As more information surfaces about presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her deservingness of the black vote, the latest to rise is a statement she made in 1996 about jailing blacks in America. A protestor made sure to remind her of this when she stood up at Clinton’s fundraiser in Charleston, South Carolina with the quote printed across a sign: “We have to bring them to heel.” The words were from a speech in which the Democratic hopeful called black criminals “super predators” and urged for their mass incarceration.
After the woman stands up with the sign and demands Clinton, many people who are seemingly from Clinton’s camp try to silence her. She is eventually escorted from the fundraiser as Clinton says she will address it at another time and finally responds with, “Okay, back to the issues.”
Social experimentalist Coby Persin staged a marriage photoshoot between a 65-year-old man and a young 12-year-old girl on the streets of New York. Watch what people had to say to the senior citizen flaunting the young bride around what appears to be Times Square in a white bridal dress.
Tyga keeps receiving attention from all the wrong people. Besides Maury Povich and Chris Hansen, the repo man is allegedly looking for the “Stimulated” rapper. For the last month, word on the web insists that Tyga has been hiding his 2013 Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, this according to TMZ.
Last year, T-Raw snatched the luxury ride from his former fiancée, Blac Chyna, and gifted it to his young girlfriend, Kylie Jenner. An inside source has specified that a payment hasn’t been received since October of 2015. Of course, Kylie’s address is listed on the pertinent paperwork.
The cunning vixen is thought to have the vehicle stashed beyond her security gates. Since January of this year, the car company has been pursuing this endeavor.
(AllHipHop News) Havoc’s incredible production ingenuity has created many classic Mobb Deep tracks. Recently, the critically-acclaimed beatsmith broke down his sonic role on Kanye’s, The Life of Pablo. As an ardent supporter of “Mobb Deep drums” ‘Ye ensured to enlist the veteran producer for “Famous.”
An undulating positive atmosphere surrounded the studio sessions. With Q-Tip’s assistance, Havoc supplied his signature sound on the co-produced track. The Queens MC mentioned, “Q-Tip is one of the reasons why I even got on this project,” this according to Complex.He then elaborated with, “I think he mentioned it to Kanye. Threw the bug in his ear.”
“Everything just went 360 [degrees] from working on The Infamous album to him throwing the bug in Kanye’s ear. Like, ‘You know, I think you should work with Havoc.’ That was dope,” reflected the Golden Era giant. In addition to “Famous,” Havoc also alluded that in the future “at least a dozen”other collaborative songs may be released.
He teased, “So there are still songs that didn’t make the album that you never know in the future. You might just hear them one day.”
When you think about this Dirty South sub-genre of Hip-Hop you can’t even go very far without speaking about Three 6 Mafia. Early on songs like “Sippin On Some Sizzurp” and “Slob On My Knob” secured Three 6’s place in the hoods forever. While some Hip-Hop purists that harp on boom bap beats and lyrics found this to be a shock to the system at the time, it still resonates today. Three 6 was basically the start of trap rap and they put on for the Memphis hood like never before.
From the start of the song with Lord Infamous’ verse, you know this song gonna have you giving your significant other the side eye. Juicy J, Gangsta Boo, DJ Paul and Koopsta Knicca’s verses add to the track, making this song a Hip-Hop classic. This was the ‘hood’s “Hotline Bling” before it even existed. Check it out below!
(AllHipHop News) Although, Xzibit has not released an album in four years, the left-coast lyricist has been expressing his creativity. X has been flexing his acting chops on CBS,’ Hawaii Five-0. Soon the proven thespian will be challenged to stand out on Fox’s, Empire.
Previously, Snoop Dogg, Courtney Love, Ludacris, and Alicia Keys have appeared on the popular drama. Xzibit will be tasked with providing depth for his character, Leslie Johnson. If the audience responds to X, he may become a regular character on the show. “His character’s episode tally is still yet to be determined, this according to Deadline.
“A well-known gangsta/drug dealer/extortionist/businessman-type,” Johnson will serve as the nemesis to Terrance Howard’s, Lucious Lyon. X’s character, Johnson, is constructed as an ill-tempered antagonist. After delving into the music business Johnson and Lyon are set for battle.
