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New photos of the heir to the Carter throne, Blue Ivy Carter, have leaked, and the baby is absolutely adorable. MediaTakeOut has somehow gotten their hands on some exclusive photos of Beyonce and Blue, and the baby looks like a perfect mix of her mommy and daddy. Check the photos below:
She looks like Beyonce from the nose up and has Jay-Z’s lips and chin. The combination works for little Blue Ivy and she is just precious. Beyonce has been sharing tons of pictures on her tumblr. When is she going to release some good pictures of Blue? She needs to go ahead and do that already, since these are the second grainy photos to leak of the baby, and I’m sure they don’t do her any justice. Come on, Bey and Jay, don’t you think it’s time to release some new photos of Blue?
(AllHipHop News) Rap collective The Hieroglyphics have announced the first annual Hiero Day music festival, which will take place next month in the group’s hometown of Oakland.
The first annual Hiero Day music festival will feature vendors, food trucks, a skate area and performances.
The rap crew, which consists of Del, Souls of Mischief, Pep Love, Casual, and Domino, will host the inaugural event, which will also showcase a number of prominent artists from the Bay Area.
In addition to The Hieroglyphics, Blackalicious, Planet Asia, Moe Green, and others have been confirmed as performers at Hiero Day, which is co-sponsored by Parish Entertainment Group.
“After looking at our influence and worldwide fan base, we wanted to give back in some way with an event that’s a mix of 4:20, X Games, and Lollapalooza,” said Hiero Imperium CEO Tajai Massey. “And since we’re from a city that has spawned several progressive movement and style, we want to show our pride and recognize these accomplishments as well as look towards the future by embracing the youth and engaging them with positivity. We started this as kids and have been buoyed and championed by youth worldwide. It’s time to give back.”
The first annual Hiero Day will take place just two blocks away from City Hall, in downtown Oakland.
The goal of the free festival is also to support local businesses, in addition to the music community, in the area.
The first annual Hiero Day will take place on Monday, September 3, from 11am-6pm.
The All Access Music Conference or (AAMC) is a unique conference that combines music industry experts with up and coming musical talents to create a flavorful musical event peppered with education, excellence, and understanding for all involved.
It is a rare conference in that it was formulated by veterans of various important major label enterprises. These industry titans also possess experience in the A&R realm which creates a win-win for all involved. The AAMC music competitions are not to be missed, so AllHipHop.com checked in with two of its recent winners – Buda Da Future and Grandz Muzik – who are making their mark as sought-after producers:
AllHipHop.com: First off, congratulations on your win! That is completely impressive! How did you guys hear about the contest and then go about entering it in the first place?
Grandz Muzik: Thank you! We’re graciously humbled by this win! The competition was fierce, and we were up against some impressive producers. We heard about the event through Walter Randolph; he reached out to us and encouraged us to participate. Our hard work and collaborative efforts were recognized. The All Access Music Conference is the very best music conference out there for up and coming producers.
AllHipHop.com: What is different about this conference that makes you guys feel that way?
Grandz Muzik: We don’t think that just because we won it either! We feel that way because there are a lot of bogus conferences out there that take advantage of artists and producers, but this one doesn’t do that. They really come through on what they promise. We are proud to have been a part of it whether we won or not.
AllHipHop.com: Buda, I recall you telling a really amazing story about how you got started in the industry and production game. If I remember correctly, you said it had something to do with being inspired from a meeting with Young Guru. Would you care to let the readers hear about how he inspired you, and what it all means to you at this special moment in your career?
Buda Da Future: One fall NYC day, before I even knew what a MPC was, I went to meet my good friend, The Hitmen/Platinum Boy Music Inc. producer Amadeus, at zomba studios. It was my first experience in a recording studio, and it was a session with Amadeus, the rapper Shellz from the Bx, and the legendary engineer/DJ Young Guru . I was amazed at the atmosphere, the vibe, and all of the equipment.
