The last time we heard from Teyana Taylor – aside from her racy, leaked photos – was on her summer smash, “Her Room”, a cover of Drake’s “Marvin’ Room.” Now, she’s back with The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor, a mixtape that gives us more to work with as she tries to find her space in the music scene.
Heavily inspired by Lauryn Hill, Taylor plans to make a statement this time around. The 21-year-old Harlem native was released from Star Track/Interscope Records earlier this year, and has since been working on new music.
Appearances on the mixtape include Wyclef, Wale, Fabolous, Jadakiss, nd Southern sensation, Travis Porter. Heavy production from Hit-Boy, Tone P, and more underscore the project.
Listen in and tell us – has Teyana found her lane?
Download the mixtape here, and see the full tracklist below:
The Compton rapper told Billboard that California Republic will “have some new and upcoming artists from out this way,” and that fans “can expect my mixtape to do what it always does, which is consist of a lot of good music and be a lot better than most artists’ albums.”
While no official release date was given, Game promised that the project will be out this March.
He also spoke on his upcoming VH1 “Behind the Music” episode, set to premiere on the entertainment network on March 22.
“The number one thing they’re going to find out is that I’ve grown. When people think of The Game, they just think of this mean face, of my background and bullet wounds and the coma and the gangbanging, and they let that define me,” he continued. “But there’s a lot more to me. I got a family, I got friends, I smile sometimes, I laugh, I have fun in my life. I think that the ‘Behind The Music’ will open up everybody’s mind on that person I really am.”
“Any time I can let another person inside my life to understand how hard it was to get here — and how hard it was to stay afloat — they’re more than welcome. I’m glad, that VH1 put me on this pedestal and let my life be shown. I can’t wait until it airs.”
Game’s “Behind The Music” episode will premiere on March 22 at 9 p.m. on VH1.
AT 9:01 PM today (March 12t) Memphis, TN OG Boo Dirty will be dropping his latest mix tape Born A Soldier – Die A Vet which features artists such as 2 Chainz, Future, Don Trip and others. Be here and be the first to download OG Boo Dirty’s mix tape.
(AllHipHop News) Lawyers for world-famous producer Dr. Dre are attempting to prevent an upcoming producer from using his approved trademark, claiming it is too similar to the famous producer’s own name.
Producer Drew “DiamondDRE” Reyes received approval for his “DiamondDRE” trademark in April of 2007.
He put his trademark into use in 2010 and in late 2011, lawyers for the rapper contacted DiamondDRE’s attorney, threatening to cancel the mark.
A legal battle has now ensued over Dr. Dre’s assertion to own all rights to any trademark using the capitalized word “DRE,” which he has owned as a trademarked since 1981.
“‘DiamondDRE’ is my stage name and my artistic identity, and Dr. Dre’s attorney is arguing that my mark will cause confusion with his client, Mr. Andre Young (aka Dr. Dre),” Drew “DiamondDRE” Reyes told AllHipHop.com. “He’s threatening me by promising to petition to cancel my service mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, if I don’t comply with his terms. How can anyone confuse “Dr. Dre” with “DiamondDRE”?
Dr. Dre’s attorney Robert Becker sees things a bit different.
According to documents sent to DiamondDRE’s attorney Theresa V. Johnson, Esq., Dre’s lawyer Robert Becker believes that the capitalization of the word “DRE” in name is where the confusion in the trademarks arise.
“Given our clients fame in the music business as both a producer and performer, particularly with regard to Hip-Hop, in which your client is also active, any use by a performer of the name or mark DRE or of a name or mark that contains DRE, maybe confused with him,” Becker told DiamondDre’s lawyer. “But your client’s mark is particularly likely to be confused with our client, because your client is emphasizing DRE over the rest of the mark.”
Dr. Dre’s lawyer maintained that they were not being heavy-handed, they were simply trying to protect their valuable trademark, which is used in commerce on a variety of products, including phones, headphones, computers and tablets.
Dre’s lawyer also said that Reyes could use the “DiamondDre” name, as long as he never emphasized the letters “DRE.”
“Because our client respects fellow musicians and producers and prefers to resolve conflicts amicably, our client is willing to refrain from filing a petition to cancel your client’s registration… provided your client agrees to always present his mark – both online and in the brick and mortar world – as “Diamonddre or DIAMONDDRE.”
Still, Dr. Dre’s position is not sitting well with Reyes, who stated that he would continue to use the name, until Dr. Dre took formal legal action.
And even then, he vowed to fight the lawsuit.
“There’s no telling how many other artists he may have been blocked in the past…I REFUSE to let any person, regardless of whom they are or their status, to bully me; I don’t know if it’s because of some apprehensive complex you [Dr. Dre] may have, whether it’s cause you’re afraid another artist named “DRE” may outshine you or become fans of another artist’s work
besides your own. But I will tell you this…my name is DiamondDRE.”
DiamondDRE’s lawyer was a bit more diplomatic when approaching the matter with Dr. Dre’s lawyer.
