Sunday, February 22, 2015
Cipha Sounds Heads Over To Roc Nation
by
Cipha Sounds, the former DJ for Hot 97, has found a new management home with Roc Nation, who will help him delve deeper in comedy and acting.
“Excited to welcome @CiphaSounds to the Roc Nation family, where he will be co-managed by Neil Sirni of York-Hill,” The Roc said on Instagram.
Cipha worked over at Hot 97 for 17 years, but quit in January.
The New York native is reportedly working on a comedy show with Alicia Keys.
allhiphop.com
Cipha Sounds, the former DJ for Hot 97, has found a new management home with Roc Nation, who will help him delve deeper in comedy and acting.
“Excited to welcome @CiphaSounds to the Roc Nation family, where he will be co-managed by Neil Sirni of York-Hill,” The Roc said on Instagram.
Cipha worked over at Hot 97 for 17 years, but quit in January.
The New York native is reportedly working on a comedy show with Alicia Keys.
allhiphop.com
Ludacris Finishes Next Album, Ludaversal
The rapper-turned-actor sent out the following message:
“Mood after turning in the #ludaversal album. 🔥🔥👌👌👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏 #ludaversalmarch31”
The album has been heavily delayed with several release dates being announced.
allhiphop.com
Fashawn "The Ecology" Release Date, Cover Art, Tracklist & Album Stream
by
Jay Balfour
hiphopdx.com
Fashawn's first album from Mass Appeal Records is set for release on Tuesday.
After a long road to release, Fashawn's sophomore album is finally here.
The rapper's 13-track Mass Appeal debut features Nas, Aloe Blacc, BJ the Chicago Kid, and more. Fash's longtime collaborator Exile handles production on more than half of the record with assistance from the likes of DJ Khalil, Alchemist, and Beewirks elsewhere.
Last year, Fashawn spoke with HipHopDX about Nas' influence on the release.
"He told me his favorite songs on the album," he said. "That really shocked me. I didn't know he was really paying attention like that. He should. He's the boss, but you know, when he told me his favorites on the album...Well, one is this song called 'Mother,' produced by Exile, which you're gonna hear soon. He said that's one of his favorite songs and then a song called 'Golden State of Mind' is one of his favorites, as well."
The Ecology cover art, tracklist, and stream via Audiomack are available below.
1. Guess Who's Back (prod. by Beewirks)
2. Confess (prod. by Exile)
3. Something to Believe In ft Nas & Aloe Blacc (prod. by DJ Khalil)
4. Higher (prod. by Exile)
5. To Be Young ft BJ the Chicago Kid (prod. by Exile)
6. Golden State of Mind ft Dom Kennedy (prod. by Exile)
7. Letter F (prod. by The Alchemist)
8. Place to Go (prod. by Exile)
9. Man of the House (prod. by Quincey Tones & Jo Caleb)
10. Out The Trunk (prod. by Exile)
11. It's A Good Thing ft Aloe Blacc & Choosey (prod. by Exile)
12. Mother (prod. by Exile)
13. F.T.W (prod. by Exile)
The rapper's 13-track Mass Appeal debut features Nas, Aloe Blacc, BJ the Chicago Kid, and more. Fash's longtime collaborator Exile handles production on more than half of the record with assistance from the likes of DJ Khalil, Alchemist, and Beewirks elsewhere.
Last year, Fashawn spoke with HipHopDX about Nas' influence on the release.
"He told me his favorite songs on the album," he said. "That really shocked me. I didn't know he was really paying attention like that. He should. He's the boss, but you know, when he told me his favorites on the album...Well, one is this song called 'Mother,' produced by Exile, which you're gonna hear soon. He said that's one of his favorite songs and then a song called 'Golden State of Mind' is one of his favorites, as well."
The Ecology cover art, tracklist, and stream via Audiomack are available below.
1. Guess Who's Back (prod. by Beewirks)
2. Confess (prod. by Exile)
3. Something to Believe In ft Nas & Aloe Blacc (prod. by DJ Khalil)
4. Higher (prod. by Exile)
5. To Be Young ft BJ the Chicago Kid (prod. by Exile)
6. Golden State of Mind ft Dom Kennedy (prod. by Exile)
7. Letter F (prod. by The Alchemist)
8. Place to Go (prod. by Exile)
9. Man of the House (prod. by Quincey Tones & Jo Caleb)
10. Out The Trunk (prod. by Exile)
11. It's A Good Thing ft Aloe Blacc & Choosey (prod. by Exile)
12. Mother (prod. by Exile)
13. F.T.W (prod. by Exile)
hiphopdx.com
Raekwon Announces "F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art)" Album Release Date
by
sryon 
Raekwon tweets the release date for his forthcoming solo album.
With his Lost Jewelry EP scheduled for a January 8 release, it looks like Raekwon is gearing up for an active 2013. Now, in a recent article from Complex, the Chef of the Wu-Tang Clan announces new details about his next full length album.
Raekwon took to Twitter earlier today to announce the title of his sixth solo LP, F.I.L.A. The album - which stands for Fly International Luxurious Art - is expected drop sometime in the second quarter of this year.
Raekwon took to Twitter earlier today to announce the title of his sixth solo LP, F.I.L.A. The album - which stands for Fly International Luxurious Art - is expected drop sometime in the second quarter of this year.
Y'all ready for the title and release of my new album? — RAEKWON (@Raekwon) January 1, 2013" alt="">It was previously believed that Raekwon's next solo album would be the third installment of his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... series. DX will keep you updated as more information on both LPs comes to light.
Raekwon tweeted today that his F.I.L.A. album will be released April 28.
hiphopdx.com
hiphopdx.com
BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah "Sour Soul" Release Date, Cover Art, Tracklist, & LP Stream
by
Christopher Harris 
"Sour Soul" is scheduled to be released in vinyl, CD, digital and cassette form on February 24
BADBADNOTGOOD's and Ghostface Killah are letting fans listen to their collaborative project, Sour Soul, prior to its official release.
The entire 12-track LP is available to be streamed via Soundcloud.
Sour Soul pairs Toronto-based jazz band BADBADNOTGOOD with Wu-Tang Clan member for an offering where the tandem intertwines '60s- and '70s-inspired sounds with live instrumentation.
MF DOOM, Elzhi, Danny Brown and Tree (Project mayhem) are featured on the LP.
Sour Soul is scheduled to be released in vinyl, CD, digital and cassette form February 24. Pre-order it here.
1. "Sour Soul"
2. "Mono"
3. "Six Degrees" Feat. Danny Brown
4. "Gunshowers" Feat. Elzhi
5. "Stark's Reality"
6. "Tone's Rap"
7. "Mind Playing Tricks"
8. "Street Knowledge" Feat. Tree
9. "Ray Gun" Feat. DOOM
10. "Nuggets of Wisdom"
11. "Food"
12. "Experience"
hiphopdx.com
The entire 12-track LP is available to be streamed via Soundcloud.
Sour Soul pairs Toronto-based jazz band BADBADNOTGOOD with Wu-Tang Clan member for an offering where the tandem intertwines '60s- and '70s-inspired sounds with live instrumentation.
MF DOOM, Elzhi, Danny Brown and Tree (Project mayhem) are featured on the LP.
Sour Soul is scheduled to be released in vinyl, CD, digital and cassette form February 24. Pre-order it here.
1. "Sour Soul"
2. "Mono"
3. "Six Degrees" Feat. Danny Brown
4. "Gunshowers" Feat. Elzhi
5. "Stark's Reality"
6. "Tone's Rap"
7. "Mind Playing Tricks"
8. "Street Knowledge" Feat. Tree
9. "Ray Gun" Feat. DOOM
10. "Nuggets of Wisdom"
11. "Food"
12. "Experience"
hiphopdx.com
"Empire" "Original Soundtrack From Season 1" Release Date, Cover Art & Tracklist
by
Christopher Harris 
hiphopdx.com
The
"Original Soundtrack From Season 1" of "Empire" is scheduled to include
original music by Juicy J, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Charles
Hamilton, Rita Ora and the cast, among others.
