Sunday, April 27, 2014
Tech N9ne Details Upcoming "Strangeulation" Collabos Album
by Jay Balfour
hiphopdx.com
Tech N9ne says "the influence behind
'Strangeulation' is off of strangulation you know. Having the industry
in a choke-hold after they hear this music."
Granting an exclusive interview to Stupid Dope, Tech N9ne explained the motivation behind his upcoming Strangeulation release and the making of his recent “Fragile” single with Kendrick Lamar.
“Something’s always happening in Tech N9ne’s life whether
it be happy, whether it be sad, whether it be madness,” he said. “I’m
always living it so I’m always writing. The influence behind Strangeulation
is off of strangulation you know. Having the industry in a choke-hold
after they hear this music. Nobody will be able to say nothing. Just all
the way choked up. MURS to MayDay! to Stevie Stone to Ces Cru to Tech N9ne to Krizz Kaliko to Kutt Calhoun to Jay Rock.”
Announced earlier this month, Strangeulation will serve as the Strange Music debut for recent signee MURS. The 21-song album is scheduled to feature Krizz Kaliko, Stevie Stone, Wrekonize, and more.
Speaking about his career as an independent rapper, Tech
detailed wanting to use a different measure for his success than many in
the industry.
“That’s the main objective right there to me, taking care
of your loved ones and making sure they’re good,” he said. “I can say
that my kids are so I’m successful in leading them in the right
direction. That’s what I think success is. I don’t think it’s measured
by the Mercedes I drive or the house that I’m in. It has something to do
with our children. Leading them in the right direction.”
“I chose to go independent because I was with a major
labels in the past,” he added. “I don’t have to conform or be a clone
for anybody for any amount of money. I get to do me when I want to do it
and I would have it no other way. It’s Rock, it’s Rap, it’s ‘I don’t
know what it is.’ It’s everything. It’s Strange Music.”
Broaching the subject of his recent hit with Kendrick
Lamar, Tech described his pleasure at seeing that particular song climb
the charts.
“The inspiration behind ‘Fragile?’ Somebody said something
sideways,” he said. “Thank God for them sparking me because that
beautiful song came out. I had no idea it was gonna be a radio hit or
anything. I didn’t make it for the radio. When they came to me and told
me I needed to shorten it I threw a fit because that’s my music. I’m
like, ‘I will never do that just to play on the radio. I’m sorry I
didn’t make it for radio.’
“After I did that verse, it was an elite verse, I needed
another elite artist,” he continued. “Kendrick Lamar is that. He was
perfect for it. And Kendal Morgan’s
angelic voice just brought it all together. Collectively it’s a
beautiful song. I’m glad that that’s the one that’s playing because it’s
a victory. It’s a middle-finger to the journalist that don’t really
listen and live with the music before they make a statement.”
“The state of Hip Hop right now I love it because it’s
still working,” Tech N9ne said towards the end of the interview. “It’s
still growing. Thank God that Tech N9ne is still on the incline after
all these years. Thank the Lord for Hip Hop. It saved my life.”
hiphopdx.com
Record Store Day 2014 Boosts Vinyl Sales
by Andres Tardio
Nielsen released figures today (April 24), noting that its data includes sales for the entire week, Monday through Sunday, for the week ending on Record Store Day (RSD).
"Record Store Day keeps shining the spotlight on the experience that Independent Record Stores uniquely brings to music fans," David Bakula, SVP Client Development & Insights, Nielsen Entertainment says in a statement to the press. "Propelled by Record Store Day, Independent Record Stores had their highest weekly Physical Album share in SoundScan’s history. It has become a major music event that that compels artists to deliver premium content and drives music consumers to Independent Record Stores."
Independent record store album sales have increased every year when looking at the sales percentage increase over the prior week. Nielsen data for the past 7 years, including this one, is as follows:
2014 (April 19, 2014): +91%
2013 (April 20, 2013): +59%
2012 (April 21, 2012): +27%
2011 (April 16, 2011): +39%
2010 (April 17, 2010): +12%
2009 (April 18, 2009): +21%
2008 (April 19, 2008): +0.4%
Nielsen also reports the following based on its data. "Independent Record Stores represented 19.4 percent of the total national volume of all Physical Album sales this week," Nielsen says. "This is the highest share of Physical Album sales for the Independent stores since SoundScan started tracking sales by store strata...Vinyl LP sales at Independent record stores were up 280 percent vs. the prior week and up 58 percent vs. the week of Record Store Day last year. This is the most successful Record Store Day week for Vinyl LPs...Fueled by Record Store Day exclusives, Independent Record Stores represented 85 percent of the total national volume of Vinyl LPs this week. In 2013, Independent Record Stores sold 82 percent of the total national Vinyl LPs...This week represented the second-highest sales volume for the Independent Record Stores in a non-holiday week since 2008.
