homepage

Eve Talks “Barbershop: The Next Cut” With Hints About New Music

Since marriage and a move to London, England, it’s been a minute since Hip Hop star and actress Eve has been stateside to discuss her creative endeavors both cinematically and musically.  Looking as fly as ever to promote her new movie, “Barbershop: The Next Cut,” Eve was on hand in Los Angeles, California to discuss acting opposite new co-stars Common and Nicki Minaj, as well as reuniting with all of usual “Barbershop” suspects like Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer and more in a one on one conversation with All Hip Hop’s Kylie Krabbe:

Living in Europe do you think you have a different perspective on the political issues here right now? You see it completely differently I think than being in it here. Seeing it being over there I’m kinda like, c’mon America. We just look crazy that we are allowing the show to go on with homeboy, cause he’s crazy.

Who would you be talking about? Just a certain blondish craziness.

With a comb over and rhymes with frump?  Yes. It’s funny to watch it on that side and uh, yeah, It’s crazy. I mean it’s crazy here too obviously, but to see it from the point of view of Brits watching Americans go through it, it’s crazy.

Do you ever feel as if you have to answer to Brits as an American with regards to what is going on here politically?  No, but sometimes I feel bad.  I’m like, ‘it’s not my fault,’ because I’ve had people say to me, ‘why do you all let this happen?’ It’s not ya’ll. It’s not me. So I don’t feel like I have to answer, but I do feel like people will look at me like you’re American, so you know what’s happening – but I don’t.

How would you encapsulate your evolution from a ‘pitbull in a skirt’ to now? You have had so many faces along the way. I’ve always called myself a chameleon. Since I was little I’ve felt like I was a chameleon or a shape shifter or like I’ve always been able to be in certain situations. From a young age my mother had me in many different circles…she was a young mom. She had me at seventeen but I never felt throughout my life, even though she was a single mom working and going to school, I never felt like I needed for anything. She would take me to her jobs where she worked with white people or whoever else outside of our community because we grew up in the projects… So I think from a young age I’ve just been able to adapt… We all have to change as we go through certain things in life as you get to a certain age, especially as women. We are always figuring out how to be better, I feel like. So, yeah I don’t know. It has been a lot of faces though.

There is a whole dynamic in “Barbershop” with you and Common playing husband and wife, centering around women who are in relationships and doing very well professionally in love with men who aren’t doing as quite well professionally. Could you relate to that at all?  Absolutely. I mean, I’ve been in relationships in the past where I was the one making it happen and that person wasn’t.  It caused arguments because even though I was like this is ours and this is our house, car, whatever, as a man men feel like they need to provide. It’s a hard thing I think for most men to kind of sit back and not be the breadwinner. But yes, I’ve been there. I’ve definitely been there. It wasn’t as civil as the relationship in the movie… But then sometimes something happens to someone’s job or someone’s money or whatever and I think that’s being in a relationship. Being a grownup is being able to say, if you really love someone, I’m there. Let’s make it happen, let’s figure it out. That’s the grownup approach.

You’ve been involved in a lot of projects. You had your own television show, you’ve done music – what made this experience on “Barbershop: The Next Cut” special for you? It made it special because it was coming back to see Cube (Ice Cube) and Cedric (Cedric The Entertainer) and people that I already did this movie with before, but also with the new people – the new fresh faces. Also the script was so good. Honestly, I would not have agreed to do it if the script wasn’t good. Immediately as soon as I read it, I loved it. So yeah, it was exciting and to revisit the franchise in a way. For me, when I did the first two, I was at a different place in my career, and as a person, and as a woman.  Being able to come back to it as this person, as a mature woman and you see that in the evolution of the character as well was great.

People have really missed you on the music scene. Yes. New things are happening.

Why the wait and all of this time between albums? I put out an album independently because now I’m independent. I own my own label. I put out an album about three and a half years ago on my own. And that was a small project.

