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Hip Hop Rumors: Chris Brown Reality Show?

By: kubeezz Updated Category: Rumors
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As if there’s not enough celebrity foolery on TV these days, word is BET has came up with yet another brilliant idea.

The network, hoping to chronicle Breezy’s life after a few months in the slammer, has talked to several production companies saying they would absolutely air the show.

TMZ reports:

“BET is gunning to air a Chris Brown reality show … and they’ve already held focus groups to find out if viewers will flock to their sets or stay away.

Multiple sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ … BET has made it clear to several production companies … the network would absolutely air a Chris Brown reality series, chronicling his life after jail.

We’re told several production companies are angling to sign Chris, but so far that hasn’t happened. If it does, we’re told the show will get on the air.

A focus group was held Tuesday in the San Fernando Valley … asking participants if they’d watch a reality show in which Chris tries to stay on the straight and narrow — free from violence and drugs.

We’re told the group — comprised entirely of African American females — was split, but the majority said they’d watch to see if Chris would screw up.”

Would you be watch The Keep Chris Out Of Jail Chronicles or nah?

R. Kelly's Ex-Wife Claims He Does Not Accept His Transgender Child's Change

By: Keith Nelson Jr (@JusAire) Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News) Two weeks ago, R. Kelly’s 13 year old child Jaya Kelly revealed in a Q+A on Ask.fm that while she was born a female she identified as a boy. Today (June 27th) reports surface that R. Kelly’s ex-wife Andrea Kelly believes the legendary singer has not yet accepted his child’s transgender lifestyle.

During the Q+A session, Jaya Kelly revealed that she now refers to herself as Jay and has identified as a since she was ““six or seven” and was hesitant to reveal tell her father. Jaya informed her mother of her and according to reports from TMZ, Andrea Kelly says her father still refers to her as his daughter. Andrea even goes as far as stating “That’s like calling him a background singer, not the king of R&B.”

Jay has stated in the Q+A that he desires to have “surgery and the medication to help me (be) who I was supposed to be”. According to her mother, Jay has yet to have that surgery.

50 Cent Explains Why G-Unit Is "Going To Work Like We Need A Record Deal" (VIDEO)

By: Keith Nelson Jr (@JusAire) Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News) 50 Cent seems to be doing more than reviving the old G-Unit name. In a recent interview, 50 Cent discussed the progress of the upcoming G-Unit album and the strategy for the

Over the last month, G-Unit has been reviving their old tactics from the early 2000’s  by releasing remixes on other artists’ songs. According to the G-Unit captain, those songs are a part of a larger strategy which includes the Unit working as if they were unsigned:

We just getting back to how we did it in the very beginning. We going to start over and work like we need a record deal. We just continue to put music out. While we’re putting that music out, we’re making the coolest original content and letting that be there for the actual album. But, there will be a full tape that comes out before that.

G-Unit’s previous albums, Beg for Mercy and Terminate on Sight were developed around one defining song, claims 50. While that song for the new G-Unit album has not been made as of yet, the competitive spirit and time a part has led to no shortage of content to choose from:

Creatively everyone kind of keeps up with each other. They don’t want to be left behind [so] they’ll give you something that they had if they don’t actually come up with it on the spot right there. It’s so much content. They’ve written a lot of music away from me. So I don’t know what portions of what they coming up with is what they JUST came up with or something that they had an idea and been working with for a while. But it’s all up to standards.

Check out 50 Cent’s full interview with MTV below:

[KNOCKOUT NATION] Can Terence Crawford Break Yuriorkis Gamboa?

By: yourfavenightmare Updated Category: Headlines
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On March 1, WBO lightweight titlist Terence Crawford accomplished the biggest victory of his career. Ironically, it was an achievement that most U.S. audiences didn’t get a chance to see — sans HBO coverage, Crawford traveled to the UK and defeated long-time belt-holder (or belt-warmer, depending on your perspective) Ricky Burns. It was a move that most U.S. fighters, especially those being groomed by a major TV network, wouldn’t have taken. During his lightweight run, Adrien Broner balked at traveling overseas. But Crawford took a calculated risk that’s now paid off three months later in the form of a high-profile title match against the explosive, undefeated Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa.

On paper, you’d say Crawford holds several key advantages. He’s naturally bigger, having previously competed at 140 pounds and holds a five-inch reach advantage (70″ to 65″), which should help Crawford exploit Gamboa’s defensive lapses. Not to mention, Gamboa has looked flat-out bored in recent fights, resulting in him suffering knockdowns in all his recent fights.

With that said, Gamboa is still deadly in the two areas that can change a fight in an instant — speed and power.

