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Friday, September 30, 2011

Ski Beatz Explains Why He Stopped Sampling, Speaks On The 90's Influence In Today's Music

Ski Beatz Explains Why He Stopped Sampling, Speaks On The 90's Influence In Today's Music
Ski Beatz checks in with PlanetIll.com speaks on music taking a turn back to the 90's, reveals why he slowed down with sampling.

As a producer who has been around for decades, Ski Beatz is an artist who is quite familiar with the various trends in Hip Hop. The producer recently spoke on the latest musical trend in Hip Hop, which happens to be creating tracks reminiscent of a 90’s sound, in his interview with PlanetIll.com.

In the interview Ski Beatz explained that 90’s music was inspired by the 70’s and that music now is beginning to sound more and more like songs from the 90’s.
“Camp Lo is a perfect example of that sound. The 90’s is like the 70’s now,” Ski Beatz explained to PlanetIll.com. “You know what I mean? A lot of [people are] getting hip to that 90’s sound. I just came back from Paris yesterday and all they wanted to hear, they didn’t want to hear anything that was on the radio, all they wanted to hear me spin was all 1990’s music. You would’ve swore I was Kid Capri in Paris.”
At one point in his career Ski Beatz took a break from sampling and instead utilized a live band, he explained his reasoning behind that choice during the interview.

“Well, the original reason was we [had] an independent label and I was doing like a lot of sampling when I first hooked back up with Dame and he was like ‘Yo, we independent. We not gonna be able to clear the samples. We ain’t got no budget for this.’ So I said ‘Yo, we’ll just replay them.’ We’ll find some musicians and we’ll replay it," said Ski. "But we took it a step further we got the musicians but turned the musicians into our band, our in-house band.”

While Ski Beatz is most well-known for his production talent he revealed that he might return to the mic for his next project, Karate School Part 3.

“I might do something later. I think on this Karate School Part 3 I might do a feature on a track with somebody, it all depends. [I’ve been] rhyming lately so I might do it…That’s my first love I gotta do it,” he explained.

(hiphopdx)

A Tribe Called Quest Reflect On "The Low End Theory" In First Interview Since 1998


A Tribe Called Quest Reflect On
Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi speak with VH1 for the first time as a group in almost 14 years.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of their second LP The Low End Theory, A Tribe Called Quest has reunited to reflect on the creation of the classic album.
Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White spoke with VH1 about the album, weighing in on its creation. “It was a dope time,” says Q-Tip of the time around when the album was released in September 1991. “N.W.A. was crushing it, and I just remember being influenced by that, how it sounded sonically.”

Jarobi spoke on how he wasn’t really present on the album but was still a part of the group. “To be totally honest with you, I was always around. Especially during the recording processes… I think that’s probably where my value was. I just wasn’t on camera and doing press and interviews,” he said.

Read the full VH1 Album-Versaries: The Low End Theory at 20 here and here.

(hiphopdx)

Freeway Addresses Rumors Of Signing To Young Jeezy, Weighs In On Dame Dash's Money Woes


Freeway Addresses Rumors Of Signing To Young Jeezy, Weighs In On Dame Dash's Money Woes
Free also touches on his relationship with Jay-Z and says that a potential collaboration could be in the works.
 Freeway recently stopped by Superstar Radio to discuss his potential label deal with Young Jeezy’s CTE Records and his relationships with Dame Dash and Jay-Z. As an independent artist, Free says he wouldn’t rule out signing with the Snowman but nothing has been set in stone.

“I definitely think I could bring something to the table there,” he said. “Jeezy definitely brings something to the table, so you know, it’s definitely a possibility. Me and the Snowman gotta chop it up.”

As for his relationship with Dame Dash, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native says he doesn’t believe the recent rumors that he’s broke and that he hasn’t talked with him in several months.
“I don’t really know man, I haven’t talked to him. The last time I talked to him, I probably talked to him months ago. I don’t even remember if it was months ago. He was like, man, I’m cool,” he said. “I’ll tell you one thing about Dame. He was like the main nigga telling us, ‘Make sure you pay y’all taxes and make sure y’all do this and do that.’

“I don’t know, man,” he continued. “I don’t see how you could go from Dame Dash to bootlegging liquor, because Dame had bread. So I don’t believe that shit.”
Free also touched on his friendship with Jay-Z, claiming the two have recently spoken and that a potential collaboration could be in the works.

“Yeah, I talked to Jay. Hopefully. If not this album, maybe the next one. I didn’t talk to him since then. I probably talked to him when the album came out.”

(hiphopdx)

J. Cole Speaks On Jay-Z's Input, Creative Control & Production

J. Cole Speaks On Jay-Z's Input, Creative Control & Production
Cole talks about how much creative control he had, how involved Jigga man was with his debut and why he didn't chase down Swizz Beatz or Timbo for beats.