“We do not wish to engage in a battle with your client unless you try to bar Mr. Reyes from using his mark DiamondDRE anyway he deems appropriate,” Theresa V. Johnson, Esq said. “We respectfully ask that you leave Mr. Reyes alone as his business venture is in no way a threat to “the world-famous music producer, rapper and musical entertainer Andre Young.”
Queens rapper Action Bronson has teamed up with fellow Queens producer and Fool’s Gold beatmaker Party Supplies to release a brand new 17-track collaborative mixtape, Blue Chips.
The Reebok and Complex-presented tape features production coming entirely from Party Supplies, with Bronson handling duties on the mix. The duo also recently released a Rik Cordero-directed visual for the project’s seventh track, “Hookers At the Point.”
Guest appearances on Blue Chips come from the likes of Roc Maricano, Kool AD of Das Racist, and Meyhem Lauren.
Check out the cover art and full tracklist for Blue Chips below:
We’ve learned exclusively that Notorious B.I.G.’s 18-year-old daughter T’yanna Wallace will be taking over her father’s clothing line, Brooklyn Mint. The Penn State student and aspiring fashion designer told us that she is working on new designs for the fashion house and would love to build it into an empire.
T’yanna also told us that she is a huge fan of Harlem rapper, A$AP Rocky, and in the same breath, confessed that she would like to marry him.
As far as we know, A$AP Rocky is dating rap newcomer Izzy Azalea, but hey, a shot at dating rap royalty doesn’t come around very often. Holla at T’yanna, A$AP!
Young, talented producers have always been a staple in Hip-Hop. With the recent rise of artists who also produce and vice versa, there is definitely a lane for 21-year-old rapper/producer, Jon Famous.
The Northern California spitter has laced tracks for OG’s in the game like Too $hort, Jim Jones, and Lil’ Wayne, as well as produced heavy hitters for new schoolers Wale, Tyga, Lil B, and Yung LA. On his latest mixtape, Economy Class, Jon Famous serves up new listeners a heap of fresh sounds, with catchy lyrics and an impressive flow.
Famous proves to be in complete command of his beats on Economy Class. Being his own producer has given him the comfort to switch up his flows with ease over the intense beats. On the title track, Famous flows with a vibe that matches the concept of his song with a cool, smooth feel, as he talks about getting through this Economy Class flight, looking through the window with his seat back as the wheels go up. The young artist represents striving to fulfill his dreams with a transition to first class, as he sips a drink through his flight in coach.
“To The Light” shows a deeper aspect of Famous. He tells a story over a slower tempo beat, a reflective track about finding the light through the darkness of struggle. “YBRF” featuring Noah is for you – the young, Black, rich and Famous. It seems the heavy drums could be for a track about slangin’ birds and bustin’ macs. At any rate, Famous chooses this beat for the “alive and out of jail at 25” anthem! Although this might be more effective as a “Headbussa” beat, the choice to send a positive message is honorable.
The bulk of tracks on Economy Classare high energy and refreshing. “Throw It Up” featuring Kacey could be your favorite song in the strip club. Play this for one of those nights you won’t remember, but the song is worth getting the party started! “Fukin Wit It” shows Famous in fun and witty mood, drawing from his Bay Area influence. “The Fresh” is one of the crispest, cleanest beats on the tape. On it he welcomes his new fans to The Fresh Execs, as his crew dreams their way to success (“I been waitin’ on my harvest like its Farmville/ Like we been waitin’ on a new record from Lauryn Hill.”)
“In My Zone” is a serious slapper for any car or club. This track is sonically pleasing, with an infectious beat sure to turn any meeting into a party. All the sounds on this track gel together and Famous makes good use it with various flow styles. “Schwarzenegger” and “Stand Up Guy” are both full of catchy riffs, leaving space for him to ride the beats pretty crazy. Keen listeners can pick up on Famous’ lyrical influences from the East Coast and the South, but the artist has definitely mastered his own sound. Famous maintains an impressive California swag without being too gimmicky or outlandish.
Jon Famous gives us Economy Class from the mind of a talented musical chef. Rapper slash producer from Sacramento, California proves his uniqueness he incorporates his high energy style onto refreshing beats. This project is the next step in a good direction for Famous. We’ll likely be seeing more hits from the talented young man and some of today’s biggest names.
Download Economy Class and check Jon Famous out on Twitter (@iamJONFAMOUS).
Looks like Rainforest Films’ Think Like A Man has the most star-powered film soundtrack in recent memory. Last week, it was Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo’s title track. This week, Grammy-award winners John Legend and Ludacris team up for “Tonight (Best You Ever Had)”.
In the video, Legend sings into the camera, insisting that will be “the best you’ve ever had,” and the visual also features scenes from the film’s stars, Taraji P. Henson and Michael Ealy. Watch Legend perform the single at Georgia State University recently, and catch the full video HERE:
“Tonight” is available on iTunes, and the full Think Like a Man soundtrack is available on April 10.
(AllHipHop News) Master P’s daughter Cymphonique Miller is currently enjoying the success of her new Nickelodeon TV series “how to rock.”
