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AHH Premiere: Tray Chaney – "Open & Honest" EP

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Music
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Fans of HBO’s The Wire will get a special gift tomorrow (December 26) when the cable network re-releases the masterful television program in high-definition. The HD version of all 60 episodes will run as a marathon on the HBO Signature channel and via the HBO Go website/app. One of the show’s stars is celebrating the milestone by releasing his fourth musical project.

[ALSO READ: HBO To Release “The Wire” In Remastered HD]

Tray Chaney played the role of Malik “Poot” Carr for five seasons on The Wire. Since his turn as the drug dealer-gone-straight citizen concluded, Chaney has jumped into making music full-time. Chaney previously released the well received tracks “Dedicated Father” and  “Time,” but with his new Open & Honest EP the DMV representative is pushing the boundaries of his artistic vision to new heights.

“Open & Honest represents an open and honest invitation from me to the fans. It’s a true look inside some of my most personal, upfront, and close situations I deal with on a day-to-day basis,” says Tray. “It’s more edgy from what the fans are used to hearing from me – more relatable issues.”

The same way David Simon’s serial drama portrayed an authentic look at the inner workings of a modern American city, Chaney puts his internal conversations on public display with Open & Honest. From facing financial hardships after The Wire ending (“Welcome To My Life”) to overcoming the dirty side of the entertainment industry (“CoSign”), the actor/rapper does not hold back the truth on the lyrical biography.

[ALSO READ: “The Wire’s” Tray Chaney To Produce & Star In Mac Dre Biopic]

Stream Tray Chaney’s Open & Honest EP via AllHipHop.com below.

Three Questions With Anthony Kelley

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Features
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The Mark Wahlberg led movie The Gambler hits theaters today (December 25). Among the actors appearing in the film is newcomer Anthony Kelley. The 22-year-old former college basketball player was a great fit for the film’s role of Lamar Allen.

Kelley describes Lamar as a star athlete that has a bright future ahead of him, but at the same time he faces serious issues such as overcoming internal emotional battles and close family members struggling with health problems. Kelley’s character eventually builds a relationship with Jim Bennett (Wahlberg), a professor dealing with his own troubles as a high stakes gambler.

AllHipHop.com recently spoke with Kelley. The 22-year-old travel and fine dining connoisseur talked about a particular fun time on The Gambler set when the cameras weren’t rolling, and he shares his picks for two of the big sports events on the horizon.

[ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: Introducing “The Gambler” Star Anthony Kelley]

What is the most memorable off-screen moment during your time filming The Gambler?

When I was playing basketball with Mark’s kids. The basketball gym scene was pretty much done, and we were just shooting around, dunking with some of the other cast members. It was great.

It felt like I was playing college basketball and just hanging out with some of my best friends. It felt like the cast members and I had known each other for years. I still stay in contact with them until this day.

If you could have played any two movie roles in history, which ones would you have picked?

I’ve always wanted to play a martial artist. So something like Wesley Snipes’ Blade. That would definitely be out of my comfort zone, so I would love to play something like that. Or Will Smith in Hitch. I think that would have been great too.

If you had to put $1 million down on which teams would win the College Football National Championship and the Super Bowl, who do you pick?

For the Super Bowl, I’m going with the [New England] Patriots. Shout out to Rob Gronkowski. For college football, I’ll go with Oregon. I have a buddy over there named Blake Stanton. Gotta go with Oregon.

[ALSO READ: Three Questions With Chaos]

A Star Is Born: Anthony Kelley (via Instagram)
A Star Is Born: Anthony Kelley (via Instagram)

The Gambler is in theaters nationwide today, December 25.

Follow Anthony Kelly on Twitter @AntonKelley and Instagram @AntonKelley.

Watch the trailer for The Gambler below.

HEATER OF THE DAY: Doeman ft. Le$ "Going Major"

By: @SimplyCecilia Updated Category: Breeding Ground
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Spitter Doeman has enlisted the smooth rapping Le$ for a new track titled “Going Major.” The Houston emcee has been releasing consistent heat, as he prepares for his debut album The Gold Blooded LP. 

