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FRESH HEAT: Smoke DZA [BGA] Ft. Big KRIT, Cashius Green and Big Sant ‘Havin Thangs”
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Warren’s G-Funk: Possibly How The West Was (Re)Won
A year has gone by since we last caught up with Warren G, after the death of his longtime friend and collaborator, Nate Dogg. Over that period of time, Warren’s been busy laying down tracks and preparing for the release of the Warren G & Nate Dogg EP he spoke about in our last interview.
With the release of the EP nearing, AllHipHop.com caught up with Long Beach’s G-Funk maestro, for an update on all the music projects he’s been involved in, and even those erectile dysfunction pills that he was pushing last year. The G-Funk Era lives on!
AllHipHop.com: We spoke to you around this time last year after Nate Dogg passed away. How has life been for you since then?
Warren G: It’s been cool. I’m still missing my homeboy, but it’s been cool. I’ve been working in the studio doing a lot of production and working on the EP that’s coming. I released a new mixtape called No One Could Do It Better. I wanted people to hear some songs that they may not have heard before. I put together songs that me, Nate and Snoop Dogg did together just to give the new generation an introduction to the good music that we made. This way they are not asking, “Who is Warren G?”
AllHipHop.com: So this is just a collection of old tracks?
Warren G: No, some stuff is exclusive. Overall, I’m just putting it out to let people get that “good feeling” music that you can chill and smoke to.
AllHipHop.com: I can’t recall you ever putting out a mixtape before.
Warren G: Never. Actually, you know what? This is the second time that I have. I didn’t put it out myself, but I did one with a cat who’s name I can’t remember. Things didn’t turn out right so people didn’t really get it, but it was off the chain. I remade some of those records but I haven’t put those out.
AllHipHop.com: Do you have an update on the EP that you’re putting out with Nate Dogg?
Warren G: I’m just about finished. I’m waiting for Young Jeezy to put his 16 bars on. I’m pretty much done after that. The single is already mixed and ready to go. The date I’m looking to drop the EP is April 17.
AllHipHop.com: That soon?
Warren G: Yeah, that soon. I just want everybody to get ready because it’s going down this month, for real.
AllHipHop.com: You mentioned Young Jeezy. Are there any other guests on this EP?
Warren G: There’s Too $hort, E-40, Game, and Bun-B. That’s about it.
AllHipHop.com: That’s a nice little lineup. What’s the EP’s name?
Warren G: It’s called No One Could Do It Better, just like the mixtape. I’m releasing this independently via digital outlets. I may end up doing a physical deal for it also, but it’s going to be digital. People aren’t even going into stores to buy CDs. I know the ones that do love to buy CDs will be upset, but they have to understand that most of the records now are being sold digitally. I’m going to eventually make it possible for the ones that want to get it physically.
Right after that, I’m dropping Regulate – The G-Funk Era Part 2 – The EP. It’s going to be mainly me, but I will have some great appearances on there. I’m just doing the live music like I do it.
AllHipHop.com: G-Funk Era Part 2 is going to be an EP and not an album?
Warren G: It’s an EP, but depending on how well it does, I’ll do a sequel to that which will be a full album. My thing is that I go so hard and put my heart in to what I do. My first dealings as an Independent artist weren’t good. I poured my heart in to a lot of stuff and it didn’t get pushed like it was supposed to. I don’t want to go through that again, even though I’m more knowledgeable of how this goes now.
I’ve also got a bunch of young artists that I’m working with. I’m doing a compilation called The Westside Story. That album is going to be my Chronic. It’s going to be a display of my production with top notch artists and singers. I just want to do some great music. That’s what it’s all about for me. I want the music to make people feel good because that’s what it does for me. It makes me feel good to see an audience of people singing my song. That’s what I get out of it. I love it because they feel me and understand my story.
AllHipHop.com: When you are not producing, what is your life like?
Warren G: When I’m not producing, I’m with my kids. I’ve got three boys and two girls. I try to be with them as much as I can, because I’m out on the road so much. I do try to make every important event that I can. When I don’t, my wife takes care of that. I’m always out on the road too. You’ve got to provide. You can’t just sit at home. This is a job and you’ve got to be able to put food on the table.
AllHipHop.com: Which artists have you produced for lately?
Warren G: I just did Young Jeezy’s first single with Ne-Yo called “Leave You Alone.” I also did one with E-40 called “What Happened To Them Days.” I’ve also made tracks for Styles P and Tone Trump. Actually, I did five hot ones for Tone Trump’s new project. Let’s see, who else? I gave Young Jeezy some more tracks, and I sent some to Game too.
