Wednesday, February 29, 2012
KiD CuDi And His “Week Ass Major Label” Issue
So today you probably went to the store, Best Buy or Press Play, and didn't see a WZRD album there Well you weren’t the only one and CuDi has something to get off his chest.......
"Ok so just a heads up, my weak ass label only shipped 55k physicals cuz they treated this like some indie side project tax right off. So i apologize on behalf of my weak ass major label. And I apologize for the lack of promo, again, my weak ass major label. They tried to rush me thru this so i can just give em another MOTM, but guess what? Fuck that, next album is WZRD. MOTM3 on hold til 2014. who mad??? not me and @DotDaGenius :) So its def gonna be tough to find one in the stores guys, I’m sorry about that. I gotta go out and find one too, becuz my weak ass label never even gave us a copy of our own album. FAIL!!! Im lettin Universal Republic have it, fuck it. What they gon’ do, spank me?? hahahaha. Ok let me go out here and try and find my album y’all. Enjoy the jams!! Play them LOUD. Upset your parents and the neighborhood :) peace" Via Twitter
Jay Electronica Talks Early Beginnings In Music, Defines Authenticity
Jay Electronica says he was inspired to make music after watching various parades in his hometown of New Orleans. For their latest “Excellent Makers” mini-documentary, New Balance recruited New Orleans rapper Jay Electronica who gave fans a little insight into his musical mind. While the “Excellent Makers” video barely surpasses the minute and a half mark Jay still manages to speak on his musical upbringings, what authenticity means to him, and more.
According to the Roc Nation rapper, growing up in his hometown of New Orleans and seeing various parades helped spark his interest in music.
“I’m from the Magnolia Projects in New Orleans, Louisiana. I grew up going to parades and second lines and seeing marching bands and second line brass bands so I always wanted to learn how to play a horn or something,” Jay Electronica explained in the video documentary posted on Hip Hop-N-More. “At a certain point in high school I got into a marching band, but I had been rapping at that point already. I started off with tape decks, like my grandmother had gospel tapes. My grandmother only played gospel music, only gospel music. That was it…I been rapping since I was ten-years-old, you know what I’m saying? So if I’m 10-years-old rapping from 10-years-old to 34, either I suck really bad and I need to snap out of it or I’m gonna just be really good.”
Jay Electronica, whose musical styling’s have been referred to as authentic by many, gave quite the interesting definition of the word authentic during the documentary
“Authenticity, or to be authentic, means not just being yourself. It’s actually just the desire and the decision made to want to strive to be yourself. The process, to learn who you are, to be that. If it was that easy we would all be being ourselves,” said the rapper.
New Balances "Excellent Makers" mini-documentary does not include any updates on what Jay Electronica has been up to musically.
(HIPHOPDX)
GLC Addresses Rumors Of Signing To Curren$y's Jet Life Recordings
GLC also remains vague about ghostwriting for Kanye West.
GLC recently paid a visit to Emilio Sparks' radio show to discuss everything from his unique brand of slang to upcoming projects. During the interview, he specifically spoke to rumors that he is signing to Curren$y's Jet Life Recordings, neither denying nor confirming hat he was joining Spitta's label.
“Where’d that come from man? I’ll tell you this. Curren$y is a hell of a guy, he’s one of my favorite artists. I got to see him perform in Chicago on 'The Smoker’s Club' tour,” he said. “I went to the concert and I saw Curren$y. He gave me a headful, and it was something appeasing to the Ism. I listened to it, I was like, man, this sounds like church on the move. Rome wasn’t built was in a day. Take it step by step and eliminate the lames that’s trying to devour our rep.
He also addressed speculation that he ghostwrote for Kanye West. Remaining similarly vague, the Knockout King encouraged fans to listen closely for answers.
"All I say is listen to the music. Listen and you can determine," he said.
(HIPHOPDX)
Lords Of The Underground Reveal Plans To Pursue French Montana For Publishing, Say "Diddy Will Do The Right Thing"
Exclusive: With the recent release of the "Shot Caller" remix, DoItAll gives the Lords' thoughts on the rebirth of their "Funky Child" and what this new life means for the group's future.
Twenty years ago the outcry from Rock, Jazz and Soul artists against rappers who had sampled their past works was deafening. The protest (and eventual legal action) from scorned singers and musicians claiming they had been robbed for their creations without due credit or compensation culminated in Biz Markie being forced by a federal judge to take his 1991 release, I Need A Haircut, off store shelves for failing to clear the well-known piano sample used in his remake of Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally).”
Two decades after the sample clearance wars that would start the culture on its gradual journey towards the largely sample-less music of today, a familiar battle over music rights has reemerged, only now rappers sampling the past works of other rappers has ironically reignited the debate over what is due to whom, if anything at all. And leading that discussion is the recent usage of the triumphant horn that sets off the Lords Of The Underground’s timeless two-stepper, “Funky Child,” for 2012 XXL Freshman Class member French Montana’s breakthrough smash, “Shot Caller.”
The Newark, New Jersey based mic-passing duo of Mr. Funke and DoItAll, along with their Cleveland, Ohio born deejay, Lord Jazz, rocked atop almost flawless horn-blessed boom bap crafted by the legendary Marley Marl and his protégé K-Def for L.O.T.U.G.’s classic debut, 1993’s Here Come The Lords. The album spawned two hit singles in the B-Boy anthem, “Chief Rocka,” and the aforementioned “Funky Child,” making the Lords instant favorites of purveyors of Hip Hop culture worldwide as they, for a time, came to dominate the musical landscape alongside their Garden State brethren Redman, Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, Poor Righteous Teachers and The Artifacts (whose recent reunion was arranged by DoItAll) during the brief but memorable New Jersey Drive era in Hip Hop.
