With Gucci currently incarcerated, its ironic that every week a new song comes out with Gucci featured on track. We know the homie was busy before he got locked up, but geez! This time Chicago rapper Chief Keef gets the Brick Squad 1017 ring leader on the track for the song “Squad Car” that will reportedly be appearing on their joint project, BigGucciSosa2. Expect nothing but trapped out, gun toting verses, no word on when the album will be released.
B Stacks just dropped the visuals for “Chances” which followed the release of the single on Mymixtapez.com. B. Stacks hails from North Carolina and has made a record that will relate to any hustler that has taken that chance making trips on the highway.
B. Stacks is very impressive with ability to rap a strong verse and create an equally strong hook. ‘Chances’ about the dangers of moving narcotics but it is overall a hustling anthem.The project was executive produced by Sandy Ledbetter and Maurio “Rio” Mitchell. Video directed by Charles Robinson.
Back in October, a single photo posted on Instagram revealed two Hip Hop empires – one representing New York rap royalty and the other a Southern production czar – finally joined forces. Queens native Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson traveled to Atlanta to connect with Trap music pioneer Xavier “Zaytoven” Dotson. Zaytoven’s IG caption of the moment simply read, “We’re officially locked in. #justwaitonit.”
The world may only have to wait a few more days to see what emerged from those 50/Zay ATL sessions. The G-Unit leader is set to release his latest project The Kanan Tape this week, and some of Zaytoven’s tracks could be featured on Curtis’ new mixtape. If not, the long-awaited 50 Cent studio album Street King Immortal could possibly house the cuts introduced that night in Atlanta.
Besides 50, Zaytoven has gifted numerous artists with his signature sound. Some of the other notable recipients of the Grammy winner’s production include Young Jeezy (“Church In These Streets”), Future (“Real Sisters”), and Fall Out Boy featuring Migos (“Irresistible Remix”).
AllHipHop.com spoke with Zaytoven about some of his recent work. The self-taught multi-instrumentalist also suggests fans should expect to hear another full joint collaborative project with Future. The revival of his trendsetting efforts with currently incarcerated Atlanta rap legend Gucci Mane is likely to happen as well.
What came from the sessions with 50 Cent? Are we going to hear some of your tracks on his upcoming mixtape?
I’m almost 90% sure you should. He came down and got beats from a lot of producers. I was one of the producers he got a lot of tracks from.
Had you worked together before?
No, this was our first time working together.
It was a couple of other producers from the city there too. Were you all at one session and then just played tracks for him?
Pretty much. He came and picked all of the hottest producers in Atlanta. We all had a beat session going on.
50 is still working on his Street King Immortal album. Was there any talk about some of your work ending up on that project as well?
I would really hope so. I’m really shooting to be on the album.
You had the title track on Jeezy’s Church In These Streets. How did that come together?
I’m a producer right now, especially if you’re in the south, that you can’t get around. It’s like, “Man, I gotta go get a track from this guy.” I’ve got myself back hot again, so every artist is reaching out.
When I work with a guy like Jeezy, my sound and his sound is almost like church. My music has a church vibe. Once he started doing a project called Church In These Streets, it just went hand-in-hand. You can’t have a Zaytoven track, have an album called Church In These Streets, and it not be the title track.
When you were working on the song, did you know it was going to be the title track?
No, we just did several songs. That’s the one that stood out like a sore thumb. I don’t even know if he had the name of his project at the time. After we did that, it just sounded like this is what needs to be the name of the album, everything needs to follow this right here.
You said that you feel like you got hot again. Do you feel like there was a lull in your career?
Yeah, I feel there was a time where I wasn’t as hot as I am now. Maybe a few years back. I remember doing [Migo’s] “Versace,” and it made me skyrocket again. It made it so that Zaytoven is in high demand again.
After “Versace,” Migos got real hot. Then guys like Young Dolph became hot with the tracks I did. I think when I was the hottest producer in Atlanta back in ’07, ’08 – it feels like that for me again. I don’t think I ever fell off, but when you start hearing Zaytoven’s name on everything, that’s when I feel like I’m all the way hot again.
Speaking of Migos, you did a remix with them and Fall Out Boy.
