Odd Future Says F*ck The Police, "The World Is F*cking Fabricated W/ A Bunch Of Bullsh*t"

Odd Future's Hodgy Beats recently discussed their "F*ck the Police" record and denied speculation of the song being part of a arranged plot to take down law enforcement.

According to Hodgy, the record came together organically and without an initial modus operandi.

"Yeah. I was going through Left Brain's beats and when I got to that one, and I was like, 'D*mn.' He was like, 'Yo, this song should be 'F*ck the Police'.' I started thinking about it, and then I wrote my first verse, and he wrote his verse right there. Later on, Tyler [the Creator] came in and heard the song and was like, 'Yo, I gotta get on that sh*t.' Half the things that happen around Odd Future are pretty random-- just dragged out of thin air. It's not like some big-a** plan to f*ckin' take over the world and all the sh*t that people think it is. The world is f*cking fabricated with a bunch of bullsh*t." (Pitchfork)

Not stopping with police, Hodgy cited multiple problems in today's society.

"I mean television, news, the f*cking food that we consume," he added when asked what specifically is fabricated in the world. "Everything. It's just a f*cking setup. I see it. I'm starting to travel and see the world. You can tell that America does not even f*cking love their people. I'ma move the f*ck out of America, I don't give a f*ck." (Pitchfork)

Last month, Odd Future's Tyler the Creator made headlines after getting arrested in California.

"And F*ck Those Cops. Had Us In Cuffs For No Reason, Didn't Do Sh*t. "Disturbing The Peace, Loitering And Skating Pass A Cop" What The F*ck?," he tweeted Wednesday (May 11).

"They Just Wanted A Reason To F*ck With Us. F*ck It Tho." (Tyler the Creator's Twitter)

Tyler later came forward and cleared up what really went down.

"All me and this dude did was skate past, uh, I guess it was a cop there we skated past," Tyler said in an interview. "And they just came up to us all aggressive like, 'Who are you?' and got out of the car. And I'm like, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Why, why? What do you need?' I know he's grabbing my arm saying, 'Oh, you want to be a tough guy.' When I'm around cops, I get really, really deviant and sarcastic." (Hot 97)

Ski Beatz Speaks On Producing Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents," Explains Nas Sample

The producer explains why he used a Nas sample on the track and why the song's sequel ended up on "Reasonable Doubt."

In honor of the 15^th anniversary of Jay-Z’s classic debut Reasonable Doubt, Ski Beatz recently spoke to Soul Culture to discuss how the album was conceived. During the interview, he touched on producing the track “Dead Presidents,” explaining why he used a sample of Nas’ “The World is Yours,” later used as ammunition on Hov’s diss track “Takeover.”

“For me, when I made the ‘Dead Presidents’ beat, I first heard the Nas record ['The World Is Yours']. I was inspired by the music,” he said. “I was like, ‘Yo this is dope!’ so I just went into the crates and tried to find something which made me feel like that and I found the Lonnie Liston sample and I threw Nas’ sample on top as a tribute because I loved the song so much. Jay heard it and he was like, ‘this is dope,’ and went on to write ‘Dead Presidents’.”

The single’s initial release wasn’t the final version that made the album, as Jay laid a few new verses on the cut. “The new verses on ‘Dead Presidents II’ were to give people more of him. Back then, we didn’t really do remixes so for an emcee to give you an extra verse was just a bonus for you,” he said.
Read the stories behind “Ain’t No Nigga,” “22 Two’s” and “Brooklyn’s Finest” over at Soul Culture.

(hiphopdx)

Informant To Sign Plea Deal In Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond Case

The man that tipped the DEA off to Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond's cocaine trafficking case.

It looks like Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond's current legal situation may get worse before it gets any better.

Now, one of Rosemond's associates and top members of his cocaine distribution organization is striking a plea deal with the prosecutors in the case.

TheSmokingGun.com reports that Khalil Abdullah, a member of the rap mogul's Rosemond drug trafficking racket, is close to signing a plea deal with prosecutors. But before he officially inks the deal, Abdullah must forfeit $100,000 over to the DEA that he stole from the Rosemond Organization.

Abdullah's theft was the first incident in the case that ultimately led to Jimmy Henchman's indictment. Soon after, he began cooperating with the DEA, tipping them off to specific deals and the Rosemond Organization's use of FedEx delivery services to ship quantities of cocaine and cash cross-country.

Abdullah, who is facing a 10-year prison sentence for his involvement in the drug ring, is looking to receive a lesser punishment for his testimony.

Henchman was apprehended by authorities on charges of distributing illegal narcotics on June 20, to which he later plead not guilty to the charges in a Brooklyn court. Rosemond is also being investigated for the 2010 murder of Lowell "Lodi Mack" Fletcher, an associate of 50 Cent who reportedly smacked Rosemond's son in 2007. He was also reportedly behind the 1994 robbery and attempted murder of Tupac Shakur.

(hiphopdx)

Beanie Sigel Clarifies Statements Made About Jay-Z, Claims He Never Apologized

Beans explains that he never apologized to Hov and that his statements were interpreted wrong.