The session was for a new EA sports game called “FIGHT NIGHT”, and Amadeus was producing the theme song to the video game. As soon as I sat down, I began to watch and observe. I had to ask questions after an hour of watching Guru and Amadeus go to work. From the jump, Young Guru was super cool, and when I started asking questions about the recording process, Guru was very receptive to me and began giving me advice on engineering and production through out the whole session. We were going back and forth about our favorite times in Hip-Hop, and he was shared some of his experiences in the game. I can’t front just him building throughout the session and explaining his experiences in the game got me inspired to the utmost, and it changed my life forever. Not to mention watching what Amadeus did with his crazy production during that session. It was amazing to see Guru add his expertise mixing.
That 12-hour session changed my life forever. The very next day I thought I was dreaming, like I hadn’t really been there! But it was real! Real enough to even make me decide to quit my job! I had a good paying job after high school, but I had the urge to start a new path in Audio Engineering and Music Production. My family thought I was buggin’ – well, with the exception of my grandma. My grandmother was extremely supportive. I also had a few friends who supported me, too.
I decided to enroll in the Institute Of Audio Research in NYC also known as IAR. The very first day of class I met my brother, Grandz Muzik. Our group Voltron was formed. The days turned to months, and while we were in school, we got our first placement. Our very first time hearing someone on one of our tracks was a 50 Cent song called “Paper Chaser”. That placement created a monster! We thanked God for every opportunity. But once again, if it wasn’t for Amadeus inviting me to that session and having that life changing conversation with Young Guru, who knows where we’d be? (laughter) But I’m grateful for every moment, and super grateful for meeting my brother, Grandz Muzik!
AllHipHop.com: That is quite a story, sir. Thanks for telling it again, Buda! OK, so Grandz, given the whirlwind that you guys have been enveloped in since you first got started in your careers, I’m sure there have been a lot of amazing moments that you have experienced along the way. What are a few of your favorites so far?
Grandz Muzik: Yes, there have been many moments which stand out; winning the UMA Producers of the Year in 2011 at BB Kings was surreal! The fans voted on this win, so it really was a testament to our hard work, and it showed! This win showed us how many supporters we have out there, including family and friends who encourage us every day to keep winning.
Being a guest judge on “106 and Park” on BET was an awesome experience. To be seen on national television was a huge moment for us. It was definitely a reality check; a proud moment.
AllHipHop.com: Anyone who has seen you working either in the studio, judging beat battles, on TV, or speaking at music conferences can see there is a unique friendship between the two of you and a loyalty that can’t be sabotaged. How important do you feel your friendship has been in getting you through the rougher periods so that you could find your way to where you are today?
Buda Da Future: Our friendship is beyond the “music or entertainment industry.” Grandz is the brother I never had. I wouldn’t want to be a producer if Grandz was not my teammate. He’s my left hand, and I’m a righty. I consider him family. Words can’t describe how Grandz and his family have been there for me. This bond is beyond music or legal tender.
Grandz Muzik: Since day one, we have had mutual respect for one another, we share many common interests. Working together for almost a decade has really brought us together on a very personal level. Our friendship goes way beyond music. Our families connect and are huge supporters of what we do, we see each other on a regular basis, and we work as a team. At first it was rough juggling our occupations, family schedules, and personal responsibilities; but our strong bond allowed us to compromise our hectic schedules to make sure the beats didn’t slow down…we are finally starting to see our hard work pay off, and I can’t thank anyone but Buda. We inspire one another, always have.
AllHipHop.com: Jumping back to the contest for a moment, $15,000 is a lot of money. What does winning the $15,000 prize mean for your immediate future and your ability to do what you love?
Buda Da Future: It allows us to continue to work hard and make sure to complete our obligation to give back to Hip-Hop. We always want to give quality music, and do our part to preserve the culture – this will help that.
