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Daily Word: Embrace The Struggle!!!
TGI…..Everyday!!!!
Welcome to the day that you continue to realize that nothing can stop you!! No surrender!!! No Retreat!! Today’s Daily Word is dedicated to Embracing the Struggle!!
Fact: Life is not easy for those who dream! Those who have great aspirations will often be met with many setbacks and temporary defeat! On the other hand, those who want to remain mediocre or stay oblivious to what life has to offer will be satisfied with just getting by….
Despite the disparity, it is absolutely unacceptable to not maximize your full potential! The struggles you deal with in life are in no way suppose to cripple you! They are here to make you stronger and remove every ounce of doubt and weakness you have in your body!! If you don’t know your power and you dare to dream… You will learn today!! You are more powerful than you even know!! Nothing in this world can stop you unless you allow it!
Embrace your struggle and NEVER allow circumstance to dictate what you will accomplish! Life is abundant and anything you want out of it will be yours if you absolutely believe that you can have it!! Your setbacks are a setup for your comeback!! Your life is like a bow and arrow…. Before the arrow can fully realize its power, the bow must first take it back as far as it can…. But once it reaches the point of no return and it is let go…. God help anything that is in its path!!! BE THE ARROW!!!! Understand that no matter how far you are taken back, you CANNOT AND WILL NOT LOSE, because the force that is behind you can break through anything!! EMBRACE THE STRUGGLE!! DREAM AS FAR AS YOU CAN DREAM, AND BELIEVE IN YOUR POWER TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE!! There are those who think they can and those who think
they can’t!! Be the former and live life to the fullest!!
-Ash’Cash
“Every action we take, everything we do, is either a victory or defeat in the struggle to become what we want to be.” -Ninon de Lenclos
“The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.” -Abraham Lincoln
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
“Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be.” -Unknown
“Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you’re still alive, it isn’t.” -Richard Bach
“Whatever the struggle, continue the climb. It may be only one step to victory.” -Diane Westlake
“For better or worse, our future will be determined in large part by our dreams and by the struggle to make them real.” -Unknown
“Once all struggle is grasped, miracles are possible.” -Mao Tse-Tung
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.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Meek Mill’s Stock Just Went Way Up! MMG Star Rumored To Be Dating Rihanna!
We’ve been hearing rumors since January that MMG breakout star Meek Mill was dating the baddest of them all, Rihanna. Well, now, a rock solid source inside MMG has confirmed to us that Meek and Ri Ri have indeed been getting it in and spending lots of time together in Los Angeles.
We all know how Rihanna likes to air her grievances and document her intimate feeling on Twitter, so we took a look at her timeline, and we found lots of slight hints from both Rihanna and Meek Mill about their blossoming relationship.
Exhibit A. — Rihanna and Mills were tweeting each other back in February, with both of them tweeting each other’s lyrics mixed with a sexually suggestive twist. Check out the tweets below:
The two also tweeted each other directly. Check out those tweets below:
Exhibit B. – Back in January, it was reported that Rihanna was in a club when she asked the DJ to quit playing her music and requested to hear Meek Mill. Hmm.
Exhibit C – Just recently, Meek instagram’d a photo of Jahlil Beats and his homie Leem crashing in the studio, and Ri Ri commented twice on the photo, hinting that she knew the crew had been eating weed brownies and alluding that she had been hanging out in the studio with them. Meek never mentioned anything about brownies. Check out the tweets below:
Look for these two to come out with a collabo song real soon. Rihanna sure does get around, doesn’t she? I wonder how Drake feels about this….
Talib Kweli Featured as Guest Speaker at St. Johns University; Announces Prisoner of Conscious Tour
(AllHipHop News) Brooklyn raised rapper and one half of Black Star, Talib Kweli, has always been a rapper that supports and encourages education.
Talib grew up in a family where both of his parents were professors, so its no wonder that he has always been one of Hip-Hop’s most cerebral and outspoken rappers, when it comes to political and societal issues.
On Tuesday Talib headed back to college at St. Johns University to be a featured guest speaker.
Kweli spoke about the anthropology of Hip-Hop and its impact in a global society.
He also explained Hip-Hop’s impact on his life and encouraged universities to support more lectures like the “Hip Hop for a Cause” at St. Johns University.
“It has such an impact that it behooves educators and institutions of learning to try and incorporate discussions in Hip-Hop,” Talib told the New York Daily News
As a kid, Kweli excelled at reading and was a gifted writer.
