Four years ago, Q-Tip gave a raucous performance in Brooklyn with guest performances from Kanye West and Busta Rhymes for the 7th annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. But, In the latest installment of CulturedApproved.com and AllHipHop’s “Tastemakers” feature on Brooklyn Bodega, the collective explains how Q-Tip’s perfectionism almost made one of them quit for good.
The 11th annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival takes place between July 8th and July 11th. Tickets are available here:http://bhf.queueapp.com/events/9368
The man who was pistol whipped by Rick Ross has suffered severe injuries, TMZ reports.
Rozay reportedly got into an argument with a groundskeeper at his Georgia home and when he was not tell the MMG boss what he wanted to hear, he forced him into the guesthouse at gunpoint. The information that the “Hood Billionaire” rapper wanted is unknown, but when the groundskeeper didn’t have the answer to his questions, he pistol whipped him, injuring his neck, jaw and chipping two teeth.
The man is now on a liquid diet and has to drink out of a straw. Ross remains in police custody. He was also arrested earlier this month in Georgia on marijuana charges.
In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elite government task force official to aid in the escalating war against drugs.
Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past, the team sets out on a clandestine journey forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive.
I’m looking forward to seeing this movie. It hits theaters September 18th, 2015.
Photos have confirmed that Chris Rock will be appearing on the second season of Empire. Flicks of Rock on set with Terrence Howard, who plays Lucious Lyon, has surfaced via Instagram. Lyon was arrested for murder on the season one finale and in the photos, Rock appears to be an inmate that he has met while behind bars.
Season two will premiere on FOX on September 23rd. Other stars that will be making appearances include Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz and Zac Efron. Oprah Winfrey has been rumored to be someone producers want on the show but nothing has been confirmed.
Catch the Empire cast performing at the 2015 BET Awards on June 28th at 8:00 p.m EST.
Freddie Gray’s death has been ruled a homicide according to his autopsy report, the Baltimore Sun reports. According to the report, the 25-year-old suffered a “high-energy injury” to the neck and spine while riding in the back of the police van. These injuries were most likely caused when the van decelerated, the report says.
The state medical examiner’s office ruled his death a homicide because officer failed to follow safety procedures by not strapping him in but leaving his wrists and ankles shackled, putting him at risk for “an unsupported fall during acceleration or deceleration of the van.”
Gray was arrested on April 12th after a police chase and died in police custody after suffering a spinal injury. His death sparked outrage in the city and led to riots and protests throughout Baltimore. All six officers involved in his arrest are facing charges including involuntary manslaughter, illegal arrest, reckless endangerment and misconduct assault. They have all plead not guilty. The trial is set to begin in October.
A police chase captured by a news helicopter in Brazil yesterday came to an abrupt end. The passenger on the bike throws his helmet at the officer and then they crash. The officer then fires a few shots at point blank range, killing them.
Warning: the images and scenes of the video, are very disturbing.
An accident caused by bandits who robbed a taxi and escaped, but eventually collided with a minibus. The minibus hit another vehicle that just completely disfigured the face of two innocent passengers. A mob then starts to beat up a man involved in the accident.
The woman victim reportedly survived, but was in serious condition. She underwent plastic surgery for facial trauma, and awaits eye surgery for the plucked out eyeball.
Meek Mill’s long awaited sophomore album is finally on the way. The Philly spitter announced via Instagram that his Dreams Worth More Than Money will be dropping on June 29th and unveiled the cover and track listing.
The 14-track effort features Drake, Chris Brown, Swizz Beatz, Diddy, The Weeknd and his love Nicki Minaj. DWMTM is available for pre-order on iTunes here. Peep the tracklisting below.
1. Lord Knows
2. Classic (feat. Swizz Beatz)
3. Jump Out the Face (feat. Future)
4. All Eyes on You (feat. Chris Brown & Nicki Minaj)
5. The Trillest
6. R.I.C.O. (feat. Drake)
7. I Got the Juice
8. Ambitionz
9. Pullin Up (feat. The Weeknd)
10. Check
11. Been That (feat. Rick Ross)
12. Bad for You (feat. Nicki Minaj)
13. Stand Up
14. Cold Hearted (feat. Diddy)
On Tuesday the Shelby Police Department released patrol car dashcam video of the arrest. Roof, a 21-year-old avowed white supremacist, had been national news and the subject of an intense manhunt since nine people were gunned down inside a Charleston, S.C. historic black church the night before.
