(AllHipHop News) Yesterday (Jan. 21), Young Dro was arrested in his native state of Georgia on drug charges, this reported by TMZ. At press time it is unclear as to which particular substance he possessed. The “Shoulder Lean” rapper is said to have spent the evening in a jail cell.
The particular city in which the supposed crime took place has yet to be disclosed. On Thursday around 3:30 P.M., the Clayton County Sheriff’s department confirm Dro was booked for breaching the controlled substance act. Sometime today (Jan. 22), the Atlanta entertainer is supposed to have a bail hearing.
Kanye West’s long-awaited album ‘SWISH’ will be available on February 11th! The journey and the wait have been nothing out of the ordinary as this is Kanye West we’re talking about. There have been everything from rumors, title changes, fake track lists and more surrounding the forthcoming album. From the release of “No More Parties In La” and “Real Friends,” it’s obvious that Ye is focused. Kanye & Kendrick Lamar could be working on another collaboration as the two were in the studio together last night. Swizz Beats was also there cooking up new music with Kanye, so we wonder are these the finishing touches to the album. Kanye also thanked Madlib for 6 beat CDs. ‘SWISH’ will be here before we know it.
Following the news of a reconciliation with Baby, Lil Wayne did not halt his lawsuit against Cash Money Records. It must be stressful balancing his professional obligations with his personal responsibilities. How does this global superstar and entrepreneur handle the stress? Weezy is back to leaning on sizzurp, so says an insider connected to Wayne’s camp, as reported by TMZ.
In the past, the Louisiana lyricist overdosed on lean and suffered agonizing seizures. That distant memory has not been enough to make Wayne put down the purple stuff and walk away. Tunechi is turned up and is said to be completely unconcerned about his health. The informant believes that he gives “zero f*cks,” to the growing importance of the situation.
Trusted sources alleged that for the past few months Weezy has been reveling in double-cup debauchery. They also claim that the popular Styrofoam cup is always stuck in his hand.
Yesterday (Jan. 21), former Oklahoma City police officer, Daniel Holtzclaw, was sentenced to 263 years in prison for raping women, this according to The Oklahoman. District Judge Timothy Henderson required for Holtzclaw to consecutively serve his sentence.
Between December 2013 and June 2013 Hotlzclaw was charged with sexually assaulting 13 Black females. Multiple charges stem from those acts of depravity, 36 in total.
Following an intense six-week trial, jurors deemed that the associated punishment should range from five to 30 years. Ultimately, back on Dec. 10, the ex-cop was found guilty on 18 sexual offenses. This included four counts of first-degree rape of 8 of his victims.
Judge Henderson did give Hotlzclaw credit for the time he’s already served.
Stacey Dash has been under attack all week long for her comments made on Fox News about ending BET, Black History Month, and the BET Awards. Everyone from BET, Roland Martin, her own cousin Dame Dash and many more have roasted her and pointed out much of the hypocrisy found in her statements. BET asked Stacey if they could get their check back since she forgot she had appeared on ‘The Game.’ Dash has now fired back at BET for the network’s criticism of her.
“Well, here’s the thing. Thank you for reminding me, since most people have never heard of that show. Why? It’s on BET. Quick. Name the top shows on BET. Drawing a blank? I think I’ve made my point. I’m thankful for all of the acting jobs I’ve had. But I look forward to the day when people don’t self-segregate based on skin color, while loudly complaining about a segregated society. That might be hard for the people at BET to understand, especially after I read this quote from a BET exec about the Oscars: “It would be great if the Oscar nominees represented even closely the percentage of moviegoers who are of different ethnicities, but they don’t,” said Stephen Hill. Wow. Apparently, Mr. Hill doesn’t understand what an Oscar is. Oscars are awarded to the actors and actresses who excel… not the audience. What’s next? Awarding $1 million to the guy sitting in his pajamas on the couch watching Survivor? Giving a blue ribbon to the kid who stayed home from field day? Giving a Nobel Peace Prize to a President who escalated wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? No, that would be unreasonable. My problem goes back to the notion that every area of life needs to break down exactly according to demographic ratios except in those areas in which black people have decided they want to have their own space. I don’t have a problem with black people having their own space. I have a problem with the folks at BET absolutely freaking out when other institutions don’t match up to what they think is best. At National Review, they put it this way: “From their undisputed cultural heights, progressives have sold the American people on a fantasy that says America is racist unless every demographic group enjoys the benefits of its life and shares its burdens in exact proportion to their numbers — except, of course, when it comes to areas of the culture dominated by African-Americans.”BET lies to American black people by telling them that the rest of America is racist, so stick close to your own kind. Anything that promotes segregation is bad! And they’re absolutely mortified that someone like me — an independent-thinking black woman — dares call their bluff.”
