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With many quick to write off the ‘slow sippin city’ of Houston as just another casualty in a fickle industry, there is a group of lyrical, yes lyrical, savages clamoring to be heard.

Standing firmly within Slim Thug’s influential Boss Hogg Outlawz camp, Le$ has quickly made his own name and gained an impressive following through sheer skill and lyrical prowess.

Having already performed alongside the likes of Dom Kennedy, Mac Miller, Paul Wall, Big K.R.I.T., Slim Thug, and the legendary Bun B just to name a few, Le$ is well on his way to solidifying his own spot in Houston.

Though, if MTV Hive is to believed, he’s already currently one of the five best underground artists in the city. AllHipHop.com checked for more of Breeding Ground’s Le$:

AllHipHop.com: When speaking about the growing underground scene in Houston, your name consistently comes into the mix. What first brought you into the game?

Le$: I used to be the guy that said oh I never want to be a rapper. I was in college (University of Houston) for psychology. I used to hang around on campus, and boys would be freestyling and I’m thinking, I can do that sh*t, too. So I did.

AllHipHop.com: Just like that, eh? So what prompted the transition from college student to artist?

Le$: Once I figured out I was actually any good at it, I hustled up the money and bought my own equipment. I liked college, I even considered going to law school after getting my psychology degree, but it was really just a way to get out of Louisiana. Once I officially got into music, I put my all into it.

AllHipHop.com: Louisiana? So you’re not a native Texan?

Le$: Nah I’m originally from N.O., but I’ve been in Houston for over 10 years now, though.

AllHipHop.com: In just four years, you’ve gone on to release over 10 projects on your own, not to mention collaborative efforts. How has the road been getting to this point?

Le$: When I first started out, I was new to this and I was on my own. I’m not from here, and I didn’t know anybody. All I could do was press up my CDs and get my music out. I figured if I handed enough out, word of mouth would get it into the right people’s hand. I just wanted to get my music into as many hands as possible. But sometimes I had to take a break and just work. Crazy thing is, I was actually on a break from music when it ended up in (Party Boy) DJ Mr. Rogers’ hands, and then he hit me.

AllHipHop.com: …which resulted in your first collaborative project with him, Settle For Le$. Do you feel as if that project was a game changer for you?

Le$: Up until then, I had run into Slim maybe 10-15 times and just kept handing him my music. It definitely gained attention and recognition. Even though Rogers works with Boss Hogg as well, they didn’t just let me walk onto the team. They had heard my sh*t and saw me putting in work. When I was finally made a member of Boss Hogg, I used the name and opportunity they gave me to get my buzz up, but I had to pay dues. I got into the studio, and I put in the work. Now Slim is like a brother. He’s looked out for me, and he definitely still looks out for the city.

AllHipHop.com: You’ve opened for artists like J. Cole, as well as worked with rising artists like BIG K.R.I.T. and Curren$y. What are your thoughts on reaching out for features?

Le$: A lot of sh*t I’ve done is people that I was already, and still am cool with. But in general, I believe in earning everything. I’ve never had to pay for a show or a feature. The best way to get someone to work with you…is to earn it.

AllHipHop.com: You’ve become known for successfully incorporating classic beats into your work. Do you feel as if this is your signature style?

Le$: Some of my projects, like Settle 4 Le$ or Beautiful Struggle, were done over completely original music. While others like Le$ is More was over a lot of classic Texas beats, and Menace was done over a lot of West Coast beats. Anybody can rap over ‘what’s hot,’ but it’s harder to rap over a classic. I don’t like to sound like anybody but myself, and I think that people gravitate towards my music because it’s something different. I’m original. Anytime someone has said, ‘Oh you sound like so and so,’ I work on it. I don’t want to sound like anyone but my damn self.

AllHipHop.com: There are many who have dubbed you one of the hardest working new artists out of Houston. In addition to kicking off your first official tour in Texas and an upcoming show with Chief Keef, what do you have planned for the future?

Le$: My latest mixtape, More Le$, is out now. Sh*t, I’m just going to keep working. You have to stay relevant. I don’t mind working hard, because in this game, if you stop, you die.

