In case you weren’t aware, super-producer No I.D. is more than just a beatsmith. He also holds rank at Def Jam Records and just received a promotion. Billboard reports that No I.D. was just promoted from the co-head of A&R to the executive vice president and will be overseeing all the A&R activities at the label. Aside from his new duties as an executive, he will still be running things at his label ARTium Records, which artists like Common and Jhene Aiko call home.
“In a year where Def Jam has established such new artists as Iggy Azalea,Jhene Aiko, YG, and August Alsina, no one is better suited to creatively represent and expertly guide our label moving forward than No I.D.,”said Def Jam Records CEO Steve Bartels.
“The Def Jam brand has never been more culturally relevant, and our vision remains the same as it was when Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons launched the label 30 years ago; and that is to simply be the best,” No I.D. said in a statement. “Steve Bartels and I are fully committed to carry that vision and standard for excellence into the future.”
No I.D. has worked with Kanye West, Nas, Jay Z, Drake and many more.
Kendrick Lamar stopped by The Breakfast Club to give an update on what he’s been up to. Though his upcoming album is untitled and does not have a release date, there was still plenty to chat about with the TDE spitter.
On “i”
“It started from my crew. The people [that are talking about] all these guns and what they gon’ do, it’s not reality for people that’s really doing it. You know what people told me to make this record? It’s the OG’s and n##### in the penitentiary.”
On Chasing Fame
“I thought I wanted to. It wasn’t confirmation of success. You get money and feel like you’re gonna buy all these different things but at the end of the day you’re still gonna be unhappy. That’s what people don’t understand. I had to find a different type of inspiration and something to live for rather than how much money I make.”
On Drake
“People need to leave and let that go man. It wasn’t no issue from the jump, I think [when] people talk about beef, it’s just a whole other dynamic. I can’t see myself going bar for bar with Drake. We’re two different type of artists.”
K. Dot spoke on whether he would date a celebrity, the unreleased track “King Kunta,” how his circle has adapted to his success and a rumored Vegas altercation he allegedly had.
Palestinian born and Toronto-based singer/songwriter Merna (formerly known as Ayah) is presenting her global experience on the new album The Calling. The 10-track LP was inspired by African and Arab sounds and rhythms, and it also contains elements of rock, soul, and classical music.
After living in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Seattle, and Toronto, Merna used her time in New York City as a basis for the themes confronted on The Calling. The classically trained pianist further embraced an NYC tone by recruiting Brooklyn’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest to executive produce the album.
“The Calling is a marvelous and haunting dance of voice and poetry that unmask the magnificent and dreadful aspects of love,” states Muhammad. “Merna‘s voice is both soulful and zesty. She sings with a sense of urgency and calm. My ears are a ringing with The Calling.”
In the latest edition of “Three Questions,” AllHipHop.com spoke with Merna to find out why she killed off “Ayah” in favor of her birth name, which ATCQ tracks would make her must have playlist, and what career path would likely have been her plan-b option.
One had to die for the other to live. Human nature is so that we feel like we need to hold on to things: materials, people, ideas, egos, etc. We’re so scared of death when it is a part of life, as is evolution.
You worked with Ali Shaheed Muhammad on your album. What are your five favorite A Tribe Called Quest songs and why?
Just 5? Okay. “Bonita Applebum” – the samples are brilliant. The chords, sweet. Love and Hip Hop at its finest. “Find A Way” – isn’t it interesting how the world works? DJ Jazzy Jeff and I sampled this on our mixtape right before I met Ali. Always loved the storytelling on this, indicative of the chase early in relationships.
“Can I Kick it?” Yes, you can. The ultimate call and answer and original turn up. “Electric Relaxation” – sexy record, storytelling on point. “Check the Rhime” – “And a middle finger to the punk emcees.” Well, that’s pretty self-explanatory. Too many of those around, and I’m hype. Shout out to having high musical standards.
ATCQ always delivered. They set the tone for many really. Production was always so catchy, signature, and feel good, with flows to match. You know how music can transport you to a place and time in your life? Tribe brings me back to Toronto in the 2000’s when I first moved back, when parties were fun, and the vibe was always right. I miss that.
If being a musician hadn’t been your calling, what profession do you think you may have pursued?
Definitely something in the social sector. I’m really passionate and fascinated by love versus the human mind, and how that affects the world and society, culture, politics, etc.