"Vinyl LP Sales increased 176% this week over last week at all stores," Nielsen adds. "Sales of 12” Vinyl exploded this week increasing more than 3,100% over last week, and up 113% over the same week last year...RSD 2014 is the most successful Record Store Day ever for vinyl with LP sales up 58% over the week of RSD 2013...Vinyl LPs accounted for 52 percent of all album sales (CD, LP, other album formats) at Independent record stores this week. The week of RSD 2013, LPs accounted for 37 percent of all album sales at Independent record stores...Of the top 50 Vinyl LPs in the U.S. this week, 43 titles were either exclusive Record Store Day releases, or were widely released for the first time this week...The top 50 Vinyl LPs combined to sell 35 percent more copies this week than during the week of Record Store Day in 2013...68 different Vinyl LPs sold more than 1,000 copies this week, compared to 17 Vinyl LPs with exceeding 1,000 copies sold during the week of last year’s Record Store Day...Year to date Vinyl LP sales are now up 36 percent vs. the same period last year and are on pace to exceed last year’s record-high volume."
In February 2014, Chuck D spoke about his involvement as an ambassador for Record Store Day. "The record store made musicians listen beyond themselves,” Chuck D said at the time. "It both complemented and supplemented the radio. In fact, the best radio stations in the past followed the vibe of the record stores of their regions, thus growing and nurturing each other. The fans and listener had everything to gain, and if they wanted to get into making music, the Record Store turned into their first school and sonic passport out."
hiphopdx.com
Nielsen Entertainment reports a percentage increase in independent record store album sales.
Sales figures are in for Record Store Day 2014, which took place April 19 and featured Chuck D as one of its ambassadors. Nielsen released figures today (April 24), noting that its data includes sales for the entire week, Monday through Sunday, for the week ending on Record Store Day (RSD).
"Record Store Day keeps shining the spotlight on the experience that Independent Record Stores uniquely brings to music fans," David Bakula, SVP Client Development & Insights, Nielsen Entertainment says in a statement to the press. "Propelled by Record Store Day, Independent Record Stores had their highest weekly Physical Album share in SoundScan’s history. It has become a major music event that that compels artists to deliver premium content and drives music consumers to Independent Record Stores."
Independent record store album sales have increased every year when looking at the sales percentage increase over the prior week. Nielsen data for the past 7 years, including this one, is as follows:
2014 (April 19, 2014): +91%
2013 (April 20, 2013): +59%
2012 (April 21, 2012): +27%
2011 (April 16, 2011): +39%
2010 (April 17, 2010): +12%
2009 (April 18, 2009): +21%
2008 (April 19, 2008): +0.4%
Nielsen also reports the following based on its data. "Independent Record Stores represented 19.4 percent of the total national volume of all Physical Album sales this week," Nielsen says. "This is the highest share of Physical Album sales for the Independent stores since SoundScan started tracking sales by store strata...Vinyl LP sales at Independent record stores were up 280 percent vs. the prior week and up 58 percent vs. the week of Record Store Day last year. This is the most successful Record Store Day week for Vinyl LPs...Fueled by Record Store Day exclusives, Independent Record Stores represented 85 percent of the total national volume of Vinyl LPs this week. In 2013, Independent Record Stores sold 82 percent of the total national Vinyl LPs...This week represented the second-highest sales volume for the Independent Record Stores in a non-holiday week since 2008.
"Vinyl LP Sales increased 176% this week over last week at all stores," Nielsen adds. "Sales of 12” Vinyl exploded this week increasing more than 3,100% over last week, and up 113% over the same week last year...RSD 2014 is the most successful Record Store Day ever for vinyl with LP sales up 58% over the week of RSD 2013...Vinyl LPs accounted for 52 percent of all album sales (CD, LP, other album formats) at Independent record stores this week. The week of RSD 2013, LPs accounted for 37 percent of all album sales at Independent record stores...Of the top 50 Vinyl LPs in the U.S. this week, 43 titles were either exclusive Record Store Day releases, or were widely released for the first time this week...The top 50 Vinyl LPs combined to sell 35 percent more copies this week than during the week of Record Store Day in 2013...68 different Vinyl LPs sold more than 1,000 copies this week, compared to 17 Vinyl LPs with exceeding 1,000 copies sold during the week of last year’s Record Store Day...Year to date Vinyl LP sales are now up 36 percent vs. the same period last year and are on pace to exceed last year’s record-high volume."
