Wednesday, November 30, 2011

DOPE ART

 

Neo Expressionism | Jean-Michel Basquiat

According to Andrea Frohne, Basquiat’s 1983 painting “Untitled (History of the Black People)” “reclaims Egyptians as African and subverts the concept of ancient Egypt as the cradle of Western Civilization”.   At the center of the painting, Basquiat depicts an Egyptian boat being guided down the Nile River by Osiris, the Egyptian god of the dead. On the right panel of the painting appear the words “Esclave, Slave, Esclave”. Two letters of the word “Nile” are crossed out and Frohne suggests that, “The letters that are wiped out and scribbled over perhaps reflect the acts of historians who have conveniently forgotten that Egyptians were black and blacks were enslaved.” On the left panel of the painting Basquiat, has illustrated two Nubian style masks. The Nubians historically were darker in skin color, and were considered to be slaves by the Egyptian people.[23] Throughout the rest of the painting, images of the Atlantic slave trade are juxtaposed with images of the Egyptian slave trade centuries before.[23] The sickle in the center panel is a direct reference to the slave trade in the United States, and slave labor under the plantation system. The word “salt” that appears on the right panel of the work refers to the Atlantic Slave Trade, as salt was another important commodity to be traded at that time

Cool Kids: Kid Tef Interview Detroit, Michigan

 
While chilling at my crib listenin to the #TakeCare and #Ambition, #Dope albums by the way, I was going through my boys blog that I work with and stumbled upon his mixtape. I went through it and was like damn that's Tef? Next day I went to work and we got the choppin it up about his mixtape, life, fashion, and the state of hip hop now. Tef is a real down to earth cat that's got a lot drive, motivation, and great potential to be part of the new school breed of rappers. So I asked him if he was interested in doing a quick interview with me he said and I quote "fasho fam that's what's up". Haha
Check out the interview
Alius: Where you from in Detroit?
Kid Tef: I was born and raised across the street from Motown Hitsville Studios. so you could say Zone 8. I started rapping when I moved to Joy rd in the 11th grade.

Alius: What category is your music?
Kid Tef: My category of music is not even a category. I would describe it as real music. On "The Bad Bitches and Comic Books" joint I have real concept songs that your everyday regular street nigga can relate to, but I still got them songs where you can play em around ya girl and not feel disrespectful. I also feel like my shit is just inspirational music cause I aint talkin about no bullshit.

Alius: What does it (the music) sound like?
Kid Tef: People say my album is the first album they can rock to from beginning to end and thats what I set out to do. Make a REAL ALBUM. I'ts more of a smooth album, I like to refer to myself as the new A Tribe Called Quest. Like the social conscience rapper with a pistol on his side in a louie belt.

Alius: Hahaha Swagg
Kid Tef: Yeah like you gotta check out the "Im cool" track where basically we talking about how fake everything is nowadays. Titties, ass, cars, jewelry etc. Like keep it real if you cant afford it don't front.

Alius: What does your music mean to you and others?
Kid Tef: My music means the world to me. I am an Artist. People try to be alot of shit that they aint and some people try to run from who they are. I cant run from what I am and I am an Artist.

Alius: What other ventures are you working on?
Kid Tef: My other ventures include a management deal with "Nati Celebrity Services" which is Dmx's publicist. My websites thedetroitzuu.blogspot.com & saintandrewskitchen.blogspot.com and some other things I cant really speak on at this point but Im always about my money.

Alius: What are your goals in life?
Kid Tef: My goals in life are high as shit. Like I want it all like Scarface/Tony Montana, but really just feed my daughter and keep niggas in my ear like "yeah when you said that on this it made me feel like this". For me thats the best shit in the world because inspiration is so reciprocal.

Alius: What does Detroit mean or stand for in your eyes?
Kid Tef: In my eyes Detroit is my heart it made me what I am even with this music shit. Like I said I grew up in the ghetto across the street from Hitsville studios and I remember Michael Jackson came and it was the most incredible thing I ever saw. I mean people from all over followed this man to the ghetto, I mean people from all over the Earth.Thats Motown thats Detroit.