Just one day before they complete the final pre-fight ritual of the weigh-in, Crawfords details Gamboa’s style, his future at lightweight, and navigating the politics of boxing.

Knockout Nation: This will be your first fight in your hometown since 2006. But we’ve seen fighters struggle to stay focused with all the distractions that come with that. How did you approach it?

Crawford: I made sure I didn’t train here. I just got back for the fight. This was an all-around camp – I didn’t feel I needed to focus on any particular area. We firmly believe we have all the tools to get the job done against Gamboa.

KO Nation: Was there any concern on the business side about taking this fight considering what happened with Gamboa’s fight with Mikey Garcia?

Crawford: Oh nah, there were no worries. I figure that everything happened for a reason and that situation opened the door for this fight. This was meant to happen.

KO Nation: What do you expect Gamboa’s strategy to be?

Crawford: I see him coming out trying to potshot me. But he can be wild and unpredictable so other than that I don’t know how he’s going to fight. I watch a little bit of my opponents – I’m not a fan of not knowing what you’re coming up against in the ring. But as far as studying every day, that’s not me.

Click here for the rest of this interview with Terence Crawford at KnockoutNation.com.

Murda Team Member Ronald “Ra Diggs” Herron Convicted Of Murder & Drug Trafficking

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News) Ronald “Ra Diggs” Herron testified at his federal trial that the lyrics and images displayed in his music and videos were simply fictional tales, and he is no longer involved in the criminal activities of his past. That was not enough to convince a jury of his innocence.

[ALSO READ: Ronald “Ra Diggs” Herron & Uncle Murda Testify At Murder Trial Their Rap Lifestyles Not Real]

The New York Times reports Herron was convicted on 21 counts including racketeering, drug trafficking, and the murders of Frederick Brooks, Richard Russo and Victor Zapata. He was previously acquitted in state court for one of the murder cases presented at the federal trial.

Ra Diggs was allegedly the leader of a Bloods gang faction and drug enterprise centered in Brooklyn’s Gowanus Houses projects. He was also a member of the rap group Murda Team with Uncle Murda who testified in court on Herron’s behalf. Ra Diggs was affiliated with Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka as well.

“He styled himself a rap artist, but the jury’s verdict makes clear who Herron really is: a drug dealer and murderer who sought power through fear and intimidation,” stated U.S. Attorney Loretta E. Lynch.

Sentencing for Ronald Herron is set for October 1. He faces a mandatory life sentence in prison.

Ice Cube, Raekwon, Talib Kweli, & More Dissect Their Classic LPs In "Check The Technique Vol 2"

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News) Veteran music journalist Brian Coleman provided Hip Hop fans an intimate history for 36 of the culture’s artistic works in his 2007 book Check the Technique: Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies. Coleman has decided to revisit some more classic rap albums in a forthcoming sequel.

Check the Technique Volume 2: More Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies is set to hit retailers this October. The new edition will have 25 chapters and include over 350 pictures. More than 80 individuals were interviewed for the book including Ice Cube, Raekwon, Naughty By Nature, Lord Finesse, MF Doom, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), and Talib Kweli.

Mos and Kweli’s Black Star is one of the albums featured in CTT 2. Coleman also presents never-before-told, behind-the-scenes details about other projects like Ice Cube’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted & Kill At Will, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo’s Wanted: Dead Or Alive, and Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. A total of 325 Hip Hop songs are explained by the artists who made them.

CTT2

“This third edition of my Check the Technique/Rakim Told Me series is the one that I am proudest of, by far,” states Coleman. “The interviews are deeper than ever before, the chapters are longer and more in-depth, and I have spent months gathering the 350-plus images that are included in the pages which really bring the stories of these amazing albums to life.”

Coleman previously authored Rakim Told Me: Hip-Hop Wax Facts, Straight From the Original Artists. He has also contributed to XXL, Scratch, the Boston Herald, and other publications.

Check the Technique Volume 2: is available for pre-sale for a limited time at www.GetOnDown.com. Consumers who pre-order now get an autographed copy of the book and an exclusive 7-inch of Smif-N-Wessun’s “Home Sweet Home.”

CTT1Check out the full chapter list for Check the Technique Volume 2: More Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies below.

