Rapper turned mogul Jay-Z continues to grow his Roc Nation entertainment empire by adding to the kingdom, including the recent announcement that it will now expand into film and television, in addition to it’s recent foray into sports management via Roc Nation Sports. Creating a partnership with Three Six Group, the newly formed Three Six Entertainment group will focus on managing writers, actors, directors and more.
The brands have paired David Ungerand Mark Gillepsie (Three Six Group) as co-CEO’s in the endeavor. “We will now expand to meet the need for international talent in the areas of film and television. The phenomenal growth and cross-over from international territories and ancillary businesses has transformed the way we service our clients globally. It is a natural fit for us to partner with David,” explained Gillepsie.
As Bobbi Kristina Browncontinues to fight for her life inside of Emory University Hospital, live-in boyfriend Nick Gordon is now reportedly fighting for the right to visit her, after being banned by her family from seeing her as she remains on life support. Acting as a mediator between the family and Gordon, Brown’s cousin Jerod Brown recently sat down with an Atlanta NBC affiliate to speak on the matter to reveal, ““He’s taking legal action in that matter to get visits to see Krissy right now. I’m in contact with Nick. To be honest with you, Nick is feeling very emotional right now behind all of this. He’s pretty torn about about what’s going on.”
Since being found unresponsive in a bathtub, the condition of the 21-year-old has been left to much speculation, causing the family to speak out about the conflicting media reports. Though it was widely circulated that she would be taken off of life support on the three year anniversary of her mother Whitney Houston’s death (February 11,) this of course turned out to be false as well.
Regarding Gordon, Brown also told the TV station, “We sit down and talk about things he wants my family to know and what he would love for Krissy to know, and that is that he loves her and is just waiting for her to wake up.”
Speaking for himself however, Gordon has finally released his own statement via his lawyers explaining “In response to reports that Nick Gordon is taking legal action, he would like it to be clear, he is not. Mr Gordon’s only concern is the recovery of Bobbi Kristina. He remains in constant prayer for his companion and he hopes to be reunited with her soon. Despite the incredible public interest, we ask and hope this request can be resolved privately by Mr. Gordon and the family.”
During a New York City fashion show designed to debut the Yeezy 750 Boost, his first collaboration with Adidas, emcee Kanye West also debuted a new track from his seventh and currently unnamed studio album. Produced by Cashmere Cat, the single finds West teaming up with Sia and fellow Chicago artist Vic Mensa.
Captured by a fan during the event, the single comes on the heels of the Sir Paul McCartney assisted “Only One” and Rihanna’s “FourFiveSeconds” which also features McCartney and West. Though the album has no name or release date, at least Ye is keeping the heat coming.
Kanye West has been the topic of conversation following his recent Grammy rant regarding Beck’s win over Beyoncé for Album of the Year. Now the singer’s lead touring guitarist, Bibi McGill, has weighed in with a rant of her own regarding the incident. Taking to her Facebook account, McGill claims that both Bey and Hov have distanced themselves from Ye in recent years. Though the post has since been deleted, it’s fueled the fire for those who claim there’s a growing rift between them. Take a look at the original post below:
Rapper Lottery Lee says the idea for his second single, “Hey Lover”, came about when he was at the water park and saw a beautiful woman wrap a towel around herself, which is where the first line of the hook, “hey lover, can I be your cover” came from. After hearing it, Young Noble from Tupac Outlawz suggested having R&B singer Lloyd on the hook. Lee stated, “Big ups to Lloyd for completing it in almost less than a day and to Young Noble for setting it up and making it happen.”
Take a listen to the track below.
AllHipHop caught up with Lottery Lee to talk about his career, songwriting, inspirations and more. Check out the interview below.
Your latest single also has a veteran R&B singer on the hook; it seems like someone likes R&B and is trying to bring back a feel good vibe. What was it like to work with Lloyd?
Young Noble from The Outlawz said what about Lloyd. I’ve always been a fan of Lloyd so I wanted to work with people I’m a fan of. Lloyd was one of those talented artists that could take whatever I gave him and put his own spin on it.
This record has a feel good vibe. What are some of your “feel good” classics from the past?
