(AllHipHop News) Berlin-based rapper Deso Dogg turned ISIS propagandist Abu Talha al-Almani was reportedly killed by airstrikes in Syria earlier this month. According to CNN, missiles from U.S. led coalition forces hit a pickup truck carrying al-Almani (born Denis Cuspert) on October 16.
al-Almani is said to have ended his rap career after converting to Islam. He later joined the jihadist group Millatu Ibrahim in Germany and then traveled to the Middle East to fight alongside the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
After convening with ISIS, security experts believe al-Almani was involved in propaganda videos including one that features the State Department designated terrorist holding a decapitated head. al-Almani was also supposedly responsible for recruiting Westerners to the militant Sunni Arab group.
Deso Dogg released numerous albums before joining ISIS and toured with DMX in 2006. He was the son of a Ghanaian father and German mother, but Cuspert was raised by a stepfather that was an American soldier stationed in Berlin. al-Almani was reported to be 39 years old at the time of his death.
(AllHipHop News) On October 29, music mogul, producer, artist, and philanthropist DJ Khaled was presented the keys to the city of Miami by Mayor Tomas Pedro Regalado. The ceremony took place at Citrus Grove Middle School where students performed for the We The Best Music Group founder.
Khaled met with the students, and the Miami native issued a donation to the school’s music department. Citrus Grove’s program is connected to the Miami Music Project which offers instrumental and performance programs to local youth.
The organization’s mission statement reads:
Miami Music Project uses music as an instrument for social transformation, empowering children to acquire values and achieve their full potential, positively affecting their society through the study and performance of music.
Guests in attendance at the event included Miami-Dade County School Board members Perla Tabares Hantman (Chair), Lawrence Felman (Vice-Chair), Raquel A Regalado, Logan Schroeder-Stephens, Alberto M. Carvalho, Albert Payne, Jacques Bentolla, Janice Cruse-Sanchez, Lourdes P. Jimenez, Amelisa Leth, and Michael Lewis.
For more information about Miami Music Project visit miamimusicproject.org. Check out photos from DJ Khaled’s ceremony at Citrus Grove Middle School in the gallery below.
(AllHipHop News) Pusha T is once again partnering with Adidas for a new Original EQT sneaker. The Virginia rapper and the German shoe company announced on their respective social media platforms the latest King Push footwear (supposedly named “Black Market”) will be arriving in stores on Black Friday (November 27).
“I really came to Adidas to try to do something with soccer, and it didn’t pan out. My thinking was a little off base,” said Pusha late last year. “Then they brought up a shoe, and I was like, ‘Nah, not really,’ because I’m really particular about my shoes. They came back to me with it, and I had some silhouette options. Then I was like, ‘This EQT Guidance, I can work with it.’”
(AllHipHop News) Many Americans’ first time seeing Kanye West on television was when the rapper/producer declared “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” during a Hurricane Katrina benefit program in 2005. Ten years later, Kanye was back on the small screen at the MTV Video Music Awards declaring he plans to one day hold the the highest office in the land like George W. Bush.
But what does the 43rd President of the United States think about Ye’s potential run for the White House in 2020? TMZ caught up with Bush in D.C., and the photog asked the former Commander-In-Chief about Kanye. W just simply laughed.
It would not be a surprise if Bush chose not to endorse Kanye for president. He called the Chicago native’s Katrina diss the worst moment of his presidency. Mr. West can at least take solace in the fact that current Republican candidates Donald Trump and Ben Carson have said nice things about him.
(AllHipHop News) When Bobby Shmurda was arrested in 2014, members of the “Hot N*gga” rapper’s crew were taken into custody as well. One of those GS9 associates was Chad “Rowdy Rebel” Marshall.
Some fans and other artists expressed concern that neither Shmurda nor Rowdy were bailed out by Epic Records which signed the Brooklyn natives last year. Epic Chairman/CEO L.A. Reid recently stated during an interview that he does not believe the label is responsible for artist’s legal matters.
Rowdy Rebel spoke with Revolt by phone from jail, and the performer credited as the lead artist on the YouTube hit “Shmoney Dance” spoke about Epic Records.
“I didn’t expect Epic to get us out, because at the end of the day we’re not the best of friends, they just signed us to their company,” said Rowdy. “They don’t feel the pain that my family and friends feel, but on the business side, they did invest in us. They don’t really owe us nothing.”
