AllHipHop

homepage

Rick Ross Talks Signing More Artists to Maybach Music Group; Says Gunplay Releasing Solo Project

By: Jake CratesCategory: MOBILE

(AllHipHop News) In a visit to New York’s Hot 97 radio station, Rick Ross brought out the whole Maybach Music Group (MMG) team to discuss the Self Made Volume 2 release, which hits stores today (June 26).

During the interview, Rick Ross fielded questions about how he picked the current MMG team and what he sees in artists to make them successful in the rap game.

“[What I see is] the amount of emotion that they put into the music and the type of impact that I think that they can possibly have,” Rick Ross told Hot 97. “Now it’s all about ways of bringing it out. We get in the studio and find ways to do it, its all love and the energy is there. It’s not easy, but it works.”

While the rumors have swirled over the last few weeks about Rockie Fresh, Nipsey Hussle or Dom Kennedy, Rick Ross said none of the aforementioned acts have signed to MMG.

The rapper said that he is focused on his current roster of artists, which includes Wale, Meek Mill, Stalley, French Montana, Omarion, Gunplay and others.

“Shout out to the lil’ homie Rockie Fresh, that’s one of my lil’ homies and I’m a fan of his music, but as of now he’s not a member of MMG. But as far as [signings]- we forever evolving, but I’d love to focus on the homies that we have here. You gonna see a lot more from Gunplay, and everybody else just keeps grinding and when they’re time comes, step up to the plate,” Rick Ross said.

For those wondering, Rick Ross hasn’t forgotten about the Triple C’s, as he still has plans for Gunplay as a solo artist.

“Yea he’s been down with me from day one, he’s in the team, he’s good, its just when he was ready to make the decision that, ‘I’ma leave the streets alone a lil’ more, with time enough to focus on my music.’ Gunplay is a different type of artist and he a different type of dude. He don’t care about awards, he don’t care about whoever, he not into that. But he just making his mind up that he really getting ready to put out a solo album. So you can expect a big announcement soon, I want to see the homie’s dreams come true as well,” Ross said of Gunplay.

The Maybach Music Group’s Self Made Volume 2 is available on most digital retail outlets and can be purchased at stores worldwide.

NBA 2K13 Cover To Feature Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: Lifestyle

Two years ago, 2K Sports did the unthinkable with the release NBA 2K11; they got Michael Jordan on the cover and included him throughout the game with multiple features and game modes.

One year later, 2K Sports lined up Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan to grace three separate covers for the game’s 2012 incarnation. With the infamous lockout looming before the game’s initial release, 2K Sports decided to feature a number of the sport’s greatest players, like Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, in last year’s game.

This year, the cover will feature three of this generation’s most gifted, praised and talked-about players: Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, and Derrick Rose, according to ESPN.

Durant, who plays for the 2012 Western Conference Champion Oklahoma City Thunder, said in a statement, “Being crowned as one of the NBA 2K13 cover athletes is a huge honor and something I always dreamt about. It’s definitely humbling to grace the cover after the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.”

“It’s a dream come true to be one of the cover athletes for NBA 2K13,” said former league MVP Rose. “I’ve worked closely with 2K Sports since NBA 2K10, and I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan as the latest Chicago Bull to be featured on the cover.”

Heralded as one of this decade’s greatest dunkers, Los Angeles Clipper Blake Griffin said of this year’s cover, “There’s so much young talent around the NBA, so it’s very exciting to be chosen for NBA 2K’s ‘New Dynasty’ alongside Kevin and Derrick. The NBA 2K series has always been my first choice when I want to get a game in.”

In year’s past, each player featured on the cover has been honored with the Rookie of the Year award among other accolades .

NBA 2K13 is set to be released on October 2.

VIDEO: “Love & Hip-Hop’s” Lil Scrappy Releases “Tha Grustle”, Racks Up Mogul Respect

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: Features

Today (June 26), after several years of working on his second studio album’s multiple incarnations, Atlanta native and new “Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta” star Lil Scrappy released Tha Gru$tle.

From his early work with Lil Jon and BME that led to Scrappy’s first two releases in 2004 and 2006 with The King Of Crunk Presents… and Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live, to his affiliation with 50 Cent’s G-Unit South and later signing with Ludacris’ Disturbing Tha Peace imprint, Scrappy has been around his fair share of moguls and successful artists.

Now, in 2012, Scrappy has his own imprint, G’s Up, and with the release of Tha Gru$tle, the man behind hits like “No Problems”, “Head Bussa”, and “Money In the Bank” has returned with not just a hit TV show in VH1’s “Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta“, but also an album full of material that Scrappy believes will show the growth he has experienced as both a man and an artist.

