Joe Budden Says Jay Z’s “B-Sides Freestyle” Was “Damage Control” + Defends Spotify & Apple (AUDIO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: NewsMay 21, 2015

(AllHipHop News) Jay Z’s ongoing business battle with streaming competitors Apple, Spotify, and Google has been in the headlines for weeks. The Hip Hop mogul’s purchase and re-launch of the Tidal platform has garnered criticism from the public, and rival companies have reportedly launched efforts to halt its success. Jay even alleged other companies are running a “smear campaign” against Tidal.

[ALSO READ: Spotify Chairman Martin Lorentzon: “I Got 99 Problems – Jay Z Ain’t One”]

Jay fired back at the naysayers during his B-Sides concert in New York City over the weekend. The Brooklyn born emcee spit a freestyle which included direct shots at Spotify and Google owned YouTube. He even questioned consumers on why they are willing to repeatedly purchase iPhones and Nike sneakers but not spend money on music.

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Joe Budden addressed Jay Z’s “B-Sides Freestyle” on his podcast this week. The Slaughterhouse member took issue with some of the points his former label boss made in the verse.

Budden said:

[Jay] made mention of [Nike co-founder] Phil Knight and [Apple co-founder] Steve Jobs. What he alluded to was that he faces a different type of oppression because of the color of his skin. Now while he might, I’m not certain that that’s true.

I think smear campaigns are business. I think the streaming business is very lucrative and beneficial today. And I think as a new person coming in, your competitors would be trying to get you the f*ck out of here. That’s one.

Two, as far as Steve Jobs and we bought nine iPhones and as far as we bought all those sneakers and Phil Knight’s a f###### trillionaire – the part that he left out was the iPhone at the time was considered the best product on the market by many. Steve Jobs didn’t go to anybody and say, “Hey we’re not getting all of our money, so you should purchase this.”

Nike is considered by many to be the best sneaker on the market. It just so happened that today Tidal is not considered that. But you shouldn’t be considered that in your fourth month of business. I don’t think anything is happening that, as wise as a businessman that he is, he shouldn’t have anticipated…

None of this stuff should come as a shocker to him which is why it’s a bit alarming to me that so much damage control continues to be done. I think the freestyle was damage control.

Jay and Joe have a complicated history. Budden partially blamed Jay, then Def Jam president, for the lack of success while at the company. The two also exchanged shots at each other on records, most famously on Joe’s “Talk To Em” and Jay’s “Reminder.”

[ALSO READ: Freeway Talks Reuniting With Jay Z & Beanie Sigel At Tidal “B-Sides” Concert + Meeting Freddie Gray’s Family In Baltimore]

Listen to Joe Budden’s podcast below.

PREMIERE: Ro Spit Ft. Big Tone – “Roses & Daffodils” (P###. by House Shoes)

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins)Category: MusicMay 21, 2015

Rising Detroit emcee Ro Spit sends out a special salute to some of his city’s living and fallen hip-hop visionaries on his new track Roses & Daffodils. Over a somber boom-bap instrumental from the highly respected DJ and acclaimed producer House Shoes, Ro is joined by Big Tone as they both drop a meaningful and sincere verse about those who have paved the way and inspired them, as well as recognizing their peers. Supporters of Ro can expect him to get into album mode with this being the final promotional track, and new content coming from his upcoming LP entitled IVLife…, which drops next month!

Killa Kyleon – “If I Ruled The World (Freestyle)”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins)Category: MusicMay 21, 2015

For Day 11 Killa Kyleon proves that he has no intentions of slowing down. Determined to give you #30Days30Deaths, Killa Kyleon resurrects Nas’ classic Lauryn Hill assisted track, “If I Ruled The World”.

Grandmaster Flash Joins 1970’s Themed Netflix Series “The Get Down”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: NewsMay 21, 2015

(AllHipHop News) Hip Hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash is joining the production team for the upcoming Netflix show The Get Down. The 57-year-old legendary DJ will serve as an associate producer and adviser for the Baz Luhrmann helmed drama.

