Angie Stone and her former music partner Blondie stopped by AllHipHop on the green carpet at the 2015 Hip Hop Awards announcing her new project and showcasing her hip hop history by spitting a quick rap. Her son Michael (son of Singer D’Angelo) was also present and joined in on the impromptu cypher as well. What do you think, Angie and fam got bars or nah?
(AllHipHop News) The performer-producer duo known as Gnarls Barkley released one of the biggest hit records of 2006 with the radio smash “Crazy.” Cee-Lo Green and Danger Mouse debut collaborative album St. Elsewhere went on to win a Grammy award, and the musicians returned in 2008 with The Odd Couple.
After a seven-year hiatus Cee-Lo appears to be ready to team back up with Danger for another Gnarls Barkley project. The Atlanta native expressed to Radio.com he is looking to work with D.M. in the near future.
“I just talked to him last night. I told him, ‘This is the next thing we should do,'” said Green. “I know he’s about to do the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album. I hope he does great with that, but I said, ‘Hey, I need you to be able to split your attention. We need another Gnarls album and so do the people.'”
Cee-Lo is currently set to release his fifth solo album. Heart Blancheis scheduled to hit stores on November 6. According to the Goodie Mob member, the original Gnarls Barkley effort was a result of Danger Mouse being a fan of his work.
“He told me one great thing: ‘I like your music. Or at least I like most of it. I notice there’s a theme in all of your work: you’ve got a lot of good that you, at least, attempt to do. But it’s my understanding that anybody who is trying to do that much good has also done an equal amount of bad. And that’s what I want to hear,”’ Cee-Lo recalled. “And I was like, ‘Oh, OK!’ It was like a dare. He was giving me unique and very peculiar sounding things. I was like, ‘You’re pretty f*cked up, aren’t you?’”
(AllHipHop News) Slim Jesus has quickly become one of the most controversial figures in rap music. His rise as a white Drill rapper has led to many people sharing their opinions on the newcomer. One of those people was West Coast representative The Game. The Documentary 2 rhymer even offered a warning to the Ohio native.
“I think Slim Jesus either really better be f*cking killing, or he’s gonna get his ass smoked,” said Game. “I worry about kids these days rapping about things that they’re not really about.”
AllHipHop.com caught up with Slim Jesus. The “Drill Time” performer addressed what Game had to say. Slim also responded to the rumors he was dropping a mixtape titled Chiraq Savage and answered whether he uses the n-word in his music or his daily life.
(AllHipHop News) While rapper-singer Quan has expressed he and former mentor Nas did not see eye-to-eye on business back in the day, the “Just A Moment” performer apparently appreciated advice from another Queens rapper. In part 2 of his interview with Mikey T The Movie Star, Quan explained how 50 Cent broke down the industry to him.
“The most real and gangsta you f*cking are, the further the f*ck away the music industry is gonna be from your ass. 50 broke that down to me,” revealed Quan. “He was like, ‘Quan, you a real n*gga. You know how I know? Cause I’m a real n*gga.’ He said, ‘Real n*ggas are bad investments, because something’s subject to go wrong at any given moment.'”
According to the artist also known as Don FerQuan, he and 50 once had the same lawyer. The two met, then built their own relationship. Quan claimed the G-Unit boss wanted to work with him, but Fiddy’s move out west slowed down the potential business arrangement.
“The n*gga called me like, ‘Come to my house.’ Me and my cousin hopped in the car and went to Farmington,” said Quan. “I went to his house. We talked, and the sh*t was cool. He said, ‘I’m not here to buy you. I f*ck with you. I’d put you out singing first, and then bring you with the rhyming sh*t.'”
Tim Westwood always has that heat. Who can forget bomb after bomb that drops on his exclusives? Peep this rare leak of a Run DMC and a Tribe Called Quest freestyle session at Tim’s studio. Enjoy below:
First it was Lil Wayne. Then, there was Young Thug. Is Jacquees the new Lil’/Young rapper to carry on Baby’s musical legacy? With his song “Like Baby” seems to indicate and affirmative. Check out a preview below that celebrates the Cash Money co-founder.
