Statik Selektah breaks down how he made the beat on the track “In The Wind” featuring Joey BadAss, Big K.R.I.T. and Chauncy Sherod. The beat includes live instrumentation with bass, guitar and trumpets. This is real production at its finest.
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YG Confirms DJ Mustard Producing On ‘Still Krazy’
YG stopped by Hot97 to speak with E-Bro and the fam about his upcoming project ‘Still Krazy.’ The LA based rapper was in NYC and performed at J Cole’s show to a packed crowd. The interview shows a tired YG speaking about his work with Terrace Martin and confirming that DJ Mustard will be on his new project ‘Still Krazy’ that is in the works.
Drake’s Producer Noah “40” Shebib Once Said: You Have No Credibility If Someone Writes Your Raps
(AllHipHop News) Meek Mill ignited a major discussion in Hip Hop when he accused Drake of using someone else to write his verse on “R.I.C.O.” The accusation led to DJ Funkmaster Flex releasing alleged reference tracks of Atlanta rapper Quentin Miller performing verses Drake used on “R.I.C.O.” and other records as well. One leak being a reference for the If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late song “10 Bands.”
[ALSO READ: Funkmaster Flex Releases More Alleged Quentin Miller Reference Tracks For Drake Songs (AUDIO)]
Since that time, many members of the Hip Hop community have voiced their opinions on the matter of rappers using other people to write their rhymes. Ice Cube and A$AP Rocky have both expressed that it does matter to Hip Hop fans if a rapper is not writing his own verses.
Drake’s longtime producer Noah “40” Shebib once suggested the same thing. In a 2012 profile for the British website Sound On Sound, 40 said, “In Hip Hop you must write your own raps. If someone else were to write them for you, you’d have no credibility whatsoever, and you’d be out of the window immediately.”
40 was one of the first Drake associates to defend him after the allegations his verse on Meek’s Dreams Worth More Than Money was penned by Miller. In a series of tweets, 40 attempted to explain why his frequent collaborator was more than just a typical rapper. However, he did not deny Miller has written verses for Drake.
The ’12 SOS article included 40 stating he and Drake were the only two people that wrote for his projects. Up until that point, the two Toronto natives worked together on the full length Drake collections So Far Gone, Thank Me Later, and Take Care.
“People don’t care who wrote it, or where it comes from or what the sample is, they just want the hottest beat. They just want that and then put it out in their own song,” added 40. “Having said that, Drake and I do take pride in writing songs together, just the two of us.”
The recent Quentin Miller reference tracks were for songs released over the past 6 months. Miller has issued a statement denying he is a “ghostwriter” but acknowledged he and Drake “came together and made something special.” The Tumblr post did not directly address the “10 Bands” reference track.
Complex reports Miller is not credited as writer on Meek Mill’s “R.I.C.O.” despite the fact there is a reference track connected to him for Drake’s verse on the song. The site suggests the absence of Miller’s name in linear notes for the Dreams Worth More Than Money CD is proof he is by definition a ghostwriter.
[ALSO READ: If Drake Wants To Be Considered A GOAT Rapper, He Has To Address These Writing Rumors]
OHNO – “Three Commas”
Don’t confuse this young upcoming rapper with Madlib’s brother, this is a whole generation away and a completely different emcee. This kid’s video is crazy with the camera shaking and the raw feel that Ohno’s fast flow gives fans. Pretty dope. Def worth the spins and trust its getting them with almost 30k views in just less than a week.
Puff Daddy Debuts “Finna Get Loose” Video Featuring Pharrell Williams Via Apple Music
Today, Puff Daddy drops the highly-anticipated music video for current single, ‘Finna Get Loose’ featuring Pharrell Williams, exclusively on Apple Music. Fans of the song have been eagerly awaiting the video’s full release since last week, when Puff Daddy previewed a 40 second trailer on social media. The Hype Williams-directed video finds Puff Daddy and Pharrell getting loose in an underground club, performing the beat-heavy hit with a live band and dancers. The result is a rowdy, monochromatic blowout, with Pharrell’s rap-rock vocals hyping the crowd into a frenzied mosh pit.