“Trade It All” by Jagged Edge and Fabolous. Whenever you here that record people always can relate; it can always be played. The Game Ft. Lloyd “Hello”. Justin Bieber Ft. Boyz II Men “Fa La La” I miss records like that. Records like that are timeless and have to come back. Right now it seems like the game is so one sided with the stuff it seems people have to talk about, but won’t make the record last…. like drugs and stuff.
With your passion for songwriting who all have you written for?
Mostly artists that I’m working around, but I would love to work with Lyfe Jennings and anyone. I want to write in all genres. If I can write in any genre I feel like I have more value. I’d say I’d like to work with Taylor Swift.
What’s missing from the Hip Hop and R&B genres currently?
Quality. Quality is not what’s in the game anymore. People feel like after the Soulja Boy era the door was opened for garbage to come in. I don’t think he was the cause, but I feel like it’s too easy to make a way in. People can put out anything, and certain artists are putting out music that lacks quality, but they are popular right now. I hope we can bring quality back.
We are getting a lot of complaints that everything in Hip Hop sounds just alike. How would you describe your sound? What separates you from others?
I want to try to bring back the old feel. I don’t want to fall in the lane of what people are doing now. If you don’t have a DJ Mustard or Mike Will beat “it’s not hot.” That actually shouldn’t be the case. I want to be able to take anyone’s beat or any rhythm and turn it into something. With my sound I hope to be able to flip any type of sound into a good record.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Boyz II Men, Babyface, Johnta Austin. Pretty much anyone who I listened to. Like Tony! Tone! Toni. Anyone who was in their own lane. My favorite rapper is Jadakiss, Fabolous is another one and Cassidy. The east coast comes with a lot of lyrically talented cats. West Coast Pac and E-40 are respected by everyone.
What’s your favorite era of music?
Right before it came to this era. Right before the turn up music. However I’m looking forward to what Atlanta brings. Atlanta every summer comes out with a classic summer record. Y.C. Cash Out, Migos, Rich Homie Quan. I like that Atlanta can always give you something that can go with every year.
What’s next for Lottery Lee?
Pretty much just trying to get more records with people I’m a fan of. I’m trying to work with as many artists as I can and put out as much music as I can.
Mistro lets you know that he’s the “Head Honcho” when it comes to being the plug. This track here not only showcase his lyrics, but Mistro also produces the track and complements the new that Mi$tro recently inked a deal IMG. More on the way from this kid here.
Cleveland has a lot of talent that getting noticed over the last year, maybe it has to do with the fact that Lebron is back. This Cleveland rapper named Loot drops the track, “What I Stand For” that was produced by Yung Coke. His Swear 2 Squad mixtape is on the way.
Hip-Hop comes in all shapes, sizes and colors, always has, always will. And in the year 2015, with a mix of rock, blues and country in his flow, a southern rhyme slinger named Jellyroll has managed to bring a bit more size, a little more color and a good amount of size into the big picture. With the new Whiskey Sessions EP on the way, the Antioch TN native took a trip up to Times-Square sat with AHH’s MrMecc and chopped it up on racial profiling, the naked cowboy and everything in between. Check the technique.
(AllHipHop News) Drake joins his Young Money counterpart Nicki Minaj by releasing a short film over the last few months. Drizzy’s new Jungle features childhood home video, news clips, and footage of the Toronto native running through the city with his crew.
There is even a scene of a young Drake rapping the words of the Fugees’ “Ready Or Not.” The 14-minute movie was directed by Karim Huu Do.
“S**t’s just crazy,” says Drake in the opening moments of the film. “The whole energy out here is just changing.”
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” wrote science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke in Profiles of the Future. The very idea that man has the capability to record sound would have been seen as magical just two centuries ago.
Since that time, sound recording devices have evolved from the phonautograph to the iPhone, and the method in which we listen to our favorite tunes has advanced rapidly in the span of just two generations.
In the late 1980’s consumers changed their music buying habits from purchasing cassette tapes to compact discs. Then in the 2000’s consumers shifted from picking up CDs at the store to downloading MP3s on their computer. As society arrives in the middle of the Twenty-Tens, it appears consumers are done with downloading and have decided simply streaming music is the way to go.