Grandz Muzik: We feel extremely blessed to win this contract. Faith and prayer are part of our everyday lives. Some major upgrades are due and necessary. Certain personal matters can finally be taken care of.
AllHipHop.com: What advice if any would you give to other young producers out there who are trying to get their music to the industry?
Buda Da Future: Build a brand! Be a visionary and show love and inspire the next person to do better. There’s a lot of musicians, producers and artists with the same mission to make history while making a great living, so stay positive and spread the love if you have the ability to help someone. And always keep GOD first.
Grandz Muzik: Believe in yourself, have patience but stay confident, work hard at your craft; mentally invest in furthering your education, keep family first, and keep striving!
AllHipHop.com: Those familiar with you know, that you guys are all about being positive and giving back, what roll does this play in your lives both musically and personally?
Buda Da Future: Musically, I believe that being positive and keeping good karma in your actions and movements will help you advance conscientiously and in life. It continues to bless you in everything you do. Personally, I was raised in a rough background but was extremely loved by both my parents and have very good friends.
Grandz Muzik: It plays a big role. We believe in always giving back; we strongly believe that positive energy creates positive results! As a father, my children keep me grounded, and that enables me to be a better role model for all the young, up and coming producers. Education is the key for our future generation. Keep music alive in schools!
AllHipHop.com: What’s up next for Grandz Muzik and Buda Da Future?
Buda Da Future: Everything! More production, more room to grow as producers. We learn and get inspired everyday, so it means more projects. Each learning experience is a stepping stone to greatness, so we just gotta put in work, and we are prepared and qualified to do that! You will hear more from us, God willing.
Grandz Muzik: We are currently working with a very talented singer/writer by the name of Katt Rockell; we are working on an album with her. We continue to work with Fred The Godson, a tremendous artist; he’s family. Look out for our track on his new mixtape, Gordo Federico featuring Fat Joe! We are working with Joe Buddens, and of course, our Geffen Interscope family!
AllHipHop.com: If someone is interested in working with you guys, how should they go about it? And how can people keep up with you in general, be it online or otherwise?
Buda Da Future: They can contact us directly via Twitter – @BudaDaFuture and @GrandzMuzik, and for all other music inquiries, holla at @Wayno119.
Be on the lookout for new projects dropping soon from Buda Da Future and Grandz Muzik.
Skyyhook is CEO/FOUNDER/General Manager of Skyyhook Radio and a contributor for AllHipHop.com. Follow her on Twitter (@SkyyhookRadio).
(AllHipHop News) Rapper LL Cool J was involved in a confrontation with a burglar inside of his Los Angeles home earlier this morning (August 22).
According to TMZ.com, a burglar entered into LL’s Los Angeles home around 2 AM.
The rapper, who stars as field agent Sam Hanna on the hit show “NCIS: Los Angeles,” was home at the time of the intrusion and went downstairs to confront the interloper.
A fight broke out between the two men and LL Cool J managed to detain suspect until the LAPD arrived.
The suspect, who suffered bumps and bruises, was promptly arrested and booked for burglary.
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Young Jeezy has been hit with a $5 million lawsuit from a former business partner, who claims he was cut out of millions of dollars in profits earned from the rapper’s career.
Demetrius “Kinky B” Ellerbe filed a lawsuit against Young Jeezy, Def Jam Recordings and UMG, in Fulton County, Superior Court in Georgia.
According to the lawsuit, Ellerbe helped Young Jeezy form CTE Entertainment, which houses rappers like Freddie Gibbs, Tone Trump, Slick Pulla and others.
Ellerbe says he was instrumental in obtaining the label’s distribution deal with Def Jam Recordings, but he was still cut out of millions of dollars in profits.
The lawsuit claims that Young Jeezy redirected millions of dollars in royalties and advances to his own personal account.
“Essentially, Young Jeezy just kind of took over the company, and elected to take all the funds,” Ellerbee’s attorney Mario Breedlove said.
Demetrius Ellerbe is seeking at least $5 million in damages, in addition to interest, punitive damages and legal costs.