Was that a difficult learning curve for you? Oh my God! So hard. I grew up in a machine. I didn’t know how much work it took. You know, you take for granted those people who have those offices – one’s marketing, one’s promotion, one’s this and all of the sudden, I’m having all of those meetings with my small staff and that s### was hard. It’s hard! But rewarding, because I felt that that was something that I needed to do. And then, I needed to be inspired again. After that situation, I kind of needed a minute. And then I got married and then I moved to a new country. You know, I needed to settle again and find my footing. Now I feel secure in where I live. I do call London home and so I feel like I’m back to me – if that makes sense.

What’s the inspiration for this new music? Where are you drawing it from? Because like you were saying, you’re a very different person now.  I think sound wise, my ear is a bit different just because I live in London and I hear so many things. Music in London is so eclectic. So I think my ear is a bit different, so I’ll be looking for different sounds. But lyrically, I’m a lyricist. That’s who I am and what I’ve always been. So lyrically I think – not think I know people will know, ‘oh that’s my girl,’ but musically it might be a little different.

So then what will you be talking about as a part of this most recent lyrical evolution?  Can you give us a little hint or a taste? I don’t know yet. I honestly don’t know. You’ll have to see.

“Barbershop: The Next Cut,” from Warner Bros. Pictures opens nationwide in theaters on April 15, 2016.

 

 

Is Dr. Dre Going To Open Up His Vaults?

Last year, the world witnessed the triumphant return and possible retirement of Dr. Dre. Compton was met with accolades and even Grammy nods. Well, we know that the good Dr. Dre has been a part of some of the biggest artists and the greatest albums EVER…welp! Word on the block is that the good Doc is considering opening up the vaults to his work – bit by bit. Remember, Dr. has a radio show called “The Pharmacy” on Apple Music or Beats Music…something like that. He’s been breaking all sorts of new exclusive stuff, including Dilla and even got LL Cool J ready to come back. Now, sources are whispering that Dr. Dre may just be revealing songs he has done that have never come out in the same vein. One song that comes to mind is an unheard record that he did with Busta Rhymes that supposedly will NEVER be heard. Well…lets hope that Dr. Dre gives another diagnosis on this situation.

WORD UP!

Lets go Dre!

OG Rapper Everlast Tears Into Donald Trump Over “Jump Around”

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump found a new enemy in Everlast, who was not pleased that the GOP frontrunner used the West Coast rapper’s House of Pain hit song “Jump Around” at a rally in Milwaukee.

According reports Trump played the song as the billionaire went to the stage.

Everlast, a Muslim, was not having it in any way and threatened all sort of action against Trump.

Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 1.28.10 AM

Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 1.28.19 AM

Newark’s Miss Nana Says Mind Your Business…In New Video

Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, rising female artist and songwriter Miss Nana surfaces with her latest single entitled “Nobody’s Business”. The new track is a slow-winding ode that defiantly disregards the people trying to look too far into your life because at the end of the day, it’s nobody’s business. Stay tuned for more work in the coming weeks, but for now, check out Nana’s latest single below.

Swizz Beatz and KRS-One Join Forces For Classic Jadakiss Remix

krs-one swizz beatz
Swizz Beatz and KRS-One are a pair of legends that have endured the ever-changing seasons of Hip-Hop. The Bronx natives remix Jadakiss’ “Jason” and turn into a new classic. The song clocks in under a minute, but hits harder than a sucker punch from Mike Tyson. KRS-One brushes off bullsh*t agism in Hip-Hop. Bars with substance and a beat with a backbone. Need more? Listen.

Done In One: Jay Z, Eminem, and Others Recorded These Songs in Just One Take

Even though Hip-Hop greats do it effortlessly, rapping well on record is not easy.  From staying on beat to breath control to the projection of his or her vocals (just to name a few things), there’s a lot to execute correctly in order for a rhyme on wax to captivate listeners.  And like a movie director who shoots a scene multiple times before moving on to the next one in a film, music producers often need rappers to rhyme many takes before a song is good enough to go be mixed and mastered.

