(AllHipHop News) Music mogul Dame Dash is facing a couple of lawsuits at the moment, but it appears his lawyer no longer wants to represent him during his legal battles. Court documents obtained by The Jasmine Brand, show attorney John Fazzio has asked a judge to allow him to break from Dash.
[ALSO READ: Dame Dash Explains Difference Between Working “With” & Working “For” Corporate (VIDEO)]
According to the docs filed on July 15, Fazzio claims he has not been properly compensated for his work on behalf of Dash, and he has repeatedly tried to contact his client without receiving any response.
The legal papers state:
I have consistently communicated with Defendant Dash, and his representatives, asking for them to assist with their defense and asking them to cure large outstanding balances owed to the Firm, and indicated repeatedly that the Firm would be making this motion to withdraw as counsel if the pattern of non-responsiveness and non-compliance with their payment obligations continued and if the outstanding bill for services rendered to date was not paid.
One of Dash’s ongoing lawsuits is a breach of contract and copyright infringement complaint. Dwayne Walker is suing Dash, Jay Z, and Universal Music Group. Walker claims he created the Roc-A-Fella logo and was never properly paid for his design.
[ALSO READ: Jay Z Ordered To Give Deposition In Roc-A-Fella Logo Lawsuit]
The second suit centers around the illegal music distribution case involving Curren$y. The New Orleans rapper and his Jet Life Recordings label have been seeking payments from Dash for releasing the Pilot Talk and Pilot Talk II projects without permission.
[ALSO READ: Curren$y Suing Dame Dash For $1.5 Million; Claims Dash Released Music Without Consent]
(AllHipHop News) Drake caught flake from some Hip Hop heads when the YMCMB rapper recycled Rappin’ 4-Tay’s lyrics for his guest verse on YG’s “Who Do You Love?” Even 4-Tay addressed Drizzy using his rhymes from his song “Playaz Club” on Twitter.
[ALSO READ: Jay Electronica Mentions Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Wale & 50 Cent In Cryptic Tweets]
New Song w/ @YG Feat @Drake In This Song Drake Copys My Lyrics & Lines From My PlayazClub Song & Pays No Homage! ??? http://t.co/GzzKW6vDfM
— Rappin’ 4-Tay (@rappin_4tay) December 31, 2013
TMZ is now reporting that Drake has paid 4-Tay $100,000 for use of his lyrics. According to the site, the California emcee’s manager has confirmed the transaction took place between 4-Tay and Drake’s label.
“Who Do You Love?” was a hit on urban radio. The My Krazy Life single reached the Top 10 on the Hot Rap Songs and Rhythmic charts. It also broke into the Top 20 Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs tally.
[ALSO CHECK OUT: YG Turns Up with Wiz & TGOD, Then Fans Chase Him @ UK Wireless 2014]
Listen to YG’s “Who Do You Love?” featuring Drake and Rappin’ 4-Tay’s “Playaz Club.”
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(AllHipHop News) “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea is the biggest hit of the summer. The song has dominated Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, and it broke the record for the longest running Number 1 single by a female rap artist. According to a report by the Washington Post, “Fancy” got a some help from the largest radio outlet in America.
[ALSO READ: Iggy Azalea Sets New Record For Female Rappers]
Clear Channel started a program called “On The Verge.” The initiative was designed to help rising acts get more exposure on their 840 stations. Program directors from across the country vote on a song and the winning tune is committed to get at least 150 spins on all the stations for about six weeks.
Azalea was selected as an “On The Verge” artist, and her chart smashing single benefited from access to Clear Channel’s 245 million monthly listeners via radio and its iHeartRadio streaming app.
“On The Verge” does not guarantee an artist will have the level of success of Azalea, but it does give the chosen singles a huge push out the gate. Other songs selected for the program include Tinashe’s “2 On,” Jhené Aiko’s “The Worst,” and Anthony Lewis’ “Candy Rain.”
“I think it’s good for everybody when we can break more artists,” said Clear Channel Radio’s president for national programming platforms Tom Poleman. “The listeners win; we win as a company that relies on music as our lifeblood; and our artists certainly win as well.”
Poleman added “On The Verge” is not meant to give certain artists or labels an unfair advantage. He insists the acts picked to participate are based completely on the quality of the music and not on label pressure.