In February 2014, Chuck D spoke about his involvement as an ambassador for Record Store Day. "The record store made musicians listen beyond themselves,” Chuck D said at the time. "It both complemented and supplemented the radio. In fact, the best radio stations in the past followed the vibe of the record stores of their regions, thus growing and nurturing each other. The fans and listener had everything to gain, and if they wanted to get into making music, the Record Store turned into their first school and sonic passport out."
hiphopdx.com
RZA Says None Of The Wu-Tang Clan Members Have Heard The New Wu-Tang Clan Album
The Wu-Tang Clan is planning on selling an album to one
buyer that all of them recorded on that the majority of the members
have heard. In a recent interview with Vulture, RZA explained how none of the members of Wu-Tang Clan have heard their new album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin.
RZA was the only Wu-Tang Clan member to announce the upcoming unique sale of their double disc album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin which involves selling the album to one buyer and not traditionally releasing the album. RZA has stated that the album was recorded over a six year span and has already garnered $5 million offers. In his interview, he reveals that he is the only member of the Wu-Tang Clan that has actually heard Once Upon A Time In Shaolin:
RZA was the only Wu-Tang Clan member to announce the upcoming unique sale of their double disc album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin which involves selling the album to one buyer and not traditionally releasing the album. RZA has stated that the album was recorded over a six year span and has already garnered $5 million offers. In his interview, he reveals that he is the only member of the Wu-Tang Clan that has actually heard Once Upon A Time In Shaolin:
No, none of the members have heard the album. On the original 36 Chambers, that was how it was done. They didn’t hear it until I finished it and brought it back and showed them: “This is the album. This the work we put in. This is what I concocted.”RZA reasons he does not need to let the other members of Wu-Tang Clan listen to the album due to its unique release strategy. RZA also states he is deferring to the opinion to a group of anonymous “experts” in the process of selling Once Upon A Time In Shaolin:
This is different than that, so I don’t think the same course of action will follow. I’ve given the power of the situation over to some experts, and they’re going to take about two weeks to figure out exactly the proper course of action to take, and then we’ll announce it. And I’m going to take the expert opinion.
allhiphop.com
Producer: 2Pac Biopic Soundtrack Will Be Like “All Eyez On Me”
Tupac Shakur’s turn as the subject of a biopic is finally underway,
and like any Hip Hop based movie, there will be just as much interest in
the accompanying soundtrack as the film itself.
AllHipHop.com was able to connect with one of the producers of the upcoming John Singleton directed motion picture. In an exclusive interview, L.T. Hutton of Program Pictures, revealed some details about what listeners can expect from the movie’s album.
“A lot of people loved Pac, had a lot of compassion and respect for him, and never got a chance to really rock with him. So it’s a tribute album based on the film,” said Hutton. “The soundtrack just won’t be a lot of remixes and old songs. Pac in fact won’t be on there, but songs that other artists get to make will.”
Even though 2Pac will not be featured on the project, Hutton insists other big name performers will contribute songs as well as acts that were closely associated with the late Hip Hop legend.
“I got some submissions the other day,” he added. “I got so many songs, it will be like the double album All Eyez On Me. It will be songs from mainstream, marquee artists along with a few other people. Of course, you’ll have Outlawz songs. There’s a Thug Life song. It’s going to be a huge tribute album. It’s going to be fantastic.”
During the Q&A Hutton also discussed other aspects of the movie including what parts of Pac’s life the filmmakers are focusing on, how involved in the process were Afeni Shakur and Dr. Dre, and how the Pac-Biggie situation will be covered.
allhiphop.com
AllHipHop.com was able to connect with one of the producers of the upcoming John Singleton directed motion picture. In an exclusive interview, L.T. Hutton of Program Pictures, revealed some details about what listeners can expect from the movie’s album.
“A lot of people loved Pac, had a lot of compassion and respect for him, and never got a chance to really rock with him. So it’s a tribute album based on the film,” said Hutton. “The soundtrack just won’t be a lot of remixes and old songs. Pac in fact won’t be on there, but songs that other artists get to make will.”
Even though 2Pac will not be featured on the project, Hutton insists other big name performers will contribute songs as well as acts that were closely associated with the late Hip Hop legend.
“I got some submissions the other day,” he added. “I got so many songs, it will be like the double album All Eyez On Me. It will be songs from mainstream, marquee artists along with a few other people. Of course, you’ll have Outlawz songs. There’s a Thug Life song. It’s going to be a huge tribute album. It’s going to be fantastic.”
During the Q&A Hutton also discussed other aspects of the movie including what parts of Pac’s life the filmmakers are focusing on, how involved in the process were Afeni Shakur and Dr. Dre, and how the Pac-Biggie situation will be covered.
allhiphop.com
New Nas Album To Feature Timbaland, Swizz Beatz & No I.D. Production
- Nas is working on his next album, and the Life Is Good follow-up will feature production by some big names. God’s Son spoke with NPR recently, and he revealed he has been putting together his next studio LP for almost two years.
