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Will Smith Talks Recording 7-8 Tracks With Kanye West (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Watch out Jaden, your dad is looking to reclaim the title of best current rapper in the Smith household. The man that burst onto the music scene as The Fresh Prince over 25 years ago is back in the studio, and Will Smith recruited Kanye West to handle the production on a number of new tracks.
[ALSO READ: Is Jaden Smith A Better Rapper Than His Dad?]
“I’ve recorded a lot,” Smith told Hollyscoop. “I don’t have anything I like yet, but I’ve recorded seven or eight [songs]. It’s not for certain. It’s just explorative.”
Smith’s last full length album was 2005’s Lost & Found. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia native’s film career keeps rolling along. His latest movie Focus hits theaters February 27. Smith also has the sports drama Concussion and superhero flick Suicide Squad coming down the pike.
[ALSO READ: Will Smith Discusses Race Relations In America + Jaden & Willow Dealing With Criticism]
Watch Will Smith’s interview below.
Mike Epps Compares Kendrick Lamar To 2Pac + Talks Feud With Chris Rock (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Comedian Mike Epps made an unexpected cameo in the video for Kendrick Lamar’s “B***h, Don’t Kill My Vibe.” Turns out the star of the comedy series Survivor’s Remorse has a good relationship with the entire TDE camp.
[ALSO READ: HEATER OF THE DAY: Kendrick Lamar – “The Blacker The Berry”]
Epps told Montreality he is good friends with the West Coast label’s boss Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. During the interview, Epps also shares his thoughts on Kendrick as an artist.
“I think he’s a great lyricist, and the dude is really ahead of his time,” said Epps. “I think he really represents this generation. He reminds me a lot of Pac. The way he puts together his lyrics, how he speaks about real life, and it’s gang related, street.”
The sit down included Epps discussing his supposed feud with fellow comic Chris Rock. Epps previously stated on The Tom Joyner Morning Show there was not one good comedian in Rock’s movie Top Five. He even questioned why Rock keeps getting film opportunities.
“They just caught me in a position where I was just having a good time. I was a little hungover. Tom Joyner tricked me, and I just said it,” Epps explained. “I’ve never seen Top Five, so I don’t know if it’s good or not. I was just throwing out a blow. But I got love for Chris Rock – lil skinny ass.”
[ALSO READ: J.B Smoove Responds To Mike Epps Saying There Wasn’t One Good Comedian In ‘Top Five’]
Watch Mike Epps’ interview below.
Wale's "The Album About Nothing" Listening Event
It’s a challenge sometimes to visit certain industry events when it’s 24 degrees outside but, for Wale, I braved the cold to make it up to Tom’s Restaurant in Harlem, NY. I spot a few of my peoples like Aqua Boogie (HipHop Wired), Jayson Rodriguez (Revolt TV), JP DelaCuesta (TMZ), Lowkey (You Heard That New), Ebro, Rosenberg, Miss Info (Hot 97), DJ Drama, and of course Elliott Wilson (Rap Radar) was hosting the nights festivities.
So the places is intimate but loaded with NYC industry, and the concept was very cool, order anything on the menu for an “open food” event. Great because AllHipHop’s Elijah and I came there hungry and left full. After we ate our fill, the timing was perfect because in comes a mob of Blue Moon jacket’s and Wale in the midst of the grand entrance. Also, Rick Ross walked in soon after to support his artist on this special listening event.
Wale walks around the entire venue and shakes everyone’s hands. An Atlantic rep introduces me to Wale and Wale interrupts him and says “Of course I know Steve.” Wale and I go back from the Breeding Ground days and The Next 48 Hours With Wale. I seen sides of Wale few people have seen, so I know his potential and I congratulate him on another dope album before I even hear this album, why … because this is Wale and he’s dope.
Here are some songs I had time to review:
“Girls on Drugs”
This song got a Janet Jackson clearance for the hook and throughout the song. The subject matter is direct and to the point, he raps about girls on drugs. Wale explains he played this the first day he saw Meek in Philly and the crowd went nuts over the track. Ross agreed that Wale’s had a hit on his hands and they needed to get this album completed.
“The Pessimist” Ft. J Cole
Starts of with power build up of lyrics with a matching beat that also gains momentum. Wale reminds us of how there is no love in various life instances like no love from racist cops toward innocent Black youth. The song reflects the negative life experience and a plea of being hopeless at the end of the song.
