Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Inspectah Deck, 7L & Esoteric's "Czarface" Re-Released, 7" Vinyl Coming
by Jake Paine
The new version will also include a bonus track, "Rock Beast (Death Czar Remix)."
Additionally, Brick has partnered with neighboring Get On Down Records to make the promotional cassette tape copies of Czarface available to the public. The labels will also release a 7" in April of "Czardi Gras (It's Raw Again)," featuring Action Bronson. This is an alternate 7L remix of the original track, "It's Raw," as heard on the album. The track is backed by "Wake Up Show Promo," an homage to the longtime radio and later television show by Sway & King Tech. The vinyl also comes with picture cover sleeve, as pictured below:
hiphopdx.com
"Czarface" gets a facelift, a
digipak and a bonus track. Additionally, the trio partners with Get On
Down Records to release cassette copies and do a 7" vinyl of two
unreleased tracks.
Brick Records announced today that this year's Czarface
album, a full-length collaboration between Wu-Tang Clan member
Inspectah Deck and veteran Boston, Massachusetts duo 7L & Esoteric
has sold out initial CD pressings. Those pressings included pop-up
artwork when the CD jacket was opened. The independent album featuring Ghostface Killah, Vinnie Paz and Action Bronson has been re-released to a digipak with slightly new artwork.The new version will also include a bonus track, "Rock Beast (Death Czar Remix)."
Additionally, Brick has partnered with neighboring Get On Down Records to make the promotional cassette tape copies of Czarface available to the public. The labels will also release a 7" in April of "Czardi Gras (It's Raw Again)," featuring Action Bronson. This is an alternate 7L remix of the original track, "It's Raw," as heard on the album. The track is backed by "Wake Up Show Promo," an homage to the longtime radio and later television show by Sway & King Tech. The vinyl also comes with picture cover sleeve, as pictured below:
hiphopdx.com
Mathematics (Wu-Tang Clan) "Prelude To The Answer" Mixtape Download & Stream
by Omar Burgess
“I'm excited about the album and can't wait for it to drop,” Mathematics offered via written statement. “I put a lot of time, sweat and energy into this project and hope that overall my musical growth and development reflect in the finished product.”
With 2013 marking the 20 year anniversary of Wu-Tang Clan’s collective debut, Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, fans are anticipating more new music. And rumors of a reunion album and tour have only increased the demand for all things Wu. As both DJ Mathematics and Ghostface Killah prepare for April releases, fans can expect more material from the Staten Island crew. You can stream the project below, and it is also available for purchase via DJ Mathematics' Bandcamp page.
hiphopdx.com
Start your Wu Wednesday early with Wu-Tang Clan's DJ Mathematics and his "Prelude To The Answer" mixtape.
On
April 16, 2013 Wu-Tang Clan’s DJ Mathematics will release The Answer—an
album that serves as the follow up to his 2005 album, The Problem. In anticipation of the full length project, Mathematics has offered “Prelude To The Answer” as a free mixtape download.“I'm excited about the album and can't wait for it to drop,” Mathematics offered via written statement. “I put a lot of time, sweat and energy into this project and hope that overall my musical growth and development reflect in the finished product.”
With 2013 marking the 20 year anniversary of Wu-Tang Clan’s collective debut, Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, fans are anticipating more new music. And rumors of a reunion album and tour have only increased the demand for all things Wu. As both DJ Mathematics and Ghostface Killah prepare for April releases, fans can expect more material from the Staten Island crew. You can stream the project below, and it is also available for purchase via DJ Mathematics' Bandcamp page.
hiphopdx.com
Tech N9ne "Something Else" Release Date & Both Cover Art Versions
by Jake Paine
Tech N9ne is also expected to release an EP this year, Therapy. Strange Music CEO Travis O'Guin told HipHopDX last week, "[Therapy] is going to be produced by none other than Ross Robinson. He’s a famed rock producer that did Korn, Slipknot—his credentials are pretty crazy. The way in which he works with his artists; that’s why Tech called it Therapy. This dude’s got a really good psyche of the artist and will pull shit out from artists who wouldn’t normally expose themselves like that. Ross, in some shape or form, pulls it out of you. When you hear Jonathan Davis at the end of a Korn album where it sounds like he’s crying—he really is crying. That’s when he broke down in the studio. That was from Ross pushing him to the outer limits. I cannot wait to get Ross and Tech together again."
There are two covers for Something Else, the standard:
hiphopdx.com
Tech N9ne and Strange Music have standard and deluxe editions planned for his 13th album, "Something Else."
Tech N9ne's 13th studio album, Something Else now has a release date. According to HipHop-N-More.com,
the Strange Music release will come on June 25. Tech already premiered
his T-Pain-assisted "Bitch" which will reportedly be included in the
collection.Tech N9ne is also expected to release an EP this year, Therapy. Strange Music CEO Travis O'Guin told HipHopDX last week, "[Therapy] is going to be produced by none other than Ross Robinson. He’s a famed rock producer that did Korn, Slipknot—his credentials are pretty crazy. The way in which he works with his artists; that’s why Tech called it Therapy. This dude’s got a really good psyche of the artist and will pull shit out from artists who wouldn’t normally expose themselves like that. Ross, in some shape or form, pulls it out of you. When you hear Jonathan Davis at the end of a Korn album where it sounds like he’s crying—he really is crying. That’s when he broke down in the studio. That was from Ross pushing him to the outer limits. I cannot wait to get Ross and Tech together again."
There are two covers for Something Else, the standard:
hiphopdx.com
Ghostface Killah & Killah Priest "Twelve Reasons To Die" Tour Dates
by Jake Paine
Additionally, Soul Temple has launched a Bandcamp page with multiple pre-order rewards for Twelve Reasons To Die.
The tour will run from late March until late May.
03-28 Los Angeles, CA - Mayan Theatre
03-31 San Luis Obispo, CA - SLO Brewery
04-03 Fresno, CA - Fulton 55
04-04 San Francisco, CA - 1015 Folsom
04-05 Orangevale, CA - The Boardwalk
04-06 Redway, CA - Mateel Community Center
04-09 Eugene, OR - WOW Hall
04-10 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
04-11 Seattle, WA - Neumos
04-12 Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
04-13 Boise, ID - Knitting Factory
04-16 Park City, UT - Park City Live
04-19 Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
04-20 Aspen, CO - Belly Up
04-25 Lawrence, KS - Granada Theater
04-26 Chicago, IL - The Abbey Pub
04-27 St. Louis, MO - Cherokee Performing Arts Center
04-28 Cleveland Hts, OH - Grog Shop
04-30 Detroit, MI - St. Andrews
05-01 Grand Rapids, MI - The Pyramid Scheme
05-02 Bloomington, IN - The Bluebird
05-03 Columbus, OH - A&R Room
05-04 Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Smalls Theatre
05-05 Syracuse, NY - The Westcott Theatre
05-07 South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Music
05-08 Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
05-09 Boston, MA - The Wilbur
05-10 New Haven, CT - Toads Place
05-11 Providence, RI - The Met
05-12 Philadelphia, PA - The Blockley
05-13 New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
05-14 Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
05-16 Carrboro, NC - Cats Cradle
05-17 Asheville, NC - Asheville Music Hall
05-18 Atlanta, GA - Terminal West
05-19 Tampa Bay, FL - The Orpheum
05-20 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
05-22 Austin, TX - Emos
hipohpdx.com
Ghostface Killah is giving a plethora of American cities "Twelve Reasons To Die."