Dropping the record earlier last month, The Conglomerate’s own J-Doe returns with the official video for his League of Starz-produced track, “Theme Song.” Featuring Sevyn Streeter, the 90’s-inspired visual features J-Doe and Streeter in a dance battle reminiscent of the 1990-film, House Party.
On October 16, Atlanta-based recording artist Raury is scheduled to drop his debut studio album All We Need. The 14-track collection will feature fellow Southern representatives Big K.R.I.T. & Key! as well as Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello.
Raury previously generated national buzz with his 2014 EP Indigo Child. The critically acclaimed project introduced the singer-songwriter-rapper to listeners beyond the ATL area, but an official LP is a different monster than an extended play.
“I don’t know how it feels. I’m sick of acting like I know how I feel and exactly what’s going on. I’m completely fine saying I don’t know,” Raury informs AllHipHop.com about releasing his first album. “It’s crazy. You’d have to go through it to understand.”
It has been a whirlwind journey for Raury over the last 18 months. He signed with Columbia Records, got selected as a XXL Freshman Class member, hosted his second annual Raurfest, participated in the BET Hip Hop Awards cyphers, and made his late night television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Throughout all those major moves, Raury has maintained the core ideal of using his growing celebrity to convey a message to the masses. His appearance on the XXL cover wasn’t a platform to showcase fancy jewelry or high-end fashion. A simple white T-shirt with the words “Industry Plant” printed on the front served as the focal point of Raury’s attire. Not since Kurt Cobain’s “corporate magazines still suck” tee on Rolling Stone has an artist so perfectly demonstrated snarky chic on a music publication’s cover.
Raury continued his method of silent protest through clothes on Colbert. The September 22 episode also included an interview with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Earlier this summer, the controversial real estate magnate incited widespread condemnation when he suggested Mexican immigrants are drug dealers and rapists.
How did Raury respond to The Donald? He wore a Mexico soccer jersey on the CBS program with Trump’s name crossed out. It’s barely been two years since the Stone Mountain, Georgia native even reached voting age, but he already recognizes his ability to stir political discussion.
“I may never make these great inventions, racial breakthroughs or be president, but I want to inspire the next president,” says Raury.
The confidence needed to go on national TV and take on a billionaire politician was not always embedded in Raury. Less than a decade ago, the “Friends” performer suffered through being socially awkward as a student.
“I was in an extremely dark place when I was 13-14,” recalls Raury. “I was going to a new high school, and I didn’t really fit in. I didn’t like myself or anything around me.”
Like many teenagers, Raury found escape through the work of his favored artists, but it was one 2009 mood piece from a Cleveland rapper that left the greatest mark on the young star-in-the-making. The reaction to introspective cuts such as “Solo Dolo,” “Pursuit Of Happiness,” and “Day ‘N’ Nite” laid a blueprint for Raury’s eventual life mission.
“Kid Cudi’s Man On The Moon – it saved my life,” Raury explains. “From that point on, I knew I wanted to do that for other people. All I want to do is make someone’s day better.”
For Raury, discovering the power of artistic influence was his first step in the direction of becoming a recording artist. The instrumentalist later connected with the LoveRenaissance (LVRN) collective and started to develop his sound.
While LoveRenaissance assists with the creative direction and management portion of Raury’s career, the name also serves as a mantra. The revival of heartfelt emotion is ingrained in every part of the persona. From the music to the visuals to the wardrobe, Raury presents artistry as a genuine demonstration of personal revelation. And he suggests his fans find that same spirit of inner strength within themselves.
“Do everything with goodness in your heart. Before you do anything – put a song out, post a tweet, post a picture – pay attention to how you feel when you’re doing it. And trust that feeling, and know that you are right,” advises Raury.
He continues, “I could be wrong. Whoever is giving you advice could be completely wrong. You have the answers more than anybody.”
Trey Songz owes almost $1 million in back taxes to the IRS, TMZ reports.
The “Slow Motion” singer reportedly neglected to pay $748,870.08 in taxes in 2013 and was hit with a tax lien last month in Miami. Trigga isn’t struggling financially, though. The same year he didn’t pay Uncle Sam, he was paying $35,000 a month to live in a Hollywood Hills mansion.