Of course listeners now have numerous platforms to access streaming, but SoundCloud has become the preferred space for many music lovers. The 8-year-old Berlin-based website now reaches over 300 million people worldwide and topped 175 million monthly unique listeners in 2014. But in reality, SoundCloud is more than just a streaming site – it’s an open community.
“I think that’s the great thing about SoundCloud. It’s a platform where anyone can open an account and upload content,” says Megan West, Director of Content Relations at SoundCloud. “It’s this ecosystem where everyone has the ability to create and get their content out there to the masses.”
While SoundCloud is well-known for both major label musicians and up-and-coming performers using the site to deliver music, the platform is also home to other types of audio content such as podcasts, audiobooks, and interviews. The company refers to its content providers as “creators,” signifying the artistic power is in the hands of the individuals that upload the material. SoundCloud just serves as the conduit for the creators to reach the public.
Soul superstar D’Angelo recently returned to the music scene with a new album after a 14 year hiatus. Even though the site was not around when he dropped his last project, the singer-songwriter used SoundCloud to introduce the Black Messiah track “Sugah Daddy.” Fellow R&B crooner Miguel shocked fans as well when he uploaded his surprise 3-track EP to SoundCloud in December.
“D’Angelo is one great example. Miguel also recently uploaded his last EP,” West points out. “In terms of just trying to get in front of an audience, we see a lot of artists – whether big or small – coming to the platform because of the community that’s there and the ability to get their music where their fans are.”
A social media tie-in allows creators and followers to quickly share content across networks like Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Google Plus. The new Twitter Audio Card makes it possible to experience SoundCloud directly on the Twitter application. Users can even dock the audio card and listen to the music as they continue to read other tweets.
The Soundcloud embed feature provides the ability to place content on outside websites, and with the smartphone app users can upload files as well as stream music directly from mobile devices. Users can also repost the material from their favorite creators to their own SoundCloud timeline.
It all comes together to establish an online network reminiscent of real life friend interactions. No matter the technology used to distribute the music, word-of-mouth has always been the most effective promotional tactic.
“One of the things I get really excited about with music – and I think we all do – is the idea that when you find something that really speaks to you, you want to tell somebody about it,” adds West. “One of the beauties of Soundcloud is that you can do that. And not only within the Soundcloud community, but you can use the tools to spread it and interact with the platform through social media.”
[graph via Music Business World]While SoundCloud was originally favored by EDM acts, Hip Hop has fully embraced the platform. In fact, rap enthusiasts have gone all in on the concept of streaming in lieu of buying albums. Rap and R&B combined to be the most popular music on streaming services. The two genres made up 28.5% of American streaming consumption in 2014.
“In terms of the popularity of the genre and the way that people are engaged with Hip Hop is sort of a precursor to what we’re going to see for genres across the board,” states West. “For us, that’s something that we see to be true too. The popularity of Hip Hop on our platform has definitely grown.”
Hip Hop stars like Drake often turn to SoundCloud to drop new songs. The Young Money representative nearly broke the Internet in ‘14 when he posted the loosie tracks “0 To 100/The Catch Up” and “6 God.” As of press time, the two songs have over 54 million plays combined on SoundCloud.
In August, Big Sean celebrated joining Jay Z’s Roc Nation management company and the launch of the “Big Sean Metro Attitude” Adidas Originals sneakers by releasing four new songs on SoundCloud. One of those cuts was “I Don’t F**k With You.” The single went on to be a Top 20 hit on the Hot 100 and reach Number 1 on three other charts.
It appears clear the public has made the move toward streaming, but the concern for some industry insiders is the matter of revenue. SoundCloud has announced it is rolling out a subscription service later this year, but setting up licensing agreements with record labels has been an issue for the company in the past.
SoundCloud pursued its first licensing deals with record labels in 2013. The company reportedly reached a deal with Warner Music last fall under its new “Premier Partners” program. The current invite-only option includes unlimited storage, access to premium stats, and dedicated support. Premier Partners will be extending to other SoundCloud creators over time.
