(AllHipHop News) Radio icon Angie Martinez’s new book My Voice: A Memoir has made it on the prestigious New York Times’ E-Book Best Sellers List and Combined Print & E-Book Best Sellers List. According to a press release, the autobiography sold out at Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble locations.
Martinez’s 288-page hardcover includes a retelling of her classic interviews with Barack Obama, 2Pac, Mary J. Blige, and more. “The Voice Of New York” also covers her rise through the ranks of Hip Hop media and her transition from Hot 97 to Power 105.1.
“Writing this memoir has been one of the most challenging and rewarding tasks I’ve ever taken on,” stated Martinez. “I’ve seen a lot and learned a lot, and I’m proud that I’ve been true to myself the whole way.”
(AllHipHop News) As Birdman and Lil Wayne’s relationship remains strained by a $51 million lawsuit, it appears that Hot Boy Turk and the Cash Money CEO are developmening a closer bond.
Earlier this month, social media lit up when a clip of Turk and Birdman speaking to each other on the set of Birdman’s “Respek” video implied the Cash Money Records honcho had an issue with his former artist.
Both men went to their social media accounts to shoot down the reports.
It appears that Birdman is showing plenty of love for Turk’s upcoming “Young N’ Thuggin 2” project due for release May 30th and his “Young N’ Thuggin 2” tour.
To no surprise, Gucci is already set to go with a brand new body of work. After dropping numerous projects during his time being incarcerated, the performer born Radric Davis is planning to release a mixtape titled Gucci Free sometime today (May 27).
1017’s Twitter account revealed Gucci was in the studio just an hour after exiting prison.
Then Gucci began sending out tweets using the hashtag #FirstDayOutThaFeds which included pictures of lyric notes.
(AllHipHop News) Bernie Sanders has been the preferred presidential candidate of several rappers such as Killer Mike, Bun B, and Scarface. It appears the Vermont Senator is looking to capture the support of the Ruff Ryder demographic as well.
During a campaign stop in Lancaster, California, Sanders walked onto the stage as DMX’s 2003 song “Where the Hood At?” blasted from the speakers.
For anyone unfamiliar with the track, the chorus goes, “Where the hood, where the hood, where the hood at? Have that n-gga in the cut, where the wood at? Oh, them n-ggas acting up?!? Where the wolves at? You better bust that if you gonna pull that.”
However, the clean version of X’s Grand Champ cut was used for Sander’s rally entrance.
(AllHipHop News) Troy Ave is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, after a tragic shooting that took place at Irving Plaza Wednesday night.
The BSB Records leader was a trending topic on social media for most of Thursday as more reports about the incident and his arrest became known.
Four people were shot backstage at the concert in New York City which was headlined by T.I. and featured performances by Uncle Murda and Maino.
Troy is accused of shooting himself and others, and authorities claim they have video evidence of the Brooklyn rapper firing inside the venue.
The Major Without a Deal album creator’s longtime friend Ronald “Banga” McPhatter was killed that night.
As of press time, police are still investigating whether Banga’s death was the result of Troy’s gunfire.
Troy has yet to publicly address the situation.
However, two individuals associated with BSB have tweeted out comments which certainly appear to be connected to their comrade’s current ordeal.
Early yesterday morning, BSB rapper Young Lito tweeted, “Unbelievable.” He later posted, “Daily News is d-ckheads that’s bullsh-t.”
While Lito was not clear on why he targeted the New York Daily News, the newspaper has been reporting the shooting at Irving Plaza was the result of a feud between Troy’s crew and Maino’s entourage.
Lito’s Daily News tweet was retweeted by Troy’s manager Hovain Hylton.
He also later added his own tweet that read, “I thought this was America people.”
The quote is taken from Jay Z’s song “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” and seems to refer to the idea that suspects are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty in this country.