Alius: What is the rap game missing the most right now?
Kid Tef: The rap game is missing albums that you can listen to from track 1 to 14 and its missing quality and taste.

Alius: Where do you plan on being in the next 5 years?
Kid Tef: Rich living my dreams and blowing kush on the beach.

Heres the link to his mix tape "Bad Bitches and Comic Books"

Casey Veggies Partners With LRG For New Era Snapback


Casey Veggies Partners With LRG For New Era Snapback

The former Odd Future member releases a hat with the clothing company.

Casey Veggies has partnered with LRG to release the limited edition Casey Veggies x New Era 9Fifty x LRG snapback.

The hat will only be made available for purchase on Mac Miller’s “Blue Slide Park” tour and on CaseyVeggies.com. Fans can check LRG’s Facebook page for a chance to win a snapback as well as a limited edition Sleeping in Class vinyl signed by the former Odd Future member.


Check out the snapback below.




snapback

Curren$y Brings Out Wiz Khalifa At "Jet World Order" Album Release Concert


Curren$y Brings Out Wiz Khalifa At
Spitta links with Wiz to perform "Super High" at New York City, New York's Highline Ballroom.
This past Monday (Nov. 28th), Curren$y hosted an album release concert for Jet Life's new album Jet World Order at New York City, New York's Highline Ballroom.

During the show, Spitta brought out close associate Wiz Khalifa to perform their verses from the remix to Rick Ross' "Super High." Additionally, Curren$y, who was wearing a boot on his foot, performed "High Times," while the latest signee to Jet Life Recordings, Mikey Rocks, ran through "Wassup."




(HIPHOPDX)

Trina, X & Rockwilder Search For "America's Next Top Rapper"


Trina, X & Rockwilder Search For
Trina, X and Rockwilder team up for new television series, "America's Next Top Rapper."

Miami's Trina is getting ready to begin a search for America's Next Top Rapper. The former Slip-N-Slide artist is joining forces with Rockwilder and X (formerly known as Little X) to judge this new reality television series.

The three judges will search for up and coming talent in different cities and the winner will receive several prizes. Those prizes include a video shoot with X, a track produced by Rockwilder and a Universal Music distribution deal. The winner is also going to receive a photo shoot, clothing and a national tour as well as $20,000 in prize money.

Those who register can compete in Baltimore, Raleigh, Tampa, Houston, Little Rock, Detroit, Oakland and Cleveland. There is a $200 fee to register and fans will need to stay tuned for all audition dates. According to the program's site, "The first date will be Boston, MA on December 3rd, 2011. This will be the pilot for the television series. The pilot will be used to expand the distribution from 6 million to 20+ million and secure major sponsors. We will shop throughout the winter and release additional city dates for early spring 2012 with the finals scheduled for late spring / early summer time frame."

The competition is for solo acts only and the age limit is 16 years of age. For more information and to register,

check www.americasnexttoprapper.net.

(HIPHOPDX)

Jay-Z, Kanye West And Nicki Minaj Headline Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Performances


Jay-Z, Kanye West And Nicki Minaj Headline Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Performances
On a night where supermodels in expensive thongs and bras were the main event, Hip Hop took center stage.
Nearly a month after the initial event took place, CBS aired the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion show

Tuesday night. Pop/Rock outfit Maroon 5 joined in on the festivities, but by and large, those present at New York’s Lexington Avenue Armory were treated to a Hip Hop show. In a year highlighted by the contrast between the rich and poor,  a collection of lingerie that included pieces in the $2 million range was displayed on models catwalking to tracks from one of 2011’s most opulent albums—Watch The Throne?

Kanye West and Jay-Z took center stage with their certified platinum-selling single, “N*ggas In Paris.” And while the cameras often panned to an expecting Beyonce, Jay-Z pointed to the runway and joked, “We’re here…we might as well walk it.”