3rd Bass – The Cactus Album (1989) The Beatnuts – Intoxicated Demons: The EP (1993) Black Sheep – A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing (1991) Company Flow – Funcrusher Plus (1997) The Coup – Steal This Album (1998) Diamond and the Psychotic Neurotics – Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop (1992) DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper (1988) Dr. Octagon – Dr. Octagonecologyst (1996) ED O.G & Da Bulldogs – Life Of A Kid In The Ghetto (1991) Gravediggaz – Niggamortis [aka 6 Feet Deep] (1994) Ice Cube – AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted & Kill At Will (1990) Jeru The Damaja – The Sun Rises In The East (1994) KMD – Black Bastards (recorded 1994, released 2000) Kool G Rap & DJ Polo – Wanted: Dead Or Alive (1990) Kwamé The Boy Genius – Featuring A New Beginning (1989) Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth – Funky Technician (1990) Mantronix – The Album (1985) Masta Ace Incorporated – SlaughtaHouse (1993) Mos Def & Talib Kweli – Are Black Star (1998) Naughty By Nature – Naughty By Nature (1991) Nice & Smooth – Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed (1991) Chef Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… (1995) Smif-N-Wessun – Dah Shinin’ (1995) Stetsasonic – In Full Gear (1988) Various – Wild Style Breakbeats (recorded 1981)

 

Cam'ron Releasing "First Of The Month" EP As BitTorrent Bundle

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News) Over the past year BitTorrent has transformed the way Hip Hop artists presented their music and brand to the public. After working with Curren$y & Jet Life, De La Soul, and Public Enemy, the file sharing service has now linked up with Cam’ron for a new bundle package.

[ALSO READ: BitTorrent Launches New Versions Of Mobile & Desktop Apps]

Cam’s First Of The Month interactive EP will include a web series, music videos, film, art, and more. The first bundle will be available for download on July 1 through BitTorrent. A new package will then drop the first of every month.

The company has referred to its innovative approach to delivering artist’s content as “Mixtape 2.0 Culture.” The goal of BitTorrent Bundles is to allow the performer to connect directly and instantly with fans by sharing more than just music.

“Our long-term vision is not to be a content store or another walled garden. Our vision is to create the technology that puts the store into the content and to let the artist decide what the exchange should be,” said Matt Mason, Vice President of Marketing for BitTorrent. “They know best what the value of a fan is and can judge that better than we can. Our job is to create the best possible tools for creative people, and then get out-of-the-way of them and their fans.”

Going by BitTorrent’s track record, Cam’ron’s decision to team with BT could be a very lucrative venture. The partnership between BitTorrent and Jet Life has been a success. The label’s “Jet Life BitTorrent Bundle” featuring the Red Eye mixtape was downloaded over 4 million times, growth of Jet Life apparel on their website increased by 500%, and advanced tickets sales for their tour jumped 30%.

[ALSO READ: Curren$y’s “Jet Life BitTorrent Bundle” Tops 4 Million Downloads]

Watch the trailer for Cam’ron’s First Of The Month EP and the video for “Funeral” below.

 


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Busta Rhymes Announces Release Date For "Calm Down" Single Featuring Eminem

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: Headlines
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(AllHipHop News) Fans of Busta Rhymes and Eminem can expect a new collaboration between the two Hip Hop legends in the coming days. Busta revealed an upcoming single titled “Calm Down” featuring Slim Shady will be available in time for Independence Day.

[ALSO CHECK OUT: O.T. Genasis, J-Doe & Busta Rhymes “Fight Night (Freestyle)”]

“Calm Down” has been described as a six-minute respectful battle between Bust and Em. The track was produced by Scoop Deville and will appear on Busta’s Extinction Level Event 2.

Look for the Busta Rhymes/Eminem collabo to drop on July 1.

[ALSO READ: Eminem’s “Road To Total Slaughter” Reality Show To Air Of Fuse]

 

Hip Hop By The States Part 2: Illinois

By: Andrew "DaBoyAG" Barnett Updated Category: Features
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One of the most dangerous cities in the United States is Chicago, Illinois. Home to notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Larry Hoover. Illinois is also famous for it’s house music, Harold’s Chicken and the original foundation for many street organized gangs. But there is another side of Illinois and that is the music scene. Illinois has produced some of the most talented musicians in the world. In the 90s, many rappers from Illinois became known for their grimy content and double time flow. Rappers such as Twista, Psychodrama, Do or Die, and Crucial Conflict mastered the art of the speedy flow. This is something that became popular in the midwest as a whole (See Bone Thugs). Female rapper, Da Brat, made history becoming the first female rapper ever to have a platinum selling album. Much like other Illinois rappers Da Brat also used the speedy flow. Other rappers from Illinois that made a significant impact include Common, Rhymefest, Bump J, MC Juice, Snypaz, Triple Darkness, NO ID(producer) and Shawnna. Illinois is also home to arguably the greatest RnB artist of all time, R. Kelly. R. Kelly made a huge impact on the music industry, as a singer, producer, engineer, director and songwriter. He has sold millions of records, and written songs for many musicians, including the late great Michael Jackson. I could write an entire article on R. Kelly, but I’ll leave it at that. Illinois has truly provided us with some great artists over the last 30 years.