In elementary school, he started writing plays, poetry and short stories, but it was not until high school that Kweli turned to hip-hop as an outlet for his self-expression.
St. John’s Associate Dean James Salnave said that students were adamant about seeing Kweli lecture.
“The RSVP list filled up in a matter of minutes,” he said. “That was the quickest one so far.”
Over 400 students attended Kweli’s lecture, asking questions until time ran out.
Talib recently announced the Prisoner of Conscious Tour that will feature 7 dates making stops in New York, Cleveland and Toronto and Ann Arbor, MI,
5/18 – Providence, RI @ Fete Music Ballroom
5/28 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
5/30 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
5/31 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
6/1 – Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
6/2 – Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig
6/3 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
Hip-Hop Rumors: Rick Ross Makes A Big Mistake In Lil Delaware
Guess what? Rick Ross came down to the University of Delaware the other day and boy did he make a mistake. We know that Ross is used to being in the hood spots, but he was at the University of Delaware, a school that is damn near Ivy League! Well, here is the funny. Not that Delaware State University is hood, but its an historically Black college aka an HBCU! I’m assuming Rick Ross is used to going to Del State, because he continuously referred to UD as Del State! Huge mistake! Del State and UD are rivals in Delaware, which is the second smallest state in the USA. The funny thing is Meek Mill was there and he kept trying to remind The Bawse on stage that they were not at Del State, but Ross kept on! People that were there don’t think Ross knew were he was. He also performed the same song twice. Big mistake, small place. – illseed
Delaware Unity!
Download: Jadakiss Releases: The Consignment
Jadakiss finally has released The Consignment for his fans to consume in the form of a free download. The album, 18 songs deep, is a who’s who of Hip-Hop, with a large salute to the South. While it features Yung Joc, 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti, Young Jeezy and more, it also features Meek Mill, Styles P and Lloyd Banks. Never sounding forced, Jada and company flow well over hard beats with menacing sounds. Download it!
DOWNLOAD: Mixtape: Jadakiss – The Consignment (Hosted By DJ Drama)
Dice Raw “The Illest”
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VIDEO: !llmind’s “Top 5 Dead Or Alive” – The Producers Edition
If you’re a die-hard Hip-Hop head, it might be hard to name your favorite producers while you’re on the clock.
Now, imagine having to name just five.
Well, that’s exactly what producer !llmind did during a recent interview with AllHipHop.com. The producer spoke on his long history with the Beat Society, meeting J Dilla, wanting to be a rapper at one point early in his life, and much more.
After he boasted five of his own beats that he is most proud of, we had !llmind rattle off his “Top 5 Dead or Alive” – The Producers Edition to AllHipHop.com.
Check out the video below:
Follow !llmind On Twitter: (@IllmindProducer)
Kid Ink Drops Art Work For Album “Up & Away”
(AllHipHop News) Upcoming rapper Kid Ink has dropped the artwork and release date for his new album Up & Away.
Kid Ink, Who was an XXL Freshman in 2012, will release Up & Away independently, through his label Tha Alumni Music Group.
The album will include production from Jahlil Beats, Ned Cameron, Cardiak and others.
Kid Ink, who has also been highlighted in AllHipHop.com’s Breeding Ground, has already released the lead single from the album, titled “Time of Your Life.”
Up & Away is due in stores on June 12th.
Exclusive VIDEO: Rappers Talk Incarceration; JPay’s Inmate Services Offer Support to Loved Ones
Recently, JPay, an inmate services company, caught up with Krondon, Mitchy Slick, Mistah F.A.B., Thurz, Pac D##, Dee-1, and Problem at SXSW 2012 in Austin, Texas, to talk about their experiences with loved ones that are “locked up.”
JPay helps the friends and families of inmates across the country to support and stay connected to their incarcerated loved ones by providing the fastest and most reliable money transfer, e-mail, video visitation, and post-release services in the United States.
Check out the videos below to see how incarceration experiences have affected the rappers’ lives, and how services like JPay help them stay connected to and supportive of their loved ones in jail:
For more information, visit the official website at www.jpay.com. “Like” JPay on Facebook page, and follow them on Twitter (@JPay_com).
