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LL Cool J Tapped To Host Grammy Awards
(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop legend LL Cool J will serve as host of the 54th annual Grammy a
Awards this year.
This is the first time LL Cool J has served as host of the Grammys and it’s the first time in seven years, that the Grammy’s have had an official host.
LL, who has won two Grammys of his own, is already associated with the Grammys.
In addition to hosting the “The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night” since 2008, LL also serves as co-producer of the pre-Grammy performance show.
“I’m thrilled to be part of Music’s Biggest Night,” LL Cool J told AllHipHop.com in a statement today (January 18).
“I will always have fond memories of my first Grammy Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true,” LL said. “Great performances and great music — it’s gonna be a great night!”
Artists who will take to the stage during The Grammy Awards include Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj, who will perform at the ceremony, for the first time.
The 54th annual Grammy Awards air on February 12, live from the Staples Center at 8:00 PM on CBS.
Exclusive: Black Thought – Don’t Ever Call Him “Underrated” Again
“He’s got a big ego, such a huge ego…” – Beyonce, “Ego”
In rap, ego is everything. Whether you’re literally boasting, or merely outshining your opponent lyrically, ego is the energy drink that catapults the best MCs beyond the rest.
So, it comes as no surprise that Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter might have an extra healthy perception of himself. And yet, unlike the glitz and gravitas that most other rappers lean heavily upon, Black Thought chooses to do his bragging with his fiercest weapon – his rapping. His undeniably-one-of-the-best-who’s-ever-done-it brand of rapping.
Google him and you’ll find one word that keeps cropping up after all these years – and it must be almost annoying if you’re Black Thought. ‘UNDERRATED.’ By definition, it means “to rate or evaluate too low; underestimate.” And by rap terms, it means not getting your full shine, props, respect, due, and so on. Ask the proud Philadelphia native, however, and Black Thought will assure you that there’s nothing underrated about him. Besides, he has the catalog, Grammys, epic collaborations, and uber-comfortable lifestyle to prove it.
If you’re Black Thought, though, the spotlight is somewhat unwanted, and the self-knowledge that you’re one of the best is plenty. Plenty to fuel an ego that still effortlessly slays microphones and MCs after 25 years in the game. Check the video clip below, as AllHipHop.com interviews Black Thought at his home, where he talks about “Watching Thrones,” the person who DOES enjoy the spotlight within his crew, and returning to his Roots past:
In case you’ve been sleeping lately, this is “Black Thought Week” on AllHipHop.com! Check in tomorrow for more on his latest ventures, and read up on his previous “Black thoughts” about MLK and the undun album!
Public Enemy & Artist Friends “Occupy Skid Row” With L.A. Music Festival – Part 1
On Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday this past weekend, Public Enemy (PE) frontman Chuck D teamed up with Skid Row activist and former Hip-Hop producer, General Jeff, to present the first ever “Occupy Skid Row” Music Festival.
Occupy Skid Row was a festival, not a concert. Onlookers were reminded of this countless times by Chuck D of Public Enemy throughout the positive evening, which took place on the outskirts of Downtown Los Angeles. It was a festival about more than the music, as the message was to raise awareness of the ever-growing and notorious homeless rate in the L.A. area. Festival goers were reminded constantly that after the show was over, the pervasive poverty in “Skid Row” would still be there:
And yet, this did not stop PE from rocking the crowd – a crowd that was anxious and supportive, yet only a few feet away, as the stage was literally on the street, smack dab in the middle of Skid Row. Performing cuts like “Bring The Noise”, “Fight The Power”, “By The Time I Get To Arizona”, and “911 is a Joke”, the anti-establishment tone was set, emphatically.
Eager to show the crowd that they were human, too, Flavor Flav and Chuck D, along with the rest of the PE crew, reached out in support local acts and movements. Originally, the last act on the bill, PE performed first; demonstrating that it was not about them, but about shedding light on hometown performers and issues. Not that they needed to stick around and perform throughout anyway; as the radical tone had been set with their brief showing.