The music from Fox's hit show Empire will be compiled into a soundtrack.
Fox recently announced that the Original Soundtrack From Season 1 is set to be released on March 10.
Each episode of the series has included original music produced by Timbaland with rapping and singing provided by the actors. After every show, the songs that premiere during the episode are subsequently released by Columbia via digital download packages.
Pre-order the album via iTunes. Watch every Empire performance (so far) here
The Season 1 Soundtrack cover art and tracklisting are available below:
Standard Edition Tracklist:
01."Good Enough," feat. Jussie Smollett
02. "What Is Love," feat. V.Bozeman
03. "No Apologies," feat. Yazz and Jussie Smollett
04. "Keep It Movin'," feat. Serayah McNeil and Yazz
05. "Walk Out On Me," feat. Courtney Love
06. "Conqueror," feat. Estelle and Jussie Smollett
07. "Remember The Music," feat. Jennifer Hudson
08. "Shake Down," feat. Mary J. Blige and Terrence Howard
09. "Power of the Empire," feat. Yazz
10. "Nothing To Lose," feat. Jussie Smollett
11. "Whatever Makes You Happy," feat. Jennifer Hudson and Juicy J
Digital Deluxe Edition Tracklist:
01."Good Enough," feat. Jussie Smollett
02. "What Is Love," feat. V.Bozeman
03. "No Apologies," feat. Yazz and Jussie Smollett
04. "Keep It Movin'," feat. Serayah McNeil and Yazz
05. "Keep Your Money," feat. Jussie Smollett
06. "Drip Drop," feat. Yazz and Serayah McNeil
07. "Can't Truss 'Em," feat. Yazz
08. "I Wanna Love You," feat. Jussie Smollett
09. "Money For Nothing," feat. Jussie Smollett and Yazz
10. "Walk Out On Me," feat. Courtney Love
11. "You're So Beautiful," feat. Jussie Smollett and Yazz
12. "Conqueror," feat. Estelle and Jussie Smollett
13. "Remember The Music," feat. Jennifer Hudson
14. "Power Of The Empire," feat. Yazz
15. "Shake Down," feat. Mary J. Blige and Terrence Howard
16. "Nothing To Lose," feat. Jussie Smollett
17. "Whatever Makes You Happy," feat. Jennifer Hudson and Juicy J
18. "NY Raining," feat. Charles Hamilton and Rita Ora
Fox recently announced that the Original Soundtrack From Season 1 is set to be released on March 10.
Each episode of the series has included original music produced by Timbaland with rapping and singing provided by the actors. After every show, the songs that premiere during the episode are subsequently released by Columbia via digital download packages.
In addition to featuring exclusive tracks from the rising stars of the show – Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon), Bryshere "Yazz" Gray (Hakeem Lyon), and Serayah McNeil (Tiana Brown) – Empire's
Season 1 soundtrack will also include original music by Juicy J, Mary
J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Charles Hamilton and Rita Ora, among others.
The soundtrack will be available with a standard edition (11 tracks) and deluxe (18 tracks).Pre-order the album via iTunes. Watch every Empire performance (so far) here
The Season 1 Soundtrack cover art and tracklisting are available below:
Standard Edition Tracklist:
01."Good Enough," feat. Jussie Smollett
02. "What Is Love," feat. V.Bozeman
03. "No Apologies," feat. Yazz and Jussie Smollett
04. "Keep It Movin'," feat. Serayah McNeil and Yazz
05. "Walk Out On Me," feat. Courtney Love
06. "Conqueror," feat. Estelle and Jussie Smollett
07. "Remember The Music," feat. Jennifer Hudson
08. "Shake Down," feat. Mary J. Blige and Terrence Howard
09. "Power of the Empire," feat. Yazz
10. "Nothing To Lose," feat. Jussie Smollett
11. "Whatever Makes You Happy," feat. Jennifer Hudson and Juicy J
Digital Deluxe Edition Tracklist:
01."Good Enough," feat. Jussie Smollett
02. "What Is Love," feat. V.Bozeman
03. "No Apologies," feat. Yazz and Jussie Smollett
04. "Keep It Movin'," feat. Serayah McNeil and Yazz
05. "Keep Your Money," feat. Jussie Smollett
06. "Drip Drop," feat. Yazz and Serayah McNeil
07. "Can't Truss 'Em," feat. Yazz
08. "I Wanna Love You," feat. Jussie Smollett
09. "Money For Nothing," feat. Jussie Smollett and Yazz
10. "Walk Out On Me," feat. Courtney Love
11. "You're So Beautiful," feat. Jussie Smollett and Yazz
12. "Conqueror," feat. Estelle and Jussie Smollett
13. "Remember The Music," feat. Jennifer Hudson
14. "Power Of The Empire," feat. Yazz
15. "Shake Down," feat. Mary J. Blige and Terrence Howard
16. "Nothing To Lose," feat. Jussie Smollett
17. "Whatever Makes You Happy," feat. Jennifer Hudson and Juicy J
18. "NY Raining," feat. Charles Hamilton and Rita Ora
hiphopdx.com
Murda Mook Says Snoop Dogg "Fought" For Battle Rappers To Appear In BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher
by
Danielle Harling
Murda Mook recalls being the underdog during a BET Hip Hop Awards cypher with DMX, Cassidy, and Eve.
According to Harlem, New York rapper Murda Mook, Snoop Dogg inviting a group of battle rappers to perform during a live cypher at last year’s BET Hip Hop Awards was a major feat for the battle rap community.
Despite the weight of such a performance, the New York City wordsmith revealed that there were some who criticized the cypher. During a newly-released interview with Vlad TV, Mook questioned the type of person who would hate on a cypher that helped open up doors.
He later applauded Snoop Dogg, who he says “fought” for the battle rapper cypher to take place at the annual awards show.
“What kind of niggas hates on that? Cause what niggas just did is opened up the door, so now it’s like niggas can feel way more comfortable letting battle rap niggas come and do they thing over here,” Murda Mook said. “So, first you gotta shout out Snoop for having the ultimate confidence in us. People don’t understand how much confidence you have to have. Snoop fought for that. That wasn’t some thing that they just wanted to do and they came to Snoop like ‘Yo, we have this idea.’ Snoop came to them like ‘Yo listen, I have this idea that I want to do.’ You understand what I’m saying? And to do that and for Snoop to have the confidence in niggas that they gon’ go up there and knock this shit out. That says volumes to the type of individual that he is. And who he put his confidence in.”
Prior to speaking on last year’s BET Hip Hop Awards cypher, Murda Mook recalled being in a cypher with DMX, Eve, and Cassidy, during the awards show in 2012.
“Two years ago, I did the cypher. It was me, DMX, Eve, and Cassidy,” he said. “We did a cypher, right? And they told me ‘Yo, 16 bars.’ Now I’m new to this cypher shit. I’m new to it. I don’t really know. So, I’m like ‘Okay, 16 bars. No problem.’ I’m like ‘Damn, but how do you really go—16 bars is like [crazy].’ But I crammed in enough bars. I had a lot of hot shit in there too…And then I seen Cassidy go next. Cassidy do like 40. Then I see X. X do like 50. I’m like ‘Hold up, hold up. Wait a minute, wait a minute.’ I’m like ‘Yo, y’all niggas told me [16 bars]’…But I took that as ‘You a little nigga, really. You really a little nigga. You just getting your feet wet in rap, rap. This ain’t battle rap, nigga. This is the other rap.’”
hiphopdx.com
Despite the weight of such a performance, the New York City wordsmith revealed that there were some who criticized the cypher. During a newly-released interview with Vlad TV, Mook questioned the type of person who would hate on a cypher that helped open up doors.
He later applauded Snoop Dogg, who he says “fought” for the battle rapper cypher to take place at the annual awards show.
