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Rick Ross Returns To Carol City High With Swizz Beats; Donates Reeboks, iPads

(AllHipHop News) Rapper Rick Ross and producer Swizz Beatz made a surprise appearance at Carol City Senior High School, in Carol City Florida.

The rap star appeared at his alma mater, where he donated iPads to the high school, for students to use.

“We commend Rick Ross for giving back to Miami Carol City Senior High School. By doing so, he is setting a wonderful example for our students and community,” said Principal Mr. Dunn.

Most of the iPads donated by Rick Ross will be used for students to complete their college applications.

Rick Ross and Swizz also gave out Reeboks to high school seniors, who placed well on college aptitude tests.

Rick Ross and Swizz greeted students, signed autographs and met with faculty members.

“Rick Ross made history coming back to his high school; many celebrities and politicians have graduated from Carol City Senior High School but he’s the first to come back and connect with the new students,” added Ms. White, the school’s CAP Advisor.

Check out pictures below.

Photos: Thaddeaus McAdams

Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil’ Kim Says Biggie’s Mom “Doesn’t Know Biggie And She Barely Knows Christopher”

The Queen Bee, Lil Kim, was a guest on New York morning radio show, “The Breakfast Club”, and was really outspoken about her dislike for the Notorious movie focusing on the life of slain rapper, The Notorious B.I.G.

Kim cites one her main reasons for not liking the movie as her feeling that the people who made it didn’t know Biggie. One person in particular, according to Kim, is Biggie’s very own mother, Voletta Wallace. Check out what Lil’ Kim said below:

See, Big’s mom doesn’t know Biggie, and she barely knows Christopher.” said Lil’ Kim. “It’s the truth.”

“She used to kick him out daily. She did not care to know him, or get to know him during the time….she didn’t know him.”

Wow, that’s harsh.

During the interview, Charlamagne The God hit Lil’ Kim with a very direct question about her cosmetic surgery. The Queen Bee was not amused. Check out her response below:

“Why would you ask me that, but there’s so many people who have surgery? I don’t know where that question is coming from.”

Kim addressed the plastic surgery at the 18:29 mark of the interview. You can watch the video here.

Do you think it’s right for Lil’ Kim to comment on the type of relationship Biggie had with his mother?

Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Jermaine Dupri Signing Jagged Edge To So So Def?

Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, R&B group Jagged Edge was the ish! With songs like “Promise”, “I Gotta Be” Walked Out Of Heaven”, and “He Can’t Love You”, they were riding high at the top of the charts alongside So So Def general, Jermaine Dupri. JD was one of the hottest producers out then and produced most of the group’s music.

Well, the good times may be back again. We are hearing rumors that Jagged Edge is allegedly ending their relationship with Slip-N-Slide Records and will be signing with Jermaine Dupri and hit songwriter Bryan Michael Cox under So So Def!

The group is also rumored to be working on J.E. Heartbreak 2, a sequel to their most successful album to date.

Let’s hope this rumor turns out to be true, and we get a new Jagged Edge album to groove to soon. In the meantime, below are a few classic Jagged Edge records:

Next Generation: Why You Need To Pay Attention To “Kreemo” – Wiz Khalifa & Lil Wayne Are Already On It

With the economy in shambles, many Americans are everyday becoming discouraged to continue chasing their dream. Kreemo, the Atlanta-based lifestyle clothing brand, “begs to differ.”

Know this. It’s not a fad. Known mostly for their Kreemo “Dropout” Tee, an homage to Kanye West’s College Dropout bear, this 21-year-old trio (who, by the way, are college students), has attracted both the likes of Wiz Khalifa and Lil Wayne.

In 2008 at Morehouse College in Atlanta, cousins Lavan Wright, Brian Wright, and friend, Desmond Attmore, became partners and put their minds together to create a brand they believed could be better than the clothes they were already buying:

“We used to always go downtown to SoHo and just run around. We really loved the culture, and were like 16, but we would always spend our money on Bape, BBC, Supreme, a whole bunch of stuff, and we just really loved it,” said Brian Wright, CEO of Kreemo. “Until one day, I was like, ‘Man, I definitely could come up with something that’s hotter than that!’ I went home and called my cousin Lavan, and he was down with it.”

