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A Soulful ’90s Comeback: Former Xscape Member LaTocha Scott Brings Her Voice To NYC

By: @KareemTaylor Updated Category: Alternatives
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In the early ’90s, certain R&B groups (and certain record labels) ruled the airwaves, and part of that era was super producer Jermaine Dupri and the talented singing quartet, Xscape. Though the group eventually disbanded, there were well-received solo efforts from many of its members. Kandi Burruss is a fixture on reality TV and is a noted songwriter. Tameka “Tiny” Cottle hit the jackpot by marrying rap megastar T.I. years ago.

And notably, its lead singer, Latocha Scott, is now in New York City, preparing to kick off her new tour.

Scott’s most recent single “Complicated” features Maybach Music Group’s Wale, and immediately pulls you in as she stretches her vocals over the dramatic beat about the complications within her relationship. When we spoke to LaTocha recently, we asked her if she feels her responsibility has changed, and she boldly admits:

“We were always ahead of our time with songs like “Understanding”. So now, I just want to make sure I give timeless music. Something they can always listen to later. The same way Anita Baker did for me. Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey.”

On if it’s challenging being a solo artist, Scott says:

“I don’t call it challenging. When you love what you do and you’re passionate about it, everything is forever evolving so you definitely have to keep up with the times. For the children, they’re our ears right now at this point. I’ll talk to my son and he’ll say you may want to get on a song with ‘this person’ or ‘that person,’ but changing who I am as a person or my vocal ability, I don’t think I’ll ever do that because that’s not who I am.”

On the chance of an Xscape reunion, Scott reveals:

“If the stars line up, then, so be it. I would love to do another Xscape reunion.”

And though Scott is committed to the music, she spends a lot of her time with her charitable foundation, Golden Girl, where she speaks to young girls about self esteem and self love:

“It’s very dear to my heart. It focuses on developing and magnifying self love. I just want to let these young girls know to never let someone else’s negative opinion to become your reality because I didn’t. You can always overcome adversity by just believing in yourself.”

Scott’s EP, Complicated: The Truth in the Booth, comes out this August. Her album is scheduled for release at the top of 2013.

Check out LaTocha Scott live in New York on Sunday, August 12 at B.B. Kings.

UPDATE: Detroit’s Young Calicoe Remains Under Investigation for Animal Abuse Operation

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) Nearly a month ago, Detroit rapper Young Calicoe stunned the online world when he released a viral video of him bragging about a dog and c### fighting business that he organized and managed in the backyard of his Detroit home.

Days later, the video was brought to the attention of the Detroit Police Department, and shortly thereafter, Young Calicoe’s residence was raided by the FBI, and they removed numerous roosters and pitbulls from the residence.

Now nearly a month removed from the filming of Calicoe’s boisterous video and the raid of his operation, the investigation still continues, as prosecutors look to file criminal charges against the Detroit battle rapper.

The “MTV Cribs-esque” video was filmed on 12200 block of West Outer Drive in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood, and Calicoe’s management has since said that the video was merely for  a “skit” to an upcoming video, although the Humane Society clearly sees things differently.

“The issue is still ongoing,” Kevin Hatman of the Humane Society told MLive.com, a local Michigan website. “There’s a lot that goes into a potential dog fighting prosecution. Right now, we’re waiting on the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to make a charging decision.”

“That’s all it was, entertainment, that’s it,” Calicoe’s manager explained. “He’s just sitting back waiting for this to just blow over, so he can eventually talk about it, so there’s no unanswered questions.”

Filming for the video is credited to Midnight TV Hood Reality, and there is no word on if the film crew will also face criminal charges for partaking in the video’s creation.

Calicoe has also renounced the video, pleading with fans and viewers to alert him of any future videos online: “If u find a video of me “FIGHTING DOGS” PLEEEEZE LET ME KNO”

At the time of the FBI’s raid, Detroit Police Chief Godbee told ABC News Detroit, “We’re very confident that we shut down an operation that is not contributing to the quality of life of this neighborhood.”

He went on to say, “I want to thank the media for the attention that you brought to this because the humane treatment of animals … It is very important to us and some of the conditions that we saw, without going into detail, gave a lot of credence to support what, I think, is going to be a prosecutable case going forward.”

More news as details emerge.