The Pinkprint Debuts At No.2 As Nicki Minaj Is Named "Rapper Of The Year"

By: @SimplyCecilia Updated Category: Music News
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Although Taylor Swift has claimed the top spot on the latest Billboard 200, artist Nicki Minaj has come in right behind at number two with her third studio album The Pinkprint which also made it to number three on the Top Album Sales chart.

Rolling out with 244,000 units, the project beat original estimates that it would debut at 190, 000. Also in the top five was D’Angelo’s recently released Black Messiah. 

She’s also been crowned by Complex as the “Best Rapper of 2014,” in a recent interview she explains, “There is no ‘mixtape Nicki,’ I’ve never stopped rapping; I’ve never stopped doing freestyles; I’ve never stopped doing remixes and features; I’ve never stopped raising the bar lyrically.”

 

Family Seeking Answers In Shooting Death Of Antonio Martin

By: @SimplyCecilia Updated Category: News
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With an investigation already underway regarding the shooting of Missouri teen Antonio Brown, the case has quickly come under scrutiny due to conflicting reports, grainy videos and a (currently unnamed) officer that did not have on the body cam recently issued to him.

While officials say that Martin was shot after pulling a gun on the officer in question, his family is simply calling for a full disclosure of information as they try to cope with his death.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Martin’s grandmother Margaret Chandler said, “If he was in the wrong, I want to know he was in the wrong. I want to see the gun in his hand…I’m just thinking about my grandson. I want the facts.” She added, “I don’t want them to tell me he had a gun. I want to see it. These police do some dirty things. They just wait until nightfall to see some young black men and gun them down.”

This case is still developing.

[ALSO READ: Teenager Antonio Martin Shot By Police In Berkeley, Missouri]

Big Sean & E-40 Take Over The "Tonight Show"

By: @SimplyCecilia Updated Category: Music News
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Big Sean and E-40

While the holidays may be a source of cheer for many, for those dealing with a break-up or simply looking for a banger, Big Sean’s still popular “IDFWU” does the trick. Backed by The Roots, on December 23 Sean and Bay Area legend E-40 hit the stage for a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Following up on Hall of Fame, the Detroit emcee will reportedly release another project in the first half of 2015.

Take a look at their performance below:

O.T. Genasis on Hit Record "CoCo"; First Meeting 50; Funny Altercation w/ Busta Rhymes

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Videos
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Thisis50 & Young Jack Thriller recently spoke with O.T. Genasis for an exclusive interview. O.T. Genasis speaks on his hit record “CoCo”, G-Unit, The Grind, Busta Rhymes, Wiz Khalifa stage diving during “CoCo” performance, influences, first meeting 50 Cent & much more…

FRESH HEAT – Fokis – "Produced By Dr. Dre"

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Music
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In case you’re not familiar with Fokis, let’s bring you up to speed. Fokis is an emcee / producer who has collaborated with artists such as Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Mistah F.A.B., Olu Dara (Nas’ father) & more. He’s worked with producers such as Ty Fyffe, Focus…, Fantom Of The Beat and Jake One. Fokis released various projects including the “20/20” EP (produced entirely by Focus…), “The Appetizer” LP with Punchline (formerly of eMC) & “A Vintage State Of Mind” mixtape. He runs an indie label, Loyalty Digital Corp., which executive produced projects such as “An Ode To Reasonable Doubt” by Skyzoo & Antman Wonder, “Barrel Brothers” by Skyzoo & Torae and Sadat X’ upcoming album “Never Left”. He’s also an engineer who has recorded & mixed for Slaughterhouse, Fat Joe, N.O.R.E, Pharoahe Monch, Bun B, Kool G Rap, to name a few.
His latest single “Produced By Dr. Dre”, was produced by none other than Fokeezy, (Fokis’ name as a producer). The single is off his upcoming project “Underground With Commercial Appeal” slated for release 2/3/15.

