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Nu Jerzey Devil Ft. Toolez “Down Under”
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Q da Kid Ft. Jovan “Outspoken”
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DMP Ft. Joell Ortiz “Pop Sh*t”
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Casting Begins For Tupac Musical “Holler If Ya Hear Me”
(AllHipHop News) Casting has officially begun for a musical based on the life and times of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur.
Casting will begin for “Holler If Ya Hear Me” on March 4 in New York.
According to a posting on industry trade Playbill.com, “Holler If Ya Hear Me” is being directed by Kenny Leon and is described as an “American musical inspired by and featuring the music of Tupac Shakur.”
Kenny Leon is a critically acclaimed Broadway director, who has won three Tony Awards.
His last hit was in November, in the form of the 90-minute Martin Luther King Jr. inspired play “The Mountaintop,” which starred Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett.
“Seeking African American Male and Female rappers ages 18 – 35,” said the post from MelCap Casting. “Additionally seeking one Caucasian actor ages 20 – 25 with a strong facility for rap and terrific guitar skills. Strong legit singing voices a plus for all, but not required.”
Although a release date for the play was not available, workshops for actors selected to star in “Holler If Ya Hear Me” will run from April 23 until May 11.
The casting will take place at Pearl Studios, which is located at 500 8th Ave, 4th floor.
Theater experience is not required to star in “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” which has been approved by Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur.
Kenny Leon discussed the play with Tupac Shakur, during an interview with PBS in November of 2011.
“A long time ago, maybe eight or nine years ago, I’ve been talking about that with Tupac’s mother, Afeni, and so we’ve become fans of each other and she sort of entrusted me with her son’s music” Leon said. “The idea was always to make a musical inspired by his music and not to do an autobiographical approach to his life or anything like that. And because I always thought that Tupac was a prophet and I thought if everybody could hear his words and hear his stories, they would see what I see.”
Those who can’t make it can email a resume to: hollercasting@gmail.com.
Mixtape Review: Pill’s “The Epidemic”
Rating: 7 / 10
After the well-documented departure from Maybach Music, many dismissed Pill and his music. After all, being publicly embarrassed by, arguably, the hottest label in the game is hard to come back from. However, instead of sulk, Pill kept right at work. The Epidemic is another addition to the rapper’s strong mixtape catalog; but would it live up to the pre-set and now, newfound pressures?
The beginning of The Epidemic reflects its title; chaotic, confusing, and a little bit of everywhere. The intro, “Moving Out” has a heavy southern flavor to it, but proves to be unfulfilling. You sort of expected him to come out with a bang and address all the naysayers. This is followed with “Parkin’ Lot”, which is nothing special and highlighted by Twista’s guest verse, where he awkwardly shouts out MMG; a testament to how unorganized and uneasy the project begins.
“All On Me” and “I’m So Player” are both lackluster, and here Pill sits lazily with the first four songs on his latest highly-anticipated mixtape equaling a low dull of buzz. In addition, DJ Holiday is featured throughout the record- the self-proclaimed, “Martin Luther King of mixtapes”– but anytime the first quarter of the project begins to pick up any steam, Holiday rewinds the track to boast a bit more, killing any momentum it had.
It is the track, “It’s So Hard” that marks the turn into the right direction. Prior to this, Pill was yet to impress. But over the soulful beat, Pill begins to get into a lyrical comfort zone, “I try to balance it out, when I’m in school learning/ 2:30 bell ring, I’m back in Hell burnin’”. There are two freestyles on the tape: “Scarface” and “Heaven Only Knows”. The first is over the Southern legend’s “Girl You Know”, and Pill’s southern drawl sounds at home. The second is a bit of a surprise, as John Legend’s track of the same name is featured, and Pill does it justice.
“Dreaming” and “Memories” are two of the better tracks here, both optimistic in feel, and somewhat pessimistic in lyrics; a winning juxtaposition. The same can be said for “Why It Gotta Be Like Dis (Mama)”. Pill is much better off over sample-based production with genuine messages, than showboating, aggressive songs. After all the foolishness of the first four songs, Pill settles down and gets into a good groove for the rest of the ride.