Even though Rowdy is still incarcerated and awaiting trial, he revealed plans to release a mixtape in the near future. The project is titled Schmoney Keeps Calling.
(AllHipHop News) One fallout from the Meek Mill/Drake battle was the conflict involving Meek and fellow Philadelphia rapper Ar-Ab. Veteran Philly rhymer Neef Buck was asked about the situation between two of his hometown’s stars.
The former Roc-A-Fella Records artist warned things could get out of hand if the individuals around Meek and Ab take it upon themselves to act.
“A lot of people are dealing with pride. Sometimes you can’t control the foot soldiers, so it might not be the bosses of the crew,” Neef told Mikey T The Movie Star. “In this industry, pride is a lot. If somebody says something about you and you see them, it’s hard to just walk right past them.”
The “Set It Off” spitter made it clear he is neutral in the feud. Neef also suggested the two sides prevent the situation from turning violent.
Just 15 months ago, a group of independent filmmakers and amateur actors were able to spark a digital revolution with a groundbreaking new web series. The debut episode of Money & Violence was published on the Cloud9TV YouTube channel on August 7, 2014. Since then, the Brooklyn-based program has drawn 25 million total views from the nearly 50 videos posted online.
A trailer for season 2 of Money & Violence hit the internet in May, and fans immediately got excited for the street saga’s return. Over 14,000 loyal followers even donated over $90,000 to a crowdsourcing campaign in order to assist with the funding for the next set of episodes.
Then this summer rumors began circulating the Cloud9TV team planned to move their crime drama to the Jay Z led Tidal streaming platform. But it was not until T.I. helped make the announcement at the “TIDAL X: 1020” concert earlier this month that the deal was publicly confirmed.
The main cast members of M&V werealso on hand at the Barclays Center that night as director/writer/actor Moise “Moetivation” Verneau told the crowd, “Season 2, January 2016 on Tidal. Brooklyn we did it.”
Tidal subscribers will get to see the storylines of Rafe (Moe), Miz (Ray Guercy), Kane (Ace General), and Shane (Du) unfold on a weekly basis. The entertainment site is also providing other exclusive Money & Violence content such as video extras and a music playlist.
AllHipHop.com connected with Moe Verneau to get the self-taught filmmaker’s thoughts on partnering with Tidal. In addition, the co-CEO of Cloud9TV discusses the future of his brand, what viewers can expect in season 2 of Money & Violence, and a conversation he had with Jay Z about business.
My managers had a long-standing relationship with a lot of the people over at [Jay Z owned] Roc Nation. The deal with Tidal cultivated from that relationship.
Will this new deal have any affect on the content of the show?
Not at all. We structured a deal that allowed us to retain 100% of ownership and all creative control.
Some fans weren’t sure what would happen to the series once it got connected to a corporate structure. There were also others who were concerned that because Money & Violence is on Tidal they won’t be able to watch it. How will you be able to keep your fan base that may not be subscribers to Tidal?
The deal with Tidal is structured in a way that they have exclusivity for a limited amount of time. The episodes will come out on Tidal first, then after a week we’re able to put it up on whichever platform that we want. I made sure to keep in mind all of my day one viewers, so they won’t feel left out.
At the end of the first season, a lot of the characters’ storylines were starting to cross, and the audience was left with a couple of cliffhangers. Not to ask for any spoilers, but can the audience expect for the story to pick right back up as season 2 begins?
It should pick right back up. We’re going into a couple of other things as well, like back stories of the characters. That’s just to familiarize the audience with – not only who the characters are – but why they’re the way they are.
Can we expect new characters?
Yes, definitely.
Have any celebrities asked to do cameos?
Not at the moment, but the celebrity cameos are something that I’m entertaining – if I can find a way that still feels natural. It’s not anything that I’m leaning on, but it’s something that I’m entertaining. So anything is possible at the moment.
Another big part of the show was the music component. Will your connection with Tidal and Roc Nation generate anything new as far as the music’s relationship to the series?
We’re looking into doing a soundtrack that we will release with season 2, but that’s something totally outside of Tidal.
You’ve been able to build a great brand with Money & Violence. Are you looking to expand Cloud9TV out to do other series or ventures?
We’re entertaining the idea of turning Cloud9TV into a platform to help other filmmakers present their content.
Boss Moves
A couple of months ago you posted a picture with you and Jay Z on Instagram. You’ve mentioned before that Jay is a fan of the series, and he’s obviously connected to Tidal. Were you ever able to get advice from him about business?