Illinois has generated more than just street content in its hip hop. There is definitely a conscious side to Illinois hip hop and the proof is provided through artists such as Common, Kanye West, and Lupe Fiasco. Kanye West is arguably the greatest hip hop artist of our generation. From early beginnings with the Go Getters to producing for Roc a Fella records. He released his debut album College Dropout in 2003 and it was a classic and game changing album, then followed up with a 2nd classic album, Late Registration. His G.O.O.D Music record label is complied with some of the best talent in hip hop. Kanye also put on for a lot of Chicago talent. Artists such as Lupe Fiasco, GLC, Chief Keef, and King L are all Illinois artists that have benefited from the help of Kanye West. Kanye is a true musical genius and will go down as one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time. Lupe Fiasco has also made his name known in the mainstream as a super talented rapper. Much like Kanye, Lupe found a way to bridge the gap between lyrical hip hop and mainstream hip hop during an era where lyrical rappers were not prospering very well in the mainstream. His incredible metaphors and double entendres have been deciphered for years now and he has truly mastered the art of lyricism. His Fahrenheit 1st and 15 mixtapes are classics and attracted the attention of many people. Even Jay-Z wanted to sign Lupe for a long time and served as the executive producer for Lupe’s debut album, Food and Liquor. Lupe’s creativity, content, and song making abilities have earned him the respect of all lovers of music. Lupe will go down as one of the best lyricists of all time. Young rapper Chief Keef enjoyed some success in the mainstream due to his singles such as “Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa”. Chief Keef introduced the mainstream to a movement in Illinois called Drill Music, representing gritty and grimy songs accompanied by trap-influenced beats. RnB singer, Jeremih also has done his part in keeping Illinois relevant in the music industry. His unique voice makes him stand out amongst his peers. He has done his fair share of hooks for several rappers and also has released successful singles such as “Birthday Sex”, “I Like”, and “Down On Me.”

The next generation of Illinois hip hop is filled with very young artists, many in their late teens. The drill movement is spread across almost all of their music. This drill music brings back some of the raw gutter sound of some of the early IIllinois rappers, just without the double time flow. Content varies from gang violence, drug selling, and other things that are happening in Chicago. Sadly, many parts of Illinois have had a high amount of violence and killing amongst young people. Rappers such as Lil Reese, Lil Durk, King L, Fredo Santana, Lil Herb, Lil Bibby and more all make drill music. Other young Illinois rappers such as Vic Mensa, Frenico, Rockie Fresh, and Chance The Rapper represent Illinois in a different kind of way. The young Chicago movement has gained a tremendous amount of notice. Illinois provided this year’s XXL Freshmen list with FOUR rappers: Lil Durk, Lil Bibby, Chance The Rapper, and Vic Mensa. Lil Herb and Lil Bibby first caught the attention of Drake with their “Kill Sh*t” collab. Both Herb and Bibby released great solo mixtapes recently, and Herb’s collab with Nicki Minaj, “Chiraq” has also become very popular. While Herb has a lyrical, aggressive style, Bibby has more of a gritty grimy Beanie Sigel type of flow, but they mesh together to make great collabs. Chance The Rapper brings some eccentric music to the table, with a Wyclef Jean type crooning voice and an unorthodox rap flow. Chance’s music is a break from the norm in hip hop, but it is still so soulful at the same time. His standout mixtape “Acid Rap” received high rated reviews and catapulted his career to new heights. From overseas tours to being booked for the Coachella stage, and even offered the chance to go on tour with Eminem. Chance has created a strong foundation for more success to be in his future. Neo-Soul singer BJ The Chicago Kid has been collaborating with many different rappers over the past few years. Rappers range from Freddie Gibbs, Ab Soul, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Chance The Rapper, Big K.R.I.T, and more. His 2012 album, Pineapples Now-Laters was definitely a standout and one of the best albums from that year. His soulful voice always blends right in with whatever beat he’s singing over. He recently got some mainstream success with Schoolboy Q’s single “Studio.” BJ The Chicago Kid has also written songs for singers such as Musiq Soulchild.

Through all of the years of Illinois hip hop, we have seen it go through many changes. From gritty lyrics about the violence and crime, to conscious lyrics making us aware of the problems in society. One thing’s for certain, Illinois has provided urban culture with many great artists and there are many more to come.