Did Dash say anything to change your mind? Do you agree or disagree with Stacey’s original statements and her latest ones?
(AllHipHop News) Earlier today (Jan. 22), while in downtown Los Angeles, Ghostface Killah explained his thoughts on Martin Shkreli purchasing the Wu-Tang Clan’s latest release, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. “What you gonna hold it for 88 years for?” he questioned TMZ.
It was immediately apparent that the iconic MC had more to say about Shkreli’s scruples. Martin’s big bank account helped to secure the purchase of the $2 M album. “Yeah, that sh*thead bought it; f*ck him,” he blasted. Ghost then proceeded to look deeper into Shkreli’s perceived character.
“You don’t take an A.I.D.S. pill that you have for — what, I guess $7 — and then like make it $800. You don’t do that like that. I don’t care if you bought the Wu-Tang album,” was his stark statement. Ghostface Killah went on to clarify that he hasn’t met Martin, but he still doesn’t agree with his opportunistic actions, “that’s not right.”
With a resigned reply, Pretty Toney then shared his thoughts on Once Upon a Time in Shaolin not being accessible to the public. He challenged, “then what you gonna do it for,” demonstrating that music is made for public consumption.
“Right now, it’s out of my hands. It’s whatever; I don’t know about it,” he said.
Epidemic has the streets of Miami buzzin, clubs and radio running his music and his new mixtape is poppin with Features like Gunplay and Zoey Dollaz which Epidemic brought out his brothers from the 305 to represent their city on the hot new record: “Tried to Tell Em” Listen to it here first and download Epidemic’s entire “2018” mixtape at GoEpidemic.com/ 2018.
The King of petty, 50 Cent, has been killing Meek Mill in an Instagram meme war. My how the game and rap beef have changed. Meek Mill is tired of the social media beef and is bowing out of it by submitting to 50 Cent’s memes. Meek took to his Instagram to repost a post by comedian Michael Blackson. Blackson said,
“I think 50 is going to make this beef last till 2050… Just when you think this beef is over 50 finds a post of meek from his 1998 Myspace page smh. I will never beef with @50Cent that Neega’s research team will find a video of me crying during my daycare days and embarrass me.”
Meek then posted,
“Just stop @50Cent u like 40 something doing memes and sh*t… I submit to your memes lol.”
Could this be the end, or will 50 continue with his roast session? He must have hella meme interns over there LOL.
Singer-songwriter J. Long broke out in 2006 with his single “Berry Love,” and three years later he released his debut album Girl Listen. Since that time, a two-year stint with the R&B/Hip Hop group Pretty Ricky further expanded Long’s reach with music fans before he went on a hiatus as a performer
The La Marque, Texas native has now made his return from a behind-the-scenes executive to a recording artist with a series of songs running up to his next LP EVOL’ED. Long is following in the tradition of his uncle Huey Long of The Ink Spots and his grandfather B.B. King guitarist Curtis Long by presenting Soul-based tunes with live instrumentation.
AllHipHop.com spoke with J. Long about his forthcoming project. In this exclusive interview, the head of the independent J. Fam Music label also covers his Christian faith, working with New Orleans rapper Juvenile, and being a fan of R&B legend D’Angelo.
You have a pretty well established musical family. What was it like growing up in a family like that?
It was loud all the time. Live instruments playing all the time. By the time I was 2 years old, I was in love with the drums. My mother had seven sisters, so I grew up with eight women. Everybody in our family played instruments or sang. My grandfather is also a musician, so we just grew up around it. I loved it.
At what point did you realize this was something you wanted to do for your career?
Probably when I was able to start talking. I knew this was something I was going to do. I didn’t see college in my future. People would try to feed that into my head. I’m not telling nobody to not go to college, because that may be the way you need to go. I just always knew in my heart that wasn’t the route I would take.
Since that time, you’ve been able to establish yourself as a solo artist, but you’ve also spent time as a member of Pretty Ricky. What is the status of the group now?
Shout out to the boys. They just reunited with Pleasure P. I came after Pleasure left, but they just reunited. I did my farewell with Pretty Ricky. We did a tour overseas last year in April. I got to perform with my boys one more time. Those are like my brothers. Shout out to Slick, Spec, and Diamond. They’ve got a new single out, and they’re doing their thing.
You took a break. What sparked your decision to first fallback as an artist and then return to releasing music?
