Sunday, January 25, 2015
El-P Previews Run The Jewels Remake "Meow The Jewels"
by
Jay Balfour
El-P shares a sneak peek of a remake of Run The Jewels' "Jeopardy."
After a successful Kickstarter fund raised more than $65,000 last year to fulfill a pre-order option to re-record Run The Jewels 2 using only cat sounds for music, group producer El-P has shared a preview of the progress on social media.
In December El-P announced that Meow The Jewels would begin production in January and over the weekend he shared a series of in-studio previews of what sounds like a remake of the original album's first track, "Jeopardy."
El-P also previously announced that celebrity feline Lil Bub had provided a bank of sample fodder for the project.
hiphopdx.com
In December El-P announced that Meow The Jewels would begin production in January and over the weekend he shared a series of in-studio previews of what sounds like a remake of the original album's first track, "Jeopardy."
El-P also previously announced that celebrity feline Lil Bub had provided a bank of sample fodder for the project.
hiphopdx.com
1st Annual Dilla Day L.A. Announced
by
Justin Hunte
The 1st Annual Dilla Day
LA celebrates the life of J. Dilla and will feature performances by
Elzhi, Bishop Lamont, J Rocc, Guilty Simpson, Frank Nitt, and more.
The first annual Dilla Day LA will take place on February 13, 2015 at The Regent theater in Downtown, Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Dave New York, Dilla Day LA is a celebration of the life and music of the late J. Dilla, who passed away from Lupus-related complications in 2006. The event will feature performances by Elzhi, Bishop Lamont, J Rocc, Guilty Simpson, Frank Nitt, Phat Kat, Phoreyz, among others.
“[This is ] the first Dilla Day in Los Angeles,” says J. Dilla’s longtime friend, Dave New York. “There was a lot of drama at Dilla Day Detroit behind the scenes, especially backstage, that a lot of people don’t know about if you weren’t there. Ma Dukes and I were talking and she knew how much love he had in LA from the fans. I was like, ‘Ma Dukes, why don’t we do a Dilla Day in LA?’ Ma Dukes looked at me like, ‘Well, you’re in charge of Dilla Day LA.’”
Along with the performing artists listed above, Dave New York confirms that there will be several surprise guest appearances.
“I don’t want to spill the beans,” he says. “I want to keep the surprise. Ma Dukes will be there so it is official. We’re gonna have the J. Dilla merchandise from the foundation there. They have some goodies! Like I said, it’s gonna be a celebration of Dilla’s life, his music, and the love that he got from [Los Angeles] I know is gonna be in the building. It’s gonna be drama free. It’s gonna be a real good time. It’s gonna be epic. I know in my heart Dilla’s gonna look down and be like, ‘Big Dave!’ and give me that smile like, ‘Yeah man!’ I see it in my head everyday.”
Tickets for Dilla Day LA are currently available at TheRegentTheater.com. The event is open to all ages. View the flyer below.
“[This is ] the first Dilla Day in Los Angeles,” says J. Dilla’s longtime friend, Dave New York. “There was a lot of drama at Dilla Day Detroit behind the scenes, especially backstage, that a lot of people don’t know about if you weren’t there. Ma Dukes and I were talking and she knew how much love he had in LA from the fans. I was like, ‘Ma Dukes, why don’t we do a Dilla Day in LA?’ Ma Dukes looked at me like, ‘Well, you’re in charge of Dilla Day LA.’”
Along with the performing artists listed above, Dave New York confirms that there will be several surprise guest appearances.
“I don’t want to spill the beans,” he says. “I want to keep the surprise. Ma Dukes will be there so it is official. We’re gonna have the J. Dilla merchandise from the foundation there. They have some goodies! Like I said, it’s gonna be a celebration of Dilla’s life, his music, and the love that he got from [Los Angeles] I know is gonna be in the building. It’s gonna be drama free. It’s gonna be a real good time. It’s gonna be epic. I know in my heart Dilla’s gonna look down and be like, ‘Big Dave!’ and give me that smile like, ‘Yeah man!’ I see it in my head everyday.”
Tickets for Dilla Day LA are currently available at TheRegentTheater.com. The event is open to all ages. View the flyer below.
hipohpdx.com
Smif-n-Wessun Reflects On "Dah Shinin's" 20-Year Anniversary
by
Daniel Witcoff
hiphopdx.com
"Just the learning process was amazing to us," Steele says. "We came in as soldiers."
On January 10, 1995, Smif-n-Wessun released its debut album, Dah Shinin’,
via Nervous Records. Managed by Duck Down’s Buckshot and Dru-Ha, the
duo sold 300,000 copies of the album, a noteworthy success for the indie
release.
Last week, the duo celebrated the album’s anniversary with a show at S.O.B’s in New York City. As a follow-up, Smif-n-Wessun is slated to have another performance in honor of Dah Shinin’ in Connecticut with DJ Doo Wop on January 24.
Having made their rap debut on Black Moon’s 1993 album, Enta da Stage, Tekomin Williams (Tek) and Darrell Yates (Steele) solidified the prominence of the Boot Camp Clik (Buckshot, Smif-N-Wessun, O.G.C., Heltah Skeltah) with Dah Shinin'.
“Before the process, we knew nothing about recording records and stuff like that,” Smif-n-Wessun’s Steele says regarding the duo’s recording experience prior to working on Dah Shinin’ during an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. “Just the learning process was amazing to us. We came in as soldiers. We was young. We was hungry. Hip Hop was explosive...but, the process–I think we fell in love with the process."
The album peaked at #59 on the Billboard 200 charts, and the biggest song off the album, “Bucktown,” witnessed most of its success in the underground, though it did hit #1 on the US Dance Sales chart.
Twenty years later, Steele is grateful for the experience. “We’ve been working the whole time," he says. "We still doin’ it. It’s an honor, man. It’s an honor, to say the least."
“It don’t feel like 20 years went by because we still doin’ what we doin’,” Tek adds. “We still makin’ music.”
The album’s success did not exactly catch the duo off-guard, however.
