(AllHipHop News) Each and every day another celebrity realizes that Twitter is real life. Tuesday (September 2nd) TBS canceled Cee Lo Green’s The Good Life unscripted reality show after only one season.
Hours before TBS cancelled Green’s show, Green apologized publicly on Twitter for controversial tweets regarding rape following pleading no contest to furnishing ecstacy to a woman in 2012. Women’s rights group Ultraviolet petitioned TBS and parent company Time Warner to have the show canceled.
(AllHipHop News) Def Jam recording artist Jeezy dropped his latest studio album this week. While the critical response for Seen It All: The Autobiography has been fairly good, the question still remained what would be the commercial response for the Snowman’s 5th major label LP.
[ALSO READ: Jeezy Discusses Reason For Settling Feud With Former Rival Rick Ross]
Hits Daily Double has crunched the numbers, and the industry site is predicting Jeezy’s new effort is expected to sell between 90,000-100,000 units opening week. That total will not be enough to top Maroon 5’s V (145-155K) for the number one album in the country.
However, if those numbers hold Jeezy will continue his streak of breaking into the top 3 on the album chart, and he’s close to selling over 100,000 copies in his initial week for the fifth straight time.
Each of his previous four albums opened at 1, 2, or 3 on the Billboard 200; Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (#2 -172,000), The Inspiration (#1 – 352,000), The Recession (#1 – 260,000), and TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition (#3 – 233,000).
[ALSO READ: Wiz Khalifa Earns First #1 Album With “Blacc Hollywood”]
(AllHipHop News) Singer-songwriter Blu Cantrell was taken to a hospital earlier this week after she was found running through her Santa Monica neighborhood around 2 AM. She was allegedly screaming about being poisoned by gas.
[ALSO READ: Hip-Hop Rumors: Blu Cantrell Makes A Suggestion About Jay-Z]
According to TMZ, police officers were called to the scene and eventually took Cantrell to a local hospital. She is undergoing a psychological evaluation in the facility.
Cantrell is best known for her 2001 chart smash “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” off the So Blu LP. The Grammy nominated performer’s last studio album was 2003’s Bittersweet.
The Rhode Island native becomes the second early 2000’s singer to make the news over the last few months for being found outside by police.
Farrah Franklin was arrested for disorderly conduct in July after the former Destiny’s Child member was allegedly discovered to be highly intoxicated in a stranger’s yard.
[ALSO READ: Former Destiny’s Child Member Arrested For Disorderly Conduct]
(AllHipHop News) Jay Z’s 2009 hit single “Run This Town” will be given new life as the theme song for the NFL’s Thursday Night Football telecast. Roc Nation songstress Rihanna returns to lend a hand for the intro as well as Oscar nominated actor Don Cheadle.
[ALSO READ: Beyoncé To Jay Z In HBO Trailer: “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” (VIDEO)]
Jay and Rihanna cover the “Run This Town” vocals for the opening sequence, and Cheadle will provide original narration each week. The three stars filmed the segment that was produced and directed by 28-time Emmy Award-winning producer Pete Radovich.
“This open combines one of music’s biggest stars with one of the most dynamic actors in Hollywood,” stated Radovich. “The energy that both talents provide gives the opening to every Thursday night the big-game, primetime feel it deserves. It is a dream scenario for any director.”
The Thursday Night Football schedule kicks off September 11 on CBS when the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens. Games will also broadcast on the NFL Network.
[ALSO READ: Eminem & Rihanna Finish Monster Tour In The ‘D’]
Watch the video for “Run This Town” below.
(AllHipHop News) Suge Knight has finally addressed being shot six times at a Los Angeles club in August. In an interview with TMZ, Knight talked about the incident but refused to discuss if he saw the gunman.
[ALSO READ: Photos Of Suge Knight’s Bullet Wounds From L.A. Shooting Hit The Net (PICS)]
“Even if I did [see who pulled the trigger], I don’t think that’s really important – who pulled the trigger and who I seen pull the trigger,” said Suge. “I’m doing extremely well. I’m happy to be doing well. Whatever happens, happens.”
[ALSO READ: Police Say Suge Knight Was Target Of Shooting; Source Says Streets Will Take Care Of Shooter]
Listen to Suge Knight’s interview below.
(AllHipHop News) Radio host Star added another round in his media battle with Snoop Dogg. During an episode of his Live & Direct show, Star fired back at the rapper for his recent Instagram video. On the IG post Snoop spoke directly to Star and said, “I’ll beat your motherf**king ass.”