DOWNLOAD LE$’ MORE LE$ HERE

Visit the official Le$ website, and follow him on Twitter (@settle4leS).

AHH Stray News: Ludacris Acts, Diggy, Cash Out Give Back, Kendrick Hits #1

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Nov 2, 2012 at 9:32amCategory: MOBILE

(AllHipHop News) Atlanta Hip-Hop star Ludacris will star in the sixth installment of “The Fast and Furious” movie franchise. Ludacris will reprise his role as “Tej” in the movie, which will also start Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel. The rapper is also busy promoting his eighth studio album Ludaversal, which is due in stores in early 2013. The rapper recently released the third single from Ludaversal, which is titled “Rest of My Life.” The new single, which was produced by David Guetta, also features Usher. “Rest of My Life” is scheduled to go into rotation across the country on November 19.

Rapper Diggy Simmons and rapper Cash Out will take part in the 30th annual Coats For Kids 2012 Radiothon, to benefit The Salvation Army. The charitable event is being sponsored by FM98 WJLB, who will broadcast the coat drive live. The goal is to help WJLB raise as much money and as many coats for needy children in the metro Detroit area. Diggy will autograph and raffle off his own jacket, while items by signed by Eminem and Royce Da 5’9 are expected to help raise funds as well. The Coats For Kids 2012 Radiothon takes place at the HYPE Recreation Center in Dearborn Heights, Michigan on Saturday, November 3.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar’s New album good kid, m.A.A.d. city has landed at #2 on the Billboard 100 and #1 on the Billboard Rap and Billboard R&B charts. Kendrick’s good kid, m.A.A.d. city sold over 241,000 copies, bested only by pop singer Taylor Swift, whose latest release Red is currently the #1 record in the United States. In related news, Kendrick Lamar will hit the stage at the O2 Academy Brixton on November 12, as part of BBC Radio 1Xtra Live London.

Exclusive – 5 & Done: Don Trip

By: Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG) Updated Nov 2, 2012 at 9:10amCategory: Features

“I feel like honest music is what keeps Hip-Hop alive.” Simplistic eloquence encompasses Don Trip’s statement. Afflicted and ameliorated by personal experiences, this Memphis son continues to share his perspective. Expressing humanity through broad lyrical strokes, his words are life. Trip’s artistic journey is appreciated. Already, the Interscope signee has earned the acclaimed distinction of being inducted into XXL‘s 2012 Freshman Class.

Mr. Don Trip’s latest project, Help Is On The Way, recently dropped. Contemplating trap-n*gga-outreach to understanding the conflicted mindset of a single-mother possessed by resentment, this confident MC demonstrates that as long as there’s life, there’s hope. With that that, AllHipHop.com secures an exclusive interview from Don Trip:

AllHipHop.com: Thank you for this exclusive with Help Is On the Way. Please explain the concept behind constructing it as a mixtape/documentary. During its creation, were there any unique challenges or rewards?

Don Trip: For the most part, the challenges were clearing the beats. Actually, I approached this as if it wasn’t my album. I actually went after big-name producers, and for the most part, I tried to do the same with the features. I didn’t want to flood it out with features because, again, I wanted it to feel like it was my album. And, the reason I did that was because the time for me to put out an album is indefinite. It’s undetermined, and the fact that we don’t know, I’d rather keep giving out good music instead of doing the same old thing.

Help Is On The Way has multiple meanings: for one, for my family, we have an opportunity to pursue other things, to make money other than the way that we’re used to, and that we’re accustomed to. Where we come from, we get to make some music outside the trap, basically. For the music industry and for the people who actually enjoy quality, honest music, realistic music, you know, help is on the way. I feel like [today’s music scene] is very empty when it comes to people speaking their minds, and speaking their hearts through the music. Right now, it’s just party music. It’s party music, or that shoot-them-up-bang-bang! I feel like that’s something that’s needed. I feel like honest music is what keeps Hip-Hop alive.

