(AllHipHop News) Rappers the Wu-Tang Clan celebrated the 20th anniversary of their Wu-Tang Forever album at the 2017 Governors Ball Music Festival in New York on Saturday.
RZA, Method Man, Cappadonna, GZA, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and Masta Killa hit the stage at Randall’s Island for a set of classics and even a snippet of The Beatles’ “Come Together,” which has become a live tradition.
Late rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son, Young Dirty Bastard, joined his dad’s bandmates for “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money,” and Redman stunned fans by hitting the stage for “Da Rockwilder” after Method Man told the crowd his pal wasn’t at the gig.
The second day of the Governors Ball also featured acts like Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Rae Sremmurd, Stormzy, Phoenix, and Tame Impala.
(AllHipHop News) Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges is perhaps now best known for his appearances in the billion-dollar The Fast and the Furious movie franchise.
However, Ludacris first became a national celebrity thanks to his lyrical abilities on albums such as Back for the First Time, Word of Mouf, and Chicken-n-Beer.
Vanity Fair caught up with the Atlanta rapper to get responses to Genius annotations for some of his biggest hit records.
Luda clarifies whether users of the website got the meaning behind his bars correct.
“The funny thing about these interpretations is you’re thinking even more into it than I was thinking,” said Ludacris. “I love that you guys think deeply and are really passionate about your favorite emcee’s lyrics.”
(AllHipHop Editorial) Hip-Hop has been a global phenomenon for quite some time now, Global Hip-Hop Day (June 8) is nearly upon us and a bevy of pioneers will be celebrated as one of Hip-Hop’s origin spots is christened ‘Hip-Hop Boulevard’ at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. Guest include: the aforementioned Kool Herc, DJ Scratch, DJ Chuck Chillout, DJ Red Alert, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Kast One, DJ Enuff, DJ Camilo, D-Nice, Kid Capri, Doug E. Fresh, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Swizz Beats and many others.
A recent conversation on Hot 97’s Street Soldiers with Lisa Evers addressed the issues surrounding the tremendous growth of Hip-Hop since its earliest origins. AllHipHop founder Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, Hot 97’s TT Torrez and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had a spirited conversation about Hip-Hop that included the youth, the OG’s, the generation gap, the globalization of Hip-Hop and if the genre is a disappointment. Check out the telecast and the unedited radio conversation below. Join in the debate in the comments section!
Here is the full audio if you want to listen to the whole unedited conversation.
(AllHipHop News) Ariana Grande, other musicians, and the people of the United Kingdom showed their resilience against terrorism by taking part in the One Love Manchester benefit concert.
Deadline reports One Love Manchester averaged 10.9 million viewers on BBC One, making it the U.K.’s most-watched television program of 2017.
Over 22 million people tuned into the show for at least three minutes at some point.
Besides Grande headlining the concert at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, other performers included Pharrell Williams, Mac Miller, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, and Liam Gallagher.
Other stars – such as Stevie Wonder, Chance The Rapper, DJ Khaled, Jennifer Hudson, Demi Lovato, Kendall Jenner, and Rita Ora –appeared in video messages during the concert.
The One Love Manchester benefit concert was organized to support the victims of the May 22 suicide bombing.
To donate to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund visit redcross.co.uk.
(AllHipHop News) Fans of Childish Gambino may only get one more studio album from the Atlanta-bred musician/actor.
CG performed a set at New York’s Governors Ball festival this weekend, and he took a moment to announce his plans to drop a final LP.
“I’ll see you for the last Gambino album,” the entertainer also known as Donald Glover told the crowd.
So far, Gambino has released three LPs – Camp, Because the Internet, and “Awaken, My Love!”
His discography also includes several mixtapes and EPs.
Gambino’s “The Worst Guys” collaborator Chance The Rapper was also recently in NYC, and the Chicago native spoke with Hot 97 about the long-rumored joint project from the two stars.
Chance presented even more bad news for Gambino followers when he was asked about the potential collaboration.
“This is going to hurt people’s feelings. We’re probably not going to put out a project in reality until we’re around like 44,” expressed the 24-year-old.