“Success”
On the flip side, this song takes back in time right before his first record deal when he sold mixtapes to the suburbs and pick up chics in the hood. From selling sneakers in the sneaker shop to a record deal, this covers that part of Wale’s life. He uses a slower melodic flow with a lot of delivery and flare in his lyrics. A dope choirs that sounds like a talented youth choir, brings the song together nicely. The drums really give it the his and lows you want from a song talking about success.
“The Helium Balloon”
Jerry Seinfeld talks about flying with your success/music. This song stress his lyrical ability along with the growth and extends his range with a bridge from a Reggae singer. Nice mix and Wale takes us to a new place with his repertoire.
“The Middle Finger”
Wale explains that he just went off on someone on Twitter and went into the “red room” and vented his frustration with Ross about Twitter trolls. Ross simply responded bay calling them “weirdos” and why he even gave a f###? Even Wale asked why he cares? So he explains that this song that this was hi medication to deal with the trolls and DJs that might talk slick that he doesn’t care. The flows works great with the beat and the message is clear.
“The Glass Egg”
Starts with a theatrical sound like something you might hear from American Gangster movie score but, Wale claims the track with his lyrics in combination for his flare full delivery. Solid song about friends.
“The God Smiles”
Wale also calls the song “illuminate” because that is what moons (referencing The Blue Moon) illuminates at night . The bass heavy track includes a sample of someone saying “God smiles” as a sample and Wale burst in with a slow semi-singing with a blend sharp precise lyrics and melodic slow singing. Great mix that shows more range and energy.
“White Shoes”
Song for the ladies. Wale inserts this uplifting song that reflected Wale circa 2007. Very melodic hook and positive track. Hip-Hop needs more of this music.
“The Matrimony” Ft. Usher
Seinfeld starts off with a skit as he talks about how a narrator can sneak up on you and make you a new person. wale admits he has the rapper talks about the lady lane and this song inspired him as a new scoop rapper that grew up on Ne-Yo’s and Usher’s of the time and this is how his matrimony would go for his future wife.
Wale thanked Ross from understanding doing a project about nothing. We all know he did The Mixtape About Nothing and More About Nothing mixtape. Wale says that he wanted to complete the trilogy and make this last part an actual album. I have to say, any rapper that can get Jerry Seinfeld on an mixtape AND album has some major clout. Wale knows this is a passion project and thanked Ross for believing in this project.
This album represents his life as a hungry artist reaching new horizons, this album is a glimpse back on his struggles and transition from regular guy trying to be a rap star to a star being a star. I’m a fan of Wale and I think he knocked it out the park on this album, successful in scope and lyrics on this preliminary listen, I give this a 9 out of 10.
PREMIERE: Potluck – "Tom Brady"
Potluck drops the first taste of new music off their upcoming “#StonerProblems” with their produced by CountyBoy FRIZZ music video for “Tom Brady”, a tribute to the Super Bowl MVP.
Is Drake Laughing At Chris Brown And Tyga?
Drake’s WHOLE ALBUM is charting right now. Big Sean is going to debut at Number 1 on the charts with Drake being Number 2 (but previously Numero Uno). And now…in third place Tyga And Chris Brown’s new album.
I think this was inspired by Kriss Kross or something. Nevertheless, I heard that Drake has gotten great joy seeing that his album has basically dwarfed that of his rivals. You know, he had been with both Tyga and Chris Brown. Clearly this “sources” are often shaky, but this is highly believable. This guys go to the death with competition so I bet Chris is tight.
Atlanta Producer DJ Toomp Explains Why He Wasn't "Too Pleased" With T.I.'s "Paperwork" (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Before T.I. declared himself “King of the South” and “owner of Atlanta’s throne,” record producer DJ Toomp was the man in the A-Town. Toomp’s early work with Raheem the Dream, 2 Live Crew, and JT Money established him as a recognizable figure on the Southern rap scene.
[ALSO READ: T.I Talks ‘Paperwork’, Working With Pharrell And More]
Toomp later provided tracks for nearly every T.I. project including Tip’s latest LP Paperwork. In an interview with DJ Smallz Eyes, Toomp spoke about his ATL partner’s 9th studio album.