We had a conversation. We spoke about so many different things. He’s a very informed person, and the things that he has accomplished during his career are phenomenal.
One thing he said was, “Stay true to your art.” I told him, “We don’t really chase the money.” I believe that if you fall in love with the journey then you’ll reach your destination. The money’s going to come regardless.
Jay was telling me that’s one of the best ways to think, because at the end of the day when you’re focused on the money, you miss a lot of other things.
Can you speak on how being independent and having creative control over your content affects the art that’s created?
I think it’s great for the art. One of the things I hope people take from this is that the internet is such an amazing resource to get information.
For example, I never stepped foot behind a camera in my life. I never knew how to edit. I learned how to edit off of YouTube tutorials, and we use the internet to distribute the content. Because of the internet, you don’t necessarily have to wait for anyone else to project your art to the world.
That’s how I felt at the beginning. I said, “If it’s good, it’s good. And it will be received.” With the internet, everything is in your hands. Nothing can stop you. You can only stop yourself.
DMX has been struck with some hard times again, but it is actually very refreshing to see the Yonkers-bred rapper in a happy state. This recently released video shows DMX in full fan mode as he meets Rakim for the very first time. Check it out, as X even spits bar from Eric B & Rakim’s “Microphone Fiend.”
Young M.A. is pushing a strong movement in New York and now her team is moving in overdrive as the upstart rapper prepares for a new album and a huge show in the city. Before all the fanfare, she releases “Regular,” where she vies for the ladies like the best pimp. M.A. goes hard so this iJam-produced joint rocks whatever your politics may be. “Hoes say I ain’t s###, I agree, I agree, but why have one chick when I can have two or three?” she asks. Check “Regular” and comment what you think of it.
Future has been killing the game lately dropping banger after banger. Today he shares a new visual for “Stick Talk” produced by Southside of 808 Mafia. As we all know this track lives on his ‘DS2’ album. New project Monster 2 on the way!
With her Hello EP releasing tomorrow, Lyrica Anderson releases her sensual duet with Chris Brown “Faded to Sade.” We remember when she had that “Un-F*ck You” song and on her upcoming project she has some big time appearances from YG, The Game, Wiz Khalifa, Problem and more. The effort hits stores Friday and we’re glad we can’t un-listen to her work. Pre-Order her stuff on iTunes.
Jamaican Reggae/Pop Princess, Barbee has done it again by releasing her new club banger, “Whoa”, on Atlanta’s V103 Greg Street’s show during the BET Hip Hop Awards. Newly signed to Empire Digital, Barbee’s fusion of Pop and Reggae works well with the Rock City produced track. To add to the movement of this song, on Oct. 24, Barbee performed her new single at the 2015 Nigerian Parade, and also at The Cosmo Girls Glam’s “Fashion for a Cause” event; and Barbee had the crowd going crazy with two uplifting performances.
Barbee is currently working on her EP, releasing new music before the year is up. To keep up with Barbee’s music, please visit her SoundCloud page HERE.
Freddie Gibbs announced his new mixtape Shadow Of A Doubt due out November 20th via his own ESGN Records. The project is executive produced by Freddie Gibbs, Ben “Lambo” Lambert, and Sid “Speakerbomb” Miller and includes features from E-40, Gucci Mane, The Roots’ Black Thought and more. Production comes from Boi-1da, Mike Dean, Kaytranada, and others. Gibbs is also sharing the video for “F#####’ Up The Count” which was directed by Jonah Schwartz (Die Antwoord, The Black Keys, A$AP Mob). Watch it below and check out the full track listing. Pre-order now on iTunes!
1. Rearview (produced by Blair Norf)2. Cocaine (produced by Blair Norf)3. Careless (produced by Pops & Superville)4. F#####’ Up The Count (produced by Boi-1da & Frank Dukes)5. Extradite feat. Black Thought (produced by Mikhail)6. McDuck feat. Dana Williams (produced by Sid “Speakerbomb” Miller)7. Packages feat. ManMan Savage (produced by Tarentino of 808 Mafia)8. Mexico feat. Tory Lanez (produced by Murda Beatz)9. 10 Times feat. Gucci Mane & E-40 (produced by Sid “Speakerbomb” Miller)10. Lately (produced by Superville, 6*18, & SUPERDRIIV)11. Basketball Wives (produced by Bentley Haze)12. Forever and A Day (produced by J Reid)13. Insecurities (produced by Kaytranada & Frank Dukes)14. Freddie Gordy (produced by Blair Norf)15. Cold Ass N#### (produced by Mike Dean)
Kool G Rap’s name rings bells in Hip-Hop, but time often erodes our collective braincells. G helped bring Nas to the forefront of Hip-Hop and the QB don has not looked back since with his never-ending relevance. This is the one and only time they worked together – “Fast Life” from G’s 1995 album 4,5,6.
