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Ode To Sean Price: Friends Celebrate And Mourn A Legend


Sean Price died Saturday 8/8/15 in his sleep. My heart is broken.

Ruck, Sean P, Scagnetti, TheGrimeyBootMan, DecepticonSean, MegaSean, TallSean, P-Body, MasterP, P , PyrexPotSean, KimboPrice, MicTyson, SeanDaBarbarian, SeanPriceAlpha, ImperiusRex, Niggelitus.

It really doesn’t matter what u call him, but there’s only one word to describe him.

Legend.

We throw that word around like its “POTATO”. Every time some muthafucka dies here’s somebody jumping up screaming the “L-WORD”. I get it. I really do. Some people are so important to us that we
want them to be important to everyone else too, so we give them the “LEGEND” tag to make them beyond reproach. Untouchable. To put them on a pedestal out of the reach of mere mortals. I hate to say it dog, but some of these muthafuckas ain’t legendary.

Just because some dude gave you a ride home from school in tenth grade and then got shot, does not a legend make. He was a good dude, sorry he’s gone, but I’m not getting his face tatted on my arm just because you called him a legend. People slang that word around too freely now. Makes the f###### word lose its meaning.

Not when it’s applied to SEAN PRICE.

There should be a picture of SEAN PRICE in Webster’s dictionary right next to the word “LEGEND”.

Sean P exists in the same rarefied air that Tupac, Biggie, & J.Dilla reside in. What Dilla is to producers, Sean P is to emcees. Now, I would never discount Tupac for his incredible work ethic or his exploits outside the booth, or Big’s rhyming & storytelling prowess. The way they thought & put songs together for mainstream consumption are unmatched. However, in the underground, bar for bar, for full lyricism & entertainment value, nobody is f###### with Sean Price.

Nobody is.

The way this guy just let “SHAWN CARTER IS NICE / BUT SEAN PRICE IS THE BEST” roll off his tongue & land on the beat matter of factly on “FIGURE FOUR” said it all. The way he said it said more than the line itself, if that’s possible. He said that s### & just left it there. He started talking about not drinking champagne & not wearing SeanJohn. No follow up. It wasn’t even a big deal to him. Yeah, I’m better than Jay-Z. Ho-Hum. What’s for dinner? Like a dude just walked in your house & s### on your carpet while u were watching TV, didn’t even wipe his ass & just walked out. No explanation no nothing. That was just HIM. It wasn’t a diss. He liked Jay-Z. He respected Jay-Z. He felt he was better than Jay-Z. So he said it. & he left it right there in your living room for you to clean up. (Editor’s note: peep the hexmurda shout out.)

This dude truly was “YOUR FAVORITE RAPPER’S FAVORITE RAPPER”.

I can almost guarantee you that whoever your favorite M.C. is has some favorite SeanPrice bars. If he doesn’t he may not be a true Emcee & may have someone writing his rhymes for him. If he wasn’t your favorite emcee, your favorite emcee definitely respected him, as did many others.

Here are some quotes about Ruck & some of his favorite lines from some Hip-Hop luminaries.

STALLEY:

“Sean P was one of the most genuine guys I had the pleasure of meeting in this rap game a true Brooklyn Brownsvillian and a true emcee in every sense. The first time I met him he showed love and told me I was keeping Hip Hop afloat and to keep doing what I was doing and coming from an emcee such as himself those few words meant a lot to me and my craft.”

ROYCE DA 5’9″:

“I came up idolizing him. I’m gonna miss him.”

RAKAA IRISCIENCE of DILATED PEOPLES:

“Sean Price is a true inspiration because he kept getting better and better while carving out his own lane through this jungle. The animals and trees were no match. Hip Hop is now a little bit less fun, and we’ll all need to pitch in to supplement the level of realness that he blessed the scene with. Incredible artist and person, so I have no doubt that his soul is at peace. It’s just surreal. Strength and prayers to his family.”

PAUL ROSENBERG (EMINEM’S MANAGER):

“I swear I just told Marshall (Eminem) on Thursday that Sean was my current favorite. I hung on every word in his verses.”

PHAROAHE MONCH:

“Sean was seriously a walking quotable with the potential for rhyme of the month every time he wrote a 16. But more importantly he made me laugh he was naturally hilarious and I hold laughter very dear to my heart, it’s one of the most important things we have on earth. I loved Sean Price the man and father as much as I did his music.”