“What kind of niggas hates on that? Cause what niggas just did is opened up the door, so now it’s like niggas can feel way more comfortable letting battle rap niggas come and do they thing over here,” Murda Mook said. “So, first you gotta shout out Snoop for having the ultimate confidence in us. People don’t understand how much confidence you have to have. Snoop fought for that. That wasn’t some thing that they just wanted to do and they came to Snoop like ‘Yo, we have this idea.’ Snoop came to them like ‘Yo listen, I have this idea that I want to do.’ You understand what I’m saying? And to do that and for Snoop to have the confidence in niggas that they gon’ go up there and knock this shit out. That says volumes to the type of individual that he is. And who he put his confidence in.”
Prior to speaking on last year’s BET Hip Hop Awards cypher, Murda Mook recalled being in a cypher with DMX, Eve, and Cassidy, during the awards show in 2012.
“Two years ago, I did the cypher. It was me, DMX, Eve, and Cassidy,” he said. “We did a cypher, right? And they told me ‘Yo, 16 bars.’ Now I’m new to this cypher shit. I’m new to it. I don’t really know. So, I’m like ‘Okay, 16 bars. No problem.’ I’m like ‘Damn, but how do you really go—16 bars is like [crazy].’ But I crammed in enough bars. I had a lot of hot shit in there too…And then I seen Cassidy go next. Cassidy do like 40. Then I see X. X do like 50. I’m like ‘Hold up, hold up. Wait a minute, wait a minute.’ I’m like ‘Yo, y’all niggas told me [16 bars]’…But I took that as ‘You a little nigga, really. You really a little nigga. You just getting your feet wet in rap, rap. This ain’t battle rap, nigga. This is the other rap.’”
hiphopdx.com
The Lupe Fiasco Foundation Changes Name To “M.U.R.A.L. (Magnifying Urban Realities and Affecting Lives)”
by
Justin Hunte
hiphopdx.com
M.U.R.A.L. focuses on food justice, youth empowerment funding, and the creation and implementation of Hip Hop curriculum.
The Lupe Fiasco Foundation announced
yesterday (February 16) that it has changed its name to M.U.R.A.L., an
acronym for “Magnifying Urban Realities and Affecting Lives.”
According to a press release, “M.U.R.A.L. will continue to support programs inspired by the early philanthropy of Mr. Wasalu Muhammad Jaco [Lupe Fiasco] and Co-founder Ayesha Jaco. The foundation will also encompass every aspect of the current program initiatives and the legacy of the Jaco family.”
Launched in 2009, The Lupe Fiasco Foundation focuses on food justice, the creation and implementation of Hip Hop curriculum, and youth empowerment funding.
The press release also states that the organization will reveal a new website and logo in the middle of March 2015.
Lupe Fiasco’s fifth studio album, Tetsuo & Youth was released January 20, 2015 on Atlantic Records. The album sold roughly 36,000 copies in its first week. HipHopDX rated the album a 4.5 out of 5.
According to a press release, “M.U.R.A.L. will continue to support programs inspired by the early philanthropy of Mr. Wasalu Muhammad Jaco [Lupe Fiasco] and Co-founder Ayesha Jaco. The foundation will also encompass every aspect of the current program initiatives and the legacy of the Jaco family.”
Launched in 2009, The Lupe Fiasco Foundation focuses on food justice, the creation and implementation of Hip Hop curriculum, and youth empowerment funding.
The press release also states that the organization will reveal a new website and logo in the middle of March 2015.
Lupe Fiasco’s fifth studio album, Tetsuo & Youth was released January 20, 2015 on Atlantic Records. The album sold roughly 36,000 copies in its first week. HipHopDX rated the album a 4.5 out of 5.
hiphopdx.com
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Talib Kweli’s Action Support Committee Raises Over $100,000 To Support Ferguson Protestors
by
News.
Six months after the death of Mike Brown, protesters and activists in Ferguson are still going strong and rapper Talib Kweli and his Action Support Committee have taken notice.
Back in October, Kweli along with Tef Poe, Tory Russell, Donna Dragotta and Autumn Marie launched an Indiegogo crowd funding campaign, the Ferguson Defense Fund, to offer support to those who had been protesting for over 60 days and fighting against heavy resistance from Ferguson and St. Louis police.
They started the campaign with hopes of raising $25,000 but have surpassed that goal tremendously, raising a total of $112, 052.
“These are young men and women who have put their lives on hold to stand up for all of our freedoms,” Kweli said. “The overly militarized police force in Ferguson has attempted to criminalize them by harassing and throwing them in jail for exercising their right to peaceful protest. We hope these funds help to empower.”
The first wave of grants will be distributed Feb. 13th to organizations including the Jail & Bail Fund, Artists As Tutors, Revolutionary Reading Program: Freedom Fighters, Tech Impact Initiative: Hands Up United, The Transitional Housing Program, The Bereavement Fund and Juventud Raza Unida: Latinos En Axion STL.
allhiphop.com
News.
Six months after the death of Mike Brown, protesters and activists in Ferguson are still going strong and rapper Talib Kweli and his Action Support Committee have taken notice.
Back in October, Kweli along with Tef Poe, Tory Russell, Donna Dragotta and Autumn Marie launched an Indiegogo crowd funding campaign, the Ferguson Defense Fund, to offer support to those who had been protesting for over 60 days and fighting against heavy resistance from Ferguson and St. Louis police.
They started the campaign with hopes of raising $25,000 but have surpassed that goal tremendously, raising a total of $112, 052.
“These are young men and women who have put their lives on hold to stand up for all of our freedoms,” Kweli said. “The overly militarized police force in Ferguson has attempted to criminalize them by harassing and throwing them in jail for exercising their right to peaceful protest. We hope these funds help to empower.”
The first wave of grants will be distributed Feb. 13th to organizations including the Jail & Bail Fund, Artists As Tutors, Revolutionary Reading Program: Freedom Fighters, Tech Impact Initiative: Hands Up United, The Transitional Housing Program, The Bereavement Fund and Juventud Raza Unida: Latinos En Axion STL.
allhiphop.com
Duck Down Music "Duck Down Presents: Heartburn" Cover Art, Tracklist & Download Link
by
Paul Meara
Duck Down Music releases a love-themed compilation album.
Duck Down Music
recently celebrated their 20th anniversary as an independent label and
are keeping the party going by releasing new albums.
Their latest is Duck Down Presents: Heartburn, a compilation LP of previously released love-themed songs celebrating Valentine's Day.
According to a press release, they will continue to release projects themed around holidays in 2015. Heartburn is the label's first holiday-themed project release.
The project features previously released songs from Sean Price, Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder & Buckshot, Boot Camp Clik, Smif N Wessun, Murs & Fashawn, Ruste Juxx, Kidz In The Hall, Skyzoo, David Dallas and B-Real of Cypress Hill, plus an unreleased track from Chelsea Reject.
The 17-track album is available at iTunes.
Check out the cover art and tracklisting below:
1. I Love You (Bitch) - Sean Price
2. Birdz Fly the Coup feat. Phonte & Keisha Shontelle - 9th Wonder & Buckshot
3. How You Love Me (feat. Blaq Toven) - Talib Kweli
4. Future Love - Murs & Fashawn
5. Love Hangover (feat. Estelle) - Kidz In the Hall
6. Luv'em or Leav'em Alone - Boot Camp Clik
7. Shorty Left (feat. Rapsody) - 9th Wonder & Buckshot
8. Closer - Chelsea Reject
9. Rich Gyal (feat. Jahdan) - Smif-N-Wessun
10. Make Up (feat. PNC) - David Dallas
11. Groupie Love (ft. Mac Miller & Josh Xantus) - Statik Selektah
12. Atypical - Skyzoo
13. Love Is Worth Waiting For - Ruste Juxx
14. Heartburn - Sean Price
15. When We're F***ing (feat. Too $hort, Kurupt, & Young De) - B-Real
16. Let's Roll - Boot Camp Clik
17. Bye Bye (feat. Buckshot) - Sean Price
hiphopdx.com
Their latest is Duck Down Presents: Heartburn, a compilation LP of previously released love-themed songs celebrating Valentine's Day.
