Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
The Procussions Reunite After Seven Years, Offer "1K Song" Fundraiser
by Jake Paine
They released the following video:
In a statement also posted on IndieGogo, the group explained their absence:
"It’s been seven years since our last record, and during that time we’ve learned three very important things. 1) The energy within The Procussions cannot be harnessed individually. 2) We MISS writing music and doing shows as a group! 3) After years of touring, many of those as “openers” for major acts, we’ve come to realize that in the end, only OUR fan-base matters. We can’t measure our "success" on any other name but our own!"
In the years since The Procussions disbanded in 2008, J Medeiros has released multiple albums, most recently this April's Pale Blue Dot EP. Stro has produced for artists such as Wrekonize of ¡Mayday! and Phonte.
(September 18, 2012)
UPDATE: In a new fundraising effort, The Procussions have announced a "1K Song" campaign. For $1,000, the former Rawkus Records group will write, record and distribute a song for you, yours or an organization. The package comes complete with artwork designed by the Procussions' longtime designer Luke Atencio.
For more information, fans can visit the band's page.
The group is also planning a September album, with details emerging.
hiphopdx.com
Mr. J. Medeiros and Stro Elliot offer their second promotional fundraiser to the upcoming album.
Mr.
J Medeiros of Colorado Springs, Colorado Hip Hop group The Procussions
contacted HipHopDX today (September 18) with news of a group reunion.
Seven years removed from recording 5 Sparrows For 2 Cents, the
now-duo (with Stro Elliot f/k/a The 89th Key) is recording an upcoming
February, 2013 project. The forthcoming album will be recorded and
released if the group can raise $10,000 from fans through their IndieGogo.com page.
With 87 days left (as of today) J and Stro are at nearly 40% of their
financing. Supporters can choose from a variety of levels, all receiving
the album and much more.They released the following video:
In a statement also posted on IndieGogo, the group explained their absence:
"It’s been seven years since our last record, and during that time we’ve learned three very important things. 1) The energy within The Procussions cannot be harnessed individually. 2) We MISS writing music and doing shows as a group! 3) After years of touring, many of those as “openers” for major acts, we’ve come to realize that in the end, only OUR fan-base matters. We can’t measure our "success" on any other name but our own!"
In the years since The Procussions disbanded in 2008, J Medeiros has released multiple albums, most recently this April's Pale Blue Dot EP. Stro has produced for artists such as Wrekonize of ¡Mayday! and Phonte.
(September 18, 2012)
UPDATE: In a new fundraising effort, The Procussions have announced a "1K Song" campaign. For $1,000, the former Rawkus Records group will write, record and distribute a song for you, yours or an organization. The package comes complete with artwork designed by the Procussions' longtime designer Luke Atencio.
For more information, fans can visit the band's page.
The group is also planning a September album, with details emerging.
hiphopdx.com
The Roots Honored By Philadelphia Mural Arts With South Street Mural
by Jake Paine
Now, the 20-plus year collective will be immortalized on South Street by the acclaimed Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. On May 31, The Roots will appear alongside their Broad & South Street mural, designed and implemented by Amber Art & Design featuring Tatyana Fazlalizadeh for a public dedication. The title of the painting, as seen below, is "Legendary."
“Like many Philadelphians, we love The Roots,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director of the Mural Arts Program in a press statement. “We have enjoyed getting to know them and appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the many gifts they have given our city, our region, and indeed the world.”
In early 2011, ?uestlove recorded the narration for the Mural Arts Program’s Albert M. Greenfield African American Iconic Images Collection.
The Roots are presently recording a Def Jam Records album believed to be called, & Then I Shot Your Cousin.
hiphopdx.com
?uestlove, Black Thought and
the rest of The Roots will be honored by a public mural dedication by
Philadelphia's world-renowned Mural Arts Program.
Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip Hop band The Roots
garnered success in the early 1990s playing sidewalk concerts on the
city's famed South Street district. Throughout the years, the group
including Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson
and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter would play at South Street venues
such as Legendary Dobb's and The Living Arts Lounge, in addition to
?uest's deejay residency at Fluid.Now, the 20-plus year collective will be immortalized on South Street by the acclaimed Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. On May 31, The Roots will appear alongside their Broad & South Street mural, designed and implemented by Amber Art & Design featuring Tatyana Fazlalizadeh for a public dedication. The title of the painting, as seen below, is "Legendary."
“Like many Philadelphians, we love The Roots,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director of the Mural Arts Program in a press statement. “We have enjoyed getting to know them and appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the many gifts they have given our city, our region, and indeed the world.”
In early 2011, ?uestlove recorded the narration for the Mural Arts Program’s Albert M. Greenfield African American Iconic Images Collection.
The Roots are presently recording a Def Jam Records album believed to be called, & Then I Shot Your Cousin.
hiphopdx.com
Kendrick Lamar Says “Molly Rap” Is Watering Down Hip Hop
by Yohance Kyles
“Death To Molly,” are the final words on the screen at the end of Kendrick Lamar’s latest video for “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.” Now the West Coast emcee is explaining the meaning behind his metaphorical killing of the present drug of choice for many in Hip Hop.
“When everybody consciously now uses this term or this phrase and putting it in lyrics, it waters the culture down,” Kendrick tells MTV’s Sway in a recent interview. “So it’s really just time to move on.”
References to Molly (a powdered or crystallized form of MDMA) has seen a rise in rap songs in recent years. The drug has also seen greater usage among young people.
According to a 2012 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2% of eighth graders, 5% of 10th graders, and 7% of 12 graders reported to have tried MDMA throughout their lifetime. Nearly 12% of respondents between the ages of 18-25 admitted to using the drug at one point.
Molly became part of a huge news story recently when rapper Rick Ross lost an endorsement deal with Reebok because of his controversial lyrics on Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O.”
On the track Ross raps, “Put Molly all in her champagne/she ain’t even know it/I took her home and I enjoyed that/she ain’t even know it.” The lyrics were viewed by some as supporting or glorifying date rape leading to protests from women’s groups.
[ALSO READ: Rick Ross To Lose $3.5 – $5 Million From Dropped Reebok Deal]
“Sometimes you have the trends that’s not that cool,” says Kendrick speaking in general about the overuse of Molly mentions in rap music. “You may have certain artists portraying these trends and don’t really have that lifestyle and then it gives off the wrong thing. And it becomes kinda corny after a while.”
Kendrick’s ceremonial burial of the party drug is his way of pushing the culture forward past the “Molly Era.”
allhiphop.com
Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, & Jay Rock Drop “U.O.E.N.O” Remix
by Yohance Kyles
DE’s Black Hippy crew is ready to take over the summer tour season, and you don’t even know it. Well, K-Dot, Q, Solo, and Rock wanted to inform you by dropping their remix to Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O.” in a Good Kid Maad City Tour promo spot.
For more info about the tour and to purchase tickets visit topdawgmusic.com
allhiphop.com
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Q-Tip Confirms Kendrick Lamar Collaboration
by Jake Paine
Q-Tip and Kendrick Lamar did something together, and The Abstract wants us to hear it as soon as possible.
Queens, New York emcee/producer Q-Tip has maintained a career in Hip Hop for nearly 25 years. As of late, he's worked extensively with rising sensations Roc Marciano, Mac Miller and even most recently, LMFAO's GoonRock.
According to Twitter, there is another artist to add to The Abstract's growing list of collaborators. Yesterday (May 19) Q-Tip tweeted to Compton, California's Kendrick Lamar, suggesting the pair leaks a track they made together. While it is unclear if Q-Tip produced, rapped, or did both for the song, the song remains unheard.
hroughout his career, Tip has worked extensively with Busta Rhymes, who was an Aftermath Entertainment artist in the mid-2000s. Q-Tip appeared on two songs from 2006's The Big Bang, which was released on Dr. Dre's label, several years before Kendrick's signing.