DJ Esco had a crazy experience this year after spending 56 nights in jail in Dubai. The moment Esco returned he went to work on his own projects and of course, the touring and shows have been booming from Future’s ‘Dirty Sprite 2’ and the collaboration with Drake ‘What A Time To Be Alive.’ The Future Hive may be excited to learn that another Future project may be on the way soon! At The BET Hip Hop Awards, DJ Esco hinted that he feels him and Future have enough time to pull off another project before the year ends. Get ready!
Just a year after he released his sixth album, X, Chris Brown is ready to release its follow-up. Breezy has announced that he will release his new project named after his daughter, Royalty, on Nov.27th. The Virginia crooner made the announcement on Hot 97 with radio personality Nessa Nitty and DJ Camilo.
He has already released two singles from the album, “Liquor” and “Zero.”
Brown hasn’t slowed down since the release of X last year. He has toured twice, the X Live Tour and the One Hell Of A Nite tour, and has even dropped a joint album with Tyga, Fan of a Fan: The Album.
As you know Rick Ross is not here for 50 Cent period, nor is he here for any of 50’s antics. Ross basically called 50 broke when he said
“It really isn’t personal at all with me, I just feel homie [is] a shallow, weak dude. And you gotta be shallow at this point. I would probably be in my emotions too if my first album was titled ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’’ and I filed bankruptcy.
50 recently posted the photo below on Instagram. Is this 50’s response to Rick Ross suggesting he’s broke?
Jay Z and Timbaland testified yesterday (Oct. 14) in court for the copyright infringement trial for their 2001 hit “Big Pimpin,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. They testified about their knowledge of the song “Khosara Khosara” being sampled on the track, which the original composer’s, Baligh Hamdi, nephew, Osama Fahmy, claims they did not have permission to do.
During his testimony, Jay said that when he first heard the track, clearing a sample didn’t cross his mind.
“I didn’t think there was a sample in it,” he said. “Timbaland presented me with a track. I didn’t even think about there being a sample.”
When asked why he didn’t check into the rights of the original song used, he replied “That’s not what I do. I make music.” He later said “There’s a team of hundreds of people, [clearing samples] is their job. That’s not my job.”
This lawsuit was filed in 2007 by Hamdi’s heirs, but Jay continued to sell the song and included it on a greatest hits album. Jigga said that he thought he was in the clear after music publisher EMI came to an agreement with the Egyptian company that had a deal with Hamdi’s nephews.
“There’s a number of things that occurred,” he said. “At some point there was a claim brought and then it was cleared up, and the rights were granted. I was under the understanding we had a license.”
Hamdi’s heirs argue that EMI didn’t have the right to grant any licenses to “Khosara Khosara” and did not have the “moral rights” to grant permission to others to change or reissue the song. Timbaland and Jay Z’s attorney claim that the EMI deal was valid and properly transferred the rights of the song.
When Timbaland testified, he claimed that his lawyer told him to pay a fee for the rights.
“Legal just told me, ‘$100 grand and you’re clear,'” he said.
Shots fired! It looks like Benzino was not here for the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards. Benzino put up a post on his Instagram saying,
“Please don’t confuse them new niccaz at The Source now. They wasn’t around.”
He went on to say,
“We gave Hip Hop and the artists a real night to remember, we saluted their achievements and their music the way it should be. Me and Dave Mays wrote the blueprint for this award sh*t. And they still aint got it right Ok I’m done now. #SourceAwards.”
So basically, Benzino is saying minus all of the crazy drama, The Source Awards were better than any BET Hip Hop Awards Show to date. What are your thoughts?
Sean “Diddy” Combs will be producing a new project, but it won’t be music related. The Bad Boy boss will be producing a scripted series for ABC based on the life of his former assistant Sarah Snedeker, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
The comedy, titled The Hustle, will follow a girl from a small town that gets a job working as an assistant for a business mogul from the streets who’s often thrown into situations that her small town life didn’t prepare her for.
Snedeker is now an executive for Diddy’s Revolt Films.
Master P is not here for Kobe Bryant and the Kardashians display of emotions about Lamar Odom being found unconscious. He feels like they all could’ve done something long ago. When asked by TMZ if he thought Kobe and the Kardashians visiting Odom in the hospital was for publicity, Master P replied saying,
“It looks like it. I come from the streets; I keep it real. If you are my friend if you cared about me that much why you didn’t get him in the training camp.”