According to a press release, they will continue to release projects themed around holidays in 2015. Heartburn is the label's first holiday-themed project release.
The project features previously released songs from Sean Price, Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder & Buckshot, Boot Camp Clik, Smif N Wessun, Murs & Fashawn, Ruste Juxx, Kidz In The Hall, Skyzoo, David Dallas and B-Real of Cypress Hill, plus an unreleased track from Chelsea Reject.
The 17-track album is available at iTunes.
Check out the cover art and tracklisting below:
1. I Love You (Bitch) - Sean Price
2. Birdz Fly the Coup feat. Phonte & Keisha Shontelle - 9th Wonder & Buckshot
3. How You Love Me (feat. Blaq Toven) - Talib Kweli
4. Future Love - Murs & Fashawn
5. Love Hangover (feat. Estelle) - Kidz In the Hall
6. Luv'em or Leav'em Alone - Boot Camp Clik
7. Shorty Left (feat. Rapsody) - 9th Wonder & Buckshot
8. Closer - Chelsea Reject
9. Rich Gyal (feat. Jahdan) - Smif-N-Wessun
10. Make Up (feat. PNC) - David Dallas
11. Groupie Love (ft. Mac Miller & Josh Xantus) - Statik Selektah
12. Atypical - Skyzoo
13. Love Is Worth Waiting For - Ruste Juxx
14. Heartburn - Sean Price
15. When We're F***ing (feat. Too $hort, Kurupt, & Young De) - B-Real
16. Let's Roll - Boot Camp Clik
17. Bye Bye (feat. Buckshot) - Sean Price
hiphopdx.com
Afrika Bambaataa Says "Corporations Have Taken Control Of Our Culture"
by
Christopher Harris
From its origins to the Golden Era, Gangsta Rap and beyond, Bambaattaa has seen Hip Hop progress and regress during its 30-plus years of existence.
"It's very interesting to see the evolution of Hip Hop going from breakbeat parties, to sometimes violence, to happy days of the electro-funk back to the gangsta rap but it's interesting to see how the corporations have taken control of our culture," Bambaataa says.
"We're calling for all Hip Hop people worldwide, especially these so-called radio stations to start playing all Hip Hop music from around the planet," he continues.
Bambaattaa is regarded as "The Godfather" of the genre. Alongside DJ Kool Herc, Bambaattaa is credited as one of the original deejays to instill the breakbeat on the turntables.
As a founder of the Zulu Nation, Bambaattaa has been advancing and critiquing the culture since the late '70s.
"We try our best to stay out there and keep everybody on a path of knowing about the true-school days," he says. "For most of the people that really want to know about the true culture of Hip Hop, whether it's Kool Herc, or Grandmaster Flash, or any of the other great pioneer Hip Hop rap groups or b-boys or b-girls but when they want to know the true factology about Hip Hop as a culture, they've got to come back to the Universal Zulu Nation."
Watch the brief interview below:
hiphopdx.com
As a founder of the Zulu Nation, Bambaattaa has been advancing and critiquing the culture since the late '70s.
Hip Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaattaa recently sat down with Vlad TV to discuss the evolution of Hip Hop.From its origins to the Golden Era, Gangsta Rap and beyond, Bambaattaa has seen Hip Hop progress and regress during its 30-plus years of existence.
"It's very interesting to see the evolution of Hip Hop going from breakbeat parties, to sometimes violence, to happy days of the electro-funk back to the gangsta rap but it's interesting to see how the corporations have taken control of our culture," Bambaataa says.
"We're calling for all Hip Hop people worldwide, especially these so-called radio stations to start playing all Hip Hop music from around the planet," he continues.
Bambaattaa is regarded as "The Godfather" of the genre. Alongside DJ Kool Herc, Bambaattaa is credited as one of the original deejays to instill the breakbeat on the turntables.
As a founder of the Zulu Nation, Bambaattaa has been advancing and critiquing the culture since the late '70s.
"We try our best to stay out there and keep everybody on a path of knowing about the true-school days," he says. "For most of the people that really want to know about the true culture of Hip Hop, whether it's Kool Herc, or Grandmaster Flash, or any of the other great pioneer Hip Hop rap groups or b-boys or b-girls but when they want to know the true factology about Hip Hop as a culture, they've got to come back to the Universal Zulu Nation."
Watch the brief interview below:
hiphopdx.com
Rap-A-Lot Records' CEO Threatens Puff Daddy, Suge Knight, Lil Wayne & Birdman
by
Christopher Harris
James Prince unleashes his own diss track, aimed at Drake's detractors.
Drake and Puff Daddy's Miami feud may still be unresolved.
Two months ago, Puff reportedly punched Drake outside of Club LIV in Miami, after the two attended a birthday party for DJ Khaled. The altercation allegedly began over Drake's usage of the Boi-1da produced track, "0 to 100."
Now, TMZ has obtained a diss record from Rap-A-Lot Records CEO James Prince. The audio is only a minute-and-a-half long but Drake's supposed mentor makes some serious threats towards Puffy and Suge Knight, who are on his "radar."
"So let me put these bully niggas on notice by letting them know Drizzy is family," he says during the beginning of the track. "Puffy feeling like he can put his hands on my family, open the doors for his family to be touched. You reap what you sow."
As for Suge, Prince tells the former Death Row Records founder to be aware that he's "riding with Drake."
"I'm your worst nightmare," he says.
Then, Prince continues to air-out Lil Wayne, his manager Cortez Bryant, and his lawyer.
The verbal assault ends with a warning to Baby and Slim to make sure they pay Drake.
"I'm not gon' lip wrestle with you niggas," Prince says at the end of the audio, "but if any of you clowns cross me or my family, bad news gonna beat you home."'
TMZ is calling the rant "courtesy call." It's unclear, at the moment, how they captured the "call" or when it was initially recorded.
Diddy Gets Violent Warning -- Keep Your HANDS OFF Drake, Or Else!
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Two months ago, Puff reportedly punched Drake outside of Club LIV in Miami, after the two attended a birthday party for DJ Khaled. The altercation allegedly began over Drake's usage of the Boi-1da produced track, "0 to 100."
Now, TMZ has obtained a diss record from Rap-A-Lot Records CEO James Prince. The audio is only a minute-and-a-half long but Drake's supposed mentor makes some serious threats towards Puffy and Suge Knight, who are on his "radar."
"So let me put these bully niggas on notice by letting them know Drizzy is family," he says during the beginning of the track. "Puffy feeling like he can put his hands on my family, open the doors for his family to be touched. You reap what you sow."
As for Suge, Prince tells the former Death Row Records founder to be aware that he's "riding with Drake."
"I'm your worst nightmare," he says.
Then, Prince continues to air-out Lil Wayne, his manager Cortez Bryant, and his lawyer.
The verbal assault ends with a warning to Baby and Slim to make sure they pay Drake.
"I'm not gon' lip wrestle with you niggas," Prince says at the end of the audio, "but if any of you clowns cross me or my family, bad news gonna beat you home."'
TMZ is calling the rant "courtesy call." It's unclear, at the moment, how they captured the "call" or when it was initially recorded.
Diddy Gets Violent Warning -- Keep Your HANDS OFF Drake, Or Else!
- Watch More
Celebrity Videos
or
Subscribe
hiphopdx.com
Missy Elliott & Timbaland Reunite In The Studio
by
Christopher Harris 
The two
Virginia natives have had a working relationship dating back to at least
1996, when they began to prep Missy's debut album, "Supa Dupa Fly."
Missy Elliott may be gearing up for a full-blown comeback.