And while 1994’s “Tic Toc” and “What I’m After”-anchored Keepers Of The Funk failed to continue the supercharged momentum the group had gained with their debut, (in part to their sophomore effort’s less playful, harder-edged approach), the Lords Of The Underground have managed to maintain their esteemed position in the culture nearly two decades later.
One of the esteemed members of the Lords, Dupre “DoItAll” Kelly, recently spoke with HipHopDX to discuss his group’s current endeavors (which include finishing the long-discussed 20th anniversary album from the trio overseen by their original producer, and releasing a part two to DoItAll and Lord Jazz’s Heartbeat Of The Ghetto mixtape series). The Co-CEO of 211 Media Group (where he is currently preparing releases from his own stable of artists, including Prince Ak, The 0-50 Boys, Senica Da Misfit and others) also replied to the requisite questions regarding L.O.T.U.G.’s response to their “Funky Child” being adopted by French Montana, in which DoItAll revealed not only the group’s plans to fight for their musical rights, but the rarely known real origins of that hit-making horn that is blowing the sample debate back on to the radar.
HipHopDX: Before we get to the “Shot Caller”/ “Funky Child” discussion, I gotta ask how long you think it’s gonna be now before somebody flips “Chief Rocka” into a new hit?
DoItAll: It’s all a blessing, man. As long as they pay that publishing, we good.
DX: Have they been paying that publishing?
DoItAll: Nah, uh-uh. French Montana and them, they used the record without our permission but it was a mixtape record, and when it’s a mixtape record you really can’t do anything about it, unless you go to the artist. And it wasn’t that deep, ‘cause Harry Fraud, who produced the record, called me and was telling me how he’s a big fan and how he sampled the record and all of that type of stuff. But now that they selling the record and he generating all of this airtime and – it’s generating money. It’s not like it’s not generating money, so now we about to go in and take a little piece of that.
Now that he’s signed to Bad Boy [Records] it’s a [new push for] “Shot Caller.” They got the remix and all of that. But they gotta come talk to us. And honestly, I like French. They camp cool. I ain’t never had a problem with Diddy. I think Diddy will do the right thing. I think they’ll do the right thing. Harry Fraud and them actually reached out to us for a remix, but I think it was done out of respect after the fact. It shoulda been done beforehand, and not like an afterthought. And I think that they knew that they was gonna get the deal and they knew all of these things was gonna come and they knew it was gonna go public, and then now once that happens [they’re like], “We got the right to whatever you made, and now we can make up our own price.” And I think that’s when they tried to reach out like, “Oh, we tried to reach out.” It’s like, c’mon man. But, I don’t have no love loss for them, as long as they do the right thing then we good. I wish ‘em well with “Shot Caller,” ‘cause if “Shot Caller” does well then Lords Of The Underground do well with it.
DX: One way or the other it’s definitely helping out y’all’s brand. Four million views on YouTube for that “Chief Rocka” video. Either everybody who copped Here Come The Lords back in the day has watched that video several times over, or y’all have a new generation checkin’ for L.O.T.U.G. something serious.
DoItAll: Honestly, I think it’s a little of both. We’ve been going on the road. Usually we’ll go on the road about three times a year overseas, but now we stay on the road damn near every two weeks. And I’m talking about a group of shows. And I think it’s a new generation ‘cause at our shows it’s like 16-year-olds to 20-year-olds. So that’s damn sure not the people who bought it in the past.
And then you talk about last year you had [N.O.R.E.] talking about us in “Electrolytes” with Macy Gray. He mentioned us in there. Then you had Snoop Dogg mention us last year in his single, [“Boom”]. And then you had Freeway do a freestyle over “Chief Rocka.” Then you had Jadakiss doing a freestyle over “Funky Child.” So it was just like let’s use Lords Of The Underground’s beats. And then French Montana ending it off with “Shot Caller.” So, it’s just crazy, man. But, you know, as long as it keeps the brand in people’s minds and we able to stay on the road and we’re able to get ready for this 20th anniversary album, we good, we ain’t trippin’, man. As long as they pay homage, and it’s done in a respectful way, we’re not really trippin’.
DX: You mentioned the producer of that joint, Harry Fraud. He had to have taken that horn sample from the “Funky Child” instrumental and not from the original Thomas Bell Orchestra sample [of the 3:43 mark of “A Theme For L.A.’s Team” from The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh Soundtrack]. I honestly don’t know how K-Def isolated that horn 20 years ago.
DoItAll: I know he took it. I spoke to Harry Fraud verbally over the phone, and he told me he sampled [“Funky Child”].
But people don’t realize, that horn, it’s not even sampled from the original [Thomas Bell] record. We had that horn played over by … um … I wanna say Maceo [Parker]. Who played horns for James Brown? Yeah, Maceo played that horn over for us in the studio. So that’s Maceo playing that horn over for us. Marley Marl called him in because [Thomas Bell] wanted like a 100% for sample clearance. So we had our record company call – our man Stan Winslow was cool with Maceo and the James Brown camp, and he called him in and he played it over. So we already know that’s our record. He can’t even lie about it.
