(AllHipHop News) There has been an interesting exchange between two unlikely characters. The legendary lyricist, Ghostface Killah, has voiced his opinion about Martin Shkreli. As an established pharmaceutical and financial exec, their paths would become entangled following Shkreli’s $2 M purchase of the Wu-Tang Clan’s, Once Upon A Time In Shaolin.
Last Thursday (Jan. 28), Shkreli released a satirical video where he insulted Ghostface Killah. When speaking to The Breakfast Club, illuminated his actions for the radio show. He said, “At the end of the day, it definitely felt like the guy was taking shots at me. In the Hip-Hop game, as we all know, it’s hard to be on the receiving end of those types of things…”
After Charlamagne challenged his contention, Martin then remarked, “It’s a man thing…” After being labeled as a “sh*thead” by the world-renowned MC, Shkreli offered, “He’s still a man, he still bleeds the same blood as me and it’s both red and if you want to talk s***, I’m not the one.” To further express his intent Shkreli added, “If he were here right now, I would smack him right in the face.”
“I would never call the police, it’s open season. Come at me, it don’t matter,” he claimed. A smiling Shkreli would then look directly into the camera and blatantly beckoned to Ghostdini and declared, “I wish you would.”
Skip to the 17 minute-mark to get all the details.
(AllHipHop News) Recently, Game earned more respect for his altruistic acts of kindness. The veteran lyricist teamed up with Avita Water to donate $1M to the help Flint, Michigan’s water crisis. It appears that Game’s finances will become more restricted. On Monday (Feb. 1), the Documentary 2 MC was ordered to pay $10 million judgment in a sex assault case, this exclusively reported by Bossip.
Priscilla Rainey was victorious in her pursuit to obtain justice. Given that Game failed to appear in court to contest her allegations, the former She’s Got Game, contestant received a favorable outcome. Rainey met Game when the two filed the popular VH1 reality show.
Adam Horowitz, legal counsel for Ms. Rainey contends that his client “was damaged by the sexual assault.” He went on to provide her perspective and said, ““She’s been in therapy. Now, she’s anxious to tell her story.” She alleged that due to the emotional, physical, and psychological contact, a host of issues have surfaced. She purported that Game forcefully rubbed her bare buttocks and v#####.
To help assuage the physical and emotional distress Ms. Rainey seeks to secure $10 M from Game. She is challenged to prove to a judge why that amount is fair.
Jay Z has removed his classic album The Blueprint from Spotify. This is the second classic album he has taken out of the competing brand. You already know, Jay Z is down with TIDAL and so this presents a classic conflict of interest. But, it also deprives fans from getting the album from one of the biggest streaming services in the market. Is this smart? I guess so. I guess not. I am sure he’s not making any money having it there. All good, Jay. I guess its download TIDAL or dig up my old CD.
Kevin Gates is known to be a pretty controversial rapper from public assaults, his ideologies, sleeping with his cousin and more. It should be to no one’s surprise that his sex life is pretty interesting. Gates stopped by Angela Yee’s ‘Lip Service’ show to discuss a few freaky topics. Apparently Kevin and his wife Dreka have such an open marriage that they explore other women together. Many celebrity couples have been rumored to be open relationship loving swingers. In 2016 nothing is surprising. Gates even said he knew his wife tasted good but not necessarily through his own discovery. He said,
“I know she tastes good because when other women are sucking my D they tell me it tastes good.”
As time goes on, will more and more marriages be open? Would you be okay with a sexually open marriage? It seems like curiosity makes it hard to even desire to be with just one person. What are your thoughts?
Although Kanye West made the statement that he has the kind of love to turn exes into best friends, he may not have actually been fully responsible for Kim Kardashian and Amber Rose burying the hatchet. Apparently it was all Kim K’s idea. Well we’ve heard Kim is known for paying off people to make problems go away. Maybe she cut a check, or presented a collaborative business opportunity. According to an E! News insider, Kim reached out to Amber and asked her to meet her at her mother Kris Jenner’s home so that they could talk. We guess she felt bad about Yeezy’s comments about her child. According to the source, they squashed all beef, and Amber thinks Kim is great. Apparently Amber met up with Kim right before partying with her best friend Blac Chyna. Mannn Kanye has everyone in on this pre-album release publicity.
It may not be Thursday, but we have to pay respects to the late Big Kap,who died from a heart attack today. For those that don’t know, you may want to do some googling. Kap was a fixture in the New York Hip-Hop scene, especially in the 90’s. He was known to run with Flex and for a while his name was synonymous with The Tunnel, the infamous night club.
In 1995, Kap dropped this gem that highlighted some of the brightest females of the time: Bahamadia, Lauryn Hill, Precise, and Uneek. Check out “Da Ladies In The House.” RIP Kap.