Many have been saying the people closest to Odom should have and could’ve intervened long before it got to this point. P also faults Kobe for not using his clout to get Odom back on the team with the Lakers. He also feels like Odom was blackballed from the league for his decision to appear on ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’, when the league wanted nothing to do with the family. Do you think Kobe & The Kardashians efforts and displays of emotion are sincere, or are they merely phony acts? Click HERE to watch the video.
Joe Budden’s back and he’s got a lot to say on All Love Lost. The opus is a dope representation of where Joe is from and also where he’s going musically. Still one of the best Hip-Hop has to offer, Jersey Joe delivers on his latest, an honest, refined glimpse at where the MC is right now in his life. Check it out and give it a rating between 1-10. Full review coming.
Still going strong, artist and personality Nick Cannon brought his 35th birthday in with style during a celebration Tuesday night at New York’s exclusive club, “Avenue.” Serving as emcee and DJ, the birthday boy and “America’s Got Talent” host kept the crowd moving throughout the night.
Chicago has always bred some top notch emcees; from the likes of Common, Twista and Kanye West, to new artists like Lil’ Durk, Lil’ Herb, King Louie and more. Each fighting to keep Chi-town’s unique sound ringing in the Midwest.
Enter Taylor Gang’s newest edition, 21-year-old artist J.R. Donato. The Northside native is currently promoting Fast Money and Freedom, his new EP, which details his decade long career up to this point. Songs like “I Suppose,” Mad At Me,” and “Life So Sweet,” highlight his versatility as he lays out different emotions in each verse.
AllHipHop.com had a chance to talk with J.R., picking his brain a little to find out just what we should stay tuned for.
AHH: What was it like coming up in Chicago, and how do you think it’s prepared you as an artist moving forward?
J.R.:Chicago showed me it won’t be easy coming up, that nothing is easy and nothing is given to you. You have to grind to get where you’re going and there’s gonna be ups and downs no matter what. It made me stronger mentally. Chicago is by far one of the toughest cities to make it out of. They say if you can make it out of Chicago you can make it out of anywhere… I believe that.
AHH: Who were your influences coming up?
J.R: Tupac, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, Jay-Z, & 50 Cent.
AHH: How did you hook up with Twista?
J.R: We connected through his management and him seeing me on the come up throughout Chicago.
AHH: Last year, you released your project North Pole which had features from Iamsu, Ab Soul, and Wiz Khalifa. How’d you link with them for the project?
J.R: Iamsu is one of the homies, we linked on the second Under the Influence of Music tour. We were just recording in the back of the bus and made it happen. I feel like it’s a hit and wish I didn’t put it on North Pole. When you’re traveling with Wiz ain’t no telling who you might end up in the studio with. We recorded “Should’ve Never” in New York. If I’m not mistaken it was Madison Square Garden area. It was Wiz song. I told him about the idea of it being an outro on my project and he said “the song is yours.”
AHH: How’d you link with Taylor Gang?
J.R: We met when I was networking in Atlanta with my manager Jah Spice.
AHH: What’s the difference between the previous project and this new one?
J.R: Fast Money & Freedom is a more detailed, in depth look at where and what I come from, and also why I am the way I am. On top of that I didn’t want any features except my homie Cody Blankz, because North Pole was full of features. I just wanted to show I can create great music on my own.
AHH: What was it like working with one producer, Sledgren, on Fast Money & Freedom?
J.R:It’s dope, you get to create your own sound. On top of that Sledgren is one of the dopest producers out there, so that’s a plus. It was fun working with Sledgren cause he hears things/sounds that most people or producers don’t. He knows what kind of beats I like or that trippy sound I’m going for, so when I hear the beats I zone out and it’s like “yeah… we did that!” He knows my direction with my music so it always works out when we come together on a track. Having an EP out with him is huge in my eyes. When you hear his name you think of Kush & OJ. Now you can think of Fast Money & Freedom as well.
AHH: How would you define your sound and what makes it unique from anything else that’s out now?
J.R:I sound like myself. These days that’s not easy. The line for originality is thin, but I think I can walk that line fine. Also all my music has a message in it so it’s always relatable, and that’s what the game needs.