Fresh off their The Revenge of The Dreamers II release from back in December, Cozz and Bas drop the new visual for their track “Tabs.” in the video you get to see the life of a rap star as the guys party it up in a mansion filled with ladies.
As the saying goes, “loose lips sink ships.” Following Karen Civil’s, Tax Season interview, her business practices are being scrutinized. The proven entrepreneur was recently blasted for allegedly stealing. Cam’ron claimed that Civil pilfered $60,000 from his cousin, Duke Da God.
In an Instagram post, the Dipset cappo insisted that Karen’s character was reflected in her trifling ways. “Stop lying and stealing,” he beckoned. That’s not the only criticism that’s been hurled toward Ms. Civil.
Yesterday (Feb. 24), Joyner Lucas used Twitter to communicate his frustrations with Karen. The Massachusetts musician accused Karen Civil of stealing $50,000. “I neva blasted @KarenCivil before today & I took that loss for now til it was the right time, but @Mr_Camron just put the battery in my back,” read Joyner’s initial tweet.
Within the passionate plea, JL contends that Karen refused to help cultivate his brand, dodged his telephone calls, and disparaged his life’s experiences. Invigorated by Cam’s outspoken nature, Joyner is now contemplating legal proceeding against Karen Civil. “All I kno is this lawsuit gona be great. I hope dat vacation was worth it @KarenCivil. Becuz all dat sh*t is comin bak to who you stole from,” he wrote.
So word is Drake signed with these guys, but then that rumor was shot down. Now it might be true, now this footage emerges? What is going on? The was all at the Section Boyz Village Underground show and it it looks CRAZY! Check it out as Drake performs “Jumpman” and other hits.
Mannie Fresh may be better known to the younger generations as the guy who made “Go DJ” but, the OG’s remember the Hot Boys and the mark they made in the game. Mannie is doing a good job of bringing them back on this new single “Hate” ft Lil Wayne, Juvenile & Birdman.
Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, and Lil Wayne recently revealed that they’ve been working on an album together. It comes after the Hot Boys reunited at Wayne’s Lil’ Weezyanna Fest. Mannie states;
I’ve put a lot of effort into making this track happen. I’ve always been the liaison between these guys, they took my word and put their trust in me in bringing everyone together for this hot track. You definitely can expect more from this project I’m about to drop with Mass Appeal Records. This is just the foreplay, you can expect the eargasm later.
Let’s enjoy this track and wait and see what else is next.
(AllHipHop News) Circulating rumors continue to plague Kanye’s personal life. In the midst of the gossip, Mr. West keeps demonstrating his creativity. Yesterday (Feb. 24), Kanye West alerted the world that another album will be released in 2016, this according to Twitter.
As the self-professed “voice of reason” Yeezus challenges himself to use his platform to enrich, to educate, and to empower. The confident MC announced, “New album coming this summer.” As a resounding voice of the have-nots, ‘Ye then wrote, “I represent what people can’t say.”
(AllHipHop Features) James Rosemond is one of the most controversial figures connected to Hip Hop culture, even though the man also known as Jimmy Henchman has never recorded a musical project. At one time, Rosemond helped mold the careers of The Game, Salt-N-Pepa, Sean Kingston, Gucci Mane, and Akon. However, he became a household name for many rap fans as a result of a litany of unfavorable reports and rumors surrounding his alleged connections to 2Pac, 50 Cent, and criminal activities.
The 51-year-old founder of CZAR Entertainment is currently serving a life sentence at West Virginia’s USP Hazelton for supposedly heading the bi-coastal drug trafficking crew referred to as “The Rosemond Organization.” In 2015, Rosemond was also convicted for participating in a murder-for-hire plot that led to the death of G-Unit associate Lowell “Lodi Mack” Fletcher.
A veteran entertainment insider is now on a mission to challenge the validity of those two cases and debunk the tales of Rosemond being involved in the infamous 1994 shooting of Tupac Shakur. The violent incident at New York City’s Quad Recording Studios was a pivotal precursor to the so-called “East Coast vs West Coast” rivalry which was highlighted by the well publicized animosity between 2Pac/Death Row Records and The Notorious B.I.G./Bad Boy Records.