[ALSO READ: Snoop Dogg Threatens Star Over “Whiteface” Criticism (VIDEO)]
Star opened his “Just Who Is Snoop Dogg Tuesday” show by taking a few shots at Snoop’s fans, and he then showed love to the Doggystyle performer and the West Coast. But later Star’s attention turned to Snoop’s murder trial.
I’m choked up right now. Truth be told, we don’t see this n***a like that. For the babies who don’t know, back in 1996 Calvin Broadus was on trial for murder. He told the courtroom and I quote, “I’m not a gang member, and I’ve never shot anyone. I’m gang-affiliated, but I’m not a gang member.”
See, history has swept a lot of things up under the rug. And I’m not tryna stop nobody’s hustle. He’s a funny character type n***a. Ain’t he? We love him. I don’t take him serious. As a registered firearm carrier I’m not gonna respond, “Yeah yeah yeah, I’ll meet you in the street. Yadda yadda yadda.” N***a might be on that suing s**t. Get my gun taken away from me. I just don’t take him serious.
Dr. Dre was very disappointed. Dre didn’t even go to the trial. [Dre was thinking,] ‘N***a, I brought you in for some protection. You’re not a gang member? You never shot nobody? You’re on your own.”
[ALSO READ: Actors Cast To Play Snoop Dogg & Warren G In N.W.A Biopic Announced]
Watch Star’s Live & Direct videos below.
The Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, recently spent a month in London working on and cultivating the sound of a brand new album simply titled ‘Mary J Blige: The London Sessions‘ which was confirmed by the UK publication The Guardian. Blige has been working with House music duo Disclosure, Sam Smith, Jimmy Napes, Naughty Boy, Emeli Sandé and more on the upcoming album. She promises that this effort will be the most innovative album of her 22-year career. Although she recorded the album in London and worked with a lot of UK talent, the project will be executive produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins.
“Our idea was to become part of London, to really embrace the culture – to really live in it,” says Blige. “Not that I haven’t been here before, but I’ve never had the chance to really soak in it the way I have this time. To make records from the London-scene perspective.” What is that exactly? What does she think London has? “Freedom,” she says. “The music is free over here the way it used to be in the States. Artists are just free to do what they love. Listening to the radio you can hear the freedom. The music is living and breathing – you can hear that from Adele’s last album.”
Sam Smith also shared his take on the success of so many new artists from the UK, and what the project will deliver. “With my record – and when you think about Adele, and Amy Winehouse and Ed Sheeran – we’re not worried about the way we’re looking, the way we’re coming across in our music,” he said. “We’re just saying what’s in our minds and in our hearts. I see that as strength – to be able to face your issues and your sadness head-on. That’s what I’ve tried to do in my music, and I think that’s what this Mary album is about – a fearless vulnerability.”
(AllHipHop News) If a list was being compiled of rappers that helped push West Coast Hip Hop to the forefront it would surely include Warren G. The Long Beach, California native was a central figure in the West’s rise to prominence in the 1990’s with hits like “Regulate” and “This D.J.”
[ALSO READ: Actors Cast To Play Snoop Dogg & Warren G In N.W.A Biopic Announced]
The veteran emcee/producer is now questioning why his contributions to Cali rap was not enough to earn him a slot on the upcoming “How The West Was Won” concert in Irvine.
While it appears Warren was left off the bill, the event has booked other acts from the area including Snoop Dogg, The Game, E-40, Xzibit, DJ Quik, Glasses Malone, Tha Eastsidaz, Too Short, Problem, and Suga Free.
Warren G took to social media to point out that he was not invited to participate in the celebration of West Coast Hip Hop. He sent out a Tweet addressing the issue and posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, “Wow I was just informed that I’m not apart of the how the west was won Los Angeles. That’s the thanks I get I guess for changing the game but it is what it is this still G Funk.”
[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Warren G Talks Kendrick’s “Control” Verse, His Issues With Mainstream Radio & West Coast Hip Hop]
Music maven and international pop sensation Sean Kingston recently decided to introduce his new artist Dyllan Murray to the masses. Dyllan’s talent will have him at the hierarchy of the entertainment world in no time. When Dyllan Murray isn’t jet setting all over the world or hanging with fellow celeb friends in Hollywood, he’s in the studio putting his musical ingenuity to work and crafting Top 40 inspired hits. With Dyllan’s latest single “Boom Boom” ft Sean Kingston, he serves up a pretty awesome dose of rhythmic EDM and hip hop, which echoes new age dance hall. Boom Boom is slated for release via iTunes on September 15, 2014. The single is projected to undoubtedly become one of the most well received releases of the year. Take a listen below.