It was amazing. I had never really listened to Fall Out Boy’s music. I just knew they were a big group that sold a lot of records. But they called and said, “We’re doing a remix album, and we definitely want you on it. And we want to put Migos on whatever track that you do.” Then I understood what they were trying to do. They were coming to get the sound that I have.
The sound that I have, I’ve been doing for over 10 years now, and it’s become in high demand. People don’t want me to make music that fits the Fall Out Boys. They just say they want me to do exactly what I do. It’s a good feeling.
You talked about how you feel Migo’s “Versace” helped put you back on. I think another recent project that helped stamp that Zaytoven sound is Beast Mode with Future. He recently hinted he was going to do a Monster 2. Has there been any talk about doing a Beast Mode 2?
When we did Beast Mode, we had Beast Mode 2 and 3 ready. We did so many good songs that could have been on Beast Mode. So I think it’s all about timing for when it will come out again. It’s definitely going to be needed. The fans definitely want it.
That’s another project that catapulted me again. That’s a work of art. That’s almost like when I used to do Gucci Mane’s whole CD. I think that’s the vision Future had – “I want to do a mixtape, but I want to use only Zaytoven production.” Before that you hadn’t heard me and Future do any music together for maybe 2 – 4 years. Those are just special moments that help me be on fire like I am now.
A lot of people put that project in the trilogy of mixtapes [along with Monster and 56 Nights] that elevated Future to superstar status. This year he exploded. Did you see that coming for him?
I didn’t really see it. After Monster I said, “Okay, he’s coming back. He’s sounded pretty good.” But when he came to me and said, “Zay, I want to do a whole project with you,” I felt like he wanted to take over the streets again.
When guys come to me, they come to me like, “I’m ready to take over the streets.” I’m one of the guys that stays working with all the up-and-coming street artists. My sound is in the streets all the time. Even when my song is not on the radio or not in the club, I’m on these mixtapes. My music is definitely hot in the streets.
So when Future came to me, I felt like he said, “You know what? I’m gonna go back hard. I’m gonna go back to ground zero and take over the streets.” That’s exactly what he did. If you listen to his album, he said the Beast Mode project was the project that got his feet ten toes down.
They were saying he fell off and he ain’t got it no more. So Monster sparked him up to get him back on. Beast Mode really sealed the deal. Everything was uphill after that.
You mentioned you really enjoy working with up-and-coming artists. You produced for the new guy Linen. How did that relationship start?
I’m like the go-to guy for a lot of street artists, because I’m somebody you can get in touch with. I’m somebody you can pull up on and we can work together. So he came to me like, “Zay, you’re my favorite producer. I have a budget and want to get some production from you.”
Anytime I start working with somebody and I hear that they got the gift, then it just takes it to another level. It makes me want to get more involved and work with them closely.
On “Digital Dash,” Drake says, “Gucci get out, it’s a problem.” It’s amazing how he is still able to release music. Have you been able to do anymore tracks for him that we could see in the near future?
Gucci, that’s gonna be Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg when he gets out. That’s the sound that’s going on right now. A lot of artists are mimicking the sound that me and him created about ten years ago. It’s like peanut butter and jelly when he gets out.
I know he is gonna work with a lot of different artists and producers. But I also know for a fact that the sound we’re gonna create when he gets out is gonna be just what everybody is looking for.
Are you working on anything else?
So much. I’m working with so many people. There’s stuff dropping every day that I’m not even aware of. One of my favorite tracks that just dropped is Juicy J’s “U Can’t.”
It’s so many people. I’m reaching out and working with everybody. It’s stuff that is constantly coming out, so I can’t even name who all the people are.
(AllHipHop News) Drake really wanted his hit record “Hotline Bling” to climb to the top of the Hot 100 chart. Unfortunately for him, Adele’s latest smash “Hello” has prevented Drake from reaching #1, and it appears the songstress will be holding onto the title for some time.
That chart positioning could change if Adele decides to offer an assist to Drake’s single. The 25 album creator told etalk she wants to connect with Champagne Papi to add some of her vocals to “Hotline Bling.”
“I really want us to do an official remix. I love Drake. I love Drake so much,” said Adele. “I even got the coat that’s in the video, I got it delivered the other day, I ordered it. The red one.”
Could a collaboration between the Canadian and the Brit arrive in the near future? Drake appears to be on board with the idea. He posted a cartoon of him and Adele to his Instagram page with the caption, “Me and my main ting just coolin.”