AllHipHop.com: Is “She Want” the lead single? What was the thought process behind choosing this track to lead off?

Don Trip: Actually, “She Want” is the second single. The first single was “Prolly”, featuring Yo Gotti. You hear a lot of records all the time, ‘It ain’t tricking if you got it.’ Where I grew up from, it’s still tricking, no matter what. So, I just felt like the people that grew up the way that I grew up—the people that believe in what I believe—if I’m going to give a woman the world, it’s going to be my woman. I’m not going to randomly give women everything that they want. I’m not tricking, period.

I feel like it’s a lot of people who feel the way I feel. With that record, I wanted to show that she gets what she wants, but she’s mine. That’s why she gets what she wants. Juicy J was on it; I felt like it made more sense than anything, because Juicy J got more history with those kinds of records. So, I felt like that added a great touch to it.

AllHipHop.com: You’re quoted as saying, “The more honest I am, the more open I am with exploring everything, the more people will cling on it, and will be able to relate to what I’m saying.” As a man and as an MC, from this tape, which track best demonstrates your bottom-line-truth?

Don Trip: “Hold Back Tears,” I don’t know which number that is on the tape. But I think, “Hold Back Tears,” is one of the most standout records. It’s a very personal record. For the most part, it’s based off my upbringing, my life, so to speak. There’s a lot more [powerful] tracks on it, too. That’s one of the main ones that gives you a quick biographical look at my life.

AllHipHop.com: When you’re creating music, in relation to your personal intent, versus the public’s interpretation of what they hear through you music, how are you learning to relinquish creative possessiveness?

Don Trip: I actually approach every record like I’m painting a picture. When people view pictures they see what they want to see. Anyway, they take their own interpretations from it. I feel like, if I go in making the kind of record, then I’m trying to cater to a certain perspective, then it will never work. It’s only a certain amount of people who will fully understand my point-of-view. I just try to give you my point-of-view, and hopefully, at some point, you’ll be able to relate to it. If not all of it, then you may be able to find something that you can relate to. That’s why I try to keep it as honest as possible.

AllHipHop.com: Until the next time, what future projects should your supporters anticipate? Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Don Trip: The most important project is, Step Brothers 2 is on the way. We’re actually still recording and putting it together. That’s two of the most exciting projects to date. The first Step Brothers was exciting to me and ‘Lito, both. So, Step Brothers 2 is on the way.

Yeah, I have to be a rapper; so, follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @MrDonTrip.

Election Opinion: Why Mitt Romney Deserves Your Vote

By: seandrasims Updated Nov 2, 2012 at 9:01amCategory: MOBILE

Editor’s Note: The real beauty of living in a Democracy is the right to choose. And while the choice is clear to us at AllHipHop.com, there are always two sides to any story – and presidential election. The following is a respectable argument in favor of Mitt Romney for President of the United States. We highly suggest you read it, but with all due respect, it hasn’t swayed our vote! Election Day is just six days away – get to the polls…and Vote Early if you can!

Why Mitt Romney Deserves Your Vote by Wayne Bradley

When voting for your next President of The United States, don’t just think about the present economy, which is doing terribly; think about the future and what you want for yourself and your children.

Although in Hip-Hop circles and the urban community, President Obama is the “hip” pick in this election, with an endorsement from Jay-Z included, there is simply not much you can point to that has been good for urban communities and the future generations. Spending has gone up, along with the deficit that will be left for us to pay for, long after our parents and grandparents are gone. Simply based on resumes alone, Mitt Romney is far more qualified and has a better track record of “leadership,” which is the key word.

President Obama has blamed George Bush for the last four years, and that is not what a leader does. The national average of unemployment is at 8%, while African American unemployment is near 14% – these are the facts. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for African Americans between the ages of 16 and 19 reached 49 percent, up from 45.4 percent in August and 41.7 percent for the same period last year. A young person can’t even get a job at McDonald’s right now because older people are taking those jobs. This lack of opportunities is what fuels the crime, selling drugs, and lack of hope for our young people.

