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Mac Miller [BGA] “The Grow Op”
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HEATER OF THE DAY: Chase N Cashe [BGA] “Venting”
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Vado “Badman”
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Chris Webby [BGA] Ft. Mike Jerz “Got A Problem”
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FRESH HEAT: Smoke DZA “Chief”
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Clyde Carson Ft. Problem “Slow Down”
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IceBerg “The Good Bad Ugly”
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From the SXSW Video Vaults: Miguel Performs “That I Do” Live
Miguel made the rounds at last month’s South By Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival, leaving die-hard fans wanting more of his “hook-tacular” sound and stage appeal.
AllHipHop.com dug up some more video from SXSW 2012. Watch a high-quality, live performance of Miguel’s “That I Do”, a single from his Art Dealer Chic Vol.1 EP:
Miguel – That I Do SxSW from Miguel on Vimeo.
Miguel’s Art Dealer Chic Vol.3 drops on April 27. Follow him on Twitter (@MiguelUnlimited) or visit artdealerchic.com.
BOOK NOTES: A Breakdown of the Latest Urban Reads
“Reading a book is like re-writing it for yourself. You bring to a novel, anything you read, all your experience of the world. You bring your history and you read it in your own terms.” –Angela Carter
“Sometimes the rap game/ reminds me of the crack game.” –Nas
Book Editor’s Note: Recently, I won a Kindle Fire in a brief essay contest from TVOne. The Fire is a totally awesome tablet, and it has opened me, an analog girl in a digital world, up to the world of digital publishing. Online outlets such as Kindle Direct Publishing helps hundreds of people a year fulfill their dreams of becoming published authors, while sites like CreateSpace.com allow authors to prepare their books in digital and hard copy formats. These alternatives and countless others are important to self-publication, because the “book game,” can be as hard to break into as the “rap game.” Major publishing houses are few, and securing that coveted “deal” is especially challenging for urban authors.
With that in mind, this month, AllHipHop.com salutes some of the newest and hottest independent fiction authors, doing their own thing, their own way:
“Guestlist” by Jay Fingers
A freelance writer, blogger, and journalist, Jay Fingers has contributed to Billboard, soulhead, and Skin & Ink, as well as other publications. A self-professed “dandy, alcoholic, and playboy,” he recently completed his debut independent novel, “Guestlist”.
The standout debut is at the top of this list, and soon to be at the top of many others. The book is a funny and intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpse into inner workings of New York City nightlife among the Black, upwardly mobile crowd with lots of new money to burn. “Guestlist” is a page-turner from beginning to end, and one of the best independent books I’ve read in a long time.
“A Hood Chick’s Story Parts 1, 2, 3” by LaShonda DeVaughn
Most “’hood” books, especially those written by women, have a strong female character at their center. This woman is usually one who has survived any number of adversities and is now working to accomplish a goal, which usually to amass a large amount of money. Tiara is a girl from the ‘hood of Boston who struggles through all three parts of her story to find love and money. Tiara dates drug dealers and basketball players on her quest, and while the story sounds superficial on its surface, the “A Hood Chick’s Story” series is actually pretty good and well-worth its inexpensive download from Amazon.
“Swag & Floss” by Monica Marie Jones
The author of six books, Monica Marie Jones is making a healthy living as an Amazon author. Jones has also contributed to “Chicken Soup for the Girls Soul”, and “44th”, a coffeetable book about President Barack Obama. She is also a freelance columnist and hosts a radio show, “Marketing and Motivation Mondays with Monica Marie Jones”, in her hometown of Detroit. Many of Jones’ fiction titles are less than $5 in the digital format.
“The Leak” by K’wan
A well-known name in the area of urban fiction, K’wan utilized Amazon’s digital distribution channel the way many artists use mixtapes. He released a book, “The Leak,” for free as a prequel to his upcoming novel, “Welfare Wifeys”. An Essence Magazine best-selling author, K’wan Foye is the author of over a dozen books and is now distributed by a major publisher after years of independent success.
There are hundreds of other urban fiction titles available in digital format, and as this technology grows, so will the authors and aspiring authors who create it. Visit your favorite online bookstore for the latest in urban fiction… and keep reading!
Biba Adams is a Senior Staff Writer for AllHipHop.com, and is currently working on her first novel, with a free, short story, “All So Simple Then”, available now on Amazon.com. Follow her on Twitter (@BibatheDiva).
Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Ma$e Signing With MMG?
Well, well, well, it looks like Ma$e may be making another comeback to music after all. Earlier this week, we reported that Ma$e was in the studio with Omarion working on some new music. According to several sources, it was Rick Ross who brought the two together in an effort to sign Ma$e to his MMG label.
An insider within Maybach Music Group told The Source the following information:
“Yes, I think its safe to say Omarion is MMG.” As the Maybach Music empire continues to evolve, it may not end there. Seems as if there is another offer on the table, I don’t want to let no cats out the bag but we’ll see what’s good with Ma$e.”
When pressed about what the roster may look like in the upcoming months, “As far as newest members Omarion and shout out to Ma$e if he wants to get down with this movement then we’ll see what happens.”
With Kanye West using two Ma$e lines in his new smash “Way Too Cold” (“TheraFlu”), it’s pretty safe to say that Ma$e is a hot commodity right now. He IS your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper, after all. Well, at least he’s Kanye’s self-proclaimed favorite rapper.
Do you think Ma$e on MMG is a good look?
Hip-Hop Rumors: Are Jay-Z And Beyonce Working On Baby #2 Already?
According to Star Magazine, Jay-Z and Beyonce are eager to give Blue Ivy a sibling, and are already working on Baby #2. The couple allegedly wants their children to be close in age, and began working on creating another million dollar baby while on vacation last week in St. Barts. Check out a few excerpts from the magazine below:
“They see no reason to wait.”
“Beyonce has said giving birth and dropping the baby weight was far easier than she thought.”
“It took them a while to conceive Blue Ivy, so they don’t want to waste another second.”
“Beyonce and Jay-Z adore being parents, and they’re as hands-on as they possibly can be. Beyonce has found a passion other than music, and it’s being a mom.”
Well, they sure can afford to have another child, and Jay-Z isn’t getting any younger. Good luck to the Carters!
Maino, Prodigy, Lisa Evers Host “Push 4 Peace” Festival
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Maino has linked with New York Giants’ star Kareem McKenzie and Lisa Evers’ of Hot 97 to host the second annual “Push 4 Peace” festival.
“Our Hot 97 ‘Street Soldiers’ listeners are always asking us for ways to move towards safe, productive lives and away from the random gun violence and negativity of the streets,” Lisa Evers said.
The “Push 4 Peace” festival, which will take place in the Bronx, is aimed at keeping youth off the streets and offering alternatives to street violence.
The “Push 4 Peace” festival will feature panel discussions, free GED classes, free giveaways and more.
Other guests appearing during the festival include Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Webstar, New York Giants’ Brandon Bing and others.
“This event will not only offer great music and entertainment but also guidance to so many of our young adults who day by day are faced with tough decisions. The purpose of this event is to reinforce them that there are adults in their communities who care and will stand by them and help steer them away from street violence,” added Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
The “Push 4 Peace” festival will take place on Saturday April 28 at The Hostos Arts Center at the Hostos Community College from 1pm-5pm.
Nicki Minaj’s Top 5 “Think Like A Man” Moments
Steve Harvey started something a few years back with his bestselling book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man”. With his hilarious comedic wit and grown man sensibilities, Harvey seemingly “gave up the goods” on the secrets that men don’t want women to figure out in dealing with them in relationships.
This weekend, the film adaptation of the book – Think Like A Man – hits theaters everywhere, starring Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, and more. With its star-packed cast, there are sure to be some laughs, with a few good lessons in between.
Before we hit the theaters to check the flick out for ourselves this weekend, we got to thinking…Who in Hip-Hop can flip the gender script with ease, and knows what the fellas are thinking, but can turn on the feminine charm, too?
Ahh, yes. Nicki Minaj.
It takes quite a bit of bravado to bang with the best of the boys in the booth. Nicki has proven that time and time again, she’s both ballsy and flamboyantly fabulous, a hard combination to conjure in Hip-Hop. AllHipHop.com considers Nicki Minaj’s Top 5 “Think Like A Man” moments:
5. Wearing the Pants in Her Relationship with Safaree
We keep hearing about their notorious fights, where she wrestles with him and kicks him off video sets and photo shoots. Then, seemingly days later, he’s back again. There are photos of her kissing Drake, Weezy, well, heck, everyone in YMCMB. Still, Safaree is widely believed to be her steady man and former (or possibly current?) fiance.’
