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Summer Madness: "Summertime 5" & This Season’s Playlist

By: shad2487 Updated Category: Features
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“I think I was in my dad’s van.  We were riding around and it came on the radio,” Mick (once known as Mick Boogie) replied when asked him about hearing the 1991 Hip-Hop classic, “Summertime,” for the first time.  “I immediately went out and tried to buy all the clothes from the video.  I also wondered why my non-rhythm-having white family couldn’t dance like that at our family reunions.”

Fast-forward 23 years and Mick is dropping the fifth installment of the Summertime mixtape series with one of the “Summertime” song creators, DJ Jazzy Jeff.  The duo’s annual release again finds the two DJs putting together a collection of songs in the spirit of the summer season.

“I’ve always said that in colder climates summertime means a lot more to people than it does in the Miami or L.A. areas because you pretty much have 80 degree weather on Christmas,” Jeff said.

June 21, 2014,  marked the release of Summertime 5, and Mick and Jeff have plenty of surprises in store for listeners.  From Biz Markie on the intro to Mick and his production partner, Chi Duly, flipping a Bobby Vinton record for the outro, the project promises to be an entertaining listen from beginning to end.

And while the genres of music on the Summertime tapes are varied, according to Jeff, there is one guideline, “Mick and I vowed that we don’t put any new music on Summertime, so it always has somewhat of a nostalgic feel.”

“The reason I’ve had a great career is because I’m a normal and humble dude,” Mick explained.  “Getting to know Jeff, and seeing all the success he is still having years later, it’s because he is the exact same way.  So to me, and everyone else, the lesson is to stay true to who you are, even as you grow.”

Summertime 5 is the perfect example of that.  To download it, please click here .

And below is the full audio of AllHipHop.com’s interview with DJ Jazzy Jeff.

 

AllHipHop went through the first four Summertime tapes and curated a set of 10 songs that fit June, July, and August for all different reasons.  Check it Out…

Song: “Back in the Day”

Artist: Ahmad

Reason: nostalgia

Every day, you are the youngest you’ll ever be and as old as you’ve ever been.  Therefore, “back in the day” and nostalgic sentiments are universal to everyone.  And who doesn’t have a favorite summer memory?

Song: “It’s a Party”

Artists: Busta Rhymes and Zhane

Reason: celebration

The title is pretty self-explanatory.  And keeping in mind that there’s no school, three holiday weekends, and lots of warm weather and daylight, it’s pretty easy to find a reason for festivities.

Song: “Lean on Me”

Artist: Bill Withers

Reason: compassion

The support of family and friends is something that all people need at one time or another.  So with family gatherings and friends crossing paths more frequently during the summer months, this song is a powerful one about those able to lend a helping hand.

Song: “Summertime”

Artists: DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

Reason: relaxation

This is a very chill song.  It has a timeless quality to it and its smooth groove captures the pleasant and mellow feeling of the season better than any other rap song in history.  “Leanin’ to the side, but you can’t speed through / Two miles an hour, so everybody sees you.”

Song: “Around the Way Girl”

Artist: LL Cool J

Reason: attraction

LL’s song about his search for a savvy young woman and him being attracted to her everyday lifestyle evokes thoughts of summer in every verse.  From her standing at the bus stop with a lollipop to her smile being compared to sunshine, and then him actually talking about her wearing gold in the summer, it all adds up to a standout song on one Mr. Smith’s best albums ever.

Song: “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss”

Artist: PM Dawn

Reason: relationships

Because summers often have isolated experiences (e.g. camps, vacations), this song can apply to countless would of’s, could of’s, and should of’s that arise when someone is on another’s mind after circumstances have changed.

Song: “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay”

Artist: Otis Redding

Reason: tranquility

The imagery in this song is second to none and could never really be seen in its utmost glory during the fall, winter, or spring.

 

Song: “A Long Walk”

Artist: Jill Scott

Reason: self-discovery

Summers are a time for growth and reflection.  It’s clear by this song’s lyrics that this neo-soul classic focuses on just that.