Pill could have very easily flopped after the MMG fiasco, and become another artist that came and went. In the beginning of the tape, it seemed like this was the route he was taking. In contrast, Pill figured it out for the rest of The Epidemic and pulled through with some nice music. It’s unclear where Pill’s career will go now, but one thing is for certain; he’s not going anywhere without something to say about it first.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Behind-the-Scenes Edition With N.O.R.E., Curren$y, Big K.R.I.T., Styles P. And More!
Behind-The-Scenes Edition!
This post is a collection of behind-the-scenes videos released over the past few days, containing exclusive access to video shoots, recording sessions, tours, and more, with the likes of N.O.R.E, Busta Rhymes, Big K.R.I.T., Curren$y, Daz Dillinger, Styles P., T.I., Iggy Azalea, DJ Khaled, Lil Wayne, Robin Thicke and Ja Rule!
We wonder what the cameras DIDN’T catch…
N.O.R.E. – “Lehhhgooo” ft. Game, Busta Rhymes & Wacka Flocka:
Courtesy of 57thAve.
Big K.R.I.T. – “Insomnia”
Courtesy of CinematicTV
In the Lab w/ Curren$y, Styles P. & Daz Dillinger:
Courtesy of STCustoms
In the Lab w/ T.I. and Iggy Azalea:
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/37504022]Courtesy of 3LittleDigs
DJ Khaled’s “All-Star Game” Weekend:
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/37503356]Courtesy of DazedOne
Robin Thicke – “Pretty Lil’ Heart” ft. Lil Wayne:
Courtesy of RobinThickeMusic
Ja Rule – “F*ck Fame”:
Courtesy of RuleYork
Curren$y and Styles P. Team Up to Release New EP, “#The1st28”
(AllHipHop News) Earlier today (February 28), New Orleans native Curren$y and D-Block/Lox member Styles P. teamed up to collaborate on a new five track EP titled #The1st28.
Initially, the two artists got together to work on material and songs for each other’s respective projects. From those studio sessions, #The1st28 EP was born.
#The1st28 is presented by D-Block, Jet Life, and Dat Piff, includes the songs “Rule Book,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Lean” which features Fiend, “Go” featuring Daz Dillinger, and “Billions,” which features Deelow.
Download Curren$y and Styles P.’s new EP, #The1st28, here.
Odd Future Debut Trailer and Multiple Previews For New Show “Loiter Squad”
Odd Future and Adult Swim have just released a full trailer for the upcoming debut season of their new show, Loiter Squad.
The sketch-show, which stars Odd Future members Tyler, the Creator, Taco Bennett, Jasper Dolphin, and Lionel Boyce, premieres on Adult Swim on March 25 at 11:30 p.m. and will also feature appearances from a number of the other Odd Future crew like Hodgy Beats, Left Brain, Frank Ocean, and Domo Genesis.
As is common practice with most original programming on Adult Swim, Loiter Squad is scheduled to run at 15 minutes per episode. In addition to the show’s official trailer being released, several sneak peaks can be seen, including previews of bits like “#Hastag Court,” “Cops” and “I Like Cheese”
According to an Adult Swim press release, “Loiter Squad is being produced by Dickhouse Entertainment—the Hollywood production partnership of Johnny Knoxville, Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze who have been the creative power behind hits including Jackass, Nitro Circus, Rob & Big, Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory and Wildboyz.”
On March 2o, five days before Loiter Squad premieres, the Odd Future gang will be releasing their new collaborative album, The O.F. Tape Vol. 2. They recently released the music video for the album’s first single, “Rella.”
Check out the trailer for Loiter Squad below:
Adult Swim will premier Loiter Squad on Sunday, March 25 at 11:30 p.m.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Cormega Clears Up All the Talk About His New “Supergroup” M.A.R.S.
Cormega Clarifies Facts About “M.A.R.S.”!!
‘Mega states in the video below that he’s working on a project right now that is entirely produced by Large Professor, and that the public is about to get a taste of one of the tracks titled “M.A.R.S.” which features the man himself, Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, and Saigon.
The announcement of the song “took on a life of its own based on its buzz,” according to Cormega, and he says that new music from the collective will be coming down the pipeline, based on how excited the streets are to hear what they could potentially create together. He just doesn’t know where or when that will happen.
To get the whole scoop on his new music and hear the M.A.R.S. truth from ‘Mega, check out our exclusive interview below:
What do you have to say about that?