Troy Ave is currently facing charges of attempted murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
The “Bang Bang” rhymer’s last original tweet posted on Wednesday morning before the shooting stated: “‘The world is rarely a fair place’ The Blacklist.”
Fat Joe has been working to settle his old beefs with other New York rappers, as evidenced by his recent collaboration with former foe, Jay Z.
It’s one of the reasons Jay Z jumped on Fat Joe’s “All The Way Up” remix with French Montana, Remy Ma and Infared.
“The reason we did this sh-t [the ‘All The Way Up’] was so the sh-t that happened last night where people got shot in the middle of a concert doesn’t happen,” Fat Joe told AllHipHop.com. “We’re trying to show people you can have your differences but it can actually end peacefully. It doesn’t have to end with death and destruction.”
Up until the shooting, Fat Joe, 50 Cent, Cam’ron, N.O.R.E, Nas and other respected veterans of the New York rap scene were settling old issues.
“That’s pretty ironic that [shooting happened] while we’re doing this symbol of unity. I hope these young kids see it and follow suit. Cause ain’t nothing really worth it. You gotta understand most of us grew up in poverty with a dream and all the stripes against us. The fact we’re able to make music, make money, have fans, and make our dreams come true – we really gotta appreciate that.”
(AllHipHop News) Comedy rap group The Lonely Island revealed they had to pass up tracks from RZA and J Dilla for their new music mockumentary “Popstar: “Never Stop Never Stopping.”
The trio’s first feature film follows a pop star called “Connor4Real,” played by Andy Samberg, and his journey through stardom.
Along the way he meets a myriad of real life musicians, many of whom make cameos in the movie.
Among them are Wu-Tang Clan star RZA, who offered up his original music for the film, but Andy admits he and bandmates Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone unfortunately had to turn down the Hip-Hop icon.
“We once got sent beats from RZA, which was crazy,” Andy told SiriusXM DJ Sway. “They were super, like, experimental. They were very, like, atonal and weird, and we were like, ‘We don’t know how to make this funny, but it’s dope’.”
Akiva added that reps for rapper/producer J Dilla also came to them with beats, but they had to turn him away as well, adding, “They sent us a Dilla beat, and we were like, ‘Oh my God, we can’t ruin a Dilla beat!’ People will hate us if we do that.”
While their music wasn’t used for the movie, both rappers make appearances in the film, along with Nas, A$AP Rocky, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Ringo Starr, and Pink, among others.
The soundtrack listing for The Lonely Island’s film was also recently released, and includes tracks with featured artists such as Adam Levine, Seal, Linkin Park, and actress Emma Stone.
“Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” hits cinemas in the U.S. on June 3.
(AllHipHop News) Brooklyn rapper Maino has come forward to deny reports that he was involved with in a dispute with Troy Ave, when a deadly shooting broke out a concert in New York.
Instead, thousands of people were forced to flee the concert venue after the shooting, which left one man, a close associate of Troy Ave named Ronald “Banga” McPhatter, dead.
“Won’t let them undo what we’re building! No ‘ongoing beefs’ or ‘entourage issues.’ It always has been and always will be good relations between myself AND MY TEAM and @TroyAve @Hovain @YoungLitoBsB and the BSB crew.”
To remove any doubt, Maino offered his condolences to the family of McPhatter, who was just 33-years-old when he was killed in the shooting.
“Our deepest sympathies again to family of Ronald McPhatter and a speedy recovery to Troy Ave,” Maino wrote. “The movement will not be stopped. #BROOKLYNUNITED #HEARDYOU”
So far, Troy Ave has been charged with reckless endangerment, assault and illegal weapon possession charges.
Police are working to determine if Troy Ave’s gun was the weapon that fired the shot that killed Ronald McPhatter.
Meanwhile, McPhatter’s mother came forward and has criticized Troy Ave, further adding to his woes.
“He actually cared a lot about Troy Ave. My wish is that Troy Ave cared as much about my son as he cared about him. I say that because I watched how my son would always bend over backwards to help him,” Rose McPhatter, told The New York Daily News.”