The controversy around writer dream hampton (she spells her name in lower case) sending out a tweet where she asserted rappers Stic.man of dead prez and Jay Electronica were ‘ghost writers‘ for Nas is interesting on several levels. First, a lot of folks saw the tweet or heard about it and immediately jumped up to defend the Queensbridge emcee claiming that him having a ghostwriter is an assault to the ‘integrity of Hip Hop’ and that dream is somehow a bad journalist who should be tossed under a bus. I’ll let folks marinate on that for moment..
For those who aren’t up on what happened, here’s the tweet that dream sent out a few days ago…People went ape shyt over this..
“I think Jay writes what he believes. Nas’ “N#####” album was largely written by Stic of dead prez and Jay Electronica @JusAire…” — @dreamhampton
I found the angry reaction curious because what Dream tweeted wasn’t uncommon knowledge. Back when Nas was working on the Untitled album, there was lots of banter, speculation and hope that because he was working with dead prez, they might pen some tracks for him..Many felt such a move would give Nas sharper and harder hitting political content in his songs.
Ain’t nothing wrong with that when you consider over the years we’ve seen percussionist Duke Bootee do this for Grandmaster Flash & Mele-Mel with the landmark song The Message. We recently saw Bay Area rapper Paris do this for Chuck D of Public Enemy on the album ‘Rebirth of a Nation‘. No one would ever deny Chuck or Mel’s writing abilities or political prowess…In the case of Nas and Sticman, whether what resulted was co-writing, producing where hooks, ideas and a few bars were provided, scoring of tracks to model for Nas or ghostwriting in the technical sense where full songs were penned minus public credit, none of that seemed shocking, out of the ordinary or a bad thing. There’s a long tradition from Billy Holiday’s Strange Fruit penned by Abel Meeropol to Stevie Wonder penning songs for Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson & even Michael Jackson to Ice Cube and DOC penning songs for Eazy E and NWA to Prince penning songs for everyone from Chaka Khan to Sheila E to Rhymefest penning Jesus Walks for Kanye West.. Hip Hop and music in general has not lost its integrity because of it.
Over the years, I been in enough recording sessions with artists big and small to see first hand how the process plays out..People share ideas, verses get traded, shifted around, reassigned, some are written and then rewritten, some are imposed etc.. How things get publicly credited and monies divided up in the end is one aspect..but for the most part, the end game has been to put out the absolute best product. The bottom line is no matter what folks like to believe, not everything recorded is written by the one spitting verses. That applies to folks who some might consider the very best and it applies to some who are relatively unknown.
We see similar process in beat production. Not everyone who is deemed ‘the producer‘ works the drum machine and craft the melodies. By now its common knowledge that revered producer Dr Dre is not in the studio coming up with every single drum track, it doesn’t mean he’s not capable nor would anyone deny is skill as a producer?
On a side note, we also know that over the years everyone from Eminem to Jay-Z have penned raps for Dre.. Have we stopped liking him because it or do we give him dap for doing great records and using the best talent around him..
When you’re making records and you have money invested, in particular major label money, it becomes a team effort. It’s very collaborative where lots of folks have a hand in it. I don’t think the recording process as I’ve seen/ experienced takes away from the writing prowess of an artist, especially someone of the stature of Nas. If anything, one getting co-writers etc is a smart move especially if you’re trying to bring fresh perspectives or push boundaries musically or subject wise.
With all that being said, at the end of the day both Jay Electronica and Stic.man have denied ghostwriting for Nas and unless we were there in the studio with them, we’ll have to take their word for it… Sticman has been particularly humble in terms of expressing his long time admiration for Nas and further explains their recording process in a recent Vibe Magazine interview.