Q-Tip is currently working on his first solo album since signing with Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music imprint. It is believed to be titled, The Last Zulu, and planned for 2014 release.
hiphopdx.com
B.o.B Announces Third Album Title
by Soren Baker
The Georgia rapper-musician also gets political on his new track "Through My Head," a track likely culled from his forthcoming "Underground Luxury" album.
B.o.B takes a bleak look at modern American society on his new "Through My Head" single. The Georgia artist raps that they "got you working triple just to get eat some rice and chicken/Plus your credit to the limit just to drive a Honda Civic." The song is likely culled from B.o.B.'s third album, the forthcoming Underground Luxury, according to HipHopNMore.
In the nearly six-minute video clip that accompanies the song, which appears to be the 2010 short film The Raven, the protagonist gets chased through a virtually desolate Los Angeles as he's hunted by machine gun-equipped robots. The clip was written and directed by Ricardo de Montreuil and incorporates thematic elements from several recent films, including 2009's Section 9. B.o.B does not appear in the video.
The video concludes with the note that, "Suspect is still at large. Chris Black. A.K.A. The Raven."
B.o.B's second album, Strange Clouds, was released in 2012.
hiphopdx.com
J. Cole "Born Sinner" Release Date & Cover Art Versions
by Jake Paine
J. Cole tells fans that "Born Sinner" is finished, turned into the label, and confirms at when it's coming. He also drops the artwork in two versions.
After previous reports and a video trailer suggesting that J. Cole's sophomore album would top off 2013 with a January release, the Roc Nation star provided new information moments ago this evening. The North Carolina emcee/producer tweeted that Born Sinner will now release on June 25.
Earlier today, Jay-Z announced that Roc Nation had reached a partnership with Universal Music Group. With J. Cole's 2011 debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story released through Roc Nation/Sony, it is unclear at this team if his release will now be within the UMG structure. Throughout the year, Sony/Columbia Records has still sent press releases and materials on the gold-selling sensation.
(April 8)
UPDATE: TheHollywoodReporter is claiming to have spoken with a source close to J. Cole. They are alleging that Born Sinner will now release on June 18. J. Cole's rep at Sony Records could not confirm or deny the reports. At present, J. Cole's tweets last month remain his last public mention of the release date.
(May 16)
UPDATE #2: Following last week's reports, J. Cole recently performed with his Dreamville team in Miami, Florida. In this fan-captured video that was posted at DDotOmen, Cole confirms that Born Sinner is completed at the recording stages and turned into his label. Saying it'll be released in "four weeks," it remains unclear whether the sophomore album has a June 18 or June 25 release date.
hiphopdx.com
Action Bronson & Harry Fraud "Saab Stories" Planned For June
by Sean Ryon
Harry Fraud announced to The Source earlier today that he and Bronson are planning to release an album together this summer titled Saab Stories. Although Fraud kept tight-lipped about the extent to which they've been working together and they features they've secured, he did say that the duo have enough material for two projects.
“Right now we have enough material for two projects," he explained. "We’re definitely going to do an LP. Right now it’s called Saab Stories—Saab as in the automobile company. You can lookout for it in the summertime. Already we’ve got records and features on there that are going to have people blown away at the fact that we’re working with these artists. We have shit on there that they’re not even ready for. We got a lot of surprises.”
(April 18)
UPDATE: Action Bronson has now confirmed, via Twitter, that Saab Stories with Harry Fraud will release in June. The Queens, New York emcee says it's coming, "no matter what." The project is believed to be a free album, though that is not confirmed."
hiphopdx.com
Two of New York's hottest rising stars Action Bronson & Harry Fraud give fans an update.
Earlier this year, Action Bronson and producer Harry Fraud turned heads when the duo linked up for a song with RiFF RaFF titled "Bird On a Wire." Now, it looks like the rising New York artists have something bigger planned.Harry Fraud announced to The Source earlier today that he and Bronson are planning to release an album together this summer titled Saab Stories. Although Fraud kept tight-lipped about the extent to which they've been working together and they features they've secured, he did say that the duo have enough material for two projects.
“Right now we have enough material for two projects," he explained. "We’re definitely going to do an LP. Right now it’s called Saab Stories—Saab as in the automobile company. You can lookout for it in the summertime. Already we’ve got records and features on there that are going to have people blown away at the fact that we’re working with these artists. We have shit on there that they’re not even ready for. We got a lot of surprises.”
(April 18)
UPDATE: Action Bronson has now confirmed, via Twitter, that Saab Stories with Harry Fraud will release in June. The Queens, New York emcee says it's coming, "no matter what." The project is believed to be a free album, though that is not confirmed."
hiphopdx.com
The Pharcyde Announce "Bizarre Ride Live" European Tour Dates
by Jake Paine
Bootie Brown and Imani, the two other members of The Pharcyde, currently tour and record also using the group's name. They released Humboldt Beginnings in 2004.
The Bizarre Ride Live European tour dates are as follows. Check the tour website as specific venues are announced:
20.06.2013 - Lille
21.06.2013 - Wien / Festival
22.06.2013 - Hannover
23.06.1203 - Den Haag
24.06.2013 - Frankfurt
25.06.2013 - Erlangen
26.06.2013 - Heidelberg
27.06.2013 - Glastonbury / Festival
28.06.2013 - London
29.06.2013 - Manchester
30.06.2013 - Glasgow
01.07.2013 - Liverpool
02.07.2013 - Paris / Festival
04.07.2013 - Munich
05.07.2013 - Münster
06.07.2013 - Rotterdam
07.07.2013 - Dublin
08.07.2013 - Brighton
hiphopdx.com
Fatlip, Slimkid3, J-Swift, L.A.
Jay and Delicious Vinyl Records are paying homage to The Pharcyde's
great album with a live on-stage recreation.
Two of the four founding members of The Pharcyde, Fatlip and Slimkid3 (f/k/a Tre Hardson)
are gearing up for European tour dates. They are continuing their
Bizarre Ride Live experience, recreating the group's 1992 debut, Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde.
Joining the tour is album producer J-Swift, along with affiliate L.A.
Jay. The tour is supported by the label with whom Pharcyde was signed to
throughout the 1990s, Delicious Vinyl Records.Bootie Brown and Imani, the two other members of The Pharcyde, currently tour and record also using the group's name. They released Humboldt Beginnings in 2004.
The Bizarre Ride Live European tour dates are as follows. Check the tour website as specific venues are announced:
20.06.2013 - Lille
21.06.2013 - Wien / Festival
22.06.2013 - Hannover
23.06.1203 - Den Haag
24.06.2013 - Frankfurt
25.06.2013 - Erlangen
26.06.2013 - Heidelberg
27.06.2013 - Glastonbury / Festival
28.06.2013 - London
29.06.2013 - Manchester
30.06.2013 - Glasgow
01.07.2013 - Liverpool
02.07.2013 - Paris / Festival
04.07.2013 - Munich
05.07.2013 - Münster
06.07.2013 - Rotterdam
07.07.2013 - Dublin
08.07.2013 - Brighton
hiphopdx.com
Slum Village Set To Release New Album ‘Evolution’
by Yohance Kyles
Hip-Hop group Slum Village is set to return with their first LP in three years. After several shake-ups, original member T3 joined with Grammy-nominated producer Young RJ and J Dilla’s younger brother Illa J to record Evolution.
The latest project features guest appearances by Havoc of Mobb Deep, Blu, Raheem Devaughn, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Big Pooh. Production credits include T3, Young RJ, and Focus.
The founding members of Slum Village (T3, J Dilla, Baatin) started the group in the early 90′s in Detroit’s Conant Gardens neighborhood. Dilla later left the group in 2002 and was replaced by fellow Detroit emcee Elzhi.
Soon after Baatin also departed due to health complications, and T3 and Elzhi performed as a duo. Baatin would later return to the group.
Unfortunately, both founding members J Dilla and Baatin have since passed away. Dilla died in 2006 at 32. Baatin died in 2009 at 35.
Now T3, RJ, and Illa continue the Slum Village legacy with Evolution. The present-day crew has released the lead single “Forever,” and they are currently on a world tour to support their new album.