We need a leader with the business background to turn this country around, and Mitt Romney has those qualifications. From his days at Bain Capital, to turning around the Olympics in 2002 in Utah, and with a successful stint as Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney is a proven leader. The country has been running in place for the last four years, and has not got better. Sure, President Obama has ensured it did not get worse in his tenure, but this country has to move forward, and President Obama has not shown in four years he is going to make that happen. Looking back now, President Obama did not have a leadership background, and that should have been more examined.

I appreciate as an African American male that President Obama has a proven to be a great family man, a role model, and a beacon of hope for a lot of young men. I just don’t think his policy and vision are all that great for America and, in particular, for urban America. The first four years of President Obama’s administration, Choice in Education initiatives, and the ridiculous war on drugs has been ignored, instead focusing on big campaign issues like Obama care and Green Energy, which have both contributed to job killing bills and reckless use of federal money on companies that were bad investments from the start. Even on social issues, his support of Gay Marriage was nothing more than a campaign tool. He only took that position to gain more votes, possibly recognizing the urban vote is not in his back pocket as in 2008.

I encourage everyone to do your own research to determine the best candidate for yourself. If you want to one day own a business of your own, or are a business owner, I can confidently tell you Mitt is the better candidate for you. You want someone as President who understands how business is run, simply look at the resumes again – there is no comparison. You might like President Obama’s speeches and personality more, but I suggest you really look at the track records of both of these gentlemen.

As African Americans, we are not obligated to vote for Democrats as they suggest, but they should earn our vote, and quite simply, the vote has not been earned this time. We can do better than 14% unemployment for African Americans and almost 50% for our youth looking for work. We have to do better. Don’t be fooled by all the distractions of fear mongering by the media and celebrity endorsements. Look at the records, and decide for yourself. Get past the emotional attachment, and vote for what is best for this country, and that man is Mitt Romney.

Wayne Bradley is a conservative radio host and political pundit, and a serious Hip-Hop head. You can listen to his show HERE.

Visit Wayne Bradley’s official website, follow him on Twitter (@wbconservative), or send e-mail to **@****************ol.com.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Yo Gotti Responds To Gucci Mane’s Taunts

By: ginatorres27 Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 5:10pmCategory: MOBILE

Both Gucci Mane and Yo Gotti released their mixtapes on the same day and Gucci Mane let the world know that he wasn’t feeling that too much on a diss record and in a recent interview with HOT 107.9.

“My main problem with him is that he dropped his mixtape on 10/17 and tried to ride my wave like he’s an artist of mine or we get some kinda money together,” Gucci said. “Why would you drop it if you ain’t on 1017 and when I call you as my partner to ask you why you did it, you say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you were droppin’ a mixtape’? … It just made me lose all respect for him instantly.”

Yo Gotti has decided not to stay mum on the issue and spoke on it in a recent interview with K97.1. Check out what he said about confronting Gucci Mane on the telephone about the issue:

“He never reached out to me. I still ain’t thinking nothing about it because he supposed to be my homeboy. You get what I’m saying? And then last minute we in the lab, we heard about the tweet. When we heard about the tweet I immediately hit his phone like, ‘What’s up homie? You good?’ And we chopped it up. And long story short, from that point I realized that homie had an issue for whatever reason it was.”

Are you taking sides in this rap beef? Check out Yo Gotti’s full interview below:

Email me your rumors at Sy***********@***il.com

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Spotted at Sohh.com

Hip-Hop Rumors: Is This A New Photo Of Blue Ivy Carter?

By: ginatorres27 Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 1:30pmCategory: MOBILE

Jay-Z and Beyonce haven’t officially released photos of their first-born child, Blue Ivy Carter, since the ones they released during her first few days of life. Since then the long lens of the paparazzi and that sneaky shopper at Bloomingdale’s have given us grainy images of B.I.C. that sort of, kinda give us a glimpse into what she looks like.

There is an image circulating the net that people are saying is a new photo of Blue Ivy Carter. Pic below:

There has been no confirmation from the Carter family on the authenticity of the photo, but Bossip was nice enough to mock up some side by side comparison photos so we can come to our own conclusion.

