"Anything That Gets Popular In Hip-Hop, We're Going To Try To Get Money Off It"

With hip-hop artists like Paul Wall and Rah Digga taking their hustle to smartphones by launching their own battle rap applications, SOHH hit up West Coast cypher champ Locksmith for his take.

While he sees the monetary benefit of selling battle raps on mobile devices, Lock said his love and admiration is with its original form.

"Hip-hop is a culture, first and foremost," Lock told SOHH. "Battle rapping is something I've been able to get in and be succesful with, getting recognition and kind of getting that initial notoriety. It's something that's popular to a certain degree, especially with the underground. So anything that gets popular in hip-hop, you know we're going to try to get money off of it. As hip-hop artists, we're like, 'If we can make money off of it, let's try it.' They'll have video games and apps. That's a check. I see why people do it because it's a check but I don't know how you can really do it by having a battle rap game or application. I don't see how that would really be dope. To be honest. Even online, people would have online battles where you type out the words and to me, that's something I never was interested in...I want to hear the music and the lyrics. The whole idea of being in a battle rap is being surounded by a bunch of people. But if someone can do it and make money off of it, f*ck it, more power to them." (SOHH)

Earlier this week, Houston's Paul Wall launched his own battle rap application.

Known for his Billboard chart-topping radio hits and the diamond-encrusted "grillz" he made synonymous with hip-hop in 2005, Paul Wall is now the emcee to beat in the new mobile game "Battle Rap Stars". Using patent-pending voice analysis, the game app can evaluate received vocals and assign a score based on a user's rhythm, rhyme and vocal presence. The game features five real rappers that users will need to out-perform in order to eventually face Paul Wall in the final round. "Battle Rap Stars" has been developed as a game everybody can play. It even features a karaoke mode for those who cannot come up with an original rap, which feeds lyrics to users as they need them. (Sac Bee)

In September, Rah Digga hit up SOHH and gave five reasons why fans should purchase her own battle rap mobile game, "Straight Spittin."

"The biggest reason is because you can download it for free. So that's the top reason there because it's free. There are Pay-For options but for the most part, you can get into it for free and test it out. You get free trials and are alotted a certain amount of free battles in the free version. You're allowed to browse through it but I do believe those free trials do expire after so many times. You can go to the $1.99 version which allows you to communicate with everyone else. There's a little chat community that we have. It also allows you to go to different beats. I believe there are different beat packages you can get if you get tired of rapping to the default beats on there. So you can actually go and purchase a beat from known producers. I believe the $4.99 version allows you to practice in a rehearsal mode and you can store those onto a memory card. So whatever is going on in the App, you can store it on that version. The $1.99 version is a step below that. And with the free version, you get some trials." (SOHH 5 Reasons)

Locksmith is most known for building a buzz in the battle scene around the early 2000's.

Locksmith first gained mainstream notice in 2003 when he made it to the final round in the MTV's Freestyle Battle Championship. After qualifying locally at an event hosted by Bay Area radio station KMEL, Lock flew mostly under the radar until he made it to the final round to battle Reignman. Controversy erupted following the announcement that Locksmith had finished second to Reignman in internet and phone votes, though the official voting figures were never revealed by MTV. (Wikipedia)

Wale Addresses Rosa Acosta Beef, "You Don't Get Paid To Talk, Rosa"

Maybach Music Group's Wale has cleared the air on engaging in a publicized Twitter beef with model Rosa Acosta over the summer and detailed the truth behind the squabble's origins.

Wale claims Rosa ultimately sparked the tantrum after taunting him at a Philadelphia show in August.

"You not paid to talk, Rosa, you're just paid to sit there," Wale laughingly told radio hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God and Angela Yee. "[She gave me props?] No she didn't. Don't ever say anything I'm doing on stage is a fail unless it's a real fail. Yes she did [say it was a fail]. ... This is exactly what she said. I went into the crowd as I always do -- it was all girls in the front -- so when I went into the crowd, a girl grabbed my family jewels. ... So I [told] her, 'If a n*gga touch you like that, he's going to jail. No questions asked.' And everybody started chanting as I went back on stage. So Rosa said, 'Oh, Wale tried to jump in the crowd. Wow. That was an epic fail.'" ("The Breakfast Club")

He also questioned whether Rosa is simply eye candy.

"Hold on Rosa, who asked you to speak," Wale said rhetorically. "Have you ever been asked to speak? Have you ever been asked to speak, Rosa? Has anyone ever called you up and been like, 'Talk.' I seen rappers [and] basketball players pick you up. Don't do that Rosa. If I wasn't cool with these dudes, I'd, don't do it. Don't do it with those feet of yours Rosa, we know what them feet look like." ("The Breakfast Club")

Around mid-August, tensions flared after she criticized Wale's Philly performance.

"Rosa you owe me 15%, I made you hot my n*gga...Don't submit your opinion to the public. Your talent doesn't require a voice. We listen to real women in 2011, not industry slides...If your talent is your areola...you don't deserve an opinion." - Wale, on Rosa Acosta after she tweeted criticism about his performance last night. (Complex)

Wale took to his Twitter page and proceeded to hit Rosa up with direct tweets.

