(AllHipHop News) Last Friday (July 3), via her personal Twitter, Harlem lyricist, Azalea Banks, used the social media site to effectively dismiss rumors that she harbors any homophobic sentiment. Through a series of tweets, the “Ice Princess” wordsmith expressed her thoughts on the matter.
The convo commenced with, “Why do gay men think everything I post about being gay is about them?! GIRLS ARE GAY TOO. I LIKE VAGINAS.” Soon she would add, “Just give the Azealia banks is a homophobe thing a rest because I’m not. I have a transgender sibling. My whole life is gay,” read another tweet. While another response included, “All of my friends are gay, I am bisexual…. So please… Stop.”
Check out the slide to view more of Banks’ tweets.
(AllHipHop News) The Game is prepping the release of his next album The Documentary 2. The project is set to get some help from another Compton, California representative. Superproducer Dr. Dre appears in the studio with Game in pictures and video posted to the rapper’s Instagram page.
“Right now Compton is Hip Hop. It’s f*cking game time,” Dre tells the camera.
Game added his own words in the caption for the clip:
Yall better understand one thing & ONE THING only !!!!!! Ain’t nobody nowhere on earth f*ckin wit this album………#TheDocumentary2 is on its mothaf*ckin way !!!!!!!!!!
Dre played a big role in Game’s original The Documentary LP. The Aftermath boss was behind the boards for the tracks “Hate It or Love It,” “How We Do,” “Higher,” “Westside Story,” and others.
Game has announced other producers such as Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, DJ Premier, Alchemist, and Scott Storch are contributing to The Documentary 2 as well.
Coming off of one of the biggest battles of the year as well as a co-sign from both Drake and 50 Cent, New Jersey emcee Tsu Surf,is preparing for the release of his forthcoming Newark project. To build anticipation for Newark, Tsu has announced that he will be dishing new music every Tuesday, which you can now refer to as #TSUesday.
With the first installment of #TSUesday, the Raw Bunch front-runner teams up with Jersey City native, Albee AL over some The Sharke production, for a passionately introspective freestyle titled “Trapped”.
In life, you can run from your problems, but most find that their problems are Runnin’ Too. Few understand this better than Detroit based, Pontiac bred emcee Ro Spit, who is joined by Nashville spitter Dee Goodz on their new 2DopeBoyz premiered video. Directed by Darren Browning, the visual finds the two emcees in seemingly different positions, yet saying similar things in their message. An interesting twist at the end makes this a must-watch visual, and stay tuned as Ro readies his upcoming IVLife… LP which is just around the corner…
“Get off me you f**king n**ger,” is the inflammatory statement which allegedly provoked the recent altercation between a woman and De’Andre Johnson, the quarterback for FSU, this according to TMZ. After Johnson inadvertently bumped into the woman she launched into a verbal attack against Johnson.
Johnson’s camp has gone on to express that he’s “extremely embarrassed” by his actions, but contend that he was defending himself against, the agressive woman who initiated the entire encounter. Several witnesses have professed to hearing the woman hurl the hateful racial slur an are willing to testify in court.
This week’s offering on The Signal comes from Turls, who’s dropping the visuals for his track “My Plug”. The video premiered on Pigeons & Planes earlier Monday. Turls drops bars about robbing his plug (probably a bad move) with a long, drawn out, monotonous drawl that somehow works over the electronic-laced trap beat. Check it out above, and be on the lookout for Turls’ Destruction of A Heart project, dropping soon.
(AllHipHop News) The Geto Boys recently got back together for a new tour and possibly a new album. The reunion was temporarily put on hold last week when Scarface was taken to the hospital.
A rep for the group confirmed with Billboard Scarface was hospitalized in Houston on June 30, and the legendary rapper is now resting at home. The Geto Boys had just performed a show in Albuquerque, New Mexico on the 29th.
No further details about Scarface’s condition were revealed. The “My Block “rapper was hospitalized and diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2002.