In rare cases though, rappers are able to nail their vocals on the first attempt.  It’s a truly amazing feat, especially considering that some of rap’s most famous songs were recorded in such a way. Therefore, AllHipHop.com has put together a chronological list of some of these records.  We are sure there are more, but this list also includes credible sources proving that these artists really were done in one.
These songs may have been recorded in one take, but they certainly deserve multiple spins!

If you’re having trouble viewing this Stackerdecks post: Click Here

Three Questions: T Dubb-O: Obama, Activism And Bars

T-Dubb-O deems himself an artist, revolutionary and a gangster. That is a serious concoction inside one being. And the St. Louis representative’s newly released album The Drop that Spilled the Cup exemplifies this mantra. The album is hood consciousness at its rawest. Like an unexpected punch to the gut, T-Dubb strikes without a filter and minus the beige-colored Hip-Hop that has people thinking the genre is on life support. Some may know Dubb from the battle-rap scene or his local rap scene, but others got familiar in the aftermath of Mike Brown’s brutal slaying at the hands of officer Darren Wilson of the Ferguson Police Department. His activism even got him to meet President Obama. Quite a feat.

On the rap side, T-Dubb-O has already worked with Freeway, Crooked I, Tef Poe, Project Pat, Pastor Troy, The Outlawz and others. AllHipHop got the drop on the rugged emcee and got his take on set state of affairs, meeting Obama and the meaning of this album.

AllHipHop: After Mike Brown was slain in the streets by Ferguson police officer you hit the streets and also the national platform too. How do activism and St. Louis intersect on your album?

T Dubb-O: St. Louis is where all my trials and tribulations occurred. It’s the city I was born and raised in. I’ve had influences from Memphis and L.A. since I have family from those places, but St. Louis made me. St. Louis is where I’ve spent my life so in some sort of way St. Louis helped to make this album. As far as activism I really hate that word. I think what we did in St. Louis/Ferguson was more revolutionary. But this isn’t something new to us here. The dope artist here have been using their obstacles as motivation in their music. My songs have always reflected the struggles of the ghetto and always will. I’m telling the stories of our pain, oppression, anger, and our rebellion to say I’m not going to be nothing I’m going to do whatever I have to do even if it means breaking the law to take care of my family and be great.

Talk about your album and what’s the meaning of the title?

The title of this project comes from a Mexican proverb I learned while marching in the streets of Guerrero, Mexico where 43 students were kidnapped by the government and never found. It basically means enough is enough. We are fed up and we coming for everything. You pushed me to this point and now you must deal with the consequences. I’m using this phrase as a double entendre to describe my album though. Not only is this a social breaking point with Black youth in this country, but after this release “drops” in my city no more cliché’ and garbage music will be respected.

In the aftermath of Mike Brown’s death, you and other activists met with President Obama. How do you feel about that experience now that we are in his last year?

I shook Obama hand with the same palm I sold crack with. That says a lot. That wasn’t my first time at the White House. My first time was when that meeting was actually set up. But the first time I went I noticed how f##### up America really is. Right outside the White House gates there is a little park open to the public. There were homeless black people all over that park. Right outside the White House gates where a Black president resides that is supposed to signify that we “made it”. The meeting with Obama was history. The first time all black people sat in the Oval Office. That’s all it was though. History. Besides that it was a meeting with another politician trained to give political answers and won’t admit to the reality of the conditions of this oppressive, imperialist, capitalistic government. He admitted there was a huge issue with racism in this country, but gave us band-aid style solutions. I hope he has the balls to do and say what needs to be said and done as a Black man in the White House in his last year, but I doubt it.


The album is dope, by the way. Congrats!

Thanks Fam I appreciate it. I really appreciate your support it means a lot. Hopefully we can make some noise with this joint.

