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G.O.O.D Music Signs Chicago Rapper Hollywood Holt

Chicago rapper Hollywood Holt just got some G.O.O.D news. He has been added to Kanye West’s label G.O.O.D Music, according to his Instagram.

I'm excited to announce this morning that I just signed to #GOODmusic and my music is FINALLY coming out!! Be on the look out for new music!!!!! #HOLT2015 #GOODmusic #RT

A video posted by nigel holt (@hxlt2015) on

“I’m excited to announce this morning that I just signed to #GOODmusic and my music is FINALLY coming out!!,” he ecstatically wrote. “Be on the look out for new music!!!!! #HOLT2015#GOODmusic #RT”

The 32-year-old is joining the ranks of Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Pusha T and Teyana Taylor.

Holt, also known as Nigel Holt, jump-started his career in 2008 when he released his single “Throw A Kit,” own rendition of Rich Boy’s “Throw Some D’s.”  His music has been deemed as a mix of electro-pop, party sounds and Chi-town’s juke music. Holt is apart of the Treated Crew, which also houses Kanye’s former DJ Mano, Mic Terror, Gzus Piece and Sulaiman.

Check out some of his music below.

Stream/Download Shawn Chrystopher's "Chrys.WAV" EP

West Coast representative Shawn Chrystopher is back with the 4-track EP Chrys.WAV. The Timbaland protégé embraces a new sound on the wavy cuts. Don DiestrO makes an appearance on “Like 50” and provides production as well.

Download Shawn Chrystopher’s Chrys.WAV at chrysdotwav.com. Stream the EP below.

My Five Firsts: Estelle

It is just 9 weeks into 2015, and British singer-songwriter Estelle is already establishing a significant presence in both the music sphere and the world of television. The 35-year-old London native released her fourth studio album True Romance in February, and she will guest star on the hit series Empire tonight.

Estelle’s cameo on the Fox program includes the Grammy winner performing a duet of her single “Conqueror” with cast member Jussie Smollett (Jamal Lyon). The special version of the song is also part of the upcoming Empire soundtrack, and the original tune can also be found on True Romance.

AllHipHop.com connected with Estelle to recruit the R&B songstress for the “My Five Firsts” series. The platinum performer shares her experience of visiting the U.S. for the first time, initially meeting her “American Boy” collaborator Kanye West, and discovering classic LPs from two of her musical inspirations.

[ALSO READ: Estelle Is Writing A Twisted Love Story For Her “True Romance” Album]

First Time Traveling To America

I was 18 years old and had $2,000 to cover flights, hotel and “spending money” aka footlocker pocket-money. Cue MetroCard, Subway for dinner and just exploring New York. Pure Fun!

First Time Performing At A Large Festival

I was 19 performing with a rapper from the U.K. called Blak Twang. I was featured on his performance. We had a ball. The crowd knew the song. They cheered, they loved.

First Time Meeting Kanye West

I was 22. I had started my own label. I was signed to myself and working on a deal with a major label – V2 records. He was eating, I was getting takeout. He came outside, and I asked him if he could introduce me to John Legend whose voice I had heard on mixtapes… He said sure and the rest is history.

First Time Hearing Mary J. Blige’s My Life and Erykah Badu’s Baduizm

I was about 13 or 14. I saw the video for “You Remind Me” first. I remember thinking, “Who is this blonde black lady? Why is she on the bed?” Then I saw the “Real Love” video, and I had a conniption of “OMG, OMG.”  I gotta learn the dance routine now which my cousins and I all did.

Baduizm – I just fell in love with Erykah’s voice and audacity. She was bent on talking about the right way to be without forgetting that she was from the hood too, so I could relate. Also, she had real live bass on her songs. The music seemed to move.

First Time Experiencing True Romance

Haven’t yet… I will keep you posted!

[ALSO READ: My Five Firsts: Luke James]

Estelle + Jussie Smollett On "Empire"
Estelle + Jussie Smollett On “Empire”

Purchase Estelle’s True Romance on iTunes.

The Original Soundtrack From Season 1 Of Empire is scheduled for release March 10. Pre-order on iTunes.

Follow Estelle on Twitter @EstelleDarlings and Instagram @estelledarlings.

Listen to the True Romance sampler below.

Dame Dash Talks Jay Z, Kanye West, Jim Jones, Lee Daniels & More (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) Damon Dash stopped by Sway In The Morning to talk about numerous topics connected to the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder. The interview included Dame talking about former Roc affiliates Jay Z and Kanye West, his lawsuit against director Lee Daniels, the social media back-and-forth with Dipset member Jim Jones, and more.