The Top 5 People Rick Ross Should Forgive

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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The title of Rick Ross’s new album is very compelling. God Forgives, I Don’t. The statement in itself makes you never want to get on Rick’s bad side. Nevertheless, forgiveness really helps that one that has been done wrong. It rarely tortures the person that did wrong in the first place. This means forgiveness is true liberation.

With that, it is high time that Rick Ross make a few exceptions to his mantra and bury the hatchet.

1) Officer Ricky and Wicklow Entertainment

There is no way that Rick Ross has not seen Officer Ricky on YouTube. If he hasn’t, he should. A parody is one of the highest forms of comedic flattery. It’s right below the comedic roast. Ask Flavor Flav about that distinction. While he’s never acknowledged them, he’s got to forgive them for clowning, because their videos are gut-busting funny. With that, the first instinct would be to get upset. But, after it fades…forgive. Ross was never a la policia anyway!

Officer Ricky – “Donuts”

This is too funny. Undeniable.

2) 50 Cent

I know, unthinkable. How could Rick Ross possibly forgive his most formidable opponent? All the things 50 Cent did with Rick’s baby moms, his kids, and reputation? Boxers can fight for 12 rounds and hug even after all the pre-fight trash talk. Ross should let it go. Be friends with 50 Cent. Give him a ginormous hug. He’s still a monster in the game of entertainment and can help Rozay in a number of ways. If Nas and Jay can re-kill an already dead beef, so can these current titans. (On the low, surviving the 50 Cent beef made Ross way stronger.)

3) Young Jeezy

I’ll never forget when Rick Ross and Young Jeezy’s beef was at its height. AllHipHop was “chillin” with Ross in a backstreet parking lot in ATL. It was tense (Steve Raze as my witness). You could cut the tension with a set of clippers. Jeezy appeared to be on a rampage, and Ross was steadily rising. But, lo and behold, we discovered these awesome Southern rappers could co-exist and maintain their relevance. Now, Rick Ross recently suggested he’d be willing to record a joint album with Jeezy. “As far as I’m concerned, bring that money bag, let’s shake the world up, that’s what Double M-G is about,” Ross proclaimed! I think he should have said, “I’d like to be BFFs with Young Jeezy.” This would have tripled the impact of the inference that he was willing to forgive Jeezy and all those Crips.

4) Kreayshawn

This girl was on a roll, and then she went and dissed the Don. That Don is ROZZZZZZZZAAAAAY! Remember? A year or so ago, KreayKreay was that White girl mobbing the streets of Oaktown. After a beef with Rozay, she’s the rappin’ Cindy Lauper, all respect due of course.

Anyway, I think Rozay should bless her with a verse. At least say, “I like that b*tch, Kreayshawn. I’d smash that,” to the media so she can get people to forget her girl V-Nasty’s penchant for the N-word. Nevertheless, until Rick approves her, Kreay can’t really go back to the ‘hood if Ross is in the same ‘hood, and there’s no security to stop the raging BAWSE! Kreayshawn probably wishes she never uttered the rhyme, “You trying to play me like a boss/ But you faker than Rick Ross, b*tch.”

5) Freeway Ricky Ross

These two men have been in a legal beef for quite sometime. First of all, there needs to be some financial forgiveness, because Freeway Ricky Ross was ordered to pay $500,000 in legal fees to the rapper Rick Ross. Now, we know that that is not going to happen – let’s get to the next one. Freeway Rick is an OG in the drug trade game in a way that eclipses every single rapper that ever sold anything. Rick Ross holds the number one album, God Forgives, I Don’t, and is at the tippy top of the rap game in a way that few rappers can manage these days. A double co-sign would be epic. This is the rare instance where there needs to be mutual forgiveness. Rozay can let it slide now that the OG tried to infringe on his rap livelihood, and Freeway Rick can let it slide that his name got hijacked and refurbished when he was in jail. Let bygones be bygones.

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Busta Rhymes Reveals Tracklisting For Free Album “Year Of The Dragon”; Features Include Cam’ron, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane And More

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta) Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) Busta Rhymes has revealed the tracklisting and date for his upcoming free album, Year of the Dragon, which will be released exclusively on Google Play.

The 13-track album will feature guest appearances from Trey Songz, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, Robin Thicke, Reek Da Villain, J. Doe, Cam’ron, Chanel Nicole, Vybz Kartel, Anthony Hamilton, and Maino.