In February, Glover discussed a possible Childish-Chance body of work while speaking with 92.3.
“We actually sat down in the studio and were talking for a little bit,” said Gambino. “We’re both busy, but I think when he has a moment, we’ve been sitting down working together. I think it’s about catching a vibe.”
(AllHipHop News) Schoolboy Q recently sat down with Montreality for a new interview.
The Top Dawg Entertainment representative covered several topics including the potential compilation project with his fellow Black Hippy members Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock.
“Y’all been asking that question for like four years,” responded Q when asked about Black Hippy. “I don’t know man. I can’t say that.”
That individual work plays a part in why the Black Hippy project has yet to come to fruition.
“People don’t understand when you’re working on an album and you’re getting into a groove, it’s hard to stop that groove, that zone you’re in, and that vision you got, to jump into a whole new thing,” stated Q.
The Los Angeles rhymer went on to explain that TDE artists’ tendency to focus on putting together conceptual solo projects makes it difficult for the foursome to come together for a full body of work.
He added, “I can’t say that we’ll be in the studio getting a Black Hippy album ready. No matter how much [TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith] wants it to happen, no matter how much [TDE Co-President Dave Free] and the fans want it to happen – the chances of us getting into the studio together working on Black Hippy is slim because it’s just too much going on.”
Schoolboy Q made it clear he is open to doing a BH album, but they have to find the time to make it happen.
“We’re not just going to go into the studio and finish an album in a month,” expressed the “THat Part” rhymer. “Maybe some of these other rappers do their music like that, but we don’t do our music like that.”
(AllHipHop News) Congratulations should go out to Bryson Tiller as the singer-rapper earned his first #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart.
According to Billboard, Tiller’s sophomore album, True To Self, collected 107,000 equivalent album units (47,000 traditional albums) in its first week of sale.
The Kentucky native’s 2015 project, Trapsoul, opened with just 22,000 copies in its first week, but the LP went on to reach platinum status.
Trapsoul peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200 in January 2016.
In addition, Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty’s debut studio album, Teenage Emotions, broke out with 46,000 units (20,000 traditional albums) this week.
Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN is still maintaining a Top 5 position (#2) by collecting another 84,000 units.
(AllHipHop Rumors) UHM. Are these new Kanye West songs real? I can’t lie, this sh!t is the most UNHOT sh!t Kanye has ever created. He’s even topped “Drunk Hot Girls” from back in the day. Anyway, I question if these songs are real or not. I believe they are some sort of creation from somebody, but they sound like real songs – REAL WACK SONGS.
“I be acting like I’m White.” OK. Now, a further listen seems like these might be actual reference tracks or something. Does that mean Kanye is using a ghost writer? Well, that’s nothing knew. He’s been getting help for the longest. ANYWAY. Listen and let me know what YOU THINK!
(AllHipHop News) Rapper/Cash Money Records CEO Bryan “Birdman” Williams is looking to sell his famous mansion in Miami.
According to reports, Birdman is selling the Palm Island mansion that was once owned by former Rockstar Energy CEO Russell W#####, as well as producer Scott Storch.
Birdman, who purchased the mansion for $14.5 million in October 2012, spent a few million in renovations and he is asking for $20 million for the luxurious home.
Birdman will be leaving behind a 20,000 square-foot, seven bedroom, 12 bathroom mansion that has elevators, a 100-foot waterfront, movie theaters, basketball courts and other amenities.
The news of the sale of Birdman’s Miami mansion comes as the mogul fights a $51 million-dollar lawsuit with his star artist, Lil Wayne, over his album Tha Carter 5.
Despite the legal issues, Birdman was still able to make Forbes’ richest rappers list this year, with an estimated net worth of $110 million.
(AllHipHop News) Two big-box clothing retailers are accused of ripping off images of Tupac Shakur for a new line of shirts.
Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 have been slapped with a lawsuit by photographer Danny Clinch, who shot images of Tupac Shakur for Rolling Stone in 90’s.
The legal issues started when Amaru/AWA Merchandising entered into an agreement with two companies, Bioworld Merchandising and Planet Productions, to use the photos on a line of T-shirts.