“We already had a sneak peak at what was coming because we had been on the road, moving around, opening up for Black Moon,” Tek says. “We was already getting a little preview of how things in the industry would be. We were moving around. So, for us, we still fresh out of high school and the street, so it was nothing new to see shady characters out and people acting in certain ways.”
Last week, the duo celebrated the album’s anniversary with a show at S.O.B’s in New York City. As a follow-up, Smif-n-Wessun is slated to have another performance in honor of Dah Shinin’ in Connecticut with DJ Doo Wop on January 24.
Having made their rap debut on Black Moon’s 1993 album, Enta da Stage, Tekomin Williams (Tek) and Darrell Yates (Steele) solidified the prominence of the Boot Camp Clik (Buckshot, Smif-N-Wessun, O.G.C., Heltah Skeltah) with Dah Shinin'.
“Before the process, we knew nothing about recording records and stuff like that,” Smif-n-Wessun’s Steele says regarding the duo’s recording experience prior to working on Dah Shinin’ during an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. “Just the learning process was amazing to us. We came in as soldiers. We was young. We was hungry. Hip Hop was explosive...but, the process–I think we fell in love with the process."
The album peaked at #59 on the Billboard 200 charts, and the biggest song off the album, “Bucktown,” witnessed most of its success in the underground, though it did hit #1 on the US Dance Sales chart.
Twenty years later, Steele is grateful for the experience. “We’ve been working the whole time," he says. "We still doin’ it. It’s an honor, man. It’s an honor, to say the least."
“It don’t feel like 20 years went by because we still doin’ what we doin’,” Tek adds. “We still makin’ music.”
The album’s success did not exactly catch the duo off-guard, however.
“We already had a sneak peak at what was coming because we had been on the road, moving around, opening up for Black Moon,” Tek says. “We was already getting a little preview of how things in the industry would be. We were moving around. So, for us, we still fresh out of high school and the street, so it was nothing new to see shady characters out and people acting in certain ways.”
hiphopdx.com
Young Buck Says His G-Unit Return "Is Like The Reinvention Of Buck"
by
Jay Balfour
"This is like the reinvention of Buck," he says in a clip that debuted as a part of today's DX Daily. "I've been away from the game for a minute. I been to prison and back, the whole nine. It's almost like an untold story of where things was at with me and G-Unit and then to see us come back together and be stronger than ever and not miss a beat, that means a lot. Not just to us, but to the people, the fans. This is really just the beginning. This is just the kickoff. You've got to really focus on G-Unit. We in a situation where you dealing with a guy like 50 Cent that will move at any moment, at any second. He does whatever the fuck he wanna do."
Earlier this month, Buck spoke with HipHopDX about the G-Unit reunion and his own time away from the music industry.
"I was real open about letting it be known that if it was ever a possibility of it happening, I was open to it," he said. "I never got a direct answer from 50 to say yes or no, but that wasn’t my answer, only because I know 50 that when he didn’t give me that direct yes or no, or, 'I’m onto it,' or, 'Yeah, I’m with it,' when he wasn’t giving that I thought, “Okay, maybe it’s a possibility,” because 50 is a real straightforward dude, he gonna let you know like, 'yeah,' or, 'no.' He didn’t really give it to that situation. So I knew that maybe he just didn’t want to answer the question at the time, or maybe he felt like, 'Maybe it’s wrong for it to happen.'
"So after awhile, time had went by, I’d been to prison and come home. I’d just really got out here with the whole mindframe of, 'Regardless, let me push my line, and whatever happens out of my career, my focus is to get Buck back to where Buck needs to be.' I started putting out a few records, letting the people know that I was home. I didn’t have that big 'Welcome Home' presence that you get from a lot of artists. It is what it is. I never really got that whole 'Free Buck' campaign. Of course I had my people there, and the people that was there for me, but you never really got that full campaign. So I’ve spoken on my incarceration and people been like, 'Oh damn, you went to prison!' So you know, that let’s me know that I was all the way off the radar, homey."
hiphopdx.com
"I've been away from the game for a minute," Young Buck says. "I been to prison and back, the whole nine."
Speaking about the latest phase of his career in a conversation with HipHopDX, Young Buck addressed his return to G-Unit after serving time in prison and hinted at the group's next moves."This is like the reinvention of Buck," he says in a clip that debuted as a part of today's DX Daily. "I've been away from the game for a minute. I been to prison and back, the whole nine. It's almost like an untold story of where things was at with me and G-Unit and then to see us come back together and be stronger than ever and not miss a beat, that means a lot. Not just to us, but to the people, the fans. This is really just the beginning. This is just the kickoff. You've got to really focus on G-Unit. We in a situation where you dealing with a guy like 50 Cent that will move at any moment, at any second. He does whatever the fuck he wanna do."
Earlier this month, Buck spoke with HipHopDX about the G-Unit reunion and his own time away from the music industry.
"I was real open about letting it be known that if it was ever a possibility of it happening, I was open to it," he said. "I never got a direct answer from 50 to say yes or no, but that wasn’t my answer, only because I know 50 that when he didn’t give me that direct yes or no, or, 'I’m onto it,' or, 'Yeah, I’m with it,' when he wasn’t giving that I thought, “Okay, maybe it’s a possibility,” because 50 is a real straightforward dude, he gonna let you know like, 'yeah,' or, 'no.' He didn’t really give it to that situation. So I knew that maybe he just didn’t want to answer the question at the time, or maybe he felt like, 'Maybe it’s wrong for it to happen.'
"So after awhile, time had went by, I’d been to prison and come home. I’d just really got out here with the whole mindframe of, 'Regardless, let me push my line, and whatever happens out of my career, my focus is to get Buck back to where Buck needs to be.' I started putting out a few records, letting the people know that I was home. I didn’t have that big 'Welcome Home' presence that you get from a lot of artists. It is what it is. I never really got that whole 'Free Buck' campaign. Of course I had my people there, and the people that was there for me, but you never really got that full campaign. So I’ve spoken on my incarceration and people been like, 'Oh damn, you went to prison!' So you know, that let’s me know that I was all the way off the radar, homey."
hiphopdx.com
Karlie Hustle Joins 9th Wonder's Jamla Records
by
Soren Baker
"I now get to be an even
more integral part of the successes of artists that I am already such a
huge fan of," Karlie Hustle says.
