Graph performs at the Dipset Reunion tour at BB King’s in NYC. Check it out as Graph performs and mingles with everyone back stage at the concert, then walks around the city.
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Boogie Dash Talks Starting His Own Businesses & Dame Dash's "Boss" Comments (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) During his now infamous interview with The Breakfast Club, Dame Dash was very passionate about instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in his children. Dame’s son Boogie Dash conducted his own interview with the Power 105 crew. Boogie and business partner Luke Pascal spoke about getting their start as entrepreneurs.
[ALSO READ: Dame Dash Clashes With DJ Envy & Charlamagne Tha God Live On Air (VIDEO)]
“My dad came in and said, ‘All you’re doing is making music. You’re not making no money. Throw a party,'” said Boogie.
He and Pascal then started throwing free parties before building enough buzz to charge for events at locales owned by Dame. The two then-teenagers eventually started several businesses including Chipz Cookies and the Buns restaurant, but they both admitted their family connections were beneficial.
“We got it easy because our fathers paved the way for us, but we met a bunch of kids that were hustling just like us,” Boogie stated.
Pascal added, “I was lucky. I had an opportunity to work for my dad, but that’s what made me [start my own business]. I don’t want to work for someone, ever.”
Boogie told the show’s hosts their own employees were inspired by Dame’s message of striving to be your own boss. Pascal also pointed out that Dame was instrumental in the early successes of Jay Z, Kanye West, and Rachel Roy.
[ALSO READ: Dame Dash Responds To Criticism For The Breakfast Club Interview & Charlamagne’s Comments (VIDEO)]
Watch Boogie Dash and Luke Pascal’s interview below.
Boosie Badazz – "Black Rain"
Boosie Badazz returns with his new single “Black Rain”. Boosie’s new album “Touchdown 2 Cause Hell” coming soon.
Slim Thug Details How A Relationship Gone Bad Ruined His Credit
(AllHipHop News) Ten years ago Houston’s Slim Thug was featured on a #1 single with Beyoncé, and his own album Already Platinum was certified gold. In present day, Thug is in the process of fixing his credit rating. The “I Ain’t Heard of That” performer explained how his financial difficulties partially began in an article for the New York Times.
[ALSO READ: Lil Keke Hosts “Money Don’t Sleep” Listening Event With Bun B, Kirko Bangz, Slim Thug, & More (PHOTOS)]
A few years ago, Thug decided to put his five-bedroom house on the market in order to purchase another home. He planned to take advantage of the short-sale assistance program offered by the Obama Administration.
Thug connected with a real estate agent and from there the situation flipped into something unintended. His relationship with his agent went from business to pleasure.
“The result was hurt feelings, mixed emotions and resentment, and once feelings are involved, business takes a back seat,” said Thug. “After the end of our personal relationship, the deadline expired for taking advantage of the short-sale program. I ended up in foreclosure. So not only did I lose out on money from a potential sale, but I ruined my credit as well.”
The rapper went on to add he suspects he lost around $200,000 directly and indirectly as a result of the failed relationship.
“This is one of the many mistakes that led me to talking more about money as part of my work,” Thug stated. “It’s 2015, and my credit still isn’t the same. Neither is my net worth, but the lesson I learned is certainly priceless.”
[ALSO READ: Slim Thug – “The Top”]
Dr. Dre and Suge Knight beef
The truth behind the Dr.Dre and Suge Knight beef!
Does Rick Ross Have A New Girlfriend?
Photo via Rick Ross’ Instagram
We aren’t quite sure, but it seems like Ricky Rozay may have a new girlfriend. Dang he was just with Ming Lee about a week ago. He posted a picture of Lira Mercer on his Instagram with the caption “Look back, like the $ don’t stop – @lira_galore #MMG”. Wait didn’t she used to mess with Drake? These rappers sure do move on fast.
"Empire" Creator Explains How Diddy & Kanye West Helped Inspire The Show
(AllHipHop News) There has been talk that everyone from Jay Z to Sean “Puffy” Combs’ family to celebrity couple Iman Shumpert/Teyana Taylor have served as inspiration for the hit show Empire. The series co-creator, Danny Strong, revealed the real life experiences of Puff did play a role in the foundation of what would become Empire.