The photos and the T-shirts were eventually licensed to Urban Outfitters and Forever 21.
The problem is, Tupac’s company never had the original rights to license the photograph in the first place, according to Danny Clinch’s lawsuit.
“Defendants, without the authorization, knowledge or consent of the plaintiff, deliberately and willfully copied, displayed, distributed, and sold the copyrighted photographs on such infringing T-shirts and perhaps other apparel,” according to the lawsuit.
Danny Clinch is seeking over $600,000 in damages, and he is also asking the court to order the destruction of any infringing merchandise that may be left.
(AllHipHop News) In the 80’s U.T.F.O. was one of the biggest rap groups that scored a timeless hit in “Roxanne, Roxanne.” The group has a momentary reunion under the a most somber occasion.
The members gathered as their comrade Jeffrey Campbell aka The Educated Rapper of U.T.F.O. passed away from cancer. The news spread fast over social media, as fans reminisced over the impact Campbell had.
On “Roxanne, Roxanne,” he infamously stated, “She needs a guy like me with a high IQ.”
Group member Kangol Kid mourned openly on Instagram.
“With incredible sadness and greater regret, I am officially announcing that my UTFO brother Jeffrey Campbell aka “EDUCATED RAPPER” is rocking the mic in Heaven. This feeling I feel right now is so unfamiliar for I have NEVER lost a brother that I’ve done so much with. I’ve made history with this man. Only two other men (Doctor Ice @therealdocice and Mixmaster Ice @mixmasterice) understand the loss I feel right now. We’re all we have left. Thank you E for taking this incredible ride with me. Hip-Hop Will NEVER forget your contribution…and I will never forget our journey. I love you and will forever miss us. ~Kang.”
U.T.F.O. DJ Mixmaster Ice said, “God’s will be done.. Peaceful Journey my brother.. Farewell & Salute.. R.I.P. Jeff.”
(AllHipHop News) Former dictator Saddam Hussein spent his final days listening to hip-hop, according to a new book.
A former soldier named Will Bardenwerper has just published a book titled “The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid.”
The new book claims the soldiers guarding Saddam developed a cozy relationship with the former leader of Iraq, after he was captured by US troops and ask, for crimes against humanity.
In addition to loving American shows like Sesame Street and movies like Dracula, “The Prisoner in His Palace” revealed that Saddam was a huge fan of hip-hop, especially Singer Mary J Blige.
In addition to rap music, Saddam apparently love Cohiba cigars, which he stored in an empty box of wet wipes.
According to the books, Saddam Hussein also enjoyed buses and exercise a portable bike which he nicknamed “Pony.”
“The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid” will be released next week.
(AllHipHop News) Singer Fergie has confirmed she has not departed from the Black Eyed Peas, insisting she is simply focusing on her solo album.
On Thursday (June 1), Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am sparked rumors Fergie had left the group when he hinted she wouldn’t be joining him, Taboo and Apl.de.ap at Ariana Grande’s big Manchester, England benefit on Sunday (June 4), insisting she has just been one of many female stars who have appeared with the core trio over the years.
“Since the beginning of Black Eyed Peas, we’ve always had amazing vocalists that appeared on the mic with us,” he said in a new interview with Ahlan. “People like Macy Gray, Esthero, Debi Nova, Fergie. On Elephunk, there were several females that appeared on that album.
“Obviously Fergie was the featured female, but on songs like ‘Let’s Get it Started,’ it’s Noelle (Scaggs), and then Fergie, songs like ‘Latin Girls,’ it’s Debi Nova, and ‘Request Line,’ it’s Macy Gray. We’ll always work with good females.”
will.i.am also insisted Fergie wasn’t being replaced in the group, adding she’s just busy “working on her solo project at the moment”.
On Friday (June 2), he clarified his comments, insisting he never confirmed her departure.
Fergie has now released a statement about her status with the group.
“Fergie is still in the Black Eyed Peas and has an enormous amount of love for her brothers,” a statement from a spokesperson reads. “However, she’s currently focusing on her solo record in partnership with BMG and she’s incredibly excited for her fans to hear her new music.”