Cymphonique’s television show, “How to Rock” is one of the top new series for Tweens on the network.
The show is placing high amongst viewers aged 6 to 11, helping to boost Nickelodeon’s overall ratings.
One of the episode of the hit series titled “How to Rock a Messy Bed,”recently hit #1 for kids TV shows on iTunes.
It’s the second time the Miller family has found success with Nickelodeon.
Master P’s son and Cymphonique’s brother Romeo hosted his own hit series titled “Romeo” with Nickelodeon for three years.
“How to Rock,” is produced in association with Alloy Entertainment who also created “Vampire Diaries,” and “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” Cymphonique is a talent with comedic timing and amazing vocals and she has been compared to a young Lucille Ball.
AllHipHop.com is proud to present the Slum Village Tour along with Rapper Pooh. The “Dirty Slum” tour is a play off of the Slum Village name name and the Dirty District series Slum Village released back in 2002. Now is your chance to have Slum Village perform the Dirty District and all their classic music.
Tour Dates:
3/13 Atlanta, GA -Masquerade
3/15 New Orleans, LA – Howling Wolf
3/16-3/18 SXSW Austin, TX
3/22 St. Louis, MO – Atomic Cowboy (Slum VIllage Only)
3/24 Chicago, Il – Double Door (Slum VIllage Only)
4/6 Greensboro, NC – Green Street Club (Slum VIllage Only)
Diggy Simmons and the Atlantic Records staff convened with a number of friends, family, journalists, bloggers, and most importantly fans at Tribeca Cinemas in New York City last week to preview Diggy’s debut album, Unexpected Arrival, to be released on March 20.
Surrounded by televisions playing some of Diggy’s videos, a “candy bar,” and a non-alcoholic specialty drink called “The Jetsetter,” the environment couldn’t be more tailored to the demographic Diggy connects with so well. It wasn’t long after most guests arrived that the first session’s listeners gathered in the theater to hear the album with some visual accompaniment.
To our dismay, Diggy’s publicist at Atlantic, Sydney Margetson, went over the usual ground rules about no recording. It was then time for Diggy to deliver his own short speech, which thanks to the screaming girls throughout the theatre, made it a little challenging for everyone to hear it. However, the short but powerful statement he made, showed off the 16-year old’s maturity, progress, and evolution from being the son of Rev. Run to an artists and more importantly a man all his own. Then the lights went down.
The album kicked off with “The Arrival (Intro)” which included a motivational speech before the album’s second track, “Hello World,” began blaring through the speakers. As one of several songs about his come-up and addressing both his fans and detractors, he asks, “Are you with me for the long haul?” Diggy shows a well-balanced versatility between lyricism and subject matter. He never takes it too far, but never plays it extremely safe either.
After the female-directed “I Need to Know,” it was becoming more and more apparent that this was an album made purely for the fans and supporters who have been down with Diggy from day one, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Then it was time for the album’s current single, “88” featuring Jadakiss, which is, hands-down, one of the album’s greatest standouts, and even includes shootouts to Kimbo Slice, Michael Irvin, and Chris Tucker just for kicks.
Diggy strikes a one-two punch with the combination of “Two Up” and “Unforgiveable Blackness,” the former being a track with definite potential to be a future single, and the latter being the more introspective sounding Diggy most people have ever heard. “Two Up” includes lines like “married to my craft with no intent of cheating,” “I’ma thank you in my speech when I win” and “you think my hype is all gas but you fill the tank.” Over a soulful ode, Diggy pays respect to social and political icons like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. on “Unforgiveable Blackness,” where he addresses the use of the N-word, and plays up how he was not raised in the projects but was raised in the “boroughs.”
Next up was the album’s second song for the ladies, “Special Occasion” featuring Tank, where the crooner sings about “living life like it’s a special occasion.” On the triumphant and booming “Glow In the Dark”, Diggy cuts right to the chase by speaking on his newfound success and even goes after his so-called haters with lines like, “I can smell the victory/ They used to pick on me/ Now they picking me.”
One of the album’s weakest songs is “Four Letter Word”, which may fare better on future listens but, ironically enough, is the song that Diggy said he was the most proud of after the listening event took place. He even gets his “sing” on with “Four Letter Word” to mostly pretty positive results, however the subject matter is just to juvenile.
The Jermih-assisted, 106th & Park smash record “Do It Like You” comes in as the album’s tenth track and had literally all the younger girls singing along in the audience as the song rocked through the speakers overhead. As the album came to a close, Diggy didn’t opt for the easy way out and manages to deliver two of the album’s greatest showcases of his ability with “Tom Edison” and “The Reign”. Amidst lines about being “all blacked out” and looking for his lady, Diggy comes hard with his closers that also feature some blazing production.
Diggy addresses an issue that many have brought up in the past when he says, “They say I’m only on ’cause of my name.” After hearing his debut album and seeing his massive potential to grow and become a bigger and better artist, it is clear that no matter how exactly he got “on,” he’s here to stay, show and prove, and do it 100 percent his way.
Diggy Simmons’ Unexpected Arrival Hits Stores March 20!