New York City’s Power 105.1 and Hot 97.1, Miami’s 103.5 The Beat, Los Angeles’ Power 106, and Atlanta’s Kiss 104.1 are some of the stations available through iHeartRadio.
[ALSO READ: The Breakfast Club Announces Angie Martinez Joining Power 105]
Lifestyle brand Sleep is 4 Suckers recently cut the tape, celebrating the grand opening of its flagship store in South DeKalb Mall. The in-store celebration hosted by ‘Double Cup’ artist DJ Infamous and Sleepis4Suckers Founder, David Shand ignited a series of events to announce the new home for the motivational street wear clothing line. Waves of faithful customers and new Sleepless Society enthusiasts flowed in and out of the store in high spirits. Atmosphere music provided by DJ King Reece created the perfect guided shopping experience and fun photo opportunity.
The South DeKalb Mall grand opening showcased latest designs, while featuring key designs worn by brand ambassadors. Each design explains the philosophy behind the brand name, Sleep is 4 Suckers. It tells the journey of heartfelt dedication to goals that may require the sacrifice of sleep. The brand caters to ambitious creatives including success seekers, entrepreneurs, potential hidden scholars, and bucket list finishers.
Following the flagship store grand opening Sleep is 4 Suckers hosted their trait industry mixer, The Si4S Phase4 Photoshoot Party at Posh Lounge & Hookah Bar sponsored by Ciroc Ultra-Premium Vodka. This exclusive event featured three expert photographers including John “Sight” Pettiford, Demetrious Williams, and Omar “Chilly-O” Mitchell, with the availability of on-site makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, barbers and hairstylists to be taken advantage of by attendees.
Murph Watkins is back with another promo single for his upcoming project “YUN”. This time Murph hits with a lyric-heavy release “Pharaoh”. Pharaoh is yet another collaborative effort between Murph Watkins and Philadelphia Based Producer Christian Lou.
This is a good sign. MFers are having sex on top of Chipotle! AND in the place I live and breath air – DELAWARE! Always good to see home in the news. USA Today is reporting that a pair of horn dogs named Michael Suh, 38, and Nicole Germack, 27, were spotted having sex on top of the “hot” restaurant! The police were called and the report says it took them 20 seconds to stop having sex! YO, son…SUH got in at least 10 more pumps in right in front of the po-po!!!! I would have gotten 20 son! Lol….ANYWAY. Suh owns a restaurant in the same complex as the Chipotle and apparently went upstairs to get busy. The pair were charged with indecent exposure, lewdness, loitering, resisting arrest and conspiracy. They were both released on $1,800 unsecured bail.
“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.
Illseed, Out.
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Cloud rap pioneer Tynethys has teamed up with E-40’s masked son, Bay Area rapper/producer Issue, for “Lil B”,the first single from his upcoming untitled EP. Premiered via Noisey
From his Motifs EP, 20syl links up with Oddisee on a hard hitting chopped up track that has soulful undertones and drums that skip over the beat perfectly.
Over the weekend, I had a remarkable experience at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival in Brooklyn, New York with my daughter in tow.
On Saturday afternoon, I got a pair of calls from two esteemed brothers I know in the Nation of Islam. They asked me if I knew what was going down at the festival and requested my presence. Mind you I had other personal plans. Furthermore, the men didn’t even tell me exactly what was going to happen, only that it had to do with Jay Electronica. Lastly, I already had plans with my daughter. Still, when these specific men call, I listen and trust. Soon enough, I found myself in Brooklyn, New York in the thick of Hip-Hop in all of its infinite glory.
As my daughter and I walked up to the designated spot, we were greeted by a number of young brothers from The Nation. All were dressed in suits with the bow ties. They were sharp and they acted accordingly. There was no foolishness and they had a certain stance that even my daughter noticed. She said something like, “Look at how they are standing, straight up.” They definitely looked like soldiers in suits, but there were no scowls or false machismo. The brothers in The Nation (my friends) that connected me to these others told me to talk to one specific younger brother and he would “take care of us.” From there, it was on.
Jay Electronica arrived with a cadre of older men similarly dressed as the younger ones. From the moment they touched down, everybody around was taken care of. My daughter and I. Jay Electronica’s mother. Jay Z (who arrived later). Wives, daughters and other friends too. And Jay Electronica was consistently surrounded by strong men that were disciplined, orderly, polite and – honestly – nothing to play with.