“Fast Life” was looked at as a passing of the torch to Nas, because before I had been shopping him around. He recorded his whole demo in my studio. By the time we did “Fast Life” together, Nas had already started to make his entry into the game. That was the first time we had rapped together on a song, and the timing made it a passing of the torch. Before that, I set up a meeting with Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles at Def Jam to talk about Nas. Kevin Liles was the one who said that he sounds too much like a G Rap, and so Def Jam passed. I knew I had some influence on him but I knew he had his own identity.
First of all,Vince Staples will definitely included in our year’s best albums with Summertime ’06. And Nore already has a career of classic albums, classic songs and classic moments in Hip-Hop since the 1990’s. This, we know, right? Here we are having a pretty interesting year in Hip-Hop with a lot of good music and events…and fun. You know, memes and music. I didn’t trip with I saw that Vince said about 90’s Hip-Hop music. He was born in 1993. He recognizes the 2000’s, specifically stating 50 Cent, Lil Bow Wow and Kanye (all truly products of the 90’s) were among the highlights he cited in a short interview with Time.
But, I see why people would wild out over the mere notion that the 1990’s were overrated. The 90’s is hands down the best period of time for Hip-Hop music. Sometimes opinions are facts. However when Nore took him to task, and understandably so, it escalated. Why? The conversation – on Twitter no less – degraded quickly turning what was a minuscule comment into a big brouhaha. Now, as of the time of this writing, both men had made “peace” and talked on the phone about the issue. Vince Staples issued an apology through Twitter, even through it seemed some of the tweets were sprinkled with sarcasm.
The general consensus is we are a part of the global Hip-Hop community. Some younger heads may not identify as “Hip-Hop,” but you are if you spit (and sometimes sing) those bars. Vince spits those bars. Noreaga has seen more and done more than 99% of all rappers out right now. Many cannot understand, because frankly they weren’t there. And I don’t mean age. Age differences are simply a baseless measure in Hip-Hop, a divider without merit. I mean today, I had to argue just yesterday to a guy older than me why Capone-N-Noreaga’s The War Report was a classic. He went came back after listening to it again and was simply unimpressed. He had no emotional attachment to the album at all. He also may not be passionate about Hip-Hop the way I am. Or maybe he is.
The wonderful thing about the Golden Era, which I say truly started in 1988, was that is offered us a plethora of different rappers, styles, battles, backgrounds, colors, creeds, disciplines and even wackness. There was something for everybody. Common rapped about “I Used To Love H.E.R.” in the midst of the Golden Era, so you know we didn’t all agree. People didn’t like N.WA. Some couldn’t stand MC Hammer. PM Dawn got thrown off a stage. Every New York rapper wasn’t ill. And there were areas down South that were criminally overlooked. Everything in the 90’s wasn’t dope, but it had more of it than any other era thus far.
We cannot divide the culture and movement and Hip-Hop along numbers. Why do you think Kendrick and Drake are winning right now? Joey Bada$$ works with Dru Ha from the legendary Duck Down records. Chance The Rapper and Tech9ne are two of the biggest indie acts around. Killer Mike and El-P as Run The Jewels are technically two different eras/regions, but make great music. I have friends now that no longer want to hear Vince Staples, despite the apology. Silly, right? Now, younger kings are going to be sour to a whole era in Hip-Hop? Nah, folks. That’s not the way. I know drama gets clicks, views and attention, but its counterproductive. The irony is, the same dude that was not feeling CNN’s The War Report is the very same person that put me on to Vince Staples. I’ve been listening ever since and even sharing that on my social networks.