AllHipHop.com: I’m glad to see you so active. I don’t think we hear enough from you. What are you mostly doing? Samples or live music?
Warren G: I do samples and live music. I listen to records for different ideas.
AllHipHop.com: I’ve always enjoyed the basslines that you use. You really have an ear for that.
Warren G: To me, the bassline is the backbone of production. If the bass isn’t right, then something is wrong.
AllHipHop.com: Are you still a spokesperson for those Affirm XL erectile dysfunction pills?
Warren G: I’m still a part of it, although we are going through negotiations right now. The commercials were all comedy and fun, but it is about getting the product to those who need it. I don’t need it, but it works – I’ve tried it. It’s a great product, and I love it. People with diabetes need to use it. It’s safer than Viagra, and I’m not disrespecting Viagra. It’s more of an herb than regular, like, medicine.
AllHipHop.com: It’s sad to read all of the drama about Nate Dogg’s estate and people pointing fingers about his unpaid medical expenses.
Warren G: I don’t even listen to it. I’ve been there for him. I was right there with him! I don’t even know why all of that stuff is being put out there like that. A lot of that stuff isn’t real. It’s messed up because Nate isn’t here to defend himself. I don’t get in to all of that. They try to put me in that, but I’m not in to that stuff.
AllHipHop.com: Do you like any of the new “Ratchet” music that’s coming out of the West Coast?
Warren G: Some of it is cool, and some of it is bullsh*t. I’m not mad at anybody for trying to do what they love. I can’t be mad at them for doing music how they want to do it. Good luck. Keep doing that sh*t. It’s a job. It’s a love, but it’s also a job. You’ve got to feed your babies and your families.
Fans can keep up with Warren G on Twitter (@regulator) and via his official website, www.warreng.com
Beyonce Composes Ultimate Fan Letter to First Lady Michelle Obama
While her husband JAY-Z boasts about not ever having to write anything down, BEYONCE does the opposite. Last night, Beyonce posted a short but sweet, handwritten letter on her site Beyonce.com, thanking First Lady MICHELLE OBAMA for simply being – GREAT!!
We wonder if Beyonce thought about this idea while on her Easter family vacation in St. Barth. Well, whenever she did it, Beyonce sent her warm regards – in advance – for Mrs. Obama being one of the best role models that her daughter Blue Ivy will witness growing up. And, she also shouted her out and empathized with her having to deal with the spotlight every moment of her life, but continuing to remain level-headed.
Aww!! How cute! We couldn’t agree with Beyonce any more. Props to First Lady Michelle Obama for truly serving as an inspiration.
Take a look at the heartfelt, self-penned letter from Bey below:
Follow AllHipHop contributor Chantal Borgella on Twitter (@chantalborgella).
Da Brat “Cashin Out Remix”
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Jon Connor [BGA] “Hello”
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The Wurxs [BGA] “2nd Win”
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Richard Wright “Get Away”
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Colin Munroe Ft. RZA and Memoryhouse “Invincible”
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The Ever-Elusive Jadakiss Sheds Light On Upcoming “Wu-Block” Collaboration Album
Two of New York’s most respected rap crews, Wu-Tang Clan and D Block, have joined forces to create a joint group album called Wu-Block. Helmed by Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch, the album has been in the works for the past year and is very close to completion.
AllHipHop.com caught up with D Block’s Jadakiss recently in New York City, and he gave us an update on Wu-Block.
“I have about two or three more verses to complete,” said Jadakiss “And then they’re going to wrap it up and get it to the people.”
Check out the full interview with Jadakiss below, where he chats about how the Wu-Block album idea originated, as well as what the fans can expect from the upcoming joint project:
MAYDAY! [BGA] Ft. Brotha Lynch Hung and Ces Cru “Death March Remix”
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Termanology “Doo Wop Freestyle”
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J Hood “Same Damn Time Freestyle”
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George Zimmerman’s 2nd-Degree Murder Charge Fixes Nothing
There are only two people who know exactly what happened on the night of Feb. 26 in Sanford, Fla., and one of them is dead.
Angela Corey, the Florida special prosecutor investigating the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman, announced this afternoon that she intends to prosecute Zimmerman for second-degree murder. Because Martin is unquestionably dead, and because Zimmerman indisputably caused his death, the single proposition the prosecution must establish is that the killing was unlawful.