Fellow G.B. member Willie D wrote on the crew’s Kickstarter page, “I am not at liberty to speak on his condition, and wouldn’t even if I was, as it is a private matter, but I will say that he is in good spirits, and sends his love to all who have supported him throughout his career, and personal life. Although I’m his bandmate, I’m also a Scarface fan, so I know it’s hard for you guys not having details, but I will try to keep you updated as much as I can without invading his privacy. Thanks and say a prayer for my homey!”
The Geto Boys are crowd funding to raise money for their next musical project Habeas Corpus. As of press time, the trio has collected $31,000 of their $100,000 goal. The campaign ends on July 15.
LOUIS releases new video “The Strip” off his upcoming debut project. Directed by DGainz, new comer to the game LOUIS is raw and comes from a place of pain and hope. “The Strip” plays into a mixture of rap, pop, rock and hip-hop all fused together to create a unique authentic sound. With a very creative treatment and visual of the single, DGainz is taken out of his comfort zone, yet produces a video out of his original style. The Strip talks about betting on love and making it worth it. Louis unique etiquette for music is whats going to draw a diverse fan base to his artistry.
(AllHipHop News) Tuesday morning (July 7), it has been confirmed that both Chris Tucker and Netflix are being sued by comedian, Terry Hodges, for $66,000, this according to TMZ. Tucker’s anticipated comedy special will be broadcast via Netflix on Friday (July 10).
Marty Singer, Chris Tucker’s attorney has released the following statement, “”This lawsuit is absurd and completely without merit. We fully expect this case to be thrown out by the court.”
In his recently filed lawsuit, Hodges claims that he has has been contributing his time and material to the project since 2008, but has not received any consistent financial compensation since 2011. He then goes on to insist that his writing, producing, editing, acting fees and travel expenses have been utterly ignored, as was Tucker’s purported promise to make him a co-producer. That title would have helped Hodges secure more money on the back-end.
Indianapolis rapper and DV8 Records/Zaytown Sorority member, Robyn Fly, sits down with DJ Smallz and reveals Young Dro stole her car in his recent arrest for his theft by conversion case.
DJ SB has been on a role lately, releasing new material to the web and the streets that have been making their rounds. Aside from being the official DJ for rap superstar Tyga, he has stepped out on his own and today he finally unveils his OnGod EP.
The New York underground music scene is chock full of emerging talent ready to take their talents to the mainstream. One of the notables that has been making his rounds is Howie Dodat. Loaded with witty punchlines and a knack for lyricism, Howie is a familiar face in New York City as he has booked at some of the most prestigious venues. In recent months, he has unleashed noteworthy visuals for songs such as “Money Gone”, “No Cosign” & “Bang.” Today, he takes things a step further with the release of the Gredi Films directed clip “S.L.I.S.” Howie brings out the luxury vehicles and his hood as he showcases the witty charm he has become known for.
“Sha Money did bobby dirty, no bail, don’t visit him or put money on his books. That’s foul sh!t. he told them they was the new G-unit. SMH” – 50 Cent
Yesterday evening (July 6), it appears that the 50 Cent, took time away from his birthday celebration to fire a few shots at Sha Money XL.
The Hip-Hop mogulposted the above captioned statement to his Instagram account. It was accompanied by a photo of Kidd Kidd. Last week,the Queens wordsmith vowed to bail out his recently arrested G-Unit artist, Kidd Kidd, and yesterday his actions reinforced his words.
(AllHipHop News) Monday evening (July 6), Remy Ma, confirmed that she along with her husband, Brooklyn MC, Papoose, will be joining the upcoming cast of the reality series, Love & Hip-Hop: New York, this according to TheJasmine Brand.
