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This Or That: Steve Aoki

Concert goers at a Steve Aoki show should be prepared to rock out to explosive EDM tracks, experience electrifying pyrotechnics, and possibly have the performer launch cake at their faces. The Dim Mak Records founder’s dessert throwing routine is now a signature part of his live performances, and Aoki fans have come to look forward to the chance of leaving the event with their clothes covered in icing.

Of course Aoki is not just known for caking his audiences. The 36-year-old California-bred producer is recognized as one of the top grossing DJs on the planet as well. In fact, Forbes named Aoki the world’s 5th highest paid disc jockey in 2014.

Besides spinning records at hot spots from Nevada to New Zealand, Aoki has also released the Grammy-nominated album Wonderland and his most recent LP Neon Future I which features appearances by Waka Flocka Flame, Machine Gun Kelly, and Kid Ink. A new 6-track club edition of New Future I is now available.

In a recent interview with AllHipHop.com, Steve Aoki was asked to participate in the feature series “This Or That.” The science fiction, comic book, and Bruce Lee fanatic had to make tough choices between sci-fi masterworks The Matrix and The Terminator, West Coast Hip Hop classics The Chronic and Eazy-Duz-It, and more.

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Steve Aoki Explores How Bright The Future Will Be With Sophomore Album]

As a DJ, I’m sure you keep your ear to the music scene. Are there any new artists you see on the rise that could make a big impact in the near future?

As far as DJs go, I would say keep an eye out for Botnek. These guys are more of the DJ’s DJ right now. All the DJs play their music. The music works really well. They’re on Dim Mak, and I’m really backing them, and I’m trying to get them to start writing with other people.

There’s Keys N Krates out of Canada who are doing this live Trap. It’s a three-piece live show. It’s awesome. It’s really great Trap music. And there’s Autoerotique with huge club bangers. Those are the ones in the DJ world.

Are there any artists that you haven’t worked with yet that you would like to?

Yeah, there’s a lot. It’s really hard to say. I don’t like saying it, because I feel like I’m jinxing it. There are some really interesting collaborations that’s going to be coming out that might be post-Neon Future II.  I really try to think of artists that don’t or haven’t worked in the dance space, because then you can try and create something brand new.

I remember when me and Kendrick Lamar were on tour together. I went to his studio bus, and we were just jamming out, vibing to certain tracks. That moment of finding something that both were able to vibe out to at the same time – there was a moment of clarity that started rising that you don’t necessarily feel when you work with someone that you  automatically know what they’re gonna like.

If you weren’t in the music business, what profession do you think you would have pursued?

To follow the Neon Future, I would probably be in science in some form or fashion. Or at least raising money toward it. That’s one thing science needs – awareness and funding, so that we can actually better our lives for the future.

This or That: digital or vinyl?

Out of convenience, I’ll say digital.

The Matrix or The Terminator?

The Matrix

Star Trek or Star Trek: The Next Generation?

The Next Generation

Marvel or DC?

I’d have to go with Marvel.

George Orwell’s 1984 or Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World?

It’s been a while since I read both – Huxley.

Dr. Dre’s The Chronic or Eazy-E’s Eazy-Duz-It?

Eazy-E 100%. Eazy is my number one favorite from day one. He’s my favorite rapper of all time.

Better Daft Punk album: Homework or Random Access Memories?

Homework

Wilder party locale: Vegas or Ibiza?

Ibiza

Better Bruce Lee movie: Fist Of Fury or Enter The Dragon?

Enter The Dragon – classic.

Prefered cake flavor: Angel Food or Devil’s Food?

Angel Food

[ALSO READ: This Or That: Curren$y]

Steve-Aoki2

Purchase Steve Aoki’s Neon Future I at iTunes. Purchase Neon Future I – Club Edition at Beatport.com.

Follow Steve Aoki on Twitter @SteveAoki and Instagram @SteveAoki.