TRICK TRICK:

“Sean Price, Authentic: of Undisputed origin. Made or done in an original or traditional way. Based on facts, Reliable and Dependable. Your way could not have been rehearsed. Built by GOD! To serve in HIS ARMY! A calling we can’t dispute. So we SALUTE to your Life and Thank the Most high for our time in your presence. You will be missed. TrickTrick & GSM.”

SKYZOO:

“To me, Sean was an emcee’s emcee. He was the epitome of what hip hop was, is, and should be moving forward. And beyond all of that, he was a helluva friend. That was my big brother for real. The most genuine, authentic, free spirited person you could ever meet, regardless of how intimidating his physical stature may have been to some. He was probably the greatest “person” I’ve ever had he honor of calling a friend via the industry. We went beyond that. He was family. There will never be another like him. He was the best person you could ever get to know, and one of the greatest to ever hold a pen.”

KHRYSIS:

“P was the second legend I had a chance to work with. It was already an honor to work with someone I listened to while I was in high school, but he such a genuine dude full of wisdom and laughter…we didn’t just lose a legendary emcee…we lost a legendary personality and all round legendary dude. Peace and love to all his family and loved ones. His legacy will live on forever.”

FAVORITE BARS:

BUN B:

“Kareem Sayeed indeed on my deen Aki, except when I rhyme. Every line from Sean is Haraam.” – From “HARAAM”

Yo.. “HARAAM” is my favorite Sean Price song ever.

Period.

But that’s the duality of Ruck as a man and as an artist. Trying to stay devout in the concrete jungle. The Godly Gangster.

GUILTY SIMPSON:

“F### peace I’m a beast b#### I pop pellets in a person I’m a p############, P!”
From “THE HEX” by RANDOM AXE



PAUL ROSENBERG:

“Botswana, small time little league player, Pop Warner.Rock corners with hot, blocks tbats drug infested, supply suppliers my money stay thug invested.” ( from FIGURE FOUR )

ALCHEMIST:

“Everyone else is probably gonna quote one of his crazy bars (he got so many I don’t even know where to start. Literally Every bar was quotable) Real s### tho one of my favorite lines was “Tears in my eyes when thinking of hexmurda.” (from “FIGURE FOUR”)

Because within the humor and witty lines he was known for he would still sneak in some real s### like that . That meant a lot to me when I heard that line. Life is about balance. We all know P knew how to make u laugh, and when the time was right, for just a brief moment, he knew how to make u cry.

ROYCE DA 5″ 9:

“Sean sparks like John Starks in the 4 quarter oughta meet my peeps, that are deeper than the Tora” From “SEAN PRICE” on the NOCTURNAL album by HELTAH SKELTAH.

SKYZOO:

“Back seat of jeep, f### in my car/pulled the prayer rug out like “alhamdulillah”/, run with the squad, Boot Camp, remember the name/nicest ni**as you don’t know on the game, hello”

PHONTE:

“Too hard for white linen, straight, no white denim. You like white women that listen to Lyfe Jennings.” I mean, I got hundreds of others I can name but that one knocked me on my ass because everybody can picture what a white woman who likes Lyfe Jennings looks like…lol.

Just a few quotes & s###.

This is a 3 part series. I’ll be back to tell some stories tomorrow. Hopefully the bottom of your pants won’t be as tight.

Stream Chinx’s Debut Album “Welcome To JFK”

With Chinx’s debut album “Welcome To JFK” being released this friday, we get an early stream of the slain Coke Boys artist album being released via eOne Entertainment. The album includes features from French Montana, Stack Bundles (RIP), Lil Durk, Nipsey Hussle & more! Pre-order “Welcome To JFK” now on iTunes.

Nick Gordon Says He Didn’t Kill Bobbi Kristina?

Nick Gordon seems to feel like the lawsuit against him is slanderous, meritless, and flat out bogus. He maintains his story that he didn’t kill Bobbi Kristina Brown, and that he was the person that loved her the most. It’s easy to see how Gordon would be heartbroken, but heartbreak doesn’t equal innocence. Do you think the lawsuit against Gordon is based on baseless allegations, or do you think he really is the reason for Brown’s untimely death?