Kid Cudi Drops WZRD; Aims To “Push The Envelope”
(AllHipHop News) Cleveland, Ohio rapper Kid Cudi dropped his new album and group WZRD today (February 28).
The collaborative, “rock inspired” self-titled debut album was released in collaboration with Dot da Genius, who produced Kid Cudi’s#### song “Day N’ Nite.”
“We’re just trying to push the envelope and put people up on a new sound. Each band has their sound, and WZRD is something that’s very ground-roots,” Kid Cudi said.
The album is the follow-up to Kid Cudi’s second album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager.
Check out the track listing for WZRD below:
1. The Arrival
2 High Off Life
3. The Dream Time Machine
4. Love Hard
5. Live & Learn
6. Brake
7. Teleport 2 Me, Jamie Feat. Desire
8. Where Did You Sleep Last Night?
9. Efflictim
10. Dr. Pill
11. Upper Room
Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Rihanna Set to Play Whitney Houston in a Bio-Pic?
Rihanna is really stepping up her acting game as of late, and sources are saying that Clive Davis is considering her for the role of Whitney Houston in a biopic that he is producing. Rihanna has some stiff competition, with Jennifer Hudson and Jordan Sparks also on the short list for the lead role.
Will Smith’s 11-year-old daughter Willow Smith is thought to be portraying the actress as a child, and Vivica Fox is being considered to play Whitney during the years leading up to her death.
Clive Davis is finalizing the script now and hopes to begin shooting immediately. Who do you think would do a better job at playing Whitney – Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, or Jordan Sparks? Brandy has also spoken out about the “dream role.” Or perhaps a newcomer would do a better job? What do you think??
Source: Huffington Post
EXCLUSIVE: DRAKE ADDRESSES DETRACTORS
DRAKE INVADED HIP-HOP AS A HUMBLE “EMO” RAP-SINGER FROM CANADA WITH THE USUAL DESIGNS ON “THE MONEY, THE CARS AND THE CLOTHES.” BUT WHILE YOU TOOK HIS HEARTACHE FOR NO-HEART, DRAKE CHANGED HIS GAME FACE AND FLEXED HIS BAD BOY MUSCLE. FROM THIS POINT ON, THERE IS NO MORE MR. NICE GUY –Lola Ogunnaike
Read excerpts from Drake’s Feb/Mar VIBE feature:
Drake has also made detractors of colleagues. So many subliminal disses have been hurled his way recently, it’s hard to keep track. Pusha T, Ludacris and Future have all had something to say about him. While most didn’t address him by name in their lyrics, Common, rap’s mild-mannered elder statesman, has admits he is referring to the young Canadian on the song “Sweet” when he raps: “Singing all around me man la la la/You ain’t no m############ Frank Sinatra.”
…
When asked about all of his alleged nemeses, Drake tries his hand at diplomacy. “I’ve got no issues with him,” he says of Future, who was upset that Drake didn’t appear in the video for his single “Tony Montana.” “I’m happy I got on the song.” Pusha T, who once cryptically rhymed that “the swag don’t match the sweaters,” gets off easy, too. “I’ve been really open about my love for the Clipse,” he says. “I don’t know, maybe that guy is bored.” Ludacris, who was accused of stealing Big Sean and Drake’s hashtag flow, also receives a halfhearted smackdown. “That’s a case of somebody trying to use my marketing money to get things going again for themselves. That didn’t affect my day, my month, my year. I didn’t take any of that seriously.”
But when it comes to tossing off disses, Drake’s not above delivering his own veiled swipes these days. On “Dreams Money Can Buy,” he surveys the hip-hop landscape and decides he’s sorely disappointed by what he sees. “Lately it went from top five to remain- ing five,” he rhymes. “My favorite rappers either lost it or they ain’t alive.” He stops short of mentioning names, but doesn’t back away from his declaration. “I wasn’t in rap when I was idolizing a lot of these people,” he says. “But times change. People don’t sound the way they used to. It’s inevitable. Someday Drake won’t sound the way he used to. I’ll do anything in my power to still sound relevant, but unfortunately Drake may not. And yes,” he says with a chuckle, “I referred to myself in the third person.”