The Throne’s performance was sandwiched between a decidedly more weighty solo set by West and an upbeat closing act by Young Money’s Nicki Minaj respectively. West informed the crowd that he was also originally scheduled to perform during the 2007 show before tragedy struck.
“I was supposed to perform this song on this show, and I lost my superhero…now she’s my super angel,” West announced, in reference to his mother, Dr. Donda West, before performing “Stronger.”

Nicki Minaj concluded the night with a nearly five-minute long version of “Super Bass,” which featured Victoria’s Secret models joining in on the choreography and the usual cadre of male dancers.
(HIPHOPDX)

Christopher "Tricky" Stewart To Be Named Head Of A&R At Epic Records


Christopher
The man behind hits like Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Rihanna's "Umbrella" and more is planning to take an executive position.

Epic Records is anticipated to announce songwriter/producer Christopher “Tricky” Stewart as head of A&R at the label.

Over the past few years, Tricky has found success with writing partner The-Dream, lending his pen to hits including Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Mariah Carey’s “Touch My Body.”

Though the appointment is yet to be confirmed, sources close to the situation tell Billboard.biz that the deal is expected to go through. Additionally, ex-LaFace Records executive Mark Shimmel will be positioned as senior executive at Sony Music.

(HIPHOPDX)

LL Cool J Ready To Live Out His Childhood, "I Was Listening To Them When I Had Pajamas W/ Feet In The Bottom"

Rap veteran LL Cool J has opened up about paying homage to pioneer hip-hop group Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five tonight (November 30) in Los Angeles with a special tribute performance of their recently inducted Grammy Hall of Fame classic, "The Message".

Confirming plans to perform at tonight's "Grammy Nominations" concert, LL said fans can expect to see rap stars Lupe Fiasco and Common on-stage.
"Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, for me, I was listening to them when I had pajamas with the feet in the bottom," LL told radio hosts Big Tigger and Free. "They got this amazing song so obviously we got Melle Mel, Scorpio and Grandmaster Flash and then I got Common and Lupe Fiasco to do parts with me. We're gonna have some fun with 'The Message' you know what I'm saying? I get to be on-stage and rub elbows with my childhood heros, you know, with Scorp, Mel and Flash. So that's going to be a lot of fun. I hope people enjoy that." ("Big Tigger Morning Show")
Earlier this week, reports claimed Miami's Rick Ross would also be involved in the tribute.
On November 30, Common, Lupe Fiasco, Rick Ross and LL Cool J will join Furious Five members Melle Mel and Scorpio for a special performance of "The Message" during "The Grammy Nominations Concert," airing live on CBS. The one-hour show, will reveal the nominations for the 54th annual Grammy Awards which will take place on February 12, 2012 in Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. LL Cool J will host the awards and Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Rihanna, Sugarland and Usher have already been announced as performers while Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry will be on deck as award presenters. (MTV)
Last week, it was revealed Furious Five's "The Message" would be the first-ever hip-hop record inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The new entries, which also include Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." album, Cole Porter's pop standard "Anything Goes," Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's pioneering rap single "The Message" and Tina Turner's career-rejuvenating hit single "What's Love Got to Do With It" bring the total number of recordings chosen for the Hall of Fame to 906. (Los Angeles Times)
Since its 1980's release, "The Message" has been considered a hip-hop classic.
Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five merged the Afrocentric consciousness expressed by such early rappers as Gil Scott-Heron and the Last Poets with b-boy production to create "The Message," an all-time rap anthem. It was the focal point of this LP, which also included "It's Nasty" and "Scorpio," two other strong cuts that might have been winners on their own. Unfortunately, rather than a starting point, this album proved to be their ultimate peak. (All Music)

Common Takes Care Of Drake Diss Rumors, "I'm Talking About Rappers Out There That's Soft"