Filmmaker Don Sikorski (Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and the Cops, BMF: The Rise and Fall of a Hip-Hop Drug Empire) created the new Go To Ground documentary Unjust Justice – The Jimmy Rosemond Tapes. The goal of the 10-part web series is to examine whether “Jimmy Henchman” received a fair trial in the judicial system as well as the court of public opinion.
AllHipHop.com interviewed Sikorski about Unjust Justice. The producer of the television shows American Vice and Black Ink Crew explains why he took on the task of possibly changing the narrative about the life of James Rosemond.
Why did you decide to film a docuseries about Rosemond?
His story was one that I always found fascinating. Personally, I thought with his life sentence that telling it would be extremely hard, and to be honest after I directed a documentary about BMF, I really felt I was done telling stories of the nexus of crime and Hip Hop.
Two things made me change my mind. Jimmy reached out directly and told me he felt he had a story to tell that had not been written. It was a story that was different from the myriad of articles that had been written about his life and his drug and murder cases. The more I listened, the more I felt I needed to investigate.
The second thing was the release of Netflix’s Making A Murderer. I saw that they used recorded phone calls from jail. I started to record calls that I had with Jimmy and realized the stories and information he was giving me was never written in any publication or online.
How did you first connect with Rosemond? And a what point did you pitch the idea of the series to him?
I was put in contact with Jimmy through a third party. The idea for a series was born out of the fact that he went to trial three times. Once on the federal CCE charge, or “kingpin” charge, and twice on the murder-for-hire charges. I felt that to really tell his story you would need a lot of time devoted to these very complex cases. I also realized that I didn’t want to be told how to tell this story. I wanted that freedom. So we immediately went into production on putting the story together.
The title Unjust Justice suggests Rosemond is being presented as the victim in the series. He was convicted in separate trials for drug trafficking and for conducting a murder-for-hire plot. What do you believe was “unjust” about his situation?
Yes, the sentencing that Jimmy received was unjust in many ways. First and foremost, I believe after investigating the court documents, doing my own interviews and due diligence that James Rosemond was not a drug kingpin.
To go further under the sentencing guidelines of the kingpin charge, I don’t think the federal government was able to prove with evidence that Jimmy is a drug kingpin. I have spoken off the record with individuals that were involved in this “so-called” drug organization. It was not a top down organization. There was no pyramid with Jimmy at the top as the government alleges. Jimmy should be serving a small sentence for drugs, not a kingpin charge. I know that for a fact.
Secondly, I have started my investigation into the murder-for-hire case. Again the evidence the government provided at trial is all based on testimony of individuals who had everything to gain by painting Jimmy as the mastermind.
I am reserving my opinion on his sentencing on that charge as I am still in the midst of interviewing the major players and reviewing every piece of evidence. Reading the court transcripts and understanding what went on inside the courtroom, it is hard to see why a jury found him guilty.
G2Greleased a 90-second video clip that covers the 2Pac shooting at Quad Studios in New York. Even though he denies it, there are still many people that believe Rosemond was involved in that incident. Will you present more evidence to prove Rosemond was not behind the 1994 attack?
The whole pilot episode of the series basically rips to shreds the narrative that has been presented in every major media outlet. What I have found fascinating to me as a journalist is that you have articles that are written online and in print about Jimmy that are 80 to 90 percent false.
Whether it was the Los Angeles Times, NY Post, or many, many Hip Hop blogs, people have printed stories not based on real proven and sourced information. You can still read online that Jimmy killed Tupac in Las Vegas.
As far as Dexter Isaac and other individuals who have come forward, their stories are just false and based on personal vendettas. I wanted to approach this story by just using facts and information that is available. The first episode is very interesting as I believe it puts to rest the 2Pac/Quad Studios rumors for good.
2Pac Moments After The 1994 “Quad Studios Attack”
Do you address Dexter Issac’s relationship with Rosemond?