"@RosaAcosta how bout I couldn't move..do u have any fans, or a bunch of niggas that wanna f*ck u following u?," he tweeted August 12th.

"If ur talent is ur areola....then u don't deserve an opinion. Shoutout my sisters w/ that ambition n drive 1st. #salute"

"@rosaacosta don't submit ur opinion to the public. ur talent doesn't require a voice. We listen 2 REAL women in 2011 , not industry slides"

"I bet u get waaay more calls at 1am then 1pm @RosaAcosta"

"Its jus jokes ppl...jus jokes..xmas was early I extended somebody 15 min of notoriety. Her areolas should be thanking twitter now" (Wale's Twitter)

Nicki Minaj Calls Housekeeper A Big Fat Liar, "She's Just Looking For Hush Money"

Young Money star Nicki Minaj has reportedly responded to recent accusations by a former personal housemaid who had the police come and break-up an altercation at her Hollywood crib.

Reports claim Nicki says she is in the clear and that the whole situation is a hoax made up by the ex-maid.

Remember that bizarre story from last week when Nicki Minaj freaked apparently freaked out at a former maid and the authorities had to come to her house to break up and escalating argument? Well, the rapper is reportedly speaking out about the whole debacle, and telling friends that the housekeeper in question is full of it, and there was no physical confrontation! Instead, she's just looking for hush money from Her Minajesty, under the assumption that she'll just want to pay her off to make her go away! We have no idea what exactly went down here, but we have a feeling that it's just forever going to be a case of he said/she said! (Perez Hilton)

Details on the alleged physical altercation emerged online late last week.

Young Money raptress Nicki Minaj has apparently let her temper get the best of her. On Thursday, October 27, the "Moment 4 Life" MC got involved in an altercation with her maid at her apartment which resulted in the Los Angeles Police Department being called out to mediate their dispute. Offering a backstory of the fight, police said that Nicki fired the maid a couple weeks ago after the woman pissed her off by taking a photo of her out of the trash and asking her to sign it. When the maid came back to her apartment on Thursday, the 28-year-old ordered her to leave, but the woman refused to leave. (Ace Showbiz)

Additional reports claimed the altercation was a result of mistaken identity.

Now here's where the stories are a bit conflicting. One source says -- contrary to what the cops say -- Nicki actually made a mistake, saw another maid and assumed she was the one Nicki had fired. We have had multiple people involved in the incident tell us ... the maid Nicki confronted was NOT the same maid she fired a few weeks ago. It was a case of mistaken identity. (TMZ)

While the Barbie's name is getting plastered throughout headlines, it is reportedly her boyfriend who became physical with the maid.

Apparently, it's not all pink and pretty at the Barbz's house. The LAPD tells E! News that it were called out to Nicki Minaj's apartment in Los Angeles today to mediate a dispute between the rapping queen's boyfriend and a maid. The same maid allegedly returned today and Nicki's boyfriend reportedly used his body to ease the maid from his lady's home, because they did not want her working there, which prompted the woman to call police. However, there was no report or arrest, just a friendly mediation from the responding officers. (E! Online)

50 Cent Reveals The Key To Longevity, "This Is How To Sustain A Longer Career"

G-Unit's 50 Cent recently opened up about his run in hip-hop and how he has been able to last over a decade within the music industry.

Talking about his new Street King campaign, aiming to feed millions of kids throughout the world, 50 said moves outside of the music biz have kept fans interested in him.

"I don't want you to be confused. I want to feed a billion people people in Africa. I want to provide a billion meals. But I just created a new challenge to get people actively involved and aware of what I'm doing with Street King, where if they're on Facebook, they can go to the Street King Facebook page and click "Like." ... This is how to sustain a longer career. Because hip-hop culture has a little attention span. So, forget what you've done in the past. It's, what have you done for me lately? I got an album that's coming out." (Global Grind)

Last week, 50 issued a public service announcement lashing out against banks and politicians.

"How f*cked up that we have evidence that the big Banks have been corrupt, yet our governments aren't punishing those that have stolen from the pension funds. Our Politicians are puppets for whoever pays them into office. That's how f*cked our system is. Their broken promises for change cant happen especially when the system is corrupt And children who need a meal go without because our politicians won't stop thinking of themselves long enough or how to win the next election, too look around them and see how bad it is. You aren't helping Mr politician, things are getting worse here in the US, in Europe, Africa everywhere! Im f*ckn angry that Children are dying everyday. There's hard working people out there who do give a sh*t. Problem is those with the power - government and big business, want this system to keep going. Its suits them" [sic] (Facebook)

He also revealed his support for the current Occupy Wall Street protests in New York City.

"I don't want to do business with these f*ckers anymore. Do you? if a company isn't giving back, stop buying from them. Buy a pair of shoes from TOMS (who give another pair to someone in need), look for companies that aren't paying lip service to community / charity we are more powerful than the big business and politicians realize......we have the power to stop buying their products, banking with them. your dollar, that you worked hard for, does have power. together we can say - WAKE UP A-HOLES! The game is over. 50 cent - want to shout out to Occupy Wall Street groups around the world. You are waking up the world, including me. Please keep up the peaceful protest, you are making a difference" (Facebook) [sic]

A week prior, Fif went at corporations and politicians with his first PSA.