Beanie Sigel recently clarified his statements regarding his beef with former Roc-A-Fella associate Jay-Z, claiming that he never apologized for anything and that his statements were misconstrued. Speaking with Invasion Radio’s DJ Green Lantern, Beans explained that he has nothing to be sorry for.

“I never made a public apology, I talked to somebody from a magazine, and they brought that issue up. You never hear me say ‘apology.’ What I said was, to stop that interviewer from asking me those questions, and everybody else who asked those questions,” he said. “I felt how I felt and I still feel how I feel. But, just letting it go for everybody else. Hustler’s number one rule is never lose your cool. I broke one of the hustler’s rules. Gangstas fuck up, but at the end of the day, I still feel how the fuck I feel.”

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native explained that he was only bigging up Jay for giving him a look, and that his statements were misconstrued. “It was something personal with me. It was just at the end of a look. I don’t want to talk about that no more. I’m off that, I’m past that,” he continued. “Regardless of whatever Jay did wrong, the one thing that he did do that outweighed a lot of things that I thought he didn’t do or could have did or should’ve did was he gave me an opportunity. And a lot of people don’t get those opportunities, and that’s what I said. I ain’t got nothin’ to apologize for.”

The Broad Street Bully is currently working on the follow-up mixtape to 2004’s Public Enemy #1 as well as a new retail album. As for his absence, he says that he had personal business to attend to.

“I think it’s all timing with me. I just had to go back,” he said. “For me, running constantly since I was first came on the business, I never had a chance to sit still. I got kids and everything. I had a couple issues in my life that made me have to sit down, unwillingly, and when I cam home, I had a little paper trail. So just that time for me to be with my kids, I was missing out on a lot of things. I just enjoyed that and got comfortable in that zone.”

(hiphopdx)

Kanye West Says We Major, G.O.O.D. Music Inks W/ Def Jam

Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West has more to look forward to this week than just Big Sean's Finally Famous debut as his G.O.O.D. Music imprint has officially inked a deal with Def Jam.

Universal Motown Republic Group CEO Barry Weiss broke the news via a statement Monday (June 27).

"G.O.O.D. Music is an exciting new chapter in the long and successful association of Kanye West and Island Def Jam," said Mr. Weiss. "As a recording artist and a producer over the past eight years, there is no one who has made a greater impression on the game than Kanye. We look forward to working closely with the new and established artists that he will be bringing toG.O.O.D. Music, which is already off to an impressive start with Big Sean." (Statement)

Island Def Jam Music Group President Steve Bartels also confirmed the power move.

"Kanye's genius has been proven time and time again on records and onstage," said Mr. Bartels. "He not only pours it out for himself, but he has made the difference with his presence on innumerable projects with other artists who are indebted to him. Kanye is an integral core member of the IDJ family, and G.O.O.D. Music continues his unselfish tradition of bringing along great new artists to the forefront." (Statement)

In summer 2010, G.O.O.D. Music affiliate GLC said the company was not an official label.

"G.O.O.D Music isn't a label for one; a lot of people have the misconception that G.O.O.D Music is a label but really it's basically a family and like a production company. What they do is you get a distribution deal and if you're a G.O.O.D Music artist, then you come out on G.O.O.D Music and the distribution deal. Whoever I decide to do my deal with it will be through G.O.O.D Music because I'm a G.O.O.D Music artist." (Hip Hop DX)

Last month, producer Hit-Boy announced his new alignment with Ye's G.O.O.D. Music team.

"Yeah, man it's definitely official," Hit said when asked about the new association. "We've got a lot of things going with Kanye West right now. Just be on the lookout. I'm a part of the production team, so I'll be working on various projects over there, pretty much everybody from [Kid] Cudi to 'Ye to Big Sean--everybody...It's been in the works for three months, since 'Christmas in Harlem.' We just had to get the business right and it finally came together. I signed a couple of weeks ago." (VIBE)

Young Money's Tyga Recalls His First Time, "I Was 14 & It Was..."

Young Money's Tyga recently got his grown and sexy on by detailing the first time he lost his virginity, and also discussed his new hair color.

Asked to speak on virginity in light of his "First Time" music video, Tyga did not hold back.

"My first time -- having sex?," Tyga asked. "Oh, I was 14 years old and it was amazing! [laughs] It was amazing. I felt different. Like 'D*mn this is what I've been missing?' ... [My hair?] It's just something fresh, something new. Keeping the swag on, and give the people something to talk about and something to watch." (Global Grind)

Last January, R&B superstar Beyonce hinted at who took her virginity.

Beyonce claimed she only had two men in her love life and that she never had sex with the first guy. "Though I was too young for it to really be a boyfriend - we didn't live together, we didn't, you know ...," she said about her first boyfriend. "That was my only experience with a guy, and since then I've only had one other boyfriend in my life - Jay...People would be surprised as to the lack of experiences I've had. When I was 12 or 13 I had my first boyfriend, and he was my boyfriend until I was 17. At that age, that was a long time. I've always been very loyal and a little more mature." (Ace Showbiz)

Tyga and Pharrell's "First Time" record came together in late-2010.