Chicago rap veteran Common has cleared the air on rumors claiming his new "Sweet" record is directed toward Young Money's Drake but told those offended if the shoe fits, then wear it.
Common claims his new record is primarily directed toward uncreative artists.
"Yeah, I know, some people have been saying that, but on that song, really, I'm just talking about whoever the cap fits," Common said when asked if Drake is the target of his "Sweet" record. "I'm talking about rappers that's out there that's soft and doing the same thing. So if the cap fits, then that's who it is. That's all it is. It's whoever the cap fits, then let 'em wear it. I think it's a lot of creative artists out there. I think Drake makes some good music, though." ("The Frank & Wanda Show")
Common also recently opened up about the song's trash-talking at the end.
"I think what I did was just not put that responsibility of saying, "Man, OK, just because I went to the White House, I can't express that side of me. Or just because I'm doing this brand partnership and because I am speaking to the kids and say, "Do something right," that still don't mean I ain't an adult that feel like, "N*gga, get yo' h*e a** out of here," or I'ma fight when I need to fight. I had to make that decision for myself and part of it was just me being more comfortable in my skin and being like, "I'm a man, I ain't gotta sit around and be worried about what everybody is gon think. I just gotta be who I am, what I am and say what I feel and if that sh*t come out not the right thing, it's not the right thing sometimes. But it's right because it's what I'm feeling and it's true to the art and it's music." (XXL Mag)
At the end "Sweet", fans get to hear the rap veteran pop off at his competition.
"You know man, you should know where I come from. You should know who I am n*gga. You should never wanna go against me. You know man, you too soft for that man. I be seeing you man, I see it in your eyes man. You ain't the type of n*gga that could go against me. You get in my presence you gon' feel like a little h*e. You ain't a man yet, you tryna be somebody else. Man, be yourself man, you come around my crib, you get your sh*t took." ("Sweet")
While his latest tune is currently circulating online, fans can expect an accompanying music video in the near future.
Common hits the "Sweet" spot on a new track off his upcoming album The Dreamer, The Believer, arriving before Christmas. The Chi-town MC displays a rare moment of cockiness while rhyming over the straight hip-hop record. "How can I say this?/ F*ck it, I'm the greatest/ I am the A-list for all these great debaters," he boasts. A video for the song was recently shot in Haiti. (Rap-Up)

Lil Boosie Speaks Out On 8 Year Prison Sentence, "I Am Getting Help W/ My Drug Addiction"

A day after incarcerated rapper Lil Boosie was handed nearly ten years behind bars on drug related charges, he has come forward to speak on his current penal crunch.

Taking responsibility for his actions, Boosie said he is focused on kicking his drug addiction from behind bars.
Now, Boosie's lawyer tells us ... the rapper is happy with the resolution -- because Boosie is confident officials will allow him to participate in a drug rehab program so he can beat his addiction to codeine and other drugs. Boosie -- who's also facing 1st degree murder charges in an unrelated case -- released a statement to TMZ ... saying, "Don't worry about me I am getting help with my drug addiction and I am accepting full responsibility for the choice I made." Boosie adds, "I am going to fight the false murder charge till the end. Love you all." (TMZ)
Yesterday, Boosie was sentenced to an eight-year bid for smuggling drugs into prison.
Baton Rouge rapper Lil Boosie arrived at district court Tuesday morning for a pre-trial motion and ended up pleading guilty to drug charges. Lil Boosie, whose real name is Torrence Hatch, pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiring to bring drugs into a penal institution. Judge Mike Erwin sentenced him to eight years in prison. Investigators said he tried to smuggle drugs into Dixon Correctional Center once and into Angola State Penitentiary twice. After the judge announced the sentencing, Lil Boosie requested drug rehab. Erwin said he would recommend it but could not order it. (WAFB News)
Around mid-summer, Boosie was accused of drug smuggling.
This time, the 28-year-old Baton Rouge rapper is accused of trying to get codeine into the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Hatch, who is serving time on an unrelated drug charge, already is under indictment on a charge of conspiring to introduce illegal drugs into Dixon Correctional Institute at Jackson. (The Advocate)
In May, the Louisiana rapper described his experience behind bars.
"[I'm here] 'cause of the songs I made, before I was indicted, about the police in Baton Rouge and what's going on here," Boosie added. "There's a lot with our record label, that the system don't like...They took my hard drive out of my house after I got arrested. I have albums for days in there. They still haven't returned it. They've had it for d*mn near a year now. I need that music...I'm leaving Louisiana the first day I get out of prison. I'm a major target down here. I'll thank God for everything and get back to the money." (XXL Mag)

Juicy J On Rolling W/ Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang, "It Just Went Down"

Days after Three 6 Mafia's Juicy J announced a new affiliation with Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang, the Memphis rap veteran has expanded on what the future holds for their team.