Busta tweeted the release date earlier today. He said, “IT’S OFFICIAL #YEAROFTHEDRAGON IS DROPPIN’ AUG.21ST FOR FREE!!! EXCLUSIVE ONLY ON #GOOGLEPLAY #THECONGLOMERATE #YMCMB #KINGTUT #DOIN’ ITAGAIN.”

“The Year of the Dragon album, just so everybody know, is not my Cash Money debut, my YMCMB debut,” Busta clarified on “106 and Park” last month. “This is my Google album and this is going to be given to everybody for free.”

He continued, “The reason why we decided to give it to everybody for free is because number one, Google Play is where the album is going to be available. So when it drops…it’s important that you go there to get it because that’s the only place where it’s going to be for free.”

Check out the full tracklisting for Year of the Dragon below:

  1. I’m Talking to You
  2. Til We Die ft. Trey Songz & Rick Ross
  3. Do That Thing
  4. Make It Look Easy ft. Gucci Mane
  5. Pressure ft. Lil Wayne
  6. Love-Hate ft. Robin Thicke
  7. Grind Real Slow
  8. King Tut ft. Reek Da Villain & J. Doe
  9. Sound Boy ft. Cam’ron
  10. Doin It Again ft. Reek Da Villain & Chanel Nicole
  11. Wine & Go Down ft. Vybz Kartel
  12. Movie ft. J. Doe
  13. Bleed the Same Blood ft. Maino & Anthony Hamilton

Busta Rhymes’ Year of the Dragon will be released on August 21.

2 Chainz Lands Worldwide Publishing Deal With Reservoir Media

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) Rapper 2 Chainz has landed a major publishing deal with Reservoir Media, as he prepares to release his major label debut album Based on a T.R.U. Story.

The new publishing deal between 2 Chainz and Reservoir Media will give the publishing company the rights to the rapper’s 200-plus song catalog, including his major-label debut.

“The key to my success has been building a stellar team of hand-selected people with the skill and know-how to match my vision,” 2 Chainz told AllHipHop.com in a statement today (August 8).

“I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Reservoir’s exceptional group of professionals,” the rapper added. “Artists depend on strong publishing representation and today, I believe I have secured that.”

The deal between 2 Chainz and Reservoir Media was brokered by Reservoir’s Senior Vice President of Creative and Business Development, Faith Newman.

Faith Newman was introduced to 2 Chainz via Sha Money XL, Def Jam’s Senior Vice President of A & R.

“I loved that 2 Chainz was a veteran of the business, with a new major label deal, but underground at the same time,” Newman said in reference to the rapper’s previous career as Tity Boi in the group Playaz Circle.

“He has a unique flow, look, and persona, and you feel that charisma when you meet him in person,” Newman added.

The deal comes as 2 Chainz holds the Top 2 slots on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The rapper is featured on Kanye West’s platinum-selling single “Mercy,” alongside Big Sean and Pusha T, which was been #1 for the past five weeks.

Meanwhile, 2 Chainz’ track “No Lie” featuring Drake is #2.

Based on a T.R.U. Story is set to be released on August 14th via Def Jam Recordings.

50 Cent Speaks Out On The Work Ethic Of Lloyd Banks And Tony Yayo

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta) Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) Back in May, G-Unit founder 50 Cent publicly stated that both Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo “need to get themselves together,” now in a recent interview with XXL, the mogul, rapper, and actor is still not satisfied with their work ethic.

“They just sit there and wait,” he told XXL. “When someone works for you, you have the habit of dealing with things by not dealing with them. You may get in the regimen of coming over and doing it for them.

“I actually haven’t spoke to ‘em very much,” he continued. “I’m to fault for that, though. I think I disabled them.”

When asked to explain his “disabling” comment, 50 Cent said, “I did so much for them that they don’t have a continuous work ethic. They got both of those tapes out there, but did you see any visuals? Anything? There’s certain things that the new guy is doing to create momentum or energy.”

In the two months since 50 Cent’s original comments, both Banks and Yayo have released mixtapes in the form of V6: The Gift and Sex, Drugs and Hip-Hop.

Pressed for further explanation of their respective mixtapes, 50 Cent said, “Dropping mixtapes…that was my ’02 strategy. That’s 2002 marketing. That’s old. You did nothing if you did that. Look what I’ve done with The Lost Tape or The Big 10. There’s videos for everything that was on the tapes. If you’re going to just wing it and drop a mixtape…pick the highlights that people like most and shoot ‘em.”