Karlie Hustle has been named Director of Brand Relations for 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records, news the company is announcing exclusively through HipHopDX.
In August, Karlie Hustle resigned from her post as Music Director of New York radio station Hot 97.
"For years, I have championed independent
artists under the confines of various corporate infrastructures,”
Karlie Hustle says in a statement exclusive to HipHopDX. "It was tough,
but I celebrated a few good wins. One of those wins became a
relationship with 9th and Rapsody
that has now led me to this new position. I'm so excited to be hands-on
with an independent label like Jamla Records. I now get to be an even
more integral part of the successes of artists that I am already such a
huge fan of. Our goals to contribute to the culture in a meaningful way
are so aligned, that it didn't much surprise me when 9th called me at
the top of the year with this opportunity. Thank you to 9th Wonder and
the Jamla Records team. I am humbled to be a part of such an important
movement in the current Hip Hop climate.”
In August, 9th Wonder added Nottz to Jamla’s The Soul Council.
hiphopdx.com
hiphopdx.com
Sunday, January 18, 2015
N.W.A Biopic "A Great American Uprising Story," Producer Will Packer Says
by
Jay Balfour
hiphopdx.com
"It's gonna deliver for fans of N.W.A which are always the hardest when you look at the core fans," Packer says."
While promoting the release of his latest Kevin Hart starring movie The Wedding Ringer, producer Will Packer opened up about the current state of production on an N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton.
"It's still very early in that," he said. "We're still working on [director] F. Gary Gray's cut. I'm excited about that movie. That movie is gonna deliver. It's gonna deliver for fans of N.W.A which are always the hardest. When you look at the core fans it's always the hardest to satisfy them. But it's also gonna deliver just to a broad spectrum of audiences that just enjoy a great American uprising story. That's what it was. These kids they generated an uprisal. It was a good time, an interesting time. I think it's a very relevant story today."
When asked about Ice Cube's early release of a trailer for the film and whether or not the rapper did so with permission, Packer said, "Cube does what he does. Cube does what he does and nobody does it like Cube. That's what I'll say...Cube is the man. I love the fact that it's out there and it's getting the response it's getting. That's what I'll say."
"It's still very early in that," he said. "We're still working on [director] F. Gary Gray's cut. I'm excited about that movie. That movie is gonna deliver. It's gonna deliver for fans of N.W.A which are always the hardest. When you look at the core fans it's always the hardest to satisfy them. But it's also gonna deliver just to a broad spectrum of audiences that just enjoy a great American uprising story. That's what it was. These kids they generated an uprisal. It was a good time, an interesting time. I think it's a very relevant story today."
When asked about Ice Cube's early release of a trailer for the film and whether or not the rapper did so with permission, Packer said, "Cube does what he does. Cube does what he does and nobody does it like Cube. That's what I'll say...Cube is the man. I love the fact that it's out there and it's getting the response it's getting. That's what I'll say."
hiphopdx.com
Funkmaster Flex Calls Jay Z A "Commercial, Corporate Rapper" In New Rant
by
Jay Balfour
"In 2015 you are a commercial, corporate rapper that drops a little catchphrase every three months," Funk Flex says.
After threatening to take aim at the rapper a second time yesterday after his initial rant about Jay Z and Life + Times stealing his app idea was released on Thursday (January 15), Funk Flex returned to his radio show last night and blasted Jay for a text message he sent and his status as a "commercial, corporate rapper" in 2015.
"I did an interview for Life + Times whatever," he started, recapping the original rift. "I talked about the app or whatever. Yes, I feel like I was jacked but it was okay. He OG. Anything for the OG. I understand his personality, what it is. We good. We move on. App and everything came out. All I did was support and support it real big because it was a big accomplishment. Great for the movement. Yes, I go to the 40/40 club and security's always complaining when I play Dipset records. Is that petty? Yeah. Cornball move? Absolutely."
Referencing his own rant on Thursday, Flex went on to call out Jay Z for the way he reached out personally to try and reconcile the issue.
"I said my piece Thursday, I kind of left it alone after that," he said. "My phone is getting called private and I know 'cause whenever he does call me he calls me private. So it's cool, I'm alright with that. Makes sense. Then he texts me and spells his name in capital letters. Now, some people said, 'Hey, maybe it was the phone that automatically capitalized it or something.' You should have lowercased bruh. You should have redid that and lowercased it. Even though I have this respect, I have such respect, I'm not gonna let somebody try to handle me. For the simple fact, in 2015 bruh, I don't do the caps in the texts. I don't work for you. I'm not a worker. I want you to understand what my opinion is of this in 2015. In 2015, you are a commercial, corporate rapper that drops a little catchphrase every three months. There's nothing wrong with that, I think that's super dope. Don't talk to me funny in the text bro. I don't work for you. I'ma tell you why I am the only deejay, radio personality that can talk like this. You know why? For the simple fact, we not scared of you. This radio station doesn't need you or care. Actually, the whole company doesn't need you. You can't call the bosses like you do other things.
"I can have my opinion bruh because look, when you address a rapper, I'ma give you what you do: you wait for a hot song to come out, you jump on the remix, and then you throw a shot," Flex added. "Which I respect by the way. If you ever plan on taking a shot like that at me or any sublim, I will be on this radio every day going at you. I just want you to understand, just 'cause I'm talking a little lower bro, that's what it is."
Switching lanes, Flex called out Jay Z for not congratulating Roc Nation artist J. Cole on the recent commercial success of his new album.
"By the way, on another tip, why don't you sometime congratulate J. Cole on that 300,000 he shot out and stop acting like that album don't exist?" he said.
Wrapping up, the Hot 97 deejay offered, "Moral of the story bro, this is my city. You ain't above me bro: your talk game and your happy game and your dumb laugh. That laugh is disrespect and people he does it to you should take it as that too. That's some clown like—he's clowning you."
hiphopdx.com
"I did an interview for Life + Times whatever," he started, recapping the original rift. "I talked about the app or whatever. Yes, I feel like I was jacked but it was okay. He OG. Anything for the OG. I understand his personality, what it is. We good. We move on. App and everything came out. All I did was support and support it real big because it was a big accomplishment. Great for the movement. Yes, I go to the 40/40 club and security's always complaining when I play Dipset records. Is that petty? Yeah. Cornball move? Absolutely."