Today, Staten Island, New York emcee veteran Ghostface Killah announced his tour dates for Twelve Reasons To Die.
The April 16 Soul Temple Records album will coincide with the tour.
Ghost will be joined by longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate and Sunz Of Man
alum, Killah Priest. Ghost released a video today, kicking off the
announcement:Additionally, Soul Temple has launched a Bandcamp page with multiple pre-order rewards for Twelve Reasons To Die.
The tour will run from late March until late May.
03-28 Los Angeles, CA - Mayan Theatre
03-31 San Luis Obispo, CA - SLO Brewery
04-03 Fresno, CA - Fulton 55
04-04 San Francisco, CA - 1015 Folsom
04-05 Orangevale, CA - The Boardwalk
04-06 Redway, CA - Mateel Community Center
04-09 Eugene, OR - WOW Hall
04-10 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
04-11 Seattle, WA - Neumos
04-12 Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
04-13 Boise, ID - Knitting Factory
04-16 Park City, UT - Park City Live
04-19 Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall
04-20 Aspen, CO - Belly Up
04-25 Lawrence, KS - Granada Theater
04-26 Chicago, IL - The Abbey Pub
04-27 St. Louis, MO - Cherokee Performing Arts Center
04-28 Cleveland Hts, OH - Grog Shop
04-30 Detroit, MI - St. Andrews
05-01 Grand Rapids, MI - The Pyramid Scheme
05-02 Bloomington, IN - The Bluebird
05-03 Columbus, OH - A&R Room
05-04 Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Smalls Theatre
05-05 Syracuse, NY - The Westcott Theatre
05-07 South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Music
05-08 Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
05-09 Boston, MA - The Wilbur
05-10 New Haven, CT - Toads Place
05-11 Providence, RI - The Met
05-12 Philadelphia, PA - The Blockley
05-13 New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
05-14 Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
05-16 Carrboro, NC - Cats Cradle
05-17 Asheville, NC - Asheville Music Hall
05-18 Atlanta, GA - Terminal West
05-19 Tampa Bay, FL - The Orpheum
05-20 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
05-22 Austin, TX - Emos
hipohpdx.com
Ill Bill, Non Phixion To Release Two Limited Edition 7" Vinyl Singles
by Jake Paine
Additionally, Bill's former group, Non-Phixion has released a 7" of their own. In honor of 2013's Record Store Day, Get On Down Records has partnered with Uncle Howie to release a limited edition 7" of "I Shot Reagan" backed with "Refuse To Lose." Both songs were produced by Bill's brother Necro. The packaging is a recreation of the picture cover 12" from the single's original release 14 years ago.
hiphopdx.com
Ill Bill and Uncle Howie
Records are pressing up something old and something new this season,
with Necro and Pete Rock production, respectively.
Ill Bill announced today that he and Fat Beats/Uncle Howie Records are releasing a track initially recorded for The Grimy Awards,
though it was later altered for the album. The Pete Rock-produced "When
I Die" which made the album is backed with the original recording Bill made. A limited edition (500 copies) gray vinyl 7" is released and available at Fat Beats' website for $7.99.Additionally, Bill's former group, Non-Phixion has released a 7" of their own. In honor of 2013's Record Store Day, Get On Down Records has partnered with Uncle Howie to release a limited edition 7" of "I Shot Reagan" backed with "Refuse To Lose." Both songs were produced by Bill's brother Necro. The packaging is a recreation of the picture cover 12" from the single's original release 14 years ago.
hiphopdx.com
IamSu! & Problem Announce "Million Dollar Afro Tour" Dates
by Jake Paine
4/12 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
4/14 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
4/19 Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre
4/21 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
4/24 Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
4/25 Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
4/30 San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
5/01 San Luis Obispo @ SLO Brew
5/08 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey
5/15 New York, NY @ Santos Party House
hiphopdx.com
Northern and Southern
California rock stages together as IamSu! and Problem kick off the tour
that shares its name with their "Million Dollar Afro" project.
In
honor of their project of the same name, IamSu! & Problem have
announced the Million Dollar Afro Tour. The dates by the San Francisco
and Compton, California emcees, respectively. The tour will kick off in
Portland, Oregon on April 12, and end up in New York on May 15.4/12 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
4/14 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
4/19 Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre
4/21 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
4/24 Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
4/25 Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones
4/30 San Francisco, CA @ Slim's
5/01 San Luis Obispo @ SLO Brew
5/08 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey
5/15 New York, NY @ Santos Party House
hiphopdx.com
Crooked I Speaks on Slaughterhouse Album; Says, “This Time We’re Coming for Blood”
While the group received the Shady Records co-sign, and toured all over the world, Crooked I spoke with AllHipHop at SXSW about how the group is “coming for blood” and still fighting for respect.
“We went to Australia, it was a beautiful country, that was my first time there, it was gorgeous dog, just the country was impressive, the energy in the crowd was just bananas. We probably gonna start on the next album in a month or two, you know what I mean, and this time we’re coming for blood man,” Crooked I explained to AllHipHop.com.
“I’m speaking for Crooked I and I’m not speaking for the group, but I think that ni**as kind of light weight went to sleep on the last album. When they did the hottest MC’s list and best song of 2012 I didn’t really see Slaughterhouse on that list man. We rap our heart out man so for this next album, I’m coming out with that butcher knife,” Crooked I said.
According to Neilsen SoundScan, Slaughterhouse’s second studio album Welcome to: Our House debuted at number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums with 52,000 records sold.
allhiphop.com
Dr. Dre Re-Confirms Eminem Is Working On New Album; Says Em Inspires Him
Royce Da 5′ 9″ already told AllHipHop the news, but Dr. Dre has reaffirmed that Eminem is wrapping up a new album.
The acclaimed Compton producer conducted an interview with radio show host Big Boy, making the reveal
“Em is finishing up his project. And for me, man, I’ve just gotten inspired again to go back into the studio, so I’m just really having fun with life and having fun with being creative and trying new and different things with myself, just trying to stay active,” Dr. Dre said. “As you know, it’s been almost 30 years for me in music. It’s a little bit difficult to keep getting inspired to get back in there but you know, music is my first love and I’m going to continue to do that as long as I can.”
In a previous interview with AllHipHop.com, Royce Da 5′ 9″ of Slaughter House and Em’s good friend revealed the reclusive rapper is about to sneak attack the music industry.
Royce told AllHipHop.com, “Know that he’s not quiet for nothing. If he’s quiet…worry. Marshall is like that f***ing huge spider on the floor and you wanna act like you not scared of it. And you’re really not that scared of it as long as it’s in your plain view but if you look away and it disappears oh you petrified, that’s Marshall. That’s Marshall and the petrified people are the rappers because you know he’s not going to come back with nothing but something that’s going to make you second guess what you’re doing.
allhiphop.com
Hip-Hop’s First Female Emcee Gets Honored At Cornell University With Afrika Bambaataa
When Nicki Minaj was just likely just getting out of her diapers, Hip-Hop’s first female MC was spitting bars with the best rappers of the day.