With recent radio interviews and rave reviews of a unreleased track titled “King Kunta,” Kendrick Lamar’s next move has been being anticipated. As we wait on the edge of out seats for the release date of his sophomore album, the Compton emcee has dropped the visual for his first single, “i.” In the video, watch the good kid interrupt a fight with an impromptu dance and then take the crowd on a trek through the LA streets. During their march, the peaceful mob passes instances of domestic violence, suicide, and an arrest that was most likely unwarranted. He then meets up with Ron Isley, who laid some vocals for the track, and K. Dot lets loose of his raw emotions as he hangs out of the backseat window.
With his 19,999 EP hitting digital outlets today, the legendary Too $hort releases “Latina Love” from the project. 19,999 is available now on iTunes and Soundcloud below:
Mutant Ninja kicks us a new record from Andy Kayes who’s song “Memory” is taken from his sophomore LP Citizen Kayes. This is the third track Andy released in promotion on the project while Andy is on tour globetrotting in support of the effort as well. Peep his song and check out his Soundcloud below!
The Roots are taking matters into their own hands to help the Philadelphia high school where they met. Thanks to $1.1 million in budget cuts, the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts has lost 19 teachers and staff members, has no funding for extracurricular activities and has closed the curtain on their annual theater production.
After learning about the slash in their alma mater’s budget, the hip-hop band decided to start the CAPA foundation to help the school recoup from their losses.
“It cultivated us. It educated us,” Questlove said about his former high school. “This is more than just pay it forward or celeb guilt. This is necessary. … It keeps you out of trouble. It helps develop your personality. If you take that away, you’re just a machine.”
CAPA will raise $500,00o every year for their first five years and then $1 million every year after that. The foundation will raise money for books, classroom supplies, the renovation of the school’s theater and to restore extracurricular activities and after-school programs.
Hailing from the Queensbridge section of New York City, which has a history of producing some of Hip-Hop’s most illustrious MCs, Chris Jones releases his Lando Beats (Troy Ave & BSB) produced “Always Have That”. Having already already been heralded in The Source for being one to watch, Chris Jones is eager to add his own page to the lore of his neighborhood. The track is pulled from the forthcoming project, “Keys To Success”, a collaborative effort between Jones and Lando Beats.
50 has been dating a woman who goes by Tatted up Holly for a minute now, and before she became who she is, she was a little “fluffy” according to a woman who is now putting the model on full blast.
BallerAlert explains that the woman allegedly owes Holly a couple of dollars, and what better way to go about getting your money back then blasting on social media.
Well the young lady didn’t appreciate the gesture and went a lllllllll the way on 50’s boo thang.
The post reads as follows:
“Once upon a time a hoodrat b**** named tattedupthootie made it ! This b**** right here tried to expose me saying i was a bum b**** cuz i was going thru a phase . At the end of the day everybody in this world at some point in life went thru some money problems ! Im not perfect and i dont pretend to be cuz wen u used to getting it nothing impress u !! Im proud to say dat in my 28 yrs of living ive never been thru some s*** like this !! But this bird ass b**** wit no credibility other dan suckin d*** is gonna bully me !! This stupid b**** been swallowing n##### kids since 11 the biggest hoe in grand which in fact is where she was raised at she done ran thru all the homies and now is walking thru these streets rocking labels she cant even pronounce !! B**** let me school u a bit u been f****** and suckin d*** practically all ur life and u have accomplish wat …. Ur day job is to suck my n#### 50 d*** alll day ! A n#### dat dont even claim u hoe !!Now does he know the day u got sick wit him and he took u to the hospital was becouse u was pregnant from homie jr smith dat btw didnt give a f*** about u !!! Nah didnt think soo but u the real mvp b**** u made it !! U made it out to jersey something different from ur hood and lesbian life i could understand u hype u never had anything in life dats why u settle for lesss !! Smhhh i dont really wanna recall all the pussyfacts i got on ur dirty lil ass !! But lets name a few !! Lets give a special s/0 to homie benz the n#### dat made u and payed for ur first lipo b4 u was dat poppin model u were a discombobulated hoe then u repaid him by f****** his man blam !! Blam a real n#### upstate doing his bid and u went over heels for him even had u suckin his toes like a dirty lil b**** u are levels to ur dirty ass f****** sucia maldita aquerosa !! U a nobody i can never respect u in my hood u earn respect its not just givin to u like everything else u have .. F*** u and ur whole crew but then again u have nobody !! I may not be f****** a millionaire but my p**** tight like im a millionaire foh b**** u betta pray to god 50 dont leave ur ass like every other n#### has cuz ima be right there saying i told u soo!!”