What I saw is representative of a bigger issue I know most parents are concerned with.
As a father I am compelled to envision the type man that my daughter will eventually be with. And I have to be honest, there are instances where I get very, very fearful. This sentiment was exacerbated recently by a story from a friend. He told me he would not be able to be in the same hospital with the father of his pregnant daughter even though she is soon to give birth. My homeboy felt he might be compelled murder the younger man for a number of reasons beyond impregnating his 21-year old. Now, he may have been joking, but he didn’t seem to be. He seemed uncharacteristically serious. I am not the sort of man to line up suitors for my daughter (she’s gonna pick her own mate), but of those surrounding us at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, I saw men of respect. None of the young men I saw would upset me if my daughter introduced me to one of them. These are the things I ponder even though my daughter isn’t even a teenager yet.
So, I am not suggesting that she’s got to come home with a brother in a bow tie and suit one day, but I am suggesting that that is the sort of individual we need more of in the community. Protectors. Respectful. Disciplined. Caring. Concerned. And, even Classy.
The Nation of Islam isn’t the only group like this, but they are one of the more universal groups that are able to bring order to the chaos that surrounds Black men daily.
Click here to continue reading “Why I Love The Nation Of Islam”
(AllHipHop News) Reports have been circulating all day about the fight that broke out during the taping of the Love and Hip Hop Atlanta reunion. One of the show’s stars has now come out to discuss the ordeal.
[ALSO READ: Huge Brawl Reportedly Broke Out During Taping Of “Love & Hip Hop ATL” Reunion Show (VIDEO)]
Stevie J called into Hot 97 to address the melee. While speaking with Ebro In The Morning, Stevie revealed his wife Joseline Hernandez did get into a scuffle with co-star Tammy Rivera.
“It was just a quick hair pull here and there,” said Stevie. “It wasn’t even serious. It’s like 40 security in there. So what basically can anyone really do?
When asked if was upset about former friend Benzino getting involved in the fight, Stevie made it clear he felt none of the men should have gotten involved.
“Well you know it’s just like, this is hoe business. Let the hoes handle hoe’s business. This is show business. Dudes shouldn’t even be getting involved when chicks have the problem. Let the girls handle it,” added Stevie. “I’m trying to figure out, from day one, when I first heard of gangsta’s business, they let the broads handle broad’s business. When a dude jumps into broad business, then sh*t, he might as well be a broad.”
Stevie also claims Benzino threw a punch at Joseline, and parts of the show were able to be recorded.
Listen to Stevie J’s interview below.
(AllHipHop News) Unwanted photography is the leading cause of celebrity meltdowns in the past two years. According to reports, Katt Williams is under criminal investigation for assault with a deadly weapon in connection to an incident near LAX yesterday (July 15th).
TMZ reports Glen Jackson is claiming Katt Williams and his bodyguard pepper sprayed him after he attempted to take a photograph of the comedian while both were parked side by side in their respective cars near LAX. According to Jackson, Williams drove his Rolls Royce into Jackson’s leg, pepper sprayed the man again and then drove off.
This incident occurs two weeks after Williams allegedly pulled a gun on four individuals shooting a documentary outside of The Comedy Store in West Hollywood on July 1st.
(AllHipHop Features) It’s amazing how much can happen in a person’s life in one year. Just ask West Coast emcee Fashawn. Over the last 365 days, the 25-year-old freestyled on stage with Kendrick Lamar in the Czech Republic, performed his song “Champion” as boxer Timothy Bradley walked to the ring for his rematch against Manny Pacquiao, and connected with his musical idol for a new record deal.
After a lot of speculation it was about to happen, last week Fashawn officially announced his signing to Nas’ Mass Appeal imprint. The new arrangement coincides with Fash putting the finishing touches on his second solo album The Ecology due out on September 30.
Fashawn’s latest studio project comes five years after his debut LP Boy Meets World (produced entirely by Exile), and the 2010 XXL Freshmen Class member feels it’s the perfect time to give the world the multi-themed perspectives presented on his sophomore effort. With Exile returning to quarterback the production and Nas endorsing the talent, The Ecology is sure to become a Hip Hop highlight of 2014’s third quarter.