During an exclusive sit-down with AllHipHop.com, Scrappy spoke on the status of his relationships with his former “bosses,” all of which the 28-year-old rapper has loads of respect for and ongoing communication with, despite his past separations from their respective entities. Check out part of our exclusive interview with Lil Scrappy below:

Tha Gru$tle Is In Stores Now!

Follow Lil Scrappy On Twitter: (@RealLilScrappy)

Color Outside The Lines: The World’s Top Black Tattoo Artists Tell Some Of Their Stories

By: seandrasimsCategory: Lifestyle

Cultural influences, personal style, and expression have impacted various aspects of society, including the tattoo industry. Body art connects people, tells stories, and shows internal struggles – on the outside. Now, the artists themselves have a chance to share some of theirs.

Color Outside The Lines is an in-depth look at some of the world’s top Black tattoo artists. Vivid, personal, educational, and empowering, it also speaks to any dreamer.

It took three years to bring this documentary to life, but once anyone sees it, the birthing process makes sense. Perfection simply can’t be rushed. Filmmaker and visionary, Artemus Jenkins, captured the small details, similar to what it takes to create body art, within the documentary. He worked closely with City Of Ink owner, Miya Bailey, and together they created a masterpiece that goes into intimate spaces of the lives of some Black tattoo artists.

Other times, it leaves you wanting more – highlighting seasoned and up and coming artists from across the county, including Jacci Gresham, Tuki Carter, Twig Sparks, Miya Bailey, Craig Foster, and numerous others, while also connecting them to one thing, their passion.

Blacks have always had to earn their spot in any White-dominated field, and tattooing is no different. Many of them speak on paying dues and becoming a true artist. They touch on not being a “scratcher,” or rookie, with no desire to train to be better. There’s a great deal of respect viewers will walk away with after watching so many talented people show why they deserve the pay and prestige in the tattoo industry.

As with a lot of things, because tattoos are popular, finding a quality artist isn’t always on the top of some people’s lists. Rappers and athletes are adorned in so much inking these days, that many everyday people follow suit. They don’t always research tattoo artists and, in turn, don’t always receive the best work. If those in the limelight, with such a heavy influence, put more thought into what they do to their bodies, others just may do the same. This documentary seeks to put quality and substance back into the art.

Color Outside The Lines is so relevant to today. It’s appropriate and can truly be appreciated.

Check it out. Order the DVD HERE.

Tawni Fears is a freelance writer and contributor to AllHipHop.com. Follow her on Twitter (@brwnsugaT).

Hip-Hop Rumors: Who Pulled Andre 3000 Out For A Collabo?

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: MOBILE

Andre 3000 is coming back soon? I don’t know but it sounds like he is (again) and Rick Ross is the newest artist to bring him in. Somebody on twitter said that Ross brought out the absolute best in Andre and proclaimed this to be his BEST lyrics ever. They are saying that this track is produced by the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. But the won’t be found on Self Made 2, so I’m assuming it will be on God Forgives, I Don’t.

Tupac Hologram Wins Prestigious Award In Cannes, France

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: MOBILE

Even in death, legendary rapper Tupac Shakur continues to collect awards.

The “Virtual Tupac at Coachella,” was recently recognized with a prestigious Cannes Lions Titanium Award.

Digital Domain Media Group, the company that created the Tupac hologram, was awarded the Titanium Award during the 59th annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on June 23.

The Cannes Lions ceremony is one of the most prestigious annual award shows, for professionals in the digital/creative communications industry.

“We were thrilled to be part of this project, this completely new idea in entertainment,” said Ed Ulbrich, Chief Creative Officer of Digital Domain. “When Dr. Dre came to us with his vision we knew that the world had never seen anything like this and that the response was going to be huge. Having ‘virtual 2Pac’ and the idea of virtual performers recognized with a Cannes Lion Titanium Award is beyond exciting.”

An elite jury of experts from 10 of the world’s top advertising agencies served as judges of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

Also, the virtual Tupac at Coachella beat out over 500 entries at the annual festival.

Tupac’s hologram was also a hit with fans around the world, amassing over 15 million YouTube views, while increasing album sales 500%.

Sales of Pac’s classic track “Hail Mary” also rose 1500% after the Tupac hologram performances on April 15 and 22.

50 Cent Hospitalized After Car Crash in New York

By: Jake CratesCategory: MOBILE

(AllHipHop News) 50 Cent became the second rapper to crash his high-end vehicle this week, after he was rear-ended by a Mack truck.

50 was rushed to a Queens hospital on a stretcher to check for neck and back injuries, although a source said that the rapper was “fine.”