Whoopi Goldberg Suggests Nicki Minaj May Not Have Known About The History Of Nazism

(AllHipHop News) The controversy over Nicki Minaj’s lyric video for “Only” was a major topic on a lot of morning talk shows yesterday. The View was one of the programs that did a segment on the story, and the hosts’ discussion about the perceived Nazism in Nicki’s clip centered largely around whether the Young Money rapper was even aware of the history of the images used for the video.

[ALSO READ: Nicki Minaj Catching Heat For Glorifying Nazi Imagery In “Only” Lyric Video]

“We don’t teach a lot of history anymore,” said moderator Whoopi Goldberg. “We don’t teach the history of the world. We don’t teach the history of World War II. We don’t explain what went on.”

After fellow host Rosie Perez pointed out that Nicki attended the high-performing LaGuardia High School in New York City and guest host Naya Rivera added that everyone should know the Nazi regime is viewed negatively, Goldberg responded, “People don’t know. That’s the thing.”

Rivera then asked, “Nicki Minaj doesn’t know about the Holocaust?”

“I don’t think she did,” Goldberg said. The Oscar-winning actress also put part of the blame on the lack of understanding about issues like Nazism on the education system.

Whether Nicki was actually aware that her lyric video may be seen as offensive has not been settled, but Jeff Osborne, the director of the video, has stated publicly he used Nazism as part of his inspiration for the animated visuals in “Only.” He also refused to apologize for the content.

[ALSO READ: “Only” Director Admits To Using Nazi Themes For Lyric Video]

Watch The View‘s segment on Nicki Minaj’s “Only” lyric video below.

Troy Ave: I'm The First Out Of Brooklyn Talking Heavy Drug Talk In My Raps

(AllHipHop News) Troy Ave’s proclamation on Twitter that he was the first Brooklyn-based rapper to use heavy drug talk in his raps was met with instant questioning from other users. The critics were mainly asking if the BSB member overlooked the content of BK emcees like Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G, Maino, and others.

[ALSO READ: Troy Ave Addresses “Beef” With ILoveMankonnen; Questions How A Hairdresser Raps About Selling Drugs]

Instead of backing off his claim, Troy doubled down with further tweets and a posting on Instagram. He then began calling out “Internet n****z” that took issue with what he said. The New York City: The Album creator ended his Twitter exchange by highlighting that he managed to find success during an era when street rap was not the main trend in Hip Hop culture.

[ALSO READ: Troy Ave – “Tuesday (Remix)”]

Read Troy Ave’s social media posts below.

BEEN TALKIN THAT DOPE BOY $HiT out the Gate! My story been consistent …. Others touch on it and mix it up with street s### like, robberies, killings, clubs, struggle life …. But the only 1 talking bout whole birds, “Heavy” from NYC and I mean HEAVY detailed descriptions not 28grams or 62’s or 8 balls the only 1 talkin whole joints was yours truly! Since day 1 my story been the same …. The Real Ones snow the difference the ones who can’t relate will debate! MAN U KNOW WHAT like @scstunna said “F## what a fake n****a say, it’s bout what a real n***a say”

BEEN TALKIN THAT DOPE BOY $HiT out the Gate! My story been consistent …. Others touch on it and mix it up with street s### like, robberies, killings, clubs, struggle life …. But the only 1 talking bout whole birds, "Heavy" from NYC and I mean HEAVY detailed descriptions not 28grams or 62's or 8 balls the only 1 talkin whole joints was yours truly! Since day 1 my story been the same …. The Real Ones snow the difference the ones who can't relate will debate! MAN U KNOW WHAT like @scstunna said "F## what a fake n#### say, it's bout what a real n#### say"

A photo posted by Troy Ave (@troyave) on

Kendrick Lamar Explains Why He Is Not Interested In Battling With Drake

(AllHipHop News) Ever since the Kendrick Lamar verse on Big Sean’s “Control” hit the net, Hip Hop bloggers, journalists, and fans have been dissecting lines from K. Dot and Drake to see if the two platinum selling rappers are taking slight shots at the other. Kendrick’s recent bars on Jay Rock’s “Pay For It” even had ringside observers claiming he was aiming at Drizzy.

