[ahh_audio src=/3-11-12/G4BoyzftTLanez-HairNailsMakeup.mp3]
[ahh_audio src=/3-11-12/G4BoyzftTLanez-HairNailsMakeup.mp3]
Since the words were first uttered from the stage of the 1998 Grammy Awards, one thing has been certain.
“Wu-Tang is for the children.”
Well, maybe they’re not literally for the children; however, the nine founding members of Staten Island’s Wu-Tang Clan must have known back in 1993 that they were onto something monumental that might someday affect future generations of babies. Their unique, unrelenting sound, made up of some the most distinct rap characters and musicianship the culture has ever seen, has stood the test of time. But what makes up the Wu foundation?
The answer – Supreme Mathematics – is far more complex than any explanation that can be offered in the context of a feature story. With their fusion of Islamic beliefs, backed by the wisdom of numerous 5 Percenter “degrees,” and underscored by a knowledge of self, Wu-Tang Clan burst onto the scene with content that may have hovered high above the heads of most of their early fan base. Still, the symbolism sounded intelligent, and it was rooted in empowerment and self-worth. Couple that with RZA’s otherworldly production, and the people liked it, clear early on that the legends-in-the-making were set to teach us all a thing or two.
Longevity and talent afforded Wu-Tang their meteoric rise to the top of the rap game, all the way to the top of the charts and even to the Grammy stage. That night in 1998 when the famous “for the children” quote was uttered, Ol’ Dirty Bastard had just “gone all Kanye” on the audience, rushing the stage just as Shawn Colvin was set to accept the award for Song of the Year.
“Please calm down, the music and everything. It’s nice that I went and bought me an outfit today that costed a lot of money, you know what I mean?” Big Baby Jesus spoke earnestly. “‘Cause I figured that Wu-Tang was gonna win. I don’t know how you all see it, but when it comes to the children, Wu-Tang is for the children. We teach the children.”
Over the years, the Wu-Tang Clan family grew, then decreased tragically, but has always stayed ahead of the curve. And, though Ol’ Dirty Bastard no longer lends his Cirque de Soleil of brilliant lyrics and quotables, the remaining members hold the Wu flag high. Like many who have weathered the changes since rap’s Golden Era, the cultural prominence of rap has been good to them – allowing for nearly 20-year recording careers for most of them, along with expansion into film, books, product endorsements, and beyond.
The Brothers Wu – particularly Divine, CEO of Wu-Tang Corporation, and brother RZA, the primary architect behind Wu-Tang Clan from its beginning – have accomplished things they never imagined possible when growing up in a poor, New York household with nine other siblings. As the saying goes, there is strength in numbers, and having a lot of siblings means being able to harness the muscle of a lot of people with different talents and skills. And, as AllHipHop.com learned at the recent Nation of Islam Saviours’ Day in Rosemont, Illinois, the power of Allah reigns supreme in their business decisions. Watch the video below as Divine talks about the importance of the Nation of Islam to Wu-Tang’s work past, present, and future. Then, view RZA as he Skypes in from his film studio to speak to youth at our town hall meeting – proof positive that he is “For The Children”:
There’s more coverage to come from AllHipHop.com’s visit inside the Nation of Islam’s Saviours’ Day. Check back in the coming days for the next “Examining the Nation of Islam Through a Hip-Hop Lens” feature! Visit www.noi.org for more information.
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Drake recently sold his Miami condos to Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers.
The two side-by-side apartments sold for $2.4 million, almost $100,000 less than the original asking price.
According to the listing agent, Jill Ebert, Mario Chalmers got a great deal in for the luxury apartments which are located in the prestigious Marquis Residences.
As for Drake, the rapper is far from homeless.
The Toronto, Canada based MC recently bought a $9 million mansion in Hidden Hills, California.
The new property comes complete with a five stall horse stable, a riding arena in a water “oasis” that leads to a wet bar.
Guess what?