“I’ve been trying to make this record for 15 years,” says Puff Daddy of ‘Finna Get Loose’. “My vision was to make people dance. A record that makes people feel good. It is truly a blessing. You make music to affect people in an emotional way, and it is really great when you affect them in a positive way.”
Method Man Drops New Single “The Purple Tape” Featuring Raekwon & Inspectah Deck
With under a month to the release of Method Man’s new collaborative project, The Meth Lab, the celebrated rapper and pop-culture icon has dropped another hot new joint for fans to enjoy. Teaming up with fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, the trio cooked up a gritty, old school street anthem, “The Purple Tape”. The title holds significance to the rappers and Wu-heads, paying homage to Raekwon’s debut solo album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx N#####, also known as The Purple Tape. Joining Method Man, Raekwon, and Inspectah Deck on the track is Mef’s son, Rae Butta aka Raekwon, who lays down the chorus to the track clarifying he’s “Raekwon, no relation to Chef though but still trend,” and that “Wu-Tang is for the children.” The record, produced by J57, isn’t an attack, but a warning – after three decades these legendary Staten Island emcees are still on top. Listen below and pre-order now on iTunes!
PREMIERE: Gee Major Ft. Fat Trel – “EWBTM”
NC artist Gee Major isn’t letting his handicap slow him back from following his dream. Born with Cerebral Palsy he was told there was thing he wouldn’t be able to accomplish being a dope emcee was not one of them. His first single “Every Wanna Be Tony Montana” features MMG’s Fat Trel. His new mixtape Handicapable drops August 18th.
TK-N-Cash – “3x In A Row”
TK-N-Cash are back with a brand new single “3 In A Row”. The duo is not afraid to get a little nasty on this track that let’s girls know that once is not enough. They bring their signature energetic sound to the track while displaying their individual styles as well. TK-N-Cash are currently criss-crossing the US on their “No Handouts” tour and gaining new fans at every stop. For now, get into their new banger “3 In A Row”.
Chevy Woods – “Getcha Some” ft. Post Malone & PJ
Chevy teams up with Dallas, TX sensation Post Malone and the multi talented singer songwriter PJ for this new track “Getcha Some” for a wavy track with hazy vocals and dope sounding flute thing in the background. This track has all the innerworkings of a hit, and is the follow up single to Chevy’s Dej Loaf featured song that appears on his new effort, The 48 Hunnind Project set for release tomorrow (August 7th).
Is Meek Mill Set To Release A Video For The Drake Diss Track “Wanna Know”?
(AllHipHop News) The overwhelming feedback for Meek Mill’s “Wanna Know” diss track was not positive. That may not have stopped the Dream Chasers leader from filming a video for the Drake targeted record.
[ALSO READ: Meek Mill Releases Drake Diss Track “Wanna Know” (AUDIO)]
DJ Bran, Meek’s tour DJ, posted a 15 second video on Twitter that included “Wanna Know” in the clip. Bran did not add any words to the tweet.
Users apparently sent Bran a lot of negative responses which led to a follow-up tweet that read, “My mentions #gottalovetheinternet.” He then tweeted a picture of 2Pac sticking up his middle finger and holding cash.
My mentions ? #gottalovetheinternet
— DJ BRAN (@DJBRAN) August 5, 2015
— DJ BRAN (@DJBRAN) August 6, 2015
Whether a video for “Wanna Know” is on the way is still up in the air, but it seems as if Meek is not done firing shots at Drake. The Philadelphia rapper had more words for Drizzy at a recent tour stop in Charlotte.
“Wayne don’t f*ck with you. Stunna don’t f*ck with you. Tyga don’t f*ck with you,” Meek directed at Drake while on stage at The Pinkprint Tour.
[ALSO READ: Meek Mill To Drake: Lil Wayne & Birdman Don’t F*ck With You (VIDEO)]
Watch DJ Bran’s Twitter video below.