Beside Timbo, the next Nas LP may also have tracks from fellow veteran producers Swizz Beatz and No I.D.
“I talked to Swizz, and we went through joints. And No I.D.,” stated Nas. “This the only interview I’ma talk about it, ’cause I know once this comes out, people might ask me about the record and, man, I just want to finish it and get it done.”
The NPR Q&A includes Nas commenting on some of the recent songs that motivated him to record new music. He cites Jay Electronica’s “Better In Tune With The Infinite” and SchoolBoy Q’s “Man Of The Year.”
“J. Cole is somebody that’s really intuitive, somebody who’s really smart beyond his years. I learn something when I talk to J.Cole,” Nas said. “But he’s always, always trying to find out some stories. If I see him, he’s gonna get a story out of me.”
In an interview with AllHipHop.com, producer Reefa also revealed that he has been in the studio with Nas as well.
allhiphop.com
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Murs & Mayday! Announce "Mursday Tour" Dates
by Andres Tardio
Their first Mursday Tour is set to kick off June 12 in Seattle, Washington. The run is set to come to an end June 21 in Santa Ana, California. Six of the eight concerts on the schedule are set to take place in California, Murs' home state.
Murs' Strange Music signing was announced in February. “Strange seems to be at the forefront of Hip Hop’s growth right now,” Murs said at the time of his signing. “I am so awaiting the end of my album to hear Krizz [Kaliko’s] ass say, ‘Strange Music.'"
Mursday Tour dates are as follows.
6/12/14 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe
6/13/14 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne
6/14/14 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent
6/17/14 - Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst-Atrium
6/18/14 - Fresno, CA - Strummer's
6/19/14 - San Diego, CA - Casbah
6/20/14 - Bakersfield, CA - B-Ryders
6/21/14 - Santa Ana, CA - Back to Basics Festival
hiphopdx.com
Murs and Mayday! reveal "Mursday Tour" dates, including six stops in California.
Mayday! and Murs recently announced their collaborative album Mursday and now the two entities have also announced a joint tour run.Their first Mursday Tour is set to kick off June 12 in Seattle, Washington. The run is set to come to an end June 21 in Santa Ana, California. Six of the eight concerts on the schedule are set to take place in California, Murs' home state.
Murs' Strange Music signing was announced in February. “Strange seems to be at the forefront of Hip Hop’s growth right now,” Murs said at the time of his signing. “I am so awaiting the end of my album to hear Krizz [Kaliko’s] ass say, ‘Strange Music.'"
Mursday Tour dates are as follows.
6/12/14 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe
6/13/14 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne
6/14/14 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent
6/17/14 - Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst-Atrium
6/18/14 - Fresno, CA - Strummer's
6/19/14 - San Diego, CA - Casbah
6/20/14 - Bakersfield, CA - B-Ryders
6/21/14 - Santa Ana, CA - Back to Basics Festival
hiphopdx.com
Funkmaster Flex Says 2 Chainz Had Worst Freestyle Ever On His Show
by Paul Meara
When asked to name who had the worst ever freestyle on his Hot 97 show, Funkmaster Flex named 2 Chainz.
Funkmaster Flex recently appeared on ESPN2's Highly Questionable. During the interview, Funkmaster Flex was asked to name the rapper with the worst freestyle on his radio program.
“The freestyle that wasn’t very good on my show, it had to be 2 Chainz,” Flex says.
Flex said he believed he caught 2 Chainz off guard when he asked him to freestyle on the show.
“Honestly, I think I caught him off guard. I think he
didn’t expect me to ask him to do it," he continued. "Because I’ve heard
him on shows freestyling before so I knew he could handle it. But I
think that day, he couldn’t handle it.”
2 Chainz appeared on Funkmaster Flex's show to do the freestyle back in June of 2012.
Also during the interview, Funkmaster Flex talked about his Knicks' woes and his dream of meeting Kirstie Alley.
Watch the full interview segment below:
hiphopdx.com
hiphopdx.com
Chuck D Among Artists Celebrating Record Store Day 2014
by Paul Meara
Artists across all musical genres celebrate Record Store Day 2014 as Chuck D explains its significance.
Saturday,
April 19 marks the 2014 edition of Record Store Day, an internationally
celebrated annual event. This year's festivities are currently underway
as fans and artists alike are hitting their neighborhood record haunts
and crate-digging.
Dozens of artists and music-influencers also hit up Twitter today to show their support for the event.
"#RecordStoreDay2014," tweeted Pearl Jam.
“The record store made musicians listen beyond themselves,” Public Enemy leader and the event's co-founder Chuck D said earlier this year after being appointed ambassador. “It
both complemented and supplemented the radio, in fact the best radio
stations in the past followed the vibe of the record stores of their
regions, thus growing and nurturing each other."
