Thursday, November 6, 2008
Juelz Santana Talks Skullgang Takeover And More
| Author: Allen Jacobs
The ever popular Diplomat member Juelz Santana had been missing in action, prior to renegotiating his deal with Def Jam [click to read]. After boasting to FoundationMagazine.com that his Skull Gang Takeover mixtape was downloaded 700,000 times during its initial week of release, Juelz made a stop at Shade 45's Lip Service radio show to talk about his new musical direction and address a few lingering rumors.
When asked if was banned from Def Jam offices for assaulting an employee, Juelz gave Leah Rose and Angela Yee the classic non-denial denial.
"I was always allowed in there," Juelz responded. "I had a little incident for about a month, but I'm good in there. They had me out of there for a minute, and then they told me I could come back. The person I actually had the incident with got fired. I guess they recognized his bullshit."
Alleged beatdowns aside, the Dipset and Skull Gang member briefly addressed his new situation and how his new crew compares to the original Diplomats.
"It's just like how [in the Diplomats] you had me, Cam, Jimmy, Hell Rell and everybody that participated in building and structuring the things we did," said Juelz. "We've got four front line people: John Depp, Starr, Richmond Rabbit and Unkasa. I don't recruit. It's pretty much a family thing of people that have been with me for years. Now I'm in a situation to put them in a nice situation and extend my helping hand. I knew a lot of people wanted to hear from Juelz Santana. We had some technical difficulties, but we worked through that. I'm good, I'm free and I done learned so much at a young age."
A completed album-length effort from Juelz Santana and Skull Gang is expected to be released in 2009.
hiphopdx.com
The ever popular Diplomat member Juelz Santana had been missing in action, prior to renegotiating his deal with Def Jam [click to read]. After boasting to FoundationMagazine.com that his Skull Gang Takeover mixtape was downloaded 700,000 times during its initial week of release, Juelz made a stop at Shade 45's Lip Service radio show to talk about his new musical direction and address a few lingering rumors.
When asked if was banned from Def Jam offices for assaulting an employee, Juelz gave Leah Rose and Angela Yee the classic non-denial denial.
"I was always allowed in there," Juelz responded. "I had a little incident for about a month, but I'm good in there. They had me out of there for a minute, and then they told me I could come back. The person I actually had the incident with got fired. I guess they recognized his bullshit."
Alleged beatdowns aside, the Dipset and Skull Gang member briefly addressed his new situation and how his new crew compares to the original Diplomats.
"It's just like how [in the Diplomats] you had me, Cam, Jimmy, Hell Rell and everybody that participated in building and structuring the things we did," said Juelz. "We've got four front line people: John Depp, Starr, Richmond Rabbit and Unkasa. I don't recruit. It's pretty much a family thing of people that have been with me for years. Now I'm in a situation to put them in a nice situation and extend my helping hand. I knew a lot of people wanted to hear from Juelz Santana. We had some technical difficulties, but we worked through that. I'm good, I'm free and I done learned so much at a young age."
A completed album-length effort from Juelz Santana and Skull Gang is expected to be released in 2009.
hiphopdx.com
Details Emerge In Shakir Stweart Suicide
Author: Omar Burgess
Atlanta officials have confirmed Def Jam Records executive Shakir Stewart did commit suicide on Saturday [November 1]. Cobb County, Ga. police spokeswoman Cassie Reece said the 34-year-old died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was later found in the bathroom of his Marietta, Ga. home. Stewart was pronounced dead at nearby Kenne Hospital.
Stewart's fiancée, Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement on behalf of his family and friends to thank everyone for their love and support. The statement also reveals that the high-ranking executive was "in deep pain and largely suffering in silence" prior to his death. Stewart's friends and Def Jam co-workers also released a similar statement.