From the Dirty South to the West Coast to NYC, Russell “Block” Spencer’s connections in the music business run deep. The longtime industry veteran’s career includes tours of duty with 2Pac and the Outlawz, Suave House, Noontime Music, Sho-nuff Records, and Bad Boy South.
Ten years ago, Spencer established his own brand with Block Entertainment, and he is now working to reestablish his label with a new mantra – “Rebuilding Hip-Hop Block By Block.” The motto also serves as the name of an upcoming musical project from the company that is home to artists such as Gorilla Zoe, Kris Kelli, 48 Slim, Retro Tha Kid and others.
Block is on a mission to alter the state of Hip Hop culture by focusing on the next generation of rising performers. With a track record of helping to launch the careers of Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Yung Joc, and Ciara, Spencer has the insider knowledge needed to cast future stars of the biz.
“Noontime taught me how to make a record, Suave House taught me how to develop an artist, and Pac taught me how to stick to the grind,” explains Spencer.
AllHipHop.com further picked the brain of Russell “Block” Spencer to get his take on his company’s new social media campaign, upcoming projects, working with a famous actor-turned-singer, molding a record industry progeny, and more.
Check out part one of AHH’s exclusive interview with the Block Entertainment boss.
Your label has been around for a while, and you’ve had the chance to work with a lot of different artists. What led to the reinvention of the brand?
We don’t retire. We reinvent. That’s what I’m doing now. My new motto is “Rebuilding Hip-Hop Block By Block.” With that campaign, “Where’s Waldo?” is my first single off the compilation Rebuilding Hip-Hop Block By Block.
A lot of artists sound and look alike these days. A lot of artists are doing the same old sh*t. So “Where’s Waldo?” is “Where’s the art? Where’s that one artist that separates himself?”
So the mixtape will include the different artists on your label?
I have a mixtape that’s going to come out before the compilation. The mixtape, called Where’s Waldo?, is going to be hosted by Bobby Black.
That’s just something where I’m going to get some dudes to send me some records, but the album is Rebuilding Hip-Hop Block By Block. That’s going to be different artists, and I’m going to put big artists on the songs with them. Like I have a song with [Miami rapper] YD featuring Rick Ross and Yo Gotti.
What I want to do is break new artists. I think if you have a power like we have, you should break new artists. That’s what I’m focusing on. I’m focusing on new artists. I’m focusing on untapped markets. 75% of the Rebuilding Hip-Hop Block By Block album will contain artists from untapped markets.
I’m going to go to different cities like Charlotte, Indianapolis. I’ll probably even be in Iowa. I really want to rebuild Hip Hop block by block.
“Where’s Waldo?” Mixtape Cover Art
You talked about working with different artists. Can you explain the connection between Columbus Short and Block Entertainment?
Columbus is an urban pop artist. He just wants to take a break from acting for a minute. He’s been acting for like 13 years successfully, but his real passion is singing. I was introduced to Columbus through Jackie Long.
One thing I love about Jackie is that he understands relationships. Jackie understands people over politics. Jackie got down with me and Puff [Sean “Diddy” Combs] early. He used to come through the house in Miami and hang out with me and Puff. I’ve known Jackie for at least 12, 13 years.
So when I would go back to L.A., I would hang out with Jackie. Jackie was in town and said, “Man, Columbus can sing.” I said cool, “Bring him through.” Jackie can rap, so they did this song called, “Red Carpet.” I signed [Short] off that.
Wait until you hear his record. He’s got a single right now called “Burning Bridges.” It was produced by Inkkwell Production company. So that’s where Columbus Short comes in at. I took over the management of his career. We’re rebuilding his whole career.
You mentioned working with Puff. What is that relationship like now?
We’re still brothers. We’re still brothers with Bad Boy South. A lot of people, when they branch out from Puff, they can’t swim without him. I was popping before I got with Puff. Me and Puff are tight as ever. I’m working on his son Christian’s album now.
I knew Quincy was working on music. I didn’t know Christian is working on a project too.
Yeah, he’s dope. He’s got a dope single on my album called “I Got Options.”