[ALSO READ: Netflix To Premiere Hip-Hop Drama ‘The Get Down’ In 2016]

Flash will also be portrayed in the series’ storyline by Mamoudou Athie. The Get Down is set in New York City during the 1970’s. Both fictitious characters and real life figures will be featured in the plot.

Billboard describes The Get Down:

Consigned to rubble, a rag-tag crew of South Bronx teenagers are nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them — except each other, armed only with verbal games, improvised dance steps, some magic markers and spray cans. From Bronx tenements, to the SoHo art scene; from CBGBs to Studio 54 and even the glass towers of the just-built World Trade Center, The Get Down is a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco — told through the lives and music of the South Bronx kids who changed the city, and the world … forever.

Grandmaster Flash was one of the instrumental artists of that era. He helped create innovations in the art of DJing that became standards in Hip Hop. His group, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, released the groundbreaking 1982 single “The Message,” and they were the first Hip Hop act inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

[ALSO READ: Grandmaster Flash Talks Hip Hop’s Expansion & Revolutionizing DJ Techniques (VIDEO)]

Watch a short video about “The Get Down” below.

Ghostface Killah: I Thought Action Bronson Was Me When I First Heard Him (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: NewsMay 21, 2015

(AllHipHop News) Ever since Queens emcee Action Bronson first started making waves on the Hip Hop scene some listeners have conveyed he sounds eerily similar to Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah.

It turns out the Staten Island representative felt the same way at one point. Ghostface sat down with VladTV, and the rhymer also known as Tony Starks was asked about the Bronson comparisons.

[ALSO READ: Action Bronson’s ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Debuts In The Top 10]

“I thought he was me one day,” said Ghost. “When I first got put on [to Bronson’s music], I’m asking myself, ‘When the f*ck did I do that verse?'”

Ghostface went on to add that when the two rappers met Bronson expressed he was not intentionally trying to imitate the Wu member. Before stating he is cool with A.B., the creator of the classic 2000 album Supreme Clientele made it clear no other performer can replace him.

“Nobody can be me,” Ghost stated. “When you hear the sh*t that I got coming – all my other sh*t – it’s gonna put the fire to all that sh*t.”

[ALSO READ: Ghostface Killah: “I’ve Been Sitting on ‘Supreme Clientele 2’ for Four Years”]

Watch Ghostface Killah’s interview below.

Did Krayzie Bone Take A Jab At Young Thug?

By: ClassicOneCategory: RumorsMay 21, 2015

Since a lot of today’s music seems to lack substance, quality, and that timeless feel, it is quite entertaining to see Krayzie Bone take a jab at Young Thug. Let’s be serious, Young Thug will never make anything close to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony quality.

Profiles In Battle Rap: T-Top

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: FeaturesMay 21, 2015

Hailing from an 18,000 person town outside the North Carolina capital city of Raleigh comes one of the most talked about rising stars in battle rap. During his run in the ring, T-Top has taken out other recent Proving Grounds standouts Th3 Saga, Chess, and Sno. His past record of competitors also includes top tier talents John John Da Don and Charlie Clips.

In 2014, Top faced off against his N.C. brethren Brizz Rawsteen in the final round of BET/URL’s Ultimate Freestyle Friday tournament. After the three rounds of back-and-forth bars, guest judges Kid Capri, Pete Rock, and Prodigy of Mobb Deep crowned T the champion. Last year also saw the release of Top Bizzy’s 11-track Bear Witness mixtape which featured appearances by battlers JJDD and Lotta Zay.

AllHipHop.com spoke with T-Top for the latest installment in the “Profiles In Battle Rap” series. The Dirty South ambassador touches on his friendly fire shots at Brizz, the next set of emcees in his verbal crosshairs, and more.

[ALSO READ: Profiles In Battle Rap: Xcel]

Hometown

Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina

Years Experience

About 7 years.

Style Known For (aggression, wordplay, punchlines, freestyle)

I would say aggression and reality rap.

Crew

Park Lyfe, that’s my label.

Slogan

“Hunting accident.”