"L.A. Reid and all of us at Island Def Jam Music Group are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shakir Stewart," the statement reads. "Shakir was an amazing man, in every sense of the word. A truly incredible friend and father who was an inspiration to not only our artists and employees, but to his family and the many people who had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time."
hiphopdx.com
Atlanta officials have confirmed Def Jam Records executive Shakir Stewart did commit suicide on Saturday [November 1]. Cobb County, Ga. police spokeswoman Cassie Reece said the 34-year-old died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was later found in the bathroom of his Marietta, Ga. home. Stewart was pronounced dead at nearby Kenne Hospital.
Stewart's fiancée, Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement on behalf of his family and friends to thank everyone for their love and support. The statement also reveals that the high-ranking executive was "in deep pain and largely suffering in silence" prior to his death. Stewart's friends and Def Jam co-workers also released a similar statement.
"L.A. Reid and all of us at Island Def Jam Music Group are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shakir Stewart," the statement reads. "Shakir was an amazing man, in every sense of the word. A truly incredible friend and father who was an inspiration to not only our artists and employees, but to his family and the many people who had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time."
hiphopdx.com
Q-Tip And J. Period Plan Monumental Cover MIxtape
Author: Jake Paine
Famed deejay J. Period revealed to DX his next mixtape venture. This one, called Best of, with Q-Tip honors the A Tribe Called Quest frontman [click to read], with various proteges and inspired followers covering solo and group classics.
"It's funny, but even after working with Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige, The Roots and other Hip Hop legends, I don't think I've ever been more excited about doing a mixtape project with an artist," prefaced Brooklyn deejay J. Period, speaking with HipHopDX Monday. "Q-Tip was probably my favorite emcee coming up and I really admire the depth and range of his talent and creativity. It's also a testament to Tip that the mere mention of his name has brought out a who's who of artists - Questo, Kweli, Common, Pharrell, Black Thought, Consequence, Skillz, Bentley, even young cats like Blu - all of whom are as eager as I am to support Tip in his latest venture, and contribute to the mixtape."
The theme of this mixtape furthered J. Period's reputation for building excellent promotion to artists' album work. "'Q-Tip for President' was an idea I had because it seemed to fit the vibe and timing of Tip's new album. It comes out on Election Day, the theme is "rebirth" (aka "renaissance") and the vibe of bringing back a classic with a new message just seemed to fit... I hope it helps spread the word about his album, and I'm looking forward to putting the finishing touches on the mixtape which drops in December!"
The first single is the aforementioned "Q-Tip For President" . HipHopDX has the exclusive "Chaka"
HipHopDX.com
Famed deejay J. Period revealed to DX his next mixtape venture. This one, called Best of, with Q-Tip honors the A Tribe Called Quest frontman [click to read], with various proteges and inspired followers covering solo and group classics.
"It's funny, but even after working with Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige, The Roots and other Hip Hop legends, I don't think I've ever been more excited about doing a mixtape project with an artist," prefaced Brooklyn deejay J. Period, speaking with HipHopDX Monday. "Q-Tip was probably my favorite emcee coming up and I really admire the depth and range of his talent and creativity. It's also a testament to Tip that the mere mention of his name has brought out a who's who of artists - Questo, Kweli, Common, Pharrell, Black Thought, Consequence, Skillz, Bentley, even young cats like Blu - all of whom are as eager as I am to support Tip in his latest venture, and contribute to the mixtape."
The theme of this mixtape furthered J. Period's reputation for building excellent promotion to artists' album work. "'Q-Tip for President' was an idea I had because it seemed to fit the vibe and timing of Tip's new album. It comes out on Election Day, the theme is "rebirth" (aka "renaissance") and the vibe of bringing back a classic with a new message just seemed to fit... I hope it helps spread the word about his album, and I'm looking forward to putting the finishing touches on the mixtape which drops in December!"