Juicy said it was an honor for the 24-year-old to see the talent in him, prompting their union.
"We been talking about it and it just went down," Juicy tells xxlmag.com. "They like brothers to me. It's a blessing. I've been doing this over twenty years [and for] people to still recognize my music and appreciate my music, it's a blessing." Juicy J says that both he and Wiz are already hard at work. "Wiz got a new album coming out next year," he shares. "It's crazy. He's got over 40 songs done. He's still recording. And he's got a compilation album he's gonna put out featuring all of his artists." According to the Memphis native, as of now, those other artists are Chevy Woods, Lola Monroe, Neako and possibly others. (XXL Mag)
On Monday (November 28), Juicy announced his new partnership with Khalifa.
"Yes sir, Juicy J is now with Taylor Gang," J revealed in an interview. "We're going in this year. 2012, we're going in. Y'all heard it, y'all know it's the business. It's going down, man. Man, man, it's going down. We got a big compilation album that we're doing. It's going down. When you hear it, you're going to be like, 'Wow.' You're going to be like, 'Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.'" (Hood Rich Radio)
In late October, video vixen-turned-rapper LoLa Monroe broke the news of her Taylor Gang signing.
She explained why she decided to sign with the "Black and Yellow" rapper. "Wiz is like a positive free individual that's about his business and that matches everything I've created on my side," she said. "When he reached out, he was like, 'I feel as though our movements represent the same thing, so I want you to rep Taylor Gang.' And I agreed, so it's only right. Plus, out of all the situations that came to me, my business instincts and just the comfort level, I felt it was just the right move with him. He's a stand-up dude and it just felt right." LoLa, who was nominated for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist at this year's BET Awards, is prepping her debut album and will drop a new single in November. "It's gon' be crazy." (Rap-Up)
This week, Juicy and Khalifa's "Stoner's Night Pt. 2" collaboration premiered online.
As it appears on Juicy J's Rubba Band Business 2 mixtape, the Wiz Khalifa-featured and Lex Luger-produced "Stoner's Night" is a brooding, menacing track for the weed heads. But it sounds like they wanted to lighten up a bit on the track's sequel. "Stoner's Night Pt. 2," off Juicy's upcoming Blue Dream & Lean tape, almost sounds like something you would hear on a9th Wonder project with its soulful sampling and laid-back tempo. Hmm, maybe the Three 6 Mafia rapper is going for a different sound onBlue Dream & Lean, which drops in its entirety tomorrow. (Prefix Mag)

UPDATE: Police Dispel Vybz Kartel Escape Story

Jamaican authorities have denied allegations that Reggae artist Vybz Kartel has escaped prison.