DX: K-Def, he found crazy horns for that first album. Were they all samples or was he bringing in live players?
DoItAll: They were samples. The only live one was “Funky Child,” because of the clearance situation. That was the only live one … out of the songs that he produced anyway.
DX: Yeah, let’s clear that up real quick ‘cause I just did an interview with MC Shan, and I don’t know if you’ve been following that saga: that he’s breaking down some of the stuff that Marley didn’t do for The Juice Crew. Did Marley really produce anything for y’all or was it all K-Def?
DoItAll: Yeah, [Marley Marl] produced everything for us except – I get it when people just don’t know [how records are produced]. But I was in a room with Quincy Jones one time, and my theory used to be if you don’t touch an instrument or if you don’t touch a beat programmer then you’re not a producer. That was my theory before I sat in a room with Quincy Jones. Quincy Jones came in the room with producers and told them everything to do: told them to put this like this, put that like that. I’m like, “Yo, he didn’t touch anything but he’s still the producer.”
So then I started equating it to hip hoppers. If Marley Marl sit in the room with you and say do this, put this here, do that, who produced the record? K-Def definitely came with the “Chief Rocka” beat, “Here Come The Lords,” “Funky Child.” Those were K-Def, everything else basically was Marley. And we sat there and seen him do it. But even with the stuff that K-Def did, Marley made those records better. You gotta remember that K-Def was a young kid. He didn’t know what he was really doing. He was just making beats; he was a beat-maker.
So, it just kills me when people get mad at somebody they say, “Oh, he didn’t produce this.” Even back in the Shan and [the Juice Crew] days, Masta Ace – and this is out of Masta Ace’s mouth – he told me a story how they used to bring records to Marley, but didn’t know how to produce nothing. They just had an idea [like], “I want this sampled.” And then Marley would produce and bring everything to life. So who actually produced it?
DX: While we’re speaking of Marley … You mentioned the 20th anniversary Lords album. Wasn’t Marley supposed to executive produce that?
DoItAll: Yeah, it’s still going down, he’s still executive producing it, along with us. We just got our verse from Busta Rhymes. He’s on the album. And, we just gonna make it tight first. We working.
DX: Is there extra urgency with the French Montana joint out there to capitalize on the renewed momentum?
DoItAll: Nah, not really. We do this Hip Hop thing because we love it. We’re not trying to be all over the radio anymore. We’re not trying to be all over what ever the hot media outlet is. If it happens that’s good. But what I’m trying to say is that we’re not competing against whatever group is out there or whatever artist is out there. We’ve done it already. Do we still do Hip Hop? Yes. Do we still tour? Yes. But this might be the last Lords studio recorded album, because we all have other lives that we’re living. Are we breaking up? No. We’re gonna still be a group, but it’s just time to explore other things and other avenues to help keep our brand alive and keep our legacy alive.
I mean, an album is not even an album anymore anyway. When you put it on iTunes you get to download which song you want. It’s not like you’re listening to interludes or getting into the story of the group anymore. That’s gone. It’s microwave Hip Hop now. You can just stick something in the microwave and get it out fast. It’s crazy now what the music scene has become.
There’s still great music out there though. I think I still make great music. I think Mr. Funke still makes great music, and Lord Jazz too. Them my brothers forever. But, Lords Of The Underground, we’re just happy that we were able to make classics and people respect that enough that we stay on the road with 60 - 100 shows a year. We’re just fortunate to do that.
Purchase Music by Lords Of The Underground
Purchase Music by DoItAll
(HIPHOPDX)
Kreayshawn Finally Reveals Debut Album Title, "People Hate Me Or Love Me"
Although a release date still lingers, the Bay Area rapper let loose on her album title Wednesday (February 29).
"IM GONNA ANNOUNCE MY ALBUM TITLE. BUT I FEEL LIKE SOMETHING SPECIAL MUST HAPPEN 1ST.," she tweeted.
"#KREAYSHAWN #KREAYSHAWN #KREAYSHAWN #KREAYSHAWN TREND SOMETHING MAKE IT HAPPEN I DONT CARE! MY ALBUM IS DONE AND NAMED _____________?"
"THE ALBUM NAMED WILL BE "Somethin' bout Kreay"
"PEOPLE HATE ME OR LOVE ME BUT, THERES JUST #SOMETHINBOUTKREAY" (Kreayshawn's Twitter)Earlier this month, Kreay spoke on the perceived pressure of having her album decked out with hits.
The album is almost finished, she says, and features a number of styles of music -- from Baltimore club music to New Orleans juke. "I don't really like ever doing the same thing twice," Kreayshawn says. "Unless it was really good. Like if you eat somewhere really good, maybe you'll go eat there twice." The inevitable question is whether she can turn her "Gucci Gucci" fame into something long-lasting. Or whether she'll end up another person of the viral video era whose 15 minutes of fame came and left. "If the album doesn't have a hit," Kreayshawn says. "I don't care. I'm mobbin.' I'm mobbin' real hard. If something goes wrong, I'll just take all my money and sell hella drugs. Then make a song about that. Then I'll have another hit." She pauses for a second. "I'm just playing. Kinda." (Fres Nobee)In December, the Bay Area rapper said touring slowed down her album-making process.
