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Cop Shooting Of Michael Brown Being Investigated By FBI Over Civil Rights Violations
(AllHipHop News) The Federal Bureau Investigation have opened an investigation into possible civil rights violations in the fatal shooting of 18 year old Michael Brown by a St. Louis County police officer in Ferguson, MO.
Unarmed Michael Brown was shot multiple times by an unidentified officer last Saturday (August 9th). The FBI annouced they began the investigation yesterday (August 11th) and according to the spokeswoman of their St. Louis field office, Cheryl Mimura announced that “regardless of the media attention or the public’s attention to this matter, this is something that [the FBI] would routinely do.”
Conflicting reports arose in regards to the details of the incident. Police officials stated that a physical confrontation between Brown and an officer inside a police car and the street. According to Dorian Johnson, friend of Brown whom stated he was with Brown during the incident told WALB-TV that the police officer shot Brown after he and Brown ran away from a warning gun shot from the officer. According to Johnson, he and Brown were informed by the police officers to get off the road while walking back from a convenience store and the warning shot came after the two of them refused to comply.
Sunday night (August 12th) 32 people were arrested in connection to the looting of 12 stores.
St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar announced at a news conference that the FBI’s investigation “will run parallel” to their
Vince Staples "Blue Suede"
AHH Album Review – Shabazz Palaces: Lese Majesty
Hip Hop has always been one of the hardest genres to experiment and break boundaries. Although we’ve seen several forms of the art, don’t let it fool you, there’s always some form of negation. Albums like Yeezus has solidified the new wave of experimenting in the genre, adding a new form of sound that’s never been heard.
Once again, those boundaries are once again broken, this time being by the alternative act, Shabazz Palaces. The Seattle-based duo is comprised of former emcee from Digable Planets, Butterfly (now Palaceer Lazaro), with Tendai “Baba” Maraire serving as the group’s instrumentalist. Together, the two artists give you an all new way of listening to Hip-Hop, the Palaces are also considered one of the groups to look out for during Afropunk Fest’ 14. It’s been three years since their first two Eps and debut album Black Up released, but their sound has been deeply appreciated by both critics and music lovers alike. Now, the Palaces have released their new project Lese Majesty, and just like their last projects, listeners will hear something oddly new, and will love every bit of it.
The production is the standout factor of Lese Majesty. Shabazz Palaces were very experimental when making the album, and the effects bring a fresh and innovative style to Hip Hop. Beats are bass-heavy, yet smooth and modified with synths and distortion to create more of a futuristic sound. This spaced out production might not be for all ears, unfortunately, but the quality and effort off Lese Majesty’s instrumentals are eerie, yet cool. One of the best songs to illustrate this is the second track off of the album “Forerunner Foray”; the bass hits hard to create a mellow boom bap sound, while the continuous synths fill the atmosphere to give the song a sci-fi feeling. The production of Lese Majesty takes the lead role of the album, using it’s weird instrumentals as a form of art instead of the verses.
Shabazz Palaces’ rhymes of Lese Majesty might take a backseat to the production of the project. But, when truly showcased with the beats, they fit well in a way only Palaceer Lazaro can do it. Within the verses lies deep rhymes intertwined through different perspectives. Whether Palaceer is rhyming about the contradictions and shortcomings of crime in “Motion Sickness”, or giving you a short love ballad in “Noetic Noiromantics”, there is a message that lies within the lyrics. This may be a bit difficult to understand at the very first listen, but verses in Lese Majesty serves as a puzzle that dares you to solves through multiple listens.
Lese Majesty is not for everyone, it’s futuristic instrumentals and distorted verses may be too much for simple listeners. However, this project is a high-brow piece of art, taking a further step into the what Hip Hop could be in the near future. Is it catchy? Are the beats simple enough to understand and bump on the radio? Hell no, but that’s the beauty of Lese Majesty. It’s original and refuses to go the route of abandoning its artistic sound to serve as a commercial success. Be prepared to listen Lese Majesty, because it can be really easy to see it as an oddly made album instead of true experimentation.
Missouri Burning: How the Death of Michael Brown Opened Deep Wounds of Racism
Protests have erupted following the fatal shooting of Missouri teen Michael Brown last Saturday, as he walked through a St. Louis neighborhood from a routine trip to the store. Instead his grandmother discovered his body sprawled out in the street, where it remained for more than four hours uncovered after he was fatally gunned down by a police officer.