In 2009, the Brooklyn-bred entrepreneurs scaled back to age-old advertising techniques and filled the Atlanta college scene with buttons, finely equipped with their ghost-like logo – a simple, yet strategic effort that yielded notoriety. Not too long after, upon receiving a personal call from Wiz Khalifa, the group was charged with producing the rapper’s merchandise for his debut album, Rolling Papers. And that, they did.

In our interview with CEO and brainchild behind the creation, Brian Wright, he admits, there’s no fret in Kreemo becoming a fad, revealing, “The reason why it won’t be a fad is because, it’s a lifestyle.

“It only becomes a fad when people are trying to super capitalize off it, and it’s a certain way that I want to do things. Yes, we’re going to make money off of it, but yes, we’re going to do it our way. Yes, the entertainment people are liking it, it’s becoming popular, but this is really for the world,” he added.

Kreemo, a name derived from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, a psychiatric hospital in Queens, New York, stands for “innovation in its youth,” representing more than just clothes, but a way of living, with Brian adding:

“When I was little, my grandmother would say ,“Y’all better stop acting up before I send y’all to the ‘Creemo house.’ I took that term and found out what “Creemo” really was, and made a whole concept of when you do something that’s really innovative at first, it’s always considered being a nuisance to society. Or when you’re trying to show somebody a new blueprint, they never really get it. You’re always the crazy one.

“The first person that invented the television, I’m pretty sure that when he showed the first couple of people the blueprints, they were like, ‘Aww, man, this is never really about to go down, a box where you can watch people?’ I feel like everybody can relate to that. Everybody has a story where they’re grinding, or they have this idea, and people said it couldn’t be done. The logo is a ghost, because traditionally, when you tell people that you’ve seen a ghost, they tell you you’re crazy, because they don’t see it.”

With the explosion of cool kids on Tumblr and Pinterest, these innovative entrepreneurs have amassed a huge influential following across the nation, and even overseas in countries, including Japan.

Most recently, Kreemo is planning a huge campaign, which includes working with popular Atlanta DJ Don Cannon and Hip-Hop producer Mike Will Made It. Not ones to rest on their laurels, Kreemo Tele, their video faction, are the lens behind Tank and T.I.’s official behind-the-scenes video, “Compliments,” and Curren$y and 2 Chainz’, “Capitol”.

Join the movement at Kreemo.com.

Jermaine Dupri: So So Inspired By New Artists Brandon Hines & Leah Labelle

Grammy-winning producer Jermaine Dupri is working hard to bring the So So Def army back to the spotlight. In his latest video series, he gives us a behind the scenes look into his latest signees, Brandon Hines and Leah Labelle.

While speaking with MTV, Dupri revealed: “This is the first time in a long time where an artist actually becomes a star by being on MTV,” referring to Leah Labelle whose video for “Sexify” first appeared on MTV.com.

EXCLUSIVE: Jimmy Henchman Trial Day 4 – Agents Tell Witness What To Write

(AllHipHop News) The fourth day of testimony in the trial of James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond continued today (May 17) in Federal court in Brooklyn, New York.

Federal authorities claim Rosemond headed up a $10 million-per-year cocaine operation that sold hundreds of kilos each month in the New York area, and sent millions in proceeds to the West Coast.

Today in court, federal prosecutors unveiled a number of purchases Rosemond made in cash for renovations to his luxury Brooklyn condominium.

Prosecutors produced receipts showing that Rosemond had hired a Miami, Florida company to install an audio/visual system in his condominium, which totaled $153,000.

Rosemond allegedly paid for some of the renovations by handing one contractor a bag of cash totaling $21,000.

He also paid another contractor a total of over $300,000 in cash to have to his luxury condominium refurbished.