"The world is so f***** up People don't seem to care anymore People seem to have distanced themselves from other people's problems, they have been programmed not to care! Politicians are corrupt...So many companies are corrupt and taking excessive profits in certain sectors.......and we keep allowing this s*** to happen There are 1 billion plus people living in extreme poverty. You know what that is? You don't know if your getting your nextmeal, no shelter, no medical. You have no chance of hustling your way out of it! We have been programmed to not give a s*** about these people! Well I have woken up and Im not turning a blind eye anymore! Im not playing the game anymore. Our Company CEO's and politicians want us to keep our heads down and not ask questions. Not demand the truth they don't want us to care, they have trained us to turn a blind eye! Because they control us and profit from us this way! to push back at them questions and threatens their lifestyles." [sic] (This Is 50)

Amber Rose Responds To Kanye West's Philly Shout-Out, "If It Was An Apology, I Forgive Him For Being An A**hole"

Video vixen Amber Rose has responded to buzz this week surrounding former boyfriend/rapper Kanye West publicly shouting her out during a Philadelphia concert.

While Rose said it is still unclear whether or not Ye was being truly sincere, she offered her take.

"A lot of [it] is just negativity and I don't like to bring that energy into my life. But I did look at it and he said that, he said um, "When I said that I didn't like your dress, I was an a**hole. When I said that I didn't like your hair, I was an a**hole." And he was an a**hole. He was. I feel like he gets that now, and he's remorseful about being an a**hole to me," Rose said. "But he called me an incredible person, and I take that as an apology. And if it was an apology, I forgive him for being an a**hole. I don't hold any grudges. I don't hate him. I want him to find a girl and for him to treat her better than he treated me. The next girl, she doesn't deserve that. I found pure happiness with Wiz [Khalifa]. Why wouldn't I want that for Kanye? I want everyone to have that, to feel the way I feel about Wiz." (Complex)

Ye's shout-out took place in Philadelphia Wednesday (November 2) night.

While stopping through Philly for his and Jay-Z's "Watch the Throne" tour yesterday (Nov. 2), Kanye West took a minute in between his performances of "Runaway" and "Heartless" to thank the city for ex-girlfriend, Philly native Amber Rose. "To the city of Philly, I want to thank y'all for making the incredible person that this song was made for," West said. Before dedicating the medley to Rose, 'Ye shared a few words on love, "I know love ain't always easy. Especially when people [are] in your business like they all would be all the time, you know. Y'all gonna fight. Y'all goon argue. It's gonna People hating on you and sh*t." (Billboard)

Reports have emerged speculating Yeezy simply copied recent remarks made by Rose's current love interest, Wiz Khalifa.

Oddly enough, Amber Rose's current boyfriend Wiz Khalifa made a similar announcement to Philly last weekend during the Powerhouse concert when he told the crowd, "Philly, thank you for making her, but she's mine now." (RapFix)

Ye rumors to the side, Rose is currently gearing up for the season premiere of BET's "Master of the Mix" television show.

This year's Master of the Mix differs from the first season show with an expanded cast from all over the United States. This year's cast members include producer and host, Just Blaze, world famous DJ Kid Capri, model and actress Amber Rose, and Master of the Mix Season 1 runner-up DJ Vikter Duplaix, who will help to determine the next mix master. The show will air Saturdays at midnight EST on BET, and will repeat Saturdays at 10:30 pm EST and 1:30 am EST starting November 12, 2011 on Centric, a 24-hour music and entertainment channel. (Pop Sop)

Asshole (OFFICIAL VIDEO) ft. A-Town and FlyBoy Millz (HD)

SHOUT TO MY DETROIT NIGGAZ  SHELDON A-TOWN & FLYBOY!!!!!!!

Vybz Kartel Denied Bail For Two Murder Charges

UPDATE: The dancehall star was denied bail after being charged with several murders.

Constant Spring Criminal Investigation Branch detectives have charged Vybz Kartel and Kiro Jones with the murder of Clive "Lizard" Williams.
Police say Williams was murdered on August 16, 2011, in Havendale, St. Andrew, according to go-jamaica.com.

Arrangements are being made for Kartel, real name Adidjah Palmer, to be brought before courts.
This is Kartel's second murder charge this month. Just weeks ago, he was  charged with murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to murder.
Those charges are the result of allegations that on July 11, Kartel and other men conspired to murder Barrington "Bossie" Burton, who was killed when standing with friends in Gregory Park.

UPDATE: According to Washington Post, Vybz Kartel was denied bail by a Jamaican judge yesterday. Resident Magistrate Opal Smith did not give reason for denying bail on two murder charges, and Kartel's team hasn't yet responded to the denial.

HipHopDX will keep you updated.

50 Cent Speaks On J. Cole, Meek Mill & New Book

50 talks about J. Cole and Meek Mill and shares his thoughts about the new book he's written about bullying.

With time, 50 Cent's career has clearly evolved. Now, he's not only working on music but also releasing a new book, Playground, centered around the topic of bullying in schools. Of course, he's also still got his eye on the Hip Hop scene. During a recent visit to 106 & Park, Fif talked about his new book and newer emcees that he enjoys listening to like Meek Mill and J. Cole.