The first single is the aforementioned "Q-Tip For President" . HipHopDX has the exclusive "Chaka"
HipHopDX.com
Guru and DJ Solar Slated to Release Album in ‘09
Rap duo Guru and DJ Solar [click to read] have just recently announced their plans to release a new album in 2009 entitled Guru 8.0 Lost and Found. The two Hip Hop acts are accustomed to working together to produce music, as their previous collaborations have resulted in two albums: Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures, Jazzmatazz Vol. 4 [click to read], and the mixtape "The Timebomb: Back To The Future," which received rave reviews.
Following the infamous and still talked about split of Gang Starr, which was made up of producer DJ Premier and rapper Guru, the latter artist went on to form the record label 7 Grand with his current partner in crime DJ Solar.
With the new album prepping for release, Guru is quick to assure fans that Guru 8.0 will not follow the same format as his Jazzmatazz series.
“This is not Hip Hop jazz, this is straight Hip Hop,” Guru explained. “So, lyrically you're going to have that straight Hip Hop element.”
Although Guru has been popular since the late ‘80's, Solar ensured that Guru's time in the game actually works as an advantage for him. He also said that Guru's ability to stay relevant to Hip Hop is “something above and beyond what men half his age are able to accomplish.”
Guru has expressed confidence in his upcoming work, boldly stating, “The concept of real Hip Hop had gotten lost. But now it is found again on this record.”
Guru 8.0 Lost and Found is slated for release in March of 2009.
Reported by Salima Koroma.
hiphopdx.com
Following the infamous and still talked about split of Gang Starr, which was made up of producer DJ Premier and rapper Guru, the latter artist went on to form the record label 7 Grand with his current partner in crime DJ Solar.
With the new album prepping for release, Guru is quick to assure fans that Guru 8.0 will not follow the same format as his Jazzmatazz series.
“This is not Hip Hop jazz, this is straight Hip Hop,” Guru explained. “So, lyrically you're going to have that straight Hip Hop element.”
Although Guru has been popular since the late ‘80's, Solar ensured that Guru's time in the game actually works as an advantage for him. He also said that Guru's ability to stay relevant to Hip Hop is “something above and beyond what men half his age are able to accomplish.”
Guru has expressed confidence in his upcoming work, boldly stating, “The concept of real Hip Hop had gotten lost. But now it is found again on this record.”
Guru 8.0 Lost and Found is slated for release in March of 2009.
Reported by Salima Koroma.
hiphopdx.com
Bishop Lamont: 'The Game Is A Sweethart.'
Bishop Lamont [click to read] had more than a lot to say about former label mate The Game [click to read] this past weekend on Hoodhype.com's satellite radio show. Of course, none of his comments were flattering of the Compton-bred rapper. For most of the interview, Lamont referred to The Game as "Baby Girl," "Sweetheart," and "Star Face."
“Jaceyon is the type of nigga that's bipolar. And he's a phony ass dude,” he told the radio show. “Baby Girl don't want to unify with other fly dudes out here on the West coast. She wants to keep everybody under her…She a hater. Whenever somebody is signed, or is about to blow up, she got an issue with them.”
The two rappers were acquainted even before Bishop Lamont was signed to Aftermath Records. In fact, it was on the set of The Game's "Dreams" that Bishop was introduced to Dr. Dre, who would eventually end up signing him to the Aftermath label.
When asked about The Game's current relationship with Dr. Dre, Bishop Lamont responded, “She [The Game] is heartbroken. She wants to get back to Dre. She misses the milk and cookies. She misses the walks in the park, I guess. You know, going to go get more fake tattoos. Baby girl got the Heineken bottle sticker on her face.”
He was also questioned about the fall-out between The Game and 50 Cent:
“[The Game] is a sweetheart… And when you comfortable with that, you go and get mohawks and 5 billion tattoos that you never had before you got signed. He was about to get dropped if it wasn’t for 50 writing all his hooks… People wanted to jump and believe that Game was the underdog and think that he was the victim. Nah, 50 was the good guy because 50 saved his career. He would have never came out if it wasn't for 50 Cent, and 50 Cent [click to read] did everything right by him. But there are some missing pieces that 50 ain’t said because he just keeps it G like that, to what really went down, to why he really kicked him out of G-Unit."