“If he (Troy Ave) cared about my son as much as he alleged he does, I would’ve received a call from him,” Rose McPhatter said. “He didn’t call me. He didn’t call any of my other sons.”
UPDATE: Troy Ave has just been slapped with an attempted murder charge after he was seen and videotaped shooting at Irving Plaza, before T.I. was set to perform.
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Troy Ave has been hit with the charges linked to a deadly shooting that occurred backstage at Irving Plaza last night (May 25).
Atlanta rap star/actor T.I. was headlining a concert when tensions between Troy Ave and Maino turned into deadly violence.
Maino had just exited from the stage when five shots were discharged into a group of people gathered near a green room. One man, Edgar McPhatter, 33, was mortally wounded.
Three other people, counting Troy Ave, sustained gunshot wounds as well. According to reports, Troy Ave was injured when he inadvertently shot himself in the leg.
That’s what led to the reckless endangerment and weapons charges. The New York Daily News obtained clear video footage of Troy Ave drawing his weapon and firing into the crowd.
The man who shot and killed, Edgar McPhatter, was reportedly a bodyguard and close associate of the rapper.
“There is clear video, very graphic video. He walks right out, women all around, and starts shooting his gun,” a source told The New York Daily News. “It’s an ongoing rap group rivalry, him and Maino.”
The event brought out about 1,000 people to Irving Plaza for T.I. The shooting left one dead in addition to the shooting victims.
According to police, Troy Ave could face murder charges, depending on the outcome of the ballistic tests they are conducting.
(AllHipHop News) Pompano Beach rapper Kodak Black is in trouble with the law again as he reportedly was a no show at a performance and instead took a Valentines Day trip to Puerto Rico.
Hendry County Club promoters Willy Cenecharles and Carl Richardson claim that Kodak Black missed his scheduled performance at the Latinos Nigh Club in Labelle, Florida, after they agreed to pay him $7,000 with half coming upfront.
Lyor Cohen seems to always leak information or hints in regards to new music and projects that are on the way from his artists. Cohen revealed that he has been in a lot of intense meetings to get out a new record from Young Thug, Travis Scott, and Quavo! He hopes to get the record out in the next day. Are you here for it? Do you think it will offer a different sound? Do you think it will be a hit for the summer?
The rapper’s lawyer, Drew Findling, tells TMZ Gucci was released Thursday morning from an Atlanta prison. We’re told he already has a home just outside the city. Findling says the rapper will be on house arrest for a few months and will then be on probation.
Gucci is out from behind bars after nearly three years in federal prison on gun and drug charges. The 36-year-old Atlanta rapper was able to release several projects – including1017 Mafia: Incarcerated,Meal Ticket, and Tru Colors – during his time being locked up.
(AllHipHop Features) Fat Joe and Remy Ma lit up social media on Tuesday night when the Bronx duo let loose the remix of “All The Way Up” featuring Jay Z.
The new version of the smash hit was received as a New York City anthem which also made an impact worldwide.
In addition, the song was significant because it marked the official public ending of any animosity between Joe and Jay. Rap fans finally got to hear the two legendary East Coast representatives spit lines on the same track.
AllHipHop.com spoke with Fat Joe to get more insight into the creation of the “All The Way Up” remix with Hov.
The Terror Squad leader discussed his support for Tidal, the growing unity among his hometown’s Hip Hop veterans, and what concert goers can expect at this year’s Hot 97 Summer Jam as well.
I’ve always been a big fan of Jay Z and an admirer of his music and what he’s done as a businessman. It was always on my bucket list to work with him. So when I was thinking about what would be the illest remix for New York City and for Hip Hop, of course his name was on the top of the list.
I reached out to N.O.R.E, because he had a serious relationship with Memphis Bleek. He got Bleek on the phone, and I told Bleek about the plans. He called Jay Z, and Jay Z called me back in like five minutes. He said, “Let’s’ do it. I can’t wait.” The rest was history.