Calling in from Paris, Fashawn spoke with AllHipHop.com the day after the Fresno, California native shared a stage with Nas in Cologne, Germany. Fash discussed his forthcoming album, signing with Esco, getting Aloe Blacc to display his rapping skills, and more.
How did the Mass Appeal deal come together?
Nas was interested in starting his own dynasty, ushering in new talent to the game. He’s doing it with Mass Appeal, and he hand-picked me out of a whole bunch of emcees out there. I’m really honored to a part of Mass Appeal alongside Escobar.
He really wanted to sign me, so he flew me to Texas, we shook hands, and we spoke. I wound up performing on stage with him. The rest is history.
Was that at SXSW?
Yeah.
You’re a really big Nas fan. What was that moment like for you when he introduced you at SXSW?
That moment was totally surreal. I’ve never had someone I idolized that much show me that much love and respect and tell me that they admired my work. It was mind-blowing. And to be on stage with him performing records that I literally grew up to was a milestone in my career.
You’re getting set to release your next album. It’s been a while since you dropped a solo studio album. Did the new deal with Mass Appeal spur that on knowing you’re in situation where you have support from somebody that you really look up to?
Honestly, I wanted a good home for this album. I’d been working on this album for maybe a year or two, but it’s been a thought in the back of my head ever since Boy Meets World.
There’s no better brand in rap to me than Nas. That was a no-brainer. Of course, if I’m going to put out my sophomore album, I don’t know anybody else that I’d rather put it out with and have on that album than Nas.
I’m glad we waited. I’m glad I took my time with it, because if it had come out prematurely, I don’t know if it would be what it is now. I’m happy I took my time.
You mentioned Nas is going to be on the album. Can you describe what that track sounds like or its theme?
What I can say about that record is that it’s probably the best thing since pants with pockets. That’s the only way I can describe that record.
What’s the meaning behind the title of the album?
The Ecology – it’s the study of our behavior based on the environments that we live in. But it’s more than just that to me. It’s evolved into something else. It’s just about life. It’s about love, hate, positivity, negativity, ignorance, wisdom, intelligence, prosperity. It’s about everything to me, because that’s what this album consists of.
It’s hard to tell you what this album is about, because it’s truly the album about everything. I don’t just rap about four things. I’m not that kind of emcee. The album is very broad on concept, and the production consists of producers that I can’t name yet.
You worked with Exile again for this project. Why did you decide to let him handle on the bulk of the production?
I definitely decided to let him oversee the whole project. The sound that we invented on our first album, I didn’t want to lose the integrity of that, so I’m having Exile oversee the whole project. All the beats coming in, that’s not from Exile, definitely got the okay from Exile. They definitely fit the mold of this album.
I gave that [job] to Exile for the follow-up to our album. Everything I dropped in between then and now wasn’t the follow-up to Boy Meets World. That was just me getting my bars off, but this is my sophomore album. Of course, Exile is all over that thing. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Just to be clear, there are other producers that have contributed tracks. Exile’s just kind of serving like an executive producer?
Yeah, let’s be clear. I got some fire from a lot of prestigious, incredible producers on this album. A lot of people you guys are going to be familiar with, but I’m not going to drop those dimes yet.
What about features? You said Nas is on there. Anyone else that you can talk about now?
I really didn’t want too many features. I had a lot to say on this album, so I kept it short. I just wanted the people that I felt fit the mold of this album, that are cut from that kind of cloth.
So far, I got Aloe Blacc on there who’s one of my favorite artists out right now. And we’re from the same crew, so that’s not too foreign for me. And my brother Nas. Those are two of the most influential people to me, so those are the guys I have on the album.
I tapped one of my West Coast brethren on the shoulder for a verse, and maybe when I get back to the States I’ll snatch that from him. We’ll see what happens with that. I can’t confirm that yet.
Aloe Blacc blew up this year, and a lot of his new fans probably don’t know he has such a strong Hip Hop background. They just know him for his radio singles.
That’s why I got him actually rapping on my album. So if you’re not familiar with Aloe Blacc as an emcee, you’ll get to hear him get his rhymes off on The Ecology. He’s singing on there as well, but I’m probably one of the only guys who can get Aloe Blacc to rap.
You’re also going to be featured on the Mass Appeal compilation. Boldy James said you did a song together, along with Chuck Inglish, called “Off White.”