During a recent interview with DJ Absolut's Take This Serious, J. Cole spoke on his creative control while making his debut, Cole World: The Sideline Story. He also shed light on what Jay-Z did during the process and why he preferred to produce for himself instead of having big names come and help him out.

"I had a hundred percent freedom, the whole album. Yeah, the whole album is my creative control...It was all me," he said of his hands-on approach. Cole did, however, share that Jay-Z played an important role as well. "[Jay] had a lot of input. Say I would do six, seven song over the course of a few weeks, I would go and play it for him and try to get his feedback on certain songs...I would really go to him like, 'What you think about this single?'...That how a lot of songs like 'Blow Up' was made and 'Can't Get Enough' because I was trying to impress him."
Aside from trying to impress Jay-Z, Cole was also trying to impress fans by producing for himself. Acknowledging that he will now try to enlist others, Cole said he refused collabos this go-around to try to solidify his own sound first.

"I'ma  producer myself so it helps me establish my sound. The reason I'm even here right now is because my fans fell in love with my songs that I produced in the first place so it would be oput of character for me to be working on my first album and go see Swizz and go to see Timbaland. When you go to producers it's because you feel they got something you don't got, hits basically. So, you end up having an album full of wanna-be hits. But, please believe now that I've done this, I would definitely want to go see these guys because they got knowledge that I don't." 

(hiphopdx)

Superhead Swallows Lil Wayne Wedding, Marriage Gossip

Former video vixen Karrine "Superhead" Steffans has come forward to kill the gossip over  a rumored wedding ceremony between her and rap star Lil Wayne, stating that although she recently tied the knot, the "Martian" was not the one waiting for her at the altar.

While her husband-to-be's identity still remains a mystery, Steffans assures fans he is not Weezy.
Yesterday online reports claimed that Karrine was due to marry her old flame Lil Wayne this weekend in Las Vegas. However, the author, who divorced actor Darius McCrary last year, told VIBE.com exclusively that she's already donned her wedding gown in a private ceremony earlier this week... but to another dreadlocked bachelor. (VIBE)
Earlier this month, Steffans hinted at an intimate relationship with Wayne.
Lil Wayne is notorious for having women and being a baby's daddy, so would it be surprising to find out that he slept with Karrine Steffans on the night of the VMA's? While we aren't jumping to conclusions, Karrine posted on her blog what appears to be photos from her sleep over with Lil Wayne. With the text reading: "Sometimes the artist is so influential, everything he touches seems to turn into art. Or maybe I'm just biased. This is what a Monday morning looks like in Wayne's world. #thacarterIV" (Hip Hop Wired)
The former hip-hop groupie has previously been in two publicized relationships, including a stint with rap veteran Kool G Rap.
Steffans married Darius McCrary in April 2009, but in 2010 the former "Family Matters" star filed for divorce. Steffans has a son from her past relationship with Nathaniel Wilson, better known as Kool G Rap, which started when she was seventeen. Steffans dedicated her first book to her son. (Wikipedia)
To date, Steffans has authored three books; two exposes and a relationship guide.
Former rap video vixen Karrine Steffans is gearing up for the release of her new book, The Vixen Manual: How To Find, Seduce, & Keep The Man You Want for this summer. Unlike her first two memoirs - The New York Times best sellers Confessions of a Video Vixen and The Vixen Diaries -the new book will serve as a guide for obtaining and maintaining a successful relationship. The book is broken into five parts, "Being Single," "How To Attract Him," "How To Engage Him," "How To Release Him" and "Maybe It's You." Steffans, who is known for her exploits with various rap superstars, also includes an illustrated chapter filled with sexual positions. The Vixen Manual: How To Find, Seduce, & Keep The Man You Want will be released on July 13th via Grand Central Publishing. (XXL Mag)

Jay-Z Stinks To Me, Says Beyonce

Expectant mama Beyonce Knowles is experiencing the side effects of pregnancy as she now reveals that her husband Jay-Z's signature smell makes her sick.