Yeah, I’m a consultant for NBCUniversal and Nickelodeon. With Nickelodeon, I was brought on to bring new talent and music sitcoms. We’re working out the contract. [editor’s note: A representative for Nickelodeon tells AllHipHop.com the network does not have any such relationship with Spencer]. I’m a paid consultant over there and for NBCUniversal. Right now the project is Ride Along 2.
I met [Universal Vice President, Film Music] Rachel Levy about 10 years ago when I was working on Norbit with Yung Joc. We formed a relationship.
When record companies started to fold, it wasn’t easy to get records from the record companies. So she called me to come on board. It took a couple of years for me to really commit to it, but it’s a smart move for me.
(AllHipHop News) 50 Cent was quick to jump on Instagram to make fun of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ reported physical altercation with a UCLA football coach. The G-Unit boss uploaded two videos and two memes clowning Diddy’s situation.
The IG posts were later taken down. 50 spoke with Caitlyn Becker of HuffPost Live about his decision to remove the comical jabs at his fellow Hip Hop mogul.
“When it’s happening and it’s like, ‘What? What happened?’ I’m getting it like everyone else is getting it and just making fun of the situation,” said 50. “But when it gets to him actually being charged with something, we pump the brakes a little bit, and see what happens with his actual case.”
Diddy was arrested on Monday for allegedly swinging a kettlebell ring at UCLA’s strength and conditioning coordinator Sal Alosi. According to reports, Diddy was upset over Alosi’s treatment of his son Justin Combs.
“If you’re a parent or you’re close to someone who has kids, you know how passionate you can become about the actual kid when you see them under circumstances where you feel like he’s being treated unfairly,” added 50. “It’s not the first time a parent has gotten into an argument with a coach, and the coach particularly involved in this situation is someone that we can call an a######.”
While working with the New York Jets in 2010, Alosi tripped Miami Dolphin’s player Nolan Carroll from the sideline when Carroll was returning a punt. Alosi was fined $25,000 by the Jets and suspended for the rest of the season. He has not worked in the NFL since the tripping incident.
(AllHipHop News) Joey Bada$$ and Troy Ave appeared to have gotten into a social media spat this week. Joey commented on how his record sales makes him the “#1 independent Hip Hop artist/brand in the world.” Troy took issue with Joey’s tweets and fired back at the Pro Era member by calling Bada$$ “fake independent.”
News of the two Brooklyn rappers subliminal Twitter exchange spread around the Internet. But Joey returned to his account to address the talk of any “beef” with Troy. The “Paper Trail$” performer claims there are no issues between the two, at least not on his end.
(AllHipHop News) For the second time this month, rapper Rick Ross has been arrested in the state of Georgia. Ross (born William Roberts) was taken into custody last night by the Metro Atlanta Fugitive Task Force for outstanding warrants for aggravated assault.
WSB reports the “Stay Schemin'” rhymer got into an altercation with someone working on his Fayette County property. Ross is accused of pistol-whipping the man. He and his bodyguard were charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery.
Ross was arrested two weeks ago in Fayette County as well. The Maybach Music Group boss was booked on a misdemeanor marijuana charge. A police officer found the weed in Ross’ vehicle after stopping the Miami native for a tinted windows violation.
(AllHipHop News) Hip Hop legend Snoop Dogg connected with Pharrell Williams to provide the soundscape for his latest LP Bush, but it appears the Long Beach rapper has reunited with his original production partner Dr. Dre. Snoop posted a picture to his Instagram page of him and the Good Doc together in the studio.
The caption for the photo only reads, “Guess who bacc [sic],” so it’s not clear what the two West Coast icons may have been working on. It could be something for a future Snoop project, or perhaps Dre tapped his frequent collaborator for the possible Straight Outta Compton movie soundtrack.
The duo previously got together for the rap classics “Deep Cover,” “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang,” and “Still D.R.E.” Snoop appeared throughout Dre’s Hip Hop masterpiece The Chronic, and Dre also produced Snoop’s 5x platinum debut album Doggystyle.
It looks like Lil’ Wayne was kind of a no show for his fans the other night. It has been said that he refused to perform at the Venue on First Avenue Nightclub because his friends were denied entry for failing to comply with security protocols. Hmmmmm if you don’t want to get patted down or go through metal detectors, it sounds like you may have something on you. Well it looks like the venue is having to refund patrons who purchased tickets.