(AllHipHop News) Chance the Rapper is supporting the schools in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois to help ensure they’ll still be around when his daughter is ready to attend them.
The “Cocoa Butter Kisses” rapper donated $1 million to the Chicago Public Schools Foundation in March and has spearheaded a campaign raising another $2.2 million for his hometown’s public schools through his organisation, the New Chance Arts and Literature Fund.
Chance, who is a new dad to 20-month-old daughter Kensli, spoke about his initiative, explaining just why he is so driven to help the cash-strapped education system in Chicago.
“That’s the biggest topic in the city,” the rapper explained on The View. “I’m a new parent and I want my daughter to be a CPS (Chicago Public Schools) kid, and if there’s no more CPS then how’s that gonna happen? I’m trying to play my part.”
The 24-year-old famously comes from a family of activists.
His father has worked for several politicians including a young senator named Barack Obama before he became U.S. President.
“My grandmother volunteered herself and all her kids to work for (former mayor) Harold Washington’s campaign when they had no money…There’s just always been a calling to, if there’s something wrong in the world to try and put some type of dent in it,” he explained.
Despite his family’s legacy of public service, the Grammy Award-winning rapper has no plans to run for office himself.
“Politics is the reason why a lot of stuff doesn’t get done, there’s a lot of limitations,” he sighed. “There’s a lot of people who become a little silenced and a little bit stagnant when they get in office.”
(AllHipHop Rumors) I am not sure if this constitutes homophobia, but it sure is strange. I cannot say that I have been involved in any record label and know the in’s and out’s of rising to the top as a rap star.
Back in the day, we talked about the “Pink Mafia” and now these guys are all going on record with this stuff. I am seriously wondering what is up, especially with Lil Uzi Vert doing his thing.
(AllHipHop Rumors) It looks like we may have heard another preview of Redman’s ‘Muddy Waters 2’ project via producer 9th Wonder!
9th tagged Red in some Instagram video clips that bare vocals and horns. We don’t really know if the beat(s) 9th is putting together will be on the MW2 project, but that would be dope!
MW2 serves as the follow up to Redman’s classic ’96 ‘Muddy Waters’ album. Based on recent clips that Red has posted on his Instagram, he definitely still has all of the skills in the world!
This collaboration came about when Redman learned that 9th Wonder wanted to work with him.
“Yo, 9th Wonder! I heard you wanna work, n-gga. Let’s work, let’s work, n####! This one of my favorite remixes by you, n-gga. Erykah Badu, Afro Blue, n-gga,” said Redman!
Take a listen to what 9th Wonder and Redman have been cooking up below!
(AllHipHop News) Kim Kardashian has whisked Kanye West off to the Bahamas with a case of George Clooney’s Casamigos tequila to celebrate his 40th birthday.
The rapper hits the age milestone next week, but the couple is celebrating early with its children and some family friends at a villa on a private island.
“They rented out a huge luxurious amazing villa,” a source tells the outlet. “They have had cases of Casamigos flown in and are drinking by their private pool. The kids all have their own play area and they all look like they are having a great time.
“Kanye wanted to plan this vacation for their family as it’s been a while since they have taken a vacation together as a whole. Kim really needed time to relax and wants to spend quality time with Kanye and he is going out of his way to make it special.”
Kim and Kanye recently celebrated their third wedding anniversary and Kardashian took to social media to celebrate, writing: “Happy three-year anniversary babe! Thank you for being the best husband and father. I love you so much. I can’t believe it’s been three years!”
She also shared a series of photos from her dress fittings ahead of the couple’s big day in 2014.
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Pusha T is investing in the future of a six-year-old, whose plea to end gun violence went viral earlier this week.
Jeffrey “Lil J” Laney and his mom uploaded their impactful message to Facebook, where the video garnered over 200,000 views in just 15 days.
Lil J’s plea to end the gun violence in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri has not fallen on deaf ears.
In fact, rapper Pusha T has risen to the challenge and is funding a scholarship for the six-year-old, so he can eventually attend college.