While initial reports indicated that the authorities may have been called in connection with an alleged shoplifting that occurred at the store that Brown frequented that afternoon, this was later proven to be false.
Details are still emerging as to what exactly transpired in the moments leading up to the altercation, though witnesses have advised that the teen was neither armed nor resisting at the time he was gunned down; calling into question the force used by the officer, who has since been placed on administrative leave. Early reports have also indicated that the teen, who was slated to begin college on Monday, had his arms were held high prior to being shot 10 times.
Racial tensions have since soared within Ferguson, a suburban area of St. Louis of roughly 21,000 residents, as the community struggles to comprehend the death of yet another Black youth, in a disturbing trend that has been seen throughout the nation.
The credibility of the Ferguson Police Department has also been called into question, as a report highlighting the blatant disproportion in arrests and stops between white and Black residents became available to the public.
As protestors convened in the area of the shooting yesterday evening, they were met with canine force and authorities already dressed in riot gear, which foreshadowed the actual riot that ensued last night.
Trae Tha Truth & Friends Celebrate "Trae Day" in Houston
In case you missed it:
view some pictures with Trea, T.I. and Chamillionare
Yo Gotti's Protege Makes Waves
Musical connections between different regions can be hard to see at times, yet there is an unofficial bridge between Milwaukee and Memphis.
The son of Milwaukee artist F1 Diamond, emcee Wave Chapelle has crossed that same bridge himself; relocating to Memphis to gain more industry knowledge from his father.
Quickly making a name for himself, Wave would eventually catch the ear of Yo Gotti who would then sign him to his Collective Music Group.
Currently on the road for the “The Drive in Theater Tour,” Wave took the time to speak with us about his It’ll All Make Sense Soon project, life on tour with Curren$y and his next steps.
AllHipHop: You recently signed with Gotti’s Collective Music Group, what insight or industry knowledge do you think you gained?
Wave Chapelle: I’m learning the actual business of the industry. I don’t think that Gotti gets enough credit on how business minded he is. He allows me to just remain myself. Our music is totally different from each other but that doesn’t mean that I have to change it.
AllHipHop: You’ve gotten great reviews from your features on CMG’s Chapter 1 mixtape and other projects, what kind of responses have you received?
Wave Chapelle: People liked the artistry and time that I put into it and appreciated it. Other people didn’t care to listen to it since they couldn’t bounce and dance to it. [laughs]
AllHipHop: You definitely make music beyond just club tracks, how would you describe your sound and do you feel like you’ll be forced to change it in any way down the line?
Wave Chapelle: I would describe my music as authentic, I’m just the realest. I make music for everyday people. There’s no fiction in my music, I rap for the people that go to school and go to work every day.
AllHipHop: What do you feel is a common misconception that people have about you?
Wave Chapelle: I would say that there’s more substance to my image. They see the bandana, the grill and some people want to put a concept in their mind of what I really am, but there’s more to me. The music is a lot more substance.
AllHipHop: You’re currently getting ready to release your debut project It’ll All Make Sense, any special meaning behind the name?
Wave Chapelle: Everyone had a bunch of questions and was just curious about everything. [laughs] So that’s why I named it It’ll All Make Sense, because once you hear the music, it’ll speak for itself.
AllHipHop: And what singles or features should we especially look out for?
Wave Chapelle: If I had to choose a must hear I would say “Let Me Be Great.” I’ll also have some features from Curren$y, Lil Dirk and more.
AllHipHop: You’re currently on the “Drive in Theatre Tour” with Curren$y; how has that experience been for you?
Wave Chapelle: It’s been great; touring is everything that I dreamed about since I was a little kid. I love touring, going around and touching the fans and just getting everyone familiar. I pay attention to everything that he [Curren$y] does on stage. Curren$y is a good example of sticking to yourself. If you look at his fan base, even if he’s not on the radio, you go to his shows they’re sold out. Goes to show that if you stick to what you do it can work out.
AllHipHop: With all that you have going on, what else can we expect to see from you?
Wave Chapelle: I recently got a chance to perform at Summer Fest back home in Milwaukee, which is one of the biggest events each year. I’m also working on a bunch of clothing designs, just being creative with it. But I wouldn’t call myself a legit designer or anything right now. Music wise, I’m probably going to do one more mixtape after this, and then going to do an album.