Rosemond’s lawyer Gerald Shargel did not dispute the fact that Rosemond made a number of large purchases in cash, and implied that the proceeds came from Rosemond’s legitimate business, Czar Entertainment.

Another witness was produced, named Jillianna Quinones, who Rosemond used to date.

Quinones testified that in May of 2011, Rosemond gave her a large amount of cash to take to Los Angeles, where he planned to meet with her to pick up the money.

Quinones attempted to fly to Los Angeles, but was stopped by Federal agents, who questioned her about where the cash originated.

When she landed in Los Angeles, two more agents further questioned Quinones, took pictures of her holding a large bag of money, and allegedly forced her to sign a cooperation agreement.

“They [agents] said it was drug money,” Quinones testified. “But he [Jimmy] said that was not the case.”

According to Quinones, the agents coached her on what to write on a cooperation agreement.

Quinones, 25, even said agents told her to write that the proceeds were derived from illegal activities.

She then gave authorities Rosemond’s cell phone number, and authorities promptly seized the cash, which was still stuffed inside her Louis Vuitton knapsack, as well as another carry-on bag.

Testimony continues.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Lark Voorhies Redeems Herself!

Last week, some truly disturbing photos of Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on the ’90s hit show “Saved By The Bell”, had people everywhere wondering if something was wrong with her. Well it, turns out, the photos were just a result of a terrible makeup job.

Lark’s make-up artist tweeted a photo of Lark working on the set of a new film titled, Jessica’s Journey, and it’s safe to say that our Lisa Turtle is back! Check out the picture below:

Men everywhere can now breathe a sigh of relief! Glad to see Lark looking well, although those photos are still haunting my nightmares!

50 Cent Feeds the Hungry; Donating 250 Meals Per Set of Headphones Purchased

(AllHipHop News) Inspired by his humble beginnings in Jamaica Queens, New York, starkly contrasted from his now larger than life G-Unit empire, 50 Cent has made efforts over the last few years to embrace those who are less fortunate.

From his trips to Africa, to his Street King Energy drink charity initiatives, 50 Cent has ramped up his efforts to help those in need.

50’s embrace of those in need was most recently showcased via his efforts to support City Harvest & Feeding America, where the G-Unit mogul served over 250 meals for starving homeless people.

In association with SMS Audio, 50 has also offered to donate 250 meals to Feeding America for every set of headphones that is purchased domestically on SMSAudio.com.

View video below of 50 Cent participating in helping out people in need.

Disco Queen Donna Summer Dies, Appreciated Hip-Hop

(AllHipHop News) Donna Summer, once proclaimed the Queen of Disco, has died after a prolonged bout with cancer.

Summer was 63.

Summer, a Grammy Award-winner, had a number of hits in the 70’s and 80’s. Songs like “Last Dance” and “Bad Girls” represented the sound of a generation.

Summer continued to make music as she battled cancer.

“We spoke to someone who was with Summer a couple of weeks ago … who says she didn’t seem too bad.,” reported news/gossip site TMZ. “In fact, we’re told she was focused on trying to finish up an album she had been working on. “

Incidentally Donna Summer’s nephew is a rapper named Omega Red. They recorded a song called Angel. The song is below with other hits from the legendary songstress.

“Angel” – Omega Red featured Donna Summer

Donna Summer Master Mix

Hip-Hop Rumors: Lil Wayne And 50 Cent…Cool? Kanye & Kim! Illseed’s Quickes!

50 CENT AND LIL WAYNE?

I’m not sure how true this is, but I am hearing that 50 Cent and Lil Wayne may have had a chance encounter in the time surrounding the Floyd Mayweather fight. But, the encounter wasn’t beef related at all. I was told it was amicable and casual. If you recall, a few years ago, 50 seemed to be fishing for beef with Weezy and it didn’t happen. Hmmm…wondering if this is the beginning of some sort of coolness between them.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Did you see freakin’ 90’s rapper Akinyele has a damn strip club that made $5 million in a single week? Read it here!