Both rappers planned to come together in an effort to unify the West coast, according to Lamont. With The Game’s split from Aftermath, and what Lamont calls The Game’s “disrespect,” those positive hopes were dashed. However, Bishop Lamont assures that he and The Game have no substantial beef.
“I can't have beef with a girl," Bishop said. "I wish dude could be who he really is, and be the good dude that he really can be, but he's so into this maze of being this pretend person. He can't be the beautiful person he can really be, because I’ve seen it sometimes. But you know, Baby Girl is gonna be her. She's gonna put her press-on nails on, she's gonna put the tomato paste on her chest.”
Bishop Lamont also gave some revealing information about the recent drops of Busta Rhymes [click to read] and others from the Aftermath label, and the current status of Eminem’s Relapse, 50 Cent’s Before I Self Destruct, and Dr. Dre’s Detox.
Reported by Salima Koroma.
hiphopdx.com
“Jaceyon is the type of nigga that's bipolar. And he's a phony ass dude,” he told the radio show. “Baby Girl don't want to unify with other fly dudes out here on the West coast. She wants to keep everybody under her…She a hater. Whenever somebody is signed, or is about to blow up, she got an issue with them.”
The two rappers were acquainted even before Bishop Lamont was signed to Aftermath Records. In fact, it was on the set of The Game's "Dreams" that Bishop was introduced to Dr. Dre, who would eventually end up signing him to the Aftermath label.
When asked about The Game's current relationship with Dr. Dre, Bishop Lamont responded, “She [The Game] is heartbroken. She wants to get back to Dre. She misses the milk and cookies. She misses the walks in the park, I guess. You know, going to go get more fake tattoos. Baby girl got the Heineken bottle sticker on her face.”
He was also questioned about the fall-out between The Game and 50 Cent:
“[The Game] is a sweetheart… And when you comfortable with that, you go and get mohawks and 5 billion tattoos that you never had before you got signed. He was about to get dropped if it wasn’t for 50 writing all his hooks… People wanted to jump and believe that Game was the underdog and think that he was the victim. Nah, 50 was the good guy because 50 saved his career. He would have never came out if it wasn't for 50 Cent, and 50 Cent [click to read] did everything right by him. But there are some missing pieces that 50 ain’t said because he just keeps it G like that, to what really went down, to why he really kicked him out of G-Unit."
Both rappers planned to come together in an effort to unify the West coast, according to Lamont. With The Game’s split from Aftermath, and what Lamont calls The Game’s “disrespect,” those positive hopes were dashed. However, Bishop Lamont assures that he and The Game have no substantial beef.
“I can't have beef with a girl," Bishop said. "I wish dude could be who he really is, and be the good dude that he really can be, but he's so into this maze of being this pretend person. He can't be the beautiful person he can really be, because I’ve seen it sometimes. But you know, Baby Girl is gonna be her. She's gonna put her press-on nails on, she's gonna put the tomato paste on her chest.”
Bishop Lamont also gave some revealing information about the recent drops of Busta Rhymes [click to read] and others from the Aftermath label, and the current status of Eminem’s Relapse, 50 Cent’s Before I Self Destruct, and Dr. Dre’s Detox.
Reported by Salima Koroma.
hiphopdx.com
Def Jam Vice Pres Shakir Stewart Dead Of Suicide; Def Jam Issues Statement
By Nolan Strong and Tai Saint Louis
Def Jam Executive Vice President, Shakir Stewart was found dead today (November 1), AllHipHop.com has learned.
While details are being confirmed, sources stated that Shakir died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and his body was found earlier today, in his apartment.
"L.A. Reid and all of us at Island Def Jam Music Group are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shakir Stewart," Def Jam told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "Shakir was an amazing man, in every sense of the word. A truly incredible friend and father who was an inspiration to not only our artists and employees, but to his family and the many people who had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time."