The “Lean Back,” wordsmith is one of of only four female lyricists to have earned the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100. A concise video clip from the Love & Hip Hop Atlanta After Party Live has been posted to her personal Instagram. Remy received a simple suggestion from cast member, Jessica Dime who advises, “The only advice I would give is keep being you, baby. Like, bring the real to it; bring your story.”
Given that Remy Ma will be joined by her partner in rhyme, Papoose, for the upcoming season of Love & Hip-Hop: New York, will these additions give more credibility to the reality series?
ESSENCE hit it big again this year with their 21st annual ESSENCE Festival. The ESSENCE Festival celebrated once again with four days of R&B music, community events, and black culture between the New Orleans’ convention center and the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
Click HERE to visit ESSENCE.com to check out more from the 2015 ESSENCE Festival.
Photo by Paras Griffin Getty Images Entertainment
The 2015 ESSENCE Festival was kicked off by smooth R&B crooner Trey Songz and the funniest man in America, comedian Kevin Hart. Hart reminded fans that he is quite the comedic storyteller. What wasn’t so funny was his cell phone use ban. “Trigga Trey” returned to the Essence stage to serenade the ladies once again. Songz surprised fans when he transitioned from his “Slow Motion” to Juvenile’s “Slow Motion,” where the New Orleans native rapper joined him on stage to perform. Trey wooed the ladies as usual with his vocals, solid band, and handsome looks.
On day 2 thousands of people filed into the Superdome for a night of classic and timeless hits. While the younger crowd rushed to the superlounges to see Nico & Vinz, Adrian Marcel, and Goapele, fans across all generations took their seats on the main floor to observe “Uncle” Charlie Wilson and Frankie Beverly & Maze bring down the house! Slick Rick The Ruler held down the Coca-Cola Art of Hip-Hop stage running through hits such as “Children’s Story” and a few freestyles! India Arie gave her fans love and soul as she belted out the lyrics of “Ready To Love” & “The Truth”.
Photo by Erika Goldring Getty Images Entertainment
R&B Legend Charlie Wilson stole the show once again, as the 62-year-old moved and grooved with endless energy. He moved the crowd with his live band and his non-stop dancing. You could feel the joy in the room as fans across the dome joined in singing his former band’s (The Gap Band) hit classic “Outstanding”. Charlie celebrated the new school by dancing a little to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” Uncle Charlie brought the crowd to the dance floor, to the bedroom, and to church.
Photo by Josh Brasted FilmMagic
Saturday night, also known as Day 3 of ESSENCE Festival, was a night to remember as Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, Usher, Common and Mystikal delivered a night of electrifying performances and timeless hits stemming from their ’90s and early 2000s musical catalogs. Oscar winner Common drove the ladies wild as he brought a woman on stage and hugged her from behind as well as kissed her on her neck while switching from a freestyle to his collaborative song with Erykah Badu.
New Orleans’ own Mystikal held down the Coca-Cola Art of Hip-Hop superlounge performing his classics such as “Danger” and “Shake It Fast”. Neo soul songstress Erykah Badu added color to the main stage backed by a live band with a tambourine player, her background singers, and congos. Badu’s show was interestingly entertaining between her interaction with her band and back up singers as well as with the audience. When she got to her classic “Tyrone” she confronted the audience, trying to gain understanding as to how they missed some of the lyrics when people all over the world know the lyrics.
Photo by Josh Brasted FilmMagic
Saturday truly belonged to icon Missy Elliott. Missy turned Essence into one big party as she ran through her classic hits from the ’90s and early 2000s. Missy ran through her hits “Get Ur Freak On”, “One Minute Man,” “Supa Dupa Fly,””Sock It To Me,” “Hot Boyz,” and more. When she got to “Pass That Dutch” she instructed the DJ to run it back so that fans could truly get into her dancers’ stage presence and intricate choreography. She stated that she believed in being a true artist and giving her all on the stage. Next, Missy took fans down memory lane as she played and performed songs she’d produced for other artists. She performed “Let It Go,” which was her collaborative effort with Lil’ Kim & Keyshia Cole. Elliott brought out Jazmine Sullivan to perform her hit “Circles”. Next, Missy brought out powerhouse vocalist Monica, but Missy’s set was cut short and her mics were cut off. The lights even went off. This was a disappointment to Missy, Monica, and of course fans. At the end of the show, Essence brought Missy back out to close out her set properly.