(AllHipHop News) Attendees at the ONE Musicfest 2014 will be blessed to experience a performance by a Hip Hop icon who began his career in the 1990’s and a performance by a 21st Century emcee that is on pace to be one of the greatest of this generation. The event is being headlined by Nas and Kendrick Lamar.
[ALSO CHECK OUT: Jeezy Ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Holy Ghost”]
In celebration of its 20 year anniversary, Nas will run through his classic album Illmatic in its entirety. The 5th annual Southeast festival will also include appearances by Jhene Aiko, Method Man, Redman, Amel Larrieux, Daley, Bilal, Alice Smith, Isaiah Rashad, Cody ChestnuTT, and more.
“We are very excited to be the host venue for the 2014 installment of ONE Musicfest at Aaron’s Amphitheatre. Our team has watched this multi-cultural event grow from its early days in Piedmont Park to The Old Fourth Ward Park in 2013 and we couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity be a part of their history and growth in our great city,” states Adam Cohen, Live Nation. “The diverse lineup of artists that their team have assembled over the last number of years have been an inspiration to all of us. We hope our experience and the amenities that come with Aaron’s Amphitheatre help to bring the festival high levels of international recognition, showcasing Atlanta’s unique music and cultural tastes for the world to see.”
The ONE MusicFest is scheduled for Saturday, September 13th at the Lakewood Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information visit OneMusicFest.com.
[ALSO READ: Nas & Carmelo Anthony Among Big Names Investing In SeatGeek]
(AllHipHop News) VH1 recently ran the latest installment in the network’s Roc Doc series entitled ATL: The Untold Story of Atlanta’s Rise in the Rap Game. The documentary covers the history of Atlanta Hip Hop featuring interviews with some of the artists and personalities that turned the Georgia capital into a music capital.
[ALSO READ: Documentary About The Rise Of Atlanta Hip Hop To Air On VH1]
A few of the A-town representatives that offered their thoughts about the city’s Hip Hop scene included Ludacris, Killer Mike, T.I., Jeezy, Jermaine Dupri, Kilo Ali, Raheem the Dream, MoJo, MC Shy D, and Mayor Kasim Reed. The film begins by focusing on Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and continues all the way to the ATL’s takeover of mainstream rap.
[ALSO READ: VH1’s “ATL: The Untold Story of Atlanta’s Rise in the Rap Game” Red Carpet Recap]
Get More:
VH1 Rock Docs
CTE and TDE join forces for the cut “Holy Ghost.” Jeezy recruits Kendrick Lamar for a verse on the remix to the Seen It All: The Autobiography track. Album available now.
Emerging singer/songwriter Mickey Taelor has released “Wassup (Remix)”, a bold rift on one of A$AP Rocky’s most definitive tracks. The track is the first single from Taelor’s forthcoming project “Welcome To HiiGrAde Vol. 2” produced by Taelor’s mentor, Willie B. , the noted Digi+Phonics producer who has worked extensively with TDE artists Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, ScHoolBoy Q and others from the camp.
SparkDawg releases the full version of “WTF” with verses from Team SPARK-A-LOT’s newest member Rhonny & Flacko, produced by BlazeOnDaBeatz.
Machine Gun Kelly is back with new music for the fans. Check out “Wanna Ball” produced by Pro Logic.
The Game remixes ILOVEMAKONNEN’s buzzing single “Club Goin Up On A Tuesday”. This will appear on the upcoming LA Leakers “Leaks Of The Industry 2K14” mixtape dropping September 8th.
New Royce Rizzy off of his upcoming EP/Mixtape hosted by Don Cannon
Despite 50 Cent’s jabs at Floyd Mayweather, the pound for pound boxing kingpin has remained relatively quiet aside from a few social media posts. Perhaps he’s so focused on his fight that he’s opted to ignore Curtis Jackson’s suggestion that Mayweather cannot read. Or, maybe he doesn’t feel the need to engage with his former friend on the matter. Nevertheless, Mayweather spoke up on the perceived rivalry during his media day in Las Vegas. And, surprisingly, his retort wasn’t filled with as much vitriol as one would expect.
“I think it is safe to say that I was his real friend but he wasn’t my real friend,” Mayweather explained almost apologetically. “A lot of times, because of our upbringing we tend to not be loyal or happy. And when we’re not happy we don’t want to see other people happy.”
It was as if Mayweather almost felt sorry for his former friend turned foe. But it wouldn’t be a Mayweather response without a thinly veiled jab at the G-Unit head honcho.
“I wish 50 Cent nothing but the best,” Mayweather continued. “I don’t know if he’s still making music. The last time I checked he was a boxing promoter but I still wish him nothing but the best.”
