(AllHipHop News) On April 8th Ice Cube and N.W.A. take over Brooklyn, NY for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Joining N.W.A. in the 2016 Class are Cheap Trick, Chicago, Deep Purple, Steve Miller and Bert Berns (Non-performer Category) according to the Rock Hall’s website.
As his induction to the Rock Hall draws closer, Ice Cube spoke with the Cleveland Plain Dealer about N.W.A.’s music and how its still relevant today with issues of police brutality in the news daily.
“When you put something on people’s radar and plant a seed in their mind, it might take some time for that seed to germinate and grow,” Cube explained.
“When we did ‘F*** Tha Police,’ the police could do no wrong in a court of law,” he explained. “Now, after that song, police are held just as accountable.
Because of those lyrics N.W.A. is the fifth Hip-Hop act to kick in the door at the Rock Hall, joining Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Ice Cube and N.W.A. were chosen by more than 800 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in combination with results from the Rock Hall’s online fan vote.
“We put this on people’s minds years ago, and now you have a generation of people who are looking very closely at how the police act and work,” he added.
Cube also took the time to revert to a Higher Learning like mind-state and spoke in reference to the Tamir Rice case in which a 12 year old Cleveland boy was gunned down by police in 2014.
“Nobody values Black life,” he said, in reference to Cleveland’s Tamir Rice case. “That’s why we keep revisiting it.
“Everybody believes a Black life is cheaper than a White life, whether they admit it or not, and that’s really the core.
“It ain’t looking at the police, it ain’t looking at the man who’s a racist, it’s looking at ourselves,” said the legendary West Coast Gangsta rapper.
Failing to pay an originally issued ticket for$171, the Atlanta rapper was arrested and detained for not paying the ticket and the subsequent fines, that resulted in $316 in fees and violations for driving with a suspended license.
Apparently the rapper was under the impression the ticket had been handled after he served 8 months for drugs and weapons charges according to a recent Fader article quoting his lawyer.
According to that article, the violation earlier this month would not affect Offset’s 5 year probation, no word on how this will affect his probation status.
Recently Takeoff of the Migos told TMZ they were being targeted by police in Atlanta saying, “they always messing with us. They don’t give us not room to breathe. Y’all see it y’all self…We just here to do our job, man…Just leave us alone”
(AllHipHop News) Atlanta-based artist Sy Ari Da Kid revisited his familiar “heartbreak” theme with the 14-track B4 The Heartbreak album. Over the last several months, the rapper-singer has dropped four videos from the 2016 project, and today Sy Ari connected with AllHipHop.com to premiere the latest visuals from #B4THB.
The “Intermission” video utilizes trippy effects as Da Kid croons to a lover over TEAUXNY’s production. Dontell Antonio of Composite Media handled the direction for the 2-minute clip. Sy Ari says the track reflects “that moment when you and her decide y’all need a break, in hopes that y’all reunite in the future.”
Cover Art For “B4THB”
Purchase Sy Ari Da Kid’s B4 The Heartbreak on iTunes. Watch the “Intermission” music video below.
(AllHipHop Features) Trap music pioneer Xavier “Zaytoven” Dotson has a catalog of production credits that features works with Gucci Mane, Usher, Future, Migos, Jeezy, Young Dolph, and countless other performers. In addition, the self-taught instrumentalist has also been locked in the studio with emerging singer-songwriter Natasha Mosley.
The Atlanta-based duo of Natasha and Zaytoven was the force behind the recent single “Comin Back,” and an entire body of work is set to follow. Listeners can be on the lookout for Naytoven, a portmanteau of the German-born producer and the Gwinnett County raised vocalist’s names.
Naytoven will follow Mosley’s 2015 album Rose Hall. Prior to breaking out as a solo artist, the relative of Blues icon Bessie Smith spent time as a member of two separate girl groups – The Feisty Girl Project which was started by Jermaine Durpi’s father Michael Mauldin and Juice which was under the tutelage of former Xscape singer Tiny Harris.
Mosley is now signed to the independent label ISO Music. With Zaytoven also in her corner, the Collins Hill High School representative is currently setting forth a path to leave a measurable mark on the R&B picture. Discover more about Natasha Mosley in this exclusive interview with AllHipHop.com.