Was releasing the song on Tidal part of the conversation as well?
[Jay Z] spent millions and millions of dollars on that platform, and he’s doing it to help the artists. They broke that down to me, and I said let’s release it exclusively on Tidal.
Are you interested in releasing more work on Tidal?
Of course. I love what Tidal’s doing for the artists. The artists really have to get compensated for their music. Whenever you wonder where your favorite artists went, he can’t be an artist because he ain’t making enough money to be an artist.
If you’re going to be a genius and a talented person and don’t get compensated for your contributions to the game, then that’s not a good look. What really got me was the fact Prince fought for his name and masters for 20 years. Then he co-signed Tidal. Him putting all his music on Tidal lets you know the integrity behind Tidal.
Jay mentioned that [about Prince] at the end of his verse. What was your reaction the first time you heard his full verse?
I said, “That n-gga ain’t leave me no crumbs.” He took the whole thing. [laughs] Honestly, when I heard it I was like, “Oh my God. That verse is incredible.”
Being blessed with the skill to drop hot singles every couple years serves as a reminder. Those who don’t call u in between ain’t friends.
You changed your verse from the original. It seems like your new verse had a couple of bars directed at your doubters. I also saw a tweet you posted recently where you were saying how dropping a hot single every couple of years is a reminder of how some people don’t reach out to you in between those times. Have you had a lot of “friends” come out of the woodwork since “All The Way Up” became a hit?
We won’t allow them to come out of the woodwork. Fakeness and fake people – we don’t want to be associated with them, we don’t want to be friends with them. They know who they are. Stay where you’re at. Buy popcorn. Watch the movie from afar.
You have to be happy that it’s a huge hit…
I’m not just happy, I’m ecstatic. It feels like I’m smoking crack or something. I don’t know how to act. [laughs] You gotta understand in 1993 I came out with my first single, “Flow Joe,” and it went #1 in the country. And now 23 years later we got a top 10 song in America. It’s unheard of in Hip Hop music.
I know what this is. I’m really appreciating it. When a lot of people made history or broke a record, they weren’t even aware of what they were doing. I’m aware of what’s going on. Especially since we’re doing this independent.
There’s nobody behind door number one. This is a four/five man team. It comes a time when you’re signed to a major label and they feel like you’re not of use anymore, and they leave you for dead. Most artists never took the time out to learn the business, so they’re left there f-cked up.
Not me. I’m never gonna let somebody predict my destiny. I’m never gonna let somebody dictate to me what the rules are or when I should lie down. That’s not gonna happen.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen you connect with Jay, and you ended your situation with 50 Cent. Cam’ron also showed love to Jay. You talked about N.O.R.E. He settled his issues with Nas. It seems like some of the vets in New York are starting to put aside their differences to come together for the sake of the culture. What do you think has led to these reconciliations?
I don’t know what led to their reconciliations, but definitely the reason we did this sh-t was so the sh-t that happened last night where people got shot in the middle of a concert doesn’t happen. We’re trying to show people you can have your differences but it can actually end peacefully. It doesn’t have to end with death and destruction.
That’s pretty ironic that [shooting happened] while we’re doing this symbol of unity. I hope these young kids see it and follow suit. Cause ain’t nothing really worth it.
You gotta understand most of us grew up in poverty with a dream and all the stripes against us. The fact we’re able to make music, make money, have fans, and make our dreams come true – we really gotta appreciate that.
That doesn’t happen for everybody. So take care of your family, pay your bills, and take care of your health. That’s the most important thing, not getting to a level where you’re going to get in trouble.
As a Hip Hop fan, I really appreciate that message. That’s definitely something we need to hear.
We’re leading by example. We’re not just talking that sh-t. We’re doing what we’re saying people need to do.