After PE rocked the crowd, the stage was then set for X-Clan’s own Brother J, who took the crowd through a groovy experience with “Heed The Word Of The Brother,” and then finished off with the all-time classic, “Grand Verbalizer.” At the finale of his set, Brother J gave a touching tribute to his former partner and mentor, Professor X, by leading the crowd with their “This is protected by the Red, Black and Green” signature line.
Members of the Skid Row community were also given the chance to share their unfortunate experiences onstage and show their appreciation for programs such as LA CAN, which donates time and resources to provide for the area’s homeless.
Although he’s from New York, Chuck D offered the Southern California crowd a history lesson in L.A. Hip-Hop, as he introduced blasts from the pasts such as Kid Frost and Yo-Yo. Frost, who recently recovered from a mild stroke, took everybody back to 1990 as he performed his classic Hispanic anthem, “La Raza.” Yo-Yo trasported the crowd back to the early ’90s with “The Bonnie and Clyde Theme” minus Ice Cube, along with her breakout single, “You Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo.” Longtime friend and fellow Lench Mob member Sir Jinx backed Yo-Yo on the wheels of steel.
Check out the event photos below and come back tomorrow for Part 2 of AllHiphop.com’s recap from Occupy Skid Row!
Public Enemy
Flavor Flav
Lady of Rage and her lookalike daughter
Kurupt
Jay Electronica And Frank Ocean Recording For G.O.O.D Music Compilation
(AllHipHop News) The upcoming G.O.O.D. Music compilation may be one of the most anticipated albums of 2012.
In addition to head honcho Kanye West, G.O.O.D. Music artists Pusha T, CyHi Da Prynce, Kid Cudi, Big Sean, and Mr. Hudson have all recorded for the new album, and a majority of them are currently in London working on the project.
In addition to the aforementioned artists on the compilation, Jay Electronica, Frank Ocean, producers Mannie Fresh and Hit Boy, and singer Marsha Ambrosius will all make appearances.
Ambrosius, who is currently signed to J Records, recently took to Twitter to announce the inclusion of both Jay and Frank. She tweeted, “In the studio with Frank Ocean, Big Sean, Pusha T, Manny Fresh 🙂 Kanye West is on the way!!! I’m having fun today :)”
She later added, “And @JayElectronica just arrived 🙂 fun times in the studio – Kanye sessions Day 2 🙂”
The G.O.O.D. Music compilation drops in Spring 2012.
Hip-Hop Rumor: Did Pharrell Drop Teyana Taylor from Star Trak??!!!
Chris Breezy’s best friend, Teyana Taylor, has officially been dropped from her contract with Star Trak / Interscope Records. The Harlem-bred singer/rapper has been on the shelf for the past six years after her debut single “Google Me” never popped off.
The 21-year-old did get a little shine when she was rumored to be getting it in with Kanye West. If she was, that hook-up definitely paid off, because shortly after, she made an appearance on his album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and his holiday song, “Christmas in Harlem.”
She was recently on DJ Skee’s radio show, and here’s what she had to say about being dropped:
“I officially got my release from Star Trak/Interscope, I was signed for six years and there’s a lot of stuff that comes with the industry,” she said.
When asked if she was upset by the release, Taylor kept it politically correct.
“Everybody bowed out gracefully. There was no beef. I love Interscope, I love Star Trak. It’s always love for Pharrell; that’s my big brother. Now it’s time for me to go from a caterpillar to a butterfly. I had to fly away from the nest and venture out on my own.”
If anybody cares, Teyana is dropping an EP on February 29 led by the single “Make Your Move” with Wale, and a second single, “DUI” featuring Jadakiss, will arrive on February 14.
Do you think this free agent will find a new label home, or will she wither away like so many before her? Will Kanye come in and scoop her up for his G.O.O.D. Music label?
T.I., Fabolous, Rick Ross, Big Boi, Olivia, Usher and More Celebrate MLK Weekend
The stars were out in full force over the past few days celebrating MLK Weekend.