The first time we ever did a song together is going on two years ago. The first song we ever did was called “Face In The Pillow.” I always heard about Zay and wanted to work with him. Mike Fresh – a writer and artist I’ll be working with – was the first person to take me to Zay.
When I met Zay, I walked into his house and he said, “Oh, so you sing?” I said, “Yeah.” He was like, “Sing me a song.” I sung for him and he said, “Oh, we definitely gotta work.” After that, we’ve been working ever since.
And now you’re working on a joint project?
We have a project coming out called Naytoven. He actually came up with the name. I thought that was pretty dope.
Is it going to be a full album or an EP?
We’ve been going back and forth so much on exactly what we want it to be. We keep changing how many songs we’re going to put on there. We keep making more songs. We don’t know if it’s going to be 10 or 15. At first it was going to be about 5 songs, but we keep changing because we’ve got so many good songs. We’re probably going to pick the best 10 songs that we have together, so I think it’s going to be more like an album.
He’s producing all of the tracks, but have you worked with any other artists?
I worked with a lot of artists in the past like YG, Tyga, Gucci Mane, Jeremih, Lil Wayne, and Young Dro. I think this project is going to be just me.
Natasha Mosley + Jeremih
You mentioned the song with Jeremih. That actually ended up on the Magic Mike XXL soundtrack. What was your reaction when you found out the song was part of that project?
I didn’t think it was for real. My friend that told me is always playing around, so I was thinking, “Yeah right.” He said, “Tasha, I’m for real this time.” When I actually saw it was serious, I was like, “Oh my god! I’m going to be in a real movie! Aside from me being on a major artist’s song, we’re actually going to be in a major film in theaters.” And in the movie it’s my part that’s playing, so it was an amazing feeling. It’s a blessing.
Your performance on the song “Comin Back” felt like it had more of a rap delivery than a traditional R&B delivery.
Everybody be at Zay’s house. That particular day, Yung L.A. was there in the studio writing this song. I walked in and said, “Man, this is hot. What’s this?” I just kept hearing him say, “Comin back to you. This is for a girl.” I said, “This is kind of what I’m going through right now.”
He was in the studio writing it. I sat down next to him, and I started throwing words and concepts at him. We ended up writing the song together. Then Mike Fresh came in and helped with some of the words as well. We kind of molded the song to have that rap feel. Especially with Yung L.A., because he’s had so many hits. He gave it that rap feel.
The content on your other single “Stranded” is interesting. What inspired that direction?
I actually wrote that song in like the 8th or 9th grade. I was in a relationship with somebody. I thought I knew what I was talking about and I was all in love. I felt like, “If he leaves me, it’s the end of the world.” That was kind of the mindset that I was in at that time.
I said, “Isom [ISO Music’s head], I think I should re-sing the song, because when I sung it I was so young. I don’t even know if I can hit the notes any more.” He said, “Yes, you can.” I put the song out. It got such a good response. I just love it. I can’t wait to sing it live, because those emotions and everything I wrote the song about was real.
The combined total for your “Anything” video has over 4 million views on YouTube. What do you think it is about that particular song that has caused it to connect with so many listeners?
From the feedback that I’ve been getting, I think it’s that whole woman empowerment – “I’m sexy,” “Anything she can do, I can do better” – that whole confidence level thing. I’m small and petite. I don’t have this big booty or big t######, but at the same time I’m still showing my confidence.
Mind you, I’m talking about being in a strip club and seeing what she can do on the pole. I’m over here saying, “I can do just what she’s doing and better.” I feel like that makes the women cling to the song. That’s just off the responses I’ve been getting. You know my girls tweet me. They tell me, “That’s my song. That’s my new twerking anthem.” So I can kind of tell how it makes them feel.
I saw a tweet that you retweeted where basically the person was saying how they appreciate how your music helps them through a low point in their life. When you get responses like that, what is your reaction?
My reaction to that is don’t stop, keep going, don’t give up. The main thing that inspires me the most is when people tweet me and say, “You’re music is giving me life.” To me, that’s the best feeling ever. To know I’m giving somebody life through my music, it makes me never want to stop.