(AllHipHop News) The History channel is broadcasting a remake of the classic 1977 miniseries Roots. The new version of the TV program based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family sports a cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Mekhi Phifer, Derek Luke, Anna Paquin, Anika Noni Rose, and Tip “T.I.” Harris.
T.I. stopped by Sway In The Morning to discuss his role as Cyrus in the 4-night, 8-hour television event. According to the Atlanta-based rapper/actor the part in Roots was the most important work of his career.
“I never saw a [slave] character that was non-subservient or that was rebellious. You know these people had to have existed,” stated Tip. “The fact that there is no Nat Turner story up until now, the fact that there has been no Harriet Tubman story – you know these people existed. You know everybody wasn’t just with it.”‘
He continued, “We never saw that part, and Cyrus to me is that. He wasn’t going for it. I’m honored to be able to bring that character to life.”
Roots begins airing on Monday, May 30 on History at 9/8 C. The series was directed by Phillip Noyce, Mario Van Peebles, Thomas Carter, and Bruce Beresford. Questlove of The Roots is the executive music producer.
“Nearly 40 years ago I had the privilege to be a part of an epic television event that started an important conversation in America,” said co-executive producer LeVar Burton in a statement. “I am incredibly proud to be a part of this new retelling and start the dialogue again, at a time when it is needed more than ever.”
(AllHipHop News) Video of the moment gunfire exploded during a concert in Manhattan featuring Hip Hop star T.I. has surfaced on the Internet.
TMZ.com caught the tense situation backstage at Irving Plaza, just moments before gunshots rang out, causing people scurry for the exits.
In the video, you can see a crowd of men pushing and shoving each other, and then the shooting started. This new video and others that are slowly hitting the Internet are being utilized by the NYPD in an effort to reconstruct how and why the shooting took place.
Sources told The New York Daily News the blasting was the result of beef between Troy Ave and Maino’s crews and that detectives are close to making an arrest.
NYPD’s Police commissioner Bill Bratton placed the blame squarely on “gangster rap music.”
“The investigation is moving forward very rapidly, and we expect to close it quickly,” Bratton told The Len Berman and Todd Schnitt Show. “It’s unfortunate the gangster rap world is still an issue we’re dealing with. The gangster lifestyle if you will.”
According to Commissioner Bratton, many of the witnesses are refusing to talk about what happened. “A lot of them are not talking as is usually the case,” Bratton said.
Other sources verified that it was Troy Ave’s bodyguard, Ronald McPhatter, who was shot in the stomach. McPhatter, 33, died at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, reportedThe New York Daily News.
One witness criticized the lack of security at Irving Plaza and another seemed shell-shocked after seeing one of the victims get shot in the chest, right in front of her.
Troy Ave, 30, was shot in the leg. He was treated at NYU Langone Medical Center.
(AllHipHop News) The Game is adding his name to the list of rap stars putting their likeness in a video game. The California emcee has partnered with IM3 Gaming Studios to produce the new app Block Wars.
Game stars as the hood boss in his hometown, but there are plans to expand the game to include an East Coast vs. West Coast war.
Game’s game is set to drop sometime this summer and it’ll be free. In-app purchases — for weapons, cars, goons, etc. — will range from 99 cents to $99.
The creator of the critically acclaimed The Documentary 2.5 album has been posting about Block Wars on his Instagram page.
“Proud to announce I am the new [Atari]ambassador and we have big things coming for my fans and Atari fans across the world in 2016!!!!,” wrote Game in one IG post’s caption. “Our first project is our mobile game and app Block Warsin collaboration with the creators [IM3 Gaming Studios].”
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Belly and R&B singer The Weeknd made a political statement last night (May 25), when they canceled their appearances on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show.
The two Canadian artists took issue with appearing alongside of Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump who was also on the show.
Even though Belly and The Weeknd cannot vote since they are not American citizens, the men wanted to take a stand against Donald Trump and his fiery, racist rhetoric.