— DJ BRAN (@DJBRAN) August 5, 2015
Ice Cube Warns Meek Mill & Drake: Public Beefs are Dangerous
Photo Credit: YouTube
(AllHipHop News) Recently, while discussing the upcoming film, Straight Outta Compton, legendary MC, Ice Cube, spoke exclusively with AllHipHop regarding the lingering beef between Meek Mill and Drake. The iconic wordsmith, who in the past navigated epic misunderstandings with both his former group, N.W.A. and Common warns the contemporary rappers that, “Beefs in public are dangerous.”
The platinum-penned MC then gives insight into his former beef with Common and explained, “Back in the day, me and Common’s beef was also a misunderstanding. It went a little out of hand. I’m glad that Minister Farrakhan stepped in and helped us straighten that out. Beefs in public are dangerous.” Adding to his sentiment he soon included, “If someone stepped in and hurt Drake now everybody’s gonna be looking at Meek Mill. If somebody stepped in and hurt Meek Mill everybody’s gonna be looking at Drake.”
Wisdom wrapped his words, and then Ice Cube shared, “So, whenever you beef in public you give real enemies – people that might be the enemies of both of y’all – you give them opportunity to do something to you without being blamed; it’s dangerous.” Later the Left Coast lyricist made a poignant connection to the waxed beef between 2Pac and Biggie which lead to the death of two of Hip-Hop’s most revered lyricists.
He believes, “Pac didn’t kill Biggie and Biggie didn’t kill Pac, but because of their beef the media has liked them together as killing each other. It didn’t happen like that; because, of their beef was so public everybody thinks they did each other.”
What will be the eventual outcome of the Meek Mill – Drake beef?
“Straight Outta Compton” drops August 14.
FRESH HEAT: Rell Jerv – “Charged Up / Back To Back”
Up and coming emcee Rell Jerv dropped his latest freestyle to Octobers Very Own’s “Charged Up” & “Back To Back”. Dropping at a particularly contriversial time, we are curious to know what inspired this record from the Delaware rapper. Whether trying to establish himself as an elite rapper or just trying to capitalize on the momentum of the Meek Mill and Drake “Beef”, Rell Jerv is definitely making a statement with this release. Rell Jerv is currently focusing on building a core fan base as well as a solid team of producers and writers. Watch his new video below.
Fabolous Talks About Attending Art School & Connection To Basquiat
(AllHipHop News) Fabolous is best known as the rapper from Breevort Houses in Bed-Stuy, but some of his fans may not be aware the creator of The Young OG Project album studied as a visual artist as well. during a tour of the Brooklyn Museum’s “Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks” exhibition, Fab spoke with Billboard about his teenage days as an illustrator.
[ALSO READ: Fabolous Brings Out Black Rob, Remy Ma, Wu-Tang Clan, Lil Kim, Ma$e & More At Summer Jam 2015 (VIDEO)]
“Before I was a musician, I drew,” said Fabolous. “The housing projects in Brooklyn weren’t much of a canvas, people didn’t know that I had it in me – but I actually went to an art and design high school.”
The experience of viewing Jean-Michel Basquiat’s writings caused the “Lituation” rhymer to draw comparisons between the late New York based graffiti and abstract artist and modern Hip Hop performers.
“[Basquiat’s] composition books, those are the same books I used for school,” Fabolous says. “And even though he didn’t think of himself as a poet, a lot of rappers write down ideas and verses in the same way he did.”
[ALSO READ: Fabolous – “Friday Night Freestyles” (MIXTAPE)]
Ice Cube: N.W.A., Police, Mike Brown, Meek & Drake, Public Enemy, Obama, Hillary & Jeb And Straight Outta Compton
Photo Credit: Instagram
I’ve been an Ice Cube fan since I heard the Don Mega’s booming voice during his tenure at Ruthless Records. Now, things have come full circle as he, along with Dr. Dre and many others, produce “Straight Outta Compton,” an already seminal look at the N.W.A.’s rise, crash and resurrection. Director F. Gary Gray presents a masterwork that truly captures about 6 years of world’s most dangerous group and weaves a story in about 2.5 hours. In this brief conversation, I talked to Cube about a lot of matters, including the state of affairs with police, Mike Brown, Meek and Drake, the possibility of a Public Enemy biopic, Obama, Hillary, Jeb and more. Check it out and share your thoughts.