[ALSO READ: Jay Rock Ft. Kendrick Lamar & Chantal – “Pay For It”]

Kendrick spoke with DJ Whoo Kid for The Whoolywood Shuffle, and the California native dismissed the idea that “Pay For It” was directed at Drake. He even explains why a lyrical battle between the two superstars is not worth happening on his end.

“We come from two different worlds, two different backgrounds. I don’t really see that playing out,” said Kendrick. “It’s entertaining maybe to the people listening, but not for myself.”

After first stating that he had an issue with “Control” being released around the time he was promoting the Nothing Was the Same album, Drake later seemed to make it clear he was moving beyond whatever issues they may have had over the record. He spoke highly of his “Poetic Justice” collaborator at the OVO Fest this summer.

“That’s one of the hardest n***as alive right there,” said the Young Money artist about K. Dot. “He’s legendary, so shout out to him.”

[ALSO READ: Kendrick Lamar Praises Lil Wayne As A Hip Hop Legend + Impersonates Him (VIDEO)]

Watch Kendrick Lamar’s interview below,

Nas Admits His Brother Gave Him Lines For "One Mic" (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) The speculation surrounding whether Nas has ever needed helped writing lyrics has been swirling through Hip Hop circles for years. Journalist Dream Hampton’s assertion that the Queens legend used fellow emcees Jay Electronica and stic.man to pen parts of his Untitled album was hit with backlash from the culture. Nas even addressed those rumors on his latest single “The Season.”

[ALSO READ: Nas Addresses Rumors He Has Used Ghostwriters On New Track “The Season”]

On the track Nas also spit “Jungle the only brother I take s**t from.” He went into further detail on how his younger brother helped him write one of the biggest records of his career at a recent concert. During his show at the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas, Nas told the crowd that Jungle offered an assist on his classic Stillmatic track “One Mic.”

Nas said:

Year after Year. Another album after another album. Record company bulls**t. Life. So I couldn’t write. I listened to what he said, and he gave me the first four lines and then I took it from there. My brother said this – he’s not a rapper, “All I need is one mic…”

[ALSO READ: 10 Reasons Why Nas Is Better Than Jay Z AND Vice Versa]

Watch Nas’s FFF speech and the video for “One Mic” below.

Ghostface Killah’s "36 Seasons" To Be Released On Early Vinyl & Bundle Packages

(AllHipHop News) Thanks to the Get On Down record label, Ghostface Killah fans will have the opportunity to purchase his new album 36 Seasons on vinyl before other outlets make it available in 2015. The online boutique is also offering exclusive bundle packages of the project.

[ALSO READ: Listen To Snippets Of Wu-Tang Clan’s “A Better Tomorrow” From NYC Listening Session (VIDEO)]

The following 36 Seasons items are available for purchase on Get On Down:

-Vinyl LP- includes an 11.75” X 11.75” 24 page “graphic novel”  booklet, curated by the team that created 2013’s 12 Reasons To Die graphic novel mini-series;

-CD, including vocal album and instrumentals, a 24-page “graphic novel”  booklet, plus an exclusive 11”x17” poster;

-Exclusive 36 Seasons T-shirt;

-A bundle containing the LP, CD, T-shirt, and poster

Ghostface’s latest album is the follow-up to 2013’s 12 Reasons To Die. The new 14-track set includes appearances by Kool G Rap, Pharoahe Monch, AZ, and more. The Wu-Tang Clan member recently dropped the song “Love Don’t Live Here No More” featuring rising vocalist Kandace Springs.

36 Seasons is scheduled for release on December 9 (Salvation Music/Tommy Boy Records). The bundle packages can be ordered now at GetOnDown.com.