And of course it wouldn’t be complete without a couple of #TBT shots:
Rick Ross has been keeping busy all year. Besides hitting the gym and shedding 100 pounds, he became a official brand ambassador for the herbal e-cigarette company mCig and continues to open more Wingstop locations all over the country. The bawse already dropped his album Mastermind back in March and is releasing another one before the year’s end. For his seventh effort, Hood Billionaire, which will hit stores Nov. 24th, Rozay called on Yo Gotti, Jay Z, K. Michelle , Big K.R.I.T and more to fill the guest spots. Check out the tracklisiting below.
Hood Billionaire Tracklisting
1. “Intro”
2. “Hood Billionaire”
3. “Coke Like the 80’s”
4. “Heavyweight” (Feat. Slab)
5. “Neighborhood Drug Dealer”
6. “Phone Tap”
7. “Trap Luv” (Feat. Yo Gotti)
8. “Elvis Presley Blvd.” (Feat. Project Pat)
9. “Movin’ Bass” (Feat. Jay Z)
10. “If They Knew” (Feat. K. Michelle)
11. “Quintessential” (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
12. “Keep Doin’ That (Rich B####)” (Feat. R. Kelly)
13. “Nickel Rock” (Feat. Boosie Badazz)
14. “Burn”
15. “Family Ties”
16. “Brimstone” (Feat. Big K.R.I.T.)
All original songs from LMC Media clients and affiliates like Yung Mazi & Rich Homie Quan, Global Gangsters & Benzino, Precious Paris & Havoc of Mobb Deep, Kym Cartel & Future, Hurricane Chris & Lil Boosie & more! Production by Louie Skeemz, DJ Mustard, Rav P & more! Download Beach Boys Vol. 1 and stay tuned for Volume 2… GET FAMILIAR!!
Early Tuesday (Nov. 4) after performing in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, a gunman shot at rapper Freddie Gibbs and another person as they sat in a SUV outside of the record store Rough Trade. According to the police, at 1:13 am on North 9th street near Wythe avenue a gunman dressed in a dark hoodie ran up to the GMC Denali they were sitting in and fired several shots.
“They tried to kill Tupac,” he told the New York Post at the scene of the shooting. “They tried to kill me. I’m still alive.”
After watching security footage, investigators informed the Indiana native that the gunman was at his performance and was keeping an eye on him the whole night. At one point, he was standing right next to Gibbs.
“He was standing around you guys all night,” an investigator told the Eastside Slim rapper. “He was stalking you guys. We can tell on camera he wanted it to look like he knew you, but it’s clear he didn’t. When you guys left, he was waiting for you outside.”
Gibbs took to his Instagram two hours after the shooting and posted a pic with the caption, “Yep. Still Livin. Thanks NYC.”
Between Gibbs and the other person that was shot, one was shot in the hand while the other was shot in the leg.Who suffered which injury was not specified. Both are recovering at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital. No arrests have been made.
If you thought Amber Rose was gonna take some time to rebound, think again.
Rumors have been circulating that Rose is dating French Montana, but everyone has it confused. You see word is Rose is actually dating the rapper’s brother.
TMZ reports:
“There are reports that Amber and French are together, but in reality … French and his bro hang together all the time … thus the confusion. That’s why we got a pic of Amber, French and Zack at Knott’s Berry Farm about a week ago.
Photo:TMZ
Amber keeps her distance when they’re in public, but we know she’s seeing Zack. They were out at a strip club and a nightclub in NYC over the weekend.”
That may be a good look for Rose, but would is cause tension since she doesn’t really vibe with the Kardashian clan? Hmmmmmm….
I know better than to mess with Nicki Minaj now. According to TMZ, the chick went ballistic on her ex – Safaree man. Safaree been retweeting her and playing coy on social media. I’m sure he wasn’t that way this summer when she took a bat to his Benz.
Now we know why Nicki Minaj and her longtime boyfriend broke up … one of them was on the verge of going to jail after she smashed the windows of his Mercedes with a baseball bat.