[ALSO READ: Are Dame Dash & Kanye West Going Into The Movie Business Together?]

On lawsuit against Lee Daniels:

It’s about being paid. I put up $2 million. He asked me to do The Woodsman, and I put the money up… Me being perceived as this “urban” dude and [with movie executive] Harvey Weinstein pissing me off – I was like, “I want some of that money too”…

Lee Daniels came to me with a good script. Kevin Bacon was attached to it, and I had some paper at the time. He hit me with, “Black people don’t stick together.”

So I put the money up. We got our money back, but then he wanted to invest in his first directing [job with] Shadowboxer. It cost like $10 million, and I said, “Lee, I believed in the other script. This is my money to put into movies for my independence.”

He said, “I promise you’ll get your dough back.” Long story short, I didn’t get my money back. Then we made a deal where any other project he was on – until I get my money back – I would be on it. As soon as Precious hit, he just went missing on me…

I’m not having a fist fight with Lee Daniels over $2 million. But what are you doing to somebody over $2 million?

On working with Kanye West on new film venture:

Kanye’s become the most successful – as far as exposure goes – of all of us. And that’s what I saw in him so many years ago. Kanye has a point of view. He’s a dude that has a distinct way of doing things, and he stands behind it. He needs his own space…

What I needed from Kanye is just simply to do what I did for him – be an executive for me, do some David Geffen s**t. Use your exposure, the flavor that you have, and your point of view to co-sign some s**t. Walk me through the s**t like I walked you.

On Kanye going with Jay Z after the Roc-A-Fella split:

At the time, I had dropped Kanye to be honest. It was because of not agreeing with the way he was moving. That’s water under the bridge.

Then I gave him the opportunity like, “As a man, I signed you, so I’m gonna give you the opportunity. I’m not gonna walk away while you’re signed to Roc-A-Fella. If you want me to keep running your s**t I will.” I had already argued with him. I had already got at him like the old Dame Dash. We had already established we weren’t moving…

He chose to make the decision he felt was right for himself. That was it. For the last five, six years, it’s been nothing Kanye could do for me. I’m not playing the game he’s playing. I’m trying to figure out how to do things on my own…

He’s out looking for experience. He’s trying to do things bigger than what he’s done. He’s fulfilling his dream, fearlessly. He’s putting up his own dough as he makes it. He’s staying active. For the last six years, I’ve been running around the world looking for people that are looking to do things like I do it.

On issues with Jim Jones:

Jim is a creative that sometimes reacts in the moment. That’s what makes him creative. I’m not the kind of guy that looks at one thing that a person does and only concentrates on what that is as opposed to everything.

So I have to look at all the things that I’ve done with Jim and the things he’s done, and it outweighs those two emotional moments. But those emotional moments don’t reflect the way that I live and the way I react to things. That can be detrimental to the big picture. He’s the kind of brother that I’ll always love…

He gotta do what he gotta do. He just gotta do it over there. People can disagree, can have arguments, but when someone disrespects you, you gotta keep them over there…

For me to react to what he’s doing, would be me disrespecting the whole culture. It’s a bigger picture there, so I have nothing but love for Jim…

There’s not a common ground if it’s a different mentality. From where I’m from, you can never disrespect an OG. You can never disrespect any man, especially publicly.

On reconnecting with Jay Z:

Those moments – there were two. One was [Chaka Pilgrim’s] birthday. They were real adamant about me coming to her birthday, because I love Chaka like a little sister. I don’t have a beef with Jay. I never did. We just approach business different.

The other time was with my daughter. We’re gentleman. We’re men. We’ve done a lot. Just because you don’t agree with a man, because you’re Black doesn’t mean you gotta fight or argue. You just have a different perspective.

At this very moment – based on what I read in the paper. This is the one time that the paper did scare me, and I was like there has to be some truth to it. When I read about his affiliation with informants, that he’s in business with certain people. It’s tricky for me to say, but based on where I’m from, I can’t have nothing to do with that.

There’s paperwork. That part of it scares me, because I know [Kareem “Biggs” Burke] is in jail. I know Irv Gotti has been harassed for years over s**t he didn’t do. I know they’ve been f**king with me for years. So it just means I need to stay over here.