Check out the cover art/tracklist for Ghostface Killah’s 36 Seasons, images from the bundle packages, and the single “Love Don’t Live Here No More” below.

[ALSO READ: Three Questions With Kandace Springs]

 

 

 

36 Seasons

 

1 The Battlefield [ft. GFK, Kool G Rap, AZ, Tre Williams]
2 Love Don’t Live Here No More [ft. Kandace Springs]
3 Here I Go Again [ft. GFK, AZ, Rell]
4 Loyalty [ft. Kool G Rap, Nems]
5 It’s a Thin Line Between Love and Hate [ft. The Revelations]
6 The Dog’s of War [ft. GFK, Shawn Wigs, Kool G Rap]
7 Emergency Procedure [ft. GFK, Pharoahe Monch]
8 Double Cross [ft. GFK, AZ]
9 Bamboo’s Lament [ft. Kandace Springs]
10 Pieces of the Puzzle  [ft. GFK, AZ]
11 Homicide [ft. GFK, Nems, Shawn Wigs]
12 Blood in the Streets [ft. GFK, AZ]
13 Call My Name [ft. GFK]
14 I Love You For All Seasons [ft. The Revelations]

Kim Kardashian Gets Naked, And Criticized

Kim kardashian Paper magazine

Kim Kardashian attempts to “break the internet” with a new Photoshoot for Paper magazine, where she shows her naked bottom.

The reality celeb and wife of Kanye West got it poppin’ for the winter issue of the magazine. The 34-year-old definitely garnered the attention of the internet as she immediately began trending.

Not everybody was a fan of the bottom-bearing move.

Naya Rivera, who dated Big Sean – Kanye’s associate – had some harsh words for Kim and her cakes.

“I normally don’t. But…you’re someone’s mother…,” the Glee star apparently stated. She has not denied making the comment yet.

Nevertheless, Kim made light of everything regarding the shoot. In a second image, she joked, “And they say I didn’t have a talent…try balancing a champagne glass on your ass LOL #BreakTheInternet.”
Kim Kardashian, Paper Magazine

The images were taken by Jean-Paul Goude for Paper Magazine.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Nicki Minaj's Ex Plans To Start New Career

Nicki kicked his ass to the curb, now Safaree has got to find a new legitimate source of income.

His decision: modeling.

A source told HipHollywood that the former hype man to Minaj is looking to venture in to some modeling gigs, although he was advised otherwise.

““People are always asking me for modeling advice,” the former America’s Next Top model contestant explained. “You know, Safaree, Nicki Minaj’s ex? He came to me for some advice on modeling, but I mean, he’s just not a model. Like, I told him being honest, ‘Dude, you’re not a model.'”

SMH. No one is gonna let him forget who he once was…exactly what was he again? #StillConfused.

 

Roscoe Of The Dog Pound Talks About New Album

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AllHipHops DJHustle sat down with Scoe of the Dpg. Scoe has two new singles called Dey Ain’t Ready Featuring Xzbit and “She Don’t Love You” Featuring R&B crooners Kobe and K-Young. Both songs will be featured on upcoming album Tha Influence releasing November 11th via Kalifornia Dreamin.

PREMIERE: Jimmy Cozier Ft. Shaggy – "Choose Me"

Brooklyn native Jimmy Cozier is back and has dived deep into the ocean of his caribbean heritage with a new reggae/pop single titled “Choose Me” featuring reggae icon Shaggy. Cozier’s new album “R&B (Reggae&Blues)” on the runway for release early 2015.

Ferrari Ferrell Talks About "Loop God"

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Allhiphop.com recently sat down with rapper Ferrari Ferrell to talk to him about his new mixtape “Loop God”. During the conversation Ferrari Ferrell talked about working with Young Thug and Young Scooter on his tape. As well as the importance of networking.