Migos Reveal That Sophomore Album Is Finished

DJ Whoo Kid just interviewed Migos on his Shade 45 show, “The Whoolywood Shuffle”, in promotion of their latest album “Yung Rich Nation”. Quavo & Takeoff explain how hard it is for Offset to still be locked up, especially with touring and shooting visuals; basically you don’t want to take him out of the videos so everything needs to be put on hold.

The group also revealed that they have their sophomore album already recorded, and it has a crazy single with Lil Wayne titled “Fantastic”. When asked who their dream collaboration would be, Migos responded “Nas but he has to spit that “Ether” and not use our lingo”. The interview closed out with Quavo & Takeoff saying that these motorized scooters have everyone thinking they’re Tony Hawk, and saying that their weed is too strong for Waka Flocka.

Watch below.

Cyhi The Prynce Didn’t Exactly Diss Kanye West?

Photo via Cyhi’s Instagram

Cyhi The Prynce says he didn’t exactly diss Kanye West. He actually seems to suggest that this may have been a calculated collaboration between him and West. He asked for his fans to respect the art form, and he stated that when Eminem and Dr. Dre pull stunts like this they get Grammy awards. Do you think this was something that was orchestrated or do think the two just kissed and made up.

Screen shot 2015-08-10 at 4.14.00 PM

Drique London Ft. Carrington – “Laybach” (VIDEO)

After obtaining over 5K+ streams for the Carrington assisted “LayBach”, the latest single off his well received debut album Sounds of The Rising Sun, North Carolina native Drique London unveils the official visuals for the Majestic produced track. Directed by Vinark Motion Pictures, Drique illustrates the ongoing struggle of trying to balance funds, dreams, and a relationship successfully. Watch it below!

Dusty McFly Ft. Chase N Cashe – “ISO”

Dusty McFly shows no signs of slowing down dropping off another release produced by Chase N Cashe titled “ISO”. This smooth record will have you two stepping and feeling good everytime you play it. Mr. McFly’s project “Sincerely Fleez” drops Friday and is available for pre-order now on iTunes.

Adina Howard – “Bad 4 Me”

R&B star Adina Howard is ready to let the world get reacquainted with her sultry sounds. With a new single, “Bad 4 Me” and online campaign, #IHeartAdinaHoward #Bad4Me, ready for fans, the singer wants to deliver a mix of “Motown, Urban, and Pop” in her music.

Listen to “Bad 4 Me” below.

2 Chainz – “Everything I Know”

As 2 Chainz gears up for the release of his new mixtape “Trapavelli Tre’” on Thursday, he’s released another track off the tape called “Everything I Know” produced by Nard & B. The track is just one of 14 on the tape that will include production and features from Wiz Khalifa, The Dream, Young Dolph, Zaytoven, FKi and much more.

Killa Kyleon – “No N*gga Like Me” (VIDEO)

Houston’s own Killa Kyleon unleashes another epic visual from his #30Days30Deaths project. With the help of his go-to video director, David Stunts, Killa Kyleon brings “No N*gga Like Me” to life. The video serves as a reminder of the 1 year anniversary of Mike Brown’s death.

PREMIERE: J.R. – “All Yay”

St. Louis native J.R. is coming off the release of his short 6-track mixtape No Filter On Da Waywhich came equipped with the standout single “I’m Just Sayin,” as well as the official remix to the single featuring Nelly and Tiffany Foxx. With a video for the aforementioned single already in the books, J.R. has revisits his latest mixtape as he provides us with the official optics for “All Yay”.

[ALSO READ: J.R. Releases New Single “Best Friend” Featuring Trey Songz]

EXCLUSIVE: F. Gary Gray Talks Directing “Straight Outta Compton,” Working With Ice Cube, Police Brutality & More

Iconic Hip Hop act N.W.A is finally being immortalized in the feature film Straight Outta Compton. The world will get to experience the compelling tale of how five young Black men from the city of Compton, California emerged as one of the most influential music groups of the last quarter century.

Seasoned filmmaker F. Gary Gray took on the task of bringing the lives of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella to the big screen. After initially collaborating with Cube in the classic 1995 comedy Friday, Gray’s turn at the helm for Straight Outta Compton is a return to working with the West Coast rapper/actor.

While his twenty year career includes guiding the creation of hit flicks such as Set It Off and The Italian Job as well as music videos by Cube, Dre, OutKast, Jay Z, and TLC, Straight Outta Compton is Gray’s first time directing a biographical motion picture. Many of the key players in the rise of N.W.A are depicted in the critically acclaimed cinematic presentation.