Song: “Dear Summer”

Artist: Jay Z

Reason: progression 

Just as this was Jay’s (temporary) farewell to rap, it is inevitable each year that everyone must say, “goodbye” to summer.  The reminiscent vibe of the song is very fitting.

 

“Let’s just put this out there now – we will be doing a Wintertime mixtape at some point in the future.” -Mick

 

What are some of your favorite summer songs?  Let us know in the comments section!

 

 

 

Joe Budden Suggests He's Not Returning To "Love & Hip Hop"

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) Slaughterhouse member Joe Budden has spent the last two seasons as a cast member of VH1’s reality show Love & Hip Hop. According to a tweet Budden posted last night, he is “retired” from the New York City based program.

[ALSO READ: Joe Budden Will Battle Hollow Da Don At Eminem’s “Total Slaughter” Event]

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Joe Budden TweetThere is no official word on whether Budden will be returning to the program for season 5. If he is walking away from LHHNY, the New Jersey native will become the second rapper-turned-reality star to announce his departure from the show using social media. Saigon declared he wanted “no parts” of the franchise any longer on an Instagram post back in May.

[ALSO READ: Saigon On “Love & Hip Hop”: Your Agenda Is To Make Me Look Crazy]

Kanye West Speaks On Jay Z's Samsung & Dr. Dre's Apple Deals (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) A year ago Jay Z introduced his “#NewRules” campaign which included a deal with Samsung to purchase 1 million copies of the rapper’s Magna Carta Holy Grail album before it was even released to the public.

Earlier this year, Dr. Dre and fellow Beats Electronics founder Jimmy Iovine sold their company to Apple for a reported $3 billion. Both business moves were seen as landmark moments for Hip Hop moguls.

[ALSO READ: Jay Z Appears On New “Jungle Remix” In Beats By Dre Ad (VIDEO)]

Another business savvy rap star recently spoke about both major moves during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Kanye West was one of the panelists for the “Technology, Culture, and Consumer Adoption” event along with marketing executive Steve Stoute and venture capitalist Ben Horowitz.

During the discussion Kanye spoke on the respective Jay Z/Samsung and Dr. Dre/Apple deals.

“One thing I wanted to point out with Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre – they are geniuses,” said Kanye. “Both of them are cultural geniuses. What they had done for so many years – and they connected with the right company by the way. It’s all about the legacy of Steve. They’ll be tech guys that come to me and say ‘Apple doesn’t have the biggest market share here,’ but they have the right principles.”

He later added, “There would have been no Beats deal without the Samsung deal, because it showed a number one company the importance of connecting with culture… Culture and creativity is worth something.”

[ALSO READ: “Kanye West’s New Testament” Short Film Released (VIDEO)]

While it seems Ye recognizes the importance and impact of both deals, he made it clear he is not a big fan of Samsung.

“The reason I said I didn’t like Samsung particularly is because throughout my entire life, because of the way my parents raised me, I have to work with the number,” Kanye explained. “I can’t work with anyone but Jay Z, because he’s the number one… I can’t be with any girl but Kim [Kardashian], because that’s the girl I look at her pictures the most and get turned on by and she’s a nice person. I’m not going to represent any company but Louis Vuitton, because that’s number one… Samsung is not quite Apple, but it showed that Jimmy and Dre would then be able to connect with the number one influencers.”

[ALSO READ: Jay-Z and Kanye West Defy the Laws of Chemistry]

Watch “Technology, Culture, and Consumer Adoption: Learning to Read the Cultural Landscape” seminar featuring Kanye West below.

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Ab-Soul: 'These Days' Album Review

By: G.Avant (@G_Avant) Updated Category: Reviews / Music
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“Left these holes in my hand so you know who I am…” A rather grand claim from the Black Lip Pastor, but does the product live up to the hype? Ab-Soul’s latest release was described by the wordsmith as a time capsule of life events occurring between the critically acclaimed Control System and his highly anticipated album These Days. This project is a look inside the mind of a lyrically gifted madman, a glimpse into the life of a surgeon, notorious for his dissection of words with great precision. Come take a peek.