Photo by Josh Brasted FilmMagic
Usher closed out the show. Although he entered into two difficult situations; following a super energetic performance by Missy, and winning over fans who were still upset that Missy’s show was cut short, Usher still proved why he reigns supreme and why he has 23 years of music under his belt as he ran through hits off of ‘8701’, ‘My Way’, ‘Confessions’, and more. He even brought it to present day as Wale joined him on stage to perform “The Matrimony.” Although this time around Usher wasn’t joined by his usual back up dancers, it didn’t matter. Usher commanded the attention of the audience and captivated their hearts as he sung hit after hit. Usher also discussed his growth as a man between each album. Fans seemed most excited when he performed the hits off his Diamond album ‘Confessions’.
Floetry opened the show Sunday evening on the main stage. Through sultry soul and vocal prowess they showed why their reunion happened at the perfect time. Teedra Moses reminded fans in the superlounge that it was time for R&B and it is time to take it serious and keep the genre alive. Omarion also drew a huge crowd in the superlounge.
Harlem’s own Ma$e took fans down memory lane as he reminded those packed in the superlounge just how many hits he has. Ma$e performed “Lookin’ At Me,” “Can’t Hold Me Down,” “Tell Me What You Want,” and more. Tweet also gave fans a treat as she performed many of her singles from her ‘Southern Hummingbird’ album in the Verizon Now Playing superlounge.
Photo by Josh Brasted FilmMagic
The Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, returned to the main stage this year. Blige rocked the dome with effortless precision as she represented nearly all of her 12 albums found in her discography this night. Blige kept the crowd going as she evoked so much emotion as she performed hit after hit after hit. In typical Mary fashion, she bounced around the stage doing her “Mary Bop” in two different pantsuits. Mary took it back with her hits like “Real Love,” “I’m Going Down,” “Not Gon’ Cry,” “I Can Love You,” “Your Child,” “Enough Cryin’,” and many more. Although Blige has rocked the main stage at ESSENCE Festival before, she had a surprise up her sleeve this time. Mary caused pandemonium when she brought out Method Man to perform “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By.” It felt like it was 1995 in the Superdome!
Photo by Josh Brasted FilmMagic
Kendrick Lamar closed ESSENCE Festival Sunday night. His energy and delivery reminded fans why he is one of the best emcees out! Casually dressed, the Compton born rapper performed “Swimming Pools,” “M.A.A.D City,” “B#### Don’t Kill My Vibe,” his verse on A$AP Rocky’s “F*ckin’ Problems,” “Alright,” and much more. As he looked out into the audience he reminisced on how one of his very first shows took place in New Orleans in front of a much smaller yet equally energetic crowd! It’s safe to say K. Dot won over new fans across all generations.
Houston emcee and budding star Marc Haize has done all the right things over this past year to build his name in this industry. With a bevy of releases, he’s bringing them all together in his upcoming project “Keep Up The Good Work”, for those who still need to play catch up while he works on his upcoming, currently untitled album. Produced by LION KNGS & Artem, this one is called “Shine (Extended)” and is a hidden track off the project about the bad side of chasing the dream. Look for Marc’s project to drop later this month after he throw’s his release party in his hometown. More info on that is available right here on his website.
After dropping off “Bless Me”, OG Maco continues to drop off new cuts, this go around bringing us “Lord Have Mercy”. The Ryan Ryu Alexy and D.K.A.D. produced cut is the final preview from #ChildrenOfTheRage, and may or may not make the cut in the end as these releases are intended to give a direction of what to expect. Look for the project soon!