"I'm excited because I haven't even put my album out. I'm hoping when I put it out it will be an even crazier year," she said in an interview. "I toured for three or four months, and then I did hella press. It's only this month that I've been able to get into the studio. ... I have more songs. When I make them, I want to put them out, but I have to put them on the album. It's finally getting to a number of songs where it's going to be enough to make an album. I want to get them out because I want to shut everyone up. ... I know who I am. I don't let that stuff bother me. I know it's going to be cool." (SF Gate)A week prior, Kreay revealed rap partner V-Nasty would appear on her upcoming LP.
Kreayshawn said that the still-unnamed album will cover more stylistic ground than her stripped-down, wobbling mega-hit "Gucci Gucci." "A lot of it is like different genres and forces, from Brazilian-type music to Indian freestyle to techno-type music," she said. "There's everything." For the last month or so, Kreayshawn has been splitting her time between studios in L.A. and Oakland. Fellow White Girl Mob member Vanessa "V-Nasty" Reece will appear on a couple of tracks, though she was coy about any other collaborations she has planned. "I don't want to spoil anything," she said. (Rolling Stone)
Young Jeezy Gets That White Girl, Hooks Up W/ Betty
Jeezy shared a conversation with White prior to last night's airing of the "Conan" talk show.
Now here's something you don't see every day. "Golden Girl" Betty White got some thug motivation from Young Jeezy backstage at "Conan" today. "With the OG Betty White," tweeted the Snowman, who will perform his new single "Leave You Alone" with Ne-Yo on tonight's show. (Rap-Up)No stranger to hip-hop, White previously shared the television spotlight alongside rap mogul Jay-Z for "Saturday Night Light" a couple years ago.
"The nerves are running rampant tonight because I'm scared to death, if you really want to know the truth," White said about the big show this weekend. "Well, there are a lot of sketches coming up. I know it seems like about 350, and I will be doing a couple of sketches with Jay-Z, so that should be fun. "The "Golden Girls" star said she thinks performing alongside Jay will finally prove to all her pals that she's still hip. "I'm very excited about meeting him, and I bragged to all my friends who think I'm over the hill," she joked. "Well, I did a sketch with Jay-Z." (MTV)White previously said she was excited to meet the rap mogul.
When Betty White hosts Saturday Night Live May 8, the musical guest will be Jay-Z. And as the TV legend told reporters on a conference call today (April 28), she's getting into an Empire State of Mind, so to speak. White told reporters that she has been familiarizing herself with Jay-Z's music. "Oh, I'm thrilled to meet him, thrilled that he's going to be on the show because he's the hottest thing since sliced bread," said White. "I will certainly enjoy him; I hope that we get along well." (Dose News)Last February, Jeezy caught hip-hop heads' attention after linking up with pop singer Justin Bieber.
Vulture has previously pointed out how Young Jeezy -- whose next album, Thug Motivation 103, is in a state of perma-delay -- had his position of reigning gruff-but-charismatic-drug-dealer-rapper usurped by Rick Ross. What can Jeezy do to remedy the situation? Either drop 103 to universal critical and commercial acclaim -- or do a song with the possibly omnipotent Justin Bieber. Looks like he's going the latter route: In a grand coup for his career, Da Snowman was photographed in an L.A. studio with a pre-haircut JB over the weekend, presumably while working on a track. Okay, Jeezy's back, everyone; go about your business. (NY Mag)
Cops Search For Rick Ross, Rapper's Crib Becomes Murder Scene
According to reports, the murder took place sometime this morning.
Cops are looking to speak with rapper Rick Ross ... after a 40-year-old man was shot to death in front of his Miami Gardens home this morning ... TMZ has learned. Law enforcement sources tell us ... Ross was NOT home at the time of the shooting and at this point in the investigation, he's not considered a suspect. We're told cops found the victim laying inside a gate at the home. (TMZ)Additonal reports claim local police were called to the scene around 7 a.m.
Police say Ross was not at his home at the time of the death and are not treating him as a suspect. Ross often lets friends stay at the property and has a different mailing address. A car belonging to victim was removed from property by police. Just before 7 a.m., Miami Gardens officers were sent to check out reports of shots fired in the area of Northwest 32nd Avenue and 181st Street. (Miami Herald)A witness has already come forward with details on what went down.
Police were driving near Ross's neighborhood this morning around Northwest 181st Street and 32nd Avenue when they spotted the dead body of a 40-year-old man inside the gate of the rapper's front lawn. "I was there when there were shots. I don't know what car, but they got away down the street," one witness tells Local 10, suggesting either a drive-by shooting, or that the shooter or shooters made off in a getaway car. (Miami New Times)Story developing...
Iggy Azaela Responds To XXL Freshmen '12 Disses, "F*ck The Gossip & Yapping. It's Stupid"
Iggy hopped on her Twitter page and killed any speculation suggesting she is taking the remarks seriously.
"The blog titles should read "girl uses iggy azaleas name for shine" not "beef" get a grip. Two ppl have to care for beef to happen.," she tweeted early Wednesday (February 29) morning.
"Too much talking, not enough music being made. Let's do what we all came to do best MAKE MUSIC. F*ck the gossip and yapping. It's stupid."
"Real b*tches feel me. #HustleGang"
"S/O to the females that stay positive and respectful. The cover is a win for all the girls... Hope next year there's 2 on the cover!" (Iggy Azaela's Twitter)Yesterday, Banks went on a Twitter tirade going at the rap newcomer.