These Days, staying true to the messianic themes throughout the album, opens with the appropriately titled “God’s Reign”. What’s striking on this track is the ethereal production of Purity Ring and it’s cohesiveness with the soft, smooth vocals of SZA. Here Ab-Soul chronicles his rise to prominence and all of the struggle and negativity that came with it. Overall this track was very effective at setting the tone for the rest of the album. And what’s all the struggle for without a reward as, “money is the anthem” is the cry throughout the hustlers theme of, “Hunnid Stax”. Short on ‘substance’ this Schoolboy Q driven track more than makes up for it with energy and delivery. Not to be listened to when in search of mind stimulation this is a solid track to just vibe out or ‘chase them benjamins’ to.

Now to one of the favorites on the album, “Dub Sac” is the quintessential weed smoking/party anthem that Ab-Soul is known for. The second half of the song is nice as well, with Ab-Soul providing the vocals over smoothed out production and gritty imagery courtesy of Punch. Following suit, certainly a standout was the Rick Ross featuring, “Nevermind That”, a track that will most definitely stay on repeat for some time. “M####**cka I’m twact”, apparently slang for being under the influence, “Twact” is very reminiscent of the sounds of DJ Mustard. Not a bad track as I can see it serving its party anthem purpose, but a track that can definitely be considered one of the album’s low points. No need to worry though as crests are certainly reached later, one of which to be provide by a Maad City native.

“Kendrick Lamar’s Interlude”, accompanied by outstanding production by Terrace Martin, as usual, is a breath of fresh air. Here Kendrick returns the favor to Ab-Soul, delivering his animated cries of triumph followed by the candid words of Ab-Soul over smooth jazzy production. This track also slyly incorporates elements of Section 80 making for an all-around good track. Trailing this Ab-Soul croons about heartbreak on “Closure”, a track that you wouldn’t really expect from the Black Lip Bastard, but it works very well, and the subject matter is very relatable. On “Stigmata”, Ab-Soul explains just why he has those holes in his hands, sparing us the blood and gore, while borrowing from one of the GOATs Nas to get his point across. Another favorite on the album is “Feeling Us”, letting the masses know that the skill and appeal is undeniable. In addition, certainly worth mentioning is Ab-Soul’s battle with Daylyt at the end of the album, a first for me personally, and just more confirmation as to the potential of battle rap to reach the mainstream.

In his latest effort Ab-Soul simplifies his lyricism and content relative to his potential, but still delivers a very enjoyable album and remains true to character. An initial concern when viewing the tracklist was the number of features, but all of them seemed to be very well placed and effectively executed and the production was high quality throughout. This album delivers and definitely did not disappoint. These Days was just one step further in solidifying the position of Ab-Soul and TDE as a collective for long term success. Maybe he does carry the cross?

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Dame Dash Ends Beef With Funk Flex; Addresses Hot 97/Chuck D Situation

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News) Dame Dash’s one man mission of calling out “culture vultures” in Hip Hop has ruffled some feathers. When Dame decided to take aim at former Def Jam president Joie Manda, Hot 97’s DJ Funkmaster Flex came to Manda’s defense and threw a few shots at Dash in the process.

[ALSO READ: Joie Manda Addresses Dame Dash Calling Him A “Culture Vulture”; Dame Responds Back]

Dame later responded to Flex’s on-air statements on Instagram and during an interview with Combat Jack. The issue between the two music industry veterans seems to now be settled. Dash spoke about the situation with VladTV.

“I’m living a good life, and I get to take care of my kids. That to me is all that counts. Indie rich is what I want. Slave broke is wack. That’s Flex money,” said Dame. “And you know what I’m not even mad at you Flex. I’ve decided I’m not even f**king with you no more. You my n***a. Beef off. I’m not gonna let them have us mad each other. Joie’s a herb, but I’m not mad at you dog.”