(AllHipHop News) Def Jam Recordings had a monster week on the Billboard 200 album chart. The legendary label controls four of the top ten spots on the tally thanks to new albums by Justin Bieber, Logic, Jeezy, and Alessia Cara.
Bieber led the entire pack by landing at #1 with his comeback album Purpose. The LP sold 522,000 albums in its first week. Logic’s The Incredible True Story lands at #3 (118,000 sales) followed by Jeezy’s Church In These Streets at #4 (98,000 sales) and Cara’s Know-It-All at #9 (21,000 sales).
According to Billboard, this is the first time a label has held three of the top four spots on the 200 album chart since June 2012. At that time, Columbia Records accomplished the feat with John Mayer’s Born and Raised (# 1), Adele’s 21 (#2), and One Direction’s Up All Night (#4).
(AllHipHop News) Nicki Minaj was the big winner in the rap categories at this year’s American Music Awards. The Young Money artist picked up trophies for “Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip Hop” and “Favorite Album -Rap/Hip Hop” for The Pinkprint.
The leader of the Barbz beat out Drake and Fetty Wap for Favorite Rap Artist. Her third studio album won over Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late and J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive.
The Weeknd dominated the R&B AMAs. The “Earned It” crooner won “Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B” and “Favorite Album – Soul/R&B” for Beauty Behind the Madness. Rihanna took home the award for “Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B.”
The American Music Awards are given out annually. The winners are decided by public voting. This marks the third time Nicki has won both the “Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip Hop” and “Favorite Album -Rap/Hip Hop” AMA (2011, 2012, 2015).
(AllHipHop News) Last year Tyga made it clear he did not “like Drake as a person.” The admission led to back-and-forth responses from the two YMCMB representatives. It appears despite his personal feelings, Tyga still sees Drake as one of the best rappers in the game.
During an interview with Power 106, Tyga was asked about Billboard magazine’s recent Greatest Rappers Of All Time list. The “Ride Out” performer took issue with a few acts being left out of the controversial top 10.
“This would be like the greatest rappers of all time if this came out like 2005. Now it’s like you got to give Drake his credit. You got to give J. Cole his credit. As far as new,” said Tyga. “Kanye’s not even on here. Pac is not on this list.”
The Billboard list of greatest rappers of all time was as follows:
10. Lil Wayne
9. Kendrick Lamar
8. Ghostface Killah
7. Lauryn Hill
6. Andre 3000
5. Nas
4. Rakim
3. Eminem
2. Jay Z
1. The Notorious B.I.G.
(AllHipHop News) Meek Mill outing Drake for not fully writing his verse on “R.I.C.O.” pushed the topic of ghostwriting into the public sphere in a major way this year. Meek’s Maybach Music Group boss Rick Ross will be adding to the conversation when his upcoming album Black Market hits stores on December 4.
I had a lot of time to just sit by myself, so I had a lot more things I wanted to address. That’s what I did on this LP. I spoke on different things. One of them goes by the name of “Ghostwriter.” I finally wrote a record telling the way it feels for me to be a ghostwriter, and not only a ghostwriter, but one of the biggest in the rap game. Because of my own personal success I’ve always been able to keep that in the shadows. On this record, I just felt it was so current. It was needed.
The Miami native was then asked for his opinion on whether using a ghostwriter hurts an artist’s authenticity. He replied:
When you’re an artist where maybe the focus is really the talent and the different things you bring to the game, I believe it’s more understandable. Someone who may have another vision or just ideas that are priceless versus someone who’s like, “I’m basing my entire career off the words I’m finna tell you right now over this 30-second period.” I’m not speaking to anybody in particular, but let’s say for instance if you was DMX and had a ghostwriter, it’d maybe change the [perception] versus if you was will.i.am. I think that’s more about the music, the records.
Last year, Le$ released a project named Steak x Shrimp, aproject that capitalized on the Texas-based rapper’s southern roots. Now, the Jets International artist is back with the official sequel to the series. The project features features Bun B, Curren$y, and Paul Wall, with production from Le$’s close producer, DJ Mr. Rogers.