After hitting the stage alongside Katy Perry at the Super Bowl, the "Get Ur Freak On" rapper is back in the studio working on new music.
Missy took to Twitter yesterday (February 10) night to share with her followers an image of herself and longtime collaborator Timbaland.
“Me & @Timbaland bk 2 the drawing board studio dirty beats!” she wrote via the social media site, arousing her followers.
The two Virginia natives have had a working relationship, dating back to at least 1996 when they began to prep Missy's debut, Supa Dupa Fly. Timbaland has contributed to each of Missy Misdemeanor's five albums.
In a recent interview on "Sway in the Morning," Missy called the hits she and Timbaland have crafted "timeless."
"I think what me and Tim did, our music was so ahead of its time and its still ahead of its time and it's not even coming from a cocky or conceited way, I look at Tim and say, 'What were you on? What were we on? Musically, It can't be duplicated," she said via phone on the radio broadcast. "Those records are timeless, now when you play them it don't sound dated."
hiphopdx.com
After hitting the stage alongside Katy Perry at the Super Bowl, the "Get Ur Freak On" rapper is back in the studio working on new music.
Missy took to Twitter yesterday (February 10) night to share with her followers an image of herself and longtime collaborator Timbaland.
“Me & @Timbaland bk 2 the drawing board studio dirty beats!” she wrote via the social media site, arousing her followers.
The two Virginia natives have had a working relationship, dating back to at least 1996 when they began to prep Missy's debut, Supa Dupa Fly. Timbaland has contributed to each of Missy Misdemeanor's five albums.
In a recent interview on "Sway in the Morning," Missy called the hits she and Timbaland have crafted "timeless."
"I think what me and Tim did, our music was so ahead of its time and its still ahead of its time and it's not even coming from a cocky or conceited way, I look at Tim and say, 'What were you on? What were we on? Musically, It can't be duplicated," she said via phone on the radio broadcast. "Those records are timeless, now when you play them it don't sound dated."
hiphopdx.com
Drake & Murda Mook Almost Battled At KOTD's "Blackout 5"
by
DX Staff
"If Mook got cute on the mic at all," KOTD staff member Bishop Brigante says. "[Drake] was ready and had bars on deck."
Drake and Murda Mook almost battled this weekend at KOTD’s “Blackout 5” event, according to a story on BattleRap.com.
It was canceled at the last-minute and KOTD’s Bishop Brigante says that Drake was ready for the match-up.
“All I know is that if Mook got cute on the mic at all, [Drake] was ready and had bars on deck," he says in the BattleRap.com story.
"That’s right from the boy himself. Whether that moment has passed or
not, who knows, but there was definitely at least one round in the
chamber with Drake.”
To read the full story, visit BattleRap.com.
hiphopdx.com
hiphopdx.com
"13 Rappers Who Have Made A Difference In The Classroom" Listed By XXL
by
Danielle Harling
hiphopdx.com
9th Wonder, Nas, and Method Man among the Hip Hop artists who have made an impact in the classroom.
Inspired by a quote Bronx, New York rapper KRS-One dropped on Hip Hop and its history during a recent interview, XXL magazine recently compiled a list of “13 Rappers Who Have Made A Difference In The Classroom.”
While speaking on Hip Hop and its history during an interview with XXL, KRS-One stated that, “If you don’t know hip-hop, at least a little bit of it, you can’t even call yourself an American. So I don’t even know who these educators are who are ignoring basic American street life. In the future, hip-hop is going to be called American folklore."
Among the Hip Hoppers included on XXL’s “13 Rappers Who Have Made A Difference In The Classroom” list are 9th Wonder, Jim Jones, John Forte, Nas, Method Man, and Kanye West.
Known for gracing the classroom at North Carolina Central University, Duke University, and Harvard University, producer 9th Wonder has taught both Hip-Hop History and soul sampling. The North Carolina beatsmith’s work in the classroom was even detailed in the documentary, The Hip-Hop Fellow.
“9th Wonder has almost 10 years as a professor under his belt, first starting out in 2007 at his alma mater, NCCU,” the list says. “He then made the move to Duke—whose basketball team he is an avid fan of—and began teaching soul sampling infused with the history of the Civil Rights Movement. In 2012 he became a Harvard Fellow as well, adding an Ivy League school to his already-impressive resume and putting him together with the Cambridge-based University for three years.”
To read the full list, go to XXL.
While speaking on Hip Hop and its history during an interview with XXL, KRS-One stated that, “If you don’t know hip-hop, at least a little bit of it, you can’t even call yourself an American. So I don’t even know who these educators are who are ignoring basic American street life. In the future, hip-hop is going to be called American folklore."
Among the Hip Hoppers included on XXL’s “13 Rappers Who Have Made A Difference In The Classroom” list are 9th Wonder, Jim Jones, John Forte, Nas, Method Man, and Kanye West.
Known for gracing the classroom at North Carolina Central University, Duke University, and Harvard University, producer 9th Wonder has taught both Hip-Hop History and soul sampling. The North Carolina beatsmith’s work in the classroom was even detailed in the documentary, The Hip-Hop Fellow.
“9th Wonder has almost 10 years as a professor under his belt, first starting out in 2007 at his alma mater, NCCU,” the list says. “He then made the move to Duke—whose basketball team he is an avid fan of—and began teaching soul sampling infused with the history of the Civil Rights Movement. In 2012 he became a Harvard Fellow as well, adding an Ivy League school to his already-impressive resume and putting him together with the Cambridge-based University for three years.”
To read the full list, go to XXL.
hiphopdx.com
Sunday, February 8, 2015
The Deal Makers Conference Hits the Midwest With A Bang
by
New York based branding and lifestyle company Ravenel Agency has done it again, as their successful The Deal Makers Conference enjoyed an amazing turnout as music enthusiasts, fans and future entrepreneurs came together to receive advice and insight about the keys to success from a panel of the industry’s leading music executives. Local artists were also given the special opportunity to showcase their music in front of the top tier panel.
Presented in Ohio, this is second conference as the Ravenel Agency continues to trek across the country connecting the dots between artists and taste makers as artists are able to attend various workshops and network in a more intimate setting. “This is the perfect opportunity for unsigned artists and producers to be heard and discovered by premiere industry and major label executives” explained Def Jam Records representative Quincy”Big Heff” Taylor.
Hosted by Rose D (Thisis50) and Bizkit, conference leaders included Lenny Santiago(VP of Roc Nation), Eric Parler (Sr. VP of Music Development, Def Jam), Young Sav (Maybach Music) and Steve Carless (President, CTE/Atlantic Records), media heavyweights Vanessa Satten (Editor in Chief, XXL Magazine), Karen Civil, Reggie Hawkins (SiriusXM) plus TV Executive, Publicist More Media LLC CEO Alvina Alston, Cleveland’s own DJ Steph floss, DJ K Nyce, Ryan Wolf and many more.
Explained Civil, “The Deal Makers event is such a great way to
help bring talent who are seeking guidance get the answers they need in
their musical careers. Also giving them a chance to showcase their
talents to industry elite that can help take them to the next level”.
Added Ravenel Agency Founder/CEO Amber Ravenel, “It was important for me to bring “The Deal Makers Conference” to the Midwest after discovering the wealth of undiscovered talent here. I wanted to expose Cleveland, OH to the real deal makers of the business. My aim was for attendees is to not only learn from seasoned professionals but to gain insight on the do’s and don’ts of the business. Participants also were afforded the opportunity to get a record deal on the spot; all of which has happened at the DMC to my delight.”
allhiphop.com
New York based branding and lifestyle company Ravenel Agency has done it again, as their successful The Deal Makers Conference enjoyed an amazing turnout as music enthusiasts, fans and future entrepreneurs came together to receive advice and insight about the keys to success from a panel of the industry’s leading music executives. Local artists were also given the special opportunity to showcase their music in front of the top tier panel.