Evolution will be released on June 25th.
Check out the remaining dates for Slum Village’s tour and the video for “Forever” below.
allhiphop.com
Hip-Hop group Slum Village is set to return with their first LP in three years. After several shake-ups, original member T3 joined with Grammy-nominated producer Young RJ and J Dilla’s younger brother Illa J to record Evolution.
The latest project features guest appearances by Havoc of Mobb Deep, Blu, Raheem Devaughn, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Big Pooh. Production credits include T3, Young RJ, and Focus.
The founding members of Slum Village (T3, J Dilla, Baatin) started the group in the early 90′s in Detroit’s Conant Gardens neighborhood. Dilla later left the group in 2002 and was replaced by fellow Detroit emcee Elzhi.
Soon after Baatin also departed due to health complications, and T3 and Elzhi performed as a duo. Baatin would later return to the group.
Unfortunately, both founding members J Dilla and Baatin have since passed away. Dilla died in 2006 at 32. Baatin died in 2009 at 35.
Now T3, RJ, and Illa continue the Slum Village legacy with Evolution. The present-day crew has released the lead single “Forever,” and they are currently on a world tour to support their new album.
Evolution will be released on June 25th.
Check out the remaining dates for Slum Village’s tour and the video for “Forever” below.
May 22 – Munich, Germany – Import Export
May 23 – Milan, Italy – Biko Club
May 24 – Aarau, Switzerland – Kiff
May 25 – Brussels, Belgium – Brass
June 14 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
July 24 – Orlando, FL – Backbooth
July 25 - Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
May 24 – Aarau, Switzerland – Kiff
May 25 – Brussels, Belgium – Brass
June 14 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
July 24 – Orlando, FL – Backbooth
July 25 - Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
July 26 – Miami, FL – The Stage
allhiphop.com
Kanye West Creatively Releases New Song Called “New Slaves”
by Houston Williams
Kanye West has released his new song in a most creative way.
The rapper has projected his song “New Slaves” onto the walls of 66 location all over the nation.
In the song, Kanye talks about the New World Order, paparazzi, his frustrations over a sparse, but bouncy beat.
All the locations can be found at KanyeWest.com.
Below, is the Williamsburg, Brooklyn projection of “New Slave.”
allhiphop.com
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Def Jam Records Names Shawn "Pecas" Costner Executive Vice President
by Jake Paine
"Def Jam [Records] is the greatest Hip Hop label in the world and it is an honor and a privilege to work with such incredible artists every day," said Costner in a press statement. "I am appreciative of [Island Def Jam Records President] Steve Bartels for his leadership and his continued faith in me as we move the Def Jam brand into the future. With our talented staff, an unprecedented roster of superstars and an exciting crop of newcomers, we are poised to win big in 2013 and beyond."
A Def Jam staffer since 2005, the New York City-based Pecas previously worked at Elektra and Arista Records in the early 2000s.
hiphopdx.com
It's a season of moves at Def Jam Records as a veteran executive within the company gets a major promotion.
It's been a busy 2013 at Def Jam Records. The Hip Hop mainstay witnessed the departure of Joie Manda in March,
who left his post as label president to lead the Urban Music team at
competitor, Interscope Records. Yesterday (May 13), Senior Vice
President of A&R Sha Money XL announced his leaving for a similar spot at Epic Records.
In the flurry of moves, today, Def Jam announced the promotion of Shawn
"Pecas" Costner to label Executive Vice President. For the last three
years, Pecas served as Senior VP at the label that is home to Kanye
West, 2 Chainz and The Roots."Def Jam [Records] is the greatest Hip Hop label in the world and it is an honor and a privilege to work with such incredible artists every day," said Costner in a press statement. "I am appreciative of [Island Def Jam Records President] Steve Bartels for his leadership and his continued faith in me as we move the Def Jam brand into the future. With our talented staff, an unprecedented roster of superstars and an exciting crop of newcomers, we are poised to win big in 2013 and beyond."
A Def Jam staffer since 2005, the New York City-based Pecas previously worked at Elektra and Arista Records in the early 2000s.
hiphopdx.com
Tech N9ne Praises R.A. The Rugged Man's Lyricism & Flow
by Andres Vasquez
After their "Holla-Loo-Yuh"
collaboration, Tech N9ne provides positive words for R.A. The Rugged Man
and says "it's a beautiful thing when something abnormal can break
through."
After working together on "Holla-Loo-Yuh," Tech N9ne says he has new found respect for R.A. The Rugged Man. In a video promoting R.A.'s Legends Never Die album, Tech explains just why he has so much praise for The Rugged Man. "When I think about R.A. and how he might compare to the mainstream mothafuckas or independent mothafuckas as far as flow and delivery and everything, I think R.A. is in his own mothafucking lane," Tech shares in the clip. "I think a lot of niggas can’t even handle his lyricism. R.A. is hardcore, he’s a hardcore lyricist, and that’s what we like. And that’s why 'Holla-Loo-Yuh' is a mothafucking smash, because nigga is on there bustin'. And that’s what we do, and that’s what he does, and I dig it. He actually takes the time to rhyme multiple times, over and over. The song we did, 'Holla-Loo-Yuh,' multiple syllables, just murdered it. The kind of emcee to say, 'I can do this and you can’t.' I dig that shit. If you haven’t heard it, listen to R.A.’s verse, and tell me that ain’t a mothafucking emcee. You gotta be an emcee to do that kind of shit."
In the video, Tech also recalls a memory of The Rugged Man, explaining why "it's a beautiful thing when something abnormal can break through."
"He don’t give a fuck," Tech continued. "I’ve seen this mothafucka on stage with his draws on, bustin'. Sweaty as a mothafucka with his boxers on, packed-ass crowd, not givin' a fuck. And you know, we specialize in 'don’t give a fuck' music, and R.A. is that. What I’m expecting from Legends Never Die is, I’m expecting to hear some hardcore fucking rhyming and I know I'm going to get that from R.A., for sure. And it’s a beautiful thing when something abnormal can break through. That’s a celebration."
This interview with Tech can be found below via Nature Sounds.
hiphopdx.com
Sha Money XL Leaves Executive Post At Def Jam, Signs To Epic Records
by Soren Baker
“As I embark on this new Epic journey," Sha Money said in a statement, "I have a great vision for what the new record industry should be like, the music, the experience and lifestyle."
While at Def Jam, Sha Money XL worked worked with 2 Chainz and Big K.R.I.T., among others. He also served as president of G Unit Records and was 50 Cent's long-time manager and producer.
"Sha Money has time and again proven to be a cultural leader and has my complete support in ushering in the next generation of Hip Hop stars,” Epic chairman and CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid said in a statement.
Epic Records' roster includes Andre 3000, Casey Veggies, Future, Ca$h Out and Ciara, among others.
hiphopdx.com
The G Unit Records vet worked with 2 Chainz and Big K.R.I.T. at his former post.
Sha
Money XL, one of the architects of the G Unit movement, has signed on
as an executive vice president of urban A&R at Epic Records. He had
served as senior vice president of A&R at Island Def Jam for three
years.“As I embark on this new Epic journey," Sha Money said in a statement, "I have a great vision for what the new record industry should be like, the music, the experience and lifestyle."
While at Def Jam, Sha Money XL worked worked with 2 Chainz and Big K.R.I.T., among others. He also served as president of G Unit Records and was 50 Cent's long-time manager and producer.
"Sha Money has time and again proven to be a cultural leader and has my complete support in ushering in the next generation of Hip Hop stars,” Epic chairman and CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid said in a statement.
Epic Records' roster includes Andre 3000, Casey Veggies, Future, Ca$h Out and Ciara, among others.
hiphopdx.com
Hieroglyphics "The Kitchen" Release Date, Tracklist & Cover Art
by Paul Martinez
The Kitchen single “Gun Fever” discusses the group’s perspective on gun control, a topic that's getting a lot of national attention thanks to the high profile shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, among others. "We are not promoting guns or violence," Hieroglyphics member Tajai said on the group's website, "but simply expressing our thoughts on the issue and encouraging further dialogue."