Current day Hip-Hop fans may not be aware of the name, but MC Sha Rock is a step closer to getting the acclaim she deserves as Cornell University hosts an exhibit that will chart rap music in the 70′s.
The “Now Scream: The Hip-Hop Collection Exhibition” will run from April 4-7 at Cornell in Ithaca, New York. Screening films will also be included in the exhibit and highlight vintage footage of The Original Funky Four MC’s, a group that included the first female rapper.
“I am humbled and honored that the Cornell University Hip Hop Collection, will showcase the first vintage film footage that was documented and dated in 1977 by a young man’s task to complete a high school project,” Sha Rock told AllHipHop.com in a statement. The footage chronicles her as the first female MC.
This weekend also marks Africa Bambaataa’s return to Ithaca as visiting scholar. Other guests include The GZA of Wu Tang Clan, DJ Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, JDL of the legendary Cold Crush Brothers, and DJ Breakbeat Lou
For more on Sha Rock, go to www.mcsharockonline.com.
Also, go to www.unboundfromtheunderground.com.
Check out “It’s The Joint” by The Funky Four + One from Sugarhill Records.
allhiphop.com
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Producer Joe Mansfield To Publish "Beat Box: A Drum Machine Obsession" Book
by Jake Paine
As a promotional item for the book, Get On Down is releasing a dual-flexi disc (both 7", one orange, one clear) limited edition preview of the book, narrated by Schoolly D, who provides instruction and explanation to the TR-909 unit. The Record Store Day item will be made available on April 20, and features a 20-page preview of Mansfield's book. Moreover, Schoolly is joined by DJ 7L (of 7L & Esoteric/CZARFACE) who provides cuts. With Mansfield's 909, they remake instruments two of Schoolly's hits, "P.S.K. (What Does It Mean?)" and "Gucci Time." Schoolly also contributed an interview to the full-length release of Joe's book.
For more information visit GetOnDown.com.
hiphopdx.com
Schoolly D and CZARFACE's 7L
are involved in this summer book that has an innovative audio component
for April's Record Store Day.
Get On Down Records/Traffic Entertainment's Joe Mansfield has announced that he's at work on a book, Beat Box: A Drum Machine Obsession.
The longtime producer for Edo G. and member of Vinyl Reanimators is
honoring the Roland TR-909 drum machine and others with his summer 2013
book, which includes tech specs, advertisements and photos. The Boston,
Massachusetts-based music veteran owns over 75 rare drum machines.As a promotional item for the book, Get On Down is releasing a dual-flexi disc (both 7", one orange, one clear) limited edition preview of the book, narrated by Schoolly D, who provides instruction and explanation to the TR-909 unit. The Record Store Day item will be made available on April 20, and features a 20-page preview of Mansfield's book. Moreover, Schoolly is joined by DJ 7L (of 7L & Esoteric/CZARFACE) who provides cuts. With Mansfield's 909, they remake instruments two of Schoolly's hits, "P.S.K. (What Does It Mean?)" and "Gucci Time." Schoolly also contributed an interview to the full-length release of Joe's book.
For more information visit GetOnDown.com.
hiphopdx.com
GZA's "Liquid Swords" 4LP Box Set To Release, Includes Chess Set, Instrumentals
by Jake Paine
Liquid Swords featured the single "Cold World," and was a mainstream introduction to Killah Priest. In recent years, GZA has alluded to releasing a sequel to his first and only Top 10 album.
Previously, Get On Down has partnered in vinyl and CD deluxe reissues of Ironman and Supreme Clientele by Wu-Tang's Ghostface Killah.
(June 7, 2012)
UPDATE: Get On Down Records has announced that they have released a 4LP vinyl package of the GZA's Liquid Swords deluxe edition in production for 2013's Record Store Day. The new packaging will hit stores in honor of the retail holiday of April 20, 2013. This will include instrumentals, liner notes and the wooden chess set. The 2CD remains available.
hiphopdx.com
Get On Down Records comes up
with a 4LP version in honor of Record Store Day. This follows last
year's 2CD deluxe edition release.
On July 24, 2012 Get On Down Records will collaborate with Wu-Tang Clan's GZA and Geffen Records to release a deluxe 2CD box set of the emcee's sophomore album, Liquid Swords.
The November, 1995 album's re-issue will include a bonus disc of the
album's instrumentals, almost entirely produced by RZA. Also included
are liner notes penned by the emcee, and a chess set pulling from much
of the album's lyrical influence.Liquid Swords featured the single "Cold World," and was a mainstream introduction to Killah Priest. In recent years, GZA has alluded to releasing a sequel to his first and only Top 10 album.
Previously, Get On Down has partnered in vinyl and CD deluxe reissues of Ironman and Supreme Clientele by Wu-Tang's Ghostface Killah.
(June 7, 2012)
UPDATE: Get On Down Records has announced that they have released a 4LP vinyl package of the GZA's Liquid Swords deluxe edition in production for 2013's Record Store Day. The new packaging will hit stores in honor of the retail holiday of April 20, 2013. This will include instrumentals, liner notes and the wooden chess set. The 2CD remains available.
hiphopdx.com
J Dilla "Crate Diggers" Webisode Stream
by Jake Paine
Today (March 18), Fuse released the trailer to the March 20 full-length webisode on Fuse.TV. Among those who contributed are Dilla's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, Talib Kweli and JayLib member J. Rocc. The footage explores a painting tribute made about J Dilla from his friends, a portion of his record collection in storage and more.
(March 18)
UPDATE: As promised, Fuse.TV has posted the full J Dilla episode of "Crate Diggers" which is also streamable below:
hiphopdx.com
Talib Kweli, DJ Spinna and J.
Rocc join Ma Dukes in showing Fuse.TV's public a glimpse into the
creativity of J Dilla, and even a look inside part of his record
collection.
Fuse.TV's web series "Crate Diggers"
has profiled the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff, Diamond D and others. Now, the
web team at Fuse is taking a look at the record collection and legacy of
J Dilla (f/k/a Jay Dee). While the Detroit, Michigan producer/emcee and
Slum Village
co-founder tragically died in 2006 from complications due to Lupus,
some of his family and storied collaborators are helping fans understand
his musical ingredients.Today (March 18), Fuse released the trailer to the March 20 full-length webisode on Fuse.TV. Among those who contributed are Dilla's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, Talib Kweli and JayLib member J. Rocc. The footage explores a painting tribute made about J Dilla from his friends, a portion of his record collection in storage and more.
(March 18)
UPDATE: As promised, Fuse.TV has posted the full J Dilla episode of "Crate Diggers" which is also streamable below:
hiphopdx.com
B.o.B Speaks On Third Studio Album, Says His Life Experiences Are Reflected In His Music
by Danielle Harling
While speaking with MTV News, B.o.B referred to his third album as a refined version of “the whole scope of a B.o.B project” and commented on his music being heavily influenced by his life experiences, which include being placed in the spotlight at a young age and the occasional partying.
“Musically, really, I think it’s really what you would expect from the whole scope of a B.o.B project, but just more refined,” B.o.B explained in a video posted on 2DopeBoyz.com. “As time goes on, you know I’m getting older, but at the same time I’m 24. I’m still young, I like to party. So I think a lot of my experiences, just really growing up in the spotlight and just being a man and just enjoying life are reflected in my work.”