Where would you like to see your career in five years?
I want to be a megastar. I want to be at the awards. I want to be touring. I’m out here working, grinding, and getting to the next level. Inspiring people is my main thing. When I was growing up I loved Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Tamia, and Brandy. Just seeing how they make their fans feel – they put people in their real emotions. That’s what I want to do.
(AllHipHop News) Is Hov ready to return with his 13th studio album? According to talk in the industry Jay Z is currently working on music. Statik Selektah appeared on The Combat Jack Show, and the producer mentioned the Roc Nation boss could be putting together new records.
The production mind behind the Statik KXNG joint album with Kxng Crooked was asked which other artists he would like to work with in the future. His first answer was Jay Z. When questioned if Jay was working on something at the moment, Statik replied, “Yeah, I heard he was.”
Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Kareem “Biggs” Burke added more fuel to the speculation his former business partner could be back in the studio. Biggs revealed in an interview with the Rap Radar podcast that Jay told him he planned to make one more album.
Biggs supposedly responded to Jay’s one final LP comment by saying, “Come on man. You’re too close to the Beatles now.” The iconic rock band’s total of 19 #1 albums is currently the all-time record for any act. Jay is in second place with 13.
Another Roc affiliate shared his belief that Jay is actually retired for good. Memphis Bleek recently expressed his mentor was unlikely to release another album. While it is not clear if the Brooklyn Hip Hop legend has another solo effort in the works, there have also been rumors swirling for several years that Jay and his wife Beyoncé are teaming up for a collaborative project.
(AllHipHop News) A list of who’s who in the music industry is planning to take part in the David Bowie Tribute Concert at Carnegie Hall tonight (March 31). However, one scheduled act will not be hitting the stage at the showcase.
The Roots drummer Questlove posted a message on Instagram explaining why his group will not be performing at the event. He wrote:
Mood. I’ve never been so insecure or petty as to deny a fellow musician use of ANY of my equipment (or my band’s equipment—-or resources or contacts or knowledge or ANYTHING) it angers me when that same courtesy is not reciprocated. (Believe you me I was about to get#TomPetty or #PettyWap or #PetRockAndCLSmooth or #BlackPetty or however you wanna roll wit it)—keeping a level head and not being self destructive is a weak point I’m working on. But I’m also keeping it true: The Roots/Bilal/Kimbra (w/ Wendy Melvoin, DD Jackson & Ray Angry) pulled out of these Bowie gigs. We have patience. But we do NOT have patience for the#Bitchassness. Enjoy your precious equipment.
There is a separate Bowie tribute set for Friday, April 1 at Radio City Music Hall. As of press time, Michael Dorf, the organizer for the events, still has The Roots listed as performers for both shows on the Music Of website.
(AllHipHop News) For all the aspiring rappers buying beats online, that process could end up being a wise investment one day. Look at Brooklyn’s Desiigner. His breakout record “Panda” is a Top 40 hit, and it earned him a deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music. That success is the result of Desiigner only paying $200 for the track.
The producer of “Panda” connected with Genius to discuss how his work ended up with Desiigner. Manchester beat maker Adnan “Menace” Khan sold the beat to the rising rhymer in 2014, but his original intent was for it the final version to have a different sound.
“When I posted on YouTube, I wrote: ‘Meek Mill—Ace Hood Type Beat.’ So it came out totally different than [I thought],” said Menace.
The 22-year-old then discovered his beat would be used as part of Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2” off The Life Of Pablo album. While Atlanta hit maker Metro Boomin’s famous tag appears on the Pt. 1, Menace ensures he has been given his proper due.
“A lot of people were saying, ‘Why is Metro Boomin credited on your beat?’ It splits,” explains Menace. “Metro Boomin does ‘Pt. 1’ – his track finished at the beginning of my track and slowly drifts into mine, so it blends. I’m credited.”
Menace wished “Father” was closer to 3 or 4 minutes and he would have liked to have seen Kanye use less Auto-Tune, but he still called the finished product “dope.” The producer-on-the-rise is planning to do more tracks with Desiigner in the future.
He adds, “I’d love to work with him again. How Metro is to Future, London is to Young Thug, and Menace is to Desiigner.”