Hieroglyphics consists of Souls of Mischief (Opio, Phesto, A-Plus, Tajai), Del The Funky Homosapien, Pep Love, Casual, Domino and DJ Toure. The members of Hiero have been involved in a number of projects and have collaborated with Jurassic 5, George Clinton, Dilated Peoples, Q-Tip, Xzibit and Gorillaz, among others.
The Kitchen is the follow-up to 2003's Full Circle. The crew released 3rd Eye Vision in 1998 and also has various compilations and EPs under its belt.
The cover art and tracklist for The Kitchen is as follows.
1. The Kitchen Intro - PROD. Sleeprockers
2.. Livin’ It Up – PROD. Del The Funky Homosapien
3. The Mayor – PROD. Gully Duckets
4. Golden – PROD. Del The Funky Homosapien
5. Gun Fever – PROD. Gully Duckets
6. Indonesia – PROD. Opio
7. wShores Galore – PROD. Opio
8. That Merch – PROD. Unjust
9. Nutrition – PROD. Opio
10. Indonesia Interlude – Sleeprockers edit/PROD. Opio
11. Highway Five – PROD. Opio
12. All As Above So Below – PROD. Opio
13. Nano Salt – PROD. Opio
14. Immortals – PROD. A-Plus
15. Exciting – PROD. Phesto Dee
16. It’s Partly Me – PROD. Opio
17. Passing Fads – PROD. Stephen King
hiphopdx.com
Hieroglyphics returns with "The Kitchen," its first studio album in 10 years.
Oakland underground super group Hieroglyphics will release its third album, The Kitchen, July
16. Sacramento-based DJ and beat-chopping crew The Sleeprockers
contributed to Hiero’s third studio album, a project they "mixed and
cooked." The Kitchen single “Gun Fever” discusses the group’s perspective on gun control, a topic that's getting a lot of national attention thanks to the high profile shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, among others. "We are not promoting guns or violence," Hieroglyphics member Tajai said on the group's website, "but simply expressing our thoughts on the issue and encouraging further dialogue."
Hieroglyphics consists of Souls of Mischief (Opio, Phesto, A-Plus, Tajai), Del The Funky Homosapien, Pep Love, Casual, Domino and DJ Toure. The members of Hiero have been involved in a number of projects and have collaborated with Jurassic 5, George Clinton, Dilated Peoples, Q-Tip, Xzibit and Gorillaz, among others.
The Kitchen is the follow-up to 2003's Full Circle. The crew released 3rd Eye Vision in 1998 and also has various compilations and EPs under its belt.
The cover art and tracklist for The Kitchen is as follows.
1. The Kitchen Intro - PROD. Sleeprockers
2.. Livin’ It Up – PROD. Del The Funky Homosapien
3. The Mayor – PROD. Gully Duckets
4. Golden – PROD. Del The Funky Homosapien
5. Gun Fever – PROD. Gully Duckets
6. Indonesia – PROD. Opio
7. wShores Galore – PROD. Opio
8. That Merch – PROD. Unjust
9. Nutrition – PROD. Opio
10. Indonesia Interlude – Sleeprockers edit/PROD. Opio
11. Highway Five – PROD. Opio
12. All As Above So Below – PROD. Opio
13. Nano Salt – PROD. Opio
14. Immortals – PROD. A-Plus
15. Exciting – PROD. Phesto Dee
16. It’s Partly Me – PROD. Opio
17. Passing Fads – PROD. Stephen King
hiphopdx.com
Tragedy Khadafi Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of "Saga Of A Hoodlum" With Live Stream Concert
Tragedy Khadafi, Large Professor and Audible Doctor will be kickin' it at Boiler Room TV this afternoon like it's 1993.
Queens, New York emcee Tragedy Khadafi released his sophomore album, Saga Of A Hoodlum in summer of 1993. The longtime A&R Records artist and Juice Crew affiliate partnered with Marley Marl and his then-protege K-Def for the 16-track follow-up to The Intelligent Hoodlum, which also sported an early Havoc appearance on "Pass The Teck."Today Tragedy Khadafi is honoring the 20th anniversary of Saga Of A Hoodlum with an afternoon live-streamed event at BoilerRoom.TV. Beginning at 2:30 pm EST, Trag, along with deejay sets from fellow Queens vet Large Professor and Brown Bag AllStars member Audible Doctor. Additional guests are expected to appear.
A spokesperson for the event announced that Tragedy will perform older songs, along with some newer material. The Capone-N-Noreaga mentor and onetime Black Market Militia member last released Thug Matrix 3 in 2011. Audible Doctor, along with Ayatollah and AraabMuzik were producers to the 25 To Life/Aura/Money Maker Entertainment release.
You can view the event at BoilerRoom.TV.
hiphopdx.com
by Jake Paine
Goodie Mob Reunion Documented In "The Cee Lo Life"
by Andres Vasquez
Reports indicate that the series will follow Goodie Mob as they prepare to release their reunion album, Age Against the Machine.
Michael Wright, head of programming at TBS, talked about the show, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
"This new TBS series will give viewers the chance to get to know Cee Lo Green, who is without a doubt one of the hardest working men in show business. 'The Cee Lo Life' is certain to be a smart, fun and funny journey packed with a lot of great music," Wright noted.
Goodie Mob's Age Against the Machine will be out June 18, as reported in early April. Last year, Cee Lo spoke about the group's reunion, saying that they were "never separate from each other completely."
The group originally formed in 1991. It consists of four members, Cee Lo, Big Gipp, Khujo and T-Mo. They released sevaral albums together, including their debut, 1995's Soul Food. However, in 2004, Cee Lo left the group to pursue a solo career. The group then released One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show. After years apart, their reunion album was originally meant to be called We Sell Drugs Too and it was meant to be released in 2011. Those plans were changed and now it appears Age Against the Machine will be out in June.
hiphopdx.com
Cee Lo Green gets a new reality
show on TBS with "The Cee Lo Life," which is set to follow him as he
and the rest of the Goodie Mob work on their new album, "Age Against The
Machine."
Longtime supporters of the Goodie Mob will be treated to "The Cee Lo Life," a new reality television program set to document the group's reunion, according to the Hollywood Reporter and FUSE. Reports indicate that the series will follow Goodie Mob as they prepare to release their reunion album, Age Against the Machine.
Michael Wright, head of programming at TBS, talked about the show, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
"This new TBS series will give viewers the chance to get to know Cee Lo Green, who is without a doubt one of the hardest working men in show business. 'The Cee Lo Life' is certain to be a smart, fun and funny journey packed with a lot of great music," Wright noted.
Goodie Mob's Age Against the Machine will be out June 18, as reported in early April. Last year, Cee Lo spoke about the group's reunion, saying that they were "never separate from each other completely."
The group originally formed in 1991. It consists of four members, Cee Lo, Big Gipp, Khujo and T-Mo. They released sevaral albums together, including their debut, 1995's Soul Food. However, in 2004, Cee Lo left the group to pursue a solo career. The group then released One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show. After years apart, their reunion album was originally meant to be called We Sell Drugs Too and it was meant to be released in 2011. Those plans were changed and now it appears Age Against the Machine will be out in June.
hiphopdx.com
Rittz - Switch Lanes (Feat. Mike Posner)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bnZHIHGKNp8
Naughty By Nature Tour Set To Continue Despite Personal Disputes
After revealing that Vinnie “sucker punched” him during a business meeting and releasing a diss track
aimed at his former friend, Treach will still be joining Vin Rock and
Kay Gee for an upcoming tour. The 17-city trek was scheduled prior to
the controversy.
Treach will also be performing on tomorrow night’s (5/15) Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.Check out the dates for Naughty By Nature’s summer tour below.