The annual event also provides numerous exclusive
releases, including everything from a 7" David Bowie picture disc, a 12"
of Sam Cooke's "Ain't That Good News" and Bruce Springsteen's "American
Beauty" EP to music by The Notorious B.I.G. and Skrillex, among others
(according to Billboard).
"The fans and listener had everything to gain, and if they
wanted to get into making music, the Record Store turned into their
first school and sonic passport out,” Chuck D continued in his address
during his appointment. "I am a fan of technology, but I am a bigger fan
of the music. I used to be a big fan of the industry of music when like
sport at least offered a seemingly fair field of play, no matter where
one came from."
Record Store Day has been a worldwide trending topic on
Twitter throughout the day. View tweets from artists about the event
below:
IN THREE HOURS AND TEN MINUTES THIRD MAN RECORDS WILL MAKE HISTORY! #RSD14 #worldsfastestrecord
Today is #recordstoreday2014 so find your local record store and go get a copy of 'Collide With The Sky' http://t.co/GJFJ9LBU3j
Happy @recordstoreday everyone! Get out and support your local record provider. @twistDenver #RSD14 -BW
hiphopdx.comDe La Soul Announce “Smell The Da.I.S.Y.” Instrumental Record Store Hunt
by Yohance Kyles
Two big annual festivities
are taking place this weekend – Easter Sunday and Record Store Day. Hip
Hop group De La Soul is combining traditions from both days with
an “Easter Egg Hunt” style vinyl contest.
One hundred copies of the Smell the Da.I.S.Y. instrumental vinyl will be hidden in stores throughout the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
As a tribute to the late producer J Dilla, who produced the tracks on the project, the records will resemble the original tapes Dilla would send to artists like A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and De La Soul.
“The reason we choose to release an all-instrumental version of Smell The Da.I.S.Y. is to give people the experience of a J Dilla beat tape that we were so lucky to receive,” stated De La member Dave Jolicoeur. “These beat tapes were the springboard that generated creation and inspiration for us.”
The New York trio released the Smell the Da.I.S.Y. mixtape bundle through BitTorrent in March. Users who downloaded the bundle will receive early access to clues. Autographed copies will also be auctioned on eBay with proceeds going to Dilla’s family.
As a tribute to the late producer J Dilla, who produced the tracks on the project, the records will resemble the original tapes Dilla would send to artists like A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and De La Soul.
“The reason we choose to release an all-instrumental version of Smell The Da.I.S.Y. is to give people the experience of a J Dilla beat tape that we were so lucky to receive,” stated De La member Dave Jolicoeur. “These beat tapes were the springboard that generated creation and inspiration for us.”
The New York trio released the Smell the Da.I.S.Y. mixtape bundle through BitTorrent in March. Users who downloaded the bundle will receive early access to clues. Autographed copies will also be auctioned on eBay with proceeds going to Dilla’s family.
Check out video about the Smell The DA.I.S.Y. limited edition vinyl hunt below.
allhiphop.com
allhiphop.com
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Hollow Da Don Says Potential Battle With Joe Budden Could Open Doors For Battle Rap
by Andres Tardio
"He's the one who said, 'Let's take the picture,'" Hollow Da Don says in an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. "It wasn’t my idea. He was like, 'Let's take the picture.'"
Originally, Hollow Da Don says he was asked to be on Total Slaughter, but he rejected the offer.
"Well, this is how it came about," Hollow continues. "I’m the type of person, I aim for the stars...Not literally. That wasn’t a bar. I’m saying like, I like to aim high. So when I went in there, they telling me, 'We're gonna have you in the house competing, and um, you know, at the end Mook and Lux’s battle and Slaughterhouse is hosting it.' I'm like, 'Well, if slaughterhouse gonna be a part of it, tell Joe Budden let's really be a part of it. We can get it poppin'.' And you know, they’re in the office like, 'Oh, this kid is crazy.' And they're all looking at me like I’m crazy, but now, four months later, it's possible. So you know how it goes, for the cats that might read this and got aspirations and motivations to do shit, not just rapping, but trying to be a doctor or a journalist like yourself, you know, don’t never let nobody downplay you and be like [you're] not in the position. Nah, if I’m not in the position, I’m about to make myself be in that position. It gotta be logical 'cause Lux shit wasn’t logical. Like after his Calicoe battle, he was calling out Eminem, like, come on, bro. Let's take some steps here. I’m not gonna go call out Eminem and Jay Z. You know, I take steps, so...Budden is on the menu."