Leagues Competed In

I’ve been everywhere. I’ve been to URL, UW, RBC, Spit Dat Heat, 7 Cities Sharks, and Goonie Battlegoundz.

Favorite Battle (Participant)

T-Top versus Th3 Saga. It tested my pen in different ways. I never had to battle nobody like a Christian rapper, so I tried to break him down without being too disrespectful.

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Favorite Battle (Non-Participant)

One of my favorite battles to watch is B Magic versus John John Da Don. I think that’s the very first Proving Grounds [battle] ever. It was crazy. Both of them were hungry. That’s my favorite Proving Ground.

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One Of Your All Time Hottest Lines

“My smart ass. I even learned how to stretch a needle hit. B*tch, I was stepping on water like Jesus did.”

Your Battle Rap Mount Rushmore

Lux, Mook, Arsonal, and Dizaster.

One Mainstream Rapper You’d Like To Battle

Beanie Sigel. He comes from that era where Hip Hop was giving that grimy feel. He was one of those artists that spit reality rap like how I do. I think that would be a crazy ass battle.

Which New Battler Is The Most Serious Threat When They’re On Their A-Game

Brizz Rawsteen. That’s my brother, so it was definitely very awkward [battling him in BET/URL’s Ultimate Freestyle Friday final]. We just wanted to show bars instead of being on that personal sh*t. We both held back a little bit.

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What Two Battlers Would You Most Like To See Face Off

I would probably want to see Brizz Rawsteen versus Tech-9.

Your Battle Rap Hit List

Eventually, I want to see Calicoe, Hitman, and Arsonal. Maybe a Big T, but definitely Calicoe, Hitman, and Arsonal.

Top 5 Emcees DOA

Not in order: Jadakiss, Lil Wayne, Drake, Biggie, and Pac.

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Do You Prefer To Participate In A Debatable Battle Or A Clear Victory?

As far as viewer wise, everybody watches debatables. More of their fans are going to watch it and more of my fans are going to watch it. A debatable battle makes good for views, but as far as my record, I want bodies.

What Has Been The Hardest Part Of Succeeding In Battle Rap?

It’s been the politics. Everybody knows me as a new face, but I’ve been battling for years now. When I started it was just a bunch of hungry cats, but when money gets involved comes politics. So I would say the politics have been the crazy part.

It could be one situation where an artist might be cool with a league owner, and they don’t want to book you. Or they try to shortchange you or hold your footage.

The money [in the entire culture of battle rap] might be getting better, but that doesn’t take away from the f*ck n*ggas. Just because the money’s better doesn’t mean the character of the people is better.

Where Do You See Your Career Five Years From Now?

Five years from now I’m trying to have a deal with a label situation, so my team can be eating and this music can be pushed. I want to be in a position where I got my music in rotation, and I’m making a way for my team Park Lyfe to eat. I’m not trying to be too much in the battle sh*t five years from now. I just want to make my mark and then get this music out.

[ALSO READ: Profiles In Battle Rap: Brizz Rawsteen]

Follow T-Top on Twitter @TOPBIZZY and Instagram @_topbizzy.

Read other “Profiles In Battle Rap” articles here.

Stream/Download T Top’s Bear Witness mixtape below.

What other new battle rappers would you like to see featured in AHH’s “Profiles In Battle Rap” series? Hit them up on Twitter and share your picks in the comments section below.

Someone Is Claiming Beyonce Stole Their Look & Song!

By: ClassicOneCategory: RumorsMay 21, 2015

Photo by J. Countess FilmMagic Getty Images

Another person is claiming that Beyonce stole something from them. A singer who goes by the name LoKei says Beyonce stole her look (the Chicago Bulls body suit) and her song (the concept for “Bow Down”). She says the BeyHive is mad because she’s been putting in work.

She’s delusional.

Kendrick Lamar And Lady Gaga’s ‘Partynauseous’ Has Leaked (AUDIO)

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2)Category: Music NewsMay 21, 2015

Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga’s “Partynauseous” collaboration has finally hit the internet. The song was recorded three years ago for his 2012 debut album , good kid, m.A.A.d city but never made the cut. The song never reached our ears officially due to creative differences from both of their teams.