“I wasn’t sure about it. The version of it – I was thumbs down. No, no, no. Because the sequence wasn’t too cool,” said Toomp. “When you try to put a theme or a concept – I’m gonna make this like a movie.’ No, record a great album and build a movie around that.”
Toomp expressed he felt the album was rushed, and he suggested Sony may not have known how to market the veteran rapper. Toomp also revealed he was not the biggest fan of the union of T.I. and Pharrell Williams.
“There have been a few Pharrell and Tip collabs that I could dig, but on some of these joints I was like, ‘They’re cool, but I don’t think they’re ready for this’,” added Toomp. “There were a lot of songs on that album that I felt weren’t ‘2015.’”
Pharrell expressed he would have like to have seen changes with the direction of Paperwork. GQ quoted the Virginia producer saying he “wasn’t happy about the T.I. situation.” P later explained his comments were about the selection of a particular single.
“I love T.I.’s album, he is a genius. There was a different single more appropriate for the current temperature in society,” Pharrell told AllHipHop.com.
Toomp reveals there was a song with T.I. and Justin Timberlake called “Trap Me Up” that did not make the album. He describes the track as an EDM sound mixed with Down South beats. Clearance issues apparently prevented the collaboration from being released.
Even if he and T.I. do not continue to work on music together, Toomp plans to work with the Grand Hustle leader on other entertainment ventures.
“If it ain’t music, me and him are going to collab somewhere else,” Toomp said. “But the last album, I wasn’t too pleased with it though. He knew it… I let it be known.”
[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Pharrell Addresses Saying He “Wasn’t Happy About The T.I. Situation”]
Watch DJ Toomp’s interview below.
Trel Mack Ft. Shawn Archer – "Warren Buffett"
Trel Mack releases two new records this week and this is the second titled “Warren Buffett” ft. Shawn Archer. Warren Buffett was produced by Trackslammerz.
Did Naya Rivera Try To “Shade” Big Sean?
I know that Big Sean has dissed Naya Rivera in song (Actually “IDFWU” wasn’t even about her), but did she try to somehow take away his shine as his new album came to be the Tuesday? The Glee actress was set to marry Sean last year, but she and the rapper weren’t meant to be. Still, she managed to get married on the day she and Sean were to get married anyway. She just found a dude named Ryan Dorsey and married him on the very day she was to get down with Sean. Now, it seems, they seemingly tried to take attention from Big Sean’s Dark Sky Paradise, by announcing they are expecting their first child together! They deny it, but some insiders think they did. Anyway, I have to admit, Dorsey and Naya seem uber happy together. Even still, Sean and them seemed happy too. Well, they all need to be happy for Big Sean, because his new album will debut at No. 1.
AllHipHop Offers Free Passes To See "Chappie" Starring Hugh Jackman & Dev Patel
AllHipHop.com is offering free passes to see the new Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium) directed movie Chappie. Movie goers in New York, Chicago, and Houston can get access to an early screening of the science fiction flick.
Blomkamp’s latest full length motion picture centers around a futuristic police droid that becomes the first machine capable of thinking and feeling. Chappie stars Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman, and Sigourney Weaver.
To get free passes for Chappie via AllHipHop click on the links below. First come, first serve.
Houston
http://www.sonyscreenings.com/AHHHOU
New York
http://www.sonyscreenings.com/AHHNYC
Chicago
http://www.sonyscreenings.com/AHHCHI
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Chappie hits theaters nationwide March 6. Watch the trailer for Chappie below.
Kushy Stash – "Sanitatrium" (P###. By CZO)
Kushy Stash comes through with new music called “Sanitatrium.” This haunting anthem is another great showcase of Kushy’s original style as he continues to give us solid material. CZO is behind the menacing production on this one. Take a listen to Kushy Stash’s latest single here & stay tuned as the OGG artist continues to build a name for himself.
Nex2Kin- "That Aint Yo B####"
Chicago-based hip hop duo, Nex2Kin have officially dropped a hot club record “That Aint Yo B####” ft. Young Lyxx, produced by Great Lakes and mastered by Paris Bueller. “That Ain’t Yo B####” is the follow-up record to “I Ain’t Wit It,” which was featured on MTV late last year, and is the first record released from Nex2Kin’s upcoming mixtape, ‘Cheeks & Drinks.’