“[Premier Partners is] our opportunity – as we continue to evolve the platform – to be able to develop a meaningful advertising business that really creates a benefit for everyone in our ecosystem. At this point, we’re really at the beginning stage with the launch in the fall of last year,” explains West. “It definitely brings benefits to us and our content creators. It’s also making Soundcloud sustainable long-term.”
The financial sector is taking notice of SoundCloud’s potential durability. Fast Company has already named the service one of the “Most Innovative Companies of 2015.” As the epicenter of more than a quarter billion creative composers and devoted listeners wed with a reported $150 million in new financing, SoundCloud looks to be a dominant force in the audio-sharing business for years to come.
Little Simz + JMSN + Romiti
Twelve hours of content is posted to SoundCloud every minute, and emerging artists including Little Simz, JMSN, and Romiti are grabbing the attention of a global audience via the platform. The music world and beyond is undoubtedly falling under the spell of SoundCloud.
West sums up the magic of her community-based company, “We’re providing a platform of tools and services that artists can use. There’s really no limit to what you can do. Other than being limited by your own creativity.”
The third single of off Kidd Adamz’ debut full-length LP ‘Fweagovelli’ titled “Hold On” produced by PlaybackBeatz. Kidd’s full-length project is set to release this Spring.
We had a chance to talk to New Orleans own Ace B. Now signed to Master P on No Limit Forever Records, He talks about working with Master P. He also talks about who Ace B is and why he’s calling his 1st project “Ace Of Hearts”
(AllHipHop News) Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, and Freekey Zekey are heading out on the road again as a group. The Dipset members have reunited for a multiple city trek starting later this month. DJ Funkmaster Flex is scheduled to take part in the tour as well.
(AllHipHop News) After 17 years with the radio station, Cipha Sounds announced in January he was leaving New York City ‘s Hot 97. Complex caught up with the DJ at his weekly Take It Personal improv comedy show. Cipha reflected on the buildup to his choice to part ways with Hot.
“Last week I had a very stressful week with Hot 97 because before everything happened this week with Hot 97, it started the week before,” said Cipha. “I was stressed out, it was very weird, I had to make a decision.”
When asked if the bureaucracy and the shifting of top management at the station played a role in breaking from the Hip Hop staple, Cipha clarified he was more concerned with not getting the same level of attention from the brass that he used to receive.
“‘Bureaucracy’ makes it sound like there was a conspiracy or a lot of red tape. I just think we switched bosses a few times, and we merged with another company. I just got a little lost in the shuffle,” Cipha explained. “I don’t hold it against anyone personally, but I had to tell them I’ve been a jock at this station a long time, and they were like, ‘Oh, really?’ That was weird. It’s hard to admit it, but sometimes things just run its course.”
Cipha Sounds started as an intern for Hot 97’s DJ Funkmaster Flex in 1997. He eventually became the co-host of the station’s morning show with Peter Rosenberg.
When longtime on-air personality Angie Martinez resigned from the station in June of 2014, Cipha temporarily took over her time-slot. Hot 97 announced Girl Code star Nessa would be Angie’s permanent replacement in January, just weeks prior to Cipha’s departure.
Executive producers Spike Lee and Monica “Dollphace” Floyd hosted a private media dinner with VIP friends, cast members and selected media for their new stylized thriller film, “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus”. The event was held at the savvy Red Stixs restaurant in New York. Attendees included host-Karen Civil, Angela Simmons, Claire Sulmers (Fashion Bomb Daily), Yomi Desalu (MTV), Paul Juma (NY Times), Nandy Mason & Mercedes Vanderbunk (BET), Tahiry Jose, Marquetta Moore (Revolt), and Po Johnson. Fellow cast members of Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, Zaraah Abrahams, Felicia ‘Snoop’ Pearson, and Elvis Nolasco were also in attendance.