Click here to preview and buy The Drop.

https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1070744082?ls=1&app=itunes

STREAM: Dej Loaf Puts ‘All Jokes Aside’ With Fiery Mixtape

(AllHipHop News) After dropping the tracklist yesterday, Detroit femcee Dej Loaf releases her highly anticipated effort All Jokes Aside .

The project is a big one for Dej and her team as All Jokes Aside is a coming-of-age project according to a statement for the press.

“There comes a time in a girl’s life, where she becomes a young woman. It’s called growth, it’s called maturity, it’s called living life to the full potential and being true to who you are. That’s what I represent. I feel good about everything that I am doing right now, because it is what I want to do. Not what anyone else wants me to do; it’s what I want to do. I’m in charge. I run my show. It feels damn good,” said in a statement.

The cover art features Dej posing nude from the waist up and also incorporates artistic qualities, as the artwork is touched up with use of her signature color yellow.

Sonny Digital, Izze the Producer, DDS, KLVN and iRocksays round out production on the effort.

Dej also calls upon Silkk the Shocker for a guest appearance as the lone feature on the project. Silkk is known for his work on No Liimit and is still signed to his brother Master P’s No Limit Forever Imprint.

Dej tackles a host of issues on the project, but truly bears it all on  “Chase Mine”

On the track Dej addresses writing her own music, her sexuality, whether or not she would have an abortion and of course getting back on her “rap sh*t.”

If you haven’t already, listen, download or stream below:

Dej Loaf

 

Tracklist:
1. Vibes
2. Who Am I?
3. Chase Mine
4. How
5. Keep Going
6. Im Gon’ Win
7. B#### Please
8. Make Money
9. Bout Dat (featuring Silk the Shocker)
10. Die 4 It
11. Goals

A$AP Ferg Leaks Tracklist For ‘Always Strive & Prosper’

(AllHipHop News) Today A$AP Ferg dropped the tracklist for his upcoming album, Always Strive & Prosper

The tracklist for his sophomore album was unleashed on Instagram (see below).

The album has some big name appearances from the A$AP Mob, Skrillex, Missy Elliot, ScHoolboy Q, Future, Rick Ross, Lil Uzi Vert, Mary Baller, Chuck D, Big Sean, Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign.

The project also features a special guest appearance from A$AP Ferg’s mother for the track “Beautiful People.”

Accompanying his mother is legendary Public Enemy frontman, Chuck D.

Most recently ASAP Ferg said that DJ Khalil brought an orchestra and opera singers during recording sessions for the project.

The cover art pictures Ferg with his hands over is eyes wearing a white silk or linen shirt with an all white background.

Always Strive & Prosper drops on April 22nd.

Album track listing #alwaysstriveandprosper

A photo posted by ASAP FERG (@asapferg) on

S/o to @skrillex and my sis @crystalcaines_ for creating Hungry Ham with me!!! Def one of my favorite songs off the album #AlwaysStriveAndProsper Available April 22. #ASAP #FergForever #traplordtuesday #HungryHam

A video posted by ASAP FERG (@asapferg) on

Florida Rap Label Busted In $100 Million Dollar Tax Fraud Scheme

(AllHipHop News) A group of three Florida men from the rap label GroundUp111 have been convicted of operating a fraudulent $100 million tax refund operation.

Sources at the Houston Chronicle, say the Miramar, FL operation stands as one of the largest tax fraud schemes in the history of the United States.

During the seizure at the Miramar residence, police uncovered $174,000 in cash, 10 computers, Rolex and other expensive watches, dozens of gold and diamond necklaces and chains.

The three men were sent to prison yesterday (April 5) by a federal judge after authorities say as many as 10 laptop computers were manipulated to steal approximately $100 million dollars using identity theft.

The rap label was based in Miramar, FL and according to investigators  did not produce any music while stealing the money from July 2011 to May 2013.

According to federal documents, the guy’s rap names live up to their aspirations for riches and living on the edge.