Yes, we will go into the relationship between Dexter and Jimmy. I am pretty sure that Dexter Issac was not at Quad Studios that night, and I know for a fact that he didn’t shoot 2Pac at Quad Studios. Any story stating otherwise is a blatant lie and wrong.
You can watch one episode and see why this is the case. Again, I believe Dexter has a personal vendetta against Jimmy. Second, any articles that say he physically shot Tupac with a gun would be a blatant lie.
A few years ago, James “Jimmy” Sabatino claimed Rosemond orchestrated the creation of fake FBI documents used by L.A. Times reporter Chuck Phillips for his now retracted article about the Quad Studios shooting. Were you able to refute Sabatino with concrete evidence?
James Sabatino, from what I have gathered, is a compulsive liar. The idea that Jimmy would create or orchestrate fake FBI documents is the stupidest theory I have ever heard. Keep in mind one thing, the L.A. Times printed a major story accusing Jimmy based on fake documents. Jimmy filed a lawsuit and the L.A. Times printed a retraction. But the damage to Jimmy’s reputation at that point was done.
Everyone reads the first L.A. Times story. No one really remembers the retraction. James Sabatino and Chuck Phillips served a dual purpose. Sabatino wanted notoriety, or he was put up by someone. Chuck Philips wanted another sensational story about Hip Hop, Jimmy, and Quad Studios.
Chuck Phillips as a writer has completely fallen off the map. I had to hire a private detective to try and track him down to see if he would talk. I am still in the process of doing that. I have found Sabatino laughable at best, and the idea that Jimmy orchestrated all of this is a bigger conspiracy theory than I can imagine.
We have not spoken about that, but I do know this, there was also articles written during the trial that Jimmy confessed to being involved in the shooting of Tupac during the proffer sessions. These articles about these proffer sessions were all inaccurate and wrong.
Again, if you watch episode one, you will see how it would be hard for Jimmy to admit any involvement in the shooting of Tupac. The proffer sessions are one area that we will talk at length about when we get into the drug trial.
I am in the midst of looking at all of the evidence and talking to various individuals surrounding these incidents. I do know the public narrative of this was again sensationalized by the media. I can’t comment further as I am still working on this part of the series, but we will go in depth into these various incidents.
Rosemond + Ex-Client/Former G-Unit Member The Game
Outside of Rosemond, did you speak with any other individuals connected to the so-called “Rosemond Organization”? Or did you speak with anyone connected to 2Pac, G-Unit, or the government officials involved in Rosemond’s cases?
Yes, I have spoken on and off the record to people not only on the drug side but also who were involved in the case. I have one confidential source who actually explained how the drug organization operated.
Again, what is true and what’s the media’s version of the case is polar opposites. The story the government told at trial is so far from the truth that seeing it unfold is comical at times. To go further, you have individuals within the case who went on the stand and perjured themselves the minute they spoke.
The federal government wanted to make Jimmy a drug kingpin. They marched ten people on the stand who told very good fairy tales so that they all could go home. Jimmy is very candid that he was not a boy scout, that he has done wrong in his life.
In my documentaries, I always get both sides and offer the opportunity for all parties to come forth and talk. I have reached out to Henry Butler, a co-defendant in Jimmy’s case, hoping he will go on the record. He is a very interesting part of the case. I hope Henry – now that he is home – will go on the record for the series and talk about his testimony about how the “Rosemond Organization” operated.
I am also going to speak to Todd Kaminsky, the federal prosecutor, and hopefully DEA agents to see some of the evidence presented at trial. I also have every slice of evidence from the case. Surveillance, photographs, wiretaps, traced Blackberry information – anything the government presented at trial. I will let the audience decide if Jimmy is guilty or what he is guilty of. It is a wide grey area that will be explored.
Rosemond is still a very controversial figure in Hip Hop. Do you think this series will be able to change the perception some of his critics have about him?
I am not sure about that. I just want to let the audience see the facts of the case and the facts of the story. I hope that the storytelling is dynamic and puts to rest a lot of gossip, rumors, and stories that are shaky at best. This is not an easy story to tell, and the trials are very, very complex. It spans twenty years.