Yeah man, that record right there is a monster. Chuck Inglish’s production on that is silly, ignorant. I mean that in the most respectful way possible.
Boldy came to L.A., and we got in the studio, burned some weed, and did our thing. We had some cameras there and caught the whole thing on tape. Me and Boldy just let off on that song.
I spoke to the Don last night, and I think he’s going to drop a verse on that as well. The Mass Appeal Compilation drops September 2nd. It’s going to be an incredible day. Trust me.
[ALSO READ: Boldy James Talks “Trappers Alley 2”, Being A Big Nas Fan, & How The Music Game Is Like The Dope Game]
Do you have any other tracks on the compilation besides the one with Boldy?
Yeah, I contributed a few songs. I’ll probably be surprised to see what makes it, because I contributed a nice handful of songs. Can’t wait for y’all to see what makes the cut, but we’re still recording for that.
Going back to your relationship with Nas. Did the two of you ever have a conversation about your Ode To Illmatic mixtape?
We did last night out there in Cologne. I told him I was scared to put it out. He told me, “Bruh, you’re good. You did that justice.” He wasn’t even mad about it, and that surprised me. It’s so rare to get a genius to acknowledge your talent. It’s mind-blowing.
I think the conversation we had last night was the real beginning of our relationship. We got to shake hands in Austin [at SXSW], but that was the first time we’d ever met. I was still star struck at that moment, but last night I got to talk Nas – the guy I’ve been listening to all these years. I got to speak with him. It was ill. It was “illmatic.”
You’re out in Europe right now. Can we expect you to tour off The Ecology album?
Absolutely, I’m a “Samsonite Man.” I’ll probably be coming through your town really soon. Right now, I’m just soaking in this inspiration out here in Paris. I’m not even worried about touring. I’m just trying to make sure this album is amazing and make sure I don’t disappoint anyone on September 30th.
2014 has been a big year for you so far. You signed your deal with Mass Appeal. You have your sophomore album on the way. At this point, how do you feel about where you are in your career?
I can’t believe it. I never would have predicted I’d be here. I definitely worked hard at it and earned my stay in Hip Hop.
I never imagined I’d be performing at the MGM Grand on Pay-Per-View, signing with Nas, or just being where I’m at right now – looking out of a window in France and talking to people in America about my life, about what I do.
That’s where I’m at with my career. That’s where I’m at with my life. And it’s a beautiful thing.
Fashawn’s The Ecology is scheduled for released on September 30.
Mass Appeal Compilation Vol. 1 is scheduled for release on September 2.
Follow Fashawn on Twitter @fashawn and Instagram @therealfashawn.
Y’all don’t know. A few years ago, I felt like I had a shot with Kelly Rowland. AllHipHop writers were putting a word in. I gave them my actual real face and picture. He seemed to show some interest back in the day. Well, now Kelly is all married and happy. I failed and I’m straight up hating like a playa hata. Anyway, below is a pic of Kelly doing her thing with Mama Knowles.
Damn. People are all happy and sh*t. And I’m miserable with no company.
“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.
Illseed, Out.
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(AllHipHop News) What is a better way to mend feuds over women than making jokes about them. According to reports, Chris Brown will appear in an upcoming sketch with Drake during tonight’s ESPY’s event.
According to leaked information from TMZ, the skit involves Blake Griffin preparing to do an invasive examination of Drake’s teeth as dentist. Drake will allegedly remark “are you really going to do this” to which Chris Brown will enter and say “No, I am.”
Drake and Brown were photoed together in the studio last week. The 2014 ESPY Awards are set to air tonight (July 16th) on ESPN at 9 P.M.
Check out a picture from the rehearsals featuring Blake Griffin and Drake below:
Just because “Holler If Ya Hear Me” didn’t quite smash it on Broadway doesn’t mean it is over. I am hearing some rumors that the musical play, based on the lyrics of Tupac Shakur, may find new life outside of New York City. The word is it MAY continue to tour America as a roving production in other urban areas.
For now, it is ending its relatively brief run on Broadway next week. It is essentially the first “Hip-Hop” production to have a run on Broadway. There is a lot of chatter as to why things didn’t work out, but that all speculation.
RELATED: Tupac Broadway Musical To Close After Just 6 Weeks
Is the play something you would want to come to your town?
“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.
Illseed, Out.
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