"I think Joe Budden just like me in the fact that he doesn’t give a fuck," Hollow says. "We care obviously about our career and getting money, but we're so confident in what we do, we're not thinking about, 'Oh, what's the possible...' Were thinking about 'I’m a fucking rapper. I can do anything that has to do with rap.' I'm not worried about doubting about the risk. We're taking a gamble, so let's get it. And I think that's the main thing that's pushing him. It's like, I’m on his head. He really knows how I feel and how most rappers feel, like, 'Yo, I’m the best at this shit.' That's what I think it boils down to him just really thinking like, 'Nigga, this is rap.' Like, we're not doing gymnastics in the middle of bars. We're not fucking making animal balloons. This is rap, even though its a different level of rap, it's still rap."
While Joe Budden has not battled in the format that Hollow has seen success in, Da Don says he is still a formidable opponent.
“It’s not fear," he said at the time. "Fear is the wrong word, but I mean people have a lot to lose. In Hip Hop your credibility is everything. And it puts the artist with more exposure at a slight disadvantage because of said exposure. You know? You getting here and you facing somebody who knows everything about you. They’ve seen everything about you. They have so much to say. They could speak on your failures, your—they can speak on anything. And you just battling an up-and-coming guy. But I think we will see it eventually. Meek has come from that. Cassidy he comes from that. So, you have guys that are well-versed in battling. So, I can’t wait to see it.”
During that interview, Budden also said a battle against Hollow was "a possibility."
hiphopdx.com
Exclusive: Hollow Da Don also says Cassidy, Lloyd Banks and Joe Budden can compete in the Battle Rap sphere.
Joe Budden posted an image featuring Hollow Da Don on Instagram. The two rappers stood face-to-face with Budden's caption reading: "Niggas always think they want a problem til they get it... @donLennonlom.""He's the one who said, 'Let's take the picture,'" Hollow Da Don says in an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. "It wasn’t my idea. He was like, 'Let's take the picture.'"
Originally, Hollow Da Don says he was asked to be on Total Slaughter, but he rejected the offer.
"Well, this is how it came about," Hollow continues. "I’m the type of person, I aim for the stars...Not literally. That wasn’t a bar. I’m saying like, I like to aim high. So when I went in there, they telling me, 'We're gonna have you in the house competing, and um, you know, at the end Mook and Lux’s battle and Slaughterhouse is hosting it.' I'm like, 'Well, if slaughterhouse gonna be a part of it, tell Joe Budden let's really be a part of it. We can get it poppin'.' And you know, they’re in the office like, 'Oh, this kid is crazy.' And they're all looking at me like I’m crazy, but now, four months later, it's possible. So you know how it goes, for the cats that might read this and got aspirations and motivations to do shit, not just rapping, but trying to be a doctor or a journalist like yourself, you know, don’t never let nobody downplay you and be like [you're] not in the position. Nah, if I’m not in the position, I’m about to make myself be in that position. It gotta be logical 'cause Lux shit wasn’t logical. Like after his Calicoe battle, he was calling out Eminem, like, come on, bro. Let's take some steps here. I’m not gonna go call out Eminem and Jay Z. You know, I take steps, so...Budden is on the menu."
Hollow Da Don Compares Himself To Joe Budden
Despite a potential battle against Joe Budden, Hollow Da Don says he understands similarities between the two rappers."I think Joe Budden just like me in the fact that he doesn’t give a fuck," Hollow says. "We care obviously about our career and getting money, but we're so confident in what we do, we're not thinking about, 'Oh, what's the possible...' Were thinking about 'I’m a fucking rapper. I can do anything that has to do with rap.' I'm not worried about doubting about the risk. We're taking a gamble, so let's get it. And I think that's the main thing that's pushing him. It's like, I’m on his head. He really knows how I feel and how most rappers feel, like, 'Yo, I’m the best at this shit.' That's what I think it boils down to him just really thinking like, 'Nigga, this is rap.' Like, we're not doing gymnastics in the middle of bars. We're not fucking making animal balloons. This is rap, even though its a different level of rap, it's still rap."
While Joe Budden has not battled in the format that Hollow has seen success in, Da Don says he is still a formidable opponent.
"I told Joe this myself not too long ago," Hollow says. "Bro, anybody that's a lyricist, as far as Joe Budden, Cassidy,
Lloyd Banks, the list could go on, anybody that's a lyricist comes from
this shit, especially in New York, [New] Jersey, East Coast, Philly.
Like, they come from this shit. Now the only thing they need is
experience. They need to be in there to witness and see how shit goes
and you know what they could work on, but if you’re a lyricist, bro you
can at least do this.
"[I'm] not saying you could do this to the level we do
this, but you definitely could compete so I don’t put nothing past any
lyricist," he adds. "It aint like I’m hopping in here with a ABC rhymer,
like Joe Budden is a fucking lyricist. It's not like I’m taking this
lightly, and I don’t think he’s taking it lightly and he watches the
battles heavy."