On the topic of his book, 50 acknowledged that he has been the aggressor in several situations but that the topic is one that he has opened his eyes to.
"I was inspired to write the book from a conversation I was having with my son," he noted. "We talked about someone that he actually knew that was being bullied in the schooling system. When we talked about it, I found myself in an interesting space because I was on the other side of that. I was the aggressor."

He also explained that this was due to emotions that he was unable to deal with appropriately at a young age.
"When I explained that to him, I explained it to him about me not dealing with my feelings appropriately at that time. I was a little bit overweight at that point and and they used to tease me. I responded with being more aggressive."

Later in the interview, he was asked about his opinion concerning younger emcees who are making their name in the culture.

"I think [J. Cole's] good. He's in motion. I think [Jay-Z] is going to stand next to him now. He did some numbers. He aight. He cool. Let him in, Jay."

He also added that he enjoys Meek Mill's work.

"The kid Meek. I like Meek. In Philadelphia, they got a real underground scene. Them boys rappin'."

For more on the interview, check the video below via Yardie.

(hiphopdx)

RZA Joins The Cast Of Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained"

The Wu-Tang Clan swordsman expands his acting resume with a role in Tarantino's Western.

RZA is once again expanding his acting resume with the announcement that he's joining the cast of Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained.

The spaghetti Western stars Jamie Foxx as a freed slave who joins forces with a German bounty hunter to liberate his wife. According to Variety, RZA will play Thaddeus, "a violent slave working on a Mississippi plantation."

RZA, who scored Tarantino's Kill Bill 1 and Kill Bill 2, also teamed with the director to have him present his directorial debut The Man With the Iron Fists. The flick, co-written with Eli Roth, stars RZA, Russell Crowe, Pam Grier and Lucy Liu. He will next be seen in G.I. Joe 2, A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas and the next season of Showtime's Californication.

(hiphopdx)

BREAKING: Shawty Redd Beats Murder Charges

Atlanta producer Shawty Redd can finally go back to focusing solely on music-making as reports now claim he has been found not guilty on 2010 murder charges.

According to Shawty's legal team, he won his legal case in court this week.

Rap producer Shawty Redd can now put his legal troubles behind him. MTV News learned exclusively from Redd's attorney Ashutosh Joshi on Thursday (November 3) that the Atlanta hitmaker has been found not guilty of murder, as well as lesser charges he was hit with after the fatal 2010 New Year's Day shooting of Damon Martin. The bench trial, which began Monday, was decided by a judge without a jury and concluded Wednesday. On Thursday, Judge Wade Crumbly cleared the "Who Dat" producer (real name: Demetrius Lee Stewart) on all charges relating to Martin's death. "The defense [in the trial] was clearly self-defense," Joshi told MTV News. "We argued that Redd's life was threatened both verbally and physically, and this occurred in his home and that he shot this gentleman as a result of that." (MTV)

In January 2010, Redd's attorney Marcia Fuller said her client was being wrongly accused.

A day after the hearing, Fuller said: "Demetrius was absolutely defending himself during the incident," she said. "His career will continue. At this point we are waiting for the district attorney to make a decision as to whether or not they are going to go forward on this matter or dismiss it." According to a source within Shawty Redd's camp who is familiar with Tuesday's court proceedings, two of the producers' associates reportedly testified that Martin was "an intruder" who was shot in self-defense, although the police report refers to him as an "associate." (VIBE)

The producer was granted a bail bond shortly after his arrest.

Shawty Redd, born Demetrius Lee Stewart, was formally charged with the January 1 shooting death of 35-year-old Damon Martin. The hit making producer stood before Henry County Superior Court Judge Brian Amero today. Prosecutors pleaded with Judge Amero not to release the hit making producer, Dennis Byron, of HipHopEnquirer told AllHipHop.com, but bond was set at $200,000. Stewart has been held in a Henry County jail without a bond since the shooting. He is currently being represented by attorney Marcia Fuller. (All Hip Hop)

He was accused of shooting a 35 year-old man on January 1, 2010.

Police have released the name of a man shot and killed Friday morning at the home of a popular music producer. Demetrius Lee Stewart - also known as Shawty Redd - allegedly shot Damon A. Martin, 35, of Detroit, Friday morning after an altercation at Stewart's home in Hampton. Henry County Police responded to an 8 a.m. call Friday morning after someone reported a shooting in the 2000 block of Ballymeade Lane in Hampton. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Jadakiss Stands Behind Irv Gotti's Def Jam Bashing, "They Don't Understand The Artists They Have"

The LOX's Jadakiss has stepped forward to vouch for Irv Gotti in light the recent criticism the former Murder Inc. Records CEO has received due to his interest in becoming Def Jam Record's next president.

Co-signing Gotti's sentiments, Jada said he completely understood where Gotti's remarks stemmed from.