Tyga takes a trip to the planet Neptune for the bubbling "First Time" from his 2011 sophomore album Careless World. With Pharrell on the hook, the boiled-down track sees the 20-year-old settling down with a girl, abandoning his player ways. "I know you ain't scared of Tygas/ I get around, they say my sex on fire," he raps before Skateboard P takes over with falsetto croons. (Rap-Up)

In May, Tyga raised a few eyebrows by joining the hair color-changing craze.

Following in the footsteps of fellow musician/ collaborator Chris Brown, Young Money's Tyga went and switched up his hair colorand dyed his hair light brown. We're not sure what the inspiration behind the change was but tell us, are you feeling his new look? (VIBE)

Lil Kim Takes Pride In BET Awards Absence, "I Will Absolutely Not Be [There]"

Brooklyn rapper Lil Kim decided to snub fans hoping to see her at Sunday (June 26) night's BET Awards and instead devoting her support to the weekend's Gay Pride parade in New York City.

Hitting up Twitter, Kim revealed her decision and updated followers on the 42nd annual parade.

"I will Absolutely not be at the [BET] awards Sunday. I will be on a float at the gay pride parade with my Queens in NYC then at LQ performing," she tweeted June 24.

"Getting glammed up for my G-boyfriends & girlfriends at the #prideparade. Come out & join us at my float. Tonight performing at LQ.," she tweeted June 26th.

"In the car headed to my float on the gay pride parade. We taking off on 37th & 6. Can't wait to see everyone. #teamlilkim"

"Thank you Pride nyc!!! My G bf's & gf's are the best. See u at LQ.http://twitpic.com/5hddop" (Lil Kim's Twitter)

The annual event was especially memorable as gay marriage in New York became legalized a couple days prior.

Parade organizers estimated as many as 2 million spectators turned out to celebrate the 42nd annual LGBT Pride March on Sunday. Many considered it the most electric in the Parade's history. Although this year's theme was "Proud and Powerful," the New York gay community feted the legalization of same-sex marriage, which was signed into law late on Friday by Governor Andrew Cuomo. (Reuters)

The parade's history dates all the way back to the early 1970's.

Crowds gathered for the 42nd Annual LGBT Pride March on Christopher Street in the West Village on Sunday, June 26. New York City's annual Pride March began in 1970 as a commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The March has since grown to become the oldest and one of the world's largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) events. (New York Daily News)

Following last fall's suicide of a gay Rutgers University student, artists like Nicki Minaj have spoken out.

"I would encourage my gay fans to be fighters and to be brave," Minaj said in an interview. "People face difficulties, no matter who you are. I faced difficulties with a lot of things. I face opposition every day, but I didn't kill myself and now, thank God, I'm here. So I want my life to be a testimony to my fans and my gay fans...I mean I could never imagine what they're going through. But I know that suicide is never the answer and I know that things always get better. So I'm supporting you guys. I love you very, very much and for the people who don't love you, they need help." (MTV)

Busta Rhymes Clears Up N.O.R.E. Situation, "I Didn't Really Sign Him"

New York rapper Busta Rhymes has clarified his recent announcement of N.O.R.E. officially joining his Conglomerate Records family.

While denying N.O.R.E. inked a Conglomerate deal, Busta admitted they now have a partnership.

"I didn't really sign N.O.R.E. to the Conglomerate," Busta said in an interview. "We did a business partnership, because N.O.R.E. already got Militainment poppin'. He got his own company, he CEO of his own sh*t already. So when we decided to come together, it was a merging of the company, a merging of the brands, a merging of the corporations and just forming a more powerful conglomerate. It's really a Conglomerate/Militainment thing." (Swaggatory)

Busta credited the new relationship as a result of their longtime friendship.

"The whole N.O.R.E. situation came about because we got a friendship that he's like one of my brothers, one of my closest comrades in this music sh*t," Busta added. "It was pretty much an organic thing. We always been a part of each other's development and career growth...So we just finally decided as brethren, usually friends help each other secure the win." (Swaggatory)

A couple days go, Busta broke the news of N.O.R.E.'s new situation.

"EVERYBODY CONGRATULATE @noreaga 4 OFFICIALLY BECOMIN' A PART OF THIS #CONGLOMERATE FAMILY!!! N.O.R.E #SALUTE!!," Busta tweeted June 24th. (Busta Rhymes' Twitter)

Last December, Busta hit up SOHH to discuss the capacity of his new record label.

"I've officially launched a new record label called Conglomerate Records," Busta informed SOHH. "My new artist is incredibly buzzing in the streets right now. He goes by the name of Reek Da Villian. He currently has a mixtape out that we just officially released. We officially released it on Christmas Eve. I got several artists. I have an artist by the name of Lonnie B, he has a mixtape out right now called Love Games Part 1. I also have another artist by the name of J. Dough. He's got a mixtape called Mr. Better Than Whoever. I have an artist that's the niece of [70's Blaxploitation actress] Pam Grier, her name is Nikki Grier. She has an incredible mixtape album out right now called Soulgasm." (SOHH)

Game On 2Pac Shooter's Confession, "Cats Will Do Anything To See The Light Of Day Again"

West Coast rapper Game has shared his reaction to convicted felon Dexter Isaac coming forward and confession to the near-fatal 1994 shooting of the late Tupac Shakur.