Bonus
Biggie threw water on Kap one time. This was a big deal for some reason.
(AllHipHop News) Earlier today (Feb. 3), Max B voiced his thoughts on Kanye West changing his upcoming album’s title to, Waves. Biggavelli, the avant-guarde Harlem artist is credited with creating the wavy-movement. In an audio interview, Max b expressed that he has “no issue” with Mr. West, this according to The Breakfast Club.
When questioned about Kanye’s controversial move Max opened up. “I appreciate it, I’m flattered dude is even acknowledging the situation, it’s all gravy,” explained the avant-garde artist, “Everybody knows I’m an innovator, everybody knows I got an imagination, I come up with these words and these slogans and these catchphrases and it’s all good. When the people follow suit, it’s all good. I appreciate it. I love it. Thank-you.”
Although he hasn’t offiical met Yeezy, Max B is humble that his artist integrity could inspire Kanye. “It’s all good. I feel that’s what art’s about. We take things from each other…. He ain’t drop a diss record, he just called his album Waves.”
Blac Chyna has in fact confessed to being drunk at the Austin International Airport, but when it comes to the ecstasy pills, she claims they weren’t hers. Blac Chyna claims she was set up and framed. The pills were found in her sunglasses case. Blac Chyna said she has no idea how the pills ended up in the case, as she says she did not pack her own bags for her trip to London. She says her assistants didn’t even pack for her, another person did. Chyna won’t snitch on whoever packed her bags, but she swears they are responsible. She also says the pill is uncommon as people prefer the drug in powder form now. Hmmmm. Are you buying Blac Chyna’s side of the story?
(AllHipHop News) Kanye West caused controversy with the decision to rename his upcoming LP, Waves. Since then, Max B, has been flooded with a resurgence of interest. Last month (Jan. 27), Dame Grease dropped “My Wave (A Message For Kanye West).” A cautionary message is waged as Max B sings, “…can’t keeptaking my wave…”
The Harlem rapper continues to collect support for a pardon and/or retrial. In addition to that effort, the self-professed Wavy one is set to premiere an unreleased documentary on Feb. 11, this according to DJ Scoob Doo. Within the probing teaser, unabashed access is shared with the audience. Max Biggavelli is seen cultivating his creativity, beating up the booth, and navigating a tumultuous romantic relationship.
There are plenty of dudes who boast big things in the rap game. Some talk cars and cash, other’s talk awards and accolades while other opt for reputation and respect. But when it comes to Trae Tha Truth, the biggest point of pride is a knack to survive. Now Trae has a cartoon on Fuse,, an album with Grand Hustle coming out Friday and discusses working on a movie.
The H-Town native has still managed to make everyday Trae Day. AHH’s @MrMecc sat with the big homie to find out where it all started and what keeps him going.
Allegedly Wiz Khalifa had his Rolex watch snatched from his wrist during his concert in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Saycheesetv tweeted the video clip with the caption, “Wiz Khalifa’s $100,000 Gold Rolex Gets Stolen By Grimey Kanye West Fan In Brazil.” We are unsure if the thief was truly a Yeezy fan, but this jewelry snatching is getting ridiculous.
Preparing to release her Joyride album sometime this year, Tinashe holds on fans over with new Metro Boomin- produced single “Ride Of Your Life”. Catch Tinashe on her upcoming Joyride World Tour starting February 28th. Purchase tickets here.
(AllHipHop News) On Monday (Feb. 1), it was announced that DJ Khaled’s anticipated radio show, We The Best Radio, will launch on Apple Music Beats 1. To help celebrate the endeavor the platinum-selling hit-maker has enlisted Future. Together they will premier the Purple Reign purveyor’s upcoming album. The LP will be released this Friday (Feb. 5) at 8P.
DJ Khaled continues to successfully transform doubt into useful energy. It has helped to solidify this career milestone. The veteran DJ is building interest by strategically releasing promotional videos. Last night (Feb. 2), the Miami-based entrepreneur appealed to his Instagram followers.
The focused turntablist wrote this persuasive plea, “we the best radio contains passion pain music intense world premieres biggest interviews we the best radio will be ground breaking.”
Pro Era’s Dessy Hinds comes through with new music today with a new freestyle and remix. Dessy showcases his lyrical ability on his “CCC Freestyle” and puts on for New York with his remix to “Big Pimpin”.
“I hope you all enjoy this small rotation I let loose. Just hold it down and enjoy the wait”, Dessy adds about the two new tracks.
Pro Era has been busy as of late with the release of Kirk Knight’s “Late Knight Special” this past October and Nyck Caution currently gearing up for his next project.
Two decades ago, OutKast member Andre 3000 got on stage at the 1995 Source Awards and let the East Coast and West Coast know his region’s rap scene is about to make a major statement. 3 Stacks declared, “I’m tired of folks, them close-minded folks. It’s like we got a demo tape, and don’t nobody wanna hear it. But it’s like this – the South got something to say!”