Hollow Da Don Discusses Canibus
Another established rapper, Canibus, faced ridicule after competing in a battle against Dizaster. Hollow says there's a different between Budden and 'Bis.
"The difference between Joe Budden and Canibus is Canibus
is more, I felt, like he’s more stuck in his time and you know his era
and raps how Canibus raps," Hollow says. "Joe Budden can adapt, I think.
I think Joe Budden is smart enough to adapt, and plus Joe Budden...You
know Canibus hasn’t done anything since like Joe Budden. Joe Budden is
still poppin'. Joe Budden doesn’t have to do this. He’s really about to
open a door when this shit goes down and when it goes down like this,
shit is going to open a door for Battle Rap as a whole, so I mean if
this shit goes down, it's gonna be remarkable."
In January, Joe Budden spoke about established artists getting into Battle Rap.“It’s not fear," he said at the time. "Fear is the wrong word, but I mean people have a lot to lose. In Hip Hop your credibility is everything. And it puts the artist with more exposure at a slight disadvantage because of said exposure. You know? You getting here and you facing somebody who knows everything about you. They’ve seen everything about you. They have so much to say. They could speak on your failures, your—they can speak on anything. And you just battling an up-and-coming guy. But I think we will see it eventually. Meek has come from that. Cassidy he comes from that. So, you have guys that are well-versed in battling. So, I can’t wait to see it.”
During that interview, Budden also said a battle against Hollow was "a possibility."
hiphopdx.com
Pete Rock Reveals EP Work With De La Soul & "Soul Survivor 3"
by Omar Burgess
The Mount Vernon, New York native will see the Pete Rock & CL Smooth album, The Main Ingredient, celebrate its 20-year anniversary. Additionally, Nas’ debut album, Illmatic—which boasts the Pete Rock-produced “The World Is Yours”—will also see a twentieth anniversary.
During an recent interview with HipHopDX, Pete Rock explains why he thinks Illmatic has maintained its appeal after almost 20 years.
“At that time and that point in your career, your adrenaline is flowing so much that everything you do comes out great,” Pete Rock says. “You don’t realize it until you come back to the whole thing. When I listened to the whole album, I said, ‘Wow. This kid is definitely the future, and he’s gonna be a force.’”
These days, Pete Rock is keeping busy with a handful of projects. He's working on an upcoming De La Soul EP and announced new installments of a pair of his earlier solo projects.
“I’m working on my new album, Soul Survivor 3,” Pete Rock said. “I’ve got my new website, PeteRock.com, out there, and I’m pushing merchandise on there. You can buy T-shirts, download free music and so forth. Soul Brother University is coming soon, as well as PeteStrumentals 2. I’m working with Skyzoo and Torae, and I’m also working with De La Soul on an EP. I’m still being me.”
hiphopdx.com
Pete Rock explains why Nas' "Illmatic" still holds appeal after 20 years and announces a pair of upcoming releases.
The year 2014 could prove a very nostalgic one for Pete Rock and his fans.The Mount Vernon, New York native will see the Pete Rock & CL Smooth album, The Main Ingredient, celebrate its 20-year anniversary. Additionally, Nas’ debut album, Illmatic—which boasts the Pete Rock-produced “The World Is Yours”—will also see a twentieth anniversary.
During an recent interview with HipHopDX, Pete Rock explains why he thinks Illmatic has maintained its appeal after almost 20 years.
“At that time and that point in your career, your adrenaline is flowing so much that everything you do comes out great,” Pete Rock says. “You don’t realize it until you come back to the whole thing. When I listened to the whole album, I said, ‘Wow. This kid is definitely the future, and he’s gonna be a force.’”
These days, Pete Rock is keeping busy with a handful of projects. He's working on an upcoming De La Soul EP and announced new installments of a pair of his earlier solo projects.
“I’m working on my new album, Soul Survivor 3,” Pete Rock said. “I’ve got my new website, PeteRock.com, out there, and I’m pushing merchandise on there. You can buy T-shirts, download free music and so forth. Soul Brother University is coming soon, as well as PeteStrumentals 2. I’m working with Skyzoo and Torae, and I’m also working with De La Soul on an EP. I’m still being me.”
hiphopdx.com
9th Wonder’s “The Hip Hop Fellow” Harvard University Documentary To Screen In Durham
Hip Hop’s noted expansion into academia has
included producer Patrick “9th Wonder” Douthit’s tenure as a teaching
fellow at Harvard University’s Hip Hop Research Institute.
9th’s year at the Ivy League institution was captured on film by Emmy Award winner Kenneth Price in the documentary The Hip-Hop Fellow.