"He said a lot of stuff that doesn't get said. He was able to [vent] without hating on the record labels or channeling any hate," Kiss said in an interivew. "Everything he said -- me being on the inside looking out and him being on the inside looking out but now on the outside looking in -- I think he nailed every point. I think everything he said was excellent, and almost everything was true. ... Def Jam and every other label, it ain't that they're bad record labels; it's just sometimes they don't understand the artists that they have -- It's hard for somebody ... when you not coming where I'm from every day. ... You live a whole totally different life than me, but you telling me this ain't the record. That ain't really what's up, and that sometimes happens. It doesn't always happen, but sometimes that's what happens, and that be the conflict of interest." (MTV)

In October, Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons said Gotti is one of the few music executives he could see running the label.

The business mogul and co-founder of the historic hip-hop label told XXLMag.com that he thinks the Murder Inc founder would be one of three candidates fit for the job. "I like Irv," Simmons said. "I'd co-sign him. I like a lot of people lobbying. I like Irv, I like [DJ] Khaled. I'd co-sign [Violator Management President] Chris Lighty. These three people, I'd co-sign any of them in a second." Gotti hasn't been shy about throwing his name in the mix for the job, persistently mentioning that he would be the right man for the gig over the last few months. (XXL Mag)

A few days prior to Simmons' remarks, Def Jam's newly appointed Executive Vice President No I.D. weighed in on Gotti's desired goal.

"I know here he's coming from. Everybody got an opinion about it. I'm just there to do my job, to be honest," No I.D. said in an interview. "He's just strongly stating his opinion, and there are some facts in it and there are other parts to this business that have to do with how things be the way they are...I can't say [if he's the man for the job]. That's what I mean by I won't get into whether he can or can't because who's to say who can and can't? It would be cool to have somebody in that position, but me, I'ma just stay in my position and do the best that I can do for music in general." (WGCI)

In early October, Gotti revealed his aim and motivation to become Def Jam president.

"I wanted to speak on this because I love the hip-hop culture with a deep, deep passion," Gotti said in an interview. "Def Jam is the light of that culture; Def Jam personifies the hip-hop culture. There is no other hip-hop label like Def Jam...If you don't want to hire me -- the best man for the job, the man who will die for it --cool, I understand. You think I'm Suge Knight, you think the feds may come in here again if you hire me, cool...Put somebody in there, because you not giving any sign or any indication that you care about my culture." (RapFix)

Machine Gun Kelly Unloads Yelawolf's Battle Challenge

Newly signed Bad Boy Records rapper Machine Gun Kelly has responded to Shady Records' Yelawolf after getting challenged to name drop him on wax this week.

MGK said being barely old enough to legally drink, he may have gone ahead of himself by making accusations about Yela taking subliminal jabs at him.

"I have a problem with Yelawolf? No. I don't think hip-hop needs that. I think it's corny when it's two white guys [beefing]. Especially when we're cut from the same type of cloth," MGK said in an interview. "I think that I'm young and I'm wild and I say some things, things just fly out of my mouth that are taken a different way. The thing with Yelawolf didn't start with the [BET] cypher thing. It started with me doing an interview - more like multiple interviews. I always get the Yelawolf question, comparisons and stuff like that -- The interview that they were referring to when Yelawolf did do the interview and he saw the stuff was when I was drunk and talking stuff. It wasn't bad what I said. I just think it's a Yelawolf impression - I don't know where it went wrong. Honestly, everything I'm doing is all in good fun, man. I think people took things the wrong way. We never had the chance to speak -- I'm 21, man. I'm going to say some stuff that people aren't going to understand." (Ben Park Productions)

A day prior, Yela challenged Machine Gun Kelly to name drop him if he wanted to battle.

"He's being sensitive. He thinks I'm talking about him [when I'm not]," Yela said in an interview with radio host Bootleg Kev. "The best thing that he could do is if he has a problem or if he has something he needs to say to me, just say my name, dog. This is hip-hop, if you've got something you want to rap about, just rap about it. At the end of the day, this is the God's honest truth, on the Bible, I haven't heard any of his songs -- just because a rapper is white, I don't feel the need to attack them; part of my crew is white rappers -- put it on wax -- Machine Gun Kelly, if you want it, come get it. Drop your verse, do whatever you want to [do]. If you want to take it there, we can take it there - and that goes for anybody else, too. If you're feeling froggy, jump motherf*cker." (Bootleg Kev)

Yela's remarks came just days after MGK called him out during a radio interview.

This comes after MGK's appearance on New York's Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club morning show last week where he said he felt Yela was taking subliminal shots at him with his cypher verse. "Real talk, I just think he takes shots at me in every one of his raps, like the BET cypher," Kelly said. "I felt like that was all about me." (XXL Mag)

Although Yela is down for battles, he previously said he would want no part of Eminem.

The unassuming southern rapper, who possesses one of the more blistering flows in the game, humbly bowed down to his new boss Eminem. "I'd say Marshall is definitely at the top of the list," agreed Yela. "Cyhi Da Prince is metaphorically the illest dude out right now in my opinion. Just the way that he can flip words, he'll just tear you apart." Yela confessed during the interview that battling wasn't his forte such as it was for Em in his younger days coming up in Detroit. Hailing from the small town of Gadsden in Alabama, the opportunity for head to head competition for Yela was scarce. "Where I grew up, there was never a battle scene," shared Yelawolf. "I never got to exercise that because frankly it'll get you beat up in Gadsden." Yela added, "There was never no scene, no ciphers, no real scene to get in. So I'm not really equipped in that arena anyway." Yela wrapped up his answers succinctly by saying "I definitely wouldn't want it with Marshall or [Cyhi Da] Prince. Nobody does." (RapFix)

Rakim Speechless Over 'Hall Of Fame' Nod, "It's Like Proving You Can Be Over 40 & Still Nice On The Mic"

Rap veteran Rakim recently shared his thoughts on getting listed as a nominee, alongside former affiliate Eric B., for induction into next year's Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

Although now over 40 years old, Rakim said the nod has only inspired him to keep working harder.