50 Cent recently released “New Day” featuring Dr. Dre and Alicia Keys as the first single from his upcoming fifth studio album, StreetKing Immortal, scheduled to drop on November 13.

Urban Entertainment Conference MIXSHOWLIVE Takes Over Atlanta; T.I., Big Boi and DTP to Host Events

By: TeamDeSymber Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) Known as a high profile entertainment industry event, The Core DJ’s Retreat is lauded for attracting the biggest names and brands. The almost decade-old retreat has been held in cities around the country, and draws DJs, artists, and tastemakers from around the country to network, build their brands, and promote their artists.

Now known as MIXSHOW LIVE, the semi-annual conference has evolved in major ways. As Atlanta continues to distinguish itself as a major hub for urban entertainment, MIXSHOW LIVE Atlanta may prove to be one of the biggest draws yet as T.I., joins Big Boi, Too Short, and DTP in hosting celebrity events.

With a mission to bring an unparalleled learning, networking and socializing experience for attendees, MIXSHOWLIVE Atlanta has recruited numerous industry heavy hitters to bring their expertise and brands to the conference. VP of Urban Programming for CBS Radio, Reggie Rouse (recently named on Billboard’s Urban Power 30 List), Deborah Atney (of Mizay Entertainment), DJ Greg Street, DJ Drama, and Source Magazine Publisher L. Londell McMillan, are among the confirmed panelists speaking this year.

“MIXSHOWLIVE is actually the evolution of the Core Retreat. MSL is centered on education and productive networking; we are offering more panels and workshops than previous Core Retreats. We’re also hosting social events (outside of just night clubs) to offer attendees and participants a real chance to network,” MSL Publicist, Cherrell Rene of Publicity Pieces shared exclusively with AllHipHop.com.

“While the Core Retreat has been to ATL in the past, this is the first MIXSHOW LIVE event in Atlanta,” Rene added. The Core DJ’s have partnered with event production company BornStarz AllStarz to bring a new vibe to this already popular event.

The four power-packed days of MIXSHOWLIVE Atlanta features an array of events with The W Hotel Buckhead as the headquarters and location of most of the panels and workshops, including panels on “Creating Your Image,” an “Industry Power Panel,” and the highly-anticipated, “Programmers POWER Panel,” featuring urban radio programmers from around the country. Major record labels Island/Def Jam and Interscope/Geffen/A&M are both hosting private listening suites. MIXSHOWLIVE Atlanta will also feature a pool party, celebrity bowling event, and a skating party.

A full-schedule of events and more information on MIXSHOWLIVE Atlanta is available at www.MixShowLive2012.com, Follow this event on Twitter (@MixShowLive2012).

A$AP Rocky Announces Chopped And Screwed Remix Contest For “LongLiveA$AP” Single “Goldie”

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta) Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) A$AP Rocky is giving up and coming musicians the opportunity to remix the current single, “Goldie,” from the Harlem native’s highly-anticipated debutalbum, LongLiveA$AP. 

To celebrate the success of the Hit-Boy produced record, Rocky and TalentHouse.com are accepting entries in the form of “chopped and screwed” remixes, where two winners will eventually be chosen and awarded a number of prizes.

A$AP Rocky’s personal pick will win a phone call from the rapper, signed A$AP Mob merchandise, a feature on his Facebook page, and a $500 cash prize.

The “people’s choice” will win a merchandise package signed by Rocky and exposure across his numerous social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and his official fan site, ASAPmob.com.

Entrants will be allowed to submit their remixes until August 28. Voting will take place between August 29 and September 4, and a winner will be announced on September 14.

Hip-Hop Rumor Exclusive: Did Frank Ocean Diss His Fans?

By: ginatorres27 Updated Category: MOBILE
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Not every Frank Ocean fan is singing his praises right now. An exclusive source tells us that Ocean’s no show at one of his performances in Detroit has left a ton of his fans with a bad taste in their mouths. Ocean never issued an apology or stated a reason as to why he didn’t show up at the concert, which was scheduled for August 1st at Saint Andrews Hall – but according to his disgruntled fans, “he found time to post a video of the Harlem shake to his tumblr.” Check out a portion of the letter we got below:

“Low and behold, three days later, he was belting out his songs in front of the crowd at Lollapalooza, still without a reference to his missed show on Wednesday. Today, Saint Andrews Hall told me that the show was no longer postponed, but “completely cancelled.”