The accident occurred along New York’s Long Island Expressway.

50 was not driving his bullet-proof SUV at the time of the incident.

Although he has not commented or tweeted about the accident at the time of print, photos were released via ThisIs50.com showing him being rolled out on the stretcher.

This is the second time that 50 has been hospitalized in the past two months, as recently he made a trip to the hospital for a nagging stomach virus.

Yesterday, news broke that rapper Soulja Boy crashed his Bentley, after the luxury vehicle crossed a yellow line at a red light and struck a pregnant woman driving another vehicle.

Daily Word: Accept Your Greatness!!!

By: seandrasimsCategory: Lifestyle

Great Morning, my Great People!!!

Welcome to the day that you say “Rest in Peace” to mediocrity! The day that you stop being afraid of failure or what people will say or think about you! The day that you finally let your light shine the way it was intended to shine! The day that you accept your greatness!!

There’s no way on God’s green earth you were put here to be mediocre! There’s no way that with all this abundance in the world you are suppose to struggle! You can accept the story that says you will be happy in the afterlife, or you can remind yourself that NOW is the only thing you know for sure!

Stop prolonging your happiness and accept that you are Great! Accept the fact that you are unique and can have anything that you are determined to have! It’s always to early to quit! Not now is not no!!!! The reason you struggle is because there is still a lesson that life wants you to learn! If you give up now all of your hard word would’ve been in vain!!

Claim your prize and enjoy the fruits of your labor! As Napoleon Hill once said, “Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure.” Refuse to be regular and accept the greatness that is you!!
-Ash’Cash

“Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves – or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth.” -Ayn Rand

“It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.” -Lucius Annaeus Seneca

“No one ever achieved greatness by playing it safe.” -Harry Gray

“The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views a mistake.” -Nelson Boswell

“Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.” -Dorothy Height

“Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.” -T. Alan Armstrong

“There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth.” -Unknown

“Seek not greatness, but seek truth and you will find both.” -Horace Mann

TO HEAR THE AUDIO VERSION OF THE DAILY WORD – CLICK HERE.

Ash’Cash is a Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Financial Expert and the author of Mind Right, Money Right: 10 Laws of Financial Freedom. For more information, please visit his website, www.IamAshCash.com.

FEEL RICH VIDEO: Trainer Terry Williams Talks The F-Word

By: feelrich2Category: Lifestyle

Editor’s Note: “Feel Rich” is our partnership with QD3, the talented son of music legend Quincy Jones. “Feel Rich” is all about creating a healthy lifestyle for Hip-Hop culture – both the artists and the fans. Enjoy!

Feel Rich Advisor, Terry Williams, breaks down the difference between good fats and bad fats.  Take a few minutes to let his simple explanation sink in. Have questions for Terry? Tweet him (@TerrytheTrainer) or e-mail us info at www.feelrich.com.

TERRY’S SIX PACK: 6 Essential Habits For Etching Your Abs 1) EAT CLEAN: The old cliche is true – abs are made in the kitchen! To keep the tummy tight, avoid salt, sauces, and sugars. Limiting these will ensure that you have less bloating and fatty tissue in the midsection. Are you up for the challenge? 2) CRACK A SWEAT: Tons of crunches daily is great, but you can boost the benefits of core work by adding cardio. When you increase your heart rate and crack a sweat, you reduce body fat which helps those abs you’ve been working on to pop through. Show it off! 3) DRINK MORE WATER: H2O pushes out toxins and keeps you hydrated. But did you know it also supports a leaner physique? Water works wonders for you, so cut the sodas and chug the good stuff. Cheers! 4) CHANGE YOUR WORKOUT: Tired of the same old routine? Your abs might be, too! Jump on the web and search articles and videos for new ideas. FeelRich.com has tons of fun new ideas you can incorporate into your workouts for a refreshing shock to the body that demands results. 5) ASK QUESTIONS: Never be afraid to seek guidance. It’s never fun to run the hamster wheel and see no results. Have a friend who’s more fit than you? Great! Ask them to share their ideas with you. A workout buddy can be a motivator and accountability partner, giving you an edge in the chase for a solid core. 6) CONSISTENCY: No tips, no tools, and no trainers will ever work, unless YOU work. So get rockin’ and stay on your grind! Fitness is yours for the taking, but it will cost you some dedicated effort. Go get it! Like what you’ve seen? Learn more at Feel Rich’s website. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Stevie J Says Eve’s “Girlfriend” Leaked Their Sex Tape

By: ginatorres27Category: MOBILE

“Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’s” resident gigolo, producer Stevie J, was engaged to rapper Eve back in the late ’90s, and became infamous in 2005 when a sex tape featuring the two of them leaked online. For years, the media has blamed Stevie J for leaking the tape, but now Stevie is coming clean about how the tape became public. Check what he told Kenny Burns from V103 below:

“…that was a girl with Eve who leaked that tape, Eve’s girlfriend leaked that tape. They was on the tour bus watching it and she must have felt some type of way and she wanted it for herself.”