The pair canceled a planned taped recording of their performances in Los Angeles that would have aired later in the evening on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“I feel like the way I was raised was to be able to see through all the titles in this world — from religion to race,” Belly told the AP in a statement. “I just didn’t want to feel like I was a part of a celebration for somebody who has beliefs that majority of us don’t agree with.”
Just yesterday before their planned appearances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Donald Trump made headlines for hurling insults at Elizabeth Warren (Pocahontas), Hillary Trump (Crooked Hillary) and Bernie Sanders (Crazy Bernie).
The presidential candidate gloated over his insults during his appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and admitted to using aliases over the years and even challenged “Crazy Bernie” to a debate.
Game on. I look forward to debating Donald Trump in California before the June 7 primary.
It appears that K. Michelle has had it with VH1 and “Love & Hip Hop.” K posted a photo on Instagram of herself and the legendary Patti LaBelle of course leading fans to comment on more than what was photographed. A fan commented telling K that she should leave “Love & Hip Hop” as it isn’t a good look for her. In response K said,
“Never going back again. No amount of money in the world!”
As much as people have enjoyed K. Michelle’s ratchet antics, clap backs, and musical success, there comes a time when you have to leave things that aren’t allowing you to grow behind. After all it seems like K is the only one really putting out music, and the only one with a [currently] successful music career. Do you think K should hang on a little longer for the money, or is it time that she moves on!
(AllHipHop News) Last year, Big Boi revealed OutKast was asked to be the talent during halftime for a Super Bowl in the past. However, the Grammy-winning duo was not able to hit the stage at the big game because his musical partner, Andre 3000, was unwilling to shorten the group’s songs.
The NFL recently announced that Super Bowl LIII will be held in OutKast’s hometown of Atlanta, and fans of the ATLiens are hoping Daddy Fat Sacks and 3 Stacks come back together for the halftime show in 2019.
Atlanta’s getting the 2019 #SuperBowl, which means we’re going to need an #OutKast halftime show. This ain’t negotiable.
While Twitter users jumped on the social media app to declare their interest in seeing Kast at SBLIII, one Change.org user named Dustin Spa started a petition to persuade the group and the NFL to make it happen.
The petition page’s description simply reads, “No one represents Atlanta like OutKast. Plus they are the greatest group of all time, no explanation needed.”
Big Boi seemed opened to the idea of making up the missed Super Bowl opportunity at some point. During his 2015 interview with The Dan LeBatard Show, he said, “To this day, [Andre’s] son says, ‘Daddy, you should’ve performed at the Superbowl.’ We look at it now and we laugh. Hopefully, they invite us back.”
This is not the first time followers of the Southern rap legends campaigned for OutKast in a major way. In July 2015, an Atlanta area resident started a petition to get Big Boi and Andre 3000’s images engraved on Stone Mountain.
To sign the”Outkast To Perform At Super Bowl LIII In Atlanta” petition visit change.org.
(AllHipHop News) Legendary reggae artist Stephen “Ragga” Marley is set to release his new album Revelation II – The Fruit of Lifeon July 22.
Fans that pre-order the LP on iTunes this Friday (March 27) will get an instant download of the single “Scars On My Feet” featuring Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
“The Fruit is a fusion of everything I am inspired by – Hip-Hop, Jazz, Blues, and all aspects from songwriting to production, even the way I sing certain parts of a song, must return to that concept, which is different than just making a regular studio album. There are love songs, songs for the core, songs for the clubs, but it remains a positive, conscious party,” Stephen Marley told AllHipHop.com.
Revelation II: The Fruit of Life is the follow-up to 2011’s Grammy-winning Revelation Pt. 1: The Root of Life.
The forthcoming effort also includes appearances by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Rick Ross, Pit Bull, DJ Khaled, Iggy Azalea, Dead Prez, Rakim, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Black Thought, Bounty Killer, and more.
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