The Atlanta rapper went on to comment on his seemingly never-ending work ethic, one that continues even when he’s outside of the studio.
“Man, I’m producing right now. I’m already making beats in my head, writing verses, all of that. I think really when you kind of take on a lot you really push yourself to perform at an optimal level because of the fact you can’t waste any time and you’re more efficient with everything,” said B.o.B.
During his interview with MTV News, B.o.B also encouraged fans to Tweet their album title ideas to him using the hashtag #ThirdAlbum.
hiphopdx.com
B.o.B says "growing up in the spotlight" is one of many experiences reflected in his music.
B.o.B’s
third studio album may currently be without a title, but that doesn’t
mean the Grand Hustle rapper doesn’t have an idea of where his latest
project is headed musically.While speaking with MTV News, B.o.B referred to his third album as a refined version of “the whole scope of a B.o.B project” and commented on his music being heavily influenced by his life experiences, which include being placed in the spotlight at a young age and the occasional partying.
“Musically, really, I think it’s really what you would expect from the whole scope of a B.o.B project, but just more refined,” B.o.B explained in a video posted on 2DopeBoyz.com. “As time goes on, you know I’m getting older, but at the same time I’m 24. I’m still young, I like to party. So I think a lot of my experiences, just really growing up in the spotlight and just being a man and just enjoying life are reflected in my work.”
The Atlanta rapper went on to comment on his seemingly never-ending work ethic, one that continues even when he’s outside of the studio.
“Man, I’m producing right now. I’m already making beats in my head, writing verses, all of that. I think really when you kind of take on a lot you really push yourself to perform at an optimal level because of the fact you can’t waste any time and you’re more efficient with everything,” said B.o.B.
During his interview with MTV News, B.o.B also encouraged fans to Tweet their album title ideas to him using the hashtag #ThirdAlbum.
hiphopdx.com
LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Public Enemy & De La Soul Announce Kings Of The Mic Tour Dates
by Jake Paine
Rap-Up.com originally broke the news. As Def Jam Records label-mates in the 1980s, LL Cool J and Public Enemy toured in 1987 and 1988. At last month's Grammy Awards, Cool J and Chuck D joined Tom Morello, Travis Barker and Z-Trip to perform "Whaddup" from Authentic.
The tour dates are as follows:
May 23 – Ava Amphitheater – Tucson, AZ
May 24 – Hard Rock Casino – Las Vegas, NV
May 25 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – San Francisco, CA
May 26 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA
May 30 – Target Center – Minneapolis, MN
May 31 – Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Stir Cove – Council Bluffs, IA
June 1 – Scottrade Center – St. Louis, MO
June 4 – Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA
June 6 – Mahaffey Theater – Saint Petersburg, FL
June 7 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL
June 12 – Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric – Baltimore, MD
June 14 – Charter Amphitheatre – Simpsonville, SC
June 15 – nTelos Wireless Pavilion – Portsmouth, VA
June 16 – Durham Performing Arts Center – Durham, NC
June 18 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Newark, NJ
June 19 – Bank of America Pavilion – Boston, MA
June 20 – Roseland Ballroom – New York, NY
June 22 – Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY
June 23 – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort – Mount Pleasant, MI
June 25 – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica – Cleveland, OH
June 26 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI
June 27 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
July 1 – Verizon Theatre – Grand Prairie, TX
July 2 – Stubb’s Waller Creek Outdoor Amphitheater – Austin, TX
July 3 – Bayou Music Center – Houston, TX
July 5 – Essence Music Festival – New Orleans, LA
hiphopdx.com
Grammy Awards audiences aren't
the only ones privy to seeing LL Cool J and Chuck D rock together in the
2010s. Ice Cube and De La Soul are on the bill as well.
Four classic Hip Hop entities have come together for one Summer 2013 tour. Preparing his Authentic
album, LL Cool J will headline over 25 dates with fellow legends Ice
Cube, Public Enemy and De La Soul. The Kings Of The Mic Tour, as its
called, will also be joined by Phoenix, Arizona's DJ Z-Trip, who will be
LL Cool J's latest touring deejay..Rap-Up.com originally broke the news. As Def Jam Records label-mates in the 1980s, LL Cool J and Public Enemy toured in 1987 and 1988. At last month's Grammy Awards, Cool J and Chuck D joined Tom Morello, Travis Barker and Z-Trip to perform "Whaddup" from Authentic.
The tour dates are as follows:
May 23 – Ava Amphitheater – Tucson, AZ
May 24 – Hard Rock Casino – Las Vegas, NV
May 25 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – San Francisco, CA
May 26 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA
May 30 – Target Center – Minneapolis, MN
May 31 – Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Stir Cove – Council Bluffs, IA
June 1 – Scottrade Center – St. Louis, MO
June 4 – Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA
June 6 – Mahaffey Theater – Saint Petersburg, FL
June 7 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL
June 12 – Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric – Baltimore, MD
June 14 – Charter Amphitheatre – Simpsonville, SC
June 15 – nTelos Wireless Pavilion – Portsmouth, VA
June 16 – Durham Performing Arts Center – Durham, NC
June 18 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Newark, NJ
June 19 – Bank of America Pavilion – Boston, MA
June 20 – Roseland Ballroom – New York, NY
June 22 – Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY
June 23 – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort – Mount Pleasant, MI
June 25 – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica – Cleveland, OH
June 26 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, MI
June 27 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
July 1 – Verizon Theatre – Grand Prairie, TX
July 2 – Stubb’s Waller Creek Outdoor Amphitheater – Austin, TX
July 3 – Bayou Music Center – Houston, TX
July 5 – Essence Music Festival – New Orleans, LA
hiphopdx.com
Just Blaze Waves Off "EDM" Badge For Music, Explains Keys To His Longevity
by Jesse Fairfax
A heavy supporter of recent Electronic Dance Music sensation Baauer, Just Blaze set the record straight to dispel worries that he is potentially abandoning Hip Hop in order to be a part of newer trends. He said, "At the end of the day, 90% of the [popular] music these days is electronic and 90% of it gets danced to. I dont like [being stuck with] the EDM badge or genre, I just want to continue making good music people like to dance to that invokes something in them." Always one to let the music speak for him, his undisclosed forthcoming work plans to carry on his tradition of personal innovation while meeting the expectations of fans. With regards to his legacy and the process of maintaining his hard earned place amongst production's elite, Just Blaze told DX "The key to my longevity has been the ability to adapt and change with the times, but I always stay true to what I love to do, which has always been a mix and match of everything. The thing to understand is times change, people change, tastes change, dances, genres and sounds change, and if you don't change you're gonna get left in the cold."
hiphopdx.com
The supporter and tour-mate of
Baauer says that "90% of Pop music these days is electronic, and 90% of
it gets danced to." He waves off the EDM label.