We’re not sure what’s up with them. But he keeps coming back, and when she leaves the room, “he’ll be talking again.” Dang, Safaree, but that’s real pimpish of Nicki.
“I am the female Weezy/ This sh*t is easy…”
4. Recklessly Calling The Queen Bee a “Stupid Hoe”, “Bubbles”, “Baby Bop”…
The hook to “Stupid Hoe” is so Pop, it almost gives you cavities to listen to it. But if you’re truthful, Nicki keeps taking jabs at a certain Brooklyn Babe, and her nemesis hasn’t take many successful shots back. Like a skillful boxer in the ring, Ms. Minaj has been strategic with her Kim-knockouts, randomly throwing punches on radio shows and diss tracks whenever she feels like it, and not taking a defensive posture.
“These b*tches is my sons/ And I don’t want custody…”
There’s no ripped shirts, snatched-off weaves, or claws-a-scratching in this girlfight. Nicki’s jock strap is on tight, and the judge’s decision is that Kim should either “man up” or make friends.
3. Roman’s Always Reloaded
Then there’s that strange “guy” she turns into – mostly when she’s about to rip some male MC to shreds on a collaboration. She goes particularly boy-crazy on “Roman’s Revenge” featuring Enimem, and even conjures up the spirit of old Busta Rhymes (“Rah, rah/ like a dungeon dragon”).
She “holds her own” easily on the track, anchored by Slim Shady’s ever-intense lyricism and flow. Roman definitely acts like a lady but thinks like a man. Is it “his/her” fault that all of you b*tches is gone?
2. The 2012 Grammys/Catholic Church Fiasco
There was nothing particularly ladylike about the blood, gore, and Satanic ratchetness of Nicki Minaj’s Grammy-capping performance this year. Though she was dressed as a fair maiden and Little Red Riding Hood in portions, only a man (say, like Yeezy) would have the cajones to create such a stir at the classy and coveted awards show.
Before the spectacle, Drake introduces her as “beautiful, intelligent, and driven,” but a testosterone-filled Nicki was too busy performing a seance, cavorting with a priest, and offending the heck out of everyone to care about that.
1. The Big Sean “Azz” Video
Even if you stripped her of her sexy ‘fits and protruding posterior, you still have to admit. Nicki Minaj man-handled Detroit’s Big Sean on his own track.
“Big-Big-Big Sean/ boy, how big is you?/ Give me all your money/ And give me all your residuals/ And slap it on my azz, azz, azz, azz, azz…”
Oh, and somebody point her to “the best a** eater?” Enough said. Watch the video:
Think Like A Man is in theaters now. Watch the official trailer below:
Hip-Hop Rumors: Drake The P### Star?
Drake has admitted in a recent interview that he has filmed several adult tapes with numerous women. But the YMCMB rapper isn’t trying to become a p### star in his spare time; he shoots the video for his personal viewing pleasure ,and is 100% sure that those tapes will never leak – because he owns every single one! Check out his comment below:
“If I’m drunk, I’mma go out the back door. I ain’t gonna walk out the front so you see me stumbling and dropping my keys. I’m not that guy, I’m not that dumb. I wanna be in this position as long as I possibly can. I mean, I will be honest, any tape I’ve ever made, I own it.”
Drake has dated several famous women, including Rihanna, Serena Williams, and a bunch of video models, including Maliah Michel and Dollcia Bryant. I wonder which one of those women were foolish enough to let him keep the tape?
VIDEO: Cool, Little Homie Stars as Kanye West in Renamed “Way Too Cold” Video
Kanye West is dropping some winners lately, and “Theraflu”…oops, “Way Too Cold”, has already garnered more online hits than spins for its name-changing news.
The man behind the DJ Khaled-assisted track has recently revealed the miniature star-in-the-making who serves as the lead in the visual.
Watch the video below of “Young Yeezy” serving up plenty of sizzurp to a lady far beyond his years:
Kanye West – Way Too Cold ft. DJ Khaled (Explicit) NEW * Theraflu * from Ashley Smith on Vimeo.