While she did not mention which one of Jay's choice fragrances makes her sick, Knowles admitted that her enhanced olfactory system has made her hate her husband's smell.
Now that Beyonce is pregnant, the 30-year-old singer says her sense of smell isn't what it used to be. While promoting her Pulse fragrance on ET Canada, Knowles admitted that her 41-year-old husband Jay-Z's signature scent has recently become a turnoff. "I smell everything," she said. "If it smells bad, I smell it. My husband's fragrance, his one that I always love, I hate right now. So thank God I have this one!" (US Magazine)
Last week, the Grammy-winning singer addressed the joys she's experiencing while awaiting the birth of her firstborn.
"Actually I am having so much fun, it has been the most fun time now that it has been announced and I don't have to [hide it] ... it was really difficult to conceal, but now that I can be proud and excited about it I'm having so much fun shopping -- it's great," she explained in an interview. "My mother has always told me that beauty comes from within and what's exciting about being a woman is you can say today I feel like being, today I feel really conservative, today I'm feeling classy, today I am going on a date and I want to just be a showstopper and you know; there is this variety of beautiful clothes that can bring out whatever you feel inside but it comes from here and you should wear your clothes they shouldn't wear you." (Selfridges)
Prior to her remarks, producer/singer The-Dream spoke on Beyonce and Jay-Z's excitement to become parents.
The producer/songwriter tells Billboard.com that his good friends Jay-Z and Beyonce stay just as busy as he does -- which is why he's overjoyed that the couple is expecting their first child. "They're ecstatic, as well as they should be," says The-Dream of Jay-Z and Beyonce, who announced her pregnancy at the MTV Video Music Awards. "I love it for them because they work so hard. To start a family after you've worked so hard is great. It's great for her to be at a certain place in their life where she can say, 'Okay, cool. I've killed it for this many years, but let me do this.'" (Billboard)
Roc Nation protege J. Cole recently offered his take on the unexpected news.
"Somebody was like 'Beyonce pregnant?!' Then they showed the photo of her, I guess on the carpet with her hands on her stomach showing her baby bump. It was just instant smiles and instant disbelief or whatever but I was just telling somebody it feel like the whole world is having a baby right now. That's how ill it is," Cole said. "Not only are they huge celebrities but I feel like they did it right. They carried themselves in the public light right, they represent black people, right, correctly. So it's like the only thing we've seen like that is Will and Jada [Smith] but even they're a little more relevant to us, like immediately more relevant to our generation at least my generation so that's why it feels so important." (Bitchie TV)

Ray J K.O.'s Fabolous Fight, Victor Ortiz Collabo Rumors

R&B singer Ray J has stepped forward to offer some final words on his melee with Brooklyn rapper Fabolous earlier this month and dismissed claims that is collaborating on a record with professional boxer Victor Ortiz.

Reflecting on the situation, Ray said it is vital to move forward and beyond his fight with Fab.
"You gotta grow from that," Ray said in an interview. "That was me letting my frustrations take over. Whatever situations happen behind closed doors [Fab and I] should have left it at that. So as a man I'm accepting my responsibilities on that end and just growing from it...[Victor Ortiz collabo?] I don't know how the media even comes up with these crazy stories. We ain't never been in the studio together not one time." ("All Out Show")
Last week, Ray J revealed that he physically attacked Fab in Las Vegas.
"I'ma smack you up again, fool! 'Ray J got beat up?' I'll sock that n*gga in the face, my n*gga," Ray J told DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God. "All I'm saying is if you got Fab's number, tell that n*gga to send you a picture of his face right now...I'm with the Money Team right now. I swear to God he's running from me right now...[After I hit him,] he fell back because he's a sucker -- Fab ain't no comedian. My homie saved his life when he was in L.A., so how dare you even speak disrespectful to me. So when I seen him, I was with Floyd [Mayweather] and 50 [Cent] and he tried to say 'Don't touch me' and I [punched] that n*gga -- If you disrespect me, don't come to the West Coast. So he in Las Vegas and he tried to disrespect me?" ("The Breakfast Club")
Later in the day, Fab hopped on the phone and killed Ray J's claims.
"Who called in, Tupac?" Fab said sarcastically referring to Ray J's initial Monday morning rant. "Tupac called in? That wasn't Ray J. You can't be serious. That wasn't Ray J. That wasn't him. That wasn't Willy Norwood Jr. That wasn't him. That wasn't Brandy brother...It was no fight, it was no swing -- This whole story that he made up, that Tupac rant about him swinging on somebody and all of that sh*t is all lies. It's all, high on coke, on that Whitney. That's all on that Whitney last night. Ain't no swings take place. You can ask the Money Team. The Money Team was standing right there. Ask the Money Team that he's probably the water boy for -- There's nothing to squash. We can progress in our own ways. He can go his way and I can go my way. He can continue playing the piano at Floyd's crib if he wants and I'll continue to do what I do and he can continue to do concerts in n*ggas living rooms all he wants." (Power 105.1)
Earlier this week, a new Ortiz record featuring Ray J called "Baddest Girl" hit the Internet.
Victor Ortiz and Ray J have more in common than the fact they both took part in fights last weekend in Las Vegas -- they're teaming up to do a song together. TMZ has obtained a track from DJ Ian Carey, which features Ray J singing ... and a short rap verse from Ortiz. The song is called "Baddest Girl" and Ortiz comes in around the 2:02 mark. Listen and judge for yourself ... (TMZ)

Styles P & Sheek Louch Protect Wu-Tang's Neck, "It's Like, 'I'm F*cking Working W/ This N*gga?'