From where I sit, I think folks instead of getting upset at the possibility that they ghostwrote for Nas, they should’ve seen such a move as monumental. Stic and Jay working with Nas, that’s a powerful team. People are acting like these guys are some Johnny-come-lately slouches or some no-name rookies to scoff at..They are not.. They are top shelf artists. If someone like Stic is penning songs, whether it’s for Nas or the guy down the street, its worth a listen especially if it’s on the political tip. Very few do it better.
With respect to dream hampton sending out a tweet which was directed to someone whether right or wrong is not an indictment on journalism-its a tweet. Yes it came from popular person who is a journalist, but a quick look at Dream’s twitter time line, will quickly reveal everything she tweets is not a news story. Far from it.. She shares many opinions, debates folks, shares speculations and gets snarky at times.. Who hasn’t on twitter? It’s barbershop/ beauty shop talk..Media types should not be mining twitter for news stories unless they tend to do due diligence, put things in context and journalistically follow-up.
Dream’s penning of Jay-Z‘s Decoded, her brilliant columns and insightful articles over the past 15 years covering everything from rape to Too Short and sexism to her film on Black August all go out the window over a tweet?? Really?
If folks are really concerned about the Hip Hop journalism and faulty information being passed along to the masses, before going at dream hampton how about we go after those multi-million dollar corporate radio giants that run commercial sponsored gossip/ entertainment reports on the daily. Seems like I’ve heard more foul stuff said about Nas and his failed marriage to singer Kelis and his child support payments on those outlets then I ever seen Dream tweet or write. How many of those stories were accurate? Was Nas really a dead beat dad? How many ran to the bank on those stories without checking to see if it was true or not? Was Hip Hop’s integrity destroyed over those claims or only when it was asserted that Nas may have had some stellar artists pen songs for him?
The harsh and sometimes threatening response to dream was over the top and to be quite honest, cowardly. Was this really because she suggested Nas had ghost writers or because she was a woman? I didn’t see a whole lot of folks getting froggy a few years back when Suge Knight made unsavory remarks about Nas appearing on the song Thug Mansion on 2Pac’s album.. Where was all the ‘you’re a b####’ and ‘you’re groupie’ rhetoric then? Are we silent when it folks making remarks who are not afraid to talk greasy and mix it up physically with those who are opposed?
Seems like it was just a few short weeks ago when many were coming down on Nas for defending actress Gwyneth Paltrow and giving her a pass tweeting the N word.. Quite a few folks went in on Nas after he claimed Paltrow was a ‘real n#####’, some accused him of falling off and selling out. Some said they’d never listen to a Nas album again..Where was all the tough talk in response to those critiques? This is not to say that folks can’t get at dream hampton and express disappointment or disagreement over her remarks..She is not above criticism. I’m simply suggesting that all of us can come at things a different way.. We can be passionate without threatening, vicious and over-the-top demeaning on the misogynist tip.
For those who feel passionate about Nas and feel he needs to get more shine, here’s something to consider..I checked the recent issues of Billboard, their August 25th Rap Charts and their August 25th Top 50 R&B/ Hip Hop Charts, and you know what was missing? A song from Nas. The man just put out a brilliant album and thus far it seems to be shunned for a whole lot of mediocre stuff..
Outside of Hot 97 in New York and a handful of station here there, most stations according to their playlist ain’t rocking Nas at all..Many feel Nas is a stellar lyricist who helps raise consciousness, so how is that Nas is news worthy enough to be gossiped about when his marriage fails and he’s deemed a dead beat dad, but now worthy enough to be played on some of those same outlets? That’s where people’s anger should be directed..
Let’s not make excuses for these public airwaves to not have songs like Nas’ Daughters being heard 8-10 times a day. We should be angry that young impressionable minds that tune in, are not being exposed to a song that gives encouragement for men to step up and be present for their kids. Why can’t these outlets show any love for the incredible joint he recently did with Knaan called ‘Nothing to Lose‘? Was there no songs off the dope album ‘Good Life’ to expose to the masses?