Atlanta rapper T.I. paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a Saturday night performance at the Hennessy VS MLK Weekend event at the trendy Compound night club. The crowd included his fellow Atlanta artist Big Boi, along with DJ Kid Capri and Lisa Wu Hartwell, a former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member.
During his performance, T.I. took a moment to address Dr. King’s birthday and how important it is to keep the fallen civil rights leader’s legacy alive.
“We all need to remember Martin Luther King Jr. and never forget what he’s done for us,” T.I. said.
Fabolous took his talents to D.C. and visited the newly done MLK Memorial. He posted a photo on Instagram, check it out below.
Lil’ Kim and Trina traveled to Tampa to spread the word by partying it up at IMAX Channelside.
“Love & Hip Hop’s” Olivia was out in Baltimore celebrating MLK’s Legacy with Hennessy VS at the grand opening of Club Mirage.
BFFs Ciara and La La Anthony spent MLK day at Madison Square Garden yesterday, watching the Knicks take on the Orlando Magic.
Dwyane Wade turned the big 3-0 on Sunday night and celebrated at Setai with a slew of celebrities, including the usual suspects, teammates Lebron James, Chris Bosh, and Udonis Haslem, as well as Pat Riley, DJ Irie, and Usher. The bash featured as an endless supply of Hennessy and Belvedere and special surprise performances from Common and Rick Ross.
Wade was gifted with a car, a Vintage 1982 bottle of Dom Perignon, and a Hublot 3000 diamond encrusted watch. The night came to a close with the birthday boy being serenaded by Kelly Rowland, who sang a seductive and sexy version of “Happy Birthday” that had the basketball star blushing.
Odd Future Announce New Album And Tour In March
(AllHipHop News) Odd Future continue to prove that their year of success in 2011 was no fluke, with the announcement of their new compilation album, The OF Tape Vol. 2, as well an upcoming tour for 2012.
The album, to be released on Odd Future Records, is set to drop on March 20 and will feature new music from all members of the Odd Future camp including: Tyler, the Creator, Leftbrain, Frank Ocean, Domo Genesis, Hodgy Beats, The Internet, Mike G, and Syd the Kyd.
Although not many details about the tour have been released, it has been confirmed that the Odd Future crew will storm through 10 cities during the month of the album’s release, March. Not only will there be shows, there will also be pop-up shops in a similar fashion to the one that opened in Los Angeles last year, at each of the tour stops.
In addition to these recent announcements, fans can prepare themselves for the follow-up to last year’s Goblin by Tyler, the Creator as he is currently putting the finishing touches on his second solo album, Wolf, which is set to drop sometime this spring.
Chartwatch: Yo Gotti’s Debut Numbers Disappoint; Drake And Jeezy Hold Down Top 10
(Week Ending On 1/17/12)
RCA rapper and Memphis native Yo Gotti released his debut album, Live From the Kitchen (RCA), to disappointing numbers. Gotti himself has been vocal in the past two weeks about the marketing push or lack thereof from the label. The album debuted at #14 on the charts, after selling an estimated 15,000 copies.
For another week, both Drake and Young Jeezy have been playing the Top 10 game, as both of their albums continued to move a notable amount of copies. Drake’s Take Care (YM/CM/Universal) sold just over 32,000 units, which placed the album at the #4 spot this week. Jeezy slid down a few spots after a 24 percent decline from the week prior, selling 23,425 copies of TM103 (Def Jam).
Coming in at #26 this week are Jay-Z and Kanye West with their platinum-certified album, Watch the Throne (Roc-A-Fella/RocNation). Coincidentally, the album also saw a 26 percent decline from last week, after selling just under 13,000 copies.
Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV (Cash Money/Universal) and Common’s The Dreamer, The Believer (Warner Bros.) round out the Top 50 this week as the final two Hip-Hop artists on the charts. Wayne moved 11,985 copies, which landed him at the #28 spot, while Common unloaded 9,000 more copies a month after his album’s release.
Dropping This Week (1/17/12)
No notable Hip-Hop releases next week.