"Iggy Azalea on the XXL freshman list is all wrong," remarked Banks on Twitter. "How can you endorse a white woman who called herself a 'runaway slave master'?" She continued, "Sorry guys. But I'm pro black girl. I'm not anti white girl, but I'm also not here for any1 outside of my culture trying to trivialize very serious aspects of it." Iggy, who is affiliated with T.I.'s Grand Hustle family, did not personally address the comments, but did respond to her critics. "You can't block my blessings! Today I'm celebrating! Get with it or kick rocks!" she tweeted. "First female freshman. Ever. Period. Thanks world! I used to stick XXL on my bedroom door, now I'm on the cover. Life is great." (Rap-Up)According to reports, Iggy represents XXL's first-ever female "Freshman."
If there's one thing lists are good for, it's starting arguments. This is true for just about any style of music, but it goes double for hip-hop, a genre whose diehards don't mince words. No wonder XXL's just-announced Freshman Class of 2012 -- as well as the accompanying magazine cover, seen below -- is already causing such a stink online. This year's roll call of artists -- already-buzzed-about MCs the venerable rap mag thinks will get even bigger in 2012 -- contains XXL's first-ever female selection, Iggy Azalea. (The Boom Box)Additional artists featured on the cover include newly signed Bad Boy Records rapper French Montana and his labelmate Machine Gun Kelly.
It's that time of year again -- XXL has officially revealed its list of the top hip hop "freshmen" of 2012, honoring fresh new talent poised to make a mark on the industry. The list has grown in popularity and garnered heated anticipation each year since its introduction in 2007. This year #XXLFreshmen2012 shot to the top of Twitter's worldwide trending topics within minutes of the announcement. The XXL Freshmen Class of 2012 is: Future, Kid Ink, Danny Brown, French Montana, Roscoe Dash, Macklemore, Don Trip, Machine Gun Kelly, Hopsin and Iggy Azalea. (BET)
Kid Cudi Cuts Himself & Reveals Bloody Slit Wrists, "The Old Scott Is Dead"
While mum on the details, Cudi hinted at the symbolic meaning behind his controversial tats.
"New Tat The old Scott is dead...slit wrists," Cudi wrote as a caption underneath his photo, referring to his government name Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi. You can speculate the tattoos represent a transformation from his former self into a new Kid Cudi. (Cud Life)Cudi's tat follows a strange past few months of artists getting unusual ink jobs including singer Rihanna who tattooed "THUG LIFE" across her knuckles in honor of the late Tupac Shakur.
Rihanna's tattoo obsession continues. The bad girl added some fresh ink to her body this week. RiRi visited the Shamrock Social Club in Los Angeles, getting "Thug Life" tatted across her knuckles. "All these b*tches screaming that 2pac back #THUGLIFE," tweeted the pop star, who already has around 14 tattoos including one with her best friend's birthdate on her shoulder and another on her chest that reads "Never a failure, always a lesson." But that wasn't all. She appeared to be getting another tat on her body from famed tattoo artist Mark Mahoney, while holding a beer bottle. During her trip to the tattoo parlor, she also ran into Grindhouse actor Danny Trejo. (Rap-Up)Recently, R&B singer Beyonce Knowles-Carter tattooed the numerical "IV" on her finger in light of her newborn daughter.
She's taken two nights off from new mommyhood this week to support hubby Jay-Z, but Beyoncé needn't look further than her fingernails to be reminded of the new girl running the world these days: daughter Blue Ivy Carter. "You see the blue nails. You see the IV tattoo on her finger. It's clear that she was bringing Blue along with her because she doesn't want to be away from her for a second," Beyoncé's longtime manicurist, Lisa Logan, tells PEOPLE of her Monday manicure. So how is the newly manicured mom adjusting to motherhood? "Amazingly," Logan says. "When I see her, I'm like, 'Girl, you're glowing.' She's so elated. Motherhood is written all over her face. She's owning it and wearing it well." (PEOPLE)None of those come close to the oddness behind former D12 rapper Bizarre's decision to tattoo a portrait of fellow hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj on his body.
"I know y'all people heard me and Nicki Minaj, my wife, you heard the song named 'Nicki,'" Bizarre said in a video. "But I want to show Nicki how much I really, really love her. Love her. ... So check this out Nicki. I did this for you and only you. So here goes the world exclusive. This is how much I love you and I will eat your p*ssy for life. F*ck. ... Right now I'm with my man Brooklyn Payne. He does all of my tattoos. He did my portraits. Right now, I'm going to show you my new addition. My new tattoo. Check it out. F*ck yeah! Nicki, this is how much I love you. This is your husband, Bizarre." (YouTube)
Max B Can't Ride The Wave Outta Jail, Remains Behind Bars Through 2042
Incarcerated rapper Max B has reportedly lost an appeal in his murder conviction case, now having to remain behind bars for the next 30 years.According to reports, the earliest Max could see freedom is in November 2042.
Looks like we won't be seeing Max B anytime soon. Max B's appeal was denied and he won't be eligible for parole or prison release until November 9th, 2042. Yep, we most likely won't see Charly Wingate aka Max B for 30 more years according to the New Jersey State Police. Max B ended up in a New Jersey State Prison cell in 2009 after he was found guilty on 9 out of 11 counts of murder and robbery charges. If you commit the crime, you do the time but is there any actual proof that Max B murdered anybody? I don't think so. Free Max B! (Rap Dose)Last year, Max had high hopes of possibly getting released from jail.