Visit Wave Chapelle
Twitter: @blmnwave
Instagram: Blmnwave
NWA Biopic Filming Encounters Gun Shots, One Civilian Shot
(AllHipHp News) Straight Outts ta Compton got a scary encounter with its source material. According to reports, gunfire erupted near the set of the N.W.A. biopic filming in Los Angeles last week.
Filming for Straight Outta Compton was scheduled to begin early August and TMZ reports that filming outside the Compton Courthouse was the scene of gunfire. Allegedly a man not attached to the filming of the biopic flashed gang signs at a passing car.
The incident has not yet been attributed to gang related activities by the Los Angeles Police Department.
John Michael Ft. Black Collar Biz "Like A Drug"
Pharrell Williams Reveals Artists He Selected For "NBA 2K15" Soundtrack
(AllHipHop News) Pharrell Williams’ amazing year continues. The Neptunes member was officially announced as the soundtrack curator for 2K Sports’ NBA 2K15 video game.
[ALSO READ: Pharrell Williams & Tyler, The Creator To Headline Odd Future’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival]
The Virginia-bred artist/producer picked 27 songs including tracks from Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, Lorde, A Tribe Called Quest, Missy Elliott, Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force, Clipse, No Doubt, Public Enemy, Ratatat, Santigold, The Black Keys, Depeche Mode, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more.
Some of P’s own music like “Can I Have It Like That,” “How Does It Feel?” and “Hunter,” will also appear on the project. “Aerosol Can,” Pharrell’s collaboration with Major Lazer, was chosen for the soundtrack as well.
Besides contributing to the highly successful video game series, Pharrell’s 2014 also included the release of his sophomore album G I R L, winning the Grammy award for “Producer of the Year,” being nominated for an Oscar for “Happy,” signing a deal with Adidas, partnering with Uniqlo for the “i am OTHER” collection, and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
Last year’s edition of NBA 2K was curated by basketball superstar LeBron James. In 2012, Jay Z handled the musical selections. NBA 2K15 is scheduled for release on October 7.
[ALSO READ: LeBron James Helped Childhood Friend Land Spot On NBA 2K14 Soundtrack]
Fashion Insider Kelly Cutrone Blasts Kanye West
(AllHipHop News) Another day, another celebrity throwing shots at Kanye West. Over the last month actress/Fox News contributor Stacey Dash, Revenge star Nick Wechsler, and former Roc-A-Fella boss Dame Dash have all found a reason to publicly criticize Kanye. Now America’s Next Top Model judge Kelly Cutrone has given her opinion on Ye to the New York Daily News.
[ALSO READ: Kanye West Calls For Celebrity Civil Rights Movement Against Paparazzi]
“I don’t think there’s one person who really works in the fashion industry who gives a flying f**k about Kanye West,” said Cutrone.
The fashion insider acknowledges West and his wife Kim Kardashian’s impact on pop culture, but she adds that Kim and Kanye are not major players in the fashion industry despite their celebrity status and prominence on television.
“I think they have no influence in the fashion world whatsoever,” she said. “I mean, most people who watch the Kardashians’ (reality show) can’t afford Givenchy. I don’t mean to be mean… Are (counterfeiters) on Canal St. benefiting from it? Probably, but that’s not the fashion world.”
It would be safe to assume Kanye strongly disagrees with Cutrone’s assessment. The G.O.O.D. Music head told On Air with Ryan Seacrest last year that he believed the duo known as KimYe are the most influential fashion couple in the world.
“Collectively, we’re the most influential because it’s true, especially with clothing. Nobody’s looking at what [Barack Obama] is wearing. Michelle Obama can’t Instagram a pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day,” said Kanye.
How West and Cutrone define “influence” could be the difference between the two entertainment business veteran’s views. According Cutrone, fashion heavyweights are not concerned with Kanye’s style.
“Do I think that (Vogue editor-at-large) Hamish Bowles wakes up in the morning, calls (former Vogue editor-at-large) Andre Leon Talley and says, ‘Did you see those pants that Kanye was rocking on SNL?’ No,” stated Cutrone.