Referencing his own rant on Thursday, Flex went on to call out Jay Z for the way he reached out personally to try and reconcile the issue.
"I said my piece Thursday, I kind of left it alone after that," he said. "My phone is getting called private and I know 'cause whenever he does call me he calls me private. So it's cool, I'm alright with that. Makes sense. Then he texts me and spells his name in capital letters. Now, some people said, 'Hey, maybe it was the phone that automatically capitalized it or something.' You should have lowercased bruh. You should have redid that and lowercased it. Even though I have this respect, I have such respect, I'm not gonna let somebody try to handle me. For the simple fact, in 2015 bruh, I don't do the caps in the texts. I don't work for you. I'm not a worker. I want you to understand what my opinion is of this in 2015. In 2015, you are a commercial, corporate rapper that drops a little catchphrase every three months. There's nothing wrong with that, I think that's super dope. Don't talk to me funny in the text bro. I don't work for you. I'ma tell you why I am the only deejay, radio personality that can talk like this. You know why? For the simple fact, we not scared of you. This radio station doesn't need you or care. Actually, the whole company doesn't need you. You can't call the bosses like you do other things.
"I can have my opinion bruh because look, when you address a rapper, I'ma give you what you do: you wait for a hot song to come out, you jump on the remix, and then you throw a shot," Flex added. "Which I respect by the way. If you ever plan on taking a shot like that at me or any sublim, I will be on this radio every day going at you. I just want you to understand, just 'cause I'm talking a little lower bro, that's what it is."
Switching lanes, Flex called out Jay Z for not congratulating Roc Nation artist J. Cole on the recent commercial success of his new album.
"By the way, on another tip, why don't you sometime congratulate J. Cole on that 300,000 he shot out and stop acting like that album don't exist?" he said.
Wrapping up, the Hot 97 deejay offered, "Moral of the story bro, this is my city. You ain't above me bro: your talk game and your happy game and your dumb laugh. That laugh is disrespect and people he does it to you should take it as that too. That's some clown like—he's clowning you."
hiphopdx.com
Prodigy Speaks On Contributions To "A Talent For Trouble" Film
by
Danielle Harling
Prodigy says he helped produce "A Talent For Trouble" and also has a small role in the film.
Mobb Deep lyricist Prodigy recently caught up with AllHipHop.com to speak on his contributions to the Marvis Johnson-directed film, A Talent For Trouble.
According to the Queens, New York rapper, he helped in producing the film and also has a small role in the movie. Prodigy later revealed that A Talent For Trouble has the potential to be “a little cult comedy.”
“I agreed to help him produce it and I took a small role in it,” Prodigy said. “I ain’t really acting. I’m just playing myself in the studio. But it has some good acting. Hassan Johnson did his thing. Roman [Rivera], he’s a good comedian. He did his thing, man. It’s definitely like a little cult comedy.”
Both Prodigy and A Talent For Trouble’s director, Marvis Johnson spoke on the delay releasing the film. During the interview, Johnson revealed that there were issues with investors, and those behind the film ultimately had to pick up the budget on their own.
As a result of the film’s delays and investor troubles, Prodigy explained that remaining focused was vital.
“This film right here, it took a long time to do, man. We been making it for a long time,” the Mobb Deep rapper said. “Little by little over the years. So, that was one of the challenges. Just staying focused and remembering that we got a job to complete. When I seen the first rough edits of it I was just—I enjoyed a lot of the comedy. The spontaneous comedy. A lot of it wasn’t written. So, that was cool. Just to see that come off the screen and people can actually connect with it and enjoy it. That was kind of cool, man.”
A Talent For Trouble is currently scheduled for release on April 4, 2015. Stars of the film include Hassan Johnson, Roman Rivera, and Mekhi Phifer.
hiphopdx.com
According to the Queens, New York rapper, he helped in producing the film and also has a small role in the movie. Prodigy later revealed that A Talent For Trouble has the potential to be “a little cult comedy.”
“I agreed to help him produce it and I took a small role in it,” Prodigy said. “I ain’t really acting. I’m just playing myself in the studio. But it has some good acting. Hassan Johnson did his thing. Roman [Rivera], he’s a good comedian. He did his thing, man. It’s definitely like a little cult comedy.”
Both Prodigy and A Talent For Trouble’s director, Marvis Johnson spoke on the delay releasing the film. During the interview, Johnson revealed that there were issues with investors, and those behind the film ultimately had to pick up the budget on their own.
As a result of the film’s delays and investor troubles, Prodigy explained that remaining focused was vital.
“This film right here, it took a long time to do, man. We been making it for a long time,” the Mobb Deep rapper said. “Little by little over the years. So, that was one of the challenges. Just staying focused and remembering that we got a job to complete. When I seen the first rough edits of it I was just—I enjoyed a lot of the comedy. The spontaneous comedy. A lot of it wasn’t written. So, that was cool. Just to see that come off the screen and people can actually connect with it and enjoy it. That was kind of cool, man.”
A Talent For Trouble is currently scheduled for release on April 4, 2015. Stars of the film include Hassan Johnson, Roman Rivera, and Mekhi Phifer.
hiphopdx.com
Tupac Shakur Biopic To Start Filming In June
by Danielle Harling
Randall Emmett, one of the producers of the Tupac biopic, says the film has been granted the rights to use Tupac's music. A number of details about the upcoming biopic on Tupac Shakur were revealed during movie news site Collider’s interview with Randall Emmett, one of the producers of the film. During his interview, Emmett confirmed that filming for the biopic is slated to begin in June.
The producer, who has also played a role in the film End Of Watch and the television show “Power,” revealed that the biopic has been granted the rights to use music from Tupac in the film due to Morgan Creek Production’s deal with the estate of the late rapper.