Fast forward to 2016, and Atlanta-based emcee Nick Grant is ready to once again reinforce Andre’s famous quote. Except this time, Grant wants the world to understand that Southern Hip Hop is more than just mumbled melodic hooks and mentions of sipping promethazine.
Over the course of his rap career, the Walterboro, South Carolina native released music that went mostly unnoticed, but those missteps occurred before Grant connected with Grand Hustle co-founder Jason Geter. Now with Geter’s Culture Republic supporting his movement, N.G. is reestablishing his brand to showcase his undeniable talent.
“I’ve witnessed his grassroots development and improvement since we met in 2010,” states Geter. “As a rapper, he’s got verses, he knows how to choose beats and put songs together, but what I now see is someone that has the potential to grow beyond just the music.”
The first major move from the Nick Grant/Culture Republic partnership comes in the form of the 13-track mixtape ‘88. Grant’s new collection draws inspiration from his musical influences such as OutKast, Nas, Jay Z, Scarface, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Curtis Mayfield, and Stevie Wonder. In addition, ‘88 features appearances by notable performers Killer Mike, Big K.R.I.T., Young Dro, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Stacy Barthe.
AllHipHop.com caught up with the #ATLRiseUp alum to discuss his stellar new release. Grant breaks down a few of the tracks on ‘88, and he offers his thoughts on being a self-described “new king” for this era of Hip Hop.
Can you explain the significance of the mixtape’s title?
1988 was the year I was born. When I was coming up, they said 1988 was a great year for Hip Hop, so I got the title from that idea – the coincidence of me being born in 1988 and that being a great year for Hip Hop.
I tell people don’t go into this project expecting to hear beats from the 80’s. What I wanted people to take from that was people had fun and people made lyrics rewindable back then. You could hear the hunger in the music, so I wanted to bring that back to Hip Hop.
I found it really powerful for you to open the mixtape with Andre 3000’s famous speech from the ‘95 Source Awards.
I think people forget the South has real lyricists. I want to bring that back as well. Not just being a rapper, but being a southern artist who really has talent. Not saying anything about anybody else, but I want to place more importance on content and substance in my music.
There was another vocal sample at the end of “Jungle” where you added the Chris Rock racism bit. What was the decision behind adding that sample?
I actually had that Chris Rock sample for another record. I wanted him to touch on something we all think about, which is racism. I wanted to make it not so serious, so that’s why I put the Taxi theme under it. You know? So people don’t take it too serious.
I wanted to do that, because that’s where I was at the time. Seeing all these black kids on TV getting killed by cops at record numbers, I thought that was something very important and something that had to be touched on. I put it in the form of a skit, so people can digest it easier.
The mixtape went from that skit and then transitioned into “Gold Chains” which is talking about modern-day mental slavery. A lot of times in today’s music, proper sequencing has become a lost art. What was your process for deciding which songs you wanted to include on the project and then how you would order the tracks?
I chose the songs with the most content, the most important things I wanted people to understand about myself. Like with “Somethin To Say,” it was like here’s this artist from the south that has something to say. Then it goes into a lot of deep topics in the music, and then you want to end it on the same thing. It’s kind of like writing a paper with an introduction and conclusion. As long with what feels right, I think that’s very important.
That’s an interesting analogy referring it to writing a research paper. It’s sort of like telling a story.
Absolutely, you have to do that. It might not make sense right away, but subconsciously people will catch on to that. Whether it’s a year from now or 10 years from now. I think that’s what makes it special, when people catch things 30 or 40 years later. There’s stuff Biggie said on Life After Death that I catch today.
The project features some big names – Killer Mike, Big K.R.I.T., Young Dro, and BJ The ChicagoKid. What was it like creating with those guys?
Yeah, and Stacy Barthe too. I just love everybody for helping me put it together. I put so much pressure on myself to be great, and it was kind of relieving to see these guys have fun with it. I think that’s the most important thing I learned from all of them. It’s a serious thing, but they still had fun with it at the same time. That’s what I needed to keep me sharp but not put so much pressure on myself.
Nick Grant + Killer Mike + Big K.R.I.T. + BJ The Chicago Kid (via Instagram)
There’s quite a few references where you present yourself as a “new legend” or “new king.” Hip Hop is very competitive. Would you ever be willing to engage in a lyrical battle with another emcee?
Absolutely, to be the king you have to be willing to go to war. That’s with whatever. I am definitely willing to engage in whatever. I’m not going to provoke anybody, but I’m definitely not going to back down either.
I feel like I’m one of the greatest of today, and it’s going to take time to get other people to see that. I’m ready to be consistent and put out the best work. I’m just ready to be great. I feel like I’m going to be here for the next 10, 20 years. Or next 50. I’m ready.