[ALSO READ: Kanye West Says He & Kim Kardashian Are The World’s Most Influential Fashion Couple]
Hip Hop Rumors: Guess How Much Boosie Spent On His New Jesus Piece?
Lil Boosie’s been home for a few months now, but just in case you didn’t know, he recently purchased a new chain that everyone will definitely take notice of.
MediaTakeout is reporting that Boosie Boo spent $200,000 on his 10-pound solid gold Jesus piece pictured above.
That’s one hell of a welcome home gift to treat yourself to…
Hip Hop Rumors: Christina Milian Shows Just How Much She Loves Tunechi
Christina Milian may have been paying tribute to her boo thang Lil Wayne with her new undercut.
The initials “TNT” may stand for “Tina N Tunechi.”
The pair have denied being a couple, they’ve been spotted out and about together a lot within the last few weeks, and not to mention the shade thrown by Wayne’s oldest daughter, Reginae.
Keep denying that y’all smashing if you want to, the world can read between the lines..
Pete Rock Worked On Kendrick Lamar's Next Album
(AllHipHop News) There has not been a lot of information revealed about Kendrick Lamar’s forthcoming studio album, but the world is now aware that producing legend Pete Rock has worked on the follow-up to Kendrick’s Grammy nominated good kid, m.A.A.d city.
[ALSO READ: Drake Shouts Out Kendrick Lamar At OVO Fest (VIDEO)]
“I did some scratching and I’m on the hook on one of his songs on his album,” Rock told XXL. “I’m really excited about that. It’s just a regular hook. I can’t really sing it to you, you’re just going to have to hear it.”
After first connecting with Kendrick’s Black Hippy brethren Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul, Rock started chatting with K. Dot via text messages. That initial interaction led to the New York producer and the California emcee collaborating for the highly anticipated project.
Even though some fans are hoping and expecting Kendrick to top his classic major label debut with his forthcoming LP, the TDE rhymer says he is not letting that pressure affect him.
“If I keep focusing on, ‘I need to make something better than good kid,’ it’s going to be just that,” stated Kendrick in a recent interview. “That’s not challenging yourself. I don’t want to become that person reflecting on what has been done. What I’m doing now is the question. I’m only as good as my last word, my last hook, my last bridge.”
[ALSO READ: Kendrick Lamar Reveals When He Plans To Release Next Album]
Hip Hop Rumors: Jay And Bey Faking Marriage Issues?
One can only wonder what’s really going on inside the walls of Jay-Z and Beyonce’s marriage, but according to a publicist, the couple is putting on a major show to laugh all the way to the bank.
Jonathan Hay shared with The Sun:
““If you look at the timing of these stories I don’t think this is a coincidence.
“They are driving interest for the tour.
“Ticket sales started off slow and I am sure they were notified they weren’t through the roof as they expected.
“So then we had the elevator fight and since then the tour has been written about every single night and ticket sales have increased.”
Jonathan, who knows Jay Z from working with his protegee Rihanna early in her career, continued: “I believe they are using this for publicity.
“We are just talking about Jay Z and Beyonce the characters — not Shawn Carter and Beyonce Knowles the parents.
“Once the tour is over they will put a stop to these stories and show everything is fine at home.”
We hope so because all these rumors circulation need to be put to rest ASAP.
Hip Hop Rumors: Bow Wow's Got A New Chick On His Arm
There’s a new power couple in town and you probably saw this coming if you watch 106th and Park…
Baller Alert received a pic from a fan, showing Bow Wow and LHHNY star Erica Mena vacationing together in Puerto Rico.
The two were also spotted out by MediaTakeout reader:
What happened to Mena’s girl? Or what about Rich Dollaz???
Nelly Reality Show Headed To BET
(AllHipHop News) St. Louis representative Nelly is extending his presence on television. He is already a regular on the fake reality show Real Husbands of Hollywood, and now the “Hot In Herre” rapper will be appearing on a real reality show.
[ALSO READ: Nelly Shades Floyd Mayweather During Interview (VIDEO)]
According to The Hollywood Reporter, BET has picked up an unscripted program starring Nelly. The unnamed series will contain eight hour-long episodes that will focus on the his career, business dealings, raising his children, and his relationship with Floyd Mayweather’s ex-girlfriend Shantel Jackson. Nelly will also serve as an executive producer.