What’s crazy is a lot of us feel that we are in the midst of a new Golden Era. Hip-Hop – in some ways – is going back to its roots. A lot more indie acts. A lot more freedom of expression. A lot more varieties of rap music. Drake, Kendrick, J.Cole and others are doing BIG THINGS. I cheer for the new generation because they are making their case – on their own terms. That’s why the 90’s was so dope, it was relentlessly uncompromising. MC Hammer forced people to respect is art, by selling a gazillion copies. Most people only cite Biggie and Pac in the 90’s but it was far more than that. There’s an almost endless number of rappers from that period that have slipped into the deep recesses of our collective minds. That doesn’t mean that didn’t exist. Look up Jeru Da Damaja. Look up Black Moon. Look up The Dungeon Family. DJ. Quik. Above The Law. The D.O.C. Lords of the Underground. The Geto Boys. Death Row. Bad Boy. Rap-A-Lot. Hip-Hop is the only art form that overtly disregards the ridiculously rich tradition we own.
Young kings versus older gods isn’t a new concept. The entire culture suffers. Hopefully, Vince recognizes in perpetuity that he has more “Golden Era” than he previously realized. And I hope Nore realizes he was indeed party to that great movement – and amid being polite and respectful – a public challenge on Twitter will almost always spiral out of control. Once the The Tweeting Dead get involved, it just groupthink and mostly meaningless chatter. Leaders lead.
OK, so we are still have a good year for Hip-Hop.
After signing his deal and with his RNB3 mixtape being released tomorrow, today Atlantic Records releases “Jealous” featuring Fetty Wap. The tape features production from Sonny Digital, Jus x Caution and more. With videos “Fleek” in rotation on BET Jamz, expect more to come Philadelphia’s hometown favorite.
In honor of October 22nd officially being the 20th National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Talib Kweli and 9th Wonder have teamed up to release a new documentary dubbed, “Which Side Are You On.”
The Sam’aan Ash directed video is the latest from Talib and 9th Wonder’s upcoming Indie 500 album. The song features Talib Kweli, St. Louis hip-hop artist and activist Tef Poe and singer Kendra Ross. To add to the allure of this track Nottz adds to the production making this a political banger.
Sama’an Ash, largely known for his widely popular mini-documentary All Star Tribute to UGK, travelled to Ferguson in August for the commemoration of Mike Brown’s murder and the Ferguson uprisings.
He documented the weekend’s events and used them to provide visuals for this song which poses what has been come a popular question of accountability in the current social justice movement.
“Which Side Are You On” pays homage to those murdered by the police over the past year and those who have taken a stand. It highlights excerpts from the Ferguson Rocks and Ferguson Is Everywhere fundraiser concerts that Talib produced this past August in St. Louis.
The footage features Tom Morello, Bun B, Common, Outernational, Cornel West, Pharoahe Monch, Jessica Care Moore, Jasiri X, M-1 of dead prez and K’Valentine all of whom participated in the August concerts.
Master P is set to drop his album Empire next month. The No Limit boss is giving fans the chance to purchase an “Album Value Package” which includes over $350 worth of memorabilia. Early customers can order the package during the pre-sale for $99.
The proceeds from the sales will serve as donations to purchase gifts and toys for Christmas toy drives serving underprivileged kids. This year is the 19th Anniversary of Master P’s “Toys For Kids.”
The Empire Gold Club Album Package includes:
1. Limited Edition Autographed Empire album signed by Master P valued at $99
2. High Fashion T-shirt retailed for $149.00
3. Exclusive membership to the No Limit Fan Club a $99 value
4. Lottery Ticket with the chance to win the $10,000 grand prize
Pre-order the limited edition Empire Gold Package now on MasterPEmpire.com. The album is scheduled for release on November 28.
Watch the trailer for Master P’s Empire album below.
Following a screening for her daughter Alex Martin Dean’s docu-series “According To Alex”, entertainment news host Jazzie Belle interviewed Whoppi and other cast members from the series. Watch her speak on Hip Hop and more.
Quintescence has been repping the BX for years. dealing with strife and issues in her life, she has come back strong with a new video stressing education and knowledge. Added with the visuals of Civil Rights, this song is right on time with racial tension and division, a song like this will help us learn to heal the wounds and learn from our past mistakes. This is a single off her latest mixtape “Life After Molly.”
First of all,Vince Staples will definitely included in our year’s best albums with Summertime ’06. And Nore already has a career of classic albums, classic songs and classic moments in Hip-Hop since the 1990’s. This, we know, right? Here we are having a pretty interesting year in Hip-Hop with a lot of good music and events…and fun. You know, memes and music. I didn’t trip with I saw that Vince said about 90’s Hip-Hop music. He was born in 1993. He recognizes the 2000’s, specifically stating 50 Cent, Lil Bow Wow and Kanye (all truly products of the 90’s) were among the highlights he cited in a short interview with Time.