Newcomer O’Shea Jackson, Jr is playing his father Ice Cube, Corey Hawkins (The Walking Dead) performs as Dr. Dre, and Jason Mitchell (Major Crimes) tackles Eazy-E. The rest of the cast includes Aldis Hodge as MC Ren, Neil Brown as DJ Yella, Keith Stanfield as Snoop Dogg, R. Marcus Taylor as Suge Knight, Marlon Yates Jr. as The D.O.C., and Paul Giamatti as former N.W.A manager Jerry Heller.

AllHipHop.com recently spoke with F. Gary Gray about directing Straight Outta Compton. The 46-year-old artisan also touches on some controversies surrounding the movie, the film’s connection to the fight against police brutality, the legacy of N.W.A, and more.

[ALSO READ: Ice Cube: N.W.A., Police, Mike Brown, Meek & Drake, Public Enemy, Obama, Hillary & Jeb And Straight Outta Compton]

A photo posted by F Gary Gray (@fgarygray) on

Friday was your first feature film, and you worked with Ice Cube on that. Twenty years later you’re working with him again on Straight Outta Compton. Can you talk about your working relationship with Cube over that last two decades?

I think we have great creative chemistry. A lot of it has to do with the fact that we grew up in the same environment. I didn’t live too far from him, and we experienced a lot of the same things. We just had that drive to do something different from what we saw around us. Between that, our creative chemistry, the fact that we love humor, and also knowing the streets just made for a good team.

Now you’ve made a second generation of O’Shea Jackson relationships by working with his son on Straight Outta Compton. Was it a conscious decision for you and the team around the movie to use new or lesser known actors for the key roles?

Yes. Frankly, I demanded it. It was really important for us to focus on the story, focus on the narrative, focus on what made N.W.A special, and not be distracted by a star that we’re familiar with potentially mimicking another star. It puts you in a situation where you’re kind of once removed, and it can be distracting. The studio was real supportive of the idea. Cube, Dre, and the group were supportive of the idea. The movie turned out the way it did because of it.

With a biopic you’re dealing with the stories of real people. Was the filmmaking process different for you this time since you’re telling stories of characters the public may feel like they already know well?

Of course, when you’re dealing in fiction, in some cases the sky’s the limit. You can dream up the world, you can dream up the drama, you can dream up all the details, and just create what you want. But when you’re doing a biopic, you want to stay as close to the truth as possible. Especially if the principal characters are still in the social consciousness. It’s really important to get it right.

So I had to change my approach for sure. There’s a lot of research, a lot of homework. That’s one of the reasons I did the movie as well. It was a big challenge for me. I tend to pick things that I really like that are a challenge.

There’s a lot of ways to get this movie wrong, and I was a little afraid of that at first. Then I looked at the challenge and said, “But if you get it right, it makes history.” So I took on the challenge, and I’m glad I did.

You talked about the principal characters still being around. I’m sure having Cube, Dre, and all of these guys that are still active there with you affected the filmmaking process. But I also noticed that some of the others that are connected to people portrayed in the film had questions about certain aspects.

Ren said he was kind of disappointed he wasn’t featured more in the trailer. Eazy-E’s son said he felt he should have been in the movie. How did you deal with those parts of making a biopic knowing that family members or the actual people have opinions about the way the film should be presented?

It’s my understanding that Eazy’s son is good with Jason. I believe they met and talked. I think he’s good with what we did with the movie.

Then I just really focus on the movie. The marketing part of it, that’s not my territory. I believe that MC Ren really enjoys the movie. I think he likes the movie a lot. Maybe it’s a different conversation if it’s about the movie, but as far as the marketing goes that’s not my territory.

I saw an interview with Dre where he said he felt like the movie shines a light on police brutality happening now. In your view, do you feel like Straight Outta Compton does connect to modern-day issues like the Black Lives Matter movement or what’s going on in Ferguson, Baltimore and other cities around the country?

Sadly, it does, but I also feel optimistic because it does. I feel optimistic about a lot of this stuff in the headlines. We haven’t always had camera phones or the technology to record these things. Now that we do and we’re making movies about it, I think change is coming because of that. I’m optimistic.

How do you think this film will affect N.W.A’s legacy?