The one thing I also think is important is that you can hear directly from Jimmy, not via a reporter or a news article. You can hear his perspective and his side of the story. After that, it really is up to the audience to decide. I do know that his story and court case are one of the most interesting tales of crime, Hip Hop celebrity, and our criminal justice system.
(AllHipHop News) You have probably never seen Jim Joe’s face, but you definitely know his work. The elusive Montreal native was commissioned by Kanye West for the Yeezus iTunes page, and he designed the highly memed cover art for Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
Joe has now teamed with acclaimed photographer/video director Jamie-James Medina to create new artwork in support of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. The poster features a portrait of Sanders captured by Medina while the Vermont senator was on the campaign trail in Iowa. Joe then inscribed the phrase “HUMAN BEING – BERNIE 2016” onto the photo.
Medina stated about the collaboration:
You’re hearing the same speech several times a day from every candidate, but I had a moment where I thought that to not support Senator Sanders and his campaign during this election is to give up on these kids ever having a President that does not represent establishment politics. I quickly made a decision that I’m going to take a photograph of the Senator and make him look presidential. That’s the image I sent to Jim Joe and he very quickly sent me back the final design. Together, we felt that to be able to describe a politician as a ‘human being’, and to believe it, was almost revolutionary.
Jim Joe and Jamie-James Medina’s Bernie Sanders 2016 “Human Being” poster is available as a free download at human-being.co. The duo is also offering full-res print files via BitTorrent Bundle.
(AllHipHop News) Many Hip Hop fans have been waiting for the rumored J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar collaborative project for years. While Cole rapped on his loose record “Black Friday” that the K. Dot joint mixtape would never drop, there is an old song with both emcees that may never see the light of day either.
Washington, DC rapper/producer Oddisee spent time recording with Cole, and one of those tracks eventually featured an appearance by Kendrick as well. The Diamond District member spoke with Tim Westwood about the Oddisee/J. Cole/Kendrick Lamar collaboration that has been confined to the vault for now.
“Everybody keeps talking about that record,” admitted Oddisee. “They’re doing fine without that record. I’m doing fine. It does exist.”
Westwood then jokingly asked if Oddisee felt the two platinum selling artists were “c### blocking” his career. The Mellow Music Group signee explained he first met Cole in London. But after they connected again in DC around 2012, Cole chose not to use Oddisee’s production for the project he was working on.
“[J. Cole] had an interview were he said, ‘I’ve decided to produce the record myself and not use outside production,'” added Oddisee. “I pretty much haven’t heard from him since. That’s it. That’s the truth.”
Oddisee went on to say he understood Cole’s decision to only use self-produced beats. His own discography includes projects such as People Hear What They See and The Good Fight that feature Oddisee’s production. The latter LP was one of the best reviewed Hip Hop albums of 2015.
#FutureHive get ready! Future is known for dropping a number of projects back to back, and he had a pretty good 2015. Future has already released ‘Purple Reign and Evol,’ and he’s informed his fans that even more music is on the way. However, this year, Future may be taking his music in a different direction, the direction of soulful R&B. According to Hot 97’s Ebro, Future has 3 R&B albums sitting in the vault. There isn’t an official release date for the albums, but when he does drop them, we are sure the #FutureHive will be just as supportive as they’ve been with his previous projects. We aren’t sure this is exactly what we want from Mr. Dirty Sprite, however, all of the rappers are “singing” these days, so it comes to no one’s surprise that Future would be releasing these type of projects. To Future’s advantage, no matter how good or bad the music he releases is, he has a crazy fan base that will support it. Most of you like Future’s music to turn up to, but in your opinion, is he that great of an artist? Does he make great music? Will his R&B be better than his rap?
Connecticut is not a place you’d think you’d find the next dancehall star, but it’s not such a stretch. The state just northeast of New York City is home to one of the largest Jamaican expat communities, most notably in the area of Hartford.