When you are essentially an over glorified employee….you just can’t do what you want. As a non-follower of sports, this is evident. J.R. Smith is apparently smashing Tahiry. And he tweeted a picture of her booty for all of Twitter to see. Well, according to reports, that act will cost him $25,000. The announcement was made today by Stu Jackson, the VP of Basketball Operations for the NBA. The Knicks guard seems to have a thing for Tahiry, but not serious enough to NOT mention Joe Budden. We know that’s a double negative but this whole thing is a double negative. Well, not Tahiry’s booty – that’s a double positive.
Here are some pix of the Dominican baby bubba!
The rumor mill is on overdrive, and it’s saying that Mariah Carey is threatening her husband Nick Cannon with divorce if he doesn’t slow down and take time to focus on his health.
Nick has been hospitalized multiple times this year due to lupus nephritis, a rare form of lupus that attacks the kidneys.
Mimi is so concerned over Nick’s condition that we hear she is threatening to leave Nick and take their twins Moroccan and Monroe with her!
“He thinks Mariah is overreacting and blowing everything out of proportion,” revealed an insider. “Besides that, Nick is insecure about living in Mariah’s shadow, and if he quit work altogether he feels like he’d have no identity of his own.
Nick has tried to comply and quit his “CBS Radio” show, but he’s refusing to give up other work commitments, including hosting “America’s Got Talent” and his weekly “Cannon’s Countdown” syndicated radio program.
“He hates being known as Mr. Mariah Carey.” Said the source: “Nick’s work is his passion, but he doesn’t want to lose his wife and his kids — or his life!”
(AllHipHop News) The estate of Heavy D is still dealing with post-mortem issues, specifically collections matters with the IRS.
According to TMZ, Heavy D’s estate owes the IRS approximately $44,000, based on documents filed last month by the Franchise Tax Board in California.
The tax lien against Dwight E. Myers is in the amount of $43,967.87 and applies to the years 2008 and 2009.
This past November, Heavy D died at the age of 44 after collapsing outside his Beverly Hills home, due to complications from a pulmonary embolism upon returning home from a lengthy overseas trip.
Oh boy, call the emo police! Drake posted a cryptic message on Twitter and his ex girlfriend, stripper, and new industry jump-off, Maliah Michele, felt the need to respond by calling him a “disrespectful crybaby.” Check out what Drake and Maliah tweeted below:
If you remember correctly, Drake met Maliah while she was dropping it like it was hot at a Houston strip club and decided to put her name in a song, and then flew her out to Jamaica to star in his “Find Your Love” music video. The two dated briefly, and both Drizzy and Maliah were on to the next one. He moved on with Rihanna, Serena Williams, Dollicia Bryant and many others, I’m sure, while she moved on to Sean Kingston, John, D*ck, and Harry, I’m sure.
Oh well, we already know Drake is a crybaby. Just listen to his music. Tell us something we don’t know, Maliah!
(AllHipHop News) Just when you thought Jay-Z’s sphere of influence couldn’t get any bigger, the Marcy Projects-bred rapper is again reaching new ground, as his lyrics were recently quoted in the halls of the United States Congress.
From his hit song, “99 Problems”, Republican Congressman from Florida, Alan B. Williams inserted lyrics into a debate about a bill concerning search and seizure.
“The debate we were having was about the evidence obtained from a warrantless search of cellular devices and what would be considered unlawful search,” Rep. Alan B. Williams (D-Talahassee) told CBS Local news. “That’s why I connected it to Jay-Z’s lyrics. It was just like what Jay-Z was talking about when he said, ‘I know my rights you’re going to need a warrant for that.’”
Calling on House members to vote in favor of the amendment, Williams said, “If you support Jay-Z, support this amendment.”
Things went to another level when Speaker Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park) corrected Williams, stating that Williams had misquoted Jigga.
“I must respectfully disagree, with a correction,” Cannon replied. “In the song, it was the officer who said, ‘Aren’t you sharp as a tack?’ or something. ‘You should try for lawyer or something,’ so I got you on that. It’s an unspoken rule… if you’re going to invoke Jay-Z, you must get the lyrics correct. I’m not sure Jay-Z would not support this amendment.”