During the interview Dame also mentions he wants to have a conversation with another Hot 97 personality – Ebro Darden.

“I was looking forward to having an intellectual debate with Ebro, but he just quit. He threw the white flag out,” said Dame. “I wanted to have a conversation with him, because when no one’s in the room he has a lot to say. I’m not going to speak on another man’s business, but I definitely think it’s disrespectful to be trying to talk to Chuck D any kinda way. He needs to blindly just listen to Chuck D. I know I would.”

[ALSO READ: Peter Rosenberg Calls Chuck D A Twitter Troll; Chuck Responds]

Rick Ross Speaks On Not Performing At Detroit Concert (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News) After two days of news stories about why Rick Ross decided to cancel his headlining performance at Hot 107.5′s Summer Jamz 17 in Detroit, the man himself speaks out about the incident. In an interview with Felisha Monet of 99 Jamz, Ross says he never made it to the venue and never spoke to anyone directly about being blocked from the event.

[ALSO READ: Rick Ross Blocked From Performing In Detroit; Reportedly “In Fear Of His Life”]

“The team head over to the gig, so my team is always in front of me. Just to make it clear, I never even made it to the venue,” said Ross. “Me and whoever this gentleman is – we never crossed paths. He never spoke with Rozay, and I expect him to clarify that.”

The “gentleman” Ross is likely referring to is rapper Trick Trick. There were reports that it was Trick who orchestrated the blockade that prevented Ross from entering Chene Park Amphitheater where Summer Jamz was being held. Allegedly, Trick had placed the Maybach Music Group leader on a “No Fly Zone” list which meant the two would have needed to speak before Ross could perform.

“The caravan is on the way to the venue. They get there, and someone has locked the gates to the venue,” explained Ross. “This I didn’t see myself – there was supposed to be gentlemen here who were talking with the police, and it was very peaceful for my team that made it there. They didn’t even know it was a problem.”

Ross says he then went to a local casino, and it was there that he heard it was supposedly a “gang” outside Chene Park waiting for him.

“That’s totally false,” said Ross. “I let that breath for a whole day just expecting somebody to step up and say that’s not true. No one spoke to MMG.”

Ross’ statement is different from what the promoters of Summer Jamz have said about his reason for not performing. Hot 107.5′s program director Jay Hicks said Ross was met by 100 people outside and was “in fear of his life.”

Shahida Mausi of The Right Productions, Inc, which manages and operates Chene Park, said there were 100-150 people outside the site led by “a local rapper” that “prevented and threatened to harm Ross if he entered the grounds to perform at Chene Park Amphitheater.”

“FYI, if this is the scenario, I didn’t see it. Rozay ain’t make it to the venue,” adds Ross. “For any upcoming artists don’t never feel the need to shoot your way into any venue to perform. You not getting paid for that.”

[ALSO READ: Chene Park Issues Statement About Rick Ross Cancelling Detroit Concert Appearance]

Watch Rick Ross’ interview below.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Did Rihanna And Coldplay Help Jay Z Post-Solange Attack?

By: yourfavenightmare Updated Category: Rumors
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I refuse to believe that Jay Z and Beyonce are having any marital issues. I don’t know why, but I just cannot believe there is trouble in paradise. But, these tabloids know more than Hip-Hop sites! Anyway, they seem to have some insider info that suggests that CHRIS MARTIN of Coldplay fame got up with Rihanna to talk about Jay Z. Sound fishy? The story goes on to say that they were very concerned about her, particularly in the aftermath of the Solange situation. Here is what they are saying over at The Independent.

Rihanna and Chris Martin are reportedly concerned about their mutual friend Jay Z.

The rumour mill went into over drive last week when photos of the pair dining together surfaced, prompting many to wonder if the meal was a romantic one.

But sources close to the musical duo say that in actual fact, Chris and Rihanna met up for crisis talks regarding Jay.