Acclaimed as important members of Roc-A-Fella Records' dynasty having extended their reach far beyond since, Young Guru and Just Blaze
put on a South By Southwest panel that was not to be missed. Though
most discussion centered around their historic working relationship,
various memories from Baseline Studios and tidbits kept listeners
enthralled, including how Just risked upsetting Eminem critiquing his
verses during a collaboration and Jay-Z's infamous "PSA" being constructed after The Black Album
had already reached the CD pressing plant. Following this talk, Just
Blaze kindly took a moment to speak briefly with HipHopDX. A heavy supporter of recent Electronic Dance Music sensation Baauer, Just Blaze set the record straight to dispel worries that he is potentially abandoning Hip Hop in order to be a part of newer trends. He said, "At the end of the day, 90% of the [popular] music these days is electronic and 90% of it gets danced to. I dont like [being stuck with] the EDM badge or genre, I just want to continue making good music people like to dance to that invokes something in them." Always one to let the music speak for him, his undisclosed forthcoming work plans to carry on his tradition of personal innovation while meeting the expectations of fans. With regards to his legacy and the process of maintaining his hard earned place amongst production's elite, Just Blaze told DX "The key to my longevity has been the ability to adapt and change with the times, but I always stay true to what I love to do, which has always been a mix and match of everything. The thing to understand is times change, people change, tastes change, dances, genres and sounds change, and if you don't change you're gonna get left in the cold."
hiphopdx.com
West Coast Legends Will Unite With Rising Stars For Showcase In L.A.
by Yohance Kyles
This Thursday Hip-Hop heads in the Los Angeles area will have the chance to witness some of California’s greatest rap stars come together for the first installment of “West Coast Fest” presented by Bobby Dee, Clubben.com, and Behind the Scenes.
Power 106 FM’s radio personality Big Boy will host the event that will feature performances by Too $hort, Warren G, Mack 10, Baby Bash, Clyde Carson, Problem, Skeme the Duke, and headliners DJ Quik and E-40.
Fans in attendance can also expect some surprise guests to make appearances.
One exclusive moment for the show has already been announced. DJ Quik plans to debut new songs that evening including a track featuring Mack 10 called “Burnin Up.”
“We’re not trying to conform. We want to stay original and iconic. This will be a first to do this with all of these superstars in one show,” says Quik in a statement.
West Coast Fest will be a historic moment in the legacy of the California rap scene. The show’s impact is being billed as a bridging of the gap between Northern and Southern Cali Hip-Hop stars.
While DJ Quik, Mack 10, Warren G, Skeme, and Problem will be holding it down for L.A. and SoCal, the Bay area will be properly represented will the inclusion of Clyde Carson, Too $hort, Baby Bash, and E-40.
“You’re gonna to get a bit of vintage of E-40 and a little bit of current E-40 and I’m gonna mix that thang up like gumbo,” says the Vallejo native whose 2012 single “Function” was a Top 30 rap hit.
“I’ve been booking West Coast artists all around the world for a decade now, and it’s a great feeling to be able to have these artists I’ve grown up listening to, all perform under one roof,” says West Coast Fest’s executive producer Jamie Adler.
West Coast Fest is scheduled for Thursday, March 21 at Club Nokia at 8 pm.
For ticket information visit www.clubnokia.com.
allhiphop.com
This Thursday Hip-Hop heads in the Los Angeles area will have the chance to witness some of California’s greatest rap stars come together for the first installment of “West Coast Fest” presented by Bobby Dee, Clubben.com, and Behind the Scenes.
Power 106 FM’s radio personality Big Boy will host the event that will feature performances by Too $hort, Warren G, Mack 10, Baby Bash, Clyde Carson, Problem, Skeme the Duke, and headliners DJ Quik and E-40.
Fans in attendance can also expect some surprise guests to make appearances.
One exclusive moment for the show has already been announced. DJ Quik plans to debut new songs that evening including a track featuring Mack 10 called “Burnin Up.”
“We’re not trying to conform. We want to stay original and iconic. This will be a first to do this with all of these superstars in one show,” says Quik in a statement.
West Coast Fest will be a historic moment in the legacy of the California rap scene. The show’s impact is being billed as a bridging of the gap between Northern and Southern Cali Hip-Hop stars.
While DJ Quik, Mack 10, Warren G, Skeme, and Problem will be holding it down for L.A. and SoCal, the Bay area will be properly represented will the inclusion of Clyde Carson, Too $hort, Baby Bash, and E-40.
“You’re gonna to get a bit of vintage of E-40 and a little bit of current E-40 and I’m gonna mix that thang up like gumbo,” says the Vallejo native whose 2012 single “Function” was a Top 30 rap hit.
“I’ve been booking West Coast artists all around the world for a decade now, and it’s a great feeling to be able to have these artists I’ve grown up listening to, all perform under one roof,” says West Coast Fest’s executive producer Jamie Adler.
West Coast Fest is scheduled for Thursday, March 21 at Club Nokia at 8 pm.
For ticket information visit www.clubnokia.com.
allhiphop.com
Q-Tip Wants An A Tribe Called Quest Reunion For His ‘Last Zulu’ LP
by Yohance Kyles
Legendary Hip-Hop group A Tribe Called Quest has not released an album together since 1998′s The Love Movement, but emcee/producer/actor Q-Tip hopes the original four members will reassemble for his next project.
After performing with the rest of ATCQ as an opening act for Prince at SXSW, Q-Tip told Billboard that he wants Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammed, and Jarobi White to all make appearances on his The Last Zulu album expected for release in 2014.
Q-Tip’s fourth solo LP will be a concept album that harkens back to the Afrocentric sounds of the late 80′s/early 90′s popularized by Tribe, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Public Enemy, and other acts associated with the Universal Zulu Nation.
“The beats are gonna be hard. It’s gonna be traditional, like Zulu beats… old school Africa Islam tapes, with the drum breaks and shit like that,” says Q-Tip.
“I heard some of the tracks, and they are fine!” added Jarobi.
Tribe fans have been able to watch the reunited group as the headliners at the Rock the Bells Festival in 2008 and 2010 and a reunion tour in 2006, but there have not been any new records from the New York City natives since they broke up in 1998.
Since branching out solo, Q-Tip has released 1999′s Amplified, 2008′s The Renaissance, and 2009′s Kamaal/The Abstract. He has also produced for other prominent artists like Esperanza Spalding, Kanye West, and Jay-Z.
The G.O.O.D. Music member also announced in the interview that he has been doing production work for Mariah Carey, D’Angelo, and John Legend.
Watch a brief clip of A Tribe Called Quest performing at SXSW 2013 and the video for the classic “Electric Relaxation.”
allhiphop.com
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge Announce "Twelve Reasons To Die" Tour
by Steven J. Horowitz
The pair will be joined by Younge's band Venice Dawn and will touch down in 49 cities. The trek kicks off at Los Angeles, California's Mayan Theatre on March 28th. Throughout the tour, the duo will make stops in Portland, Oregon, Chicago, Illinois and New York City, New York. The venture will conclude on May 22nd at Austin, Texas' Emos.
They will also play a special gig on March 14th at Soul Temple's SXSW showcase, which will also feature Inspectah Deck, U-God, Large Professor and Elzhi. The event will take place at Scoot Inn.
The tour comes in support of their upcoming album Twelve Reasons to Die, executive produced by RZA and dropping on April 16th via Soul Temple Records.
For more information, head over to VeniceDawn.com and check the dates below.