Wait a second, so is he saying that Eve was/is a lesbian? Do you believe him?

Singer Ray Lavender Keeps It Straight Classy in “We Love” Video

By: @KareemTaylorCategory: Alternatives

Looks like someone is actually doing some “real R&B” these days, as the latest song and video, “We Love”, from singer Ray Lavender includes crooning, dramatic rhythm, and beat and a sound reminiscent of something someone would’ve done in the ’90s.

Since his departure from Akon’s record label, Kon Live, Lavender took time off to regroup and organize a new team. These days, he’s independently working on his new album with his Global Artists Music Group imprint. The first single off the album Tequila fared well, but hasn’t picked up enough steam for Lavender to sit down and take a break just yet.

Dude can sing, and “We Love” is proving to be a great way to showcase his talent. We just hope he finds his winning sound – something that will make him stand out, and something that will entice people to say “Hmm. Who is this Ray Lavender guy everyone’s talking about?”

Cee Lo Named Co-Owner Of TY KU Saké

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: MOBILE

(AllHipHop News) Rapper Cee Lo Green will try his hands in the spirits world, as the newest owner of TY KU Saké.

The rapper, who previously acted as a brand ambassador to the wine, now owns a piece of the company.

According to reps for TY KU Saké, Cee Lo has been tapped to bring new creative innovation to the company.

“Cee Lo Green will play a creative role for TY KU, consulting as a partner on all of the company’s brand marketing and will serve as a spokesperson,” a representative for TY KU who said of the new deal.

In the coming months, Cee Lo Green plans to launch a marketing campaign to educate his fan base about the history of Japanese saké.

The rapper has even created an alter ego named “Logun,” to help promote the TY KU Saké brand.

“I’m a master marketer, and I don’t mind my sense of humor being infused into whatever I’m doing—but we’re serious about having fun. The Logun is there to ensure that everyone is drinking TY KU Saké,” the rapper said.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Ludacris Finally Addresses Big Sean Beef

By: ginatorres27Category: MOBILE

You guys remember that beef between Ludacris and Big Sean that went down late last year? It all came to light when Ludacris released his new mixtape, 1.21 Gigawatts, which contains a diss record to Drake and Big Sean called “Bada Boom”, accusing the rappers of stealing his flow. Big Sean spoke about it in a few interviews, but we’ve never heard Luda speak about it until now.

In a recent interview with Bootleg Kev, Luda revealed that he and Big Sean actually had a sit down talk about their issues and resolved them. That’s what I call manning up! Check out what Luda said below:

“We can keep is positive right now, we gonna stay off the negativity. We just gonna keep it in a positive direction. Let’s do that — [Did we chop it up?] We actually did, man, and he just addressed it, I believe, on BET.”

“So, we had a show in Australia, yeah, we had a show in Australia and we actually got a chance to sit down. So that’s why I said we gonna keep it positive right now. Everything’s positive.” 

Good to see that they put their differences behind them and decided to keep it moving. You can catch the full interview below:

Hip-Hop Rumors: Which Southern Rapper Is The Tax Man After Now?

By: ginatorres27Category: MOBILE

After going after Nas, Young Buck, Ja Rule and Lil’ Kim to name a few – the IRS is after another one of our Hip-Hop heads. Southern rapper Bubba Sparxx is the next on the tax man’s#### list, reportedly owing $30K in back taxes.

According to documents filed in Georgia, Sparxxx, who was once Timbaland’s prodigy, was originally in the hole for about $15K for the bill which stems from 2006, but interest and fees have almost doubled his debt.

The State of Georgia is now garnishing Bubba’s wages through BMI, a music company that dishes out royalties to artists. From March through May of this year, the state has already grabbed $3,622.45 … which represents all the money Bubba was owed by BMI.

Bubba released a new track recently called, “I’m Back”, hopefully it helps him pay off his bill. Check out the video below:

When will these rappers learn? Who do you think is next on the tax man Hip-Hop hit list?

Lil Chuckee Reveals Details On Young Money Debut

By: Mikey T The Movie StarCategory: MOBILE

(AllHipHop News) Young Money/Cash Money Records rapper Lil Chuckee sat down with AllHipHop.com to discuss his latest mixtape “Hood Guys,” as well as his upcoming debut album with Lil Wayne’s record label.