(AllHipHop News) Kanye West declared his latest album The Life Of Pablo would never be on Apple, but it seems the LP could be making its way to other streaming services such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play. Mashable reports TLOP, which was exclusively available on Tidal, is expected to arrive on the other platforms this Friday.
At the moment, the songs “Famous” and “I Love Kanye” are already able to be streamed through various services. It is not clear if Kanye’s most recent body of work will be added to iTunes. Again, the G.O.O.D. Music founder claimed the project will never be for sale.
My album will never never never be on Apple. And it will never be for sale… You can only get it on Tidal.
The Life Of Pablo was reportedly streamed over 250 million times in the first 10 days it was on Tidal. Since its release on February 14, Kanye has altered the music and tracklist several times.
(AllHipHop News) In January, AllHipHop.com broke the news that incarcerated rapper C-Murder is set to partner with Boosie Badazz for a joint album titled Penitentiary Chances. Then earlier this month, AllHipHop.com premiered C-Murder’s “Dear Supreme Court” music video. According to reports, the New Orleans native’s decision to release vocals while behind bars could land him in trouble.
The Louisiana Department of Corrections is currently investigating how C-Murder (born Corey Miller) was able to record the music. Prison officials questioned C-Murder, and he claimed that all of the songs were recorded before entering Angola prison.
However, lyrics from “Dear Supreme Court” suggest they were written after he was convicted of murdering 16-year-old Steve Thomas, but officials could not find any conclusive evidence the song was created while C-Murder was in the facility. He apparently refused to take a polygraph test.
C-Murder has maintained his innocence, and his attorneys are challenging the conviction. The TRU member is hoping his life sentence gets vacated and he is given a new trial. The appeal is based on witnesses now saying C-Murder was not involved in the fight at the club the night Thomas was killed.
Puff Daddy & The Family will make their return to the stage for the “One Night Only” Bad Boy Family Reunion at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Friday, May 20th. Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, Lil’ Kim, Mase, French Montana, Total, 112, Mario Winans will come together to perform for Notorious B.I.G’s hometown audience, in celebration of what would be the rapper’s 44th birthday the following day. New York natives Mary J. Blige and Jay Z will also grace the Brooklyn stage, joining the superstar lineup as special guests for this one night only celebration. The epic concert experience, produced by Live Nation, will be filled with material spanning Bad Boy Entertainment’s 20 years as the driving force behind hip hop music. Fans were given a sneak peek of what to expect for “One Night Only” at the 2015 BET Awards, where the Bad Boy Entertainment family brought down the house with their unforgettable homecoming performance. Tickets for the event will be available at www.livenation.com beginning Saturday, April 2 at 11:00AM.
“This isn’t just another concert — This is hip-hop history,” said Diddy. “The Bad Boy Family includes some of the biggest names in music and songs that helped define a whole generation of music. Also, we are celebrating one of the greatest of all time – Notorious B.I.G. This will be a night to remember. I can’t wait to see you all there.”
(AllHipHop News) Southern rap mainstays 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne are performing tonight (March 30) at The Tabernacle in Atlanta. The event dubbed “TIDAL X: COLLEGROVE” will be available for streaming via the Tidal entertainment platform. Starting at 9 pm, viewers can watch Chainz and Weezy run through songs from their recent collaborative project ColleGrove.
(AllHipHop News) G-Eazy is having the time of his life on tour, from jumping out of airplanes to riding four-wheelers in the wilderness, while selling out shows in New Zealand, Hawaii and Australia.
G-Eazy has reason to celebrate. He is riding high on the success of his debut effort and the single track “Me, Myself and I.” The song landed in the Top 5 at Top 40 radio and #2 at Rhythm.
G-Eazy’s popular track is also the #6 most Shazammed song in the U.S. and worldwide.
To top it all off and celebrate the successes, G-Eazy is dropping a collaborative t-shirt with his hometown team the Golden State Warriors.
“I’ve been going to Golden State Warriors games since I was a kid, so when they told me I had an opportunity to collab on a shirt with them I was hella stoked” says the Oakland native.