Talking to radio host Angie Martinez, Game said too much time has passed to focus to feed into the hype.

"I'm saying in '94, when that supposedly had happened, I was 13 so I didn't know nothing about that," Game explained. "I was in the seventh, eighth grade doing my thing. So I'm far removed from that. I don't know what happened. I ain't know Jimmy [Henchman], I ain't know Pac, I ain't know nobody. All I knew is trying to play basketball and work hard in school and probably on a bike chasing some girls. Now, it's 2011. 'Pac has been passed. I got Tupac tatted on my arm. I ride for the west and it is what it is...It's just the accusation. The dude who said that is facing life in prison, trying to get his term down. Cats will do anything to see the light of day again." (Hot 97)

Last week, G-Unit's 50 Cent also recently weighed in on the unexpected confession.

"I think whoever dude saying he was involved, I don't know why he would say that right now. I think they're upset with [musicmogul] Jimmy [Rosemond]. Because at this point, the statute of limitations would be up on that kind of situation, and he's saying it without actually damaging his credibility of being a rat by saying the statute of limitation's up. He was saying that he just feels bad about it, but he knows that Jimmy has some terrible legal problems right now. So to say that is just piling it on him. He's done, they're going to wash him up, Flex." (Hot 97)

Last week, music executive Jimmy Henchman's attorney denied Isaac's claims of performing the shooting for him.

"It's a flat out lie," Rosemond's lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman told the Daily News. "Dexter Isaac is not claiming this 17 years later to clear his conscience. He's doing it because he's told anybody who will listen he doesn't want to die in prison. He has kids and wants to work off his sentence. He can't be trusted." (New York Daily News)

In other Pac-related news, producers behind Shakur's upcoming biopic have landed the rights to make a Black Mafia Family film.

In case you aren't familiar with one of the men Rick Ross thinks he is on the song "Blowin' Money Fast (BMF)," the producers of the biopic Tupac, have been granted the rights to make a film about Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory, the head of the Black Mafia Family. Producers L.T. Hutton and David Robinson are on board and ready to get the script together. "We have a passion and enthusiasm in bringing Big Meech's story to the big screen," commented Hutton. "We're working closely with Meech and Tammy Cowins to make sure every aspect of the story is done correctly. (Hip Hop Wired)

Kid Tef Ft Sam Hill - January 16

Kid Tef and Sam Hill team up again after the highly anticipated mix tape Bad Bitches & Comic Books(over 12,000 download since its release on 6/1/11) for this cover of Drakes Nov.18th track. Solid song. If you love real hip hop you gotta download this track and Bad bitches & Comic Books...enjoy....swag!!!!!!!

Download  HERE

The Debut Album from one of Detroit's hottest artist...cold mixtape maybe one of the best this year by far. Production from the Olympick's (Maybach Music Group) and I'm definitely feeling the cover by Tommey Walker ( see Big Sean's Finally Famous mixtape series)...enjoy

Download HERE , HERE,  HERE , HERE , or HERE

Previously :

I'm Cool Off  That HERE
The Choice is Yours HERE

I GET CAKE  HERE

Piled High x Video Girl HERE

Contact Artist HERE

Busta Rhymes Expands His Conglomerate, "Everybody Congratulate N.O.R.E."

Flipmode Squad leader Busta Rhymes has officially expanded his Conglomerate Records crew by aligning himself with CNN's N.O.R.E.

Busta publicly broke the news of his latest addition via Twitter.

"EVERYBODY CONGRATULATE @noreaga 4 OFFICIALLY BECOMIN' A PART OF THIS #CONGLOMERATE FAMILY!!! N.O.R.E #SALUTE!!," Busta tweeted June 24th. (Busta Rhymes' Twitter)

Last December, Busta hit up SOHH to discuss the capacity of his new record label.

"I've officially launched a new record label called Conglomerate Records," Busta informed SOHH. "My new artist is incredibly buzzing in the streets right now. He goes by the name of Reek Da Villian. He currently has a mixtape out that we just officially released. We officially released it on Christmas Eve. I got several artists. I have an artist by the name of Lonnie B, he has a mixtape out right now called Love Games Part 1. I also have another artist by the name of J. Dough. He's got a mixtape calledMr. Better Than Whoever. I have an artist that's the niece of [70's Blaxploitation actress] Pam Grier, her name is Nikki Grier. She has an incredible mixtape album out right now called Soulgasm." (SOHH)

Along with rappers and singers, Busta said his Conglomerate also houses producers.

"I also have a producer who is part of the production family, his name is Seige," Busta added. "He just put out an album that's all instrumentals. His tape is called Prosceiger. It's currently available online. And my last producer that's a part of the Conglomerate family goes by the name of Dready. He's an incredible producer from the UK. The whole establishment and movement of the Conglomerate family is moving in a very powerful, organic, authentic direction. It's going in a real genuine way and it's beautiful to see the support of the people and everyone coming out showing the love. I want to make sure everybody gets familiar with that because it's a primary focus right now for Busta Rhymes in addition to being at the 90 percent mark of completion with the ninth solo album of my solo career. 2011 is going to be a phenomenal year for us." (SOHH)

N.O.R.E's new move comes just weeks after announcing the end of CNN.