I really got my first regional hit with “Berry Long.” Before that, I just had my son. He’s 7 years old now. I was struggling. I didn’t have much. I just had a dollar and a dream.
Then all of a sudden my life started to change. Coming from La Marque, Texas, I didn’t have that much. All I grew up with was love from my family. I strayed away from that and from what I was taught as a kid.
I’m a firm believer in Jesus Christ. I take that very serious. So I had to step back, because you can lose yourself in this business. That ain’t what I’m about, so I had to step back and get my mind correct. I give all glory to God for giving me a second chance to do what I love to do.
Do you feel like it’s difficult balancing being a follower of Christ and at the same time creating music that’s secular?
Not really. It’s all about your lifestyle. R&B artists mostly sing about making love. Sex and making love ain’t bad things. For married couples, that’s something that was designed by God to enjoy. As long as you ain’t calling women out their names, it’s cool with me.
I love to sing about love. I’m not into degrading our women. We need to uplift our women and let them know they’re beautiful. Shout out to all the artists that still have standards in their music.
Another thing, people think when you’re a Christian you can’t have fun or you can’t sing genres other than Gospel. That’s not true. I hold myself to a certain standard. I’m not perfect, but I try to set an example every day. That’s what it’s about at the end of the day. But as a Christian, you can have fun.
You’re new album is called EVOL’ED. What does that title represent for you?
I spelled it E-V-O-L, and then E-D. That’s love spelled backward, and then “E-D” is education. Also, I’m evolving as a person. I’m learning every day. It’s love plus education.
On your single “Hit Girl,” there’s a line about not needing Auto-Tune. It was in relation to singing to a woman. But do you think the software has become too much of a crutch?
Yeah, it has, but to each his own. If you know how to use it right, it is what it is. But yeah, a lot of music is getting watered down by it.
There are a lot of changes happening in music. Over the last few years, there has been this melding of R&B and rap, almost to the point where the genres have almost become inseparable. What are your thoughts on that development?
With the music business – just like with any other business – it’s always changing, so you have to get with the times. If you’re making hits, you’re making hits. Nowadays, you kind of have to be able to rap. You got to be able to bring something else to the table. You just got to get with the times.
You just dropped a song with Juvenile. How did that track come together?
It was the day after Christmas. I just did this record. I was literally sitting in the studio, and I was messing around on the keyboard. The track started to sound like “Back That Thang Up” without me trying to make it sound like that.
I was just playing around with the vocals. I said, “It would be dope if I actually got Juvenile on this record.” I reached out to him, and he was with it. He sent me back a verse. Since I kind of remade “Back That Thang Up,” it only made it right to get him on it. Shout out to Juve. Shout out to Cash Money. Shout out to Aubrey Francis for making that connection.
I read that you’re a really big fan of D’Angelo. Have you ever had the chance to meet him?
I didn’t, but I did get to see him perform at the BET Awards in 2012. That was on my bucket list – to meet him or see him perform. I was like a student in class. I was just watching him. It was a great experience.
Did you happen to hear BJ The Chicago Kid’s cover EP of D’Angelo songs?
I haven’t heard it. I like that kid. I’m definitely going to check it out, because that’s a talented kid.
If you could do a full cover album or duet album with any artist – besides D’Angelo – who would you pick?
Besides D’Angelo? I would probably redo Aaliyah’s One In A Million album. I’d just give it from a male perspective.
Finally, what’s next for you and the J. Fam Music brand?
I wake up everyday and I say, “What’s going to happen is already written.” So we just take things one day at a time. God’s will will be done. We’ll see what happens. I’m just thankful to be here.
(AllHipHop News) Yesterday, Iggy Azalea blasted her record label on Twitter. The “Fancy” performer claimed Virgin EMI Records president Ted Cockle was blocking her video for “Azillion” from being released. She stated, “Ted Cockle doesn’t wanna see me shine. What can I say.”
Azalea returned to the social media platform today to clarify that she was not suggesting her sophomore album Digital Distortion or its next single were being pushed back.
“I didn’t intend on making anyone think my album or single was being delayed yesterday. I was just sharing what was going on with a viral vid,” posted Iggy.
Azalea told a Twitter follower she believes her label refused to finance the “Azillion” video because the company was upset she leaked the song to the internet for free. Another Twitter user offered advice to the Australia native, writing “Start your own label. Problem solved.”
Iggy responded by praising to American label Def Jam. In addition, she explained the United Kingdom based Virgin EMI has control over her budget.
I didnt intend on making anyone think my album or single was being delayed yesterday. i was just sharing what was going on with a viral vid.