“I was curious about this field of Hip Hop studies,” said Price. “I wasn’t aware of the depth that was happening at these Ivy League schools, and was kind of amazed that no one had made a film of it yet.”
The 78-minute movie follows 9th as he instructs his “Standards of Hip-Hop” course, conducts research for his thesis, and examines Hip Hop history.
The film also features interviews with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Kendrick Lamar, Young Guru, Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, Phonte, Dr. Marcyliena Morgan, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Ab-Soul, Rapper Big Pooh and DJ Premier.
The Hip-Hop Fellow will be screening at the Full Frame Documentary Festival Saturday, April 5th in Durham, North Carolina.
For more information visit www.thehiphopfellow.com.
9th’s year at the Ivy League institution was captured on film by Emmy Award winner Kenneth Price in the documentary The Hip-Hop Fellow.
“I was curious about this field of Hip Hop studies,” said Price. “I wasn’t aware of the depth that was happening at these Ivy League schools, and was kind of amazed that no one had made a film of it yet.”
The 78-minute movie follows 9th as he instructs his “Standards of Hip-Hop” course, conducts research for his thesis, and examines Hip Hop history.
The film also features interviews with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Kendrick Lamar, Young Guru, Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, Phonte, Dr. Marcyliena Morgan, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Ab-Soul, Rapper Big Pooh and DJ Premier.
The Hip-Hop Fellow will be screening at the Full Frame Documentary Festival Saturday, April 5th in Durham, North Carolina.
For more information visit www.thehiphopfellow.com.
MF Doom & Bishop Nehru’s “NehruvianDoom” To Be Full Album
- Rising emcee Bishop Nehru and the masked man of Hip Hop MF Doom announced they were working on a joint project together called NehruvianDOOM. Originally the collaboration was slated to be an EP, but Bishop announced on Twitter the duo have decided to make it a full length album.
allhiphop.com
KRS-One, Mobb Deep, Kool G Rap & More To Appear On DJ Jean Maron’s “True School” LP
- French producer/DJ Jean Maron collected some of the top artists from Hip Hop’s Golden Era for his upcoming album True School.
True School Cover Art
DJ Jean Maron’s New School is scheduled for release on April 29th via SoulSpazm Records. To preorder the album visit djjeanmaron.com.
allhiphop.com
Director F. Gary Gray Discusses N.W.A Biopic “Straight Outta Compton”
- The upcoming N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton is still in its early stages, but the film’s creators have begun searching for actors to play the roles of the members of the iconic West Coast group.
“Well it’s just a certain thing that a person from the hood has. There are times where a thespian can get there and give it to you, sometimes they can’t, and street credibility it’s just that thing,” said Gary. “When you watch American Idol and they have that it factor – there’s a hood factor. You get the authenticity when you’re in an environment likes this, and you have an open call, and I’ve been seeing that, and I’m pretty happy with it.”
Gary also discussed N.W.A’s place in the history of pop culture. According to the 44-year-old New York native the crew helped push American entertainment in a new direction.
“It’s not unlike Social Network or American Graffiti where you take a place and time in America, especially as it relates to popular culture, and you the see the shift, and they were right there and created part of the pivot that America took in entertainment,” added Gary. “We went from Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince to Hip Hop, and this is the time that marks that shift and that era.”
allhiphop.com
RZA Says Wu-Tang Clan Offered $5 Million For One Copy Of New Album
- It appears Wu-Tang Clan’s strategy of only releasing one copy of their Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album to the highest bidder is working. RZA tells Billboard the group has already received seven-figure offers for the project.
The 31-track album was produced by Wu affiliate Tarik “Cilvaringz” Azzougarh. All the members of the Wu-Tang contributed to the double disc LP.
“I don’t know how to measure it, but it gives us an idea that what we’re doing is being understood by some,” added RZA. “And there are some good peers of mine also, who are very high-ranking in the film business and the music business, sending me a lot of good will. It’s been real positive.”
allhiphop.com
OutKast, Drake, Chance The Rapper, & Dilated Peoples Tapped For Roskilde Festival
Hip Hop is headed to Denmark for the annual Roskilde Festival. OutKast,
Drake, Chance The Rapper, and Dilated Peoples are among the acts that
will perform across seven stages.
Concert goers will also get to see The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Arctic Monkeys, and over 150 other performers. All proceeds from the Roskilde Festival are donated to humanitarian and cultural work.
Roskilde Festival 2014 is scheduled for June 29 – July 6. For more information visit www.roskilde-festival.com.
allhiphop.com
Concert goers will also get to see The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Arctic Monkeys, and over 150 other performers. All proceeds from the Roskilde Festival are donated to humanitarian and cultural work.
Roskilde Festival 2014 is scheduled for June 29 – July 6. For more information visit www.roskilde-festival.com.
allhiphop.com
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