Officials say no jail breaks were reported to their office.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green told the Observer early this morning that he had no knowledge of the reported jail break. "I know nothing about that. If that had taken place I would would certainly have known," Green said. Police at Denham Town Police station, the closest police station to the remand centre were also unaware of the reports as was the Constabulary Communication Network who also claimed ignorance of any jail break.(Jamaica Observer)
According to earlier reports, several other inmates made their exit during the riot.
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel (born, Adidja Palmer) has been in police custody in his hometown Jamaica since October 1, while he awaits trail for two murder cases, but new reports say that the singer has escaped from prison. Kartel reportedly started a riot at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre in Jamaica early on Wednesday morning (November 30), and managed to escape with seven other inmates after holding officers at gunpoint. (MTV)
Kartel was arrested earlier this year and hit several charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Following an arrest on Friday Sept. 29, Jamaica's Major Investigation Taskforce (MIT) last night charged dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel (born Adidja Palmer) with murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm. MIT detectives made the charges against Kartel last night, following an interrogation of the artist yesterday afternoon in the presence of his attorneys, reports Billboard.com. He is scheduled to appear in Kingston's Half-Way Tree Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (Oct. 5). Police charge that on July 11, 2011, Kartel along with other men conspired to murder Barrington 'Bossie' Burton, a 27-year-old businessman and music promoter based in the Kingston suburb of Portmore. Burton was murdered while standing with friends along Walkers Avenue in the Gregory Park area of Portmore.(EUR Web)
In an interview earlier this year, Vybz explained that in and outside the music world, his every move is a calculated step.
Everything that I do is calculated, planned out, and thought of so I already know the repercussions. I know the good and the bad reactions to what is going to happen and I still do it. I plan all my controversy. I'm just that outrageous person...I am outrageous because I want to be, I am controversial because I want to be.(The Hype Life)

Michael Jackson's Doctor Headed To Prison, Sentenced Over Involuntary Manslaughter

Late pop icon Michael Jackson's personal doctor, Conrad Murrary, is headed to prison after a federal judge sentenced him to four years behind bars for involuntary manslaughter this week.
Murray's fate was read to him in a Los Angeles court Tuesday (November 29).
The trial of Dr. Conrad Murray in the drug overdose death ofMichael Jackson ended with a resounding rebuke from the trial judge, who lambasted his treatment as "money for medicine madness." Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, in sentencing Murray to the maximum of four years on Tuesday, expressed shock over the doctor's lack of remorse and criticized him for recently televised comments suggesting that the singer had "entrapped" him. "Yipes! Talk about blaming the victim," Pastor declared before sentencing Murray after the seven-week trial. "Not only isn't there any remorse, there is umbrage and outrage on the part of Dr. Murray against the decedent." (Los Angeles Times)
In early November, Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor handed the case to the seven-man, five-woman jury Thursday after closing arguments by prosecutor David Walgren and lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff. Over nearly six weeks of testimony, jurors heard from 33 prosecution witnesses and 16 defense witnesses. More than 340 exhibits were available in the jury room as the panel mulled a verdict. (USA Today)
The jury felt he allowed Jackson to meet his demise two years ago.
Jackson died in June 2009 from a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol, which Murray acknowledged giving Jackson to help him sleep. Prosecutors contended Murray gave Jackson the fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic in the bedroom of the singer's Southern California mansion. Defense attorneys claimed Jackson gave himself the lethal dose when Murray left the room. (CBS News)
Earlier this month, the 58 year-old doctor spoke out on the trial.
"I would hate to put blame on Michael as an individual," Dr. Murray told interviewer Savannah Guthrie. "I only wish maybe in our dealings with each other he would have been more forthcoming and honest, to tell me these things about himself." He went on to claim Jackson was "deceptive" about his medical history and his potential treatments by other doctors. "[I] did not have a clue," he claimed of Jackson's dependence on the anesthetic propofol, the drug that ultimately was the singer's cause of death. "I met Michael with propofol. This was not something I introduced to Michael," he added. (Billboard)