Even Steve Stoute (@SteveStoute) took note of the congressional exchange via Twitter, referencing his recent best selling book, The Tanning of America.
“# tanning!!!! Florida Republican corrects Democrat’s Jay-Z reference on the FL House of Representatives…” Stout exclaimed via Twitter.
While the amendment failed, Williams believes he achieved his goal in the debate.
“We’re in the last days of the special sessions and we try to get a little light-hearted because it gets heated,” Williams explained of the special sessions. “When you’re dealing with so many serious issues in the day, there are a few opportunities to bring some levity to the debate to calm things down.”
(AllHipHop News) Rapper OG Boo Dirty is planning a new album, after spending the past year fighting serious criminal charges.
The rapper was charged with causing a riot, after an incident involving fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti in December of 2010.
The pair became involved in an altercation in the parking lot of Level II Nightclub.
The incident quickly escalated into a shootout, that left six people injured.
Yo Gotti, OG Boo Dirty and eight other people were arrested and charged with inciting to riot and aggravated riot.
Additionally, OG Boo Dirty was wanted for attempted murder and arson in another, separate case.
In January of 2011, Yo Gotti a judge dismissed all of the charges against the rapper.
According to OG Boo Dirty, that case is behind him and he beat the attempted murder and arson charges as well.
“You have to be strong and move on,” OG Boo Dirty said.
Now, the South Memphis rapper is preparing to release a new album titled Born A Soldier Die A Vet.
The new offering features guest appearances from a variety of rappers, including Don Trip, 2 Chainz, Future, Trouble, Drumma Boy.
OG Boo Dirty’s new album Born A Soldier Die A Vet will drop on March 12.
This is not the No Limit Records that we remember from our youth. It has evolved. The ambition that fueled a young Master P has now spawned an empire, and the No Limit Forever label is reflection of that. With a roster full of artists armed with both lyrical and business abilities, this new version is poised to take the game back, using the blueprint that they themselves invented.
Leading the pack is none other than Master P’s protégé, Bengie B. A Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, Bengie B has been making waves throughout the South and is now poised to step into the national spotlight. Combining lyrical depth and tales from the hood, Bengie B is quickly giving voice to a young generation longing to hear about more than fast cars and women.
A young businessman in P’s own image, Bengie is also stepping into new ventures, and will be appearing in Master P’s forthcoming new movie “Get Money,” which will also features Gucci Mane. But music remains his passion. In the following interview, AllHipHop.com finds out directly from Master P what made him place Bengie at the forefront of No Limit Forever, and why he has so much faith in him:
AllHipHop.com: How do you differ from other artists, not only in Baton Rouge, but also on your roster as well?
Bengie B: First off, I feel like I differ from other artist because I make more heartfelt music that more people can relate to. Right now, I feel like ain’t nobody really touching on the topics that I’m touching on. It’s only so much shining you can do, so much stunting you can do; I like to touch on other topics, deeper topics. You can feel me when I’m talking which is why people can relate to me.
AllHipHop.com: What do you think it is that Master P saw in you that made him place you at the forefront of the No Limit Forever?
Bengie B: I think it’s my versatility and my work ethic. I’m a hard worker and he sees that I’m really hungry. I came from the same place that he came from, and I think I that he sees a lot of himself in me, so I think that’s why he became so attached to me; to make another person like him.
AllHipHop.com: There are some artists who haven’t had great experiences from their labels; do you think that No Limit is a good fit for you?
Bengie B: It feels genuine, it feels like family. There’s no other place that I would want to be but with No Limit. Coming from where I’m from in Louisiana [Baton Rouge], we looked up to ‘P like no other. I’m with the right team, I feel good, and I’m confident.
AllHipHop.com: Do you think that you will have any problems appealing to markets outside of the South?
Bengie B: I get messages from everyone from the U.K. to Dubai, telling me that they love my music and that it does something for them, they can feel it; and that means a lot to me. I know that it’s farther than just Baton Rouge.
AllHipHop.com: We’re kind of just being introduced to you but how exactly did you get into the game?