Presented in Ohio, this is second conference as the Ravenel Agency continues to trek across the country connecting the dots between artists and taste makers as artists are able to attend various workshops and network in a more intimate setting. “This is the perfect opportunity for unsigned artists and producers to be heard and discovered by premiere industry and major label executives” explained Def Jam Records representative Quincy”Big Heff” Taylor.
Hosted by Rose D (Thisis50) and Bizkit, conference leaders included Lenny Santiago(VP of Roc Nation), Eric Parler (Sr. VP of Music Development, Def Jam), Young Sav (Maybach Music) and Steve Carless (President, CTE/Atlantic Records), media heavyweights Vanessa Satten (Editor in Chief, XXL Magazine), Karen Civil, Reggie Hawkins (SiriusXM) plus TV Executive, Publicist More Media LLC CEO Alvina Alston, Cleveland’s own DJ Steph floss, DJ K Nyce, Ryan Wolf and many more.
Added Ravenel Agency Founder/CEO Amber Ravenel, “It was important for me to bring “The Deal Makers Conference” to the Midwest after discovering the wealth of undiscovered talent here. I wanted to expose Cleveland, OH to the real deal makers of the business. My aim was for attendees is to not only learn from seasoned professionals but to gain insight on the do’s and don’ts of the business. Participants also were afforded the opportunity to get a record deal on the spot; all of which has happened at the DMC to my delight.”
allhiphop.com
Netflix To Premiere Hip-Hop Drama ‘The Get Down’ In 2016
With their original series Orange Is The New Black becoming a favorite among millions, Netflix is back with another show that uses 70’s hip-hop as its muse.
The Get Down follows a group of friends who navigate the gritty and broken down streets of the turbulent South Bronx during the 1970s. While having nothing and no one, accept their brotherhood, they keep themselves busy with dancing, graffiti and everything that the up-and-coming hip-hop culture embodied at that time.
“In this golden era of TV, the Netflix culture puts no constraint on creative possibilities,” Cindy Holland, vice president of original content at Netflix, told The Hollywood Reporter. “So it is a natural home for The Get Down, a project I have been contemplating and working on now for over 10 years. Throughout, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of how a city in its lowest moment, forgotten and half-destroyed, could give birth to such creativity and originality in music, art and culture. I’m thrilled to be working with my partners at Sony and collaborating with a team of extraordinary writers and musicians, many of whom grew up with and lived the story we’ve set out to tell.”
The series, which was created by director and producer Baz Luhrmann, has been in the works since 2013 and will be premiering in 2016 with 13 episodes.
Watch the brief announcement below.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/baz-luhrmann-hip-hop-drama-770442
allhiphop.com
KXNG CROOKED & Statik Selektah Announce "Statik KXNG" Album
by
Jay Balfour
hiphopdx.com
"Statik KXNG" is scheduled to be released on Penalty Entertainment.
Inspired by the recent success of DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9, KXNG CROOKED (f.k.a. Crooked I) and Statik Selektah have announced plans to collaborate on a full-length album release.
The newly formed emcee/producer duo made the announcement earlier this weekend on ShowOff Radio. The album, tentatively titled Statik KXNG, is apparently set to be released on Penalty Entertainment, a label that recently released CROOKED's fellow Slaughterhouse rapper Joell Ortiz's latest album and has a catalog that dates back to the 1990s.
“We got something we got to announce,” Statik Selektah said on the radio show. “Me and CROOKED have been talking for a while, and I was like, ‘You know what, we should just do a project. Why not?”
“It makes good sense,” CROOKED chimed in. “To be honest, Hip Hop is going in a great direction. We just got to make our contribution. I’m excited for this project. It’s gonna be something dope.”
CROOKED added of the release, "[it's] West meets East. East meets West. Two people at the top of their game at what they doing. We involving a lot of shit out there but we're putting everything down to bring a dope project to the people. We won't disappoint. Straight up.”
Listen to the full announcement below:
The newly formed emcee/producer duo made the announcement earlier this weekend on ShowOff Radio. The album, tentatively titled Statik KXNG, is apparently set to be released on Penalty Entertainment, a label that recently released CROOKED's fellow Slaughterhouse rapper Joell Ortiz's latest album and has a catalog that dates back to the 1990s.
“We got something we got to announce,” Statik Selektah said on the radio show. “Me and CROOKED have been talking for a while, and I was like, ‘You know what, we should just do a project. Why not?”
“It makes good sense,” CROOKED chimed in. “To be honest, Hip Hop is going in a great direction. We just got to make our contribution. I’m excited for this project. It’s gonna be something dope.”
CROOKED added of the release, "[it's] West meets East. East meets West. Two people at the top of their game at what they doing. We involving a lot of shit out there but we're putting everything down to bring a dope project to the people. We won't disappoint. Straight up.”
Listen to the full announcement below:
hiphopdx.com
Hitman Holla, Shotty Horroh's KOTD Battle Previewed
by
DX Staff
BattleRap.com calls the match-up "one of the most electrifying match-ups in recent history."
The King
Of The Dot battle between Hitman Holla and Shotty Horror, which is
slated to take place this weekend in Toronto, has been previewed by BattleRap.com.
"At this point, both Hitman and Shotty are battle rap giants,” the site’s story says. "Hitman can easily rake in a million views in just a few weeks, and Shotty is sitting comfortably in the record books with his battle with Arsonal having more than six million views now."
BattleRap.com calls the match-up “one of the most electrifying match-ups in recent history."
To read the full story, visit BattleRap.com.
hiphopdx.com
hiphopdx.com
Rah Digga To Teach Hip Hop To Newark, New Jersey Youth
by
Christopher Harris
Digga will teach courses, such
as the history of Hip Hop, intro. to the music industry, recording
processes, and building images and brands.
Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras J. Baraka believes he's found a way to reach the youth.
He's developed a new program that utilizes the performing arts to help educate his city's younger population.
"To change the city, we need to mobilize our youth and the power of culture to enhance life,” Mayor Baraka says during an interview with AllHipHop. “This program will connect our young artists with the skills they need to become successful in their fields of interest and in life. They will be mentored by Newark natives who have distinguished themselves as artists."
Acting, photography and music are the classes that have been announced as part of the program, thus far.
Hip Hop artist and Newark resident Rah Digga has been tapped to teach the music program, alongside singer-songwriter-producer Peter Hadar.
Digga and Hadar will reportedly cover courses such as the history of Hip Hop, intro. to the music industry, recording processes and building images and brands. A portion of the class will take place in classrooms, while other segments will be taught in a recording studio.
Other Newark natives, including actor JD Williams and veteran photographer Brett Melius, BFA, have been assigned to courses that are relevant to their professions.
Mayor Baracka hopes that this new initiative will have a lasting impact on the future of the city.
"When the young men and women complete this program, they will be the generation of artists that transforms Newark’s culture – and that of America – into the City and nation we can all believe in. As a long-time Newark educator, I am both proud and excited by this program.”
The Performing Arts Program is being offered by The Newark Youth One Stop Career Training Center. Newark residents ages 17 - 21 are eligible to participate.
hiphopdx.com
He's developed a new program that utilizes the performing arts to help educate his city's younger population.
"To change the city, we need to mobilize our youth and the power of culture to enhance life,” Mayor Baraka says during an interview with AllHipHop. “This program will connect our young artists with the skills they need to become successful in their fields of interest and in life. They will be mentored by Newark natives who have distinguished themselves as artists."
Acting, photography and music are the classes that have been announced as part of the program, thus far.
Hip Hop artist and Newark resident Rah Digga has been tapped to teach the music program, alongside singer-songwriter-producer Peter Hadar.
Digga and Hadar will reportedly cover courses such as the history of Hip Hop, intro. to the music industry, recording processes and building images and brands. A portion of the class will take place in classrooms, while other segments will be taught in a recording studio.
Other Newark natives, including actor JD Williams and veteran photographer Brett Melius, BFA, have been assigned to courses that are relevant to their professions.