"Chappelle's Show" Cameo Star Dead At 41

Comedian Patrice O'Neal, widely known for his "Chappelle's Show" cameo at the 'Player Haters Ball,' passed away Tuesday (November 29) at the age of 41.
According to reports, O'Neal died at a hospital following a mid-October stroke.
Patrice O'Neal, a stand-up comedian who boisterously took on controversial topics like race, AIDS and his own struggle with diabetes, died on Tuesday. He was 41 and lived in New Jersey. He died in a hospital in the New York City area from complications of a stroke he suffered on Oct. 19, his agent, Matt Frost, said. (New York Times)
The 300-pound stand-up comedian's stroke is believed to have been in relation to his weight.
O'Neal had reportedly suffered from diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for stroke, according to the National Stroke Assn. Other risk factors include obesity, atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure -- which, according to the association, "is one of the most common causes of stroke because it puts unnecessary stress on blood vessel walls, causing them to thicken and deteriorate." When that happens, "cholesterol or other fat-like substances may break off of artery walls and block a brain artery." (Los Angeles Times)
His unexpected passing caught the attention of various entertainers who gave their reactions.
If you like to laugh, you're going to miss Patrice O'Neal. And his fellow comedians may miss him even more. "One of my favourite stand up comedians. So sad. RIP," Ricky Gervais tweeted Tuesday upon hearing of O'Neal's death at 41 due to complications of a stroke. "Brilliant, unafraid, unapologetic. You inspired me and kept us all honest #RIPPatrice," wrote comedian Amy Schumer, who shared the dais with O'Neal at the Charlie Sheen roast in September. Added Sarah Silverman: "RIP Patrice O'Neal. You made us laugh til we cried." (E! Online)
Widely known for his stand-up, O'neal appeared on various popular television shows.
Fellow comedians and fans are mourning the loss of the veteran funnyman who has appeared on 'The Office,' 'Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn,' 'Chapelle Show' and was a regular guest on the "Opie and Anthony" radio show. (Washington Post)

Ghostface Killah Calls Drake/Ludacris Beef "Kid Sh*t", "We Should Be Getting At The Real Enemy"

Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah has offered his thoughts on the publicized, growing tension between Ludacris and Drake as of late in light of the release of the subliminal "Bada Boom" record.
Refusing to side with either spitter, Ghost said both artists should focus on bigger and better things than disputing.
"It is what it is, it's rap music. I'm not trying to get into any little kid sh*t. You know what I mean," he said in an interview. "I'm a grown man, B. You know what I mean? Grown men do grown men things. We don't got no time. We gotta get this money, man. Unless these n*ggas are already sitting on it, you know what I mean, but enough of that. You know what I mean? We should be getting at the real enemy, you know what I mean? That had us oppressed for all those years. Not at each other right now." (Montreality)
Last week, Ludacris released a visual to his subliminal "Bada Boom" 1.21 Gigawatts mixtape record, which has been disputed to be targeted at Drake and G.O.O.D. Music star Big Sean.
"Bada Boom" has been getting a lot of attention lately. The buzz started when everyone realized what Ludacris was talking about. The so-called "beef" even got explained in an animated video, and despite the fact that Big Sean denied any sour feelings on his part, this doesn't seem like something that's going to die down by itself, especially now that the mixtape track that started it all has its own video. (Complex)
Since the song's release earlier this month, Drizzy has reportedly answered Luda's diss with his own masked response.
Over the weekend, Drake broke his silence. Sort of. On Saturday (November 19), Drizzy took to Twitter in response to Big Sean's Twitter handle with a fittingly subliminal response to Luda's subliminal diss (the Atlanta rapper didn't name any names in his songs). "@BigSean You awlready know. I wish they'd just let young n*ggas live...respect always," the Young Money rhymer tweeted. (XXL Mag)
A couple weeks ago, Big Sean addressed the highly-discussed perception that Luda dissed him and Drizzy.
"A lot of people thought Drake made that up and this was new, and Drake was like, 'I could trace that back to Big Sean actually on his mixtape. That's where I first heard it. I think that's where a lot of emcees got it from.' That's what Drake said. So people was telling me, 'This is your flow.' And I'm like, 'Alright -- I'm pretty sure it was done before [Luda] but I'm just saying where it came from now. We talkin' about now -- I'm not trying to debate and say, 'I was the first to do this ever.' I'm just saying that's just where it was between us. So [some interviewers] asked me, 'What's a good example of [the Supa Dupa flow] and what's a bad example of it?' And I think I said [Luda's] 'balloons' line. But I'm telling you this was over a year ago. I can't believe this was something that's been lingering this long -- I don't have no problems with Luda. I didn't even know he cared that much, for a year, to be thinking about what I said in interviews -- I think Luda is the best, I think he's a legend." (KUBE 93)