[ALSO READ: Watch the Throne: A Who’s Who on “Empire”]
“I was in my car in L.A., and I was driving around, and I heard a news story about Puffy, and I just thought, ‘Hip Hop is so cool. That’s what I should do next, something in Hip Hop.'” said Strong in an interview with KCRW. “I immediately thought of King Lear and The Lion in Winter. That’s how I work. I go to classical archetypes.”
Strong revealed Kanye West’s public persona also spurred him in the creation Empire. He studied the “All Day” rapper before he began writing dialogue for the program.
“To procrastinate and for inspiration, I started watching Kanye West interviews,” Strong stated. “After 45 minutes, I said, ‘Alright, I’m good. I know how to do this.’”
[ALSO READ: Empire Distribution Responds To Fox Network’s Lawsuit Over “Empire” Show]
Here Are The 15 Most Critically Acclaimed Rappers From The 2010's
A few Hip Hop prognosticators have contended the culture is entering a second “Golden Era” thanks to exceptional musical efforts by this generation’s artists. Whether the current times are on pace to earn that title is still up for debate, but it is clear a new crop of rap stars are churning out projects that have received widespread acclaim.
But which of the 2010’s rappers have earned the most kudos from music critics? AllHipHop.com checked out the Metacritic Scores (MS) for the artists that established their brand with the general public this decade and created a list of the 15 performers with the highest ratings.
Metacritic.com’s weighted averages are calculated using reviews from leading print and online publications. Some music releases are not given an MS due to the limited number of reviews written for that particular project, so that accounts for why certain acts and releases are omitted from the site.
Also, only artists that have at least 2 projects with an MS were included on this list. Apologies go out to the high scoring 2010’s rappers with only one entry on Metacritic at the moment: Chance The Rapper (86), Skyzoo (85), YG (80), Isaiah Rashad (82), Vince Staples (80), Stalley (79), Le1f (78), Hopsin (77), The Underachievers (76), Macklemore (74), Pac D## (74), Jay Rock (73), Logic (72), and A$AP Ferg (72).
As for the rest of the “Twenty-Tens” emcees, here is the lineup of their most lauded representatives.
[ALSO READ: These Are The 12 Best Reviewed Hip Hop Albums Of 2014]
Kendrick Lamar
MS Average: 89
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 3
Highest Score: To Pimp A Butterfly (96)
Lowest Score: Section.80 (80)
It’s quite obvious the people paid to critique music love the efforts of TDE’s Kendrick Lamar. All of K. Dot’s releases have received an MS of 80 or higher, but the Black Hippy member’s current master work, To Pimp A Butterfly, has tallied an astronomical MS of 96/100.
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Big K.R.I.T.
MS Average: 81
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 3
Highest Score: Cadillactica (88)
Lowest Score: 4eva N A Day (78)
The Mississippi bred rapper/producer essentially crowned himself the new “King of the South” on his 2014 album Cadillactica. The critics seem to agree. The Def Jam artist’s three rated projects each received near universal acclaim.
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Earl Sweatshirt
MS Average: 81
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 2
Highest Score: Doris (82)
Lowest Score: I Don’t Like Sh*t: I Don’t Go Outside (80)
In some ways Earl is like the Raekwon of his Odd Future crew. He’s not the most recognizable face to the mainstream, but he consistently puts out top rated material. His I Don’t Like Sh*t hit stores this week, and so far the pundits have positive reactions.
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Azealia Banks
MS Average: 80
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 2
Highest Score: 1991 (84)
Lowest Score: Broke With Expensive Taste (77)
For many music fans, Banks is more well known for commenting about her rivals, race, and religion. But the critics seem to put that Twitter beefing to the side and appreciate the Harlem performer for her musical output.
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A$AP Rocky
MS Average: 79
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 2
Highest Score: Live.Love.A$AP (83)
Lowest Score: Long.Live.A$AP (75)
The A$AP Mob frontman has been vilified by some NYC rap purists for embracing an aesthetic reminiscent of tunes from the Dirty South. But the Harlemite’s mixture of a Houston-like “chopped and screwed” sound and hedonistic lyrics found favor with the critics.