The LOX's Styles P and Sheek Louch have provided updates on their forthcoming D-Block meets Wu-Tang Clan collaboration LP, Wu-Block.
Although the LP will feature all parties, Sheek the prominent emcees featured on the project will be him and Ghostface Killah.
"Me and Ghost doing this Wu-Block album," Sheek said in an interview. "It's focused on me and Ghost but we got everybody on that muthaf*cka. Styles, Jada; we got everybody from RZA, to Rae to Meth, to my team." (XXL Mag)
Styles also took time to elaborate on what hip-hop heads can anticipate.
"It's wonderful," Styles added. "As a MC, it's like 'I'm f*cking working with this n*gga? This n*gga is somebody I listened to in my headphones while I was making my music, and recited his verses. This is a fellow MC. Even if you ain't with somebody in your crew, as a MC, you share the love of words, the love of word play and the art of MCing. It's always a pleasure to work with a Ghostface or Raekwon. Those are two people I played. Those are people that I can say as a music head, those are two people I go to when I need to hear something." (XXL Mag)
Last July, Ghostface Killah hinted at an early 2012 release date.
"Right now I'm doing this Wu-Block project," Ghost told DJ Semtex in an interview. "[It's] me and D-Block. Me, Raekwon, [Cappadona] with Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P. We going to put that together. February, we'll be on the streets. We're gonna start releasing some songs. Probably in May, a Wu-Tang album should be on the streets in May and then in August, I'ma do Blue & Cream: The Wally Era. That's the follow-up to Supreme Clientele." (DJ Semtex)
In February, Sheek Louch said they already had nearly eight tracks recorded.
"We was on tour, me and Ghostface, speaking of that, get ready for that Wu-Block album," Sheek promised in an interview with hip-hop reporter Big Chewy. "Nah, it's [a definite]. Wu-Block, Wu-Block. 100 percent. We like eight songs in right now as we speak." (NE Video)

"If MySpace Would Have Hired Me, Their Site Would Have Never Died"

In light of MySpace co-founder Tom Anderson revealing his disinterest in the once-dominant  social networking site, SOHH recently spoke to the site's former most popular artist Miss Tila, about its decline.
In Tila's eyes, Myspace could have saved its brand if the marketing team had decided to consult her for ideas.
"I think if MySpace would have been smart, they would have hired me as a consultant then their site would have never died down," Tila told SOHH. "I know exactly what I'm doing when it comes to those types of things; networking and what the fans and people want. If they would have hired me, MySpace would have still been the biggest site today and dominating over Facebook, over everybody. But hey, too bad. They didn't want to get me involved so too bad." (SOHH)
The model-turned-singer's Myspace fame reached its peak in the mid-2000's.
Wishing to diversify her portfolio, Tila joined a couple of bands in the L.A. area, and even had a song, "Straight Up," included on the 2005 MySpace Records debut compilation. Tila's real fame, however, came in the form of her MySpace personality. Selling her mixture of sex, candor, and seeming accessibility, Tila soon became the most popular figure on MySpace, with, by early 2007, over 1.7 million friends. Her dedication to self-promotion, along with her good looks, paid off. In 2006 she was given a record deal on Will.i.am Music Group (run by the Black Eyed Peas frontman), an A&M imprint. (All Music)
Earlier this month, Tom Anderson explained why he now dislikes MySpace.
"People seem very confused why I'm on Facebook," he wrote around mid-September. "I've had a profile since 2005 and a "fan page" since 2009. FB just created a feature where you can "subscribe" to profiles. They asked me if I wanted to convert my "page" into a simpler profile. Complicated? I suppose. Why am I not on MySpace? Because, I left the company in early 2009, and like most of you, I don't like using it anymore.. not a fan of what the new folks have done with MySpace." (Facebook)
Although News Corp. purchased MySpace for $580 million in 2005, the company sold it for a fraction of that amount last June.
MySpace was once the Internet's equivalent of the hottest nightclub in town. In its heyday, the world's dominant social network attracted some 3 million bands, 8,000 comedians and countless filmmakers and wannabes who came to see and be seen. Now, MySpace is seemingly no place -- a digital castoff that corporate parent News Corp. sold for $35 million in cash and equity to an Orange County digital media firm specializing in online advertising. That's a fraction of the $580 million that the media giant controlled by Rupert Murdoch paid to acquire the site a scant six years ago, and well shy of its one-time $65-billion valuation. (Los Angeles Times)

"There's A Lotta Underrated People, But It's Just About Timing"