5/17- New York, NY – Canal Room
5/18 – Durham, NC – Cultural Festival
5/26 – Lake Tahoe, NV – PEEK Nightclub
6/1 – Philadelphia, PA – Roots Picnic - Live with the Roots
6/14 – Mashantucket, CT – Foxwoods
6/18 – Toronto, ON – Shangri La
6/22 – Edison, NJ – Just 4 U Kids Expo
6/28 – Chicago, IL – Country Club Hills Amphitheater
7/18 – Newark, NJ – NJPAC
7/19 – Boston, MA – Wilbur Theatre
7/20- Portland, ME – Asylum
8/2 – Minneapolis, MN – Insert Coins
8/3 – Decatur, IL – Funfest
8/4 – Louisville, KY – The Belvedere
8/24 – Vancouver, BC – Bar None
8/25 – Vancouver, BC – Bar None
9/21 – Farmingville, NY – Pennysaver Amphitheater
allhiphop.com
Nas and Pusha T Invest in Urban Media Company
Queensbridge native Nas has announced a joint venture to own urban
media company, Mass Appeal, investing a “six-figure sum” into the
company.
Other investors on the endeavor include Pusha T, record label/creative agency DECON, and an international firm, White Owl Capital.
Moving into online content, the media group is expecting to expand from print to an online publication, with Nas serving as Mass Appeal’s associate publisher.
Mass Appeal was founded in 1996 and shut down in 2008, before being revived by the current team earlier this year.
Seeking to include web video, photography, social, print and live experiences, Mass Appeal YouTube account features behind the scenes of the magazine, the “Time Pieces” series of short videos from Jason Goldwatch, and more.
“While we embrace all things hip-hop (as it is part of our heart and soul), we stand for (and have always stood for) creative instigation,” said publisher Peter Bittenbender, who is also the CEO of DECON. “Music and its influence is such a massive part of our creative equity along with street art and fashion.”
More news as details emerge.
allhiphop.com
Other investors on the endeavor include Pusha T, record label/creative agency DECON, and an international firm, White Owl Capital.
Moving into online content, the media group is expecting to expand from print to an online publication, with Nas serving as Mass Appeal’s associate publisher.
Mass Appeal was founded in 1996 and shut down in 2008, before being revived by the current team earlier this year.
Seeking to include web video, photography, social, print and live experiences, Mass Appeal YouTube account features behind the scenes of the magazine, the “Time Pieces” series of short videos from Jason Goldwatch, and more.
“While we embrace all things hip-hop (as it is part of our heart and soul), we stand for (and have always stood for) creative instigation,” said publisher Peter Bittenbender, who is also the CEO of DECON. “Music and its influence is such a massive part of our creative equity along with street art and fashion.”
More news as details emerge.
allhiphop.com
Lil Kim To Play First London Show In Over A Decade At Lovebox Festival
42am
Brooklyn raptress Lil Kim is
set to head across the pond to perform at London’s Lovebox Festival on
Sunday, July 21st. This will be the first time the Hard Core femcee will hit the stage in England’s capital since the “Notorious K.I.M. World Tour” in 2001.
The Notorious B.I.G. protégé has been touring the U.S. for the last few years as she continues to work on her 6th studio album. The untitled LP is reportedly being executive produced by hitmaker Bangladesh and the first single is set to drop sometime this summer. Her last full project was 2011′s Black Friday mixtape.
This year Kim has already appeared on the tracks “Twisted” and “Jay-Z” with her new artist Tiffany Foxx. The duo recently released the video for the Jigga-inspired song.
allhiphop.com
The Notorious B.I.G. protégé has been touring the U.S. for the last few years as she continues to work on her 6th studio album. The untitled LP is reportedly being executive produced by hitmaker Bangladesh and the first single is set to drop sometime this summer. Her last full project was 2011′s Black Friday mixtape.
This year Kim has already appeared on the tracks “Twisted” and “Jay-Z” with her new artist Tiffany Foxx. The duo recently released the video for the Jigga-inspired song.
While in London, the Queen Bee is sure to
run through her catalogue of hits likes “No Time,” “Crush On You,” “The
Jump Off,” and “Lighters Up.”
Lovebox will be the only U.K. stop for Kim
during the summer festival season. The three-day event will take place
at Victoria Park and will also feature other American acts D’Angelo,
Azealia Banks, Flying Lotus, Jurassic 5, and Oddisee.
To see the full line-up for the Lovebox Festival visit mamacolive.com.allhiphop.com
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Aceyalone Films "Leanin' On Slick" Video In Cuba
by Jake Paine
It is unknown where or how the Decon duo entered Cuba. Jay and Bey faced scrutiny from several South Florida politicians, including Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Representatives United States Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart, who both sought information on how the couple obtained a license to enter Cuba, as well as scrutinized them for ignoring the Cuban-Americans who suffered to emigrate. President Obama, who was asked about his knowledge of the trip in a White House press conference—following Jay-Z's audio statement "Open Letter"—later joked of the controversy at a correspondent's dinner late last month.
The video, which premiered on Spin, is below:
hiphopdx.com
A month after Jay-Z and Beyonce
were scrutinized for their trip to Cuba, Aceyalone and Jason Goldwatch
release a Decon-backed video filmed in the country.
A
month after Jay-Z and Beyonce controversially celebrated their fifth
wedding anniversary in Havana, Cuba, another early 1990s Hip Hop veteran
entered the country on United States tourist embargo. Los Angeles,
California lyricist Aceyalone joined filmmaker Jason Goldwatch to film
the video "Leanin' On Slick," from the May 28 album of the same name. The album's artwork from the Freestyle Fellowship leader, also features Acey photographed in Cuba.It is unknown where or how the Decon duo entered Cuba. Jay and Bey faced scrutiny from several South Florida politicians, including Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Representatives United States Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart, who both sought information on how the couple obtained a license to enter Cuba, as well as scrutinized them for ignoring the Cuban-Americans who suffered to emigrate. President Obama, who was asked about his knowledge of the trip in a White House press conference—following Jay-Z's audio statement "Open Letter"—later joked of the controversy at a correspondent's dinner late last month.
The video, which premiered on Spin, is below:
hiphopdx.com
Producer/Executive Big Hollis Launches Music Distribution Company
by Paul Martinez
In addition to his work as an executive, Big Hollis a West Coast-based producer who has credits on projects by rappers like Snoop Lion (a/k/a Snoop Dogg), Daz Dillinger, Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone, Keak Da Sneak and Mac Dre, to name a few.
“[Big] Hollis is a dope producer and he knows how to get the party started and he leads by example in the studio, I love working with Hollis,” said Snoop in a studio.
Matthew Rodriguez, M.O.D.’s director of Multimedia video producer is known for his work with Jamie Foxx, Denise Richards and Flavor Flav a founding member of Legendary Hip Hop collective Public Enemy.
My Own Distribution’s goal is to develop any artist into a successful brand. An M.O.D. seminar will be taking place on June 1 at the Scottish Rite Center in Sacramento, California. For more information on My Own Distribution visit their website.
hiphopdx.com
Big Hollis has teamed up with video expert Matthew Rodriguez to operate a Company called My Own Distribution.
My
Own Distribution is a company founded by Michael Goldstein. This
recently formed distribution/marketing agency has enlisted two seasoned
veterans in the music industry to operate their system, Walter Hollis
a/k/a “Big Hollis” and Matthew Rodriguez. M.O.D. offers its clients
opportunities to get their music sold to over 100 digital entertainment
service providers like iTunes, Amazon, Google Music, Rhapsody, Verizon,
AT&T, Cricket, Sprint and more. Their distribution company has
collaborated with major media outlets like Universal/NBC, Viacom (MTV,
Vh1, BET), WGN and A&E. The company also helps aspiring artist with
developing a a working knowledge of business and presentation.In addition to his work as an executive, Big Hollis a West Coast-based producer who has credits on projects by rappers like Snoop Lion (a/k/a Snoop Dogg), Daz Dillinger, Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone, Keak Da Sneak and Mac Dre, to name a few.