Bengie B: I’ve been rapping since 6th grade, it started off with poems then I got into music. I started recording in 8th/9th grade, saving my little money up just so I could get studio time and cut records. I just wanted to get my stuff out in my area as much as I could, and that’s how P heard me. It’s like music has always been there, I could always listen to my music and it take me to a different place, no matter what was going on in my life or what I was going through, I just put on my music and it took me to where I wanted to go to. I just kept writing about, about my struggles, my happiness, everything I go through. I want people to feel me, because I have a story to tell and I think that there are a lot of people like me. I’m a real person. In the music industry there’s a lot of sugar coating and I like to keep it real.
AllHipHop.com: It seems as if P is more concerned with putting out a quality project versus just trying to push a project out; do you feel that this has given you time to put together a quality project?
Bengie B: I mean the timing is right now. We’ve been at this for a minute, we waited until the time was right and now that he says that we’re ready…we’re ready. I feel like with every song I grow. P waited until he felt like it was my time. Now it’s my time.
AllHipHop.com: What was it about Bengie B that made you want to place him at the forefront of the No Limit Forever?
Master P: He represents the brand to the fullest; he has the talent, he’s been loyal, he’s been groomed for this and the industry needs him. We understand that he is this industry’s next big star; like he said, they can feel him. People want regular people that they can touch, and they want what’s real. That’s what he represents for this generation. Being able to see the good and the bad that I have done helps him to understand even more.
I’m grooming everyone around me to be entrepreneurs, not just artists. This is his business too, so we’re in this 50/50. He wants to make money, and so do I. He wants to be successful, and I want to be successful. This is us regaining our title back, and it’s going to take real, authentic, artists to bring that to the table. We do need someone to represent us, and he’s prepared to do that.
AllHipHop.com: You have an excellent reputation as an entrepreneur, so it seems as if you’re trying to instill that in your artists as well.
Master P: This is a business. Like B said, we’re not doing this to be stunting or shining, we’re doing this to feed our families. If we can’t feed our families off of what we’re doing, it doesn’t make sense. We’re also getting into the movie business, so you will see B starring in our new movie Get Money with Gucci Mane.
I did this before; the difference is now we’re just taking the brand and restarting in Baton Rouge, and there’s nothing bigger than him there. Even though we come from the streets, we come from the struggle, they want something out of life, they understand life, and something better for their families, and that’s why I’m so attached to them, I knew if I made the right moves I could take my family out of this struggle.
AllHipHop.com: It seems as if you have chosen to rely strictly on the music without the benefit of gimmicks or things of that nature.
Master P: Nah, we’re not into that. The thing about us is we have real relationships, we’ve been around each other a long time and that’s why we consider each other family. You know how some people just, sign a bunch of artists, we’re not into that. When we go into the road or go on tour, everybody knows everybody. This roster is really family. This is what we do. We feel as if 2012 is ours. It’s a whole new movement.
AllHipHop.com: So, what are your plans for 2012, is it all about Bengie and if so will his project drop anytime soon?
Master P: Yeah, he has a mixtape coming, he’ll be the first to drop a mixtape and then we’ll release the album, but our whole goal is to take over for this summer. To do a lot of tours and appearances for the radio, for different cities, just getting on the road and touching the people. A lot of these B and C markets where a lot of these bigger artists aren’t trying to go to.
We’re going to the ‘hood, we know where our market is and we’re reaching our people.
AllHipHop.com: Do you have a tentative release date for either the album or the mixtape?
Master P: His mixtape “Ben Raw Ben Real” is coming in April, the first week of April.
AllHipHop.com: Bengie, have you had any comparisons with any of the other new artists or rosters out right now?
Bengie B: I was always taught that an original is worth more than a copy. I make it a point not to do what other people are doing, if everybody is going right I’m going to left. From all the fans I have so far they tell me that I’m original and I like that. I can only do me, I can only do Ben. I can only talk about my life and what I’ve been through.
Master P: We don’t do no hate. We don’t do no beef. We want everyone in this new generation to have fun and do their thing, just appreciate us and know that 2012 is our time.