Can you give me your thoughts on it? You were a producer with Dr. Dre and Tomica Woods- Wright – how do you feel about how it’s been received?
I feel great about the move. I think we did the best job we could possibly do with the movie. People love it. They appreciate all the things we tried to do with the movie. It was done in the right way with the right studio. So, I am extremely happy.
What do you want both the younger and older audience to take away from it?
I want the younger audience to be inspired – for the youngsters to be able to change their situations – and for them to be able to creatively deal with their frustrations in a constructive rather than destructive way. As far as the old heads, I want to take them back. Hopefully, they feel a sense of nostalgia and they can understand where the music came from. Everything that we stood for, they get a chance to see what we went through to make it happen. So, I’m proud of that.
Your son played you to a T; how was that for you?
He was incredible; I was proud. I think he did a hell of a job. He’s a great actor. Everything we wanted to achieve with this movie was achieved. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I feel extremely happy that everything turned out the way I wanted it to.
The one thing that was kinda controversial, MC Ren expressed some discontent. He was not happy with is lack of inclusion in the plot lines of Straight Outta Compton. Where do you stand on that?
I don’t think he was upset about his inclusion in the movie. I think he was upset about the way the marketing department handled him in marketing. I sat with him through the movie; and he loved the movie. I just don’t think that he felt that the marketing team included him in everything he should have been included in. So, you know, when it comes to marketing they have their own philosophies and ways of doing stuff. The filmmakers aren’t necessarily listened to. They have their own ways of doing things and he didn’t agree with it. That’s cool. He’s the villain. I didn’t expect him to like everything.
Depending on how you see it, recently in America things have been going haywire; or, it has been business as usual. Considering you guys were pioneers with “F**k The Police,” and songs like that, what’s your take on race relations?
It’s the same old song. Not enough of these officers are being held accountable [for their actions]; so, they continue to do what they do. Now, you just got more social media and more camera phones and things to capture what they’re doing. I don’t think they’ve ramped it up or slowed it down. It’s business as usual.
At this point, do you consider yourself a political Rap pioneer?
I don’t know if that’s for me to say. As an artist I just do what I feel. I’m lucky that I can do what I feel –and I’m not a slave to some A&R or some record company’s philosophy. You’d probably have to ask the fans and people that’s into Hip-Hop—more than just me. I don’t see myself as nothing but an artist trying to have fun with the music and say a little something every now and then.
Recently, based on the ramifications and blowback that comes from doing so, rapper, Meek Mill, expressed that he was afraid to get political on records. What are your thoughts on some of the artists from the younger generation and their lack of political content; or perhaps their inability to do it?
It’s always been the same with me. Each artist got to find it in their heart to do what they feel. They shouldn’t be pressured or coerced into doing music they think they should do. That never comes out right. So, if they don’t feel it in their hearts they shouldn’t do it.
What about the idea of being scared? When I look at Straight Outta Compton I see you guys really rallying. When I hear someone say they’re scared I feel they may want to say something, but they don’t want to deal with the headache of controversy it causes; or, maybe loss of endorsements it might cause—something like that.
Yeah; I know that goes through some artist’s minds. When they do stuff, they think of ‘what’s the ramifications?’ So, I can’t fault him for being scared. It’s definitely a harder road. It’s definitely an uphill battle. You’ll definitely lose money going that route. To me, it’s more satisfying as an individual and you win in the long-run for making those sacrifices.
We’re almost to the one year anniversary of Mike Brown’s death in Ferguson, MO. A year later, do you have any thoughts on that situation?
We got to hold these cops more accountable for what they do. We got to fight to hold them accountable. I think the body cams are a good idea; it should be a felony if they tamper with it. We got to keep shedding light and keep the magnifying glass on and try to get some of these cops indicted.
One of your most famous lyrics was against Eazy-E, and you said, ‘I’ll never have dinner with the President.’ President Obama’s birthday is on August 4; did you ever break bread with Obama?
[chuckles] Yeah, I’ll break bread with Obama, but I want to do it when he’s not the President. I think the conversation will be better.
How do you feel that will play out? Once he doesn’t have to answer to anyone do you think he’ll keep the conversation real?