K. Dot had said it didn’t fit in with the final vibes of his album while Gaga just wasn’t feeling management.

“When I collaborate with an artist I work solely with them, not with their camps or management. Its purely organic and creative,” she wrote on LittleMonsters.com in 2012. “I love Kendrick dearly as a friend, but was not willing to compromise musically to the changes his team was making to my music.”

Listen to the track below.

Jim Jones Calls Out French Montana On ESPN’s ‘Highly Questionable’

By: @dannypwinsCategory: TrendingMay 21, 2015

During an appearance on ESPN’s ‘Highly Questionable’, Jim Jones says French Montana has been ducking that fade.

Jim Jones Talks Getting In Trouble With Minister Farrakhan, Crazy Fights And More (VIDEO)

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2)Category: NewsMay 21, 2015

Jim Jones sat down for a chat on ESPN’s Highly Questionable to talk about his craziest fights and growing up in Harlem.

The Dipset rep reminisced about the many brawls he has encountered throughout the years, including a fight in Harlem’s Rucker Park after a heated basketball game and a 30-minute fight in a Washington, D.C club. The one that he admits made him “a little bit nervous” was when he fought with about 40 members of Minister Louis Farrakhan’s Fruit of Islam following after one of the members said something he didn’t like to him in passing.

“When I heard the remark I automatically lost my cool and went absolutely bonkers on every FOI that was out there,” he said. “Then I see uconn vans coming around with F.O.I’s holding onto the outside of the van, like the old-school mobster flicks. At that point I was a little nervous, not scared,” he laughed. He then made a call that led to the Minister’s so, Mustapha, coming down and putting an end to what Jim called a “hairy situation.”

Watch the full conversation below.

Rich Homie Quan Is Oh So Single

By: ClassicOneCategory: RumorsMay 21, 2015

Photo Via Rich Homie Quan’s Instagram

Rich Homie Quan said he is single, and judging by his recent post on Instagram, he is also ready to mingle. RHQ’s ex posted a photo with a caption saying “Oh so single.” RHQ replied saying, “So single #backatcha,” under a post that said “It’s a nice day to f*ck another n**ga b**ch.” Apparently, Rich Homie also doesn’t want his baby mama to date anyone or have friends. The catch is he says he can have friends, but she cannot.

Young Buck Facing Jail Time After Trying To Fake Drug Test

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2)Category: NewsMay 21, 2015

Young Buck may be headed back to jail after being caught trying to fake a mandatory drug test, TMZ reports. It’s reported that the “10 Bullets” rapper was caught trying to pour a yellow substance from a tube into a cup during his drug test last week.

[ALSO READ: Young Buck’s Writing A Book, ‘Behind The Wall’]

Sources said that Buck tried to say his urine was dirty due to second-hand smoke but he eventually came clean. In fact, he said he was smoking with none other than Snoop Dogg. Before this incident, he had been on a straight path, submitting 21 clean drug tests since November 2013.

Buck’s fate is in a judge’s hands now and he will decide whether to send him back to jail for this probation violation.

Have Ciara & Russell Wilson Broken Up?

By: ClassicOneCategory: RumorsMay 21, 2015

Photo by Olivier Douliery Getty Images News

Ciara and Russell Wilson are allegedly taking a break in their relationship. The couple could be headed for an official split. It doesn’t seem to be too much turmoil, but instead the problem seems to be their conflicting schedules from their careers. This relationship is taking a time out!

A source revealed to E! News:

“Things have gone a little rocky” between the pair. As a result, they are taking a little break in their relationship. “They haven’t broken up yet,” the source explained. “But things are not looking good.

Through all the highs, a source recently confessed that their two different careers can sometimes take a toll. But with any relationship, a little work and effort can go a long way. “Things are a bit busy for both of them now,” our insider shared with us. “But they are willing to make time and see where this may go.”