"I'm not making another war report album or another N.O.R.E ALBUM IMMA MAKE THE 1st S.U.P.E.R.T.H.U.G album cause that what's good for now...Diddy my homey can't and would never diss him but he was known for anthems and hits it's safe to say Khaled has been upholding that area...CNN was a great group...Time has changed I must move on...Doesn't it hurt to watch a boxer still box when he's heart isn't in it that's what the group feels like right now...Ok I've said way too much have no more to say I'll hit u after the gym salute" [sic] (57th Ave)

Game Breaks Silence On Jimmy Henchman's Arrest, "The Government Be Trapping You"

West Coast rapper Game has stepped forward to address his manager Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond's arrest in New York this week and why the law should treat him as innocent until proven guilty.

Talking to radio host Angie Martinez, Game vouched his loyalty toward Henchman despite the current legal battle.

"Jimmy's my brother and it's ride or die," Game said. "Unfortunate situation, but we gonna keep our heads up and hope for the best...Sometimes, the government be trapping you and flipping stuff and you never know until the case is all rolled out and everything at the end to see how it plays out. We can't even see Bin Laden's body, so why we believe in something they saying about Jimmy?" (Hot 97)

Rosemond's run from law enforcement ended Tuesday (June 21) in Manhattan.

The hip-hop mogul spotted the agents at about noon as he walked out of the W Hotel in Union Square, sources said. Once on the street, Rosemond walked north and tried to outrun the agents until he was finally arrested on 21st Street and Park Avenue South. The US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn charged Rosemond in a complaint today with orchestrating the delivery of multiple kilos of cocaine from Los Angeles to the New York City metropolitan area. Millions of dollars in drug proceeds went from New York back to California, the complaint charged. (New York Post)

Additional reports claim Rosemond is facing life behind bars.

Rosemond, 46, the CEO and co-founder of Czar Entertainment, is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Brooklyn federal court, following his arrest Tuesday morning by U.S. Marshals and agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted on the charges, according to federal prosecutors. (Reuters)

In late May, the music executive released a statement revealing his intent to turn himself over to authorities.

"With the Name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful I have decided to break my silence to address slanderous media once and for all. Firstly, I want to apologize to every music artist and executive I've worked with. In addition, I apologize to my family and friends who have had to endure this horrible situation," he said in a statement to XXL Mag. "The events over the past week, to say the least, have caught me off guard. Although I have been aware of an investigation-taking place over the last four years, I was never informed that an arrest warrant had been issued in my name. I first learned about that warrant through the media when the news was released last week." (Statement)

"We Was Going So Strong That The Industry Couldn't Deal W/ It No More"

Producer Swizz Beatz recently talked about his run with Ruff Ryders and why the famed crew, consisting of The LOX, Eve, DMX and Drag-On, never received enough props for their contributions.

Speaking with radio personality Tim Westwood, Beatz reflected on RR's late 90's run.

"I just feel like the whole Ruff Ryders thing wasn't given its proper props," Swizz said. "It was a great time for Hip Hop; we was very unique at the time. Nobody really brought in a culture within another culture--the bike culture--extreme sports mixed with the street. We had something really unique that happened and blew up real fast. People forget we were breaking all kinds of records, and I think we was going so strong and so powerful that the industry couldn't deal with it no more." ("Tim Westwood TV")

A few months ago, rapper Drag-On talked about breaking away from Ruff Ryders.

"I finally got my release from Ruff Ryders," Drag informed SOHH. "And now I got my own record label, Hood Environment. We're getting it popping. I have my own artists and we're putting out our own videos and sh*t like that. We're just working man. Word. Right now I'm feeling really good. A lot of people welcomed me back with open arms so at the end of the day, I'm just excited that the streets are excited [to hear new music from me]. A lot of people are really starting to catch on to my Hood Environment record label movement. Everything is gravy. I definitely cannot complain right now." (SOHH)

In February, Eve discussed moving past her former Ruff Ryders image.

"I hate it when people say, 'The old Eve, the old Eve.' No! I can't pretend to be that girl anymore. If I did, people would see that and be like, Why is she trying to be that same person? ... When I went to take label meetings and they would listen to the music, a lot of them would be like, 'Yeah, that's good, but what's up with the Ruff Ryders sh*t?' I'm like, 'Yo, I was 21 then.' It's been years now. I've done a million different things. 'Tambourine' isn't Ruff Ryders. The records I did with Gwen [Stefani] weren't Ruff Ryders. I trust my audience enough to think they've grown, just like me -- I'm hoping for that, but we'll see." (Ink Magazine)

Since the 1990's, Ruff Ryders has seen multiple rap stars come and go from the label.