“[That Ludacris diss is] a case of somebody trying to use my marketing money to get things going again for themselves. That didn’t affect my day, my month, my year. I didn’t take any of that seriously.”
Click Here To View Nicki Minaj’s Feb/Mar VIBE Cover
Hip-Hop Rumors: Erykah Badu Concert Cancelled Over a Tattoo!??
Erykah Badu ruffled a few feathers in Malaysia recently over a tattoo of the word “Allah” on her shoulder. Ms.Badu was scheduled to perform a concert at Kuala Lampur, but local officials caught wind of her tattoo and officially canceled her gig.
The country’s Ministry officials were forced to kick Erykah to the curb after receiving numerous complaints from local Muslim groups demanding that the concert be canceled. The groups complained that Badu is not a “good role model” for Malaysian youths and an “insult” to Islam. Wow, that’s pretty intense!
Here’s the kicker…the tattoo was a temporary!!
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Maffew Ragazino: Introducing One of New York’s Finest
Hip-Hop has seen many ups and downs over the past several decades, but with a new unity and camaraderie forming in the Big Apple, a ton of new artists have been working together, supporting each other and creating some incredible music with hopes of bringing the focus back to the place where Hip-Hop was essentially born.
Along with a new crop of aspiring MCs whose work ethic is comparable to artists in the past, Maffew Ragazino is one of the standout lyricists from the new stable of “New York’s finest.” The Brooklyn born, Brownsville native, released one of 2011’s most accomplished, well-rounded, and introspective projects with Rhyme Pays and is continuing to become a better artist and all around man with each passing second. A sentiment that his music certainly reflects.
AllHipHop.com spent some time talking to Mr. Ragazino about his come-up, the monstrous “Home Team” record that dropped recently, what it meant to get a co-sign from DJ Premier, and how he plans to follow up his critically acclaimed 2011 project Rhyme Pays:
AllHipHop.com: First things first, I have to ask about this “Home Team” record that dropped recently with you [Action] Bronson, Troy Ave, and [Mr. MFN] eXquire. How did the song come together?
Maffew Ragazino: Oh, man, I got an invite to this studio out in Queens, and I met DJ Unique like a week prior to that at eXquire’s “Lou Ferrigno’s Mad” video shoot in Brooklyn. He got me on that joint, and we chopped it up for a little while and ran down his credentials. He said he wanted to hear my work, so I sent him a link and my number in an e-mail, and he hit me back that same evening and said my music was incredible and that he was digging the stuff.
He told me he thought my records were crazy and like, damn, he really did his homework, so I had mad respect for him that he actually kept his word. Long story short I get to the studio, I was the last one in there, and when ended up putting the record together. That was the only beat they were playing in the studio [laughs]. He told me he had mad beats. It ended up turning into a session just for one song.
AllHipHop.com: Well, the record is absolute fire. That is the kind of music that people need to be making and hearing. So I want to ask about this camaraderie that you new New York MCs have with each other. It wasn’t always like this, so give me a little insight into how you guys came together and are really bringing some much-needed attention back to New York?
Maffew Ragazino: I feel good, like I hear a lot of people talk about history and how some of our pioneers and people we look up to weren’t comrades, but I believe they were to some degree. But it’s more so not, it’s not like “we need unity in New York;” music doesn’t always have to do with us doing music together. It’s like, “I support you, ’cause we’re from the same place,” you know, “I see you all the time, we run into each other at these venues, I’m not trying to kick your building down,” you know what I’m saying?
AllHipHop.com: Yeah, I hear you.
Maffew Ragazino: That’s all that it’s about. We don’t ever have to do music together, but I’m going to respect what they do. They working hard, I see them, and I see them in passing, and I hear about them all the time so obviously they’re not slouching and being lazy. I respect that to the fullest, and I think it’s like that with everybody. We end up building and just go from there.
AllHipHop.com: Well, you just mentioned it’s not about the music, but luckily, you’re all dope lyricists, so it’s great that you support each other. Could that “Home Team” record just be the start for a project with all of you as a collective down the line?
Maffew Ragazino: You gotta ask those guys. I’m the type of person that, if it makes sense and we can make some dollars with it, then we can break bread. I’m not opposed to too much as long as it makes sense. It’s been getting a lot of love.
AllHipHop.com: And it’s well-deserved. Well I of course want to hear your story so tell me about a little about your come-up musically.