Stewart replaced Jay-Z's position at Island Def Jam and was named Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings in June of 2008.
Stewart began is career at Def Jam in 2004, as VP of A&R for the legendary label.
As A&R, he signed artists like Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and others.
Prior to working at Def Jam, Stewart worked for Hitco, where he signed Beyonce to a publishing deal and signed Ciara during his tenure at LaFace Records.
Shortly after his promotion to EVP with Def Jam, Stewart told AllHipHop.com that he was looking forward to signing a new, fresh crop of talent to the storied record label.
“My main thing is to keep supporting the artists that have cultural relevance, a message, a real fan base and that can touch the hearts of men and women,” Stewart told AllHipHop.com of his vision. “My commitment is to the artists of quality music and talent.”
Most recently, Stewart over saw the release of Young Jeezy’s latest album The Recession, LL Cool J’s Exit 13 and Nas’ untitled album.
“That's an honor for me because these are artists [whose careers] I've watched from day one. I remember buying ‘I Cant Live Without My Radio,’ ‘I Need Love’ and ‘Rock The Bells’ from LL, and Nas' Illmatic when that first came out. To be able to be a part of their careers now and work hand in hand with them in creating their albums now…this is [probably] Nas' most anticipated and controversial album ever…I'm for keeping the brand culturally relevant globally, coming in and being a part [from any standpoint] with a company that's had this type of history, recognition and respect is a huge honor and a challenge. I'm up to it, I'm a fan of the music and artists and I'm just passionate about it so I'm just ready to go.”
allhiphop.com
Eve, Wyclef, Mario Heading To Accra
By Ace Cannon
Hip-Hop stars Eve, Wyclef and R&B crooner Mario are taking their music abroad during a November 22 performance at the “The Zain 026 Experience” concert. The show is being promoted by local telecom company Zain Ghana and TransAfrica Media. Over 30,000 people are expected to attend the live performances at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in the capital of Accra, the most populated city in Ghana. In addition to the U.S. artists, Nigerian singer 2Face Idibia will perform, supported by popular local acts Kwaw Kese, Tinny and Obrafuor
allhiphop.com
Hip-Hop stars Eve, Wyclef and R&B crooner Mario are taking their music abroad during a November 22 performance at the “The Zain 026 Experience” concert. The show is being promoted by local telecom company Zain Ghana and TransAfrica Media. Over 30,000 people are expected to attend the live performances at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in the capital of Accra, the most populated city in Ghana. In addition to the U.S. artists, Nigerian singer 2Face Idibia will perform, supported by popular local acts Kwaw Kese, Tinny and Obrafuor
allhiphop.com
Rap Hook Master Kokane Returns With New Album
By Clarence Burke Jr.
West Coast hook master Kokane is preparing a brand new album featuring a number of notable artists, representatives for the rapper told AllHipHop.com.
The new album, titled Back To The Future, features guest appearances from Kurupt, Daz, Jadakiss, Bootsy Collins, Cameo, Tina Marie, Crooked I, Devin The Dude, Joe Budden and others.
For production, the rapper/singer has linked with Meech Wells, son of legendary Motown singer Mary Wells, Knucklehead, John Silva and A. “G-Dub” Geiser of from the famed High Powered Productions camp.
Kokane has been a part of the West coast rap scene for over 20 years and to his credit, has appeared on over 1800 songs throughout his 20-plus year career in the business.
The gangster rap crooner has roots in the music industry as well, as he is the song of famed Motown composer Jerry Long, who helped author hits like “Ball of Confusion,” “Just My Imagination,” "Still Waters Run Deep," and others.
Kokane was also signed to Eazy E’s Ruthless Records in 1991 and has contributed to albums from Eazy E, N.W.A., Above The Law, Snoop Dogg and many others.