“That project is being put together for a June start date,” Randall Emmett said in a video posted on Complex.com. “And we’re still with Morgan Creek. And we’re financing with them. Open Road is our U.S. distributor still for domestic. And the script is great. And we’re ready to make the movie. And we’re just figuring out—just prepping the logistics…Morgan Creek bought the rights to the music and we share 50 percent of the rights with Morgan Creek. So, Morgan Creek acquired all the music rights from the estate when they partnered with Tupac’s mother.”
In regards to what fans can expect from the film, Emmett says Tupac’s early years will be represented as well as the pivotal years of his music career. He added that the West Coast versus East Coast rivalry may also be touched on in the biopic.
“I think that our story like a lot of biopics especially in the Hip Hop space will start at the beginning of his life,” he said. “Kinda set up his beginnings and the people around him. And then go into kind of the key years leading up to the pinnacle of his success. Those three or four key years of his rise.”
hiphopdx.com
Randall Emmett, one of the producers of the Tupac biopic, says the film has been granted the rights to use Tupac's music. A number of details about the upcoming biopic on Tupac Shakur were revealed during movie news site Collider’s interview with Randall Emmett, one of the producers of the film. During his interview, Emmett confirmed that filming for the biopic is slated to begin in June.
The producer, who has also played a role in the film End Of Watch and the television show “Power,” revealed that the biopic has been granted the rights to use music from Tupac in the film due to Morgan Creek Production’s deal with the estate of the late rapper.
“That project is being put together for a June start date,” Randall Emmett said in a video posted on Complex.com. “And we’re still with Morgan Creek. And we’re financing with them. Open Road is our U.S. distributor still for domestic. And the script is great. And we’re ready to make the movie. And we’re just figuring out—just prepping the logistics…Morgan Creek bought the rights to the music and we share 50 percent of the rights with Morgan Creek. So, Morgan Creek acquired all the music rights from the estate when they partnered with Tupac’s mother.”
In regards to what fans can expect from the film, Emmett says Tupac’s early years will be represented as well as the pivotal years of his music career. He added that the West Coast versus East Coast rivalry may also be touched on in the biopic.
“I think that our story like a lot of biopics especially in the Hip Hop space will start at the beginning of his life,” he said. “Kinda set up his beginnings and the people around him. And then go into kind of the key years leading up to the pinnacle of his success. Those three or four key years of his rise.”
hiphopdx.com
DJ Premier To Release Debut Album, "Last Session @320" This Year
by Danielle Harling
DJ Premier "ready to continue on" following recent D&D Studios closure.
Although DJ Premier recently closed the doors to Manhattan’s D&D Studios, formerly known as HeadQCourterz Studios, the producer is already at work crafting projects for release later this year.
Among those projects is Premier’s debut album, Last Session @320, which XXLMag.com reports will be released later this year.
Details on Premier’s Last Session @320 album remain scarce, but it has been revealed that the project will include “major guest stars.”
In addition to his debut, Premo is also slated to release independent projects from NYGz, MC Eiht, Lady Of Rage, and Khaleel this year.
Following the closing of D&D Studios, DJ Premier released a statement addressing the forced closure of the studio and his plans “to continue on.”
"The building was sold in order to change it from commercial business to residential and our leases would not be renewed, so basically that means Everybody Out! It is tough to accept after so many years making that much history there, but life is good and I will continue to make hot music. Passion never leaves your soul and I have a lot of it so I'm ready to continue on," DJ Premier said.
Prior to its closing, DJ Premier served as owner of D&D Studios since 2002. Among the albums recorded at the studio were projects from Jay Z, Big Pun, Snoop Dogg, Big L, Slaughterhouse, and Dilated Peoples.
hiphopdx.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Beat Cartel Presents: The 5th Column
purchase at:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/5th-column-beat-cartel-presents/id952039965
or
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/beatcartelpresentsthe5th
Common & John Legend Wins Golden Globe Award For “Best Original Song”
by
It looks like Hip Hop had a successful night at the Golden Globe Awards tonight. At the prestigious ceremony, Chicago rapper Common and GOOD Music singer John Legend had won the award for “Best Original Song”. The two artists won the award for their song titled “Glory” from the movie Selma. Common went the extra mile during his acceptance speech by paying tribute unarmed black teens. The song beat out several competitive nominations, including Lorde, Lana Del Ray, Patty Smith & Lennay Kay, and Sia & Greg Kurstin. Check out Common’s acceptance speech here, and keep scrolling peep the picture of the two holding the award and check out “Glory” below.
allhiphop.com
It looks like Hip Hop had a successful night at the Golden Globe Awards tonight. At the prestigious ceremony, Chicago rapper Common and GOOD Music singer John Legend had won the award for “Best Original Song”. The two artists won the award for their song titled “Glory” from the movie Selma. Common went the extra mile during his acceptance speech by paying tribute unarmed black teens. The song beat out several competitive nominations, including Lorde, Lana Del Ray, Patty Smith & Lennay Kay, and Sia & Greg Kurstin. Check out Common’s acceptance speech here, and keep scrolling peep the picture of the two holding the award and check out “Glory” below.
allhiphop.com
Pro Era’s A La $ole And Brown Bag Allstar’s J57 Announce Collaborative Album
by
Daniel Witcoff
hiphopdx.com
Coalmine Records says the two are aiming for a mid-March delivery of their album.
Brooklyn-based independent label Coalmine Records
has announced the signings of emcee A La $ole and emcee/producer J57
and projected a mid-March delivery for their collaborative album.
Brooklyn’s A La $ole was on both Pro Era’s Peep: The Aprocalypse and The Shift.
Long Island’s J57 has produced for Skyzoo, Nitty Scott and Rapper Big Pooh.
"I first heard of J57 when Joey Bada$$ first cut that ‘Big Poppa $wank (Swank Rock)’ record,” A La $ole said of his initial exposure to the producer’s work. “It sent me back to when I first discovered my love for music, so I was instantly amazed by the production. Ever since then I wanted to work with him and now it's actually mind-boggling that we are now putting together this masterpiece.”