I love Jay, but let’s say I found out any of that s**t – I can’t f**k with him at all. Because that’s how I was raised. It ain’t no disrespect. I don’t know how anyone else was raised, but that’s it. There ain’t nothing else to talk about. It’s real serious for me…

That’s the only conversation I could have with him [to] move forward… I have no more opinions about it until I have a one-on-one with him.

Dame recently released his new digital film series Loisadas. Damon Dash Studios produced the project with Dame co-writing the script and directing the movie. Kanye served as executive producer.

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Dame Dash’s Ex Seeking Back Child Support, Lawyer Responds To Dash Calling His Children’s Mother “Weak”]

Watch Dame Dash’s interview below.

Former Power 106 Radio Personality Big Boy Cleared To Work For Rival Real 92.3

(AllHipHop News) The turnover in Hip Hop radio continues. Kurt “Big Boy” Alexander recently parted ways with his longtime station home of Power 106 in Los Angeles. Billboard reports Big Boy is now officially setting up shop at rival station Real 92.3.

[ALSO READ: Mister Cee Talks Leaving Hot 97 & Addressing His Sexual Urges (VIDEO)]

Power 106’s parent company Emmis Radio filed a breach of contract lawsuit in the attempt to halt Big Boy from taking a job at iHeartMedia’s Real 92.3. L.A. County Superior Court ruled to end a temporary restraining order issued in February. The injunction prevented Big Boy from taking the job until the matter was settled at trial.

J Cruz has been running the morning slot for Power 106 since Big Boy’s departure from the channel. The Cruz Show airs weekdays 5-10 am.

[ALSO READ: Emmis Communications Sues Big Boy For Trying To Leave Power 106.1]

50 Cent Says He's Betting $1.6 Million On Floyd Mayweather Over Manny Pacquiao

(AllHipHop News) 50 Cent’s relationship with boxing champion Floyd Mayweather has been a rocky one. The one time friends turned rivals have gone back-and-forth on social media, but that interaction does not prevent 50 from publicly backing Mayweather in his upcoming fight against Manny Pacquiao.

[ALSO READ: 50 Cent Expresses He’s A Fan Of Drake’s “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late”]

50 and G-Unit visited The Breakfast Club, and the Queens emcee discussed the highly anticipated match.

“Champ’s gonna smoke him. It’s gonna look like it was pumped up for no reason,” said 50. When asked if he planned to bet on the fight he responded, “Probably like $1.6 [million]… I’ve been thinking this out. Like wait, I gotta make a real bet because he’s focused right now.”

50 also revealed he recently spoke to Mayweather in person in New York. He says the two later conversed by phone as well.

Even though Fiddy is now backing Mayweather to take the victory, in January he stated there was no way the bout was even going to take place.

“You heard me say it on film. It’s not going to happen,” 50 told Tech Buffalo. “What you wanna fight Pac-Man under those circumstances? When you can pick anybody you want to. Cause we wanna see the toughest fight?”

[ALSO READ: 50 Cent Shares His Thoughts On Potential Mayweather Vs Pacquiao Fight (VIDEO)]

Watch 50 Cent’s interview below.

Kanye West Brings Out Raekwon, Big Sean & Vic Mensa During London Concert (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) Kanye West is still overseas, and last night the Chicago native performed at London’s KOKO. During his set, Ye brought out GOOD Music artist Big Sean, Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, and fellow Windy City representative Vic Mensa.

[ALSO READ: 7 Quotes From Kanye West’s Epic Speech At Oxford]

The Chef ran through the Wu classic “C.R.E.A.M.,” and Sean teamed with Kanye for his Dark Sky Paradise track “Blessings.” Mensa was also in the house to preview a new song. Besides Rae, Sean, and Vic’s contributions, the show also featured Kanye hitting “Blood On The Leaves,”  “Wolves,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” and “All Day” with Allan Kingdom.

[ALSO READ: Kanye West’s Video For “All Day” To Be Directed By Steve McQueen]

Check out footage of Kanye West’s concert below.

Brawl Breaks Out At Travis Scott & Young Thug Concert (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) GOOD Music affiliate Travis Scott is currently on tour with Atlanta rapper Young Thug. Attendees at a recent stop of the “Rodeo Tour” were involved in a huge brawl that involved Scott as well.

Video of the melee has made its way to YouTube. An individual identified as Scott (wearing red pants) is seen getting into a fight with another man. Then several other people jump into the fracas.

Scott is scheduled to perform tonight in Denver, Colorado. He and Thug will also hit Milwaukee, Chicago, and Detroit in the coming days.