Follow JPay’s biggest Hip-Hop supporters, too! – Krondon (@KRONDON), Mitchy Slick (@MITCHYSLICK), Mistah F.A.B. (@MistahFAB), Thurz (@Thurzday), Pac D## (@itspacdiv), Dee-1 (@Dee1music), and Problem (@itsaPROBLEM).
Mixtape Review: Jon Connor’s “The People’s Rapper LP” [BGA]
Rating: 8 / 10
Many MCs wouldn’t even fathom going after one of his heavy hitting singles, let alone dedicate a whole tape inspired to Eminem (and thus, subject to be stacked against the legendary MC). The People’s Rapper is the latest project from Breeding Ground artist, Jon Connor, that has him rapping over classic Shady instrumentals- similar to his project featuring him over Jay-Z beats. He either doesn’t care about the fact most wouldn’t dare to attempt this, or feels that he’s good enough to dismiss it. It’s probably both.
Substance is not a problem for the upcoming artist from Flint, Michigan. The task of maintaining a running motif while sustaining interest from listeners for a fairly new rapper is challenging, but Jon Conner is deep. The last song, “When I’m Gone” is the one the best, with Conner rapping, “What make you a real n*gga? / ‘Cause your boy started some sh*t/ and you went and got killed with him?” Being that there is no original production here, everything falls on the shoulders of Conner’s lyricism. Tackling some of Em’s deeper songs, the Midwest representative has some of his brightest moments. “Stan” is a letter to Biggie (“You was the only one/who was ready for you to die…”), 2Pac (“I hate when people talk about you/ and all they got was thuggin”), and MC Breed, Michigan rap pioneer (“You gave us a reason/ to say Flint and say it loud”). “25 To Life” has a touching last verse dedicated to the late Whitney Houston, and “Cleaning Out My Closet” may be the best cut here. I use cut, because Connor slices through the signature, sinister snares with the same frustrated flow that Eminem evoked.
With this being said, Jon Connor is so good over the more aggressive songs that it’s often scary. The intro “Cold Wind Blows” is a brash hello to the world (“My lines are limitless/ Screaming f*ck you n*ggas like a feminist”) as “Just Don’t Give A F*ck” is full of crisp punch-lines (“I ain’t just good, I’m a God, that’s a typo”). “The Way I Am” contains a deadly flow, (“And these words from my tongue, got the power of a gun”) and “Role Model” showcases Conner bouncing off the walls with hot lines; sort of like the way your bobbing your head out of control by this point (“It’s an old-school, *ss-whooping, hang your draws on the flag pole”). The former three songs come consecutively, and prove to be the meat of the track-listing. “Solider” is yet another ferocious strike (“They ain’t dying of old age, I’m running them over, it’s a result of my road rage”) while “Hello” is the closest we get to the repulsively good, outlandish lines that Shady used to kick (“Ain’t seen nothing this perverted/ since Pee Wee Herman jerkin’ in public/ can you picture that perfect?”).
This review will end with a disclaimer: The lines quoted above are not the only, nor necessarily the best, examples of Jon Connor’s exceptional lyricism on his latest project. The only way to fully enjoy the onslaught is to listen for yourself. The entire mixtape is a middle finger to label executives and haters – bringing out the best in Flint’s finest. Because the songs here are re-works of Eminem’s originals, I’m not sure if any of these will become longtime favorites. Instead, this was more like a media workout day for all to witness, and Jon Connor passed with flying colors.
Download “The People’s Rapper LP” here.
Fashion and Football: Eredi Pisano and Audi Kick Start the NFL Draft Festivities
Earlier this week, Italian clothing company Eredi Pisano and Audi of America presented their star-studded “5th Annual Fashion and Football NFL Draft Gala” at the Audi Forum in New York City.
The Fashion Reporter produced a spectacular, male fashion show during this year’s NFL Draft Week, themed with a taste of Italy. NFL players and draftees were out supporting the mix of fashion and football cause, and they were rockin’ the latest Eredi Pisano wear and drinking specialty Ciroc drinks.
Justin Tryon (New York Giants), Ramses Barden (New York Giants), Aaron Maybin (New York Jets), Matthew Rice (NFL veteran), Josh Norman (Top 10 NFL Draft candidate), Kashif Moore (UCONN NFL Draft candidate), Evan Rodriguez (Temple NFL Draft candidate), all modeled suits by Eredi Pisano.
Intermingled with the fashion show, Monster Cable unveiled their all-new Diamond Tear Headphones. Did we mention the headphones are dripping in diamonds and will officially be announced in July?