Yup. [chuckles]
It seems like we may be coming full circles, do you have any thoughts on Hillary Clinton or Jeb Bush running for President? It’s like a little dynasty thing going on.
No matter who’s in there, in the morning I still got to get up and go to work. I really got to see what they’re standing on. To be honest, I don’t really trust neither one of them.
It’s kinda business as usual with them?
Yup, I think it will be. I think Obama will be the best President we’ll see in our lifetime.
Yeah. Another thing that never really sat well with me was you had a line about Arsenio Hall. Did you guys ever peace that out?
Yeah, we peaced that out. I was young and it was a misunderstanding that I took a little too far. But, you know, he’s cool.
Right now, Rap beef is a hot thing. With Meek Mill and Drake, people are coming down on the beef as being pretty soft. Back in the day, you and Common had a pretty serious beef. In general, what are your thoughts on today’s Rap beefs with the contrast of what was going on back then?
Back in the day, me and Common’s beef was also a misunderstanding. It went a little out of hand. I’m glad that Minister Farrakhan stepped in and helped us straighten that out. Beefs in public are dangerous. Because, if someone stepped in and hurt Drake now everybody’s gonan be looking at Meek Mill. If somebody stepped in and hurt Meek Mill everybody’s gonna be looking at Drake.
So, whenever you beef in public you give real enemies – people that might be the enemies of both of y’all – you give them opportunity to do something to you without being blamed. It’s dangerous. Pac didn’t kill Biggie and Biggie didn’t kill Pac, but because of their beef the media has liked them together as killing each other. It didn’t happen like that; because, of their beef was so public everybody thinks they did each other.
You mentioned Farrakhan, the 20 year anniversary of the Million Man March is coming up. This time around it’s called Justice Or Else. I know you have a long standing history with the Nation Of Islam, will you be involved at all; if so, in what capacity?
I don’t know yet. Those details haven’t been worked out.
You guys recently met in Atlanta; was that just to touch base?
Yeah, you know, just to see how each other was doing. We hadn’t talked to or seen each other in a long time. So, it was good to see how he was doing.
1988 was an incredible year for Hip-Hop. To come out of that and to have this sort of impact, with almost 30 years later, what are your overall thoughts on Straight Outta Compton?
It feels great. To me, what we went through is movie-worthy. It’s a slice of American history. We definitely changed the trajectory of not just music, but a lot of entertainment. So, it just feels right. Everything is landing in place. The most important thing is that the movie is great, and I’m ready to take this ride.
I’m a huge Public Enemy fan, since you’re a shot-called in L.A. and Hollywood, would you consider trying to make a Public Enemy movie? It has all the elements.
Of course; definitely.
I’m going to talk to Chuck [D], maybe you can catch Flav out there and get the ball rolling.
Let’s do it.
Ar-Ab Talks Drake Mentioning Him On “Back To Back” & Ghostwriting In Hip Hop (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Philadelphia’s Ar-Ab was drawn into the feud between fellow Philly native Meek Mill and Toronto rhymer Drake when Drizzy name dropped him on “Back To Back.” The diss record included the bars, “I waited four days, n*gga, where y’all at? I drove here in the Wraith playing Ar-Ab.”
[ALSO READ: Drake – “Back To Back” (Meek Mill Diss)]
DJ Vlad caught up with Ar-Ab to get his thoughts on being named dropped in Drake’s lyrical response to Meek. Ab offered his guess for why the Young Money artist referred to him on the song.
“I got assumptions. It’s probably because I’m the top goon in Philly. [Drake] probably heard I ran sh*t out there,” said Ar-Ab.
The line also sparked speculation that Ab officially signed to OVO. He denied the rumors but suggested it could happen in the future.
Ab was asked for his opinion on rappers having other people writing their lyrics as well. The “Pocket Full Of Money” performer sees two sides of the issue.
“For me personally it’s all about an earn. It’s all about making money, right?” asks Ab. “I was already under the assumption these motherf*ckers don’t write their own sh*t.”