Thursday, March 28, Los Angeles, CA., Mayan Theatre
Saturday, March 30, World Wide, Boiler Room
Sunday, March 31, San Louis Obisbo, SLO Brewary
Wednesday, April 3, Fresno, CA., Fulton 55
Thursday, April 4, San Francisco, CA., 1015 Folsom
Friday, April 5, Orangevale, CA., The Boardwalk
Saturday, April 6, Redway, CA., Mateel Community Center
Tuesday, April 9, Eugene Or., WOW Hall
Wednesday, April 10, Portland, OR., Mississippi Studios
Thursday, April 11, Seattle, WA., Neumos
Friday, April 12, Spokane, WA., Knitting Factory
Saturday, April 13, Boise, ID., Knitting Factory
Tuesday, April 16, Park City, UT., Park City Live
Friday, April 19, Denver, CO., Summit Music Hall
Saturday, April 20, Aspen, CO., Belly Up
Thursday, April 25, Lawrence, KS., Granada Theater
Friday, April 26, Chicago, IL., The Abbey Pub
Saturday, April 27, St Louis, MO., Cherokee Performing Arts Center
Sunday, April 28, Cleveland Hts, OH., Grog Shop
Tuesday, April 30, Detroit, MI., St. Andrews
Wednesday, May 1, Grand Rapids, MI., The Pyramid Scheme
Thursday, May 2, Bloomington, IN., The Bluebird
Friday, May 3, Columbus, OH. A&R Room
Saturday, May 4, Pittsburgh, PA., Mr. Smalls Theatre
Sunday, May 5, Syracuse, NY., The Westcott Theatre
Tuesday, May 7, South Burlington, VT., Higher Ground Music
Wednesday, May 8, Portland, ME., Port City Music Hall
Thursday, May 9, Boston, MA., The Wilbur
Friday, May 10, New Haven, CT., Toads Place
Saturday, May 11, Providence, RI., The Met
Sunday, May 12th, Philadelphia, PA., The Blockley
Monday, May 13, NYC, NY., Gramercy Theatre
Tuesday, May 14, Baltimore, MD. Soundstage
Thursday, May 16, Caborro, NC., Cats Cradle
Friday, May 17, Asheville, NC. Ashville Music Hall
Saturday, May 18, Atlanta, GA., Terminal West
Sunday May 19, Tampa Bay, FL., The Orpheum
Monday, May 20, New Orleans, LA., House Of Blues
Wednesday, May 22, Austin, TX., Emos
hiphopdx.com
Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge plan to hit the road this spring.
Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge have announced their upcoming "Twelve Reasons to Die" tour.The pair will be joined by Younge's band Venice Dawn and will touch down in 49 cities. The trek kicks off at Los Angeles, California's Mayan Theatre on March 28th. Throughout the tour, the duo will make stops in Portland, Oregon, Chicago, Illinois and New York City, New York. The venture will conclude on May 22nd at Austin, Texas' Emos.
They will also play a special gig on March 14th at Soul Temple's SXSW showcase, which will also feature Inspectah Deck, U-God, Large Professor and Elzhi. The event will take place at Scoot Inn.
The tour comes in support of their upcoming album Twelve Reasons to Die, executive produced by RZA and dropping on April 16th via Soul Temple Records.
For more information, head over to VeniceDawn.com and check the dates below.
Thursday, March 28, Los Angeles, CA., Mayan Theatre
Saturday, March 30, World Wide, Boiler Room
Sunday, March 31, San Louis Obisbo, SLO Brewary
Wednesday, April 3, Fresno, CA., Fulton 55
Thursday, April 4, San Francisco, CA., 1015 Folsom
Friday, April 5, Orangevale, CA., The Boardwalk
Saturday, April 6, Redway, CA., Mateel Community Center
Tuesday, April 9, Eugene Or., WOW Hall
Wednesday, April 10, Portland, OR., Mississippi Studios
Thursday, April 11, Seattle, WA., Neumos
Friday, April 12, Spokane, WA., Knitting Factory
Saturday, April 13, Boise, ID., Knitting Factory
Tuesday, April 16, Park City, UT., Park City Live
Friday, April 19, Denver, CO., Summit Music Hall
Saturday, April 20, Aspen, CO., Belly Up
Thursday, April 25, Lawrence, KS., Granada Theater
Friday, April 26, Chicago, IL., The Abbey Pub
Saturday, April 27, St Louis, MO., Cherokee Performing Arts Center
Sunday, April 28, Cleveland Hts, OH., Grog Shop
Tuesday, April 30, Detroit, MI., St. Andrews
Wednesday, May 1, Grand Rapids, MI., The Pyramid Scheme
Thursday, May 2, Bloomington, IN., The Bluebird
Friday, May 3, Columbus, OH. A&R Room
Saturday, May 4, Pittsburgh, PA., Mr. Smalls Theatre
Sunday, May 5, Syracuse, NY., The Westcott Theatre
Tuesday, May 7, South Burlington, VT., Higher Ground Music
Wednesday, May 8, Portland, ME., Port City Music Hall
Thursday, May 9, Boston, MA., The Wilbur
Friday, May 10, New Haven, CT., Toads Place
Saturday, May 11, Providence, RI., The Met
Sunday, May 12th, Philadelphia, PA., The Blockley
Monday, May 13, NYC, NY., Gramercy Theatre
Tuesday, May 14, Baltimore, MD. Soundstage
Thursday, May 16, Caborro, NC., Cats Cradle
Friday, May 17, Asheville, NC. Ashville Music Hall
Saturday, May 18, Atlanta, GA., Terminal West
Sunday May 19, Tampa Bay, FL., The Orpheum
Monday, May 20, New Orleans, LA., House Of Blues
Wednesday, May 22, Austin, TX., Emos
hiphopdx.com
GZA Discusses Upcoming "Dark Matter LP" & Love Of Chess
by Roman Cooper
In an interview with FADER, the Genius spoke about the new project. "I'm working on an album. Dark Matter. ...Constantly writing."
"It's inspired by the universe," he elaborated. "Planets, elements, everything that's around us. I'm putting those facts together, and making a story out of it."
During the interview, GZA also spoke about one of his favorite hobbies: chess. "I learned how to play when I was around nine years old," explained the legendary rapper. "A cousin of mine taught me. We play one or two games, and I didn't play again until I was about twenty-one."
GZA explained that a collection of other emcees got him back into the game. "I was hanging out in east New York every now and then with Masta Killa, Jeru the Damaja, Afu-Ra, and all the other brothers from the area. True Master. And they were playing chess in the park, so I started playing again. That's when it really started for me."
Watch the interview below:
hiphopdx.com
Two of the GZA's passions collide in a recent interview.
In addition to the Wu-Tang Clan and Method Man individually, GZA has plans to release another album, Dark Matter.In an interview with FADER, the Genius spoke about the new project. "I'm working on an album. Dark Matter. ...Constantly writing."
"It's inspired by the universe," he elaborated. "Planets, elements, everything that's around us. I'm putting those facts together, and making a story out of it."
During the interview, GZA also spoke about one of his favorite hobbies: chess. "I learned how to play when I was around nine years old," explained the legendary rapper. "A cousin of mine taught me. We play one or two games, and I didn't play again until I was about twenty-one."
GZA explained that a collection of other emcees got him back into the game. "I was hanging out in east New York every now and then with Masta Killa, Jeru the Damaja, Afu-Ra, and all the other brothers from the area. True Master. And they were playing chess in the park, so I started playing again. That's when it really started for me."