But there is almost no chance the state will be able to obtain a conviction, and despite Corey’s assertion that public pressure did not influence the decision to move forward with the prosecution, the fact that Florida authorities did nothing for six weeks after the killing makes her claim implausible. The decision to prosecute therefore seems more intended to assuage the community’s moral outrage than redress a legal violation.
The problem here is that there are actually two problems: one is what George Zimmerman did, which was to shoot and kill an unarmed young man who had every right to be where he was. The second is that Florida law allows that to happen.
Chapter 776.013(3) of Florida law—the now-infamous “Stand Your Ground” provision—states: “A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.”
The so-called Castle Doctrine—named after the quaint British expression that a man’s house is his castle—dates back at least to the early 17th century and permits someone in his or her home to use lethal force against an intruder. American colonists brought it with them, and today, more than half the states have versions of the doctrine. The effect of the Castle Doctrine is to override the duty to retreat. So even if it is perfectly possible for the homeowner to safely escape, the Castle Doctrine means the homeowner does not have to.
Many states have adopted bulked-up versions of the doctrine and done away with the duty to retreat in places besides the home. Others have done away with the duty altogether, so long as the person believes lethal force is reasonably required to protect himself or herself from serious injury.
But Florida law remains unique. Unlike Texas law, for example, which does not permit deadly force to be used by someone who provokes hostile action, Florida allows someone to use deadly force even if his conduct somehow created the very threat to which his lethal force responds. So if, as Zimmerman claims, Martin walked toward him and asked why he was following him, and Zimmerman reasonably felt threatened by that question, Florida gives him permission to shoot, even though his very conduct provoked Martin’s question.
That’s not the end of it: Florida law also permits the use of lethal force by someone whose own welfare is not directly threatened. It even permits the use of lethal force where the only threat is to property—including property not owned by the person using the force.
In Florida, therefore, the Castle Doctrine extends across every inch of the state, and it allows someone to kill somebody else even if that other person is not threatening any human being. In fact, Florida’s law imposes but a single requirement regulating its use: The person who uses lethal force must be acting on the basis of a “reasonable” belief.
It is precisely the statute’s use of the word “reasonable” that makes it possible for Corey to pursue criminal charges against Zimmerman. If his action was unreasonable, then the killing was unlawful, and he is guilty of second-degree murder.
The prosecution’s case will therefore be built entirely around the reasonableness of Zimmerman’s conduct. The problem for the state is that it bears the burden of proof, meaning it will essentially be required to prove that his belief was unreasonable. Since the principal witness who could help establish that fact is dead, the probability of a conviction seems exceedingly remote.
There will presumably be witnesses who will testify as to their perception of what was happening. Trayvon Martin’s girlfriend might testify about her conversation with him. Other eyewitnesses might say that they saw Zimmerman acting aggressively. Others still might report on whether Zimmerman had physical wounds.
This editorial originally appeared on The Daily Beast. Read the rest of the editorial here.
Exclusive: Sneakas and Bishop Lamont Release “Neighborhood Watch” Trayvon Martin Tribute Video
(AllHipHop News) On the day that George Zimmerman was charged with the 2nd Degree murder of Trayvon Martin, Sneakas and Bishop Lamont have released the video to their benefit song, “Neighborhood Watch.”
As reported on AllHipHop.com earlier this week, MC Serch’s Serchlight MultiMedia company will be donating 5 cents to the official Trayvon Martin Fund established by his parents for every download of this song.
Click HERE for the official “Neighborhood Watch” download link.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Cee Lo Green Quitting “The Voice”?
Cee Lo Green is rumored to be unhappy with his role as a celebrity coach on ABC’s#### show, “The Voice”. Cee Lo is very emotional on the show, shedding a tear in nearly every episode, and he may not be built for the harsh criticism that comes along with eliminating a fan favorite.
Cee Lo recently tweeted that he was “tired” of the show and sometimes feels like a “token.” Check out his tweets below:
“I kinda wanna quit the show… I’m just tired at the moment… and sometimes I even feel like a token ya know?”
One fan then mentioned a previous interview in which Green said he would like to be a part of “The Voice” for many years, prompting the singer to reply, “I think I was lying.”
Green then admitted, “I’m under contract I can’t quit.”
The tweets were deleted moments later. Could this be the last season for Cee Lo, or do you think he will get used to the criticism and continue on with the show?
State Official Says George Zimmerman Will Be Charged In Trayvon Martin Shooting
(AllHipHop News) The Washington Post is reporting that Florida prosecutor Angela Corey will “announce as early as Wednesday afternoon that she is charging neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, according to a law enforcement official close to the investigation.
