, Kanye West Snoop Dogg, The Game and others.
allhiphop.com
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