Watch the interview below:
hiphopdx.com
Ill Bill "The Grimy Awards" Album Stream
by Steven J. Horowitz
The project, which marks his first solo LP since 2008's The Hour of Reprisal, is slated to feature guests including A-Trak, Lil Fame, El-P, Shabazz The Disciple, Meyhem Lauren, Q-Unique, O.C., Cormega, Jedi Mind Tricks and more. Production comes courtesy of Ill Bill, MoSS, Pete Rock, Psycho Les, Large Professor, DJ Premier, Ayatollah, DJ Muggs and more.
Check the official tracklist and cover art below.
1. What Does It All Mean? [prod. by Ill Bill]
2. Paul Baloff [prod. by MoSS]
3. I Don’t Know How Long It’s Gonna Last
4. Acceptance Speech (feat. A-Trak) [prod. by Junior Makhno]
5. Truth [prod. by Pete Rock]
6. Exploding Octopus [prod. by Ill Bill]
7. Forty Deuce Hebrew (feat. HR of Bad Brains) [prod. by Ill Bill]
8. How To Survive The Apocalypse [prod. by Psycho Les]
9. Vio-Lence (feat. Shabazz The Disciple & Lil Fame of M.O.P.) [prod. by DJ Skizz]
10. Acid Reflux [prod. by Large Professor]
11. L’Amour East (feat. Meyhem Lauren & Q-Unique) [prod. by Ayatollah]
12. Power (feat. OC & Cormega) [prod. by DJ Muggs]
13. When I Die (feat. Tia Thomas) [prod. by Pete Rock]
14. Severed Heads (feat & prod. by El-P)
15. 120% Darkside Justice (feat. Jedi Mind Tricks) [prod. by C-Lance]
16. Canarsie High [prod. by Large Professor]
17. World Premier [prod. by DJ Premier]
hiphopdx.com
Ill Bill enlists DJ Premier, El-P, Pete Rock, Lil Fame, Jedi Mind Tricks and more for his new album.
Ill Bill has revealed the cover art and tracklist for his upcoming album The Grimy Awards, releasing on February 26th.The project, which marks his first solo LP since 2008's The Hour of Reprisal, is slated to feature guests including A-Trak, Lil Fame, El-P, Shabazz The Disciple, Meyhem Lauren, Q-Unique, O.C., Cormega, Jedi Mind Tricks and more. Production comes courtesy of Ill Bill, MoSS, Pete Rock, Psycho Les, Large Professor, DJ Premier, Ayatollah, DJ Muggs and more.
Check the official tracklist and cover art below.
1. What Does It All Mean? [prod. by Ill Bill]
2. Paul Baloff [prod. by MoSS]
3. I Don’t Know How Long It’s Gonna Last
4. Acceptance Speech (feat. A-Trak) [prod. by Junior Makhno]
5. Truth [prod. by Pete Rock]
6. Exploding Octopus [prod. by Ill Bill]
7. Forty Deuce Hebrew (feat. HR of Bad Brains) [prod. by Ill Bill]
8. How To Survive The Apocalypse [prod. by Psycho Les]
9. Vio-Lence (feat. Shabazz The Disciple & Lil Fame of M.O.P.) [prod. by DJ Skizz]
10. Acid Reflux [prod. by Large Professor]
11. L’Amour East (feat. Meyhem Lauren & Q-Unique) [prod. by Ayatollah]
12. Power (feat. OC & Cormega) [prod. by DJ Muggs]
13. When I Die (feat. Tia Thomas) [prod. by Pete Rock]
14. Severed Heads (feat & prod. by El-P)
15. 120% Darkside Justice (feat. Jedi Mind Tricks) [prod. by C-Lance]
16. Canarsie High [prod. by Large Professor]
17. World Premier [prod. by DJ Premier]
hiphopdx.com
Method Man Says Wu-Tang Clan Will Release 20th Anniversary Album
by Roman Cooper
During a birthday performance at the Key Club in Hollywood, California, Method Man announced that the Wu-Tang Clan will release a 20th anniversary album.
"This year will be [the Wu-Tang Clan's] twentieth anniversary," said Meth to a raucous crowd. "How many brothas kept a job for twenty years? The same job. That's the shit. We owe that shit to each and every fan that ever supported our music, and that's real talk."
Mef confirmed that a project would accompany the anniversary. "On that note, man, we got an anniversary coming up. The Wu-Tang anniversary album coming up, we working on that now. Some nice treats on there."
"This year. This fucking year," he added.
hiphopdx.com
Method Man confirms a Wu-Tang Clan release for 2013.
There's been a significant amount of buzz surrounding the possibility of a Wu-Tang Clan reunion and subsequent album. Now, one of the Clan's members has made a definitive statement.During a birthday performance at the Key Club in Hollywood, California, Method Man announced that the Wu-Tang Clan will release a 20th anniversary album.
"This year will be [the Wu-Tang Clan's] twentieth anniversary," said Meth to a raucous crowd. "How many brothas kept a job for twenty years? The same job. That's the shit. We owe that shit to each and every fan that ever supported our music, and that's real talk."
Mef confirmed that a project would accompany the anniversary. "On that note, man, we got an anniversary coming up. The Wu-Tang anniversary album coming up, we working on that now. Some nice treats on there."
"This year. This fucking year," he added.
hiphopdx.com
Grandmaster Melle Mel & Quadeer “MC Spice” Shakur Address WorldStarHipHop.com Petition
On February 12, Quadeer “MC Spice” Shakur, the Minister of Information for the Zulu Nation, sent an open letter to Lee “Q” O’Denat, the founder and CEO of the video streaming website Worldstarhiphop.com, contending that the content on WSHH does not accurately reflect the true principles of Hip-Hop culture.
Now Hip-Hop pioneer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Grandmaster Melle Mel of the legendary rap group Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five has teamed with the Zulu Nation to pressure Worldstar to remove all references of “Hip-Hop” from their site.
Melle Mel and Shakur spoke with AllHipHop.com about the Zulu Nation’s ongoing petition and boycott of WorldStar and other items they view are misrepresenting the foundation that the culture of Hip-Hop was built upon.
“I think Worldstarhiphop has given young people a platform to exhibit horrible behavior toward other young people and toward the community at large, and they promote it like that has something to do with Hip-Hop,” says Melle Mel.
“They know for a fact just using the word ‘Hip-Hop’ is going to garnish some attention,” says the Zulu Nation’s Shakur. “They know exactly what they’re doing.”
The Universal Zulu Nation began in New York City in 1973 as a way to counteract the gang culture that had infested urban neighborhoods. Founded by Hip-Hop icon DJ Afrika Bambaataa, the Zulu Nation is now an international organization with branches in countries like France, Japan, South Korea, South Africa and others.
Hip-Hop as a culture was created by artists like Bambaataa, The Furious Five, Coke La Rock, and DJ Kool Herc to stop inner-city gang violence amongst Black and Latino youth. The culture is transmited around the world by the four basic elements of DJing, emceeing, graffiti art, and break dancing, and the fifth element of knowledge.
“Hip-Hop came out of gang culture into the culture of music,” says Melle Mel. “That’s the greatest thing that Hip-Hop brought to the black community. It brought us out of an oppressive situation.”