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Danny Brown
MS Average: 79
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 3
Highest Score: Old (83)
Lowest Score: Black and Brown! (71)
Danny did not release his first album until he was rounding 30, so he had a larger well of life experiences than most rookies. By the time he released his third LP Old, critics mostly agreed the Detroit rhymer had discovered the right formula for creating long-lasting music.
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Fashawn
MS Average: 78
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 2
Highest Score: The Ecology (84)
Lowest Score: This Generation (73)
It took Fashawn six years to follow up his debut solo album Boy Meets World, but Fresno’s finest did not miss a beat when he returned in February with The Ecology. The project received high praise as reviewers applauded Fash for combining an underground appeal with commercial potential.
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Schoolboy Q
MS Average: 78
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 2
Highest Score: Oxymoron (78)
Lowest Score: Habits & Contradictions (78)
Black Hippy is considered the most talented crew in the game by many Hip Hop followers. That description is due in part to Q’s “Druggys With Hoes” approach to making music. Critics appear to treasure the Cali native’s mastery of providing street tales peppered with the party life.
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Angel Haze
MS Average: 77
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 2
Highest Score: Reservation (88)
Lowest Score: Dirty Gold (66)
Not familiar with Angel Haze? You may want to get acquainted with the Detroit/Brooklyn femcee. Her debut studio album Dirty Gold was not as critically acclaimed as her Reservation mixtape, but Haze is looking to right the ship with The Flowers Are Blooming Now later this year.
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Curren$y
MS Average: 77
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 5
Highest Score: Covert Coup (80)
Lowest Score: The Stoned Immaculate (73)
Curren$y has been around since the early 2000’s, but the new era Khan of Cannabis Rap did not officially break out on his own until around the turn of the decade. His discography includes more than two dozen projects since 2010, and professional critics have clearly appreciated his L-loving LPs.
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Drake
MS Average: 77
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 6
Highest Score: So Far Gone (81)
Lowest Score: Thank Me Later (75)
Since grabbing national attention with his So Far Gone mixtape, Drake has been this generation’s commercial rap champion. While the OVO leader routinely cracks the million sales mark, he has also earned the respect of the critics. His 2015 “album” If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late followed suit.
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Freddie Gibbs
MS Average: 77
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 3
Highest Score: Piñata (82)
Lowest Score: ESGN: Evil Seeds Grown Naturally (73)
Gangsta Gibbs dropped one of the best reviewed rap albums of 2014 when he teamed up with producer Madlib for Piñata. The collaborative effort was trumpeted as a masterpiece, but it was only the most recent evidence to prove the Indiana emcee is creating on a high level.
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Ab-Soul
MS Average: 76
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 2
Highest Score: Control System (83)
Lowest Score: These Days… (70)
Ab-Soul is the third Black Hippy to appear on this list. Often referred to as the “genius” of the collective, Soulo can lay claim to that distinction thanks to his profoundly cerebral work. The level of depth presented on his projects is a positive selling point for many music writers.
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Kevin Gates
MS Average: 76
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 2
Highest Score: By Any Means (77)
Lowest Score: Stranger Than Fiction (75)
Some Hip Hop enthusiasts may be surprised that the guy made famous mostly for his outlandish statements (e.g., announcing he had sex with his cousin) is a critical darling. But yes, it’s true. Gate’s By Any Means mixtape scored favorable reviews, including a positive mark from the New York Times.
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Action Bronson
MS Average: 75
Number Of Projects Reviewed: 4
Highest Score: Well-Done (79)
Lowest Score: Saaab Stories (71)
Queens rhyme spitter Action Bronson closes out the list. With his latest collection Mr. Wonderful arriving this past Monday, the Atlantic Records signee extends his streak of noteworthy projects. Bronson’s major label debut has drawn earnest compliments from the critic crowd.
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Other 2010’s Acts With At Least 2 Metacritic Reviewed Projects:
Future (74)
Lil B (74)
Machine Gun Kelly (73)
Big Sean (71)
J. Cole (71)
Tyler, The Creator (71)
Joey Bada$$ (70)
Wale (70)
Nicki Minaj (67)
Childish Gambino (66)
Waka Flocka Flame (66)
2 Chainz (65)
Mac Miller (65)
Kid Cudi (64)
B.o.B (61)
Kid Ink (60)
Asher Roth (59)
Wiz Khalifa (59)
Tyga (53)
*All Metacritic Scores (MS) and averages listed are the official calculations as of press time. Scores are subject to change as more reviews are published for recent releases.