Hopefully, people get a sense of the history behind them, and it enriches Hip Hop and American history. It’s tied to a lot of things. One or two hundred years from now people will ask, “What was going on in popular culture in the 80’s and 90’s?” Hopefully, this is one of the films they turn to.

As far as N.W.A’s legacy, I think just having the courage to stand up. Especially, when it’s uncomfortable. And being unapologetically yourself. You don’t have to always agree with the content of their music, but it’s admirable to see someone stand up and just be themselves and not serve polite society and not serve this politically correct era that we live in. Just be you, and you can succeed.

A photo posted by Straight Outta Compton (@outtacomptonmovie) on

I think that part of what they brought to the culture is probably not recognized as much. They did a lot for artistry – like you said – to be able to stand up and say what you want, even against positions of power.

I think it takes a level of sophistication to really look at it from a lot of different perspectives, a lot of different angles. Look at it in the context of the time. Look at what was going on at the time. The art of preservation is to do what you have to do to win. Sometimes that means not being yourself – going with the flow.

Now-a-days it’s expected to talk about the streets and talk about the realities of your life. But that wasn’t the norm in Hip Hop back then. Not really. While [N.W.A] didn’t start it, they definitely helped create the climate where you can say, “Listen, I don’t have to put on a wig, wear shiny shoes, or pretend like I’m something that I’m not in order to express myself.”

Like I said, you don’t have to agree with everything, but as artists, everyone should have the right to express themselves – especially if it’s different – and not be penalized or persecuted for that.

[ALSO READ: Dr. Dre & Ice Cube Talk With The Cast Of “Straight Outta Compton” (VIDEO)]

Straight Outta Compton is scheduled for release nationwide on August 14. For more information about the movie visit www.straightouttacompton.com.

Follow F. Gary Gray on Twitter @FGaryGray and Instagram @fgarygray.

Adult Film Company Makes Tyga & Kylie Jenner Flick To Celebrate Her 18th Birthday?

Photo by Lilly Lawrence/WireImage

With Kylie Jenner just turning 18, the adult film companies could not wait to to capitalize off of the hype by staging a parody flick. To commemorate Kylie’s 18th birthday, a p### site called “TeensLoveBlackC**ks” is posting up a spoof of Tyga and Kylie Jenner’s first (legal) encounter. The Kylie character sports Kylie’s old turquoise extensions and invites her much older love interest, “T” over to help her celebrate being legal, and old enough to get down in the bedroom. Ummmmm you can click HERE to see the trailer. Will you be watching? Is this too far?

Man Shot By Ferguson PD Was Friend Of Mike Brown

The person shot by a police officer on the anniversary of Mike Brown’ death was a friend of the 19-year-old that was killed last year by Ferguson PD officer Darren Wilson.

Reports say 18-year-old Tyrone Harris Jr., of St. Louis, was a close friend of Mike Brown and was identified by his father.

“We think there’s a lot more to this than what’s being said,” Harris Sr. said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, adding that his son had graduated from Normandy High School.

Harris Sr. added that his son was coming out of surgery just last Monday.

Police maintain that a man fired upon police and that they returned shots wounding the person. They did not say that person was Tyrone Harris Jr.

There was a completely separate shooting in Ferguson as well, which happened before the Harris, Jr, slaying.

Tyrone Harris Jr

Marvin Gaye’s Son Claims ‘Empire’ Was His Idea

Lee Daniels is facing yet another lawsuit from someone who claims that Empire was their idea first. According to reports, Marvin Gaye’s son, Marvin Gaye III, is the latest person to say that Daniels stole his idea.

[ALSO READ: A Record Label Claims FOX Stole Their Name For ‘Empire’]

Gaye III claims that he registered a treatment for a show about an African-American family in the music industry to the Writers Guild of America in 2010. He reportedly pitched the show to different television executives, some who had ties to Lee Daniels. He deemed the series as a mix of Dynasty and The Sopranos, titling it Diamonds & Ballads and basing it on the lives of his family as well as Berry Gordy’s family. The son of the Motown legend feels that Daniels unknowingly confessed to stealing his idea when he said he wanted to make a “black Dynasty” after Empire became a hit series.

[ALSO READ: Woman Says She’s The Real Life Cookie And Sues ‘Empire’ Creators For $300 Million]

Gaye III’s lawyer plans to take legal action against FOX, Lee Daniels and others involved.