The t-shirt reads, “IMAGINE IT – PUT THE HOURS IN – & STAY PASSIONATE”
Check out images below and if you’re a fan go cop yours via Teespring.com.
In just a week, G-Eazy will be performing at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 3rd.
Check out the other tour dates below to see where and if he’ll be performing in your town!
US TOUR DATES
WITH NEF THE PHARAOH, MARTY GRIMES, DAGHE:
* G-Eazy Only
3/29 Bloomington, IL – US Cellular Coliseum
3/30 Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
3/31 Madison, WI – Alliant Energy Center
4/1 Duluth, MN – University of MN-Duluth*
4/2 Fargo, ND – Fargo Civic Center
4/4 Edmonton, AB – Shaw Conference Center
4/6 Vancouver, BC – PNE
4/7 Spokane, WA – Star Theatre
4/8 Eugene,OR – Matthew Knight Arena
4/9 Reno, NV – Reno Event Center
4/10 Bakersfield, CA – Rabobank Convention Center
4/11 Fresno, CA – Selland Arena
4/15 Indio, CA – Coachella*
4/19 Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
4/22 Indio, CA – Coachella*
4/23 Tucson, AZ – TCC
4/24 El Paso, TX – UTEP-Don Haskins
4/26 Baton Rouge, LA – Baton Rouge River Center
4/27 Birmingham, AL – Sloss Furnace
4/28 Simpsonville, SC – Charter Spectrum Amphitheater
4/30 West Palm Beach, FL – Sunfest (closing South Stage)*
EUROPE TOUR DATES WITH iLOVEMAKONNEN
5/7 Landstreffet Festival – Stavanger – Ålgård, Norway
5/8 Vega – Copenhagen, Denmark
5/10 Lido – Berlin, Germany
5/11 Batschkapp – Frankfurt, Germany
5/12 E-Werk – Cologne, Germany
5/13 Tonhalle – Munich, Germany
5/14 X-Tra – Zurich, Switzerland
5/17 Trianon – Paris, France
5/18 Ancienne Belgique – Brussels, Belgium
5/19 Melkweg (The Max) – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
5/21 The Garage – Glasgow, Scotland
5/22 Olympia Theatre – Dublin, Ireland
5/23 Manchester Ritz – Manchester, United Kingdom
5/24 O2 Institute Birmingham – Birmingham, United Kingdom
5/26 Koko – London, United Kingdom
5/27 Electric Brixton – London, United Kingdom
Rumor has it that there is some serious tension in the Los Angeles Lakers’ locker room. Sources are saying teammates aren’t rocking with D’Angelo Russell after video surfaced of Russell recording a private conversation between him and Nick Young. Young appears to be unaware that he’s being recorded in the video, and he reveals that he has cheated on his fiancee Iggy Azalea. We have so many questions. Why was he being recorded? Who leaked the video? The video has allegedly done damage to the brotherhood of the team. Interestingly enough, Iggy has seen the video, and she took to Twitter to thank D’Angelo Russell for the video. That has to hurt. Perhaps this is the real reason Nick & Iggy’s wedding date has been pushed back. The cheating rumors have plagued their relationship for a while!
**Do you have a Hip Hop rumor that you would like to share anonymously? Email [email protected]
50 Cent always does the most on social media. Although fans wait around and watch for celebrity social media clap back moments, many celebrities still take it too far. A few women decided to remind 50 that there were other ways to contact his oldest son other than social media. 50 went off saying,
“B*tch you should be focused on your hair and your 4×4 head. You nappy head Indie Irie looking b*tch.”
Needless to say 50’s comments were pretty offensive. 50’s comment basically suggested that India Arie and her natural hair aren’t beautiful. SMH.
Lil’ Kim recently did an interview with Billboard prior to her ‘Lil Kim Season’ mixtape release. When she was asked what sort of projects she’s been working on she stated that she was unable to reveal that info right now. The interviewer went on to say,
“Faith Evans just announced she’s putting out a duets album with the Notorious B.I.G. later this year. What are your thoughts on that?”
Kim replied saying,
“All I can say is… stay tuned.”