You seen Jigga and Blue Ivy Carter above, check out Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter below:

That looks like it could be the same baby to me.

Email me your rumors at Sy***********@***il.com

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The Hindsight of Chaundon: From The Justice League To “The Jammington”

By: seandrasims Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 1:08pmCategory: Features

Known for his braggadocious lyrics and a spitting style that envelopes the eardrums as only a true Justice League superhero could, Chaundon proves that no matter what the Bronx native has going on, his ability to switch projects and roles quickly (and to rhyme without worries or repercussions) has enabled him to be on top of his game without exception.

Check out AllHipHop.com’s recent sit down with Chaundon:

AllHipHop.com: Thanks, Chaundon, for chopping it up with AllHipHop.com today! Can you talk to us about your current project? What’s its name, and who did you work with on it?

Chaundon: What up! The current project out right now is my new album, The Jammington, produced entirely by ATG, except for two tracks that I produced (The Gemstones “Hindsight” & “B##”). I wanted to show the world that I got beats, too, ya dig?

I also got the chance to work with some incredible people to make a timeless album, which includes the legendary Craig G., VonPea of Tanya Morgan, YC The Cynic, Brian Lamarr of Family Biz Ent., DJ Flash, and Skillz The DJ.

AllHipHop.com: What was the concept behind your project?

Chaundon: To be honest with you, there wasn’t a particular concept behind the album [laughter]. I just wanted to make an album with a bunch of jams, hence the title, The Jammington. ATG and I had been going back and forth for a few months figuring out the sound of the album before I ever thought about writing a song. Then I hopped on a plane back to NYC and went to ATG’s studio at 9 in the morning and started writing and recording the album, and a week later it was complete. And, shout to BL (Family Biz Entertainment) for mixing and mastering the album!

AllHipHop.com: Will there be any new videos to support The Jammington?

Chaundon: So far, I have two videos out. “Hindsight”, directed by me (The Gemstars)…

… and “Prosperity” featuring YC The Cynic and DJ Flash, directed by Alex Ghassan.

I have two more videos in the stash, “Skyline” featuring DJ Flash directed by Brandon Cooklin, and “Conviction” directed by Civil Productions, and they will be out soon!

AllHipHop.com: What has the release of your latest LP taught you about both the music industry and your place within it?

Chaundon: I don’t pay much attention to any of that. My only focus is to maintain my integrity and make timeless music that my fan base can listen to and pass on to others who have never heard of me.

AllHipHop.com: Is there anything that you learned about yourself during the last few months that surprised you?

Chaundon: I am surprised on how I am able to run a label, be an artist, an A&R, publicist, producer, director, and not crack under the weight of my own genius! [laughter]

AllHipHop.com: What message do you hope your fans are gaining from all of your recent projects? What lessons, if any, are your fans teaching you?

Chaundon: The message my fans are gaining from my recent projects is I am nicer than a lot of rappers, and I pick beats better than most. The lessons I am learning from my fans are to keep doing what I am doing and they will keep supporting me.

AllHipHop.com: Can you please give us five words to describe yourself as an artist?

Chaundon: 1. Dope 2. Consistent 3. Innovator 4. Lyricist 5. Timeless

AllHipHop.com: Lastly, in a perfect Hip-Hop world, who would you want to collaborate with?

Chaundon: To keep it real with you and all the readers, I have the perfect Hip-Hop world right now, and it keeps handing me unbelievable opportunities! Look at the the people I have worked with in the past. It is an amazing list of legends and up-and-coming legends. So, instead of me making a hypothetical list of people I want to work with, I want all of you to sit back and watch who I will be working with. I am experiencing an exciting journey, and my 13-year-old self is losing his mind because I have worked with artists I looked up to in the ’90s. How real is that!?

AllHipHop.com: How can the fans find you?

Chaundon: My fans and the new fans can find me on Twitter (@CHAUNDON @THEGEMSTONES @GOLDENERAMUSIC), on my webpage, on Skype (the realchaundon), and my album is on sale right now on iTunes.