North Carolina spitter J. Cole took some time from his hectic schedule to share his thoughts about Brick Squad rapper Waka Flocka Flame naming Cole as one of the most underrated MC's in the game.
Cole saluted Waka for the co-sign and went on to say that sometimes, becoming the next big thing is all a matter of timing.
"I love that, [Waka Flocka Flame's] my guy right there. There's alotta underrated people but sometimes its just about timing. They're only underrated because they might not be known in the grand scheme of the world, but as soon as they get known, it's gonna be a wrap for the game. So I appreciate that. I love Waka, man.(SOHH)
According to Waka, what makes Cole stand out amongst his peers is his unique style and ability to captivate listeners while remaining true to himself.
"[Cole is] original. His words ... that boy is real talented. He doesn't go out his lane [when he rhymes], he stays in his lane and lets you know who he is and he's passionate about [it]. Alotta new guys that's out right now, first they're suburban, then [all of a sudden] they're dope boys. They're pimps, then wanna be school boys and then skateboarders. But J. Cole's just in one lane."(SOHH Underrated)
Cole acknowledges that while he has yet to score a huge hit single, achieving early success on the mixtape circuit has helped him develop a cult-like following.
"I want people to love the album like I love it. The fact that I could go do shows before my album came out and I'm on a world tour just speaks to my fans, you know? I don't really have a smash hit on the radio right now, so all of this is because of the fans that I have. It's not like I came into the game with "The Best I Ever Had" [like Drake] or like a "Hustlin'" like Rick Ross. I didn't have a smash ... I'm still working at that. So this is all energy from the music."(SOHH)
The Roc Nation MC's debut album, Cole World: A Sideline Story, is projected to rack up to 250,000 sold after its official first week in retail outlets.
The German-born rapper J. Cole, who grew up in Fayetteville, NC, then went to school on a scholarship to St. John's in Queens before getting discovered by Jay-Z, who made him the first signing to his Roc Nation label through Columbia, debuts at #1 with Cole World: The Sideline Story. The album, which features collaborations with his mentor, as well as Trey Songz, Drake and Missy Elliott, has surpassed even label expectations with prospects of a sales total approaching 225-250k its first week. (HITS Daily Double)

Kreayshawn Pencils In Debut Deadline, "I Don't Want To Be Known Just For 'Gucci Gucci' "

West Coast rap newcomer Kreayshawn is hoping to send fans into 2012 with her album in their hands, as she's announced her plan to drop it by the end of this year.
Along with giving a projected end of the year release date, Kreay said she did not envision a surplus of guest features.
The artist now has a month off to finish her album. She said: "It's going to be done by the end of the year, there will be a whole bunch of crazy sounds. I'm a queen of mixing up genres. "I don't want to be known just for Gucci Gucci. I want to establish myself as an artist. Save any collaborations with other artists for the mixtape. When asked about her ambitions, she said: "Kreayshawn is definitely forming into a brand. "I want to branch off into clothing, more music videos, lots of creative thinking. I want to do a book, a movie about my life." (BBC News)
Last June, Kreay discussed her motivation for signing a record deal with Columbia.
"Columbia was the best because they were like, 'We want to do exactly what you've been doing.' I've been directing music videos, so they're like, 'We want you to keep doing that.' I do a little graphic design, and they had me make my logo. The music that I'm making -- 'Gucci Gucci' -- [is] going to be the single that they push," Kreayshawn explained in an interview. "We never made the ['Gucci Gucci'] video with the intention of anything. We knew it was a great song, we knew that the video [was] going to be dope. We didn't put it out like we knew this was secretly going to launch everything, because everything was organic." (MTV)
Earlier the same week, Kreayshawn issued a formal statement confirming reports of her Columbia deal.
East Oakland native, visual artist, swag assassin, and undercat Kreayshawn (Kray-shawn) has officially signed with Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. The 21 year-old will release "Gucci Gucci" via digital retailers on Tuesday, June 14th and prepare her forthcoming full-length debut album, due later this year. Described by GQ Magazine as a "loveable oddball," Kreayshawn says of the new partnership, "I'm excited to work with my new Columbia family. They understand my vision and are going to let me continue everything I've been doing. My hope is to inspire others to be young, wild, and free." (Press Release)
Last week, Kreay said if rap did not pan out she has a few other career options.
"I'm a rapper, I'm a graphic designer director, model, deejay and a professional b*tch snatcher," Kreayshawn said. "There's a lot of people that want to push you down. One, for being a female and one for being white. It's hard but I don't see it like that. In Oakland, that's how you grew up...The best about everything that's going on is I have my head on my shoulders, I know what I want, I know my vision and it's not like I signed this record deal blindly -- whatever happens, happens. I know that I'm a good person and that I'm smart and funny. If the music thing doesn't work out, I'm talented at a million other things." ("Carson Daly")

"People Say Kanye Made Me Famous, I Don't Feel That Way"

Video vixen Amber Rose has opened up about her past relationship with rap star Kanye West and dismissed the often-suggested idea that he launched her into fame.