Mayor Baracka hopes that this new initiative will have a lasting impact on the future of the city.
"When the young men and women complete this program, they will be the generation of artists that transforms Newark’s culture – and that of America – into the City and nation we can all believe in. As a long-time Newark educator, I am both proud and excited by this program.”
The Performing Arts Program is being offered by The Newark Youth One Stop Career Training Center. Newark residents ages 17 - 21 are eligible to participate.
hiphopdx.com
Immortal Technique Reacts To Jay Z's Civil Rights Comments, Preps Nationwide Tour
by
Justin Hunte
While discussing the tour with HipHopDX, Immortal Technique also shares his reaction to Jay Z’s recent assertion that “Hip Hop has done more for race relations than most cultural icons.”
“I didn’t agree with the context of the comment,” Immortal Technique says. “But there is an argument there that can be made and say, ‘Wait a minute, what did the civil rights generation’s attitude to Hip Hop and towards people that were coming up with newer and innovative ideas to express pain and struggle—the continuation of the Blues, so to speak?’ What was their reaction, to get overly judgmental, to be overly Christian, to tell us that people are sinners, to point fingers at a 19 year-old Ice Cube and an 18 year-old Ice-T and say, ‘Hey, you know what, you guys are a disgrace to the race. We’re gonna steamroll your CDs.’ Is that the conversation you have with a child?”
In 1993, civil rights leader, Rev. Calvin Butts threatened to steamroll boxes of rap CDs that he deemed “vulgar and offensive to women.” Another civil rights activist and politician, C. Delores Tucker, spent several years of her life condemning gangsta rap music. Tucker became the nation’s first black female Secretary Of State when then-Governor Milton Shapp selected her for the position in Pennsylvania in 1972.
Technique questions the effectiveness of the approach taken by Butts and Tucker and compares it to the approach of Nation Of Islam leader, Minister Louis Farrakhan. He also disagrees with the notion that talking about racism creates racism.
“These are important because when you talk about race, that doesn’t create racism," he continues. "That’s right wing myth. When you don’t talk about race and you teach people that that is nonexistent as opposed to existing as a social construct where it doesn’t exist in the fact that we’re one human race. But if you don’t teach people that there is wrong in the world that way, it’s like someone thinking, ‘Well, if you don’t teach kids about fire they won’t get burned.’ That’s the most ignorant shit I’ve ever heard in my life—which is what these people are out here doing. Saying that if you talk about racism then you’re gonna cause racism is absurd.”
Following national protests against police brutality that took place in 2014 in the wake of the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner, among others, Immortal Technique is happy to see that America appears to be embracing a “greater conversation” that includes people from “every color, every religion.”
“The New York City Justice League march was incredible,” he says. “We had people from all faiths. We had people from church, from mosques, from a synagogue nearby. Every race represented at that thing. We saw people that were marching for equality and want individual rights to be respected. Especially those that are traditionally overlooked because people can take away rights from those people. [If we allow that], then most certainly [they] can take away rights from you."
Immortal Technique and Talib Kweli’s The People’s Champions tour is slated to begin March 7, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. View the flyer below:
hiphopdx.com
In an
exclusive conversation with HipHopDX, Immortal Technique explains why
"saying that if you talk about racism then you’re gonna cause racism is
absurd.”
Immortal Technique is set to embark on a nationwide tour co-headlined by Talib Kweli. The 32-city circuit, The People’s Champions, is set to feature performances by Niko Is, CF, Hasan Salaam and be hosted by Poison Pen.While discussing the tour with HipHopDX, Immortal Technique also shares his reaction to Jay Z’s recent assertion that “Hip Hop has done more for race relations than most cultural icons.”
“I didn’t agree with the context of the comment,” Immortal Technique says. “But there is an argument there that can be made and say, ‘Wait a minute, what did the civil rights generation’s attitude to Hip Hop and towards people that were coming up with newer and innovative ideas to express pain and struggle—the continuation of the Blues, so to speak?’ What was their reaction, to get overly judgmental, to be overly Christian, to tell us that people are sinners, to point fingers at a 19 year-old Ice Cube and an 18 year-old Ice-T and say, ‘Hey, you know what, you guys are a disgrace to the race. We’re gonna steamroll your CDs.’ Is that the conversation you have with a child?”
In 1993, civil rights leader, Rev. Calvin Butts threatened to steamroll boxes of rap CDs that he deemed “vulgar and offensive to women.” Another civil rights activist and politician, C. Delores Tucker, spent several years of her life condemning gangsta rap music. Tucker became the nation’s first black female Secretary Of State when then-Governor Milton Shapp selected her for the position in Pennsylvania in 1972.
Technique questions the effectiveness of the approach taken by Butts and Tucker and compares it to the approach of Nation Of Islam leader, Minister Louis Farrakhan. He also disagrees with the notion that talking about racism creates racism.
Immortal Technique Discusses Myths Regarding Racism
“What’s more constructive?” he says. “Hugging a person and saying, ‘Hey brother, let’s talk about why people call women bitches or talk about where this N-word comes from.’ Not that I agree with everything that Minister Farrakhan did, but he came to the hood and had that conversation with people. Ay, you know what, the first person to ever call the Black woman a bitch was the White slave master and that’s because you didn’t have children according the law at that time. She had a 'litter of pups,' which is how it was written. When slaves died, it wasn’t a death. It wasn’t a murder. It was written down as a destruction of property.“These are important because when you talk about race, that doesn’t create racism," he continues. "That’s right wing myth. When you don’t talk about race and you teach people that that is nonexistent as opposed to existing as a social construct where it doesn’t exist in the fact that we’re one human race. But if you don’t teach people that there is wrong in the world that way, it’s like someone thinking, ‘Well, if you don’t teach kids about fire they won’t get burned.’ That’s the most ignorant shit I’ve ever heard in my life—which is what these people are out here doing. Saying that if you talk about racism then you’re gonna cause racism is absurd.”
Following national protests against police brutality that took place in 2014 in the wake of the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner, among others, Immortal Technique is happy to see that America appears to be embracing a “greater conversation” that includes people from “every color, every religion.”
“The New York City Justice League march was incredible,” he says. “We had people from all faiths. We had people from church, from mosques, from a synagogue nearby. Every race represented at that thing. We saw people that were marching for equality and want individual rights to be respected. Especially those that are traditionally overlooked because people can take away rights from those people. [If we allow that], then most certainly [they] can take away rights from you."
Immortal Technique and Talib Kweli’s The People’s Champions tour is slated to begin March 7, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. View the flyer below:
hiphopdx.com
Raekwon & Ghostface Killah's "#PurpleTapeFiles" Documentary Gets Los Angeles Screening
by
Christopher Harris
The Wu-Tang Clan duo is set to preview the documentary during Grammy Weekend at the Indie Night Film Festival.
#PurpleTapeFiles commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Chef's debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...
The film features commentary from Nas and fellow Wu members U-God and Method Man, among others.
Following the screening, Raekwon and Ghostface will participate in a Q&A session with attendees.
The #PurpleTapeFiles Screening is presented by the Indie Night Film Festival and Aktivated Music Group.
It is slated to be held February 7 from 4-6:00 PM PST at the TCL Chinese Theatre, located at 6825 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California.
Check out the flyer & trailer below:
hiphopdx.com
Raekwon, Ghostface and more special guests will be in attendance.
After revealing the #PurpleTapeFiles documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah are set to bring their new flick to Hollywood, California, information being released exclusively through HipHopDX.The Wu-Tang Clan duo is set to preview the documentary during Grammy Weekend at the Indie Night Film Festival.
#PurpleTapeFiles commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Chef's debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...
The film features commentary from Nas and fellow Wu members U-God and Method Man, among others.
Following the screening, Raekwon and Ghostface will participate in a Q&A session with attendees.
The #PurpleTapeFiles Screening is presented by the Indie Night Film Festival and Aktivated Music Group.