In April 2011, Max B was hopeful that he could be released from prison in the Summer of 2011. "The appeal process is done, finally. It's been done for about a month now," he said then. "Now what they do is, the prosecutor responds back and you get a letter. They tell you you've got to wait eight to 10 months for a response from the appellate court. You might see me in the summer. You might see me at the end of the year. I'm just waiting on the appellate courts, all my paperwork is done." (Hip Hop DX)Prior to getting convicted, the former Dipset affiliate went to trial over a fatal Holiday Inn robbery.
Gina Conway and two others were charged with murder after a botched robbery at the Holiday Inn on Route 4 ended in the shooting death of one of the victims in September 2006. Conway met David Taylor and Allan "Jay" Plowden and told her boyfriend that the two men drove flashy cars and carried a lot of cash. The boyfriend, Charly "Max B" Wingate then recruited an associate to rob Taylor and Plowden, prosecutors said. (North Jersey News)Max continues to serve his time for the 2006 murder conviction.
The ex-girlfriend of rap artist Max B has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in a deadly robbery at a northern New Jersey hotel. Gina Conway was sentenced, one day after Max B, whose real name is Charly Wingate , was ordered to serve 75 years and his stepbrother, Kelvin Leerdam, received a life term plus 35 years for their roles in the September 2006 robbery in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Prosecutors said they and Conway, who took a plea deal and testified against the pair, plotted to rob two men she had recently met. (The Associated Press)
"One Day It'll All Make Sense": "Hear About His Encounters W/ Everyone From Biggie To Kanye"
1. New York State Of "Times"
Common is now officially a New York Times best-selling author! Not only did fans turn out in droves to get the book but critics have been raving about it as well. And the critics aren't the only ones who have taken notice of this book. The legendary Maya Angelou even said, "Common has written a magnificent memoir... His saga reminds the reader that love liberates and poverty cripples. Common writes beautifully, like the poet his is." If her endorsement doesn't catch your attention, I don't know what will.
2. Get Familiar
In case you've been living under a rock and don't know much about Common, here's a quick overview of some of his music related professional accomplishments. Common is a Grammy award-winning rapper who has come out with nine albums, ranging from his first, Can I Borrow a Dollar? back in 1992 all the way to his most recent release, The Dreamer/The Believer which just came out in 2011. One of the greatest assets of this memoir is that the reader is able to get a much better understanding of where his music truly comes from and how different experiences in his life have created the man we know today.
3. It's Honest
This is a memoir, not a story trying to make Common look tough just because he's from the Southside of Chicago. He touches on many aspects of his life, including what it was like growing up in the city with his father across the country, just to name one. After reading the memoir, the great Quincy Jones put it best when he said, "Common is a 360-degree human being, and I don't say that about many people. He never needed to "pimp the hood" to achieve his deserved success. He is an eloquent and honorable role model and his memoir is a perfect example of his depth as a human being."
4. You've Gotta Give To Get
While making multiple hit albums and writing a best-selling book, Common continues to make sure he gives back to the community. At the moment Common is wrapping up his AT&T 28 Days Speaker Series which is focused around raising awareness for Black History Month. The last stop of the series is in Detroit (2/29) and will not only feature Common, but also best-selling author, scholar and cultural critic, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. To find out more about AT&T's 28 Days Speaker Series check out this link: http://www.att.com/Common/thebridge/28days.html. Also keep an eye out on Twitter for the hashtag #att28days.
5. Attention To Detail
Did you know that Common almost quit rapping after his first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?, sold only two thousand copies? Or do you want to hear about his encounters with everyone from Biggie to Kanye? Or what it was like being the son of a Chicago playground basketball legend? If you're looking to get a much deeper look at Common, this is the book to take a look at.
You Decide. Will you purchase Common's One Day It'll All Make Sense?
To purchase the new book, just click here.
Common is now officially a New York Times best-selling author! Not only did fans turn out in droves to get the book but critics have been raving about it as well. And the critics aren't the only ones who have taken notice of this book. The legendary Maya Angelou even said, "Common has written a magnificent memoir... His saga reminds the reader that love liberates and poverty cripples. Common writes beautifully, like the poet his is." If her endorsement doesn't catch your attention, I don't know what will.
2. Get Familiar
In case you've been living under a rock and don't know much about Common, here's a quick overview of some of his music related professional accomplishments. Common is a Grammy award-winning rapper who has come out with nine albums, ranging from his first, Can I Borrow a Dollar? back in 1992 all the way to his most recent release, The Dreamer/The Believer which just came out in 2011. One of the greatest assets of this memoir is that the reader is able to get a much better understanding of where his music truly comes from and how different experiences in his life have created the man we know today.
3. It's Honest
This is a memoir, not a story trying to make Common look tough just because he's from the Southside of Chicago. He touches on many aspects of his life, including what it was like growing up in the city with his father across the country, just to name one. After reading the memoir, the great Quincy Jones put it best when he said, "Common is a 360-degree human being, and I don't say that about many people. He never needed to "pimp the hood" to achieve his deserved success. He is an eloquent and honorable role model and his memoir is a perfect example of his depth as a human being."