Comparing Ye's previous relationship with ex-fiancee Alexis Phifer to their own former union, Rose said she is a prime example  why the argument that he made her famous is flawed.
"Kanye was engaged to a girl, he was with a girl for six years," Rose said in an interview. "She went to Fashion Week with him, was photographed everywhere with him, pretty much the same kind of relationship we had, but she didn't become famous. No one cared about her. When people say Kanye made me famous, I don't feel that way. People had an interest in me, and that's not my fault. What do you want me to do?" ("Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg Show")
A few months ago, Phifer spoke out on Rose dissing her in the past.
"I believe that you get what you want out of a situation and Kanye will tell you, that I didn't [want that attention]," she explained. "It's weird. I'll get on the red carpet and over-criticize myself. I don't want that attention. [West's ex-lover Amber Rose] wanted that and that's what she got out of it. But if I want to go to King magazine [Ed Note: This interview was conducted prior to Amber Rose's June 2011 King cover] right now and be in a sexy bathing suit I'm sure I'd generate some type of interest. It's just the decisions you make that put you where you are. She is where she's at because that's where she wants to be and I'm where I'm at because that's where I want to be also." (VIBE)
Last March, the video vixen killed fans' hopes of seeing her reunite with Yeezy.
"No, I don't think so. You know in every relationship you have problems and you try to work through and then sometimes things don't work out. But it was very real for me. I was very much in love. I was with him for two years. We lived together, we traveled the world together, we had a lot of fun together. A lot of reallycool moments...I was the ill b*tch to a rock star." ("Foxxhole Radio")
In August 2010, West confirmed speculation claiming his run with Rose had ended.
"Yeah man, it was an amazing time and it came to an end," West said in an interview with radio host Angie Martinez. "One of the greatest things that she showed me was just to be a nicer person because she was so disconnected from the concept of celebrity when I first met her...A celebrity could be talking to people crazy and everyone's used to it at the label like, 'He's wildin' out. It doesn't matter.' [Amber] be like, 'What?! You just talked to your fans so crazy right now. I'm not even talking to you right now.' ... I grew from that. I think that was the greatest growth that I got from that experience...My goal in life is to really have an amazing woman and have a family, but I think I had to go through these different things to grow...That was a one-off...I'm not trying to dive into anything unless I really, really think that I can marry this person. I look at this person and I say, 'This is how I want my daughter to be.'" ("The Angie Martinez Show")

Wiz Khalifa Rolls Up His Morning Routine, "I Am Guilty Of Smoking Before Brushing"

Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa recently detailed his typical morning routine and confessed to having a habitual smoking procedure upon hopping out of bed.
Detailing his daily wake up, Wiz admitted weed smoking is vital.
"I wake up like any old normal person, open my eyes and then I roll over and smoke some weed," Wiz said in an interview. "It's either already rolled, or I roll it, or I put it in the bong and just like anybody else does, put fire to it and smoke, and then I start my day. I usually eat some breakfast, make a couple phone calls, check some emails and then the wheels are moving. I am guilty of smoking before brushing. Honestly if you're gonna smoke and then brush so you can get [the smell] out of there, instead of brushing then smoking and dirtying it back up." (Champ Magazine)
Def Jam's Redman talked about the role weed plays in his morning routine last June.
"This is how I get my head right," Red said in an interview. "First of all, I can't be woke up. If I [am awaken] by loud noise, my head ain't right all day and I'm off, I can't get no work in so I need my sleep. Once I wake up on my own, with some nice peace and quiet, I go to the bathroom, I take a leak, I brush my teeth and I hit the L. Always brush your teeth in the morning for those morning smokers that hit the L. Brush your teeth. The blunt'll tastebetter. Don't just get up with your sour mouth and put the blunt in your mouth and smoke. That is nasty. The blunt taste better when you brush your teeth...So I get my head right with the morning blunt. And after that, I have an afternoon blunt because I don't smoke too much because I try to handle business in the day. Then later on, after six, I'm blowing it down. I get my head right all night. And then the shorty come get my other head right. Know what I'm talkin' about? So we two heads getting right tonight." ("Presice")
Marijuana enthusiast Curren$y recently shared his perspective on so-called "weed rappers."
"I think the term 'weed rapper' is wack," Curren$y said in an interview. "I think it was created by rappers who are trying to use weed as a subject matter that will get them put on in the game, in a sense. If you remember in CB4 how that group had to make themselves be gangstas just to get on. So now weed rappers are people who are faking to be high all the time so that they could get on and be popular and rap. They're not high, they don't even know good weed. They're probably just smoking regular, killin' themselves but it's just like, 'All I do is rap about being high, so I can catch the wave like Spitta and 'em.' It's bullsh--. I don't just f--kin' talk about weed so I know it's that bullsh--." (RapFix)
When asked about the "weed rapper" stereotype, Harlem's Smoke DZA recently gave SOHH his input on the term.
"It definitely affect me because ain't none of us weed heads," Smoke DZA told SOHH. "None of us are Afroman. We're not just putting out weed records and going about our days. We're the new baby boomers. We doing that and we're doing lifestyle raps. That's our category. 'Lifestyle Raps.' We're rapping about our lives. It has nothing to do with being 'weed rappers' because even The Notorious B.I.G. rapped about weed and nobody called him a weed rapper. Jay-Z spoke about coke, but nobody ever called him the 'cocaine rapper'. So I don't think we should get that title because it's unfair to us and our craft. We put a lot of work into our craft." (SOHH)