The duo, Rich An Yung and Bliggs, are cousins who grew up on Chicago’s south side and started creating music together after a family get together in 2010. Since that time the group has worked with a list of hot artists, producers and executives while building their buzz in Chicago and throughout the Southeast region.
Nex2Kin has collaborated and worked with several artists, most notably Twista, Scotty ATL and Young Lyxx. The group also works with a range of top producers in the industry including: BandKamp, Great Lakes, Paris Beuller, BJ The Producer, and Sound Master T. The group, known to get people out of their seats during their performances, always brings an energy to the stage that matches their “party” music style, that they’ve coined “wangin’ music.”
Take a listen to the track below:
Kendrick Lamar Played New Music For Michael Jackson's Son
Details about Kendrick Lamar’s sophomore album have been scarce and after he dropped the second single “The Blacker The Berry” earlier this month, fans have been even more anxious for the full project. During K. Dot’s last promo run, he revealed that the only person who had heard the album in its entirety was his 10-year-old little brother. Now he’s not the only one.
Michael Jackson’s son, Prince, took to his Twitter to reveal that TDE’s golden child allowed him and his friend to hear some of the tracks from the album.
Had the great honor of meeting Kendrick and hearing some of his new tracks for his upcoming album with @RealOBee pic.twitter.com/fOFnkbPjk5
— Prince Jackson (@princemjjjaxon) February 25, 2015
Such a great pleasure meeting @kendricklamar last night and hearing him play some new tracks for his upcoming… http://t.co/Tv9YoSy35x
— Omer Bhatti (@RealOBee) February 25, 2015
There has been a phony tracklist, fake album name and cover previously floating around that Kendrick and TDE CEO Top Dawg have all disregarded. Even though the album is not out yet, the good kid has already won two Grammys, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance, for its first single, “i.”
Drake's Entire Album Is On Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart
If you’re reading this, Drake has 21 songs on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Billboard reports that the 6 God is dominating 42 percent of the chart, which holds 50 slots, with all 17 songs from his surprise mixtape/album If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. Drizzy has now broken his own record for having the most songs on the chart simultaneously. His previous record was for 14.
Besides the album cuts, four songs that Drake lends guest verses to are also on the chart: iLOVEMAKKONEN’s “Tuesday,” Nicki Minaj’s “Only” and “Truffle Butter” and Big Sean’s “Blessings.”
IYRTITL still sits at the top of the charts with 129,000 sold its second week. Each song from the album reportedly has no less than 1.8 million streams.
Peep the 21 songs on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart below.
No. 4 – “Only,” Nicki Minaj, featuring Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown
No. 5 – “Truffle Butter,” Nicki Minaj, featuring Drake & Lil Wayne
No. 9 – “Energy”
No. 16 – “Tuesday,” ILoveMakonnen, featuring Drake
No. 17 – “Legend”
No. 19 – “10 Bands”
No. 22 – “Blessings,” Big Sean, featuring Drake
No. 23 – “Know Yourself” (Debut)
No. 26 – “No Tellin'”
No. 27 – “Preach,” featuring PartyNextDoor
No. 28 – “6 God” (Debut)
No. 29 – “Used To,” featuring Lil Wayne
No. 32 – “Now & Forever”
No. 34 – “6 Man”
No. 38 – “Jungle”
No. 39 – “Star67” (Debut)
No. 40 – “Madonna” (Debut)
No. 42 – “Company” Featuring Travis Scott” (Debut)
No. 43 – “Wednesday Night Interlude” featuring PartyNextDoor (Debut)
No. 45 – “6PM In New York”
No. 49 – “You & The 6” (Debut)
Big Sean To Have First No. 1 Album With 'Dark Sky Paradise'
Big Sean’s Dark Sky Paradise is reportedly projected by industry insiders to land atop of the Billboard 200 chart, making it the D-Town rep’s first number one album.
Sales consumption is determined by traditional album sales as well as how many times the album was streamed. The album is expected to sell over 110,000 traditional copies for the week ending Mar. 1st, which is Sean’s biggest first week sales yet, and garner almost 30,000 streams, totaling to 140,000 units. The Billboard top 10 will be unveiled on Mar. 4th.
The “My Last” rapper’s last two albums, Finally Famous and Hall of Fame both debuted at number three with 87,000 copies and 72,000 copies sold respectively.