That singing Tocarra is named Tocarra Hamilton and there are rumors that she is dating Lil Scrappy!

Lauren London and Trey Songz reportedly stopped dating, because she wanted him to knock her up…and he refused! Well, I do declare! I’ll knock you up, Lauren!

Mike Vick and his fiancee have set a date to get married on June 30. Congrats to the Eagle!

Is Eddie Long still scooping up young men? I don’t know.

KANYE AND KIM IN LONDON TOWN!

The unit known as KimYe hit London and were immediately besieged by the papz. Here are some of the pictures. For another doozie KimYe rumor, go over to illseed.com.

Click the image to open in full size.


Click the image to open in full size.

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LOGIC RE-EXAMINED.

Yesterday, I set off a bit of a firestorm when I compared this kid Logic to Drake.

Well, this is no retraction, but I want to make it clear, I wasn’t dissing the boy. I was simply expressing my opinion, which I think was very on-point. He sounds EXACTLY like Drake on this song with a twist of Diggy.

Now, since, I have listened to some more of Logic and I admit, he doesn’t sound like Drake on any other song I heard. Case in point:

I suppose he was inspired by AZ or Nas. I don’t know, but this is much better and actually on point.

So, in the interest of being fair, here is another dope some from Logic.

And another one:

From what I have been told, Logic has already been on AllHipHop.com several times and the site has been supportive of him. So, like I said, no diss, but that song “Numbers” ..he definitely sounds like Drake down to the ad libs. Other than that, he’s pretty talented.

Album Review: Ab-Soul’s “Control System”

Rating:  8 / 10

Kendick Lamar has established a considerable platform for his fellow Black Hippy brethren to springboard from. As a collective, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Lamar have released just a few songs under the Black Hippy name, but after the success of the latter’s Section.80, all four find themselves on Dr Dre’s Aftermath imprint; a label where even established artists like Rakim and Raekwon have failed to make an impact. While Jay Rock and Q have cut their teeth on their own independent releases, Ab-Soul is the last member out of the gate, and with his tiny output, unusual personal styling and a seemingly lack of enthusiasm for glossy production methods or large, radio-friendly hooks, he looks a very small fish in the pond where the good doctor resides.

While he might prove quite the quandary for Aftermath’s marketing department, Ab may well be the most artistically interesting of the Hippy clan. Control System (not released on Aftermath, by the way) is a long, complex record of scratchy beats, widescreen subject matter and elaborate rhyming schemes, which goes some of the way to explaining Ab’s lack of output thus far is his young career. His attention to detail is stellar, intricately building his rhymes with clever wordplay, popping syllables off each other like a well tuned jazz drummer. On “Bohemian Grove”, for example, Ab pulls out all the tricks, veering from three word bars to lengthy prose. Later, on “Illuminate” – where he addresses his unlikely place within the Hip-Hop world – his turn of speed is impressive, often putting the brakes on mid-rhyme, leaning into words slowly before jamming down on the accelerator and letting loose once more.

It’s wonderfully compelling to hear Ab construct his dense rhyme patterns, and he’s boosted by a near-flawless selection of beats. Production-wise Control System is in the same vein of Lemar’s Section.80, compiling a series of jazzy samples, AM radio soul and horror movie-esque compositions, linking instrumentation with subject matter wisely. “It was all a dream/I swear, it never happened,” opens ‘Pineal Gland’, which adds to the dark, nightmarish feel of the music. The doomed romance Ab outlays on “The Book of Soul” is beautifully scored by some ice-cold piano chords and rolling drum loops, while the scary outline of world politics on “Terrorist Threat” is appropriately foreboding.

Danny Brown shows up on “Terrorist Threat” and his manic spitting steals the show, underlining that, while Ab-Soul shows strong signs of being a great rap artist, he still has a way to go to be a truly great rapper. Still, Control System slowly reveals itself to be one of the most accomplished debut Hip-Hop records in quite some time.