“Benjamin Crump, who is representing the Martin family, said this week that Corey’s office had asked where Trayvon’s parents would be each day this week. They arrived Wednesday in Washington for a civil rights conference organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton, where they are scheduled to speak.
“The announcement of a charge against Zimmerman would come a day after Zimmerman’s attorneys withdrew from the case, citing their inability to contact Zimmerman. Lawyers Craig Sonner and Hal Uhrig on Tuesday expressed concern about Zimmerman’s emotional and physical well-being, saying he has taken actions without consulting them. They also said they do not know where Zimmerman is.
“Corey said Monday that she would not bring the case before a grand jury, which was expected to convene this week. She said her decision to forgo the grand jury should not be viewed as a factor in determining whether charges will be filed. In recent weeks Corey indicated that she might not need a grand jury to bring charges against Zimmerman. The lawyers said they stand by their assertions that Zimmerman acted in self-defense when he killed the 17-year-old, who was unarmed, but they acknowledged that they formed their impressions without meeting Zimmerman.”
It is not entirely clear what charge(s) Zimmerman will face when Corey makes her announcement.
Seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in Sanford, Florida, on February 26 by Goerge Zimmerman, who said he was acting in self-defense. Zimmerman was not charged, citing the state’s “stand your ground” law.
The case has sparked global protests and countless tribute songs and events by Trayvon Martin supporters who believe he was killed because of his race and Hip-Hop inspired “hoodie” attire.
Kuniva, Mr. Porter and Tony Yayo Remember Proof On the 6th Anniversary of His Death
(AllHipHop News) It is never a pleasant experience when loved ones must pay respects to those that have passed, especially when that person is adored, appreciated, and loved on a global scale by friends, family, and millions of fans.
Today (April 11) marks the sixth anniversary of DeShaun “Big Proof” Holton’s death, and AllHipHop.com reached out to some of the people that worked with Proof directly during their careers, who toured with the self-proclaimed funny guy and comedian, and those that overall just enjoyed his presence.
The following statements come from Proof’s former D12 bandmates and longtime friends, Mr. Porter and Kuniva:
I choose to not celebrate this day, because it’s the day I hate the most. I don’t want to remember the day I lost him!!! I celebrate his b-day!! Ultimately, people say a lot of things about this day, and I understand we all mourn and deal differently!! But his kids are missing their dad, and thank God they have strong moms in their lives. I’m thankful for that! I pray I can have a strong mom for my kids and have kids as great as his one day! They are the true hurt ones [more] than everyone else. I miss him and see what he has done for many people, including me, everyday! He is iconic! My Brother is an everyday inspiration. I hope to be as great as him!! –Mr. Porter
“The loss of Proof was a devastating blow to not only his family and D12, but to the city of Detroit and Hip-Hop as a whole. He was the heartbeat of the city and will NEVER be forgotten. People say don’t celebrate the death day of Proof, but I use that day to celebrate his life, his legacy, and what he taught me. Right now, D12 is in a place where we’re finding ourselves. Venturing off like we always said we would when we first started this. We have just grown as artists and needed to leave the nest and fly. Need to do my own thing, but I’ll always be IN D12. We’ve made record selling history in only two albums. One thing is for sure, WE ARE NOT DONE.” –Kuniva
Proof was street for real. Always showed love for him on tour; there was nothing but groupies, drinks, laughs, smoke and a whole bunch of Detroit crazy n#####. On the ’05 Anger Management tour, we would have the biggest dice game of cee-lo, NY vs Detroit, or hitting clubs in the D like 100 deep. He was a different type of gangsta who always had jokes on the road and always held it down if there was drama. Proof’s gone but not forgotten… The thing that hit me the most is my parole officer wouldn’t let me go to his funeral. –Tony Yayo
There will be a benefit concert tonight at St. Andrews, exactly six years to the day that the 32-year-old Detroit native was gunned down. Performers set to take the stage tonight include Obie Trice, Supa Emcee, Stretch Money, Killa Kaun and members from the Proof-founded label, Iron Fist Records.
Be sure to read staff writer Biba Adams’ 2006 editorial on the loss of Proof, “Thoughts On My Beloved (R.I.P. Proof)” to honor the memory of one of Hip-Hop’s fallen stars.
Beanie Sigel “Show Must Go On”
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Jim Jones Ft. ADG “Do Some Gangsta Sh*t”
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