You seem like you have your eyes set on your legacy, but I noticed there was a line on “I Want The World” where you said you feel like rappers like you rarely blow. What did you mean by that particular lyric?
When I was coming up, the dopest rappers that I loved and watched – I feel they didn’t get their proper respect or just due. The cloth that I come from very rarely slips through the cracks and become these big megastars. I feel like I made it through the cracks, because I have this remarkable team to execute everything I’m trying to do with the music.
Your career has advanced a lot over the last year. What advice would you give to other up-and-coming artists that are trying to break into the business?
The advice I got from K.R.I.T. was just to stay working. He felt like I was in a good place. He just told me to keep working and don’t compromise your art. I will always remember that, because he didn’t have to do that. Advice ain’t free, so I respect it when anybody gives it to me.
On the track “The Fire,” you talked about “double cups” f*cking up your generation. A lot of artists are rapping about drinking lean and taking pills. Do you think the heavy amount of drug references in a lot of the music is really damaging to people?
Absolutely, I’m fortunate to see Biggie be cool and have dope scenes in his videos. So I feel bad for the kids coming up and see [the drug references] and think that’s all it is. They don’t get to experience that excitement of waiting until 6 o’clock to watch your favorite video. They don’t get to see real art or hear real music. I grew up listening to Dr. Dre and Timbaland. These were the producers of my time. For these kids to not see these people in their prime is real sad to me.
This is like the debut project under the rebranded Nick Grant. What does that mean to you and how did this journey impact your life?
As far as impacting my life, I learned how to move and surround myself around the right people. That’s really how the up-and-downs and disappointments impacted me. I appreciate those moments as much as I appreciate the good times.
I’ve been in a lot of situations where things didn’t go my way, so I feel like this is the rebirth. I get another chance to put my music out for people to see me for who I am. The best part of it for me is that I’m better than I’ve ever been. So they get to see me hungrier than ever and more lyrical than ever. I’m making the best records of my life.
Now I’m allowing people to grow with me, and I got more music coming that’s 10 times better than ‘88. I can promise you that.
UPDATE: A heart attack is responsible for claiming the life of Big Kap. He died early Wednesday morning.
(AllHipHop News) According to Hot 97 radio personality Funkmaster Flex, New York City DJ Keith “Big Kap” Carter has passed away. Flex and Kap released the 1999 album The Tunnel. The details about the situation are limited, but several Hip Hop figures have taken to social media to offer condolences. Big Kap was 45.
(AllHipHop News) Rihanna’s reign on the Billboard Hot 100 continues. The Roc Nation singer’s recent song “Work” featuring Drake landed at 9 on the chart, giving Ri Ri her 27th top 10 single of her career.
According to Billboard, Rihanna is now tied for fifth place on the list of most Top 10 singles in history. The Bajan R&B star joins legendary performers Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Elton John with 27 Hot 100 top 10’s.
The only musicians ahead of Rihanna on the list are Madonna (38), the Beatles (34), Michael Jackson (29) and Stevie Wonder (28). If her latest album Anti manages to spawn a couple more hit records, Rihanna could surpass Wonder and Jackson in the near future.
When it comes to #1 singles, Rihanna is already tied for third place with Michael Jackson (13). The Beatles top that tally (20), followed by Elvis Presley and Mariah Carey tied for second (18).
Presley and Carey lead the list of most cumulative weeks at number one (79). The Beatles are in second place (69 weeks), and Rihanna comes in third (51 weeks).
“Cuz I’m Black” is a movement that celebrates Black culture through a positive and empowering message. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this visual will give you a solid history lesson on Black Struggles and the Black movement in Amaerica. #CuzImBlack” is a statement of confidence, value and undeniable strength, whether evoking emotions of civil liberties or civil rights or the reality that comes with being black.
http://youtu.be/STJW6nWQ3zg
(AllHipHop News) Kidd Kidd jumped head first into the longstanding beef between 50 Cent’s G-Unit and Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group when the New Orleans rapper dissed Meek Mill and Gunplay during a recent concert. Gunplay responded to Kidd in a video captured by the gunitnewsdaily Instagram page.
“I don’t do that rap back-and-forth bullsh*t. I’m a motherf*cking player. I don’t tongue wrestle with no n*gga,” said Gunplay. “But motherf*cking Kidd Kidd, I’ll slap the f*cking cat p### out your b*tch ass just like I did your daddy ho.”
In addition, 50 was seen on video with Meek Mill’s former friend-turned-rival Louie V Gutta. Meek and Gutta had a falling out in 2014 after 50 was allegedly involved in Slowbucks’ chain getting snatched at Hot 97’s Summer Jam event. The Philadelphia rapper also made a reference to Drake’s recent diss track against Meek by writing “our summer 16!” in the caption for his video.