Maffew Ragazino: I was born in Bedford-Stuyvesant, raised in Brownsville. A lot of my influence is Brooklyn, New York artists some people that I’m actually in touch with right now like Sadat X, you know, I grew up on Brand Nubian. One of the records that kind of pushed me over the edge is “Slow Down,” and there is a part in the record where they’re like “head crack, head crack,” and I don’t know what it was about the record that was so magical to me.
I would sit and listen to it all the time, something about that record pushed me to start writing; that was in about ’97. I grew up in a household where you have parties, and everything would be centered around music. That stuck with me to this day; a lot of my influence comes from my home.
AllHipHop.com: Tell me about the music you were making before Rhyme Pays came out.
Maffew Ragazino: Before Rhyme Pays we go back into Rare Gems, a few unreleased records and a few that I had released to the blogs when I was trying to showcase my music and show them why I deserved to have my music showcased in the first place. At first they weren’t checking for me and said they weren’t feeling me or whatever the case may be, and one day something stuck and all the stars started to line up.
A lot of those records I just wanted to make sure everybody heard them, because sometimes people catch on late and somebody might hear “Home Team” because one of their favorite artists is on there and say, “Damn, I like Maffew Ragazino.”
AllHipHop.com: Exactly.
Maffew Ragazino: So instead of them having to go sort back through everything, it’s good to have the music for them even if it’s not attached to an album or if somebody put it on something. That’s how Rare Gems: The Collection was put together.
The project prior to that, the Where I’m From EP, is like a little sampler because then I was nervous about the music industry, and I didn’t know how they were going to take to me, so I didn’t really want to release to much material and get sh*tted on per se. So it was seven songs of what I thought represented what I was trying to showcase and show the people that I’m taking this music serious, and I had concepts and hooks and different things like that. So I put the seven songs together and called it Where I’m From, and it was an experience. Masta Ace was on this track produced by Knottz who put that first record out, and it got such a great response that I started just releasing records like, “Hey, if you like that, then you might like this one right here.” It was crazy, man.
AllHipHop.com: What was going on even before that?
Maffew Ragazino: Up until that point, I was just really just doing freelance rap, and my uncle was doing different things. And my uncle, Sean Price, put me on his Kimbo Price mixtape, and prior to that in ’07, I was featured on Red Café and DJ Env’ys The Co-Op album, a lot of people don’t know about that. I was on two songs, “Invincible” and “Section 8″.
AllHipHop.com: Well, obviously all the hard work is paying off; I like that you called yourself a freelance rapper.
Maffew Ragazino: Yeah, because I really didn’t have any direction of where I was going. I wasn’t really attached to any company. Now I have this company, Cash In Cash Out, with my partner Sha Banga. We’re an independent company, and we built this from the ground up and started in Brownsville and hopefully we end up in Hollywood and then maybe the Moon. Who knows? We definitely won’t stop, though.
AllHipHop.com: Marcy to Madison, Brownville to the Moon, I like that [laughter]. Moving on to Rhyme Pays, I want you to tell me about a project, which was one of last year’s greatest releases, period.
Maffew Ragazino: Is that what they’re saying? I appreciate anybody who says that man for real that means a lot; “greatest” is a strong word.
AllHipHop.com: If the people don’t believe me you even got the ultimate co-sign from DJ Premier who listed Rhyme Pays as the 14th “Greatest LP” of 2011. What does that mean?
Maffew Ragazino: You know, that’s one of the guys who is one of the best producers ever who told the world, told everybody that is influenced by him and follows what he does, the world, that I had one of the best LPs last year. No matter what number it was, just being on the list is like being anointed. To be a new guy and put in a forum like that is just amazing to me, because if somebody says that you had one of the best albums, that means they’re willing to take the flack for putting their stamp on that. That’s not something you just go out on a limb and say. People are invested in that, and it means a whole hell of a lot to me.
AllHipHop.com: Yeah, that must have been incredible for you to hear and see that.
Maffew Ragazino: I’m so thankful ‘cause I put everything I had into that project. I let me out for the sake of the Hip-Hop culture and I told stories about stuff that’s real and has everything to do with me. No second-hand smoke type of stories, it was all me. Rhyme Pays, that’s my journey.