This marks the second time that Mayweather has questioned 50 Cent’s relevancy in the music industry. With the release of the G-Unit EP The Beauty of Independence a little over a week ago and 50 Cent’s Animal Ambition dropping in June, it is evident that the Queens rapper has made a conscious effort to reintroduce himself to the rap game after an extended hiatus. But Mayweather suggesting that he is unaware of 50’s recent musical releases is yet another salvo fired in the ongoing war.
But when it came to Mayweather’s literacy, the boxing champion went for the knockout blow.
When asked about the civil unrest in Ferguson after the shooting death of Michael Brown at the hands of police, Mayweather addressed the need for the community to work together in order to find a solution to the sustained police brutality issues that have become alarmingly more frequent. He strayed from suggesting anything specifically, but took the opportunity to fire another verbal jab at 50 Cent.
“I was thinking about something when you asked me about 50 Cent,” Mayweather said as if a light bulb appeared above his head. “If you really want to donate money, how about you donate money to Michael Brown’s family?”
The 37-year-old champion was addressing 50 Cent’s “ALS/ESL challenge” on Instagram in exchange for a $750,000 charity donation. While he took a brief shot at the rapper on his “All Access” reality show, Mayweather chose a more direct approach when speaking to the group of writers gathered at his gym.
“I shouldn’t stop you (from donating money to charitable organizations),” Mayweather continued. “Our company has been donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to different organizations for years without looking for the media attention. The best thing for 50 Cent to do is to donate the $750k to Michael Brown’s family.”
Will 50 Cent answer the challenge?
For more, go to Knockout Nation at KnockoutNation.com.
(AllHipHop Features) Maybach Music Group artist Gunplay has had his ups and downs throughout his life and music career, but as the Carol City, Florida rapper crosses his 35th birthday he is attempting to shed the troubles of his past for a new life direction.
Gunplay the rapper has been presenting his brand of Southern Hip Hop through numerous mixtapes, compilation albums, and guest appearances over the last decade. Richard Morales, Jr. the citizen has been facing juvenile detention centers, judges, and jail cells for most of his life.
In the recent documentary The Field: Miami, it appeared Gunplay and Richard finally came together and made the decision that both could get more out of life through making music rather than criminal activity. The longtime Rick Ross associate expresses his new focus on releasing his studio album Living Legend and breeding the next crop of young talent via his BilderBurg Group imprint.
AllHipHop.com spoke with Gunplay to discuss his appearance in WSHH’s The Field: Miami, his upcoming projects, and his choice to throw a verbal shot at rival 50 Cent on a recent track.
During your scene in The Field you talked about how you weren’t really passionate about rapping at one point, but in recent months you’ve dropped a lot of music. What has sparked that recent drive to release so many songs?
I got an album coming out real soon – Living Legend. I’m just getting back into the swing of things, so I can put out a successful project. I’m just letting them see what’s to come. I’m trying to get back in the lab. I’m shooting these videos. I’m doing these interviews. Just getting back relevant, letting them know I ain’t going nowhere.
Do you have an idea when the Living Legend album may drop?
Next year. First or second quarter before Rozay’s new album.
So Ross is working on another album too?
Yeah. I’m gonna be dropping before his.
Going back to the movie. You also talked about how you felt blessed in life. You’ve dealt with some serious issues publicly. How were you able to overcome those troubles before they halted your blessings?
I’m just staying focused and prayed up. I just kept my eyes on the prize. I deal with my everyday issues, real life issues, legal issues as well. I just don’t let that stop me. I have a lot to offer the game as an entertainer, as an artist. I believe I can definitely make my mark. I’m just trying to stay focused. That’s my biggest thing.
A lot of times fans are really tough on artists. Is it hard trying to create art at the same time as dealing with all these personal issues happening in the public and you’re getting criticized for it?
Nah, the people that’s talking s**t is mostly on social media. They’ve got past due balances. They’re broke as hell. I wake up. I drive a CL63 two-door Benz. I live good. I f**k bad b***hes. I get money without an album.
They wake up – phone bill due. They got extensions on their bill. They’re about 2-3 days from getting evicted. I don’t let those people bother me, because when I come out here in these streets it’s a whole different story.
I hear none of that bulls**t from social media. I hear, “Boy, you’re the realest n***a living. Keep up the good work. I love you Gunplay.” The b***hes say, “I wanna suck your d**k Gunplay. Please can I have one night with you? You’re so sexy.”
I hear none of that f**king bulls**t they be saying and the criticism, because when they see me in real life they want a picture. I never come across any hate. I only see that s**t on my phone, and all I have to do is go back to the home screen and they no longer exist.
You said your album is coming out next year. What’s the status of the BilderBurg Group compilation?