It is slated to be held February 7 from 4-6:00 PM PST at the TCL Chinese Theatre, located at 6825 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California.
Check out the flyer & trailer below:
hiphopdx.com
Dilla Youth Day Targets Younger Generation's Creativity
by
Christopher Harris
Dilla Youth Day is scheduled to take place at the Charles H Wright Museum in Detroit.
Another event commemorating the legacy of renowned Hip Hop producer J Dilla has been announced.
The J Dilla Foundation has partnered with the Foundation of Women in Hip Hop for the fifth-annual Dilla Youth Day.
This year, the festivities are slated to take place at the Charles H Wright Museum, in the producer's hometown of Detroit.
One of the event's producers, Piper Carter, recently spoke to Model D about the importance of hosting such an event in Dilla's hometown.
"They have Dilla Day in Paris, [Washington] D.C., New York, Japan, California. But Detroit didn't have one," she told the Detroit-based media outlet. "Everywhere else in the world, people are making money off of our culture – off of hip hop."
Dilla Youth Day is slated to welcome hundreds of kids from the local neighborhoods to engage in art, culture, education, technology and fun activities.
According to the event's website, "this event provides a fun & compelling, hands-on opportunity for young people to become makers & learn practical skills that can be applied to their own creative process that will inspire young learners towards S.T.E.A.M (S.T.E.A.M.: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) disciplines."
Within the past few weeks, several event flyers have surfaced promoting Dilla Day's in Los Angeles, Montreal and Detroit.
While those affairs will cater to an older crowd and incorporate more high-profile performances, Dilla Youth Day offers the younger generation an opportunity to celebrate the producer's life and learn even more about his craft and Hip Hop culture.
Dilla Youth Day is scheduled to take place from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday, February 8 at the Charles H Wright Museum in Detroit.
Check out the flyer below:
The J Dilla Foundation has partnered with the Foundation of Women in Hip Hop for the fifth-annual Dilla Youth Day.
This year, the festivities are slated to take place at the Charles H Wright Museum, in the producer's hometown of Detroit.
One of the event's producers, Piper Carter, recently spoke to Model D about the importance of hosting such an event in Dilla's hometown.
"They have Dilla Day in Paris, [Washington] D.C., New York, Japan, California. But Detroit didn't have one," she told the Detroit-based media outlet. "Everywhere else in the world, people are making money off of our culture – off of hip hop."
Dilla Youth Day is slated to welcome hundreds of kids from the local neighborhoods to engage in art, culture, education, technology and fun activities.
According to the event's website, "this event provides a fun & compelling, hands-on opportunity for young people to become makers & learn practical skills that can be applied to their own creative process that will inspire young learners towards S.T.E.A.M (S.T.E.A.M.: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) disciplines."
Within the past few weeks, several event flyers have surfaced promoting Dilla Day's in Los Angeles, Montreal and Detroit.
While those affairs will cater to an older crowd and incorporate more high-profile performances, Dilla Youth Day offers the younger generation an opportunity to celebrate the producer's life and learn even more about his craft and Hip Hop culture.
Dilla Youth Day is scheduled to take place from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday, February 8 at the Charles H Wright Museum in Detroit.
Check out the flyer below:
hiphopdx.com
Big Boy Sued By Emmis Communications For Breach of Contract
by
Daniel Witcoff
Big Boy is reportedly trying to leave Power 106 FM for iHeartMedia.
Emmis Communications, the media company that owns Los Angeles’ Power 106 FM, is reportedly suing radio disc jockey and personality Big Boy for breach of contract.
According to TMZ, Big Boy had accepted a $3.5M offer from iHeartMedia. His current contract with Power 106 is for $1.45M.
Emmis is claiming that it had the right to match the offer within 60 days of it being tendered, an action which they took. In spite of this matching offer, Big Boy apparently went ahead and accepted the deal from iHeartMedia.
Not only is the lawsuit looking for financial damages (TMZ claims $5M) from the on-air personality, but also for injunctions that block him from departing for iHeartMedia.
Big Boy appears to have responded to the situation on his Instagram account, stating the following:
“God knows I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Real talk. I MEAN IT! When I can speak, I will speak to YOU. I'm crushed and I do care for you guys.Y'all have shown me so much love and I respect throughout the years. We have grown together. Many of you were there when my Mom died, when my babies were born, my marriage, my FAT days, my health scare, just everything. We have laughed and cried together. MyLOVE for you isn't just words or ratings. This is bigger than a radio logo. You're my Family. I NEED y'all to survive and be happy. I'm hurt.
I'll be able to tell the real....soon.
God bless you all.
#FamilyFirst #Respect#ToLoveMeYouDontHaveToHateThem”
hiphopdx.com
According to TMZ, Big Boy had accepted a $3.5M offer from iHeartMedia. His current contract with Power 106 is for $1.45M.
Emmis is claiming that it had the right to match the offer within 60 days of it being tendered, an action which they took. In spite of this matching offer, Big Boy apparently went ahead and accepted the deal from iHeartMedia.
Not only is the lawsuit looking for financial damages (TMZ claims $5M) from the on-air personality, but also for injunctions that block him from departing for iHeartMedia.
Big Boy appears to have responded to the situation on his Instagram account, stating the following:
“God knows I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Real talk. I MEAN IT! When I can speak, I will speak to YOU. I'm crushed and I do care for you guys.Y'all have shown me so much love and I respect throughout the years. We have grown together. Many of you were there when my Mom died, when my babies were born, my marriage, my FAT days, my health scare, just everything. We have laughed and cried together. MyLOVE for you isn't just words or ratings. This is bigger than a radio logo. You're my Family. I NEED y'all to survive and be happy. I'm hurt.
I'll be able to tell the real....soon.
God bless you all.
#FamilyFirst #Respect#ToLoveMeYouDontHaveToHateThem”
hiphopdx.com
Tupac "All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur" Grammy Museum Exhibit Opens
by
Victoria Hernandez
Friends and family of the rapper attend the opening of "All Eyez on Me: The Writings Of Tupac Shakur."
The Grammy Museum exhibit honoring Tupac Shakur opened last night (February 2). Michael Namikas attended the opening of “All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur” and shared his experience in reddit's Hip Hop Heads forum.
According to Namikas, in attendance were the late rapper’s family and
friends including his mother Afeni Shakur, his stepbrother, his sister
and members of the Outlawz Kastro and E.D.I. Mean.
The event included a panel that featured Mean, Public Enemy’s Chuck D, skateboarder Paul Rodriguez, Digital Underground’s Money B, Poetic Justice director John Singleton, Compton, California rapper YG and others who knew Tupac well.
“It was a very interesting discussion that really highlighted Tupac’s spirit and the experiences members of the panel had with him,” Namikas says. “You really got a sense of what Tupac was like as a person from the stories they related.”
The museum itself is described as “small, but it’s pretty well-rounded.” Artifacts include some of Tupac’s outfits to various award shows and handwritten lyrics. All the memorabilia was provided by the Tupac Shakur estate, which is run by his mother.
The exhibit is open to the public until April 22.
Photographs by Michael Namikas.
hiphopdx.com
The event included a panel that featured Mean, Public Enemy’s Chuck D, skateboarder Paul Rodriguez, Digital Underground’s Money B, Poetic Justice director John Singleton, Compton, California rapper YG and others who knew Tupac well.
“It was a very interesting discussion that really highlighted Tupac’s spirit and the experiences members of the panel had with him,” Namikas says. “You really got a sense of what Tupac was like as a person from the stories they related.”
The museum itself is described as “small, but it’s pretty well-rounded.” Artifacts include some of Tupac’s outfits to various award shows and handwritten lyrics. All the memorabilia was provided by the Tupac Shakur estate, which is run by his mother.
The exhibit is open to the public until April 22.
Photographs by Michael Namikas.
hiphopdx.com
Sunday, February 1, 2015
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