Daniels has been having lawsuits thrown at him from all angles. Most recently, a Michigan woman claimed that she is the real Cookie Lyon and that the show’s creators stole the story line for an autobiography she pitched in 2011. The woman, Sophia Eggleston, is suing Empire creators for $300 million.

LAST NIGHT IN FERGUSON THINGS GOT HECTIC…

tef poe davey d facebook

(Tef Poe at the Ferguson Is Everywhere benefit concert.)

Last night was a one of beauty, inspiration, anger, disgust and utter frustration all at the same time… After a long, reflective and somber day of memorials, silent marches, sermons and demonstrations, many were eager for what would’ve been Talib Kweli’s 4th free concert for the people of Ferguson…

Dubbed ‘Ferguson is Everywhere’, this was free concert to benefit Michael Brown’s family.. His father Mike Brown Sr was in attendance with many sporting shirts to his charity ‘Chosen For Change’..Folks were also asked to bring cans of food for the Books and Breakfast program put on by Hands Up United..

The line up featured local acts like Tef Poe, Thi’sl, T-Dubb and host of others alongside established acts like Immortal Technique, M1 of dead prez, Jessica Care More, Jasari X, Kenora Ross, Common, Pharaoh Monche, Bun B and Talib Kweli rocking to a live band.. It was hosted by Torry Russell of Hands Up United and Kayla Reed of OBS,

There were two dark clouds hanging over the event. The first were the clouds that brought lightening, storm warnings and torrential rains. In spite of the massive storm, folks arrived early and by 8pm the line stretched around the block. The mood inside was hot, muggy and festive. Many in attendance had been looking forward to this and as each act hit the stage they did not disappoint.. Everyone brought their A game…The event took place at the F#### which is near downtown St Louis on Locust street.

The other dark cloud, was the St Louis police union who voiced fears the event might attract “outside agitators” Former police officer turned politician Jeff Roorda, who tried to pass a bill last year that would keep the names of cops involved in shooting someone hidden from the public, was quoted as saying; “All these outside agitators that gave St. Louis a bad name in Ferguson will be back here, agitating again. As we’ve struggled for resolution, they’re going to be fomenting revolution.”

He asked the F#### owners to shut things down the event and not sell tickets.. Fortunately the club did not. The event was epic, healing and special. It was a night to remember..Also there were no tickets.. The event was free.

Across town in Ferguson at Greater St Marks Church, which was the cite of an earlier event, a jam packed house played host to a number of speakers including Cornel West, Rev Michael McBride, activist Bree Newsom, Reverent Tracy Blackman and Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou. There was a panel moderated by Marc Lamont Hill. The place was on fire… Eventually many from the church would make their way to the concert just as Talib took the stage.

The activist group Lost Voices was supposed to come, but word was sent that they were out in Ferguson in the pouring rain marching. Throughout the evening folks were getting word, large crowds were gathering on West Florissant. The details were scattered. First we heard there was looting and rioting, then we heard it was just turned up.. Written Jeff Chang, hit me as Pharaoh Monche wagon stage saying that things were getting hectic…

Just as Talib hit the stage, folks all over the F#### venue got the dreaded text, they did not want to see. The initial texts people got was a cop had shot and killed someone and it was madness. Then we heard little girl was shot.. Many of us immediately left for West Florissant as Talib was still on stage.. I rode with journalist Jamilah Lemieux who was able to skillfully bypass all the road blocks set up by police and get us onto West Florissant..

Once there we saw hundreds of people out in a tense stand off with police. They were in riot gear and a armored vehicle that underscored police militarization which hadn’t been seen in the days leading up to the Mike Brown death anniversary had returned.

There were two separate actions. Many were on the one side of West Florissant near the Fergurson Market while we were near Canfield. As to what took place was still scattered. No one had a definitive story.. An ambulance arrived to take away someone.. We believe it was the man who was shot by police and was still alive.

The rains had stopped and more folks arrived, shirts off, angry and bold as they marched straight up to the police… Harsh words were exchanged. One young brother apparently had some personal info on some of the officers and began sharing it with everyone within earshot.. You could see the police getting angry as he dug in more and more..

Soon a a few folks showed up with Bongo drums and began playing as folks started jumping around, getting super amped and chanting at police.. The line retreated and second scrimmage line was set up as the drums played louder. Next thing you know another armored vehicle arrived with police on loud speakers warning to disperse or chemical weapons would be used.