Why did KRS-One did this? Why did this fan do this? The dude decides he wants to challenge one of the best battle rappers EVER to a rap battle in Pittsburgh, PA. Well, I don’t know but it was not pretty. Shout out to producer Domingo for the footage.
LMAOOOOOOO!!!!! The city is Flex’s! You know what? Dude is crazy funny. This video is quick but hilarious. He disses Drake…unless he was dissing Justin Bieber.
Recently, at Red Bull’s “30 Days in L.A.” concert series, Big Sean happened to drop some new songs during his set. According to HYPETRAK, the G.O.O.D. Music rappers performance was at Hollywood Palladium, featuring a new collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin’ another track with MikeWillMadeIt. A fan happened to record the two songs during the Sean’s set.
What happened? Funkmaster Flex is on a rampage. He went off for about 30 min. He went at several other DJs and radio stations. But he didn’t stop there. He dissed Drake “The Canadian” and then kinda took it back. I don’t know. You just gotta hear it for yourself.
3:15 – Drake diss (then says he loves “The Canadian”)
6:20 – Disses Clear Channel and their DJ’s
11:40 – Expresses True Love For Jadakiss And Yonkers
21:00 – Goes At New DJ’s
23:30 – Talks Beef With Jay, Nas, Drake and even…Bow Wow.
While Curren$y is getting fans ready for his newest project Canal St. Confidential, the Spitter supplies fans with a remix of Travis Scott’s single “Antidote.” The song, titled “Lowriders At The Nightshow” features Scott’s beat riding on Curren$y’s smooth rhymes. “Lowrider’s” visuals feature a mixture of Curren$y crew chilling and the JETS rapper rapping on a clouded room.
This Billboard List is the dumbest thing ever! I mean the level of illegitimacy is insane. That said, The Game decided to make his own list. Just what we needed. Anyway, he took exception to the whole list, but homed in on Lauryn Hill and the exclusion of West Coast Kings like Snoop, Ice Cube and Tupac. And then…he said “I guess Lauren Hill can out rap @SnoopDogg right”. The only thing is…Lauryn is nasty on the mic, especially in her hey-day. Anyway, like I said, that whole list is off base and likely created just to get people talking. Shout out to Big L!
The Game’s full list:
1. 2pac & B.I.G
2. Nas
3. Rakim
4. Eminem
5. Jay-Z
6. Ice Cube
7. Snoop Dogg
8. Andre 3000
9. Jadakiss
10. Big L
TV One’s television series, Unsung, is a show that uncovers the lives of several musicians from music’s last few eras. This also includes a legendary rappers like Snoop Dogg and Yo Yo. Now, the number of hip hop artists on Unsung gets longer now that classic hip hop singer, Nate Dog, who passed away in 2011, has received his own episode to tell his story. There happens to be a ton of surprising trivial facts on the episode too, like Nate Dogg’s father being a minister or the family having a history of slaughtering pigs. From his earlier days, you start to see Nate’s progression in to becoming one of the West Coast’s most beloved artist.
Jimmy Fallon has had a lot of dope artists perform on his late night show. With The Roots as the official house band, performances are kicked up a notch and the artist is given a liver sound than what their original contact sounds like. In this case, this applies to Erykah Badu, who’s music catalogue is already classic without The Roots supporting her songs. Recently, the legendary singer appeared on TheTonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, and ended up singing her new single, “Phone Down.” Badu also performed her remake of Janelle Monae’s single “Q.U.E.E.N.”
Check out the video below. Badu’s performances can be seen throughout the episode.
Fetty Wap is still riding off of the success of his self-titled debut album, which took the #1 spot on the Billboard its first week. However, Wap has returned with a new song titled “Grandma.” The song, produced by AceSwagBeatz, is dedicated to his beloved elder through Wap’s chorus. However, the Jersey rapper performs the song over an aggressive trap beat, changing the frame for how many rappers would rap about someone like their own grandmother.
Will Smith surprised many fans after he released his song “Fiesta,” his first official single since the 2000’s. Recently, the actor, formerly known as tapper the Fresh Prince, performed the new song live at this year’s Latin Grammys. Jada Pinkett Smith was also in the house to see her husband perform. The performance definitely marks the return of the Will Smith in music, a venture that the star hasn’t been a part of in over a decade.
Check out Will Smith’s “Fiesta” performance below.