After revealing he would look at his favorite rapper differently if he found out someone else was penning his verses, Ab added, “Choruses? It’s kind of different than writing your verses. A chorus might be the topic of the song, but then on the verses, you write your perspective of it.”
Ar-Ab also stated he does not have any issues with Meek despite talk the two Pennsylvania representatives are not on good terms. According to Ab, he spoke to the MMG star a few weeks back and everything was cool.
[ALSO READ: Drake & Meek Mill Both See Big Gains On Social Media After Feud Goes Viral]
Watch Ar-Ab’s interviews below.
Will Nelly Be The First To Premiere A Video On The New BET Uncut?
As you know BET is bringing back naked and ratchet with BET Uncut! The question is who will be the first to premiere their video on the new BET Uncut? Will it be Nelly? It seems like it would only be right for Nelly to lead as his “Tip Drill” video is synonymous with Uncut! Will you be watching?
Young Guru Helps Introduce 8i’s Breakthrough 3D Video Medium (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) As more of the world is transferred into the digital realm, video technology continues to become an integral part of our lives. Start-up company 8i has now launched its breakthrough 3D Video Alpha digital medium, and legendary audio engineer Young Guru (Jay Z, Cam’ron) is helping to introduce the new personal three-dimensional experience.
[ALSO READ: Young Guru Talks The Making Of “The Blueprint” & Why Jay Z Did Not Lose To Nas (AUDIO)]
“You have to keep inventing, and you have to keep showing people why you’re here,” says Guru in an 8i promotional video. “It’s about who’s gonna rock the spot tonight.”
8i 3D Video is different from ordinary video where the viewer’s perspective is fixed. It transforms standard video recordings into visceral experiences which allows individuals to move freely around performances. Creators have the ability to democratize VR content by simply using a set of 2 or more cameras.
3D Video is not a simulation. It’s based on digital video input not CG modeling. Users experience meeting and interacting with real people in digital space.
8i lets you view 3D Video content on iPhones, tablets and other mobile devices. The company is providing people the opportunity to get a sense of the technology at 8i.com. Or download 8i VR and move around in virtual reality on Oculus Rift.
[ALSO READ: Young Guru To Lecture At ‘Hip-Hop Speaker’ Series At MIT]
Watch 8i’s “Introducing 3D Video” featuring Young Guru below.
Guess Who Says Meek Mill’s Career Is Over?
Photo via Meek Mill’s Instagram
It was all good until Brandon Jennings decided to give his opinion on the Meek Mill vs Drake Beef. It seems that Jennings became team OVO after Meek Mill commented on one of his post saying that rappers had to do more than wear a Meek t-shirt to be supportive. Since then Jennings has gone on all kinds of rants about how he is #teamDrake. The Omeeka Hive let him have it, causing him to shut down/ “give away” his social media accounts. TMZ Sports caught up with him first. Jennings said,
“His career just got started, and it’s already done….. Meek Mill is corny…. it’s over.”
We didn’t really need Brandon’s commentary, but it is funny how Meek’s fans tore him apart.
C-Stone – “Nino”
Emcee, celebrity jeweler/grill master, and all around hustler C. Stone the Breadwinner released “Written In Stone 2″ last week on his Breadwinner Music Group imprint. The project features 19 new tracks, as well as appearances from notables including Paul Wall, Kirko Bangz, Brian Angel, Sancho Saucy (of the Sauce Twinz) and Dante Higgins. The outstanding production on the project definitely takes center stage. Written in Stone 2 features pro duction from from heavy hitters including Drumma Boy, Jahlil Beats, June James, Cardo, DJ 5ive 9 for Breadwinner Beats , Dj Chose, and J Starz .
Iggy Azalea Admits To More Plastic Surgery?
Photo via Iggy’s Instagram
It looks like Iggy Azalea has gone back under the knife! We hope she doesn’t go too far like another female rapper we won’t name. Earlier this year Iggy admitted to getting breast implants, and now she’s admitting to having work done on her face. Maybe she had work done on her nose. Although Iggy continues to get various procedures, she urges teens not to rush into plastic surgery, and to actually think it out. Do you think the facial surgeries have made Iggy more attractive? Hmmmmm maybe she will say she got butt enhancement shots next.