4. You've Gotta Give To Get
While making multiple hit albums and writing a best-selling book, Common continues to make sure he gives back to the community. At the moment Common is wrapping up his AT&T 28 Days Speaker Series which is focused around raising awareness for Black History Month. The last stop of the series is in Detroit (2/29) and will not only feature Common, but also best-selling author, scholar and cultural critic, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. To find out more about AT&T's 28 Days Speaker Series check out this link: http://www.att.com/Common/thebridge/28days.html. Also keep an eye out on Twitter for the hashtag #att28days.
5. Attention To Detail
Did you know that Common almost quit rapping after his first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?, sold only two thousand copies? Or do you want to hear about his encounters with everyone from Biggie to Kanye? Or what it was like being the son of a Chicago playground basketball legend? If you're looking to get a much deeper look at Common, this is the book to take a look at.
You Decide. Will you purchase Common's One Day It'll All Make Sense?
To purchase the new book, just click here.
SOHH/AT&T Contest:(VIA SOHH)
Want a signed copy of the book? Here's what you gotta do:
1- Follow @sohh & @sohhdotcom on Twitter.
Beginning around 1 PM EST, check out SOHH's Twitter accounts for questions based on Fanscape's five reasons you should check out the new book. Make sure when you answer the question, you include the hashtag #SOHHCommon in your response. G'luck! Prizing courtesy of AT&T
"Making Songs Like 'Hands on the Wheel' Is Real Easy"
The track I did with ASAP is on Habits and Contradictions and it's called "Hands on the Wheel."
By the time my manager Dave was like, "You should put Rocky on it," I had already done like three verses to the song. A light bulb popped in my head and it sort of made sense to put him on there because he fit the track.
For me, making songs like "Hands on the Wheel" is real easy. It's a party song and I can usually get those done in an hour or less. Maybe even 30 minutes. It's the songs on Habits and Contradictions like "My Hating Joint," "Oxy Music," or stuff like "Nightmare of Figg St." that really take a long time to finish. Songs where I show a lot of character are gonna always take longer.
I gotta crazy recording process, man. I need weed of course and backwoods. There's gotta be nobody else in the studio but me. And the craziest thing people might not know is, I don't wear any shoes when I'm recording. Like, it's a habit I guess. I gotta be real comfortable [laughs]. I notice every time I leave the studio with my shoes on, I will never finish the song. To tell you the truth, I finished the whole HNC wearing no shoes [laughs].
Schoolboy Q is an up and coming rapper from Los Angeles, California. Alongside Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock, he is a member of the collective known as 'Black Hippy.' His most recent release, Habits and Contradictions, is available now on iTunes and features The album features a host of rappers including A$AP Rocky, Jhené Aiko, Dom Kennedy, Curren$y, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and features production from The Alchemist, Lex Luger, Best Kept Secret, A$AP Ty Beats and more.
(VIA SOHH )
Kid Cudi Lashes Out Over 'WZRD' Album, "My Weak A** Label Only Shipped 55K
Cudi pointed his finger at Universal Republic for its lack of interest in his new joint LP.
"Ok so just a heads up, my weak ass label only shipped 55k physicals cuz they treated this like some indie side project tax right off. So i apologize on behalf of my weak a** major label. And I apologize for the lack of promo, again, my weak a** major label. They tried to rush me thru this so i can just give em another MOTM, but guess what? F*ck that, next album is WZRD. MOTM3 on hold til 2014. who mad??? not me and @DotDaGenius : ) So its def gonna be tough to find one in the stores guys, I'm sorry about that. I gotta go out and find one too, becuz my weak a** label never even gave us a copy of our own album. FAIL!!! Im lettin Universal Republic have it, f*ck it. What they gon' do, spank me?? hahahaha AND Teleport 2 Me, Jamie aint on the radio!!!! like helloooooooooo????? HIT HIT HIT!!! [sic]" (Kid Cudi's Twitter)In January, producer Dot Da Genius revealed WZRD would be delayed.
"Hey Guys, WZRD Update. Me and Cudi have been working on our debut album and it's almost near completion. We are in the final stages of mastering but we really had to take time and pay attention to the sonics as this is new territory for us. With that being said, we have decided to change the release date. We are looking roughly at Feb 28th. Y'all know how Cudi is' and I'm the same way. Everything has to be in place and now it is. I know it's late notice, we were trying to keep the date but got wrapped up making this album perfect for y'all. However for making you guys wait a little longer we will release 'Brake' & 'Teleport 2 Me' on iTunes on the previously said date. AS WELL AS 'DOSE OF DOPENESS'. Hopefully that will hold you guys over until the album drops! [sic]" (Dot Da Genius' Twitter)In November, Cudder said the project would hit stores January 30th.
"News update! Me and @DotDaGenius are no longer called 2 Be Continuum. The world will call us W Z R D, which is short for WIZARD," he tweeted November 18th.
"The title of the album is still undetermined..."
"And heres the biggest news, the official release date will be January 30, my birthday."
"Had to push it back to get the proper time to mix and master, want it to sonically be where it needs to be. For your smoke sesh enjoyment!"
"Also, the WZRD album does not contain any profanity or the usage of the word "n*gga". A universal album for everyone."
"Haha man some of yall really upset theres no profanity?? You know songs can be written with out them right?"
"Some of yall listen to so much ignorant sh*t that thats all you know or are accustomed to. My fans are smart, I know yall better then this." (Kid Cudi's Twitter)Around spring, Cudi revealed the launch of his own new record label.