American Apparel Says No Thots & Instagram H*es?
American Apparel’s new CEO vowed that the brand would be less sexual—something that has gotten American Apparel in a lot of trouble over the years. But if you know American Apparel not much has changed. Apparently an offensive casting call that asks for no “Instagram h*es or Thots” has leaked. The e-mail asserts that American Apparel is only hiring “real models” now. Besides being less sexual, AA allegedly plans to ditch the “authentic” people the brand has previously used in campaigns and turn to models who look more Eastern European or Russian. Hmmm did they go too far?
Aaliyah, The-Dream & Lil' Wayne Appear On T-Pain's 'The Iron Way' Mixtape
T-Pain is gearing up for the release of his new mixtape The Iron Way on Friday, Mar. 27th and has unveiled the tracklisting. The 21-track effort features guest verses and melodies from The-Dream, Bun B, Audio Push, Migos and frequent collaborator Lil’ Wayne. The late Aaliyah even makes an appearance on the project on a track called “Girlfriend.”
“These are vocals people never heard before,” Pain told VIBE about the Aaliyah track. “They were actually doing an Aaliyah album a few years ago. They told me do two songs and I could pick one to keep.”
Peep the tracks below.
1. “Kill These Ni**as”
2. “Disa My Ting” (Feat. Kardinal Offishall & KK Holiday)
3. “Did It Anyway”
4. “Let Your Hair Down” (Feat. The-Dream & Vantrease)
5. “Trust Issues” (Feat. Young Cash & Sean Jay)
6. “Booty Butt Ass”
7. “15”
8. “Sun Goes Down” (Feat. Audio Push)
9. “The King” (Feat. Bun B & Big K.R.I.T.)
10. “HashTag”
11. “Personal Business” (Feat. Vantrease)
12. “Need To Be Smokin”
13. “Relax”
14. “HeartBeat”
15. “Representin” (Feat. Yo Gotti & Snootie Wild)
16. “Girlfriend” (Feat. Aaliyah)
17. “Wait A Minute” (Feat. OG Maco)
18. “Another Level” (Feat. Vantrease)
19. “What You Know” (Feat. K Camp & Migos)
20. “Let Me Thru” (Feat. Lil’ Wayne)
21. “Ever”
Team Fire (Grime-E & Just Schultz) – Shout (P###. By Wilson Beats)
All the way out of Long Island, NY, the hip-hop group Team Fire is storming the industry. Formed in 2006, this rap family is more like a band of brothers. “We are family” says member Just Schultz, 1 of the 10 members who make up this pioneering group.
“Shout” is the first single off the long awaited, self-titled Team Fire mixtape featuring members Grime-E and Just Schultz. S/O Bizkit for passing this one along…
Jermaine Dupri To Give Speech At Georgia Institute Of Technology
Jermaine Dupri has been a mogul in hip-hop for over 20 years and now he is sharing his knowledge with aspiring entrepreneurs. The So So Def CEO is visiting the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Technical University on Mar. 26th to give a lecture to their students, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reports.
The Atlanta native launched So So Def in the early 90’s with acts like Kriss Kross and Da Brat at the forefront. Besides establishing his signature sound as a highly sought producer, he has also penned songs for Usher, Monica and Mariah Carey. He’s also worked with TLC, Jay Z, Ludacris, Nelly and let’s not forget his role in Bow Wow’s career.
Cory Levy, who is the co-founder and chief operating officer of the mobile app ONE, adviser to about.me and founder of Internapalooza,will also be giving a lecture to the students.
ASAP Rocky Talks The Meaning Behind His New Album's Title 'A.L.L.A'
The second coming of A$AP Rocky is approaching and he’s dishing the details on his upcoming project, titled A.L.L.A. In a recent interview, he revealed the meaning behind the title.
“I’m claiming ownership of my legacy,” the Harlemnite told GQ. “Look at it: At.Long.Last.A$AP. A-L-L-A. Like slang for ‘Allah.’ It’s the return of the god MC.”