Ruff Ryders' founders were initially famous for managing rappers DMX, Mase and The Lox who became multi-platinum stars for Def Jam Recordings and Bad Boy Entertainment in the late-1990s. After DMX's success, the management company started its own label imprint throughInterscope Records, and had success with releases from female rapper Eve, former Bad Boy Records group The L.O.X. and its main rapper Jadakiss, Drag-On, and newcomer Jin, winner of BET's 106 & Park freestyle MC battle competition. The Deans' nephew Swizz Beatz is the main producer for most of the acts on the roster. In 2001 Cassidy was signed to the label through Swizz Beatz along with Full Surface labelmate Yung Wun. (Wikipedia)

Missy Elliott Clears Up Disease Reports, "It Really Hasn't Slowed Me Down"

Rapper Missy Elliott has come forward to clear the air on recent headlines discussing her battle with Graves' disease and how it has not hurt her music career.

Speaking via a statement, Elliott cleared up any misunderstandings initial reports may have created.

"There have been some inaccuracies reported in regards to my diagnosis with Grave's Disease, so I wanted to clear things up. I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease about three years ago but it really hasn't slowed me down at all. I rocked my performance on VH1 Hip Hop Honors' tribute to Timbaland last year. I've written and produced a bunch of Grammy-nominated, #1 hits for artists like Keyshia Cole, Monica and Jasmine Sullivan. I toured the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. And on top of all that, I'm working on my new album. I feel great. Under my doctor's supervision, I've been off medication for about a year and I'm completely managing the condition through diet and exercise." (Statement)

Earlier in the week, details of Missy's disease talk on VH1's "Behind the Music" emerged.

According to Brad Abramson, executive producer for Missy's VH1 Behind the Music (premiering June 29) the visionary suffered from painful health problems. "Missy was great and very candid. She talked for the first time about her [near fatal bout with] Graves disease, which she's been battling for the last few years, and spoke in detail about the sexual abuse she experienced as a child." Missy opened up about her fight with the autoimmune disease even more saying: "You live with it the rest of your life. I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad. I couldn't even use a pen." (VIBE)

She also discusses how difficult it was to complete daily activities.

"I was (driving and) trying to put my foot on the brake, but my leg was jumping. I couldn't keep the brake down and almost crashed... I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad - I couldn't even use a pen." (PEOPLE)

Graves' disease is associated with the body's metabolism function.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. This gland releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control body metabolism. Controlling metabolism is critical for regulating mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels. (NCBI)

Common Joins Rick Ross & Curren$y, Inks WMG Deal

Rap veteran Common is set to strengthen the power alongside Rick Ross and Curren$y by officially inking a deal with Warner Music Group.

Confirmation of his new label situation emerged online heading into the weekend.

XXLMag.com has learned that Common has signed to Warner Bros. Records. A source close to the deal has confirmed with us that the Chicago rapper/actor will be releasing his next record on Warner. As of press time a release date is unknown. (XXL Mag)

Last month, Rick Ross defended his decision to bring Maybach Music Group to Warner Bros.

"You know, as a boss you gotta make certain things happen and that's what I was able to do," Ross explained in an interview. "Me, as a solo artist, we're still at Def Jam Records, I have another album or two [to release due to contractual obligation]. But me being an executive, me being a boss, Maybach Music, I had an opportunity to sow my royal oats. We needed a situation that understood that we could make music at a much quicker rate than a lot of people do. And I wanted to put out music at that same rate. I think it's obviously, since we closed the deal, maybe a little more than two months later, here we are today, Self Made in stores. It's constant meetings and discussions and attorney hours. I got great relationships over at Def Jam, so I was pretty much getting my words across. It basically just came down to what was best for Maybach Music and Warner." (RapFix)

With the recent WMG signings, SOHH decided to hit up Curren$y to get his reaction to the new additions.

"I'm f*cking pumped about it," Curren$y told SOHH when asked about being on the same label as Maybach Music and XV. "And they signed [R&B singer] Jill Scott too. So Jill Scott's over here, Rick Ross signed Teedra Moses. She's from New Orleans [like me]. It's crazy. It's great when you need to look for features and you have a pretty steep stable [of Warner Bros. artists]." (SOHH)

Last September, Common announced plans to drop a solo project by the spring.

"I'm working on [a new album] now, I know I said I was working on it before, I was, but then I stopped and did promo for "Just Wright," then stopped and did this TV show and was doing a couple other things that I needed to do. But now I'm focused, and working and I'm really- in all reality, I believe that the new album will come out in the spring. I'm looking at around April or May for the new album. It's called The Believer. I had that title for a while to be honest. The time has come. It's coming." (All Hip Hop)

Drake Lets His Feelings Spill, "If I Make A Song That's Emo, I'm Going To Stick To That"

Young Money's Drake has opened up about letting his emotions spill into the music and why he is not afraid to be described as an emo rapper.

Drizzy said his emphasis on describing real life experiences makes him who he is.

"I only really know how to do one thing. I don't know how to make generic songs about the struggle and things that aren't about me, I just know how to make songs that are about me," Drake told FADER writer Judnick Mayard. "If I make a song that's emo or emotional, then I guess yeah, I'm going to stick to that. I make songs about my life, because if you want me to be honest with you, that's the best way I know how. The things I've experienced and the things I've lived. That's what I like to do." (The FADER)

Recently, Slaughterhouse's Joe Budden took on the emo debate.