Everybody gets a time. If you look at the All Star Game, the Dunk Contest, it was a whole different roster, and completely different people. We’re not trying to do what other people are doing, we’re starting from scratch. Starting from the bottom and rebuilding our way to the top. That’s what No Limit Forever means. Build that fan base, get out there and touch those fans, show them that we’re unique.
AllHipHop.com: So you’re basically going off a blueprint that you invented?
Master P: The only thing that changed is that it’s a digital game now. You have to be able to change with the times. You have to be able to reach the streets and reach the internet. It’s a different game, I had to go everywhere, sell my music out of the back of my trunk. Right now, you can have a huge single and have people in other countries catch a hold of it.
I think from being able to come from one era of music, and to still have the swag to be relevant with this time period. That just comes from studying the music, preparing, and having an open mind to this new generation of music.
I feel like I’m Phil Jackson and my team is the Lakers.
AllHipHop.com: Have you embraced the digital age or do you shy away from it?
Bengie B: I have a facebook and a twitter that I check daily. I interact with my fans, but P told us to stay out of beef and things of that nature. We don’t get into all of that.
The music speaks for itself, once you listen to my music; you basically know everything about me. I speak from my heart, and people can feel it.
Master P: In 2012, the real will recognize the real. If you can’t beat us, you might as well join us, but you not going to stop us. I’m the Godfather and Bengie B is the Tony Montana of this game. We the world’s most dangerous record company, you know why? We’re educated, and we’re street.
We’re about getting money; everybody else wants to be famous, we’re going to show them how to get money.
Find Bengie B on Twitter (@Bengie_bee). or visit www.nolimitforeverrecords.com.
Lil’ Kim stopped by 106th & Park yesterday to speak about the legacy of the Notorious B.I.G on the 15th anniversary of his death and took offense when Rosci asked her a Nicki Minaj question.
The Queen Bee politely declined to answer, but afterwards went on Twitter to air Rosci out.
“I want to take the time 2 say #TeamLilKim & all my fans that came out 2 106. I f*cking love you guys. Y’all really turnt it up 7 represented. Even when Rosci tried to get disrespectful towards the end & ask an inappropriate irrelevant question on the day we are supposed to be celebrating my man, notorious B.I.G’s accomplishments.”
Lil’ Kim was also there promoting her new single, “If you Love Me”. Well, if that isn’t irrelevant….let me stop right there! Check out the video of Lil’ Kim’s appearance below. Do you think Rosci was being disrespectful, or was she just doing her job?
[ahh_audio src=/3-10-12/Stalley-EverythingNew.mp3]
[ahh_audio src=/3-10-12/JaeMillz-LongKissGoodnight.mp3]
[ahh_audio src=/3-10-12/misscheeFt.Cymphonique-ShowMe.mp3]
We heard an explosive rumor straight from New York rapper Papoose last night. He told us that Remy Ma may be released from prison this year!!!! Hooray!
Remy Ma was at the height of her rap career and signed to Terror Squad when she was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2008 for accidentally shooting one of her homegirls TWICE after the “friend” stole money out of her purse. Papoose and Remy got married in prison in 2008 and are still together!
Papoose told us that if all goes well, Remy will be released this year. He also gave a warning to both female and male rappers that she is coming for the throne! Pap said that Remy is in the best shape of her life both physically and mentally and has been writing lyrics non-stop while behind bars.
We all saw what Tupac and T.I. did after they were released from prison. Could Remy Ma be the next rapper to escape the system with a crazy album? I know one thing – Minaj better step her cookies up! Remy Ma can rap!
Just to refresh your memory on what a beast Remy Ma is, check out a few of her videos below:
[ahh_audio src=/3-10-12/Gunplay-FoodChain.mp3]
[ahh_audio src=/3-10-12/TroubleftGucciMane-Everyday.mp3]
[ahh_audio src=/3-10-12/RoscoeDashft2Chainz-LikeDiz.mp3]
[ahh_audio src=/3-10-12/ShawnChrystopher-OneOfMyHomies.mp3]
[ahh_audio src=/3-10-12/YukmouthftMagnumandTrehLamonte-TillTheEnd.mp3]