Just last night in New York City, Cudi announced the name of his new imprint, Wicked Awesome Records. Along with the new label, he broke the news that he had formed a new band called, 2 Be Continuum, formerly known as Wizard. "I needed something more original, something different, but it's still wizardry at its finest." Cudi also gave insight on his upcoming album where he told the jam-packed Roseland Ballroom crowd, "I've only been playing guitar for 9 months but the records are epic, epic, I'm really excited. We gunna have that first single for you soon." Wizard is slated for release later this year. (Complex)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Samsung Galaxy Beam Projector Phone
Samsung has announced a new phone and it comes with a rather unexpected feature – the Samsung Galaxy Beam features a built in projector. The phone comes with a 4 inch screen, 1Ghz processor, 5 megapixel digital camera and 8 GB internal storage. The stand out feature is of course the project, which can display up to 50 feet wide images in HD. What do you think about the phone? Does anybody actually need a built-in projector?
Apple Confirms March 7th iPad 3 Announcement Event
Today the invitations for the next big Apple product announcement event have been send out. “We have something you really have to see. And touch.” The event is being held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco at 10AM PST, on Wednesday, March 7th. In about one week we can finally show you the new iPad 3. Let the countdown begin.
Via: The Verge
Mishka Spring 2012 Lookbook featuring Danny Brown, Venus X, Das Racist & Others
After the video preview, Mishka has released their new Spring 2012 Collection Lookbook today and as usual they have recruited an impressive line-up of rappers and producers to wear their latest gear. The brand continues to present solid cut-and-sew pieces, with the bomber jacket sticking out, as well as the leopard pattern shirts and cardigans this season. Their graphics are of course still very strong and one of the things the brand is best known for. Pictures after the jump.
“As you saw some weeks ago, we recruited quite the team of (mostly) New York rappers and producers to show off our Spring 2012 collection, and we couldn’t be happier with the way the Lookbook turned out. Just look at Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire and the rest of the Peel Off Crew (Goldie Glo, Dallas Tha Kid, Heron, & DJ SicksentZ) up there and try not to smile – not to mention be jealous of their outifts. Or look at Dapwell of Das Racist looking dapper in the Lamour MA-1 Jacket, a great spring layer complete with a bunch of snazzy detailing, and Children Of The Night with the Lamour Bomber.
Photography: Tara Chacon
Production: Michael Cohn
The collection is coming to stores mid March 2012.
Solebox x Reebok Omni Zone Pump Preview
F!ck Swag Hoodie Blk/White
Smack/URL Presents Tay Rock Vs QP
Boldy James x Consignment: Favor For A Favor Mixtape
I’m sure I’m not the only one still bumpin’ Boldy’s 2011 release. And with that said, dude is back with that new new. Tracklist and download link after the jump.
Download >>>HERE<<<
ScHoolboy Q x Ab-Soul – Druggys Wit Hoes Again Video
Diggy Simmons x Jadakiss - 88 Video
XXL: Freshmen Special 5th Anniversary
Via: XXL
Curren$y x Styles P – #The1st28 FreEP
As promised, Spitta Andretti and SP the Ghost come through with their free-release. Features include Fiend, Daz Dillinger and Deelow. Tracklist and download link after the jump.
Download >>>HERE<<<
Nike Air Yeezy 2 Black/Pink
Courtesy of Kanye West‘s hometown friend and manager Don C. is this new image of the hotly anticipated Nike Air Yeezy 2 in black/pink. We’ve seen numerous photos of them on Kanye’s feet, inevitably followed by close examination of the pics and subsequent analysis that puts one to mind the reading of tea leaves in order to divine precisely how desirable the kicks will become as we approach the eventual launch date. What we know for sure, according to this new preview, is that there are a combination of textures at work on the shoe’s upper, from snakeskin to mesh to the synthetic molded heel, that come together to form a fairly attractive pair of kicks. Does this additional glimpse have you closer to making up your mind about whether you’ll need these in your life?
Ski Beatz x Blu Tops FreEP
Download >>>HERE<<<
Curren$y x Styles P – #The1st28 FreEP Artwork
Big Sean Speaks On G.O.O.D. Music Album, Solo Album & More Video
"I got to sit down with my boy Big Sean, we speak about the success of Finally Famous, the direction of his new album (he reveals that there WILL be Kanye production on it, and Kanye and Wiz will be featured on it), being “hotter” than Wiz Khalifa on MTV’s list, being apart of the new wave of MC’s who are currently running the game, being in the studio with Kanye during the recording process of Graduation, meeting Jay-Z for the first time, the new G.O.O.D. Music Album, and he also reveals he will be on Mike Posner’s new single."
Via: Bootleg Kev
Joe Budden Performs Mood Muzik 1 & 2 in NYC Video
In the first of his two sold-out shows in NYC, Joe runs through the first two installments of his Mood Muzik series.
KiD CuDi x Dot Da Genius Cover Complex
It’s “WZRD Week” over at Complex.com and KiD CuDi along with Dot Da Genius are featured in an animated cover which features the two levitating in the California desert. Head over there to read the entire cover where they speak on their upcoming album titled WZRD (out tomorrow) which they mentioned studying everyone from Pink Floyd and The Pixies to Nirvana and Lead Belly when prepping to craft the LP.
Teyana Taylor x Fabolous x Jadakiss – D.U.I. (prod. Hit-Boy)
Download >>>HERE<<<
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