Kingston native Alandon calls that city home now (after relocating from Waterhouse, home of the legendary King Tubby’s studio and sound system), and judging by the strength of his debut single, he just might soon put “the Constitution State” on the map for Caribbean music. His “1980”—which was first heard on the radio broadcast of a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game, is a catchy, melodic dancehall tribute to di gyal dem doing old-school bubbling dancing styles.
There’s more than a touch of Vybz Kartel in Alandon’s flow, and a bit of pop-mode Gyptian, as well; Alandon often delivers the multi-layered dancehall music with a touch of Latin flavor. Alandon has now remixed Rihanna & Drake’s hit “Work.” Take a listen below.
(AllHipHop News) Did Drake just sign another record deal? An Instagram post from Champagne Papi seems to suggest the Toronto representative has joined Skepta’s London-based label Boy Better Know.
“The first Canadian signed to BBK,” wrote Drake on IG. “Big up my brudda [Skepta] for life yeah. And my section gunners too.”
Skepta appeared to co-sign the partnership by posting a picture of a BBK/OVO shirt to his own Instagram page. The two brands have been closely associated for years.
Both international stars appeared together on a remix of Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” which premiered on OVO Sound Radio. Skepta performed at Drake’s OVO Fest, and Drizzy even has a BBK tattoo.
Drake’s love for London culture also extends to another art form. Earlier this month, Drizzy hinted he may be involved in the revival of the popular U.K. crime series Top Boy.
Cash Money singer, Jacquees recently tweeted that he is the best R&B singer in the game not including Chris Brown. Tory Lanez wasn’t feeling this claim. Well, for the most part, we are in the era where you don’t even really have to be able to sing to get on and make it. When Tory replied laughing at Jacquees’ claim, Jacquees responded saying,
“Yo pen pretty dope bro but vocal wise Naaaaaa You R NOT f*ckin wit the kid. @toreylanez you tried it bro, keep hustling.”
Hey maybe this is good for R&B. Maybe we need a little bit of healthy competition and ego, because these guys can’t sing for shhhhhh these days. You know your Tory’s and Bryson’s aren’t the strongest vocally. The possession and appreciation of true vocal ability seem to be a thing of the past. It almost feels like R&B is almost a defunct genre with the exception of a few artists. In your opinion, who is the best R&B singer in the game?
Kanye West went on yet another Twitter rant recently. This time much of the rant was directed at the Recording Academy and The Grammys about their lack of support and complete inclusion of Hip Hop. Kanye wants to make The Grammys culturally relevant again as he feels like those in charge are way out of touch. He also says some artists don’t get the chance to perform because The Grammys like their black people a certain way. ‘Ye tweeted,
“First order of business. We the people need to see Future at the Grammys. We need to see Young Thug at the Grammys. Not just me and Jay in a suit.”
“Neil please reach out as soon as possible so we can make the Grammys culturally relevant again.”
“Has anyone at the Grammys ever heard March Madness??? Yes I have a problem with the Grammys.”
“You like your black people a certain way also. You wouldn’t have Future perform and that man owned the clubs last summer.”
It looks like Kanye is going to get that sit down meeting with those behind The Grammys as the President of The Recording Academy, Neil Portnow, tweeted Kanye from The Grammys’ account saying,
(AllHipHop News) A$AP Rocky reportedly got assaulted overseas. TMZ writes the Harlem native was attacked in a hotel elevator during his stop in Auckland, New Zealand.
Rocky was in the country for a show on Thursday night, but he was apparently jumped by three men at the Pullman Hotel. According to reports, Rocky was entering the elevator with a group of women when the men tried to get on as well.
The “L$D” rhymer is said to have told the men it was not enough room on the elevator, and then a fight broke out. Sources claimed the attackers knew who the rapper was because they shouted “F*ck A$AP!” One person was arrested for assault and resisting police.
After the news broke, Rocky addressed the matter on Twitter. The A$AP Mob member made light of the entire ordeal by writing, “Assaulted? N*ggas get shot every day b, ha.”
This was not the first time A$AP Rocky got into a skirmish in another country. Last April, he nearly had a violent encounter in London. Rocky was caught on video asking a man “Should I s#### you right now?” after someone allegedly threw something at his car.