We got a few artists that I’m gonna add to it, so I was just holding off. The BilderBurg compilation is gonna be dope. You’re going to see a lot of artists. I’m giving them the shine and bringing my label to the forefront.
We got Peryon J Kee. He’s my premier artist. We just got his video on MTV Jams a couple of weeks ago. They’ve been playing his single “Comin Down” featuring me. He’s a really talented brother. There’s a few of my little homies you might have seen in The Field.
Is that why you decided to participate in The Field? Do you feel like it’s going to give your artists greater exposure?
That along with letting the masses know Miami is not South Beach. Miami is Miami. The real s**t. Just to shine a light on the dark side of Miami. Not the neon lights and all the dumb ass, f**k ass s**t that y’all see on TV.
You had to know the name BilderBurg Group was going to get conspiracy theorists going crazy. What inspired you to use that particular name for your company?
Because I feel like the Bilderberg Group is higher than the Mafia or any government body. You don’t get no higher than the Bilderberg Group. They run the world, and I look up to them. I was always taught to emulate the great. I think they’re great and I want to emulate them.
You’re in the music industry. For years, especially online, there’s always been this discussion about the Illuminati and its relationship to Hip Hop. What’s your take on that?
The Illuminati don’t write my raps [laughs]. If they did, they need to send me a few hit records right quick so we can get the ball off. The Illuminati… I don’t know. They haven’t had a hand in my success.
I built this s**t from the ground up with MMG the team 10-15 years ago, and we’re here now. We ain’t do no secret ceremonies. To get what we got, we grinded that s**t out.
You’ve been with MMG from the start.
Yeah, before there was MMG there was Triple C’s. I been here before it was rap. I’ve been with my dog [Ross] since I was 15 years old. I just turned 35, so twenty years.
I watched your “Artist Spotlight” with DJ Scream, and you talked about the “Always” track. You made a comment like “there’s always a CEO closing doors” on you. What experiences led you to say that?
I’ve been in and out of jail since I was 13 years old. I caught my first felony at 13. I’ve been in the system forever. I just did a life sentence two years ago, caught another case a couple of months later. I’m on probation right now. I’m always in jail. I’m trying to get away from it and not glorify it, but they always close the doors on me and tell me lights out.
The “Finals 2” track was a big record for Maybach. But some people were joking that the song may be cursed, because every time Ross releases a track called “Finals” the [Miami] Heat lose in the NBA Finals. Do you think that may need to be the last version of “Finals” for MMG?
[Laughs] I never noticed that. That’s crazy. I don’t know what to say about that. I just like the sound of those records. That’s crazy though.
How do you feel about LeBron going back to Cleveland?
The man is a businessman. He came over here and brought a championship. You can’t be mad at that. What the f**k? Let that man go back to where he’s from and bring a championship over there. That man is getting his money. If they’re offering him a couple more hundreds of millions of dollars over there, I’d leave Miami too – get the f**k on.
Why did you mention 50 Cent on your “Hot N***a” remix?
Because it was a Lloyd Banks’ track first. You know me. I’m bout that s**t. I’m bout that life. I walk what I talk. The line just rhymed, so I said I’ll throw him in there. So what? I ain’t scared of that n***a as you can see. I ain’t scared of him or 9, 15 – however many n***as. I ain’t no scary b***h. I don’t give a f**k about nothing, but some money.
You have a single out called “Krazy.” What’s one of the craziest things you’ve done that the public doesn’t know about?
Aw man, I can’t share that with you. I might go to jail.
What about something that’s not necessarily illegal?
I don’t know. I act so crazy. I’ve just been chilling lately though, but back in the day I was a wild one – taking five drugs at a time. They called me “Five Drug Minimum.”
So is this the “kinder, gentler” Gunplay now?
Yeah man, I’m tired of going to jail. I’m on probation. I’m just waiting to get this s**t over with, so I can travel the way I want to. I’m mature now. I’m 35 years old. I’ve been there, done that. I saw the world. I know a lot of people in high places, and I want to be popping bottles with them too. But if I keep going to jail, I’m gonna miss my opportunity.
Follow Gunplay on Twitter @GUNPLAYMMG and Instagram @itsgunplay.
Watch WSHH Presents The Field: Miami documentary below.
I Don’t Camouflage visited Japanese visual artist Pesu at his studio in East Village New York and Dream Hotel in meatpacking district to capture his work. Pesu explains why he got his tattoo “Art is Life” on his right arm and “Life is Art” on the left arm after 8 years by going back to his history as an emerging artist traveling from Japan to find a new life in NY. Enjoy the behind the scene of his beautiful mural at Dream Downtown while he shares his story.