“People do know the difference between Hip-Hop culture and the word ‘Hip-Hop’ that has been loosely used,” says Shakur. “The only people who don’t know the difference unfortunately is the impressionable youth.”
Both Melle Mel and Shakur mentioned a recent video that was uploaded to WSHH as an example of the improper acts being exhibited by young people in the name of “Hip-Hop” that they feel are being promoted by WorldStar.
In the particular video, a teenager is forced to strip naked as another individual beats him with a belt. Other people in the background can be heard laughing and seen tossing water on the victim. Three people have since been arrested by Newark, New Jersey police officers and charged with aggravated assault and robbery.
Melle Mel believes that WorldStar should also take responsibility for perpetuating violence like the one displayed in the video of the young man being whipped by a belt.
In many of the videos posted to WSHH the individual filming can be heard yelling “Worldstar” as they videotape various violent attacks including staged bouts between teenagers.
“Worldstarhiphop is literally breaking the law on a daily basis when they’re showing assaults, and that [video of the belt beating] could have been considered child pornography,” says Mel. “They’re just throwing it up there like it’s something funny. They are going to be held responsible as far as the law is concerned.”
Beyond arguing that WorldStar is contributing to illegal acts being committed by young people, Shakur also takes offense to the idea that the website in any way represents true Hip-Hop culture.
“WorldstarHipHop has no respect, as far as I’m concerned, for our people and our music,” says Shakur. “If it was in fact just a site for what we call ‘entertainment’ then let it be known at the bottom of your page. Put some kind of disclaimer that you are not in fact involved in or a part of real Hip-Hop culture.”
As a member of the Universal Zulu Nation, Shakur promotes the four spiritual principles of Hip-Hop culture – peace, unity, love, and having fun.
“Go to [Worldstarhiphop] and tell me if you can find any four of those at once,” urges Shakur. “If you are not abiding by the four spiritual principles, those are the core values of Hip-Hop culture, then you’re not a Hip-Hopper.”
“WorldStarHipHop has no more to do with Hip-Hop then FedEx has to do with the Federal Government,” adds Melle Mel.
WorldStarHipHop.com was started in 2005 by Queens native O’Denat, and has become one the most viewed video blog sites on the internet averaging between 1-2 million unique viewers every day. In March of 2012 it was ranked as the 269th most visited site in the United States, and reportedly earns over $2.5 million a year.
The website presents user submitted videos that include footage of fights, pranks, and comedy sketches as well as promotional videos from music labels and news clips from around the world. Music videos submitted by both established artists and independent artists are shown as well.
Grandmaster Melle Mel points out that the procedure for a user to submit music videos to WorldStar is different from the procedure to submit amateur videos of violent acts.
“If you call them and talk to them about a Hip-Hop video they’ll charge you to put that video up, but if you send them a video of you kicking someone’s ass or the booty videos, they’re throwing them up for free,” says Melle Mel.
“They are calling themselves Hip-Hop, and they’re not doing nothing for the culture except raping the culture in order to make money,” adds Shakur.
According to reports, a non-established artist has to pay $500 to submit a music video, $1,250 for mixtape/DVD trailers, and $2,500 a day for their video to be placed in the featured space at the top of the site.
While label-backed artists do not have to pay for their content to appear on Worldstar, the site does make a significant profit from corporate sponsored advertisements.
“[Corporations] understand that the culture can get a whole group of people to move,” says Shakur. “So our people are moved to shoot, kill, rob, and rape. Their people are moved to excel, excel, and excel all based on the premise of real Hip-Hop culture.”
A “video agreement” posted on WSHH states that once a user has submitted a video WorldStar has the right to use that video in form and to license it out to other parties:
By submitting the video, you hereby grant Worldstar Hip
Hop and its parent company, Worldstar LLC,("Worldstar")theirrevocable right and license to duplicate, broadcast,
exhibit, transmit and exploit the video, or to allow Worldstart to grant sublicenses to third parties to duplicate, broadcast, exhibit, transmit and exploit the video, on theinternet, television, mobile platforms or other media
throughout the world.You agree that Worldstar shall not berequired to make any payment to you or anyone else in
exercise of the rights granted in this Agreement, and
acknowledge that you shall receive valuable consideration in the form of placement of and promotion of the video.
So far no one from WorldStar has responded to the Zulu Nation’s request to remove the word “Hip-Hop” from its name and its site, but the Zulu Nation plans to take further action if WSHH representatives do not respond to Shakur’s letter within 30 days, including reaching out to political leaders.
Shakur also says that O’Denat or anyone from WorldStar is welcome to attend the Zulu Nation’s upcoming 40th anniversary events to discuss what Hip-Hop culture is and what it isn’t. But until then Melle Mel and the Zulu Nation will continue its effort to recapture the term “Hip-Hop” from those using it to represent music, media, or actions that are going against the culture’s core principles.
“We are not going to let it go,” says Melle Mel.
“If it’s ours, let what’s ours be ours. And you just take yours and just do whatever you want to do with yours,” says Shakur. “Do it with yours, but don’t do it with ours.”
AllHipHop.com attempted to reach out to Lee “Q” O’Denat for a comment for this story. As of the time this article was published, he could not be located.
Watch a video of Quadeer Shakur addressing Worldstarhiphop.com below.
allhiphop.com
Murs and New Group “The White Mandingos” Announce New Concept Album
West Coast veteran rapper Murs and his new group, The White Mandingos have announced the release of their debut full length album dubbed, The Ghetto is Tryna Kill Me.
The White Mandingos project also includes the work of Bad Brain founder Darryl Jenifer and Ego Trip co-creator Sacha Jenkins.
The album is a concept record that is told from the perspective of Tyrone White, a rock band frontman from Harlem’s Polo Grounds housing project.
Production from Jenifer and Jenkins on the project blurs the boundaries separating Hip-Hop, hardcore punk, metal, and R&B as the album confronts the issues of race and identity.
“I think a lot of folks will be able to relate to Tyrone and his struggles,” Jenkins says. “He feels misunderstood- by his women, his friends, his people. And that misunderstanding sometimes affects who he is and who he truly wants to be. Should he not be playing this music because he’s black? And who the hell is in the position to tell him what to do anyways?”
The Ghetto is Tryna Kill Me is set to be released on June 11th via Fat Beats.
allhiphop.com
Run-DMC Announces First Show In Atlanta In Over 12 Years
Legendary Hip-Hop group Run-DMC has teamed with the Atlanta Braves to give their first performance in the city since 2001.
AllHipHop.com broke the news that the group was reuniting in July of 2012. Since then, they have only done a handful of shows, including Jay-Z’s “Made In America” festival.
Now, Run-DMC will take part in the Atlanta Braves’ 2013 Summer Concert Series.
Run-DMC is just one of the high-profile acts taking part in the Atlanta Braves’ 2013 Summer Concert Series.
Also performing during the summer will be The Steve Miller Band, as well as country stars Big & Rich.
Each concert takes place after the Braves play a home game.
Run-DMC is slated to be the featured act after the Atlanta Braves play the Washington Nationals on June 1.
Fans of Run-DMC who cannot wait until June 1, can catch a glimpse of the reunited rap stars at The Borgata in Atlantic City, on March 16.
allhiphop.com
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