Dear Barack : Evolution (Directed by: Ralliebox films)

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Multimedia / Video
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Barack Obama is under more pressure than the bowels of a constipated old man. And with all the drama in the nation surrounding police brutality, the president is catching it from all over. Poet Evolution steps up with a powerful spoken word piece in the form of an open letter to the leader of the free world. The result is a compelling critique that, if heard, will compel Obama to see the world through the eyes of those on the ground.

Fabolous Talks Social Media, Getting Dissed By A Well Known Producer And More

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Category: News
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Before his new album, Young OG, hits iTunes tomorrow (Dec. 25), feast your eyes on Fabolous’s new cover story with VIBE. For their December digital issue, they caught up with Fab to get the scoop on his Roc Nation deal, his upcoming album, his social media presence and more.

Fab-December-Cover

While discussing his ability to consistently release hit records, Fab reflected on a time that he was shaded by one of his industry homies.

“Your album used to mainly be about your singles. When you have that so heavy on your mind it can [influence] your creative process. But I knew I had to make those records to be successful because I felt like every time I put out an album it was somebody waiting for it to not work anymore. I remember reading a friend of mine, Jermaine Dupri, who said ‘I like Fab’s raps but I can’t see him past two albums’. I was like Damn JD, you my boy. But I guess it was his honest opinion.”

In between releasing albums, the Brooklynite has been able to keep fans intrigued with his hilarious, charismatic Instagram posts and hashtags. He said that though he doesn’t mind letting fans in through IG, he makes sure to not expose too much.

“With social media, I give a little taste but I always want to keep a little mystique to myself. I don’t want people to look at me like I’m a social media personality. That’s the problem with reality TV. Once you go on reality TV that becomes your personality–you’re a reality star or whatever you’re acting like you are on TV.”

Read the full cover story here.

HILARIOUS! 2Chainz Gives A Kid An Old School Flip Phone For X-Mas

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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The true meaning of Christmas, when googled, is difficult to determine at best. Some say it is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus the Christ. Others say it is the need to give back to those in need. And the list really does go on and on. But, in terms of this capitalistic land of ours, the realness is GIFTS. 2Chainz recently learned this the hard way when he tried to give a kid a free flip phone. Check out the video below.

Damn, kids! LOL!

Zuse – "Illegal Immigrant" (Mixtape)

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Music
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Atlanta-based Jamaican hip hop artist, Zuse, dropped his newest project Illegal Immigrant. The project, his 3rd in 2014, contains 14 new tracks, with features from Money Makin Nique and Snypa, and production creds from Durdy Costello, Southside of 808Mafia, Honorable C-Note, Dun Deal and more.

Illegal Immigrant, presented by Defient, Black Roses and Zooly Gvng is executively produced by DJ Spinz and FKi.

YG, Young Jeezy And More Give Back To The Less Fortunate For Christmas

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Category: News
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Since it’s the holiday season, many of hip-hop’s own have been sharing their wealth and giving back to the less fortunate in their hometown communities.

YG hosted his second annual ‘Nothing Can Stop Me’ Christmas event where he took 100 L.A children shopping. Through his 4Hundred Waze Foundation, the Bompton native took kids from L.A’s Boys and Girls Club and the Department of Family and Children’s Services to Lakewood Center Mall.

yg christmas

Over in Atlanta, YG’s mentor Jeezy and his Street Dreams Foundation also treated 100 less fortunate children, but they did more than shop. After attending a private screening of Annie, they got to eat good at Gio’s Restaurant and received more gifts.

jeezy annie christmas

Fellow ATL reps Ludacris and Future were also in the holiday spirit. While Luda gave out gifts at a local Atlanta children’s hospital,  Future hosted the second annual Freebandz Coat Drive, where 300 coats were collected for needy children.

future coat drive christmas

Jadakiss also put smiles on the faces of 50 children at the York Street Project, a women’s shelter in New Jersey, where he visited and handed out toys

.jadakiss

Tenn Stacks – "Grits & Biscuits"

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Videos
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New York native Tenn Stacks unveils the gritty visual for his latest effort titled “Grits & Biscuits”. The track pulls inspiration from the boom bap sounds of Hip-Hop’s golden era. Tenn Stacks is actually an acronym for The Educated Negro Never Stops Teaching Another Cat Knowledge and Swagg. Along with his skills as an MC, the Hollatainment Records CEO is also a spoken word artist and community activist.