“Rihanna and Chris met up for dinner because they are worried about Jay. Apparently he hasn’t been in touch lately, ever since his marriage problems surfaced,” an insider divulged to British magazine Grazia.

Since footage was leaked of Solange Knowles, younger sister of Jay’s wife Beyoncé, attacking Jay in an elevator, the power couple have had to face continuous questions about the state of their marriage.

Rihanna, 26, collaborated with Chris on her 2012 smash hit Princess of China, though they’re not known to share a particularly close friendship, so photos of the pair raised eyebrows.

But the source explains the two music stars hatched a plan to offer their support to Jay, who’s had a rough time of it lately.
“Jay is such a big part of both of their lives, and they want to know that they are there for him. Especially given what Chris has been going through. He seems keen to offer any help her can,” the source added.

Chris has also had a tough time in love recently, after it was announced he had “consciously uncoupled” from wife Gwyneth Paltrow earlier this year.
Reports of affairs and a love child continue to surround Jay and Beyoncé, but the pair are putting on a united front.

They tied the knot in 2008 and are proud parents to two-year old Blue Ivy. Beyoncé shared a series of cute snaps of Jay and Blue over the weekend to celebrate Father’s Day.

“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.

Illseed, Out.

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Hip-Hop Rumors: T.I. And J. Lo??

By: yourfavenightmare Updated Category: Headlines
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We know Tip is going through some things in his marriage, but he may be trying to send his wife a strong message if these rumors are true. Tip recently defended his family’s honor against the horror of Azealia Banks. That’s old news (last week). This week, there are renewed rumors that Tip is dating the Puerto Rican super MILF, Jennifer Lopez. Here is what Star Magazine is reporting:

“…the 44-year-old has been telling friends that her new romance [with T.I] has been a ‘godsend.”

“T.I. thinks she’s the complete package,” gushes the source. “No one would be surprised if they became official sooner rather than later.”
“They have a genuine connection,” dishes a pal.”

I don’t know about this one. I mean, Tiny and T.I. seem to be made for each other. I know J. Lo is super fine, but I think Tip will realize it is absolutely “cheaper to keep her.” Sounds like just some talk to me.

“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.

Illseed, Out.

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Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil Bow Wow Plans To Kills Himself!!!

By: yourfavenightmare Updated Category: Headlines
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Well, its official Bow Wow is no more! Bow Wow is dead and he now will go by his birth name Shad Moss. I guess that name is pretty old and played out so shout out to him for growing up. More artists should try it.

Here is what he had to say:


Anyway, we only have a few more days until Bow Wow is gone and we’ll succumb to calling Bow Weezy by his real name. If I call him Bow Wow, he’ll look at me something like this:

So, NO…Shad Moss is very alive, but Bow Wow’s days are numbered!

“They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!” -illseed.

Illseed, Out.

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"Jersey Boys" Remixed and Reworked by Cam'ron, Lauryn Hill and More

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Lifestyle
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With Jersey Boys set to hit theaters this weekend, AllHipHop teamed up with Warner Brothers to shed light on the true impact of The Four Seasons on Hip-Hop as a whole. Like many R&B and Doo-wop groups of the 1960’s, some of their hit songs have been sampled and remixed by some of Hip-Hop and R&B’s most popular acts in the urban music world.

The film tells the story of four young men from a rough area in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Who Loves You,” and many more.  From Cam’ron to Wyclef to Action Bronson to Lauryn Hill, The Four Seasons definitely made their mark on Hip-Hop and its music.

Take a look below at some of the hit songs that have been re-worked and remixed below!

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”

“December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)”

  • Originally released by The Four Seasons in 1975
  • Sampled by Cam’ron in 2011 – “Oh What A Night”

“Beggin”

“Big Girls Don’t Cry”

  • Originally released by The Four Seasons in 1963
  • Sampled by MC Lyte in 1988 – “Don’t Cry Big Girls” 

“Sherry”

  • Originally released by The Four Seasons in 1962
  • Sampled by by Krizz Kaliko in 2012 – “Kali Baby“