"Don't Try To Be A Wh*re Or Act Like You're Going To Bust A Cap In Somebody"

West Coast rapper Somaya Reece has updated fans hoping to catch another glimpse of her on the small screen by revealing plans to make a return for next season's "Love & Hip-Hop" reality series.
With the show slated to return this November, Reece talked about what advice she has for the series newcomer and rapper Juelz Santana's baby's mother, Kimbella.
"It's funny because so many people have asked me, 'How does it feel to not be the villain?' [Laughs] I will say no matter who decides to come to our show, be yourself," Reece said in an interview. "Don't try to be a wh*re or act like you're going to bust a cap in somebody. Don't turn into somebody else because you're on television. If you're going to come on this show with a bunch of strong women, you better know to just be yourself. Especially for [Kimbella], if you're coming into a situation where you don't know anyone, be honest because neither of us on the show likes dishonesty. It's really important to remain honest and true to yourself." (VIBE)
Dipset's Jim Jones recently spoke to SOHH and said the reality show was initially set to center on him.
"'Love & Hip-Hop' was initially my TV show that [VH1] has been trying to do for about four years now. But for three years prior, they had been trying to get me to do this reality show and they shot a pilot. I wasn't really feeling the pilot, because I felt the camera was too much on me and showing too much of my life as far as Jim Jones is concerned. So we had re-evaluated the situation." (SOHH)
Jim also said he offered VH1 an opportunity to gain his support if they found a way for girlfriend Chrissy Lampkin to get her own show.
"My lady had an opportunity to shoot a pilot too, but the pilot she shot kind of fell through and she took interest in the whole reality show thing. So I went over to VH1 and told them if they want me to put my involvement in a TV show, or all of my involvement, they need to do a show behind her and I'll do it. I also said I'd find a way to participate in it to make sure it'll be a success. And that's really how the whole show came together. They went and got Olivia, Emily and the girl Somaya. Then they put them around Chrissy and now you have 'Love & Hip-Hop.' Two episodes in and it's feeling like a sitcom." (SOHH)
Last March, Lampkin opened up about putting "Love & Hip-Hop" into full motion.
"In the beginning, it was a pilot about me and Jimmy ['Jim and theFamily Jones'], and he wasn't really comfortable with that," Chrissy explained. VH1 producers volunteered to bring in "some more females, make it more interesting," and eventually Emily, Olivia and aspiring rapper Somaya Reece were added to the cast; Emily's close friend Mashonda Tifrere (ex-wife of Swizz Beatz) also appears. "If I don't have to work with Jimmy every day, I'm with it!" the ever-bouncy Chrissy, who actually proposes to Jim on the show, laughed. "He didn't want to be bothered with the cameras every day." (MTV)

UPDATE: Game Strikes Back At 50 Cent, "I'm Killin' Yo 'Planet Of The Apes' Face Havin A** N*gga"