“[Big] Hollis is a dope producer and he knows how to get the party started and he leads by example in the studio, I love working with Hollis,” said Snoop in a studio.
Matthew Rodriguez, M.O.D.’s director of Multimedia video producer is known for his work with Jamie Foxx, Denise Richards and Flavor Flav a founding member of Legendary Hip Hop collective Public Enemy.
My Own Distribution’s goal is to develop any artist into a successful brand. An M.O.D. seminar will be taking place on June 1 at the Scottish Rite Center in Sacramento, California. For more information on My Own Distribution visit their website.
hiphopdx.com
Wrekonize "The War Within," Release Date & Cover Art
by Paul Meara
According to Strange Music's blog June 25 will be the release date for the London native's debut album and you can pre-order it here. The album features Tech N9ne, Crooked I, Posdnuos and his ¡MAYDAY! mate, Bernz.
The War Within will showcase the songs “Can’t Be Alone”, “Adrenaline” and “Freak” and is an introspective look into the mind of Wrekonize.
Wrek and ¡MAYDAY! signed with Strange Music back in 2011 and released their first album under the label, Take Me to Your Leader in March of 2012.
Check out the album artwork below (via The Strange Music blog):
hiphopdx.com
Wrekonize releases the name, release date and cover art of his debut album.
Strange Music's Wrekonize recently announced that his album, The War Within will be hitting the shelves soon.According to Strange Music's blog June 25 will be the release date for the London native's debut album and you can pre-order it here. The album features Tech N9ne, Crooked I, Posdnuos and his ¡MAYDAY! mate, Bernz.
The War Within will showcase the songs “Can’t Be Alone”, “Adrenaline” and “Freak” and is an introspective look into the mind of Wrekonize.
Wrek and ¡MAYDAY! signed with Strange Music back in 2011 and released their first album under the label, Take Me to Your Leader in March of 2012.
Check out the album artwork below (via The Strange Music blog):
hiphopdx.com
Nas, Wu-Tang Clan & Aloe Blacc To Perform At North Coast Music Festival
by Paul Martinez
Another Hip Hop heavyweight that will be rocking at the North Coast Music Festival in Chicago is Queens native Nas. Also respected Hip Hop producer Just Blaze, trio Flatbush Zombies, rapper K.Flay and emcee-turned-singer Aloe Blacc will make an appearance. Platinum selling rapper Mac Miller recently announced that the release date for his sophomore album Watching Movies With The Sound Off is June 18.
N.C.M.F. has left their mark on Chicago’s festival scene; in its inaugural year those who attended got to see the debut of Nas with Damian Marley and names like Common, De La Soul, and more have graced the stage among an array of artists who represent different genres of music.
For more information on the North Coast Music Festival visit their website.
hiphopdx.com
Mac Miller, Flatbush Zombies, K.Flay and Just Blaze will also take the stage at the June festival in Chicago.
The
North Coast Music Festival will make their fourth annual event a unique
one by celebrating the 20th anniversary of Wu-Tang Clan’s memorable
project Enter The Wu-Tang Clan–36 Chambers. The iconic
collective will showcase every song on the record at the Festival which
will go on from August 30–September 1 at Union Park in Chicago,
Illinois. Wu are performing on some significant events in 2013, they
were confirmed for the 2013 Summer Jam as well. Another Hip Hop heavyweight that will be rocking at the North Coast Music Festival in Chicago is Queens native Nas. Also respected Hip Hop producer Just Blaze, trio Flatbush Zombies, rapper K.Flay and emcee-turned-singer Aloe Blacc will make an appearance. Platinum selling rapper Mac Miller recently announced that the release date for his sophomore album Watching Movies With The Sound Off is June 18.
N.C.M.F. has left their mark on Chicago’s festival scene; in its inaugural year those who attended got to see the debut of Nas with Damian Marley and names like Common, De La Soul, and more have graced the stage among an array of artists who represent different genres of music.
For more information on the North Coast Music Festival visit their website.
hiphopdx.com
Atmosphere, Tech N9ne, Mac Miller, Snoop Lion To Perform At Soundset 2013
by Jake Paine
RSE artists including Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Hail Mary Malon (Aesop Rock + Rob Sonic + DJ Big Wiz), P.O.S., Step Brothers (Alchemist + Evidence), Abstract Rude & Musab will perform, along with this year's headlining guests, which include Snoop Lion, Busta Rhymes, Tech N9ne, Mac Miller, Juicy J, and ScHoolboy Q.
Also on the bill is Sean Price, R.A. The Rugged Man, Oh No + Psalm One, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, Dizzy Wright, Apollo Brown & Guilty Simpson, The Beat Junkies, Kid Koala, Open Mike Eagle, and an all 45 RPM vinyl deejay set by Diamond D, among other guests.
This year's event will be hosted by MTV/Shade 45/The Wake Up Show's Sway Calloway, and RSE's own artist, Blueprint, along with J. Pratt.
Tickets are available at Ticketweb.com.
hiphopdx.com
Juicy J, Sean Price, Diamond D,
Brother Ali, Aesop Rock, R.A. The Rugged Man, Busta Rhymes, P.O.S.,
Beat Junkies, Evidence, Dizzy Wright and Joey Bada$$ are just some of
the other Soundset performers.
Rhymesayers
Entertainment announced their lineup for their sixth annual Soundset
music festival. This year's May 26 event takes place at Canterbury Park
Field in Shakopee, Minnesota.RSE artists including Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Hail Mary Malon (Aesop Rock + Rob Sonic + DJ Big Wiz), P.O.S., Step Brothers (Alchemist + Evidence), Abstract Rude & Musab will perform, along with this year's headlining guests, which include Snoop Lion, Busta Rhymes, Tech N9ne, Mac Miller, Juicy J, and ScHoolboy Q.
Also on the bill is Sean Price, R.A. The Rugged Man, Oh No + Psalm One, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, Dizzy Wright, Apollo Brown & Guilty Simpson, The Beat Junkies, Kid Koala, Open Mike Eagle, and an all 45 RPM vinyl deejay set by Diamond D, among other guests.
This year's event will be hosted by MTV/Shade 45/The Wake Up Show's Sway Calloway, and RSE's own artist, Blueprint, along with J. Pratt.
Tickets are available at Ticketweb.com.
hiphopdx.com
Game Announces New “Operation Kill Everything” Mixtape Coming Soon
Compton emcee Game is almost ready to drop another project. The
33-year-old rapper/reality television star took to Twitter to announce
that his next mixtape, titled Operation Kill Everything, is nearly complete.
Game’s last mixtape was 2012′s California Republic. The 24-track tape featured Rick Ross, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, Lupe Fiasco, Drake, and many others.
He followed up that free project with his 5th studio album Jesus Piece in December of last year. The concept album including the songs “Celebration” with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tyga, and Wiz Khalifa, “Pray” with J. Cole, and the title track with Kanye West and Common.
While Game did not announce a date for the release of Operation Kill Everything, he did reveal he will be releasing a verse over Kendrick Lamar’s “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” in the coming days.
allhiphop.com
Game’s last mixtape was 2012′s California Republic. The 24-track tape featured Rick Ross, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, Lupe Fiasco, Drake, and many others.
He followed up that free project with his 5th studio album Jesus Piece in December of last year. The concept album including the songs “Celebration” with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tyga, and Wiz Khalifa, “Pray” with J. Cole, and the title track with Kanye West and Common.
While Game did not announce a date for the release of Operation Kill Everything, he did reveal he will be releasing a verse over Kendrick Lamar’s “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” in the coming days.
allhiphop.com
Power 106 Announces PowerHouse 2013 Lineup
Los Angeles Hip-Hop radio station Power 106, home to the famous show Big Boy’s Neighborhood morning radio show, has announced its PowerHouse 2013 lineup.
In an official Power 106 announcement party this morning (May 6) on Big Boy’s Neighborhood, Big Boy, Rikki Martinez and the rest of the team announced each artist set to perform.