If folks are gonna ride for Nas, ride for him on some real impactful stuff..Like I said earlier, sure folks can call out dream for being wrong, but how about calling those folks out who really influence and shape minds? If we concerned about the integrity of Hip Hop, get mad and shut those outlets down.. Call those owners and program directors who talk to millions of people at every given moment to do right by Hip Hop if that’s really the issue..Lets’ push to make sure Nas is performing at the next Grammy or BET Award vs someone who has a fraction of his talent.. There’s simply no comparison between dream hampton’s tweet and the powerful forces at work day in and day out systematically undermine Nas and Hip Hop. Let’s get mad at that..
Something to Ponder..
Davey D
Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson is recovering from his wounds. And what better way to do that than hanging out with Lil Wayne! Over the weekend, he took his daughter to meet the superstar of Young Money and skateboarding! Apparently, He’s sought some form of refuge at Weezy’s home since he was arrested for head butting his wife Evelyn Lozada! You know then he get cut from the Miami Dolphins and then freakin lost his reality show with his wife. Oh and also the endorsement deal with Zico Coconut Water. Well, I think he’s doing the right thing. Shout out to Wayne. I don’t know all about him, but he’s human like everybody else and probably needs the support of friends. Still, you can’t give a chick a 3-inch cut and just get off scott free. Anyway, he did some skateboarding and whatever as well while over Wayne’s house and I found that odd. But Weezy is on it like that so that’s what is is.
I forgot how hood Ocho once was! He looks like a cross between Just Ice, Mr. T and Favor Flav!
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Yeezy is allegedly in serious negotiations with FOX’s “American Idol” to be a judge. The suits at Idol have allegedly reached out to Kanye and, according to TMZ, Kanye has expressed interest. If he takes the gig, Yeezy will reportedly ask for equal or more money than the recently added judge, Mariah Carey – who is raking in $18 million for one season! According to TMZ’s source, Kanye is “on the fence,” because he isn’t sure if “A.I.” fits with his image.
The Internet has been buzzing that Nicki Minaj was also in talks to join “American Idol” as a judge. Nicki even tweeted that she “has a surprise” for her fans, which have led many to believe that it will be the announcement that she has joined “A.I”. Mariah Carey is rumored to be furious at the potential of Nicki joining idol.
Sources connected with “Idol” tell TMZ … “Mariah was led to believe she would be the only woman on the judge’s panel. Choosing Nicki would not only crush that expectation, it would add insult to injury because Nicki (29) is a lot younger than Mariah (42).” They say Mariah hung up on the “Idol” head honchos when they told her about Nicki possibly joining the judges table.
Do you think having Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Mariah Carey as “American Idol” judges is a good move? It most certanly will help with the ratings!
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Donny Goines has announced he will be the next rapper to attempt to set the Guinness World Record for World’s Longest Freestyle.
The New York-based rapper will attempt to shatter the current record of 12 hours, set by Philadelphia rapper Reid Brown, a.k.a. V.I.P.
Reid Brown set the record at Primal Skateboards in Abilene, Texas on October 2011.
Brown topped the previous record holder Chiddy, of the Hip-Hop group Chiddy Bang, who set the record in November of 2011, with a freestyle that lasted 18 minutes and 22 seconds.
Donny Goines told AllHipHop.com that he will beat Brown’s record by a full-12 hours.
“I will rhyme for 24 hours straight,” Donny Goines promised AllHipHop.com.
Donny Goines’ will attempt to set the Guinness Record for World’s Longest Freestyle on October 1st, 2012.
The event will be streamed live.
For more information visit http://www.worldslongestfreestyle.com.
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At times, it was outright unbearable due to the heat, but once again “Rock The Bells” came to Southern California and put on one hell of a concert.
This past weekend, AllHipHop.com was on hand to catch such acts as Dipset, KRS-One, Immortal Technique, DMX and Eve, and J. Cole, among just a few of the many artists that performed on Saturday.
Check out some of our “Rock The Bells” flicks below!