Three Questions With Chaos

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Features
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New Jersey’s Jameel “Chaos” Laboo went from throwing punches in the ring to laying down tracks in the booth. The Born 2 Win Entertainment rapper took up boxing to relive stress, but he later realized making music was a more effective outlet for him to release his emotions and aggression.

Inspired by the work of Tupac Shakur, Chaos embarked on his musical journey with street albums like 2012’s Born 2 Win and Streets On Lean. After releasing the Never Change mixtape featuring Troy Ave and Lee Mazin, Chaos is back six months later with the second installment in the series.

Never Change 2 is a 12-track ride through Chaos’ hometown of Newark. Hosted by DJ Drewski, DJ Naim, and DJ Wallah, NC2 lets listeners bare witness to the Brick City native’s tales of going from convicted hustler to recording artist. Pain, family, paranoia, relationships, prosperity, and conflict are all themes layered throughout the project.

AllHipHop.com caught up with the “I Gotta Ball” performer for “Three Questions.” In the off-kilter interview, Chaos shares his thoughts on the potential Floyd Mayweather/Manny Pacquiao bout, the possibility of having to give up sex, and nearly suffering an embarrassing public moment.

[ALSO READ: Three Questions With The 1978ers (yU & Slimkat)]

As a boxer, who do you think would win in a Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao fight right now?

Me personally, I believe Floyd will win this fight. Reason being Manny is fighting with emotion. He has something to prove. He’s going to try and knock Floyd out. He’s going to be extra aggressive – all the things Floyd will use to his benefit.

Although Floyd knows he can’t take him lightly, Manny can’t get into his head. That’s what determines the fight. Once you’re cool is lost, the fight’s over.

If you had to give up either making music or having sex for at least three years, which one would you give up ?

That’s a crazy situation, but I will give up music. Not only because sex is the best stress reliever in the world [laughs], but I like kids and when all is said and done I need someone to continue the legacy I plan to build.

What has been one of the most chaotic moments during your time in the music industry?

I think one of my most chaotic moments was when I put together a showcase, and the DJ pulled a no-show at showtime. The place was getting packed, and we were playing music off an iPod. Eventually a back up DJ showed, and it was a success.

[ALSO READ: Three Questions With Khary Durgans]

Chaos_5-1

Follow Chaos on Twitter @Chaosdarealest and Instagram @chaosdarealest.

Stream/Download Chaos’ Never Change 2 below.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Wales Announces 'Album About Nothing' Release Date

By: Tanay Hudson (@NYStateOfMind2) Updated Category: News
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Wale released his A-Trak assisted mixtape Festivus, in honor of the Seinfeld holiday, earlier this week to hold fans over until the release of his fourth project, The Album About Nothing. When a fan tweeted him thanking him for gifting his fans with such quality free music, instead of saying thank you back the MMG spitter replied with his album release date, Mar. 31st.

wale tweet

 

With him releasing a mixtape based on a Seinfield holiday, doing the Complex cover story with Jerry Seinfeld and the album titled also being derived from the 90’s show, it’s only right to believe that the comedian will be apart of the album. There’s no word on his direct involvement, but Wale did mention that he had been linking up with Seinfeld.

“I’ve spent some good time with Jerry [Seinfeld] and we’re gonna keep building on it,” he told MTV News back in October. “I wanna make it super incredible and super honest and I’m really putting the fans first on this one. With The Gifted, I [did] things musically and sonically that I felt I wanted to do for myself, but this one is solely for the fans and solely for the people who made me who I am.”

If you haven’t already, peep the album art below.

the album about nothing album art