Last week, the 16-year-old rapper dropped his “Hood Guys” mixtape, which contained the single “N**ga Please,” featuring Lil Twist. Lil Chuckee’s lyrical skills earned the mixtape a positive review on MTV’s Mixtape Daily column.

“I just dropped my mixtape, it’s going crazy on the Internet,” Lil Chuckee told AllHipHop.com. “[Now] we [are] out here in Miami working the album.”

Although the album has no release date in sight, Lil Chuckee offered up some details on what his fans can expect from his Young Money debut.

“It wouldn’t be one style of music it will be a variety,” the rapper said. “I will be stepping into different sounds…just craziness, me talking stupid.”

For the aspiring producers, Lil Chuckee, who will also produce tracks for his album, said that he was still looking for tracks for his untitled album.

“I’m looking forward to any producers , these new producers got that crack,” Lil Chuckee said.

Download “Hood Guys” by Lil Chuckee here.

Follow Mikey T The Movie Star on Twitter @MTMovieStar

Hip-Hop Rumors: What?! Did Jimmy Henchman Admit To Setting Up Tupac?!

By: ginatorres27Category: MOBILE

Wow, it looks like one of the biggest mysteries in rap music has finally been solved. Back in 1994, Tupac Shakur was shot at Quad Studios in NYC, an attack that many believe sparked the East Coast/West Coast rap fueled. Tupac blamed the shooting on Diddy, Biggie Smalls, and Jimmy “Henchman” Rosemond.

According to the Village Voice, Rosemond secretly confessed to setting up Tupac during one of nine “Queen For A Day” proffer sessions with the government late last year. These sessions basically allow suspects under investigation to admit to all of their crimes, and the information gathered will not be used to prosecute them.

According to federal prosecutors, Rosemond’s confession came as as he was trying to carve out a cooperation deal that might have led to a reduced sentence.

“Rosemond apparently came clean about his involvement in Tupac’s ambush shortly after his former best friend, Dexter Isaac, stepped forward last summer to publicly confess that he had led the attack on Shakur in 1994. Isaac released a statement on June 16, 2011 to AllHipHop.com, saying it was Rosemond who had paid him to rob and pistol-whip Tupac.”

The statute of limitations on robbery is seven years, so although this confession brings minor closure to a huge chapter in Hip-Hop.

The involved parties will see zero jail time for this.

MMG Pop-Up Shop Opening In NYC For “Self Made Vol. 2” Album Release

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta)Category: MOBILE

(AllHipHop News) The Maybach Music Group family will be appearing in New York City tomorrow (June 26) at ALIFE NYC for a special Self Made Vol. 2 event, featuring a pop-up store appearance and signing that is set to include Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley and Omarion.

The Ciroc and Reebok sponsored event will take place at ALIFE NYC located on 158 Rivingston Street in New York from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Following the MMG team’s one-of-a-kind listening session in the Bronx a few weeks ago, Warner Bros. and MMG have put up a free album stream of Self Made Vol. 2 on YouTube for fans and listeners to preview here.

MMG’s Self Made Vol. 2 will be available for purchase tomorrow on iTunes and at retailers nationwide.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Who Changed Beyonce’s Mind About Kim Kardashian?

By: ginatorres27Category: MOBILE

Beyonce was spotted enjoying the final show for Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Watch The Throne” tour in the LG Arena in Birmingham UK with none other than Kim Kardashian! Rumors have been swirling for months that Beyonce did not want anything to do with Kim K. because she felt like Kim didn’t deserve her success – after all she really doesn’t have any talent besides…well, never mind.

A source told the NY Daily News that, “Beyoncé is careful with who she surrounds herself with, but she never hated Kim.”

Kanye was desperate to get Beyonce to accept Kim K., and according to The Sun, he finally convinced Bey to sit down with Kim K. and air her grievances, in hopes of the two becoming friends. Kanye allegedly set up a private dinner for the two in his hotel suite last week, and the two got along so well that Bey decided to let Kim K. sit with her at the concert.  Check out a few pics of the two at the concert below:


Those two sure look chummy – it looks like Kanye got his wish.

The NY Daily News reports that Kim Kardashian is abiding by the “unwritten rule” that “she is not allowed to blast to the world her business with Bey and Jay,” who are obsessive about their privacy.

“She’s hung with them a few times already, but she isn’t saying peep about them,” says the source.

“She’s not tweeting or taking pictures with (Beyoncé) because she doesn’t want to seem desperate,” the Kardashian confidante explains.

Do people even care if Beyonce and Kim Kardashian are friends? I just don’t want to see Jay-Z and Beyonce end up on “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”