[ALSO READ: Travis Scott Talks Work with Kanye, Black People’s Problems, Diversity & Houston]

Travis Scott IG

Watch video of the incident below.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Chris Brown A Father?

Welp. All that talk of monogamy is out the window clearly if this is true.

TMZ is reporting that Breezy is the father of a 9-month-old baby girl.

“The baby’s mother is a 31-year-old former model named Nia — who we’re told has known Chris for several years. 

Sources connected to both Nia and Chris tell us they are on very good terms — however they’re not together romantically. We’re told 25-year-old Chris is happy about being a father.

It does not appear there is a formal child support order in place — and we do not know the nature of any informal terms of support.”

If there is any truth to this, we wonder how Karrueche feels about being a step-mommy…

Dee-1: Chicago Freestyle

Prior to Lupe Fiasco coming out on stage and and performing at his packed live show for the 3’s Up tour, New Orleans emcee, Dee-1 kicks a freestyle for fans so they can get familiar with his flow. Energized as ever Dee-1 sheds light on Hip-Hop from a more humble perspective that’s as he says is, “real, relevant and righteous.” Press play below, you won’t be diappointed.

OVO Sound Artist PARTYNEXTDOOR Performs "Break From Toronto"And "Make A Mil" At Irving Plaza

PARTYNEXTDOOR, ILOVEMAKKONEN, who is going to be the next OVO Sound artist with a name in all caps and no spaces… ? Just kidding – here is a dope live performance from PARTYNEXTDOOR in Irving Plaza. The footage showcases adoring, singing fans as they clammor over his every move.

Young Buck & Kidd Kidd Speak on G-Unit First Reuniting

Thisis50 & Young Jack Thriller recently spoke with Young Buck & Kidd Kidd for an exclusive interview on how G-Unit got back together. Reunited and they are stronger as a team than ever, but can they find the same success sales-wise?

PREMIERE: Famous 2 Most – "Z.A.N.Z."

Signed to super-producer Bangladesh’s label, the duo known as Famous 2 Most are responsible for creating popular dances such as the “Whoop Rico,” the “Nae Nae,” and the “Whip” dance.

Hasani and PJ met in high school and they are both yet to reach their 21st birthday. The young duo have been featured in Complex Magazine and the New York Times. You can find their dances on all over YouTube, during Sunday night football, and even in a McDonald’s commercial. All of the dances have songs tied to them and that’s exactly what keeps the pair in the studio cooking up hits.

Their fan base ranges from elementary school kids to pro athletes, who all show tremendous support through countless interactions on social media. Together, their YouTube views peak well over the million count mark and collectively their Instagram followers total over 100,000.

Their latest song “Z.A.N.Z.” — produced by Hasani for Bangladesh Productions — has begun to generate a buzz among their following and has attracted many new listeners to their sound. Famous 2 Most is stocked full of potential and they truly live up to their name, as they are already Famous To Most.

FRESH HEAT: Chad B Ft. John Depp & DJ Big O – "Throw Bandz"

Whether popping it for Pimp or striving to work through medical school, many determined exotic dancers have  @TheRealChadB  @JohnDeppMusic  @THEREALDJBIGO to thank for the recent hit, “Throw Bandz.”

The motivational track is inspiring many both inside and outside of strip clubs.

 

Juicy J, Kevin Gates, Future & Sage The Gemini – "Payback"

With only weeks away from the release of the Furious 7 original motion picture soundtrack,  some of hip hop’s biggest names get together for the release of “Payback”Check out the brand new lyric video featuring Juicy J, Kevin Gates, Future & Sage The Gemini. Furious 7 in theaters April 3rd.

Ether L Banks – "Xscape2VenusFlyTrap"

Ether L Banks unveils her follow up audio to repent entitled ”Xscape2VenusFlyTrap​” ​taken from her debut soundtrack aptly named ‘’Purple Light District’’. Xscape2VenusFlyTrap is a drum infused , synth based , experimental track that will have you nodding your head while getting an insight into the mind of Ether L Banks. Xscape2VenusFlyTrap features Shai #RedTape & Jahi Alfredo , which was produced by Bitoy beats and Grier Smith.

DJ EFN Ft. Inspectah Deck, Guilty Simpson, M.O.P. & Bernz – “Another Time”

DJ EFN has been leaking tracks in succession every week leading up to the release of his upcoming album Another Time and to celebrate the project’s release date today, EFN releases the album’s title track featuring INS Deck, Guilty Simpson, M.O.P. and Bernz (of ¡MAYDAY!).