"There's pros and cons of everything. This is the way that I began rapping, that I began writing. It was always very therapeutic, it was always very introspective, it was always very personal. And that was more so for me, not even the fans. So it's like a real blessing that fans were able to appreciate that and gravitate towards that and accept that and expect that from me. It's worked out in my favor. It's not a gimmick, it's not gimmicky. It's not just some regular rap bullsh*t that a n*gga's doing because he sees he's having success in that field or in that lane. I think it's all very genuine and it's all very sincere, and I think the fans are able to tell that." (Its My Culture)

In September 2010, G.O.O.D. Music rapper Kid Cudi defended his emo image.

"DMX is emo and he's one of the realest n*ggas in the game. Emotion is what hip-hop thrives on. Don't you want your music to have emotion in it? People like to always throw some negative cloud over it. Doesn't even make sense. Jeezy is emo. When that n*gga be rapping, you feel it. You know that n*gga's talking some real sh*t...People are quick to judge my singles one by one, and when the album drop, those be the a**holes that are like, 'Oh sh*t, I totally underestimated Cudi, this sh*t is crazy.' I told you, dumb**: You can't look at snippets from an Oliver Stone film and be able to critique it." (Complex)

This week, West Coast rap newcomer Co$$ told SOHH about the advantages of putting emotion in music.

"I know this is going to sound really subjective and stereotypical but the third reason is because I'm a real motherf*cker. This is not some exaggerated thing. I feel like there's a lot of artists going emo or putting too much emotional sh*t into the music. Some artists feels like it's a negative but I feel like it's a plus. Identifying with artists is what really made rappers like 2Pac and Biggie and Black Thought. So I'm a real n*gga but not on some generic type stuff like I bust my guns. I'm a genuine person and I really feel like I go through the same stuff everyone else does." (SOHH Buy My Record)

"The MC's Lifespan In The Game Is Maybe Seven Years"

Rap veteran Rakim recently opened up about his run in hip-hop and expressed his appreciation for still being acknowledged as a great lyricist after two decades in the game.

Following a celebratory 25th Anniversary concert for his Paid In Full album, Rakim spoke on his legacy.

"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)

In 2009, Rakim talked to SOHH about when rappers should call it quits.

"Yeah, I think what's happening is, rappers are becoming, especially for people that love a rapper, rap and hip-hop come to party," Rakim explained. "You can't just put it down. It's not like sports where you know, you lose a step. You can lose skills in rapping of course, but it's a little different man and I think sitting back and watching the R&B genre, you got, at any awards show and you see brothers like Al Green come out and tear it down. It's longevity in R&B and I think if it's done right, to an extent, I think we can have a little longer gevity in hip-hop, it don't just have to be a young music anymore. You got people like myself, I'm in my 40's now, early, early early like real early. I just touched 40, but still, I don't plan on stop listening to rap anytime soon and I don't plan to stop rhyming no time soon and it's that tug-of-war with the fans." (SOHH)

While only 29, Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne has announced plans to possibly hang up the mic following August's release of his long-awaited Tha Carter IV.

The Young Money leader also revealed to XXL that he plans to retire soon and hints at C4 possibly being his last offering. "I'm bowing out still on top," he says. "I'ma make y'all want me when I retire. I'ma make y'all be like, 'Nooo!' I ain't leaving out this b*tch when y'all be like, 'Yeah, it's about time, dawg.' Carter IV might be my last one. I'ma make y'all be like, 'F*ck!' Yeah, n*gga, I'm gone." (XXL Mag)

Grammy-winning rapper Eminem previously detailed his struggle with imagining retirement.

"We just haven't found anything that's been the right thing at the right time," Em explained in an interview about his film career. "I have to be finished with this album and then I'll probably want to jump into something like that. I don't know if there's a movie where I'll want to be in every single scene again, but something, yeah...It was, 'I don't want to be a rapper when I'm 40,' and the next time we talk it will be, "I don't want to be a rapper when I'm 50." Sixty is the cut-off. I can't be no 60-year-old rapper, son!" (Complex)

Big Sean On Kanye West's Beyonce Comparison, "I'm Not Gonna Make Ye Eat His Words"

After he was recently mentioned for his potential to achieve the fame on the level of R&B superstar Beyonce by Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West, G.O.O.D. Music's Big Sean has stepped forward to share his reaction.

Accepting Ye's proclamation, Sean said he will use his mentor's words for motivation.

"You know, I am gonna be that. I'm gonna take it there. I'm not gonna make 'Ye eat his words or anything," he says. "I appreciate him being so outspoken and for believing in me so much. It gives me my own confidence." (VIBE)

In early June, Yeezy appeared at Sean's Finally Famous album listening session and proclaimed the rapper's greatness.

"Big Sean's story is one of the most amazing ever because he literally got signed off of a freestyle, to now...having the potential to be one of the biggest artists in the world," Ye said. "What Beyonce is to R-n-B...Big Sean can be to rap." (YouTube)

Confident in his own style, Big Sean recently told SOHH he would include himself in our Top 5 Dead or Alive challenge.