West Coast rapper Game has responded to 50 Cent's new "Love, Hate, Love" subliminal diss record by promising to address his former G-Unit boss on his own track.
Despite having his Twitter page hacked yesterday (September 28), Game said he was back and ready to get at Fif.
"Getting account un-hacked in a few hours & re-verified. Mothaf*ckas ain't got nuttin better to do... Order the NFL package or sumn #D*mn," he tweeted September 29th.
"Got my Twitter un-hacked. Back on my Frank Sinatra #swag"
"@50cent I'm on tour doin shows but soon as @avanterose find a studio for me I'm killin yo "Planet Of The Apes" face havin ass n*gga #MEunit" (Game's Twitter)
On 50's new diss track, he takes shots at rap star Lil Wayne and Game.
The track starts off slow with a stirring soul vocal sample serving as the backdrop. When the track gets going, 50 sounds sinister after he lyrically launches a salvo in the direction of Young Money captain Lil Wayne. "Acting like a white boy bored, now you wanna jump a flight of stairs on a skateboard/Ni---, why the f--- ya pants so tight?/You trying to show ni---- your ass, your alternative life" - Ouch, 50! But Wayne wasn't the only rapper to catch a stray from Mr. Jackson as former ally Game catches some pretty tough shots too. "I touched more p---- than maxipads/Now Detox can be your little rap rehab/Bi---, just a second visit from the repo man/And you can't afford your monthlys, I mean God D---." (RapFix)
Back in April, Game lost one of his luxury vehicles after it was repossessed due to financial complications.
The Game was surrounded by a bunch of BAD*SS cars in Hollywood yesterday ... but not one of the rides was his tricked out Corvette ... because that whip was repossessed a few days ago ... TMZ has learned. Game tells TMZ he leased the Corvette roughly three years ago ... but he was on tour when the lease expired and was unable to return it. But a few days ago, after Game returned home, repo men came to the house and took the car away. Sources connected to the situation tell us Game was home at the time and was "cooperative" during the hand-off. Game doesn't seem too bothered by the situation ... telling us, "I got SO many whips!" (TMZ)
While 50 has gone after Weezy in the past, a few months ago he discussed his issues with Game.
"Let me explain something to you: If it was up to me there would be G-Unit South. Young Buck would be running that. I told him to run with that. When I did that, it was for him to present himself as a bigger artist to the Southern community. Game -- I wish nothing but the best for Game. As far as Black Wall Street is concerned, he did that prematurely. Then he turned around and told me to kiss his a**. If you can interpret that as me trying to keep them under my wing, that's just a f*cked-up interpretation." (VIBE)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Kid Cudi Speaks On Nike MAG Purchases, A Kiss From A Fan & More

Kid Cudi Speaks On Nike MAG Purchases, A Kiss From A Fan & More
Cudder talks about his experience with a fan who rushed the stage to kiss him, his latest kicks and his HBO show.

During a recent interview with Conan O'Brien, Kid Cudi spoke about his fans and his HBO show as well as his latest purchases while wearing the highly sought after Nike MAGs.

Talking about those Nike sneakers, a throwback pair of kicks seen Back to the Future, Cudi explained why he purchased five pairs.

"Technically, I got five pair because I got my girlfriend a pair. I didn't want her mad at me. So, I got four for myself and one for her."

When the topic switched to fans, Cudi told the story of a time when a fan rushed the stage to kiss him.
"There was this one time I was doing a show in L.A. ...I get on stage and before the song even starts, this guy comes up and he grabs my face. He pulls it close to him and smooches me. I let him have it. He was strong.

He was really strong. Must have played varsity football...I'm flattered."
O'Brien took the conversation to connect with Cudi's role in HBO's How to Make it in America. He was asked if fans approach him about drugs.

"Actually, my fans have tried to offer me weed. They throw blunts onthe stage sometimes. I don't take it. It could be laced."

"It's Nobody Nicer Than Me In New York, I'm The King"

Brooklyn rapper Papoose has never been afraid to boast about his lyrical skills, but has now taken the braggadocio a step further by crowing himself as the king of New York hip-hop.

Addressing a recent Tweet where he mentions himself as "the king", Pap said he is the current crown holder of the five boroughs.
"Sometimes people get a little bothered by the truth. More or less, man the reason why I let knowledge be born that I'm the king is because it's time," Papoose explained. "It's 2011 so if you know anything about yourself then you know that's the year of the king...I'mma start off by saying that it's nobody nicer than me in New York. I'm the king of New York. I couldn't give less than a fuck how a n*gga feel about it." (Forbez DVD)
Pap continued to support his argument by explaining his drive to make tribute and time sensitive tracks, in comparison to other emcees.
"Just to elaborate on that - these dudes it's the same thing on every record, there's no versatility," Pap added. "You understand what I'm saying? When Sean Bell got shot who stepped up to the plate? It was the voice of the ghetto -- When Hurricane Katrina hit and [former U.S. President] George Bush - and don't say Kanye [West]. Cause Kanye made an outburst but I did it in song format like a real lyricist supposed to do. When Katrina hit and George Bush didn't acknowledge our people over there, who spoke up? Who's teaching all our people in the penitentiary how to beat they cases?" (Forbez DVD)
Earlier this week, Pap spoke on being the Big Apple's king.
"I'm the only king of new york city #king of ny talk," he tweeted September 27th. (Papoose's Twitter)
Last summer, reality star-turned-singer Miss Tila told SOHH she would crown Jay-Z "King of New York" over Nas.
"I have much respect for Nas, he's done a lot for the hip-hop community but I definitely, yeah, I don't think anybody can beat Jay-Z at this point," Tila told SOHH when asked who she views as the King of New York. "Jay-Z's definitely the King of New York. I've been his fan ever since he was just running around with Foxy Brown. I grew up in Houston, Texas [and] I just watched his career grow and grow and he's just a huge mogul. It's very inspiring so I thought, 'Hey, maybe I can move out to New York and follow in his footsteps.'" (SOHH)