Reportedly the rappers went by the names of “Money King,” “Money Makin Kerb,” Chadillac 305,” and “Risktakers111.”

Its not the first time a rap label has been used as a front in the crime world and it goes both ways.

Back in 2011, Federal agents from the ATF and D.C. Police impersonated a rap label and used the imprint to infiltrate the streets.

Agents  told the underground world and black market that they were seeking to purchase weapons and drugs.

Over the course of the year, agents confiscated firearms (including a rocket launcher), assault weapons, 80 pounds of methamphetamine, 21 pounds of cocaine, 1.25 gallons of PCP, 24 pounds of marijuana, heroin and Ecstasy.

This case couldn’t be anymore timely as the 2016 April tax deadline approaches.

“Every year, thousands of federal income tax returns are prepared by people who care much more about making a quick buck than about preparing accurate returns,” said Caroline Ciraolo, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s tax division told ABC News.

Each defendant is said to be responsible for over $28 million in restitution to the United States government.

The three men’s sentences range from 4-11 years, but two more culprits are yet to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge.

Check out Money King’s visual below:

CHECK OUT: King Kanja’s Video “Cathy” – Is He In Love With Cathy Hughes?

King Kanja’s new video “Cathy” is wonderfully shot video in the heart of Miami, Fl. Visuals were directed by 1st Impressions studio and the song was produced by Grammy nominated super producer Chucky Thompson. African Hip-Hop is on the rise!

Wait. Is he swooning over Cathy Hughes, the 68-year old media mogul?

“Irreplaceable”: Beyoncé Sues Brazen Bootleggers “Feyoncé Inc.”

(AllHipHop News) After the Bey-Hive stung again last week, clapping back at activewear brand Lululemon for a social media blunder, Beyoncé is taking action herself in calling out a bootleg brand that she says is “too close” to her own tradmark name.

According to GulfNews,  Beyonce filed the claim in Manhattan federal court and accused “Feyonce Inc” and three others from San Antonio of infringement.

Bey claims that the Feyoncé knockoffs are harmful because they confuse the consumers.

Some of the items for sale in the Feyconcé Inc. store include hoodies, tank tops, crew sweatshirts, v-necks and coffee mugs.

On the coffee mug there is an apparent reference to her “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” song as the mug says, “Does this ring make me look engaged.”

At the time of print the shirts were available for sale on Amazon and Etsy.com

One website even brazenly advertises the shirt as a, “Feyonceé shirt like Beyoncé.”

Andre Maurice, who is named in the case, reportedly filed two US trademark applications for Feyonce – with the accent and without the accent.

News of this legal filing comes on the heels of announcing Beyonce’s own activewear line called Ivy Park. 

Check Out some pics of the Feyconcé gear below.

Biggie’s Daughter Claims Diddy Does Nothing For Her Family

Photo via Diddy’s Instagaram

Uh oh! Biggie’s daughter, T’yanna Wallace, took to Twitter to go off about Diddy not doing anything for her and Biggie’s family over the years. T’yanna’s frustration comes in a few days after Diddy’s announcement of the Bad Boy reunion concert that will be held at the Barclays Center in celebration of Biggie’s birthday. Fans have been going in on her, some even saying that Puff owes her nothing, but she’s not having it. T’yanna tweeted,

“Puff does nothing for my family. Tired of lying for his lame ass!”

“Haven’t spoken to puff in years, I guess that’s why I didn’t get a ticket to the concert ??”

“This bad boy concert is for my dad’s bday but I got NOT ONE TICKET. just wanna point that out.”

We hope this isn’t true. This would be tragic. We are sure there will be some sort of resolution between Diddy and T’Yanna.

Screen Shot 2016-04-06 at 12.19.25 PM

Screen Shot 2016-04-06 at 12.19.44 PM

Screen Shot 2016-04-06 at 12.21.24 PM

Kodak Black Claims He’s A Better Rapper Than Tupac & Biggie!