"I've been down with/working with Joey Bada$$ for a couple of years and steadily watching the Pro Era movement,” J57 said. “A La $ole was the next Pro I wanted to work with because he's a phenomenal lyricist. The project came together organically due to our mutual respect for each other's craft. I know A La will be the next big thing and I'm excited to be a part of it."
The album is untitled at present, and the release date has not been confirmed, save for a projected “mid-March delivery,” per Coalmine Records CEO Matt Diamond.
Brooklyn’s A La $ole was on both Pro Era’s Peep: The Aprocalypse and The Shift.
Long Island’s J57 has produced for Skyzoo, Nitty Scott and Rapper Big Pooh.
"I first heard of J57 when Joey Bada$$ first cut that ‘Big Poppa $wank (Swank Rock)’ record,” A La $ole said of his initial exposure to the producer’s work. “It sent me back to when I first discovered my love for music, so I was instantly amazed by the production. Ever since then I wanted to work with him and now it's actually mind-boggling that we are now putting together this masterpiece.”
"I've been down with/working with Joey Bada$$ for a couple of years and steadily watching the Pro Era movement,” J57 said. “A La $ole was the next Pro I wanted to work with because he's a phenomenal lyricist. The project came together organically due to our mutual respect for each other's craft. I know A La will be the next big thing and I'm excited to be a part of it."
The album is untitled at present, and the release date has not been confirmed, save for a projected “mid-March delivery,” per Coalmine Records CEO Matt Diamond.
hiphopdx.com
DJ Premier's D&D Studios Closes
by
Danielle Harling
hiphopdx.com
DJ Premier's D&D Studios closes its doors to make room for luxury apartments.
Yesterday (January 7), DJ Premier announced that D&D Studios (formerly known as HeadQCourterz Studios) had closed its doors for good after well over a decade under the Brooklyn, New York producer’s ownership.
Located on 37th Street in New York City’s Garment District, D&D Studios reportedly closed down to make room for luxury apartments in the building it was housed in. AmbrosiaForHeads.com reports that DJ Premier will now work out of Queens’ Kaufman Astoria Studios.
Although DJ Premier purchased the studio in 2002 following the death of its former owner, HeadQCourterz, he has worked in the studio since the early '90s.
Among the projects worked on at D&D Studios were ones from Jay Z, Big Pun, Snoop Dogg, Big L, Slaughterhouse and Dilated Peoples. In addition to those albums, DJ Premier also recorded a large majority of his Gang Starr songs at the recording studio.
Other notable albums recorded at D&D Studios included Nas’ Illmatic and The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready To Die.
DJ Premier recently turned to Instagram to post a handful of pics from the studio as he prepared to close its doors.
In one post, Premier uploaded a picture of fellow artist Showbiz along with the caption: “Showbiz packin up. He's the one that brought me to D & D to lay scratches for Lord Finesse on a REMIX called "Return Of The Funky Man". Eddie Sancho did the mix and I never left from that day. CIRCA1992... #DaveAndDoug #premierwuzhere The Closing Of D & D Studios”
Located on 37th Street in New York City’s Garment District, D&D Studios reportedly closed down to make room for luxury apartments in the building it was housed in. AmbrosiaForHeads.com reports that DJ Premier will now work out of Queens’ Kaufman Astoria Studios.
Although DJ Premier purchased the studio in 2002 following the death of its former owner, HeadQCourterz, he has worked in the studio since the early '90s.
Among the projects worked on at D&D Studios were ones from Jay Z, Big Pun, Snoop Dogg, Big L, Slaughterhouse and Dilated Peoples. In addition to those albums, DJ Premier also recorded a large majority of his Gang Starr songs at the recording studio.
Other notable albums recorded at D&D Studios included Nas’ Illmatic and The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready To Die.
DJ Premier recently turned to Instagram to post a handful of pics from the studio as he prepared to close its doors.
In one post, Premier uploaded a picture of fellow artist Showbiz along with the caption: “Showbiz packin up. He's the one that brought me to D & D to lay scratches for Lord Finesse on a REMIX called "Return Of The Funky Man". Eddie Sancho did the mix and I never left from that day. CIRCA1992... #DaveAndDoug #premierwuzhere The Closing Of D & D Studios”
hiphopdx.com
Wu-Tang Clan's "Once Upon A Time In Shaolin" To Be Sold Through Paddle8
by
Danielle Harling
hiphopdx.com
Micro-site to launch later this month with added details on upcoming "Once Upon A Time In Shaolin" sale.
In a message sent to Forbes earlier this month, Wu-Tang Clan lyricist RZA confirmed that the lone copy of the group’s Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album will be sold through Paddle8, a company described as “the auction house for the 21st-century collector.”
“We will announce Paddle8 as [the] official auction house,” RZA said in an electronic message sent to Forbes.
No added details regarding the sale were revealed, but according to Forbes, a micro-site with more information on the sale will launch later this month. The micro-site will feature interviews with RZA, Wu-Tang-related essays, and a sneak peek at the Once Upon A Time In Shaolin tracklist.
Additionally, Forbes reports that Once Upon A Time In Shaolin will not be auctioned and will instead be treated as a private sale.
“That’s something that auction houses–Christie’s, Sotheby’s, all the way down to Paddle8–do quite frequently,” Paddle8′s Sarah Goulet said, according to Forbes. “It’s price upon request.”
It’s unclear what amount Once Upon A Time In Shaolin will sell for, but in an interview last year, RZA did reveal that he was offered $5 million for the album.
"Offers came in at $2 million, somebody offered $5 million yesterday,” RZA said during an interview with Billboard in April of last year. "I've been getting a lot of e-mails -- some from people I know, some from people I don't know, and they're also e-mailing other members of my organization.”
“We will announce Paddle8 as [the] official auction house,” RZA said in an electronic message sent to Forbes.
No added details regarding the sale were revealed, but according to Forbes, a micro-site with more information on the sale will launch later this month. The micro-site will feature interviews with RZA, Wu-Tang-related essays, and a sneak peek at the Once Upon A Time In Shaolin tracklist.
Additionally, Forbes reports that Once Upon A Time In Shaolin will not be auctioned and will instead be treated as a private sale.