Comparable to Hot 97′s annual Summer Jam, the PowerHouse 2013 lineup boasts performances by Chris Brown, Tyga, Big Sean, A$AP Rocky, Future, Problem, Trinidad James and Drop City Yacht Club.
PowerHouse will take place June 22, 2013 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California and is likely to sell out as have previous concerts.
Fans looking for tickets should be sure to sign up for the PowerPoints Club to grab the pre-sale password. Pre-sale tickets go on sale this Thursday (May 9) at 10 am via Ticketmaster.
Last year the PowerHouse 2012 lineup featured Kid Ink, YG, Wale, Kendrick Lamar, Young Jeezy, T.I., Snoop Dogg, J Cole, and Tyga who brought out Lil’ Wayne.
allhiphop.com
In an official Power 106 announcement party this morning (May 6) on Big Boy’s Neighborhood, Big Boy, Rikki Martinez and the rest of the team announced each artist set to perform.
Comparable to Hot 97′s annual Summer Jam, the PowerHouse 2013 lineup boasts performances by Chris Brown, Tyga, Big Sean, A$AP Rocky, Future, Problem, Trinidad James and Drop City Yacht Club.
PowerHouse will take place June 22, 2013 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California and is likely to sell out as have previous concerts.
Fans looking for tickets should be sure to sign up for the PowerPoints Club to grab the pre-sale password. Pre-sale tickets go on sale this Thursday (May 9) at 10 am via Ticketmaster.
Last year the PowerHouse 2012 lineup featured Kid Ink, YG, Wale, Kendrick Lamar, Young Jeezy, T.I., Snoop Dogg, J Cole, and Tyga who brought out Lil’ Wayne.
allhiphop.com
Talib Kweli Escapes The Prison Of The ‘Conscious Rapper’ Label With New Album
“It’s about growth now. We have to grow, and that’s the point,”
recites Talib Kweli on the call-and-response intro to his latest album Prisoner Of Conscious. Now on his 5th solo LP, Kweli seems to be on a mission to escape the confinement of labels.
P.O.C. still contains the Brooklyn emcee’s prolific lyrical talent that he has demonstrated since his debut on Black Star with Mos Def, but this time around Kweli has moved a way from the social-political themes of past projects in favor of a more personal approach to his songwriting. In order for Kweli to challenge himself as an artist and to reflect his reach as an international performer, this collection of work was created with a feel of universal relatability.
“On this album, the tracks I picked and the amount of live instrumentation I used was a little more focused on the world and me being a musician of the world rather than me just being a Hip-Hop artist from Brooklyn,” says Kweli.
Talib’s affection for diverse musical sounds is displayed with the electronic energy of “Upper Echelon,” the Afrobeat-inspired “High Life” featuring Massinfluence’s Rubix & Sierra Leonean Hip-Hop crew Bajah, and “Favela Love,” a collaboration with noted Brazilian musician/actor Seu Jorge.
While Prisoner of Conscious does take the listener around the globe, Kweli made sure to showcase a homegrown Hip-Hop and R&B accent as well. “Rocketships” gives Talib, and guest Busta Rhymes, an opportunity to tackle the dark, drum-heavy production of RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. The New Yorker taps New Orleans native Curren$y and Los Angeles resident Kendrick Lamar for the tri-coastal “Push Thru” produced by Symbolyc One. Collaborations with Miguel, Melanie Fiona, Marsha Ambrosius, and Ryan Leslie bring a soulful flavor to their respective tracks.
In total, there are 13 credited featured artists on P.O.C. which is the most guest appearances for any Talib Kweli solo album. According to Kweli, his intention on 2002′s Quality, 2004′s The Beautiful Struggle, 2007′s Eardrum, and 2011′s Gutter Rainbows was to share his distinct vision, but after over 15 years in the game Kweli did not feel bound to only concentrating on his own perspective for this project.
“A lot of times with my solo albums, I’ve focused on making sure you really heard my voice, and this time I didn’t bother with that,” says Kweli. “Whenever I thought about wanting to work with someone I said, ‘let me just hit them up and let me see if they’d be into it.’ So I was a lot freer in the decision-making process than I’ve normally been.”
One collab that may surprise some longtime Kweli fans is the song “Before He Walked” with Nelly, but Kweli believes the St. Louis rapper’s verse could shock some listeners.
“I think it’s interesting, because people don’t usually get to hear Nelly being introspective,” says Kweli. “I think he’s a great musician, and I think people are going to really like what he contributed to the album.”
Beyond working with other musicians, Kweli has also enlisted the talents of visual artists. Prisoner Of Conscious’ physical packaging will include artwork from various painters, graphic designers, and photographers.
“The album cover is the back of a canvas that somebody would paint
on. Inside the album cover are actual pieces of art that artists have
done,” reveals Kweli. “It’s people’s different interpretations of what
‘prisoner of conscious’ means.”
The art component was curated by Jeff Staple of the highly successful creative consulting firm Staple Design. Kweli contacted Staple through Twitter about designing the cover for Prisoner Of Conscious. Eventually, Staple met with Kweli in the studio, and the two discussed their interpretations of the album’s title.
After realizing each had a different idea of what “prisoner of conscious” meant, Staple came up with the idea of letting different artists define the phrase in their own way. Allister Lee, Chris Mendoza, Eric Haze, Felicia Douglass, James Jean, Sophia Chang, and Chuck Anderson of No Pattern all contributed to the project.
“I chose artists that all have been greatly influenced by Hip-Hop and Kweli in particular,” says Staple. “The result is almost as if Kweli had given a brief to the artists and asked them to envision what a ‘prisoner of conscious’ looks like to them.”
In a way, P.O.C. is a new beginning for Kweli. The 37-year-old emcee has been working on the album for four years (some of the early recordings like “I’m On One” and “Cold Rain” ended up on Gutter Rainbows), and in that time he reunited with Hi-Tek for Revolutions per Minute, released a mixtape and album with Res as Idle Warship, and dropped the free solo project Attack the Block.
Even with that impressive amount of varied work added to his résumé recently, Kweli was still motivated to push himself beyond the “conscious rapper” tag constantly placed on him with Prisoner of Conscious.
“My music gives you a message, true and respect is due, but music is emotion that’s lost on the intellectuals,” raps Kweli on “Before He Walked.”
With Prisoner Of Conscious, Talib Kweli invites the scholar, the world traveler, the artist, the Hip-Hop head, the R&B fan, and every other member of the global community to his personal celebration of musical freedom.
allhiphop.com
P.O.C. still contains the Brooklyn emcee’s prolific lyrical talent that he has demonstrated since his debut on Black Star with Mos Def, but this time around Kweli has moved a way from the social-political themes of past projects in favor of a more personal approach to his songwriting. In order for Kweli to challenge himself as an artist and to reflect his reach as an international performer, this collection of work was created with a feel of universal relatability.
“On this album, the tracks I picked and the amount of live instrumentation I used was a little more focused on the world and me being a musician of the world rather than me just being a Hip-Hop artist from Brooklyn,” says Kweli.
Talib’s affection for diverse musical sounds is displayed with the electronic energy of “Upper Echelon,” the Afrobeat-inspired “High Life” featuring Massinfluence’s Rubix & Sierra Leonean Hip-Hop crew Bajah, and “Favela Love,” a collaboration with noted Brazilian musician/actor Seu Jorge.
While Prisoner of Conscious does take the listener around the globe, Kweli made sure to showcase a homegrown Hip-Hop and R&B accent as well. “Rocketships” gives Talib, and guest Busta Rhymes, an opportunity to tackle the dark, drum-heavy production of RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. The New Yorker taps New Orleans native Curren$y and Los Angeles resident Kendrick Lamar for the tri-coastal “Push Thru” produced by Symbolyc One. Collaborations with Miguel, Melanie Fiona, Marsha Ambrosius, and Ryan Leslie bring a soulful flavor to their respective tracks.