Check out a few flicks below:
Other special guests included Laura Govan, Tony Rock, Amanda Seales, Chuck Nice, and Dwight Eubanks.
FRESH HEAT: Marchitect Ft. Mr. Winston and Jas Mace “Check It Out”
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G.O.O.D Music Artists D’banj and Don Jazzy At Odds With Each Other; D’banj Accused Of Credit Card Fraud!
Ever since Kanye West signed African artists, D’banj and Don Jazzy, to his G.O.O.D Music label, the former friends and business partners have been at odds with one another.
In a recent interview, D’banj opened up about the ongoing feud between him and Don Jazzy, and mentioned that he would never cheat Don Jazzy knowing that JJC (of JJC and the 419 Squad) had cheated Don Jazzy in the past.
Well, JJC has caught wind of D’banj’s interview and is alleging that D’banj has committed credit card fraud, as well as talking about D’banj’s “419″ past and his escape from the police as the inspiration for his “Mobolowo won” video.
Check out JJC’s interview below:
Store Owner In Michigan Discovers Over 7,000 Abandoned Records From J Dilla’s Personal Collection
(AllHipHop News) A record store owner in Royal Oaks, Michigan, has recently unearthed what he believes are over 7,000 records from the late and great Hip-Hop producer J Dilla‘s personal collection.
The Detroit News is reporting that Jeff Bubeck, owner of the Royal Oaks record store UHF, discovered “crates full of records, numbering in the thousands. After digging through their contents, Bubeck learned he’d stumbled upon something special, the personal record collection of late Detroit hip-hop producer J Dilla.”
Bubeck acquired over 7,000 records from “an abandoned storage unit in Clinton Township last month that may have belonged to Dilla.”
“When first digging through the crates, amid the mountains of 94-cent Earth, Wind & Fire LPs, Bubeck noticed a box of cassette tapes, labeled in black marker as “Jaydee Beats.” There were also lyric booklets, along with magazines and pieces of junk mail addressed to James Yancey, as well as to his parents, Beverly and Maureen Yancey. The names didn’t ring a bell with Bubeck. But when he punched Yancey’s name into a Google search on a whim, two and two came together.”
“It was pretty shocking,” saids Bubeck to the Detroit News. “I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?'”
He continued, “Dilla was a notorious crate digger, scooping up albums by the caseload to scour for obscure beats and samples. So while many of the records in the collection are dollar-bin throwaways, there are some, including titles from 1970s Detroit jazz label Tribe Records, that have significant value.”
Once he is able to reach J Dilla’s mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, Bubeck says he planning to share sales proceeds with the J Dilla Foundation, although recent contacts have been “unsuccessful.”
“For now, Bubeck is still combing through the boxes of records, and UHF is putting them on sale several at a time. When Record Store Day was celebrated on Saturday, the first batch of Dilla records hit the shelves, and fans were excited to get their hands on them.”
The records are being sold in Bubeck’s Royal Oaks store and come with “yellow tags that identify them as part of Dilla’s personal stash.” One of the UHF’s owners, Scott Hagen told the Detroit News, “A lot of people were saying, ‘I just want one record that was his.’ They just want to own something that once belonged to Dilla.”
Legendary NY Station KISS No More; Merges With WBLS
(AllHipHop News) Urban radio in New York has undergone a major transformation, as 98.7 KISS FM will merge with 107.5 WBLS.
The merger will end 30-plus years of KISS, which is owned by Emmis Communications, broadcasting to listeners in the New York/New Jersey areas.
“I extend my gratitude and deepest thanks to the many special people that created the memories and sense of community that KISS FM delivered for 30 years,” said Emmis’ New York SVP/General Manager Alexandra Cameron. “Emmis will be forever grateful. We are so very glad that a part of KISS will remain remembered through WBLS programming as they welcome beloved personalities like Shaila and Lenny Green.”
In the coming weeks, ESPN Radio will take over Kiss’ famed 98.7 frequency.
KISS is recognized as being the first commercial radio station in the United States to play Hip-Hop, back in 1983, with the addition of Kool DJ Red Alert.
WBLS responded by hiring Mr. Magic and the legendary DJ’s saturated New York radio with Hip-Hop music.
In addition to regularly playing rap music by future icons like Run-DMC, Whodini, Kurtis Blow, Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One and Afrika Bambaataa, KISS helped launch the career of media personality Wendy Williams.