“That’s something that auction houses–Christie’s, Sotheby’s, all the way down to Paddle8–do quite frequently,” Paddle8′s Sarah Goulet said, according to Forbes. “It’s price upon request.”
It’s unclear what amount Once Upon A Time In Shaolin will sell for, but in an interview last year, RZA did reveal that he was offered $5 million for the album.
"Offers came in at $2 million, somebody offered $5 million yesterday,” RZA said during an interview with Billboard in April of last year. "I've been getting a lot of e-mails -- some from people I know, some from people I don't know, and they're also e-mailing other members of my organization.”
hiphopdx.com
VH1 Announces TV Movie Based On Dan Charnas' "The Big Payback"
by
Jay Balfour
hiphopdx.com
VH1 announces a new TV movie called "The Breaks" set to premiere this fall.
Following up on its latest nostalgia-driven scripted drama Hindsight which premiered last night (January 7), VH1 has announced that it is developing a TV movie based on Dan Charnas' best-selling book The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop.
The network hopes for a fall premiere of a title tentatively called The Breaks and industry veteran Seith Mann, who has directed episodes of The Wire, The Walking Dead, Homeland, and more, has been tapped as a screenwriter, executive producer, and director for the project. Charnas himself will also serve as an executive producer and co-wrote the script.
According to a press release from VH1, The Breaks "will chronicle the journey of Nikki, David and Deevee, three friends united by their love of Hip Hop, as they work to make their big mark in the music industry." Similar to Hindsight, The Breaks will be set in in early '90s New York. "Nikki Jones is a brilliant recent grad who abandoned a scholarship to law school to pursue her dream of becoming a record exec," VH1 announced. "Her boyfriend, David Aaron, is the scrappy son of a legendary music producer who is unwilling to rest on his father's laurels and notorious reputation. DeeVee is an aspiring producer on the hunt to find the next big rapper on the come-up."
Dan Charnas' The Big Payback was originally released in 2010. The book author also worked for Profile Records and Rick Rubin's Def American Recordings. Previously, Charnas was a frequent cover story writer for The Source and later hosted a segment on a Hip Hop show for KPWR in Los Angeles.
The network hopes for a fall premiere of a title tentatively called The Breaks and industry veteran Seith Mann, who has directed episodes of The Wire, The Walking Dead, Homeland, and more, has been tapped as a screenwriter, executive producer, and director for the project. Charnas himself will also serve as an executive producer and co-wrote the script.
According to a press release from VH1, The Breaks "will chronicle the journey of Nikki, David and Deevee, three friends united by their love of Hip Hop, as they work to make their big mark in the music industry." Similar to Hindsight, The Breaks will be set in in early '90s New York. "Nikki Jones is a brilliant recent grad who abandoned a scholarship to law school to pursue her dream of becoming a record exec," VH1 announced. "Her boyfriend, David Aaron, is the scrappy son of a legendary music producer who is unwilling to rest on his father's laurels and notorious reputation. DeeVee is an aspiring producer on the hunt to find the next big rapper on the come-up."
Dan Charnas' The Big Payback was originally released in 2010. The book author also worked for Profile Records and Rick Rubin's Def American Recordings. Previously, Charnas was a frequent cover story writer for The Source and later hosted a segment on a Hip Hop show for KPWR in Los Angeles.
hiphopdx.com
Coachella Festival 2015 Lineup Announced
by
Daniel Witcoff
The festival--for which General Admission tickets are already sold out--will be headlined by AC/DC, Jack White and Drake.
Other Hip Hop acts slated to performa at the annual event include Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Ab-Soul, Run the Jewels, Flying Lotus, Action Bronson, The Weeknd, Tyler the Creator, The Weeknd, Azealia Banks and Lil B.
The rest of the lineup can be seen on the official poster for the event, below.
hiphopdx.com
The annual festival in Indio, California will host performances from Drake, Ghostface Killah, Run The Jewels and Ab-Soul.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has announced the lineup for 2015.The festival--for which General Admission tickets are already sold out--will be headlined by AC/DC, Jack White and Drake.
Other Hip Hop acts slated to performa at the annual event include Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Ab-Soul, Run the Jewels, Flying Lotus, Action Bronson, The Weeknd, Tyler the Creator, The Weeknd, Azealia Banks and Lil B.
The rest of the lineup can be seen on the official poster for the event, below.
hiphopdx.com
DMX Announces "Redemption Of The Beast" Album Release Date, Cover Art & Tracklist
by Daniel Witcoff
The Ruff Ryders rapper is slated to release his eighth solo album.
DMX is scheduled to release his Redemption of the Beast album January 13, 2015.
ROTB will mark the rapper’s eighth solo release.
The 16-track album features guest work from Freeway and Jannyce.
DMX's debut album, 1998's It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, entered the charts as the #1 album in the country upon its release.
More recently, DMX has been in the media due to his role in Chris Rock’s Top Five film. DMX portrayed himself in the film and his “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” is featured on the film’s official soundtrack.
The Redemption of the Beast artwork and tracklist are as follows:
ROTB will mark the rapper’s eighth solo release.
The 16-track album features guest work from Freeway and Jannyce.
DMX's debut album, 1998's It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, entered the charts as the #1 album in the country upon its release.
More recently, DMX has been in the media due to his role in Chris Rock’s Top Five film. DMX portrayed himself in the film and his “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” is featured on the film’s official soundtrack.
The Redemption of the Beast artwork and tracklist are as follows:
- Spit That Shit
- Built Like A Bitch
- On and On
- Get Up and Try Again
- Solid Ft. Rampage
- I'm Gonna Win
- It's A Problem
- It’s Goin' Down
- Shout It
- One More Night
- 56 Bars
- Where You Been Ft. Freeway
- Right or Wrong Ft. Jannyce
- Gonna Get Mine
- We Gonna Make It
- Love That Bitch Ft. Jannyce
hiphopdx.com
Sunday, January 4, 2015
A Tribe Called Quest’s Ali Shaheed & Composer Adrian Younge To Release Joint Project
by
Adrian Younge’s 2014 was pretty productive. The Los Angeles based
composer/producer played a big role in the Souls of Mischief’s
critically acclaimed There Is Only Now album, and his work was used as the musical base for Royce da 5’9″ and DJ Premier’s equally heralded collaborative LP PRhyme.