AllHipHop.com: So then I have to ask, how do you follow-up Rhyme Pays?
Maffew Ragazino: Right now I’m working on the Rare Gems II: Black Gold mixtape. It’s going to be a home for some of the stuff I released before Rhyme Pays and after it. I’m creating a home for some of these records that were a handout. The way that this record is turning out so far, and I’m only like four or five records deep, is that it’s looking more like an album then a mixtape. I don’t know if there’s going to be any change with the names, I don’t want to take people by surprise or stray away from my brand.
AllHipHop.com: Elaborate on these ”gems” for me if you would.
Maffew Ragazino: I call my music “gems” because they’re all rare, and I feel like what I do is special. That’s how everybody should feel that makes music. Nobody do what I do. These are my gems, these are my precious gems and it’s. But I don’t think I’m going to stray away from the brand, so I may not change the name, but I think it’s going to be all original material.
AllHipHop.com: And where’s that “Jackson Pollack” record you did with Das Racist going to end up?
Maffew Ragazino: Oh, man, those are my homies. I was just in the studio with them and Harry Fraud about a week ago and we did some records. We’re going to work on a little EP but everybody’s schedule is so hectic and crazy with the touring and shows and working on other projects that it’s kind of crazy. You know, harry Fraud is working with French and everybody else, but that song may find a home one Rare Gems as well and we’re working on a video so you’ll see a video soon for that.
AllHipHop.com: So let me get this straight, I heard you say you’re working on an EP with Da Racist?
Maffew Ragazino: Yeah something with like six or seven songs. We’re trying to get it finished before it’s time for everybody to get back on the road and if we can fit in some time between now and SXSW and a little bit afterwards, ’cause everybody’s working so hard, and we already have situation spending that we have deadlines to meet, so hopefully we can get it finish. We got some heat, though.
AllHipHop.com: That should be really interesting. Going back to Rare Gems 2 really quick, when can the fans expect to hear that project?
Maffew Ragazino: Honestly, I’m taking my time with it, because I think this concoction is a little bit more special than everything else, because not only does it come with more experience it comes with more of me as a man. Also, as an artist as well, but I’ve actually been fortunate enough to link back up with some different people that have very special production and different instruments and other things that are being implemented into the project, so it sounds like something really live. I got a couple of records with my man BINK! We got some heat, something special.
AllHipHop.com: Who else is contributing to Rare Gems 2?
Maffew Ragazino: Him, Harry Fraud, my in-house guys, everybody’s just stepping it up. Everybody wants to do better than they did before, and that hunger makes me want to step everything up. It’s going to be special, I swear.
AllHipHop.com: I’m taking your word for it until I can hear it myself.
Maffew Ragazino: God willingly, I’ll find someone who’s willing to trade and barter and work with us to help build the platform up, ‘cause more people need to be hearing this music. It needs to be exposed a little bit more than what it is now. I’m grateful for how it is and for being recognized by Premier and by XXL and by all these outlets checking me out, but there’s always room for improvement, so I just want to do better than I did before and get more exposure. More shows, music, everything.
AllHipHop.com: Is there anything else you want the fans and readers to know?
Maffew Ragazino: The fans need to definitely stay in tune. See me ’cause its going to be some of the most incredible music they ever heard, and if they think something was missing from the game, they definitely need to get your focus over here, ’cause I’m going to deliver it. That’s a promise.
AllHipHop.com: I appreciate your time.
Maffew Ragazino: Thank you, man.
Download Maffew Ragazino’s Rhyme Pays Now!
Follow Maffew Ragazino On Twitter: @RagazinoSR
Dr. Cornel West, Rapper Boots Riley Join “Occupy” Police Protest In New York Today
(AllHipHop News) Dr. Cornel West and Boots Riley of The Coup will be among the protesters gathering in Union Square in New York City, as part of a protest against the “oppression of the Occupy movement.”
Thousands of people are expected to gather today (February 28) in Union Square, to protest Mayor Bloomberg’s policy, which directed the NYPD to forcibly evict Occupy Wall Street activists from Zuccotti Park in November.
In addition to Dr. Cornel West and Boots Riley, the Rev. Stephen Phelps, Senior Minister at Riverside Church, civil liberties attorney Norman Siegel, musician Peter Yarrow and Scott Olsen, the Iraq veteran who was shot in the head by the Oakland police in October, will join Wall Street occupiers today at 4:00 PM.