"I was speechless. You can almost say, "Yeah, I made it," getting nominated to that right there. It's a big accolade. If I get in, it'll definitely put the icing on the cake. To be noticed on that plateau, for me, is enough. It definitely lets you know that you're noticed, appreciated, and somewhat made it in music. But I've got other things to prove. I don't know why, but now it's like [I'm] proving you can be over 40, still be relevant, still be nice on the mic, and you can still be a beast. All of these things. It don't stop with me. I guess with the titles that I've been handed through the years, it inspires me to keep that up. If not, push it further." (Complex)

Eric B. and Rakim's Hall of Fame nod was announced in late September.

The nominations for the 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions are in and Eric B. & Rakim are among the honorees. Unfortunately, they'll probably have to wait another year or so as it's more likely that the Beastie Boys, who were nominated last year but ultimately snubbed, will be the sole Rap act selected this time around. Other nominees include, Guns & Roses, Rufus with Chaka Khan, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Cure. The induction ceremony is scheduled for April 14, 2012 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. (Nah Right)

Last year, after LL Cool J lost a shot at induction for the second consecutive time, lyricist/reporter Amanda Diva hit up SOHH to offer her take.

"LL Cool J is ill, do not get me twisted," Diva told SOHH. "LL Cool J is ill but I kind of feel like there's groups that could very well be in that position that haven't been inducted yet. So we can be mad about it but the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is it's not about hip-hop. That's just what it is. It's about a mass of music. It's not about leaving LL Cool J out...They just, just, just inducted Jimmy Cliff and he's a huge, huge, huge influence as far as reggae goes. There's Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. Jimmy Cliff literally became only the second West Indian inducted into the Hall of Fame. And [people] are mad about LL Cool J? We got a long way to go." (SOHH)

Last summer, Rakim celebrated the 25th anniversary for his Paid In Full album.

"It's a blessing to be in the game this long and to have your work recognized after 25 years," Rakim said in an interview. "It's a big thing. The MC's lifespan in the game is maybe seven years, 10 years, 12 years, so to be around and to get respect at this point is a blessing." (MTV)

Wale Confirms Rick Ross' Nocturnal Struggles, "Rozay Went For, Like, 5 Days Without Sleeping"

Days after Rick Ross made his first public appearance and revealed his lack of sleep ultimately led to two seizures last month, Maybach Music Group's Wale has confirmed his boss' remarks.

According to the Washington, D.C.-bred emcee, he has seen Ross miss more than 100 hours of sleep straight.

While on "RapFix Live," Wale confirmed Ricky's resting habits. "Rozay went for, like, five days without sleeping," he said. "It's not healthy. It's definitely not healthy." Maybach Music Group is comprised of a number of artists, including Meek Mill, Pill, Gunplay, Masspike Miles, Teedra Moses, Torch, Stalley and, of course, Wale, who said he is ready to work extra hard so the Bawse can put his feet up. "We carry the flag for Maybach as well. Maybach is a big label. We have a lot of talented artists," Wale said. "It's on us to step up now. Let's make more music, doper music. Let's work harder, so Rozay doesn't have to work as hard." (MTV)

On Tuesday (November 1), Ricky Rozay made his first public appearance since the seizures on BET's "106 & Park."

"On the flight, I had a seizure and when I snapped out of it and they had told me what happened, I'm like, 'You bugging. Call the jet, we finna keep it moving.' ... I felt a little wore out but I felt like I could keep going and that's what it was," Ross told "106 & Park" hosts Terrence J and Rocsi. "I boarded a jet and I had another seizure and when I snapped out of that one, I woke up in front of a doctor and he asked me basically, 'When was the last time you slept eight hours?' And I said it had to have been at least five years. ... I would get two hours of sleep and keep moving -- me being the hustler. That has to stop. I was fortunate enough, the doctor ran a battery of tests on me from cancer, diabetes, HIV, et cetera, et cetera and I came back totally healthy." ("106 & Park")

A few days ago, Maybach Music Group's Meek Mill said his boss needed some vacation time.

After wrapping up a memorable set at this weekend's Power 99 Powerhouse concert in Philadelphia, MMG signee Meek Mill also shed a little light on Rozay's current situation. "He's just getting rest," Meek Mill told MTV News, addressing Ross' absence at the annual concert, where he was originally slated to perform. "He had his little situation and you wanna make sure your health is 100 percent, you don't wanna be 98, you don't wanna be 97. He's trying to get his rest, chill with his kids." "That boy Ross, he's never had a vacation," Mill continued. "I talked to him the other day, Ross told me he never had a vacation so I'm like 'you might as well chill, get your health right.'" During his Powerhouse performance the Philly native gave a quick shout out to Ross before performing the Bawse's hit "9 Piece," with some assistance from the raucous crowd. (RapFix)

Miami's DJ Khaled recently promised to stick by the "Boss'" side as he recovered from both seizures.