(AllHipHop News) California rapper Tyga has been caught in numerous rumors over the last year. There was the transgender actress Mia Isabella claiming she was once in a relationship with Tyga, and 14-year-old singer Molly O’Malia accused Tyga of making her “uncomfortable” by texting her.
The creator of the recently released Rawwest N*gga Alive mixtape stopped by Streetz 94.5, and he was asked about all the tabloid stories surrounding him. Tyga first addressed the O’Malia situation.
“That girl that said she was 14 – I feel like when you’re on social media, a lot of people are models, singers, artists trying to get discovered,” said Tyga. “It was like, ‘Damn, you can’t talk to a person or give a person a break. That’s what I thought was kind of crazy. It was nothing to hide. That’s why I put the texts out to let people know.”
Host Jazzy McBee then asked Tyga about the stories he was dating Isabella. Again, the Young Money affiliate fought back against the accusations.
“I didn’t even know at one point. I’m like, ‘Damn, you’re making this sh*t up.’ Somebody really got something against me up top somewhere,” suggested Tyga.
He added, “You just brush the sh*t off. It’s a new story every day. At the end of the day, I’m living my life, and the people around me know what’s real and know how I move.”
(AllHipHop News) Eminem teamed up with Genius to annotate the lyrics to his 2015 single “Kings Never Die” featuring Gwen Stefani. The track appeared on the soundtrack for boxing film Southpaw.
LYRICS: Here to stay/Even when I’m gone/When I close my eyes/Through the passage of time/Kings never die
EMINEM: My dog “King” died immediately after the recording of this song.
–
LYRICS: Cause here I sit in Lucifer’s den by the dutch oven/Just choosing to sin/Even if it means I’m sellin’ my soul, just to be the undisputed again,/Do whatever I gotta do just to win
EMINEM: I actually dutch ovened myself one time and it was like Lucifer’s den which became the inspiration for that line.
–
LYRICS: How ’bout that/I’m somehow now back to the underdog/But no matter how loud that I bark, this sport is somethin’/I never bow-out at
EMINEM: Shout to Jean Claude Van Damme. I wrote this bar during a Bloodsport marathon on TNT.
–
LYRICS: not a quitter,/Gotta get up, give it all I got or give up
EMINEM: This is a complete fabrication, because I’ve quit quitting on more than one occasion. Such is the circle of life.
–
LYRICS: And I ain’t stopping ’til I’m on top again, all alone and on a throne/Like a token of respect, or a homage poem, or an ode I’ve been owed/Tossed in the air by my own arm, and launched so hard it broke my collarbone
EMINEM: “on a throne” “honor thrown” “like a token of respect or a homage poem or a ode I’ve been owed tossed in the air and launched so hard it broke my collar bone..!!!…??? Gimme A f*ckin’ BREAK!!!
(AllHipHop News) Fox News contributor Stacey Dash ignited a firestorm this week. While discussing the lack of diversity for this year’s Academy Awards nominations, the Clueless actress suggested African-American centered accolades such as the BET Awards and NAACP Image Awards promote segregation and should not exist in America. She also called for the end of the BET channel and Black History Month.
The reaction from the black community to Dash’s statements was overwhelmingly critical. BET even responded by jokingly asking if Dash would return the money she earned for appearing on the network’s sitcom The Game. Celebrities like Bun B weighed in on the situation as well.
Dr. Boyce Watkins spoke with Stacey Dash’s cousin Dame Dash. The co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records was mostly upset that Stacey was possibly paid by Fox News to spark controversy.
“I think Fox pays her to say that sh*t. I know how Fox is, how manipulative they are. I think they wanted her to do something to invoke conversation, and she did it. I’m quite sure it wasn’t done for free,” said Dame. “If she would have had that opinion and didn’t get paid for it, and she did it on another platform, and said it a little different, I think it would have been received a little better.”
Dame went on to add he wished Stacey would have had that conversation on BET or with a black media personality instead of Fox News’ Steve Doocy. He also stated that if Stacey’s acting career was more successful at this point she likely would not be giving controversial interviews to Fox News.
“I love my cousin. Happy birthday to her. Because I don’t support her opinions or her perspective, it really isn’t the best thing to hear Dash associated with cooning. But it is what it is. That’s my life,” said Dame.
(AllHipHop News) Seattle native Macklemore has faced backlash from some Hip Hop fans arguing the white rapper has appropriated black culture for his own personal gain. Even with that critique hanging over him, Macklemore has still spoken out against systemic racism and acknowledged having advantages in life because of his race.