In total, there are 13 credited featured artists on P.O.C. which is the most guest appearances for any Talib Kweli solo album. According to Kweli, his intention on 2002′s Quality, 2004′s The Beautiful Struggle, 2007′s Eardrum, and 2011′s Gutter Rainbows was to share his distinct vision, but after over 15 years in the game Kweli did not feel bound to only concentrating on his own perspective for this project.
“A lot of times with my solo albums, I’ve focused on making sure you really heard my voice, and this time I didn’t bother with that,” says Kweli. “Whenever I thought about wanting to work with someone I said, ‘let me just hit them up and let me see if they’d be into it.’ So I was a lot freer in the decision-making process than I’ve normally been.”
One collab that may surprise some longtime Kweli fans is the song “Before He Walked” with Nelly, but Kweli believes the St. Louis rapper’s verse could shock some listeners.
“I think it’s interesting, because people don’t usually get to hear Nelly being introspective,” says Kweli. “I think he’s a great musician, and I think people are going to really like what he contributed to the album.”
Beyond working with other musicians, Kweli has also enlisted the talents of visual artists. Prisoner Of Conscious’ physical packaging will include artwork from various painters, graphic designers, and photographers.
The art component was curated by Jeff Staple of the highly successful creative consulting firm Staple Design. Kweli contacted Staple through Twitter about designing the cover for Prisoner Of Conscious. Eventually, Staple met with Kweli in the studio, and the two discussed their interpretations of the album’s title.
After realizing each had a different idea of what “prisoner of conscious” meant, Staple came up with the idea of letting different artists define the phrase in their own way. Allister Lee, Chris Mendoza, Eric Haze, Felicia Douglass, James Jean, Sophia Chang, and Chuck Anderson of No Pattern all contributed to the project.
“I chose artists that all have been greatly influenced by Hip-Hop and Kweli in particular,” says Staple. “The result is almost as if Kweli had given a brief to the artists and asked them to envision what a ‘prisoner of conscious’ looks like to them.”
In a way, P.O.C. is a new beginning for Kweli. The 37-year-old emcee has been working on the album for four years (some of the early recordings like “I’m On One” and “Cold Rain” ended up on Gutter Rainbows), and in that time he reunited with Hi-Tek for Revolutions per Minute, released a mixtape and album with Res as Idle Warship, and dropped the free solo project Attack the Block.
Even with that impressive amount of varied work added to his résumé recently, Kweli was still motivated to push himself beyond the “conscious rapper” tag constantly placed on him with Prisoner of Conscious.
“My music gives you a message, true and respect is due, but music is emotion that’s lost on the intellectuals,” raps Kweli on “Before He Walked.”
With Prisoner Of Conscious, Talib Kweli invites the scholar, the world traveler, the artist, the Hip-Hop head, the R&B fan, and every other member of the global community to his personal celebration of musical freedom.
allhiphop.com
Nas Fights Back in Promoter Kidnapping Case
Queensbridge bred rapper Nas is asking a judge to dismiss a New Jersey promoter’s $10 million lawsuit.
The suit stems from the promoter being kidnapped in Angola for 50 days after Nas didn’t appear at a Luanda New Years Eve concert scheduled in December of 2011.
While Nas say that the dispute was already resolved out of court by paying back a $300,000 advance, the promoter wants $10 million for being beaten and threatened at gunpoint while kidnapped in Angola.
According to TMZ, Nas filed court documents earlier this week asserting the dispute was settled during the promoter’s kidnapping, which eventually came to the attention of the United States State Department.
As part of the agreement, Patrick Allocco agreed not to sue for the incident, that also resulted in his son Patrick Jr.’s alleged kidnapping by Angolan promoter Henrique “Riquhino” Miguel and his associates.
Nas is also asking for a dismissal of the suit due to the fact that the promoter agreed to be “human security” for the concert prior to Nas agreeing to perform.
The Illmatic rapper says he refused to show up to the concert after a breach of contract on the Allocco’s behalf as plane tickets were botched and advance payments were late.
More news as details emerge
allhiphop.com
The suit stems from the promoter being kidnapped in Angola for 50 days after Nas didn’t appear at a Luanda New Years Eve concert scheduled in December of 2011.
While Nas say that the dispute was already resolved out of court by paying back a $300,000 advance, the promoter wants $10 million for being beaten and threatened at gunpoint while kidnapped in Angola.
According to TMZ, Nas filed court documents earlier this week asserting the dispute was settled during the promoter’s kidnapping, which eventually came to the attention of the United States State Department.
As part of the agreement, Patrick Allocco agreed not to sue for the incident, that also resulted in his son Patrick Jr.’s alleged kidnapping by Angolan promoter Henrique “Riquhino” Miguel and his associates.
Nas is also asking for a dismissal of the suit due to the fact that the promoter agreed to be “human security” for the concert prior to Nas agreeing to perform.
The Illmatic rapper says he refused to show up to the concert after a breach of contract on the Allocco’s behalf as plane tickets were botched and advance payments were late.
More news as details emerge
allhiphop.com
Kendrick Lamar, Wu-Tang, Chris Brown, & More To Perform At Summer Jam XX
by Yohance Kyles
The line-up for Hot 97′s Summer Jam 2013 concert has been announced, and the list of artists scheduled to appear includes some of the hottest acts in Hip-Hop and R&B. TDE’s Kendrick Lamar will continue his year-long run of success at the annual event. He will be joined by a host of New York City talent. A$AP Rocky, Fabolous, French Montana, and the legendary Wu-Tang Clan will all take the Summer Jam stage this year. On the R&B side will be “Fine China” singer Chris Brown and Miguel, the creator of the Grammy winning “Adorn.” Reality star/Slaughterhouse member Joe Budden, Maybach Music Group’s Wale, and Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz round out the roster. Previously, rising emcees Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Smoke DZA, and Troy Ave were among the acts announced as part of the Festival Stage that takes place outside the stadium before the big show. Throughout the 20 years of Summer Jam history, surprise guests have been known to pop up during performers’ sets, so the unofficial line-up could add even more star power to the show. Selecting the performers for one of the most celebrated events in Hip-Hop is a tough task. Hot 97 has partnered with Pepsi to provide fans with a look behind the curtain to see how the team at the New York radio station puts the show together. In a new webseries called “Road To Summer Jam,” Hot 97′s Ebro, Donyshia, and DJ Enuff give details to the entire process. [ALSO READ: HOT 97 & Pepsi Present: The Road To Summer Jam Episode 2] Summer Jam XX will take place at MetLife Stadium on June 2nd. To purchase tickets visit ticketmaster.com
allhiphop.com
The line-up for Hot 97′s Summer Jam 2013 concert has been announced, and the list of artists scheduled to appear includes some of the hottest acts in Hip-Hop and R&B. TDE’s Kendrick Lamar will continue his year-long run of success at the annual event. He will be joined by a host of New York City talent. A$AP Rocky, Fabolous, French Montana, and the legendary Wu-Tang Clan will all take the Summer Jam stage this year. On the R&B side will be “Fine China” singer Chris Brown and Miguel, the creator of the Grammy winning “Adorn.” Reality star/Slaughterhouse member Joe Budden, Maybach Music Group’s Wale, and Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz round out the roster. Previously, rising emcees Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Smoke DZA, and Troy Ave were among the acts announced as part of the Festival Stage that takes place outside the stadium before the big show. Throughout the 20 years of Summer Jam history, surprise guests have been known to pop up during performers’ sets, so the unofficial line-up could add even more star power to the show. Selecting the performers for one of the most celebrated events in Hip-Hop is a tough task. Hot 97 has partnered with Pepsi to provide fans with a look behind the curtain to see how the team at the New York radio station puts the show together. In a new webseries called “Road To Summer Jam,” Hot 97′s Ebro, Donyshia, and DJ Enuff give details to the entire process. [ALSO READ: HOT 97 & Pepsi Present: The Road To Summer Jam Episode 2] Summer Jam XX will take place at MetLife Stadium on June 2nd. To purchase tickets visit ticketmaster.com
allhiphop.com
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