Is Kim hinting that a Faith Evans and Kim collaboration may be on the way. It would be nice for them to sample Biggie since they’ve left their beef in the past (publicly revealing the fact at Diddy & Snoop Dogg’s NBA All-Star concert). But wait, didn’t Mama Wallace ban Kim from Biggie’s musical estate?
A judicial delegate in the 12th judicial district in Bronx, N.Y, and a former NYS democratic committeeman, Ronald Savage, is releasing a book making claims that Hip-Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa molested him several times in the late 70’s. Savage says he wanted to be in with the “in crowd” and he felt what was happening to him was wrong, but he didn’t realize until he was older that he was being molested. Mannnn.
Do you have a Hip Hop rumor that you would like to share anonymously? Email [email protected]
(AllHipHop News) Culinary great Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles took the West Coast Hip-Hop world by storm serving up dishes for the likes of Game, Snoop and many other Hip-Hop greats, but now concerns are being raised that the historic franchise may be in jeopardy.
According to the LATimes, East Coast Foods Inc., the parent company of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last Friday.
Despite the wide-spread popularity of the chicken and waffles franchise, the franchise has debts between $10 million and $50 million while assets reportedly total less than $50,000.
Compton Bred rapper The Game is especially fond on Roscoe’s as the rapper catered his Jesus Piece listening session in LA with Roscoe’s Chicken, 40 oz’s of St. Ides and Veuve-Clicquot champagne.
At several points during President Obama’s term, he has visited Roscoe’s and now has a meal named after him.
Some speculate that the franchise may be going under after having to settle a racial discrimination suit that awarded a former employee $1.8 million and $1.5 in legal fees.
After a year of endless touring in 2015, Audio Push has began 2016 dropping music left and right. With the release of their album ‘Stone Junction’ approaching on April 8th, the anticipation has not stopped building. The West Coast group, who is now residing in Atlanta is no doubt picking up on the southern influences of the region.
While on T-Pain’s 2015 ‘Drinking Partner Tour’, the duo linked up with highly sought out producer and writer Navé. Creating hits with the likes of T-Pain, Red Café, Snootie Wild, and more the collaboration with Audio Push has been a much awaited act.
“Hundred Million” is nothing short of a Hip Hop version of Bruno Mars’s and Travie McCoy’s “Millionaire”. Originally written by Navé, Oktane who was instantly driven to the hook inquired about the track’s verses; there were none. With the blessing of his partner Price, the three began writing in a very organic creative process.
Undoubtedly excited about the musical future for Audio Push in 2016 and the release of Navé’s first solo project as an artist, “Hundred Million” is a taste of what is to come from both parties.
(AllHipHop News) When you are 50 Cent and you’re playing with money, albeit “fake” money on IG, you have the option to toy with different ideas and industries that interest you.
50 Cent’s newest potential venture could be horses as the Queens bred rapper is set to host a Louisville stationed Derby Eve Party in anticipation of the Kentucky Derby on May 6th.
50 will host “The 50 Cent Derby Takeover” starting at 11pm and working its way into the early hours of the morning at Club Liv on West Liberty Street in Louisville. The party will feature several DJs, celebrities and food vendors.
The G-Unit camp will also be on deck for this one, as Young Buck is scheduled to make an appearance along with three renowned DJs.
Guests will be treated to the sounds of DJ E-Feezy (The Wolf of South Beach), DJ Fresh, (Rich Homie Quan’s DJ) and DJ Slikk, who will be a part of what promoters are calling the “Main Event.”
While Horse Racing isn’t the most popular sport in Hip-Hop, according to the Kentucky Derby’s website, “the history of the Kentucky Derby and African-American horsemen are intertwined.”
“The Derby and Churchill Downs owe a great deal to these men who helped shape America’s greatest race. Thirteen of the 15 riders in the first Derby were African-American, while African-American reinsmen won 15 of the Derby’s first 28 runnings,” the website reads. “The 11 African-American jockeys rode a total of 15 Derby winners between 1875 and 1902.”
The NAACP and the Lincoln Foundation honored those horsemen in 1980 with a plaque commemorating the occasion, which is now in the Kentucky Derby Museum’s collection.
In addition to the aforementioned acts, a list of celebrity guests will be released in coming weeks.
The party is expected to last from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