He later went on to sign with Snoop Dogg’s Dogghouse Records and contributed vocals to nine of the 19 tracks on Snoop’s 2000 album Tha Last Meal.
No release date is available for the upcoming album.
allhiphop.com
West Coast hook master Kokane is preparing a brand new album featuring a number of notable artists, representatives for the rapper told AllHipHop.com.
The new album, titled Back To The Future, features guest appearances from Kurupt, Daz, Jadakiss, Bootsy Collins, Cameo, Tina Marie, Crooked I, Devin The Dude, Joe Budden and others.
For production, the rapper/singer has linked with Meech Wells, son of legendary Motown singer Mary Wells, Knucklehead, John Silva and A. “G-Dub” Geiser of from the famed High Powered Productions camp.
Kokane has been a part of the West coast rap scene for over 20 years and to his credit, has appeared on over 1800 songs throughout his 20-plus year career in the business.
The gangster rap crooner has roots in the music industry as well, as he is the song of famed Motown composer Jerry Long, who helped author hits like “Ball of Confusion,” “Just My Imagination,” "Still Waters Run Deep," and others.
Kokane was also signed to Eazy E’s Ruthless Records in 1991 and has contributed to albums from Eazy E, N.W.A., Above The Law, Snoop Dogg and many others.
He later went on to sign with Snoop Dogg’s Dogghouse Records and contributed vocals to nine of the 19 tracks on Snoop’s 2000 album Tha Last Meal.
No release date is available for the upcoming album.
allhiphop.com
Lord Infamous Returns With 'After Sics'
By Roman Wolfe
Former Three 6 Mafia member Lord Infamous will release a new album titled After Sics on his own Black Rain Entertainment.
After Sics, which is the second release since his departure from Oscar Award winning group Three 6 Mafia, is the follow up to his 2007 release The Man, The Myth, The Legacy.
The rapper, revered for his drug laced, dark lyrics, had been with Three 6 Mafia since the group’s inception in 1991.
“This project was a must for all my fans,” Lord Infamous said of After Sics. “Everyone asked if I’m gonna keep doing the dark sound, but I never changed my music, it's still the same.”
The rapper, born Ricky Dunigan, experienced legal challenges while preparing his latest solo effort.
Lord Infamous, who is half-brothers with DJ Paul, was arrested in March of 2008 during a domestic dispute with an unnamed family member.
He insists that despite the album title After Sics, he still maintains a working relationship with the group, although the latest album introduces his new alliances.
“With this album, we took it back to the underground days, and the only difference between this album and the last is that you get to hear all the Black Rain artists, Tha Club House Click,” Lord Infamous explained.
Lord Infamous’ third solo album After Sics is due in stores January 27th on Black Rain Entertainment.
allhiphop.com
Former Three 6 Mafia member Lord Infamous will release a new album titled After Sics on his own Black Rain Entertainment.
After Sics, which is the second release since his departure from Oscar Award winning group Three 6 Mafia, is the follow up to his 2007 release The Man, The Myth, The Legacy.
The rapper, revered for his drug laced, dark lyrics, had been with Three 6 Mafia since the group’s inception in 1991.
“This project was a must for all my fans,” Lord Infamous said of After Sics. “Everyone asked if I’m gonna keep doing the dark sound, but I never changed my music, it's still the same.”
The rapper, born Ricky Dunigan, experienced legal challenges while preparing his latest solo effort.
Lord Infamous, who is half-brothers with DJ Paul, was arrested in March of 2008 during a domestic dispute with an unnamed family member.
He insists that despite the album title After Sics, he still maintains a working relationship with the group, although the latest album introduces his new alliances.
“With this album, we took it back to the underground days, and the only difference between this album and the last is that you get to hear all the Black Rain artists, Tha Club House Click,” Lord Infamous explained.
Lord Infamous’ third solo album After Sics is due in stores January 27th on Black Rain Entertainment.
allhiphop.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