Jay Z Responds To Marina Abramovic’s ‘Cruel’ Comments + MAI Issues Apology

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2)Category: NewsMay 21, 2015

The Marina Abramovic Institute has issued Jay Z and apology after the famed performance artist accused him of not donating to her organization after she helped with “Picasso Baby” video in 2013.

In an interview with Spike Art magazine, Abramovic said she agreed to help Jigga with the video, which was an interpretation of her performance art piece “The Artist is Present.” In exchange, he would donate and promote her art institute. She claimed he never held up his side of the deal and said working with him was a “cruel” experience.

[ALSO READ: ‘Picasso Baby’ Artist Said Jay Z ‘Completely Used Her’ While Making Video]

Now, her organization is saying sorry to Hov because he did indeed give them a donation. After the comments were made, the director of the “Picasso Baby” video Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn gave Artnet News proof of the donation by reading the receipt, which reads W984804 and says “Thank you for your donation.”

“We are sincerely sorry to both Marina Abramovic and Shawn “JAY Z” Carter for this, and since then we have taken to appropriate actions to reconcile this matter,” read the formal apology.

Abramovic has not personally apologized.

Kendrick Lamar To Perform On ‘Ellen’ Next Week

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2)Category: NewsMay 21, 2015

The good kid is making his way to daytime television. Kendrick Lamar is scheduled to perform on The Ellen Degeneres Show on Wednesday, May 27th. Instead of performing the Grammy-winning “i” or King Kunta, K. Dot will be performing “These Walls” from To Pimp a Butterfly for the first time.

[ALSO READ: Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ Goes Gold’]

This will be his first performance on a major daytime talk show. Beth Behrs from the series 2 Broke Girls will also appear. Tune into NBC at 4:00 p.m EST.

Aaron Hernandez Involved In Prison FIght

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2)Category: NewsMay 21, 2015

Former NFL star Aaron Hernandez was a lookout in a prison fight on Monday (May 18), according to CNN. He stood guard as one inmate went into another’s cell at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. Sources said the fight is believed to have been gang-related.

[ALSO READ: Aaron Hernandez Sentenced To Life In Prison]

Hernandez was put into a special management section of the jail as discipline. He’s no stranger to prison fights, though. The 25-year-old was also involved in an altercation as he awaited trial at Bristol County Jail in May of 2014.

[ALSO READ: Aaron Hernandez On Suicide Watch After Murder Conviction]

In April, the former New England Patriots tight end was convicted of murdering his fiancee’s sister’s boyfriend Odin Lloyd and sentenced to life in prison. But his legal woes are not over. He is accused of two murders in Boston that occurred in July 2012 is waiting for a judge to schedule his trial date.

Jason Derulo Ft. Stevie Wonder & Keith Urban – “Broke”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins)Category: AlternativesMay 21, 2015

Jason Derulo recruited Stevie Wonder and Keith Urban for his new single, “Broke”. The single is from Jason‘s upcoming album, Everything Is 4, which will be released soon. Pre-order Everything Is 4 on iTunes.

Soho Kings – “I Get Along Wit You”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins)Category: MusicMay 21, 2015

SOHO KINGS return with another strong follow up single to their recent mixtape collaboration with DJ Absolut. The track features the hard hitting production, intricate Brooklyn rap, and swaggy melodies the duo is known for. Download this free track and check out the rest of their material at SohoKings.com

Waka Flocka Flame x DJ Whoo Kid – “Turn Up God”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins)Category: TrendingMay 21, 2015

Rapper and Presidential Candidate Waka Flocka Flame released the music video for his current single “Turn Up Godz,” featuring his Vice Presidential Candidate DJ Whoo Kid. The single is currently off their The Turn Up Godz Tour mixtape released weeks ago.

Shot live on location at Waka Flocka Flame’s Spring Break performance in South Padre Island, Texas, Director Jesse C captures the intensity of his concerts. Waka, together with DJ Whoo Kid, and his fans create an unforgettable experience together, and it’s evident that Waka Flocka Flame is indeed the “Turn Up God.” Hopefully this visual will be a great sub cursor to your Memorial Day Festivities!