In interesting news, Kodak Black believes that he is better than Tupac and Biggie!!? It must be the drugs and delusions of grandeur. How Sway? On what planet? Actually what artists that are out now would you even say Kodak is better than?! Help us out. He’s lost it for sure.

Kodak Black

Will Desiigner Be More Than A One-Hit Rapper?

Photo via Desiigner’s Instagram

Desiigner has had some success with his single “Panda”. The rapper has even had success in a way that even Future hasn’t experienced yet. Many believe Desiigner jacked Future’s style; ironically, although Future has dominated the rap game, he has failed to completely dominate the Billboard charts. Interestingly enough, Desiigner’s single “Panda” has charted higher than any solo track Future has ever released (Panda hit No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100). Well clearly Future has been doing just fine without the chart accolades from Billboard, but we wonder will Desiigner find success beyond “Panda”? What are your thoughts?

Kirko Bangz Calls Out “Catfish Groupie”

Hey, it’s just another day of rappers and their baby mama drama! This story is a little bit different though. A woman has been claiming to be the baby mama of Kirko Bangz, and Kirko is calling BS! He has even gone as far as to call the girl a catfish! The woman claims that Kirko barely will pay the $1K that they’ve agreed on for child support. Kirko responded saying,

“If I had a child I wouldn’t be on child support because I would be one hell of a father to my child.

Kirko says he has never seen the woman a day in his life. Kirko even said the woman stole a photo of his niece claiming that it was her child with Kirko. Well, there are certainly some crazy and obsessed stalkers out there.

https://instagram.com/p/BD19TZstbh8/

https://instagram.com/p/BD19BRINbhj/

https://instagram.com/p/BD18rSANbhE/

https://instagram.com/p/BD18SWoNbgc/

Kirko posted this a few months ago:

Kirko Bangz

The “catfish” woman posted an alleged text convo between her and Kirko.

Screen Shot 2016-04-06 at 12.04.17 PM

Screen Shot 2016-04-06 at 12.04.26 PM

Dee-1 Gets Lit With Lupe And K.R.I.T. On Remix For “Against Us”

Fresh off the enormous viral success that was “Sallie Mae Back”, which garnered close to 7M views collectively and landed Dee his very first talk show appearance on The Real, Dee-1 unleashes the remix to his double time hit,”Against Us.”

Featured on the track are Lupe Fiasco, BIG K.R.I.T. and a special surprise intro by Dee’s grandfather, who celebrates his birthday today.

“I only collab with people I’m friends with, the rest of that stuff is fake if there’s no real relationship with the artists. I’m thankful my homies KRIT and Lupe could come together with me for this one. Compared to what’s out right now, this is hard. I hope everyone loves it like I do.” The Nola emcee says.

https://soundcloud.com/dee1music/ausremix?in=dee1music/sets/dee-1-collection

Lil Durk, Dolph & Young Thugga Say The Trap House Is A Waffle House On New Track

Everyone knows if you’re in the A, then the Waffle House is that late night food spot. From syrup to late night fights to slammin hashbrowns and eggs, the Waffle House has it all. Durk, Dolph and Thugga all share their affinity for the late night food spot on this new track “Trap House,” using the chain as a euphemism for trap spot.

Lil Yachty’s “22” Is That New Chill Spring Trap Jam

Yachty’s new joint with BIGBRUTHACHUBBA & JBANS$ is that new relatively chill Spring jam. Perhaps because it’s not all the way fired up like your typical Summer trap track, but regardless the song hits with the proper speakers. As Yachty spits “22 diamonds” repeatedly on the intro and hook Yachty floats on the track in the most relaxed nonchalant way. Kid is moving fast, so we ain’t mad at this slower paced track.

https://soundcloud.com/inthe_ocean/lil-yachty-22-ft-bigbruthachubba-jban2turnt-prodearl