Pepper spray was used, folks got hit and everyone started running.. Police advanced as folks regrouped on the corner of Canfield drive and again re- approached the police lines inspire of the warnings.. Still amped, folks held their ground for another 30 minutes until police started shooting volleys of tear gas..

Sadly , many have grown used to the tear gas and knew how to shield themselves and so even in the clouds of smoke folks remained as police moved forward….

Word was sent that there would be a press conference in the City of Clayton.. Mind you it was now 2am.. The press conference was to take place at 2:30 am.. We rushed to get over there, where St Louis county police chief Jon Belmar gave their versions of things..

He said that they had gotten reports of looting and that police were overwhelmed. Reinforcements were sent. Among those sent were undercover officers who were ‘monitoring a shooter’. According to the chief, the undercovers reported to their commanding officers their concerns about the person who they were trailing..

Chief Belmar noted somehow during this gathering of people on West Florissant, the shooter who was being monitored, went off and got involved in a shootout with another group of men.. The chief said gunfire was exchanged for 45 seconds and then the suspect who the undercover were monitoring, tried to ‘excavate himself from the scene’.

The Chief said the undercovers got in an unmarked car and tried to confront the man, when he turned around and shot at them.. They said the suspect was pursued and eventually shot.. As of last night he was alive and in the hospital getting surgery..

At the press conference I asked the chief two questions.. 1-Were the undercover on hand to monitor shooters or protestors, since they were mixed up in the crowd. The chief told me they were there to monitor shooter. He said the shooters were criminals and not protestors. He said he and his men welcome folks to exercise their first amendment rights

I then asked, if the undercover identified other shooters since the guy they were following was involved in a shoot out? The Chief said ‘No one else was identified’.

Someone else asked the race of the undercover police officers. Chief Belmar refused to give details on that. He simply said his officers were experienced. He ended the press conference, but many of us were left wondering if this suspected shooter, knew the undercover officers in the unmarked car were officers or the folks he had just was just in a shoot out with.. None of us were able to ask that question..

Jeff Chang was on the scene last night on Ferguson Market side of West Florissant. This is what he saw.. He said there was a lot of confusion. When he arrived on West Florissant, lots of people were hanging out in a parking lot and for the most part seemed pretty mellow. The rains had stopped. The next thing you know folks started running and scattering and suddenly things escalated.

There was word that the 9-11 Beauty Salon had its windows busted and folks were taking stuff. City Councilman Antonio French was on hand and went over to try and calm things down as did a number of community elders..Next thing you know some sort of scuffle broke out and couple of shots rang out.. More shots rang out and people scattered. During all this a local news reporter got stomped by some people in the crowd..

Jeff said, he had no idea it was an officer involved shooting until he got back to his hotel and wondered if the melee was deliberately instigated. If we go by Chang’s time line, then one might ask when exactly did undercover officers arrive on the scene to monitor the shooter??

Right now at the time of this writing, a number of protests previous scheduled are set to jump off.. With the shooting from last night, now weighing on everyone’s minds, these protests are sure to be more intense.

This post originally appeared on Davey D’s Facebook page. It appears now in it’s unedited form.

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Tef Poe

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Immortal Technique and Poison Pen

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All photos courtesy of Davey D/Facebook

Did Tyga Give Kylie Jenner Blac Chyna’s Mercedes G-Wagon?

Photo by Lilly Lawrence/WireImage

Rumor has it that Tyga “re-gifted” Blac Chyna’s Mercedes G- Class Wagon to Kylie Jenner. Kylie was allegedly seen driving a G- Wagon that ironically had the same license plate number as Blac Chyna’s. Remember Blac Chyna said she gave the G-Wagon back because it was in Tyga’s name. Kylie denied that this was her G-Wagon. Regardless if it’s true or not, Tyga did buy Kylie a Ferrari with his back rent money.

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EXCLUSIVE: Locksmith Talks ‘Lofty Goals,’ TDE’s Kendrick Lamar, & E-40!

Photo Credit: YouTube

Words infused with accumulated wisdom, credible experiences, and an expansive perspective, Locksmith, is dedicated to using his voice as an MC to uplift and to inspire others. With the release of his latest album, Lofty Goals, the representative of Richmond, CA continues to demonstrate his prodigious command of the English language. Whether battling other lyricists and spewing devastating bars, or taking an introspective journey to his soul, the outcome is often the same,  timeless art is produced at his will.