“I’m about networking. I’m the network king. It’s all about relationships. Without a network you’re not going to get too far”

Furthermore Ferrari went on to talk about his transition from his hometown of New York to Atlanta and his relationship with Atlanta rapper Rocko and the mentorship that he received from him.

“Rocko is a businessman. I learned a lot from him about how to handle business in the industry.”

Interview by B High (@bhighatl)

Eminem Ft. Royce Da 5'9, Big Sean, Dej Loaf, Danny Brown & Trick Trick – "Detroit Vs Everybody" (p###. by Statik Selektah)

Eminem enlists fellow Detroit emcees Trick Trick, Royce Da 5’9″, Danny Brown, Big Sean and Dej Loaf for the Statik Selektah produced banger “Detroit VS Everybody”. This will appear on the upcoming SHADY XV album, which officially drops on November 24 and currently available for pre-order on iTunes.

Ghostface Killah Ft. Kandace Springs – "Love Don’t Live Here No More"

Today Ghostface Killah announces a new solo project “36 Seasons”, set to release December 9th. Check out the first single “Love Don’t Live Here No More” featuring singer Kandace Springs. Pre-order “36 Seasons” now on iTunes.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Kim Kardashian Crops Who Out Of Picture?

A few nights ago French Montana celebrated his 30th birthday in style, quite a few celebrity friends showed up, including Tyga and Kim Kardashian.

Once the pics started popping up of the party all over the web, one in particular didn’t look right, someone was missing.

Kimmy posted this picture via Instagram after the party:

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Another version of the picture popped up, and it clearly features Kylie’s boo  Tyga:

Screen Shot 2014-11-11 at 2.41.41 PM

 

Hmmmm maybe everyone couldn’t fit into the frame on Kim’s phone OR big sister doesn’t approve of he and little sister’s relationship, considering that she and Blac Chyna are good friends…

 

"Only" Director Admits To Using Nazi Themes For Lyric Video

Nicki Minaj caused a bit of an uproar after she released the animated lyric video for her single “Only,” which has visuals that resemble Nazi imagery. The Queens rapstress has since issued an apology via Twitter saying she “would never condone Nazism” in her art. Now, the director of the video, Jeff Osborne, has confirmed in a statement to Myspace that the video was influenced by Nazism.  His statement reads:

“Before I start, be clear that these are my personal views and not the views of Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, or Young Money.

First, I’m not apologizing for my work, nor will I dodge the immediate question. The flags, armbands, and gas mask (and perhaps my use of symmetry?) are all representative of Nazism.

But a majority of the recognizable models/symbols are American: MQ9 Reaper Drone, F22 Raptor, Sidewinder missile, security cameras, M60, SWAT uniform, General’s uniform, the Supreme court, and the Lincoln Memorial. What’s also American is the 1st Amendment, which I’ve unexpectedly succeeded in showing how we willfully squeeze ourselves out of that right every day.

Despite the fact heavy religious and economic themes were glossed over, there’s also Russian T-90 tanks, Belgian FN FAL, German mp5 (not manufactured until 1966), an Italian Ferrari, and a Vatican Pope.

As far as an explanation, I think its actually important to remind younger generations of atrocities that occurred in the past as a way to prevent them from happening in the future.  And the most effective way of connecting with people today is through social media and pop culture. So if my work is misinterpreted because it’s not a sappy tearjerker, sorry I’m not sorry. What else is trending?”

Hip-Hop Rumors: Soulja Boy Ditches Nia Riley For Superhead

We all watched last night (ok maybe not all of us watched) when Soulja Boy decided to change up the plans and wait to move in with girlfriend Nia Riley because of his upcoming tour…sounded like a bunch of bs right?

Well the couple has decided to call it quits and yesterday Soulja Boy’s former…flame Karrine ‘Superhead’ Steffans decided it was the perfect time to post a pic of she and her former friend, headed out for burgers…riiigggghhhhhtttt.