Stream the album below.
Kanye West Debuts 'All Day' Track At 2015 Brit Awards (VIDEO)
There has been buzz about Kanye West’s unreleased track “All Day” ever since a low quality version of it hit the ‘net last August. Yeezy decided to officially debut the track overseas at the 2015 Brit Awards last night (Feb. 25). With singer Allan Kingdom on the chorus, Ye’ performed the Velous-produced tune with flame-throwers and an entourage by his side.
Details about Kanye’s next move are scarce. There have been rumors that he and his “FourFiveSeconds” collaborator Rihanna will be touring together while there have been no facts revealed about his upcoming album.
Watch the performance below.
HBO's 'Bessie' Starring Queen Latifah Premieres In May
HBO is premiering the Bessie Smith biopic, Bessie, starring Queen Latifah on Saturday May 16th at 8 p.m (EST/PST), according to Billboard. The film will focus on how Smith rose from turbulence to become the Empress of Blues during the 1920s. Latifah re-recorded some of Smith’s songs for the film and they are expected to be released on the soundtrack.
At the Televisions Critics Association Winter Press Tour last month, the former talk show host revealed that she was offered to play the late Smith 22 years ago but passed on it because she didn’t have enough life experience to prepare her for such a role.
“When the project came my way, I don’t think I had the life journey that went along with it,” said the New Jersey native. “I got to live more of the blues,” she said.
She says she took the role because of her admiration for the blues.
“The blues, the blues, I’ve gained such a great amount of respect for the blues … The blues are just as stunning to me now as when this first came to me. If anything, I feel like I have a little more of the story of what Bessie had to say.”
The film also stars Mo’Nique, Khandi Alexander, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mike Epps and Charles S. Dutton.
Get Familiar With Rapper Allan Kingdom, The Guest Feature On Kanye West's "All Day"
Kanye West officially debuted his new song “All Day” at the 2015 Brit Awards yesterday. The GOOD Music leader was joined on stage by New York City artist Theophilus London and a relatively unknown rapper from Minnesota named Allan Kingdom.
Appearing on a single with Kanye West is a co-sign likely to launch a rising performer to star status. The 21-year-old Canadian-born Kingdom (Allan Kyariga) should prepare to become one of the most talked about young rappers in the game.
This moment may be his big break, but Kingdom has been putting in work constructing his rap career for years. The only child to a Tanzanian mother and a South African father created an album at 11. It was a church inspired project put together with his single mom.
Through his connections such as Kid Cudi’s early partner Plain Pat, The Weeknd’s producer Doc McKinney, and Kanye’s associate Virgil Abloh, Allan his built a strong foundation in the industry. The member of thestand4rd crew now has 11,000 followers on Twitter, videos topping 100,000 views on YouTube, and his Future Memoirs mixtape boast tracks with over half a million plays on SoundCloud.
In case you’re not familiar with Allan Kingdom, AllHipHop.com rounded up some of his most buzz-worthy videos and tracks. Check them out below.
Follow Allan Kingdom on Twitter @ALLANKNGDM and Instagram @iamallankingdom.
Thank you for loving me and my creations regardless of what your friends, the hype, or the world tell you. We're alike, we are one.
— Allan Kingdom (@ALLANKNGDM) February 22, 2015
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“All Day” – Performance With Kanye West & Theophilus London
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“Blast” – Single
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“Wavey” Featuring Spooky Black – Video
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“Evergreens” – Video
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“Souls” – Video
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Future Memoirs – Mixtape
Chubbie Baby Ft. Shy Glizzy, Cap 1 & DJ Whoo Kid – "Anotha Plug"
Gearing up for his upcoming album Millions In The Kitchen, Chubbie Baby relinquishes the first single off of the forthcoming project. “Anotha Plug” is a gritty street tale aimed at the hustler’s mindset, on ones rise to prominence. Featuring Shy Glizzy & Cap.1 this is just a brief taste of what is to be expected on Millions In The Kitchen. DJ Whoo Kid heard “Anotha Plug” and was immediately hooked, placing it into rotation on his Shade 45 radio show The Whoolywood Shuffle.
Chris Cartier – "Tempo"
Russell Simmons’ All Def Digital platform presents this week’s episode of The Signal, featuring Bronx native Chris Cartier.