"Big Sean goes in there because I'm my favorite rapper. H*ll yeah. I'm deserving of being in the Hall of Fame because I changed hip-hop with a rap star before even dropping my first album. Everybody in the game you can think from Lil Wayne to Drake were influenced [by me]. They borrowed my style, [and] it showed me how far I can go in this rap game. I'm only 22." (SOHH's Top 5 D.O.A.)

In March, Sean reacted to Drake citing Ludacris for using his signature flow.

"With the super duper flow, I created that one word rhyme style," Big Sean said in an interview. "Drake really made it more popular, but Drake gave me the credit and was like, 'I really got that from Big Sean.' I think some artists just did it so wack man. Every time I say names I get in trouble and it's like I'm dissing, but some people used it wack. If he said Ludacris used it wack, hey. Don't get it wrong I'm not trying to dis Ludacris or nothing. He's a great MC. But even though that style got so overused, there was a lot of people who did it great and there was a lot of people who didn't do it so great. People always ask me was you mad that people took that style from you. I'm like, 'Nah, that went and shows me how far I can go as an artist.' I feel like I changed hip-hop. I haven't even dropped an album yet. So that goes to show me how powerful my mind is.'" (RapFix)

Chris Brown Gives Up Odd Future Battle, "This Beef Sh*t Is Stupid"

After a few back and forth exchanges, R&B singer Chris Brown has come to terms with West Coast rap group Odd Future and issued a public apology.

Hitting up Odd Future's Frank Ocean, Chris Breezy promised to end the beef.

"This beef sh*t is stupid, @frank_ocean I respect ya music and you and Odd Future! Ain't beefing wit nobody. Y'all can have that! Love," Brown tweeted June 23rd. (Chris Brown's Twitter)

While Ocean has yet to respond, Odd Future's Tyler the Creator agreed to cease fire.

"@chrisbrown Sh*t Got Too Real On Both Ends. I'm Over It. We're All Over This Sh*t. Its Stupid As F*ck. Swag It Out.," he tweeted June 23rd. (Tyler the Creator's Twitter)

A couple days ago, Ocean was reportedly harassed by Brown's cousins.

Last night a video was uploaded to World Star Hip Hop that shows Frank Ocean being chased (or followed rather) through the streets of Weho by what is suppose to be Chris Brown's cousins Mijo and Trell (of Young Money??). According to the 'alleged' story, Frank Ocean came down to Chris' dance studio looking for him yesterday evening but started to run once he actually saw him. Chris Brown's boys then hopped in a vehicle and started chasing him while yelling 'What it do! Take the Fade Nicca!!!!." (Necole Bitchie)

After last weekend's Twitter rants, Odd Future taunted Brown during a concert.

Following Friday's Twitter feud between Odd Future and Chris Brown, the hip-hop collective played the House of Blues in their hometown of Los Angeles on Saturday night. Before performing "She" with Frank Ocean, frontman Tyler, the Creator lamented about MTV banning the song's video while sharing his dream to one day win a VMA. But it wasn't long before the crowd reignited the fire, chanting, "F**k Chris Brown!" OFWGKTA members hurled insults ("He's a loser") at the blond singer and Tyler chimed in, saying, "He beats up women, he's a b*tch." (Rap-Up)

Odd Future Gets Nasty & They Know It, "I'm Just Stoked"

West Coast newcomers Odd Future continue to keep making headlines with a new announcement that they will be sharing the microphone alongside rap veteran Nas.

According to Odd Future's Hodgy Beats, their Nas collabo is still in the works.

In a recent phone conversation, Odd Future/MellowHype rapper Hodgy Beats revealed that he, Odd Future figurehead Tyler, the Creator, and OF R&B singer Frank Ocean are working on a song with Queensbridge rap legend Nas. (Nas hadpreviously announced plans to collaborate with Frank Ocean.) Talking about the track, Hodgy mentioned that it's still in progress and that he hasn't met Nas yet; Ocean is the one putting the track together. Hodgy says, "The song is almost finished; we're just waiting on a verse... I'm just stoked to be on a song with [Nas]." (Pitchfork)

Odd Future member Frank Ocean recently hinted at working alongside the Queens, New York rap veteran.

Odd Future is everywhere these days, even in the studio with Nas. The hip hop collective's lead crooner Frank Ocean has been making waves off his Def Jam shelved debut effort Nostalgia, Ultra. The work was released for free via Ocean's Tumblr page and since then, the singer/songwriter has been in demand. The artist has now been tapped by Nas for a collaboration. (RapFix)

Not only admired by Nas, Odd Future were recently co-signed by Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man.

"If I was Odd Future, I wouldn't want to be compared to anybody. I love that group by the way, I love Odd Future. I like Tyler the Creator, that song 'Yonkers,' -- they're good, they're different. It's a breath of fresh air. Tyler the Creator. Very weird. But I'm into weird sh*t." (Soul Culture)

Recently, Nas promised to continue bringing back hip-hop's raw element in his music.

"Nah, I just tucked it. I tucked it because I wanted to do other things, experiment with other sh*t and didn't want to do the same sh*t over and over," Nas said about his hunger for hip-hop. "Hip-hop got so big that it's important to open it back up, that real sh*t. No dis to what nobody else is doing, but it's important to open this real sh*t back up." (MTV)