VIDEO: “Think Like A Man” Red Carpet Premiere In NYC
With a stellar ensemble cast of some of Hollywood’s best and brightest stars, Think Like A Man is projected to come in at #1 this weekend at the box office, raking in an estimated $20 million.
The film, which is based on the Steve Harvey book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man”, follows four male friends whose lives are turned upside down when the ladies they are pursuing buy Harvey’s book and start implementing his advice. The guys soon realize what is going on and decided to conspire to use the book against the woman.
Last week in New York City, many of the films stars came out for the red carpet premiere in Times Square. AllHipHop.com was on the scene and chatted with some of the cast, including funny man Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Terrence J, Jerry Ferrera, Michael Ealy, and and La La Anthony, to name a few.
Check out the video below to hear about the film straight from the sources:
Think Like A Man is in theaters now.
Hip-Hop Rumors: AUDIO of Suge Knight Saying He’s “Not Convinced” Tupac Is Dead
Former head honcho of Death Row Records, Suge Knight, has fueled conspiracy theorists everywhere by publicly saying that he is “not convinced” that Tupac is dead and believes that he may be in hiding.
In an interview today with 93.5 KDay in L.A., Knight says that he believes that Tupac faked his own death. He goes on to explain why cops never found Pac’s murderer – because there was no murder.
AUDIO: Part 1 of the KDay interview with Suge Knight
AUDIO: Part 2 of the KDay interview with Suge Knight
“Maybe the question is … Pac’s not really dead … Pac’s somewhere else,” Knight says.
When asked if he ever saw Tupac’s body following the 1996 shooting, he adds, “Nobody seen Tupac dead. ”
Knight explains, “The person who supposedly cremated Tupac … this guy got about 3 million dollars .. personally from me … cash … and next thing I know I never heard from the guy or seen him again … he retired and left.”
Yelawolf Returns To the Road After Rupturing Spleen
(AllHipHop News) Alabama rapper Yelawolf is back to touring after a serious medical incident left him sidelined.
Yelawolf suffered from a ruptured spleen in March of 2012, forcing him abruptly end his tour after a stop in Wisconsin.
Today (April 20), Yelawolf announced that he is launching a new world tour starting tomorrow in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The rapper has 26-dates lined up, ranging from clubs to festivals like
Bonnaroo Music and the H2O Music Festival.
Check the dates out below:
April 21
Greensboro, NC
Greene Street Music Hall
22
Asheville, NC
The Orange Peel
24 Orlando, FL
Beacham Theater
25 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Culture Room
26
30 Miami, FL
Kid Rock Chillin’ The Most Cruise
May 4
Manchester, ENG
Manchester Academy
5 Dublin, IRL
Academy
8 Amsterdam, NL
Melkweg (Old Hall)
10 Bern, SWI
Dachstock
11 Paris, FR
La Cigale
12 Brussels, BE
VK Club
14 London, ENG
The Electric Ballroom
15 Bristol, ENG
O2 Academy 2
16 Birmingham, ENG
O2 Academy Birmingham
18 Gulf Shores, AL
Hangout Beach Festival
30 Detroit, MI
St. Andrew’s Hall
31 Palatine, IL
Durty Nellie’s
June 2
Kansas City, MO
Richard Berkley Riverfront Park
3 Omaha, NE
The Slowdown
4 St. Louis, MO
Plush
5 Covington, KY
Madison Theater
6 Louisville, KY
Expo Five
7 Manchester, TN
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
9 Dallas, TX
H2O Festival (Cotton Bowl)
VIDEO: Rihanna and NBA Stars Kevin Durant & James Harden “Prepare for Battle”
The Spring/Summer movie season is well underway, and the battle for Earth is on when Battleship hits theaters on Friday, May 18.
In what is sure to be a promotional blitz for the big budget flick, there’s a new video on the streets featuring the “Queen of R&B (Raunch & Badgirl)”, Rihanna, along with NBA players Kevin Durant and James Harden.
The “Prepare for Battle” snippet video showcases the ballers with live-action basketball, and Rihanna and her superhero-self fighting to save the planet. If anyone can beat down a bad guy in the end – it’s Rihanna.
Directed by Peter Berg (Hancock, The Kingdom, Friday Night Lights), Battleship is the latest film adaptation of a game, video game, or classic comic book hero. According to creators, it is an “epic-scale action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.”
Battleship opens in theaters everywhere on May 18.