Additionally, Pusha T is lining up a trip to Six Flags great adventure for Lil J and his family, mentoring sessions at a local boys and girls club, and even an exclusive screening of the upcoming Spider-Man movie.
“I saw your video and I’m really sorry that you are having to deal with people shooting guns and hurting others where you live,” Pusha wrote to Lil J. “A lot of people can’t imagine how hard it is being a kid where you are from, If I were you, I would be scared too. But I thought it was very brave of you to speak up and try to help your family, friends, and community.”
Pusha T’s commitment to Lil J continues his ongoing commitment, to reform gun violence and prisons in the United States.
Hi my name is Terrence “Pusha -T” Thornton. I saw your video and I’m really sorry that you are having to deal with people shooting guns and hurting others where you live. A lot of people can’t imagine how hard it is being a kid where you are from, If I were you, I would be scared too. But I thought it was very brave of you to speak up and try to help your family, friends, and community. There a lot of 6yr olds all over the United States who are scared just like you and guess who their Super Hero is…YOU!!
Your video really woke me up. You are a thoughtful and smart kid already at such a young age already, I can tell. You spoke so clearly but about something so terrible in gun violence and fear which is something no child should be speaking about with so much knowledge.
I would much rather you taught me how to play video games or build a car or about the latest comic book you read and if you think Spiderman really is better than Batman. I know I can’t solve all of your problems at once but hopefully this is a start.
Hopefully other men in our communities see this video and also realize that a 6 year old boy just challenged us all to do better. No matter where we are in life we have to look out for the youth. As someone who’s familiar with places not too different from where you are, please believe me your options are endless and there is so much more to the world than your neighborhood. You have your life in front of you and you should enjoy every moment of it and more importantly LOOK FORWARD not behind you or around you and worry.
Since you like helping people I wanna help you. What I’m gonna do for you is make sure that you have the fun that every 6yr old should have this summer. I’m sending you, your cousins Janiya and Brandon to Six Flags Amusement Park in St Louis, I know you guys are gonna have the best time.
When you arrive back, all of you will all start summer camp at the boys and girls club. All summer long you will be learning, playing, and meeting new friends. I heard that you love Spider Man so I’m gonna make sure that you will be one of the first to see new Spider-Man movie next month!! I also sent some things to your house for the times you aren’t away at camp.
There are some games, books, an iPad and other toys to help you enjoy the summer and beyond. I can’t wait to hear about which books you liked better and which car was the fastest. I hope the package encourages you to learn new things and most importantly, imagine.
Lil J I want you to do me a favor and enjoy being 6 yrs old. Smile more than frown, explore without fear, learn uncontrollably, dream without limits.
P.S. I started this thing called a college fund for you…it’s for when you grow up a little, you don’t have to worry about it now but when you do need it, its there for you.
(AllHipHop News) Rap mogul Master P is hosting a peace rally before his celebrity basketball game later this month in honor of a young child killed in Kentucky.
The first Essence Festival charity celebrity basketball game, staged by Master P’s Team Hope NOLA foundation, will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 29, and the “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” hitmaker has added a rally to the events surrounding the big game after hearing about the death of seven-year-old Dequante Hobbs Jr., who was killed last month after a stray bullet from a shooting incident passed through his kitchen window and hit him in the head.
Master P has invited Hobbs’ mother, Micheshia Norment, to the A National Day of Peace rally and the basketball game. Proceeds from the event go to Master P’s youth scholarship fund.
“When I heard of this horrific tragedy, I had to reach out to his family,” the rap mogul and entrepreneur says in a press release. “As a father, I can only imagine what she (Norment) must be going through. I wanted to do something special for her.
“Inviting her to New Orleans as my guest during Essence is just a small gesture to try and put a smile on her face. We are calling for peace. We need to send a strong message to communities across America: this senseless violence must stop.”
The big game will be held at the Xavier University of Louisiana Convocation Center in New Orleans. Master P and his son Romeo Miller will play in the game, along with Silkk the Shocker, Curren$y, Trey Songz, Ray J, Juvenile, and Doug E. Fresh. Former NBA professionals Chris Jackson, Robert Pack, Caron Butler, and Ben Gordon will also play at the inaugural event.