"I am not leaving his side. He is resting, he is chilling and he is actually super focused. He is at the crib and is going to rest and just chill until he gets his energy back. He is going to take everything one day by day," Khaled said in an interview. "I told him he has to stay home for two weeks. I told him he has got to just chill and reIax. I told him he is a big enough star that he can just stay home. His life is more important...When he went in the hospital that was a reality check. I'm trying to tell him, but he's telling me, 'Khaled you ain't got to tell me no more, I understand clearly I got to take my life seriously.'" (Global Grind)

Taraji P. Henson Explains Crushing Drake's Heart, "I Couldn't [Date Him] Because..."

After rumors bubbled up across the Internet last year about Young Money's Drake and Hollywood actress Taraji P. Henson getting romantically hugged up, the movie star has now cleared the air on past fling gossip.

Admitting she knew Drizzy had a thing for her, the 41 year-old actress said age ultimately kept them apart.

"Drake was a friend. It was cute because I knew he liked me and I kept looking at him like 'If you were ten years older, boy whooo' but no," she told television host Wendy Williams when asked about the 25 year-old. "I couldn't because he is seven years older than my son." ("The Wendy Williams Show")

Last year, Drizzy downplayed rumors of being romantically involved with Henson.

"Nah, that was just my cousin, she just looks like her," Drake said in an interview when asked about hitting the town with actress Taraji P. Henson. "How did this conversation switch? [laughs] It was all so professional, let's keep it a hundred. I love older women, though. I love experience and maturity and the conversation. I like to learn from an individual, like, when we converse, I like to really be able to soak it all in, the knowledge, the wisdom, all that. You know what I mean?" (Power 106 KMEL)

Rumors of Henson and Drake becoming an item hit the Internet in July 2010.

Taraji P. Henson and Drake were seen spending the 4th of July together yesterday in Drake's hometown of Toronto, Canada. According to Bossip, the two were seen shopping together for several hours. Drake just recently canceled a few of his European tour dates, but he said it was to spend time with his sick mother. But we see he was also making time to spend time with the Oscar-nominated actress he was making eyes at after the BETAwards last week.We ain't mad at ya though, Drake! (Gossip On This)

In summer 2010, the Canadian-bred emcee confirmed reports of having a short-lived romance with R&B singer Rihanna.

And on "Fireworks" there's a verse about Rihanna, who asked him last year to write a song for her new album; the two soon began seeing each other regularly, though they never publicly confirmed their brief relationship. "I was a pawn," Drake said. The song he wrote for her never got released. "You know what she was doing to me? She was doing exactly what I've done to so many women throughout my life, which is show them quality time, then disappear," he said. "I was like, wow, this feels terrible." (New York Times)

Future Can't Get Past Drake's 'Tony Montana' Snub, "It Turned Out Being A Slap In My Face"

Continuing to ride the buzz surrounding his "Tony Montana" remix radio anthem, Atlanta rapper Future has addressed Drake's decision not to appear in his first breakout single's music video.

Although Future appreciated Drizzy for meeting him halfway by remixing the track, he said not having him in the music video ultimately sparked the most frustration.

"Yeah, but I salute him for even getting on the record," Future said when asked about Drizzy's absence from the "Tony Montana" remix music video. "I wasn't real mad about it but when I first talked to him about it, I told him, 'If you do this, make sure you know what you're doing, this is my baby.' ... It wasn't a shocker because when he did it [the remix], I knew he wasn't going to do it -- just because that's what the music industry has come to. Nobody ain't trying to give nobody a hand and help them push them in the right direction no more than what you're going [in the right direction]. ... It's basically like a slap in my face because [the fans are] like, 'You should have did it with somebody from Atlanta who's gonna get in the video, who want to be a part of your video.' ... I really wanted to give Atlanta something different and it turned out being a slap in my face for it not completing the whole thought." (The Source)

Following the posted video interview, speculation grew over whether or not Drizzy took an indirect shot at Future via Twitter.

"Throw em a bone and they want a steak.," Drake tweeted hours later on November 2nd. (Drake's Twitter)

Recently, Future revealed how he got Drizzy to put his own spin on the record.

"When I was making 'Tony Montana,' it was so far fetched for me to get Drake on the record," explained Future. "They called me and said, 'Drake wants to get on Tony.' We had a long conversation. I sent it to him and he sent it back the same night. 'Tony Montana' is the Scarface movie on wax." (Rap-Up)

The "Tony Montana" remix music video recently wrapped up filming in the Dominican Republic.

Future added that he originally intended to film the video in Cuba--as a proper ode to the origins of Al Pacino's Scarface character--but he was forced to relocate due to certain restrictions."It was hard [enough] getting over to the Dominican Republic and getting all the permits," he explained. "I wanted to go to Cuba, but I couldn't get over there because of the passports and going through customs. It took five hours in customs, getting searched 10 times, going to the Dominican Republic. Getting back, they damn near didn't want me to come back to America." (RapFix)

Maino & Olivia Trade Wet & Sloppy Kisses, "I'm Going To Admit This To All My People & Come Clean"

Brooklyn rapper Maino has come forward to address new photos of him lip locking with R&B singer Olivia Longott this week.