Spike and Monica both shared intimate stories and laughs of when they met and how this movie came to fruition. Spike Lee even jokingly recited Ciroc’s catch phrase, “Step Into The Circle” as he said his thank you speech. Host Karen Civil, gave a heart warming toast while guests raised their glasses over Belaire Rose’. The evening ended with a celebratory cut of a grand three-tier cake of Spike Lee’s image in Lego form provided by Alyina’s Cakes. As guest departed they were gifted with an exclusive Sprayground backpack designed by Spike Lee and Mars Blackmon filled with a Ben James hat, and the soundtrack for Da Sweet Blood of Jesus provided by Epic Records.
Da Sweet Blood of Jesus will be the first horror-thriller film by producers, Monica Floyd and Spike Lee. The thriller is due to hit theaters on the infamous superstitious day, Friday the 13th (February 13, 2015). This film was mostly funded in the new non-traditional way via Kick Starter, which raised over 1.4 million in funds.
“Whenever Lee ventures away from the outrageous particulars of the plot, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus transforms into a stylish means of exploring contemporary struggles in urban black America by depicting it as a ballet of navigating personal and practical conflicts alike”, says Eric Kohn of Indie Wire.
Check out the Da Sweet Blood of Jesus trailer below.
Also check out more photos from the event below. Photos by Arnold Palmer.
(Allhiphop News) A lot of the public information involving Suge Knight’s current murder case did not seem to favor the former Death Row Records executive, but his attorney is now claiming video evidence could help exonerate his client.
According to an AP report, members of attorney David Kenner’s office viewed surveillance video of the incident. Kenner says the footage shows Knight was “ambushed” before the 49-year-old was involved in the hit-and-run that left one man dead and another injured.
Knight killed Terry Carter when he hit the 55-year-old man with his truck. Cle “Bone” Sloan was also hurt during the encounter. Witnesses have expressed to police Knight’s action seemed to be intentional.
One woman told a 911 operator the driver of the vehicle “pulled back and pulled forward” over the victims. The caller stated she saw a fight happen at the scene as well.
Suge Knight has pled not guilty to the charges of murder, attempted murder, and two counts of a hit-and-run. He is currently still behind bars until a bail-review hearing in March.
Deputy District Attorney Keri Modder is seeking Knight’s bail in a separate robbery and felony threat case to be raised to $1 million. The prosecutor cites the murder charge against Knight as the cause for a higher bail. Kenner is planning to fight the motion at another hearing next week.
(AllHipHop News) The much talked about challenge laid down by Murda Mook to battle Drake almost took place this weekend at King Of The Dot’s’ “Blackout 5.” Drizzy amped up the heat on the lyrical contest when he told a crowd at the Friday press conference, “I don’t know if Mook deserves it but… I definitely have a folder full of bars in my phone for somebody one day, so we’ll figure it out.”
BattleRap.com reports KOTD’s Dirtbag Dan admitted there was a plan for Drake and Mook to face-off at the event. The site also spoke with KOTD co-founder Organik. He told the site, “Drake just really wanted to help us push it further the way that we do. He wasn’t trying to step in and do that. It’s not to bring [the battle rap scene] mainstream, it’s just to provide the best events and continue to do what we do and build our own little niche market and run with that.”
BR’s Chris Mitchell spoke with Mook about how the Drake showdown almost happened. The veteran battler revealed the idea he could jump in the ring against the Toronto emcee at “Blackout” did initially cross his mind, but at first Mook was not fully convinced the match-up would go down.
“It was gonna happen. It actually developed maybe about two hours before [the event] was over,” said Mook. “Organik came to me like, ‘If I could get [Drake] to commit to doing a one round battle, would you?'”
Mook responded by saying he would need to speak to Drake before agreeing to the impromptu battle, because the Harlem native admitted he did not have bars specifically aimed at Drake. Mook also took issue with performing for free, though he acknowledged it would have been the biggest battle in history.
The Dot Mobb member wanted to make sure he gave the public his best performance against Drake, and he felt the last-minute battle would have been a disservice to fans of the culture.
Despite the hesitation, Mook said he began to work on material for a one-rounder at the event, but Drake’s management apparently shut it down. However, he is still open to a face-off in the future.
“Hey my man Drake, I know this sounds familiar, but what are we on this Earth for? Let’s try to get this thing worked out in a real manner,” stated Mook. “I know he wanted to do it. I seen it in his eyes.”