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Of  course people started to assume that Steffans is the reason behind Soulja and Riley’s breakup, but adamantly denies those accusations and took to Instagram once again to clear her name of any wrongdoing.

https://instagram.com/p/vPdW7zhoLt

 

Mary J. Blige Set To Perform On "A Very Grammy Christmas"

Photo by Prince Williams/Film Magic

Nine-time GRAMMY® winner Mary J. Blige is the latest performer announced for “A Very GRAMMY Christmas,” and two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J will host the new one-hour entertainment special, which will include performances of holiday songs and current pop hits, as well as artists sharing their favorite holiday and GRAMMY memories. Previously announced performers include singer/songwriter Ariana Grande, three-time GRAMMY-winning group Maroon 5, three-time GRAMMY winner Tim McGraw, and seven-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams. “A Very GRAMMY Christmas” will air on Friday, Dec. 5, 9 – 10 p.m. ET/PT, and will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network. The ratings for the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards, garnered more than 30 million viewers — the second-largest audience for the awards broadcast since 1993, and The Recording Academy seeks to have record numbers again.

In addition to performances, the nominations in the Album Of The Year category for the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards® will be announced during the broadcast of “A Very GRAMMY Christmas.” All other nominations (82 of 83 categories) will be revealed the morning of Dec. 5.

John Legend Responds To Piers Morgan Call To "Eradicate The N-Word"

Former CNN host and journalist Piers Morgan has created a firestorm of controversy after posting a column for the Daily Mail titled If Black Americans Want The N-Word To Die, They Will Have To Kill It Themselves” in which he advises that in order to combat racism, African Americans must first eradicate the “N-Word” from their own vocabulary.

Responses have varied from admiration to outrage, resulting in a larger debate about whether simply removing the word will remove the mindset that created it. Given America’s unique history with race, many have called into question whether Piers, who is an English native, truly understands the magnitude of the issue itself.

Standing by his thoughts on the matter, Piers took to his Twitter account to defend his viewpoint asserting that “I don’t recall Martin Luther King Jr. ever using the N-Word.”

Artist John Legend chimed in by addressing Piers directly and adding “If only this entire race of hundreds of millions of diverse people would agree on a vocabulary change, people would treat them better.”

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A$AP Mob: "We Made It Cool To Be Different"

Now that A$AP Rocky has released the new single, “Multiply,” fans are eager to know what he and his A$AP Mob comrades have coming next. Higsnobiety caught up with the Harlem collective to tap into their state of minds before a performance in Germany.

During their sit down, the 20-somethings expressed how they have affected the culture since their emergence.

“We made it cool to be different so it’s amazing to see these young kids,” A$AP Nast said about the mob’s influence on hip-hop.

A$AP Rocky gave a timeline of what albums to expect in the near future and it sounds like we will see and hear a lot from A$AP Ferg.

“We got Ferg coming out with his mixtape project. Right after him it’s my sophomore [album]. Right after that [it’s] the mob tape and hopefully another Ferg album.”

 

Watch below as they discuss Europeans respecting hip-hop culture more than Americans, the sound of hip-hop today, what they have been listening to and how they maintain their style.

Media Hour/Luncheon With Mr. Maurice Hennessy

VenueShot

AllHipHops DJ Hustle talked with Hennessy Global Ambassador Mr. Maurice Hennessy , 8th generation descendant of the Hennessy family. The event was hosted at the lavish Hercules Estate in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. The first was a private tasting and luncheon in the early afternoon, followed by an intimate tasting and dinner that evening.

Hennessy Prestige Range tasting including Hennessy XO, Hennessy Paradis Impérial, and Richard Hennessy with Mr. Maurice Hennessy.  Throughout the tasting, Maurice spoke proudly about the brand, its refined marques and the history of the almost 250-year old spirit. Delectable meals followed the tastings which were prepared by renowned celebrity chef Gary Arabia who crafted each entree to complement the rich selection of cognacs. Mr. Maurice Hennessy says what’s in store, there will be Hennessy stores coming soon.

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