Hopping on Twitter, Maino teased his fans with numerous tweets addressing the intimate shots.

"2 words: Publicity Stunt!!!," he tweeted November 2nd.

"F*ck outta here!!! That aint me in those pics, it was @unclemurda!!! Foreal! Lol"

"I was framed!!!! Haaaaaaaaa!!!"

"Ok, listen I'm going to admit this to all my people and come clean once and for all I am in a very serious relationship. Do yall wanna know who"

"I am currently in love and dating the girl from "Precious", yes its true. I like'em THICK."

"So please respect my Love Life. Lol." (Maino's Twitter)

Despite Maino's jokes, Olivia reportedly denied the current romance fling speculation.

"Sorry to burst yall bubble this morning but those are old memories. #Asyouwere," before carrying on with life as she knows it. But before anyone could blink an eye, Olivia tweeted "only person I'm with is @TK_Kinsey !!!!! They tried to burst my happy bubble this morn #aintgonnahappen." (Fresh Like Dougie)

Photos of the now-rumored ex-couple began circulating online Wednesday afternoon.

Um. Love & Hip Hop's Olivia may just have a new boo this season (sorry, Darrelle Revis) and the culprit is NY rapper Maino. Could this just be really good for TV promo? The new season of the "reality" show premieres November 14 on VH1, so the timing is perfect for this. We have to admit, though-this is strange. (VIBE Vixen)

Last March, Olivia gave SOHH the inside scoop on her policy with dating hip-hop artists.

"Me personally, I don't do rappers, I never have," Olivia told SOHH when asked if she is up for dating hip-hop artists. "I really prefer athletes. That's who I've always dated. And [DJ] Whoo Kid and I have always joked and we still joke to this day. Like, I strangle him every time I see him and he thinks it's all fun and games. He's just retarded. [laughs] There's no specific guys [I'm checking for]. [NBA star] Amar'e [Stoudemire] and I are actually friends. I've known him since he was on [the Phoenix [Suns]. My manager actually manages one of his artists so that [dating] rumor was actually very hilarious to me. I don't actually have anybody in particular. It's just who I meet and will spark my interest." (SOHH)

DMX Caught Working In Waffle House, "The Minute You Get Too Big To Mop A Foor..."

Rap star DMX is showing he is more human than most fans would think by getting caught helping mop up a South Carolina Waffle House this week.

Taking no shame in his call of duty, X explained his motivation to help keep the popular eatery tidy.

DMX sentenced himself to hard labor yesterday, relieving a lowly Waffle House employee from mop duty ... and performing the filthy chore himself! The photos were snapped at a WH in Greenville, South Carolina -- where the rapper stopped in for some late night eats .. after a Halloween party at a nearby strip club. The rapper tells us, one of the workers -- who was mopping the floors at the time -- said he was a big fan ... and X was so touched, he grabbed the mop and finished the guy's job for him. The Dog tells us, "I was in a good mood and felt that I would do that for him since it was 4am and [the employee] had been working all night." The rapper adds, "The minute you get too big to mop a floor or wipe a counter, that's the exact minute you have life f**ked up." (TMZ)

This comes just weeks after X announced ending his cocaine addiciton and opened up about past life mistakes.

"I wouldn't change one thing," X told hosts Rocsi and Terrence. "That made me the man I am today and I love the way I am." When asked what he thought of today's popular rappers, he responded, "I really don't think about other rappers, no disrespect. I'd rather focus on what I am seeing, the message I need to get across." On "Last Hope," X rhymes over a beat which was previously used by Drake. "I didn't know it was his song," said X. "I heard the beat, the hook. I'm like, 'I gotta beast on that.' Thanks for bringing it to the table, I guess." (Rap-Up)

In early August, X revealed that he was battling manic depression.

The 40-year-old rapper has admitted to suffering from bipolar disorder. He claims he doesn't really know how to separate Earl Simmons from "X." "X, X is the bad guy," DMX argues. "I used to be really clear about who was what and what each characteristics each personality had, but at this point I'm not even sure there is a difference." "I'm Earl when I'm with my children," DMX replied with sad emotion. "I miss my children, I miss my children, I miss my children." Instead of drugs, DMX said music is his fix now. Each day a new beginning. (ABC 15 News)

Over the summer, he promised to make a strong return to the music industry following nearly a year-long stint behind bars.

"I kind of took it back to how I felt on my first album -- the hunger, the energy, the hardness of it," says the 40-year-old rapper (real name: Earl Simmons), who was released from prison on July 19. "I've had a lot of late nights in the studio, getting it in, getting it back to where it's supposed to be," says DMX, whose last album, 2006's "Year of the Dog... Again," has sold 344,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The rapper also notes that the lyrical focus of the album will be "bringing hip-hop back to where it's supposed to be. It's not at a good place right now... [There's] a lot of whack rappers out there. It's too corny." (Billboard)