Emmis Communications, which also owns Hot 97, bought KISS in 1994.
It switched to an all-R&B format in 1999.
“WBLS and WRKS have been the voice of the tri-state black community for 30 years and we plan to merge the best of both stations to create a stronger voice to deliver the best in R&B music while also super serving our community,” added WBLS VP/General Manager Deon Levingston.
All this weekend both stations will run programming celebrating 98.7 KISS FM’s role in shaping the urban/Hip-Hop landscape.
Dee-1 and Murs Announce West Coast Dates For the “Ridin’ All By Ourselves Tour”
(AllHipHop News) In addition to upcoming performances at the New Orleans Jazzfest tomorrow (April 27) and LSU Parade Grounds on Saturday (April 28), Dee-1 has announced plans to embark on a nine-date West Coast tour with fellow rapper, Murs.
The “Ridin’ All By Ourselves Tour” will kick off on May 5 at the University of Nevada’s Wolfstock Festival and will hit other West Coast cities, including Sacramento, Fresno, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, Flagstaff, and Sante Fe.
After the “Ridin’ All By Ourselves Tour” concludes, Dee-1 will perform two shows in his home state of Louisiana: Baton Rouge Fairgrounds on June 16, followed by the Milestone Fashion Show in Alexandria on July 14.
Check out a full list of dates for the “Ridin’ All By Ourselves Tour” below:
- 5/5 – University of Nevada, Reno (Wolfstock)**
- 5/6 – Sacramento, CA (Harlow’s)
- 5/7 – Fresno, CA (Fulton 55)
- 5/8 – Santa Barbara, CA (Velvet Jones)
- 5/9 – Riverside, CA (UC Riverside – The Barn)**
- 5/11 – Las Vegas, NV (Aruba)
- 5/12 – Flagstaff, AZ (Green Room)**
- 5/12 – Santa Fe, NM (SOL Santa Fe)
[** Murs Only]
For tickets and more information, visit Dee1music.com.
Wiz Khalifa Clears Up The Origin Of The Wacka Flocka Flame Beef, Says It’s A Misunderstanding Over A Song
Pittsburgh’s hometown hero, Wiz Khalifa, was recently in NYC doing a round of publicity for his new single, “Work Hard, Play Hard” from his upcoming album, O.N.I.F.C. and found himself caught in a media firestorm regarding an alleged beef with rapper Wacka Flocka Flame.
“It was kind of hinted at that, I guess, he [Wacka Flocka] had felt like I came at him a certain way on a song,” said Wiz. “If that is the case, I feel like he should have came to me and asked me like, ‘Yo, was you talking about me in your song?’ and I would have cleared it up like, ‘Nah, man, it’s cool; I don’t have no problem with you.’ Instead of all of this stuff going on.”
Check out our interview with Wiz Khalifa below, where he talks about his “beef” with Wacka Flocka Flame, whether or not he and Amber Rose ever argue, and how he deals with the pressure of being famous.
O.N.I.F.C. is scheduled to drop in August and features guest spots from Chris Brown, Cam’ron, Pharrell, and his Taylor Gang crew.
Help George Clinton #SaveFunk Online
The Funkmaster, George Clinton sits down with What’s Trending’s Shira Lazar and talks is new doctrine degree from the University of Berkley, music and internet, givesadvice to up-and-coming artists and George’s financial issues. Full story at What’s Trending
http://whatstrending.com/2012/04/george-clinton-funk-dna-rap/
“Politics & Pizza” with Newark’s Mayor Cory Booker and Raekwon – Part 1
Raekwon addresses Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Corey Booker with supreme frankness: “What’s up with the youth programs? Call up some of these rappers. We’re not against y’all.”
The virtual interaction between the two luminaries took place at the first-ever “Politics & Pizza,” a frank discussion with the leader of a tough-as-nails city on the rise. In this first segment, Mayor Booker talks with AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, Seandra Sims, Gina Torres, and Grouchy Greg Watkins, along with Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon, about mentoring youth and how Hip-Hop artists need to step up.
Check out the first segment below:
“Politics & Pizza” is an ongoing series. Check back to see more from Mayor Booker’s conversation with AllHipHop.com.
Follow Mayor Cory Booker on Twitter (he loves followers! – @CoryBooker), and follow Raekwon, too! (@Raekwon)