Here’s what we know. During the summer Nicki and Safaree Samuels got into an argument. She started screaming, he got p#####, and she EXPLODED in anger, grabbing a bat and chasing him out of the house. She wisely chose property over person, and pulverized the 2012 Benz.
And for bad measure, she threw his clothes in the garbage — just like in the movies.
Law enforcement sources tell us … cops were called to the house but no arrests were made. Safaree was escorted out of the house and left.
As for why Nicki didn’t get in trouble … it appears she owned the Mercedes but allowed him to use it, and you can’t get arrested for destroying your own property.
(AllHipHop News) Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, U-God, and Masta Killa were on hand in New York City at a listening session for the group’s forthcoming reunion album A Better Tomorrow. We captured snippets of verses from the LP.
The 15-track project features the songs “Keep Watch” and “Ron O’Neal.” RZA, U-God, Masta Killa, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Cappadonna, Method Man, and GZA all make appearances on the album. A Better Tomorrow is scheduled for release on December 2.
Watch video of Wu-Tang Clan’s “A Better Tomorrow” listening session below, and check out the album’s cover art & tracklist.
A Better Tomorrow1. Ruckus In B Minor2. Felt3. 40th Street Black / We Will Fight4. Mistaken Identity5. Hold The Heater6. Crushed Egos7. Keep Watch8. Miracle9. Preacher’s Daughter10. Pioneer The Frontier11. Necklace12. Ron O’Neal13. A Better Tomorrow14. Never Let Go15. Wu-Tang ReunionPlease enable Javascript to watch this video
(AllHipHop News) Ma$e was set to perform along with Fat Joe and Foxy Brown at London’s Indigo at the O2. By the time the show was to begin Joe was unable to get into the country, and Foxy apparently pulled out of the gig. That just left Ma$e to take the stage. When he did, the former Bad Boy rapper was facing a crowd of only about 200-250 people. The venue holds 2,350.
Foxy got wind of the small audience at Indigo and commented on the situation via her Instagram page. The Brooklyn rhymer posted a picture of Ma$e performing with the caption, “GOD don’t like ugly Pastor Mase!”
(AllHipHop News) The public feud that ignited this summer between Dame Dash and Jim Jones seemed to have settled down. That was until Dash used his Instagram page to possibly throw a little shade toward Jones.
The former Roc-A-Fella Records executive posted a pic to IG with the following caption:
Lunch meeting at the crib with only living original diplomats in my eyes if @mr_camron had to introduce you to me or @darealdukedagod had to introduce you to me then you are affiliated with them… Not me@dipsetusa1997 #harlemstickstogether
Dame’s obvious omission of Jones did not sit well with the Diplomat Records co-founder. Jim left a comment on the pic that included several insults directed at Dash. Jones wrote:
U fu**in clown bird c**k sucker. Matter of fact suck my d**k, my whole d**k f****t. How bout that & I am Dipset u culture vulture f**kin d**k sucker lol. Tell @mr_camron #duke I said what up lol
–
Dash then posted another picture with Cam’ron. The capture for the photo read:
Real Harlem n***as never fight each other and never disrespect each other…not under any circumstance…we have to much respect for each other we only wanna make money and get fresh…. We stay as far away from that insecure tough s### as possible…all the tough s**t is embarrassing… And doesn’t reflect us…we only wanna promote positivity and sticking together as a culture…. #harlemstickstogether acting tough is for punks
(AllHipHop News) It appears the rumors Beyoncé is releasing another project this month were partially true. An alleged tracklist for the second edition of the Beyoncé album spread across the Blogosphere the last few days, causing some to speculate if Bey was dropping a new LP in the near future.
The Houston native may not be offering Beyoncé Volume 2, but she is set to release a 2 CD/2 DVD Beyoncé Platinum Edition Box Set. The limited edition collection features the 14 songs and 17 videos from the singer’s 5th studio album.
It also contains the new songs “7/11” and “Ring Off” plus the “Flawless Remix” featuring Nicki Minaj, the “Drunk In Love Remix” featuring Jay Z & Kanye West, the “Blow Remix” featuring Pharrell Williams, and the “Standing On The Sun Remix” featuring Mr. Vegas.
The box set also includes the “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour” DVD with artist commentary and an accompanying photo booklet. The official 2015 Beyoncé mini calendar is part of the package as well. Fans that bought the original Beyoncé album digitally will have the chance to add the bonus materials.
Beyoncé Platinum Edition Box Set is scheduled for release on Monday, November 24.