Exuding his candid composure, Locksmith, opens up to AllHipHop about his latest album. The UC Berkleey graduate also reflects on TDE and Kendrick Lamar’s rise in mainstream success, and his thoughts on the legendary indie icon, E-40.

If your supporters were challenged to discover your core on Labyrinth, and A Thousand Cuts reinforced your determination to go against the grain; what do you hope that the public will receive from your latest album, Lofty Goals?

I’m just hoping to inspire; that’s what this album is most about. A lot of the songs are about me and have to do with me, but what I also had in mind to do was inspire others. My life is the only life that I live. I’m trying to use my life and experiences to inspire ;and hopefully help people to solve their problems – and find a way out of their problems. I want to let them know that they can find their way out of their problems; or, anything that they’re chained up to.

On the album, what track is the most personal and resonates the most with you?

They’re all pretty personal, but I would say a song called “Boxes.” It’s the very reflection of the time period between my last album and this album. So, a lot of things changed. I was in a relationship for quite some time. When I completed the last album, you know, we decided to not move forward in our relationship.  So, at that time a lot of things were going on. With me being an artist, the only way I know how to deal with it is to write about it. That’s what I did; I wrote about it. At that time, that song is summing up everything I was going through.

Do you ever feel like you were creatively ahead of your time and that people are just now catching on to things that you were doing years ago?

Sometimes, if you want to push the culture forward sometimes you have to step out there. I just follow what I feel creatively. There are some things that are going on right now that I’m inspired. There are some things, from my own creative influences and my life experiences, that I just want to put out there. Sometimes, at the time the audience may not know how to grasp it at first. That’s fine, but as an artist you have to believe in what you do and remain steadfast in what you believe.  Hopefully, people will catch up to you.

In recent years, the West Coast has again demanded the spotlight; what are your thoughts on that? Why do you believe there’s a divide between Northern and Southern Cali lyricists?

I think it’s great. It brings to mind, TDE. More specifically, it brings to mind Kendrick Lamar, who I think is a phenomenal artist. When I first heard him back in 2011 I was a huge fan. I went to one of his early shows in New York when Section .80 just came out. It was before Aftermath and all that stuff. There was a buzz. I remember going to the show. I was in awe of the whole thing. Me and my boy stood in line and went and enjoyed the show. It made it even more special that it was somebody from the West Coast out in New York City having his own show. For me, It was inspiring.

Then I got more in tune with a bunch of other cats like Dom Kennedy and YG – I’m specifically talking about Southern California right now – they’re part of the new school that’s coming up. It’s dope. That’s a great thing; that momentum and energy is solidified – it’s not going anywhere. Kendrick has had his mainstream success. Other cats like Dom Kennedy have had huge independent success, and there’s everything in between. It’s great; that opens the door for all of the West Coast.

At the same time, being from the Bay Area is a lot different from Southern California. California is so geographically large – it’s probably two-thirds as large as the East Coast. On the East Coast, you can drive for six hours and go through five different states. Recently, I was on tour and did a bunch of shows and I drove for three hours and I went through like four different states…Whereas, with California, you can drive for six hours and you’re still in California. We’re very much related, but culturally there is a significant difference. Los Angeles has an entertainment industry. There they make movies and they have major record companies. In the Bay Area we have Silicon Valley. As far as the entertainment and music industry it’s not as large. So we have more of an independent attitude that was developed early on.

Our attitude and our approach towards our music may be a little bit different. I think we may be a little bit more diverse than L.A. In that sense, we’re a more like New York. Whereas New York is diverse, California is even more diverse and in a lot of way it’s more liberal. It’s a different dynamic; so, you’re going to get a different aspect when you’re talking the Bay Area or Southern California.

Have you worked with E-40 or Nipsey Hussle?

Back in the past, I may have done something with E-40. I know E-40 well. I think he’s a giant and one of the smartest artists in the game. In his own right he’s a genius. To be around this long and to be relevant is incredible. He is self-made; it was just incredible to watch him. I’ve seen it; to have that proximity and watch [his success] has been incredible. For him to still be doing it on that level is inspiring. Nipsey is another guy who was major and shows that you can do it on the indie route. He’s paving the way for independent artists. I think it’s awesome.

Until the next time we’re able to converse, is there anything else you’d like to share with AllHipHop?

If you want to hear some sincere music, take out some time and listen to my new album, Lofty Goals.