Dropping Next Week (1/24/12)
Alchemist and Oh No will be dropping their psychedelic-rap collaboration, titled Vodka and Ayahuasca (Decon), under the name Gangrene.
Outasight Set to Perform with The Roots Tonight on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”
Yonkers native Outasight is set to perform his most recent single, “Tonight Is the Night”, tonight (January 17) with The Roots on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.”
The song, which has been climbing the charts, is currently in rotation at over 115 Top 40 radio stations across the country, making Outasight a name, face, and voice to remember in the new music landscape. His loyal fans, along with new listeners, have already pushed the music video for “Tonight Is the Night” the three million views mark on YouTube.
In addition to tonight’s performance with The Roots, Outasight will be hitting the road on February 7 with T-Pain and Gym Class Heroes for the “Snowstorm Music Tour.” The tour will hit 13 cities over the course of the month.
“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” airs at 12:35 AM EST on NBC.
Future [BGA] Performs “Tony Montana” @ 49ers vs. Saints Playoff Game
Future gave a special performance of his hit song “Tony Montana” at the 49ers vs. Saints playoff game this past weekend. We hear that “Tony Montana” was the 49ers ‘get-hype’ song for this 2011 season. Check out the vid below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ZCsBU5IAU
Hip-Hop Rumors: Did Kanye Really Sign on for The Jetsons Movie???!
During Kanye West’s recent three-hour Twitter rant, he mentioned that he may be joining The Jetson’s Movie. But the temperamental star won’t be voicing any characters in the movie or even heading up the score for the film. Instead, Kanye is in talks to be the Creative Director.
“I was just discussing becoming the creative director for the Jetson movie,” he wrote.
Could it be true?
After ‘Ye mentioned his possible involvement in the film, our friends at MTV News put in a call to producer Denise Di Novi, who confirmed that talks with ‘Ye had indeed taken place:
“Kanye’s always been a Jetsons fan, I think because he’s so into design and he loves the design aspects. So we had a fun brainstorming conversation.”
What kind of creativity do you think Kanye can bring to The Jetsons Movie?
Trae The Truth Releases New Mixtape, “King Of The Streets”
(AllHipHop News) Houston rapper Trae the Truth released a new mixtape today (January 17) for the fans. The Don Cannon hosted project, King of the Streets, showcases Trae freestyling over 19 tracks of the industry’s current and hottest beats.
King of the Streets features freestyles over tracks from the likes of 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Fabolous, Tyga, Drake, French Montana, Lupe Fiasco, and many more.
The mixtape acts as a precursor to the upcoming Welcome 2 The Streets album from Trae and his group, The ABN Renegadez, which is set to drop in March.
Download “Trae The Truth – King of the Streets” Now!
Hip-Hop Rumors: Behind-The-Scenes Edition With Young Jeezy, Beanie Sigel, DJ Premier, Gucci Mane & More!
This post is a collection of behind-the-scenes videos released over the past few days, containing exclusive access to video shoots, recording sessions, and more, with the likes of Gucci Mane, Beanie Sigel, Rocko, 38 Special, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Fabolous, and Jadakiss!
If only we had a hidden camera of our own…
Young Jeezy – “OJ” ft. Fabolous & Jadakiss:
Courtesy of MyFabolousLife
In The Studio With Beanie Sigel:
Courtesy of ForbezFinestSouth
Gucci Mane – “Plain Jane” ft. Rocko:
Courtesy of BPimpDaddy1
In The Lab With DJ Premier, Pete Rock and 38 Special:
Courtesy of OocheeBang
Exclusive: Russell Simmons’ Rush Card Sues Over Misleading Ads
(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons’ UniRush has filed a lawsuit against a company that he claims has been using the “Rush Card” name to leverage search results.
Lawyers for Simmons’s Rush Card filed a lawsuit against AccountNow in United States Federal Court, Southern Division.
According to the complaint, AccountNow is taking advantage of the word “Rush” and sending customers to its own website, in some cases trumping the real “Rush Card” display ads on various Internet sites.
Lawyers for Simmons’s Rush Card said that they sent a cease and desist notice to AccountNow in November of 2011, but the legal warning was ignored.
Lawyers for Simmons’ Rush Card are concerned that consumers are being confused by the similar advertising, which could damage Simmons’ brand.
Russell Simmons launched the Rush Card in 2004.
In 2008, Russell Simmons sued another fraudster for attempting to operate the website rushmecredit.com.
UniRush is suing for unfair competition, trademark infringement and seeks an undetermined amount of punitive damages.
Check out the lawsuit below:
Hip-Hop Rumors: NO I.D. Refused to Work with Biggie and Big Pun Because of Common???!!!
Super producer NO I.D. turned down the opportunity to work with Biggie, Big Pun, and Ghostface Killah, all out of loyalty to Common! What a dunce! The producer recently revealed the mishap in a recent interview with XXL magazine. Read what he said below:
“After Resurrection I was getting calls for people to do work with me and I was turning it down,” “I got a call that Biggie wanted to hear some beats, Ghostface [Killah] and Big Pun. I’m like, Nah, I produce for Common. This is like Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. At that time I didn’t even conceptualize trying to make beats, or produce for other people. It wasn’t even in my mind. I viewed myself as part of a group.”
Man, imagine Biggie over a NO I.D. beat! That would have been some straight ear candy!!
Hip-Hop Rumors: Nicki Minaj Getting Her Own Clothing Line???!!
It looks like dear old Nicki may be bringing her unique fashion sense to a store near you! The Hip-Hop diva, who is known for her out of this world style – including once wearing a dress made of stuffed animals – is in negotiations with a fashion house to design her own designer duds.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Nicki’s manager, Cortez Bryant revealed that he is in talks with several fashion houses so Nicki can “sell her own line of clothes.” I guess that’s why Nicki was sitting front row at numerous fashion shows during Fashion Week in NYC. It all makes sense now!
Her management has been setting Nicki up for her own clothing line all along. In the past year, they have set up key fashion magazine covers, an H&M and Versace performance, and a televised Victoria’s Secret performance. Nicki will also be taking over for Lady Gaga as MAC’s Viva Glam Ambassador. Nicki is well on her way to taking over the world!!! Go ‘head with your bad self!
Quick question, though. Will Nicki’s clothes even be wearable for the average chick? Check out some of her most memorable and outrageous wardrobe choices below.
Kid Cudi Delays Release Of His Rock-Inspired Album “WZRD” To February
(AllHipHop News) Kid Cudi and producing partner Dot Da Genius have announced the delay of their upcoming, rock-inspired album, WZRD.
The album was originally set for release on January 30 – the same day as Cudi’s birthday – but will now be hitting retailers on February 28.
Dot Da Genius revealed the news on Twitter last night (January 16) with the following message: “Hey Guys, WZRD Update. Me and Cudi have been working on our debut album and it’s almost near completion. We are in the final stages of mastering but we really had to take time and pay attention to the sonics as this is new territory for us. With that being said, we have decided to change the release date. We are looking roughly at Feb 28th. Y’all know how Cudi is’ and I’m the same way. Everything has to be in place and now it is. I know it’s late notice, we were trying to keep the date but got wrapped up making this album perfect for y’all. However for making you guys wait a little longer we will release ‘Brake‘ & ‘Teleport 2 Me‘ on iTunes on the previously said date. AS WELL AS ‘DOSE OF DOPENESS‘. Hopefully that will hold you guys over until the album drops!”
Cudi followed up Dot’s announcement with a tweet of his own: “My whole career Ive had 2 prove people wrong, WZRD will be no different. This album will finally make people believers, WE CAN DO ANYTHING.”
Previously-released tracks will be available for purchase on iTunes on January 30, with WZRD hitting store shelves on February 28th.
Check out one of the more recent WZRD tracks, “Teleport 2 Me,” below:
Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) “Ni**as In Poorest”
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Gucci Mane Ft. Rocko and Yung Ralph “Waterslide”
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