(AllHipHop News) Scott Storch, the man behind the boards for hit songs by Beyoncé, 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Justin Timberlake and more, is in financial trouble once again. TMZ reports the record producer has filed for bankruptcy.
According to the website, Storch blew through nearly $70 million on cars, homes, drugs, and other expenses. Court documents reportedly show the industry veteran now only has $3,600 worth of assets to his name ($100 in cash, $500 in clothing, $3000 in jewelry).
He apparently only made $10,000 in 2014, and his music businesses – Storch Music Company and Tuff Jew Productions – are valued at nothing.
Storch filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2009 as well. The 41-year-old ex-boyfriend of Lil Kim has faced several run-ins with the law and has battled drug addiction for years.
Allegedly Rihanna is struggling in the music department. Although she’s back in the studio working on her upcoming album, ‘#R8’, it’s been said she is struggling to produce a radio hit. It seems like the singles aren’t sticking at the moment for RiRi. Hey, Ri did earn her 23rd No. 1 dance single, so maybe she will always be hot. Do you think Rihanna will have longevity?
This is definitely a case of when keeping it real ignorant goes wrong. You can’t be a gangster and an entertainer at the same damn time..it has to be one or the other.
At least eight reputed Bloods from Jersey City have been arrested after a music video showing them brandishing guns was posted on YouTube where the whole world — including the police — could watch.
The video, “D.F.G.- MoneyCello,” was posted last year and came to the attention of the Jersey City Street Crimes Unit several months ago, according to police. In it, officials believe one real gun is waved around and pointed at the camera. Experts couldn’t say, though, whether a second gun is real or a replica, police said.
Arrested as members of the MoneyCello Line of the NHB set of the Bloods street gang were: Marvin Jones, 25, of Gardner Avenue; Randolph Bradley, 26, of Monticello Avenue; Cleveland Gathers, 22, of Brinkerhoff Street; Damar Bowens, 19, of Astor Place; Randolph Black, 19, of Salem-Lafayette Court; Darius Thomas, 21, of Woodlawn Avenue; Timothy Hill, 23, of Van Nostrand Avenue; and Rashida Thomas, 25, of Princeton Avenue, a police report says.
Others not said to be Bloods members were also arrested and additional arrest warrants have been issued. The arrests of some of those charged resulted in additional drug charges when officers searching for the video group found drugs and paraphernalia in their homes, officials said.
During the filming, officials believe, crimes committed were unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun by a felon and possession of a handgun by a minor, the police report says.
Those arrested face varying charges. Many made their first court appearances on the charges Wednesday and yesterday in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City.
Photo via Jeff Kravitz/BMA2015 FilmMagic, Inc/ Getty Images
We know Kanye West is a little bit nuts at times but we are just going to say we hope this old pic of Kim Kardashian will not become the cover for his next album, Swish. Seeing how Kanye often expresses his love for Kim, and his antics, we wouldn’t be surprised. Heck we wouldn’t be surprised if Beyonce is on the cover.
(AllHipHop News) Spotify may be the current leader in the music streaming business, but other services are not simply conceding to the Europe based company. The “music streaming wars” have been red hot this summer, and it does not appear to be slowing down any time soon.
Apple launched its streaming service earlier this month. Days before that Tidal provided a student discount to its customers. That same week SoundCloud announced it signed a deal to provide revenue to over 20,000 indie labels.
The next major move comes from Google. According to USA Today, the tech behemoth is offering a free, ad-supported version of Google Play Music.
“We want to attract even more users, give them a taste of the service and hope they subscribe over time,” said Zahavah Levine, Vice President of Partnerships for Google Play.
The number of current subscribers to Google Play is unavailable, but the brand has a ways to go to catch up with Spotify. Spotify has over 75 million active users with 20 million using the paid subscription.
SoundCloud reportedly has 175 million unique monthly listeners to its free service. Tidal is said to have around 600,000 paying users. Beats Music, which was revamped as Apple Music, had approximately 300,000 paid subscribers at the start of the year.
“We are very excited about the growth of streaming generally and we think there’s room for all boats to rise here,” added Levine.
Google Play Music’s free tier is available on the web. Android and iOS versions will roll out in the next few days.