[ALSO READ: ASAP Rocky Previews A Verse From Upcoming Album ‘A.L.L.A’ (VIDEO)]
The 26-year-old said he drew inspiration for the album title from his government name.
“I’m named after Rakim, and I’m finally facing what it means: I was born to do this s###,” he said. “And I hope I get to do it for a very long time.”
A.L.L.A does not have a set date but Rocky is planning for a summer release. Juicy J and the late A$AP Yams executive produced the album, which Rocky says is done.
USC Responds To Taraji P. Henson's Claims That Her Son Was Racially Profiled
Taraji P. Henson has been vocal about her son being racially profiled while visiting the University of Southern California’s campus and now a school representative is speaking out.
Executive director of USC’s Department of Public Safety John Thomas issued a statement addressing the incident, saying that he would like the matter to be investigated and still meet with the actress and her son.
I was deeply disturbed to read news reports about a prospective student who felt profiled on or near campus because of his race. We encourage reporting of allegations of bias and I hope for the opportunity to have a conversation with the young man and his mother.
I would like to look into this matter further and better understand who was involved and what took place. As someone who personally experienced racial profiling as a teenager, I have a stake in learning more about this incident and doing all I can to reach a just resolution.
It is not clear to me which police departments were involved. Any allegation of bias or unequal treatment by university officers would trigger an investigation that I would supervise along with the university’s Office of Equity and Diversity. It is my expectation and that of the university that our department uphold the highest standards of constitutional policing, affording equal rights and respect to all persons.
In an interview with Uptown Magazine, the Empire star said her 20-year-old son, Marcel, was profiled by police when he visited the campus.
“My child has been racially profiled,” said the D.C native. “He was in Glendale, California and did exactly everything the cops told him to do, including letting them illegally search his car. It was bogus because they didn’t give him the ticket for what he was pulled over for. Then he’s at University of Southern California, the school that I was going to transfer him to, when police stopped him for having his hands in his pockets.”
Because of this issue, Henson says her son will attend Howard University, where she also attended.
“I’m not paying $50,000 so I can’t sleep at night wondering is this the night my son is getting racially profiled on campus.”
'If You're Reading This It's Too Late' To Hit Stores With Extra Tracks
Drake nearly broke the internet when he dropped his surprise mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late last month. Its short notice made no difference, as it gained 6.8 million streams in one day on Spotify and reportedly has sold over 774,000 digital copies so far. Now the digital release will be issued in CD form to retailers Apr. 21st according to HDD.
The almost platinum project will be have two extra tracks, “How’Bout Now” and a new track called “My Side.”
[ALSO READ: Drake’s Entire Album Is On Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart]
Kendrick Lamar’s “Butterfly” To Hit Number 1 Again
Top Dawg Entertainment’s Kendrick Lamar is expected to top the charts again next week with his To Pimp a Butterfly.
Based on one day predictions, the Compton excess will push about 100,000 more copies of the opus that some have already regarded as as classic.
Other rappers that should fare well on the charts included Action Bronson and Odd Future’s Earl Sweatshirt.
Hits Daily Double expects Action Bronson of Atlantic Records is slated to move upwards of 40,000 (40-45k SPS/35-40k albums) with Earl Sweatshirt moving 30,000 35,000, including album streams.
Rampage – "Gimme The Night"
Rampage is back with a new single titled “Gimmie The Night”, sampling George Benson’s #1 hit “Give Me The Night” produced by Felony Muzik. Rampage’s new project “Remington Steele” drops April 1st. Stream below.
New World Reserve Currency
Could the Currency change as U.S allies establishes a new would reserve currency?
Dale Hansen Speaks Out Against Racism!
Dale Eugene Hansen an American sportscaster speaks on racism!
NEW MUSIC: Kurupt Ft. Scoe – "Shuv It"
It’s all Cali everything on “Shuv It,” as brothers Kurupt and Scoe unite for a new track from producer J.Wells forthcoming “Inebriated” album which will drop this summer and will include features from Ray J, Kurupt, Ne-Yo, Big Gipp, Tyrese, Slim Calhoun, Nipsey Hussle and others.