“We got a refund, but that’s not what we wanted. We wanted to see Frank Ocean.”

“Ocean obviously felt that he would rather be healthy for Lollapalooza than a concert on his own — a curious decision, considering his show in Detroit was part of HIS tour, where fans of HIM bought tickets to. Lollapalooza is a collection of music fans who can see many different acts.”

The source feels like Ocean disrespected Detroit and demands an apology and for Ocean to reschedule the show. Was Frank wrong for blowing off the show without an issued statement revealing the reason, or is this fan just off his rocker?

AHH Stray News: Wiz Khalifa Reveals “O.N.I.F.C.” Cover; MGK Sets “Lace Up” Release Date; Lupe’s “Lamborghini Angels” To Feature “Disturbing Content”

By: JP DelaCuesta (@JPdelacuesta) Updated Category: MOBILE
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(AllHipHop News) Attendees at any of Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller’s “Under the Influence of Music Tour” stops have already seen the cover art for Khalifa’s O.N.I.F.C. as it was displayed on giant projectors as his set came to a close.

However, now the cover has been officially released for all to see. O.N.I.F.C., which is set to be released on September 18, is set to feature appearances from the likes of Cam’ron, Curren$y, 2 Chainz, The Weeknd and, of course, members of his Taylor Gang camp like Juicy J, Chevy Woods, and Lola Luv.

Wiz’s next release will come in the form of Live In Concert, a collaborative mixtape with Curren$y that will drop on tomorrow (August 9) on the three-year anniversary of the duo’s last project together, How Fly.

During a UStream event yesterday (August 7), Bad Boy recording artist Machine Gun Kelly announced an October 9 release date for his debut album, Lace Up.

The album is currently available for pre-order at MGK’s site in both a “Lace Up Bundle” and a “MGK Gold Pack Bundle” priced at $48 and $33 respectively. The “Lace Up Bundle” includes a deluxe Lace Up CD, a T-shirt, mugshot, meet-n-greet access bracelet, key chain and an MGK ticket code to be used during the rapper’s October tour.

Earlier in the week, MGK and his camp released the new single from Lace Up titled “Hold On (Shut Up)” which features Young Jeezy, which is the follow-up to the first single from the album, “Invincible” featuring Ester Dean, which was released at the beginning of the year.

With the release of Lupe Fiasco’s highly anticipated new album, Food and Liquor II: The Great American Dream, set for a September 11th release, the Chicago native has announced the album’s next single, “Lamborghini Angels,” for August 14. Those wondering what the record would be about need to look no further than a string of recent tweets from the rapper that said the song includes “disturbing content.”

Lupe surprisingly tweeted, “Lamborghini Angels…August 14th… #FL2…Warning: if you are easily offended or religiously sensitive DO NOT listen to Lamborghini Angels. Contains very disturbing content. Listener discretion is thoroughly advised.” “Lamborghini Angels” will follow Lupe’s previously released singles “Around My Way” and “B*tch Bad.”

Signs The World Is Coming To An End: Woman Pregnant By Her Father And They’re In Love

By: ginatorres27 Updated Category: MOBILE
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This type of story is one that we’ve heard before, but it never ceases to shock and disgust me every time I hear about it. The young woman goes out and seeks her absentee father, only to have them fall in love with each other and begin a sexual relationship. Terrible. This very thing happened to 28-year-old Penny Lawrence and her estranged father, and now she is pregnant with his child.

According to The Irish Sun, the unconventional couple blame their attraction on GSA, which stands for Genetic Sexual Attraction, a term previously created by Barbara Gonyo to describe the feelings between parents and their children – as well as siblings – who meet as adults.

“We are not committing incest, but are victims of GSA,” Lawrence told the paper. “We’ve never experienced a father-daughter relationship, so we’re just like any other strangers who meet in adulthood.”

The father and daughter are awaiting their three-month scan of their love child, and if the scans show no birth defects, they claim that they will stay together and raise their child.

The confused daughter revealed that she has done research on GSA and “was stunned that some brothers and sisters, daughters and dads and mothers and sons were actually living happily as man and wife.”

This is some crazy stuff right here. Is this even legal?