The self-taught multi-instrumentalist’s 2015 is likely to be just as dynamic. Younge is set to release a joint effort with Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest. In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop.com, Ali affirmed he and Younge have something special in store for music listeners in the near future.
“There’s a record with Adrian Younge. He and I are working on an album together. That’s slated for early 2015,” says Ali. “It’s interesting. There’s nothing out there that sounds like what [Younge and I] are doing. It’s pretty exciting.”
Besides dropping a project with Younge, Ali is looking to release his sophomore solo album in 2015 as well. The new collection will be the follow-up to 2004’s Shaheedullah and Stereotypes.
Ali was also a central part of A Tribe Called Quest’s classic catalog of albums such as People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Low End Theory, and Midnight Marauders. His most recent track is the #BlackLivesMatter tribute song “CPR” which features appearances by Merna, JaPoet, and David Luke.
More of Younge’s work can be heard on the Black Dynamite musical scheduled for January 10 on Adult Swim. Younge has provided the score for the animated program since its inception. He also composed the music for the live action film the show is based on, and he partnered with Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah on 2013’s Twelve Reasons To Die.
allhiphop.com
The self-taught multi-instrumentalist’s 2015 is likely to be just as dynamic. Younge is set to release a joint effort with Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest. In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop.com, Ali affirmed he and Younge have something special in store for music listeners in the near future.
“There’s a record with Adrian Younge. He and I are working on an album together. That’s slated for early 2015,” says Ali. “It’s interesting. There’s nothing out there that sounds like what [Younge and I] are doing. It’s pretty exciting.”
Besides dropping a project with Younge, Ali is looking to release his sophomore solo album in 2015 as well. The new collection will be the follow-up to 2004’s Shaheedullah and Stereotypes.
Ali was also a central part of A Tribe Called Quest’s classic catalog of albums such as People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Low End Theory, and Midnight Marauders. His most recent track is the #BlackLivesMatter tribute song “CPR” which features appearances by Merna, JaPoet, and David Luke.
More of Younge’s work can be heard on the Black Dynamite musical scheduled for January 10 on Adult Swim. Younge has provided the score for the animated program since its inception. He also composed the music for the live action film the show is based on, and he partnered with Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah on 2013’s Twelve Reasons To Die.
allhiphop.com
Victim Comes Out About Shooting Involving Shyne, J.Lo, and Diddy
by
Earlier today on Instagram, UPNORTHTRIPS posted a Daily News front page about the shooting that involved celebrities Jennifer Lopez, Diddy, and Shyne. With a case that put Shyne in jail for 10 years and 3 victims affected by the shooting, lives were changed that fateful night, and today marks the 15th anniversary of the situation. While the post brought a lot of attention the the Instagram profile, one victim in the altercation spoke out about the unfortunate series of events. While some commenters acknowledged the victim’s story, some believed that it wasn’t the right photo to be frustrated about. Peep the photos below:
via: Complex
allhiphop.com
Earlier today on Instagram, UPNORTHTRIPS posted a Daily News front page about the shooting that involved celebrities Jennifer Lopez, Diddy, and Shyne. With a case that put Shyne in jail for 10 years and 3 victims affected by the shooting, lives were changed that fateful night, and today marks the 15th anniversary of the situation. While the post brought a lot of attention the the Instagram profile, one victim in the altercation spoke out about the unfortunate series of events. While some commenters acknowledged the victim’s story, some believed that it wasn’t the right photo to be frustrated about. Peep the photos below:
via: Complex
allhiphop.com
Action Bronson Discusses "Mr. Wonderful" Project With Alchemist
by
Christopher Harris
"The first song that really got me into Hip Hop was [Cypress Hill's 'How I Could Just] Kill A Man,'" Action Bronson says.
In the latest episode of The Smokebox, Action Bronson and Alchemist join B-Real in his smoke-filled vehicle for a conversation on a wide range of topics.
As they smoke separate joints on-screen, B-Real asks the duo about professional wrestling and sports, before he compliments Action on "owning his [rapping] style."
"You get a lot of comparisons obviously," says the Cypress Hill rapper. "But I think your shit is your own."
"Everyone's always going to compare everybody," Action Bronson says. "That's the way life goes. You're compared to your predecessors...It's just your voice. What are you gonna do?"
After a bit of banter and commentary on Action's involvement with G Pens and dabs, B-Real asks Action and Alchemist about their upcoming album, Mr. Wonderful.
"We're always working," Action says. "Wee make music non-stop. This is a fucking great guy. You don't meet too many people that are stand-up guys."
Both Action and Alchemist recall going on tour with Cypress Hill at a young age. Before the interview is over, Action also discloses that a Cypress Hill song is what inspired his career.
"The first song that really got me into Hip Hop was '[How I Could Just] Kill A Man,'" he says. "Let's just be honest. My mother can rap that song word-for-word."
Watch the full interview here.
As they smoke separate joints on-screen, B-Real asks the duo about professional wrestling and sports, before he compliments Action on "owning his [rapping] style."
"You get a lot of comparisons obviously," says the Cypress Hill rapper. "But I think your shit is your own."
"Everyone's always going to compare everybody," Action Bronson says. "That's the way life goes. You're compared to your predecessors...It's just your voice. What are you gonna do?"
After a bit of banter and commentary on Action's involvement with G Pens and dabs, B-Real asks Action and Alchemist about their upcoming album, Mr. Wonderful.
"We're always working," Action says. "Wee make music non-stop. This is a fucking great guy. You don't meet too many people that are stand-up guys."
Both Action and Alchemist recall going on tour with Cypress Hill at a young age. Before the interview is over, Action also discloses that a Cypress Hill song is what inspired his career.
"The first song that really got me into Hip Hop was '[How I Could Just] Kill A Man,'" he says. "Let's just be honest. My mother can rap that song word-for-word."
Watch the full interview here.
hiphopdx.com
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