“Now, after these evictions and mass arrests, we’re seeing in the press lies about violence, drugs, filth and crime in the Occupy movement used to justify police brutality and destroy Occupy’s widespread public support,” said Travis Morales, an organizer of the rally.
“On February 28 we are calling on thousands to come out publicly to say ‘We Stand with Occupy’ and oppose this suppression. We have seen historically that movements grow, and can only grow, by answering repression with even greater and more powerful mobilization.”
In addition to the aforementioned activists, Noam Chomsky will address the rally via satellite.
The news Dr. West and Boots Riley’s involvement with the protest less almost 24-hours after the Occupy London movement was removed from outside of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Police conducted an early morning raid, to clear away the Occupy London movement, which was one of the longest running encampments.
Over 20 people were arrested during the raid.
The Rally and March Against Police Suppression takes place today from 4:00 pm – 6:00PM at Union Square, New York City (north plaza).
GOP Presidential Candidate Rick S#######: The Habitual “Line Stepper?”
Skyyhook is CEO/FOUNDER/General Manager of Skyyhook Radio and a contributor for AllHipHop.com. Follow her on Twitter (@SkyyhookRadio).
XXL Reveals Cover For Its 2012 “Freshmen Class”
(AllHipHop News) Every year XXL releases a cover and issue dedicated to their “Freshmen Class,” a group of upcoming, emerging, and buzzing MC’s that the magazine feels are going to be the “next to blow.”
This year, in addition to the XXL staff choosing nine of the cover’s 10 artists, the fans were able to decide who would be the final lyricist chosen.
On the webpage featuring this year’s “class”, the magazine wrote, “in the past five years that XXL has been picking Freshman classes, never once has making the list been easy. This year included. Similar to 2011, the hype around the Freshmen Class has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, surprising even us with its popularity. For this class the buzz began earlier than ever, four months before the cover was even shot. And it seemed like everyone had a list. From subdued music fans to diehard rap junkies, from Twitter stalkers to industry heavies and featherweights, folks wanted their list to be the XXL list. We listened, asked opinions, took notes.”
The lucky 10 to make this year’s cover includes Future, Kid Ink, Danny Brown, French Montana, Macklemore, Don Trip, Machine Gun Kelly, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea, and Roscoe Dash.
In 2011, artists Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T., CyHi Da Prynce, Mac Miller, Yelawolf, Kendrick Lamar, Diggy Simmons, Fred the Godson, Lil Twist, and YG were selected. 2010’s list saw J. Cole, Pill, Wiz Khalifa, Freddie Gibbs, Big Sean, Donnis, Fashawn, OJ Da Juiceman, Nipsey Hussle, and Jay Rock land on the cover.
XXL has announced that exclusive content from the “Freshmen Class” will be released beginning on Monday, March 5.
Hot 97 Reveals Date For Summer Jam
(AllHipHop News) Representatives for Hip-Hop radio station Hot 97 have revealed the date for this year’s Summer Jam concert.
This year’s Hip-Hop concert will take place on June 3 at the MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The concert, which takes place annually, draws over 50,000 people each year.
A number of classic moments have taken place at the annual concert, which has featured artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, and numerous others.
According to representatives at Hot 97, more performers will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Hot 97 also has a number of popular Hip-Hop personalities who will be involved with this year’s concert, including Angie Martinez, Funkmaster Flex, DJ Kay Slay and others.
Hip-Hop Rumors: JT The Bigga Figga Gives Up an Exclusive on Snoop Dogg?!!
AllHipHop.com was in Chicago at Nation of Islam’s Saviours’ Day celebration this past weekend to host a town hall discussion for youth. While we were there, we got to spend some time with rapper JT The Bigga Figga, who’s been missing from the recording scene for something like five years!!
What we didn’t know is that JT has been making BIG dollars in the digital marketing arena, and he schooled the kiddies at our workshop with some of the best advice we’ve heard in a while for getting their paper up. Afterwards, JT spilled the beans on an upcoming money-making venture from the O.G. homie, Snoop Dogg.
Check the video for our EXCLUSIVE scoop from JT The Bigga Figga: