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WORLD AIDS DAY: Tray Chaney a.k.a. "Poot" from "The Wire" Creates A Rap-It-Up Anthem
Most recognized as “Poot” from HBO’s “The Wire”, Tray Chaney has been showing off his Hip-Hop influence for the past few years. In honor of today (December 1) as World AIDS Day, Chaney has created “LIVE” (World AIDS Day Anthem) to bring awareness to the disease and encourage others to “Rap-It Up.”
AllHipHop.com: Have you experienced any personal tragedy from the AIDS epidemic?
Tray Chaney: A very close friend of my family is living with the disease as we speak, and it hurts. To see this person suffer from some of the decisions they made in the past to this point…as a family, we are there to we are there to uplift, build, and support.
AllHipHop.com Have you been tested recently?
Tray Chaney: Yes, last week when I got my physical, and my results came back NEGATIVE. I encourage everyone to get tested.
AllHipHop.com: Why did you decide to do a record for World AIDS day?
Tray Chaney: Well, my album, Be Inspired, is on iTunes now. It focuses on motivational and uplifting songs. I recorded a HIV/AIDS awareness song because I felt it was an issue that needed to stand alone. I decided to make it a single, also on iTunes. So many individuals are suffering and fighting the disease, so I wanted to uplift spirits and take notes from Magic Johnson on how he didn’t let this disease stop him from seeking what he needed to keep him going. We can have motivation to take our bodies seriously and “Rap-It Up.”
AllHipHop.com: What do you think of the statistics of African-American women being the leading cases of HIV?
Tray Chaney: It truly hurts my heart, because HIV/AIDS is a disease that is definitely serious. Not having the strength to tell your partner to use a condom is something that saddens me. It’s about LIFE, people. We have to LIVE. PLEASE PRACTICE SAFE SEX!
Go get tested; it’s about living. Anyone you know that may be suffering from HIV/AIDS disease – don’t turn your back on them.
Look out for Chaney’s single, “LIVE” (World Aids Day Anthem), his album, Be Inspired, on iTunes, and the new film, Lorenzo & Monica, which hits Amazon.com on December 4.
Jerry Ferrara from HBO's "Entourage" Drops His Top 5 Rappers Dead Or Alive
Talented actor Jerry Ferrara is best known for playing the lovable character of “Turtle” on the hit HBO original show, “Entourage”. In the minds of Hip-Hop heads everywhere, “Turtle” was the coolest out of the crew for two very distinct reasons. Reason number one: you could always count on “Turtle” to track down the best “Mary Jane” in Hollywood. Reason number two: we will forever love “Turtle” for his portrayal of an aspiring Hip-Hop manager who discovers the rap beast, Saigon. That story line was a huge win for Hip-Hop.
AllHipHop.com got a chance to catch up with Jerry Ferrara on the red carpet and got him to share his Top 5 Rappers Dead Or Alive. Jerry is definitely an Old School Hip-Hop listener, and listed Slick Rick, Biggie, and Tupac among his Top 5. Find out if Saigon made his list in the exclusive video below:
You can catch Jerry Ferrara in the hit movie, Think Like A Man, which is out on DVD now.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Instagram Comedy! French Montana Strikes Back – Calls 50 "DunkeyKong"
Earlier today, 50 cent dropped a bomb when he revealed that French Montana helped him shoot a DVD threatening DJ Khalid and his family. This was back in 2009 when French was the CEO of Coke Boys DVD. Read the story below if you haven’t already:
Related: Hip-Hop Rumors: OH SH!T French Montana Did A Dastardly Deed For 50 Cent! Trina Update!
Well, although French hasn’t responded on those accusations just yet, he has utliized his instagram account today to clown 50 Cent. French posted the sickly photo of 50 Cent below from the movie “All Falls Apart” along with the caption, “Get Rich or Die Trying, lol.”
French also joked on 50’s affinity for wearing jean shorts. Check out his instagram post below:
One thing that has come out of this whole 50 Cent and French Montana beef is that French Montana sure does have a good sense of humor. Oh sidenote, 50 said also called French Montana the”new Ja Rule.” Do you think 50 still has it in him to end anyone career, let along French Montana who is currently the most popular kid in Hip-Hop.
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5 & Done: Slaughterhouse-Mentored Krissy Krissy Rises "Above All"
“When you first come in the game they try to play you”…
Jay-Z’s line best describes the feelings of a new artist, and one of the newest additions to the world of Soul, Krissy Krissy.
Mentored by Slaughterhouse rapper Joell Ortiz , she is a Brooklyn native, songwriter, artist, and guitarist. Krissy Krissy fights to stay true to herself in a male-dominated and often criticizing industry. Recently dropping her new EP, Above All, AllHipHop.com sits down with the ambitious singer to chop it up about what motivates her and her music.
Background: When Krissy Krissy was a little girl, she would get behind the pulpit at church, hype up the crowd with a lot of “Come on everybody! Get your hands up!” in a voice soulful beyond her years, and belt out Fred Hammond or Kirk Franklin songs so hard that the veins in her head would bulge, her face would turn red, and the congregation wouldn’t know what hit them. Not much has changed since then. When the 23-year-old Pop/Rock artist sings, that same guttural passion still shows on her face and her audience is still dumbstruck at this “little White girl with soul,” as she was so oft described. Except today, instead of doing it at the church in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood that she grew up in, she’s singing it out to millions nationwide via MTV, Logo, iHeartRadio, and YouTube, thanks to her summer hit, “Dream”. The single is the first from her debut EP, Above All, which is a Freshman Pick on MTVu, a “NewNextNow” featured video on Logo, and a Top 10 hit on iHeartRadio.
AllHipHop.com: How does Hip-Hop influence your music?
Krissy Krissy: I believe Hip-Hop writers are very conceptual, they tell a story, and I’m a big fan of storytelling. Which is why, I’m a big fan of Jay-Z and Joell Ortiz who is a part of our camp as well. Within three minutes, they are able to tell you the story of their life and I feel like being a songwriter that should be evident to. So I take that craft from rapper and put it in my music, although I don’t rap the ability to tell a story is in my music.
AllHipHop.com: What is the hardest thing for you to tackle every day when you wake up?
Krissy Krissy: Every day is a gamble; every day is taking a chance. Especially now in the line of business I’m in. You never know what’s accepting and what’s not. I guess the biggest gamble is for me to continue to be myself, even when society wants to change you to be a little prettier or be a little bit more feminine. My everyday me is cargos in a white tee to society that may not be accepted. Every day pushing pass the criticism. It’s hard. This music industry is hard it’s a lot of opinions and a lot of people trying but it’s very few stars. I enjoy being myself.
AllHipHop.com: Why do you sing?
Krissy Krissy: I was raised in a musical family, my father was a man of faith, and he was a pastor. All six of us [sung]. The apartment that we lived in wasn’t really safe to go outside, so we stayed in the house singing, while my father played the guitar. My father taught me how to play the guitar. Then we would go to church on Sunday’s. I was the first they asked to join the choir, you had to be 25 and I was 13. I would sing all the big records; they took me on trips, I would sing in prisons, etc. I just continued to pursue that. I knew that I was changing; I didn’t feel comfortable, singing to the same type congregation, who kept trying to put in this type of box. I started hitting the karaoke bars, doing competitions, and I would win. It started when I was younger. I really mastered my church.
AllHipHop.com: Tell us more about your new project.
Krissy Krissy: The EP is called Above All, which was inspired by my father. My father passed away a year ago Nov 4. All the records on there are based off love. Dream is about the love of music, maybe it is about wishing you could have loved someone better; your love is about the perfect love made for you, and Broken Glass is about loving yourself.
AllHipHop.com: At the end of it all, what do you want to be said about you?
Krissy Krissy: I defiantly want to be labeled a Grammy award winning artist. Krissy Krissy. Similar to Elton John, Madonna, they have so many fans because they were true to their selves. No matter what happens, I want them to know I stayed true myself. One More thing ,I want to give credit to Joell Ortiz. Joell really helps me, he’s a great writer. A lot of rappers write really well – he’s one. I just wanted to thank him; he does a whole lot for me.
Follow Krissy Krissy on Twitter @KrissyKrissy1
Listen to Krissy Krissy’s second single “Suspicious” off her Above All EP on itunes.
Chuck D. Announces "HipHopGods Tour" Featuring Legends
(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop legend Chuck D. is headlining a new inaugural tour that will feature a number of influence acts from Hip-Hop’s Golden Age.
The first ever HipHopGods Classic Tourfest Revue is making its way around the country, with acts like X Clan, Schoolly D, Leaders of the New School, Monie Love, Son of Bazerk, Wise Intelligent (of Poor Righteous Teachers), Awesome Dre and Davy DMX being among the revolving cast of artists who will be featured on the outing.
The HipHopGods Classic Tourfest Revue is being produced in conjunction with HipHopGods.com, which is being billed as the first “fully comprehensive community for old-school Hip-Hop fans.”
The site is mean to “encompass and empower the Hip-Hop nation and to have the Hip-Hop community get and keep a hold on itself and connect the legacy,” Chuck D. said in a statement.
Check out the dates below:
November 30
Philadelphia, PA Licouras Center
December 1 Burlington, VT
Higher Ground
December 2 Boston,
MARoyale
December 4 Indianapolis,
INVogue Theatre
December 5 Chicago, IL
House of Blues
December 6 Minneapolis, MN
First Avenue
December 7 Lincoln, NE
Bourbon Theatre
December 8 Denver, CO
Ogden Theater
December 9 Jackson Hole, WY
Pink Garter Theatre
December 10 Aspen, CO
Belly Up
December 12San Diego, CA
4th and Broadway
December 13 Los Angeles, CA
Nokia
Hip-Hop Rumors: Eve Finally Addresses Stevie J – Says "He Was My First Love"
Eve has been on a media blitz the last week to promote her upcoming album, Lip Lock, which is scheduled for an April release, and her EveStyling Tuesday’s, where she is will be releasing new music every Tuesday on Twitter She has already released a few tracks, including hew new single, “She Bad, Bad.”
On Wednesday, Eve sat down with Hot 97’s Angie Martinez and opened up about her “first love,” Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta star Stevie J. The two were a couple back in Eve’s Ruff Ryder days, and someone released a sex tape featuring Eve and Stevie J. The sex tape was a big deal back then – that was when our society was a little more moral, and stuff like that was frowned upon. Now that’s the type of stuff that makes you a star.
Although “Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta” was everywhere this year, Eve says that she’s never watched it, and from what she hears, he’s the same ole’ Stevie J.
“I have not watched it. (On my life). I mean Wow,what can I say? What I hear is out of control. I’m not surprised.”
I can’t even blame it on drugs, I wish I could…..I was young and dumb. [My mom] texted me and was like, ‘You dodged a bullet with that one,’ that’s all she said and we never talked about it again.”
Check out the candid interview below. Eve seems to regret that relationship with Stevie J….can anyone blame her?
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@TheGame Ft. @NipseyHussle "Judas' Closet"
Hip-Hop Rumors: What's The 411? Mary J. Blige Defaults On $2 Million Loan
Mary J. Blige is having a bad year. First, the whole chicken fiasco went down with her KFC commercial, then the singer’s charity with Steve Stoute, “The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now Inc,” was accused of stealing scholarship students.
Now, the singer and her husband Kendu Isaacs, have defaulted on a $2.2 million loan.
According to the Huffington Post, Signature Bank filed a lawsuite against MJB and Kendu in the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, seeking to recoup the original loan plus $58,000 in interest. The suit alleges that the loan was taken out in October 2011, and it was all good until Mary and Kendu stopped making payments in July 2012.
Mary is yet to comment on the lawsuit, but expect her to say something on Twitter any day now. Mary has 50 million albums worldwide – there’s no way she’s broke…right?
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Hip-Hop Rumors: Chris Brown Tries To Explain "Me, Drake And Meek Mill Situation"
Chris Brown is on the cover of the latest issue of XXL Magazine. He and Big Sean actually both share their own covers. Breezy appears on his cover with his hand covering half of his face, rocking blinged out bottom grills, a pinky ring, and a nose ring – under the headline “No Apologies.” How fitting.
Chris Brown opts to pen his own cover story, and give you his truth straight from his mouth. He touched on a lot of issues, like Rihanna and his temper, but let’s get to the Meek Mill/Drake comment first. Breezy attempted to clarify what happened, but because of “legal issues,” he could only say that they are from different musical genres. Yes, that’s basically what he said.
Check out his comments below:
“A lot of people wanna know about the whole situation with me, Drake and Meek Mill. At the end of the day, I’m me, they’re them. They rap, I sing. Totally different caliber. I rap, I play around on mixtapes. But our words don’t collide as much as you’d think.”
Okay, that’s for clearing that situation up, Breezy..NOT! He kept it completely politically correct on that and didn’t really shed any light on it at all. Breezy was more forthcoming when speaking about his lover, Rihanna:
“One thing people often want me to talk about is my public love life. When it comes to my love life, the perception seems as though I am a player. But that’s not true. Love is something I am still learning. It’s just an obstacle that I haven’t yet mastered. I think that’s my biggest hurdle in life. I use music or painting as my outlet to get through the confusion. I try to promote positivity and love.”
Last weekend, Chris Brown went nuts on a female comedian and told her he wanted to “sh*t in her mouth.” Yuck!
Related Hip-Hop Rumors: Chris Brown Goes OFF On Comedian In Profane Tweet Rant!
While it seems like his anger issues are still very present, in the article, CB says that his temper has gotten better:
“In the beginning, I used to be hot. I’m normal. I’m human, so if anybody says something that’s a lie, I’m numb to it. I’ve smartened up.”
“I haven’t been as mature and thought out in the past, so, me growing now, it’s showing my progression. I used to use my Twitter account to vent, but now I mostly use it for marketing and promotions. Even if the media asks me something, if it’s cool then it’s, ‘What’s up?’ But if it’s anything that’s too negative, I don’t care to respond.”
Well, so much for that “truth”. But like he said, he is human and is going to make mistakes..and he sure is making them.
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Hip-Hop Rumors: OH SH!T French Montana Did A Dastardly Deed For 50 Cent! Trina Update!
OH! Just when you thought this 50 Cent/French Montana beef was about to get CORNY, it takes a turn for the interesting. Sooooo…do you remember when 50 Cent started to really get ugg mugg with it? He eventually went on to tape DJ Khaled’s mom and dad at their store with this ominous vibe that he may do something to them?
Yeah?
Me too! I remember feeling like a line had been crossed. Well, guess what? From what I am getting French Montana was the person that video taped that! Remember, before he was a gigantic “coke boy,” Frenchie used to do DVD’s on the street! So, he’s had these capabilities for some time now. so, 50 Cent “employed” French for devious means! And now they are beefing! What a tangled web we weave!
UPDATE:
Here is the video of 50 Cent talking about it.
Wonder how this will affect relationships? I think very little will come out of it, but you never know!
Also, I heard that the rumor of French and Trina dating is FALSE! They are just working on music together.
More as it develops!
Illseed, Out.
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Life Lines: Seven of Hip-Hop’s Best Biographical Tracks
Biography books are frequently best sellers. Biopics are huge box office draws. There’s The E! “True Hollywood Story” and “Behind the Music” on television. In fact, an entire cable network is even called the Biography Channel. People are fascinated by other people’s life stories – and Hip-Hop is no exception.
In rap’s rich history, there are just as many original stories as there are people to tell them. Therefore, AllHipHop.com has compiled a list of biographical tracks that surpass self-indulgence and provide vivid accounts of personal events, masterfully capture moments in time, and tap into human emotions that many can relate to.
Here is AllHipHop.com’s compilation of 7 tracks that made rappers re-think the way that they told their own stories:
7). “Outta Here” (1993) by KRS-One: Only KRS could reference I Dream of Jeannie over a DJ Premier-produced bass line and still come off as cool as a fan. The second cut on KRS’ first solo offering, taken as a whole though, tells his life story. From falling in love with Hip-Hop to battling in a shelter to the murder of DJ Scott La Rock, it’s all here. In other words, if KRS-One is the Teacha, these are are the subjects that went on his syllabus first.
6). “Neva Have 2 Worry” (2008) by Snoop Dogg: The song has Snoop breaking down his career into three stages. Using a spoken-word flow, he talks about his time with Death Row, stay at No Limit, and realization of his iconic status. But the record packs its most powerful punch near the end of the first verse (The one up above didn’t like my pace/I was movin’ too fast, and I caught that case/I fought that case, wonder where the West would be if I’da lost that case).
5). “Last Real N***a Alive” (2002) by Nas: Nas is one of rap’s greatest storytellers and this is a prime example of why. In detail that rivals a screenplay, he discusses his ascent in Hip-Hop and touches on his connections to New York’s Hip-Hop elite. And in one final remark on the Ron Browz-produced track (who also produced “Ether”), Nas puts the nail in Jay-Z’s coffin as far as their battle is concerned by referring to himself as Scarface and Jay-Z as Manolo.
4). “December 4th” (2003) by Jay-Z: With an appearance by Jay-Z’s mother, there is a very personal touch added to an already personal record. Considering The Black Album was also billed as Jay’s last LP, the fact that the album starts with a story that begins with his birth and ends with him fading to black makes for some epic sh*t! And he knew it too, that’s probably why it was his closing number at his Madison Square Garden “retirement” concert in November of 2003.
3). “Intro” (1994) by The Notorious B.I.G.: A greater album introduction has yet to be done. The way each “scene” is time-stamped with popular music of the time period is brilliant. And when coupled with dialogue depicting various points in Biggie’s life, there was no question about who he was or where he was coming from. Biggie demonstrated immediately on his debut that he was a master storyteller, and hadn’t even rapped a single bar on it yet.
2). “Last Call” (2004) by Kanye West: Despite being placed at the end of a song, instead of appearing as a stand-alone track, the autobiographical monologue that closes out The College Dropout is one of the greatest outros in Hip-Hop history. Kanye’s story and struggle is told proving that he worked hard for his spot and overcame the odds. Unfortunately, he hasn’t sounded that humble or human since.
1). “The Story” (2005) by Bun B: This song is one verse with no hook and clocks in at just shy of six-minutes in length. It is one of Bun’s best records ever and chronicles his rise to fame alongside Pimp C, who was then incarcerated, as UGK in great detail. Tragically, two years after Pimp C’s release from prison, he died. But thankfully, he did live long enough to hear his friend and partner-in-rhyme share their story with the world.
Speak up! What songs do you think are the best biographies? Let us know in the comments section below!
Hip-Hop Rumors: Eve Reveals That She And Dr. Dre "Just Couldn't Get Along"
E-V-E is preparing for a musical comeback…again, but don’t expect her to get into the studio with production genius Dr. Dre. Before signing with Ruff Ryders, Eve’s first record deal was with Dr. Dre and Aftermath. That deal didn’t work out, and now we finally know why.
In a recent interview with Sway on MTV’s RapFix, Eve reveals that the real reason behind her and Dre’s split is very simple – the two just couldn’t get along. Check out what she said below:
“Aftermath was my first home with Dr. Dre but me and Dre just couldn’t get along.” Eve said. “I’m a strong chick and I don’t like being told what to do. I don’t care if you’re the best at what you do.”
The two did eventually work together on Eve’s top charting hit with Gwen Stefani, “Let Me Blow Your Mind”, but imagine all of the amazing music those two could have made together. Don’t get it twisted, though. Eve had an amazing career with Ruff Ryders and even branched out into TV with her own show “EVE” and movies, with scene-stealing appearances in Barbershop. So things worked out just fine for the both of them.
Dr. Dre is a perfectionist when it comes to music. That’s probably why Detox will never see the light of day. Dre is also known for putting a lot of pressure on his artists, and according to Eve, “Dre just knows how to push your buttons, but I just have to say every time he pushed my buttons, he got the best out of me. So he knew what he was doing.’”
Eve tells a really funny story about Dr. Dre making her say the word “block” over 40 times in the studio because he didn’t like the way she was saying it. She just coudn’t take it, and threw a glass of water.
Check out Eve tell the story below on RapFix:
Get More:
Eve, RapFix Live, Full Episodes
In related news, Eve is rumored to be pregnant with her first child. The rapper has been dating millionaire Maximillion Cooper for three years and told HOT 97’s Angie Martinez earlier this week that even she is surprised that she’s “dating a white dude.”
“Trust me. I look at him sometimes and I’m like, ‘You are so white.’ Seriously! Yes, I gotta be real like that. I’m the first black girl he’s ever been with, so we are learning. Trust me, he’s been through ‘Weave 101.”
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@Mullyman #BGA Ft. @jayluvmusic and @nikstylz "Clique"
Wu-Tang Clan's Cappadonna Announces New Album "Eryth, Wynd & Fyre"
(AllHipHop News) Wu-Tang Clan member Cappadonna is working on a new album titled Eryth, Wynd & Fyre, which will be a double CD, representatives for the rapper confirmed with AllHipHop.com.
Cappa’s double album will feature production from Stu Bangas, J. Glaze and G Force, while rappers Solomon Childs and Sav Kills check in as guests on the release.
The announcement comes on the heels of a busy year for Cappadonna, who is featured on The Man With the Iron Fists soundtrack, as well as the Wu reunion track “Six Directions of Boxing” and the Wu-Block project between Wu-Tang Clan & D-Block .
Cappadonna dropped a new single from titled “Rap Is Like Crack” featuring Solomon Childs.
Eryth, Wynd & Fyre is due in stores on January 2013, via RBC Records.
http://soundcloud.com/macmediapromo/cappadonna-f-solomon-childs
Video: August Alsina Brings The Romance to Game's "Celebration"
New Orleans-bred singer August Alsina has now garnered a reputation for taking Hip-Hop songs and turning them into full-on R&B ballads. This time, he takes rapper The Game’s popular single, “Celebration”, and flips it. And it sounds pretty good.
Alsina is signed to The-Dream’s Radio Killa imprint, distributed through Def Jam. Can’t wait to hear what these two cook up.
Check August Alsina’s “Celebration” cover:
Daily Word: Go Beyond Your Limits!!!
TGI…..EVERYDAY!!!
Welcome to the day we get rid of all of the lies told about what we can and can’t do! Today’s Daily Word is dedicated to your limitations!
Fact: There will always be something that seems to stand in the way of you and your goals! Fact: That thing, whether we know it or not, is all in our imagination! Those who really want
something make it happen; those who don’t make excuses! There is not a person, place, thing, object, or circumstance that can stand in your way while on your quest for greatness!
Kill Your Limitations!! Remove the word “can’t” and all other excuses from your vocabulary, and do what needs to be done to reach your dreams! If you can see it, then it is more than a possibility; it is real!! Change your outlook and take what you deserve!
-Ash’Cash
“Don’t accept the limitations of other people who claim things are ‘unchangeable’. If it’s written in stone, bring your hammer and chisel.” -Peter McWilliams
“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.” -Richard Bach
“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” -Arthur C. Clarke
“Simply pushing harder within the old boundaries will not do.” -Karl Weick
“Anyone who limits their vision to memories of yesterday has begun to kill the essence of their being.” -Lillie Langtry
“Limits, like fear, is often an illusion.” -Michael Jordan
“Outside the walls of your imagined limitations, there is a whole world waiting to be experienced. Venture into it.” -Ralph Marston
“The sky is not my limit…I am.” -T.F. Hodge
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.
Exclusive: SneakerBox Chock On The Road To Unreachable
Whether it’s tearing up the stage at the Apple stores in NYC or commanding the mic at AllHipHop.com’s own Breeding Ground event, SneakerBox Chock has been generating buzz within the Hip-Hop community for some time. However, he is just now sitting down – exclusively with AllHipHop.com – to speak about his own personal story, and in doing so, is demonstrating what it means to triumph over one’s own past. Check out AllHipHop.com’s powerful interview with SneakerBox Chock!
AllHipHop.com: Thank you for deciding to come to us with your story, especially since it is of such a sensitive nature. You have been making noise within the Hip-Hop community over the last few years or so, but you are deciding to discuss this now. Why now, and why did you specifically come to AllHipHop.com, Chock?
SneakerBox Chock: First off, thanks for giving me the soapbox to be able to share. As far my life goes, I speak about it all the time. Maybe not as in depth as I will in this interview but, I definitely speak about it all the time. I have to. Being vocal about it, is my medicine. It’s how I cope with it. It’s how I don’t forget. It’s how I continue to grow. It’s the path that growing up in Camden, New Jersey led me down. It’s me!
AllHipHop has supported me from day one. I have the utmost respect for Chuck, Steve, and Grouchy Greg as men and for what they do for Hip-Hop. Chuck is someone I look up to, so what better avenue to travel?
AllHipHop.com: Well said! OK so what happened to you that you want to share? What did you learn from it, and how have those experiences translated towards the man that you are today both in everyday life and within your music?
SneakerBox Chock: When I was 18, I was incarcerated for “allegedly” having some involvement in a homicide. I found myself in the county jail with a quarter of a million dollars set for bail and facing life in prison. After long, stressful court hearings, I ended up being sentenced to 20 years in state prison, in which, I did a few months shy of 10 years and five years on parole. [extra long pause] I learned that life can be altered drastically, in the blink of an eye. Um, I learned that friends are not your friends. More importantly, I learned about me.
AllHipHop.com: What would you say carried you through that situation and led you to really make drastic changes within your life?
SneakerBox Chock: The thought of getting out is what carried me through. When I got locked up, my girl at the time was four months pregnant. So, me and my son both watched each other grow up in prison. After all, I was only 18. I was still a kid myself with plenty of growing up to do. I always told myself that I would be a great father because my own father was absent from my life. And, I felt as though I had already failed at being a good parent due to me being in jail. So, the thought of getting out one day and being a father to my son was what kept me motivated and on track.
And, of course music played a big part. It was the one thing that I could turn to in order to vent, no matter the day or time. No matter the weather. I didn’t need to make a phone call, look at any pictures or have anyone listening. All I needed was a melody in my head and my ability to rap.
AllHipHop.com: Do you feel that you have a sense of duty to share your story and to promote a different path to young men out there who may be heading down that same path that you were on, or is there another reason you feel that sharing your story is important, or is it maybe a combination of the two?
SneakerBox Chock: I definitely feel as though it’s my duty to share my experience, but I wouldn’t say that I am a role model, ’cause there are still demons that I wrestle with. There are still things about me that I am working on, so I’m not trying to preach and say, do this or do that. I just want to share my life experiences in hopes that someone who has a similar story to mine can look at me as an example. No matter what you have gone through in your life, it’s still a chance to pick up the pieces and reach what some would consider unreachable.
I would say that I am in a good space right now, mentally, physically, and spiritually, and I owe a big part of that to my incarceration. But, whether you were incarcerated or not, we have all had a major hurdle in our life that we had to jump. I would like to be an example for those who have gone through life’s troubles as well. We all need a person to point to and say, “If he can do it, I can too”.
AllHipHop.com: Without naming any names, unless you feel comfortable, [laughter)] do you have any thoughts about the artists out here in the game that promote a life they’ve never lived? Meaning do you feel any kind of way about the guys out here who glorify being incarcerated without knowing what they’re speaking about personally?
SneakerBox Chock: I don’t necessarily feel any kind of way cause Hip-Hop is a form of entertainment, and it’s also a form of expression. So, if that’s how they chose to express themselves, who am I to say they are wrong? But, I will say that if they ever find themselves in that position, they’ll definitely have a change of heart about the whole experience [chuckles]. I mean, who wants to be in a small ass jail cell for 23 hours a day? Who wants to be able to only see their family for an hour or two, and only on the weekends? And, that is, if you aren’t too far away for them to even come and visit. Who wants to be in a place where time sits still, while the world is moving. So many things had changed when I got out. I was like What The F***?! So, people glorify it without really knowing the effects it has on you.
AllHipHop.com: What does the word ‘redemption’ mean to you, and how do you know if you have been redeemed?
SneakerBox Chock: I’m not religious at all. So, redemption to me just means bouncing back from something. I would definitely say that I bounced back. At the same time, I feel like I have more redeeming to do. I feel like people acquire certain things and become complacent with just being a step ahead from where they once stood. I won’t be complacent until about never! [smiles and winks]
AllHipHop.com: What’s up next for you Chock? Can the people look forward to hearing anything new soon?
SneakerBox Chock: I just released a collaboration EP on Election Day with Bueller Da Don, called Election Day. He and I are solo artist, but we also form a group called “The Running Matez”. So, it was only right for us to release a project on Election Day. So, that project is currently available via iTunes. My crew (Screwface World Music) is working on a compilation album that should be dropping in the first quarter. And, I’m working on a new solo project called Lucky 4 Me that will be dropping some time in March. So, I’m working. In the meantime, I have plenty of music previously released for people to check out and become more familiar with who I am. I’d like to add a thanks to my family and everyone who supports what I do. Y’all are greatly appreciated.
AllHipHop.com: How can the people find you?
SneakerBox Chock: All the social media outlets…
…Twitter @SneakerBoxChock. Facebook: SneakerBoxChock. Instagram: SneakerBoxChock. SneakerBox Chock everything [laughter]. Also, follow my group on Twitter (@TheRunningMatez), and my website is www.chockinthebox.com.
Hip-Hop Rumors: DMX The DJ?
First of all, I read what I wrote yesterday, and I didn’t understand it. I don’t do any sort of drugs, but maybe I should because some of that was terrible. I’ll formally submit myself to the mercy of the editor soon, I think. Or maybe not. Maybe you’ll just continue to read my wack writings. I don’t know. Anyway, here is a humorous rumor.
DMX is well-known for his gritty raps. But apparently, he’s starting another facet to an already accomplished career. He’s at the earliest phases of DJing. And when I mean early, I mean EARLY. When you see the video, its mostly of DMX having fun with DJ Premiere and rapper Termanology in there too. But, you be the judge: should DMX look at this as a viable career option? Stranger things have happened in Hip-Hop.
This is the VERY FIRST time DMX DJ’s!
Mixtape Review: Fabolous' "Soul Tape 2"
‘Soul’ is a word that has been used loosely these days. In the past, it was used to describe the ability to move emotions and make a connection. Now it is attached to anything that is trying to claim a deeper meaning. For his new mixtape, The Soul Tape 2, Fabolous uses his arsenal of allusive schemes and laidback punchlines to connect with fans by giving small glimpses into his life. Backed by enough soulful samples to swell a 9th Wonder or a young Kanye West with pride, Fab dwells into his now public relationships and his current mindstate without getting into the specifics.
See Exhibit A, where Loso admits over a Jay Electronica beat that he’s not the one to get into details on the intro track “Transformation” (And Who am I?/Without name dropping, I’m/ Someone who saw a cop and didn’t stop, he just climbed/Someone who got money without dropping a dime/ and transformed into your leader in my Optimus Prime). But the particulars are forgiven, when Loso keeps hitting you over the head with punchline after punchline over some of the most epic and original production since he “Breathed” some “Real Talk” into radio stations eight years ago.
Producer Teddy da Don’s trash can percussion and sirens create a street nostalgia on “B.I.T.E”, which Fab uses an acronym to explain his motivation to grind. A light-hearted sample sets off “We Get High”, as Fab spits some stoner movie schemes with a carefree flow as an ode to Mary Jane (Stimulate your mind girl, it’s Friday, you ain’t got s**t to do/ I put you on some real sh**t, if you ain’t afraid to take a hit or two). Remakes of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” and Scarface’s “Guess Who’s Back” find Fab questioning soured relationships and friendships, but he concludes that neither can stop his shine.
His warning of the expense of the materialistic girl does get out-shined though by J. Cole’s vivid story-telling of the makings of a materialistic girl on “Louis Vuitton”. Steady bass, quiet keys, and engaging strings are riveting, as Cole paints quite a convincing portrait of a quiet church girl who rebels against her overly-protective father by dating rich older men. Cole’s talent for finding the irony of such an authentic character makes the materialistic girl feel so real that you could almost call her by name.
Pops never let her outside/ n***a knew the type of s**t she was up against, little did he know the s**t was going to backfire/Cuz she.. act quiet, got baptized/sang in the choir, but the thing she desired/was a older n***a that could show her how to be freak.. a young girl’s in heat.
Fab’s favorite hook supplier, Lil Mo, is surely missed on songs like “Life Is So Exciting” and “Only Life I know”, which could be much better without Loso on hook duty. Perhaps Fab should put in an ad for a full-time singer for tracks like these, but in the meantime, features like Pusha T’s signature flow of balling out control on “Life Is So Exciting” is sure to hold fans over.
If you were expecting Fab to really bare his soul on Soul Tape 2, you have to settle for a peek because Loso is just too laid back for that. He might not layout a scenario that can make you feel as though he might have been through the same challenges as you, but that doesn’t mean his slick schemes and sneaky punchlines can’t give you as much goosebumps and screw-faces as any Soul singer could. NICE!
Rating 7.5/10
Download Fabolous’ Soul Tape 2 here.