His 2005 album The Language of My World contained a song titled “White Privilege” where Macklemore rapped about the differences between the way he is treated as a Caucasian versus the treatment of African-Americans.
Mack and his musical partner Ryan Lewis have revisited that same theme on “White Privilege II.” The new single specifically addresses the Black Lives Matter movement, claims of cultural appropriation by himself, Miley Cyrus and Iggy Azalea, and the impact of white supremacy on American society.
Macklemore wrote on his website:
This song is the outcome of an ongoing dialogue with musicians, activists, and teachers within our community in Seattle and beyond. Their work and engagement was essential to the creative process.
As a company (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis LLC), we are committed to a long-term investment of our time, resources, finances and creative capacities towards supporting black-led organizing and anti-racist education & discourse.
In dialogue with our community partners and advisers, we will continue to find ways in which we can leverage our platform and network towards strengthening the work of organizers and initiatives framed by genuine racial and social equity. We recognize that there are no easy answers, any one piece of legislation, or quick fix to undo institutional racism in our country. We wish to support direct organizing and be led by the expertise and experience of those on the front lines as we proceed.
I thought Jaheim was the man in New Brunswick, NJ. But Apparently not. The hood singer was trying to do a video today and was unceremoniously kicked out. Why they do him like that? Maybe there is something going on in Central New Jersey that we don’t know about?
AngelGold returns with a new offering from her forthcoming debut “HappyHours” EP. This time it’s a family affair as “No No No” has guest appearances by Angel’s brothers Ty Dolla $ign and Big TC and their cousin TeeCee4800. Produced by ShoNuFF.
Angel contributed vocals and writing to Ty Dolla’s song “Miracle” on his debut album Free TC, a project titled after their incarcerated brother Big TC. This marks the first time all three siblings unite on a song.
(AllHipHop News) Michigan native, Big Sean, recently donated $10,000 to aid those suffering through the Flint Water Crisis. The “Blessings” MC recently joined forces with CrowdRise to create the #HealFintKids Fundraiser. Sean’s altruistic action kicked off the grass-roots campaign.
In its premier press release Big Sean expressed his angst, “I am devastated by the water crisis that has put the entire city of Flint in a state of emergency. In recognizing the great work that the Community Foundation of Greater Flint Michigan has been doing, it is my hope we can help by raising the money needed to ensure that the children who have been hit the hardest receive the care that they need today and well into the future.”
Today (Jan. 21), the #HealFlintKids’ campaign started at noon. A variety of techniques are being used to persuade the public to donate. A $10 tax deductible pledge will earn someone the opportunity to win a pair of VIP tickets to an upcoming stateside show. For all the official details head over to CrowdRise.
In addition to linking up with CrowdRise, continues to use social media as a way to employ his voice. Located only an hour away from his hometown of Detroit, the Flint Water Crisis seems to truly be resounding with the Grammy-nominated lyricist. He has shared his compassion and lifted his concern. In a recent tweet concerning Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, attempt to shirk his responsibility, Big Sean snapped.
Below check out the tweets.
This is not a natural disaster, this is not a mistake, this is clearly some real dirty work going on! unacceptable! Explain Governor? #Flint
Migos sat down with Vlad TV to discuss the release of their new mixtape, ‘YRN-2.’ They also talked about their collaborative mixtape, ‘Migos Thuggin”, with Young Thug. When asked about the collaboration, they explained that their CEO, Lyor Cohen, was the one causing the delay.
“Lyor froze it man….. We can’t do it right now…… That was going to be a big project but Lyor blocked the play……That’s the thing about it, the music is crazy.”
They said that they’ve recorded at least 30 songs for the project. Maybe the project will eventually be released as they said the project is on hold. Maybe Lyor will let up soon. Were you looking forward to the collaborative effort? Are you feeling ‘YRN 2’?
Memphis Bleek stopped by the Breakfast Club to talk about the days of Roc-A-Fella, coming up under Jay Z, how the game has changed and evolved from then to now, and more. One of the most interesting things Bleek commented on was the break up of Roc-A-Fella. DJ Envy asked,
“What broke up Roc-A-Fella?…. At one time it was a perfect fit.”
Memphis Bleek replied saying,
“I think it was ego. It wasn’t money, everyone was making a ton of money. It was ego. When something happens one person wants to be responsible for it. People want to be certified and critically acclaimed, and they will die for it. That’s what broke it up; ego. People just couldn’t accept that Jay is that dude. He’s the God.”
Ego has gotten in the way of a lot in music. Bleek also says they were really a family at Roc-A-Fella, and the problem with units today, is there is no real loyalty.