Nelly previously made cameos on VH1’s reality show T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle. He was also one of the mentors on the singing competition program The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep on The CW.
BET also ordered a new reality show featuring Keyshia Cole and another series with David and Tamela Mann from Meet the Browns and Tyler Perry’s Madea movies.
“These three shows are led by talent that our audience connects with but are also very different shows,” Charlie Jordan Brookins, BET senior VP original programming, told THR. “We’re excited about these new shows. What BET does is give the audience what they’ve been looking for.”
[ALSO READ: Diggy Simmons TV Series “The Start Up” Is Headed To BET]
50 Cent & G-Unit To Perform On Final Episode Of “Chelsea Lately”
(AllHipHop News) 50 Cent will be returning to E!’s Chelsea Lately one last time. The late night talk show is going off the air after seven years, and 50 – along with his G-Unit crew – will perform on the series’ finale.
[ALSO READ: Drake & 50 Cent Reportedly Recorded New Song Together]
50 and the show’s host Chelsea Handler were once a couple, and according to a press release this will be the first time the two former lovers have seen each other since their split.
The live program will also feature a closing musical number featuring over 30 celebrities including Selena Gomez, Avril Lavigne, Johnny Knoxville, Kathy Griffin, David Hasselhoff. Other A-Listers like Jennifer Aniston and Sandra Bullock are scheduled to make an appearance as well.
The series finale of Chelsea Lately will air live on Tuesday, August 26 at 11:00pm ET on the E! network.
[ALSO READ: 50 Cent Talks Sex With Chelsea Handler, Jay Z Being “Most Overrated” + MORE (VIDEO)]
Watch 50 Cent’s previous appearances on Chelsea Lately in the videos below.
Producer Jahlil Beats Clarifies Bobby Shmurda Did Not Steal Lloyd Banks' Beat (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot N***a” has become one of the most jacked beats of the summer with numerous rappers adding their vocals to unofficial remixes. While Shmurda and his Shmoney Dance propelled the track into an internet hit, it was actually once tackled by G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks.
[ALSO READ: Bobby Shmurda Says Lloyd Banks Never Bought “Hot N*gga/Jackpot” Beat From Producer (VIDEO)]
The beat’s producer, Jahlil Beats, recently spoke about Banks’ version called “Jackpot.” The Roc Nation associate explains how the track eventually ended up with Shmurda.
Beats told MrBiznessProductions:
I did the record like two years ago – 2012. [Banks] dropped a record called ‘Jackpot’ which was crazy too. But Banks didn’t really do nothing to it. It didn’t even go on his mixtape. I guess he wasn’t rocking with it at that time, so he let the joint go.
Then two years later the kid Bobby Shmurda did something to it. The joint was buzzing on the internet. It’s a young brother from Brooklyn trying to come up, so I’m like, ‘Rock with that joint. Banks didn’t buy the record, so go ahead and do your thing.’ I’m just trying to see another young brother come up and make it in the game, so I gave him the record…
No, he didn’t steal the beat from Banks. Everything was all love, and I gave him my blessing.
Jahlil also revealed he is now working on Shmurda’s upcoming album. The Pennsylvania native previously crafted beats for Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Fabolous, Diddy, Rick Ross, T.I., Meek Mill, and others.
[ALSO CHECK OUT: Jahlil Beats Ft. Meek Mill & Jay Doe “The Latest”]
Watch the “The Making of Bobby Shmurda Hot N***a Beat” video below.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Will Iggy Collaborate With Lil Kim?
Now, this would be very awkward.
In a recent interview, T. I. claims that Iggy Azalea and Lil Kim might be getting together and making some music. That’s a bit of a scary notion, if you ask me. Why? It almost assures that there is friction between Nicki and Iggy. You can’t be neutral when you collab with the rival of your rival! If this is the case, Iggy would then be entering the Lion’s Den of rap beef. Nicki ain’t no slouch in the shots fired department so I doubt that there will be any declarations of war. Nevertheless, this is what Tip had to say, “I got a call from Kim. She said it’s time to find that record to get [a collaboration] done.” He also said that a Remy Ma song could happen too. This could get Iggy out of the Lion’s Den of public opinion about her authenticity as well. I don’t know. I think this could spark a war. On the flip side, Nicki is pretty much always about female unity so maybe not.
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